October 7th - Today is the 451st anniversary of the important Battle of Lepanto, and because of that it was later declared a Feast day. Here's a short excerpt about it from my book, "Praying a Christ-Centered Rosary:"
Of particular note is the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. As Muslim invaders threatened to take over Europe, the fate of the West came down to one decisive battle in the Gulf of Lepanto, the gateway to the Adriatic Sea and Western Europe. Pope Pius V called for all Catholics to pray the Rosary for victory, and although the Christian forces were outnumbered, they prevailed. Even though the Holy League’s navy had fewer ships, they had superior canons and favorable winds, and the Christian slaves rowing the Turkish ships rebelled against their masters. The battle was won on October 7, and Europe was kept safe.
In 1572, the pope declared October 7 the Feast of Mary, Queen of Victory; and later also the Feast of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary.
And FYI, this is exactly the kind of thing that would be the occasion for a meeting of "The Pub" here in the Original Church Community. I'm not ready to start that yet - still dealing with a little post-hurricane stuff, and actually traveling right now - but once we kick off our whole schedule we can meet to talk about important dates, important ideas, and even share opinions and vent about our pet peeves in The Pub! Have a blessed Lepanto Day!
Dear friends - Please take 10 minutes to watch this personal update from me:
I'm back, up and running, and ready to go - I should have a new JOURNEY episode within the next week or so - and because you are my loyal peeps, here is an exclusive, just-for-you, behind the scenes SNEAK PEEK into my new office:
I mentioned in The Journey that I wrote a song based on Isaiah 2, which is one of my favorite OT passages:
In days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain, and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it. Many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations, and set terms for many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
I hope you like the song!
The problem with us men is that often we don't have the wisdom to be a father until we're a grandfather.
This may sounds like some ironic statement that makes you nod your head in agreement but shrug your shoulders in resignation, thinking, well there's nothing we can do about that. But the practical application of that is that it demonstrates how important it is for kids to grow up around their grandparents. But as in our culture the family becomes ever more fractured and spread out, that is harder and harder to do.
Lately I've been thinking that part of the problem is the whole concept of college. It used to be that everyone thought a person had to go to college to make a good living. Not only is that not the case (truck drivers make more money than I do) but now college has gone from useless to actually ruining our kids. But when I went to college, what you were supposed to do is figure out what career you wanted (as if anyone knows that at age 18) and then go away to the college ...
And don't forget, if you would like to read my latest novel:
The Sword and the Clover - just let me know by email.
I'm happy to send you the PDF version, even if you haven't been a monetary supporter of the community - all I ask is that you don't share it with anyone else.
My email address:
Keep in touch!
JIm
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