#the st. vincent cathedral

[postcard-from-the-past]

Interior of the St. Vincent Cathedral in Chalon-sur-Saône, Burgundy region of France

French vintage postcard

[mssboo]

MARIE LAURE AND WERNER’s WEDDING HC GO!

I LOVE THESEEEE🐚💖💕🌊💖💕💓💞

they don’t like big big weddings so they do this very small celebration in the st vincent cathedral (bc ofc they live in saint malo) with almost anyone, but ofc there’s jutta and albert (they still aren’t together and marie is teasing her that the next ones are her and albert and jutta is denying it), Frederick (BECAUSE IN MY MIND HE IS OKAY AND NICE) that is just there super cute as werner’s very clumsy groomsmen, and the three of them (albert, jutta and frederick) are trying to be PERFECT and are doing every humanly possible thing to let marie and werner have their moment but people just keep entering bc it is not a private event (anyways marie and werner love it, they think it gives their wedding a very special something). and marie is wearing a very simple white dress (she isn’t sure if it’s a wedding dress or not) and this veil she and jutta and albert made two days before the wedding, and werner is wearing this super simple navy blue suit and her bouquet has little blue flowers like forget-me-nots, hydrangeas, birdbills and lavender, and white accents flowers like tuberoses and primroses, and werner and marie wear both lilies of the nile in their outfits (werner on his jacket and marie on her hair), AND THEY ARE JUST GIGGLE THE WHOLE CEREMONY!!! they can’t keep quiet for the life of god. everytime the priest speaks they giggle or blush or some silly shit, and they’re definitely the couple that forgets they can’t kiss before the priest says so and when marie walks down the small ass aisle with frederick, they both go for a kiss and the priest reprimands both of them 💀

they exchange this little golden bands werner spends MONTHS saving for, and they all later go eat together in a little small restaurant by the sea where they eat oysters and remember good times together (in my head after the war they all meet and because they’re all the same age they become best friends and do everything together). marie’s sad (obviously) nobody saw her getting married but her friends are trying to make her as happy as they physically can because they love her TONS, and marie and werner are just lovebirds with each other, they don’t separate from the other the ENTIRE TIME and yk they are just glad they are married.

also frederick catches the bouquet and he and jutta pretend they are gonna married to piss off Albert (it works)

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 ✧• ─

𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William released a video message to wish Kevin Sinfield the best of luck for his fundraising & awareness efforts for Motor Neurone Disease.

𝟐 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : 'The Earthshot Report' introduced by The Prince of Wales and hosted by Hannah Waddingham was announced.

𝟑 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince and Princess of Wales took part in the Qatari State Visit. They welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani & Sheikha jawaher at their residence and then accompanied the couple to Horse Guards for the Ceremonial Welcome. Afterwards, they drove in a Carriage Procession to Buckingham Palace with a Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry. WillCat joined other members of the family in viewing an Exhibition of the Royal Collection items relating to Qatar and attended the luncheon reception. In the afternoon, William received the Sheikh at Kensington Palace. Finally, The Prince of Wales attended the State Dinner at Buckingham Palace.

𝟒 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William held an Earthshot Meeting in London. Afterwards, he attended a Meeting. The Prince of Wales wrote a letter to the recipients of 2024 Diana Award congratulating then ahead of the ceremony the next day.

𝟓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : He visited visited The Passage's St. Vincent's Centre for their annual Christmas Lunch.

𝟔 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William attended the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service hosted by The Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey. He gave a reading at the event.

𝟕 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince of Wales departed Royal Air Force Northolt for France where he attended re-opening ceremony of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on behalf of The King. Later, he called upon the President-elect of USA at the residence of the Ambassador to France (Dame Menna Rawlings). William later arrived at Royal Air Force Northolt from France.

𝟗 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : He chaired a Meeting of The Prince's Council at Windsor Castle.

𝟏𝟎 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William visited The Mercian Regiment at Picton Barracks for their Regimental Christmas Party.

𝟏𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince of Wales wrote a letter to Team V3nture for support ahead of the day-4 of their Atlantic row. A teaser for The Earthshot Report was released.

𝟏𝟑 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William released a statement in support of United for Wildlife's successful completion of repatriation of tortoises and lemurs to Madagascar in one of the world's largest wildlife repatriation efforts.

𝟏𝟒 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Kensington Palace released a video of The Prince of Wales and Hannah Waddingham's visit to Alexandra Palace ahead of the premiere of The Earthshot Report highlighting Earthshot & PDC World Darts Championship.

𝟏𝟓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Earthshot Report aired on BBC One.

𝟏𝟗 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Wales' 2024 Christmas Card was released.

𝟐𝟎 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : BTS moments of William & Hannah Waddingham's Alexandra Palace visit were released.

𝟐𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Royal Foundation × Norfolk & Waveney Mind Mental Health Pilot Programme for rural and farming community. It will provide mental health support to members of the 1,500-strong community in northwest Norfolk - around half of whom live on the Sandringham Estate.

𝟐𝟒 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William & George played in the traditional Sandringham pre-Christmas Football Game with Catherine, Charlotte and Louis cheering them on. 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service aired on ITV with a special reading by William.

𝟐𝟓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William & Catherine along with their kids attended the Divine Service on Christmas morning held in Sandringham Parish Church. The Waleses appeared in a video during the King's Christmas Address.

𝟑𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Kensington Palace released the 2024 Wrapped for the Wales.

[art-that-fucks-you-up-tournament]

Behold, a bracket!

Text form below the cut because trying to copy all the 256 into the alt text sounded.... horrifying. Warning for 128 matchups, seriously, this list is long, and so I've avoided adding the artists until the polls.

a note: the pinned post has started misbehaving, so only open polls will be directly linked. closed polls instead have the results page linked in the set header, all the polls are linked from there

Set 1

The Lament for Icarus (Miao He) vs The Lament for Icarus (Herbert Draper)

The angel came to me in a fever hallucination, perched upon my bed as I returned from the bathroom. vs Sweet Brown Snail

Figures vs A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery

Happy Shoppers vs Hubble Deep Field

Lovers Painting vs Bath Curtain

Dr. Helen Taussig vs Une Martyre

Orangoutang étranglant un sauvage de Bornéo (Orangutan strangling a Borneo savage) vs Can’t Help Myself

Rape vs Technicolor Hiroshima

Set 2

A Walk at Dusk vs Based on “Autoportrait with the Model” by Maria-Rayevska Ivanova

Diary Page vs Les Jours Gigantesques (The Titanic Days)

Dead of Night vs You Won't

Christina's World vs Bobby

Untitled (I’m Turning Into A Specter Before Your Very Eyes And I’m Going To Haunt You) vs Two Sisters (On the Terrace)

