Saints and the Liturgical Year

[grateful_child]

June 19, 2015 - Friday, 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 19 - Saint Romuald, Abbot (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“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, St. Juliana of Falconieri and Sts. Gervase & Protase, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-19
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/R/stromuald.asp

 

[grateful_child]

June 20, 2015 - 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 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

Read about St. Silverius:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-20

 

[grateful_child]

June 21, 2015 - 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
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-21

June 21 - Today is the calendar feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious (Memorial). It gives way to the Sunday Liturgy.

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“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.”

“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 link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/staloysiusgonzaga.asp

 

[grateful_child]

June 22, 2015 - Monday, 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 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 (Opening Prayer):
“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 (Opening Prayer):
“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." (Daily Roman Missal, 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
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-22​

(Note: There seems to be a problem accessing the ‘liturgical year’ data of catholicculture.org. In case it is temporary, I included its link above.)

 

[Amiciel]

June 21, 2015 - 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
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-21

Sharing this reflection on today’s Scripture Readings from the Euchalette, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 21, 2015, p.1:

Today’s Scripture Readings:
new.usccb.org/bible/readings/062115.cfm

"OUR HOPE IN THE STORMS OF LIFE"

"Life is not smooth sailing from beginning to end. Sooner or later, something happens that disrupts its tranquility. In those trying situations, Jesus is our only hope of salvation. And we must learn to turn to him as the disciples did during the storm that threatened to sink them.

Violent “storms” do not batter only individuals, families or institutions. They attack also the Church. But in spite of all these “storms” the Church has not only managed to survive, but also to grow, thanks to the presence of Jesus in her.

Let this consoling thought accompany us as we are about to begin this Eucharistic celebration and offer it for the salvation of both individual believers and those parts of the Church that are undergoing severe tests and trials.

Today we also observe “Father’s Day.” This is a wonderful opportunity for us to express our love for all the fathers in the world, especially our own.Let us do so by offering this Eucharistic Sacrifice for them." (p.1.)

 

[grateful_child]

June 23, 2015 - 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 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

Read about St. Etheldreda from:
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-23

 

[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=2015-06-24
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/birthofstjohnthebaptist.asp

 

[grateful_child]

June 25, 2015 - Thursday, 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 in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

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

Read about St. William of Monte Virgine from:
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-25

 

[grateful_child]

June 26, 2015 - Friday, 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 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 (Opening Prayer):
“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 Sts. John & Paul **, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjosemariaescriva.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-26

 

[grateful_child]

June 27, 2015 - Saturday, 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 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 27 - St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“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 more 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=2015-06-27

 

[grateful_child]

June 28, 2015 - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
“This Sunday is called St. Peter the Apostle Sunday for the formation, training and support for seminarians, clergy and religious all over the world.” (Ordo)

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
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-28

June 28 - St. Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr (Memorial):
Today is the calendar feast of St. Irenaeus. It gives way to the Sunday Liturgy.

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“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.”

“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, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/I/stirenaeus.asp

 

[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, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-29
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpeter.asp
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpaul.asp

 

[Amiciel]

June 28, 2015 - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
“This Sunday is called St. Peter the Apostle Sunday for the formation, training and support for seminarians, clergy and religious all over the world.” (Ordo)

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
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-06-28

Sharing this reflection on today’s Scripture Readings from the Euchalette, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 28, 2015, p.4:

Today’s Scripture Readings:
new.usccb.org/bible/readings/062815.cfm

"WE BELIEVE IN THE GOD OF LIFE"

"Suffering and death are part and parcel of human existence. They strike all: strong and weak, poor and rich, young and old, good and bad alike. Such truth makes them an even deeper mystery which no one will ever be able to explain fully.

All normal human beings do their utmost to keep away suffering or diminish it as much as possible. Mankind has been partly successful in this struggle, thanks to the advances in medical science and technology. Yet, there comes a time, like in the episode of the woman featured in today’s Gospel passage (long version), when even the best physicians have to give up. (See Mk 5:26.)

