Calendar Class of October 20, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

Carpe Florentia! Cultural Debris Excursions took us to Florence today, and on a hike up to the top of the Duomo, where I got an up-close view of the incredible "Last Judgment" frescoes begun by Giorgio Vasari, and completed by Federico Zuccari (1579). They were remarkably similar in style and theme to Michelangelo's "Last Judgment " in the Sistine Chapel (1541) and Signorelli's "Last Judgment" in the San Brizio chapel in the Orvieto Duomo (1502). All three were inspired by the great Florentine poet Gabriel Dante, whose words first painted images in their minds with his magnum opus, The Divine Comedy. At lunch today I was asked to choose and read a poem, and Dante seemed the obvious choice. I read stanzas from "Vita Nova" (see Etc. category), and learned that just as The Divine Comedy inspired "The Last Judgment," so too did "Vita Nova" (1294) inspire the creation of The Divine Comedy (1320). Beauty breeds more beauty and knowledge breeds new insight. And that is why we, and so many before us, went to Florence-- to witness, in person, that which has inspired so much greatness.

Liturgical: Monday of the 29th Week of Ordinary Time

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”

Luke 18:1-8

Sanctoral: The US calendar celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775), who devoted himself to the service of the poor and the sick. He is best known for his apostolic zeal and his great penances. He founded the Congregation of the Passionists. (St. Paul's Optional Memorial on the General Roman Calendar is October 19, but USA particular calendar transfers it to the next day.)

Human: 1827 “Battle of Navarino – a combined Turkish and Egyptian armada is destroyed by an allied British, French, and Russian naval force in the port of Navarino in Pylos, Greece. The most important result of this battle is the end of the Greek Liberation War and the affirmation of independence of modern Greece.”

Natural:

Carpe carne! The Chianina is a large, white Italian cattle breed from the Val di Chiana, known for its imposing size and high-quality meat. It is one of the oldest breeds, historically used for work and meat, and is characterized by its pure white coat, black skin and mucous membranes, and strong, muscular build. Today, it is prized for its meat, famously used in dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina (above). 

Italian: Capatina (quick visit)

Capatina is normally accompanied by the verb fare (to make / do), which means to make a quick visit, to drop by or to pop in.

fare una capatina al bar = to stop by the café

Etc.: The three "Last Judgments"-- in Florence, in Rome, and in Orvieto.

"Vita Nova" in translation and some background information.

Quote: "I've known Florence long, sir, but I've never known her so lovely as to-night. It's as if the ghosts of her past were abroad in the empty streets. The present is sleeping; the past hovers about us like a dream made visible". --Henry James

"In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise."

-Virgil Thomas

"Through these old streets I wander dreamily; Around me Florence sweeps her busy tide of life.”

-William Leighton

"Among the four old bridges that span the river, the Ponte Vecchio, that bridge which is covered with the shops of jewelers and goldsmiths, is a most enchanting feature in the scene. The space of one house, in the center, being left open, the view beyond, is shown as in a frame; and that precious glimpse of sky, and water, and rich buildings, shining so quietly among the huddled roofs and gables on the bridge, is exquisite”.

-Charles Dickens