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 – Sir 48:1-4, 9-11
In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19 (R.see Jn 8:12)
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power. R.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
Take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong. R.
May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name. R.
Gospel – Mt 11:16-19
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist
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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