Sharecropper vs Lustmord

The Parca and the Angel of Death vs Untitled (Zdzisław Beksiński)

Stress vs The Fallen Angel

Set 3

Device to Root Out Evil vs Travelling Light

Diana vs Fifty Days at Iliam: The Fire that Consumes All before It

The Plains, from Memory vs Exotic Bodies

Doubting Thomas vs Self-Portrait in the Bathroom Mirror

Empty Nest vs Somebody Fell From Aloft

Anguish vs If I Died

Cat in Obsolete Bath vs You're Not Boring Anymore

Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World) vs Untitled (billboard of an empty unmade bed)

Set 4

There Will Be No Miracles Here vs Symphony of the Sixth Blast Furnace

Fox Hunt vs Tarpaulin

Khajuraho Group of Monuments vs Ranakpur Jain Temple

ปราสาทสัจธรรม (The Sanctuary of Truth) vs Grande Panorama de Lisboa

Heroic Head of Pierre de Wissant, One of the Burghers of Calais vs The Weather

The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit vs If this is art

Statue of Vincent and Theo van Gogh vs Jeanne d’Arc écoutant les voix (Joan of Arc listening to the Voices)

Fountain vs Judith Slaying Holofernes

Set 5

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands) vs Cave of El Castillo

Chauvet Cave Bear vs Uffington White Horse

Laocoön and His Sons vs Winged Victory of Samothrace

Crouching Aphrodite vs Statue of Taweret

Guardian Figure vs Kūya-Shonin (Saint Kuya)

Ancient Greek doll vs Arena #7 (Bears)

Enbu (炎舞) (Dancing in the Flames) vs Yearning Shadows

Belfast to Byzantium vs Freedom

Set 6

The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayan vs Portraits

The Blood Mirror vs Nighthawks

Electric Fan (Feel it Motherfuckers): Only Unclaimed Item from the Stephen Earabino Estate vs "Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)

Lady Agnew of Lochnaw vs Forgotten Dreams

Saint Bride vs Pixeles (a group of 9 works)

War Pieta vs The Sunset

The Handmaidens of Sivawara Preparing the Sacred Bull at Tanjore for a Festival vs Ajax and Cassandra

Nāve (Death) vs Abstraction

Set 7

Yes vs Meeting on the Turret Stair

Hacked to Death II vs Stańczyk

Closeness Lines Over Time vs Voice of Fire

The Maple Trees at Mama, the Tekona Shrine and Tsugihashi Bridge vs Portrait of Sir Thomas More

Survival Series: In a Dream You Saw a Way vs Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre

Death blowing bubbles vs The Kitchen Table Series

Painting 1946 vs In the Grip of Winter

Untitled (Black and Gray) vs NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt

Set 8

Blue Plate Special vs Red Cedar

Palace of Fine Arts vs Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

Le Château des Pyrénées (The Castle of the Pyrenees) vs Susanna and the Elders, Restored - X-Ray

Moby Dick vs Viva la Vida, Watermelons

Venus Envy Chapter One (Of the First Holy Communion Moments Before the End) vs how to look at art

St. Sebastian vs Untitled #12

Carroña vs The invincible one

Untitled (Two Dogs) vs The Dog

SECOND HALF

Set 9

David (Donatello) vs David (Michelangelo)

The Other Side vs The Temptation of St. Jerome

Seated Woman with Bent Knees vs Starry Night

Headdress - Shadae vs Untitled for the Image Flow's Queer Conscience exhibit

Woman with Dead Child (Frau mit totem Kind) vs Les Amants (The Lovers)

Siroče na majčinom grobu (Orphan on Mother's Grave) vs You Make My World a Better Place to Find

Fighting Against SARS Memorial Architectural Scene (弘揚抗疫精神建築景觀) vs Fallingwater

Resting vs The Hull

Set 10

Olive Trees vs Worship

Glow vs Wheatfield with Crows

Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X vs Untitled (He Plays Very Badly)

D.I.Y. by John Wiswell vs The Tragedy

Judith and the Head of Holofernes vs Beethovenfries (Beethoven Frieze)

The Memory of Me (How Could I Forget) vs oh god i had a really big epiphany about love and personhood but i’m too drunk for words

I am happy because everyone loves me vs 瀕危形態 (Endangered Forms)

Three Scaffolders vs Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan

Set 11

San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk vs Water-Lilies, Reflection of a Weeping Willow

The Grief of the Pasha vs Monolith in Vigeland Sculpture Park

Passion vs Space Diner

Hamlet and Ophelia vs Two Earthlings

Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth vs Seer Bonnets

Photograph from "SNAP OSAKA" Collection vs Clytemnestra after the Murder

“Untitled” (Perfect Lovers) vs The Lovers (TIE)

Kedai Ubat Jenun vs Orange Store Front

Set 12

The Apotheosis of War vs Portrait of the Dancer Aleksandr Sakharov

Julie Manet vs Mouth

The Icebergs vs Kaleidoscope Cats III

Maman vs Caza Nocturna (Night Hunt)

The Book of Kells Folio 188r: Luke carpet page vs Ardagh Chalice

Yusuf and Zulaikha vs Dome of the Rock mosaics

Rowan Leaves and Hole vs Untitled (prisonhannibal)

Le Désespéré (The Desperate Man) vs The Dedication

Set 13

Deimos vs Dog and Bridge

The Mocking of Christ vs Prudence

The Broken Column vs Siberian Ice Maiden shoulder tattoo

Transi de René de Chalon (Cadaver Tomb of René of Chalon) vs Head of Christ

The Day vs Spirit of Haida Gwaii

Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571 vs Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন (National Parliament House)

Juventud de Baco (Bacchus Youth) vs Barges on the Seine

Oath of the Horattii closeup vs Visit hos Excentrisk Dam (Visit to an eccentric lady)

Set 14

Christ Crucified (With Donor) vs St. Francis

Thunder Raining Poison vs Piazza d'Italia

The Grove vs Among the Waves

Pintura Mural de Alarcón vs Sagrada Família stained-glass windows

Noonday Heat vs La Dame à la licorne (The Lady and The Unicorn)

Matroser i Gröna Lund (Sailors in Gröna Lund) vs Gielda Plakatu

Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks vs The Garden of Earthly Delights

Kuoleman puutarha (The Garden of Death) vs Haavoittunut enkeli (The Wounded Angel)

Set 15

i've wasted a lifetime pretending to be me vs da oracle

minus #37 vs Panel from Fun Home

Excerpt from illustrated edition of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner vs La Mort de Marat (The Death of Marat)

The Veil vs Düsseldorf 4 (Museum Kunst Palast)

Capriccio vs Zodiac calendar for La Plume

The official imperial portrait of empress dowager Cixi vs José y Maria

Blooming Lilacs vs Lágrimas De Sangre (Tears of Blood)

An Interlude vs Boy Staring at an Apparition

Set 16

Mermer Waiskeder: Stories of the Moving Tide vs The Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Art Nouveau interior

Unfinished Painting vs To Arms!

