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Wednesday, November 19, 2025

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Wednesday, November 26, 2025

 Movie "Casablanca" premiered 1942

Casablanca is a wartime romance that explores sacrifice, moral clarity, and the tension between personal desire and the greater good—offering rich Catholic lessons in love, truth, and redemption.


πŸ•Š️ Summary of Casablanca

Set in 1941 Morocco during World War II, Casablanca centers on Rick Blaine, a cynical American who runs a nightclub in the neutral city of Casablanca. His world is upended when Ilsa Lund, a former lover, arrives with her husband Victor Laszlo, a resistance leader fleeing Nazi persecution. Ilsa seeks Rick’s help to secure escape papers for Laszlo.

  • Rick and Ilsa’s past romance resurfaces, but Ilsa is now committed to Laszlo’s cause.
  • Rick must choose between rekindling love or aiding Laszlo’s escape.
  • In a climactic act of sacrifice, Rick lets Ilsa go, helping her and Laszlo flee while he stays behind.

The film ends with Rick and Captain Renault walking off together, hinting at newfound purpose and moral clarity.


✝️ Catholic Lessons and Themes

Casablanca resonates deeply with Catholic moral and spiritual reflection:

1. Sacrificial Love Over Passion

  • Rick’s decision to let Ilsa go reflects agape—love that seeks the good of the other over self-gratification.
  • This echoes Christ’s sacrificial love: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

2. Moral Clarity in Ambiguity

  • The film’s setting—neutral Casablanca—is a metaphor for moral limbo.
  • Rick’s journey from neutrality to decisive action mirrors the Catholic call to reject moral relativism and embrace truth, even when costly.

3. Redemption and Conversion

  • Rick and Renault both undergo conversion: from cynicism to moral courage.
  • Their transformation reflects the Catholic belief in metanoia—a turning of the heart toward God and virtue.

4. The Cosmic “Hill of Beans”

  • Rick’s famous line—“It doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world”—underscores the Catholic idea that personal sacrifice can serve a higher, transcendent good.

5. Truth and Integrity

  • Ilsa’s struggle between love and duty reflects the tension between emotional truth and moral truth.
  • Catholic teaching affirms that doing right by doing wrong is never justified—a theme the film dramatizes with painful beauty.



Tuesday, November 25, 2025


Candace’s Corner-St. Christopher is still a saint.

·         Make reparations to the Holy Face-Tuesday Devotion

·         Pray Day 3 of the Novena for our Pope and Bishops

·         Tuesday: Litany of St. Michael the Archangel

·         Andrew Carnegie, born on November 25, 1835

·         How to celebrate Nov 25th

o   Wake up feeling blasΓ©? It’s time to kickstart your day with a parfait for breakfast. Create your own unique combo of yogurt, granola, and fruit.

o   It’s Statehood Day, celebrate the rich heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your own way.

o   Feeling empowered? Support your favorite brands online or in-store. Grab a coffee and revel in the joy of shopping. Find those special deals or treat yourself to something small.

o   While you’re at it, don’t forget to join the fight against violence towards women. Educate yourself and raise awareness on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

o   Make a difference. End your day on a flavorful note. Whip up a cool gazpacho soup – no cooking required. Enjoy the medley of fresh veggies and herbs in every spoonful. As the day winds down, set a reminder for important tasks. It’s Shopping Reminder Day after all. Plan your week, jot down lists, and stay organized. Cheers to a fulfilling day, however motley it may seem.

πŸ‡ Candace’s Worldwide Vineyard Tour

Week 5: Catalonia, Spain




Theme: “Pilgrim Flame, Vineyard Joy”
Dates: November 26–December 2, 2025
Base: Priorat Region – Gratallops, Porrera, and Falset

πŸ—“️ Wednesday, November 26 – Arrival and Pilgrim Welcome

·         Travel from Sicily to Barcelona ($85 USD flight), then train to Falset ($18 USD).

·         Lodging at Hotel-Hostal Sport Falset (~$82 USD/night).

·         Evening walk through Falset’s old town. Toast with Priorat Garnacha.
Symbolic Act: “Flame of Welcome”—light a candle at the town chapel and name your joy.

πŸ—“️ Thursday, November 27 – Gratallops & Vineyard Blessing

·         Morning visit to Clos Mogador (~$35 USD tasting).

