Tag Archives: Roman Catholic Church

The Grey Eminence: Friend and Confidant to Richelieu

Posted on July 2, 2021 by cdsmiller17

François Leclerc du Tremblay (November 4, 1577 – December 17, 1638) Just after researching Cardinal Richelieu last week, I heard this term “Grey Eminence” on Jeopardy for the first time. I took it as a sign. Father Joseph started out … Continue reading →

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They Called Him “The Red Eminence”

Posted on July 1, 2021 by cdsmiller17

Cardinal Richelieu (September 9, 1585 – December 4, 1642) You’ve seen him in films about “The Three Musketeers”. He figures strongly in the creation of New France. But what else do we know about Cardinal Richelieu? Maybe astrology can help. … Continue reading →

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We’ve been told to contemplate our history today…

Posted on July 1, 2021 by cdsmiller17

Canada Day, 2021 This image is our usual way of making fun of ourselves. But this year due to the ‘discovery’ of unmarked graves at residential schools across Canada, our national celebrations have been toned down, and we are being … Continue reading →

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As Missionary to the Huron, He was Killed by the Iroquois

Posted on June 27, 2021 by cdsmiller17

Jean de Brébeuf (March 25, 1593 – March 16, 1649) I do not wish to speak ill of the dead, but it seems to me that this Jesuit priest tried and failed to bring peace to the Huron and the … Continue reading →

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How to Have an Intimate Relationship with Jesus Christ

Posted on June 13, 2021 by cdsmiller17

Spiritual Communion The Roman Catholic Church knows a thing or two about spiritual communion. In fact, Southern Baptists, like Billy Graham (and now through his son, Franklin) say essentially the same thing: “Invite Jesus to come into your heart.” I … Continue reading →

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It’s All Starting to Make Sense, Finally

Posted on April 26, 2021 by cdsmiller17

Troubadour As you may recall, I like writing poetry; and the sonnet is my format of choice, for many reasons. But I’d never understood why, before yesterday. That’s when I learned that sonnets may have evolved from the musical poetry … Continue reading →

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When Parents are Asked to Make an Impossible Decision

Posted on April 17, 2021 by cdsmiller17

New Amsterdam (Season 1, Episode 15 “Croaklahoma”) We are slowly getting through season one, and this episode shows the negative impact religion can have on life-and-death decisions: the young parents of a recent heart transplant cannot afford their child’s medication, … Continue reading →

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Two Archbishops of Canterbury, Four Hundred Years Apart

Posted on March 4, 2021 by cdsmiller17

Thomas Becket and Thomas Cranmer I had this nagging feeling when I started the run of four Tudor men with the name of Thomas that one of them might be the reincarnation of Thomas Becket. Finally, I compared Becket with … Continue reading →

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Leader of the English Reformation Burned as a Heretic

Posted on March 3, 2021 by cdsmiller17

Thomas Cranmer (July 2, 1489 – March 21, 1556) This is the final one of the four men named Thomas who lived during Henry VIII’s reign, and had something to do with the creation of the Church of England. Thomas … Continue reading →

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He Blurred the Line Between Church and State

Posted on February 28, 2021 by cdsmiller17

Thomas Wolsey (March 7, 1471 – November 29, 1530) I cannot say for sure who really was the villain of the piece, but Cardinal Wolsey comes close to the top of my list of the usual suspects. Thomas Wolsey (c. … Continue reading →

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