#Apostle of Bavaria and Austria

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (March 28)

On March 27, the Catholic Church remembers the monk and bishop, Saint Rupert, whose missionary labors built up the Church in two of its historic strongholds, Austria and Bavaria.

During his lifetime, the “Apostle of Bavaria and Austria” was an energetic founder of churches and monasteries.

He was also a remarkably successful evangelist of the regions, which include the homeland of the Bavarian native, Pope Benedict XVI.

Little is known about Rupert's early life, which is thought to have begun around 660 in the territory of Gaul in modern-day France.

There is some indication that he came from the Merovignian royal line, though he embraced a life of prayer, fasting, asceticism, and charity toward the poor.

This course of life led to his consecration as the Bishop of Worms in present-day Germany.

Although Rupert was known as a wise and devout bishop, he eventually met with rejection from the largely pagan population, who beat him savagely and forced him to leave the city.

After this painful rejection, Rupert made a pilgrimage to Rome.

Two years after his expulsion from Worms, his prayers were answered by means of a message from Duke Theodo of Bavaria, who knew of his reputation as a holy man and a sound teacher of the faith.

Bavaria, in Rupert's day, was neither fully pagan nor solidly Catholic.

Although missionaries had evangelized the region in the past, the local religion tended to mix portions of the Christian faith – often misunderstood along heretical lines – with native pagan beliefs and practices.

The Bavarian duke sought Rupert's help to restore, correct, and spread the faith in his land.

After sending messengers to report back to him on conditions in Bavaria, Rupert agreed.

The bishop who had been brutally exiled from Worms was received with honor in the Bavarian city of Regensburg.

With the help of a group of priests he brought with him, Rupert undertook an extensive mission in Bavaria and parts of modern-day Austria.

His missionary journeys resulted in many conversions, accompanied by numerous miracles including the healing of diseases.

In Salzburg, Rupert and his companions built a great church, which they placed under the patronage of St. Peter and a monastery observing the Rule of St. Benedict.

Rupert's niece became the abbess of a Benedictine convent established nearby.

Rupert served as both the bishop of Salzburg and the abbot of the Benedictine monastery he established there.

This traditional pairing of the two roles, also found in the Irish Church after its development of monasticism, was passed on by St. Rupert's successors until the late 10th century.

St. Rupert died on March 27, Easter Sunday of the year 718, after preaching and celebrating Mass.

After the saint's death, churches and monasteries began to be named after him – including Salzburg's modern-day Cathedral of St. Rupert (also known as the “Salzburg Cathedral”) and the Church of St. Rupert, which is believed to be the oldest surviving church structure in Vienna.

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 27 November – Saint Virgilius of Salzburg (c 700-784) Bishop, Abbot, early Astronomer, Architect, Writer, Poet, Patron of the Arts – he was called “the Apostle of Carinthia” and “the Geometer.”   He is also known as Fergal, Fearghal, Ferghil, Vergil, Virgiel, Virgil.   Patronages – against birth complications, of Salzburg, Austria and of the Slovenes.

Despite the city attached to his name, St Virgilius of Salzburg was actually an Irish Priest and Pilgrim on his way to the Holy Land, who stopped in Salzburg on his journey and stayed as its Bishop.

As abbot of a monastery in Ireland in the eighth century, Virgilius was one of the most learned men in Europe (he even gained the sobriquet the “The Geometer” for his knowledge of geometry).  Virgilius decided to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and he and his fellow companions sailed to France.   He spent two years wandering and travelling throughout Europe but did not get any farther east than Bavaria.

During a stay in Salzburg, Virgilius was appointed Abbot of St Peter’s Monastery (where St Rupert too, had previously been a monk and then the Abbot), a role that included administrative duties for the Bishop of that diocese.   He performed these duties admirably and when the Bishop died, he found himself compelled to accept an appointment as Bishop of Salzburg.

He encountered a difficult situation with St Boniface (c 675-754), who disagreed with some of his decisions and teachings and complained to the pope.   These inter-saint disagreements came to nothing, however and Virgil continued on his tenure as a fantastically effective Bishop, without further disruption from saint or sinner.

St Rupert (c 660-710) was the first Bishop of Salzburg and also the Abbot of St Peter’s in Salzburg.   He is said to have laid the foundations of the Salzburg Cathedral which St Virgilius completed.   It became an even larger and grander building than St Rupert had originally envisaged.   St Virgilius together with St Rupert, are the Patrons of Salzburg Cathedral.   The Statue at the bottom is displayed at the Cathedral.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

St Rupert’s biography, whose Memorial is on 27 March, is here: https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/27/saint-of-the-day-st-rupert-of-salzburg-c-660-710/

The images below show St Virgilius with the Architects in discussion of the Cathedral.

St Virgilius sent Missionaries to the surrounding areas and he, himself travelled to preach the Gospel to new people, as far as Hungary and is known as the Apostle to the Slovenians.   When he returned from one such journey, Virgilius, fell ill and died on this date in 784.

When the Salzburg Cathedral was partly destroyed by a fire in 1181, St Virgilius’ grave was discovered and an “astounding series of miracles” generated a widespread cult.   This led to his Canonisation by Pope Gregory IX in 1233.

Although he has become known as St Virgilius of Salzburg, Virgilius was very much a person of his place and time.   He was an Irish scholar and Priest inspired by that unique Irish passion for his faith;  the almost fanatical love of literature, learning and art that marked Ireland’s Golden Age and, was enflamed, by the Irish spirit of wanderlust which drove the Irish monks to re-educate and evangelise Europe.   Virgil did things “the Irish way” and was, as one Austrian writer says, “a stiff-necked Irishman.”   Although, he achieved many of his greatest accomplishments on the eastern frontier of European civilisation, he remained a son of that bastion of learning and enlightenment on the farthest west.   Virgilius’s Irish character shaped most of what he did in Austria.

