Vena

Our dear friend, Pina, invited us to go on an excursion to Vena. Vena, meaning 'vein', as there is a vein of water with healing qualities discovered by a donkey as it carried an icon of Mary.

Mercy and tenderness and God (stone by the Sacred Fountain)

Baptistry

One of my favorite churches on Sicily now...very
delicate and tranquil

Mosaic of the donkey pawing the ground where the water came forth

Mosaic of Madonna of Etna being carried to the lava flow

Madonna of Etna that was carried to the lava flow

Exterior of Santuario Sant Maria della Vena
As we drove up the curvy road, there was a beautiful view
of the church with the top of Etna behind it. Vena doesn't offer
 much other than the Sanctuary and the Fountain.
We drank cafe at the bar next door. The lady said she would
fix us a bite to eat if we would like.....



Meeting with P&J in Milo, we looked down from our
pre-lunch prosecco to see a welcome message
written in the ash.



We didn't have a clue where we would end up for lunch, but we knew
it would be delicious. We dined with a delightful
group of expats from several countries. With Flint there,
they could also add the continent of Asia. A beautiful setting and
a very memorable day.
L'Orto Dei Semplici