Calendar Class of May 17, 2025

A Carpe Diem:

“Singing is the sound of the soul stretching.” – Mary Chapin Carpenter

A few hours ago, the girls and I sang with the school choir in an international music competition held at the Seraphicum. Under the passionate and dedicated direction of Maestra Sara, the bambini beautifully performed several songs in different languages. "Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho" was probably the most fun, both to sing and to watch.

Singing really is good for the soul, and for social bonding, but it goes even farther than that-- music and singing actually alter the brain. Also, the type of music repeatedly taken in through the ears affects the emotions, which in turn influences the subsequent actions taken based on the emotions that the music elicits. And that's just the effect of the sound and vibrations of the music, not even considering the effects of the lyrics. Words, particularly words that we memorize by heart (which is pretty easy to do in the form of rhythmic lyrics), both consciously and subconsciously influence our prejudices and perspectives, in the same way that consistently repeated prayers, mantras, or affirmations shape our sense of identity.

If you want to take a deep dive into this topic, here's a Huberman lab podcast episode on how to use music to boost motivation, mood, and improve learning.

Liturgical: Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

John 14:7-14

Sanctoral: The Roman Martyrology commemorates St. Paschal Baylon (1540-1592), who lived and died in the kingdom of Aragon, Spain. He spent his early years as a shepherd and often gave religious instruction to the shepherds on the hills of Aragon. At the age of twenty-four, he entered the Franciscan Order and embraced the humble, austere life of a lay brother. He was noted for his devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Pope Leo XIII declared him protector of all Eucharistic Congresses and works.

Human: Death of Sandro Botticelli (artist; works include the painting "Birth of Venus”) – 1510, and John Jay (first Chief Justice of the U.S.) – 1829

A video on the legacy of Botticelli

A video on the legacy of John Jay

Natural: In keeping with our flower fairies theme of May, here are two recipes (nectar and flowers) for feeding flower fairies... I mean hummingbirds (the closest creature to resemble fairies in the natural world!).

Italian: What Does “Prego” Mean in Italian? – 7 Possible Translations

Quote: Some quotes on singing from famous singers of different genres

“Be like the bluebird who never is blue, for he knows from his upbringing what singing can do.”– Cole Porter

“To sing is an expression of your being, a being which is becoming.”– Maria Callas

“When I sing, I believe. I’m honest. If you want to get an audience with you, there’s only one way. You have to reach out to them with total honesty and humility.”– Frank Sinatra

“I’m not a great singer, but I have fun doing it. And worse, so do the people listening.”– Kenny Rogers