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. "
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Grace Force Podcast Episode 372 – Pope Leo: Is God Preparing Him for Something? features Fr. Richard Heilman, Doug Barry, and author Daniel O'Connor discussing whether Pope Leo XIV could be leading the Church into a significant historical moment. The discussion centers on the idea that certain popes have guided the Church through pivotal eras and that current turmoil in the Church, governments, and society may signal another such turning point. [usgraceforce.com]
CCC Theme: Confronting Evil in America
The podcast's approach appears rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) understanding of spiritual warfare. Key themes include:
Evil is not merely political or social but spiritual in nature. Christians must recognize that sin, deception, and the rejection of God have consequences for individuals and nations. [usgraceforce.com]
Catholics are called to respond not with fear but with faith, prayer, repentance, and conversion. The hosts emphasize being spiritually prepared for whatever God permits in history. [usgraceforce.com]
The Church's mission is to confront darkness through holiness rather than partisan politics alone. The podcast repeatedly frames current events as part of a larger battle for souls. [usgraceforce.com]
Prayer is presented as a primary weapon against evil, particularly the Rosary. The ministry highlights the "Combat Rosary" as a symbol of spiritual readiness and perseverance. [usgraceforce.com]
Americans are encouraged to become what the hosts call "spiritual warriors," resisting moral decline through prayer, sacramental life, courage, and fidelity to Christ. [usgraceforce.com]
In Light of the Catechism
The CCC teaches that Christians confront evil through:
Faith in Christ's victory over sin and death.
Frequent use of the sacraments.
Prayer and fasting.
Works of charity and justice.
Perseverance during trials.
The podcast applies these principles to present-day America, arguing that cultural confusion and moral challenges should be met with spiritual renewal rather than despair. [usgraceforce.com]
For a Catholic reader, the central takeaway is: prepare spiritually, stay faithful to Christ and the Church, pray the Rosary, and meet cultural darkness with holiness rather than panic.[usgraceforce.com]
Wed, Nov. 4 – First Wednesday & St. Charles Borromeo
Virtue:Pastoral Zeal & Steadfast Renewal
Cigar: Sumatra
Bourbon:Four Roses Small Batch
St. Charles Borromeo lived in an age when many complained about the condition of the Church, yet few were willing to sacrifice themselves for its renewal. Charles chose the harder path. Through prayer, discipline, charity, and personal sacrifice, he helped lead reform during one of the most difficult periods in Catholic history. He understood that lasting renewal does not begin in institutions but in souls. Before a parish, a nation, or a family can be strengthened, the individual heart must first be converted.
This lesson is echoed in the private revelations of St. Bridget concerning a religious brother's Particular Judgment. Though he had served God, he had often carried out his duties carelessly and without sufficient love. The Lord declared that even small derelictions of duty would not go unexamined. The vivid description of his suffering in Purgatory reminds us that negligence has consequences. God sees not only what we do, but how faithfully we do it.
The Venerable Agnes of Langeac often repeated: "Accursed be he that doth the work of God with negligence." Those words apply far beyond the sanctuary. They apply to prayer, work, family responsibilities, friendships, and every task entrusted to us. Holiness is rarely found in dramatic moments. More often it is forged through ordinary duties performed with extraordinary love.
Tonight, consider where neglect may have crept into your daily responsibilities. What has God asked of you that deserves greater attention, care, and zeal? Renewal begins there.
Smoke in this life, not the next.
BRINGING UP BABY—THE LIMITS OF CONTROL AND THE GIFT OF HUMBLE ADAPTABILITY
From Chaotic Romance to the Truth That Life Rarely Follows Our Plans (Based on Bringing Up Baby, 1938)
A Man Seeking Order in a World That Refuses to Cooperate
Before David Huxley finds himself chasing a leopard, losing a dinosaur bone, and becoming entangled with the unpredictable Susan Vance, he is much like every person carefully planning the future. He values order. He trusts preparation. He believes that enough organization can eliminate confusion and protect him from uncertainty.
Yet events quickly unravel his carefully arranged world. Every plan encounters an interruption. Every effort to maintain control produces new complications. What begins as inconvenience becomes comedy, but beneath the laughter lies a deeper truth about the human condition.
The film reveals a lesson that modern life often forgets. Planning matters. Responsibility matters. Prudence matters. Yet no amount of preparation can completely remove uncertainty. Life remains larger than our schedules, our expectations, and our calculations.
The danger is confusing control with wisdom. The lesson is that adaptability often becomes more valuable than rigid planning. The verdict is that happiness frequently arrives through the interruptions we never wanted rather than through the plans we carefully constructed.
Film Card — Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Bringing Up Baby • Screwball Comedy • 1h 42m
A mild-mannered paleontologist finds his carefully structured life overturned by an impulsive heiress, a missing dinosaur bone, and a tame leopard whose presence turns every situation into chaos.
Themes: Order & Chaos • Adaptability & Control • Love Through Uncertainty
Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charles Ruggles, May Robson
Production: RKO Radio Pictures
Historical Frame: Late-Depression America, when audiences enjoyed lighthearted comedies that offered relief from economic worries and everyday pressures.
Production & Cultural Setting
Screwball Comedy: Fast-paced dialogue and outrageous situations allowed audiences to laugh at life's unpredictability.
Modern Independence: Susan represents a free-spirited personality that challenged traditional expectations.
Escapist Entertainment: Viewers enjoyed stories that transformed ordinary frustrations into comic adventures.
Moral Undercurrent: Human beings flourish not merely through planning but through learning to adapt with grace.
Story Summary
The Objective: David seeks to complete an important scientific project and secure his future.
The Disruption: Susan enters his life and unintentionally dismantles every carefully arranged plan.
The Escalation: Lost belongings, mistaken identities, and a leopard create increasingly absurd complications.
The Crisis: David's efforts to restore order only deepen the chaos.
The Discovery: He begins to recognize that life cannot be perfectly controlled.
The Resolution: Love, humility, and acceptance replace rigid certainty.
Moral & Spiritual Resonances
A. Prudence Is Not Control
Wise planning is valuable, but it cannot govern every circumstance.
B. Humility Accepts Limits
Human beings are not masters of every outcome.
C. Flexibility Is a Virtue
Adaptability helps navigate challenges that planning alone cannot solve.
D. Relationships Matter More Than Perfection
People are more important than projects, schedules, and ambitions.
E. Joy Often Arrives Unexpectedly
Many blessings come through interruptions rather than through ideal conditions.
