Complete Works of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, Volume 1

...the supports for the roof are already rising; already a great portion of the marble coffered ceiling original: "Laquearis"; a ceiling composed of recessed panels, often ornately decorated. adorned with sculpted work catches the eyes of all; and now the high altar original: "Ara maxima" shines in its place—which I saw to being crafted in Rome, along with the candelabra and the icon, so that the Roman style of worship The author is emphasizing his efforts to align the local practices of Brescia with the liturgical and aesthetic standards of Rome. would not be found lacking in the principal part of the building; and finally, the piety of the citizens of Brescia original: "Brixianorum" is already beginning to magnificently adorn the facade of the Temple. Truly, the Salesian Monastery Likely referring to a foundation in Sale Marasino or a similar location in the region. in Val Camonica, to which I ceded and dedicated the annual income that the region pays to the Bishop of Brescia, receives such growth daily that I have no doubt it will soon be counted among the more noble monasteries original: "Asceteriis"; a term for a place of ascetic retirement or a monastery. of my diocese. When I myself was surveying that valley a few months ago during a sacred Visitation, it was very pleasant for me to stop at that monastery original: "Cœnobium" and solemnly bless and lay the foundation stone for the new church to be built there. While I fulfill these arduous and other duties of the Pastoral Office according to my small measure, with the help of divine grace, lest I lose heart, the great examples of YOUR HOLINESS Pope Clement XII, who was known for his extensive building projects in Rome, including the Trevi Fountain and the facade of San Giovanni in Laterano. sustain me. For just as your administration of the universal Church equals that of the most distinguished Popes, so do you excel in that care which you spend on constructing and decorating sacred buildings, such that in the judgment of all, you are deservedly considered to have surpassed your predecessors. May God, the Best and Greatest original: "Deus O. M." (Optimus Maximus) grant that you might surpass those same predecessors in length of life as well as in happiness; and while I desire this from my heart, I kiss your Holy Feet. A traditional formula of extreme respect used when writing to the Pope.