Monday 2nd, St. Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop. Is renowned for his preaching against heresy. St. Peter Julian Eymard, priest (1811-68), a fervent disciple of the Eucharistic Mystery, established the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and, with the help of Marguerite Guillot, the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.
Wednesday 4th, St. John Vianney, (1786-1859) had to contend with poverty, military service and his own intellectual shortcomings in order to become a priest. In 1817 he was sent to care for the people of Ars, a small obscure, French village. The marvellous gift of the unlearned priest for seeing into the depths of the soul brought the world to Ars. From 1830 on, cure averaged twelve to sixteen hours a day in the confessional. Patron of priests.
Thursday 5th, Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The basilica was built by Pope Sixtus III after the Council of Ephesus (431). It is the first church in the West named in honour of the Mother of God.
Friday 6th, The Transfiguration of the Lord. The cross requires the exodus of Jesus, his death, resurrection and glorification. The disciples have to realise that he must depart, just as they are now prepared for his going up to Jerusalem to die.
Saturday 7th, St.Sixtus I, pope, and his four deacon companions were put to death in 258. St. Cajetan, 1480-1547, founded the Theatines to renew sacramental life in the Church.