#Assisi Convent School

[rabbitcruiser]

Feast of St. Anthony

The Feast of St. Anthony is observed every year on June 13 to honor the life and work of St. Anthony of Padua, who accomplished many things during his short time in this world as a priest. He was revered by his contemporaries and noted for his powerful preaching, vast knowledge of scripture, and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick. They made him one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history. His fame spread through Portuguese evangelization and he became the patron saint of Lisbon, Padua, and many other places in Portugal. St. Anthony is invoked and respected around the world as the patron saint for the recovery of lost items. He is credited with several miracles involving lost people, things, and even spiritual goods.

History of Feast of St. Anthony

St. Anthony of Padua was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões to a wealthy and prominent family in Lisbon, Portugal on August 15, 1195. His father, Martin de Bouillon, was a descendant of Godfrey de Bouillon, commander of the First Crusade, while his mother, Theresa Tavejra, was a descendant of the fourth king of Asturia, Froila I.

Anthony was educated at the Cathedral School of Saint Mary near his house, where his teachers suggested that he become a knight at the king’s court. However, his father believed Anthony was better suited to intellectual pursuits and wanted him to help manage the family’s estate and become a nobleman. To his father’s dismay, Anthony joined the Canons Regular of St. Augustine when he was 15 and entered St. Vincent’s convent of Lisbon in 1210. Anthony soon asked to be transferred to the Holy Cross Monastery in Coimbra where he spent eight years studying theology and was later ordained a priest. During this period, he befriended many friars following Francis of Assisi, who built an order of friars and traveled extensively, preaching to non-believers.

In 1220, he joined the Franciscan order inspired by five Fransicians who were martyred in Morocco. He, too, hoped to preach to Muslims and be martyred. On his way to Morocco, he became seriously ill and was forced to return home, but his ship back to Portugal was blown off course and finally landed in Sicily. Because of his deteriorating health, he was not allowed to pursue missionary work. Instead, he taught theology in Bologna, Italy; and at Montpellier, Toulouse, and Puy-en-Velay in southern France. He won great admiration as a preacher and was noted for his simple yet profound teaching of the Catholic faith. He died on his way to Padua, Italy on June 13 in 1231.

Feast of St. Anthony timeline

1195

Saint Anthony is Born

St. Anthony of Padua is born Fernando Martins de Bulhões to a wealthy and socially prominent family in Lisbon, Portugal.

1220

The Franciscan Order

Anthony joins the Franciscan order, hoping to preach to Muslims and be martyred.

1231

Saint Anthony Passes Away

Anthony becomes sick with ergotism and dies on June 13 on the way to Padua, where he is now buried.

1232

Canonization

Anthony is canonized by Pope Gregory IX on May 30, 1232, at Spotelo, Italy for his spiritual teachings and devotion to the Church.

Feast of St. Anthony FAQs

What do you eat on St. Anthony’s day?

Spaniards are fond of beans and prepare them in many ways. Bean and Escarole Soup with or without pasta is often cooked in Spanish families and is offered to the poor on St. Anthony’s Day after Mass.

Where is the town of Braham located?

St. Anthony had a prized and expensive book of psalms that went missing and he thought was probably stolen. He prayed that the book would be found. A novice who had taken the book suddenly returned it and even returned to the order. The stolen book is said to be preserved in the Franciscan friary in Bologna, Italy.

Why is St. Anthony often painted with a baby?

The baby in the paintings depicts Baby Jesus and is reminiscent of the vision that Anthony had in Camposampiero. It expresses his attachment to the humanity of Christ and his closeness to God.

How to Observe Feast of St. Anthony

Go to church: Visit the church on this holy day to feel closer to God and to ponder upon St. Anthony’s spiritual teachings. Dedicate the day to learning more about his preaching and incorporate it into your life for a more fulfilling life.

Help the needy: Follow St. Anthony’s teachings of devoting yourself to the sick and the poor by donating money, helping out at soup kitchens, and spending time with those less fortunate than you. Any amount of time devoted will be appreciated.

Celebrate at home: Have a wholesome family dinner with your close family members by cooking up a delicious homecooked meal. Read more about his teachings in the many books written about him and share these fascinating stories with your children.

5 Remarkable Facts About St. Anthony

He preached to the fish: St. Anthony was once seen preaching to fish in Rimini to the surprise of non-believers, but soon a large crowd of fish had gathered to listen to him.

Marriage saint: He is known as a marriage saint in Portugal, Spain, and Brazil because legends exist of him reconciling couples.

Feast of all Feasts: ,Boston’s North End holds a feast every year on the weekend of the last Sunday in August in honor of St. Anthony called the "Feast of All Feasts."

Celebrated follower of Francis of Assisi: St. Anthony’s fame spread with Portuguese evangelization and he is known as the most celebrated follower of Francis of Assisi.

Poisoning: According to a story, St. Anthony’s food was poisoned by non-believers who challenged him to eat the food anyway —-which he did after blessing the food and coming out unharmed.

Why Feast of St. Anthony is Important

St. Anthony helped the poor and the sick: St. Anthony quickly became a champion of the poor in Padua. Among other acts, he influenced the local government to pass legislation that protected the poor from going to prison if they could not repay their debts.

He was a great orator: His presentations were so forceful, simple, and eloquent that he was asked to preach all over Italy and the regions of France. His theological expertise and inspirational oration also impressed the leader of the order, St. Francis, who enlisted Anthony to teach theology to other Franciscans. This was a unique honor, as he would have a huge impact on the order’s future and the Church.

He is celebrated all over the world: From the Americas to Asia to Africa, St. Anthony is revered all over the world. Outside of Europe, there are churches dedicated to him in Texas, Tamil Nadu and Goa in India, and the Philippines, among other places. He also inspired many artists who painted him frequently.

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[radioeuroextasis]

The Homes of Donegal - Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara

Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara are proud to share “The Homes of Donegal” from their upcoming Global Music Album “For The World” which features 19 tracks representing 18 different countries.  “For The World” is set for a June 1, 2025 release. Steve Markoff is known for his creativity and warm interpretive style on alto flute, which has been described by professionals & reviewers with such words as “formidably expressive”, “heartfelt”, “stunning”, “emotional” and “poignant”. His alto-flute performances have received acclaim from numerous critics and music reviewers. Patricia Lazzara (concert flute) has distinguished herself as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician. A 3-time winner of the Artists International Competition, she has performed at Carnegie Hall several times and at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.  She is a winner of many awards including the Florida Flute Association Performers Grant for Advanced Study and a Winner of the National Flute Association Convention Performers Competition. On piano is Dave Malyszko. Dave has served as soloist, accompanist, and ensemble member for a wide variety of performances in a multitude of genres.  As a soloist, he has appeared with the Jersey City State College Symphonic Orchestra, the Jersey City Symphony of Winds and Percussion, and the Assisi Performing Arts Concert Series in Assisi, Italy. OAs a collaborative pianist, Dave has accompanied numerous singers and instrumentalists in venues such as college and high school theatres, performing arts centers, houses of worship, and libraries. He has also played for various classes and auditions at the Paper Mill Playhouse, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Middlesex County College, and Plays in The Park in Edison, New Jersey. Read the full article

[vsplusonline]

Why women have a natural flair to excel in education - Times of India

New Post has been published on https://apzweb.com/why-women-have-a-natural-flair-to-excel-in-education-times-of-india/

Why women have a natural flair to excel in education - Times of India

Education Times examines the reasons behind school education being largely driven by female teachers while it has not been a cakewalk for them in the higher education sector

Women have been ruling the education space at the school level because of their innate ability to instil a sense of security and comfort in children. “Women have a natural instinct to better understand the emotional needs of a student. This gives them an edge over their male counterparts,” says Banka (Bihar) school teacher Ruby Kumari, who made headlines for her unique Math pedagogy where she taught using one’s hands as a calculator. Hailing from the rural belt, Ruby, however, struggles to convince the parents in the villages to send their children especially girls to schools daily. “They are apprehensive about the safety of the girls but the presence of women teachers comes as a relief to them,” adds Ruby.

“What makes women successful as a teacher is their ability to multitask. They can juggle both at the home and professional front,” says Anushri Mazumdar, English teacher, Assisi Convent School, Noida.

Challenges in HEIs While women find greater acceptance as teachers at the primary level, they still do not have a stronghold in the higher education sector. ” The students, given their patriarchal background, sometimes feel that women may not be good enough to teach, more specifically the STEM subjects. Even the number of women faculty for such courses is less,” says Srabani Taraphder, professor, Department of Chemistry, IIT Kharagpur. In the field of Chemistry, for instance, there are less than five female professors in the entire IIT system, she adds. “It is ironical that the number of women enrolling for PhD programmes is proportional to the number of men in STEM. But by the time they receive their PhDs,” says Taraphder.

Since 1951, when the first IIT was set up in Kharagpur, no female has ever been appointed to lead an IIT. For IIMs, it was only in 2017 that the glass ceiling was broken when Neelu Rohmetra was appointed as the first female director to helm IIM Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. “The lack of women leaders in IITs arises from the fact that there is a shortage of qualified women for the highest administrative post,”says Taraphder. “Despite their aspiration, often with family as their first priority, Indian women find it difficult to meet the demands of such high-pressure jobs, which reduce their pursuance and thereby chances of being at the top. Certainly, there is need to encourage women in leadership positions to bring in the element of diversity and newness in the already established organisational governance mindset,” Rohmetra adds.

Women in research “While women are able to reach mid-management level, of ten they restrain themselves from taking on the larger responsibility of heading the institutions, fearing they will not be able to do justice to the role. Leadership roles, irrespective of gender, demand time, energy and commitment as well as taking tough measures. But due to the social conditioning, many a time, women leave this role,” says Ruchi Singh, Scientist E, National Institute of Pathology (ICMR). Echoing her, principal scientist of Physics at CERN, Archana Sharma, says, “Girls are doing extremely well in schools and also at the undergraduate level, however by the time it comes to the masters and PhD level, the numbers continuously fizzle out. Only 2.5% Nobel laureates are women. Stereotypical behaviours continue in the society and there are few role models for girls to emulate a fantastic career balanced with an equally successful family and social life.”

Sharma is hopeful of the future and believes that there is light at the end of the tunnel. “Many women researchers have made it to the spotlight at the top of their careers, battling all odds. They serve as motivation and even if this is a drop in the ocean, eventually it is a step in the right direction,” she adds.

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Meet Sister Desiré Anne-Marie Findlay

Sister Desiré Anne-Marie Findlay is a Felician sister, dancer, writer and artist. She dances live on her Instagram (@sister_d) and blogs at Religious Life for Beginners.  You can also catch her performances and videos about life as a religious sister on her YouTube channel.

In September 2020, Catholic Artist Connection’s Laura Pittenger spoke with Sister Desiré about dance, creativity in religious life, and how the Church can better serve its artists, particularly those of color. An edited and condensed version of that conversation is included below: 

LAURA PITTENGER (LP): I have to tell you, I mentioned to a friend that I was going to interview a Felician sister about her art and my friend said, “Is this the sister who dances on instagram? I LOVE HER.” You have a lot of fans!

SISTER DESIRÉ FINDLAY (SDF): I joke with my friends that I’m like a “small big deal.” (Editor’s note: As of this writing, she has over 3,500 followers on Instagram. We think she’s a regular big deal.)

LP: Where are you currently living and where are you from originally? 

SDF: I live in Pittsburgh, PA, but I was born in Biloxi, Mississippi and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I also lived in California and Connecticut for awhile. Right now I live with one other sister in my community, which varies wherever I go. I’ve lived with 20 to 6 sisters at a time. My favorite was when there were three of us. It was a cool balance, we all traveled a lot, two of us we’d hang out and welcome the third back home, and another would leave and return and we’d welcome her home. it was like a seamless kind of movement.

LP: How did you become a dancer? 

SDF: It started when I was very young. My mom put me in ballet at three years old. We lived in Germany because my dad was in the Air Force, and I remember being in ballet class, running around in a circle on my tiptoes, and I started crying. Maybe because everything was in German! So when we moved back to the U.S., she put me in gymnastics. I went back into ballet for seven years, and in high school I joined the dance team. I learned other dance styles, jazz and hip-hop, those are my fun energy-based dances, but ballet has stayed my favorite. But what I do now is contemporary, not classical.

LP: Who are some dancers that you admire and who inspired you as a child? 

