Podcasts about Cloister

And thus, I clothe my naked villainyWith odd old ends stol'n out of holy writ;And seem a saint, when most I play the devil. - Shakespeare's Richard III, Act 1: Scene 3History is, in its mystery, endless. No matter how much detail we might glean from contemporary accounts or archaeological digs, there will always be shadows beyond the reach of candlelight. Do you ever wonder, on a ruin's precipice, what sadness or joy might have filled its halls in days gone by? What secrets did they whisper, never recorded in anything but their own faded memory? Did they conspire? Fear for their lives? Resent their fate? Embrace the era? Have some hot gay sex in the Cloister? Truly, History is endless.This month, Sara and Runa bring you the longest episode of Say it in Red to date as they discuss Misericorde volumes 1 & 2! Set in Linbarrow Abbey during 1482 & 83, near the end of the Wars of the Roses, Misericorde centers around the murder of Sister Catherine, a Benedictine Nun. The Mother Superior, fearing that she cannot trust her congregation, opens the cell of the Anchoress. In Benedictine Abbeys, the Anchorite or Anchoress was someone who swore special oaths before being sealed away in a small cell, isolated from the world and spending their days studying scripture and illuminating manuscripts. Linbarrow's Anchoress, Hedwig, then becomes our unwilling Detective. Forced to investigate, unsure of her place in the abbey, unfamiliar with the social norms and practices of her fellow nuns, and completely out of her depth, Hedwig stumbles about through the dark chasing the specter of Catherine's influence. In volume 1, Hedwig familiarizes herself with the other residents of the abbey and frequently recoils in terror when she learns of how lax everyone's schedules are, how loosely they adhere to the strictures of the rules of St. Benedict, and whatever those two women were doing just before she barged into the room? Then, in volume 2, Hedwig discovers exactly what those two women were doing just before she barged into the room and this, along with some other developments, sends her into an existential crisis. Please join Sara and Runa as they discuss all the funky little nuns of Linbarrow, their theories about the mysteries afoot, and rank their favorite and most suspicious nuns.As always, if you enjoy our show please consider supporting us by leaving a 5 star review on whatever platform you use to listen. You can also support us on Patreon at patreon.com/sayitinred where for just a few dollars a month you can gain access to our entire backlog of bonus episodes! These bonus episodes include a wide range of topics from deep dives into games outside of the Visual Novel space to fandom histories and much more! And please remember, all patrons can send us in your Indie VN recommendations or tell us about an Indie VN you've played and enjoyed recently - you might end up on our next episode! Our next Indie VN Compiliation Track episode is coming up in June, but if you miss that one then no worries - we'll have an other coming in December. Please tell us about an Indie VN you've played and enjoyed recently!

L'invitée: Elisabeth Lusset, chargée de recherche au CNRS F. Murray Abraham, Michael Lonsdale, Sean Connery, Umberto Eco et Jean-Jacques Annaud sur le tournage du Nom de la Rose Le film: Le Nom de la Rose de Jean-Jacques Annaud (1986)La discussion:Présentation générale et résumé du film (1:30)L'origine du projet et le rôle des médiévistes comme conseillers historiques: Jacques Le Goff, Jean-Claude Schmitt, Michel Pastoureau, Françoise Piponnier…(5:45)Le casting et le choix discuté de Sean Connery (10:40)Les décors et les inspirations pour l'abbaye, mélange de différents sites: Eberbach, Rocca di San Leo, Sagra di San Michele, Castel del Monte… (12:20)Pourquoi une statue baroque dans un film médiéval ? (14:15)La réception critique et publique du film (15:40)Un roman d'Umberto Eco presque impossible à mettre à l'écran (17:55)La réaction furieuse de Jacques le Goff à la vision du film, et l'écart ou la tension entre cinéastes et historiens (21:20)Une représentation du Moyen âge en partie juste, mais largement fantasmée (22:50)La mise en scène d'un monastère bénédictin, et de ses rapports avec les paysans montrés comme misérables et exploités (24:25)Le discours idéologique ou politique du film, et l'Église dépeinte comme instance de domination (26:00)L'origine des franciscains, et des accusations d'hérésie portées contre certains ordres ou groupes religieux: Dolciniens, Spirituels… (31:50) et la mise en scène des affrontements religieux dans le film (37:20)La représentation de la vie monastique et la crainte du scandale face aux transgressions (38:20)Enquêtes, autopsies et poisons au Moyen âge (41:00)Peut-on torturer un moine médiéval, comme le suggère Bernardo Gui dans le film ? (43:40)La question de l'abstinence des clercs (45:40)L'anglais comme équivalent du latin dans le film, et le jeu sur les origines géographiques des personnages, avec le monastère comme lieu d'accueil (46:40)Livres, scriptorium, bibliothèques (49:35)Un Moyen âge dépeint sous des couleurs sombres, issu d'un imaginaire gothique / romantique: bossu, procès d'une « sorcière »… (52:33)Guillaume de Baskerville comme incarnation du versant positif, rationnel, du monde médiéval, par opposition au fanatisme de l'inquisiteur (moins sanguinaire dans la réalité) et du bibliothécaire (54:20)Les scènes les plus intéressantes d'un point de vue pédagogique ou pour ce qu'elles révèlent de la vision contemporaine du Moyen âge (55:40)Les références et conseils de lecture :Sur le film :– Jean-Jacques Annaud, Une vie pour le cinéma, entretiens avec M.-F. Leclère, Paris, Grasset, 2018– Priska Morrissey, Historiens et Cinéastes : rencontre de deux écritures, Paris, l'Harmattan, coll. « Champs visuels », 2004.– Jacques Le Goff, Une vie pour l'histoire: entretiens avec Marc Heurgon, Paris, La Découverte, 1996.– Michel Pastoureau, « La collaboration historique au cinéma: entretien avec Michel Pastoureau », Revue de l'Association historique des élèves du lycée Henri-IV : L'émoi de l'histoire, 21, tome 1, printemps 2000, p. 6-23.En histoire médiévale, pour l'éclairer :– “Le cloître et la prison”: webdocumentaire sur l'enfermement à Clairvaux– François Amy de la Bretèque, L'Imaginaire médiéval dans le cinéma occidental, Paris, Champion, 2004.– Franck Collard, Le Crime de poison au Moyen Âge, Paris, PUF (« Le nœud gordien »), 2003.– Faustine Harang, La torture au Moyen âge, Paris, PUF, 2018.– Claude Gauvard, Condamner à mort au Moyen âge, Paris, PUF, 2018.– Elisabeth Lusset, Crime, châtiment et grâce dans les monastères au Moyen Âge (XIIe-XVe siècle), Turnhout, Brepols, 2017.– Sophie Page, Magic in the Cloister. Pious Motives, Illicit Interests and Occult Approaches to the Medieval Universe, University Park (PA), The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2013.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

The boys progress their way through the ruins of Zanarkand and stop along the way to discuss the various story scenes. The multiple flashbacks of memories from summoners and guardians provide some great filler details on what's to come with the Final Aeon. The Cloister in Znarkand is quite quick and easy and the party encounters the next boss, Spectral Keeper, once it is finished. The episode concludes after the discussion the crew has with Yunalesca, learning that there is no Final Aeon and Yuna must choose which guardian to sacrifice to become the fayth for the summoning.

Clare's elected councillors have voted to approve plans for a redevelopment of an iconic Ennis building. At this week's meeting of Clare County Council, councillors have given the green light to the Part Eight planning application for a proposed development at the Cloister at 49 Abbey Street. The local authority is now preparing an application for funding under the THRIVE initiative which makes up to €7 million available for the refurbishment, restoration and adaptation of publicly-owned heritage buildings within town centres. Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council Seán Lenihan is hopeful funds will be secured.

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf.   For 2025, we're really taking the in-depth thing seriously as we take on the Red Dwarf film/special in the Minute Podcast format! Alongside various guests along the way, your regular hosts are unpacking the 2020 film one minute at a time!   In this episode, taking a look at minute 4, Kurt is your host and is joined by the whole Shipwrecked OG Crew.     Host: Kurt North Guest: Mark Adams, Matt Latham, Colin Jackson Brown & Carl Bryan Editor: Mark Adams   Twitter/BlueSky/Insta: @RedDwarfPod Our network on Twitter/BlueSky: @filmstories Our network on Insta: @filmstoriesmagazineuk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clare County Council insists it will follow best practice as it attempts to "breathe new life" into an iconic Ennis building. The local authority submitted plans in December to turn the Cloister at 49 Abbey Street into an arts and heritage hub consisting of artist studios, classrooms, conference space and exhibition space. A recent submission from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage describes the planning application for the project as "deficient" as specialist archaeological input wasn't included. Clare County Council's Town Regeneration Officer Joan Tarmey says they're working with the Department to ensure no harm comes to the 13th century structure over the course of the renovation.

