FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Friday 26th July : Ss Joachim and Anne
Traditionally named parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of the Lord. The earliest reference to their names is the second-century apocryphal Gospel of James. Their feasts were celebrated separately until joined together in the Calendar reform of 1969. St. Anne is patron of Canada, women in labour, miners, cabinet-makers and home-makers.
Sunday 28th July : 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly
Jesus shows himself to be the true Messiah and the true prophet by the miracle of the loaves and fishes. In taking, giving thanks and distributing, Jesus performs the actions that will distinguish the Eucharist.
(From today until the 21st Sunday the continuous reading of St. Mark's Gospel is interrupted, and the sixth chapter of St. John is read.)
Monday 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.
Tuesday 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 450
Wednesday 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; of which Pope Francis is a member). 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
Thursday 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.