Sacred Heart Blessings Catholic Rosaries

Christmas Legends

2012-01-03T17:00:00.000-06:00

With January 6th, the Epiphany, coming up, I thought I would share some of the Christmas legends behind some time honored traditional symbols of the Christmas season.

The Legend of the Candy Cane

According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ.

First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd’s staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.

Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and three thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.

The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

So, every time you see a candy cane, remember the message of the candy maker: Jesus is the Christ!

Another Legend of the Candy Cane

The development of the candy cane took a few hundred years. Before the invention of the modern pacifier, parents gave their babies unflavored white sugar sticks to suck on. During the 1670’s, a German choirmaster had the sugar sticks bent into a shepherd’s staff and passed them out to children attending the Christmas services. This holiday custom spread throughout Europe, and fancy canes, decorated with roses, were used as Christmas decorations in many homes. About 1900, the white candy cane received its traditional red stripes and peppermint flavoring. At the same time the legend of the candy cane came into being. According to this legend, a candy maker in Indiana designed the candy cane to tell the true story of Christmas - a story about a virgin giving birth to a Shepherd who would give up His life for the sheep.

The most obvious symbolism used in the candy cane is its shape. Turned one way, it looks like a “J” for Jesus. The newborn Lamb of God was named Jesus, meaning Savior, because He was destined to “save His people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). Turned the other way, candy canes remind us of the shepherd’s staff. The first people to hear of Christ’s birth were shepherds guarding their flocks at night (Lk 2:8-20). Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. The Bible frequently compares the actions of the Messiah to those of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep, feeding them, gently leading them, and carrying them in his bosom (Ps 23; Jn 10:1-18; Is 40:11; Jer 31:10; Micah 5:4; Heb 13:20). The sweetness of the candy reminds us that we are fed on the sweet milk of the Gospel of our salvation and peace (Eph 1:13; 6:15).

The hardness of the candy reminds us that Jesus is our rock of refuge (Deu 32:4, 15, 18; 1 Sam 2:2; 2 Sam 22:32, 47; 23:3; Psa 18:2, 31; 28:1; 92:15; 94:22; 95:1; Is 44:8). In rocky lands like Israel, people often sought shelter from their enemies in the caves or rocky crags of cliffs. Rocks also remind us of the solidness of the promises of Christ who is a precious cornerstone and sure foundation to those who follow Him, but a “stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” to those who reject His gift of peace (1 Pet 2:6-8).

The whiteness of the candy brings to mind the Virgin Birth and the sinless life of Christ (Mt 1:23; Lk 1:34-35). We also are made as pure as the snow through the cleansing action of His blood (Rev 7:9, 14; Is 1:18).

The traditional candy cane has 3 small red stripes to remind us of the soldiers’ stripes by which we are healed and a larger stripe which represents the blood shed by Christ on Calvary’s tree (Is 53:5; Mt 27:32-50). Some people say that the 3 small stripes honor the Holy Trinity while the larger stripe reminds us of the one true God. Others claim that the small stripes represent our mini-passions or sufferings and the great stripe symbolizes Christ’s Passion. A green stripe is sometimes placed on candy canes to remind us that Jesus is God’s gift to us. (Green is the color of giving.)

The peppermint flavor of modern candy canes is said to be similar to hyssop. In Old Testament times, hyssop was associated with purification and sacrifice. During the first Passover celebrations, a bundle of hyssop was used to smear the blood of Passover lambs upon the doorposts of houses so that the Angel of Death would pass over their occupants (Ex 12:22). Bundles of hyssop were also used to sprinkle blood on worshipers and objects during Mosaic purification rituals (Ex 24:6-8; Lev 14:4, 49-52). After his affair with Bathsheba, King David appealed to God’s mercy crying, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps 51:7). Peppermint reminds us that Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:7). His blood cleanses us from sin and destroys the power of death (Hosea 13:14; 1 Cor 15:54-57; Heb 2:14-15; Rev 20:6).

Except where otherwise indicated all scripture quotes are from the NKJV.

Legend of the Christmas Candle

The practice of placing candles in windows in December probably originated in pre-Christian times as part of winter solstice celebrations. However the legend recounted below demonstrated how Christians reinterpreted these candles to represent the light and peace of Christ.

Many years ago an old cobbler and his wife lived in a little village in Austria. Although very poor, whatever they owned they shared with others. Each night they placed a lighted candle in the window of their cottage.. a sign of hospitality to any traveler needing shelter.

Through the years this little village was plagued with war and famine. Yet as though some mysterious charm guarded them, the cobbler and his wife suffered far less than their neighbors.

One evening, on the night before Christmas, the villagers gathered to discuss their plight. “There is something special about the cobbler and his wife. They are always spared our misfortunes. What do they do that we do not? Let us put a candle in our windows too,” said one villager, “perhaps that is the charm.”

That night a candle was lighted in the window of every home, and lo, before the sun rose, a messenger brought great news to the village. Peace had come! The villagers gave thanks to God for this blessing of Peace and vowed to always light candles on Christmas Eve.

This beautiful custom spread throughout the world and each Christmas millions of candles light up our world with their message of love, and everlasting joy.

Christmas Lights

Light is very special to Jesus. In fact, Jesus is often called the Light of the World. Light of the World means Jesus was like a light or a lit candle. If you think about a birthday cake, one candle is able to light many candles from just one flame. When we call Jesus the Light of the World it means Christ’s love works like a candle flame. From one flame many other candles can be lit. Each new light can light many others. Jesus loves you and shares his light and his love with you and with all other Christians. If you pass that light on to others, they can pass it on to even more people, and so on. Jesus is like the first candle who gives out light to all the rest.

When people call Jesus the Light of the World they also mean that He was the bright light that helped people see the right way to live. In a world that was filled with confusion and sadness, Jesus came like a shining light to bring help and hope to all people.

We can receive that light and guidance from Jesus and pass it along to others, too. The Christmas lights that people put up during Advent can remind us that people spread Jesus’ love and light here on earth. Jesus gives his love and light to us and we can pass it on to others in little ways. We can be the light that brightens another person’s day by helping them, listening to and being there for them or by simply offering a smile.

The First Christmas Tree

by Timothy Southall

The first Christmas tree was not an evergreen.
The tree was tall, had two branches and was lean.
It was not brought home on top of a car,
They dragged it down Calvary Road, which made it far.
It was not decorated with tinsel of silver or gold.
On it was a sign declaring Him the King of His fold.
We place ornaments on our Christmas tree.
With Jesus, it left scars than even Thomas could see.
Bright lights shine on Christmas morning.
Back then it got dark, and there was mourning.
We place a star on top to adorn.
A star shone brightly when Jesus was born.
The gifts for our families lay around the tree.
The disciples gathered around asking, “How could this be?”
For our children, it brings toys and maybe a game.
His tree brought Jesus suffering and shame.
So when you decorate your Christmas tree,
Think of the One who made all the prophecies come to be.
His Gift was not a toy truck, a wagon or doll.
On His tree, Jesus gave His life, the greatest Gift of all.

Legend of the Robin (Christmas Version)

As Jesus lay in the manger, the robin saw the fire needed to stay lit to keep the baby Jesus warm. The little bird flew down to the fire and flapped its little wings to keep the embers glowing throughout the night. As a reminder of its gift, the little robin was given a red breast…reddened by the fire.

The Nativity / Manger / Creche

What is often called a manger is more appropriately known as the Crèche or Nativity Scene. The manger is actually the feeding trough for animals. There was no crib for the Christ Child; so, He was laid in a manger lined with hay. People often refer to the Stable as the manger...

It only makes sense that the Family’s Nativity Scene be blessed when it is set up or before Christmas.

In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi celebrated the first Feast of the Nativity. The Feast has continued from that day forward. St. Francis based his Feast on two early celebrations, the first dating from Pope Liberius (352-366) and the second from Pope Gregory III (731-741).

In the early years, a consecrated host was laid in the Manger just as the Christ Child had lain in the manger in Bethlehem. By the 16th Century, the Crèche was no longer confined to the Church, as Catholics in Germany started erecting small crèches (Kristkribbe) under their own Christmas trees in their homes.

Wreath Legends & Meanings

Legend of the Shepherd Boy and the Wreath

A poor boy had no gift to give the Holy Child; so he made a tiny crown of leaves from a Holly Bush.

Compared to the expensive gifts the others had given, the crown was of little value. The little shepherd boy began to cry as he presented, but when the Babe touched the Holly crown with His tiny hand, the leaves suddenly gleamed and the teardrops turned to scarlet berries.

Through the centuries, the Holly wreath became a traditional Christmas decoration, reminding us of the Miracle of Christ’s Birth.

The Meaning of the Wreath

The wreath represents the crown of Christ who is King of our world. It also symbolizes the “Crown of Thorns” which Jesus wore at the time of his death. It’s an evergreen to symbolize Jesus’ unchanging, eternal love for us. It is a circle to show that God has no beginning and no ending.

Legend of the Poinsettia

The Poinsettia was named for Joel Robert Poinsett, a native of South Carolina. Poinsett was serving as an ambassador in Mexico when he came across the Poinsettia. In 1829, he sent some home from Mexico to South Carolina, where they did very well in his greenhouse.

According to legend, the origin of the poinsettia was as follows: a poor Mexican girl and her brother were on their way to church on Christmas Eve but had nothing to give the Christ child. They gathered weeds and made them into a small bouquet. The other children made fun of their gift. When they laid the branches at the manger in the church, the weeds were miraculously transformed into bright red and white leaves that we know as the poinsettia.

A variation of the legend speaks of a poor child, who prayed for a gift to present to the Christ child. As he knelt at the altar saying his prayers, bright red and green plants grew up at his feet.

Another legend says, as the Star of Bethlehem shone on the earth, the earth responded by producing a plant that mirrored the star’s beauty. The flower was star shaped with white petals and a golden star center. On the day that Christ died on the cross, the white petals turned red to remember Jesus’ blood and some remained white to remember the purity of his sacrifice.

