Feast Days

Tuesday, 14th November, St Laurence O’Toole, born in 1128, he studied at Glendalough, becoming a monk there and later its abbot in 1148. In 1162 he was chosen as the first native Archbishop of Dublin. He followed the reforming methods of St. Malachy. He attended the Third Lateran Council in 1179, and returning as Papal Legate, he held synods to extend reform. He worked for peace and reconciliation and died on a mission of mediation with King Henry II and the Irish rulers at Eu in Normandy in 1180.

Wednesday, 15th November, St. Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church. Was born c.1206 and died in 1280. the Dominican theologian, who taught in Cologne, was called the ‘Universal Doctor’ for the vast range of his interests. Patron saint of scientists.

Friday, 17th November, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 1207-1231, queen at fourteen, widowed and exiled at twenty, she was a Franciscan tertiary until her death at the age of twenty-four. A woman dedicated to prayer and service of the poor.

Saturday, 18th November, The Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter and Paul. The dedication of the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul has been observed on this date since the 12th century. The present basilica of St. Peter was consecrated in 1626 and St. Paul’s Outside-the Walls in 1854.