Archive September 2010
Historic Papal State Visit to Britain
In October 2009, the Roman Catholic Church announced steps to facilitate the integration of former Anglican individuals and communities into the Catholic church, a move encouraged by Pope Benedict XVI, who had previously said that Anglican and other Protestant churches were not true churches. A year later, with the Catholic church in the throes of a worldwide scandal regarding the coverup of abuse of children by parish priests, the Pope is making a state visit to Britain to meet the Queen and government leaders and to officiate at the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, a 19th century theologian and Anglican convert to Catholicism.
Sapphire Royal Jewels for September
In ancient times, it was believed that the earth was embedded into an enormous blue sapphire which was represented by the blue sky. Sapphires are beautiful stones which are rich with color and depth. They come in a beautiful array of colors and hues, yellow, pink, orange, purple, and blue. The hues of each magnificent color vary in intensity. The most abundant color found in sapphires is blue, with a wide array of shades that range from a glorious sky blue to a rich, mesmerizing ink blue. The sapphire is associated with truth, honesty, and faithfulness and is a popular choice for an engagement ring. It is also September’s birthstone.
Prince Hisahito and the Japanese Succession
Prince Hisahito of Akishino, the boy born to solve the Japanese succession crisis, turns four years old today. He is the youngest child of Prince Akishino, the second son of Emperor Akihito, and is the first male to be born into the imperial family since the birth of Prince Akishino in 1965.