Hospitality Pairing — Drawn From Fast-Paced Comedy and Elegant 1930s Charm
Food — Playful Yet Refined
Roast chicken with herbs
Buttered noodles
Fresh berry shortcake
Drink — Light and Sociable
A classic gin and lime
Sparkling lemonade
Fresh iced tea
Atmosphere — Laughter Rather Than Perfection
Old black-and-white films playing softly
Friends gathered without rigid schedules
Conversation that welcomes detours and unexpected stories
Personal Reflection
How much of my stress comes from demanding that life follow my plans?
Do I become frustrated when circumstances refuse to cooperate?
Am I open to blessings that arrive in unexpected forms?
Where do I need greater flexibility and humility?
Do I trust God only when events proceed according to schedule?
Planning matters.
But a perfectly organized calendar no more guarantees happiness than David's carefully assembled dinosaur skeleton guaranteed peace.
Wisdom grows when preparation is joined to humility, and when we learn to receive life's surprises with gratitude rather than resentment.
Tue, Nov 3 – Holy Face Rosary I: Gethsemane & Election Day
Virtue: Surrender, Prudence & Trust
Cigar: Connecticut Broadleaf
Bourbon: Old Forester 1920
Reflection: Where am I called to surrender control? How do I seek the common good without placing my hope in earthly power?
In Gethsemane, Our Lord entered the darkest hour of His earthly life. Knowing the suffering that lay ahead, He prayed, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet He immediately added the words that changed history: "Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done." Every disciple eventually stands in that garden. We all face moments when we must surrender our plans, fears, and desires to God's greater wisdom.
Election Day reminds us that citizenship carries moral responsibilities. Catholics are called to form their consciences, seek the common good, defend human dignity, and vote accordingly. How we vote matters because our choices are moral acts. They reflect what we believe about justice, truth, life, family, and the responsibilities we owe one another. In that sense, our decisions can affect our eternal destiny, not because politics saves us, but because every moral choice helps shape the soul we bring before God.
The Venerable Agnes of Langeac frequently repeated the warning: "Accursed be he that doth the work of God with negligence." After Sister Angelique's death, she appeared to Agnes from Purgatory and thanked her for constantly urging reverence and fervor. The lesson remains clear. Whether we pray, vote, work, or serve others, God asks for faithful hearts rather than careless participation.
Tonight's Connecticut Broadleaf and Old Forester 1920 invite steady reflection. Do your duty before God. Then leave the outcome in His hands.
Smoke in this life, not the next.
HONEYMOON IN BALI — THE LIMITS OF POLITICAL PROMISES AND THE PURSUIT OF TRUE HAPPINESS From Island Romance to the Truth That No Election Can Guarantee a Honeymoon in Bali (Based on Honeymoon in Bali, 1939)
A Woman Searching for Happiness in Fortune, Romance, and Opportunity
Before Gail Allen finds herself caught between romance, exotic adventure, and the promise of life in a tropical paradise, she is much like every voter standing before a ballot box. She hopes for a better future. She seeks security, happiness, and fulfillment. She believes that the right choice may unlock a more desirable life. Yet as events unfold, she discovers that no decision, however important, can completely eliminate uncertainty.
The film reveals a truth that Election Day often obscures. Good choices matter. Wise decisions matter. Prudence matters. Yet no single choice guarantees happiness. The same is true in politics. A vote may influence the direction of a nation, but it cannot guarantee prosperity, harmony, or personal contentment.
The danger is expecting political victory to accomplish what only virtue can sustain. The lesson is that civic responsibility is important, but not all-powerful. The verdict is that a healthy nation depends less upon who occupies office than upon the character of the people who elect them.
Film Card — Honeymoon in Bali (1939)
Honeymoon in Bali • Romantic Comedy • 1h 25m
A successful businesswoman unexpectedly finds herself drawn toward romance and the promise of a dreamlike future, only to discover that happiness cannot be secured solely through favorable circumstances.
Reflection:Who do I carry in prayer and remembrance, trusting Christ to conquer even death?
All Souls Day invites us into the profound mystery of charity beyond the grave. The Church asks us not merely to remember the faithful departed, but to assist them through prayer, sacrifice, and acts of mercy. Death ends the opportunity to merit, yet it does not end the bond of love that unites the members of Christ's Body. The souls in Purgatory can no longer help themselves; they depend upon the prayers of the Church Militant and the intercession of the Church Triumphant.
Father F. X. Schouppe recounts how St. Lidwina of Schiedam willingly entered into this work of mercy. After years of praying for a repentant sinner, she learned that the soul still remained in Purgatory, enduring purification for sins not fully expiated on earth. When her guardian angel asked whether she was willing to suffer for his release, she consented immediately.
From that moment she endured new pains and frightful torments that seemed beyond human strength. Yet charity proved stronger than suffering. She persevered faithfully until God granted relief. Then she saw the soul for whom she had sacrificed so much emerge from the abyss, radiant and purified, white as snow, ascending at last to the glory of Heaven. Tonight's Oscuro offers deep notes of earth, dark cocoa, and lingering sweetness, mirroring the solemn reality of purification. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof follows with unapologetic strength, a reminder that God's mercy is not sentimental indulgence but a consuming fire that perfects what it loves.
Remember your dead. Speak their names. Offer prayers, sacrifices, and Masses for them. The smoke that rises tonight is a reminder that the fires of purification are temporary, but the joy of Heaven is forever.
Smoke in this life, not the next.
THE STAR MAKER — THE VOCATION OF RAISING OTHERS TO SHINE From Vaudeville Dreams to the Hidden Greatness of Spiritual Fatherhood (Based on The Star Maker, 1939)
A Man Whose Success Is Measured by the Gifts He Awakens in Others
Before Larry Earl becomes a celebrated producer of talented youngsters, he is a dreamer struggling to find his place in the world. He possesses ambition, determination, and a love for music, but repeated disappointments force him to reconsider what true success looks like. His breakthrough comes when he stops focusing solely on his own advancement and begins cultivating the gifts of others. In helping children discover their talents, he discovers his own vocation.
The film reveals a truth often forgotten in an age obsessed with personal achievement: the greatest lives are frequently spent developing the potential of others. Larry's journey is not one of conquest but stewardship. His triumph is not becoming the star but becoming the man who helps stars emerge.
This film teaches that influence may be holier than fame, encouragement may be more valuable than applause, and genuine leadership is measured not by how brightly one shines, but by how many others shine because of one's efforts.
Film Card — The Star Maker (1939)
The Star Maker • Musical Drama / Biography • 6.2/10 IMDb • 1h 34m
A struggling songwriter discovers talented children and builds a successful entertainment career by helping them develop their gifts, only to learn that the greatest rewards come through sacrifice, perseverance, and service to others.
Cast: Bing Crosby, Louise Campbell, Linda Ware, Ned Sparks, Walter Damrosch
Production: Paramount Pictures / Directed by Roy Del Ruth
Historical Frame: Early twentieth-century vaudeville and theater culture, when live performance created opportunities for talented young entertainers across America.
