Memorial of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr
St. Lucy, virgin and martyr (fourth century). Martyred in Syracuse, her remains are venerated in Venice, while her eyes are enshrined in the Church of St. John Major in Naples.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Is 40:25-31
To whom can you liken me as an equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these things: He leads out their army and numbers them, calling them all by name. By His great might and the strength of His power not one of them is missing! Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know or have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and H is knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak He makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10 (R.1)
R. O bless the Lord, my soul!
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits. R.
He pardons all your iniquities,
He heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
He crowns you with kindness and compassion. R.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does He deal with us,
nor does He requite us according to our crimes. R.
Gospel – Mt 11:28-30
Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy, and My burden light.”
Featured Saints
St. Odíle, virgin (†seventh century). First abbess of the monastery of Hohenbourg, France, granted to her by the Duke of Alsace, her father, where she established a hospital for incurable and abandoned patients. She went on to transform other castles inherited from her parents into convents and hospitals.
St. Peter Cho Hwa-so and five companions, martyrs (†1866). Laymen who were tortured and decapitated in Korea for refusing to renounce the Faith.
Blessed John Marinoni, priest (†1562). Priest from the Order of Theatines, he dedicated himself to clerical reform and the assistance of the needy along with St. Cajetan.
Blessed Anthony Grassi, priest (†1671). Religious from the Congregation of the Oratory who, by his example, encouraged his brothers in the observance of the rule. An outstanding confessor, he was dedicated to the catechesis of youth. He died in the community of Fermo, Italy.
Blessed Mary Magdalene of the Passion, virgin (†1921). Foundress of the Congregation of the Compassionist Sisters, Servants of Mary in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy.
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