A "Classic Catholic" Easter Blessing

This post is about as religious as I’ll ever get on the blog, but it’s almost Easter, so why not!  

Side note: I’m not knocking anyone’s beliefs; I’m just using the phrase "Classic Catholic" as a descriptive in referring to a decorating style. I have no plan to discuss the Catholic Church or my thoughts on organized religion being the root of much evil for centuries, Priests & little boys, or the Pope’s stand on homosexuals & abortion.  Besides, I like the Pope’s hats and jewelry. 

The apartment further down in this post reminds me of when we were in Rome.  We were in St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Mass on Easter and I’m not even Catholic.  I do have to admit that we didn’t go there intentionally.  In fact, we didn’t realize it was Easter Sunday and were just looking for a place to have brunch and a few glasses of prosecco.  In fact, the conversation went something like this.

“Is that a loud speaker I hear,” I asked.

“I think so,” replied C.  “There’s a huge crowd up ahead.”

“I think we’re near the Vatican,” added V.

“That sound’s like the pope,” I said. 

“Wait a minute,” C thought out loud.  “It’s Easter.”

“Let’s go see,” I begged.

“And get in the middle of that crowd,” stated V.  “I’m not sure we want to do that.”

A few minutes later, after pushing our way through the huge crowd we were standing in the middle of St. Peter’s Square at the Pope’s house. The first two photos prove it.

And as V put it, “You can probably put those Old Navy shorts and the white Izod you’re wearing on ebay.  After all just by being here I think they were blessed!” 

I’m certainly not a big religious icon guy and some of the pics of this Madrid apartment does get a little too Catholic for me, but you must admit it’s a nice look.  The black and white, heavy classical influence, and all the gold detail are rather nice.  And, I especially love the placement of all the artwork.

Originally published in The World Of Interiors, January 2006.  Photographed by Ricardo Labougle.