Aug 11 – Memorial for St. Clare, virgin, religious founder St. Clare (1194-1253) loved music and well-composed sermons. She was humble, merciful, charming, optimistic, and chivalrous. She would get up late at night to tuck in her sisters who’d kicked off their covers. She daily meditated on the Passion. When she learned of the Franciscan... Continue Reading →
10 August, Tuesday — Sacrifice
Aug 10 – Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr St. Lawrence was a third-century archdeacon of Rome, a distributor of alms, and “keeper of the treasures of the Church” in a time when Christianity was outlawed. On 6 August 258, by decree of Emperor Valerian, Pope St. Sixtus II and six deacons were beheaded,... Continue Reading →
9 August, Monday — Life Beyond Earth
Aug 9 – Memorial for St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), martyr After witnessing the strength of faith of Catholic friends, Teresa (1891-1942), originally a Jew, became interested in Catholicism and studied a catechism on her own, and she eventually ended up ‘reading herself into’ the Faith. She became a Carmelite nun, teaching... Continue Reading →
8 August, Sunday — The Ultimate Superfood
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kgs 19:4-8Eph 4:30-5:2Jn 6:41-51 “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven” In Chinese culture, it is common to greet one another with the question, “Have you eaten?” in place of “How are you?” It may appear odd for those new to this customary greeting. But... Continue Reading →
7 August, Saturday – Faith Opens Doors
Aug 7 – Memorial for St. Sixtus, pope, martyr, and companions; St. Cajetan, priest Sixtus (d. 258) was an adult convert to Christianity. In his papacy, he dealt with the controversy concerning Baptism by heretics. He believed that anyone who was baptised with a desire to be a Christian, even if the Baptism was performed... Continue Reading →
6 August, Friday — The Father’s Voice
Aug 6 – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Today we celebrate the occasion on which Christ revealed Himself in shining splendour to Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah were present, and are taken to signify the Law and the Prophets. They testify to Jesus as the promised Messiah. God the Father also... Continue Reading →
5 August, Thursday – Why? Why? Why? Pray, Listen, Follow!
Aug 5 – Memorial for Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian Basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Re-dedicated at that time... Continue Reading →
4 August, Wednesday – Praying with Faith
Aug 4 – Memorial for St. John Mary Vianney, priest In his youth, John Mary Vianney (1786-1859) taught other children their prayers and catechism. As a priest, was assigned to a parish which suffered from very lax attendance. He began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor, spent days in prayer before the Blessed... Continue Reading →
3 August, Tuesday — Doubt is a human spirit killer
Tuesday of Week 18 in Ordinary Time Num 12:1-13Mat 14:22-36 Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. “Man of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Doubt is a denting poison to character and will of determination. It is the drive of decay, diminishing the growth of goodwill and trust. Doubt... Continue Reading →
2 August, Monday — God agrees with His messengers
Aug 2 – Memorial for St. Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop; St Peter Julian Eymard, bishop Eusebius (283-371) was a priest and lector in Rome, Italy. He was consecrated bishop of Vercelli, Italy in 340, but was exiled to Palestine and Cappadocia due to his struggle against Arianism. He was a friend of St. Athanasius of... Continue Reading →