Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, priest
Born in 1506 in the Xavier Castle, in Navarre, Spain. He studied in Paris, where he met St. Ignatius of Loyola, and was among the first group which of the Company of Jesus founded by him. At 35 years of age, he was sent as a missionary to the Portuguese colonies in India, with Goa as the centre of his activities. From there, he proceeded to Japan, where he constituted the first nucleus of Christians. He next planned to carry out a mission in China, but died on the way, at Shangchuan Island at the age of 46. He, together with St. Therese of the Child Jesus, is the patron of missions.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Is 25:6-10a
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. On that day it will be said: “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (R. 6cd)
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul. R.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage. R.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. R.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come. R.
Gospel –Mt 15:29-374
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
Featured Saints
St. Birinus, bishop (†650). Sent by Pope Honorius I as a missionary to Britain, he preached among the West Saxons, obtained the conversion of King Cynegils and established his episcopal see in Dorchester.
St. Zephaniah (Sophonias), prophet. During the reign of Josiah, this Old Testament prophet foretold the ruin of the ipious and fortified the poor and needy in the hope of salvation.
Blessed Edward Coleman, martyr (†1678). He converted to Catholicism and served as secretary to the Duchess of York. Falsely accused of conspiracy, he was executed during the reign of Charles II.
Blessed Johann Nepomuk von Tschiderer, Bispo (†1860). Born in northern Italy to Austrian parents, he became the Bishop of Trent, and was an admirable testimony of ardent charity for his diocese during difficult times.
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