May 27, 2026

Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop—Optional Memorial

Early Sixth Century–604
Patron Saint of England
Pre-Congregation canonization
Liturgical Color: White

Quote:
The powerful Ethelbert was at that time king of Kent…the king came into the island, and sitting in the open air, ordered Augustine and his companions to come and hold a conference with him…When they had sat down, in obedience to the king’s commands, and preached to him and his attendants there present the Word of life, the king answered thus: “Your words and promises are fair, but because they are new to us, and of uncertain import, I cannot consent to them so far as to forsake that which I have so long observed with the whole English nation. But because you are come from far as strangers into my kingdom, and, as I conceive, are desirous to impart to us those things which you believe to be true, and most beneficial, we desire not to harm you, but will give you favorable entertainment, and take care to supply you with all things necessary to your sustenance; nor do we forbid you to preach and gain as many as you can to your religion.” Accordingly he gave them an abode in the city of Canterbury… ~Ecclesiastical History of England, by Saint Bede

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May 27, 2026

Gospel Reflection: Forsaking All to Follow Christ

https://mycatholic.life 

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Mark 10:33–34

How often do we fail to grasp the suffering of others, consumed instead by our own concerns? This was the struggle of the Twelve as Jesus prepared to endure His Passion. Today’s Gospel presents the third time Jesus clearly told them about His Passion and Death, yet they still didn’t get it.

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May 27, 2026

DIVINE MERCY REFLECTION 147: Mercy through Deeds, Words and Prayer

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Do you want to become an instrument of the unfathomable Mercy of God?  If so, you do this by your deeds, your words and your prayers.  First, you must constantly be on the “lookout” for opportunities to show Mercy by your deeds.  Too often, when given the opportunity (such as to forgive another), we turn the other way.  But we must be vigilant and committed to seeking these opportunities out and rejoicing when they are given.  Second, your words can bring forth grace and Mercy, or they can wound and harm.  We do harm by harshness or even by our failure to speak when we ought.  We bring forth Mercy when we speak words of truth in love, even challenging words, so as to make present the Truth of God.  And third, we often forget about the power of praying and offering sacrifices for others.  Interceding for the world as a whole, and for individuals in particular, is a way of turning the key and opening the doors of God’s grace.  Do not neglect this essential act of Mercy (See Diary #742).

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