Penthouse Magazine was introduced in 1965. Bug Guccione, sensing that the sexuality of men would be a popular niche introduced what has become one of the worlds enduring icons.

The sexually explicit content of the magazine paved barreled into the common households and stayed on top of its rival, Playboy Magazine in terms of sales and popularity. Four years later, Guccione expanded the operations of Penthouse Magazine as the publication began being published in the United States.

Guccione together with Kathy Keeton and some family members managed the privately owned company over the years. With the rise of the tome, Bob Guccione also rose to fame and was known for his lavish lifestyle and spending including the infamous Mansion in Manhattan, gold chains, dream of building a portable nuclear device and casino without a gambling license.

In the adult business Penthouse Magazine was the victim of attacks and condemnation from several groups. The National Federation for Decency, a Christian conservative group now known as American Family Association, threatened to boycott stores that carry adult materials. In 1986, Attorney General Edwin Meese and an 11 member Commission on Pornography also sought to publish a blacklist of pornography distributors. About 20,000 retailers and convenience stores withdrew support to the magazine after the campaign; this of course caused a decrease in sales.

In 1992, an issue between the magazine and United States Navy surfaced. The United States Navy reacted negatively on the issues of circulation and distribution around the military base. Distribution and sale of adult titles is said to be inconsistent with the rules and regulations concerning sexual harassment and human dignity.

The Military Honor and Decency Act signed by President Clinton in 1996 stated that the Secretary of Defense may not permit the sale or rental of sexually explicit material on property under the jurisdiction of the Defense Department. Also, a 1998 Supreme Court ruling held that a military base is not a public forum.

Videocassettes gained popularity and the steady rise of the Internet are some reasons that caused the steady decline of Penthouse Magazine circulation and other pornographic magazines like Playboy Magazine and Hustler Magazine. The Internet provided a cheaper and multiple avenues of satisfaction for customers who sought privacy. After struggleing for years, in April 2002, Guccione announced that Penthouse Magazine was going out of business.

Bankruptcy

On July 2003, Bob Guccione lost his famous Penthouse Mansion. The mansion was composed of two townhouses built in 1879. Rebuilt in 1920s by Jeremiah Milbank, it was one of the largest private residences in Manhattan. At the height of prestige, Guccione bought the mansion in 1975.

IOn August 2003, General Media, the Penthouse Magazine subsidiary filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It was thought that this move would help salvage the magazine.

Recent Times

In October 2003, an announcement of the sale of Penthouse Magazine circulated. The company was restructured and in 2004 General Media was renamed the Penthouse Media Group by owners Marc Bell and Daniel Staton. Penthouse Magazine was repackaged.

Starting with the January 2005 issue, Penthouse Magazine no longer showed pictures of an explicit nature, being touted as an alternative to FHM Magazine. Penthouse Magazine nixed explicitly nude photos of male and female genitalia. The change improved the declining sales. However, sales still did not reach the same circulation numbers of Penthouse Magazine at the peak of the magazine

In 2005, Penthouse Media Group had a total circulation of 326,358 copies. Penthouse Magazine continues to increase sales as it works to become a competitor of the adult entertainment genre.

Lisa James
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/history-of-penthouse-magazine-102512.html

The history of velvet is somewhat fuzzy, but the first English
reference to it was in 1278, when a king’s tailor purchased the
fabric in Paris for the kings bed. More than 700 years later you
don’t have to be a king to afford to wear velvet.

You’re seeing it everywhere, in every shade. Carefully created
into dazzling jackets, dresses, handbags, boots, pumps and
flats. You will find velvet this fall in an array of rich, deep
colors like navy blue, emerald and red, meant to make a fashion
statement. You can’t be shy and wear velvet this year!

Alice & Olivia offer a velvet military jacket in navy with
leather piping. Nanette Lepore offers an embellished velvet
jacket in muted shades with a peacock feather print. Moschino is
showing a dress saluting the paisley craze. It’s a lovely cognac
velvet halter dress with a medallion print. One of the standout
velvet creations this season has to be the Cynthia Steffe
strapless velvet empire dress. It features a dark green bust
trimmed with golden ribbon. The dress falls into a three tiered
nutmeg colored velvet skirt which falls just below the knee. The
bottom tier of this dress is beautifully embellished with gold
and green floral embroidery. There are only two words to
describe this dress – rich and opulent.

