28 Comments

I don't know how I found you, what happy link brought me here, but I'm thrilled I did! Your focus is sorely needed, and you can count me a sub.

The opening lines reminded me immediately of a song I first heard Sting sing on "If on a Winter's Night" album, the song is 'Soul Cake.' I never understood it, but liked it immediately. These words in the chorus aversion of the ones you've highlighted:

"A soul! a soul! a soul-cake!

Please good Missis, a soul-cake!

An apple, a pear, a plum, or a cherry,

Any good thing to make us all merry.

One for Peter, two for Paul

Three for Him who made us all."

Thanks for your writing!

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Nov 21, 2023Liked by Kristin Haakenson

I love what you highlighted about the community piece-- how there is a temptation to just go for an aesthetic, or a "museum" with some of these liturgical feasts, rather than grasping the core of what was being celebrated, and what the celebration provided for people. So the gift of the liturgical feast days as a chance to step out and connect with others! (Or receive the help we need!)

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I love your focus on St. Clement - and so wonderful that his feast coincides with Thanksgiving! This means I can make something with oranges and lemons - perhaps even the clementing cakes, and share his tale and a rhyme. Your Village Green suggestions reminded me of an opportunity to donate clothing and cold weather gear. I will be sure to do so! Thank you!

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As a person who is not a catholic, It is interesting to see how many feast days there are.

Is England catholic, or is something different. I seem to remember the Church of England being in the majority.

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Wonderful post! I especially love your suggestions for modern clementing. Accepting help can be the hardest thing at times, thinking we don't need help, but the human connection made IS sometimes what we need. I have a friend who helps keep depression at bay by serving and helping others. I remind myself to ask for her help when I need it and that helps us both!

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I love this so much Kristin! Thank you for taking the time to lay all of this out for us to enjoy!

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Beautifully written and researched piece, Kristin.

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Nov 22, 2023Liked by Kristin Haakenson

Thank you for all the work you did to make this post happen! I dried orange and lemon slices yesterday for garlands 🍊🔔🍋 I think my toddler will be a fan 😁

It’s been fun to learn along with you these last few weeks about St Clement and I like that it’s colliding with Thanksgiving... I normally wouldn’t give much thought about the saints or even really anything religious on t-day - this feels like a solid way to address that gap.

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It's been a pleasure getting to know St. Clement, Kristin! ♡

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What beautiful thoughts in this exceptional post, Kristin!!

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