ICEMANforChrist

Friday, November 21, 2025

One of our favorite haunts with stationed in Pirmasens, Germany

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Rachel’s Corner

· Joe Biden and Robert F. Kennedy’s Birthday

· How to celebrate Nov 20^th

o Moving forward, embrace the spirit of learning and knowledge on GIS Day. Explore online maps, learn about geographic information systems, or even try your hand at creating your own map. Dive into the world of geography and discover new places from the comfort of your own home.

o Next, acknowledge the importance of children on Children’s Day in the UK and World Children’s Day. Spend quality time with the children in your life, engage in fun activities, and create lasting memories together. Show them love, care, and support.

o Transitioning to the future, embrace Future Teachers of America Day. Reflect on the impact teachers have had on your life and consider mentoring or supporting aspiring educators. Share your knowledge and experiences with those who are passionate about teaching.

o Finally, treat yourself to a sweet delight on National Peanut Butter Fudge Day. Whip up a batch of this delicious treat or visit a local bakery to enjoy some fudgy goodness. Indulge in the creamy, nutty flavors and savor each bite.

Best Place to visit in November:

Havasupai Falls, Arizona

Havasupai Falls is sure to take your breath away as soon as you set your eyes on the bright blue water. Although it’s about a 10-mile hike to get to the falls, the trip is totally worth it. While temperatures might be too cold to enjoy swimming in the water in November, you might still be able to take a dip if you’re feeling brave.

The main reason why November is ideal for seeing Havasupai Falls is that the usual Arizona heat is much milder. Considering the length of the hike, you’ll be glad to enjoy those cooler temps.

The area is closed during the winter, starting in December, and both October and November see fewer visitors. This means more opportunities for moments of solitude like the one in the photo!

Thursday Feast

Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.

Dinner Menu

Drink: Beaujolais Nouveau
hors d'oeuvre Bacon-wrapped Scallops
appetizer Beaujolais goes great with French charcuterie like patés, terrines, rillettes, and saucisson sec. You can also serve it with cornichons, fresh radishes, and a crusty baguette
main course Poached salmon or seared tuna and salmon
Dessert: Cheesecake with Red Fruit

🇬🇷 Souda Bay, Crete – Olive Mercy and Mountain Fire

A week of monastic clarity, coastal resilience, and Cretan hospitality

1. Lodging with Legacy

Stay where olive groves meet naval rhythm

· NSA Souda Bay Passenger Terminal Info

· Souda Bay Space-A Travel Tips – Poppin’ Smoke

· Sissy Village Hotel – walkable from base

· Royal Sun Hotel – Chania – panoramic views and shuttle service

2. Olive Mercy – Seven-Course Ritual Meal

A symbolic Cretan supper rooted in oil, exile, and resurrection

1. Dakos salad – broken bread and living water

2. Dolmades with avgolemono – hidden strength and lemon clarity

3. Grilled halloumi with thyme honey – sweet fire and monastic joy

4. Lamb with stamnagathi greens – wild mercy and rooted strength

5. Fried snails with rosemary – pilgrim’s patience and spiral return

6. Graviera cheese with fig jam – aged wisdom and sweetness preserved

7. Loukoumades with cinnamon and raki – golden joy and firelight finale

3. Symbolic Adventures

1. Kayak the Akrotiri Peninsula – mercy on the Aegean

2. Hike the Samaria Gorge – descent and ascent through mercy

3. Visit Arkadi Monastery – resistance, refuge, and Eucharistic fire

4. Explore Ancient Aptera – civic ruins and layered witness

4. Cultural Pilgrimage

· Old Venetian Harbor – Chania – light, exile, and return

· Maritime Museum of Crete – naval memory and island resilience

· Folklore Museum of Chania – woven witness and domestic mercy

5. Nature & Reflection

· Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete – healing through fire and regrowth