Shoe designers have always loved velvet. Yves Saint Laurent is
offering a beautiful crossover velvet sandal in olive. Christian
Lacroix offers an unexpected twist on chic with his dark brown
velvet sandal which is made an absolute must have with the
addition of a teal and black wool flower on the heel. You have
to check this shoe out. Can somebody say perfect for any
upcoming holiday celebration? Shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo
is offering a Victorian inspired velvet pump in a rich wine
color. He also shows a very strappy and sexy black velvet
platform sandal, perfect for evening affairs. You can pair these
sandals with a cropped jacket in teal velvet and black satin
pencil pants, perfect!

Don’t forget to check out the wide array of velvet bags. Hobo’s,
clutch bags and totes are shown in velvet. Giorgio Armani is
offering his signature tote in croc-embossed velvet. Gucci is
showing a green velvet shoulder flap bag accented with a
crocodile trim.

Splurge and buy yourself a spectacular velvet piece this fall -
you won’t regret it

Catherine Olivia
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/velvet-the-fabric-of-fall-2950.html

The Birth of Penthouse Magazine

In 1965, Penthouse Magazine started its colorful history in the world of media communications. Sensing that the sexual desire of man is a good marketing niche, Bob Guccione founded the Penthouse Magazine in London, United Kingdom. Bob Guccione or Robert Charles Joseph Edward Sabatini Guccione by birth was born on December 17, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York.

The sexually explicit contents of the magazine paved its way to the common households and stayed on top with its rival, Playboy Magazine in terms of sales and popularity. Four years later, Bob Guccione expanded the operations of Penthouse Magazine to the United States.

Bob Guccione together with Kathy Keeton and some family members managed the privately owned company over the years. With the rise of Penthouse magazine, Bob Guccione also rose to fame and was known for his lavish lifestyle and spending including the Penthouse Mansion in Manhattan, gold chains, dream of building a portable nuclear device and casino without a gambling license.
The empire that started from Penthouse Magazine was earning Bob Guccione a fortune.

With the kind of business the Penthouse Magazine is in, attacks and condemnation from several groups were to be expected. The National Federation for Decency, a Christian conservative group now known as American Family Association, threatened to boycott stores that carry adult materials. In 1986, Attorney General Edwin Meese and an 11 member Commission on Pornography also sought to publish a blacklist of pornography distributors. About 20,000 retailers and convenience stores withdrew support to the magazine after the campaign, causing a decline in sales.

In 1992, an issue between Penthouse Magazine and United States Navy surfaced. The United States Navy reacted negatively on the issues of Penthouse Magazine being circulated and distributed around the military base. Distribution and sale of Penthouse Magazine, a magazine explicitly pornographic in nature, is said to be inconsistent with the rules and regulations concerning sexual harassment and human dignity.

The Military Honor and Decency Act signed by President Clinton in 1996 stated that the Secretary of Defense may not permit the sale or rental of sexually explicit material on property under the jurisdiction of the Defense Department. Also, a 1998 Supreme Court ruling held that a military base is not a public forum. Bob Guccione lost the battle.

Videocassettes gaining popularity and the steady rise of Internet users are some reasons that caused the steady decline of Penthouse Magazine circulation and other pornographic magazines like Playboy Magazine and Hustler Magazine. The Internet provided a cheaper and multiple avenues of satisfying the desire of a man. Also, a different level of satisfaction is achieved watching the glossy pictures come to life. Bob Guccione finally announced in April 2002 that Penthouse Magazine was going out of business.

Bankruptcy of Penthouse Magazine

On July 2003, Bob Guccione lost his famous Penthouse Mansion. The Penthouse mansion was composed of two townhouses built in 1879. Rebuilt in 1920s by Jeremiah Milbank, it was one of the largest private residences in Manhattan. At the height of prestige, Bob Guccione bought the mansion in 1975.
On August 12, 2003, General Media, asubsidiary of Penthouse Magazine filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It was thought that this move would help salvage the magazine.

Penthouse Magazine in Recent Times

In October 2003, announcement of the sale of Penthouse Magazine circulated. Later in 2004 General Media was renamed the Penthouse Media Group by owners Marc Bell a real-state developer and founder of the Globix corporation and Daniel Staton, an investor with diverse portfolio. Penthouse Magazine was repackaged.

