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Contents1 The Meaning of Protomartyr2 Why Is Saint Stephen’s Day Celebrated?3 Why Is Saint Stephen’s Day a Public Holiday? 26 December is the feast day of Saint Stephen, the first Christian to give his life in the name of faith in Christ. Here is his…
Contents1 Wooden Christmas Trees2 Recycled Plastic Baubles3 Solar-Powered Lights Wooden Christmas trees, DIY decorations, recycled plastic baubles, low-energy lights: small but significant gestures for a sustainable Christmas Christmas is a magical time for everyone. Homes fill with lights and warmth, streets shimmer with a gentle…
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The memory of the Christmas Mass, celebrated at midnight, is certainly one of the most moving experiences for any Christian, even from childhood. After spending Christmas Eve with relatives and friends, in the warmth of the home, in that palpable atmosphere of expectation that unites both adults and children on this magical night, one would head to the church, crowded with families braving the cold, all animated by the same tireless wonder and by the joy that comes from knowing that the Baby Jesus has been born, celebrating once more His coming together. The Christmas Vigil is not an ordinary Mass. It has a special, unique liturgy that is renewed every year, yet deeply rooted in ancient rites. The Christmas Kalenda, or Calenda, is one such example.
The Kalenda is a liturgical composition that was once included in the Hour of Prime of the Liturgy of the Hours, or Breviary. It was the moment of prayer that monks observed around six o’clock in the morning. The word Kalenda comes from the Latin kalendae, meaning the first day of each month. Modern breviaries no longer include this text, which was removed together with the Hour of Prime following the liturgical reform after the Second Vatican Council. However, the tradition of the Kalenda remains alive and has taken on a new and special meaning over time. Perhaps this is due to its sung form, which gives it a festive tone, or perhaps because of the very words that begin it, and from which it takes its name (Octavo Kalendas Ianuarii, Luna decimaquinta — “On the eighth day before the Kalends of January — that is, the twenty-fifth of December — the fifteenth moon”). The Kalenda is essentially an announcement of the birth of Jesus, told in a manner reminiscent of the Prologue of the Gospel of John, read during the Mass on Christmas Day. It begins with a broad, comprehensive vision of time and history — the relationship between God and humankind — and leads to the coming of Jesus Christ, to His becoming flesh on this unique night.
Today, during the Christmas Mass in Rome, the Kalenda is sung before the introductory rites as an announcement accompanying the beginning of the entrance procession. The composition unfolds as a sequence of chronological proclamations:
“After many centuries since the creation of the world,
[…] and many centuries since the Flood,
[…] thirteen centuries after the exodus of Israel from Egypt under the guidance of Moses;
and so on, until it concludes:
In the forty-second year of the reign of Caesar Octavian Augustus,
when peace reigned throughout the world,
Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father,
wishing to sanctify the world by His coming,
having been conceived by the Holy Spirit,
after nine months was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary, made man.”
This kind of enumeration of historical events, with its particular emphasis on numbers, the choice of places, and the mention of both historical and non-historical figures, immediately recalls the Old Testament and, more broadly, an ancient narrative approach that blended historical facts with legendary events. In this context, it serves to reaffirm the absolute historical truth of the events narrated, and in particular of the birth of Jesus.
Another typical custom of the Christmas season is the Christmas Novena, a form of popular devotion that is not official — meaning it is not part of the canonical liturgy of Christmas — but has long been practised by the faithful who wish to prepare properly for the birth of Jesus. During the nine days before Christmas, from 16 to 24 December, a series of prayers are recited and selected passages read to prepare for the occasion. The first to recite the Christmas Novena were devotees of a community of Vincentian missionaries (followers of Saint Vincent de Paul) at Christmas in 1720, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception next to the Ecclesiastical College they ran. They created a Novena using passages from the Old Testament expressing longing, expectation, and finally joy for the coming of Jesus. The sung parts and the simple, catchy melody contributed to the success and widespread adoption of this Novena.