*For context, this episode followed our discussion on Legend of the Sea Devils on EPISODE 104. This bonus episode was originally released exclusively for our patrons on 18 July 2022. After getting stranded at sea in the 19th century, Liam and Rob go below deck to discuss some topics chosen by our wonderful patrons Sonia and Harry.

This bonus episode was originally released exclusively to our patrons on 27 Nov 2021. After recording our 100th podcast discussing the 1996 Doctor Who Television Movie - we invited Matt from 'Neither The Time Nor The Space' podcast to join us for an impromptu bonus episode with tea and biscuits.

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The truth behind the priests lecherous legends.By Nakod Apa. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.The PledgeAs was customary, the Temple constables came for Diana early on the day that she came of age; for it was ordained that one who had not been sired by a man was holy and consecrated to the service of the gods, if male to become a priest, if female to serve as a vestal servant; and that they should remain celibate all their years. She wore her finest outfit and did herself up for this big occasion. Today she was accepting a celibate vow and a lifetime of religious duties in the temple and the ministries of the priests. She was stunning, and folks stopped and stared along the streets, as her family procession went by.Diana was named for a great goddess. Her natural beauty was striking. Her inner grace and humility prevented her from any vanity at all.Peaceably Diana bade farewell to her mother but allowed them to follow behind her, to the Temple stronghold, for even had she so wished, there was no way she could escape her fate. She had long known that it was her destiny to become a vestal, as it had been her brother's to become a priest.Shut in a small cell, the hours passed slowly, boringly, as she waited to be given the first initiation step; a red robe of a novice; then be instructed in her duties. At last there came a clatter in the corridor and the sound of a key in the lock. Awkwardly, bearing a tray of food, a tall, young priest entered.“Jon!” She exclaimed in surprise. She jumped up and embraced her brother.“Hush, not so loud, little sister,” he admonished. “I had to bribe the kitchen vestal to allow me to deliver this in her place.”“But how are you, brother? Two years and I've not heard from you. Why have you not written?”“As you will discover it is not permitted for those commanded to the service of The Gods, to communicate with the ones they leave behind.”“Not even their sisters?”“Especially not them, for they might disclose the truth of matters that only The Chosen may know.”“Oh! But I was chosen to become a vestal anyway.”“And now you are not. That's why I came as soon as it was possible. To advise you.”“What do you mean, not to become a vestal? What else can I be?” Diana was confused.Jon paused to gather his thoughts. “Let me first set you aright, for much that we are taught is false; especially, that only those who are married may know and practice sex. Thus it follows that the children of an unmarried woman, like us, must have been conceived without benefit of a man, and are therefore special. Correct?”“Yes, of course.”“It's complete nonsense.”“Then who is our father?”“I know not, except that he must have been a priest.”“But the priests are celibate.”Jon gave a snort. “That is what we are meant to believe. The truth is that a priest may have sex whenever he pleases. I've enjoyed many women in the last two years.”“But where did you, do they, find the women?”“What do you think vestals are for?”“You mean, no I cannot believe it.” Diana was dismayed.“Vestals keep house, but that is secondary. Their main duty is to serve us priests. If you had become a vestal you would have been required to entertain any priest who desired you, and with looks like yours it would not have been long before most would have taken and enjoyed you. Wow, look at you, Diana! You're far more beautiful than I remember! These past two years have been very good to you.”“But what has this to do with being special.”“Well, how do we replace those that go to join the gods? If it were to be with the offspring of priests and vestals it would expose the myth of our purity, and in any case would eventually lead to serious inbreeding. So, at a certain point in their career, each priest is commanded to select from the Common Folk an unmarried woman he fancies, then drug the Eucharist she receives at prayers, divert her to private quarters after mass, then wait for her to pass out. When she finally awakes, she knows nothing of the sexual relations that occurred. But if she conceives, she is publicly esteemed by the priest, for having an immaculate conception. The bastards are the special ones, the replacements, us.”Diana shuddered and studied the floor. “But if I'm not to be a vestal, what am I to be?”“You remember in our lessons they taught us about the war with the nation of Dragonia?”“Yes.”“And how as part of the peace treaty, and to mark our subservience, we are bound to provide an annual tribute?”“Sure.”“What they didn't say was that this tribute is not a tax. That collected tax is diverted to secret clerical treasuries. The actual required Dragonian tribute is only nominal, and takes the form of a maiden. A beautiful young maiden from among the vestals and pledges. She becomes a slave to please and entertain the man who is ruler of Dragonia, The elders have decided that you are to be our tribute for this year.”“But I'm not beautiful.”“Oh my sister, Your humility denies the truth. Everyone else thinks otherwise, and they make the decisions in the Temple. Anyway just accept what comes, for a day or so. It won't be anything serious, at least not until you are given to the Dragonian dictator. I don't know what happens after that. But for now I'll keep an eye out and help where I can. Look, I'll have to go or they'll be wondering where I've disappeared to. Eat that food. Keep your strength up.”Awkwardly Jon leant forward and gave her a brotherly peck on the cheek, then slipped out of the cell door.The InitiationSomewhat perturbed Diana toyed with her food until, some thirty minutes later, two vestals appeared, led her to a room lined with old, cracked tiles, briskly undressed her, bathed her, then clothed her in an ancient red robe.“What happens now,” Diana asked.“You get to be taken to the High Cardinal.” One of the vestals told her. “Come on! He's impatient to know you.”Wearing only his outer dalmatic vesture, the High Cardinal watched as Diana was brought to stand before him. The red shift marking her as a novice was threadbare and at least two sizes too big, only just clinging to the points of her shoulders and leaving bare her slim neck and clavicle. The thin cloth draped itself enticingly around her ample breasts and rippled slightly as she walked, plainly revealing the bulge of her nipples with their dark areola. Her gleaming black hair tumbled down her back in disarray until it nearly touched her tight butt.He said nothing, just looked. He felt his manhood gradually stir and stiffen into readiness. This was one he would relish. Three-and-a-half score years, and more, were behind him but still he had the will and the power to want, ravish and enjoy, although not as often as in his prime. This one would delight him with the softness of those hand filling breasts and the thrusts of his shaft inside her hot, throbbing center. Of the many vestals he'd selected to pleasure him over the years, few had possessed a body to compare with this girl. It was a pity she must be relinquished to the Tribute, but it had to be. At least he would have a use of her before she was sent south.For her part Diana waited uncertainly. The supreme head of the Temple, this holy man, was staring at her most peculiarly. It was as if he wanted, intended, to have her. But no, he couldn't, if Jon was right he could take any woman he wished, so why should he want her? Anyway he was so old. That scrawny neck, those hollow cheeks and drooling lips revolted her. The thought of those liver-spot covered hands roaming across her body, fondling her breasts and caressing her thighs, made her feel sick.