Dec 3 – Feast of St. Francis Xavier, presbyter, religious, missionary (Principal Patron of Foreign Missions) St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was a nobleman from the Basque region. He studied and taught philosophy at the University of Paris, and planned a career as a professor. He was a friend of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who convinced him... Continue Reading →
23 November, Tuesday — Remembering that all things shall pass
Nov 23 – Memorial for St. Clement I, pope, martyr; Memorial for St. Columban, abbot St. Clement (d. 101) was the fourth pope, and an apostolic Father. The Basilica of St. Clement in Rome is one of the earliest parish churches in the city, and is probably built on the site of Clement’s home. He is... Continue Reading →
21 November, Sunday – Remembering that Christ is our King
Nov 21 – Solemnity of Christ The King Christ The King is a title of Jesus based on several passages of scripture and used by all Christians. The name is found in various forms in scripture: King Eternal (1 Timothy 1:17), King of Israel (John 1:49), King of the Jews (Matthew 27:11), King of kings... Continue Reading →
4 September, Saturday — Unwrapping the gift of Faith
Saturday of Week 22 in Ordinary Time Col 1:21-23Lk 6:1-5 ...as long as you persevere and stand firm on the solid base of faith... The times we live in are indeed very uncertain. The media of today constantly reminds us of the challenges which various countries face. Indeed, it is a struggle for each one... Continue Reading →
9 July, Friday – To Save Our Life
Jul 9 – Memorial for St. Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, & companions Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria in the 600s. Depending on China’s relations with the outside world, Christianity over the centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly. The 120 martyrs in this group died between 1648 and... Continue Reading →
13 June, Sunday – Walking by Faith and not by sight
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Eze 17:22-242 Cor 5:6-10Mk 4:26-34 And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come I have had people ask me why I continue to be a Catholic, in light of what has happened to the Church in recent years. These... Continue Reading →
28 January, Thursday – Being in Community
Jan 28 – Memorial for St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was the son of the Count of Aquino. He was born in the family castle in Lombardy near Naples, Italy. He was educated by Benedictine monks at Monte Cassino, and at the University of Naples. He secretly joined... Continue Reading →
13 January, Wednesday – Fear Not
Jan 13 -- Memorial for St. Hilary, bishop and doctor of the Church St. Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) was known as Athanasius of the West. He was born to wealthy polytheistic, pagan nobility. His early life was uneventful as he married, had children (one of whom was St. Abra), and studied on his own. Through his... Continue Reading →
7 January, Thursday – Recognising
Jan 7 – Memorial for St. Raymond of Penyafort, priest St. Raymond (1175-1275) was of Aragonian nobility. He was educated at the cathedral school in Barcelona, and became a philosophy teacher at the age of 20. He was a priest. He graduated from law school in Bologna, Italy, and joined the Dominicans in 1218. He was... Continue Reading →
10 November, Tuesday — Being Role Models
Nov 10 – Memorial for St. Leo the Great, pope, doctor St. Leo (c.400 – 461) was born of Italian nobility. He was a strong student, especially in scripture and theology. As a priest, he was an eloquent writer and homilist. He was pope from 440-461 during the time of the invasion of Attila the Hun.... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 