Posts
|
Nov 11 |
Tuesday |
Weekly Fast |
Veterans of the soul |
Bean stew + cornbread |
Tue, Nov 11 – Holy Face Rosary II: Struck & Mocked / St. Martin of Tours / Veterans Day
Virtue: Mercy, Dignity & Sacrifice
Cigar: Habano Maduro – bold, peppered
Bourbon: Eagle Rare – smooth, reflective
Reflection: “What wounds do we name and bless—and how do I honor those who gave?”
NOVEMBER
11 Tuesday-Saint Martin of Tours,
Bishop
VETERANS DAY
Here
is your Week 3: Tuscany, Italy
itinerary, continuing directly from your November 11 travel day. Each day is
labeled with its weekday and date,
and includes symbolic acts, vineyard visits, and hospitality cues—all aligned
with your pilgrimage rhythm.
🍇
Week 3: Tuscany, Italy
Theme: “Rooted in Joy, Broken in Beauty”
Dates: November 11–18, 2025
Base: Montepulciano &
Montalcino
🗓️
Tuesday, November 11 – Travel to Tuscany
·
Depart
from Peñafiel to Florence via train (~$38 USD).
·
Transfer
to Montepulciano via Chiusi (~$14 USD train + $4 USD bus).
·
Lodging
at Albergo Il Marzocco (~$72 USD/night).
·
Evening
walk through Montepulciano’s old town. Toast with Vino Nobile.
Symbolic Act: “Rooted in
Joy”—bless the land, name the fruit.
🗓️
Wednesday, November 12 – Vino Nobile & Olive Harvest
·
Morning
tasting at Avignonesi Winery (~$28 USD).
·
Afternoon
olive oil tour at Frantoio di Montepulciano (~$12 USD).
·
Dinner
at Osteria Acquacheta (~$26 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Broken in
Beauty”—honor the press, bless the oil.
🗓️
Thursday, November 13 – Vineyard Walk & Naming Ritual
·
Walk
the vineyards of Boscarelli or Poliziano.
·
Journal
and name each row with a beatitude or saint.
·
Picnic
from Mercato di Montepulciano (~$10 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Naming the
Rows”—plant joy in the soil.
🗓️
Friday, November 14 – Montalcino & Brunello Legacy
·
Bus
to Montalcino (~$6 USD).
·
Tasting
at Castello Banfi or Caparzo (~$30 USD).
·
Visit
the Abbey of Sant’Antimo for Gregorian chant.
Symbolic Act: “Legacy and
Light”—bless the monks, pour the Brunello.
🗓️
Saturday, November 15 – Vineyard Eucharist & Olive Grove Pause
·
Morning
reflection in an olive grove.
·
Prepare
a Eucharistic meal: bread, cheese, and Vino Nobile.
·
Evening
journaling with psalms or poetry.
Symbolic Act: “I believe and
I break”—a Eucharist of oil and wine.
🗓️
Sunday, November 16 – Siena Day Trip: Civic Mercy
·
Bus
to Siena (~$10 USD roundtrip).
·
Visit
Siena Cathedral and
Piazza del Campo.
·
Optional
tasting at Enoteca Italiana (~$18 USD).
Symbolic Act: “Civic
Mercy”—bless the stewards, walk the stones.
🗓️
Monday, November 17 – Departure and Sending Forth
·
Final
toast with Riserva Vino Nobile.
·
Write
a vineyard blessing for the next traveler.
Symbolic Act: “Tuscan
Benediction”—send forth the joy of the land.
🗓️
Tuesday, November 18 – Travel Day
·
Depart
Tuscany for your next vineyard destination.
·
Suggested
next stop: Sicily or Stellenbosch, depending on your
seasonal arc.
💰
Estimated Total Cost: $498 USD
Includes
7 nights lodging, 3 vineyard tastings, 2 symbolic meals, and 1 day trip with
transit and picnic.
Isaiah, Chapter 8, verse 12-13
12 Do
not call conspiracy what this people calls conspiracy, nor FEAR what they fear, nor
feel dread. 13 But conspire with the LORD of hosts; he shall be your fear, he shall be your dread.
