About the Header Image
The header image of the “Ut Unum Sint” blog is very important. The image is that of Bernini’s colonnade at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome [image taken by a friend, Ray Penny].
Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1656, the colonnade “embraces” the basilica with 284 columns and 80 pillars. Huge statues of 140 saints perch atop the colonnade, protecting what some consider “the center of the universe.” The colonnade opens up an enormous open square before St. Peter’s. Bernini’s original plan was to design the square and colonnade surrounded by the narrow streets of Rome. In this manner, when one travelling the cramped streets reached the open square, they would be floored by the beauty of it all. Unfortunately, Mussolini ruined Bernini’s design by opening up the Via della Conciliazione as a huge thoroughfare leading to the basilica. Regardless, the square, colonnade and basilica are all beautiful works of art and function, with theological depth and historical significance.
I chose this image as my header because it represents the open embrace of the Catholic Church, calling “all to be one” in the body of Christ.