Catholic Calendar: 20.10–26.10.2026

Sunday, 20 September 2026 — Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time; Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions, Martyrs

Liturgical designation: Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (green), Year A, Year II weekday cycle. The Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time and Week I of the Psalter begin. Sunday takes liturgical precedence over the memorial of the Korean martyrs.
Readings: Is 55:6–9; Ps 145; Phil 1:20c–24, 27a; Mt 20:1–16a.
Meaning of the day: The prophet Isaiah calls us to seek the Lord while He may be found. God’s way is not simply an extension of human reasoning. He forgives more generously than we can imagine, and His mercy goes beyond our calculations. St Paul declares that for him “to live is Christ.” Life has meaning not because it is free from difficulty, but because it can become a place of service to the Gospel. The Gospel of the workers in the vineyard can provoke resistance. Some work all day, while others arrive shortly before the work ends, yet the landowner shows generosity to all. Jesus is not defending injustice. He exposes instead the danger of a heart that begins to measure God’s grace according to its own merits. A person may remain close to God and still resent the fact that God is also good to those who arrived later. The Church also remembers on 20 September Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions. Christianity developed in Korea under unusual circumstances, initially largely through lay believers. Persecution produced many martyrs. Their witness provides a powerful commentary on St Paul’s words: belonging to Christ even when faithfulness demands sacrifice.
Quote: “Are you envious because I am generous?” (cf. Mt 20:15).
Prayer: Lord, free me from comparing myself with others and from believing that Your grace can be earned. Through the intercession of the Korean martyrs, give me faithfulness when faith demands courage.
Practice: Thank God today for something good received by another person. Pray for Christians living in places where they experience persecution or discrimination.
Saints of the day: St Andrew Kim Taegon, St Paul Chong Hasang and Companions — Korean martyrs and witnesses to a faith stronger than persecution.

Monday, 21 September 2026 — Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Liturgical designation: Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (red). Week I of the Psalter.
Readings: Eph 4:1–7, 11–13; Ps 19; Mt 9:9–13.
Meaning of the day: St Paul presents the Church as one body in which different vocations and gifts serve one common purpose: building up the Body of Christ. Apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers do not receive their gifts for their own importance, but in order to serve the community. The Gospel shows the beginning of the journey of one of them. Matthew is sitting at the customs post. For many of Jesus’ contemporaries, a tax collector represented collaboration with the occupying tax system and had a deeply questionable reputation. Jesus does not begin with a long account of Matthew’s past. He simply says: “Follow me.” Matthew gets up. Christ then sits at table with people regarded as sinners. When the Pharisees object, Jesus uses the image of a physician: it is the sick who need a doctor, not the healthy. The Feast of St Matthew reminds us that Christian vocation begins with God’s initiative. A person does not first have to repair himself before approaching Jesus. Encounter with Christ becomes the beginning of transformation. Matthew, once occupied with accounts and taxes, becomes a witness of the Gospel and a sign that God can write a new chapter in a human life.
Quote: “Follow me” (Mt 9:9).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, who called Matthew in the midst of his ordinary life, help me to hear Your invitation. Free me from believing that my past or weakness can be greater than Your grace.
Practice: Consider what Christ may be calling you to do now. Carry out one good thing that you have been postponing even though you know it would be a response to His call.
Saints of the day: St Matthew — Apostle, Evangelist and witness to the transforming power of Christ’s call.

Tuesday, 22 September 2026 — Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time; St Thomas of Villanova

Liturgical designation: In the Diocese of East Anglia: weekday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (green), Week I of the Psalter. St Thomas of Villanova is remembered in the calendar of saints and in the Augustinian tradition.
Weekday readings: Prov 21:1–6, 10–13; Ps 119; Lk 8:19–21.
Meaning of the day: The Book of Proverbs reminds us that a person may be convinced of the correctness of his own ways, but God knows the true motives of the heart. Particularly strong is its call to justice and sensitivity towards the poor: whoever closes his ears to the cry of the needy may himself one day cry out and receive no answer. The Gospel describes the arrival of Jesus’ mother and relatives. Christ does not reject family bonds, but reveals a deeper family created through hearing and fulfilling the Word of God. Closeness to Jesus does not arise merely from outward belonging, tradition or declarations. It is recognised in a life that allows God’s Word to shape concrete decisions. St Thomas of Villanova, an Augustinian and later Archbishop of Valencia, became famous for his care for the poor. He did not leave Christianity at the level of words. Mercy for him had a practical dimension: helping those in need, caring for education and using entrusted resources responsibly. His example fits today’s reading from Proverbs perfectly: genuine devotion must influence the way we look at people who need help.
Quote: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it” (cf. Lk 8:21).
Prayer: God, through the intercession of St Thomas of Villanova, teach me not only to hear Your Word but to turn it into justice, mercy and concern for those in need.
Practice: Notice today one person whose needs might easily be overlooked. Help in a practical way, even if the gesture is small.
Saints of the day: St Thomas of Villanova — Augustinian, archbishop, preacher and servant of the poor.

