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 48:17-19
Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. If you would hearken to my commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea; Your descendants would be like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, Their name never cut off or blotted out from my presence.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 (R.see John 8:12)
R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night. R.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers. R.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes. R.
Gospel – Mt 11:16-19
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
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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