Dear Friends,
Today is the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saint of the Week – Saint John de Britto, S.J. (1647-1693) – Wednesday, 4th February
John was born in Lisbon of an aristocratic family. He became a member of the royal court and served as a page to the crown prince, who later became King Peter II. John entered the Jesuits in 1662. He requested that he be sent to India as a missionary. He was ordained in 1673. He arrived in Goa in September 1673. He focused his activity in the region of Tamil Nadu. He lived as an Indian ascetic a pandara suami, eating only a few handfuls of rice a day and dressing as the ascetics did in a red cloak and turban. His reputation grew and he converted many, especially among the lower caste. Because he was converting many to Catholicism, the Brahmins, the highest Indian caste, sought to kill him. John was martyred in 1693 at the order of the rajah of Marava. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX on 21st August,1853, and canonised by Pope Pius XII on 22nd June, 1947.
Reading Club
Our next meeting will be on Monday,9th February from 10.00am – 12 Noon. We are reading. The Sign – Reading the Gospel of John by Seán Goan. You are welcome to join.
Fr. Brendan
FEAST OF ST. BLAISE – BLESSING OF THROATS – Tuesday,3rd February
There will the blessing of throats after 11.00am & 1.00pm Masses.
Little is known about St. Blaise. He is reputed to have been a physician and a bishop in Armenia in the fourth century. He is said to have cured a little boy who had a fishbone caught in his throat! Devotion to St. Blaise was very popular in the Middle Ages.
ANNUAL BL. JOHN SULLIVAN MASS
Join us for the Annual Mass in honour of Bl. John Sullivan on Saturday, 21st February at11am.The Mass will be presided over by Archbishop Dermot Farrell, with Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson preaching.
NOTE this Mass is at 11am, NOT at 1pm. It replaces the usual monthly Mass.
PLEASE LIGHT ONLY THE CANDLES PROVIDEDIN THE SHOP, AND REFRAIN FROM PLACING FLOWERS ON THE COFFIN as they may wilt and cause lasting stains. Should you wish to place flowers at the shrine, consult a staff member; we will ensure the flowers are appropriately arranged in a vase.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. STEP FORWARD—SHARE YOUR GIFTS!
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team as collectors, ministers of the Eucharist, and choir members. No experience needed—just a willing spirit and an open heart! If you’d like to get involved, leave your contact details at the church office.
THE LITTLE 11- TODAY
Special activities for children every second Sunday at 11 am Mass. Children are led in special faith formation activities, such as guided prayer, storytelling, drawing, etc. by a group of safeguarded volunteers. The Little 11lasts 15-20 minutes and takes place in the Coffee Room, opposite the door leading to Pope Francis corridor.
Parents are also welcome
POPE LEO XIV’S PRAYER INTENTION FORFEBRUARY
For children with incurable diseases
Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
THE MESSENGER | FEBRUARY 2026
The redemptive and devotional role of water in the Christian life; how compassion, acts of mercy and the active pursuit of justice are doorways to the heart of God; the profound charity, mercy and dedication to justice of St Brigid and her contemporary counterpart, Sr Stan; a new book on a new pope – will his Augustinian charism guide Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate? News from Irish Jesuits International’s campaign bringing supplies and materials to schools in Africa. All this, plus regular reflections, scripture, children’s pages and cookery in the packed February Messenger.
Available in the shop.
CHURCH COLLECTIONS
For Church:€ 866
Share: €153
Cardreader: €305
IDonate: €20
All contributions are gratefully accepted, and the donors are remembered in our prayers.