Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains Even as the sun rises these guests are sleeping soundly. This could never happen under the rule they keep at their own communities. So, to keep the quiet in the cottage, Ana and I take the four little ones outside into the sunny autumn day. Haberd andContinue reading “#48.9, Thurs., Sept. 21, 2023”
Category Archives: Early Medieval
#48.8, Weds., Sept. 20, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains The night dissolves from first dark into the timeless space between days and still these two men of God are deep in conversation. Bishop Felix tells the Father of the Pope’s priority on sending out missionaries to far places, and here Father Columbanus, is perceived as aContinue reading “#48.8, Weds., Sept. 20, 2023”
#48.7, Tues., Sept. 19, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains Several candles burned to the socket this night as Father Columbanus listens to Bishop Felix tell of his visit with the Pope. The father asks, “So do you suppose the Holy Father will understand my plight with these bishops of Gaul?” The bishop answers, “IContinue reading “#48.7, Tues., Sept. 19, 2023”
#48.6, Thurs., Sept. 14, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains Father Columbanus asked Bishop Felix the lingering question, “Does the Pope take notice of the problem with the noble bishops of Gaul?” “Yes indeed,” answers Bishop Felix. “He wanted to know why you, a man of great importance here, and I, one who oversees a monastery,Continue reading “#48.6, Thurs., Sept. 14, 2023”
#48.5, Weds., Sept. 13, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains A common cottage tucked away in a wilderness is a good place for two saintly Christian leaders to find a secret peace away from a listening world. Brother Servant and I are witnesses to this, but we have no scribe among us to tell it more broadly.Continue reading “#48.5, Weds., Sept. 13, 2023”
#48.4, Tues., Sept. 12, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Cottage in the Vosges Mountains As the two notable abbots sit by the hearth at this commoner’s table they are meeting here without record.[footnote] Father Columbanus tells of his retreat and speaks of the details of nature he saw just today. “The earth is making its last flauntingContinue reading “#48.4, Tues., Sept. 12, 2023”
#48.3, Thurs., Sept. 7, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. The cottage in the Vosges Mountains It’s already dusk and Ana has prepared a straw tick and a linen in the main room of the house. But now, at our door are two more guests, Brother Servant, and Father Columbanus himself, arriving here without informing any guards or other monks, orContinue reading “#48.3, Thurs., Sept. 7, 2023”
#48.2, Weds., Sept. 6, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains We met Father Felix in Châlons some years ago, while Ana and I were delivering messages from Father Columbanus. “So, you are a true bishop now, and with guards?” “Guards are necessary in these times, unfortunately.” He says. We are walking up the hillContinue reading “#48.2, Weds., Sept. 6, 2023”
#48.1, Tues., Sept. 5, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. The Vosges Mountains I was cutting wood here on the solitary path to Annegray, and here is a man in the robes of a bishop walking this path alone. “Hello Father, are you looking for the monks of Annegray?” “I know no one is here anymore. I justContinue reading “#48.1, Tues., Sept. 5, 2023”
#47.15, Thurs., Aug. 31, 2023
Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges Ana returned from the Village of the hunters with the news of the old grandmother’s death. This evening we, ourselves, are binding the edges of family together. Lately we’ve noticed the tapestry of sacred life is unraveling at the edge. The empty bench on oneContinue reading “#47.15, Thurs., Aug. 31, 2023”
Lazarus Ink 