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Welcome fellow Italophiles. If you have a passion for visiting and learning about ITALY, a county rich in history, culture, natural splendor and gastronomic delights, In Love With Italy™ is for you! It’s an additional service we hope our friends and visitors will enjoy. List of all In Love With Italy™ editions and credits appear at the bottom of this page.
 Did you know?
North America, South America and the United States of America are all named after the first name of famous Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Born in Florence on 9 March 1451 Vespucci is credited as the explorer who was the first to realize that the Americas were separate from the continent of Asia. America was named for him in 1507. He was the first European explorer to reach South America in 1503. Debates have raged for centuries about who was “the first” to discover America among Christopher Columbus, John Cabot and his son Sebastian (employed by England but they were native Italians born “Giovanni Cabota” in Genoa and “Sebastiano Cabota” in Venezia) or Amerigo Vespucci. Many in America believed the country’s name should have been Columbia after Cristoforo Colombo. Vespucci did not lobby for his name to be used . Vespucci’s lasting impact on history was not his discoveries as much as the vivid and informative letters he wrote describing his voyages which gave Europe a first glimpse about America and helped to make the subject popular. He died on 22 February 1512 in Seville, Spain. (Engraving of Vespucci to the left).
Famous Italian
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Saint Francis of Assisi – San Francesco di Assisi, also known as “poverello”--poor little one. Pietro Bernardone, a wealthy cloth merchant, returned from a trip to France in 1182 to discover his wife Pica had given birth to their son in 1182. Pica baptized and named the child “Giovanni” after John the Baptist. Later Pietro, who had an affinity for all things French, renamed the boy “Francesco” which means “Frenchman” in Italian. Francesco was a natural leader and beloved by all because of his charm and cheerful nature. Francis fulfilled every hope of his father’s, falling in love with France, its music and culture. Francis was talented at business yet yearned for something more. After a conversion experience at the ancient church at San Damiano in Umbria, his ministry to serve God in a humble way began. Francis visited hospitals, ministered to the sick, preached and put his faith into action. In 1209 he founded the Franciscans based on a simple admonishment by Jesus: "Leave all and follow me." One of his students in Assisi, Saint Claire, “Santa Clara” started another famous religious order, the Poor Claires in 1212. Both movements are active in service around the world nearly 800 years later. Franciscans are responsible for overseeing Christian sites in the Holy Land such as the birthplace of Jesus. When Francis felt that Christmas was becoming too commercialized and started to lose some of its meaning, he created the world’s first nativity scene on Christmas Eve 1223 in Greccio, using people and animals which brought the story of Jesus’ birth to life. Modern nativity scenes emanated from Francesco’s first dramatic manger scene in Greccio. Francis believed that nature, all of God's creations, were important, including the wolf of Gubbio which he befriended. He died on 4 October 1226 at the age of 45 and was originally buried at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses Francis’ original chapel. A few years after his death, San Francesco’s body was moved to the Basilica of St. Francis in the town center of Assisi. Francesco is the patron saint of Italy, animals, peace, families, the environment, the cities of Denver, Colorado and San Francisco, CA (named after him). Amazon.com lists 1,717 titles written about or by St. Francis which is just one indicator of his enduring popularity and impact 780 years after his death. A favorite children’s’ book, “Saint Francis of Assisi” was written by Robert Francis Kennedy, Jr. St. Francis’ life is a powerful example of service to humanity, people in need and furthering the cause of peace in a world torn by war and strife.
New phrase
“Pace e bene” which means “Peace and all good”. St. Francis of Assisi’s motto which he used as a greeting. Often written in Latin: Pax Et Bonum. It is emblazoned on flags, banners, college and municipality crests and other artwork around the world as well as frequently used in religious and other writings. French: Paix et bonheur. German: Friede und alles gute. Hebrew: Shalom v'kol tuv. Spanish: Paz y bien. “May the Lord give you peace” was synonymous with this greeting and also was often used by San Francesco.
Place to visit
Assisi. This is the crown jewel of Umbrian hill towns with expansive views from Assisi to Spoleto 34 miles away. Many inspirational sites here related to its two most famous cittadini (citizens), St. Francis and St. Claire. Assisi’s cobbled stone streets are filled with history and art. The Basilica of San Francesco, built in 1253, displays gorgeous medieval Italian art including masterpieces depicting the life of St. Francis by Giotto. Especially inspiring are the small chapels two and three levels below the Basilica where San Francesco is buried. The Church of Santa Chiara (Santa Clara) is beautiful. Rocco Maggiore offers breathtaking views and if you can plan to be there at sunset, it is truly a magnificent and spiritual experience. Also in the town center is the ancient Minerva Greek Temple. When you’re in Assisi you feel at peace and it’s often been called the Peace Capital of the World after 27 October 1986 when Pope John Paul II hosted an international prayer and peace conference for world religious leaders. All of the major leaders of Christian denominations, the Jewish faith, Buddhists, Hindus, Native American Indians and others gathered to pray and make pledges to work toward peace together. It was a world first and a day when doves were released and olive branches were exchanged. (Photo of Saint Mary at the top of Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Saint Mary of the Angels) where St. Francis’ original chapel of Porziuncola is preserved. Located at the foot of Assisi, it’s t he 7th largest church in the world. It’s also the place where Francis died and was originally buried.)
