Feast Days during the week

Monday 20th March, St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. ‘The virtues of St. Joseph have been the object of ecclesial reflection down through the centuries, especially the more recent centuries. Among those virtues the following stand out: faith, with which he fully accepted God’s salvific plan; prompt and silent obedience to the will of God; love for and fulfilment of the law; true piety; fortitude in time of trial; chaste love for the Blessed Virgin Mary; a dutiful exercise of his paternal authority and fruitful reticence.’ (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy)

Tuesday 21st March, St. Enda, is seen as one of the three great late vocations of Ireland. His sister was a nun who set his thoughts on a religious vocation. He made a small foundation in Cell Aine, Co. Louth, and after studies in Scotland, made several foundations in the Boyne valley. On his sister’s urging he went to Aran. He died probably in 520 and is considered as one of the early models of ascetic monasticism in Ireland.

Thursday 23rd March, St. Turibius of Mongrovejo, 1538-1606, was a layman when he was appointed Archbishop of Lima, Peru by King Philip II. He combated all the abuses of the conquerors in Peru and built up the Church there.

Friday 24th March, St. Macartan, belongs to a very early generation of saints in Ireland and is recognised as the first Bishop of Clogher. He is known as Patrick’s ‘Strong Man’ for his dedication and faithfulness.

Saturday 25th March, The Annunciation of the Lord. ‘Giving her consent to God’s word, Mary becomes the mother of Jesus. Espousing the divine will for salvation wholeheartedly, without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and to the work of her Son … (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 494)