March 17th is Almost Here……

It only comes once a year. That incredible holiday that unites everyone in bars, pubs, and clubs all over this great nation. The beer will flow and we will dance in the streets. The countdown is on for our favorite party-holiday of the year. That March 17th holiday where we all stand as brothers in arms and everybody is a friend…

Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day!!! 

The day where we praise Saint Gertrude, the Patron Saint of travelers, gardeners, widows, recently deceased souls, souls in purgatory, rodents, and, most recently, cats.

At the strike of 6:55 PM (EST) we depart the bars, pubs, and clubs to return home and pay our tributes to Saint Gertrude by cracking open a can of tuna fish and sharing it with our cats.

After the first can of tuna, we drop to our knees and pose as a cat with paws up and say, “O holy St. Gertrude of Nivelles, Patron Saint of Cats, I ask you to pray that my sweet kitty will always be content, energetic, curious, playful, and good-natured.” 

Then it’s on to can number 2. This one’s just for you. The idea here is to make your cat envious of you as the keeper of the tuna. Teaching the cat the art of patience and yearning is the point. And once you have consumed the second can of tuna, you will drop back to your knees and pose as you say, “Carry my cat to the throne of the Father and ask Him to bless my cat with long life and great happiness.” 

Can three is just for kitty. Pop that top and let her/him feast. Once the tuna has been consumed, you will roll onto your back, all paws up, and say, ”Pray dear saint that my cat stays free from illness and that my cat always feels safe, protected, and loved.” 

You do this ritual individually for each cat you own. The holiday and rituals have changed over the course of 1,400-years. Gardeners and widows are no longer burned alive. Seances are no longer performed to summon lost souls between Earth and Hell. And, the consumption of rodents hasn’t been practiced since 2019.

Please be safe this Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day. It only comes once a year. Respect others and others’ cats. Happy Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day 2023!