Gospel
Luke 2:22-40
‘The child grew, filled with wisdom.’

When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons’.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed — and a sword will pierce through your own soul also — so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the Temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favour of God was upon him.

Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection for Sunday, 1st February

Pope Leo's prayer intention for February 2026

For children with incurable diseases
Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

Gospel of the day (Matthew 5:1-12a)

At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.’

Saint John Bosco, often known as Don Bosco, devoted his life to the care and education of young people, especially those who were poor, abandoned or at risk. His approach to education was rooted in kindness rather than punishment, creating environments that encouraged growth, responsibility and faith.

Ordained a priest in 1841, Don Bosco began his work in Turin after meeting a young orphan and preparing him for Holy Communion. From this simple beginning grew a wider mission to young apprentices, whom he gathered for catechesis, prayer and practical support.

He later founded the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales, which became a place of formation, friendship and faith for boys. With the help of benefactors, Don Bosco established workshops in trades such as shoemaking and tailoring, helping young people gain skills for life as well as spiritual grounding.

As the work expanded, Don Bosco trained his own helpers and encouraged a shared vision inspired by the gentleness of Saint Francis de Sales. In 1859, with the support of Pope Pius IX, he founded the Salesians, dedicated to education and missionary work.

Saint John Bosco’s legacy lives on through his educational vision, which sought to unite faith, learning and daily life in a spirit of joy and trust in God.

Saint John Bosco, pray for us.