FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Easter Time
The celebration of Easter is prolonged throughout the Easter season.
The fifty days from Easter Sunday (5th April 2026) to Pentecost Sunday (24th May 2026) are celebrated as one feast day, the "great Sunday".
CHRIST IS RISEN, ALLELUIA!
Sunday 10th May : 6th Sunday of Easter
Through Baptism and Confirmation we have been given the Holy Spirit, that same Spirit who gave Christ the victory over the world. This Advocate is our support in the difficulties of life. The Spirit of truth convinces us of the meaning and value of the Christian way.
Tuesday 12th May : Ss Nereus, Achilleus and Pancras
Nereus and Achilleus were martyred in the year 304 under Diocletian. They were Roman soldiers who on conversion, refused further military service.
Pancras, a boy of fourteen, martyred in Rome in the same year.
Wednesday 13th May : Our Lady of Fatima
The apparitions to the three children of Fatima took place in the summer of 1917, beginning on 13 May when the "Lady" asked them to pray for sinners and an end to the World War. In the final apparition on 13 October, the "Lady" identified herself as Our Lady of the Rosary and called for prayer and conversion.
It was on this day in 1981, 45 years ago, when there was an attempt made on the life of Pope John Paul II.
Thursday 14th May : St. Matthias
Like the apostles, was chosen to become "a witness with us of Christ's resurrection". The story of his election as one of the apostles is given in the first reading. He seems to have spent a great deal of time working in Judea; then he travelled east to Cappadocia (now Turkey), where it is said that he was the vital instrument in bringing many pagans to the faith. He is said to have been martyred at Colchis on the Black Sea and his relics brought to Rome by St. Helena.
Friday 15th May : St. Carthage (or Mochuta)
Hailed from a rich family in Kerry. As he loved the chanting of the psalms, the local king arranged for him to become a priest. Having spent a year possibly at Bangor he founded his own monastery at Rahan in 595. It grew rapidly. However, opposition made him move southwards around 637. Along with hundreds of monks and their patients from the leper colony, he finally arrived at Lismore, where he made a foundation. He died in the year 638.
Saturday 16th May : St. Brendan
Born in Kerry in the year 486. He studied at Clonard under Finnian. His name is connected with many places in Kerry such as Ardfert and Mount Brandon. He visited Scotland and reached the Hebrides and possibly areas beyond. He founded a monastery on Clonfert in 568 and died there in 578.