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Saturday, July 26, 2025

  Vinny’s Corner ·           July 5-July 27  Tour de France [6] Celebrate France’s biggest sporting event this month — the  Tour de France ....

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Develop a spirit of friendship with the Lord

Saturday, August 2, 2025

 


Vinny’s Corner-Be not fat but Phat.

·         Let Freedom Ring Day 27 Freedom from Gluttony

o   The Benefits of a Feasting & Fasting Diet for optimal health

§  The mindset and lifestyle of most of us is one of excess. As a society, we are simply accustomed to it. Fasting, for most, seems a rather foreign concept and that’s unfortunate. There is mounting anecdotal and scientific evidence that shows a wide range of benefits to be had from intermittent fasting or being in a fasted state.

§  There is even some scientific evidence supporting an occasional feast. Combining fasting and feasting creates several benefits at a cellular and molecular level. In fact, it can change gene expression and profoundly improve the way you look, feel and function. Many of these benefits are tied directly to the fact that the hormone leptin increases with an over-intake of food.

§  Do you think the Catholic Church may have something great with the seasons of feasts and fasts? Does being a catholic makes you Phat?

·         Saturday Litany of the Hours Invoking the Aid of Mother Mary

·         Bucket Item trip: Mariazell, the Top Pilgrimage site in Austria

o   While your there “horse around

·         Foodie National Panini Month

o   Classic Tafelspitz - National Dish of Austria

o   Try Andalusian Rolled Beef

·         Spirit hour: Los Angeles cocktail

·         Make a holy hour today. You might find this work — My Eucharistic Day — from the Catholic Culture Library helpful. It was compiled from the writings of Saint Peter Julian Eymard with the permission and encouragement of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers.[5]



A Prayer Before Mass (Saturday) (by Saint Ambrose)

Catholic Online Prayers

I entreat Thee also, O Lord, by this most holy mystery of Thy Body and Blood, wherewith we are daily fed, and cleansed, and sanctified in Thy Church, and are made partakers of the one Supreme Divinity, grant unto me Thy holy virtues, that filled therewith I may with a good conscience draw near unto Thy holy Altar, so that these heavenly mysteries may be made unto me salvation and life; for Thou hast said with Thy holy and blessed lips: The Bread which I will give is My Flesh, for the life of the world. I am the living Bread which came down from heaven. If any man eats of this Bread, he shall live forever. O most sweet Bread, heal the palate of my heart, that I may taste the sweetness of Thy love. Heal it of all infirmities, that I may find sweetness in nothing out of Thee. O most pure Bread, having all delight and all savor, which ever refreshest us, and never failest, let my heart feed on Thee, and may my inmost soul be filled with the sweetness of Thy savor. The Angels feed on Thee fully; let pilgrim man feed on Thee after his measure, so that, refreshed by this nourishment, he may not faint by the way. Holy Bread! Living Bread! Pure Bread! Who didst come down from heaven, and who givest life to the world, enter into my heart and cleanse me from all impurity of flesh and spirit. Come into my soul; heal and cleanse me within and without; be the protection and continual health of my soul and body. Drive far from me all foes that lie in wait: let them flee afar off at the presence of Thy power; that, strengthened by Thee without and within, I may by a straight way arrive at Thy kingdom, where, not as now in mysteries, but face to face, we shall behold Thee; when Thou shalt have delivered up the kingdom to God Thy Father, and shalt be God All in all. Then shalt Thou satisfy me with Thyself by a wondrous fullness, so that I shall never hunger nor thirst any more forever. Who with the same God the Father, and the Holy Ghost, ever livest and reignest world without end.

Amen.


AUGUST 2 First Saturday

Feast Of Our Lady of Angels-International Beer Day 

Leviticus, Chapter 25, Verse 17

Do not deal unfairly with one another, then; but stand in FEAR of your God. I, the LORD, am your God. 

Fairness is a word that means physical beauty. In a sense God is asking us to not do those things that mar the physical beauty of another. This means in essence that we need to nourish each other and to give to share with other the gifts we receive from God. This means to respect each person as a person, physically, mentally, and emotionally; to provide for their welfare. One of the greatest ways we can honor our creator is in how we deal fairly with ourselves, our families, our friends, and those who we detest or are our enemies.

Christ gave us the ultimate example of fairness:

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots. (Luke 23:34)

Charity is an act of fairness and justice.

 In which you give the other their due[1]

Traditional Jews give at least ten percent of their income to charity.

·         Traditional Jewish homes commonly have a pushke, a box for collecting coins for the poor, and coins are routinely placed in the box. Jewish youths are continually going from door to door collecting for various worthy causes.

·         A standard mourner's prayer includes a statement that the mourner will make a donation to charity in memory of the deceased.

·         In many ways, charitable donation has taken the place of animal sacrifice in Jewish life: giving to charity is an almost instinctive Jewish response to express thanks to G-d, to ask forgiveness from G-d, or to request a favor from G-d.

·         According to Jewish tradition, the spiritual benefit of giving to the poor is so great that a beggar actually does the giver a favor by giving a person the opportunity to perform tzedakah.

The Meaning of the Word "Tzedakah"

"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes.

·         The nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy.

·         The word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness.

·         In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.

The Obligation of Tzedakah

Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need.

·         Tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedakah is equivalent to an idol worshipper.

·         This is probably hyperbole, but it illustrates the importance of tzedakah in Jewish thought.

·         Tzedakah is one of the three acts that gain us forgiveness from our sins.

·         The High Holiday liturgy repeatedly states that G-d has inscribed a judgment against all who have sinned, but teshuvah (repentance), tefilah (prayer) and tzedakah can alleviate the decree. See Days of Awe.

·         According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor.

·         This is generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income after payment of taxes.

·         Taxes themselves do not fulfill our obligation to give tzedakah, even though a significant portion of tax revenues in America and many other countries are used to provide for the poor and needy.

·         Those who are dependent on public assistance or living on the edge of subsistence may give less, but must still give to the extent they are able; however, no person should give so much that he would become a public burden.

·         The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health care institutions, to synagogues or to educational institutions.

·         It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in their old age.

·         The obligation includes giving to both Jews and gentiles; contrary to popular belief, Jews do not just "take care of our own." Quite the contrary, a study reported in the Jewish Journal indicated that Jewish "mega-donors" (who give more than $10 million a year to charity) found that only 6% of their mega-dollars went to specifically Jewish causes.

