Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Happy Feast Day! On this November 3rd we remember St. Maolmhaodhog ua Morgair, Anglicized St. Malachy Morgair. Our patron was born in Armagh, Ireland in 1094 or 1095. St. Malachy was a twelfth century reformer of Christianity. In 1129 he was named archbishop of Armagh. He worked zealously to restore ecclesiastical discipline; restored marriage; renewed the practice of confession and confirmation; and introduced Roman chants in the liturgy. He was successful in preaching the Word and was distinguished by his devotion and vigor. He was also known for his care to the needy as a miracle worker and healer. In 1148 on his way back to Ireland from Rome, St. Malachy stopped at the monastery in Clairvaux, France to visit his close friend. St. Bernard. It was here on November 2 that St. Malachy died in the arms of St. Bernard. In 1190 St. Malachy was canonized a saint.