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Vinny’s Corner-Get an indulgence
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)
o Leftovers are a versatile resource for creating unique dishes. Start your day by crafting a delicious leftover meal, adding your own twist for an unexpected flavor burst. Embrace the spirit of creativity and experimentation in the kitchen!
o After fueling up with your tasty creation, head out to the zoo for a day of animal encounters and outdoor adventures. Make sure to take some cut-out snowflakes with you to enjoy a whimsical touch as you explore the zoo. These unique decorations can add a festive spirit to your day out!
o While at the zoo, why not indulge in some fruitcake? Yes, it may not be everyone’s favorite, but give it a chance! It’s a sweet treat that can surprise you with its rich flavors. Share a slice with a friend or family member and make it a special moment.
o End your day by enjoying a cozy evening at home, reminiscing about the fun experiences of the day. Use the leftover cut-out snowflakes as decorations around your living space for a touch of winter charm. Curl up with a warm blanket and savor the memories made on this delightful day celebrating the weird and wonderful national holidays.
From December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, your pilgrimage to Montserrat and Barcelona centers on the Black Madonna—La Moreneta—and the sacred mountain that has drawn mystics, monarchs, and musicians for centuries.
⛰️ Black Madonna & Sacred Mountains – Montserrat & Barcelona, Spain
Dates: December 28, 2025–January 3, 2026
Theme: Mystical Ascent, Marian Wisdom, and Catalan Devotion
Montserrat is more than a mountain—it is a spiritual beacon. The Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey houses the revered Black Madonna, known as La Moreneta, a 12th-century Romanesque statue believed to have darkened over time from candle smoke and devotion. She is the patron saint of Catalonia and a symbol of mystical motherhood and cosmic wisdom.
🗓️ Daily Itinerary & Symbolic Acts
Dec 28: Arrival & Sacred Ascent
· 🕍 Symbolic Act: “Mountain of Mercy”
Begin your journey at Montserrat,
ascending by train or cable car. Pause at the [Basílica de Montserrat] to orient your heart toward pilgrimage.
· 🛏️ Stay: Hotel Abat Cisneros Montserrat or Hostal Guilleumes
Dec 29: La Moreneta & Throne of Wisdom
· 🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Touch of the Cosmos”
Visit La Moreneta, the Black Madonna. Touch her orb—symbol of the universe—and open your other hand to Christ. Pray for mystical clarity and maternal intercession.
Dec 30: Santa Cova & Hidden Light
· 🕍 Symbolic Act: “Cave of Consolation”
Walk the trail to the [Santa Cova de Montserrat], the cave where the statue was discovered. Reflect on hidden grace and the mystery of divine presence.
Dec 31: Nature & Benediction
· 🌿 Symbolic Act: “Mountain Benediction”
Hike through the Reserva Natural Parcial de la Muntanya Montserrat. Offer prayers for environmental stewardship and spiritual elevation.
Jan 1: New Year at the Abbey
· 🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Marian Renewal”
Attend New Year’s Mass at the basilica. Begin the year with a prayer for wisdom, mercy, and Marian guidance.
Jan 2: Barcelona – Civic Light
· 🏛️ Symbolic Act: “Urban Pilgrimage”
Visit the Sagrada Família and Barcelona Cathedral, praying for the harmony of sacred architecture and civic life.
Jan 3: Final Benediction
· 🕍 Symbolic Act: “Return to the Mountain”
Return to Montserrat for a final moment of silence. Touch the pillar near La Moreneta and seal your pilgrimage with gratitude.
💶 Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
Category | Budget (USD) | Mid-Range (USD) |
Lodging (6 nights) | $240–$360 | $480–$720 |
Meals | $120–$180 | $240–$360 |
Transport | $40–$80 | $80–$160 |
Sightseeing & Tips | $40–$80 | $80–$160 |
Total Estimate | $440–$700 | $880–$1,400 |
Three French Hens
Genesis, Chapter
20, Verse 8
Early the next morning Abimelech called all his servants and
informed them of everything that had happened, and the men were filled with FEAR.