Memorial to a Marriage vs The Island

Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn vs A Few Small Nips

Saturn Devouring His Son vs Guernica

Fairy Princesses vs Lamentation over the Dead Christ

Mummy with An Inserted Panel Portrait of a Youth vs Little Girl Looking Downstairs at Christmas Party

Agnus vs The Cup Of His Murders Is Flowing Over And In His Coat Shall Be Many Curses

[hollypurple]

no one could save me but you

[tropic-havens]

St George's Anglican Cathedral, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

[mtlibrary]

Provenance mysteries: The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia

The first provenance mystery of 2023 features Sir Philip Sidney’s The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia, published in London in 1593. As can be seen here, the title is set within a lavishly decorated woodcut border.

The book was presented to the Library on 30 June 1876 by James Claude Webster (1840-1908), whose bookplate is visible here. In addition to being a member of Middle Temple, he belonged to the Athenaeum Club. As club secretary, he wrote to Robert Browning on 4 February 1862 to admit him as a member. He also contributed articles to the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Sidney’s Arcadia (to use the shortened title) was published posthumously by his sister Mary Herbert, based on a manuscript version. It was written “in the new genre of prose romance,” and is believed to have been an inspiration for a scene in Shakespeare’s King Lear. Sidney died in battle near the town of Zutphen, and was buried in the old St. Paul’s cathedral in 1587.

The provenance mystery concerns the myriad of names found in this copy of one of the most famous works of early modern English prose. As can be seen here, the front end-leaf was used by a variety of young people to test out their pens. On this end-leaf we can see the following names: Dorothy Greaves; Robert Demetrius; Ann/e Bind; and John Greaves. There is one addition exercise, a four leaf clover, and what could possibly be some shorthand being tested (see under the name Dorothy Greaves). Another name is faintly visible: Tho Hey, and an aborted name: Doro.

There is a well-known John Greaves (1602-1652), a mathematician “who was interested in measuring ancient monuments.” Could our copy of Arcadia be evidence of the childish hand of this John Greaves?

Two further names are visible on the title page: John Grevail/n and Thomas Vincent 1754. The latter could be the oboist and composer Thomas Vincent (c. 1720-1783). Intriguingly, Vincent’s will stated that some of his income was to pass to James Robson, a bookseller in New Bond Street, suggesting a debt of some kind owed to Robson by Vincent.

There is one further provenance piece, at the end of the book – yet another name (possibly) is visible, P Pense [?] with the words ‘must stand to the same’ visible.

As ever, if you have comments or suggestions on this mystery, email us at: library@middletemple.org.uk.

Renae Satterley

Librarian

February 2023

[davidstanleytravel]

The towers of St. Mary's Roman Catholic School (left), the Cathedral of the Assumption (center), and St George's Anglican Cathedral (right) are adjacent in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&READING : Friday, August 4, 2023

august 4_July 22

THE HOLY MYRH-BEARER EQUAL-UNTO-THE-APOSTLES MARY MAGDALENE ( 1st c.)

Mary Magdalene was one of the myrrh-bearing women and “equal to the apostles”. She was born in the town of Magdala along the shore of Lake Gennesaret and was from the tribe of Issachar. She was tormented by seven evil spirits from which the Lord Jesus freed her and made her whole. She was a faithful follower and servant of the Lord during His earthly life. Mary Magdalene stood beneath the Cross on Golgotha and grieved bitterly and mourned with the All-Holy Birth-giver of God. After the death of the Lord she visited His sepulchre three times. When the Lord resurrected she saw Him on two occasions: once alone and the other time with the other myrrh-bearing women.

[While it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the sepulchre (tomb) carrying the ointments. (For this reason the Church calls her “Myrrh-bearer”.) Coming close she saw that the large stone that had been placed at the entrance of the tomb had been rolled away. She thought that perhaps someone had already come and taken the Body to another place. Hurrying back to Jerusalem she told the apostles Peter and John: “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, ‘and we know not where they have laid Him.” Together with them she went again to the tomb and stood there weeping. When they had left she stooped down and looked into the sepulchre. There she saw two angels who asked why she was crying. She told them and then, turning around, she saw Jesus, but in her grief she did not recognize Him, and thinking -He was the gardener, e reason for her weeping. It was only then He said her name: “Mary!” that she recognized Him as her beloved Lord. Not believing her own ears, she cried out with joy, [Rabboni] “Master! Then quickly following his His instructions, she ran quickly to announce the good news to the disciples: “Christ is risen!” (Because she was the other time with the other myrrh-bearing women.

She traveled to Rome and appeared before Tiberias Caesar and presenting him with a red colored egg, greeted him with the words: “Christ is Risen!” At the same time, she accused Pilate before Caesar for his unjust condemnation of the Lord Jesus. Caesar accepted her accusation and transferred Pilate from Jerusalem to Gaul where, this unjust judge, in disfavor with the emperor, died of a dread disease. After that, Mary Magdalene returned from Rome [and having passed through all of Italy and France, along with Egypt, Phoenicia, Syria and Pamphylia preaching Christ, she returned to Jerusalem, where she stayed for a period of time with the Theotokos. She returned] to Ephesus to St. John the Theologian whom she assisted in the work of preaching the Gospel. With great love toward the resurrected Lord, and with great zeal, she proclaimed the Holy Gospel to the world as a true apostle of Christ. She died peacefully in Ephesus and, according to tradition, was buried in the same cave in which seven youths were miraculously put to sleep for hundreds of years and, after that, were brought to life and then died (August 4). The relics of St. Mary Magdalene were later transferred to Constantinople. There is a Russian Orthodox convent dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene near the Garden of Gethsemane.

Source: Saint Sophia Orthodox Cathedral , Washington DC

SAINT WANDREGISILUS (Gaul_668)

St.Wandregisel, Church of St. Vincent-de-Paul, Clichy

The son of Walchisus, a kinsman of Pepin of Landen,[2] he was born around 605, near Verdun in the region then known as Austrasia. He was educated at the Frankish court in Metz.