SDF: Actually it was more like gymnasts. There were two I remember: Dominique Moceanu and Dominique Dawes. I don’t even think I considered this as a child, but now that I look back on it, it makes sense because they both have darker skin, or darker hair, or are from a different culture. They both reflected me and my sister, we looked up to them. They were just so good, and we could see ourselves in them. Watching them, it was like I could see myself in performing arts too. 

LP: In the interview you did with America Magazine last year [above] you mentioned that dance for you is like a prayer. Could you share a little more about that?

SDF: I never experienced dance as prayer until I was invited to do a prayerful dance for an event. I didn’t know that was possible or that dance could be anything other than performance. The event was a dance to celebrate sisters who had spent 60 to 75 years in the convent. When I noticed that I was inviting all of us in the community to speak with God through my dance, I was like - dance can do this? I can speak to God with my entire body. I didn’t know why I hadn’t been doing that. 

I don’t do a lot of formal dance as prayer. I do lead group sometimes or on social media, and people can join in if they want. It’s spontaneous. I don’t choreograph unless i’m leading, but I like to just find whatever song is standing out to me at the time, and let it move me. Sometimes you hear songs that you have to move to, very prayerful songs, some by Audrey Assad, for example, that let us reflect on God and our lives. Sometimes a song will come to me and be in my head for awhile and I just need to dance it out, or I’m in a mood, and look through my songs on my iPad and see what songs I have. 

For example, in Advent, The Piano Guys have this cover of O Come O Come Emmanuel that’s instrumental. (I love that song, even though we hear it all season, I don’t get tired of it.) For some reason their instrumental version was stuck in my head, their version. I could not stop thinking about it, and I thought I’d dance it out. Even though there were no lyrics to it, I really felt that song. The line about captives being set free - I could express that through my limbs, that freedom, to be captive and set free by this amazing God who came to be human.

LP: What kind of support within the Felician community have you received for your dance, and how do you think religious communities can benefit from having artists in them?

SDF: My community has been very supportive of me in many things already anyway, but I would say when it comes to dance, on a personal basis my sisters will ask me about it, or send emails or call, or just when I see them at gatherings - “How are you doing? I’ve been reading about you! Keep up good work.” Or they ask if I’ve been using my dance, if they haven’t seen it lately. The community invites me to dance for events, like the Transitus of St. Clare of Assisi - when she passed away and went to her Spouse in Heaven, we have a ceremony to commemorate that. They asked me to pray that out in dance. So they’re not just encouraging me to dance, but asking me to do it for gatherings. 

I’m not the only artist. We have so many creative sisters. The sisters have the space to really pursue their creative skills or put them to use somehow. One sister does all our communications and designs our prayer spaces and booklets. She probably would have been like an interior designer or graphic designer, but here she is enhancing our gatherings with her talents. Sometimes you need something to look appealing to make people want to care. Creativity adds to life, I think, color, personality.

LP: There are so many religious orders out there. What drew you to the Felician sisters?

SDF: I was in college when I met them, it was on a 100-mile pilgrimage. I didn’t know it was going to be 100 miles, or that it was to pray for vocations. I’m not a detail person - God just knows how to work with me! God’s just like, “Come do this.” I signed up for the pilgrimage for the cultural aspect, to walk through pueblos. I love my New Mexican heritage. I had no thought about it being a Catholic pilgrimage. I met these two Felician sisters on the pilgrimage, and I had never heard of the order in my life. They were so different, one gentle introvert and one loud, happy extrovert. I love that they are just themselves. They don’t have to be anybody else, to be like or look like or act like each other. They can just be. So I thought, maybe I could be myself. I had thought of religious life before, to be able to pray and serve, that’s cool, but it was never something I thought I saw in my future, until I met them.

LP: What is the formation process like for the Felician sisters? 

SDF: Entering the Felicians is a nine-year process, minimum. Other orders can take six years minimum. It deepens in intensity as you go, but the first year I was still going to school and living on my own, so I’d visit with them and had a director. Then I moved in my second year and learned about the community and the saints. I became a novice and learned more about spiritual aspect of the community and my spiritual life. And then after that, four years later, I made my first vows. That’s when I moved out and was a sister, living the vows, but it still wasn’t forever, I could still change my mind. That stage is six years by itself. This August 15, 2020, was my one-year anniversary of making final vows. So it’s been 10 years. 

LP: How do you think the Catholic church can do better, starting right now, in supporting artists - and in your case, artists of color? Or Catholics of color in general?

SDF: I think even just this conversation, reaching out to us. Because we can try and create our own spaces to voice what we want to voice and share art we want to share, but unless we’re invited to share, it’s not going to get into a larger space. A Felician sister is a member of the The Stained Glass Association of America, and she said lately they’ve been getting calls from churches with predominantly Black parishioners with churches with stained glass of only white people, and they’re saying, “This doesn’t reflect our church, and Jesus wasn’t white, and we want diversity, how do we do that? How do we go about changing these windows? How do we invite artists of color into this industry? How do we bring more diversity in, to reflect the church we have?” It’s just by invitation, that’s where it starts. The sisters invited me to do this dance. Invitation.

LP: What would you say to someone who feels drawn to both their art or performance but also might feel a call to religious life? Do you think art can also be a form of vocation?

SDF: Like I said, I’m not a detail person, so I wouldn’t have looked up or researched anything. I go as my life unfolds. I don’t plan things. I know there are people out there who think they need to research everything - I didn’t do any of that. Everyone has a different way of discerning. When it comes to vocation and living your full authentic self, including your creativity, whatever form that takes, your passion - it could be immigration policy - there are ways to incorporate that into your vocation, whether you’re married, a sister, or a layperson. Do a little research and say, “Is that community open to that?” In some communities, everybody has the same ministry. In mine, you get to choose your own. There are communities where you can be an immigration lawyer. If I wanted to be a heart surgeon, I can be! 

You have to know what your non-negotiables are. The goodness of God - He already knew my non-negotiable was my creativity, and I didn’t realize that. God led me to a community at the right time and in a way that spoke to me. I just said i’m going with it. Nothing else seemed to fit. 

We have a style of dress we like to wear as Felician sisters, but we have an option. You can be more traditional, or you can wear a dress and make sure you wear a crucifix. There are some guidelines, but you get to choose. You can be an individual. 

Pay attention to what speaks to you. Pay attention to what brings resistance in a community. Knowing that I can be so creative is part of what makes my vocation so fruitful. I can design notebooks! I can share things on social media on my own time. I never knew that’s what i wanted. After I realized dance could be prayer, I want everything I do to have that kind of meaning. That was my non-negotiable. God said, “I gave you these gifts.” It reminds me of the story of Abraham and Isaac. When I was going to enter the Felician sisters, I thought that I’d probably have to give up dance, God said, “I gave it to you.” I was willing to give it up, but God gave it back to me a hundredfold. I’ve gotten to teach dance here and abroad. I never thought I’d do anything like that.

LP: Do you have any words of advice for other Catholic artists who may be struggling right now amid the COVID-19 pandemic and everything else in the world?

SDF: I was very much struggling when all this started. I was used to traveling and meeting lots of people all over the place. I felt very seen, very heard. Suddenly I was in my own little world, and I didn’t have to get up or go anywhere. Before, I was being invited to spaces, but now I have to create spaces for myself. I wasn’t posting dance videos until the pandemic happened. I wanted to connect, but couldn’t in the ordinary way. My suggestion would be to create the connection that you feel you’re missing, because a lot of us were connecting in ways we were used to: coffee, concerts... 

Whether we are an observer or an artist, we’re used to connecting through creativity. Now we have to find ways to share that creativity and enjoy it in different spaces. So to be open to those, it means a lot of technology. It still matters and makes a difference for others. I’ve felt a change in myself, being able to connect with people through technology and through Zoom dance group. At first I didn’t want to do it, but people were asking to experience dance as prayer. The Zoom group is open for anyone, but now I’ve just been doing Instagram and Facebook live. I just tried it for the first time last month. I didn’t know people were craving this different type of prayer experience until people started sharing it. Even when I was unwilling, God created this space for myself and other people and I get to share this gift. Here we are praying together, with openness.

[hms-chill]

RWRB Study Guide: Chapter 10

Hi y’all! I’m going through Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue and defining/explaining references! Feel free to follow along, or block the tag #rwrbStudyGuide if you’re not interested!

Earl Grey (267): Earl Grey tea is an incredibly common caffeinated tea. It is the base of a London fog.

Hamilton to Laurens, “you should not have taken advantage of my sensibility to steal into my affections without my consent” (267): This quote is from an April 1779 letter and is immediately followed by “But, as you have done it, and as we are generally indulgent to those we love, I shall not scruple to pardon the fraud you have committed, on one condition; that for my sake, of not your own, you will always continue to merit the partiality, which you have so artfully instilled into me”. Essentially, “you were rude to me, but I love you so much I forgive you as long as you look after yourself”. Just before it, Hamilton’s like “you taught me what it means to love”. (You can find it here)

Pyramus and Thisbe (268): The pair of lovers whose story inspired Romeo and Juliet, they were separated and could only talk through a wall between their houses (I’ve written a very in-depth analysis of this myth, which you can find here).

Dulles International to Heathrow (268): Dulles International is the airport in Washington, DC, and Heathrow is the classy airport in London.

John Cusack (270): An American actor largely known for his roles in the 1980s. This line in particular likely references Say Anything..., a romantic comedy known in part for a scene where Cusack’s character stands outside a girl’s window and plays music from a boombox.

Y’all had to marry your cousins (270): A reference to the royal tradition of only marrying other royals, which led to a whole lot of inbreeding.

Consummation (275): To consummate a marriage is to have sex for the first time, therefore making it “official”. 

Wilde’s complete works (276): Oscar Wilde is an Irish author famous for writing satires and also defining gay culture in the late 1800s. 

Fit of pique (277): If someone does something in a fit of pique, they do it spontaneously and out of anger at being wronged.

Mr. Darcy brooding at Pemberley (278): In Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (spoilers, though it’s been out for 207 years), after Elizabeth rejects Darcy’s first marriage proposal (which is essentially “your family sucks but you’re hot; marry me”), he goes back to the house his family owns and thinks about it and misses her.

Anmer Hall (278): A house owned by the Crown in Norfolk, England; it is currently home to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Mel and Sue (280): A comedy duo and hosts of The Great British Bake Off. Sue was outed in 2002, but claims that “being a lesbian is only about the 47th most interesting thing about me”.

South Kensington (284): A district of West London known for its high density of museums and cultural landmarks.

Prince Consort Road (284): Prince Consort Road is a street in London named after Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. A consort is a royal’s spouse or partner (hence Alex laughing at the idea of his being a prince’s consort)

Ferris Bueller/ Sloane (284-285): Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a popular movie from the 1980s about Ferris, who skips school for a day of wild shenanigans in Chicago. Sloane is his girlfriend who’s roped in for the ride. 

Victoria and Albert Museum* (285): The Victoria and Albert Museum, often abbreviated “V&A”, is the world’s largest museum of applied and decorative art and design. (you can explore their collections here)

Renaissance City (285): Room 50a of the V&A is full of Renaissance sculptures. (photo here) 

Seated Buddha in black stone (285): The V&A has a bunch of Buddha sculptures, but this one is the only one I saw that’s in black stone.

John the Baptist nude and in bronze (285): Possibly this piece from 1881 by French sculptor Auguste Rodin and is in the V&A’s collection.

Tipu’s Tiger (285): A nearly life-sized semi-automaton that shows a tiger mauling a man in European clothes. The tiger makes growling sounds and the man screams and waves his hand when a handle on the side is turned; it also contains a small pipe organ on the inside and was created to show the power that the Tipu Sultan of India held over invading Brits. The “give it back” that Catherine argues for is officially called repatriation, it would mean that (Western) museums have to give back stolen objects; British museums are famously bad at doing this. (see Tipu’s Tiger here)

Westminster (286): Westminster Abbey, a church in London where royals are crowned and buried. It is covered with intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass.

The Great Bed of Ware (286): A bed made by Hans Vredeman de Vries from the 1590s; it is ten feet wide and made of oak. (see it here)

Twelfth Night (286): A Shakespeare comedy full of chaos that includes a woman cross-dressing, then her twin brother being mistaken for her. 

Epocoene (286): A 1609 play that includes a boy dressing as a woman to dupe a man into giving his son an acceptable inheritance. 

Don Juan (286): A Spanish figure known for his powers for wooing women; the first text published about him was in the 1630s.

Florence (287): Florence is a city known for its art; it was the cultural center of the Italian renaissance. 