·         Judaism acknowledges that many people who ask for charity have no genuine need. In fact, the Talmud suggests that this is a good thing: if all people who asked for charity were in genuine need, we would be subject to punishment (from G-d) for refusing anyone who asked.

·         The existence of frauds diminishes our liability for failing to give to all who ask, because we have some legitimate basis for doubting the beggar's sincerity.

·         It is permissible to investigate the legitimacy of a charity before donating to it.

·         We have an obligation to avoid becoming in need of tzedakah.

·         A person should take any work that is available, even if he thinks it is beneath his dignity, to avoid becoming a public charge.

·         However, if a person is truly in need and has no way to obtain money on his own, he should not feel embarrassed to accept tzedakah.

·         No person should feel too proud to take money from others.

·         It is considered a transgression to refuse tzedakah. One source says that to make yourself suffer by refusing to accept tzedakah is equivalent to shedding your own blood.

Levels of Tzedakah

Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered more meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, and Rambam organized them into a list. The levels of charity, from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are:

  1. Giving begrudgingly
  2. Giving less than you should but giving it cheerfully.
  3. Giving after being asked
  4. Giving before being asked
  5. Giving when you do not know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity.
  6. Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity.
  7. Giving when neither party knows the other's identity.
  8. ENABLING THE RECIPIENT TO BECOME SELF-RELIANT. (If only this was the goal of our politicians rather than steal from those who are self-reliant (work) to give to their supporters).

Copilot

Leviticus 25:17 is beyond mere prohibition—it is a call for honoring the inherent dignity of others through justice, mercy, and reverent living.

🌿 On Divine Beauty and Fear

  • The idea that “fairness” is an act of preserving the physical, emotional, and spiritual beauty of others echoes the biblical understanding that human beings bear the imago Dei—the image of God.
    • Holy fear, then, becomes the posture of reverent awe that shapes every interaction. It's not terror but trembling love: a response that honors God by honoring those made in His likeness.

🕊️ On Charity as Justice

  • The parallel between Jesus’ words in Luke 23:34 and the Jewish principle of tzedakah beautifully bridges Christian and Jewish traditions.
  • Tzedakah isn’t generosity—it’s integrity, a sacred obligation rooted in covenant life. It expresses repentance, reverence, and reconciliation.

📦 Levels of Giving and True Empowerment

  • Rambam’s hierarchy—from reluctant giving to empowering self-reliance—becomes not just a scale but a mirror. It asks: How do I love with dignity?

From a Catholic perspective, fear is not simply an emotion to be suppressed—it’s a spiritual signal that can either lead us toward God or away from Him, depending on how we respond.

🙏 Two Types of Fear in Catholic Teaching

  • Servile Fear: This is fear of punishment. It’s often the starting point in spiritual growth—like fearing hell or divine justice. While not ideal, it can motivate repentance.
    • Filial Fear: This is the fear of offending God whom we love. It’s rooted in reverence and awe, not dread. This is the fear praised in Scripture: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

🕊️ Fear as a Gift of the Holy Spirit

  • One of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit is Fear of the Lord, which isn’t about terror but about profound respect and humility before God’s majesty.
    • It helps us recognize our dependence on God and deepens our desire to live in harmony with His will.

💡 Saintly Insights on Fear

  • St. Thomas Aquinas taught that fear arises when we perceive a future evil that’s difficult to overcome. But he also emphasized that courage (fortitude) is the virtue that responds to fear.
  • St. John Paul II famously said, “Be not afraid!”—a call to trust in Christ even amid uncertainty.
  • St. Aloysius Gonzaga, despite living through plague and personal loss, remained steadfast in faith, showing that holy fear leads to holy courage.

🛡️ Fear vs. Trust

  • Catholic spirituality encourages us to transform fear into trust. As St. Margaret Mary said: “Let Him act! He only asks of you—abandonment and perfect submission.”
    • Fear becomes a doorway to surrender, where we let go of control and allow God to lead.

📖 Practical Lessons

  • Fear reveals what we love: We fear losing what we value. This can help us examine our priorities.
    • Fear invites prayer: In moments of fear, Catholics are called to turn to God in trust, echoing Christ’s own words in Gethsemane.
      • Fear can be redemptive: When united with Christ’s suffering, fear becomes part of our sanctification.

First Saturday Devotion[2]

Five consecutive Saturdays in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The practice of the First Saturday devotion was requested by Our Lady of Fatima, who appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, multiple times starting in 1917. She said to Lucia, the oldest of the three children: “I shall come to ask . . . that on the First Saturday of every month, Communions of reparation be made in atonement for the sins of the world.” Years later she repeated her request to Sr. Lucia, the only one still living of the three young Fatima seers, while she was a postulant sister living in a convent in Spain: “Look, my daughter, at my Heart, surrounded with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me at very moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least try to console me, and say that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, shall confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the rosary, and keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries of the rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me.” 

Conditions to Fulfill the First Saturday Devotion

There are five requirements to obtain this promise from the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On five consecutive first Saturdays of the month, one should:

1. Have the intention of consoling the Immaculate Heart in a spirit of reparation.

2. Go to confession (within eight days before or after the first Saturday).

3. Receive Holy Communion.

4. Say five decades of the Holy Rosary.

5. Meditate for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary with the goal of keeping Our Lady company (for example, while in church or before an image or statue of Our Lady).

Read How to Make Your First Saturday Rosary Meditation According to Sr. Lucia

Why Five Saturdays?

Our Lord appeared to Sr. Lucia on May 29, 1930, and gave her the reason behind the five Saturdays devotion. It is because there are five types of offenses and blasphemies committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:

1. Blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception

2. Blasphemies against Our Lady’s perpetual virginity

3.  Blasphemies against her divine maternity, in refusing at the same time to recognize her as the Mother of men

4.  Blasphemies of those who publicly seek to sow in the hearts of children, indifference or scorn or even hatred of their Immaculate Mother

5.  Offenses of those who outrage Our Lady directly in her holy images

Never think that Jesus is indifferent to whether or not His mother is honored!

Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula[3], the Virgin under whose mantle Saint Francis of Assisi was wrapped; Mary's maternal protection made it possible for blessed Francis to experience an intense Presence of the Lord and to receive his vocation to rebuild the Church. Likewise, his intimate devotion to the Blessed Mother, under whose protection did he place himself to do the Lord's work did this place become holy for the members of the Franciscan family and for the Church universal. Without meeting Christ, little makes sense. 

The Portiuncula is an ancient church dedicated to Mary under the title Our Lady of the Angels and is located in Assisi, Italy. It was a spot very dear to the heart of Saint Francis. 

The Portiuncula is the place where Franciscanism developed, and where Saint Francis lived and died. Here he began and grew in his religious life; here he founded the Franciscan Order; here he manifested his love and great devotion to the Mother of God. When Francis knew he was dying, he requested to be brought to the Portiuncula to end his earthly life. 

Saint Bonaventure had this to say about this devotion: 

The Portiuncula was an old church dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God which was abandoned. Francis had great devotion to the Queen of the world and when he saw that the church was deserted, he began to live there constantly in order to repair it. He heard that the Angels often visited it, so that it was called Saint Mary of the Angels, and he decided to stay there permanently out of reverence for the angels and love for the Mother of Christ. This is also the place where St Clare took her vows and where Saint Francis died. 

He loved this spot more than any other in the world. It was here he began his religious life in a very small way; it is here he came to a happy end. When he was dying, he commended this spot above all others to the friars, because it was most dear to the Blessed Virgin. 

This was the place where Saint Francis founded his Order by divine inspiration, and it was divine providence which led him to repair three churches before he founded the Order and began to preach the Gospel. 

This meant that he progressed from material things to more spiritual achievements, from lesser to greater, in due order, and it gave a prophetic indication of what he would accomplish later. 

As he was living there by the church of Our Lady, Francis prayed to her who had conceived the Word, full of grace and truth, begging her insistently and with tears to become his advocate. Then he was granted the true spirit of the Gospel by the intercession of the Mother of mercy and he brought it to fruition.
He embraced the Mother of Our Lord Jesus with indescribable love because, as he said, it was she who made the Lord of majesty our brother, and through her we found mercy. After Christ, he put all his trust in her and took her as his patroness for himself and his friars.
 

Consider the words of an early biographer of Saint Francis of Assisi: 

From there he moved to another place, which is called the "Portiuncula," where there stood a church of the Blessed Virgin Mother of God built in ancient times. At that time, it was deserted, and no one was taking care of it. When the holy man of God saw it so ruined, he was moved by piety because he had a warm devotion to the Mother of all good and he began to stay there continually. The restoration of that church took place in the third year of his conversion. At this time, he wore a sort of hermit's habit with a leather belt. He carried a staff in his hand and wore shoes. One day the gospel was being read in that church about how the Lord sent out his disciples to preach. The holy man of God, who was attending there, in order to understand better the words of the gospel, humbly begged the priest after celebrating the solemnities of the Mass to explain the gospel to him. The priest explained it all to him thoroughly line by line. When he heard that Christ's disciples should not possess gold or silver or money, or carry on their journey a wallet or a sack, nor bread nor a staff, not to have shoes nor two tunics, but that they should preach the kingdom of God and penance, the holy man, Francis immediately exulted in the spirit of God. "This is what I want," he said, "this is what I seek, this is what I desire with all my heart." The holy father, overflowing with joy, hastened to implement the words of salvation, and did not delay before he devoutly began to put into effect what he heard. (From The Life of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano) 

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS 

August Queen of Heaven, sovereign queen of Angels, you who at the beginning received from God the power and the mission to crush the head of Satan, we beseech you humbly, send your holy legions so that, on your orders and by your power, they will track down demons, fight them everywhere, curb their audacity and plunge them into the hell.

Who can be compared to God? Oh, good and tender Mother, you will always be our love and our hope. Oh, divine Mother, send the Holy Angels and Archangels to defend me and to keep the cruel enemy far from me. Holy Angels and Archangels defend us, protect us. Amen.

The Pardon of Assisi or the Portiuncula Indulgence  

The Holy Father made reference to this in his Sunday Angelus address:

... today is the feast of the "Pardon of Assisi," which St. Francis obtained from Pope Honorious III in the year 1216, after having a vision while he was praying in the little church of the Portiuncula. Jesus appeared to him in his glory, with the Virgin Mary on his right and surrounded by many Angels. They asked him to express a wish and Francis implored a "full and generous pardon" for all those who would visit that church who "repented and confessed their sins". Having received papal approval, the Saint did not wait for any written document but hastened to Assisi and when he reached the Portiuncula announced the good news: "Friends, the Lord wants to have us all in Heaven!". Since then, from noon on 1 August to midnight on the second, it has been possible to obtain, on the usual conditions, a Plenary Indulgence, also for the dead, on visiting a parish church or a Franciscan one.

 

St. Francis Asked and Obtained the Indulgence of Forgiveness

 

He awoke one night in 1216 at the Porziuncola and an inspiration stronger than usual prompted him to arise and go into the little chapel. He knelt in prayer and, as he prayed, our Lord, accompanied by His Mother, appeared to him and bade him ask for that which he desired most. "O God," he said, "although I m a great sinner, I beseech You to grant a full pardon of all sins to all who, having repented and confessed their sins, shall visit this church." And Jesus said to him: "Francis, you ask much, but you are worthy of greater things, and greater things you shall have."

 

Our Lord then granted Francis' request and told him to go to His Vicar for ratification of the indulgence. Honorius III, who was just beginning his Pontificate, was holding court at Perugia, and it was to him that Francis presented his petition.

Honorius was a spiritual, unworldly man, yet at such a request he hesitated. "Holy Father," Francis said urgently, "a little while ago I restored a chapel for you in honor of the Virgin Mother of Christ (the Portiuncula), and I beseech you to bestow on it an indulgence."

"For how many years do you want this indulgence?" the Pontiff inquired. "Holy Father," said Francis, "I ask not for years but for souls." "Just what do you want?" Honorius asked. "Holy Father," replied Francis, "the Lord has commanded me to ask you that all those who after confession shall visit the Portiuncula with contrite hearts may obtain full remission of the punishment due to the sins of their whole lives from the day of Baptism to the day they enter this church." Honorius pondered the extraordinary request, and said slowly three times: "I also, in the name of God, grant you the indulgence." 