“My daughter. It was intended that thou shouldst become a vestal. That our priests, who so devoutly serve the Mighty Gods, might be blessed with some reward for their endeavors by enjoying the pleasures of your body. But on occasion the good of our congregation requires another, higher, sacrifice. We wish it were not so, that we could keep you amongst us, but we must bow before The God's command. Thou art to be our Tribute to The Great Dragon, the ruler of Dragonia, that he may leave us in peace for another year.” The High Cardinal paused, “We do not have to explain, your brother covered it well enough.”“You were listening?”“Do you think we are so imprudent as not to take a few precautions. Of course we heard all that he said, There remains just one item to be confirmed. Your beauty is undeniable, but alone it may not suffice to provide the pleasure to which a ruler is entitled. It is our duty to confirm that you will fully answer his desires.”She was muddled, disjointed, confused. “I don't understand.”Prima Nocta“We must be sure that when he uses you, as a man uses a woman, you will satisfy him. So we must first test your bounty.”“I'm to be mated?”“Yes. It is a chore we will ourselves undertake.”The thought of being taken by him repelled her. His pretense that he was only performing his duty was unconvincing, every word merely echoed his lust for her body.The High Cardinal drew a silk scarf from the pocket of his dalmatic vesture. “But first, since your preference will likely run to youth rather than experience, let us blindfold you. Then you can focus your mind on our skill, not our image.” He fastened the scarf around her eyes.“Now come. Disrobe and let us savor that lovely body with which The Great Gods have blessed you.”What choice did she have? Trembling, she raised her arms and reached behind to unfasten her shift. Lazily it fell to circle her feet. She felt a slight draught caress her body, and shivered as she imagined his eyes on her naked and vulnerable flesh. He would be studying her boobs, her untouched cunni. Tightly she pressed her legs together to hide her nether lips.“Trust us,” he said. “Do all we say and you will have an experience you will never forget.”She managed a faint, “I do not doubt it, Your Grace.”Smiling, pleased with her submissiveness, he looked her up and down, his eyes agleam with desire. His gaze lingering first on her quim with its lush beaver, then on her full, firm tits. His breathing grew harsh, his chest heaved as he reached for her and crushed her to him, the hardness of his erection stabbing her stomach. His palms stroked up and down her back, gently massaging her, feeling the smoothness of her skin; then paused on her hips, slid round to her flat belly and up, up to those adorable boobs. He stopped for a long moment, just cupping them and savoring their firm weight.When he again moved he slowly dragged his palms to and fro across her nipples, feeling them swell, before holding her by the shoulders and easing her to the couch. Firmly he pushed her back until she was lying, her neat buns at the edge, her legs dangling.His hands left her. Diana could hear a rustling, he was removing his dalmatic vesture. Quiet footsteps and she sensed he was beside her again. A light, barely felt touch, brushed her mouth. Her tongue instinctively flicked out to find his finger as he caressed each lip in turn. Then he stroked her cheeks, before dragging his palms down across her chin, her neck, the hollow of her collar bone, smoothing the skin in small circles. When he reached her left breast he pressed gently around the edge spiraling in until he found her bud. It stood high for him to squeeze firmly, sending a bolt of ecstasy straight to her centre. She moaned.The High Cardinal heard her breathing deepen, leant forward and ran his tongue around her other breast. God, she was tasty. His thin lips opened to take her swollen nipple into his mouth. He nipped her with his teeth, sucking her deep.The fingers of his other hand found her cunni. Gently, oh, so gently at first, he stroked her from clit to anus. His fondling grew firmer. He pushed a finger inside to test her dampness, was gratified when she arched her back and pushed her mound into his hand.The scarf was doing its work; she was unable to see him but his heavy breathing and the musky, unmistakable scent of sex was feeding her carnal needs and overcoming her revulsion. Her soft, “Yes, yes,” was music in his ears.“What do you want, my dear?” he asked.Diana barely heard him, all she knew was the rapture of his hands and mouth thrilling her in a way she had never known before. As he rubbed her clit, she began to pant, gave a low moan and dug her nails into his shoulders, then down his back to his hips, instinctively pulling him to her.He held back, in no hurry. She felt him ease himself onto the couch and kneel across her. All the time his tongue licked her nipples, his fingers explored her cunni, testing her wetness but not entering her. Her breathing quickened, she was near to climax. She whimpered, she needed to be filled. He would not let her come. His touch on her swollen cunni lips was feather light, then firm, then light. He seemed to sense her need and to repeatedly rouse and then deny her.She was ready. His fingers parted the soft lips of her center. The helmet of his cock butted them, sliding up and down coating itself with her dampness. He eased away from her, placed a hand to one side to take his weight, his other reaching for her thighs to open her wider before grasping his now totally rigid staff and positioning it at her entrance.She felt it, hard yet soft, probing, pushing her lips apart as the glans slowly entered, forcing deeper and deeper. There was nothing else in the world now but this manhood thrusting, filling, rewarding her. His stroke was slow, his pelvis grinding her clit. She couldn't resist. The tremors started deep inside her then rushed out to explode around his cock.He heard her cry, felt her come, but it was too soon, he wasn't ready yet. He thrust harder, faster; her beauty, her pleasure, her satisfaction were a dim, unimportant memory. All that mattered was his release. His thighs tightened, he shuddered, he whimpered. Hot and hard his seed erupted into her, filling her. He lowered his chest onto her two soft boobs and rested while his heartbeat slowed and the blood drained from his tyrannical probe.Some minutes passed before he rose, resumed his robes and removed the blindfold. “Yes, you will be a worthy Tribute. Would that we had more time to attend to your education ourselves. It would please us greatly to instruct you further. However, the Gods have ordained otherwise. You are required to leave at first light.”“No. Leave that. You deserve better,” he said as she reached to cover herself with the discarded shift. He pulled a cord by the tapestry and she heard the faint chime of a distant bell.The two vestals who had escorted her into his presence entered and genuflected. They were good looking women only a few years older than Diana.“What is the meaning of this rag?” The High Cardinal thrust the shift at them.“But, Your Grace, it is not worth giving her new robes just for the journey. Especially as we are told she will be naked for the presentation ceremony.”“But what if she is seen on the journey. What of her dignity. She deserves your respect. Both of you, remove your robes. Now!”Quaking somewhat at his anger they quickly unfastened their gowns, red with the white edging of senior vestals, and laid them before their feet.“Right,” he turned to Diana, “take your pick. Either should be a reasonable fit.Hesitantly Diana stepped to where, naked, staring at the floor, the two vestals waited. Gingerly she selected the nearest robe and swiftly lowered it over her head, grateful in the draughty room for the residual warmth of it's previous owner.Priest GeorgeThere was a sharp rap on the door. “Come!” Commanded the High Cardinal. The figure that entered was young for a senior priest being but a couple of years older than Diana's brother, but he carried himself with the assurance of one who has already received some prominence in the governing hierarchy.“Ah! George. Well timed.” The High Cardinal frowned at the two Vestals. “We will discuss your performance later. You may withdraw.”Hastily one gathered up the remaining robe and the other the rag that Diana had worn and, still naked, they hurried out of the chamber.“There she is, George,” the old man gestured toward Diana. “You may take her and be on your way. I will expect you back within three weeks.”The young priest bowed his head. “I am honored Your Grace. I will not fail the Gods.” Reaching out he took Diana's hand and drew her from the room.

