A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
This scene, captured this morning while dropping Cordelia off at school, was made possible by today's saint, whose first class relics are enshrined in a reliquary in an altar in the church across the street, Santo Spirito in Sassia. Being part of the JPII generation, I can cite this pontiff as being a motivating influence in my faith formation and life decisions, through his teachings and inspiring example. It was clear to all who knew him that he was a living saint, and his charisma drew many young people to Rome, myself included, where the destiny of many is written. Arriving in Rome a few years before John Paul II died in 2005, the final years of his pontificate saw many significant beginnings in my life- from the launch of my career as a Catholic journalist (and later writer), to my marriage to Tony in Rome, to the birth of our first child, Maya Karolina (named after Karol Wojtyla). All these years later, the saint's legacy lives on in our lives on a daily basis as walk by so many places associated with him, including the Vatican and Santo Spirito, with our youngest child, Cordelia. She doesn't know it, but if it hadn't been for the witness of today's saint, I might not have been drawn to move to Rome, and she might not be here today!
For he is our peace, he made both one
and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh,
abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims,
that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two,
thus establishing peace,
and might reconcile both with God,
in one Body, through the cross,
putting that enmity to death by it.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off
and peace to those who were near,
for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Gospel reflections by Bishop Barron.
Sanctoral: Today is the Optional Memorial of St. John Paul II (1920-2005). Karol Jozef Wojtyla was born in 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. After his ordination to the priesthood and theological studies in Rome, he returned to his homeland and resumed various pastoral and academic tasks. He became first auxiliary bishop and, in 1964, Archbishop of Krakow and took part in the Second Vatican Council. On October 16, 1978 he was elected pope and took the name John Paul II. His exceptional apostolic zeal, particularly for families, young people and the sick, led him to numerous pastoral visits throughout the world. Among the many fruits which he has left as a heritage to the Church are above all his rich Magisterium and the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church and for the Eastern Churches. In Rome on April 2, 2005, the eve of the Second Sunday of Easter (or of Divine Mercy), he departed peacefully in the Lord.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his art, as well as that of his teacher, Howard Pyle. They were both part of a school of art known as narrative illustration, my first love.
The Writer's Almanac today.
Today in Roman History:
180 AD – Commodus’ triumphal entry into Rome, successor to the throne after the death of Marcus Aurelius. Commodus immediately brokered peace with the Germans and left the occupied lands (today’s Czech Republic). However, this was not a sign of the ruler’s peaceful attitude. The 19-year-old emperor just wanted to be in Rome sooner, as it offered various entertainment that were not present in the wild forests of central Europe. With this decision, Commodus destroyed many years of his father’s efforts and the dedication of thousands of soldiers. When Commodus returned to Rome, he only dealt with the representational matters and in fact his advisors ruled. In Rome, he was free to enjoy life. His rule consisted mainly of watching performances by actors and dancers, gladiator duels, and chariot races. Commodus took part in orgies, visited public houses and took part in hunting for wild animals that took him whole days. This state of affairs did not disturb his advisers too much. They had a free hand about management and believed that Commodus was simply too young.
362 AD – a fire consumed the magnificent temple of Apollo in Daphne. In addition, the main Christian church was closed.
425 AD – Valentinian III was proclaimed Caesar. The eastern army led by Ardubar and Aspar brought him and his mother to Italy.
Natural: Andre Jacques Garnerin, French aeronaut and inventor of the parachute, made first parachute jump from a balloon, at height of 2,000 feet– 1797-- How do parachutes work?
Italian: Solito (usual / habitual)
Quote: "Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence." --Pope St. John Paul II
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