Monday Night at the Movies
December 2025 – Advent, Incarnation, and Eucharistic Hope
- Dec 1
– Going My Way (1944)
Quick Answer: Going My Way (1944) is a warm musical drama about a young priest, Father O’Malley, who revitalizes a struggling parish through compassion, music, and modern methods. Its Catholic lessons emphasize mercy over judgment, the importance of community, respect for tradition while embracing renewal, and the transformative power of joy and pastoral care.
🎬 Film Summary: Going My Way
- Plot Core: Father Charles “Chuck” O’Malley (Bing Crosby) arrives at St. Dominic’s parish in New York. His easygoing style clashes with the elderly, traditional Father Fitzgibbon.
- Conflict: Fitzgibbon fears being replaced, while O’Malley secretly has been sent to lead the parish.
- Resolution: Through kindness, music, and outreach, O’Malley wins over the youth (forming a boys’ choir), reconciles troubled parishioners, and eventually bonds with Fitzgibbon.
- Emotional Climax: Fitzgibbon, longing to see his mother in Ireland after 45 years, is surprised when she arrives on Christmas Eve. The parish, despite hardship and even a fire, finds renewal in community and faith.
✝️ Catholic Lessons in Going My Way
The film is often praised for its pastoral theology in action. Here are the key Catholic lessons it embodies:
Mercy and Compassion Over Rigidity
- O’Malley’s approach contrasts with Fitzgibbon’s strictness. He shows that pastoral care means meeting people where they are, not condemning them.
- Catholic lesson: The Church thrives when mercy tempers law.
Community and Solidarity
- The parish survives eviction threats, youth delinquency, and even a fire by coming together.
- Catholic lesson: The parish is a family, and shared burdens strengthen faith.
Music as Evangelization
- The boys’ choir symbolizes how beauty and joy can draw hearts to God.
- Catholic lesson: Art and music are powerful tools of evangelization, echoing St. Augustine’s idea that “singing is praying twice.”
Respect for Tradition While Embracing Renewal
- Fitzgibbon represents tradition; O’Malley represents renewal. Their eventual friendship shows the Church’s need to balance both.
- Catholic lesson: Authentic renewal honors tradition while adapting to new needs.
Priesthood as Service, Not Power
- O’Malley hides his true role to protect Fitzgibbon’s dignity.
- Catholic lesson: Priests are servants of Christ’s flock, not managers of authority.
Joyful Witness
- O’Malley’s golf, humor, and songs show that holiness is not dour.
- Catholic lesson: Joy is a sign of authentic Christian life.
🌟 Why It Endures
- Won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture (1944).
- Presented to Pope Pius XII after WWII, affirming its Catholic resonance.
- Its sequel, The Bells of St. Mary’s, continued the theme of compassionate priesthood.
- Dec 8
– The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)
- Dec 15
– It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- Dec 22
– Becket (1964)
- Dec 29
– Tree of the Wooden Clogs (1978)
DECEMBER
We turn our attention indoors with Advent prayers and
preparations for the birth of Christ; for most of us, the indoors makes up the
part of our environment in which we spend the most time. It is also the most
unregulated and can be the most polluted part of the total environment –due to
new home cleaning products and tighter ventilation. Consider a simpler home
environment, where houseplants purify the air, where fresh air is plentiful,
and where chemical products are limited and controlled. The yearly cycle of
twelve months can make us more aware of our human environment and should help
us as individuals and as a community to conduct a monthly examination of
conscience.
Overview
of December[1]
The
liturgy of Advent focuses on remembering Christ's first coming at Bethlehem
which then directs our mind to Christ's Second Coming at the end of time. The
readings focus on the people of the Old Testament awaiting the Messiah, John
the Baptist, heralding the way for Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary and her
maternal preparations.
Advent and Christmas
The Advent season in the Northern Hemisphere is normally cold, dark and the days are short. Traditions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas have been established to help dispel the psychological fear that develops as a result of the darkness. However, in the Southern Hemisphere the days are long and warm.
This is a good time if you have the means
to take a winter break and go to a warmer climate to give you a chance to
create a brighter spirit. However, if this is not possible, we can greatly
reduce our fears by getting some sun for 10 or 15 minutes a day. Try to walk at
the brightest time of the day, or if you have a sun
Also spending some time exercising daily will definitely dispel our fears. We are both physical and spiritual and having a balance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual activities will make us resilient to the darkness in the world. I find hiking a wonderful anecdote to the blues and fears.
