October 2025

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

October is the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary 

Month of Mission, World Mission Sunday, October 19: "Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples"

Respect Life Month: "Life: Our Sign of Hope"

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

OUR LADY OF VICTORY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Welcome to October, dear faithful readers. Yes, indeed, you can be sure that I am wearing my Little Flower footies today.* For all the saints ... Ready or not, then, this is a great month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. Why not accept the invitation of Pope Leo XIV, one he extended in a recent General Audience. On September 24, 2025, after he delivered his catechesis, the Holy Father made this announcement:

Dear brothers and sisters, the month of October is now approaching, and in the Church it is dedicated in a special way to the Holy Rosary. Therefore, I invite everyone, every day of the coming month, to pray the Rosary for peace: personally, in the family, in the community.

On this first day of month of October, we get started. With peace as our quest and aim (see the Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 17), then, a rosary a day keeps the doctor away. Remember that we pray for peace that the world cannot give as Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27). After all, "He is peace ... He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father" (Ephesians 2:14, 17-18). 

What does peace mean to you? One way to look at peace is through the eyes of Jesus. How did Jesus respond to division, lack of faith, unrest, anxiety, doubt, rejection, betrayal, dismissal? When Jesus rebuked the disciples, He clearly told them that He, "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders" (Luke 9:21-22). We too suffer and are rejected by others, sometimes those we love. Our privilege is to suffer with Jesus and be rejected with Jesus. I marveled at the witness of Saint Therese Couderc (1805-1885), who became the first member of a new religious community in 19th century France, one dedicated to operating retreats for women, work that was a dangerous novelty at the time. Not daunted, Therese led the community to grow in numbers, even though they faced poverty and harsh climate. When the community ran into debt, Therese was blamed. She humbly stepped aside. Successive superiors blamed and ignored Therese and assigned her menial tasks. When the community became divided, Therese was called in to reconcile arguments among the sisters. Alas, Therese was overlooked again. Therese's response is not entirely unpredictable. As related, Therese "learned a great deal about loving God during times of trial and how to peacefully accept His will" (Magnificat, "Saint Who?", September 26, 2025, p. 371). 

Since God certainly loves us no matter what, we, in turn, love Him no matter what. So, as we pray the Most Holy Rosary each day this month, most especially on Mondays and Saturdays with the Joyful Mysteries, and the first mystery, The Annunciation, we pray with Mary, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). And on Tuesdays and Fridays, when we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries, and are with Jesus in the garden in the first mystery, we pray with Jesus, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). We are united in faith and prayer and remember something Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), one of the great Doctors of the Church commemorated on October 15, wrote in The Interior Castle, that is, "Let the Christian be valiant." Together, with Jesus and Mary, we pray for peace this month, personally, in the family, in the community. May the peace of Jesus fill our hearts with joy and hope. 

And not without a few voices (I meant to have more so be on the lookout) to encourage us and plenty of saints to intercede for us, we keep going.

The Rosary is the book of the blind where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying then the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open the substance of the next. The power of the rosary is beyond description.

(Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, 1885-1979)

We can pray fifty times or more each day: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us poor sinners how and at the hour of our deaths. Amen." Is it likely that the Blessed Mother will abandon us in our final hour if we say this prayer each day?

(Blessed Franz Jagerstaetter, 1907-1943)

The Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessings. 

(Blessed Alan de la Roche, 1428-1478)

To pray the rosary is to hand over our burdens to the merciful hearts of Christ and His Mother.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, 1920-2005)

Recite your Rosary with faith, with humility, with confidence, and with perseverance.

(Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, 1673-1716)

The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.

(Saint Francis de Sales, 1567-1622)

If by chance your conscience is burdened by sin, take your Rosary and say at least part of it ... [Jesus] will plead for you and will obtain for you contrition and the forgiveness of your sins.

(Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, 1673-1716)

To be always close to Jesus, that's my life's plan.

The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.

The Rosary is the ladder to climb to Heaven.

(Saint Carlo Acutis, 1991-2006)

The Rosary is not a devotion to the Blessed Virgin, it is the devotion to Mary.

(Blessed Pauline Jaricot, 1799-1862)

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

(Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226)

Jesus does not demand great actions from us but simply surrender and gratitude.

(The Little Flower, Saint Therese of Lisieux, 1873-1897)

The heart is commonly reached, not through the reason, but through the imagination. Persons influence us, voices melt us, looks subdue us, deeds inflame us. Many a man will live and die upon a dogma: no man will be a martyr for a conclusion.

(Saint John Henry Newman, 1801-1890)

I need nothing but God and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus.

(Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, 1647-1690)

All the elect die in the love of God. but it is the privilege of few to die of the love of God ... And to die of the love of God is the surest way of going to Him at once.

(Mother Saint Theodore Guerin, 1798-1856)

There is no place for selfishness-and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when loves requires sacrifice.

(Pope Saint John Paul II, 1920-2005)

Every one of us is entrusted is to the care of an angel. That is why we must have a lively and profound devotion to our own guardian angel, and why we should often and trustfully repeat the dear prayer we were taught in the days of our childhood.

(Pope Saint John XXIII, 1881-1963)

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, and guide.

Amen.

It's your Church, Lord, I'm going to bed. ☺

(Pope Saint John XXIII, 1881-1963, when turning in for the night)

SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS "THE LITTLE FLOWER,"

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

SAINT MOTHER THEODORE GUERIN,

THE BLESSED MARTRYS OF SUSSEX,

SAINT THOMAS CANTILUPE,

BLESSED ANDRE DE SOVERAL AND AMBROSIO FRANCISCO FERRO,

SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA,

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA,

BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS,

SAINT PELAGIA THE PENITENT,

THE MARIST MARTRYS OF BARCELONA,

SAINT BRUNO,

BLESSED MARIE ROSE DUROCHER,

SAINT DENIS OF PARIS,

SAINT JOHN LEONARDI,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

SAINT PAULINUS,

SAINT DANIEL COMBONI,

POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII,

SAINT KENNETH,

BLESSED WILLIAM HOWARD,

SAINT WILFRID,

BLESSED JAN BEYZYM,

SAINT CARLO ACUTIS,

OUR LADY OF APARECIDA,

SAINT EDWARD THE CONFESSOR,

POPE SAINT CALLISTUS I, MARTYR,

SAINT TERESA OF AVILA,

SAINT HEDWIG,

SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE,

SAINT MARGARET D'YOUVILLE,

SAINT RICHARD GWYN,

SAINT GALL,

SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT LUKE, EVANGELIST,

SAINTS JOHN DE BREBEUF, ISAAC JOGUES AND COMPANIONS,

SAINT PHILIP HOWARD,

SAINT FRIDESWIDE,

SAINT PETER OF ACALNTARA,

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS, PRIEST,

BLESSED DAUDI OKELO AND JILDO IRWA,

BLESSED CHARLES (KARL) OF AUSTRIA,

BLESSED DIEGO LUIS DE SAN VITORES, PRIEST, AND SAINT PEDRO CALUNGSOD,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT JOHN OF CAPISTRANO,

SAINT ETHELFLAEDA,

SAINT ANTONY MARY CLARET, BISHOP,

SAINT MAGLIORE,

BLESSED CARLO GNOCCHI,

FREI GALVAO,

SAINT CHAD,

SAINT CEDD,

SAINT OTTERAN,

SAINT SIMON, APOSTLE,

SAINT JUDE, APOSTLE,

SAINT FRUMENTIUS OF ETHIOPIA,

SAINT AEDEIUS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF DOUAI COLLEGE,

SAINT COLMAN MACDUAGH,

SAINT NARCISSUS,

BLESSED CHIARA BADANO,

SAINT MARCELLUS,

THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF WINCHESTER,

SAINT THOGAR,

BLESSED DOMINIC COLLINS,

BLESSED MARIA TERESA TAUSCHER,

SAINT ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ,

SAINT WOLFGANG OF RATISBON,

PRAY FOR US.

*See sockreligious.com 

This month's photo: For Our Lady, raindrops on a rose. Mt. Angel, OR. Lord, hear my voice!

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint Dismas the “Good Thief” (see Lk 29:39-43)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 45 Mistakes in the Oratory

Mass: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Resp Ps 40; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 

Your law is within my heart.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT GABRIEL, GOD IS MY STRENGTH,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

PRAY FOR US.

The Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son,

and shall name Him Emmanuel, which means

"God is with us!"

(Is 8:10)

Welcome to the glorious Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. "Let's love God dearly ... love Mary dearly ... look to heaven ... sing ... go crazy"!* Amen.

Clearly that womb was blessed

even before it carried the Lord 

Day and night

with purest desire

and the longing of a holy and consecrated love

it prepared itself to bear its holy burden.

In the silence of her heart

Mary said to herself

Let Him kiss me with the kiss of His mouth.

There has never been another soul

or rather,

there has never been one of the blessed spirits

-not even from the most blissful

of the nine choirs-

that takes its name from the fire of charity

and refreshes the heat of its immense love

by the continual contemplation of eternity

and the ceaseless praise of the holy Trinity;

no, not even among the cherubim

has there been anyone

who made progress like her

in desiring and receiving this kiss.

