Thursday, January 22, 2026

Whisper's in a Dream

Rachel’s Corner Try an “Whole Goose for Michaelmas”

· Spirit hour: The Raven Cocktail in honor of St. Vincent

· Bucket List Trip: Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

· do a personal eucharistic stations of the cross.

· Farmhouse Breakfast Week

· Dry January or Ginuary

· Get your Soup On

· Hot Tea Month

· Plan winter fun:

o Soak in hot springs

o Hit the snow slopes

o Ride a snowmobile

o Go for a dog sled ride

o Ride a hot air balloon

· How to celebrate Jan 22nd

o Start your day by snapping a shelfie at your local library, celebrating National Library Shelfie Day. Spice things up by adding hot sauce to your meals in honor of National Hot Sauce Day. Embrace plant-based living for Weedless Wednesday, opting for meatless meals. Take a moment to ponder your feline friend’s mysteries on National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day. Indulge your sweet tooth with some blonde brownies to mark National Blonde Brownie Day.

o Wear polka dots to add a pop of fun for National Polka Dot Day. Reflect on life’s joys on Celebration of Life Day, perhaps by journaling or spending time outdoors. Throughout the day, dance to some polka

music to keep the celebratory mood going.

o Mix and match these activities to create a whimsical and enjoyable day. Cheers to embracing the joy in the little things and finding ways to make every day a celebration of life. So go forth and make the most of these quirky holidays!

Best Place to visit in January: Argentina

Things to do in Argentina as a family

Argentina, with its vast open expanses, agreeable climate, incredible adventure offerings and super friendly locals makes it the perfect place for a family vacation to suit all ages. We’ve done our research and scoped out the perfect family-friendly experiences and places to visit in Argentina to keep everyone entertained. This seven-night vacation is the right mix of adventure, culture and relaxation and is the perfect introduction to exploring South America.

You’ll start your tour of Argentina off in Buenos Aires, one of our favorite cities anywhere, where our team of expert guides will let you in on the best-hidden gems. Then we’ll take you south to Bariloche, one of Argentina’s most beautiful regions hidden in the middle of the Patagonian mountains. Here, you’ll kayak, hike and bike your way around this stunning wilderness with expert guides in tow as you bring the geography of Argentina to life. You’ll get a true sense of wilderness in this unique, luxury family adventure.

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.

Dinner Menu

Drink
hors d'oeuvre
Soup
Salad
Main Course
Dessert

🇮🇹 Week 3 – Ramstein → Aviano Air Base

Theme: Alpine Readiness, Eucharistic Stillness, NATO Vigilance, Mountain Clarity
Dates: Fri, Jan 23 – Thu, Jan 29

🇮🇹 Aviano Air Base – Alpine Readiness & Eucharistic Stillness

A week of mountain vigilance, alliance culture, chapel grounding, and Outdoor Rec in the Dolomites.

Day 1 – Fri, Jan 23 – Arrival & Base Orientation

Lodging:

Mountain View Lodge (dodlodging.net in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

Evening:

Walk through Piazza Duomo, Pordenone

Orientation at Aviano Fitness Center (31 FSS)

Day 2 – Sat, Jan 24 – Cathedral & Dolomite Recreation

Morning:

Cathedral of St. Mark, Pordenone (Eucharistic clarity)

Afternoon Outdoor Rec:

Dolomites

ski/snowshoe trip via Aviano Outdoor Recreation
(31fss.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

Evening:

Bowling or intramural sports (31 FSS)

Day 3 – Sun, Jan 25 – Sunday Mass & Alpine Witness

Catholic Mass:

Aviano Chapel (31st Fighter Wing Chapel)
(31fss.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

Afternoon:

Alpine civic witness in Belluno — civic squares & mountain overlooks

Evening:

Base Community Center resilience night

Day 4 – Mon, Jan 26 – Fitness & Friulian Culture

Morning:

Workout at Aviano Fitness Center

Afternoon:

Visit Udine Castle & Civic Square

Dinner:

Friulian frico with local white wine pairing (Friuli is Italy’s white‑wine fortress)

Day 5 – Tue, Jan 27 – Fortress Airfields & Outdoor Rec

Morning:

Aviano Air Park (aircraft displays)

Outdoor Rec:

Dolomites winter hike or Cortina

trip
(31fss.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

Evening:

Bowling league

Day 6 – Wed, Jan 28 – Monastic Clarity & Civic Witness

Morning:

Visit Abbey of Rosazzo (Benedictine clarity)

Afternoon:

Civic witness in Trieste — waterfront, civic squares, port culture

Evening:

Community Center resilience

Day 7 – Thu, Jan 29 – Firelight Finale

Ritual Act:

Rooftop or balcony vigil at Mountain View Lodge

Pour wine into a chalice, light a candle, and name one “mountain” God turned into a path.

