Today’s Readings – The Irish Martyrs

Note: Today we also celebrate the memorial to Blessed Francisco Pacheco and Companions martyred in Japan.*

The celebration of the Irish Martyrs includes hundreds who are remembered for giving their lives for the Catholic faith in Ireland between the years 1537 and 1714. A huge number of priests and lay people suffered much in Ireland during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and that of her immediate successors, as well as during the era of Oliver Cromwell. However, the details of their endurance in most cases have been lost. Religious persecution of Catholics in Ireland began under Henry VIII, when the English Parliament adopted the Acts of Supremacy, which established the king’s supremacy over the Church, independent of the pope. In England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, bishops, priests … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Thursday of Week 11 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:1-11

In our last three readings from 2 Corinthians, we’ve entered a final section of the Letter where Paul vigorously defends his credentials against people who have been criticising him. There is a unity in these chapters which suggest they may orig … Continue