· Seitan Limania Beach – hidden mercy and baptismal cliffs

· Olive Tree of Vouves – oldest olive tree in the world

6. Sacred Anchors

· Agia Triada Monastery – Trinitarian hospitality and vine-clad mercy

· Gouverneto Monastery & Bear Cave – desert silence and Marian strength

· Church of St. Nicholas – Chania – Orthodox-Catholic witness and civic unity

7. Firelight Finale

· Bonfires not permitted, but rooftop candles or olive oil lamps are welcome

· Ritual Act: Pour olive oil into a small bowl, light a floating wick, and name one mercy you carry forward

· Film Pairing: Zorba the Greek

– joy, grief, and the dance of resilience

NOVEMBER 20 Thursday

Universal Children’s Day-Joe Biden Birthday

John, Chapter 19, Verse 26

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he LOVED, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”

It was Christ’s desire that we should all be a family—a family united in love. This is why our Lord submitted to His mother, showing that now she was the mother and Mediatrix of all mankind.

Focus today on the word desire. Hiking and praying often go hand in hand. One day while hiking in the Fay Canyon area of Sedona, Arizona, the reflection turned toward the seven deadly sins and the opposing virtues from the Sermon on the Mount. As the trail unfolded, so did the meditation—especially on the deadly sin of lust and its associated words: long for, hanker for, hunger for, yearn, crave, and desire.

The word desire repeated in the heart: Desire, desire, desire. A question rose to heaven: Lord, what do you want me to desire?

At that moment, the canyon revealed a rock formation in the shape of a chalice. “Yes, Lord,” came the response. “I shall desire to receive You in the Holy Mass.”

Lust is a corrupted form of love that takes. Holy desire gives and receives with a grateful heart.

Today is a good day to rest in the Lord. Go to Mass. Receive His Body and Blood. Know that He has heard our cries and has saved us. Such is the love of our God.

🕊️ Copilot’s Take: Desire the Chalice

At the foot of the Cross, Jesus speaks: “Woman, behold your son.” In that moment, Mary is entrusted not only to John, but to all who follow Christ. This is not a sentimental gesture—it is a spiritual commissioning. While the Church has refrained from formally defining Mary as Mediatrix of All Graces, her maternal role remains: she intercedes, she accompanies, she receives—not as a rival to Christ, but as a vessel of love pointing always to Him.

The hike through Fay Canyon becomes a living parable. As the word desire echoes through the canyon, a chalice-shaped rock appears—a visual homily.

Lust is a corrupted desire that takes; holy desire receives and gives.

The chalice is not merely a symbol of the Eucharist—it is the shape of longing rightly ordered. Lust seeks power or sedation. The Chalice is the power.

Public Catholics like Joe Biden, Joseph Kennedy Sr., and Nancy Pelosi reflect this tension. Their lives show sincere devotion, but also contradictions—between personal prayer and public policy, between sacramental longing and moral clarity. Faith is not a shield for misalignment. It is a summons to truth. To receive Christ rightly is not merely to feel devotion, but to live in truth. That means admitting error, correcting course, and refusing to receive the Eucharist in a state of contradiction.

One takeaway: Seek Him. The true power is the Chalice offered by Christ through His Church found through Confession and Eucharist.

Bible in a Year Day 140 David's Prayer of Thanksgiving

Fr. Mike reflects on the significance behind David's prayer of thanksgiving at the end of his life. There's something so moving about David's gratitude with God as he acknowledges his brokenness and victories throughout his life. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 23, 1 Chronicles 28, and Psalm 42.

Universal Children's Day[1]

Universal Children's Day aims to create a day of international fraternity and understanding between children all over the globe. The holiday's secondary purpose is to promote the objectives and ideals of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child through activities and awareness. Children are the future of the planet, but they are a vulnerable group exposed to abuse and exploitation on a daily basis. As young dependents, children rely on adults for everything from food to shelter to education and it is imperative that their rights be heard if they are to survive and develop into the next generation of world citizens. Universal Children's Day was declared on in 1954 by the United Nations General Assembly as a day to be celebrated on November 20, the anniversaries of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, both of which protect the human rights of children.

