Saint Wolfgang (934 A.D. - 994 A.D.).

Text and Illustrations from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,
unless otherwise stated.

English: Stained-Glass Window depicting Saint Wolfgang,

in the Parish Church of Liesing, Austria.

Deutsch: Kirchenfenster von Wolfgang in der Pfarrkirche Liesing

(Wien 23), Österreich. Bild von mir selbst aufgenommen im Sommer 2005.

This File: 3 May 2013.

User: Bede735c.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg (934 A.D. – 994 A.D.) was Bishop of Regensburg, in Bavaria, Germany, from Christmas 972 A.D., until his death. He is a Saint of the Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox, Churches (Canonised in 1052). He is regarded as one of the three great German Saints of the 10th-Century; the other two Saints being Saint Ulrich and Saint Conrad of Constance. Wolfgang was descended from the family of the Swabian Counts of Pfullingen (Monumenta Germaniae Historica (Mon. Germ. His.: Script., X, 53)). When seven-years-old, he had an Ecclesiastic as tutor, at home; later, he attended the celebrated Monastic School at Reichenau Abbey.

Here he formed a strong friendship with Henry of Babenberg, brother of Bishop Poppo of Würzburg, whom he followed to Würzburg in order to attend the lectures of the noted Italian grammarian, Stephen of Novara, at the Cathedral School.

After Henry was made Archbishop of Trier, in 956 A.D., he summoned Wolfgang, who became a teacher in the Cathedral School of Trier, and also laboured for the reform of the Archdiocese, despite the hostility with which his efforts were met.

English: Chapel of Saint Wolfgang, Glanz, Austria.

Deutsch: Kapelle hl. Wolfgang, Glanz, Österreich.

Photo: 29 October 2012.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jürgele.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Wolfgang's residence at Trier greatly influenced his Monastic and ascetic tendencies, as here he came into contact with the great Monastery of the 10th-Century, Saint Maximin's Abbey, Trier, where he made the acquaintance of Romuald, the teacher of Saint Adalbert of Prague.

After the death of Archbishop Henry of Trier, in 964 A.D., Wolfgang entered the Benedictine Order in the Abbey of Maria, Einsiedeln, Switzerland, and was Ordained Priest by Saint Ulrich, in 968 A.D.

After their defeat in the Battle of the Lechfeld (955 A.D.), the heathen Hungarians settled in ancient Pannonia. As long as they were not converted to Christianity, they remained a constant menace to the Empire.

At the request of Saint Ulrich, who clearly saw the danger, and at the desire of the Emperor Otto the Great, Wolfgang, according to the Abbey annals, was "sent to the Hungarians" as the most suitable man to evangelise them.

English: Chapel of Saint Wolfgang,

Bassig, Dünserberg, Vorarlberg.

Deutsch: Kapelle hl. Wolfgang, Bassig,

Dünserberg, 

Vorarlberg, 

Österreich.

Photo: 25 September 2013.

Source: Own work.

Author: Böhringer Friedrich.

(Wikimedia Commons)

He was followed by other Missionaries, sent by Piligrim, Bishop of Passau, under whose jurisdiction the new Missionary Region came.

After the death of Bishop Michael of Regensburg (23 September 972 A.D.), Bishop Piligrim obtained from the Emperor the appointment of Wolfgang as the new Bishop (Christmas, 972 A.D.). Wolfgang's services in this new position were of the highest importance, not only for the Diocese, but also for the cause of civilisation. As Bishop of Regensburg, Wolfgang became the tutor of Emperor Saint Henry II, who learned from him the principles which governed his Saintly and energetic life. Poppe, son of Margrave Luitpold, Archbishop of Trier (1018), and Tagino, Archbishop of Magdeburg (1004–1012), also had him as their teacher.

Wolfgang deserves credit for his disciplinary labours in his Diocese. His main work in this respect was connected with the ancient and celebrated Saint Emmeram's Abbey, which he reformed by granting it, once more, Abbots of its own, thus withdrawing it from the control of the Bishops of Regensburg, who for many years had been Abbots in commendam, a condition of affairs that had been far from beneficial to the Abbey and Monastic life. In the Benedictine Monk, Romuald, whom Saint Wolfgang called from Saint Maximin, at Trier, Saint Emmeram received a most capable Abbot in 975 A.D.

