Saints

It seems that every family has a month that is particularly loaded with birthdays and anniversaries. That holds true for us, and the month is October. There is my grand-daughter’s birthday, my daughter and son-in-law’s anniversary, my husband’s birthday, my son-in-law’s birthday—and so it goes.

Like birthday celebrations, feast days are days of importance in the Church. Looking at a liturgical calendar, it is interesting to note when certain saints are celebrated. It is even more interesting to read a vignette of the saint’s life. October is of particular interest, as many well-known saints have their feast days during this month. Among them are Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, on October 1; Francis of Assisi, founder of the first Friars Minor, on October 4; Teresa of Avila, the great saint of Carmel, on October 15; Luke, physician and evangelist, on October 18; and John Paul II, a saint of our times, on October 22.

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Change our Hearts

Fall is my favorite season! I just love the changing leaves, the crisp air and the brisk mornings. Everything about it makes me sensitized to the grandeur of God’s creation and to the blessings He bestows on us through the beauty of nature. It is as if the earth is resplendent with a multi-colored quilt created just for us.

Last week I was driving to work and had to visit a school in a fairly rural setting of Massachusetts. At one point during my drive, I had to stop the car. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The foliage was breath-taking. I paused for a few moments to take it all in—the transformation that had taken place in the trees was astounding. I had to thank God for that moment and for the picturesque canvas of color surrounding me.