7th October 1950 - Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity

The Missionaries of Charity is a Catholic religious congregation founded in Calcutta on October 7, 1950, by Mother Teresa, an Albanian nun who had previously been a member of the Sisters of Loreto congregation. This congregation, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, has become synonymous with the commitment to the most destitute and marginalized in society. With approximately five thousand nuns spread across one hundred and thirty-two countries, the Missionaries of Charity are currently under the leadership of Sister Mary Prema as their Superior General.

The history of this congregation began in 1948 when Mother Teresa decided to leave her original congregation, the Sisters of Loreto, to establish a new order. In 1949, she was joined by a former cook from St. Mary's School and one of her former students, Subashini Das. Thus, the Missionaries of Charity came into existence, with the primary objective of aiding the most destitute and vulnerable.

As early as August 22, 1952, the Sisters opened the Kalighat Home for the Dying, a facility dedicated to caring for the most impoverished and dying in Calcutta. This marked the beginning of an immeasurable work of compassion and dedication to the less fortunate.

What sets the Missionaries of Charity apart from other religious congregations, in addition to the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, is a fourth vow: to serve the poorest of the poor, those who cannot repay anything in return. Mother Teresa deliberately restricted her sisters' work to a category of individuals who were particularly marginalized, disfigured, or rejected by society. This approach is deeply rooted in the desire to identify with Jesus, who was abandoned by his own, the one who "emptied himself, taking the form of a slave" (Philippians 2:7).

The vow of poverty occupies a central place in the life and spirituality of the Missionaries of Charity. For them, poverty is not just material deprivation; it is also a form of freedom. The nuns strive to teach novices that poverty, whether spiritual or material, is freedom. They believe that once one understands the true nature of poverty, spiritual progress can be achieved through faith in Jesus and the Eucharist.

The Missionaries of Charity's commitment to the poorest extends far beyond the borders of Calcutta. Their efforts have touched millions of people worldwide, bringing a glimmer of hope and solace to society's forgotten. The legacy of Mother Teresa and her congregation continues to inspire generations of believers and non-believers alike, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion, dedication, and chosen poverty in the service of the most vulnerable in our world.

Légende - Photo
Fennec, Public domain, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionnaires_de_la_Charit%C3%A9#/media/Fichier:Sisters_of_Charity.jpg

Sources

Evidence of the Existence of Jesus: A Subject of Debate and Faith

The existence of Jesus of Nazareth, a central figure in Christianity, has been the subject of intense debate and research for centuries. While the story of Jesus is primarily a matter of faith for millions of believers worldwide, many scholars and historians have attempted to gather historical evidence of his existence. In this article, we will examine some of the most commonly cited pieces of evidence to support the existence of Jesus.

1. The New Testament Writings

The Gospels of the New Testament, written by disciples and early Christians, are the most direct source of Jesus' history. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John recount the life, teachings, and miracles attributed to Jesus. While these texts have a spiritual and theological dimension, they are also considered historical documents by many scholars.

2. Extrabiblical Testimonies

In addition to the Gospels, some extrabiblical writings also mention Jesus. The famous Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, in his work "Antiquities of the Jews" from the first century, references Jesus as the leader of a sect called the Christians. The writings of the Roman historian Tacitus, dating from the early 2nd century, also allude to Jesus and the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero.

3. Pauline Letters

The letters of the apostle Paul, written in the mid-1st century, contain references to Jesus and his crucifixion. These letters are considered the earliest known Christian writings and provide evidence of Jesus' existence in the decades following his life.

4. Archaeological Evidence

While direct archaeological evidence of Jesus's life is scarce, some discoveries have corroborated aspects of the biblical narrative. For instance, excavations have revealed remnants of the ancient town of Nazareth, confirming its existence as the presumed birthplace of Jesus.

5. Testimonies of the Church Fathers

The Church Fathers, such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Irenaeus of Lyon, wrote during the early centuries of the Christian Church and testified to the existence of Jesus as a central figure of their faith.