Wandregisel was part of a group of young courtiers including Audoin and Didier of Cahors who served Dagobert I, but in 629 he retired from court to become a monk at Montfaucon under the guidance of Saint Balderic. Wandregisel had received the tonsure without the permission normally required for a courtier, and was summoned to court to explain this apparent oversight. Dagobert then approved his request.[3]

Wandregisel soon withdrew to live as a hermit in complete solitude at Saint-Ursanne in the Jura.[2] Wandregisel adhered to the principles of Columbanus and his disciple Saint Ursicinus, who had founded several monasteries in the region. In 635, Wandregisel spent some time at the monastery of Saint Columban at Bobbio in northern Italy.[1] From there, he wished to travel to Ireland,  but by 642 got only as far as the abbey of Romainmôtier,[5] which lay on the banks of the river Isère in the Tarentaise Valley.

Wandregisel was ordained, and then founded Fontenelle Abbey in Normandy,[1] on land obtained from Erchinoald through the influence of his friend Archbishop Audoin of Rouen. Fontenelle followed the rule of Saint Columbanus, and the abbey became an important center of learning. Near the abbey's ruins lies the village of Saint-Wandrille-Rançon.

Wandregisel died on July 22, 668

During the Viking invasions, Wandregisel's relics were dispersed to various locations and shared between various churches, including the abbey of Saint-Pierre-au-Mont-Blandin in Ghent (now in Belgium). Wandregisel's cult was celebrated in England prior to the Norman Conquest of 1066.[1]

In the 19th century one of his relics remained: his skull was found in Liège. It was brought back to the Abbey, when the new church was dedicated in 1967. It can be seen today in a modern reliquary.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:2-12

2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? 8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does the law not say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.11If We have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless, we have not used this right but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.

LUKE 8:1-3

1 It came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities-Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

[thatsaladguy]

An Idea

Chapter One

One hundred and seventy-one days, a little less than half a year. A lot can happen, and change, within a man’s mind over the course of five and a half months. Especially if he is left painfully, rigorously cognizant of each passing second; tumultuously fixated upon agony as minutes stretch into days, months, and—God forbid— years. Thoughts, hopes, ideals……... all reveal themselves to be nothing more than sandy shelters before the vast oceans of change. What was once beautiful, now sneers with an ugly, wretched maw, threatening at any one moment to overtake a man’s sanity at the slightest hint of weakness. Putridity reveals itself to be perfection, a foul savior in the darkest hours of an endless night. In the face of real crisis, morality quickly becomes a figment of a madman’s imagination, capitulating before the twisted might of a damaged Logos. Truly, when the hounds of hell begin baying wildly and circling with heinous laughter, no man can be rightfully judged upon his actions. For just as the hounds themselves, man becomes an animal, a repugnant creature, offensive to all higher inclinations. Forever chasing one singular goal: survival at the cost of all else. The philosophies of the once sophisticated mind become faint echoes ringing within the subconscious of the beastly self when the pangs of hunger rip into the abdomen, tearing the stomach apart with vicious claws.  

I’d always considered myself a good man, a moral man, strong in my convictions of truth and justice. Spending my days in search of ways to be of service to those less fortunate than myself. Oh, how much joy I had delighted myself upon as I spoke words of solace to the sick and dying. What an indulgent happiness I’d experienced professing my faith to an ever-attentive flock. I was a shepherd, a guide, a mentor, a shining light burning brightly to lead my fellow men out of darkness.  Now, I see that it had all been nothing more than a cheap charade to satiate my own egotistical tendencies.

 It took little more than half a month without any food to reduce me to the lowest form of sinner. How foolish I had been to believe that faith alone would deliver one so apparently low as I into the bosom of heavenly delight. How idiotic I had been to think that I could hide my dirty, black soul from the omniscient powers above, as if the folly of my ways would be so easily forgiven. It is one thing to expect the Father to forgive an unscrupulous beggar turned repentant, but it is of an different matter to suggest forgiveness for those who dare to directly challenge his might.

You see, I have found myself in disaster after embarking on pilgrimage—a holy journey—to the furthest regions of the north to pay homage to the divine, accompanied by my dearest compatriot, Chaplain McDougall, and a weathered old navigator by the name of Vincent Noakes. We had planned to make haste to the Basilica of the Holy Mother, a distant cathedral that sat far to the north at the very edges of civilization. From there, we would embark on a long, arduous journey penetrating the cold tundra in search of the Lost Chapel of St. Bartholomew, a forgotten sect that had been abandoned for nearly one-hundred years. There had been rumors of a saintly relic forgotten within its reliquaries, and—when a bishop had informed me of its approximate location far beyond the reaches of most men’s abilities—I had daringly suggested that I take the mantle of duty upon myself. I would make the journey, retrieve the precious symbols of our Lord’s grace, and return a hero. It appears now my destiny is to lay my bones to rest a martyr.

At the time of my proposal, I was laughed away as if I were a comedian, not a priest. When it became clear that I was adamant in my convictions, as I had managed to find another fool daring enough to join my expedition, the laughter turned into worried pleas. They had begged me to reconsider, to see the madness of my plans, but I had swatted their criticisms away- with the meaningless assurances of blind faith. McDougall, being one of my closest companions, had hesitantly agreed to join me, if only to see that I did not plunge myself into a certain, suicidal end at the hands of naivety. He had made pilgrimage once before to a similarly isolated region and had learned a great many things during his time abroad. Namely, as he once so succinctly put to my ear, that the challenges against a man’s faith are at their greatest when he is alone with nothing but the Lord’s creation to offer comfort. To be completely honest, I was beyond delighted to hear of McDougall’s accompaniment. He was a good man, stout in his vows and ever diligent in his worship. Most of his life had been spent in the service of others by the light of the church, and he was certainly no scholarly slouch either. It was good to have someone with brawn to help beat back the dangers of the winter tundra. Having never been married, as is common amongst men of faith, he travelled far in missions and had likewise learned the ways of self-sufficiency when isolated from the temptations of his fellow human. Stockily built at a towering six-foot-two-inches, he towered over most everyone that made his acquaintance. He was the type of man you’d expect to break out into revelrous tales of wrestling bears and taming lions at first glance, but McDougall was of quite the opposite composure. Often, he would sit silently within his garden studying the holy word through his favorite pair of thick reading glasses. Surely, he was of the introverted species, and rarely did his voice exceed that of a whisper.

My other companion on this expedition, really nothing more than a passing acquaintance, was a local man well versed in navigating the harsh winter landscapes we would be galivanting into. Vincent, rather humorously, was diametrically the opposite of my dear McDougall. Boisterous to a fault and with a rollicking attitude, it was no surprise he had jumped at the possibility to trek with us deep into rather unknown territory. He was an adventurer at heart and, even as I explained the intricacies of our mission, his eyes lit up with a devious glimmer at the thought of returning a hero, of braving the wild once more. Vincent was a short man, only standing about five-feet-seven inches, and often wore a gaudy grin upon rosy cheeks. He dressed as a hunter, or perhaps a beggar, and bore a full, red beard upon his face. Keen blue eyes gazed past a crooked, broken nose, and betrayed a quick wit with an eagle-eyed perception.

