Calendar Class of September 3, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

So far, September is our favorite time of year in Onekama, when the crowds (such as they are) go home, the sun mellows out, and the gentler signs of Autumn abound. Last night we stayed up far too late waiting for an anticipated appearance of the northern lights, only to realize- after midnight- that we were off by 24 hours and the lights had already been captured on camera by night owls up the road on the previous night. Speaking of night owls, staying up past midnight did afford me the rare opportunity to have a duet with a real live owl. As I was walking to the garage in the dark, I heard the unmistakable hoot of a great horned owl. I saw a silhouette atop an electricity pole just behind the garage roof but didn't imagine I could be standing that close to an owl that would deign to duet with a human being, so assumed the shape was part of the pole. I went on with my errand and, as I returned to the house with my back to the garage, I gave the owl a parting hoot. To my surprise, it returned my call, causing me to quickly turn around and glimpse the dim outline of a giant owl taking flight. A bit of light caught the underside of its right wing as it lifted into the night sky, and I then saw the proximity and size of my singing partner. Northern nights are full of this type of natural magic in the skies.

Liturgical: Wednesday of the 22nd Week of Ordinary Time

Psalm 52: 10, 11

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God, I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever because of what you have done; in the presence of the faithful I will proclaim your name, for it is good.

Sanctoral: Pope St. Gregory the Great (540-604 A.D.) was the son of a wealthy Roman senator. His mother and two of his aunts are also saints, which provided him with a strong and devout religious upbringing. His skill in grammar and rhetoric were exceptional, and he followed in his father's political footsteps by serving in public office as the prefect of Rome. Discerning a call to the religious life, he sold all of his possessions and converted his home into a Benedictine monastery. He used his liquidated assets to build six other monasteries. Because of his talent and intelligence he was unanimously chosen to become the Roman Pontiff, the first monk to become Pope. During his lifetime Rome was sacked by invading barbarian hordes, and the city also suffered severe damage from floods and pestilence, causing his pontificate to be an important one. He brought stability and order to the Church in a time of great societal and cultural upheaval. His profound influence on the doctrine, organization, and discipline of the Church cannot be underestimated, thus earning him the title "The Great" which he shares with only two other popes. For his abundant doctrinal and spiritual writings he is also considered to be one of the four great Doctors of the Latin Church. He is most commonly known for promoting and standardizing the sacred music of liturgical worship, now called "Gregorian Chant." Pope St. Gregory the Great is the patron of popes, masons, choir boys, singers, teachers, and musicians.

Human: Treaty of Paris signed between the U.S. and Great Britain – 1783; Abolitionist Frederick Douglass escaped slavery – 1838; Death of Oliver Cromwell (military leader) – 1658 (According to the Royalists, the severe storm that struck the British Isles on this day in 1658 - also the day Oliver Cromwell died - was simple proof that the Devil had come for his soul.)

Natural: Night Sky for September 2025

September is a skywatcher’s dream month. Planets line up before dawn, the Moon drifts gracefully past Venus and Jupiter, and Saturn takes center stage with its golden rings. Add the Full Corn Moon, Neptune’s elusive opposition, and the equinox tipping us into autumn, and you’ve got a front-row seat to cosmic theater—all without leaving your backyard.

Is the Moon a Perfect Sphere? Exploring Its True Shape

Italian: Brina (frost)

Book of the Day (again): The Cut by John Wemlinger (an historical fiction account of the creation of the canal connecting Portage Lake with Lake Michigan)

Etc.: Spiritual Health and Mental Health-- an Interview with Fr. Matt, a campus chaplain

Quote: "There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness; in the middle the contests of temptation; and in the end the fullness of perfection."— Pope St. Gregory the Great