Production & Cultural Setting
Theater Culture: Vaudeville served as America's training ground for performers long before television and modern media.
The American Dream: Hard work, persistence, and creativity offered paths to advancement even during difficult economic times.
Family Entertainment: Children's performances reflected both public fascination and growing concerns regarding child welfare.
Moral Undercurrent: The film asks whether success exists for self-glorification or for the benefit of others.
Story Summary
The Dream: Larry Earl longs for success as a songwriter and entertainer.
The Discovery: He encounters talented children and recognizes their potential.
The Venture: He organizes performances and develops a successful theatrical enterprise.
The Challenge: Regulations governing child performers threaten everything he has built.
The Sacrifice: Larry must surrender personal ambitions and adapt to changing circumstances.
The Triumph: He discovers that his lasting legacy lies in nurturing talent rather than chasing fame.
Moral & Spiritual Resonances
A. Spiritual Fatherhood: Helping others grow can become a sacred vocation.
B. Stewardship of Gifts: Talents are entrusted to us not merely for ourselves but for the good of others.
C. Humility Over Fame: The hidden builder often accomplishes more than the visible star.
D. Perseverance Through Setbacks: Vocations frequently mature through disappointment and redirection.
E. The Communion of Encouragement: A single word of support can alter the course of another person's life.
Hospitality Pairing — Drawn From American Vaudeville and Family Entertainment
Food — Simple, Warm, and Gathered:
A basket of popcorn
Mini sliders or hot sandwiches
Apple pie served warm with vanilla ice cream
Drink — Classic and Confident:
Old Forester 1920
Root beer float for a family-friendly option
Fresh black coffee served after dessert
Cigar — Steady and Approachable:
Connecticut Broadleaf
Mild enough for reflection, rich enough to reward patience
Atmosphere — A Room Filled With Gratitude for Mentors
Old photographs displayed nearby
Soft jazz or vintage radio music
A gathering where stories are shared about teachers, parents, coaches, and friends who shaped our lives
Reflection Prompts
Who first recognized gifts in me before I saw them myself?
Whom has God placed in my life to encourage and develop?
Do I seek recognition for myself or growth for others?
Where might disappointment actually be redirecting me toward my true vocation?
How can I become a star maker rather than merely a star seeker?
The Thanksgiving meal is a ritual. Whether we are from rural
or urban backgrounds, we know the harvest time passes and the year draws to an
end. Giving thanks to God is Eucharist, a heavenly banquet and the foretaste of
things to come. We are not worthy receivers of this sacrament without the
haunting knowledge of the poor nutrition for many in our country and famine in
other countries.
The month of November is dedicated to the Souls
in Purgatory, whose feast is celebrated on November 2. With the
exception of the last two days, the entire month of November falls during the
liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical
color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses
in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially
the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of
Ordinary Time. The last portion of the liturgical year represents the time of
our pilgrimage to heaven during which we hope for reward. The last Sunday,
which marks the beginning of Advent, the liturgical color changes to purple,
representing a time of penance.
The national holiday (USA) of Thanksgiving also falls on the
last Thursday of November. The tradition of eating goose as part of the
Martin's Day celebration was kept in Holland even after the Reformation. It was
there that the Pilgrims who sailed to the New World in 1620 became familiar
with this ancient harvest festival. When, after one year in America, they
decided to celebrate a three days' thanksgiving in the autumn of 1621, they
went in search of geese for their feast. We know that they also had deer (a
present from the Indians), lobsters, oysters, and fish. But Edward Winslow, in
his account of the feast, only mentions that "Governor Bradford sent four
men on fowling that so we might after a more special manner rejoice together,
after we had gathered the fruit of our labors." They actually did find
some wild geese, and a number of wild turkeys and ducks as well. The Pilgrim
Fathers, therefore, in serving wild turkeys with the geese, inaugurated one of
the most cherished American traditions: the turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day.
They also drank, according to the ancient European tradition, the first wine of
their wild-grape harvest. Pumpkin pie and cranberries were not part of the
first Thanksgiving dinner in America but were introduced many years afterward.
The second Thanksgiving Day in the New World was held by the Pilgrims two years
later, on July 30, 1623. It was formally proclaimed by the governor as a day of
prayer to thank God for their deliverance from drought and starvation, and for
the safe arrival from Holland of the ship Anne. In 1665 Connecticut proclaimed
a solemn day of thanksgiving to be kept annually on the last Wednesday in October.
Other New England colonies held occasional and local Thanksgivings at various
times. In 1789 the federal Congress authorized and requested President George
Washington to proclaim a day of thanksgiving for the whole nation. Washington
did this in a message setting aside November 26, 1789, as National Thanksgiving
Day. After 1789 the celebration reverted to local and regional observance for
almost a hundred years. There grew, however, a strong desire among the majority
of the people for a national Thanksgiving Day that would unite all Americans in
a festival of gratitude and public acknowledgment for all the blessings God had
conferred upon the nation. It was not until October 3, 1863, that this was
accomplished, when President Abraham Lincoln issued, in the midst of the Civil
War, a Thanksgiving Proclamation. In it the last Thursday of November was set
apart for that purpose and made a national holiday.
Since then, every president has followed Lincoln's example,
and annually proclaims as a "Day of Thanksgiving" the fourth Thursday
in November. Only President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the date, in 1939,
from the fourth to the third Thursday of November (to extend the time of
Christmas sales). This caused so much consternation and protest that in 1941
the traditional date was restored."
Deer Hunting SeasonNotorious to
some, delectably yummy to others, deer-hunting season begins with a bang --
sorry, Bambi -- come November. That’s because the month is prime deer-mating
season: Male bucks are often so distracted by the urge to mate they may not
detect the sound of Grandpa Earl’s carbine locking and loading off in the
distance. Head to states like Kentucky, New Hampshire and Minnesota for the
HUNT.
Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Take advantage of off-season travel to popular landmarks such
as the Grand Canyon. The 1.2-million-acre
park sees half its summer crowds. Enjoy cooler temperatures (in the 70s), as
well as the deepening colors of aspen, oak and birch trees that adorn this
national treasure.
Families decorate the graves of loved ONES THROUGHOUT Mexico
as part of this annual national holiday. A blend of pre-Columbian and Catholic
traditions, Day of the Dead may sound notoriously spooky to outsiders. But to
those who celebrate it, the day offers a way to reflect and share in treasured
memories of loved ones through acts of commemoration, including making altars.
November 1: NYC Marathon.Lace up your
sneakers for the New York City Marathon. More than 50,000 people compete in the
world’s largest marathon. Cheer on the participants as they race through the
city’s five boroughs and head to the finish line if you’re not competing in the
26-mile run.
