Liturgical Year 2019 2020 Vol. 3

Liturgical Year 2019-2020, Vol.
Lent
by Jennifer Gregory Miller and Darden Brock

(editors)
Third of six volumes encompassing the 2019-2020 Catholic liturgical year, covering all
the days of Lent.
Trinity Communications
CatholicCulture.org
P.O. Box 582
Manassas, VA 20108
© Copyright Trinity Communications 2020
Book ID: LY20192020-V3-L-jmgmdb
The chapters of this book appeared first on the Trinity Communications website,
CatholicCulture.org.
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Table of Contents
Introduction to the Liturgical Year 6
Introduction to Lent 9
February 26th (Ash Wednesday) 12
February 27th (Thursday After Ash Wednesday) 18
February 28th (Friday After Ash Wednesday) 23
February 29th (Saturday after Ash Wednesday) 28
March 1st (First Sunday of Lent) 31
March 2nd (Monday of the First Week of Lent) 36
March 3rd (Tuesday of the First Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of St. Katharine
Drexel, virgin (USA)) 41
March 4th (Wednesday of the First Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of St. Casimir of
Poland ) 47
March 5th (Thursday of the First Week of Lent) 53
March 6th (Friday of the First Week of Lent) 57
March 7th (Saturday of the First Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of Sts. Perpetua and
Felicity, martyrs) 61
March 8th (Second Sunday of Lent) 65
March 9th (Monday of the Second Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of St. Frances of
Rome, religious) 70
March 10th (Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent; Feast of St. John Ogilvie, priest and
martyr (Scotland)) 75
March 11th (Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent) 83
March 12th (Thursday of the Second Week of Lent) 88
March 13th (Friday of the Second Week of Lent) 94
March 14th (Saturday of the Second Week of Lent) 97
March 15th (Third Sunday of Lent ) 102
March 16th (Monday of the Third Week of Lent) 107
March 17th (Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of St. Patrick,
bishop and confessor (Solemnity Aus, Ire, Feast New Zeal, Scot, Wales)) 112
March 18th (Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of St. Cyril of
Jerusalem, bishop, confessor and doctor) 118
March 19th (Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary) 124
March 20th (Friday of the Third Week of Lent) 132
March 21st (Saturday of the Third Week of Lent) 136
March 22nd (Fourth Sunday of Lent) 139
March 23rd (Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of St. Turibio de
Mogrovejo, bishop) 145
March 24th (Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent) 152
March 25th (Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord) 156
March 26th (Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent) 165
March 27th (Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent) 170
March 28th (Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent) 173
March 29th (Fifth Sunday of Lent) 177
March 30th (Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent) 182
March 31st (Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent) 186
April 1st (Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent) 190
April 2nd (Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of St. Francis of
Paola, hermit) 195
April 3rd (Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent) 199
April 4th (Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent; Optional Memorial of St. Isidore, bishop
and doctor ) 204
April 5th (Palm Sunday) 208
April 6th (Monday of Holy Week) 214
April 7th (Tuesday of Holy Week ) 218
April 8th (Wednesday of Holy Week) 221
April 9th (Holy Thursday) 225
April 10th (Good Friday) 232
April 11th (Holy Saturday — Easter Vigil) 238
LITURGICAL YEAR 2019-2020, VOL. 3 6
Introduction to the Liturgical Year

The Church inculcates Christ and His mission through the patterns and rhythms of her
Liturgical Year. She is herself the universal sacrament of salvation and the visible
manifestation on earth of the presence of the Kingdom of God even now. But the Church
also has various ministries and means by which she carries out her special mission. The
Liturgical Year is perhaps the most important means she uses to sanctify the concept of
time itself.
During the course of the Liturgical Year, the saving actions of Christ are presented
again to the Faithful in an effective spiritual sequence that provides occasions for
deepening our experience of Christ, for giving scope to our need for fasts and feasts,
penance and joy, the remission of sin and the foretaste of heavenly glory. The annual
cycle invites us to live the Christian mysteries more deeply, to let the Christ-life seep
into our very bones, and in so doing to transform and renew all human endeavors, all
human culture.
The backbone of the Liturgical Year is the Liturgical Calendar, an annual cycle of
seasons and feasts which both commemmorate and invite us to more fully enter into the
real history of our salvation. At the same time, the days devoted to the celebration of
many of the Church’s saints provide us with inspiring models of what it means to
exemplify the love and virtues which Our Lord and Savior so zealously wishes us to
share. In this way, we may develop in and through time a heart like unto His own.
On the CatholicCulture.org website, we have collected and organized a great many
resources for helping all of us to live the Liturgical Year more consciously and more
actively. In addition to the accounts of the nature, history and purposes of the great
feasts, and of course the lives of the saints, we have brought together a wide variety of
customs for celebrating the various seasons and feasts which have grown up in cultures
throughout the world. And in connection with these customs, we have also collected
appropriate prayers and devotions, family activities, and even receipes—the better to
help us taste and see the glory of the Lord! (Ps 34:8)
All of these resources are organized according to the Liturgical Calendar, and many
of them are deliberately oriented toward use by the family, or what recent popes have
referred to as the domestic church. The family is to be the Church in miniature, the first
of all Christian communities, the warm embrace in which new souls are claimed for
Christ and nourished in every way for His service. The family is also the source of the
www.catholicculture.org
Church’s manifold vocations, including the vocations of those who dedicate themselves
exclusively to Christ and the Church’s service as priests and religious. Thus, in every
way, the Church public, the Church as a whole, the mystical body of Christ in its fulness,
depends on the health and strength of the domestic church, even as she nourishes the
domestic church through her presence, her sacraments, her counsel, her teaching—and,
of course, her Liturgical Year.
It is not possible in an eBook to reproduce the full richness and flexibility of these
resources as they are presented on our website ( www.catholicculture.org). The visual
displays of eBooks cannot, in most cases, equal those of web pages, and it is generally
not as easy to follow the many links available to explore the full range of offerings. What
we have done in the volumes of this series is to present the days of the Liturgical Year in
sequence, grouped in their proper seasons, so that the user can follow the unfolding of
the Liturgical Year with immediate access to the meaning of each day, complete with its
spiritual and liturgical explanations, and its biographies of the saints. Following the basic
presentation for each day are many links to additional information, prayers, activities and
recipes which relate specifically to that day or the Season as a whole.
These materials can be used with profit by anyone. However, if we were to offer
specific advice to parents on how they may make the best use of all the resources in their
own families, we would emphasize the following two points:
First, remember that all of us, but especially children, grow spiritually when we have
the opportunity to associate living examples, customs and activities with God’s love and
saving power. This sort of participation helps children to learn the Faith along with their
mother’s milk, so to speak—or, as we said above, to get it into their very bones. Children
also need heroes, and one way or another they will find them. The saints make the best of
all possible heroes.
Second, avoid trying to do too much. Select carefully and emphasize a few things
that you believe will work well in your situation. Keep your attitude joyful and relaxed.
With a little judicious planning, let your family’s own customs grow and develop over
time. Much of this will be carried on for generations to come, generations which trace
their own faith to and through you.
A word, finally, on the sources of much of the material presented both in this eBook
and on the much larger web site. Many of these wonderful books are, sadly, out of print,
but we owe a great debt to them. You may enjoy pursuing some of these sources on your
own. The years listed are the original publication dates; some have gone through
multiple editions. They include:
Berger, Florence. Cooking for Christ (National Catholic Rural Life Conference)
1949
Burton, Katherine and Helmut Ripperger. The Feast Day Cookbook, 1951
Butler, Alban. Butler’s Lives of the Saints (updated since the 18th century, up to
12 volumes depending on edition)
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 2002
Gueranger, OSB (Abbot). The Liturgical Year, 1983
Kelly, Fr. George A. Catholic Family Handbook, 1959
Lodi, Enzo. Saints of the Roman Calendar, 1993
McLoughlin, Helen. My Nameday—Come for Dessert, 1962
Mueller, Therese. Our Children’s Year of Grace, 1943
Newland, Mary Reed. Saints and Our Children, 1958
Newland, Mary Reed. We and Our Children, 1954
Newland, Mary Reed. The Year and Our Children, 1956
Parsch, Dr. Pius. The Church’s Year of Grace (5 volumes), 1953
Trapp, Maria Augusta. Around the Year with the Trapp Family, 1955
Weiser, Francis X., SJ. The Easter Book, 1954.
May you find in this series of volumes on the Liturgical Year a true gateway to the riches
of Christ!
View this item on CatholicCulture.org:

http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/introduction-to-liturgical-year/
Introduction to Lent
Lent is the penitential season of approximately 40 days set aside by the Church in order
for the faithful to prepare for the celebration of the Lord’s passion, death and
resurrection. During this holy season, inextricably connected to the Paschal Mystery, the
catechumens prepare for Christian initiation, and current Church members prepare for
Easter by recalling their baptism and by works of penance, that is, prayer, fasting and
almsgiving. As we enter Lent in this spirit of the Church and of her liturgy we seek to
wash away the stains of sin and to rid ourselves of all that prevents us from living a truly
Christian life.
Ash Wednesday is the clarion call to “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mk 1:15). For
the next forty days, the faithful willingly submit to fasting and self-denial in imitation of
Our Lord’s forty-day fast in the desert. It is in these dark and still nights, these
desert-times, that the soul experiences its greatest growth. There, in the inner arena, the
soul battles the world, the flesh and the devil just as Our Lord battled Satan's triple
temptation in the desert. His battle was external, for Jesus could not sin; our battle is
interior, but with a hope sustained by the knowledge of Christ’s Easter victory over sin
and death.
The word Lent is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word lengten or lencten meaning
spring. We are “to spring” into action, to do the tasks of the season, to prepare for the
new growth and graces that will overflow at Easter. In most places, Lent corresponds to
Spring, the most important season for a farmer, in which he prepares the soil thoroughly
and plants the seed carefully, hoping that the seed buried deep in the soil will produce an
abundant crop.
On Palm Sunday, the very threshold of his death and Resurrection, Our Lord assured
his followers that “unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a
grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. The man who loves his life loses it,
while the man who hates his life in this world preserves it to life eternal” (Jn 12:24-25).
Because of this theme of dying in order to rise, the watchword for the liturgical
celebrations of the Season of Lent is austerity. The Church has proclaimed a time of
fasting and self-denial and she teaches by example. The priest is vested in violet, the
gloomy color of affliction and mortification, except on the Fourth Sunday of Lent
(Laetare Sunday) when he might choose the festive option of rose vestments. The
sanctuary is bereft of flowers, and less ornate linens and candlesticks adorn the altar. The
Gloria will not be prayed on Sunday, while the Alleluia will be entirely absent
throughout Lent.
There are two exceptions to the Lenten austerity. On the Solemnities of St. Joseph
(March 19) and the Annunciation (March 25) the Church sets aside her purple for white
vestments, sings the Gloria and prays the Creed.
Throughout the season, the readings of the Lenten Liturgies give us daily lessons
based on three major themes:
1. The first three weeks call us to repentance and to the practice of virtue, though
the Church will suspend her penitential readings on Laetare Sunday, the
midway point of the Lenten journey, to rejoice that Easter is near.
2. The second theme that threads its way through the seasonal readings is the
instruction of the catechumens who are preparing for Easter-birth. The Rites of
Christian Initiation span the season of Lent and culminate in the Easter Vigil
Rites of Baptism and Confirmation of the Elect. The various readings put before
our eyes many Old Testament characters and events that prefigure Christ and the
Paschal Mystery: Christ is the new Adam, and he is the Isaac of the New
Covenant; the Church is the new Ark which saves mankind through the waters of
Baptism, and so on.
3. The final scriptural theme unfolding in the last two weeks of Lent is the
mounting opposition to Christ. The sixth and final Sunday of Lent (Passion or
Palm Sunday) will usher in Holy Week, the greatest and holiest of all weeks.
The liturgies of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum are too rich to be
summarized here.
Note that the penitential regulations of Lent are as follows in most dioceses of the
Roman Rite:
Abstinence on all the Fridays of Lent, and on Ash Wednesday and Good
Friday. No meat may be eaten on days of abstinence. Catholics 14 years and
older are bound to abstain from meat. Invalids, pregnant and nursing mothers are
exempt.
Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means having only one full
meal to maintain one's strength. Two smaller, meatless and penitential meals are
permitted according to one's needs, but they should not together equal the one
full meal. Eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Catholics from age
18 through age 59 are bound to fast. Again, invalids, pregnant and nursing
mothers are exempt.
This third volume of our Liturgical Year series covers all the days of Lent and the Sacred
Triduum, from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. For more
ideas, prayers and activities to assist families in living the liturgical season of Lent, we
suggest that you visit the Lenten Workshop on CatholicCulture.org.

http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/introduction-to-lent/
Lent: February 26th

Ash Wednesday
Old Calendar: Ash Wednesday
The time has now come in the Church year for the
solemn observance of the great central act of history,
the redemption of the human race by our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. In the Roman Rite, the beginning of
the forty days of penance is marked with the austere
symbol of ashes which is used in today’s liturgy. The
use of ashes is a survival from an ancient rite according
to which converted sinners submitted themselves to
canonical penance. The Alleluia and the Gloria are
suppressed until Easter.
Abstinence from eating meat is to be observed on all
Fridays during Lent. This applies to all persons 14 and
older. The law of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday applies to all Catholics
who have completed their eighteenth year to the beginning of the sixtieth year.
Ash Wednesday
At the beginning of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, ashes
are blessed during Mass, after the homily. The blessed
ashes are then “imposed” on the faithful as a sign of
conversion, penance, fasting and human mortality. The
ashes are blessed at least during the first Mass of the
day, but they may also be imposed during all the
Masses of the day, after the homily, and even outside
the time of Mass to meet the needs of the faithful.
Priests or deacons normally impart this sacramental, but
instituted acolytes, other extraordinary ministers or designated lay people may be
delegated to impart ashes, if the bishop judges that this is necessary. The ashes are made
from the palms used at the previous Passion Sunday ceremonies. — Ceremonies of the
Liturgical Year, Msgr. Peter J. Elliott
The act of putting on ashes symbolizes fragility and mortality, and the need to be
redeemed by the mercy of God. Far from being a merely external act, the Church has
retained the use of ashes to symbolize that attitude of internal penance to which all the
baptized are called during Lent. — Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy
From the very early times the commemoration of the approach of Christ’s passion
and death was observed by a period of self-denial. St. Athanasius in the year 339
enjoined upon the people of Alexandria the 40 days’ fast he saw practiced in Rome and
elsewhere, “to the end that while all the world is fasting, we who are in Egypt should not
become a laughing stock as the only people who do not fast but take our pleasure in those
days.” On Ash Wednesday in the early days, the Pope went barefoot to St. Sabina’s in
Rome “to begin with holy fasts the exercises of Christian warfare, that as we do battle
with the spirits of evil, we may be protected by the help of self-denial.” — Daily Missal
of the Mystical Body
Things to Do:
Go with your family to receive ashes at Mass today. Leave them on your
forehead as a witness to your faith. Here is a Lenten reflection on the meaning of
the ashes on Ash Wednesday. If you have children, you may want to share this
with them in terms that they can understand.
Today parents should encourage their children to reflect upon what regular
penances they will perform throughout this season of Lent. Ideally, each member
of the family should choose his own personal penance as well as some good act
that he will perform (daily spiritual reading, daily Mass, extra prayers,
almsgiving, volunteer work, housecleaning, etc.), and the whole family may
wish to give up one thing together (TV, movies, desserts) or do something extra
(family rosary, Holy Hour, Lenten Alms Jar).
The use of Sacrifice Beans may help children to keep track of their Lenten
penances. Some families begin this activity (with undyed beans!) on Ash
Wednesday and then use the collected beans to cook a penitential bean dish for
Good Friday at the end of Lent.
Here is a Lenten prayer that the family may pray every night from Ash
Wednesday to the first Saturday in Lent, to turn the family’s spiritual focus
towards this holy season.
Read Pope Francis’s 2019 Message for Lent.
Stational churches are the churches that are appointed for special morning and
evening services during Lent, Easter and some other important days during the
Liturgical Year. This ancient Roman tradition started in order to strengthen the sense
of community within the Church in Rome, as this system meant that the Holy Father
would visit each part of the city and celebrate Mass with the congregation.
“So vividly was the station saint before the minds of the assembled people that he
seemed present in their very midst, spoke and worshiped with them. Therefore the
missal still reads, “Statio ad sanctum Paulum,” i.e., the service is not merely in the
church of St. Paul, but rather in his very presence. In the stational liturgy, then, St.
Paul was considered as actually present and acting in his capacity as head and pattern
for the worshipers. Yes, even more, the assembled congregation entered into a
mystical union with the saint by sharing in his glory and by seeing in him beforehand
the Lord’s advent in the Mass (Pius Parsch, The Church’s Year of Grace, Vol. 2, p.
71).”
For more information, see Roman Pilgrimage: The Station Churches, a review of
George Weigel’s book by Jennifer Gregory Miller, The Pontifical North American
College page, the Vatican’s Lenten Calendar, and “Station Churches,” a Lenten
Journey by Fr. Bill.
Ash Wednesday: Station at St. Sabina (Santa Sabina
all’Aventino): The first stational church during Lent is Santa
Sabina at the Aventine (Basilica of St. Sabina). It was built
in the 5th century, presumably at the site of the original
Titulus Sabinae, a church in the home of St. Sabina who
had been martyred c. 114. The tituli were the first parish
churches in Rome. St. Dominic lived in the adjacent monastery for a period soon
before his death in 1221. Among other residents of the monastery were St. Thomas
Aquinas.
Daily Readings for: February 26, 2020

(Readings on USCCB website)
Collect: Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of
Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be
armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever.
RECIPES
Fritatta Sardegna (Omelet Sardinian)

Oeufs à la Mistral (Baked Eggs)
Pain Doré (Golden Toast)
Aioli (Garlic Mayonnaise)
Dark Rye Bread
Herb Omelet III
Old-Fashioned Johnnycake
Ricotta Omelet
Scrambled Eggs and Cheese
Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms
Scrambled Eggs with Shrimps
ACTIVITIES
A Two-Fold Theme: Baptism and Penance

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday Pretzels: Fastenbrezel
Examination of Conscience
Family Chart
Family Chart
Farewell to Alleluia
Grapevine Crown of Thorns
Hymn: Attende Domine - Hear, O Lord
Lenten Alms Jar
Lenten Customs of the Russian Germans
Lenten Fasting Regulations
NOW Cross
Palm Burning Procession for Ash Wednesday
Palms and Ashes
Personal Program for Lent
Pretzels for God: Lent and the Pretzel
Salt Dough Crown of Thorns
Sorrow, Keystone for Lent
Spirit of Lent, The
The “Now Cross”
The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
The Liturgy of Lent
The Mystery of Lent
The Precepts of the Church
The Springtime of Lent
Time for God
Tuesday-Before-Ash-Wednesday Procession
Value of Fasting, The
Why Ashes?
Why Fasting and Abstinence?
Why Forty Days?
The Stational Church
PRAYERS
Prayer Before a Crucifix

Prayer from Ash Wednesday to Saturday
Way of the Cross
To Keep A True Lent
Book of Blessings: Blessing and Distribution of Ashes
Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Lent (1st Plan)
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes
LIBRARY
Ash Wednesday Emphasizes That Life Is a Pilgrimage | Cardinal John

O’Connor
What Are the Origins of Ash Wednesday and the Use of Ashes? | Fr.
William Saunders

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2020-02-26
Lent: February 27th

Thursday After Ash Wednesday
Old Calendar: St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, confessor;
St. Leander of Seville, bishop (Hist)
According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the

Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the
feast of St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows who was
born in Assisi on March 1, 1838, the eleventh child of
Sante Possenti and Agnes Frisciotti. His father Sante
was a distinguished Italian lawyer. The boy was given
the name of the city’s illustrious patron, St. Francis, at
baptism.
St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

On Ascension Day, 1920, Pope Benedict XV bestowed
the honors of sainthood on a youth who is rightly called
the Aloysius of the 19th century. He was Francis
Possenti, known in religion as Gabriel of the Sorrowful
Mother.
Born in Assisi, March 1, 1838, he was given the
name of the city’s illustrious patron, St. Francis, at
baptism. As a student in neighboring Spoleto, he led a
good though rather worldly kind of life until God drew
him closer to Himself through an illness. The decisive
step was taken while seeing the highly honored
miraculous picture of our Lady in Spoleto borne about
in solemn procession. As his eyes followed our Blessed Mother, Francis felt the fire of
divine love rising in his heart and almost at once made the resolve to join the Passionists,
a religious congregation dedicated to the veneration of and meditation on the passion of
Jesus Christ (1856).
After overcoming many difficulties, he carried out his resolution and received the
religious name, Gabriel of the Mother of Sorrows. Even as a novice, he was regarded as
a model of perfect holiness both within and beyond the cloister.
Saint Gabriel did not stand out from his community in any extraordinary way — his
heroism lay in his obedient attitude. He conformed himself to his community in complete
humility. Little is known of his life - only that he was blessed with an excellent memory
and other gifts that made him an outstanding student. He also had a great devotion to the
Passion of Christ and the Sorrows of Mary. Pius X and Leo XIII especially desired that
he be the patron saint of young people and novices in religious orders, as their model in
the interior life. He died in the year 1862.
Saint Gabriel Possenti wrote: “Love Mary!… She is loveable, faithful, constant. She
will never let herself be outdone in love, but will ever remain supreme. If you are in
danger, she will hasten to free you. If you are troubled, she will console you. If you are
sick, she will bring you relief. If you are in need, she will help you. She does not look to
see what kind of person you have been. She simply comes to a heart that wants to love
her. She comes quickly and opens her merciful heart to you, embraces you and consoles
and serves you. She will even be at hand to accompany you on the trip to eternity.”
Patron: Abruzzi region of Italy; Catholic Action; clerics; students; young people in
general.
Things to Do:
For more information about this Passionist saint visit: here, EWTN and the
Passionist nuns
St. Leander of Seville

St. Leander was born of an illustrious family at
Carthagena in Spain. He was the eldest of five
brothers, several of whom are numbered among
the Saints. He entered into a monastery very
young, where he lived many years and attained

to an eminent degree of virtue and sacred
learning.
These qualities occasioned his being
promoted to the see of Seville; but his change of
condition made little or no alteration in his
method of life, though it brought on him a great
increase of care and solicitude.
Spain at that time was in possession of the
Visigoths. These Goths, being infected with
Arianism, established this heresy wherever they
came; so that when St. Leander was made bishop it had reigned in Spain a hundred years.
This was his great affliction; however, by his prayers to God, and by his most zealous
and unwearied endeavors, he became the happy instrument of the conversion of that
nation to the Catholic faith. Having converted, among others, Hermenegild, the king’s
eldest son and heir apparent, Leander was banished by King Leovigild. This pious prince
was put to death by his unnatural father, the year following, for refusing to receive
Communion from the hands of an Arian bishop. But, touched with remorse not long
after, the king recalled our Saint; and falling sick and finding himself past hopes of
recovery, he sent for St. Leander, and recommended to him his son Recared. This son, by
listening to St. Leander, soon became a Catholic, and finally converted the whole nation
of the Visigoths. He was no less successful with respect to the Suevi, a people of Spain,
whom his father Leovigild had perverted.
St. Leander was no less zealous in the reformation of manners than in restoring the
purity of faith; and he planted the seeds of that zeal and fervor which afterwards
produced so many martyrs and Saints.
This holy doctor of Spain died about the year 596, on the 27th of February, as
Mabillon proves from his epitaph.
The Church of Seville has been a metropolitan see ever since the third century. The
cathedral is the most magnificent, both as to structure and ornament, of any in all Spain.
Excerpted from Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]
Thursday after Ash Wednesday, Station with San Giorgio in

Velabro (St. George at Velabrum): Pope St. Gregory
Velabro (St. George at Velabrum): Pope St. Gregory

established a diaconia, an institution that cared for the poor, at
the site of this church. The area has a special place in the history
of Rome, as an ancient tradition claims that it was here that
Romulus killed his brother Remus before founding the city.

Collect: Prompt our actions with your inspiration, we pray, O Lord, and further
them with your constant help, that all we do may always begin from you and by
you be brought to completion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives
and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
English Eggs and Bacon
ACTIVITIES
Fun Pretzel Project
PRAYERS
Prayer for the Second Week of Lent

Lent Table Blessing 2
Collect for the Feast of St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows
The Canticle of the Passion
LIBRARY
A Strong Sense of the Privilege and Duty of Living in Assisi | Pope
A Strong Sense of the Privilege and Duty of Living in Assisi | Pope

Benedict XVI

Lent: February 28th

Friday After Ash Wednesday
Old Calendar: St. Hilary, pope (Hist); St. Romanus, abbot
(Hist); Shove Tuesday (Hist)
Historically today is the feast of St. Hilary, pope from

461 to 468 and guardian of Church unity and St.
Romanus of Condat who founded the abbeys of Condat
and Leuconne, and the convent of La Beaume, among
others.
Bl. Daniel Brottier was beatified by St. John Paul II
on November 25, 1984. He was a French Roman
Catholic priest in the Congregation of the Holy Spirit
(who currently refer to themselves as Spiritans). He was
awarded the Croix de guerre and the Légion d’honneur
for his services as a chaplain during World War I, did missionary work in Senegal, and
administered an orphanage in Auteuil, a suburb of Paris.
Today is the first of the traditionally observed Ember Saturday of the Spring Ember
Days. There are two principal objects for the Ember Days of this period of the year: the
first is to publicly offer thanks to God the season of Spring, and secondly to ask God to
bless the fruits of the earth and human labor. A third traditional focus of the Ember Days
is to ask Him to enrich with His choicest graces the priests and sacred ministers
particularly those who might be ordained on this day.
St. Hilary
To replace a man like Leo was not easy, but the next
pope was a man after Leo’s heart, the archdeacon
Hilary. Hilary was a Sardinian who had joined the
Roman clergy and had been sent by St. Leo as one of
the papal legates to the council at Ephesus in 449. This
council, intended to settle the Monophysite affair, got

out of hand. Packed with Monophysites and presided
over by Dioscorus, the patriarch of Alexandria, the
assembly refused to listen to the protests of the papal
legates. Dioscorus steam-rollered through the council a
condemnation of the orthodox and saintly Flavian, patriarch of Constantinople, and an
approval of the Monophysite leader Eutyches. In vain Hilary protested. He had to fly in
fear for his life and hide in a chapel of St. John the Evangelist. It was only with difficulty
that he got back to Rome. No wonder St. Leo called this Ephesus council a gathering of
robbers!
As pope, Hilary worked hard to foster order in the Gallic hierarchy. When a certain
Hermes illegally made himself archbishop of Narbonne, two Gallic delegates came to
Rome to appeal to Pope Hilary. He held a council at Rome in 462 to settle the matter. He
also upheld the rights of the see of Arles to be the primatial see of Gaul. From Spain also
came appeals of a similar nature. To settle these Hilary held a council at Rome in 465.
This is the first Council at Rome whose acts have come down to us. According to the
“Liber Pontificalis” he sent a letter to the East confirming the ecumenical councils of
Nicaea, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, and the famous dogmatic letter of his predecessor St.
Leo to Flavian. He also publicly in St. Peter’s rebuked the shadow-emperor Anthemius
for allowing a favorite of his to foster heresy in Rome.
St. Hilary deserves great credit for his work in building and decorating churches in
Rome. Of especial interest is the oratory he built near the Lateran, dedicated to St. John
the Evangelist. The Pope attributed his escape from the wild Monophysites at Ephesus to
the intercession of the Beloved Disciple, and to show his gratitude he built this beautiful
oratory. Over its doors may still be seen the inscription, “To his deliverer, Blessed John
the Evangelist, Bishop Hilary, the Servant of Christ.” Hilary built two more churches
and spent freely in decorating still others. The gold and silver and marble used so
lavishly by this Pope in adorning the Roman churches indicate that the wealthy families
of Rome must have saved something from the grasping hands of Goths and Vandals.
St. Hilary died on February 29. His feast is kept on February 28.
Excerpted from Defending the Faith
Saint Romanus of Condat

Saint Romanus of Condat (c. 390 - c. 463) is a saint of
the fifth century. At the age of thirty five he decided to

live as a hermit in the area of Condat. His younger
brother Lupicinus followed him there. They became
leaders of a community of monks that included Saint
Eugendus.
Romanus and Lupicinus founded several
monasteries. These included Condat Abbey, which was
the nucleus of the later town of Saint-Claude, Jura),
Lauconne (later Saint-Lupicin, as Lupicinus was buried
there), La Balme (Beaume) (later Saint-Romain-de-Roche), where Romanus was buried,
and Romainmôtier (Romanum monasterium) in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland.
Romanus was ordained a priest by St. Hilary of Arles in 444.
Excerpted from Wikipedia
Bl. Daniel Brottier

Blessed Daniel Brottier was a French Spiritan born in
France in 1876 and ordained priest 1899. His zeal for
spreading the Gospel beyond the classroom or the
confines of France made him to join the Spiritan
Congregation.
He was sent to Senegal, West Africa. After eight
years there, his health suffered and he went back to
France where he helped raise funds for the construction
of a new cathedral in Senegal.
At the outbreak of World War I Daniel became a
volunteer chaplain. He attributed his survival on the front
lines to the intercession of Saint Therese of Lisieux, and
built a chapel for her at Auteuil when she was canonized.
After the war he established a project for orphans and abandoned children “the
Orphan Apprentices of Auteuil” in the suburb of Paris.
He gave up his soul to God on the 28th of February, 1936 and was beatified only 48
years later in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. Excerpted from Evangelizo.org
Things to Do:
Read more about Bl. Daniel Brottier at The Catholic in Me and at CityDesert.
Friday after Ash Wednesday, Station with Santi

Giovanni e Paolo (Sts. John and Paul): Today’s Station on the
Coelian Hill was named after two brothers who were officers in
the Roman Imperial court. Because they refused to renounce
Christ, they were beheaded on June 26, 362. The basilica is
where the Christian Senator Pammachius built over their home
of the martyrs Sts. John and Paul. Near the church was a hospice where Pammachius
dispensed his fortune in charity to the poor.

Collect: Show gracious favor, O Lord, we pray, to the works of penance we have
begun, that we may have strength to accomplish with sincerity the bodily
observances we undertake. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives
RECIPES
St. Peter’s Fish with Herbs
ACTIVITIES
Motivating Children to Perform Good Deeds

Teaching Self-Denial
The Kaleidoscope of Lent
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
A Revival of Christian Culture Through the Family | Jennifer Gregory

Miller
Catholics Give the Best Parties | Jeffrey Tucker

Lent: February 29th

Saturday after Ash Wednesday
“Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming
in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
and will come out, those who have done good deeds to
the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked
deeds to the resurrection of condemnation (Jn.
5:28-29).”
Before the reform of the Roman Calendar this was
the feast of St. John de Brefeuf. His feast has been
transferred to October 19.
Meditation - The Tree of Knowledge and the Cross

The sin that was wrought through the tree was undone by the obedience of the tree,
obedience to God whereby the Son of man was nailed to the tree, destroying the
knowledge of evil, and bringing in and conferring the knowledge of good; and evil is
disobedience to God, as obedience to God is good. And therefore the Word says through
Isaiah the prophet, foretelling what was to come to pass in the future—for it was because
they told the future that they were “prophets”—the Word says through him as follows: I
refuse not, and do not gainsay, my back have I delivered to blows and my cheeks to
buffets, and I have not turned away my face from the contumely of them that spat. [Is. 50,
6] So by obedience, whereby He obeyed unto death, hanging on the tree, He undid the
old disobedience wrought in the tree. And because He is Himself the Word of God
Almighty, who in His invisible form pervades us universally in the whole world, and
encompasses both its length and breadth and height and depth—for by God’s Word
everything is disposed and administered—the Son of God was also crucified in these,
imprinted in the form of a cross on the universe; for He had necessarily, in becoming
visible, to bring to light the universality of His cross, in order to show openly through
His visible form that activity of His: that it is He who makes bright the height, that is,
what is in heaven, and holds the deep, which is in the bowels of the earth, and stretches
forth and extends the length from East to West, navigating also the Northern parts and
the breadth of the South, and calling in all the dispersed from all sides to the knowledge
of the Father. — St. Irenaeus
Things to Do:
Today’s reading from the book of Isaiah declares that the fasting desired by the
Lord is not so much denying oneself food (although this is important) but rather,
consists in “Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the
homeless; / Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on
your own.” Many families take these words to heart by having an inexpensive,
penitential dinner on Fridays in Lent (such as beans and rice) and then giving the
extra money to the poor.
Many families give each child one pretzel during Friday dinners in Lent. Remind
your children of the spiritual significance of the pretzel.
Pray the Stations of the Cross today with your family. An excellent version with
beautiful meditations composed by our Holy Father is his Stations of the Cross
at the Colosseum. Some other recommended versions are: Eucharistic Stations of
the Cross, and the more traditional Stations of the Cross written by Saint
Alphonsus Liguori can be found in most Catholic bookstores. Here are some
guidelines for praying the Stations of the Cross in your home.
Any of the linked activities (Fun Pretzel Project, Lenten Scrapbook,
Candelabrum for Stations of the Cross) are a perfect way for your children to
spend their Friday afternoons throughout this season of Lent.
Saturday after Ash Wednesday, Station with Sant’Agostino

(St. Augustine), formerly St. Tryphon: The station for today is
at the church dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo. Michalangelo
was one of the artists commissioned for the decoration of the
church. The Renaissance façade, one of the first in this style, is
built of travertine marble said to be from the ruins of the
Colosseum.

Collect: Almighty ever-living God, look with compassion on our weakness and
ensure us your protection by stretching forth the right hand of your majesty.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
Yellow Split Pea Soup
ACTIVITIES
Religion in the Home for Elementary School: February

Religion in the Home for Preschool: February
PRAYERS
Prayer for the First Week of Lent

LIBRARY
Fasting Is Prayer of the Body | Thomas Spidlik

Lent: March 1st

First Sunday of Lent
Old Calendar: First Sunday of Lent
The scene of the temptation, which opens the public life

of Jesus, declares in the Gospels in a very forceful
manner the great change in our lives that He introduces
into the world by His work of redemption. Where Adam
fell, Christ, the new Head of humanity, triumphs over
the power of Satan: at the time of His passion “the
prince of this world” will be cast out. The Gospel of the
temptation heralds Christ’s victory in advance.
By appointing this Gospel for the beginning of Lent
the Church proclaims that this victory should be ours
also. In us, as all around us, it is Christ’s temptation,
Christ’s struggle, Christ’s victory which is prolonged;
our effort is His and so is our strength; His will be our victory at Easter.
Sunday Readings
The first reading is from the Book of Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 and is about the creation and
fall of man.
The second reading is from St. Paul to the Romans 5:12-19. He is speaking of some
of the immediate effects of Christian salvation, as brought to mankind by Christ. St. Paul
stresses the fact that Christ through his death not only conquered sin but poured out
divine grace so abundantly and lavishly on mankind, making them his brothers and
therefore sons of God, that there is no comparison between the world redeemed by
Christ’s death and the world of sin which prevailed up to then.
The Gospel is from St. Matthew 4:1-11. This incident in our Lord’s life, his forty
days and nights of fasting followed by temptations, has been chosen as a reading for this
first Sunday of Lent for our edification and encouragement. Lent is a period of
preparation for the central Christian events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Christ,
the Son of God in human nature, died the excruciating death of crucifixion on Good
Friday, because of the sins of the human race. By this supreme act of obedience to his
heavenly Father he made atonement for all our disobediences, and set us free from the
slavery of Satan and of sin. In his resurrection his human nature was glorified by God
the Father, and in that glorification we are all offered a share and given the right to an
eternal life of glory, if we follow Christ faithfully in this life.
For every sincere Christian therefore,
who appreciates what Good Friday and
Easter Sunday mean for her or him, this
period of preparation should be a welcome
opportunity. The Church no longer imposes
on us any obligatory daily fasting from food,
but it urges us to find other means of
mortifying ourselves, so as to show that we
realize what Christ has done for us and what
he has earned for us through his passion, death and resurrection. The example of Christ
fasting from food for forty days, should move even the coldest Christian heart to try to
do something to make reparation for past negligence and sins. Christ had no sin to atone
for; it was for our sins that he mortified himself. We all have much to atone for. If,
because of the demands of our present way of life, we cannot fast rigorously as our
grandparents did, we can find many other less noticeable, but maybe nonetheless
difficult, ways of subduing our human worldly inclinations. Where there is a will there is
a way; the willing Christian will find ready substitutes for fasting.
The temptations, to which our Lord allowed himself to be submitted, are for us a
source of encouragement and consolation. If our Lord and master under went temptation,
we cannot and must not expect to live a Christian life without experiencing similar tests
and trials. The three temptations Satan put to our Lord were suggestions to forget his
purpose in life—his messianic mission of redemption. He was urged to get all the bodily
comforts of life, all the self-glory which men could give him, and all the possessions and
power this world has to offer.
Our basic temptations in life are the same: bodily comforts and pleasure, the empty
esteem of our fellowman, wealth and power. There are millions of men and women on
earth today—many of them nominal Christians—who have given in to these temptations
and, are wasting their lives chasing after these unattainable shadows. But even should
they manage to catch up with some of them, they soon find out that they are empty
baubles. They will have to leave them so very soon.
Today, let each one of us look into his heart and honestly examine his reaction to
these temptations. Do we imitate our Savior and leader, and say “begone Satan”? Our
purpose in life is not to collect its treasures, its honors or its pleasures. We are here for a
few short years, to merit the unending life which Christ has won for us. Would we be so
foolish as to swap our inheritance for a mere mess of pottage (see Gen. 25:29-34)?
Lent is a golden opportunity to review our past and make sensible resolutions for our
future.
Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O’Sullivan, O.F.M.
Things to Do:
Begin praying the prayer for the first week of Lent.