“I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for
their fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the
third and fourth generation; but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth
generation on the children of those who love me and keep my
commandments.”(Exodus, 20:5-6)
I would like to share
something of why Sarah was one of the most beautiful women of all times.
The apparent implication is that Sarah was
beautiful inside and out—and what’s more, that the inside and outside were
interdependent. Her face was a transparent canvas from which emanated her inner
radiance. Chassidic philosophy demonstrates three ways in which the body and
soul can interact:
·
The soul can try and mitigate the urges of the
body. Things that look good, taste good and feel good are stimulating and
addictive. Most of us live life with our body in the driver’s seat. The soul
just can’t compete. And so, the soul tries to negotiate reasonably, and
encourages moderation.
·
Or the soul can choose to reject the body and
abhor anything associated with materialism. The soul-driven person would then
rebel against society’s shallow and false veneers. Simplicity and ascetism
become the ultimate goals of the soul.
·
The third scenario is not a compromise between
the first two. It is an entirely new approach, where the body and soul learn to
work together. The soul neither leans towards the body nor rejects it. It does
not react; it pro-acts. In a proactive position, the soul directs and channels
the body’s inclination in a constructive way.
·
In this last approach, instead of repressing
the body’s needs, the soul views them as an opportunity to serve God in a whole new way. [1]
Now is the time to plan
to attain a religious retreat or conference before Easter. This book was
conceived after attending a Marian conference.[2]
Copilot’s Take
Chassidic philosophy’s teaching on
body–soul harmony resonates deeply with Catholic spirituality: both traditions
emphasize that holiness is not about rejecting the body, but integrating it
with the soul so that every aspect of life becomes a channel for God’s grace.
- Holy Fear:
Abimelech’s response shows that even those outside the covenant can
recognize God’s authority. Catholic tradition calls this fear of the
Lord, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which safeguards us
against sin.
- Radiance of
Sarah: Her beauty was not diminished by her humanity but elevated by
holiness. Catholic saints often describe holiness as a light that shines
outward—faces transfigured by peace and grace.
- Body–Soul
Integration: The Chassidic “third way”—where the soul channels the body’s
inclinations toward God—parallels Catholic sacramental life. Bread, wine,
water, oil, fasting, feasting, and pilgrimage are bodily acts that unite
with the soul’s devotion.
Catholic Application
- Sacramental
living: material realities become vehicles of grace.
- Integration,
not dualism: body and soul form one human nature.
- Retreat
practice: fasting, silence, chant, and pilgrimage weave body and soul
together in worship.
This perspective
enriches Catholic retreats and conferences, especially before Easter, by
reminding us that the body’s desires can be redirected into service of God
rather than suppressed.
Feast of St. John, the Apostle[3]
DECEMBER 27.
JOHN, the brother of St. James the Greater, was a son of Zebedee, a fisherman of Galilee, and of Salome, a cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Matt. iv. 21). He was the youngest of the apostles, and, with Peter and James, was the most trusted of the disciples of Jesus, by Whom he was most tenderly loved, on which account he is called the Disciple of Love. Of this Jesus gave the most convincing evidence when, at the Last Supper, He allowed that disciple to lean upon His breast, and when, from the cross, He committed to the care of John His own Mother. After the ascension John preached the Gospel in Palestine; afterwards went to Asia Minor, fixed his residence in Ephesus, and established many churches there. He was, with the other apostles, taken prisoner and scourged by the Jews, and in the year 95, under the Emperor Domitian, before the Latin Gate, at Rome, was thrown into a vessel of boiling oil. Having endured this torture without injury, he was then banished to the island of Patmos, where, by command of the Lord, he wrote the Apocalypse, or Revelation, concerning the fortunes of the Church. On returning from his banishment, he again governed the churches of Asia Minor as chief pastor, as he had done before, and, at the age of nearly one hundred years, died at Ephesus a peaceful arid natural death.
