Precious Jewel upon a Hill
In Cloz, Trentino, Italy
Like a precious jewel
Upon a hill.
For two hundred years
Tirolian trentini have come
To pray, baptize, marry
And bless their dead.
Saint Innocent’s skeleton
Rests in a silent Alcove
To foil robbers
Who once looked for gold
Disturbing these sacred remains.
Santo Stefano in World War One
Sacrificed its bells
For needed guns and cannon.
Once again the bells were restored
To ring the hour
And tell the time
In this peaceful hamlet
Nestled high in the Alps.
And scattered through the world.
Santo Stefano still stands
Upon a hill in Cloz
With open arms.
Edith Franch Berti 12-19–83
To
read about this church (in Italian) click
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read about this church (in English) click
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