One of the most popular women of the Middle Ages, St. Catherine was thought to have been a 4th century philosopher in Alexandria who was martyred in the Great Persecution of Diocletion. Her biography indicates she was tortured on the … Continue reading
Western Christians observe a twelve-day festival, starting on December 25, and ending on January 5, known as Christmastide or the Twelve Days of Christmas. Christmas ends with the celebration of Epiphany (January 6), the end of the Twelve Days. On … Continue reading
During what is known as the Little Ice Age, the grip of freezing weather, failing of crops, rising crime, and mass starvation resulted in an increasing fear of witches. On the request of German inquisitor Heinrich Kramer, Innocent VIII issued … Continue reading