March 12, 2024

The Adventures of Periwinkle and Stinky

Waking early, Periwinkle started watching the Teleportation Tunnel for Stinky's arrival.  She hoped he would be on time since they were going to travel quite a distance.  Suddenly, the tunnel started to shake and, with a WOOSH, out popped Stinky.  She rushed over to him and they hugged, whisker kissed and paw patted.  They talked about the previous week and then Stinky asked if they were going to do something special for St Patrick's Day.  "We are but that's not our Adventure," said Periwinkle as she took him by the paw and led him back into the Teleportation Tunnel.  

The coordinates had been pre-set in the Tunnel and, very quickly, they arrived at their Destination...Nivelles, Belgium.  Stinky looked confused but Periwinkle took his paw and led him to the Collegiate Church of St Gertrude.

Still confused, Stinky waited for Periwinkle to explain why they were there.  "Gertrude was born in Nivelles (a city in modern-day Belgium) in 626 into a family of wealthy nobles. Her father, Pepin I, was mayor of the palace of Austrasia under the Frankish kings Clotaire II, Dagobert I, and Sigebert III. Her mother, Itta, was believed to be the daughter of the bishop of Metz. Gertrude was the fourth and youngest child in the family. "


Still not sure what Periwinkle had planned, Stinky listened as she went on.  "When Gertrude was 10 years old, Pepin hosted a banquet for King Dagobert, during which the king asked Gertrude to marry the son of a duke. She refused him, stating she would neither marry him nor any man, but would take Christ alone as her bridegroom."   Trying not to look bored, Stinky continued to listen.  He did wonder why the photo showed St Gertrude with a cat but decided Periwinkle would tell him when she was ready.  She continued as they walked through the Church: "With its impressive 330-foot nave, two sets of choir stalls and 11th-century crypt, the Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude is one of the oldest and most important Romanesque churches in Europe"


Periwinkle showed him another photo she had on her phone...




Finally, Stinky HAD to ask why they were there.  Periwinkle giggled and said even though this week was St Patrick's day, it was also St Gertrude's Day and she is the patron saint of Cats.  Suddenly he understood why they were there.  She went on, "St. Gertrude of Nivelles is often associated with cats, and she is considered the patron saint of cats. The connection between St. Gertrude and cats may be rooted in medieval art and iconography, where she is depicted with a cat at her feet or by her side.

The story goes that St. Gertrude was known for her kindness and compassion towards animals, particularly cats. Legend has it that she allowed cats to roam freely in her monastery, and they were treated with care and respect. It's said that the cats, in turn, helped control the rodent population, providing a practical benefit to the monastery."

Periwinkle continued, "The association of St. Gertrude with cats is not based on any specific historical event but has developed over time through artistic representations and popular devotion. Nevertheless, St. Gertrude is widely recognized as a protector of cats, and her feast day celebrated on March 17th, is sometimes marked by blessings for cats and other animals.

It's important to note that the connection between saints and animals often involves a blend of historical accounts, folklore, and symbolic representations that have evolved over centuries."  Stinky agreed with her on that fact since it was not always possible to communicate with their humans.

Suddenly Stinky ran off and Periwinkle had to run to follow him.  She saw him by the Jean-de-Nivelles tower

"STINKY, get down here right now.  You know you shouldn't be up there" she said.  Sheepishly he came down and apologized.  

Before they headed back to the Teleportation Tunnel, they lit candles for their families, their friends, and all the special kitties and woofies who had gone to the Bridge.

Paw in Paw, the tabbies hopped back into the Teleportation Tunnel and headed back to Periwinkle's house but not before they found a YouTube video to learn more about St Gertrude to share with you.




When they got back to Periwinkle's house, they had a quick snack and decided to do a JibJab for St Patrick's Day.  We hope you like it.
Click HERE if the link on the photo doesn't work.



18 comments:

Sandee said...

What a fun adventure and so appropriate for St. Patrick's Day. You two do the most amazing adventures. Thank you for taking us along.

Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches all around and my best to your moms. ♥

Leah said...

Fun adventure, kitties, and lots of information about St. Gertrude! That's a cute St. Patrick's Day video, too!

Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs said...

Beautiful Church!
I enjoyed your Irish Dancing!! LOL!

easyweimaraner said...

we love the story about the cat saint... and we love this places... belgium is great... not only for the fries and wafers :O)))

Lynn and Precious said...

If only I could go through the transport tunnel and see an incredible Cathedral like that. But I kind of think that Tower reminds me of the one Rapunzel was in to let down her hair.

Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat said...

What a wonderful adventure with great pictures!

da tabbies o trout towne said...

P and S. what a grate add venturez two day‼️ wunder if st gertrude noes st francis?
may bee they iz reel lee mare reed in reel life, but dinna tell any one. we N joyed lurnin
bout st gertrude, and yur jib jab az well, ewe both did a grate job knot spillin de wee
pintz oh aleπŸ€☘️πŸΊπŸΊπŸŸπŸ’™πŸ’š‼️😺😺

Brian's Home Blog said...

What a wonderful post to honor St. Gertrude, you two did it up right!

My Mind's Eye said...

I did not know about St. Gertrude thank you for all the info and the gorgeous pictures
Hugs cecilia

My Mind's Eye said...

PS the Leprechaun Dance was fun. They move quite freely in the attire while holding a pint
Hugs Cecilia

Kitties Blue said...

Periwinkle, thanks for providing us with so much information about St. Gertrude. We try to celebrate her every year! Stinky had fun and apologizes for climbing up that tower. We, of course, enjoyed the JibJab. Love and paw hugs to Noelle from Sawyer. XOCK, angels Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta & Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer, Kizmet, Audrey & Raleigh

carol l mckenna said...

Oh wow! What an adventure you kitties are having ~ so creative ~ hugs,

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Katie Isabella said...

Periwinkle!! I learned something. did not know about St Gertrude. I will remember that and see that Mom does.

pilch92 said...

That was a fun and educational date. XO

meowmeowmans said...

What an awesome date, you two! We love St. Gertrude -- she's a heroine to all of us cats and cat lovers, for sure. XO

messymimi said...

This was a wonderful place to visit!

Pam and Teddy said...

Well that was a PERFECT adventure for you two AND you covered two events in one trip! Loved your Irish dancing video - where do you get all that energy? (hahaha)

Huggies, Teddy

Peachy, Stippie, Angel Binky and Granny said...

What a great story about St Gertrude, Periwinkle and Stinky and WOW! on the dance...MOL...Our uncle Angel was born on 17th of May too, he was special, but now even more✨Extra Double Pawkisses to all of youπŸΎπŸ˜½πŸ’ž