·         Walk the vineyard paths and bless one vine with a pilgrim’s prayer.

·         Lunch at Celler de Gratallops (~$28 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Joy in the Soil”—pour a drop of wine at the roots and speak a blessing.

πŸ—“️ Friday, November 28 – Porrera & Pilgrim’s Table

·         Visit to Vall Llach Winery (~$32 USD tasting).

·         Afternoon journaling at the village overlook.

·         Prepare a shared meal: bread, cheese, olives, and local wine.
Symbolic Act: “Table of Flame”—name one joy that has endured and one that has surprised.

πŸ—“️ Saturday, November 29 – Vineyard Walk & Marian Pause

·         Morning walk through the terraced vineyards of Porrera.



·         Pause at a Marian shrine and offer a silent prayer.

·         Picnic with local produce from Falset market (~$12 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Pilgrim’s Pause”—leave a flower or stone at the shrine.

πŸ—“️ Sunday, November 30 – Montsant Day Trip: Joy and Ascent

·         Day trip to Serra de Montsant Natural Park (~$15 USD transit).

·         Optional hike and reflection at the hermitage of Sant Bartomeu.

·         Tasting at Cellers Scala Dei (~$30 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Ascent of Joy”—write a psalm or poem at the summit.
Mass Option:
Attend Sunday Mass at Church of Santa Maria, Falset
Address: PlaΓ§a de la Quartera, 43730 Falset, Tarragona, Spain
Typical Sunday Mass: 11:00 AM

πŸ—“️ Monday, December 1 – Vineyard Benediction

·         Final tasting at Bodega Mas Martinet (~$28 USD).

·         Write a vineyard blessing for the next traveler.

·         Evening toast with Priorat Reserva.
Symbolic Act: “Catalan Benediction”—bless the hills, send forth the joy.

πŸ—“️ Tuesday, December 2 – Travel Day

·         Depart Catalonia for your next vineyard destination.

πŸ’° Estimated Total Cost: $535 USD
Includes 7 nights lodging, 4 vineyard tastings, 2 symbolic meals, and 1 day trip with transit and picnic.

🍽️ Seven-Course Ritual Meal: Pilgrim Flame, Vineyard Joy

Theme: Priorat warmth, Marian reverence, and vineyard celebration

πŸ₯‚ 1. Aperitivo – “Flame of Welcome”

Dish: Priorat Garnacha Spritz with Roasted Red Pepper Romesco on Crostini



·         Garnacha Spritz inspiration

·         Symbolic Arc: Light the flame, name your joy

🍜 2. Antipasto – “Joy in the Soil”

Dish: Wild Mushroom Croquettes with Black Garlic Aioli

·         Symbolic Arc: Taste what roots have endured

πŸ₯— 3. Primo – “Table of Flame”

Dish: Catalan Escudella-Inspired Pasta with Chickpeas and Greens

·         Symbolic Arc: Share what has nourished you

πŸ– 4. Secondo – “Marian Pause”

Dish: Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Orange Zest

·         Symbolic Arc: Rest in the presence of the holy

🍞 5. Contorno – “Ascent of Joy”

Dish: Olive and Herb Focaccia with Montsant Garnatxa Blanca

·         Symbolic Arc: Rise with gratitude

🍧 6. Dolce – “Catalan Benediction”

Dish: Crema Catalana with Burnt Sugar Crust

·         Symbolic Arc: Let joy break open

🍷 7. Digestivo – “Sending Forth”

Dish: Fig-Stuffed Chocolate Truffles with Priorat Reserva



·         Symbolic Arc: Carry sweetness into the next vineyard



NOVEMBER 25 Tuesday-Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Tuesday Octave of the King- Catherine of Alexandria-33 days

Romans, Chapter 8, Verse 35-39

What will separate us from the love of Christ?

Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?

As it is written: “For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who LOVED us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

This is God’s everlasting love for us. He desires that we seek Him for He never stops seeking us. God created the heavens and the earth in seven days but at Christ resurrection He recreated the heavens and the earth in His blood. This is the new creation in Him, Christ our Lord and all who seek His love and mercy shall receive it.