The truth behind the priests lecherous legends.By Nakod Apa. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.The PledgeAs was customary, the Temple constables came for Diana early on the day that she came of age; for it was ordained that one who had not been sired by a man was holy and consecrated to the service of the gods, if male to become a priest, if female to serve as a vestal servant; and that they should remain celibate all their years. She wore her finest outfit and did herself up for this big occasion. Today she was accepting a celibate vow and a lifetime of religious duties in the temple and the ministries of the priests. She was stunning, and folks stopped and stared along the streets, as her family procession went by.Diana was named for a great goddess. Her natural beauty was striking. Her inner grace and humility prevented her from any vanity at all.Peaceably Diana bade farewell to her mother but allowed them to follow behind her, to the Temple stronghold, for even had she so wished, there was no way she could escape her fate. She had long known that it was her destiny to become a vestal, as it had been her brother's to become a priest.Shut in a small cell, the hours passed slowly, boringly, as she waited to be given the first initiation step; a red robe of a novice; then be instructed in her duties. At last there came a clatter in the corridor and the sound of a key in the lock. Awkwardly, bearing a tray of food, a tall, young priest entered.“Jon!” She exclaimed in surprise. She jumped up and embraced her brother.“Hush, not so loud, little sister,” he admonished. “I had to bribe the kitchen vestal to allow me to deliver this in her place.”“But how are you, brother? Two years and I've not heard from you. Why have you not written?”“As you will discover it is not permitted for those commanded to the service of The Gods, to communicate with the ones they leave behind.”“Not even their sisters?”“Especially not them, for they might disclose the truth of matters that only The Chosen may know.”“Oh! But I was chosen to become a vestal anyway.”“And now you are not. That's why I came as soon as it was possible. To advise you.”“What do you mean, not to become a vestal? What else can I be?” Diana was confused.Jon paused to gather his thoughts. “Let me first set you aright, for much that we are taught is false; especially, that only those who are married may know and practice sex. Thus it follows that the children of an unmarried woman, like us, must have been conceived without benefit of a man, and are therefore special. Correct?”“Yes, of course.”“It's complete nonsense.”“Then who is our father?”“I know not, except that he must have been a priest.”“But the priests are celibate.”Jon gave a snort. “That is what we are meant to believe. The truth is that a priest may have sex whenever he pleases. I've enjoyed many women in the last two years.”“But where did you, do they, find the women?”“What do you think vestals are for?”“You mean, no I cannot believe it.” Diana was dismayed.“Vestals keep house, but that is secondary. Their main duty is to serve us priests. If you had become a vestal you would have been required to entertain any priest who desired you, and with looks like yours it would not have been long before most would have taken and enjoyed you. Wow, look at you, Diana! You're far more beautiful than I remember! These past two years have been very good to you.”“But what has this to do with being special.”“Well, how do we replace those that go to join the gods? If it were to be with the offspring of priests and vestals it would expose the myth of our purity, and in any case would eventually lead to serious inbreeding. So, at a certain point in their career, each priest is commanded to select from the Common Folk an unmarried woman he fancies, then drug the Eucharist she receives at prayers, divert her to private quarters after mass, then wait for her to pass out. When she finally awakes, she knows nothing of the sexual relations that occurred. But if she conceives, she is publicly esteemed by the priest, for having an immaculate conception. The bastards are the special ones, the replacements, us.”Diana shuddered and studied the floor. “But if I'm not to be a vestal, what am I to be?”“You remember in our lessons they taught us about the war with the nation of Dragonia?”“Yes.”“And how as part of the peace treaty, and to mark our subservience, we are bound to provide an annual tribute?”“Sure.”“What they didn't say was that this tribute is not a tax. That collected tax is diverted to secret clerical treasuries. The actual required Dragonian tribute is only nominal, and takes the form of a maiden. A beautiful young maiden from among the vestals and pledges. She becomes a slave to please and entertain the man who is ruler of Dragonia, The elders have decided that you are to be our tribute for this year.”“But I'm not beautiful.”“Oh my sister, Your humility denies the truth. Everyone else thinks otherwise, and they make the decisions in the Temple. Anyway just accept what comes, for a day or so. It won't be anything serious, at least not until you are given to the Dragonian dictator. I don't know what happens after that. But for now I'll keep an eye out and help where I can. Look, I'll have to go or they'll be wondering where I've disappeared to. Eat that food. Keep your strength up.”Awkwardly Jon leant forward and gave her a brotherly peck on the cheek, then slipped out of the cell door.The InitiationSomewhat perturbed Diana toyed with her food until, some thirty minutes later, two vestals appeared, led her to a room lined with old, cracked tiles, briskly undressed her, bathed her, then clothed her in an ancient red robe.“What happens now,” Diana asked.“You get to be taken to the High Cardinal.” One of the vestals told her. “Come on! He's impatient to know you.”Wearing only his outer dalmatic vesture, the High Cardinal watched as Diana was brought to stand before him. The red shift marking her as a novice was threadbare and at least two sizes too big, only just clinging to the points of her shoulders and leaving bare her slim neck and clavicle. The thin cloth draped itself enticingly around her ample breasts and rippled slightly as she walked, plainly revealing the bulge of her nipples with their dark areola. Her gleaming black hair tumbled down her back in disarray until it nearly touched her tight butt.He said nothing, just looked. He felt his manhood gradually stir and stiffen into readiness. This was one he would relish. Three-and-a-half score years, and more, were behind him but still he had the will and the power to want, ravish and enjoy, although not as often as in his prime. This one would delight him with the softness of those hand filling breasts and the thrusts of his shaft inside her hot, throbbing center. Of the many vestals he'd selected to pleasure him over the years, few had possessed a body to compare with this girl. It was a pity she must be relinquished to the Tribute, but it had to be. At least he would have a use of her before she was sent south.For her part Diana waited uncertainly. The supreme head of the Temple, this holy man, was staring at her most peculiarly. It was as if he wanted, intended, to have her. But no, he couldn't, if Jon was right he could take any woman he wished, so why should he want her? Anyway he was so old. That scrawny neck, those hollow cheeks and drooling lips revolted her. The thought of those liver-spot covered hands roaming across her body, fondling her breasts and caressing her thighs, made her feel sick.“My daughter. It was intended that thou shouldst become a vestal. That our priests, who so devoutly serve the Mighty Gods, might be blessed with some reward for their endeavors by enjoying the pleasures of your body. But on occasion the good of our congregation requires another, higher, sacrifice. We wish it were not so, that we could keep you amongst us, but we must bow before The God's command. Thou art to be our Tribute to The Great Dragon, the ruler of Dragonia, that he may leave us in peace for another year.” The High Cardinal paused, “We do not have to explain, your brother covered it well enough.”“You were listening?”“Do you think we are so imprudent as not to take a few precautions. Of course we heard all that he said, There remains just one item to be confirmed. Your beauty is undeniable, but alone it may not suffice to provide the pleasure to which a ruler is entitled. It is our duty to confirm that you will fully answer his desires.”She was muddled, disjointed, confused. “I don't understand.”Prima Nocta“We must be sure that when he uses you, as a man uses a woman, you will satisfy him. So we must first test your bounty.”“I'm to be mated?”“Yes. It is a chore we will ourselves undertake.”The thought of being taken by him repelled her. His pretense that he was only performing his duty was unconvincing, every word merely echoed his lust for her body.The High Cardinal drew a silk scarf from the pocket of his dalmatic vesture. “But first, since your preference will likely run to youth rather than experience, let us blindfold you. Then you can focus your mind on our skill, not our image.” He fastened the scarf around her eyes.“Now come. Disrobe and let us savor that lovely body with which The Great Gods have blessed you.”What choice did she have? Trembling, she raised her arms and reached behind to unfasten her shift. Lazily it fell to circle her feet. She felt a slight draught caress her body, and shivered as she imagined his eyes on her naked and vulnerable flesh. He would be studying her boobs, her untouched cunni. Tightly she pressed her legs together to hide her nether lips.“Trust us,” he said. “Do all we say and you will have an experience you will never forget.”She managed a faint, “I do not doubt it, Your Grace.”Smiling, pleased with her submissiveness, he looked her up and down, his eyes agleam with desire. His gaze lingering first on her quim with its lush beaver, then on her full, firm tits. His breathing grew harsh, his chest heaved as he reached for her and crushed her to him, the hardness of his erection stabbing her stomach. His palms stroked up and down her back, gently massaging her, feeling the smoothness of her skin; then paused on her hips, slid round to her flat belly and up, up to those adorable boobs. He stopped for a long moment, just cupping them and savoring their firm weight.When he again moved he slowly dragged his palms to and fro across her nipples, feeling them swell, before holding her by the shoulders and easing her to the couch. Firmly he pushed her back until she was lying, her neat buns at the edge, her legs dangling.His hands left her. Diana could hear a rustling, he was removing his dalmatic vesture. Quiet footsteps and she sensed he was beside her again. A light, barely felt touch, brushed her mouth. Her tongue instinctively flicked out to find his finger as he caressed each lip in turn. Then he stroked her cheeks, before dragging his palms down across her chin, her neck, the hollow of her collar bone, smoothing the skin in small circles. When he reached her left breast he pressed gently around the edge spiraling in until he found her bud. It stood high for him to squeeze firmly, sending a bolt of ecstasy straight to her centre. She moaned.The High Cardinal heard her breathing deepen, leant forward and ran his tongue around her other breast. God, she was tasty. His thin lips opened to take her swollen nipple into his mouth. He nipped her with his teeth, sucking her deep.The fingers of his other hand found her cunni. Gently, oh, so gently at first, he stroked her from clit to anus. His fondling grew firmer. He pushed a finger inside to test her dampness, was gratified when she arched her back and pushed her mound into his hand.The scarf was doing its work; she was unable to see him but his heavy breathing and the musky, unmistakable scent of sex was feeding her carnal needs and overcoming her revulsion. Her soft, “Yes, yes,” was music in his ears.“What do you want, my dear?” he asked.Diana barely heard him, all she knew was the rapture of his hands and mouth thrilling her in a way she had never known before. As he rubbed her clit, she began to pant, gave a low moan and dug her nails into his shoulders, then down his back to his hips, instinctively pulling him to her.He held back, in no hurry. She felt him ease himself onto the couch and kneel across her. All the time his tongue licked her nipples, his fingers explored her cunni, testing her wetness but not entering her. Her breathing quickened, she was near to climax. She whimpered, she needed to be filled. He would not let her come. His touch on her swollen cunni lips was feather light, then firm, then light. He seemed to sense her need and to repeatedly rouse and then deny her.She was ready. His fingers parted the soft lips of her center. The helmet of his cock butted them, sliding up and down coating itself with her dampness. He eased away from her, placed a hand to one side to take his weight, his other reaching for her thighs to open her wider before grasping his now totally rigid staff and positioning it at her entrance.She felt it, hard yet soft, probing, pushing her lips apart as the glans slowly entered, forcing deeper and deeper. There was nothing else in the world now but this manhood thrusting, filling, rewarding her. His stroke was slow, his pelvis grinding her clit. She couldn't resist. The tremors started deep inside her then rushed out to explode around his cock.He heard her cry, felt her come, but it was too soon, he wasn't ready yet. He thrust harder, faster; her beauty, her pleasure, her satisfaction were a dim, unimportant memory. All that mattered was his release. His thighs tightened, he shuddered, he whimpered. Hot and hard his seed erupted into her, filling her. He lowered his chest onto her two soft boobs and rested while his heartbeat slowed and the blood drained from his tyrannical probe.Some minutes passed before he rose, resumed his robes and removed the blindfold. “Yes, you will be a worthy Tribute. Would that we had more time to attend to your education ourselves. It would please us greatly to instruct you further. However, the Gods have ordained otherwise. You are required to leave at first light.”“No. Leave that. You deserve better,” he said as she reached to cover herself with the discarded shift. He pulled a cord by the tapestry and she heard the faint chime of a distant bell.The two vestals who had escorted her into his presence entered and genuflected. They were good looking women only a few years older than Diana.“What is the meaning of this rag?” The High Cardinal thrust the shift at them.“But, Your Grace, it is not worth giving her new robes just for the journey. Especially as we are told she will be naked for the presentation ceremony.”“But what if she is seen on the journey. What of her dignity. She deserves your respect. Both of you, remove your robes. Now!”Quaking somewhat at his anger they quickly unfastened their gowns, red with the white edging of senior vestals, and laid them before their feet.“Right,” he turned to Diana, “take your pick. Either should be a reasonable fit.Hesitantly Diana stepped to where, naked, staring at the floor, the two vestals waited. Gingerly she selected the nearest robe and swiftly lowered it over her head, grateful in the draughty room for the residual warmth of it's previous owner.Priest GeorgeThere was a sharp rap on the door. “Come!” Commanded the High Cardinal. The figure that entered was young for a senior priest being but a couple of years older than Diana's brother, but he carried himself with the assurance of one who has already received some prominence in the governing hierarchy.“Ah! George. Well timed.” The High Cardinal frowned at the two Vestals. “We will discuss your performance later. You may withdraw.”Hastily one gathered up the remaining robe and the other the rag that Diana had worn and, still naked, they hurried out of the chamber.“There she is, George,” the old man gestured toward Diana. “You may take her and be on your way. I will expect you back within three weeks.”The young priest bowed his head. “I am honored Your Grace. I will not fail the Gods.” Reaching out he took Diana's hand and drew her from the room.

