Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
May 6 - St Hilary of Arles (401-449)
Summary: St Hilary, a convert became a bishop at Arles in France, near the mouth of the River Rhone. The monastery on the island of Lerins, where he received his education, is said to have influenced the early Irish church, and there is a tradition that St Patrick received some of his formation there. Hilary got into trouble with Pope St Leo the Great for acting beyond his powers (ultra vires.) but was reinstated.
Patrick Duffy tells what is known about him.
Early life
As a youth Hilary, though still a pagan, entered the island abbey of Lérins (opposite present-day Cannes) which had been founded by his relative Honoratus. Here he had an education in rhetoric and when he became a Christian, he joined the ranks of the monks. When Honoratus became bishop of Arles in 426 Hilary accompanied him to that city.
Bishop of Arles
Honoratus died after three years, and Hilary went back to Lerins. But messengers followed him to tell him he had been chosen as bishop of that city. Somewhat like St Augustine, Hilary organised his cathedral clergy into a monastic community, himself taking part in manual work and helping the poor.
Was He a Metropolitan?
Believing that the authority of a metropolitan had been given to the predecessor of Honoratus, Proclus, Hilary deposed Bishop Chelidonius of Besançon for ignoring his primacy. Chelidonius appealed to Pope Leo in Rome, and was reinstated. Leo withdrew Hilary's jurisdiction as a metropolitan, asserting - with the approval of the emperor Valentinian III (425-455) - the primacy of the see of Rome over the Gallican church: ut episcopis Gallicanis omnibusque pro lege esset quidquid apostolicae sedis auctoritas sanxisset ("that the authority of the apostolic see must sanction whatever is to be the law for the Gallican bishops").
Death and Writings
Hilary died in 449. He wrote a Life of Honoratus, which survives, along with some letters and some poetry. A poem, De providentia, attributed to him, is sometimes included among the writings of Prosper of Aquitaine.
The Island of Lerins
Lerins was an important influence on the Irish church, with a tradition that St Patrick received at least a part of his formation there. After World War II, the Cistercians re-opened a monastery on the island, which remains to this day.
Patrick Duffy tells what is known about him.
Early life
As a youth Hilary, though still a pagan, entered the island abbey of Lérins (opposite present-day Cannes) which had been founded by his relative Honoratus. Here he had an education in rhetoric and when he became a Christian, he joined the ranks of the monks. When Honoratus became bishop of Arles in 426 Hilary accompanied him to that city.Bishop of Arles
Honoratus died after three years, and Hilary went back to Lerins. But messengers followed him to tell him he had been chosen as bishop of that city. Somewhat like St Augustine, Hilary organised his cathedral clergy into a monastic community, himself taking part in manual work and helping the poor.
Was He a Metropolitan?
Believing that the authority of a metropolitan had been given to the predecessor of Honoratus, Proclus, Hilary deposed Bishop Chelidonius of Besançon for ignoring his primacy. Chelidonius appealed to Pope Leo in Rome, and was reinstated. Leo withdrew Hilary's jurisdiction as a metropolitan, asserting - with the approval of the emperor Valentinian III (425-455) - the primacy of the see of Rome over the Gallican church: ut episcopis Gallicanis omnibusque pro lege esset quidquid apostolicae sedis auctoritas sanxisset ("that the authority of the apostolic see must sanction whatever is to be the law for the Gallican bishops").
Death and Writings
Hilary died in 449. He wrote a Life of Honoratus, which survives, along with some letters and some poetry. A poem, De providentia, attributed to him, is sometimes included among the writings of Prosper of Aquitaine.
The Island of Lerins
Lerins was an important influence on the Irish church, with a tradition that St Patrick received at least a part of his formation there. After World War II, the Cistercians re-opened a monastery on the island, which remains to this day.
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Memorable Sayings for Today
Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side;
My concern is to be on God's side.
For God is always right.
~ Abraham Lincoln ~
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Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 6th May, 2026
Wednesday, Fifth Week of Easter
The apostles and teachers come together in search of unity of faith.
FIRST READING
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 15:1-6
It was arranged that Paul and Barnabas and others of the church should go up to Jerusalem and discuss the problem with the apostles and elders.
Some men came down from Judaea and taught the brothers,
'Unless you have yourselves circumcised in the tradition of Moses you cannot be saved.'This led to disagreement, and after Paul and Barnabas had had a long argument with these men it was arranged that Paul and Barnabas and others of the church should go up to Jerusalem and discuss the problem with the apostles and elders. All the members of the church saw them off, and as they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria they told how the pagans had been converted, and this news was received with the greatest satisfaction by the brothers.
