With “rivers of blood and tears” still flowing in Ukraine and with the increasing threat of the use of nuclear weapons, Pope Francis begged Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Stop this spiral of violence and death.”

The Vatican synod hall became a stand full of cheering fans, pumping fists, clapping and shouting encouragement as instructed by Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, who led some 200 people in a group exercise.

Remembered as a dedicated shepherd to his flock, Monsignor Joseph Luca, pastor emeritus of St. Louis in Clarksville and St. Francis of Assisi in Fulton, died Oct. 1 after a long battle with cancer. He was 79.

The Supreme Court begins its new term Oct. 3, jumping right back into the fray with cases that take on affirmative action, voting, immigration, the environment and freedom of speech.

St. Therese would nudge us to take on the little actions of daily life and see the value and the holiness in that service.