What a week in Southwest France. We'll be talking about a 12th Century cloister in Cadouin. And Julie takes a deep, scientific dive into the differences between French and Quebecois swear words.

This episode originally aired October 26, 2021.Description:The complicated and creative life of Edgar Allan Poe is explored, including two dramatic readings of his works and a twist at the end of his life you have probably never heard.The Raven:Dark Ambient Melodies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LptTKfrHSi4), by Apocryphos, Kammarheit, Atrium Carceri - “A Lonely Strain” (https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/onyx) and “Northumbria” by Sacred Ground (https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/helluland).“Sound Effect - Knock on the Door - Sound” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deJDIfS0Psk)“Creeky Door Sound Effect” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKq51DHuLzU)“Old Window Open and Close HQ Sound Effect” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3y4mBNFEEM)The Tell-Tale Heart:“1 Hour of Royalty Free Horror Music” by Marc v/d Meulen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JnPSMNuHtw)“Creeky Door Sound Effect” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKq51DHuLzU)“Heartbeat Sound Effect - Slow, Fast, Creepy, Irregular, Normal - Free Download I No Copyright” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLXLo3rEdrE)Other Music:“Chance,” by Edoy from the album, “Introspection,” 2021. Promoted by freemusicarchive.org. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode). “Cloister,” by Edoy from the album, “Introspection,” 2021. Promoted by freemusicarchive.org. Licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/legalcode). “Waiting,” by Edoy from the album, “Instrospection,” 2021. Promoted by freemusicarchive.org. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode).https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode“Far Out There,” by Sergey Cheremisinov, from the album, “The Healing,” 2019. Promoted by freemusicarchive.org. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode).

In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discusses Male Religious communities and the difference between Apostolic and Contemplative communities.Apostolic communities are characterized by their work of charity in the world. They are sent out to care for those who are suffering and witness Christ. The contemplative communities emphasize the need to pray for the world and growing in a deeper relationship with God through their prayer.“The religious state is a public and complete state of consecrated life….religious observe the three evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience. They bind themselves to observe these by means of vows, which are either perpetual or temporary but renewed when they expire (can. 607.2). These vows are always public vows, i.e. recognized as such by the Church (can. 1192.1). This religious state requires fraternal life in community and also a degree of separation from the world in conformity with the character and purpose of the individual institute (can. 607.2 and 607.3).” Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; See also Code of Canon Law, 607.2“The life consecrated through the profession of the evangelical counsels [chastity, poverty, and obedience] is a stable form of living by which the faithful, following Christ more closely under the action of the Holy Spirit, are totally dedicated to God who is loved most of all…” – Code of Canon Law, 573.1Notes:Learn more about religious life hereConference of Major Superiors of MenExplore contemplative men's communitiesClick to view Living as Missionary Discipleship ResourcesVocational Discernment ResourcesRead Ad Infinitum blog posts on Accompaniment and Mentorship Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

The players struggle for life in the finale Cloister of the Frog-God. (They all die. Harpies kill them in a cave.) Show notes: https://ggnorecast.com/235.

In which Eo rolls a lot of 0s, 1s, and 2s, Khardak tips his hand and reveals his big secret, Finch shares their water phobia with Galva (who takes entirely the wrong message), and the crew finally make it to the Construct's Cloister. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-slaywrights/support

The boys are back to the story with completing the Djose Temple Cloister of Trials, and then continuing on to the Moonflow area. Yuna is kidnapped while traveling on the Shoopuff, and the party grows larger after Rikku makes another appearance and joins.

Dr. Mary Cuff joins Steve and Becky to explore the parallels between contemplative nuns and lay mothers. Her book Mother to Mother: Spiritual and Practical Wisdom from the Cloister to the Home invites mothers to bring the contemplative life into their vocation.

Contemplative nuns, our spiritual mothers, have much to teach us about the common call to motherhood. On this episode of The John-Henry Westen Show is Dr. Mary Cuff, homeschooling mom and author of the new book Mother to Mother: Spiritual and Practical Wisdom from the Cloister to the Home. 'Dr. Cuff presents insights from contemplative nuns on how mothers can keep Christ at the center of their often hectic days, how to teach our daughters to follow our Blessed Mother, and how contemplative prayer can influence the way earthly mothers pray with and for their children.Download the all-new LSNTV App now, available on iPhone and Android!LSNTV Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lsntv/id6469105564 LSNTV Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lifesitenews.app ****SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ +++Connect with John-Henry Westen and all of LifeSiteNews on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenews John-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare County Council is doubling down on its commitment to identify alternative car parking in Ennis before shovels enter the ground in Ennis's riverside car parks. It follows a call from Councillor Tom O'Callaghan for the Ennis 2040 DAC's plans to develop on the Abbey and Parnell Street Car Parks to be halted until a "meaningful and transparent consultation process" has taken place. As part of the Ennis 2040 plans, a multi-storey retail space with office accommodation is envisaged for the Abbey Street Car Park while a mixed-use developments consisting of 40 cost rental housing units and retail space is proposed for the Parnell Street Car Park. At the most recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan has tabled a motion calling for the Abbey and Parnell developments to be halted "pending a meaningful and transparent consultatiomn process". The Clarecastle representative believes mistakes have been made and the majority of people in the county town are against the proposals. During a meeting between the Ennis 2040 board and local elected representatives in May, Clare County Council Chief Executive Officer Pat Dowling reassured it would be three years before works would begin on the proposed Abbey Street Development. The meeting also heard that the project won't commence until alternative parking is identified in the town, with talks underway regarding a potential multi-storey car park near the Temple Gate Hotel. A joint venture has also been agreed between Ennis 2040 and Clare GAA to provide a 200-space car park at the Cloister. Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council and Ennis 2040 Board Member, Carmel Kirby insists nothing will happen until "the public is satisfied" with what's proposed.

