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St. Anthony’s Chapel: Discover the Largest Relics Collection Outside the Vatican

by Peter
written by Peter

St. Anthony’s Chapel: A Sanctuary of Relics and Miracles

The Hidden Treasure Trove of Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill

Nestled on a quiet street in Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood, St. Anthony’s Chapel is an unassuming church that houses an extraordinary treasure: the largest collection of relics outside the Vatican.

Father Mollinger’s Unwavering Devotion

The chapel’s remarkable collection is the result of the unwavering devotion of Father Suitbert Godfrey Mollinger, a priest known as the “priest-physician.” Born in Belgium in 1828, Mollinger inherited a vast fortune after the deaths of his parents. Driven by a desire to achieve something meaningful, he embarked on a mission to rescue relics from Europe, where they were being confiscated and destroyed.

Mollinger insisted on authenticity, requiring all relics to come with papers certified by a bishop and two witnesses. By 1880, the collection had grown so large that Mollinger funded the construction of a new chapel to house it.

The Materiality of Relics

In Catholic doctrine, relics are believed to contain some of the holiness of the saints they’re associated with. Notre Dame theology professor Robin M. Jensen explains that this belief reflects the materiality built into Catholic doctrine, which holds that created matter and natural things can mediate the presence of the holy.

The Symbolic Significance of Relics

For European immigrants who settled in Troy Hill, these relics held special meaning. Bringing these objects from their ancient past into their present reality was a way of bridging time and space, connecting them to their heritage in a new land.

Father Mollinger’s Healing Powers

Mollinger’s reputation as a healer grew alongside his collection of relics. He gave blessings and prescribed medications, blurring the lines between spiritual and physical healing. Some attributed his healing powers to a power above him, while others believed his medical knowledge played a role.

St. Anthony’s Miraculous Intervention

According to Father John Toohill Murphy, president of Pittsburgh Catholic College, St. Anthony, the chapel’s namesake, had the ability to “restore the spiritual life which had been lost, and give back the bodily health which had decayed.” Mollinger, he believed, performed his healing through St. Anthony’s “miraculous intervention.”

A Resurgence in Pilgrimages

After Mollinger’s death in 1892, the crowds stopped coming. But in recent years, there’s been a resurgence in pilgrimages among American Catholics. Today, St. Anthony’s Chapel attracts a small but steady stream of visitors who come to tour the chapel, pray privately, or recite the novena to St. Anthony on Tuesdays.

An Otherworldly Atmosphere

Some visitors come purely out of historical interest, viewing the relics as exhibits in a museum. Chapel chairperson Carole Brueckner notes that many people report feeling a presence when they’re there. “It’s quite gratifying, you know? There is a presence that reaches within to us.”

St. Anthony’s Chapel is a sanctuary of faith, mystery, and historical significance. Its collection of relics, the story of Father Mollinger, and the ongoing pilgrimage tradition make it a compelling destination for both the devout and the curious.

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Religion and Spirituality

The Samaritan Decalogues: Uncovering the Ancient Inscription of the Ten Commandments

by Kim
written by Kim

The Samaritan Decalogues: An Ancient Inscription of Biblical Significance

Discovery and Significance

In 1913, construction workers near Yavneh, Israel, stumbled upon an extraordinary discovery: a stone slab inscribed with the Ten Commandments. This remarkable artifact, known as the Samaritan Decalogues, is believed to date back to the late Roman or Byzantine era (300-500 A.D.). It is the oldest known carving of the moral code shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Historical Context

The Samaritan Decalogues were likely carved by the Samaritans, an offshoot of Judaism with unique religious practices. The Samaritans maintained their traditions in their homeland, while traditional Jews experienced exile and developed different religious practices. The Samaritan Decalogues thus offer a glimpse into the early practices of both groups.

Importance for Different Faiths

The Ten Commandments are fundamental to the shared heritage of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and even paganism. As such, the Samaritan Decalogues hold great significance for all these faiths and cultures. They represent a tangible connection to the moral teachings that have shaped Western civilization.

Ownership and Legal Stipulations

After being discovered, the Samaritan Decalogues were acquired by an archaeologist and later purchased by a rabbi. They have been in private collections until their recent acquisition by the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn, New York.

Under the terms of the original agreement with the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Samaritan Decalogues are required to be put on public display in order to leave Israel. This stipulation ensures that the artifact remains accessible to scholars and the public.

Auction and Future Plans

The Samaritan Decalogues will be auctioned on November 16th, along with other items from the Living Torah Museum’s collection. Proceeds from the auction will be used to expand and upgrade the museum’s facilities, including the reconstruction of the Tabernacle of Solomon’s Temple.

Challenges and Opportunities

The sale of the Samaritan Decalogues presents both challenges and opportunities. The hefty opening bid of $250,000 may deter buyers seeking prestige, but the requirement for public display makes it an attractive acquisition for Biblical scholars and history enthusiasts.

The auction provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the Samaritan Decalogues and their significance. It also highlights the importance of preserving historical artifacts and making them accessible to the public.

Significance for Biblical Scholarship

The Samaritan Decalogues offer valuable insights into the early history of the Ten Commandments and their interpretation by different religious groups. They shed light on the shared moral code that has influenced Western civilization and continue to guide ethical behavior today.

Conclusion

The Samaritan Decalogues are a remarkable archaeological discovery that illuminates the historical, religious, and cultural significance of the Ten Commandments. Their auction and future public display present opportunities for further research, education, and appreciation of this ancient artifact.

