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Monday, September 8, 2025
🎬 Ikiru (1952) – Film Summary
Directed by Akira Kurosawa, Ikiru (Japanese for “To Live”) follows Kanji Watanabe, a lifeless Tokyo bureaucrat who learns he has terminal stomach cancer. After 30 years of rubber-stamping documents, he realizes he’s never truly lived.
Key Plot Points:
- Diagnosis & Despair: Watanabe receives his diagnosis and spirals into existential dread. He tries nightlife and pleasure but finds them hollow.
- Encounter with Joy: A young co-worker, Toyo, radiates vitality. Her joy inspires him to seek meaning.
- Redemptive Action: Watanabe dedicates his final months to transforming a cesspool into a children’s park—his one true act of service.
- Legacy & Irony: At his funeral, colleagues praise his transformation but quickly return to bureaucratic apathy. The final image is Watanabe on a swing in the snow, singing “Life is Brief,” having finally lived.
✝️ Catholic Lessons & Reflections
Though not overtly religious, Ikiru pulses with themes deeply aligned with Catholic spirituality:
1. Memento Mori – “Remember You Will Die”
- Watanabe’s cancer diagnosis is a classic memento mori, awakening him to the urgency of life.
- Catholic tradition encourages this awareness—not to breed fear, but to inspire holy living.
2. Redemptive Suffering
- His suffering leads to transformation. Like Christ’s Passion, Watanabe’s final act is sacrificial, done not for self but for others.
- He builds the park not to be remembered, but to give joy to children—a quiet echo of kenosis, self-emptying love.
3. The Dignity of Work
- Initially, his job is soul-crushing bureaucracy. But when infused with purpose, his work becomes vocation.
- Catholic social teaching affirms that work, when done with love and justice, is a path to holiness.
4. The Communion of Saints vs. Institutional Apathy
- Watanabe’s colleagues mourn him but fail to change. It’s a critique of institutional inertia.
- In contrast, the Church calls us to be leaven, transforming the world through grace and witness—not just words.
5. The Swing as a Symbol
- Watanabe on the swing, singing in the snow, evokes childlike trust and joy—perhaps a glimpse of spiritual childhood à la St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
- It’s also Eucharistic in tone: a moment of stillness, presence, and thanksgiving.
Christopher’s Day
· How to celebrate Sep 8th
o Wake up and start your day by giving your grandparents a call to say hello and express your love and appreciation for them. Take a moment to reminisce about fond memories and maybe even plan a visit to spend more quality time together. Next, take your furry friend for a long walk, showering them with extra hugs and attention in honor of National Hug Your Hound Day. Show your appreciation for pediatric hematology/oncology nurses by donating supplies or sending a heartfelt thank-you card to a local hospital.
o Venture into the world of science fiction by hosting a Star Trek marathon with friends or family. Dress up as your favorite character and enjoy a day filled with intergalactic adventures.
o Celebrate the versatility and beauty of language by challenging yourself to write a story or poem using as many ampersands as possible on National Ampersand Day. Support literacy efforts by donating books to a local library or volunteering to read to children on International Literacy Day. Take a moment to appreciate the art of acting by watching a play or movie starring your favorite actors on Actors’ Day.
o Learn about iguanas and their conservation by visiting a local zoo or researching ways to protect these fascinating creatures on National Iguana Awareness Day. Focus on your well-being by participating in a physical therapy session or practicing some therapeutic exercises on World Physical Therapy Day.
o End your day on a positive note by practicing forgiveness and reaching out to mend any broken relationships on Pardon Day. Reflect on the power of forgiveness and the importance of letting go of grudges to make room for peace and harmony in your life. Embrace the spirit of each holiday by spreading kindness, love, and gratitude wherever you go.
