A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
Sunday afternoon in the park- this is a lovely tradition that is still alive and well at the Villa Pamphili, even for a parish priest after a busy morning. I happily noted that he was intently underlining a sentence with a pencil as we passed him on our way home. The girls' enthusiasm for picnics in the park got us out in the sunshine for a bit yesterday, and I think it's a tradition we shall strive to continue as the weather warms up. As the world becomes ever more artificial, these "old school" practices of reading a physical book, using a pencil, and eating a homemade meal al fresco become increasingly counter-cultural, and more delicious.
Liturgical: Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
And the one who searches hearts
knows what is the intention of the Spirit,
because he intercedes for the holy ones
according to God's will.
We know that all things work for good for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose.
Bishop Barron's Gospel reflections today.
Sanctoral: The Church honors the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order in an Optional Memorial. They were seven noble Florentines who in the thirteenth century (1240), at a time when Florence and all Italy was torn by civil strife, banded together to found, not far from Florence on Monte Senario, the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially dedicated to penance and meditation on the sorrows of our Lady in the passion of our Savior. This order was approved by the Holy See in 1304. One of the seven, Alexis Falconieri, died on this date in 1310.
Human: Presidents' Day (U.S.)
Though this day is commonly called Presidents’ Day, the federal holiday is still called “Washington’s Birthday,” contrary to popular belief. It is one of eleven permanent holidays established by Congress. George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22, but we observe federal holidays on Mondays (in this case, the third Monday of February). To complicate matters, Washington was actually born on February 11 in 1731 because the country switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar during his lifetime (something most of Europe had done in 1582). As a result of this calendar reform, people born before 1752 were told to add 11 days to their birth dates. Those born between January 1 and March 25, as Washington was, also had to add one year to be in sync with the new calendar. By the time Washington became president in 1789, he celebrated his birthday on February 22 and listed his year of birth as 1732. Upon entering office, Washington was not convinced that he was the right man for the job. He wrote, “My movements to the chair of government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit, who is going to the place of his execution.” Fortunately for the young country, he was wrong. Learn more facts and folklore about Presidents’ Day.
Natural: What is seasonal living, and what is the one basic thing we can do to derive several health benefits from a single practice? Sync your circadian rhythm with the sun in each season. Listen to this!
Italian: Sazio (full / satisfied)
Quote: “I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.” — Anne of Green Gables
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