Because Isaiah and his followers
resisted the official policy of seeking help from Assyria they were labeled
“conspirators”; Isaiah uses the term to express what is really the case,
cooperating with the Lord.
When we see the word “conspire” we
think of spies and covert operations; yet if we check the synonyms of the word
it takes on a whole different meaning: combine,
unite, collaborate, collude, contrive, devise, machinate and work together.
·
The greatest thing about our church is that we,
when we are troubled and don’t know what to do, we can always approach Him in
prayer and seek the advice of his elders (Mary and the Saints) anywhere we are.
·
If we desire, we may also approach our Lord in
the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and bring any case that is too difficult for Him
to hear, and He will answer us.
·
Likewise, we may approach a priest in confession
or connect with a local parish spiritual director. How great is our God that He
does not abandon us.
·
Furthermore, there is a multitude of great
Catholic websites where there are elders of the church who can assist us in our
difficult moments.
St. Martin[1]
MARTIN was born in the year 316 in Pannonia, or
Hungary, of pagan parents, but he received secret instructions in the Christian
religion, and in his tenth year was received into the number of the
catechumens, that is, of those who are preparing themselves to receive holy
Baptism. At the age of fifteen he became a soldier, being, as is probable,
forced to do so by his father, to whom the religion of the boy had become
known.
Out of love of God he not only kept
himself aloof from the excesses so common in this state of life, but he took
advantage of it to practice love for man, by dividing his pay among the poor.
Being one day solicited for alms by a beggar, and having nothing but his arms
and his cloak, he gave him half his cloak.
The following night Christ appeared to
him, wearing that half of the cloak, and said to him: Martin, who is yet a
catechumen, has clothed Me with this garment. Moved by this comforting
apparition, he received holy Baptism, gave up the life of a soldier, and
betook himself to St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, in France. As he was careful
about his own salvation, so also he was careful of the salvation of others,
particularly of his parents and relatives, for the sake of whose conversion he
undertook a journey to his native land.
On his return he built, not far from
Poitiers, the first convent in France, into which he received twenty-four
monks, with whom he led a strict and virtuous life. His great faith made him
like the apostles in regard to miracles, and the fame thereof spread abroad to
that degree that, in spite of his refusals, he was chosen Bishop of Tours. This
high dignity made no change in his manner of living; rather it increased his
humility, his patience under the greatest persecutions, his zeal for the glory
of God, his love for his neighbor, and particularly for his enemies.
After he had in such manner ruled over his
diocese for twenty-six years, then over eighty years old, the strength of life
left him. He thereupon collected his disciples about him, and said: Children, I
am dying. They wept and mourned. Moved by their tears, he in his prayers
professed himself willing to labor longer if it were God's will. But he
had labored for heaven enough, and God desired to place upon him the
long-merited crown. With his eyes raised to heaven, he prayed incessantly,
allowing himself no relief. At his last moments the enemy sought to confound
him by a horrible apparition, but, full of confidence in God, the saint cried
out: What do you seek, cruel monster? In me you will find nothing that is
yours; and soon after his spirit gently sank to rest. Would that we might learn
from this saint truly to love God, and to care not only for our own salvation,
but for the welfare of our fellow men in body and soul! Then we, too, might
have nothing to fear in death.
Prayer.
O God, Who seest that we cannot subsist by any strength of
our own, mercifully grant that by the intercession of blessed Martin, Thy
confessor and bishop, we may be protected against all adversity.
EPISTLE. Ecclus. xliv., xlv.
Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God and was
found just, and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was
not found the like to him who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore, by an
oath the Lord gave him glory in his posterity. He gave him the blessing of all nations
and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in his blessings,
He preserved for him His mercy: and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord.
He glorified him in the sight of kings and gave him a crown of glory. He made
an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood, and made him
blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise
in His name, and to offer Him due incense for an odor of sweetness.
GOSPEL. Luke xi. 33-36.
At that time Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: No
man lighteth a candle, and putteth it in a hidden place, nor under a bushel:
but upon a candlestick, that they that come in may see the light. The light of
thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body will be lightsome:
but if it be evil, thy body also will be darksome. Take heed therefore that the
light which is in thee be not darkness. If then thy whole body be lightsome,
having no part of darkness, the whole shall be lightsome, and as a bright lamp
shall enlighten thee.
