The Beffi Triptych (early 15th century)
However ... we didn't count on Saturday traffic on I95 -- it took over two hours for us to get into D.C. which would make us miss at least half of Mass! Bummer.
But, famous for making lemonade out of lemons, my dh suggested we make our own pilgrimage to the National Gallery of Art ... visiting the amazing (and quite varied) Marian art from the 14th to the 18th century. We're talking Fra Lippi, Della Robbia ... gorgeous stuff. We prayed the Rosary in the van, coming and going, and prayed especially for the intentions of Bishop Loverde.
In addition, there is a traveling exhibit, here until November 1st, that the boys have been wanting to see: The Art of Power. This exhibit has armor from 1500-1675 from Imperial Spain. But more than just armor, the exhibit includes tapestries and paintings that link the real armor to other pieces of art. It's hard to imagine the glorious art and craftsmanship in the armor, the skill of the metal-craftsman that could make the armor look like cloth! Wow!
We were also able to get inches away from the Beffi Triptych on loan from Italy to the United States as a thank you for our helping when they had the horrible earthquakes in the Abruzzo region in April 2009.
A quick trip to the Cascade Cafe in the basement (between the East and West Buildings) and our absolute FAVORITE lunch spot on the Mall ... and we were home in time to catch most of the Alabama/Ole Miss game ... and prep for the BIG game tonight Florida at LSU!
Life is good!
The FIRST annual Diocese of Arlington (Virginia) Catholic Heritage Festival !
After Mass, there were vendors to visit. All were Catholics who were either selling their wares or just offering information, advice and prayers for those stopping by. We particularly enjoyed this vendor as for the "price" of a Hail Mary for our priests, we could get a free bottle of water -- on a 85+ day, the water was much appreciated ... and String Bean and I walked a few feet and then said our prayer so we wouldn't forget.
What a fantastic day ... and thanks to the intercessory prayers of Our Lady (today is the feast of the Queenship of Mary) ... the stormy weather held off until just about an hour-and-a-half before closing.
Thanks to all those who were involved in the preparations and execution of this marvelous festival. We can't wait to go next year ... and try the Indian food we missed ... and the Bolivian dancers ... and do some shopping ... 
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