Regardless of which legend you fancy, the general shape of the plant and the arrangement of leaves are seen as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the wise men to the baby Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity.

Holly Legends (Christmas Version)

Christian legend says one winter night, the holly miraculously grew leaves out of season in order to hide the Holy Family from Herod’s soldiers. Since then, it has been an evergreen as a token of Christ’s gratitude…

One night as the holy family was fleeing to Egypt, Joseph heard the soldiers riding behind them. Since there were no rocks or caves to hide in, the family hid beneath the branches of a holly bush. Normally, the bush would not have offered much shelter since it had lost all its leaves in the fall. But that night the holly miraculously pushed forth its leaves and grew sharp thorns to hide the family. Since then the holly has borne leaves all year long.

Christmas Holly Poem…

When Christ was born in Bethlehem on that first Christmas night
A barren bush outside the stable blossomed full and bright
It bore a grim reminder of the crown He’d one day wear
It’s prickly leaves foretold the thorns of sorrow He would bear
Amidst the green there grew strange fruit - small berries scarlet red
As crimson as the blood our Savior was to shed
In honor of the Prince of Peace
A flower pure and white
Blossomed sweetly when the Lord was
born that holy Christmas night.
~ Author unknown ~

Holly is truly a Christmas tradition. Holly is an evergreen with waxy leaves that resist water loss when the soil is frozen in winter. This is why it does not wither when brought indoors as a Christmas decoration.

Another legend about Christmas holly says a little orphan boy was living with the shepherds when the angels came to announce the birth of the newborn King. Having no gift for the baby, the child wove a crown of holly branches for its head. But when he laid it before Christ, he became ashamed of its poverty and began to cry. Miraculously, Jesus touched the crown and it began to sparkle while the orphan’s tears turned into beautiful scarlet berries.

Mary's Special Gift

by Tara Lee Davis from the website of the Humane Society of Ottawa

Many of us are familiar with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The story many people don’t know about is Mary, Baby Jesus, and a very special Tabby Cat.

On the night Jesus was born, many animals stood silently by – the quiet oxen, the patient donkey and horses, the nesting does, the gentle dogs and another young mother, a beautiful tabby cat.

The young cat was nearby contentedly nursing her young, making sure all her kittens were clean and fed. After their tummies were full, she carefully licked their little faces clean and gently carried them all one by one to the barn’s loft to rest for the night. The young mother cat settled down next to her kittens and softly purred a mother’s lullaby to put all her six babies to sleep.

In the barn the gentle silence of the night was broken by the cries of Jesus.

Mary rocked her child gently in her arms trying to comfort Him and bring sleep to her precious son, but baby Jesus wouldn’t sleep. He cried and was restless.

Mary laid Jesus in the manger and tried gently singing to Him hoping this would please Him and He would sleep.

Upstairs in the loft with all her kittens asleep the young tabby cat tiptoed across the loft to see what all the commotion was about. After all, it was only one baby not six!

Looking down into the manger the little cat saw baby Jesus crying and Mary helpless as to her son’s needs. Why would Jesus not sleep and how could she help him?

Quietly the little cat climbed down from the loft and padded softly towards the manger where Jesus lay. Ever so gently, the little tabby placed her delicate paws on the edge of the manger; there she stood looking at Jesus with wide green eyes.

With a tender meow she turned to Mary and Mary smiled. With this the little tabby cat leapt up gingerly into the manger and settled down next to Jesus and gently purred a soft mother cat’s lullaby that soothed her tiny kittens and slowly baby Jesus too quietly drifted off to sleep.

Grateful for the little cat’s help, Mary gently picked up the little tabby cat and cradled her in her arms. The little tabby cat continued to purr and gently licked Mary’s hand.

Mary lifted the little tabby cat up and with a smile quietly said, “From one new mother to another, I thank you.” Mary gave the little tabby a kiss on the forehead.

To this day, all Tabby cats around the world will always carry an “M” on their forehead as a mark of the kiss that Mary gave to all tabbies as a special gift for their special part they played in the life of Jesus.

The 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-28T13:54:00.001-06:00

The Christmas standard, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, is to most a rambling of strange ‘gifts’, which tests our memory. However, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” had a more solemn intention with significance beyond the seemingly trite ‘gifts.’

The English had begun writing Christmas carols in the 15th century, but when the Puritans came to power they suppressed both Christmas and its carols. After Christmas was restored in England, festive songs praising the occasion were written, but the only legal church was the state church – Church of England. Between 1558, the year Queen Elizabeth I ascended the throne, and 1829, when George IV was king, Catholics in England were forbidden from any practice of their faith by law – public and private. It was, at that time, illegal to be Catholic punishable by imprisonment or execution.

During this dark time, Catholics looked for ways to preserve their faith and teach their children basic doctrine without being caught. Catholic parents used nonsense songs, including “The 12 Days of Christmas,” that would not arouse suspicion in non-Catholics but would remind the children of their faith. For this reason, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was memorized and passed down from one generation to the next before it was ever recorded in writing. What we think of as a silly song today was popular two centuries ago during this dismal period as a Catechism song, a memory aid.

First appearing in England around 1780, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was devised to allow Roman Catholics to practice their faith without fear of punishment. This was during a time when music and poetry was often used to express ideas contrary to what the law allowed. In this way, although the real meanings have mostly been lost to us today, Mother Goose rhymes were disguised political commentaries in the days before so-called ‘free speech’.

Each ‘gift’ had, in reality, a hidden meaning intended to help young Catholics learn one of the tenets of their faith. So, as Christmas has become a ‘holiday for the children’, we should all return to our childhood. In this way, we may learn the true meaning behind each of the ‘gifts’ of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, and, in addition, learn the true meaning of Christmas and our faith, as children of old once did!

To begin, we need to know when the twelve days of Christmas are. In this day of advertising and Christmas sales and shopping, most people believe the twelve days lead up to Christmas Day, but this is a misinterpretation. The period leading up to Christmas is, actually, the Advent season, not the Christmas season. Instead, it benefits retailers if they can get people shopping ahead of the season; hence, winter coats appear in the fall, spring fashions in the winter, bathing suits in spring and back-to-school in summer. They are, then, being consistent when they sell Easter dresses during Lent or decorate for Christmas in Advent. So, remember, merchants have sales and decorate for what is coming, not what is happening!

In the Church, as in the Jewish Synagogue, the day technically begins at sunset. Therefore, Christmas begins at sundown on December 24^th, which we call ‘Christmas Eve.’ The Christmas season, then, begins on Christmas Eve and ends with Epiphany. The twelve days of Christmas are, then, December 26^th through January 6^th. Epiphany, the traditional day for celebrating the coming of the three wise men to worship Jesus and bring Him gifts, begins on the twelfth night after Christmas; so, Epiphany was known as Twelfthnight in England.

In “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, each of the 12 verses camouflages a religious theme…

My True Love does not refer to an earthly suitor, it, in fact, refers to God, Himself.

Me, who receives the strange sequence of ‘gifts’, refers to every baptized person or the Church.

1. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree…

The Partridge is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christ is symbolically represented by a mother partridge, who will feign injury to distract predators away from her defenseless nestlings, and even, if necessary, give up her life for her children. This is a reminder of Christ’s expression of sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so…” (Luke 13:34)

The Pear Tree is a reminder of the cross.

There fore…on the 1^st day, God gave me the gift of Jesus on the Cross for the sins of the world

2. On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves…

Two Turtle Doves are The Old and New Testaments, gifts that each Christian receives, which together bear witness to God’s self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

3. On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three French hens…

Three French Hens represents the gift of the Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love. When the song was written, only the rich could afford these costly birds. “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

4. On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds…

Four Calling Birds symbolizes the gift of The Four Gospels/Evangelists: 1) Matthew, a tax collector in Judea, whom Jesus called to be one of his apostles; 2) Mark, or John Mark, a young boy at the time of Jesus’ ministry, who later teamed up with St. Paul on his first missionary journey; 3) Luke, a Greek physician, and the only non-Jewish writer in the Bible; and 4) John, one of the 12 apostles, who wrote his Gospel many years after Jesus was crucified, while he himself was imprisoned for his faith on the island of Patmos. They proclaim the Good News of God’s reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ. As early as the second century, Christian writers sought in Ezekiel’s vision (i, 5 sqq.) and in Apocalypse. (iv, 6-10) symbolical representations of the Four Evangelists. The system which finally prevailed in the Latin Church, consisted in symbolizing St. Matthew by a man (sometimes an angel), St. Mark by a lion, St. Luke by an ox, and St. John by an eagle.

5. On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five gold rings…

Five Gold Rings denotes the gift of the first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity’s sinful failure and God’s response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world. Written by Moses, these books contain the early history of the Jews, the Ten Commandments and all the laws derived from them. Revered by the Jews, these books were considered to be worth more than gold, “even much fine gold.” (Psalms 19:9-10).

6. On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six geese a-laying…

Six Geese A-Laying signifies the six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1). God spoke the word and brought forth life. “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31). Eggs are an almost universal symbol of new life.

7. On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven swans a-swimming…

Seven Swans A-Swimming symbolizes the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) service/ministry,
3) teaching, 4) encouraging, 5) giving, 6) leadership, and 7) compassion/mercy (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11).

