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Sun, Nov 3 – All Souls Day
Virtue: Mercy & Memory
Cigar: Deep, contemplative (Oscuro)
Bourbon: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof – rich, solemn
Reflection: “Who do I carry in prayer and remembrance?”
Each morning, as I rise into ritual and rhythm, I ask not only what must be done, but who must be remembered. This question is not a burden—it’s a blessing. A sacred inventory. A litany of love.
1. Those Anchored in My Story
Family and ancestors whose love or wounds shaped my path.
Mentors and companions who offered wisdom, challenge, or grace.
Communities I’ve served or been shaped by—liturgical, civic, creative.
2. Those Entrusted to Me
Pilgrims and seekers whose journeys I’ve choreographed or blessed.
Guests and strangers welcomed through hospitality, ritual, or table.
The forgotten or suffering—those whose names I may never know, but whose dignity I honor.
3. Those Symbolic and Archetypal
Saints and prophets whose lives echo my own longings.
Figures from film or scripture who embody mercy, courage, or repair.
Places and landscapes that hold spiritual resonance—Assisi, the South Pole, Verde Valley.
4. Those I’ve Become
Past selves—the boy who knelt at the Eucharist in Antarctica, the steward of cinematic lectionaries, the choreographer of ritual meals.
Future selves—the elder who blesses the next generation, the mystic who leafs the world behind.
🌿 Ritual Prompt
Tonight, light a candle. Speak aloud the names or symbols of those you carry. Let each flame be a blessing, each silence a benediction.
1. Those Anchored in My Story
2. Those Entrusted to Me
3. Those Symbolic and Archetypal
4. Those I’ve Become
🌿 Ritual Prompt
Tonight, light a candle. Speak aloud the names or symbols of those you carry. Let each flame be a blessing, each silence a benediction.
Monday Night at the Movies
Nov 3 – The Bicycle Thieves
(1948)
Nov 10 – Umberto D (1952)
Nov 17 – Ordet (1955)
Nov 24 – Mouchette (1967)
“The Bicycle Thieves” (1948) is a cinematic parable of poverty, paternal love, and the fragile dignity of the human spirit—offering profound Catholic insights into suffering, moral failure, and grace.
🎬 Film Summary: “The Bicycle Thieves” (1948)
Set in post-World War II Rome, The Bicycle Thieves follows Antonio Ricci, an unemployed father who finally secures a job pasting posters—on the condition that he owns a bicycle. His wife, Maria, pawns their bedsheets to retrieve his bike from the pawnshop, a sacrifice that underscores their poverty and hope.
On his first day of work, Antonio’s bicycle is stolen. With little help from the police, he and his young son Bruno scour the city in a desperate search. Their journey takes them through markets, churches, and even a brothel, exposing the harsh realities of postwar life. Antonio eventually spots the thief but lacks proof to reclaim the bike. In a moment of despair, he attempts to steal a bicycle himself—only to be caught and humiliated in front of his son. The bike’s owner, moved by Bruno’s tears, chooses not to press charges. The film ends with Antonio and Bruno walking away hand in hand, their future uncertain but their bond intact.
✝️ Catholic Lessons and Themes
1. The Dignity of Work and the Human Person
Antonio’s bicycle is more than a possession—it’s his livelihood, his dignity. The film echoes Catholic social teaching that work is a means of participating in God’s creation and that every person deserves the means to support their family.
2. Poverty and Moral Ambiguity
The film doesn’t romanticize poverty. It shows how desperation can blur moral lines: Antonio, once a victim of theft, becomes a would-be thief. This echoes the Catholic understanding of structural sin—how unjust systems can lead individuals into moral compromise.
3. The Father-Son Relationship as Icon of Divine Love
Bruno’s unwavering loyalty, even after witnessing his father’s fall, mirrors the unconditional love of the Father. His silent forgiveness becomes a moment of hidden grace, where love transcends shame.
4. Resurrection in Humiliation
Antonio’s public disgrace is a kind of crucifixion. But the film ends not in despair, but in a quiet resurrection: Bruno takes his father’s hand. In that gesture, we glimpse mercy, reconciliation, and the possibility of redemption.
5. The Church as Shelter and Silence
Antonio and Bruno briefly take refuge in a church, but it offers no solution—only a moment of stillness. This reflects the tension between institutional religion and the lived Gospel, where grace often appears outside formal structures.
6. The Hidden Christ in the Crowd
The film’s final image—Antonio and Bruno disappearing into the crowd—evokes the anonymous Christ among the poor. As the Vatican’s 1995 film list notes, Bicycle Thieves belongs in the “Values” category, not because it preaches, but because it reveals.
