Today's Catholic Mass Readings

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 464The Saint of the day is Saint Denis and CompanionsSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 463The Saint of the day is Saint John LeonardiSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Our Lady of the Rosary Lectionary: 462The Saint of the day is Our Lady of the RosarySaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 461The Saint of the day is Saint BrunoSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 141The Saint of the day is Saint Maria Faustina KowalskaSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Francis of Assisi Lectionary: 460The Saint of the day is Saint Francis of AssisiSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 459The Saint of the day is Saint Theodora GurinSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of the Holy Guardian Angels Lectionary: 458/650The Saint of the day is Feast of the Guardian AngelsSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 457The Saint of the day is Saint Thrse of LisieuxSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 456The Saint of the day is Saint JeromeSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsFeast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels Lectionary: 647The Saint of the day is Saints Michael, Gabriel, and RaphaelSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 138The Saint of the day is Saint WenceslausSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest Lectionary: 454The Saint of the day is Saint Vincent de PaulSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 453The Saint of the day is Saint Paul VISaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 452The Saint of the day is Saints Louis Martin and Zlie GurinSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 451The Saint of the day is Saint John Henry NewmanSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest Lectionary: 450The Saint of the day is Saint Pio of PietrelcinaSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 449The Saint of the day is Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and CompanionsSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 135The Saint of the day is Saint MatthewSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs Lectionary: 448The Saint of the day is Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and CompanionsSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 447The Saint of the day is Saint JanuariusSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 446The Saint of the day is Saint Joseph of CupertinoSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 445The Saint of the day is Saint Robert BellarmineSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs Lectionary: 444The Saint of the day is Saint CorneliusSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Our Lady of Sorrows Lectionary: 443/639The Saint of the day is Our Lady of SorrowsSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsFeast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Lectionary: 638The Saint of the day is Exaltation of the Holy CrossSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 441The Saint of the day is Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin MarySaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 440The Saint of the day is Saint CyprianSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 439The Saint of the day is Saint Thomas of VillanovaSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest Lectionary: 438The Saint of the day is Saint Peter ClaverSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsFeast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lectionary: 636The Saint of the day is Nativity of the Blessed Virgin MarySaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 129The Saint of the day is Blessed Frdric OzanamBlessed Frédéric Ozanam’s Story A man convinced of the inestimable worth of each human being, Frédéric served the poor of Paris well, and drew others into serving the poor of the world. Through the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which he founded, his work continues to the present day. Frédéric Ozanam was the fifth of Jean and Marie Ozanam's 14 children, one of only three to reach adulthood. As a teenager he began having doubts about his religion. Reading and prayer did not seem to help, but long walking discussions with Father Noirot of the Lyons College clarified matters a great deal. Frédéric wanted to study literature, although his father, a doctor, wanted him to become a lawyer. Frédéric yielded to his father's wishes and in 1831, arrived in Paris to study law at the University of the Sorbonne. When certain professors there mocked Catholic teachings in their lectures, Frédéric defended the Church. A discussion club which Frédéric organized sparked the turning point in his life. In this club, Catholics, atheists, and agnostics debated the issues of the day. Once, after Frédéric spoke about Christianity's role in civilization, a club member said: “Let us be frank, Mr. Ozanam; let us also be very particular. What do you do besides talk to prove the faith you claim is in you?” Frédéric Ozanam was stung by the question. He soon decided that his words needed a grounding in action. He and a friend began visiting Paris tenements and offering assistance as best they could. Soon a group dedicated to helping individuals