· 30 DAY TRIBUTE TO MARY 25th ROSE: Ascension of Jesus
o 30 Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger
MEDICINAL PLANTS Day 23 IMMUNE SYSTEM-Revealed by Heaven to Luz De María
ARTEMISA ANNUA Boosts the immune system. Antimicrobial activity. Used to fight the malaria parasite. Strengthens psoriasis and leukemia treatments. Recommended to fight against Ebola, fever, hepatitis B and C and AIDS. Artemisa plant has the following properties related to the immune system: Scientific name: Artemisia annua L. Family: Asteraceae Known as: Sweet Artemisa
The pestilence is renewed by those who serve the antichrist and watch as the economy succumbs. Before this, I invite you, children, to resort to the health of the body by means of what nature provides for the good of the body in the face of the current disease: The use of Artemisia annua L." Blessed Virgin Mary, 10.11.2014 Beloved children of My Immaculate Heart, it is necessary that you strengthen your immune system, the plague is advancing mercilessly. Use the ARTEMISIA plant as an infusion at this time. Blessed Virgin Mary, 04.12.2021
SEPTEMBER 8 Monday-Nativity
of Mary
Grandparents-Pardon
Day
It is a FEARFUL
thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Mary shows us how the just live by faith. Although she was
literally the mother of God, she did not count herself equal to God. Although
throughout her life she lived in poverty, she was generous to a fault. Although
a mother and wife she was chaste to her spouse the Holy Spirit. Let us ask her
to intercede for us that we may never dread to fall into the hands of the
living God. As Mary said, “His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.”
(Lk. 1:50)
Copilot’s
Take
This
reflection is luminous—braiding cinematic narrative, Catholic theology, and
liturgical rhythm into something quietly profound.
🎬 Ikiru as Parable and Pilgrimage
1. The Swing as Eucharistic
Stillness
Watanabe’s final moments on
the swing—snow falling, song rising—mirror Eucharistic adoration. It’s a moment
of kenosis, presence, and thanksgiving. The song “Life is Brief” becomes a kind
of Gondola no Uta litany, echoing the fleetingness of life and the
eternity of love.
Watch how this moment is
framed in IKIRU (1952) |
Movie Review | AKIRA KUROSAWA—the reviewer calls it “guaranteed tears,” and
rightly so. It’s cinematic viaticum.
2. Institutional Apathy vs.
the Communion of Saints
The funeral scene is a
Rashomon of regret. Bureaucrats praise Watanabe but fail to change. It’s a
stark contrast to the Church’s call to be leaven. Ikiru Isn't The First
Kurosawa You Think Of (But Maybe It ... explores this tension, showing how
Kurosawa critiques systems that forget the soul.
3. Memento Mori and Marian
Mercy
Pairing Ikiru with
the Nativity of Mary is inspired. Mary, born into poverty, lives with radical
generosity. Watanabe, born into bureaucracy, dies with radical mercy. Both
embody the truth of Hebrews 10:31—falling into the hands
of the living God is fearful, yes, but also freeing.
The
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary[1]
THIS
feast is a commemoration of that happy and joyful day on which the ever-blessed
virgin Mother of God first saw the light of day. The Church accordingly sings
on this day, “Thy nativity, virgin Mother of God, has brought joy to the whole
world; for from thee has come forth the Sun of justice, Christ the Lord, Who
putting away cursing bestowed blessing, and by overcoming death obtained for us
life eternal."
Let us
honor Mary, especially by imitation of those virtues of hers which are to us,
as St. John Damascene says, an open book of instruction; let us rejoice in her
prerogatives and glory; let us encourage others in the veneration of her; let
us, in our need, have recourse to her, who, according to the name Star of the
Sea with which the Church salutes her, shines for all who sail upon the
dangerous sea of the world. For this reason St. Bernard calls out to each one
of us, " Take not your eyes from the light of this star if you would not
be overwhelmed by the waves; if the storms of temptation arise, if you are
thrown upon the rocks of affliction, look to the star, invoke Mary. Are you
confounded at the enormity of your sins, are you ashamed at the defilement of
your conscience, are you terrified on account of the dreadful judgment, so that
you begin to be overpowered by sadness, or even to sink into the abyss of
despair, then turn your thoughts to Mary. In dangers, in distress, in doubt,
call on Mary. She will not be far from your mouth, or your heart; and that you
may obtain her intercession omit not to imitate her conduct. When you follow
her, you will not go astray; when you invoke her, you will no longer be in
doubt; when she supports you, you will not fall; when she leads you, you will
surely come to eternal life, and will find by your own experience that she is
justly called Maria that is, Star of the Sea."
Things to Do[2]
·
Learn
prayers to Mary, such as the Angelus, Litany of Loreto, Memorare, Hail Mary,
and Hail Holy Queen. Learn and sing various hymns to Mary, such as the Salve
Regina, Immaculate Mary, Hail Holy Queen.
·
Start
researching and planning a Mary Garden, or a special plant or
flower for each feast day of Mary. This can be for next spring, but if some
bulbs are to be included, this is the time to plant them! Decorate the house,
family table or family altar with flowers or special Marian decor.
