Monday 28 October 2013
Thursday 25 July 2013
Tuesday 25 June 2013
Mary and Religious Art.
A stained glass window of the virgin mary. Catholics do not believe as mary to be a god more as a carer for jesus, but prayers still ask her prayers.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, stands holding her son in this statue, which, paired with the statue of her husband, Joseph the Carpenter. For Catholics, Mary is significant in many ways. As the person who would give birth to the Messiah, she was from the beginning untainted by the the original sin of Adam and Eve that overshadows all humanity.
St Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus, looks out from the left-hand column flanking the Church sanctuary. In this position he complements the staute of St Mary with the Child Jesus
Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. — Luke 2:51b
And so I stood up to bring my little offering before Our Lady, before she who has held things both beautiful and painful in her heart.
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Mary: The mother of Jesus
The Begining
A well-known tradition says she was born in Jerusalem, Other early sources say Mary was born in Nazareth. There is even an ancient record that points to Sepphoris, a town a few miles from Nazareth, as her birthplace.
She was named Mary, By her father Joachim and her mother Ann, The name was common among Jewish women in those days.
Her Daily Life
She lived as other people in the village did, in a small family house of stone and mud-brick. She worked like any young girl, grinding wheat and barley into flour, preparing dishes of beans, vegetables, eggs, fruits, nuts, and occasional chunks of mutton. Wool had to be made into clothing. Bread had to be baked. A few chickens and a donkey had to be fed. And in the village, small as it was, there were always little children to care for.
Almost daily she carried a large jar of water from the town well for washing and cooking.
Just as for the other women of Nazareth, the seasons and times of harvest determined what Mary had to do.
~ When the rain poured down in october the wheat crops were grown to be harvested.
~ In May. Small dark olives, knocked from dull green trees
~ in September The dark Olives to be pressed into oil for lamps and food.
~ In May or June, early figs were picked
~ Grapes and pomegranates ripened in September and October
Almost daily she carried a large jar of water from the town well for washing and cooking.
Just as for the other women of Nazareth, the seasons and times of harvest determined what Mary had to do.
~ When the rain poured down in october the wheat crops were grown to be harvested.
~ In May. Small dark olives, knocked from dull green trees
~ in September The dark Olives to be pressed into oil for lamps and food.
~ In May or June, early figs were picked
~ Grapes and pomegranates ripened in September and October
Her Strong Faith
The people of Nazareth had a strong Jewish faith. The Jews believed this land was theirs, given to their ancestors.
Mary's faith was strong. although, Nazareth with its high standards, she barely stood out at all, even in the eyes of those who knew her best. As a woman living in a society where men counted most, she would be little noticed except as a mother and a wife. When she was 15 or so, Mary's parents made plans for her to be married. They chose Joseph of Nazareth, a carpenter, for her husband. The engagement took place and Mary returned home to wait about a year before she would go to live with her husband as his wife.
Her child is born
'Do not be afraid. Listen! I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Monday 27 May 2013
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Gifts :)
Wisdom:
The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.
Understanding:
Being able to make sense of somethign and comprehend what is happening around us
Counsel:
Advice, to give or recieve advice
Fortitude:
Courage in pain or adversity: "she endured her illness with great fortitude".
Knowledge:
Information and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
Piety:
The quality of being religious or reverent. The quality of being dutiful.
Fear of the lord:
Undertanading of the power of god.
The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.
Understanding:
Being able to make sense of somethign and comprehend what is happening around us
Counsel:
Advice, to give or recieve advice
Fortitude:
Courage in pain or adversity: "she endured her illness with great fortitude".
Knowledge:
Information and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
Piety:
The quality of being religious or reverent. The quality of being dutiful.
Fear of the lord:
Undertanading of the power of god.
Tuesday 14 May 2013
The Baptismal Ceremony
Sign of the Cross
Usually when you enter the church the priest will trace the cross on the forehead of your baby and invite the parents and godparents to do the same. The cross is a reminder of the love of Christ who gave his life for his friends.
