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. "
Confronting evil begins with remembering that we never confront it alone. Padre Pio’s witness makes this unmistakably clear: while we sleep, our guardian angel keeps watch, not as a symbol but as a soldier assigned to our soul. Evil works in shadows, in the hours when we are weakest or unaware — yet Heaven is already there, standing guard, interceding, and pushing back what we cannot see. This is the first truth of spiritual warfare: God equips us with protection long before we recognize the threat. The second is this — our task is not to match evil’s aggression but to remain faithful, transparent, and rooted in the light. When we confront evil in our waking hours, we do so with the same confidence Padre Pio lived by: that the battle is real, but the victory is not ours to manufacture. It is already being fought on our behalf, even in the silence of our sleep.
π Overview of Tonight or Never (1931)
Director: Mervyn LeRoy Stars: Gloria Swanson (Nella Vago), Melvyn Douglas (Jim Fletcher), Alison Skipworth (Grandmother), Ferdinand Gottschalk (Rudig) Studio: United Artists Based on: The 1928 Hungarian play Tonight or Never by Lajos Zilahy Release: October 31, 1931 Notable Achievement: Marked Melvyn Douglas’s film debut, pairing him immediately with one of Hollywood’s most commanding stars, Gloria Swanson, in a pre‑Code romantic comedy filled with wit, seduction, and European elegance.
π Plot in Brief
Nella Vago is a celebrated Hungarian opera soprano whose voice is technically flawless but emotionally cold. Her teacher insists she will never reach true greatness until she experiences real love.
A mysterious man begins appearing at her performances, unsettling her with his quiet intensity. Believing him to be a gigolo, she decides to risk everything on a single night of passion — a reckless act meant to unlock her artistic soul.
The twist: the man is actually Jim Fletcher, the influential Metropolitan Opera agent whose approval she desperately needs.
The revelation forces Nella to confront pride, vulnerability, and the difference between performing passion and actually living it.
π¬ Swanson & Douglas: Why This Pairing Works
⭐ Gloria Swanson as Nella Vago
Regal, witty, and emotionally guarded — a diva who has mastered control but not surrender.
Her transformation from icy perfection to awakened womanhood is the film’s emotional engine.
Swanson’s elegance, paired with Coco Chanel gowns, gives the film its visual electricity.
⭐ Melvyn Douglas as Jim Fletcher
A remarkably confident debut: suave, observant, and quietly commanding.
Plays the “mysterious stranger” with understatement rather than bravado.
His calm masculinity becomes the catalyst for Nella’s artistic and emotional breakthrough.
⭐ Their Dynamic
Swanson’s intensity meets Douglas’s restraint — a perfect pre‑Code contrast.
Their chemistry is built on curiosity, tension, and mutual unveiling, not melodrama.
The seduction sequence is daring for 1931, yet played with sophistication rather than scandal.
πΌ Style, Setting & Craft
Set in Budapest, Venice, and Paris — a tour of European elegance.
Early cinematography by Gregg Toland, who would later revolutionize film with Citizen Kane.
Pre‑Code freedom allows for flirtation, innuendo, and adult themes handled with wit rather than vulgarity.
The opera sequences blend glamour with emotional stakes, underscoring the theme that art requires vulnerability.
π️ Moral & Devotional Themes
✦ Authenticity vs. Performance
Nella’s crisis is spiritual as much as artistic:
she performs passion without ever having surrendered to it.
Her awakening mirrors the Christian call to integrity of heart — to live truthfully, not theatrically.
✦ The Courage to Love
Love requires risk, humility, and the willingness to be seen.
Nella’s transformation echoes the Gospel truth that fear suffocates the soul, while love frees it.
✦ Vocation and Gift
Her voice is a gift — but a gift that must be animated by lived experience.
This parallels the Catholic understanding that talent becomes vocation only when infused with charity.
✦ Humility as Breakthrough
Nella’s pride collapses when she discovers Jim’s true identity.
That collapse becomes the doorway to grace — a reminder that humility is the beginning of greatness.
π· Hospitality Pairing
Drink:The Prima Donna
A sparkling, elegant cocktail that matches Nella’s transformation from icy control to radiant warmth.
Sparkling wine
A splash of Cointreau
Lemon twist
Serve in a flute for theatrical effect
Snack:
Almond financiers or buttery opera cookies — small, refined, European, perfect for a pre‑Code romance.
Symbolic Touch:
A single white rose on the table — representing purity regained, pride surrendered, and the awakening of authentic love.
