Catholics in Isfahan (or Lack Thereof)

At one point there was a decent-sized Catholic community in Isfahan, but I could not find any functioning Catholic churches while I was there (though any information about Christians in general was very hard to come by).  In the Armenian Christian neighbourhood of Julfa there is a Catholic Street:

Lo and behold, there was a Catholic church at the end of the street.  Above you can make out the dome.

The entrance (note the male and female door knockers).

Apparently, the church was renovated in 1927.  My husband found the caretaker and was able to get us inside:

The caretaker told us that they are waiting on the Vatican to send an expert to approve and begin a new renovation.

Christmas in Roma

It was Christmastime in Rome, but there was no snow and plenty of sunshine:

 The Christmas lights and decorations were strung up in the Roman streets:

Even the Nutella was decked out for the season:

This was taken a the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, where we browsed through the stalls full of ornaments, figurines and toys.

This is the witch, Befana, who brings Italian children presents on Epiphany.  I considered buying one, but wasn't so sure I wanted a witch hanging on my Christmas tree!

And finally, some pictures of the Vatican at Christmas.

I hope YOU had a