8. On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight maids a-milking…

Eight Maids A-Milking represents the eight Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:3-10): 1) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” 2) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” 3) “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth,” 4) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled,” 5) “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy,” 6) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God,” 7) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God,” 8) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

9. On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing…

Nine Ladies Dancing symbolizes the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: 1) “love,” 2) “joy,” 3) “peace,” 4) “patience,” 5) “kindness,” 6) “generosity/goodness,” 7) “faithfulness,” 8) “gentleness, and” 9) “self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

10. On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ten lords a-leaping…

Ten Lords A-Leaping indicates the ten commandments: 1) I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me; 2) You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; 3) Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day; 4) Honor your father and your mother; 5) You shall not kill; 6) You shall not commit adultery; 7) You shall not steal; 8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor; 9) You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; 10) You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods. (Exodus 20:1-17)

11. On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping…

Eleven Pipers Piping represents the eleven Apostles who remained faithful to Jesus: 1) “Simon, whom he named Peter;” 2) “his brother Andrew;” 3) “James;” 4) “John;” 5) “Philip;” 6) “Bartholomew;” 7) “Matthew;” 8) “Thomas;” 9) “James, son of Alphaeus;” 10) “Simon, called the Zealot,” 11) “Judas, son of James.” (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

12. On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming…

Twelve Drummers Drumming represents The Twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed: 1) “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” 2) “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.” 3) “He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.” 4) “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave].” 5) “On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead.” 7) “I believe in the Holy Spirit,” 8) “the holy Catholic Church,” 9) “the communion of saints,” 10) “the forgiveness of sins,” 11) “the resurrection of the body,” 12) “and life everlasting. Amen”

For years, the ditty helped youngsters learn their Catechism. Then in 1829, the English Parliament legalized Catholicism, and there was no more need to study in secret. Today, ironically, the song is associated only with the secular side of Christmas. Freedom of religion is one of those things you don’t notice much unless it’s gone, but “The 12 Days of Christmas,” which helped keep the faith alive when Catholics weren’t free, is still with us.

St Nicholas (part 3 of 3)

2011-12-19T02:29:00.003-06:00

St Nicholas as Santa Claus

Nuns in France supposedly first began leaving treats on St. Nicholas Eve, December 5th, for the small children of poor families. St. Nicholas’ gifts were usually good things to eat: apples, oranges, nuts and eventually cookies and sweets. The custom quickly spread across Europe and was adopted by both rich and poor.

Children around the world know and love St. Nicholas as someone who brings gifts and treats in December. He is known by different names – and even looks different from place to place. It is said that his image of a fat, jolly fellow in a red suit was actually a result of a Coca Cola® ad in 1931! It is the same St. Nicholas, by whatever name or picture, who is said to delight children with gifts and good things to eat. Nicholas gave in secret, alert to others’ needs, and expecting nothing for himself in return. It is this selfless generosity which seeks only the good of the other that made Nicholas’ gifts the type of gifts that are a pale reflection of the gift God gave us in His Son.

Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas’ feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor – and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of his feast day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint’s horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. As it is told that St. Nicholas arrived in the Netherlands and Belgium on a steamship from Spain, he rode a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. Simple gift-giving in early December helps preserve Christmas Day for celebrating the most important Gift – God’s Gift of the Christ Child (John 3:16).

St. Nick vs. Santa Claus Comparison

So when you see a Santa figure at Christmastime, be sure to share the real story of St. Nick: the man who loved the Lord with all his heart and followed Him faithfully.

Here’s a comparison of the myth and the real man by – J. Rosenthal & C. Myers:

Santa Claus belongs to childhood;
St. Nicholas models for all of life.

Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales – the commercial Christmas message;
St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all – the hope-filled Christmas message.

Santa Claus encourages consumption;
St. Nicholas encourages compassion.

Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with prayer and example.

Santa Claus flies through the air – from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth – caring for those in need.

Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.

Santa Claus isn’t bad;
St. Nicholas is just better.

St Nicholas with the children

Have a very merry & blessed Christmas!

St Nicholas (part 2 of 3)

2011-12-19T02:02:00.002-06:00

Bishop Nicholas & the Council of Nicaea

How Nicholas Became a Bishop

A very long time ago when the Bishop of Myra died, other bishops gathered to select a new bishop for the See of Myra. As they met, they discussed and prayed, but were not able to discern the right choice to be the new bishop.

One night, the oldest and wisest bishop heard a voice in the night telling him to watch the doors of the church the next morning before matins. The first person to enter the church by the name of “Nicholas” was to be the new bishop. This wise bishop told his vision to the others, urging them to pray as he waited at the doors.

When the hour for morning prayer came, the first person to arrive was a young man. “What is your name?” asked the bishop. “I am Nicholas,” said the young man. “Nicholas, servant and friend of God, for your holiness you shall be bishop of this place,” said the bishop. Nicholas protested that he was not worthy to be named bishop. However, all the bishops said that it was God’s will that he be made the new bishop. They brought him into the church and placed him in the bishop’s seat where he was consecrated the new Bishop of Myra. And Nicholas vowed that he would bring the Gospel of Christ to the people and defend the faith from all those who would assail it. Bishop Nicholas then lived his life in faithful service to God as protector of the poor and helpless, as advocate of justice for those in need, and as a faithful defender of the Christian faith.

Nicholas became a defender of the faith against Arianism, a theory propagated by Arias of Egypt.

In 325, Emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea, which was the first ecumenical council ever held. Although Bishop Nicholas does not appear on all lists of attendees, his name does appear on the oldest Greek list and on five other lists. It is probable that he attended, as more than 300 bishops from all over the Christian world came to debate the nature of the Holy Trinity, one of the early Church’s most intense theological questions. One idea, circulated by Arias, was Arianism, a heretical doctrine which asserted that Christ was not the Son of God, but a being nurtured by God, the Father, to the position of Son of God. This was the Arian controversy which shook Christianity’s very foundations.

Bishop Nicholas at the Council of Nicaea

Nicholas became a defender of the faith against Arianism. St. Methodius asserts that “thanks to the teaching of St. Nicholas the metropolis of Myra alone was untouched by the filth of the Arian heresy, which it firmly rejected as death-dealing poison.” He does not speak of Nicholas’ presence at the Council of Nicaea, but according to other traditions he was not only there but went so far in his indignation as to slap the arch-heretic Arius in the face in defense of the Gospel of Christ! At this, they say, he was deprived of his episcopal insignia and imprisoned, but Our Lord and His Mother appeared and restored to him both his liberty and his office.

Bishop Nicholas at the Council of Nicaea

In 325 Nicaea, Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea, the very first ecumenical council. More than 300 came from all over the Christian world to debate the nature of the Holy Trinity. It was one of the early church’s most intense theological questions. Arias, who was from Egypt, was teaching that Jesus the Son was not equal to God the Father. This was known as the Arian controversy and it shook the very foundations of Christianity. Arias argued his position forcefully and at great length. The assembly listened in silence and without interruption. Nicholas, however, became agitated, with what he saw as an attack on an essential Christian belief.

An outraged Nicholas got up, crossed the room, and slapped Arias in the face! The other bishops were shocked. It was unbelievable a bishop would become so confrontational in such a solemn assembly. Arias’ supporters demanded Constantine discipline Nicholas. Constantine acknowledged it was illegal for anyone to strike another in his presence; however, he passed determination of punishment on to the bishops.

The bishops decided Nicholas was to be stripped of his bishop’s garments, chained, and thrown into jail preventing Nicholas from participation in the rest of the meeting. Nicholas was shackled and put in jail until the council concluded and final judgment made.

Nicholas, ashamed of his outburst, prayed for forgiveness; although, he still believed Arias was wrong. During the night, Jesus, along with His mother Mary, appeared to Nicholas, asking, “Why are you imprisoned?” “Because of my love for you,” he replied. Jesus then gave Nicholas the Holy Scriptures. Meanwhile, Mary left and returned with the bishop’s garments. At peace, Nicholas studied the Scriptures throughout the night.

When the jailer checked on Nicholas in the morning, he found the chains loose on the floor and Nicholas, dressed in bishop’s robes, quietly reading the Scriptures. This was reported to Constantine; he, then, freed Nicholas, who was fully reinstated as Bishop of Myra.

Another Account of Bishop Nicholas at the Council of Nicaea

St Nicholas as Patron of Sailors

When all the bishops were gathered together in Nicaea to decide the great question threatening to split the early church, there were many long speeches. It can be very tiring to be part of such meetings. Once when they were at dinner, Bishop Nicholas, apparently fatigued, dozed off.

As he slept, Nicholas heard voices calling his name. Leaving his sleeping body leaning on the table, he followed the voices. After traveling a long way, he came to a place in the middle of the sea. A mighty storm was raging around a ship in great danger. The wind shredded the ship’s sails, and the masts broke. Sailors, clinging to the ship, cried to Nicholas for help.

As Nicholas raised his hands, the waves calmed and the thunder and lightening stopped. The sun came out over a now calm sea. The grateful sailors thanked God for their rescue. Nicholas blessed the sailors. He returned to Nicaea, awoke at the table, yawned and rubbed his eyes. Seeing he had awakened, the other bishops said, “So much has happened while you slept, Nicholas. We have missed you, our Brother.” “Yes indeed,” said Nicholas. “A ship has been saved and many sailors rescued.” The bishops, completely unaware of what had happened, thought Nicholas was referring to the Church as a ship and the Council had saved the Church and its people.

Some accounts list Nicholas as present at the Council of Nicaea and some do not. Some say his name was not on some lists because he was thrown in jail. Others say his name is missing because he was sleeping and missed some of the Council’s deliberations.

Next: Part 3 of 3 St Nicholas as Santa Claus

St Nicholas (part 1 of 3)

2011-12-06T17:23:00.001-06:00

History of Saint Nicholas

Naysayers claim St. Nicholas existed only in legend, without any reliable historical record. Legends, though, usually grow out of factual events; however, they may be embellished to make events more interesting. St. Nicholas’ legend may be reality intertwined with myth. While all of the “Santa Claus” legends are clearly fairy tales, the following facts of St. Nicholas’ life are purported to be derived from historical truth. These stories give us an idea of his personal character, as well as what the man may have been like. The information and stories here have been compiled from several Internet sources, including EWTN, Catholic Online and one which claims to have gathered their information ‘from various sites throughout the Internet’. This site states they ‘made every effort to compare and extract the items that seemed to be based on actual historical facts.’

Nicholas was born into a wealthy family about 350 miles northwest of Bethlehem in Patara. It is believed he was born in the third century between 260 and 280 AD; although, the exact date is unknown. Patara, which was Greek at the time, is now on the southern coast of Turkey. He was a Christian man who loved children, and loved his neighbors with the love of Christ. He spent his life privately giving gifts to the unfortunate. These usually secret acts of Christian charity, in addition to the Three Wisemen’s gifts to the baby Jesus, may have led to the tradition of exchanging gifts during the Christmas season. He died December 6, 343 AD in Myra.