Christmas Novena: The Nine Prayers Awaiting Christmas
From 16 to 24 December, during those nine days that precede Christmas, believers wait for the birth of Jesus…
The Christmas season actually consists not of one, but of four Masses: the Vigil Mass, the Mass during the Night, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass during the Day. These four celebrations embrace every moment of Christmas, guiding the faithful in prayer and meditation on the coming of Jesus:
This year as well, due to COVID, Pope Francis has decided to bring forward the Christmas Night Mass to 7:30 p.m. on 24 December. This is a decision made out of prudence, as was the cancellation of the event in Piazza di Spagna on 8 December for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
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The Adoration of the Shepherds: from the Gospel of Luke to the Nativity Scene — an ancient yet ever-relevant story From childhood, we learn to recognise the main figures of the Nativity Scene: the Holy Family — Mary, Joseph, and of course the Baby Jesus…
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One of the best-known traditions associated with Christmas is the Christmas Mass. This special liturgical celebration is traditionally held on the night between 24 December, Christmas Eve, and 25 December. Since it is usually celebrated at midnight or shortly thereafter, this ceremony is also known as the Midnight Mass, the Night Mass, or the Mass of the Angel.
Christmas, together with Easter, is the most important festival for Christians, as it celebrates the Incarnation of the Word of God — the moment when God became man through Jesus Christ. This is a fundamental point of Christian theology. The birth of Jesus, His coming to Earth, marks the fulfilment of the Promise, the beginning of humanity’s Redemption, and the first step towards Salvation. In this sense, the incarnation of Jesus represents the ultimate point of contact between the divine and the human, the New Covenant that will find its full consummation in the Last Supper, Christ’s death on the Cross, and His resurrection. Christmas, therefore, is not just the celebration of the birth of a special child, but the beginning of an extraordinary event that will change the course of history and offer all humanity the opportunity for a deeper relationship with God.
Since the exact date of Jesus’ birth is still debated among scholars, 25 December was chosen as the date to celebrate Christmas for a combination of historical, theological, and symbolic reasons. In Roman times, 25 December marked the pagan festival of the winter solstice, the darkest period of the year, when the sun rises late and sets early. This festival, known as Natalis Solis Invicti — “Birth of the Unconquered Sun” — was dedicated to the birth of the Sun God Mithras. It is not hard to imagine that, with the advent of Christianity, the figure of Jesus, the Light of the World, was aligned with the New Sun, giving new meaning to the pagan ritual and transforming the ancient tradition into the celebration of the Nativity.
Also in Roman times, between 17 and 23 December, the Saturnalia were celebrated — pagan festivals in honour of Saturn, the god of fields and harvest. During this period, fieldwork was halted, allowing peasants to rest and take part in public feasts and visit family and friends. Gifts were also exchanged, and even slaves enjoyed greater freedoms, sometimes being allowed to sit at the masters’ table in a celebration of generosity and sharing.
A festival of light and goodness, therefore — elements that are still evident today in the tradition of Christmas.
The Midnight Mass, a celebration of light in the heart of the night, connects to this special spiritual significance of Christmas for Christians worldwide. This transition from darkness to light is often represented physically in many churches, where lights are only switched on at midnight, just as the Christ Child is placed in the manger, and the solemn procession celebrating His birth takes place.
The structure of the Christmas Night Mass follows the Christian Mass rite and includes several parts typical of a liturgical celebration. The Christmas liturgy generally comprises:
There are references in the Holy Scriptures that justify the choice of midnight for celebrating the Christmas Mass. In the Gospel of Luke, it is written:
“In the same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night” (Luke 2:8).
Although it does not specify midnight, it refers to a moment in the middle of the night.
In the Book of Wisdom, it is written:
“While a profound silence covered all things and night was at the midpoint of its course, your almighty word from heaven, from your royal throne, relentless warrior, rushed upon that land of desolation” (Wisdom 18:14-16).
The choice of midnight is symbolic, representing the transition from night to day, from darkness to light, embodied in the coming of Jesus.
The Christmas Mass is not a single celebration but consists of four important liturgies, beginning with Vespers on 24 December and ending with the Mass in Die on 25 December. The four main celebrations are:
The practice of the Christmas Vigil, known as Midnight Mass, began in the East and was first observed at the end of the 4th century in Jerusalem. It was later introduced to the West in 430 AD by Pope Sixtus III at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and by the 12th century it had spread widely.
At that time, priests were authorised to celebrate three Masses on Christmas Day at appropriate times:
The exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth is not specified in the Bible and remains a topic of debate among scholars and historians. Christian tradition has set 25 December as the date for Christmas, though this choice is not based on direct historical evidence.