Christopher’s Corner
· Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels
· Spirit Hour: Jägermeister
· Foodie-
o 🦌 St. Hubert Day Feast: 7-Course Meal
§ 1. Hors d’oeuvre – Wild Mushroom Crostini
Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme on toasted baguette slices. A forest-floor welcome to the feast.
§ 2. Potage – Cream of Leek and Chicken Gratin with Bacon
Hearty and comforting, this soup from St-Hubert’s own archive evokes autumnal warmth. (Search “Cream of Leek and Chicken Gratin”)
§ 3. Poisson – Trout Almondine or Smoked Salmon Vol-au-Vent
A nod to forest streams and refined French technique. (Search “Salmon Vol-au-Vent”)
§ 4. Entrée – Venison Medallions with Juniper Berry Sauce
The centerpiece: tender venison paired with woodland spice. A Eucharistic echo of sacrifice and abundance.
· 5. Fromage – Baked Brie with Cranberry and Walnuts
Warm brie topped with tart berries and nuts—symbolic of forest harvest and communal joy.
§ 6. Dessert – Sugar Pie Sundae or Apple Cider Tart
A Quebecois classic or orchard-inspired tart. (Search “Sugar Pie Sundae”)
§ 7. Digestif – Ice Cider Pairing Guide
Finish with chilled ice cider or brandy infused with rosemary or thyme. A toast to Hubert’s vision and the Eucharistic hunt.
· Monday: Litany of Humility
· How to celebrate Nov 3
§ National Pepper Month-I bet you a dollar you can’t eat one.
Here’s your Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 2, formatted for Days 8–14 (November 3–9, 2025), continuing the 70-degree pilgrimage with themes of return, reverence, and Eucharistic hospitality. This layout mirrors the clarity and ritual rhythm of Days 1–7, ready for blog sharing or hospitality guide integration:
🧭 Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 2: USA 70-Degree Year Journey
Dates: November 3–9, 2025
Theme: Return and Reverence
Route: El Paso → Marfa → Fort Davis → Silver City → Tucson
Style: Desert monasticism, artistic pilgrimage, and Eucharistic return
Climate Alignment: Daily highs 68–74°F
💰 Estimated Cost Overview (Nov 3–9)
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lodging (7 nights) | $490 |
| Food (daily meals) | $210 |
| Fuel (~600 miles) | $100 |
| Symbolic extras | $60 |
| Total Estimate | $860 |
🏜️ Day 1 – Monday, November 3
Route: El Paso → Marfa (~200 miles)
Symbol: Desert of the Heart
Ritual Prompt: “The desert remembers what we forget—truth, silence, and presence.”
- Drive scenic US-90 to Marfa
- Visit Chinati Foundation or Marfa Lights Viewing Area
- 🛏️ Stay: Hotel Saint George (~$110)
- 🍽️ Foodie Stop: Cochineal – seasonal desert fare (~$30)
🔭 Day 2 – Tuesday, November 4
Location: Fort Davis
Symbol: Watchtower of Wonder
Ritual Prompt: “Wonder is a form of prayer—lifted through stars, rooted in awe.”
- Visit McDonald Observatory
- Hike Davis Mountains State Park
- 🛏️ Stay: Stone Village Tourist Camp (~$80)
- 🥘 Foodie Stop: Blue Mountain Bistro – comfort food with a view (~$25)
🧂 Day 3 – Wednesday, November 5
Route: Fort Davis → Silver City (~300 miles)
Symbol: Salt of the Earth
Ritual Prompt: “The sacred is seasoned by the ordinary—salt, sweat, and story.”
- Scenic drive via Van Horn and Deming
- Pause at City of Rocks State Park
- 🛏️ Stay: Murray Hotel, Silver City (~$85)
- 🌮 Foodie Stop: Adobe Springs Café – hearty New Mexican fare (~$20)
🕊️ Day 4 – Thursday, November 6
Location: Silver City
Symbol: Hidden Wellspring
Ritual Prompt: “Even in dry places, grace flows unseen.”
- Visit Gila Cliff Dwellings or Franciscan retreat site
- Write a reflection: “What grace has surprised me?”
- 🛏️ Stay: Murray Hotel (~$85)
- 🍷 Foodie Stop: Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery (~$25)
🌄 Day 5 – Friday, November 7
Route: Silver City → Tucson (~160 miles)
Symbol: Return to the Table
Ritual Prompt: “The table is where memory becomes communion.”