December 6th, therefore, is the feast day of St Nicholas.

Nicholas’ history is vague, but there are many legends associated with him. We are told Nicholas was raised by pious and virtuous parents who had him study the sacred books by the age of five. “He was exceedingly well brought up by his parents and trod piously in their footsteps. The child, watched over by the church enlightened his mind and encouraged his thirst for sincere and true religion” His parents died when he was a young man, leaving him well off, and he was determined to devote his inheritance to works of charity. An opportunity soon arose.

Story of the Dowries

There was a man, once rich, who had fallen on hard times. Now poor, he had three daughters of an age to be married. In those days a young woman’s family had to have something of value, a dowry, to offer prospective bridegrooms. The larger the dowry, the better chance a young woman had to find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man’s daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery, or worse.

Word of the family’s misfortune reached Nicholas, who had the wealth inherited from his parents. Coming in secret by night, he tossed a bag of gold into the house. It sailed in through an open window, landing in a stocking left before the fire to dry. What joy in the morning when the gold was discovered! The first daughter soon wed. Not long after, another bag of gold again appeared secretly. The second daughter was married. The father, now very anxious to know who the secret benefactor was, kept watch during the night.

A third bag of gold landed in the house and the watchful father leaped up and caught the fleeing donor. “Ah, Nicholas, it is you!” cried the father, “You have saved my daughters from certain disaster.” Nicholas, embarrassed, and not wishing to be known, begged the man to keep his identity secret. He told the man to thank God alone for providing these gifts in answer to his prayers for deliverance.

This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes, the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. For this reason, three gold balls, also represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. Hence, St. Nicholas is known as the gift giver.

These three bags or purses of gold represented in pictures are believed by some to have been mistaken for the heads of three children. This belief gave rise to the absurd story of the children, resuscitated by the saint, who had been killed by an innkeeper and pickled in a brine-tub.

The Evil Innkeeper

In France the story is told of three small children having fun playing in the fields. As they play, they wander off toward the town. Walking about and exploring, the children lose track of the time. It is now late, the sun is going down; the children are hungry, tired and lost. They approach a lighted butcher’s shop, saying, “We are lost and hungry. May we eat and sleep?” “Oh, yes,” comes the reply, “do come in.” As they enter, the butcher takes a sharp knife, cuts them up, and puts them in a large salting tub. Time passes. Then a knock comes on the door. Bishop Saint Nicholas appears, saying to the evil butcher, “Open your large salting tub!” The saint, putting his hand on the tub, appeals to God, saying, “Rise up, children.” The little children are restored to life; their families joyfully welcome them home. Since then, St. Nicholas has been called upon as the patron and protector of children.

Coming to the city of Myra when the clergy and people of the province were in session to elect a new bishop, St. Nicholas was indicated by God as the man they should choose. This was at the time of Diocletian’s persecutions at the beginning of the fourth century. The Greek writers go on to say that now, as leader, “the divine Nicholas was seized by the magistrates, tortured, then chained and thrown into prison with other Christians. But when the great and religious Constantine, chosen by God, assumed the imperial diadem of the Romans, the prisoners were released from their bonds and with them the illustrious Nicholas, who when he was set at liberty returned to Myra.”

As bishop, Nicholas was a servant of God and a shepherd of the people, caring for their needs. His active pursuit of justice for his people was demonstrated when he secured lower taxes for Myra, saved the lives of three men wrongly condemned, and secured grain in time of famine. He taught the Gospel simply, so ordinary people understood, and he lived out his faith and devotion to God in helping the poor and all in need. These stories are another testament to his defense and protection of his people.

Tax Relief for Myra

The people of Myra were suffering under the burden of heavy taxes. They begged Bishop Nicholas to ask the emperor to relieve them of the high taxes which caused such hardship. Nicholas went to Constantine to plead the cause of his people. The emperor heard Nicholas’ pleas and granted a large cut. Nicholas received a written copy of the order. He immediately took the copy and went down to the sea where he threw the parchment out into the water. Soon afterwards it was fished out of the water near Myra and taken to the proper authorities. It was put into immediate effect and taxes were lowered substantially.

Meanwhile the finance ministers had convinced Constantine that losing this revenue would seriously harm the royal treasury. Constantine summoned Nicholas back and asked to have the order returned so it could be changed to a much smaller tax cut. When Nicholas reported that the order had already been put into effect in Myra, Constantine sent a runner to determine the truth. How could it be true when Bishop Nicholas was still in Constantinople? However, when Nicholas’ words were confirmed, the emperor allowed the full reduction to stand. A century later Myra’s people still attributed their low taxation to St. Nicholas.

Nicholas’ Burial & Pilgrimages

All accounts are unanimous to Nicholas’ burial in the episcopal city of Myra. By the time of Justinian, some two centuries later, his feast was celebrated on December 6^th, and a church was built over his tomb. The ruins of this domed basilica, which stood in the plain where the city was built, were excavated in the nineteenth century. The tremendous popularity of the saint is indicated by an anonymous Greek in the tenth century who declares: “The West as well as the East acclaims and glorifies him. Wherever there are people, in the country and the town, in the villages, in the isles, in the farthest parts of the earth, his name is revered and churches are erected in his honor.”

When Myra and its great shrine finally passed into the hands of the Saracens in 1034, several Italian cities made plans to get possession of the relics of the famous Nicholas. There was great competition for them between Venice and Bari. The citizens of Bari finally, on May 9, 1087, carried them off from the lawful Greek custodians and their Mohammedan/Moslem masters. A new church was quickly built at Bari and Pope Bd. Urban II was present at the enshrining of the relics. Devotion to St. Nicholas now increased and many miracles were attributed to his intercession.

At Myra “the venerable body of the bishop, embalmed as it was in the good ointments of virtue exuded a sweet smelling myrrh, which kept it from corruption and proved a health giving remedy against sickness to the glory o f him who had glorified Jesus Christ, our true God.” The translation of the relics did not interrupt this phenomenon, and the “manna of St. Nicholas” is said to flow to this day. It was one of the great attractions which drew pilgrims to his tomb from all parts of Europe.

The greatest popularity of St. Nicholas is found neither in the eastern Mediterranean nor north-western Europe, great as that was, but in Russia. With St. Andrew the Apostle, he is patron of Russia, and the Russian Orthodox Church even observes the feast of his translation of his relics; so many Russian pilgrims came to Bari before the revolution that their government supported a church, hospital and hospice there. St. Nicholas is also patron of Greece, Apulia, Sicily, and Lorraine, of many cities in Italy, Greece, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, and the Netherlands and dioceses (including Galway) and churches innumerable. Nicholas was so widely revered that more than 2,000 churches were named for him, including three hundred in Belgium, thirty-four in Rome, twenty-three in the Netherlands and more than four hundred in England. At Rome the basilica of St. Nicholas in the Jail of Tully (in Carcere) was founded between the end of the sixth and the beginning of the seventh centuries.

In addition, he is named in the preparation of the Byzantine Mass.

Part 2: Bishop Nicholas at the Council of Nicea

Adoring Santa/St Nick with Baby Jesus

Remembering Our Veterans on Veterans Day 11/11/11

2011-11-08T02:34:00.005-06:00

Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day; however, there is one very grave difference. Memorial Day remembers all those who gave their life in battle or succumbed to injury or illness attributed to their service. Veterans Day remembers all those who served during times of war and peace who are still with us.

It is astonishing the number of people who do not know why we celebrate Veterans Day or why it is the only national holiday other than Christmas, New Years and the 4^th of July that was not moved to a Monday to make a long weekend. First of all, holidays are not for the convenience of those celebrating/honoring them. Holidays have meaning and purpose.

Proponents of Veterans Day have fought long and hard to keep Veterans Day on November 11^th because its history is part of its celebration. It honors a bright light during a very dark time in world history. It is a moment all should remember. Unfortunately, today, some don’t know anything about it and some even pretend it never happened.

Veterans Day started as Armistice Day. Armistice Day marked the end of WWI. The western front battles ended at 11 am on 11/11/1918… the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” The end of the war to end all wars.

Many countries around the world celebrated it and declared it a national holiday. In 1938, legislation was passed making November 11^th a legal holiday to honor WWI vets and called it Armistice Day.

In 1954, after WWI & the Korean War. Veteran organizations urged congress to amend the Act of 1938 by renaming Armistice Day Veterans Day. The legislation was approved 6/1/1954, and allowed for the honoring of all American Veterans.

In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill moved holidays to Mondays ensuring 3-day weekends for federal employees. However, many states refused to follow this bill and continued to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, 2011. Under the new law, on October 25, 1971 Veterans Day was celebrated with much confusion. On September 20, 1975, President Ford returned Veterans Day to its 11/11 observance by signing it into law. Since 1978, Veterans Day has been observed on November 11^th.

Armistice Day remains a holiday in France & Belgium. It was changed to Remembrance Day in all British Commonwealth of Nations (Great Britain, Canada, Australia, etc.).

Many countries hold special ceremonies, commemorative events and parades with active duty military and veterans.

In times of peace, people often forget out Veterans and the struggles they face. Many claim they care for the well being of our service men & women. In times of war, many demand our military personnel be returned to American shores. People don’t understand being away from home, away from the US in some instances, is our military doing their job. It would be like telling a civilian to do their job but don’t show up for work to do it. Alas, I am always reminded of Dad’s words to Mom during the Viet Nam war…

Dad wrote these words to Mom back when he was in Viet Nam while she was pregnant with my older brother. Being in Rhode Island, which has always been a little anti-military, family and friends would press her for why Dad volunteered to join the US Navy at a time of war. She wrote to Dad with the same question. His response has echoed through my life whenever he has had to travel without us or whenever our military has had to do what they do best. He explained to her: he would rather go to foreign shores to fight those who wish to destroy our way of life… the American way of life… than have to fight them here on American soil. He would rather go there, possibly lose his life and never see his unborn child or his wife and family again, knowing he did all he could to protect our country, our way of life and the future of Americans including his wife and unborn child, hoping that child would never see the devastation of war here in the United States… on American soil.

