Easter Sunday: Resurrection - Year B

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READING I
Acts 10:34, 37-43

Peter addresses a gathering of gentiles in this first reading. He summarizes the life of Jesus beginning with his baptism and continues through the preaching of Jesus, his deeds, Passion, death and Resurrection. Peter is among the chosen people to go out into the world telling this story.

READING II
Colossians 3:1-4
Paul helps the Colossians understand our new life in light of the Risen Christ. We share the experiences of Christ and should live accordingly. We died with him, and we will be raised with him.

GOSPEL
John 20:1-9

Because Mary did not have time on Friday before sunset to prepare Jesus for burial, she rushed to the tomb Sunday morning. When she found the tomb empty she told the other disciples and none of them understood what was going on. At last Mary recognized Jesus when he called her by name.

Jesus came among the disciples after the Resurrection. As it was with the disciples, we share in the new life that came from the death of Jesus. How do others see the Good News of the Resurrection through you?

We like it when people call us by our name. When they do this, we understand that they know us, recognize us, and care enough to address us personally. How do you think Jesus calls you by name?

April 12 - St. Zeno of Verona
St. Zeno of Verona, an African bishop of the fourth century, was known as a wonderful preacher and teacher. His collection of sermons is still used to help people understand Christianity in Africa in the decades following the end of the Roman persecutions.

April 13 - Blessed Margaret of Castello
Margaret was born in 1287 in Italy. She was born blind and had other physical problems. Her family neglected her and when she was fourteen, completely abandoned her. Margaret became a lay Dominican. Her life was one of prayer and good works.

April 14 - St. Tiburtius
There were two saints named Tiburtius who both lived near Rome in the second century and both died for their Christian faith. They had worshiped in secret with other Christians. Little else is known about them except that their names were inscribed on the walls of the catacombs as martyrs.

April 15 - Blessed Damien of Molokai
Damien of Molokai died of leprosy on this day in 1889. He was a doctor and priest. Every day he would begin Mass by addressing the people with leprosy as "my friends." When the day came that he began by saying, "my fellow lepers," they knew that he too had contracted the disease. Fr. Damien established hospitals, clinics, and churches on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai. Pope John Paul II beatified him on June 4, 1995.

April 16 - St. Bernadette of Lourdes
St. Bernadette was a little girl who had visions of Mary. The place became a shrine to the Mother of God at Lourdes, France. Thousands of people have been helped by their faith in God's ability to cure them in the waters of the shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes.

April 17 - St. Stephen Harding
St. Stephen Harding, one of the few saints of the Middle Ages (12th century) to be remembered by first and last name, was an abbot, the leader of a monastery for men. He is one of the three great reformers of the strict Trappist monastic tradition.

April 18 - St. James Oldo
Born in 1364 in Italy, James Oldo grew up rich and spoiled. He married Catharine who was just like him and together they enjoyed the comforts of the wealthy. A plague came to their village and many people they knew, including two of their children died from the disease. James soon converted to Christianity. At first his mother and wife did not agree with him, but eventually they converted, too. They turned their substantial home into a place where poor and sick could receive care.

Beatification
In 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified four people who had spent their lives caring for the poor and exploited. They are Laslzo Batthyany-Strattman of Hungary, Sr. Juana Maria Condesa Lluch of Spain, Sr. Maria Caridad Brader of Switzerland, and Fr. Pierre Bonhomme of France. The process of beatification is the last step before canonization to sainthood.

2nd Sunday of Easter - Year B

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READING I
Acts 4:32-35

In the early Church, the Apostles were well-respected because they were eye-witnesses to the story of Jesus and his Resurrection. It is therefore not surprising that the Christian community entrusted to them all their possessions they held in common. The Apostles distributed these worldly goods as they were needed among the people.

READING II
1 John 5:1-6
The early Church struggled with understanding the person of Jesus and his role in salvation. This epistle also addresses the Church’s commitment to communal living and Christian fellowship. We receive a share in Jesus’ baptism through water, but by his blood, we also share in the Eucharist.

