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The nine ladies dancing is not about partying but rather the Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit as described in Galatians 5: 22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, modedesty and continency." These fruits helped Catholics to practice the virtues and remind fellow Catholics how to stay out of harm's way as far as their souls were concerned.

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The ten lords a-leaping symbolize the Law of God - the Ten Commandments. It was not a leap to obey the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai for the Protestants, who were persecuting the Catholics of those times and countries, also believed in the Ten Commandments, but the reference to "lords" was in reference to the rich and powerful for they were the ones who could change the laws that governed persecution and curtailment of the Catholic Faith. Yet it was the "lords" who were lax in obeying God's laws and Catholics wanted to remind their fellow Catholics that no matter how wealthy or spoiled the princes were, faith and perseverance was more important by reminding them of the law of ages.

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The eleven pipers piping stood for the Eleven Faithful Apostles who stuck with Jesus when seemingly all others had abandoned Him. They were referred to as "pipers" for they indeed were sent out to all corners to spread the Gospel as Our Lord had commanded and, like the "Pied Piper of Hamlin" they attracted many to the One, True Faith. It was a way for Catholics to remind their fellow faithful to keep this in mind during the hard times for all but Saint John were persecuted and martyred for the faith. If they remained faithful to their Faith and to Jesus, they too would one day enjoy the same rewards of Heavenly bliss.

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The twelve drummers drumming represented the Twelve Points of Belief in the APOSTLES' CREED It's interesting that Catholics chose drummers for their symbolism for to keep reminding each other of the twelve points of the solid creed known as the Apostles' Creed for this was their profession of faith and there was a constant need to keep hammering home this point or should we say "bang the drum" so fellow Catholics would get the "beat" and get into a rhythm of their religion, encouraged by all Jesus promised and professed in the Creed.

Pope reaches out to people of Assisi this weekend
      The Holy Father will spend the weekend in the mountain regions of Umbria, reassuring and commiserating with the faithful there after the devastating earthquakes that rocked this region last month. Besides innumerable building damage, many treasured artworks were badly damaged including those at the famed Basilica of Saint Francis high on the hill in Assisi. Click on Assisi to read more.

The wall between East and West is still an obstacle as Russian Patriarch snubs Pope
      During the time of the year when eastern rulers humbled themselves to bow before the Christ-child, the Eastern Orthodox Church is more prideful - especially in Russia where their Patriarch Aleksei II says he's not sure he will meet with John Paul II as was reported by the press. He cited problems that have to be worked out before he could give a definite commitment, leaving the Western Church wondering. Click on Orthodox to read more.

Stay of execution for timed embryos escape death down under...but for how long?
      There's definitely trouble down-under as the debate heats up over frozen embryos being destroyed after a certain time-limit. Catholic officials accused officials of minimizing the "human element" and further eroding the value of human life by saying "destroy" the embryos rather than "killing them" which is what they are doing. The whole process of in-vitro fertilization is in question for that is not the way God designed procreation. Click on embryos to read more.

    Dear children! Also today I rejoice with you and I call you to the good. I desire that each of you reflect and carry peace in your heart and say: I want God in the first place in my life. In this way, little children, each of you will become holy. Little children, tell everyone, I want the good for you and he will respond with the good and, little children, good will come to dwell in the heart of each man. Little children, tonight I bring to you the good of my Son Who gave His life to save you. That is why, little children, rejoice and extend your hands to Jesus Who is only good. Thank you for having responded to my call! For more on Medjugorje, Click on MEDJUGORJE

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Coming MONDAY: We return to our regular features The Vicar of Christ speaks We present our Golden Chalice Award to the Significant Site of the Week Father Valenta's column ...and much, much more in our third issue for 1998!

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