I thought I would take a day off from the series on liturgical questions and instead provide my top ten reasons why this date is important. So here it is:
(10) World Day for Consecrated Life
Since 1997, the Church has celebrated World Day for Consecrated Life on this date. Click here for news on this year's celebration.
(9) Institute on Religious Life (IRL)
While on the subject of consecrated life, I'm pleased to announce that today the IRL has launched a new blog on vocations, entitled An Undivided Heart. Check it out!
(8) Kobe Bryant
Today is the first day in about 35 years that Jerry West is not the lifetime scoring leader for the Lakers, as Kobe Bryant passed him last night. For those of us "cradle Lakers' fans" who grew up listening to Chick Hearn magically describe the exploits of Jerry West (aka "Zeke from Cabin Creek" and "Mr. Clutch"), this was a surprisingly nostalgic milestone.
(7) Blood of the Martyrs
On this date in 1571, all eight members of a Jesuit mission were killed by Native Americans in Virginia.
(6) Groundhog Day
Of course it's Groundhog Day, an annual event for over 100 years. Did Phil see his shadow this year? Click here to find out. And though Bill Murray can be a little crude at times, he was definitely on his game in the movie that bears this title.
(5) Palestrina
On this date in 1594, Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina was born, arguably the greatest composer of liturgical music ever. Long after people forget about Kobe's exploits, Christians around the world will be edified by the timeless worship music of this artistic giant.
(4) Knights of Columbus
On this date in 1882, the Knights of Columbus were founded in 1882 in New Haven, Connecticut (though the official date is now considered to be later in March--not sure why the discrepancy). I'm proud to be a knight, both for the KofC's traditional support of widows and orphans, but also for its staunch support in recent decades for pro-life efforts worldwide.
(3) Candlemas
Really, it's another name for the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple, which takes place each year on this date. The name "Candlemas" refers to the traditional blessing and procession of candles, symbolizing the coming of Christ, the "lumen gentium" or "light of the nations" (see Luke 2:32). Beyond the candle stuff, it's a great day--and the fourth Joyful Mystery! Today we focus our attention on this mysterious episode recounted in Luke 2, as we transition from Christmas and Christ's hidden years to Lent later this month.
(2) Birthday of a Special Young Man
Today is my godson Augustine's birthday. I don't see him nearly enough, but what a terrific young man he is!
(1) My Anniversary
On this date 19 years ago (but who's counting?), I married Maureen, the love of my life and the mother of our six children. February 2nd has never been the same for me.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Ps. 118:24)