October Resources

The Catholic belief in guardian angels holds a significant place in the faith, offering solace to parents who believe these celestial beings protect their children from harm. This doctrine, while rooted in Scripture, finds its foundation in the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:10, affirming the existence of angels assigned to individuals who represent them before God and watch over their well-being. The development of devotion to guardian angels gained momentum with the rise of monasticism and was eloquently championed by figures like Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The feast dedicated to guardian angels was officially introduced in the 16th century and added to the Roman calendar by Pope Paul V in 1615. Sacred Scripture contains numerous examples of angelic manifestations related to fulfilling divine missions. Guardian angels are seen as participants in God's holiness and are believed to accompany the Church as a whole and individual believers, providing protection, guidance, and enlightenment. The Catholic Catechism emphasizes their watchful care and intercession throughout human life. Overall, the belief in guardian angels remains a cherished aspect of Catholic piety, offering believers a sense of divine guidance and protection.

St. Francis of Assisi was a devout man who took the gospel literally and followed Jesus' teachings joyfully and without self-importance. Born in the early 1180s to a wealthy merchant, he initially lived a carefree life of luxury and revelry. However, serious illness and a recurring dream led Francis to question his way of life. He experienced a transformation after encountering a leper and making a pilgrimage to Rome, during which he heard a divine message to "repair my house." This inspired him to use his father's wealth to restore churches and embrace a life of voluntary poverty. In 1208, Francis received a vision during Mass, prompting him to adopt a way of life based on Christ's instructions to the apostles, leading to the creation of the Franciscan movement. He lived a life of simplicity and preached the Good News, attracting many followers during his lifetime. Francis also shared in Christ's sufferings, receiving the stigmata, Christ's wounds, miraculously in his own flesh in 1224. Despite declining health, he continued his missionary work and penance until his death on October 3, 1226. Pope Gregory IX canonized him in 1228, recognizing his dedication to living a truly Christian life and his profound impact on the Church and its followers.
 
He is the patron saint of Italy, animals, archeologists, ecology, merchants, messengers, and metal workers.
Celebrate the memorial by doing the following:
· Learning prayers that St. Francis wrote.
· Learn more about St. Francis by exploring the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi website * http://www.shrinesf.org/
· Attend mass.
· Create a St. Francis of Assis prayer garden.
· Volunteer your time at an animal shelter or community cleaning.
 
 

St. Luke, the author of the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, is often identified with "Luke, the beloved physician" mentioned in Colossians 4:14. Although limited information exists about his early life, it is believed he was a Greek Gentile born in Antioch, Syria. His Gospel is notable for its focus on evangelizing Gentiles and its unique parables and stories highlighting the importance of faith among non-Jews. Luke's association with St. Paul is prominent in the Book of Acts, where he joined Paul's missionary journeys, providing an invaluable historical account of the early Christian Church. He remained steadfastly loyal to Paul even during the apostle's imprisonments. Luke's Gospel emphasizes themes of social justice, forgiveness, and God's mercy, portraying Jesus as a champion of the marginalized and sinners. Tradition suggests that Luke may have continued his ministry and eventually met his death, but historical records regarding his later life are inconclusive. Regardless of the uncertainties surrounding his biography, St. Luke's contributions as an evangelist, historian, and patron of painters and physicians continue to be celebrated by Christians worldwide. His Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles remain essential components of the New Testament, preserving the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian community.
He is the patron saint of artists, bachelors, bookbinders, brewers, butchers, doctors, glass makers, glassworkers, gold workers, goldsmiths, lacemakers, lace workers, notaries, painters, physicians, sculptors, stained glass workers, surgeons.
Celebrate the feast by doing the following:
· Learn more about Saint Luke via the Catholic News Agency.
· Read the Gospel of Luke or Acts of the Apostles.
· Attend mass.

Jude Thaddeus, also known as Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot were two of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings. Jude's name varies in the Gospels, but he is believed to have been a relative of Jesus and authored the Letter of Jude. He journeyed across various regions to preach the Gospel, eventually meeting martyrdom in Persia. Saint Jude is revered as the patron of desperate situations and lost causes. Simon, on the other hand, earned the epithet "the Zealot" due to his association with the fervent Jewish nationalist sect known as the Zealots. These individuals resisted Roman rule and taxation. Simon, like Jude, became an apostle, witnessed Jesus' Passion and Resurrection, and received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He may have preached in Egypt and ultimately joined Jude in Persia, where they worked together to evangelize the people. Both apostles, despite their diverse backgrounds, exemplify dedication and sacrifice in spreading the Good News of Jesus. Simon's death is attributed to a saw, though some accounts suggest a peaceful end in Edessa. Their lives and missionary efforts contribute to their veneration as saints, with Saint Jude particularly known for intercession in difficult and seemingly hopeless situations.
 
Celebrate the feast by doing the following:

• Studying the New Testament.
• Attend mass.
• Create a traditional menu for the feast using the EWTN Feast Day Cookbook.