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Religion and Spirituality

Medieval Christian Pilgrim Badges: A Talisman for Protection on the Journey of Faith

by Peter
written by Peter

Medieval Christian Pilgrim Badges: A Talisman for Protection and Pilgrimage

What is a Medieval Christian Pilgrim Badge?

Medieval Christian pilgrims wore decorative pendants, known as pilgrim badges, to signify their spiritual journey and protect them from harm. These badges depicted various symbols, including saints, animals, and mythical creatures like the basilisk.

The Basilisk Pilgrim Badge from Wólka Nieliska

In January, a metal detectorist discovered a pilgrim badge in the village of Wólka Nieliska, Poland. The badge is made of lead and tin alloy and measures about an inch wide. It depicts the basilisk, a mythical creature feared throughout Europe and North Africa for centuries.

The Significance of the Basilisk Symbol

The basilisk was believed to be a hybrid creature with the body of a snake and the head and wings of a bird. It was said to have a deadly gaze that could kill instantly. For medieval Christians, the basilisk represented protection against evil and misfortune.

The Use of Pilgrim Badges

Pilgrim badges served several purposes for medieval Christian pilgrims:

  • Protection: Badges were worn as talismans to ward off danger, such as assault, theft, disease, and accidents.
  • Identification: Badges helped pilgrims identify themselves as travelers on a spiritual quest.
  • Devotion: Badges often depicted saints or religious symbols, expressing the wearer’s faith and devotion.

The History of Pilgrim Badges in Europe

Pilgrim badges have been found throughout Europe, dating back to the 11th century. The oldest badges are associated with the Way of St. James, a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Pilgrim Badges in Poland

Pilgrim badges are rare finds in Poland compared to Western Europe, where extensive collections exist in museums. The badge from Wólka Nieliska is a significant discovery for Polish archaeology.

The Cultural Significance of Pilgrim Badges

Pilgrim badges provide valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of medieval Christian pilgrims. They reflect the importance of protection, devotion, and community during a time when travel was perilous and faith was a central part of life.

The Story of the Basilisk Pilgrim Badge

The pilgrim who wore the basilisk badge from Wólka Nieliska remains unknown. However, one can imagine the hope and protection they sought from the mythical creature depicted on the badge. It is a poignant reminder of the journeys and beliefs of medieval Christian pilgrims.

How Researchers Study Medieval Christian Pilgrim Badges

Researchers study medieval Christian pilgrim badges through archaeological excavations, archival records, and iconographic analysis. By examining the materials, designs, and contexts in which badges are found, researchers gain insights into the lives and experiences of medieval pilgrims.

Conclusion

Medieval Christian pilgrim badges are fascinating artifacts that offer a glimpse into the beliefs, practices, and journeys of medieval Christian pilgrims. The basilisk pilgrim badge from Wólka Nieliska is a particularly significant find, shedding light on the importance of protection and faith in the Middle Ages.

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Religion and Spirituality

Passover Kitniyot Ban Lifted: A New Era of Dietary Freedom for Conservative Jews

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Passover: A New Era for Kitniyot

Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, is a time for celebration and feasting. Traditionally, observant Jews adhere to strict dietary rules during this time, including the prohibition of certain foods known as kitniyot. This group of foods, which includes rice, beans, corn, and peanuts, has been banned since the 13th century for Ashkenazi Jews living outside of Israel.

The History of the Kitniyot Ban

The original ban on kitniyot stemmed from concerns that these foods were often mixed with wheat, which Jews avoid during Passover except in the form of unleavened bread called matzah. However, in recent years, rabbis belonging to the Conservative movement have re-examined this custom.

The Conservative Movement’s Decision

After careful consideration, the Conservative movement has decided to officially lift the ban on kitniyot during Passover. This decision was influenced by several factors, including:

  • Dietary Trends: The growing popularity of gluten-free and vegan diets has made it challenging for people to find meals that fit into these regimens while still adhering to Passover traditions.
  • Health Concerns: For vegans, the lack of protein during Passover could be a significant issue.
  • Cultural Exchange: As the American Jewish population becomes increasingly diverse, there is a growing interaction between Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews. Sephardic Jews have never followed the ban on kitniyot during Passover, and their influence is gradually changing Ashkenazi practices.

Rabbi Amy Levin, who co-authored the revised rule, noted that reactions to the change have been mixed, with some embracing it and others expressing concerns or hesitation.

Rabbi Neil Cooper, an Ashkenazi Jew, shared that his daughter’s marriage to a Moroccan Jew exposed him to Sephardic Passover customs, which included rice and hummus. This experience influenced his decision to convert to Sephardi Judaism.

The Importance of Individual Choice

The Conservative movement’s ruling does not mandate the consumption of kitniyot during Passover. Instead, it allows individuals to choose whether or not to incorporate these foods into their holiday meals.

Rabbi Elliot Dorff, co-author of the new rule, emphasized the importance of respecting both those who observe the traditional custom and those who do not. He stated that individuals can be “bright and moral and Jewishly observant” regardless of their choice.

Conclusion

The Conservative movement’s decision to lift the ban on kitniyot during Passover marks a significant shift in Ashkenazi Jewish tradition. While some may continue to observe the custom, others will embrace the opportunity to expand their Passover culinary options. Ultimately, the choice is a personal one, reflecting the evolving nature of Jewish dietary practices and the diversity of the American Jewish community.

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