Today is the Feast of Saint Ninian, our patronal saint.<\/p>\n
Gospel Matthew 9:35-37<\/p>\n
Reflection \u2013 Courage<\/p>\n
Today marks the fifth anniversary of Pope Benedict\u2019s visit to Scotland. When he was with us, the Pope suggested that we look to Saint Ninian for inspiration in living out our faith in the here and now.<\/p>\n
holy-mass-bellahouston-park<\/a><\/p>\n Ninian courageously preached the Gospel and his mission church in Galloway became a centre for the first evangelization of this country. That work was later taken up by Saint Mungo, Saint Mirin, Saint Columba and Saint Margaret. Inspired by them, many men and women have laboured over many centuries to hand down the faith to us. At Bellahouston, the Pope encouraged us to be worthy of this great tradition and to allow the exhortation of Saint Paul in the first reading to be our constant inspiration: \u201cDo not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, and serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering and persevere in prayer\u201d (cf. Rom\u00a0<\/em>12:11-12).<\/p>\n pope-benedicts-address-to-pupils<\/a><\/p>\n Talking about Vocations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Ninian answered God\u2019s call. What holds us back from following that same call? Do we encourage others to follow God\u2019s call in their lives? If not, why not?<\/p>\n Prayer of Intercession<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n That the Lord of the Harvest may open the hearts of our young people to the possibility of a life in priesthood or religious life.<\/p>\n