We met by chance at the local tavern. I had been engaging with the only sinful vice allowed myself, and he had been in business with the owner selling furs he had recently harvested in exchange for a taste of the good drink. He had made my acquaintance with a humorous jab at having found a holy man in a most unholy establishment. I’d replied with my usual excuse that the forgiveness of the Lord knew no bounds, and a pint of drink would certainly not meet the threshold to be disbarred from the heavenly grace. He’d taken a liking to my answer and, as drunken men often do, we’d exchanged uproarious conversation before finding ourselves exchanging humorous blows with each other as snow fell upon our cheeks outside. He was a hot head, and I was a priest with a short temper, though I am quick to forgive many transgressions. We’d fallen upon ourselves in our stupor and had leaned upon each other as we slowly trudged through thick snow into my monastery. I’d given him a warm bed to sleep upon, and he helped prepare for the coming challenges.

As such, our merry band of stooges was completed, and we spent two months procuring supplies for the task ahead. We would each ride upon our own sled, pulled onward by dogs, and laden with enough supplies to last us the entire trip. Food, fire-making supplies, a rifle each, cooking utensils, a tent, and gear to keep the biting winter cold at bay. We had surmised the trip would last approximately a month and a half but decided to bring along enough rations for two in case we ran into any trouble. If only we had known then how our foolish venture would turn out, we’d have packed enough for a year, if we even had it in us to steel ourselves enough to face the coming hardships.

I suppose at this point, I should directly address the heinous circumstances we had fallen upon. At the present moment, it is only I and McDougall, though now he is resting wearily in the corner of our impromptu shelter, curled unconscious into a fetal ball of rags and fur. I haven’t the faintest inclination as to the current fate of our navigator, Vincent. It is only by a miraculous intervention that McDougall and I find ourselves within the comforting walls of an abandoned hunter’s lodge. Or perhaps it’s a devilish curse, a prison to prolong our suffering as death slowly encroaches upon the threshold of our hearts. No matter, I will continue my prayers, I still have faith in deliverance. Father would not leave even his most wretched sheep for the slaughter.

I will bare it all for you, and perhaps my confessions will fall upon angelic ears who would have pity upon a pair of poor souls. Though, before I begin, I should say my recollection of the exact memories at this moment is hazy, as disaster had struck us like a bolt of lightning during a particularly horrid blizzard. I will tell no lie even as delirium threatens to rattle my senses as I lay here at the mercy of the one above. I will try my best to regale you with the truth, the facts upon which my current fate has been laid upon like a cruel foundation. Forgive me, and I pray you do not cast judgement too harshly.

[myvacationsbookingcom]

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[art-that-fucks-you-up-tournament]

ROUND TWO

Text form and links under read more

Just a reminder, these are one day polls!

SET 1

MATCH ONE: Lament for Icarus vs Untitled (the angel came to me in a fever hallucination, perched upon my bed as I returned from the bathroom)

MATCH TWO: Figures vs Hubble Deep Field

MATCH THREE: Bath Curtain vs Une Martyre

MATCH FOUR: Can't Help Myself vs Rape

SET 2

MATCH ONE: A Walk at Dusk vs Diary Page

MATCH TWO: Dead of Night vs Christina's World

MATCH THREE: Untitled (I’m Turning Into A Specter Before Your Very Eyes And I’m Going To Haunt You) vs Lustmord

MATCH FOUR: Untitiled (Zdzisław Beksiński) vs The Fallen Angel

SET 3

MATCH ONE: Device to Root Out Evil vs Fifty Days at Iliam: The Fire That Consumes All Before It

MATCH TWO: Exotic Bodies vs Doubting Thomas

MATCH THREE: Somebody Fell From Aloft vs Anguish

MATCH FOUR: Cat in Obsolete Bath vs Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World)

SET 4

MATCH ONE: Symphony of the Sixth Blast Furnace vs Tarpaulin

MATCH TWO: Khajuraho Group of Monuments vs ปราสาทสัจธรรม (The Sanctuary of Truth)

MATCH THREE: The Weather vs The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit

MATCH FOUR: Statue of Vincent and Theo van Gogh vs Judith Slaying Holofernes

SET 5

MATCH ONE: Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands) vs Chauvet Cave Bear

MATCH TWO: Winged Victory of Samothrace vs Crouching Aphrodite

MATCH THREE: Kūya-Shonin vs Arena #7 (Bears)

MATCH FOUR: Enbu (炎舞) (Dancing in the Flames) vs Belfast to Byzantium

SET 6

MATCH ONE: The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayan vs Nighthawks

MATCH TWO: Electric Fan (Feel it Motherfuckers): Only Unclaimed Item from the Stephen Earabino Estate vs Forgotten Dreams

MATCH THREE: Pixeles (a group of 9 works) vs War Pieta

MATCH FOUR: Ajax and Cassandra vs Nāve (Death)

SET 7

MATCH ONE: Meeting on the Turret Stair vs Stańczyk

MATCH TWO: Closeness Lines Over Time vs The Maple Trees at Mama, the Tekona Shrine and Tsugihashi Bridge

MATCH THREE: Survival Series: In a Dream You Saw a Way vs The Kitchen Table Series

MATCH FOUR: In the Grip of Winter vs NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt

SET 8

MATCH ONE: Blue Plate Special vs Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

MATCH TWO: Susanna and the Elders, Restored - X-Ray vs Moby Dick

MATCH THREE: how to look at art vs St. Sebastian

MATCH FOUR: Carroña vs The Dog

SET 9

MATCH ONE: David vs The Other Side

MATCH TWO: Starry Night vs Headress - Shadae

MATCH THREE: Woman with Dead Child (Frau mit totem Kind) vs Siroče na majčinom grobu (Orphan on Mother's Grave)

MATCH FOUR: Fighting Against SARS Memorial Architectural Scene (弘揚抗疫精神建築景觀) vs The Hull

SET 10

MATCH ONE: Worship vs Wheatfield with Crows

MATCH TWO: Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X vs The Tragedy

MATCH THREE: Judith and the Head of Holofernes vs oh god i had a really big epiphany about love and personhood but i’m too drunk for words

MATCH FOUR: I am happy because everyone loves me vs Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan

SET 11

MATCH ONE: Water-Lilies, Reflection of a Weeping Willow vs The Grief of the Pasha

