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catholicfemininegenius:

Why is St. Cecilia patroness of musicians? A ha! Good question.

St. Cecilia is a Saint from the first few hundreds of years of the Church, so not very much is known about her relative to the more recent Saints. What is known is quite a beautiful story. Here is my quick version of the story of St. Cecilia. (If you would like to learn more, the picture should direct you to Catholic Encyclopedia.)

At a young age, Cecilia dedicated her virginity to God. Her parents gave her in marriage to a pagan. It is said that at her wedding musicians played music all around her. However, her heart only sang for God. Thus grew her relation to music.

The story goes on about how she converted her husband and brother-in-law. You should read the rest. But as for myself and my fellow musicians, I think I’ll pause right there and let the beauty of her act sink in.

polishcities:

cathedral in płock by Katarzyna Płuciennik on Flickr.

Płock, Poland

(via ginger-jey)

Magnificat anima mea Dominum

“Mary said:

‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit exults in God my saviour;
because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.
Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,
for the Almighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name,
and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.
He has shown the power of his arm,
he has routed the proud of heart.
He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.
He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy
– according to the promise he made to our ancestors –
of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.”

- Luke 1:46-56, which is the Gospel for today, 22 December.

Detail of stained glass by Sir Ninian Comper in the Lady Chapel of Downside Abbey church in Somerset.

(by Lawrence OP)

gallery:

Krzcięcice, gotycki kościół z połowy XVI wieku koło Jedrzejowa.

via www.adamwalanus.pl

Light from on High

Rome - the centre of Christendom: light shines on the Tabernacle by Giovanni Battista Ricci (c.1590) in the Patriarchal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

(via Lawrence OP)

gallery:

Cathedral:

Cathedral in Seville is the biggest gothic cathedral in the world. It`s making unbelivable impression. I wish i took tripod with myself! :D

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