by Peter James | Dec 26, 2023 | Earl of Shaftesbury
You won’t find her name enshrined among the great saints in the church, but Maria Mills certainly belongs in the spiritual hall of fame. She was housekeeper for the 6th Earl of Shaftesbury and his wife Lady Spener. Anthony Ashley Cooper (1801-1885) was their...
by Peter James | Dec 25, 2023 | St. Augustine
There is in the port city of Annaba, Algiers a large archeological site with remnants of a once flourishing cathedral. The remains of a mosaic floor, wall foundations and bases to support enormous columns are still clearly visible. A semi-circular chancel at the front...
by Peter James | Dec 24, 2023 | Gelasian Sacramentary
There were no birthday parties in the annals of early Christians. No party favors or gift-giving. The deaths of notable people were considered more significant than people’s birthdays. It should come as no surprise that Easter became the first Christian festival...
by Peter James | Dec 23, 2023 | Gregory of Nazianzus
He was short in stature and rather unassuming. He is depicted in artwork as balding with a long, white beard. He may not look like much but when he commenced preaching, all bets were off. Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390) is regarded as one of the truly great preachers...
by Peter James | Dec 22, 2023 | Christina Rosetti
It hardly ever snows in the Holy Land, but you wouldn’t know it by the lyrics of the Christmas Carol “In the Bleak Midwinter.” I count five references to snow in this poem converted into a hymn by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894). This highly esteemed...
