Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

Saint: Blessed Jordan of Saxony OP (c.1185-1237); Saint Catherine de' Ricci OP (1522-1590)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 11 The Celebration of Vigils on Sunday

Mass: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Resp Ps 50; Mk 8:11-13 

Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

If you can do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door; his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.

(Gn 4:7)

Welcome to Monday and a week to celebrate several Dominican saints like Blessed Reginald of Orleans, who received the habit from Saint Dominic, and Blessed Jordan of Saxony, who also received the habit from Saint Dominic and succeeded him as Master of the Order of Preachers. Then there is Saint Catherine de' Ricci, who was born in Florence and took the veil at the Dominican convent in Prat, Tuscany. Among other notables, she was eventually elected perpetual prioress, and due to her sanctity and prudence, had many visitors including bishops, princes, and even cardinals who became popes. She also appeared in a vision to a long-time correspondent, Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595), who lived in Rome, hundreds of miles away from where she was physically located. Otherwise skeptical of miraculous events, Philip apparently confirmed this one. Such a miraculous work was included in Catherine's cause for canonization, celebrated by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746.* And lastly, we have Blessed Nicholas of Paglia, a traveling companion of Saint Dominic, and Blessed John of Fiesole, better known as Fra Angelico. I've seen many of Fra Angelico's marvelous works of art in person, at Il Convento di San Marco in Florence where the famous Annunciation is housed, and at an exhibit at Villa Borghese. Fra Angelico is buried at Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, definitely a favorite of mine. Outside the front of that magnificent Church is Bernini's small statue of an elephant. May all these glorious saints intercede for all friars, sisters, and nuns of the Order of Preachers. We pray especially for all those who study and work at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

United in faith and prayer, we go forth to encourage and support one another so that we master whatever sin is lurking at our doors. Lord, have mercy. Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name (Entrance Antiphon, Mass).

BLESSED JORDAN OF SAXONY,

SAINT CATHERINE DE' RICCI,

SAINT DOMINIC.

PRAY FOR US.

*On Saint Catherine de' Ricci, see Catholic News Agency, "St. Catherine de' Ricci."

Today's photo: Here they come. The flowers, that is. ☺ From the rising of the sun to its setting.

© Gertrude Feick 2023