Bonus! Song o' New Year's Eve

Reel Big Fish, "Auld Lang Syne" from the Happy Skalidays E.P. (Rude Boy Mike Papa Whiskey)

Bonus! Song of Anno domini MMXX

Green Day, "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" from Nimrod (Mike Papa Whiskey)

Commentary: I posted the image above on New Year's Day 2020, not having any idea of the horrors & injustices that awaited us in the year then just a few hours old. There is an old rhyme that sums up my attitude as 2021 dawns:

Fool me once, shame on thee;
Fool me twice, shame on me.

I look forward in hope to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, but without any optimism for this world. The short-term future holds nothing for us but banal tyranny, despair, & endless tragedy.

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 7th Day o' Christmas

Seventh Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord
Duvall, "Angels We Have Heard on High" from O Holy Night (St. Mike Papa Whiskey)

Saints + Scripture: Octave of Christmas

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

The Popish Plot
"Bonus: We Can't Use Any of This"

'Tis the Sixth Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 30 December: The Holy Family."

The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus. Mary, & Joseph is a moveable feast, celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas Day, this year falling on 27 December, overriding the Feast of Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist. If Christmas Day itself falls on a Sunday, then the following Sunday is 1 January, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God; in that case, the Feast of the Holy Family is then celebrated on 30 December, the nearest day without another feast it would displace.

Saints of the Day
'Tis the festival of Saint Felix I, Pope (died 274), twenty-sixth (XXVI) Bishop of Rome (269-274): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Pontifex-link & Wikipedia-link Pontifex.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anysia of Salonika, Martyr (284-304), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Diocletianic Persecution (303-313): Martyr-link ūna, Martyr-link duæ, & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link, Wikipedia-link Diocletian ūnus, Wikipedia-link Diocletian duo, & Wikipedia-link Diocletian trēs.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anysius of Thessalonica, Bishop (died circa 410), Bishop of Thessalonica (383-410): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Egwin of Evesham, Bishop, O.S.B. (died 717, A.K.A. of Worcester; also spelt Ecgwine, etc.), third (III) Bishop of Worcester (693-717), founder of the Abbey of Evesham (701): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Worcester, & Abbey-link & Wikipedia-link Evesham.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Raoul of Vaucelles, Abbot, O.Cist. (died 1152; A.K.A. Radolph, Rodulphe), founding abbot of Vaucelles Abbey (1132-1152): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Margherita Colonna, Abbess, O.S.C. (circa 1255-1284), founding superioress of a convent at Palestrina: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Eugenia Maria Ravasco, Religious (1845-1900), foundress of the Ravasco Institute, formally the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verses twelve thru seventeen;
Psalm Ninety-six (R/. eleven [a]), verses seven & eight(a), eight(b) & nine, & ten;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses thirty-six thru forty.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel concludes Luke’s account of the Presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple.

The Presentation of the Lord goes on now in our churches, in our temples, at the Mass. We say that the Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life, for it effects even now, applies even now, the salvific power of the cross.

And at the heart of the Mass, of course, is the Eucharist, which means thanksgiving. Listen to what Luke says about the prophetess Anna, who was a temple person through and through. Upon seeing the Christ child, "she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem."

That’s our task and our privilege even now.

Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Doctor John Bergsma (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 32
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter twenty-one (verses one thru forty-six);

Commentary: Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew, 21:1-11), Jesus Cleanses the Temple (Matthew, 21:12-17), Jesus Curses the Fig Tree (Matthew, 21:18-22), the Authority of Jesus Questioned (Matthew, 21:23-27), the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew, 21:28-32), the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew, 21:33-41), & the Stone Which the Builders Rejected (Matthew, 21:42-46).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"No human riches could offer a fitting setting for the human birth of the eternal Son of God. Only that poverty, that abandonment, that crib, that night at Bethlehem cold provide it. It was fitting that He would not find lodging in that town."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"The first requirement of prayer is silence. People of prayer are people of silence."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"I cannot see why a Christian should be in the least bit troubled about the virgin birth, because there's a virgin birth in us all. Everyone who becomes a Christian has Christ in him. Christ is born & conceived in everyone by baptism. There is first of all the renewal crisis in the intellect so that, Paul says, we 'put on the mind of Christ.' He is in the will, as grace & power. And He is in our body, because our body, becomes the temple of God. The convert (it's easy to understand in a convert because one can always distinguish the before & after state) can often say: 'Oh, yes, at this precise date I heard the word of God. And the word was born in me so that I have His truth & His grace, & He's living inside of my body.' There is conception by perception, conception by the hearing of the word of God."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 6th Day o' Christmas

Sixth Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord
MU330, "Angels We Have Heard on High" from Winter Wonderland! (St. Mike Papa Whiskey)

Saints + Scripture: Octave of Christmas

Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Fifth Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Saints of the Day
'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr (circa 1118-1170, A.K.A. of Canterbury), Archbishop of Canterbury (1162-1170), martyred in the reign of the English king Henry II: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, Martyr-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Canterbury.

