MARFAM WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER 21 OCTOBER 2026

(What’s with the pink milk?)

The beautiful image of a Civilisation of Love must obviously include care, care for self, families, those nearest and dearest to you and those further afield, people and the other families of creation, plants and animals.  The term was first used by Pope Paul VI, the pope who also spoke much about evangelization.  I first came across the term in 1994 at the 1st World Meeting of Families when the theme was “Family – Heart of the Civilization of Love,”  a concept that has now again surfaced in MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS Pope Leo’s encyclical on AI.   

MH212.  The civilization of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization. For this reason, it is worthwhile pausing to reflect on some aspects of how we, each in our own way, can cooperate in building the civilization of love. Without presuming to exhaust this theme, I would like to propose five paths toward daily and public responsibility: the need to disarm words, building peace through justice, adopting the perspective of victims, cultivating a healthy realism and reviving dialogue and multilateralism.

At the JHB Archdiocesan Leadership Conference on 17th October with the theme of SPIRITUALITY, GOVERNANCE, MISSION  IN THE LIGHT OF SYNODALITY I presented a workshop on Synodality and the Family – Becoming Eco-Friendly Families.   Those surely are all ways of being on mission and building that special civilization.   The important FAMILY MATTERS aspect would be that it should happen in, for and by families or with a family focus, by anyone.  Praying the Rosary this month especially, also the Mission Rosary, each decade for a different continent is a way.  MARFAM’s An Hour of Prayer campaign praying the Rosary for families with each decade for a different area of aspect e.g. preparation, enrichment,   troubled marriages and loss.  

The Civilisation of love has many arms and legs, e.g. Pope Leo’s prayer theme for this month is around the area of mental illness.  https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-october   The Core focus is: Praying that mental health ministry will be established throughout the Church to help overcome the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals living with mental illnesses.  The Pope asks that the Church become an “open house” and a safe space that offers welcome, dignity, hope, and accompaniment without judgment or exclusion.   Support for caregivers is very necessary so the prayer also remembers and lifts up families, volunteers, and mental health professionals who care for those suffering from conditions like anxiety, depression, and other silent struggles and for us oldies alzheimers and dementia are serious conditions, possibly more stressful for the carers as I have seen. St. Dymphna will be the patron saint

October is also breast cancer awareness month in SA, and isn’t it a catchy thought that some milk is coming to us in pink bottles – to make us think pink for girls of course.     I can’t resist of course sharing the story I have used in the programme over the years.  

It is also true that prayer should sensitive us, bring God into the picture and as its intention, prayer leads to action.  Alternatively in the SEE-JUDGE-ACT approach in the THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY action can include or conclude with prayer.  I’m suggesting that our mission today is to build the civilization of love, by accepting that each of our families is a little church – the domestic church of the home.   The Church then is a Family, a family of families as Pope Francis has said.   And for further action here are some ideas to become an eco-friendly family, as missionary disciples Caring for God’s creation.   TR 21.10.26

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

October 21. SEE. Security.   The community reflected, “How many security features are needed nowadays to even make us feel a little secure behind high walls with guards and panic buttons at the ready?  How much impact does that way of life have on our quality of life too?”  “Are we afraid to open our windows and doors and so become isolated and distrustful of others?” “Well I don’t worry too much, but my children tell me I should protect myself and my belongings more.”   “Ultimately what will we be held accountable for I wonder.” “Jesus expects faithfulness and trustworthiness in good servants for a reward rather than neglect and abuse deserving punishment.” “Don’t forget, he lived in violent times, and so do we.”  

JUDGE. Reflect, share, Scripture. You must be ready for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  Of everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required, and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more. Luke 12:39-48.  Pope Francis:  during the trial of murderers St Augustine argued, “we do not object  to your depriving these wicked men of the freedom to commit further crimes.   Our desire is rather that justice be satisfied without the taking of their lives or the maiming of their bodies in any part. Through coercive measures provided by the law they be turned from their irrational fury to the calmness of men of sound mind and from their evil deeds to some useful employment.  FT 265. Pope Leo:   When we acknowledge our fragility our hearts become open to supporting one another and to invoking the One who can grant what no human power can ensure: the profound reconciliation of hearts and with it, true peace.   From Elderly message 2026

Daily Prayer for Mission Month October, Year of St Francis and upcoming Local Elections in SA.  

Heavenly Father, during this Mission month, we praise and thank you for the gift of your love and the riches of your creation. As missionary disciples we answer your call to walk in the way of peace.  We lift up to you all leaders of nations. Grant them an open heart and a listening ear to hear the cries of the poor and the needy. Bless all missionaries, protect them from harm, strengthen their hearts in times of trial, and fill them with the joy of your Spirit. As we prepare for the elections and a renewal of society for the common good we acknowledge our shortcomings and faults. We hear the needs that call for help to build a united country under God, as a family of all the families of creation.  Mary, Mother of the Church and of the Rosary pray for us. St Francis, our model and patron saint of all of creation pray for us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen