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Daily Almanac |
October 2008 Pope Benedict’s Prayer Intentions General: That the Synod of Bishops may help bishops and theologians as well as catechists and pastoral workers engaged in the service of the Word of God transmit with courage the truth of the faith in communion with the entire Church. Missionary: That in this month dedicated to the missions, through the promotional activities of the Pontifical Missionary Works and other organisms, the Christian may feel the need to participate in the Church’s universal mission with prayer, sacrifice and concrete help.
October Notes October is a quiet month liturgically. Unlike a feast every week last month there are only two this month: Saint Luke on the 18th and Saints Simon and Jude on the 28th. There are, however, many commemorations that deserve as much as attention as we can give them this month. We begin October with the observance of Respect Life Sunday (October 5). Prayer services and peaceful demonstrations mark this day in which the Church in the United States recommits itself to the untiring defense of all human life. Typically, abortion takes center stage when we talk about life issues. However, as disciples of the Lord, we value all life, both unborn and born. On October 19, the whole Church celebrates World Mission Sunday. This year’s theme is “Servants and Apostles of Christ Jesus.” This year marks the 82nd observance of World Mission Sunday. Pope Benedict XVI in his message to mark this occasion wrote: It is therefore an urgent duty for everyone to proclaim Christ and his saving message. St Paul said, "Woe to me if I do not preach it [the Gospel]!" (1 Cor 9: 16). On the way to Damascus he had experienced and understood that the redemption and the mission are the work of God and his love. Love of Christ led him to travel over the roads of the Roman Empire as a herald, an apostle, a preacher and a teacher of the Gospel of which he declared himself to be an "ambassador in chains" (Eph 6: 20). Divine charity made him "all things to all, to save at least some" (1 Cor 9: 22). By looking at St. Paul's experience, we understand that missionary activity is a response to the love with which God loves us. On October 28, there are two commemorations. The first is World Youth Day which is transferred to the last Sunday of October in the United States. This celebration is usually held on Palm Sunday each year. The second, a little known commemoration that is beginning to take hold across the country is Priesthood Sunday USA. It’s an effort by the Serrans to set aside the last Sunday of October each year to highlight the thousands of hard-working and faithful priests serving all over the United States. Planning ahead: Remember that the commemorations of All Saints and All Souls come up quickly. All Saints falls on a Saturday this year and thus loses its obligation in the United States. The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls) supersedes the Sunday celebration. Be sure you’ve decided how you will mark this month in which we pray especially for the faithful departed.
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