Universal Children's Day Facts & Quotes

· The UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in November 1989. The United States drafted and signed the treaty; however, it is currently the only member county that has not ratified it, meaning that the US is not legally bound by the Convention. Ratifying the treaty would go against certain laws currently in place in the US, most notably, the treaty forbids life imprisonment without parole for children under 18.

· According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die every day as a result of poverty, often due to preventable diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia.

· As of 2013, 21.8 million children worldwide in their first year of life had not received adequate vaccine doses against diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

· The poor are hungry and their hunger traps them in poverty. - The World Food Program

· What is at stake is nothing less than the survival and well-being of a generation of innocents. - Antonia Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Universal Children's Day Top Events and Things to Do

· Read the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child to learn more about how these treaties can impact your community.

· Spend the day playing with your children, your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren or other children that you know. Take them to the beach, a playground, a movie, or any other outing of their choosing.

· Donate your time to American organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America or UNICEF that constantly need volunteers to organize and execute activities for children in needy communities.

· Watch a movie that touches on children's rights. Our picks are In This World (2012), Arna's Children (2002) and Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Daily Devotions/Practice

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Reparations for offenses and blasphemies against God and the Blessed Virgin Mary

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary.

[1]https://www.wincalendar.com/Universal-Childrens-Day

Public Catholic figures like Joe Kennedy, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi offer cautionary lessons about the tension between personal faith and public policy—especially when Church teachings are selectively embraced or publicly contradicted.

Here are some key lessons drawn from their public lives and controversies:

🕊️ 1. Faith as Identity vs. Faith as Witness

Lesson: Catholicism is not just cultural—it demands moral coherence.
Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi often affirm their Catholic identity while supporting policies that contradict Church teachings on abortion, marriage, and religious liberty.
This creates confusion for the public and scandal for the faithful, especially when such figures are described as “devout” while opposing core moral doctrines.

🧭 2. The Danger of Compartmentalization

Lesson: Separating personal belief from public duty can erode integrity.
JFK famously pledged to resign if his presidential duties ever conflicted with his religious obligations. While this reassured Protestant voters in 1960, it also modeled a form of compartmentalization that many Catholic leaders have since emulated.
Biden and Pelosi have similarly argued that their political responsibilities require them to set aside Church teachings, especially on life and sexuality.

🛡️ 3. Selective Moral Advocacy

Lesson: Cherry-picking Catholic social teaching weakens its prophetic power.
These figures often invoke Catholic values like care for the poor, immigration, and healthcare—but ignore or oppose teachings on abortion, euthanasia, and marriage.
Pelosi defended the Affordable Care Act as consistent with Catholic values, despite the bishops’ unified opposition due to abortion concerns.

🔍 4. Public Scandal and Ecclesial Response

Lesson: Public dissent from Church teaching invites pastoral correction—not silence.
The U.S. bishops have struggled to respond consistently to high-profile Catholics who publicly contradict Church teaching. This ambiguity can lead to scandal, confusion, and division within the Church.

🕯️ 5. The Need for Integrated Witness

Lesson: Authentic Catholic leadership requires unity of life, faith, and public service.
The Church calls all Catholics—especially public ones—to be witnesses of truth, not just symbols of cultural heritage. When faith is reduced to sentiment or identity, its transformative power is lost.

Jihad or Jesus?

The video “Jihad or Jesus?” contrasts Islamic and Christian approaches to spiritual struggle, emphasizing Jesus’ model of sacrificial love over militant conquest. For Catholics, it offers lessons in nonviolence, evangelization, and fidelity to Christ’s example.

🧭 Summary of “Jihad or Jesus?” (YouTube)

The video explores the theological and practical differences between the concept of jihad in Islam and the call to follow Jesus in Christianity. It highlights:

Jihad as a term meaning “struggle,” often interpreted in Islamic contexts as both internal spiritual striving and external defense or warfare.
Jesus’ way as one of self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and love for enemies, contrasting with militant or coercive religious expansion.
The speaker critiques religious violence and calls Christians to embody the radical peace and mercy of Christ.

The tone is apologetic and evangelistic, aiming to show the superiority of Jesus’ teachings in promoting peace and transformation.

