27 Jan – Memorial for St. Angela Merici, virgin St. Angela Merici (1474-1540) became a Franciscan tertiary at the age of 15. She received a vision telling her that she would inspire devout women in their vocation. In Crete, during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she was struck blind. Her friends wanted to return... Continue Reading →
26 January, Thursday – More than Just You and Me
26 Jan – Memorial for Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops St. Timothy (d. 97) was the son of a Greek gentile, his mother Eunice was Jewish. He was converted to Christianity by St. Paul around the year 47. He was a partner, assistant and close friend of Paul. He was a missionary as well, and... Continue Reading →
24 January, Tuesday – Sitting with foes
24 Jan – Memorial for St. Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was born in a castle to a well-placed family. His parents intended him to become a lawyer, enter politics, and carry on the family line and power. He studied at La Roche, Annecy, Clermont College... Continue Reading →
15 January, Sunday — Bearing Witness
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 49:3,5-61 Cor 1:1-3Jn 1:29-34 “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.” Amidst the festivities of Christmastide and merrymaking of ushering in the New Year, some of us may have made new year resolutions. This annual tradition helps us take stock of what... Continue Reading →
2 January, Monday — Denying our self or denying Christ?
2 Jan – Memorial for Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, bishops St. Basil the Great (329-379) was a noble by birth. His parents and four of his nine siblings were canonized, including St. Gregory of Nyssa. He was the grandson of St. Marcina the Elder. As a youth, he was noted for organizing... Continue Reading →
30 December, Friday — Family Ties
Dec 30 – Feast of the Holy Family We celebrate the Holy Family of Nazareth which is the model for all who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. the Sunday Missal Ecc 3:2-6,12-14Mat 2:13-15, 19-2 Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins, he who honours his mother is like someone amassing... Continue Reading →
28 December, Wednesday — “Trust, Trust, Trust. And then trust some more…”
Dec 28 – Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs The Holy Innocents are the children slaughtered by Herod the Great when he tried to kill the infant Christ. Patron Saint Index The children died for Christ, though they do not know it. The parents mourned for the death of martyrs. The Christ child makes of... Continue Reading →
25 December, Sunday — In Desperate Need of CHRIST-mas
Christmas Day -- Midnight Mass Is 9:1-6Tit 2:11-14Lk 1:1-14 …a light has shone. A dear friend of mine sent me a Christmas message on WhatsApp not too long ago. However, the message said 'Merry X-mas'. I replied to him (and to all whose who sent me greeting using ‘X-mas’) to use ‘Christmas’ instead. I explained... Continue Reading →
25 December, Sunday — Born to Die; Die to be Born Again
Dear Oxygen readers, The Core Team wishes one and all a blessed, peaceful and joyous Christmas filled with God's graces and love. May He continue to light out paths and guide us on our journeys as we come to know Him more. Christmas Day -- Vigil Mass Is 62:1-5Acts 13:16-17,22-25Mt 1:1-25 “…that one is coming... Continue Reading →
24 December, Saturday — Me before You : Action
24 December 2 Sam 7:1-5,8-12,14,16Lk 1:67-79 “…for you will go before the Lord to prepare a way for him…” Today’s Gospel shares with us Zechariah’s song of praise of God. Like Mary, two days ago, he too praises the graces that God has bestowed on His people. Zechariah also charts the path for John. If... Continue Reading →