Arno is a variant of the name Arnold, which comes from an old Germanic word for a fierce eagle. In Belgium, St. Arnoldus is celebrated as the patron saint of beer and brewing. St. Arnold's day is still celebrated in that country where the brewer's art has reached its greatest perfection. What an honor for our son to share this noble name!
St. Arnold (or Arnulf) lived in present day Belgium in the 11th Century. As an abbot of a large monastery, Arnold did much to advance the brewing of beer and encouraged common folk to replace their unsound drinking water with wholesome beer. He is credited with encouraging the brewing of healthier beer and the cultivation of hops.
One might honor St. Arno(ld) with this prayer from the Latin rite:
"Bless, O Lord, this creature beer, that Thou hast been pleased to bring forth from the sweetness of the grain: that it might be a salutary remedy for the human race: and grant by the invocation of Thy holy name, that, whosoever drinks of it may obtain health of body and a sure safeguard for the soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. "
2 comments:
Classic. Just classic.
Congratulations, Arno is the cutest baby! I wish him and his parents the best of everything: Always good health, good luck and much happiness.
I am looking forward to his first encounter with St. Patric, and wonder when we start celebrating St. Arnhold's day here, too.
All the best,
Petra
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