Monthly Statement:
July 2006
A Catholic Girl's Altar Encounters

This Italian-American girl's first encounter with an altar;
the pure white marble structure only the priests stood before,
changing white wafers into the body of Christ.
I knelt and received, my first taste.

The second; college existentialism,
Dr. Brody on Kierkegaard, on Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac;
Dostoevsky's Hippolyte professing Columbus' happiness,
three days before he reached America
surrounded by a mutinous crew.

Memorable altar experiences:
the one in Gasperina transported from Naples,
another water-worn in a cave, St. Rocco's Inola Gay Resident,
and the mantle at Cafe des Artistes (when smoking was still permitted).

Also, the Accumulation Project.

Process: Over the course of a year I will be burning candles and permitting the wax to accumulate on a makeshift altar. The candles are burned in remembrance of someone or with the intent of a prosperous wish for oneself, others, or the world. The public is invited (through viral email, post cards and internet postings) to contribute candles with a wish or remembrance attached. In addition to accumulating the wax as I burn the candles, I will also be documenting what compelled people to contribute to the project.

If you want to participate in this project, send a white votive or tea lite to:
Barbara Nasto
209 First Street Apt 3R
Jersey City, NJ 07302