Feast Days this week

Monday 19th, St. Januarius: bishop and martyr. Bishop of Benevento, was martyred at Naples in 305 with six companions.

Tuesday 20th, Ss. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, the first Korean priest, Paul Chong Ho-sang, a catechist, and 101 Companions were martyred during the persecutions of the Church in Korea, 1839-67.

Wednesday 21st, St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, the tax collector, may also be identified with Levi, son of Alphaeus, in Mark 2:13. He is said to have been a missionary in Persia and Ethiopia. Patron of accountants, book-keepers, tax-collectors, customs officers and security guards.

Friday 23rd, St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio): Padre Pio is one of the very few who ‘lived and suffered’ the way our Lord did in his lifetime. The blessing of stigmata that was bestowed upon him came with a price. He was always under the observation of doctors, not only because of bearing the stigmata, but also because of his frail health. His miracles, visions, and other gifts were looked upon with doubt and scepticism, making him face many harsh consequences. However, irrespective of all the obstacles and temptations that were put his way, he overcame all the trials and became an epitome of sainthood.