The day of the Resurrection: the new creation[1]

2174 Jesus rose from the dead "on the first day of the week." Because it is the "first day," the day of Christ's Resurrection recalls the first creation. Because it is the "eighth day" following the Sabbath, it symbolizes the new creation ushered in by Christ's Resurrection. For Christians it has become the first of all days, the first of all feasts, the Lord's Day Sunday:

We all gather on the day of the sun, for it is the first day [after the Jewish Sabbath, but also the first day] when God, separating matter from darkness, made the world; and on this same day Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead.

Sunday - fulfillment of the Sabbath

2175 Sunday is expressly distinguished from the Sabbath which it follows chronologically every week; for Christians its ceremonial observance replaces that of the Sabbath. In Christ's Passover, Sunday fulfills the spiritual truth of the Jewish Sabbath and announces man's eternal rest in God. For worship under the Law prepared for the mystery of Christ, and what was done there prefigured some aspects of Christ:

Those who lived according to the old order of things have come to a new hope, no longer keeping the Sabbath, but the Lord's Day, in which our life is blessed by him and by his death.

2176 The celebration of Sunday observes the moral commandment inscribed by nature in the human heart to render to God an outward, visible, public, and regular worship "as a sign of his universal beneficence to all." Sunday worship fulfills the moral command of the Old Covenant, taking up its rhythm and spirit in the weekly celebration of the Creator and Redeemer of his people.

Copilot’s Take 

Romans 8:35–39 proclaims the unshakable truth that nothing—no suffering, no power, no force in heaven or on earth—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This divine love is not passive or distant; it is active, pursuing, and victorious, even in the face of death and despair. Through Christ’s Resurrection, God not only conquered sin and death but ushered in a new creation—what the Church calls the “eighth day,” the dawn of eternal life. Sunday, the Lord’s Day, becomes the weekly celebration of this new beginning, fulfilling the Sabbath and inviting us into the rhythm of redemption. In this sacred rhythm, we are reminded that God’s love is not bound by time, suffering, or circumstance. It is a love that recreates, renews, and restores—calling us to live as people of the Resurrection, anchored in hope and destined for glory. 

πŸ•Š Tuesday – Octave of Christ the King

Virtue Focus: Generosity
Theme: Giving as a Free Act of Goodness


I. Daily Commitments

  • Attend Mass: In person or via EWTN or online stream
  • Meditate on Marian Virtue: Generosity, as modeled by Mary
  • Fast: Daniel Fast (Monday–Saturday)
  • Exercise: Universal Man Plan – Phase 1

II. Generosity as Marian Virtue

Generosity is the virtue of giving—not taking. It is the free act of offering something of your own to another, without obligation, reward, or self-interest. True generosity requires awareness of your own freedom: I choose to give this gift, and the decision to use that freedom for good: I choose to do good. Mary’s generosity was not transactional, it was transformational. She gave her fiat, her presence, her intercession, and her quiet strength, elevating others through her self-giving love.

III. Jewish Insight: Maimonides’ Ladder of Giving

In Jewish tradition, Maimonides outlines eight levels of charity (Tzedakah), with the highest being the gift that prevents poverty before it begins—empowering others through employment, partnership, or support that preserves dignity. This deepens our understanding of generosity: it is not merely giving what is asked, but anticipating what is needed and giving in a way that uplifts.

IV. What Generosity Is Not

  • Giving to right a wrong is justice
  • Giving out of obligation is reciprocity
  • Giving out of loyalty is solidarity
  • Giving for personal gain is selfishness
  • Giving to someone you love is love
  • Generosity stands apart, it is a free, intentional act of goodness

V. Generosity as Opposition

Generosity actively resists:

·         Hate

·         Contempt

·         Envy

·         Anger

·         Indifference

It restores dignity, builds communion, and reflects the heart of Christ the King.

VI. Generosity in Virtue Pairings

  • Generosity with courage becomes heroism
  • Generosity with justice becomes equity
  • Generosity with compassion becomes benevolence
  • Generosity with mercy becomes leniency
  • Generosity with gentleness becomes kindness

VII. Practical Expressions

  1. Help when you can
  2. Perform random acts of kindness
  3. Give without hope of reward or anticipation of gratitude
  4. Enjoy the virtue of generosity as its own reward

VIII. Closing Reflection

As we fast in the spirit of Daniel, move through the Universal Man Plan, and attend daily Mass, let us give freely—time, encouragement, hospitality, forgiveness—without expectation. Let our generosity echo the King who gave everything without condition, and the Mother who gave herself without hesitation. In this rhythm of giving, we participate in the new creation, the eighth day, and the everlasting love that nothing can separate us from. 

