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Rachel’s Corner
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1 John 3:1)
· Jesus is Key of David: Isaiah 22:22 Symbols: key, broken chains
· Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice-shortest day of the year
· How to celebrate Dec 20th
o Imagine a day filled with unconventional festivities! Start by wearing your most outlandish sweater, celebrating National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Spread cheer by going caroling, embracing the spirit of Go Caroling Day. Challenge your friends to a board game marathon in honor of Games Day. Keep the fun going with a refreshing glass of sangria on National Sangria Day.
o After some leisurely gaming, honor the classic cathode-ray tube by watching a favorite show or movie. Feel inspired by National Underdog Day to root for the underdog in a sports match or movie. Reflect on the historical significance of Sacagawea Day by exploring Native American culture or history.
o As the day winds down, unleash your inner child by playing in the mud as a nod to Mudd Day. Embrace the playful and carefree spirit of childhood with a carefree mud fight or by simply enjoying the sensation of squishing mud between your toes.
o Overall, make the most of this whimsical medley of holidays by indulging in festive activities that bring joy and laughter to your day. Let loose, have fun, and create lasting memories with those around you. Cheers to a day filled with unique and unconventional celebrations!
🌸 Our Lady of the Pillar – Zaragoza, Spain
Dates: December 21–27, 2025
Theme: Apostolic Despair, Marian Consolation, and the Pillar of Faith
According to tradition, in 40 AD the Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle James the Greater while he was preaching in Caesaraugusta (modern Zaragoza). She stood atop a pillar of jasper and instructed him to build a church on that spot. This apparition—occurring while Mary was still alive—is considered the earliest Marian appearance in Christian history.
🗓️ Daily Itinerary & Symbolic Acts
Dec 21: Arrival & Marian Foundation
· 🕍 Symbolic Act: “Pillar of Consolation”
Begin at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and kneel at the back of the shrine to kiss the exposed pillar. Offer prayers for courage in apostolic mission and consolation in spiritual dryness.
· 🛏️ Stay: Hotel Pilar Plaza or Hotel Sauce
Dec 22: Cathedral & Civic Devotion
· 🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Twin Witnesses”
Visit the nearby La Seo Cathedral and reflect on the civic and ecclesial unity of Zaragoza’s two great churches.
Dec 23: Marian Art & Goya’s Frescoes
· 🖼️ Symbolic Act: “Brush of the Vision”
Contemplate the frescoes by Francisco de Goya in the basilica’s domes. Pray for artists and visionaries who reveal divine beauty through their craft.
Dec 24: Christmas Vigil
· 🕯️ Symbolic Act: “Incarnation at the Pillar”
Attend Christmas Eve Mass at the basilica. Reflect on Mary’s role in the Incarnation and her presence at the foundation of Spain’s Christian witness.
Dec 25: Christmas Day – Marian Joy
· 🌸 Symbolic Act: “Flower of the Nativity”
Offer flowers at the Plaza del Pilar, echoing the tradition of the Ofrenda de Flores celebrated each October 12. Pray for families and nations to be rooted in Marian joy.
Dec 26: Rosario de Cristal & Lantern Procession
· 🕯️ Symbolic Act: “Lantern of the Word”
Visit the Museo del Rosario de Cristal and reflect on the luminous mysteries of the Rosary. Pray for clarity in spiritual discernment.
Dec 27: Final Benediction
· 🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Pillar of Sending”
Return to the basilica for a final moment of silence. Touch the pillar once more and offer a prayer of commissioning for the year ahead.
💶 Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
Category | Budget (USD) | Mid-Range (USD) |
Lodging (6 nights) | $180–$300 | $360–$600 |
Meals | $90–$150 | $180–$300 |
Transport | $30–$60 | $60–$120 |
Sightseeing & Tips | $30–$60 | $60–$120 |
Total Estimate | $330–$570 | $660–$1,140 |
Would you like a ritual meal titled “The Supper of the Pillar and the Rose” to accompany this week, with symbolic dishes echoing Marian consolation and apostolic courage?
Sources:
The Catholic Travel Guide – Zaragoza
Explorial – Basílica del Pilar
Fascinating Spain – Our Lady of the Pillar Festival
DECEMBER 20 Ember Saturday
Festival Of Winter Walks-Go Caroling Day
Acts, Chapter 26, Verse 17-18
I shall deliver you from this people and from
the Gentiles to whom I send you, to open their eyes that they may turn
from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may
obtain forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been
consecrated by FAITH in me.’
