FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Sunday 12th October : 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the readings, cleansing from leprosy is seen as a sign of Messianic salvation and gratitude in response to the gifts of faith and salvation is advocated.
Tuesday 14th October : St. Callistus I
After a life of slavery and imprisonment for criminal offences, he was freed and became a deacon in charge of catacombs that bear his name. He became pope in the year 217 and died at the hands of a mob in the year 222.
Wednesday 15th October : St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582)
She was deeply contemplative, highly active and practical. She established Carmelite convents under a reformed rule, and wrote much on prayer and the spiritual life. Patron of Spain, also lacemakers and headache sufferers.
Thursday 16th October : St. Gall
He was a monk of Bangor and set out with Columbanus for the continent. When Columbanus was exiled from France, Gall accompanied him to Bregenz on Lake Constance. When Columbanus crossed into Italy, Gall remained in Switzerland. He lived in a hermitage, which later became the monastery of St. Gallen. He died around the year 630.
Thursday 16th October : St. Margaret Mary
Visionary and ascetic, revived devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was exemplary in her patience and trust.
Thursday 16th October : St. Gerard Majella (1726-1755)
Born 06 April 1726 in Muro, Italy to a family of 7. His father died when Gerard was age 12 and he was sent to live with his uncle where he learned the trade of a tailor (like his father). In 1749 having twice been turned down by the Capuchins on the grounds of his poor health, he joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer - the Redemptorists, and 3 years later was professed a lay Brother. He died 16 October 1755 of tuberculosis. Beatified 29th January 1893 by Pope Leo XIII; Canonised 11th December 1904 by Pope St. Pius X. Patron Saint of pregnant women.
Friday 17th October : St. Ignatius
Bishop of Antioch. He died a martyr at Rome c. the year 107. He urge Christians to unity in and through the Eucharist and around their local Bishop.
Saturday 18th October : St. Luke, Evangelist
He was a physician from a Gentile Christian milieu. He was with St. Paul on his second missionary journey and during his imprisonment in Rome. After Paul's death he is reputed to have worked in Greece. Patron of butchers, book-binders, doctors, surgeons, artists and glassworkers.