in need under the patronage of Saint Vincent de Paul formed around Frédéric. Feeling that the Catholic faith needed an excellent speaker to explain its teachings, Frédéric convinced the Archbishop of Paris to appoint Dominican Father Jean-Baptiste Lacordaire, the greatest preacher then in France, to preach a Lenten series in Notre Dame Cathedral. It was well-attended and became an annual tradition in Paris. After Frédéric Ozanam earned his law degree at the Sorbonne, he taught law at the University of Lyons. He also earned a doctorate in literature. Soon after marrying Amelie Soulacroix on June 23, 1841, he returned to the Sorbonne to teach literature. A well-respected lecturer, Frédéric worked to bring out the best in each student. Meanwhile, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society was growing throughout Europe. Paris alone counted 25 conferences. In 1846, Frédéric, Amelie, and their daughter Marie went to Italy; there he hoped to restore his poor health. They returned the next year. The revolution of 1848 left many Parisians in need of the services of the Saint Vincent de Paul conferences. The unemployed numbered 275,000. The government asked Frédéric and his coworkers to supervise the government aid to the poor. Vincentians throughout Europe came to the aid of Paris. Frédéric then started a newspaper, The New Era, dedicated to securing justice for the poor and the working classes. Fellow Catholics were often unhappy with what Frédéric wrote. Referring to the poor man as “the nation's priest,” Frédéric said that the hunger and sweat of the poor formed a sacrifice that could redeem the people's humanity. In 1852, poor health again forced Frédéric to return to Italy with his wife and daughter. He died on September 8, 1853. In his sermon at Frédéric's funeral, Fr. Lacordaire described his friend as “one of those privileged creatures who came direct from the hand of God in whom God joins tenderness to genius in order to enkindle the world.” Frédéric was beatified in 1997. Since Frédéric wrote an excellent book entitled Franciscan Poets of the Thirteenth Century, and since his sense of the dignity of each poor person was so close to the thinking of Saint Francis, it seemed appropriate to include him among Franciscan “greats.” His liturgical feast is celebrated on September 9. Reflection Frédéric Ozanam always respected the poor while offering whatever service he could. Each man, woman, and child was too precious to live in poverty. Serving the poor taught Frédéric something about God that he could not have learned elsewhere. Learn more about the legacy of Frédéric Ozanam! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 436The Saint of the day is Blessed Claudio GranzottoSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 435The Saint of the day is Saint Teresa of CalcuttaSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 434The Saint of the day is Saint Rose of ViterboSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 433The Saint of the day is Saint Gregory the GreatSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 432The Saint of the day is Blessed John Francis Burt and CompanionsSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 431The Saint of the day is Saint GilesSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 126The Saint of the day is Saints Joseph of Arimathea and NicodemusSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 430The Saint of the day is Saint Jeanne JuganSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist Lectionary: 429/634The Saint of the day is Martyrdom of Saint John the BaptistSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Monica Lectionary: 427The Saint of the day is Saint MonicaSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 426The Saint of the day is Saint Joseph CalasanzSaint Joseph Calasanz’ Story From Aragon where he was born in 1556, to Rome where he died 92 years later, fortune alternately smiled and frowned on the work of Joseph Calasanz. A priest with university training in canon law and theology, respected for his wisdom and administrative expertise, he put aside his career because he was deeply concerned with the need for education of poor children. When he was unable to get other institutes to undertake this apostolate at Rome, Joseph and several companions personally provided a free school for deprived children. So overwhelming was the response that there was a constant need for larger facilities to house their effort. Soon, Pope Clement VIII gave support to the school, and this aid continued under Pope Paul V. Other schools were opened; other men were attracted to the work, and in 1621 the community—for so the teachers lived—was recognized as a religious community, the Clerks Regular of Religious Schools—Piarists or Scolopi. Not long after, Joseph was appointed superior for life. A combination of various prejudices and political ambition and maneuvering caused the institute much turmoil. Some did not favor educating the poor, for education would leave the poor dissatisfied with their lowly tasks for society! Others were shocked that some of the Piarists were sent for instruction to Galileo—a friend of Joseph—as superior, thus dividing the members into opposite camps. Repeatedly investigated by papal commissions, Joseph was demoted; when the struggle within the institute persisted, the Piarists were suppressed. Only after Joseph's death were they formally recognized as a religious community. His liturgical feast is celebrated on August 25. Reflection No one knew better than Joseph the need for the work he was doing; no one knew better than he how baseless were the charges brought against him. Yet if he were to work within the Church, he realized that he must submit to its authority, that he must accept a setback if he was unable to convince authorized investigators. While the prejudice, the scheming and the ignorance of men often keep the truth from emerging for a long period of time, Joseph was convinced, even under suppression, that his institute would again be recognized and authorized. With this trust he joined exceptional patience and a genuine spirit of forgiveness. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 425The Saint of the day is Saint Louis of FranceSaint Louis of France’s Story At his coronation as king of France, Louis IX bound himself by oath to behave as God's anointed, as the father of his people and feudal lord of the King of Peace. Other kings had done the same, of course. Louis was different in that he actually interpreted his kingly duties in the light of faith. After the violence of two previous reigns, he brought peace and justice. Louis “took the cross” for a Crusade when he was 30. His army seized Damietta in Egypt but not long after, weakened by dysentery and without support, they were surrounded and captured. Louis obtained the release of the army by giving up the city of Damietta in addition to paying a ransom. He stayed in Syria four years. Louis deserves credit for extending justice in civil administration. His regulations for royal officials became the first of a series of reform laws. He replaced trial by battle with a form of examination of witnesses and encouraged the use of written records in court. Louis was always respectful of the papacy, but defended royal interests against the popes, and refused to acknowledge Innocent IV's sentence against Emperor Frederick II. Louis was devoted to his people, founding hospitals, visiting the sick, and like his patron Saint Francis, caring even for people with leprosy. He is one of the patrons of the Secular Franciscan Order. Louis united France—lords and townsfolk, peasants and priests and knights—by the force of his personality and holiness. For many years the nation was at peace. Every day, Louis had 13 special guests from among the poor to eat with him, and a large number of poor were served meals near his palace. During Advent and Lent, all who presented themselves were given a meal, and Louis often served them in person. He kept lists of needy people, whom he regularly relieved, in every province of his dominion. Disturbed by new Muslim advances, Louis led another crusade to North Africa in 1270. Within a month of their landing at Carthage, the army camp was decimated by disease. Louis himself died there at the age of 56. He was canonized 27 years later. Reflection Louis was strong-willed, strong-minded. His word was trusted utterly, and his courage in action was remarkable. What is most remarkable was his sense of respect for anyone with whom he dealt, especially the “humble folk of the Lord.” To care for his people he built cathedrals, churches, libraries, hospitals and orphanages. He dealt with princes honestly and equitably. He hoped to be treated the same way by the King of Kings, to whom he gave his life, his family and his country. Saint Louis of France is a Patron Saint of: BarbersGroomsSecular Franciscan Order Learn more about Saint Louis of France! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 123The Saint of the day is Saint BartholomewSaint Bartholomew’s Story In the New Testament, Bartholomew is mentioned only in the lists of the apostles. Some scholars identify him with Nathanael, a man of Cana in Galilee who was summoned to Jesus by Philip. Jesus paid him a great compliment: “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (John 1:47b). When Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him, Jesus said, “I saw you under the fig tree” (John 1:48b). Whatever amazing revelation this involved, it brought Nathanael to exclaim, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel” (John 1:49b). But Jesus countered with, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this” (John 1:50b). Nathanael did see greater things. He was one of those to whom Jesus appeared on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias after his resurrection (see John 21:1-14). They had been fishing all night without success. In the morning, they saw someone standing on the shore though no one knew it was Jesus. He told them to cast their net again, and they made so great a catch that they could not haul the net in. Then John cried out to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When they brought the boat to shore, they found a fire burning, with some fish laid on it and some bread. Jesus asked them to bring some of the fish they had caught, and invited them to come and eat their meal. John relates that although they knew it was Jesus, none of the apostles presumed to inquire who he was. This, John notes, was the third time Jesus appeared to the apostles. Reflection Bartholomew or Nathanael? We are confronted again with the fact that we know almost nothing about most of the apostles. Yet the unknown ones were also foundation stones, the 12 pillars of the new Israel whose 12 tribes