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, Thursday — Building Foundations
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, Wednesday — Where is the Love?
Wednesday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 13:8-10Lk 14:25-33 You must love your neighbour as yourself. As I find myself surrounded by news of war, I cannot help but reflect on what a tragedy it has been and continues to be. I do not wish to engage in a debate or take sides, but... Continue Reading →
7 November, Tuesday — Uninvited
Tuesday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 12:5-16Lk 14:15-24 “Go to the open roads and the hedgerows and force people to come in to make sure my house is full; because, I tell you, not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet.” I read a true story once... Continue Reading →
6 November, Monday — Patience and Wisdom
Monday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 11:29-36Lk 14:12-14 God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice. Today’s gospel reminds me of those many times when I ask God, “Why am I not able to walk?” There have been countless times when I fantasise myself in an alternate reality where I can... Continue Reading →
5 November, Sunday — Pure Waters
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Mal 1:14-2:2,8-101 Ths 2:7-9,13Mt 23:1-12 [Y]ou accepted it for what it really is, God's message and not some human thinking... A tour guide commented to me once when I traveled overseas that the waters from the mountaintop are clean, but it is dirty by the time the waters reach the... Continue Reading →
4 November, Saturday — A Unique Holiness that is Mine
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 at... Continue Reading →
3 November, Friday — Point of Failure
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. At... Continue Reading →
2 November, Thursday — He will destroy Death forever
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, Wednesday — Saints, Spiritual Poverty and the Kingdom of Heaven
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 →
OXYGEN 