Friday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Saint: Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852); Saint Odo of Cluny, Abbot (c. 880-942) 

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink

Mass: Rev 10:8-11; Resp Ps 119; Lk 19:45-48

In the way of your decrees I rejoice.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF MONTILGEON,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

The bodies of the saints have been buried in peace, but their names live on for ever.

(The Liturgy of the Hours, Antiphon for the Canticle of Mary, Evening Prayer, November 18)

I learned this morning that one of our saints of the day, another great, Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, in addition to being known as "The Lady of Mercy," or "Woman Who Prays Always," is the patroness of "opposition of Church authorities." She, like many other women religious, and men too, throughout the centuries, had her fair share of opposition. Born in France to a family with wealth and political connections, Saint Rose Philippine spent the last ten years of her life in a tiny shack at the convent of the Society of the Sacred Heart in Saint Charles, Missouri, the "Show Me State." In between time Rose Philippine traveled extensively, founded schools for girls, did charitable work, and ministered to Native Americans. It was in Saint Charles, MO, that she lived in austerity and in constant prayer.  Rose Philippine died November 18, 1852, was beatified in 1940 by Pope Pius XII, and canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1988.* As I have said to not a few others, "they" just don't make religious like her and so many others like her anymore. United in faith and prayer, may we be inspired.

Our experience has shown, as our predecessors have proved, that we may believe and hope that in all the labors of the present life, by the mercy of God, we shall always be helped by the prayers of our special patrons. Just as we are humbled by our own sins, so we shall be raised up by the merits of these apostles.

(From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope, in Office of Readings, November 18)

SAINT ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE,

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL,

SAINT ODO OF CLUNY,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Rose Philippine Duchesne," The Loop, "Saint of the Day," November 18, 2022, and Butler's Lives of the Saints, November volume, pp. 164-167, 171 (there is a great map on p. 171, Places associated with St. Philippine Duchesne).

Today's photo: After having passed by these for some days, I finally passed prepared for today's reflection. The joy of my heart they are.

© Gertrude Feick 2022