This calendar of saints is drawn from several denominations, sects, and traditions. Although it will no longer be updated daily, the index on the right will guide visitors to a saint celebrated on any day they choose. Additional saints will be added as they present themselves to Major.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

January 28 -- Feast of Blessed Charlemagne

So let's take a 71-year-old man, reposing on his deathbed and review his accomplishments.  Did he:

A portrait to inspire belief in the divine right theory
  • re-establish the concept of civil government in Europe that had been missing for three or four centuries?  Check. 
  • codify the existing legal tradition so that it could be evenly administered throughout a wider territory?  Check.  
  • use that civil authority to promote the establishment of schools and scholarship?  Check. 
  • stem the Saracen invasion that had overrun Spain and was threatening southern France?  Check.
  • sponsor the construction of churches and endorse the growth of religious institutions?  Check.  
  • encourage the creation and performance of music within his realm?  Check.  
  • provide for the peaceful transition of power following his death?  Check. 
  • EARN THE BEATIFICATION bestowed nine centuries later?  CHECK.  
Sadly, Charlemagne was never fully canonized by a recognized Catholic pope.  He was canonized by the anti-pope Paschal III, but an anti-pope canonization is like a Confederate $100 bill: it's good for show-and-tell, but it's just not legal tender.

1 comment:

  1. Cool blog! I love Blessed Charlemagne!
    I hope he is canonized someday.

    ReplyDelete