FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Thursday 20th August : St. Bernard (1090-1153)
He became a Cistercian monk at Citeaux in 1113 and was chosen Abbot of Clairvaux in 1115. His writings reveal a solid grasp of biblical studies, spiritual theology and philosophy. Patron of Gibraltar and beekeepers.
Friday 21st August : St. Pius X (1835-1914)
Born Guiseppe Melchiorre Sarto in northern Italy in 1835. Cardinal Patriarch of Venice. He became Pope in 1903. In his 11 year pontificate, he carried out key reforms in the Church. He encouraged pastoral liturgy and sacramental practice, especially of frequent communion, to which he admitted young children reversing the then practice of someone receiving Confirmation before Communion. He developed a reputation as being very friendly with children. During papal audiences, he would gather children around him and talk to them about things that interested them. His weekly catechism lessons in the courtyard of San Damaso in the Vatican always included a special place for children. In the last months of his life, he witnessed the violence and destruction of World War I. Some say he died of grief - just three weeks after the war started; he died on the night of 20th August 1914. The only motto attributed to him is the one for which he is best remembered: instaurare omnia in Christo (to restore all things in Christ); these were the last words he spoke.
Saturday 22nd August : The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
During the Middle Ages, Mary was venerated as queen of the angels and saints. Pope Pius XII prescribed the memorial for the universal Church at the close of the Marian Year 1954. It is placed on this date to stress the connection of Mary's queenship with the Assumption.
Sunday 23rd August : 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Because of Peter's faith the promise is given to him. It is through faith that the Church at all times can have trust in the promise of God's protecting power. So encouraged, we can meet the difficulties and human weaknesses that are part of the Church's life. Each member must search for deeper faith through study of the Scriptures and the teaching of the Church, and by more fervent prayer.
Monday 24th August : St. Bartholomew, Apostle
He preached the gospel in India. Patron saint of plasterers, tanners and leather workers.
Tuesday 25th August : St. Louis
King of France, father of eleven children, Franciscan tertiary, man of integrity, dies in Tunisia on his second Crusade. Patron of French monarch & military, and of barbers.
Wednesday 26th August : Blessed John Paul I
Born Albino Luciani on 17 October 1912 in Canale d'Agordo in the region of Veneto, Italy. First pope to use "the First" in regnal name. First pope with two names, for his two immediate predecessors (Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI). Elected pope on 26 August 1978, he died early into a charismatic reign on 28 September that same year; he was in office for only 33 days. Known as the "smiling Pope".
Thursday 27th August : St. Monica
She converted her pagan husband, Patricius, to the faith, and by her prayers and tears brought her son St. Augustine to Christianity and a moral life. Patron saint of mothers.
Friday 28th August : St. Augustine
The prayers of his mother (St. Monica) and the preaching of St. Ambrose led to his conversion from a former life of wicked living and false beliefs. Bishop of Hippo (Annaba, Algeria), where he lived with a community until his death. His theological influence has been most significant in the Church, especially on the understanding of God's grace. Patron of theologians.
Saturday 29th August : Passion of St. John the Baptist
The Mass Preface lists the favours shown to St. John the Baptist and the vocation given him. He is found worthy of the martyr's death, his last and greatest act of witness to Christ.