The Introit of the Mass reads: “In the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and clothed him with a robe of glory. It is good to give praise to the Lord, and to sing to Thy name, O Most High.”
Prayer.
Mercifully illustrate Thy Church, O Lord, that, enlightened by the doctrines of Thy blessed apostle and evangelist St. John, she may arrive at gifts everlasting.
EPISTLE. Ecclus. xv. 1-6.
He that feareth God will do good: and he that possesseth justice shall lay hold on her, arid she will meet him as an honor able mother and will receive him as a wife married of a virgin. With the bread of life and understanding, she shall feed him and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink: and she shall be made strong in him, and he shall not be moved: and she shall hold him fast, and he shall not be confounded: and she shall exalt him among his neighbors, and in the midst of the Church she shall open his mouth, and shall fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall clothe him with a robe of glory. She shall heap upon him a treasure of joy and gladness, and our Lord God shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name.
ON PURITY.
“He that loves wisdom,” saith the Holy Ghost, “will obtain it, for it will not enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to sins” (Wis. i. 4). St. John was from his childhood an angel of purity, on which account he was particularly be loved by Jesus, and endowed by the Holy Ghost with such wisdom and knowledge that, as St. Augustine has remarked, he begins his gospel in a manner more lofty and sublime than the other three evangelists. For while they walk with the God-man upon earth, speaking comparatively little of His divinity, St. John, as if despising the world, soars beyond the vault of heaven, above the hosts of angels, and comes to Him by Whom all things are made, saying, “In the beginning was the Word.” At the Last Supper he was permitted to lean on the bosom of Jesus, but what he there drank in secretly he imparted openly. Apply thyself, therefore, to purity of heart, and thou shalt be like St. John, a beloved disciple of Jesus, and shalt be filled with heavenly wisdom.
GOSPEL. John xxi. 19-24.
At that time: Jesus said to Peter: Follow Me. Peter turning about, saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on His breast at supper, and said: Lord, who is he that shall betray Thee? Him therefore when Peter had seen, he saith to Jesus: Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith to him: So, I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? follow thou Me. This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did riot say to him: He should not die; but so, I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things, and hath written these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
Feast of St John[4]
The Feast of St. John the Apostle commemorates his life. He was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. He was one of the three disciples, which included Peter and James, who were involved in some of the most important events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, including Jesus' crucifixion and transfiguration.
St John Facts
·
John
was a fisherman before he began following Christ. He was the brother of
St. James the Greater. Jesus gave the brothers the name, sons of thunder.
(Mark 3:17)
·
When
Jesus was dying on the cross, he asked John to take care of his mother (John
19:25-27).
·
In
the Gospel of John, he frequently refers to the most beloved disciple. Some
theologians believe he is referring to himself, while others believe the
reference is used for the reader to insert himself into the role.
·
Besides
Paul, John was the most prolific writer in the New Testament. His body of
work includes 'The Revelation of John' and three epistles.
· The Feast Day for St. John the Apostle is held in the Roman Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations on December 27, the third day of Christmas. In the Orthodox Church, it is called the Feast of the Holy and Glorious Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, which is held September 26. This feast shouldn't be confused with the Feast of St. John the Baptist, which is held in both faith traditions on June 24.
St John Top Events and Things to Do
·
Read
the Gospel of John. It is different than the other three Gospels and was
thought to be the last written of the four books in the New Testament.
·
Read
the Revelation of John, thought to be written by the apostle. The rich
symbolism has been thought to foretell the end of the world, but many biblical
scholars believe it was written to offer hope to Christians persecuted by Rome.
·
St
John is the Patron Saint of Turkey. Consider visiting this beautiful
country - or take a virtual tour with Google Maps.
·
St.
John answered the call to be an apostle of Jesus. Have you listened for Jesus's
call in your life?
·
Pray today to know your own
vocation.