However, it's important to note that the existence of Jesus remains a debated question among scholars, partly due to the lack of direct contemporary evidence. Some critics argue that historical references to Jesus could have been altered or forged over time.

The question of Jesus's existence remains, for many, a matter of faith rather than an undisputed historical conclusion. Believers find their primary evidence in their religious and spiritual experiences, while historians continue to explore and debate textual and archaeological evidence to further illuminate our understanding of this charismatic and influential figure in history.

Légende - Photo
MerandaDevan, Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-christianity-8029311/

Sources

• fr.wikipedia.org

The Dangers of Glyphosate for the Human Body

Glyphosate, a herbicide extensively employed in modern agriculture, has become the focal point of a growing controversy due to its potential hazards to the human body. While its usage is widespread across the globe to combat weeds, mounting scientific evidence suggests that glyphosate may have adverse effects on human health.

Glyphosate, marketed as Roundup by Monsanto, stands as the world's bestselling herbicide. It is utilized in genetically modified crops to resist the herbicide, allowing farmers to eliminate weeds without harming their crops. Nevertheless, several studies have raised concerns regarding its effects on human health.

One of the primary concerns surrounding glyphosate is its potential carcinogenicity. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as a "probable human carcinogen." This classification sparked concerns worldwide and prompted many countries to review their regulations on the use of this pesticide.

Apart from the cancer risk, studies have also suggested that glyphosate might be linked to other health issues, such as disruptions to the endocrine system, liver damage, and immune system disorders. These potential health effects are particularly worrisome as glyphosate is routinely detected in the foods we consume daily, including cereals, vegetables, and even drinking water.

Exposure to glyphosate is thus nearly unavoidable for most of us, raising significant questions about how we protect our long-term health. Many activists and health experts are calling for stricter regulation of glyphosate use and the promotion of more environmentally friendly farming methods.

In response to these concerns, several jurisdictions have banned or restricted the use of glyphosate. For instance, in 2020, France announced that it would progressively ban glyphosate's use by 2021, with limited exceptions for certain applications. Other countries, such as Vietnam and Sri Lanka, have also taken similar steps to reduce glyphosate use.

In conclusion, the evidence concerning the potential dangers of glyphosate to the human body is raising growing concerns. While farmers often rely on this herbicide to protect their crops, it is crucial to continue researching its effects on human health and consider safer and more sustainable alternatives for agriculture. Safeguarding our health and environment must remain a priority as we continue to assess the risks associated with glyphosate.

Légende - Photo
hpgruesen, Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/photos/agriculture-plant-protection-1359862/

Sources

• fr.wikipedia.org

Two UFOs filmed near the International Space Station

On April 5, 2022, a witness filmed two unidentified flying objects (UFOs) near the International Space Station (ISS). The video, which was published on YouTube and spotted by Scott C. Waring, a well-known ufologist, shows two stationary, bright objects floating in space.

The video was taken from a live camera feed from the ISS. The witness used their phone to record the video, which explains the poor quality and lines that appear in the image.

Waring, who is a strong advocate for extraterrestrial life, claims that the two objects are actually UFOs. He argues that the spherical shape of the objects and the fact that they are illuminated by the sun are evidence that they are not reflections or space debris.

"This is a fantastic catch and absolute proof that extraterrestrials are still monitoring the space station," Waring said. The NASA has not yet commented on the video.

Possible hypotheses

There are several possible hypotheses to explain the objects seen in the video. One possibility is that they are satellites orbiting the Earth. Satellites can be of different sizes and shapes, and some can be bright when illuminated by the sun.

Another possibility is that they are space debris. There are millions of pieces of space debris orbiting the Earth, and some of them may be similar in size and shape to the objects seen in the video.

Légende - Photo
Scott C. Waring, Copyright, https://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/2022/04/two-ufos-near-space-station-april-5.html

Sources

• www.ufosightingsdaily.com

The Curse of the Ninth Symphony: Myth or Reality?

Classical music is rich in myths and superstitions, and one of the most famous is the "Curse of the Ninth Symphony." According to this belief, every composer who dares to write their ninth symphony is doomed to die. While this may sound absurd, there are several notable examples that fuel this superstition.