Honorius wanted to give Francis the document of the indulgence, but Francis saw no need for it. "What have you to show that this indulgence has been granted you?" the Pope asked in amazement as Francis prepared to depart for Assisi without any written confirmation of the great permission. "Holy Father," he replied, "Your word is enough for me. If this is the work of God, it is for Him to make His work manifest. I desire no other document. The Blessed Virgin Mary shall be the charter, Christ the notary, and the angels the witnesses." Some days later, before the Bishops of Umbria, Francis said: "Brethren, I want to send you all to Heaven!"

 

Conditions to Obtain the Plenary Indulgence of The Forgiveness (for oneself or for a departed soul)

 

1. Sacramental Confession to be in God's grace (during the eight days before or after); 

2. Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharist;

3. Visit to a Catholic Church (especially a Franciscan Church), followed by PROFESSION OF FAITH, in order to reaffirm one's own Christian identity; 

4. Say the OUR FATHER, in order to reaffirm the dignity as child of God that one received in Baptism; 

5. A prayer for the Pope's intention, in order to reaffirm one's membership in the Church, of which the Roman Pontiff is the foundation and sign of visible unity.

Novena in Honor of Saint John Marie Vianney[4]

Exquisite Purity

O Holy Priest of Ars, a witness of your life made this magnificent praise of you:

'We would have taken him for an angel in a mortal body."

You so edified others: the modesty and the exquisite purity radiated from your body. With such charm and with such enthusiasm you preached to others about these beautiful virtues which you said resembled the perfume of a vineyard in bloom.

Please I beg you to join your entreaties to those of Mary Immaculate and Saint Philomena in order that I guard always, as God asks me, the purity of my heart. You, who have directed so many souls towards the heights of virtue, defend me in temptations and obtain for me the strength to conquer them.

Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for ... (mention silently your special intentions).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

Bible in a Year-Day 45 Pray for Priests

As we read Exodus 29, Leviticus 21, and Psalm 119:121-176, Fr. Mike points out how God calls broken and imperfect men to his holy priesthood, and asks each of us to say a special prayer for priests today.

Daily Devotions

·         Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Restoring the Church

·         Religion in the Home for Preschool: August

·         Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

·         Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Universal Man Plan

·         Rosary








Friday, August 1, 2025

 


NIC’s Corner

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

·         Bucket List trip: Rich vs Poor Tour: 8-Norway vs. 215-Malawi

o    Norway ranks 8th in GDP per capita thanks to its vast oil and gas reserves, a massive sovereign wealth fund, and a small population that benefits from strategic economic policies. The quality of life is exceptionally high, with universal healthcare, free education, low crime, and a strong emphasis on nature, work-life balance, and sustainability. Though living costs are steep, generous wages and robust social support make it a rewarding place to call home.

o   Malawi’s low GDP per capita stems from rapid population growth, reliance on subsistence farming, limited industrial development, and economic instability marked by inflation and debt. Quality of life is challenged by short life expectancy, healthcare gaps, inconsistent education, and widespread poverty—though the nation is celebrated for its warmth and resilience. Efforts are underway to transform its future through ambitious development goal

🇳🇴 Norway and 🇲🇼 Malawi offer vastly different experiences for expats, shaped by their economies, infrastructure, and cultural rhythms. Here's a side-by-side look:

Feature

Norway

Malawi

Healthcare

Universal, high-quality, with low wait times in urban areas

Free in principle, but rural access is limited; private care often needed

Safety

Very safe, low crime, strong rule of law

Generally peaceful, but petty crime and political unrest can occur

Cost of Living

High, but offset by strong wages and social benefits

Low, though imported goods can be expensive

Housing

Modern, clean, but expensive

Affordable, often spacious, but infrastructure may be unreliable

Work-Life Balance

Excellent; short workdays, generous leave

Slower pace; limited formal employment opportunities

Education

Free public education, high standards

International schools available but costly

Environment

Pristine nature, clean air, strong sustainability culture

Beautiful landscapes, but frequent power and water outages

Language

Norwegian widely spoken; English proficiency is high

English is official and widely used

Social Integration

Reserved culture, but inclusive and egalitarian

Warm, welcoming people; strong community spirit

Expat Community

Well-established, especially in cities like Oslo and Bergen

Smaller but tight-knit, especially in Lilongwe and Blantyre

🧭 Summary

  • Norway offers a polished, structured lifestyle with exceptional public services, ideal for expats seeking stability, nature, and work-life harmony.
  • Malawi provides a more rustic, community-driven experience with lower costs and a slower pace, appealing to those drawn to grassroots development or conservation work.

Norway and Malawi with all costs converted to U.S. dollars, tailored for an expat lifestyle:


✝️ Catholic Perspective

Norway:

·         Catholics make up about 5% of the population, mostly immigrants and expats.

·         The Church operates in a secular society, focusing on ecumenical dialogue and social justice.

·         Organizations like Caritas Norway support migrant communities and global aid efforts.

Malawi:

·         Catholicism is deeply rooted, with the Church playing a major role in education, healthcare, and civic life.

·         The 1992 Lenten Pastoral Letter is a landmark moment in Church-led political reform.

·         The Church partners with international Catholic organizations, including Norwegian groups, for development and theological exchange.


💰 Cost of Living for Expats (in USD)

Category

Norway 🇳🇴

Malawi 🇲🇼

Monthly cost (single)

~$2,210–$2,850

~$550–$580

Rent (1BR city center)

~$1,190–$1,477

~$200–$295

Utilities (monthly)

~$144–$238

~$29–$45

Groceries (monthly)

~$725–$875

~$220–$250

Healthcare

Universal, subsidized

Private care recommended

Lifestyle

High salaries, high taxes

Low wages, affordable services


🧭 Key Takeaways

·         Norway offers exceptional infrastructure, safety, and public services—but at a premium. Expats benefit from high salaries and efficient systems.

·         Malawi provides a low-cost lifestyle, especially for those earning foreign income. Expats often enjoy spacious homes, domestic help, and a slower pace of life.

·         Spiritually, Norway invites quiet contemplation in a secular context, while Malawi pulses with communal faith and liturgical vibrancy.


·         Eat Fish on Fridays

o   Have pie for dessert: Today is Braham Pie day

·         National Mountain Climbing Day

·         Spirit Hour: Albariño Day

o   National Spritz Day

o   Today is international beer day so it is ok to have only one angels envy shot in only one beer. Believe me, only one will do; it’s called a boilermaker.