Make Pease Porridge (Split Pea Soup) for supper, a traditional dish for Sundays
during Lent. Add some diced ham for more flavor and substance.
Today’s Gospel speaks of the temptation of Jesus after his forty days’ fast in the
desert. After you go to Mass, discuss this reading with your children,
emphasizing that temptation itself is not a sin, but we must use the Word of God
to combat it, as Christ did. Read the Catholic Encyclopedia’s explanation of the
Temptation of Christ.
The Station today is at St. John Lateran. The Lateran is

comprised of the Basilica, the Pontifical Palace and the
Baptistry. The church is dedicated to the Christ the Savior. In
the fifth century the titles of St. John Baptist and St. John the
Evangelist were added. The Papal altar contains the wooden
altar on which St. Peter is said to have celebrated Mass. This
basilica is the mother of all churches and is the only church which has the title of
Archbasilica.
Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: First

Sunday of Lent
“Not by bread alone does man live, but
by every word that comes forth from the
mouth of God” (Gospel).
1. In this picture the devil points to
the bread of fleshly desire. “Now is the
acceptable time” to “ration” our
self-indulgence, our worship of physical
culture (Epistle), and to feed our souls with the Divine Word. This temptation calls
for the mortification of self.
2. The “pinnacle of the temple” (in the upper left corner), recalls the pride of
usurping God’s power, of trying to live beyond His reach. We must topple ourselves
from the pinnacle of pride and lift ourselves up by prayer to the pinnacle of God
Himself.
3. The “kingdoms of the world,” seen in the distance (in middle of picture),
represent those who covet mere earthly “glory.” To offset this temptation there must
be almsgiving or devoting one’s talents to the service of one’s neighbor.
The Epistle exhorts us not to receive “in vain” this plan of personal reformation,
first by warning, then by encouraging us in the eternal struggle between Christ and
Antichrist.
Excerpted from My Sunday Missal, Confraternity of the Precious Blood
Daily Readings for: March 01, 2020

Collect: Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that
we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy
conduct pursue their effects. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives
RECIPES
Pease Porridge
ACTIVITIES
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 2nd

Monday of the First Week of Lent
Old Calendar: Bl. Charles the Good, martyr (Hist); St.
Simplicius, pope (Hist)
Historically today is the feast of Blessed Charles the

Good, the Danish prince, son of the holy king Canuto
IV, gained the crown of the Count of Flanders from his
maternal lineage. After an initial brief interval, his reign
was marked by peace and justice. Dedicated to the
defense and aid of the poor and weak, he was killed by
soldiers that he had tried to pacify. Leo III officially
beatified him in 1882 and the new Roman Martyrology
still remembers the anniversary of his martyrdom. It is
also the feast of St. Simplicius who was born in Tivoli
and was elected to the papacy in 468. In 476, the last emperor of the Western Empire
was deposed, and Odoacer the Goth became the first king of Italy and a Roman patrician.
Simplicius opposed Monothelitism and built churches. He wanted to maintain papal
authority in the Western Empire in spite of the collapse of civil authority. Simplicius
died, after a long illness, in 483.
Blessed Charles the Good

Count Charles of Flanders, was called “the good” by the people of his kingdom. They
named him for what they found him to truly be. He was the son of St. Canute, king of
Denmark. Charles was just five years old when his father was murdered in 1086. When
Charles grew up, he married a good young woman named Margaret. Charles was a mild
and fair ruler. The people trusted him and his laws. He tried to be an example of what he
expected the people to be.
Some nobles accused Charles of unjustly favoring the poor over the rich. He
answered kindly, “It is because I am so aware of the needs of the poor and the pride of
the rich.” The poor of his realm were fed daily at his castles.
the rich.” The poor of his realm were fed daily at his castles.
Charles ordered the abundant planting of crops so that the people would have plenty
to eat at reasonable prices. Some wealthy men tried to hoard grain to sell at very high
prices. Charles the Good found out and forced them to sell immediately and at fair
prices. An influential father and his sons had been reprimanded by Charles for their
violent tactics. They joined the little group of enemies who now wanted to kill him.
The count walked every morning barefoot to Mass and arrived early at the Church of
St. Donatian. He did this in a spirit of penance. He longed to deepen his own spiritual life
with God. His enemies knew that he walked to church and also that he prayed often
alone before Mass. Many people who loved Charles feared for his life. They warned him
that his walks to St. Donatian could lead to his death. He replied, “We are always in the
middle of dangers, but we belong to God.” One morning, as he prayed alone before the
statue of Mary, his attackers killed him. Charles was martyred in 1127.
—Excerpted from Holy Spirit Interactive
Things to Do:
Read more about Blessed Charles here.
St. Simplicius
Saint Simplicius was the ornament of the Roman clergy
under Sts. Leo and Hilarius, and succeeded the latter in
the pontificate in 468. He was raised by God to corn fort
and support his Church amidst the greatest storms. All
the provinces of the Western Empire, out of Italy, were
fallen into the hands of barbarians.
The emperors for many years were rather shadows
of power than sovereigns, and, in the eighth year of the
pontificate of Simplicius, Rome itself fell a prey to
foreigners. Italy, by oppressions and the ravages of
barbarians, was left almost a desert without inhabitants;
and the imperial armies consisted chiefly of barbarians,
hired under the name of auxiliaries. These soon saw that their masters were in their
power. The Heruli demanded one-third of the lands of Italy, and upon refusal chose for
their leader Odoacer, one of the lowest extraction, but a resolute and intrepid man, who
was proclaimed king of Rome in 476. He put to death Orestes, who was regent of the
empire for his son Augustulus, whom the senate had advanced to the imperial throne.
Odoacer spared the life of Augustulus, appointed him a salary of six thousand pounds of
gold, and permitted him to live at full liberty near Naples.
Pope Simplicius was wholly taken up in comforting and relieving the afflicted, and in
sowing the seeds of the Catholic faith among the barbarians.
The East gave his zeal no less employment and concern. Peter Cnapheus, a violent
Eutychian, was made by the heretics Patriarch of Antioch; and Peter Mengus, one of the
most profligate men, that of Alexandria. Acacius, the Patriarch of Constantinople,
received the sentence of St. Simplicius against Cnapheus, but supported Mongus against
him and the Catholic Church, and was a notorious changeling, double-dealer, and artful
hypocrite, who often made religion serve his own private ends. St. Simplicius at length
discovered his artifices and redoubled his zeal to maintain the holy faith, which he saw
betrayed on every side, whilst the patriarchal sees of Alexandria and Antioch were
occupied by furious wolves, and there was not one Catholic king in the whole world. The
emperor measured everything by his passions and human views.
St. Simplicius, having sat fifteen years, eleven months, and six days, went to receive
the reward of his labors in 483. He was buried in St. Peter’s on the 2d of March.
Things to Do:
Learn more about Pope Simplicius here.

The Monophysite heresy maintained that Jesus Christ’s nature remains altogether
divine and not human even though he has taken on an earthly and human body
with its cycle of birth, life, and death. Monophysitism asserted that the person of
Jesus Christ has only one, divine nature rather than the two natures, divine and
human, that were established at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. Read a
comprehensive essay on Monophysites and Monophysitism at New Advent.
Monday of the First Week of Lent, Station with San Pietro

in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains): This church was one of the
tituli, Rome’s first parish churches, known as the Titulus

Eudoxiae or the Eudoxiana. It was built over the ruins of an
Imperial villa in 442 (or possibly 439), to house the chains that
had bound St. Peter in prison in Jerusalem.

Collect: Convert us, O God our Savior, and instruct our minds by heavenly
teaching, that we may benefit from the works of Lent. Through our Lord Jesus
Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
None
ACTIVITIES
Dramatics at Home for Elementary Children

Time for God
PRAYERS
Ordinary Time, Pre-Lent: Table Blessing 1
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 3rd

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent; Optional
Memorial of St. Katharine Drexel, virgin (USA)
Old Calendar: St. Cunegundes, virgin & empress (Hist)
Today the dioceses of the United States celebrate the

optional memorial of St. Katharine Drexel. Born into a
wealthy Philadelphia family, Katharine took an avid
interest in the material and spiritual well-being of
African and Native Americans. She founded the Sisters
of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored
People, and opened mission schools in the West for
Native Americans and in the South for African
Americans. In 1915 she founded Xavier University in
New Orleans. At her death, there were more than 500
sisters teaching in 63 schools.
Historically today is the feast of St. Cunegundes who was Empress of the Holy
Roman Empire. She and her husband, St. Henry II guarded perpetual virginity in their
marriage. Together the couple carried out many pious works and practiced prayer and
mortification. After his death in 1024, she went to the Convent of Kaufungen (Hesse),
which she had founded. She died there in 1040 and was canonized by Pope Innocent III
in 1200.
St. Katharine Drexel

Katharine Drexel was born in Philadelphia in 1858. She had
an excellent education and traveled widely. As a rich girl,
she had a grand debut into society. But when she nursed her
stepmother through a three-year terminal illness, she saw
that all the Drexel money could not buy safety from pain or
death, and her life took a profound turn.

She had always been interested in the plight of the
Indians, having been appalled by reading Helen Hunt
Jackson’s A Century of Dishonor. While on a European
tour, she met Pope Leo XIII and asked him to send more
missionaries to Wyoming for her friend Bishop James
O’Connor. The pope replied, “Why don’t you become a
missionary?” His answer shocked her into considering new possibilities.
Back home, she visited the Dakotas, met the Sioux leader Red Cloud and began her
systematic aid to Native American missions.
She could easily have married. But after much discussion with Bishop O’Connor, she
wrote in 1889, “The feast of Saint Joseph brought me the grace to give the remainder of
my life to the Indians and the Colored.” Newspaper headlines screamed “Gives Up Seven
Million!”
After three and a half years of training, she and
her first band of nuns (Sisters of the Blessed
Sacrament for Indians and Colored) opened a
boarding school in Santa Fe. A string of foundations
followed. By 1942 she had a system of African
American Catholic schools in thirteen states, plus
forty mission centers and twenty-three rural schools.
Segregationists harassed her work, even burning a
school in Pennsylvania. In all, she established fifty
missions for Native Americans in sixteen states.
Two saints met when she was advised by
Mother Cabrini about the “politics” of getting her
order’s rule approved in Rome. Her crowning
achievement was the founding of Xavier University in New Orleans, the first university
in the United States for African Americans.
At seventy-seven, she suffered a heart attack and was forced to retire. Apparently her
life was over. But now came almost twenty years of quiet, intense prayer from a small
room overlooking the sanctuary. Small notebooks and slips of paper record her various
prayers, ceaseless aspirations and meditation. She died at ninety-six and was canonized
in 2000.
Excerpted from Saint of the Day, Leonard Foley, O.F.M.
Things to Do:
St. Katharine had a great love for the Eucharist, the center and source of her
activity. Make a family visit to the Blessed Sacrament today.
St. Katharine became a spiritual mother of African Americans and Native
Americans, fighting for equal rights for these neglected ethnic groups. She was
particularly concerned with achieving a quality education for these people. Find
out about nearby educational programs for underprivileged inner city children
(an excellent parent organization concerned with this is Youth Service
International) and look for ways to support them. If you cannot give any of your
time, consider making a small donation.
St. Katharine grew up in a wealthy home but her parents instilled in her the
understanding that her wealth belonged to her only on loan so that she could
share it with others. She gave generously and with full trust in God. Do you tithe
on a regular basis? Do you encourage your children to be generous with their
allowance money?
Visit this website about Katharine Drexel that features many photos, a history
and information about her shrine.
St. Cunegundes
Saint Cunegundes was the daughter of
Siegfried, the first Count of Luxemburg, and
Hadeswige, his pious wife. They instilled into
her from her cradle the most tender sentiments
of piety, and married her to St. Henry, Duke of
Bavaria, who, upon the death of the Emperor
Otho III., was chosen king of the Romans, and
crowned on the 6th of June, 1002. She was
crowned at Paderborn on St. Laurence’s day. In
the year 1014 she went with her husband to
Rome, and received the imperial crown with
him from the hands of Pope Benedict VIII. She
had, by St. Henry’s consent, before her marriage made a vow of virginity. Calumniators
afterwards made vile accusations against her, and the holy empress, to remove the
scandal of such a slander, trusting in God to prove her innocence, walked over red-hot
ploughshares without being hurt. The emperor condemned his too scrupulous fears and
credulity, and from that time they lived in the strictest union of hearts, conspiring to
promote in everything God’s honor and the advancement of piety.
Going once to make a retreat in Hesse, she fell dangerously ill, and made a vow to
found a monastery, if she recovered, at Kaffungen, near Cassel, in the diocese of
Paderborn, which she executed in a stately manner, and gave it to nuns of the Order of
St. Benedict. Before it was finished St. Henry died, in 1024. She earnestly recommended
his soul to the prayers of others, especially to her blear nuns, and expressed her longing
desire of joining them. She had already exhausted her treasures in founding bishoprics
and monasteries, and in relieving the poor, and she had therefore little left now to give.
But still thirsting to embrace perfect evangelical poverty, and to renounce all to serve
God without obstacle, she assembled a great number of prelates to the dedication of her
church of Kaffungen on the anniversary day of her husband’s death, 1025; and after the
gospel was sung at Mass she offered on the altar a piece of the true cross, and then,
putting off her imperial robes, clothed herself with a poor habit; her hair was cut off, and
the bishop put on her a veil and a ring as a pledge of her fidelity to her heavenly Spouse.
After she was consecrated to God in religion, she seemed entirely to forget that she
had been empress, and behaved as the last in the house, being persuaded that she was 30
before God. She prayed and read much, worked with her hands, and took a singular
pleasure in visiting and comforting the sick.
Thus she passed the last fifteen years of her life. Her mortifications at length reduced
her to a very weak condition and brought on her last sickness. Perceiving that they were
preparing a cloth fringed with gold to cover her corpse after her death, she changed color
and ordered it to be taken away; nor could she be at rest till she was promised she should
be buried as a poor religious in her habit. She died on the 3d of March, 1040. Her body
was carried to Bamberg and buried near that of her husband. She was solemnly
canonized by Innocent III. in 1200.
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Cunegunda at Aquinas & More.

Read about the life of St. Cunegunda’s husband, King St. Henry II here.
Watch this short Gloria.tv video about St. Cunegunda’s life.
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent, Station with

Sant’Anastasia (St. Anastasia): Today’s stational church is St.
Anastasia in Rome, where, formerly, the Mass of the Aurora on
Christmas Day was celebrated. The first church was built in the
late 3rd or early 4th century, and was one of the first parish
churches of ancient Rome. It was given by a woman called
Anastasia and called titulus Anastasiae after her. Later, it was
dedicated to a martyr of the same name.

Collect: Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of
bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of
our yearning for you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever./>God
of love, you called Saint Katharine Drexel to teach the message of the Gospel and
to bring the life of the Eucharist to the Native American and African American
peoples; by her prayers and example, enable us to work for justice among the poor
and the oppressed, and keep us undivided in love in the Eucharistic community of
your Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with
you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
Hopi Corn Stew
ACTIVITIES
Namedays
What is a Nameday?
PRAYERS

Novena in Honor of St. Katharine Drexel
LIBRARY
St. Katharine Drexel Evangelized Native and African Americans |

Unknown

Lent: March 4th

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent; Optional
Memorial of St. Casimir of Poland
Old Calendar: St. Casimir; St. Lucius I, pope & martyr
Today is the feast of St. Casimir who was born in 1458

and was the son of the King of Poland. At an early age
he saw through the superficiality and corruption of court
life. Throughout his short life—he died of consumption
at the age of 26—he dedicated himself wholly to the
service of God and of his fellow-men. His love for the
poor was immense. He was also renowned for his
devotion to the Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin. It is
also the feast of St. Lucius I, pope in the 3rd century
reputed to be a martyr.
St. Casimir
St. Casimir, to whom the Poles gave the title of “The Peace-maker,” was the third of the
thirteen children of Casimir IV, King of Poland, and of Elizabeth of Austria, daughter of
the Emperor Albert II. …Devout from his infancy, the boy gave himself up to devotion
and penance, and had a horror of anything approaching softness or self-indulgence. His
bed was often the ground, and he was wont to spend a great part of the night in prayer
and meditation, chiefly on the passion of our Saviour. His clothes were plain, and under
them he wore a hairshirt. Living always in the presence of God, he was invariably serene
and cheerful, and pleasant to all. The saint’s love of God showed itself in his love of the
poor who are Christ’s members, and for the relief of these the young prince gave all he
possessed, using in their behalf the influence he had with his father and with his brother
Ladislaus when he became king of Bohemia. In honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Casimir frequently recited the long Latin hymn “Omni die dic Mariae,” a copy of which
Casimir frequently recited the long Latin hymn “Omni die dic Mariae,” a copy of which
was by his desire buried with him. This hymn, part of which is familiar to us through
Bittleston’s version, “Daily, daily sing to Mary,” is not uncommonly called the Hymn of
St Casimir, but it was certainly not composed by him; it is three centuries older than his
time.
The nobles of Hungary, dissatisfied with
their king, Matthias Corvinus, in 1471 begged
the King of Poland to allow them to place his
son Casimir on the throne. The saint, at that
time not fifteen years old, was very unwilling
to consent, but in obedience to his father he
went to the frontier at the head of an army.
There, hearing that Matthias had himself
assembled a large body of troops, and finding
that his own soldiers were deserting in large numbers because they could not get their
pay, he decided upon the advice of his officers to return home. The knowledge that Pope
Sixtus IV had sent an embassy to his father to deter him from the expedition made the
young prince carry out his resolution with the firmer conviction that he was acting
rightly. King Casimir, however, was greatly incensed at the failure of his ambitious
projects and would not permit his son to return to Cracow, but relegated him to the castle
of Dobzki. The young man obeyed and remained in confinement there for three months.
Convinced of the injustice of the war upon which he had so nearly embarked, and
determined to have no further part in these internecine conflicts which only facilitated
the further progress into Europe of the Turks, St Casimir could never again be persuaded
to take up arms though urged to do so by his father and invited once more by the
disaffected Hungarian magnates. He returned to his studies and his prayers, though for a
time he was viceroy in Poland during an absence of his father. An attempt was made to
induce him to marry a daughter of the Emperor Frederick III, but he refused to relax the
celibacy he had imposed on himself.
St Casimir’s austerities did nothing to help the lung trouble from which he suffered,
and he died at the age of twenty-six in 1484 and was buried at Vilna, where his relics
still rest in the church of St Stanislaus. Miracles were reported at his tomb, and he was
canonized in 1521.
Excerpted from Butler’s Lives of the Saints
Patron: Poland, Lithuania, bachelors, kings, princes
Symbols: Lily (for purity)
Things to Do:
St. Casimir died at age 26 due to tuberculosis. Teach the young people in your
family about this saint who was so ready to die at such a young age, that they
may realize that sanctity is fully attainable regardless of their state in life.
The story of Esther interceding on behalf of her people in today’s reading is a
real example of how morally influential a woman can be by virtue of her
femininity. Not through leaving her femininity behind and seeking power did
Esther impact her world for the good, but it was directly through her beautiful,
pure womanhood that Esther swayed the King, her husband, to save her people.
Tell this story to your daughters, if you have been blessed with any — they will
love hearing it! Read Pope John Paul II’s encyclical On the Dignity of Woman,
and his message Women: Teachers of Peace to learn more about the mission of
women in society today.
Don’t be a Catholic who doesn’t know Scripture! In the Gospel today there is a
good Scripture verse to memorize that will deepen your trust in your Heavenly
Father: “If you, with all your sins, know how to give your children what is good,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to anyone who asks
him!” — Matt 7:11
St. Lucius I
St. Lucius, according to the “Liber Pontificalis,” was a
Roman, the son of Porphyrius. When he succeeded St.
Comelius, the persecution of Trebonianus Gallus was still
raging, and the new Pope was exiled. Soon, however, the
persecution died away and Lucius was able to return to
Rome. There is extant a letter from St. Cyprian
congratulating the Pope on his return from exile and
praising him for his confession of Christ.
St. Lucius continued the policy of Cornelius in
admitting repentant apostates to communion after due

penance. St. Cyprian praises him for this.
The “Liber Pontificalis” attributes to Pope Lucius a
decree ordering that two priests and three deacons should live with a bishop that they
might be witnesses for him. Duchesne, however, considers this decree apocryphal.
According to the “Liber Pontificalis,” Pope Lucius was beheaded in the persecution
of Valerian. This is almost certainly inaccurate, for Lucius died before the persecution of
Valerian broke out. At any rate, St. Lucius died some time in the beginning of March
254, and was buried in the Cemetery of Calixtus. His tombstone has been discovered.
The feast of St. Lucius is kept on March 4.
Excerpted from Popes Through the Ages, by Joseph Brusher
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Lucius I here.

Learn more about Novatian and Novatianism at New Advent.
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent, Station with Santa

Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major): The spring Ember Week
consecrated the new season to God and by prayer and fasting
sought to obtain abundant graces for those who on Saturday
were to receive Holy Orders. The Station was fittingly held in
the church, which witnessed the first scrutinies for the coming
ordinations, and which was dedicated to the mother of the great
High Priest.

Collect: Look kindly, Lord, we pray, on the devotion of your people, that those
who by self-denial are restrained in body may by the fruit of good works be
renewed in mind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns
with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and that your
Church may rejoice, untroubled in her devotion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
ACTIVITIES
Namedays
Pre-Lent and Carnival
Pre-Lent, or Carnival in the Home
What is a Nameday?
PRAYERS
Prayer from Ash Wednesday to Saturday

Daily, Daily Sing to Mary - Omni die dic Mariae
Prayer of Saint Casimir
LIBRARY
Today in Poland There is a Need for True Heralds of the Gospel and
Messengers of the Truth | Pope John Paul II

Lent: March 5th

Thursday of the First Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. John Joseph of the Cross, priest (Hist)
Historically today is the feast of St. John Joesph of the

Cross who was born on the Island of Ischia in Southern
Italy. At the age of sixteen years he entered the Order of
St. Francis at Naples, amongst the Friars of the
Alcantarine Reform, being the first Italian to join this
reform which had been instituted in Spain by St. Peter
of Alcantara. In 1674 he was sent to found a friary at
Afila, in Piedmont; and he assisted with his own hands
in the building. Much against his will , he was raised to
the priesthood. In 1702 he was appointed Vicar
Provincial of the Alcantarine Reform in Italy. He was
beatified in 1789, and canonized in 1839.
St. John Joseph of the Cross

Saint John Joseph of the Cross was born on the feast of the Assumption in 1654, on the
island of Ischia in the kingdom of Naples. From his childhood he was a model of virtue,
and in his sixteenth year he entered the Franciscan Order of the Strict Observance, or
Reform of Saint Peter of Alcantara, at Naples. Such was the edification he gave in his
Order, that within three years after his profession he was sent to found a monastery in
Piedmont. He assisted in its construction himself and established there the most perfect
silence and monastic fervor.
One day Saint John Joseph was found in the chapel in ecstasy, raised far above the
floor. He won the hearts of all his religious, and became a priest out of obedience to his
Superiors. He obtained what seemed to be an inspired knowledge of moral theology, in
prayer and silence. He assisted at the death of his dear mother who rejoiced and seemed
to live again in his presence, and after he had sung the Mass for the repose of her soul,
saw her soul ascend to heaven, to pray thereafter their God face to face.
With his superiors’ permission he established another convent and drew up rules for
the Community, which the Holy See confirmed. Afterward he became a master of
novices vigilant and filled with gentleness, and of a constantly even disposition. Some
time later he was made Provincial of the Province of Naples, erected in the beginning of
the 18th century by Clement XI. He labored hard to establish in Italy this branch of his
Order, which the Sovereign Pontiff had separated from the same branch in Spain. His
ministry brought him many sufferings, especially moral sufferings occasioned by
numerous calumnies. Nonetheless, the Saint succeeded in his undertakings, striving to
inculcate in his subjects the double spirit of contemplation and penance which Saint
Peter of Alcantara had bequeathed to the Franciscans of the Strict Observance. He gave
them the example of the most sublime virtues, especially of humility and religious
discipline. God rewarded his zeal with numerous gifts in the supernatural order, such as
those of prophecy and miracles.
Finally, consumed by labors for the glory of God, he was called to his reward.
Stricken with apoplexy, he died an octogenarian in his convent at Naples, March 5, 1734.
Countless posthumous miracles confirmed the sanctity and glory of the Saint, and he was
canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Excerpted from Lives of the Saints for Every Day of the Year, edited by Rev. Hugo
Hoever, S.O. Cist., Ph.D.
Things to Do:
Read this longer life os St. John Joseph of the Cross at All Saints & Martyrs.
Thursday of the First Week of Lent, Station with San

Lorenzo in Panisperna (St. Lawrence in Panisperna): The
church stands on the site of St. Lawrence’s martyrdom. The
appellation refers to the name of the street, which in turn most
likely refers to the tradition of the Poor Clares in the adjacent
convent of distributing bread and ham (pane e perna) on August
10th, the feast day of St. Lawrence. This is done in
remembrance of St. Lawrence distributing funds from the
church to the poor.
church to the poor.

Collect: Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of always pondering on what is

right and of hastening to carry it out, and since without you we cannot exist, may
we be enabled to live according to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for
ever and ever.
RECIPES
Almond Pretzels
ACTIVITIES
How the Devil Tempts Us

Religion in the Home for Elementary School: March
Religion in the Home for Preschool: March
PRAYERS
Ordinary Time, Pre-Lent: Table Blessing 2

Litany of Humility
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 6th

Friday of the First Week of Lent
Old Calendar: Sts. Perpetua and Felicitas, martyrs; St.
Colette, virgin & religious (Hist)
“If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes

and pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of
heaven (Matt. 5:20).” The need to make reparation is a
vital, inescapable urge of a free person. His very nature
cries out for order and peace. His reason tells him that
where an order has been violated, the order must be
repaired; and the higher the order, the greater must be
the reparation. To be free at all, is to accept the
responsibility for atonement. Sin is a violation of God’s
order. Sin demands reparation — the reparation of
personal penance, personal prayer, personal charity to
all. Part of our atonement to God is made by serving our fellow men. — Daily Missal of
the Mystical Body
According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the
Roman Rite, today is the feast of Sts. Perpetua and Felicitas. Their feast in the Ordinary
Form of the Roman Rite is celebrated on March 7. Historically today is the feast of St.
Colette, who revived the Franciscan spirit among the Poor Clares. Her reform spread
throughout France, Savoy, Germany and Flanders, many convents being restored and
seventeen new ones founded by her. She helped St. Vincent Ferrer in the work of healing
the papal schism.
St. Colette
Born in 1380, Nicolette was named in honor of St.
Nicholas of Myra. Her loving parents nicknamed her
Colette from the time she was a baby. Colette’s father
was a carpenter at an abbey in Picardy. Quiet and

hard-working, Colette was a big help to her mother with
the housework. Her parents noticed the child’s liking
for prayer and her sensitive, loving nature.
When Colette was seventeen, both her parents died.
The young woman was placed under the care of the
abbot at the monastery where her father had worked.
She asked for and received a hut built next to the abbey
church. Colette lived there. She spent her time praying and sacrificing for Jesus’ Church.
More and more people found out about this holy young woman. They went to see her and
asked her advice about important problems. They knew that she was wise because she
lived close to God. She received everybody with gentle kindness. After each visit, she
would pray that her visitors would find peace of soul. Colette was a member of the Third
Order of St. Francis. She knew that the religious order of women who followed St.
Francis’ lifestyle are the Poor Clares. They are named after St. Clare, their foundress,
who was a follower of St. Francis. During Colette’s time, the Poor Clares needed to go
back to the original purpose of their order. St. Francis of Assisi appeared to Colette and
asked her to reform the Poor Clares. She must have been surprised and afraid of such a
difficult task. But she trusted in God’s grace. Colette traveled to the Poor Clare convents.
She helped the nuns become more poor and prayerful.
The Poor Clares were inspired by St. Colette’s life. She had a great devotion to Jesus
in the Eucharist. She also spent time frequently meditating on the passion and death of
Jesus. She loved Jesus and her religious vocation very much.
Colette knew exactly when and where she was going to die. She died in one of her
convents in Ghent, Flanders, in 1447. She was sixty-seven. Colette was proclaimed a
saint by Pope Pius VI in 1807.
Excerpted from Holy Spirit Interactive
Things to Do:
See the Ty Mam Duw Poor Clare Colettine Community for more information.
Friday of the First Week of Lent, Station with Santi Dodici

Apostoli (Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles): Today’s
Apostoli (Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles): Today’s

station is at the Church of the Twelve Apostles. Traditionally,
this is the place where the Romans choose their candidates for
priesthood (Rite of Election). It was erected by Julius I
(337-352) over the barracks of ancient Rome’s firemen and
entrusted since 1463 to the Conventual Franciscans. Originally
dedicated to the Apostles St. James and St. Philip, it was
rededicated to all the Apostles in the 16th century.

Collect: Grant that your faithful, O Lord, we pray, may be so conformed to the
paschal observances, that the bodily discipline now solemnly begun may bear fruit
in the souls of all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns
RECIPES
Basic French Bread

Cassoulet
ACTIVITIES
Lenten Practices for Children

Precious Coins: Mortification and Self-Denial
PRAYERS
Prayer for the Third Week of Lent

The Chaplet of St. Colette
The Chaplet of St. Colette
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 7th

Saturday of the First Week of Lent; Optional
Memorial of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs
Old Calendar: St. Thomas Aquinas, confessor and doctor
The Church continues providing some

suggestions on how to approach Lent: “If anyone
wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
The account of the martyrdom of Saints
Perpetua and Felicity forms one of the finest
pages of the history of the first centuries of the
Church. It shows us clearly the wonderful
sentiments of these two women when they heard
that they had been condemned to the wild beasts.
Knowing their own weakness but relying on the strength of Christ, who was fighting
with them, they went to their martyrdom as to a triumphant celebration, to which they
were invited by Christ. They were exposed to the fury of wild beasts in the amphitheater
at Carthage, A.D. 203, and finally killed by the sword. Their names are still mentioned
together in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas which is now celebrated in the
Ordinary Form on January 28.
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity

Vibia Perpetua, a well-to-do young woman and mother,
and Felicitas, a slave who gave birth to a child three
days before suffering a martyr’s death, were
catechumens. Against such prospective converts the
persecution of Septimius Severus was particularly

severe. These two holy women suffered death on the
seventh of March in Carthage. The Breviary relates the
following touching episode:
Now the day had arrived when they were to be

thrown to the wild beasts. Felicitas began to be sorrowful because she feared she
would have to wait longer than her companions. For eight months she had been
pregnant and therefore, according to Roman law, could not be executed before the
birth of the child. But the prayers of her fellow sufferers hastened her time and she
gave birth to a baby girl.
While she was suffering from the pains of

childbirth, one of the guards called out to her, “If
you are suffering so much now, what will you do
when you are thrown to the wild beasts?” “Now I
suffer,” she answered, “but there Another will be
in me, who will suffer for me, because I will
suffer for Him.” When she was in travail she had
sorrow, but when she was set before the wild
beasts she rejoiced (Martyrology).
Finally, on the seventh of March, these heroic women were led into the amphitheater and
severely scourged. Then they were tossed about by an exceptionally wild cow, gored,
and thrown to the ground.
Excerpted from The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
Patron: Perpetua — Cattle, death of children, martyrs. Felicity — Death of children;

martyrs; sterility; to have male children; widows.
Symbols: Perpetua — Wild cow; spiked ladder guarded by a dragon. Felicity — Seven
swords; cauldron of oil and sword; sword with seven heads; eight palms.
Things to Do:
The story of the sufferings of today’s saints is preserved for us in authentic “Acts
of the Martyrs” that were composed partly by the saints themselves, and partly
of the Martyrs” that were composed partly by the saints themselves, and partly
by eyewitnesses (perhaps Tertullian). The account may be classed with the most
beautiful portions of ancient Christian literature that have come down to us.
Read from this account here.
Watch Sts. Perpetua and Felicity.
>
Saturday of the First Week of Lent, Station with San Pietro

in Vaticano (St. Peter’s in the Vatican): The Station is in the
basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, where the people would
assemble towards evening, that they might be present at the
ordination of the priests and sacred ministers. This day was
called Twelve-Lesson-Saturday, because, formerly, twelve
passages from the holy Scriptures were read, as upon Holy
Saturday. The original basilica was built by Constantine in 323 over the place where
St. Peter was buried.