Starting with the January 2005 issue, Penthouse Magazine no longer showed female genitalia, simulated sex scenes, or male genitalia. The change improved the declining sales but was still way below the original sales numbers of Penthouse Magazine during the heyday of the magazine.

In 2005, Penthouse Media Group had a total circulation of 326, 358 copies. Penthouse Magazine continues to increase sales as it works to become a competitor of the adult entertainment genre.

Lisa James
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/penthouse-magazine-a-history-104527.html

1. What is Advent?
A. Preparation
B. Celebration
C. Mourning
D. Darkness

A. Preparation
TOPICS: In the Christian church, Advent is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

2. What feast marks the beginning of the Advent period?
A. Feast of John the Baptist
B. Feast of St. Andrew
C. Feast of St. Matthew
D. Feast of Thanksgiving

B. Feast of St. Andrew
TOPICS: Advent is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (30 November) which does coincide pretty closely with Thanksgiving many years. In the 5th Century, Advent began on 11 November (St Martin’s Day) and took the form of a six week fast leading to Christmas. During the 6th century, Advent was reduced to its current length and later the fasting was dropped.

3. How many Sundays are included in the traditional Advent celebration?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

D. 4
TOPICS: The first Sunday may be as early as November 27th, and then Advent has twenty-eight days, or as late as December 3rd, giving the season only twenty-one days.

4. What shape is the Advent wreath?
A. Square
B. Triangle
C. Circle
D. Rectangle

C. Circle
TOPICS: The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end.

5. What colors are the candles in the Advent wreath?
A. Purple
B. Pink
C. White
D. Purple, pink and white

D. Purple, pink and white
TOPICS: Traditionally three of the candles are purple, the color of kings and of penance. A rose-colored candle is used to mark the Third Sunday of Advent as a time to rejoice over the closeness of Christmas and the coming of Christ. In the center of the circle is a fifth candle (traditionally white) which is lit on Christmas Day. Candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son, Jesus.

6. What color is the Advent wreath?
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. White
D. Green

D. Green
TOPICS: The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that Christians have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life.

7. Why was purple chosen as an Advent candle color?
A. Represents the common people
B. Represents royalty
C. Represents peace
D. Represents war

B. Represents royalty
TOPICS: Purple dyes were once so rare and costly that they were associated with royalty; the Church has long used this color around Christmas and Easter to honor Jesus.

8. Two of the five Advent candles are different than the others. What does the rose or pink candle signify?
A. Joy
B. Birth
C. Angels
D. Prophecy

A. Joy
TOPICS: The third week of Advent is marked by the Shepherds’ Candle or Joy Candle. The shepherds represent the message of great joy that is brought to the world about Jesus’ birth.

9. Three of the Advent candles are the same color. Which is NOT represented by one of these candles?
A. Christ
B. Hope
C. Peace
D. Love

A. Christ
TOPICS: The three purple candles in the Advent wreath symbolise hope, peace, and love. These candles are lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent. The first candle is called either the Hope Candle or the Prophecy Candle. The second candle is the Bethlehem Candle or Peace candle represents the preparations made for the coming Christ child. The fourth candle is the Angel Candle or Love Candle which represents the love which God shared with the world when He sent His Son, Jesus.

10. The candle in the center of the Advent wreath is called what?
A. The Star Candle
B. The Bethlehem Candle
C. The Stable Candle
D. The Christ Candle

D. The Christ Candle
TOPICS: In the centre of the circle is a fifth candle (traditionally white), the Christ Candle, which is lit on Christmas Day.

Deanna Mascle
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/advent-trivia-85442.html

Seville, Spain is considered the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of Southern Spain. The people who inhabit this beautiful, historical city are called Sevillanos (men) or Sevillanas (women).

Although Seville is located well away from the coast, it’s still only about 20 feet above sea level. It was once an important sea port. In fact, explorer Ferdinand Magellan got the ships he used to circumnavigate the globe from Seville. It was also the recipient of much of the silver brought over from the New World.

Because of the riches brought over from the Americas, Seville drew quite a large population in the 16th and 17th centuries, making it the largest city in Spain until around 1649 when the Great Plague of Seville struck. Though the city fell from importance in terms of population and economics, it is still valued as an artistic center of the baroque.

Seville today is home to many great tourist attractions. Its cathedral was built between the years of 1401 and 1519. It is the largest Gothic and medieval cathedral in the world, elaborately decorated and containing quite a bit of gold. It is topped by the city’s most famous statue, La Giraldilla, which symbolizes faith.

Located facing the cathedral is Alcazar, an old Moorish palace that took more than 500 years to build. Its grounds include lovely gardens in a blend of Moorish, Andalusian, and Christian styles.

On the river is the Torre del Oro, a watchtower built by the Almohad dynasty. It was used as a defensive barrier on the river by stringing a heavy chain from its base across the river to stop boats from traveling through.

With so many wonderful things to see, it’s not surprising that Seville is a magnet for tourist activity. Fortunately, there are many accommodation choices for Seville’s tourists, including hostels, hotels, and apartments.

Seville Hostels

Examples of hostels in Seville include:

Hostal Redes: This hostel is located within walking distance of many of the major attractions in Seville, including cathedrals and the Fine Art Museum. There are eight double rooms and one single room available for guests. Three of the rooms include an extra bed. Each room has a bathroom with a shower. Includes Internet access, laundry, television room, public telephone, and other amenities.

Hostal Nuevo Suizo: Located in central Seville, Nuevo Suizo offers free breakfast, Internet access, and reservations for shows and tours. It is within walking distance of monuments, museums, supermarkets, and the city’s shopping area.

Oasis Backpackers Hostel Sevilla: Although you can make reservations for this hostel, they always save beds for walk ins. It is located in the center of Seville’s cultural and historic area and is walking distance from many tourist sights. The rooftop terrace not only has a beautiful view of the city, it also has a swimming pool!

Seville Hotels

Examples of hotels in Seville include:

Hesperia Sevilla Hotel: This hotel is five minutes from the train station and 15 minutes from the International San Pablo Airport. It includes a parking area, restaurant, bar, solarium, Jacuzzi, and indoor swimming pool.

Eurostars Regina Hotel: This 90 room, 3star hotel is within walking distance of Seville’s historic center. It’s near the Fine Arts Museum and the Cartuja Park. Services and amenities include parking area, bar, newspapers, breakfast buffet, and car rentals.

Best Western Hotel Cervantes: The Best Western is located a short 10 minute walk from the Cathedral, Giralda tower, and the Isla Magica theme park. It boasts crystal glass ceilings and was completely remodeled in 2006. Services and amenities include parking area, elevator, breakfast buffet, Internet access, and soundproofed rooms.

Seville Apartments

Examples of apartments in Seville include:

Sevilla Alameda 2: This apartment sleeps up to three people in a typical Sevillian house in central Seville. It’s on the plaza Alameda de Hercules, which is a park with many bars, restaurants, and shops close by. Includes bathroom with shower, living room, open kitchen, television, radio, and computer with Internet access.

Peral56Sevilla: This apartment is located in the historic center of the colorful La Macerena district. It’s on a quiet street near one of the main thoroughfares that hosts the Feria Market each Thursday. During this market, the street is lined with booths where merchants sell a wide range of items. The apartment sleeps up to four and includes a washing machine, air conditioning, television, and cleaning service.

Holiday Home in Seville: This is a three-story house that has been completely remodeled, but still has 19th century details. It sleeps up to seven, so it’s perfect for a large family or touring group. It’s close to tourist attractions, with a short 10 minute walk to the cathedral.

Although accommodations in Seville tend to be a bit more expensive than in other areas of Spain, you will get a better rate if you visit in the winter months. However, with some careful research, you can also find places that offer cheaper rates in July and August due to hot temperatures that chase some tourists away.

Gaizka Pujana
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/sleeping-in-seville-spain-139187.html

The crystal ball rose and the fireworks exploded welcoming a brand new year. Excitement filled the air with the expectations of fulfilling every pledge I made to do things better than the year before.

This year it was going to be different! A new house, a promise of a promotion at my job and of course an exercise program to shed the extra pounds. Everything was in place. I was energized and full of anticipation of making it the best year ever.

Night fell and the work week began. A rumor began buzzing around the office that the boss was bringing in new management. Immediately I walked nervously to my desk wondering how this could happen to me!

At lunch I needed a hamburger and French fries. I knew I was breaking my promised diet, but I was afraid for my job and I needed comfort food.