English: Parish Church of Saint Wolfgang, Tyrol, Austria.

Deutsch: Kath. Pfarrkirche hl. Wolfgang, Friedhof u.

Kriegerkapelle, 

Österreich.

Photo: 27 September 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: OW.

(Wikimedia Commons)

[Editor: Note the beautiful scrolled Metalwork around the Grave Crucifixes,

a feature of Austrian Metalcraft Workers. Such scrolled Metalwork

would contribute greatly to new Sanctuary Communion Rails,

should any Parish Priest be looking for ideas.]

English: Parish Church of Saint Wolfgang, Tyrol, Austria.

Deutsch: Kath. Pfarrkirche hl. Wolfgang,

Friedhof u. Kriegerkapelle, 

Österreich.

Photo: 27 September 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: OW.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Saint also reformed the Convents of Obermünster and Niedermünster,at Regensburg, chiefly by giving them, as an example, the Convent of Saint Paul, Mittelmünster, at Regensburg, which he had founded in 983 A.D. He also co-operated in the Reform of the ancient and celebrated Benedictine Abbey of Niederaltaich, which had been Founded by the Agilolfinger Dynasty, and which, from that time, took on new life.

He showed genuine Episcopal generosity, in the liberal manner with which he met the views of the Emperor Otto II, regarding the intended reduction in size of his Diocese for the benefit of the new Diocese of Prague (975 A.D.), to which Saint Adalbert was appointed first Bishop. As Prince of the Empire, he performed his duties, towards the Emperor and the Empire, with the utmost scrupulousness and, like Saint Ulrich, was one of the mainstays of the Ottonian policies.

He took part in the various Imperial Diets, and, in the Autumn of 978 A.D., accompanied Emperor Otto II on his Campaign to Paris, and took part in the Diet of Verona, in June 983 A.D. He was succeeded by Gebhard I.

English: Interior of the Parish Church of Saint Wolfgang,

Tyrol, Austria.

Deutsch: Kath. Pfarrkirche hl. Wolfgang,

Friedhof u. Kriegerkapelle, 

Österreich.

Photo: 26 September 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: OW.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Towards the end of his life, Saint Wolfgang withdrew as a Hermit to a solitary spot, now the Wolfgangsee ("Wolfgang's Lake") in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria, apparently on account of a political dispute, but probably in the course of a journey of inspection to Mondsee Abbey, which was under the direction of the Bishops of Regensburg. He was discovered by a hunter and brought back to Regensburg.

While travelling on the Danube to Pöchlarn, in Lower Austria, he fell ill at the village of Pupping, which is between Eferding and the Market Town of Aschach, near Linz, and at his request was carried into the Chapel of Saint Othmar, at Pupping, where he died.

His body was taken up the Danube by his friends, Count Aribo of Andechs and Archbishop Hartwich of Salzburg, to Regensburg, and was Solemnly Buried in the Crypt of Saint Emmeram. Many Miracles were performed at his grave; in 1052 he was Canonised.

English: Another view of the beautiful Interior

of the Parish Church of Saint Wolfgang, Tyrol, Austria.

Deutsch: Kath. Pfarrkirche hl. Wolfgang,

Friedhof u. Kriegerkapelle, Österreich.

Photo: 26 September 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: OW.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Soon after Wolfgang's death, many Churches chose him as their Patron Saint, and various Towns were named after him.

In Christian art, he has been especially honoured by the great Mediaeval Tyrolean painter, Michael Pacher (1430–1498), who created an imperishable Memorial to him, the High Altar of Saint Wolfgang. In the Panel pictures, which are now exhibited in the Old Pinakothek, at Munich, are depicted in an artistic manner the chief events in the Saint's life.

The oldest portrait of Saint Wolfgang is a Miniature, painted about the year 1100, in the celebrated Evangeliary of Saint Emmeram, now in the Library of the Castle Cathedral at Kraków.

A fine modern picture, by Schwind, is in the Schack Gallery, at Munich. This painting represents the Legend of Wolfgang forcing the devil to help him to build a Church.

English: The High Altar, in Saint Wolfgang Parish Church,

Salzkammergut, Austria, was created by Michael Pacher in 1481.

The Paintings, on the Side Panels, were painted by Alois Hänisch (1866-1937).