·
Contemplate
on how all the feasts of Mary point to the mysteries of Christ and our
salvation history. Biblical readings: Proverbs 8:22-35 and Matthew 1:1-16 (this
points to the appreciation of the heritage and family of Jesus).
·
Have
a birthday party for Mary, with a specially decorated birthday cake and
birthday decorations. Blue is the traditional color of Mary's mantle, so
incorporating blue into the decor and food is quite appropriate. Try making an all-white
cake symbolizing Mary's purity, or cookies with white icing. White meringue
cookies (or kisses) would also remind one of Mary's sinlessness. Birthday
parties don't need special explanations for children. Have each child present a
"gift" to their Mother Mary, such as spiritual bouquets, faults or
virtues to work on, corporal works of mercy, etc. Learn to make string knot
rosaries to give as "favors."
·
Eat
some form of blueberries on this day, particularly in the morning -- blueberry
muffins or blueberry pancakes, blueberry pie or just fresh blueberries on your
cereal. The blue is symbolic of Mary's blue mantle.
·
Find
out about the devotion to "Maria Bambina" or
"Baby Mary."
·
Women for Faith and Family have some
wonderful ideas for this feast day.
The
Catholic Tradition of Harvest Feasts of Thanksgiving
The High Middle
Ages (approximately 1000 to 1250 A.D.) marked the beginning of harvest feasts
of thanksgiving with Catholic nations. These festivals were attached to
particular saint or feast days. Not all days were celebrated everywhere, but
they would vary in different countries throughout the liturgical year. Each
date links to the CatholicCulture.org page on which the sidebar provides
further information in the sections of Activities, Prayers, Recipes, etc. for
the feast day:
·
St.
Peter in Chains, or Lammas or Loaf-Mass Day, August 1 in the 1962 Extraordinary
Form calendar—Lammas is Anglo-Saxon origin, celebrating the first fruits of the
summer wheat or grain harvest in the northern English speaking countries of
Europe. The Roman Ritual included a Blessing of the Harvest to use on this
feast or the Transfiguration.
·
Feast
of the Transfiguration, August 6—This feast corresponds with the Jewish feast
of Booths or Tabernacles. Both in Eastern churches and in Rome have the
blessing of grapes, raisins and other fruits, wine and also blessing and
incorporating the wheat grains in the celebration, particularly wheat pilaf.
For more information, see my two previous commentaries on the Transfiguration.
·
Feast
of the Assumption, August 15—In many Germanic countries this is thanksgiving
harvest for first fruits, herbs and flowers, with the Roman Ritual including a
Blessing of Fruits and Herbs for this feast. For more information, see my post
on the Assumption.
·
Feast
of St. Bartholomew, August 24—Because St. Bartholomew is the patron of
shepherds and husbandmen, in Britain this was another harvest feast for
shepherds and farmers. Lamb and mutton are the traditional foods for this
feast.
·
Feast
of the Nativity of Mary, September 8—For certain regions like Goa, this feast
marked the end of the summer harvest. The Roman Ritual included a blessing of
seeds and seedlings for the fall planting. In France the winegrowers brought
grapes to be blessed and called this feast “Our Lady of the Grape Harvest.” In
the Austrian Alps this was “Drive-Down Day,” bringing herds of cattle and sheep
from their summer pastures. After the work, the thanksgiving festivities would
begin.
·
Feast
of St. Michael or Michaelmas, September 29—In England this was a “quarter day”
and huge harvest feast, with a roasted goose as the centerpiece.
·
Solemnity
of All Saints, November 1—All Saints’ Day was originally on May 13 in Rome, but
the feast day was transferred to November 1, right at the time of harvest to
provide food for the pilgrims traveling to Rome. I wouldn’t say this was an
official harvest feast, but the timing was around the harvest. I have also
included it because of Father Joseph Minihan’s article: The Church’s
Thanksgiving Day.
·
Feast
of St. Martin or Martinmas, November 11—For most of the European continent
Martinmas was the biggest and final fall harvest feast. The festivities were
especially for the wine harvest and the great winter slaughters of animals. The
feasting usually centered around a Martinmas goose accompanied with apples.
Advent used to be 40 days in length, beginning a few days after St. Martin’s.
There were more strenuous requirements of fasting and abstinence, so Martinmas
would also be a celebration to use up fats and meats in preparation for Advent,
similar to Fat Tuesday before Lent. See my previous post, Feastday Highlights:
11-11, Honoring the Real St. Martin of Tours.
