Smoke in This Life, Not the Next
Wed., Nov. 11 - St. Martin of Tours / Veterans Day
Virtue: Charity, Chivalry & Service
Cigar: Dark Habano
Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101
St. Martin of Tours is remembered for a simple act of charity that became legendary. Encountering a freezing beggar at the city gate, the Roman soldier cut his military cloak in half and gave part of it away. That night Christ appeared to him clothed in the portion he had shared. Martin discovered what every Christian must eventually learn: what we give to the least, we give to Christ Himself.
The accounts of the Holy Souls teach a similar lesson. Mary Villani once begged to share a small portion of a suffering soul's purification. A touch like a finger of fire upon her forehead caused such pain that the mark remained for months. She willingly accepted the suffering as an act of charity and penance for that soul's release. The story reminds us that love is never merely sentiment. True charity costs something. It demands sacrifice, intercession, and a willingness to carry burdens for others.
On this Veterans Day, we remember those who accepted hardship, danger, and sacrifice in service to others. Some divided their cloak like St. Martin. Others gave years of their lives, their health, or even their lives themselves. As the smoke rises, consider where Christ is asking you to serve without applause or recognition. The saints and the Holy Souls teach the same lesson: what is freely given in love is never lost before God.
"Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of Mine, you did for Me."
- Matthew 25:40
Question: What part of my cloak, comfort, time, or treasure is God asking me to share today for the good of another soul?
NOVEMBER 11 Wednesday-Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Veterans
Day
Psalm 103, Verse 11
For as the heavens tower over the earth, so his
mercy towers over those who FEAR him.
The earth
is indeed blessed among all the planets in our solar system because of our
heaven. As the heavens have made the earth a garden rich with life like so is
God grace over those who are faithful and love Him.
Never
forget our Lord asked Peter if he loves Him three times. One time for each of the times Peter denied
our Lord on the eve of His crucifixion thus nullifying Peter’s denials and
restoring him. Christ asks Peter with each affirmation to 1) feed His lambs 2)
tend His sheep and 3) feed His sheep.
First
Christ asked Peter if he loves Him more than the others thus establishing
Peters leadership on love. Next Christ tells Peter to feed His lambs to give
them a core of strength. If we wish to develop strength in ourselves and others
it is imperative that we give hope, confidence, a work ethic, confidence,
resilience, self-control, and courage to the lambs in our charge.
Secondly
Christ asks Peter to “tend His sheep” or that is to give a firm purpose to
direct their efforts to create the Kingdom of God.
Lastly
Christ asks Peter to “Feed His sheep” by having an understanding heart and
to be compassionate, faithful, merciful, tolerant, forgiving, and generous.
How God
Raises a Leader[1] (Psalm 103: 1-5)
God pardons (v.3) leaders must push past shame or blame.
God heals (v.3) they must become healthy and be liberated
from old wounds.
God redeems (v.4) they see
their abilities and personality redeemed.
God crowns (v.4) they are
given gifts and a place to serve.
God satisfies (v.5) they
feel satisfied and fulfilled as they live out their role.
|
Natural
Leadership vs. Spiritual Leadership |
|
|
Natural Leader |
Spiritual Leader |
|
Self-Confident |
Confident in God |
|
Knows Men |
Knows God |
|
Makes own decisions |
Seeks to find God’s will |
|
Ambitious |
Self-Sacrificing |
|
Originates own methods |
Finds and follows God’s methods |
|
Enjoys commanding others |
Servant of all |
|
Motivated by self-interest |
Motivated by love of God and
Man |
|
Independent |
God-dependent |
|
Gets power through personality |
Empowered by the Holy Spirit |
|
Cowboy driving the herd |
Shepard leading the flock |
Jesus led his disciples from being natural leaders to being
spiritual leaders who were not afraid
of asking questions and or the answer they may get. As a result, they
transformed the earth through good works and humility:
Jesus said to his
disciples, "Pay attention to what i am telling you. The son of man is to
be handed over to men." but they did not understand this saying; its
meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they
were afraid to ask him about this
saying
Rosary the Roadmap of Salvation
Leaders
understand the importance of seeing the big picture to the accomplishment of
their objectives. The other day while walking and praying I noticed that all of
the mysteries of the Rosary when combined together seems to give us a roadmap
for salvation. Before Mary gave the Rosary to Saint Dennis the pious of
Christ’s time prayed the 150 psalms and the Shema Israel daily. It is
interesting to ponder that the Shema Israel is a type of mission statement for
every righteous Jew and in turn Catholics:
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God,
the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your Heart, and
with all your soul, and with your entire mind, and with all your strength.
