The month of August has finally arrived with all its freshness and increased the vibrant green foliage on the hills, in the valleys and on level grounds, after the monsoon rains in June and July. Fields are being cultivated and saplings are planted in gardens surrounding the houses.

Liturgically the popular feasts in this month begin on August 1, St Alphonsus Mary de Liguori born at Naples, Bishop and Doctor of the Church; founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists).

August 4, St. John Mary Vianney born at Lyons a parish of Ars. He is the patron saint of diocesan priests.

On Aug 6, the Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated.

Aug 8, St. Dominic a priest born in 1170 in Spain. He is the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans)

Aug 10, St. Laurence, deacon and martyr.

Aug 11, St. Claire, virgin, born at Assisi. She followed her countrymen St. Francis Assisi in his life of poverty and founded an order of nuns (Poor Clares)

Aug 15, Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary.

Aug 22, Our lady Queen and Mother.

Socially August 5, is celebrated as Friendship Day. Real Friendship is a lamp always supplied by the oil of truth and fidelity. Here are a few quotes you may reflect upon on Friendship day:
May we have more and more friends and need them less and less.
May we ever be able to serve a friend and noble enough to conceal it.
May friendship propose the toast and insincerity drink it.
My friend is the one who knows I’m no good and is able to forget it.
May we have a few real friends rather than a thousand acquaintances.
May we never have friends, who like shadows, keep close to us with sunshine, only to desert us on a cloudy day or in the night.
True Friendship is nurtured when we tend to be selfless and think more about others. Who can be the best model of a friend to us if not Jesus, who loved us so much by even giving His very life to save us for eternal life.
To maintain true friendship we become Jesus to others and give Jesus to others also. Imitating Jesus who even calls us His friends, is very fruitful to maintain a good friendship.

Let us celebrate Friendship day by contacting those we have lost touch with and by sharing our happiness with others.

Dr. Alfredo Antao