St Virgilius was truly an amazing person.   He was the most learned man of his age but sadly, all of his writings were destroyed.   He was hailed for his great knowledge and his holiness and his feast is celebrated both in Ireland and throughout central Europe.

Statue at Salzburg Cathedral

St Virgilius’ Relics reside in the Altar of the Saltzburg Cathedral

Saint of the Day – 27 November – Saint Virgilius of Salzburg (c 700-784) Saint of the Day - 27 November - Saint Virgilius of Salzburg (c 700-784) Bishop, Abbot, early Astronomer, Architect, Writer, Poet, Patron of the Arts - he was called…

[proudcatholic1977]

Reposted from @churchmilitantcom Today's saint - St. Rupert, pray for us!⁣⁠ ⁠ Bishop and missionary, also listed as Robert of Hrodbert. A member of a noble Frankish family, he was appointed bishop of Worms, Germany, and then dedicated himself to spreading the faith among the Germans. With the patronage of Duke Thedo of Bavaria, he took over the deserted town of luvavum about 697, which was renamed Salzburg, Austria. Rupert founded a church, a monastery, and a school; brought in groups of missionaries; and established a nunnery at Nonnberg with his sister, Eerentrudis, serving as the first abbess. He died at Salzburg and is venerated as the first archbishop of this major diocese in the West. Rupert is revered as the Apostle of Bavaria and Austria.⁠ ⁠ #catholic #catholics #catholicfaith #catholicsaint #catholicsaints #todayssaint #saintoftheday #romancatholic #romancatholics #romancatholicsaint #romancatholicsaints #catholicsaintoftheday #mass ⁠www.churchmilitant.com⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PQLGyDGdf/?igshid=1rncld5wpkcgr

[silvestromedia]

ST. VERGILIUS, BISHOP OF SALZBURG

Benedictine bishop, also called Vergilius, Virgil, Ferghil, and Feargal. A native of Ireland, he entered a monastery and probably served as abbot of Aghaboe before setting out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He then spent two years in France, later going to Bavaria, Germany, where he assisted St. Rupert, the Apostle of Austria. Nov 27

[howesr83]

St. Rupert of Salzburg

St. Rupert was the first bishop of Salzburg, who, in some legends, is credited with giving the city its name.

Rupert was born in the late seventh century, to a part of the French imperial family. Little is known about his early life, but, like many sons of noblemen, entered the clergy. Rupert was elected bishop of Worms, a German city that was an important seat of power in the Carolingian dynasty.

At first, Rupert's flock welcomed his presence as a caring and faithful bishop. All too soon, however, the relationship between Rupert and the people of Worms soured. Conveniently, a Bavarian Duke, Theodo, asked for Rupert to come south to his palace at Regensburg to come spread Christianity to the diverse tribes he ruled over in Bavaria.

Rupert is often credited with baptizing Theodo, and officially welcoming him into the Church, as the seventeenth-century painting to the left depicts. And with Theodo's blessing, he began his missionary work among the Bavarian tribes.

Rupert found that Bavaria was still, in many ways, truly a wilderness with lots of outbreaks of violence. Thus, Rupert traveled to an old ruined Roman city and renamed it "Salzburg." Rupert founded and rebuilt several different monasteries in the area and lay the foundations of the Salzburg Cathedral. Where, a little over a thousand years later, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized.

Rupert died in 710, and there's some dispute whether he had returned back to Worms at the time of his death or whether he died in Salzburg. His successor, Bishop Vergilius of Salzburg, interred his remains in the newly-finished Salzburg Cathedral in 774.

Rupert is known as the "Apostle to the Bavarians" and is a patron saint of Salzburg, Austria, and salt miners.

St. Rupert, first Bishop of Salzburg—pray for us!

[andythomas684-blog]

World's best hiking trails to hike

From a multiday trek tracing the routes of a Japanese poet, to a classic clamber in the Argentinian Lake District, here are 23 of the best hiking trails in the world.

Walking boots and waterproof coats at the ready.

1. Pennine Way, United Kingdom

Pennine Way -- the first official long distance trail to be established in England.

Stretching 268 miles from the Derbyshire Peak District to the Scottish Borders, the Pennine Way is the United Kingdom's most famous long distance path.

The entire walk takes around three weeks, passing over wild moorland east of Manchester and through the picture postcard Yorkshire Dales, before crossing the ancient border of Hadrian's Wall and on toward Scotland.

One for outdoor fanatics, camping enthusiasts and anyone who can handle the vagaries of great British weather.

2. Camino de Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The Camino de Santiago route was highly traveled during the Middle Ages.

Rather than following a single path, the Camino, also known as the Way of St. James, is actually a series of different pilgrimage routes, all ending at the shrine of the apostle St. James in the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela.

The most popular modern route follows a line across northern Spain from the French Pyrenees.

While some choose to stay at monasteries along the way, plenty of operators offer hotel stays and luggage transfers.

Pura Aventura has an 11-day trip that passes through Galicia, staying in boutique inns, with bags sent ahead each day. what to wear on a hike and still look cute https://www.hikingbay.com/what-to-wear-on-a-hike-and-still-look-cute

5 best trips for solo travelers

3. Appalachian Trail, United States The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine.

Extending for 2,200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is billed as the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.

It runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through some of the most remote country in the United States. That means it's an undertaking, either for those with endless vacation allowance, or walkers looking to do a small chunk of a classic route. Well-marked paths and campsites mean it can be tackled alone. But those keen on comfort can use companies like Go Shenandoah, which offers pre-booked lodge accommodation and packed lunches in the spectacular Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, home to some of the best scenery on the trail.

4. The Basho Wayfarer, Japan

This trail follows the route taken by haiku poet Matsuo Basho 1689. Japan boasts numerous ancient trails, connecting temples and cities. This self-guided trip follows a route taken by the poet Matsuo Basho over 300 years ago.

The six-day trek starts in Sendai and works its way through the northern Tohoku region, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi and along the ancient Dewa Kaido path, with its beech and cherry forests, before heading into the mountains of Natagiri-toge and finishing at the temple of Yamadera. lattcure outfitters sleeping bag https://www.hikingbay.com/finding-the-best-lightweight-sleeping-bag-for-hiking

Tour operator Walk Japan offers accommodation in traditional ryokan, with access to onsen baths to soothe aching bones after a long day's hiking.

5. Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral, Argentina The one-day Refugio Frey hike is one of the most scenic in Bariloche.

The area around Bariloche in Argentina's Lake District is home to several stunning walks.

But for those with limited time, it's hard to beat the one-day trek to Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral.

A bus to Villa Catedral drops at the start of a wide, well-marked path, which winds its way into the Andes, passing through woods before emerging above the tree line into a world of spectacular, soaring peaks. Intrepid visitors can stay at Refugio Frey, either in the hut or camping in its grounds.

6. Mount Toubkal, Morocco

A hike to North Africa's highest peak is a challenging, but rewarding task.

North Africa's highest peak at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), a hike to the top of Mount Toubkal isn't for the faint-hearted.

The path upwards rises from the village of Imlil, passing over a dry river bed before rising sharply through the shrine at Sidi Chamharouch and on towards a large mountain hut.

After overnighting here, hikers strap on crampons and set off up the snowfield to the summit, where the Atlas Mountains open out and the views are relentless. best winter hikes in washington https://www.hikingbay.com/10-best-winter-hikes-in-washington

A local guide and muleteers for carrying luggage are a must, with tour operator Much Better Adventures able to arrange both, along with transfers to and from Marrakech.

7. Great Wall of China, Jinshanling section Walking the Great Wall at the tourist hotspot of Badaling can be a stressful experience, with crowds and hawkers making it almost unbearable.

Jinshanling, situated 87 miles northeast of Beijing, offers the perfect chance to explore a steep, winding and relatively unscathed section of this true Chinese icon.

The route through to the wall at Simatai is closed, but the back and forth trip along this section makes for a strenuous workout, with truly amazing views. Hotels in Beijing can arrange tours and transfers.

8. Dragon's Back, Hong Kong

The Dragon's Back trail is among the best hikes in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong may be known for its towering skyscrapers and narrow streets, but the mainland and islands are dotted with myriad hiking trails, the most famous of which is the Dragon's Back.

Easily reached by bus from downtown Hong Kong, the path begins in a shady tree tunnel on the Shek O Road, before scaling Shek O Peak, with vistas over white sandy beaches, lush hills and tropical islands. The route ends at the beach at Big Wave Bay, its warm waters perfect for a post-hike dip.

9. The Dingle Way, Ireland

Ireland's Dingle Way trail can be completed in around eight days.

Stretching 111 miles, The Dingle Way is a circular path that offers the best way to get under the skin of wild County Kerry in Ireland's south west.

Starting in the town of Tralee, the clockwise path follows narrow roads, known as boreens, taking in the wide sweep of sand at Inch Strand, passing along the clifftops outside Dingle town and heading around the edge of Mount Brandon, the highest peak on the Dingle Peninsula.

Ireland Ways arranges accommodation along the route, which can be tackled over as many as ten days.

10. Tergo La Trek, Bhutan

Bhutan's remoteness only adds to the mystique of its walking trails.

The relative inaccessibility of Bhutan and need for tourist passes means its trails are unspoiled and ripe for exploration. Tergo-La Trek, in the Haa Valley, is one of the country's lesser known routes.

This guided trek from Bhutanese tour operator Blue Poppy rises from 3,500 meters to 4,135 meters, passing through peaceful forest paths and up wild mountain tracks, with views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.

Yak herders' camps and distant villages add to the sense of being in another world.

11. Tahoe Rim Trail, United States

The Tahoe Rim Trail spans two US states, California and Nevada. A 165-mile loop around the Tahoe Rim Basin, this iconic trail was established in 1981 and is regarded as one of the finest hikes in the United States.

Passing through six counties and four national forests, in land that straddles California and Nevada, the Tahoe Rim Trail is the best way to explore the Sierra Nevada and Carson ranges.

Intrepid travelers can pack a tent and get back to nature on an 11-day jaunt, best undertaken between July and September.

12. Armenia and the Silk Road

Armenia's beautiful natural landscapes are best explored on foot.

Easily overlooked, Armenia has some of the best walking trails in Europe.

The 11-day Armenia and the Silk Road trip takes in some of its finest routes, connecting the UNESCO protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, passing over limestone peaks and through verdant forests, with the opportunity to hike in the wild Geghama Mountains and climb to the top of Aragats, the country's tallest mountain. keto hiking food https://www.hikingbay.com/tips-to-choose-keto-hiking-food-for-a-multi-day-hike

13. Lechweg Trail, Austria and Germany

The Lechweg Trail follows the Lechweg river from Lechall in Fussen.