The origin of this curse can be traced back to Ludwig van Beethoven, who passed away in 1827 after composing his Ninth Symphony, also known as the "Choral Symphony." Beethoven remains the most famous embodiment of this belief, but he is far from the only composer to be touched by this strange coincidence.

Among the composers most often cited as victims of this curse are Franz Schubert, Antonín Dvořák, Anton Bruckner, and Gustav Mahler. Franz Schubert, the author of an extensive musical repertoire, was unable to complete his Tenth Symphony and died prematurely. Antonín Dvořák lost his Symphony No. 1, also known as "The Bells of Zlonice," and had to start his symphonic cycle anew. Anton Bruckner, whose Ninth Symphony remained unfinished, also fell victim to this curious coincidence.

However, the most famous and poignant example of the "Curse of the Ninth Symphony" is Gustav Mahler. After composing his monumental Eighth Symphony, Mahler feared tackling the Ninth. To outsmart fate, he wrote "Das Lied von der Erde" ("The Song of the Earth"), subtitled as a "symphony for contralto, tenor, and large orchestra." Mahler considered this a way to circumvent the curse. Yet, he eventually composed his Ninth Symphony in D major, which he regarded as his Tenth, claiming to have escaped destiny. Tragically, this symphony was the last he completed, as he died during the composition of his Tenth Symphony in F-sharp major.

Heitor Villa-Lobos and Dmitri Shostakovich are two composers who broke this so-called curse by composing their Tenth Symphonies. In 1952, Villa-Lobos was the first to do so, followed closely by Shostakovich in 1953. These examples challenged the validity of the superstition and demonstrated that musical creativity cannot be bound by irrational beliefs.

In an essay on Mahler, Arnold Schoenberg expressed the idea that the Ninth Symphony might be a limit for composers, as if the Tenth contained something that humanity was not yet ready to know. This notion adds a philosophical dimension to the superstition, suggesting that artistic creativity can sometimes be confronted with mysterious forces.

The "Curse of the Ninth Symphony" has also inspired artistic works, such as Abel Gance's 1918 film titled "The Tenth Symphony," which draws heavily from this myth.

Légende - Photo
Pressemappe~commonswiki, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonie_no_9_de_Beethoven#/media/Fichier:Haus-UngargasseNr5-Tafel2.jpg

Sources

• fr.wikipedia.org

The characteristics of a near-death experience

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound and often transformative encounters reported by individuals who have come close to death, characterized by a range of vivid and unusual sensations, including feelings of floating, tunnel vision, and encounters with deceased loved ones or otherworldly beings.

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) have fascinated and mystified humanity for centuries. These extraordinary accounts, often reported by individuals who have faced the brink of death and returned, provide a unique window into the enigma of what may lie beyond the mortal realm. In this article, we delve into the realm of NDEs, examining their common characteristics, scientific explanations, and the profound impact they can have on individuals.

Defining Near-Death Experiences

NDEs are vivid and profound experiences that occur to some people when they are on the verge of clinical death, such as during a severe illness, a traumatic accident, or during surgery. These experiences often include elements such as leaving the body, moving through a tunnel, encountering a bright light, and meeting deceased loved ones or spiritual entities. Notably, many NDErs report a sense of overwhelming peace, love, and a life review during their encounters.

Common Elements of NDEs

While the details of NDEs can vary widely from person to person, several common elements have emerged from thousands of reported cases:

1. Out-of-Body Experience (OBE): Many NDErs describe a sensation of leaving their physical bodies and observing events from an elevated or detached perspective.

2. Tunnel and Light: A significant number of NDE accounts involve traveling through a dark tunnel towards a brilliant, comforting light.

3. Life Review: NDErs often report experiencing a comprehensive review of their life, including the impact of their actions on others and a sense of profound understanding and compassion.

4. Encounters with Deceased Loved Ones: Meeting deceased relatives or friends is a recurrent theme, providing a sense of reassurance and guidance.

