Ping!
Thanks for this story. It always grieves me when I read comments about the wealth of the Catholic Church. These churches, many built by the labor and generosity of 10th century immigrants, are symbolic of their love of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are in our cities and villages and are available for anyone to go and worship there.
I also understand the piety that a person can experience upon entering into a beautiful church.