Birthday Blessings, Ava!!!

Birthday greetings to Myrna's granddaughter Ava Geoghegan, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

"Lay Your Hands (Gently upon Us)"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of Carey Landry's "Lay Your Hands (Gently upon Us)":

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  The assigned readings are Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; and Mark 5:21-43. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 30 (Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024 - Year B - Psalm 30 - Modlin

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live." He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to Jesus, "You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'" And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."

While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time June 30, 2024

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 30, 2024)

Community in Mission: The Journey of Jairus – A Homily for the 13th Sunday of the Year (29 JUN 24)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Despite the Storms, Jesus Hates Suffering and Death (27 JUN 24)

Word on Fire: Reach Out in Faith (Cycle B * 13th Week of Ordinary Time

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of public radio and public television.

Msgr. Pope on John the Baptist as ERlijah

"Is John the Baptist Elijah? Some of you who read this may think the question itself to be a crazy one. 'What do you mean is John the Baptist Elijah?!' A little biblical background may help give meaning to the question. Let's begin in the Old Testament. 

". . . On the very last pages of the Old Testament, in the Book of Malachi God both promises and warns that the great and terrible Day of the Lord’s coming was sure to be and that God's people must be ready for the coming of Lord. It is such an awesome day that God declares he must prepare the people ahead of time by sending Elijah to prepare them."

In a recent commentary based on this reading, Msgr. Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on John the Baptist as an "Elijah figure who takes up the ministry of Elijah in the Spirit and power."

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Is John the Baptist Actually Elijah? (25 JUN 24)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Let us gaze upon the heart of God, because we need a Church and a society that neither exclude nor treat anyone as 'impure.' May we accept and love each person, with their particular past, without labels or prejudices." - Pope Francis

VOCES8: "May It Be"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of  VOCES8 presenting Enya's "May It Be (composed for "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring"):

 

Birthday Blessings, Anthony!!!

Birthday greetings to nephew Anthony (son of niece Tiffany Ryan), whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Birthday Blessings, Jeff!!!

Birthday greetings to family fried Jeff Myjak, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of summer respites.

Jared Staudt on Building and Repairing Relationships during Summer

". . . Daily life distracts us in our busyness, worries and routines. Breaking out of the daily grind offers an opportunity to focus on others with time for extended conversation and making new memories. More than the busyness of daily life, we allow distance to grow between us, holding onto grudges and focusing on hurts from the past. It's common to wish we had spent more time with family, but we can hold back from the effort because overcoming all the obstacles is difficult. . . "

In a recent commentary, R. Jared Staudt, Ph.D.,Associate Superintendent for Mission and Formation for the Archdiocese of Denver, reflected on how the summer and its related activities can offer time for building and repairing relationships..

To access Dr. Staudt's complete post, please visit:

Denver Catholic: Jared Staudt: The Opportunity of Summer: Build and Repair Relationships (27 JUN 24)

Reflection Starter from George Bernard Shaw

"Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute." - George Bernard Shaw

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 36 in C major

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Symphony No. 36 in C major (the Linz Symphony) by the Staatskapelle Dresden, conducted by Horst Stein:

YouTube: Mozart - Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425 "Linz" (Staatskapelle Dresden & Horst Stein)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities to sit quietly in your presence.

A Time for Rest and Rejuvenation

The month of June is a time of celebration for students and their families as we mark milestones in educational pursuits. Even those just reaching the end of a long school year amid the journey of college or high school or even grammar school should be honored for their efforts, and we should take time to relax and gather in ways that will rejuvenate and prepare for the next phase of education, work, and life in general.

In Spain, towards the end of the month of June, one can witness the Bonfires of Saint John all along the coast. It's a tradition that links back to the celebration of the summer solstice, which was then incorporated into the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. It's a tradition that has endured for centuries and one that exemplifies the spirit with which we should approach each summer with a determination to come together with family and community to build each other up and strengthen the human spirit for the next leg of life's journey. And just like the Bonfires of Saint John infused an ancient tradition with the light of Christ, our faith should kindle our respite and inspire our joy.

