As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Hail Holy Queen":
05 May 2026
Public Service Recognition Week
This week, the week of 3-9 May, is being observed as Public Service Recognition Week, an observance designed to honor the men and women who serve as federal, state, county, and local government employees.
For more information related to this observance, please visit:
Public Service Recognition Week
Partnership for Public Service
Birthday Blessings, Steven!!!
Birthday greetings to nephew Steven Dymek, whose birthday is today! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with an outpouring of the Lord's choicest blessings!
Philip Kosloski on Hearing the Voice of the Good Shepherd
"In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks about himself as the Good Shepherd, making a variety of parallels. In particular, he explains that his sheep will hear his voice: . . .
"At first glance that seems like something easy: Jesus will call us by name and will simply lead us to greener pasture.
"However, in practice we typically don't hear Jesus' voice. We may want to hear Jesus speak to us, but are confused because we never do."
In a recent commentary, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on how God speaks in silence and on the importance of detaching ourselves from the noise (including screen time) that surrounds us,
To access Mr. Kosloski's complete post, please visit:
Aleteia; Philip Kosloski: How can we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? (26 APR 26)
Reflection Starter from Samuel Beckett
"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett
04 May 2026
The Jazz Ambassadors: " Take the 'A' Train"
It's time for some jazz, a genre of music I enjoy. Here is a presentation of Duke Ellington's "Take the 'A' Train" by the United States Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors:
Rhode Island Independence Day
Today, 4 May, the State of Rhode Island is celebrating Rhode Island
Independence Day, a commemoration of the state's independence from Great
Britain on 4 May 1776.
This year is the 250th anniversary of the Rhode Island General
Assembly's declaration of independence from the British crown. Rhode
Island was the first North American colony to do so.
Fore more information about Rhode Island Independence Day, please visit:
This Day in History: May 4, 1776 - Rhode Island becomes first colony to renounce allegiance to George III
New England Historical Society: May 4, 1776: Rhode Island Independence Day
Rhode Island Secretary of State: A Guide to Rhode Island Government & History
Saint Florian
Saint Florian, whose feast day is today (4 May), is the patron saint of firefighters.
Not
much is known about St. Florian. He was a high-ranking officer in the
Roman army and was stationed in Noricum (now part of Austria) when he
was martyred for the faith. Among his other duties, he was in charge of
one of the Roman army's firefighting units.
For more information:
Catholic Online: St. Florian
San Diego Paramedics: The Patron Saint of the Fire Service - St. Florian
Wikipedia: Saint Florian
John Cuddeback on the Importance of Self-knowledge
"Though self-knowledge has been praised by great thinkers from ancient times to the present, we don't give this all-too-rare quality the attention it demands. The importance of self-knowledge is probably most noticeable precisely when it is absent. And alas, often we become aware of this absence in others without noticing it in ourselves. So we lack knowledge of our own lack of knowledge, of ourselves!
"The good news is that as soon as it dawns in our awareness we can resolve to do something about it. . . ."
In a recent commentary, writer John Cuddeback reflected on some of the reasons why it is important to seek self-knowledge, including its being the foundation for our efforts at moral improvement.
To access his complete post, please visit:
LifeCraft: 3 Reasons to Seek Self-Knowledge (29 APR 26)
Reflection Starter from Samuel Johnson
"Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter." - Samuel Johnson
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