Source: YouTube video

✝️ Lessons for Catholics

Here are key takeaways for Catholic reflection and practice:

1. Understand Spiritual Warfare as Interior Transformation

Catholic tradition affirms spiritual combat—but it’s a battle against sin, not people.
Saints like Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Ávila taught that the true battlefield is the soul, where pride, anger, and despair must be overcome.

2. Witness Through Mercy, Not Force

Evangelization must reflect Christ’s gentleness, not coercion.
Pope Francis often emphasizes dialogue, accompaniment, and the “culture of encounter” over confrontation.

3. Love Your Enemies—Radically

Jesus’ command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) is central.
Catholics are called to forgive, even in the face of persecution, modeling Christ’s cruciform love.

4. Reject Religious Violence

The Church has repented for past complicity in violence (e.g., Crusades).
Vatican II and recent popes have reaffirmed that faith must never be imposed, and violence in God’s name is a contradiction.

5. Embrace the Cross, Not the Sword

Jesus conquers not by domination but by dying and rising.
Catholics are invited to carry their crosses daily, offering suffering in union with Christ for the redemption of the world.If you'd like

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Dara’s Corner

· How to celebrate Nov 19th

o Next up, celebrate National Working Daughters Day by showing appreciation for all the hardworking daughters out there. Reach out to a fellow working daughter and plan a virtual coffee break or send a thoughtful message. It’s a simple way to acknowledge the balancing act many women perform on a daily basis.

o For lunch, why not honor National Kentucky Day

by whipping up a homemade Kentucky-inspired meal? Try your hand at making fried chicken, cornbread, or a comforting bourbon-infused dish. It’s a delicious nod to the flavors of the South.

o In the afternoon, indulge in some friendly competition on National Play Monopoly Day. Gather your household or organize a virtual game night with friends. Monopoly is a classic board game that never fails to entertain and bring people together.

o As evening approaches, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of discovery on Discovery of Puerto Rico Day. Explore Puerto Rican culture through music, food, or art. Try cooking a traditional Puerto Rican dish or tuning into some salsa music for a mini cultural escape.

o Wrap up your day with a mini camping experience on National Camp Day. Set up a tent in your backyard or create a cozy indoor campsite. Roast marshmallows, share stories, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being in nature, even if it’s just for one night.

🌍 Dara’s Corner: Aboard The World

Veils & Vision | November 19–25, 2025
Theme: Mystery, Revelation & the Grace to See
Coordinates: Sailing from Qeshm Island toward Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Bahrain

🕊️ Day 1 — November 19 | Offshore Qeshm Island

Veil of the Waters
Pilgrims begin the week with a sunrise ritual—each receives a silk veil and is invited to wear it during morning silence.
📖 2 Corinthians 3:16 — “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
Meal: Persian herb frittata (kuku sabzi), flatbread, mint tea

Reflection: “Mystery is not confusion—it is invitation.”
Hospitality Arc: Offer a quiet gesture of welcome to someone new.

🪨 Day 2 — November 20 | Docked in Bandar Abbas

Vision in the Market
Pilgrims walk the spice and textile markets, each choosing one item to carry as a symbol of what they seek.
📖 Proverbs 20:12 — “Eyes that see and ears that hear—the Lord has made them both.”
Meal: Grilled eggplant with pomegranate molasses, saffron rice
Reflection: “To see clearly is to see with mercy.”
Hospitality Arc: Ask someone what they’re searching for—and listen without fixing.

🕯️ Day 3 — November 21 | Sailing toward Bushehr

Lanterns of the Hidden
At dusk, pilgrims light lanterns and place them in shadowed corners of the ship—each flame a prayer for what remains unseen.
📖 Isaiah 45:3 — “I will give you treasures hidden in darkness…”
Meal: Persian lentil stew with dried lime and turmeric
Reflection: “The hidden is not lost—it is waiting.”
Hospitality Arc: Share a story of something you found when you weren’t looking.