GOSPEL
John 20:19-31

Jesus appeared to the frightened Apostles as they huddled together in a locked room. He greeted them with peace, and through the Holy Spirit they had the authority and power to forgive sins. Thomas was not present for Jesus’ initial visit, but later came to believe because he could touch the wounds in Jesus’ side.

When we read today’s gospel it is easy for us to criticize Thomas and his doubt. Doubt, however, doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of faith but rather a lack of knowledge. Have you ever wondered about something you did not understand? How did your faith help you accept it?

While we as a Church no longer live in a community and share equally all our possessions, we are still called to help one another. Most of us have much more comfort than other people in the world. Is there one thing you can do to share your blessings with one other person?

April 19 - St. Alphege
St. Alphege was Archbishop of Canterbury in 1012 when a group of Danish "barbarians" captured him and demanded a ransom for his return. He refused, saying, "Silver and gold have I none; what is mine I freely offer, the knowledge of the one true God." Because he refused to cooperate with the ransom demands, he was slain.

April 20 - St. Agnes of Montepulciano
St. Agnes of Montepulciano was famous for her deep spirituality. At age 15, in 1283, she was named abbess of the convent in Procena, Italy. Later, while prioress in Montepulciano, she adopted the Dominican rule, and led that community of sisters to imitate her life of prayer and sacrifice.

April 21 - St. Anselm
Today is the memorial of St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury in England in the 12th century. He was known as a patient and gifted teacher. He refused to let the "business" of running the diocese get in the way of his important role as a teacher of the faith. He has been named a Doctor of the Church.

April 22 - St. Theodore of Sykeon
St. Theodore of Sykeon was a monk of the late sixth century and a famous healer. (Sykeon was a village in Galatia, the area of a Christian community to whom St. Paul addressed his letter to the Galatians.) The story of St. Theodore's life tells a lot about life in Asia Minor.

April 23 - St. George
St. George is the patron saint of England and according to legend, the slayer of dragons. The truth probably has something to do with his having been a soldier in the late third century; he abandoned his military rank to become a Christian and was put to death by Rome (referred to by early Christians as "the seven-headed dragon," because of the seven hills of Rome). St. George is also the patron of soldiers.

April 23 - St. Adalbert
As a bishop of Prague, St. Adalbert tried to reform the clergy. He left to evangelize and serve as a missionary to Hungary during the tenth century. He was called the Apostle of the Prussians. He and other missionaries were martyred by the Prussians in 997.

April 24 - St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Today is the feast of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a priest and patron of lawyers. He distributed his wealth among the poor of early 17th-century Germany. He was martyred for his faith.

April 25 - St. Mark
Today is the memorial of St. Mark, the gospel writer. Though Mark's gospel is second in the New Testament, it was the first one written and is the shortest. Mark probably never met Jesus but learned of him through others. He was a Christian during the first century. His gospel tells us much about Jesus' suffering.

Sr. Thea Bowman
Bertha Bowman was born in Mississippi. She joined the Catholic Church as a child and later became a nun. She took the name Sister "Thea" which means "of God." As a black religious sister she faced many obstacles. She used the gift of a beautiful singing voice as part of her teaching and many talks she gave all over the country. Sister Thea became seriously ill with cancer, but continued singing as long as she was able. She died on this day in 1990. See Unity in Community and Using Her Voice for God -- Thea Bowman for related activities.

4th Sunday of Easter - Year B

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READING I
Acts 4:8-12

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches to the Jewish leaders about Jesus’ saving power. God raised Jesus from the dead, and no other name under heaven can free us from sin but Jesus. Peter makes clear that these leaders executed the one who can save them.

READING II
1 John 3:1-2

Through the gift of God’s Son, we may all live as children of God. We received this knowledge, albeit only in part, that Jesus is the Messiah. Through this special knowledge, we will see God face to face and be able to return God’s love.