Final workout:

Aviano Fitness Center

🔑 Key Links (Clean & Embedded)

Mountain View Lodge (Aviano Lodging)
(dodlodging.net in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

Aviano Outdoor Recreation
(31fss.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

Aviano Chapel (31st Fighter Wing)

(31fss.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

31 FSS Main Hub
(31fss.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

January 22 Day of Prayer for Unborn Children

Vincent of Saragossa

Psalm 56, Verse 3-5

My foes treat me harshly all the day; yes, many are my attackers. O Most High, when I am AFRAID, in you I place my trust. I praise the word of God; I trust in God, I do not fear. What can mere flesh do to me?

No, we must be in the world but not of the world. Christ in His Sermon on the Mount taught us how our lifestyle is to be.

Be not afraid but be brave in the world loving even the loveless.

Do not become prideful and self-important but show humility; reverence and respect to all: for they are created by the hand of God.

Do not envy the wicked; but let your desire be to be kind remembering they must account for themselves before God; respect and be loyal to them.

Let your anger be at injustice, showing patience, compassion, and forgiveness to the sinner.

Be temperate and do all things in moderation; do not greedily take things to yourself but share your wealth with those in need. Remember to show true charity by helping them with their troubles thus empowering them to become greater; to pursue righteousness.

Do not become slothful or failing to resist evil but be diligent to build the Kingdom of God; one day and one person at a time: begin with yourself.

Do not be gluttonous; avoid excess and exclusivity (the country club mentality) but be temperate; sacrifice, give up and surrender to the Spirit of God.

Do not look on others as objects to be used for lustful needs but see them as created by the hand of God; your chase purpose is to help them achieve God’s dream for them.

Imagine the change in the world if parents used this as the yardstick to train their children.

Copilot’s Take

The reflection outlines a pattern of Christian living that quietly but decisively confronts evil. By calling for courage in place of fear, humility instead of pride, kindness over envy, and justice without vengeance, it presents a way of life that resists the corrosive forces that distort the human heart. Each virtue becomes a direct countermeasure to a specific form of darkness: courage confronts the evil of intimidation, humility disarms the evil of self‑exaltation, kindness breaks the cycle of resentment, and righteous anger exposes injustice without becoming its mirror.

Temperance challenges the greed that fuels exploitation; diligence opposes the passivity that allows evil to spread unchecked; sacrifice undermines the culture of excess that forgets the poor; and chastity confronts the reduction of persons to objects. Together, these virtues form a shield and a strategy—an active resistance to the patterns of sin that shape the world.

If such virtues were taught consistently in the home, they would raise children who instinctively recognize evil not only in dramatic forms but in the subtle habits that erode dignity. They would learn to oppose evil not with hostility but with holiness, not with force but with fidelity. In this way, the formation of a household becomes a frontline of spiritual resistance, and the transformation of society begins with the transformation of the smallest community: the family.

Raising Children Who Can Stand in the World

St. Vincent of Saragossa[1]

I became acquainted with Saint Vincent during a time I was suffering with a half inch burst in the last disk in my back. I was almost paralyzed, and the pain was intense with a burning sensation below the knee on my left leg. I was considering treatment using a VAC-D table that was then a new treatment, yet I was hesitant. After reading the story of St. Vincent I asked for his help with my struggle-it then occurred to me to go get stretched on the rack, which VAC-D resembles as St. Vincent was. After 25 treatments my disk has now been healed and I have recovered to 90% before the rupture. I thank the intersession of St. Vincent.

Vincent of Saragossa was one of the Church's three most illustrious deacons, the other two being Stephen and Lawrence. He is also Spain's most renowned martyr. Ordained deacon by Bishop Valerius of Saragossa, he was taken in chains to Valencia during the Diocletian persecution and put to death. From legend we have the following details of his martyrdom. After brutal scourging in the presence of many witnesses, he was stretched on the rack; but neither torture nor blandishments nor threats could undermine the strength and courage of his faith. Next, he was cast on a heated grating, lacerated with iron hooks, and seared with hot metal plates. Then he was returned to prison, where the floor was heavily strewn with pieces of broken glass. A heavenly brightness flooded the entire dungeon, filling all who saw it with greatest awe.