Deutsch: Blick auf den Pacheraltar in Hl. Wolfgang,

Salzkammergut, Österreich.

Date: 1910.

Source/Photographer: Dorotheum.

(Wikimedia Commons)

In other paintings, he is generally depicted in Episcopal Dress, an axe in the Right Hand and the Crozier in the Left-Hand, or as a Hermit in the wilderness, being discovered by a hunter.

The axe refers to an incident in the Life of the Saint. After having selected a solitary spot in the wilderness, he Prayed and then threw his axe into the thicket; the spot on which the axe fell he regarded as the place where God intended he should build his Cell. This axe is still shown in the little Market Town of Saint Wolfgang, which sprang up on the spot of the old Cell.

Saint Wolfgang is sometimes counted among the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

English: Saint Wolfgang High Altar, by Michael Pacher (1481), (Detail),

Salzkammergut Parish Church, Austria. The Coronation of The Virgin Mary in Heaven.

Deutsch: Pfarrkirche Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut (Oberösterreich).

Hochaltar (1481) von Michael Pacher: Marienkrönung.

Photo:18 August 2009.

Source: Own work.

Author: Wolfgang Sauber.

(Wikimedia Commons)

At the request of the Abbey of Saint Emmeram, the Life of Saint Wolfgang was written by Otloh, a Benedictine Monk of Saint Emmeram, about 1050. This Life is especially important for the Early Mediaeval history, both of the Church and of civilisation in Bavaria and Austria, and it forms the basis of all later accounts of the Saint.

The oldest and best Manuscript, of this Life (Vita), is in the Library of Einsiedeln Abbey, in Switzerland (MS. No. 322), and has been printed, with critical notes, in Mon. Germ. His.: Script., IV, 524-542.

Available (in U.K.) from

CENACLE CATHOLIC BOOKS

Available (in U.S.A.) from

ST. BONAVENTURE PUBLICATIONS

New Mass Or Traditional Mass. A Question Of Faith. Available From Carmel Books.

This Article is taken from CARMEL BOOKS

Illustration: CARMEL BOOKS

Coming into stock soon! - Pre-orders welcome.

New Mass or Traditional Mass? A Question of Faith.

In the Early-1980's, there came to light an important document,

published by Priests of the Diocese of Campos, in Brazil.

This Booklet is a newly-translated edition of their Study, published in English, we think,

for the first time in more than thirty years.

The excellent Study, put forth by the Priests of Campos, under Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer,

has lost none of its relevance.

On the contrary, after more than thirty years, with hindsight, the "sixty reasons to return to The Traditional Mass" mercilessly question every Priest and Member of the Faithful,

who wish to remain truly Catholic.

Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta.

English: The Nave,

Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta.

Français: Intérieur de la co-cathédrale St Jean à La Valette - Malte.

Photo: 7 May 2007.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: The Chapel of Italy,

Dedicated to Saint Catherine, the Patron Saint of the Italian Section.

Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta.

Français: Une des chapelles de la cathédrale St Jean à La Valette - Malte.

Photo: 7 May 2007.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint John's Co-Cathedral (Maltese: Kon-Katidral ta’ San Ġwann), located in Valletta, Malta, was built by The Knights of Malta between 1573 and 1578, having been commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière as the Conventual Church of The Order of The Knights Hospitaller of Saint John, known as The Knights of Malta.

The Church was designed by the Maltese Military Architect, Glormu Cassar (Girolamo Cassar), who designed several of the more prominent buildings in Valletta. The Church is considered to be one of the finest examples of High Baroque Architecture in Europe and one of the world's great Cathedrals.

English: "Magnificent Church.

The most striking Interior I have ever seen."

(Sir Walter Scott, 1831).
[Author: Note the three Clocks on the Right-Hand Tower.]

Deutsch: St. John’s Co-Kathedrale, Valletta, Malta.

עברית: קתדרלת יוחנן הקדוש בולטה

Date: 11 January 2005 (original upload date).

Source: Transferred from en.wikipedia.

Author: Radoneme at en.wikipedia.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The severe Exterior of the Cathedral, built immediately after the ending of the Great Siege of 1565, is reminiscent of a Military Fort.