What does this gospel teach us?
1. The same that it once taught the Jews:
thus, Jesus is always the light of the world, and He has not left Himself
without witness that He is so. This light is ever shining upon the world in His
doctrines, His life, His acts, in His Church and in the mysteries of grace laid
up therein, in the growth and preservation of that Church, and in the miracles
which to this hour continue to be wrought within it. Hence, if we do not know
Him, if we do not obey and reverence His Church, it is but blindness and obduracy
on our part; there is wanting to us a pure, sincere mind, that loves only the
truth. This gospel accordingly admonishes us:
2. That we should acquire such a mind;
for, says Jesus, as a sound, clear eye keeps the whole body always in the right
direction, and guides it in all its movements, while an eye that is awry, or
otherwise defective, causes the body to fall, in like manner a heart that is
pure and always turned towards God gives the right direction to our thoughts,
wishes, and actions, and causes us to see the light of truth, whereas a heart
fixed upon the various goods of the world, but blinded to God, fills our thoughts,
wishes, and actions with corruption and sin. How great in that case must be the
darkness, the depravity, the misery!
3. This gospel contains the emblem of that
which, all superiors, masters, heads of families, parents and particularly
priests should be, namely, lights, like Jesus Himself. For this they are set
upon the candlestick. They are, accordingly, to give light by their teaching
and life, by their avoidance of scandals; of that which every Christian should
be a light, by his faith, his good works. Finally, of the temper with which the
faithful and all inferiors should meet those who are set over them, with
believing and trusting minds.
Prayer to St. Martin,
O St. Martin, precious heart of the priesthood, loving
father of the poor, bright example of the religious, who, out of zeal for the
glory of God, couldst neither be overcome by labor nor by death itself, at
whose departure hence the angels therefore rejoiced, I implore thee, through
thy powerful intercession, to obtain for me a heart full of compassion for the
needy, for the apostolic pastors of the Church, true zeal, and for all, on the
bed of death, the grace by which, after this life of misery, we may together
enter into that joy of the Lord which thou, as a good and faithful servant,
already possessest.
In honor of St. Martin today would be a good day to go
through our closets and cut our cloaks in half to donate to the poor. While
serving in Germany myself I have a fond memory of St. Martin Day in which my
children participated in the nighttime St. Martins Day Parade in the small town
of Gersbach, Germany. On St. Martin's Day, children in Flanders, the
southern and north-western parts of the Netherlands, and the Catholic
areas of Germany and Austria still participate in paper
lantern processions. Often, a man dressed as St. Martin rides on a horse
in front of the procession. The children sing songs about St. Martin and about
their lanterns. The food traditionally eaten on the day is goose, a rich
bird. According to legend, Martin was reluctant to become bishop, which is why
he hid in a stable filled with geese. The noise made by the geese betrayed his
location to the people who were looking for him.
Things
to do[2]
- Recite the
Iste
Confessor in honor of St. Martin.
- Cook a
special dinner of roast goose or duck in honor of St. Martin. Bake some
horseshoe cookies.
- In Europe
this day is traditionally known as Martinmas. Many foods and traditions
are connected with this day. See also Women
for Faith and Family for more Catholic traditions.
- St. Martin
is patron saint of wine growers, wine makers and vintners. In France, the
tasting of the new wine is done today. Have a Martinmas gathering, serving
this year's Noveau Beaujolais wine from France.
- Read Painting
Angels, Saints and Their Symbols for a discussion about St. Martin's
symbols in art.
- For more
biographies and other information on St. Martin, read Patron
Saints Index.
- See the
Life of St Martin as depicted in the stained glass of Chartres Cathedral
(c.1220) here.
- The
children will enjoy this dessert St.
Martin's Horseshoes and you can learn more about customs for this
feast.