After this he was placed on a soft bed in the hope that lenient treatment would induce apostasy, since torture had proven ineffective. But strengthened by faith in Christ Jesus and the hope of everlasting life, Vincent maintained an invincible spirit and overcame all efforts, whether by fire, sword, rack, or torture to induce defection. He persevered to the end and gained the heavenly crown of martyrdom.

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Roe vs. Wade^{^[2]}

January 22 is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the day established by the Church of penance for abortion, has been formally named as the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” On this day your parish, school or religious formation program may celebrate the Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life. This Mass, found in our newly translated Missal, may now be used on occasions to celebrate the dignity of human life. In addition to this special Mass on this day, perhaps your parish, school or religious formation program could encourage traditional forms of penance, host pro-life and chastity speakers, lead informative projects that will directly build up the culture of life, show a pro-life film, raise funds for local crisis pregnancy centers or offer additional prayer services.

Attend Mass today.

Celebration of Life Day[3] is when we take a step back and truly appreciate our children and grandchildren. Granted, some may do this on an everyday basis, but it’s an opportunity to look at our young ones’ lives from a different angle, think about what it is that makes them truly special, and of course, to lavish treats upon them if we so wish, be it an ice cream or a trip to Disneyland. It can be easy to forget that our children and grandchildren are people in their own right. You’ve helped them to discover themselves over the years, but you can’t take all the credit. Their life choices are ultimately down to them; sometimes they’ll do you proud, and other times, as is the case with us all, they’ll make mistakes. So be the one who’s there to offer congratulations, or encouragement to pick themselves up when they fall. And above all else, as cheesy as it may sound, show that you love them.

Life First^{^[4]} 9 Days for Life

9 Days for Life is a "digital pilgrimage" of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person's life. A multi-faceted novena highlighting a different intention each day provides reflections, bonus information, and suggested actions. Join to receive the novena through the 9 Days for Life app, daily emails, or daily texts. See below for information on how else you can get involved! #9DaysforLife #OurPrayersMatter

Day Seven:

Intercession: May those who long to welcome a child into their family be filled with trust in God’s loving plan.

Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, Glory Be

Reflection: It can be very difficult and painful when the Lord doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we hope. A couple that finds themselves unable to bring a child into the world through their loving union can experience this disappointment very deeply. During such times of trial, we may wonder why we face the particular challenges that we do. Yet even though suffering is often shrouded in a sense of mystery, we believe that the Lord loves us with great tenderness and compassion that is beyond our imagination. Knowing this, we can trust that “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)

· Smile. Ask God today for the grace to be extra joyful and share Christ’s love with those who need encouragement the most today.

· Offer the Prayer for Those Hoping to Conceive or Adopt a Child, and spend some time reflecting on the accompanying excerpt from Psalm 145.

· Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

Bible in a Year Day 204 Zephaniah's Warnings

As we begin reading the Book of Zephaniah, Fr. Mike draws our attention to the first five accusations Zephaniah declares against the people of Judah; idolatry, lack of prayer, poor leadership, superstitions, and lack of belief in God's judgment. Today we read Isaiah 28-29, Zephaniah 1-2, and Proverbs 11:9-12.

Daily Devotions

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Increase in the Religious and Consecrated Life.

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Make reparations to the Holy Face

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Rosary

[1]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-23

[2]http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2018-01-22

[3]https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/celebration-of-life-day/

[4]http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/nine-days-of-prayer-penance-and-pilgrimage.cfm

🎬 His Private Secretary (1933)

(Classic film clarity + moral resonance + hospitality pairing)

⭐ Core Facts

Director: Phil Whitman
Stars:
- Evalyn Knapp (Marion Hall)
- John Wayne (Dick Wallace)
- Reginald Barlow (Mr. Wallace)
Genre: Pre‑Code romantic comedy
Studio: Screencraft Productions (Poverty Row)
Runtime: 60 minutes
Budget: $9,000; Box Office: $95,000

📘 Plot Summary (Clean, Tight, and Thematically Focused)

Act I — The Playboy Meets the Preacher’s Granddaughter

Dick Wallace, a wealthy, carefree young man, falls for Marion Hall, the granddaughter of a small‑town minister. His father disapproves, assuming any woman Dick likes must be a gold digger.
Theme: Character vs. class prejudice.

