FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Friday 9th October : St. John Henry Newman
Born in London on 21 February 1801, the noted theologian and poet was first an Anglican priest and later a Catholic priest and Cardinal. His memorial marks the anniversary of his reception into the Catholic Church on 9th October 1845. He was one of the leading figures of the Oxford Movement that originated at Oxford University in 1833, that sought to link the Anglican Church more closely to the Roman Catholic Church. The Church in Ireland is deeply aware of his gentle scholarship, deep human wisdom and profound love for the Lord. He was instrumental in the founding of Catholic University of Ireland, which evolved into University College Dublin. Invited to Ireland in 1850, he became Rector of the Catholic University of Ireland in 1854 until his resignation in 1858. He died in Edgbaston, England on 11 August 1890.
He was Beatified by Pope Benedict XVI at Cofton Park, Birmingham 19/09/2010; Canonised by Pope Francis on 13 October 2019.
Pope Leo named his as Patron of Catholic education in 2025.
Sunday 11th October : 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prisoners' Sunday
We gather to celebrate the Eucharist, which is to be a celebration in hope and joy as a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. To take part in it is a grace and a privilege. But we must wear the wedding garment of sinlessness and obedience to God's will. Many before us have been called to the feast but failed to stay.
Monday 12th October : St. Carlo Acutis
Italian teenager known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his use of digital media to promote Catholic devotion. Diagnosed with leukaemia and died 10 days later. Born 3rd May 1991 in London; he died 12th October 2006 in Monza, Italy at the age of 15.
Wednesday 14th October : St. Callistus I
After a life of slavery and imprisonment for criminal offences, was greed and became a deacon in charge of catacombs that bear his name. He became Pope in 217 and died at the hands of a mob in the year 222.
Thursday 15th October : St. Teresa of Ávila
Deeply contemplative, highly active and practical. She established Carmelite convents under a reformed rule, and wrote much on prayer and the spiritual life. Patron of Spain
Friday 16th October : St. Gall
He was a monk of Bangor and set out the Columbanus for the continent. When Columbanus was exiled from France, Gall accompanied him to Bregenz on Lake Constance. When Columbanus crossed into Italy, Gall remained in Switzerland. He lived in a hermitage, which later became the monastery of St. Gallen. He died around the year 630.
Friday 16th October : St. Gerard Majella
Born 6th April 1726 in Muro, Italy to a family of 7. His father died when Gerard was age 12 and he was sent to live with his uncle where he learned the trade of a tailor (like his father). In 1749 having twice been turned down by the Capuchins on the grounds of his poor health, he joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer - the Redemptorists, and 3 years later was professed a lay Brother. He died 16 October 1755 of tuberculosis. Patron of pregnant women.
Saturday 17th October : St. Ignatius
Bishop of Antioch. He died a martyr at Rome c. the year 107. He urged Christians to unity in an through the Eucharist and around their local bishop.