Killaloe Diocese

Killaloe Diocese – InService Day 2 in Loughrea
A day of reflection with Brenda Dolphin on “Called to Care and Called to Be Cared For” — exploring the importance of self-care, mutual support, and diocesan support in ministry.

Tuesday, October 13

Gospel Reading

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke
(Luke 11:37–41)

Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at the table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal.

But the Lord said to him, ‘Oh, you Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

St. Edward the Confessor was born in 1004 to King Ethelred II and Queen Emma of England. He spent much of his early life in exile following the Danish invasion, and these years helped deepen his faith and devotion to God. After returning to England, Edward became king and was known for his justice, gentleness, and concern for his people.

Edward sought to govern with wisdom rather than force. He worked to restore monasteries, promote justice, and strengthen unity throughout his kingdom. His simple and prayerful life earned him the affection of his people and the title “Good King Edward.” Tradition also remembers him for his compassion toward the sick and the poor.

Edward died on January 5, 1066, and was buried at Westminster. He was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1161. His life remains an example of how faith, humility, justice, and peaceful leadership can serve both God and society.

Prayer: St. Edward the Confessor, pray for us to approach conflicts with dialogue and reason, to seek understanding rather than division, and to strive always for reconciliation and peace. Amen.

Killaloe Diocese – Inservice Day 1 in Loughrea – reflecting on “Ministry in an Age of AI” in the light of Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, facilitated by Natalie Doherty.

Monday, October 12

Gospel Reading

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke
(Luke 11:29–32)

The crowds got even bigger, and Jesus addressed them:

‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.

On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

St. Carlo Acutis was born in London on May 3, 1991. From a young age, he developed a deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist, making time to pray before the Tabernacle before or after Mass. Though gifted with a natural talent for computers and technology, Carlo used these gifts to spread the Gospel and document Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

Carlo was known for his kindness, generosity, and concern for the poor and those who were suffering. He defended the vulnerable, comforted those in need, and sought to bring others closer to God. When he was diagnosed with leukemia, he offered his sufferings for the Pope and the Church, trusting completely in God's will.

Carlo died in 2006 at the age of 15. He was beatified in 2020 and canonized on September 7, 2025. His life continues to inspire young people to use their talents and technology for good and to place Christ at the centre of their lives. He is often called the “patron saint of the Internet” and the “first millennial saint.”

Prayer: St. Carlo Acutis, your heart burned with love for Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Pray that we too may discover the fountain of eternal life in the Eucharist, live the Gospel fearlessly, serve the poor and forgotten with love, and embrace every trial with joyful trust in God's will. Amen.

Sunday, October 11

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew
(Matthew 22:1–14)

Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables:

‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants.

“Tell those who have been invited” he said “that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding.”

But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them.

The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding.”

So these servants went out on to the roads and collected together everyone they could find, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

When the king came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment, and said to him, “How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?”

And the man was silent.

Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.”

For many are called, but few are chosen.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

St. Pope John XXIII was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on November 25, 1881, in Sotto il Monte, Italy, the fourth of thirteen children. Elected Pope on October 28, 1958, he became affectionately known as “Good Pope John” for his warmth, humility, simplicity, and deep love for people.

As a papal diplomat, he served the Church in several countries and worked courageously to help people affected by the Second World War. As Pope, he promoted peace, dialogue, and understanding among peoples and cultures. He issued important encyclicals, including Mater et Magistra and Pacem in Terris, and called the Second Vatican Council, encouraging the Church to respond to the needs and challenges of the modern world with hope and mercy.

Pope John XXIII believed that the Church should proclaim the Gospel with compassion rather than fear. His humility, openness, and trust in God's providence made him a beloved shepherd. He died on June 3, 1963, leaving behind a lasting witness to peace, dialogue, mercy, and Christian unity.

Prayer: St. John XXIII, obtain for us the grace to break down the barriers of our differences and open our hearts with love and compassion to all our brethren, regardless of their background or beliefs. Amen.