Khartes Blog

In the middle of December, with the shortest days of the year, the Church celebrates Saint Lucy, whose very name means “light”. Saint Lucy, Francesco del Cossa, 15th century (Wikimedia Commons, public domain) The Story of Saint Lucy A 4th-century martyr from Syracuse (Sicily), she is the patron saint of sight and of those who work with light or images. In Nordic countries, her feast day on December 13 is celebrated with candlelit processions that announce the arrival of Christmas. A Gift for December 13 At Khartes Madrid, we design and handcraft medals right here in Spain that are meant...

Behind the beloved Santa Claus lies the true story of a 4th-century bishop known for his quiet generosity: Saint Nicholas of Bari. Scenes from the Life of Saint Nicholas of Bari, Gentile da Fabriano, 1425 (Wikimedia Commons, public domain) A Very Generous Bishop Tradition tells us that Nicholas, bishop of Myra (in modern-day Turkey), secretly helped poor families by leaving gold coins in their homes at night. This is where the custom of gifts arriving unseen first spread through Northern Europe originated. His feast day is celebrated on December 6. A Story with Much to Teach At Khartes Madrid, we...

With her tower and her palm of martyrdom, Saint Barbara is one of the most represented saints in Christian art, and one of Spain's most popular devotions for protection. And for us, she is also a saint of the home. Saint Barbara, Jan van Eyck, 1437 (Wikimedia Commons, public domain) The Story of Saint Barbara According to tradition, she was locked in a tower by her own father to keep her away from suitors, and there she secretly converted to Christianity, which cost her her life. She is especially invoked as a protector against storms, lightning, and explosions, and is...

How to pray the Rosary step by step, which mysteries to pray today according to the day of the week, and the complete list of the twenty mysteries.

How to pray to Our Lady of Covadonga: the hymn to the Santina, the dates of her novena (from August 30 to September 7) and how to always carry her with you.

The prayer of the pilgrims is the Salve. We provide its full text, when it is recited to the Virgin of El Rocío, and how to always carry the White Dove with you.