Project BLACK MAMBA: Lent

'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saints Perpetua & Felicity, Martyrs (died circa 203), martyred in the reign of the emperor Septimius Severus: Martyrs-link, Martyr-link Papa, Martyr-link Foxtrot, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

The Passion of St. Perpetua, St. Felicitas, & their Companions is one of the oldest & most notable early Christian texts. Perpetua & Felicity (believed to have died in A.D. 203) are Christian martyrs of the third century. Vibia Perpetua was a married noblewoman, said to have been twenty-two years old at the time of her death, & mother of an infant she was nursing. Felicity, a slave imprisoned with her & pregnant at the time, was martyred with her. They were put to death along with others at Carthage in the Roman province of Africa.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

Despite threats of persecution & death, Perpetua, Felicity—a slavewoman & expectant mother—& three companions, Revocatus, Secundulus, & Saturninus, refused to renounces their Christian faith. For their unwillingness, all were sent to the public games in the amphitheater. There Perpetua & Felicity were beheaded, & the others killed by beats. Felicity gave birth to a girl a few days before the games commenced. Perpetua's record of her trial & imprisonment ends the day before the games.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Eubulus, Martyr (died circa 308), martyred in the reign of the emperor Maximinus II: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Blessed Leonid Feodorov, Exarch & Martyr (1879-1935), martyred in the reign of the general secretary Joseph Stalin: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

Lenten Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter fifty-five, verses ten & eleven;
Psalm Thirty-four, verses four & five, six & seven, sixteen & seventeen, & eighteen & nineteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter six, verses seven thru fifteen.

Mass Journal: Week Ten
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:

Before Christmas last year, I saw a Jewish scholar interviewed on television. The topic of discussion was the influence Jesus has exerted on human history. In summary, the scholar concluded, "The impact this man has had on human history is undeniable. Because of this man we call Jesus, the world will never be the same. Because of Jesus, men & women will never think the same. Regardless of whether or not we believe he was the Son of God, because of this man who walked the earth two thousand years ago, men & women will never live the same, will never be the same."