Wednesday, November 12, 2014

A Tribute to Ti. Galerius Paulinus

TI. GALERIVS PAVLINVS
A Tribute
__________________________________________________________________

To all Nova Romans, friends and family of this great man, whose life and achievements we solemnly remember with especial gratitude and fondness: We will miss him.

Tiberius Galerius Paulinus enjoyed what is widely recognized as a fruitful and outstanding career in Nova Roma; one in which he endeared himself to the republic with his uncompromising optimism, dedication to the welfare of Nova Roma, and loyalty to his fellow quirites. A pillar of fortitude and an exemplar of steadiness throughout his 12 years as a Nova Roman, he was deeply principled and remained undeviating from his convictions.

From scriba to senator--from quaestor to consul, he proved to be a dignified and hard-working representative of the interests of the republic, as well as a humble and compassionate servant of its people. When issues arose and tempers flared, he exhibited great composure whilst inclining an easy ear to colleagues and opponents alike, thus calming tensions and fostering mutual understanding.

During his current term as tribunus plebis, and on the 2000th anniversary of the death of Emperor Augustus, Paulinus himself passed on, leaving us with fond memories and an undying legacy which we are honored to bear into the coming months and years, ever remembering the many contributions he has made to the progress of our little nation. Even though we are indeed troubled by the loss of a revered leader and valued friend, we can yet take solace in the promise of a world to come, in which he now rests under the care of a divine hand.

Now, as we carry on, let us do so with our eyes and hearts set upon the future of Nova Roma that Paulinus dedicated his efforts to bring about; let us be inspired in our conduct by his virtue and service, and ever be mindful so that we bear the name of 'Nova Romans' as well and nobly as he has.

Farewell Pauline amice; your memory lives on!

Saturday, March 1, 2014

February Monthly Report

POLITICS

The beginning of this month brought with it the tax season, and the formation of the consular & aedilician staffs. Magisterial activity was heightened as it was in January, but instead of having a major focus on the enactment of reactionary measures, it was dedicated to putting proactive measures in place; measures that will insure the stability of the Republic, and lend greater unity to its citizens.

As in previous years, the senate was convened for a session focused on the gubernatorial positions throughout the globe. By the end, the proroguing of new governors will have been completed, and incumbent governors will be better equipped to carry forward the work in their respective provinces.

This month has been one of contrast: While the general citizenry has remained mainly dormant, the magistracy has been busily gaining momentum; making strides in legal, religious, and social programs and legislation; and serving to near completion in repairing the republic from past years' damage. A relatively quiet month has yet evidenced great activity beneath the soil, as new shoots prepare to erupt into the sun, and blossom into productivity and splendor. Just as trees grow much more during winter months than in the summer, so too have we grown during the quieter months, eagerly anticipating the end of the long, cold winter of Nova Roma.


SOCIAL


One of the highlights of the month was the excited discussion of the minting of future issues of Nova Roman coins. While details are not yet set in stone, the discussion has included talk of having a different issue minted for every year of our beloved Res Publica. Another highlight was the launch of this very blog, which has been met with praise and enthusiasm.


Announcements:

- A Quinquatria celebration will be held at Cannon Greens on the University of Western Florida campus, on March 19th.


RELIGIOUS

In the Collegium Pontificum, Pontifex Cn. Cornelius Lentulus brought forward some proposals designed to more clearly codify the various religious positions and duties, as well as the observance of public festivals, holidays, and others. The proposals quickly became a point of controversy within the Collegium, and among the magistracy. However, some time and ready cooperation have already served to smooth the issue over somewhat. A future session of the Collegium will anticipatedly bring the issue to its conclusion.


