FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Friday 23rd October : St. John of Capistrano (1386-1456)
HE studied civil and canon law and joined the Franciscan Order. A faithful servant of four popes, he attended the Council of Florence, went to Jerusalem as apostolic emissary, and, in 1451 set out on a preaching tour through the German provinces and Poland. In a battle at Belgrade he contracted fever and died there. Patron saint of jurists and military chaplains.
Saturday 24th October : St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-0870)
He founded the Claretians in Spain for missionary work. Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba, then returned as chaplain to the Queen of Spain, and built schools and museums, before being exiled with the monarchy.
Sunday 25th October : 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The greatest and first commandment: you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. The second resembles it: you must love your neighbour as yourself.
Tuesday 27th October : St. Otteran
A descendant of Conall Gulban, he is usually identified with Odhran who preceded Columba in Iona. His death is recorded in 548 and his grave was greatly revered in Iona. He was chosen by the Vikings as patron of the city of Waterford in 1096 and alter patron of the diocese.
Wednesday 28th October : Ss Simon and Jude
The teaching of the apostles is the living gospel for all to hear. Their authority comes from their fidelity to Christ and his message.
They are invoked in the Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer I).
St. Jude is patron saint of hopeless causes.
Thursday 29th October : St. Colman
From Kilmacduagh, Co. Galway in the seventh century. After studying in Aran, where he founded two churches on Inis Mhór, he returned to make a foundation at Kilmacduagh.
Saturday 31st October : Bl Dominic Collins
Born around 1566 in the city of Youghal, Co. Cork. In 1598, after a military career, he entered the Society of Jesus as a Brother. He returned to Ireland in 1601, but on 17 June 1602 he was captured by the English who tried in vain to make him abjure (renounce) his faith. Condemned to death, he was hanged in his native city on 31 October 1602.