Votive offerings are given in times of gratitude, most often for miracles granted. The Cappella del Voto (Chapel of the Madonna of the Vow) rests in the right transept of the Duomo of Siena. The chapel is also referred to as the Chigi chapel because the space was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini on a commission by Fabio Chigi, Pope Alexander VII. German architect Johann Paul Schor oversaw the construction of the chapel between 1659 and 1662.
This gorgeous chapel houses a painting, Madonna of the Vow (1267), attributed to a little-known early Renaissance painter, Dietisvali di Speme. The votive offerings, on walls both inside and outside the chapel, vary widely: a pair of wedding ring bands (dated 1948), silver and gold rosaries, silver or gold goblets, jewel framed family photos, and numerous other items.
I often think about those offerings, made by the grateful who wished to express gratitude for a miracle in their lives. I especially remember the two wedding bands, a votive offering from 1948. I think about that couple, their struggles and triumphs through World War II, their moments of joy and celebration. It keeps gratitude in perspective.
We have so much to be grateful for.
Despite what has been, and remains, an emotional roller coaster of a year, we have the freedom to dream of travel, to remember years past when we could celebrate Thanksgiving as gathered family, to look forward with hope that we will have the ability to explore the world freely thanks to the incredible science that will soon bring a vaccine to all of us.
Our vendors in Italy and Switzerland, our guides across Europe, and our staff here in the United States extend deepest gratitude for keeping faith in our services by telling us how much you appreciate our commitment to providing unforgettable travel encounters. We invite you to dream of future travel; we hope you will visit our website to learn about our 2021 tours. We have some amazing trips planned, and some great offers for you to consider.
Although many cannot gather this year to celebrate the holiday, we should all remember that every day is a good day. Imagine the world when we can share those good days again; both with those close to home and our friends and family across the globe.
Happy Thanksgiving. 