now encompass the whole earth. Their personalities were secondary—without thereby being demeaned—to their great office of bearing tradition from their firsthand experience, speaking in the name of Jesus, putting the Word Made Flesh into human words for the enlightenment of the world. Their holiness was not an introverted contemplation of their status before God. It was a gift that they had to share with others. The Good News was that all are called to the holiness of being Christ's members, by the gracious gift of God. The simple fact is that humanity is totally meaningless unless God is its total concern. Then humanity, made holy with God's own holiness, becomes the most precious creation of God. Saint Bartholomew is the Patron Saint of: Plasterers Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 424The Saint of the day is Saint Rose of LimaSaint Rose of Lima’s Story The first canonized saint of the New World has one characteristic of all saints—the suffering of opposition—and another characteristic which is more for admiration than for imitation—excessive practice of mortification. She was born to parents of Spanish descent in Lima, Peru, at a time when South America was in its first century of evangelization. She seems to have taken Catherine of Siena as a model, in spite of the objections and ridicule of parents and friends. The saints have so great a love of God that what seems bizarre to us, and is indeed sometimes imprudent, is simply a logical carrying out of a conviction that anything that might endanger a loving relationship with God must be rooted out. So, because her beauty was so often admired, Rose used to rub her face with pepper to produce disfiguring blotches. Later, she wore a thick circlet of silver on her head, studded on the inside, like a crown of thorns. When her parents fell into financial trouble, she worked in the garden all day and sewed at night. Ten years of struggle against her parents began when they tried to make Rose marry. They refused to let her enter a convent, and out of obedience she continued her life of penance and solitude at home as a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. So deep was her desire to live the life of Christ that she spent most of her time at home in solitude. During the last few years of her life, Rose set up a room in the house where she cared for homeless children, the elderly, and the sick. This was a beginning of social services in Peru. Though secluded in life and activity, she was brought to the attention of Inquisition interrogators, who could only say that she was influenced by grace. What might have been a merely eccentric life was transfigured from the inside. If we remember some unusual penances, we should also remember the greatest thing about Rose: a love of God so ardent that it withstood ridicule from without, violent temptation, and lengthy periods of sickness. When she died at 31, the city turned out for her funeral. Prominent men took turns carrying her coffin. Reflection It is easy to dismiss excessive penances of the saints as the expression of a certain culture or temperament. But a woman wearing a crown of thorns may at least prod our consciences. We enjoy the most comfort-oriented life in human history. We eat too much, drink too much, use a million gadgets, fill our eyes and ears with everything imaginable. Commerce thrives on creating useless needs on which to spend our money. It seems that when we have become most like slaves, there is the greatest talk of “freedom.” Are we willing to discipline ourselves in such an atmosphere? Saint Rose of Lima is the Patron Saint of: AmericasFloristsLatin AmericaPeruPhilippinesSouth America Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lectionary: 423The Saint of the day is Queenship of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Story of the Queenship of Mary Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But the Blessed Virgin Mary's queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary's Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary's life, she is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus' kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament the mother of the king has great influence in court. In the fourth century Saint Ephrem called Mary “Lady” and “Queen.” Later Church fathers and doctors continued to use the title. Hymns of the 11th to 13th centuries address Mary as queen: “Hail, Holy Queen,” “Hail, Queen of Heaven,” “Queen of Heaven.” The Dominican rosary and the Franciscan crown as well as numerous invocations in Mary's litany celebrate her queenship. The feast is a logical follow-up to the Assumption, and is now celebrated on the octave day of that feast. In his 1954 encyclical To the Queen of Heaven, Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus' redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection, and because of her intercessory power. Reflection As Saint Paul suggests in Romans 8:28–30, God has predestined human beings from all eternity to share the image of his Son. All the more was Mary predestined to be the mother of Jesus. As Jesus was to be king of all creation, Mary, in dependence on Jesus, was to be queen. All other titles to queenship derive from this eternal intention of God. As Jesus exercised his kingship on earth by serving his Father and his fellow human beings, so did Mary exercise her queenship. As the glorified Jesus remains with us as our king till the end of time (Matthew 28:20), so does Mary, who was assumed into heaven and crowned queen of heaven and earth. Learn more about the Queenship of Mary! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Pius X, Pope Lectionary: 422The Saint of the day is Saint Pius XSaint Pius X's Story Pope Pius X is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children. The second of 10 children in a poor Italian family, Joseph Sarto became Pius X at age 68. He was one of the 20th century's greatest popes. Ever mindful of his humble origin, Pope Pius stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he said in tears to an old friend. To another, “It is a penance to be forced to accept all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by soldiers like Jesus when he was seized in Gethsemani.” Interested in politics, Pope Pius encouraged Italian Catholics to become more politically involved. One of his first papal acts was to end the supposed right of governments to interfere by veto in papal elections—a practice that reduced the freedom of the 1903 conclave which had elected him. In 1905, when France renounced its agreement with the Holy See and threatened confiscation of Church property if governmental control of Church affairs were not granted, Pius X courageously rejected the demand. While he did not author a famous social encyclical as his predecessor had done, he denounced the ill treatment of indigenous peoples on the plantations of Peru, sent a relief commission to Messina after an earthquake, and sheltered refugees at his own expense. On the 11th anniversary of his election as pope, Europe was plunged into World War I. Pius had foreseen it, but it killed him. “This is the last affliction the Lord will visit on me. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this ghastly scourge.” He died a few weeks after the war began, and was canonized in 1954. Reflection His humble background was no obstacle in relating to a personal God and to people whom he loved genuinely. Pius X gained his strength, his gentleness and warmth for people from the source of all gifts, the Spirit of Jesus. In contrast, we often feel embarrassed by our backgrounds. Shame makes us prefer to remain aloof from people whom we perceive as superior. If we are in a superior position, on the other hand, we often ignore simpler people. Yet we, too, have to help “restore all things in Christ,” especially the wounded people of God. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 421The Saint of the day is Saint Bernard of ClairvauxSaint Bernard of Clairvaux’s Story Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many today—“golfer of the century,” “composer of the century,” “right tackle of the century”—that the line no longer has any punch. But Western Europe's “man of the twelfth century,” without doubt or controversy, had to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith, healer of a schism, reformer of a monastic Order, Scripture scholar, theologian, and eloquent preacher: any one of these titles would distinguish an ordinary man. Yet Bernard was all of these—and he still retained a burning desire to return to the hidden monastic life of his younger days. In the year 1111, at the age of 20, Bernard left his home to join the monastic community of Citeaux. His five brothers, two uncles, and some 30 young friends followed him into the monastery. Within four years, a dying community had recovered enough vitality to establish a new house in the nearby valley of Wormwoods, with Bernard as abbot. The zealous young man was quite demanding, though more on himself than others. A slight breakdown of health taught him to be more patient and understanding. The valley was soon renamed Clairvaux, the valley of light. His ability as arbitrator and counselor became widely known. More and more he was lured away from the monastery to settle long-standing disputes. On several of these occasions, he apparently stepped on some sensitive toes in Rome. Bernard was completely dedicated to the primacy of the Roman See. But to a letter of warning from Rome, he replied that the good fathers in Rome had enough to do to keep the Church in one piece. If any matters arose that warranted their interest, he would be the first to let them know. Shortly thereafter it was Bernard who intervened in a full-blown schism and settled it in favor of the Roman pontiff against the antipope. The Holy See prevailed on Bernard to preach the Second Crusade throughout Europe. His eloquence was so overwhelming that a great army was assembled and the success of the crusade seemed assured. The ideals of the men and their leaders, however, were not those of Abbot Bernard, and the project ended as a complete military and moral disaster. Bernard felt responsible in some way for the degenerative effects of the crusade. This heavy burden possibly hastened his death, which came August 20, 1153. Reflection Bernard's life in the Church was more active than we can imagine possible today. His efforts produced far-reaching results. But he knew that they would have availed little without the many hours of prayer and contemplation that brought him strength and heavenly direction. His life was characterized by a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. His sermons and books about Mary are still the standard of Marian theology. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 420The Saint of the day is Saint John EudesSaint John Eudes’ Story How little we know where God's grace will lead. Born on a farm in northern France, John died at 78 in the next “county” or department. In that time, he was a religious, a parish missionary, founder of two religious communities, and a great promoter of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. John joined the religious community of the Oratorians and was ordained a priest at 24. During severe plagues in 1627 and 1631, he volunteered to care for the stricken in his own diocese. Lest he infect his fellow religious, during the plague he lived in a huge cask in the middle of a field. At age 32, John became a parish missionary. His gifts as a preacher and confessor won him great popularity. He preached over 100 parish missions, some lasting from several weeks to several months. In his concern with the spiritual improvement of the clergy, John realized that the greatest need was for seminaries. He had permission from his general superior, the bishop, and even Cardinal Richelieu to begin this work, but the succeeding general superior disapproved. After prayer and counsel, John decided it was best to leave the religious community. That same year John founded a new community, ultimately called the Eudists—the Congregation of Jesus and Mary–devoted to the formation of the clergy by conducting diocesan seminaries. The new venture, while approved by individual bishops, met with immediate opposition, especially from Jansenists and some of his former associates. John founded several seminaries in Normandy, but was unable to get approval from Rome—partly, it was said, because he did not use the most tactful approach. In his parish mission work, John was disturbed by the sad condition of prostitutes who sought to escape their miserable life. Temporary shelters were found, but arrangements were not satisfactory. A certain Madeleine Lamy, who had cared for several of the women, one day said to him, “Where are you off to now? To some church, I suppose, where you'll gaze at the images and think yourself pious. And all the time what is really wanted of you is a decent house for these poor creatures.” The words, and the laughter of those present, struck deeply within him. The result was another new religious community, called the Sisters of Charity of the Refuge. John Eudes is probably best known for the central theme of his writings: Jesus as the source of holiness; Mary as the model of the Christian life. His devotion to the Sacred Heart and to the Immaculate Heart led Pope Pius XI to declare him the father of the liturgical cult of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Reflection Holiness is the wholehearted openness to the love of God. It is visibly expressed in many ways, but the variety of expression has one common quality: concern for the needs of others. In John's case, those who were in need were plague-stricken people, ordinary parishioners, those preparing for the priesthood, prostitutes, and all Christians called to imitate the love of Jesus and his mother. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 419The Saint of the day is Saint Louis of ToulouseSaint Louis of Toulouse’s Story When he died at the age of 23, Louis was already a Franciscan, a bishop, and a saint! Louis's parents were Charles II of Naples and Sicily, and Mary, daughter of the King of Hungary. Louis was related to Saint Louis IX on his father's side and to Elizabeth of Hungary on his mother's side. Louis showed early signs of attachment to prayer and to the corporal works of mercy. As a child he used to take food from the castle to feed the poor. When he was 14, Louis and two of his brothers were taken as hostages to the king of Aragon's court as part of a political deal involving Louis's father. At the court, Louis was tutored by Franciscan friars under whom he made great progress both in his studies and in the spiritual life. Like Saint Francis he developed a special love for those afflicted with leprosy. While he was still a hostage, Louis decided to renounce his royal title and become a priest. When he was 20, he was allowed to leave the king of Aragon's court. He renounced his title in favor of his brother Robert and was ordained the next year. Very shortly after, he was appointed bishop of Toulouse, but the pope agreed to Louis's request to become a Franciscan first. The Franciscan spirit pervaded Louis. “Jesus Christ is all my riches; he alone is sufficient for me,” Louis kept repeating. Even as a bishop he wore the Franciscan habit and sometimes begged. He assigned a friar to offer him correction—in public if necessary—and the friar did his job. Louis's service to the Diocese of Toulouse was richly blessed. In no time he was considered a saint. Louis set aside 75 percent of his income as bishop to feed the poor and maintain churches. Each day he fed 25 poor people at his table. Louis was canonized in 1317 by Pope John XXII, one of his former teachers. His liturgical feast is celebrated on August 19. Reflection When Cardinal Hugolino, the future Pope Gregory IX, suggested to Francis that some of the friars would make fine bishops, Francis protested that they might lose some of their humility and simplicity if appointed to those positions. Those two virtues are needed everywhere in the Church, and Louis shows us how they can be lived out by bishops. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media