Demands are made for cuts in defense spending constantly; yet, so many don’t realize a great deal of defense cuts come in the form of cutting veterans programs, health care and such.

Veterans’ health care is a prime example of why the federal government should not meddle in health care. Many veterans struggle with adjusting back to life outside a war zone. Many veterans struggle to adjust after life long careers in the armed forces. Many veterans struggle with physical handicaps, results of injuries of war. Many struggle with mental handicaps acquired on the battlefield, but are not so readily seen by others. Many veterans suffer illness from exposure to chemical and biological weapons, and in some cases, these weapons are used by our own government in the forms of vaccines, which are suppose to protect military personnel, defoliating herbicides, as is the case of Agent Orange, and other chemicals and such by the enemy. Documented illnesses the federal government refuses to recognize.

Nearly 30 years after Viet Nam, the federal government finally recognized diabetes among Viet Nam veterans exposed to Agent Orange were higher than normal and attributed these findings to Agent Orange. However, the federal government has yet to make the same connection for Graves Disease, heart disease and cancer. Veterans of the Gulf War, too, are having difficulty getting the federal government to recognize service-related illnesses.

The reason… money. It is costly to treat the service-related illnesses. It is better, I suppose, in the eyes of the government, to allow these brave men and women to die of illnesses received while fighting for the freedoms of all Americans than to spend the money on their care. It is a grave warning to all who support the socialist agenda of government funded health care. I have been to the VA hospitals. I have witnessed the waiting these men and women are put through. I have first hand knowledge of the war they still fight, this time with our own government, just to be compensated for what happened to them many years ago. Viet Nam veterans are the fastest, youngest dieing veterans. Why? Because the government refuses to acknowledge them and the lasting effects of Agent Orange. These brave veterans are not counted in the casualties of a war lost in Washington DC. Contrary to popular belief, the United States was winning the Viet Nam war until Washington DC started caving to whiny protesters. Now, as these veterans age into their 60s, they are being abandoned, once again by their government who would rather they die of their war-related illnesses than offer them the health care they so rightly deserve.

Gulf War veterans are now experiencing similar issues in dealing with the government trying to get the proper care for what has become known as Gulf War Syndrome, a condition the US Government either doesn’t know what causes it or has decided to keep it under wraps. It is sometimes thought that Saddam Hussein used chemical/biological weapons against our veterans, but one has to wonder if it was not our own government since they refuse to acknowledge it.

On this Veterans Day, we honor all veterans from war and peace time. It’s been 93 years since that 1^st Armistice Day. The day that ended the war to end all wars.

Obviously, the title didn’t bear true, as we approach the 70^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and we recently remembered the 10^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks. It has been a mere 58 & 38 years since the end of the Korean and Viet Nam wars, respectively. It has been 20 years since the end of the Gulf War.

The future does not look as if it will bring peace anytime soon; so, we continue to honor our veterans. We owe them our lives, our way of life and our freedom. We owe them so much more than we could ever repay.

Lest we forget

So, this Veterans Day, and everyday, when you see a veteran or one of our brave men or women in uniform, go up to them and thank them for their sacrifices. When you see a red poppy on a lapel remember this…

In Flanders Fields

by Lt. Col. John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The following is a list of websites for information and/or donation. If you would like to offer assistance to our veterans or if you are, or you know, a veteran, who needs assistance, please visit these sites…

www.DAV.org Disabled American Veterans: they are usually available at the VA hospitals. Every veteran should contact the DAV for support even if you do not need them at the moment. They can help you file any necessary paperwork to make claims for illnesses and help you file for benefits. They also help spouses.
www.TheVeteransSupport.org The Veterans Support: helps veterans pay utility bills, rent, mortgage & provide housing assistance for homeless vets.
www.TheVeteransSite.com
www.woundedheroes.org
www.gulfwarvets.com Great site for info on Gulf War Syndrome
www.veteranstoday.com & www.veteranstoday.com/2010/08/08/link-between-graves-disease-and-agent-orange/
www.nvlsp.org National Veteran Legal Services Program: great resources on this site including information on Ischemic Heart Disease in Viet Nam veterans.
www.veteransandfamilies.org provides info, support and assistance for transitioning from military to civilian life.
www.freedomisnotfree.com aids wounded service members, their families and the families of the fatally wounded.
www.ptsd.va.gov the official VA site for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.ptsdhelp.net network of help for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.patriotpaws.org provides dog training, service dogs for disabled American veterans
www.vetdogs.org dogs helping vets
www.hero-dogs.org/veterans.html service dogs for America’s heroes
www.va.gov the official site of the Veterans Administration

Rosaries for Veterans Day

2011-11-08T00:11:00.000-06:00

This week's featured rosaries are in line with Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th. These rosaries are popular with our military personnel, past and present and their families. They feature the Camo Rosaries and the In God We Trust God Bless America Rosary.

Desert Camo Yellow Ribbon Rosary

The Camo Rosaries

The Camo Rosaries began as a dedication to the US Armed Forces. Being a US Air Force brat, I always try to remember our military personnel. I searched for beads that were similar to the fatigues worn by military personnel.

The Desert camo version mimics the sand with the gemstone Picture Jasper. This gemstone's brown, tan and cream earth tones gives the impression of sandy expanses and rocky mountains.

The Woodland camo version uses a gemstone known as Camo Stone (TM). Camo Stone, also known as Kambaba Jasper. Kambaba Jasper is a new name given to an old stone, Green Stromatolite Jasper. It is a sedimentary stone formed from blue-green algae, sand and debris that has fossilized. Rhyolite forms from volcanic rock that cools slowly. It features a mix of deep rich green, reminiscent of a mossy forest floor, and black patterned tones which make it ideal for use by jewelry makers in making military uniform inspired jewelry. Some patterns feature hints of a warm salmon or brown color. The color pattern varies per bead. Kambaba Jasper, Green Stromatolite Jasper, Camo Stone is sold under many different names, depending on who the seller is marketing to. My supplier sells it under both Camo Stone and Kambaba Jasper.

Woodland Camo Yellow Ribbon Rosary

The ribbon centers are handmade lead free pewter especially made for these rosaries by an artisan in Florida, who is originally from Rhode Island. He makes and sells charms, but designed these for me when I asked. Each is enameled with either yellow or black.

Each rosary comes with the buyers choice of St. Christopher medal. St. Christopher is the protector of travelers and one of the patron saints of US military personnel, as they travel across the world protecting and defending freedom. The medal is available in USAF, USMC, USN & USArmy. Unfortunately, I could not locate one for the USCG, the National Guard or the Merchant Marines. The medal is attached to the yellow or black ribbon center.

Desert Camo POW/MIA Rosary

Each of the rosaries also feature lampwork clear glass beads with yellow or black ribbons for the Our Father/Lord's Prayer Pater Noster beads.

The rosary is available with yellow ribbons for active duty and veterans.

The rosary is available with black ribbons for POW, MIA and veterans who were either of those or who wish to remember those who were/are.

To complete the rosary, a Papal crucifix is used.

Upon request, the ribbon Our Father beads can be substituted for either the Picture Jasper/Desert Camo beads or the Camo Stone/Woodland Camo beads. They then would come with a silver plated bead cap at either ends of the beads to distinguish them from the Hail Mary beads.

Woodland Camo POW/MIA Rosary

These rosaries have become almost as popular as the cancer and health rosaries.

Upon many occasion, I have heard back from customers who were buying them for military family members to give to them before they leave for duty. In some cases, they were sent to them. My only hope is the rosaries bring their owners peace in a time of war and uncertainty.

In God We Trust God Bless America Rosary
One Nation Under God
EXCLUSIVELY crafted by Robyn!

In God We Trust God Bless America Rosary

This rosary is popular with just about everyone. It has become one of the favorites of our military personnel.

This meaningful rosary came to be after much news of stripping the United States of its religious background. When lawsuits flared demanding the "One nation under God" be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance and "In God We Trust" be removed from our currency.

In all this, this rosary offers hope!

It calls on the powerful intercessions of Mary, Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ, under her name the Immaculate Conception, and St. Michael the Archangel, who defends us in battle.

In 1847, the Bishops of the United States requested permission from the Holy Father, Pope Pius IX, to declare the Blessed Virgin Mary as patroness of the United States under the title of “The Immaculate Conception.” This title reflects Mary's privilege of being free from Original Sin. Mother Mary, therefore, under the title The Immaculate Conception, is the patron saint of the United States.

St. Michael the Archangel is known as our defender against evil. It is he will defend us against those who are against God.

When our country is in dire need, we call upon St. Mary, the Immaculate Conception, and St. Michael the Archangel to intercede for us with our heavenly Father. In the same way people ask others to pray to God for us, we ask Sts. Mary & Michael to do the same. So, the center is a large, highly detailed statuette of the Immaculate Conception, and attached at the bottom is a medal of St. Michael the Archangel.

The Immaculate Conception center, with her eyes cast downward, reminds us Mary is our mother in heaven, a powerful intercessor, who offers a “look of protection” upon her children and her nation.

The St. Michael the Archangel medal shows St. Michael winning the battle with evil & features the words "Pray for us" on the reverse.

Full Rosary

This striking rosary when held from the middle of the third decade is inspired by the United States flag! Beads reflect the rich blue “field” with dazzling crystal AB “stars” and alternating deep ruby red and more crystal AB “stripes”.

This rosary sings out God Bless America!

It reminds us we are "One Nation Under God"!

It confirms "In God We Trust"!

Holy Trinity Crucifix

The unique greatly detailed crucifix features the Holy Trinity: God the Father holding God the Son along with God the Holy Spirit. On the reverse is the Four Basilicas of Rome…St Peter, St Paul, St Mary Major and St John Lataran.

Our Father Beads

The Our Father, Lord's Prayer, Pater Noster beads are while glass based pearls with a silver plated red enameled Cloisonne inlaid bead cap on one side and a silver plated blue enameled Cloisonne inlaid bead cap on the other side.

