The pope’s third priority is bringing peace into our world by building bridges. “Let us educate in nonviolent language, reconciliation and bridge-building rather than wall-building; may ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ – (Mt 5:9) – become both the method and the content of learning.” Have conversations with your children – and reflective time with yourself – on ways to learn about and positively connect with people of differing backgrounds and beliefs.
The end of October brings longer nights, cooler temperatures and Hallowtide – a three-day observance dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs and all the faithful departed. The “triduum” of feast days begins Oct. 31 with All Hallows’ Eve (also called All Saints’ Eve, Day of the Dead and, of course, Halloween) and also includes All Saints Day Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day Nov. 2. There are several sweet ways to celebrate this season.