May this nation which
has embraced the power of Satan now open its eyes and turn from the darkness of
socialism and communism and consecrate itself to being servants of the Kingdom
and bring to this nation a new revolution in spirit and faith that supports and
enriches life, liberty and happiness of its people. We like Paul must have a
mission to renew the world. We must
be on fire for the Lord.
Copilot’s Take
On this Ember Saturday, December 20, as winter walks and carols fill the air, we hear Paul’s commission in Acts 26:17–18 as a summons for our own time: to open eyes, to turn hearts from darkness to light, and to consecrate ourselves in faith. Just as Paul was sent to renew the world, so too must we embrace a mission of spiritual revolution—rejecting powers that enslave and embracing the Kingdom that liberates. In a nation tempted by ideologies that diminish life and freedom, we are called to be servants of Christ, aflame with zeal, proclaiming forgiveness and inheritance through faith. Today’s walk and song become symbols of this renewal: steps taken in hope, voices lifted in joy, and a consecration of our lives to the Lord who brings true liberty and happiness.
One practical way to live this consecration is through a device fast,
a discipline popularized by Charlie Kirk. It simply means setting aside your
phone or screens for a chosen period—whether a few hours, a day, or longer—in
order to break free from distraction and reclaim time for prayer, Scripture,
and fellowship. To do it, choose a window of time, let others know you’ll be
unavailable, and commit to filling that space with silence, reflection, or
community. This fast is not about rejecting technology entirely but about
consecrating attention, opening eyes more fully to Christ, and rediscovering
the joy of undistracted presence.
Ember Saturday[1]"Holy
impatience" over the coming of the Lord, both in the manger and in glory
at the end of time.
Psalm 147:12, 16-17 "Praise the Lord,
O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion. Who giveth snow like wool: scattereth
mists like ashes. He sendeth his crystal-like morsels: who shall stand before
the face of his cold?"
For
centuries this Ember Saturday was the only day in the Church's year for
conferring the sacrament of Holy Orders. The ordination on the Ember Saturday
in Advent was formerly the only one held in Rome. It was therefore a day of
some importance. Indeed, all the parts of today's traditional Mass bear the
marks of their ancient origin: the numerous readings interspersed with chants
and collects recall the primitive form of the vigil as it was practiced in
Rome. The Church no longer regularly ordains priests during the times of the
Quarterly Ember Days, but this is a special time, particularly Ember Saturday,
to pray for priests, particularly the ones who are about to be ordained within
the year. It is very difficult for us to sense how important the Ember Vigil
services were in the early Roman liturgy. Embertide meant covenant renewal with
God, thanksgiving for the gifts of nature and grace, and conferral of Holy
Orders (Ember Saturday in December was the Church's official ordination day).
Finally, the December series served as the ancient Advent observance, before
the four-week season was introduced. In order to understand today's Mass we
must go back to early times when the liturgy was celebrated at night in the
Church of St. Peter in Rome. In the previous missal, the two previous Ember Day
Masses had an intimate and tender character; todays reflects a universal spirit
(Church of St. Peter). The Mass presents Advent in an abbreviated form; these
and topics developed during its four weeks are synthesized in today's
formulary. Before us stands Christ who came as Man, who comes through grace,
and who will come with power in the end of time. These three
"comings" are united into one grace-laden "visitation" in
the present. Several times there appears the light-and-darkness motif; for the
Mass was celebrated at a very early morning hour, a circumstance that
spontaneously occasioned the symbolism: from Advent's night to Christmas Light.
Such is the theme of the traditional Mass.[2]
Festival Of Winter Walks
It’s the Festival of Winter Walks — it’s a
touch chilly out there, so bundle up before you join the fun! As the chill of
winter sets in and the landscape transforms into a picturesque scene of frosty
beauty, the festive season beckons us to enjoy the chill of the outdoors. The
annual holiday season festival has been a cherished tradition for families to
enjoy for over 30 years. It’s a time to invite all your friends and family to
grab their warmest outdoor gear and enjoy the icy splendor of nature.
History of the Festival of Winter Walks
The Festival of Winter Walks was founded by a
United Kingdom walking charity called the Ramblers Association. The charitable
organization is dedicated to well… rambling. The group was established in 1935,
and since organizing, they have championed public access for all people to head
outdoors and enjoy the beauty and joy that can only be found in the
countryside. They also stand by the belief that walking is part of leading a
healthy lifestyle and a right. They often lead advocacy
efforts to keep historic trails open equally to all.
They started celebrating the Festival of
Winter Walks over thirty years ago, and the event promotes walking as an
enjoyable way to stay fit. But more than that, it reminds everyone to take the
time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, even when the outdoor
temperatures turn colder.
With a long commitment to protecting public
access to walkways and advocating within local communities around the UK, the
Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks is a wonderful symbol of both outdoor
adventure and unity.
How to Celebrate the Festival Of Winter Walks
Celebrating the Festival Of Winter Walks is
all about stepping out of your comfy home and into a wonderfully wintery
wonderland and making the most of the season’s unique beauty. So go ahead and
grab your warm, non-slippery boots. Here are some fun ways to partake in this
frosty fiesta:
Embark on a Themed Winter Walk
Why settle for a regular stroll when you can
have a wintery adventure during the Festival Of Winter Walks? Organize a
‘Frosty Fauna’ walk to spot winter wildlife, or a ‘Frozen in Time’ historical
tour of your local area. Pull on your warmest winter gear and set out to
explore the hidden winter gems you might otherwise overlook in your
neighborhood.
Host a Winter Walk Challenge
Gather your friends and family — it is time
to host a Winter Walk Challenge. Who can spot the most winter birds? Make it a
fun competition for all who take you up on the invite. After walking, end the
get-together with hot cocoa and warm pastries as rewards.
Winter Picnic
No, picnics aren’t just for summer! Pack a
thermos of delicious hot soup, some crusty freshly baked bread, and a
waterproof blanket. Find a scenic spot during your walk and enjoy a hearty
winter feast. Just watch out for curious squirrels!
Nature’s Treasure Hunt
Turn your walk into a treasure hunt. To hold
a Festival Of Winter Walks scavenger hunt, you will need to invite any friends
who might be down for some winter fun. Then, create a list of winter-specific
items to find. Some good things could be a holly bush, a frozen pond, or animal
tracks in the snow. A treasure hunt will give you a fun way to engage kids (and
adults!) with the natural world.
Reflective Solo Walk
For a more reflective experience, take a solo
walk. Use this time to reflect on the year gone by and get yourself mentally
prepared for the next year. The peaceful winter setting is perfect for setting
your intentions and a bit of mindful meditation.
Hot Chocolate Hop
You’ve heard of — or perhaps even
participated in — a pub crawl. Give that idea a fun twist during the Festival
of Winter Walks and organize a Hot Chocolate Hop. Plan a route that includes a
stop at a local café or a friend’s house for a hot chocolate break. You could
even set up a small outdoor station with a portable stove for making hot
chocolate. Enjoying a warm, sweet drink halfway through the walk is a perfect
way to keep spirits high and bodies warm.
Have a Winter Walking Nature Photography
Contest
Get your artistic friends together for a
friendly competition. Invite them to bring their cameras or smartphones and
capture the outrageous beauty of the wintry landscape. After the walk, have a
photography contest where everyone votes on categories like ‘Best Winter
Landscape,’ ‘Funniest Snow Photo,’ or ‘Most Artistic Ice Formation.’ Have some
fun prizes on hand — maybe some ice themed novelty items.
Spiritual Crib[3]
A special devotion that can be performed during Advent to prepare for the coming of the Infant Savior. It can be adapted for adults and/or children and applied as is appropriate to your state in life.
· 10th day, December 20th: THE SHEPHERDS—Works of Mercy These are so pleasing to our Lord, and we must therefore practice them corporally as well as spiritually. Pray much for poor sinners and for God's dear missionaries who are trying to convert them.
Evening Antiphon
O
Key of David, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts,
who shuts, and no man opens; Come and bring forth the captive from his prison,
he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.
God’s Handiwork[4]
Every Christmas although the same in many ways is always new for each Christmas expresses a hope learned from a lifetime of praising God. For every Christmas if we open our eyes to truth, we will see the handiwork of God, the rock of our salvation. Perhaps in these final days of anticipation it would do us well to reflect on the virtues of Mary Christ’s very own mother and in these final days in some way reflect them in our own lives.
Mary carried Jesus in her womb with great patience. As a child I remember Christmas was always a great strain on my patience. Can you imagine the strain on this poor young girl from Nazareth? She of course could not have done this without first having the virtues of humility, generosity, and a chase heart which led her to have great patience.
