Santa Maria dell'Anima
All Angels Terrify A deft painter had channeled
that beauty: nothing but the start of terror we yet could endure that struck the viewer dumb. These thoughts were dancing in the order of angelic ranks that had failed to annihilate us but darkly thrilled us to death. I thought you must be one, one of those who drew near giving as much of your nature you would find a way to give. I told no one, becoming wholly one with you -- and would not for years -- but was ready in steps to lay down my life at a word. So many years later, I smile, twinning that mysterious look when we were each so intense and knew I was not deluded. The pledge stands, if needed, as we still talk in nostalgia of how spirit and raw flesh descended and ascended again. Now that terror that left me in you, visits someone else, as I see you cross the piazza and catch your celestial smiles. |
Situated near the Piazza Navona, this church (called "Our Lady of the Soul") was founded by Dutch merchants in the 14th century as a charity hospice for pilgrims from that area to Rome for the Jubilee of 1350, and those seeking special papal indulgences. The present church is in Renaissance style, showing the influence of Bramante. It is now the national church of Germany in Rome and a shelter for German-speakers visiting the Holy City. Its coat-of-arms contains two souls praying to the Virgin Mary The tomb of Adrian VI of Utrecht is located here, the last non-Italian pope until John Paul II..