Calendar Class of May 11, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

This morning we joined a bountiful medley of marching bands in Piazza San Pietro for the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment, which stayed on schedule thanks to the election of a new pope. It was Leone XIV's first Angelus address, and, to the delight of everyone, he sang the Regina Caeli himself loudly and proudly. As we waited for the noon Angelus, a marching band from Naples came past us singing, shaking tambourines, and playing the accordion, all led by a costumed toddler in a stroller, pushed by her pony-tailed father. I'm certain that it was the liveliest, most eye-catching, and jubilant of all the jubilee groups coming to Rome on pilgrimage this year!

Liturgical: Fourth Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)

Jesus said:

“My sheep hear my voice;

I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.

No one can take them out of my hand.

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,

and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.

The Father and I are one.”

John 10:27-30

BISHOP BARRON’S SUNDAY SERMON: “The Voice in the Depths of Your Soul”

Fr. Plant's Homily-Scripture Study: The Father and I are One

These short videos from Fr. Plant, this one being no exception, are incredibly enriching, looking at the Sunday Mass readings from a historical, theological, philosophical, anthropological, and psychological perspective.

Sanctoral: Saint Ignatius of Laconi, Sardegna +1781

Saint Ignatius of Laconi, a Capuchin friar from Sardinia, embodied a mission of devotion and service during his religious life, characterized by a profound humility and dedication to the needy. Having become a friar after a serious illness that led him to reflect on his life, Ignatius adopted an existence of extreme poverty, living in accordance with the Franciscan ideals of simplicity and helping others. His mission manifested itself daily through questua, a practice in which he asked for alms not only to support his community, but also to assist the poor and sick people he encountered. His presence was a comfort to many; through his prayers and his example of life, Ignatius communicated a profound trust in divine providence and in the importance of love and service to others. The life of St. Ignatius of Laconi is an illuminating example of how faithfulness to a spiritual calling can transform the life of a community. Through his quiet but impactful commitment, he left a lasting legacy of compassion and devotion, showing that true mission can be lived through gestures of daily generosity and humble service.

Human: Happy Mother's Day! Here's how it all started.

Natural: How to arrange a beautiful bouquet of flowers (for your mother!)

Italian: Rimanere di stucco (to be flabbergasted) I wish I had known this expression before the election of an American pope so that I could have used it to describe my reaction to the Italians around me in the Piazza di San Pietro!

Quote: "The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother."

---Saint Therese of Lisieux