Memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, priest (†1968). From the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins, he was favoured with many mystical gifts, including that of bearing the sacred stigmata. He was a renowned wonder-worker and apostle of the Sacrament of Confession. See also: May Your Good Guardian Angel Protect You, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina – Cross, Persecution and Glory.
Other Featured Saints
St. Linus, Pope and martyr. The second Pope of history, chosen by St. Peter himself. He is mentioned by St. Paul the Apostle in the second letter to Timothy (cf. 2 Tim 4:21).
St. Adamnan of Iona, priest and abbot (†704). Abbot of Iona Abbey in Scotland, as well as general superior over the other Columban houses in his native Ireland to which he made lengthy visits, introducing the Roman Paschal observance there. His Life of Columba is one of the most important works from the time to reach the present day.
St. Zechariah and St. Elizabeth, parents of St. John the Baptist, Precursor of the Messiah.
Blessed Joseph Stanek, priest and martyr (†1944). Religious from the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, imprisoned and hanged in Warsaw during the Second World War.
Blesseds Christopher, Anthony and John, martyrs (†1527-1529). Indigenous youths who died in Tlaxcala (Mexico), during the first evangelization of America, for helping to propagate the Christian Faith.
Blessed Elena Duglioli, widow (+1520). Born in Bologna, Italy. In her youth, she desired to consecrate herself to God, but faced with opposition from her family, she was obliged to marry. After her husband’s death, she dedicated herself to works of charity.
Blessed Bernardina Jablonska, virgin (†1940). Foundress of the Congregation of the Sister Servants of the Poor in Krakow, Poland. She was the Spiritual daughter of St. Albert Chmielowski.
Mass Readings
First Reading − Hg 1:1-8
On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius, The word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak: Thus says the LORD of hosts: This people says: “The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.” (Then this word of the LORD came through Haggai, the prophet:) Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; And whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house That I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory, says the LORD.
Responsorial Psalm − Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b (R.see 4a)
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king. R.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory. R.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. R.
Gospel − Lk 9:7-9
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening,
and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,
“John has been raised from the dead”;
others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”;
still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”
But Herod said, “John I beheaded.
Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
And he kept trying to see him.
