Dom Perignon
Born in France in 1639, Pierre Perignon at the age of 20 took the vows of a Benedictine monk at the abbey of Hautvilliers (near Reims) which produced a variety of wines.
Pierre soon became a wine expert. Perhaps because he had become blind, he developed an extraordinary sense of smell and taste. He was able to tell immediately which grapes came from which vineyards. He learned to mix together various wines so that the qualities of each added to the quality of the others.
He studied the particular qualities and characteristics of the grapes from the region of Champagne and when he was 60 years old, succeeded in producing what is known today as “champagne.”
Pierre died in 1715. Years later, the wine company that bought the Hautvilliers monastery vineyards gave the name “Dom Perignon” to its finest vintage.
On New Year’s Eve, many will without realizing it celebrate the memory of this Benedictine monk.
“Dom” (from the Latin word “dominus” which means “lord” was a title sometimes given to monks and other religious leaders.
There are 13 days left in the Church’s Christmas season.
This is quite a scene. An aged, holy man talking to God as he looks into the face of the two-month-old child he is holding in his arms.
The old man speaks of peace and light and salvation and glory. His name – Simeon (Hebrew for “God has heard”) – characterized him as a man of hope.
Simeon’s words have become part of the Church’s night prayer, and are prayed at the end of every day of the year. The prayer is called the “Nunc Dimttis.” Latin for the first words, “Now you may dismiss your servant…”
That’s a good way to end each day. I go to bed, entrust myself into the hands of God, and rest in peace.
I can do it in Simeon’s words or I can use my own. Just one short sentence would do it: “Lord, as I go to sleep I place myself in your good hands.”
It seems a holy thing to do. And a healthy thing too.
Night prayer is an old tradition. It doesn’t have to be long. And it’s not just for children.