FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Thursday 16th January : St. Fursa
Born in Ireland and became one of the great monastic missionaries abroad. He went first with his brothers Foillan and Ultan to live the monastic life in East Anglia. But as great numbers continued to visit him there he left Foillan as abbot and sought refuge in France around 644. A patron gave him a hermitage at Lagny on the Marne. He died about 650 at Mézerolles and was buried in Péronne, which became a great centre of devotion to him.
Friday 17th January : St. Anthony
"Father of monasticism", lived a life of solitude but also attracted many others to form communities of hermits. Died in the year 356.
Sunday 19th January : 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The fulfilment of God's promise is compared to a wedding feast. The wine that flows in plenty speaks of the joy of the kingdom.
Monday 20th January : St. Fabian
Had been Pope for fourteen years when martyred under Decius in the year 250.
It is said that he was elected Pope when a dove descended on his head; being reminded of Our Lord's Baptism, the Council decided to elect him as Pope.
Tuesday 21st January : St. Agnes
Wealthy and beautiful, was martyred for her virginity in the last persecutions in Rome, in the early fourth century. Patron of betrothed couples, gardeners and young girls.
Wednesday 22nd January : St. Vincent
Deacon of the church of Saragossa, Spain, martyred in 304 in Valencia after prolonged torture.
Friday 24th January : St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Bishop of Geneva, founder of the Visitation Sisters. He worked with gentleness and love to rebuild the Catholic faith after the Reformation. Patron saint of writers, editors and journalists.
Saturday 25th January : Conversion of St. Paul
St. Paul preached the power of God at work in the lives of each one of us. His conversion shows that power in his own life. Out of a persecutor God made a preacher and teacher of the peoples. Paul never ceased to express thanks and wonder for this grace, but he still prayed for perseverance.