Starting in the Bavarian town of Fussen, this nine-day route follows the Lechweg river to its source in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg.

Passing the royal castles of a King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Germany as well as crystal clear lakes, the trail heads through the Tiroler Lech National Park, a protected area with lush meadows, turquoise water and ibex at every turn.

Although the trail is self-guided, Walks Worldwide can arrange accommodation and meals, meaning visitors only need worry about putting on their boots and backpacks each morning.

14. Indus Valley, Himalaya, India

While a Himalayan trek is always going to be magical, this remote three-day jaunt in the Indus Valley takes some beating.

The hike, which is an extension of luxury operator Shakti Himalaya's seven-day itinerary to the region, leaves the village of Moncarmo and heads to Matho Phu and Shang Phu.

Phu translates as summer pastures, meaning this lush ground makes for pleasant walking while staring at the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

The trip includes stops at local tea houses, with dome tents pitched each evening for a comfortable night's sleep. 15. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts many of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Sanctuary Retreats Gorilla Forest Camp

Wildlife walks don't come more fascinating than a trip into Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can get up close and personal with the area's mountain gorilla population.

As part of a wider itinerary, Yellow Zebra Safaris offers walks in which visitors are taken on hikes across the forest to meet habituated gorillas used to the presence of humans.

Groups are typically limited to eight people.

[oldguardaudio]

Hal Lindsey Report -> President Trump visit to Jerusalem

Hal Lindsey – Hoax and change

45th President of The United States Donald Trump wins HoaxAndChange.com

Road Sign in Israel – Jerusalem – Bet She’an by John Hames of Hoax and Change

  May 19th, 2017

As President Trump prepares for his first trip abroad, which will include a potentially historic visit to Jerusalem next week, I thought it might be instructive to revisit a program I presented a few years ago. In it, I examine Jerusalem’s history, its role in end-times prophecy, and some of the challenges Israel faces in the days ahead.

One of the recurring themes of the last days, as foretold by the Hebrew prophets and confirmed by the Book of Revelation, is the international isolation of Israel.

In fact, the prophet Zechariah says that, eventually, all of the nations of the world will gather together against Israel. They’ll do so over the issue of who controls Jerusalem.

In its 3,000 year history, Jerusalem, which, ironically, means “City of Peace,” has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, and attacked 52 times. Just since the nation’s rebirth in 1948, Jerusalem has felt the impact of four major wars. Why? It has none of the usual assets that cause great cities to rise. It has no seaport, no natural wealth, no particular strategic military value. The ancient trade routes from Egypt to Assyria, Babylon, and Persia ran north and south along the plateau of Jordan, bypassing Jerusalem to the east.

During centuries of occupation by the Muslims, Jerusalem was a dusty, backwater city so unimportant that it never even achieved the status of a regional or provincial capital. Yet, despite 2,000 years of mediocrity and desolation, Jerusalem is now the most contended-for city on the face of the earth.

Ominously, Zechariah predicted that the thought of possessing Jerusalem would so “intoxicate” the nations of the world, that in the last days they would go to war over it. He also described the city as such a “burdensome stone,” that any nation that tried to solve the dilemma would be “cut in pieces.”

The British found themselves charged with settling the Jerusalem question in 1917. Thirty years later, the British Empire fell apart. Jimmy Carter and Anwar Sadat took on the challenge of Jerusalem. One lost his presidency, the other his life. Bill Clinton led the United States into the fray with the Oslo Accords in 1993. George W. Bush and Barack Obama stuck to the plan. Nearly twenty years later, the U.S. economy is in shambles, our military is worn and tattered, our people exhausted and divided, and our foreign policy is in absolute disarray. And Israel, which did not even exist from Zechariah’s day until 69 years ago, is more isolated and hated than ever.

A few short years ago, South Africa’s Trade Ministry announced that it will not allow goods manufactured in Judea and Samaria and labeled “Made in Israel,” to be sold in South Africa. Why? Because its leaders say that Judea and Samaria are “occupied” by Israel. They only recognize the “1948 borders as delineated by the United Nations.” Never mind that there are no such thing as “1948 borders… delineated by the United Nations.”

Even Judaism is finding itself increasingly embattled throughout the world. In Bavaria, a rabbi faced court charges for performing a circumcision. Despite the fact that male circumcision is a 4,000 year-old practice of Judaism (1,800 years in Germany), it has been banned in hospitals in Austria and Switzerland. Denmark and Norway introduced similar legislation. Even San Francisco tried to ban it. Other nations have already outlawed certain kosher animal-slaughter practices.

Oddly, while many European nations are seeking to ban Judaic and kosher practices, they see nothing wrong with allowing Muslims to establish “Sharia Law courts” to adjudicate civil matters among Muslims. Great Britain has 85 such courts. Though obviously not empowered to enforce a full range of punishments in European nations — yet — Sharia law is an undeniably barbaric system. Beyond the well-known customs of stoning to death homosexuals and those accused of sexual infidelity, cutting off the hands and/or feet of thieves, and “honor killing” one’s own family members if they’ve “disgraced” the family, accepted Sharia Law punishment can still be quite brutal.

In Saudi Arabia, a 39 year-old Egyptian mother of two who got entangled in a business-deal-gone-bad with a Saudi princess, was sentenced to 2 years in prison and 500 lashes. She received 5 lashes per week for two years. Activists say she suffered irreparable damage to her body and psyche. But, on the positive side, this is Sharia – not Judaic – law and she is, after all, just a woman.

