Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena
(†1380) Virgin and Doctor of the Church. At the age of 15, she became a Dominican tertiary and led a life of seclusion, prayer and fasting until the age of 20. Our Lord appeared to her and asked her to abandon her solitude and to embrace an apostolic way of life. She began to dedicate herself to the poor and sick, convert sinners, and expell demons. She played an important role in the Pope’s return from Avignon to Rome.
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Mass Readings
First Reading – Acts Acts 14:5-18
There was an attempt in Iconium by both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their leaders, to attack and stone Paul and Barnabas. They realized it, and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside, where they continued to proclaim the Good News. At Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from birth, who had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him, saw that he had the faith to be healed, and called out in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet.” He jumped up and began to walk about. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they cried out in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in human form.” They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,” because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice. The Apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, “Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways; yet, in bestowing his goodness, he did not leave himself without witness, for he gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts.” Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16 (R.1ab)
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your mercy, because of your truth.
Why should the pagans say,
“Where is their God?” R.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men. R.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Heaven is the heaven of the LORD,
but the earth he has given to the children of men. R.
Gospel – Jn 14:21-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name — he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”
Featured Saints
St. Severus of Naples, bishop (†c. 409). Bishop of Naples, loved by St. Ambrose as a brother and by his Church as a father.
St. Achard, Bishop and abbot (†1172). As Abbot of the Abbey of St. Victor in Paris, he was elected Bishop of Avranches, France. He wrote several works encouraging souls along the way of perfection.
St. Hugh of Cluny, abbot (†1109). Governed the monastery of Cluny in France for 61 years. He was advisor to nine Popes and many sovereigns of Western Europe.
St. Tychicus. Disciple of the Apostle St. Paul, by whom he was found worthy to be called “beloved brother and faithful minister” (Eph 6:21).
St. Anthony Kim Song-u, martyr (†1841). Killed during the religious persecution in Korea for gathering Catholics in his house to pray and read Scripture.
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