Today, on what would have been my father’s birthday, I find myself reflecting on the ways I can honor his memory and keep his spirit alive. Born in 1941, my father was a man of quiet strength and deep love, and though he is no longer with us, his presence continues to guide me. To mark this day, I have donated money to the Duomo of Milan and asked for the adoption of a statue.
I have chosen Angelo Alato (Winged Angel), North Transept, G46. This choice holds profound personal significance, not only as a tribute to him, but also as a reflection of my own spiritual journey.
For me, the Duomo has always been more than just a cathedral. It symbolizes a space of purity, protection, and spiritual guidance. Adopting the Angelo Alato from this sacred place feels like the perfect way to embody the connection I feel with my father—a connection that transcends the physical and enters the realm of the spiritual. The angel represents purity and protection, both values that my father exemplified throughout his life, and now, in his memory, this statue stands as a guardian, much like the role he played for me.
There’s a deeper, almost mystical connection that ties this angel to my own spiritual journey. The Angelo Alato doesn’t just serve as a symbol of protection for me; it reminds me of the pilgrimage paths and spiritual journeys that have marked pivotal moments in my life—particularly the Cammino di Santiago di Compostela, where I found deep solace at the Collegiata Reale di Roncisvalle, a place that holds special significance as it is where my family comes from. Walking those sacred paths, knowing that my ancestors had once done the same, made me feel profoundly connected to my roots. It was as though my father, along with generations before him, was walking with me—his spirit guiding me through each step, offering the same strength and protection that he gave me in life.
Both figures represent spiritual protection for those on their path, a symbol of faith and resilience.
During my pilgrimage on the Camino, I often felt the presence of a guiding force, something I can now attribute to the spirit of my father, watching over me as I walked those sacred paths. Just as the Virgen de Roncesvalles has protected pilgrims for centuries, the angel I’ve donated to of the Duomo feels like a guardian for the soul, a spiritual guide for the long and sometimes difficult roads we walk in life.
This angel, like my father, represents the quiet yet unwavering protection that gives me strength to keep moving forward.
This connection between the Angelo Alato, my father, and the Camino resonates deeply. In many ways, life itself feels like a pilgrimage—a journey full of twists and turns, challenges and moments of peace. And just as the Camino taught me to trust in the guidance of higher forces, my father taught me to trust in love, faith, and the strength that comes from within.
Now, this angel will stand in the Duomo, just as my father stood beside me throughout life, offering protection and spiritual guidance, much like the Madonna of Roncesvalles did during my pilgrimage.
Through this act of adopting the angel, I am not only honoring my father’s memory but also tying together the spiritual paths that have shaped my life. The Duomo, the Cammino di Santiago, and the protection of angels all come together in a harmonious reminder of the enduring presence of love and faith.
"Dad, today I celebrate you and the ways you continue to guide me. This angel, like you, stands as a symbol of protection, purity, and spiritual strength. Thank you for being my guardian, in life and beyond.
Happy Birthday. You may no longer walk this earth, but your spirit will forever soar with the angels".
Your son Umberto
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