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, two cloistered nuns pull back the curtain on their life of prayer, silence and peace(0:01) Mother Mary Therese of the Holy Spirit, prioress of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Monastery of St. Therese in Clinton Township, recalls her first memories of cloistered life as a 7-year-old visiting a family friend who was a Carmelite nun, and how an early whimsical experience shaped what would become a lifelong vocation.(4:34) Mother Mary Therese talks about her certainty, as a young girl, that she wanted to be a “Carmelite” — not necessarily a nun — and how her understanding of the vocation grew as she did. After high school, she joined the cloistered order and found her “forever home”: a 12-acre, picturesque monastery she now calls “heaven on earth.”(8:06) Mother Mary Therese describes the rhythm of life and patterns of prayer, work, rest and recreation inside the cloistered monastery. She talks about the challenges the nuns face in supporting themselves, and how they seek to keep their primary task — intercessory prayer — at the forefront of their minds.(13:05) We meet another cloistered nun, Sr. Dominic Maria of St. Michael, the 37-year-old vocations director for the Cloistered Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills, the largest cloistered community in the Archdiocese of Detroit. As a rare younger vocation, Sr. Dominic discusses her path to cloistered life and how some people “are astonished” at the sight of a young cloistered nun.(15:04) Sr. Dominic and Mother Mary Therese each discuss the misconceptions surrounding modern cloistered life — namely, that it is a drab, isolated life devoid of vibrancy and fun. Both nuns insist nothing could be further from the truth.(18:46) While silence is essential to the nuns' prayer — and something the modern, technology-soaked world sorely lacks — Mother Mary Therese says cloistered life is also an active one filled with work, laughter, joy, reading, hobbies, games and celebration.(24:21) Mother Mary Therese and Sr. Dominic talk about why prayer is so central to the nuns' vocation, and how cloistered life is a special response to God's invitation to be close to Him in all things, as radical as it is countercultural. And both say they couldn't imagine life any other way.Reporting by Gabriella Patti; script and narration by Casey McCorry; production by Ron PangbornLourdes Senior Community, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and established on the timeless principles of the Gospel of Jesus, encompasses 35 acres of serene lakefront property, offering a broad continuum of care for seniors and their families. Their dedicated team, inspired by the spirit of compassion and service, honors the uniqueness of each individual with unwavering respect and dignity. Whether you're seeking worry-free independent apartments, assisted living, memory care, or rehabilitation services, Lourdes is here to help you write your next chapter. Call (248) 886-5600 and schedule your tour today.Listen to ‘Detroit Stories' on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify. Podcasts also will be posted biweekly on DetroitCatholic.com.

The Star: a beloved major arcana card in the tarot, and a beautiful feature of the natural world. Stars glitter in the dark, reminding us of the vastness of the cosmos, and our smallness within it. But the star is never solitary - it is grouped in clusters of its fellow stars, forming constellations that tell cultural stories, encouraging us to find a sense of place within the wild reaches of the macrocosm. Join us in this episode, as we explore stars in myth, fixed stars in astrology and their unique tales, and of course, the messages of hope, replenishment, and healing, that the Star card of the tarot brings to life. Enroll here in Mariana's upcoming Foundations of the Tarot course, beginning June 9th!Just two days left for the 30% off sale Cristina is holding on her pre-recorded classes on astrology and myth! Use the code SPRING30 at checkout. Join us on Sunday May 21st for our next book club meeting in the Cloister! We're discussing Merlin Stone's classic, When God Was a Woman. Explore here.

We continue playing Cloister of the Frog-God. Show notes: https://ggnorecast.com/234. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ggnore/message

Craig Lucas shares his journey of transition and resilience. He reflects on his experience working at Walt Disney World and the lessons he learned about achieving and sustaining excellence. He then discusses the significant change he went through at age 42 when he lost everything in his career. Craig shares how his company, Authenica, creates transformative experiences for teams and helps leaders become more trusting and effective. The conversation explores the themes of vulnerability, empathy, inclusion, and self-trust. He encourages listeners to trust that they can bring forth something of value and be enough to make a positive impact. About Craig LucasCraig Lucas is the Founder of Authenica, an experiential learning company focused on the activation of human potential through its continuum of event experiences, created and curated programs, value-added services and content. His commitment to helping others pursue excellence was shaped by his participation in the Walt Disney World College Program 35+ years ago.Through Authenica, Craig has hosted 57 event experiences to date with over 4,800 company owners, executives, centers of influence and employee groups having participated in one or more events built around the theme of excellence as a means of differentiation. Event venues include the United States Naval and Air Force Academies, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Greenbrier, The Cloister on Sea Island, GA, The Broadmoor, Wingspread, Under Armour's Corporate Headquarters and Pro Football Hall of Fame amongst others. Craig produced the film Masterpiece that premiered at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 that showcased the grit & grace required to successfully move through adversity. He also launched Stagepass, a digital, on-demand subscription offering featuring special guests, great stories, important topics and a pledge to an unscripted, unrehearsed conversation to produce the most authentic engagement achievable last July. Craig is a 1986 graduate of Kent State University, has served on numerous non-profit boards over his 35-year professional career and enjoys connecting with those in authentic pursuit of personal and professional achievement.Resources discussed in this episodeContact Craig LucasWebsite: https://www.authenica.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066921232194 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craiglucas1/Email: clucas@authenica.comContact Taylor MorganWebsite: https://courageinthecalling.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courageinthecalling.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courageinthecalling.podcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/company/courageinthecalling Email: podcast@courageinthecalling.com 

As the season of spring unfurls before us, we contemplate the symbol of the garden. Different from the lush vitality of wild nature, the garden tends to be protected by a fortress, guarded by angels, with something sacred and special at its very center. Join us as we explore the meaning of the garden and its occulted fertility, moving through famous gardens like Eden and the Garden of the Hesperides, and how these gardens are a reminder of the sacred space of the womb, the generative creative processes of life, and that which we must protect first, in order for true growth to occur.

We start playing Cloister of the Frog-God, shipped all the way from Hungary. Show notes: https://ggnorecast.com/233. - Buy the Cloister of the Frog-God module: - Directly: https://emdt.bigcartel.com/product/cloister-of-the-frog-god - DTRPG: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/476849/cloister-of-the-frog-god?affiliate_id=433586 - Bryce's review of the module: https://tenfootpole.org/ironspike/?p=9043 - Shadowdark RPG Rules: https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ggnore/message

Two local protest groups are calling for major projects under the Ennis 2040 plan to go before a public vote. Save Ennis Town and the Retailers of Ennis believe a plebiscite should be held to determine the will of the people before progressing any strategic developments that could have major business and civic impacts. A plebiscite is a public vote put before all members of an electoral area to decide a major non-constitutional matter. The term has come into sharp focus as the Ennis 2040 DAC progresses with plans for strategic infrastructure developments at Abbey Street, Francis Street, Harvey's Quay and the Post Office Field. The projects would represent a €45m investment in the county town and promises to deliver over 500 jobs in the construction stage and 200 long-term jobs, as well as enough housing for 300 people. The plans have been met with strong local opposition though, most notably the mixed use office and retail-unit proposed for Abbey Street. This would result in the loss of 128 car parking spaces at the site and a key civic space used most recently for the St.Patrick's Day parade. Retailers of Ennis Chairperson and Owner of Custy's Music Shop, John O'Connor insists the decision to break any further ground on the town's riverside car parks must reside with ordinary citizens. Clare County Council has moved to address any concerns of a potential parking deficit with a new 200 space public car park at the Cloister; just two-hundred metres away from Abbey Street to be completed by the end of the year. The Ennis 2040 DAC also predicts its plans will increase footfall to the town centre by over 20,000 shoppers per week. While the new Ennis Town Bus Service which is due to be operational by next year, would aim to provide twice-hourly trips on multiple routes that would collect commuters from the Tulla Road, Lahinch Road, Clarecastle and Ballymaley. But Save Ennis Town Chairperson and Travel Counsellor Gearóid Mannion believes the car will always be vital to the sucess of local business and believes any projects that could detract from this, should be decided by the people.