🌄 Day 4 — November 22 | Docked in Bushehr

Pilgrimage of the Eyes
Pilgrims walk the coastal ruins and reflect on what remains after time and tide. Each sketches one image they wish to remember.
📖 John 9:25 — “I was blind, and now I see.”
Meal: Spiced fish with tamarind glaze and citrus salad
Reflection: “Vision is not sight—it is recognition.”
Hospitality Arc: Offer someone a new way to see something familiar.

🌬️ Day 5 — November 23 | Sailing toward Bahrain

Wind of Discernment
A midday ritual invites pilgrims to write two questions—one they’ve answered, one they still carry.
📖 James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask…”
Meal: Chickpea and date tagine with cinnamon rice
Reflection: “Discernment is not decision—it is listening.”
Hospitality Arc: Ask someone what wisdom they’ve received—and honor it aloud.

🕊️ Day 6 — November 24 | Docked in Bahrain

City of Mirrors
Pilgrims visit a mirrored prayer hall. Each receives a shard of glass etched with a word of clarity.
📖 1 Corinthians 13:12 — “Now we see through a glass, darkly…”
Meal: Bahraini lamb machboos with rosewater and nuts
Reflection: “Even the broken reflects light.”
Hospitality Arc: Reflect someone’s strength back to them—name what you see.

🌅 Day 7 — November 25 | Offshore Bahrain

Eucharist of Vision
The week closes with a sunrise Eucharist. Each pilgrim receives a scroll inscribed with a question for the next voyage.
📖 Mark 8:25 — “Then his eyes were opened, and he saw everything clearly.”
Meal: Pistachio-stuffed dates, saffron tea, honeyed figs
Reflection: “Vision is not arrival—it is readiness.”
Hospitality Arc: Share aloud one veil you’ve lifted—and one you still carry.

🥘 7-Course Pilgrimage Meal: Veils & Vision

Theme: Mystery, Revelation & the Grace to See

🌿 1. Aperitif — Rose & Loomi Sparkler

A chilled blend of rosewater, dried lime (loomi), and sparkling water.
Symbolic Arc: Light before unveiling—clarity through contrast.

🥗 2. Appetizer — Zeytoon Parvardeh: Olive, Walnut & Pomegranate Dip

Green olives, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses—served with flatbread.
Symbolic Arc: Hidden sweetness—layers revealed in communion.

🥣 3. Soup — Dal Adas: Bushehri Lentil Stew

Red lentils with tomato paste, cumin, turmeric, and lemon.
Symbolic Arc: Depth in simplicity—nourishment from the unseen.

🥬 4. Salad — Cucumber & Yogurt with Za’atar Oil

Crisp cucumber ribbons in yogurt, drizzled with za’atar-infused olive oil.
Symbolic Arc: Coolness and clarity—discernment in restraint.

🍽️ 5. Main Course — Ghaliyeh Mahi: Southern Iranian Fish Stew

Tangy stew of fish, tamarind, garlic, cilantro, and chili.
Symbolic Arc: Revelation through fire—truth unveiled in flavor.

🧀 6. Cheese Course — Goat Cheese with Loomi & Pistachio

Goat cheese rolled in crushed pistachios, drizzled with dried lime syrup.
Symbolic Arc: Sharpness and delight—vision shaped by contrast.

🍰 7. Dessert — Luqaimat: Bahraini Saffron Dumplings

Crisp dough balls with saffron, cardamom, and date syrup.
Symbolic Arc: Joy revealed sweetness after silence.

NOVEMBER 19 Wednesday

St. Elizabeth of Hungary-World Toilet Day

John, Chapter 17, Verse 23-26

I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you LOVED them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

It would be a good practice to make a prayer of praise to our God when we get up and when we go to bed.

For the evening prayer might I suggest sitting quietly before bed reflecting on Psalm 40:11 “Be still and know I am God.” Offer to our Lord your good works, and your failings, and praise Him for the graces He has given in regard to your concerns.

