Level Wise

A reader writes:

“A few months ago in our local catholic church, I saw a holy card or [something] similar that depicted a contemporary ’saint’ or some other ‘venerable’ person. He was pictured standing on a rural hillside in perhaps Switzerland or Germany and was clearly ’smoking a pipe’ … Several weeks later when I thought to look again, the table had been rearranged and cleared and I could find no trace of him. I was wondering if you might know who this was?”

The subject of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer always ignites a little nostalgia for my Anglican days. So it was in that frame of mind that I began rummaging through some old discs this afternoon looking for misplaced articles I had written. Because I am still an admirer of Charles I of England, whom Anglo-Catholics traditionally venerate as a saint (and who, in my opinion, may well be a saint), I was pleased to have recovered the following article commemorating his martyrdom:

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SAINT CHARLES, KING AND MARTYR

“Constant from cradle to the grave,

Gold of a loving heart he gave,

Prayer was his frankincense and breath,

And myrrh his brave and kingly death.”

- D.F.G.

“Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

From the February archives of Theresa’s Destination:Order here, the journal of an articulate sophmore attending Christendom College:

“The discussion had merged from classes to the spirit of Christendom. ‘Here’s the essence of Christendom,’ said Sabatino. ‘Do you know what that great Catholic queen–’ (aside to us: ‘Isabella? yeah–’) ‘ –queen Isabella once said were her three favorite things? No?’ The visitors did not; nor did we. Now all Sabatino’s energies come to the point–compelling voice, dramatic flair, blazing brown eyes in his dark Italian face, with one hand gripping the table and the other emphasizing the points. We stood spellbound. ‘She said ONE, a Pregnant Woman! –TWO, a Priest Celebrating Mass! –and THREE, a Thief Hanging at a Crossroads! –THAT is the Essence of Christendom!!’”

Gerard Serafin reminds us on his web log that today is the feast of Blessed Junipero Serra. If California Catholics were not half asleep, today would be one of the biggest days of the year — processions, pilgrimages, festivals, parades, bullfights, mariachi bands, margaritas, the works. I pray to see his canonization in my own lifetime — and what a glorious day that will be!