An immaculate conception

Today is one of the several days of the year that all of Spain is on holiday  This state of affairs occurs on Epiphany, almost of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Labour Day, the Feats of the Assumption, The Day of the National, Constitution Day, Christmas Day and today, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  




The issue of the conception of Mary, other of Jesus, raised a few issues in the early church.  The ‘sinless’ nature of this had been marked since the 5th century.  The Eastern and Western Churches were not entirely at one of what all this meant.  In 1854 Pope Pius IX declared ‘The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the saviour of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin’  Spain has marked this as a holiday since 1760.  As today is a Sunday the holiday will move to tomorrow- although shops will be open.




There is nothing like a bit of coincidence to help things move along .  On 7th December 1585, Spain was fighting in the Eighty Years’ War in an attempt to hang on to the Spanish Netherlands.  Spanish soldiers fighting in Northern Dutch territory were outnumbered, surrounded by the freedom loving Dutch  and two rivers, and generally running out of stuff.. After retreating to a high point near the town of Emple, a soldier found a painting of Mary while digging a trench near a church. Believing it was a divine sign, the soldiers prayed to Mary for help. The next day, apparently, one of the rivers froze, allowing the troops to cross safely and triumph over the horrid Dutch rebels.Clearly the meek and mild Virgin was responsible and her place in military affections increased.



It is a day for scenery.  








We will end on the edge of Castilseco.  It is a village. It has a church.  I can find nothing out about the church but include a photo for completeness.  It also has the Bodegas Ruiz Alfaya.  With over 200 ratings and a five stars it must be worth a visit.  https://rualwines.com/ They describe their Red Tempranillo Rural as ‘Red wine with shades between purple and violet on the rim of the glass, with a good intensity of color. Deep, pleasant nose, with hints of ripe red fruit, cotton candy and a violet background. On the palate, warm on the entry, voluminous and with a good sensation of acidity manifested on the edge of the tongue. With a pleasant aftertaste of ripe red fruit.’




Three hours ago Guilermo wrote Everything was delicious, and the kindness and closeness of Ana and David made us feel at home.’  Unai was even more forthcoming ‘We were a group of 8 people doing the tasting, visiting the vineyard and discovering the beautiful church of Castilseco, very well guided by both Ana and David. Very familiar and welcoming winery in addition to making very good wine. From what they told us, news is expected!! We will be attentive.


We wish you the best couple!!’



As the wine came in at 25 euros for 6 bottles we may decide to pause for today and meditate on the meaning of immaculate. 

















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