Celebrate

In today’s gospel, we continue to reflect on what it means to journey, a theme that connects us to the recent Christmas season and pushes us forward into this new year’s journey of discipleship. Over the past few weeks, we have seen this theme in many of our scripture readings. Today we hear the call of the first disciples, those who left all to follow Jesus. Jesus beckons us to follow him completely. He sacrificed all for us. Will we do the same for him? Let us choose to walk in the light and follow Jesus.

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Catholic Schools Week 2026 will be celebrated from January 25–31, 2026, with the national theme "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community," focusing on faith, community, students, nation, vocations, faculty, and families through special Masses, events, and activities nationwide, highlighting the value of Catholic education.

St. Angela Merici was born in Desanzano, Italy in 1474. When she was young, she lost both her parents and her beloved sister, Giana Maria. Angela found herself irresistibly drawn to join the Franciscan Third Order.

Her vision was to serve the needs of the rich and poor alike. Her love and sensitivity to human needs won her the title, “Madre Angela,” from the people of Brescia, Italy. She based her work on a deep understanding of God’s love for all, respect for the innate dignity of each person and their potential in the eyes of God. Her vision for community encompassed the practical support of each individual, recognition of the gifts of all and power of gathering as a loving community.

On November 25^th in 1535, Angela established the Company of St. Ursula, named for its patron saint, Saint Ursula, a martyr. She was the first woman in the history of the Church to draw up a Rule of life for women who wanted to lead a religious life outside the cloister.

Canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII, her feast day is January 27th. The attached video was made by one of our sisters in Indonesia. Enjoy learning a little bit about St. Angela.