The choice of 25 December may have been influenced by a desire to align Christmas with winter pagan festivals, such as the winter solstice, to encourage the conversion of pagan populations to Christianity. The term Natalis was used in the ancient Roman calendar for many festivals, including Natalis Invicti, which celebrated the winter solstice.
The formal establishment of Christmas as a liturgical feast on 25 December is documented in Rome from 336 AD, according to the Chronograph compiled in 353 AD by the Roman calligrapher Furius Dionysius Filocalus. While this date was chosen to commemorate Jesus’ birth, its exact historical origin remains debated.
The Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke agree on certain central events: Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (as foretold in Micah 5:1) and the conception by a virgin (as announced in Isaiah 7:14) through the Holy Spirit. However, no specific dates are mentioned.
The traditional dating to 1 BC may have been influenced by an error made in the 6th century by the monk Dionysius Exiguus. Most scholars today place Jesus’ birth between 7 and 6 BC, based on historical data and calculations derived from Gospel accounts and contemporary historical sources.
In summary, the choice of 25 December for Christmas and the Gospel narratives of Jesus’ birth are complex and fascinating topics that have generated much discussion and research over the centuries. The centrality of this feast for Christians, however, goes beyond historical questions, reflecting the spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth as the Redeemer of the world.
Contents1 Customisable Bracelets2 Charitable Christmas Gifts3 Monastery Product Hampers4 Agios Jewellery Last-minute Christmas gifts: unique gift ideas that bring joy both to those who give and to those who receive, for a truly special Christmas Christmas should be a time of celebration and peace for…
Writing a letter to Santa Claus? From now on, it’s even easier with the beautiful Holyart mailboxes! When did children start writing to Santa Claus? The tradition of sending a letter to Santa is widespread almost all over the world. About a month before Christmas,…
Who has never been captivated by the timeless and slightly wistful charm of music boxes? With their soothing melodyand sweet, melodious sound, these magical devices have enchanted both music lovers and anyone willing to lend an ear for centuries. Often offered as special gifts and adorned with charming decorations, they reach their peak of popularity during the festive season. Thus, we have Christmas music boxes, a fascinating tradition that spans time, carrying with it an aura of nostalgia and warmth.
During the Christmas period, music boxes acquire an even more special significance. Often associated with the magic of the season, Christmas music boxes may feature festive motifs, depict Nativity scenes, and play traditional holiday melodies. Their presence helps create a magical atmosphere, filling rooms with the warm, welcoming notes of Christmas songs. Sometimes, they are heirlooms, passed down through generations, becoming an integral part of family traditions. They carry not only the joy of the holidays but also a continuity of emotional bonds that transcend time—a tribute to beauty and music that forms a bridge between past and present, weaving the lives of those who listen, like sweet melodies from a lost past.
The term music box may derive from the French word carillonner, meaning to ring bells or chimes, or more likely from the Latin quaternione or quatrinio. In ancient times, bells were used not only for religious purposes but also for civic or symbolic reasons: to announce important events or summon people from villages and fields. Eventually, bells in church towers and civic towers were connected to a system that allowed them to be played via a keyboard, not unlike an organ. This transformation probably occurred in the 14th century and quickly became popular in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
Typically, these bells were arranged in sets of four and were called quadrinione or quatrinio, which later evolved into the vernacular quarellon and eventually carillon. In this way, from church and municipal towers in many European cities, not just the sound of bells but actual music could be heard across squares, fields, and villages. Over time, technology and mechanics evolved, leading to the creation of more complex and refined bell carillons, with an increasingly extensive repertoire of musical pieces. Moreover, the mechanism of bell carillons began to be adapted for smaller objects.
At the same time, with the invention of the mechanical clock, some craftsmen began using clock mechanisms to drive small toothed wheels with pins. As the wheel turned, the pins activated levers that played small bells arranged to form a melody. This gave rise in France to the first boîtes à musique, or music boxes, initially large and cumbersome, sometimes even furniture pieces, and later, through the skill of increasingly refined craftsmen such as Antoine Favre, a Swiss watchmaker, they became smaller and mechanically more sophisticated. The wheels were replaced by cylinders with pins, and in 1796 Favre patented the carillon sans timbre ni marteau.
From then on, music boxes spread as we know them today, in various shapes and forms, adorned with imaginative and varied decorations. Over time, more refined improvements were introduced. Segmented metal strips were replaced by a single comb with teeth of varying size and thickness, and dampers were added to limit vibrations.