GOSPEL
John 10:11-18

Making a distinction between good shepherds, hired hands, and wolves, Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd. He knows his sheep and is willing to die for them. Not only is this image fitting for Jesus and God’s people, but it helps explain the love of God for his Son.

In today’s gospel, Jesus says that he not only knows his sheep but that his sheep know him. We know that Jesus loves us, and we profess to love him in return; but sometimes the voice of the wolf gets through. What are the “wolves” in your life that try to lead you away from Jesus?

We know from today’s gospel reading that Jesus is the Good Shepherd whose love for us is so great that he is ready to lay down his life for us. We are fortunate to have many people in our lives who love us deeply. Who are some good shepherds in your life that lead you to Jesus?

May 3 - Saints Philip and James
Today is the feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles who walked, talked, worked and ate with Jesus and helped to carry on his work after Pentecost. James the Lesser became the first bishop of Jerusalem.

May 4 - St. Gothard
St. Gothard was a bishop of 11th century Hildesheim in Germany. He was known for being very organized and energetic in his work. Bishop Gothard put much care into the cathedral school and into a large home for the poor in a city close to Hildesheim.

May 5 – St. Hilary of Arles
St. Hilary was barely 30 when he became Bishop of Arles in France. He was an energetic and dedicated priest. As bishop, he worked hard for reforms in his diocese in the fifth century.

May 6 – Blessed Anna Rosa Gattorno
Rose Maria Benedetta grew up in a wealthy, pious family. She married and had three children. One child died a few months after her husband. While raising her children, she became a Franciscan tertiary. Later she founded an Institute to work with the poor and sick. She took the name Anna Rosa. She died in 1900 in Italy of influenza. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 2000.

May 7 - St. Agostino Roscelli
He served as a chaplain of an orphanage and of a prison. St. Agostino Roscelli also founded a residential school to train women who were in danger of starvation. In 1876, he founded the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata to lead this and other residential centers he founded. Pope John Paul II canonized him on June 10, 2001.

May 8 - St. Peter of Tarentaise
St. Peter of Tarentaise was a French bishop of the 12th century who used monastic principles to help heal a diocese that was having problems. Some of his reforms included rebuilding a hospice in the Tarentaise Mountains between Switzerland and Italy and distributing food in early spring to people living on hill farms.

May 9 - St. Pachomius
This is the memorial of St. Pachomius, the fourth century founder of community monasticism. He was the first to provide a written rule of life for his followers. He had converted to Christianity as an adult. St. Pachomius set up nine communities for men and three for women.

Thomas Jefferson
On this day in 1743, Thomas Jefferson was born. He was a young man of 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He later became the third U.S. President. He died on Independence Day in 1826, a few hours before John Adams.

5th Sunday of Easter - Year B

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READING I
Acts 9:26-31

When Paul first joins them, the Apostles are reluctant to accept him. After all, he has only recently persecuted the Christians; but Barnabas believed in Paul’s conversion and desire to witness. The Apostles accept Paul and send him into the world to proclaim the Good News.

READING II
1 John 3:18-24

In today’s second reading, we see clearly our call to show our love for God by what we do for others. The commandment tells us to love one another, and this is the defining characteristic of the Body of Christ. But how we treat others is the true test of how we live the commandment.

GOSPEL
John 15:1-8

Using the image of a vine and branches, Jesus explains the interconnectedness of relationships between the Father, Jesus and his followers. Jesus is the vine from which his followers, or branches, grow while God is the gardener who trims and provides opportunities for the branches to grow. When we are living examples of God’s love and act as Jesus did, we provide much fruit.

The essence of today’s readings, challenge us to show our love for Christ through our actions toward other people. Sometimes we put ourselves first, however, and our actions show how much we care about us rather than others. Are there activities in your life that no longer contribute to the growth of your branches?

In early spring, we often see deadwood growing around trees, vines, and bushes. This is part of the image in today’s gospel in which the gardener prunes away the dead branches so that the new ones can be healthy and grow. What is the “deadwood” in your life that God can prune so that you can grow, too?