It is also
important to reach out to others. We can strengthen ourselves by being with and
for others. No matter what your cultural background, this season will provide
many ethnic opportunities to celebrate together. Think of the giant Redwoods,
they are the largest trees in the world. These trees survive by intertwining
their roots because the ground is so hard the Redwood cannot strike a taproot
to hold itself up but by supporting each other they become the largest trees in
the world.
Events and Feasts for December 2025
Hit the Slopes
Ice Fishing Season
- Wolford
Mountain Reservoir – Colorado River District
- Arizona Ice
Fishing Lakes & Species Guide
- Grand
County Ice Fishing Tournaments
- Rainbow
Lake Fishing Report 2025
Holiday Events
·
November
28-January 11 San Antonio River Walk
·
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
·
Arizona Parks
Winter Get away Season
- Bahamas International Film Festival: Official BIFF WebsiteHobbit Tour every day (closed Christmas)
New Zealand
- GetYourGuide
– Phoenix/Scottsdale Apache Trail Tour
- Detours
American West – Apache Trail Tour
- iCruise
– Caribbean Cruises December 2025
- Cruise
Critic – December 2025 Cruise Deals
- Royal
Caribbean – Holiday Cruise Deals
Dec
3-First
Wednesday-St. Joseph’s Chaste Heart
·
St.
Francis Xavier
Dec
4-Thu.
Full Cold Moon
Dec
5-First
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus
·
Night-Shoes
out for Cinder Claus and Gluevine
Dec
6-First
Saturday-Immaculate Heart of Mary
·
St.
Nicholas
Dec
7
Second Sunday of Advent
·
Ambrose,
Memorial
·
Pearl
Harbor memorial
Dec
8-Mon.
Immaculate Conception of Mary, Solemnity
Dec
9-Tue.
St. Juan Diego
Dec
10-Wed.
Our
Lady of Loreto
Dec
12-Fri. Our Lady of Guadalupe (USA), Feast
·
Begin
the Nutcracker
Season
Dec
13-Sat. St. Lucy
Dec
14-Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday
·
Hanukkah
2025 – Begins at sundown Sunday, Dec.
14 and ends Monday, Dec. 22.
Dec
16-Tue.-Las
Posadas- Antiphon “Golden Nights”
·
9 days before Christmas
Dec 17-Ember Wednesday-Fast Day
Dec 18-Thu. Expectation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dec 19-Ember Friday-Fast Day
Dec 20-Ember Saturday-Fast Day
Dec
21-Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dec
22-Mon. St. Thomas
Dec
24-Wed. Nativity of the Lord Midnite Mass
Christmastide
begins with the First Vespers (Evening Prayer) of Christmas on December 24th
and ends on the Sunday after Epiphany. Christmas and Easter are the only
solemnities with octaves attached in the revised calendar. The Christmas octave
differs from Easter in that it includes some major feasts: St. Stephen
(December 26), St. John the Evangelist (December 27), the Holy
Innocents (December 28) and St. Sylvester I (December
31). The octave closes on January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
The
Reason for the Season
The month of December is filled with expectation and
celebration. Preparation is the key word for the first 24 days of December.
Everyone is getting ready for Christmas — shopping and decorating, baking and
cleaning. Too often, however, we are so busy with the material preparations
that we lose sight of the real reason for our activity.
Christmas is a Christian feast — and we must reclaim
it as such! In the same way that a family eagerly prepares for a baby, so in
Advent should we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. We should keep
Advent as a season of waiting and longing, of conversion and of hope and keep
our thoughts on the incredible love and humility of our God in taking on the
flesh of the Virgin Mary. Let us not forget to prepare a peaceful place in our
hearts wherein our Savior may come to dwell.
The
best person we can turn to for help during Advent is Mary, Christ's and our
Mother. She awaited the day of His birth with more eagerness than any other
human being. Her preparation was complete in every respect. Let's crown our
preparation and borrow something of Mary's prayerfulness, her purity and
whole-hearted submission to God's will.
Dec
25-Thu. Christmas
Dec
26-Friday in Octave of Christmas
·
St.
