Calendar Class of November 29, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

Carpe Patronum Sanctum! Thanks to Jay, the patron saint of the Villa Magnolia has been rescued from the creeping vines and brought back to the light. This lovely bronze relief of St. Anthony of Padua graces the wall near the entrance ramp, greeting all who enter. Our patron, so famous for helping those who pray for his intercession to find lost things, is one of the elements of the genius loci of the villa, along with the snails, the pets, the bonfire, the porches, the large dining/common room, the spacious windows that provide a panoramic view of umbrella pines, cypresses, and magnolias, and so on... I had never really thought of having a patron saint for a property until we took up residence in Villa Magnolia, but it does seem fitting that this home that hosts so many pilgrims here to find their roots in Rome should benefit from the heavenly aid of the saint who helps so many find what they are looking for.

Liturgical: Saturday of the 34th Week of Ordinary Time

Luke 21:34-36

“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Sanctoral: Blessed Denis of the Nativity (1600-1638) was born as Pierre Berthelotin in France and became a sailor at the age of twelve. He had a successful career as pilot-in-chief and cartographer in service to the Kings of France and Portugal, even being knighted for bravery. He later chose the religious life and became a Carmelite friar, taking the name Dionysius (Denis) of the Nativity. He was sent by his superiors on a diplomatic and missionary mission to the Sultan of Aceh (Sumatra). Once there, all the members of his party were seized at the instigation of the Dutch authorities. They were tortured by their Islamic captors and were told to renounce their Catholic faith and become Muslims. They refused and were martyred. St Denis was martyred last, as he desired, in order to be able to strengthen the others. He was killed by a scimitar blow that split his head in two. His last words were: “Jesus, Mary.”

Human: Birthday of Louisa May Alcott (author) – 1832 and C. S. Lewis (novelist) – 1898!!

English was used for the first time during a U.S. Catholic Mass. – 1964

Megamouth shark caught off Catalina Island, California – 1984

Natural: How to Grow Microgreens at Home: A Beginner's Guide

Italian: 15 Fun Italian Idioms You’ll Love Using

Why just say something “clearly” when you could declare it papal papal and make it sound like a divine decree? Or call a silly argument “pointless” when you could roll your eyes and dismiss it as goat’s wool?

In Italian, idioms like these are everywhere, making our speech super colourful… though they often sound hilariously nonsensical when translated literally!

Quote: "Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus directs us to be vigilant about his coming again. But his words also warn us to prepare for the day of our coming before him in death. On that day, our world will end. How are we going to deal with that day? 

Most of our interests, pursuits, and entertainments are designed to stave off this question. And this is why so many of the spiritual masters emphasize the importance of forcing ourselves to address this matter. St. Benedict tells his monks to hold their own death before their mind’s eye every day. All forms of prayer are, in one sense, coming face-to-face with eternal things.Be a person of steady and regular prayer; don’t allow your relationship with the Lord to fall into disrepair. Avail yourself regularly of the sacrament of reconciliation; bring your sins before Christ and seek his forgiveness. Don’t let grudges and resentments fester; keep your relationships in good repair. Memento mori; following the Christian spiritual tradition, regularly 'remember your death.'"

--Bishop Barron, from today's Gospel reflections