The modern music box produces music through the constant-speed rotation of a cylinder fitted with pins arranged to reproduce a melody by striking and vibrating small steel lamellae arranged in a comb, each with a different length and thickness. The cylinder rotates via a crank or a spring mechanism with a key, allowing the music box to play until the charge runs out, gradually slowing as the cylinder’s motion decelerates. This type of instrument is known as a lamellophone or plucked idiophone. However, there are also music boxes made with small plates or bells; in 1894, one was patented in Germany that produced melodies via a perforated disc.
Even today, music boxes are not just musical instruments but symbols of love, affection, and tradition. Giving a music box is an original gesture, suitable for any occasion: significant events such as baptisms, communions, confirmations, weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries, or whenever you want to show someone how important they are to you. Their harmonious sound evokes unique memories and emotions, and the choice of the music box and its melody goes beyond the value of the object itself. Although partially replaced by more advanced technologies, the music box still holds its charm, bringing its presence into daily life through its enchanting and nostalgic melodies.
A music box can also be a wonderful home décor item, adding elegance and refinement to any space. Careful craftsmanship and elegant design transform the music box into a visually striking decorative piece, delighting both the ear and the eye. Many women even use music boxes as jewellery holders.
With moving figures, lights that turn on, and rotating mechanisms, a music box becomes a true treasure chest of secretsfor both adults and children. Some handcrafted music boxes can be highly valuable, and many collectors cherish these wonderful mechanisms. Especially as the festive season approaches, we love thinking of collectible Christmas music boxes, which, with their themed decorations, enrich the atmosphere with warmth and music.
Beyond precious collectible music boxes, there are many Christmas music boxes accessible to non-collectors, which enchant both young and old during the festive period. Alongside garlands, table covers, and other Christmas decorations, music boxes add colour, joy, and a unique atmosphere throughout the holidays.
In our online store, you will find several, suitable for all ages and occasions, perfect for a shelf or mantelpiece at Christmas, or as an original and thoughtful gift.
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In the Nativity, Mary rests while Saint Joseph keeps watch. Here is the original depiction of the Nativity that moved Pope Francis and shows us a new face of the Holy Family. Every year, the Nativity scene, with Mary holding the Baby Jesus in her…
Contents1 DIY Transparent Christmas Baubles2 Materials Needed3 Decorating and Ideas for the Christmas Tree Transparent Christmas baubles are an original and creative way to decorate your Holiday Tree. Here’s how to make them in just a few simple steps How lovely are transparent glass baubles…
Can we really speak of “Nativity Scene Modelling”? Absolutely! For those who love and appreciate the wonderful tradition of Nativity Scenes, creating a homemade Nativity Scene can certainly be seen as a form of modelling – one that requires not only creativity and craftsmanship but also the search for countless miniature items, essential to make the final result truly remarkable. Nativity Scene modelling is a fascinating art that brings the magic of Christmas into our homes. Creating a detailed and captivating Nativity Scene requires skill, imagination, and a wide variety of miniature accessories. And we are not just talking about tiny kitchenware, rocks, architectural elements, food, and perfectly crafted small accessories, but also about lighting components such as miniature lampposts, and water pumps to power fountains and miniature ponds.
In this article, we aim to explore the world of Nativity Scene modelling, discovering the various types of miniature items available and where they can be found. Above all, however, we wish to emphasise how rewarding and creative the experience of making your own Nativity Scene can be. Christmas is a special, unique time when many traditions come back to life. Since the first Nativity Scene created by Saint Francis, the representation of the birth of Jesus has, for centuries, been one of the ways in which Christians celebrate Christmas – a feast of hope and a promise of salvation renewed each year. In homes, churches, and both private and public spaces, the birth of Jesus is celebrated through figures and settings, and the creativity of Nativity artisans and DIY enthusiasts makes these displays not only acts of devotion but true works of art.
Building your own DIY Nativity Scene is a wonderful way to reinforce the meaning of this festive season. Creating a Nativity Scene by hand is a tradition that brings joy and significance to Christmas. Every step of the process is an opportunity to express your creativity and reflect on the deeper meaning of the celebration. Experiment, personalise, and enjoy the process. Before you begin, take some time to reflect on your vision of the Nativity Scene. What do you want it to represent? What style and dimensions should it have? This is the stage where you can plan the details and imagine the final result.
