Project BLACK MAMBA

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Jerome Emiliani, Priest, C.R.S. (1486-1537), founder of the Somaschi Fathers, formally the Order of Clerics Regular of Somascha: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link C.R.S.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

St. Jerome was an Italian humanitarian, founder of the Somaschi fathers, & saint. He was canonized in 1767 & is the patron saint of orphans. In the year of plague & famine (1528), he seemed to be everywhere & showed his zeal, especially for the orphans, whose number had so greatly increased. Jerome began caring for the sick & feeding the hungry at his own expense.

'Tis also the Optional Memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin, F.D.C.C. (circa 1869-1947): Saint-link ūna, Saint-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

St. Josephine was a Sudanese-born former slave who became a Canossian Religious Sister in Italy, living & working there for forty-five years. Over the course of twelve years (1877-1889) she was resold again three more times & then given away.

In honor of St. Josephine, 8 February is the International Day of Prayer & Awareness against Human Trafficking: U.S.C.C.B.-link.

'Tis also the feast of Blessed Josephina Gabriella Bonino, Religious (1843-1906), foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Savigliano: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Genesis, chapter two, verses four(b) thru nine, fifteen, sixteen, & seventeen;
Psalm One Hundred Four, verses one, two(a), twenty-seven, twenty-eight, & twenty-nine(b) thru thirty;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter seven, verses fourteen thru twenty-three;

or, for St. Jerome:
The Book of Tobit, chapter twelve, verses six thru thirteen;
Psalm Thirty-four, verse two;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru thirty;
(or, the Gospel according to Mark, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-seven).

or, for St. Josephine:
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter seven, verses twenty-five thru thirty-five;
Psalm Forty-five, verse eleven;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verses one thru thirteen.

Individual Reading
The Book of Job, chapter thirty-six (verses one thru thirty-three);
The Book of Job, chapter thirty-seven (verses one thru twenty-four).

Commentary: Elihu's Speeches (cont'd).

Christ Renews His Parish Readings
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses one thru eighteen;
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter three, verses fifteen, sixteen, & seventeen;
The First Letter to Timothy, chapter four, verse thirteen;
The Gospel according to John, chapter five, verses thirty-nine & forty;
The Gospel according to John, chapter six, verse sixty-three.