Calendar Class of October 4, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

Splendorem Missae capere! Seize the splendor of the Mass! We were privileged to attend the Mass of Ordination of Deacons from the Pontifical North American College yesterday evening. I included a short video on IG. Congratulations, new deacons, our Church is blessed to have your service!

Liturgical: Readings for the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, Religious

Fear not, my children; call out to God!

He who brought this upon you will remember you. As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God,

turn now ten times the more to seek him; For he who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy.

Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29

Sanctoral: The Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) is celebrated universally today. Francis Bernardone was born and died in Assisi. He was the son of a rich merchant, Pietro Bernardone, received a good education, and in the beginning followed the ways of the world. He was taken prisoner in the battle between the Assisians and Perugians, and after his release decided to abandon everything for Christ. His father became extremely displeased at his action, and disinherited him. In 1220 he founded a new order which in ten years numbered five thousand brothers. His followers were called Friars Minor because they were to consider themselves as the least among religious. Out of humility Francis never accepted the priesthood but remained a deacon all his life. He had a great love for God's creatures and called them his brothers and sisters. His ardent love of God merited for him the name of Seraphic. He is also nicknamed God's Fool and Il Poverello (The little poor one).

Human: Astronomers Adam Riess, Saul Perlmutter and Brian Schmidt were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their studies on the expansion of the Universe. By studying exploding stars, they found that the rate of expansion is accelerating due to a force known as dark energy. – 2011

Natural: The natural beauty of Umbria that shaped St. Francis, patron saint of ecology

Umbria is the green heart of Italy, but also its spiritual heart. The symbol of this spirituality is Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis and destination of pilgrims from all over the world and of the Via di Francesco (Saint Francis’ Way).

Italian: The Umbrian dialect of St. Francis in which he wrote the "Canticle of the Sun". Also, some info on the extinct Umbrian language

Quote: A memento mori from St. Francis

“Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”