Saturday in the 7th Week of Easter
Mass Readings
First Reading – Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.” He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Responsorial Psalm – 11:4, 5 and 7 (R.see 7b)
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD’s throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold,
his searching glance is on mankind. R.
The LORD searches the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face. R.
Gospel – Jn 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
Featured Saints
Blessed Anne of St. Bartholomew, virgin (†1626). A discalced Carmelite favoured with mystical gifts, she was a disciple and close assistant of St. Teresa of Jesus, after whose death she opened Carmelite houses in France and Belgium.
St. Anthony Mary Gianelli, bishop (†1846). Bishop of Bobbio, Italy; dedicated to the poor and to the sanctification of the clergy. He founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Garden.
St. Colman, bishop († 6th Cen.). Founded the monastery of Dromore in Ireland, which later became an Episcopal See.
St. Robert of Newminster, abbot (†1159). After being ordained priest, he entered the Benedictine Abbey of Whitby, England. With twelve other monks, he helped found several monasteries, including Newminster, of which he became abbot.
Blessed Marie-Thérèse de Soubiran La Louvière, virgin (†1889). Founded the Society of Marie Auxiliatrice in Toulouse, France. She based its constitutions on those of the Company of Jesus and instituted nocturnal adoration. Unjustly expelled from her congregation, she spent the rest of her life in deep humility.