Saturday in the 2nd Week of Easter
Mass Readings
First Reading – Acts 6:1-7
As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Responsorial Psalm – 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 (R.22)
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. R.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. R.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine. R.
Gospel – Jn 6:16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.
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.
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