Reflection
Once there was a young man who had never thought of donating blood. But then his father got very ill and was hospitalised. One day the son was sitting by his father’s bedside as he was getting a blood transfusion. As he watched the blood flowing into his father’s veins, he suddenly realised that someone had donated the blood that was now keeping his father alive. Straight away he made up his mind to become a donor and he was as good as his word. Many are willing to avail of the generosity of others but few are willing to give something back. This is why gratitude is so important. It makes us want to give something back.
Saint Artemide Zatti SDB
Today, 9th October, in Rome, Pope Francis will canonise a Salesian coadjutor brother, Artemide Zatti, an Italian immigrant who lived and worked in the Salesian Mission in Argentina. It’s a great day for the whole Salesian Family, and there will be huge celebrations in Rome. Saint Artimede Zatti, pray for us.
Prisoners’ Sunday And Week
Prisoner's week was a Catholic initiative begun in 1975 by Bishop Victor Guazelli which has since ecumenical support and observance. It reflects the work of the Prison Advice and Care Trust which builds on its origins as the Bourne Trust — the Catholic Prisoner's Aid Society. The Sunday and the following week seek to focus attention not only on the needs of prisoners but on all those involved in the field of prison care, prisoners' families, victims of crime, prison staff and many volunteers.
CAFOD Fast Day
Envelopes are still available for anyone who wants to contribute to the CAFOD collection. Bring your envelopes back any time you come to Mass and place them on the collection plate.