The
question is how do we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength?
I believe the rosary is the answer to this question
that also gives us practical examples. To know how to love God with all your
mind study the Joyful mysteries and with all your strength the sorrowful, and
with all your soul the glories mysteries and with all your heart the luminous mysteries.
In
addition, I noticed that if you look at all the mysteries and line up the first
decade of each of the four mysteries and continue lining up the second and
third and so forth there is a roadmap of salvation with practical examples.
Study the chart below:
|
Rosary
Roadmap of Salvation
|
|||||
|
|
Joyful |
Sorrowful |
Glorious |
Luminous |
|
|
Step One foundation of love |
The Annunciation-Humility |
The Agony in the Garden-Do the will
of the Father |
The Resurrection-Faith |
The Baptism in the Jordan-Gratitude |
Mystery of Love |
|
Step Two understanding heart |
The Visitation-Love of neighbor |
The Scourging-Mortification of the Senses |
The Ascension-Christian Hope |
The Wedding at Cana-Fidelity |
Mystery of the Heart |
|
Step Three a firm purpose |
The Birth of Christ-Spirit of Poverty |
The Crowning of Thorns-Reign of
Christ in your heart |
The Descent of the Holy Spirit-Gifts of the
Holy Spirit |
The Proclamation of the Kingdom-Desire for
Holiness |
Mystery of Purpose |
|
Step Four a Core of Strength |
The Presentation-Purity of Mind and Body |
The Carrying of the Cross-Patient
Bearing Trials |
The Assumption-To Jesus Through Mary |
The Transfiguration-Spiritual
Courage |
Mystery of Strength |
|
Step Five Victory |
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple-Obedience |
The Crucifixion-Pardoning of Injuries |
The Coronation-The Grace of Final
Perseverance |
The Institution of the Eucharist-Love of
Our Eucharistic Lord |
Mystery of Triumph |
|
|
Love your God with all your Mind |
Love your God with all your Strength |
Love your God with all your Spirit |
Love your God with all your Heart |
|
Gemini’s Take
Confronting evil in America after any election demands moving beyond the
illusion that political dominance can heal a fractured soul. The Catechism
of the Catholic Church makes clear that unjust social conditions and
cultural hostility are "structures of sin" born directly from
personal sins (CCC 1869). When a culture succumbs to the archetype of the
natural leader—relying on personal ambition, coercive force, and the false
premise that a noble end justifies venomous means (CCC 1753)—it treats fellow
citizens as an enemy herd to be driven rather than souls to be shepherded.
Political victories cannot substitute for the radical interior conversion
required to dismantle national cynicism, division, and moral decay.
What must change begins with adopting the spiritual leadership Christ
demanded of Peter: anchoring authority in self-giving love, tending the
vulnerable, and feeding the flock with truth. As outlined in the Catechism's
call to faithful citizenship (CCC 2242, 2246), believers are called to judge
political movements by the moral order and the inviolable dignity of human
life, refusing to bow to partisan idolatry. The true roadmap forward mirrors
the mysteries of the Rosary—grounding action in the humility of the
Annunciation, bearing trials with the patience of the Way of the Cross, and
overcoming hatred through Eucharistic charity. Transformation will not arrive
from the halls of power, but from ordinary shepherds willing, like Saint Martin
of Tours, to cut their own cloaks in half and encounter Christ in the wounded
world around them.
St. Martin[2]
MARTIN was
born in the year 316 in Pannonia, or Hungary, of pagan parents, but he received
secret instructions in the Christian religion, and in his tenth year was
received into the number of the catechumens, that is, of those who are
preparing themselves to receive holy Baptism. At the age of fifteen he became a
soldier, being, as is probable, forced to do so by his father, to whom the
religion of the boy had become known.
