On Feb 24, 1582, Pope Gregory XIII issued the papal bull Inter gravissimas (“In the Gravest Concern”) that would establish a new calendar to override the Julian Calendar that had been in use since 46 BC. The new calendar erased 10 days of that year – would erase ten days of the year—Thursday, October 4, would be followed by Friday, October 15.
Today is the feast day of St. Polycarp who was a disciple of the apostle St. John. He was martyred at the age of 86, for refusing to burn incense for the Roman emperor. He was burned at the stake but the flames did touch him, so he was finally stabbed to death.
The story of his martyrdom is “the earliest chronicle of a martyrdom outside the New Testament.”
And a very happy birthday to General Washington, first and greatest of all Presidents!
Don’t care what NYCaliphate thinks; dogs are the best!
Memento, homo, quia pulvis est, et in pulverem reverteris (“Remember, O man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.”)
The year of the Fire Horse begins: strength, intensity, sudden change, conflagration, freedom.
Today is the Sunday before Lent begins; traditionally this is a day for confessing one’s sins. After the last Mass of the day, last year’s palms are burned to be used for Wednesday’s ashes.
(Sundays I figure is good for religious posts, yeah? )
February 8 is a day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. The date was picked because it is the feast day of St. Bakhita, who as a child was abducted by Arab slavers and sold into slavery. You can read about her here.
O St. Bakhita, you who knew the horrors of slavery, assist all trapped in captivity. Intercede for them so God may set them free, comfort survivors, and help them find healing through faith and hope in Jesus. Amen.
I could use some cashmere today; freezing here again.
I landed in the hospital for a few days. Can anyone else take over until I’m out?
This might be one of the most beautiful and interesting houses in Pompeii. If you’d like to know more about “The House of the Orchard”, go HERE
 | lyn5 on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lyn5 on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lyn5 on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
 | taw46 on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lyn5 on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lyn5 on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
 | Miranda on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
 | Anonymous on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
 | lateblum on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lateblum on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lateblum on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lyn5 on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lateblum on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
| lateblum on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
 | Swan Spirit on Happy 444th Birthday to the Gr… |
The Crawdad Hole 