Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of St. Albert the Great, bishop and Doctor of the Church (†1280) Born in 1206 in Bavaria. Illustrious Dominican philosopher and theologian, he contributed significantly to medieval scholasticism and was the professor of the great St. Thomas Aquinas.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9
When peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, Your all-powerful word, from heaven’s royal throne bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land, bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree. And as he alighted, he filled every place with death; he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth. For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew, serving its natural laws, that your children might be preserved unharmed. The cloud overshadowed their camp; and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging: Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road, and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood. Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand, after they beheld stupendous wonders. For they ranged about like horses, and bounded about like lambs, praising you, O Lord! their deliverer
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43 (R.1b)
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! R.
Then he struck every firstborn throughout their land,
the first fruits of all their manhood.
And he led them forth laden with silver and gold,
with not a weakling among their tribes. R.
For he remembered his holy word
to his servant Abraham.
And he led forth his people with joy;
with shouts of joy, his chosen ones. R.
Gospel – Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my dversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Featured Saints
St. Joseph Pignatelli, priest (†1811). He was one of the restorers of the Company of Jesus in Spain, after its suppression in 1773. He is known for his charity, humility and purity of customs.
St. Leopold (†1136). Austrian prince known as “the Pious”; he declined becoming Emperor when the death of the heir apparent placed him next in line for the crown, and died in one of the monasteries he himself had built. He is venerated as the Patron Saint of Austria.
St. Raphael Kalinowski of St.Joseph, priest (†1907). A military engineer, he participated in the Lithuanian-Polish insurrection against Russia, was captured and condemned to forced labour in Siberia. After being liberated, he became a Carmelite and dedicated himself to the ministry of Confession and the expansion of the Order in Poland.
St. Desiderius, bishop (†655). He built many churches, monasteries and building for public use in his Diocese of Cahors, France, and strove to form souls into true temples of Christ.
St. Joseph Mikasa Balikuddembe, martyr (†1885). Prefect of the royal palace in Mengo, Uganda. After being baptized, he converted many young people to Christ, protecting them from King Mwenga. He was consequently beheaded.
Blessed Lucy Broccadelli of Narni, religious (†1544). In married life and as a Dominic tertiary she patiently endured many sufferings and humiliations. She died in the monastery she founded in Ferrara, Italy.
Blessed Mary of the Passion of Chappotin de Neuville, virgin (†1904). She founded the Congregation of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, particularly dedicated to improving the situation of women in mission lands.
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