Out of love of God he not only kept himself aloof from the
excesses so common in this state of life, but he took advantage of it to
practice love for man, by dividing his pay among the poor. Being one day
solicited for alms by a beggar, and having nothing but his arms and his cloak,
he gave him half his cloak.
The following night Christ appeared to him, wearing that half
of the cloak, and said to him: Martin, who is yet a catechumen, has clothed Me
with this garment. Moved by this comforting apparition, he received holy
Baptism, gave up the life of a soldier, and betook himself to St. Hilary,
Bishop of Poitiers, in France. As he was careful about his own salvation, so
also he was careful of the salvation of others, particularly of his parents and
relatives, for the sake of whose conversion he undertook a journey to his
native land.
On his return he built, not far from Poitiers, the first
convent in France, into which he received twenty-four monks, with whom he led a
strict and virtuous life. His great faith made him like the apostles in regard
to miracles, and the fame thereof spread abroad to that degree that, in spite
of his refusals, he was chosen Bishop of Tours. This high dignity made no
change in his manner of living; rather it increased his humility, his patience
under the greatest persecutions, his zeal for the glory of God, his love for
his neighbor, and particularly for his enemies.
After he had in such manner ruled over his diocese for
twenty-six years, then over eighty years old, the strength of life left him. He
thereupon collected his disciples about him, and said: Children, I am dying.
They wept and mourned. Moved by their tears, he in his prayers professed
himself willing to labor longer if it were God's will. But he had labored
for heaven enough, and God desired to place upon him the long-merited crown.
With his eyes raised to heaven, he prayed incessantly, allowing himself no
relief. At his last moments the enemy sought to confound him by a horrible
apparition, but, full of confidence in God, the saint cried out: What do you
seek, cruel monster? In me you will find nothing that is yours; and soon after
his spirit gently sank to rest. Would that we might learn from this saint truly
to love God, and to care not only for our own salvation, but for the welfare of
our fellow men in body and soul! Then we, too, might have nothing to fear in
death.
Prayer.
O
God, Who seest that we cannot subsist by any strength of our own, mercifully
grant that by the intercession of blessed Martin, Thy confessor and bishop, we
may be protected against all adversity.
EPISTLE. Ecclus. xliv., xlv.
Behold
a great priest, who in his days pleased God and was found just, and in the time
of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was not found the like to him who
kept the law of the Most High. Therefore, by an oath the Lord gave him glory in
his posterity. He gave him the blessing of all nations and confirmed His
covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in his blessings, He preserved for
him His mercy: and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him
in the sight of kings and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting
covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood, and made him blessed in
glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise in His name,
and to offer Him due incense for an odor of sweetness.
GOSPEL. Luke xi. 33-36.
At
that time Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: No man lighteth a candle,
and putteth it in a hidden place, nor under a bushel: but upon a candlestick,
that they that come in may see the light. The light of thy body is thy eye. If
thy eye be single, thy whole body will be lightsome: but if it be evil, thy
body also will be darksome. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee
be not darkness. If then thy whole body be lightsome, having no part of
darkness, the whole shall be lightsome, and as a bright lamp shall enlighten
thee.
What
does this gospel teach us?
1. The same that it once taught the Jews: thus, Jesus is
always the light of the world, and He has not left Himself without witness that
He is so. This light is ever shining upon the world in His doctrines, His life,
His acts, in His Church and in the mysteries of grace laid up therein, in the
growth and preservation of that Church, and in the miracles which to this hour
continue to be wrought within it. Hence, if we do not know Him, if we do not
obey and reverence His Church, it is but blindness and obduracy on our part;
there is wanting to us a pure, sincere mind, that loves only the truth. This
gospel accordingly admonishes us:
2. That we should acquire such a mind; for, says Jesus, as a
sound, clear eye keeps the whole body always in the right direction, and guides
it in all its movements, while an eye that is awry, or otherwise defective,
causes the body to fall, in like manner a heart that is pure and always turned
towards God gives the right direction to our thoughts, wishes, and actions, and
causes us to see the light of truth, whereas a heart fixed upon the various
goods of the world, but blinded to God, fills our thoughts, wishes, and actions
with corruption and sin. How great in that case must be the darkness, the
depravity, the misery!
