ICEMANforChrist: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Vinny’s Corner

Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you.

(Deuteronomy 31:6)

· Carnival: Part Two, the Final Countdown

· Carnival Time begins in Catholic Countries.

· Get creative “International Creative Month”

· Spirit Hour: Brandy Alexander

· Bread Machine Baking Month

· Try “West African Gumbo”

· Bucket List trip: Jasper

· How to celebrate Jan 31st

· Start your day by enjoying a hot cup of hot chocolate, embodying coziness and warmth. Dive into an art project inspired by your favorite zebra pattern, embracing creativity. Plan a future trip while savoring some Brussels sprouts, amplifying your wanderlust. Get a head start on holiday gift wrapping with Scotch tape, adding a touch of fun to your day.

· Challenge yourself by doing tasks backward, from brushing your teeth to writing, adding a whimsical twist. Savor a Brandy Alexander cocktail, reveling in its rich flavor. Release your inner child by donning a gorilla suit and spreading cheer. Embrace the cold with a frosty treat, celebrating unusual occurrences.

· Reflect on the value of social security while expressing gratitude for what you have. Lastly, commemorate independence with a traditional Nauruan dish,

fostering appreciation for different cultures. As the day comes to a close, gather loved ones for a bonfire, symbolizing unity and warmth.

Vinny’s pilgrimage

**🌊 January 31 – February 6, 2026

Patmos — Island of Revelation**
Theme: Silence, Vision, and the Courage to See Clearly

Patmos is where St. John received the Book of Revelation.
It is the island of clarity, courage, and consolation—the place where the veil lifts.

🗓️ Daily Itinerary & Symbolic Acts

Jan 31 – Arrival in Patmos (Island of St. John)

🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Opening the Eyes of the Heart”
Step off the ferry into the quiet harbor of Skala.
Let the silence of the island settle into your bones.
Pray for the grace to see what you have been avoiding.

Stay: Petra Hotel & Suites or a simple monastery guesthouse

Feb 1 – Cave of the Apocalypse

🕍 Symbolic Act: “Listening to the Whisper”
Enter the cave where John heard the voice “like a trumpet.”
Place your hand on the rock fissure tradition says opened at the moment of revelation.
Ask for the courage to hear God without distortion.

Feb 2 – Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas)

🕯️ Symbolic Act: “Light in the Temple”
Attend Candlemas at the Monastery of St. John the Theologian.
Carry a blessed candle through the cloister.
Pray for the purification of your intentions.

Feb 3 – Monastery of the Annunciation

🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Receiving the Word”
Visit the women’s monastery overlooking the sea.
Sit in the courtyard and read a short passage from Revelation.
Let the words echo.

Feb 4 – Coastal Walk & Desert Silence

🌿 Symbolic Act: “Walking Toward the Horizon”
Walk the coastal path from Skala to Grikos.
Reflect on the horizon as a symbol of God’s promises not yet fulfilled.

Feb 5 – Eucharistic Stillness

🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Behold, I Make All Things New”
Spend an hour in adoration at a small island chapel.
Offer God the parts of your life that feel unfinished or unclear.

Feb 6 – Departure & Benediction

🕍 Symbolic Act: “Seal of Revelation”
Before leaving, return to the Cave of the Apocalypse.
Whisper a single prayer:
“Lord, help me see.”

💶 Cost Snapshot (Per Person)

Lodging (6 nights): $300–$450

Meals: $150–$210

Transport (ferries, taxis): $80–$150

Sightseeing & Tips: $40–$80

Total: $570–$890

JANUARY 31 Friday-SAINT JOHN BOSCO

Psalm 103, Verse 13

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who FEAR him.

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, he 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

Copilot’s Take

A heart shaped by holy fear becomes the kind of heart God can entrust with real spiritual authority. When we stand before Him with reverence rather than terror, we discover that His compassion is not sentimental but strengthening, forming us into men and women who refuse to live as victims or prisoners of old wounds. Confession clears the fog, forgiveness breaks the chains, and the Father’s mercy restores our clarity of mission. From that place, spiritual leadership grows naturally: confidence rooted in God rather than ego, a hunger to know His will, a willingness to sacrifice, and a love that serves without calculation. Such a life confronts evil not with rage or bravado but with the steady courage of a child who knows his Father’s voice.

Saint John Bosco[2]

St. John Bosco was the founder of the Salesian Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales, and of the daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth." He had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator. Don Bosco decided to go ahead fearlessly with his educational mission stating,” “Timid souls refrained from making any kind of fresh start for fear of the coming storm.”

Things to Do

· St. John Bosco at a young age learned how to juggle and do other tricks to attract children to him. This provided opportunities for him to give catechesis to these children. Think of different activities that you could do to attract children—perhaps juggling, putting on puppet shows, storybook time—and use that opportunity to teach a virtue, catechism lesson, or just to be a good example. Good clean fun or a wholesome activity is a lesson in itself in a world where there is so much corruption.

