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St. Francis, Sedona, and the Catholic Heart of Creation
Sedona’s red rocks and desert light draw countless seekers. Many arrive hoping to find “energy vortexes,” crystal healing, or new age rituals. For Catholics, this landscape offers a different invitation: to see creation as a mirror of the Creator, not as a substitute for Him.
Sedona’s Allure
Natural beauty: towering cliffs, radiant sunsets, and quiet canyons.
Spiritual marketing: retreats promise awakening, alignment, and cosmic energy.
Underlying hunger: people seek meaning, transcendence, and healing.
St. Francis’ Witness
St. Francis of Assisi loved creation, but always as a pathway to Christ. He sang of Brother Sun and Sister Moon, not as deities, but as signs pointing back to the Father. His Canticle of the Creatures teaches us:
Creation is good, but not ultimate.
Nature reflects God’s glory, not its own.
True healing comes through Christ, not crystals.
Catholic Teaching
Sacraments vs. substitutes: The Eucharist is the real presence of Christ, surpassing any “energy” ritual.
Holy Spirit vs. vague forces: The Spirit is personal, guiding, and sanctifying—not an impersonal vibration.
Pilgrimage vs. tourism: A Catholic retreat seeks communion with God, not self-styled enlightenment.
A Franciscan Response
When loved ones are drawn to Sedona’s new age offerings, we can:
Affirm the beauty of the land as God’s gift.
Contrast vague “energy” with the concrete grace of the sacraments.
Share Franciscan prayers that root awe in Christ.
Invite them to see pilgrimage as a journey with Jesus, not just with themselves.
Conclusion
Sedona’s landscape is breathtaking, but its marketed spirituality risks turning creation into an idol. St. Francis shows us the better way: to love creation as a sign, and to worship the Creator alone. In the desert light, we can echo his song: “Praised be You, my Lord, through all Your creatures.”
NIC’s Corner
· Fish Friday: Sea trout, new potato and asparagus traybake with dill mustard sauce
· How to celebrate Dec 26th
o Alright, let’s dive in! Wake up on your special day and kick things off with a heartfelt thank you note to show your gratitude. Then, indulge in some sweet treats, like candy canes, to satisfy your sweet tooth.
o Feeling festive? Embrace the spirit of St. Stephen’s Day by giving back to those in need. Donate your time or resources to a local charity or volunteer at a soup kitchen to spread some joy.
o If you need to let off some steam, embrace your inner whiner on National Whiner’s Day. Vent about your pet peeves, share a good laugh with friends or simply treat yourself to a relaxing day of self-care.
o When the day winds down, keep the celebration going with a fun Boxing Day activity. Get together with friends or family for a friendly game or outdoor adventure. Enjoy the camaraderie and make lasting memories.
o There you have it! A day filled with gratitude, sweetness, generosity, and fun. Embrace the weirdness of these holidays and create your own memorable mashup. Cheers to a day well spent!
🇧🇪 Belgium vs 🇰🇮 Kiribati — Gothic Altars and Coral Chapels
Two More Stops on the Rich vs Poor Tour: A Catholic Contrast in Continental Heritage and Oceanic Fragility
This pairing invites pilgrims to reflect on how Catholicism endures across vastly different geographies: Belgium,
a wealthy European nation with deep Catholic roots and cultural prestige, and Kiribati, a remote Pacific island nation where Catholicism is a lifeline amid climate threat and economic hardship. Together, they extend NIC’s Corner’s journey into the spiritual contrasts of legacy and survival.
🇧🇪 Belgium — Wealthy, Historic, and Architecturally Catholic
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$63,100 USD (2024)
🧮 Why Belgium Ranks High
• EU Headquarters: Brussels anchors diplomacy, trade, and governance.
• Industrial Base: Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and logistics drive growth.
• Social Safety Net: Universal healthcare, education, and pensions.
• Cultural Capital: Gothic cathedrals, sacred art, and medieval pilgrimage routes.
• Political Stability: Strong institutions and civic infrastructure.
✝️ Catholic Landscape
• Majority Faith: ~57% Catholic, though many are non-practicing.
• Historic Dioceses: Including Mechelen-Brussels, Ghent, and Liège.
• Architectural Heritage: Notre-Dame du Sablon, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and countless abbeys.
• Liturgical Tradition: Gregorian chant, Eucharistic processions, and Marian devotion.
• Civic Influence: Catholic schools and hospitals remain central to public life.
⚠️ Challenges
• Secularization: Church attendance and vocations are declining.
• Cultural Catholicism: Faith often expressed through heritage, not practice.