·
Bless
your wine for the new year.
Blessing of the Wine[5]
Traditionally wine is blessed on the Feast of St. John. Wine if used in moderation is a good thing. Yet sometimes it may cause an increase in our fears or make us fool hardy when speaking, giving us a false sense of courage. So, blessing our wine is a good idea to dedicate its use for our good and not our detriment.
St. John's Day[6] (December 27)
Saint John was the only Apostle who did not suffer martyrdom, though several attempts were made on his life. One of these involved giving him a glass of wine that had been poisoned. The saint, however, suffered no harm because he blessed it before he drank. It is in honor of this deliverance that the blessing and drinking of wine on St. John's Day was once a popular custom. People had a bottle of wine blessed after the Saint's Mass and then drank it at the family dinner (notice how easily this can still be done). The special blessing for this occasion from the Roman ritual sums up the meaning of this custom:
%
Blessing
for the 1st Cup
Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God! You willed
that Your Son, equal to You in agelessness and substance should descend from
heaven and in the fullness of time be born of the most holy Virgin Mary. Thus,
He could seek the lost and wayward sheep and carry it on His shoulders to the
sheepfold, and could cure the man fallen among robbers of his wounds by pouring
in oil and wine. Deign now to bless and sanctify this wine which You produced
for man's drink. Whoever drinks of it on this holy feast, grant him life in
body and soul. By Your goodness, let it be to him strength to prosper him on
the way, that his journey may come to a blessed end. Through the same Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Eat your First Course of the meal.
%
Blessing
for the 2nd Cup
O Lord God deign
to bless and consecrate with Thy right hand this cup of wine and of whatever
drink: and grant that through the merits of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist,
all who believe in Thee and who drink from this cup may be blessed and
protected. And as blessed John drank from the cup of poison and remained
completely unharmed, may, through his merits, all who drink from the cup on
this day in honor of blessed John be rescued from every sickness of poison and
from every kind of harm; and, offering themselves up body and soul, may they be
delivered from all fault. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eat your
Second Course Meal
% Blessing of the 3rd Cup
Bless, O Lord,
this creature of drink: that it may be a remedy of salvation for all who
consume it: and grant through the invocation of Thy holy name that whoever will
have tasted of it may, through Thy giving, experience health of the soul as
well as of the body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eat your
Main Course Meal
% Blessing of the 4th Cup
Almighty God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit descend upon this creature of wine and of whatever
drink and remain forever. Amen.
Eat your
Dessert
Today,
on the day honoring the disciple who lay closest to Christ the High Priest
during the first Mass, was the festival for priests.
The wine
drunk or blessed on this day is called "St. John's Love" (Johannesminne) or St.
John's Wine. When the wine has been blessed by a priest, it
becomes a sacramental, and is kept in the house throughout the year as a
good thing for a newlywed couple to drink on their return from church, as an
aid for travelers before a long trip, and as succor for the dying after they
have received the sacraments. In the Catholic Cookbook, William Kaufman
includes a recipe for St. John's Wine:
1-quart
red wine
3
whole cloves
1/16
teaspoon ground cardamom
2
two-inch cinnamon sticks
1/2
teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2
cup sugar
Pour the
wine into a large saucepan. Add the remaining ingredients. Boil for 5 minutes
(after which point the alcohol is virtually evaporated). (Serve hot. 8-10
servings).[7]
Three French Hens
Today is traditionally the third day of Christmas and the Three
French Hens from the song the 12 days of Christmas represent the
three cardinal virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. Let us talk to
the Lord today and ask Him how we are doing in these three virtues and how we
may improve in them.
Bible in a Year Day 179 Blinded by Comfort
Fr. Mike points out how Amos' warning against being overly preoccupied with comfort and thus blinded to the needs of others can be especially relevant to us today. The readings are 2 Kings 11-12, Amos 4-6, and Psalm 122.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in
the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Protection of Life from Conception until natural
death.
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
