knights of Saint Columbanus Kerry Ck127

29/07/2026

29/07/2026

In the early 1600s, Japanese authorities expelled all Christian missionaries and launched severe persecutions. Priests were killed or forced to leave, leaving thousands of Japanese converts completely isolated from the Church.

For over 250 years, these faithful souls — known as the “Hidden Christians” (Kakure Kirish*tan) — lived in secrecy. They had no priests, no public Masses, no sacraments, and no Bibles. Yet their Catholic faith did not vanish.

They passed down the teachings of Christ from generation to generation. They secretly baptized their children. And in the silence of their homes, they clung to one powerful lifeline: the Holy Rosary.

Using simple knotted cords instead of beads, they prayed the Rosary daily. The mysteries of Christ’s life became their catechism. The Hail Marys and Our Fathers became their prayers, their comfort, and their hidden Mass.

Through the Rosary, they remained united with Jesus and Mary even in the darkest decades of persecution.

When missionaries finally returned to Japan in the mid-1800s, they were astonished to find entire communities still faithfully preserving the Catholic Faith — all because of the Rosary.

This incredible story reminds us that the Rosary is far more than a devotion. It is a spiritual weapon, a school of faith, and a chain of grace that can sustain us through trials, isolation, and uncertainty.

In our own busy and sometimes challenging world, may the example of the Hidden Christians inspire us to pray the Rosary with greater love and fidelity.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us! 🙏

29/07/2026

Gospel
Luke 10:38-42
‘Martha welcomed him. Mary has chosen the good portion.’

At that time: Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’

29/07/2026

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany occupy a special place in the Gospel as close friends of Jesus. Their home, located just outside Jerusalem, was a place where the Lord was always warmly welcomed. Unlike many of His encounters with others, Jesus visited their household not as a preacher addressing a crowd, but as a trusted friend among those who loved Him.

The Gospels present each sibling with their own unique gifts and character. Martha is remembered for her practical service and hospitality, ensuring that the needs of her guests were met. Mary is known for her contemplative spirit, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening attentively to His teaching. Lazarus, their brother, became a powerful witness to Christ through one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in Scripture.

Martha’s greatest moment in the Gospel comes after the death of Lazarus. As she mourned her brother, Jesus spoke to her the words, *“I am the resurrection and the life.”* In response, Martha made a profound profession of faith, declaring her belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Her words remain one of the clearest statements of faith found in the New Testament.

The friendship between Jesus and this family is especially evident in the account of Lazarus’ death. When Jesus arrived at Bethany and saw the grief of those who loved Lazarus, He was deeply moved. The Gospel records the shortest and one of the most powerful verses in Scripture: “Jesus wept.” Soon afterwards, He called Lazarus from the tomb, restoring him to life and revealing His power over death.

Mary also plays an important role in the Gospel story. Shortly before Christ’s Passion, she anointed His feet with costly perfume and wiped them with her hair, an act of love and devotion that Jesus praised. Her actions pointed towards the sacrifice He would soon make for the salvation of the world.

Over the centuries, many traditions and legends developed about the later lives of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. While historical details remain uncertain, their witness has inspired Christian devotion from the earliest centuries of the Church.

29/07/2026

29th July - Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, pray for us.

29/07/2026

Wednesday, July 29

Feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus
Gospel Reading

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint John
(John 11:19–27)

Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to sympathise with them over their brother.

When Martha heard that Jesus had come she went to meet him.

Mary remained sitting in the house.

Martha said to Jesus,

“If you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that, even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you.”

“Your brother,” said Jesus to her, “will rise again.”

Martha said,

“I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.”

Jesus said:

“I am the resurrection and the life.

If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live,

and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she said, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

29/07/2026

The Ardfert Franciscan friary dates to the 13th century. An earlier monastery is thought to have burned in 1089, which was founded by Brendan the Navigator, prior to this Franciscan friary being built. The current friary was founded by Thomas Fitzmaurice, 1st Baron of Kerry, who died in 1280 and is buried on the north side of the friary’s altar.

Interested in joining the AOH? Fill out our application form below or contact your local division:
https://aoh.com/join/

29/07/2026

July 29 is the feast day of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

In the past, the day was dedicated only to Martha, but once the person of Mary was separated from the person of Mary Magdalene - which confused many people over the centuries, each distinct individual was honored. Lazarus, being raised from the dead by Jesus, joined his sisters in being held up as an example of deep faith and friendship.