23rd: St John of Capistrano, 1386-1456, studied civil and canon law and joined the Franciscan Order. A faithful servant of four popes, he attended the Council of Florence, went to Jerusalem as apostolic emissary, and, in 1451, set out on a preaching tour through the German provinces and Poland. In a battle at Belgrade he contracted fever and died there. Patron saint of jurists and military chaplains.

24th: St Anthony Mary Claret, 1807-70, founded the Claretians in Spain for missionary work. Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba, then returned as chaplain to the Queen of Spain, and built schools and museums, before being exiled with the monarchy.

27th: St Otteran, a descendant of Conall Gulban, is usually identified with Odhran who preceded Columba in Iona. His death is recorded in 548 and his grave was greatly revered in Iona. He was chosen by the Vikings as patron of the city of Waterford in 1096 and later patron of the diocese.

28th: Ss Simon and Jude. The teaching of the apostles is the living gospel for all to hear. Their authority comes from their fidelity to Christ and his message. St Jude is patron saint of hopeless causes.

25th: Thaddeus MacCarthy, of Munster, Ireland, became bishop of Ross at the age of twenty-seven, exhibiting great zeal for the salvation of souls and a deep dedication to preaching. But despite the fact that Bishop MacCarthy had been appointed by Pope Sixtus IV, an auxiliary bishop of Ross claimed the episcopal seat for himself. An earl supporting this rival claimant even confiscated church property from Bishop MacCarthy, forcing him out of his own see. In the end, Pope Sixtus' successor Innocent VIII reassigned Bishop MacCarthy to the conjoined Irish sees of Cork and Cloyne. But when the bishop came to take possession of his new episcopal charge, he found himself barred from his cathedral by laymen opposed to his rule. Journeying to Rome to plead his cause, Bishop MacCarthy obtained Pope Alexander VI's full support. As Bishop MacCarthy was traveling back from Rome, humbly disguised as a pilgrim, he died quite suddenly while lodged at Ivrea, Italy. Many miracles occurred at his tomb.

Relics of Blessed Thaddeus are to be found in the North Cathedral, Shandon Street, and there is also a Shrine in Clonakilty Church.