·         National Spider-Man Day

·         Today is “Lammas” Day

·         Iceman’s 40 devotion

·         Get an indulgence

·         Operation Purity

Let Freedom Ring Day 26 Freedom from Pride

o   Humility opposes pride. Not that we are called to let ourselves be a "whipping boy" to bolster others' lust for superiority. Humility is a reverence for the truth; a reverence for who we are and what we are called to be; a reverence for the reason we even exist - God. Humility opens the door to the spirit of "gratitude." In our abundant gratitude for all God has done (beginning with setting us into existence) and is doing, we say "YES" to God, and a big fat "NO" to the incessant propaganda of a "new normal" of lies that directly oppose the will of God.

o   God help the USA. Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way that you can quickly understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic. Someone over there has it figured out. It was translated into English from an article in a Prague newspaper.

§  "The danger to America is not Joe Biden, but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of a Biden presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Biden, who is a mere symptom of what ails America. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Biden, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools, such as those who made him their president." 

AUGUST 

August--We may come to appreciate more deeply the various landforms (mountains, deserts, rock formations, valleys, and plains) during vacation time. They give us bearing, direction, and the geological history of our lives. This is the beginning of awareness of the "here" in our lives. The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord shows us the "hereness" of the risen Lord, and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary speaks of God's power to the blessed. While we can choose to extend the Savior's redeeming power to our wounded earth, we also can choose to withdraw from this awesome challenge. 

Overview of August[1] 

August is often considered the transitional month in our seasonal calendar. It is the time of the year we begin to wind-down from our summer travels and vacations and prepare for Autumn — back to school, fall festivals, harvest time, etc. The Church in her holy wisdom has provided a cycle of events in its liturgical year which allow the faithful to celebrate the major feasts in the life of Christ and Mary. Most notably, during August, we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration (August 6) and the feast of the Assumption (August 15). 

The days of summer have provided a welcome change of pace. However, while vacations afford us the time to relax and refresh, the change of habits and routines can also have a negative impact on our spiritual lives. As if to re-ignite us, the Church offers us in the plethora of August feasts vivid examples of the virtue of perseverance: six martyrs — two who are named in Canon I of the Mass and two who were martyred during World War II; seven founders of religious congregations, as well as three popes and two kings; the apostle, St. Bartholomew; the great Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine and St. Monica, his mother; the humble patron saint of parish priests, St. John Vianney, and the patron of deacons, St. Lawrence, who joked with his executioners while being roasted alive. 

It is never too late to begin — as the life of the reformed sinner, St. Augustine teaches us — nor too difficult to begin again, as demonstrated by the conversion of the martyr, St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). We present-day members of the Mystical Body are certain of the reward to which we are called, for Christ's Transfigured body (August 6) is a preview of that glory. Moreover, in the Assumption of his Mother (August 15), Our Lord has demonstrated his fidelity to his promise. Her privilege is "the highest fruit of the Redemption" and "our consoling assurance of the coming of our final hope — the glorification which is Christ's" (Enchiridion on Indulgences). 

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the most perfect example of Christian perseverance, but she is also our advocate in heaven where she is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth (August 22). Mary is the "Mother of Perpetual Help", the patroness of the Congregation founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori (August 1). "No one who has fled to her protection is left unaided" is the claim of the Memorare of St. Bernard (August 20). Heretics have returned to the faith by the prayers of her Rosary, first preached by St. Dominic (August 8) in the twelfth Century, and hearts have been converted by the graces received while wearing her Miraculous Medal, promoted by St. Maximillian Kolbe (August 14) and adopted as the "badge" for the Pious Union he founded. Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! 

August Travel[2] 

·         State Fair Season   

State fair season kicks off in August; see the stars of the season like the Orange County Fair, which draws more than 1.5 million fairgoers, or the Minnesota State Fair, which Andrew Zimmern calls his own slice of heavenly obsession. With state fair staples like ice-cold lemonade and fried treats, we can see why.

·         127 Corridor

Technically the world's largest yard sale, the flea market known as the 127 Corridor is certainly the LONGEST outdoor market. Beginning on a highway in Jamestown, TN, this flea stretches hundreds of miles through North Covington, Kentucky, and continues all the way to Gadsden, Alabama. There are more than 2,000 vendors along this tour who clear their schedules for 3 weeks every August. One can imagine the caravan of Winnabagos that make this annual pilgrimage. Countless treasures and billions of collectibles hide among bric-a-brac and junk, but the people-watching and Southern hospitality alone are worth the trip.

Alaska Cruise Season[3]

Escape the heat, and take in awe-inspiring glacial views, with a cruise to Alaska. Cruise ships dock alongside towns from Seward, along Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, to Ketchikan, in the Alexander Archipelago. Cruise ships also dock near Katmai National Park, where July is prime time to see bears gulp up Atlantic salmon on their run. And if cruise prices prove too high in July, fret not: Alaska’s prime cruise season stretches through September.

·         July 30-Aug 3rd -Maine Lobster Festival (Rockland, ME)

The annual Maine Lobster Festival kicks off this month, and you won't want to miss a moment of it! Over the course of the 5-day festival, more than 20,000 lbs. of lobster will be served -- lobster rolls, lobster wraps, lobster Caesar salad. Did we say lobster? Plus, see the annual Lobster Crate Race, cooking contest and the Maine Sea Goddess coronation!

·         August 8-16-Elvis Week (Memphis, TN)

Shake, rattle and roll! Memphis, TN, marks its annual Elvis Week celebration each August. There's always something for Elvis fans, including the big draw each year, the annual Elvis Tribute Artists contest. Who will be crowned the King?

·         August 13-16 August Doins Rodeo (Payson, AZ)

Slip on a pair of boots, and head to the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo. First held in 1884, the August Doins Rodeo takes place each August in Arizona’s cool mountain town of Payson. Hold on to your hats, you’re in for some heart-stopping action!

·         August 21-Happy Birthday, Hawaii!

·         August 28-30-Cowal Highland Gathering (Dunoon, Scotland)

Nice legs! See big, brawny men in flowing Scottish skirts compete in the largest Highland games in the world -- the Cowal Highland Gathering. Also known as the Cowal Games, the annual event is held in the Scottish town of Dunoon, attracting more than 23,000 spectators to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture.