MATCH TWO: Passion vs Two Earthlings

MATCH THREE: Seer Bonnets vs Clytemnestra after the Murder

MATCH FOUR: “Untitled” (Perfect Lovers)/The Lovers (TIE) vs Kedai Ubat Jenun

SET 12

MATCH ONE: The Apotheosis of War vs Mouth

MATCH TWO: The Icebergs vs Maman

MATCH THREE: The Book of Kells Folio 188r: Luke carpet page vs Dome of the Rock mosaics

MATCH FOUR: Rowan Leaves and Hole vs Le Désespéré (The Desperate Man)

SET 13

MATCH ONE: Deimos vs Prudence

MATCH TWO: Siberian Ice Maiden shoulder tattoo vs Transi de René de Chalon (Cadaver Tomb of René of Chalon)

MATCH THREE: The Day vs Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban জাতীয় সংসদ ভবন (National Parliament House)

MATCH FOUR: Juventud de Baco (Bacchus Youth) vs Oath of the Horattii closeup

SET 14

MATCH ONE: St. Francis vs Thunder Raining Poison

MATCH TWO: Among the Waves vs Sagrada Família stained-glass windows

MATCH THREE: Noonday Heat vs Gielda Plakatu

MATCH FOUR: The Garden of Earthly Delights vs Kuoleman puutarha (The Garden of Death)

SET 15

MATCH ONE: da oracle vs Panel from Fun Home

MATCH TWO: La Mort de Marat (The Death of Marat) vs Düsseldorf 4 (Museum Kunst Palast)

MATCH THREE: Capriccio vs José y Maria

MATCH FOUR: Lágrimas De Sangre (Tears of Blood) vs Boy Staring at an Apparition

SET 16

MATCH ONE: The Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Art Nouveau interior vs Unfinished Painting

MATCH TWO: Memorial to a Marriage vs A Few Small Nips

MATCH THREE: Saturn Devouring His Son vs Lamentation over the Dead Christ

MATCH FOUR: Little Girl Looking Downstairs at Christmas Party vs Agnus

ROUND 3

SET 1

MATCH ONE: Lament for Icarus vs Hubble Deep Field

MATCH TWO: Bath Curtain vs Can't Help Myself

SET 2

MATCH ONE: Diary Page vs Dead of Night

MATCH TWO: Untitled (I’m Turning Into A Specter Before Your Very Eyes And I’m Going To Haunt You) vs Untitled (Zdzisław Beksiński)

SET 3

MATCH ONE: Fifty Days at Iliam: The Fire That Consumes All Before It vs Doubting Thomas

MATCH TWO: Anguish vs Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World)

SET 4

MATCH ONE: Symphony of the Sixth Blast Furnace vs Khajuraho Group of Monuments

MATCH TWO: The Weather vs Judith Slaying Holofernes

SET 5

MATCH ONE: Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands) vs Winged Victory of Samothrace

MATCH TWO: Arena #7 (Bears) vs Belfast to Byzantium

SET 6

MATCH ONE: Nighthawks vs Electric Fan (Feel it Motherfuckers): Only Unclaimed Item from the Stephen Earabino Estate

MATCH TWO: Pixeles (a group of 9 works) vs Nāve (Death)

SET 7

MATCH ONE: Stańczyk vs Closeness Lines Over Time

MATCH TWO: The Kitchen Table Series vs NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt

SET 8

MATCH ONE: Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba vs Susanna and the Elders, Restored - X-Ray

MATCH TWO: how to look at art vs Carroña

SET 9

MATCH ONE: The Other Side vs Starry Night

MATCH TWO: Woman with Dead Child (Frau mit totem Kind) vs The Hull

SET 10

MATCH ONE: Wheatfield with Crows vs Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X

MATCH TWO: oh god i had a really big epiphany about love and personhood but i’m too drunk for words vs Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan

SET 11

MATCH ONE: The Grief of the Pasha vs Two Earthlings

MATCH TWO: Clytemnestra after the Murder vs "Untitled" (Perfect Lovers) and The Lovers

SET 12

MATCH ONE: Mouth vs Maman

MATCH TWO: Dome of the Rock mosaics vs Le Désespéré (The Desperate Man)

SET 13

MATCH ONE: Deimos vs Siberian Ice Maiden shoulder tattoo

MATCH TWO: The Day vs Juventud de Baco (Bacchus Youth)

SET 14

MATCH ONE: Thunder Raining Poison vs Sagrada Família stained-glass windows

MATCH TWO: Noonday Heat vs Kuoleman puutarha (The Garden of Death)

SET 15

MATCH ONE: Panel from Fun Home vs Düsseldorf 4 (Museum Kunst Palast)

MATCH TWO: José y Maria vs Lágrimas De Sangre (Tears of Blood)

SET 16

MATCH ONE: Unfinished Painting vs Memorial to a Marriage

MATCH TWO: Saturn Devouring His Son vs Agnus

[locustheologicus]

Brooklyn Charity: A Diocesan/Vincentian Partnership

There was Catholic Charity in Brooklyn before it was a diocese, before it was a city, and long before the day that Father William J. White was named the first diocesan supervisor of Catholic Charities.

This is the opening line to the "History of Catholic Charities: Diocese of Brooklyn." Monsignor William White would eventually be given the task to coordinate the various charitable activities of Brooklyn on April 1st, 1899 but records show that the earliest Catholic institution to promote charity in Brooklyn took place on October 1829. Responding to the needs of orphans The Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum Society was formed in Brooklyn and an instrumental partner in the housing of these "foundlings" was Elizabeth Ann Seton's Sisters of Charity, a religious community of women who adapted the Vincentian rule.

Of course it must be recognized that the care of orphans, besides being one of the oldest biblical works of mercy along with the care of widows and foreigners, was the earliest charitable program of St. Vincent DePaul's himself. in 1638 St. Vincent, alongside St. Louise de Marillac and her sisters, would organize safe lodging for the orphabed children of Paris. St. Vincent would establish a rule for the daughters of charity based on this charitable mission.

They will reflect that their ministry is to serve the Infant Jesus in the person of each baby they are raising, and in this they have the honor of doing what the Blessed Virgin did to her dear Son, since He affirms that the service rendered to the least of His people is rendered to Himself. In accordance with that, they will do their utmost to raise these poor children with as much attention and respect as if it were to the very person of Our Lord.” (Vincent DePaul, n.d., 13b: 209)

Eventually the diocese would take shape in 1853 when Bishop John Loughlin was installed. Loughlin established an enduring legacy for the role that charity would have in this diocese. In some ways he was a maverick who prioritized charitable programs over the development of its own Cathedral which remained fairly humble. It appears that he was a thorn of the side to Archbishop Michael Corrigan (who was portrayed having issues with another champion of charity, Mother Cabrini in the recent movie "Cabrini") for Loughlin's unwavering support of charity and social justice when Corrigan wanted to play nice with the powers that be. Throughout this entire time the Vincentians were a perfect partner in crime. In 1855 Loughlin supported the foundation of a St. Vincent DePaul conference. At that time the society had only existed for 20 years. Bishop Loughlin was no stranger to the spirituality and gifts of this community. As a young priest in New York he sponsored the first conference into the city. With charity as a central focus of the Brooklyn Catholic community (at that time engulfing all of Long Island) the the relationship between the developing diocese and the Vincentian community was an obvious one.