November 1-8: San
Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival.Notoriously passionate
wine and food lovers descend on Southern California each November for the
region’s largest festival of its kind. How notorious are we talking? Well,
let’s just say any festival that lures some of the best national chefs, local
culinary stars, and celebrated winemakers and brewmasters means serious
gastronomic pleasure is in order
November 4-January 4 The Rockettes ChristmasLet’s
go girls! Those sky-high kicks, those naughty smiles -- oh, it certainly
wouldn’t be a notoriously fun November without the Rockettes. During the
holiday season, the legendary dance company kicks it into high gear with five
shows a day, seven days a week. See the grand show unfold in the Radio City
Christmas Spectacular, presented at Radio City Music Hall.
November 26-Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade:Head
to the Big Apple for Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. The three-hour
event starts at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving Day but better come early (and wear warm
clothes); crowds start arriving hours earlier to stake out a spot. If a 5 a.m.
wakeup call’s not your thing, these NYC Hotels offer great views of the parade’s lineup of floats,
clowns and more.
🍂🥃 November Twilight Companion: Holy Face Devotion Edition
From the powers of earth to the Kingship of Christ
Monthly Refrain
"Lord Jesus Christ, mocked by the powers of this world yet victorious over sin and death, teach me to stand firm in truth, overcome evil with good, and place my trust not in princes but in You."
SMOKE IN THIS LIFE, NOT THE NEXT
Sun, Nov 1 — All Saints Day
Cigar: Candela
Pour: Angel's Envy
Reflection: Whose holiness shapes my path, and for whom am I called to pray until they, too, stand among the saints?
All Saints' Day celebrates the victory of the Church Triumphant, but it also reminds us that the road to Heaven is often longer and more demanding than we imagine. The saints did not become saints by avoiding suffering. They embraced sacrifice, endured purification, and learned to love God above every earthly attachment. Their witness calls us to perseverance and reminds us that charity extends beyond the boundaries of death.
Father F. X. Schouppe recounts a striking episode from the life of St. Lidwina of Schiedam. A man who had lived for years enslaved by impurity was blessed with a sincere conversion before his death. Though reconciled with God through confession and genuine contrition, he had little opportunity to make satisfaction for the many sins of his life. St. Lidwina prayed faithfully for him, yet twelve years after his death she was shown his soul still undergoing purification in Purgatory.
Her guardian angel asked whether she was willing to suffer for his release. The saint answered without hesitation, "With all my heart." New afflictions and agonies followed, borne patiently through heroic charity. At last she beheld that soul emerge from the depths of purification, white as snow, ascending joyfully toward Heaven.
Tonight's Candela offers a bright, grassy freshness, a fitting reminder of the hope of eternal life. Angel's Envy brings gentle warmth and refinement, suggesting the sweetness awaiting those who persevere in grace.
Pray for the holy souls. Ask the saints to intercede for you. Remember that love offered today may help a soul reach Heaven tomorrow.
Exterior Defender: St. Vitus — Joy Under Persecution
Auxiliary Defender: St. Hubert — Conversion of the Hunter’s Heart
Sacred Heart Virtue: Perseverance in the Father’s Will Phase II — The Strengthening Continues
NOVEMBER 1 — FIRST SATURDAY WITH THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (ALL SAINTS)
Mary Forms Readiness for Perseverance
“Readiness is the beginning of perseverance.”
All Saints places the entire victorious Church before the heart — men and women whose obedience became courage, whose courage became perseverance, whose perseverance became glory.
Mary teaches the heart to obey before fear speaks, before hesitation rises, before excuses form. She forms the interior stance that makes perseverance possible.
Your work today: Pray the Joyful Mysteries with the intention: “Mary, make my heart ready for God.” Choose one saint whose obedience strengthens you. Ask that saint to train your readiness.
Prayer: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, make my readiness holy.”
NOVEMBER 4 — FIRST WEDNESDAY WITH ST. JOSEPH
Joseph Establishes Steady Discipline
“Perseverance begins in discipline.”
A man who cannot keep order cannot keep mission. A man who cannot maintain rhythm cannot maintain obedience.
Joseph teaches the daily steadiness that makes perseverance possible.
Your work today: Identify one daily practice you neglect. Restore it today. Ask Joseph to guard your discipline so Jesus can strengthen your perseverance.
Prayer: “Joseph, make my perseverance disciplined.”
NOVEMBER 6 — FIRST FRIDAY WITH THE SACRED HEART
Jesus Trains Perseverance
“Remain in My will.”
If October taught courage to act, November teaches perseverance to continue.
Perseverance is courage stretched across time. It is obedience that refuses to collapse.
St. Vitus stands beside Him: “Hold your ground with joy.”
St. Hubert stands beside you: “Let the light convert your aim. Hunt only what God sends.”
Your work today: Choose one avoided duty. Complete it without delay, without complaint. Offer it as perseverance, not endurance.
Prayer: “Sacred Heart of Jesus, make me steadfast in Your will.”
Closing of the November Opening
Mary keeps perseverance joyful. Joseph keeps perseverance disciplined. Jesus strengthens perseverance into mission. St. Vitus teaches perseverance under persecution. St. Hubert sharpens perseverance through conversion and clarity of aim.
The Nine First Fridays continue. The strengthening deepens. The heart begins to endure with joy.
NOVEMBER 1 Sunday Solemnity of All Saints
Psalm 64, Verse 5
They shoot at the innocent from
ambush; they shoot him in a moment and do not FEAR.
They have bent the bow, a bitter
thing, in order that they may shoot in secret One unspotted. The bow he calls
lyings in wait. For he that with sword fights hand to hand, openly fights: he
that shoots an arrow deceives, in order to strike. For the arrow smites, before
it is foreseen to come to wound.
But whom could the lyings in
wait of the human
heart escape? Would they escape our Lord Jesus Christ,
who had no need that any one should bear witness to Him
of man?
For Himself knew what was in man, John 2:25 as
the Evangelist testifies. Nevertheless, let us hear them, and look upon them in
their doings as if the Lord knew not what they
devise. The expression he used, They have bended the bow, is the same as, in
secret: as if they were deceiving by lyings in wait. For you know by what artifices
they did this, how with money they bribed a disciple that clave to
Him, in order that He might be betrayed to them, Matthew 26:14-15
how they procured false witnesses; with what lyings in wait and artifices they
wrought, in order that they might shoot in secret One unspotted. Great
iniquity! Behold from a secret place there comes an arrow, which strikes One
unspotted, who had not even so much of spot as could be pierced with an arrow.
