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.