·Start your day by enjoying a hot cup of hot chocolate, embodying coziness and warmth. Dive into an art project inspired by your favorite zebra pattern, embracing creativity. Plan a future trip while savoring some Brussels sprouts, amplifying your wanderlust. Get a head start on holiday gift wrapping with Scotch tape, adding a touch of fun to your day.
·Challenge yourself by doing tasks backward, from brushing your teeth to writing, adding a whimsical twist. Savor a Brandy Alexander cocktail, reveling in its rich flavor. Release your inner child by donning a gorilla suit and spreading cheer. Embrace the cold with a frosty treat, celebrating unusual occurrences.
·Reflect on the value of social security while expressing gratitude for what you have. Lastly, commemorate independence with a traditional Nauruan dish,
fostering appreciation for different cultures. As the day comes to a close, gather loved ones for a bonfire, symbolizing unity and warmth.
Vinny’s pilgrimage
**π January 31 – February 6, 2026
Patmos — Island of Revelation** Theme: Silence, Vision, and the Courage to See Clearly
Patmos is where St. John received the Book of Revelation. It is the island of clarity, courage, and consolation—the place where the veil lifts.
π️ Daily Itinerary & Symbolic Acts
Jan 31 – Arrival in Patmos (Island of St. John)
π️ Symbolic Act: “Opening the Eyes of the Heart” Step off the ferry into the quiet harbor of Skala. Let the silence of the island settle into your bones. Pray for the grace to see what you have been avoiding.
Stay: Petra Hotel & Suites or a simple monastery guesthouse
Feb 1 – Cave of the Apocalypse
π Symbolic Act: “Listening to the Whisper” Enter the cave where John heard the voice “like a trumpet.” Place your hand on the rock fissure tradition says opened at the moment of revelation. Ask for the courage to hear God without distortion.
Feb 2 – Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas)
π―️ Symbolic Act: “Light in the Temple” Attend Candlemas at the Monastery of St. John the Theologian. Carry a blessed candle through the cloister. Pray for the purification of your intentions.
Feb 3 – Monastery of the Annunciation
π️ Symbolic Act: “Receiving the Word” Visit the women’s monastery overlooking the sea. Sit in the courtyard and read a short passage from Revelation. Let the words echo.
Feb 4 – Coastal Walk & Desert Silence
πΏ Symbolic Act: “Walking Toward the Horizon” Walk the coastal path from Skala to Grikos. Reflect on the horizon as a symbol of God’s promises not yet fulfilled.
Feb 5 – Eucharistic Stillness
π️ Symbolic Act: “Behold, I Make All Things New” Spend an hour in adoration at a small island chapel. Offer God the parts of your life that feel unfinished or unclear.
Feb 6 – Departure & Benediction
π Symbolic Act: “Seal of Revelation” Before leaving, return to the Cave of the Apocalypse. Whisper a single prayer: “Lord, help me see.”
πΆ Cost Snapshot (Per Person)
Lodging (6 nights): $300–$450
Meals: $150–$210
Transport (ferries, taxis): $80–$150
Sightseeing & Tips: $40–$80
Total: $570–$890
JANUARY 31 Friday-SAINT
JOHN BOSCO
Psalm 103, Verse 13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the
LORD has compassion on those who FEAR
him.
Does God derive anything
from having us fear Him?
His only wish is to see us
truly growing and fruitful. He made us
and as a loving father, he knows our needs both physical and spiritual. If we
have a loving fear of our father we are compelled by the Holy Spirit into
spiritual leadership, avoiding sloth which often comes as a result of being
stuck in a victim mentality or not letting go of rage by forgiving the
offender.
Today seek the Father’s
compassion by going to confession then arise and grow in spiritual leadership.
As
we grow in our spiritual leadership[1]
we tend to be:
·Confident
in God
·Know
God
·Seek
God’s will
·Self-sacrifice
·Serve
all
·Motivated
by love
·Trust
the Holy Spirit
·Lead
others
Copilot’s Take
A
heart shaped by holy fear becomes the kind of heart God can entrust with real
spiritual authority. When we stand before Him with reverence rather than
terror, we discover that His compassion is not sentimental but strengthening,
forming us into men and women who refuse to live as victims or prisoners of old
wounds. Confession clears the fog, forgiveness breaks the chains, and the
Father’s mercy restores our clarity of mission. From that place, spiritual
leadership grows naturally: confidence rooted in God rather than ego, a hunger
to know His will, a willingness to sacrifice, and a love that serves without
calculation. Such a life confronts evil not with rage or bravado but with the
steady courage of a child who knows his Father’s voice.
