October 3, 2013
Thursday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Mother Theodora Guérin (1798-1856)
Saint Mother Theodora Guérin was born in Etables, France, in 1798. Her life changed forever when her father was murdered when she was 15, and she had to care for her mother and her younger sister. After several years, she joined the Sisters of Providence, taking the new name of Sister Saint Theodore. In 1840, she and her sisters were sent to teach and minister to the poor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in Indiana. Sister Saint Theodore and her sisters persisted with their work despite many obstacles. Upon her death, she was buried in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. She was canonized in 2006, and is the patron saint of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana.
Reflection
Saint Mother Theodora spent her life teaching and helping others. We sometimes think that teaching and helping others are activities that only some professions permit. However, we must remember that, in nearly every profession, there are opportunities to teach others through our charitable attitudes and actions. How can you be charitable in your life and work?
Prayer
Dear God, help me to be an example to others of the marvelous love that you have for me and others.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 458
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8,
Gospel: Luke 10:1-12
View complete readings on USCCB.org