March 24, 2013 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Saint of the day

Saint Catherine of Sweden (1331-1381)

Saint Catherine of Sweden was one of eight children. Her mother was Saint Bridget of Sweden. She had an arranged marriage at the age of 13 to a religious German noble. On their wedding night, both Catherine and her husband took vows of chastity. The couple spent their years together performing works of charity. After becoming a widow, Catherine traveled to Rome to spend time with her devout mother. The two women made many pilgrimages, ministered to the poor, and lived lives guided by prayer and meditation. When her mother passed away, Catherine brought her body back to Sweden to be laid to rest at the convent of the Order of the Holy Savior. Catherine became superior of the order and wrote devotional works. Saint Catherine of Sweden is the patroness against abortions and miscarriages.

Reflection

Saint Catherine lived an exemplary life. She utterly devoted herself to caring for the poor and the forgotten. Who in your life is forgotten or abandoned? What can you do to help them feel more welcomed and loved?

Prayer

Dear God, please help me to notice opportunities to spread your love.

Liturgical season information

Lectionary: 37 and 38

Place in Year: Lent

Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Red

Daily readings

at the procession with palms - Gospel: Luke 19:28-40

at the mass - Reading 1: Isaiah 50:4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Reading 2: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Luke 22:14—23:56

Alternate Gospel: Luke 23:1-49

View complete readings on USCCB.org
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