Allowing the faith to be a spark for our celebrations is not about replacing the good, wholesome fun of gathering with friends and family, but rather about enlivening those gatherings with a spirit of joy. So let's lean on the beautiful rituals provided within our faith for spiritual sustenance in order to turn to the world around us and carry the light of Christ into all we do.

As we celebrate milestones and take respite together, we have some great models within our faith whose lives we can look to. In an article for U.S. Catholic Magazine, Molly Jo Rose shares a prayer written by Saint Thomas Aquinas that serves as a great way to train our minds away from distractions, which, Rose points out, is amazingly relevant in our age of technological distractions. "Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion," reads one part of Aquinas' prayer for God's guidance in staying focused on the task at hand.

And Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is a wonderful model for blending respite, leisure, and extracurricular activities into the pursuit of excellence and education. A patron of students and young Catholics, Frassati grew up in northern Italy, where he led hiking trips into the Alps to bring his fellow students together in leisurely respite from their studies. They would often attend Mass together before or after these trips and take time for prayer along their hikes to kindle the fire of the joy of their experiences.

"A Prayer for the Courage to Be Great" invokes the intercession of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and begins with these words, "Heavenly Father, give me the courage to strive for the highest goals, to flee every temptation to be mediocre. Enable me to aspire to greatness, as Pier Giorgio did. . . ."

Let's pray that our faith kindles our joy and inspires us to greatness as we gather with friends and loved ones during this time of year and throughout our moments of summer rest so that all may be rejuvenated, most especially the students in our lives. Let us take this time to celebrate their accomplishments and offer encouragement for future endeavors so they continue to find the strength to glorify God through the pursuit of their talents.

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by Father Ed Dougherty, M.M., The Christophers' Board of Directors ; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.

Background information:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from Henry David Thoreau

"Every oak tree started out as a couple of nuts who stood their ground." - Henry David Thoreau

The Roomates: "There's a Moon Out Tonight"

It's time for some more doo wop. Here is a presentation of "There's a Moon Out Tonight" by The Roomates (English doo wop revival group):

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of regional food treats.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on Summer Rest

"Last Sunday, the Gospel proclaimed throughout the Church told the familiar story of Jesus calming the storms and taming the sea. However, the image that intrigued me was the important detail that 'Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.' (Mark 4:38). In the story, the apostles (and the readers) wonder why Jesus was resting instead of acting. They are confused as to why the miracle worker was not at work. The teacher, the man of faith seemed to be silent. The close friends of Jesus call out 'Teacher, do you not care!'"

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on the importance of rest, including, during these summer months, taking time to "unwind, chill out, and be at peace."

To access Fr. Kolodziej's complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Provincial's Reflection: Summer Rest (27 JUN 24)

Reflection Starter from G. K. Chesterton

"Children are grateful when Santa Claus puts in their stockings gifts of toys or sweets. Could I not be grateful to Santa Claus when he put in my stockings the gift of two miraculous legs?" - Gilbert K. Chesterton, in "The Ethics of Elfland"

"I Have Loved You with an Everlasting Love"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of  Fr. Michael Joncas' "I Have Loved You with an Everlasting Love":

 

National Zoo and Aquarium Month

This month, the month of June, is being observed as National Zoo and Aquarium Month, designed to be a time to explore one's local zoo and aquarium, as well as the websites of zoos and aquariums throughout the nation, and their excellent educational resources.

Background information:

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good cartoons.

Theresa Civantos Barber on St. Francis de Sales and Being More Content with Life

"St. Francis de Sales was a spiritual giant who famously advocated for lay men and women to become holy in an era when holiness was thought to be reserved for those in religious life.

"But he didn't just speak out about lay sanctity: He actively promoted it through his writing, speaking, and mentorship of lay people he knew."

