Memorial of St. Jerome
St. Jerome, priest and Doctor of the Church (†420, Bethlehem). After a dissolute youth, he received Baptism in 366, abandoned pagan culture and led an ascetic life in a desert of Antioch. Ordained a priest at the age of 38, he participated in the Council of Rome in 382 and became the secretary of Pope St. Damasus, who commissioned him to revise the Latin translations of the Bible, a work which became known throughout the world as the Latin Vulgate. He vigorously fought the errors of his age, and stood out, together with his contemporary, St. Ambrose, for his exhortations in defence of virginity.
Other featured Saints
St. Francis Borgia, priest (†1572). Duke of Gandia and viceroy of Catalonia, he renounced the world after the death of his wife and entered the Company of Jesus, of which he became the third Superior General
St. Gregory, the Illuminator, bishop (†c.326). Apostle of Armenia; near the end of his life he retired to a grotto beside the Euphrates River.
St. Honorius of Canterbury, bishop (†653). One of the original group appointed as missionaries to England by Pope St. Gregory the Great, where he worked for the spreading of the Faith and the strengthening of the local churches. He succeeded St. Justus as head of the Archdiocese of Canterbury.
St. Simon, monk (†1082). While Count of Crépy, France, he renounced his homeland, marriage and wealth to lead a hermetic life in the Jura Massif.
Blessed Frederick Albert,priest (†1876). Founded the Congregation of the Vincentian Sisters of Mary Immaculate in the city of Lanzo, Italy, to care for indigents.
Blessed Felicia Meda, abbess (†1444). Clarist nun, superior of the monastery of St. Ursula, in Milan, and of the monastery Corpus Domini, of Pesaro, Italy.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12
The whole people gathered as one in the open space before the Water Gate, and they called upon Ezra the scribe to bring forth the book of the law of Moses which the LORD prescribed for Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, therefore, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak until midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. He opened the scroll so that all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people rose. Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, “Amen, amen!” Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces to the ground. As the people remained in their places, Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people: “Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep”– for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. He said further: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!” And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened.” Then all the people went to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 (R.9ab)
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple. R.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye; R.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just. R.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb. R.
Gospel – Lk 10:1-12
Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
whom He sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place He intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.’
Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”