Again, representing the colors of the United States and her flag.

May God bless our troops!

New Items Added to Addoway Store

2011-11-03T17:11:00.000-05:00

I am happy to announce I am adding some of my photographic prints to the store.

I probably will not add all of my prints to the store, but I will try to offer the religious themed ones. The selection will be limited to those prints that will fit the 5x7 print size.

Watermarks, obviously, will not be on the print you receive.

If you find a print you like and would like it in a bigger size, please feel free to contact me, and I will check to see if I can get it in that size.

I am using a commercial photograph printer for these prints.
They will be in a matte finish only, unless you request them in a glossy finish.
The prints will be ready for your matting and framing.

These are the same prints available on my artist website, Robyn Stacey Fine Art, featured on my homepage under "My Other Storefronts". The selection is bigger and prints are available in a multitude of sizes, papers and finishes. The prints are available on canvas, as prints, as prints framed with your choice of frames and as greeting cards. Greeting cards, which are accompanied by envelopes, are available for purchase individually as well as in multiples of 25.

Here are some of the prints I have added...

This is yet a small sample of what I have added and what I plan to add in the near future. Please feel free to visit my store to see more.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a quick glance at some of the artwork I have added. I will, hopefully, add more soon.

Please comment and share with your friends and family on facebook & twitter.

Thanks & God bless... Robyn

All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day & All Souls Day

2011-10-26T13:40:00.000-05:00

In light of the upcoming celebrations of All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day…

Halloween has a dual origin. It takes its name from its Christian origins. Most popular is the Celtic celebration of the Celtic New Year. The Celtic New Year was about November 1^st. They believed on the last day of the year, which would then be October 31^st, the lord of death, Samhain, let souls roam the earth. Those who had sinned in life were imprisoned in animals. They could be released by gifts to Samhain, these gifts included human sacrifices. In addition to these souls, evil spirits – demons, witches, etc. – also roamed the earth on this day. It was believed you could dress like them to “blend” in; hence, they would not bother you.

Hearths were extinguished on this Celtic New Year as well. A communal bonfire was held on New Year’s on a hilltop, from which lanterns (gourds) were lit, much like jack-o-lanterns are now, to bring the fire home to re-light the hearth. The bonfire symbolized the driving away of evil spirits with the coming of the New Year.

Today, it is believed, erroneously, the Celtic New Year was called Samhain and pagans celebrating this Celtic New Year will wish others “Happy Samhain”. However, it is merely the celebration of New Year’s and New Year’s eve not the celebration of the lord of death; so, it is unrealistic that the ancient Druids would have wished people a “Happy lord of death”.

Guy Fawkes (1570 - Jan 1606) Guy Fawkes mask

Interestingly, England does still celebrate this time of year with bonfires, but it is not Halloween or Samhain they commemorate. Instead, they commemorate the execution of Guy Fawkes, an English Catholic, who with other Catholics attempted to overthrow the king of England to end Catholic persecution by the king. The British celebrate by sending children out with an effigy of Guy Fawkes, collecting money door to door as American children go trick-or-treating for candy, in preparation for the bonfire. The bonfire is held as a communal event where everyone gathers to watch the bonfire as it is lit, now with the effigy of Guy Fawkes on top. It is unclear why the figure of Guy Fawkes is set ablaze, as this is not how he was executed. He was tortured; then, he jumped to his death before he was able to be hung. Three of his conspirators were hung, drawn and quartered. Fawkes escaped the hanging part, as he broke his neck and died from the jump. While in England living in Bury St Edmunds before Dad got base housing at RAF Lakenheath, we attended at least one of these celebrations. Many know Guy Fawkes from the mask used in the movie V for Vendetta.

In Christianity, All Hallows’ Eve is the night before All Hallows’. Hallow means holy; so, All Hallows’ Eve means, simply, All Holys' Eve. It is merely the night before All Hallows’ or All Holys’ Day, commonly known as All Saints Day. All Saints Day is the honoring of all holy people who have died.

As early as the 1^st century, people began honoring the people who they thought were holy, most importantly, those who were martyred for their Christian faith. At the time, these holy people were honored on “feast” days, which was the day of their earthly death, but eternal birth. During the 3^rd & 4^th century, Diocletian persecuted & executed so many Christians, the dates & names became too many. On May 13, 609, Pope Bonafice IV consecrated the Roman Pantheon as a temple of the Blessed Virgin and All Martyrs. Pope Gregory III (731-741) commemorated the feast of All Saints at St Peters on November 1^st. Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the feast of All Saints to the entire Church.

It remains a holy day and feast day commemorating & honoring all saints and holy people to this day in the Catholic Church.

All Souls Day began in a German monastery on October 1^st during the 900s. St Odilio of Cluny’s patronage spread the celebration to other monasteries, then to dioceses. In 1915, Pope Benedict XV granted the observances of Masses. All Souls Day, also known as the Day of the Dead in some countries, is observed throughout the world by Catholics. It is a day you remember and pray for loved ones who have passed, as well as all those souls who have gone before us. It is a special time to honor their memory and offer prayers for their souls.

Because of the dates of All Saints Day and the Celtic New Year, customs of both have melded together when Christians went to Celtic areas – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland & Brittany (NW France). Initially, the Christians tried to move the New Year’s eve celebration to the original October 1^st celebration of All Souls Day to move it away from All Saints Day, but the old Celts continued to celebrate it on October 31^st. This led the Christians to try to incorporate it into Christian teaching.

Today, Catholic celebrations of All Hallows’ Eve are held in family and/or parish gatherings where children, as well as some adults, dress up as a saint or holy person such as the pope, Mother Teresa, St Francis of Assisi, any of the holy people named in the Bible, etc. Christians include elements that honor the Christian origins of All Hallows’ Eve & All Saints Day.

So... to one and all, may you have a very blessed All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. May all the saints pray for you and your intentions, and may the souls of those who have gone before us rest in peace.
God bless… Robyn

Customized Sterling Silver Rosaries

2009-11-08T22:35:00.005-06:00

Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!

OK, folks...

I have checked the unsuccessful search report. I have noticed some folks searching for Sterling Silver rosaries. I do not have them up on the webstore yet (www.sacredheartblessings.com), but hope to soon. I do have some up in the Bonanzle Booth (www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries).

In keeping with the CHRISTmas theme, here are some CHRISTmas sterling silver sets you can personalize with the color beads you wish...

(photos of items are representative of actual rosary parts.
Differences in color are due to photos take at different times.)
Crucifix with St Nicholas center.
To purchase, click image.

(photos of items are representative of actual rosary parts.
Differences in color are due to photos take at different times.)
Crown Crucifix with St Nicholas center.
To purchase, click image.

For more sterling silver sets, please click here...
Sterling Silver Customizable Rosary Sets

Order Now for CHRISTmas!

2009-11-08T22:05:00.006-06:00

Let's KEEP CHRIST in CHRISTmas!

If you are looking for that special, unique CHRISTmas gift, look no further.

There are CHRISTmas rosaries and rosaries you can design yourself for that special person to make the gift even more special, unique and personal! There are several CHRISTmas rosaries at www.sacredheartblessings.com and at our booth on Bonanzle at www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries

This is a beautiful rosary I have available on Bonanzle. I hope to get it listed in the webstore soon. It features matching rhodium plated center and crucifix with red enamel, silver plated rose beads for the "Our Father"/Pater beads and glass based Red and Green pearls alternated. It is absolutely gorgeous in person! You can purchase it here... Green Red Enamel Pearl Christmas Rose Rosary

You can also purchase the following gift items from the webstore...

Advent Calender Flexibel Magnet for your Fridge

Keep Christ in Christmas Kneeling Santa Flexible Magnet for your car, truck, suv

Also available...
Adoring Santa / Kneeling Santa Tote Bag
Adoring Santa / Kneeling Santa Flameless LED Candle
Advent Candles Flameless LED Votive Christmas Candle
The Real Story of St Nicholas Booklet compiled by me

Are you looking for an Advent Rosary? How about this one...
The rosary is set up like an Advent Wreath...
1st decade... purple glass based pearl
2nd decade... purple glass based pearl
3rd decade... pink glass based pearl
4th decade... purple glass based pearl
5th decade... white (for the Christmas Candle)
The "Our Father"/Pater beads are white opalesque lampwork beads with a pink rose on each side
Holy Family Center with Papal Crucifix
Click photo to purchase.

New Items

2009-09-17T03:51:00.003-05:00

Hi, y'all!

There are new categories and new items! All have been added over the past several days.

Come visit us to see all the new items!

Hopefully, there will be more new items in the near future, as there will be a few more rosaries including one decade rosaries added soon.

If you are starting your Christmas shopping, you will find some nice gift items in the new "GIFT" category. To help navigate the category, there are several subcategories!

Come on over and check out all the new items by clicking the link below...
Sacred Heart Blessings new gift items

2009-09-16T00:02:00.005-05:00

NEW ... for our military members, veterans and their families!

New rosaries with y'all in mind.

Many months ago it was suggested to me to craft a camouflage rosary. I contacted the gentleman who does the ribbon centers for the health rosaries and asked him to do one in yellow. I searched for beads that would work for camouflage and asked around as to what folks thought. I hope what I have chosen works for y'all as well. The rosaries come in green and brown camouflage, desert brown camouflage and blue camouflage. The green and brown and the desert brown are already listed. The blue is available but not listed yet. Each of these camo rosaries has attached to it a St Christopher medal with a military branch's insignia on the reverse.

Here are images of these rosaries...

Green Brown Camouflage Rosary Military St Christopher Medal

The beads show a little darker than actuality in the above photo.

**************************************************
Desert Camouflage Rosary Military St Christopher Medal

The following photos are common to all these military rosaries...

The St Christopher Military Medal attached to the center appears at left.

The medal features an image of St Christopher on the front with the words...
"St Christopher" at the top
"Protect Me" at the bottom

On the reverse is the military insignia for:
United States Air Force
United States Army
United States Marines
United States Navy

You choose which medal you want attached to your rosary!