In a recent commentary based on the writings of St. Francis de Sales, writer Theresa Civantos Barber reflected on how one can bring joy and contentment in his/her vocation, wherever being called by God to serve (including making daily prayer a priority and keeping problems in perspective).

To access Ms. Barber's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia; Theresa Civantos Barber: How to be more content with life with St. Francis de Sales (updated 5 MAY 24)

Reflection Starter from Henry Van Dyke

"He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, he provideth a kindness for many generations, and faces that he hath not seen shall bless him." - Henry Van Dyke, Jr.

New Legacy Swing Band: "Younger than Springtime"

One of the treasures of New England is the great variety of music in our region. Some of this music (of whatever genre) is provided musicians from the region; other music is provided by artists visiting the region from other areas.

One such example is the New Hampshire-based New Legacy Swing Band, which offers a variety of big band, jazz, swing, waltzes, Latin, rock n' roll, and R&B tunes from various music eras.

Background information:

New Legacy Swing Band

Facebook: New Legacy Swing Band

In this video, the New Legacy Swing Band is presenting Younger than Springtime":

 

Lightning Safety Awareness Week

This week, the week of 23-29 June, is being observed as National Lightning Safety Awareness Week.

Summer is the peak season for what is considered one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena - lightning. However, lightning strikes year round. In the United States, an average of 20 people are killed each year by lightning (with thirteen deaths in 2023).

In addition, hundreds of people are permanently injured each year. People struck by lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including (but not limited to) memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, chronic pain, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, and depression.

For more information related to lightning safety, please visit:

National Weather Service: Overview: Lightning Safety

National Weather Service: Lightning Safety Tips and Resources

National Lightning Safety Council

Lightning Protection Institute

Insurance Information Institute: YouTube: Beyond Thunder Dumb: When Lightning Strikes…

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of notepads and related writing instruments.

Bishop Henning on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

"As successors to the apostles, Bishops govern their dioceses in communion with the Holy Father, and work in varieties of ways to draw the people of their territory into proper relationship with the Lord and unite them to the universal Church. Across the world, on every continent and in every culture, Bishops strive to sanctify, teach and govern. Each of their dioceses is an expression of the universal Church.

"In the last century, the custom of establishing national conferences has arisen. It is not the creation of a 'national diocese,' but rather a forum for communication and cooperation among dioceses. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Richard G. Henning, the bishop of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and its work.

To access Bishop Henning's complete essay, please visit:

The State of Hope: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (30 JUN 24)

Reflection Starter from St. Thomas More

"The things we pray for, good Lord, give us grace to labor for." - Saint Thomas More

"A Shelter in the Time of Storm"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "A Shelter in the Time of Storm":

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time  The assigned readings are Job 38:1, 8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; and Mark 4:35-41. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 107 (Psalm 107:1-8).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024 - Year B - Psalm 107 - Hart

The Gospel reading is as follows:

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: "Let us cross to the other side." Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet!  Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, " "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time June 23, 2024

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 23, 2024)

Community in Mission: My Soul Looks Back and Wonders How I Got Over - A Homily for the 12th Sunday of the Year (22 JUN 24)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, the Lord of Storms Gives Us More Than We Can Handle (20 JUN 24)

The Quiet Corner: Believers need the daring to treasure God's power (20 JUN 24) 

Word on Fire: Peace in the Storm (Cycle B * 12th Week of Ordinary Time)

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for June 23, 2024, Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (19 JUN 24)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of Your calming presence in our lives.

Lucia Silecchia on the Love of God in Ordinary Time

"Recently, I spent a couple days on an annual getaway to a popular family theme park. Yes, there were long lines, hot weather, overpriced snacks, and crowded hotels. Yet, in the happy exhausting chaos, I caught a glimpse of the love of God.

"The park was filled with parents of young children. It did not take long to see that in the imperfect ways parents showed their love for their children, they were leading them -- and those around them -- to understand more fully the perfect love of God."

In a recent commentary, writer/Professor Lucia A. Silecchia reflected, with a number of examples, how these parents shared their love with their children, and in so doing, reflected a glimpse of God's love."

