Birds are used as Christian symbols. In a previous “Did You Know?” we mentioned the use of the pelican in Christian art. In general, birds have long symbolized the soul’s ascent to God above material things. Some birds are used … Continue reading
Category: Did you know?
Communists and Moslems share a hatred of holy images
Communists and Moslems share a hatred of holy images. It is common knowledge that the beautiful ancient Catholic church of Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque, and that her beautiful mosaics on the walls and ceilings were plastered over … Continue reading
The Fire of St. Elmo
The static electric discharge known as St. Elmo’s Fire gets its name from St. Erasmus, the Bishop of Formia, Campagna, Italy. Erasmus — or Elmo, as his name sometimes passes into English — was martyred by being disemboweled during the … Continue reading
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is named after a Sicilian martyr. Around the same time as St. Erasmus’ victory, a 12-year-old boy named Vitus also won the palm of martyrdom, with his companions Modestus and Crescentia. According to some sources, a rather odd devotion … Continue reading
Jagermeister Facts
The image on the Jägermeister bottle is a Christian symbol. In many American cities, it is a common sight to see large billboard ads for this imported German liqueur: “Jägermeister… so smooth.” What catches our attention is the symbol on … Continue reading
Westminster Abbey was stolen!
Westminster Abbey was stolen! As is the case with all ancient English churches, monasteries, or convents presently in the hands of the Anglicans, the famed Abbey where English monarchs are crowned and buried, was once the property of a Catholic … Continue reading
The Destruction of Jerusalem
Dom Prosper Guéranger’s masterpiece of Catholic piety and erudition, The Liturgical Year is now happily back in print. The following selection, which comes from Volume 11 (pgs. 215-249) of the fifteen-volume work, is the learned and holy Abbot’s reflections on the Gospel … Continue reading
