Maria Celeste

 This was inspired by the book “Galileo’s daughter” by Dava Sobel. The book is about Galileo's beloved elder daughter, Virginia (Sister Maria Celeste). She was particularly devoted to her father. Sadly, she died at the age of 33. She is buried with her father in his tomb in the Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence.

Maria Celeste

Philosopher's daughter and requisite Nun, she prayed for her father in Rome. Because he was able to center the sun he wasn't allowed to leave home. A lady of singular, exquisite mind of goodness devoted and true, Virginia, the younger, unfailingly kind, a woman the world hardly knew, revealed in her letters an infinite love. To serve was her only desire. To open the universe hidden above she did, with her father, conspire. The whole of the Earth and the center he knew were lost in the moment she died. Though intellect failed him his heart remained true, for Sister Maria he cried. The "path to the stars" and the muse of his quest, by Rome’s inquisition, consumed, found justice in Heaven’s own scriptures. They rest forever, together entombed. ~ Dean Neighbors ~

"I render infinite thanks to God for being so kind as to make me alone, the first observer of marvels kept hidden in obscurity for all previous centuries." -- Galileo Galilei --