A composite C-isotope profile for the Neoproterozoic Dalradian Supergroup of Scotland and Ireland

The Neoproterozoic Dalradian Supergroup is a dominantly siliciclastic metasedimentary succession in the Caledonian orogenic belt of Scotland and Ireland. Despite polyphase deformation and greenschist- to upper amphibolite-facies metamorphism, carbonate units distributed throughout the Dalradian record marked δ13Ccarbonate excursions that can be linked to those associated with key environmental events of Neoproterozoic time. These include: (1) tentative correlation of the Ballachulish Limestone with the c. 800 Ma Bitter Springs anomaly; (2) the presence of the pre-Marinoan Trezona anomaly and 635 Ma marinoan-equivalent cap carbonat sequence in rocks of the middle Easdale Subgroup; (3) the terminal proterozoic (c. 600-551 Ma)Wonoka-Shuram anomaly in the Girlsta Limestone on Shetland. These linkages strengthen previously inferred correlations of the Stralinchy-Reelan formations and the Inishowen-Loch na Cille-MacDuff ice-rafted debris beds to the respectively 635 Ma Marinoan and 582 Ma Gaskiers glaciations, and suggest that the oldest Dalradian glacial unit, the Port Askaig Formation, represents one of the c. 750-690 Ma Sturtian glacial episodes. These δ13C data and resulting correlations provide more robust constraints on the geological evolution of the Dalradian Supergroup than anything hitherto available and enhance its utility in helping refine understanding of Neoprotrozoic Earth history

⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr chemostratigraphy of Neoproterozoic Dalradian limestones of Scotland and Ireland: constraints on depositional ages and time scales

New calcite <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr data for 47 limestones from the metamorphosed and deformed Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Dalradian Supergroup of Scotland and Ireland are used to identify secular trends in seawater <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr through the Dalradian succession and to constrain its depositional age. Dalradian limestones commonly have Sr greater than 1000 ppm, indicating primary aragonite and marine diagenesis. Low Mn, Mn/Sr less than 0.6, ë<sup>18</sup>O and trace element data indicate that many <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr ratios are unaltered since diagenesis despite greenschist- to amphibolite-facies metamorphism, consistent with the documented behaviour of Sr and O during metamorphic fluid-rock interaction. Thus, the <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr data are interpreted largely to reflect <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr of coeval seawater. Currently available data show that Neoproterozoic seawater <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr rose from c. 0.7052 at 850-900 Ma to c. 0.7085 or higher in the latest Neoproterozoic. Temporal changes at c. 800 Ma and c . 600 Ma bracket the range in <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr values of calcite in Grampian. Appin and lowest Argyll Group (c.0.7064-0.7072) and middle and uppermost Argyll Group (c. 0.7082-0.7095) limestones, consistent with a rise in seawater <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr around 600 Ma. <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr data are consistent with the sedimentary affinity of the Islay Subgroup with the underlying Appin Group, and with a possible time interval between deposition of Islay and Easdale Subgroup rocks. They indicate that the Dalradian, as a whole, is younger than c. 800 Ma

A Fresh Look at Francis Clet

Francis Clet’s biographers often let his martyrdom overshadow or distort his humanity by endowing his life with the heroism seen at the end of it. Thomas Davitt quotes extensively from Clet’s letters to give a factual account of his life, which includes his personal characteristics, his preparations for the China mission, and the problems he faced there. The circumstances of his sentencing and imprisonment are given, along with his own perspective on them. Also included are Clet’s observations of how the practice of religion and the treatment of prisoners in China differ from France

Humanness in a Saint

In order not to lose sight of the man behind the saint, illustrations of Vincent de Paul’s human qualities are provided with his own words. Most highlight his realism. He recognized that people sometimes joined the Congregation from self-interest. He knew who was not suited to be a confrere. Although devoted to the poor, he also set limits on charity where they were warranted. He understood that the Double Family needed to be self-supporting to succeed, and therefore had certain financial requirements of those who wished to join it. Other examples of his pragmatism are offered

Who Do You Say That I Am? Christological Perspectives on Leadership in the Vincentian Tradition

Thomas Esselman explores who Jesus was for Vincent de Paul. He places Vincent’s christology within the context of the French school of spirituality, which countered the dogmatic theology of the day by keeping the experience of faith and of Jesus as its main concerns. As Esselman writes, “Vincent lived out of experience and out of the profound conviction that God’s presence could be found in time, events, and people. . . . He would not so much contemplate Jesus as see Jesus at work, strive to imitate him, and learn from this experience.” For Vincent, Jesus’s main work was being the evangelizer of the poor. The Congregation was to continue this while emulating his virtues and seeing him in all people, but especially in the poor. Vincent’s communities were to minister to the whole person, attending to physical and spiritual needs. Esselman explains how Vincent lived “the life of doxology,” seeing God in all experiences and loving the poor as God does. Esselman concludes with questions for reflection on how we incorporate Vincent’s vision of Jesus into our work

Praying with Vincent de Paul

https://via.library.depaul.edu/vincentian_ebooks/1019/thumbnail.jp

John Gabriel Perboyre

Realistic accounts of John Gabriel Perboyre’s life and martyrdom are lacking, so this article supplies one. It compares information from different sources, including Perboyre’s own letters to his family; some are quoted and the rest are summarized. These offer insight into his personal qualities and relationships. The article covers his youth, his career in the Congregation, the development of his vocation for the China mission, his travels and efforts in China, and his ideas for the direction of the mission there. It also gives details of his betrayal, suffering, and death, correcting widespread misapprehensions in the process