• Clergy Scandals: Past abuse cases have eroded trust.
• Immigration Tensions: Integration of migrant Catholics is uneven.
🌿 Pilgrimage Cue
Belgium is a journey of sacred architecture—where the Eucharist is offered beneath stained glass and stone, and the Church stands as both monument and memory in Europe’s spiritual landscape.
🇰🇮 Kiribati — Poor, Remote, and Missionary Catholic
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$3,300 USD (2024)
🧮 Why Kiribati Ranks Low
• Island Geography: 33 coral atolls scattered across the Pacific limit development.
• Climate Crisis: Rising seas threaten homes, churches, and freshwater.
• Subsistence Living: Fishing and copra dominate rural life.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Roads, schools, and hospitals are under-resourced.
• Aid Dependency: Foreign support is vital for education and healthcare.
✝️ Catholic Landscape
• Majority Faith: ~57% Catholic, deeply woven into village life.
• One Diocese: Tarawa and Nauru, with outreach across remote islands.
• Missionary Legacy: Marist Fathers and Sisters of St. Joseph built schools and clinics.
• Liturgical Life: Masses celebrated in Gilbertese, with strong Marian devotion.
• Community Integration: Catholicism shapes education, health, and daily ritual.
⚠️ Challenges
• Climate Displacement: Coastal churches face erosion and flooding.
• Resource Scarcity: Many parishes lack electricity, books, and transport.
• Vocational Strain: Few local priests; reliance on missionaries.
• Economic Hardship: Poverty affects catechesis and sacramental preparation.
🌿 Pilgrimage Cue
Kiribati is a journey of sacramental survival—where the Eucharist is celebrated in coral chapels and ocean breeze, and the Church sings its faith in resilience, ritual, and rising tides.
🕊️ Editorial Reflection
Belgium and Kiribati offer a striking contrast: one rich in heritage, the other rich in hope. In Belgium, Catholicism is a cathedral of memory. In Kiribati, it is a chapel of mercy. The Rich vs Poor Tour reminds us that the Gospel is not bound by stone or sand—it flourishes in abbeys and atolls, in stained glass and salt air.
What does it mean to be Catholic in a land of legacy—or a land of loss?
Where does the Church feel more alive—in the echo of Gothic chant or the cry of rising seas?
December 26 Friday in the Octave of Christmas
Feast Of St. Stephen-Kwanzaa
Genesis, Chapter 18, verse 14-16
Nothing is impossible for Yahweh. I shall come back to you at the same time next year and Sarah will have a son.' Sarah said, 'I did not laugh,' lying because she was AFRAID. But he replied, 'Oh yes, you did laugh.' From there the men set out and arrived within sight of Sodom, with Abraham accompanying them to speed them on their way.
Nothing is impossible for he who is. According to Doctors
Michael Roizen and Mehment Oz, Yahweh is nearly unpronounceable sounds that are
made in our first and last breaths made in life. At the first deep inspire of
air comes the sound YAH and at the last wheeze WEH. He is the alpha and the
omega; the beginning and the end.[1] When
I was a youth of 20 I had the great honor of serving in the Navy Seabee’s and
went to build the South Pole Station in Antarctica and breathing was difficult
in the frozen thin air, here is an excerpt from my book, “The Ice is Nice and
Chee-Chee is Peachy.
Most of the Steelworkers and I were
It is interesting to note that when we laugh, we are forcing our breath out. Be Not Afraid.
Copilot’s Take
On December 26, the Feast of St. Stephen and the beginning of Kwanzaa, Genesis 18:14–16 reminds us that nothing is impossible for God, whose very name is breathed in our first inhale and final exhale. Sarah’s fearful laugh shows how doubt can mask trust, yet God’s promise remains firm. Breath itself becomes testimony—closer than heartbeat, constant as prayer—whether in the frozen air of Antarctica or the warmth of family celebration. St. Stephen’s courage, Kwanzaa’s resilience, and Abraham’s faithful walk all point to the same truth: be not afraid, for the Lord who is nearer than breath will fulfill His word.
Feast of Saint Stephen[2]
THE epistle of today contains a short account of the life and sufferings of this saint. It only remains to be added that, on account of his virtues, his wisdom, and his zeal for the faith, the apostles thought him worthy to be chosen the first of the seven deacons, whose office it was, in addition to the preaching of the word of God, to serve the poor, and properly to distribute the alms of the faithful. The Introit says: Princes sat and spoke against me, and the wicked persecuted me; help me, O Lord my God, for Thy servant was employed in Thy justifications. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Prayer.