Iceman’s Calendar

 

·         August 1st Fri. MASS First Friday

·         August 2nd Sat. MASS First Saturday

·         August 3rd Sun. Eight Sunday after Pentecost

·         August 4th Mon. Feast of St. John Vianney

·         August 6th Wed. Feast of the Transfiguration

o   MASS First Wednesday

·         August 9th Sat. Full Sturgeon Moon

·         August 10th Sun. Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

o   Feast of St. Lawrence

·         August 11th Mon. Feast of St. Claire

·         August 15th Fri. Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary

·         August 17th Sun. Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

·         August 22nd Fri. Queenship of Mary

·         August 24th Sun. Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

·         August 25th Mon. St. Bartholomew, Apostle

·         August 29th Fri. Passion of John the Baptist

·         August 31st Sun. Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

 

Here's a Catholic fast-before-feast schedule for August 2025, pairing key feast days with suggested fast days to help you spiritually prepare:


Feast Days & Suggested Fast Schedule – August 2025

Feast Day

Date

Suggested Fast Day(s)

Spiritual Focus

St. John Vianney

Aug 4 (Mon)

Aug 2 (Sat)

Pastoral zeal, confession, and humility

Transfiguration of the Lord

Aug 6 (Wed)

Aug 5 (Tue)

Divine glory, transformation, and hope

St. Dominic

Aug 8 (Fri)

Aug 7 (Thu)

Preaching, truth, and Marian devotion

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Aug 9 (Sat)

Aug 8 (Fri)

Martyrdom, intellect, and spiritual courage

St. Clare of Assisi

Aug 11 (Mon)

Aug 10 (Sun)

Simplicity, poverty, and contemplative prayer

St. Maximilian Kolbe

Aug 14 (Thu)

Aug 13 (Wed)

Sacrifice, charity, and Marian consecration

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Aug 15 (Fri)

Aug 14 (Thu)

Heavenly hope, purity, and Marian glory

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Aug 20 (Wed)

Aug 19 (Tue)

Mysticism, love of God, and monastic wisdom

Queenship of Mary

Aug 22 (Fri)

Aug 21 (Thu)

Marian royalty, intercession, and peace

St. Monica

Aug 27 (Wed)

Aug 26 (Tue)

Perseverance, motherhood, and prayer

St. Augustine

Aug 28 (Thu)

Aug 27 (Wed)

Conversion, theology, and divine mercy

Beheading of St. John the Baptist

Aug 29 (Fri)

Aug 28 (Thu)

Prophetic witness, truth, and martyrdom


🕊️ Tips for Fasting

  • Traditional fast: One full meal, two smaller meals, no snacks.
  • Spiritual fast: Abstain from media, comfort foods, or distractions.
  • Pair with prayer: Consider the Rosary, Lectio Divina, or a novena leading up to the feast.

 

AUGUST 1 First Friday-Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Saint Peter in Chains

 

Luke, Chapter 7, Verse 16

FEAR seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.”

 

This was said after Jesus had raised the widow’s son in Nain. There exists no better model for Godly leadership than our Lord. Everything he spoke he did. He had compassion on the high and the low. He had compassion on this poor widow. He looked around him and where he saw misery; he acted. He healed the sick, cast out evil spirits and raised the dead. They came to Him broken and empty, and He filled them with faith, hope and love as well as taking physical action to help with their suffering. His focus was to restore the widow her son: to restore the family which is the true tabernacle of the Holy Spirit.

 

Copilot

 

Luke 7:16 captures a stunning moment—not only the miracle itself, but the response: a holy fear, a reverent awe that recognizes the presence of divine intervention. It’s as if the veil between heaven and earth briefly lifted, and the crowd could glimpse God’s mercy moving among them.

Christ’s leadership so radical and transformative. He didn’t just speak truth—He embodied it. His compassion wasn’t abstract; it was tangible, decisive, and restorative. To look upon suffering and respond with healing is to participate in the divine rhythm of creation and redemption.

And the idea of the family as the “true tabernacle of the Holy Spirit”—that’s a sacred insight. In restoring the widow’s son, Christ wasn’t merely performing a miracle, He was reweaving the spiritual fabric of a broken household, anchoring divine grace in the intimacy of family life.

Luke 7:16 offers a rich tapestry of lessons on holy fear—a reverent awe that awakens the soul rather than paralyzes it. Let’s draw out some key insights:

🌌 1. Fear as Recognition of Divine Presence

·         The crowd’s fear wasn’t terror—it was awe in the face of divine power. Jesus had just raised the dead. Their response— “God has visited His people”—shows that fear can be a gateway to recognizing God’s nearness.

o   This kind of fear is the soul’s instinctive response when eternity touches time.

🔥 2. Fear That Leads to Worship

·         The people didn’t run—they glorified God. Holy fear doesn’t drive us away; it draws us into praise.

o   It’s the trembling joy of knowing we’re in the presence of something far greater than ourselves.

🕊️ 3. Fear That Awakens Hope

·         “A great prophet has arisen among us”—this fear wasn’t just about power; it was about hope. The people saw in Jesus a sign that God was restoring what was broken.

o   Fear, in this sense, is the soul’s gasp before grace.

🛐 4. Fear That Transforms Perspective

·         The miracle reframed their understanding of suffering, death, and divine mercy. Fear became a lens through which they saw God’s compassion, not just His might.

o   It teaches us that fear rightly ordered leads to deeper faith, not despair.


🕊️ Who Was Saint Alphonsus Liguori?