To make her ready

for such great grace

from her mother's womb she was fashioned

by Him who establishes the heavens

and every single moment

during the successive stages

by which God established her

the fullness of grace was built up.

One day she would become

God's mother

and then an angel would call her

full of grace.

So her womb is blessed

in the very manner

 of its establishment

in blessedness

yet it is far more blessed when it

finally

in a divine and indescribable way

receives its most blessed burden.

Blessed indeed

yes, utterly blessed,

is that womb

 when it bore Him

when it formed Him

when it was in labor with Him

when it brought Him to birth.**

SAINT DISMAS the “GOOD THIEF”,

PRAY FOR US.

*Saint Rafael Arnaiz (1911-1938)

**John of Ford (1140-1214) in Mary Most Holy: Meditating With the Early Cistercians (Cistercian, 2003), pp. 275-277.

Today's image: Muttergottes im Kloster Melchtal. This sent by dear Sister M. Daniela, Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Melchtal, Switzerland. The statue of the Mother of God is in their monastery at Melchtal, Benediktinerrinenkloster Nicklaus von Flue, where I have been numerous times. One time I walked from Kloster Maria Rickenbach to Kloster Melchtal, a 7 1/2 hour Spaziergang. Wunderbar! We remember in prayer, and ask the Patron of Switzerland, Saint Nicholaus of Flue, to intercede for the Benedictine Sisters of Maria Rickenbach, Melchtal, and Sarnen, and the monks of Engelberg too.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Catholic Schools Week

First Friday of the Month

Saints: Saint Ansgar (Oscar), Bishop (-865); Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, Patron Saint of the Throat (4th century); Saint Laurence of Canterbury (-619); Saint Dunstan of Canterbury (-988); Saint Theodore of Canterbury (602-690); Saint Werburg (d. c. 700); Saint Anne Line, nee Heigham (1565?-1601); Saint Anthony of Pavio OP (1326-1374); Blessed Bartholomew of Cerverio OP (c.1420-1466); Blessed Peter of Rufia OP (c.1320-1365)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:49-50 Humility

Mass: Heb 13:1-8; Resp Ps 27; Mk 6:14-29 

He will hide me in His abode.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US. 

HOLY FAMILY, PRAISED BY THE ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

Let mutual love continue. 

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have knowingly entertained angels.

(Heb 13:1)

Welcome to South Sudan Papa Francesco. Keep going. 

Considering the word proclaimed in the Letter to the Hebrews above, we remember something Saint Benedict teaches us in the chapters on the liturgical code, in this case that we consider how we ought to behave in the presence of God and His angels (RB 19:6), for as our holy father tells us in his chapter on humility, "every day the angels assigned to us report out deeds to the Lord day and night" (RB 7:28). I find comfort in this, knowing that there are angels looking after me. And who knows who might show up at the door today. ☺

We have the privilege to commemorate a litany of saints today. One of my favorites is Saint Blaise, 4th century Bishop of Sebastea, Armenia, in modern-day Turkey. He is the patron saint of the throat and there is the traditional blessing of throats on this day. I always loved having my throat blessed as a child and in my adult years too. It is another beauty of our faith tradition and a custom I miss. It is said that Bishop Blaise miraculously saved a young boy from choking on a fish bone, and also successfully commanded a hungry wolf to return a pig that belonged to a poor elderly woman. The latter he did while being led to prison in Sebastea; the wolf did as commanded and to the amazement of all, the pig was alive and uninjured. Refusing to worship pagan gods, Blaise was beheaded.* All in day's work. It's good enough for me, and another reason to remember those who have gone before us who spoke the word of God, then consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. For, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Heb 13:7-8). Thanks be to God.

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

What can anyone do to me?

(Heb 13:6)

Little happens by accident. The other day, while working in the library, I opened a book by Simone Weil (French philosopher, 1909-1943), The Need for Roots (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1952). A random opening, it was even more cause to take notice. In the midst of Catholic Schools Week, this what I my eyes found:

Future professional teachers and schoolmasters should simply be told that religion has at all times and in all countries, save quite recently in certain parts of Europe, played a dominant role in the development of human culture, thought, and civilization. An educational course in which no reference is made to religion is an absurdity. Furthermore, in the same way as when studying history little French children are told a lot about France, so it is natural that, being in Europe, when you talk about religion you should refer primarily to Christianity.

(p. 92)

SAINT ANSGAR,

SAINT BLAISE,

SAINT LAURENCE OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT DUNSTAN OF CANTERBURY, 

SAINT THEODORE OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT WERBURG,

SAINT ANNE LINE,

SAINT ANTHONY OF PAVIO,

BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW OF CERVERIO,

BLESSED PETER OF RUFIA,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Blaise."

