Tuesday in the 4th Week of Easter
Optional Memorial of St. John of Avila, priest (†1569). Renowned Spanish mystic, friend of St. Ignatius of Loyola and adviser to St. Teresa of Avila. Also, in the USA, Optional Memorial of St. Damien de Veuster, priest (†1889). Religious of the Congregation of Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He dedicated himself to serving the lepers on the island of Molokai, Hawaii, and died as a victim of the disease.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Acts 11:19-26
Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Responsorial Psalm – 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7 (R.117:1a)
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God! R.
I tell of Egypt and Babylon
among those who know the LORD;
Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia:
“This man was born there.”
And of Zion they shall say:
“One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her
is the Most High LORD.” R.
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
“This man was born there.”
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
“My home is within you.” R.
Gospel – Jn 10:22-30
The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
Featured Saints
St. Job. Commemoration of the admirable man of patience in tribulation, from the land of Hus, whose story is recounted in the Old Testament Book bearing his name.
St. William, priest (†1195). Born in England, he exercised his ministry as a parish priest in Pantoise, France, as a Benedictine hermit; there he stood out for his piety and zeal for the salvation of souls.
St. Comgall, abade (†622). Born in Ulster, Ireland, He founded the renowned monastery of Bangor in the North, which became an important centre of leaning evangelization of the time, where great figures such as St. Columbanus, St. Gall would receive their formation.
St. Solange of Bourges, virgin and martyr (†circa ninth century). Born into a family of farmers, near Bourges, France; she died at age sixteen, defending her virginity.
Blessed Nicholas Albergati, bishop (†1443). He organized ecclesiastical discipline in the Diocese of Bologna, Italy, and encouraged the founding of public catechism schools. He carried out important diplomatic missions on behalf of the Holy See.
Blessed Henry Rebuschini, priest (†1938). Priest of the Order of Clerics Regular, Ministers to the Sick; he cared for the sick in hospitals of Verona and Cremona, Italy.
Blessed Ivan Merz, layman (†1928). He worked as a professor in Zagreb, Croatia, serving as a model to youth of a man of Faith and a teacher faithful to Christ.
Blessed Beatrice d’Este, virgin (†1226). From a noble Italian family, she restored an ancient monastery near Padua, founding a community there under the Benedictine rule.
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