Family in Feast and Feria

At last! We have rain! It's a nice soft rain, and the temperatures are dropping. Hurrah! It's been about a month since we've had rain, and my gardens are quite relieved. I have to thank St. Fiacre, one of the patron saints of gardening. He's not on the Universal Calendar for today, but he's mentioned in the Roman Martyrology for August 30. Not much is known about this Irish abbott, but some information can be found in The Golden Legend, The Catholic Encyclopedia and Catholic Culture, particularly St. Fiacre. As I was searching (unsuccessfully) for an image of St. Fiacre, I came across a few sites that piqued my interest. The first site is one I've seen before, Saints Preserved in particular, the page on St. Fiacre. Have any of you dear readers bought anything from here? The offerings have grown and seem to be quite beautiful. Here's another artist representation of St. Fiacre. Digging Kate Hodgson's site a little deeper, you can find more saint images made from papier mâché. These are just wonderful folk art images, and quite inspiring in more ways than one!

Today (August 10) is the Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr in the early Church. He cared for sick, poor and abandoned. Under the Emperor Valerian he was grilled to death on a gridiron. (Image information: Gian Lorenzo Bernini, "Martyrdom of St Lawrence" 1614-15 WGA). His patronage is huge, but he seems like the perfect saint for mothers. He is the patron of confectioners, cooks, laundry workers, and librarians. That covers quite a few of the hats a mother wears. Being patron of students, he's one that both children and parents can implore! He is also the patron of brewers and vintners, so a cold beer or nice glass of wine, toasted to St. Lawrence would very fitting today. Because he died on a gridiron, many countries have cold meals for his feast. Other imitate the gridiron -- waffles, pizzelles, grilled foods bringing to mind the fiery death he endured. Near this feast day one can observe the Perseid meteor shower, also known as Tears of St. Lawrence, or his fiery tears. "A picture paints a thousands words." This phrase rings true. I have a young son who can't read yet. Picture books are our constant companion and a doorway into new worlds of learning. But using them won't end when he starts reading. The pictures relate stories and deeper meanings than just mere words. Art can speak to the soul, and relate messages that I could never accomplish through any amount of talking. Art can sear visual images in the brain, making it easier to recall facts and other memories. I realize this isn't a new thought or discovery. The ladies at 4Real Learning Forum are a testament to that. And Cay Gibson's fabulous new book Catholic Mosaic is a perfect example of this. Teaching one's faith through picture books. And even without words or books, beautiful art can teach a lesson. That was the purpose of frescoes and stained glass windows throughout Church history -- to relate a story, a lesson, an article of the faith just through the image. I came across a wonderful series of frescoes depicting the life of St. Lawrence by Fra Angelico at Web Gallery of Art. The Frescoes in the Cappella Niccolina of the Palazzi Pontifici in Vatican (1447-49) were commissioned by Pope Nicholas V. The walls of the chapel depict the lives of two of the most famous deacons in the church: St. Stephen and St. Lawrence. Click on the description below the image to bring up a larger, more detailed version:

St Sixtus Entrusts the Church Treasures to Lawrence

St Lawrence Distributing Alms

Condemnation of St Lawrence by the Emperor Valerian

Martyrdom of St Lawrence

As I mentioned in my previous post, today (July 26) is my nameday. Or rather, my middle nameday. (But it is spelled Ann without an "e"). While looking through some paintings of Saints Anne and Joachim, I was struck by the role St. Anne plays as grandmother. She is pictured many times helping out her daughter, Mary. It's the traditional role of mother and daughter that come into play in these beautiful paintings. How often is this replayed over and over in families' lives -- the daughter is having a baby, the mother (now a grandmother) comes over to help. Beautiful. I am blessed to have a mother who did (and does) just that. Her generosity doesn't end after two weeks postpartum...she manages to always be there to help out her daughter or son in need (and there are seven of us). What a wonderful ministry that St. Anne could fulfill, taking care of her grandson, the Messiah, and what a great example. Caring for my child doesn't end when he leaves the nest and starts his own family. It just readjusts. And what a special place in the grandchild's heart there is for their grandmother! These are just a few examples of St. Anne with the Mary and Jesus or the Holy Family. See Web Gallery of Art for more information and other paintings. Click on the image for a larger view:

I apologize for the lack of "original content" lately on my blog. Frankly, it's no wonder that I get few return readers! And this post is no exception...I'm making note of some wonderful posts and blogs. Elizabeth Real Learning has been sharing some wonderful ideas on Preschoolers and not missing this wonderful time in their life. How to spur on the creative spirit of your child? Check out her suggestions for The Art Box. Some of the crafty recipes she posted are perfect for my son and his allergies -- did you know that Play Doh contains wheat ingredients? When you have contact reactive allergies to wheat, it's not wise to add that to your art box! I can't wait to see what Elizabeth reveals behind Door #2. I also enjoyed Karen Edmisten's thoughts on this area related to her family. I didn't think she would have time, dealing with a newborn and 4 other children, selling her house, a cross-country move, on her own, since her husband is now gone on the left coast for the new job, but she did. Melissa Wiley at The Lilting House finished her curriculum series with a Charlotte Mason Curriculum...in my opinion, saving the best for last. There's so much meat to this post, it will take a long time for me to digest it all. Prodded by Lissa's above entry, Amy set up a Charlotte Mason blog that will break down Miss Charlotte Mason's wisdom in her writings "in manageable, 'muse-able' sized pieces." I'm looking forward to the journey. Thanks, Amy! Music is a huge part of our home learning plan, and I've been reading and questioning where our journey will go with my son. Shall we follow Suzuki? Piano or violin? Both? Which first? Should I consider getting certified and teach my son? And all the music ponderings bring me to the piano for my comfort. Music is a wonderful, creative, emotional and spiritual outlet. And this picture verified that for me!