Act II — Fired for Mercy

Dick refuses to collect a debt from Marion’s grandfather and is fired by his own father. Instead of returning to his old life, he buys the town’s only garage to stay near Marion.
Moral tension: Mercy costs something—but it reveals who a man truly is.

Act III — A Secret Marriage and a Closed Heart

Dick and Marion marry quietly. Mr. Wallace refuses to meet her, convinced she is after the family fortune.
Pre‑Code twist: A woman proving her worth through competence, not propriety.

Act IV — The Secretary Who Saves the Family

Marion takes a job in Mr. Wallace’s office under her maiden name after he fires his secretary. Her humility and skill soften his heart. With the help of the meek office manager, a three‑way reconciliation unfolds.
Ending: A restored family, a humbled son, and a father who finally sees virtue where he expected vice.

✝️ Catholic Moral Reading (Tailored to Your Framework)

1. Humility as the Path to Reconciliation

Marion never argues her innocence—she embodies it.

Lesson: Humility disarms suspicion more effectively than self‑defense.

2. Mercy Over Profit

Dick’s refusal to collect the debt mirrors the Gospel’s preference for mercy over gain.

He loses his job but finds his vocation.

3. Conversion Through Responsibility

Dick’s transformation from playboy to provider echoes the Catholic idea that love demands maturity, sacrifice, and stewardship.

4. The Father’s Heart Softened by Witness

Mr. Wallace is converted not by argument but by encountering goodness in action.

A small cinematic echo of the father in the Prodigal Son—slow to trust, but quick to embrace once truth is revealed.

🍸 Hospitality Pairing (In Your Style)

Cocktail: “The Secretary’s Highball”

A simple, Depression‑era drink that matches the film’s small‑town honesty.

Bourbon
Ginger ale
Lemon twist

Theme: Straightforward, unpretentious, quietly uplifting—like Marion herself.

Snack Pairing: The Parson’s Plate

A nod to the minister’s home and the film’s moral center.

Sliced apples
Sharp cheddar
Warm bread with butter

Symbolism: Modesty, nourishment, and the quiet strength of virtue.

Minneapolis and the Annihilation of Nations!

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Dara’s Corner-Try “Paella”

· Bucket List trip: Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen Denmark

· Carnival Time begins in Catholic Countries.

· Spirit Hour: Arise My Love Cocktail

· Apple and Apricot Month

· Plan winter fun:

· Soak in hot springs

· Hit the snow slopes

· Ride a snowmobile

· Go for a dog sled ride

· Ride a hot air balloon

· How to celebrate Jan 21st

i. Start the day by wearing your favorite cheesy socks for an instant mood lift. Embrace the spirit of National Hugging Day by sharing warm embraces with loved ones or even offering free hugs to strangers. Keep hunger at bay with a DIY granola bar-making session. Show some love to your furry friends on National Squirrel Appreciation Day by creating a cozy outdoor feeding station.

ii. Inject humor into your day by crafting clever one-liners to share with friends and family. Arrange a playdate with friends or family to celebrate International Playdate Day with games and laughter. Lounge comfortably in your favorite pair of sweatpants for International Sweatpants Day.

iii. Get creative and visit a local museum for Museum Selfie Day, where you can pose with your favorite exhibits. Indulge in some skincare pampering on National Hyaluronic Acid Day with a DIY hyaluronic acid face mask. End the day by hosting a soup swap with friends, where everyone brings a homemade soup to trade and enjoy together.

🌍 Dara’s Corner: Aboard The World

Ordinary Time | January 22–28, 2026
Theme: Courage, Clarity & the Grace of Forward Motion
Coordinates: Fremantle

→ Geraldton → Coral Coast → Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef)

🌤️ Day 1 — January 22 | Departing Fremantle

Title: The First Step Forward

· Ritual: Pilgrims place a small pebble in their pocket as a sign of the step they’re willing to take

· Scripture: Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous…”

· Meal: Lemon‑herb chicken wraps, cucumber salad, iced green tea

· Reflection: “Courage is not loud—it is simply choosing to move.”

· Hospitality Arc: Ask someone what step they’re afraid to take—and bless their courage

🌾 Day 2 — January 23 | At Sea Along the Coral Coast

Title: The Quiet Coastline

· Ritual: Pilgrims sit in silence for five minutes, listening only to the sound of the ship cutting water

· Scripture: Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know…”

· Meal: Roasted vegetable quinoa bowl, citrus water

· Reflection: “Stillness is not inactivity—it is attention.”