Collect: Turn our hearts to you, eternal Father, and grant that, seeking always the
one thing necessary and carrying out works of charity, we may be dedicated to
your worship. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with
you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, at the urging of whose love the Martyrs Saints Perpetua and Felicity defied their persecutors and
overcame the torment of earth, grant, we ask, by their prayers, that we may ever grow in your love. Through
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for
ever and ever.
RECIPES
Skewered Beef Roman Style
ACTIVITIES
Story of the Martyrdom of Sts. Felicity and Perpetua
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 8th

Second Sunday of Lent
Old Calendar: Second Sunday of Lent
Between Moses and Elias Jesus shows forth His divine

glory, thus foreshadowing His resurrection. He is the
Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all
things. Today’s Mass places before us the transfigured
Lord and the model toward Whom we must tend, and
our own transfiguration as the goal we must attain. We
attain this goal by a profound realization of our
sinfulness and need of a Redeemer; by preserving purity
of body and soul; by combating our passions and carnal
instincts and observing the commandments and most
importantly by participating in the Mass. — Excerpted
from Cathedral Daily Missal
Today is the feast of St. John of God which is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.
Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the book of Genesis 12:1-4. In due time God began the
remote preparation for the Incarnation. Almost 2,000 years before Christ was to come he
selected Abram to be the father of a people who would be his special friends, his
“Chosen People,” and through them, the fullness of his revelation. Christ, would come to
all men. This is the divine event read for us today.
The second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Timothy 2 Tim 1:8-10. Timothy,
son a pagan father and a Jewish mother, became a Christian, together with his mother
Eunice and his grandmother Lois, on his first visit to Lystra. Later, Paul appointed him
head of the church at Ephesus. This epistle is principally concerned with the pastoral
duties of pastors or shepherds of the communities.
The Gospel is from St. Matthew 17:1-9. This momentary vision of Christ, in his
glory, was given in order to strengthen the three principal Apostles to face the trials to
their faith, which the sufferings and crucifixion of their beloved master would bring on
them. For the very same reason it is retold to us today, in the early part of Lent, to
encourage us to persevere in our Lenten mortification. It reminds us that, very soon, the
Easter bells will be ringing out their message of joy once more. If we are sharers with
Christ in his sufferings, we shall be sharers with him in his glory as St. Paul reminds us.
This is a truth we all too easily forget, namely, that we cannot and do not get to
heaven in a limousine. Our spell on earth is the chance given us by our heavenly Father
to earn an eternal reward. This reward surpasses even the wildest imagination of man.
We could never earn it, but God accepts the little we can do and provides the balance of
his infinite mercy. And yet there are many, far too many, who refuse even that little bit
that is asked of them, and are thus running the risk of not partaking in God’s scheme for
their eternal happiness.
And are they any happier during their few years on this earth by acting thus towards
the God of mercy? Can they, by ignoring God and their duties towards him, remove all
pain, all sorrow, all sufferings, from their daily lives? Death, which means a total
separation from all we possessed and cherished in this world, is waiting around the
corner for all of us. Who can face it more calmly and confidently —he man who is
firmly convinced that it is the gateway to a new life, and who has done his best to earn
admission through that gateway, or the man who has acted all his life as if death did not
exist for him, and who has done everything to have the gate to the new life shut forever
in his face?
Illnesses and troubles and disappointments are the lot of all men. They respect
neither wealth, nor power, nor position. The man who knows his purpose in life, and is
ever striving to reach the goal God’s goodness has planned for him, can and will see in
these trials of life the hand of a kind father who is preparing him for greater things. His
sufferings become understandable and more bearable because of his attitude to life and
its meaning. The man who ignores God and tries to close the eyes of his mind to the real
facts of life has nothing to uphold him or console him in his hours of sorrow and pain.
Yet, sorrow and pain will dog his footsteps, strive as he will to avoid them, and he can
see no value, no divine purpose in these, for him, misfortunes.
Christ has asked us to follow him, carrying our daily cross, and the end of our
journey is not Calvary but resurrection, the entrance to a life of glory with our risen
Savior. The Christian who grasps his cross closely and willingly, knowing its value for
his real life, will find it becomes lighter and often not a burden but a pleasure. The man
who tries to shuffle off his cross, and who curses and rebels against him who sent it, will
find it doubles its weight and loses all the value it was intended to have for his true
welfare.
Let the thought of the Transfiguration encourage each one of us today, to do the little
God demands of us, so that when we pass out of this life we may be assured of seeing
Christ in his glory, ready to welcome us into his everlasting, glorious kingdom.
— Excerpted from The Sunday Readings Cycle A, Fr. Kevin O’ Sullivan, O.F.M.
The Station at Rome is in the church of St. Mary in Dominica,

on Monte Celio. Tradition tells us that in this basilica was the
diaconicum of which St. Lawrence had charge, and from which
he distributed to the poor the alms of the Church.
Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: Second

Sunday of Lent
“Behold, there appeared to them Moses
and Elias talking together with Him”
(Gospel).
Last Sunday we beheld Jesus as Man,
suffering and conquering the three
temptations. Today a faint glimpse of
Jesus as God is a further Lenten
incentive against discouragement or failure.
We behold Moses, the lawgiver, pointing to the code of the Ten Commandments;
Elias, the prophet, pointing to the creed of Divine Truth. “This is the will of
God…walking” in the way of His Commandments (Epistle, applying your mind to
Divine Truth, so that “you (may) learn how to possess (your) vessel in holiness.”
"Your sanctification (Epistle) is an interior obligation in your own private life;
also exterior (Prayer), to the extent of helping your neighbor, for "the Lord is the
avenger" of deception in everyday business (Epistle).

Collect: O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son, be

pleased, we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word, that, with spiritual sight
made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever.
RECIPES
Fall or Winter Sunday Dinner Menu

Huevos Rancheros
ACTIVITIES
How the Devil Tempts Us
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
A Revival of Christian Culture Through the Family | Jennifer Gregory

Miller

Lent: March 9th

Monday of the Second Week of Lent; Optional
Memorial of St. Frances of Rome, religious
Old Calendar: St. Frances of Rome; St. Dominic Savio
(Historical)
“I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I

have loved you, says the Lord (Jn 13:34).” In the
fifteenth century St. Frances, among the noble ladies of
Rome, showed herself an example of what a Christian
wife should be. After the death of her husband she
retired from the world and lived in a monastery of
Oblates that she had founded under the Rule of St.
Benedict. God favored her with the visible presence of
her guardian angel with whom she conversed familiarly.
Historically today is the feast of St. Dominic Savio
was an Italian adolescent student of Saint John Bosco.
He was studying to be a priest when he became ill and died at the age of 14, possibly
from pleurisy.
St. Frances of Rome

St. Frances of Rome (1384-1440) founded the
institute known as the “Oblati di Tor de
Specchi” in the Holy City. She was a wealthy
patrician and after her husband died, she gave
up all her wealth to live a life of abject
poverty. Her special privilege from heaven
was familiar conversation with her guardian
angel. Reading the life of St. Frances, one
gains the impression that she moved and lived in the spiritual world more than on earth;
in fact, that which gives her life its unique character is her intimate relationship with the
blessed world of holy spirits.
During the three periods of her life, three angels of different rank accompanied her,
ready to protect her soul against any onslaught of hell and to lead her step by step to
spiritual perfection. Day and night the saint saw her angel busy at a mysterious task.
With three little golden spindles he unceasingly spun golden threads, strung them around
his neck, and diligently wound them into balls. A half year before her death he changed
his work. Instead of spinning more golden thread, he began to weave three carpets of
varying size with the golden thread he had spun. These carpets symbolized her lifework
as virgin, mother, and religious.
Shortly before her death, she noticed how the angel was hurrying his work, and his
face was unusually fresh and happy. At the very moment when the last carpet had
reached its required length, her soul departed into eternal bliss.
Patron: automobile drivers, automobilists, cab or taxi drivers, death of children, lay
people, motorists, people ridiculed for their piety, Roman housewives, widows.
Symbols: often depicted as a woman habited in black with a white veil, accompanied by
her guardian angel, and sometimes carrying a basket of food; Nun with her guardian
angel dressed as a deacon. Monstrance and arrow; book; angel with a branch of oranges;
receiving the veil from the Christ Child in the arms of the Blessed Virgin.
Things to Do:
Today’s Gospel is often used by Protestants to challenge the Catholic practice of

calling our priests “Father.” Learn how to defend this practice — begin by reading
Art Kelly’s apologetics article, Call No Man Father?. Discuss this custom and the
reasoning behind it with your children.
Invoke St. Frances’ protection as you are getting in your car to drive somewhere
today.
St. Frances was certain that she had a vocation to the religious life from the age of
eleven. However, her father forced her to marry, and so she instead joyfully loved
and served her husband until his death enabled her to enter the religious life when
she was fifty-two years old. Even when you may have certainty that God is calling
you to walk a certain path, His timing may be different from your own. Reflect on
your own vocation: regardless of any doubts you may have, or seemingly
unfulfilled desires to do more for God, abandon yourself to His will of the present
moment, and joyfully focus on fulfilling the small duties which your vocation asks
of you. Read about sanctification through the present moment in Rev. Jean-Pierre
de Caussade’s excellent little work, Abandonment to Divine Providence (online
version).
St. Dominic Savio

Here was a boy-saint who died at the age of fifteen,
was one of the great hopes of St. John Bosco for the
future of his congregation, and was canonized in
1954.
He was one of ten children of Carlo and Birgitta
Savio. Carlo was a blacksmith and Birgitta was a
seamstress. When Don Bosco was looking for young
men to train as priests for his Salesian Order, his
parish priest suggested Dominic Savio. Dominic
became more than a credit to Don Bosco’s
school—he single-handedly organized those who
were to be the nucleus of Don Bosco’s order.
St. Dominic Savio was twelve when he met Don Bosco and organized a group
of boys into the Company of the Immaculate Conception. Besides its religious
purpose, the boys swept and took care of the school and looked after the boys that
no one seemed to pay any attention to. When, in 1859, Don Bosco chose the young
men to be the first members of his congregation, all of them had been members of
Dominic’s Company.
For all that, Dominic was a normal, high-spirited boy who sometimes got into
trouble with his teachers because he would often break out laughing. However, he
was generally well disciplined and gradually gained the respect of the tougher
boys in Don Bosco’s school.
In other circumstances, Dominic might have become a little self-righteous
snob, but Don Bosco showed him the heroism of the ordinary and the sanctity of
common sense. “Religion must be about us as the air we breathe,” Don Bosco
common sense. “Religion must be about us as the air we breathe,” Don Bosco
would say, and Dominic Savio wore holiness like the clothes on his back.
He called his long hours of prayer “his distractions.” In 1857, at the age of
fifteen, he caught tuberculosis and was sent home to recover. On the evening of
March 9, he asked his father to say the prayers for the dying. His face lit up with
an intense joy and he said to his father: “I am seeing most wonderful things!”
These were his last words.
— Excerpted from The One Year Book of Saints by Rev. Clifford Stevens
Patron: Boys; children’s choirs; choir boys; choirs; falsely accused people;
juvenile delinquents; Pueri Cantors.
Things to Do:
Learn more about the Salesians and Salesian saints.
Monday of the Second Week of Lent, Station with

San Clemente (St. Clement): The oldest level of St.
Clement’s is thought to be the titulus Clementis, one of
the first parish churches in Rome, and probably belonged
to the family of Titus Flavius Clemens, consul and martyr
and a contemporary of Pope St. Clement. Set right next to
a pagan temple, a Mithraeum or Temple of Mithras, it
was one of the first churches in Rome.

Collect: O God, who have taught us to chasten our bodies for the healing of our
souls, enable us, we pray, to abstain from all sins, and strengthen our hearts to
carry out your loving commands. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who
lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever.
O God, who have given us in Saint Frances of Rome a singular model of both married and monastic life, grant
us perseverance in your service, that in every circumstance of life we may see and follow you. Through our
Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever.
RECIPES
Scottish Oat Scones
ACTIVITIES
PRAYERS

Novena Prayer in Honor of St. John Ogilvie
Prayer to Saint Dominic Savio
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 10th

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent; Feast of
St. John Ogilvie, priest and martyr (Scotland)
Old Calendar: The Forty Holy Martyrs
Today is the feast of St. Marie-Eugénie de Jésus, a religious

sister who founded the Congregation of the Religious of the
Assumption in 1839. On June 3, 2007, she was canonized in
Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI.
Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of the
Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, a group of forty soldiers who
suffered a martyr’s death for their steadfast faith in Christ, by
freezing in a lake near Sebaste, in the former Lesser Armenia
(now Sivas in central-eastern Turkey).
Today Catholics in Scotland celebrate the Feast of St. John
Ogilvie, who was educated as a Calvinist and was received into
the Church at Louvain by Father Cornelius a Lapide. After becoming a Jesuit at the age
of seventeen, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1613, and at his own request was sent
on a perilous Scottish mission. He was eventually betrayed, but during a long
imprisonment no tortures could force him to name any fellow Catholics. Though his
courage was admired by the judges he was condemned as a traitor and hanged at
Glasgow. The customary beheading and quartering were omitted owing to undisguised
popular sympathy, and his body was hurriedly buried in the churchyard of Glasgow
cathedral.
The Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebaste

The Forty Martyrs were soldiers
quartered at Sebaste in Armenia, about
the year 320. When their legion was

ordered to offer sacrifice to idols, they
refused to betray the faith of their
baptism, and replied to all persuasive
efforts, “We are Christians!” When
neither cajolings or threats could
change them, after several days of
imprisonment they were chained
together and taken to the site of
execution. It was a cruel winter, and
they were condemned to lie without clothing on the icy surface of a pond in the open air
until they froze to death.
The forty, not merely undismayed but filled with joy at the prospect of suffering for
Jesus Christ, said: “No doubt it is difficult to support so acute a cold, but it will be
agreeable to go to paradise by this route; the torment is of short duration, and the glory
will be eternal. This cruel night will win for us an eternity of delights. Lord, forty of us
are entering combat; grant that we may be forty to receive the crown!”
There were warm baths close by, ready for any among them who would deny Christ.
One of the confessors lost heart, renounced his faith, and went to cast himself into the
basin of warm water prepared for that intention. But the sudden change in temperature
suffocated him and he expired, losing at once both temporal and eternal life. The still
living martyrs were fortified in their resolution, beholding this scene.
Then the ice was suddenly flooded with a bright light; one of the soldiers guarding
the men, nearly blinded by the light, raised his eyes and saw Angels descend with forty
crowns which they held in the air over the martyrs’ heads; but the fortieth one remained
without a destination. The sentry was inspired to confess Christ, saying: “That crown
will be for me!” Abandoning his coat and clothing, he went to replace the unfortunate
apostate on the ice, crying out: “I am a Christian!” And the number of forty was again
complete. They remained steadfast while their limbs grew stiff and frozen, and died one
by one.
Among the forty there was a young soldier named Meliton who held out longest
against the cold, and when the officers came to cart away the dead bodies they found
him still breathing. They were moved with pity, and wanted to leave him alive, hoping he
would still change his mind. But his mother stood by, and this valiant woman could not
bear to see her son separated from the band of martyrs. She exhorted him to persevere,
and lifted his frozen body into the cart. He was just able to make a sign of recognition,
and was borne away, to be thrown into the flames with the dead bodies of his brethren.
Their bones were cast into the river, but they floated and were gathered up by the faithful.
Excerpted from Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, a compilation based on Butler’s
Lives of the Saints and other sources by John Gilmary Shea (Benziger Brothers: New
York, 1894); Vie des Saints pour tous les jours de l’année, by Abbé L. Jaud (Mame:
Tours, 1950).
Things to Do:
Learn more about the Forty Holy Martyrs here.

Read St. Basil’s Homily on their festival.
March 10 is nine days before the Solemnity of St. Joseph, and the day to begin a
novena to St. Joseph for his feast day.
St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus

Anne Marie Eugenie was born in 1817 in
Metz after Napoleon’s complete defeat and
the restoration of the Monarchy. She
belonged to a non-believing and financially
comfortable family and it seemed unlikely
that she would trace a new spiritual path
across the Church of France.
Her father, follower of Voltaire and a
liberal, was making his fortune in the
banking world and in politics. Eugenie’s
mother provided the sensitive Eugenie with an education, which strengthened her
character and gave her a strong sense of duty. Family life developed her intellectual
curiosity and a romantic spirit, an interest in social questions and a broad world view.
Like her contemporary, George Sand, Anne Eugenie went to Mass on feast days and
received the Sacraments of initiation, as was the custom but without any real
commitment. However, her First Communion was a great mystical experience that
foretold the secret of her future. She did not grasp its prophetic meaning until much later
when she recognized it as her path towards total belonging to Jesus Christ and the
Church.
Her youth was happy but not without suffering. She was affected when still a child
by the death of an elder brother and a baby sister. Her health was delicate and a fall from
a horse left serious consequences. Eugenie was mature for her age and learnt how to hide
her feelings and to face up to events. Later, after a prosperous period for her father, she
experienced the failure of his banks, the misunderstanding and eventual separation of her
parents and the loss of all security. She had to leave her family home and go to Paris
while Louis, closest to her in age and faithful companion went to live with their father.
Eugenie went to Paris with the mother she adored, only to see her die from cholera after a
few hours of illness, leaving her alone at the age of fifteen in a society that was worldly
and superficial. Searching in anguish and almost desperate for the truth, she arrived at
her conversion thirsty for the Absolute and open to the Transcendent.
When she was nineteen, Anne Eugenie attended the Lenten Conferences at Notre
Dame in Paris, preached by the young Abbe Lacordaire, already well-known for his
talent as orator. Lacordaire was a former disciple of Lamennais Â-- haunted by the
vision of a renewed Church with a special place in the world. He understood his time and
wanted to change it. He understood young people, their questions and their desires, their
idealism and their ignorance of both Christ and the Church. His words touched Eugenie’s
heart, answered her many questions, and aroused her generosity. Eugenie envisaged
Christ as the universal liberator and his kingdom on earth established as a peaceful and
just society. I was truly converted, she wrote, and I was seized by a longing to devote all
my strength or rather all my weakness to the Church which, from that moment, I saw as
alone holding the key to the knowledge and achievement of all that is good.
Just at this time, another preacher, also a former disciple of Lamennais, appeared on
the scene. In the confessional, Father Combalot recognized that he had encountered a
chosen soul who was designated to be the foundress of the Congregation he had dreamt
of for a long time. He persuaded Eugenie to undertake his work by insisting that this
Congregation was willed by God who had chosen her to establish it. He convinced her
that only by education could she evangelize minds, make families truly Christian and
thus transform the society of her time. Anne Eugenie accepted the project as God’s will
for her and allowed herself to be guided by the Abbe Combalot.
At twenty-two, Marie Eugenie became foundress of the Religious of the
Assumption, dedicated to consecrate their whole life and strength to extending the
Kingdom of Christ in themselves and in the world. In 1839, Mademoiselle Eugenie
Milleret, with two other young women, began a life of prayer and study in a flat at rue
Ferou near the church of St. Sulpice in Paris. In 1841, under the patronage of Madame de
Chateaubriand, Lacordaire, Montalembert and their friends, the sisters opened their first
school. In a relatively short time there were sixteen sisters of four nationalities in the
community.
Marie Eugenie and the first sisters wanted to link the ancient and the new - to unite
the past treasures of the Church’s spirituality and wisdom with a type of religious life
and education able to satisfy the demands of modern minds. It was a matter of respecting
the values of the period and at the same time, making the Gospel values penetrate the
rising culture of a new industrial and scientific era. The spirituality of the Congregation,
centered on Christ and the Incarnation, was both deeply contemplative and dedicated to
apostolic action. It was a life given to the search for God and the love and service of
others.
Marie Eugenie’s long life covered almost the whole of the 19th century. She loved
her times passionately and took an active part in their history. Progressively, she
channeled all her energy and gifts in tending and extending the Congregation, which
became her life work. God gave her sisters and many friends. One of the first sisters was
Irish, a mystic and her intimate friend whom she called at the end of her life, “half of
myself.” Kate O’Neill, called Mother Therese Emmanuel in religion, is considered as a
co-foundress. Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, became Marie Eugenie’s spiritual director
soon after the foundation, was a father, brother or friend according to the seasons. In
1845, he founded the Augustinians of the Assumption and the two founders helped each
other in a multitude of ways over a period of forty years. Both had a gift for friendship
and they inspired many lay people to work with them and the Church. Together, as they
followed Christ and labored with him, the religious and laity traced the path of the
Assumption and took their place in the great cloud of witnesses.
In the last years of her life, Mother Marie Eugenie experienced a progressive physical
weakening, which she lived in silence and humility - a life totally centered on Christ. She
received the Eucharist for the last time on March 9, 1898 and on the 10th, she gently
passed over to the Lord. She was beatified by Pope Paul VI on February 9, 1975 and
canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on June 3, 2007 in Rome.
© Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Things to Do:
Visit the Assumption Religious to learn more about St. Marie Eugenie.
Visit St. Marie Eugenie Facebook page.
St. John Ogilvie

Born in 1579 at Drum, Keith, Scotland. Walter Ogilvie
was a Scottish noble who raised his son John in the
state religion of Scotland, Calvinism. John converted to
Catholicism at the age of 17 in Louvain, Belgium.
Blessed John joined the Jesuits soon after in 1597, and
was ordained in Paris in 1610. He was sent to work in
Rouen, France.
He repeatedly requested assignment to Scotland
where wholesale massacres of Catholics had taken
place, but by this point the hunters were searching more
for priests than for those who attended Mass.
The Jesuits were
determined to
minister to the
oppressed Catholic
laity. When captured,
they were tortured
for information, then
hanged, drawn, and
quartered.
Ogilvie’s request
was granted, and he
returned to Scotland
in November 1613. He worked as an underground missionary in Edinburgh and
Glasgow, dodging the Queen’s priest-hunters, disguising himself as a soldier named
Watson. After 11 months in the field, John was betrayed, imprisoned, interrogated, then
tortured for the names of active Catholics. He suffered in silence.
He is the Church’s only officially recorded Scottish martyr. He died hanged on
March 10, 1615 in Glasgow, Scotland and was canonized by Paul VI on October 17,
1976.
Things to Do:
Read more about the life of St. John Ogilvie.
Tuesday in the Second Week of Lent, Station with Santa

Balbina (St. Balbina): St. Balbina was a virgin and martyr
(130) and the daughter of the tribune and martyr, St. Quirinus.
The church is one of the oldest churches in Rome, and was
probably built in the 4th century above the house of the consul
Lucius Fabius Cilone. The first reference to it is found in a 6th
century document, where it is referred to as Sanctae Balbinae. It was consecrated by
Pope St. Gregory the Great.

Collect: Guard your Church, we pray, O Lord, in your unceasing mercy, and, since
without you mortal humanity is sure to fall, and directed to all that brings
salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
ACTIVITIES
Christ the Sower: Lenten Seed Sowing

PRAYERS

Novena to St. Joseph
Novena to St. Joseph II
Traditional Novena Prayer to St. Joseph
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 11th

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Eulogius, priest & martyr (Hist); St.
Sophronius (Hist)
Historically today is the feast of the martyred priest, St.

Eulogius of Cordoba, Spain, who was slain by the
Moors. A noted scholar of Scripture, Eulogius was
arrested in 850 after writing Exhortation of Martyrdom
for two young virgin martyrs, Flora and Mary, who
were beheaded after refusing to abjure the faith.
Released after a time Eulogius ws named archbishop of
Cordoba or Toledo. Before he could be consecrated, he
aided Leocritia, a young Moorish woman who had
converted to Christianity. They were caught and beheaded. Eulogius also wrote The
Memorial of the Saints and an Apologia.
It is also historically the feast of St. Sophronius a simple monk who pursued a life of
prayer and sacrifice first in the desert of Egypt, then near the Jordan River, then finally
in the Holy City of Jerusalem. He was ultimately chosen to be bishop and Patriarch of
Jerusalem in the early 7th century. He valiantly defended the true and full humanity of
Christ in the face of the heresy of Monothelitism, which denied that Jesus had a human
as well as a divine will. The year before his death in 638, he witnessed the capture of
Jerusalem by the Muslims under the Caliph Omar. Several of his sermons and poems
have survived till this day. St. Sophronius is known as one of the Fathers of the Church.
St. Eulogius
St. Eulogius was of a senatorian family of Cordova, at that time the capital of the Moors
in Spain. Our Saint was educated among the clergy of the Church of St. Zoilus, a martyr
who suffered with nineteen others under Diocletian. Here he distinguished himself, by
his virtue and learning, and, being made priest, was placed at the head of the chief
ecclesiastical school at Cordova. He joined assiduous watching, fasting, and prayer to his
studies, and his humility, mildness, and charity gained him the affection and respect of
every one.
During the persecution raised against the Christians in the year 850, St. Eulogius was
thrown into prison and there wrote his Exhortation to Martyrdom, addressed to the
virgins Flora and Mary, who were beheaded the 24th of November, 851. Six days after
their death Eulogius was set at liberty. In the year 852 several others suffered the like
martyrdom. St. Eulogius encouraged all these martyrs to their triumphs, and was the
support of that distressed flock.
The Archbishop of Toledo dying in 858. St. Eulogius was elected to succeed him; but
there was some obstacle that hindered him from being consecrated, though he did not
outlive his election two months.
A virgin, by name Leocritia, of a noble family among the Moors, had been instructed
from her infancy in the Christian religion by one of her relatives, and privately baptized.
Her father and mother used her very ill, and scourged her day and night to compel her to
renounce the Faith. Having made her condition known to St. Eulogius and his sister
Anulona, intimating that she desired to go where she might freely exercise her religion,
they secretly procured her the means of getting away, and concealed her for some time
among faithful friends.
But the matter was at length discovered, and they were all brought before the cadi,
who threatened to have Eulogius scourged to death. The Saint told him that his torments
would be of no avail, for he would never change his religion. Whereupon the cadi gave
orders that he should be carried to the palace and be presented before the king’s council.
Eulogius began boldly to propose the truths of the Gospel to them. But, to prevent their
hearing him, the council condemned him immediately to lose his head. As they were
leading him to execution, one of the guards gave him a blow on the face, for having
spoken against Mahomet; he turned the other cheek, and patiently received a second.
He received the stroke of death with great cheerfulness, on the 11th of March, 859.
St. Leocritia was beheaded four days after him, and her body thrown into the river
Guadalquivir, but taken out by the Christians.
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Eulogius of Cordoba at Catholic.net.
Read He Chose to Die for Christ in Crisis Magazine.
St. Sophronius
Patriarch St. Sophronius of Jerusalem was called the
Sophist because of his knowledge of Greek. He was an
ardent opponent of monothelitism. Many of his writings,
including the Florilegium and the Life of St. John the
Almsgiver, are no longer extant. He wrote an encomium on
John of Cyrus and composed 23 anacreontic odes on the
feasts of the church. His Christmas homily of 634 suggests
that the Saracens held Bethlehem at that time. (Historians
had dated the event later). The Orthodox remember St.
Sophronius chiefly as the author of the life of St. Mary of
Egypt. Sophronius was born in Damascus around 560. He
and his friend John Moschus became ascetics together while they were in their late teens
or early twenties. Some say they lived near the Jordan; some say they lived in Egypt. In
605, Sophronius fled to Alexandria in the wake of Persian invaders, and when the
Persians invaded Alexandria in 616, he fled to Rome. In 619, he returned to Palestine and
lived in the Theodosius monastery in Jerusalem. When Patriarch Cyrus of Alexandria
began to preach monothelitism, St. Sophronius traveled to that city to argue against him;
in 633, when Patriarch Sergius of Constantinople began to preach monothelitism, St.
Sophronius traveled to that city to argue against him. Neither visit was successful. After
Sophronius was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem in 634, he wrote the Synodical Letter to
teach the two wills of Christ. In 637, the Muslims captured Jerusalem; St. Sophronius
died a year later of grief at the fall of his city.
Things to Do:
Read more about this Father of the Church at: The St. Pachomius Library, St.
Sophronius of Jerusalem, St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, St. Sophronius
and Butler’s Lives of the Saints—Saint Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem,
Confessor.
Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent, Station with Santa

Cecilia in Trastevere (St. Cecilia in Trastevere): The Station is
at the church of St. Cecelia where the Saint lived and was
martyred and where her body now rests. The first church on the
site was built in the 3rd or 5th century, and the baptistery from
this church was found during excavations, situated underneath
the present Chapel of Relics. A house from the Imperial era was
also found, and tradition claims that the church was built over the house in which St
Cecilia lived. This house was one of the tituli, the first parish churches of Rome,
known as the titulus Ceciliae.

Collect: Keep your family, O Lord, schooled always in good works, and so
comfort them with your protection here as to lead them graciously to gifts on high.
RECIPES
Monastery Soup
ACTIVITIES
Sorrow, Keystone for Lent
PRAYERS


The Marian Prayer of St. Sophronius (A.D. 560-638)
LIBRARY
The History of the Latin Vulgate | John E. Steinmeuller D.D., S.Scr.L.

The Last Ancient Patriarch of Jerusalem: Saint Sophronius | Robert Saffern

Lent: March 12th

Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor

feast of Pope St. Gregory the Great. His feast in the
Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite is celebrated on
September 3.
Luigi Giovanni Orione, F.D.P., was an Italian priest
who was active in answering the social needs of his
nation as it faced the social upheavals of the late 19th
century. To this end, he founded a religious institute of
men. He was canonized by St. John Paul II on May 16,
2004.
Thanks to Fear of the Lord, There is no Fear of Evil

History, in fact, is not alone in the hands of dark powers, chance or human choices. Over
the unleashing of evil energies, the vehement irruption of Satan, and the emergence of so
many scourges and evils, the Lord rises, supreme arbiter of historical events. He leads
history wisely towards the dawn of the new heavens and the new earth, sung in the final
part of the book under the image of the new Jerusalem (cf. Revelation 21-22).
It must be reaffirmed, therefore, that God is not indifferent to human events, but
penetrates them realizing his “ways,” namely his plans and his efficacious “deeds.”
According to our hymn, this divine intervention has a very specific purpose: to be a
sign that invites all the peoples of the earth to conversion. Nations must learn to “read” in
history a message of God. Humanity’s history is not confused and without meaning, nor
is it given over, without appeal, to the malfeasance of the arrogant and perverse. There is
the possibility to recognize divine action hidden in it. In the pastoral constitution
“Gaudium et Spes,” Vatican Council II also invites the believer to scrutinize, in the light
of the Gospel, the signs of the times to see in them the manifestation of the very action of
God (cf. n. 4 and 11). This attitude of faith leads man to recognize the power of God
operating in history, and thus to open himself to fear of the name of the Lord. In biblical
language, in fact, this “fear” does not coincide with dread, but is the recognition of the
mystery of the divine transcendence. Because of this, it is the basis of faith and is joined
with love: “the Lord your God requires of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in
all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul” (cf. Deuteronomy 10:12).
Following this line, in our brief hymn, taken from Revelation, fear and glorification
of God are united: “Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name” (15:4)? Thanks
to fear of the Lord there is no fear of the evil that rages in history and one takes up again
with vigor the journey of life, as the prophet Isaiah declared: “Strengthen the hands that
are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened:
‘Be strong, fear not!’” (Isaiah 35: 3-4).
Excerpted from Thanks to Fear of the Lord, There Is No Fear of Evil, Pope Benedict
XVI, May 11, 2005
Things to Do:
Your children may want to spend their afternoon learning about different local
charitable organizations or needy families to whom the alms from the family’s
Lenten Jar will be given.
St. Luigi Orione

Luigi Orione was born in Pontecurone, diocese of
Tortona, on 23 June 1872. At thirteen years of age he
entered the Franciscan Friary of Voghera (Pavia), but he
left after one year owing to poor health. From 1886 to
1889 he was a pupil of Saint John Bosco at the
Valdocco Oratory (Youth Centre) in Turin.
On 16 October 1889, he joined the diocesan
seminary of Tortona. As a young seminarian he devoted
himself to the care of others by becoming a member of
both the San Marziano Society for Mutual Help and the
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. On 3 July 1892 he
opened the first Oratory in Tortona to provide for the Christian training of boys. The
following year, on 15 October 1893, Luigi Orione, then a seminarian of twenty-one,
started a boarding school for poor boys, in the Saint Bernardine estate.
On 13 April 1895, Luigi Orione was ordained priest and, on that occasion, the
Bishop gave the clerical habit to six pupils of the boarding school. Within a brief span of
time, Don Orione opened new houses at Mornico Losana (Pavia), Noto - in Sicily,
Sanremo and Rome.
Around the young Founder there grew up seminarians and priests who made up the
first core group of the Little Work of Divine Providence. In 1899, he founded the branch
of the Hermits of Divine Providence. The Bishop of Tortona, Mgr Igino Bandi, by a
Decree of 21 March 1903, issued the canonical approval of the Sons of Divine
Providence (priests, lay brothers and hermits) - the male congregation of the Little Work
of Divine Providence. It aims to “co-operate to bring the little ones, the poor and the
people to the Church and to the Pope, by means of the works of charity,” and professes a
fourth vow of special “faithfulness to the Pope.” In the first Constitutions of 1904,
among the aims of the new Congregation, there appears that of working to “achieve the
union of the separated Churches.”
Inspired by a profound love for the Church and for the salvation of Souls, he was
actively interested in the new problems of his time, such as the freedom and unity of the
Church, the Roman question, modernism, socialism and the Christian evangelisation of
industrial workers.
He rushed to assist the victims of the earthquakes of Reggio and Messina (1908) and
the Marsica region (1915). By appointment of Saint Pius X, he was made Vicar General
of the diocese of Messina for three years.
On 29 June 1915, twenty years after the foundation of the Sons of Divine
Providence, he added to the “single tree of many branches” the Congregation of the
Little Missionary Sisters of Charity who are inspired by the same founding charism.
Alongside them, he placed the Blind Sisters, Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament. Later,
the Contemplative Sisters of Jesus Crucified were also founded.
For lay people he set up the associations of the “Ladies of Divine Providence,” the
“Former Pupils,” and the “Friends.” More recently, the Don Orione Secular Institute and
the Don Orione Lay People’s Movement have come into being.
Following the First World War (1914-1918), the number of schools, boarding
houses, agricultural schools, charitable and welfare works increased. Among his most
enterprising and original works, he set up the “Little Cottolengos,” for the care of the
suffering and abandoned, which were usually built in the outskirts of large cities to act as
“new pulpits” from which to speak of Christ and of the Church - “true beacons of faith
and of civilisation.”
Don Orione’s missionary zeal, which had already manifested itself in 1913 when he
sent his first religious to Brazil, expanded subsequently to Argentina and Uruguay
(1921), Palestine (1921), Poland (1923), Rhodes (1925), the USA (1934), England
(1935), Albania (1936). From 1921-1922 and from 1934-1937, he himself made two
missionary journeys to Latin America: to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, going as far as
Chile.
He enjoyed the personal respect of the Popes and the Holy See’s Authorities, who
entrusted him with confidential tasks of sorting out problems and healing wounds both
inside the Church as well as in the relations with society. He was a preacher, a confessor
and a tireless organiser of pilgrimages, missions, processions, live cribs and other
popular manifestations and celebrations of the faith. He loved Our Lady deeply and
fostered devotion to her by every means possible and, through the manual labour of his
seminarians, built the shrines of Our Lady of Safe Keeping in Tortona and Our Lady of
Caravaggio at Fumo. In the winter of 1940, with the intention of easing the heart and
lung complaints that were troubling him, he went to the Sanremo house, even though, as
he said, “it is not among the palm trees that I would like to die, but among the poor who
are Jesus Christ.” Only three days later, on 12 March 1940, surrounded by the love of his
confreres, Don Orione died, while sighing “Jesus, Jesus! I am going.”
His body was found to be intact at its first exhumation in 1965. It has been exposed
to the veneration of the faithful in the shrine of Our Lady of Safe Keeping in Tortona
ever since 26 October 1980 - the day in which Pope John Paul II inscribed Don Luigi
Orione in the Book of the Blessed. He was canonized on 16 May 2004.
© Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Things to Do:
Learn more about the Sons of Divine Providence the order founded in Italy in
1893 by St. Luigi Orione.
Thursday of the Second Week of Lent, Station with Santa
Maria in Trastevere (St. Mary in Trastevere): The Station for

today is in the celebrated basilica, St. Maria in Trastevere. It
was consecrated in the third century, under the pontificate of St.
Callixtus, and was the first church built in Rome in honor of our
Blessed Lady, particularly for her Assumption. The original
church was demolished and the current church was constructed between 1139 to
1181, with additions such as mosaics and chapels added through the centuries.

