Napoleon took time off from the World Cup today to visit the Abbey Catholic Primary School for their "Jour de Francais." The great emperor entertained the Year 6 children with tales of heroism, his awe of the pyramids, his disaster in Russia, the drama of Waterloo and his spiritual experiences on Saint Helena. The day … Continue reading Napoleon takes time off from the World Cup!
"Lest we forget." Souviens- toi! Seventy years ago today in a sleepy, quiet town called Oradour Sue Glane tucked away in the calm countryside of south west France a terrible tragedy was about to unfold. It was a Saturday morning and school would finish early that day. The hotel was looking forward to guests arriving … Continue reading Oradour Sur Glane
May the 27th sees the anniversary of the death of Mary Ashford, a young market gardener from Erdington who died on this day 1817 the same year as Jane Austin. However, Mary isn't know for her life but for her death which was surrounded in mysterious as well as tragic circumstances. Her sad and untimely … Continue reading One Morning in May
May day is seen as workers' day in many countries or Le Jour de Travail in France. In Celtic culture it is the first day of summer and also the day of the crowning the May Queen, (the Virgin Mary in Christian culture.) In France for many years people would wear a red triangle to … Continue reading May Day, Tradition live on!
Friday 13th has always been seen as unlucky. Its roots come from the fact that there were thirteen people present at Our Lord's Last Supper and Jesus was betrayed by Judas. Consequently it has always been seen as inviting 13 to dinner as bad luck. Likewise there are many roads that do not have the … Continue reading Friday 13th!
Christ is Risen Easter 20
"Hail glorious, St Patrick dear saint of our isle," yes St Patrick's day just after a week after Mothering Sunday proved to be great fun. Not only did Ireland beat England and win the Grand Slam the evening saw a small but happy gathering listening to "Ghost Stories from Jamaica to Galway Bay," that I … Continue reading St Patrick’s Day.
On a very wet, windy,cold day I went to mass to receive the ashes which is a reminder of our mortality. "From dust thou came and to dust thou shalt return," was the phrase often used by the priest, however, these days, like today the priest said, "Repent and believe in the Gospel." Now forty … Continue reading Ash Wednesday Le jour des cendres.
Today is the last day of Christmas! I know it's hard to believe but the season of Christmas lasts forty days and forty nights. Why is it called Candlemas Day or La Chandeleur in France? Traditionally in the liturgical calendar this is the day when Our Lord, Jesus, as the first new born male was … Continue reading La Chandeleur Candlemas Day.
