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Crowdfunding Campaign now open!

The statue of Cristo Morto beneath the main altar in the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli was made by the master sculptor cartapestaio Achille de Lucrezi in 1866.  One of the treasures belonging to the Confraternity di Santa Maria degli Angeli, it is part of the long tradition of cartapesta (papier-mâché) making in Lecce that began in the 17th century.  More malleable than wood and lighter to carry, with colour bringing the results to life, cartapesta became the preferred material for the life-size models of saints made for Holy Week processions carried by the Confraternities. This statue requires careful restoration to ensure its long-term survival.  As does another Confraternity treasure – the oil painting of the Madonna and Child in Glory attributed to Gian Domenico Catalano of Gallipoli (17th century) hanging above the altar and dating to the 17th century.  Both works have significant cultural and heritage value to the community crowdfunding for their restoration.
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WHAT A NIGHT!

The vernissage of our COSA è Arte contest, hosted at the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, was a captivating celebration of artistic expression. Attendees were treated to a diverse array of artworks, spanning from paintings to sculptures, each offering a unique glimpse into the artists’ creative visions Amidst the lively atmosphere, guests mingled and engaged in spirited

AFLI joins forces for Frate Elia fresco

The San Francisco – Assisi Sister City Committee and Roots of Peace have joined forces with American Friends of LoveItaly to fundraise for the restoration of a 17th century wall fresco in Assisi. The “aedicula” can be found on Via Frate Elia, the street leading up to the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. 

Together for St. Francis: our new project in Assisi

“Together for St. Francis” is the project that intends to create a network to safeguard and promote the Lower Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, launched by the Foundation for the Basilica of San Francesco, the non-profit foundation that supports the religious and cultural heritage of the architectural complex of Assisi and LoveItaly, non-profit organization