St. Catherine of Alexandria

St. Catherine of Alexandria (November 25th), virgin and martyr. Invoked against diseases of the tongue, protection against a sudden and unprovided death. Patroness of Christian philosophers, of maidens, preachers, wheelwrights and mechanics. She is also invoked by students, orators, and barristers as "the wise counselor."

The account of her martyrdom is legendary and defies every attempt to cull out the historical kernel. Old Oriental sources make no mention of her. In the West her cult does not appear before the eleventh century, when the crusaders made it popular. She became the patroness of philosophical faculties; she is one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers." The breviary offers the following: 

Catherine, virgin of Alexandria, devoted herself to the pursuit of knowledge; at the age of eighteen, she surpassed all her contemporaries in science. Upon seeing how the Christians were being tortured, she went before Emperor Maximin (311-313), upbraided him for his cruelty, and with convincing reasons demonstrated the need of Christian faith in order to be saved. Astounded by her wisdom, the Emperor ordered her to be kept confined, and having summoned the most learned philosophers, promised them magnificent rewards if they could confound the virgin and turn her from belief in Christ. Far from being successful, a considerable number of the philosophers were inflamed by the sound reasons and persuasiveness of Catherine's speech with such a love for Jesus Christ that they declared themselves willing to offer their lives for the Gospel. 

Then the Emperor attempted to win her by flattery and by promises, but his efforts proved equally fruitless. He ordered her whipped with rods, scourged with leaden nodules, and then left to languish eleven days without food in prison. The Emperor's wife and Porphyrius, general of the army, visited Catherine in prison; her words brought both to Christ and later they too proved their love in blood. Catherine's next torture consisted of being placed upon a wheel with sharp and pointed knives; from her lacerated body prayers ascended to heaven and the infernal machine fell to pieces. Many who witnessed the miracle embraced the faith. Finally, on November 25 Christ's servant was beheaded (307 or 312). By the hands of angels her body was carried to Mt. Sinai, where it was interred in the convent which bears her name. 

Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch. 

Patron: Apologists; craftsmen who work with a wheel (potters; spinners; etc.); archivists; attorneys; barristers; dying people; educators; girls; jurists; knife grinders; knife sharpeners; lawyers; librarians; libraries; maidens; mechanics; millers; nurses; old maids; philosophers; potters; preachers; scholars; schoolchildren; scribes; secretaries; spinners; spinsters; stenographers; students; tanners; teachers; theologians; turners; unmarried girls; wheelwrights. 

Things to Do:

  • St. Catherine was invoked by young girls seeking husbands. If you have children, you could use this feast to discuss the qualities of a good spouse. You could bake St. Catherine's wigs and have your discussion as part of the fun (a spoon full of sugar).
  • Read more about St. Catherine.
  • St. Catherine's remains are in St. Katherine's Monastery on Mt. Sinai. The Monastery, a 1,600-year-old fortress at the base of Mt. Sinai, is inhabited by Coptic monks (not in union with Rome). Inside the chapel is believed to be the Burning Bush, through which God first appeared to Moses. Read more about the history of the Church of Alexandria and the Council of Chalcedon where the Coptic Church broke from the bark of Peter and pray for the reunion of all Eastern Churches under the Pope.

33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[2]

Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide

Day 4

On this 4th day seek with all your heart to be grateful for the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church.

Copilot:

Embracing and being grateful for the faith of the Roman Catholic Church can be a profound and enriching spiritual practice. The Church offers a deep well of traditions, teachings, and community support that can help guide and sustain your faith journey. Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude for this faith:

Reflect on the Sacraments

  1. Eucharist: Appreciate the profound significance of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.
  2. Confession: Be thankful for the opportunity to seek forgiveness and start anew.

Engage with the Community

  1. Fellowship: Participate in parish activities and build connections with fellow believers.
  2. Service: Volunteer for church ministries and outreach programs, embodying the spirit of service.

Deepen Your Understanding

  1. Scripture and Catechism: Regularly read and reflect on the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
  2. Spiritual Writings: Explore works by saints and theologians for inspiration and guidance.

Prayer and Meditation

  1. Daily Prayer: Develop a routine of daily prayer, offering thanks for the blessings and challenges in your life.
  2. Meditation: Spend quiet time in meditation, focusing on gratitude and the presence of God.

