FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Sunday 6th September : 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The three readings today by chance deal with the same theme of neighbourly correction. This is a difficult art and can only be exercised through genuine love and the purest of motives. We have to learn to help and to heal each other. In this we have to avoid attitudes of prying, denunciation, jealousy and informing. The spirit of the Gospel which lays down a procedure must be our guide.
Tuesday 8th September : Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We celebrate the Birthday of Mary, who brought the dawn of hope and salvation to the world. She is the true Ark of the Covenant, the temple of God, because her body received the one Mediator.
Wednesday 9th September : St. Ciarán
He was born in Roscommon around 512. He came to Clonmacnoise in January 545 where he founded a monastery which was to become one of the most renowned in Europe. He died at the age of 33 while the monastery was still being built.
Thursday 10th September : St. Peter Claver
Born in Verdú, Catalonia in 1580, a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). In 1610 he was sent to Cartagena in Colombia and worked for 33 years among the slaves until his death in 1654. Cartagena was a flourishing centre of the slave trade, as many as 10,000 arriving each year from Africa. During a tireless ministry he is said to have baptised more than 300,000.
Saturday 11th September : St. Ailbe
He is sometimes claimed as one of the pre-Patrician saints, but the annals note his death in 528. A tradition held that he went to Rome and was ordained bishop by the Pope. He founded the monastery of Emly, which became very important in Munster. Patron Saint of diocese of Cashel & Emly.