Biblical readings of the Week

 

Saints of the Week

January 31
ST JOHN BOSCO, priest
MemorialDon Bosco, a priest from northern Italy, saw the need to do something for the many poor and abandoned boys and girls who were roaming the streets of Turin. Because of his trust and faith in God, complemented by his talents and personality, his efforts met with great support and success. He founded the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, to care for the youth. He died in 1888. Pope John Paul II has proclaimed him Father and teacher of Youth.

February 2
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
FeastForty days after the celebration of Christmas, in accordance with the Jewish tradition, the Church remembers the presentation of the newborn Jesus to the Temple. Joseph and Mary make the journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem in order to fulfill the Law. There in the Temple they meet Simeon and Anna, the representatives of those who were looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. These two holy Israelites recognize in the infant Jesus the Saviour and light of all nations.

---

February 3
ST BLAISE, bishop and martyr
Optional MemorialBlaise was bishop of Sebaste in today's Turkey. Although we know very little about him, it is thought that he was martyred during the persecution of Licinius in 316. Legend holds that he suffered terrible tortures, having his flesh ripped open by metal wool combs before being decapitated. The blessing of throats on this day finds its origin in the story that Blaise cured a young boy choking on a fishbone.

---

ST ANSGAR, bishop
Optional MemorialAnsgar was born in France in 801. He became a monk and, on account of his great talent for preaching, was sent as an evangelizer to Denmark where he spent the whole of his life. Named bishop and papal legate to all Scandinavian lands, he tirelessly preached the Gospel and lived it, even in the face of discouraging results. He died in the year 865.

---

February 5
ST AGATHA, virgin and martyr
MemorialAgatha, a Christian from Sicily (Italy), was martyred during the persecution of Decius in 251. She is one of the earliest Christian martyrs. According to a sixth century legend, her tortures included the removal of her breasts and so she is now the patron of women with breast diseases.

---

February 6
ST PAUL MIKI and COMPANIONS, martyrs
MemorialPaul Miki was born in Japan in 1565. He entered the Society of Jesus and preached the Gospel with great enthusiasm and zeal. Eventually a strong persecution started and Paul, together with 25 of his companions, including some altar servers, were seized and subjected to terrible tortures. Finally they were crucified at Nagasaki on 5 February, 1597.

---