- Return via Lordsburg and I-10
- Pause at San Xavier del Bac Mission
- 🛏️ Stay: Adobe Rose Inn, Tucson (~$90)
- 🧀 Foodie Stop: Time Market – artisan pizza and wine (~$25)
🕯️ Day 6 – Saturday, November 8
Location: Tucson
Symbol: Light of the Living
Ritual Prompt: “To live is to remember forward—with light, with love.”
- Morning prayer walk in Sabino Canyon
- Create a votive offering or light a candle at St. Augustine Cathedral
- 🛏️ Stay: Adobe Rose Inn (~$90)
- 🍽️ Foodie Stop: Feast – seasonal tasting menu (~$35)
🌿 Day 7 – Sunday, November 9
Location: Tucson
Symbol: Benediction of the Borderlands
Ritual Prompt: “Blessing is the borderland’s gift—given, not grasped.”
- Attend Mass or Eucharistic celebration
- Write blog post: “What the border taught me about communion”
- 🛏️ Optional Stay: Hacienda Del Sol (~$120)
- 🧺 Foodie Stop: Vineyard-style brunch or picnic (~$20)
NOVEMBER 3 Monday
St. Hubert patron of hunters
John, Chapter 5, Verse
20
For the Father LOVES his Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed.
Does God derive anything from having us fear Him?
His only wish is to see us truly growing and fruitful. He made us and as a loving father knows our needs both physical and spiritual. If we have a loving fear of our father, we are compelled by the Holy Spirit into spiritual leadership avoiding sloth which often comes as a result of being stuck in a victim mentality or not letting go of rage by forgiving the offender.
Today seek the Father’s compassion by going to confession then arise and grow in spiritual leadership.
As we grow in our spiritual leadership[1] we tend to be:
·
Confident in God
·
Know God
·
Seek God’s will
·
Self-sacrifice
·
Serve all
·
Motivated by love
·
Trust the Holy Spirit
·
Lead others
Arbinger[2]
Our mindset connects or disconnects us with
others—there are a number of ways we can “see” others from an inward mindset.
Traditionally, Arbinger has categorized these three ways of seeing others as
obstacles, vehicles or simply irrelevant.
1.
When I’m seeing someone as an obstacle, I see
them as “in my way”, or as a hindrance to what I’m seeking to accomplish.
2.
When I’m seeing someone as a vehicle, I use
them to get me what I want, or where I need to go. They might have information
or connections that are valuable to me, so I “play nice” until I get what I
want.
3.
When someone is irrelevant to me, I don’t care
about them and likely don’t allow their humanity to impact me in any way.
All three of these labels are ultimately ways that I objectify
others. When I’m seeing someone as an obstacle, vehicle or irrelevancy, I’m not
seeing them as a human being with needs, concerns, hopes and fears similar to
my own. Think of someone who you struggle to see as a person. Perhaps they get
on your nerves frequently, or perhaps you avoid them at all costs. This person
might be a coworker, a family member, a neighbor—someone with whom you feel
your relationship could improve.
How do you see this particular person?
Are they often an obstacle?
A vehicle?
Mostly irrelevant?
If the person you have in mind feels like an
obstacle to you, consider how you might not be receiving their goodness or
kindness.
If this person feels more like a vehicle to you, contemplate what
needs they might have that you’re failing to see?
Are you looking to simply “get”, or are you willing to give?
For someone you’re seeing as irrelevant, what must it feel like for
him or her to feel ignored, barely noticed or hardly cared about?
Have you ever been seen as an obstacle, a vehicle or irrelevant?
How did it feel?
Ponder what underlying qualities you might be
missing in the person you’re thinking of.
What might the people who love them see in
them?
Now here is the big question: Do I as a
Catholic see the Christ our Lord in the Eucharist as an obstacle, a vehicle or
as irrelevant?
Copilot’s
Take
On
November 3, the feast of St. Hubert—the patron of hunters—invites us to reflect
on the spiritual pursuit of holiness, not through fear that diminishes, but
through awe that awakens. In John 5:20, we’re reminded that the Father loves
the Son and reveals His works so that we may be amazed. God does not desire
fear for its own sake; He longs for our growth and fruitfulness. A reverent
fear, born of love, compels us to rise from sloth and victimhood, to forgive,
and to lead with compassion. When we go to confession, we receive the Father’s
mercy and are empowered to embody spiritual leadership—marked by confidence in
God, sacrificial service, and trust in the Holy Spirit. The Arbinger framework
challenges us to examine how we see others: as obstacles, vehicles, or
irrelevant. These mindsets distort our relationships and can even affect how we
approach the Eucharist. Do we treat Christ as a means to an end, a challenge to
our comfort, or something we ignore? True spiritual leadership begins when we
see others—and Christ Himself—as fully human, fully present, and worthy of
love. Today, let us confess, receive, and lead with eyes wide open.