Stephen, Feast first Martyr
Dec
27-Saturday in Octave of Christmas
·
St.
John, Apostle, Feast-Blessing of Wine
Dec
28 Sunday Feast of the Holy Family
Dec
29 Monday in Octave of Christmas
Dec
30 Tuesday in Octave of Christmas
Dec
31 Wednesday in Octave of Christmas
·
Sylvester
I-New Years Eve
Christopher’s Corner-have a grateful heart
· Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels
· Tecumseh died in Ohio near my sister’s home
· Monday: Litany of Humility
🕯️ Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 6: USA 70-Degree Year Journey
Dates: December 1–8, 2025
Theme: Longing and Light
Route: Cornville → Sedona → Camp Verde → Jerome → Flagstaff (optional)
Style: Local pilgrimage, Advent reflection, and Eucharistic hospitality
Climate Alignment: Daily highs 60–68°F
💰 Estimated Cost Overview
Category | Estimated Cost |
Lodging (7 nights) | $0 (home base) |
Food (daily meals) | $160 |
Fuel (local drives) | $50 |
Symbolic extras | $60 |
Total Estimate | $270 |
🌠 Day 1 – Monday, December 1
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Flame of Hope
Ritual Prompt: “Hope is the first flame—fragile, faithful, enough.”
· Light second Advent candle
· Reflect on mercy and memory from the journey
· Write: “What do I hope for now?”
· 🧺 Foodie Stop: Simple home meal with wine and bread (~$20)
🏞️ Day 2 – Tuesday, December 2
Location: Sedona
Symbol: Path of Longing
Ritual Prompt: “Longing is holy—it leads us toward light.”
· Hike West Fork Trail or Bell Rock Loop
· Pause for silence and journaling
· 🥗 Foodie Stop: Seasonal café fare (~$20)
🕊️ Day 3 – Wednesday, December 3
Location: Camp Verde
Symbol: River of Waiting
Ritual Prompt: “Waiting is not empty—it flows with grace.”
· Visit Verde River Greenway
· Optional stop at Cliff Castle Chapel
· 🍲 Foodie Stop: Moscato Italian Restaurant (~$25)
🏛️ Day 4 – Thursday, December 4
Location: Jerome
Symbol: Watchtower of Advent
Ritual Prompt: “Advent watches—not passively, but prayerfully.”
· Visit Holy Family Church and hillside ruins
· Write: “What do I watch for?”
· 🥘 Foodie Stop: Clinkscale or Haunted Hamburger (~$25)
🌌 Day 5 – Friday, December 5
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Silence of the Season
Ritual Prompt: “Before the carol, there is silence. Before the feast, the fast.”
· Morning fast or quiet retreat
· Prepare altar with candle, salt, and stone
· 🧺 Foodie Stop: Soup and bread supper (~$15)
🌲 Day 6 – Saturday, December 6
Optional Excursion: Flagstaff
Symbol: Mountain of Light
Ritual Prompt: “Light climbs—through shadow, through snow.”
· Visit San Francisco Peaks or Nativity Chapel
· Optional snow prayer walk
· 🛏️ Optional Stay: Little America Hotel (~$120)
· 🍽️ Foodie Stop: Josephine’s Bistro (~$30)
🎶 Day 7 – Sunday, December 7
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Candle of Peace
Ritual Prompt: “Peace is not the absence—it is the presence.”
· Light third Advent candle
· Attend Mass or Eucharistic celebration
· Write blog post: “Peace in the Borderlands”
· 🍷 Foodie Stop: Vineyard brunch or home communion meal (~$25)
🧳 Day 8 – Monday, December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Marian Light
Ritual Prompt: “Mary is the Advent flame—pure, patient, prepared.”
· Attend Mass or Marian devotion
· Close with a toast: “To the light that leads us home.”
🌟 7-Course Advent Meal: Longing and Light
1. Cornville Flame of Hope – Wine & Bread
· Dish: Rustic artisan bread with red wine pairing
· Recipe: Artisan bread
· Hope is the first flame—fragile, faithful, enough.
2. Sedona Path of Longing – Seasonal Café Fare
· Dish: Harvest salad with roasted squash and spiced latte
· Recipe: Harvest salad
· Longing is holy—it leads us toward light.
