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November 2 is All Souls’ Day when we pray for our beloved dead whom we entrust to the loving and merciful embrace of the Lord. It is also an appropriate occasion to remember our understanding of the final purification we undergo when we die. This experience of purification is commonly called Purgatory.

I am writing this column on Oct. 7. I read an article this morning recounting some of the terror and atrocities in Israel one year ago and it was very difficult to read. It was a poignant reminder of the despicable acts we are capable of if we lose respect for humanity, or if we cease to see our neighbor as being made in God’s image and likeness.

How can we measure success in our stewardship efforts? In today’s culture success is often assumed by our worldly possessions. However, the success of anything can only be measured if there is an end goal.

SELMA — Sr. Mary A. Cashman, C.D.P., the director of Edmundite Missions’ New Possibilities Youth Program in Selma, and her fellow students observed the “Season of Creation” in a special way.

Ever consider the permanent diaconate? The Archdiocese of Mobile will conduct inquiry sessions beginning in January for those interested in entering the formation program. The series will consist of six Saturday morning sessions for the English-speaking cohort and six Sunday afternoon sessions for the Hispanic cohort throughout the archdiocese.

MOBILE - Catholic Social Services in Mobile is pleased to welcome Mrs. Brooke Thomas as the new Disability Ministries and Services program director.

While many are able to celebrate Christmas in the comfort of their home or with family or friends; seafarers work for nine months of the year and only go home for Christmas if it fits their schedule.

Sister Mary Ann Wilhelm, RSM who served for decades in health care ministry, including as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Mercy Medical, passed away Sept. 29 at the age of 85 after an extended illness.

The Archdiocese of Mobile is once again participating in “Box of Joy,” a Cross Catholic Outreach ministry that sends small tokens of love and hope to some of the world’s poorest children.

Mercy Medical and the Sisters of Mercy’s legacy in Daphne is being recognized. The first installment of a display for the Daphne History Museum honoring the Sisters of Mercy and their history in Daphne was unveiled during a ceremony Sept. 19. The display includes Mercy Medical’s history, newspaper clippings and other historical documents.

As I compose these words, I am preparing to depart for Rome for the second session of the Synod on Synodality. I was elected by my brother bishops two years ago as a delegate to this gathering, and I participated in the first round last October. As I shared with you a year ago, the synod is a lot of work! It lasts four full weeks, and we meet Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Today I would like to reflect on our consciences. Most people who are from roughly the same era as I, have powerful images from Walt Disney that are not particularly helpful. We may recall that in the film “Pinocchio,” a benevolent figure gives Jiminy Cricket to be the “conscience” of Pinocchio. Jiminy Cricket then is set in the role of rule enforcer and guide to keep Pinocchio out of trouble. The story unfolds with Jiminy Cricket trying to get Pinocchio to do the right thing. Pinocchio knows right from wrong but is weak in character and often chooses to do the wrong or bad thing. Jiminy Cricket tries to stop him from doing wrong or at least to make amends.

It is not uncommon to hear people make statements such as: “I must follow my conscience.” “I must vote as my conscience tells me.” “I can’t do what you’re telling me because it is against my conscience.”

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi will celebrate the annual All Souls Day Mass on Saturday, Nov. 2 at The Catholic Cemetery of Mobile, 1700 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Mass will begin at 10 a.m. behind the mausoleum. In the event of inclement weather, Mass will be held in the mausoleum chapel.

SPANISH FORT — Jim and Cele Fibbe’s first date back in 1958 included a game of miniature golf. Cele’s certain she won, Jim isn’t as convinced.

Deacon Robert Kirby faithfully served the Lord and served others until the very end. The longtime deacon at St. Dominic Parish in Mobile had just completed leading a Eucharistic Adoration service for schoolchildren on Oct. 4 when he collapsed and passed away soon after. Deacon Kirby was 89.