Signora Sheila

Where faith meets la dolce vita

A Lesson From the Beautiful Gate

Reading time:

2–3 minutes

The lame beggar lay near what was known as the Beautiful Gate. A name which indicated the beauty of its workmanship and material. The temple had gates on all sides, nine in total, each beautifully covered with silver and gold. Corinthian gate But the gate known as the Corinthian gate…
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Advent: the Missing Piece of Christmas

Reading time:

2–4 minutes

My husband and I have mostly given up Christmas. Because of the increase in materialism, not because we’ve become Scrooges. Finding true meaningful spirituality amidst the commercial trappings became increasingly difficult. So for several years we did little during the holidays. Then I began to look at Advent. And I…
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The Amazement of the Incarnation

Reading time:

3–5 minutes

Francis Junius, a 15th century theologian, once gave an account of his first reading of John chapter 1. He said “he observed such a divinity in the argument, such an authority and majesty in the style, that his flesh trembled, and he was struck with such amazement that for a…
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The Sound of Silence: A Poem

Reading time:

1–2 minutes

Listen to the Sound of Silence… It sighs on the wind, The voice of calm serenity. It whispers in the treetops, Calling, peace be still. Whispering, sighing, breathing, Never still, nor fully silent. Harken to its melody, Singing in the stillness. For only then, Do we truly hear. Only then…
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We Each Have a Role to Play

Reading time:

3–4 minutes

November 22 marked the 62nd anniversary of C.S. Lewis’ death. Many people around the world mourned the loss of this reknowned writer and literary scholar. But for his own part, he was ready to go. In his last days he made the following memorable statement: “I have done all I…
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Seven Tips for Sharing Your Faith

Reading time:

3–4 minutes

Italy’s public health system is a great blessing for us! Without it we would have gone without medical care at times. We appreciate having quality care and treatment at no or low out-of-pocket costs. But it’s always been our family dottori (doctors) that we value the most. Even though we often…
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Benvenuto,
I’m Signora Sheila!

Welcome to my blog and my corner of Italy, dedicated to all things slow, real, and lasting. Here, I invite you to join me in slowing down, living with purpose, and rediscovering the things that really matter.