Pope Francis Prayer Intention - Pray for the marginalized, refugees, poor people, and the excluded, so that "they find welcome and support in our communities."

The Pope reminds us that in our world, there are a lot of people who live weighed down, in situations of poverty. They are refugees or are at the margins of society. With Pope Francis, we pray for them so they encounter in our communities the welcome and support they need.

“We live in cities that throw up skyscrapers and shopping centers and strike big real estate deals … but they abandon a part of themselves to marginal settlements on the periphery

The result of this situation is that great sections of the population are excluded and marginalized: without a job, without options, without a way out.

Don’t abandon them. Pray with me for those who are weighed down, especially the poor, refugees and marginalized, that they might find welcome and support in our communities.”

1st February 2017 - Feast of St Bridget of Kildare

St Bridget of Kildare
by Richard King

February 1st is the feast day of St Brigid of Kildare, patroness of Ireland along with St Patrick and St Colm Cille. Known as Mhuire na nGael (Mary of the Irish), she is a popular saint in Ireland and her feast day is celebrated as the first day of Spring (even if meteorologically it is not for another few weeks for the official start of Spring). 

Tradition holds she lived 452AD-524AD as is know in tradition and affection of the Irish as Mary of the Gael. She is said to be the patroness of babies; blacksmiths; boatmen; cattle; chicken farmers; children whose parents are not married; children whose mothers are mistreated by the children's fathers; Clan Douglas; dairymaids; dairy workers; fugitives; infants; Ireland; Leinster, mariners; midwives; milk maids; nuns; poets; poor; poultry farmers; poultry raisers; printing presses; sailors; scholars; travellers; watermen

You can also read about St Brigid in our previous posts on the blog which have history, various depictions of the saint, links to reflections, prayers & litanies.

Resources from weekly LDPC resource newsletter:

Some background HERE, Some Prayers HERE, personal reflection HERE, Resources for school and children HERE, A video for making a St Brigids Cross is HERE. Our Limerick resource page is HERE

Jan 31st - Feast day of St John Bosco

To all members of the Salesian family - especially those that support us on SS102fm - happy feast day!

WoF - St. John Bosco, Eli, and the value of the spiritual mentor