Today’s Readings – Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor

Peter Canisius was a Jesuit priest and an important figure in the Counter Reformation, which tried to stem the tide of Protestantism sweeping over Germany, Austria, Bohemia and Switzerland. The restoration of Catholicism in Germany after the Reformation is largely attributed to his work.

He was born Peter Kanis on 8 May, 1521, in the Duchy of Guelders (until 1549, part of the Holy Roman Empire and now in The Netherlands). While at the University of Cologne, he met Peter Faber, a companion of St Ignatius Loyola and with him one of the founders of the Society of Jesus.

In 1543, Canisius (the Latinised form of his name) became the first Dutchman to join the Jesuit order, just three years after the Society got papal approval. Through his missionary work, Peter became one of the most in … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Friday of Week 4 of Easter - First Reading

Commentary on Acts 13:26-33

Paul continues his discourse on salvation history and on how Jesus was handed over by the leaders of his people into the hands of the Romans and executed.  He addresses his words both to the Jews in his audience ("descendants of Abraham’s family") and the … Continue