There certainly are pooties/critter patron saints here at Daily Kos, but there was one who long predated Daily Kos. And I imagine few of you have even heard of her.
Meet St. Gertrude, who loved the pooties and all the furries. (Note: I am not a Catholic, but a Protestant who loves the pooties and gardening. And strong women.)
Gertrude of Nivelles (621-659) showed great intelligence, compassion and presence for a woman of what we usually call the Dark Ages.
We know about St. Francis,
but let's give Gertrude some well-deserved props.
From Catster.com, last month:
Why, pray tell, would Catster readers be interested in St. Gertrude? March is Women's History Month, and Gertrude is a strong historical figure. She’s the patron saint of gardeners, travelers, widows, recently deceased people, the sick, the poor, the mentally ill, and travelers in search of lodging. People call upon Gertrude for protection from mice and rats, fever, insanity, and mental illness. However, cat lovers revere Gertrude of Nivelles most of all. After all, gentle Gertrude is the patron saint of cats and cat lovers. Who says saints aren’t cool?
The Catster story is a perfect pootie/gardener delight; here is a link:
http://www.catster.com/...
St. Gertrude of Nivelles, as she came to be known, stands out in Catholic history. And in women's history as well. As one Catholic history notes:
Interestingly, she is the only woman among the Saints to be called 'the
Great.'
She has appealed to many varying cultures:
:
She is often depicted not only with cats, but also with mice.
The pussingtonpost.com notes:
From earliest times, rats and mice have lived among people. They roamed the fields, and nested in houses, barns, churches, inns and monasteries. Cats were a natural deterrent to these rodents. Kelley and Rogers wrote that Gertrude and her nuns kept many cats to combat their vermin problem. Thus, her power over these rodents accounted for her traditional patronage of cats.
So although you probably had never heard of St. G before you happened on this diary, what say we celebrate her, at least once a year. The Catster.com peeps have an idea:
Hey, I'm in. Should the PWB Peeps have a St. Gertrude's day?