Commentary: Wayback Machine '18.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Trophimus of Arles, Bishop (died circa 280), inaugural Bishop of Arles (250-280): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Arles.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ebrulf of Ouche, Abbot (circa 517-596; also spelt Evroul, etc.), founding abbot of the Abbey of Saint-Evroul: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Saint-Evroul.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Ailerán of Clonard, Religious (died circa 664, A.K.A. Ailerán sapientis ["Ailerán the Wise"]): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Peter the Venerable, Abbot, O.S.B. (circa 1092-1156; A.K.A. of Cluny, of Montboissier), ninth (IX) Abbot (1122-1156) of the Abbey of Cluny: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Abbey-link, Wikipedia-link Cluny, & Wikipedia-link Abbots.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Gerardo Cagnoli, Religious, O.F.M. (circa 1267-1342): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed William Howard, Martyr (1614-1680), first Viscount Stafford, martyred in the reign of the Anglo-Scottish king Charles II, a victim of the perjurer Titus Oates's "Popish Plot" hoax: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Popish Plot-link & Wikipedia-link Popish Plot.

Commentary: Grandson of St. Philip Howard [19 October], one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales [25 October].

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
The First Letter of John, chapter two, verses thre thru eleven;
Psalm Ninety-six (R/. eleven[a]), verses one & two(a), two(b) & three, & five(b) & six;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two thru thirty-five.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple.

The Presentation of Jesus, perfected on the cross, is re-presented every time the Mass is celebrated. The Mass is certainly a festive meal, the moment when God feeds his people with his very Body and Blood; but the Mass is also a sacrifice, for it involves the offering of Jesus’ Body and Blood to the Father.

The Son, bearing the sins of the world, is presented to the Father: "Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, for ever and ever." Does God need this sacrifice? Of course not; God needs nothing. But our salvation is effected through this Presentation, for we are brought back to the Father through the Son.

Video reflection by Deacon Arthur L. Miller (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter two, verses eight thru thirteen & chapter three, verses ten, eleven, & twelve;
Psalm Thirty-four (R/. five), verses two & three, four & five, six & seven, & eight & nine;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter sixteen, verses twenty-four thru twenty-seven.

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 29 December: Saint Thomas Becket"

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 31
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter twenty (verses one thru thirty-four);

Commentary: The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew, 20:1-16), a Third Time Jesus Foretells His Death & Resurrection (Matthew, 20:17-19), the Request of the Mother of James & John (Matthew, 20:20-28), & Jesus Heals Two Blind Men (Matthew, 20:29-34).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Would it not be beautiful if Christmas were to generate the inner Christ within us: a habit of meditation, a living memory of the great Mystery that we have solemnly commemoriated; a persuasion of faith, now acquired & confirmed? We must live our lives in union with Christ's life."
—Pope St. Paul VI (1897-1978, r. 1963-1978; feast: 29 May)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"There is more hunger in the world for love & appreciation in this world than for food."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Catholic Quote o' the Day

"Our life is a gift & a giving to others; therefore it is joy at a profound level. Anyone who seriously makes this idea his own & begins to practice it will find it to be true; he will discover that the will to live it out, that is, to accept everything as a gift from God, can transform our life right down to its roots."
—Servant of God Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"The Magi came from the East. How did they know about Christ? Probably from the prophecy of Daniel concerning the seventy weeks of years; they counted the revolution of the stars. In any case, they knew, & they brought gold because He was king, incense because He was a priest, but also myrrh. That's the way He was buried, with a hundred pounds of spices & myrrh. What would our mothers have thought if the neighbors brought in embalming fluid when we were born? Everywhere there was the shadow of suffering."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 5th Day o' Christmas

Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord
Matt Maher, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" from The Advent of Christmas (St. Mike Papa Whiskey)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 4th Day o' Christmas

Feast of the Holy Innocents
Sufjan Stevens featuring Marla Hansen, "Coventry Carol" from Silver & Gold (St. Mike Papa Whiskey)

Saints + Scripture: Feast of the Holy Innocents

Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

The Popish Plot
"The Holy Innocents in Christmas"

'Tis the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs (A.K.A. the Massacre of the Innocents): Martyrs-link ūnus, Martyrs-link duo, Martyrs-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth Minute Meditations from the Popes:

O Lord, today we commemorate the sacrifice of the Holy Innocents. But the innocents are still dying; may I fight with all my might & resources to pretect them.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of the Holy Innocents
The First Letter of John, chapter one, verse five thru chapter two, verse two;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-four (R/. seven), verses two & three, four & five, & seven(c/d) & eight;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter two, verses thirteen thru eighteen.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of Herod’s massacre of the innocents, which mimics, of course, Pharoah’s murder of the male children of the Hebrews at the time of Moses’ birth.

