Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Mary Di Rosa (1813-1855)

Saint Mary Di Rosa was born in 1813, and began to take charge of situations from the time she was a young girl. She set up retreats and missions for her parish, arranged a women's guild, and supervised a workhouse for poor girls. She was never afraid of a challenge and embraced every opportunity that God sent her way. One such opportunity presented itself when she realized that the girls she was supervising in the workhouse had no place to stay at night. To solve the problem, Mary opened up a boarding house for the girls. Mary also took on the responsibility of being the superior of the Handmaids of Charity, a religious organization that dedicated all of its time to ministering to the ailing in hospitals. When war broke out in Europe, Mary and her Handmaids of Charity volunteered their time and talents in war hospitals as well as on the battlefield. The last challenge that Saint Mary Di Rosa faced was death, which she welcomed joyfully and without fear.

Reflection

Saint Mary Di Rosa took charge of situations when she saw people in need. She used her leadership skills and her caring nature to minister to those who needed help. Do you minister to those whom you know are suffering or ailing? Ask for the Lord's help to be more attentive to the those who are in need, and say a special prayer for those who minister to the ailing as part of their career.

Prayer

Jesus, divine healer, bless all the doctors, nurses, aides, and technicians who continue your healing ministry. Give them patience and compassion as they face the challenges of caring for others. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

Why are Elijah and John the Baptist compared to each other? In the Old Testament, there is a prophecy that the great, ancient prophet Elijah will come to herald and prepare the way for the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). In today's Gospel, Jesus announces that this prophecy was fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist, who came before Jesus to prepare people to hear His message. To "prepare the way" of the Lord was an Old Testament expressing which literally referred to the process of paving a road on which the King could travel. In ancient times, there were not freeways and paved roads - sometimes "preparing the way" was hard work! John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, not with concrete on rough terrain, but with baptism in the hearts of his followers.