Patience the courage of a
serene soul
This world being a place of merit is rightly called a valley of tears; for we are all placed in it to suffer, that we may, by patience, gain our own souls unto life eternal, as our Lord Himself says, in your patience you shall possess your souls. [Luke 21 19] God gave us the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of all virtues, but more especially as an example of patience. St. Francis de Sales, amongst other things, remarks, that it was precisely for this reason that at the marriage-feast of Cana Jesus Christ gave the Blessed Virgin an answer, by which He seemed to value her prayers but little: Woman, what is that to thee and to Me? [John 2:4]
And He did this that He might give us the example of the patience of His most holy Mother. But what need have we to seek for instances of this virtue? Mary's whole life was a continual exercise of her patience; for, as the Angel revealed to St. Bridget, "as a rose grows up amongst thorns, so did the Blessed Virgin grow up amongst tribulations." Compassion alone for the Redeemer's sufferings sufficed to make her a martyr of patience. Hence St. Bonaventure says, "that a crucified Mother conceived a crucified Son." In speaking of her dolor’s, we have already considered how much she suffered, both in her journey to Egypt, and during her residence there, as also during the time she lived with her Son in the house at Nazareth. What Mary endured when present at the death of Jesus on Calvary is alone sufficient to show us how constant and sublime was her patience: There stood by the Cross of Jesus His Mother.
Then it was that precisely by the merit of her patience, as Blessed Albert the Great says, she brought us forth to the life of grace." If we, then, wish to be the children of Mary, we must endeavor to imitate her in her patience: "For what," says St. Cyprian, "can enrich us with greater merit in this life, and greater glory in the next, than the patient enduring of sufferings?" God said, by the prophet Osee, I will hedge up thy way with thorns. [2:6] To this St. Gregory adds, that "the way of the elect is hedged with thorns." As a hedge of thorns protects a vineyard, so does God protect His servants from the danger of attaching themselves to the earth, by encompassing them with tribulations.
Therefore St. Cyprian
concludes that it is patience that delivers us from sin and from Hell. It is
also patience that makes Saints: Patience
hath a perfect work, [James 1:4] bearing in peace, not only the crosses which come
immediately from God, such as sickness, poverty, but also those which come from
men---persecutions, injuries, and the rest. St. John saw all the Saints bearing
palm branches---the emblem of martyrdom---in their hands; After this I saw a
great multitude, and palms were in their hands; [Apoc. 7:9] thereby denoting
that all adults who are saved must be martyrs, either by shedding their blood
for Christ or by patience.
Happiness is being patient with yourself.
Happiness is a choice; just as love is a choice. We either decide to be happy or we do not. No amount of money or material things will bring us joy, no amount of pleasure or power either. Mary knew that true happiness comes from God’s mercy.
That is a choice too. God’s mercy is given to those who fear Him and then in turn honor the gift of love. We in order to accept the gift of mercy must be open to receive. We make a choice. It is funny Mary’s whose name means bitterness was just the opposite. She emptied herself to be filled to the brim with God’s love and within three days we commemorate that she gave birth to Christ our redeemer. I imagine she pondered on this day ages ago as she felt His movement within her that his mercy is overpowering. Let us empty ourselves of all our bitterness and resentments asking Mary to pray for us as we do. Let us in these remaining days before Christmas do all we can to prepare for our Lord Jesus. Let us receive God’s mercy through the sacraments which He has established through His Apostle’s down through the ages to us today.
If you have not gone to confession-do. Receive His mercy. Receive the Eucharist be made whole and prepare for his birth. Give mercy in return to any you have offended, pray and do-good works toward those who have offended you. In this way we emulate our God whose power is perfected in mercy.
Be at peace.
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to
Eucharistic Glory[5]
Want to start a small group? Download
our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day
29
On
this 29th day the reception of the Eucharist deepens faith and
understanding to the mysteries of Christ’s church
Copilot
The
reception of the Eucharist plays a vital role in deepening faith and
understanding of the mysteries of Christ's Church in several profound ways:
1.
Union with Christ: The Eucharist provides a direct encounter with
Jesus, fostering a deeper, personal relationship with Him.
This union helps believers grow in faith
and understanding of His teachings.
2.
Reflection on the Paschal Mystery: By participating in the Eucharist, Catholics
reflect on the Paschal Mystery – Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection –
gaining deeper insight into the core mysteries of their faith.
