Saints and the Liturgical Year

[grateful_child]

June 18, 2013 - Tuesday, 11th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, strength of those who hope in you,
graciously hear our pleas,
and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing,
grant us always the help of your grace,
that in following your commands
we may please you by our resolve and our deeds.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

June 18 - St. Elizabeth of Schoenau:
St. Elizabeth was a Benedictine abbess and mystic. She was born in Germany in 1129 and died in 1165 in Germany. She is invoked as patron against temptations.

For more on **St. Elizabeth of Schoenau **and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stelizabethofschoenau.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-18

 

[grateful_child]

June 19, 2013 - Wednesday, 11th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (prayer):
“O God, strength of those who hope in you,
graciously hear our pleas,
and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing,
grant us always the help of your grace,
that in following your commands
we may please you by our resolve and our deeds.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

June 19 - Saint Romuald, Abbot (Optional Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who through Saint Romuald renewed
the manner of life of hermits in your Church,
grant that, denying ourselves and following Christ,
we may merit to reach the heavenly realms on high.
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.”

“St. Romuald (d.1027) was born in Ravenna, Italy, to a family of nobility. A hermit and reformer of the monastic customs of his time, he founded the Camaldolese monks. He died after a life of prayer and rigorous penance.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF).

For more on **St. Romuald **and other saints of the day, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-19
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/R/stromuald.asp

 

[grateful_child]

June 20, 2013 - Thursday, 11th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
O God, strength of those who hope in you,
graciously hear our pleas,
and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing,
grant us always the help of your grace,
that in following your commands
we may please you by our resolve and our deeds.
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."

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

June 20 - St. Silverius:
St. Silverius was a Pope, born in 480 in Italy. He died in 537. He is the patron of Ponza, Italy.

For more on **St. Silverius **, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/stsilverius.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-20

 

[grateful_child]

June 21 - St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious (Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, giver of heavenly gifts,
who in Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
joined penitence to a wonderful innocence of life,
grant, through his merits and intercession,
that, though we have failed to follow him in innocence,
we may imitate him in penitence.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“An Italian Jesuit, St. Aloysius (1568-1591) died as a result of his devoted and heroic nursing of those stricken with the plague. He was proclaimed protector of young students by Pope Benedict XIII and patron of Catholic youth by Pope Pius XI.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF).

St. Aloysius is the patron of AIDS care-givers, AIDS patients, young people, relief from pestilence …

For more on **St. Aloysius Gonzaga **, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/staloysiusgonzaga.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-21

 

[grateful_child]

June 22, 2013 - Saturday, 11th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, strength of those who hope in you,
graciously hear our pleas,
and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing,
grant us always the help of your grace,
that in following yur commands
we may please you by our resolve and our deeds.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

June 22 - Saint Paulinus of Nola, Bishop (Optional Memorial):
Collect:
“O God, who made the Bishop Saint Paulinus of Nola
outstanding for love of poverty and for pastoral care,
graciously grant that, as we celebrate his merits,
we may imitate the example of his charity.
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.”

“Born of a patrician Roman family in Bordeaux, St. Paulinus (355-431) was successively prefect, senator, and consul. A pagan when he married, he converted and became a monk and later was consecrated Bishop of Nola. He gave his people not only an example of virtue but also wise guidance during the Gothic invasion.” (MTF.)

June 22 - Saints John fisher, Bishop, and Thomas More, Martyrs (Optional Memorial):
Collect:
“O God, who in martyrdom
have brought true faith to its highest expression,
graciously grant that, strengthened through the intercession
of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More,
we may confirm by the witness of our life
the faith we profess with our lips.
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.”

"Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More gave up their lives in testimony to the unity of the Church and to the indissolubility of marriage.

St. John (1469-1535) studied theology in Cambridge, England, and was consecrated Bishop of Rochester. His friend St. Thomas More wrote of him, ‘I reckon in this realm no one man, in wisdom, learning, and long-approved virtue together, meet to be matched and compared with him.’

St. Thomas (1477-1535) was born in London and was Chancellor of King Henry VIII. As a family man, public servant, and writer, he displayed a rare combination of human warmth, Christian wisdom, and a sense of humor." (MTF.)

