Pillars & Foundations

Church or Basilica of the Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel It's been a long time coming for me to post some of the last photos from our trip to Israel, and our tour into the Palestinian West Bank this past May. I felt this particular post would be timely. I'm very thankful to have visited this site as part of a West Bank tour. My wife were very lucky to arrive when the line for the Grotto of the Nativity, where I believe there was a chance circumstance where it was closed and re-opened and we were in the right spot at the right time. Our guides told us that often there is not enough time to wait for those on busy bus tours. History: I want to point out some high level details about the site, and leave some connections to other resources, as there is far to much for me to cover here. Wikipedia notes that an original basilica was built between 330 and 333 AD, only to be destroyed in 529 during the Samaritan revolts. Much of the church is said to be unchange...

Saint Patrick Parish, Stoneham, MA Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work. Building & History St Patrick Parish has a very different feel depending on which angle you are observing it from. The view above is the traditional front of the flower shaped window gives the feeling of a country parish. In spite of Stoneham's close proximity to Boston, their are still portions of the town that are very quaint, leafy and idyllic. Not far from a picturesque Ne...