Italy
2007
News from Italy!
2007
Finnish Gospel Music and The Arts... in The Italian Alps of Oropa!!
28th June-2nd July 2007!
(English translation of Swedish text) Österbotteningen Tidning
Nina Åström
www.ninaastrom.com
It is summer, the sun is shining here in Finland, and how beautiful has it been?! Wow! Kaunis maa Suomi! (Beautiful land of Finland!) But many finns, including myself, are travelling this time of the year, most on holiday and for me it is always because of work. Yet at the same time, I am able to see more of God's world, meet new people and return home feeling like I have grown a bit more in the things that really matter.
Once again I have the privilege, this time along with Nina Åström, to represent our country at the Annual Anno Domini Christian Arts International Multi-festival, in the Italian Alps, not far from Biella (about 2 hours from Milano).
People there are always interested and surprised to hear about Finland, and what is happening in Christian music and the arts here. In general, they are completely unaware of what is going on in Finland sadly, but are always eager to learn about our country and what is happening in the Christian Creative Arts. We need more webpages and information in English and other languages about our land, so that we can spread the word of all the wonderful things happening here.
I try to do my part, by going to Karleby's Tourist office before leaving for Italy, and load up on maps of Finland; Karleby in particular, and all the brochures I could find in English, to take with me. Some of my friends have labeled me: "ambassador for Finland", because everytime I leave for a tour or to teach at seminars in other countries, they know that I will be speaking to others there at the festival, about Finland! When something is good, you want others to know about it!
The place where this annual event takes place, is in the Italian Alps (Oropa)... and all we can say is, that one can't find the words to express the beauty of this area, as they begin to ascend the steep incline, on the way to the Sanctuary at Oropa. It is all too marvelous for words...
This place is built on Holy ground, and it is magnificient to say the least. The snow-topped mountains, and the vallies below, all lined with blooming flowers and towering trees was breathtaking and we might say, a bit different from our Finnish landscape.
All the artists are housed on the grounds of the Oropa Sanctuary during the week of activities. There is much to do and see of course. One finds a ski lift that takes you up to the top of the Alps, but some folk like to walk up there. At the top there is a lake with a white sand beach and all. Naturally, being faithful to myself, I declined the walk!
Christian-Charles de Plicque & Choir
There is always the ever present and always with smiles, hugs and some great prayer meetings and times of reflection, Sister Carmela. I can't say enough about her. She is a very important part of this festival for many years. She is a nun with a big heart to serve others. We need more people like her in the world!
The director of the festival I have know more than 20 years I guess, Aurelio Pitino. This man is quite a powerhouse when it comes to being efficient and well organised... all stuffed into a small body. He does it all First Class and makes His Heavenly Father very happy I am sure. Aurelio, for many decades, is doing a marvelous work in the area of Christian Arts in his country. This brother can sing too! You should his choir, the Anno Domini Gospel Choir?! You can "google" their name and find out more info. They have some wonderful cds and fantastic in person.
To read more about this annual event:
www.annodomini.org
Every night, after each concert, there is a jam session with the artists, at the Holy Rock Café on the Sanctuary grounds. It is the perfect place to unwind and have some fun. We stay up until the wee hours of the morning, drag ourselves back to our rooms, just to get up again in a few hours for breakfast together and a new day of lectures, workshops and in the evenings, concerts.
In Oropa, I think that like the Bible says: The praises of God's people, is like a sweet smelling incense in His nostrils. We will all be there again this year, because of Christ and we will come back home, refreshed, encouraged and with more determination that ever, to share the Gospel, through music, through the Arts.
Borta bra, men hemma bäst! (There is no place like home!)
Christian-Charles de Plicque, Journalist for:
Österbottningen Tidning (Daily News of Karleby)
Angel House International Missions Ministries r.f.
more pictures from Oropa Italia in the Italia Galleria
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