More from a 1963 volume of fun facts for Kat’licks:
- The Blessed Mother’s tomb is believed to have been in the valley of the Cedron, near Jerusalem, the place where her body was assumed into Heaven.
- St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest philosophers and theologians of the Church, was rewarded by being addressed by Christ on a crucifix. “Well hast thou written concerning Me, Thomas. What shall I give thee as a reward?” Thomas answered, “Naught save Thyself, O, Lord.”
- Out of respect for the first Pope no succeeding Pope has chosen the name of Peter.
- The first Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to a priest was presented to Father Dominique Pire, O.P., in 1958. The priest is famous for his work in aiding displaced persons.
- The superscription (INRI) above Christ’s head is preserved in the Church of St. Croce in Jerusalem.
- St. Gregory was the first monk to be elected Pope.
- The cross was used by the Romans to execute only slaves and degraded criminals. A more ancient practice was to tie or nail the victim to a tree.
- One Church tradition holds that the Blessed Mother lived 63 years, while another asserts that she lived to be 72.
- The word “Catholic” is formed from two Greek words which mean “through all.”
- In religious art, the ox is the symbol of St. Luke because his gospel begins with the account of Zachary, the priest, whose duty was to offer sacrifice.
Speaking of Thomas Aquinas, who is patron of students, I have exams out the wazoo tomorrow as well as a half-baked paper that needs to be done tonight.