3. Camp Verde River of Waiting – Moscato Italian
· Dish: Lemon & Herb Chicken Moscato
· Recipe: Chicken Moscato
· Waiting is not empty—it flows with grace.
4. Jerome Watchtower of Advent – Haunted Hamburger
· Dish: Angus beef burger with roasted chilies and cheddar
· Recipe: Southwest burger
· Advent watches—not passively, but prayerfully.
5. Cornville Silence of the Season – Soup & Bread
· Dish: Butternut squash soup with Irish soda bread
· Recipe: Butternut squash soup
· Before the carol, there is silence. Before the feast, the fast.
6. Flagstaff Mountain of Light – Josephine’s Bistro
· Dish: Shrimp Mac & Cheese with smoked gouda
· Recipe: Shrimp mac & cheese
· Light climbs—through shadow, through snow.
7. Cornville Candle of Peace – Opłatek & Vineyard Brunch
· Dish: Opłatek wafers shared with fruit, cheese, and wine
· Tradition: Families break and share opłatek wafers, offering blessings of peace and goodwill.
· Recipe/Source: Polish opłatek tradition
· Peace is not the absence—it is the presence.
✨ Closing Toast – Marian Light
· Dish: German Chocolate Gingerbread Cake
· Recipe: German chocolate gingerbread
· Mary is the Advent flame—pure, patient, prepared.
DECEMBER 1 Monday of the First Week of Advent
World AIDS Day-Death
Before Dishonor
1 Corinthians, Chapter 4, Verse 21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a
rod, or with LOVE and a gentle
spirit?
Love demands we say it
like it is. At times because God is a Father, he must disciple those he loves.
We as children, like those that are gentle with us, yet there are times we must
be corrected. Paul tells us that if we are to be true Christian’s we must
follow the example of Christ who did not seek self-comfort’s but sacrificed all
He had for the love of us. Therefore, seek a spiritual leader and honor the parent(s)
who will challenge you. Who will not let you be less than you can be! A good
spiritual leader teaches by example. Leadership is “caught” not “taught”.
Creditable Leadership[1]
Creditable leaders are
not afraid and model Christ’s behaviors for all. They do this because they know
the law of the picture and people do what they see. Leaders embody the
principles they teach. Paul shows us that leadership requires the leader too:
1.
Be on display and open for ridicule.
2.
Be willing to play the fool in order to model
the surrendered life.
3.
Be able to endure the mocking of others without
wavering.
4.
Be willing to sacrifice luxuries.
5.
Be hard working without retaliating against
opposition.
6.
Be fatherly and live an exemplary life for
others.
7.
Be encouraging of others to imitate your
example.
Copilots Take
On December 1, the
Monday of the First Week of Advent and World AIDS Day, Paul’s words in 1
Corinthians 4:21 remind us that true leadership is both corrective and
compassionate, a balance of the rod and the gentle spirit. Advent begins with
this tension—discipline that shapes us and mercy that sustains us. Creditable
leadership, as Paul models, is not about prestige but about sacrifice: being
willing to endure ridicule, surrender comforts, and live visibly for others. On
World AIDS Day, this call takes on a deeper resonance, for it challenges us to
honor those who bore stigma and suffering by embodying Christ’s love with
courage and dignity. To lead credibly is to stand in solidarity with the
marginalized, to speak truth even when it costs, and to live as an example that
others can imitate. Advent leadership is caught, not taught—it is hope made
visible in the way we live, love, and wait for the coming light.
Monday in the First week of Advent[1]
Advent is the
time for renewal or repentance for the coming of Christ. "Interior
repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion
to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with
repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed. At the same time, it
entails the desire and resolution to change one's life, with hope in God's
mercy and trust in the help of his grace. This conversion of heart is
accompanied by a salutary pain and sadness which the Fathers called animi cruciatus
(affliction of spirit) and compunctio
cordis (repentance of heart)" (CCC, 1431). Today's Gospel (Matthew 8:5-11) of the
Centurion and his servant illustrates both the invitation for all, from both
East and West, to come to Christ. The Centurion gives us words for our heart
for trust and mercy in his grace, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter
under my roof: only say the word and my servant will be healed."
