Feast of St. John Bosco

St. John Bosco (1815 - 1888) was educated in Turin, Italy, largely by his mother who was widowed when John was merely two years of age. Against the odds, this poor farm boy was ordained at 26 and became devoted to the people of Turin, especially the young, orphaned, homeless and poor children, who would otherwise be lost in the cracks, likely winding up in prison. With the help of his mother, John Bosco (Don Bosco) cared for boys, starting from nothing. He befriended them, educated them, housed them and trained them to become productive members of society. By the year 1860, Don and his mother lodged 800 boys, and had established the Salesians; the Society of St. Francis de Sales, and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. St. John Bosco's Feast Day is January 31st.

Month of the Passion of Our Lord

February is the month of the Passion of Our Lord. This month we honour the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Christ to commemorate His Passion, Death and Resurrection. We endure our suffering and pain, and offer it up in union with Christ’s passion for the forgiveness of our sins. This year, we enter the traditional Season of Septuagesima on February 1st, and Lent begins on February 18th, which is Ash Wednesday.

February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the Temple, where they encountered Simeon. Simeon said to Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed, and a sword will pierce your soul also.” (Luke 2:34-35)

Candlemas commemorates this Feast Day, for it was Simeon who also said “for my eyes have seen the salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32)  On this day, the Church blesses candles for use throughout the year. These candles represent the light of the world, Jesus, who is God with us.