Dear 1036: Music on a Winter's Night

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

I have enjoyed watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic events time after time.  It's a great way to see the host country's culture and history on display.

I recall the Friday evening 20 years ago, February 10, 2006, when the Torino Olympics opened.

I recall two pieces of music in particular.

Having a strong interest in geography, I was very interested to hear the performance of the Italian National Anthem, "Brothers of Italy".

At the end of the ceremony, following the lighting of the Olympic cauldron in the stadium, the inestimable Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti, in his final public performance of his life, sang the famed "Nessun Dorma".  He made it sound so grand and epic, a fitting piece to feature toward the conclusion of the ceremony.

Recently, Andrea Bocelli sang it at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.  Abuela and I were together talking about it, and I decided to look up the lyrics and their English translation.  The final word is "Vincero", translated to say, "I will be victorious", reflecting his hope for what will emerge when the night gives way to dawn.

Music has a way of powerfully expressing what is deep within us, our yearnings and our hope.

Reflecting on these memories evokes something deep within me, bringing me into the dawn-like joy of what you, dear 1036, are in your essence, a special place that has defined.

So I declare that you shall not fade into the background but remain deep in my heart as that dearly beloved place.

We shall remain ever connected:

All my relations.

God's blessings,

With deep joy,

Paul

Dear 1036: The Flag that is There

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

On our Branson mini-vacation 22 years ago, we stopped at a Five-and-Dime Store.  There, I bought a US flag.

I eagerly put it on display on my desk in my bedroom.

Complementing it was a poster I got at the Bright Ideas store with the US flag and all the state flags.

The flag of the USA is a great symbol that speaks to how deeply I feel about this country.

To this day, I still have that flag, and I think about it as the USA celebrates the 250th anniversary of independence this year, and what the deeper meaning of the flag.

As I look at you, 1036, I think about the deeper meaning of what it was to live in you, and how I was shaped to be the person I am, embracing the values of being part of something greater.

And I declare that you shall not fade into the background but remain deeply in my heart as that dearly beloved place.

We remain connected:

All my relations.

With joy and gratitude for you,

God's blessings,

Paul

Celebrating Oak Park, From the Top

January 25 is the anniversary of when Oak Park became an independent Village in 1902.

As I celebrate this historic occasion, I think about what makes Oak Park special.

One thing that comes to mind is the Barrie Park Hill.

In all seasons it is a great place for recreation.

On a snowy day like this, it's fun to sled down the hill.

On warmer days, I enjoy walking up the steps to the top and taking in the view of the breadth of this place I call home.

Gifts 2025/2026: Reflecting in the Spirit of the Magi

The Christmas Season is a glorious time to reflect on how God revealed His glory visibly in teh great gift of His Son. 

And in the light of the Incarnation, we continue to see how God makes Himself known in tangible ways, like in the exchanging of gifts at this time of year.

As is my custom, inspired by Father Larry McNally, former pastor of Ascension Parish, I reflect on gifts I gave and received with the Magi's gift as a guide.

Gifts I Gave

Gold: 

I gave some treats to my parents, like Trader Joe's biscotti.

Frankincense:

When I went to the annual Maker Fair at Julian Middle School, I found an angel candle made of beeswax, and I gave it to my Abuela.

Myrrh: I enjoyed giving tamales to various family and friends from the special batch we made.  I also enjoyed volunteering at the special Advent Dinner event for the students at St. Teresa's.

Gifts I Received

Gold:

My parents gave me a wooden juicer tool that was from Israel.  It is a nice tool to use for squeezing juice out of citrus fruits and its purchase supports merchants in Israel.

Frankincense:

I got many nice cards and gifts from families of students I know in Religious Education, including home-baked treats.

Myrrh:

My brother got me a kitchen mixer.

Glory to God for His great gift in sending us the Son, Jesus Christ, Who brings us light, life, and joy.

20 + C + M + B + 26

Grapes of Anticipation 2026

Happy New Year 2026!

This first day of the new year offers a blank slate. Yet I already have anticipated some milestones for this year that make me want to shout "Huzzah for 2026!"

Using the Spanish custom of 12 grapes as a guide, here's what I look forward to in this new year:

Grape #1: The USA means so much to me, and so I'm excited about celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence.  It's a great time for "Huzzah!" to make a comeback.

Grape #2: The 2026 elections will be a good opportunity to engage with the process of government.

