Narcissus, the oldest bishop in history
He lived during the Roman domination of Palestine and was elected bishop of Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem) at a very advanced age. Because of his moral rigour, he attracted the hatred of the corrupt, who slandered him. But the truth emerged and Saint Narcissus returned to the bishop's chair; he appointed a coadjutor – the first in history – who was also a saint. He lived to the age of 116.
Squid Game: a tsunami of evil with no way out or redemption
Airing on Netflix, Squid Game is a TV series with attention-grabbing ingredients. It’s supposed to be a denunciation of capitalist society, but the level of violence is extremely high and gratuitous (even children and teenagers are viewing it and cases of imitation are already being recorded). In addition, evil overcomes and overwhelms the little good that is present, leaving the viewer shocked. There is no way out, and no hope.
Red terrorism and sexual revolution go hand in hand
A 2008 film by Uli Edel tells the story of the Baader Meinhof gang, the future Red Army Faction (RAF), the German equivalent of the Red Brigades. In an undervalued scene, the true meaning of the revolution is expressed: “Sexual liberation and the anti-imperialist struggle are one and the same thing!”. De Sade spread the same message during the French Revolution.
Saint Charles: courage, piety, and doctrine of a chosen one
Saint Charles Borromeo remains an example that spans the centuries, not only for his great piety and capacity for sacrifice, but also for his courage, a characteristic of chosen souls. The Council of Trent, the plague in Milan, synods, and his relationship with power. He was a reformer of orders and promoter of new spiritualities. And miracles flourished through his intercession.
Dominic Savio and the secret of saintliness
Coming from a large family, humble and rich in faith, the very young Dominic Savio once asked Don Bosco what the secret of saintliness was. To pray and do good, with joy, was the reply. And Dominic did just that, proving to be a "a small, or rather great, giant of the spirit", as Pius XI called him.
- THE RECIPE: ASTI-STYLE PORK CHOPS
Hyacintha Marescotti, from egotist to saint
Born Clarice, the daughter of a count, she entered the convent after suffering a disappointment in love. For years she lived a self-centred life, in spite of her consecrated status. In her illness she discovered God: she asked for her sisters' forgiveness, and began a life of prayer and privation, dedicating herself to the poor and the sick. And with her example she attracted to the faith many who were far from it.
- THE RECIPE: PANZANELLA VITERBESE
Saint Eligius, glorifying God with his goldsmithing art
A great goldsmithing artist as early as the 7th century and a precursor of the Renaissance, Saint Eligius of Noyon, who was also appreciated for his care for the needy and for building churches and monasteries, served in the court of Chlothar II and his son Dagobert I.
- THE RECIPE: NOYONNETTE
