Memorial of St. Agnes, martyr
St. Agnes virgin and martyr (†circa 304). From a Roman noble family, she suffered martyrdom for her Faith in at the age of twelve, subjected to terrible torments and finally beheaded.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Heb 9:2-3, 11-14
A tabernacle was constructed, the outer one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of offering; this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second veil was the tabernacle called the Holy of Holies. But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come to be, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation, He entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own Blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer’s ashes can sanctify those who are defiled so that their flesh is cleansed, how much more will the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 (R. 6)
R. God mounts His throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth. R.
God mounts His throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise. R.
For king of all the earth is God:
Sing hymns of praise.
God reigns over the nations,
God sits upon H is holy throne. R.
Gospel – Mk 3:20-21
Jesus came with His disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When His relatives heard of this they set out to seize Him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Featured Saints
St. Epiphanius, bishop (†496). During the barbarian invasions, he worked untiringly for the reconciliation of the people, for the redemption of captives and the reconstruction of the city of Pavia, where he died.
St. Alban Roe and Blessed Thomas Green, priests and martyrs (†1642). Imprisoned for exercising the priestly ministry in England, they were hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, after several years in prison, during the reign of Charles I.
St. John Yi Yun-il, martyr (†1867). Father of a family and catechist, tortured and beheaded in Korea.
Blesseds Edward Stransham and Nicholas Wheeler, priests and martyrs (†1586). Executed at Tyburn in London, England, for being priests and for exercising their ministry among the faithful.
Blesseds John Baptist Turpin du Cormier and thirteen companions, priests and martyrs (†1794). Guillotined during the French Revolution in Laval, for their fidelity to the Catholic Faith.
Blessed Josepha Mary of St. Agnes, virgin (†1696). Discalced Augustinian religious from the Convent of Beniganim, Spain, she was favoured with the gift of counsel.
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