Grape #3: I have travel plans in place, especially in the eastern USA:   I've made plans to go on vacation for my birthday again, and celebrate with my birthday partner James Madison at his Montpelier estate in Virginia. And I look forward to what I'll get to experience during this year's annual family Washington, D.C., Metro Area trip.

Grape #4: I look forward to seeing the world come together again for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Grape #5: It's going to be a good time getting our kicks as we celebrate the centennial of Route 66, along with the other US federal routes.

Grape #6: I get great vibes when it comes to Colorado and my family there, so I'm looking forward to celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Colorado on August 1.

Grape #7: I'm excited to celebrate the centennial of actor Andy Griffith's birth.

Grape #8: As a huge Lucy fan, I'm excited about celebrating the 75th anniversary of the debut of I Love Lucy, which follows up from last year's 75th anniversary of the establishment of Desilu.  I think now's a good time to bring back the expression "Real gone", for that which is amazing.

Grape #9: I can think of two family milestones for this year, my brother and sister-in-law's 10th anniversary and the centennial of my Great Aunt June's birth.

Grape #10: I'm looking forward to the 10th anniversary of my MLIS graduation on May 8 and reflecting on my role in librarianship.

Grape #11: 2024 was an inspiring time of connecting with the Eucharistic Lord with the National Eucharistic Congress and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimages.  I'm glad that there was a pilgrimage in 2025 and plans for another pilgrimage in 2026, which I'll be following.

Grape #12: The US bishops voted to consecrate the USA to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence.  I'm sure this will be a graced time to encounter the unseen God Who makes Himself marvelously known in the love He shows us and for that love to abound in our lives and all we do day by day, even in our part as citizens.  I hope it will continue to provide a point of inspiration as I seek to make God's love known, including in my involvement at Church, especially in Religious Education.  I've built so many good relationships, and I look forward to how I'll continue building them.  I also know that I have so many resources to support me as I think about milestones in 2025 for Relevant Radio and Word on Fire, which can help lead me to encounters with God.

So I offer a prayer that God will bless the United States of America.  And may we all, during 2026, open ourselves to the ways we can live purposefully through the graces God bestows on us throughout the ages for how we can live in this moment in which God has placed us.

Huzzah for the USA! Huzzah for 2026!

Grapes of Reflection 2025

It's a heartfelt opportunity to reach the end of a calendar year and reflect.

As has become my cherished custom, I shall reflect on 2025 in the spirit of the Spanish custom of consuming 12 grapes to mark the changing of the year.

Grape #1: I had a great Texas trip to see the George H. W. Bush Presidential Museum, along with sights in Temple.  And I got to bypass an early spring and go straight to summer.

Grape #2: It was another great time traveling to the East Coast trip, with highlights including a day in the Boston Metro Area, spots close to the stage at the National Memorial Day Concert, visiting Fort McHenry in Baltimore, celebrating Mom's birthday, and lunch at Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria.

Grape #3: California turned 175 on September 9, and so 2025 was a fitting time to head west on the Southwest Chief and then walk on sunshine in Southern California.  Highlights included going up to the observatory level of Los Angeles City Hall, and visiting the digs of my friend Roy and his family in San Jacinto.  I was delighted to return home with 10 lbs of real California oranges.

Grape #4: I enjoyed my road trips in the Midwest/Great Lakes region of the USA, to West Branch and then the Cincinnati Metro Area.

Grape #5: I enjoyed shopping at the Oak Park Farmers' Market 50th Season and experiencing the wonderful sense of community there throughout the season.

Grape #6: Participating in the Illinois March for Life in Springfield was such an uplifting experience, especially on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.

Grape #7: I was glad to serve as an election judge in the April 1 municipal elections.

Grape #8: It was exciting to get word of the white smoke at the Vatican on May 8 and to see the introduction of the new Pope, Leo XIV, a moment that brought me into great awe.  Slowly but surely it settled in how significant it was that he was the first US-born Pope.  It was a great experience to attend the celebration for him at Guaranteed Rate Field hosted by the Archdiocese of Chicago.  And I had a wonderful time sightseeing where he grew up in the south suburbs.

Grape #9: I was overjoyed at the Canonization of St. Carlo Acutis on September 7.  His story resonates with me so deeply, starting with his birth just weeks after mine.  He is a great example as the first millennial saint.

Grape #10: For 2025, I eagerly looked ahead to the 20th anniversary of my Julian 8th grade graduation, which was a great celebration coinciding with Pentecost Sunday.  It was a joyful celebration of what my Julian years have meant to me, especially in the realm of faith, and how I continue to feel that impact.  As a wonderful prelude, days prior, I was over the moon to participate as a presenter at Career Day at Julian for a second consecutive year.

