March 24, 2018
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
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: 256
Place in Year: Lent
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Violet
Daily readings
Reading 1: Ezekiel 37:21-28
Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13
Verse Before the Gospel: Ezekiel 18:31
Gospel: John 11:45-56
View complete readings on USCCB.org