The Interior, in sharp contrast with the facade, is extremely ornate and decorated in the Baroque Style. The Interior was largely decorated by Mattia Preti, the Calabrian artist and Knight. Preti designed the intricate carved stone walls and painted the Vaulted Ceiling and Side Altars with scenes from the life of Saint John.

Interestingly, the figures painted on the Ceiling, next to each Column, initially appear to the viewer as three-dimensional statues, but, on closer inspection, we see that the artist cleverly created a three-dimensional illusion by his use of shadows and placement.

"Da Pacem Domine".

Chant of The Templars.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/M0d4qM7gCH8.

Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris

Quia non est alius

Qui pugnet pro nobis

Nisi tu Deus noster.

1. Fiat pax in virtute tua: et abundantia in turribus tuis.

Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris

Quia non est alius

Qui pugnet pro nobis

Nisi tu Deus noster.

2. Propter fratres meos et proximos meos loquebar pacem de te:

Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris

Quia non est alius

Qui pugnet pro nobis

Nisi tu Deus noster.

3. Propter domum Domini Dei nostri quaesivi bona tibi.

Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris

Quia non est alius

Qui pugnet pro nobis

Nisi tu Deus noster.

4. Rogate quae ad pacem sunt Jerusalem: et abundantia diligentibus te. 

Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris

Quia non est alius

Qui pugnet pro nobis

Nisi tu Deus noster.

5. Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto,

sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper,

et in saecula saeculorum.

Amen.

Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris

Quia non est alius

Qui pugnet pro nobis

Nisi tu Deus noster.

Also noteworthy is the fact that the carving was all undertaken in-place (in situ) rather than being carved independently and then attached to the walls (stucco). The Maltese Limestone, from which the Cathedral is built, lends itself particularly well to such intricate carving.

The whole marble floor is an entire series of tombs, housing about 375 Knights and Officers of The Order. There is also a Crypt, containing the tombs of Grandmasters, like Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam, Claude de la Sengle, Jean Parisot de Valette, and Alof de Wignacourt.

"Salve Regina".

Chant of The Templars.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/uv_2x6JmuaE.

In 1666, a project for the High Altar, by Malta's greatest sculptor, Melchiorre Cafà, was approved and begun. Cafà intended a large sculpture group, in Bronze, depicting The Baptism of Christ. Following Cafà's tragic death, in 1667, in a foundry accident while working on this work in Rome, the plans were abandoned. Only in 1703, Giuseppe Mazzuoli, Cafà's only pupil, finished a Marble group of The Baptism of Christ, which might have been influenced by his Master's undocumented designs, but certainly is strongly dependent on a small Baptism group by Alessandro Algardi.

Near the main entrance, one finds the Monument of Grand Master Fra Marc'Antonio Zondadari of Siena. He was the Nephew of Pope Alexander VII.

The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Artist: Caravaggio (1573–1610).

Date: 1608.

Current location: Altarpiece in The Oratory,

St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta.

Commissioned in 1608 by Alof de Wignacourt, Grand Master,

for the Altar of Saint John's Co-Cathedral,

Valletta, Malta.

Source/Photographer: The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002.

ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH.

Permission: Wikide-I / 10.000 Gemälde für Commons.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta, is a gem of Baroque art and architecture.

It was built as the Conventual Church for The Knights of St John. The Grand Masters,

and several Knights, donated gifts of high artistic value and made enormous contributions

to enrich it with only the best works of art. This Church is, till this very day,

an important Shrine and a Sacred Place of Worship.

Illustration: ST JOHN'S CO-CATHEDRAL, MALTA

The Cathedral contains seven Chapels, each of which was Dedicated to the Patron Saint of the eight "Langues" (or "Sections") of the Knights. On the Left Side of the Church, there are the following Chapels;

The Chapel of the Anglo-Bavarian Langue was formerly known as the Chapel of the Relic, where the Knights used to keep Relics that they had acquired through the Centuries;

The Chapel of Provence is Dedicated to Saint Michael;

The Chapel of France is Dedicated to the Conversion of Saint Paul. This Chapel was modified in the 19th-Century. The Monuments found in this Chapel are those of Grand Masters Fra Adrien de Wignacourt and Fra Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc;

The Nave,

Saint John's Co-Cathedral,

Valletta, Malta.

Photo: 29 January 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: MrPanyGoff.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Chapel of Italy, dedicated to Saint Catherine, the Patron Saint of the Italian Section;

The Chapel of Germany is dedicated to The Epiphany of Christ.

