Happy feast! There is a German tradition of cutting flowering branches and placing them in water on this day; they should be flowering by Christmas or so. Tried it last year...no luck. Too cold here, I guess. Am trying it again. I'll let you know what happens!
"Various legends surrounding St. Barbara were attached to flowering branches. One is that flowers blossomed upon her grave on Christmas day; another that, imprisoned in a tower awaiting martyrdom, St. Barbara found a dried up cherry tree branch which she watered and which bloomed, thus bringing her consolation before her martyrdom."--from "The New Liturgical Movement" blog
One question; we now have more canonized saints than ever before, yet there are many weekdays which have no saint's feast day assigned to them, at least in the Mass celebrations. And some have one mentioned, but not others. For instance, at this morning's Mass there was an optional observance of St. John Damascene, but not St. Barbara. It would be nice if they would at least mention in the missalettes all the saints who have feast days on a particular day.
You should look at a Byzantine Catholic calendar. Every day is filled with saints, and we do remember them in our liturgies. Many have their proper music for the liturgy, even -- though if not, their memorial is mentioned in the liturgy.
I do think the West needs to go back to this practice. It would help people to understand the communion of the saints.
In the Traditional Breviary they always have commemorations along with the specific Feast Day. And, of course, many saints are mentioned in the Martyrology at Prime. I like using Divinum Officium, but one could also go to Breviary.net on the internet. It may not be the same as recognizing them in the Missal, but it's at least something.
I have an icon of St. Barbara, painted on china. My mom bought it for me because every girl needs to be sure her artillery is protected. Or because her great-grandmother's name was Barbara.
Please comment with charity and avoid ad hominem attacks. I exercise the right to delete comments I find inappropriate. If you use your real name there is a better chance your comment will stay put.
Happy feast!
ReplyDeleteThere is a German tradition of cutting flowering branches and placing them in water on this day; they should be flowering by Christmas or so.
Tried it last year...no luck. Too cold here, I guess.
Am trying it again. I'll let you know what happens!
"Various legends surrounding St. Barbara were attached to flowering branches. One is that flowers blossomed upon her grave on Christmas day; another that, imprisoned in a tower awaiting martyrdom, St. Barbara found a dried up cherry tree branch which she watered and which bloomed, thus bringing her consolation before her martyrdom."--from "The New Liturgical Movement" blog
Neat traditions, Father. I have a sibling in religious vows (for nearly forty years) whose feast is today.
ReplyDeleteOne question; we now have more canonized saints than ever before, yet there are many weekdays which have no saint's feast day assigned to them, at least in the Mass celebrations. And some have one mentioned, but not others. For instance, at this morning's Mass there was an optional observance of St. John Damascene, but not St. Barbara. It would be nice if they would at least mention in the missalettes all the saints who have feast days on a particular day.
ReplyDeleteMelody
ReplyDeleteYou should look at a Byzantine Catholic calendar. Every day is filled with saints, and we do remember them in our liturgies. Many have their proper music for the liturgy, even -- though if not, their memorial is mentioned in the liturgy.
I do think the West needs to go back to this practice. It would help people to understand the communion of the saints.
In the Traditional Breviary they always have commemorations along with the specific Feast Day. And, of course, many saints are mentioned in the Martyrology at Prime. I like using Divinum Officium, but one could also go to Breviary.net on the internet. It may not be the same as recognizing them in the Missal, but it's at least something.
ReplyDeleteI have an icon of St. Barbara, painted on china. My mom bought it for me because every girl needs to be sure her artillery is protected. Or because her great-grandmother's name was Barbara.
ReplyDelete