Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of The Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul. The former was built by Constantine on Vatican Hill, over St. Peter’s sepulchre, and the latter was erected on the Via Ostiensis, over the tomb of St. Paul. the dedication of these two basilicas was added to the Roman Calendar by St. Pius V in 1568.
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 – 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43 (R.5a)
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 adversary.’ 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. Odo of Cluny, abbot (†942). Second Abbot of Cluny; he restored monastic discipline in many monasteries of France and Italy.
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin (†1852). Optional Memorial in USA. Born in Grenoble, France, she entered a monastery there in 1788, but the Reign of Terror dispersed its members in 1792. After many years of struggles, she became a disciple of St. Madeleine-Sophie Barat, foundress of the new Society of the Sacred Heart, dedicated to teaching. Under her direction, St. Rose emigrated to the United States as a missionary, and opened several schools there. She died in St. Charles, Missouri at the age of 83.
St. Romanus, martyr (†303). Deacon of Caesarea, who exhorted the Christians of Antioch to persevere in the Catholic Faith when he saw them approaching idols; for this he was tortured and strangled to death.
Blessed Grimoald of the Purification Santamaria, religious (†1902). Passionist brother who became mortally ill while preparing for priestly ordination. He died a holy death at 18 years of age in Ceccano, Italy.
Blessed Carolina Kózka, virgin and martyr (†1914). Catechist from the parish of Zabawa, Poland. She was killed at 16 years of age, during the First World War, while resisting a Russian soldier who attempted to violate her chastity.
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