Jesse
Tree[2]
Jesse Tree Scriptures (The Symbols Are Only
Suggestions)
· December 1 Creation:
Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth
·
December 2 Adam and Eve:
Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman
[2]http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=545
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to
Eucharistic Glory[2]
Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day
10
On
this 10th day, find peace in the serving Christ as King of the
Universe
Copilot:
Finding peace in serving Christ as the King of the Universe
is a profound and fulfilling spiritual pursuit. Here are some ways to embrace
this devotion:
Acknowledge Christ’s Sovereignty
1. Daily Worship: Start
each day by acknowledging Christ’s sovereignty through prayer and worship.
Recognize His ultimate authority and love in your life.
2. Scripture Reflection:
Meditate on passages that highlight Christ’s kingship, such as Colossians
1:16-20 and Revelation 19:16.
Serve with a Purpose
1. Acts of Service: Engage
in acts of service with the intention of honoring Christ. Whether it's helping
the needy, volunteering, or simply showing kindness, do it with a heart full of
reverence.
2. Love Others: Treat
others with love and respect, seeing Christ in everyone you encounter.
Cultivate Inner Peace
1. Prayer and Meditation:
Spend quiet time in prayer and meditation, seeking Christ’s peace and guidance
in your heart.
2. Gratitude: Practice
gratitude for the blessings and challenges in your life, recognizing Christ’s
presence in all circumstances.
Live Out Your Faith
1. Obedience to His
Teachings: Strive to follow Christ’s teachings in your daily life. Make
decisions that reflect His values of love, compassion, and justice.
2. Community Involvement:
Participate in church activities and community groups that foster a sense of
belonging and shared purpose in serving Christ.
Bible in a Year Day 153 The Decline of Solomon
Today, as we hear about the decline of Solomon, Fr. Mike points out how the
consequences of our decisions can have ramifications far beyond ourselves. The
readings are 1 Kings 11, Ecclesiastes 10-12, and Psalm 9.
World AIDS Day[3]
World AIDS Day serves to remember those who have died
from AIDS and to bring about awareness of HIV/AIDS through education and
publicly held events. HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and
makes it progressively more difficult to fight infections and diseases. Once
HIV advances and becomes so severe that the body's immune system is too weak to
fight off many infections and diseases, it is called AIDS. There is currently
no cure for HIV or AIDS and if left untreated by antiretroviral medication,
patients' immune systems fail leading to death. World AIDS Day is also an
opportunity for people to show their support for people living with HIV. World
AIDS Day is one of the eight WHO Global Health Days. The day was created by the
World Health Organization in 1988. Since its inception over two decades ago,
the world has managed to halt and reverse the spread of HIV. According to the
WHO, the occurrence of new cases has decreased 35% between 2000 and 2015, while
AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 24% over the same time frame, all thanks
to antiretroviral treatments and widespread AIDS education and awareness. World
AIDS Day is observed on December 1st of each year.
World
AIDS Day Facts
·
The Red Ribbon is the universal symbol of
support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
·
The AIDS
Memorial Quilt Project allows friends and family members of someone who has
died from AIDS to construct a quilt panel and have it placed in the quilt. The
quilt travels and is displayed throughout the US.
·
The first case of what is now known as
AIDS was reported in the US in June 1981.
·
According to the Centers for Disease
Control, more than a million people in the United States are living with HIV
infection, and almost 1 in 5 are unaware of their infection.
·
According to World Health Organization,
AIDS has claimed over 39 million lives globally.
World
AIDS Day Top Events and Things to Do
·
Wear a Red Ribbon, an international symbol
of AIDS support.
·
Learn the facts of how HIV is transmitted
so you can be better prepared. Remember, HIV is spread through body fluids such
as blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids and breast milk.
·
Get involved in a fundraising effort to
support research into HIV/AIDS treatment. Many fundraisers are done in the form
of HIV/AIDS day walks.
·
Watch a movie or documentary about
HIV/AIDS. Some popular suggestions: Dallas Buyers Club (2013), Philadelphia
Story (1993), Longtime Companion (1990), The Age of AIDS
(2006) and AIDS, Inc (2007).
·
Get tested if unsure of your infection
status. Local pharmacies sell HIV home test kits, or you can find free testing
sites in most areas.
Cyber Monday[1] (another secular event)
This Christmas season when you make out your gift list try to give
a gift to those you love that truly helps them to prosper!