The work day ended and I walked into my house with a feeling of fear wrapping around me and motioning me to run for the remote control and stare into the big screen television. The sound fell on deaf ears and my mind exploded into thoughts over the sudden turn of events.

I glanced at my table where the brochures lay highlighting the house of my dreams and I began to cry. God, why are you letting this happen to me? I reached for my dusty Bible and it fell open to Revelations.

Revelation 3: 14b-16, “This is the message from the Amen, the faithful and true witness, who is the origin of all that God has created. I know what you have done; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were either one or the other! But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth!”

The words I read were startling. I didn’t understand why God would want me to see this particular passage. I believed in God. I was a Christian. I had memorized the Bible as a child and I attended church faithfully.
As I justified myself before God a voice whispered “Keep Reading”. My eyes once again took in the next verse and then the next.

Revelation 3:17-19, “You say, ‘I am rich and well off; I have all I need.’ But you do not know how miserable and pitiful you are! You are poor, naked, and blind. I advise you, then, to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich. Buy also some ointment to put on your eyes, so that you may see. I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins.”

I haven’t sinned! I deserve that promotion and I need a new house. God what are you saying to me? I practice my faith. Let’s face it God, I can’t buy gold from you, I have to work for it!

The whisper was calm and loving. It was if I was being given a choice of which path I would choose. A path to gain all the riches found in this world or a path that would take me on a spiritual journey of revelation.

I don’t understand what your saying to me God. I have a plan! This year I am going to be successful and I am going to purchase the house I always wanted. I know that it may seem bleak at the moment, but I believe you are going to help me do this.

The quiet whisper softly prodded me forward to pick up my Bible and read some more. I obeyed. I wanted to understand what kind of gold God could give me. Is this gold better than my New Years plan?

Revelations 3: 20-22, “Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with me. To those who win the victory I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on his throne.
‘If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!’”

A flood of thoughts lovingly filled my being. They persuaded me to look at my life completely different.

For weeks I had made my plans and designed my path so I could fulfill my desires for my life. Now God was telling me to think about these choices.

I had become so wrapped up in my plan that I had stopped growing in my spiritual life. I had put God aside and I only read my Bible and prayed when I was in trouble.

I wasn’t playing my game of life to win the world for God and good. I was becoming self serving and I was trading my Christian identity for the things I could gain from this world.

I needed to get a grip and remember that my life’s purpose isn’t about things, but about Spiritual gold found in serving God. I grabbed a piece a paper and began a new list.

My newly revised New Years pledge. I would pray more and read my Bible daily. I would ask God to show me how I can serve Him better. I will pray for the people who have needs in my church. I will volunteer at the homeless shelter and give more in my tithe.

The fear that once engulfed me subsided! I began to breathe deeply once again renewed in my faith and determined that with God I would win this world for Him.

My boss held out his hand to welcome me into his office. To my surprise he stated that he wanted me to head the new management team. He said he noticed how hard I worked and he trusted that I would do a good job.

At the end of the day, I left the office Praising God. His whisper filled my thoughts. His love wrapped around me and let me know that I was His again and He was proud of me.

My own thoughts cherished God’s words and made me even more determined to win my race in this world as God’s Christian Soldier. I would do my work not for what I would gain, but for what I could give.

Linda Dipman
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/i-made-my-new-years-resolutions-84945.html

I have always loved animals-primarily dogs. I have had four dogs in my life and each of
them brought a different strength to my life…not to even mention the unconditional love.
If humans were like dogs, the world would be a much better place.

With that in mind, I began wondering if dogs had guardian angels looking over them.
While I was always sure that they did, I wanted to know if there were any Saints, as
recognized by the Catholic Church that particularly aided dogs. Here is what I found:

St. Francis of Assisi-Patron Saint of Animals:

Born in northern Italy (at Assisi in Umbria) in 1181 and christened Giovanni (John) after
John the Baptist, this saint began life as the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, Pietro
Bernadone. Johns father was French and as such, he nicknamed him Francesco
(Francis), the little Frenchman. As a youth, Francis was extravagant, carefree and
loved by everyone. He was a natural leader and while growing up he became the leader
of a group of young people who spent their nights at wild parties and who were
accustomed to vice.