For more on St. Paulinus of Nola, Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpaulinusofnola.asp
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnfisher.asp
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/stthomasmore.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-22

 

[grateful_child]

June 23, 2013 - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love your holy name,
for you never deprive of your guidance
those you set firm on the foundation of your love.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-23

June 23 - St. Etheldreda of Ely:
St. Etheldreda was an abbess who was formerly Queen of Northumbria. She was born around 630 and died in 679. She is the patron of widows, of persons with neck ailments, throat ailments …

For more on St. Etheldreda, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stetheldredaofely.asp

 

[grateful_child]

June 24 - Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist:

Collect (Opening Prayer) at the Vigil Mass:
“Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that your family may walk in the way of salvation
and, attentive to what Saint John the Precursor urged,
may come safely to the One he foretold,
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Collect (Opening Prayer) at the Mass during the day:
“O God, who raised up Saint John the Baptist
to make ready a nation fit for Christ the Lord,
give your people, we pray,
the grace of spiritual joys
and direct the hearts of all the faithful
into the way of salvation and peace.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Born six months before Our Lord, St. John was the son of Sts. Zechariah and Elizabeth, Our Lady’s cousin. He was the last and greatest of the prophets. As the Forerunner of the Savior, he prepared the Jews for the advent of Christ. When Christ had come, St. John bore witness to him and encouraged his own followers to follow him.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF)

“This feast, dating from the 4th c. in both East and West, came to be celebrated, in accord with Lk 1:36, six months before the Lord’s birth; quoting Jn 3:30, Augustine found this date (near summer solstice) appropriate, because after the birth of John, daylight begins to decrease, whereas after Jesus’ birth, it begins to increase.” (Ordo.)

For more on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-24
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/birthofstjohnthebaptist.asp

 

[Amiciel]

June 23, 2013 - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love your holy name,
for you never deprive of your guidance
those you set firm on the foundation of your love.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-23

Sharing a reflection on today’s Scripture Readings from today’s Euchalette, p.1:

"In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that, in order to be numbered among his disciples, we must be prepared to share in his destiny of suffering and trials.

A solid, mature Christian faith accepts both lights and shadows, pleasant and unpleasant events, joys and sorrows; for such, indeed, is the life of man on earth. But over and above these contrasts and unpleasant situations, the man/woman of faith holds with equal and even stronger certainty that God knows best and is always in control.

In this Eucharist, let us pray that as we embrace our ‘cross’, we also may become ‘Christ-like’. This will empower us to carry our crosses bravely and face the hardships of life with a stout heart and unwaveing faith till we reach the heavenly reward which our hearts long for." (p. 1.)

 

[grateful_child]

June 25, 2013 - Tuesday, 12th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love your holy name,
for you never deprive of your guidance
those you set firm on the foundtion of your love.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

June 25 - St. William of Vercelli:
St. William of Vercelli was an abbot and founder. He was born in 1085 at Vercelli, Italy; he died in 1142 at Giglietto, Italy.

For more on **St. William of Vercelli, ** see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/W/stwilliamofvercelli.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-25

 

[grateful_child]

June 26, 2013 - Wednesday, 12th Week in Ordinary Time:

“Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love your holy name,
for you never deprive of your guidance
those you set firm on the foundation of your love.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

June 26 - St. Josemaria Escriva, Priest (Optional Memorial in some dioceses):

Collect:
“O God,
who raised up your priest Saint Josemaria in the Church
to proclaim the universal call to holiness and the apostolate,
grant that by his intercession and example
we may, through our daily work,
be formed in the likeness of Jesus your Son
and serve the work of redemption with burning love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Josemaria (1902-1975) founded Opus Dei, which opened a new path of holiness for everyone in the Church. He taught people in all walks of life how to become holy by performing ordinary work and daily duties with a Christian spirit.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on **St. Josemaria Escriva **and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjosemariaescriva.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-26

 

[grateful_child]

June 27, 2013 - Thurssday, 12th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love your holy name,
for you never deprive of your guidance
those you set firm on the foundation of your love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you inthe unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

June 27 - St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who made the Bishop Saint Cyril of Alexandria
an invincible champion of the divine motherhood
of the most Blessed Virgin Mary,
grant, we pray,
that we, who believe she is truly the Mother of God,
may be saved through the Incarnation of Christ your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Cyril (376-444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt, and an able theologian who became the glory of the Church in Egypt. During the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus, he defended the oneness of Person in Jesus Christ and the divine maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary against the Nestorian heresy.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF).

