Detachment means a striving for liberation through self-denial. True wisdom means not being oppressed by our human nature. We must study how to meet the demands of discipleship of Christ.

We celebrate the Birthday of Mary, who brought the dawn of hope and salvation to the world. She is the true Ark of the Covenant, the temple of God, because her body received the one Mediator.

He was born in Roscommon around the year 512. As a young boy, he helped his family herd cattle and studied his lessons while out in the fields. When he was older he went to study with St. Finian at Clonard, Co. Meath. There he was given a broad education in the company of many other of the saints of Ireland, notably Columba and Brendan. He later studied on Aran with St. Enda and later went to Senan at Scattery Island, where he was ordained a priest. After spending time in various monasteries, Ciarán went to Clonmacnois in January 545 where he founded a monastery which was to become one of the most renowned in Europe. He died at the age of 33 while the monastery was still being built.

Born in Verdú, Catalonia in 1580, a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). In 1610 he was sent to Cartagena in Colombia and worked for thirty-three years among the slaves until his death in 1654. Cartagena was a flourishing centre of the slave trade, with as many as ten thousand arriving each year from Africa. During a tireless ministry he is said to have baptised more than three hundred thousand.

He is sometimes claimed as one of the pre-Patrician saints, but the annals note his death in 528. A tradition held that he went to Rome and was ordained bishop by the Pope. He founded the monastery of Emly, which became very important in Munster. Patron Saint of diocese of Cashel & Emly.

Saturday 13th September : St. John Chrysostom (347-407)

He was one of the four great Greek Doctors, the "Golden-mouthed" preacher, was Archbishop of Constantinople. He incurred much opposition and died in exile. Patron saint of preachers.