Restaurant
Il Maniero. Inside Castello di Biagiano.Via San Pietro Campagna 32, Biagiano San Fortunato, Italy 06081. tel.075 816379. FAX 075 815147. email: ilmaniero@ilmaniero.com. Il Maniero is located in the basement of Castello di Biagiano. Three dining rooms with stone walls makes this an unreal setting in a castle. Superb Umbrian specialties. Laura Elvira Giovanna Zoia Salerno, leader of the Slow Food Condotta (Convivium or group) in Assisi applauds Il Maniero as one of her four favorite restaurants. Michelin recommended. Closed on Tuesdays November through March. Michelin recommends a full 15 restaurants and hotels in Assisi. Stay two days to experience more of the historical, spiritual and gastronomic highlights that are characteristic of Assisi.
Hotel
Santa Maria degli Ancillotti **** Situated in the beautiful Umbrian hills on the outskirts of Assisi. Fine regional cooking in their restaurant. The Villa Family, Paolo and Rosanna and their son Allesio, make their guests feel welcome and special. Salubrious grounds with splendid views. Pool and jacuzzi. Features 8 fully air-conditioned two-room apartments. Bicycles are available. Residenza di Campagna Anta Maria degli Ancillotti, Sterpeto 42, Assisi – PG, Perugia. Italy 06086. Tel. and FAX 075.8039764 http://www.santamariadegliancillotti.com/ email:santamariadegliancillotti@assisionline.com
Recipe
Three-color pasta with *Rubesco wine - Ingredients: 1 pound of Three-color pasta (red, white, and green which represent the “tre colore” of the Italian flag) 50 grams of butter, 3 tablespoons of oil, 500 grams of tomatoes peeled, 80 grams of sheep's milk cheese grated, one glass of Rubesco wine, bacon, celery, carrot, onion, salt and pepper. Directions (for 4 servings): Cook the pasta in salted boiling water. Cut the onion and sauté in a pan. Add the cut carrot and celery and bacon cut in cubes. When the ingredients are golden brown, add the wine. Let the wine evaporate and then add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove the pasta when it is al dente, after about 12 to 14 minutes. Drain and pour into the pan with the sauce. Add cheese to taste. Buon appetito! Recipe from Gambacorta Bottega del Bongustaio, located at St. Gabriele 17 in the historical center of Assisi; for three generations the Gambacorta family have run this fine delicatessen. Tel. 075.812454.
*Highly recommend using Lungarotti’s award-winning Torgiano Rosso Rubesco 2001—considered Lungarotti’s flagship wine. The recipe only calls for one glass of wine. Gambero Rosso rates this wine as  so you know what to do with the rest!
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New In Love With Italy™ communiqués are emailed every month as a complimentary service to Sette Angeli customers. We invite you to visit the online showroom of exquisite, hand painted Deruta creations – the ceramics of Italy at www.setteangeli.com Viva Italia!
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In Love With Italy™ - List of All Editions:
- Vol VII, No. 1
- Vol VII, No. 2
- Vol VII, No. 3
- Vol VII, No. 4
- Vol VII, No. 5
- Vol VII, No. 6
- Vol VII, No. 7
- Vol VII, No. 8
- Vol VII, No. 9
- Vol VII, No. 10
- Vol VII, No. 11
- Vol VII, No. 12
- Vol VII, No. 13
- Vol VII, No. 14
- Vol VII, No. 15
- Vol VII, No. 16
- Vol VII, No. 17
- Vol VII, No. 18
- Vol VII, No. 19
- Vol VII, No. 20: In Heaven with SEVEN and Seven Angels
- Vol VII, No. 21: The Heavenly Angels - Sette Angeli - Seven Angels
In Love With Italy™ Index >>
In Love With Italy™ Directory >>
Vol. VII № 7 Source Notes and Credits
- Amerigo Vespucci
- Saint Francis of Assisi – San Francesco di Assisi
- Pace e bene – Pax et bonum – Peace and goodness - Paix et bonheur – Friede und alles gute - Shalom v'kol tuv - Paz y bien
- Assisi
- Il Maniero
- Santa Maria degli Ancillotti
- Three-color pasta recipe with Rubesco wine from Gambacorta Bottega del Bongustaio, Assisi
Amerigo Vespucci
Saint Francis of Assisi – San Francesco di Assisi
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06221a.htm
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: “Francis of Assisi” by Catholic Forum: http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintf01.htm
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: “St. Francis of Assisi”: Catholic on-line
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=50
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi: http://www.shrinesf.org/francis_menu.htm
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: San Francesco di Assisi – His life, prayers, books, etc.: http://san-francesco.org/
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: "First Life of St. Francis" by Thomas of Celano, 1232-1239 AD
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: St. Francis preaches to the birds: http://landru.i-link-2.net/shnyves/St._Francis.html
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: “Saint Francis of Assisi” by Robert Francis Kennedy, Jr. Published by Hyperion, 2005. ISBN: 0786818751. Hardcover book for children ages 4-8. See *below source notes for full review of this outstanding book.