The DIY Nativity scene illustrated in 10 simple steps
The time to organise our DIY Christmas Nativity scene is approaching. Here’s a concise guide to better plan your work…
Gather all the materials needed for the project. You will need a solid base, such as a table or a box, to hold your Nativity Scene. Look for materials to create the landscape, such as paper, cardboard, moss, stones, and small trees. Also, prepare the miniature items, such as human figures, animals, buildings, and sacred objects.
Choose the ideal place for your Nativity Scene. It could be on a table in the living room, on a shelf, or even in the garden. Make sure it is well-lit and easily visible. Begin by creating the landscape of your Nativity Scene. Use paper or cardboard to form hills, mountains, and plains. Add moss to represent grass and place stones to simulate rocks. This is where you can really let your creativity flow, designing the terrain on which the Nativity scene will unfold.
Place the human figures, animals, and buildings in the Nativity Scene. Pay attention to their arrangement, creating a realistic setting. Imagine Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus in the centre of the scene, surrounded by shepherds, animals, and the Three Wise Men. You can move the figures around and experiment with different arrangements until you find the one you like best.
Focus on the details and accessories, such as wells, roads, fences, and trees. You can decorate the buildings with small Christmas ornaments or illuminate them with LED lights. This step allows you to add that final touch of authenticity to your Nativity Scene.
Lighting is fundamental. Use LED lights or miniature candles to create a warm, magical atmosphere. You can position the lights in different spots to highlight specific parts of the scene, such as the star above the stable.
Nativity Scene modelling is an art that allows you to create magical and meaningful Christmas settings. With a wide variety of miniature items available, you can personalise your Nativity Scene to reflect your own vision and creativity. Explore different sources – from craft fairs to auctions and specialised websites – to find the perfect elements, and enjoy the joy of building a unique representation of Christmas. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, Nativity Scene modelling is a hobby that can bring joy and inspiration throughout the festive season.
We have already mentioned the importance of details and accessories. You can have fun searching for decorative elements for your Nativity Scene at the many Christmas Markets that enliven towns and cities during the festive season, offering, among other things, miniature items for Nativity Scenes. These events can be the perfect opportunity to find unique, handmade pieces. If you are looking for one-of-a-kind, artisan-made items, you might also find what you need in the workshops of local craftsmen specialising in Nativity Scene modelling. They are often able to create bespoke, customised pieces for your project.
The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe
Stalls illuminated by colourful lights, handcrafted products, gourmet specialities, parades, and music…
For those looking for miniature items for Nativity Scenes, a more convenient and practical solution may be hobby and modelling shops, which often offer a wide selection of human figures, animals, buildings, and landscape materials. Online shops are also an invaluable resource. There are websites specialising in Nativity Scene items that offer an endless range of products, often with detailed descriptions and images.
In our online store, you will also find countless categories of miniature items for Nativity Scenes – from work tools and household accessories to market stalls with miniature food for Nativity Scenes, furniture for small houses, and tiny architectural elements such as DIY Nativity roof tiles or miniature bricks, just to name a few. These small terracotta and resin objects allow you to create many components for your DIY Nativity Scene, such as walls, roofs, and Roman-style settings, and so on. To create an authentic environment, you can then add miniature buildings such as stables, huts, and houses. You can also enrich the landscape with trees, plants, rocks, and accessories such as wells and roads.
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Another range of products available in our store includes water pumps, pipes, pulleys, wheels, and tanks for watercourses — all essential accessories for creating impressive moving water effects in your Nativity Scene. You can build fountains and streams, even waterfalls.
3 Simple Methods to Create a Water Effect in a Nativity Scene
Rivers, ponds, cascades, fountains. The key word is just one: Nativity Scene water effect…
Lighting is also essential for the success of your project. In the section dedicated to Nativity Scene Lights and Lanterns, you will find everything you need for Nativity Scene lighting and special effects — from lampposts to lamps, from light bulbs recreating the effect of fire to small lanterns. You will also find plugs, transformers, extensions, neon tubes, bulb holders, electrical materials, incandescent lights, LED lights, and even neon lights for Nativity Scenes. All our products are safe — a fundamental requirement even before brightness and aesthetic impact. The use of LED lights can bring your Nativity Scene to life, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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Today, we discuss cremation and the Catholic religion. As the day of the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed approaches, it becomes a priority for Christians to reflect on many aspects of Faith and Catholic spirituality. The relationship between cremation and the Church is one of those aspects that is not entirely clear to many. During this time dedicated to reflection and meditation, as well as prayer for the souls of those who are no longer with us, not in the form we were used to knowing, it is natural to focus on deep realities, practices, and symbols that belong to our daily life, to the point that we often stop questioning their origins and why they are so important to us.