John Courtney Murray commented that a major motif of the Gospels is the ever-increasing agon (struggle) that characterizes Jesus’ life. From the very beginning, he is opposed: Herod trembles in fear at his birth and then tries in the most brutal manner possible to stamp him out, forcing him and his family into exile. And from the first moments of his public ministry, he awakens fierce opposition, from both the cosmic powers and the representatives of the religious establishment. As the narrative unfolds, the warfare only becomes more intense, verbal violence giving way to threats of physical harm and finally to institutional violence that culminates in execution by crucifixion.

The theological meaning of this struggle is made clear in Peter’s post-Pentecost speech to the crowds gathered in the temple precincts: "You rejected the Holy and Righteous One… and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead." The opposition to Jesus is divine judgment on the dysfunction of the world.

Video reflection by Monsignor James Vlaun (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Curtis Mitch (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 28 December: The Holy Innocents."

'Tis the Fourth Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 30
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter nineteen (verses one thru thirty);

Commentary: Teachings about Divorce (Matthew, 19:1-12), Jesus Blesses the Children (Matthew, 19:13-15), & the Rich Young Man (Matthew, 19:16-30).

Other Saints of the Day
'Tis also the festival of Saint Theonas of Alexandria, Bishop (died 300), sixteenth (XVI) Patriarch of Alexandria (282-300): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Alexandria & Wikipedia-link Patriarchs.

'Tis also the festival of Saints Romulus & Conindrus, Bishops (died circa 450), missionary bishops to the Isle of Man: Saint-link Romeo, Saint-link Charlie, & Wikipedia-link (List).

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anthony of Lérins, Religious (circa 468-520, A.K.A. the Hermit): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Matthia dei Nazzarei, Abbess, O.S.B. (1253-1319), abbess of the convent of Santa Maria Maddalena (1279-1319): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Santa Maria Maddalena.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Caterina Volpicelli, Religious (1839-1894), foundress of the Maids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1874): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Hryhoriy Khomyshyn, Bishop & Martyr (1867-1947, A.K.A. Grzegorz Chomyszyn), Bishop of Stanislaviv (1904-1947, now Ivano-Frankivsk), martyred in the reign of the Soviet Communist dictator Joseph Stalin, one of the twenty-five Martyrs Killed under Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Stanislaviv, & Martyrs-link Eastern Europe.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Human life is sacred. From its inception it reveals the creating hand of God. Those who violate His laws offend the Divine Majesty & degrade themselves & humanity. They also sap the vitality of the political community of which they are members."
—Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963, r. 1958-1963; feast: 11 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"I did not know that our work would grow so fast or go so far. I never doubted that it would live but I didn't think it would be like this. Doubt I never had because I had this conviction that if God blesses it, it will prosper."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Amid all the fear that characterizes our time, we Christians are summoned to live in joy & communicate joy—joy in spite of fear, joy in the midst of fear."
—Servant of God Hans Urs von Balthsar (1905-1988)

The Explorers' Club, № DCCXCII

Operation AXIOM: Between the Wars—The Anglo-Irish War, Part III
11-12 December 1920: The Burning of Cork—Three weeks after Dublin's Bloody Sunday & a fortnight after the Kilmichael Ambush, the Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.) ambushed Royal Irish Constabulary (R.I.C.) Auxiliaries at Dillon's Cross, killing one & wounding a dozen; in revenge, the R.I.C. "Black & Tans" & Auxiliaries burned & looted Cork, obstructed firemen, & murdered two I.R.A. in their bedroom.

Lest we forget.

Saints + Scripture: Feast of the Holy Family

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

The Popish Plot
"Bonus: Before & After Filming"

'Tis the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph: Holy Family-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine Holy Family.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph
The Book of Sirach, chapter three, verses two thru six, twelve, thirteen, & fourteen;
or, the Book of Genesis, chapter fifteen, verses one thru six & chapter twenty-one, verses one, two, & three;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-eight (R/. cf. one), verses one & two, three, & four & five;
or, Psalm One Hundred Five (R/. seven[a] & eight[a]), verses one & two, three & four, five & six, & eight & nine;
The Letter to the Colossians, chapter three, verses twelve thru twenty-one
(or, the Letter to the Colossians, chapter three, verses twelve thru seventeen);
or, the Letter to the Hebrews, chapter eleven, verses eight, eleven, twelve, seventeen, eighteen, & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two thru forty
(or, the Gospel according to Luke, chapter two, verses twenty-two, thirty-nine, & forty).

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. We are meant to understand that the glory of Yahweh is returning to the temple in the arms of Mary and Joseph, thus fulfilling one of the deepest aspirations of Israel’s people.

Now, there is more to this story than the return of the Lord to his temple. The Son of God, having taken to himself a human nature, is presented to the Father, and thereby the human race is brought back on line. This little baby is the reconciliation of divinity and humanity, is the very essence of temple sacrifice.

