FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Friday 30th January : St. Aidan
He was born around the year 550, probably in Co. Cavan. He studied under David in Wales, and on his return he founded a monastery at Ferns. He became bishop there and was renowned for his generosity and kindness. He died in 626 and his Lives testify to his popularity both in Cavan and in Ferns.
Saturday 31st January : St. John Bosco
Born in the hillside hamlet of Becchi, Piedmont, Italy in 1815, he founded the Salesians to educate boys for life. He also became involved in publishing catechetical material for youth. He is a patron saint of youth and of Catholic publishers.
Sunday 1st February : St. Brigid
Born around the year 454 at Faughart, Co. Louth, she followed her calling to consecrate her life to God - despite her father wishing to make a very suitable marriage for her. Tutored by Mel in Ardagh, she fostered that calling in many others. With Conleth, she founded the double monastery of Kildare. The interior spiritual life was given countless expression in a life marked by welcome of the stranger and hospitality to all, in her care for the sick and the poor, and in her concern for animals, nature and the Earth. Brigid died 1 February 524 and is buried in Downpatrick, with the other two patrons of Ireland, Patrick and Columba (Colum Cille).
Brigid's reputation spread throughout Ireland and in many parts of Europe. The legend of her cloak expanding to meet the needs of her monastery, highlights the power of this woman.
The Brigid's Cross, woven from rushes, expressed her Christian faith and God's concern and protection given to us through the prayers and intercession of Brigid.
1st February is also the date of the Celtic festival of Imbolc, the beginning of a new season of hope and growth.
Monday 2nd February : Presentation of the Lord
(Candlemas Day)
This feast is a remembrance of the Lord and Mary, mother of the Lord.
With candles in their hands, the people to out to meet the Lord and to acclaim him like Simeon, who recognised Christ as "a light to reveal God to the nations".
Tuesday 3rd February : St. Blaise
Bishop of Sebaste, martyred in 315 in Armenia. Tradition states that he was a physician before becoming a bishop. Since the eighth century he has been venerated as the patron of those who suffer from disease of the throat.
The blessing of St. Blaise is a sign of our faith in God's protection and love for us and for the sick.
Using two crossed and unlighted candles, blessed on the memorial of St. Blaise or on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the minister touches the throat of each person, saying: "Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from all ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thursday 5th February : St. Agatha
She died a martyr for the faith at Catania in Sicily in the third century. Patron of bell-founders.
Friday 6th February : Ss Paul Miki and Companions
Martyred at Nagasaki, Japan in 1597. The 6 Franciscans, 17 Franciscan tertiaries and 3 Jesuits died suspended on crosses..
Saturday 7th February : St. Mel
He is said to have been a Briton who came to Ireland with Patrick, with whom he worked until he was ordained in Ardagh. He is one of the earliest Irish saints and gave the religious veil to Brigid. He died in 488.