Sunday, 19 August 2012

Saint of the Week

I should explain this posting. The Editor of the Telegraph e-mailed me saying "Dear Eccles, Custard is the New Olympics. Write me 250 words about custard by Friday, or I'll have to ask Damian Thompson." Since this is a religious blog, I have interpreted his request as best I can, in the hope that readers will obtain spiritual nourishment from the life of St Custard.

St Custard

The Temptation of St Custard, by Searle

This Week's Saint is St Custard (c.1390-c.1450), a celebrated Englishman (in France he is known as "La Crème Anglaise" or "La Crème de la Crème"), about whom little is known. It is believed that Custard was a hermit, who lived on a simple diet of eggs and milk. The story goes that he was once tempted by a demon in the guise of a loose woman ("the legend of Custard and the tart"), but he drove her away by throwing a bowl full of eggs and milk at her. This event is commemorated annually, by members of the Order of Custard (OC).

Custard ceremony

A pious worshipper bows his head in a St Custard's Day ceremony

Custard's saintliness and holiness could have only one consequence in the Middle Ages - he was burnt to death (the origin of the expression "Crème Brûlée").

Puddington

Puddington: believed to be the site of the martyrdom of St Custard

Prayer to St Custard: O glorious St Custard, who in thy day wast said to have a nature full of the milk of human kindness; may we be granted thy virtues of sweetness and lightness, so that if in the end we obtain our just deserts they will at least be palatable unto us. Amen.

at

7 comments:

  1. Jessica Hoff19 August 2012 at 13:08

    Darling Eccles, you have surpassed yourself. Let us hope your anti does not curdle St. Custard xx Jess

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous19 August 2012 at 13:17

    I recognise the pious worshipper, is it John Terry?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hermione Redux19 August 2012 at 14:37

      Perhaps John Terry and Peter Mandelson are one and the same person?

      Delete
    2. Francis19 August 2012 at 17:47

      I believe that in the new Calendar St Terry of Hanchi-Panchi and St Mandel of Bum are a joint commemoration.

      Delete
  3. FrereRabit19 August 2012 at 21:49

    I understand that Father Paul Andrew of the RC Diocese of Plymouth is a great fan of Carlo Custardi, the flamboyant artiste who is a whizz with the great organ. Sister Muriel, as father Paulis known to his close priestly friends, bathes in custard while wearing his alb. He learned this spiritual practice from the Dessert Fathers. It stops him from admiring the choirboys due to custardy of the eyes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jessica Hoff20 August 2012 at 21:29

      mr Rabit - Carlo stirs no more according to last week's DT obits. Xx Jess

      Delete
  4. Anonymous29 August 2012 at 11:35

    so funny

    ReplyDelete