Patron Saint of the Internet
5 March 2010
No CommentWe live in a time of cultural change, not unlike St. Isidore of Seville who lived in Spain during the 6th and 7th Centuries A.D. His time marked the end of Classical antiquity and the emergence of the Gothic barbarism of the Middle Ages. Much of the continuation and preservation of Classical education and knowledge is owed to this learned and holy man.
Isidore wrote and compiled 20 comprehensive volumes of what we might think of today as an encyclopedia. He called it the “Etymologiae.” This collection was used as a standard educational textbook for the next 900 years throughout the Middle Ages. In this work he tried to educate while uniting all peoples by quoting both Christian and pagan texts. One of the reasons given that Isidore is the patron Saint of the Internet is because this work of his was very similar to a database.
Etimologie
The topics covered in the books are as follows:
I. Grammar
II. Rhetoric and dialectic
III. Mathematics, music, astronomy
IV. Medicine
V. Laws and times
VI. Books and ecclesiastical offices
VII. God, angels, and saints
VIII. The Church and sects
IX. Languages, nations, reigns, the military, citizens, family relationships
X. Vocabulary
XI. The human being and portents
XII. Animals
XIII. The cosmos and its parts
XIV. The earth and its parts
XV. Buildings and fields
XVI. Stones and metals
XVII Rural matters
XVIII. War and games
XIX. Ships, buildings, and clothing
XX. Provisions and various implements
(An interesting note: Isidore was of the belief that the Earth was global, and this was 1000 years before Christopher Columbus!)
So when you say your prayers throughout the day and invoke the mediation of the Saints, do not forget to ask St. Isidore of Seville to ask the Lord for your intentions.
More info can be found at:
Have your say!