In 1983, a mid-level Soviet officer saved millions of innocent people from a nuclear missile strike by overriding a computer-generated “launch” command. His action averted a Third World War, but ended his career. We pray in thanks for his sacrifice, and invite his intervention on robotic weapons.
An Officer and a Prophet
By any standard, US President Dwight Eisenhower was a remarkable individual. Born into a large middle-class family in the US midwest, he graduated from the West Point Military Academy prior to America’s entry to World War I. During the Second World War he led Allied armies in major military campaigns in North America and France. After the war he served as president of Columbia University, and as the first Supreme Commander of NATO until he was elected president in 1952. While his administration was not perfect, as president he served with the same values of truth and honor that had kept during his military career. He sought non-aggressive containment of communism and the reduction of federal deficits.
A milestone for the Mysteries of Light
Although it slipped by unnoticed by many people, the anniversary of a tremendous gift to humanity passed last year: the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, proposed Pope Saint John Paul II, turned twenty on October 16. These mysteries, being focused on Christ’s mission and teachings, are of primary significance for the true progress and welfare of society.