· Hospitality Arc: Offer someone your full presence for one uninterrupted conversation

Regional Overview:

· Australia’s Coral Coast — the 1,100‑km stretch of coastline from Cervantes to Exmouth

· Tourism Australia: Coral Coast Guide

🐚 Day 3 — January 24 | Docked in Geraldton

Title: Harbor of Gratitude

· Ritual: Pilgrims write a short gratitude on a smooth stone and leave it near the shoreline

· Scripture: Colossians 3:15 — “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

· Meal: Local prawns, garlic butter, fresh greens

· Reflection: “Gratitude is the harbor where peace anchors.”

· Hospitality Arc: Tell someone why you’re grateful for them—name the moment it became clear

Local Inspiration:

· Geraldton — Tourism Western Australia

· Guide to Geraldton — Tourism Australia

· Visit Geraldton

🌊 Day 4 — January 25 | At Sea Toward Ningaloo

Title: The Deep Call

· Ritual: Pilgrims hold a small bowl of seawater and name one depth they want to explore in their life

· Scripture: Psalm 42:7 — “Deep calls to deep…”

· Meal: Coconut curry soup, jasmine rice, ginger tea

· Reflection: “Depth is not darkness—it is discovery.”

· Hospitality Arc: Ask someone what depth they feel drawn toward—and honor its mystery

Regional Overview:

· Coral Coast Highway

🐬 Day 5 — January 26 | Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef

Title: The Living Waters

· Ritual: Pilgrims snorkel or wade in the shallows, naming one place in their life that needs renewal

· Scripture: John 7:38 — “Rivers of living water will flow…”

· Meal: Fresh reef fish, lime slaw, chilled white wine

· Reflection: “Renewal begins where we allow ourselves to be immersed.”

· Hospitality Arc: Share with someone where you feel renewal stirring

Local Inspiration:

· Ningaloo Reef — Tourism Western Australia

· Exmouth — Australia’s Coral Coast

· Ningaloo Reef Guide

🌅 Day 6 — January 27 | At Anchor Near Exmouth

Title: Sunset of Surrender

· Ritual: Pilgrims watch the sunset in silence, releasing one burden they’ve been carrying

· Scripture: Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who labor…”

· Meal: Honey‑glazed chicken, roasted pumpkin, mint tea

· Reflection: “Surrender is not defeat—it is trust.”

· Hospitality Arc: Ask someone what they’re ready to lay down—and bless their release

Local Inspiration:

· Cape Range National Park

🌬️ Day 7 — January 28 | At Sea Toward Broome

Title: Wind of the North

· Ritual: Pilgrims stand on deck and let the northern wind touch their face, naming one hope rising in them

· Scripture: Isaiah 43:19 — “I am doing something new…”

· Meal: Grilled barramundi, lemon rice, sparkling water with mint

· Reflection: “Hope is the wind that turns us toward the future.”

· Hospitality Arc: Share aloud one hope you carry—and ask someone to bless it

January 21 Wednesday-Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

9 Days for Life

Exodus, Chapter 1, Verse 17

The midwives, however, FEARED God; they did not do as the king of Egypt had ordered them, but let the boys live.

The book of Exodus retells the story of the leaving of the children of Abraham from the land of Egypt. God blessed Abraham’s descendants and they prospered and overpopulated the land. Egyptians then oppressed the Israelites and took action to control their population by commanding midwives to kill the male children born to the Israelite’s.

Nothing ever changes it seems the midwives, were the king of Egypt’s version of our Planned Parenthood. Yet, they the midwives feared God more than the King and spared life. I do not think anyone in the Planned Parenthood organization has any fear of God. The midwives of Egypt were ordered to kill only the male children of the Israelites. In our modern world I wonder who the equivalent of the King of Egypt is.

I wonder who or what sex and races are the equivalents of the Israelite children?

Let us pray that those within the Planned Parenthood organization and those who support the existence of organizational weapons for the destruction of innocent unborn life may have an awakening to the voice of conscience and fear God: thus preserving life first, then liberty and then the pursuit of happiness. For is not life more, precious than liberty; and is not liberty more precious than the pursuit of wealth. It can be in no other order. As a people and as a nation we have dulled our consciences for too long; this is why the soul of this nation can find no peace. We like the midwives of ancient Egypt must fear God more than Pharaoh. Then and only then will our consciences as a people become unsullied and we will have the strength, courage, and loyalty to follow what is right.

