St. James - Feast Day July 25th

“…we can learn much from St James – promptness in accepting the Lord’s call even when He asks us to leave the “boat” of our human securities, enthusiasm in following Him on the paths that He indicates to us over and above any deceptive presumption of our own, readiness to witness to Him with courage, if necessary to the point of making the supreme sacrifice of life."

Pope Benedict XVI

Feast Day of Mary Magdalene - July 22

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news...."I have seen the Lord" John 20:18

The story of Mary Magdalene reminds us all of a fundamental truth. A disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for His help, has been healed by Him and has set out following closely after Him, becoming a witness of the power of His merciful love that is stronger than sin and death.

Pope Benedict XVI

If you have the courage to imitate Mary Magdalene in her sins, have the courage to imitate her penance.

Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

St. Benedict said:

"All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me'"