Posted by Chris Caravella on 14 JUL 2017 7:45:33
Hi Bill,
that they were never used. I guess we'll have to wait for more info and photos.
Here's the article again for those interested (with a correction - the talks
actually are taking place in the crypt):
STUDI E DOCUMENTAZIONE ISOLA DI USTICA
Re of Ustica discovered a new historical and architectural jewel. In the course
of work to restore the crypt underneath the nave of the church, came to light
a catacomb-like structure similar those of the Capuchins in Palermo, however,
of more modest dimensions. A series of niches in a row, done with the intent
of displaying the mummies of town notables passed on to another life around
the end of the 1700's and early 1800's had since been hidden by partitions and
other coverings, and the memory of them lost to time.
work on the crypt, proposed by the young parish pastor of the island, Lorenzo
Tripoli, not only revealed the ancient catacomb structure, but also restored
the primitive splendor of the crypt, along with its altar, frescoed vaults of
a star-studded heaven; and tunnels that wound throughout with tubs for storing
the deceased in anticipation of the mummification and display in the vertical
niches.
value will be inaugurated Sunday, July 2 at 10pm in the presence of civil and
religious authorities. "In collaboration with the Centro Studi e Documentazione
Isola di
program with lectures open to the public of a historic and sacred theme, which
will actually be held in the interior of the crypt".
is the program of the initiative which will be carried out during the course
of the summer.
after the restoration work.
of Ustica. Presenters: Vito Ailara and Maria Grazia Barraco of the Centro Studi.
on glass in Sicily. Presenters: Franco Foresta Martin and Maria Grazia Barraco
of the Centro Studi.
contrary. Presenter: Sir Matteo Gattafoni.
The old Church of Ustica. Presenters: Vito Ailara and Mariella Barraco of
the Centro Studi.
Presenter: Maria Grazia Barraco of the Centro Studi.
10, 10pm. Ex Voto and devotions. Presenter: Sir Lorenzo Tripoli.