A Lamb indeed He is unspotted, wholly unspotted, always unspotted; not one from
whom spots have been removed but that has contracted not any spots. For He has
made many unspotted by forgiving sins, being Himself
unspotted by not having sins.
Suddenly they shall shoot Him, and shall not fear. O heart hardened,
to wish to kill a Man that did raise the dead! Suddenly: that is, insidiously,
as if unexpectedly, as if not foreseen. For the Lord was like to one knowing not, being among
menknowing not what He knew not and what He knew: yea, knowing not that there
was nothing that He knew
not, and that He knew
all things, and to this end had come in order that they might do that which
they thought they did by their own power. * [Psalm 64] A lament of a person
overwhelmed by the malice of the wicked who are depicted in the Psalms as the
enemies of the righteous (Ps 64:2–7). When people see God bringing
upon the wicked the evil they intended against others, they will know who is
the true ruler of the world (Ps
64:8–10). The final verse
is a vow of praise (Ps 64:11).[1]
Gemini’s Take
Augustine’s reflection on Psalm 64 establishes that wickedness
fundamentally relies on secrecy and deceit—the "bending of the bow"
from the shadows to strike down the innocent without fear. In civic life,
whether manifested as institutional corruption, election manipulation, or overt
hostility against traditional believers, evil operates by subverting truth
while projecting an illusion of legitimate power. Yet Augustine emphasizes that
this deception is inherently self-defeating: Christ was neither blind to the
plots of his enemies nor powerless before them, and scripture assures that the
arrows shot by the malicious ultimately turn back upon themselves under the
weight of divine justice.
Faced with state overreach or systemic injustice, Catholic teaching
insists that civil authority derives its legitimacy entirely from the moral law
and the promotion of the common good. According to the Catechism of the
Catholic Church (CCC 2242), citizens are bound in conscience to refuse
obedience when authorities demand actions contrary to upright conscience,
fundamental rights, or Gospel truth—following the apostolic mandate to obey God
rather than men. However, the Church maintains a strict boundary between
conscientious refusal and open, violent rebellion. Under CCC 2243, armed
resistance is morally illicit unless five stringent, cumulative criteria are
met, including the exhaustion of all peaceful remedies, a certain and prolonged
violation of fundamental rights, and a well-founded certainty that rebellion
will not produce greater destruction and civil collapse than the tyranny it
seeks to overthrow.
Consequently, the Christian confrontation with hostile powers remains
rooted in the witness of the saints rather than worldly factionalism. While
Catholics are called to rigorous civic duty—insisting on institutional
transparency, legally contesting subversion, and publicly naming iniquity—their
foundational strength lies in spiritual perseverance, sacramental fidelity, and
unrelenting defense of truth. The martyrs honored on the Solemnity of All
Saints conquered not through retaliatory malice or destructive chaos, but by
remaining unspotted witnesses to the eternal sovereignty of God over every
earthly power.
2177 The Sunday celebration
of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life.
"Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of
the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation
in the universal Church."
"Also, to be observed are the day of the Nativity of
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension of Christ, the feast of the
Body and Blood of Christ, the feast of Mary the Mother of God, her Immaculate
Conception, her Assumption, the feast of Saint Joseph, the feast of the
Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, and the feast
of All Saints."
WHY has the Church appointed this
feast?
1.
To honor God in His saints, in whom He has shown Himself so wonderful, and to
thank Him, as the author of all sanctity, for the benefits He has bestowed upon
them.
2.
To put us in lively remembrance of the communion of saints; that is, of all
true children of the Church, whether they belong to the Church militant on
earth, to the Church suffering in purgatory, or to the Church triumphant in
heaven; but more particularly to cause us to consider, with earnestness, the
communion of the saints in heaven with us, who are yet combating on earth.
3.
To encourage us to strive for the like sanctity with them, and to teach us that
it is by no means impossible; for if thousands of men could become saints, why
should not we, who can do all things through Him Who strengthens us, and has
sent the Holy Ghost for our sanctification?
4.
To pay honor to those saints to whom no particular day in the year is
dedicated.
5.
That, in consideration of so many intercessors, God may grant us perfect
reconciliation, may give us a share in their merits, and may grant us the grace
of one day sharing in their joy in heaven.
By
whom was this feast instituted?
By Pope Boniface IV., who, in the year 610,
appropriated the Pantheon (that is, the temple of all gods) to the divine ser
vice of Christians, dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin and all saints, and
commanded this feast in honor of all saints to be celebrated at Rome every
year. Gregory IV., in the year 840, extended this feast to the whole Church,
and transferred it to the 1st of November.
Prayer.
O Almighty God, Who hast granted us to venerate in one
solemnity the merits of all Thy saints, we beseech Thee that, as our
intercessors are multiplied, Thou wouldst bestow upon us the desired abundance
of mercy. Amen.
EPISTLE. Apoc. vii. 2-12.
In those days: Behold I John saw another angel
ascending from the rising of the sun, having the sign of the living God : and
he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the
earth and the sea, saying : Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees,
till we sign the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number
of them that were signed, an hundred forty-four thousand were signed, of every
tribe of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda, were twelve thousand
signed. Of the tribe of Ruben, twelve thousand signed. Of the tribe of Gad,
twelve thousand signed. Of the tribe of Aser, twelve thousand signed. Of the
tribe of Nephthali, twelve thousand signed. Of the tribe of Manasses, twelve
thousand signed. Of the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand signed. Of the tribe
of Levi, twelve thousand signed. Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand
signed. Of the tribe of Zabulon, twelve thousand signed. Of the tribe of
Joseph, twelve thousand signed. Of the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand
signed. After this, I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all
nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues: standing before the throne, and
in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands: and
they cried with a loud voice, saying: Salvation to our God, Who sitteth upon
the throne, and to the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne,
and the ancients, and the four living creatures: and they fell down before the
throne upon their faces, and adored God, saying: Amen. Benediction, and glory,
and wisdom, and thanksgiving, honor, and power, and strength to our God forever
and ever. Amen.
GOSPEL. Matt. v. 1-12.
At
that time: Jesus seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and when He
was set down, His disciples came unto Him. And opening His mouth, He taught
them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they
that mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst
after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for
they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see
God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice sake: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute
you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for My sake; be glad and
rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. This gospel is read to-day
because it is by practicing what it contains that the saints have gained the
eternal kingdom.
Explanation of the Eight Beatitudes
I. “Blessed are the
poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Deadly sin to avoid:
Gluttony) The poor in spirit are:
those who, like the apostles,
readily forsake all earthly things, and for Christ’s sake become poor.
Those who, happening to lose
their property by misfortune or injustice, suffer the loss patiently, in
resignation to the will of God.