HOT FIVE
The Top 5 Most Discussed Topics of the Month

1. Appius Claudius Priscus
2. Future issues of Nova Roman coins
3. The Nova Roma Chronicle
4. Nova Roman Sovereignty
5. Collegium Pontificum proposals


Citizen-Recommended Links:

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

January Monthly Report


POLITICS

The beginning of this year was rather unorthodox: Our newly elected magistrates were unable to take office, having been left waiting for the Comitia Curiata to be convened by Pontifex Maximus C. Petronius Dexter. This was a highly unexpected wrench in the works, and within a week the political machine had ground to a halt.

Let's review the results of last year's elections. The elected curule magistrates were:
  • St. Cornelia V. I. Aeternia - Consul Maior
  • C. Aemilius Crassus - Consul Minor
  • P. Annaeus C. Placidus - Praetor Maior
  • M. Pompeius Caninus - Praetor Minor
  • L. Vitellius Triarius - Aedilis Curulis

Dexter had tacitly abstained from duty since the end of the elections in December, causing concern among the magistracy. Subsequently, an emergency session of the senate was called by Princeps Senatus L. Cornelius Sulla Felix to resolve the matter, and Senatus Consulta Ultima (plural) were issued, effecting the removal of Dexter from pontifical office, and the instatement of Pontifex T. Iulius Sabinus in his place.

Another Senatus Consultus Ultimum was also enacted in the same session, intended to revitalize the Collegium Pontificum by appointing 5 new pontifices. This SCU was met with a pronouncement of intercessio by Tribunis Plebis C. Claudius Quadratus, which was promptly dismissed on grounds of improper execution. The Comitia Curiata was convened immediately thereafter, and the new magistrates were vested with their legal imperium just before the turn of the month.

Prior to the emergency session of the senate, another session had been held in which voting took place on regulations for citizens under 18, and the constitutional amendment related to elections, which had been previously ratified by the Comitia Centuriata.

In the midst of all this, Nova Roma also saw the successful conclusion of the IRS audit that began over a year ago; a happy event, especially for the magistracy. But at the end of it all, our Res Publica has gained a renovated magistracy, and stands poised for rapid growth.



SOCIAL

The social life of the republic has been strong, with activity on the Main List at its highest in 6 months, and participation on the Forum Hospitum at its highest in over 2 years.

Significant events:
  • Carmentalia was celebrated on the 15th, and Compitalia, with the Ludi Compitalicii, was celebrated on the 18th.
  • Augur Quadratus announced that his office in Montreal is now open to be used for Nova Roman activities and events, and has already scheduled a presentation on Roman numismatics to be held there on Feb. 21st. 
  • C. Maria Caeca has expanded the Nova Roma Bookclub to include an email group.


Announcements:
  • L. Ulpius Atellus announced a Quinquatria celebration on the University of Western Florida campus, to be held Mar. 19th.

RELIGIOUS

The new year was brought in well by Pontifex Lentulus, who not only offered a sacrifice for Nova Roma, but also furnished a new-year ritual for other cives to perform at home.

Later on in the month, a session of the Collegium Pontificum was held for discussion and voting on pontifical elections, and the celebration of Concordialia.



HOT FIVE
The Top 5 Most Discussed Topics of the Month

1. The propriety of revamping the Collegium Pontificum
2. Email issues
3. The importance of civilized conduct in debates
4. Issuing new Nova Roman coinage
5. The pronouncement of intercessio against the CP-related SCU


Citizen-Recommended Links:
 

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Introduction to the Chronicle

Salvete, omnes!

Welcome to the new Nova Roma Chronicle, a blog dedicated to recording the happenings of the consular year within the Res Publica, month by month.

I, Ti. Cassius Atellus, was recently made the chronicler of Nova Roma by consular request, and I have gladly accepted the responsibility of keeping an official record of the events of this year. So, for the purpose of giving my fellow quirites a greater and clearer view of the state of the republic, and for posterity's sake, I offer as a public service this monthly report.

Please submit your email address via the widget at the top-right to receive the monthly report as a newsletter, and also share this blog with friends and other Nova Romans.

Enjoy!