At the climax of his life, this baby, now come of age, would enter the temple again. This time, he would pass judgment on it and declare his own body as the new Temple. A few days later, on the cross, he would perform the final temple sacrifice, o

Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M. (U. S. C. of Catholic Bishops): Sunday Reflection.

Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D. (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Breaking the Bread.

'Tis the Third Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 29
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter eighteen (verses one thru thirty-five);

Commentary: True Greatness (Matthew, 18:1-4), Temptations to Sin (Matthew, 18:5-9), the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew, 18:10-14), Binding & Loosing of Sins (Matthew, 18:15-20), Repeated Forgiveness (Matthew, 18:21-22), & the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew, 18:23-35).

Saints of the Day
Otherwise, 27 December would be the festival of Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist (circa 6-101, the "Beloved Disciple" or "the Disciple whom Jesus loved;" A.K.A. of Patmos, the Divine, the Theologian, the Revelator, the Presbyter, the Elder): Apostle-link ūnus, Apostle-link duo, Apostle-link trēs, Wikipedia-link Apostle, Wikipedia-link Evangelist, Wikipedia-link Patmos, Wikipedia-link Presbyter, & Wikipedia-link Disciple; Apostles-link & Wikipedia-link Apostles.

Commentary: Wayback Machine 27 December. Brother of fellow Apostle St. James the Greater [25 July].

Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 27 December: Saint John the Apostle".

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Maximus of Alexandria, Bishop (died 282), fifteenth (XV) Patriarch of Alexandria (264-282): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Alexandria & Wikipedia-link Patriarchs.

'Twould also be the festival of Saint Nikarete of Constantinople, Virgin (died circa 405): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Saints Theodorus of Apamea, Priest & Martyr, & Theophanus of Nicaea, Bishop & Confessor (circa 775-842 & circa 778-845; A.K.A. the Hymnographer, the Branded), Metropolitan of Nicaea (842-845); the Grapti ("written upon"), martyred & persecuted in the reign of the Byzantine emperor Theophilos, victims of the Byzantine iconoclastic heresy: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link Theodorus, Confessor-link & Wikipedia-link Theophanus; Wikipedia-link Nicaea; & Heresy-link & Wikipedia-link Iconoclasm.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Christina Ebner, Abbess, O.P. (1277-1356), prioress of the monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Engeltal: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Sára Salkaházi, Religious & Martyr, S.S.S. (1899-1944), martyred in the reign of the Hungarian Nazi puppet dictator Ferenc Szálasi: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed Odoardo Focherini, Martyr (1907-1944), martyred in the reign of the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the Righteous among the Nations: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Righteous among the Nations.

Commentary: Bl. Sára & Bl. Odoardo were martyred on the same day, 27 December 1944.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"The measure of our love cannot be found simply in the weak capacity of the human heart. We must love according to the measure of the Heart of Christ. With renewed conviction, proclaim your fidelity to Christ, the Redeemer of humanity."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Bonus! Papal Quote o' the Day

"When we read that the messenger addresses Mary as 'full of grace,' the Gospel context, which mingles revelations & ancient promises, enables us to understand that among all the 'spiritual blessings in Christ' this is a special 'blessing.' In the mystery of Christ she is present even 'before the creation of the world,' as the one whom the Father 'has chosen as Mother of His Son in the Incarnation."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

The R.B.D. Song o' the Lord's Day: The Holy Family

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph
Daniel Schmit, "Joseph's Song" from Christmas Hope (St. Mike Papa Whiskey)

Bonus! Song o' the Day

Fitz & the Tantrums, "MoneyGrabber" from Pickin' Up the Pieces (Mike Papa Whiskey)

Commentary: Why, certainly, random girl who followed & messaged me on social media, of course I'll gift you "an EBay card of 100 bucks… for something really important." My counter proposal to finance the purchase & have it shipped to her, rather than giving her the card no questions asked, was rebuffed. Nothing suspicious about that!

"Blue rhinestone glass, all I see:
You talking double,
Like the time you said to 'Buy it for me,
''Cause I'm in trouble.'

"Here's my advice:
I don't think twice for the price of a cheap dime whore!

"Don't comeback any time, I've already had your kind,
This is your payback, MoneyGrabber!
Don't come back any time, you've already robbed me blind,
This is your payback, MoneyGrabber!

"One! Two! Three!
One is for the money,
Two is for the greed,
And three times that I told you
That you're the one I just don't need!…"

Saints + Scripture: Feast of Saint Stephen

Better Late than Never, Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

The Popish Plot
"Poor Christmas Songs, Part 2"

Commentary: By viewer request, part two!