May 10 - St. John of Avila
Born into a wealthy family, St. John of Avila became a lawyer and a priest. He later gave most of his fortune to the poor. He became a traveling preacher and a writer of the sixteenth century. He was canonized in 1970.

May 11 - St. Francis di Girolamo
St. Francis di Girolamo was a Jesuit priest from Italy who spent most of his life working as a rural missionary in the countryside near Naples. His sermons were short and vigorous, and he touched many hearts.

May 12 - Saints Nereus and Achilleus
Four Christian converts were martyred during the first century for their refusal to deny their Christianity. Nereus and Achilleus were brothers who served in the Roman army. Domitilla was a widow and Pancratius a teenager when they also died for their newly accepted Christianity.

May 13 - Our Lady of Fatima
Between May 13 and October 13, 1917 Our Lady appeared to three children in the village of Fatima. Mary implored the children to encourage others to pray the rosary for peace. Many pilgrims continue to visit Fatima today seeking cures from the waters that sprang up when Our Lady appeared.

May 14 - St. Matthias
Today is the feast of St. Matthias. He was chosen to fill the place among the Twelve Apostles left by Judas, after the death of Jesus. Matthias preached the gospel in Ethiopia, Africa.

May 15 - St. Isidore
St. Isidore was a Spanish farmer of the 12th century, who spent all his life working for the same employer. Isidore and his wife, who is also honored as Santa Maria de la Cabeza, worked hard together and were kind to their neighbors. They teach us about reverence for work.

May 16 - St. Brendan the Voyager
St. Brendan the Voyager was a sixth-century monk from Kerry, Ireland. There is much folklore about Brendan, partly due to a widespread 10th century tale called Brendan's Voyage, which describes his supposed trip to the Canary Islands. We do know that he visited England and western Scotland.

Daniel Chester French
Daniel Chester French sculpted the majestic seated figure of Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. He was born in New Hampshire on this day in 1850. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1922.

6th Sunday of Easter - Year B

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READING I
Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

The mission of Jesus has been entrusted to the young Church where the Apostles are to preach the Good News from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It is in Caesarea where Cornelius, a Roman officer, converts and the Spirit comes upon him. The universality of God’s unconditional love for every human being becomes clear.

READING II
1 John 4:7-10

It is the Church’s mission to carry the Good News to all nations of the world. This Good News is rooted in God’s love that is a love so deep that God sent his only Son to be our Savior. With this model of love, Christians are called to show that same love to others.

GOSPEL
John 15:9-17

The complete circle of love begins with God’s deep love for Jesus. God sent Jesus to us so that we may love one another. God chooses us, and our response to this deep love is to love one another.

Some days our schedules are so full of meeting our own demands, that we don’t have time to squeeze in anyone else. Today’s gospel messages challenges us to show our love for God through the actions we do for others. What will you exchange so that you can reach out to someone who needs to see God’s love through you?

Jesus asks us to show our love for him through the way we treat other people. Some people are just plain hard to love; they may be annoying, loud, bossy, and selfish. How will you reach out in love this week to a difficult person in your life?

May 17 - St. Paschal Baylon
St. Paschal Baylon was a Spanish lay brother in the Franciscan order during the Protestant Reformation. Lay brothers were servants to the friars. St. Paschal was humble, obedient, and fervent in his duties. He cared for the poor and took food from the monastery garden to feed them. He also had a life-long devotion to the Eucharist.

May 18 - St. John I
This is the memorial of St. John I, a sixth-century pope who would not change his teaching to suit the king. He was put in jail in Ravenna, Italy, where he died.

May 19 - St. Celestine V
St. Celestine V lived in the thirteenth century. He lived many years as a hermit. As an 80-year-old Benedictine monk, he was chosen after two years of struggle by the cardinals to appoint a new pope. After only five months as pope, Celestine abdicated his office. His successor, Pope Boniface VIII confined Celestine to a small room in a Roman palace where he prayed and fasted.

May 20 - St. Bernardino of Siena
This is the memorial of St. Bernardino of Siena, a Franciscan priest who was known for his exuberant, successful preaching in 15th century Italy. In the Franciscan tradition he was a peacemaker among people.

May 21 - Fr. Vincent Capodanno
Fr. Vincent Capodanno was named a "Servant of God" on this day in 2006. This marks the beginning of the process toward sainthood. A Maryknoll priest, he volunteered to serve in the navy as a military chaplain with the U. S. Marines. In 1967, while giving aid to a wounded soldier in battle, he was killed. Fr. Vincent has been called the "Grunt Padre" because of the way he associated with the struggles and fears of the young marines with whom he served. He has been awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Vietnam War.

May 22 - St. Rita of Cascia
St. Rita lived in Italy during the fourteenth century. From an early age she wanted to become a nun, but her parents insisted she marry. Her husband was killed, and her two young sons died from a serious illness. Three times Rita tried to enter the convent, but was refused because she had been married. On her fourth try, she was allowed to join. St. Rita was known for her devotion to prayer and her charity. She suffered from chronic illness and is a patron of hopeless causes.

May 23 - St. John Baptist Rossi
In 1698, John Baptist Rossi was born in Italy. He began his studies for the priesthood in Rome at age 13. He was ordained at the age of 23. St. John Baptist Rossi is remembered as a fine confessor and minister to the sick. He himself suffered many afflictions.

"Apostle" of the Mass Media
Fr. Giacomo Alberione was beatified April 27, 2003. As a young priest, he served as a Catholic newspaper editor. He founded the Society of St. Paul in 1914 and the Daughters of St. Paul in 1915. Fr. Alberione wanted to use the media to spread the good news of Jesus.

Orthodox Easter
The Eastern Orthodox Church bases its celebration of Easter on the Julian Calendar, whereas the Western Church uses the Gregorian Calendar. This year they coincide. Following this system it will be more than twenty years before they occur on the same date again.

Many dioceses in the United States move the celebration of the Ascension from Thursday [as included here] replacing the readings for the 7th Sunday in Easter.

Ascension Sunday - Year B

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READING I
Acts 1:1-11

Filled with symbolism, Luke describes Jesus’ commission of the disciples and his ascension into heaven. The number forty is significant to Luke and that is how many days have passed since Jesus’ Resurrection. With the promise that the Holy Spirit will come to help the Apostles, Jesus is lifted into heaven and disappears into a cloud.

READING II
Ephesians 4:1-13

This reading describes in more detail the many gifts the Spirit distributes throughout the Church. Each person is given gifts to help build up the Body of Christ, the Church. To witness for Christ however, requires constant and persevering action that we can accomplish only through the help of the Holy Spirit.

GOSPEL
Mark 16:15-20

Most scholars believe this section was added to Mark’s gospel in order to make it more compatible with the other gospel endings. Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commissioned the disciples to tell all the people of the world the Good News. The disciples then saw Jesus lifted up bodily into heaven where he would sit at the Father’s right hand.

It is easy for us to share our faith and witness the love of Jesus to people who think like us and live a similar life-style to our own. We don’t even like associating with those who are drastically different from us let alone tell them about the Good News of Jesus. How will you allow your actions to demonstrate that you are a disciple to someone who genuinely needs to hear the Good News?

The world is a pretty big place, and sometimes we think we can make no difference in it all. Just one act of kindness, however, can change someone’s day and make them more open to accepting Jesus in their heart. You may never know the difference you made in someone’s life, but is there some action you can take today to show the Good News of Jesus?

Space Shuttle Atlantis
In 1989 the space shuttle Atlantis was launched. This shuttle successfully deployed the Magellan, a spacecraft on its way to Venus to map that planet's surface.