3. This gospel contains the emblem of that which, all
superiors, masters, heads of families, parents and particularly priests should
be, namely, lights, like Jesus Himself. For this they are set upon the
candlestick. They are, accordingly, to give light by their teaching and life,
by their avoidance of scandals; of that which every Christian should be a
light, by his faith, his good works. Finally, of the temper with which the
faithful and all inferiors should meet those who are set over them, with believing
and trusting minds.
Prayer to St. Martin,
O
St. Martin, precious heart of the priesthood, loving father of the poor, bright
example of the religious, who, out of zeal for the glory of God, couldst
neither be overcome by labor nor by death itself, at whose departure hence the
angels therefore rejoiced, I implore thee, through thy powerful intercession,
to obtain for me a heart full of compassion for the needy, for the apostolic
pastors of the Church, true zeal, and for all, on the bed of death, the grace
by which, after this life of misery, we may together enter into that joy of the
Lord which thou, as a good and faithful servant, already possessest.
In
honor of St. Martin today would be a good day to go through our closets and cut
our cloaks in half to donate to the poor. While serving in Germany myself I
have a fond memory of St. Martin Day in which my children participated in the
nighttime St. Martins Day Parade in the small town of Gersbach, Germany. On St.
Martin's Day, children in Flanders, the southern and north-western parts
of the Netherlands, and the Catholic areas of Germany
and Austria still participate in paper lantern processions.
Often, a man dressed as St. Martin rides on a horse in front of the procession.
The children sing songs about St. Martin and about their lanterns. The food
traditionally eaten on the day is goose, a rich bird. According to legend,
Martin was reluctant to become bishop, which is why he hid in a stable filled
with geese. The noise made by the geese betrayed his location to the people who
were looking for him.
Things to do[3]
Recite the Iste
Confessor in honor of St. Martin.
Cook a special dinner
of roast goose or duck in honor of St. Martin. Bake some horseshoe cookies.
In Europe this day is
traditionally known as Martinmas. Many foods and traditions are connected with
this day. See also Women for Faith and Family for more Catholic traditions.
St. Martin is patron
saint of wine growers, wine makers and vintners. In France, the tasting of the
new wine is done today. Have a Martinmas gathering, serving this year's Noveau
Beaujolais wine from France.
Read Painting
Angels, Saints and Their Symbols for a discussion about St. Martin's
symbols in art.
For more biographies
and other information on St. Martin, read Patron
Saints Index.
See the Life of St
Martin as depicted in the stained glass of Chartres Cathedral (c.1220) here.
The children will
enjoy this dessert St.
Martin's Horseshoes and you can learn more about customs for this feast.
CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS[4]
In the Christian
era the custom of celebrating a thanksgiving harvest festival began in the High
Middle Ages. For lack of any definite liturgical day or ceremony prescribed by
the Church, various practices came to be observed locally. In many places, as in
Hungary, the Feast of the Assumption included great thanksgiving solemnities
for the grain harvest. Delegates from all parts of the country came for the
solemn procession to Budapest, carrying the best samples of their produce. A
similar ceremony was observed in Poland, where harvest wreaths brought to
Warsaw from all sections were bestowed on the president in a colorful pageant.
These wreaths (wieniec), made up of the straw of the last sheaf (broda),
were beautifully decorated with flowers, apples, nuts, and ribbons, and blessed
in churches by the priests.
The most common,
and almost universal, harvest and thanksgiving celebration in medieval times
was held on the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours (Martinmas) on November 11. It
was a holiday in Germany, France, Holland, England, and in central Europe.
People first went to Mass and observed the rest of the day with games, dances,
parades, and a festive dinner, the main feature of the meal being the
traditional roast goose (Martin's goose). With the goose dinner they drank
"Saint Martin's wine," which was the first lot of wine made from the
grapes of the recent harvest. Martinmas was the festival commemorating filled
barns and stocked larders, the actual Thanksgiving Day of the Middle Ages. Even
today it is still kept in rural sections of Europe, and dinner on Martin's Day
would be unthinkable without the golden-brown, luscious Martin's goose.
Today is Veterans
Day. Let us remember to pray today for both our military and veterans. Also ask
today's Holy Saint Martin of Tours to intercede for our military and veterans
who have born the yoke of service to this nation.
