A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
This year's Santa Lucia portrait finds her haughtily posing with a dish towel on her head to prevent her locks becoming entangled with the makeshift wreath, which we dared not light. Valentina valiantly baked the cinnamon buns, which Joseph consumed and approved. No breakfast in bed for me this year, but there's always next year if Cordelia is still just as enthusiastic about the tradition as she has been thus far in life. Santa Lucia, prega per noi!
Liturgical: Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call your name.
Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19
Bishop Barron's Gospel reflections today.
Sanctoral: Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. John of the Cross (1542-1591). He was born and died in Spain. His parents were poor and could not give him training in any trade, hence he became the servant of the sick in the hospital of Medina. In 1563 he offered himself as a lay brother to the Carmelite friars, who, however, perceiving his unusual talents, had him ordained a priest. When he was about to join the more severe Order of the Carthusians, St. Teresa of Avila persuaded him to remain and help her in the reform of the Carmelite Order. This reform of his order caused him such sufferings and brought him many trials. But his sufferings served only to detach him from creatures. He had a great devotion to Our Lord's Passion and voluntarily sought out humiliations. When Our Lord asked him what reward he would ask for his labors, John answered: "To suffer and to be despised for Thee." He died of a very painful disease, erysipelas, while embracing the crucifix. Because of his profound treatises on mystical theology Pope Pius XI proclaimed him Doctor of the Church in 1926.
An audio.
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1542 Princess Mary Stuart succeeds her father James V and becomes Queen Mary I of Scotland at 6 days old
1774 First incident of American Revolution - 400 New Hampshire militiamen successfully attack Fort William and Mary
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Quote: A few words of wisdom from St. John of the Cross:
"Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it.”
“The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light.”
“The soul that is quick to turn to speaking and conversing is slow to turn to God.”
“It is best to learn to silence the faculties and to cause them to be still so that God may speak.”
“Who teaches the soul if not God?”
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