National Pet Week
The American Veterinary Association promotes responsible pet ownership during this week. To find out about nationwide activities, go to American Veterinary Association www.avmaaux.org Be extra caring of pets this week. Make it a habit.

Seventh Sunday of Easter - Year B

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READING I
Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26

Between Jesus’ Ascension and Pentecost, a group of Jesus’ followers have assembled to replace Judas among the twelve. As a community, the people have prayed over two choices, Matthias and Barsabbas; who have both fulfilled the requirement of Apostles in that they were witnesses to Christ’s mission and Resurrection. The people trust that God will direct their choice, so lots are cast with Matthias coming out the winner.

READING II
1 John 4:11-16

As this letter draws to a conclusion, the theme of God’s unconditional love continues. It is this love of God that is foundational for our love of one another. God’s love for us is brought to perfection in us as we love one another.

GOSPEL
John 17:11b-19

Jesus prays that God will fortify the Apostles so that they will be strong in their effort to fulfill the mission Jesus has begun. Jesus asks God to protect the Apostles from the evils that would prevent them from carrying out the mission of the Church. With the help of the Spirit, the Church leaders will teach and guide the faithful.

Through our baptism, we are all called to share in the priesthood of Christ. In this priestly prayer, Jesus asks God to protect all disciples from the evils of the world. How will you put your faith into action by serving another person this week?

At the Last Supper, Jesus knows that he will soon be leaving the mission of the Church in the hands of the Apostles. He prays to God asking God to protect them from the evils of the world and give them strength to continue the mission Jesus began. As a follower of Jesus, how will your actions show the glory of God to others?

May 24 - St. David of Scotland
St. David of Scotland lived in the 12th century, and was one of Scotland's greatest kings. He was one of eight children of St. Margaret of Scotland.

May 25 - St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi
Mary Magdalen de Pazzi lived near the end of the sixteenth century. She entered the convent at age fourteen becoming a Carmelite nun. She suffered from illness and temptation throughout her life. She was a mystic and led a life of prayer and self-denial, praying especially for renewal of the Church. She is a patron of the sick.

May 26 - St. Philip Neri
St. Philip Neri was a priest of 16th century Italy, who was known for his sense of humor, his joy, and his warm personality. He used his talents of gentleness and good spirit to help the poor find food and shelter. He endured criticism for not being harder on people and for doing things his own way.

May 27 - St. Augustine of Canterbury
St. Augustine of Canterbury was an Italian monk and bishop in the sixth century who was asked to bring the gospel to England. He was very successful in his mission, because he was gentle and because he respected the customs and culture of the people.

May 28 - St. Bernard of Montjoux
St. Bernard of Montjoux is the patron saint of mountain climbers and founder of Alpine hospices in the 11th century. Bernard eliminated the problem of robbers along the road to Rome and established safe lodging for travelers and pilgrims. A breed of rescue dogs that aided climbers are named after this saint.

May 29 - St. Bona of Pisa
At the age of fourteen, St. Bona of Pisa made a thousand-mile trip to see her father, who was fighting in the Crusades. She was captured by pirates in the Mediterranean but was rescued by fellow Christians. Eventually she led groups of pilgrims to the Holy Lands.

May 30 - St. Joan of Arc
St. Joan of Arc was a 15th century French teenager who bravely defended her country. She was burned at the stake as a heretic. Today is a national holiday in France, honoring this strong, patriotic Frenchwoman. Pope Benedict XV canonized her in 1920.

"Apostle" of the Mass Media
Fr. Giacomo Alberione was beatified April 27, 2003. As a young priest, he served as a Catholic newspaper editor. He founded the Society of St. Paul in 1914 and the Daughters of St. Paul in 1915. Fr. Alberione wanted to use the media to spread the good news of Jesus.

Orthodox Easter
The Eastern Orthodox Church bases its celebration of Easter on the Julian Calendar, whereas the Western Church uses the Gregorian Calendar. This year they coincide. Following this system it will be more than twenty years before they occur on the same date again.

For a related activity, see At Pentecost.

