Calendar Class of May 23, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

Have you ever met an author of an encyclopedia? Fortunately, some encyclopedias are still being printed in our digital age, and the author I am speaking with in this photo has created not just one, but several of them! The author in question is Dr. Matthew Bunson, and the occasion I had to meet him was the launch of his new book, Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope. Bunson explained that, as a citizen of both the United States and Peru, Leo XIV really is a bridge between the Americas, hence the title of his book. Dr. Bunson was already very familiar with Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost and was therefore able to pull this book together with remarkable speed following the election. Here is a link to the new book, and here is a link to all of Dr. Bunson's encyclopedias and other works!

Liturgical: Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

John 15:12-17

Sanctoral: Gregory VII (c. 1025 – May 25, 1085)

The Gregorian Reform, a milestone in the history of Christ’s Church, was named after this man who tried to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ, and expressed in the bishop of Rome, the successor of Saint Peter.

The Roman Martyrology commemorates St. John Baptist de Rossi (1698-1764), who was from Genoa, and studied and worked in Rome before becoming a priest there and a canon of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. He worked tirelessly for homeless women, the sick, prisoners and workers, and was a very popular confessor, being called a second Philip Neri.

Human: Tubilustrium was celebrated today in ancient Rome (also on March 23). It was a festival of musicians, in honor of Vulcan, responsible for the process of producing trumpets, during which trumpets used most often during public and religious ceremonies were blessed. (Bring on the tubas!)

Natural: It's the birthday of the man who gave nature its Latin names, Carolus Linnaeus (botanist) – 1707

Italian: Lucciola (firefly)

Quote: "He who gives you the day, also gives you the things necessary for the day."

--St. Gregory of Nyssa