For information on **St. Cyril of Alexandria **and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/C/stcyrilofalexandria.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-27

 

[grateful_child]

June 28 - St. Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr (Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who called the Bishop Saint Irenaeus
to confirm true doctrine and the peace of the Church,
grant, we pray, through his intercession,
that, being renewed in faith and charity,
we may always be intent on fostering unity and concord.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“St. Irenaeus (125-203) was a disciple of St. Polycarp of Smyrna. At a time when Gnostic sects threatened to undermine Christianity through perversion of Christian theology and philosophy, St. Irenaeus denounced these heresies and safeguarded the unity of belief. He succeeded the martyred St. Pothinus as Bishop of Lyons.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For mor on St. Irenaeus and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/I/stirenaeus.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-28

 

[grateful_child]

June 29 - Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity):

Collect (Opening Prayer, Vigil Mass):
“Grant, we pray, O Lord our God,
that we may be sustained
by the intercession of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul,
that, as through them you gave your Church
the foundations of her heavenly office,
so through them you may help her to eternal salvation.
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.”

Collect (Opening Prayer, Mass during the day):
“O God, who on the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul
give us the noble and holy joy of this day,
grant, we pray, that your Church
may in all things follow the teaching
of those through whom she received
the beginnings of right religion.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

"Sts. Peter and Paul are the principal Pillars of the Church founded by Christ. St. Peter was chosen by Christ to be his first Vicar on earth; he was endowed with the power of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and given the role of Shepherd of Christ’s flock. In St. Peter and his successors, the popes, there is a visible sign of unity and communion in faith and charity. Divine grace led St. Peter to profess Christ’s divinity. He suffered martyrdom under Nero about AD 64 and is buried at the hill of the Vatican.

St. Paul was chosen to form part of the College of Apostles by Christ himself after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Selected to bring Christ’s name to all peoples, he was a great missionary, advocate of pagans, and “Apostle of the Gentiles.” He was beheaded in the Tre Fontane along the Via Ostiense and buried nearby." (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

“The Depositio Martyrum (258) places the solemnity of these two Apostles on this date. Both are the principal patrons of Rome and are mentioned in the Roman Canon.” (Ordo.)

For more on Sts. Peter and Paul and other saints of the day, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-29
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpeter.asp
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpaul.asp

 

[grateful_child]

June 30, 2013 - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Pontifical Work of St. Peter the Apostle (Sancti Petri).

Collect:
“O God, who through the grace of adoption
chose us to be children of light,
grant, we pray,
that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error
but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-30

“This Sunday is called **St. Peter the Apostle Sunday **for the formation, training and support for seminarians, clergy and religious all over the world. All collections at all masses and the evening before should be forwarded to the Most Reverend Ordinaries … The remittances will be forwarded to Rome to be distributed for such purpose.” (Ordo.)

 

[grateful_child]

June 30, 2013 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time:
(See previous post for Collect & reflections.)

June 30 - First Martyrs of Holy Roman Church (Optional Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who consecrated
the abundant first fruits of the Roman Church
by the blood of the Martyrs,
grant, we pray, that with firm courage
we may together draw strength from so great a struggle
and ever rejoice at the triumph of faithful love.
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.”

“This feast commemorates the martyrs in Rome under Nero about AD 64. Many Christians of all walks of life were martyred at the hands of this emperor. This celebration reminds Christians to seek sanctity regardless of social status, age, or skills.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on the **First Martyrs of the Roman Church **, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/protomartyrsofrome.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-30

 

[grateful_child]

July 1, 2013 - Monday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who through the grace of adoption
chose us to be children of light,
grant, we pray,
that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error
but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

July 1 - Blessed Junipero Serra, Priest (Optional Memorial in the United States):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who by your ineffable mercy,
have been pleased through the labors
of your priest Blessed Junipero Serra
to count many American peoples within your Church,
grant by his intercession
that we may so join our hearts to you in love,
as to carry always and everywhere before all people
the image of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born on the island of Mallorca, Spain, Bl. Junipero (1713-1784) entered the Franciscan Order and was ordained a priest. He taught philosophy and theology at the University of Padua. At age 37 he went to Mexico City; he spent the rest of his life working for the conversion of the New World. Responsible for the spread of the Church on the West Coast of the United States of America, Bl. Junipero founded nine missions, converting thousands, and his brother Franciscans founded twelve more.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on **Bl. Junipero Serra **and St. Oliver Plunket, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/bljuniperoserra.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-07-01

 

[Amiciel]

June 30, 2013 - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Pontifical Work of St. Peter the Apostle (Sancti Petri).

