A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
When guests visit, all the charming particularities of Rome become more apparent, including the elegant police horses patrolling the via Coronari. We caught a glimpse of the noble law enforcers while out exploring with my sister-in-law and her sister this morning, despite the December drizzle.
Liturgical: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus."
Bishop Barron's Gospel reflections today.
Sanctoral: Today the Church in the United States celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548), an Indian convert, to whom the Virgin Mary appeared as he was going to Mass in Tlatlelolco, Mexico. Our Lady asked him to tell the Bishop that she desired a shrine to be built on the spot to manifest her love for all mankind. She left a marvelous portrait of herself on the mantle of Juan Diego as a sign for the Bishop. This miraculous image has proved to be ageless, and is kept in the shrine built in her honor, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.
An audio
Human: It’s the birthday of one of the people who helped invent the modern computer: Grace Hopper, born in New York City (1906).
It’s the birthday of poet John Milton, born in London (1608).
More at The Writer's Almanac edition today.
Natural: Pro tips for staying warm outdoors as temperatures plummet
Italian: Ringhiare (to growl)
Quote: “I began thus far to assent […] to an inward prompting which now grew daily upon me, that by labour and intent study (which I take to be my portion in this life) joyn’d with the strong propensity of nature, I might perhaps leave something so written to aftertimes, as they should not willingly let it die.”
John Milton
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