To access Professor Silecchia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Lucia A. Silecchia: The love of God in Ordinary Time (19 JUN 24)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"Let us be patient with ourselves, waiting for and trusting in God's timing and ways. Let us remember that God is ever faithful to His promises, so that we may rediscover our path and revive our dreams, without giving in to sadness and discouragement." - Pope Francis

The Four Tops: "I Can't Help Myself" ("Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch")

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of The Four Tops presenting "I Can't Help Myself" ("Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch")

On Connecticut's Gravity Hill, a Remote Maine Forest Thriving, and Other New England-related Topics

A number of articles/posts have recently been published on a variety of New England-related subjects worth considering.

To access some of these, please visit:

Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod children built Wampanoag wetu in their school's courtyard (17 MAY 24)

The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, MA): Methuen utility boxes a new venue for artistic expression (16 SEP 23)

New Haven (CT) Register: West Haven window artist thrives with 'nontraditional canvas' (22 DEC 23)

WCVB-TV: How historic former firehouse has become heartbeat of Mass. town (1 FEB 24)

National Catholic Register: From Mobile Kitchen to Mitre: Bishop-Elect's Food Truck Feeds Body and Soul (2 APR 24)

The Morning Sentinel: A remote forest thrives, thanks to woodswomen (16 MAY 24)

Only In Your State: Connecticut: Gravity Hill Is A Strange Phenomenon In Connecticut

Bangor (ME) Daily News: These small-business owners are growing the former Loring Air Force Base (22 JUL 23)

On Beautiful Churches around the World

"The most beautiful churches are the ones that provide comfort, peace, and an accepting place to worship for those who choose visit. Of course, there are also a number of aesthetically stunning sacred sites around the world - worth a trip whether one considers themselves religious or not. Here, AD journeys to 10 of the most beautiful churches in the world, from one carved directly into volcanic rock to a 12th century stave church. Though styles and denominations vary, each prove just how resourceful and creative humans can be when designing to honor a higher power."

A recent Architectural Digest post offered these churches as the one's the author considered the most beautiful  in the world (including the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona, and the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel).

To access this post, please visit:

Architectural Digest: 10 Beautiful Churches Around the World (May 2023)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of "soul food" in media presentations.

Soul Food on 'When Calls the Heart"

If you need a break from the cynical stories that make up a good chunk of our media landscape today, take a trip to Hope Valley, the fictional town at the center of the Christopher Award-winning Hallmark Channel series When Calls the Heart. Currently in its 11th season and airing Sunday nights at 9/8 C, the show, set in a 1920's Canadian frontier town, celebrates the better angels of our nature and the common good. The show's co-creator, Brian Bird, joined me recently on Christopher Closeup and credited the series' success to the fact that few other networks are making this kind of "soul food . . . about community, sacrifice, and people helping one another."

In the last three decades, Brian has noticed that TV programs often focus on the dark side of human nature. When Calls the Heart offers the opposite: "There's not a cynical bone in the body of this show. It reminds people that they need to be part of something bigger than themselves, that there's a reason for them. . . . We're not just staring into the void of mindless, pitiless indifference, which is where I think secular culture has taken us. . . . I believe we're put here by a Creator, and there is a purpose for our life. At a time when not too many people are talking about those kinds of subjects on television, we are."

Faith is also a recurring theme in When Calls the Heart. In a recent episode, after Pastor Joseph mediates a dispute between his son and daughter, he looks up to heaven and mouths the words, "Thank You." It is a subtle expression of faith in a show that incorporates spirituality without thumping you over the head with it. "I've never believed personally in creating content that was just a sermon on film," Brian said. "What's important to me is that whatever we stir up on the screen stirs up something that pulls people together into conversation, into community, so they can help each other out. . . . Sometimes, there's Scripture in the show and sometimes there's a sermon or a prayer, but we try to let the media become the facilitator for the human conversation."