St.
Hubert[3]
Late
in the eighth century, so runs the story, a hunter named Hubert, neither better
nor worse than he should have been, was tracking a stag through the forest of
the Ardennes. As he readied himself to shoot the animal with his arrow, he was
startled when the stag turned suddenly in its flight, and he saw between its
antlers a luminous cross. This experience caused Hubert to change his way of
life, and he never hunted again. Yet only a few centuries later he was known as
the patron of hunters, and is a saint greatly honored in France and Belgium.
Saint
Hubert lived a full life. He became bishop of Tongres and traveled through his
huge diocese on horseback and by boat, preaching and building churches to the
glory of God. He was the friend of the great of his day — Pepin of Heristal and
Charles Martel among them — and also of the poor. In particular his heart went
out to prisoners, and he would secretly place food for them before their
dungeon windows. As he died, he said to those about him, "Stretch the
pallium over my mouth for I am now going to give back to God the soul I
received from Him."
In
parts of France and Belgium there has long been a custom of holding stag hunts
on Saint Hubert's Day, and the hunters gather before the chase for Mass and the
blessing of men and horses and dogs. After the hunt is over, those taking part
gather for a bountiful breakfast consisting of fish, meat, salad, cheese, and
dessert. Naturally the meat is venison of some sort, and the salad may well be
one of dandelion greens.
Excerpted
from Feast Day Cookbook
Patron: Archers; dog
bite; dogs; forest workers; furriers; hunters; hunting; huntsmen; hydrophobia;
liege, Belgium; machinists; mad dogs; mathematicians; metal workers; precision
instrument makers; rabies; smelters; trappers.
Things
to Do:
·
Have
roast venison in honor of St. Hubert, patron of hunters.
·
Have
some Jagermeister.
·
Feast of the day: Wild
Boar Bolognese Sauce.
·
Join the International Order of Saint Hubertus.
Please pray for the soul of
a great priest and friend of mine who I had the pleasure of knowing while
stationed in Belgium-Father Paul Wolff as it was, he who introduced me to St.
Hubert.
The Wolff of the
Ardennes
Men are frequently blinded by fear
and as a result often harmed themselves. The grace of God gives confidence to
see the right and to stand when called. Father Paul was called to stand and
became General Patton’s guide during the “Battle of the Bulge” while he was
still a teen. Father Paul Wolff was 15 years old when he first joined the
Belgium resistance during the years of the Nazi occupation of World War II. He
was the youngest member of the Belgium resistance. Unfortunately, he and other
members of his group were captured and at 17 he was tortured, condemned to
death and imprison in the Nazi Prison in Liege, Belgium. There he languished
yet his faith would not allow him to lose all hope and the resistance still
worked to get him and the others (256) out. Part of the plan was to get a radio
to the prisoners. To do this the resistance secreted small parts of a crystal
radio inside bars of soap. Interestingly these were “Lever” brother bars of
soap and were large about the size of a brick. Father Paul related that during
the Nazi occupation not all Jews were in German prisons if they were of use to
the Nazi’s. In this case the soap bars were made by the Lever Jews, and the
radio parts were easily hidden inside the soap bars. Father Paul stated that
when they received the soap, they then washed their hands raw in wearing away
the soap to get to the radio part. Then after several bars they constructed the
radio which was the Morse code type. Father Paul typed in code in English which
he spoke along with German and French the words over and over “SOS SOS 256
prisoners in Liege prison condemned to death SOS SOS.” They hoped someone would
get the message and somehow, they would be rescued. All they had was hope.
Father also related that it drove
the Nazi’s crazy because they intercepted the message but never suspected it
was coming from the prison. Father Paul said that in the cell they were in
there was only one barred window, but it was so high that to look out it
required a person to stand on the shoulders of a fellow prisoner. He further
relayed that they when they would see women that were friendly with the guards
coming and going, they would call them the nastiest things they could think of
calling them. Yet one day during an air raid while the guards were hiding as
deep as they could go; one of these young women (secret agent) came and taking
the heel of her shoe wrote on the pavement that during the air raid they are
going to be rescued by commandoes, and they were. Father Paul stated neither he
nor the others ever lost hope.
After his escape he went underground. He was a friend
of King Leopold III. He served as General Patton's Belgian guide during the
battle of the bulge.
