The survey found that a narrow plurality of Catholics prefer Democrats in the midterm elections as Catholic approval of President Donald Trump continues to plummet.
A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians
5:18-25
Brothers and sisters:
If you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious:
immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry,
sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy,
outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness,
dissensions, factions, occasions of envy,
drinking bouts, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I warned you before,
that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Against such there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh
with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
From the Gospel according to Luke
11:42-46
The Lord said:
“Woe to you Pharisees!
You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb,
but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.
These you should have done, without overlooking the others.
Woe to you Pharisees!
You love the seat of honor in synagogues
and greetings in marketplaces.
Woe to you!
You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”
Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply,
“Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.”
And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law!
You impose on people burdens hard to carry,
but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
These people who were “ideological” had reduced the Law, the doctrine, to an ideology: “you have to do this, and this, and this…” A religion of prescriptions, and thus they took away the Holy Spirit’s freedom. And the people who followed them were rigid people, people who did not feel comfortable, they did not know the joy of the Gospel. The way of following Jesus to perfection was through rigidity: “You have to do this, this, this, and this”. These people, these doctors, “manipulated” the consciences of the faithful, or they made them become rigid, or they would go away. (…)
The Spirit of God is not where there is rigidity, because the Spirit of God is liberty. And these people wanted to force these passages, taking away liberty from the Spirit of God and the gratuitousness of the redemption: “to be justified you have to do this, this, this, and this…”. Justification is freely given. Jesus’s death and resurrection are gratuitous. You do not pay for it, it cannot be purchased: it is a gift! (Pope Francis, Santa Marta, 15 May 2020)
Read More
As Pope Leo XIV recovers from lung cancer surgery, meet St. Peregrine Laziosi, the Servite priest healed the night before his amputation and now patron of cancer patients.
![Brazil archbishop receives presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in ‘institutional visit’ – #Catholic – The archbishop of the Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, Cardinal Paulo Cezar Costa, received on Oct. 8 Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, candidate for president, and his running mate, Congressman Alfredo Gaspar, both of the Liberal Party, for what the archdiocese described as an “institutional visit.”According to the Archdiocese of Brasília, “the meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordiality and dialogue, providing an opportunity to reflect on issues of interest to the Church and Brazilian society.”The archdiocese also reported on its social media that among the topics discussed were “freedom of religion and conscience, respect for the legitimate secularism of the state, the protection of human life and the family, the promotion of social justice, the fight against poverty and inequality; in addition to the importance of collaboration between public authorities and religious institutions in initiatives aimed at the common good.”During the visit, the cardinal gave Bolsonaro, who is Protestant, a copy of a Bible and a small statue of Our Lady of Aparecida, the patroness of Brazil. “The senator was presented with a copy of the Jerusalem Bible and a replica of the image of Our Lady of Aparecida. Both gifts are among the items customarily presented to officials on certain occasions or during institutional visits, as part of [archdiocesan] protocol,” the Archdiocese of Brasília’s communications department told ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News.This story was first published by ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/brazil-archbishop-receives-presidential-candidate-flavio-bolsonaro-in-institutional-visit-catholic-the-archbishop-of-the-brazils-capital-brasilia-cardinal-paulo-cezar.jpg "Brazil archbishop receives presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in ‘institutional visit’ – #Catholic – The archbishop of the Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, Cardinal Paulo Cezar Costa, received on Oct. 8 Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, candidate for president, and his running mate, Congressman Alfredo Gaspar, both of the Liberal Party, for what the archdiocese described as an “institutional visit.”According to the Archdiocese of Brasília, “the meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordiality and dialogue, providing an opportunity to reflect on issues of interest to the Church and Brazilian society.”The archdiocese also reported on its social media that among the topics discussed were “freedom of religion and conscience, respect for the legitimate secularism of the state, the protection of human life and the family, the promotion of social justice, the fight against poverty and inequality; in addition to the importance of collaboration between public authorities and religious institutions in initiatives aimed at the common good.”During the visit, the cardinal gave Bolsonaro, who is Protestant, a copy of a Bible and a small statue of Our Lady of Aparecida, the patroness of Brazil. “The senator was presented with a copy of the Jerusalem Bible and a replica of the image of Our Lady of Aparecida. Both gifts are among the items customarily presented to officials on certain occasions or during institutional visits, as part of [archdiocesan] protocol,” the Archdiocese of Brasília’s communications department told ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News.This story was first published by ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.")