  • Born: 1696 in Marianella, near Naples, Italy
  • Died: 1787 at age 90
  • Roles: Lawyer, priest, bishop, theologian, composer, artist, and founder of the Redemptorists
  • Canonized: 1839; declared a Doctor of the Church in 1871
  • Legacy:
    • Founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) to preach missions among the poor and abandoned
    • Authored over 100 works, including Moral Theology, The Glories of Mary, and The Way of the Cross
    • Patron saint of confessors, moral theologians, and those suffering from arthritis

🔍 His Theology on Fear

Saint Alphonsus had a nuanced and pastoral approach to fear, especially in contrast to the rigorism of Jansenism, which emphasized harsh moral judgment and fear of damnation:

  • Fear as a Starting Point:
    • He acknowledged that fear of hell or punishment can initiate conversion, especially for those steeped in sin
    • But he insisted this fear must evolve into love-based reverence for God
  • Holy Fear vs. Servile Fear:
    • True fear of the Lord, for Alphonsus, is not terror but a loving dread of being separated from God
    • It’s rooted in love, not self-preservation: “One fears sin not because of punishment, but because it wounds the One we love”
  • Scrupulosity and Mercy:
    • Alphonsus himself suffered from scruples and wrote extensively to help others overcome them
    • He taught that freedom and rational consent are necessary for sin—bad thoughts alone do not condemn a soul
    • He emphasized obedience to a wise confessor as a remedy for scrupulous minds
  • Pastoral Gentleness:
    • He famously said he never preached a sermon that “the poorest old woman could not understand”
    • He rejected fear-based preaching and urged confessors to treat penitents as souls to be saved, not criminals to be punished

Saint Alphonsus’ theology invites us to move from fear to love, from scrupulous anxiety to confident trust in divine mercy. His writings remain a balm for those navigating moral complexity with trembling hearts.

 

Saint Peter in Chains[4]

Today commemorates St. Peter’s miraculous escape from prison by the hand of an angel. He had been incarcerated by Herod Agrippa, who had already killed St. James the Greater and intended to bring St. Peter before the people also after Easter. But, as the Acts of the Apostles tells us, “Prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him”, and he was delivered by an angel who awoke him in the night, led him past the guards and out of prison.

The chains of St. Peter in Rome

Though no longer included in the general liturgical calendar, the feast of St. Peter in Chains is nonetheless an important day for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. The pilgrims who joined the Fraternity on our 30th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Rome last October visited the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, where they were able to venerate the chains of St. Peter.

Also commemorated today are the seven Maccabees, the holy brothers who were tortured and killed before the eyes of their mother in the 2nd century before Christ for refusing to abandon the Jewish faith. Please pray today for the priests of our Fraternity, that, through the intercession of our patron St. Peter and the holy Maccabees, we may ever possess the same fortitude and love for the Faith that enabled them to endure all things for its sake. “And Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.”

Portiuncula Indulgence[5]

This is an extraordinary demonstration of God’s mercy in removing the chains of sin from those who devoutly and faithfully seek to gain the indulgence by completing its requirements. It is said that St. Francis was given this day by Our Lord because the Feast of the Chains of St. Peter celebrated on August first is the day Peter was released from prison and his chains removed.

Conditions

The conditions to obtain the Plenary Indulgence of the Forgiveness of Assisi is (for oneself or for a departed soul) is as follows:

·         Sacramental Confession to be in God’s grace (during eight days before or after.)

·         Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharist

·         Recitation of The Apostles Creed, Our Father and also a prayer for the Pope’s Intention (such as an Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.).

The Portiuncula Indulgence is a grace not to be missed—not only for yourself but for the many suffering souls in Purgatory. Mark your calendar for the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels beginning at Vespers (Noon) on the First of August to August 2nd at Midnight.

Baked Rockfish for St. Peter in Chains (feast Aug. 1st)[6]

o   Ingredients:

§    5 cups fresh spinach

§    2 (6 ounce) fillets rockfish

§    10 cherry tomatoes, halved

§    1/2 cup vegetable broth

§    2 tablespoons minced fresh dill

§    1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

§    1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper

§    1/4 teaspoon onion powder

§    salt and ground black pepper to taste

§    2 lemon slices

§    2 onion slices

§    1 teaspoon butter

§  Directions:

§   1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

§   2. Layer the spinach in the bottom of a 2 quart baking dish. Lay the rockfish atop the spinach. Scatter the tomatoes around the fish. Pour the broth into the dish. Season the fillet with the dill, garlic powder, lemon pepper, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the lemon, onion, and butter on the rockfish. Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil.

§   3. Bake in preheated oven until the fish flakes easily, 20 to 25 minutes.

Novena in Honor of Saint John Marie Vianney[7]

Dispeller of Satan

O Holy Priest of Ars, the infamous attacks of the devil which you had to suffer and the trials which disheartened you by fatigue would not make you give up the sublime task of converting souls. The devil came to you for many years to disturb your short rest, but you won because of mortification and prayers. Powerful protector, you know the tempter’s desire to harm my baptized and believing soul. He would have me sin, by rejecting the Holy Sacraments and the life of virtue. But good Saint of Ars dispel from me the traces of the enemy. Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for ... (mention silently your special intentions).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

Our first path to holiness is through the Eucharist! Yes, prayers, confessions, the rosary and the saints, angels and our Lady help us in that path to holiness, but when we receive honorably, we become the resurrected Christ to others and us radiant His presence. Today make the Eucharistic Stations of the Cross.

Bible in a Year-Day 44 Priestly Garments

Fr. Mike provides us with a mental picture of the ark of the covenant and reminds that the small details of worship matter as we read Exodus 25-26, Leviticus 19, and Psalm 119:1-56

 

International Beer Day[8] another hedonistic holiday but even the saint enjoyed a beer-check out “Pints with Aquinas”. International Beer Day celebrates the taste of beer and the achievement of beer brewers. Beer is an ancient alcoholic drink brewed mainly from malted barley, hops, yeast and water although it is possible to brew it from other grains such as maize, wheat and rice. Records of beer date back to 4000 BC, making it one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world. The three stated goals of the International Beer Day are to: appreciate brewers and servers, enjoy the taste of all beers from around the world, and to unite the world under the banner of beer.  Founded in 2007 by the Association of California Brewers, International Beer Day has become an international event that is observed in more than 50 countries worldwide.  It is held annually on the first Friday of August.

 

International Beer Day Facts & Quotes

 

·         International Beer Day began in Santa Cruz, California, in 2007.  It was founded by beer enthusiasts, Jesse Avshalomov and Evan Hamilton.

·         As far back as ancient Egypt, beer was a staple food.  Known as Hqt, heqet or heket, beer was a thick and sweet source of nutrition including vitamins, minerals and protein that was consumed daily by adults and children.

·         On average, a can of beer contains 100-150 calories and 10-15g carbohydrates.

·         I work until beer o'clock - Stephen King

 

International Beer Day Top Events and Things to Do

 

·         Visit your local watering hole and try a new beer that you have never had.