CHRISTIAN
TRADITIONS[3]
In
the Christian era the custom of celebrating a thanksgiving harvest festival
began in the High Middle Ages. For lack of any definite liturgical day or
ceremony prescribed by the Church, various practices came to be observed
locally. In many places, as in Hungary, the Feast of the Assumption included
great thanksgiving solemnities for the grain harvest. Delegates from all parts
of the country came for the solemn procession to Budapest, carrying the best
samples of their produce. A similar ceremony was observed in Poland, where
harvest wreaths brought to Warsaw from all sections were bestowed on the
president in a colorful pageant. These wreaths (wieniec), made up of the
straw of the last sheaf (broda), were beautifully decorated with
flowers, apples, nuts, and ribbons, and blessed in churches by the priests.
The
most common, and almost universal, harvest and thanksgiving celebration in
medieval times was held on the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours (Martinmas) on
November 11. It was a holiday in Germany, France, Holland, England, and in
central Europe. People first went to Mass and observed the rest of the day with
games, dances, parades, and a festive dinner, the main feature of the meal
being the traditional roast goose (Martin's goose). With the goose dinner they
drank "Saint Martin's wine," which was the first lot of wine made
from the grapes of the recent harvest. Martinmas was the festival commemorating
filled barns and stocked larders, the actual Thanksgiving Day of the Middle
Ages. Even today it is still kept in rural sections of Europe, and dinner on Martin's
Day would be unthinkable without the golden-brown, luscious Martin's goose.
Today
is Veterans Day. Let us remember to pray today for both our military and
veterans. Also ask today's Holy Saint Martin of Tours to intercede for our
military and veterans who have born the yoke of service to this nation.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY
SECTION ONE-THE
SACRAMENTAL ECONOMY
CHAPTER ONE THE PASCHAL MYSTERY
IN THE AGE OF THE CHURCH
Article 2-THE PASCHAL
MYSTERY IN THE CHURCH'S SACRAMENTS
III. The
Sacraments of Faith
Day 152
1122 Christ sent his apostles so that "repentance and
forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all
nations." "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit." The mission to baptize, and so the sacramental mission, is
implied in the mission to evangelize, because the sacrament is prepared for by
the word of God and by the faith which is assent to this word:
The People of God is formed into
one in the first place by the Word of the living God.... the preaching of the
Word is required for the sacramental ministry itself, since the sacraments are
sacraments of faith, drawing their origin and nourishment from the Word.
1123 "The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify
men, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God.
Because they are signs, they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but
by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it. That is why
they are called 'sacraments of faith."'
1124 The Church's faith precedes the faith of the believer
who is invited to adhere to it. When the Church celebrates the sacraments, she
confesses the faith received from the apostles - whence the ancient saying: lex
orandi, lex credendi (or: legem credendi lex statuat supplicandi according to
Prosper of Aquitaine [5th cent.]). The law of prayer is the law of faith:
the Church believes as she prays. Liturgy is a constitutive element of the holy
and living Tradition.
1125 For this reason no sacramental rite may be modified or
manipulated at the will of the minister or the community. Even the supreme
authority in the Church may not change the liturgy arbitrarily, but only in the
obedience of faith and with religious respect for the mystery of the liturgy.
No rubber raft altars
1126 Likewise, since the sacraments express and develop the
communion of faith in the Church, the lex orandi is one of the essential
criteria of the dialogue that seeks to restore the unity of Christians.
Veterans
Day[4]
Today is the 107th Anniversary of the end of
WWI[5]
Veterans Day
seeks to honor and give thanks to all the men and women who have served and are
serving in the US Armed Forces. Ceremonies are held across the country at
Veterans Hospitals, cemeteries, and National Monuments. At 11:00 a.m.
EST, the Veterans Day National Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery.
At this ceremony the President of the United States, or his assigned
ambassador, places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Veterans
Day is observed on November 11th each year. Today is also the start of the Fasching
season in Germany which begins on 11/11 at the 11th hour and at
the 11th second.
Veterans Day Facts
& Quotes
·
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a
proclamation urging the nation to support the Veterans Day effort in any way
possible.
·
During World War II, over 16 million men and
women served in the military. The war resulted in over 400,000 deaths.
·
The War of Global Terrorism, encompassing
October 7, 2001, to May 29, 2012, has seen 54,820 casualties of which 6,456
resulted in death.
·
This nation will remain the land of the free
only so long as it is the home of the brave. - Elmer Davis
Veterans
Day Top Events and Things to Do
·
Volunteer at a local VA facility.
