Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time
Optional memorials: St. Jerome Emiliani, priest (†1537). As a soldier of dissolute life, he was taken prisoner during combat. After being freed by the intervention of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he underwent a complete conversion, and dedicated the rest of his life to serving care of orphans, poor and the sick, for this end founding the Congregation of Regular Clerics of Somasca known as the Somaschi Fathers.
St. Josephine Bakhita, virgin (†1947). Born in Sudan, she was kidnapped as a child by Arab slave traders, and sold repeated repeatedly until finally reaching Italy, where she was declared free. During a stay with the Canossian Sisters, she learned of God, was baptized, and entered the community as a religious, where she remained for the next 50 years until her death, with a reputation for sanctity. Canonized in 2000.
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Mass Readings
First Reading – Heb 13:15-17, 20-21
Brothers and sisters: Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind. Obey your leaders and defer to them, for they keep watch over you and will have to give an account, that they may fulfill their task with joy and not with sorrow, for that would be of no advantage to you. May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the Blood of the eternal covenant, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will. May he carry out in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (R.1)
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
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 – Mk 6:30-34
The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Featured Saints
St. Juventius, Bishop (†397). He was appointed Bishop of Pavia by St. Ambrose. He participated in the Councils of Aquileia and Milan.
St. Honoratus, bishop (†c. 570). In the imminence of a Lombard invasion, he endeavoured to save the populace, procuring refuge for them in Genoa.
St. Paul of Verdun, Bishop (†c. 647). Having embraced monastic life, he was elected Bishop of Verdun, France, where he promoted the dignity of divine worship and the regular observance of the canons.
St. Stephen, abbot (†1124). Founder of the Order of Grandmont, near Limoges, France. He attracted many disciples with his austere life.
St. Cointha, martyr (†249). During the persecution of Emperor Decius, in Alexandria, Egypt, he refused to offer incense to the gods and was tied to a horse, dragged through the streets and finally stoned to death.
Blessed Peter Igneus, bishop (†1089). Benedictine monk from Vallombrosa, Italy, disciple of St. John Gualbert; he was created Cardinal by St. Gregory VII and appointed Bishop of Albano, Italy.
Blessed Josephina Gabriella Bonino, virgin (†1906). Foundress of the Congregation of the Holy Family in Savigliano, Italy, dedicated to the care of orphans and the sick.
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