· If you feel brave, try cooking the stuffed raw peppers suggested for today. Mama Margaret probably cooked Peperoni farciti à la Piemontaise (peppers stuffed with boiled rice), a speciality from Turin, for St. John Bosco's boys.

· Read this article from Catholic Culture's library, Don Bosco, Seeker of Souls.

Bible in a Year Day 213 The Redeemer

Fr. Mike touches upon the prophecy of judgment against Babylon and Israel, and how God still promises to be Israel's redeemer despite their disobedience. We also read about Ezekiel's vision of the temple and how the markings on the foreheads of the Israelites symbolizes the mourning of true worship, and also foreshadows Jesus' death on the Cross. Today we read Isaiah 47-48, Ezekiel 8-9, and Proverbs 12:13-16.

Climb an Iceberg in Jasper[3]

Thru January 31

The Canadian Rockies is the place for adventure in January. Besides the predictable winter activities — skiing, snowshoeing, skating — Jasper in January hosts fat bike snow races, sleigh riding, dog sledding and ice climbing. And that’s just during the day, Jasper’s evenings offer wine and whiskey tasting, food-a-paloolza, live music, entertainment, kids’ scavenger hunts, plus stargazing and northern-light viewing with s’mores.

Daily Devotions

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: An End to Addictions

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary

FEBRUARY

Soil under our feet goes unnoticed, though this first foot of soil is where most living organisms’ dwell. The health of the fragile skin of our earth is of utmost importance. Humility comes from the Latin word for soil, "humus." From and unto dust is the humbling message to each of us. Soil is rich and fertile but also prone to erosion and pollution.

Overview of February[4]

Highlights of the Month

The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ's public life the Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation of the Christian family.

The Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother's arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice. February 17, Shrove Tuesday, will find us preparing for Ash Wednesday. The middle of the month will find us on Ash Wednesday accepting the ashes that remind us of our mortality and our need for penance.

Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter)! The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save his people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In addition, the faithful may receive in February three of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats and blessed ashes.

"The Light of Revelation" shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary. She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son.

Members of each family or domestic church have the opportunity to have the candles for their home altar blessed on Candlemas Day (February 2nd); and the next morning, on the Feast of St. Blaise, all might receive the Blessing of the Throats. Always a solicitous Mother, the Church offers this sacramental during the wintry month of February and also sets aside the World Day of Prayer for the Sick on February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

❄️ February Travel Highlights

🐴 Take a Horse‑Drawn Sleigh Ride (All Month – Yellowstone & Jackson Hole)

Glide through the snow on a horse‑drawn sleigh at the National Elk Refuge (fws.gov in Bing)
(bing.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing).
Nearby winter fun includes skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, tubing, and the mountain coaster at Snow King Mountain.

🎉 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival (Feb 6–15, 2026)

One of America’s oldest winter festivals, featuring the famous Ice Palace, parades, fireworks, and the crowning of the Carnival King and Queen.
Official Site

🦫 See Punxsutawney Phil’s Prediction (Feb 2)

Join the pre‑dawn crowd at Gobbler’s Knob to watch Phil deliver his winter forecast.
Groundhog Club

❄️ Party in Quebec City (Feb 6–15, 2026)

Snow rafting, ice canoe racing, snow baths, sculptures, and the iconic Bonhomme.
Quebec Winter Carnival

🏈 Super Bowl LX (Feb 8, 2026)

The nation gathers for food, friends, and football.
NFL Super Bowl

🌷 Smell the Flowers at Tulipmania (Mid‑February 2026)

Over 39,000 tulips bloom at San Francisco’s Pier 39. Tours begin at the Crab Statue and end with a treat from Trish’s Mini Donuts.
Pier 39 • Trish’s Mini Donuts

💌 Celebrate Valentine’s Day—International Style (Feb 14)

Different cultures add their own flavor to the feast of love:

Germany: Chocolate, flowers, and lucky pig figurines — traditions at Germany Travel (germany.travel in Bing)
(bing.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

Denmark: Snowdrop‑shaped notes, poems, and playful riddles — cultural background at Denmark.dk (denmark.dk in Bing)
(bing.com in Bing) (bing.com in Bing)

🐎 Attend the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show (Feb 12–22, 2026)

Over 2,400 horses compete for top honors, with family‑friendly activities throughout the event. Kids 17 and under are free.
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

🎭 Carnival Season (February–March)

Fat Tuesday — the height of global carnival celebrations — falls on February 17, 2026.

New Orleans: Mardi Gras New Orleans

Rio de Janeiro: Rio Carnival

Mobile, Alabama: Mobile Carnival Museum

Nice, France: Nice Carnival

Venice, Italy: Carnevale di Venezia

Binche, Belgium: Carnaval de Binche

Iceman’s Calendar-February

· Arizona Renaissance Festival February 1-March 30

· Go Back in Time to The Old West in Tombstone

o Just like the Arizona Renaissance Festival, Tombstone, Arizona, beckons visitors to step back in time during February. However, instead of transporting you back to a mystical medieval era, Tombstone brings visitors to the rough and tumbling times of the Old West.