The Yellow Ribbon bead (shown at right) is a glass Lampwork bead with a yellow ribbon on each side. These beads are used as the "Our Father" beads for each rosary. They match the center (shown at right).

Please stop by to check out these two beautiful, meaningful rosaries by clicking the links below.

Desert Camouflage Rosary Military St Christopher Medal

Green Brown Camouflage Rosary Military St Christopher Medal

Thanks and God bless our Military members, Veterans and their families!

Sacred Heart Blessings Store has been updated!

2009-09-15T23:51:00.006-05:00

Hi, y'all...

I just want to let everyone know the webstore has been updated. For those of you who have visited recently, you probably noticed a big change in the look of the store. A lot has been going on in recent days.

I have tried to correct problems that have been occurring, as well as clean up a lot of stuff.

I have also added some new items and new categories. Please stop by to view our new look. Take some time to scroll down the list of categories. We also have featured categories now. I would have liked to have photos for each of the featured categories, but I can only do that for the main categories not subcategories.

Thanks for stopping by!

www.sacredheartblessings.com is UP

2009-08-26T01:09:00.003-05:00

Hi, y'all...

Just a quick note to let everyone who has passed by this blog and found that the store was down... it's back up!

It is acting a little weird sometimes, but orders are being processed.

I am hoping to try to revamp it a little here in the near future, but have patience, as I try to figure out all of ProStores' new setup for store maintenance. Hopefully, it won't take long and hopefully it will be much better in appearance. I know there are some issues with some images of rosaries being too large for the screen, but that happened when ProStores updated the clickable thumbnail image to be the full image instead of clicking over to the full image.

Just remember, if you have any problems placing an order, please feel free to email me at paws4critters@aol.com to let me know. You can send the item number (SKU), the item name and quantity to me through an email and I can send you an invoice through PayPal.

Thanks for all y'all's patience and God bless!
Robyn

www.sacredheartblessings.com DOWN

2009-08-18T12:24:00.003-05:00

Hi, y'all!

I am sorry to inform everyone www.sacredheartblessings.com is currently experiencing down time. It was my understanding ProStores was handling certain things when they decided to change their ecommerce format. Because of this miscommunication between them and me, the store is down.

I am working to get it back up as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a specific handmade rosary you have seen in the store, please email me at paws4critters@aol.com.

If you are looking for a handmade rosary to purchase, please visit my Bonanzle booth at www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries.

I am very sorry for the inconvenience. I am working hard to get this problem fixed and have the site up and running again soon.

Thanks for your support and patronage!
God bless!
Robyn

New Christmas Items!

2009-07-29T01:59:00.001-05:00

Hi, y’all!

Just in the St. Nick of time…

I had some items to include in my Christmas in July offer, but they were backordered. Bummer!

Today, they came in! Yippee!

I want to showcase them for y’all here! Remember, I have an entire section for Christmas in July! Just click on the category CHRISTMAS IN JULY on the right hand side.

Christmas in July is still on; so, you can still use the coupon code Jesusbday to save 10% booth-wide!

I have a lot of critters, as most of you probably know.
It is very difficult, not only unsafe, to have flame candles in the house.
In addition, keeping candles burning throughout the day and night can be dangerous for any household.
I have a solution! Flameless LED Votive Candles! These candles use an LED light and an easy to replace watch battery (CR2032)! They are easily operated with an “on/off” switch on the bottom, which is also where the battery access is located.

Advent Candles – Flameless Votive
These can easily be placed in any Advent Wreath that is set up for tea lights or votive candles. I have also included a little make your own tip for an Advent Wreath in case you can not locate a wreath that uses tea lights of votive candles. (lit picture is clickable)

This candle is another of the Adoring Santa collection, which includes a passage from the Bible. (lit picture is clickable)

I have also added another new item in the Breast Cancer category.

This is a flameless LED votive breast cancer candle with words of inspiration for any woman dealing with this disease. Remember breast cancer month is coming in October. I have several breast cancer items you can view. Please click on the Breast Cancer category on the right hand side under OTHER CHRISTIAN ITEMS… (lit picture is clickable)

So… please stop on by and see the new items!
And while you’re there… please check out some of our other items!
Keeping Christmas in mind, I am sure you will find some nice gift items in these final days of Christmas in July!

Thanks, God bless and Merry Christ mas!
Robyn

Blessed Mother Teresa Rosary Job's Tears

2009-07-22T23:33:00.003-05:00

The Blessed Mother Teresa Rosary is now available.

New Blessed Mother Teresa Rosary is handmade with Job's Tears beads.
It is said Job's Tears Rosary Beads were one of Mother Teresa's favorites.
Job's Tears beads are also known as Seeds of Faith, as they are actual seeds from the Job's Tears plant also known as Coix lacryma.

You may purchase this rosary from the webstore at:
www.sacredheartblessings.com
or you can visit my booth on Bonanzle at:
www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries

Religious Gift Items

2009-07-22T23:03:00.004-05:00

I am happy to announce I am starting to offer a few other items.

These items range from religious bracelets, flexible magnets, Christmas items, prayer cards and much more. At the moment, these items are only available in my Bonanzle booth.

Here are some images of some of the new items I am now offering:

Christmas 2009 Advent Calendar Magnet

Each day includes a prayer and a Bible passage!
I personally have checked each Bible passage for relevance.

Great activity for families to come together, pray and read the Bible passages as a family.
Great teaching tool for children to learn the meaning of Advent and Christmas!

Ready to place on your refrigerator, freezer or any metal surface that a magnet will adhere to.
Printed with HP Photo Printer on flexible magnetic sheets with Vivera HP inks.

Adoring Santa Keep Christ in Christmas Auto Magnet

This magnet can be placed on any metal surface to show you Keep Christ in Christmas!

Vivid colors depict Michael Adams' Adoring Santa image of Santa humbly kneeling at Baby Jesus' side in the manger. The image is also known as Kneeling Santa and Praying Santa. This image shows even Santa knows the TRUE meaning of Christmas! The Adoring Santa collection helps us refocus our celebrations on God's greatest gift... His Son, Jesus.

John 3:16 ~ "For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son."

You can purchase these items and a lot more at: www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries

New Rosaries Update

2009-07-22T22:55:00.008-05:00

The Arthritis Rosary is now available.

The Arthritis Rosary is a crystal and blue two-tone bead rosary with a blue ribbon center.
The rosary features two medals attached. The two patron saints of arthritis: St James the Greater, brother of St John the Evangelist, and St Alphonsus Ligouri. The prayer card features an image of St Alphonsus and includes a prayer especially written for this rosary by Ligouri Publications.

The Saint Padre Pio Rosaries are also now available.

There are two Saint Padre Pio Rosaries.
One in silver-tone and one in gold-tone.
Both use Job's Tear beads.

You can purchase them from the webstore at:
www.sacredheartblessings.com
or you can visit my booth on Bonanzle at:
www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries

Bonanzle!

2009-05-17T14:30:00.004-05:00

I have found an up-and-coming replacement for eBay... Bonanzle.

You can check me out on Bonanzle at the link below...
www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries

They are signing folks up night and day and are growing very fast. I received info about them in an email. I checked them out, and everything I could find about them was good.

They don't appear to be an auction site in the same way as the other one, but a lot of folks who had a store with the one listed above are now on Bonanzle. People (sellers) are very nice.

It is set up as "booths" rather than stores. People are shown in the booths; so, you know who is there with you. If you see other buyers there, you can chat with them through an live instant message like system. You can ask them if they have bought anything from the seller. What their items are like, how's shipping, etc. You can chat with the seller if they happen to be in their booth at the time. If you have questions about an item and the seller is in the booth at the same time, you can get an instant answer instead of sending a message and checking your email all day. However, you can also send a message if you like or if the seller isn't in the booth at the time you are.

I have been on Bonanzle one week today. I haven't sold any items yet because I am still listing, but so far, I really like the set up!

I think everyone who wants to sell something should check out Bonanzle to see if it will fit their selling needs.

See y'all at the new Bonanzle Booth! God bless... Robyn

New Rosaries & Chaplets

2009-05-17T13:47:00.004-05:00

New Rosaries
Unfortunately, one of my most popular rosary lines is the health rosaries. I say unfortunately because this means folks are ill. I hate that folks are ill with the health problems for which I offer rosaries. I have happy, however, they find comfort in the rosaries I have hand-crafted for them.

I have a few more in the works. They are as follows...
1. Colon Cancer Blue Ribbon Rosary
2. Kidney Cancer / Disease Green Ribbon Rosary
3. Melanoma Skin Cancer Black Ribbon Rosary
4. Arthritis Navy Blue Ribbon Rosary

Also, another rosary that has been requested... Saint Padre Pio

These rosaries will be available, hopefully, in the next few weeks. I am hoping for June. The rosary centers are made in RI of lead-free pewter. They make the centers and then enamel them with the colors I want. They make each of the centers themselves; so, it does take a while.

Colon Cancer, Kidney Cancer/Disease, Melanoma Skin Cancer Rosaries
In looking for patron saints, I have found St Peregrine is pretty much the only saint for cancer with only few exceptions. Saint Agatha - breast cancer, St Bernadino of Siena - lung cancer (he is technically for lung problems. I include him with the lung cancer rosaries because... well... cancer is a problem.) So, each of the above cancers will include St Peregrine medals; however, the Kidney Cancer / Disease rosary will have an option to include the St Peregrine medal or not. This option will need to be made upon purchase. If you wish to have the rosary for kidney cancer, you will need to choose the rosary w/St Peregrine medal. If you wish to have the rosary for kidney disease, you will need to choose the rosary w/o the medal.

Arthritis Rosary
The Arthritis Rosary is going to be unique in that it will use a two-tone navy blue/crystal bead. It will also feature two patron saints... St James the Greater (brother of St John the Evangelist) and St Alphosus Liguori. I contacted Liguori Publications to try to get a prayer for arthritis suffers specifically. They wrote one up for me and I have placed it on a prayer card. This laminated prayer card will go out with all Arthritis Rosaries.