Bible in a
Year Day 129 David commits Adultery
Fr. Mike breaks down
David's tragic downfall as he commits adultery with Bathsheba and kills her
husband, Uriah the Hittite. We learn that David's road to grave sin began with
small acts of disobedience and selfishness. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 11, 1
Chronicles 14-15, and Psalm 32.
Veterans Day[5]
107th Anniversary of the end of
WWI[6]
Veterans Day seeks to honor and
give thanks to all the men and women who have served and are serving in the US
Armed Forces. Ceremonies are held across the country at Veterans
Hospitals, cemeteries, and National Monuments. At 11:00 a.m. EST, the
Veterans Day National Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery. At
this ceremony the President of the United States, or his assigned ambassador,
places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Veterans Day is
observed on November 11th each year. Tomorrow is also the start of the Fasching
season in Germany which begins on 11/11 at the 11th hour and at
the 11th second.
Veterans Day Facts & Quotes
In 1954, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a proclamation urging the nation to support the
Veterans Day effort in any way possible.
During World War II,
over 16 million men and women served in the military. The war resulted in over
400,000 deaths.
The War of Global
Terrorism, encompassing October 7, 2001, to May 29, 2012, has seen 54,820
casualties of which 6,456 resulted in death.
This nation will
remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. -
Elmer Davis
Veterans Day Top
Events and Things to Do
Volunteer at a local
VA facility.
Thank everyone you
know who has served in the armed forces.
Take flowers to the
grave sites of deceased military personnel.
Invite local veterans
to a special luncheon in their honor.
Make a donation of
time or money to a local Veterans organization.
Remember we are
all in a battle with the forces of evil that seek the destruction of ourselves
and our prosperity.
Are You Tough
Enough for the VETERAN’S Workout Challenge?[7]
45-minute
program to push your body and mind to the limit.
The Warmup
warmup
movements that will directly prepare your body for the challenging work ahead.
Repeat 3 rounds before starting the workout.
10 Lunge and reach
10 Prisoner Squats
10 Inchworms to Cobra
Mental Challenge
Lay
out 10 random objects. Take two minutes to memorize as many details as possible
about the items. For example: the logo, color, shapes, and words.
Strength Circuit
1
Set
your timer for 10 minutes. Complete 3 reps of each exercise, then 6, then 9,
working your way up a 3-rep ladder.
25-meter Bear crawl
Iron mikes
Cardio Round 1
Set
a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees for time. The faster you finish, the
more rest you have before your next set of strength work.
Strength Circuit
2
Set
your timer for 10 minutes and complete as many rounds as possible. Complete
both carries on one side before repeating on the other side.
50 ft Single Arm
Kettlebell Farmers Carry
50 ft Single Arm
Kettlebell Front Rack Carry
Cardio Round 2
Set
a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees for time. Try to complete them
faster than the first time.
Strength Circuit
3
Set
your timer for 10 minutes and complete as many rounds as possible.
10 Walking lunges
10 Kettlebell swings
Cardio Round 3
Set
a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees for time. Make this round your
fastest.
Mental Challenge
Set
a timer for two minutes and recite as many details as possible about the items
you memorized at the beginning of the workout.
Mastering Wellness: Fight Health-Robbing Inflammation with 9 Simple Steps[8]
In
a world where our daily routines are often filled with stress, unhealthy diets,
and little time for self-care, inflammation has become a common health concern.
Chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on your body and lead to various diseases.
The good news is that you can take control of your health by combating
inflammation through simple yet effective steps. In this article, we'll explore
how to fight health-robbing inflammation with nine practical strategies.
1. Prioritize Your Diet
The
food you consume plays a pivotal role in your body's inflammatory response. To
combat inflammation, focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods
such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Incorporate
omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, as they have potent
anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid or limit processed foods, sugary snacks,
and excessive red meat consumption, which can exacerbate inflammation.
2. Stay Hydrated
Proper
hydration is essential to maintaining a healthy balance in your body.
Dehydration can trigger inflammatory responses, so ensure you drink an adequate
amount of water daily. Herbal teas and infusions like ginger and turmeric can
also be great choices, thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Get Active
Regular
physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps
reduce inflammation by regulating the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can be both enjoyable and
beneficial.
