Prayer for Christian Unity
This Sunday, January 18, marks the beginning of the Week for Christian Unity. We remember that the Christian church began with one Catholic, universal church 2,026 years ago. Today, it is estimated that there are 33,000 different Christian denominations. This week, let us pray for greater unity among Christians. One way we can grow in greater unity is by offering forgiveness for those who offend us.
Saints Celebrated This Week
This week at our daily Mass, the church invites us to celebrate and remember some of the great saints who have gone before us.
Tuesday, January 20: St. Fabian, a significant figure in the early Church, serving as Pope from 236 to 250 AD. He was martyred by the Roman Emperor Dacian during the persecution of Christians. Also celebrated on this day is St. Sebastian, who was also killed by the Roman Emperor for his faith.
Wednesday, January 21: St. Agnes, born into a wealthy family in the third century, was a young woman of great beauty but rejected all suitors and pledged her love for Christ. She was beheaded for her faith in the year 304 AD.
Thursday, January 22: It is a day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.
Friday, January 23: St. Vincent, a Deacon and Martyr in the third century. He was imprisoned for refusing to denounce his faith and died after being tortured. The church also celebrates St. Marianne Cope on January 23, the anniversary of her birth in 1838. She is recognized for her dedication to caring for the sick, especially victims of leprosy who were isolated on an island in Hawaii. She was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.\
Saturday, January 24: We celebrate the Patron Saint of our local Seminary, St. Francis de Sales, who was both a bishop and a Doctor of the Church. Many of his writings and books remain avidly read in the 21st century.
I invite and encourage those who are able to please join us for daily Mass, Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Also, the sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Friday and Saturday mornings after the 8:00 a.m. Mass, or by appointment.