May 31: The day when Pope Francis visited Romania, with an emotional message: “I came here as a pilgrim who wants to see the image of the Lord in the image of the brothers”
On May 31, over the years, a series of prominent events have happened, from the death sentence of Nazi Adolf Eichmann, to the birth of important public figures. Also on this day, in 2019, Pope Francis visited Romania, bringing an emotional message.
On May 31, 2019, Pope Francis started his visit to Romania. Photo: Archive
1718: Jacob Christian Schäffer, one of the greatest eighteenth century, was born
Jacob Christian Schäffer was a German Lutheran theologian and one of the remarkable scientific personalities of the eighteenth century. Known under the abbreviation “Schaeff” in the scientific literature, he had important contributions in botany, mycology, entomology and ornithology.
Jacob Christian Schäffer has cataloged and defined several species of fungi. Photo: Wikipedia
He became passionate about entomology in 1752, when an invasion of caterpillars affected his hometown. He studied the phenomenon and published a book dedicated to the subject. His essential works include “icones insectorum” (1779) and the introduction to “entomological element” (1789).
In the botanical field, he published in 1759 the work “Simplified science of medical plants, a useful guide for doctors and pharmacists”.
As a mycologist, he made between 1762 and 1774 the reference work “Colored images by nature of the Bavarian sponges and of the upper palatine”, in four illustrated volumes. He described numerous species of fungi, some of them bearing his name: Cortinarius Schaefferi (today C. Olivaceofuscus) and Agaricus Schaefferianus (today A. Urinascens).
1819: Was the American poet Walt Whitman
Photo: Archive
On May 31, 1819, Walt Whitman was born, one of the most powerful voices of American poetry. Considered by Ezra Pound “itself America”, Whitman remains a symbol of the free spirit and unrestricted lyrical expression.
1859: Big Ben was put into operation, the emblematic clock of London
Big Ben, the famous clock in the Westminster Palace tower, was put into operation in 1859. The project was carried out by lawyer and amateur clock Edmund Beckett Denison and Royal Astronoma George Airy, and the mechanism was built by Edward John Dent and completed by his step -son, Frederick.
Big Ben orologie is a symbol of Great Britain. Photo: Shutterstock
The clock is famous for its accuracy, thanks to an innovative gravitational regulator. Its pendulum, almost 4 meters long and weighing 300 kg, is finely adjusted by adding old British coins by a penny, each adjustment changing the time by 0.4 seconds a day.
1930: The American actor Clint Eastwood was born
Clint Eastwood was born on May 31, 1930. Famous for his roles in westerns and action films, Eastwood later became an award -winning director, with four palms.
Clint Eastwood, successful actor and director. Photo: Shutterstock
In the 1980s, he was elected mayor of his hometown Carmel, California. Although he is a member of the Republican Party, Eastwood was a harsh critic of the Iraq war and President George W. Bush.
1954: The musician and composer Nicu Alifantis was born
Nicu Alifantis, one of the emblematic figures of Romanian music, was born on May 31, 1954. He debuted on TVR in 1973, and in 1976 he launched his first disk, night song.
Member of the Flacăra Cenacle, founder of the Alifantis & Zan band, the artist was rewarded with numerous awards for his contributions in theater and folk music. Among the most beloved songs are “December”, “shadow” and “how good you are”.
1962: Adolf Eichmann, sentenced to death in Israel
Adolf Eichmann, waiting for the trial. Photo: Archive
On May 31, 1962, Adolf Eichmann, one of the architects of the Holocaust, was sentenced to death by hanging in Israel. After running to Argentina under a false identity, he was captured by Mossad and brought to Jerusalem, where he was tried for crimes against humanity.
1963: The prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban was born
Viktor Orban, the influential political leader of Hungary, was born on May 31, 1963. He studied at Eötvös University Loránd in Budapest and, for a period, at Oxford.
Viktor Orban turns 62. Photo: EPA-EFE
In 1988 he founded the Fidesz party, and in 1989 he held a historical speech asking for the withdrawal of Soviet troops. Since 1998 he has become a prime minister, and in his mandates Hungary has joined NATO and has gone through major political transformations.
1965: Was the actress Brooke Shields born
Brooke Shields. Photo: Shutterstock
Brooke Shields has become famous since childhood through the modeling and movie career. He debuted in 1978 with Pretty Baby, and the roles in “Blue Lagoon” or “Castle for Christmas” consolidated his fame.
She was married to tennis player Andre Agassi, and since 2001 she is the partner of director Chris Henchy, with whom she has two children.
2009: The last survivor of Titanic died
Millvina Dean was a baby when her parents boarded Titanic. Photo: Click!
Millvina Dean, born on February 2, 1912, was the youngest passenger on Titanic and the last survivor of the tragedy. He was only two months old when the vessel sank. He died on May 31, 2009, at the age of 97.
2017: devastating explosion to Kabul – over 90 dead
On May 31, 2017, a car-carp car exploded near the German Embassy in Kabul, during the peak time. Deflagration killed over 90 people and injured another 463. Several vehicles were destroyed.
2019: Pope Francis visits Romania
Between May 31 and June 2, 2019, Pope Francis paid a historical visit to Romania. Hundreds of people welcomed him on arrival at “Henri Coandă” Airport.
Among the key moments of the visit were the beatification of the seven Greek-Catholic bishops in Blaj and the official meetings with President Klaus Iohannis, Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă and Patriarch Daniel.
“” And I came here as a pilgrim who wants to see the image of the Lord in the image of the brothers; looking at you, thank you for your reception. The bonds of faith that unite us from the Apostles, the witnesses of the Risen, especially from the connection that united Petru de Andrei, who, according to tradition. In a special way, by pouring the blood for the Lord. Pope Francis transmitted to the Romanians who came to meet him.
Other holidays
* May 31, in Romania is celebrated the Day of Genists
* World tobacco day.