·
Thank everyone you know who has served in the
armed forces.
·
Take flowers to the grave sites of deceased
military personnel.
·
Invite local veterans to a special luncheon in
their honor.
·
Make a donation of time or money to a local
Veterans organization.
Remember
we are all in a battle with the forces of evil that seek the destruction of
ourselves and our prosperity.
Today is the Feast of Leo the Great who faced down Attila the Hun and penned of Christ who was a warrior for our cause:
Lowliness is assured by majesty, weakness by power, mortality by eternity. To pay the debt of our sinful state, a nature that was incapable of suffering was joined to one that could suffer. Thus, in keeping with the healing that we needed, one and the same mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, was able to die in one nature, and unable to die in the other.
THE VIRTUES OF A SOLDIER OF CHRIST
Another way to illustrate the virtues of a genuine man* of God is by reference to a good soldier. The relation between a man of God and a soldier will seem either somewhat obvious or a stretch depending upon your larger views of the military and military interventions. If you do not see the connection at this point, I ask you to bear with me briefly, because I think its relevance will soon become apparent.
A good soldier,
especially one fit for battle, generally has the following ten traits, among
others:
1. He is willing to
give his life to protect others.
2. He is
task-oriented, and lets his actions speak for themselves.
3. He does his duty,
even when it is unappreciated.
4. He is a man of
honor, who is loyal to others and to his principles.
5. He is rooted in
discipline and strength.
6. He may be tender
and compassionate but never soft.
7. He sees himself
as part of a unit, a band of brothers, greater than himself.
8. He follows the
chain of command, without considering it demeaning.
9. He is courageous,
even and especially when heroism is required.
10. He sees sacrifice as an
opportunity to show his character and demonstrate love.
The practical
and theological relevance of these observations for our discussion can be seen
very readily in the fact that all ten of these traits can be said, without a
stretch, about the God-man Jesus Christ.
·
He was willing to give his life to protect
others – Jesus willingly gave his life to save us. He is the Good Shepherd who
made good on his promise to give his life for his sheep (John 10:11). Even in
the Garden of Gethsemane, as he handed himself over, he demanded that his
disciples be let go (John 18:8).
·
He was task-oriented, and let his actions speak
for themselves – from his earliest days, when he announced he was “about the
Father’s business” (Luke 2:49), his whole life was dedicated to accomplishing
that mission. He lived by the same principles he taught, not to be distracted
from his purpose (Luke 10:4), which not even the devil could do by promising
him all the power of the world (Matthew 4:9). He let his actions also speak
more loudly than his words. As he said once when challenged by the Pharisees, “Even
if you do not believe me, believe the works” (John 10:25, 37; 14:10). He backed
up each of his discourses with miracles that testified to his power, the
greatest miracle and message of all being what he said from the pulpits of the
Cross and the empty tomb.
·
He did his duty, even when it was unappreciated
– Jesus fulfilled his mission even when one of his apostles thought he was less
valuable than 30 silver pieces, when the rest of his hand-picked men ran away,
when he was hammered to wood by those for whom he was dying, when he was mocked
by four different groups as he agonizingly hung from the Cross, wondering all
the while, “When the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke
18:8). He was the “grain of wheat” that fell to the ground and died, knowing
that that seed would hit hardened, rocky, weedy soil in addition to good, but
he did it anyway (John 12:24; Luke 8:5ff). Yet, at the end of it all, he cried
out in triumph, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) which was the equivalent of
“mission accomplished.”
·
He was a man of honor, who was loyal to others
and to his principles – Jesus kept his dignity, even when being tempted by the
devil, tested by the hypocritical Pharisees, beaten by the brutal guards, and
mocked by thieves and passersby. He was loyal to his disciples, never
abandoning them though they abandoned him; to Israelites, despite the many
times they broke God’s covenant; to sinners, no matter what their sin. He was
knightly in his protection and care for women in need and danger, like the
woman caught in adultery, the woman at the well in Samaria, and the woman who
washed his feet with her tears in the house of Simon the Pharisee.