Celebrating the Liturgical Seasons

  1. Advent and Christmas: Reflect on the anticipation and joy of Christ’s birth.
  2. Lent and Easter: Contemplate the themes of repentance, sacrifice, and resurrection.

Bible in a Year Day 145 The Universal Church

Fr. Mike reveals Solomon's plan of leadership, and how he is aiming to unite the people. He also foreshadows the importance of the temple as a place where Israel can go to worship God as one people. Today's readings are 1 Kings 4, 2 Chronicles 6, and Psalm 65.


Daily Devotions/Practice

·         Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: The sanctification of the Church Militant.

·         Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Universal Man Plan

·         Rosary

Monday, November 24, 2025

 Monday Night at the Movies

πŸ“… Year One: The Way of Witness — Conscience, Community, and Sacrament

Start: November 3, 2025

πŸ”Έ November 2025 – Poverty, Resurrection, and Hidden Grace

  • Nov 24 – Mouchette (1967)

Robert Bresson's Mouchette (1967) is a stark, minimalist portrait of suffering and alienation, offering a deeply Catholic meditation on innocence, sacrifice, and the mystery of grace.


🎬 Film Summary: Mouchette (1967)

  • Setting: A rural French village, bleak and isolating.
  • Protagonist: Mouchette, a teenage girl burdened by poverty, neglect, and abuse.
  • Plot Highlights:
    • Mouchette cares for her dying mother and infant brother while enduring her father's cruelty and her school's rejection.
    • A brief moment of joy at a fair is swiftly interrupted by her father's control.
    • Lost in the woods, she encounters ArsΓ¨ne, a poacher who rapes her after a seizure.
    • She returns home to find her mother dead and faces further humiliation from townspeople.
    • After a series of degrading encounters, she walks to a pond and rolls herself into it—an act of suicide.

✝️ Catholic Lessons and Symbolism

Though Bresson’s approach is more anthropological than doctrinal, Mouchette is rich with Catholic resonance:

1. The Innocent Victim as Christ-Figure

  • Mouchette’s suffering mirrors Christ’s Passion: she is misunderstood, abused, and ultimately sacrificed by society.
  • Her gentle care for her brother and mother evokes Marian tenderness and sacrificial love.

2. The Mystery of Grace

  • Bresson’s Catholicism is subtle but present. He believed in grace as a force that operates mysteriously, even amid despair.
  • Mouchette’s final act—rolling into the water—can be read as a tragic baptism, a return to God through suffering.

3. The Number Three and Trinitarian Echoes

  • The film uses symbolic triads (e.g., three dresses offered by the old woman) to evoke the Trinity and spiritual completeness.

4. Critique of Ritual Without Compassion

  • The villagers’ mechanical religiosity contrasts with their cruelty. Bresson critiques empty ritual divorced from mercy.
  • The churchgoers in black, the funeral preparations, and the shroud all evoke Catholic rites, but lack true charity.

5. Sacrifice and Redemption

  • Mouchette’s suicide, though a mortal sin in Catholic teaching, is framed not as condemnation but as a mirror to societal failure.
  • Bresson invites viewers to reflect on how communities create victims—and whether redemption is possible through empathy.

Christopher’s Corner

·         Foodie: 30 Simple Recipes That Are Warm, Cozy, And Exactly What You Need This November

·         Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels

·         Artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born, 1864

·         Spirit Hour: Snake in the glass

·         MondayLitany of Humility

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Prepping for the Final Days

·         How to celebrate Nov 24th

o   Start your day by stirring up some creativity with a unique talent showcase. Whether it’s juggling, singing, or telling jokes, celebrate your skills and those of your friends on Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day.

§  Keep the positive energy flowing by making fairy bread to share with loved ones on National Fairy Bread Day.

·         Don’t forget to stay fueled with a sardine snack in honor of National Sardines Day.

o   Take a moment to appreciate the flexibility and dedication of shift workers on International Shift Worker Sunday.

§  Support au pairs and their valuable contributions to families on International Au Pair Day.

·         Finally, channel your inner adventurer by researching the mysterious D.B. Cooper case on D.B. Cooper Day.

