Faith questions and disputes arose between the pope and King Henry VIII in the 16th century. The British Isles became mixed with political questions and they were settled with torture and murder of loyal Catholics. In 1970, the Vatican selected 40 martyrs -- men and women, lay and religious -- to represent the full group of about 300 people who died for their faith and allegiance to the Church between 1535 and 1679. Each of the 40 have their own feast day, but they are remembered as a group today.
There are 3 Carthusians, 1 Brigittine, 1 Augustinian, 10 Jesuits, 3 Benedictines, 1 Friar Observant, 1 Franciscan, 13 Clergy, 4 laymen, and 3 laywomen.
It from this dispute and that Catholics could not practice their faith openly the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" was born. The song was an original love song, but the words were changed to Catholic teaching to help children with the catechism.
One partridge in a pear tree -- Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves -- the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens -- faith, hope and love.
Four calling birds -- the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Five golden rings -- the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
Six geese a-laying -- the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming -- the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: piety, understanding, fortitude, wisdom, awe, counsel, knowledge
Eight maids a-milking -- the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing -- the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Ten lords a-leaping -- the ten commandments.
Eleven pipers piping -- the eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming -- the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
No comments:
Post a Comment