When they arrived in Jerusalem they were welcomed by the church and by the apostles and elders, and gave an account of all that God had done with them. But certain members of the Pharisees' party who had become believers objected, insisting that the pagans should be circumcised and instructed to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders met to look into the matter.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm Ps 121: 1-5. R/v 1
Response I rejoiced when I heard them say: 'Let us go to God's house.'
Or Alleluia!
1. I rejoiced when I heard them say: 'Let us go to God's house.'
And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Response
2. Jerusalem is built as a city strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. Response
3. For Israel's law it is, there to praise the Lord's name.
There were set the thrones of judgement of the house of David. Response
Gospel Acclamation Jn 10: 14
Alleluia, alleluia!
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord,
I know my sheep and my own know me.
Alleluia!
or Jn 15:4-5
Alleluia, alleluia!
Make your home in me, as I make mine in you, says the Lord;
whoever remains in me bears fruit in plenty.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 15:1-8 Glory to you, O Lord
Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty.
Jesus said to his disciples:
'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more. You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you.
Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.
As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers; these branches are collected and thrown on the fire, and they are burnt.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will and you shall get it. It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, and then you will be my disciples.'
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel Reflection Wednesday, Fifth Week of Easter John 15:1-8
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus speaks frequently about the importance of the disciples bearing fruit. From what Jesus goes on to say, it is clear that the fruit Jesus is referring to is the fruit of love, a life of love that reflects Jesus’ love for his disciples, for all of us, and for humanity. Jesus makes clear in our gospel reading that such a life of love flows from our communion with him, just as fruit on the branches of a vine are due to the branches being in communion with the vine. If the branches are separated from the vine, the fruit will wither. In the same way, Jesus says, ‘cut off from me you can do nothing’.
Jesus stresses the importance of a certain way of life, a life of love, but he suggests that even more important is our communion with him and his communion with us. His primary call is not to bear the fruit of love but to make our home in him, as he makes his home in us. In becoming flesh, Jesus made himself at home with us; he looks to us to make ourselves at home with him. As he has cultivated his communion with us, we are to cultivate our communion with him. It is this intimate relationship with the Lord that empowers our lives to bear the fruit of love. It is only in and through our communion with the Lord that we can come to love one another as he has loved us, and it is such a way of life that gives glory to God the Father.
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The Scripture Readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd. and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Scripture Reflection is made available with our thanks from his book Reflections on the Weekday Readings : The Word is near to you, on your lips and in your heart by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
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Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 6th May, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as Gníomhartha na nAspal 15:1-6
Shocraigh siad go rachadh Pól agus Barnabas agus roinnt eile acu go Iarúsailéim chun dul I gcomhairle leis na haspail agus leis na seanóirí faoin gceist seo.
Tháinig daoine anuas ó Iúdáia agus thosaigh siad ag teagasc na mbráithre: “Mura ndéantar sibh a thimpeall ghearradh de réir ghnás Mhaois,” ar siad, “ní féidir bhur slánú.”
Bhí aighneas agus argóint fhada ag Pól agus ag Barnabas leo, agus shocraigh siad go rachadh Pól agus Barnabas agus roinnt eile acu go Iarúsailéim chun dul I gcomhairle leis na haspail agus leis na seanóirí faoin gceist seo.
Rinne an Eaglais iad a thionlacan chun bealaigh, agus ag gabháil dóibh trí Fhéinice agus tríd an tSamáir, d’aithris siad dóibh mar a bhí na págánaigh ag iompú chun Dé, scéal a chuir ardáthas ar na bráithre go léir. Agus nuair a tháinig siad go Iarúsailéim, chuir an Eaglais agus na haspail agus na seanóirí fáilte rompu, agus d’eachtraigh siadsan dóibh a mhéid a bhí déanta ag Dia tríothu.
Ach d’éirigh creidmhigh áirithe a bhain le haicme na bhFairisíneach agus dúirt siad nárbh fholáir na págánaigh a thimpeallghearradh agus a fhógairt orthu dlí Mhaois a choimeád. Tháinig na haspail agus na seanóirí i gceann a chéile chun an cheist seo a bhreithniú.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le freagra Sm 121: 1-5. R/v 1
Freagra Rinne mé gairdeas nuair a dúradh liom: “Rachaimid isteach i dteach an Tiarna.”
Malairt le freagra Alleluia!
