FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Thursday 24th July : St. Declan
Considered to be one of the pre-Patrician saints. He was of noble blood. Colman, a local priest, baptised him. Later he went to Europe to continue his studies where he was ordained priest and possibly bishop. He settled in Ardmore and evangelised the Decies country.
Friday 25th July : St. James, Apostle
Son of Zebedee and brother of John, called the Greater. He was put to death by Herod Agrippa about the year 44, being the first of the Apostles to die for Christ. His shrine is at Compostella in Spain.
Saturday 26th July : Ss Joachim and Anne
Traditionally named parents of the Blessed Virgin May and grandparents of the Lord.
Sunday 27th July : 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly
We are creatures who are not our own beginning or last end. Christ is glorified by what we ask the Father in his name. Because of God's love for us we can ask for anything.
Prayer for Grandparents
Written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2008 for the Catholic Grandparents Association
Tuesday 29th July : Ss Martha, Mary and Lazarus
They welcomed Jesus as a family friend. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the One who humiliated death.
Wednesday 30th July : St. Peter Chrysologus
Born at Imola, Italy. During his life he was well known for his fine homilies, earning him the name "Chrysologus" meaning golden-worded. Bishop of Ravenna. Died c the year 450.
Thursday 31st July : St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
From the north of Spain. He was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. During convalescence he took to reading about the lives of Christ and some Saints. This led to his long and gradual conversion. He founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III and Ignatius was elected to serve as its first general. By the time of his death, the society had spread widely and had over one thousand members. His great theme was the service of God and God's greater glory. His spirituality is expressed in the Jesuit motto "Ad majorem Dei gloriam" (All for the greater glory of God).
Love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words.
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Friday 1st August : St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Founder of the Redemptorist Congregation, he taught much on moral theology and the spiritual life. He is remembered as a popular preacher and influential writer of theology.