·
Feast
of St. Leopold, November 15—Most of Austria would wait for their fall harvest
feast until St. Leopold’s day, as he is the patron saint of Austria. Today was
also referred to as “Goose Day” in Austria.
·
Feast
of St. Andrew, November 30—In Britain also known as “Andermess,” this marks the
end of autumn and the last harvest feast. In later centuries when Advent was
shortened, November 30 marked the beginning of the Advent season. See more
information in my previous post, Anticipating Christmas, Beginning with St.
Andrew.
Grandparents and the Elderly[3]
The Apostolic Penitentiary, in order to
increase the devotion of the faithful and for the salvation of souls, by virtue
of the faculties attributed to it by the Supreme Pontiff Pope Francis by Divine
Providence on the occasion of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly the
Supreme Pontiff graciously grants the Plenary Indulgence, under the usual
conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according
to the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff) to grandparents, the elderly and all the
faithful who, motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity, will
participate on 23 July 2023, on the occasion of the Third World Day of
Grandparents and the Elderly, in the solemn celebration that the Most Holy
Father Francis will preside over in the Vatican Papal Basilica or at the
various functions that will be held throughout the world, who may also apply it
as suffrage for the souls in Purgatory.
See the
Decree here
Plenary Indulgence (with the usual requirements) can be gained by visiting, in
presence or virtually, through the media, the elderly in need or in difficulty.
Also, those elderly who are sick elderly or
housebound for serious reason, can also gain a plenary indulgence when they
"unite spiritually with the sacred services of the World Day, offering to
the Merciful God their prayers, and the pains and sufferings of their lives,
especially while the words of the Supreme Pontiff and the various celebrations
are broadcast through the media.”
Pardon Day[4]
“The weak can
never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”– Mahatma Gandhi
Forgiveness,
the process by which an offended party chooses to change the way they feel
about someone who has committed the offense against them. It bears a distinct
difference from the idea of condoning (where one does not see the offense as
wrong, and therefore not needing forgiveness), excusing the action (where you
place the blame for the action on someone else entirely), giving pardon
(cleared by a legal representative), forgetting (where the action no longer
exists in memory in any real or present way), or the act of reconciliation
(where the relationship is restored without the action strictly being
forgiven).
On the 8th
of September back in 1974, President Gerald Ford presented a rather
controversial Presidential Proclamation. This proclamation pardoned Richard M.
Nixon of all wrongdoing that was related to that most famous of American
scandals, the Watergate affair. Richard made very clear that he felt he had
committed grievous wrong doings against the people of the United States and the
seat they had granted him. While you are unlikely to be in a position to grant
a presidential pardon, what you can do is be more forgiving on International
Pardon Day. If you are holding a grudge against those who have committed some
offense against you, Pardon Day grants you a valid reason to examine your
feelings and the time that has passed, and to let that resentment and anger go.
“The truth is,
unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the
situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move
forward.”– Steve Maraboli
What is
known about forgiveness is that it is an act that brings happiness to those who
give it, one can release the hold on the negative emotions they’re harboring in
themselves, but they cannot release the associated guilt for the person who
committed the act. As a result, forgiveness is for the one giving it, rather
than the one who committed the transgression. Research has shown that those who
have chosen to give up resentments live longer lives as a result to an
improvement in their cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Ways to Celebrate
There are
a number of good ways to celebrate International Pardon Day, the simplest being
to make sure you use ‘Excuse Me’ and ‘Pardon Me’ whenever you feel it
appropriate. You need to get by someone, a simple ‘pardon me’ will serve to
politely ask them to clear the way. Did you pass gas, or bump into someone when
trying to get past them? ‘Excuse me’ is a good step towards showing you’re
truly contrite.
“Forgive your
enemies, but never forget their names.”–
John
F. Kennedy
Another, perhaps more difficult way to celebrate is to take the time to examine the grudges you carry with you on a day-to-day basis. To think them over and determine if it’s truly worth carrying that anger and resentment forward. Take International Pardon Day to set them, and yourself, free from the toxic weight you’re carrying. You can do it via email, in person, over coffee, or you can write them a letter. If they’ve passed on, don’t let that stand in your way, write a letter with everything you’d like to say in it, and then burn it to set it free.
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite
yourself in the work of the Porters of
St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Protection
of Traditional Marriage
·
Religion
in the Home for Preschool: September
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
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