FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Sunday 26th October : 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Pharisee came before God trusting in his own virtue, which was genuine enough. The tax collector knew that he was a sinner and threw himself on God's mercy. The Pharisee sang his own praises, the tax collector sang the mercies of the Lord.
Monday 27th October : St. Otteran
A descendant of Conall Gulban, he is usually identified with Odhran who preceded Columba in Iona. His death is recorded in 548 and his grave was greatly revered in Iona. He was chosen by the Vikings as patron of the city of Waterford in 1096 and later patron of the diocese.
Tuesday 28th October : Ss Simon and Jude
The teaching of the apostles is the living Gospel for all to hear. Their authority comes form their fidelity to Christ and his message. They are invoked in the Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer I). St. Jude is patron saint of hopeless causes.
Wednesday 29th October : St. Colman
From Kilmacduagh, Co. Galway in the seventh century. After studying in Aran, where he founded two churches on Inis Mhór, he returned to make a foundation at Kilmacduagh.
Friday 31st October : Bl. Dominic Collins
Born around 1566 in the city of Youghal, Co. Cork. In 1598, after a military career, he entered the Society of Jesus as a Brother. He returned to Ireland in 1601, but on 17 June 1602 he was captured by the English who tried in vain to make him abjure (renounce) his faith. Condemned to death, he was hanged in his native city on 31 October 1602.
Saturday 1st November : All Saints
Today the Church, as the liturgy states, has "the joy of celebrating in one feast the merits and the glory of all the Saints": not only of those whom she has canonised in the course of the centuries, but also of the numberless men and women whose holiness, hidden in this world, is only known to God and shines in his eternal kingdom. Today's feast invites us to lift our eyes to heaven, the goal of our earthly pilgrimage. There the festive community of the saints awaits us. There we will have the company of our dear departed ones for whom we pray in tomorrow's solemn liturgical commemoration.
St. John Paul II, 1st November 2002