In our limited viewpoint, the year 2020 has been filled with weird twists and turns, some call them unprecedented. My son and I reflected on this weirdness and projected that five years from now, we will have a new expression to describe strange twists of fate. We may say…that is so 2020.
In order to break this stress cycle, I decided to inform you that tomorrow, November 8th is National Cappuccino Day! Cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world. Ever wonder about the name? Take a close look at the spelling. Recognize a Franciscan religious order embedded in the name? You guessed it. The origins of this sweet milky concoction can be traced to the Capuchins.
In the year 1683, a holy Capuchin friar named Marco of Aviano, an advisor to Pope Innocent XI, rallied Christian forces against Turkish invaders to defend Austria (once part of Italy) in the Battle of Vienna. Victory belonged to Christian forces. In the aftermath, soldiers found sacks of coffee abandoned by the Turks. One sip told them it was too strong. In this momentous episode in human history, a soldier had the bright idea to add whipped cream and spices. Since the drink was similar to the brown robes of Marco’s habit, they named the drink “Cappuccino”.
So the next time you have a 2020 moment, treat yourself to a Cappuccino and remember Marco of Aviano who put his faith in the Lord and won a victory against insurmountable odds. “For nothing is impossible with God”.
I am minister of St. Bernardine of Siena secular Franciscan Fraternity from Albany NY. I enjoyed reading your story on line about capinchino. May I share it with our fellow secular Franciscans in our Fraternity?
Hi Donna,
Certainly. I am in the Elizabeth of Hungary region. Perhaps we have met at regional gatherings.
Peace and All Good,
Kathryn