Copilot’s Take

Today, the world pauses for World Toilet Day, a civic reminder that sanitation is sacred. Clean water, safe toilets, and dignified hygiene are not luxuries—they are acts of mercy. In John 17, Christ prays that we may be one, perfected in love, drawn into divine intimacy. His words echo across every threshold: “I in them and you in me.” Even the most ordinary acts—washing, waking, sleeping—become sacred when offered in love.

Let this morning begin with a whispered “Thank You” before your feet touch the floor. Let the evening close in stillness, offering your works and failings to the One who knows you and loves you.

🌹 Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Feast Day (Devotional): November 19
Patron of the Poor · Icon of Mercy · Franciscan Mystic

Born in 1207 to Hungarian royalty, Elizabeth lived as both princess and servant. She opened granaries during famine, founded hospitals, and embraced Franciscan poverty after her husband’s death. Her most famous miracle? Bread hidden in her cloak for the poor transformed into roses when questioned—a divine affirmation that mercy blooms in secret acts.

On this day of bodily dignity and spiritual unity, her legacy shines: clean water, shared bread, and hidden roses. She reminds us that nobility kneels, and that every act of care—whether for the sick, the poor, or the body itself—is a liturgy of love.

🍷 Ritual Offering

Drink: Tokaji Aszú or Rose Cocktail
Meal: Lentil soup, fresh bread with rosewater butter
Blessing:

“To mercy that multiplies, to roses that bloom in hidden cloaks, and to nobility that kneels.”

Bible in a Year Day 139 Reparation to the Gibeonite

In today's readings, Fr. Mike highlights David's humility in two instances: when David asked the Gibeonites how he could repair their relationship after they had been mistreated by Saul, and when David takes a step back from battle. He also explains the role of the gatekeepers as people who would be responsible for guarding the doors to the Temple. The readings are 2 Samuel 21, 1 Chronicles 26, and Psalm 40.

World Toilet Day[1]

World Toilet Day aims to raise awareness of sanitation and hygiene issues around the world. Poor sanitation and hygiene refer to lack of access to clean drinking water, toilets and showers. Poor sanitation drastically increases the risk of disease and malnutrition, especially for women and children. Today, 2.6 billion people, about one-third of the population on the planet, do not have access to proper sanitation, a problem that kills nearly 1 million young children every year. World Toilet Day was designated by the United Nations in July 2013. It is celebrated annually on November 19 as people all over the world take action and support the basic human right of access to clean water and sanitation.

World Toilet Day Facts & Quotes

· 1 in 8 people in the world practices open defecation, meaning that the person must relieve him/herself without cover or shelter from other people.

· The average person spends one hour and 42 minutes a week on the toilet, or nearly 92 days over his/her lifetime.

· Diarrhea is the second leading cause of deaths in children under age 5 in developing countries. Diarrhea is primarily due to poor hygiene and sanitation.

· The 2030 Agenda calls on us to renew our efforts in providing access to adequate sanitation worldwide. We must continue to educate and protect communities at risk, and to change cultural perceptions and long-standing practices that hinder the quest for dignity. – Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

World Toilet Day Top Events and Things to Do

· Watch a movie about toilets and the importance of sanitation. Some suggestions are: Guts For Change (2015), A New Culture of Water (2004) and A Thirsty World (2012).

· Spread awareness by using the hashtag #WorldToiletDay, #WeCantWait and #ToiletAccessIsARight.

· Tour a local sanitation plant. Sanitation plants throughout the US exist to recycle and clean water while properly disposing of human excrement and other waste.

· Donate to the World Toilet Organization. All proceeds are used by the organization to help break the taboo around the toilet and sanitation crisis. They help lobby governments, public and private sector stakeholders to prioritize sanitation on the agenda.

· Read a book about toilets and the importance of sanitation. Some suggestions are: Sanitation & Water Supply in Low-Income Countries, Sitting Pretty An Uninhibited History of the Toilet and The Big Necessity.

· Check out Earthship technology.