Collect: O God, who delight in innocence and restore it, direct the hearts of your
servants to yourself, that, caught up in the fire of your Spirit, we may be found
steadfast in faith and effective in works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
and ever.
RECIPES
Lenten Soup
Whole Wheat Bread II
ACTIVITIES
Good Example — A Lesson in Discipline

Lent Hymn: Open, O Hard and Sinful Heart!
PRAYERS
Prayer for the Fourth Week of Lent

LIBRARY
Gregory the Great, a Model for Civil and Religious Leaders | Pope
Benedict XVI
Saint Gregory the Great (1) | Pope Benedict XVI
Saint Gregory the Great (2) | Pope Benedict XVI
The Divine Office, Part III: From St. Gregory the Great to Pius X |
Benedictine Monks of Buckfast Abbey

Lent: March 13th

Friday of the Second Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Roderick, martyr (Hist)
On the Cross, Christ is both priest and victim; he fulfills Isaiah’s description of him as the suffering servant. And the
whole of his teaching is to make us ready to live our sacramental life in his spirit of sacrifice. He impressed on us that we
must match the outward sign of his sacraments in our lives. When we became other Christs in Baptism, we became other
Christs in Baptisms, we became sharers in the priesthood of the Lord. We gained the ability and the responsibility of
combining our inward obedience with every outward act of sacrifice that we make as priests and victims. In every Mass,
then, we agree to offer our obedience to atone for, to correct the disobedience of sin. On his part, Christ agrees to renew
his sacrifice of atonement and obedience, in which we join; and to nourish us on the victim, his flesh and blood, the
covenant food.
—St. Andrew Bible Mission

Historically today is the feast of St. Roderick of Cordoba, a priest and martyr who lived in Moorish Spain in the 9th
century. He was beheaded in 857.
Confidence and Union with God in Temptation

Nothing is more efficacious against temptation than the remembrance of the Cross of Jesus. What did Christ come to do here below if not to “destroy the
works of the devil”? And how has He destroyed them, how has He “cast out” the devil, as He Himself says, if not by His death upon the Cross?
Let us then lean by faith upon the cross of Christ Jesus, as our baptism gives us the right to do. The virtue of the cross is not exhausted. In baptism
we were marked with the seal of the cross, we became members of Christ, enlightened by His light, and partakers of His life and of the salvation He
brings to us. Hence, united to Him, whom shall we fear? Dominus illuminatio mea et salus mea; quern timebo? Let us say to ourselves: “He hath given
His angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.”
“Because he hoped in Me (says the Lord) I will deliver him; I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him. I will fill him with
length of days, and I will show him My salvation.”
Excerpted from Christ the Life of the Soul, Dom Marmion.
St. Roderick of Cordoba

Jesus warned his disciples that they should expect no better treatment than Himself. They would be haled before
governors and kings on His account, and brothers would even hand brothers over for execution.
That prophecy was literally fulfilled in the case of St. Roderick, a Spanish martyr who died at the hands of the Muslim
Moors in A.D. 857. His was a bitter case of the reverse of Christian love. We owe the account to eyewitness St. Elogius,
who later on died for the faith himself.
It must be admitted that when the Mohammedans invaded Spain in A.D. 711, even they were sometimes shocked by
the lack of religious principles among a large number of the Hispanic Christians. As the Moors swarmed in, the Catholics,
far from presenting a strong front, became divided. Many, whether out of fear or lack of faith, voluntarily gave up their
Christianity. Families thus split asunder and the members on either side railed at each other.
St. Roderick was to prove a sad victim of this sort of betrayal. He was a good priest of Cabra who had two
irresponsible brothers. One of them was a bad Christian who had all but abandoned his faith. The other had gone still further and joined Islam. One night
the two started to fight each other unmercifully. Roderick tried to break them up, but instead of yielding, they turned on him and beat him senseless.
Then the Muslim brother had the priest put on a litter and carried half-conscious through the streets. The Muslim accompanied the bier, proclaiming that
Father Roderick, too, had apostatized, and that he wanted it known publicly before he died. Eventually the victim did recover and went off to a safe place.
But Father Roderick had not yet seen the last of his renegade brother. The Muslim met the priest soon afterwards in the streets of Cordova. He had
Roderick taken at once before the Mohammedan kadi (judge), where he accused him of the crime of having returned to Christianity after public
profession of his Muslimism.
Although Father Roderick protested that he had never denied his Christian faith, the kadi clapped him into the city’s worst dungeon.
In that fetid jail, the priest at least had the comfort of finding one Solomon, another Christian prisoner who had been accused of the same
“unforgiveable” crime. Both of them were given a long term of imprisonment, in the hope that they would convert. But each man encouraged the other,
and they remained firm in their Christian convictions. Even when separated, they would not change their belief.
Eventually, the kadi ordered the Catholic priest and the layman beheaded. St. Eulogius saw their headless bodies lying on the riverside. He noticed
that the guards were careful to throw into the stream any stones stained with the men’s blood, for fear the faithful might pick them up as relics.
The soldiers sought in vain to ward off veneration of SS. Roderick and Solomon. Spanish Christians would always honor them thereafter as martyrs.
And they would also gradually learn from this heroism that the Faith is something really worth dying for.
—Father Robert F. McNamara
Excerpted from St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish
Excerpted from St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish
Things to Do:
Read this Essay,

https://isi.org/intercollegiate-review/the-islamic-warriors-destruction-of-a-nascent-civilization-the-catholic-kingdom-of-the-visigoths-in-spain-a-d-589-711/“
target=”_blank">THE ISLAMIC WARRIORS’ DESTRUCTION OF A NASCENT CIVILIZATION: THE CATHOLIC KINGDOM OF THE
VISIGOTHS IN SPAIN (A.D. 589â€“711) which appeared in the Winter-Spring 2011 issue of Modern Age to gain an understanding of the times
in which St. Roderick lived.
St. Euphrasia
Antigonus, the father of this saint, was a nobleman of the first rank and quality in the court of Theodosius the Younger,
nearly allied in blood to that emperor, and honoured by him with several great employments in the state. He was married
to Euphrasia, a lady no less illustrious for her birth and virtue, by whom he had one only daughter and heiress, called also
Euphrasia, the saint of whom we treat.
After her birth, her pious parents, by mutual consent, engaged themselves by vow to pass the remainder of their lives
in perpetual continence, that they might more perfectly aspire to the invisible joys of the life to come; and from that time
they lived together as brother and sister, in the exercise of devotion, alms-deeds, and penance. Antigonus died within a
year, and the holy widow, to shun the importunate addresses of young suitors for marriage, and the distraction of friends,
not long after withdrew privately with her little daughter into Egypt, where she was possessed of a very large estate.
In that country she fixed her abode near a holy monastery of one hundred and thirty nuns, who never used any other
food than herbs and pulse, which they took only after sunset, and some only once in two or three days: they wore and slept on sackcloth, wrought with
their hands, and prayed almost without interruption. When sick, they bore their pains with patience, esteeming them an effect of the divine mercy, and
thanking God for the same; nor did they seek relief from physicians, except in cases of absolute necessity, and then only allowed of ordinary general
remedies, as the monks of La Trappe do at this day. Delicate and excessive attention to health nourishes self-love and immortification, and often
destroys that health which it studies anxiously to preserve. By the example of these holy virgins, the devout mother animated herself to fervour in the
exercise of religion and charity, to which she totally dedicated herself. She frequently visited these servants of God, and earnestly entreated them to
accept a considerable annual revenue, with an obligation that they should always be bound to pray for the soul of her deceased husband. But the abbess
refused the estate, saying, “We have renounced all the conveniences of the world, in order to purchase heaven. We are poor, and such we desire to
remain.” She could only be prevailed upon to accept a small matter to supply the church-lamp with oil, and for incense to be burned on the altar.
The young Euphrasia, at seven years of age, made it her earnest request to her mother that she might be permitted to serve God in this monastery.
The pious mother, on hearing this, wept for joy, and not long after presented her to the abbess, who, taking up an image of Christ, gave it into her hands.
The tender virgin kissed it, saying, “By vow I consecrate myself to Christ.” Then the mother led her before an image of our Redeemer, and lifting up her
hands to heaven, said “Lord Jesus Christ, receive this child under your special protection. You alone cloth she love and seek: to you cloth she
recommend herself.” Then turning to her dear daughter, she said, “May God, who laid the foundations of the mountains, strengthen you always in his
holy fear.” And leaving her in the hands of the abbess, she went out of the monastery weeping.
Some time after this she fell sick, and being forewarned of her death, gave her last instructions to her daughter in these words: “Fear God, honour
your sisters, and serve them with humility. Never think of what you have been, nor say to yourself that you are of royal extraction. Be humble and poor
on earth, that you may be rich in heaven.” The good mother soon after slept in peace.
Upon the news of her death, the Emperor Theodosius sent for the noble virgin to court, having promised her in marriage to a favourite young senator.
But the virgin wrote him with her own hand the following answer: “Invincible emperor, having consecrated myself to Christ in perpetual chastity, I
cannot be false to my engagement, and marry a mortal man, who will shortly be the food of worms. For the sake of my parents, be pleased to distribute
their estates among the poor, the orphans, and the church. Set all my slaves at liberty, and discharge my vassals and servants, giving them whatever is
their due. Order my father’s stewards to acquit my farmers of all they owe since his death, that I may serve God without let or hindrance, and may stand
before him without the solicitude of temporal affairs. Pray for me, you, and your empress, that I may be made worthy to serve Christ.”
The messengers returned with this letter to the emperor, who shed many tears in reading it. The senators who heard it burst also into tears, and said to
his majesty, “She is the worthy daughter of Antigonus and Euphrasia, of your royal blood, and the holy offspring of a virtuous stock.” The emperor
punctually executed all she desired, a little before his death, in 395.
St. Euphrasia was to her pious sisters a perfect pattern of humility, meekness, and charity. If she found herself assaulted by any temptation, she
immediately discovered it to the abbess, to drive away the devil by that humiliation, and to seek a remedy. The discreet superioress often enjoined her, on
such occasions, some humbling and painful penitential labour; as sometimes to carry great stones from one place to another; which employment she
once, under an obstinate assault, continued thirty days together with wonderful simplicity, till the devil being vanquished by her humble obedience, and
chastisement of her body, he left her in peace.
Her diet was only herbs or pulse, which she took after sunset, at first every day, but afterwards only once in two or three, or sometimes seven days.
But her abstinence received its chief merit from her humility, without which it would have been a fast of devils. She cleaned out the chambers of the
other nuns, carried water to the kitchen, and out of obedience cheerfully employed herself in the meanest drudgery, making painful labour a part of her
penance.
To mention one instance of her extraordinary meekness and humility it is related that one day a maid in the kitchen asked her why she fasted whole
weeks, which no other attempted to do besides the abbess. Her answer was that the abbess had enjoined her that penance. The other called her an
hypocrite. Upon which Euphrasia fell at her feet, begging her to pardon and pray for her. In which action it is hard to say whether we ought more to
admire the patience with which she received so unjust a rebuke and slander, or the humility with which she sincerely condemned herself; as if, by her
hypocrisy and imperfections, she had been a scandal to others.
She was favoured with miracles both before and after her death, which happened in the year 410, and the thirtieth of her age. Her name is recorded
on this day in the Roman Martyrology. See her ancient authentic life in Rosweide, p. 351, D’Andilly, and most correct in the Acta Sanctorum, by the
on this day in the Roman Martyrology. See her ancient authentic life in Rosweide, p. 351, D’Andilly, and most correct in the Acta Sanctorum, by the
Bollandists.
Excerpted from Vol. III of The Lives or the Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principal Saints by the Rev. Alban Butler, the 1864 edition published by D. & J.
Sadlier, & Company)
Things to Do:
Read Read Antigonus and Euphrasia, Evangelizers.

Read this biography, https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2018/03/life-of-holy-virgin-euphrasia-of-thebaid.html" target="_blank">Life of the
Holy Virgin Euphrasia of Tabernnisi.
Friday of the Second Week of Lent, Station with San Vitale (St. Vitalis): The Station for today is in the church of St. Vitalis,
martyr, the father of the two illustrious Milanese martyrs, Sts. Gervasius and Protasius. It was built about 400, and consecrated by
Pope Innocent I in 401/2. The dedication to St. Vitalis and his family was given in 412. The church has been rebuilt several times,
of which the most comprehensive rebuilding was that of Pope Sixtus IV before the 1475 Jubilee. It was then granted to Clerics
Regular.

Collect: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, purifying us by the sacred practice of penance, you may lead us in sincerity of heart to attain the holy
things to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
Sautéed Red Cabbage
ACTIVITIES
La Falla de San Chusep—Saint Joseph’s Day in Valencia
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None
View this item on CatholicCulture.org: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2020-03-13
Lent: March 14th

Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Matilda (Hist)
Historically today is the feast of St. Matilda, Queen of

Germany and wife of King Henry. She was well known
throughout the realm for her generosity, she taught the
ignorant, comforted the sick, and visited prisoners.
Betrayed by Otto after Henry’s death when he falsely
accused her of financial mismanagement.
The Value of Fasting

Is fasting really worthwhile? Whenever I consider the
value of a religious practice, I always look into the earthly life of our Savior. He is our
model. He dwelt with us in order to teach us how to form our lives inwardly and
outwardly. Christ Himself fasted often and accorded it high praise in His teaching.
Recall how He fasted forty days before entering upon His work of teaching. At the
beginning of Lent the Church wishes to stamp this fact deep in our hearts: our fasting
must be in union with and in imitation of Christ’s.
I call to mind the mystery-laden, pregnant words spoken by our Savior when the
disciples, unable to cure a possessed boy, asked, “Why could we not cast him out?,” and
Jesus answered, “This kind can be driven out in no way except by prayer and fasting”
(Mark 9:29). This reply has always made the deepest impression on me. Prayer and
fasting are extraordinary means (we may call them violent means) when other simpler
ways are of no avail against the powers of hell.
Now another saying of Jesus comes to mind. When John’s disciples began to
reproach Him, “Why do Your disciples not fast?,” He replied: “Can you make the
wedding guests fast as long as the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the
bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom
will be taken away from them; in those days they will fast” (Luke 5:35). There is a
hidden depth of meaning in these words. The coming of Christ among men was a
wedding feast. Fasting had no place. But it is most proper to fast when the divine
Bridegroom is taken away. Fasting on Fridays and during Holy Week, then, is in accord
with Christ’s own wishes.
I should like to cite one further passage from the Gospel, one which casts light on
fasting from another direction. Once our Savior compared Himself with the Baptist in
these words, “John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a devil!’ The
Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold a glutton and a wine
drinker.’” John was a man devoted to penance, an ascetic, who fasted throughout his life.
Not so Christ. His way of living was not based exclusively upon self-denial and
mortification, but upon an ordered enjoyment of life. So we learn from the Savior that
fasting should be the exception, not the rule, in Christian morality.
To complete the lesson let us consider for a moment the passage in the Sermon on
the Mount where Jesus speaks of the three important pious exercises of fasting, prayer,
and almsgiving. He highly recommends all three, but warns against practicing these
virtues in a pharisaical manner.
The main points in Jesus’ doctrine on fasting, then, are:
1. Fasting is an extremely important means of resisting the inroads of hell (hence

Lent).
2. Fasting should be practiced as a memorial of Christ’s death (Friday, Holy Week).
3. Fast days occur by way of exception in Christian life, they are not the normal
practice.
4. Fasting holds a place alongside prayer and almsgiving as a pious exercise.
Excerpted from The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.
St. Matilda
This princess was daughter of Theodoric, a powerful
Saxon count. Her parents placed her very young in the
monastery of Erford, of which her grandmother Maud
was then abbess. Our Saint remained in that house, an
accomplished model of all virtues, till her parents
married her to Henry, son of Otho, Duke of Saxony, in

913, who was afterwards chosen king of Germany. He
was s pious and victorious prince, and very tender of his
subjects.
Whilst by his arms he checked the insolence of the
Hungarians and Danes, and enlarged his dominions by
adding to them Bavaria, Maud gained domestic victories over her spiritual enemies more
worthy of a Christian and far greater in the eyes of Heaven. She nourished the precious
seeds of devotion and humility in her heart by assiduous prayer and meditation. It was
her delight to visit, comfort, and exhort the sick and the afflicted; to serve and instruct the
poor, and to afford her charitable succor to prisoners. Her husband, edified by her
example, concurred with her in every pious undertaking which she projected.
After twenty-three years’ marriage God was pleased to call the king to himself, in
936. Maud, during his sickness, went to the church to pour forth her soul in prayer for
him at the foot of the altar. As soon as she understood, by the tears and cries of the
people, that he had expired, she called for a priest that was fasting to offer the holy
sacrifice for his soul.
She had three sons: Otho, afterwards emperor; Henry, Duke of Bavaria; and St.
Brunn, Archbishop of Cologne. Otho was crowned king of Germany in 937, and emperor
at Rome in 962, after his victories over the Bohemians and Lombards.
The two oldest sons conspired to strip Maud of her dowry, on the unjust pretence that
she had squandered the revenues of the state on the poor. The unnatural princes at length
repented of their injustice, and restored to her all that had been taken from her.
She then became more liberal in her alms than ever, and founded many churches,
with five monasteries.
In her last sickness she made her confession to her grandson William, the Archbishop
of Mentz, who yet died twelve days before her, on his road home. She again made a
public confession before the priests and monks of the place, received a second time the
last sacraments, and, lying on a sack-cloth, with ashes on her head, died on the 14th of
March in 968.
Patron: death of children, disappointing children, falsely accused people, large families,
people ridiculed for their piety, queens, second marriages, widows
Things to Do:
Learn more about St. Matilda here and here.
Saturday in the Second Week of Lent, Station with Santi

Marcellino e Pietro (Saints Marcellinus and Peter): The
Station is in the church of Sts. Peter and Marcellinus, two
celebrated martyrs of Rome under the persecution of Diocletian.
Their relics were brought to the church in 1256, and the church
was restored the same year on order from Pope Alexander IV. Their feast day is June
2.

Collect: O God, who grant us by glorious healing remedies while still on earth to
be partakers of the things of heaven, guide us, we pray, through this present life
and bring us to that light in which you dwell. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
ever and ever.
RECIPES
ACTIVITIES

Why Fasting and Abstinence?
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 15th

Third Sunday of Lent
Old Calendar: Third Sunday of Lent
Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks

this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the
water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall
give will become in him a spring of water welling up to
eternal life. The woman said to him, ”Sir, give me this
water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep
coming here to draw water.“ Jesus said to her, ”Go call
your husband and come back" (Jn 4:13-16).
Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of Exodus 17:3-7. The Israelites, the Chosen
People of God, were suffering slavery and the threat of total extermination in Egypt; God
miraculously set them free and, with Moses as their leader, he led them towards the
promised land of Canaan. But they soon forgot what God had done for them and began
to murmur and rebel because of the difficulties of the long desert journey. One of these
rebellious murmurings is put before us today.
The second reading is from the St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans 5:1-2; 5-8. This brief
section is an encouragement to all who have been given the gift of the Christian faith to
persevere in spite of adversity.
The Gospel is from St. John 4:5-42. This gospel, about the Samaritan woman, is
exceptionally rich. Every time we read it we are passionately moved by that intense
conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. The Holy Father, Pope Benedict
XVI, recalling the great teaching of Saint Augustine, with regard to Christ’s request to
the woman, “give me something to drink”, said: “Yes, God thirsts for our faith and our
love. As a good and merciful father, he wants our total, possible good, and this good is he
himself. The Samaritan woman, on the other hand, represents the existential
dissatisfaction of one who does not find what he seeks. She had “five husbands” and now
she lives with another man; her going to and from the well to draw water expresses a
repetitive and resigned life. However, everything changes for her that day, thanks to the
conversation with the Lord Jesus……” (Benedict XVI, Angelus 24 February 2008).
To recognize that if we entrust ourselves to God, we receive every “possible good”
which, as the Pope reminds us, is God himself, means living the dynamic of conversion
to God: renouncing a self-centered mentality, which deceives self-sufficient man, in
order to receive the gift of God. Man without God is inevitably destined to
dissatisfaction, limited in everything by his own limits as a creature, even in “giving
himself” or “obtaining for himself” joy, love, happiness… Man without God cannot
think to reach boundless joy, unlimited and eternal love, the living water of which,
precisely, Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman.
Happiness, another word for the living water, can only be given by the One who
possesses it, and man does not possess it. God alone can share it with those who place
their trust in Him and follow Him. The living water, the gift of the Holy Spirit, can only
be given by the Lord Jesus whom the Father sent into the world to give to all men and
women eternal life, that is, never ending happiness. As the Pope reminds us “only the
water that Jesus offers, the living water of the Spirit, can quench” man’s “thirst for the
infinite” (Benedict XVI, homily 24 February 2008). Man is able to give his fellow
humans, affection, money, power, human glory, honor, career … but not endless
happiness which, since it is an unlimited good, belongs to the divine, infinite sphere!
The living water flows only from the divine source. The Samaritan woman went to a
well which was deep, but limited, whereas unlimited was her thirst for happiness and
love. The woman, the Holy Father tells us, “ represents the existential dissatisfaction of
one who does not find what he seeks”. How often man seeks the infinite, the eternal,
well-being…but sadly continues to seek it in a well, in a reality, the earthly reality, which
is unable to contain it. How many wells, deep but empty, how many wells of stagnant
water, we have met on our way! We carry within us immense desires and easily deceive
ourselves that we can meet them.
On our path of conversion, what a great grace it is to find the Lord Jesus waiting
patiently for us beside our senseless wells. When, like the Samaritan woman, we are
tired of the things of this world, of almost empty wells, then the Divine Master is
especially close to us. He asks us to give him something to drink, he asks us to trust Him
to satiate our heart and if we trust in Him we discover the joy of finding the true well, the
source of crystal clear water.
Then, as if in a dream, as it was for the Samaritan woman, everything which before
was important, no longer counts, true reality is something else, it becomes that Man-God
who begs to give Himself! The secret of happiness is to invert the process of selfishness:
to forget self in order to make room for Another Person, the Lord of life and happiness.
Give up self and find God! If I renounce sin, I find grace, if I renounce myself, I find
God and my brothers and sisters. “If you only knew what God is offering,” happiness is
what He wants to give you! How often a priest should ask himself this question, or a
woman who wonders “shall I have a child or not”, “am I thinking of myself, or of the
child who cannot come into the world without my help?" If you knew what gift of Life,
you would throw yourself into that well and there you would find the strength to
renounce self.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta, with wisdom typical of saints, explained why we should
give ourselves to God: “Why should we give ourselves completely to God? Because God
has given Himself to us. If God who owes us nothing is ready to give us nothing less
than Himself, can we respond with only a small part of ourselves? Giving ourselves
totally to God is a way of receiving God. I am for God and God is for me. I live for God
and renounce myself, in this way I allow God to live for me. To possess God we must
allow Him to possess our souls. (Blessed Teresa di Calcutta).
— Mgr Luciano Alimandi, Ave Maria, Agenzia Fides 27/2/2008
The Station is in the basilica of St. Lawrence outside the walls.

The name of this, the most celebrated of the martyrs of Rome,
would remind the catechumens that the faith they were about to
profess would require them to be ready for many sacrifices. In
the primitive Church, the third Sunday in Lent was called
Scrutiny Sunday, because it was on this day that they began to
examine the catechumens, who were to be admitted to Baptism on Easter night.
Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: Third

Sunday of Lent
"When (Jesus) cast out the devil, the
dumb man spoke.“ But as indicated by
the little whining group to the right,

some complained: ”By Beelzebub, the
prince of devils, He casts out devils"
(Gospel).
Formerly, on this day, candidates
were examined in preparation for Baptism on Holy Saturday. The first effect of
Baptism is to free the souls from the power of the devil. The house of which Jesus
speaks, is the human soul before His coming, degraded by idolatry, by sensuality,
under the tyranny of the evil spirit.
Mary holding the Infant (pictured in the upper left corner) is a symbol of our
Baptism. Mary gives birth to us as members of the Mystical Body of her Christ.
Moreover, like her, “blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it” (Gospel).
These baptismal duties of death to sin and life in God (Epistle are meant to
gladden, not to oppress the human heart (Offertory), intended by God for Divine
possession (Communion Verse), safe from diabolical obsession.

Collect: O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer
and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession
of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may always be
lifted up by your mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
Spring, Fall or Winter Sunday Dinner Menu
ACTIVITIES
Explaining the Mass and Sacraments
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
I Will Arise and Return to My Father | Pope John Paul II

Lent: March 16th

Monday of the Third Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Heribert, archbishop (Hist); St. Abraham &
St. Mary, hermit (Hist)
While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them,

"This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no
sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah
became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to
this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will
rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn
them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the
wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than
Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise
with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching
of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than
Jonah here (Lk 11:29-32).
Historically today is the feast of St. Heribert, who was Archbishop of Cologne and
Chancellor of Holy Roman Emperor Otto III, and was canonized in 1074. It is also the
feast of Sts. Abraham, hermit and his neice, St. Mary who lived in the 4th century.
Meditation - The Faults of Our Neighbor

In disagreements between you and your neighbor, you must always remember that to be
in the right is the consideration that influences a Christian the least. The philosopher
may indulge such a satisfaction. But to be in the right and to act as if one were not, to
allow one’s opponent to triumph on the side of injustice,-this means to overcome evil by
good, and to secure peace for one’s soul. No more convincing argument for your own
vindication is required than the silent exterior acknowledgment that you are in the
wrong. He who edifies does more for the truth than he who is zealous for the combat.
Instead of trying to refute those that are in the wrong, it is better to pray for them. A
stream flows much more rapidly when nothing is done to hold it back. Pray for those
who are prejudiced against you, never become embittered against them, pity them, await
their return to better feelings, and help to free them from their prejudices. One would not
be human if he does not feel how easy it is to stray, and how much it costs to
acknowledge this. The spirit of meekness, of indulgence, of patience and humility in
examining the behavior of others toward us, secures us that peace of mind which is not
compatible with the jealous, suspicious sensibilities of self-love. — Fénelon
Things to Do:
Read this thought-provoking article by George Rutler, Why We Need Lent, to

understand why such a season of mortification is necessary for us to become
saints.
Saint Heribert
Heribert was born in Worms and he was the son of
Hugo, count of Worms. He was educated in the school
of Worms Cathedral and at the Benedictine Gorze
Abbey in Lorraine, France. He returned to Worms
Cathedral to be provost and was ordained a priest in 994.
In the same year, Otto III appointed him chancellor
for Italy and four years later also for Germany, a
position which he held until Otto’s death on 23 January
1002. Heribert was made an archbishop of Cologne on
998. Then, he also served Emperor St. Henry.
Heribert built the monastery of Deutz, on the Rhine
and performed miracles, including ending a drought. He
is thus invoked for rains.
He died in Cologne on March 16, 1021 and was
buried at Deutz.
He was already honored as a saint during his lifetime and was canonized by Pope St.
Gregory VII about 1074.
© Evangelizo.org
Patron: Rain
Things to Do:
Watch this short video from gloria.tv on St. Heribert of Cologne.

Read more about St. Heibert here.
St. Abraham & St. Mary

Abraham was a rich nobleman of Edessa. At his
parents’ desire he married, but escaped to a cell near
the city as soon as the feast was over. He walled up
the cell-door, leaving only a small window through
which he received his food. There for fifty years he
sang God’s praises and implored mercy for himself
and for all men. The wealth which fell to him on his
parents’ death he gave to the poor.
As many sought him for advice and consolation,
the Bishop of Edessa, in spite of his humility,
ordained him priest. St. Abraham was sent, soon after
his ordination, to an idolatrous city which had hitherto
been deaf to every messenger. He was insulted, beaten, and three times banished, but he
returned each time with fresh zeal. For three years he pleaded with God for those souls,
and in the end prevailed. Every citizen came to him for Baptism.
After providing for their spiritual needs he went back to his cell more than ever
convinced of the power of prayer. His brother died, leaving an only daughter, Mary, to
the Saint’s care. He placed her in a cell near his own, and devoted himself to training her
in perfection. After twenty years of innocence she fell, and fled in despair to a distant
city, where she drowned the voice of conscience in sin. The Saint and his friend St.
Ephrem prayed earnestly for her during two years. Then he went disguised to seek the
lost sheep, and had the joy of bringing her back to the desert a true penitent. She received
the gift of miracles, and her countenance after death shone as the sun.
St. Abraham died five years before her, about 360. All Edessa came for his last
blessing and to secure his relics.
Things to Do:
Read The Life of Saint Abraham, Hermit, by S. Ephraem the Deacon and also
read more at Ephraim of Syria.
Monday of the Third Week of Lent, Station with San Marco

al Campidoglio (St. Mark at the Capitol): The Station is in
the church of St. Mark, the full official name San Marco
Evangelista in Campidoglio, St Mark the Evangelist at the
Capitol, which was built in the fourth century in honor of the
evangelist, by the holy Pope Mark, whose relics are kept there. This was the one of
the oldest churches constructed. The church has undergone several reconstructions
and restorations, including a heavy Baroque restoration.

Collect: May your unfailing compassion, O Lord, cleanse and protect your
Church, and since without you she cannot stand secure, may she be always
governed by your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
RECIPES
Eggplant Gratin
ACTIVITIES
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 17th

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent; Optional
Memorial of St. Patrick, bishop and confessor
(Solemnity Aus, Ire, Feast New Zeal, Scot,
Wales)
Old Calendar: St. Patrick
This day is not all about leprechauns, shamrocks and

green beer. This is a day to honor and pray to St.
Patrick. He was an influential saint who, 1,500 years
ago, brought Christianity to the little country of Ireland.
He was born about 385 in the British Isles, was carried
off while still very young during a raid on Roman
Britain by the Irish and sold as a slave. At the end of six
years he contrived to escape to Europe, became a monk
and was ordained; he then returned to Ireland to preach
the Gospel. During the thirty years that his missionary
labors continued he covered the Island with churches
and monasteries; in 444 he founded the metropolitan see
of Armagh. St. Patrick died in 461. After fifteen centuries he remains for all Irishmen the
great bishop whom they venerate as their father in the Faith.
St. Patrick
Not many facts are known about the life of St. Patrick. We know that he was born
around 415 AD, and was a Roman Briton. When he was about 16, while he was tending
his sheep some Irish raiders captured him and made him a slave. He eventually was able
to escape and return to Britain. There he heard the call to return and bring Christianity to
Ireland. He was ordained a priest, consecrated a bishop and came back to Ireland around
435 AD. Many legends are associated around St. Patrick: how he drove the snakes out of
Ireland, and the use of the shamrock to teach the mystery of the Trinity. Whether or not
the legends are true, St. Patrick succeeded in bringing Catholicism to Ireland, and in
time, the whole country converted from their pagan gods to the one true God.
Although a small country, Ireland has played a large role in saving and bringing
Christianity throughout the world. During the early Dark Ages, the Irish monasteries
preserved Western writings while Europe remained in darkness. But as the Catholic
country remained solidly Catholic, the Irish spread the faith to all corners of the world.
To learn more on this subject, read Thomas Cahill’s How the Irish Saved Civilization.
We have a few works attributed to St. Patrick, one being his autobiography called
Confessions. It is a short summary of the events in his life, written in true humility.
Below is a short excerpt:
I am greatly God’s debtor, because he granted me so

much grace, that through me many people would be
reborn in God, and soon after confirmed, and that
clergy would be ordained everywhere for them, the
masses lately come to belief, whom the Lord drew
from the ends of the earth, just as he once promised
through his prophets: “To you shall the nations come
from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers
have inherited naught hut lies, worthless things in
which there is no profit.” And again: “I have set you
to be a light for the Gentiles that you may bring
salvation to the uttermost ends of the earth.”
Patron: Ireland; against snakes; against ophidiophobia; archdiocese of Boston,

Massachusetts; diocese of Burlington, Vermont; engineers; excluded people; fear of
snakes; diocese of Fort Worth, Texas; diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; archdiocese
of New York; Nigeria; diocese of Norwich, Connecticut; ophidiophobics; diocese of
Portland, Maine; diocese of Sacramento, California; snake bites.
Symbols: A bishop trampling on snakes; bishop driving snakes away; shamrock; snakes;
cross; harp; demons; baptismal font.
Things to Do:
This is a good day to honor St. Patrick by trying typical Irish fare: corned beef
and cabbage, soda bread, scones, stew, Shepherd’s pie, potatoes in various forms
and the famous beer and spirits of Ireland. For dessert, try making the Irish
Porter Cake.
Read the Lorica (Breastplate) of St. Patrick. Here is an older translation — pray
it with your family after your rosary tonight.
From the Catholic Culture library: The Conversion of Ireland by Warren Carroll,
The Irish Soldiers of Mexico by Michael Hogan, The Irish Madonna of
Hungary by Zsolt Aradi and Our Lady in Old Irish Folklore and Hymns by
James F. Cassidy.
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent, Station with San

Pudenziana al Viminale (St. Pudentiana): Today’s station is in
the church of St. Pudentiana, daughter of Pudens the senator.
This holy virgin of Rome lived in the second century. She was
remarkable for her charity, and for the zeal wherewith she
sought for and buried the bodies of the martyrs. Her church is
built on the very spot where stood the house in which she lived with her father and her
sister St. Praxedes. St. Peter the Apostle had honored this house with his presence,
during the lifetime of Pudentiana’s grandfather.