On the Right Side of the Church, there are the following Chapels;

The Chapel of The Blessed Sacrament was formerly known as The Chapel of Our Lady of Fileremos (Rhodes). The Titular Painting of this Chapel is Our Lady of Carafa, which is a Copy of Our Lady of Lanciano. Among the Knights, buried in this Chapel, there is Fra Gian Francesco Abela and Fra Flaminio Balbiano;

Note the three Clocks.

One of the two Church Bell-Towers

of Saint John's Co-Cathedral,

Valletta, Malta.

Photo: 4 December 2012.

Source: Malta GC. Valletta 1967.

Author: Brian Harrington Spier,

from Shanghai, China.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Chapel of Auvergne is Dedicated to Saint Sebastian. The only Monument in this Chapel is that of Fra Annet de Clermont;

The Chapel of Aragon is dedicated to Saint George. The Titular Painting was painted by Mattia Preti and it is considered as one of his Masterpieces. In this Chapel, one can find the Monuments of the following Grand Masters: Fra Martin de Redin; Fra Raphael Cotoner; Fra Nicolas Cotoner; Fra Ramon Perellos;

The High Altar,

Saint John's Co-Cathedral,

Valletta, Malta.

[Author: Note the Liturgically-correct Lenten Purple Canopy,

hanging above the High Altar. Compare with the following photo,

which depicts the Liturgically-correct Post Pentecost Green Canopy]

Photo: 18 March 2013.

Source: St. Johns co-Cathedral.

Uploaded by russavia

Author: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Chapel of Castile, Leon, and Portugal, is Dedicated to James the Great. The Monuments in this Chapel are those of Grand Masters Fra Antonio Manoel de Vilhena and Fra Manuel Pinto da Fonseca.


The painting depicting The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1608), by Caravaggio (1571–1610), is the most famous work of art in the Church. Considered one of Caravaggio's Masterpieces, and the only painting signed by the painter, the canvas is displayed in the Oratory, for which it was painted.

English: The High Altar,

Saint John's Co-Cathedral,

Valletta, Malta.

Français: Autel de la Co-cathédrale

Saint-Jean de La Valette,

by Giuseppe Mazzuoli.

Photo: October 2006.

Source: Own work.

Author: Strikehard.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Restored in the Late-1990s, in Florence, this painting is one of Caravaggio's most impressive uses of the chiaroscuro style, for which he is most famous, with a circle of light illuminating the scene of Saint John's beheading at the request of Salome. The Oratory also houses Caravaggio's picture of Saint Jerome III (1607–1608).

Another impressive feature of the Church is the collection of Marble tombstones in the Nave, in which were buried important Knights. The more important Knights were placed closer to the front of the Church. These tombstones, richly decorated with Inlaid Marble and with the Coats-of-Arms of the Knight buried below, as well as images relevant to that Knight often telling a story of triumph in battle, form a rich visual display.

The Nave and High Altar,

Saint John's Co-Cathedral,

Valletta, Malta.

Photo: 14 May 2012.

Source: Own work.

Author: Szilas.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Interior of 

Saint John's Co-Cathedral,

Valletta, Malta.

Photo: 25 February 2012.

Source: St John's Co-Cathedral Interior 1Uploaded by tm

Author: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Adjoining the Church is the Saint John's Co-Cathedral Museum, containing art objects. Among the contents of the Museum, there are: Tapestries of Grand Master Fra Ramon Perellos de Roccaful; paintings of the following Grand Masters: Fra Jean de la Cassiere; Fra Nicola Cottoner; and Fra Emanuel Pinto de Fonseca; painting which were formerly in the Side Chapels, such as "Saint George Killing The Dragon", by Francesco Potenzano.

Saint John's was the Conventual Church (that is to say, the Church of the Convent) of The Hospitallers (The Knights of Saint John). Over time, though, it grew to equal prominence with the Archbishop's Cathedral at Mdina.

In the 1820s, the Bishop of Malta, whose Seat was at Mdina, was allowed to use Saint John’s as an alternative See and it, thus, formally became a Co-Cathedral. The land, on which the Co-Cathedral was built, belongs to the Government of Malta, and the care of the Co-Cathedral and Museum has been entrusted to the Saint John's Co-Cathedral Foundation.

