Saint Agatha was a virgin and martyr born in Sicily in 231. With her, we pray for the victims of sexual abuse, breast cancer, and fire burns.

She dedicates her entire life despite her extreme beauty. She died after long torture by Quintianus in 251.

In this morning's first reading, Solomon, having become king, has the grace to fulfill the wish that David once had: to build a temple in Jerusalem, a house of stone for the Ark of the Covenant, that is say the box containing the two tables of the Law. Around the ark and the temple are the statutes of the cherubim and the angels of the Lord.

The images and icons of the saints and in our churches, far from bordering on idolatry, rather remind us of the presence and primacy of God the Creator and Savior.

Indeed, in the Church, all honor given to images goes back to the original model, God himself, Author and Creator of all things.

Good start to the week, everyone!

Father Georges Bidzogo sac