The tie that binds our two Catholic institutions is our commitment to institutional charity. The field of social work originates from this orientation. While charity is a core value for all Catholics, it was the works of Sts. Vincent and Louise and the community that followed which took seriously the institutionalization of our social ministries. The Vincentian charism challenges us to see Christ in the face of those in need and what this means for our social ministries. Bl. Frederic Ozanam, the founder of the St. Vincent DePaul Societies, continued developing the social ministry framework that is crucial for us today.

Almsgiving alone, alms that are not accompanied by words and love, is a humiliation for the one who receives it. Do we need to remember that man does not live by bread alone, that the Savior himself does not only ask to be clothed and fed in the person of the poor, but also visited and consoled? Will we have to expose everything that the masters of charity up to St. Vincent de Paul have taught us about the delicate behavior that takes into account the legitimate susceptibility of the poor?

St. Vincent DePaul and the diocese of Brooklyn may have started with addressing the needs of the orphans but it did not end there. Sts. Vincent and Louise organized centers of care and hospitality for refugees. They provided assistance to many who were displaced. They organized food distribution and soup kitchens. They also provided for education and job training. Today the Vincentian community is a worlwide phenomenon established in the service industries, of social work, health care, and education. They continue to be recognized for their ongoing prison and parish social ministries. They are now leaders in the field of promoting systemic change with creative microlending projects like St. John's G.L.O.B.E initiative.

As already mentioned, in 1899 Bishop McDonnell re-organized the charitable ministries in the Brooklyn Diocese and institutionalized our Catholic Charities agency. By 1913 when Brooklyn Catholic Charities had its second director, Fr. Francis O'Hara, Catholic Charities had nearly fifty charitable institutions. Today, under the leadership of the 8th Bishop of Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan and CCBQ's present CEO Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn runs 160 programs including food distributions, case management, migrant assistance, ESL, workforce development, behavioral health, early childhood programs, housing for seniors and the disabled.

But as we celebrate our 125th anniversary we dare not forget that all this effort began through an essential partnership with our Vincentian brothers and sisters. There is an amazing convergence between the mission of our two organizations. As we celebrate this milestone we do it stretching our hand to our dear friends in order to make sure that we continue to serve this legacy together.

[brookstonalmanac]

Beer Events 7.13

Events

Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral inadvertently invents bottled beer (1568)

Henry Sternkopf patented a Bung Starter (1897)

Martin Frank died (1901)

John Steiger patented a Beer Pipe Cleaning Apparatus (1909)

Cleveland & Sandusky Brewing released its Gold Bond Beer for sale (Ohio; 1933)

1st Krispy Kreme Doughnut sold (1937)

Otto Vincent patented a Dispensing and Storage Cabinet for Effervescent Beverages (1937)

George Meyer, et al. patented a Bottle Feeding Mechanism (1943)

Harvey Davis and Eugene Martenson patented a Grain Drying Machine (1954)

Guinness patented a Connecting Head for Use with Casks, Siphons and the Like Receptacles Containing Liquid Under Pressure (1965)

The Spy Who Loved Me premiered in US (1977) [James Bond #10]

Anheuser-Busch agreed to takeover bid by InBev (2008)

Brewery Openings

Pivorary Staropramen (Czech Republic; 1631)

Lost Coast Brewing (California; 1990)

Belltower Brewhouse (Washington; 1998)

[cruiseworld]

Introducting San Juan

In 1508 the Spanish expedition leader Juan Ponce de Leon established Caparra, a small settlement close to a protected bay on the north coast of the island of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the town was vacated and resited to the present location of Old San Juan. In the 16th century, San Juan was the origin for Spanish exploratory trips to little known parts of the Caribbean.

Nowadays the old section of San Juan has an authentic Old World feel with over 300 restored Spanish 17th century town houses. The area also contains many shops, restaurants, bars, and casinos for cruise passengers to sample.

Touring San Juan

Characterful Old San Juan sits on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean northwards, and the port southwards. This walled and fortified area, now a major historical landmark, was established in 1510. Old San Juan is compactly sized, easy to get around on foot. If your energy runs out take the free bus that runs around the main attractions. Take time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the brightly colored houses, craft shops, and go to the interesting museums.

El Morro Fort

El Morro, a huge fort dating from 1539, defends San Juan from sea pirates. Its full name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, after the patron saint of King Philip of Spain. You'll find six sets of gun platforms and huge walls that loom over San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

La Fortaleza

Don't miss La Fortaleza, San Juan's oldest fort, founded in 1540. Later it was to become the official residence of the governor. Informative tours take you through the sumptuous building, with gilded banqueting hall, tall galleries, and rooms furnished in period fashion.

Cathedral de San Juan

This impressive cathedral dates back to 1592, on the site of the previous cathedral which was destroyed by a storm. Situated on Calle Cristo, this structure with a unique gothic pavonine facade contains the crypt of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish seaman, and the first ever governor of Puerto Rico.

Shopping

Most of the shopping in Old San Juan is to be found in the many shops along Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets. As an alternative go to the two markets where you'll find a big choice of jewelry, fashions, art and souvenirs. One is located at the Plaza de la Darsena, in front of pier 1, the other on the Paseo de la Princesa, just along from pier 1.

Bacardi Rum Distillery

Rum drinkers may prefer its nickname the Cathedral of Rum. There's a free guided tour and enjoyable trolley ride. After the boring talk about the distillery's early years enjoy a drink or two.

El Yunque

The only tropical rain forest in the US National Forest system. Very beautiful with a totally sylvan atmosphere. Situated about 45 minutes from San Juan.

Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve

A fascinating ecological reserve with 7 different tropical habitats. Be warned though, visitor numbers are limited, so a reservation is essential.

Cruise Ideas

Enthusiastic cruise vacationers pick San Juan as an alternative to a Florida port. Thanks to its central Caribbean location, the island provides quick access to wonderful Southern Caribbean ports, like the Netherland Antilles and the Windward Isles. A short flight is a better alternative to the long cruise to these areas from mainland US. The range of cruises on offer from San Juan is wide, including the Leeward Isles (USVI, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe), the Windward Isles (Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada,Tobago), and the Leeward Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (the ABC islands ie Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao). See San Juan cruises for detailed cruise departure information. Several major cruiselines offer cruises from San Juan, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises.

