‘Carlo Acutis’ Relic Sparks Revival in Chicago Parish
In a powerful reminder that holiness knows no age and God raises saints even in our digital age, the heart relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis—the 15-year-old Eucharist-loving “Cyber Apostle”—drew throngs of the faithful to a packed St. Florian Church in Chicago’s Hegewisch neighborhood as part of its historic U.S. tour. Italian Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi, custodian of Acutis' tomb and relics, led the deeply moving July 16 veneration, proclaiming the soon-to-be canonized teen a messenger of hope for a weary world. Once a British-born boy drawn to the altar more than any video game, Acutis used his God-given tech talents to spread devotion to Eucharistic miracles, leaving behind a virtual legacy that continues to convert hearts. As Catholics young and old waited in prayerful reverence to be near the muscle from Acutis’ sacred heart, the message was clear: the Church is alive, youthful, and radiant once more. Acutis’ example—“The Eucharist is my highway to heaven”—calls us to radical reverence and renewed faith in the Real Presence, proving that sainthood is not archaic—it’s now.
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Today’s Birthday
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Asa Gray (1810)November 18, 2025
Considered one of the most important botanists in American history, Gray laid the foundation for the study of plants in North America. He made botanical expeditions to the western US, established Harvard University's botany department, and wrote prodigiously on the subject of plants, producing several classic, still-valued textbooks. Charles Darwin was such an admirer of Gray's work that he shared his theory of natural selection with Gray before publishing it. What toxin was named for Gray? Discuss
Considered one of the most important botanists in American history, Gray laid the foundation for the study of plants in North America. He made botanical expeditions to the western US, established Harvard University's botany department, and wrote prodigiously on the subject of plants, producing several classic, still-valued textbooks. Charles Darwin was such an admirer of Gray's work that he shared his theory of natural selection with Gray before publishing it. What toxin was named for Gray? Today’s Holiday
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Haiti Battle of Vertières' DayNovember 18, 2025
This official public holiday memorializes the last battle for Haitian independence on November 18, 1803, in which Haitian rebels defeated the French colonialists. The victory at Vertières, near the present-day port city of Cap-Haïtien, signified the end of a long freedom struggle that stretched out over two major phases. Less than two months after the battle, Haiti became the first black independent republic. Discuss
This official public holiday memorializes the Article of the Day
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Snake OilNovember 18, 2025
Snake oil is a traditional Chinese remedy for joint pain and inflammation derived from the Chinese Water Snake. Imitations with unidentified or mischaracterized ingredients have caused the term "snake oil" to become synonymous in Western culture with remedies fraudulently marketed by charlatans as miraculous panaceas but which actually provide little health benefit. What were some of the ingredients of these so-called snake oils? Discuss
Snake oil is a traditional Chinese remedy for joint pain and inflammation derived from the Chinese Water Snake. Imitations with unidentified or mischaracterized ingredients have caused the term "snake oil" to become synonymous in Western culture with remedies fraudulently marketed by charlatans as miraculous panaceas but which actually provide little health benefit. What were some of the ingredients of these so-called snake oils? This Day in History
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The Day of Two Noons: US and Canada Adopt Standard Time Zones (1883)November 18, 2025
Before the adoption of time zones, clocks in the US and Canada were set according to the position of the sun overhead, meaning that time varied according to location. For the rail industry, this presented a logistical nightmare, and so many railroads kept their own time, further complicating matters. Standardization solved everything. On "The Day of Two Noons," train stations reset their clocks according to newly adopted time standards. Which US city continued to keep local time until the 1900s? Discuss
Before the adoption of time zones, clocks in the US and Canada were set according to the position of the sun overhead, meaning that time varied according to location. For the rail industry, this presented a logistical nightmare, and so many railroads kept their own time, further complicating matters. Standardization solved everything. On "The Day of Two Noons," train stations reset their clocks according to newly adopted time standards. Which US city continued to keep local time until the 1900s? 
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