Collect: May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray, but make us dedicated to
your holy service and at all times obtain for us your help. Through our Lord Jesus
O God, who chose the Bishop Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the peoples of Ireland, grant, through his
merits and intercession, that those who glory in the name of Christian may never cease to proclaim your
wondrous deeds to all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
Barm Brack
Barmbrack
Boxty Bread
Boxty Dumplings
Cherries Jubilee II
Colcannon I
Colcannon II
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Crystallized Primroses and Violets
Glow Wine
Irish Porter Cake
Irish Scones
Irish Soda Bread I
Irish Soda Bread II
Irish Soda Bread IV
Irish Stew
Irish Tea Barmbrack
Jellied Pig’s Head
Jiffy On-Fire Dessert
Lemon Curd Filling
Nettles
Potato Dish
Potato Pancakes II
Snowballs on Fire
St. Patrick’s Day Cake
ACTIVITIES
Gaelic Prayers
History of St. Patrick’s Day
Pain and Suffering
St. Patrick’s Testimony
PRAYERS
“Breast Plate” Prayer (Lorica)

Annunciation Novena
Litany of Saint Padrig of Eire
Novena for the Annunciation
LIBRARY
Commemoration of the Feast of St. Patrick | St. Patrick

Knock | Zsolt Aradi
Lessons From Our Lady of Knock | Paul E. Duggan
Our Lady in Old Irish Folklore and Hymns | James F. Cassidy
The Conversion of Ireland | Warren H. Carroll
The Deer’s Cry | St. Patrick
The Irish Madonna of Hungary | Zsolt Aradi
The Irish Soldiers of Mexico | Michael Hogan

Lent: March 18th

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent;
Optional Memorial of St. Cyril of Jerusalem,
bishop, confessor and doctor
Old Calendar: St. Cyril of Jerusalem; Our Lady of Mercy
(Hist)
Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem, was banished from his see

on three occasions. With St. Athanasius and others, he
belongs to the great champions of faith in the fight
against Arianism. Famous as a teacher and preacher, he
has left a series of catechetical instructions that
constitute a priceless heirloom from Christian antiquity.
Of the twenty-four extant discourses, nineteen were
directed to catechumens during Lent as a preparation for
baptism, while five so-called mystagogical instructions
were given during Easter time to make the mysteries of
Christianity better known to those already baptized.
Historically today is the feast of Our Lady of Mercy.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Cyril of Jerusalem was given to the study of the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and
made such progress that he became an eminent champion of the orthodox faith. He
embraced the monastic institute and bound himself to perpetual chastity and austerity of
life. He was ordained priest by St. Maximus, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and undertook the
work of preaching to the faithful and instructing the catechumens, in which he won the
praise of all. He was the author of those truly wonderful Catechetical Instructions,
which embrace clearly and fully all the teaching of the Church, and contain an excellent
defense of each of the dogmas of religion against the enemies of the faith. His treatment
defense of each of the dogmas of religion against the enemies of the faith. His treatment
of these subjects is so distinct and clear that he refuted not only the heresies of his own
time, but also, by a kind of foreknowledge, as it were, those which were to arise later.
Thus he maintains the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in the adorable
sacrament of the Altar. On the death of Patriarch St. Maximus, the bishops of the
province chose Cyril in his place.
As Bishop he endured, like blessed Athanasius, his contemporary, many wrongs and
sufferings for the sake of the faith at the hands of the Arians. They could not bear his
strenuous opposition to their heresy, and thus assailed him with calumnies, deposed him
in a pseudo-council and drove him from his see. To escape their rage, he fled to Tarsus in
Cilicia and, as long as Constantius lived, he bore the hardships of exile. On the death of
Constantius and the accession of Julian the Apostate, Cyril was able to return to
Jerusalem, where he set himself with burning zeal to deliver his flock from false doctrine
and from sin. He was driven into exile a second time, under the Emperor Valens, but
when peace was restored to the Church by Theodosius the Great, and the cruelty and
insolence of the Arians were restrained, he was received with honor by the Emperor as a
valiant soldier of Christ and restored to his see. With what earnestness and holiness he
fulfilled the duties of his exalted office was proved by the flourishing state of the Church
at Jerusalem, as described by St. Basil, who spent some time there on a pilgrimage to the
holy places.
Tradition states that God rendered the
holiness of this venerable Patriarch illustrious
by signs from heaven, among which is
numbered the apparition of a cross, brighter
than the sun, which was seen at the beginning
of his Patriarchate. Not only Cyril himself, but
pagans and Christians alike were witnesses of
this marvel, which Cyril, after having given
thanks to God in church, announced by letter to
Constantius. A thing no less wonderful came to
pass when the Jews were commanded by the impious Emperor Julian to restore the
Temple which had been destroyed by Titus. An earthquake arose and great balls of fire
broke out of the earth and consumed the work, so that Julian and the Jews were struck
with terror and gave up their plan. This had been clearly foretold by Cyril. A little while
before his death, he was present at the Ecumenical Council at Constantinople, where the
heresies of Macedonius and Arius were condemned. After his return to Jerusalem, he
died a holy death at sixty-nine years of age in the thirty-fifth year of his bishopric. Pope
Leo XIII ordered that his office and mass should be said throughout the Universal Church.
Things to Do:
Read part of St. Cyril’s Catechetical Lectures On the Passion of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, which is very fitting meditation material for Lent.
Watch this video on St. Cyril of Jerusalem from the Apostleship of Prayer.
Read The Arian Heresy (Chapter Three of Hilaire Belloc’s The Great Heresies).
Our Lady of Mercy

Devotion to the Virgin of Mercy dates back to the time
of the founding of Lima. It is known that the
Mercederian friars, who came to Peru with the
conquerors, had already built their primitive convent
chapel around 1535. This chapel served as Lima’s first
parish until the construction of the Main Church in
1540. The Mercederians not only evangelized the
region, but they also participated in the city’s
development, building beautiful churches that have
been preserved as a valuable cultural and religious
patrimony.
With these friars came their celestial patroness, the
Virgin of Mercy, a Marian title of the thirteenth century. Tradition has it that around
1218, St. Peter Nolasco and James I, King of Aragon and Catalonia, experienced
separately a vision of the Most Holy Virgin who asked them to found a religious order
dedicated to rescuing the many Christian captives held by the Moslems. This Order of
Our Lady of Mercy, approved as a military order in 1235 by Pope Gregory IX, was able
to liberate thousands of Christian prisoners, and later became dedicated to teaching and
social work. The Mercederian friars’ habit imitates the garments worn by the Virgin
when she appeared to the founder of the order. [Our Lady of Our Lady of Mercy] The
image of the Virgin of Mercy is dressed all in white: over her long tunic she wears a
scapular with the shield of the order imprinted breast high. A cloak covers her shoulders
and her long hair is veiled by a fine lace mantilla. Some images have her standing, with
the child in her arms, and others with her arms extended showing a royal scepter in her
right hand and in the left some open chains, a symbol of liberation. Such is the
appearance of the beautiful image venerated in the Basilica of Mercy in the capital of
Peru. It was enthroned at the beginning of the XVII century and has been considered the
patroness of the capital. In 1730 she was proclaimed “Patroness of the Peruvian Lands”
and in 1823 “Patroness of the Armies of the Republic.” On the first centennial of the
nation’s independence, the image was solemnly crowned and received the title of “Grand
Marshall of Peru,” on September 24, 1921, Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, since then
declared a national holiday, when every year the army renders homage to her high
military rank.
The image carries numerous decorations granted by the Republic of Peru, its
governors and national institutions. In 1970 the town council of Lima gave her the “Keys
of the City,” and in 1971 the president of the Republic conferred on her the Great
Peruvian Cross of Naval Merit, gestures which evidence the affection and devotion of
Peru to Our Lady of Mercy, that many consider their national patroness.
Excerpted from ALL ABOUT MARY
Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent, Station with San

Sisto il vecchio (St. Sisto): This church was called “San Sisto il
vecchio” because it is the oldest convent in Rome of the sons of
the Saint of Callaroca. The current construction is quite recent;
in fact it was built in 1700 by the Dominican Pope Benedict
XIII (1724-1730). He certainly did it to honor the memory of
the Founder of the Order, San Domenico, who had his first
Roman residence here; Honorius III, after having approved the Order of Preachers,
gave him this temple. Tradition has it that at this church Pope Sixtus II met with San
Lorenzo to whom he predicted the martyrdom which, moreover, happened after three
days.

Collect: Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and
nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all
our heart and be ever united in prayer. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
and ever.
O God, who through the Bishop Saint Cyril of Jerusalem led your Church in a wonderful way to a deeper
sense of the mysteries of salvation, grant us, through his intercession, that we may so acknowledge your Son
as to have life ever more abundantly. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you
RECIPES
Chicken Noodle Soup
ACTIVITIES
Namedays
What is a Nameday?
PRAYERS

Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Lent (2nd Plan)
LIBRARY
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem | Pope Benedict XVI

Lent: March 19th

Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
Old Calendar: St. Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary
St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and

the foster-father of Jesus, was probably born in
Bethlehem and probably died in Nazareth. His
important mission in God’s plan of salvation was “to
legally insert Jesus Christ into the line of David from
whom, according to the prophets, the Messiah would be
born, and to act as his father and guardian” (Directory
on Popular Piety and the Liturgy). Most of our
information about St. Joseph comes from the opening
two chapters of St. Matthew’s Gospel. No words of his
are recorded in the Gospels; he was the “silent” man. We find no devotion to St. Joseph
in the early Church. It was the will of God that the Virgin Birth of Our Lord be first
firmly impressed upon the minds of the faithful. He was later venerated by the great
saints of the Middle Ages. Pius IX (1870) declared him patron and protector of the
universal family of the Church.
St. Joseph
St. Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although
descended from the royal house of David. In the designs
of Providence he was destined to become the spouse of
the Mother of God. His high privilege is expressed in a
single phrase, “Foster-father of Jesus.” About him
Sacred Scripture has little more to say than that he was
a just man-an expression which indicates how faithfully
he fulfilled his high trust of protecting and guarding

God’s greatest treasures upon earth, Jesus and Mary.
The darkest hours of his life may well have been
those when he first learned of Mary’s pregnancy; but
precisely in this time of trial Joseph showed himself great. His suffering, which likewise
formed a part of the work of the redemption, was not without great providential import:
Joseph was to be, for all times, the trustworthy witness of the Messiah’s virgin birth.
After this, he modestly retires into the background of holy Scripture.
Of St. Joseph’s death the Bible tells us nothing. There are indications, however, that
he died before the beginning of Christ’s public life. His was the most beautiful death that
one could have, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Humbly and unknown, he passed his
years at Nazareth, silent and almost forgotten he remained in the background through
centuries of Church history. Only in more recent times has he been accorded greater
honor. Liturgical veneration of St. Joseph began in the fifteenth century, fostered by Sts.
Brigid of Sweden and Bernadine of Siena. St. Teresa, too, did much to further his cult.
At present there are two major feasts in his honor. On March 19 our veneration is
directed to him personally and to his part in the work of redemption, while on May 1 we
honor him as the patron of workmen throughout the world and as our guide in the
difficult matter of establishing equitable norms regarding obligations and rights in the
social order. —Excerpted from The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch St. Joseph is
invoked as patron for many causes. He is the patron of the Universal Church. He is the
patron of the dying because Jesus and Mary were at his death-bed. He is also the patron
of fathers, of carpenters, and of social justice. Many religious orders and communities
are placed under his patronage.
Patron: Against doubt; against hesitation; Americas; Austria; Diocese of Baton Rouge,
Louisiana; California; Belgium; Bohemia; bursars; cabinetmakers; Canada; Carinthia;
carpenters; China; confectioners; craftsmen; Croatian people (in 1687 by decree of the
Croatian parliament) dying people; emigrants; engineers; expectant mothers; families;
fathers; Florence, Italy; happy death; holy death; house hunters; immigrants; interior
souls; Korea; laborers; Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Archdiocese of Louisville,
Kentucky; Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire; Mexico; Diocese of Nashville,
Tennessee; New France; New World; Oblates of Saint Joseph; people in doubt; people
who fight Communism; Peru; pioneers; protection of the Church; Diocese of San Jose,
California; diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; social justice; Styria, Austria;
travelers; Turin Italy; Tyrol Austria; unborn children Universal Church; Vatican II;
Vietnam; Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston West Virginia; wheelwrights; workers;

working people.
Symbols: Bible; branch; carpenter’s square; carpenter’s tools; chalice; cross; hand tools;
infant Jesus; ladder; lamb; lily; monstrance; old man holding a lily and a carpenter’s tool
such as a square; old man holding the infant Jesus; plane; rod.
Things to Do:
A table overflowing with good Italian food honoring St. Joseph is a traditional
Sicilian custom. The feast of San Giuseppe began in the Middle Ages when
Sicily was suffering from a severe drought and the desperate people begged St.
Joseph for rain. When they received rainy weather in response, they held a huge
“feste” in Saint Joseph’s honor. Even today, Sicilians go to Mass before their St.
Joseph’s day dinner and then process to their festive tables, decked out in
flowers, breads, and all sorts of Italian foods. The priest blesses the food, and
everyone shouts “Viva la tavola di San Giuse!” (which your children will
readily do with great gusto). After the meal is done, everyone present is given
something to take home, in the generous spirit of this day. Try some of our
delicious recipes linked here. We especially recommend the traditional
Minestrone. Italian sausage is always a favorite, as well. And you should have
bread of all kinds — this recipe for Italian Decorative Breads can provide the
traditional shape of your choice (St. Joseph’s staff, his beard, etc). Also a
traditional must with children is St. Joseph’s Sfinge, (Cream Puffs), for which
we have several recipes on this site. Plan a St. Joseph’s potluck for this day with
other Catholic families — invite a parish priest and ask his blessing over the
food before you begin the meal. If you do not have the time or resources to do
this, plan a smaller affair with your own family, complete with prayers to St.
Joseph, a little procession with candles for the older children and your favorite
hymns, and then the father of the family ought to say a special blessing over the
food before you begin.
Check out this wonderful site that explains the St. Joseph Altar more in detail,
includes recipes, history, and allows virtual offerings.
For further reading:
1. Saint Joseph Altars by Kerri McCaffety (Photographer).
2. A Table for Saint Joseph: Celebrating March 19th with Devotions,

Authentic Italian Recipes, and Timeless Traditions by Mary Anne
Scanlan Grasso.
3. The Saint Joseph’s Day Table Cookbook by Mary Ann Giordano.
4. Read the section of Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy on St.
Joseph.
5. Read Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical on Devotion to St. Joseph.
6. Interested in history? Read this article on the history of devotions to St.
Joseph, Finding St. Joseph, by Sandra Miesel.
Pray this prayer and litany in honor of St. Joseph with your family rosary tonight.
Here is a link to several meditations on St. Joseph — choose the one that is
perfect for you and your family!
Here are some ideas for teaching children about St. Joseph.
Young girls ought to pray to St. Joseph for their future spouse.
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent, Station with Santi

Cosma e Damiano (Saints Cosmas and Damian): The Station
is at the church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, physicians. These
martyrs were twin brothers originating from Arabia. They
practiced medicine in Aegea, Cilicia, but accepted no money
from the poor. Their beautiful Christian lives edified the pagans
and converted many to the Faith. They were arrested in the
persecution of Diocletian, subjected to torture, and finally beheaded.

Collect: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by Saint Joseph’s intercession your
Church may constantly watch over the unfolding of the mysteries of human
salvation, whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
Cavazune (St. Joseph’s Pants Cookies)

Paella Valenciana (Chicken and fish with rice)
Pane de San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Bread)
Turron de Jijona (Soft Spanish Almond Nougat)
Vdolky (Bohemian Pan Cakes)
Ensalada de Escarola
Almond Cookies
Almond Squares
Beef with Peppers
Broiled Veal Rolls
Bunuelous
Cannoli (Shells)
Cannoli Filling
Crown Cake
Heart Cake (cut-up)
Italian Anise Toast
Italian Bread Sticks
Italian Decorative Breads
Italian Vegetable Soup
Maccu
Meatless Antipasto
Minestrone
Minestrone
Minestrone
Palermo Bread
Pecan Cookies
Pignolatti
Raisin Bread
Red Wine Cookies
Ricotta Filling
Saint Joseph’s Day Dinner
Sopa de Pescado
Spaghetti with Fennel Sauce
St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs I
St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs II
St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs III
St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs IV
St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs V
St. Joseph’s Sfinge I
St. Joseph’s Sfinge II
Sweet-Sour Beef Balls with Pineapple and Peppers
Symbolic Pastries
Vuccidrato—Jesus Wreath
Vuccidrato—Joseph’s Staff
Vuccidrato—Mary’s Palms
ACTIVITIES
“Tupa-Tupa” (Knocking) for St. Joseph’s Day

Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album
Fava Beans for St. Joseph’s Day
Feast of St. Joseph

History of the St. Joseph Altar
St. Joseph’s Oil
St. Joseph’s Table or Buffet Dinner
St. Joseph’s Table: An Age-Old Tradition
Story-Telling
Traditions related to Saint Joseph
PRAYERS
Prayer to St. Joseph

Book of Blessings: Blessing of Saint Joseph’s Table
March Devotion: Saint Joseph
St. Joseph Prayer for protection
Ad te Beate Ioseph - To thee, O blessed Joseph
Litany of St. Joseph
Chaplet of St. Joseph
Seven Sorrows and Joys of Saint Joseph
Blessing of the St. Joseph Altar
Thirty Days’ Prayer to Saint Joseph
LIBRARY
Finding St. Joseph | Sandra Miesel

Guardian of the Redeemer (Redemptoris Custos) | Pope John Paul II
Imitate St Joseph’s Simple, Hard-Working Style | Pope John Paul II

Love and Serve the Church Like St Joseph | Pope John Paul II
On Devotion to St. Joseph (Quamquam pluries) | Pope Leo XIII
Saint Joseph Continues in His Role as Protector of the Body of Christ |
Pope John Paul II
Saint Joseph the Worker, Man of Faith and Prayer | Pope John Paul II
St. Joseph and the Third Christian Millennium! | Rev. Regis Scanlon
O.F.M. Cap.
St. Joseph, a Witness to Fulfillment of the Promise | Pope John Paul II
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church | Pope John Paul II
St. Joseph: Man of Trust | Pope John Paul II
Thirty Days Prayer to St. Joseph | Unknown
St. Joseph — a Compilation | Various

Lent: March 20th

Friday of the Third Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Photina (Hist)
The theme of life and light has colored the Liturgy of

this week. Before leading the catechumens into the
Mystery of Christ’s Passion and Death, the Church
presents Christ to them once more as the Light of the
world who has power to open man’s eyes to his Light.
He will veil it for a while during his Passion but it will
burst forth in full splendor again on Easter morning.
Historically today is the feast of St. Photina, the
Samaritan woman at the well.
Meditation
We must forgive our neighbor always. This fraternal charity is the source of strength
among the members of the Mystical Body: “If two of you shall consent upon earth
concerning anything whatsoever they shall ask, it shall be done to them by my Father.”
This charity should animate us in giving fraternal correction, which should always be
free from all vanity, self-love and desire to humiliate and defame.
The Church dispenses Christ’s forgiveness through the power of the keys:
“whatsoever you shall loose upon earth shall be loosed also in heaven.” Christ’s pardon
of us is limitless. Just as the small quantity of oil, increasing miraculously at the word of
Elias, enabled the poor widow to pay all her debts, so the infinite merits of Christ enable
us to expiate all our sins.
Love of God and of neighbor imposes on us constant self-denial and self-mastery.
Only love working through mortification will enable us to ascend the “holy hill” and
dwell in “God’s tabernacle.” — The Cathedral Daily Missal by Right Rev. Msgr.
Rudolph G. Bandas
Things to Do:
Discuss the idea of forgiveness with your children — emphasizing with today’s
Gospel that Christ’s forgiveness is limitless to those who humbly repent of their
offenses against Him. Ask them ways in which they practice this virtue every
day, with their sisters and brothers, with their parents, and with their friends.
Throughout this fourth week of Lent, often the time when children begin to lose
focus or weary of this penitential season, give them something tangible to work
on, such as a Lenten Scrapbook, an ongoing activity that will engage their minds
and stretch their creativity in putting their faith into pictures.
St. Photina
St. Photina was that Samaritan woman whom our Lord
met at Jacob’s Well. When He disclosed the secret of
her profligate life, she believed in Him at once as that
Messiah which was to come, and began spreading the
Gospel among the Samaritans, converting many. Later,
she and her son Josiah and her five sisters went to
Carthage to preach and then to Rome. Another son,
Victor, was a soldier and had already come to Emperor
Nero’s attention as being a Christian. The Emperor
summoned the whole family and with threats and
tortures tried to force them to renounce their faith in
Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, when Nero’s daughter
Domnina came in contact with Photina (the Lord Himself had given her the name,
meaning “resplendent” or “shining with light”), she, too, was converted. The enraged
emperor had the heads of the sons and sisters cut off; Photina was held in prison for a
few more weeks before being thrown into a well, where she joyously gave her soul to the
Lord.
Excerpted from Orthodox America
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Photina here.
Friday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Station with San Lorenzo in

Lucina (St. Lawrence in Lucina): The original church
dedicated to the popular deacon martyr St. Lawrence was
erected in the 4th century on the ruins of a house belonging to
the Roman lady Lucina. Near the church was a well which was
very dear to the Romans and which probably suggested the
Epistle and Gospel of today’s Mass. The church also contains a
part of the gridiron on which St. Laurence was burned. The
Introit and Gradual from the Extraordinary Form refer to the prayers of the Saint
while he was being tortured.

Collect: Pour your grace into our hearts, we pray, O Lord, that we may be
constantly drawn away from unruly desires and obey by your own gift the
heavenly teaching you give us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who
lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever.
RECIPES
Ensalada de Escarola
ACTIVITIES

PRAYERS
Prayer for the Fifth Week of Lent

Litany of Humility
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 21st

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Benedict, abbot
Sin is the great barrier between God and man. Sin,

caused the beginning of hell and made devils of the
fallen angels. Sin drove Adam and Eve out of their
paradise and took away their marvelous gifts of grace
and of freedom from sickness and death. But only in the
sufferings and death of the God-man do we see what
God really thinks of sin. Before sin there existed no
sickness, no death, no hatred, no discord, no ugliness.
Every suffering and disorder in the world is a reflection
of sin. Every Mass, continuing the atoning Sacrifice of
Calvary, is God’s mercy to sinners throughout the
world. Every sacrament is God’s means of restoring all
things in Christ. — Daily Missal of the Mystical Body
Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Benedict, “Father of Western Monasticism,” twin
brother of St. Scholastica. His feast in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite is
celebrated on July 11.
Meditation - On the Compassion of Some Women of Jerusalem

A goodly number of the women of Jerusalem (not disciples of Jesus) met this saddest of
funeral processions. No doubt their weeping and sobbing and loud wailing, however
sincere, was not in real accord with the sorrow that was straining Jesus’ heart to the
breaking point-His sorrow, namely, over their refusal to accept the truth of His
Messiahship and of His supreme royalty as the promised Christ and Savior. Still, the
heart of Jesus was deeply affected by the sympathy of these women. Contrasted with all
else that was poured into His ears, it was very acceptable and was gratefully received.
But what lastingly gives this incident its chief significance is the fact that, even here
in His greatest misery, Jesus is thinking predominantly of the doom of the Holy City and
its temple, now practically sealed. Evidently His heart is aching at the vision of the
horrors that will soon overtake it and the whole Jewish race, for its criminal blindness to
His divine credentials and its obstinate refusal to profit by His teaching and His Precious
Blood. For the days are near, when the barren among the Jewish women will be called
blessed; when death, sudden and terrible though it be, will seem preferable to life. Try,
therefore, to look deep into Jesus’ Sacred Heart in its very keen sympathy for these
women, and especially for their children. For of the children here present in the
procession, or carried in the arms of their mothers, many no doubt were to be witnesses
and victims of the abomination of desolation coming upon Jerusalem not forty years
hence (Luke 19:41-44)
Excerpted from Our Way to the Father by Leo M. Krenz, S.J.
Saturday in the Third Week of Lent, Station with Santa

Susanna (St. Susan): The Station is in the church of St.
Susanna, virgin and martyr of Rome. The first Christian place of
worship was built here in the 4th century. It was probably the
titulus of Pope Caius (283-296). Caius was St. Susanna’s uncle,
and tradition claims that the church stands on the site of her
martyrdom. The church is now the national parish of the United
States since 1922.

Collect: Rejoicing in this annual celebration of our Lenten observance, we pray, O

Lord, that, with our hearts set on the Paschal mysteries, we may be gladdened by
their full effects. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns
RECIPES
Eggs Benedict II
Lenten Eggs Benedict I
ACTIVITIES
PRAYERS
Sacrifice Beads
Roman Ritual: Blessing of Bees
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 22nd

Fourth Sunday of Lent
Old Calendar: Fourth Sunday of Lent; Laetare Sunday
“Rejoice, Jerusalem! Be glad for her, you who love her;

rejoice with her, you who mourned for her, and you will
find contentment at her consoling breasts.” This Sunday
is known as Laetare Sunday and is a Sunday of joy.
Lent is half over, and Easter is enticingly near.
The Church’s liturgy, on this the fourth Sunday of
Lent, invites us to retrace one of the fundamental
dynamics of our baptismal re-birth through the Gospel
account of the healing of the ‘man born blind’. It is the
passage from the darkness of sin and error to the Light
of God, who is the Risen Christ.
This Sunday was formerly called “Laetare Sunday” since its mood and theme was
one of hope and rejoicing that Easter was near. In the reformed calendar this Sunday is
not different from the other Sundays of Lent even though the entrance antiphon for the
day still begins with the Latin word “laetare” and the vestments worn by the celebrant
are rose-colored, not violet. The day is important because it is the day of the second
scrutiny in preparation for the baptism of adults at the Easter Vigil.
Sunday Readings
The first reading, first Book of Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a,l contains, at best, oblique
references to the other two readings. The anointing of David as king may be a reference
to the anointing in the responsorial psalm both of which may refer to Christ the good
shepherd. The figure of David may also be a prefigurement of the anointing to
Messiahship of Jesus for his mission. Whatever the reason for its selection for this day,
the theme of the liturgy is better reflected in the other two readings for they present
implications and applications of the baptism of the believer.

The second reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 5:8-14 is
particularly significant because throughout the season of Lent the community has been
urged to cast aside deeds of darkness and walk in the brilliance of the light of Christ. In
this reading, for the first time during Lent, the darkness-light theme which will be so
predominant at Easter is enunciated. The believer must leave the deeds of darkness and
live according to the justice and truth of God through the light of Christ. The selection of
this reading for the Sunday liturgy of the second scrutiny emphasizes clearly that the
preparation of a person coming to the faith is one of moral formation as well as
in-formation about the faith. The preparation of adults to be baptized has more to do
with choices and deeds than it does with dogmatic teaching.
The Gospel reading, John 9:1-41, dominates the liturgy by the length of the reading
and its significance. Already, in Old Testament Revelation, the Lord God had shown the
People of Israel how the justice of the Creator was so much more profound and true that
the thoughts of men. We have, in fact, heard in the first reading ‘God does not see as
human beings see; they look at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.' (1
Sam 16:76). The Lord pointed out in this way the true, unique, criteria on which men are
judged. He also indicated the unique place in which man can meet God’s gaze and enter
into a relationship with Him—in his heart. Obviously, by the word ‘heart’ the Bible
doesn’t mean the centre of pulsation, but man’s ‘shrine’, his conscience where he can
really listen and recognise God’s voice and so benefit from the Light: ‘for the effects of
the light are seen in complete goodness and uprightness and truth’. (Eph 5:9)
Man, incapable of remaining faithful to the truth that is in him, falls back to his own
limited criteria. This criteria produces every malice, injustice and falsehood and is used
to govern himself, to decide between good and evil, whilst hoping that what he obtains
will be to his benefit and so in this way he acts ‘like God’ (Gen 3:5).
God doesn’t give up but comes to meet everyone of us in the two fold way described
in today’s Gospel. Firstly, ‘he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and
smeared the clay on his eyes’ (Jn 9:6). God made man, who is a creature. He united
Himself to ‘our earth’ so that man would never need to flee Him, but could come to
recognise Him through a meeting with His Holy Humanity. St John wrote in the
Prologue to his Gospel, ‘The Word became flesh, he lived among us’ (Jn 1:14).
In the second place from the Gospel account we read, ’He said to him, “Go wash in
the Pool of Siloam” —which means Sent—‘. (Jn 9:7a). Christ, sent by the Father, takes
onto Himself all our sins, which are ultimately the consequences of our blindness, as far
as allowing Himself to be stripped, crowned with thorns, nailed to the cross, rejected by
His own people and abandoned by His closest friends. Christ’s unprecedented love can’t
but definitively overcome, with time, every fear in the face of our limitations because
there isn’t anything that can stop Him from loving us. From the loving assumption of our
rejection to our obtuseness murder, the Lord has worked extraordinary feats in history.
He frequently offered His Body to the Father for our salvation and therefore has
consecrated His entire Person for every one of us. He has introduced us into His Most
Holy Heart, inflamed with love for us, which is the same as God’s light. In the Light of
the Resurrection he made us a ‘new creation’ (cfr 2 Cor 5:17) and in the Gospel account
we have heard ‘he went and washed, and came back able to see’. (Jn 9:7)
The indestructible link with Christ, which is founded on His love and fidelity, is the
‘new creation’ that was given to us on the day of our Baptism. Through the Sacraments
of Christian initiation we are more profoundly linked with Christ. This ‘new creation’
can not bring fourth fruit in us without the full and renewed consent of our liberty that, in
this earthly life, is expressed, reinvigorated and triumphs through the extraordinary
events that Christ works in our lives. The blind man was interrogated by the world as to
the precise details of his cure and with great simplicity he explained what happened to
him: ‘The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam
and wash.’ So I went there and washed and was able to see.”’ (Jn 9:11)
Let us ask Most Holy Mary to help us to be faithful to the truth, to the events of our
lives, taking the hand that always takes us to live totally for Him, in this life and eternity.
‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ (Eph 5:14).
From the Congregation for the Clergy
This church is one of the seven pilgrim churches in Rome. St.

Helen, mother of the emperor Constantine, had a church built in
Rome to house the relics of the Passion of Our Lord which she
had obtained during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. St. Helen
discovered the true Cross of Our Savior with its title and the
instruments of His Death like the nails and the crown of thorns.
She had the top layer from Mount Calvary removed and placed
in barges which carried this material to Rome. She then had the builders use this soil
as the ground on which she had the basilica built for the sacred relics. The true Cross
and other holy items have been kept in this basilica since its consecration in the
fourth century and can be visited to this day. Because of the great relic enshrined
fourth century and can be visited to this day. Because of the great relic enshrined
there the basilica is called the Holy Cross and because it is built on the soil from
Mount Calvary it is said to be in Jerusalem.
Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: Fourth

Sunday of Lent
“Jesus then took the loaves and
…distributed them to those reclining, …
as much as they wished” (Gospel).
We all “wish” to be fed with joy,now
and forever. The discipline of Lent may
sadden our poor frail nature, so the
Church analyzes the causes of true joy
on this Rejoice or Laetare Sunday
(Introit). The first source of genuine joy is a sincere Easter Confession; it
emancipates us from the slavery of sin. We now enjoy the freedom of Christ’s
Gospel of love, because we have been freed from the bondage of that fear which
prevailed in the days before Christ (Epistle).
The second source of genuine joy is a fruitful Easter Communion, for which
proper preparation and thanksgiving have been made. The soul’s instinctive hunger is
satisfied by the personal com-muning with God. In the picture, the Host and Chalice
are seen descending upon men of all races (symbolized by the awaiting crowd).
Humanity thus fed with Divinity, is joyously united in a real social and mystical
union. Men will then work for one another in “a city which is compact together”
(Communion Verse).

Collect: O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a
wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the
Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. Through our
Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
RECIPES
Bury Simnel Cake

Chocolate Pecan Pie
Easy Simnel Cake
Never Out of Season Sunday Dinner (Sample Menu)
Shrewsbury Simnel Cake
Simnel Cake I
Simnel Cake II
Simnel Cake III
Simnel Cake IV
Simnel Cake V
ACTIVITIES
How to be a Good Father

Mothering Sunday
Mother’s Day
Story-Telling
PRAYERS

Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Ordinary Time (2nd
Plan)
LIBRARY
Conquering by the Cross: Jesus’ Love Wins All | Pope Benedict XVI
God So Loved the World That He Gave His Only Son | Pope John Paul II

Lent: March 23rd

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent; Optional
Memorial of St. Turibio de Mogrovejo, bishop
Old Calendar: Our Lady of Victories (Hist)
St Toribio, or Turibius Alphonsus Mogrobejo, a

Spaniard, served God from his infancy. Appointed
Archbishop of Lima, he landed in South America in
1581. He died March 23, 1606, having, by his
indefatigable zeal and by the boundlessness of his
charity, literally renewed the face of the Church of Peru.
Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite his feast is
celebrated on April 27.
Historically today is the feast of Our Lady of
Victories, (there are nine seperate days in honor of Our
Lady of Victory, the main being October 7) Today’s
feast commemorates the victory in Hungary. On August 6, 1716, Prince Eugene of
Savoy defeated a large invading Ottoman army at Peterwardein, Hungary. The victory
set the stage for the reconquest of Hungary from the Turks.
St. Turibio de Mogrovejo

Together with Rose of Lima, Turibio is the first known saint of the New World, serving
the Lord in Peru, South America, for twenty-six years.
Born in Spain and educated for the law, he became so brilliant a scholar that he was
made professor of law at the University of Salamanca and eventually became chief judge
of the Inquisition at Granada. He succeeded too well. But he was not sharp enough a
lawyer to prevent a surprising sequence of events.
When the archbishopric of Lima in Spain’s Peruvian colony became vacant, it was
decided that Turibio was the man needed to fill the post: He was the one person with the
strength of character and holiness of spirit to heal the scandals that had infected that area.
He cited all the canons that forbade giving laymen ecclesiastical dignities, but he was
overruled. He was ordained priest and bishop and sent to Peru, where he found
colonialism at its worst. The Spanish conquerors were guilty of every sort of oppression
of the native population. Abuses among the clergy were flagrant, and he devoted his
energies (and suffering) to this area first.
He began the long and arduous visitation of an
immense archdiocese, studying the language,
staying two or three days in each place, often with
neither bed nor food. He confessed every morning to
his chaplain, and celebrated Mass with intense
fervor. Among those to whom he gave the
Sacrament of Confirmation was Saint Rose of Lima,
and possibly Saint Martin de Porres. After 1590 he
had the help of another great missionary, Saint
Francis Solanus.
His people, though very poor, were sensitive, dreading to accept public charity from
others. Turibio solved the problem by helping them anonymously.
When Turibio undertook the reform of the clergy as well as unjust officials, he
naturally suffered opposition. Some tried, in human fashion, to “explain” God’s law in
such a way as to sanction their accustomed way of life. He answered them in the words
of Tertullian, “Christ said, ‘I am the truth’; he did not say, ‘I am the custom.”’
Patron: Peru, Latin American Bishops, Native Rights, (Also, Lawyers may seek his
intercession because he was a Lawyer in Spain)
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Turibio.

