Feast Days during the week

Tuesday 10th May: St. Comgall -born in Co. Antrim around 516. He studied under Finnian of Moville and was persuaded to become a priest. He established a monastery at Bangor around 555 which attracted people like Columbanus. He died after a long illness at Pentecost in 602. St John of Avila (1499-1569) — a priest, and a doctor of the Church. Was honoured as apostle of Andalusia, renowned for his preaching and his quest for the renewal of Christian life.

Thursday 12th May: Ss. Nereus and Achilleus — were martyred in 304 under Emperor Diocletian. They were Roman soldiers who, on conversion, refused further military service. St. Pancras as a boy of 14 suffered during the same time of persecution and was martyred because he wouldn’t renounce the faith.

Friday 13th May: Our Lady of Fatima: the apparitions to the three children of Fatima took place in the summer of 1917, beginning on May 13th when the ‘Lady’ asked them to pray for sinners and an end to the World War. In the final apparition on October 13th, the ‘Lady’ identified herself as Our Lady of the Rosary and called for prayer and conversion.

Saturday 14th May: St. Matthias — the account of St. Matthias’ election as one of the apostles is given in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. He replaced Judas. He was a vital in the conversion of many in what is now Turkey and said to have been martyred at Colchis on the Black Sea.