Baptismal Promises
You will gather around the baptismal font - a large bowl, usually of stone or marble or glass holding the waters of baptism. Usually the mother holds the child. The celebrant asks the parents what they want for the child. You reply, 'Baptism.' Then you make the baptismal promises on behalf of your child.
These promises are based on the Apostles Creed.
Anointing
The celebrant anoints your baby with oil on the forehead and on the chest. He anoints the baby with the Oil of Baptism (Catechumens) and with the Oil of Chrism. The Oil of Baptism is olive oil. It relates to the days when athletes used to rub oil into their bodies before events to strengthen them and make their skin more supple. It symbolises strengthening for the struggles of life ahead.
Baptism with Water
The priest pours water over the head of your baby (or immerses the baby in the water) and says "I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
The water is a sign of cleansing. The water symbolically washes the person being baptised of all sin.
It is also a sign of life. Without water nothing can grow. It is a sign of the new spiritual life into which the baptised person is entering.
Candle
As a sign of the new life a candle will be lit, usually from the Easter Candle which symbolises the light of Christ.
Usually the father of the child or a godparent will stand by the child and hold this candle.
White Garment
Your child is given a white garment as a sign of being clothed in Christ.
Your family might have a Christening gown that you want to use or a shawl. If you want to use this, then let the priest know beforehand.
People might like to use a baptismal gown, either a white stole, a white scapular or a white bib - perhaps one that you have made and bearing the sign of a cross.
Usually when you enter the church the priest will trace the cross on the forehead of your baby and invite the parents and godparents to do the same. The cross is a reminder of the love of Christ who gave his life for his friends.
Baptismal Promises
You will gather around the baptismal font - a large bowl, usually of stone or marble or glass holding the waters of baptism. Usually the mother holds the child. The celebrant asks the parents what they want for the child. You reply, 'Baptism.' Then you make the baptismal promises on behalf of your child.
These promises are based on the Apostles Creed.
Anointing
The celebrant anoints your baby with oil on the forehead and on the chest. He anoints the baby with the Oil of Baptism (Catechumens) and with the Oil of Chrism. The Oil of Baptism is olive oil. It relates to the days when athletes used to rub oil into their bodies before events to strengthen them and make their skin more supple. It symbolises strengthening for the struggles of life ahead.
Baptism with Water
The priest pours water over the head of your baby (or immerses the baby in the water) and says "I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
The water is a sign of cleansing. The water symbolically washes the person being baptised of all sin.
It is also a sign of life. Without water nothing can grow. It is a sign of the new spiritual life into which the baptised person is entering.
Candle
As a sign of the new life a candle will be lit, usually from the Easter Candle which symbolises the light of Christ.
Usually the father of the child or a godparent will stand by the child and hold this candle.
White Garment
Your child is given a white garment as a sign of being clothed in Christ.
Your family might have a Christening gown that you want to use or a shawl. If you want to use this, then let the priest know beforehand.
People might like to use a baptismal gown, either a white stole, a white scapular or a white bib - perhaps one that you have made and bearing the sign of a cross.
Baptismal certificate and Baptismal register
At the end of the ceremony you will be asked to sign the parish Baptismal register and you will be given a Baptismal Certificate. You will want to keep the certificate carefully as it may be needed when you enrol your child in a catholic school
At the end of the ceremony you will be asked to sign the parish Baptismal register and you will be given a Baptismal Certificate. You will want to keep the certificate carefully as it may be needed when you enrol your child in a catholic school
Monday 13 May 2013
Wednesday 8 May 2013
The seven sacraments of the catholic church †
There are seven sacraments of the Catholic Church they are:
Baptism- The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship.
Eucharist- The Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins
Reconciliation-The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.
Confirmation- Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts.
Marriage- is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.
Holy Orders- The priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.
Anointing of the sick-The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
Tuesday 7 May 2013
Thursday 2 May 2013
Tribal intiation cremonies
Do all ancient cultures have initiation ceremonies?
