This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. Vincit qui se vincit" is a Latin phrase meaning "He conquers who conquers himself." Many theologians state that the eighth deadly sin is fear. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God. "
Starring: Edmund Lowe, Janis Carter, Robert B. Williams Director: William Berke (with uncredited work by Budd Boetticher) Genre: Mystery / Comedy Runtime: ~65 minutes
Plot Summary
William Warner (Edmund Lowe) is a sharp defense attorney with an unusual hobby: he collects locks and can open almost any of them. This eccentric skill becomes the hinge of the story. When a mysterious man arrives with a locked chest containing a secret chemical formula, Warner is unwittingly drawn into a Nazi spy ring’s scheme. His wife Myra (Janis Carter), already exasperated by his obsession with locks, becomes entangled in the escalating danger.
The film blends light comedy with wartime intrigue—very much a “programmer” picture of the era: brisk, unpretentious, and built around a single clever gimmick.
Cast
Edmund Lowe — William Warner
Janis Carter — Myra Warner
Robert B. Williams — Malloy
Richard Hale — John Heyser
Stanley Clements, Tom Kennedy, and others in supporting roles
Production Notes
Originally directed by William Berke, but Budd Boetticher stepped in uncredited after Berke was removed.
Boetticher later recalled it as a quick, short‑schedule assignment—typical of Columbia’s B‑unit output during the war years.
Catholic & Moral Themes
Even though this is a light mystery-comedy, it still offers material for your devotional and moral‑reading lens:
1. The Danger of Harmless Obsessions
Warner’s lock‑picking hobby seems trivial, even charming—but it blinds him to real danger. Moral angle: Small habits, when unexamined, can become vulnerabilities. This aligns with the Ignatian call to daily examen and custody of the senses.
2. Marriage, Patience, and Mutual Correction
Myra’s frustration with her husband’s compulsions reflects the tension between personal quirks and marital unity. Moral angle: Charity in marriage includes honest correction, perseverance, and the willingness to sacrifice personal preferences for the good of the other.
3. Truth vs. Deception in Wartime
The Nazi spy subplot—though played lightly—still underscores the moral clarity of resisting evil and protecting the innocent. Moral angle: Even in comedic settings, the film affirms the duty to stand against falsehood and manipulation.
Hospitality Pairing (Era‑Appropriate)
For your classic‑film evenings:
Cocktail: The 1940s “Bronx”
A popular pre‑war and wartime drink—balanced, citrusy, and elegant.
Gin
Sweet vermouth
Dry vermouth
Orange juice
Shake and serve up. Light, brisk, and fitting for a mystery-comedy with urban flair.
Snack Pairing: Buttered Popcorn + Spiced Nuts
Reflects the B‑movie, second‑feature spirit—simple, unfussy, and comforting.
If You Want a Thematic Devotional Tie‑In
A short reflection could center on:
“Guard the door of my heart, Lord, that no small habit becomes an entry point for the enemy.”
This pairs beautifully with Warner’s lock‑picking motif and the spiritual discipline of vigilance.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:6-7)
·Spirit Hour: Hard Apple Cider in honor of St. Dorothy
oWake up and start your day on a positive note by paying someone a heartfelt compliment. Spread some joy and kindness, brightening not only their day but yours as well. Grab some frozen yogurt for breakfast or as a sweet treat later in the day. Celebrate diversity and try your hand at eating with chopsticks at lunch. Embrace the art of self-defense and fitness with some Muay Thai moves at home or a nearby gym. Stay optimistic in all you do and share your positive outlook with others. Take the time to talk and connect with loved ones or reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Dive into the culture of the Sami people by learning about their traditions and values. Remember the legacy of Ronald Reagan and reflect on leadership and decision-making. Don’t forget to pick up a little something for your valentine or plan a special surprise for them. Learn about the history of lame duck sessions in politics and what it means for decision-making. Wrap up your day by commemorating Waitangi Day and reflecting on the importance of treaties and relationships.