Grant us, we
beseech Thee, O Lord, to imitate what we honor, that we also may learn to love
our neighbors, as we celebrate the feast of Him Who knew how to beseech even
for His persecutors. Amen.
EPISTLE. Acts vi. 8-10; vii. 54-59.
In those days:
Stephen full of grace and fortitude did great wonders and signs among the
people. Now there arose some of that which is called the synagogue of the
Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them that
were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. Arid they were not able to
resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now hearing these things, they
were cut to the heart, and they gnashed with their teeth at him. But he being
full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God,
and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Be hold I see the
heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. And they
crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and with one accord ran
violently upon him. And casting him forth without the city, they stoned him:
and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man whose
name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, invoking, and saying: Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit. And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice,
saying: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he
fell asleep in the Lord.
Instruction.
Stephen is unjustly persecuted; yet he prays for his persecutors.
Can we excuse ourselves if we do not love our enemies?
Was not Stephen, and others who have imitated him, men like ourselves?
With the grace of God, could not we do what they have done?
Could we call ourselves Christians were we not to do this?
No; for the love
of our neighbor, and of our enemy also, is the chief token of the Christian;
since it is only by this love that we become like Christ, and resemble our
heavenly Father, Who makes His sun to shine upon the evil and the good, and
sendeth rains upon the just and upon the unjust (Matt. v. 45). Let us,
therefore, imitate the love of God, of Christ, and of St. Stephen, and then we
may one day be able to give up our souls with calmness into the hands of our
Maker.
GOSPEL. Matt, xxiii. 34-39.
At
that time Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees: Behold I send to you
prophets, and wise men, and scribes : and some of them you will put to death
and crucify, and some you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from
city to city: that upon you may come all the just blood that hath been shed
upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just, even unto the blood of
Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom you killed between the temple and the
altar. Amen I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are
sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered together thy children, as the
hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and thou wouldst not! Behold your
house shall be left to you desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see Me
henceforth till you say: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Those in our days who stone and kill the prophets and preachers are those who,
by their evil backbiting, defame their pastors, who mock at and despise
preachers and sermons; for to the servants of God this is a great torment and
source of grief; it destroys their courage and paralyzes their efficiency. On
this account it provokes the anger of God, as through the prophets He often
told the Jews.
Supplication to St. Stephen.
O
St. Stephen, first of the martyrs, who wast filled with fortitude, grace, and
love, whose guiltless face shone like the face of a pure angel, I beseech thee,
by the grace which rendered thee worthy to see heaven opened and Jesus sitting
at the right hand of the Father, that thou wouldst, by thy prayers, procure for
me from God a pure conscience, and a holy, meek love, that like thee I may
readily forgive those who injure me; may pray for them; may not only desire for
them whatever is good, but may do them good indeed, and thereby merit the grace
of a happy death. Amen.
Stephan
First Martyr[3]
Today is
the second day in the octave of Christmas. The Church celebrates the Feast of
St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stoned outside Jerusalem, he died
praying for his executioners. He was one of the seven deacons who helped the
apostles; he was "filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit," and
was "full of fortitude." The Church draws a comparison between the
disciple and his Master, emphasizing the imitation of Christ even unto the
complete gift of self. His name is included in the Roman Canon.
Saint
Stephen is the patron of stonemasons, masons, bricklayers, deacons, headaches,
and horses. His story comes from the Acts of the Apostles. He is usually
pictured in deacon's vestments, holding the symbol of martyrdom, a palm branch.
Sometimes he has a stone in his left hand, to indicate his death by stoning. He
is depicted in many images wearing a wreath, which refers to the origin of his
name, the Greek word Stephanos meaning
"wreath."
"If
you know what witness means, you understand why God brings St. Stephen, St.
John, and the Holy Innocents to the crib in the cave as soon as Christ is born
liturgically. To be a witness is to be a martyr. Holy Mother Church wishes
us to realize that we were born in baptism to become Christ — He who was the world's outstanding
Martyr." — Love Does Such Things, by Rev. M. Raymond, O.C.S.O.
·
Day Two activity (Boxing Day) (Christmas
Drama)
·
Day Two recipe
(St. Stephen's Horns)
St. Stephen’s Day
and the horses[4]
Though
there is no historical connection, St. Stephen is considered the patron
saint of horses. Scholars speculate that this has something to do
with the relief from work that domestic animals enjoyed during Twelfth night;
in any case, horse parades or horse races were always held on
this day. One custom in rural areas was for the horses to be decorated and
taken to the church, where the priest would bless them. Afterwards, they would
be ridden around the church three times. Horse's food (hay or oats)
is also blessed on this day.
