Mon – 30 Sep – St. Jerome

St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church. C. 347-420, translated the Bible into Latin (known as the Vulgate). He went to Bethlehem to concentrate on this work. Also wrote many Scriptural commentaries and theological works. Patron of librarians.

Tues – 1 Oct – St Thérèse of Lisieux.

St Thérèse of Lisieux. 1873–1897. The ‘Little Flower’ entered the Carmelites at 15 and died of TB at age 24. She lived an exemplary life focused on doing small things well. On the orders of her superiors, she wrote about herself and her simple spirituality in The Story of a Soul. Published after her death it immediately became a classic. She was canonised in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997.

Wed – 2 Oct – The Guardian Angels.

Each person has a guardian angel; we rightly rejoice in their company, seeking their constant protection.

Thur – 3 Oct – Bl. Columba Marmion.

Bl. Columba Marmion. Born in Dublin in 1858; ordained in 1881. He served as curate in Dundrum and then as professor in Clonliffe College. In 1886 he entered the Benedictine Abbey of Maredsous in Belgium, being Abbot from 1909 to his death in 1923. His writings are some of the most influential spiritual writings of the 20th century as he aimed to bring people to God and bring God to people.

Fri – 4 Oct – St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Francis of Assisi. 1181-1226, son of a wealthy merchant who abandoned all things for the love of Christ, founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), and with St. Clare, the Poor Clares. For the last two years of his life he suffered the stigmata. Patron saint of ecologists.

Sat – 5 Oct – St. Faustina.

St. Faustina. 1905-1938. As a Sister of Our Lady of Mercy, in Poland, she had a deep devotion to our Lord who is Love and Mercy. She inspired the movement dedicated to proclaiming and imploring Divine Mercy on each and every person.