❄️ Finland vs Micronesia — Cathedrals of Silence Chapels of Survival
Finland represents wealth, stability, and Catholic scarcity amid Lutheran heritage; Micronesia embodies poverty, fragility, and missionary endurance in scattered islands. Together, they extend NIC’s Corner into the paradox of faith lived in secular silence and island survival.
🇫🇮 Finland — Wealthy, Secular, and Catholic Minority
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$64,000 USD (2024)
🧮 Why Finland Ranks High
·Nordic Model: Strong welfare state, universal healthcare, and education.
·Stability: Democratic institutions, low corruption, and high trust.
·Innovation: Technology, forestry, and clean energy drive exports.
·Cultural Prestige: Literature, music, and design.
·Infrastructure: High living standards, social equality, and global rankings in happiness.
✝️ Catholic Landscape
·Membership: ~16,000 Catholics (<0.3% of population).
·Jurisdiction: Diocese of Helsinki (single diocese for entire country).
·Practice: Masses in Finnish, Swedish, English, and immigrant languages.
·Liturgical Heritage: Migrant-driven parishes, Marian devotion, ecumenical dialogue.
·Civic Role: Catholicism is visible mainly through schools and immigrant communities.
⚠️ Challenges
·Secularization: Majority Lutheran heritage now largely non-practicing.
·Minority Status: Catholicism remains marginal.
·Vocational Fragility: Few native vocations; clergy often foreign-born.
🌿 Pilgrimage Cue Finland is a journey of cathedrals in silence—where the Eucharist is offered in small chapels, and Catholicism survives as a minority amid secular calm.
🇫🇲 Micronesia — Poor, Fragile, and Missionary Catholic
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$4,000 USD (2024)
🧮 Why Micronesia Ranks Low
·Economic Fragility: Reliant on U.S. aid, subsistence farming, and fishing.
·Infrastructure Gaps: Limited healthcare, education, and transport across scattered islands.
·Vulnerability: Climate change and rising seas threaten livelihoods.
·Migration: Many leave for Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland.
·Political Dependence: Compact of Free Association with the U.S. sustains finances.
✝️ Catholic Landscape
·Membership: ~100,000 Catholics (~65–70% of population).
·Dioceses: Archdiocese of Agaña (Guam) oversees Micronesia; local parishes across islands.
·Missionary Legacy: Jesuits and sisters built schools, clinics, and parishes.
·Liturgical Life: Mass in English and local languages; strong Marian devotion.
·Community Role: Catholicism anchors education, healthcare, and civic life.
⚠️ Challenges
·Poverty: Limits catechesis and parish resources.
·Vocational Strain: Few priests for scattered islands.
·Migration: Youth exodus weakens parish vitality.
·Climate Threat: Rising seas endanger communities and churches.
🌿 Pilgrimage Cue Micronesia is a journey of chapels in survival—where the Eucharist is celebrated in island parishes, and Catholicism endures through missionary zeal, solidarity, and hope against hardship.
🕊️ Editorial Reflection
Finland and Micronesia reveal Catholicism’s paradox: one rich in wealth but poor in presence, the other poor in resources but rich in missionary witness. In Finland, Catholicism is a cathedral of silence. In Micronesia, it is a chapel of survival.
The Rich vs Poor Tour reminds us that the Gospel is not bound by prosperity or poverty—it flourishes in Helsinki’s minority chapels and Micronesia’s island parishes, in secular calm and in missionary endurance.
Where does the Church feel more alive—in the silence of Nordic heritage or the survival of Pacific islands?
February 6 First Friday
St. Paul Miki and Companions Martyrs
Mark, Chapter
6, Verse 20
HerodFEAREDJohn, knowing him to be a
righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was
very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.
Christ
asks us to not be afraid; remember that those who are controlled by the devil
are always deathly afraid. Therefore, trust in Him and remember that according
to theTalmud God says to us: With thy very
wounds I will heal thee. If you are unhappy it is because of sin, therefore
seek the healing that Christ gives in the sacrament of confession and receive
joyfully the Holy Eucharist.