1. Rinne mé gairdeas nuair a dúradh liom: “Rachaimid isteach i dteach an Tiarna.”
Tá ár gcosa ina seasamh cheana féin i do dhoirse, a Iarúsailéim. Freagra
2. Rinneadh cathair Iarúsailéim a thógáil go dlúth is go daingean.
Is chuici suas a ghabhann na treibheanna, treibheanna an Tiarna. Freagra
3. D’fhonn is go dtugaidís fianaise do Iosrael, agus buíochas don Tiarna.
Is ansiúd atá cathaoir an bhreithiúnais,cathaoir do theaghlach Dháiví. Freagra
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Eoin 15:1-8 Glóir duit, a Thiarna
An té a fhanann ionamsa, agus mise ann, tugann seisean toradh mór uaidh.
San am sin dúirt Íosa lena dheisceabail:
'Mise an fhíniúin fhíor, agus is é m’Athair an saothraí. Gach géag ionam nach dtugann toradh, bainfidh sé í; agus gach géag a thugann toradh, bearrfaidh sé í, ionas go dtabharfaidh sí breis toraidh.
Tá sibhse bearrtha de bharr an bhriathair a labhair mé libh.
Fanaigí ionamsa, agus mise ionaibh.
Faoi mar nach féidir don ghéagtoradh a thabhairt uaithi féin, mura bhfanann sí san fhíniúin, sin mar nach féidir daoibhse, mura bhfanann sibh ionamsa.Mise an fhíniúin, sibhse na géaga; an té a fhanann ionamsa, agus mise ann, tugann seisean toradh mór uaidh; óir gan mise, ní féidir daoibh aon ní a dhéanamh.
Cibé nach bhfanfaidh ionamsa, caithfear amach é mar ghéag, agus feofaidh sé; agus tógfar agus caithfear sa tine iad, agus dófar iad.
Má fhanann sibh ionamsa agus má fhanann mo bhriathra ionaibh, iarrfaidh sibh cibé ní is mian libh agus déanfar daoibh é.
Tugadh glóir do m’Athair sa mhéid go dtugann sibhse toradh mór uaibh, agus go mbeidh sibh in bhur ndeisceabail agamsa.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 10th May, 2026
Sixth Sunday of Easter Year A
Through baptism and confirmation we have all been given share in the life of God's Holy Spirit
which convinces us of the meaning of our Christian way
FIRST READING
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8. 14-17
They laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Philip went to a Samaritan town and proclaimed the Christ to them. The people united in welcoming the message Philip preached, either because they had heard of the miracles he worked or because they saw them for themselves. There were, for example, unclean spirits that came shrieking out of many who were possessed, and several paralytics and cripples were cured. As a result there was great rejoicing in that town.When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, and they went down there, and prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, for as yet he had not come down on any of them: they had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 65: 1-7. 16. 20. R/v 1
Response Cry out with joy to God all the earth.
Or Alleluia!
1. Cry out with joy to God all the earth, O sing to the glory of his name.
O render him glorious praise. Say to God: 'How tremendous your deeds' Response
2. 'Before you all the earth shall bow; shall sing to you, sing to your name!'
Come and see the works of God, tremendous his deeds among men. Response
3. He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the river dry-shod.
Let our joy then be in him; he rules for ever by his might. Response
4. Come and hear, all who fear God. I will tell what he did for my soul:
Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer nor withhold his love from me. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the first letter of St Peter 3:15-18
In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.
Reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience, so that those who slander you when you are living a good life in Christ may be proved wrong in the accusations that they bring.
And if it is the will of God that you should suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong. Why, Christ himself, innocent though he was, had died once for sins, died for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 14: 23
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Jesus said:
'If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him.'
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to John 14:15-21 Glory to you, O Lord
I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate
Jesus said to his disciples:
'If you love me you will keep my commandments.
I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever, that Spirit of truth whom the world can never receive since it neither sees nor knows him; but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you.
I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you.
In a short time the world will no longer see me; but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will understand that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you.
Anybody who receives my commandments and keeps them will be one who loves me; and anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and show myself to him.'
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you O Jesus Christ.
