The Roman sun rose at 07:25 and it will set at 18:25, lest God determines otherwise. The forlorn Ave Maria bell should sound at 18:45. It is the Feast of St. Peter de Alcantara (+1562), a mighty Franciscan who was a friend of St. John of Avila and was admired by St. Francis Borgia. What an age of saints. Will we see such a time again? Let us ask God to raise up saints rather than what we have lately. I am reminded of a phrase from my old pastor, that at times God raised up liturgists so that people who had not yet had the opportunity to suffer for their faith could do so. We need saints.
Last night I met with friends for some chow at a nearby eatery. Some nibbles with bubbles by Tarlant started us out. That house has only been around since 1687, the year, as you know, of the publication of Isaac Newton’s Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica.
A bit of steak with lardo. It needed more lardo. And salt.
Here’s a fast spuntino – midmorning snack – before hitting the street. I have a list of agenda et videnda.
This seems a good place for the daily puzzle. Black to move and win material. This shouldn’t take you very long.
Priestly chess players, drop me a line. HERE
Thanksgiving isn’t all that far off. You might consider ordering some beer from the traditional Benedictine monks of Norcia, Italy. These guys are fantastic. So is their beer. They have a dark and a blond and they are both great with savory flavors. It would match splendidly with turkey and all the things usually made for these meals. As a matter of fact, it would have been perfect with the slices at the top of this post.
In the early afternoon…
He – unmistakable Benedict XIII – saw the consistory list.
Where can I find the Roman Calendar you use? Can it be purchased online?
I love how Father Z offhandedly states that this chess puzzle shouldn’t take very long, and then I stare at it, and stare at it, and finally I go away muttering to myself at the injustice of it all.
(The queen can’t checkmate to d4 or f6, the bishop can’t do it, but I know I’ll be kicking myself when someone casually points out the solution. So be it.)
1. …Qd4+
2. Kg2 Qxe5
Neal,
The King can’t move to g2; he would be under check from the bishop.
Good point.
2. Ke1 Qxe5+
@FrAnt
At a certain point in late November/beginning of December you might find the various Curial Calendars here, but rather in person (next to the Basilica): https://www.libreriaeditricevaticana.va/en/
@FrZ
Dear host, why do you say forlorn Ave Maria? Sant’Anna in Vaticano is ringing it out in all fidelity every day still, maybe sometimes bringing a smile to the faces of those who still recognise that strange pattern … and kind readers might want to say a prayer for them.
[Are you sure they are ringing the Ave Maria and not the Angelus?]