St. John Bosco was the founder of the Salesian
Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales, and of the daughters of Mary,
Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence
his title, "Apostle of Youth." He had no formal system or theory of
education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love
for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator. Don Bosco
decided to go ahead fearlessly with his educational mission stating,” “Timid
souls refrained from making any kind of fresh start for fear of the coming
storm.”
Things to Do
·St.
John Bosco at a young age learned how to juggle and do other tricks to attract
children to him. This provided opportunities for him to give catechesis to
these children. Think of different activities that you could do to attract
children—perhaps juggling, putting on puppet shows, storybook time—and use that
opportunity to teach a virtue, catechism lesson, or just to be a good example.
Good clean fun or a wholesome activity is a lesson in itself in a world where
there is so much corruption.
·If
you feel brave, try cooking the stuffed raw peppers suggested for today. Mama
Margaret probably cooked Peperoni farciti Γ la Piemontaise (peppers
stuffed with boiled rice), a speciality from Turin, for St. John Bosco's boys.
Fr.
Mike touches upon the prophecy of judgment against Babylon and Israel, and how
God still promises to be Israel's redeemer despite their disobedience. We also
read about Ezekiel's vision of the temple and how the markings on the foreheads
of the Israelites symbolizes the mourning of true worship, and also foreshadows
Jesus' death on the Cross. Today we read Isaiah 47-48, Ezekiel 8-9, and
Proverbs 12:13-16.
The Canadian Rockies is
the place for adventure in January. Besides the predictable winter activities —
skiing, snowshoeing, skating — Jasper in January
hosts fat bike snow races, sleigh riding, dog sledding and ice climbing. And
that’s just during the day, Jasper’s evenings offer wine and whiskey tasting,
food-a-paloolza, live music, entertainment, kids’ scavenger hunts, plus
stargazing and northern-light viewing with s’mores.
Soil under our
feet goes unnoticed, though this first foot of soil is where most living
organisms’ dwell. The health of the fragile skin of our earth is of utmost
importance. Humility comes from the Latin word for soil, "humus."
From and unto dust is the humbling message to each of us. Soil is rich and
fertile but also prone to erosion and pollution.
The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between
the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ's public life the
Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation
of the Christian family.
The
Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a
fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in
His Mother's arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice. February 17,
Shrove Tuesday, will find us preparing for Ash Wednesday. The middle of
the month will find us on Ash Wednesday accepting the ashes that remind
us of our mortality and our need for penance.
Though
the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It
contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons
(Christmas and Easter)! The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens
back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless
babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save his people from
their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession
this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In
addition, the faithful may receive in February three of the four major public
sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed
candles and the blessing of throats and blessed ashes.
"The
Light of Revelation" shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of
Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for
conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept
the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and plunge ourselves
into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer,
almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary.
She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to
deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son.
Members
of each family or domestic church have the opportunity to have the candles for
their home altar blessed on Candlemas Day (February 2nd); and the next morning,
on the Feast of St. Blaise, all might receive the Blessing of the Throats.
Always a solicitous Mother, the Church offers this sacramental during the
wintry month of February and also sets aside the World Day of Prayer for the
Sick on February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
❄️ February Travel
Highlights
π΄ Take a Horse‑Drawn
Sleigh Ride (All Month – Yellowstone & Jackson Hole)
π Saranac Lake
Winter Carnival (Feb 6–15, 2026)
One of America’s oldest winter festivals, featuring
the famous Ice Palace, parades, fireworks, and the crowning of the Carnival
King and Queen. Official Site
𦫠See Punxsutawney
Phil’s Prediction (Feb 2)
Join the pre‑dawn crowd at Gobbler’s Knob to watch
Phil deliver his winter forecast. Groundhog Club
❄️ Party in Quebec
City (Feb 6–15, 2026)
Snow rafting, ice canoe racing, snow baths,
sculptures, and the iconic Bonhomme. Quebec Winter Carnival
π Super Bowl LX
(Feb 8, 2026)
The nation gathers for food, friends, and football. NFL Super Bowl
π· Smell the Flowers
at Tulipmania (Mid‑February 2026)
Over 39,000 tulips bloom at San Francisco’s Pier 39.