Francis wanted to be a knight. He got his chance when Assisi declared war on their long
time enemy, Perugia. Most of the troops from Assisi died in the fight; however, Francis
was taken prisoner (because of his wealth) and held for ransom. After a year in the
dungeon in Perugia, Francis ransom was paid and he was set free. Still wanting to be
a knight with all of the glory attached to that title, a call for the knights for the Fourth
Crusade gave him a chance for his dream. He suited up with a suit of armor decorated
with gold, and he boasted that he would return a Prince. But within one days ride from
Assisi, he had a dream in which God told him to return home, and despite the humiliation
from the townspeople, he did return home. But Francis did not change overnight. He did
begin to spend more time in prayer, went off to a cave and wept for his sins. But there
was still a business to run…he could not give himself totally over to God.

But on a pilgrimage to Rome, that all changed. He gave up his rich attire and donned a
beggars garb and began ministering to those suffering from the Black Death.

After the pilgrimage to Rome, at the age of 26, while praying at a chapel in San Damiano
that had fallen into ruin, he heard an image of Christ say to him Repair my fallen
House. Francis took this literally and began the necessary repairs on the little chapel.
However, Francis had no money of his own and so to pay for the restoration, he stole
bolts of cloths from his fathers warehouse. This angered his father so much that he
threw Francis out of the house and disinherited him. This was a turning point and a
freeing moment for Francis and he spent the rest of his life emphasizing poverty,
humility and discipline. Within 15 years, Francis was the leader of 5,000 Friars Minor
(a Monk Order) and a growing Order of Nuns, Poor Clares.

Francis is remembered not so much as a religious organizer but as a charismatic example
and a compassionate soul for the unusual. It is believed that he preached sermons to
birds and entered into a peace treaty with a wolf so that the wolf would no longer
terrorize a town. In 1224, he was granted the Stigmata (the mark of Christs five
wounds) on his own body. He died in 1226 at age 45 and is enshrined in the basilica of
Assisi bearing his name…although he would much have preferred a paupers grave. He is
considered to be the founder of all Franciscan orders.

St. Dwynwen (Dwyn) of Tolentino-Patron Saint of Sick Animals:

Dwyn was a 5th century Welsh maiden from a wealthy
family. Her father was a Welsh Saint and king, Brychan Brycheiniog of Brechon. She
had her love troubles, however. The story is that Dwyn fell madly in love with a Welsh
prince named Maelon Dafodrill. A marriage was planned but it was not to be. As St.
Dwyn distanced herself from Maelon, his bitterness toward her became unbearable.
Heartbroken, Dwyn accepted a heavenly potion offered to her by an Angel appearing to
her in a dream to soothe her heartache. However, the angel failed to tell her the effect of
the potion on Maelon, who was turned into stone (or ice according to other accounts)
once administered to him. Appalled, Dwyn requested and was granted three wishes from
the angel:
That Maelon be restored to life
That all True Lovers that invoke her name either achieve their hearts desires or
recover quickly from disappointment
That she not marry or wish to
Dwyn committed her life to God and founded a convent on what is now Llanddwyn
island, just off the Isle of Angeles. Within that Abbess, there is a miraculous spring
(Ffynnon Dwynwen) wherein, from the movement of the fish, the adept can tell the
future. One other interesting fact, the water works wonders with sick animals. Over time
Dwyns name was invoked to heal sick and distressed animals, a tradition that has
survived even today.

The ruins of Llanddwyn chapel, a 16th century Tudor church, can still be seen.
Moreover, her name lives on in the town of Porthddwyn and a church dedicated to her
can be found in Cornwall.

St. Roch- Patron Saint of Dog Lovers:

St. Roch was a French Saint born in 1293. He enjoyed a wealthy and privileged youth as
the son of the governor of Montpellier. However, he was orphaned at 20 and decided to
give all his property to the poor and handed over the city government to his uncle. He
then began a pilgrimage to Rome disguised as a mendicant pilgrim where he nursed the
victims of the Plague/Black Death, where he was often successful in miraculous results
with these victims.

Roch became infected with the Plague himself at Piacenza and stopped his ministry as he
knew he would be contagious to others. He went into the forest to die alone but was
befriended by a dog (and later the master) who would bring him food snatched from his
masters (Gothard) table. Roch finally recovered, thanks to the nutrition and
companionship offered by the dog and his master and he decided to return to Montpellier.
Because of his illness, no one recognized him and he was thrown into a dungeon as he
was thought to be a spy. There Roch died at the age of 32 after 5 years in the prison in
1327. Once dead, he was finally recognized by a family member by an X-Shaped
birthmark on his breast and his family grieved over his horrible death. He was given a
public funeral and numerous miracles attested his sanctity.