Collect:
“O God, who through the grace of adoption
chose us to be children of light,
grant, we pray,
that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error
but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-06-30

“This Sunday is called **St. Peter the Apostle Sunday **for the formation, training and support for seminarians, clergy and religious all over the world. All collections at all masses and the evening before should be forwarded to the Most Reverend Ordinaries … The remittances will be forwarded to Rome to be distributed for such purpose.” (Ordo.)

Sharing this reflection from today’s Euchalette, p.1:

Following Jesus without Regrets

"This Sunday, the First Reading and the Gospel present to us examples of exceptional callings, which require a radical generosity. This obviously applies only to those whom God calls to one form or other of consecrated life. All of us, however, as disciples of Christ, are expected to make him our Number 1 and to imitate him in his detachment from material comforts and his single-mindedness in doing the will of the Father.

This is what we are called to do, day by day, in the fulfillment of the duties of our particular state of life. In this way, following the teaching of St. Paul, we will be using the freedom which Christ earned for us, not to commit sin but to serve our neighbor the best way we can. This is how we contribute to the creation of a civilization of life and love.

In this Eucharistic celebration, let us ask God’s help to be faithful to such a commitment." (p.1.)

 

[grateful_child]

July 2, 2012 - Tuesday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who through the grace of adoption
chose us to be children of light,
grant, we pray,
that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error
but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

July 2 - Sts. Processus and Martinian:
Sts. Processus and Martinian were pagans who served as guards at the Mamertine prison in Rome when St. Peter and St. Paul were prisoners. Both were converted to Christianity and died as martyrs, about 67 A.D.

For more on **Sts. Processus and Martinian **and other saints of the day, see link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-07-02

 

[grateful_child]

July 3 - St. Thomas, Apostle (Feast):

Collect:
“Grant, almighty God,
that we may glory in the Feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas,
so that we may always be sustained by his intercession
and, believing, may have life
in the name of Jesus Christ your Son,
whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Among the apostles, St. Thomas is remembered chiefly for his doubt about the Resurrection of Christ. The Sunday after the Resurrection, he made up for his unbelief with a profession of faith, “My Lord and my God!” According to tradition, he preached the Gospel as far as India, where he was martyred.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Thomas, the Apostle, and St. Leo II, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/stthomas.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-07-03

 

[grateful_child]

July 4, 2013 - Thursday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time:
Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who through the grace of adoption
chose us to be children of light,
grant, we pray,
that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error
but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.
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.”

July 4 - Independence Day (Optional Memorial in the Dioceses of the U.S.)
Collect: (Opening Prayer):
“God of Justice, Father of truth,
who guide creation in wisdom and goodness
to fulfillment in Christ your Son,
open our hearts to the truth of his Gospel,
that your peace may rule in our hearts
and your justice guide our lives#
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#”

“This day is the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Church in the United States of America incorporates this observance into the liturgy with a special Mass asking for peace, justice, and truth.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-07-04

July 4 - St. Elizabeth of Portugal (Optional Memorial):
In the United States, the optional memorial of St. Elizabeth is celebrated on July 5.

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, author of peace and lover of charity,
who adorned Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
with a marvelous grace for reconciling those in conflict,
grant, through her intercession,
that we may become peacemakers,
and so be called children of God.
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.”

“A daughter of King Peter III of Aragon, St. Elizabeth (1271-1336) was named after her great-aunt, whose virtues she also shared. In her married life, St. Elizabeth endured trials with heroism. Often she went to considerable pains to bring about peace between her children and their father. She showed unfailing charity toward the poor and founded convents, hospitals, foundling homes, and shelters for young women. After her husband’s death in 1325 she bacame a Franciscan tertiary.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Elizabeth of Port****ugal, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stelizabethofportugal.asp