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... Continue Reading →
23 July, Thursday — Dimmed hearts, dulled minds.
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 →
22 July, Wednesday — Not willing, not ready.
Jul 22 – Memorial for St. Mary Magdalene There is actually very little solid information about her, and both scholars and traditions differ on the interpretation of what we do know. She was a friend and follower of Jesus. Filled with sorrow over her sin, she anointed Christ, washed his feet with her hair. He... Continue Reading →
21 July, Tuesday — Christ does not show favouritism
Jul 21 – Memorial for St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest, religious, doctor St. Lawrence (1559-1619) joined the Capuchin Friars in 1575. He studied theology, the Bible, French, German, Greek, Spanish, Syriac, and Hebrew. He was an effective and forceful preacher in any of his several languages, founded convents and wrote catechisms. As the chaplain of... Continue Reading →
20 July, Monday — God can ask us questions
Jul 20 – Memorial for St. Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr According to tradition, Apollinaris was a native of Antioch in the Roman Province of Syria. He was made the first Bishop of Ravenna by St. Peter during the persecutions of Emperor Vespasian (or Nero, depending on the source). On his way out of the city,... Continue Reading →
19 July, Sunday — Justice and Grace are in God’s hands for all
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 12:13,16-19Rm 8:26-27 Mt 13:24-43 “Your justice has its source in strength, your sovereignty over all makes you lenient to all.” Justice and grace are two words that crown the understanding of knowledge of God to the limit of human nature. Beyond this, the whole concept of faith in God... Continue Reading →
18 July, Saturday — God is merciful!
Saturday of Week 15 in Ordinary Time Mic 2:1–5 Mt 12:14–21 “He will not break the crushed reed, nor put out the smouldering wick...” It is really amazing how Jesus can see the tiny glimmer of hope in even in the most hardened souls. I recently started to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet more often during the week.... Continue Reading →
17 July, Friday — Silence versus signs from God
Friday of Week 15 in Ordinary Time Isa 38:1-6,7-8,21-2Mt 12:1-8 “Here…is the sign from the Lord that he will do what he has said.” The COVID-19 outbreak has caused many of us to lose our jobs, and new graduands have a hard time entering into the labour market, due to widespread economic difficulties. I... Continue Reading →
16 July, Thursday — Smartphones won’t give us rest, so put them away and pray!
Jul 16 – Memorial for Our Lady of Mount Carmel The Church celebrates on this day, the feast of the Scapular of Mount Carmel. The scapular, which derives its name from the Latin word scapulæ, meaning shoulders, is a dress which covers the shoulders. It is best known among as the name of two little... Continue Reading →
15 July, Wednesday — Open up our minds and hearts, dear Lord
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 →
OXYGEN 