Calendar Class of March 31, 2025
- Andrea Kirk Assaf
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
This morning, I received Nature Study Notes from Sheila Carroll in my inbox and began reading aloud to the girls all about azolla, "a floating quilt that cooled the earth." What I love about these lessons is the way Sheila weaves her personal narrative of childhood experiences and reflections with scientific discovery and insight into the techniques and rewards of nature study practices. The goal is to see the world with new eyes so that it is better understood, appreciated, and stewarded. All day long I was itching to get to the park for a nature study of a pond, inspired by Sheila's suggestions in the lesson, but work and strong winds kept us close to home. Thankfully, the wisteria in full bloom is right within reach and impossible to ignore. It's the prettiest, most fragrant invasive vine I ever met.
Liturgical: Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent Mass readings and Bishop Barron's Gospel reflections
You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Psalm 30
Sanctoral: Stephen of Mar Saba, +794
Stephen of Mar Saba was the nephew of Saint John Damascene, who introduced the young boy to monastic life beginning at age 10. When he reached 24, Stephen served the community in a variety of ways, including guest master. After some time he asked permission to live a hermit’s life. The answer from the abbot was yes and no: Stephen could follow his preferred lifestyle during the week, but on weekends he was to offer his skills as a counselor. Stephen placed a note on the door of his cell: “Forgive me, Fathers, in the name of the Lord, but please do not disturb me except on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Despite his calling to prayer and quiet, Stephen displayed uncanny skills with people and was a valued spiritual guide. His biographer and disciple wrote about Stephen: “Whatever help, spiritual or material, he was asked to give, he gave. He received and honored all with the same kindness. He possessed nothing and lacked nothing. In total poverty he possessed all things.” Stephen died in 794.
Human: Birthday of Rene Descartes (philosopher) – 1596
Roman history today:
250 AD – Emperor Constantius Chlorus was born. He was born in a poor family in Illyria, he made a career, as many at that time, serving in the army. Year 293 AD he was adopted by Maximian and received the title of Caesar. He looked after Gaul and Britain, from the capital in Trier. On 1 May 305 AD he was granted the title Augustus. He died a year later in an expedition against the Picts and Scots in Eboracum. He was a monotheist who considered the Sun Invincible (Sol Invictus) to be the only God.
307 AD – Emperor Constantine the Great married Fausta, the daughter of the former emperor, Maximian.
Natural: Ever heard of Azolla filiculoides? I had no idea that this tiny fern played such a gigantic role in giving us a habitable earth...until today. Read this fascinating piece by Sheila Carroll.
Italian: Tegola (roof tile / blow)
Calendar Trivia: Julian period
A period of 7,980 years beginning January 1, 4713 b.c. Devised in 1583 by Joseph Scaliger, it provides a chronological basis for the study of ancient history. To find the Julian year, add 4,713 to any year.
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