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 — On Regrets
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, Saturday — Spirit move in our hearts
Saturday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 16:3-9,16,22-27Lk 16:9-15 “…God knows your hearts.” Two years ago, I served at the Youth Prayer Experience Retreat (PER) #2, which was held over a 3-day weekend in our centre. Together with 3 (at times 4) other members of my music ministry, we combined with the members of... Continue Reading →
7 November, Friday — Spreading the Gospel by Any Means
Friday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 15:14-21Lk 16:1-8 “…bringing the Good News from God to the pagans…” It is always a good time to spread the Gospel, and often it does not even require quoting scripture or thumping a Bible. In a nuanced but significant way, evangelisation is different from proselytisation. Evangelisation creates... Continue Reading →
6 November, Thursday – His Sheep Am I
Thursday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 14:7-12Lk 15:1-10 “What man among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then…say, “Rejoice... Continue Reading →
5 November, Wednesday – What’s Eating At You?
Wednesday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 13:8-10Lk 14:25-33 Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men, you have carried out your obligations... Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.... Continue Reading →
4 November, Tuesday — Gifts Are Meant To Be Used
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, Monday — God’s Mercy is Just and Wide
Monday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 11:29-36Lk 14:12-14 God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice. When we say that God's mercy is wide, we do not fully understand the breadth of this Truth. In the readings today, as well as the week before, we are introduced to the concept of... Continue Reading →
2 November – Finish the race
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, Saturday — 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 →