Those who, like Jesus, are
content with their poor and humble position, seek no higher or happier one, and
would rather suffer want than enrich themselves by unlawful acts, by fraud or
theft.
The rich and noble who set not
their hearts upon the riches and greatness of the world; but who use their
riches and influence to relieve the misery of the needy and oppressed.
Finally, the truly humble, who, convinced of their
weakness, their helplessness and misery, think lowly of themselves, and regard
themselves but as beggars, who are always in need of the grace of God. To all
these, therefore, in whose hearts the world has no place, there is assured, as
their inheritance, the kingdom of heaven; here the kingdom of grace there the
kingdom of glory.
II. “Blessed are the
meek, for they shall possess the land.” (Deadly sin to avoid: Pride) That
man is meek who does not murmur against God for sending afflictions upon him,
who is not angry at men who do him injury, but who rather suppresses
impatience, anger, envy, and revenge, nay, who seeks to recompense the evil
done him by his neighbor with good. Such a one is greater than he who takes by
storm fortified cities; he possesses an unfailing fountain of peace, quiet, and
cheerfulness; by his meekness prevails over the most hostile minds, is by such
means truly a ruler upon earth, and will one day, for his portion, obtain
heaven, the land of the living, there to enjoy eternal peace.
III. “Blessed are
they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,” (Deadly sin to avoid: Envy)
By them that mourn we are not to understand such as grieve and lament over a
death, a misfortune, a loss of worldly goods, or the like; but those who are
grieved that God should be in so many ways offended by themselves and by others
that His Church should be so heavily oppressed, and thereby so many souls lost
that have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. The only evil really
to be grieved for is sin, and the tears shed on account of sin are the only
tears that are profitable, for they shall be recompensed with everlasting joy.
IV. “Blessed are
they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have their fill.”
(Deadly sin to avoid: Sloth) Hunger and thirst denote the most ardent longing
after those virtues which constitute Christian perfection, such as humility,
meekness, the love of God and of our neighbor, penance. Whoever longs for these
virtues as the hungry man does for food and drink and prays to God for them
with perseverance and earnestness, shall have his fill; that is, he shall be
enriched with them, and one day shall be satisfied with eternal happiness.
V. “Blessed are the
merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Deadly sin to avoid: Greed) The
merciful here spoken of are:
Those who willingly for give the injuries done to them.
Those who have compassion for their poor neighbors, and,
according to their ability, sustain them by alms. These shall obtain mercy;
that is, God will forgive them their sins and endow them abundantly with the
goods of this world and of the world to come. Thus, God deals with us as we
deal with others.
VI. “Blessed are the
clean of heart, for they shall see God.” (Deadly sin to avoid: Lust) The
clean of heart are those who preserve with care the innocence with which they
are invested at holy Baptism, or seek to regain it, when lost, by penance;
those who keep their hearts and consciences unspotted from all sinful thoughts,
particularly from all unchaste thoughts, desires, words, and acts, and who
endeavor in all things to have a pure intention directed to God alone. They
shall see God, that is, they shall know Him even here upon earth, for as the
eye that is to see must be clean, so
only souls that are pure and unstained can behold God. But further, our
knowledge is like our hearts; the purer the heart the clearer and greater is
the knowledge of God. But in the world above they shall see, know, and possess
Him as He is. What blessedness! Strive, therefore, to keep your heart clean.
VII. “Blessed are
the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Deadly
sin to avoid: Anger) By peacemakers we are to understand those who have peace
with themselves, that is, a quiet conscience, and who endeavor to maintain
peace among others, or to restore it when broken. Such are called the children
of God, because they follow God, Who is a God of peace, and who even gave His
only Son to reconcile the world with Him, and to bring down upon earth that
peace which the world itself could not give.
VIII. “Blessed are
they that suffer persecution for justice sake, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.” (Deadly sin to avoid: Worldly Fear) Hereby all those are declared
blessed who, on account of the true faith, of virtue, of the fear of God, of
purity, are persecuted, calumniated, and even put to death, and who bear all
this with Christian patience and constancy, nay, with joy. Thus, have the
saints done, and thereby they have gained the heavenly crown. Do we desire to
be crowned with them; we must also
suffer with them. And in truth, if we would apply ourselves zealously to
virtue, occasions will not be wanting to us, for all that will live godly in
Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Prayer.
How lovely, O God, are Thy tabernacles! My soul
longeth and fainteth for Thy courts, O living God, Who art the crown and reward
of the saints, and repayest their sufferings and sorrows in this world with
eternal joy. How blessed are all they who, in this life, have served Thee
faithfully! They behold Thee and the Lamb of God face to face; they bear Thy
name on their foreheads, and reign with Thee forever. We therefore beseech
Thee, O God, through their intercession, to grant us Thy grace to serve Thee after
their example, in sanctity and justice; to follow them in poverty, humility,
meekness, repentance, in ardent longing for all virtues, in peace-making and
patience, and one day, like them, to share in the joys of heaven. Amen.
THE
VENERATION OF THE SAINTS.
WHAT is it to venerate
the saints?
To
venerate the saints is to show veneration, love, and confidence towards these
friends of God and coheirs with Christ who, out of love for Him, have gone
through the fight, are now honored by Him (Ps. cxxxviii. 17), and reign with
Him in eternal happiness.
Does not the veneration
of the saints infringe upon the honor due to God?
No;
it is rather a confirmation of it, since it refers only to God, and, in the
saints, honors only Him.
Are we permitted, then,
to venerate the saints?
Yes,
and not only permitted, but it is good and useful to do so if we would honor
God.
Is it also lawful to
venerate the relics of the saints, that is, their bones, and articles that
belonged to them?
Without
doubt it is. This, indeed, has been the unbroken practice, both under the Old
Law and the New, from the earliest times; and God has sanctioned it by the most
remark able miracles. Thus, He brought a dead man to life by the bones of
Eliseus (iv. Kings xiii. 21). The woman troubled with an issue of blood was made
whole by barely touching the garments of Christ (Matt. ix. 22; Mark v. 29; Luke
viii. 47). By the shadow of St. Peter (Acts v. 15), and the handkerchiefs and
aprons of St. Paul (Acts xix. 12), different diseases were cured, and evil
spirits expelled.
Why ought we to
venerate the relics of the saints?
The
reason is well given by the Council of Trent (Sess. xvi.). They are precious
remains of those bodies which, in their lifetime, were members of Christ and
temples of the Holy Ghost, and which shall one day be raised up and glorified.
THE
INVOCATION OF THE SAINTS.
Is it lawful to call
upon the saints for their intercession?
