FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Saturday 11th July : St. Benedict
After living as a hermit at Subiaco, he founded the monastery of Monte Cassino. His Rule, observed by Benedictines and Cistercians, is distinguished by it wisdom and balance and those who live by it did much to shape the Europe of today. He was named patron of Europe in 1964. In out modern world, we talk fast, we travel fast, and we even pray fast. Our impatience to get to the end, our focus on completion rather that process is a real danger in reading Scripture when every word is from God and has a power all its own. Benedict new that power because he took the time to let it work within him. He died in 547 while standing in prayer before God.
Sunday 12th July : 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
We must have faith in the power of God's word. It is the instrument by which God effects his purpose. It does not work automatically, but grows in a soil of faith and prayer. We have to be concerned about teaching, preaching and praying the word, and to wok to ensure a receptive soil.
Monday 13th July : St. Henry
Duke of Bavaria and later emperor. A just ruler, humble man of prayer and reformer of the Church.
Tuesday 14th July : St. Camillus de Lellis
Rough-tempered and a gambler in his early life as a soldier, he was converted at the age to twenty-five. Guided by St. Philip Neri, he became a priest and worked for the sick with two companions. His Servants of the Sick prospered and founded hospitals, especially where others would not go. Patron of nurses, hospitals and the sick.
Wednesday 15th July : St. Bonaventure
Born in Tuscany, Minister General of the Franciscans, Cardinal Archbishop of Albano, theologian of the Council of Lyons.
Thursday 16th July : Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as patroness of the Carmelite Order. The first Carmelites were Christian hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. They built a chapel in the midst of their hermitages which they dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom they conceived of in chivalric terms as the "Lady of the Place". Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron saint of Chile.