“In a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation”

Pope Saint John Paul II

Connection with a place

The bond we have with our place of origin is an intimate and extremely precious connection that should be carefully preserved. It is a feeling that grows within us from childhood; a natural and profound love that ties us to the area where we were born and grew up, an unconditional and instinctive attachment to those places that have always been familiar to us, a closeness to people who — even if they are not part of our family in the strictest sense — have watched us grow up and become who we are today.

Pope Benedict XVI expressed this wonderfully in his speech while visiting the United States, on April 16, 2008:

 “Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience – almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good (cf.Spe Salvi, 24). Few have understood this as clearly as the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in eastern Europe, he reminded us that history shows, time and again, that ‘in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation’, and a democracy without values can lose its very soul (cf.  Centesimus Annus, 46).  Those prophetic words in some sense echo the conviction of President Washington, expressed in his Farewell Address, that religion and morality represent ‘indispensable supports’ of political prosperity.”

The Patriotic Rosary

Those who have had the fortune to grow up and mature in a close-knit community, large or small, are well aware of the strong connection that can be established between individuals living in the same area. Beyond the affection that distinguishes human relationships, there is something more: a sense of fondness for the place we come from. Like our forefathers, we hope for a present and future characterized by peace and prosperity for our nation.

As we well know, these are challenging times. Constant dissatisfaction and restlessness, social and economic instability, and difficulties connected to the pandemic: every day there is a new challenge, and it is not easy to face these trials alone. We have to be united, as a community and a nation, pooling our efforts for the common good. It is not only a question of having the strength required to channel our daily efforts into supporting our homeland: there is much more to it.  “Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord” (Sal 32, 12). In fact, we must trust ourselves wholly to God and pray for his help, because “the Gospel assures us that action belongs to God” as Pope Frances says, “it is the Lord’s alone, walking “incognito” in this story that we inhabit”.

The Patriotic Rosary for New York City

Following the tragic events of September 11th, Alessandro Ghirelli felt a growing love for America, and particularly for NYC. And he attempted to communicate this by creating Rosaries that express the Love and Mercy of God, which elevate the spirit towards God, finding comfort and joy.

The number of Ave Marias on the Rosary corresponds to the number of States in the US. The result is objects that place Jesus at the center of daily life: strong symbols expressing faith and love.

A wonderful example of the Patriotic Rosary has been created specifically for New York City. With simple, clean lines, this piece of Ghirelli religious jewelryplaces Jesus in the heart of NYC. This deep connection between Jesus and the city is manifested in the letter “Y”, which becomes the body and arms of the Lord.

Made in Italy: the Ghirelli brand

All Ghirelli jewelry is handmade in Italy. Purchasing a piece of jewelry of this type is a guarantee that you will hold an object of rare beauty in your hands, entirely conceived, designed and created in Italy. The Ghirelli name accompanying every piece of jewelry is much more than a brand: it is a symbol of our commitment and a guarantee of the highest quality.