Aug 6 – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Today we celebrate the occasion on which Christ revealed Himself in shining splendour to Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah were present, and are taken to signify the Law and the Prophets. They testify to Jesus as the promised Messiah. God the Father also... Continue Reading →
25 July, Tuesday — Being Present
Jul 25 – Feast of St. James, Apostle St. James (died 44) was the first Apostle to be martyred. He preached in Samaria, Judea, and Spain. His work in Spain, and the housing of his relics there, led to his patronage of the country and all things Spanish. Like all men of renown, many stories... Continue Reading →
3 July, Monday – A Skeptical Mindset Can Be Valuable
Jul 3 – Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle Thomas (d. 72) was ready to die with Jesus when Christ went to Jerusalem, but he is best remembered for doubting the Resurrection until allowed to touch Christ’s wounds. He preached in Parthia, Persia and India, though he was so reluctant to start the mission that he... Continue Reading →
28 June, Wednesday — The ‘Fifth Gospel’
Jun 28 – St. Irenaeus, bishop, martyr Irenaeus (c.130–202) was a disciple of St. Polycarp of Smyrna. He was ordained in 177. He was Bishop of Lugdunum, Gaul (modern Lyons, France). He worked and wrote against Gnosticism, basing his arguments on the works of St. John the Apostle, whose gospel is often cited by Gnostics.... Continue Reading →
11 June, Sunday — Everything happens for a purpose
Feast of Corpus Christi The Feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for ‘Body of Christ’) is a Catholic liturgical solemnity celebrating the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in the elements of the Eucharist -- known as transubstantiation. Two months earlier, the Eucharist is observed on Maundy Thursday in a sombre atmosphere leading to Good Friday. The liturgy on that day... Continue Reading →
31 May, Wednesday — His Lowly Servants
May 31 – Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary This day is called the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary because on it, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, whom, as the angel had told her, God had blessed with a son in her old age. Patron Saint Index Rm 12:9-16Lk 1:39-56 “…my... Continue Reading →
28 May, Sunday — On Gifts
28 May -- Pentecost The Christian holiday of Pentecost, which is celebrated on the 50th day after the weekly Sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:15), commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as... Continue Reading →
3 May, Wednesday — Identifying with the Apostles
May 3 – Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles St. Philip was a disciple of St. John the Baptist, and a convert. He was one of the Twelve Apostles, and brought St. Nathanael to Christ. He was a confidant of Jesus. Little is known about him, but scriptural episodes give the impression of a... Continue Reading →
1 May, Monday — Willing Sacrifice
May 1 – Feast of St. Joseph the Worker St. Joseph (d. 1st century) was a descendant of the House of David. He was a layman, a builder by trade; traditionally a carpenter, but may have been a stone worker. He was the earthly spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the foster and adoptive... Continue Reading →
25 April, Tuesday — Trusting in the love of God
25 Apr – Feast of St. Mark, evangelist St. Mark is believed to be the young man who ran away when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51-52), and the “John whose other name was Mark” (Acts 12:25). He was a disciple of St. Peter who travelled with him to Rome, and was referred to as “my... Continue Reading →