Visitation to St. Bernard Parish Begins with Three School Visits - Memorial: Sts. Timothy and Titus

Earlier this week, Father Geoffrey Kerslake, EV and I began the visitation to St. Bernard's Parish with an excursion to the three schools served by the Pastor, Father Lukose Kochupurackal, C.M.F., namely St. Thomas More School, St. Marguerite d'Youville School and St. Bernard School. 

Here are some photos from visits to the first two schools.  Others from St. Bernard School and from visits to nursing homes and to the Parish Masses will appear next week.

SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS BISHOPS

O God, who adorned Saints Timothy and Titus with apostolic virtues, grant through the intercession of them both, that, living justly and devoutly in this present age, we may merit to reach our heavenly homeland. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Timothy was Paul's dearest disciple, his most steadfast associate. He was converted during the apostle's first missionary journey.

When Paul revisited Lystra, Timothy, though still very young (about twenty) joined him as a co-worker and companion. Thereafter, there existed between them a most intimate bond, as between father and son. St. Paul calls him his beloved child, devoted to him "like a son to his father" (Phil. 2.22).

Of a kindly disposition, unselfish, prudent, zealous, he was a great consolation to Paul, particularly in the sufferings of his later years. He also assisted the apostle in the establishment of all the major Christian communities and was entrusted with missions of highest importance.

Timothy was with Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. Paul made his self-sacrificing companion bishop of Ephesus, but the finest monument left him by his master are the two canonical Epistles bearing his name.

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Titus, a pagan by birth, became one of St. Paul's most illustrious disciples. He accompanied the apostle on several of his missionary journeys and was entrusted with important missions. Finally he came with St. Paul to the island of Crete, where he was appointed bishop. He performed this duty in accordance with the admonition given him, ". . . in all things show yourself an example of good works" (Tit. 2.7).

Tradition tells us that he died a natural death at the age of 94, having lived in the state of virginity during his whole life. St. Paul left a worthy monument to Titus, his faithful disciple, in the beautiful pastoral letter which forms part of the New Testament. Today's feast in his honor was introduced in 1854.

[— Excerpts from Pius Parsch, The Church's Year of Grace]