Solemn Pontifical Mass (Extraordinary Form). Saturday, 10 January 2015, 1100 hrs. Basilica Di San Nicola-In-Carcere, Rome. Celebrant Cardinal Burke.

This Article is taken from RORATE CAELI

Basilica di San Nicola-in-Carcere, Rome.

Illustration: RORATE CAELI

IMPORTANT EVENT THIS SATURDAY.

Solemn Pontifical Mass (Extraordinary Form)

in Basilica di San Nicola-in-Carcere, Rome, with Cardinal Burke.

Cardinal Burke will be celebrating a Solemn Pontifical Mass, in the Extraordinary Form,

at the Basilica di San Nicola-in-Carcere, tomorrow morning (Saturday, 10 January) at 11.00 hrs.

The Basilica is centrally located at: Via del Teatro di Marcello, 46, 00186 ROME.

"Entertaining The Holy Child".

"Entertaining The Holy Child".

Artist: Marianne Preindelsberger Stokes (1855-1927).

Illustration: ART RENEWAL CENTER

Ave Maria. Hail Mary.

Title: The Madonna Of The Roses.

Artist: William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825–1905).

Date: 1903.

This File: 6 May 2005.

User: Thebrid.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Ave Maria.

(Schubert)

Sung by Andrea Bocelli.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/pwp1CH5R-w4.

Ave Maria.

(Caccini)

Sung by Andrea Bocelli.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/SqBJFDbE2ZI.

Ave Maria.

(Mascagni)

Sung by Andrea Bocelli.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/XYe-tWBk7jI.

Ave Maria.

(J. S. Bach/Gounod)

Sung by Andrea Bocelli.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/iKvANh9P7Ag.

Dreikönigsfest. The Feast Of The Three Kings. Epiphany Water. Epiphany Chalk.

English: The Magi Journeying.

Français: Les rois mages en voyage.

Artist: James Tissot (1836–1902).

Date: Between 1886 and 1894.

Current location: Brooklyn Museum, United States.

Credit line: Purchased by public subscription.

Source/Photographer: Online Collection of Brooklyn Museum;

Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2006, 00.159.30_PS1.jpg.

(Wikimedia Commons)

DREIKÖNIGSFEST.

The following Text is taken from ROMAN CHRISTENDOM

By long tradition, on The Feast of The Epiphany — called Dreikönigsfest (The Feast of The Three Kings) in the lands of the old Holy Roman Empire — the Rector of the Parish (or, in his absence, the father of each family) visits each house with a Cross-Bearer, two Acolytes and three children, dressed as The Kings, one bearing a Censer with lighted Incense.

At each house, a little Ceremony takes place; the house is Blessed with Epiphany Water, and, over the door lintel of the house, the following is inscribed with Blessed Chalk:

20 + C + M + B + 15

In my house, we always perform this traditional ceremony.

This symbolises the present year (2015) and The Blessing of The Three Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar) upon each home.

The symbols remain all year, or until the weather has washed them away.

Pray for Police Officers.

This Article is taken from, and can be read in full, at RORATE CAELI

Illustration: RORATE CAELI

We take the opportunity of current events to Pray for the Souls of those who are always forgotten: Our Police Forces.

We Pray to Almighty God and the Mother of Mercy for the Souls of Officers Franck Brinsolaro and Ahmed Merabet, killed by the Paris terrorists yesterday; and for the Souls of Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, of the New York City Police Department, killed on 20 December 2014.

And for all those Police Officers killed today, and every single day, in the Line of Duty throughout the World. May their families be consoled, and may we be more tolerant of the unbelievably stressful environment in which they work to protect our lives, our safety, our families, our rights, and our property.

The Prayer.

The Prayer.

Sissel and Josh Groban.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/8Z4KSEv0-B8.

OR

The Prayer.

Andrea Bocelli and Katharine Mcphee.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/M5vrPaE5Y1o.

OR

The Prayer.

Celine Dion & Josh Groban.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/DbviXG_56ss.

I pray you'll be our eyes,

and watch us where we go.