'Tis the Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr (circa 5-34), martyed in the reign of the Roman emperor Tiberius, one of the first Seven Deacons: Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, Martyr-link trēs, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Seven Deacons; & Wikipedia-link Saint Stephen's Day.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of St. Stephen
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter six, verses eight, nine, & ten & chapter seven, verses fifty-four thru fifty-nine;
Psalm Thirty-one (R/. six), verses three(c/d) & four, six & eight(a/b), & sixteen(b/c) & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-two.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus predicts the coming persecution of his disciples. And we can see his prophetic word realized through the ages.

Think of St. Peter himself, crucified upside down in the circus of Nero; of Felicity and Perpetua, thrown to wild animals because they wouldn’t deny their faith; of Thomas More, who resisted King Henry VIII and paid for it with his head; of Paul Miki, the Japanese Jesuit, who was crucified for announcing the Christian faith; of Miguel Pro, who was shot to death for defying a repressive Mexican government, shouting as he was shot, "Viva, Cristo Rey!"; of Franz Jägerstätter and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whom the Nazi regime put to death; of Maximilian Kolbe, who died at Auschwitz, willingly taking the place of another man. And the list goes on and on.

Indeed, the martyrs have come from all corners of the world, and they have spoken Greek, Latin, French, German, English, Japanese, Polish, and many other languages besides. Friends, this, strangely, is the army that undermines the foundations of the fallen world through the centuries. This is the great fighting force that Jesus has unleashed and continues to unleash.

Video reflection by Marc DelMonico, Ph.D. (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea & the Seven Feast Days after Christmas: 26 December: Stephen, the First Martyr"

'Tis the Second Day in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, within the Christmastide: Wikipedia-link Octave, Wikipedia-link Christmastide, & Wikipedia-link Twelve Days of Christmas.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 28
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter seventeen (verses one thru twenty-seven);

Commentary: The Transfiguration (Matthew, 17:1-13), Jesus Cures an Epileptic Boy (Matthew, 17:14-21), Jesus Again Foretells His Death & Resurrection (Matthew, 17:22-23), & Jesus & the Temple Tax (Matthew, 17:24-27).

Other Saints of the Day
'Tis also the festival of Saint Dionysius, Pope (died 268), twenty-fifth (XXV) Bishop of Rome (259-268): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Pontifex-link & Wikipedia-link Pontifex.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Archelaus of Mesopotamia, Bishop (died circa 280), Bishop of Carrhae, a foe of the Manichaeist heresy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Carrhae, & Heresy-link & Wikipedia-link Manichaeism.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Abadiu of Antinoë, Bishop & Martyr (floruit fourth century), Bishop of Antinoë, martyred by Arian heretics: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Antinoë.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Zosimus, Pope (died 418), forty-first (XLI) Bishop of Rome (417-418): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Pontifex-link & Wikipedia-link Pontifex.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Tathan, Abbot (floruit fifth-sixth centuries; also spelt Tatheus, Tathai, Tathyw, etc.), founder of the monastery at Caerwent: Saint-link, Wikipedia-link Tathan, & Wikipedia-link Tathyw; Wikipedia-link Caerwent.

Commentary: Nephew of St. Samson of Dol [28 July].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Maethlu of Anglesey, Hermit (floruit sixth century; ; A.K.A. of Wales, the Confessor; also spelt Amaethlu, Amaethlin), namesake & patron of Saint Maethlu's Church & Llanfaethlu: Saint-link; Wikipedia-link Saint Maethlu's & Wikipedia-link Llanfaethlu.

Papal Quote o' the Day

"O sweet & gentle Infant of Bethlehem, grant us the gift of sharing with our whole soul in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into other's hearts the peace that at times they seek so openly & that You alone can give them."
—Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963, r. 1958-1963; feast: 11 October)

Bonus! Papal Quote o' the Day

"In serenity or in life’s darkness let us address Mary, entrusting ourselves to her continuous intercession so that she may obtain for us from the Son every grace & mercy we need for our pilgrimage on the highways of the world."
—Pope Benedict XVI (b. 1927, r. 2005-2013)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"Am I convinced of God's love for me & mine for Him? This conviction is the sunlight that makes the sap of life rise."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Teacher of children became Himself a Child among children, that He might instruct the unwise. The Bread of Heaven came down to Earth to feed the hungry."
—St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church (313-386, feast: 18 March)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"When God came to this world, He did not leave heaven empty. When He came to this world, He was not shaved down, whittled down to human proportions. Rather, Christ was the life of God dwelling in human flesh."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' the 2nd Day o' Christmas

Feast of Saint Stephen
The Kleznomauts, "Good King Wenceslas" from Oy to the World: A Klezmer Christmas (St. Mike Papa Whiskey)

Commentary: Both St. Wenceslaus, the eponymous "Good King Wenceslas," & St. Stephen, on whose feast—26 December—the eponymous Wenceslas went out, are Christian martyrs. Merry Christmas!

