Latest news with #Apostles
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Peeping into Brazil's Festas de Cavalhadas
Rooted in mediaeval European traditions and transformed over centuries into a uniquely Brazilian expression of history, faith, and festivity, the Cavalhada festival serves as a powerful symbol of syncretism (attempting to combine different beliefs or schools of thought) and national identity. Celebrated in various towns across Brazil, particularly in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Paraíba, the Cavalhada festival commemorates the historical battles between Christians and Moors during the Middle Ages, reinterpreted through colourful pageantry and horsemanship in the modern age. The origin The Cavalhada's history begins in the Christian Reconquista—a multi-century period in which Christian kingdoms progressively reclaimed land from Muslim rule in what is now Spain and Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula. In order to commemorate religious events and military triumphs, jousting competitions and horseback races were held during this time. These spectacles, also referred to as 'cavalhadas' or jogos de mouros e cristãos (Moors and Christians games), were entertainment as well as a way to strengthen Christian political power and ideology. During the 16th Century, the Portuguese introduced these customs to Brazil when they colonised the country. The Cavalhada changed over time in Brazil, incorporating local religious practices, Indigenous and African influences, European medieval themes, and the unique regional identity of Brazilian cities and towns. Symbolism in the modern age The Cavalhada revolves around a theatrical battle between two opposing groups of riders on horseback: the Christians, who are typically dressed in blue, and the Moors, who are dressed in red. The spectacle takes place in a large open field, with the riders engaging in symbolic combat that culminates in the Christian knights' victory, which is frequently followed by the Moors' conversion to Christianity. This reenactment, while stylised and ceremonial, echoes the historical narratives. The horses, adorned with ornate decorations, play an important role in the performance. From races to simulated duels to coordinated displays, the riders showcase their equestrian prowess through a variety of games and manoeuvres. The event is accompanied by drumming, music, and traditional instruments, which give the reenactment more drama and rhythm. Despite the theme of war, the Cavalhada is a ritual of unity and reconciliation rather than a celebration of violence, which strikes a deep chord in the diverse Brazilian society. The Cavalhada is traditionally held during the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo (Feast of the Holy Spirit), a Catholic celebration that occurs fifty days after Easter. This religious holiday honours the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, and in Brazil, the Festa do Divino includes processions, masses, and community feasts. The Cavalhada is often the grand finale of these festivities. Cavalhada in today's day and age Pirenópolis, a historic town in the state of Goiás, is the setting for one of the most famous Cavalhadas. For over two centuries, the people of Pirenópolis have celebrated this event with great fanfare, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The city's cobblestone streets come alive with colour and music as local artisans, musicians, and food vendors participate in the festivities. The event includes not only the equestrian competitions but also parades, theatrical performances, and folk dances. As gender dynamics in modern Brazil change, women who have historically been excluded from the Cavalhada have also increasingly found ways to participate through supporting roles, costume-making, and related festivities. Various other towns, such as Bonfim in Minas Gerais and Lagoa Seca in Paraíba, have developed their own unique interpretations of the Cavalhada. By incorporating local folklore, religious syncretism, and various performance styles, these regional variations demonstrate the tradition's versatility and depth. While widely celebrated, the Cavalhada has also faced critical reflection over the years. The festival's depiction of Muslims (Moors) as enemies has drawn criticism from academics and activists, particularly in light of the current climate that demands greater respect and understanding between cultures. This has led to many communities reinterpreting the symbolism of the event, emphasising themes of coexistence, cultural integration, and mutual respect. Thus, the Cavalhada, like Brazil itself, continues to be shaped by the interplay of tradition and transformation.
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Diogo Jota's tragic death & Celtic legend John Clark's passing are a lesson to us all
ELEVEN Portuguese flags fluttered from the church's balcony, one for each member of a football team the priest admitted he could name easier than he could the Apostles. We were there to say farewell to John Clark, the eighth of the band of brothers they call the Lisbon Lions, to take the final walk up the tunnel. 3 Diogo Jota was killed in a horror car crash in Spain alongside his brother Credit: Getty 3 Adored Lisbon Lions player John Clark sadly passed away aged 84 Credit: SNS 3 The tragic Liverpool player's distraught wife broke down in tears over his coffin Credit: Darren Fletcher He lived into his 85th year,...
