Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love" 

Other saints: Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron, Oblate O.C.S.O. (1911-1938); Saint Asicus (-c. 490); Saint Maughold, Bishop (c.4th-5th century); Bl. Hosanna of Kotor OP (1493-1565)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 69 The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery

Mass: Acts 11:19-26; Resp Ps 87; Jn 10:22-30

Alleluia!

JESUS, TRUE LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

May the words of Barnabas in today's account from the Acts of the Apostles, encourage us as they did the nascent Church in Antioch: Remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart (Acts 11:23). By our witness may a large number of people be added to the Lord (Acts 11:24).

Included here for our time spent in prayer and reflection, especially during this Year of Saint Joseph and in preparation for the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker (instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955 and celebrated May 1), is a prayer to Saint Joseph by Pope Leo XIII. It comes at the conclusion of his encyclical Quamquam pluries, given August 15, 1889. Pope Leo XIII intended the prayer to the be added to the end of the rosary, especially during the month of October. That said, it can be prayed "any day of the Year of Saint Joseph, but especially on his various feast days or other devotional days dedicated to Saint Joseph" [United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website]. 

Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. As you once rescued the child Jesus from deadly peril, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under your patronage, that, following your example and strengthened by your help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in heaven.

Amen.

Saint Joseph, intercede for us so that we, like you, may remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart.

SAINT RAFAEL ARNAIZ BARON,

SAINT ASICUS,

SAINT MAUGHOLD,

BLESSED HOSANNA OF KOTOR,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

N.B. If interested in reading Pope Leo XIII's Quamquam pluries, you will find it on www.vatican.va. In addition, the USCCB website has historical information as well as information about the use of the prayer and indulgences. To look further into indulgences, please refer to your trusty Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), 1471-1479.

Today's photo: This sweet rose greeted me on Locust Street in Garberville, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2021