Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
St. Anthony of Padua, priest and Doctor of the Church (+1231). Disciple of St. Francis and renowned miracle-worker, he preached relentlessly against the errors of Albigensianism, earning the title “Hammer of the Heritics”. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, he exercised his apostolate in Paudua, Italy, where he died.
Mass Readings
First Reading – 2 Cor 1:18-22
Brothers and sisters: As God is faithful, our word to you is not “yes” and “no.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in Him. For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in Him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes through Him to God for glory. But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; He has also put His seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135 (R. 135a)
R. Lord, let Your face shine on me.
Wonderful are Your decrees;
therefore I observe them. R.
The revelation of Your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple. R.
I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for Your commands. R.
Turn to me in pity
as You turn to those who love Your name. R.
Steady my footsteps according to Your promise,
and let no iniquity rule over me. R.
Let Your countenance shine upon Your servant,
and teach me Your statutes. R.
Gospel – Mt 5:13-16
Jesus said to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Featured Saints
St. Fandilas, priest and martyr (†853). Monk from the Monastery of Peñamelaria, Córdoba, beheaded by order of Emir Muhammad I.
St. Eulogius, bishop (†c. 607). Patriarch of Alexandria; he vigorously fought the heresies of his time, especially Monophysitism.
St. Rambert, martyr (†680). Knight of high nobility, imprisoned and killed in the vicinity of Lyon by order of Ebroin, Mayor of the Palace of the King of Neustria.
Sts. Augustine Phan Viet Huy and Nicholas Bui Viet, martyrs (†1839). Soldiers in the Vietnamese army, executed for the “crime” of being Christian, during persecutions in Vietnam.
Blessed Gerard of Clairvaux, monk (†1138). He left his military career to enter the Monastery of Clairvaux, France, governed by his brother, St. Bernard. He stood out for his intelligence and spiritual discernment.
Blessed Marianna Biernacka, widow and martyr (†1943). During the religious persecution of the Polish people during World War II, she offered to be imprisoned and killed in place of her daughter-in-law Ana, who was about to give birth. She was shot and killed in Naumowicze, Poland.
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