Calendar Class of June 5, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

Valentina and I were fortunate enough to visit the art studio of a "Baroque-style" artist yesterday, our new friend Philippe Casanova. He and his wife Maria hosted us in their living room, which is also the art studio! The apartment itself is a work of art, as Philippe has applied various techniques to the walls and door frames, creating a bel composto space. Needless to say, Valentina felt right at home, particularly when the cats emerged from their slumber to socialize a bit. You can see Philippe's paintings in Rome at two churches connected with his namesake, St. Philip Neri. One is Chiesa Nuova and the other is Santissima Trinita dei Pellegrini.

Liturgical: Readings for the Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage.

For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem,

so you must also bear witness in Rome."

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

Continue praying the Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit.

Sanctoral:The Church celebrates the Memorial St. Boniface (c. 673-680-754). Boniface was a monk of Exeter in England. Boniface is one of the great figures of the Benedictine Order and of the monastic apostolate in the Middle Ages. Gregory II sent him to preach the Gospel in Germany. He evangelized Hesse, Saxony and Thuringia and became Archbishop of Mainz. He well earned the title of Apostle of Germany, and Catholic Germany in our own times still venerates him as its father in the faith. He was put to death by the Frisians at Dokkum in 754 during the last of his missionary journeys. The famous abbey of Fulda, where his body lies, has remained the national shrine of Catholic Germany.

Human: Death of Ray Bradbury (science fiction author) – 2012

466 BC – the temple of Dius Fidius was dedicated on the Quirinal Hill- perhaps where the palace of the president of Italy is now erected. Dius Fidius was one of Jupiter’s forms, a guardian of truth, oaths and their guarantor. Therefore, in colloquial speech the phrase medius fidius was frequently used, which was the equivalent of our “by God” or “I promise.”

Natural: World Environment Day

One Day to Save the World. In 1972, the United Nations General Assembly established this observance to raise environmental awareness across the globe. Beginning in 1974, the observance has been held annually on June 5, a date that commemorates the start of the landmark 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, in Stockholm, Sweden. Each year, World Environment Day focuses on a particularly pressing environmental issue, such as wildlife conservation, climate change, or our vital connection to nature. For official celebrations, a different host country is chosen yearly. In addition, many other countries also hold events, such as bicycle parades and tree planting. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead, American anthropologist (1901–78)

Italian: Allucinante (shocking / amazing)

Quote: "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them." --Ray Bradbury