FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Sunday 14th June : 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus sees the need for labourers in the harvest. His choice of the Twelve is for the purpose of going out to seek the lost sheep, to cure and to heal. It is a total vocation for them, a dedication freely given.
Friday 19th June : St. Romuald
He was a monk who lived a life of strict penance and solitude. He established many monasteries, most notably at Camaldoli in Tuscany. He died in 1027.
Sunday 21st June : 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The followers of Christ must have courage at all times. Christ has promised support in time of trial. Death and imprisonment for Christ are realities for many Christians. The erosion of faith and the dechristianising of values can be frightening. But Christ says to all, "Be not afraid".
Monday 22nd June : St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher
Thomas More was the first commoner to be Lord Chancellor of England, suffered martyrdom under Henry VIII. Patron of lawyers and those in public life.
John Fisher, Vice-chancellor, built Christ's and St. John's Colleges, Cambridge. Bishop of Rochester.
Both are honoured as Saints by both the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
Wednesday 24th June : The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
We rejoice at the coming of St. John the Baptist, a man of self-denial, integrity of life and purpose, and an uncompromising prophetic voice. John means "The Lord has shown favour". This feast relates to the summer solstice, when the days begin to grow shorter, recalling John's words, "He must increase, but I must decrease".
Saturday 27th June : St. Cyril
Patriarch of Alexandria, fought against Nestorianism at the Council of Ephesus, 431, which proclaimed Mary, Mother of God.