The Queue

I've made very little progress through Venerable Fulton Sheen's Life of Christ over the course of seven months; so, I've returned it to the "Presently" section of the queue. Depending on hos thigns develop, Life of Christ will either be restored to "Currently" or shelved back in "Eventually."

W.R.A.P. Yourself in Scripture is a tiny little book of fifty-some pages, really just a large pamphlet. 'Twas given to me as homework by my potential spiritual director, Father Riley. I've asked for The Fisherman's Tomb for the last several Christmases & birthdays & was finally gifted it today. My hope is that I Heard God Laugh will dovetail nicely with W.R.A.P. Yourself in Scripture & the prayer life Father Riley has advised me to foster.

The Popish Plot reviewed Ad Limina & Cy Kellett himself, the author, reached out to us. He has a "very basic book about Jesus" coming out from Catholic Answers in the first quarter of 2021 & will mail me a copy; when that arrives, whatever it is titled, it will jump to the top of the queue.

Recently
Cyril Jones-Kellett, Ad Limina
David Hobbs with Andrew Marriot, Hobbo: Motor Racer, Motor Mouth—The Autobiography of David Hobbs
Sam Posey, Where the Writer Meets the Road: A Collection of Articles, Broadcast Intros, and Profiles

Currently
Matthew Kelly, I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's Essential Daily Habit
John O'Neill, The Fisherman's Tomb: The True Story of the Vatican's Secret Search
Karen L. Dwyer, Ph.D. & Lawrence A. Dwyer, J.D., W.R.A.P. Yourself in Scripture: Reading, Prayering, and Reflecting on Scripture with Journaling

Presently
Fulton J. Sheen, Life of Christ
Flannery O'Connor, Flannery O'Connor Collection
Michael Gorn, N.A.S.A.: The Complete Illustrated History
Brandon Vogt, What to Say and How to Say It: Discuss Your Catholic Faith with Clarity and Confidence
Matthew Kelly, Dig the Well Before You Get Thirsty: The Ultimate Prayer Journal to Prepare for the Inevitable and Explore the PossibleA Practical Guide to Life's Essential Daily Habit

Saints + Scripture: Christmas — Please Stand By

The Popish Plot
"Poor Christmas Songs, Part 1"

Commentary: By viewer request!

The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' Christmas Day

The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
Duvall, "Joy to the World" from O Holy Night (St. Mike Papa Whiskey)

Bonus! Moonshot Song o' the Day: Apollo 8

Operation AXIOM: The 52nd Anniversary of Apollo 8
Public Service Broadcasting, "The Other Side" from The Race for Space (Space Cadet Mike Papa Whiskey)

Commentary: "The Other Side" would have been a perfect song to include in last year's retrospective on the fifty-first anniversary of Apollo 8 & the first voyage from the Earth to the Moon, except that I had not then heard of Public Service Broadcasting & was not then aware of The Race for Space. Welcome to what I intend to be an annual tradition here at The Secret Base.

The Wayback Machine Tour of Apollo 8
№ DCCXXIV: The Fiftieth Anniversary of Apollo 8, Part I
№ DCCXXV: The Fiftieth Anniversary of Apollo 8, Part II
№ DCCXXVI: The Fiftieth Anniversary of Apollo 8, Part III

Saints + Scripture: Adventus | Christmas Eve

Simplex Complex Edition | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve-link & Wikipedia-link.

Saints of the Day
'Tis the festival of Saint Gregory of Spoleto, Priest & Martyr (died circa 304), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Diocletianic Persecution (303-313): Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Persecutions-link, Wikipedia-link Diocletian ūnus, Wikipedia-link Diocletian duo, & Wikipedia-link Diocletian trēs.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Delphinus of Bordeaux, Bishop (died circa 404), Bishop of Bordeaux (380-404), a foe of the Priscillianist heresy: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link (List); Wikipedia-link Bordeaux, & Heresy-link & Wikipedia-link Priscillianism.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Trasilla, Virgin (floruit sixth century): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Sister of St. Emiliana [5 January], sister-in-law of St. Silvia of Rome [3 November], & descendant of Pope St. Felix III [1 March].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Irmina of Oeren, Abbess, O.S.B. (died circa 710, A.K.A. of Trier), second (II) abbess of Saint Mary's Convent at Oeren, donor of the land for the Abbey of Echternach: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Abbey-link & Wikipedia-link Echternach.

