Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
St. Athanasius St. Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church (†373). As Bishop of Alexandria, he defended Catholic orthodoxy for forty years against the Arian heresy which denied the divinity of Jesus Christ. He was exiled five times, enduring unrelenting injuries and accusations. In addition to the Life of St. Anthony of Egypt, he wrote many doctrinal works.
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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 – Ps 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. Antoninus of Florence, bishop (†1459). Founded the dominican convent of St. Mark where, during his priorship, Blessed Angelico produced his famous artworks. Appointed Archbishop of Florence, he was a renowned moralist, director of souls and preacher.
St. Joseph Maria Rubio y Peralta, priest (†1929). Spanish Jesuit, apostle of the confessional and preacher of the spiritual exercises in Madrid. His motto was: Do what God wants and want what God does.
St. Joseph Nguyen Van Luu, martyr (†1854). Vietnamese farmer and catechist; he offered himself in the place of priest Peter Luu, and died in prison, during the reign of Emperor Tự Đức.
St. Wiborada, virgin and martyr (†926). She lived a recollected life in a cell beside the Church of St. Magnus in St. Gallen, Switzerland. She was killed by Hungarian invaders because of her Faith and religious vow.
Blessed Nicholas Hermansson, bishop (†1391). Demanding with self but compassionate with the poor; he dedicated himself entirely to his Diocese of Linköping, Sweden, where he reverently received the relics of St. Bridget.
Blessed William Tirry, priest and martyr (†1654). Augustinian priest executed in Clonmel, Ireland, for his fidelity to the Pope, during the regime of Oliver Cromwell.
Blessed Boleslas Strzelecki, priest and martyr (†1941). Parish priest with a reputation for holiness among his parishioners. During the anti-Catholic persecution waged during the Nazi occupation of Poland, he was arrested and detained in Auschwitz concentration camp, where he died four months later as a result of the severe mistreatment inflicted on him there.
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