In honor of the Vernal Equinox, this episode is dedicated to the shimmering, gently unfurling symbol of Spring! With winter behind us, the Sun and his warmth grows wilder and more golden with each passing day. But there is more to this season than the warming of the world. Spring is associated with the themes of resurrection, fertility, and the reclamation of the sovereign path. Our listener symbol this episode is a contemplation of the theme of being chased in our dreams. Calling all astro-curious listeners of this show ~ Cristina is going to be teaching "Astrology for Beginners" this spring! Get all the details and your early-bird discount, here! https://www.cristinafarella.com/astrology-for-beginnersOur BOOK CLUB will be meeting April 13th, to discuss Anne Carson's Autobiography of Red. Join us by joining The Cloister today! 

Join us for an exciting new episode of HR Like a Boss with special guest Craig Lucas, the innovative founder of Authenica! On his podcast interview, Craig discusses the vital role of creating trust and connection with employees, and also gain insights on standing out in the competition for top talent. Check out this new episode! ABOUT CRAIG LUCAS Craig is the Founder of Authenica (Authenica.com), a company focused on the activation of human potential through its continuum of event experiences, created and curated programs, value-added services and content. His commitment to helping others pursue excellence was shaped by his participation in the Walt Disney World College Program 35+ years ago Through Authenica, Craig has hosted 55 event experiences to date with over 4,500 company owners, executives, centers of influence and employee groups having participated in one or more events built around themes of importance featuring no agenda provided to attendees (to keep participants present in each moment) and no stated deliverables (to not limit the attendees' experience). The end result triggers epiphanies and discoveries unique to each. Host venues for past Authenica event experiences include the United States Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Greenbrier, Broadmoor, The Cloister on Sea Island, Lodge at Torrey Pines and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Past event presenters include author Ken Blanchard, United States Navy SEAL Commander Mark McGinnis, Vice Admiral Ted Carter of the U.S. Naval Academy, Lt. Generals Jay Silveria and Michelle Johnson of the Air Force Academy, Hall of Fame Gold Jackets, Anthony Munoz and Bruce Matthews, Sports Agent Leigh Steinberg, Debbie & Hilary, Jeff Bloomfield, Dr. Srini Pillay, Katie Spotz and Nitra Rucker, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the United States Olympic Committee. In August 2017, Craig premiered Masterpiece, a film that features content from past Authenica events and a storyline that honors the “in between”, the bridge between the two extremes of adversity and triumph. Masterpiece showcases elements that roll up to the broader emotional intelligence theme- candor, empathy, transparency, vulnerability as a strength and inclusion- through the life experiences of notable others. Craig is a 1986 graduate of Kent State University, has served on numerous non-profit boards over his 35-year professional career and enjoys connecting with those in authentic pursuit of personal and professional achievement. He is married to his wife, Anna, and has two children, Ava and Carson. ABOUT HR LIKE A BOSS HR Like a Boss centers around the concept that with the right passion to be and think different, HR and business professionals can do amazingly awesome HR. People who do HR like a boss understand business concepts, what makes people tick, and how to approach HR as more than a compliance or cost center. This podcast builds the foundation for John Bernatovicz's book, "HR Like a Boss." If you're ready to take your HR career to the next level, this is the podcast for you. Share any comments with bridgette@willory.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/willory/message

In this exclusive scenario written and run by Valiant for Unknown Armies, Frank, Tormsen, and CJ are nuns with secrets. Can the sisters get to the bottom of the strange happenings at their abbey, or will they be consumed by an outside threat? For overview and character sheets, see here: https://strange.domains/ua3e-scenario-cloister/

Mix yourself up a title drink, a Cloister and join in this week while I talk about this dark academia book The Cloisters by Katy Hays Support this podcast on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/dontreaddrunkKaty Hays Web Pagehttps://www.katyhays.com/ Interview with Katy Hayshttps://lithub.com/novelist-katy-hays-on-what-tarot-tells-us-about-ourselves/ Cloisters Recipehttps://punchdrink.com/recipes/cloister/ Get 60 days of Everand Freehttps://www.scribd.com/g/9s1nq7 Everandhttps://www.everand.com Media RecommendationsBetween Worlds PodcastShut Eye - Hulu Find my sponsors: 1uptilsunup on @1uptilsunup on; TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTubeAvenue Coffee is on Facebook and at: www.avenue-coffeehouse.comKaren Roethle Fine Arts is on Facebook and EtsyEtsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KarenRoethleFineArts?ref=l2-about-shopname Find me on Instagram @dontreaddrunk www.dontreaddrunk.buzzsprout.comdontreaddrunk@gmail.com  

Today, we cover data from Street Week, a new exhibit at the Princeton Public Library, the Super Bowl, and the Finnish presidential election.Note: This podcast states that the incoming class size for Tower in 2023 was 146 members, when in fact it was 141. It also states that the number of admits for Cloister is 102, when in fact it is 103, and 18 members joined Cloister from its 2023 admitted class, not 13. Furthermore, last year's overall Street Week participation was 1,149, not 1,207.

The gang apprehend a shrubbery then search through the Cloister for the only elf who can help them save the heart tree, and they find him in deep shit. [Content Warning: Tobias, Gregolith and Derrick the Donkey] Bonus Content: https://www.patreon.com/spoutlore Discord Community: https://discord.gg/6cAQxeQM2t

We enter into the depths of December and are immersed in a maelstrom of commercialized holiday ~cheer~. This time of year can be exceptionally stressful, with its emphasis on the weight of our purchases. Looking back in pre-Christian history, the winter solstice was frequently celebrated as a returning of longer days, a re-birth of the “Sun King,” a celebration of hope in the dark and cold of the year. Join us as we explore the importance of the winter solstice, contemplating its astrological meaning, specific winter festivals like Saturnalia and Yule, and the prevalence of themes of death and resurrection, whether we're talking about the rebirth of the earth, the Sun, or Christ. We strive to call the feminine back into a time of year that tends to focus on the birth of the Christian king, contemplating stories of Ishtar and Innana, to re-enchant what otherwise may feel a chaotic time of year. This episode features a contemplation of a listener's synchronistic experience with a wasp sting, Chiron in astrology, and Achilles in myth. Special thanks to this episode's ad partners Tangerine Sage Healing and the Jung Archademy!https://www.tangerinesagehealing.comhttps://www.jungarchademy.com

What if racism shared an origin with opposition to racism? What if the condemnation of injustice gave rise both to an early form of anti-racism and to the racial hierarchies that haunt the modern era? Rolena Adornol, David Orique, María Cristina Ríos Espinosa tell the story of how Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary to New Spain, came to racial consciousness in the presence of slavery. His intellectual rebellion spurred slavery's apologists to more strident and sinister modes of defense – but also laid a lasting Christian groundwork for the fight against racial injustice.   Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Terence Sweeney, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College, Villanova University Featured Scholars:  Rolena Adorno, Sterling Professor Emerita of Spanish, Yale University María Cristina Ríos Espinosa, Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Culture, University of Sor Juana's Cloister, Mexico City David Orique, Professor of History, Providence College Special thanks: Chiyuma Eliott, Michael Sawyer For transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

What if racism shared an origin with opposition to racism? What if the condemnation of injustice gave rise both to an early form of anti-racism and to the racial hierarchies that haunt the modern era? Rolena Adornol, David Orique, María Cristina Ríos Espinosa tell the story of how Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary to New Spain, came to racial consciousness in the presence of slavery. His intellectual rebellion spurred slavery's apologists to more strident and sinister modes of defense – but also laid a lasting Christian groundwork for the fight against racial injustice.   Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Terence Sweeney, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College, Villanova University Featured Scholars:  Rolena Adorno, Sterling Professor Emerita of Spanish, Yale University María Cristina Ríos Espinosa, Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Culture, University of Sor Juana's Cloister, Mexico City David Orique, Professor of History, Providence College Special thanks: Chiyuma Eliott, Michael Sawyer For transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