December 24, 1944
Father Paul communicated to me the tale about the
battle of the bulge that has not been recorded in history. During WWII the US
Army was segregated and black men were not mixed with white men. Black men
mostly served in support roles such as transportation and as cooks, etc. During
the Battle of the Bulge’ Hitler sent in a special operations team to confuse
and destroy the American Army. It was composed of American NAZI’s and German’s,
who spoke perfect American slang, knew the culture, baseball stuff, etc. These
Spec Ops were equipped with American Uniforms and equipment that was captured
by Gen. Rommel from North Africa. Father Wolff was at a meeting with Gen.
Patton, Bradley, Eisenhower, and the English Gen. Montgomery in Luxembourg City
on the evening of Dec. 24th, 1944. The Generals were very excited and afraid
because of the effect these NAZI spec ops were having in the warzone and since
they had murdered many men. They did not know what to do. Patton, who was a
visionary, suddenly stood up and said, I know exactly what to do. From this
time forward nothing in the American Army will move without a black American in
the group. Patton knew there were no black NAZI’s. As a result, black units
were moved forward and integrated and as far as I know this was the first time
in American History since the Civil War. As a result, the NAZI spec ops team
was neutralized.
Basic Elk Hunting Workout Program[4]
Elk
hunters who want to consistently harvest elk on public land need to be in top
physical condition. For those of you who have had success in the past,
you know that once your elk is on the ground, the real work begins. Typically,
the most physically demanding part of any elk hunt is carrying 70 to 100 pounds
of elk meat and gear out of the backcountry. Doing this multiple times in a
short period will truly test your physical limits. Bottom line: elk are
massive animals that live in rugged country – bring your “A” game and be ready
for a challenge!
I realize
most of us don’t have time to spend 2 hours in the gym every day getting ready
to go on a fall elk hunt. However, no matter where you are on the fitness
spectrum, there is always room for improvement, and it requires some dedication
and determination to get results. When I am out elk hunting, there is no
greater sense of accomplishment than spotting an elk or hearing a bull down in
the bottom of a deep canyon and knowing I can go after that elk with no
physical reservations. Basically, if I can see it or hear it, I can hunt it.
In this
week’s feature article, I would like to introduce you to a basic workout
program that will help you build both strength and endurance. I like this
program because it can be personalized based on your current strength and
conditioning level and can be done in less than an hour in the gym per
workout. In other words, I believe the results of this program will
benefit both those who regularly exercise and those who need to get started.
Elk season is less than six months away. It’s go time!
I have
used this program for 90 days and it works! The program requires you to
work out three times a week and focuses on only five lifts (Squats, Bench
Press, Overhead Press, Barbell Rows, and Dead Lifts). Because of the focus on
strength and endurance, all of these lifts are full body lifts meaning they
focus on large, major muscle groups rather than small isolation muscle
groups. It is recommended that these lifts be broken up into an A workout
and a B Workout (see chart below).
Workout A
Squat –
5X5
Bench
Press – 5X5
Barbell
Rows – 5X5
Workout B
Squat –
5X5
Overhead
Press – 5X5
Deadlift*
– 3X5
Since
your legs will get you in and out of the mountains, you will be doing squats
for both workouts. You will perform each of these lifts by doing 5 sets
of 5 reps except for the deadlift, which you will do 3 sets of 5 reps. If
you’re new to lifting, just start with the 45-pound bar. If you have experience
lifting, 45 lbs may seem a little light. However, you will increase the
weight by 5 lbs every time you complete your 5 sets of 5 reps. I recommend you
start with lower weight and make sure your form is correct before you get into
the heavier weights.
30 Day Sample
Workout
Week 1 –
Monday (Workout A), Wednesday (Workout B), Friday (Workout A)
Week 2 –
Monday (Workout B), Wednesday (Workout A), Friday (Workout B)
Week 3 –
Monday (Workout A), Wednesday (Workout B), Friday (Workout A)
Week 4 –
Monday (Workout B), Wednesday (Workout A), Friday (Workout B)
Remember
that after you complete all sets for a given workout, increase the weight by 5
lbs. for the next workout. (This means adding 2 ½ lbs. to each side of
the bar) Technically you will be adding 10 lbs. per week when doing the same
workout twice in that week.
Bible in a Year Day 121 Cycle of Violence
Fr. Mike talks about how revenge and violence can become a cycle that doesn't end until someone chooses to end it. He also points out how the genealogy in 1 Chronicles reflects the genealogy of Christ. The reading for today are 2 Samuel 2, 1 Chronicles 2, and Psalm 24.
Daily
Devotions
·
Today in honor of the Holy Trinity do the Divine Office giving your day to God. To honor God REST: no
shopping after 6 pm Saturday till Monday. Don’t forget the internet.
·
Unite
in the work of the Porters of St.
Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: An
increase of the Faithful.
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
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