May 12 – Memorial for Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs; Memorial for St. Pancras, Martyr
Sts. Nereus and Achilleus (d. 98) were soldiers in the imperial Roman army, and members of the Praetorian Guard. They were converts to Christianity and baptized by St. Peter the Apostle. They were exiled for their faith, suffered with St. Flavia Domitilla, and were martyred together by beheading.
- Patron Saint Index
St. Pancras (c. 290) was a 14-year-old orphan brought to Rome by his uncle St. Dionysius. He was a convert to Christianity, and was martyred with St. Nereus, St. Achilleus, and St. Domitilla for publicly proclaiming his faith.
Pope St. Vitalian sent his relics from the cemetery of Calepodius in Rome to the British Isles as part of the evangelization of England, so they would have the relics of the Church at large, and to install in altars in new churches. St. Augustine of Canterbury dedicated the first church in England to St. Pancras, and subsequent churches throughout England are similarly named after him.
- Patron Saint Index
Acts 11:1-18
Jn 10:1-10
“The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock… the sheep hear his voice… he calls his own sheep and leads them out.”
Today’s Gospel offers one of the most tender and intimate images of Christ — the Good Shepherd, who knows His sheep by name, calls to them with love, and leads them into abundant life.
At the time of writing this reflection, news has just broken of Pope Francis’ passing — a day after Easter Sunday, and just after he gave what would be his final Urbi et Orbi blessing. In God’s providence, today’s reading could not be more fitting. The Church mourns the loss of a shepherd who lived out these words in both heart and action.
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Pope Francis will not only be remembered as a reformer, but as a true shepherd — gentle, humble, and deeply human. He chose the way of simplicity, always remaining close to the people, walking with them rather than standing apart. He was incredibly accessible, and you could see how much he cherished being with his flock. This was evident in his Wednesday General Audiences, where he warmly greeted pilgrims with genuine joy. Even during the Sunday Angelus from his window above St. Peter’s Square, he would wave enthusiastically and acknowledge the crowds below. That sense of closeness and joy — despite the physical distance — spoke volumes of the kind of shepherd he was.
He often reminded us that the Church is not a fortress to be defended, but a mission field hospital — meant for the broken and wounded. He upheld the dignity of every person, whether rich or poor, gay or straight, housed or homeless. He brought the Church to the margins — where Christ Himself so often walked — living out the Gospel’s call to abundant life for all.
One image of him that I will never forget is from March 27, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. St. Peter’s Square was silent and soaked with rain. Pope Francis stood alone, holding the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament. In that haunting, beautiful moment, he blessed the world. That night, in our fear and despair, he pointed us to Jesus — our only true source of hope, healing, and life.
Through ‘Laudato Si’, his passionate care for creation, his tireless advocacy for justice and mercy, and his dream of a synodal, listening Church, Pope Francis helped reshape how the world sees Catholic leadership. He chose a modest apartment, drove a simple car, and often broke protocol to embrace the forgotten and the broken. He was a shepherd who truly “smelled like the sheep” — a man of prayer, compassion, and deep conviction who entered through the gate of service, not prestige.
As the Church prepares for a new pope, I find myself praying not just for the right leader, but for a shepherd with the same heart—one who walks with the people, not above them. One who, like Pope Francis, leads with compassion, courage, and humility.
This Gospel, and this poignant moment in Church history, also reminds me that I too am called to be a shepherd in my own small way. Whether as a counsellor, a friend, a family member, or neighbour, I am invited to listen, to guide gently, to protect the vulnerable, and to defend the dignity of those around me. I can offer hope to those in silence, healing to those who are hurting, and love to those who feel forgotten.
Today, as we listen once more for the voice of the Good Shepherd who calls each of us by name, may we carry forward the spirit of Pope Francis — not as memory, but as witness. May we, too, learn to shepherd with love, humility, and grace.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Geraldine Nah)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, thank You for the gift of Pope Francis and his life of humble service. May his example inspire us to walk more closely with You and to lead with compassion in our daily lives.
Thanksgiving: I thank You, Lord, for the shepherds You place in our lives — those who guide, protect, and love as You do. Thank You for calling me by name and leading me to fullness of life.
OXYGEN 
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