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