Around the World with Fr. Paul Mariani.
July 8th-11th India Update - Part 1
(below) The Amber Palace. It is divided into three parts. It is the main attraction of the city of Jodhpur.
Amber Palace
Amber Palace
Amber Palace
Amber Palace
Amber Palace
Amber Palace
(below) Baby monkeys outside the Mehrangarh Fort . It overlooks the city. Bolleywood made several films here because of the background.
Below is Fr. Paul at the astronomical observatory which has one of the world’s largest sundials. Video is below.
More posts to follow!
Taj Mahal - Uttar Pradesh, India
Fr. Paul toured the Taj Mahal and shares these photos of
his travels!
It is popularly known as a "monument of love" or the "Crown of Palaces". The name "Taj Mahal" itself is derived from the Persian words "taj" (crown) and "mahal" (palace), meaning "Crown of the Palace" or "Place of the Crown". This beautiful building is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, symbolizing their enduring love.
Taj Mahal
Entering the grounds.
Taj Mahal
Enetring the grounds.
Tah Mahal
Symbol of love.
Unknown Facts About the Taj Mahal.
- The Taj Mahal took 22 years to build.
- More than 22,000 laborers worked in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
- The construction of the Taj Mahal cost 3.2 crores of rupees at that time.
- Various Precious stones were brought from various countries for the building of the Taj Mahal.
July 3rd Update.
MAY 25, 2025, TO SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
Father Stan has often referred to Father Paul Mariani as our “native son” when he visits Our Lady of Peace Church and assists at Mass.
Father Paul received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Mary’s/ Our Lady of Peace and celebrated one of his first Masses there in June of 2002.
As a Jesuit priest in the Society of Jesus, Father Paul has been a Professor at Santa Clara University in California, teaching courses on the Catholic Church and China since his ordination in California.
This year, starting in the Fall of 2024, Father Paul spent the academic year at Boston College, where he had received the Gasson Chair. As part of that special honor, Father Paul was granted research funds to use for further study. Since he had already completed his second book on the Catholic Church and China, he decided to use the funds to take a trip around the world, visiting many historical and pilgrimage sites while staying with members of his Jesuit community.
Many parishioners at Our Lady of Peace Church, some of whom he has known since the family first became members in the l970’s, have asked about the journey, and this website will follow some of the major points of his travel.
Thus far, Father Paul has been to Paris, France from May 26 until June 10; Ethiopia, Africa from June 10 to June 14; Nairobi, Kenya June 14 to June 25; and Mumbai, India from June 26 to July 13.
More posts to follow!