Many cultures practice or have practiced initiation rites, including the ancient Egyptian, the Hebraic/Jewish, the Babylonian, the Mayan, and the Norse cultures. The modern Japanese practice of Miyamairi is such as ceremony. In some, such evidence may be archaeological and descriptive in nature, rather than a modern practice. Mostly all acient cultures have intiation ceremonies.
Why do you think a variety of cultures used and even still use initiation ceremonies? it shows the group/tribe that the people entering are up for the job of being in the tribe. if they are worthy enough if they wsn tit enough.It also showspride in their tribe/group. Alot of young children enter a tribe because of their family.
Did any of the cultures have any similarities in their initiation ceremonies? Aboriginal tribe intiations are similar you must paint yourself and shwo a dance infront of everyone. Most of intiation cremonies ar etraditional and have traditional rituals including into the ceremony eg. dance, dress ect...
Give details?
A spiritual initiation rite normally implies the revelation of secrets spilling one anothers secrets.
Tribes often have initiations. The initiation done in the Bapedi tribe of South Africa is normally regarded as a stage where a boy is to be taught manhood and a girl to be taught womanhood. Initiation is considered necessary for the individual to be regarded as a full member of the tribe. Otherwise, the individual may not be allowed to participate in ceremonies or even in social ritual such as marriage. A man will not be allowed to marry or have any special relationship with a woman who did not go to an initiation, because she is not considered to be a woman.
Do any of these cultures still celebrate these ceremonies today?
mostly all of these teibes exist and still do intiation cremies. Moslty in our countries.
Why do you think this is the case?
To keep their tradition and history still there. These people prbably still beleive in the strengths initiation can prepare you for to become a member of a pride. to become an adult.
Do all these cultures have initiation rituals/ceremonies that have a spiritual element to them?
Not all of them but alot of them revolve around god. or the god they belive in is the most powerful.
indian:
Diksa can be of various types, through the teacher's sight, touch, or word, with the purpose of purifying the disciple or student. translated as a "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony", is giving of a mantra or an initiation by the guru in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Diksa is given in a one-to-one ceremony, and typically includes the taking on of a serious spiritual discipline
aboriginal: The ages of the person being initiated varies between language groups, but usually occur between the ages of 10 and 16 years of age. Only those boys and girls who had proven themselves worthy of the responsibility of adulthood mentally and physically are initiated.
During the ceremony everyone has a different role. The initiates are decorated with body paint and ornaments and are often given a permanent symbol on their bodies to show that they had been initiated into adult life. Initiated members would sometimes have a tooth removed, their ears or nose pierced or flesh cut with a particular sacred markings. Other members in the family would also carry special markings to commemorate the event. Special knowledge and skills are passed on through initiation ceremonies. These enable the new adult to function accordingly and in a new way within the language group.
inca: Munay-Ki comes from a Quechua word that means ‘I love you.’ The Munay-Ki are the nine rites of initiation to become a person of wisdom and power who has accepted the stewardship for all creation. The nine rites are common to all shamanic traditions, even though they are expressed in different forms and styles in different cultures. They derive from the great initiations from the Hindus Valley that were brought to the Americas by the first medicine men and women who crossed the Baring Straights from Siberia during the glacial period some 30,000 years ago. These courageous travelers were the Laika, the Earthkeepers of old.
Many cultures practice or have practiced initiation rites, including the ancient Egyptian, the Hebraic/Jewish, the Babylonian, the Mayan, and the Norse cultures. The modern Japanese practice of Miyamairi is such as ceremony. In some, such evidence may be archaeological and descriptive in nature, rather than a modern practice. Mostly all acient cultures have intiation ceremonies.
Why do you think a variety of cultures used and even still use initiation ceremonies? it shows the group/tribe that the people entering are up for the job of being in the tribe. if they are worthy enough if they wsn tit enough.It also showspride in their tribe/group. Alot of young children enter a tribe because of their family.