Gothic choir screen in the V&A’s Renaissance City (287): This Roodloft, or choir screen, carved by Coenraed van Norenberch is in the back of the Renaissance City in the V&A. It’s a stunning piece; the link above has great pictures and a more in-depth description than I could give.

Zephyr statue by Francavilla (287): You can see this statue here; it was one of thirteen statues commissioned for the garden of a villa near Florence. According to Greek mythology, Zephyr (the west wind) was married to Chloris, goddess of flowers.

Narcissus (by Cioli) (287): This statue may have once been the centerpiece to a fountain with Narcissus looking into an actual pool; it depicts him in the moment he sees and is mesmerised by his reflection.

Pluto stealing Proserpina (287): Likely the statue “The Rape of Proserpina” by Vincenzo de' Rossi. I couldn’t find it on the V&A’s site, but there’s more info here.

Jason with the Golden Fleece (287): This is a sculpture of a very naked Jason, the Greek hero who stole the golden fleece. He was helped by its owner’s daughter, who was in love with him, but whom he later abandoned. You can see the statue here.

Samson Slaying a Philistine (287): You can see this statue here. Henry does a pretty good job of explaining the incredible history behind it; all I have to add from my (limited) research is that it is remarkable in part for the fact that there is no one point on it that draws the eye-- it demands to be looked at completely or not at all.

Victoria and sodomy laws (288): Queen Victoria famously instituted a whole lot of anti-sodomy laws.

Viau on James/George (288): A 1623 poem by Théophile de Viau:

“Apollo with his songs

Debauched young Hyacinthus

Just as Corydon fucked Amyntas,

So Caesar did not spurn boys.

One man fucks Monsieur le Grand de Bellegarde [a friend of Viau],

Another fucks the Comte de Tonnerre.

And it is well known that the King of England

Fucks the Duke of Buckingham.”

“Christ had John, and I have George” (288): This is an actual thing that James I/VI said to the heads of the church. Here’s the full quote, from wikipedia (emphasis is my own): “I, James, am neither a god nor an angel, but a man like any other. Therefore I act like a man and confess to loving those dear to me more than other men. You may be sure that I love the Earl of Buckingham more than anyone else, and more than you who are here, assembled. I wish to speak in my own behalf and not to have it thought to be a defect, for Jesus Christ did the same, and therefore I cannot be blamed. Christ had John, and I have George.”

George iii (289): George III was the king against whom the American colonies revolted. He was deeply religious and instituted laws declaring that royals could not marry without the approval of the court.

Convent church of Santa Chiara in Florence (290): This church is no longer a church, but the altar chapel is in an alcove in the V&A. It is the only Italian Renaissance chapel outside of Italy. (you can see photos of it here and here)

Santa Chiara and Saint Francis of Assisi (290): Saint Francis of Assisi founded a few different monastic orders and is one of the most celebrated saints; Saint Clare of Assisi founded a women’s monastic order and wrote the first set of monastic guidelines by a woman. 

Blessed Mother (290): Mary, the mother of Jesus, one of the holiest figures in Catholicism. 

“Come, hijo mío, de la miel, porque es Buena, and the honeycomb sweet to thy taste”** (290): “My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off” -- Proverbs 24:13-14, King James Version (yes, that King James. He translated the Bible to make the church stop hating him). 

David and Jonathan (290): An aggressively gay couple from the Bible who have been presented as friends for centuries. Jonathan was a prince and David a shepherd, but God promised that David would be king one day. Rather than argue this or hate David for it, Jonathan welcomed David into his household and loved him despite the prophecy that he would one day usurp him. Following Jonathan’s death, David took in Jonathan’s son and looked after him. 

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen (291): Many Christian prayers end with “in the name of the Father, the son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen”. It’s a way of celebrating the god who gives you all of the good things in your life while also giving up control to them. 

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A fill in from chapter 1, as requested by someone on AO3: 

Deputy Chief of Staff (Zahra’s position, 23): The Deputy Chief of Staff is the top aide to the president’s top aide, and is responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly within the bureaucracy of the White House. 

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*This museum puts out books called “maker’s guides” that teach you how to make pieces based on things in their collections; they’re super duper cool.

**I’m not a theologian, but I am a pastor’s kid, and just... this gets me. This whole bit, but this Proverb especially. Like obviously there’s the “oh we’re kissing and I’m thinking about honey tasting sweet”, but verse 14 coming in with the “when you’ve found what’s right, you will be rewarded with the confidence of that rightness and you will have hope”? Just kill me outright next time. Don’t make me google my own murder weapon.

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If there’s anything I missed or that you’d like more on, please let me know! And if you’d like to/are able, please consider buying me a ko-fi? I know not everyone can, and that’s fine, but these things take a lot of time/work and I’d really appreciate it!

—–-

Chapter 1 // Chapter 9 // Chapter 11 

[pamphletstoinspire]

BEATIFICATION OF PADRE PIO OF PIETRELCINA HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II 2 May 1999

“Sing a new song to the Lord!”.

1. The summons of the entrance antiphon captures well the joy of so many of the faithful who have long awaited the beatification of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. By his life given wholly to prayer and to listening to his brothers and sisters, this humble Capuchin friar astonished the world. Countless people came to meet him in the friary of San Giovanni Rotondo and, since his death, the flow of pilgrims has not ceased. When I was a student here in Rome, I myself had the chance to meet him personally, and I thank God for allowing me today to enter Padre Pio's name in the book of the blessed. Guided by the texts of this Fifth Sunday of Easter, which provides the context for the beatification, let us this morning trace the main features of his spiritual experience.

2. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God and believe also in me” (Jn 14:1). In the Gospel just proclaimed, we heard these words of Jesus to his disciples who were in need of encouragement. In fact, his allusion to his imminent departure had thrown them into turmoil. They were afraid of being abandoned, of being alone, and the Lord consoled them with a very specific promise: “I am going to prepare a place for you”, and then, “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Jn 14:2-3).

Through Thomas, the Apostles reply to this reassurance: “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”(Jn 14:5). The remark is apt, and Jesus does not avoid the question which it implies. The answer he gives will remain for ever a light shining for generations still to come: “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me” (Jn 14:6).

The “place” that Jesus goes to prepare is in “the house of the Father”; there the disciple will be able to be with the Master for all eternity and share in his joy. Yet there is only one path that leads there: Christ, to whom the disciple must be conformed more and more. Holiness consists precisely in this: that it is no longer the Christian who lives, but Christ himself who lives in him (cf. Gal 2:20). An exhilarating goal, accompanied by a promise which is no less consoling: “Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do, and greater works than I will they do, because I am going to the Father” (Jn 14:12).

3. We hear these words of Christ and think of the humble friar of Gargano. How clearly were they fulfilled in Bl. Pio of Pietrelcina!

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe ...”. What was the life of this humble son of St Francis if not a constant act of faith, strengthened by the hope of heaven, where he could be with Christ?

“I am going to prepare a place for you ... that where I am you may be also”. What other purpose was there for the demanding ascetical practices which Padre Pio undertook from his early youth, if not gradually to identify himself with the Divine Master, so that he could be “where he was”?

Those who went to San Giovanni Rotondo to attend his Mass, to seek his counsel or to confess to him, saw in him a living image of Christ suffering and risen. The face of Padre Pio reflected the light of the Resurrection. His body, marked by the “stigmata”, showed forth the intimate bond between death and resurrection which characterizes the paschal mystery. Bl. Pio of Pietrelcina shared in the Passion with a special intensity: the unique gifts which were given to him, and the interior and mystical sufferings which accompanied them, allowed him constantly to participate in the Lord's agonies, never wavering in his sense that “Calvary is the hill of the saints”.

4. No less painful, and perhaps even more distressing from a human point of view, were the trials which he had to endure as a result, it might be said, of his incomparable charisms. It happens at times in the history of holiness that, by God's special permission, the one chosen is misunderstood. In that case, obedience becomes for him a crucible of purification, a path of gradual assimilation to Christ, a strengthening of true holiness. In this regard, Bl. Pio wrote to one of his superiors: “I strive only to obey you, the good God having made known to me the one thing most acceptable to him and the one way for me to hope for salvation and to sing of victory” (Letter I, p. 807).

When the “storm” broke upon him, he took as his rule of life the exhortation of the First Letter of Peter, that we have just heard: Come to Christ, a living stone (cf. 1 Pt 2:4). He himself thus became a “living stone” for the building of that spiritual house which is the Church. For this we today give thanks to the Lord.

5. “You too are living stones, built into a spiritual house” (1 Pt 2:5). How fitting are these words if we apply them to the extraordinary ecclesial experience which grew up around the new blessed! So many people, meeting him directly or indirectly, rediscovered their faith; inspired by his example, “prayer groups” sprang up in every corner of the world. To all who flocked to him he held up the ideal of holiness, repeating to them: “It seems that Jesus has no interest outside of sanctifying your soul” (Letter II, p. 155).

If God's Providence willed that he should be active without ever leaving his convent, as though he were “planted” at the foot of the Cross, this is not without significance. One day the Divine Master had to console him, at a moment of particular trial, by telling him that “it is under the Cross that one learns to love” (Letter I, p. 339). The Cross of Christ is truly the outstanding school of love; indeed, the very “wellspring” of love. Purified by suffering, the love of this faithful disciple drew hearts to Christ and to his demanding Gospel of salvation.

6. At the same time, his charity was poured out like balm on the weaknesses and the sufferings of his brothers and sisters. Padre Pio thus united zeal for souls with a concern for human suffering, working to build at San Giovanni Rotondo a hospital complex which he called the “House for the Relief of Suffering”. He wanted it to be a first-class hospital, but above all he was concerned that the medicine practiced there would be truly “human”, treating patients with warm concern and sincere attention. He was quite aware that people who are ill and suffering need not only competent therapeutic care but also, and more importantly, a human and spiritual climate to help them rediscover themselves in an encounter with the love of God and with the kindness of their brothers and sisters.

With the “House for the Relief of Suffering”, he wished to show that God's “ordinary miracles” take place in and through our charity. We need to be open to compassion and to the generous service of our brothers and sisters, using every resource of medical science and technology at our disposal.

7. The echo stirred by this beatification in Italy and throughout the world shows that the fame of Padre Pio, a son of Italy and of Francis of Assisi, has gone forth to embrace all the continents. And I gladly greet those who have gathered here — in the first place the Italian authorities who have chosen to be present: the President of the Republic, the President of the Senate, the Prime Minister, who leads the official delegation, and the many other ministers and distinguished guests. Italy is represented most worthily! But also the many faithful from other nations have gathered here to pay homage to Padre Pio.

My affectionate greeting goes to all who have come from near and far, with a special thought for the Capuchin Fathers. To everyone I offer heartfelt thanks.

8. Let me conclude with the words of the Gospel of this Mass: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God”. There is a reference to this exhortation of Christ in the advice which the new blessed never tired of giving to the faithful: “Abandon yourselves fully to the divine heart of Jesus, like a child in the arms of his mother”. May these words of encouragement fill our hearts too and become a source of peace, serenity and joy. Why should we fear, if Christ for us is the Way, and the Truth and the Life? Why should we not trust in God who is the Father, our Father?

May “Our Lady of Graces”, whom the humble Capuchin of Pietrelcina invoked with constant and tender devotion, help us to keep our gaze fixed on God. May she take us by the hand and lead us to seek wholeheartedly that supernatural charity flowing forth from the wounded side of the Crucified One.

And you, Bl. Padre Pio, look down from heaven upon us assembled in this square and upon all gathered in prayer before the Basilica of St John Lateran and in San Giovanni Rotondo. Intercede for all those who, in every part of the world, are spiritually united with this event and raise their prayers to you. Come to the help of everyone; give peace and consolation to every heart. Amen!

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 19 May – St Maria Bernarda Bütler (1848-1924) aged 74 – Religious Sister, Founder, Missionary, Apostle of the Holy Eucharist, of prayer and charity, Marian devotee – born Verena Bütler on 28 May 1848 in Auw, Aargau, Switzerland and died on 19 May 1924 in Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia of natural causes.   St Maria Bernarda was a Swiss Roman Catholic professed religious and the foundress of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Sinners and a part of the missions in Ecuador and Colombia.   She worked for the care of the poor in these places until her exile from Ecuador and entrance into Colombia where she worked for the remainder of her life.   Her order moved there with her and continued to expand during her time there until her death.