4. Manage Stress
Stress
is a well-known trigger for inflammation. Incorporate stress management
techniques into your daily routine. These may include meditation, deep
breathing exercises, yoga, or simply taking time for yourself to relax and
unwind.
5. Adequate Sleep
Quality
sleep is when your body rejuvenates and repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours of
uninterrupted sleep per night. Poor sleep can lead to increased inflammation
and a higher risk of chronic diseases.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess
body fat can release pro-inflammatory chemicals. Achieving and maintaining a
healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly
reduce inflammation and its associated risks.
7. Say No to Smoking
Smoking
is a major source of inflammation in the body. Quitting smoking is one of the
best steps you can take to reduce inflammation and improve your overall health.
8. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive
alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation, particularly in the liver. If you
choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation to minimize its impact on your
body.
9. Incorporate
Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices
Nature
provides us with an array of herbs and spices known for their anti-inflammatory
properties. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic are just a few examples.
Incorporate them into your meals and enjoy their flavor and health benefits.
Inflammation
is a natural response of the body to injuries and infections, but when it
becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health issues. By following these nine
simple steps, you can take control of your health and effectively combat
health-robbing inflammation. Remember, consistency is key, and these lifestyle
changes will not only reduce inflammation but also promote overall well-being.
Start your journey towards a healthier, inflammation-free life today, and watch
your vitality and quality of life soar.
After Workout Feast
In honor of Vets and Saint Martin,
we should 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 blessings of the week and thank our Lord? Plan a special meal. Be at
Peace.
St. Martin is patron saint of wine
growers, wine makers and vintners. In France, the tasting of the new wine is
done today. Have a Martinmas gathering, serving this year's Noveau
Beaujolais wine from France.
52 Week Vineyard World Tour
🍇 Week 3: Tuscany, Italy
Theme: “Rooted in Joy, Broken in
Beauty”
Dates: November 11–18, 2025
Base: Montepulciano & Montalcino
🗓️ November 11 – Travel to Tuscany
Depart from Peñafiel to Florence
via train (~$38 USD).
Transfer to Montepulciano via
Chiusi (~$14 USD train + $4 USD bus).
Lodging at Albergo Il Marzocco (~$72 USD/night).
Evening walk through
Montepulciano’s old town. Toast with Vino Nobile.
Symbolic Act: “Rooted in Joy”—bless the land, name the fruit.
🗓️ November 12 – Vino Nobile & Olive
Harvest
Morning tasting at Avignonesi Winery (~$28 USD).
Afternoon olive oil tour at Frantoio di Montepulciano
(~$12 USD).
Dinner at Osteria Acquacheta (~$26
USD).
Symbolic Act: “Broken in Beauty”—honor the press, bless the oil.
🗓️ November 13 – Vineyard Walk & Naming
Ritual
Walk the vineyards of Boscarelli or Poliziano.
Journal and name each row with a
beatitude or saint.
Picnic from Mercato di
Montepulciano (~$10 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Naming the Rows”—plant joy in the soil.
🗓️ November 14 – Montalcino & Brunello
Legacy
Bus to Montalcino (~$6 USD).
Tasting at Castello Banfi or Caparzo (~$30 USD).
Visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo for Gregorian chant.
Symbolic Act: “Legacy and Light”—bless the monks, pour the Brunello.
🗓️ November 15 – Vineyard Eucharist &
Olive Grove Pause
Morning reflection in an olive
grove.
Prepare a Eucharistic meal: bread,
cheese, and Vino Nobile.
Evening journaling with psalms or
poetry.
Symbolic Act: “I believe and I break”—a Eucharist of oil and wine.
🗓️ November 16 – Siena Day Trip: Civic Mercy
Bus to Siena (~$10 USD roundtrip).
Visit Siena Cathedral and Piazza del
Campo.
Optional tasting at Enoteca Italiana (~$18
USD).
Symbolic Act: “Civic Mercy”—bless the stewards, walk the stones.
🗓️ November 17 – Departure and Sending Forth
Final toast with Riserva Vino
Nobile.
Write a vineyard blessing for the
next traveler.
