Nov 10 – Memorial for St. Leo the Great, pope, doctor St. Leo (c.400 – 461) was born of Italian nobility. He was a strong student, especially in scripture and theology. As a priest, he was an eloquent writer and homilist. He was pope from 440-461 during the time of the invasion of Attila the... Continue Reading →
9 November, Wednesday – The Sanctuary
Nov 9 – Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the church of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. It is officially named ‘Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, St. John Baptist and... Continue Reading →
8 November, Tuesday — Call of Duty
Tuesday of Week 32 in Ordinary Time Tit 2:1-8,11-14Lk 17:7-10 …we have done no more than our duty. At events involving my President or members of my senior management, I always make sure that I am around to receive, greet and attend to them until they leave. And while they always tell me it is... Continue Reading →
7 November, Monday — Forgiveness
Monday of Week 32 in Ordinary Time Tit 1:1-9Lk 17:1-6 “And if he wrongs you seven times a day and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I’m sorry’, you must forgive him.” Forgiveness can take you by surprise – especially if you’re the one who is being forgiven. Many years ago, my partner... Continue Reading →
6 November, Sunday — Trusting in the Lord’s Faithfulness
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Mac 7:1-2,9-142 Ths 2:16-3:5Lk 20:27-38 But the Lord is faithful… Today’s second reading reminds us that trusting in the Lord’s faithfulness allows us to draw strength from Him; and in the process we strengthen ourselves. I was fortunate enough to experience various types of faith formation growing up. It... Continue Reading →
5 November, Saturday — Heart matters
Saturday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Phi 4:10-19Lk 16:9-15 “You are the very ones who pass yourselves off as virtuous in people’s sight, but God knows your hearts. For what is thought highly of by men is loathsome in the sight of God.” A few years ago, I was the co-chairperson of our parish’s... Continue Reading →
4 November, Friday — Stewardship
Nov 4 – Memorial for St. Charles Borromeo, bishop St. Charles (1538-1584) was born to a wealthy, noble family, the third of six children, and the son of Count Giberto II Borromeo and Marghertita de’ Medici. He was the nephew of Pope Pius IV. He suffered from a speech impediment, but studied in Milan, and... Continue Reading →
3 November, Thursday — On Coming Home
Nov 3 – Memorial for St. Martin de Porres, religious St. Martin (1579-1639) was the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman, Juan, and a young freed black slave, Anna Velasquez. He grew up in poverty and spent part of his youth with a surgeon-barber from whom he learned some medicine and care of the sick.... Continue Reading →
2 November, Wednesday — Getting up after a fall
Nov 2 – All Souls Day Today we celebrate a feast in commemoration of the faithful departed in purgatory, that is, the faithful departed who have not yet been purified and reached Heaven. After Abbot Odilo of Cluny instituted it in the monasteries of his congregation in 998, other religious orders took up the observance,... Continue Reading →
1 November, Tuesday — Saints in the making
Nov 1 – Solemnity of All Saints All Saints’ Day is celebrated in honour of all the saints, known and unknown. In terms of Roman Catholic theology, the feast commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven. The beatific vision is the eternal and direct perception of God enjoyed by those who... Continue Reading →