October31.   Mission month had always been a popular one in the Bertoni family, maybe because in Mom’s time at boarding school there had been a big focus on that. She had continued throughout her life as a primary school teacher and parish catechist for more than 30 years. “I have lived through many papacies in my time and they all preached the same message. I hope that some of my missionary faith has rubbed off on the many children that have passed through my hands, my mind and my prayers for them”   

Reflect, share, act. Scripture: I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brethren.  They are Israelites, and to them belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs and of their race, according to the flesh is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen   Romans 9:1-3. Pope Francis: The work of handing on the faith to children, facilitating its expression and growth, helps the whole family in its evangelising mission. It naturally begins to spread the faith to all around them, even outside the family circle.   Children who grew up in missionary families often become missionaries themselves.   AL 289. JUBILEE:.  Surely we need to “abound in hope” (cf. Rom 15:13), so that we may bear credible and attractive witness to the faith and love that dwell in our hearts; that our faith may be joyful and our charity enthusiastic; and that each of us may be able to offer a smile, a small gesture of friendship, a kind look, a ready ear, a good deed, in the knowledge that, in the Spirit of Jesus, these can become, for those who receive them, rich seeds of hope.  SNC 18    Act and Pray for the needs of families and our calling to become true missionary disciples.