Whether it’s for an ailing mother and aunt, or a young son who needs his dad, it touches my heart to see professional athletes who can be real men more so off the field than on. It can’t be easy to give up so much for what some people might consider so little.
Some folks mistakenly think that this feast refers to our Lord - that he was immaculately conceived, without stain of sin. Well, that's true, but that's what the Annunciation is all about, not the Immaculate Conception. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was conceived without original sin.
Here is a poem by Ogden Nash that I'm sure you'll enjoy. It's a light-hearted, modern approach to a deeply loving, cherished old saint. I hope your stocking is filled with all kinds of good things this morning. More importantly, may St. Nicholas shower you with spiritual gifts and blessings throughout the day. Blessed Feast of St. Nicholas!
In Ireland, exceptional hospitality isn't as much a practiced virtue as it is a matter of course. Hospitality is part of what the Irish people are made of and I was the blessed recipient of that hospitality for eight days.
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