FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Friday 13th February : Ss Cyril and Methodius
They were brothers from Thessalonica in Greece. They preached the Gospel in Moravia using their own translation of the Scriptures and the liturgy in the local language. These translations into Slavonic were in an alphabet, now called Cyrillic, which they devised. They are honoured as apostles of the Slavic peoples and in 1980 Pope John Paul II declared them Patrons of Europe.
Sunday 15th February : 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Human beings have been given the freedom to obey God's laws or not. Christ calls us to choose love as the fulfilling of the law. His followers do not measure out the minimum legal requirements but choose the fullness of life.
Tuesday 17th February : St. Fintan
From Leinster, he received his religious formation in Terryglass, Co. Tipperary under the abbot Colum, and was deeply influenced by his penitential practices and the severity of the Rule. Fintan made his own foundation in Clonenagh, Co. Laois. He died in the year 603.
Wednesday 18th February : ASH WEDNESDAY
In the readings today there is a great consciousness of our sinfulness, as we pray, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned". There is also a sense that the time to repent and turn back is now. The Gospel tells us how to approach that renewal of our lives. It puts before us the remedy in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These three strands of Lenten observance are as ancient as Christianity itself. There is no substitute for them. "Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. If we have not all three together, we have nothing", says St. Peter Chrysologus.
Friday After Ash Wednesday : Day of Prayer for Victims of Abuse
Saturday 21st February : St. Peter Damian
Gave up teaching to become a hermit. Later he was Cardinal Bishop of Ostia (in Italy). He was an outstanding reformer of Church life and discipline.