Copilot:
Evil is
rarely confronted in grand gestures; it is usually met in the quiet moment when
a soul chooses truth over fear. Herod heard the voice of holiness and trembled,
yet he would not change. The martyrs heard the same call and followed it all
the way to the Cross. Scripture teaches that those bound by sin are always
afraid, while those anchored in Christ stand firm even when the world rages. To
confront evil, then, is not to match its violence but to refuse its terms—to
speak truth when silence would be safer, to repent when pride would rather
hide, to receive the sacraments that heal the very wounds sin tried to exploit.
Christ does not ask us to be fearless; He asks us to let His presence reorder
our fear, so that reverence for God drives out dread of anything else. In this
way, confronting evil becomes an act of fidelity, a quiet but unbreakable
allegiance to the One who heals, strengthens, and saves.
Learn
about devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the graces that come from
observing First Fridays.
It is no wonder,
therefore, that our predecessors have constantly defended this most approved
form of devotion — the pious devotion of the faithful toward the Most Sacred
Heart of Jesus [and] the custom of receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday
of every month at the desire of Christ Jesus, a custom which now prevails
everywhere.—Pope
Pius XI Miserentissimus
Redemptor
What’s so special about First Fridays?
Our
parents grew up going to church every First Friday of the month and taking part
in Sacred Heart devotions, but in recent decades the pious practice has fallen
out of practice and is dismissed by some as an “old-fashioned” anachronism. A main reason for the
decline in interest in this devotion is probably rooted in simple ignorance:
people don’t know
what First Fridays all are about; families and parishes may not have adequately
passed down their importance to the next generation. Here are five things
to know.
How did the First Friday Devotion begin?
While
some saints referenced the Heart of Jesus in their writings even centuries
earlier, in 1673, a French Visitandine (Visitation) nun named Margaret
Mary Alacoque had visions of Jesus, wherein he asked the Church to honor His
Most Sacred Heart. In particular, Jesus asked the faithful to “receive Communion on the First
Fridays, for nine consecutive months.”
The request was connected to a specific promise made to all who venerated and
promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart. After Margaret Mary’s death, the First Friday practice
steadily spread in the Church —endorsed by popes and promoted by
saints — but
it greatly increased in popularity when Margaret Mary was canonized a saint in
1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
Why nine consecutive months?
The
number nine is traditionally associated with a novena and finds its origin in
the nine days that the apostles spent in prayer before Pentecost. A novena
provides an extended amount of time for preparation and interior renewal.
What am I supposed to do on First Fridays?
Go
to Mass and receive Holy Communion with the intention of honoring Christ’s Sacred Heart. If you are not in a
state of grace, and thus unable to receive, you will also need to go to
confession.
What are the “promises” connected to this devotion?
Jesus
said to St. Margaret Mary, “In
the excess of the mercy of my heart, I promise you that my all-powerful love
will grant to all those who will receive communion on the First Fridays, for
nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my
displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my heart will be their
secure refuge in that last hour.”
This means that if a person faithfully receives communion for nine consecutive
months on First Fridays, Jesus will grant that person extra graces at the time
of their death, making it possible to repent of their sins and receive the last
rites (if needed).
This promise is the last
of 12 promises connected to the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, particularly
attached to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in one’s home:
(1)
I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
(2)
I will establish peace in their homes.
(3)
I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
(4)
I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
(5)
I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
(6)
Sinners will find in my heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
(7)
Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
(8)
Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
(9)
I will bless every place in which an image of my heart is exposed and honored.
10)
I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
(11)
Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my
Heart.
(12)
I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will
grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine
consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my
disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine heart shall be
their safe refuge in this last moment.
Are the First Fridays a “ticket” to heaven?
It
is not as simple as going to Mass for nine months and then clocking out, never
going to Mass again and leading a sinful life! The entire purpose of this
devotion is to draw a person closer to the heart of Christ. If a person
fulfills these obligations with sincere faith, it is natural for he or
she to be closer to God and better prepared for death. The moment that
this devotion is observed in a superstitious manner, neglecting the need to
live a virtuous life, all bets are off and Jesus’ promise is null and void. Jesus wants us to rest on
his heart, like St. John, and the First Friday devotion is an opportunity for
us to encounter him more than just on Sundays and to deepen our love of him. Coming
to know, love and trust that we may take rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and
place our anxieties within, is what the First Fridays are all about.