· Saguaro National Park

o For those seeking a reprieve from the cold and yearning for breathtaking hikes, Saguaro National Park is an excellent choice. With average winter temperatures soaring into the high 60s, it stands out as a premier destination to thaw out and partake in outdoor adventures in February. Upon entering the vast 143-square-mile park, you’ll be captivated by the towering saguaros. Some of these cacti reach an impressive 50 feet and live a lifespan of up to 125 years. The park is divided into two distinct sections: East Saguaro, characterized by its mountainous terrain and abundant hiking and backpacking trails, and the West side, home to a denser Saguaro Forest.

· Wickenburg, Arizona

o 77th Annual Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

§ FEBRUARY 12-15

· Check out Yarnell-St. Joseph of the mountains.

Iceman’s Calendar

· Sun-Feb. 1-Septuagesima

o start 12 week study on the Manhood of Jesus

§ Ends April 26, 2026-Good Shepard Sunday

§ That lands you right on the doorstep of Ascension‑Pentecost season—a powerful place to conclude a study on Christ’s manhood and mission.

o Full Snow Moon

o St. Brigid

· Mon-Feb. 2-MASS Candlemas

· Tue-Feb. 3-St. Blasé Blessing of throats

· Wed-Feb 4-First Wednesday

· Thu-Feb 5 St. Agatha.

o Thursday Feast

· Fri-Feb 6^th First Friday-Fast

· Sat-Feb 7-First Saturday

· Sun-Feb 8-Sexagesima

o Start Novena to Holy Face to end on Shrove Tuesday

· Wed-Feb 11-Our Lady of Lourdes

· Thu-Feb 12-Carnival Thursday

o Lincoln’s Birthday

· Fri-Feb 13^th-Carnival Friday

· Sat-Feb 14-St. Valentines

· Sun-Feb 15 Quinquagesima

· Mon-Feb 16-Presidents Day

o Shrovetide Monday

· Tue-Feb 17-Shrove Tuesday

o Chinese New Year

· Wed-Feb 18-Ash Wednesday

o Ramadan Begins

o real fighters wanted Catholic Fighting Men Call YOU to Lenten Boot Camp

· Sun-Feb 22 First Sunday of Lent, Called “Invocabit”

o Washington’s Birthday

· Mon-Feb 23 Orthodox Lent begins

· Tue-Feb 24 St. Matthias

· Wed-Feb 25-FAST Ember Wednesday

· Thu-Feb 26-Thursday Feast

· Fri-Feb-27 FAST Ember Friday

· Sat-Feb-28-FAST Ember Saturday

[1] John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible.

[2]http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-31

[3]https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travels-best/photos/awesome-things-to-do-in-january

[4]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/02.cfm

🌧️ Overview of The Rains Came (1939)

Director: Clarence Brown
Stars: Myrna Loy (Lady Edwina Esketh), Tyrone Power (Major Rama Safti), George Brent (Tom Ransome)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Based on: Louis Bromfield’s 1937 novel
Release: September 7, 1939
Notable Achievement: Won the Academy Award for Best Special Effects, beating Gone With the Wind for its groundbreaking flood and earthquake sequences.

🎭 Plot in Brief

Lady Edwina Esketh arrives in the princely state of Ranchipur, India, intending to rekindle an old affair with artist Tom Ransome. Instead, she becomes drawn to Major Rama Safti, a principled surgeon and rising leader of “the new India.”
A devastating earthquake–flood–cholera chain of disasters transforms the story from social intrigue to moral reckoning. Edwina abandons her hedonistic life to serve the sick, ultimately sacrificing herself after accidentally drinking from a contaminated glass. Her death clears the way for Safti to assume leadership and reform the kingdom.

🎬 Power & Loy: Why This Pairing Works

⭐ Tyrone Power as Major Rama Safti

Cast against type: a calm, disciplined, almost ascetic figure rather than a swashbuckler.
His performance is restrained, dignified, and quietly heroic.

⭐ Myrna Loy as Lady Edwina Esketh

Known for sophistication and wit, Loy here plays a morally compromised woman seeking redemption.
Her transformation—from jaded aristocrat to self-sacrificing caregiver—is the emotional core of the film.

⭐ Their Dynamic

Power’s steadiness and Loy’s emotional volatility create a compelling contrast.
Their chemistry is understated but powerful, rooted in mutual respect and moral awakening rather than melodrama.

🌪️ Spectacle & Craft

The disaster sequences were revolutionary for 1939, using miniatures, water tanks, and optical effects.
The film’s special effects Oscar was the first ever awarded in that category.
Alfred Newman’s score and Arthur C. Miller’s cinematography give the film a sweeping, almost operatic tone.

🕊️ Moral & Devotional Themes

✦ Redemption Through Service

Edwina’s arc mirrors the Christian movement from self-indulgence to sacrificial love. Her final act—contracting illness while serving the sick—echoes the Gospel’s “greater love” that lays down one’s life.