Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Damasus I (c.305-384)

Saint Damasus I was appointed pope after the death of Pope Liberius. However, a minority in Rome appointed another man, Ursinus, as pope. This caused a controversy that resulted in violence and scandal. During the papacy of Damasus, Christianity was proclaimed the official religion of the Roman Empire and Latin became the primary liturgical language. Damasus appointed Saint Jerome to translate the Bible into Latin, and took great care in the restoration and preservation of the catacombs and relics of martyrs. For these efforts, Pope Saint Damasus I is known as the patron saint of archaeologists.

Reflection

It is important to preserve the things that are important to us so that younger generations can enjoy them and learn from them in the future. Saint Damasus realized this, and took great care in restoring and preserving the catacombs and relics of martyrs. Do you strive to preserve the things that are important to you so that others will be able to enjoy them in the future? Ask God to help you be a good steward of the Earth, and to help you spread the Good News to others.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to be a good steward of creation, and help spread the Good News, so that others will be able to enjoy these important things in the future.

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

This passage from Isaiah is referring to the Babylonian exile of the Jews, that terrible time when the Jewish nation was destroyed and all the leaders taken into captivity. Isaiah uses the word Jerusalem to refer to the Jewish community. These words are also meant for us today. Think of them being spoken to the people of New York after 9-11. Reflect on them being proclaimed to you at the present moment. What comfort do you need at this time? How can you comfort others? How can you speak tenderly to others? (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Gospel

Saint Nicholas was a bishop, and bishops are often referred to as the shepherds of the people of God in the Church. Accounts credit Saint Nicholas with saving the lives of three daughters who were destine for prostitution because their father could not supply their dowries--the marriage gift to the groom's family. Saint Nicholas supposedly left three bags of gold in the middle of the night, thereby rescuing the daughters from a life of sin. This legend led to Saint Nicholas being named the patron saint of children, and it includes the custom of giving treats to children in honor of his feast day. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)