Grape #11: There were a few special celebrations in the family this year.  It was a blessing to be present for my Uncle Bernie when he got the Christifideles Award from the Archdiocese of Chicago and then his retirement celebration at the annual Chicago Voyagers Gala.

Grape #12: Another event I greatly anticipated in 2025 was the celebration of the 20th anniversary of my Confirmation.  It was a great day that connected me back with an event that continues to live on in me as I walk in step with the Holy Spirit.  This celebration was enhanced with many other faith-related events this year, like Mass on October 1 at the Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux on her feast day, and Mass on October 31 at Mother of the Americas Parish with the Virgen statue present.  I also visited 8 different Cathedrals, which helped connect with me with the 2025 Jubilee of Hope.  I looked ahead to my Confirmation anniversary milestone when I joined the celebration of Confirmation in March for students I know in RE, which made my birthday weekend very special.  We even got to meet Bishop Jose Maria Garcia-Maldonado, who had just been ordained the month prior.  Then, the day before my Confirmation anniversary, it was special for me to take my RE class into Church and show them where I sat.  Indeed, I have seen God present and at work in so many ways this year, especially in the relationships I've built in RE.

As we reach this significant moment in Chronos time, with one year ending and another beginning, I marvel at these Kairos moments that have marked 2025.  Especially for the 20th anniversary of my 8th grade graduation and Confirmation, these moments have been opportunities to see how these experiences live on and I continue to draw from them to be the person who lives according to God's purpose for me.

So I conclude 2025 grateful and blessed for what I have experienced, and what I can take with me into a new year.

2025 News and Events in Review

A significant shift in power occurred in January, when Donald Trump began his second, nonconsecutive term as President.  The inauguration ceremony had a different feel because, due to cold temperatures, it was held indoors in the rotunda of the US Capitol, with an overflow crowd in the Capitol visitors' center, where he went to make "off-the-cuff" remarks following the formal ceremony.

President Trump took off like a bulldozer, issuing numerous executive orders on his first day alone, even signing them while watching the festivities of celebration.

He adamantly plowed forward in seeking to correct the border problems under the previous administration, and ICE went out to apprehend people who were in this country without proper status and had criminal records.  DOGE, which was staffed by Elon Musk, sought to cut lots of government waste, which certainly changed the feel of the Washington, DC, area, where so many federal workers live.  Later in the year, the federal government went into shutdown mode for several weeks.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned and someone from his same party was elected the new head of government in the April 28 elections.

Another significant leadership change came when Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday Morning, April 21.  On May 8, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the new Pope, and he took the name Leo XIV.  It was a surprise to have a new Pope native to the USA, who was born in Chicago, IL.

This change in church leadership happened in the midst of the 2025 Jubilee Year.  Many different Jubilee celebrations were held, including an event for youth, which resembled World Youth Day in many ways.  In November, he participated in a live audience with the NCYC in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.  Later in November, he went on his trip international trip to Turkey and Lebanon.

As a great follow-up to the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, the 2025 National Eucharistic Congress traveled from Indianapolis to Los Angeles.

Among those who parted from us this year were former Vice President Richard Cheney and Charlie Kirk.

A farewell Mass came for St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Church on June 22, after which point, the church building ceased to be a functioning worship site.

District 97 Superintendent Dr. Shah resigned abruptly and the search for a new superintendent began.

The library vendor Baker and Taylor announced it would shut down operations, prompting a huge shift for libraries in acquiring materials.

Cracker Barrel got into rough seas when it announced stylistic changes to its logo and restaurant spaces that caused an immense backlash.  The company reverted to its original designs and its relatively new CEO ended her time at the company.

As for what was new, August was a significant month for Amtrak with the debut of the Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans and Mobile.  Then came the launch of the new Avelia Liberty trainsets on the Acela Service.

Princess Charlotte in Britain turned 10 in May.  Actor Dick Van Dyke turned 100 in December.  Musician Yo-Yo Ma turned 75 in October.  The Grand Ole Opry marked its centennial on November 28.  August 4 marked 300 years since the birth of John Newton, who wrote "Amazing Grace".

In November, the US bishops, at their annual Fall Assembly, elected Paul Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City, as their new president.  Among other major actions were voting to consecrate the USA to the Sacred Heart in June 2026 and to convoke the 11th National Eucharist Congress in 2029.