Please forgive the sarcasm. If it weren’t so brutally pathetic and true, what passes today for worldly wisdom regarding Islam is like a bad script for a “Dumb and Dumber” movie sequel.

Folks, even if these events didn’t fit in to so many of the prophets’ descriptions of the last days, the fact that they perfectly embody the Apostle Paul’s prediction that in the last days man would not be able to think even in his own best interest, should be enough to let us know we’re there.

And in the days to come, we will see Israel and the Jews isolated more and more by the nations of the world. Until one day, they will stand absolutely alone against the world. Only the Messiah will be on their side. But that will be enough.

Please, make plans not to be here for that moment. Accept the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and make your reservation for the great escape that will save all believers from those dreadful days.

Don’t miss this week’s Report on TBN, Daystar, CPM Network, The Word Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.

A NOTE FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WATCH “THE HAL LINDSEY REPORT” ON TBN:Remember, the Report is now seen 30 minutes later, beginning at 6:00 pm Pacific/9:00 pm Eastern each Friday.

A NOTE FOR THOSE WHO WATCH “THE HAL LINDSEY REPORT” ON THE WORD NETWORK: Sunday, May 28, will be our last airing on The Word Network. We have enjoyed our years of association with Word and thank Word’s management and employees for being such terrific and faithful partners of The Hal Lindsey Report.

God Bless, Hal Lindsey

mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147 email: comments@hallindsey.com

web: http://www.hallindsey.com

Hal Lindsey Report -> President Trump visit to Jerusalem Hal Lindsey Report -> President Trump visit to Jerusalem   May 19th, 2017 As President Trump prepares for his first trip abroad, which will include a potentially historic visit to Jerusalem next week, I thought it might be instructive to revisit a program I presented a few years ago.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (March 27)

On March 27, the Catholic Church remembers the monk and bishop Saint Rupert, whose missionary labors built up the Church in two of its historic strongholds, Austria and Bavaria.

During his lifetime, the “Apostle of Bavaria and Austria” was an energetic founder of churches and monasteries.

He was a remarkably successful evangelist of the regions – which include the homeland of the Bavarian native Pope Benedict XVI.

Little is known about Rupert's early life, which is thought to have begun around 660 in the territory of Gaul in modern-day France.

There is some indication that he came from the Merovingian royal line, though he embraced a life of prayer, fasting, asceticism, and charity toward the poor.

NOTE: The Merovingian dynasty was the ruling family of the Franks from the middle of the 5th century until 751.

This course of life led to his consecration as the Bishop of Worms in present-day Germany.

Although Rupert was known as a wise and devout bishop, he eventually met with rejection from the largely pagan population, who beat him savagely and forced him to leave the city.

After this painful rejection, Rupert made a pilgrimage to Rome.

Two years after his expulsion from Worms, his prayers were answered by means of a message from Duke Theodo of Bavaria, who knew of his reputation as a holy man and a sound teacher of the faith.

Bavaria, in Rupert's day, was neither fully pagan nor solidly Catholic.

Although missionaries had evangelized the region in the past, the local religion tended to mix portions of the Christian faith – often misunderstood along heretical lines – with native pagan beliefs and practices.

The Bavarian duke sought Rupert's help to restore, correct and spread the faith in his land.

After sending messengers to report back to him on conditions in Bavaria, Rupert agreed. The bishop who had been brutally exiled from Worms was received with honor in the Bavarian city of Regensburg.

With the help of a group of priests he brought with him, Rupert undertook an extensive mission in Bavaria and parts of modern-day Austria.

His missionary journeys resulted in many conversions, accompanied by numerous miracles including the healing of diseases.

In Salzburg, Rupert and his companions built a great church, which they placed under the patronage of St. Peter, and a monastery observing the Rule of St. Benedict.

Rupert's niece became the abbess of a Benedictine convent established nearby.

Rupert served as both the bishop of Salzburg and the abbot of the Benedictine monastery he established there.

This traditional pairing of the two roles, also found in the Irish Church after its development of monasticism, was passed on by St. Rupert's successors until the late 10th century.

St. Rupert died on 27 March 718, Easter Sunday, after preaching and celebrating Mass.

NOTE: Other accounts mentioned that he died in 710 or 711.

After the saint's death, churches and monasteries began to be named after him, including Salzburg's modern-day Cathedral of St. Rupert (also known as the “Salzburg Cathedral”) and the Church of St. Rupert, which is believed to be the oldest surviving church structure in Vienna.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (March 27)

On March 27, the Catholic Church remembers the monk and bishop Saint Rupert, whose missionary labors built up the Church in two of its historic strongholds, Austria and Bavaria.

During his lifetime, the “Apostle of Bavaria and Austria” was an energetic founder of churches and monasteries, and a remarkably successful evangelist of the regions – which include the homeland of the Bavarian native Pope Benedict XVI.

Little is known about Rupert's early life, which is thought to have begun around 660 in the territory of Gaul in modern-day France.

There is some indication that he came from the Merovignian royal line, though he embraced a life of prayer, fasting, asceticism and charity toward the poor.j

This course of life led to his consecration as the Bishop of Worms in present-day Germany.

Although Rupert was known as a wise and devout bishop, he eventually met with rejection from the largely pagan population, who beat him savagely and forced him to leave the city.

After this painful rejection, Rupert made a pilgrimage to Rome.

Two years after his expulsion from Worms, his prayers were answered by means of a message from Duke Theodo of Bavaria, who knew of his reputation as a holy man and a sound teacher of the faith.

