Nov 4 – Memorial for St. Charles Borromeo, bishop St. Charles (1538-1584) was born to a wealthy, noble family, the third of six children, and the son of Count Giberto II Borromeo and Marghertita de’ Medici. He was the nephew of Pope Pius IV. He suffered from a speech impediment, but studied in Milan, and... Continue Reading →
3 November, Monday — God’s Mercy is Just and Wide
Monday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 11:29-36Lk 14:12-14 God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice. When we say that God's mercy is wide, we do not fully understand the breadth of this Truth. In the readings today, as well as the week before, we are introduced to the concept of... Continue Reading →
25 December, Wednesday — I am not defined by my flaws or limitations
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 Isa 62:1-5Acts 13:16-17,22-25Mt 1:1-25 ...and they will call... Continue Reading →
31 December, Sunday — The Model Family
Dec 31 – Feast of The Holy Family The Holy Family consists of the Child Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The subject became popular in art from the 1490s on, but veneration of the Holy Family was formally begun in the 17th century by Saint François de Laval, the first bishop of New France, who founded a confraternity. The Gospels speak little of the life... 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 →
19 July, Tuesday – One Family in Christ
Tuesday of Week 16 in Ordinary Time Mic 7:14-15,18-20Mt 12:46-50 "Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother." I spent a good 20 minutes reflecting about the readings today before the words came to me. Many are challenged with discerning what is the will of... Continue Reading →
26 December, Sunday — We are family
Dec 26 – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 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 1 Sam 1:20-22,24-28 1 Jn 3:1-2,21-24 Lk 2:41-52 Think of the love that the Father has... Continue Reading →
1 May, Saturday – Seeking the Father through Jesus
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 father... Continue Reading →
27 December, Sunday — Extended Family
The Holy Family Sir 3:2-6,12-14Col 3:12-21Lk 2:22-40 Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. I gave birth to my second child this year during lockdown in Singapore, and what was meant to be a joyous occasion became quite an unexpected challenge. For starters, our respective families do... Continue Reading →
3 December, Thursday — Our House
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 →