Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint John Paul II, Pope (1920-2005), two hundred sixty-fourth Bishop of Rome: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

He is recognized as helping to end Communist rule in his native Poland & eventually all of Europe. He visited one hundred twenty-nine countries, celebrated one hundred forty-seven beatifications, during which one thousand three hundred thirty-eight became blesseds, & five hundred twenty-one canonizations, for a total of four hundred eighty-two saints. (I confess, the numbers don't add up. —M.W.) He significantly improved the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, & the Anglican Communion. He upheld the Church's teachings on such matters as artificial contraception & the ordination of women, but also supported the Church's Second Vatican Council & its reforms.

'Tis also the feast of Saint Bertharius of Monte Cassino, Abbot & Martyr, O.S.B. (circa 810-883), martyred by Saracens: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
Weekday
The Letter to the Ephesians, chapter four, verses seven thru sixteen;
Psalm One Hundred Twenty-two, verses one thru five;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter thirteen, verses one thru nine.

or, for St. John Paul:
The Book of Isaiah, chapter fifty-two, verses seven thru ten;
Psalm Ninety-six, verse three;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twenty-one, verses fifteen, sixteen, & seventeen.