One of the most evident examples is the Cross, the quintessential Christian symbol, but much older than the origin of Christianity, which was certainly not the first religion to use it. As early as the Stone Age, it was used, though with a completely different meaning, and many pre-Christian religions endowed it with solemn significance centuries before it was associated with the death of Jesus. Indeed, the ease with which it can be reproduced suggests why it is one of the oldest symbols of humanity.
In Viking mythology, Odin was symbolised by a cross enclosed in a circle, now known as the Celtic cross, while for the Egyptians, a cross with a circle on top, the ankh, was a symbol of life and fertility. But the pre-Christian cross was also used as a religious symbol and ornament in Syria, Greece, India, Africa, and Mexico. While today the Cross is considered by Catholic Christians as the symbol of God’s Love, remembering the death of Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for all of us, in ancient times it was not appreciated by Christians themselves, as it was seen as a symbol of disgrace, associated only with the idea of torture. Gradually, it began to be used with the meaning we attribute to it today.
Why is Jesus on the cross such an important symbol for Catholics?
The figure of Jesus on the cross represents for every Christian…
Regarding cremation, the practice of reducing the bodies of the deceased to ashes, what is the Church’s stance? Well, cremation is permitted by the Catholic Church. This needs to be clarified, as there have been periods of open condemnation in the past. In reality, it was never the practice of cremation itself that was condemned. Although in the West burial has always been preferred, in many periods of human history there was no other choice but to burn the dead, especially in cases of critical sanitary conditions, such as epidemics or wars. This possibility in no way questioned the right of souls to achieve immortality.
How a Catholic funeral is conducted
Death for a Catholic represents an encounter with Jesus in eternal life. Here is how a Catholic funeral…
However, it is true that in many cases cremation was a practice associated with paganism and those who denied life after death and Resurrection. During the Age of Enlightenment, rampant atheism made cremation one of its strongholds, a way to mock believers and religion, and for this reason, the Church had to condemn the practice of cremation for a time due to what it had come to symbolise for the enemies of Christianity. It was rehabilitated by the Holy See only in 1963, with the document Piam et Constantem, and since then it has been considered a form of care for the deceased as respectful as burial. When, at the end of time, all believers are resurrected, it will not matter if they have remained dust or rather ashes, as long as they have fallen asleep in the light and love of God.
And after cremation, what can be done with the ashes? While we have seen that the Church permits cremation, a completely different attitude is taken towards the cremation and scattering of ashes. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith accepts cremation but prohibits the scattering of the ashes of the deceased in air, water, or earth, and also the keeping of funeral ashes at home. The instruction Ad resurgendum cum Christo, approved by Pope Francis in 2016 and updating the previous Piam et Constantem, confirms that “cremation is not forbidden, unless it is chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine,” provided that “the ashes of the deceased are kept in a sacred place, that is, in a cemetery, church, or an area specifically designated for this purpose by the competent ecclesiastical authority.” Moreover, burial is always considered the preferred practice, unless “hygienic, economic, or social reasons lead to choosing cremation.”
If civil laws permit keeping the ashes of deceased loved ones at home after cremation, or placing them in commemorative objects (jewellery, sculptures), or scattering them according to sanitary regulations set by the municipality, for the Church, any preservation of the ashes that deviates from the imposed rules may result in the legitimate refusal of the funeral rites.
In our store, you will find funeral items of all kinds, including funeral urns and cremation urns handcrafted by Italian artisans, plaques and applications for cemetery headstones, flower vases, and a wide range of votive candles, luminaires, wax or electric lamps to illuminate the resting place of your loved ones.
So we have seen the position of the Catholic Church on cremation. But what does the Bible say about it? As far as the Bible is concerned, the Old Testament does not condemn cremation, nor does it provide instructions either for or against this practice. The Jews buried their dead in tombs and caves, but the Bible never indicates burial as the only permissible way to deal with a corpse.