Cyber
Monday seeks to sell massive quantities of goods through online stores at a
sale price. Marketing companies created the term Cyber Monday as a catchphrase
to persuade people to shop online. In 2014, Cyber Monday sales were a record
2.68 billion dollars, making it one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
Cyber Monday is not an official holiday, but it is an international day
recognized by consumers. The term Cyber Monday developed naturally overtime as
online sales following Thanksgiving
spiked. This was seen as an opportunity to brand the new shopping occasion;
much the same way black Friday was years earlier. Cyber Monday was first
originally held November of 2005. The day it is held varies from year to year,
but it is always held the Monday following Thanksgiving in the US.
Cyber
Monday Facts & Quotes
Since
2010, Cyber Monday has been the highest online spending day in the year in the
US. Sales numbers on Cyber Monday have gradually increased by at least $100
million each year since the term was first coined. According to a survey by the
National Retail Federation, 90% of online shoppers surveyed said low prices
were the most important part of their shopping experience on Cyber Monday. The
top 3 products purchased online on Cyber Monday are: Apparel,
books/DVDs/Videos/Games and Consumer electronics. You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There's another day you
might want to know about: Giving Tuesday. The idea is pretty straightforward. On the
Tuesday after Thanksgiving, shoppers take a break from their gift-buying and
donate what they can to charity. –
Bill Gates, creator of Microsoft.
Cyber
Monday Top Events and Things to Do
Buy something! You can buy just about anything
online these days, so treat yourself or a loved one to something you have been
saving up for. Chances are it is at a reduced price on Cyber Monday! Fill your
online shopping cart with all the things you were thinking of buying at all
retail shops. Total up the cost of all the things you were going to buy, and
instead of buying them, donate that exact amount of money to a charity of your
choice. Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtag#CyberMonday, #CyberDeals
and #DealsDealsDeals. Promote your favorite retailers over social media using
their hashtags and by reposting their posts. Save your money today and wait
until Giving Tuesday tomorrow to donate it all or use it to purchase items for
donation.
[1]http://www.wincalendar.com/Cyber-Monday
Death Before Dishonor: Tecumseh’s Grateful
Heart
Gratitude is the foundation of character. It
shapes judgment, sustains courage, and anchors honor. In Character is
Destiny, John McCain points to the Shawnee war chief Tecumseh as a man who
never lost his gratitude, even in the face of tragedy and defeat.
Tecumseh was a visionary leader, a fearless
warrior, and a steadfast protector of his people. Though he ultimately lost his
struggle to defend Native lands from American expansion, he taught both friend
and foe how to live with honor. Even his adversary William Henry Harrison
recognized Tecumseh’s integrity: he did not tolerate cruelty, torture, or harm
to innocents.
As a youth, Tecumseh faltered once—fleeing his
first battle. But when he later witnessed the burning of a captured settler, he
was horrified. Though too young to intervene, he denounced the atrocity and
vowed never again to remain silent in the face of injustice. That vow became
the compass of his life.
Raised by his older brother Chiksika, Tecumseh
learned to hunt, fight, and revere the memory of their father, a warrior who
embodied the creed of death before dishonor. Tecumseh grew into a tall,
sinewy figure, commanding in presence, skilled in arms, and gifted in oratory.
His leadership drew tribes together, his words inspiring loyalty and respect
even among enemies.
His most famous address to his people became a
code of honor:
·
Live without fear of death.
·
Respect others’ beliefs, and demand respect for
your own.
·
Perfect and beautify your life, serving your
people.
·
Prepare a noble death song for the day you
cross the great divide.
·
Salute friend and stranger alike.
·
Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse blinds the
spirit.
·
When death comes, meet it with courage, not
regret.
On October 5, 1813, at the Battle of the
Thames, Tecumseh lived his creed. When British allies fled, he cast aside his
officer’s jacket and sword, charging into the fight. A musket shattered his
leg, yet he urged his braves to leave him. Surrounded, he sang his death song
and fell—dying like a hero going home.
Tecumseh’s life reminds us that gratitude repels despair. To see life as a gift, even amid suffering, is to possess a strength greater than fear. His example endures: honor rooted in gratitude, courage unbroken by defeat, and a death embraced without dishonor.
Daily Devotions
·
Today's
Fast: Unite in the work of the Porters
of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: End
to Abortion
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make reparations to the Holy Face
·
Rosary