What if racism shared an origin with opposition to racism? What if the condemnation of injustice gave rise both to an early form of anti-racism and to the racial hierarchies that haunt the modern era? Rolena Adornol, David Orique, María Cristina Ríos Espinosa tell the story of how Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary to New Spain, came to racial consciousness in the presence of slavery. His intellectual rebellion spurred slavery's apologists to more strident and sinister modes of defense – but also laid a lasting Christian groundwork for the fight against racial injustice.   Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Terence Sweeney, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College, Villanova University Featured Scholars:  Rolena Adorno, Sterling Professor Emerita of Spanish, Yale University María Cristina Ríos Espinosa, Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Culture, University of Sor Juana's Cloister, Mexico City David Orique, Professor of History, Providence College Special thanks: Chiyuma Eliott, Michael Sawyer For transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/latin-american-studies

What if racism shared an origin with opposition to racism? What if the condemnation of injustice gave rise both to an early form of anti-racism and to the racial hierarchies that haunt the modern era? Rolena Adornol, David Orique, María Cristina Ríos Espinosa tell the story of how Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary to New Spain, came to racial consciousness in the presence of slavery. His intellectual rebellion spurred slavery's apologists to more strident and sinister modes of defense – but also laid a lasting Christian groundwork for the fight against racial injustice.   Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Terence Sweeney, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College, Villanova University Featured Scholars:  Rolena Adorno, Sterling Professor Emerita of Spanish, Yale University María Cristina Ríos Espinosa, Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Culture, University of Sor Juana's Cloister, Mexico City David Orique, Professor of History, Providence College Special thanks: Chiyuma Eliott, Michael Sawyer For transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/native-american-studies

What if racism shared an origin with opposition to racism? What if the condemnation of injustice gave rise both to an early form of anti-racism and to the racial hierarchies that haunt the modern era? Rolena Adornol, David Orique, María Cristina Ríos Espinosa tell the story of how Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary to New Spain, came to racial consciousness in the presence of slavery. His intellectual rebellion spurred slavery's apologists to more strident and sinister modes of defense – but also laid a lasting Christian groundwork for the fight against racial injustice.   Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Terence Sweeney, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College, Villanova University Featured Scholars:  Rolena Adorno, Sterling Professor Emerita of Spanish, Yale University María Cristina Ríos Espinosa, Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Culture, University of Sor Juana's Cloister, Mexico City David Orique, Professor of History, Providence College Special thanks: Chiyuma Eliott, Michael Sawyer For transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/caribbean-studies

What if racism shared an origin with opposition to racism? What if the condemnation of injustice gave rise both to an early form of anti-racism and to the racial hierarchies that haunt the modern era? Rolena Adornol, David Orique, María Cristina Ríos Espinosa tell the story of how Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary to New Spain, came to racial consciousness in the presence of slavery. His intellectual rebellion spurred slavery's apologists to more strident and sinister modes of defense – but also laid a lasting Christian groundwork for the fight against racial injustice.   Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Terence Sweeney, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College, Villanova University Featured Scholars:  Rolena Adorno, Sterling Professor Emerita of Spanish, Yale University María Cristina Ríos Espinosa, Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Culture, University of Sor Juana's Cloister, Mexico City David Orique, Professor of History, Providence College Special thanks: Chiyuma Eliott, Michael Sawyer For transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

What if racism shared an origin with opposition to racism? What if the condemnation of injustice gave rise both to an early form of anti-racism and to the racial hierarchies that haunt the modern era? Rolena Adornol, David Orique, María Cristina Ríos Espinosa tell the story of how Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary to New Spain, came to racial consciousness in the presence of slavery. His intellectual rebellion spurred slavery's apologists to more strident and sinister modes of defense – but also laid a lasting Christian groundwork for the fight against racial injustice.   Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Terence Sweeney, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College, Villanova University Featured Scholars:  Rolena Adorno, Sterling Professor Emerita of Spanish, Yale University María Cristina Ríos Espinosa, Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Culture, University of Sor Juana's Cloister, Mexico City David Orique, Professor of History, Providence College Special thanks: Chiyuma Eliott, Michael Sawyer For transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if racism shared an origin with opposition to racism? What if the condemnation of injustice gave rise both to an early form of anti-racism and to the racial hierarchies that haunt the modern era? Rolena Adornol, David Orique, María Cristina Ríos Espinosa tell the story of how Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary to New Spain, came to racial consciousness in the presence of slavery. His intellectual rebellion spurred slavery's apologists to more strident and sinister modes of defense – but also laid a lasting Christian groundwork for the fight against racial injustice.   Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Terence Sweeney, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College, Villanova University Featured Scholars:  Rolena Adorno, Sterling Professor Emerita of Spanish, Yale University María Cristina Ríos Espinosa, Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Culture, University of Sor Juana's Cloister, Mexico City David Orique, Professor of History, Providence College Special thanks: Chiyuma Eliott, Michael Sawyer For transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angels are most famous as god's messengers, often depicted in flowing white robes, surrounded by choirs of harps, and bewinged. What superficial depictions of angels tends to miss is their terrifying power. To be a messenger of god can mean so many different things--angels can deliver god's decree, they can banish and protect, and they can avenge. Join us in this conversation where we explore the conflation of daemons and angels, the fall of the angel Lucifer, and many other manifestations of angel iconography in the collective. Special thanks to this episode's ad partner, Tangerine Sage Healing!WE HAVE SO MANY ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Today, we cover Cloister Inn's recent funding troubles, the stabbing of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted in George Floyd's killing, and the release of hostages amidst a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. 

Welcome to The Endow Podcast! This podcast is a forum for women to foster conversations about the intellectual life and intentional community for the cultivation of the feminine genius. On this episode, Simone Rizkallah, Director of Program Growth, is joined by Stephanie Burke  and Claire Dwyer from the Avila Institute to discuss Chapter 5 from the Endow Study Guide on St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Learn more about this special podcast series: https://www.endowgroups.org/the-endow-podcast/fall-2023-st-therese-of-lisieux/Support the Endow PodcastWhat's on your mind and heart? Let our host, Simone Rizkallah, know by connecting with her and The Endow Team on social media!Facebook at www.facebook.com/endowgroupsInstagram at www.instagram.com/endowgroupsWant to start your own Endow Group? Learn more by visiting our website at www.endowgroups.org or reach out to us at info@endowgroups.org. We look forward to serving you!

The gang infiltrates the church at the heart of Elven culture and finds, you guessed it, piss monks. [Content Warning: Pissy Vestments, Pissy Sleepover, Pissy Memories] Bonus Content: https://www.patreon.com/spoutlore Discord Community: https://discord.gg/6cAQxeQM2t

When faced with a life-changing decision, how do you choose the path that's truly meant for you? Join Anthony and his sister Krissy as we explore her remarkable journey from once being engaged to now discerning a religious vocation as a Passionist nun. Listen in as she shares her experience of her time at the Passionist Monastery and how she finds growth in holiness through the repetition of her daily routine.In this captivating conversation, we discuss the challenges Krissy faces in maintaining a structured prayer life at home and the differences between the roles of priests and nuns. This episode will inspire and encourage those of you who feel called to a life of prayer and service. Lastly, we delve into the difficulties of being stripped of worldly comforts and how that can lead to a deeper thirst for God. Drawing from the biblical story of Hosea, Krissy shares her experiences of detachment and the hardships she has faced during her discernment journey. Don't miss this enlightening and inspiring conversation as we follow Krissy's path towards a life dedicated to prayer and service as a Passionist nun.Please help Kristin become a postulant by helping her clear her student loan debt.  This is a required step before taking vows.  She still has about $8,500 to raise. You can donate at:https://www.givesendgo.com/sendkrissytoconventPrevious Episode with Krissy and her conversion story:https://youtube.com/live/GhQg31Z8KEg?feature=share********************************************************https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community:  https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comStore:  https://avoiding-babylon.sellfy.store/RSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV:  https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1626455Odysee:  https://odysee.com/@AvoidingBabylon Support the showCheck out our new store!

Monasteries have a cloister that is closed to the world but open to the heavens. So our hearts must have a place that is open to the presence of God but protected from the world. Open your heart to receive God's love at Mass and then cherish that gift.