If
a man may call upon his brothers and sisters for help, and upon pious people
yet living for their prayers to God in his behalf, as God advised the friends
of Job to do (Job xlii. 8), as St. Paul did (i. Thess. v. 25), as non-Catholics
themselves do, why should not a man invoke the intercession of the saints in
the presence of God, who are our brethren?
But is not the
invocation of the saints opposed to trust in God, and to the mediatorship of
Christ?
No;
for we do not address ourselves to the saints in any such sense as we would
address ourselves to God; but, confessing ourselves to be sinners, and unworthy
to appear before God, we betake ourselves to these friends of God and glorified
brethren of ours, that through their intercession, which prevails much before
Him, He may be gracious to us, and bestow upon us His favors. Christ is and
remains our only mediator through Whom we have access to the Father (Eph. ii.
18); the saints are only intercessors who must pray to God for us through Jesus
Christ.
Do the saints know of
our prayers?
If
the holy angels rejoice over the conversion of the sinner (Luke xv. 10) and
offer up the prayers of the saints as pleasing incense before the face of God
(Apoc. viii. 3), ought not the same privilege be allowed to the saints, as
being the friends of God and of Jesus Christ, and as being partakers of the
same glory as the angels? (John xv. 14, 15.) Did not Onias and Jeremias, after
their death, know of the sad condition of the Jewish people, and zealously pray
for them? (n. Mach. xv. 12, et seq.) God has a thousand ways of making known to
them our prayers.
In the Roman liturgical
books, the celebration of All Saints' Day ends in the afternoon. When it is
time for evening Vespers, the office for the Dead is recited in preparation for
All Souls' Day. Those who do not use the breviary have followed the same pattern
as well. Beginning at sunset on All Saints' Day, families gather in one room,
extinguish all lights except the blessed candle that had been saved since
Candlemas Day, and pray for the
souls of their departed loved ones. In Brittany a group of men would
actually go from farm to farm at night, shouting: "Christians awake; pray
to God for the souls of the dead and say the Pater and Ave for
them." The household would reply "Amen" and rise in prayer.
Visiting a cemetery
and praying for the dead during the Octave of All Saints' Day (November 1
through November 8) will gain a plenary indulgence that can be applied only to
the souls in purgatory. On other days, this work gains a partial indulgence.
Spend a little time
after Mass thanking God for all the unnamed saints, some of whom could be our
own relatives.
Have a special meal
and if you have young children have them dress up like saints and play games.
Pray the Litany of the Saints -- you could make it
really special by chanting it ("he who sings prays twice") and you
could read an explanation of this litany, which is
considered the model of all other litanies.
An indulgence,
applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who
devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed.
The indulgence is plenary each day from the first to the eighth of November; on
other days of the year it is partial.
A plenary
indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the
faithful, who on the day dedicated to the Commemoration of All the Faithful
Departed [November 2 {as well as on the Sunday preceding or following, and on
All Saints' Day}] piously visit a church. In visiting the church, it is
required that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.
To acquire a plenary
indulgence, it is necessary also to fulfill the following three conditions:
sacramental Confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intention of
the Holy Father. The three conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after
the performance of the visit; it is, however, fitting that communion be
received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be said on the
same day as the visit.
The condition of
praying for the intention of the Holy Father is fully satisfied by reciting one
Our Father and one Hail Mary. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in
the course of the day.
Visit the cemetery
where your loved ones are buried and light a candle. This is exactly what the
holiday is meant to celebrate, and it is also very common for people to do on
All Souls’ Day.
Watch a movie about
All Souls’ Day or Christianity. Some of our favorites are: All Soul’s Day
(2005), Passion of the Christ (2004), and Raising the Undead (2006).
Spread awareness on
social media by using the hashtag #AllSoulsDay, #HonourTheDead and
#HeavenAwaits.
Create an alter in
memory of a loved one. This can be done within your home and typically uses
pictures of the person, candles, flowers and any other sentimental pieces.
Prepare a meal in
memory of a deceased family member. In many countries, it is customary to
prepare this meal and it is believed that the dead return to consume the food.
Pope Gregory
speaks of a priest of Centumcellæ, now Civita Vecchia, who also went to the
warm baths. A man presented himself to serve him in the most menial offices,
and for several days waited upon him with the most extreme kindness, and even
eagerness. The good priest, thinking that he ought to reward so much attention,
came the next day with two loaves of blessed bread, and, after having received
the usual assistance of his kind servant, offered him the loaves. The servant,
with a sad countenance, replied, “Why, Father, do you offer me this bread? I
cannot eat it. I, whom you see, was formerly the master of this place, and,
after my death, I was sent back to the condition in which you see me for the
expiation of my faults. If you wish to do me good, ah! Offer up for me the
Bread of the Eucharist.” At these words he suddenly disappeared, and he, whom
the priest had thought to be a man, showed by vanishing that he was but a
spirit. For a whole week the good priest devoted himself to works of penance,
and each day offered up the Sacred Host in favor of the departed one; then,
having returned to the same baths, he no longer found his faithful servant, and
concluded that he had been delivered. It seems that Divine Justice sometimes
condemns souls to undergo their punishment in the same place where they have
committed their sins.
Bucket
Item trip: 🥾 Santiago → Porto & Braga,
Portugal o A Pilgrimage of
Rivers, Ruins, and Eucharistic Renewal
Dates: November 2–8
§ Nov 2: Santiago de Compostela →
Tui (~30 km or train) • 🕊️ Symbolic Act: “River Benediction”
— Pause at the River Miño, blessing the waters that divide and unite Galicia
and Portugal.
• 🕍
Symbolic Act: “Border Prayer” — At Tui Cathedral, offer intercession for
reconciliation and shared civic witness.
o 🛏️
Stay: Albergue Ideas Peregrinas or Hotel
Alfonso I
§ Nov 3: Tui → Vila Nova de Cerveira
(~20 km) • 🌉 Symbolic Act: “Crossing into
Portugal” — Walk across the International Bridge, praying for clarity
and hospitality in all borders.
• 🎨
Symbolic Act: “Art of Mercy” — Visit local civic murals and offer a prayer for
creative renewal.
o 🛏️
Stay: Hotel Minho
or Casa do Cais
§ Nov 4: Vila Nova de Cerveira →
Viana do Castelo (~30 km) • 🏞️ Symbolic Act: “Coastal Psalm” —
Walk beside the Atlantic, reciting Psalm 104 as a hymn of creation.
• 🕍
Symbolic Act: “Sanctuary Silence” — Visit Santa Luzia Basilica and sit
in silence overlooking the sea.
o 🛏️
Stay: Hotel Laranjeira or Albergue de Peregrinos São João da
Cruz
§ Nov 5: Viana do Castelo →
Esposende (~25 km) • 🌾 Symbolic Act: “Field Offering” —
Place a prayer or stone in the coastal fields, invoking Eucharistic
fruitfulness.
