Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Heart of Mary, first mentioned in Scripture, was ever immaculate, for in it the Blood of Jesus, price of our Redemption was to be formed. Aflame with divine love, She hastened by her desires the salvation of the world. In Fatima, Our Lady promised: “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.”
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Mass Readings
First Reading – 2 Tm 4:1-8
Beloved: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 71:8-9, 14-15ab, 16-17, 22 (R. see 15ab)
R. I will sing of your salvation.
My mouth shall be filled with your praise,
with your glory day by day.
Cast me not off in my old age;
as my strength fails, forsake me not. R.
But I will always hope
and praise you ever more and more.
My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation. R.
I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord;
O GOD, I will tell of your singular justice.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. R.
So will I give you thanks with music on the lyre,
for your faithfulness, O my God!
I will sing your praises with the harp,
O Holy One of Israel! R.
Gospel – Lk 2:41-51
Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
Featured Saints
Blessed Mary of the Divine Heart, virgin (†1899). Born to the noble Droste zu Vischering Family in Germany. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and was sent to Porto, Portugal, as superior. She received received visions and revelations from Our Lord, who through her asked that the Pope consecrate the world to His Sacred Heart.
St. William Fitzherbert, bishop (†1154). After being restored to his Archiepiscopal See of York, England, from which he had been unjustly deposed, he pardoned his enemies and fostered peace.
St. Fortunatus of Fano, bishop (†sixth century). Bishop of Fano, Italy, who dedicated himself to the rescue of captives.
St. Medard (†561). Bishop of Noyon, France, he strove to convert the people from pagan superstitions to the doctrine of Christ.
Blessed James Berthieu, priest and martyr (†1896). Jesuit missionary imprisoned and killed by fetishists in Madagascar.
St. Maria Theresa Chiramel Mankidiyan, virgin (†1926). Founded the Congregation of the Holy Family in Kerala, India, dedicated to works of charity, and caring for the sick.
Blessed John Davy, deacon and martyr (†1537). English Carthusian who suffered terrible tortures and was starved to death in prison during the reign of Henry VIII, for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy.
Blessed Nicholas of Gesturi, religious (†1958). Capuchin priest, from the convent of Cagliari, Italy. He was a steadfast advocate of the poor and encouraged many others to practice this form of charity.
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