As we celebrate Halloween (which literally means, of course, “All Hallows [or All Saints] Eve,” and begin the month of November this week, we are reminded of that “great company of witnesses” we have in heaven, the saints, who guide us and intercede for us and show us the way to go where they have gone before.
This past week, Saint Timothy Parish celebrated another milestone when we observed our 95th anniversary on October 16. We at Saint Bartholomew’s will be celebrating our 104th anniversary this year. I am in awe of the fact that, for over 100 years, the church has been present here in the lower northeast section of the city, and has been, in so many ways, a beacon of hope and a light of faith.
This Synod, or special convocation, is Pope Francis’ initiative for the Church to collaboratively chart its path in the modern era, emphasizing listening, discernment, and mission. This historic gathering features 363 voting members, and will take place from October 4 through 29.