Feast Days during the week

Monday 6th : The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.

Tuesday 7th — St. Colman of Dromore, Co. Down. Spent most of his life in that area. Probably studied under Caelan of Nendrom, Co. Down and settled at Dromore c.514.

Thursday 9th — St. Columba (Colum Cille) born in Gartan, Co. Donegal in 521 and was of royal lineage. Founded monasteries in Derry, Durrow, Iona and possibly Kells. Iona became his principal foundation. From it, missionaries undertook the conversion of Northumbria. Columba is noted for his great love of people and for all living creatures. He died on 9 June 597.

Friday 10th — St Ephrem the Syrian, deacon and doctor of the Church (c.306- 373) became a monk and deacon near Edessa (in modern Turkey). He wrote commentaries on scripture and several hymns. He defended the faith against heresy.

Saturday 11th — St. Barnabas was born in Cyprus. Was one of the first converts in Jerusalem. He became a companion of St. Paul and went with him on his firs missionary journey, and he took part in the Council of Jerusalem. He returned to his native land to preach the Gospel and died there.