Earlier this month on Oct. 3, Catholics around the world marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Not long after his death in 1226, his spiritual sons would carry the Gospel far beyond Italy to Africa, Asia and, eventually, to the Americas. And on Oct. 31, the Church will beatify five Franciscan missionaries from Spain who were martyred in 1597 in what is now the state of Georgia.

Across this vast region, the faith first took root through the work of missionaries among Native peoples before growing with the arrival of settlers and immigrants during the 19th century.

When you’re sick, it impacts nearly every aspect of your life. If you can’t get out of bed in the morning, you can’t go to work, you can’t socialize with other people and you can’t cook your own meals. It takes all of your energy just to heal.

Whatever you see today, I hope you witness glimpses of beauty and love, kindness and mercy, healing and understanding, possibility and hope.

Q: I have a question about the rules and teachings around Catholic marriage for persons with some mild intellectual disability and English language abilities: Can they be married in the Catholic Church? I’m sure you could answer by saying it depends on the individual case, but are there any general rules and advice? (Limerick, Ireland)

In late September, the state of Tennessee attempted and failed to execute Christa Pike, after 31 years in prison.

When I was a teen, we all participated in community service while we were preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation. I signed up for several activities, but the one I remember the best was making soup.

During Nebraska’s long struggle to end the death penalty, a weekly protest was held outside the governor’s mansion.

What had once been our youthful field of dreams, where we encountered mythic figures – Triandos and Wilhelm, Robinson and Aparicio, Palmer and Weaver – was a field of rubble.

My friend’s dear mother was nearing the end of her life, and I had assured her that I would pray.