Bavaria, in Rupert's day, was neither fully pagan nor solidly Catholic.

Although missionaries had evangelized the region in the past, the local religion tended to mix portions of the Christian faith – often misunderstood along heretical lines – with native pagan beliefs and practices.

The Bavarian duke sought Rupert's help to restore, correct and spread the faith in his land.

After sending messengers to report back to him on conditions in Bavaria, Rupert agreed.

The bishop who had been brutally exiled from Worms was received with honor in the Bavarian city of Regensburg.

With the help of a group of priests he brought with him, Rupert undertook an extensive mission in Bavaria and parts of modern-day Austria.

His missionary journeys resulted in many conversions, accompanied by numerous miracles including the healing of diseases.

In Salzburg, Rupert and his companions built a great church, which they placed under the patronage of St. Peter and a monastery observing the Rule of St. Benedict.

Rupert's niece became the abbess of a Benedictine convent established nearby.

Rupert served as both the bishop of Salzburg and the abbot of the Benedictine monastery he established there.

This traditional pairing of the two roles, also found in the Irish Church after its development of monasticism, was passed on by St. Rupert's successors until the late 10th century.

St. Rupert died on March 27, Easter Sunday of the year 718, after preaching and celebrating Mass.

After the saint's death, churches and monasteries began to be named after him – including Salzburg's modern-day Cathedral of St. Rupert (also known as the “Salzburg Cathedral”) and the Church of St. Rupert, which is believed to be the oldest surviving church structure in Vienna.

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 21 December – St Peter Canisius S.J. (1521-1397) – Priest, Religious, Doctor of the Church, Reformer, Teacher, Confessor, Writer, Apostle of Charity –  (Born as Pieter Kanis on 8 May 1521 at Niemguen, Netherlands – 21 December 1597 at Fribourg, Switzerland of natural causes).   Patronages – Catholic Press, Germany, Catechists.   Known as the Hammer of Protestantism and the Second Apostle of Germany.   St Peter  became known for his strong support for the Catholic faith during the Protestant Reformation in Germany, Austria, Bohemia, Moravia and Switzerland.   The restoration of the Catholic Church in Germany after the Protestant Reformation is largely attributed to the work there of the Society of Jesus, which he led.   “Peter Canisius was the first publisher, the first author, the first editor of the Society of Jesus.   By now, Jesuits have followed in his footsteps to the tune of having published in 400 years, thousands of books.   From the time of Canisius, and his name is first in the bibliography of Jesuit writers, from Peter Canisius to the end of the l9th century, that is to 1900, there are about twenty volumes of bibliography, each volume about two inches thick, stands about eighteen inches high, filled just with authors and titles, thousands and thousands and thousands, no other religious institute in the Church publishes as much as members of the Society.   It was all started by Peter Canisius.” (Ven Servan of God Fr John A Hardon S.J.)

St Peter Canisius was born in 1521 in what is now the Netherlands.   His father was the local mayor and his mother died shortly of his birth.  Peter studied at the University of Cologne and earned a Master’s degree in 1540 at the age of 19.   While there, he met St Peter Faber, one of the first Jesuits.   Through him, Canisius became the first Dutchman to join the Society of Jesus in 1543.   St Peter Canisius’ preaching and writings, led him to become one of the most influential Catholics of his time.   He supervised the founding and maintenance of the first German-speaking Jesuit colleges and was known as the Second Apostle of Germany.

If you have too much to do, with God’s help you will find time to do it all – St Peter Canisius

For a half-century he led the Catholic Reformation in Austria, Bavaria and Bohemia.   For that reason he is reckoned an apostle to Germany, second only to St. Boniface.   With stupendous energy he preached and taught in parishes, reformed and founded universities, wrote many books including popular catechisms, restored lapsed Catholics, converted Protestants, preached retreats and found time to care for the sick.   In his last 30 years travelling more than 20,000 miles on foot or horseback, St Peter Canisius spearheaded the renewal of the Catholic faith in southern Germany.

Peter Canisius revitalised Catholic life and teaching at universities in Ingolstadt and Augsburg.   He founded new ones at Prague and Fribourg.   In all four cities his preaching and catechising won the hearts of Catholics and attracted nominal Protestants to the church.   In Vienna his personal care for plague victims made him a most popular figure.  Thus, when appointed diocesan administrator, he was in a position to revive the city’s long decadent Catholic community.

After 1555, Peter Canisius published his famous Summary of Christian Doctrine and two smaller catechisms.   These books generated the Catholic Reformation as Luther’s catechism had spread Protestantism.   Canisius’s catechisms also helped launch the Catholic press.    The Three Catechisms he compiled between 1555 and 1558.   The first Catechism was addressed to students who could grasp the elementary notions of theology;  the second, to young people of the populace for an initial religious instruction;  the third, to youth with a scholastic formation of middle and high school levels.   He explained Catholic doctrine with questions and answers, concisely, in biblical terms, with great clarity and with no polemical overtones.   “There were at least 200 editions of this Catechism in his lifetime alone, translated into 15 languages!   And hundreds of editions succeeded one another until the 20th century.   So it was that still in my father’s generation people in Germany were calling the Catechism simply “the Canisius”.   He really was the Catechist of Germany for centuries, he formed people’s faith for centuries.” (Pope Benedict XVI).

He was offered the post of Bishop of Vienna in 1554 but declined in to continue his travelling and teachings.

In the late 16th century, when open hostility typified relations between Catholics and Protestants, Peter Canisius advised charity and moderation. He opposed theological debates with Protestant leaders and in general, discouraged discussion of Catholic distinctives such as indulgences, purgatory and monastic vows with Protestants.   He believed such efforts only heightened division and embittered relations.   He articulated his views in this letter to his Jesuit superior:

“It is plainly wrong to meet non-Catholics with bitterness or to treat them with discourtesy.   For this is nothing else than the reverse of Christ’s example because it breaks the bruised reed and quenches the smoking flax.   We ought to instruct with meekness those whom heresy has made bitter and suspicious and has estranged from orthodox Catholics, especially from our fellow Jesuits.   Thus, by whole-hearted charity and good will we may win them over to us in the Lord.

Again, it is a mistaken policy to behave in a contentious fashion and to start disputes about matters of belief with argumentative people who are disposed by their very natures to wrangling.   Indeed, the fact of their being so constituted is a reason the more why such people should be attracted and won to the simplicity of the faith as much by example as by argument.”

In 1591, Peter Canisius suffered a stroke that nearly killed him.   But he recovered and devoted himself to writing for six more years until his death in 1597.   His body was interred before the high altar of the Church of Saint Nicholas in Fribourg and his relics were translated to the Church of Saint Michael at the Jesuit College in Fribourg in 1625. He was Canonised 21 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI and was added to the now 36 Doctors of the Church, by Pope Pius XI in 1925.

(via AnaStpaul – Breathing Catholic)

[andythomas684-blog]

Which hiking trails you should choose?

From a multiday trek tracing the routes of a Japanese poet, to a classic clamber in the Argentinian Lake District, here are 23 of the best hiking trails in the world.

Walking boots and waterproof coats at the ready.

1. Pennine Way, United Kingdom

Pennine Way -- the first official long distance trail to be established in England.

Stretching 268 miles from the Derbyshire Peak District to the Scottish Borders, the Pennine Way is the United Kingdom's most famous long distance path.

The entire walk takes around three weeks, passing over wild moorland east of Manchester and through the picture postcard Yorkshire Dales, before crossing the ancient border of Hadrian's Wall and on toward Scotland. No-Mess Easy-To-Prepare Sandwiches for Hiking https://www.hikingbay.com/no-mess-easy-to-prepare-sandwiches-for-hiking

One for outdoor fanatics, camping enthusiasts and anyone who can handle the vagaries of great British weather.

2. Camino de Santiago de Compostela, Spain The Camino de Santiago route was highly traveled during the Middle Ages.

Inn Travel

Rather than following a single path, the Camino, also known as the Way of St. James, is actually a series of different pilgrimage routes, all ending at the shrine of the apostle St. James in the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela.

The most popular modern route follows a line across northern Spain from the French Pyrenees.

While some choose to stay at monasteries along the way, plenty of operators offer hotel stays and luggage transfers. Pura Aventura has an 11-day trip that passes through Galicia, staying in boutique inns, with bags sent ahead each day. 10 Best Winter Hikes In Washington https://www.hikingbay.com/10-best-winter-hikes-in-washington

3. Appalachian Trail, United States

The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine.

Extending for 2,200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is billed as the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.

It runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through some of the most remote country in the United States. That means it's an undertaking, either for those with endless vacation allowance, or walkers looking to do a small chunk of a classic route. Well-marked paths and campsites mean it can be tackled alone. But those keen on comfort can use companies like Go Shenandoah, which offers pre-booked lodge accommodation and packed lunches in the spectacular Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, home to some of the best scenery on the trail.

4. The Basho Wayfarer, Japan

Japan boasts numerous ancient trails, connecting temples and cities. This self-guided trip follows a route taken by the poet Matsuo Basho over 300 years ago.

The six-day trek starts in Sendai and works its way through the northern Tohoku region, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi and along the ancient Dewa Kaido path, with its beech and cherry forests, before heading into the mountains of Natagiri-toge and finishing at the temple of Yamadera.

Tour operator Walk Japan offers accommodation in traditional ryokan, with access to onsen baths to soothe aching bones after a long day's hiking.

5. Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral, Argentina

The one-day Refugio Frey hike is one of the most scenic in Bariloche. The area around Bariloche in Argentina's Lake District is home to several stunning walks.

But for those with limited time, it's hard to beat the one-day trek to Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral. What To Wear On A Hike And Still Look Cute? https://www.hikingbay.com/what-to-wear-on-a-hike-and-still-look-cute

A bus to Villa Catedral drops at the start of a wide, well-marked path, which winds its way into the Andes, passing through woods before emerging above the tree line into a world of spectacular, soaring peaks. Intrepid visitors can stay at Refugio Frey, either in the hut or camping in its grounds.

6. Mount Toubkal, Morocco

A hike to North Africa's highest peak is a challenging, but rewarding task.

North Africa's highest peak at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), a hike to the top of Mount Toubkal isn't for the faint-hearted.

The path upwards rises from the village of Imlil, passing over a dry river bed before rising sharply through the shrine at Sidi Chamharouch and on towards a large mountain hut.

After overnighting here, hikers strap on crampons and set off up the snowfield to the summit, where the Atlas Mountains open out and the views are relentless. Ultralight Backpacking Cooking Gear https://www.hikingbay.com/ultralight-backpacking-cooking-gear

A local guide and muleteers for carrying luggage are a must, with tour operator Much Better Adventures able to arrange both, along with transfers to and from Marrakech.

7. Great Wall of China, Jinshanling section Walking the Great Wall at the tourist hotspot of Badaling can be a stressful experience, with crowds and hawkers making it almost unbearable.