The cardinal, senator, and congressman met on the basis of church-state relationships and discussed issues such as protecting human life, social justice, poverty, and the common good.
![Advocates speak for voiceless at N.J. March for Life #Catholic – From around the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey, thousands of pro-life advocates traveled to Trenton to be a voice for the voiceless in the womb and the most vulnerable at the annual N.J. March for Life on Oct. 8.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney participated in the daylong event, which began with a Mass for Life in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. After the Mass, a rally took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse Annex, followed by a march through downtown Trenton.
At the Mass, several bishops, including Bishop Sweeney, concelebrated. Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Trenton Diocese was the main celebrant, with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau of the Newark Archdiocese as the homilist. The Mass drew a standing-room-only crowd, with overflow from the congregation participating in the church basement.
In his homily, Bishop Chau said, “God created us in his image and likeness. We have been wonderfully made. Do not forget that. And this morning, we gather from around the state of New Jersey, and we embarked on a pilgrimage to celebrate life.”
A large presence at the Mass and March was young people from Catholic high schools from across the state. Many Knights of Columbus councils also participated in the daylong event.
At the Rally, many pro-life advocates serving in communities around the state spoke. Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Family Resource Center, was the keynote speaker. With the theme, “Life is a gift,” this year’s March hoped to reach out to those experiencing crisis pregnancies and support mothers.
Bishop Sweeney gave the closing prayer at the Rally and said, “Giving thanks to God for the gift of life, this gift of this beautiful day. For our parents who said yes to the gift of life, for any mom and dad who are struggling with a crisis pregnancy at this moment. For our elected officials, for our great country of the United States, that we would live up to our founding principles that life is sacred and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given to us by God.”
PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO, SUBMITTED
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/advocates-speak-for-voiceless-at-n-j-march-for-life-catholic-from-around-the-paterson-diocese-and-throughout-new-jersey-thousands-of-pro-life-advocates-traveled-to-trenton-to-be-a-voice-for-the-v.jpg "Advocates speak for voiceless at N.J. March for Life #Catholic – From around the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey, thousands of pro-life advocates traveled to Trenton to be a voice for the voiceless in the womb and the most vulnerable at the annual N.J. March for Life on Oct. 8.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney participated in the daylong event, which began with a Mass for Life in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. After the Mass, a rally took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse Annex, followed by a march through downtown Trenton.
At the Mass, several bishops, including Bishop Sweeney, concelebrated. Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Trenton Diocese was the main celebrant, with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau of the Newark Archdiocese as the homilist. The Mass drew a standing-room-only crowd, with overflow from the congregation participating in the church basement.
In his homily, Bishop Chau said, “God created us in his image and likeness. We have been wonderfully made. Do not forget that. And this morning, we gather from around the state of New Jersey, and we embarked on a pilgrimage to celebrate life.”
A large presence at the Mass and March was young people from Catholic high schools from across the state. Many Knights of Columbus councils also participated in the daylong event.
At the Rally, many pro-life advocates serving in communities around the state spoke. Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Family Resource Center, was the keynote speaker. With the theme, “Life is a gift,” this year’s March hoped to reach out to those experiencing crisis pregnancies and support mothers.
Bishop Sweeney gave the closing prayer at the Rally and said, “Giving thanks to God for the gift of life, this gift of this beautiful day. For our parents who said yes to the gift of life, for any mom and dad who are struggling with a crisis pregnancy at this moment. For our elected officials, for our great country of the United States, that we would live up to our founding principles that life is sacred and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given to us by God.”
PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO, SUBMITTED
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
Advocates speak for voiceless at N.J. March for Life #Catholic – 
From around the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey, thousands of pro-life advocates traveled to Trenton to be a voice for the voiceless in the womb and the most vulnerable at the annual N.J. March for Life on Oct. 8.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney participated in the daylong event, which began with a Mass for Life in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. After the Mass, a rally took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse Annex, followed by a march through downtown Trenton.
At the Mass, several bishops, including Bishop Sweeney, concelebrated. Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Trenton Diocese was the main celebrant, with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau of the Newark Archdiocese as the homilist. The Mass drew a standing-room-only crowd, with overflow from the congregation participating in the church basement.
In his homily, Bishop Chau said, “God created us in his image and likeness. We have been wonderfully made. Do not forget that. And this morning, we gather from around the state of New Jersey, and we embarked on a pilgrimage to celebrate life.”
A large presence at the Mass and March was young people from Catholic high schools from across the state. Many Knights of Columbus councils also participated in the daylong event.
At the Rally, many pro-life advocates serving in communities around the state spoke. Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Family Resource Center, was the keynote speaker. With the theme, “Life is a gift,” this year’s March hoped to reach out to those experiencing crisis pregnancies and support mothers.
Bishop Sweeney gave the closing prayer at the Rally and said, “Giving thanks to God for the gift of life, this gift of this beautiful day. For our parents who said yes to the gift of life, for any mom and dad who are struggling with a crisis pregnancy at this moment. For our elected officials, for our great country of the United States, that we would live up to our founding principles that life is sacred and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given to us by God.”
PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO, SUBMITTED
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
– From around the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey, thousands of pro-life advocates traveled to Trenton to be a voice for the voiceless in the womb and the most vulnerable at the annual N.J. March for Life on Oct. 8. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney participated in the daylong event, which began with a Mass for Life in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. After the Mass, a rally took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse Annex, followed by a march through downtown Trenton. At the Mass, several bishops, including Bishop Sweeney, concelebrated. Bishop David M.
Netcong Knights receive Double Star Award #Catholic – 
The Knights of Columbus Council 3665 of Netcong, N.J., received the Double Star Award plaque during the council’s Columbus Day dinner held in Msgr. Trapasso Hall at St. Michael Church in Netcong, N.J., on Oct 10. Council chaplain Father Enrique Corona, Grand Knight Greg Keller, Deputy Grand Knight Gus Borda, and several council brothers attended. The Star Council Award is the international organization’s high honor recognizing overall excellence in local council operations, membership growth, insurance promotion, and program activities.
The Knights of Columbus St. Michael’s Council 3665 is a local Catholic fraternal organization based in Netcong, N.J., and is associated with St. Michael Parish.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
– The Knights of Columbus Council 3665 of Netcong, N.J., received the Double Star Award plaque during the council’s Columbus Day dinner held in Msgr. Trapasso Hall at St. Michael Church in Netcong, N.J., on Oct 10. Council chaplain Father Enrique Corona, Grand Knight Greg Keller, Deputy Grand Knight Gus Borda, and several council brothers attended. The Star Council Award is the international organization’s high honor recognizing overall excellence in local council operations, membership growth, insurance promotion, and program activities. The Knights of Columbus St. Michael’s Council 3665 is a local Catholic fraternal organization based in Netcong, N.J., and is associated
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-lead-image-HWY395CA0626-a4338209c3724109b92330d95488c27d.jpg)
Children in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria joined a global rosary campaign for peace this month.
| Picture of the day |
|---|
_-_Ceiling.jpg)
|
|
Baciccio’s Triumph of Franciscan Order depicts the Apostles recommending Francis of Assisi, Anthony of Padua, and other Franciscans to Christ for admittance into Heaven. The fresco is on the vaulted ceiling of the Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome. This year is the 800th anniversary of Francis of Assisi’s death. Today is his feast day.
|