St. Paul Miki, a Japanese Jesuit, and his
twenty-five companions (d. 1597), who were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan. They
were the first martyrs of East Asia to be canonized. They were killed
simultaneously by being raised on crosses and then stabbed with spears. Their
executioners were astounded upon seeing their joy at being associated to the
Passion of Christ.
Bible in a Year Day 219
Separation
from God
Fr. Mike points out that separation from God is not due to a lack of power or
love on God's part, but is a consequence of our willful refusal to follow Him.
He also highlights that despite our unfaithfulness, God always has a plan for
reconciliation. The readings are Isaiah 59-60, Ezekiel 19, and Proverbs
13:9-12.
🥊Fitness
Friday-Recognizing
that God the Father created man on Friday the 6th day I propose in
this blog to have an entry that shares on how to recreate and renew yourself in
strength, mind, soul and heart.
Fitness Friday 2: Muay Thai and the
Universal Man Plan — Training the Mind, the Body, and the Warrior Within
Muay Thai, the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is more
than a striking system. It is a disciplined, whole‑person practice that aligns
seamlessly with the Universal Man Plan: Phase 1 – The St. Ignatius, where
physical training, mental clarity, and spiritual intention form a single
integrated path.
In Muay Thai, as in Ignatian formation, the
goal is not domination but discernment — learning to move through the world
with awareness, restraint, and purpose. Fitness Friday becomes a weekly
checkpoint in that journey.
🧠
Mind — Awareness, Discernment, and Emotional Control
The Universal Man Plan begins with attention:
noticing what is happening inside and around you. Muay Thai trains this with
precision.
Situational Awareness
Every drill teaches you to read distance,
timing, and intention. You learn to stay present, track movement, and respond
with clarity rather than panic. This is the Ignatian discipline of agere
contra — acting against fear, distraction, and impulsivity.
Stress Regulation
Rounds elevate your heart rate and
adrenaline, but breath control brings everything back into balance. You
practice staying calm under pressure, the same interior stillness cultivated in
the Daily Examen.
Grounded Confidence
This isn’t bravado. It’s the quiet assurance
that you can handle yourself, protect others, and remain centered when life
becomes chaotic. It is the confidence of a man who knows his mission and his
limits.
💪
Body — Strength, Conditioning, and Stewardship
Phase 1 of the Universal Man Plan emphasizes embodied
stewardship: caring for the body as a tool for service, not vanity. Muay Thai
fits this perfectly.
Full‑Body Conditioning
Punches, kicks, knees, and elbows engage the
entire body. Expect stronger hips, a more resilient core, and improved balance
— the physical foundation for pilgrimage, work, and daily responsibility.
Metabolic Power
Training blends explosive movements with
endurance work, boosting metabolism and supporting long‑term cardiovascular
health. This is mitochondria‑friendly, anti‑inflammatory, and longevity‑oriented.
Movement for Life
Rotational patterns, footwork, and controlled
impact help maintain bone density, joint health, and reaction time — the
pillars of aging like a warrior rather than a spectator.
🧘
Spirit — Ritual, Purpose, and the Warrior’s Calm
The Universal Man Plan is anchored in
spiritual intention. Muay Thai carries a similar backbone.
Ritual Respect
The traditional Wai Kru honors
teachers, lineage, and purpose. It mirrors the Ignatian practice of beginning
every task with a clear intention:
Why am I training today? What am I preparing for?
The Warrior’s Calm
Every strike is paired with breath. Every
round is a meditation on control, restraint, and courage. This is the same
interior stillness cultivated on pilgrimage, in prayer, and in the quiet
moments of reflection.
Integration With the Universal Man Plan
Muay Thai becomes a weekly reminder that
fitness is not merely physical — it is mental clarity, emotional steadiness,
and spiritual intention. It is the training of a man who wants to be fully
alive, fully present, and fully responsible for the world entrusted to him.
