Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, saw in the teachings of her Catholic faith first a message to change her heart and then to change her country – and it all began with the planting of a single tree. Links: Website for The Green Belt Movement begun by Maathai […]
Las Brigadas Femeninas de Santa Juana de Arco were instrumental in the successes of the Cristeros in their war against the government of Mexico. These women faced arrest, imprisonment, and even the opposition from some within the Catholic Church as they struggled for religious freedom. Links: Article on the Cristeros Wikipedia has a brief article […]
As we begin National Black Catholic History Month in the United States, we look at the life and work of Lena Frances Edwards. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Edwards spent her life in defense of those most in need. Links: Articles on Black Catholic History Month can be found here, here, here […]
In early 17th century France, a convent of Ursuline sisters will begin to exhibit the signs of demonic possession. The resulting investigation will reveal the evil that lies in human hearts. Links: On the possessions at Loudun Image – The death of Father Urbain Grandier Sources: Michel de Certeau, The Possession At Loudun, Chicago: The […]
Saint Kassia, rejected by Emperor Theophilos, but proclaimed by the Eastern Church was one of the most important hymnographers in medieval Christianity. Her writings and work attracted the attention of the people of God of her time and continue to inspire Christians today. Links: The Hymn of Kassia/Kassiani sung by the choir of Saint Mary […]
A long time ago, the Tarasque was a terrible monster terrorizing the people of Nerluc. Today, the Tarasque is a popular figure for the people of Southern France and Northern Spain along with being friend to all children. Links: Video of the Tarasque festival [in French] Photo of La Tarasca by Chosovi The Tarasque and […]
Throughout the Middle Ages, Catholics saw friends and neighbors afflicted with what they believed was the irresistible desire to dance. The cure for this strange ailment, they believed, was to be found in the intercession of the saints…and more dancing. Links: An article on the Dancing Plague from the Discovery Channel “Rethinking the Dancing Mania” […]
Maria Gaetana Agnesi was one of the brightest mathematicians of the 18th century who just as she had been given a position at the Bologna Academy of Sciences gave it all up to serve the poor. Also in this episode a few words on Kyriopascha and Palmbuschen. Links: Massimo Mazzotti has written a recent book […]
For decades thousands of Catholic children from New York traveled across the country on the Orphan, Mercy, and Baby Trains. Their stories show us the hope of the American experience, but also the darkness of the past. Links: Books The Orphan Trains: Placing Out In America by Marilyn Irvin Holt The Great Arizona Orphan Abduction […]
Bishop Dougherty of Philadelphia called Mother Anna Dengel a Canon Law buster. But Mother Theresa of Calcutta would say that Mother Dengel’s influence went far beyond Canon Law. Links: Medical Mission Sisters Send e-mail questions and comments to catholicunderthehood@gmail.com or leave voice mail at 1 740 936 4354 To listen, just click on the link […]