5. Feelings of Love and Unity: NDErs commonly describe a feeling of overwhelming love, peace, and interconnectedness with all living beings.

Scientific and Psychological Perspectives

The scientific community has offered several explanations for NDEs, which do not necessarily rely on the existence of an afterlife. Some theories suggest that NDEs result from physiological and psychological factors, including:

1. Neurochemical and Neurological Factors: Changes in brain chemistry and brain function during moments of crisis or trauma can trigger altered states of consciousness, leading to NDE-like experiences.

2. Oxygen Deprivation: Lack of oxygen to the brain, as seen in cardiac arrest, can produce hallucinatory experiences similar to NDEs.

3. Psychological Coping Mechanism: NDEs might serve as a psychological mechanism to help individuals cope with the fear of death and dying.

4. Cultural and Religious Influences: Cultural and religious backgrounds can shape the content and interpretation of NDEs, suggesting a degree of subjectivity in these experiences.

The Profound Impact of NDEs

For those who have undergone NDEs, the impact is often life-altering. Many report a significant reduction in the fear of death, increased spiritual awareness, and a profound shift in their priorities and values. Some choose to share their experiences with others, providing comfort and hope to those facing their own mortality.

Conclusion

Near-Death Experiences continue to captivate our imagination and challenge our understanding of the nature of consciousness and existence beyond death. While the scientific community offers plausible explanations rooted in physiology and psychology, the profound and deeply personal nature of NDEs ensures that they remain a subject of awe, wonder, and spiritual contemplation for many. Ultimately, the question of what lies beyond the threshold of death remains one of humanity's most enduring mysteries, and NDEs provide a fascinating glimpse into the ongoing exploration of this enigma.

Légende - Photo
akadarcee, Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-skull-flowers-pink-7990527/

Sources

• activite-paranormale.net

Louis XIX, the king who reigned for 20 minutes

The history of the French monarchy is dotted with intriguing events and significant reigns. However, no other king has experienced such a short-lived reign as Louis XIX, who ruled over France for just 20 minutes. This fleeting reign is a direct result of the Parisian riots known as the "Three Glorious Days" and the political upheavals that shook France in 1830.

It all began with the reign of Charles X, an unpopular king whose political decisions sparked strong criticism among the French populace. The Parisian riots of July 1830, also known as the "Three Glorious Days," finally reached their climax when Charles X abdicated on August 2, 1830. This decision to relinquish the throne was motivated by the need to preserve the Bourbon dynasty in favor of his grandson, Henri d'Artois, who was only 10 years old at the time.

However, Charles X also requested his son, Louis-Antoine, the Dauphin, to countersign the act of abdication in favor of his grandson. Initially, the Dauphin appeared to resist this decision and hesitated to countersign the document. Yet, after some time, he eventually relented and abdicated as well, declaring that he renounced his rights in favor of his nephew, Henri d'Artois.

This precise moment, when Louis-Antoine countersigned the act of abdication in favor of his nephew, gave rise to a brief reign. Between Charles X's signature and Louis-Antoine's, a short period elapsed during which the Dauphin was considered, by Crown supporters, as the legitimate king under the name Louis XIX. This remains the shortest reign in all of French history, lasting only 20 minutes.

However, the swift transition of power did not stop there. Louis XIX's reign came to an end when the chambers proclaimed Louis-Philippe of Orléans as the King of the French on August 7th. The royal family was forced into exile on August 16th, marking the end of the Bourbon era.

Louis-Antoine, on the other hand, assumed the title of the Count of Marnes after his abdication and lived out the rest of his life in relative obscurity. His brief reign, though remarkably short, remained in the annals of French history as a unique and symbolic moment in the tumultuous transition between the monarchic dynasties that shaped the country for centuries.

Légende - Photo
Pigsonthewing, Public domain, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_France_(1775-1844)#/media/Fichier:Francois_Louis_Gounod_-_Gounod-95502-1_-_Louis_Antoine,_Duke_d%E2%80%99Angouleme_and_Dauphin_of_France_-_circa_1814.jpg

Sources

• fr.wikipedia.org