• 🕊️
Optional Act: “Beach Benediction” — Bless your feet in the surf as a sign of
renewal.
o 🛏️
Stay: Hotel Suave Mar or Albergue de Peregrinos Esposende
§ Nov 6: Esposende → Porto (~40 km
or train) • 🏛️ Symbolic Act: “Urban Mercy Walk” —
Enter Porto with a prayer for civic leaders and urban renewal.
• 🕍
Symbolic Act: “Clerigos Vigil” — Climb the Clérigos Tower and offer
intercession over the city.
o 🛏️
Stay: Vincci Porto or Albergue de Peregrinos Porto
§ Nov 7: Porto → Braga (~60 km by
train) • 🕍 Symbolic Act: “Bom Jesus
Pilgrimage” — Ascend the Bom Jesus do Monte staircase in silence,
praying for clarity and communal healing.
• 🪨
Symbolic Act: “Stone of Witness” — Leave a stone at the sanctuary as a sign of
your journey’s integration.
o 🛏️
Stay: Hotel do Parque or Albergue de Braga
§Nov 8: Braga – Day of Rest and Reflection • 🕊️
Symbolic Act: “Communal Benediction” — Attend Mass at Braga Cathedral,
one of Portugal’s oldest.
• 🍇
Optional Act: “Civic Supper” — Share a meal with locals or fellow pilgrims,
honoring the saints through hospitality and storytelling.
• 📜
Optional Act: “Letter to the Vineyard” — Write a reflection to bring home to
Verde Valley, sealing your pilgrimage with clarity and mercy.
🍽️Pilgrimage Table: A
7-Course Meal of Rivers, Ruins, and Eucharistic Renewal
Amuse-Bouchelavors Galician Trout Escabeche
A bite-sized marinated trout with herbs and vinegar, honoring the River
Benediction at the Miño. Symbol: Waters that divide and unite.
Appetizer Rustic Bread with Olive Tapenade
Galician bread meets Portuguese olives, echoing the Border Prayer at Tui
Cathedral. Symbol: Peace at the threshold.
Soup
Course Caldo Verde with Beet Swirl
Traditional Portuguese kale soup with vibrant beetroot and saffron oil,
inspired by Art of Mercy murals in Cerveira. Symbol: Creative renewal and mercy.
Main
Course Port-Wine Braised Beef with Chestnuts
Rich and tender, this dish honors the Urban Mercy Walk and civic intercession
in Porto. Symbol: Mercy in the city’s heart.
Salad
Course Millet Pilaf with Roasted Root Vegetables
Earthy grains and greens from Esposende’s fields, echoing the Field Offering
and Eucharistic fruitfulness. Symbol: Sowing peace and harvest.
Dessert Braga Almond Tart with Vineyard Grapes
A sweet finish with almond, honey, and grapes—served with a toast to the saints
and a Letter to the Vineyard. Symbol: Integration,
storytelling, and return.
Around the Corner
No trial has come to
you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond
your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you
may be able to bear it. (1 Cor. 10:13)
And
don’t forget to raise a glass of champagne later in the day for Global Champagne Day. Whether it’s a fancy bottle or a
budget-friendly option, a toast to life’s little pleasures is always a good
idea.
If you’re feeling
more hands-on, try your hand at making deep-fried clams for National Deep
Fried Clams Day. Don’t fret about making a mess; it’s all about the fun!
Next, switch
gears and explore the vegan lifestyle in celebration of World Vegan Day. Try
creating a vegan calzone to enjoy a plant-based meal.
How to celebrate Nov 1st
Finally, take a
moment to acknowledge the prime meridian’s significance on Prime Meridian
Day.
[6]Schouppe S.J., Rev. Fr. F. X. Purgatory Explained
(with Supplemental Reading: What Will Hell Be Like?)
33.📚 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Saint of Dignity
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as a model of dignity—a woman who lived with grace, resilience, and unwavering reverence for the human soul.
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON — THE CRUCIBLE OF GRACE AND AMERICAN FOUNDATIONS From High Society and Sorrow to the Altar of Divine Providence (Based on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 2025 Biographical Presentation)
A Soul Formed by Loss and Unyielding Trust Before Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton founded an order or laid the cornerstone of American Catholic education,
Film Card — St.
A prominent Protestant family in New York navigates trade collapse,
Italian Awakening:
The Cost of Crossing the Tiber:
The Emmitsburg Frontier:
Story Summary The Worldly Threshold:
The Valley of Shadow:
The Decision:
The Call to Maryland:
The Furnace of Charity:
The Legacy:
✨ Conclusion: 33 Saints, 33 Virtues, 33 Years of Christ — A Tapestry of Destiny
Christ lived 33 years—each one a revelation of divine virtue in human form. From the humility of His birth to the dignity of His death, every moment was a lesson in love, courage, mercy, and truth. These years were not simply a span of time—they were a template for holiness, a rhythm of grace that sanctifies every stage of life.
This work—pairing 33 virtues with 33 Catholic saints—is a spiritual pilgrimage through the landscape of character. Each saint is a living echo of Christ’s own life, showing us how virtue is not an ideal to admire, but a path to walk. These are not distant figures—they are companions for the journey, witnesses to the truth that holiness is possible, even in the most ordinary or difficult circumstances.
Honesty in Thomas More, who chose God over king.
Respect in St. Damien of Molokai, who lived among the outcast, embraced their wounds, and died one of them.
Loyalty in St. John the Apostle, who remained at the foot of the Cross when others fled.
Dignity in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose life of sorrow, service, and sanctity crowned this tapestry with quiet glory.
Damien’s respect was not polite—it was incarnational. He did not serve the lepers of Molokai from a distance; he became one with them, touching their sores, building their homes, and celebrating their funerals. His respect was a Eucharistic act—a total offering of self that mirrored Christ’s descent into human suffering.
John’s loyalty was not loud—it was steadfast. He stood by Christ in agony, received Mary as his own, and became the theologian of love. His fidelity was a quiet flame that never went out.
And through this gallery of virtue, we hear the enduring wisdom of John McCain, who saw in character not just strength, but destiny. His tribute to saints like Thomas More was not political—it was moral, a call to live with integrity, courage, and conscience.
So we close this journey of 33 with the One who lived them first—Jesus Christ, whose life sanctifies every virtue and whose death and resurrection make character not just destiny, but redemption.
May we, like these saints, live our own years—however many we are given—with purpose, fidelity, and grace, so that when our final chapter is written, it may be said of us:
“They were the world’s good servants—but God’s first.”
“They bore sorrow with dignity, and joy with humility.”
“They did not seek greatness—but they sought to be good.”
