Calendar Class of June 30, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

This morning was the final kaffeeklatsch with Fr. Tom after his final daily Mass. As you go forward into your next season of life, Fr. Tom, never forget that "where there is coffee, there is hope."

Liturgical: Monday of the 13th Week of Ordinary Time

"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Matthew 8:18-22

Sanctoral: First Martyrs of the Church of Rome (d. 64)

There were Christians in Rome within a dozen or so years after the death of Jesus, though they were not the converts of the “Apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 15:20). Paul had not yet visited them at the time he wrote his great letter in 57-58 A.D.

There was a large Jewish population in Rome. Probably as a result of controversy between Jews and Jewish Christians, the Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Rome in 49-50 A.D. Suetonius the historian says that the expulsion was due to disturbances in the city “caused by the certain Chrestus” [Christ]. Perhaps many came back after Claudius’ death in 54 A.D. Paul’s letter was addressed to a Church with members from Jewish and Gentile backgrounds.

In July of 64 A.D., more than half of Rome was destroyed by fire. Rumor blamed the tragedy on Nero, who wanted to enlarge his palace. He shifted the blame by accusing the Christians. According to the historian Tacitus, many Christians were put to death because of their “hatred of the human race.” Peter and Paul were probably among the victims.

Threatened by an army revolt and condemned to death by the senate, Nero committed suicide in 68 A.D. at the age of 31.

Human: Birthday of Harry Blackstone Jr. (magician) – 1934, born in Michigan (my Dad knew him and was his guest at the Magic Castle in Hollywood!). Shout out to my favorite magician Sean in Rome! :); Michigan Territory was established – 1805

Natural: A leap second was added to the world’s atomic clocks to keep up with the slowing rotation of the earth – 2012; The first photo of a confirmed baby planet (PDS 70b) was announced – 2018

Italian: Snello (slender / slim)

Quote: “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”

– T. S. Eliot