And help us to be wise

in times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer,

when we lose our way

Lead us to a place,

guide us with your grace

To a place where we'll be safe

La luce che tu hai

I pray we'll find your light

nel cuore restera

and hold it in our hearts.

a ricordarci che

When stars go out each night,

eterna stella sei

Nella mia preghiera

Let this be our prayer

quanta fede c'e

when shadows fill our day

Lead us to a place,

guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe

Sognamo un mondo senza piu violenza

un mondo di giustizia e di speranza

Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino

Simbolo di pace, di fraternita

La forza che ci da

We ask that life be kind

e il desiderio che

and watch us from above

ognuno trovi amore

We hope each soul will find

intorno e dentro se

another soul to love

Let this be our prayer

Let this be our prayer,

just like every child

just like every child

Need to find a place,

guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe

E la fede che

hai acceso in noi,

sento che ci salvera

Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Cahors, France. Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Cahors.

English: Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Cahors, France.

Français: Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Cahors.

Photo: 25 July 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: Targut.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: The Romanesque Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Cahors, France.

Español: Catedral de Cahors.

Français: La cathédrale romane Saint-Étienne à Cahors, France.

Photo: June 2005.

Source: Own work, formerly uploaded on WP-fr.

Author: Eric Gaba (Sting - fr:Sting)

(Wikimedia Commons)

Cahors Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Cahors) is a Roman Catholic Cathedral, and a National Monument of France, in the town of Cahors, Midi-Pyrénées, France. It is an impressive example of the transition between Late-Romanesque architecture and Gothic.

The Church was built by Bishop Gerard de Cardaillac in the 11th-Century, over a Church erected in the 7th-Century by Saint Didier of Cahors. It was Consecrated by Pope Calixtus II on 10 September 1119, and completed around 1135. The Church, located in the City's centre, has the sturdy appearance of a fortified edifice; at the time, the local Bishops were, in fact, also powerful Feudal Lords in their role as Counts and Barons of Cahors.

English: Cloisters of Cahors Cathedral, France.

Français: Cloître de Cahors (Lot, Midi-Pyrénées, France).

Photo: 13 September 2005 (original upload date).

Source: Originally from fr.wikipedia; Description page is/was here.

Author: Original uploader was Jaume at fr.wikipedia.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: The Romanesque Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Cahors, France.

Français: La cathédrale romane Saint-Étienne à Cahors, France.

Photo: 2 August 2013.

Source: Own work.

Author: Clément Bucco-Lechat.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The façade, renovated in 1316–1324 by Guillaume de Labroue, cousin of Pope John XXII, confirms this impression: it resembles a heavy Castle wall, consisting in a Porch, surmounted by a Bell Tower, enclosed between two Towers. The six windows, as well as those on the Porch sides, are rather narrow; the only elements characterising it as a Church are the magnificent Portal, with triple Splays, surmounted by a Gallery of small Arches, and the large Rose Window.

English: Romanesque Great West Door of Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Cahors, France.

Français: Portail roman de la cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Cahors.

Photo: 9 June 2012.

Source: Own work.

Author: GO69.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Cahors, France.

Français: Cahors (Lot, France). Cathédrale Saint-Étienne.

Photo: 6 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: 

Torsade de Pointes.

(Wikimedia Commons)

On the Northern side is a secondary façade in Romanesque Style, also fortified.

The well-illuminated Nave is 44 m long x 20 m wide. The two massive, 32 m-high, Domes, in Byzantines Style, resting on Pendentives, are supported by six huge Pilasters. Unusually, there is no Transept.

One of the Domes is decorated with 14th-Century frescoes, depicting the stoning of Saint Stephen, as well as eight Prophets, each riding an animal, in the fashion of Greek or Hindu deities. The walls have numerous other Mediaeval paintings.

English: Great West Door,

Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Cahors, France.

Français: Cahors (Lot, France).

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne.

Photo: 6 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: 

Torsade de Pointes.

(Wikimedia Commons)

In Gothic Style on a Romanesque Base (to which belong the Columns with decorated Capitals), the Apse has three Chapels with sculptures. The complex forms a pleasant contrast between the White Apse and the colourful Stained-Glass Windows and the paintings of the Choir.

There are several tombs, such as that of Alain de Solminihac, and the precious Relic of the Holy Cap, which supposedly was worn by Christ and which was brought to France by Bishop Gerard de Cardillac after his trip to the Holy Land in 1113.

English: Stained-Glass Windows,

Saint Stephen's Cathedral,

Cahors, France.