Symbolic Act: “Tuscan Benediction”—send forth the joy of the land.
🗓️ November 18 – Travel Day
Depart Tuscany for your next
vineyard destination.
Suggested next stop: Sicily or
Stellenbosch, depending on your seasonal arc.
💰 Estimated Total Cost: $498 USD
Includes
7 nights lodging, 3 vineyard tastings, 2 symbolic meals, and 1 day trip with
transit and picnic.
🍷 Tuscan Eucharist: A
7-Course Meal of Joy and Beauty
Week 3: Tuscany, Italy – November 11–18, 2025
Theme: Rooted in Joy, Broken in Beauty
Base: Montepulciano & Montalcino
1️⃣ Appetizer – The Breaking of
Joy
Dish: Tuscan
Bread (Pane Toscano) with Montepulciano olive oil
Ritual Cue: Break the bread in silence. Speak aloud a beatitude or blessing for
the land.
2️⃣ Soup – The Pressing of Beauty
Dish: Olive
Oil Tasting with crostini and a warm bean or vegetable broth
Ritual Cue: Honor what is crushed to nourish. Reflect on beauty emerging from
brokenness.
3️⃣ Salad – The Named Rows
Dish: Arugula, fennel, and citrus salad with vineyard
herbs
Ritual Cue: Name each ingredient with a virtue or saint. Journal your naming.
4️⃣ Fish Course – The Rooted Cup
Dish: Grilled trout or anchovy crostini paired with Vino Nobile
di Montepulciano
Ritual Cue: Toast to the soil and the vine. Bless the vineyard.
5️⃣ Main Course – The Legacy
Poured
Dish: Roast lamb or mushroom ragù with Brunello
di Montalcino
Ritual Cue: Pour the Brunello with reverence. Speak of legacy and light.
6️⃣ Cheese Course – The Aged
Delight
Dish: Pecorino
di Pienza with honey and walnuts
Ritual Cue: Name a joy that matured through hardship. Share aloud or write in
silence.
7️⃣ Dessert – The Benediction Dip
Dish: Vin
Santo with Cantucci
Ritual Cue: Dip and bless. Write a vineyard benediction for the next traveler.
Around the Corner
Spirit Hour: Martlemas
Martini
Washington’s Statehood 1889
How to celebrate Nov 11th
Alright, imagine waking up to a day filled with endless possibilities.
Start by honoring veterans with a moment of gratitude.
Embrace independence by immersing yourself in Polish culture through food
or music.
Show appreciation for education by learning a new skill or visiting a
local museum.
Next, indulge in a sweet treat on National Sundae Day, either by making
your own or supporting a local ice cream shop.
Share the love by participating in World Orphans Day, whether by donating
to a charity or spreading awareness on social media.
In the spirit of data governance, organize your digital files or clean up
your inbox.
Celebrate life with National Indiana Day by exploring nature or trying a
new outdoor activity.
Honor those who have passed on Death/Duty Day by visiting a memorial or
spending time with loved ones.
Reflect on the importance of peace on Armistice Day in France, perhaps by
lighting a candle for peace or participating in a moment of silence.
Treat yourself on Pocky Day with the iconic Japanese snack or by trying
out a new recipe.
Embrace your independence on Singles Day by pampering yourself with
self-care activities or enjoying a solo adventure.
Lastly, channel your creativity on World Origami Day by trying your hand
at the ancient art of paper folding. Remember, you don’t need a special
occasion to make the most of your day. Embrace each moment, celebrate the
little things, and find joy in the everyday. Cheers to a day filled with
diverse experiences and meaningful reflections!
Wine
Lyonnaise Salad with Sausage and
Walnuts
Coquilles St-Jacques (Gratinéed
Scallops)
Steak Diane
Barigoule of Spring Vegetables
Pain au Chocolat
Daily Devotions
Unite in the work of
the Porters of St. Joseph by
joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: End
Sex Trafficking Slavery
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
Offering to
the Sacred Heart of Jesus
TITANIC (1929) - THE ILLUSION OF SECURITY AND THE CERTAINTY OF JUDGMENT
From the World's Most Famous Disaster to the Truth That Earthly Confidence Can Vanish in a Single Night
(Based on Titanic, 1929*)*
When Success Appears Unsinkable
Every generation creates something it believes cannot fail.
