Happy Holidays

Holidays are a fairly modern invention.
In the past most travel was connected with buying and selling, then in the nineteenth century people realised that a lot could be learned from other countries, so there were educational trips to all the major European cities.

In the Middle Ages there were no holidays, but everyone had a day off work for each important Holy Day.
Holy Days might commemorate a special event, such as the Virgin Mary's visit to Elizabeth or Christ's Transfiguration. Or they might be to thank God for one of the Apostles, such as James or Bartholomew, or another of his faithful saints, such as Mary Magdalene, Thomas Becket or Bernard. Most of these days were 'days of obligation' so they started with a church service, then the congregation would join in a joyful procession through the town, often with the priest carrying a statue or a crucifix from the church to bless every street and every home they passed. In the afternoon there would be races or games on the village green, and in the evening all the local musicians would gather together for a concert.

Taking a little time away from our daily work brings refreshment, and joining together to remember all that we owe to God renews our souls. Make at least one day of your holiday a Holy Day this summer.

With every blessing,

Ann

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