Contents1 What Do Cloistered Nuns Do?2 How Does One Become a Cloistered Nun?3 The Carthusian Order4 How Many Cloistered Monasteries Are There in Italy? Cloistered nuns, the hidden heart of the Catholic Church, play a fundamental role in the spiritual lives of the faithful through…
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Speaking about Marian symbols in May is almost a must. May is the quintessential Marian month. Always dedicated to rebirth and the cycle of life, it was already in ancient civilisations assigned to the celebration of pagan rites connected to renewal, fertility, and love. Just think of Persephone, Proserpina to the Romans, who returns from the Underworld where she spent the winter with her husband Hades, who kidnapped her, and with her return brings spring back to Earth.
All these rites evolved over the centuries, transforming and adapting to new beliefs, to the new religion. For this reason, it is easy to find references in certain devotional forms dedicated to the Madonna and in Marian symbols that seem to recall ancient cults. Even among Marian titles, that is the names by which Mary is venerated, we find names derived from attributes referring to the Virgin in the Holy Scriptures, but also, and especially, arising from popular veneration or from characteristics attributed to her by ordinary people. After all, Mary, Mother of God and Mother of all men, is already a symbol in herself — a symbol of the Mother indeed, but also of the merciful mediator, the feminine ideal to which all women should aspire, the feminine integration of every man through her maternal function. Thus, Marian symbols are not only signs but live, change, and grow as human awareness addressing them grows.
Marian Titles: what are they and how many are all the names dedicated to Mary
Titoli Mariani: tutti gli appellativi con cui viene venerata Maria, madre di Gesù. Ma quanti sono i Titoli Mariani? …
Christianity, after all, is rich in symbols, and many Catholic symbols are borrowed from other religions, reinterpreted by the new faith. Think of the Cross, which has become the quintessential symbol of Christians, but only from the fourth century is the veneration of this symbol documented. Early Christians venerated the monogram of Christ XP or the stylised fish.
Returning to Marian religious symbols, they appear in devotion but also in the history of sacred art. The iconography of the Madonna developed over centuries, drawing both from sacred texts and popular tales, in a continuous interplay of exchanges, references, and connections between words and objects.
Let us look at some of the most recurring Marian symbols, but also the most curious ones.
In the Litany of Loreto Mary is invoked as Speculum iustitiæ, “Mirror of Justice”. The meaning of this symbol is simple: the Madonna expresses the perfect incarnation of the divine image, so much so that she reflects in herself, as in a mirror, harmony, truth, and beauty that belong only to God. Indeed, the Immaculate Virgin is also called Speculum sine macula(“mirror without stain”) and Speculum pulchritudinis (“mirror always clear and bright”). Just as Saint Joseph, her spouse, is called a “just” man (Mt 1:19) for his holiness and determination to observe the Law of God, so the virtue of “justice” in the Virgin is another definition of her holiness, of her will to conform to the Divine Will. Clear, pure, humble, she became a reflecting surface of God’s light, a docile instrument to refract it in all its shining colours.
Let us remember that the Litany of Loreto, or the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are prayers to God and above all to the Madonna, made in the form of a litany, linked to devotion in the Holy House of Loreto from the sixteenth century onwards.
Our Lady of Loreto: the history and myth of the House that arrived in Loreto from Palestine
Since the Middle Ages, the Basilica of the Holy House has been the heart of devotion to Our Lady of Loreto…
The moon has always been one of the recurring symbols in many ancient civilisations and religions. The Catholic religion has also adopted it, linking it to the figure of Mary the Virgin, but even earlier it was one of the Bible’s symbols and represented the Jewish people, God’s people, who illuminated the world by reflecting the Creator’s light. Also in the Bible, particularly in the Apocalypse of John, the Church appears as a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars. In reality, the woman is Mary herself, clothed with the glory of God, “full of grace,” destined to reflect His light with her purity, just as the moon reflects the sun’s light. In countless depictions of Mary, we see her with the moon at her feet, sometimes waning, to symbolise her purity, sometimes waxing, with the hump upwards, emblematic of Christ’s triumph over sin and death. In this case, the moon as a symbol of the Madonna represents death and mortality.
Another Marian symbol, as well as a symbol of May, the month dedicated to Mary, is the rose. Crowns of these wonderful flowers placed on statues of the Virgin have over time become the Rosary, one of the most widespread and solemn devotional prayers.
The petals of the roses are also associated with the Holy Spirit, as in Rome, where on Pentecost they are dropped from the central oculus of the Pantheon to recall the tongues of fire that touched the Madonna and the Apostles.