Maria Bernarda/Verena Bütler was born in Auw, in the Canton of Argovia, in Switzerland, on 28 May 1848 and was baptised on the same day.   She was the fourth child of Henry and Catherine Bütler, modest but exemplary country people, who educated the eight children born of their marriage in the love of God and of neighbour.

Gifted with excellent health, Verena grew up happy, intelligent, generous and a lover of nature.   She began to attend school at seven years of age.   The fervour and commitment with which she made her First Communion, on 16 April 1860, remained constant in her for the rest of her life.

Childhood Home

St Maria Bernarda’s Childhood Bedroom

Devotion to the Eucharist would, in fact, form the foundation of her spirituality.

Having completed her elementary studies at the age of 14, Verena dedicated herself to farm work and experienced affection for a worthy young man with whom she fell in love.   On feeling the call of God, she broke off the engagement in order to turn completely to the Lord.   During this period in her life she was granted the grace of enjoying the presence of God, feeling Him very close.   She herself said: “To explain this state of soul to someone who has never experienced anything similar is extremely difficult, if not impossible”.   And again:   “The Holy Spirit taught me to adore, praise, bless and give thanks to Jesus in the tabernacle at all times, even at work and in real life.

Drawn by the love of God, she entered a convent in her region as a postulant at 18 years of age.   However, becoming aware that it was not the place to which the Lord was calling her, Verena very quickly returned home.

Work, prayer and apostolic activity in the parish kept her desire for the consecrated life alive.   At the suggestion of her Pastor, Verena entered the Franciscan Monastery of Mary Help of Sinners in Altstätten on 12 November 1867.   She took the Franciscan habit on 4 May 1868, taking the name of Sister Maria Bernarda of the Heart of Mary and made her Religious Profession on 4 October 1869 with the firm proposal of serving the Lord until death in the contemplative life.

She was very soon elected Mistress of Novices and Superior of the Community on three occasions, carrying out this fraternal service for nine consecutive years.   Her zeal and love for the Kingdom of God had prepared her to begin a new missionary experience. Having willingly accepted the invitation of Msgr. Peter Schumacher, Bishop of Portoviejo in Ecuador, who, outlining the precarious situation of his people, asked her to come to his Diocese.   Maria Bernarda clearly saw the will of God, who was calling her to be an announcer of the Gospel in that far away country, in this invitation.

Having overcome the initial resistance of the Bishop of St Gall and obtained a regular pontifical indult, Sr Maria Bernarda and six companions left the Monastery in Altstätten and set out for Ecuador on the 19th of June 1888.   Only their light of faith and zeal to announce the Gospel sustained the Blessed and her companions in the difficult separation from their beloved Monastery and Sisters.  In her intentions, Maria Bernarda thought of giving birth to a missionary foundation dependent on the Swiss Monastery.

The Lord, however, made her instead the foundress of a new Religious Congregation, that of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Sinners.

They were received paternally by the Bishop, who entrusted to Maria Bernarda the community of Chone, which presented a distressing spectacle because of the total lack of priests, scant religious practice and rampant immorality.   Maria Bernarda became “everything to everyone”, placing prayer, poverty, fidelity to the Church and the constant exercise of the works of mercy at the base of her missionary work.   She, together with her daughters, began an intense apostolate among families, deepening their knowledge of the language and of the culture of the people.   The first fruits did not delay in maturing.   The Christian life of the people blossomed again as if by magic.

The new Franciscan Congregation also grew in number and two filial houses were founded in Sant Ana and Canoa.   Very soon after however, the missionary work of Mother Maria Bernarda was marked by the mystery of the Cross.   Many indeed were the sufferings to which she and her daughters were submitted – absolute poverty, torrid heat, uncertainty and difficulties of every kind, risks to their health and security of their lives, misunderstanding on the part of ecclesiastical authorities and, besides, the separation of some Sisters from the community, establishing themselves later as an autonomous congregation (the Franciscans of the Immaculate: Blessed Charity Brader).   Maria Bernarda underwent all this with heroic fortitude and in silence without defending herself or nourishing resentment towards anyone but forgiving them from her heart and praying for those who made her suffer.

As if all these trials were not enough, a violent persecution in 1895, begun by forces hostile to the Church, obliged Sr Maria Bernarda and her Sisters to flee from Ecuador. Without knowing where to go, she went, with 14 Sisters, towards Bahia, from where she continued towards Colombia.

The group was still wandering when it received an invitation from Msgr. Eugene Biffi to work in his Diocese of Cartagena.   So, on 2 August 1895, the feast of the Porziuncola of Assisi, the Foundress and her Sisters, exiled from Ecuador, reached Cartagena and were received paternally by the Bishop  . They found hospitality in a female hospital, commonly called a “Pious Work”.   The Lord had led her by the hand towards that asylum, where Mother Mary Bernard would remain to the end of her life.   After the house in Cartagena, the Foundation was extended not only in Columbia but also in Austria and Brasil.

With a compassionate heart, authentically Franciscan, she engaged above all in relieving the spiritual and material needs of the poor, whom she always considered to be her favourites.   She used to say to the Sisters:  “Open your houses to help the poor and marginalised.   Give preference to the care of the indigent over all other activity”. The Mother guided her Congregation over thirty years.   Even after resigning from the Office of Superior General, she continued to animate her dear Sisters with feelings of true humility, especially through the example of her life and her words and writings.

Struck by piercing hypo-gastric pains, while at the “Pious Work” in Cartagena, an establishment of her Daughters and loved and venerated by all as an authentic saint, Mary Bernard quietly went to sleep in the Lord on 19 May 1924.   She was 74 years of age, 56 in the consecrated life and 38 in missionary life.   News of her death spread quickly. The Pastor of the Cathedral of Cartagena announced her passing away, saying to the faithful:  “A saint has died in this city, this morning – the reverend Mother Bernard!”    Her tomb immediately became a centre of pilgrimage and a place of prayer.

The apostolic zeal and ardour of charity of Mother Mary Bernard are being re-lived today in the Church, particularly through the Congregation founded by her, present at the moment in various countries on three continents.   The Blessed can be pointed out as an authentic model of “inculturation”, the urgency of which the Church has underlined for an efficient announcement of the Gospel (cf. Redemptoris Missio, n. 52).   She incarnated perfectly her orienting motto:  “My guide, my star, is the Gospel”.

St Maria Bernarda’s Bible and Crucifix below

During her life, she found support and comfort in God alone.

From the time she abandoned her homeland, to which she never went back, when she left her dear Monastery in Altstätten and during her untiring apostolic activity, she was always sustained by a solid spirituality of unceasing prayer, heroic charity towards God and her neighbour, by a faith that was solid as rock, by an unlimited trust in the Providence of God, by evangelical strength and humility and by a radical fidelity to the commitments of her consecrated life.   From her contemplation of the mysteries of the Most Holy Trinity, the Eucharist and the Passion of the Lord, she also drew the gift of mercy towards all, which she practised and left, as the particular charism of her Congregation.   Very devoted to the Virgin Mother of the Lord, she wished her Congregation to have Our Lady Help of Sinners as mother, protector and life model in her discipleship of Christ and in her missionary activity.   As a Franciscan, she cultivated the same veneration which St Francis of Assisi nourished for “Holy Mother Church”, Pastors and priests, whom she called “the anointed of the Lord”.

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The Blessed left an admirable example of the biblical woman – strong, prudent, mystical, spiritual teacher and notable missionary.   She left the Church a wonderful testimony of dedication to the cause of the Gospel, teaching all, especially today, that it is possible to unite contemplation and action, life with God and service to humanity, bringing God to men and women, and men and women to God.

The Servant of God St Pope John Paul II conferred the title and honour of Blessed her on  29 October 1995.   The Holy Father, Benedict XVI, inscribed her in the register of Saints on 12 October 2008…Vatican.va

Saint of the Day – 19 May – St Maria Bernarda Bütler (1848-1924) Saint of the Day - 19 May - St Maria Bernarda Bütler (1848-1924) aged 74 - Religious Sister, Founder, Missionary, Apostle of the Holy Eucharist, of prayer and charity, Marian devotee - born…

[sksworldschool]

Top Ranking School in Noida: List of Top 20 Schools in 2023

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions parents have to make. When you are looking for schools, it’s important to take into account factors such as the size and location of the school, what type of education will be offered, extracurricular activities available, sports programs offered and more.

Besides, when looking for a good school to send your kids to, the most important factor is probably going to be the school expenses. While this might seem a given, it’s still worth looking at what differentiates the best schools from the rest. Thankfully, we have done plenty of research and had gone through a number of resources to find the list of top 20 schools in Noida and the Greater Noida region to consider in 2023-24 session. We request parents to look at the list, and then pick the top ranking school in Noida Extension to send your child.

Billabong High International School

SKS World School

Rockwood School

Delhi Public School

Ramagya School

Fortune World School

ASPM Scottish School

JBM Global School

Sapphire International School

Kothari International School

Green Ribbon International School

Mayoor School

Marigold Public School

New Modern Public School

The Indian Heritage School

The Manthan School

Raghav Global School

Amity International School

Assisi Convent School

Lotus Valley International School

[moonmothmama]

MEMOIRS OF A NUN ON FIRE

(Published in "The Outlaw Bible of America Poetry" (Thunders' Mouth Press))

“You are worldly, Sister Marie Philomene” The Mother Superior had said in the parlor Bent over me, tall, angular, aristocratic Like the silhouette of a praying mantis “Even your voice, its inflections—worldly”

At that I was to kneel on the spot Kneel with no excuses Blind obedience Drop to the floor like a swatted fly

Eyes lowered, lips closed I wiggled. My veil fluttered My knees bent a little Then locked I would not

Back straight, head erect My eyes wide, cool And I hope vacant I stared into her triangular face I turned, left Through the dim corridors of No time or season

In my room I reached Through the silence, and As if from a great height Watched my hands Take the scissors Begin to cut Name-tags off my veils Stockings, underwear Everything

All over the room Threads and scraps Of my name “Sister Marie Philomene” Like tiny white clouds Far beneath my feet

I knew I would leave that night Just walk out

Five years within this cloister An enclosure of silence Latin. Eyes fixed to the floor Black robes, medieval gestures In the most secret recesses A thousand daily deaths

At the end of the hall The life-size crucifix Christ’s bruised knee The level of our lips A well-kissed knee

Through these corridors We glide Through our own ghosts Muted light Fluid movements Everything clean Silent and clean

“I have loved, O Lord, The beauty of Thy house.”

But here things feel dirty Like in my dreams In the convent I do not dream Of the good sisters Each night it is a dark man Who follows me He is tall, thin And wears black. All black His half smile is repulsive He wants to kiss me Every night in my dreams

Sometimes, he removes my veil Runs his fingers through my hair Once he does kiss me I am frightened I tell another sister She says the dark man is myself

And then—the night I am seduced By God disguised as a fat black fly As a bride of God I am told To experience the Mystical Union I must make my mind empty- An erased blackboard I contemplate the blackness of space The millions of light years Between the stars I stretch my mind until it is No longer fixed anywhere I become the Bride of the Expansive Black I kiss it-- its deep silence

But it is difficult to Contemplate the Immensity While enduring a small Persistent itch

Daily I work shoveling The convent’s garbage Into the incinerator The flies and yellow jackets Are very friendly At times the golden insects Cover my black serge habit Like a jeweled mantle As flies circle my head

At first I do not know A fly has crept   Into my ear to rest I suppose it has awakened Confused, and is trying to escape Lost deep within my ear canal It buzzes with mounting intensity Its buzz is as loud and wide As the universe I am contemplating Finally, I know it is not God But only a fly Or is it God disguised as a fly? Is it the buzz of God?

The fly buzzes With growing desperation As its delirium grows So does mine with the Frantic buzzing of That fly. That Fly?

When it emerges into my outer ear I open the side of my headgear And the fly flies out At this moment, this very moment I have my first orgasm I know what it is because I have felt the sensation begin once before While kissing my high school boyfriend While I wiggle on the pew I see it at the corner of my eye And enormous black fly It hangs in mid-air as if To look at me for a moment It is the most beautiful fly I have ever seen

But what did the nuns see As they sat silently behind me Everyone motionless Except one wiggling nun and A hovering fly besides her? I will never know No one ever mentions it No one ever mentions anything personal And if they do, what would they say? “Excuse me, Sister Marie Philomene, But did I see you having an orgasm During five o’clock meditation?”

***

Beat. Beaten. Beatific I am on my knees before the bed, the crucifix This particular night is exceptionally dark It is this night I am to understand I am a poet

Saturday night Time to whip myself again I wonder is Cardinal McIntyre doing this? But I will do it right this time Five years within the convent And I have not yet done it right Each time the hand that holds the chain Has exerted its own will

I say to the night “I will tonight I will beat myself until I bleed.”

