Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, martyrs
St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs (†1886). A head page in the court of King Mwanga of Uganda when he was baptized by missionary fathers, Charles catechized other young men of the court. For their Faith and their refusal to submit to the king’s immoral practices, the converts were cruelly put to death.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Sir 51:12 cd-20
I thank the LORD and I praise Him; I bless the name of the LORD. When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. My heart delighted in her, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. Since in this way I have profited, I will give my teacher grateful praise. I became resolutely devoted to her— the good I persistently strove for. My soul was tormented in seeking her, My hand opened her gate and I came to know her secrets. I directed my soul to her, and in cleanness I attained to her.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 (R. 9ab)
R.The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple. R.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye. R.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just. R.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb. R.
Gospel – Mk 11:27-33
Jesus and His disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As He was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached Him and said to Him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer Me.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”– they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Featured Saints
St. Clotilde, queen (†545). Through steadfast prayers and apostolic zeal, she obtained the conversion of her husband Clovis, King of the Franks, and of the entire kingdom. After his death she retired to the Abbey of St. Martin of Tours.
St. Kevin, abott (†618). Noble of Leinster, Ireland, he was baptized by St. Cronan and educated by St. Petroc. He founded the monastery of Glendalough.
St. Liphardus (†sixth century). Priest who led a hermetic life of great austerity in Meungsur-Loire, France.
St. Conus, monk (†thirteenth century). Monk from Santa Maria di Cadossa Monastery in Lucania, Italy, where he died yet a youth.
St. John Grande, religious (†1600). Religious from the Hospitaller Order, he died after contracting the plague in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).
St. Davinus (†1051). Armenian noble who, for love of Christ, sold all his belongings, distributed the money to the poor and became a pilgrim.
St. Peter Ðông, martyr (†1862). Father of Vietnamese family; he was submitted to torture and finally beheaded when he refused to trample a cross.
St. Morandus, monk (†1115). Accomplished fruitful apostolic works in Alsace, where he was sent by St. Hugo of Cluny, to be superior of a new foundation.
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