FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Friday 29th May : St. Paul VI
Born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini at Concesio (Lombardy, Italy) in 1897. He was a frail but intelligent child who received his early education from the Jesuits near his home in Brescia. Even after entering the seminary in 1916 he was allowed to live at home because of his health. He was ordained 29th May 1920. During WWII he was responsible for organising the extensive relief work and care of political refugees. On the death of Pope John XXIII, Montini, then Archbishop of Milan, was elected to succeed him.
He continued the Second Vatican Council as begun by his predecessor. He was the first Pope to attempt to reform the Vatican's powerful and unruly Curia, he was the first Pope to hold weekly general audiences with the common man in St. Peter's Square and seek opinions of non-believers. Referred to as the "Pilgrim Pope" he was the first Pope to visit five continents. He was the first Pope to reject the papal trappings of luxury, setting aside the traditional jewel-encrusted tiara and donating its value to the poor. He had an unaccountably poor press and his public image suffered by comparison with his outgoing and jovial predecessor. Those who knew him best however, described him as a brilliant man, deeply spiritual, humble, reserved and gentle, a man of "infinite courtesy".
He died on 6th August 1978 having asked that his funeral be simple and no monument over his grave.
Beatified 2014, Canonised 14/10/2018.
His memorial is on the anniversary of his priestly ordination.
Sunday 31st May : The Most Holy Trinity
The relationships in the Trinity are relationships of love. The reflection on this mystery today is not in terms of philosophy but of Christian living. The unity and harmony of the life in the Trinity is to be the aim of each community where love is, there God is. God's relation of this inner life is for our salvation - a gift given in love. Our response can only be one of glory and praise.
Monday 1st June : St. Justin
Born in the Holy Land and settled in Rome. He became a Christian and is remembered for his defence of Christian belief and practice. He was martyred c. the year 165.
Tuesday 2nd June : Ss Marcellinus and Peter
Roman clergy, martyred under Diocletian in the year 303.
Wednesday 3rd June : St. Kevin
He was a native if Leinster and grew up in Kilnamanagh, where he received his early religious formation. Wishing to be a hermit, he crossed the mountains to Glendalough and settled in Disert Caoimhghin at the foot of the upper lake but disciples began to gather round him. Gradually the great monastic settlement grew and spread through the glen after his death in the year 618.
Thursday 4th June Ss Charles Lwanga and Companions
Twenty-two Ugandan youths martyred in 1886.
Friday 5th June : St. Boniface
Born at Crediton in Devonshire and educated in monastery schools in England. He went as a missionary to Germany. He founded monasteries in Bavaria, including Fulda in 735.
Saturday 6th June : St. Jarlath
Said to have been a disciple of St. Enda, and was also taught by St. Benignus. He became abbot bishop of the monastery he founded at Tuam in the sixth century.