Monday 31st July, St Ignatius of Loyola, priest, 1491-1556, from the north of Spain, founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). By the time of his death, the Society had spread widely and had over one thousand members. His great theme was the service of God and God’s greater glory. His thought is expressed in “The Spiritual Exercises”.
Tuesday 1st August, St. Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor of the Church, 1696-1787, founder of the Redemptorist Congregation, taught much on moral theology and the spiritual life. He is remembered as a popular preacher and influential writer of theology. Wednesday 2 August, St, Peter Julian Eymard, 1811-68, had great devotion to the Eucharist; founded the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.
Friday 4th August, St John Vianney, priest, 1786-1859, had to contend with poverty, military service and his own intellectual shortcomings in order to become a priest. In 1817 he was sent to care for the people of Ars, a small, obscure French village. The great gift he had for seeing into the depths of the soul brought the world to Ars. From 1830 on, he averaged 12 to 16 hours a day in the confessional. Patron saint of priests.
Saturday 5th August, The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Built after the Council of Ephesus (431), it was the first church in the West named in honour of the Mother of God.