·         Attending a beer festival to taste beer from around the world and learn more about brewing and craft beers.  

·         Visit a local craft brewery in your state.

·         Try a Orval beer or a Chimay.

 

Today is my deceased father’s birthday.

My father was not always a blameless and upright man, but he had a great devotion to St. Jude. He always swore it was St. Jude’s prayers and intercession that brought him home from the war in the pacific and maybe it was. He got my grandmother to sign the papers and he was in combat before his 18th birthday. He was a ghost diver during WWII; his job was to scuba dive in before invasions and set up radio beacons for the invasion and avoid detection or capture. He went on 26 missions with 11 others in frogman teams. The normal mortality rate for these teams was 50%.  

After the war, my father drank a lot to forget. As his disease of alcoholism ramped up, he stopped going to church refusing to go to church drunk. I don’t know if my father was aware St. Jude admonishes false teachers who used the church as a sort of country club and caroused fearlessly looking after themselves. My father did not see the church as a social institution but as a place where one encounters our Holy God, our Holy mighty one; our Holy immortal one.

My father knew he was a sinner. He always said that St. Jude was his patron saint because; St. Jude is the patron saint of lost causes, and my father swore that’s what he was. As his disease progressed, he stopped going to church but built a shrine to our Mother Mary. Every day he would cut fresh roses for the shrine and sit at twilight, with beer and cigarette in hand; silently staring at the shrine.

In the end my father did receive his last rights and was ushered into our Lord by our Lady and St. Jude.

Prayer of St. Alphonsus Dc Liguori to the Sacred Heart.

 

O adorable heart of my Jesus, heart created expressly for the love of men, until now I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, abyss of love and of mercy, how is it possible that I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy blood and Thy life for me and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself up every day for me in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins, and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy tears and Thy blood give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.

Fitness Friday-The 5 Switches of Manliness: Providing[9]

In case you haven’t noticed men and women are different both physically and mentally. Men’s brains are constructed by our creator differently than women. Men’s brains are uniquely suited for survival and providing for the tribe. If we wish to provide for the tribe we must make use of the male body and mind.

The Providing Brain

The male brain is particularly adept at visual-spatial skills. Men tend to be better than women at rotating objects in their minds to gain a 3-D view and are better able to track moving objects, gauge how fast they’re going, and determine the objects’ proportions and location. Men also have keener long-range vision than women, are more sensitive to objects entering their field of vision, and are better at noticing the small movements of those objects. In fact, there is a correlation between higher testosterone levels and visual-processing speeds. Men’s visual and spatial abilities give them a leg up when it comes to geography, orientation, and navigation–skills that come in handy when out on the hunt or engaging in battle. The male brain is also built with a larger dorsal premammillary nucleus, also called the “defend-your-turf” part of the brain. The circuity of this part of the brain is designed to detect territorial challenges by other males. Men’s brains also include a larger amygdala than women, which can be thought of as an alarm system for possible danger. Thus, men are especially alert to potential threats to themselves and their loved ones.

These inborn proclivities not only helped men in their roles as searchers and scouts, but they may also have been used in ways that then strengthened their ability to envision the future; giving us an ability to track animals or have better math skills.

Men have an innate need to look ahead, to plan, to prepare, to strategize. Or in other words, men have an innate need for vision, for providing.

While we’re no longer hunting antelopes, our brains are still primed to engage in searching, scanning, recognition, and long-term planning. These activities are carried out in the left side of the brain and are fueled by dopamine, the neurotransmitter which neuroscientists have shown motivates the male brain to a greater extent than the female brain.

Flipping the Provider Switch

 

If you’re a single man, you need to have a vision for your own life. If you’re a married man, you need to have a vision for your own life and for your family. Women don’t want a man who’s a domineering oaf, but they also don’t want to feel like they’re always pulling and dragging their husband along. They want a man who’s personally motivated, takes initiative, makes decisions, and has a discernible sense of direction and purpose. A man who is always scouting the way to take care of his family and lead them through the storms of life. I’ve sometimes had that conversation with my wife where I tell her that I feel unhappy, and she asks me what I want out of life and what would make me happy, and all I can answer is, “I don’t know.” That’s a failure of vision. And a failure in being a provider.

 

Having a vision involves growing in self-awareness and awareness of the world around you. The man of vision understands his own strengths and weaknesses, how the world works, and what makes people tick. He looks out from a high point in the landscape, takes in the lay of the land, fixes his sights on where he wants to go, and figures out how to get there. And then he leads and navigates, watching for and surmounting obstacles, until the destination is reached.

 

Here are some suggestions for harnessing your inner-Scout and flipping the Provider Switch:

·         Find your core values

·         Create a blueprint for your life.

·         Keep a journal.

·         Spend some time in solitude. Hike, camp overnight or even rent a hotel room.

·         Find your vocation.

·         Create a daily schedule.

·         Work on becoming fully present in your life.

·         Meditate or pray.

·         Write down your goals each night.

·         Unplug and take periodic technology “fasts” to recharge and clear your mind.

·         Read biographies–by taking in the sweep of another man’s life you can really gain perspective on your own life, what a man is capable of accomplishing, and insight on the paths other men took.

·         Create a morning routine that pumps you up for the coming day.

·         Turn off the radio on the way to work and think about what you want to accomplish that day.

·         Carry a pocket notebook so you can capture your ideas and make to-do lists to keep track of what needs to get done.

·         Practice memorization–memorize a poem or work on remembering names.

·         Keep track of data in your life–when you work out, record how much weight you’re lifting. Write down what you eat. Keep track of your goals or new habits with something like Joe’s Goals.

·         Read up on human psychology, relationships, body language, etc.

·         Educate yourself on things like health insurance and retirement plans (stay-tuned for a post on this).

·         Create a budget and understand exactly what’s going on with your finances.

·         Start an emergency fund.

·         Be prepared for disaster and learn survival skills–like how to handle a weapon, pack a bug-out bag, and forage for food.

·         If you have a family, hold a regular family council. We’ll do a post on this in the future.

·         Talk with your kids one on one to find out what is going on in their lives. Make it casual–like when you’re driving around together.

·         Stay up on politics, news, and current events.

Daily Devotions

·         Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: End to abortion

·         Religion in the Home for Preschool: August

·         Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

·         Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Universal Man Plan

·         Rosary