Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saints: The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (13th-14th century); Saint Fintan of Clonenagh (d. 603); Blessed William Richardson (1572-1603

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 14 The Celebration of Vigils on the Anniversaries of Saints

Mass: Gn 11:1-9; Resp Ps 33; Mk 8:34-9:1

He who fashioned the heart of each.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

(Mk 8:34)

We commemorate the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary, or the Servites, "seven men worthy of all our praise and veneration, whom our Lady brought into one community to form this order of hers and her servants. They were like seven stars joined together to form a constellation."* The seven stars came from different backgrounds - some had never been married, some we married men at the same time, others had lost their wives after marriage. They certainly lost many aspects of their lives for the sake of God and that of the Gospel (see Mk 8:35). They lived as hermits on Monte Senario, near Florence, Tuscany, central Italy. They had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and "loved God above all things and dedicated their whole lives to Him by honoring Him in every thought, word and deed."* May they intercede for all of us, no matter our state in life, and help us to love the Lord God with all our heart, our whole soul and all our strength. No matter what. And they remind us too that God calls all kinds of people together to bear witness to Him. By the grace of God, we go forth. 

These are the holy ones, who have received blessings from the Lord, and mercy from the God who saves them, such is the people who seek the Lord.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

SAINT FINTAN OF CLONENAGH,

BLESSED WILLIAM RICHARDSON,

PRAY FOR US.

*From an account of the origin of the Servite Order, in Office of Readings, February 17. See also Catholic News Agency, "Seven Founders of the Servite Order."

Today's photo: During one of my cleaning charges, I can look out the window at this favorite of mine when passing by. The leaves in various shades of red are especially attractive. The plan of the Lord stands forever.

© Gertrude Feick 2023