My body, mind—one thing I raise the chain high up. Higher That way it will come down With greater force— To beat, to beat, to beat. To be beaten. Higher. Faster Body, mind, chain One thing. One will To strike repeatedly To beat to blood

It ends I run my fingers over My bare back There is blood For the first time– blood A small amount. But I did it

“Beautiful blood,” I say I remove my habit I run my fingers over the spot Yes. It is blood Beatific blood. Beatific spot

Slowly, I turn in awe to see it It, indeed, is beautiful But it, my beatific spot is A mosquito bite!

I stand in the center of the room Let loose a mighty laugh “Beatific mosquito! Beatific!” I, who have been the Bride of flies Have become the Bride of mosquitoes “Holy proboscis! Probe of fire!” (Didn’t Saint Rose of Lima Out among the mosquitoes So that they might bite her, Say their hum sounded to her Like a choir of angels?)

O Holy Night! The mosquitoes are quietly biting Little fly. Great night

If you would have looked Into the dark corner You would have found Philomene naked as if by the night A Philomene who no longer Hid her heart under crossed arms But who excitedly Held her breasts in her hands as if She was offering them to her beloved

Hers was a song of… No, it was deeper even It was a prayer As he priest mutters From the altar Holding up the Host Her heart thumping In this forgotten corner As she prayed

You would see her dare to Look at her own body In the stark black night Her body—golden, serpentine, Glowing cheeks, glistening eyes Crimson tongue in this night of Black fingers Her slick long body rising Rising in the blackness slowly Very slowly turning Turning in the unseeing Dreadful hole of night The night, its burning lips The night of kisses She danced. Naked, burning Bride of God

In the Grand Silence You could hear Philomene whisper “I am a poet.”

But I will always be a nun Always in my dreams I am a shabby nun There are flies Under my habit And my robes are in Bits and pieces I will always have An affinity for the extreme Even now I prefer the company Of a St. Francis of Assisi Taking  his clothes off in public Or a  St. Simeon Stylites Who sat for years atop a high column Or a St. Joan of Arc Who heard voices and Dressed in men's clothes

Even now I prefer to live among The poets, saints and mad ones Of Venice West

I know no other way But to strip and leap naked Into the Holy Fires

Burn.  Burn.  Must burn

--Philomene Long

[hallsp]

Story of Mercy sisters in Castletown

                     On the occasion of the centenary of the coming of the Sisters                      of Mercy to Castletownbere in 1964, a local paper carried                      the following comment: 'By their devotion to the corporal                      works of Mercy, their care and attention to the sick, the                      poor and the training of the children of the town under                      their care in their schools, they have endeared the Order                      to young and old'.