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: St. Francis biography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: The Franciscan Experience http://198.62.75.1/www1/ofm/fra/FRAmain.html
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: Painting of St. Francis: c. 1587 da Annibale Carracci ( Bologna 1560 - Roma 1609)
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: Painting by Vicente Carducho Vision of St Francis of Assisi, 1631. Budapest Museum of Fine Arts: http://www.onelittleangel.com/wisdom/quotes/saint_francis_of_assisi.asp#
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: There are 1,717 books written by or about St. Francis of Assisi or that reference him at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: Patriarchical Basilica of St. Francis http://www.sanfrancescoassisi.org/index.php?lang=eng
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: Cammino di Francesco – The Walk of Francis: http://www.camminodifrancesco.it/eng/eventi_e_notizie/evento.php?id=90
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: The Crib- Christmas Eve – First Nativity 1223:
- http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04488c.htm
- First female follower of St. Francis: Saint Claire-The Poor Claires- “A nun’s tale”in the “Jerusalem Post” 28 October 2004: website link
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: The writings of St. Francis have been published in U. d'Alençon, "Les Opuscules de S. François d' Assise" .Paris, 1905.
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: "The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi" by Robinson, Philadelphia, 1906.
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: “Francis of Assisi: Early Documents: Vol. 1: The Saint” by Regis J. Armstrong, J. Wayne Hellmann, & William J. Short, editors. Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1999.
Saint Francis – San Francesco:” Francis of Assisi and Clare. The Complete Works”, Classics of Western Spirituality 35, translated by Regis Armstrong & Ignatius C. Brady. New York: Paulist Press, 1982.
- Saint Francis – San Francesco – the Franciscan order Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franciscan
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: “Who was Saint Francis?” By Leonard Foley, O.F.M. : http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Francis/who_was.asp
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: Franciscan web site: http://www.ofm.org/
- Saint Francis – San Francesco: Biography and beginnings of the Franciscan movement: Order of Capuchin Friars Minor: http://www.ofmcap.org/en/francesco.htm
Pace e bene – Pax et bonum – Peace and all good - Paix et bonheur – Friede und alles gute - Shalom v'kol tuv - Paz y bien
Assisi
Assisi Restaurants
- Laura Elvira Giovanna Zoia Salerno, Slow Food Assisi Convivium leader, recommends these four restaurants in Assisi:
- (Contact Laura at 075.8139411 or 335.374705 for information about Slow Food Assisi)
- Ristorante IL MANIERO inside Castello di Biagiano.Via San Pietro Campagna 32, Assisi tel.075 816379.
- Ristorante PALLOTTA near the Piazza del Comune, Assisi tel. 075 812649; closed Tuesdays.
- Ristorante LA STALLA Via Eremo delle Carceri 8, Assisi. tel. 075 812317 e 813636.
- Ristorante Trattoria Da ELIDE, near Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica,Via Patrono d'Italia 48 Tel.075.8040867 & 8040221.
Il Maniero
- Il Maniero recommeded by Laura Elvira Giovanna Zoia Salerno, Slow Food Assisi Convivium leader. Contact Laura at 075.8139411 or 335.374705 for information about Slow Food Assisi.
Santa Maria degli Ancillotti
Three-color pasta recipe with Rubesco wine from Gambacorta Bottega del Bongustaio, Assisi
Saint Francis – San Francesco: “Saint Francis of Assisi” by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Published by Hyperion, 2005. ISBN: 0786818751. Hardcover book for children ages 4-8. Grades 1-4.
*Review from Library Journal of “Saint Francis of Assisi” by Robert Francis Kennedy, Jr. (Patron saint is St. Francis):
Kennedy's passion for nature and lifelong connection to this saint are evident in both the narrative and introduction, in which he reveals his personal convictions. The book paints Francis in glowing terms (with some fictionalized dialogue), weaving together the major threads of his life: his early kindness to beggars in his family's fabric shop; his call to and ultimate rejection of a military career; his estrangement from his wealthy father; and his ministry to lepers, the impoverished, and animals. The famous prayer, "Lord, make me an instrument of Your Peace…," is printed across the bottom of the pages. Nolan's oil paintings render realistic figures in carefully staged scenes. The architecture and landscape of Assisi are accurately captured, although the New Age angel depicted at the conclusion is anachronistic. While much of the information overlaps with that found in Guido Visconti's Clare and Francis (Eerdmans, 2004), the telling and aesthetic are quite different; the books will appeal to vastly different audiences. The book has no source notes or bibliography. Purchase where religious picture-book biographies are in high demand. Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
In Love With Italy™ Editor’s note: “Saint Francis of Assisi” by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. may be purchased at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com
Graphic of Assisi (below) from Comune di Assisi: http://www.comune.assisi.pg.it/ita/cittassisi.htm
Prayer of Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
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