For the passengers who boarded the Titanic, the ship represented wealth, technology, status, and human achievement. It was considered the finest vessel afloat. The future seemed secure. The voyage promised comfort, luxury, and confidence.
Then came the iceberg.
In a matter of hours, assumptions became questions. Confidence became fear. Rich and poor alike faced the same reality. No amount of wealth or social standing could negotiate with death.
The disaster reminds us of a spiritual truth that the Holy Souls frequently emphasize.
Many people live as though they will have unlimited tomorrows.
They postpone repentance.
They delay prayer.
They assume there will always be another opportunity.
Then suddenly time runs out.
The purpose of remembering death is not to create fear but wisdom. The saints called this memento mori - remember that you must die. When death is remembered properly, life becomes more meaningful. Priorities become clearer. Relationships become more valuable. Sins become less attractive.
The passengers who survived were not necessarily the wealthiest or most powerful.
They were simply the ones who reached the lifeboats in time.
The lesson is that worldly security can disappear overnight.
The verdict is that the soul's preparation matters more than earthly success.
Film Card - Titanic (1929)
Titanic • Drama • Historical Disaster • 1h 52m
A dramatic retelling of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, focusing on the passengers and families whose lives are forever changed by one of history's most famous maritime tragedies.
Themes: Mortality & Preparedness • Pride & Humility • Family & Sacrifice
Cast: Conway Tearle, Madeleine Carroll, Franklin Dyall
Production: British International Pictures
Historical Frame: Produced only seventeen years after the 1912 sinking, while public memory of the disaster remained vivid and many survivors were still living.
Production & Cultural Setting
A Living Memory:
The film was released during a period when the Titanic disaster was still remembered by firsthand witnesses.
Early Disaster Cinema:
Among the first major films to dramatize a real-world catastrophe of global significance.
Human Stories Over Spectacle:
The emphasis falls upon personal choices, relationships, and sacrifice rather than special effects.
Class and Equality:
The sinking demonstrates how death places all people on equal footing before God.
Moral Reflection:
The story invites viewers to consider what truly matters when earthly securities fail.
Story Summary
The Departure:
Passengers board the magnificent liner with hopes, plans, and expectations.
The Confidence:
The voyage begins amid luxury and optimism.
The Collision:
An unexpected disaster changes everything.
The Crisis:
Passengers and crew face impossible decisions under mounting danger.
The Sacrifice:
Acts of courage, duty, and selflessness emerge amid fear.
The Aftermath:
The survivors must live with the memory of a night that changed countless lives forever.
Moral & Spiritual Resonances
A. Earthly Security Is Temporary
We often place confidence in things that can disappear without warning.
B. Death Is the Great Equalizer
Wealth, fame, and status have little value when eternity approaches.
C. Character Appears During Crisis
Moments of danger reveal what lies within the heart.
D. Delayed Conversion Is Dangerous
Tomorrow is promised to no one.
E. Mercy Remains Available Today
The wisest preparation for death is a life lived close to God.
Hospitality Pairing - An Evening of Reflection and Remembrance
Food - Early Twentieth-Century Fare
- Roast beef
- Buttered potatoes
- Fresh dinner rolls
- Bread pudding
Drink - Quiet Contemplation
- Woodford Reserve
- Hot coffee
- Sparkling water
Cigar
- Cameroon
Atmosphere - Remembering What Endures
- Candlelight
- Family photographs nearby
- Discussion about sacrifice, providence, and mortality
- Prayers offered for the Holy Souls and all who die unexpectedly
Personal Reflection
What earthly security do I trust more than God?
If tonight were my last night, what unfinished spiritual work would concern me most?
Am I postponing repentance until a future that may never arrive?
Do I live prepared for eternity or merely comfortable in the present?
What attachments would be hardest for me to surrender?
How would my daily choices change if I remembered that life is fragile?
The passengers aboard the Titanic expected an ordinary voyage.
Instead, they encountered eternity's questions.
Every life eventually does.
Ships sink.
Fortunes disappear.
Health fails.
Years pass quickly.
Only one treasure survives the voyage unchanged:
a soul prepared to meet God.