                                          It was a fair comment and a fitting tribute to the Sisters,                      especially to the pioneer group who arrived in Castletownbere                      in September 1864, making it their home and the centre of                      their charitable activities. Now forty-two years on, we                      reach a milestone in the passage of time and witness many                      changes, changes that the Sisters themselves could never                      have envisaged or imagined. We now live in a prosperous                      town where there is little, if any, real poverty, among                      the people, who are highly educated and technically advanced.                                                                  We live in a time of great opportunity and great liberation.                      In order to understand why the Sisters of Mercy were founded,                      as indeed many of the religious congregation, we need to                      familiarise ourselves with the state of affairs in Ireland                      around the early nineteenth century.                                            Ours was a broken and divided land, the Ireland of the Big                      House culture where the minority, mainly English settlers                      and absentee gentry enjoyed the fruits of the land and the                      labours of the poor people. Unemployment, poverty, malnutrition                      and illiteracy were their lot, drunkenness and vice were                      widespread among them. Educational facilities were inadequate                      and proscription of Catholicism had effectively excluded                      the Catholic Irish from the professions and from political                      power in their own country.                                            Into this Ireland Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sister                      of Mercy, was born in 1778, the eldest of a family of three.                      She lived in Stormanstown House, north Dublin. The only                      concession towards Catholics in her father's day was that                      which allowed them to engage in trade and non-professional                      activities, so he became a carpenter, builder, real estate                      dealer and gradually moved towards prosperity as a self-made                      man.                                            It was he who taught her the important things in life -                      prayer, the truths of Christ and integrity of character                      - but from her mother she inherited an amalgam of refinement                      and culture which led her to observe later that 'a perfect                      religious is a perfect lady'. However, the family was soon                      to meet with tragedy in the sudden death of her father.                      Afterwards her mother mismanaged the family finances and                      exposed her children to anti-catholic influences which claimed                      allegiance of all except Catherine.                      After her mother's death in 1798, Catherine was adopted                      by a Protestant couple, the Callaghans. She went to live                      with them in Coolock and, because of her constant witness                      to Gospel values, she had the joy of leading both her adoptive                      parents to conversion.                                            In 1831, two years after Daniel O'Connell had broken the                      chains by the Emancipation Act, Catherine founded her Order                      and came with her seal of Mercy to relieve human misery                      in all its forms and work for the physical, social and moral                      regeneration of the people. The rule and constitutions of                      her Congregation were approved by his Holiness Pope Gregory                      XVI in 1835. The tree of Mercy was planted in December 1831                      in Baggot Street, quickly spread its branches throughout                      Ireland. In September 1864, a branch reached out to isolated                      Castletownbere and under the authority of Most Rev. David                      Moriarty, Bishop of Kerry, Mother M. de Salles Bridgeman                      and Sister M. Xavier Kenyon left Holy Cross Convent, Killarney,                      and arrived safely in Castletownbere, covering the journey                      in a 'covered car'.                      On arrival in the town they stayed at a Miss Greenway's                      house until a house was ready for them. (Some research shows                      that there was a family named Greenway living in Greenway                      Lane", at the West end of the town. It is now "Tallon                      Road".)                                            Some time later, a Mrs. Geran, who is described as a member                      of the Broderick family, donated a house to the Sisters                      which was fitted out as a convent. This house is the house                      adjoining Fr Sean O'Shea's at the rear of the Garda Station.                      The Sisters took possession of it on September 8, when Holy                      Mass was celebrated there for the first time by Rev. Fr                      Michael Enright. On September 20, these sisters were joined                      by four more sisters from the Holy Cross Convent, Killarney.                      They were: Sr. M Assisi Taylor, Sr. M. Frances Kavanagh,                      Sr. M Gertrude O'Connell and Sr. Martha.                                            This little band was the nucleus of the Sisters of Mercy                      here in Castletownbere. They were the pioneers of the works                      of the Order of Mercy among the poor people who seemed to                      have lost all hope. For a historical record tells us that                      there was in fact no actual difference between Berehaven                      during the famine and Berehaven then. Poverty and distress                      and dire want were visible in everypart of the locality                      - "vast tracts of land untilled and undrained; very                      bad public roads; dirty streets without flag-way or foot-path                      for the greater part; a fine harbour with out even a fishing-boat;                      not one landlord that owns an acre resides in the locality".                                                                  The branch planted in Castletownbere in September 1864 grew                      and blossomed over the years into the stately tree now over                      looking Bantry Bay. Mrs. Geran's house, which became the                      Sisters' first Convent, was situated at the top of the town,                      quite close to the sea in the vicinity of where now stands                      the Garda Siochana Barracks. Mr Thomas Leahy of Cork, a                      large land-owner and landlord in Berehaven gave Fr Enright                      £300 towards the erection of this Convent.                                            (This is the same Leahy who carried out the evictions of                      his tenants in Kilmacowen in 1907.) The Castletown people                      contributed £219 and a friend gave £50. The                      Sisters remained in the building for ten years. Then they                      decided to leave the West End. Why? "For the proximity                      of the old house to the sea, though pleasant in summer,                      was rather inconvenient in winter, as the tide occasionally                      made its way into the lower apartments."                                            In 1872, Mother de Sales, who was the local Superior, set                      about the building of a new convent near the parish church.                      The site was given by the Earl of Bantry and work commenced                      on August 28, 1872, Mr. Thomas Leahy came to the Sisters'                      Aid again with a donation of £1,000. Voluntary subscriptions                      amounted to £450. Dr. Moriarty contributed £100                      and the proceeds of a bazaar brought in £150. On April                      4, 1874, the Sisters took possession of the new building.                                                                  They were £400 in debt to the builder, Mr. Murphy,                      Bantry (who was a native of Castletownbere and father of                      William Martin Murphy, MP), but once more Mr Thomas Leahy                      came to the rescue and sent £500 to Dr. Moriarty.                      The extra £100 was for the chapel, which was to be                      built later.                      As the community increased the Convent had to be enlarged.                      In 1883 plans were drawn up by Mr Galvin from Valentia for                      a new wing. But the contract was not accepted until 1889.                      £600 in funding was raised by means of a bazaar and                      a grand drawing of prizes. On the 26th of April 1890, which                      was the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel, the new wing                      was blessed and Mass was said for the first time in the                      new Chapel in July 2nd, 1890.                                            On the Feast of the Guardian Angels less than a month after                      their arrival on Castletownbere the Sisters took charge                      of the existing school, run by the two secular teachers                      in one of the two houses on the Convent ground. One of these                      teachers resigned immediately and the other continued for                      sometime to help the sisters. They got the other house fitted                      up for senior classes and by November the schools were connected                      with the National Board of Education and were working satisfactorily.                      These schools, though fitted up at considerable expense,                      were only makeshift and were unsuited to the purposes of                      education; they were built on soil won from the sea over                      which high tides continued to ebb and flow and they afforded                      such scanty accommodation as to imperil the health of the                      children. So after the Sisters transferred to the new Convent,                      Mother de Sales, urged by Dr Moriarty, set about the erection                      of new schools.                                            The foundation was laid a little South East of the Convent                      on 31st May 1877 and the schools were opened on 30th January                      1878. They consisted of two long rooms divided by a glass                      partition - a class room and Children of Mary's Room. They                      were known as St Mary's and St Joseph's. They cost £793                      plus. Though Priests and people gave generous contributions                      the Community was £400 in debt. Appeals for aid, approved                      by the Bishop, were published in four papers The Cork Examiner,                      The Kerry Sentinel, The Freeman's Journal, and The Nation.                      Letters of appeal were sent in various directions.                      Here is an extract from The Kerry Sentinel, November 4th                      1879:                                            "The appeal which we publish in our columns today from                      the Sisters of Mercy, Castletown Bere, is one which we would                      strongly urge upon the attention of the charitable. For                      the erection of the Convent and schools, the good people                      of Castletown Bere willingly taxed themselves at an extent                      commensurate with their means, and were it not for the distress                      which prevails there both now and for some time past, we                      have no doubt but the parishioners of Castletown Bere would                      still make a further effort towards completion of their                      good works.                                            We can speak from personal observation of the excellence                      of the instruction imparted in the schools at Castletown,                      and we unhesitatingly state that no where have we seen imparted                      an education more thorough and practical, or more calculated                      to exercise a good and beneficial influence on the future                      lives of those instructed. We therefore strongly urge upon                      you the attention of our readers the modest appeal of the                      Castletown Nuns."                                            In October 1889 after many almost insurmountable obstacles                      the building of St Joseph’s School was commenced in                      a field close to the back of the Convent. The school was                      opened on 8th September 1890. In order to facilitate the                      Sisters to go alone from the Convent to the School the tunnel                      was built (Cost £27) thus connecting the Convent and                      the school and keeping the enclosure unbroken. The school                      cost £1200 and there remained a debt of £300.                      The principal merchants of Castletownbere and others held                      a meeting for the purpose of raising funds to help Rev.                      Mother Assisi to pay this debt. When Miss Julia McCarthy                      resigned her position as teacher of the smaller boys, Rev                      Canon McDonnel, P.P gave the boys (44 on rolls) to the care                      of the Sisters and St Patrick's School was opened for them                      on 4th July 1904.                                            After a short time, the school was recognised by the National                      Board of Education. Many boys who are now priests received                      their early education here.                                            In the early 1920s the staff of St Joseph’s' School                      depleted, but in 1925 Mother M Rosaire Corcoran went to                      the training college of Our Lady of Mercy, Carysfort Park,                      Blackrock, Co. Dublin to be trained as a National Teacher.                      She was the first religious to be admitted to the College,                      so she literally made history: she opened the doors of the                      College to members of all the religious Congregations in                      our Country. Two years later Mother M. Thaddeus Lyne was                      sent to be trained too, so the school was then fully staffed.                                            In 1932 Mother M. Therese Corcoran, (Mother Rosary's sister)                      a valiant woman of great vision and an outstanding educationist,                      began the Secondary Top in St Josephs' School and since                      then, all through the years, the people of Beara had no                      more worries about educating their children.                      The school ranked among the best in Ireland and the pupils                      were always outstandingly successful, obtaining first place                      several times in competitive exams. From it, numbers have                      passed to positions in the Civil Service and to the Preparatory                      Colleges which led on to training for the teaching profession.                                            About 1946 the Sisters began to collect funds for a new                      school because St Joseph's was now in bad repair. The collection                      amounted to a little over £300 which they lodged in                      the bank. In 1954 appeals were sent out to all past pupils                      and to all Berehaven friends in the USA. The Beara Clubs,                      both in New York and Boston took up the cause and collected                      about £6000. Appeals sent to past pupils, raffles                      and donations brought in about £800.                                            This money was invested in 1956 until the country could                      afford to give a grant for the new school. There was no                      local contribution whatever. In the Spring of 1961 the Beara                      Clubs in USA sent another donation of £271 and in                      April of that year the O'Brien Brothers, Kenmare, commenced                      preparing the site for the new school. As the old site had                      to be extended the Sisters bought a field from Mr. Arthur                      Hanley and in addition to this they sacrificed a big portion                      of their own field. June 15th 1963, the Community gave dinner                      to all workmen and on July 1st the new school - Scoil Mhuire                      Gan Smal - was opened.                                            St Patrick's School was now empty as all the Junior School                      (boys and girls) moved up to Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal. As there                      was no secondary education available in Castletown at that                      time for boys, Most Rev. Dr. Moynihan asked Rev. Mother                      Rosari to consider renovating St Patrick's School and its                      environment in view of making it suitable as a secondary                      school for boys. In accordance with the Bishop's wishes                      the construction of Mean Scoil Naomh Iosaf was started in                      the Summer of 1963. Mr. D. Kennedy, Tralee was Architect                      and the O'Brien Bros. accepted the contract at a cost of                      £8,842 plus extras for roof repairs etc There was                      no financial help from any source, no State grant, no local                      collection or contribution; the Community had to bear the                      burden of all the expense together with all the inconvenience                      the expansion entailed, because rooms had to be taken from                      the Convent to provide sufficient space for all the pupils                      who sought admission to the school.                                            Mein Scoil Naomh Iosaf the first co-educational School in                      Ireland, opened in 1964 with 100 girls and 30 boys on the                      roll. (Some ten years previously we did have co-education,                      but there was only one boy on rolls! Brendan Hanley of Eyeries                      came to Mother Therese in desperation because he was unable                      to get a place in a boarding school that year.                                            She got permission both from the Bishop and from the Department                      of Education to accept him in our school and he was the                      only boy in Inter Cert class that year. He was later Father                      Brendan Hanley, MSC. The Secondary Top for girls which functioned                      in St. Joseph's since 1932, was transferred to the renovated                      building and classes were recognised by the Secondary Department                      of Education. Renovation and expansion had to continue to                      meet the needs of the increasing numbers. The immense blocks                      of hard rock yielded to machinery and gave way to two fine                      playgrounds as well as to shelters for bicycles. By September                      1968 there were 220 pupils on rolls.                                            The care of orphan children being one of the works of the                      Order of Mercy, as soon as the Sisters came to Castletownbere                      they fitted up part of one of the houses on the Convent                      ground as a small orphanage. The Annals say that an amount                      of good was effected in this small building.                                            But the work was abandoned in 1874 when the sisters moved                      to the new Convent. Orphans were numerous in Beara because                      of the occurrence of fever and other contagious diseases                      arising from the poverty of the people and also because                      of the many fathers who lost their lives fishing. For all                      these children there was no provision now but the Workhouse                      where they grew up without any domestic or industrial training.                                                                  After much prayer and consideration, the sisters decided                      to establish an orphanage in connection with their Convent.                      Rev. Mother Assisi discussed the project with Father Dan                      Harrington, a native of Castletownbere, and President of                      St. Michael's College, Listowel at the time. He encouraged                      the undertaking and promised to go to the USA to collect                      funds if the Bishop approved.                                            Most Rev. Dr. Andrew Higgins fully approved of the enterprise                      and gave Father Harrington a letter of recommendation. A                      collection was made in Castletownbere on 24th September                      1883 by the two curate, Father Pierce and Garvey and a concert                      was held too.                                            The people gave according to their means. The priests of                      the diocese generously and promptly responded to the appeal                      and the Bishop gave £20.                                            Father Dan Harrington sailed for the USA on February 3rd,                      1884 and after a terrible voyage of 14 days landed safely                      in New York. For over a years, he travelled about questing                      for funds; the sacrifices he made and the difficulties he                      encountered and the hardships he endured in this cause are                      known only to God.                                            Several times he wrote to the sister keeping them au fait                      with his success. One letter tells how all the Berehaven                      people received him with open arms. He collected money in                      New York, in Boston and made "a fruitless journey"                      as far as Lake Superior. On one occasion he sent a cheque                      for £300 "most of which was received from natives                      of Donegal, Derry and Tyrone." In all he collected                      £1,000.                      In March, 1886, the community bought Denis Neill's field                      as a site for the orphanage. They gave another field in                      exchange for it plus £155. By 1891 the building was                      completed and the next step was to apply for the existing                      grant, allocated by an act of parliament to industrial schools                      for the maintenance and clothing of orphans.                                            The Lord Lieutenant and his suite visited Castletown Bere                      on May 8th just when the orphanage was finished. Mother                      Assisi invited him to see it and asked him for the Government                      grant. He promised to do his best, but was not at all sanguine                      that the Treasury would vote the grant as £100,000                      was already being spent on Industrial Schools in Ireland.                                                                  Petitions were addressed to the Lord Lieutenant on various                      occasions afterwards, but all to no avail; the grant was                      never given, and so the orphanage never sanctioned as such.                      In 1904 the building became St. Patrick's School and in                      1963 it was completely remodelled and became Mean Scoil                      Naomh Iosaf.                                            Mercy is all embracing and can never do enough. Many waters                      cannot quench it, no floods can sweep it away. During their                      early years in Beara the Sisters hastened to meet the various                      needs all around them. Repeatedly we read in the Annals                      that they gave breakfast to the poor children attending                      school.                      They also collected clothes for them even from the USA.                      Sister M. Francis Clare (Kenmare Convent) sent regular donations                      of £50 for the poor. On one occasion, February 1880,                      some of this money was given to Canon Carmody to provide                      Spillers (fishinglines) for the fisherman of Bere Island                      and Deeshert, seed potatoes and meal were bought to others.                                                                  December 26th 1895, the Sisters were requested by the Board                      of Guardians to take charge of the Workhouse. They were                      only too glad to accept as they longed to help the sick                      and dying. Mother M. Xavier O'Connell; and Mother Margaret                      Mary Griffin were the first Sisters appointed for this work.                      A plan was drawn up for the convent and changes in the wards.                      Work started in March 1896. In the meantime four sisters                      set out to visit the hospitals in Killarney, Tralee and                      Listowel in order to acquire a knowledge of hospital duties.                      When they returned in June the Convent was almost completed;                      they took possession of it July 1st and called it St. Joseph's.                                                                  A lace class granted by the Congested District Board, was                      opened in Castletownbere on 10th March, 1906. Miss Mary                      Roche was the first teacher. At a later date this industry                      was taken over by the sisters. The industry flourished'                      employment and training in machine knitting and in the making                      of Limerick Lace were given to many girls in Beara. The                      Lace Class was discontinued in the late 1940's.                      In the days when the sisters resided up town the first "invasion"                      of the tide in to the lower apartments was a memorable one!                      It was the 29th January, Rev. Mother de Dales' Feast Day.                                            Early in the morning one of the Sisters proceeded to the                      kitchen and as panic-stricken to find the dainties prepared                      for the feast floating on the waves. She thought she could                      save them, but she emerged minus a shoe!                                            Imagine Pope Leo XIII was acquainted of a bazaar held in                      Castletownbere in 1888 in aid of St Joseph's School! He                      sent an exquisite Cameo as one of the prizes. Small wonder                      that it headed the long list of 69 prizes!                                            Even the Royalty visited Castletownbere! On July 31st, 1903                      the town had one glorious hour when King Edward VII and                      his Queen Alexandria passed through the streets. The children                      of the parish too had one great feast with the £12                      given them to commemorate the Royal Visit.                                            Because of the convent being founded from Killarney, it                      remained affiliated with it under a local Superior until                      1878. That year Most Rev. Dr. McCarthy decided that it should                      become an independent house and on October 4th, he appointed                      Sister Mary Assisi Taylor first Mother Superior of the Convent.                                                                  Since then all through the years the Convent kept its autonomy                      and flourished under the authority of a long line of dedicated                      and competent Superiors. On April 28, 1973 the two hundred                      Mercy Sisters in the diocese were amalgamated and the Castletownbere                      Superior, Mother M Philomena Harrington, was elected the                      first Mother General of the group: Once again the convent                      had a local superior, as in the early days superiors came                      to Castletownbere from Killarney and Tralee.                                            The first schools the Sisters had in Castletown were situated                      in the West End until 1878, when they were transferred to                      new building near the convent. When the new Community School                      was built in Cametringane some of the sisters were teaching                      up town again.                                            As a result of all her labours and exertions, Mother M de                      Sales, the foundress of the Convent, returned in very delicate                      health to Killarney in July 1878 and she died there seven                      years later. It is significant that almost a century later                      another great "builder" of the local community                      - Mother M Therese Corvoran, the last one to join the glorious                      galaxy of those gone before them - that she, too wore herself                      out in the service of her children and of the people of                      Beara.                                            For during the last eight years of her life she paid the                      price for her unselfish giving and total commitment to the                      Lord. Yes, History does repeat!                                            In its hey-day, the convent owned a farm which extended                      along the old river road at Toormore and also had a large                      herd of milking cows. They made their own butter and kept                      a large garden, as well as a good orchard, which we well                      remember for its fine apples.                                            Over the past number of years, painful decisions have had                      to be taken. In 1971 the Sisters of Mercy in the Kerry Diocese                      amalgamated and in 1994 those of the whole country. With                      a view to the future and in line with modern thinking, the                      nuns left their big Convent in December 1989 and moved to                      smaller groups into smaller residences which were built                      near St Joseph's Hospital.                                            The old convent building is now a hostel. The twenty-first                      century Ireland, though having its own special needs, has                      outgrown the needs of the nineteenth century, and one can                      say that Catherine McAuley's vision for society then, had                      come to fruition in our time, in that we enjoy many privileges                      among which are free education, free health care for those                      in need, a social service which caters for the poorer section,                      and we live in a time when the old and infirm are well catered                      for.                                            It was not from chance or mere accident or just for the                      sake of a name that the Castletownbere Convent was called                      "Divine Providence". These two words enshrine                      for the nuns a wealth and a heritage over the years and                      treasured beyond all the gold in the world.                                            For them, Divine Providence was their Heavenly Father, watching                      over them, taking care of them and providing for them and                      doing everything a good father does for his children. For                      the history of their convent to the story of God's fatherly                      care, visible and tangible at all times down the years.                                            So often the tender "branch" swayed and rocked                      beneath the force of violent storms of problems and pressures                      of financial difficulties and anxieties, of sickness and                      death, but it never broke.                                            The winds of death started as early as 1870 and on three                      occasions swept away the young - Sister Bridget Murphy in                      1870 was still a novice; Sister M. Fincarr Murphy in 1916                      had been just eight years a nun; Sister M. Patricia Kelly                      in 1940 was only thirty-six years.                                            At its peak the convent had some twenty-four sisters, now                      sadly the numbers are down to five plus two sisters in hospital                      in Tralee. When we visited the little cemetery at the rear                      of the old Convent, we counted forty-four graves.                                            Writing some years ago, one of the sisters said the following:                      "Dear Sisters - our Community in Heaven, as we lovingly                      call you, we dedicate these pages to you and to the memory                      of your great deeds which we have endeavoured to recount.                      We will remember you forever with unbreakable affection,                      with admiration, with gratitude and with nostalgia.                                            "No one among us now in Divine Providence knows you                      all, but all of us know many of you. We have lived with                      you and walked with you and talked with you and laboured                      with you. We sat at your bedside and we nursed you and we                      have accompanied you to your resting place.                                            "We miss you- life is not the same without you. But                      we continue to show our trust and gratitude to our Heavenly                      Father by accepting a new manifestation of His love in this                      change. We carry on your work as best we can. We strive                      to be totally committed and dedicated to Christ like you.                                            "Despite any trappings of riches acquired by us in                      recent years we want to be pure of heart and poor in fact                      just like you - you really had nothing. Life to you was                      Christ and now death had brought you something more, for                      what you desired, you now see, and you will sing forever                      of the Lord's love.                      "We are still 'racing for the finish' and we look forward                      to rejoining you on the great Eternal Shore. I bParrthas                      na nGrast go rabhaimid."                                            Courtesy of the Southern Star                      05/08/2006

A teacher resigned when the sisters took over the local school!!!!!

