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Most of us are familiar with the basic details of the life of St. Augustine of Hippo, the “bad boy” who became a saint. In case you are not, let me give you a brief sketch of his early life.

Somewhere around the year 1400, a custom was introduced into the papal coronation ceremony. As the new Pope was being vested in the robes of his office, flax was set on fire in a small bowl and its smoke wafted under his nose. A simple priest or monk stood next to him and whispered in his ear in Latin, Sic transit gloria mundi, meaning, “thus the glory of the world passes away.” It was a reminder to the new pope that all the pomp and pageantry of the papal court was nothing, the political power of his office temporary, and that he must seek for himself, and the Church he was called to lead, those things which eternally endure.

While preparing a short reflection for this past week’s memorial of Pope St. Gregory the Great (Sept. 3), I came across a quote from him that got me thinking. Toward the end of his life, Gregory wrote these words: “Perhaps it is not difficult after all for a man to part with his possessions, but it is certainly most difficult for him to part with himself. To renounce what one has is a minor thing, but to renounce what one is, that is asking much…”

I read a short reflection on humility this past week that frankly astonished me; it was that good! It was written by Jennifer Hartline, an army wife and mother of three.

When a boy turned 7 in the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, he was removed from his family and sent to a school where he would begin training to become a Spartan warrior. Part of that training included a contest called the "agon", which pitted two boys against each other in hand-to-hand combat.

Immaculate Conception Church is about to begin a project to repair and replace the church and school parking lot. Over the coming days, the project will require the lot to be closed during certain phases of the repair.

SOMERVILLE – As the parents of two adult children, both alumni of Immaculata High School, Brian and Maureen Cote understand that a strong foundation in high school can set the course for the rest of a student’s life.

With a rich history connected to the local community, the 4-H Fair has become an annual cornerstone of Somerset County. Drawing in a diverse and ever-growing attendance, the fair has created a strong foundation for 4-H youth to showcase their leadership, community, teamwork, and most importantly, their 4-H spirit. Your participation is having a direct impact on our schools. Please review the available slots and click on the link to sign up. Thank you!