Français: Cahors (Lot, France).

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne. Vitraux.

Photo: 6 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: 

Torsade de Pointes.

(Wikimedia Commons)

A door on the Right of the Choir gives access to the Flamboyant Gothic-Style Cloister, built in 1504 by Bishop Anthony of Luzech. It has scenes of everyday life and a Madonna.

On the Western side is the Saint Gaubert Chapel, with the Vault decorated with Italian Renaissance paintings and, on the walls, 15th-Century frescoes representing The Last Judgement. It is now home to a Museum of Religious Art.

English: Side Altar,

Saint Stephen's Cathedral,

Cahors, France.

Français: Cahors (Lot, France).

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne. Vitraux.

Photo: 6 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: 

Torsade de Pointes.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Würzburg Cathedral, Bavaria, Germany.

Text and Illustrations from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,
unless otherwise stated.

Deutsch: Würzburg, Dom St. Kilian,

hochbarocker Chorromanisches Langhaus.

English: Würzburg Cathedral.

Baroque Choir.

Photo: June 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: Bbb.

Attribution: Attribution: Bbb at wikivoyage shared

(Wikimedia Commons)

Würzburg Cathedral (German: Würzburger Dom) is a Roman Catholic Cathedral, in Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany, dedicated to Saint Kilian. It is the Seat of the Bishop of Würzburg. With an overall length of 105 metres it is the fourth largest Romanesque Church in Germany, and a masterpiece of German architecture from the Salian period.

The present Cathedral, built from 1040, onwards, by Bishop Bruno of Würzburg, is the third Church on the site: The previous two Churches, built about 787 A.D., and 855 A.D., were destroyed and severely damaged by fire. After Bishop Bruno's accidental death, in 1045, his successor, Adalbero, completed the building in 1075.

The Side Aisles were re-modelled, about 1500, in the Late Gothic Style. The Stuccoist, Pietro Magno, decorated the Cathedral in Baroque Stucco Work in 1701.

Deutsch: Der Dom von Würzburg vor der Renovierung im Sommer 2011.

English: Würzburg Dom. Closed for renovation, Summer 2011. No Pews.

Photo: 15 July 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: CSvBibra.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The greater part of the building collapsed in the Winter of 1946, in consequence of the bombing of Würzburg on 16 March 1945. Reconstruction was completed in 1967, in the course of which the Baroque components were removed in favour of a Re-Romanisation.

The new interpretation emphasises the contrast between the surviving historical parts of the structure, resulting in a sometimes controversial combination of predominantly Romanesque, with Modern and Baroque elements. The Neo-Romanesque West Front, with a Rose Window, the Tripartite Gallery, and the opening for the Clock, were combined during the reconstruction with a plain pumice stone wall, and revealed again during renovation work up to November 2006. In 1988, the Choir was redesigned by Hubert Elsässer.

Deutsch: Würzburger Dom, Chor.

English: Würzburg Cathedral, Germany.

This File: 8 January 2009.

User: Southgeist.

Author: Dirk Ingo Franke.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Cathedral of Würzburg (Dom St. Kilian),

as seen from Festung Marienberg.

Photo: 12 January 2014.

Source: Own work.

Author: DXR.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Cathedral has twenty Bells, with a total combined weight of 26 tons. The "Lobdeburg Bell", by Cunradus Citewar, of Würzburg, the most prominent Bell-Founder of his time, dates from 1257, and, because it was taken down in 1933 and stored in the Crypt, is the only Ancient Bell of the Cathedral to have survived the firestorm caused by the bombing of 16 March 1945. It now hangs in the South-West Tower and is rung every Friday, at 3.00 p.m., to mark the Hour of the Death of Jesus Christ.

Between 1971 and 1975, the Würzburg Synod convened in the Cathedral, at the wish of Cardinal Döpfner, to determine the application of The Second Vatican Council to Germany.

Deutsch: Seitenaltar im Würzburger Dom.

English: Side Altar in Würzburger Cathedral.

Photo: 28 September 2014.

Source: Own work.

Author: Hajotthu.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Sung Mass (Missa Cantata). Shrine Of Saint Augustine, Ramsgate, Kent. Feast Of The Epiphany. Tuesday, 6 January 2015. 1830 Hrs.

Illustration: THE HERMENEUTIC OF CONTINUITY