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Feast of St. Anthony

The Feast of St. Anthony is observed every year on June 13 to honor the life and work of St. Anthony of Padua, who accomplished many things during his short time in this world as a priest. He was revered by his contemporaries and noted for his powerful preaching, vast knowledge of scripture, and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick. They made him one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history. His fame spread through Portuguese evangelization and he became the patron saint of Lisbon, Padua, and many other places in Portugal. St. Anthony is invoked and respected around the world as the patron saint for the recovery of lost items. He is credited with several miracles involving lost people, things, and even spiritual goods.

History of Feast of St. Anthony

St. Anthony of Padua was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões to a wealthy and prominent family in Lisbon, Portugal on August 15, 1195. His father, Martin de Bouillon, was a descendant of Godfrey de Bouillon, commander of the First Crusade, while his mother, Theresa Tavejra, was a descendant of the fourth king of Asturia, Froila I.

Anthony was educated at the Cathedral School of Saint Mary near his house, where his teachers suggested that he become a knight at the king’s court. However, his father believed Anthony was better suited to intellectual pursuits and wanted him to help manage the family’s estate and become a nobleman. To his father’s dismay, Anthony joined the Canons Regular of St. Augustine when he was 15 and entered St. Vincent’s convent of Lisbon in 1210. Anthony soon asked to be transferred to the Holy Cross Monastery in Coimbra where he spent eight years studying theology and was later ordained a priest. During this period, he befriended many friars following Francis of Assisi, who built an order of friars and traveled extensively, preaching to non-believers.

In 1220, he joined the Franciscan order inspired by five Fransicians who were martyred in Morocco. He, too, hoped to preach to Muslims and be martyred. On his way to Morocco, he became seriously ill and was forced to return home, but his ship back to Portugal was blown off course and finally landed in Sicily. Because of his deteriorating health, he was not allowed to pursue missionary work. Instead, he taught theology in Bologna, Italy; and at Montpellier, Toulouse, and Puy-en-Velay in southern France. He won great admiration as a preacher and was noted for his simple yet profound teaching of the Catholic faith. He died on his way to Padua, Italy on June 13 in 1231.

Feast of St. Anthony timeline

1195

Saint Anthony is Born

St. Anthony of Padua is born Fernando Martins de Bulhões to a wealthy and socially prominent family in Lisbon, Portugal.

1220

The Franciscan Order

Anthony joins the Franciscan order, hoping to preach to Muslims and be martyred.

1231

Saint Anthony Passes Away

Anthony becomes sick with ergotism and dies on June 13 on the way to Padua, where he is now buried.

1232

Canonization

Anthony is canonized by Pope Gregory IX on May 30, 1232, at Spotelo, Italy for his spiritual teachings and devotion to the Church.

Feast of St. Anthony FAQs

What do you eat on St. Anthony’s day?

Spaniards are fond of beans and prepare them in many ways. Bean and Escarole Soup with or without pasta is often cooked in Spanish families and is offered to the poor on St. Anthony’s Day after Mass.

Where is the town of Braham located?

St. Anthony had a prized and expensive book of psalms that went missing and he thought was probably stolen. He prayed that the book would be found. A novice who had taken the book suddenly returned it and even returned to the order. The stolen book is said to be preserved in the Franciscan friary in Bologna, Italy.

Why is St. Anthony often painted with a baby?

The baby in the paintings depicts Baby Jesus and is reminiscent of the vision that Anthony had in Camposampiero. It expresses his attachment to the humanity of Christ and his closeness to God.

How to Observe Feast of St. Anthony

Go to church: Visit the church on this holy day to feel closer to God and to ponder upon St. Anthony’s spiritual teachings. Dedicate the day to learning more about his preaching and incorporate it into your life for a more fulfilling life.

Help the needy: Follow St. Anthony’s teachings of devoting yourself to the sick and the poor by donating money, helping out at soup kitchens, and spending time with those less fortunate than you. Any amount of time devoted will be appreciated.

Celebrate at home: Have a wholesome family dinner with your close family members by cooking up a delicious homecooked meal. Read more about his teachings in the many books written about him and share these fascinating stories with your children.

5 Remarkable Facts About St. Anthony

He preached to the fish: St. Anthony was once seen preaching to fish in Rimini to the surprise of non-believers, but soon a large crowd of fish had gathered to listen to him.

Marriage saint: He is known as a marriage saint in Portugal, Spain, and Brazil because legends exist of him reconciling couples.

Feast of all Feasts: ,Boston’s North End holds a feast every year on the weekend of the last Sunday in August in honor of St. Anthony called the "Feast of All Feasts."

Celebrated follower of Francis of Assisi: St. Anthony’s fame spread with Portuguese evangelization and he is known as the most celebrated follower of Francis of Assisi.

Poisoning: According to a story, St. Anthony’s food was poisoned by non-believers who challenged him to eat the food anyway —-which he did after blessing the food and coming out unharmed.

Why Feast of St. Anthony is Important

St. Anthony helped the poor and the sick: St. Anthony quickly became a champion of the poor in Padua. Among other acts, he influenced the local government to pass legislation that protected the poor from going to prison if they could not repay their debts.

He was a great orator: His presentations were so forceful, simple, and eloquent that he was asked to preach all over Italy and the regions of France. His theological expertise and inspirational oration also impressed the leader of the order, St. Francis, who enlisted Anthony to teach theology to other Franciscans. This was a unique honor, as he would have a huge impact on the order’s future and the Church.

He is celebrated all over the world: From the Americas to Asia to Africa, St. Anthony is revered all over the world. Outside of Europe, there are churches dedicated to him in Texas, Tamil Nadu and Goa in India, and the Philippines, among other places. He also inspired many artists who painted him frequently.

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[radioeuroextasis]

Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara

Patricia Lazzara (concert flute) has distinguished herself as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician. A 3-time winner of the Artists International Competition, she has performed at Carnegie Hall several times and at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. She is a winner of many awards including the Florida Flute Association Performers Grant for Advanced Study and a Winner of the National Flute Association Convention Performers Competition. On piano is Dave Malyszko. Dave has served as soloist, accompanist, and ensemble member for a wide variety of performances in a multitude of genres. As a soloist, he has appeared with the Jersey City State College Symphonic Orchestra, the Jersey City Symphony of Winds and Percussion, and the Assisi Performing Arts Concert Series in Assisi, Italy. OAs a collaborative pianist, Dave has accompanied numerous singers and instrumentalists in venues such as college and high school theatres, performing arts centers, houses of worship, and libraries. He has also played for various classes and auditions at the Paper Mill Playhouse, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Middlesex County College, and Plays in The Park in Edison, New Jersey. Steve Markoff is known for his creativity and warm interpretive style on alto flute, which has been described by professionals & reviewers with such words as “formidably expressive”, “heartfelt”, “stunning”, “emotional” and “poignant”. His alto-flute performances have received acclaim from numerous critics and music reviewers. Read the full article

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Talking Point: Are NCERT books sufficient to score well in boards - Times of India

New Post has been published on https://apzweb.com/talking-point-are-ncert-books-sufficient-to-score-well-in-boards-times-of-india/

Talking Point: Are NCERT books sufficient to score well in boards - Times of India

With students loading themselves with numerous, expensive reference books ahead of exams, to develop a better conceptual understanding of every subject, one wonders if there is something missing in the prescribed textbooks by schools

Questions are from textbooks

CBSE sets question papers on the basis of the NCERT textbooks. In many cases, students can “predict” a number of questions simply by looking at the previous year papers. By focusing on these past year question papers and textbooks, students can score well. However, this format of setting questions in exams is the basis of cramming, which is the main focus of the Indian education pattern. We have analysed a number of different question papers from boards across different countries such as Singapore and Finland where students have exemplary learning levels. Also, questions from foreign boards show that students are mainly evaluated on their deep understanding abilities. The questions are prepared in a way that will help them understand words to extract relevant information from a large text. The CBSE says that they are making such changes in their question format as well. To succeed, students should ideally develop these skills.

— Sridhar Rajagopalan, co-founder and chief learning officer, Educational Initiatives

NCERT lays the foundation The basis of preparation in board examinations should be NCERT. During exams, students must know how to give precise answers to every question by clearly stating each point. However, they can refer to sample papers at the end of their preparation. Last year, nearly 95% of questions were from reference books that consisted of previous question papers. Students can refer to these books after completing their preparation from NCERT textbooks. These books help in the overall revision of the subject and also provide students with an idea of the question paper pattern.

— Lakshmi Jyothi Prakash,Science teacher, Assisi Convent School, Noida

Has limited information Students should refer to additional books while preparing for the board exams as NCERT gives very limited information. Several private publishers provide an in-depth knowledge on each and every topic of the chapter. These books offer better understanding and explanations of various topics. We encourage our students to refer to other books as well and ask them to issue these books from the school library.

— Jessica Mathew, principal, Delhi Public International School, Manesar Language of NCERT books is imperative The language of NCERT textbooks is important for scoring good marks in board examinations. Therefore, students need to write the answers in exactly the same language as laid down in these textbooks. They are not needed to follow other books for understanding as this can be achieved by other sources such as online tutorials and coaching centres. Having a good knowledge of each subject is important for students. A thorough reading of NCERT texbooks can help one develop a strong grasp over every subject. They should also seek help from their school teachers to clear their doubts.

— Shayama Chona, former principal, Delhi Public School, RK Puram

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Discovering the Bass Clarinet — Rocco Parisi Clarinet U Interview

Rocco Parisi, born in San Pietro a Maida — Italy, studied in Holland, where he gained brilliantly which is the Getuigschrift diploma in bass clarinet, and in Italy gained “cum laude” the clarinet master degree at the Conservatorio “F. Ghedini” of Cuneo.

He has been the winner of various international competitions, including T.I.M. Rome, the Orpheus Prize in Antwerpen, Concorso Internazionale di Stresa…

Parisi took part in Giuseppe Garbarino’s masterclasses at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena for four years, each year gaining a special grant, and earning at the end of the four years a Diploma of Honor. Maestro Garbarino subsequently asked Parisi to become his assistant at the Academy. Recognized as a talented interpreter of contemporary music and as an innovator of new techniques for the bass clarinet, many original compositions have been dedicated to Parisi, these being performed by him at important Italian festivals, including Chigiana Novità Siena, Settembre Musica Turin, Biennale of Venice, Nuovi Spazi Musicali Rome and Spazio Musica Cagliari.

He also gave the world premiere of “Sequenza IX c” for bass clarinet and the Italian premiere of “Chemins II c” for bass clarinet and orchestra by Luciano Berio.

A deep collaboration in direct contact with Ennio Morricone, Sylvano Bussotti, and the Italian poet Edoardo Sanguineti allowed him to record some world premiere on CD, playing their compositions in prestigious concert halls.

As a soloist he has performed with several orchestras including “ Thailand Philarmonic Orchestra” in Bangkok, giving the premiere of “Rocco e Rollo” concert for bass clarinet and orchestra by Arthur Gottschalk, “Flemish Chamber Philarmonic Orchestra” Bruxelles- Belgium, giving the premiere of “Danzas Mestizas” for bass clarinet and orchestra by Arturo Marquez, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Slovakia), Kansas Symphony Orchestra (USA), Dinu Lipatti Philharmonic Orchestra Satu Mare (Romania)…

He gave concerts and masterclasses in several foreign countries (Germany, Turkey, Portugal, China, France, Switzerland, Spain, Thailand, USA) and at prestigious venues: Thailand International Composition, Festival Strobel Studio Freiburg, Centrum Sztuki Wspolczenej Warsaw, Music Academy of Kracow, UHR kleinersaal Leipzig, Lisbon Music Conservatory and the Beijing Central Conservatory, “Festival Cervantino” Mexico.