NOTA BENE:
In
the eleventh century, the Church instituted special feast days during the
Christmas Octave for various ecclesiastical ranks. Today, on
the day in which one of the first seven deacons was martyred, was the festival
for deacons.
The Twelve Days of Christmas[5]
What exactly are
the Twelve Days of Christmas?
They
are the days between Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany that constitute an
unbroken period of joy and celebration. Epiphany is considered the twelfth day
of Christmas (in fact it is sometimes called "Twelfth Day") while the
Eve of Epiphany is called "Twelfth Night." Shakespeare's play, "Twelfth
Night," takes its name from the Vigil because during this
period festivals (such as the Feast of Fools or the Feast
of the Ass) used to be held in which everything was turned
upside-down -- a little like the reversed identities of the characters in the
play. These "preposterous" observances, incidentally, were a joyful
mimicry of the inversion of almighty God becoming a lowly man, of the King
appearing as a humble infant. The twelve nights of Christmas were primarily a
time of rest from unnecessary labor and joyful prayer. On each of
these nights the Christmas tree
lights
and the Christmas candle would be lit,
while the family would gather around the manger to recite prayers
and sing carols and hymns. Similar services are held in some churches during
these nights as well. Several saints' days which fall within the
Octave of Christmas are also a part of the Twelve Days.
Two Turtle Doves
Today is the second day of Christmas: Two Turtle
Doves from the song the 12 days of Christmas represent the two parts of the
Sacred Scriptures: the old and New Testament.
Bible in a
Year Day 178 Called Back
Fr. Mike points out how Jehu followed God half-way, but God wants us to follow
Him with our whole hearts. He also explains the prophecy of Amos, who is trying
to call people back to the Lord before it is too late. The readings for today
are 2 Kings 10, Amos 1-3, and Psalm 110.
Kwanzaa[6]
Also, today is another agnostic, culturally correct day, designed to minimize the true meaning of Christmas and confuse children about the good news of the season.
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African celebration of family, community and culture. Kwanzaa, a week-long cultural festival from the 26th of December to the 1st of January that climaxes in feasts and gift giving, was initially established to unite African Americans with their African roots and heritage. Nguzo Saba, the seven principles that guide the holiday, is central to Kwanzaa as a different principle is emphasized every day during the celebration. Celebrants often dress in traditional Pan-African clothing and decorate their homes in African artwork. Kwanzaa was created in 1965 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a major figure in the Black Power movement, with the intention of providing African Americans with a link to their ancestral heritage. Karenga aimed to bring together African Americans as a community through the combination of various aspects of other celebrations such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and African Yam Festivals. Since Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one; it can be celebrated by Africans from all religious backgrounds.
Kwanzaa Facts & Quotes
·
The
name Kwanzaa is derived from Matunda ya kwanza, which in Swahili means first
fruits. Kwanzaa is based on the Ashanti and Zulu traditions of first
fruit harvest celebrations.
·
Each
day of Kwanzaa celebrates one of 7 principles, known as Nguzo Saba. These
include Unity, Self-determination, Collective work and responsibility,
Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. The colors of Kwanzaa are
black, red and green. Each color carries an important meaning to unify
those of African descent. Black is for the people, red for the noble
blood that unites all people of African descent and green for the land of
Africa. A candle holder, called a Kinara, holds the seven candles that
represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa Top Events and Things to Do
·
Read
about the seven principles of Kwanzaa with your family. These principles
teach about working together, learning from the past and strengthening bonds.
·
Attend
a Kwanzaa celebration event.
·
Prepare
a festive Kwanzaa dinner. Include Kwanzaa foods include:
1) Shisa nyama (meat cooked over a hot wood fire).
2) Kapenta with sadza (kapenta is a freshwater fish and sadza is a maize
porridge).
3) Nyama na irio (mashed potatoes, peas, corn and onion served with spicy roast
meat).
·
Give
festive Kwanzaa gifts to your friends and family. Some traditional gifts
include a food basket, kinara candle holder, books about African culture and
handwoven items like gloves and scarves.
·
Watch
“The Black Candle” (2008). This is a vibrant and powerful
documentary that illuminates the African American experience from the
perspective of Kwanzaa. Narrated by Dr. Maya Angelou (poet), the
documentary won the award for best full-length documentary at the Africa World
Documentary Film Festival in 2009.