Brian grew up spending a lot of time in church and came to faith at age seven. That faith was tested in his college years, while attending journalism school. Brian recalled, "I was being confronted with a much broader world . . . and a lot of questions. Journalists are naturally skeptics, right? You don't want to just drink the Kool-Aid every time you're given it from whoever you're talking to. . . . You want to get to the truth."

Brian sought guidance from one of his journalism professors, asking him, "How do I reconcile who I have been . . . with this more complex, messy worldview that I'm now seeing?" The professor responded, "I'm also a believer. My advice to you is: don't be afraid of the marketplace of ideas because . . . truth will always show up. Ultimately, truth will rise to the top. But if you're afraid of the questions, yo'’re going to be afraid of the answer. So, don't ever be afraid of the questions."

Brian explained, "For me, as an adult Christian, who reaffirmed my faith and my relationship with God and with Christ all those years ago in college, I'm now not afraid of questions. The Bible is full of questions, lots of existential doubt on display all across the Bible. And yet, there's a harmony of truth there that is as right-side up as the world is upside-down. Truth emerges despite the questions."

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by Tony Rossi, Director of Communications, The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.

Background information:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from Max De Pree

"Above all, leadership is a position of servanthood." - Max De Pree

Charles Avison: Concerto No. 3 in E minor

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Charles Avison's Concerto No. 3 in E minor (Op. 2), as presented by Dorian Baroque (Marina Fragoulis, Artistic Director):

 

PTSD Awareness Month

The month of June is being observed as PTSD Awareness Month, designed to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health problem that may develop after a person has been exposed to one or more traumatic events. Persons suffering from this illness include members of our armed services, police officers, firefighters, and others afflicted by terrorism, natural or man-made disasters, and other threats on a person's life.

For more information related to PTSD Awareness Month, please visit:

National Alliance on Mental Illness: PTSD Awareness Month: Educate Yourself

Alo House Recovery Centers: June is PTSD Awareness Month

U.S Department of Veterans Affairs: National Center for PTSD

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of opportunities that come via life's storms.

Ted Watkins on Facing the Storms in Life

"It is one of the shortest but most impactful commands uttered by the saints, the angels, and even Our Lord himself: be not afraid. Whether it be from the mouth of the Archangel Gabriel to Mary, or St. John Paul II to Catholic youth, it is timeless encouragement that's worth pondering. In the context of St. Peter in the storm described in Matthew 14:22-33, this charge challenges us to accept three unavoidable realities of life."

In a recent commentary, writer Ted Watkins reflected on how storms will come in life and on the importance of seeing these storms as opportunities and "getting out of the boat.".

To access Ms. Green's complete post, please visit:

Catholic Exchange: Ted Watkins: Facing the Storms of Life (11 JUN 24)

Reflection Starter from Edith Wharton

" The visible world is a daily miracle, for those who have eyes and ears." - Edith Wharton

The Ebb-Tides: "Darling I'll Love Only You"

It's time for some more doo wop. Here is a presentation of "Darling I'll Love Only You" by The Ebb Tides:

 

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

This week, the week of 16-22 June, is being observed as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. This observance is designed to to educate the public about the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives (including the dangers of mosquito-borne illnesses) and the service provides by mosquito control workers throughout the nation.

Background information:

American Mosquito Control Association

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the various types of herbs and spices.

Daniel Esparza on How to Acquire the Virtue of Silence

"Most of us live in a fast-paced world in which information overabounds. In it, noise reigns. The ability to remain silent has become an underappreciated skill. For those striving to live a virtuous and somewhat slower life, learning when to hold one's tongue is crucial. Silence is not simply the absence of sound; it is a conscious act of self-control that cultivates prudence, humility, and meekness."

In a recent commentary, writer/scholar Daniel Esparza reflected on the value of the discipline of silence and on the importance of prudence and its relationship to silence.

To access Mr. Esparza's complete post, please visit: 

Aleteia: Daniel Esparza: How to acquire the precious virtue of silence (19 JUN 24)