FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Thursday 14th November : St. Laurence O'Toole (1123-1180)
He was born in Castledermot, Co. Kildare. He studied at Glendalough, becoming a monk there and later its abbot in 148. In 1162 he was chosen as the first native Archbishop of Dublin. He attended the Third Lateran Council in 1179 and returning as Papal Legate, he held synods to extend reform. He worked for peace and reconciliation and died on a mission of mediation with King Henry II and the Irish rulers at Eu in Normandy in 1180.
Friday 15th November : St. Albert the Great (1206-1280)
Dominican theologian who taught in Cologne, was called the "Universal Teacher" for the vast range of his interests. Patron of scientists.
Saturday 16th November : St. Margaret of Scotland (1045-1093)
Wife of Malcolm III, King of Scotland, helped by her example and influence the work of reform in the Church.
Sunday 17th November : 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
World Day of the Poor
The mystery of faith that we celebrate in the Eucharist proclaims that Christ will come again. That is the main fact, and the details of that coming, the imagery we may use to describe the meaning, are extras to impress our senses.
World Day of the Poor. Pope Francis in his apostolic letter Misericordia et Misera, establishing this Day, said that it would serve as "the worthiest way to prepare for the celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, who identified with the little ones and the poor and who will judge us on our works of mercy".
Monday 18th November : Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss Peter and Paul
This feast celebrates the dedications of two of the four major basilicas of Rome.
Saint Peter's Basilica was originally built in 323 by the emperor Constantine. The basilica was constructed over the tomb of Peter the Apostle, the Church's first Pope. After standing for more than a thousand years, Pope Julius II ordered the building to be torn down due to structural concerns. The construction of the new church spanned over 200 years before its completion. It was dedicated on 18th November 1626. It is considered the most famous church in Christendom.
Saint Paul's Basilica is located outside the original walls of Rome. It was also originally built by the emperor Constantine though it was destroyed by fire in 1823. Donations from around the world made the reconstruction possible. Before the completion of Saint Peter's Basilica, St. Paul's was the largest church in Rome. The Basilica was built over St. Paul's grave. Pope Pius IX consecrated the Basilica in 1854.
Thursday 21st November : Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This feast originated in the East and was included on the General Calendar in the sixteenth century. It celebrates Mary in her grace-filled life, wholly given over to the Holy Spirit.
Friday 22nd November : St. Cecilia
Patroness of music and musicians. According to tradition, she refused to worship the Roman gods and was beheaded.
Saturday 23rd November : St. Columban (also known as Columbanus)
(Also known as Columbanus)
Born around 543. He became a monk of Bangor and later principal teacher there. In 591, desiring to "go on a pilgrimage for Christ", he set out with twelve companions and came to Burgundy. He established monasteries at Annegray, Luxeuil and Fontaine according to the severe Irish rule. Later he founded Bregenz in Austria and his greatest foundation at Bobbio, near Genoa, where he died in 615. He is remembered as one of the greatest of the Irish missionary monks.