🌌 Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 5: USA 70-Degree Year Journey

Dates: November 24–December 1, 2025
Theme: Stillness and Advent
Route: Tucson → Verde Valley (Cornville base)
Style: Local pilgrimage, vineyard reflection, and liturgical descent
Climate Alignment: Daily highs 65–70°F

πŸ’° Estimated Cost Overview (Nov 24–Dec 1)

Category

Estimated Cost

Lodging (7 nights)

$0 (home base)

Food (daily meals)

$160

Fuel (local drives)

$40

Symbolic extras

$60

Total Estimate

$260

πŸ•―️ Day 1 – Monday, November 24

Location: Cornville
Symbol: Pilgrim’s Rest
Ritual Prompt: “Rest is holy—received, not earned.”

·         Morning walk along Oak Creek

·         Unpack symbolic items: candle, stone, journal, wine cork

·         Light a candle for the journey’s memory

·         πŸ§Ί Foodie Stop: Simple home meal with bread and wine (~$20)

🌿 Day 2 – Tuesday, November 25

Location: Sedona (local pilgrimage)
Symbol: Threshold of Light
Ritual Prompt: “Advent begins in the dark—with a single light.”

·         Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross for quiet prayer

·         Begin Advent journal: “What do I long for?”

·         πŸ₯— Foodie Stop: Local cafΓ© or picnic with seasonal greens (~$20)

🍷 Day 3 – Wednesday, November 26

Location: Page Springs Vineyards
Symbol: Vine of Remembrance
Ritual Prompt: “The vine remembers the soil—rooted, returning, renewed.”

·         Vineyard walk and wine tasting

·         Reflect on the Eucharistic thread of the journey

·         πŸ‡ Foodie Stop: Charcuterie and wine pairing (~$25)

πŸ¦ƒ Day 4 – Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving)

Location: Cornville
Symbol: Table of Gratitude
Ritual Prompt: “Gratitude is Eucharist—broken, shared, remembered.”

·         Prepare a symbolic Thanksgiving meal

·         Share stories, prayers, and toasts from the road

·         πŸ›‹️ Stay: Home base

·         πŸ½️ Foodie Stop: Shared feast with local produce (~$30)

🌌 Day 5 – Friday, November 28

Location: Jerome
Symbol: Descent and Ascent
Ritual Prompt: “The soul descends to rise—through shadow, through song.”

·         Visit Holy Family Church and hillside ruins

·         Write reflection: “What has been redeemed?”

·         πŸ₯˜ Foodie Stop: Haunted Hamburger or Clinkscale (~$25)

πŸ•Š️ Day 6 – Saturday, November 29

Location: Cornville
Symbol: Silence Before the Song
Ritual Prompt: “Before the carol, there is silence. Before the feast, the fast.”

·         Morning fast or quiet retreat

·         Prepare Advent wreath or altar

·         πŸ§Ί Foodie Stop: Simple soup and bread supper (~$15)

🌠 Day 7 – Sunday, November 30 (First Sunday of Advent)

Location: Cornville
Symbol: Candle of Hope
Ritual Prompt: “Hope is the first flame—fragile, faithful, enough.”

·         Light first Advent candle

·         Attend Mass or Eucharistic celebration

·         Write blog post: “From Borderlands to Bethlehem”

·         πŸ· Foodie Stop: Vineyard brunch or home communion meal (~$25)

🧳 Day 8 – Monday, December 1

Closing Day
Symbol: Benediction of the Journey
Ritual Prompt: “The journey ends in stillness—blessed, broken, beloved.”

·         Final journal entry: “What I carry into Advent”

·         Toast with symbolic drink (wine, cider, or limoncello)

·         Begin planning next cycle: “Where will the light lead next?”

πŸ‹ 1. Aperitif – Candlelight Sip

Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
A bright, citrusy opener to toast the journey.
πŸ”— Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail – Inside the Rustic Kitchen

🍞 2. Starter – Bread of the Road

Rustic Sourdough with Olive Oil and Herbed Salt
Simple, sustaining, and perfect for breaking together.
πŸ”— Rustic Sourdough Bread – The Clever Carrot

🍲 3. Soup – Creekside Stillness

Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Nutmeg
Warm and earthy, ideal for reflective stillness.
πŸ”— Butternut Squash Soup – Cookie and Kate

πŸ₯— 4. Salad – Greens of Longing

Arugula, Pear, and Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Seasonal and crisp, echoing Advent’s yearning.
πŸ”— Arugula Pear Salad – The Fed Up Foodie

πŸ— 5. Main – Eucharistic Harvest

Roasted Chicken with Cranberry Compote and Wild Rice
A hearty centerpiece that honors abundance and memory.
πŸ”— Cranberry Chicken and Wild Rice – Taste of Home

πŸ§€ 6. Cheese & Fruit – Remembrance Pairings

Goat Cheese with Fig Preserves and Grapes
Elegant and symbolic of vineyard reflection.
πŸ”— Goat Cheese and Fig Preserves – Southern Living

🍎 7. Dessert – Hope’s Flame

Spiced Apple Tart with Whipped Cream
Sweetness of promise and Advent’s first light.

