Today is the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. This week we celebrate the Festival of St Philip the Deacon on Tuesday, 11th October, and the lesser festival of St Móibhí, teacher, 545, on Wednesday, 12th October.
We pray for all who are bereaved, especially those in the community of Creeslough, Co. Donegal.
St Philip the Deacon
All that is known of St Philip is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. He was one of the seven Greek-speaking men of good standing, ‘full of the Spirit and of wisdom’, chosen to distribute food to the Greek-speaking widows, and who are regarded as the first deacons. He is listed second, after Stephen, and following the martyrdom of Stephen it is to Philip that the story turns. Having fled to Samaria, he proclaimed the gospel to great effect, baptizing many, and preparing the way for Peter and John to come, that the people might receive the gift of the Spirit at their hands. Then he went to Gaza, meeting the Ethiopian official to whom he explained the significance of the prophecy of Isaiah, and baptizing him. The baptism of this African was an important demonstration that the good news is for all people.
St Móibhí, teacher, 545
Móibhí’s name has a special association with Glasnevin, Dublin. Here he founded a monastery. Among his pupils was the great Columba.
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Collect of 17th Sunday after Trinity
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: Teach us to offer ourselves to your service, that here we may have your peace, and in the world to come may see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Bereaved
Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved, the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience, not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness in past years, and in the sure expectation of a joyful reunion in the heavenly places; and this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Community Prayer
God, you called Malachy to be a re-builder and restorer of the Irish Church: Look upon your Church in this land today, correct what is amiss and supply what is lacking; that we may more and more bring forth fruit to your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Community of St Benedict – Ireland 