·
He was rooted in discipline and strength – He
called himself the “stronger man” who would overpower the devil and divide his
spoils (Luke 11:22), who could calm even the winds and the sea (Matthew 8:27),
who would repeatedly say to his frightened followers, “Do not be afraid. It is
I!” (Matthew 14:27). His strength was shown most when out of discipline he did
not use it, when tempted in the desert or on the Cross. His power was always
used not for his own benefit but for others, to teach them the discipline that
makes disciples.
·
He was tender and compassionate but never soft –
He who was “meek and humble of heart,” who cared compassionately for parents
and widows, for the woman caught in adultery, for the crowds who were like
sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 11:29; Luke 7:12; John 8:3; Mark 6:34),
was also capable of driving the money changers from the temple with a whip,
calling the Pharisees “whitewashed sepulchers” and telling forgiven sinners to
“go and sin no more” (John 2:14; Matthew 23:27; John 8:11).
·
He saw himself as part of a unit, a band of
brothers – Jesus came from heaven to earth to form a family with the same
Father in heaven (Matthew 12:50). To that family, the Church, he gave his whole
mission. To the twelve whom he associated most intimately in this task, he gave
his own power to turn bread and wine into his Body and Blood and to forgive
sins in his name (Luke 22:19-20; Matthew 16:19; John 20:19-23). To the Church
he gave his whole message (Matthew 28:18-20). He said that all members of the
Church were a part of him, as branches on the vine (John 15:5).
·
He followed the chain of command, without
considering it a threat – Jesus said simply, “I seek not my own will but the
will of him who sent me,” “I do nothing on my own authority but speak thus as
the Father taught me” and “not my will, but thine, be done” (John 5:30; John
8:28; Luke 22:42).
·
He was courageous, even and especially when
heroism was required – Courage is doing what ought to be done in spite of one’s
fears, a virtue Jesus showed us time and again, but especially during his agony
and on Good Friday. Despite asking for the cup of suffering to pass from him,
he drank it to the dregs, sweating blood-filled perspiration, being beaten,
scourged and crucified for our sake (Matthew 26:39).
·
He saw sacrifice as an opportunity to show his
character and demonstrate love – “Greater love has no man than this,” he said,
“that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13) and he evinced that
love in hundreds of little ways and unforgettably through his supreme
sacrifice. The real Christian man will seek to embody these same virtues. They
will help him to become a real soldier of Christ. They will help form him to be
another Christ and train him to love others as Christ loves.
Candace’s Corner
·
Washington’s
Statehood 1889
·
How to
celebrate Nov 11th
o Alright, imagine waking up to a day filled
with endless possibilities. Start by honoring veterans with a moment of
gratitude.
§ Embrace independence by immersing yourself in
Polish culture through food or music.
·
Show
appreciation for education by learning a new skill or visiting a local museum.
o Next, indulge in a sweet treat on National
Sundae Day, either by making your own or supporting a local ice cream shop.
§ Share the love by participating in World
Orphans Day, whether by donating to a charity or spreading awareness on social
media.
·
In the
spirit of data governance, organize your digital files or clean up your inbox.
o Celebrate life with National Indiana Day by
exploring nature or trying a new outdoor activity.
§ Honor those who have passed on Death/Duty Day
by visiting a memorial or spending time with loved ones.
·
Reflect
on the importance of peace on Armistice Day in France, perhaps by lighting a
candle for peace or participating in a moment of silence.
o Unleash your inner metalhead on National
Metal Day with a playlist of your favorite heavy tunes.
§ Treat yourself on Pocky Day with the iconic
Japanese snack or by trying out a new recipe.
·
Embrace
your independence on Singles Day by pampering yourself with self-care
activities or enjoying a solo adventure.
o Lastly, channel your creativity on World
Origami Day by trying your hand at the ancient art of paper folding. Remember,
you don’t need a special occasion to make the most of your day. Embrace each
moment, celebrate the little things, and find joy in the everyday. Cheers to a
day filled with diverse experiences and meaningful reflections!
Are You Tough Enough for the VETERAN’S Workout
Challenge?[6]
45-minute
program to push your body and mind to the limit.
The Warmup
warmup movements that will directly prepare
your body for the challenging work ahead. Repeat 3 rounds before starting the
workout.