🔗
Further Reading & Exploration
Fitness
& Self‑Defense Benefits
Benefits
of Muay Thai: Fitness, Self‑Defense, and Mental Toughness
(tagmuaythai.com in Bing) (bing.com
in Bing)
Mind–Body
Combat Psychology
How
Good Is Muay Thai for Self‑Defense?
(crateclub.com in Bing) (bing.com
in Bing)
Beginner
Training Tips
Tips
for Beginner Muay Thai Fighters
(fightersedgegym.com in Bing) (bing.com
in Bing)
History
& Cultural Roots
History
of Muaythai – From Warriors to World Champions
(ifmamuaythai.org in Bing) (bing.com
in Bing)
After‑Post:
For anyone wondering — Muay Thai
has no spiritual system attached, so Catholics can train freely. It’s
discipline and technique, not worship. The only traditional ritual is cultural,
not religious.
[2]Sheraton, Mimi. 1,000 Foods
To Eat Before You Die: A Food Lover's Life List (p. 892). Workman Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
🎬 The Case Against Mrs. Ames (1936)
Madeleine Carroll • George Brent • Beulah Bondi Drama / Mystery — Paramount Pictures
🌿 Overview
Hope Ames, a San Francisco socialite, is acquitted of murdering her husband — but acquittal does not restore her reputation. Her powerful mother‑in‑law launches a custody battle for Hope’s young son, and the district attorney who once tried to convict her becomes the unlikely ally who helps her uncover the truth. The film blends courtroom tension with intimate emotional drama, exploring reputation, motherhood, and the long road from suspicion to vindication.
🧭 Themes
Justice vs. Reputation — Acquittal is not the same as restoration.
Motherhood Under Siege — Hope’s fight for her son is the film’s emotional core.
Redemption Through Truth — Matt Logan must confront his own errors.
Power and Control — Mrs. Ames embodies cold, aristocratic certainty.
✝️ Spiritual Reflection
This film becomes a meditation on the Eighth Commandment — the wound inflicted when a person is judged without charity. Hope’s suffering reveals how suspicion can imprison a soul long after the courtroom doors close. Matt Logan’s transformation shows the humility required to admit error and pursue truth even when it undermines one’s pride. Mrs. Ames reminds us that power without compassion becomes cruelty.
Christian takeaway:
Justice without mercy becomes cruelty; mercy without truth becomes sentimentality. The Christian path requires both.
🍸 Signature Cocktail — The Acquittal
A 1930s‑style drink that looks delicate but carries quiet strength — just like Hope Ames.
Ingredients
2 oz gin
0.5 oz Cointreau
0.5 oz dry vermouth
0.25 oz lemon juice
2 dashes orange bitters
Lemon twist
Method
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, finish with a lemon twist.
Symbolism
Gin/vermouth — the sharpness of the courtroom
Cointreau — Hope’s grace
Lemon — the sting of suspicion
Bitters — the cold resolve of Mrs. Ames
🍽️ Supper Pairing — San Francisco Courtroom Supper
Main Course
Chicken à la King on Toast Points
Elegant, comforting, and era‑appropriate — the kind of supper Hope might have served before her world unraveled.
Side
Buttered Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Bright, refined, and quietly uplifting.
Bread
Sourdough Rolls
A nod to San Francisco’s culinary heritage.
Dessert
Coffee Custard Cups
Simple, soothing, and perfect with a drizzle of your coffee moonshine.