Yes, if we as a people see Christ in the unborn as Paul seen Him at his conversion, we shall again be a bless nation.

Copilot’s Take

Confronting evil in Exodus begins with a simple but world‑shaking truth: there are moments when obedience to God requires disobedience to power. The midwives stand at the very first moral crossroads of the book, and they choose reverence over fear, conscience over command, life over convenience. Their courage exposes a pattern that runs through all of Scripture: evil often hides behind official orders, cultural norms, or systems that claim necessity, but God measures the heart by whether it protects the vulnerable. Exodus does not invite us to map ancient characters directly onto modern institutions or groups; instead, it teaches that every age develops its own Pharaohs—forces that pressure people to ignore conscience—and its own vulnerable populations who depend on the courage of those willing to resist. The midwives remind us that confronting evil is rarely dramatic; it is usually quiet, costly, and rooted in a deep awareness that God sees what human power overlooks. Their fear of God is not terror but clarity: the clarity that life is sacred, that conscience is not for sale, and that no ruler, ideology, or system has the right to decide who counts. In every generation, the path to moral renewal begins the same way—with ordinary people who refuse to cooperate with injustice and who trust that God honors those who protect life, even when the world does not.

Saint Agnes[1]

Today we honor the martyrdom of Saint Agnes, a God-fearing child of 12, when she faced her death. Here is St. Ambrose’s account of her demise.

This treatise has a favorable beginning, since it is the birthday of the holy Virgin Agnes, of whose name, modesty, and martyrdom St. Ambrose speaks in commendation, but more especially of her age, seeing that she, being but twelve years old, was superior to terrors, promises, tortures, and death itself, with a courage wholly worthy of a man.

And my task begins favorably, that since today is the birthday of a virgin, I have to speak of virgins, and the treatise has its beginning from this discourse. It is the birthday of a martyr, let us offer the victim. It is the birthday of St. Agnes, let men admire, let children take courage, let the married be astounded, let the unmarried take an example.

But what can I say worthy of her whose very name was not devoid of bright praise?

In devotion beyond her age, in virtue above nature, she seems to me to have borne not so much a human name, as a token of martyrdom, whereby she showed what she was to be.

But I have that which may assist me. The name of virgin is a title of modesty. I will call upon the martyr, I will proclaim the virgin. That panegyric is long enough which needs no elaboration but is within our grasp. Let then labor cease, eloquence be silent. One word is praise enough. This word old men and young and boys chant. No one is more praiseworthy than he who can be praised by all. There are as many heralds as there are men, who when they speak proclaim the martyr.

She is said to have suffered martyrdom when twelve years old. The more hateful was the cruelty, which spared not so tender an age, the greater in truth was the power of faith which found evidence even in that age.

Was there room for a wound in that small body?

And she who had no room for the blow of the steel had that wherewith to conquer the steel. But maidens of that age are unable to bear even the angry looks of parents and are wont to cry at the pricks of a needle as though they were wounds. She was fearless under the cruel hands of the executioners, she was unmoved by the heavy weight of the creaking chains, offering her whole body to the sword of the raging soldier, as yet ignorant of death, but ready for it. Or if she were unwillingly hurried to the altars, she was ready to stretch forth her hands to Christ at the sacrificial fires, and at the sacrilegious altars themselves, to make the sign of the Lord the Conqueror, or again to place her neck and both her hands in the iron bands, but no band could enclose such slender limbs.

A new kind of martyrdom! Not yet of fit age for punishment but already ripe for victory, difficult to contend with but easy to be crowned, she filled the office of teaching valor while having the disadvantage of youth. She would not as a bride so hasten to the couch, as being a virgin, she joyfully went to the place of punishment with hurrying step, her head not adorned with plaited hair, but with Christ. All wept, she alone was without a tear. All wondered that she was so readily prodigal of her life, which she had not yet enjoyed, and now gave up as though she had gone through it. Everyone was astounded that there was now one to bear witness to the Godhead, who as yet could not, because of her age, dispose of herself. And she brought it to pass that she should be believed concerning God, whose evidence concerning man would not be accepted. For that which is beyond nature is from the Author of nature.

What threats the executioner used to make her fear him, what allurements to persuade her, how many desired that she would come to them in marriage! But she answered: It would be an injury to my spouse to look on any one as likely to please me. He who chose me first for Himself shall receive me.