Commentary: Daughter of St. Dagobert [23 December]; sister, or possibly mother, of St. Adela of Pfalzel [see: below]; & possibly great-great grandmother of Bl. Charlemagne [28 January].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Adela of Pfalzel, Abbess, O.S.B. (died 735), foundress & second (II) abbess of the Convent of Palatiolum: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Daughter, or possibly granddaughter, of St. Dagobert [23 December] & sister, or possibly daughter, of St. Irmina of Oeren [see: above].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Hanno of Worms, Bishop & Abbot, O.S.B. (died 978) ninth (IX) Bishop of Worms (950-978), abbot of the Monastery of Saint Mauritius at Magdeburg (937-950): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Ignacio Caselles Garcia, Priest & Martyr, O.F.M. Cap. (1874-1936, A.K.A. Juan Crisóstomo of Gata de Gorgos), martyred by Spanish Communist "Republicans" (Rojos), one of the Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link (List); Martyrs-link España & Wikipedia-link España.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Mass in the Morning
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses one thru five, eight(b) thru twelve, fourteen(a), & sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine (R/. two), verses two & three, four & five, & twenty-seven & twenty-nine;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses sixty-seven thru seventy-nine.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel contains the prayer of Zechariah at the birth of his son, John the Baptist.

This prayer is especially precious to priests, religious, and all those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours on a daily basis. It’s called the "Benedictus," from its first word in Latin, or the "Canticle of Zechariah." What’s wonderful about this prayer (and why the Church asks its ministers to pray it every day) is that it sums up magnificently the whole history of salvation, putting Jesus and John in the context of the great story of Israel.

In the canticle, Zechariah poignantly addresses the infant John the Baptist, saying, "You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High." He calls him by this high name of prophet, nabi in Hebrew—a spokesman for God. All of the prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Joel, Hosea—looked toward the fulfillment of the covenant, the conquest of Israel’s enemies, the establishment of right worship. John is seen here as the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets. His role is, like all the prophets, to "go before the Lord to prepare his way." His job is to point, explain, indicate—and then disappear.

Reflect: John the Baptist said about Jesus, "He must increase; I must decrease" (John 3:30). What does this mean and how might it apply to you as well?

Video reflection by Deacon Clarence McDavid (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Mass Readings—Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord: Vigil Mass
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-two, verses one thru five;
Psalm Eighty-nine (R/. two[a]), verses four & five, sixteen & seventeen, & twenty-seven & twenty-nine;
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter thirteen, verses sixteen, seventeen, & twenty-two thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses one thru twenty-five (or, the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses eighteen thru twenty-five).

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 26
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter fifteen (verses one thru thirty-nine);

Commentary: The Tradition of the Elders (Matthew, 15:1-9), Things That Defile a Man (Matthew, 15:10-20), the Canaanite Woman's Faith (Matthew, 15:21-28), Jesus Heals Many People (Matthew, 15:29-31), & Feeding the Four Thousand (Matthew, 15:32-39).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Tomorrow, no tonight, we shall contemplate Him, meek & mild, a child like any other 'born of woman.' We shall be invited to admire & recognize Him, just as the shepherds once did. He will bestow 'grace & peace' on 'all God's beloved who are called to be Saints.'"
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute."
—St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (354-430, feast: 28 August)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"A Jewish scholar who became a Christian & who knew the Old Testament very well & all of the tradition of the Jews, said that at the time of Christ the rabbis had gathered together four hundred fifty-six prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Christ, the conqueror of evil who was to be born & to enter into a new covenant with mankind. Suppose the chances of any one prophecy being fulfilled by accident, say the place where he would be born, was one in a hundred. Then, if two prophecies were fulfilled, the chances would be on in a thousand. If three prophecies were to coincide in Christ, that would be one in ten thousand. If four, one in a hundred thousand. If five, one in a million. Now if all of these prophecies were fulfilled in Christ, what would be the chance of them all concurring at the appointed moment, not only in place but also in time, as was foretold by the prophet Daniel? Take a pencil & write on a sheet of paper the numeral one, & draw a line beneath it. Under the line write eighty-four, & after eighty-four, if you have time, write one hundred twenty-six zeros. That is the chance of all of the prophecies of Christ being fulfilled. It runs into millions & millions, trillions & trillions."
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

The Rebel Black Dot Song o' Christmas Eve

Sarah Brightman, "Silent Night" from A Winter Symphony (Mike Papa Whiskey)

The Rebel Black Dot Christmas Song o' the Day

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, "This Time of Year" from Medium Rare (Rude Boy Mike Papa Whiskey)

Skammentary:

"This time of year it gets me and it never lets me
Act like I don't care,
This time of year's my favorite time of year
'Cause all of us are here together…

Saints + Scripture: Adventus

Better Late than Never | Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa!

'Tis the Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Video reflection by Bishop Earl Boyea: "Bishop Boyea on the Seven 'O Antiphons' of Advent, Part 7: O Emmanuel (O God with Us)"

Saints of the Day
'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint John of Kanty, Priest (1390-1473, also spelt John Cantius): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Dagobert, Martyr (circa 650-679, King Dagobert II of Austrasia), martyred by his godson John: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Father of Ss. Irmina of Oeren & Adela of Pfalzel [24 December].