🏡 Hospitality Meditation
Serve a meal that restores dignity. Offer a drink that steadies the heart. In a world quick to judge, hospitality becomes a quiet act of justice — a way of saying: “You are seen. You are welcome. You are more than the worst thing said about you.”
oImagine a day filled with unique activities. Start by checking the weather forecast to plan outdoor fun in honor of the National Weatherperson’s Day. Hit a local park for a game of soccer or host a mini Olympics with friends to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day. For a delicious twist, whip up some Nutella treats to mark World Nutella Day. Settle down with a good book and participate in a virtual read-aloud session for World Read Aloud Day.
oIndulge your sweet tooth by melting chocolate for some fondue on National Chocolate Fondue Day. If you’re into sports, design your own personalized signing day ceremony to honor National Signing Day. Get creative and bake some Runeberg cakes in tribute to Runeberg Day. Embrace the silly spirit and have a Fart Day contest with your pals for National Fart Day.
oUnleash your inner child by spending the day playing games and letting loose for Global School Play Day. Learn about conservation efforts and monarch butterflies on Western Monarch Day. Take a moment to reflect on diplomacy and political history in honor of Adlai Stevenson Day. Lastly, wrap up your day by watching classic movies and Broadway shows in support of the Move Hollywood & Broadway to Lebanon idea.
oMix and match these activities to create a whimsical and enjoyable day full of surprises and adventures. Remember, it’s all about celebrating the little things in life and having fun with those around you. Enjoy your motley assortment of festivities!
Best Place to visit in February: Petrified Forest National Park
I thought this was a unique and wonderful beauty spot! Located in northeastern Arizona, it’s a protected park which spans over 220,000 acres and I was in awe of it ancient fossilized trees, brightly coloured Badlands, plant and animal fossils, and stunning desert vistas.
The summer heat here can reach dangerously high levels, so I explored during this month instead. I also encountered fewer crowds, and unlike many other national parks, all the roads and trails remained open. The conditions were also perfect for long hikes
– I just made sure I bought warm clothes for the cooler temperatures.
When here, I explored the ancient Puerco Pueblo site which were the remains of a 600-year-old village filled with interesting petroglyphs, the extraordinary Painted Desert (a huge area of colorful badlands), the petroglyph-covered Newspaper Rock, and Rainbow Forest which I found was a surreal but very photogenic spot filled with petrified wood.
Visitors’Center Address: 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028
Checking out Rainbow Forest Museum at the visitor center where I saw fossils from the Late Triassic period!
Strolling along the short Crystal Forest loop and admiring the beautiful wood log deposits.
Discovering the Blue Mesa Trail where I saw the incredible colorful badlands and pieces of petrified wood.
Driving on the famous Historic Route 66 which travels through the park!
Thursday Feast
Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
Theme: Mid‑Ocean Vigilance, Eucharistic Watchfulness, Island Resilience, Trans‑Atlantic Calm Dates: Fri, Feb 6 – Thu, Feb 12
Lajes is the ancient crossroads of the Atlantic — a place where sailors, aircrews, and chaplains have paused for centuries before crossing oceans. Perfect for your pilgrimage arc.
The
Israelite’s were afraid and preferred to have Moses mediate for them with God
rather than having a real relationship with God.
What is
love?
In
his text On Loving God, St. Bernard surveys the four types of love that
Christians experience as they grow in their relationship with God: loving one's
self, selfish love, loving God as God, and loving one's self in God. St.
Bernard reminds us that not only did God give us life, but He gave us Himself.
For indeed, "God deserves to be loved very much, yea, boundlessly, because
He loved us first, He infinite and we nothing, loved us, miserable sinners,
with a love so great and so free." St. Bernard reminds us that we are
indebted to God for his love and His sacrifice. Not only should we love God
because it is what He deserves, but also because loving God does not go without
reward. Loving God is to our advantage. The Lord rewards those who love Him
with the blessed state of the heavenly Fatherland, where sorrow and sadness
cannot enter. St. Bernard's medieval prose is poetic and full of clever
imagery. His work is as beautiful as it is knowledgeable.
Emmalon Davis, CCEL Staff Writer
Copilot’s Take
Fear has a way of echoing through both the Church
and the daily news, often blurring the line between spiritual anxiety and
societal unrest. In Scripture, the Israelites trembled at the foot of Sinai,
stepping back from the God who desired to draw them close. Today, many
believers experience a similar recoil—not from thunder and lightning, but from
the noise of a world saturated with conflict, division, and uncertainty.
