Thursday in the 5th Week of Easter
Optional memorial of St. Rita of Cascia, religious (†1457). Revered as a patroness of seemingly impossible cases. She patiently bore the harsh treatment of her husband. After his death and that of her two sons, she entered the Augustinian convent at Cascia where she was an exemplary religious. She was favoured with mystical visions and bore permanent wound on her forehead associated with the crown of thorns.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Acts 15:7-21
After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to the Apostles and the presbyters, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me. Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written: After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again, so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, known from of old. It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood. For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”
Responsorial Psalm – 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10 (R.3)
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name. R.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. R.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity. Alleluia. R.
Gospel – Jn 15:9-11
Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
Featured Saints
St. Atto, bishop (†c. 1153). After serving as abbot of the Order of Vallumbrosa, he was elect ed to the Episcopal Seat of Pistoia, Italy.
St. Dominic Ngon, martyr (†1862). Father of a family who was decapitated during the persecutions in Vietnam, for refusing to renounce his Faith.
St. John Forest, priest and martyr († 1538). Franciscan priest, burned alive during the reign of Henry VIII of England, for defending the unity of the Catholic Church.
Blessed Matthias of Arima, martyr (†1620). Catechist from Oruma, Japan; tortured to death for refusing to denounce the missionaries.
Blessed Humility (Rosanna), abbess (†1310). At twenty-four years of age, she and her husband decided to abandon the world and enter religious life. Drawn by her example, several young women joined her in the Monastery of St. Maria Novella, of which she became prioress.
Blessed Maria Domenica Brun Barbantini, religious (†1868). Widow who dedicated herself to helping the impoverished sick and founded the Congregation of the Sister Ministers of the Sick of St. Camillus in Lucca, Italy.
Blesseds Peter of the Assumption and John Baptist Machado, priests and martyrs (†1617) Franciscan priests beheaded in Kori, Japan, out of hatred for the Faith.
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