Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Featured Saints
St. Marie de L’Incanation, religious (†1672). Memorial in Canada. Her autobiography describes mystical experiences received from a young age, indicated God’s will for her life. Although aware that she was called to the religious life, she married, under pressure from her parents. But after being left a widow at the age of nineteen, she became an Ursuline in Tours, France. She later travelled to Canada and founded an Ursuline house dedicated to education, contributing greatly in the evagelization of the indigenous population.
St. Pius V, Pope (†1572). Optional Memorial (Celebrated May 1 in Canada). A Dominican religious, bishop and cardinal, he held offices of high responsibility in the Church. Elected Pope, he dedicated himself with energy to the propagation of the Faith and to divine worship. He brought together the Holy League, whose squadron was victorious in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. See also: The Holy Rosary – Aid in Times of Trial.
St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo, priest (†1842). Apostle, ascetic, penitent, mystic and pious devotee of the Virgin Mary; he founded the Little Houses of Divine Providence in Italy, to care for the sick, invalids, orphans and youth in peril.
St. Pomponius, bishop (†sixth century). He fought against the Arian heresy in the Diocese of Naples and built a church in that city dedicated to the Name of Mary, Mother of God.
St. Lawrence of Novara, priest and martyr (†fourth century). Assassinated during the reign of Julian the Apostate, together with many children whom he had just baptized.
St. Joseph Tuan, priest and martyr (†1861). Dominican priest beheaded during the persecutions in
Vietnam, for administering the Sacraments to his sick mother.
Blessed Benedict of Urbino, priest (†1625). In Urbino, Italy, he became a Capuchin, to the chagrin of his illustrious family. He was the mission companion of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, helping him to fortify the faith in the countries affected by Lutheranism.
Blessed Peter the Deacon of Rome, deacon (†605). Designated by Pope St. Gregory the Great to administer the patrimony of the Church of Rome, he did so with prudence and wisdom.
Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, virgin (†1881). Foundress of the Sisters of Christian Charity in Paderborn,
Germany.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Acts 13:26-33
When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue: “My brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent. The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death, and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses before the people. We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our fathers he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.”
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab (R.7bc)
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten You.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“I myself have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you.” R.
“Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.” R.
And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before Him;
with trembling rejoice. R.
Gospel – Jn 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in Me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to Myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to Him,
“Master, we do not know where You are going;
how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