Tours begin at the Crab Statue and end with a treat from Trish’s Mini Donuts. Pier 39 • Trish’s Mini Donuts
Different cultures add their own flavor to the feast
of love:
Germany: Chocolate, flowers, and lucky pig figurines —
traditions at Germany Travel (germany.travel in Bing)
(bing.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)
Denmark: Snowdrop‑shaped notes, poems, and playful
riddles — cultural background at Denmark.dk (denmark.dk in Bing)
(bing.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)
π Attend the
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show (Feb 12–22, 2026)
Over 2,400 horses compete for top honors, with family‑friendly
activities throughout the event. Kids 17 and under are free. Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
π Carnival Season
(February–March)
Fat Tuesday — the height of global carnival
celebrations — falls on February 17, 2026.
oJust
like the Arizona Renaissance Festival, Tombstone, Arizona, beckons visitors to
step back in time during February. However, instead of transporting you back to
a mystical medieval era, Tombstone brings visitors to the rough and tumbling
times of the Old West.
oFor
those seeking a reprieve from the cold and yearning for breathtaking hikes,
Saguaro National Park is an excellent choice. With average winter temperatures
soaring into the high 60s, it stands out as a premier destination to thaw out
and partake in outdoor adventures in February. Upon entering the vast
143-square-mile park, you’ll be captivated by the towering saguaros. Some of
these cacti reach an impressive 50 feet and live a lifespan of up to 125 years.
The park is divided into two distinct sections: East Saguaro, characterized by
its mountainous terrain and abundant hiking and backpacking trails, and the
West side, home to a denser Saguaro Forest.
Stars: Myrna Loy (Lady Edwina Esketh), Tyrone Power (Major Rama Safti), George Brent (Tom Ransome)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Based on: Louis Bromfield’s 1937 novel
Release: September 7, 1939
Notable Achievement: Won the Academy Award for Best Special Effects, beating Gone With the Wind for its groundbreaking flood and earthquake sequences.
π Plot in Brief
Lady Edwina Esketh arrives in the princely state of Ranchipur, India, intending to rekindle an old affair with artist Tom Ransome. Instead, she becomes drawn to Major Rama Safti, a principled surgeon and rising leader of “the new India.”
A devastating earthquake–flood–cholera chain of disasters transforms the story from social intrigue to moral reckoning. Edwina abandons her hedonistic life to serve the sick, ultimately sacrificing herself after accidentally drinking from a contaminated glass. Her death clears the way for Safti to assume leadership and reform the kingdom.
π¬ Power & Loy: Why This Pairing Works
⭐ Tyrone Power as Major Rama Safti
Cast against type: a calm, disciplined, almost ascetic figure rather than a swashbuckler.
His performance is restrained, dignified, and quietly heroic.
⭐ Myrna Loy as Lady Edwina Esketh
Known for sophistication and wit, Loy here plays a morally compromised woman seeking redemption.
Her transformation—from jaded aristocrat to self-sacrificing caregiver—is the emotional core of the film.
⭐ Their Dynamic
Power’s steadiness and Loy’s emotional volatility create a compelling contrast.
Their chemistry is understated but powerful, rooted in mutual respect and moral awakening rather than melodrama.
πͺ️ Spectacle & Craft
The disaster sequences were revolutionary for 1939, using miniatures, water tanks, and optical effects.
The film’s special effects Oscar was the first ever awarded in that category.
Alfred Newman’s score and Arthur C. Miller’s cinematography give the film a sweeping, almost operatic tone.
π️ Moral & Devotional Themes
✦ Redemption Through Service
Edwina’s arc mirrors the Christian movement from self-indulgence to sacrificial love. Her final act—contracting illness while serving the sick—echoes the Gospel’s “greater love” that lays down one’s life.
✦ Leadership as Vocation
Safti’s rise is not ambition but calling. His willingness to serve during crisis becomes the moral justification for his future rule.
✦ Disaster as Purification
The earthquake and flood function symbolically as a cleansing—washing away old decadence and revealing the true character of each person.
✦ The Artist’s Conversion
Tom Ransome’s shift from dissolute expatriate to responsible protector parallels the spiritual awakening you often highlight in your devotional work.
π· Hospitality Pairing
To accompany a viewing:
Drink:
A gin and lime highball—clean, sharp, and colonial-era appropriate—mirrors the film’s setting and the tension between decadence and renewal.
Snack:
Spiced cashews or curried almonds, nodding to the Indian setting without slipping into caricature.
Symbolic Touch:
A small bowl of clear water on the table—representing both the destructive flood and the cleansing of conscience.
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