Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi, (†1226). Son of a wealthy merchant of Assisi, he took part, as a young man, in military expeditions during the conflicts erupting between Italian cities at that time. After he heard Our Lord Crucified asking him to rebuild His Church, which was in ruins, he abandoned the world and founded the Order of Friars Minor, and, with St. Clare, the Franciscan Clarist Order.
Other featured Saints
St. Petronius of Bologna, bishop (†c. 450). He renounced the office he held in the Roman Empire and dedicated himself the the service of the Church. He is celebrated for his learning and his miracles.
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, priest (†1867). Redemptorist religious of Bavarian origin, sent on mission to the United States, he dedicated himself to the assistance of youth and of German-speaking immigrants. (USA: transferred to Ocober 5.)
St. Peter of Damascus, bishop and martyr (†1750). When his diocese of Damascus in Syria was invaded by Muslims, he was blinded and crucified, before being beheaded.
St. Aurea of Paris, abbess (†c. 667). Superior of the Abbey of St. Martial, in Paris, where 300 virgins lived under the Rule of St. Columbanus.
Blessed José Canet Giner, priest and martyr (†1936). Parish priest of the Archdiocese of Valencia who was killed by firing squad at the age of thirty-three in Gandia, as part of the anti-Catholic persecution of the Spanish Civil War.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Gal 6:14-18
Brothers and sisters: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11 (R. see 5a)
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot. R.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. R.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever. R.
Gospel – Mt 11:25-30
At that time Jesus answered:
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