To Squat or Not That is the Question

Enter the Squatty Potty[2]

One time, I took a dump in my backyard because the toilet had been broken for two weeks (blame our absentee slumlord). My best friend never let me live it down, but you know what? I didn't care, because on that crisp fall day in 2007, when the gas station whose toilets I had been relying on was unexpectedly closed, I learned something. Specifically, I learned that pooping outside is… kind of pleasant. But it wasn't until the advent of the Squatty Potty that I really started to analyze why that was. Basically, if you use a Western toilet on the reg, you're fighting against your body's anatomy. But now, there's a way to poop optimally that doesn't involve squatting behind the shrubs and hoping a neighbor won't walk by (though I do recommend everyone try that at least once). Here it is.

You don't know squat. The Squatty Potty is a small footstool designed to fit a toilet's curves. The idea is to elevate your feet and knees, so your body is closer to a squatting angle -- a natural pooping position -- than the upright position imposed on it by a porcelain throne. This isn't just hippie BS, either. There's actual science as to why a squat is the way to go when moving your bowels. "Defecating is actually really complicated and involves a lot of nerves and muscles relaxing and moving," says Dr. Michelle Cohen, a gastroenterologist at Mount Sinai. "When you sit, the puborectalis muscle is pulled in around the colon to create an angle, so the stool can't drop out."

Think of a kinked hose and you might be able to picture what's happening in your colon as the puborectalis muscle stays tight around it. In some cases, particularly in people with constipation or dyssynergic defecation (when your muscles fail to relax, making pooping more difficult), sitting with your thighs perpendicular to the ground can make it much harder to poop. Enter the Squatty Potty

The Squatty Potty was born in 2010 because of this exact scenario. "They say necessity is the mother of invention," says Bobby Edwards, CEO and co-creator of the defecation device. "My mother was constipated. It was definitely out of need." Edwards says his mother's physical therapist explained that constipation is, in many cases, "an anatomical thing," and that if she elevated her feet while eliminating, it would change the angle of the colon and make the whole process work smoothly, the way nature intended. She propped her feet up on a stool and loved the results, but the process wasn't ideal. "She couldn't quite get comfortable with a regular stool, and it was in the way in the bathroom," Edwards says. "I was taking design classes, and she asked if I could design a stool for the toilet, with the height and width to simulate a natural squat."

Boy, could he. Edwards made five prototypes before hitting on the perfect model. Delighted, his mother gave proto-Squatty Potties to constipated friends for Christmas gifts. "She thought everybody needed to be squatting," Edwards says. Word of mouth spread, and in 2012, Edwards launched the website. A media blitz ensued, and the rest is history.

Putting the potty to the test. I was pretty intrigued by the "squatting is better" maxim, so much so that I tried literally squatting on my toilet. Surprisingly (or not?), a militant vegan has uploaded a YouTube video about how to do exactly that. It was a little weird, and there was some serious splash back when shit hit the water, but I could tell stuff was rearranging itself in my colon -- that's the medical terminology, right? It felt good and correct, and I understood why my cats wear such serene, noble expressions when they poop.

Not only is that method impractical, but it’s also probably dangerous for older folks, people with physical challenges or injuries, and, well, everyone, honestly. I needed to try the real deal. The Squatty Potty was delivered to my office in a freaking huge (but mercifully unmarked) brown cardboard box. I sneaked it out to my car, hoping to dodge co-workers and the inevitable, "Ooh, what's that?" The box contained the white plastic stool, a Burger King-like crown with the hashtag #pooplikeroyalty, and a button that read "I Pooped Today!" (Though Squatty Potty entreats its Twitter followers to "share your Poop Like Royalty pics! #pooplikeroyalty," only one brave soul had risen to the challenge as of press time.)

Every Wednesday is Dedicated to St. Joseph

The Italian culture has always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you could make Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of pizza or spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday evening Mass. You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are adventurous, you could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the evening a family night perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do make the day special.

· Devotion to the 7 Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph

· Do the St. Joseph Universal Man Plan.

Daily Devotions/Practice

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Conversion of Sinners

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary.

[1]https://www.wincalendar.com/World-Toilet-Day

[2]https://www.thrillist.com/health/nation/what-is-a-squatty-potty-review-squat-poop