"Living by Faith"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Living by Faith":

 

Belated Birthday Blesings, Chris!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Christopher Medeiros, husband of Myrna's daughter Mimi, who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of those who work to promote and support religious freedom.

Human Dignity Remains at the Heart of Defending Religious Freedom

On October 27, the United States observes International Religious Freedom Day to commemorate the signing of the International Religious Freedom Act in 1998. "As Catholics, the Spirit of Truth, who dwells in human hearts, compels us to build a digital culture that respects the innate human search for truth and freedom"” said Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on International Justice and Peace. 

The bishop chairmen called attention to the need for human dignity to remain the central criteria for promoting religious freedom in the context of rapid technological change:

"Throughout the world, millions of people continue to suffer violations of the basic human right to religious freedom, and rapidly developing technological tools, such as artificial intelligence, have the potential to expand such abuses, increasing the scope of surveillance and persecution of religious groups. Pope Leo XIV reminds us, in Magnifica humanitas, that the right to religious freedom is rooted in human dignity, providing 'decisive criteria' for protecting individuals and societies. As brother bishops, we affirm that, in the age of AI, human dignity remains at the heart of defending religious freedom.

"The USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace actively collaborates with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on addressing religious freedom violations around the world. This partnership is a testament to the power of joint efforts by government and faith leaders to protect this most cherished right. In this era of technological change, all of society - including the private sector - is called to work together to ensure that technological tools are not used to facilitate new and intensified forms of religious discrimination.

"As Catholics, the Spirit of Truth, who dwells in human hearts, compels us to build a digital culture that respects the innate human search for truth and freedom. In this 250th year commemorating American independence, may the Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for all of humanity, make us beacons of hope for our brothers and sisters throughout the world by defending religious freedom in the digital age."

Reflection Starter from Reinhold Niebuhr

"It's always wise to seek the truth in our opponents' error, and the error in our own truth." - Reinhold Niebuhr

"On a Wonderful Day Like Today "

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of the Portland, OR, Choir & Orchestra presenting "On a Wonderful Day Like Today ":

 

Anniversary Blessings, Christopher and Valerie!!!

Anniversary greetings to nephew Christopher and his wife Valerie, whose wedding anniversary is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Mary!!!

Belated birthday greetings to daughter Mary-Elizabeth, whose birthday was yesterday! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with an outpouring of the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of various types of programs for youth.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on October and Life Changes

"A few years ago, I discovered a song called 'When October Goes.' (Listen here) Composed by Barry Manilow, the lyrics were based on unpublished lyrics written by the late songwriter and musical legend, Johnny Mercer.  Like 'September of My Years' by Frank Sinatra, this relatively modern classic (recorded in the early 1980s) describes the season of autumn as a metaphor for the passing of time, the process of aging, and the inevitable changes in life."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on this song and on the comforting way St. Ftancis de Sales offers us as we face changes in life.

To access Fr. Kolodziej's complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: When October Goes... (22 OCT 26)

Reflection Starter from St. Anthony Mary Claret

"The Christian who desires to follow Jesus carrying his cross must bear in mind that the name 'Christian' means 'learner or imitator of Christ' and that if he wishes to bear that noble title worthily he must above all do as Christ charges us in the Gospel: We must oppose or deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow him.” - Saint Anthony Mary Claret, whose memory the Church celebrates today (24 October)

"Thou Art Worthy"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Thou Art Worthy":