- 10 Lunge
and reach
- 10
Prisoner Squats
- 10
Inchworms to Cobra
Mental Challenge
Lay out 10 random objects. Take two minutes to
memorize as many details as possible about the items. For example: the logo,
color, shapes, and words.
Strength Circuit 1
Set your timer for 10 minutes. Complete 3 reps
of each exercise, then 6, then 9, working your way up a 3-rep ladder.
- 25-meter
Bear crawl
- Iron mikes
Cardio Round 1
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees
for time. The faster you finish, the more rest you have before your next set of
strength work.
Strength Circuit 2
Set your timer for 10 minutes and complete as
many rounds as possible. Complete both carries on one side before repeating on
the other side.
- 50 ft
Single Arm Kettlebell Farmers Carry
- 50 ft
Single Arm Kettlebell Front Rack Carry
Cardio Round 2
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees
for time. Try to complete them faster than the first time.
Strength Circuit 3
Set your timer for 10 minutes and complete as
many rounds as possible.
- 10
Walking lunges
- 10
Kettlebell swings
Cardio Round 3
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Complete 50 burpees
for time. Make this round your fastest.
Mental Challenge
Set a timer for two minutes and recite as many
details as possible about the items you memorized at the beginning of the
workout.
Mastering Wellness: Fight
Health-Robbing Inflammation with 9 Simple Steps[7]
In a world where our daily routines are often filled
with stress, unhealthy diets, and little time for self-care, inflammation has
become a common health concern. Chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on your
body and lead to various diseases. The good news is that you can take control
of your health by combating inflammation through simple yet effective steps. In
this article, we'll explore how to fight health-robbing inflammation with nine
practical strategies.
1. Prioritize Your Diet
The food you consume plays a pivotal role in your
body's inflammatory response. To combat inflammation, focus on an
anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, and lean proteins. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids found in fish,
flaxseeds, and walnuts, as they have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid
or limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive red meat consumption,
which can exacerbate inflammation.
2. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential to maintaining a
healthy balance in your body. Dehydration can trigger inflammatory responses,
so ensure you drink an adequate amount of water daily. Herbal teas and
infusions like ginger and turmeric can also be great choices, thanks to their
natural anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Get Active
Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of a
healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps reduce inflammation by regulating the
production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Aim for at least 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity exercise per week. Activities like walking, swimming, or
cycling can be both enjoyable and beneficial.
4. Manage Stress
Stress is a well-known trigger for inflammation.
Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. These may
include meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or simply taking time for
yourself to relax and unwind.
5. Adequate Sleep
Quality sleep is when your body rejuvenates and
repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Poor sleep
can lead to increased inflammation and a higher risk of chronic diseases.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body fat can release pro-inflammatory
chemicals. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet
and regular exercise can significantly reduce inflammation and its associated
risks.
7. Say No to Smoking
Smoking is a major source of inflammation in the
body. Quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take to reduce
inflammation and improve your overall health.
8. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to
inflammation, particularly in the liver. If you choose to consume alcohol, do
so in moderation to minimize its impact on your body.
9. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices
Nature provides us with an array of herbs and spices
known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and
garlic are just a few examples. Incorporate them into your meals and enjoy
their flavor and health benefits.
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to
injuries and infections, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to serious
health issues. By following these nine simple steps, you can take control of
your health and effectively combat health-robbing inflammation. Remember,
consistency is key, and these lifestyle changes will not only reduce
inflammation but also promote overall well-being. Start your journey towards a
healthier, inflammation-free life today, and watch your vitality and quality of
life soar.
In honor of Vets and Saint Martin e
should make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel,
Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the
blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
·
St. Martin is patron saint of wine growers, wine
makers and vintners. In France, the tasting of the new wine is done today. Have
a Martinmas gathering, serving this year's Noveau
Beaujolais wine from France.
o
Wine
o
Lyonnaise Salad with Sausage and Walnuts
o
Coquilles St-Jacques (Gratinéed Scallops)
o
Steak Diane
o
Barigoule of Spring Vegetables
o
Pain au Chocolat
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: End
Sex Trafficking Slavery
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
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