Calendar Class of May 30, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

Here's another example of the far-reaching legacy of one great individual, and in this case the individual is St. John Paul the Great! Ending their pilgrimage with an early morning Mass in front of the tomb of their school's namesake are the students and principal of St. John Paul the Great High School from Texas. Inspired by members of the "John Paul II generation", this school has been coming to Rome on pilgrimage with us for over ten years. It's been a whirlwind of a little over a week for them, and an experience that will continue to bear fruit long after they've said "Arrivederci, Roma!" Being a pilgrim can be quite grueling, with early mornings and late evenings, and sometimes long, weary walks in wet shoes. It's often difficult to fully appreciate the importance of a moment while you are physically in it, with all the inherent distractions of being a human, especially fatigue. Hence, the Carpe Diem Snapshot- a moment frozen in time to recall and reflect upon the invisible threads-- past, present, and future-- that are interwoven in this image.

Liturgical: Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

So you also are now in anguish.

But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,

and no one will take your joy away from you.

On that day you will not question me about anything.

John 16:20-23

Today is DAY TWO of the Pentecost Holy Spirit Novena

Sanctoral: Joan of Arc (January 6, 1412 – May 30, 1431)

“Joan of Arc is like a shooting star across the landscape of French and English history, amid the stories of the Church’s saints and into our consciousness. Women identify with her; men admire her courage. She challenges us in fundamental ways. Despite the fact that more than 500 years have passed since she lived, her issues of mysticism, calling, identity, trust and betrayal, conflict and focus are our issues still.” (Joan of Arc: God’s Warrior by Barbara Beckwith)

Saint Joan of Arc is the Patron Saint of: France, Military Members

St. Dymphna is also commemorated today. She was the daughter of a pagan Celtic chieftain and a Christian. She fled from home on the death of her mother to escape the incestuous interest of her father and went to Antwerp accompanied by her confessor, St. Gerebernus, and two companions. They then built an oratory at Gheel where they lived as hermits. Tracked down by Dymphna's father, the two companions and the priest were murdered by his men, and Dymphna was beheaded by her father when she refused to return with him.

The Church also commemorates St. Hubert, priest (656-727). He was known for his excellent preaching and his generosity to the poor and was the first bishop of Liege. He is best known as the patron saint of hunters, especially those of French heritage.

Human: 1431 Hundred Years' War: 19-year-old Joan of Arc is burned at the stake by an English-dominated tribunal in Rouen, France

1539 Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto's expedition of 10 ships and 700 men lands in Florida

Natural: The deeper the soil, the deeper the roots will go, allowing plants to take in more water and nutrients on their own. So, when using a tiller or plow, turn over a good 10 to 12 inches of soil. (There's a lesson in that...)

Italian: Tuttavia (however / yet)

Quote: “Without the grace of God I should not know how to do anything.”

--St. Joan of Arc (More quotes and information about her trials can be found through that link. A lovely statue of St. Joan can be found in the French national church in Rome, San Luigi dei Francese.)

Etc.: The Vatican has rolled out a new website!