Ladybirds

I am currently awaiting feedback from the Guild of Blessed Titus Brandsma over whether we can change the name of the Guild blog, as many in the group are unsure of it. I don't mind the title too much as it is but I think it is a bit too formal for what really amounts to an online magazine into which various bloggers can contribute.

Thinking about what we could call it, well, last week, I read a fascinating account in a magazine about the ladybird. Now, Fr Tim Finnigan has posted something about it on his blog because the Transalpine Redemptorists have a discovered new friend in the ladybird.

The ladybird is remarkable because of its name, which is attributed to Our Blessed Lady.

In 1991, Dr A. W. Exell published his book History of the Ladybird, in which he cites 329 common names for the ladybird over 80 of which refer to the Virgin Mary and 50 of which are dedicated to God. The red colour of the wings is said to represent the clock of the Virgin and the seven black spots stand for her seven joys and seven sorrows.

The legend attributed to the ladybird is that in Europe, during the Middle Ages, swarms of insects were destroying the crops. The farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon thereafter the Ladybugs came, devouring the plant-destroying pests and saving the crops! The farmers called these beautiful insects "The Beetles of Our Lady", and - over time - they eventually became popularly known as "Lady Beetles" and then Ladybirds or 'Ladybugs' in the US.

We are in a time in the Church when there are many enemies both inside and outside of the Church who wish to undermine the teaching of the Church and the Holy Father. Also, we have a secular worldview of moral relativism to combat with the aphids of abortion and the corruption of the young in our schools. Bloggers are like ladybirds on the front line, eating away at little aphids who seek to 'destroy the crops' of the Church.

I think its a good title and theme for the guild's blog and I hope I get 'clearance' to change the name. How exciting!