Jinshanling, situated 87 miles northeast of Beijing, offers the perfect chance to explore a steep, winding and relatively unscathed section of this true Chinese icon.

The route through to the wall at Simatai is closed, but the back and forth trip along this section makes for a strenuous workout, with truly amazing views. Hotels in Beijing can arrange tours and transfers. 8. Dragon's Back, Hong Kong

The Dragon's Back trail is among the best hikes in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong may be known for its towering skyscrapers and narrow streets, but the mainland and islands are dotted with myriad hiking trails, the most famous of which is the Dragon's Back.

Easily reached by bus from downtown Hong Kong, the path begins in a shady tree tunnel on the Shek O Road, before scaling Shek O Peak, with vistas over white sandy beaches, lush hills and tropical islands. The route ends at the beach at Big Wave Bay, its warm waters perfect for a post-hike dip.

9. The Dingle Way, Ireland

Stretching 111 miles, The Dingle Way is a circular path that offers the best way to get under the skin of wild County Kerry in Ireland's south west.

Starting in the town of Tralee, the clockwise path follows narrow roads, known as boreens, taking in the wide sweep of sand at Inch Strand, passing along the clifftops outside Dingle town and heading around the edge of Mount Brandon, the highest peak on the Dingle Peninsula. Ireland Ways arranges accommodation along the route, which can be tackled over as many as ten days. No-Mess Easy-To-Prepare Sandwiches for Hiking https://www.hikingbay.com/no-mess-easy-to-prepare-sandwiches-for-hiking

10. Tergo La Trek, Bhutan

Bhutan's remoteness only adds to the mystique of its walking trails.

The relative inaccessibility of Bhutan and need for tourist passes means its trails are unspoiled and ripe for exploration. Tergo-La Trek, in the Haa Valley, is one of the country's lesser known routes. This guided trek from Bhutanese tour operator Blue Poppy rises from 3,500 meters to 4,135 meters, passing through peaceful forest paths and up wild mountain tracks, with views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.

Yak herders' camps and distant villages add to the sense of being in another world.

11. Tahoe Rim Trail, United States

The Tahoe Rim Trail spans two US states, California and Nevada.

A 165-mile loop around the Tahoe Rim Basin, this iconic trail was established in 1981 and is regarded as one of the finest hikes in the United States.

Passing through six counties and four national forests, in land that straddles California and Nevada, the Tahoe Rim Trail is the best way to explore the Sierra Nevada and Carson ranges.

Intrepid travelers can pack a tent and get back to nature on an 11-day jaunt, best undertaken between July and September.

12. Armenia and the Silk Road

Armenia's beautiful natural landscapes are best explored on foot.

Easily overlooked, Armenia has some of the best walking trails in Europe. The 11-day Armenia and the Silk Road trip takes in some of its finest routes, connecting the UNESCO protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, passing over limestone peaks and through verdant forests, with the opportunity to hike in the wild Geghama Mountains and climb to the top of Aragats, the country's tallest mountain.

13. Lechweg Trail, Austria and Germany

The Lechweg Trail follows the Lechweg river from Lechall in Fussen. Walks Worldwide Starting in the Bavarian town of Fussen, this nine-day route follows the Lechweg river to its source in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. Passing the royal castles of a King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Germany as well as crystal clear lakes, the trail heads through the Tiroler Lech National Park, a protected area with lush meadows, turquoise water and ibex at every turn. Although the trail is self-guided, Walks Worldwide can arrange accommodation and meals, meaning visitors only need worry about putting on their boots and backpacks each morning.

14. Indus Valley, Himalaya, India

Indus Valley -- one of the most famous treks in Ladakh.

While a Himalayan trek is always going to be magical, this remote three-day jaunt in the Indus Valley takes some beating.

The hike, which is an extension of luxury operator Shakti Himalaya's seven-day itinerary to the region, leaves the village of Moncarmo and heads to Matho Phu and Shang Phu.

Phu translates as summer pastures, meaning this lush ground makes for pleasant walking while staring at the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The trip includes stops at local tea houses, with dome tents pitched each evening for a comfortable night's sleep.

15. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts many of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.

Sanctuary Retreats Gorilla Forest Camp

Wildlife walks don't come more fascinating than a trip into Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can get up close and personal with the area's mountain gorilla population. As part of a wider itinerary, Yellow Zebra Safaris offers walks in which visitors are taken on hikes across the forest to meet habituated gorillas used to the presence of humans.

Groups are typically limited to eight people.

16. West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island

The West Coast Trail was originally named the Dominion Lifesaving Trail.

Canada's wilderness and sheer scale mean it's blessed with some truly astounding hiking trails.

The classic West Coast Trail covers 47 miles around southern Vancouver Island, with stunning ocean scenery at Bonilla Point and accessible sea caves at Owen Point.

The hike involves scaling ladders, wading through rivers and battling along muddy tracks, but with the bonus of being able to camp out in spectacular open country.

Although self-guided, walkers need to reserve a place on the trail at the start of the year, with spaces severely limited.

17. Percorsi Occitani, Maira Valley, Italy

Percorsi Occitani is positioned in one of the most unspoiled areas of northern Italy. A network of ancient pathways through the Cottian Alps, a walk in the Percorsi Occitani is like stepping back in time. Many locals still speak the Occitan language, while the remoteness of the Maira Valley makes it one of the most unspoiled corners of northern Italy.

Linking hamlets and villages, this nine-day self-guided route scales some of the area's more challenging hills, dipping into green valleys, with stays at traditional mountain refuges. Luggage transfers and traditional Occitan meals can be arranged by Inn Travel.