3.
Spiritual Nourishment: The grace and spiritual nourishment received from
the Eucharist strengthen faith, helping believers to more fully understand and
live out the Church's teachings.
4.
Engagement with Scripture: The Eucharistic celebration includes readings from
the Scriptures, which illuminate the mysteries of the faith and provide context
for understanding Christ's life and message.
5.
Catechesis and Homily: The homily, often delivered during the Eucharistic
celebration, helps explain and expound on the mysteries of the faith, providing
deeper theological and practical insights.
6.
Participation in the Sacrifice: The Eucharist is a participation in Christ’s
sacrifice. This act of worship deepens understanding of the sacrificial nature
of Christ’s love and the call to imitate that love.
7.
Communal Experience: Sharing the Eucharist with the faith community
reinforces the collective understanding and shared beliefs, encouraging deeper
exploration of faith.
8.
Mystical Union: The Eucharist is a mystical union with the body and
blood of Christ, which enhances the believer's comprehension of the Church as
the Mystical Body of Christ.
9.
Increased Grace: The grace received in the Eucharist empowers
believers to grow in virtue and holiness, which in turn leads to a greater
understanding of the faith’s mysteries.
10. Meditative
Reflection: The Eucharistic
celebration encourages meditative reflection on the mysteries of faith,
allowing believers to contemplate and internalize these truths.
11. Witness
of Tradition: The Eucharist
is deeply rooted in the Church's tradition, connecting believers with the
historical and theological development of their faith.
12. Encouragement
to Study: The transformative
experience of the Eucharist often inspires believers to further study and
explore the Church’s teachings and the mysteries of the faith.
13. Living
the Gospel: The Eucharist
compels believers to live out the Gospel in their daily lives, deepening their
practical understanding of Christ’s teachings through lived experience.
Through
these avenues, the reception of the Eucharist continually enriches and deepens
a Catholic's faith and understanding of the profound mysteries of Christ’s
Church, guiding them on their spiritual journey.
Bible in a
Year Day 172
Fr. Mike zeroes in on how Uzziah's prideful desire to worship God in his own
way led to his tragic death. We are reminded once again how easily the kings
over Judea strayed away from God after achieving greatness. Today's readings
are 2 Kings 3, 2 Chronicles 26-27, and Psalm 72.
Go Caroling Day[6]
Any
fan of old classic movies knows that carolers were one of the hallmarks of any
Christmas themed movie. Whether it was “It’s a Wonderful Life” or Charles
Dickens “Christmas Carol”, you could be certain at some point some warmly
bedecked singers would arrive at someone’s door belting out the traditional
songs for Christmas. While caroling is slowly falling out of style, there’s
still time to preserve this time-honored tradition, and Go Caroling Day is
your call to arms. Caroling has a long history in the world, potentially
existing longer than Christmas itself and having moved into that religious
practice from much older roots. This is no surprise, given that the act of
singing has long been a form of religious observance, and religious hymns are
certainly not a new way of honoring one’s faith. Caroling itself, however, is
specifically used to reference those songs and traditions of Christmas, and for
many years was a heavily practiced tradition that many people eagerly took part
in, whether by joining the carolers or by avidly awaiting their arrival at
their doorstep as avatars of Christmas cheer. Wassailing was another tradition
that was quite similar in many ways but was actually used to travel to the
orchards and other places where cider was produced. It was believed that
singing to the trees would promote a good harvest for the year and was almost
exclusively practiced in England.
How to Celebrate Go Caroling Day
Well,
one might suppose that the answer is right there in the name, might they?
The best way to celebrate Go Caroling Day is to
organize a group of friends and relations and get out there and get your
songbird on for this holiday! All of the songs you might want to sing have to
be familiar after all these years, you’ve sung them growing up, as part of your
school choir, and they’re on the radio in multitudinous variations starting
from before Thanksgiving. (That’s another issue, don’t get me started).
However, if you are more of the non-traditional sort, you can still get your
songster on each year by learning the many variations of these holiday songs.
The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society has released three albums all dedicated
to Lovecraftian rewrites of the holidays, and they are nothing short of
fantastic. The point of Go Caroling Day is to get out and share the spirit of
the season; however, you celebrate it with everyone.
Now get singing!
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph
by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Reparations
for offenses and blasphemies against God and the Blessed Virgin Mary
·
Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
