During the month of November, we remember those who have gone before us in a very special way. We are truly in communion with them, both the saints in heaven and the souls in purgatory. On Nov. 5, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, in his homily at the Mass for all the bishops who died during the past year, Pope Leo emphasized the true communion that exists between us and our departed.

As the Church in the United States marks the feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini on Friday, Nov. 13, the Italian-born nun who became the first U.S. citizen to be canonized is drawing renewed attention as a champion of immigrants at a time when deportations and detentions are reshaping the lives of migrant families across the country.

During my pastoral visit to St. Helen Parish, I encountered something truly extraordinary: a family of faith whose love for Jesus Christ is transforming lives. I witnessed a community where faith is not merely professed on Sunday but lived every day through generosity, compassion, prayer and service.

Stand Up Sunday was created to recognize and affirm the Church’s efforts in safeguarding by recognizing those who have been background checked and completed abuse prevention curriculum. It was started in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, spread to other dioceses in California and was promoted to all dioceses by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops last fall.

During the month of November, we celebrate a significant day in the life of our nation, Veterans Day. On this day, we pay respect and gratitude to all of the men and women who have given of themselves to serve our nation in military service. Like many national holidays, Veterans Day has had a significant history, including the time of its celebration, but is now set to its original date of Nov. 11 to recognize the purpose of its foundation.