Reports of disrupted worship, immigration tensions spilling into sacred spaces,
and communities shaken by public hostility reveal how fear can infiltrate even
the places meant to shelter the soul. Yet the Christian tradition insists that
holy fear is not the same as worldly fear. Holy fear steadies the heart,
sharpens conscience, and leads to deeper love. Worldly fear isolates, agitates,
and blinds. The challenge for the Church is to resist the instinct to retreat
and instead cultivate the reverent courage Moses described—a fear that frees
rather than enslaves, a fear that draws us toward God and one another rather
than driving us apart.
Agatha
came from Catania, a city in Sicily. I was stationed there while in the Navy
and lived in the small town of Nicolosi which was situated on the Volcano
(Etna) near the city of Catania. I was impressed and formed as a young man by
the faith and beauty of the people of Sicily.
Agatha
was born in Sicily and died there a martyr. She belonged to a rich, important
family. When she was young, she dedicated her life to God and resisted any men
who wanted to marry her or have sex with her. One of these men, Quintian, was
of a high enough rank that he felt he could force her to acquiesce. Knowing she
was a Christian in a time of persecution, he had her arrested and brought
before the judge - - himself. He expected her to give in to when faced with
torture and possible death, but she simply affirmed her belief in God by
praying:
"Jesus
Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I
am. I am your sheep: make me worthy to overcome the devil."
Quintian
imprisoned her in a brothel in order to get her to change her mind.
He
brought her back before him after she had suffered a month of assault and
humiliation in the brothel, but Agatha had never wavered, proclaiming that her
freedom came from Jesus. Quintian sent her to prison, instead of back to the
brothel -- a move intended to make her more afraid, but which probably was a
great relief to her. When she continued to profess her faith in Jesus, He had
her tortured. He refused her any medical care, but God gave her all the care
she needed in the form of a vision of St. Peter. When she was tortured again,
she died after saying a final prayer:
"Lord,
my Creator, you have always protected me from the cradle; you have taken me
from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive my
soul."
Because
one of the tortures she supposedly suffered was to have her breasts cut off,
she was often depicted carrying her breasts on a plate. It is thought that
blessing of the bread that takes place on her feast may have come from the
mistaken notion that she was carrying loaves of bread. Because she was asked
for help during the eruption of Mount Etna, she is considered a protector
against the outbreak of fire. She is also considered the patroness of bell
makers for an unknown reason -- though some speculate it may have something to
do with the fact that bells were used as fire alarms.
Prayer: Saint Agatha, you suffered sexual assault
and indignity because of your faith. Help heal all those who are survivors of
sexual assault and protect those women who are in danger. Amen
·Bake an Agatha loaf! On St. Agatha's feast day
people would bake loaves attached to a picture of St. Agatha and prayers for
protection from fires. The parish priests would bless the loaves, and people
would keep them in their homes in case of a poor harvest and famine. The
prayers would then be hung above the main door of each home to invoke St.
Agatha's guardianship.
·Spanish tradition associates this feast day with
ancient fertility customs. Young men would visit many farms throughout the
countryside, singing songs of praise to St. Agatha and invoking God's blessing
upon people, animals, and fields. However, if they did not receive the
customary gifts of money or food for their services, they would call down a
'quick old age' upon the ungrateful inhabitants of that farm. Although most of
us do not live in such communities where this kind of custom would be practicable
or even understood, we can pray to St. Agatha for a greater openness to the
transmission of new life in our culture, and actively affirm and support young
couples with children whenever possible.
·St. Agatha is the patron saint against fire.
Take this day to establish a fire escape plan for the family and to practice a
family fire drill. Also check the smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon
monoxide detectors to see if they are all working. Change the batteries on all
the alarms!
Bible in a Year Day 218 Each Will Be Judged
Fr. Mike reflects on some of the ways that people turn away from God,
including: worshipping idols, fasting for selfish reasons, and not honoring the
sabbath. He also highlights the passage from Ezekiel 18 that tells us that each
person will be judged by their own actions, and not by those of their parents
or children. The readings are Isaiah 57-58, Ezekiel 17-18, and Proverbs 13:5-8.