Considered at all times the queen of flowers, a symbol of Aphrodite and, in general, of perfection, the rose appears in many works of art depicting Mary the Virgin. Mary herself, again in the Litany of Loreto, is called Rosa mystica or Rosa sine spine, she who was born free of Original Sin. Roses associated with Mary also change meaning according to their colour: the yellow roses at the feet of the Virgin of Lourdes, as described by Bernadette Soubirous, recall the light of God, the colour of holiness; at Fatima the white roses symbolise purity; the red roses recall the blood of Christ.
Statue of Mary of the Mystic Rose in painted resin 30 cm
Highly detailed, finely worked statue made in Italy.Given its light weight, this statue is suitable for being carried …
The Ivory Tower, or Turris Eburnea, is also a symbol of purity and nobility, first in Jewish culture and then in Christian religion. Mentioned in the Song of Solomon (“Your neck is like an ivory tower”) it becomes an appellation of Mary in the Litany of Loreto. The Madonna is the Turris Eburnea of popular devotion, because through her pass the graces of which Christ is the source and head of the body represented by the Church, and Mary—the ivory tower—is the neck connecting the head to the limbs.
The ivory tower also indicates Mary’s solitude, her inviolate and inviolable chastity, precious and immaculate.
Besides being a mirror of God’s light and a link between Christ—the head of the mystical body—and the Church—the body’s members—Mary is also the incarnation of the Ark of the Covenant, which according to Jewish tradition contained the tablets of the Law, allowed Moses to speak with God, and represented God’s very presence. Mary, who welcomed Jesus in her womb, became the new Ark of the Covenant, the living receptacle of the Word, of God’s will, of the new and eternal covenant that Christ represents.
Another Marian symbol comparing Mary to a passage identifies her as the Gate of Heaven. This is how the ancient Fathers of the Church described her, as well as the sanctuary of divinity, rest and peace of the Holy Trinity, throne of God, city of God, altar of God, temple of God, world of God, and paradise of God, emphasising her role of intercession between men and God the Father, due to her humility, selflessness, and obedience, which placed her at the opposite pole to Eve. Indeed, Eve’s sin had closed the gate of Heaven, and a new gentle woman was needed to open it to allow Grace to flow back into the world.
In the Letter to the Church in Philadelphia in the Apocalypse we read:
“7 To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: these things says the Holy One, the True One, who holds the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens: 8 ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut, because you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.’” (Revelation 3:7-13)
The Immaculate Heart of Mary represents this door, always open to those who wish to believe, to those who, like her, know how to humbly present themselves before God confessing all their weakness.
Another of the most famous Marian titles is the Blessed Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom. As Mother of Christ, she welcomed all the Wisdom of God within herself, becoming its cradle and treasure, and once again a means, because through the Virgin we can grasp the sweetness of the Word, enjoy the Wisdom of God, which is Christ. Mary is also called the Wise and Teacher of Truth, who knows how to interpret the message of Jesus her son and make it accessible to men. Saint Ambrose also called her Mary, the model of life, perfect disciple of Christ.
Among the most famous Marian icons is that of the Mother of God called the Burning Bush. The connection with Moses is inevitable, who in the third chapter of Exodus heard the voice of God on Mount Horeb through a bush burning with fire but not consumed. “I am who I am,” said the voice, then ordered Moses to save the Hebrews from slavery. In the miracle of the burning bush it has been read as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ birth. Just as the bush burns without being consumed, so the Madonna became mother while remaining chaste and virgin, and as fire is a symbol of God, so Jesus, born from her womb, is God Himself.
Orthodox icons: representations of Christ’s works on Earth
Orthodox icons have always been a meeting place between art and pure and solemn spirituality …
In the late medieval period, Gideon’s fleece became a symbol of Mary’s virginal conception. According to biblical tradition, an angel appeared to Gideon, entrusting him with the task of freeing the Hebrew people from the raids of nomadic peoples. Since the young man was reluctant, God sent him two signs: He burnt a kid and caused dew to soak a fleece spread out in the threshing floor, while all around the ground remained dry (Judges 6:36-40).
The Virgin, fertilised by divine dew, was called to bear a grave and fundamental mission for Salvation and chose to embrace it in absolute freedom, entrusting herself with trust and purity to God’s will.