Saint Padre Pio
There will be two (2) Saint Padre Pio rosaries soon. One version will be in gold-tone while the other in silver-tone. The gold-tone will feature a silhoutte of Padre Pio and a Papal crucifix. The silver-tone will feature a cut-out silhoutte of Padre Pio and a Papal crucifix. Both rosaries will use Job's Tears beads. For those of you who are interested in a Czech glass St Padre Pio rosary, I will also make the center/crucifix set available in the custom/personalized section; so, you can choose the color you want.

New Chaplets
There are a couple new chaplets listed.
1. St Michael Chaplet
2. Holy Face Chaplet

St Michael Chaplet
This chaplet features all nine salutions in color order. The set up of this chaplet is 1 bead followed by three beads. The first salutation starts on the pendant. There are 4 additional beads on the pendant which you pray at the end of the chaplet in honor of the archangels and your personal guadrian angel. You will recieve instructions on how to pray this chaplet.

Holy Face Chaplet
This chaplet features 39 beads. In most cases, these chaplets have 33 small beads and 6 large beads. As usual, I put a different twist on this chaplet. I use crystal aurora borealis tear-drop shaped beads for the 6 large beads and ruby red tear-drop shaped beads for the 33 small beads. The reason behind this change. The chaplet is in honor of the wounds of Jesus' face. The wounds that made the image on Veronica's Veil. The chaplet usually has a center reflecting the image on Veronica's Veil. Using Veronica's Veil as inspiration, I choose the beads for the chaplet. It is said, Veronica wiped the sweat from Jesus' brow. The image on her veil was created by His Precious Blood which flowed from His Holy Face's wounds. Hence, the crystal AB "sweat-droplet" beads represent the sweat she wiped from Jesus' Holy Face. The ruby red beads form the outline of the chaplet in the same way His Precious Blood formed the image of His Holy Face on the veil. The center piece is a depiction of Jesus' Holy Face on Veronica's Veil. The cross features the Ecce Home image which again reminds us of the wounds of Jesus' Holy Face.

If there are any health rosaries I do not make that are of interest, please let me know!
Thanks and God bless! Robyn

Missed a few Posts....

2009-05-17T13:41:00.004-05:00

Hey, everyone.... just a quick note to catch up.

I missed a few weeks in posting here on the blog & a couple of newsletters didn't go out. I've been trying to deal with eBay and all their new rules and higher fees. So, I have been trying to find ways to get off of eBay.

So for what I have missed...

Hope everyone had a very blessed...
Palm Sunday
Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Sunday
Mother's Day

I hope to get another newsletter out soon for announcements of new items.

St Joseph's Day!

2009-03-19T01:37:00.006-05:00

Hi, everyone... I would like to wish everyone a happy St Joseph's Day!
Follows is a St Joseph prayer...

Prayer to Saint Joseph
Blessed Joseph, husband of Mary, be with us this day.
You protected and cherished the Virgin;
loving the Child Jesus as your Son,
you rescued Him from the danger of death.
Defend the Church, the household of God,
purchased by the blood of Christ.
Guardian of the Holy Family,
be with us in our trials.
May your prayers obtain for us
the strength to flee from error
and wrestle with the powers of corruption
so that in life we may grow in holiness
and in death rejoice in the crown of victory.
Amen

St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T02:54:00.003-05:00

Happy St Patrick's Day to all!

St Patrick used the Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people.
He used the three parts that make up the ONE shamrock to teach them how God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit can be present in ONE God.

An Irish Blessing...
May your blessings outnumber
the Shamrocks that grow
and may troubles avoid you
wherever you go.

God bless to all this St Patrick's Day! Robyn

P.S. If you are looking for St Patrick rosaries, please feel free to view what we have available at the store by clicking here...
http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-Rosaries-cln-Holy-Day-fdsh-Holiday-cln-St-Patrick%27s-Day/Categories

New Lenten Rosaries

2009-03-17T02:39:00.007-05:00

Hi, everyone...

Just a quick note to announce more Lenten Rosaries!

Lent Pieta Crucifixion Scene Purple Matte AB Tibetan Silver Cross Rosary...

This rosary features a full-color enameled Pieta center and Crucifixion crucifix with Purple Matte AB "Hail Mary" beads and Tibetan Silver Cross "Our Father" Beads. The Purple Matte AB beads compliment the colors in both the center and the crucifix!
To read more about this rosary, click here...

http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-264/Lenten-Lent-Easter-Purple/Detail

Passion Ecce Homo 3 Nails Crown of Thorns Lent Rosary

This rosary features, once again, Purple Matte AB "Hail Mary" beads and gold-plated Rose beads as the "Our Father" beads. The unique center is a highly detailed 3D Ecce Homo on front and Sorrowful Mother on the reverse. A stunning gold-plated Three (3) Nails Crown of Thorn Crucifix ads the finishing touches to this meaningful rosary. This rosary is also available in a Jacob's Ladder version.

To read more about this rosary, click here...

http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-265/Lenten-Lent-Easter-Purple/Detail

For more Lenten rosaries, please click here...

http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-Rosaries-cln-Holy-Day-fdsh-Holiday-cln-Lent/Categories

For Easter rosaries, please click here...

http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-Rosaries-cln-Holy-Day-fdsh-Holiday-cln-Easter/Categories

Thanks and God bless... Robyn

More First Holy Communion - RCIA Options

2009-03-17T02:27:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone...

I just want to let everyone know I have two more sets for First Holy Communion listed in the store. They are Eucharistic Cup rosaries with options in both gold and silver tone, as well as Czech glass and glass-based pearl. You can choose the best colors for your Communicant!

Be sure to order early enough to receive the rosary in time for your Communicant's First Holy Communion.

Remember, also, this rosary can also be used for RCIA.

Thanks and God bless... Robyn

Polls

2009-03-14T02:50:00.002-05:00

One more post for tonight...

If you haven't already noticed and voted in our three polls, please take the time to do so!

I have gotten some suggestions and thought it might be interesting to see what everyone thinks.

If you have a suggestion for either a rosary or chaplet and would like to see it as a poll, please feel free to post it under suggestions (in the February 2009 folder) or email me at paws4critters@aol.com.

Thanks and, as always, God Bless... Robyn

RCIA

2009-03-14T02:26:00.003-05:00

A reminder... if you know someone who is going through RCIA, don't forget, I offer some beautiful rosaries for this special occasion.

Dad went through RCIA and one thing he wanted was a rosary. Having a great deal of Irish in him, he chose Patrick for his Confirmation name. He also chose a St Patrick Shamrock Ladder Rosary like this one http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-10/St-Patrick-Shamrock-Ladder/Detail.

Here are a few special rosaries I offer which make great gifts for someone completing RCIA or making their Confirmation:
This rosary features matching Holy Spirit Center and Cross with ruby red beads...
http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-170/Confirmation-RCIA-Holy-Ghost/Detail
This rosary features Golden Amber beads representing the Bread of Life and Ruby Red beads set in Red Cloisonne bead caps as Chalices of Jesus' Precious Blood. The full-color center features the Last Supper on one side and the Eucharist Cup with Jesus' crowned head above. The full-color crucifix features Jesus overlooking Jerusalem, Loaves of Bread, Fish and the Eucharistic Cup and Host...
http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-174/Czech-Glass-Amber-Aurora/Detail
This is a lead-free pewter Crucifix & Center set featuring a four-way center and crown of thorns crucifix...
http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-247/Your-Choice-Choose-Custom/Detail

Thanks for checking them out!

First Holy Communion Rosaries

2009-03-14T02:12:00.004-05:00

Hi, everyone... I just want to tell everyone I have added some First Communion Rosaries to the store.

The pieces come in gold-plate and silver-plate. Like other personalized rosaries, you can choose both the "Hail Mary" beads, as well as the "Our Father" beads. These rosary sets feature a full-color center with the Eucharist Cup, grapes and bread. They also feature a Pardon Crucifix. I chose the Pardon Crucifix because of its meaning. First Communicants will be participating in their first confession, and I thought the Pardon Crucifix would be a great compliment. The back of the Crucifix has the words: "Father Forgive Them".

There is an example of one rosary I did recently for someone at my church. She wanted a rosary that featured the usual Crystal beads most First Holy Communion rosaries for girls use, but to make it more unique and personal, she used the girl's birthstone color for the "Our Father" beads. As a special request, the bead caps are made using gold-plated green cloisonne bead caps. These bead caps are not available in the store. Fortunately, if you like it made this way, you can email me a special request; however, the bead caps are only available in these colors...
Gold-plate: Green
Silver-plate: Red or Blue.

I do have another First Communion Set I will try to get listed in the next couple of days. This set features a Eucharistic Cup as the center and a crucifix which also features a Eucharistic Cup. These will also be available in gold or silver tone and totally customizable for your First Communicant!

To check out these new rosary additions, click here http://www.sacredheartblessings.com/servlet/the-Rosaries-cln-Sacramental/Categories

Welcome

2009-02-16T22:53:00.001-06:00

Good evening to all!

I have set up this blog for folks to gather and talk about their rosaries and chaplets.

You can post any comments, questions or suggestions you might have.

If you have any rosary / chaplet suggestions or are looking for a particular rosary / chaplet, you can let me know here, as well.

If you have any prayer requests, you can post them here like a prayer circle; so, others can pray for your intentions.

I will also try listing any website updates here in the future.

I have only done one blog before; so, this will be a learning experience for me. The previous blog was basically to chronicle the illness of one of my sick kitties that passed away.

I would like to thank everyone for their support of the rosaries and chaplets I have handcrafted!

Thanks and God bless!
Robyn

Prayer Circle

2009-02-16T22:44:00.003-06:00

For those who would like their intentions prayed for by all, please leave your prayer requests here by responding to this message.

May God answer all your prayers favorably!

Thanks and God bless... Robyn

Comments, Questions, Suggestions

2009-02-16T22:26:00.003-06:00

This post is for you to respond with any comments, questions or suggestions.

Please list all your comments, questions or suggestions as replies to this message.

Thanks & God bless... Robyn