Aug 7 – Memorial for St. Sixtus, pope, martyr, and companions; St. Cajetan, priest Sixtus (d. 258) was an adult convert to Christianity. In his papacy, he dealt with the controversy concerning Baptism by heretics. He believed that anyone who was baptised with a desire to be a Christian, even if the Baptism was performed... Continue Reading →
1 August, Saturday — “This is the Way…”
Aug 1 – Memorial for St. Alphonsus Liguori, bishop, religious founder, doctor Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) vowed early to never to waste a moment of his life and lived that way for over 90 years. As a lawyer, he had his own practice by age 21, and was a leading lawyer in Naples. He never attended... Continue Reading →
28 July, Tuesday — The Harvest Will Come
Tuesday of Week 17 in Ordinary Time Jer 14:17-22Mt 13:36-43 “…the harvest is the end of the world.” When Jesus explains this parable, He does not focus on the weeds. He points, instead, to the harvest. The harvest is certain. The Son of Man Himself will send His angels to separate the wheat from the... Continue Reading →
27 July, Monday — From Seed To Shelter
Monday of Week 17 in Ordinary Time Jer 13:1-11Mt 13:31-35 “It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the biggest shrub of all…” When Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed and to yeast, He reminds us that God often works through the smallest of... Continue Reading →
24 July, Friday — Preparing the ground
Jul 24 – Memorial for St. Charbel Makhluf, Priest St. Charbel was a Lebanese monk, born in a small mountain village and ordained in 1858. Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he spent the last twenty-three years of his life as a hermit. Despite temptations to wealth and comfort, St. Charbel taught the value of... Continue Reading →
23 July, Thursday — Abide in Me
Jul 23 – Memorial for St. Bridget of Sweden, Religious Coming from a noble yet religious background, St. Bridget (1302-1373) was friend and counsellor to many priests and theologians of her day. As chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Blanche of Namur, she counselled and guided the Queen and King Magnus II. She was harassed by others... Continue Reading →
19 July, Sunday — Tended by Grace
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 12:13,16-19Rm 8:26-27Mt 13:24-43 … your sovereignty over all makes you lenient to all. There was a time when I thought strength meant certainty, control, and the ability to prevail. I admired people who commanded attention, who could win arguments, influence outcomes, and never seemed vulnerable. Yet the more I... Continue Reading →
18 July, Saturday — Discipleship and Social Justice
Saturday of Week 15 in Ordinary Time Mic 2:1-5Mt 12: 14-21 Lord, do not forget the poor. To the Jews, land held great significance – it was seen as an inheritance from God for each tribe and family. Though land was seen as ultimately belonging to God -- its true owner -- it accorded social... Continue Reading →
15 July, Wednesday — Approach Him with humility and He will reveal Himself
Jul 15 – Memorial for St. Bonaventure, bishop, religious, doctor St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) entered the Franciscan Order when he was 22. At the age of 35 he was chosen General of his Order and restored a perfect calm where peace had been disturbed by internal dissensions. He did much for his Order and composed The... Continue Reading →
14 July, Tuesday — Will There Be Peace?
Jul 14 – Memorial for St. Camillus de Lellis, Priest St. Camillus (1550-1614) used to be a gambling addict. He lost so much he had to take a job working construction on a building belonging to the Capuchins; they converted him. Because of a persistent injury, he moved into San Giacomo Hospital for the incurable,... Continue Reading →