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 — St Pio of Pietrelcina, Priest

Liturgical designation: Memorial of St Pio of Pietrelcina, priest (white), during the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Week I of the Psalter.
Weekday readings: Prov 30:5–9; Ps 119; Lk 9:1–6.
Meaning of the day: The Book of Proverbs contains a remarkably sober prayer. It asks neither for riches nor poverty, but only for what is truly needed. A person surrounded by abundance can forget God, while someone crushed by poverty may be exposed to severe trials. Wisdom means trusting the One who knows what we genuinely need. The Gospel tells of the sending of the Twelve. Jesus gives them authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to bring healing, yet at the same time tells them to travel without extensive security or possessions. Mission cannot rest only upon resources, structures or human control. Its centre is Christ. St Pio of Pietrelcina lived his vocation especially through the Eucharist, prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spiritual guidance. For decades at San Giovanni Rotondo he attracted people seeking confession, advice and prayer. His life remains closely associated with suffering, but suffering itself is not the centre of his spirituality. The centre is the crucified and risen Christ. Padre Pio reminds us that apostolic service begins with a relationship with God and that a person can become an instrument of good when he does not try to take God’s place.
Quote: “He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (cf. Lk 9:2).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, through the intercession of St Pio, teach me persevering prayer, sincere conversion and trust in Your Providence. Strengthen the sick, the suffering and all those who need reconciliation.
Practice: Find at least a few minutes today for prayer in silence. If you have been postponing confession for a long time, consider setting a concrete time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Saints of the day: St Pio of Pietrelcina — Padre Pio — Capuchin friar, confessor, spiritual guide and apostle of prayer.

Thursday, 24 September 2026 — Solemnity of Our Lady of Walsingham; Our Lady of Mercy

Liturgical designation: In the Diocese of East Anglia: Solemnity of Our Lady of Walsingham (white). For the parish in Peterborough this is a local observance of the rank of solemnity. The traditional remembrance of Our Lady of Mercy is also associated with 24 September.
Readings for the Solemnity in the Diocese of East Anglia: Zech 2:10–13; Lk 1:46–55; Gal 4:4–7; Lk 1:26–38.
Meaning of the day: For Catholics living in Peterborough, 24 September has particular significance. Walsingham is located in Norfolk, within the Diocese of East Anglia, and for centuries has remained one of the most important Marian places in England. The origins of the shrine are traditionally associated with Richeldis de Faverches, who is said to have received a request to build at Walsingham a house recalling the home of the Holy Family in Nazareth. At the centre of Walsingham spirituality, however, is not simply its medieval history but the mystery of the Incarnation: God enters ordinary human life. The first reading announces God coming to dwell among His people. St Paul speaks of the fullness of time when God sent His Son, “born of a woman”, so that humanity might receive adoption as children of God. The Gospel brings us to Nazareth and the moment of the Annunciation. Mary does not know the whole plan. She asks, listens and responds with consent. Her “let it be done to me” is not passive resignation, but an act of free trust. The Solemnity of Our Lady of Walsingham reminds Catholics in England that Nazareth can also happen within the ordinary reality of their own homes wherever people listen to God and allow Him to enter their plans. On the same day the parish calendar also recalls Our Lady of Mercy, a Marian title historically linked with works of mercy and concern for those deprived of freedom.
Quote: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).
Prayer: Our Lady of Walsingham, Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church in England, teach me to listen to God in silence and respond to Him with trust. Lead our families, parish and diocese towards your Son.
Practice: Pray the Angelus today or one decade of the Rosary while meditating on the Annunciation. Entrust your home and family to Mary.
Remembrance of the day: Our Lady of Walsingham — a special sign of the Marian heritage of the Church in England; Our Lady of Mercy — a Marian title connected with mercy, freedom and concern for those in need.