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For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 10th May, 2026
An Séú Domnach den Cháisc
CÉAD LÉACHT
Sliocht as Gníomhartha na nAspal 8:5-8. 14-17
Leag siad a lámha orthu agus fuair siad an Spiorad Naomh
Chuaigh Pilib go dtí cathair na Samáire agus thosaigh ag craobhscaoileadh dóibh i dtaobh Chríost. Thug na sluaite cluas ghéar dá raibh le rá ag Pilib mar ní hea amháin gur chuala siad a chuid cainte ach chonaic siad chomh maith na míorúiltí a bhí aige á ndéanamh. Mórán a raibh deamhain mhíghlana iontu, tháinig na deamhain amach astu agus iad ag screadadh de ghlór ard; agus leigheasadh mórán pairiliseach agus bacach, sa tslí go raibh áthas mór sa chathair sin.Nuair a chuala na haspail a bhí in Iarúsailéim go raibh an tSamáir tar éis glacadh le briathar Dé, sheol siad chucu Peadar agus Eoin. Ar theacht dóibhsean chucu, rinne siad guí ar a son go bhfaighidís an Spiorad Naomh, mar ní raibh an Spiorad tagtha fós ar dhuine ar bith acu mar ní raibh siad ach baiste in ainm an Tiarna Íosa. Ansin leag Peadar agus Eoin a lámha orthu agus fuair siad an Spiorad Naomh.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 65: 1-7. 16. 20. R/v 1
Freagra Déanaigí gairdeas do Dhia, a thíortha uile.
Malairt Freagra Alleluia
1. Déanaigí gairdeas do Dhia, a thíortha uile canaigí clú a ainm.
Tugaigí moladh mórghlórach dó. Abraigí le Dia: 'Nach éachtach iad d'oibreacha.' Freagra
2. Adhrann an talamh uile thú, canann sí duit, canann sí do d'ainm.
Tagaigí agus féachaigí oibreacha Dé, na héachtaí a rinne sé i measc na ndaoine. Freagra
3. Chlaochlaigh sé an mhuir ina talamh thirim; chuathas de chois thar an abhainn.
Dá bhrí sin déanaimis lúcháir! Rialaíonn sé lena chumhacht go síoraí. Freagra
4. Sibhse uile ar a bhfuil eagla Dé, tagaigí, éistigí, is inseoidh mé daoibh faoina ndearna sé dom.
Go mba bheannaithe é Dianár thug an diúltú do mo ghuí,
is nár tharraing siar a bhuanghrá uaim. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as céad Litir Naomh Peadar 3:15-18
Básaíodh é sa cholainn, ach rinneadh beo é sa spiorad.
A clann ionúin, bíodh urraim in bhur gcroí istigh agaibh do Chríost mar Thiarna. Bígí réidh i gcónaí le cosaint a dhéanamh in aghaidh aon duine a iarrann oraibh bonn a thabhairt leis an dóchas atá ionaibh; ach déanaigí amhlaidh le cneastacht agus le hurraim, agus le coinsias glan, i dtreo, nuair a dhéantar tromaíocht oraibh go gcuirtear náire ar an muintir a dhéanann béadán ar bhur ndea-iompar i gCríost. Óir nach fearr fulaingt de chionn na maitheasa, más é toil Dé é, ná de chionn an oilc?
Óir fuair Críost bás an t-aon uair amháin i ngeall ar pheacaí, an fíréan thar ceann na neamhfhíréan, d’fhonn sinn a thabhairt i láthair Dé. Básaíodh é sa cholainn, ach rinneadh beo é sa spiorad.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Véarsa Eo 14:23
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Má bhíonn grá ag duine dom, coinneoidh sé mo bhriathar,
agus beidh grá ag m'Athair dó, agus tiocfaimid chuige,' a deir an Tiarna.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Eoin 14:15-21 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Iarrfaidh mé ar m’Athair é, agus tabharfaidh sé Abhcóide eile daoibh
San am sin dúirt Íosa lena dheisceabail
Má tá grá agaibh dom, coinneoidh sibh m’aitheanta.
Agus iarrfaidh mé ar m’Athair é, agus tabharfaidh sé Abhcóide eile
chun fanacht faraibh go deo – Spiorad na Fírinne,
nach féidir don saol a ghlacadh, mar ní fheiceann sé é ná ní aithníonn sé é. Ach aithníonn sibhse é mar fanann sé faraibh, agus beidh sé ionaibh. Ní fhágfaidh mé in bhur ndílleachtaí sibh; tiocfaidh mé ar ais chugaibh.
Tamall beag eile agus siúd é an saol agus gan radharc aige ormsa feasta; ach tá radharc agaibhse orm, óir táimse beo agus beidh sibhse beo chomh maith. An lá sin aithneoidh sibh go bhfuilimse i m’Athair, agus go bhfuil sibhse ionamsa, agus mise ionaibh.
An té a bhfuil m’aitheantasa aige agus a choinníonn iad, sin é an té a bhfuil grá aige dom.
An té a bhfuil grá aige dom, beidh grá ag m’Athair dó, agus beidh grá agam dó, agus taispeánfaidh mé mé féin dó.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
