FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Thursday 22nd January : St. Vincent
Deacon of the church of Saragossa, Spain, martyred in 304 in Valencia after prolonged torture.
Saturday 24th January : St. Francis de Sales
Bishop of Geneva, founder of the Visitation Sisters. He worked with gentleness and love to rebuild the Catholic faith after the Reformation. Patron saint of writers, editors and journalists.
Sunday 25th January : 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The semi-continuous reading of St. Matthew's Gospel on each Sunday begins today with the calling of the first disciples. The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: the people that lived in darkness have seen a great light. The Scriptures are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus who begins his preaching with the message: repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.
Monday 26th January : Ss Timothy and Titus
They were close to St. Paul as followers and later in their work with him. Tradition makes Timothy the first bishop of Ephesus. From Paul's advice to him to take some wine for his stomach's sake, he has been invoked as a patron in cases of stomach complaint. Titus was sent to organise the Church in Crete.
Tuesday 27th January : St. Angela Merici
Founder of the Ursulines, devoted herself to Christian education based on love, kindness with firmness, and concern for the individual.
Wednesday 28th January : St. Thomas Aquinas
Born in Italy in 1224, her died in 1274. Thomas taught that Christian revelation and human knowledge are aspects of a single truth and cannot be in conflict with one another. One of the greatest theologians, he is patron of schools, universities, students and booksellers.
Friday 30th January : St. Aidan
He was born around the year 550, probably in Co. Cavan. He studied under David in Wales, and on his return he founded a monastery at Ferns. He became bishop there and was renowned for his generosity and kindness. He died in 626 and his Lives testify to his popularity both in Cavan and in Ferns.
Saturday 31st January : St. John Bosco
Born in the hillside hamlet of Becchi, Piedmont, Italy in 1815, he founded the Salesians to educate boys for life. He also became involved in publishing catechetical material for youth. He is a patron saint of youth and of Catholic publishers.