Sunday, July 11, 2010

To all lost causes!


Let me introduce you to... Santa Rita, the Patron Saint of the lost causes! (Read all about her on Wikipedia, if you're interested). I found her church by coincidence in the 15tharrondissement, where I had a meeting. The church in itself is not really spectacular, but the story is. It claims to belong to the "Church of France" better known as Gallicane (again, more on Wikipedia!), a church that accepts the Roman church authority (including the one of the Pope) to a limited extent. Not to forget, on a lighter note, that every year in this Church, people can bring their animals (and not only pets, according to the poster!) to be christened blessed... I know, it's a little odd!

15 comments:

  1. Hard to say a word, in fact, as there are far too many lost causes in the world. Some are thought to be lost and one day it happens they are not. But how many discouragements before that day ?
    There are also lost causes I just don't want to really face sometimes. Though, I really should but I miss courage.

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  2. I think that's pretty common in the Catholic church, at least in the US. I remember when I worked in Catholic schools, there was always a day when pets were brought to church to be blessed. I grew up Lutheran--we just swore at ours! LOL!

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  3. Santa Rita conveys a sense of other-worldly serenity. Merci pour Eric!

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  4. I don't think it's weird that animals should be christened. I think it's weird that people think only *they* are worthy of whatever it is they think is going to happen to them after they are christened.

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  5. @TG...LOL!! Hahahahaa!!

    All this time I thought Saint Jude was the patron saint of "lost causes!" No wonder I'm still lost!! Saint Rita watch out..you're gonna hear from me!

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  6. I sued to pass this Church when walking to the La Poste just down the street (the other Vaugirard Office was closed to remodel) and I had an Aunt Rita so I would stop in to "make a visit" as we used to say. Thanks for capturing a bit of my old neighborhood.

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  7. Once again, Eric, you've started something with your informative post. LOL, TG, tonton, and Reveuse (I tend to curse at mine too)! I also always thought St. Jude is the patron saint of lost causes, and we take our animals to church to be blessed on Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi

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  8. I've seen where they bless animals here but don't know if they christen them.Or is that the same thing?
    ujimatoday.blogspot.com

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  9. Christening animals is way beyond "a little odd".

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  10. Tonton, I just got lost in that link. Talk about strange.

    I don't think I should get into this discussion at all. Nice photo, Eric.

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  11. Thanks Tall Gary and Tonton for two very appropriate links ;-)

    Actually I did not know that it was "common" in the US th have your pets blessed (and you must be right, it must not be Christened but blessed in Santa Rita too).

    Those of you who commented on the fact that I said it was odd, are actually right. Animals are creature of God according to the Christians, so there is no reasons they can't be blessed I suppose...

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  12. I've heard of a "blessing of the bikes" as well. I personally just prefer to pray for safety. :)

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  13. There is actually another St. Rita's, right across the street from the Moulin Rouge and next to a sex shop. It is said to be very popular with prostitutes, who need all the help they can get. There is a little hidden courtyard in the back, with a shrine somewhat similar to the one shown. Also at the rear of the corridor is a fabulous staircase with a serpent (or dragon) for a stairwell post. The stairway goes up to offices and has wonderful stained glass windows. The door to it unfortunately is now permanently closed.

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