May 9. Conversion experiences was one of Marie’s favourite topics and she had written a whole booklet on it. She shared, “I have discovered much about my own faith through these conversion stories of people throughout the centuries.  Some were life-changing events, like Saul’s, others were more like a process of change. Some men and women felt called to start or join a religious congregation. Turning away from an addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling can be a conversion too. Most of us, young and old, have small conversion experiences, possibly during a time of fasting or moment in one’s life. Childbirth can also be such a moment. A conversion towards interreligious dialogue or an ecological conversion are strong features of our time.”   Antony added, “it’s funny, conversion is an individual reality, but it can also be a turning away from an individualist view, towards seeing the family as the way to be church. For me that has been an ongoing process.  What about others?”  Congratulations to our new spiritual leader, Pope Leo XIV. viva La Papa!

Reflect, share and act. Scripture. Saul still breathing threats and murder against the disciples went to Damascus to look for and arrest disciples.  As he journeyed suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?” and he said, “Who are you?” Pope Francis:   St Francis did not wage a war of words aimed at imposing doctrines; he simply spread the love of God.  He understood that God is love and those who abide in love abide in God. He became the father to all and inspired the vision of a fraternal society.FT4.  The Second Vatican Council renewed the image of the family as a “domestic Church” present in the first centuries of Christianity. JUBILEE. Saint Paul often speaks of patience in the context of our need for perseverance and confident trust in God’s promises. Yet, before all else, he testifies to God’s own patience, as “the God of all patience and encouragement” Rom 15:5). Patience, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, sustains our hope and strengthens it as a virtue and a way of life. May we learn to pray frequently for the grace of patience, which is both the daughter of hope and at the same time its firm foundation.  Pray. Mary, Mother most hopeful, trusting in the goodness of the Father, pray for us.