Religious Supplies
Rome - You realize you had never really thought about it. If you had, you might have hypothesized that they had a central warehouse or distribution center or something. Walking down Via dei Cestari, however, a small pedestrian street right behind the Pantheon, offers the definitive answer . . . with 427 churches in Rome and the main Jewish temple close by, of course they have religious supply stores! Where else will the nuns and priests, rabbis, cardinals and bishops get their liturgical robes, their daily wear of all types, reliquaries, all three kinds of mitres!, crooks, large votive candles, communion cups and sets, cardinal's rings, menorahs too, and again bibles of all sizes, more or less decorated, crucifixes, rosaries, etc., etc., etc.?
A friend from the US had asked whether I might be able to find some frankincense for her essential oils/perfume business. I entered one of the stores on Via dei Cestari and received a "Can I help you?" from the owner, who happened to be chatting with a priest. I let her know what I was looking for and she prompty produced at least half a dozen varieties. The moment I said that I really didn't know the differences between them all, the priest chimed in.
"This one is strong, good for solemn sermons! And there are some times when you want to wow your parishioners, so this one here is good, it makes lots of smoke, very impressive! And this one here has a light and fragrant bouquet, good for weddings and baptisms," and so on he went.
They were so friendly and forthcoming with information that anyone should feel comfortable entering one of the stores even if you aren't in the market for these special goods.
Second photograph courtesy of Barbara Groom.