Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
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.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Zechariah 8:20-23
Thus says the LORD of hosts: There shall yet come peoples, the inhabitants of many cities; and the inhabitants of one city shall approach those of another, and say, “Come! let us go to implore the favor of the LORD”; and, “I too will go to seek the LORD.” Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to implore the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men of every nationality, speaking different tongues, shall take hold, yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7 (R.Zec 8:23)
R. God is with us.
His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God! R.
I tell of Egypt and Babylon
among those that know the LORD;
Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia:
“This man was born there.”
And of Zion they shall say:
“One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her
is the Most High LORD.” R.
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
“This man was born there.”
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
“My home is within you.” R.
Gospel – Lk 9:51-56
When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.
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.
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