Sunday, 2nd June, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ ‘Corpus Christi’. “From this feast of Corpus Christi have originated many practices of Eucharistic devotion that, under the inspiration of divine grace, have increased from day to day and that the Catholic Church uses eagerly to show ever greater homage to Christ, to thank him for so great a gift and to implore his mercy.” (Pope Paul VI) This feast day reminds us too of the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel in Holy Rosary from Monday to Friday — anyone who may not be committed to a particular hour might think of doing so as we reflect on the importance of the Eucharist.
Monday 3rd June, St Kevin, grew up in Kilnamanagh, where he received his early religious formation. Wishing to be a hermit, he crossed the mountains to Glendalough and settled at the foot of the upper lake. But disciples began to gather round him and the great monastic settlement grew and spread through the glen after his death in 618.
Tuesday 4th June, Ss. Charles Lwanga and Companions were twenty-two Ugandan youths who were martyred in 1886.
Wednesday 5th June, St Boniface, bishop and martyr, 673-754, was born at Crediton in Devonshire and educated in monastery schools in England. He went as a missionary to Germany. He founded monasteries in Bavaria, including Fulda in 735.
Friday 7th June, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (World Day of Prayer for Priests). “Understood in the light of the Scriptures, the term ‘Sacred Heart of Jesus’ denotes the entire mystery of Christ…Son of God, uncreated wisdom, infinite charity, principle of the salvation and sanctification of mankind” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, 166).
Saturday 8th June, The Most Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “The Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary the day after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The contiguity of both celebrations is in itself a liturgical sign of their close connection: the mystery of the Heart of Jesus is projected onto and reverberates in the Heart of his Mother, who is also one of his followers and a disciple” (Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy, 174).