Friday, 25 September 2026 — Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time; Blessed Władysław of Gielniów

Liturgical designation: In the Diocese of East Anglia: weekday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (green), Week I of the Psalter. In Polish tradition, Blessed Władysław of Gielniów, priest, is remembered.
Weekday readings: Eccles 3:1–11; Ps 144; Lk 9:18–22.
Meaning of the day: One of the best-known passages in Ecclesiastes reminds us that everything has its time: birth and death, weeping and laughing, silence and speaking, tearing down and building up. This is not a call to passively accept fate. It is a lesson in humility before time, which no person owns. We may plan, work and make responsible decisions, but we do not control the whole of reality. Ecclesiastes also says that God has placed a longing for eternity in the human heart. We experience passing time and yet carry within ourselves a desire for something that time cannot destroy. In the Gospel Jesus asks His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” Peter answers that Jesus is the Christ, but immediately hears the announcement of suffering, rejection, death and resurrection. It is not enough to give Jesus the correct title. We must allow Him to explain what His messianic path truly means. Blessed Władysław of Gielniów, a Bernardine friar, preacher and patron of Warsaw, was particularly devoted to the Passion of Christ. He also used the Polish language in religious songs and preaching, making the truths of faith directly accessible to ordinary believers. His witness shows that proclaiming Christ should lead not merely to knowledge about Him but to a personal encounter with the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection.
Quote: “But who do you say that I am?” (Lk 9:20).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to use wisely the time You give me. Through the intercession of Blessed Władysław, help me not to stop at words about You but to truly know You and follow You.
Practice: Consider what receives most of your time and whether it reflects what you truly consider important. Deliberately give some time today to God or to another person.
Saints of the day: Blessed Władysław of Gielniów — Bernardine friar, preacher of the Passion, author of religious songs and patron of Warsaw.

Saturday, 26 September 2026 — Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time; Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs

Liturgical designation: Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (green); optional memorial of Saints Cosmas and Damian, martyrs (red), or the Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Week I of the Psalter.
Weekday readings: Eccles 11:9–12:8; Ps 90; Lk 9:43b–45.
Meaning of the day: Ecclesiastes directs particularly strong words towards the young: rejoice in life, but remember responsibility and do not forget your Creator. The text then gives an extraordinarily vivid description of ageing and passing away. Light fades, strength weakens, everyday activities become harder, and the human person journeys towards the eternal home. This is not intended to destroy the joy of life. On the contrary, awareness of passing time helps us value life properly and prevents us from wasting it on things without lasting value. The Psalm asks God: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” The Gospel places a different mystery before the disciples. The crowds marvel at the works of Jesus, while He speaks of the Son of Man being delivered into human hands. The disciples do not understand and are afraid to ask. Faith does not always mean immediate understanding. Sometimes it requires remaining close to Christ even when His path exceeds our expectations. Saints Cosmas and Damian have been venerated since antiquity as martyrs traditionally associated with medicine. Their cult developed especially in the East and later throughout the Church. They became patrons of doctors, pharmacists, the sick and all those who care for people who suffer. Their remembrance allows us to see medicine not only as a profession but also as a special form of service to life and human dignity.
Quote: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (cf. Eccles 12:1).
Prayer: God, through the intercession of Saints Cosmas and Damian, bless doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and all who care for the sick. Teach me to use well the time You entrust to me.
Practice: Pray for a particular sick person and for those who care for them. If possible, contact someone who is lonely, elderly or unwell.
Saints of the day: St Cosmas and St Damian — martyrs, traditionally honoured as physicians and patrons of healthcare workers and the sick.

The period 20–26 September 2026 leads us through several very different yet complementary spiritual themes. Sunday’s parable of the workers in the vineyard reminds us that God is more generous than our calculations. The Korean martyrs show that a person’s response to grace can mature even to the point of giving one’s life. St Matthew, meanwhile, reminds us that Christ can find a person exactly where he or she is and, with a single invitation, begin an entirely new story.

St Thomas of Villanova shows that listening to the Gospel must lead to mercy towards the poor. Padre Pio points us towards prayer, reconciliation and the Eucharist. The Solemnity of Our Lady of Walsingham has particular significance for the faithful in Peterborough: it reminds us that the mystery of Nazareth and Mary’s consent to God are part of the spiritual heritage of the Church in England. Blessed Władysław of Gielniów leads us towards the mystery of Christ’s Passion, while Saints Cosmas and Damian remind us of the dignity of caring for the sick.

The entire week can be read as a journey from the question of God’s generosity towards the question of how we use our own time. God calls, sends, dwells among His people and gives us opportunities to serve. The response of faith becomes concrete through listening to the Word, prayer, mercy, care for the sick, accepting one’s vocation and wisely living each day.