Calendar Class of September 23, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

Carpe Arbore! The tree-huggers in this photo are measuring one of the oldest trees in the State of Michigan, a pine well over three hundred years old. Unlike those at Hartwick Pines, this one does't get a lot of hugs or visitors. Located on the 1,000+ acres of the retreat center of the Companions of Christ the Lamb in Paradise in the U.P., we only found out about it thanks to Fr. Jack, pictured here, who has been developing this land for over 35 years.

Liturgical: Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 8:19-21

Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd.

And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Sanctoral: St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887–1968) was born to peasant farmers in southern Italy. By the time he was 5 years old he practiced a life of penance and made the decision to give himself completely to God. He grew up working in the fields, and at the age of 19 joined the Capuchin Franciscan friars. His Franciscan spirituality was characterized by a life of poverty, love of nature, and charity to those in need, especially to those who were his "spiritual children." St. Padre Pio had many spiritual gifts and was a great miracle-worker.

Human: Birthday of Kublai Khan, 1215. As Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, Kublai reigned from 1260 to 1294 over one fifth of the world's inhabited land area. He was the grandson of Genghis Khan, the founder and first great leader of the Mongol Empire.

Roman history today--

431 BC– dedication of the Temple of Apollo. It was erected on the Campus Martius, later it was repeatedly rebuilt. To this day, there are three columns next to the theater of Marcellus. For four centuries it was the only temple of Apollo in Rome. He was worshiped here mainly as a god-healer.

138 BC – dedication of the temple of Mars on the Campus Martius.

63 BC – Gaius Octavian was born in Rome, the future emperor Augustus, using the title princeps. His political career began with his formal adoption by Julius Caesar. After winning the civil war, his long reign began, which brought the Roman state stability and reforms.

Natural: Consider the Ant

The Black Garden Ant, Lessons in Humility, the Mystery of Life Together

Italian: Memoria (memory)

Quote: "In the spiritual life he who does not advance goes backward. It happens as with a boat which always must go ahead. If it stands still the wind will blow it back" --St. Pio of Pietrelcina (more quotes here)

Etc.: Other photos from the retreat center in Paradise-- here, a hermitage: