Dec 31 – Feast of The Holy Family The Holy Family consists of the Child Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The subject became popular in art from the 1490s on, but veneration of the Holy Family was formally begun in the 17th century by Saint François de Laval, the first bishop of New France, who founded a confraternity. The Gospels speak little of the life... Continue Reading →
29 December, Friday — Seek humility in Our Lady and Saint Joseph
5th day within the Octave of Christmas 1 Jn 2:3-11Lk 2:22-35 “Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord.” On this joyous fifth day within the octave of Christmas, we celebrate the presentation of Jesus at the temple. As devout Jewish parents, Our Lady and St Joseph presented baby Jesus to consecrate Him to... Continue Reading →
25 December, Monday — He is the reason
Christmas Day – Mass during the Day Isa 52:7-10Heb 1:1-6Jn 1:1-18 “The Word was the true light, that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world.” Merry Christmas, brothers and sisters! I love Christmas. As a child, it was because of all the presents I used to receive, and the festive feasting at... Continue Reading →
23 December, Saturday — Me Before You: Faith
Dec 23 – Memorial for St. John of Kanty, presbyter St. John of Kanty (1390-1473) was a Polish country lad. A brilliant student at the University of Krakow, Poland, he became a priest and professor of theology at the University of Krakow, where he was falsely accused and ousted by university rivals. At the age... Continue Reading →
20 December, Wednesday — ‘If’ and ‘How’
20 December Is 7:10-14Lk 1:26-38 Mary said to the angel, “But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?” Not possible Gabe, not possible…no way, Jose! Both you and me would conclude that this was some sort of weird dream, or perhaps the outcome of some sort of psychological disorder. Dreaming perhaps? Or... Continue Reading →
9 December, Saturday — Celebrate Jesus
Dec 9 – Memorial for St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, hermit, layman John (1474-1548) was born an impoverished free man in a strongly class-conscious society. He was a farm worker, a field labourer, and a mat maker. He became a married layman with no children. Even as a pagan, he was a mystical and religious man,... Continue Reading →
4 December, Monday — Let’s go to God’s House
Dec 4 – Memorial for St. John Damascene, priest, doctor of the Church St. John Damascene was born in Damascus about 675. After holding public office for a time, he withdrew to the monastery of Sabas near Jerusalem. He wrote ‘The Fount of Wisdom’, in which he presented a comprehensive teaching on Christian doctrine, which... Continue Reading →
3 December, Sunday — When was the last time you cried for someone else?
1st Sunday of Advent Isa 63:16-17, 64:1,3-81 Cor 1:3-9Mk 13:33-37 Why, Lord, leave us to stray from your ways and harden our hearts against fearing you? One Saturday morning, I was all alone in Nativity Church, in quiet prayer before a statue of the Sacred Heart. It was a dismal morning -- huge storm clouds were threatening -- and the inside... Continue Reading →
30 November, Thursday — “Later… Can?”
Nov 30 – Feast of St. Andrew, apostle St. Andrew was the first Apostle of Jesus Christ. He was a fisherman by trade, and the brother of Simon Peter. He was a follower of John the Baptist. Andrew went through life leading people to Jesus, both before and after the Crucifixion. He was a missionary... Continue Reading →
25 November, Saturday — Together for eternity (or not)
Nov 25 – Memorial for St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr St. Catherine (d. 305) was a noble who was learned in science and oratory. After receiving a vision, she converted to Christianity. At the age of 18, during the persecution of Maximus, she offered to debate the pagan philosophers. Many were converted by her... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 