Dear Friend in Christ,

Each day brings new noise — but also new grace. Amid the headlines, the Church reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Today’s stories call us back to that stillness — where prayer transforms nations, saints inspire courage, and truth anchors us in authentic love.

Here are three reflections to help you grow in faith and confidence today:

1️⃣ A Nation Praying Together — Join the 9-Day Respect Life Novena uniting Catholics across America in prayer and reparation.
👉 Read how to join and what intentions to pray for.

2️⃣ Meet the 7 New Saints — Discover the luminous faith of men and women who turned ordinary lives into extraordinary witness.
👉 Their example may be the reminder you need today.

3️⃣ Can AI Be Your ‘Friend’? — A new device promises connection but risks replacing what only human hearts — and God — can give.

👉 See what Catholic thinkers are saying and why real presence matters.

🕯️ Let these stories remind you: faith isn’t found in headlines, but in the quiet certainty that Christ still reigns.

In His Peace,

Matt West

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is inviting Catholics nationwide to join the Respect Life Novena, taking place October 22–30, 2025.

This nine-day prayer initiative seeks to uplift the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death.

Each day features unique prayer intentions, passages from Scripture, and suggested acts of reparation.

Participants can access the novena through the USCCB Respect Life website, receive daily prayers by email or text, or use the free Hallow app, where bishops from across the country will lead each day’s reflection.

Colorado’s Archbishop Samuel Aquila especially urges participation, following new state laws expanding public funding for abortion.

On October 25, Archbishop Aquila will lead a Eucharistic procession around Denver’s Planned Parenthood, underscoring a call for prayerful witness.

Catholics are encouraged to join together in prayer, hope, and advocacy for the dignity of every human life.

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On October 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized seven inspiring figures whose stories reflect profound faith and resilience.

José Gregorio Hernández, revered as the “doctor of the poor,” served Venezuela’s most vulnerable, earning lasting admiration for his compassionate medical care.

Mother María del Carmen Rendiles Martínez dedicated her life to religious service through founding the Sister Slaves of Jesus, shaping generations through faith and education in Venezuela.

St. Ignatius Maloyan, Armenian Catholic archbishop, suffered martyrdom during the Armenian genocide, standing firm in his beliefs despite mortal peril.

St. Peter To Rot, a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea, was killed for defending Christian marriage during World War II, modeling unwavering conviction.

St. Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona, risked her life during the 1836 cholera epidemic to help the sick.

St. Maria Troncatti’s decades of service among Ecuador’s Shuar people blended medical care with spiritual support.

St. Bartolo Longo’s transformation from occultism to founder of Pompeii’s Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary symbolizes the reach of redemption.

Their legacies continue to uplift and inspire communities worldwide.

New York City’s subways are at the center of a heated debate over the limits of artificial companionship.

Advertisements for the AI-powered pendant, Friend, have sparked outrage and graffiti from commuters who question whether technology can truly replace human bonds.

Retailing at $129, Friend continuously listens and sends supportive responses to an app, but its always-on microphone and unsolicited messaging features have fueled deep privacy and authenticity concerns.

Public backlash has been intense, with altered ads declaring, “AI is not your friend” and urging New Yorkers to seek real connections.

Avi Schiffmann, the 22-year-old creator, sees the response as valuable commentary, but critics warn the device commodifies loneliness and risks further isolating people.

As the conversation grows, many insist that only genuine human relationships can offer the understanding and love everyone deserves.

P.S. Want to share your faith boldly wherever you go? 💪
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