When The Twelve Days of Christmas was penned; Swans were a true luxury. They were a status symbol found only in the highest courts of Kings and Queens. And yes, they were eaten. But we know that the Twelve Days of Christmas has a hidden addenda – hidden means woven into each day. So what are the Seven Swans?
Continue reading “On the 7th Day of Christmas Seven Swans Went Swimming”Category: Catholic Faith
On the 6th Day of Christmas Let There Be Light
Most of us know the Twelve Days of Christmas. On the sixth day of Christmas what did our true love give? Six geese a laying. But what does that mean?
Continue reading “On the 6th Day of Christmas Let There Be Light”The 5th Day of Christmas is Golden
Today, the 5th Day of Christmas, is that long pause in the traditional song – Five Golden Ring . . . Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. Did you sing? I did.
Continue reading “The 5th Day of Christmas is Golden”The 4th Day of Christmas and Loss of Innocents
Today is significant in many ways; and all should be acknowledged. Some are patriotic, others religious in nature. It is the 4th Day of Christmas.
Continue reading “The 4th Day of Christmas and Loss of Innocents”3rd Day of Christmas Gifts from Above
The 3rd Day of Christmas represents three very special gifts from above. It is the Holy Spirit that guides us, walks with us, and imparts His Holy Gifts.
Continue reading “3rd Day of Christmas Gifts from Above”On the 2nd Day of Christmas Keep it Simple if You Please
Today we celebrate the 2nd Day of Christmas. Two Turtle Doves. The Old and New Testaments are filled with references to doves. Two Turtle Doves represent the binding of two Books. The Old Testament lay the groundwork for the New Covenant between man and his maker.
Continue reading “On the 2nd Day of Christmas Keep it Simple if You Please”The First Day of Christmas and An Irish Christmas of Old
Just as the Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Americanization of an Italian tradition, many of the things we do during the holidays can be traced back to earlier Emigrants. Christmas Trees are from German. Long before the Irish Potato Famine, Irish settlers came to America, bringing with them traditions from home. Traces of those traditions can still be seen today.
Continue reading “The First Day of Christmas and An Irish Christmas of Old”A Fantasy Feast for Christmas Eve
Today is Christmas Eve. Christmas, the season of Believing in all Things. For God so loved the world, He became Man for our salvation.
Continue reading “A Fantasy Feast for Christmas Eve”All We Need is Love
Once again, the observance of Advent and the celebration of Hanukkah share the spot light. Last year the first night of Hanukkah and the first Sunday of Advent were the same day. This year the last Sunday of Advent and the first night of Hanukkah are joined.
Continue reading “All We Need is Love”Ember Days of Advent and an Abundant Feast
Today is the final Ember Days of Advent. Ember Days were meant as a way to give thanks to the Lord, our God, for all He has done for us. Blessings aren’t always easily recognized.
Continue reading “Ember Days of Advent and an Abundant Feast”Ember Days of Advent and Friday Night Supper
Fridays, all Fridays throughout the year, are days of Penance within the Universal Catholic Church. Once upon a time, the form of that Penance was to abstain from meats. Today the Penance of Fridays takes on a personal choice. One thing that has not changed is the need for Prayer.
Continue reading “Ember Days of Advent and Friday Night Supper”The First Ember Days of Advent in the New Year
Today is the first Wednesday following the Feast of Saint Lucia and the Festival of Lights. It marks the first Ember Days of Advent in the Catholic Calendar of old.
Continue reading “The First Ember Days of Advent in the New Year”Let the Light of Saint Lucia Illuminate Our Way
Today is the Feast Day of Saint Lucia, one of the earliest Christian Martyrs. She was killed by the Romans in 304 EC for no other reasons by her religious beliefs. In many parts of the world, the Feast of Saint Lucia and the Festival of Lights signal the beginning of the Christmas Season.
Continue reading “Let the Light of Saint Lucia Illuminate Our Way”Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration
Our Lady of Guadalupe is often referred to as the Patroness of the Americas. In many of the Catholic Churches throughout North and Central America her image, be it a painting or statue, is displayed somewhere on the parish grounds if not the church itself. This is especially true in California, with a large Mexican population.
Continue reading “Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration”Joy to the World
Rejoice! For God is with us. On the Third Sunday of Advent, we turn toward the promise of God’s Kingdom on earth. We believe He will come again, and this knowledge fills the faithful with untold joy.
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