# Walking in Praise with Pope Francis – We Belong to God
*2015-10-01*

> Bill reflects on the feast of St. Teresa of the Little Flower, shares a miracle prayer for a friend with brain cancer, and explores Day 7 of Pope Francis’ “Care for Our Common Home” series, emphasizing our shared dignity as children of God.

## Feast of St. Teresa and a Recent Miracle

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Thursday, October 1st, the feast day of St. Teresa of the Little Flower, one of my favorite saints. I recently recorded a podcast about her, titled “The Rose,” and I encourage you to listen to it in her honor.

I also want to share a prayerful testimony. A friend from my volunteer group, Andy, was scheduled for a brain‑cancer procedure on September 18th, which was postponed to the 25th. While we were praying for him, Pope Francis was traveling in the United States, celebrating Mass in Washington, Philadelphia, and New York. On the 25th, Andy’s test results came back clear—his brain was fine. We thank the Lord for this miracle and for the grace that accompanied Pope Francis’ visit.

## Day 7: “We Belong to God”

We are now on Day 7 of Pope Francis’ “Care for Our Common Home” series, titled “We Belong to God.” The document reminds us that the God‑given gift of grace in our hearts helps us regain human dignity and restore the world. No matter where we live, what our jobs are, or how rich or poor we may be, we are united in dignity as children of God.

Pope Francis tells us that this grace gives us the power to improve our lives and to see the world anew. If we treat each other with honor and respect, we can begin to address poverty in all its forms—personal, social, and material—and regard the earth as a brother or sister worthy of our care.

## Ponder and Pray

Ponder: What do the poorest neighborhoods look like where you live? How are you connected to your brothers and sisters there?

Prayer: “God of creation, help me to use your gift of grace to make life better for all and to renew the earth as our home. Amen.”

## Looking Ahead

I’ll be recording another short podcast soon for prayers to our guardian angels. May you have a pleasant day, and may St. Teresa’s intercession be with us.

*Our shared dignity as children of God calls us to honor each person and care for the earth as a beloved sibling.*