'Tis also the festival of Saint Frithubeorht of Hexham, Bishop (died 766, also spelt Frithbert), eighth (VIII) Bishop of Hexham (734-766): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Diocese-link & Wikipedia-link Hexham.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Hartmann of Brixen, Bishop (circa 1090-1164; A.K.A. Armand, Artmanno), Bishop of Brixen (1140-1164): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Brixen.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Thorlack of Iceland, Bishop, O.S.A. (1133-1193, A.K.A. Thorlak Thorhallsson), sixth (VI) Bishop of Skálholt (1178-1193): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Skálholt.

'Tis also the festival of Saint John Stone, Religious & Martyr, O.S.A. (died circa 1539), martyred in the reign of the English king Henry VIII, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, one of the Forty Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Dissolution of the Monasteries, & Martyrs-link England & Wales & Wikipedia-link England & Wales.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Anthony of Saint Ann, Priest, O.F.M. (1739-1822, "Frei Galvão;" A.K.A. Antônio Galvão de Franca), co-founder of the monastery of Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Final Advent Days (23 December)
The Book of Malachi, chapter three, verses one thru four, twenty-three, & twenty-four;
Psalm Twenty-five, verses four & five(a/b), eight & nine, & ten & fourteen
(R/. cf. the Gospel according to Luke, chapter twenty-one, verse twenty-eight);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses fifty-seven thru sixty-six.

Commentary: Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of the birth and naming of John the Baptist.

This story brings John’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, into focus. Both are strongly priestly personages. Elizabeth is a descendant of the family of Aaron, the first priest of Israel, and Zechariah was a practicing temple priest.

What’s important for our purposes is that John was of very priestly stock. He grew up in and around the temple, acquainted with its rituals. So why, when we first hear of him in his adult life, is he out in the desert and not in the temple?

The temple had been renovated, largely rebuilt, by Herod the Great. But Herod was a wicked man, as we know from the Gospels themselves and from lots of other ancient sources. He had effectively declared himself the Messiah of Israel.

John saw how corrupt all of this was, and he sensed that the true Messiah was on the horizon. So he went away from the old temple, and he continued to act as a priest, but as priest of a new Temple: Jesus himself, the new Holy of Holies.

Reflect: What does it mean to say that Jesus himself is the new Temple?

Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops): Daily Reflection.

Video reflection by Doctor John Bergsma (St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology): Daily Reflection.

Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. John of Kanty
The Letter of James, chapter two, verses fourteen thru seventeen;
Psalm One Hundred Twelve (R/. one; or, "Alleluia"), verses one(b/c) & two, three & four, five & seven, six & eight, & nine;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter six, verses twenty-seven thru thirty-eight.

Scripture Study—Bishop's Year of the Bible: Day 25
The Gospel according Matthew, chapter fourteen (verses one thru thirty-six);

Commentary: The Death of John the Baptist (Matthew, 14:1-12), Feeding the Five Thousand (Matthew, 14:13-21), Jesus Walks on the Sea (Matthew, 14:22-33), & Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret (Matthew, 14:34-36).

Papal Quote o' the Day

"All of us must be believers in peace, for ourselves & for the world, the peace that begins in our own hearts when we renounce hatred & evil & seek to overcome evil with good. When it comes to peace we must be true believers; we must not lose hope in the message of Christmas."
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, r. 1978-2005; feast: 22 October)

Mother Teresa Quote o' the Day

"In God we live & move & have our being. It is God Who gives life to all, Who gives power & being to all that exists. But for His sustaining presence, all things would cease to be & fall back into nothingness. Consider that you are in God, surrounded & encompassed by God, swimming in God."
—St. Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. (1910-1997, feast: 5 September)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"May the Child Jesus be the star that guides you through the desert of your present life."
—St. Pius of Pietrelcina, O.F.M. Cap. ("Padre Pio," 1887-1968, feast: 23 September)

Archbishop Sheen Quote o' the Day

"When we say that God became man, we do not mean to say that heaven was empty. That would be to think of heaven as a kind of space, like a room that was twenty by thirty feet. When God came to this world, He did not leave heaven empty. When He came to this world, He was not shaved down, whittled down to human proportions. Rather, Christ was the life of God dwelling in human flesh. Saint Thomas Aquinas includes a very beautiful description of this in one of his hymns. He said, 'The heavenly word proceeding forth, yet leaving not the Father's side.'"
—Ven. Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)

Saints + Scripture: Adventus — Please Stand By

'Tis the Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.

The Explorers' Club, № DCCXCI

Operation AXIOM: The Space Race—The 50th Anniversary of Venera 7
15 December 1970: The Venera 7 probe landed on Venus, the first probe to land on an alien planet; the probe transmitted data for fifty-three minutes inside the atmosphere, including twenty minutes on the planet's surface following a hard landing caused by partial parachute failure; the probe lifted off from the Kazakh S.S.R.'s Baikonur Cosmodrome atop a Molniya 8K78M rocket on 17 August.

Semper exploro.

Saints + Scripture: Adventus — Please Stand By

'Tis the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Advent-link & Wikipedia-link.