In 1414, during the Council of Constance, the black plague was rampant, The Fathers of
the Council ordered public prayers and processions in honor of St. Roch and immediately
the plague ceased. St. Rochs relics were carried to Venice in 1485 where they are still
venerated. The letters VSR (Viva Saint Roch) were once inscribed over most
doorways in Europe as protection against pestilence.

St. Anthony the Great-Patron Saint of Domestic Animals:

Anthony was born in Memphis, Egypt in 251 to wealthy parents. When he was 20 years
old, his parents died and left him to care for his unmarried sister. After hearing the words
of Jesus instructing him to sell what you have and give to them poor as your reward
would be treasures in heaven, he gave up his wealth to the poor and needy. He also
placed his sister in the care of a group of Christian Virgins, similar to a nunnery. He left
Memphis for the desert living in a tomb and doing battle with the devil. The devil
afflicted him with boredom, laziness and phantoms of women which he overcame by the
power of prayer. He wore sackcloth and never washed his body or his feet and spent
his time in intense prayer. He attracted admirers from the local villages who would bring
him food and water. Once again the devil played havoc with Anthony and rendered him
unconscious after beating him mercilessly. When the local villagers found him in this
condition, they carried him to a church to provide a haven for recovery.

Once recovered, he returned to his hermit-like life, living in an old abandoned fort for
some 20 years. He communicated to the outside through a crevice in the fort in which
food and water could be passed. He did not allow anyone to enter his cell- those who
sought his counsel listened from the outside. The devil again began to torture Anthony,
only this time the phantoms were in the form of wild beasts, lions, snakes and scorpions.
But Anthony would laugh at them, invoke the name of God and the phantoms would turn
to smoke.

Eventually, he did emerge from the fort with the help of villagers tearing a wall down.
While all expected him to be wasted away or insane from his isolation, he emerged
healthy, serene and enlightened. He was hailed as a hero and his fame began to spread.
Anthony returned to his fort after confirming the followers in Fayyum in the Christian
faith. He wanted to be in isolation again, but people kept seeking his counsel, including
Emperor Constantine. Anthony did write Emperor Constantine a letter blessing him, and
praying for the peace and safety of the church and empire. Anthony realized that all of
the visitors were keeping him away from his worship, so he traveled into the inner
wilderness of the eastern Desert of Egypt. When he found a spring of water and palm
trees, he decided to settle there. On occasion, he would go to the outskirts of the desert
by the Nile to visit his brethren and then return to his inner sanctuary. At his
recommendation, all his followers took up mat-weaving and brush making so that idle
hands would not be the devils playmate. On this spot now stands the Monastery of
Anthony the Great.

When Anthony determined that his day of departure had come, he gave away his
belongings and stretched out on the ground and gave up his spirit. He instructed two of
his brethren to bury him secretly, and to this day, the grave-site is unknown. The year
was 356 and he was 105 years old. Many miracles are attributed to this religious father.

In Christian Iconography, Anthony is portrayed by the smallest bell in the carillon and
the smallest pig in a litter….referred to as Tantony.

His biography can be found in the book entitled Life of Saint Anthony the Great written
by St. Athanasius. Many stories are also told of him in various collections of sayings on
the Desert Fathers.

These four saints are those who protect dogs, healthy and afflicted. It is good to know
that these giving creatures are cared for in a heavenly way. I hope you enjoyed this
information!

References:

1) Saints Preserve Us! (Book)
Sean Kelly and Rosemary Rogers
Copyright 1993
2) St. Francis of Assisi (Article)
Terry Matz for Catholic Online (http://www.catholic.org)
Copyright 1996-2000
3) St. Roch (Article)
Catholic Encyclopedia (http://www.newadvent.org)
No author cited
4) St. Dwynwen (Article)
www.geocities.com
No author cited
5) St. Anthony the Great
Wikipedia (http://www.en.wikipedia.org)
No author cited
Lynda M. Long (with References Identified)

Lynda Long
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/patron-christian-saints-of-dogs-55673.html