Tuesday 15th October, St Teresa of Avila, virgin and doctor of the Church, 1515-1582. Was deeply contemplative, highly active and practical, established Carmelite convents under a reformed rule, and wrote much on prayer and the spiritual life. Patron of Spain.
Wednesday 16th October, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, 1647-1690, visionary and ascetic, revived devotion to the Sacred heart of Jesus, and was exemplary in her patience and trust.
Thursday 17th October, St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr. Bishop of Antioch, he died a martyr in Rome c.107. He urged Christians to unity in and through the Eucharist and around their local bishop.
Friday 18th October, St Luke, Evangelist, was a physician from a Gentile Christian milieu. He was with St. Paul on his second missionary journey and during his imprisonment in Rome. After Paul’s death he is reputed to have worked in Greece. In art, he is represented by an ox. Patron of butchers, bookbinders, doctors, surgeons, artists and glassworkers.