Edition of Monday, October 12

Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga urged voters to reject political dynasties during a religious feast on Oct. 12. Addressing devotees at the Fort Pilar Shrine in Zamboanga City, Tonel linked concentrated political power to corruption and poverty.

The vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines told the crowd that political dynasties represent a moral and ethical concern rather than just a political issue. He stated that corruption worsens poverty by undermining public services such as education, health care, and infrastructure. Tonel encouraged Filipinos to hold officials accountable and support laws that ban political dynasties.

Tonel also endorsed the “Dapat Isa Lang” people’s initiative. He asked parishes to assist Catholics, especially senior citizens and those without internet access, in participating in the initiative's online signature campaign. He said the Christian faith requires people to participate in public affairs to care for the country and the common good.

Bishop Henry Juma Odonya presided over the funeral mass for Mama Pauline Jeptoo LeLei in the Diocese of Kitale. The deceased was the mother of Father Josephat Kipngetich Busieney, who serves at St. Paul’s Centre in Waitaluk within Sirende Parish.

Bishop Emeritus Maurice Anthony Crawley, Vicar General Father Peter Nyamache, priests, deacons, religious men and women, and catechists attended the mass alongside relatives and friends of the family.

During his homily, Bishop Odonya told the congregation that death is an inevitable part of life and encouraged believers to live with hope in God. He urged the faithful to remain spiritually prepared and to live holy lives according to God's will. The bishop also offered prayers for the peace and strength of Father Busieney and his family during their mourning.

Denver Catholic published a guide to help people use the Catechism of the Catholic Church to form their consciences during the election season.

The guide suggests that people prepare for making choices by rooting themselves in the Word of God, committing to prayer, and listening for God's voice. It directs readers to paragraphs 1776 through 1802 of the Catechism, which discuss moral conscience. The publication also references Gaudium et Spes 16 and Catechism paragraph 1795 to describe conscience as an inner sanctuary where individuals are alone with God.

Amulya Jessica, a 19-year-old student in the Diocese of Guntur, India, is seeking support to continue her studies in artificial intelligence at Morning Star College.

Jessica, a member of a Dalit Christian family, faces financial obstacles to her higher education following the death of her father, who served a small Protestant community. Her mother currently struggles to provide for three daughters with insufficient income. Jessica intends to gain digital skills and computer knowledge to secure stable employment and achieve financial independence for her family.

Dr. Antonia Braithwaite, the Marriage and Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of East Anglia, wrote an article to help children understand the role of guardian angels. The text explains that these angels serve as lifelong companions assigned by God to protect children from harm, assist them in making good decisions, and guide them toward God.

The article suggests that children can talk to their guardian angels through prayer whenever they feel lonely, afraid, or tempted. Braithwaite recommends using the traditional prayer, Angel of God, to help children build this relationship. The Church celebrates the feast of guardian angels on 2 October.