THE CONVERSION OF ST PAUL, APOSTLE (Feast) White First Reading: Acts 22:3-16; Psalm: 117 R. v. Mk 16:15 ; Gospel: Mk 16:15-18 THE NEW MAN PAUL BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Today, we celebrate the feast of the conversion of St Paul. The first reading was Paul’s defence before the enraged Jewish mob. Paul … [Read more…]
ST FRANCIS DE SALES, B.D. (Memorial) White Francis de Sales was born in Savoy near Annecy in 1567. He studied the law, but abandoned the prospect of a brilliant career, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1593. Francis was appointed bishop of Geneva, and spent the rest of his life reforming and reorganizing the … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 9:15. 24-28; Psalm: 98 R. v. 1ab; Gospel: Mk 3:22-30 WARRING AGAINST THE DEVIL BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Ingratitude can be so hurtful especially when people try to rubbish the good we do by slanderous comments either directly or indirectly. This can even provoke the doer of the good action … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 9:1-4; Psalm: 27. R. v. 1a; Second Reading: 1Cor 1:10-13.17; Gospel: Mt 4:12-23 SEARCHING FOR LIFE’S OASIS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Sahara Desert located in Northern Africa is the largest desert in the world. Geographically, this desert is made up mainly of rocky landscapes. An average percentage of its … [Read more…]
ST AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (Memorial) Red The name Agnes means “chaste lamb.” She is the daughter of a noble Roman family. She was martyred for her belief during the persecution of Diocletian in 304. Agnes was ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods and lose her virginity by rape. When she was led to a … [Read more…]
BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI (Memorial) White He was born to the Tabansi (meaning “continue to bear evil patiently”) family of Igboezunu-Aguleri in September 1903. He was given the name ‘Iwene’ (in full, ‘iwemmaduegbunam’ meaning ‘let human malice not kill me’). He was baptised on 7th of January, 1912 in a Christian village where he … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 7:25-8:6; Psalm: 40 R. v. 8a. 9a; Gospel: Mk 3:7-12 LISTENING TO GOD AMIDST LIFE’S CHALLENGES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they should crush him” (Mk 3:9) Every sick person desires a cure or … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 7:1-3.15-17; Psalm: 110 R. v. 4cd; Gospel: Mk 3:1-6 FOCUSING ON GOOD WORKS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP We see again in today’s gospel the scheme of the Pharisees. A man with a withered hand was in the synagogue as Jesus entered. The Pharisees watched Jesus closely to see whether he … [Read more…]
ST ANTHONY, ABBOT (Memorial) White At age 35 Anthony moved to the desert where he lived alone for 20 years in an abandoned fort. He based his life on the Gospel, miraculously healing people and acting as spiritual counsellor of others. Word spread, and so many disciples arrived that Anthony founded other monasteries. His sister … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 5:1-10; Psalm: 110 R. v. 4cd; Gospel: Mk 2:18-22 THE FRAGILITY OF THE PRIESTHOOD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “. . . since he himself is beset with weakness.” (Heb 5:2). The book of Hebrews reawakens our consciousness to the fragility of the priesthood. Priests are chosen from among men. They … [Read more…]
