Direct from Assisi

One of the people connected with the Walk for Peace is a professional photographer. Claudia Henzler lives in Salzburg and joined us in Assisi for the World Peace Conference that was attended by all of the walkers. Yes, even wheelchair bound Marcia who we all helped to navigate the ancient hills.

Claudia’s love of peace and compassion for humanity clearly shows in her work as she bonds with her camera to create emotive, inspirational photographs.



When she sent me this video entitled Practicing Peace, I knew I had to post it on my site for you to see the flavor of the conference for yourself. I was standing there in the crowd, seeing the proceedings as they happened. But Claudia brought me a whole other viewpoint – impelling and expressive.

I have no idea of how many thousands of people witnessed the conference that was held at two sites the same day. You’ll see in the video, the Pope sitting within St. Mary of the Angels Cathedral and in front of the little church that was rebuilt by St. Francis.

The church was literally in ruins out in a field attended only by beggars who were taking shelter from the elements. Stone by stone St. Francis rebuilt the church. Now the church has shelter from the elements by being protected by a massive cathedral.

That same afternoon, the Pope, his entourage, all the religious leaders and dignitaries traveled the few miles to St. Francis Basilica in Assisi where the conference continued outside in the courtyard. A huge screen was set up so more people could watch the proceedings.

That day and that walk lives on. There is no telling how many lives were affected by the events. Each life touched touches another life and it continues like ripples in a pond, not dwindling but getting ever larger.

I encourage you to visit Claudia’s web site www.henzlerworks.com and view her “photos with a message”. You can contact her through her site. She would love to hear your comments about her works.

Ciao~