Author: Timothy
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St Bernadette Soubirous (Day 4)
History: St Bernadette was born the eldest of nine children into a poor family at Lourdes, France. On 11th February 1858, when she was 14, she had her first vision from the Blessed Virgin Mary. At first, Bernadette and her friends kept the visions secret but news soon spread and a further seventeen were recorded.…
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Response To Jesus’ Work
Extract: Jesus said, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it passes through waterless places looking for rest but not finding any. Then it says, ‘I will return to the home I left’”. (Luke 11:24) Thought Freeing ourselves from sin is usually only the beginning of a long and difficult journey ahead. The same…
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Paul Le-Boa Tinh
St Paul Le-Boa Tinh (1793- 1855) was born to wealthy parents at Trinh-Ha village, Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. He was educated locally and at 12yrs, went to the Catholic seminary at Ke-Vinh. St Paul Le-Boa Tinh, following his seminary training, primarily lived as a hermit on a frugal diet, prayer and mortification. With the direction…
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Maria Crescentia Hoss
St Maria (1682-1744) was born the sixth of eight children into a poor weaver family in Kaufbeuren, Germany. Her family were devout Christians and Anna (her birth name) hoped to become a nun with the local Franciscan Order. However, unable to pay the customary dowry, she was at first, refused entry. It was only when, by…
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Differing Opinions About Jesus
Extract As Jesus’ teaching spread, it was perhaps no surprise that there were different opinions about who He was. Some said, “This really is the Prophet”, others, “This is the Christ” and yet others, “No, for the Christ doesn’t come from Galilee, does he!” (John 7:41-42) Thought An honest discussion with an open mind, respect…
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St Bernadette Soubirous (Day 3)
History: St Bernadette was born the eldest of nine children into a poor family at Lourdes, France. On 11th February 1858, when she was 14, she had her first vision from the Blessed Virgin Mary. At first, Bernadette and her friends kept the visions secret but news soon spread and a further seventeen were recorded.…
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Vincent Ferrer
St Vincent (1350-1419) was born into a noble family in Palamos, Costa Brava, Spain. His family’s wealth and status meant he received a good education. As a young boy, he showed very mature religious practices including, helping the poor, fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays and maintaining a strong devotion to the Passion of Christ. At…
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Questions About Jesus’ Identity
Extract: Jesus went to Judea and taught in the Temple area. He knew that some Jews were trying to arrest him but, “No one laid a hand on him because his hour had not yet come”. (John 7:30) Thought Jesus knew his future but he had much suffering to endure before dying! Reflection Almighty Father, pour…
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Benedict The Moor
St Benedict’s parents were African slaves, having been captured and forcefully taken to a place near Messina, Italy. There they converted to Catholicism and, because of their many years of loyal service as slaves, when Benedict was born (1526 – 1589) he was given naturalised citizenship. In his youth, St Benedict worked with his parents, receiving…
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St Bernadette Soubirous (Day 2)
History: St Bernadette was born the eldest of nine children into a poor family at Lourdes, France. On 11th February 1858, when she was 14, she had her first vision from the Blessed Virgin Mary. At first, Bernadette and her friends kept the visions secret but news soon spread and a further seventeen were recorded.…