Monday 3rd October, Blessed Columba Marmion, 1858-1923. Born in Dublin, was ordained for Dublin in 1881. Became a monk in Belgium in 1886, becoming Abbot of Maredsous in 1909. A great spiritual writer, his letters, writings and retreats influenced many and fulfilled his aim in life to bring people to God. Beatified in Rome on 1st September 2000.
Tuesday 4th October, St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226, abandoned all things for the love of Christ, founded the Friars Minor, and with St. Clare, the Poor Clares. For the last two years of his life he suffered the stigmata. Patron saint of ecologists.
Wednesday 5th October, St. Faustina Kowalska. 1905-1938, her short life spent as a Sister of Our Lady of Mercy. Listening to the Lord who is Love and Mercy she understood that no human wretchedness could measure itself against the mercy which ceaselessly pours from the heart of Christ. She inspired the movement dedicated to proclaiming and imploring Divine Mercy throughout the world.
Thursday 6th October, St. Bruno, 1033-1101. University and later its head. Became professor of Theology in Rheims But his desire was to found a monastery where poverty, manual work, silence and worship would be the basics. He founded the Carthusians at La Grande Chartreuse, France.
Friday 7th October, Our Lady of the Rosary, “(This) celebration urges all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was in a special manner associated with the incarnation, Passion and glorious Resurrection of the Son of God” (Divine Office) Patron of our Church here in Midleton.