Solemnity of Pentecost - Year B

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READING I
Acts 2:1-11

As Jesus had promised, the Spirit came to the disciples so that they may know and proclaim the truth about Jesus. On this day of Pentecost, the Church was born as the Apostles were strengthened to carry the Good News into the world. First like a wind and then in the form of fire, the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit so that when they spoke and told the story of Jesus, everyone present heard it in a language they understood.

READING II
Galatians 5:16-25

Paul makes a distinction between the pleasures of the body and the desires of the Spirit. He lists the sins associated with the works of the flesh and contrasts them with the fruits of the Spirit. These fruits of the Spirit unify believers into one body of people that is the Church.

GOSPEL
John 20: 19-23

Frightened and in a locked room, the disciples had lost hope and were confused about their mission. Jesus appeared in the room and greeted his followers with a sign of peace. Thomas was not present and would not believe that Jesus was with them until he saw the wounds of Jesus for himself.

Today’s second reading lists the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the gospel describes the faith of people who believe in Jesus without actually seeing him. What fruits of the Spirit are evident in your life that show others your faith in Jesus? Which fruits do you need to tend to in order that they may grow?

Following the death of Jesus, the disciples were frightened and discouraged as they huddled in a locked room. Sometimes we are also afraid when life is uncertain. How has Jesus come to you at a time when you needed him most?

This Week’s Feast

May 31 – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth
The gospel reading for this day (Luke 1:46-55) includes the Magnificat – Mary’s prayer of praise to God. It expresses God’s grace that turns society upside down because it favors the poor and lowly and rejects worldly power.

May 31 - Blessed James Salomone
James Salomone was born in Venice in 1231. He was raised by his grandmother and tutored by a monk. When he grew up he became a Dominican. James had a gift for spiritual direction and worked with the poor and sick. He died of cancer at the age of 83. Blessed James Salomone was beatified in 1526 and is the patron of cancer patients.

June 1 - St. Justin
Today is the memorial of St. Justin, a martyr of the early Church in 165. As a philosopher seeking truth, he converted to Christianity. He was the first to teach in school about Jesus. His writings help people understand the early days of the Church.

June 2 - Saints Marcellinus and Peter
Today we remember Saints Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs of the second century. Peter was a Christian who loved telling people about Jesus. His friend, a priest named Marcellinus baptized converts. They were caught and sentenced to death for spreading Christianity.

June 3 - Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions
Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions were martyrs of Uganda in 1886. Charles was a minister of King Mwanga. When the king found out Charles was a Christian, he had Charles and his friends killed. The example of their faith resulted in many other Ugandans becoming Christians. A basilica was built in their honor. St. Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth action and of torture victims.

June 4 - St. Francis Caracciolo
St. Francis Caracciolo was an Italian of the late 16th century who, because he believed that God cured his skin disease, became a monk. He dedicated his life to God and to the service of others, especially of prisoners who were on death row.

June 5 - St. Boniface
Today we honor St. Boniface, a bishop and martyr of Germany in the Dark Ages of the eighth century. Even bishops in those days were poorly trained, so Boniface helped educate bishops in Germany. He later went to Holland, which was then a mission land, and was killed for his faith. St. Boniface is a patron saint of Germany.

June 6 - St. Norbert
St. Norbert was a 12th century Archbishop of Magdeburg. He began life as a wealthy man. One day he was knocked off his horse, and when he regained consciousness, he decided that his wealth was not making him happy, so he entered the religious life.

Fr. Mychal Judge
Fr. Mychal Judge was born this day in 1933. He was a Franciscan priest in New York City. He also served as a chaplain to firefighters. Fr. Judge was fatally injured while ministering to a firefighter during the collapse of the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001. He was identified as the first person killed on that day.

Mother's Day
The second Sunday of May has been observed as Mother's Day since 1907. As Catholics, we model motherhood after Mary, the Mother of Jesus. On this day, we honor our own mothers, Mary, and other women who have cared for us in special ways.