Tuesday 5th October

Memorial Of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, Priest

Open your heart to those left behind

The motto of the Redemptorist religious order made a big impression on young Francis Xavier Seelos: “Preach the gospel to the most abandoned.” Because of it, he left his native Germany to serve immigrants in the United States—and soon became a Redemptorist priest. His compassion eventually cost Francis his life; he died of the yellow fever he caught from visiting the sick. “Come without fear or trembling! I promise to receive you with all gentleness,” he preached. Who are the abandoned or fearful in your own part of the world? Ask Francis to help you comfort them.

Today's readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 10:38-42 (462).

“You are anxious and worried about many things.”

Wednesday 6th October

Memorial Of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher

Stand with those who hold the fire line

With the increase in wildfires and chronic drought drying out our forests, we need the help of today’s saint, Blessed Marie Rose Durocher (1811-49), a Canadian religious foundress. Several of her miracles were reportedly related to wildfires. One such fire, approaching a convent in Spokane, Washington, was said to have changed direction when a picture of Blessed Marie was fastened to a tree. Another facility in Washington was reportedly saved from a wildfire when the owner tossed a picture of Blessed Marie into the flames, turning it back. Ask her intercession in support of everyday miracle workers, the brave and hardworking men and women fighting the wildfires that seem stronger and more widespread by the year.

Today's readings: Jonah 4:1-11; Luke 11:1-4 (463).

“[Jesus] said to them, 'When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come.’ ”



Thursday 7th October

Memorial Of Our Lady Of The Rosary

Count on the Rosary

Today’s Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary has its roots in a story that, while not historically confirmed, is nonetheless instructive. It is said that Saint Dominic was making little headway in persuading a large group of breakaway Christians to return to orthodoxy when Mary appeared to him, encouraging the Rosary as a new form of prayer-building on the already existing “Marian Psalter.” To this day, Dominican sisters, brothers, and priests stress the Rosary, and millions find meditation, consolation, and community through it. Why not say a decade of the Rosary right now and tap into its centuries-old strength?

Today's readings: Malachi 3:13-20b; Luke 11:5-13 (464).

“How much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Friday 8th October

God points toward hope

On October 8, 1871, winds swept across the dry Midwestern prairie and helped fan the flames of the Great Chicago Fire and dozens of lesser-known fires, including the Pestigo, Wisconsin Firestorm that ranks as the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history. Local parish priest Father John-Peter Pernin wrote an eyewitness account titled The Finger of God is There! His interpretation of events captures the theological struggle believers face amid tragedy: On the one hand, he sees a judging God striking down a people for their sinfulness; on the other, he sees a merciful God filling people with hope and the promise of new life. May the finger of God point you in a positive direction during your times of troubles.

Today's readings: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Luke 11:15-26 (465).

“But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.”

Saturday 9th October

Memorial Of Denis, Bishop, Martyr

Keep your head about you!

Saint Denis, a third-century bishop of Paris, is invoked for the relief of migraine headaches, possibly because he is a cephalophore, a Greek term that means “head-carrier.” He was martyred by decapitation and was said to have picked up the severed head and trotted off with it under his arm while preaching on repentance. Wild though that sounds, artists depicting the saint over the centuries struggled with the question, “Where do you put the halo? Over his head, or where his head used to be?” Though we smile, a nugget of truth comes through the legend. When we give all we have to God, our life is memorable and our story ends well.

Today's readings: Joel 4:12-21; Luke 11:27-28 (466).

“[Jesus] replied, 'Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.’ ”