St. Turibio started the first seminary in the Americas, the (in Spanish) Conciliar
Seminary of Lima, and was named the first male saint of the New World. Offer a
rosary today for an increase in vocations and for those studying for the
priesthood.
St. Turibio fought for social justice, championing the rights of the natives against
the Spanish masters. Make a contribution to your local food pantry, volunteer at
the Spanish masters. Make a contribution to your local food pantry, volunteer at
a crisis pregnancy center, cut out pictures of children from third world countries
and make a display in your home to encourage your children to make sacrifices
or to contribute money to the less fortunate.
Cook a Peruvian dish in honor of St. Turibio.
Our Lady of Victory

In 1432, John Hunyady, a Catholic Hungarian national
distinguished himself at the Siege of the Szendro Castle
in Hungary. For this very reason King Sigismund
appointed him as one of his royal counselors. John
Hunyady later became Count of Temes and supported
the election of Wladislaw III of Poland, to the throne of
Hungary. For supporting the Polish King, Hunyady was
proclaimed Commander of the Fortress of Belgrade and
Voivode of Transylvania. John Hunyady was privately
devoted to the Blessed Virgin and prayed for her
intercession during the wars against the Ottoman
powers. Victories always occurred, following his
prayers to Our Lady. In 1441, the Hungarians were victorious against the Ottomans at
Szendro, at Maros-Szent-Imre in 1442, and captured Sofia in Bulgaria in 1443. In 1453,
the Ottoman Islamists invaded the Christian territories, conquering Constantinople.
Churches were demolished and the Byzantine Cathedral, referred to as Saint Sophia’s
Cathedral, was desecrated and converted into a mosque. Following the fall of
Constantinople, Sultan Mehmet II prepared for war against Hungary.
In 1454, Serbia fell to the Ottoman Sultan. Together with the Franciscan monk,
Father John Capistrano, John Hunyady marshaled an army at Szeged, and won back the
territory at Szendro. The Ottomans pressed forward and Hunyady defended the Southern
border of Hungary. Father Capistrano was ordered by the Catholic Pontiff to preach a
crusade against the Ottoman invaders. On July 21 and 22, Father Capistrano and John
Hunyady lead the Hungarian troops to battle. Invoking the name of Jesus Christ and his
Blessed Mother, Father John urged the troops and led them to victory. The cleric was
hailed as the ‘Apostle of Europe’ for the victory delivered on July 21, halted the Islamic
Ottoman expansion for another seventy years. In 1690, Father Capistrano was
canonized. Both Father Capistrano and John Hunyadi died shortly following the Battle at
Belgrade where the miraculous intervention of the Blessed Virgin took place.
John Hunyady experienced defeats and was at least twice captured by his enemies, in
1458 his second son became King of Hungary. Following the victory at Belgrade, in
recognition of the heavenly aid granted by Our Lady, Pope Callistus III ordered the daily
Angelus to be recited at midday, for that was the hour the Ottoman forces were defeated.
In modern times the prayer of the Angelus is recited at midday commemorating the
Catholic victory at Belgrade and in honor of Our Lady. Apart from Father Capistrano, a
second Franciscan who saved Hungary from similar invasions was the Capuchin Father
Mark D’Aviano. Following the successful defense in Vienna of 1683, the Battle of
Budapest in Hungary, was the next place where the Ottoman Scimitar was to fall.
Budapest capitulated to the Islamic Empire and a triple ring of fortifications was
constructed around the city. The city’s Catholic Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Stephen,
was similarly to Constantinople’s Saint Sophia, profanely converted into a mosque.
Holding a large banner bearing the Image of Saint Joseph, Father Mark ran into the thick
of battle. Once the bastions were breached, Father Mark entered the breach intending to
reach the profaned cathedral. Fearlessly, ignoring the thundering cannons, he sang
litanies to the Blessed Virgin and by evening he placed the banner of Saint Joseph in the
reconquered cathedral. Following this victory, Catholic churches were once again rebuilt
in this land and a short period of peace ensued. At the Battle of Essech, Father Mark
encouraged the generals by assuring them a speedy victory. He postulated that in order to
defeat such a formidable enemy, the recourse with confidence to the God of the
Heavenly Hosts was necessary, “…without whom all human endeavor is vain.”(1)
Although he was a cleric, Father Mark D’Aviano did not neglect the necessary and
essential preparations for properly training troops, stocking ammunition, defining supply
lines, speed when marching, efficient spying and the maintenance of a good diplomatic
rapport between the Christian leaders. He advocated that: “The leaders must fight with
upright intentions and not out of jealousy, pride, or personal interest.”(2) Belgrade was
the next battle scene. When exposed to the grandiose power of the Ottoman forces the
Catholic leaders faltered and hesitated, Father Mark insisted that even if such odds were
against them, the Christians would be victorious. According to Father D’Aviano, armies
could do nothing against the Ottoman Turk, but if Our Lady was worthily honored, she
would intercede for victory. The battles were indeed won and the Ottomans ousted. In
1699, the Turks signed the Peace of Karlowitz. That same year Father Mark D’Aviano,
passed away peacefully.
The son of Prince Eugene Maurice of
Savoy was born in 1663 and named Eugene

after his father. Throughout his early youth
he brought himself as an exemplary
Catholic. Many at court thought that Eugene
was destined at becoming an abbot, in fact
he was referred to as the ‘petit abbe’ or the
‘little abbot.’ To the court’s surprise, Eugene
developed a liking for the military but was
denied entrance by the king. Eugene left France to enroll within the Austrian military,
and was deployed where the most need was required, that meant against the invading
Ottomans. In 1683, Eugene distinguished himself at Petronell and was appointed
Commander of a Dragoon regiment. He served against the Ottomans at Buda and
Belgrade. In 1690, the Ottoman Turks recaptured Belgrade and Eugene defeated the
Ottomans at the Battle of Zenta. The 1699, the ‘Treaty of Karlowitz’ followed the
victory. After Karlowitz, a short time of peace was welcome, unfortunately, the Ottoman
Empire was not true to the treaty. The Empire ignored its pledges of Peace and invaded
the West, retaking Morea from Venice in 1714. The Austrians declared war on the
Ottoman Empire on April 13, 1716. Prince Eugene of Savoy defeated the Ottoman Turks
at the Battle of Peterwardein on August 5 (Feast of Our Lady of the Snows) and
Temesvar on the morrow of the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, October 13, 1716, he
captured Belgrade. In 1716, the Battle at Peterwardein witnessed an Ottoman army
consisting of 40,000 Janissaries, 20,000 Sipahis and 10,000 Tartars under the command
of Grand Vizier Damad Ali. Battles started on August 3, and on August 5 the Austrian
counter-attack under Prince Eugene began. The Austrians attacked by encircling the
Sipahis and the Tartars, who gave way to the superior, disciplined army. Following this
victory, Eugene attacked the Ottoman camp and was supported by the firing cannon of
six frigates from the Danube River. In the Ottoman camps many were slain, including
Damad Ali, their Commander. An event which was considered unusual for the time and
season of the year, was a heavy snowfall on the morning of August 5, which covered
Peterwardein. Prince Eugene sought the intercession of Our Lady of the Snows and
following this victory granted by Our Lady’s intercession; he commemorated this event
by ordering the construction of a church on Tekije Hill. The church overlooks the
battlefield and is today known as ‘Our Lady of Tekije’ and ‘Our Lady of the Snows.’
The church is used both by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox denominations. On the
morrow of the Feast of the Assumption of 1717, on August 16, the Ottoman forces were
ousted from Belgrade. At the Treaty of Passarowitz on July 21, 1718, the Ottoman
Empire ceded the Banat, Serbia, a portion of Bosnia and Vallachia to Austria.
Excerpted from The Catholic Southern Front Dispatch Chapter 9/32 - Hungary invaded
Things to Do:
Visit this link for more information.

Learn more about Fr. Baker and Our Lady of Victory here.
Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent, Station with Santi

Quattro Coronati (Four Crowned Saints): Approaching the
medieval gateway of this ancient church, dedicated to the Four
Crowned Saints, one immediately gathers that this is a unique
place. Indeed it is, for though it stands only a few blocks from
some of the busiest areas of the city, this oft-forgotten church
holds centuries of tradition within its scarred walls. The title of
this church is actually in reference to two groups of martyrs
from the Roman persecutions. The first group were four soldiers, Severus, Victorinus,
Carpophorus, and Severinus, who refused to take part in pagan worship, and were
killed for this in the persecutions of Diocletian. The name of this church may be
derived from a military decoration of a small crown, which the four soldier saints
may have earned during their service. The second group were a group of five
stonemasons, Claudius, Nicostratus, Sempronianus, Castor, and Simplicius, who were
put to death for their refusal to carve a statue of Asclepius which would be used for
pagan worship. (See PNAC for more details.)

Collect: O God, who renew the world through mysteries beyond all telling, grant,
we pray, that your Church may be guided by your eternal design. Through our
Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
O God, who gave increase to your Church through the apostolic labors and zeal for truth of the Bishop Saint
Turibius, grant that the people consecrated to you may always receive new growth in faith and holiness.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one
RECIPES
Aji de Gallina
Arroz con Leche
ACTIVITIES
Lenten Practices for Children
PRAYERS

Prayer to Our Queen of Victories
Litany of Our Lady of Victory
LIBRARY
St. Toribio de Mogrovejo: Apostle of Peru | Joseph F. X. Sladky

Lent: March 24th

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Gabriel, archangel; St. Catherine of
Sweden (Hist)

feast of St. Gabriel. His feast in the Ordinary Form of
the Roman Rite is celebrated on September 29 which is
also the feast of Sts. Michael and Raphael. Historically
the feast of St. Catherine of Sweden, the fourth child of
St. Bridget of Sweden, is celebrated today.
This Saturday, in the early ages of Christianity, was
called Sitientes, from the first word of the Introit of the
Mass, in which the Church addresses her catechumens
in the words of Isaias and invites them that thirst after grace to come and receive it in the
holy Sacrament of Baptism.
St. Catherine of Sweden

Catherine of Sweden, Saint, the fourth child of Saint Bridget of Sweden (q.v.) and her
husband, Ulf Gudmarsson, b. 1331 or 1332; d. March 24, 1381. At the time of her death
St. Catherine was head of the convent of Wadstena, founded by her mother; hence the
name, Catherine Vastanensis, by which she is occasionally called. At the age of seven
she was sent to the abbess of the convent of Riseberg to be educated and soon showed,
like her mother, a desire for a life of self-mortification and devotion to spiritual things. At
the command of her father, when about thirteen or fourteen years old, she married a
noble of German descent, Eggart von Kürnen. She at once persuaded her husband, who
was a very religious man, to join her in a vow of chastity. Both lived in a state of
virginity and devoted themselves to the exercise of Christian perfection and active
charity. In spite of her deep love for her husband, Catherine accompanied her mother to
Rome, where St. Bridget went in 1349.

Soon after her arrival in that city Catherine received news of the death of her
husband in Sweden. She now lived constantly with her mother, took an active part in St.
Bridget’s fruitful labors, and zealously imitated her mother’s ascetic life. Although the
distinguished and beautiful young widow was surrounded by suitors, she steadily refused
all offers of marriage. In 1372 St. Catherine and her brother, Birger, accompanied their
mother on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land; after their return to Rome St. Catherine was
with her mother in the latter’s last illness and death.
In 1374, in obedience to St. Bridget’s wish,
Catherine brought back her mother’s body to
Sweden for burial at Wadstena, of which foundation
she now became the head. It was the mother-house
of the Brigittine Order, also called the Order of St.
Savior. Catherine managed the convent with great
skill and made the life there one in harmony with
the principles laid down by its founder. The
following year she went again to Rome in order to
promote the canonization of St. Bridget, and to
obtain a new papal confirmation of the order. She
secured another confirmation both from Gregory XI (1377) and from Urban VI (1379),
but was unable to gain at the time the canonization of her mother, as the confusion
caused by the Schism delayed the process. When this sorrowful division appeared she
showed herself, like St. Catherine of Siena, a steadfast adherent of the party of the
Roman Pope, Urban VI, in whose favor she testified before a judicial commission.
Catherine stayed five years in Italy and then returned home, bearing a special letter of
commendation from the pope. Not long after her arrival in Sweden she was taken ill and
died. In 1484 Innocent VIII gave permission for her veneration as a saint and her feast
was assigned to March 22 in the Roman martyrology. Catherine wrote a devotional work
entitled “Consolation of the Soul” (Sielinna Troest), largely composed of citations from
the Scriptures and from early religious books; no copy is known to exist. Generally she is
represented with a hind at her side, which is said to have come to her aid when unchaste
youths sought to ensnare her.
Excerpted from The Catholic Encyclopedia, J.P. Kirsch
Patron: Europe; Against abortion; For healing and protection from miscarriage
Things to Do:
Visit the Brigidine Sisters website and read about St. Catherine.
Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent, Station with San Lorenzo

in Damaso (St. Lawrence at the House of Damasus): The
church of today’s station is believed to have been built over the
house of Pope St. Damasus, (366-383), by the Pope himself.
The church was rebuilt in the late 15th century and restored
several times, the latest being after fire damage of 1944. This is
yet another church dedicated to St. Lawrence, deacon and
martyr, who has ten churches just in Rome dedicated to this
popular saint.

Collect: May the venerable exercises of holy devotion shape the hearts of your
faithful, O Lord, to welcome worthily the Paschal Mystery and proclaim the
praises of your salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
RECIPES
Swedish Waffles
ACTIVITIES
Precious Coins: Mortification and Self-Denial
PRAYERS
PRAYERS

Annunciation Novena
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 25th

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Old Calendar: Annunciation of the Lord
Again Lent’s austerity is interrupted as we solemnly

keep a feast in honor of the Annunciation. The
Annunciation is a mystery that belongs to the temporal
rather than to the sanctoral cycle in the Church’s
calendar. For the feast commemorates the most sublime
moment in the history of time, the moment when the
Second Divine Person of the most Holy Trinity assumed
human nature in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Thus it
is a feast of our Lord, even as it is of Mary, although the
liturgy centers wholly around the Mother of God. —
The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
Today is also the historical feast of St. Dismas, the good thief and St. Margaret
Clitherow, wife and mother who was one of the English martyrs.
The Annunciation
A tradition, which has come down from the apostolic ages, tells us
that the great mystery of the Incarnation was achieved on the
twenty-fifth day of March. It was at the hour of midnight, when the
most holy Virgin was alone and absorbed in prayer, that the
Archangel Gabriel appeared before her, and asked her, in the name
of the blessed Trinity, to consent to become the Mother of God. Let
us assist, in spirit, at this wonderful interview between the angel and the Virgin: and, at
the same time, let us think of that other interview which took place between Eve and the
serpent. A holy bishop and martyr of the second century, Saint Irenaeus, who had
received the tradition from the very disciples of the apostles, shows us that Nazareth is
the counterpart of Eden.
In the garden of delights there is a virgin and an angel; and a conversation takes
place-between them. At Nazareth a virgin is also addressed by an angel, and she answers
him; but the angel of the earthly paradise is a spirit of darkness, and he of Nazareth is a
spirit of light. In both instances it is the angel that has the first word. ‘Why,’ said the
serpent to Eve, ‘hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of
paradise?’ His question implies impatience and a solicitation to evil; he has contempt for
the frail creature to whom he addresses it, but he hates the image of God which is upon
her.
See, on the other hand, the angel of light; see with what composure and peacefulness
he approaches the Virgin of Nazareth, the new Eve; and how respectfully he bows
himself down before her: ‘Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou
among women!’ Such language is evidently of heaven: none but an angel could speak
thus to Mary.
Scarcely has the wicked spirit finished speaking than Eve casts a longing look at the
forbidden fruit: she is impatient to enjoy the independence it is to bring her. She rashly
stretches forth her hand; she plucks the fruit; she eats it, and death takes possession of
her: death of the soul, for sin extinguishes the light of life; and death of the body, which
being separated from the source of immortality, becomes an object of shame and horror,
and finally crumbles into dust.
But let us turn away our eyes from this sad spectacle, and fix them on Nazareth. Mary
has heard the angel’s explanation of the mystery; the will of heaven is made known to
her, and how grand an honor it is to bring upon her! She, the humble maid of Nazareth, is
to have the ineffable happiness of becoming the Mother of God, and yet the treasure of
her virginity is to be left to her! Mary bows down before this sovereign will, and says to
the heavenly messenger: ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according
to thy word.’
Thus, as the great St. Irenaeus and so many of
the holy fathers remark, the obedience of the second
Eve repaired the disobedience of the first: for no
sooner does the Virgin of Nazareth speak her fiat,
‘be it done,’ than the eternal Son of God (who,
according to the divine decree, awaited this word) is
present, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, in the
chaste womb of Mary, and there He begins His
human life. A Virgin is a Mother, and Mother of
God; and it is this Virgin’s consenting to the divine will that has made her conceive by
the power of the Holy Ghost. This sublime mystery puts between the eternal Word and a
mere woman the relations of Son and Mother; it gives to the almighty God a means
whereby He may, in a manner worthy of His majesty, triumph over satan, who hitherto
seemed to have prevailed against the divine plan.
Never was there a more entire or humiliating defeat than that which this day befell
satan. The frail creature, over whom he had so easily triumphed at the beginning of the
world, now rises and crushes his proud head. Eve conquers in Mary. God would not
choose man for the instrument of His vengeance; the humiliation of satan would not
have been great enough; and therefore she who was the first prey of hell, the first victim
of the tempter, is selected to give battle to the enemy. The result of so glorious a triumph
is that Mary is to be superior not only to the rebel angels, but to the whole human race,
yea, to all the angels of heaven. Seated on her exalted throne, she, the Mother of God, is
to be the Queen of all creation. Satan, in the depths of the abyss, will eternally bewail his
having dared to direct his first attack against the woman, for God has now so gloriously
avenged her; and in heaven, the very Cherubim and Seraphim reverently look up to
Mary, and deem themselves honored when she smiles upon them, or employs them in the
execution of any of her wishes, for she is the Mother of their God.
Therefore is it that we, the children of Adam, who have been snatched by Mary’s
obedience from the power of hell, solemnize this day of the Annunciation. Well may we
say of Mary those words of Debbora, when she sang her song of victory over the enemies
of God’s people: ‘The valiant men ceased, and rested in Israel, until Debbora arose, a
mother arose in Israel. The Lord chose new wars, and He Himself overthrew the gates of
the enemies.’ Let us also refer to the holy Mother of Jesus these words of Judith, who by
her victory over the enemy was another type of Mary: ‘Praise ye the Lord our God, who
hath not forsaken them that hope in Him. And by me, His handmaid, He hath fulfilled
His mercy, which He promised to the house of Israel; and He hath killed the enemy of
His people by my hand this night… . The almighty Lord hath struck him, and hath
delivered him into the hands of a woman, and hath slain him.’
Excerpted from The Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.
Things to Do:
This feast is very important in the defense of the life of unborn children. Even
with small children, this is a good day to begin teaching about the high value
God places on human life. He loved us so much that he became one of us, took
on our human nature and became an innocent, completely dependent infant.

This is a Solemnity, so when this feast falls during the Lenten season, our Lenten
penance obligations are lifted. We should celebrate by some special food or
dinner. This feast day forecasts the blessed event of Christmas, and illustrates
how the liturgical year is an endless circle of days. To celebrate this circle or
cycle, serve a cake, coffee rings, or wreath-shaped cookies, or foods shaped in
ring molds for this feast day. A perfect symbolic food would be an angel food
cake for the archangel Gabriel, baked in a tube pan for the endless circle,
decorated with the frosting highlighted with blue for Mary.
A traditional food for this day is waffles. “Lady Day” or Annunciation, is the
only feast of Mary that Sweden still celebrates since the Lutheran faith became
the state religion in 1593. In most of Europe, waffles are a traditional feast day
food, but on the feast of the Annunciation in Sweden this is THE “Waffle Day”
( Vaffeldagen), where waffles are served either for breakfast, lunch or dinner,
with lingonberries or cloudberries. .
St. Dismas
Saint Dismas (sometimes spelled Dysmas or only
Dimas, or even Dumas), also known as the Good Thief
or the Penitent Thief, is the apocryphal name given to
one of the thieves who was crucified alongside Christ
according to the Gospel of Luke 23:39-43:
And one of the malefactors which were hanged
railed on him, saying, “If thou be Christ, save thyself
and us.”
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, “Dost
not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same
condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but
this man hath done nothing amiss.”
And he said unto Jesus, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”
And Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in
paradise.”
Patron: Those condemned to death; Funeral directors, prisoners and repentent thieves
Things to Do:
Learn more about St. Dismas at Faith ND

Read about the St. Dismas Guild Prison inspired by Mother Teresa
Purchase and read a copy of The Life of the Good Thief
St. Margaret Clitherow

St. Margaret is considered the first woman martyred
under Queen Elizabeth’s religious suppression.
Margaret was raised a Protestant but converted to
Catholicism about two to three years after she was
married. According to her confessor, Fr. Mush,
Margaret became a Catholic because she “found no
substance, truth nor Christian comfort in the ministers
of the new church, nor in their doctrine itself, and
hearing also many priests and lay people to suffer for
the defense of the ancient Catholic Faith.” Margaret’s
husband, John Clitherow, remained a Protestant but
supported his wife’s decision to convert. They were happily married and raised three
children: Henry, William, and Anne. She was a businesswoman who helped run her
husband’s butcher shop business. She was loved many people even her Protestant
neighbors.
Margaret practiced her faith and helped many people reconcile themselves back into
the Catholic Church. She prayed one and a half hours every day and fasted four times a
week. She regularly participated in mass and frequently went to confession. When laws
were passed against Catholics, Margaret was imprisoned several times because she did
not attend Protestant services. Other laws were passed which included a 1585 law that
made it high treason for a priest to live in England and a felony for anyone to harbor or
aid a priest. The penalty for breaking such laws was death. Despite the risk, Margaret
helped and concealed priests. Margaret said “by God’s grace all priests shall be more
welcome to me than ever they were, and I will do what I can to set forward God’s
Catholic service.”
Margaret wanted her son Henry to receive a Catholic education so she endeavored
that her son be sent outside the Kingdom to Douai, France for schooling. Such an act was
considered a crime. When the authorities discovered their intention, the Common
Council had the Clitherow house searched. They initially found nothing but later
retrieved religious vessels, books and vestments used for Holy Mass. They also found a
secret hiding place but no renegade priests. Still, Margaret was arrested. Margaret
refused to plead and to be tried saying, “Having made no offense, I need no trial.”
English law decreed that anyone who refused to plead and to be tried should be “pressed
to death.” So on the morning of March 25, 1586, after sewing her own shroud the night
before and after praying for the Pope, cardinals, clergy, and the Queen, Margaret was
executed. She lay sandwiched between a rock and a wooden slab while weights were
dropped upon her, crushing her to death. She did not cry out but prayed “Jesu, Jesu, Jesu,
have mercy upon me.” She died at age 30.
Moved by her saintly life, all her children entered the religious life. Anne became a
nun. Henry and William both became priests.
On October 25, 1970, Pope Paul VI declared Margaret a saint.
Excerpted from Savior.org
Things to Do:
Read St. Margaret: Mother and Martyr and The Story of St. Margaret Clitherow
Visit this page which has a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins about St. Margaret
Clitheroe
Read about the secret resting place of Margaret Clitherow
If you are visiting York here is a link to Margaret Clitherow’s House with the
address and directions
Read A Good Friday Saint: Margaret Clitherow, the Pearl of York at the
National Catholic Register
Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent, Station with San Paolo

fuori le mura (St. Paul Outside the Walls): After St. Paul’s
execution, his body was buried outside the walls of Rome on
the road to Ostia. The first church built on this site was begun
around 324. Because the original structure was so small and

unable to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, the
church was rebuilt in 390. Despite much damage and restoration
over the centuries, the current church looks similar as it was built in 390.

Collect: O God, who willed that your Word should take on the reality of human
flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, that we, who confess our
Redeemer to be God and man, may merit to become partakers even in his divine
nature. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for
ever and ever.
RECIPES
Angel Food Cake I

Angel Food Cake II
Boiled White Icing
Classic Angel Food Cake
December 08, Immaculate Conception: Moravian Hearts
European Chocolate Icing
Jellied Macaroni Ring
Luscious Coffee Ring
Moravian Spice Cookies
Seed Cake
Swedish Waffles
Tirami Su: “Pick-Me-Up” Dessert
Waffles I
Waffles II
ACTIVITIES
Angelus Lesson
Annunciation Day Food Ideas
Annunciation Tableau
Annunciation: A Little Play for Preschool Children
Celebrating the Feasts of the Blessed Virgin
Feast of the Annunciation: Origin and Traditions
Feasts of Mary in the Family
Feasts of Our Lady in the Home
Marian Hymn: ’Tis Said of Our Dear Lady
Marian Hymn: A Single Branch Three Roses Bore
Marian Hymn: Ave Maria Dear
Marian Hymn: Beautiful, Glorious
Marian Hymn: Lourdes Hymn or Immaculate Mary
Marian Hymn: Salve Regina
Marian Hymn: Stella Matutina
Marian Hymn: Virgin Blessed, Thou Star the Fairest
Mary Garden
Teaching Moments for the Feast of the Annunciation
PRAYERS
Angelus Domini (The Angel of the Lord)

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loreto)
Table Blessing for the Solemnity of the Annunciation
Annunciation Novena
Table Blessing for the Feasts of the Mother of God
LIBRARY
Behold the Handmaid of the Lord | Fr. Francis J. Connell C.SS.R.

Mary Responds to God with Spousal Love | Pope John Paul II
Mary’s Faith in the Light of the Mystery of the Annunciation | Pope
Benedict XVI
We Repeat The Words Of The Annunciation For The World, The Church |
Guiseppe Luppino

Lent: March 26th

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Ludger, bishop (Hist)
“If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes

and pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of
heaven (Matt. 5:20).” The need to make reparation is a
vital, inescapable urge of a free person. His very nature
cries out for order and peace. His reason tells him that
where an order has been violated, the order must be
repaired; and the higher the order, the greater must be
the reparation. To be free at all, is to accept the
responsibility for atonement. Sin is a violation of God’s
order. Sin demands reparation — the reparation of
personal penance, personal prayer, personal charity to
all. Part of our atonement to God is made by serving our
fellow men. — Daily Missal of the Mystical Body
Meditation
The story of the Prodigal Son is repeated again today. It is the history of the Church; it is
the history of our own desertion. In this Gospel we are given an urgent call to repentance
and conversion. “Father, I have sinned.” Penance alone can save us. Our Father
welcomes us with mercy. The sin and its eternal punishment are forgiven; the good
works which we did before sin and the merits which we lost through sin are revived. The
Father receives us again as His children, and celebrates a joyful banquet with us at Holy
Communion.
In the story of each human life, God’s mercy stands on one side and the
unfaithfulness of man on the other. Will God have to cast us off as He did the people of
Israel? Have we not fully deserved it? Sometimes it appears that God wishes to allow
our faithless generation to go its own way. If He does, it will merit a well deserved
punishment.
What can save us from rejection? Only penance, self-examination, and conversion.
“Be converted to Me with all your heart, in fasting and in weeping and in mourning”
(Joel 2:12).
Excerpted from The Light of the World by Benedict Baur, O.S.B.
Things to Do:
The parable of the lost sheep and the prodigal son in today’s Gospel are both
very important for your children to learn by heart. The well-known Catechesis of
the Good Shepherd for children was developed by Sofia Cavaletti, a Roman
Catholic Hebrew scholar who spent 30 years researching the religious
development of children, and Gianna Gobbi, an educator who was trained by
Maria Montessori. Through her observation of children’s responses to different
religious themes, Cavaletti found that an overwhelming number of younger
children responded especially well to depictions of Christ as the Good Shepherd.
Here is a brief article discussing the increasing prevalence of this religious
program today. Find out more about this curriculum and try it with your own
children. If you are pressed for time, find out about the nearest (Catholic) Good
Shepherd program and consider enrolling your child.
St. Ludger
St. Ludger was born in Friesland about the year 743.
His father, a nobleman of the first rank, at the child’s
own request, committed him very young to the care of
St. Gregory, the disciple of St. Boniface, and his
successors in the government of the see of Utrecht.
Gregory educated him in his monastery and gave him
the clerical tonsure. Ludger, desirous of further
improvement, passed over into England, and spent four
years and a half under Alcuin, who was rector of a
famous school at York.
In 773 he returned home, and St. Gregory dying in
776, his successor, Alberic, compelled our Saint to
receive the holy order of priesthood, and employed him

for several years in preaching the Word of God in Friesland, where he converted great
numbers, founded several monasteries, and built many churches.
The pagan Saxons ravaging the country, Ludger travelled to Rome to consult Pope
Adrian II, what course to take, and what he thought God required of him. He then retired
for three years and a half to Monte Casino, where he wore the habit of the Order and
conformed to the practice of the rule during his stay, but made no religious vows.
In 787, Charlemagne overcame the Saxons and conquered Friesland and the coast of
the Germanic Ocean as far as Denmark. Ludger, hearing this, returned into East
Friesland, where he converted the Saxons to the Faith, as he also did the province of
Westphalia. He founded the monastery of Werden, twenty-nine miles from Cologne.
In 802, Hildebald, Archbishop of Cologne, not regarding his strenuous resistance,
ordained him Bishop of Munster. He joined in his diocese five cantons of Friesland
which he had converted, and also founded the monastery of Helmstad in the duchy of
Brunswick.
Being accused to the Emperor Charlemagne of wasting his income and neglecting the
embellishment of churches, this prince ordered him to appear at court. The morning after
his arrival the emperor’s chamberlain brought him word that his attendance was
required. The Saint, being then at his prayers, told the officer that he would follow him
as soon as he had finished them. He was sent for three several times before he was ready,
which the courtiers represented as a contempt of his Majesty, and the emperor, with
some emotion, asked him why he had made him wait so long, though he had sent for him
so often. The bishop answered that though he had the most profound respect for his
Majesty, yet God was infinitely above him; that whilst we are occupied with Him, it is
our duty to forget everything else. This answer made such an impression on the emperor
that he dismissed him with honor and disgraced his accusers.
St. Ludger was favored with the gifts of miracles and prophecy. His last sickness,
though violent, did not hinder him from continuing his functions to the very last day of
his life, which was Passion Sunday, on which day he preached very early in the morning,
said Mass towards nine, and preached again before night, foretelling to those that were
about him that he should die the following night, and fixing upon place in his monastery
of Werden where he chose to be interred.
He died accordingly on the 26th of March, at midnight.
Patron: Groningen, Deventer, East Frisia, Roman Catholic Diocese of Münster,

Essen-Werden
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Ludgar at EWTN.

Visit CATHOLICIRELAND.NET for more information about St. Ludger
Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent, Station with Santi

Silvestro e Martino (St. Sylvester in the Head and St. Martin
in the Hills): Popularly called “San Martino ai Monti,” this was
probably one of the tituli or parish churches during ancient
Rome under by St. Sylvester I and dedicated to St. Martin of
Tours.

Collect: We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us,
your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere
sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities. Through
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
New Orleans Shrimp and Spaghetti

Shrimp Jambalaya
ACTIVITIES
Lenten Prayer Pot
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 27th

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. John Damascene, confessor and doctor
“There were many lepers in Israel at the time of Eliseus

the prophet, and none of them was cleansed but Naaman
the Syrian.” Naaman’s cure, an anticipatory figure of
baptism, also declares in advance the universality of
salvation. Naaman was the Syrian general who, in
obedience to the commands of Eliseus, was cured of
leprosy by bathing in the Jordan. At a later date Jesus
Himself was to receive in the waters of the Jordan the
baptism of John the Baptist. Let us always keep in mind
that repentance and a humble confession of our guilt
will draw upon us the mercy of God and infuse into our
hearts the hope of pardon.
According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the
Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. John Damascene whose feast is celebrated in the
Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite on December 4.
The Need for Mortification Today

Lent is essentially a time of prayer and mortification. The body which has been indulged
for so many months must now be denied. Even though fasting and abstinence are
impossible for some of us, the penitential spirit may not be shirked. Modern creeds
approximate more and more the pagan conception of man, and the penitential spirit is, of
course, unbearable to those whose only philosophy of life is the song of the banqueter:
“Let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”
Modern civilization scoffs at the notion of doing penance as if it were a vice of the
pietist who wants to exalt one side of his nature at the expense of the other, although it is
no small thing that the soul should be king of the body. Penance has a deeper
significance than that, as I have pointed out. But, says the modern scoffer, “a man is no
better and no worse than God made him. God who gave him impulses cannot be angry if
he obeys them. Let a man snatch the passing pleasure.”
In the Cathedral of Lubeck in Germany is a Lenten Monitory which may be taken as
God’s answer to such blasphemy:
Ye call Me Master, and obey Me not: Ye call Me Light, and see Me not; Ye call Me
Way, and walk Me not; Ye call Me Life, and desire Me not; Ye call Me Wise, and
follow Me not: Ye call Me Fair, and love Me not; Ye call Me Rich, and ask Me not:
Ye call Me Eternal, and seek Me not; Ye call Me Gracious, and trust Me not; Ye
call Me Noble, and serve Me not; Ye call Me God, and fear Me not; If I condemn
you—blame Me not. Amen
Excerpted from Message of the Gospels
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent, Station with Sant’Eusebio all’Esquilino (St.
Eusebius in Esquiline): Ancient church dedicated to St Eusebius of Vercelli, 4th
century bishop. The church was financed by St Eusebius of Bologna, and is first
mentioned in 474. This means that it’s one of the oldest churches in Rome; it was
one of the first parish churches known as the Titulus Eusebi.

Collect: O God, who have prepared fitting helps for us in our weakness, grant we
pray, that we may receive their healing effects with joy and reflect them in a holy
way of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with
RECIPES
Lenten Soup
ACTIVITIES
Lenten Pretzel
Spirit of Lent, The
PRAYERS

Family Spiritual Reading
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 28th

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. John of Capistrano, confessor; St. Gontran,
king (Hist)
“There were many lepers in Israel at the time of Eliseus

the prophet, and none of them was cleansed but Naaman
the Syrian.” Naaman’s cure, an anticipatory figure of
baptism, also declares in advance the universality of
salvation. Naaman was the Syrian general who, in
obedience to the commands of Eliseus, was cured of
leprosy by bathing in the Jordan. At a later date Jesus
Himself was to receive in the waters of the Jordan the
baptism of John the Baptist. Let us always keep in mind
that repentance and a humble confession of our guilt
will draw upon us the mercy of God and infuse into our hearts the hope of pardon.
Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. John of Capistrano whose feast is celebrated in the
Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite on October 23. Today is also the feast of St. Gontran,
also known as Contran or Guntramnus, he was the son of King Clotaire and the grandson
of Clovis I. He was raised pagan and became King of Orleans in 561.
St. Gontran
St. Gontran was the son of King
Clotaire and grandson of Clovis I and
Saint Clotildis. When Clotaire died in
561, his domains were divided among
his four sons. While Gontran’s brother
Caribert reigned at Paris, Sigebert in
Metz, and Chilperic in Soissons, he was
crowned king of Orleans and Burgundy

in 561. He then made Chalons-sur-Saone
his capital. When compelled to take up
arms against his ambitious brothers and
the Lombards, he made no other use of
his victories, gained under the conduct
of a brave general called Mommol, than
to give peace to his dominions. The
crimes in which the barbarous habits of
his nation involved him, he effaced by tears of repentance. The prosperity of his reign,
both in peace and war, condemns those who suppose that human policy cannot be
determined by the maxims of the Gospel, whereas the truth is just the contrary: no others
can render a government so efficacious and prosperous.
Saint Gontran always treated the pastors of the Church with respect and veneration.
He was the protector of the oppressed, and the tender parent of his subjects. He gave the
greatest attention to the care of the sick. He fasted, prayed, wept, and offered himself to
God night and day as a victim ready to be sacrificed on the altar of His justice, to avert
His indignation, which Saint Gontran believed he himself provoked and drew down upon
his innocent people. He was a severe punisher of crimes in his officers and others, and by
many wholesome regulations he restrained the barbarous licentiousness of his troops, but
no man was ever more ready to forgive offenses against his own person. With royal
magnificence, he built and endowed many churches and monasteries.
This good king died on the 23rd of March in 593, in the sixty-eighth year of his age,
having reigned thirty-one years.
Excerpted from Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, a compilation based on Butler’s
Lives of the Saints and other sources by John Gilmary Shea (Benziger Brothers: New
York, 1894).
Patron: Divorced people, guardians, and repentant murderers
Saturday in the 4th Week of Lent, Station with San Nicola

in Carcere (St. Nicholas in Prison): Today’s Station is at St.
Nicholas in Prison, dedicated to the popular St. Nicholas of
Myra, whose feast is December 6. It was constructed in the
ruins of two temples and the ancient Forum Olitorium, and you
can see fragments from the ruins reused in the church. The most
important of the temples was the Temple of Piety, built by
Acilius Glabrius, consul in 191 B.C. The dedication to St. Nicholas was made by the
Greek population in the area.