Cruise Ship Terminals

There are three major pier areas in San Juan port. Old San Juan piers 1 through 6, the Pan American pier, and Navy Frontier pier. Most times cruise ships visiting San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Cruise ships leaving from San Juan will berth at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier, 15 minutes by cab from Old San Juan.

Getting to the Port

From the Airport

San Juan airport is located about nine miles from the Pan American pier and 12 miles from the Old San Juan piers. It usually takes about three quarters of an hour in a cab for the journey. The cost is around twenty dollars. Additional charges apply for luggage, some drivers charging by item.

Resources

San Juan Port https://www.prpa.pr.gov/

[rabbitcruiser]

Feast of St. Anthony

The Feast of St. Anthony is observed every year on June 13 to honor the life and work of St. Anthony of Padua, who accomplished many things during his short time in this world as a priest. He was revered by his contemporaries and noted for his powerful preaching, vast knowledge of scripture, and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick. They made him one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history. His fame spread through Portuguese evangelization and he became the patron saint of Lisbon, Padua, and many other places in Portugal. St. Anthony is invoked and respected around the world as the patron saint for the recovery of lost items. He is credited with several miracles involving lost people, things, and even spiritual goods.

History of Feast of St. Anthony

St. Anthony of Padua was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões to a wealthy and prominent family in Lisbon, Portugal on August 15, 1195. His father, Martin de Bouillon, was a descendant of Godfrey de Bouillon, commander of the First Crusade, while his mother, Theresa Tavejra, was a descendant of the fourth king of Asturia, Froila I.

Anthony was educated at the Cathedral School of Saint Mary near his house, where his teachers suggested that he become a knight at the king’s court. However, his father believed Anthony was better suited to intellectual pursuits and wanted him to help manage the family’s estate and become a nobleman. To his father’s dismay, Anthony joined the Canons Regular of St. Augustine when he was 15 and entered St. Vincent’s convent of Lisbon in 1210. Anthony soon asked to be transferred to the Holy Cross Monastery in Coimbra where he spent eight years studying theology and was later ordained a priest. During this period, he befriended many friars following Francis of Assisi, who built an order of friars and traveled extensively, preaching to non-believers.

In 1220, he joined the Franciscan order inspired by five Fransicians who were martyred in Morocco. He, too, hoped to preach to Muslims and be martyred. On his way to Morocco, he became seriously ill and was forced to return home, but his ship back to Portugal was blown off course and finally landed in Sicily. Because of his deteriorating health, he was not allowed to pursue missionary work. Instead, he taught theology in Bologna, Italy; and at Montpellier, Toulouse, and Puy-en-Velay in southern France. He won great admiration as a preacher and was noted for his simple yet profound teaching of the Catholic faith. He died on his way to Padua, Italy on June 13 in 1231.

Feast of St. Anthony timeline

1195

Saint Anthony is Born

St. Anthony of Padua is born Fernando Martins de Bulhões to a wealthy and socially prominent family in Lisbon, Portugal.

1220

The Franciscan Order

Anthony joins the Franciscan order, hoping to preach to Muslims and be martyred.

1231

Saint Anthony Passes Away

Anthony becomes sick with ergotism and dies on June 13 on the way to Padua, where he is now buried.

1232

Canonization

Anthony is canonized by Pope Gregory IX on May 30, 1232, at Spotelo, Italy for his spiritual teachings and devotion to the Church.

Feast of St. Anthony FAQs

What do you eat on St. Anthony’s day?

Spaniards are fond of beans and prepare them in many ways. Bean and Escarole Soup with or without pasta is often cooked in Spanish families and is offered to the poor on St. Anthony’s Day after Mass.

Where is the town of Braham located?

St. Anthony had a prized and expensive book of psalms that went missing and he thought was probably stolen. He prayed that the book would be found. A novice who had taken the book suddenly returned it and even returned to the order. The stolen book is said to be preserved in the Franciscan friary in Bologna, Italy.

Why is St. Anthony often painted with a baby?

The baby in the paintings depicts Baby Jesus and is reminiscent of the vision that Anthony had in Camposampiero. It expresses his attachment to the humanity of Christ and his closeness to God.

How to Observe Feast of St. Anthony

Go to church: Visit the church on this holy day to feel closer to God and to ponder upon St. Anthony’s spiritual teachings. Dedicate the day to learning more about his preaching and incorporate it into your life for a more fulfilling life.

Help the needy: Follow St. Anthony’s teachings of devoting yourself to the sick and the poor by donating money, helping out at soup kitchens, and spending time with those less fortunate than you. Any amount of time devoted will be appreciated.

Celebrate at home: Have a wholesome family dinner with your close family members by cooking up a delicious homecooked meal. Read more about his teachings in the many books written about him and share these fascinating stories with your children.

5 Remarkable Facts About St. Anthony

He preached to the fish: St. Anthony was once seen preaching to fish in Rimini to the surprise of non-believers, but soon a large crowd of fish had gathered to listen to him.

Marriage saint: He is known as a marriage saint in Portugal, Spain, and Brazil because legends exist of him reconciling couples.

Feast of all Feasts: ,Boston’s North End holds a feast every year on the weekend of the last Sunday in August in honor of St. Anthony called the "Feast of All Feasts."

Celebrated follower of Francis of Assisi: St. Anthony’s fame spread with Portuguese evangelization and he is known as the most celebrated follower of Francis of Assisi.

Poisoning: According to a story, St. Anthony’s food was poisoned by non-believers who challenged him to eat the food anyway —-which he did after blessing the food and coming out unharmed.

Why Feast of St. Anthony is Important

St. Anthony helped the poor and the sick: St. Anthony quickly became a champion of the poor in Padua. Among other acts, he influenced the local government to pass legislation that protected the poor from going to prison if they could not repay their debts.

He was a great orator: His presentations were so forceful, simple, and eloquent that he was asked to preach all over Italy and the regions of France. His theological expertise and inspirational oration also impressed the leader of the order, St. Francis, who enlisted Anthony to teach theology to other Franciscans. This was a unique honor, as he would have a huge impact on the order’s future and the Church.

He is celebrated all over the world: From the Americas to Asia to Africa, St. Anthony is revered all over the world. Outside of Europe, there are churches dedicated to him in Texas, Tamil Nadu and Goa in India, and the Philippines, among other places. He also inspired many artists who painted him frequently.

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