Why are you delaying, executioner?

Let this body perish which can be loved by eyes which I would not. She stood, she prayed, she bent down her neck. You could see the executioner tremble, as though he himself had been condemned, and his right-hand shake, his face grow pale, as he feared the peril of another, while the maiden feared not for her own. You have then in one victim a twofold martyrdom, of modesty and of religion. She both remained a virgin and she obtained martyrdom.

Pray that we may emulate Agnes who was martyred rather than forsake her betrothal to Christ and exhibited the traits of a true marriage.

Life First^{^[2]} 9 Days for Life

Day Six:

Intercession: May all victims and survivors of human trafficking find freedom, refuge, and healing.

Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, Glory Be

Reflection: Those who are vulnerable are most at risk for being lured into situations where they are trafficked. Migrants and refugees often face increased risk factors like changes to language and culture, lack of support systems, and the burden of poverty. Young people on the margins, especially runaway and homeless youth, are targeted for sex trafficking and may subsequently be forced to have abortions. Easily tempted by the false promises of traffickers, victims often find themselves enslaved with no means of escape. Christ came “to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Is 61:1, cf. Luke 4:18). May all who are trapped in situations of slavery be released from their chains of captivity and find freedom, refuge, safety, and healing in Christ and His Church.

Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)

· Give up sleeping on your pillow tonight. Allow this small sacrifice to remind you of the sufferings endured by those in our world who are enslaved.

· St. Josephine Bakhita, who was born in Sudan and sold into slavery, has become known as the patron saint of human trafficking victims. Pray for victims and survivors of human trafficking, asking the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita.

· Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

Bible in a Year Day 203 Rejoice in the Lord

Fr. Mike points out God's remarkable promise of deliverance to Israel even in the midst of their captivity and apparent hopelessness. Even when we don't see God working in our lives, we rejoice in God because we trust and hope in his promise of salvation. Today's readings are Isaiah 25-27, Habakkuk 3, and Proverbs 11:5-8.

Every Wednesday is Dedicated to St. Joseph

The Italian culture has always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you could make Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of pizza or spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday evening Mass. You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are adventurous, you could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the evening a family night, perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do, make the day special.

· Do the St. Joseph Universal Man Plan.

· Devotion to the 7 Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph

Virtues of St. Joseph Every Man can follow[3]

St. Joseph is the model of a man with no hesitancy of mind he is the man God chose to raise his son.

Justice-One of the few descriptors of St. Joseph found in Scripture is that he was a "just man," also translated as a "righteous man" (Matthew 1:19). Justice includes the virtues of fairness, honesty, and respect for others.

Obedient to God's will-Several times, angels came to St. Joseph in dreams and directed his course of action. They told him to marry Our Lady when he had thought of a quiet divorce, to flee to Egypt, and to return to Nazareth. In all these instances, he did as they said without question, giving us a model of surrender to God's will.

A protector-When Herod threatened the infant Jesus, St. Joseph went to great lengths to guard the baby from harm. We know little of St. Joseph's daily life, but we can imagine the kind of honorable and self-sacrificing man to whom God the Father would entrust the care and upbringing of His only begotten son.

Responsible-Caring for the two holiest people who ever lived, Jesus and Mary, must have seemed an immense task, but St. Joseph undertook it bravely. He was trustworthy enough to rise to the challenge of being responsible for their livelihood and well-being.

Chaste-One of the things we know about St. Joseph is that he and Our Lady lived together without consummating their marriage. He is a model of purity and would be a fitting intercessor for any man striving to live this virtue.

Faithful-St. Luke repeatedly emphasizes in his Gospel how St. Joseph acted in compliance with "the law of the Lord," that is, the ritual requirements of an observant Jewish man. He was a devoutly religious believer, and his faithfulness is an example for all men.

Watch: St Joseph: Our Spiritual Father

The Raccolta[4]

2-Seven Gloria Patri's, Etc., Said By Three Persons Conjointly.

The power of a three-strand rope

The twisting of the three strands creates a rope that is much stronger than a single strand of the same diameter. Another advantage of a three-strand rope is its ability to absorb shock.