Collect: May the working of your mercy, O Lord, we pray, direct our hearts
aright, for without your grace we cannot find favor in your sight. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
RECIPES
Fillet of Flounder in Tomato Sauce
ACTIVITIES
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 29th

Fifth Sunday of Lent
Old Calendar: Passion Sunday
‘Out of the depths I call to you O Lord: Lord hear my

cry. Listen attentively to the sound of my pleading! ’ (Ps
129:1-2) In this, the fifth Sunday of Lent, the Church
invites us to turn our attention to the realities that are
perhaps the most ‘scandalous’ in human experience, the
death of a loved one. In this Gospel we see all those
who are being supportive of Martha and Mary at the
moment of their brother, Lazarus’ death.
Previously called “Passion Sunday,” this Sunday
marks the beginning of Passiontide, a deeper time of
Lent. This is the third Sunday of the scrutinies for the
preparation of adult converts, and the final Sunday of
Lent before the beginning of Holy Week. The Liturgy of the Word of this day speaks of
re-creation, resurrection, and new life.
Sunday Readings
The first reading from the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel 37:12-14 is taken from the
chapter about pouring forth the Spirit upon the “dry bones” in the valley of his vision.
The prophet speaks of restoration through an act of God through the Spirit and that it
was through him that the people first were saved from their oppression in Egypt, and by
his power they will be saved again and restored as the people of God. The symbolic
meaning of the reading is the resurrection of the people to new life, a theme clearly
reiterated in succeeding apocalyptic literature and finally present in the death and
resurrection of Jesus.
The second reading from St Paul to the Romans 8:8-11 states that through Christ the
whole person of the believer is saved, raised up, and redeemed. The realm of the flesh is
the realm to be left behind, and the realm of the Spirit is where true life is to be found.
But there is no hellenistic dichotomy here between flesh and spirit since the believer
lives with the Spirit of God enfleshed in his body so that his whole person will live in
conformity with that Spirit. The indwelling of the Spirit refers to the baptism of the
person and his consequent moral life.
The Gospel reading, St. John 11:1-45, opens up in front of us a scene of
unprecedented sorrow. The Lord Jesus receives the message from the sisters of Lazarus
who, when confronted with the gravity of his condition, tried the only thing possible,
they turned to the Lord of who it was said: ‘Everything He does is good, he makes the
deaf hear and the dumb speak’ (Mk 7:37). It is the cry of each one of us who would like
their loved ones to live forever without ever leaving us.
The Lord Jesus, inexplicably, waited a further two days before heading for Lazarus’
home. Even then, He only left with His disciples when he divinely knew of His friend’s
death. This particular detail from the Gospel tells us that the Word of God was made
Man for the love of all of us. Also that His look of love is always upon us waiting for
that meeting of immense joy that will happen in eternity.
Upon Jesus’ arrival in Bethany there was a new apparently inexplicable development
in the story. First Mary, then her sister Marta and behind them all the Jews who were
united with them, converge on Jesus with the certainty that if there was a response to
their sorrow it would come from Him. They were not irreligious people who were
looking to Jesus for a solution. They profoundly accepted Israel’s faith in the final
Resurrection and so even this event was not ultimately inexplicable. In fact Martha said
to the Lord, ‘ I know that he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day’. (Jn
11:24) However, knowing that in relation to the Lord, nothing that was authentically
human in them or their cry of sorrow be would be lost. Prior to that, their only
consolation came from the eschatological faith of the time.
In this last sign, worked by the Lord before His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem,
everything seams to flow to that ‘new reality’ inaugurated by Emmanuel, God with us.
Sharing our existence, Jesus had loved us with a supreme passion, with that virginal love
that doesn’t seek to possess the heart of the other, but to love it in truth with delicate
insistence right up to sacrificing Himself for us. In this infinite delicacy and attention to
everyone, He was able to be moved by those who were linked to Him by ties of the most
profound friendship who understood that it could not be anything but God’s presence
amongst them. ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he
dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe
this? She said to him, Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son
of God, the one who is coming into the world. (Jn 11:25-27)
Christ then performed the great miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection. He announced,
through the work of the Father, that He, Himself, God made man, is the Resurrection
and the Life. He is also the Lord of biological life. His voice can reach those who, like
Lazarus, have exceeded the threshold of four days from their death and arrived at the
point where bodily corruption commences. Faced with this sign, the words with which
He foretold His Resurrection become clearer: I‘ lay down my life, that I may take it
again.’(Jn 10:17) He really can ‘take up [His life] again’ as He is the Word of Life. If
Lazarus’ resurrection didn’t stop the Lord’s beloved friend from embracing ‘our sister
death’ â€“ to use St Francis’ expression - when God finally called him again from this
life, then how much greater is the Life that the Lord has earned for Lazarus and everyone
of us in the Pascal Mystery that we are preparing to celebrate a few days from now.
It was Martha and Mary’s faith, even when confronted with Lazarus’ death that gave
rise to the extraordinary miracle worked by Christ. This is not only a consoling story
narrated in the letters of the Gospel, but it is also accessible to us today in the Church
from the day of our Baptism until when we are incorporated to Him by means of the
Spirit that He has given to us. ‘If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells
in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also
through his Spirit who dwells in you.’ (Rom 8:11)
Most Holy Mary, the mother of the Risen One, give us the grace to look towards and
live the light of this extraordinary reality â€“ the promise of Resurrection in Christ.
Amen.
From the Congregation for the Clergy
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Station with San Pietro in Vaticano

(St. Peter in the Vatican): In the Extraordinary Form, this
would be Passion Sunday. All Station Churches for Sundays in
Lent were held at basilicas of Rome, but the major basilicas
particularly for the first, fifth and sixth Sundays of Lent. The
original church was erected on the site of the Roman Circus
built by the Emperor Caligula around the year A.D. 40. and
where St. Peter was crucified and placed upside down at his request and later buried
here. From the PNAC: “Rightly has Pope Benedict XVI spoken of this basilica as the
here. From the PNAC: “Rightly has Pope Benedict XVI spoken of this basilica as the
heart of the Roman Church, as St. John Lateran is the head. It is here that the Church
honors her first shepherd in this city, and here that since his martyrdom she has
celebrated both his witness and the God he served. While the basilica before us is
relatively modern as far as the history of Christianity goes, being completed only in
1626, Christians have been coming to this site to ask for his intercession since shortly
after the death of the Prince of the Apostles, as messages left by them on the wall of
his grave attest.”
Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: Passion

Sunday
“They therefore took up stones to cast at
Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out
from the temple” (Gospel).
The poor forlorn beggar (to the right
in the picture), looking at the departing
Christ, Whose shadow may still be seen,
is a symbol of us beholding the veiled
crucifix on the altar today. Christ voices His terrifying analysis of those who ignore
His miracles, His sinlessness: “The reason why you do not hear is that you are not of
God.”
Aware how much He will endure from an unholy nation on the hill of Calvary
(Introit), Jesus appeals to His Eternal Father, recalling how “they have fought against
me from my youth” (Gradual). Yet for them, for us, He will shed His Precious Blood
to “cleanse (our) conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Epistle).

Collect: By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in
that same charity with which, out of love for the world, you Son handed himself
over to death. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with
you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and eve
RECIPES
Classic Beans and Rice

Frumenty Pudding II
ACTIVITIES
Carling or Passion Sunday

Purple Shrouds
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 30th

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Climacus, abbot (Hist); St. Quirinus martyr
(Hist); Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Historically today is the feast of St. John Climacus, a

learned abbot and great spiritual director. He was a
monk of Mount Sinai and wrote The Ladder to
Paradise which described the thirty degrees to religious
perfection. It is also the feast of St. Quirinus of Neuss,
Roman tribune and martyr.
St. John Climacus

Saint John, whose national origin remains unknown, was called Climacus because of a
treatise he wrote called The Ladder (Climax) of Paradise. He made such progress in
learning as a disciple of Saint Gregory Nazianzen that while still young, he was called
the Scholastic. At the age of sixteen he turned from the brilliant future which lay before
him, and retired to Mount Sinai, where he was placed under the direction of a holy monk
named Martyrius. Once that religious journeyed to Antioch and took the young John with
him; they visited Saint Anastasius, a future Patriarch of Antioch, and the Saint asked
Martyrius who it was who had given the habit to this novice? Hearing that it was
Martyrius himself, he replied, “And who would have said that you gave the habit to an
Abbot of Mount Sinai?” Another religious, a solitary, made the same prediction on a
similar visit, and washed the feet of the one who would some day be Abbot of Mount
Sinai.
Never was there a novice more fervent, more unrelenting in his efforts for
self-mastery. On the death of his director, when John was about thirty-five years old, he
withdrew into a deeper solitude, where he studied the lives and writings of the Saints and
was raised to an unusual height of contemplation. There he remained for forty years,
making, however, a visit to the solitaries of Egypt for his instruction and inspiration. The
fame of his holiness and practical wisdom drew crowds around him for advice and
consolation.
In the year 600, when he had reached the age of seventy-five, he was chosen as
Abbot of Mount Sinai by a unanimous vote of the Sinai religious, who said they had
placed the light upon its lampstand. On the day of his installation, six hundred pilgrims
came to Saint Catherine’s Monastery, and he performed all the offices of an excellent
hotel-master; but at the hour of dinner, he could not be found to share the meal with
them. For four years, said his biographer, a monk of the monastery of Raithe, “he dwelt
on the mountain of God, and drew from the splendid treasure of his heart priceless riches
of doctrine which he poured forth with wondrous abundance and benediction.” He was
induced by a brother abbot to write the rules by which he had guided his life; and the
book which he had already begun, The Ladder, detailing thirty degrees of advancement
in the pursuit of perfection, has been prized in all ages for its wisdom, clearness, and
unction.
At the end of that time, he retired again to his solitude, where he died the following
year, as he had foretold.
Excerpted from Les Petits Bollandistes: Vies des Saints, by Msgr. Paul Guérin (Bloud et
Barral: Paris, 1882), Vol. 4.
Things to Do:
Read St. John Climacus, Abbot

Read Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of “the Ladder” here
Watch this YouTube video on St. John Climacus
Pope Benedict XVI devoted his February 11, 2009, General Audience Address to
St. John Climacus. You can read it here
You can download a pdf of The Ladder of Divine Ascent by John Climacus here
St. Quirinus of Neuss

Little is known about St. Quirinus of Neuss, but legend
Little is known about St. Quirinus of Neuss, but legend

relates that he was a Roman tribune as well as Pope
Alexander I’s jailer. He converted to Christianity along
with his daughter, St. Balbina. He is credited with
translating St. Peter’s chains to Rome from Jerusalem.
St. Quirinus was martyred during the persecution of
Emperor Hadrian shortly before the martyrdom of Pope
Alexander (who is mentioned in the Roman Canon and
who is credited with instituting the blessing of holy
water and the mixing of water and wine at Mass).
Quirinus was buried on the Via Appia in the Praetextatus Catacomb. In 1050, Pope Leo
IX gave St. Quirinus’ relics to his sister, Gepa, who was the abbess of Neuss, on the
Rhine River, where there is a Romanesque church bearing his name. St. Quirinus is the
patron of Neuss and a minor patron of Orte, in the Italian province of Umbria.
Excerpted from 2009 Saints Calendar and Daily Planner published by Tan Books.
Patron: Neuss, Correggio, Smallpox, Gout, Paralysis, Goitre, Skin condition
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Quirinus at New Advent

Also see the article Quirinus of Neuss
Monday of the 5th Week of Lent, Station with San

Crisogono in Trastevere (St. Chrysogonus in Trastevere): The
Station, at Rome, is in the church of St. Chrysogonus, one of the
most celebrated martyrs of the Church of Rome. His name is
inserted in the Canon of the Mass. The church was probably
built in the 4th century under Pope Sylvester I and one of the
tituli, the first parish churches of Rome, known as the Titulus
Chrysogoni.

Collect: O God, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing,
grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made
ready for the glory of the heavenly Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
ever and ever.
RECIPES
None
ACTIVITIES
Lenten Scrapbook
PRAYERS

To Keep A True Lent
LIBRARY
None

Lent: March 31st

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Benjamin, martyr (Hist)
Like the Pharisees we are quick to condemn the faults

of others, often as a means of justifying ourselves. We
cannot expect Christ to approve self-righteous
indignation at our neighbor’s weakness. He gives us the
example of prudent silence and the incontrovertible
principle: “He that is without sin … let him first cast a
stone.” In the face of these words and the consciousness
of our own sinfulness, do we dare to condemn another?
We have need to remember that only God can read the
heart of man and that He alone can judge the guilt or
merit of an action.
Historically today is the feast of St. Benjamin a
martyr of Persia (modern Iran), a deacon in the persecution conducted by the Sassanid
rulers Yazdigerd I and his son Varahran. He was tortured and impaled.
Meditation
As Jesus neared the end of His public life, the opposition of the Jewish leaders became
more violent and their desire to kill Him more determined. Our Lord, however, continued
to teach in the temple, where large crowds came to hear Him. The admiration of the
people intensified the hatred of the priests, and they planned to ensnare Jesus in His
speech that they might have grounds for condemnation. While His enemies plotted His
downfall, Our Lord spent the night in prayer on the Mount of Olives.
The contrast between the character of Christ and that of His enemies could not be
more pronounced. Yielding to base passion, they were openly seeking the death of the
Messiah. Jesus, on the contrary, in the spirit of generous charity, was spending His days
in teaching and His nights in prayer. Does our conduct in difficult circumstances
resemble that of Christ? When we are unjustly accused, criticized, or condemned, do we

calmly continue our work and have recourse to God in prayer? Perhaps we seek
vengeance upon those who oppose us by wishing them evil or persuading others to
despise and condemn them. Let us leave our reputation in the hands of God and imitate
Christ’s efforts to benefit those who hated and condemned Him.
“The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?”
Excerpted from “Liturgical Reflections”, Sisters of St. Dominic
Things to Do:
If you wish to gain the courage to embrace the small crosses in your life with
joy, pray the Stations of the Cross. This is an excellent practice that should not
only be confined to Lent but ought to be prayed on Fridays throughout the year.
An excellent version with beautiful meditations composed by Pope John Paul II
is his Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum. Some recommended versions are:
Eucharistic Stations of the Cross, and the more traditional Stations of the Cross
written by Saint Alphonsus Liguori can be found in most Catholic bookstores.
Here are some guidelines for praying the Stations of the Cross in your home.
St. Benjamin
The Christians in Persia had enjoyed twelve years of
peace during the reign of Isdegerd, son of Sapor III,
when in 420 it was disturbed by the indiscreet zeal of
Abdas, a Christian Bishop who burned the Temple of
Fire, the great sanctuary of the Persians. King Isdegerd
threatened to destroy all the churches of the Christians
unless the Bishop would rebuild it.
As Abdas refused to comply, the threat was
executed: the churches were demolished, Abdas himself
was put to death, and a general persecution began which
lasted forty years. Isdegerd died in 421, but his son and
successor, Varanes, carried on the persecution with great fury. The Christians were
submitted to the most cruel tortures.
Among those who suffered was St. Benjamin, a Deacon, who had been imprisoned a
year for his Faith. At the end of this period, an ambassador of the Emperor of
Constantinople obtained his release on condition that he would never speak to any of the
courtiers about religion.
St. Benjamin, however, declared it was his duty to preach Christ and that he could
not be silent. Although he had been liberated on the agreement made with the
ambassador and the Persian authorities, he would not acquiesce in it, and neglected no
opportunity of preaching. He was again apprehended and brought before the king. The
tyrant ordered that reeds should be thrust in between his nails and his flesh and into all
the tenderest parts of his body and then withdrawn. After this torture had been repeated
several times, a knotted stake was inserted into his bowels to rend and tear him. The
martyr expired in the most terrible agony about the year 424.
Excerpted from Saints and Angels
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Benjamin at EWTN, and also here.

If you are named after St. Benjamin you can find a medal of him at the Catholic
Company.
Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent, Station with Santa Maria

in via Lata al Corso (Our Lady at Via Lata): The Station in
Rome was formerly the church of the martyr St. Cyriacus, and
as such it is still given in the Roman missal; but this holy
sanctuary having been destroyed, and the relics of the holy
deacon translated to the church of St. Mary in Via lata, it is here
that the Station is now held.

Collect: Grant us, we pray, O Lord, perseverance in obeying your will, that in our
days the people dedicated to your service may grow in both merit and number.
RECIPES
Minestrone
ACTIVITIES
Importance of Liturgy during Lent

Spirit of Lent, The
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 1st

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Hugh of Grenoble, bishop (Hist)
“One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,

“Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus
replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our
God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
mind, and with all your strength. (Mk 12:28).”
Historically today is the feast of St. Hugh of
Grenoble, who was elected bishop at the age of
twenty-eight to purge the diocese of its disorders, and he
occupied the see until his death fifty-two years later.
Meditation - The Tree of Knowledge and the Cross

The sin that was wrought through the tree was undone by the obedience of the tree,
obedience to God whereby the Son of man was nailed to the tree, destroying the
knowledge of evil, and bringing in and conferring the knowledge of good; and evil is
disobedience to God, as obedience to God is good. And therefore the Word says through
Isaiah the prophet, foretelling what was to come to pass in the future—for it was because
they told the future that they were “prophets”—the Word says through him as follows: I
refuse not, and do not gainsay, my back have I delivered to blows and my cheeks to
buffets, and I have not turned away my face from the contumely of them that spat. [Is. 50,
6] So by obedience, whereby He obeyed unto death, hanging on the tree, He undid the
old disobedience wrought in the tree. And because He is Himself the Word of God
Almighty, who in His invisible form pervades us universally in the whole world, and
encompasses both its length and breadth and height and depth—for by God’s Word
everything is disposed and administered—the Son of God was also crucified in these,
imprinted in the form of a cross on the universe; for He had necessarily, in becoming
visible, to bring to light the universality of His cross, in order to show openly through
His visible form that activity of His: that it is He who makes bright the height, that is,
forth and extends the length from East to West, navigating also the Northern parts and
the breadth of the South, and calling in all the dispersed from all sides to the knowledge
of the Father. — St. Irenaeus
Things to Do:
The fasting desired by the Lord is not so much denying oneself food (although
this is important) but rather, consists in “Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; / Clothing the naked when you see
them, and not turning your back on your own.” Many families take these words
to heart by having an inexpensive, penitential dinner on Fridays in Lent (such as
beans and rice) and then giving the extra money to the poor.
Many families give each child one pretzel during Friday dinners in Lent. Remind
your children of the spiritual significance of the pretzel.
Pray the Stations of the Cross today with your family. An excellent version with
beautiful meditations composed by our Holy Father is his Stations of the Cross
at the Colosseum. Some other recommended versions are: Eucharistic Stations of
the Cross, and the more traditional Stations of the Cross written by Saint
Alphonsus Liguori can be found in most Catholic bookstores. Here are some
guidelines for praying the Stations of the Cross in your home.
Any of the linked activities (Fun Pretzel Project, Lenten Scrapbook,
Candelabrum for Stations of the Cross) are a perfect way for your children to
spend their Friday afternoons throughout this season of Lent.
St. Hugh of Grenoble

It was the good fortune of Saint Hugh to receive, from his cradle, strong impressions of
piety through the example and solicitude of his illustrious and holy parents. He was born
at Chateauneuf in Dauphiné, France, in 1053. His father, Odilo, who served his country
in an honorable post in the army, labored by all means in his power to make his soldiers
faithful servants of their Creator, and by severe punishments, to restrain vice. By the
advice of his son, Saint Hugh, in his later years he became a Carthusian monk, and died
at the age of one hundred, having received Extreme Unction and Viaticum from the
hands of his son. Under his direction, his mother had served God in her own house for
many years by prayer, fasting, and abundant almsgiving; and Saint Hugh also assisted
her in her last hours.
Hugh, from the cradle, appeared to be a child of benediction; in his youth he was
recognized as such through his exceptional success in his studies. Having chosen to serve
God in the ecclesiastical state, he accepted a canonry in the cathedral of Valence. His
great sanctity and learning rendered him an ornament of that church, and at the age of
twenty-seven he was chosen Bishop of Grenoble. Pope Gregory VII consecrated him in
Rome, and inspired in him an ardent zeal for the Church’s liberty and the sanctification
of the clergy. He at once undertook to reprove vice and reform abuses, at that time
rampant in his diocese but found his efforts without fruit. He resolved, therefore, after
two years, to resign his charge, and retired to the austere abbey of Casa Dei, or
Chaise-Dieu, in Auvergne.
There Saint Hugh lived for a year, a perfect model of all virtues in a monastery filled
with saints, until Pope Gregory commanded him, in the name of holy obedience, to
resume his pastoral charge, saying: “Go to your flock; they need you.” This time his
sanctity effected great good in souls. His forceful preaching moved crowds and touched
hearts; in the confessional he wept with his penitents, and aroused in them a deeper
contrition. After a few years the face of his diocese had changed. His charity for the poor
led him to sell even his episcopal ring and his chalice to assist them. During his
episcopate the young Saint Bruno came to him for counsel, and it was Saint Hugh who
assisted him in the foundation of the Carthusian Monastery in the mountains of the
diocese of Grenoble, whose renown after a thousand years has not diminished.
Always filled with a profound sense of his own unworthiness, he earnestly solicited
three Popes for leave to resign his bishopric, that he might die in solitude, but was never
able to obtain his request. God was pleased to purify his soul by a lingering illness before
He called him to Himself. He closed his penitential course on the 1st of April in 1132,
two months before completing his eightieth year. Miracles attested the sanctity of his
death, and he was canonized only two years afterward, by Pope Innocent II.
Excerpted from Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints
Patron: of sick children, sick people, shoemakers, and swans
Things to Do:
Try making Mock Turtle Soup. St. Hugh for a time lived in a Carthusian
monastery as a simple monk. Legend has it that once, on arriving, he found the
monks assembled in the refectory but with nothing to eat. He was told that some
benefactor had indeed given them fowl but their rule forbade the eating of meat.
When Saint Hugh saw their predicament, he promptly made the sign of the cross
and changed the fowl into turtles.
Read more about St. Hugh at EWTN and at Immaculate Heart of Mary’s
Hermitage
Watch this YouTube video on St. Hugh of Grenoble and this video on Le
monastère de la Grande Chartreuse (Isère - France) founded by St. Hugh.
Learn more about the Carthusian Order here
Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent, Station with

San Marcello al Corso (St. Marcellus at the Corso):
The Station today is at the church of St. Marcellus at the Corso. Legend claims that
Pope St. Marcellus (308-309) was sentenced by Emperor Maxentius to look after the
horses at the station of the Imperial mail on the Via Lata, where the Via del Corso now
lies. He was freed by the people, and hidden in the house of the Roman lady Lucina
(see also San Lorenzo in Lucina). He was rearrested, and imprisoned in the stables.
Daily Readings for: April 01, 2020

Collect: Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of your children, sanctified

by penance, and in your kindness grant those you stir to a sense of devotion a
gracious hearing when they cry out to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
ever and ever.
RECIPES
RECIPES
Mock Turtle Soup

Mock Turtle Soup - 2
ACTIVITIES
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 2nd

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent; Optional
Memorial of St. Francis of Paola, hermit
Old Calendar: St. Francis of Paola, confessor
St. Francis was born at Paula in Calabria; after living as

a hermit for five years (from the age of fourteen to
nineteen) he gathered around him some companions
with whom he led the religious life. This was the origin
of a new order, to which he gave the name of Minims,
that is “the least” in the house of God. Pope Sixtus IV
sent him to France to help Louis XI on his deathbed. He
remained there and founded a house of his Minims at
Tours.
St. Francis of Paola

Francis of Paola founded the Minim Order, a branch of the
Franciscans (1454). These “Hermits of St. Francis of
Assisi” dwelt in small houses, and as “least” brethren,
endeavored to live a more austere and humble life than the
“Fratres Minores.”
The saint worked numerous miracles. He had a favorite
ejaculation, one that welled up from the depths of his
physical and spiritual being: “Out of love.” This was an
all-powerful ejaculation for him and for his companions.
“Out of love” the heaviest stone was light; “Out of love” he
admonished and punished; “Out of love” he once crossed
the sea without a boat.
For on a certain occasion the saint wanted to go from the Italian mainland to Sicily.
A boat was lying in the harbor. Francis asked the owner if he would take him and his
companion along on the boat. “If you pay, monk,” the sailor answered sulkily, “I will
take you along.” “Out of love,” the saint humbly pleaded; “for I have no money with
me.” “Then I have no ship for you,” came the mocking reply. “Out of love,” was
Francis’ answer, “forgive me if I go away.” He walked about a stone’s throw to the
shore, knelt down, and blessed the sea. Then, to the sailor’s great surprise, the saint
suddenly stood up, stepped out on the tossing waves, and with firm foot trod over the
surging sea.
St. Francis of Paola stood high in the esteem of the French king, Louis XI, whom he
helped prepare for death.
— The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
Patron: Against fire; boatmen; Calabria, Italy (named by Pope John XXIII in 1963);
mariners; naval officers; plague epidemics; sailors; sterility; travellers; watermen.
Symbols: Man with the word “charitas” levitated above a crowd; man holding a skull
and scourge; man sailing on his cloak.
Things to Do:
Learn more about St. Francis of Paola at EWTN, Catholic Ireland, Catholic
News Agency and Italy Heritage.
Read this quote from St. Francis on the Vatican Website
Thursday of the 5th Week of Lent, Sant’Apollinare in

Campo Marzio or Sant’Apollinare alle Terme (St. Apollinaris
at the Baths): The Station at Rome is in the church of St.
Apollinaris, who was a disciple of St. Peter, and afterwards
bishop of Ravenna. He was martyred. The church was founded
in the early Middle Ages, probably in the 7th century. In 1990,
the basilica came under the control of Opus Dei.

Collect: Be near, O Lord, to those who plead before you, and look kindly on those
who place their hope in your mercy, that, cleansed from the stain of their sins, they
may persevere in holy living and be made full heirs of your promise. Through our
Lord Jesus Christ,m you Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
O God, exaltation of the lowly, who raised Saint Francis of Paola to the glory of your Saints, grant, we pray,
that by his merits and example we may happily attain the rewards promised to the humble. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever.
RECIPES
Pasta with Sardines & Fennel
ACTIVITIES
Turn to the Lord with a Pure Heart
PRAYERS

April Devotion: The Blessed Sacrament
Prayer to St. Francis of Paola
LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 3rd

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Old Calendar: St. Richard of Chichester, bishop (Hist)
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will

not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (Jn
8:12).” Like the forty days’ fast of the Ninevites, our
Lent continues in complete confidence in divine mercy;
but our hope is founded not so much on our poor efforts
at penance but on the passion of our Savior. No one is
excluded from the redemption effected by the Blood of
Christ; His grace is promised to all who believe in Him.
Historically today is the feast of St. Richard of
Chichester also known as Richard de Wych, a saint
canonized 1262 who was Bishop of Chichester.
Meditation
What do we do for the salvation of souls? It is true that we pray for one another, offer a
few words of comfort, and do each other slight favors; but we do little more. Christ was
more generous. He endured the crowning of thorns and dragged the heavy cross to
Calvary. We pamper our bodies as if they were our last end. We prefer to have our heads
crowned with laurels and roses. We are impatient and consider ourselves unfortunate
whenever we are called on to carry a mere splinter of the cross of Christ. Are we one in
spirit with Him?
Now, during Passiontide, we must begin to love and treasure pain and suffering. In
the cross, in suffering, in our crucifixion with Christ, we shall find salvation. For Him
and with Him we should bear all the slight injustices committed against us. For Him we
should suffer freely and willingly the unpleasant and disagreeable things that occur to us.
But our faith is weak. We flee from the cross instead of holding it dear, instead of loving
it and welcoming it as our Savior did.
What St. Paul says of many Christians of his day is equally true of many in our time:
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping) that they are
enemies of the cross of Christ. Whose end is destruction; whose God is their belly;
whose glory is in their shame; who mind earthly things” (Phil. 3:18 f.).
Excerpted from The Light of the World by Benedict Baur, O.S.B.
St. Richard of Chichester

St Richard was born at the manor of Wiche, famous for
its salt wells, four miles from Worcester, being second
son to Richard and Alice de Wiche. In order to keep
faithfully his baptismal vows, he from his infancy
always manifested the utmost dislike to frivalous
diversions, and ever held in the highest contempt all
worldly pomp: instead of which his attention was
wholly employed in establishing for himself a solid
foundation of virtue and learning. Every opportunity of
serving others he regarded as his happiness and gain.
The unfortunate situation of his eldest brother’s
affairs gave him an occasion of exercising his benevolent disposition. Richard
condescended to become his brother’s servant, undertook the management of his farms,
and by his industry and generosity effectually retrieved his brother’s previously
distressed circumstances.
Having completed this good work, he resumed at Paris those studies he had begun at
Oxford, leading with two select companions a life of piety and mortification, generally
contenting himself with coarse bread and simple water for his diet; except that on
Sundays and on particular festivals he would, in condescendence to some visitors, allow
himself a little meat or fish.
Upon his return to England, he proceeded master of arts at Oxford, from whence he
went to Bologna, in Italy, where he applied himself to the study of canon law, and was
appointed public professor of that science. After having taught there a short time, he
returned to Oxford, and, on account of his merit, was soon promoted to the dignity of
chancellor in that university.
St. Edmund, archbishop of Canterbury, having the happiness of gaining him for his
diocese, appointed him his chancellor, and intrusted him with the chief direction of his
archbishopric; and Richard was the faithful imitator of his patron’s piety and devotions.
The principal use he made of his revenues was to employ them to charitable purposes,
nor would he on any terms be prevailed on to accept the least present in the execution of
his office as ecclesiastical judge.
He accompanied his holy prelate in his
banishment into France, and after his blessed death
at Pontigni, retired into a convent of Dominican
friars in Orleans. Having in that solitude employed
his time in improving himself in theological studies,
and received the order of priesthood, he returned to
England to serve a private curacy, in the diocess of
Canterbury. Boniface, who had succeeded St.
Edmund in that metropolitan see, compelled him to
resume his office of chancellor with the care of his
whole diocese.
Ralph Nevil, bishop of Chichester, dying in
1244, King Henry III recommended to that see an
unworthy court favourite, called Robert Passelew:
the archbishop and other prelates declared the person not qualified, and the presentation
void, and preferred Richard de Wiche to that dignity. He was consecrated in 1245. But
the king seized his temporalities, and the saint suffered many hardships and persecutions
from him and his officers, during two years, till his majesty granted him a repreieve upon
which he recovered his revenues, but much impaired.
Afterwards having pleaded his cause at Rome before Pope Innocent IV against the
king’s deputies, and obtained a sentence confirming his election, he had permitted no
persecution, fatigue, or difficulty to excuse him to himself for the omission of any part of
his duty to his flock: so now, the chief obstacles being removed, he redoubled his fervour
and attention. He in person visited the sick, buried the dead, and sought out and relieved
the poor. When his steward complained that his alms exceeded his income: “then,” said
he, “sell my plate and my horse.”
Having suffered a great loss by fire, instead of being more sparing in his charities, he
said, “Perhaps God sent us this loss to punish our covetousness;” and ordered upon the
spot more abundant alms to be given than usual. Such was the ardour of his devotion,
that he lived as it were in the perpetual contemplation of heavenly things. He preached
the word of God to his flock with that unction and success, which only an eminent spirit
of prayer could produce. The affronts which he received, he always repaid with favours,
and enmity with singular marks of charity.

In maintaining discipline he was inflexible, especially in chastising crimes in the
clergy: no intercession of the king, archbishop, and several other prelates could prevail
with him to mitigate the punishment of a priest who had sinned against chastity. Yet
penitent sinners he received with inexpressible tenderness and charity.
Whilst he was employed in preaching a holy war against the Saracens, being
commissioned thereto by the pope, he fell sick of a fever, foretold his own death, and
prepared himself for it by the most melting ejaculations of divine love and thanksgiving.
He died in an hospital at Dover, called God’s House, on the 3rd of April, in the year of
our Lord 1253, of his episcopal dignity the ninth, of his age the fifty-sixth.
His body was conveyed to Chichester, and interred before the altar which he himself
had consecrated in his cathedral to the memory of St. Edmund. It was removed to a more
honourable place in 1276, on the 16th of June, on which day our ancestors
commemorated his translation. The fame of miraculous cures of paralytic and other
distempers, and of three persons raised to life at his tomb, moved the pope to appoint
commissaries to inquire into the truth of these reports, before whom many of these
miracles were authentically proved upon the spot; and the saint was solemnly canonized
by Urban IV. in 1262.
Excerpted from The Lives of the Saints by Alban Butler (1866)
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Richard here

Prayers by St. Richard of Chichester here
Friday of the 5th Week of Lent, Station with Santo

Stefano Rotondo al Celio (St Stephen’s Rotunda at the
Coelian): The Station, at Rome, is in the church of St.
Stephen on Monte Celio. This church of the great
proto-martyr was chosen as the place where the faithful were
to assemble on the Friday of Passion week.

Collect: Pardon the offenses of your peoples, we pray, O Lord, and in your
goodness set us free from the bonds of the sins we have committed in our
weakness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you
RECIPES
Minestrone
ACTIVITIES
PRAYERS

St. Richard of Chichester Deathbed Prayer
LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 4th

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent; Optional
Memorial of St. Isidore, bishop and doctor
Old Calendar: St. Isidore
St. Isidore, who succeeded his brother St. Leander as

Archbishop of Seville, was one of the great bishops of
the seventh century. He was proficient in all brances of
knowledge and was regarded as one of the most learned
men of his time; with Cassiodorus and Boethius he was
one of the thinkers whose writings were most studied in
the Middle Ages, St. Isidore died in 636. Pope Innocent
XIII canonized him in 1722 and proclaimed him a
Doctor of the Church.
St. Isidore of Seville

Isidore, archbishop of Seville and brother of the saintly Bishop Leander, ranks as the
most outstanding person in the Church of Spain during the seventh century. Because of
the singular holiness of his life, he was idolized by the people. Wherever he appeared,
throngs gathered about him. “Some came to see the miracles that he performed in the
name of the Lord. The sick came to be freed from their sufferings, for the power of God
emanated from him and he would heal them all” (Bollandists: April 1, 340).
He is regarded as the great restorer of the Spanish Church after the Visigoths
returned to the Catholic faith. He also contributed greatly to the development of Spain’s
liturgy. He presided over the fourth provincial council of Toledo (633), the most
important in Spanish history. Rich in merit, he died in 636 after ruling his see 40 years.
St. Gregory the Great was one of his personal friends.
Excerpted from The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.
Patron: Computer technicians; computer users; computers; the Internet; schoolchildren;

students.
Symbols: Bees; bishop holding a pen while surrounded by a swarm of bees; bishop
standing near a beehive; old bishop with a prince at his feet; pen; priest or bishop with
pen and book; with Saint Leander, Saint Fulgentius, and Saint Florentina; with his
Etymologia.
Things to Do:
Read more about St. Isidore in the Catholic Encyclopedia

For those who speak or read Latin and are fascinated by words you might take a
look at The Etymologies
From the Catholic Culture library you may also want to read what Pope Benedict
XVI has to say about St. Isidore.
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent, Station with San

GiovanniÂ a Porta Latina (St John before the Latin Gate):
Today’s Station takes place in the Church of St. John before the
Latin Gate. This ancient basilica is built near the spot where the
beloved disciple was, by Domitian’s order, plunged into the
cauldron of boiling oil.

Collect: O God, who have made all those reborn in Christ a chosen race and a
royal priesthood, grant us, we pray, the grace to will and to do what you command,
that the people called to eternal life may be one in the faith of their hearts and the
homage of their deeds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
Graciously hear the prayers, O Lord, which we make in commemoration of Saint Isidore, that your Church
may be aided by his intercession, just as she has been instructed by his heavenly teaching. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever.
RECIPES
Paella I
Paella II
ACTIVITIES
How Sanctity Does Not Come Easily
PRAYERS

LIBRARY
Church and Internet | Pontifical Council for Social Communications

Deus ex Machina: How to Think About Technology | Archbishop Charles
J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap.
Ethics in Internet | Pontifical Council for Social Communications
Spread Christian Values Through the Media | Pope John Paul II
Statement on the Information Highway by the Canadian Conference of
Catholic Bishops | Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Using the Internet in Religious Instruction | Ronald M. Vierling

Lent: April 5th

Palm Sunday
Old Calendar: Palm Sunday
So they took branches of palm trees and went out to

meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And
Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written,
“Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is
coming, sitting on an ass’s colt (Jn 12:13-15)!”
Today we commemorate Christ’s entry into
Jerusalem for the completion of the Paschal Mystery. In
the old calendar before Vatican II, the Church
celebrated Passion Sunday two Sundays before Easter,
and then Palm Sunday was the beginning of Holy
Week. The Church has combined the two to reinforce
the solemnity of Holy Week.
The Palm Sunday procession is formed of Christians who, in the “fullness of faith,”
make their own the gesture of the Jews and endow it with its full significance. Following
the Jews’ example we proclaim Christ as a Victor… Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. But by our faith we know, as they did
not, all that His triumph stands for. He is the Messiah, the Son of David and the Son of
God. He is the sign of contradiction, acclaimed by some and reviled by others. Sent into
this world to wrest us from sin and the power of Satan, He underwent His Passion, the
punishment for our sins, but issues forth triumphant from the tomb, the victor over death,
making our peace with God and taking us with Him into the kingdom of His Father in
heaven.
Today is the feast of St. Vincent Ferrer which is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.
Liturgy for Palm Sunday
The priests and deacons wear red vestments for Mass.

