FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Thursday 11th July : St. Benedict
Abbot, Patron of Europe
After living as a hermit at Subiaco, he founded the monastery of Monte Cassino. His Rule, observed by Benedictines and Cistercians, is distinguished by its wisdom and balance and those who lived by it did much to shape the Europe of today. He was named patron of Europe in 1964. He died in 547 while standing in prayer before God.
In our modern world, we talk fast, we travel fast, and we even pray fast. Our impatience to get to the end, our focus on completion rather than process is a real danger in reading Scripture when every word is from God and has a power all its own. Benedict knew that power because he took the time to let it work within him.
Saturday 13th July : St. Henry
Duke of Bavaria and later Emperor, a just ruler, humble man of prayer and reformer of the Church.
Sunday 14th July : 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"He chose us in Christ to be holy and spotless." God's choice is free. His power is shown more clearly when those chosen have little to offer. Having nothing, they are able to live to praise the glory of his name. Jesus asks for detachment from all things in his disciples.
Monday 15th July : St. Bonaventure
Born in Tuscany, Minister General of the Franciscans, Cardinal Archbishop of Albano, theologian of the Council of Lyons. Known as the "Seraphic Doctor", he is the writer of biblical commentaries and many mystical and spiritual works.
Tuesday 16th July : Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as patroness of the Carmelite Order. The first Carmelites were Christian hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. They built a chapel in the midst of their hermitages which they dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom they conceived of in chivalric terms as the "Lady of the Place". Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron saint of Chile.