Memorial of Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs
Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, priest, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, martyred in Korea, during the anti-Catholic persecution waged in the nineteenth century. They are the first canonized saints of this Asian country.
Mass Readings
First Reading – 1 Tm 3:14-16
Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (R.2)
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights. R.
Majesty and glory are His work,
and His justice endures forever.
He has won renown for His wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD. R.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will forever be mindful of His covenant.
He has made known to His people the power of His works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations. R.
Gospel – Lk 7:31-35
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, He is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
Featured Saints
St. John Charles Cornay, priest and martyr (†1837). French priest from the Paris Foreign Missions Society, he was subjected to torture and finally beheaded in Son Tay (Vietnam).
St. José Maria de Yermo y Parres, priest and founder (†1904). He cared for those in need with untiring energy and abnegation, becoming known in Mexico as the “Giant of charity. He founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Poor.
Blessed Thomas Johnson, priest and martyr (†1537). Religious from the Charterhouse in London. He died from starvation while in the Newgate prison where he was incarcerated for his fidelity to the Church with nine other Carthusian monks.
Blessed Maria Teresa of St. Joseph, virgin (†1938). Foundress of the Congregation of Carmelites Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. She died in Sittard, Holland.
Blessed Francis de Posadas, priest (†1713). Dominican religious who dedicated himself to preaching in Andalusia for 40 years, distinguished for his humility, penitence and charity.
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