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Las Carabelas: La Pinta, La Niña, y la Santa María
Notice the Spanish crosses in the sails with the distinctive
spear head ends of the cross of Saint James.
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“He observed fasts of the Church most faithfully, confessed and made communion often, read the Divine Office like a churchman, hated blasphemy and profane swearing and was most devoted to Our Lady and the seraphic father St.Francis” --Bartolomé de las Casas, O.P. (c. 1484 – 18 July 1566)
“I recognized that they were people who would be better freed from error and converted to our Holy Faith by love, than by force.” --Columbus Journal upon meeting the natives in the New World
“Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae!” --The first words the Americas heard from Columbus, words of love for the Most Blessed and Ever Virgin Mary
Columbus landed today October 12, The Feast of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Patroness of Spain.
Lord Acton pointed out - Columbus “discovery” of the New World was the starting point of modern history. “The past had ruled the world till then. What began that day was the reign of the future.”
He may or may not be a saint, but his cause for beatification was actually opened in the 19th century.
P.S. The Spaniards have a very good brandy, Cardenal Mendoza, named after the counselor of the Spanish crown, Pedro González de Mendoza (though more statesman than priest), who recommended the patronage of the Columbus expedition.
There are at least two grades of brandy by the company: the $50 (reserva) or $150 bottle (non plus ultra). If you can get the second one you should by a case! It is not easy to come by in the US. Sip it warm and slow. It is at least as good as any cognac, if not superior to most! If you go to the Cardenal Mendoza link above you will see that Pope Francis was recently gifted a bottle of this high quality Christian beverage. Salud!
Happy Columbus Day!
Happy Columbus Day!