Nahar Net
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Pope Leo XIV names first Chinese bishop
by Naharnet Newsdesk 11 June 2025, 16:26 Pope Leo XIV made his first appointment of a Chinese bishop under the Vatican's 2018 agreement with Beijing, signalling he is continuing one of Pope Francis' most controversial foreign policy decisions. The Vatican expressed satisfaction that Leo's June 5 nomination of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou was recognized Wednesday by Chinese authorities. The Vatican said in a statement that Lin taking possession of the diocese and the civic recognition of his appointment "constitutes a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and is a significant step in the diocese's communal journey." Francis had riled conservatives when he approved a deal in 2018 over bishop nominations, which had been the most divisive issue in Vatican-China relations since diplomatic ties were severed when the Communists came to power. China had insisted on an exclusive right to name bishops as a matter of national sovereignty, while the Vatican asserted the pope's exclusive right to name the successors of the original Apostles. China's estimated 12 million Catholics have been divided between an official, state-controlled church that didn't recognize papal authority and an underground church that remained loyal to Rome through decades of persecution. The Vatican tried for decades to unify the flock and the 2018 deal was aimed at healing that division, regularizing the status of seven bishops who weren't recognized by Rome and thawing decades of estrangement between China and the Vatican. The details of the 2018 deal were never released, but it affords the state-controlled church a say in its church leaders, though Francis insisted he retained veto power over the ultimate choice. The deal has been criticized by some, especially on the Catholic right, for having caved to Beijing's demands and sold out the underground faithful in China. The Vatican has said it was the best deal it could get and has been renewed periodically since then. One of the big foreign policy questions facing Leo, history's first American pope, was whether he would continue renewing the accord or heed conservative demands and make some changes. There have been apparent violations on the Beijing side with some unilateral appointments that occurred without papal consent. The issue came to a head just before the conclave that elected Leo pope, when the Chinese church proceeded with the preliminary election of two bishops, a step that comes before official consecration.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pope Leo XIV names first Chinese bishop, signalling he is continuing Vatican's controversial accord
Pope Leo XIV made his first appointment of a Chinese bishop under the Vatican's 2018 agreement with Beijing, signalling he is continuing one of Pope Francis' most controversial foreign policy decisions. The Vatican expressed satisfaction that Pope Leo's June 5 nomination of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou was recognised Wednesday (June 11, 2025) by Chinese authorities. The Vatican said in a statement that Lin taking possession of the diocese and the civic recognition of his appointment 'constitutes a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and is a significant step in the diocese's communal journey.' Pope Francis had riled conservatives when he approved a deal in 2018 over bishop nominations, which had been the most divisive issue in Vatican-China relations since diplomatic ties were severed when the Communists came to power. China had insisted on an exclusive right to name bishops as a matter of national sovereignty, while the Vatican asserted the pope's exclusive right to name the successors of the original Apostles. China's estimated 12 million Catholics have been divided between an official, state-controlled church that didn't recognise papal authority and an underground church that remained loyal to Rome through decades of persecution. The Vatican tried for decades to unify the flock and the 2018 deal was aimed at healing that division, regularising the status of seven bishops who weren't recognised by Rome and thawing decades of estrangement between China and the Vatican. The details of the 2018 deal were never released, but it affords the state-controlled church a say in its church leaders, though Francis insisted he retained veto power over the ultimate choice. The deal has been criticized by some, especially on the Catholic right, for having caved to Beijing's demands and sold out the underground faithful in China. The Vatican has said it was the best deal it could get and has been renewed periodically since then. One of the big foreign policy questions facing Pope Leo, history's first American pope, was whether he would continue renewing the accord or heed conservative demands and make some changes. There have been apparent violations on the Beijing side with some unilateral appointments that occurred without papal consent. The issue came to a head just before the conclave that elected Pope Leo, when the Chinese church proceeded with the preliminary election of two bishops, a step that comes before official consecration.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pope Leo XIV names first Chinese bishop, signalling he is continuing Vatican's controversial accord
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV made his first appointment of a Chinese bishop under the Vatican's 2018 agreement with Beijing, signalling he is continuing one of Pope Francis' most controversial foreign policy decisions. The Vatican expressed satisfaction that Leo's June 5 nomination of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou was recognized Wednesday by Chinese authorities. The Vatican said in a statement that Lin taking possession of the diocese and the civic recognition of his appointment 'constitutes a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and is a significant step in the diocese's communal journey.' Francis had riled conservatives when he approved a deal in 2018 over bishop nominations, which had been the most divisive issue in Vatican-China relations since diplomatic ties were severed when the Communists came to power. China had insisted on an exclusive right to name bishops as a matter of national sovereignty, while the Vatican asserted the pope's exclusive right to name the successors of the original Apostles. China's estimated 12 million Catholics have been divided between an official, state-controlled church that didn't recognize papal authority and an underground church that remained loyal to Rome through decades of persecution. The Vatican tried for decades to unify the flock and the 2018 deal was aimed at healing that division, regularizing the status of seven bishops who weren't recognized by Rome and thawing decades of estrangement between China and the Vatican. The details of the 2018 deal were never released, but it affords the state-controlled church a say in its church leaders, though Francis insisted he retained veto power over the ultimate choice. The deal has been criticized by some, especially on the Catholic right, for having caved to Beijing's demands and sold out the underground faithful in China. The Vatican has said it was the best deal it could get and has been renewed periodically since then. One of the big foreign policy questions facing Leo, history's first American pope, was whether he would continue renewing the accord or heed conservative demands and make some changes. There have been apparent violations on the Beijing side with some unilateral appointments that occurred without papal consent. The issue came to a head just before the conclave that elected Leo pope, when the Chinese church proceeded with the preliminary election of two bishops, a step that comes before official consecration. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