Today's photo: This precious creature makes an appearance now and then. Thank you, MG. He will conceal me in the shelter of His tent.

© Gerrude Feick 2023

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Respect Life Month: Respect Life Sunday*

In other years: The Holy Guardian Angels 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:35-43 Humility

Mass: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Resp Ps 95; 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk 17:5-10

Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, DEFENDER OF LIFE,

PRAY FOR US.

The just one, because of his faith, shall live.

(Habakkuk 2:4)

Welcome to Sunday, faithful readers. We could just keep three small words in our minds and hearts, and on our lips this day: Increase our faith (Lk 17:5). All it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed to uproot mulberry trees and plant them in the sea (Lk 17:6). Expect the unexpected then. I believe, help my unbelief. 

United in faith and prayer, we go forth, with courage, "for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord ... bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God" (2 Tim 1:7-8). For, as Saint Benedict includes in the fourth step of humility, Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved (Mt 10:22), and again, Be brave of heart and rely on the Lord (Ps 27:14)" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 7:36). Ask your guardian angel to help you, "the angels are here; they are at your side, they are with you, present on your behalf. They are here to protect you and to serve you. But even if it is God who has given them this charge, we must nonetheless be grateful to them for the great love with which they obey and come to help us in our need ...we have only to follow them, stay close to them, and we shall dwell under the protection of God's heaven" (From a sermon by Saint Bernard, abbot, in Office of Readings, October 2). Amen.

How beautiful faith is! ... When it seems that a dark veil has been lowered over your eyes, we can know without a doubt that God is on the other side of it ... What does it matter if we can see Him or not? What matters is knowing that He is there. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.

(Rafael Arnaiz in The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz, pp. 150-151)

HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

PRAY FOR US.

*NB. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops remind us that "every October, we consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death" (www.usccb.org). This year we focus on Saint Joseph, defender of life. We pray to Saint Joseph then and invoke him every day this month. 

Today's photo: Come, let us bow down in worship.

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Saturday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

The Holy Guardian Angels

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:35-43 Humility

Mass: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; Resp Ps 69; Mt 18:1-5, 10

See, you lowly ones, and be glad.

JESUS, JOY OF ANGELS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I read something every year on this day of Guardian Angels and like it so, I thought to share it today. "One of the benefits of this feast is that it reminds us that God cares for each us, individually. We all know this in theory, but it is easy-in times of depression or temptation-to convince ourselves that we are too small to matter, for good or ill. Let us use this feast to remind ourselves that each of us has angel of our very own looking after us; and also pray to God for our own Guardian Angel. What a bore and burden to them some of us are. May we one day be a cause of rejoicing for them also" (Universalis, October 2, 2021). Amen. 

Guardian Angel Prayer

Angel of God, my guardian dear,

to whom God's love commits me here,

ever this day (or night) be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen.

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS,

MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: These little beauties, like little angels, are busy. Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do His will. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS

Readings of the day: RB 7:35-43

Mass: Exodus 23:20-23; Resp. Psalm 91 or Zechariah 8:1-8; Resp. Psalm 102;

Matthew 18:1-5,10

Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.

Alleluia, Alleluia.

The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy provides insight into today’s celebration: 

“Devotion to the Holy Angels gives rise to a certain form of the Christian life which is characterized by:

• devout gratitude to God for having placed these heavenly spirits of great sanctity and dignity [at our service];

• an attitude of devotion deriving from the knowledge of living constantly in the presence of the Holy Angels of God; serenity and confidence in facing difficulties situations, since the Lord guides and protects the faithful in the way of justice through the ministry of His Holy Angels” (216).

In the presence of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Psalm 137

ANGEL OF GOD,
my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here;
Ever this (day, night) be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.

FEAST OF SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL

Readings of the day: RB 7:24-30

Mass: Daniel 7:9-10 or Revelation 12:7-12ab; Resp. Psalm 138; John 1:47-51

A most fitting commentary for today’s Feast can be found in the Preface, God Glorified through the Angels:

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

and to praise you without end

in your Archangels and Angels.

For the honor we pay angelic creatures

in whom you delight

redounds to your own surpassing glory,

and by their great dignity and splendor

you show how infinitely great you are,

to be exalted above all things,

through Christ our Lord.

Through him the multitude of Angels extols

       your majesty,

and we are united with them in exultant adoration,

as with one voice of praise we acclaim: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus…  

In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

(Resp. Psalm 138, Mass)

SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, PRAY FOR US.