FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Sunday 11th January : The Baptism of the Lord
Jesus is anointed with the Spirit and his power. He is proclaimed Messiah. He now goes about doing good, working the signs that make him known as the Servant of God. He is the one who brings good news to the poor and tells of salvation. Through our Baptism each one of us is ordered to the life of Christ - Priest, Prophet and King - and the Father looks on us with favour.
Tuesday 13th January : St. Hilary
Elected bishop of Potiers and distinguished himself by his stand against Arianism. In exile by order of Emperor Constantius, he used his time to write. His major works include De Trinitate, a study of the Trinity.
Thursday 15th January : St. Ita
Born in Co. Waterford of noble and Christian parents. Early on she set her mind on serving Christ in religious life. She founded a monastery in Killeedy, Co. Limerick, which attracted a great variety of young people. She was given the title "foster-mother of the saints of Ireland". She died in the year 570.
Friday 16th January : St. Fursa
Born in Ireland and became one of the great monastic missionaries abroad. He went first with his brothers Foillan and Ultan to live the monastic life in East Anglia. But as great numbers continued to visit him there, he left Foillan as abbot and sought refuge in France around the year 644. A patron gave him a hermitage at Lagny on the Marne. He died about 650 at Mézerolles and bas buried in Péronne, which became a great centre of devotion to him.
Saturday 17th January : St. Anthony
"Father of monasticism", lived a life of solitude but also attracted many others to form communities of hermits.