· Pope Pius VI., in order to sanction the devout exercise begun in France with the approbation and under the auspices of Monsignor Beaumont, Archbishop of Paris, of happy memory, granted, by a decree of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, dated May 15, 1784 -

· An indulgence of 100 days, daily, and an indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines every Sunday, to all the faithful who, with contrite hearts, shall recite three several times a day (that is, morning, noon, and evening) seven Gloria Patri’s and one Ave Maria, in honor of the Mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, of the Incarnation of the Divine Word, and His most holy Mother Mary;

· A plenary indulgence to those who shall recite every day, three times a day as above, seven Gloria Patri’s and one Ave Maria to be gained twice a month, that is, on any two Sundays in the month, when, after Confession and Communion, they shall visit some church, and pray according to the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.

· It is, however, requisite, in order to gain these Indulgences, that there should be a pious union of three persons, who civilly agree amongst themselves to recite, either together or by themselves, the said seven Gloria Patri’s and one Ave Maria; and that, should any one of the three die, or in some other way fail to say these prayers, then the other two should find a substitute, so that the pious union of three persons may be always maintained.

Daily Devotions

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Increase in Religious and consecrated life.

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Make reparations to the Holy Face

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Rosary

[1] http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/34071.htm

[2]http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/nine-days-of-prayer-penance-and-pilgrimage.cfm

[3]https://aleteia.org/slideshow/slideshow-6-virtues-of-st-joseph-that-all-men-can-imitate/2/

[4]http://liturgialatina.org/raccolta/trinity.htm#:~:text=A%20plenary%20indulgence%20for%20ever%2C%20once%20in%20a,according%20to%20the%20intention%20of%20the%20Sovereign%20Pontiff.

🎬 Indiscreet (1931)

(Classic film clarity + moral resonance + hospitality pairing)

⭐ Core Facts

Director: Leo McCarey
Stars: Gloria Swanson (Gerry Trent), Ben Lyon (Tony Blake), Monroe Owsley (Jim Woodward)
Genre: Pre‑Code romantic comedy with leftover musical DNA
Source Material: Based on the story Obey That Impulse by DeSylva, Brown & Henderson
Runtime: 92 minutes (original release)

📘 Plot Summary (Clean, Tight, and Thematically Focused)

Act I — A New Year, A New Resolve

Gerry Trent, a successful dress designer, kicks out her unfaithful boyfriend Jim Woodward. She meets Tony Blake, an author whose philosophy—act on your impulses—she finds both amusing and attractive. Tony proposes immediately; she laughs, but the spark is real.
Theme: The tension between impulse and prudence.

Act II — The Confession

Gerry decides she must confess her past affair with Jim before marrying Tony. He’s shaken but still committed.
Moral tension: Truth told at the wrong time can wound even when it’s virtuous.

Act III — The Sister Problem

Gerry’s younger sister Joan returns from France—already secretly engaged to Jim. Gerry tries to break the engagement through comic misdirection, feigned madness, and finally pretending she still loves Jim.
Pre‑Code twist: A woman weaponizing her own reputation to protect her sister.

Act IV — The Misunderstanding

Tony arrives just in time to see Gerry in Jim’s arms (a staged moment gone wrong). Heartbroken, he leaves for Europe. Gerry races to the ship, sneaks aboard, and the lovers reunite.
Ending: A shipboard marriage—impulsive, romantic, and very McCarey.

✝️ Catholic Moral Reading (Tailored to Your Framework)

1. Truth vs. Timing

Gerry’s confession is morally correct but pastorally clumsy.

Lesson: Truth must be paired with prudence—Aquinas’ “right reason in action.”
Gerry’s honesty is virtuous; her impulsiveness is not.

2. Protecting the Innocent

Her fierce attempt to shield Joan from Jim’s predatory charm echoes the duty of fraternal correction.

She risks her own reputation to save her sister—an echo of sacrificial love.

3. Impulse vs. Discernment

Tony’s philosophy (“obey that impulse”) is charming but spiritually thin.

The film quietly critiques impulsivity by showing how easily it leads to misunderstanding and heartbreak.
The final reconciliation works because both characters move beyond impulse into commitment.

4. Mercy in the Final Act

Tony’s return to Gerry—despite hurt and confusion—embodies mercy over suspicion.

A small cinematic echo of the Prodigal Father’s readiness to forgive.

🍸 Hospitality Pairing (In Your Style)

Cocktail: “The Impulse”

A bright, slightly reckless pre‑Code drink that fits Gerry’s energy.

Gin (your bar stock)
Cointreau
Lemon
A dash of butterscotch schnapps (a nod to the film’s sweet‑and‑sour romantic tone)
Shake hard; serve up.
Theme: Sweetness with a sting—just like Gerry’s honesty.