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This Week
Psalter Week IV
Sunday Cycle C
Weekday Cycle II
St Louis de Montfort (April 28th)
St Louis de Montfort only lived for 43 years (1673-1716) but he left his mark on the Church in many ways. Renowned as a preacher he travelled across France and was particularly well-known for developing the branch of theology called Mariology, the study of Mary’s role in the Church and in the events of salvation.
Pope John Paul II said that his motto “Totus Tuus” was inspired by Louis’ writings about the Virgin Mary. This motto comes from a prayer by Louis:“Totus tuus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt, O Virgo, super omnia benedicta.” (“I am all yours, and all that is mine is yours, O Virgin, blessed above all.”)
St Peter Chanel (April 28th)
Born at Cuet (France) in 1803, Peter died on Futuna (Vanuatu) on 28th April 1841. Initially a Diocesan Priest, he was noted for his pastoral zeal, particulalry his care of the sick.Later he joined the Society of Mary (Marists) and is remembered for his missionary work in the Pacific. Evangelisation in the local language brought some success on the island of Futuna. This led to his murder by a jealous chieftain. He is honoured as the first martyr of the Church of Oceania.
St Catherine of Siena; Patron of Europe (April 29th)
Catherine was born in Siene (Italy) in 1347 and died in Rome 29th April 1380. Committed to the practice of prayer and penance from an early stage, she entered the Dominican Third Order while still an adolescent. She became an influential spiritual leader and made strenuous efforts to reconcile Church and state and to reform the Roman papacy. She is remembered for her holiness and determination and, though she never learned to write, for the quality of her teachings. She is remembered also as a mysticand a reformer of religious life.
St Pius V, Pope (30th April)
Michael Ghisliera was born near Alessandria (Itraly) in 1504 and died at Rome on 30 April 1572. He taught philosophy and theology as a Dominican priest and became a diocesan bishop. Elected pope in 1565, he was noted for his reforming zeal and for defending Christendom against the Ottoman empire. His excommunication of Elizabeth I of England hardened the split between Catholics and Protestaments. He is chiefly remembered for implementing the reforms of the Council of Trent, including the Breviary, the Missal and the Catechism.
St Joseph the Worker (1st May)
This commemoration was institued by Pope Pius XII in 1955 and proposes the example and intercession of St Joseph as worker and provider. On this date many countries celebrate the dignity and cause of human labour.
