January 6, 2010 - Great Feast of the Theophany

Bill - 303.6 lbs, 37.75 BMI;

Tony - TBA;

Carlo - TBA;

Baptism of Christ

This observance commemorates Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner in the River Jordan, and the beginning of Christ's earthly ministry. The Feast of Theophany is the culmination of the Christmas Season, which starts on December 25 and ends on January 6. In mystic commemoration of this event, the Great Blessing of Water is performed on this day, and the holy water so blessed is used by the local priest to bless the homes of the faithful.

The feast is called Theophany because at the baptism of Christ the Holy Trinity appeared clearly to mankind for the first time -- the Father's voice is heard from Heaven, the Son of God is incarnate and standing physically in the Jordan, and the Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove.

Epiphany

This feast is also sometimes referred to as Epiphany by English-speaking Orthodox Christians, but that name more properly refers to the Western Christian feast falling on that same day and commemorating the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. The term "Epiphany" does appear in the services for this feast, however.

Originally, there was just one Christian feast of the shining forth of God to the world in the human form of Jesus of Nazareth. It included the celebration of Christ's birth, the adoration of the Wisemen, and all of the childhood events of Christ such as his circumcision and presentation to the temple as well as his baptism by John in the Jordan. There seems to be little doubt that this feast, like Easter and Pentecost, was understood as the fulfillment of a previous Jewish festival, in this case the Feast of Lights.

(OrthodoxWiki)

January 5, 2010 - St. John Neumann

Bill - 307.1 lbs, 38.18 BMI
Tony - TBA
Carlo - TBA

St. John Neumann was the first American bishop to be canonized. He also founded the first Catholic diocesan school system in America. During his time as bishop of Philadelphia, he opened 100 schools.

...The ability to learn languages that had brought him to America led him to learn Spanish, French, Italian, and Dutch so he could hear confessions in at least six languages. When Irish immigration started, he learned Gaelic so well that one Irish woman remarked, "Isn't it grand that we have an Irish bishop!" (Catholic Online)


“All people of whatever race, condition or age, in virtue of their dignity as human persons, have an inalienable right to education. This education should be suitable to the particular destiny of the individuals, adapted to their ability, sex and national cultural traditions, and should be conducive to amicable relations with other nations in order to promote true unity and peace in the world. True education aims to give people a formation which is directed towards their final end and the good of that society to which they belong and in which, as adults, they will have their share of duties to perform.” -- St. John Neumann

January 4, 2010 - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Bill - 308 lbs
Tony - TBA
Carlo - TBA

Yes, I know we are starting on an uphill track... I don't like to see it either... But weight-loss is like prayer and focus must be given to the task at hand -- healthy living, small portions, exercise and physical motivation. This is difficult when the cold winds blow like they are this week, but by putting health and prayer before other tasks we can accomplish more as God gives us more strength and fortitude in our daily struggles.

"We must pray literally without ceasing—without ceasing—in every occurrence and employment of our lives . . . that prayer of the heart which is independent of place or situation, or which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God as in a constant communication with Him." Elizabeth Ann Seton.

January 3, 2010 - Epiphany of the Lord *Observed*

Happy feast of the Epiphany to all! Here are the updated numbers:

Bill - 307.1 lbs, 38.18 BMI
Tony - 277.0 lbs
Carlo - TBA

January 2, 2010

MMX is here! Here's the weigh-in for 1/2/10...

Bill - 306.2 lbs, 38.07 BMI
Tony - 276.4 lbs
Carlo - 210 lbs, 30.1 BMI

The New Year is upon us...

Welcome to Catholic Losers! Join us for daily weigh-ins and comments on healthy Catholic living... First weigh in will be Saturday, January 2, 2010.

Catholic Losers - Coming Soon!

Join us for an adventure of healthy Catholic living starting on New Years' Day. This is also the feast of Mary, Mother of God, to whom we entrust our endeavors.

We will give weekly weigh-ins and reflections on diet and lifestyle which will help us stay on the track to healthy living.

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