He was invited by the l.C.A. (International Clarinet Association to) give concerts and masterclasses at the world clarinet convention in New Orleans (Louisiana) USA; Stockholm (Swede); Salt Lake City (Utah) USA, Austin (Texas) USA, Assisi (Italy), Baton Rouge (Louisiana) USA, Madrid, Lawrence –Kansas City (USA), Orlando (USA).

The RAI, BRT, and WDR are just a few of the many radio and television stations to have recorded Rocco Parisi. He has performed as bass clarinetist with a number of Italian orchestras, such as Giovanile Italiana of Fiesole, the “Arturo Toscanini” of Parma, the Orchestra da Camera of Padua, Orchestra Sinfonica “G. Verdi” of Milano and RAI O.S.N. (Italian Radio Television National Symphony Orchestra). Parisi has recorded CDs for labels Taukay, Stradivarius, DDT, Nuova Era, AOC Classic — Edizioni Leonardi, Concerto Music-Media, Amadeus, Brilliant classic. He is currently a professor of clarinet and bass clarinet at the conservatory “Antonio Vivaldi” in Alessandria — Italy.

M: When did you approach the world of music?

R: No one in my family was a musician and I grow up in an environment with a great interest in music. When I was a kid, I stopped playing with other kids to listen to music. I felt hypnotized by any kind of music. My first real experience with a musical instrument was when I was fifteen years old. I learn my basic technique by playing the saxophone soprano in a wind band in my city

M: WHEN DID HE APPROACH THE BASS CLARINET?

R: It happened when I finished my regular studies at the Conservatory. I was studying with my teacher Garbarino who at the time was head of the ANSAMBLE GARBARINO group, specialized in contemporary music. We were talking about a bass clarinet during a class and he asked me, “Rocco, do you like it?” I said, “yes!”. The master replied, “it’s always a problem to find a good bass clarinet player. I’m looking for him, so please study seriously!” and I just listened to him.

M: WHAT EXPERIENCE MADE YOU PARTICULARLY PROUD DURING YOUR CAREER?

R: It is not easy to answer this question briefly. The thing that has made me prouder in my career is the fact that I have been esteemed by great composers such as Luciano Berio, Ennio Morricone, Arturo Marquez, and many others. these composers studied my musical philosophy and I discovered new points of view, different from mine. I will be very happy to talk to you more about this topic next time.

M: Were you inspired by anyone in particular during your studies?

R: I was inspired by my teacher Giuseppe Garbarino. his point of view on music is very close to mine. He understood me when I played repertory pieces in different moods. He has a different approach to music than the others. He is deep and himself in the pieces.

M: Do you have any advice for warm-up?

R: We’re usually we usually go in a hurry but I think spending time warming up is very important. Heating is very useful for preparing mouthpieces, reed, and lips. In my opinion, it is better to warm up; prepares me to find harmony with my instrument. How can we do that? warm-up before playing anything. Long sounds are a great exercise to control our sound and we all know that breathing well means good sound. I also suggest playing exercises for tuning. I find it amazing, tune and play. Work on shades with different techniques such as arpeggios and scales.

M: How often do you play the clarinet in b flat?

R: I always play with the soprano clarinet in my piano concerts. But I practice clarinet when I have time for it. Next month, for example, I should play is plan to soda by Igor Stravinsky, and I’m going to use the clarinet in B-flat. If covid restrictions allow us to do so.

M: In which musical genres have you tried during your career?

R: Bene. Gioacchino Rossini Gioacchino Rossini did not distinguish music in genres but between Gioacchino Rossini did not distinguish music in genres but between interesting music and uninteresting music. This is my thought. I love music. I have had and still have many different experiences. From electronic music, I also record a CD with the great Italian poet Edoardo Sanguineti, to jazz, playing with pianist Riccardo Zegna and clarinetist Gabriele Mirabassi. I went from classic to pop. Two things are important to me: know exactly what I’m doing and play without instrumental limits. Luciano Berio said that virtuosity is the conflict between the musical idea and the realization. I grew up with my bass clarinet with these ideals and I’m still going this way.

M: How much covid affect our work?

R: We are in a strange situation and we would all like to get out of it as soon as possible. Activities like music and theatre need an audience, we can’t play without it. Streaming concerts are better than not doing any concerts, but they’re no better than real ones. We need the warmth of the audience. Playing for the camera is unusual because the camera is not warm. The most important part of a concert is with the audience, their relationship and no relationship in streaming can be established. Online classes are only good for those with a medium-high level of music, but there are several issues to establish sound quality or sound for students with a different level.

M: How do you recommend dividing the studio for those who play both instruments?

R: Clarinet and bass clarinet are very similar but are not the same. I suggest playing both instruments with the same frequency, use a mouthpiece with the same opening and the same pressure with the lips to simplify, switching from one instrument to another. During my masterclasses around the world I meet many guys who play both instruments with different techniques;

M: Do you have any advice on correct breathing? And on circular breathing?

R: We all know that playing is easier if we have good breathing. How is it possible? There are a lot of exercises in many books, but not all of them are useful. I believe there’s some confusion about that. I have been lucky because my teacher Giuseppe Garbarino studies for a long time and explains everything to me. Keep in mind that time and practice are fundamental to a child. The secret briefing is an important, but not a strictly necessary technique for a performer. I studied it a long time ago when I had to play a contemporary piece, with very long sounds. The composer suggested me to use a circular briefing but I decided to use regular briefings to great surprise on my part and also on the part of the public.

Interviewed by Maria Maiolo

Published by Clarinet U

Maria Maiolo was born in Soriano Calabro in Calabria, Italy, and graduated from the ITC Institute “G.GALILEI” in Vibo Valentia on 2018. She studied at the “B.Maderna” Conservatory in Cesena to obtain a bachelor’s degree in clarinet. She is the protagonist of several concerts around Italy occupying, in the orchestra, the role of second clarinet. Different events, lead her to write the first novel: “THE COURAGE TO CHANGE”. Later She is a guest of several libraries, educational institutions and important events. Her novel, is present in several libraries, including that of Vibo Valentia, Cirimido and Orbassano. It has been adopted as an in-depth text in several secondary schools and to date has more than 400 copies sold.

Maria recently published her second novel: “BROKEN LIVES” dedicated to Filippo Ceravolo innocent victim of the Mafia and the struggles of his family.

[eliasboaz]

Bethlehem Town of David, Crusaders, Franciscans, Renovation, and Handicrafts

The Crusaders in Bethlehem

Bethlehem was occupied by the Crusades, on the columns of nativity church we see on the columns and Coat of Arms, it was found about a hundred year ago, The Crusaders gave a new look to the Town, they took all Bethlehem Governorate, they changed much of the architecture of the nativity church. Near the Attryum of Saint Jerome many Crusader Marks and there is also a Crusader Convent, 25th December 110 Baldwin 1st was crowned at the Church of the Nativity as the first king of Jerusalem, relating to Bethlehem, the Birth, the Joy and the Birth of New King Baldwin the 1st. Bethlehem became a patriarch and then becoming an Episcopal seat and Diocesan center. Crusaders Built Two Watch Towers for the Nativity Church, And all the walls are painted and decorated with Mosaic with very high detail and quality and gold canvas. On the 4th of July 1187, Bethlehem became under the Ayyubid conquer, The Mamluks 1260-1516, The Fall of Acre in 1291. During the Mamluk Area it was not so good times for the Nativity Church it was much neglected, Franciscans 1209 the Custody of the Holy land, they originate from Saint Francis.

The Franciscans in Bethlehem

The Franciscans started in 1209, their wear symbolizes humbleness, They consist of Three Orders, the Franciscans are the largest religious order of the Catholic Denomination. St. Francis of Assisi, he came from saint Francis the Assisi, he was much talking about evangelical poverty, and to focus on charity and devolution to human Jesus and follow Jesus example, he and Saint Catherine of Siena are the patron saints of Italy. To Follow the teachers of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps, in 1207 that Francis felt that call to a life of preaching, penance and total poverty, and later in 1219, they established the order. The Famous Event in 1219: The Historical Meeting between Sultan melee el Kamel and Saint Francis in Egypt, and they entered a dialogue with the person who was generally viewed as the enemy of the western world, although he did not convert the sultan was impressed and let Francis continue on his way to the holy land. Custodia of the Holy land, The Name Custody of the holy land, its main purpose to protect the Holy Places in the holy land in the name of all Christianity. in 1333 through the meditation of Franciscans, they bought the Area the Upper Room ( Mount Zion ) from the Sultan of Egypt, as well as the right to hold religious services at the holy sepulcher, they decided that the Franciscans should exercise these rights on behalf of the Christian World. The Cenacle was the first place that was acquired by the Franciscan Custdoy between 1333 and 1337, and this was done by efforts of King Report and Queen of Naples (Sinica), after difficult negotiations. in 1342 Pope Clement VI approved the decision of the royal family of Naples with a bill, thereby officially establishing the custody of the holy land. 1847 First Latin Patriarch was established and the seminar in Beit Jala City was Established as well. The Franciscans in Bethlehem in 1347 in a monastery for Augustinian canons, From the Ayybid Period, it was the Franciscans who were responsible for the Religious Latin Rites in Bethlehem, after 1950 they started arabizing the Church. Renovation of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem City Fra Giovanni Tomacelli in 1479 , I was possible to rebuild the roof structure of the Byzantine Church, the Work cost was provided by Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy, and the lead was donated by King Edward IV of England, and the Wood from Larch, in about 1440-1470, and It was 40-60 meter long, and they transported from Europe to Bethlehem, from Venice it was shipped to the port of Jaffa then overland to Bethlehem.

HandiCrafts in Bethlehem

Among the most important economic activities are local handicraft products made from olive wood and mother of pearl, The Art of intaglio and working with mother of pearl and encouraged the opening of many workshops, and the teaching of these techniques can be traced back to the establishment of a school 1347, in 1586 Belgian pilgrim dates to the 16th century, they make crowns and small crosses from olive, cedar, and other woods. The Teaching of these techniques can be traced back to the establishment of a school in 1347 that combined both theoretical and practical establishments. Read the full article

[noidagbs-blog]

Commercial Space In Greater Noida - GBS

The invasion of the vacant areas especially around Noida extension and the Yamuna Expressway has resulted into a low cost and highly facilitated residential property in Noida. Reliable building and construction groups like Jaypee, Ajnara, Mahagun, Amrapali, Assotech, Stellar, Logix, Paras, Supertech and others have launched their world class projects at unmatched Commercial Projects In Noida.

Famous schools like Delhi Public School, Amity International School, Ryan International School, Apeejay School, Army Public School, Central School, Assisi Convent School, DAV Centenary Public School, Bal Bharti and Vishwa Bharti Schools and many more schools are present in Noida. Noida and the surrounding areas of Greater Noida and Ghaziabad have lots of high standard institutions for higher education in engineering, management, films and medical sciences.

The Commercial Projects In Noida is also increasing due to the best shopping facilities available in Noida Sector 18 Market and other areas. Sector 18 and the malls like Center Stage Mall, Great India Place, Sab Mall, Spice mall and Shopprix Mall has a range of reputed clothing and jewelry brands. Noida also has multi-screen movie halls of Waves and PVR Cinemas. The markets and malls in Noida are also comprised of famous national and international food chains and restaurants. The reputed Radisson, Mosaic, Park Plaza and Nirula's hotels are too present in Noida.

When it comes to employment opportunities in any domain, say, manufacturing, IT, BPO, retail and marketing, Noida has in and around so many national and international companies. IT companies like CSC, Patni Computer Systems, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, I-Gate etc. have huge offices spread all over the region. Noida's industrial sectors are full of small and medium scale industries providing employment of every kind.

Apart from all the above mentioned benefits, the easily available and best medical care of Fortis, Kailash, Max, Metro, Prakash, Prayag and other hospitals too make a good reason to buy a residential property in Noida. With the facility of Metro Rail, residents of Noida can travel to any part of Delhi and Gurgaon. And the other major cities of NCR i.e. Faridabad, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad are also at a short distance by Road. One can reach South Delhi via DND Flyway in few minutes.

Over a period of few decades, Noida has developed as an industrial, commercial, institutional and a great residential hub. If you want to buy a Commercial Space In Noida with unbeatable infrastructure, then consult a prominent real estate company which can guide you about the best deals and can provide you a good value for your money.

Go India Property is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company serving all over the globe. Go India Property has earned a strong reputation in the real estate industry as they strongly work for the satisfaction of their customers.