Friday Fitness[7]
If
you are a person who remains busy in work and other matters and pays no
attention to your health and wellbeing, you must take a break from the robotic
routine and pick healthy habits.
According
to a psychologist, eating well and exercising gives your body and brain instant
benefits of managing stress, depression, and anxiety. True wellbeing comes with
balance, constant growth and acceptance.
Here
are a few effective and tested ways that can help you improve your wellbeing:
1. Take Proper Sleep:
It
may seem to be the most common advice but trust me most of the people don’t
follow the basic step towards their overall wellbeing. Our body needs proper
sleep and rest to heal and renew the energy to function properly. This healing
is essential for physical and mental activity throughout the day.
Sufficient
sleep regulates the hormones that are directly related to our mood and
emotions. Most often when you feel an irritated or emotional imbalance, chances
are high that your body lacks in taking enough sleep. An adult body needs
nearly 6 to 7 hours of sleep per day. So, make sure you get enough sleep.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet:
Sleep
alone is not going to give you the required benefits. You need to eat a healthy
and balanced diet and ensure your body receives enough amount of nutrition. The
food you consume determines how healthy your inner system is. Moreover, it also
helps in determining your emotional health and mental illnesses such as
depression.
When
your body lacks essential nutrients, it leads to serious health problems.
Moreover, you end up facing emotional distress and anxiety. Health and wellness
experts suggest that you should eat fruits and vegetables in sufficient
amounts. Moreover, eating nuts and lentil also strengthens your heart. Try to
avoid caffeine, sugar and processed food as much as possible.
3. Expose Your Body to Sunlight:
Vitamin
D deficiency leads to several problems such as Seasonal Affective Disorder or
SAD. When you are exposed to sunlight, it causes the release of endorphins also
called ‘happiness hormones’ that is responsible for the productivity of the
brain.
So,
take some time out of your routine and spend some time in the sunlight. But
make sure you wear sunblock to prevent sunburn.
4. Deal with Stress:
Although
it is difficult to avoid stress nowadays, it is definitely possible to deal
with it. It is very important to learn to deal with stress in a smart and
effective way. For that, try to avoid situations that cause stress. If your
stress is unmanageable, note down the causes of stress as well as what actions
you can take to improve your reaction, mood, and even situation?
5. Exercise Daily:
When
you remain physically active and exercise daily, your blood flow improves in
your entire body. With the increased blood flow, the amount of oxygen
increases, and you feel more energetic, fresh and mentally active.
Exercise
and physical activities are more important if you are an office worker.
Exercise not only ensures our body remains fit but also keeps your mind healthy
as well. You don’t have to join expensive gyms for that. A simple walk with
your pet or daily morning walk is more than sufficient. The important thing is
to make it a daily habit.
In
addition to your mental health, exercise strengthens your bones and muscles
that prevent you from different types of personal injuries during a workout or
running your daily errands.
6. Stay Away from Smoking and Alcohol:
If
you keep drinking and smoking, no matter how much you spend on your health and
how hard you try, your efforts are going to be wasted.
Quit
smoking and drinking to ensure you lead a healthy life.
7. Be Social, as Much as You Can:
Isolation
and lack of communication are the two biggest reasons for depression, mental
and physical illnesses. No matter how busy your family and work life are, try
to dedicate some time to friends and socialize with them.
A
man cannot stay healthy without interacting with other people. Communicating
with others lowers the stress level. If you have heard of laughter therapy, it
also has the same purpose to reduce the stress in which you laugh with other
people. Everyone needs acceptance and friendship that is fulfilled only when
you socialize with others.
8. Find and Practice New Hobbies:
Hobbies
help us keep busy and engaged. When you have an interest in some activities and
enjoy doing them, you take healthy steps to improve your emotional wellbeing.
It also keeps the work and daily life’s pressure off your brain. Finding new
hobbies is great for strengthening your brain and boosting your mood.
9. Learn to Live in the Present:
The
biggest reason for experiencing mood swings, depression and anxiety is when a
person remains stuck in past events. Negative self-talking such as ‘why people
did this to me’ steal not only the happiness but make the person miss
opportunities that the present moment tires to offer.
Learn
to live in the present moment and try not to think too much about the future.
It’s Simple: Laugh and Enjoy!
Don’t
take life too seriously. Those who remain happy, smile more and try to keep
themselves happy experience a better quality of life than those who remain
worried all the time. According to a study, children laugh 200 times a day
while adults laugh 15 times a day.
Staying happy and laughing more is essential for a quality life.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph
by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Growth
of Catholic Families and Households
·
Religion in the
home: Preschool for December
·
Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
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