Patrick Spears

Saint Denis was punished with death along with many other priests and bishops during the Decian persecution of Christians. After Denis was beheaded, he is said to have picked up his head and walked 10 kilometers, preaching a sermon the entire way. As a Biology major in college I would have to question the validity of this accusation. However, I respect Saint Denis for standing up for his beliefs in the face of death regardless of the validity of the tale. History teaches us many lessons (though many repeat the same mistakes nonetheless). One of those lessons is that differences in opinion or religion should not lead to murder or persecution. The decision to murder anyone because their opinion or religion is different is morally flawed at the deepest root. Differences divide because the masses are not accepting of those who are different or have different opinions from themselves. The ability to accept differences and coexist among the masses would bring peace. But the inability to coexist and keep peace has plagued mankind for centuries. Maybe one day…(This statue of the cephalophore Saint Denis is located at the left portal of Notre Dame in Paris.)(This powerful mural of the martyrdom of Saint Denis by Léon Bonnat is located inside the Pantheon in Paris)

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is one of the most acclaimed works of art in the history of mankind. Millions visit the painting each year at the Louvre. I love this shot because it shows the crowded environment that constantly surrounds the famous work. (Click the image to see the enlarged view for a better look.) I find it interesting that the combination of hype, mystery, and speculation could potentially sell a painting for a “billi.” Hype sells…