SEE ATTACHED PRAYER AND BLESSING OF PETS https://marfam.org.za/prayer-and-blessing-for-pets-and-other-animals-with-st-francis/ for the feast of St Francis on Sunday 4 October.

October 1.  St Therese of Lisieux. Season of Creation. The families in the parish were invited to read her story and share their responses. Therese grew up as a pampered girl and when she felt the calling to become a Carmelite her family didn’t think she would be strong enough.  She persisted and entered the convent at age 15. Ill-health did prevent her from going to a mission country which is what she wanted but she kept her love for the missions.   She spent the last 9 years of her life aiming at perfection through what she called “the little way” and through prayer and meditation.   Her little sacrifices of ordinary events in her daily life were seen as flowers and this simple spirituality earned her the title “the Little Flower.” After hearing the story little Lizzy said, “I think I can be a missionary like St Therese too, doing all my chores as best I can.” Pauline added, “Why don’t we use the idea of a flower for each of the sacrifices we make too. Then we can take those flowers to someone who is sick, in the parish or community. that is something nice for the Season of Creation.”  Mom added, “I think her parents and all the family were really exceptional people.  Her mom had 9 children, 4 died in infancy and the remaining 5 girls all joined Therese and became Carmelite nuns.”   

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  Jesus said, “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.  Mat 18:1-5.  Pope Francis: St Therese invites us to practise the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship.  Our prayers also extend to the saints and blessed ones who made divine mercy their mission in life. MV24.  Eco-tip and prayer:  Share how St Therese, as the Little Flower, can be a model for each family member . 

DAILY FAMILY PRAYER from Season of Creation 2026.  May God our Father, who brought water from a rock, sustain us in the desert. May Christ our Lord, who is Living Water, refresh us for the work of restoration.  May the Holy Spirit carry us on currents of grace until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amen. St Francis guide and inspire us on our way.