November 9, 2025 – Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22
From the 2nd Reading, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone destroys God’s temple,
God will destroy that person;
for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.”
Why Are We a Temple of God?
God’s presence dwells within all believers, making each person’s body and life sacred and worthy of respect. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 6:19, the Apostle Paul writes that believers are “God’s temple” and that the Spirit of God lives in them. God no longer resides only in physical buildings, like the ancient temples, but within people who have faith in Him. Being a temple of God means that our bodies, minds, and spirits are holy. It encourages believers to live with love, knowing that God’s Spirit is with us all the time. Since each person is a temple of God, this helps us accept self-respect and respect for others. We are called to treat ourselves and others with fostering positive communication and relationship.
The idea that we are a temple of God is a reminder of our spiritual who we are in the eyes of God and the importance of honoring God in life and encourages us to live with a purpose. Be assured of our prayers. God bless you, MK
Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms
The motto
Pope Leo XIV has also chosen a motto that reflects this Augustinian tradition: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One, we are one.”
The phrase is taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, where he explains that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.” (Vatican News)
Pope Leo XIV – Intentions for the month of November 2025: Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for October is For the prevention of suicide
Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
“BE DOERS OF THE WORD,” by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup diocese 2024: “Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup discusses his special connection to the diocese and his experience as bishop in this unique diocese. Bishop Wall also talks about how the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps provide the faithful of his diocese with the most basic things and why contributing to the Collection is so important. Bishop Wall’s diocese also has the highest percentage of Native American lands of any diocese in the country, he briefly discusses how the Church can minister to Native Americans through the Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promise”.
MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition. We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude. Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality