Saints
As a child, this famous Irish Saint, was kidnapped by pirates where he was enslaved in northwest Ireland for a time.
Who was Saint Patrick?
Charlemagne was crowned Emperor on this day in 800 AD.
What is Christmas day?
An example of corruption of the papal office, Pope Stephen the VI committed this atrocity to Pope Formosus.
What was, exhumed his body, put it on trial, cut off his fingers and chucked his body into the Tiber?
These were the majority of the people within feudalism. They barely enjoyed any freedom because they were completely tied to the land and the lord they served.
Who were serfs?
Be careful if you walk under this Christmas plant or someone may smooch you!
What is mistletoe?
This Saint of Scotland was also known as Saint Columcille, the Dove of the Churches.
Who was Saint Columba?
Charlemagne, as a devout Catholic, made time for prayer and this penitential act.
What is fasting?
John the XII was "elected" Pope at this age.
What was 18?
From the Italian, nepote, "nephew" and Latin nepos, grandson. The appointment of family members to important positions of authority.
What is nepotism?
This classic Christmas treat was inspired by the story of Hansel and Gretel.
What is gingerbread?
This Saint to the Germanic tribes famously chopped down the Oak of Thor.
Who was Saint Boniface?
Charlemagne fought this major tribe of pagans on the northeastern frontier of Germany.
Who were the Saxons?
Pope John XII engaged in this act which was the selling of spiritual benefits and sacraments.
What is simony?
This is a two-dimensional or bas-relief image of Christ, the Virgin Mary or one of the saints which is used as an aid for Christian acts of piety.
What is an icon?
Baby Jesus, was born in Bethlehem, the name of this town literally means this.
What is "house of bread?"
These "Apostles to the Slavs" used the Slavonic language to make the liturgy more accessible to the Slavic people and created the "Cyrillic" alphabet.
Who were Cyril and Methodius?
One of Charlemagne's weaknesses as a ruler is illustrated when he did these things to the defeated Saxon tribes.
What was beheaded 4000 of them and forced them to convert.
Famous for their ships, these Norse pagans, wreaked havoc on Europe for 300 years.
Who were the Vikings?
This title refers either to a particular state in the process of canonization or to a person's holy life, as in the case of St. Bede.
What is venerable?
This Bishop of Smyrna, whose Feast Day is Dec. 6, is known as the original Santa Claus.
Who was Saint Nicholas?
Saint John of Damascus was a defender of these works of art, which were used to instill reverence in the people. These works of art were being systematically destroyed by those who felt they were used for worship.
Charlemagne was the grandson of this man, known as "the Hammer."
Who was Charles Martel?
In order to escape Viking attacks, monks built these which were used with a system of ladders.
What were round towers?
This is the selling of ecclesiastical offices, pardons, or emoulments by either secular or spiritual leaders.
What is simony?
One of Santa's reindeer shares a name with this cherubic symbol of Valentine's Day.
Who is Cupid?