Did any of the cultures have any similarities in their initiation ceremonies? Aboriginal tribe intiations are similar you must paint yourself and shwo a dance infront of everyone. Most of intiation cremonies ar etraditional and have traditional rituals including into the ceremony eg. dance, dress ect...
Give details?
A spiritual initiation rite normally implies the revelation of secrets spilling one anothers secrets.
Tribes often have initiations. The initiation done in the Bapedi tribe of South Africa is normally regarded as a stage where a boy is to be taught manhood and a girl to be taught womanhood. Initiation is considered necessary for the individual to be regarded as a full member of the tribe. Otherwise, the individual may not be allowed to participate in ceremonies or even in social ritual such as marriage. A man will not be allowed to marry or have any special relationship with a woman who did not go to an initiation, because she is not considered to be a woman.
Do any of these cultures still celebrate these ceremonies today?
mostly all of these teibes exist and still do intiation cremies. Moslty in our countries.
Why do you think this is the case?
To keep their tradition and history still there. These people prbably still beleive in the strengths initiation can prepare you for to become a member of a pride. to become an adult.
Do all these cultures have initiation rituals/ceremonies that have a spiritual element to them?
Not all of them but alot of them revolve around god. or the god they belive in is the most powerful.
indian:
Diksa can be of various types, through the teacher's sight, touch, or word, with the purpose of purifying the disciple or student. translated as a "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony", is giving of a mantra or an initiation by the guru in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Diksa is given in a one-to-one ceremony, and typically includes the taking on of a serious spiritual discipline
aboriginal: The ages of the person being initiated varies between language groups, but usually occur between the ages of 10 and 16 years of age. Only those boys and girls who had proven themselves worthy of the responsibility of adulthood mentally and physically are initiated.
During the ceremony everyone has a different role. The initiates are decorated with body paint and ornaments and are often given a permanent symbol on their bodies to show that they had been initiated into adult life. Initiated members would sometimes have a tooth removed, their ears or nose pierced or flesh cut with a particular sacred markings. Other members in the family would also carry special markings to commemorate the event. Special knowledge and skills are passed on through initiation ceremonies. These enable the new adult to function accordingly and in a new way within the language group.
inca: Munay-Ki comes from a Quechua word that means ‘I love you.’ The Munay-Ki are the nine rites of initiation to become a person of wisdom and power who has accepted the stewardship for all creation. The nine rites are common to all shamanic traditions, even though they are expressed in different forms and styles in different cultures. They derive from the great initiations from the Hindus Valley that were brought to the Americas by the first medicine men and women who crossed the Baring Straights from Siberia during the glacial period some 30,000 years ago. These courageous travelers were the Laika, the Earthkeepers of old.
Tuesday 30 April 2013
Monday 25 March 2013
My Trip to the time of jesus
Day 1
I had finally got off the 11 hour plane trip… It took So much longer then I thought.
I walked over and waved to catch a cab to the motel. It was the most magical place I have ever seen, it had an old look almost like an antique building, someday it will be a treasured place. I put down my bags and walked out the doors, an old man named jack offered me a ride to the Star of Bethlehem, After all I had nothing planned to do for the first day. He drove me there I hoped out of the car and walked into the building, It was almost like I walked into another century.
There was people there, a lot of people, Lanterns and lights hanging from the ceiling, There were rugs hanging from the walls. It made the place look cosier. The place was filled with portraits and paintings of Jesus. He was born Here, Jesus. It was amazing!
I walked into the Souvenir Shop. My Family asked me to buy them a souvenir they had so many, but I lost my wallet at the Airport L
Day 2
I woke up in the morning, Got dressed and walked out the door. Today was the day I went to the Mount of Olives . It apparently has the most amazing view. The mountain Views over Jerusalem
I took about 20 minutes travel by car but the taxi driver pointed out that if I were to go by donkey then it would have taken over 2 hours in the scorching hot heat, I’m glad they invented cars, and air-conditioning J
I walked a far bit from the road that the taxi driver dropped me off at. It is the most amazing view I recommend you go there.
Thursday 21 February 2013
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