There is a special entrance at the beginning of each
Mass, either simple or solemn. This includes a blessing
of the palms and the gospel reading of the entrance into
Jerusalem (Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; John 12:12-16;
Luke 19:28-40). The introduction by the priest explains
the solemnity of Holy Week, and invites the faithful to
take full part in the celebration:
Dear friends in Christ, for five weeks of Lent we

have been preparing, by works of charity and self-sacrifice, for the celebration of
our Lord’s paschal mystery. Today we come together to begin this solemn
celebration in union with the whole Church throughout the world. Christ entered in
triumph into his own city, to complete his work as our Messiah: to suffer, to die,
and to rise again. Let us remember with devotion this entry which began his saving
work and follow him with a lively faith. United with him in his suffering on the
cross, may we share his resurrection and new life.
The palms are blessed with the following prayer:
Almighty God, we pray you bless these branches and make them holy. Today we
joyfully acclaim Jesus our Messiah and King. May we reach one day the happiness
of the new and everlasting Jerusalem by faithfully following him who lives and
reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
As the faithful, we remember and dramatize Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem
on a donkey. In Jesus’ time, a huge crowd assembled, put their cloaks or branches on the
ground, and waved palm branches, acclaiming Christ as the King of Israel, the Son of
David. We now wave our palm branches and sing as the priest enters the church:
Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel. Blessed is he who comes in the
name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
These words of praise are echoed every day at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the
Sanctus (Holy, Holy).
Our joy is quickly subdued. We are jolted to reality and see the purpose of Christ
coming to Jerusalem by the reading of the Passion at the Gospel. (Written by Jennifer
Gregory Miller)
Things to Do:
The palms distributed at Mass are blessed, so are sacramentals. Read Blessed
Palms in the Home.
Read Pope Francis’ Homily for Palm Sunday 2014. Also read the History of
Palm Sunday by Fr. Francis X. Weiser
This is also known as “Carling Sunday” after carling peas. Peas porridge would
be an appropriate dish for today. See recipes for suggestions and history behind
this tradition.
This is also known as “Fig Sunday” due to the tradition that Christ ate figs after
his entry into Jerusalem. Adding some type of figs to your meal would be a nice
touch.
Read the short passages from Directory on Popular Piety concerning Holy Week
and Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Station at St. John

Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano): The Station at Rome is in
the church of St. John Lateran which represents the Holy City
Jerusalem which Christ and we, His disciples, have just entered.
It is the first cathedral of Rome, where Emperor Constantine
allowed the Pope to set up the episcopal chair after 312.
Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: Palm

Sunday
We carry palm branches as a tribute of
waving joy, before Christ, victorious
over death; also as a symbol of our
wavering fickleness, betraying Christ
unto His Death.
Jesus is our “example;” let us never
Jesus is our “example;” let us never

lose sight of the eternal joy of “sharing
in His Resurrection,” when with Him we now “suffer on a cross” (Prayer).
In glorious language we read how the Son of God became the “slave” of man;
how “He humbled Himself” and is now our pledge “in the glory of God the Father”
(Epistle).
Even as Christ adhered to the Father, so must we, despite the seeming “prosperity
of the sinner” (Gradual).
The “long Gospel”enables us, as it were, to be eyewitnesses of Christ’s Passion
and Death, revealing His love “unto the end” (indicated by Calvary in background).

Collect: Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human
race to follow caused our Savior to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously
grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his
Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one
RECIPES
Fig Pudding
Fig Swirl
Frumenty I
Pea Soup
Pease Porridge
ACTIVITIES
A Jonas (Jonah) Project

Blessed Palms in the Home
Carling or Passion Sunday
Fun Pretzel Project
Holy Week in the Catholic Tradition
Hymn: Gloria Laus et Honor (All Glory, Laud and Honor)
Jonas and Holy Week
Lent Hymn: O Head All Scarred and Bleeding
Music for Lent and Easter: St. Matthew Passion by Bach
Palm Sunday and Holy Week in the Home
Palm Sunday Festivities
Palm Sunday Procession in the Home
Palm Sunday Procession with the Family
Palms and Ashes
Purple Shrouds
Reflections on Palm Sunday
Shrouding of Statues and Crucifixes
Traditions related to Palm Sunday
PRAYERS

Prayer for Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Sacrifice Beads
Way of the Cross
To Keep A True Lent
LIBRARY
From Palm Branches to the Wood of the Cross | Fr. Roger J. Landry
Hymn for Palm Sunday | Bishop Theodulf
Palm Sundays | Dom H. Philibert Feasey O.S.B.
We hail you, O Cross of Christ! | Pope John Paul II

Lent: April 6th

Monday of Holy Week
Old Calendar: Monday of Holy Week
“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in

whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my
spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He
does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard
in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor
quench the wavering flame (Is 42:1-2).”
Meditation - Mary and Judas

Today the liturgy presents two noteworthy characters who play dissimilar roles in the
Lord’s passion. One fills us with solace and comfort; the other with uneasiness and
wholesome fear. Their juxtaposition produces a powerful effect by way of contrast. The
two characters are Mary of Bethany and Judas.
Jesus is in the house of Lazarus, at dinner. Mary approaches, anoints the feet of her
Savior for His burial and dries them with her hair. Judas resents her action and resolves
upon his evil course. These two persons typify man’s relation to Christ. He gives His
Body to two types of individuals: to Magdalenes to be anointed, to Judases to be kissed;
to good persons who repay Him with love and service, to foes who crucify Him. How
movingly this is expressed in the Lesson: “I gave My body to those who beat Me, and
My cheeks to those who plucked them. I did not turn away My face from those who
cursed and spit upon Me.”
The same must hold true of His mystical Body. Down through the ages Christ is
enduring an endless round of suffering, giving His body to other Marys for anointing and
to other Judases to be kissed, beaten, and mistreated. Augustine explains how we can
anoint Christ’s body:
Anoint Jesus’ feet by a life pleasing to God. Follow in His footsteps; if you have an
abundance, give it to the poor. In this way you can wipe the feet of the Lord.
The poor are, as it were, the feet of the mystical Christ. By aiding them we can comfort
our Lord in His mystical life, where He receives Judas’ kisses on all sides-the sins of
Christians.
The Gospel account may be understood in a very personal way. In everyone’s heart,
in my own too, there dwell two souls: a Judas-soul and a Mary-soul. The former is the
cause of Jesus’ suffering, it is always ready to apostatize, always ready to give the
traitor’s kiss. Are you full master over this Judas-soul within you? Your Magdalen-soul
is a source of comfort to Christ in His sufferings. May the holy season of Lent, which
with God’s help we are about to bring to a successful conclusion, bring victory over the
Judas-soul and strengthen the Magdalen-soul within our breasts.
Monday of Holy Week Station at St. Praxedes (San Prassede

all’Esquilino): The Station today is at the church of St.
Praxedes which was built over St. Praxedes’ house. It was one
of the twenty-five original parishes in Rome. It is easily one of
the most beautiful churches in the Eternal City and is bedecked
with incredibly beautiful mosaics. The present church is the one
built by Pope Adrian I c. 780, completed and altered by Pope St.
Paschal I c. 822. It was enlarged at that time mainly to serve as a
repository for relics from the catacombs.

Collect: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, though in our weakness we fail, we
may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and
RECIPES
None
ACTIVITIES

Housecleaning for Holy Week I
Housecleaning for Holy Week II
Jonas and Holy Week
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week in the Home
Spring Cleaning
The Passover Meal: 1. Introduction
PRAYERS
Prayer for Monday of Holy Week

Way of the Cross
To Keep A True Lent
Family Evening Prayer for Holy Week
LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 7th

Tuesday of Holy Week
Old Calendar: Tuesday of Holy Week
Like the Pharisees we are quick to condemn the faults

of others, often as a means of justifying ourselves. We
cannot expect Christ to approve self-righteous
indignation at our neighbor’s weakness. He gives us the
example of prudent silence and the incontrovertible
principle: “He that is without sin … let him first cast a
stone.” In the face of these words and the consciousness
of our own sinfulness, do we dare to condemn another?
We have need to remember that only God can read the
heart of man and that He alone can judge the guilt or
merit of an action.
Outside of the Holy Week, the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. John
the Baptist de la Salle.
Meditation
Today, again, our Savior sets out in the morning for Jerusalem. His intention is to repair
to the temple, and continue His yesterday’s teachings. It is evident that His mission on
earth is fast drawing to its close. He says to His disciples: “You know that after two days
shall be the Pasch, and the Son of Man shall be delivered up to be crucified.”
On the road from Bethania to Jerusalem, the disciples are surprised at seeing the
fig-tree, which their divine Master had yesterday cursed, now dead. Addressing himself
to Jesus, Peter says: “Rabbi, behold, the fig-tree, which Thou didst curse, is withered
away.” In order to teach us that the whole of material nature is subservient to the will of
God, Jesus replies: “Have the faith of God. Amen I say to you, that whosoever shall say
to this mountain: Be thou removed and cast into the sea! and shall not stagger in his
heart, but believe that whatsoever he saith shall be done, it shall be done unto him.”
Having entered the city, Jesus directs His steps towards the temple. No sooner has
He entered, than the chief priests, the scribes, and the ancients of the people, accost Him
with these words: “By what authority dost Thou do these things and who has given Thee
this authority, that Thou shouldst do these things?” We shall find our Lord’s answer
given in the Gospel. Our object is to mention the leading events of the last days of our
Redeemer on earth; the holy volume will supply the details.
As on the two preceding days, Jesus leaves the city towards evening: He passes over
Mount Olivet, and returns to Bethania, where He finds His blessed Mother and His
devoted friends.
— The Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.
Tuesday of Holy Week Station at St. Prisca (Santa Prisca

all’Aventino): The Station today is at the church of St. Prisca.
Saint Prisca was baptized by Saint Peter when she was thirteen.
She was thrown to the lions by Claudius (41-54), but the lion
only licked her feet. She was then beheaded. Her home was
made into a church by Pope Saint Eutychianus (275-283), who
placed her remains under the high altar. It was probably one of
the first gathering places for Christians in Rome.

Collect: Almighty ever-living God, grant us so to celebrate the mysteries of the

Lord’s Passion that we may merit to receive your pardon. Through our Lord Jesus
RECIPES
None
ACTIVITIES

Jonas and Holy Week
Spring Cleaning
PRAYERS
Prayer for Tuesday of Holy Week

Way of the Cross
To Keep A True Lent
LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 8th

Wednesday of Holy Week
Old Calendar: Wednesday of Holy Week

Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, in some places
today is the feast of St. Julie Billiart, a French religious
who founded, and was the first Superior General of, the
Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
The Sacrament of Penance and the Easter Duty

One of the duties of a Catholic is to fulfill the six Precepts of the Church, the positive
laws which are “meant to guarantee to the faithful the indispensable minimum in the
spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor” (Catechism
of the Catholic Church, 2041). Two of these precepts directly relate to the upcoming
Easter season. The third precept is “You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy
Communion at least during the Easter season.” This is tied in with the second precept to
“confess your sins at least once a year.” If we want to receive Jesus worthily in Holy
Communion during Easter, we need to cleanse our souls, especially of any mortal sin
through the Sacrament of Penance. Most parishes offer extra confession times for Holy
Week, but usually any priest is available on request to hear confession by appointment.
Meditation
We are healed by His bruises! O heavenly Physician, who
We are healed by His bruises! O heavenly Physician, who

takes upon Himself the sufferings of those He comes to cure!
But not only was He bruised for our sins, He was also
slaughtered as a lamb; and this not merely as a Victim
submitting to the inflexible will of His Father who hath laid
upon Him the iniquity of us all, but (as the prophet here
assures us) because it was His own will. His love for us, as
well as His submission to His Father, led Him to the great
Sacrifice. Observe, too, how He refuses to defend Himself
before Pilate, who could so easily deliver Him from His
enemies: He shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearers, and
He shall not open His mouth. Let us love and adore this divine silence, which works our
salvation. Let us not pass over an iota of the devotedness which Jesus shows us—a
devotedness which never could have existed save in the heart of a God. Oh! how much
He has loved us, His children, the purchase of His Blood, His seed, as the prophet here
calls us. O holy Church! thou long-lived seed of Jesus, who laid down His life, thou art
dear to Him, for He bought thee at a great price. Faithful souls! give Him love for love.
Sinners! be converted to this your Savior; His Blood will restore you to life, for if we
have all gone astray like sheep, remember what is added: The Lord hath laid upon Him
the iniquity of us all. There is no sinner, however great may be his crimes, there is no
heretic, or infidel, who has not his share in this precious Blood, whose infinite merit is
such, that it could redeem a million worlds more guilty even than our own. — The
Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.
Wednesday of Holy Week Station at St. Mary Major (Santa

Maria Maggiore): The Station today is at St. Mary Major for
the second time during Lent. As we set our eyes on the Sacred
Triduum, it is good to stand in solidarity with our Mother of
Sorrows as we contemplate our Redemption.

Collect: O God, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing,
grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made
ready for the glory of the heavenly Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
ever and ever.
RECIPES
Judases
ACTIVITIES

Jonas and Holy Week
Spring Cleaning
Tenebræ
PRAYERS
Prayer for Wednesday of Holy Week

Way of the Cross
To Keep A True Lent

LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 9th

Holy Thursday
Old Calendar: Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday)
The last three days of Holy Week are referred to as the

Easter or Sacred Triduum (Triduum Sacrum), the
three-part drama of Christ’s redemption: Holy
Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
Holy Thursday is also known as “Maundy
Thursday.” The word maundy comes from the Latin
word mandatum (commandment) which is the first
word of the Gospel acclamation:
Mandátum novum do vobis dicit Dóminus, ut diligátis

Ãnvicem, sicut diléxi vos. “I give you a new
commandment: Love one another as I have loved
you.” (John 13:34)
These are the words spoken by our Lord to His apostles at the Last Supper, after he
completed the washing of the feet. We should imitate Christ’s humility in the washing of
the feet.
By meditating on the Gospels (cf. Matt 26:1 ff.; Mark 14:1 ff.; Luke 22:1 ff.; John
13:1 ff.), we can recall to mind Jesus’ actions of that day. Father Bernard Strasser
summarizes all the events of that first Holy Thursday:
…They included: (1) the eating of the Easter lamb or the paschal meal; (2) the
washing of the disciple’s feet; (3) the institution of the Most Holy Eucharist (the
first Mass at which Jesus Christ, the eternal high priest, is the celebrant; the first
Communion of the apostles; the first conferring of Holy Orders); (4) the foretelling
of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denials; (5) the farewell discourse and priestly prayer
of Jesus; (6) the agony and capture of Jesus in the Garden of Olives. — ©1947,
With Christ Through the Year
In all the German speaking countries, Slavic nations and in Hungary this day is also
known as “Green Thursday.” The word is a corruption of the German word grunen (to
mourn) to the German word for green (grün). Many people believe they must eat green
at today’s meal, which is probably derived from from the Jewish Passover meal that
included bitter herbs.
Chrism Mass
There are only two Masses allowed on Holy Thursday—the Chrism Mass and the
evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. In each diocese there is a Chrism Mass or Mass of
the Holy Oils, usually said in the morning at the cathedral of the diocese. Catholics
should make an effort to participate at the Mass at least once in their lives, to experience
the communion of priests with their bishop. All the priests of the diocese are invited to
concelebrate with the bishop. The holy oils to be used throughout the diocese for the
following year in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the
Sacrament of the Sick are blessed by the bishop at this Mass. This Mass also celebrates
the institution of the priesthood.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper

During the evening of Holy Thursday, the Mass of the
Lord’s Supper is celebrated. It is celebrated in the
evening because the Passover began at sundown. There
is only one Mass, at which the whole community and
priests of the parish participate. This is a very joyful
Mass, as we recall the institution of the Holy Eucharist
and the priesthood. The priests wear white vestments,
the altar is filled with flowers, the Gloria is sung and the
bells are rung. After the Gloria, we shall not hear organ
music and the bells until the Easter Vigil. The Liturgy
of the Mass recalls the Passover, the Last Supper, which
includes the Washing of the Feet. The hymn Ubi
Caritas or Where Charity and Love Prevail is usually sung at this time. After the
Communion Prayer, there is no final blessing. The Holy Eucharist is carried in
procession through Church and then transferred into a place of reposition, usually a side
chapel. The hymn Pange Lingua is also usually sung at this time.
After the Mass, we recall the Agony in the Garden, and the arrest and imprisonment
of Jesus. The altar is stripped bare, crosses are removed or covered. The Eucharist has
been placed in an altar of repose, and most churches are open for silent adoration, to
answer Christ’s invitation “Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?” (Matt 26:40)
The Altar of Repose

When the Eucharist is processed to the altar of repose
after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we should remain
in quiet prayer and adoration, keeping Christ company.
There is a tradition, particularly in big cities with many
parishes, to try and visit seven churches and their altar
of repose during this evening.
Popular piety is particularly sensitive to the
adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the wake of
the Mass of the Lord’s supper. Because of a long
historical process, whose origins are not entirely clear, the place of repose has
traditionally been referred to as “a holy sepulchre”. The faithful go there to venerate
Jesus who was placed in a tomb following the crucifixion and in which he remained for
some forty hours.
It is necessary to instruct the faithful on the meaning of the reposition: it is an austere
solemn conservation of the Body of Christ for the community of the faithful which takes
part in the liturgy of Good Friday and for the viaticum of the infirmed. It is an invitation
to silent and prolonged adoration of the wondrous sacrament instituted by Jesus on this
day.
In reference to the altar of repose, therefore, the term “sepulchre” should be avoided,
and its decoration should not have any suggestion of a tomb. The tabernacle on this altar
should not be in the form of a tomb or funerary urn. The Blessed Sacrament should be
conserved in a closed tabernacle and should not be exposed in a monstrance.
After midnight on Holy Thursday, the adoration should conclude without solemnity,
since the day of the Lord’s Passion has already begun.
— Directory on Popular Piety
Washing of Feet and a “Last Supper” Meal
In imitation of Christ’s last supper, many Christians prepare a

meal reminiscent of how Christ celebrated the Last Supper.
We see the lamb, cooked whole, with no bones broken,
foreshadowing the death of Christ, the Lamb of God. We eat
the unleavened bread and recall to mind the Eucharist. We eat
the whole meal in prayerful reminder of that Last Supper that
Jesus spent with His apostles, His friends, instituting Holy
Orders and leaving His greatest gift, the Holy Eucharist.
A representative paschal meal can include roast lamb,
bitter herbs, green herbs, haroset, matzoh and wine and
perhaps include readings from the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Our Passover Feast is the
Mass, in particular the whole Triduum. The US Bishops have discouraged Catholics to
“baptizing” a Jewish Seder meal, and the Vatican has issued recent documents on
Catholic relations with Jews. For more information see USCCB: God’s Mercy Endures
Forever: Guidelines on the Presentation of Jews and Judaism in Catholic Preaching and
Commission of the Holy See for Religious Relations with the Jews.
Holy Thursday of the Sacred Triduum Station at St. John

Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano): The Station today is at St.
John Lateran. Maundy Thursday is devoted to the institution of
the Eucharist and the priesthood. On this day the bishop blesses
the Holy Oils; thus is made clear that the sacraments have their
source in Christ and derive their fruitfulness from the paschal
mystery of salvation.

Collect: O God, who have called us to participate in this most sacred Supper, in
which your Only Begotten Son, when about to hand himself over to death,
entrusted to the Church a sacrifice new for all eternity, the banquet of his love,
grant, we pray, that we may draw from so great a mystery, the fullness of charity
and of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with
RECIPES
Arnaki Gemisto (Stuffed Easter Lamb)

Beranek
Charoses
Easter Lamb
Greek Easter Lamb
Haroset
Holy Thursday Meal Menu
Holy Thursday Spinach
Horoseth
Judases
Leg of Lamb
Matzah
Matzo Bread
Roast Leg of Spring Lamb
Seven-Herb Vichyssoise
Spinach Fondue au Gratin
Spinach Soup
Spring Herb Soup
Unleavened Bread
Whole Baby Lamb
ACTIVITIES

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Easter Garden I
Eucharist Hymn: Pange Lingua
Holy Thursday Activities in the Home
Holy Thursday in the Home with the Trapp Family
Holy Thursday Meal in the Home—Remembering the Last Supper
Hymn: Ubi Caritas
Jonas and Holy Week
Maundy Thursday and the Passover Meal
Maundy Thursday: Do Unto Others
Popular Customs and Traditions of Maundy Thursday
Sacred Triduum in the Home
Tenebræ
A Passover Supper On Holy Thursday
PRAYERS

Holy Thursday in the Home
Way of the Cross
Holy Thursday Table Blessing
Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Sacred Triduum
(2nd Plan)
Table Blessing for Holy Thursday
Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Sacred Triduum (1st
Plan)
LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 10th

Good Friday
Old Calendar: Good Friday
“It is accomplished; and bowing his head he gave up his

spirit.” We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.
Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the
world. Today the whole Church mourns the death of
our Savior. This is traditionally a day of sadness, spent
in fasting and prayer. The title for this day varies in
different parts of the world: “Holy Friday” for Latin
nations, Slavs and Hungarians call it “Great Friday,” in
Germany, it is “Friday of Mourning,” and in Norway, it
is “Long Friday.” Some view the term “Good Friday”
(used in English and Dutch) as a corruption of the term
“God’s Friday.” This is another obligatory day of fasting and abstinence. In Ireland, they
practice the “black fast,” which is to consume nothing but black tea and water.
Liturgy
According to the Church’s ancient tradition, the sacraments
are not celebrated on Good Friday nor Holy Saturday.
“Celebration of the Lord’s Passion,” traditionally known as
the “Mass of the Presanctified,” (although it is not a mass) is
usually celebrated around three o’clock in the afternoon, or
later, depending on the needs of the parish. The altar is
completely bare, with no cloths, candles nor cross. The
service is divided into three parts: Liturgy of the Word,
Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion. The priest and deacons wear red or black
vestments. The liturgy starts with the priests and deacons going to the altar in silence and
prostrating themselves for a few moments in silent prayer, then an introductory prayer is
prayed.
In part one, the Liturgy of the Word, we hear the most famous of the Suffering
Servant passages from Isaiah (52:13-53:12), a pre-figurement of Christ on Good Friday.
Psalm 30 is the Responsorial Psalm “Father, I put my life in your hands.” The Second
Reading, or Epistle, is from the letter to the Hebrews, 4:14-16; 5:7-9. The Gospel
Reading is the Passion of St. John.
The General Intercessions conclude the Liturgy of the Word. The ten intercessions
cover these areas:
For the Church

For the Pope
For the clergy and laity of the Church
For those preparing for baptism
For the unity of Christians
For the Jewish people
For those who do not believe in Christ
For those who do not believe in God
For all in public office
For those in special need
For more information about these intercessions please see Prayers for the Prisoners
from the Catholic Culture Library.
Part two is the Veneration of the Cross. A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is
processed through the Church, and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully
venerate and kiss the wooden cross “on which hung the Savior of the world.” During this
time the “Reproaches” are usually sung or recited.
Part three, Holy Communion, concludes the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The
altar is covered with a cloth and the ciboriums containing the Blessed Sacrament are
brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The Our Father and the Ecce Agnus Dei
(“This is the Lamb of God”) are recited. The congregation receives Holy Communion,
there is a “Prayer After Communion,” and then a “Prayer Over the People,” and
everyone departs in silence.
Activities
This is a day of mourning. We should try to take time off
from work and school to participate in the devotions and
liturgy of the day as much as possible. In addition, we should
refrain from extraneous conversation. Some families leave the
curtains drawn, and maintain silence during the 3 hours (noon
— 3p.m.), and keep from loud conversation or activities
throughout the remainder of the day. We should also restrict
ourselves from any TV, music or computer—these are all
types of technology that can distract us from the spirit of the
day.
If some members of the family cannot attend all the services, a little home altar can
be set up, by draping a black or purple cloth over a small table or dresser and placing a
crucifix and candles on it. The family then can gather during the three hours, praying
different devotions like the rosary, Stations of the Cross, the Divine Mercy devotions,
and meditative reading and prayers on the passion of Christ.
Although throughout Lent we have tried to mortify ourselves, it is appropriate to try
some practicing extra mortifications today. These can be very simple, such as eating less
at the small meals of fasting, or eating standing up. Some people just eat bread and soup,
or just bread and water while standing at the table.
For a more complete understanding of what Our Lord suffered read this article On
the Physical Death of Jesus Christ (JAMA article) taken from The Journal of the
American Medical Association.
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion Station at Holy Cross in

Jerusalem (Santa Croce in Gerusalemme): The Station today is
at the church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem which contains
parts of the true Cross and one of the nails of the Crucifixion.
The Church commemorates the redemption of the world with
the reading of the Passion, the Collects in which the Church
prays with confidence for the salvation of all men, the
veneration of the Cross and the reception of Our Lord reserved in the Blessed
Sacrament.

Collect: Remember your mercies, O Lord, and with your eternal protection
sanctify your servants for whom Christ your Son, by the shedding of his Blood,
established the Paschal Mystery. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen
RECIPES
Fritatta Sardegna (Omelet Sardinian)

Oeufs à la Mistral (Baked Eggs)
Pain Doré (Golden Toast)
Vdolky (Bohemian Pan Cakes)
Cold Apple Soup
Cold Tomato Soup with Wine
Confectioners’ Sugar Icing
Dark Rye Bread
Dried Cod
Good Friday Bread
Herb Omelet III
Hot Cross Bread
Hot Cross Buns I
Hot Cross Buns II
Hot Cross Buns III
Hot Cross Buns IV
Hot Cross Buns V
Hot Cross Buns VI
Milk Rice
Milk Rice
Old-Fashioned Johnnycake
Potted Cod with Sour Cream
Quick Hot Cross Buns
Ricotta Omelet
Scrambled Eggs and Cheese
Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms
Scrambled Eggs with Shrimps
Sourdough Hot Cross Buns
SpÃ¤tzle
ACTIVITIES

Devotions for Good Friday
Easter Garden I
Good Friday Activities in the Home
Good Friday in the Home
Good Friday in the Home
Good Friday in the Home with the Trapp Family
Good Friday Lamentations
Good Friday Remembrance
Good Friday Reproaches (Improperia)
Hymn: Vexilla Regis Prodeunt
Jonas and Holy Week
Lent Hymn: O Head All Scarred and Bleeding

Tenebræ
The Three O’Clock Hour
Good Friday Activities
PRAYERS
Prayer for Good Friday

Stations of the Cross at Home
Good Friday Table Blessing
(2nd Plan)
To Jesus Forsaken
The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
Divine Mercy Novena
Plan)
LIBRARY
None

Lent: April 11th

Holy Saturday — Easter Vigil
Old Calendar: Holy Saturday — Easter Vigil
On Holy Saturday the Church waits at the Lord’s tomb,

meditating on his suffering and death. The altar is left
bare, and the sacrifice of the Mass is not celebrated.
Only after the solemn vigil during the night, held in
anticipation of the resurrection, does the Easter
celebration begin, with a spirit of joy that overflows into
the following period of fifty days.
Outside of the Holy Week, the Church celebrates
the Optional Memorial of St. Stanislaus of Cracow.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday (from Sabbatum Sanctum, its official
liturgical name) is sacred as the day of the Lord’s rest;
it has been called the “Second Sabbath” after creation.
The day is and should be the most calm and quiet day of
the entire Church year, a day broken by no liturgical
function. Christ lies in the grave, the Church sits near
and mourns. After the great battle He is resting in peace,
but upon Him we see the scars of intense
suffering…The mortal wounds on His Body remain
visible…Jesus’ enemies are still furious, attempting to
obliterate the very memory of the Lord by lies and
slander.
Mary and the disciples are grief-stricken, while the Church must mournfully admit
that too many of her children return home from Calvary cold and hard of heart. When
that too many of her children return home from Calvary cold and hard of heart. When
Mother Church reflects upon all of this, it seems as if the wounds of her dearly Beloved
were again beginning to bleed.
According to tradition, the entire body of the Church is represented in Mary: she is
the “credentium collectio universa” (Congregation for Divine Worship, Lettera
circolare sulla preparazione e celebrazione delle feste pasquali, 73). Thus, the
Blessed Virgin Mary, as she waits near the Lord’s tomb, as she is represented in
Christian tradition, is an icon of the Virgin Church keeping vigil at the tomb of her
Spouse while awaiting the celebration of his resurrection.
The pious exercise of the Ora di Maria is inspired by this intuition of the
relationship between the Virgin Mary and the Church: while the body of her Son
lays in the tomb and his soul has descended to the dead to announce liberation from
the shadow of darkness to his ancestors, the Blessed Virgin Mary, foreshadowing
and representing the Church, awaits, in faith, the victorious triumph of her Son over
death. — Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy
Although we are still in mourning, there is much preparation during this day to prepare
for Easter. Out of the kitchen comes the smells of Easter pastries and bread, the lamb or
hams and of course, the Easter eggs.
There are no liturgies celebrated this day, unless the local parish priest blesses the
food baskets. In Slavic countries there is a blessing of the traditional Easter foods,
prepared in baskets: eggs, ham, lamb and sausages, butter and cheeses, horseradish and
salt and the Easter breads. The Easter blessings of food owe their origin to the fact that
these particular foods, namely, fleshmeat and milk products, including eggs, were
forbidden in the Middle Ages during the Lenten fast and abstinence. When the feast of
Easter brought the rigorous fast to an end, and these foods were again allowed at table,
the people showed their joy and gratitude by first taking the food to church for a
blessing. Moreover, they hoped that the Church’s blessing on such edibles would prove a
remedy for whatever harmful effects the body might have suffered from the long period
of self-denial. Today the Easter blessings of food are still held in many churches in the
United States, especially in Slavic parishes.
If there is no blessing for the Easter foods in the parish, the father of the family can
pray the Blessing over the Easter foods.
It is during the night between Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday that the Easter Vigil
is celebrated. The service begins around ten o’clock, in order that the solemn vigil Mass
may start at midnight.
Activities
Today we remember Christ in the tomb. It is not Easter yet, so it’s not time for
celebration. The day is usually spent working on the final preparations for the
biggest feast of the Church year. The list of suggested activities is long, but
highlights are decorating Easter eggs and attending a special Easter food
blessing.
For families with smaller children, you could create a miniature Easter garden,
with a tomb. The figure of the risen Christ will be placed in the garden on Easter
morning.
Another activity for families is creation of a paschal candle to use at home.
The Directory on Popular Piety discusses some of the various devotions related
to Easter, including the Blessing of the Family Table, Annual Blessing of Family
Home, the Via Lucis and the Visit to the Mother of the Risen Christ.
Holy Saturday / Easter Vigil of the Sacred Triduum Station

at St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano): The Station
returns again to St. John Lateran. During the afternoon of Holy
Saturday the faithful were summoned here for the final scrutiny
of the catechumens. Then, in the evening began the vigil or
night of watching which concluded at dawn with the solemn
baptisms — the neophytes, plunged into the baptismal waters and there buried with
Christ, were born to the life of grace at the very time when our Savior came forth
triumphant from the tomb at dawn on Easter morning.

Collect: O God, who make this most sacred night radiant with the glory of the
Lord’s Resurrection, stir up in your Church a spirit of adoption, so that, renewed in

body and mind, we may render you undivided service. Through our Lord Jesus
RECIPES
Casatiella (Egg Pizza)

Paskha (Ukrainian Easter Bread)
Babka I (Polish Easter Bread)
Babka II (Polish Easter Bread)
Beranek
Easter Eggs
Hard-Cooked Egg Cookies
Italian Easter Baskets
Moravian Love Cakes
Babka (Polish Easter Bread)
Koulich (Russian Sweet Easter Bread)
Easter Baba (Polish Easter Coffee Cake)
Easter Story Cookies
Italian Easter Bread Eggs
ACTIVITIES

Alleluia Egg
Baptismal Candles
Blessing of the Easter Foods
Creating a Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) Paschal Candle
Cross of Victory
Easter Eggs Decorations

Easter Eggs I
Easter Eggs II
Easter Eggs III
Easter Eggs! song
Easter Garden I
Easter Garden II
Easter Hymn
Easter Lamb
Easter Marian Hymn: Rejoice, O Rejoice, Heavenly Queen
Easter or Paschal Candle
Easter Song: Three Women at Break of Day
Easter Standard
Easter Vigil
Holy Saturday Activities in the Home
Holy Saturday and Easter in the Home
Holy Saturday Festivities
Holy Saturday with the Slovaks
Home Altar Hangings
Home Easter Vigil
Jonas and Holy Week
New Fire of Easter
Paschal Candle as a Centerpiece
Paschal Candle for Home

Symbolism of the Easter Eggs
Tenebræ
Traditional Easter Hymns
Triptych
Window Transparencies
Wreath of Victory
Decorating Easter Eggs
PRAYERS

Prayer for Holy Saturday
Polish Easter Blessing
Blessing of the Home with Easter Water
Way of the Cross
To Keep A True Lent
Holy Saturday Table Blessing
Book of Blessings: Blessing of Food for the First Meal of Easter
(2nd Plan)
Easter Blessing of Food
Divine Mercy Novena
Plan)
Renewal of Baptismal Promises
Exsultet (Easter Proclamation)
LIBRARY
None

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Liturgical Year 2019 2020 Vol. 3

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Liturgical Year 2019-2020, Vol.

by Jennifer Gregory Miller and Darden Brock

Trinity Communications is a non-profit corporation. If you would like to support our

We look forward to seeing you at www.catholicculture.org.

Introduction to the Liturgical Year

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Lent: February 26th

Daily Readings for: February 26, 2020

Fritatta Sardegna (Omelet Sardinian)

A Two-Fold Theme: Baptism and Penance

Prayer Before a Crucifix

Ash Wednesday Emphasizes That Life Is a Pilgrimage | Cardinal John

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Lent: February 27th

According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

St. Leander of Seville

young, where he lived many years and attained

Thursday after Ash Wednesday, Station with San Giorgio in

Velabro (St. George at Velabrum): Pope St. Gregory

Daily Readings for: February 27, 2020

English Eggs and Bacon

Fun Pretzel Project

Prayer for the Second Week of Lent

A Strong Sense of the Privilege and Duty of Living in Assisi | Pope

A Strong Sense of the Privilege and Duty of Living in Assisi | Pope

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Lent: February 28th

Historically today is the feast of St. Hilary, pope from

council, intended to settle the Monophysite affair, got

Excerpted from Defending the Faith

Saint Romanus of Condat

the fifth century. At the age of thirty five he decided to

Excerpted from Wikipedia

Bl. Daniel Brottier

Friday after Ash Wednesday, Station with Santi

Daily Readings for: February 28, 2020

St. Peter’s Fish with Herbs

Motivating Children to Perform Good Deeds

Prayer for the Second Week of Lent

A Revival of Christian Culture Through the Family | Jennifer Gregory

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Lent: February 29th

Meditation - The Tree of Knowledge and the Cross

Saturday after Ash Wednesday, Station with Sant’Agostino

Daily Readings for: February 29, 2020

Yellow Split Pea Soup

Religion in the Home for Elementary School: February

Prayer for the First Week of Lent

Fasting Is Prayer of the Body | Thomas Spidlik

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Lent: March 1st

The scene of the temptation, which opens the public life

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O’Sullivan, O.F.M.

Begin praying the prayer for the first week of Lent.

The Station today is at St. John Lateran. The Lateran is

Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: First

Excerpted from My Sunday Missal, Confraternity of the Precious Blood

Daily Readings for: March 01, 2020

The Kaleidoscope of Lent

Prayer for the First Week of Lent

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