πŸ”— Spiced Apple Tart – Sally’s Baking Recipes


NOVEMBER 24 Monday Octave of the King

33 Days-Sardine Day

 

Romans, Chapter 8, Verse 28

We know that all things work for good for those who LOVE God, who are called according to his purpose.

 

The spirit filled life does not promise us success and that everything will be rosy, but it does free us from the law of sin and death. Paul tells us that there is a difference between Christian mentoring and worldly mentoring. 

Spirit Filled Life[1]

 

Christians somehow even in the mist of challenges have lives of liberty, hope and power because the Holy Spirit guides our lives. This is the gift of the Father and the Son. Observe how the Holy Spirit navigates life for us:

 

1.      He intercedes and groans for us (Rom. 8:22)

2.      He directs and testifies to us (John 16:13)

3.      He empowers and anoints for service (Acts 1:8)

4.      He searches and enables us to discern (Rom. 8:26)

5.      He confirms, and bears witness with us (Rom. 8:14)

Copilot’s Take

On this Monday in the Octave of the King, Romans 8:28 reminds us that even in the midst of uncertainty, those who love God are never outside His purpose. The Spirit-filled life does not guarantee comfort or worldly success, but it does offer a deeper freedom—a liberation from the law of sin and death, and a life guided by the Holy Spirit. Like sardines pressed together in oil, the faithful are preserved, anointed, and sent out in unity. The Spirit groans with us, testifies to truth, empowers our service, discerns the depths, and confirms our belonging. In this way, even the smallest offering—like a humble sardine—becomes a symbol of divine purpose, communal strength, and spiritual nourishment.

πŸ•Š️Monday-Octave of Christ the King

A Personal Retreat: From Solemnity to the First Sunday of Advent

Though the Church does not formally observe an Octave of Christ the King, I propose a personal retreat—eight days of spiritual dedication, inspired by ancient Christian rhythms. The “eighth day” (octava dies) has long symbolized resurrection, baptism, and new creation. From Constantine’s eight-day basilica dedications to the joyful post-baptismal retreats of the fourth century, octaves have marked sacred transitions. This retreat will serve as a bridge from Christ’s kingship to Advent’s anticipation.

πŸ“œ Structure of the Retreat

  • Daily Mass: In person or via EWTN/online stream
  • Virtue Meditation: One Marian virtue per day—Humility, Generosity, Chastity, Patience, Temperance, Understanding/Love, Wisdom
  • Daniel Fast: Monday through Saturday
  • Physical Stewardship: Daily movement via the Universal Man Plan

🌿 Day 1: Humility

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

Humility is not weakness—it is spiritual precision. It is the ability to see oneself clearly, neither inflated nor diminished, and to live in right relationship with God and others. Jesus modeled this perfectly: speaking truth to power, washing feet, and embracing the cross without losing authority. Humility is the foundation of assertiveness, self-worth, and spiritual maturity. It allows us to listen without judgment, ask for help without shame, and lead without pride.

To cultivate humility today:

  • Listen deeply: Let others speak without rushing to solve or correct.
  • Practice mindfulness: Accept your faults and gifts without harsh judgment.
  • Be grateful: Count your blessings and name them aloud.
  • Ask for help: Recognize when you need support and receive it with grace.
  • Review your pride: Gently name moments of vanity or smugness and offer them to God.

In a world that prizes performance, humility is a radical act of trust. It says: I am not the center, but I am beloved. I do not have all the answers, but I am guided. I am not more or less than others—I am part of the Body.

33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[2]

Day 3 – Faithful to the Resurrection

Theme: Seek with all your soul to be faithful to the resurrection of Christ.