National Signing Day
National
Signing Day marks the start of the college football signing season. From this
day forward, high school football players can sign a National Letter of Intent
to play football for a university in the National College Athletic Association
(NCAA). The National Letter of Intent is a binding agreement between a
potential student-athlete and a NLI member institution. Once signed, the
agreement requires the athlete to attend and represent the institution for at
least two semesters or three quarters, and in return, the institution must
provide athletic financial aid for the same duration. National Signing
Day marks the start of many football players' careers as they transition into
more professional setting. National Signing Day was established in 1981 by the
College Football Association in an effort to eliminate separate conference
signing dates and force student-athletes to commit to only one NCAA
institution. Prior to 1981, NCAA football conferences required recruits
to sign separate letters of intent since conference letters only restricted
signing within the conference itself.
National
Signing Day Top Events and Things to Do
·Get
out to your local park and play a game of football with your family and friends
to celebrate all those who are committing to playing in NCAA football today.
·Watch
the day's events of your favorite conference live. Most are aired live
across networks such as ESPN and they can often be found online.
·Review
some of the student-athlete rules and criteria in order to gain a better
understanding of the players' responsibilities and duties in addition to
playing ball. Some basic requirements include:
1) earn at least a 2.3 GPA in core courses
2) earn at least 9 credits per semester
3) adhere to amateurism requirements (limiting agent involvement, prize money,
salaries and contracts with professional teams)
·Watch
a movie about NCAA Football. Our favorites are Friday Night Lights
(2004), The Blind Side (2009), Rudy (1993) and The Express (2008).
·Support
a local high school football team. Your financial and time donations can mean
the chance to get a scholarship for a high school student to pursue university
studies.
A tight, Depression‑era romantic drama, Ring Around the Moon (1936) delivers an unexpectedly tender love story built on class tension, mistaken commitments, and the slow triumph of honest affection.
The film is short, earnest, and emotionally unpredictable — exactly the kind of classic that rewards a devotional, moral‑formation reading.
🎬 Film Snapshot
Year: 1936
Studio: Chesterfield Pictures
Director: Charles Lamont
Runtime: ~65 minutes
Genre: Romantic Drama
Cast: Donald Cook (Ross), Erin O’Brien‑Moore (Gloria), Ann Doran (Kay)
📖 Plot Summary
Ross Graham, an ambitious newspaperman, is romantically entangled with two women:
Kay Duncan — his sincere, grounded co‑worker
Gloria Endicott — a wealthy society woman
Ross prefers Kay, but through a mix of pressure, pride, and poor discernment, he ends up marrying Gloria — a decision he regrets almost immediately. Meanwhile, Kay has moved on and married someone else.
The story unfolds with surprising emotional turns, culminating in a sweet, redemptive ending that reviewers consistently praise.
🎭 Themes & Emotional Texture
Class & Identity: Depression‑era anxieties about wealth, status, and authenticity.
Duty vs. Desire: Ross’s choices reveal the cost of confusing comfort with calling.
Honesty as Redemption: The film rewards truth‑telling, even when late.
Unexpected Grace: Despite its B‑movie origins, the film carries real heart.
✝️ Catholic-Themed Reflection
This film is a quiet masterclass in discernment of spirits:
False Consolation
Ross chooses Gloria because the match looks good on paper — status, security, admiration.
But it leaves him restless, divided, and spiritually thin.
True Consolation
Kay represents humility, truth, and the kind of love that strengthens virtue.
Her eventual freedom — moving on without bitterness — is a model of detachment.
Moral Insight
The film invites a meditation on this principle: “Choose the love that leads you toward virtue, not the comfort that leads you away from yourself.”
🍸 Hospitality Pairing
Period‑Authentic Choice:
The Highball — simple, refreshing, unpretentious.
Perfect for Kay’s grounded character and the newsroom setting.
Thematic Modern Choice:
The Newspaper Cocktail — rye, lemon, simple syrup, bitters.
A nod to Ross’s profession and the film’s emotional sharpness.
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