Such helplessness becomes total in front of death.For a time we may treasure the illusion that we succeed in “cheating it.” But in the end, death does come for all, as sure as the night follows the day. It comes with its train of pain, ruptures, and dissolution. And whenever a person dies in the springtime of his/her life, the grief is so much greater. (See Mk 5:23-38.) Then the question rings even more dramatically, “Why?”

Men have come up with answers that range from furious rejection to fatalistic acceptance. The Catholic faith has a more articulate answer that ventures even beyond the question itself. Suffering and death are not part of God’s plan for man. They are the fruit of the devil’s envy and of man’s yielding to him. One day, this temporary disorder introduced by sin will be eliminated when God will make all things new. (See the First Reading. See also Gn 3:16-19.) Then “He shall wipe every tear . . . there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain” (Rev 21:4-5).

All this sounds like a wonderful promise of dreamland. Will it ever be fulfilled? Our faith says “YES!” and sees its proof in the miracles performed by Jesus. Those described in today’s passage are just two of the numberless he performed. The message is always one: Our God is a God of wholeness and life. (See Wis 1:13-14.) He wants us to have life and have it to the full. For this he came to earth. The guarantee of the truth of all this is condensed in the Incarnation of God’s Son, his life, his very resurrection. And this is all that we need." (p.4; emphasis added.)

 

[grateful_child]

June 30, 2015 - 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

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

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“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=2015-06-30

 

[grateful_child]

July 1, 2015 - Wednesday, 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 and Blessed Antonio Rosmini, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/bljuniperoserra.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-07-01

 

[grateful_child]

July 2, 2015 - 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.”

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

For information on Sts. Processus and Martinian, St. Swithin, St. Otto, and St. Bernardino Realino, see link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-07-02

 

[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 information on St. Leo II, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/stthomas.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-07-03

 

[grateful_child]

July 4, 2015 - Saturday, 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=2015-07-04

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 Portugal, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stelizabethofportugal.asp

 

[grateful_child]

July 5, 2015 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who in the abasement of your Son,
have raised up a fallen world,
fill your faithful with holy joy,
for on those you have rescued from slavery to sin
you bestow eternal gladness.
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=2015-07-05

Calendar feastdays on July 5 which are superseded by the Sunday Liturgy:

July 5 - St. Anthony Zaccaria, Priest (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, O Lord, that in the spirit of the Apostle Paul
we may pursue the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ,
for, having learned it,
Saint Anthony Zaccaria
constantly preached your saving word in the Church.
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 in Cremona, Italy, St. Anthony (1502 - 1539) founded the Clerks Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites), which works for the renewal of the clergy and laity. He was a preacher who worked to reform the Church.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

July 5 - St. Elizabeth of Portugal (Optional Memorial in the Dioceses of the United States.) Other areas celebrate it on July 4, where her write-up may be found.

For more on **St. Anthony Zaccaria **and St. Elizabeth of Portugal, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/stantoniozaccaria.asp
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stelizabethofportugal.asp

 

[grateful_child]

July 6, 2015 - Monday,14th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who in the abasement of your Son,
have raised up a fallen world,
fill your faithful with holy joy,
for on those you have rescued from slavery to sin
you bestow eternal gladness.
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 6 - Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, author of innocence and lover of chastity,
who bestowed the grace of martyrdom
on your handmaid, the Virgin Saint Maria Goretti, in her youth,
grant, we pray, through her intercession,
that, as you gave her a crown for her steadfastness,
so we, too, may be firm
in obeying your commandments.
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 in Ancona, Italy, into a poor peasant family, St. Maria (1890 - 1902) was known for her cheerfulness and piety. At twelve years old, she was stabbed to death by a young man for resisting his attempts to seduce her. He later reformed his life completely and was present at her canonization in 1950.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Maria Goretti and information on St. Godelieva and St. Palladius, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmariagoretti.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-07-06