To be faithful to the resurrection is to live as if death has been defeated and hope has the final word. It is not merely a belief—it is a way of being. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Eucharistic glory, and today we are invited to anchor our lives in its power.

πŸ” Deepen Your Understanding

  • Scripture Study: Meditate on 1 Corinthians 15 and the resurrection accounts in the Gospels. Let the words shape your imagination and renew your trust.
  • Theological Reflection: Explore works like Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright to grasp the resurrection’s cosmic and personal significance.

πŸ™ Live Out Your Faith

  • Prayer: Begin and end your day with prayer centered on resurrection hope. Ask Christ to raise what feels dead within you.
  • Service: Let resurrection faith move you outward. Serve someone today—through kindness, presence, or practical help.

πŸ•Š️ Join the Body of Christ

  • Worship: Attend Mass or stream a liturgy. Let the Eucharist be your weekly resurrection encounter.
  • Fellowship: Connect with others. Share your journey. Consider forming or joining a small group to walk these 33 days together.

πŸͺž Reflective Practices

  • Meditation: Sit in silence. Imagine the empty tomb. Let the Spirit speak resurrection into your doubts.
  • Journaling: Write about where you see resurrection in your life—new beginnings, restored relationships, renewed courage.

Small Group Invitation
Want to walk this journey with others? Download the 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide and invite a few friends to join you. Resurrection is not a solo path—it’s a communal rising.

Bible in a Year Day 144 David's Last Words

Fr. Mike looks into David's last words to his son Solomon and explains why it could have been hard for him to take David's advice. He also points out the important role of the mother of the king, and how this will foreshadow the role of Mary in the New Testament. Today's readings are 1 Kings 2, 2 Chronicles 2-3, and Psalm 62. 

Sardine Day[3] 

As an amazing source of B12 and Omega Fatty Acids, turning your nose up at sardines could prevent you from enjoying a delicious addition to your meal. Sardine Day is your opportunity to learn about these little fish and how you may already have been enjoying them without knowing. Sardines originally got their name from the Mediterranean Island of Sardinia. The English got this term from Grecian history, where the word was used to describe the red color of the fish and the region of the sea where they were popularized. A large number of nutrients found in this fish, combined with the efficacy with which they could be packaged and shipped turned them into an important trade item in the region for centuries. 

Sardines are used in many dishes and are closely related to the anchovies that are served with Caesar Salad and as a base flavor in Worcestershire sauce. They’re also one of the main ingredients in “Gentleman’s Relish” a popular sardine-based spread used in England for many dishes, or just served up on buttered bread. 

How to celebrate Sardines Day 

The best way to celebrate Sardines Day is to attempt to overcome your fear of this delicious fish. They typically come in tins, pickled or packed in oil, or even packed in with mustard to preserve them. Thousands of recipes exist that call for these fish in either their fresh or canned form. A traditional Caesar Salad starts with a sardine being pressed into the wood of the bowl it’s served in to provide a slightly fishy flavor, with those who prefer a stronger flavor having two sardines used. 

They’re popularly served as part of a lunchtime snack, often with tomato and fresh avocado on top of a crisp cracker and a sardine. They’re also commonly added to soups and sandwiches to bolster their flavor. In fact, if you’ve ever had soup with a fish-based broth, it is likely the sardine that was used to create the fish stock. You’ve been enjoying sardines for ages, and Sardines Day is a great opportunity for you to find out how much you love sardines!

AI Overview

Learn more…

National Sardine Day is celebrated on November 24th to honor the small, oily fish that are related to herrings. Sardines are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including:

·         B2

·         Niacin

·         Vitamin B12

·         Phosphorus

·         Calcium

·         Potassium

·         Iron

·         Selenium

·         Omega-3 fatty acids

·         Vitamin D 

Sardines can be eaten in many ways, including:

·         On their own

·         With crackers

·         Grilled

·         Pickled

·         Smoked

·         In salads

·         Tossed with pasta and marinara sauce 

Sardines were once a major food source in the Mediterranean islands, which is where the name comes from. They have also become a cultural symbol in Portugal, representing national identity and resilience.  

Daily Devotions/Practice

·         Today's Fast: Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: An end to the use of contraceptives.

·         Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Universal Man Plan

·         Rosary.


Domus Vinea Mariae

Domus Vinea Mariae
Home of Mary's Vineyard

Bourbon & Cigars

Bourbon & Cigars
Smoke in this Life not the Next