The Feast of Saint Bartholomew

Saint Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles known by the name of Nathaniel. One of the most notable things about Saint Bartholomew is that he was martyred by having his skin flayed off of himself. He is depicted in paintings and statues holding his flayed skin or holding his skin. What a way to be martyred!

There is a town in Kent named Sandwich where there is a festival that celebrates Saint Bartholomew's Day. The festival includes a kid's "Bun Run" around the church at St. Bart's. On St. Bartholomew's Day, August 24th, children run around the church of St. Bart's. After completing the run they are given a bun. The adults are given a biscuit specially baked for the festival. The biscuit is imprinted with the date 1190 to symbolize the founding of St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Saint Bartholomew is the patron saint of cobblers, against nervous diseases, twitching and tanners.

In honor of Saint Bartholomew we will be enjoying some delicious deli sandwiches for dinner. We have football practice until 7:30 PM so having an easy dinner is nice. In addition to being a quick and easy meal, deli meat is cut (like Saint Bartholomew's skin) and Sandwich is the location of one of the biggest festivals celebrating him. We will also be enjoying some pumpkin cobbler! Saint Bart is the patron of cobblers, meaning someone who mends shoes but the play on words is too good to pass up. I also LOVE pumpkin everything so it makes this amazing Autumn weather we are experiencing feel that much better!

Pumpkin Cobbler:

1 Cup Brown Sugar
3 Eggs (Beaten)
1 Can Pumpkin
2 Tsp Cinnamon
1⁄2 Tsp Ginger
1⁄4 Tsp Ground Cloves

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch salt
1 Cup Melted Vanilla Ice Cream
1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
1⁄2 Cup Butter (Melted)
1/4 Cup Oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together sugar, eggs, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and milk. Grease a 9x13 inch pan and pour the above mixture inches. Sprinkle the cake mix on top and layer with the oats. Pour melted butter evenly over the cake. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream!

There are several coloring pages if your kids are creative like mine here and here. I am going to keep this post short and sweet because I have something special I will be sharing with everyone tomorrow! How are you celebrating the feast of Saint Bartholomew? May you could do a shoe blessing since he was the patron of cobblers? It is more common to do one on the feast of Saint Nicholas but I am sure it would be suitable for today as well.

Prayer for the Feast of Saint Bartholomew:

Lord,

sustain us with the faith

which made Saint Bartholomew ever loyal to Christ.

Let your Church be the sign of salvation

for all the nations of the world.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Saint Bartholomew, pray for us!