Patron saint

I’ve found my patron saint! A friend found this votive candle in a local art shop, and gave it to me. It’s now sitting on Lady Ada’s castle tray:

The text on the back, for those who have trouble reading the curved print, reads:

Secular Saint – Ada – Patron saint of mathematicians, computer programmers, and those deleted from history

St. Ada, in whom dwelt poetical science,

Grant us the combining faculty. In life you did conceive functions for machines that existed only in the mind. Teach us to reconcile, as you did, the romantic and the rational, the logical and the visionary, and obtain for me this particular favor for which I now pray: Mention a fascinating problem requiring rare inventiveness. Grant us the grace to seek out challenges, and the wisdom to transform each molehill into a mountain.

I can’t think of a better patron saint for me. And to think I (totally unknowingly) already dedicated one of my looms to her! What a fortuitous coincidence.

According to the candle (which is put out by the Unemployed Philosopher’s Guild), St. Ada’s Day is December 10. Mark it on your calendars!