Project BLACK MAMBA: Better Late Than Never

'Tis the festival of Saint Prisca, Martyr (floruit first century), martyred in the reign of the emperor Domitian, foundress of Santa Prisca Church on the Aventine: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Church.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Volusianus of Tours, Bishop (died circa 497): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

'Tis also the festival of Saints Faustina & Liberata of Como, Virgins, O.S.B. (died circa 580), biological sisters: Saint-link Foxtrot, Saint-link Lima, & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Margaret of Hungary, Virgin, O.P. (1242-1271): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Grand-niece of St. Hedwig of Silesia [16 October], niece of Ss. Elizabeth of Hungary [17 November] & Agnes of Prague [2 March], & sister of St. Kinga of Poland [24 July] & Bl. Yolanda of Poland [11 June].

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Samuel, chapter eighteen, verses six thru nine & chapter nineteen, verses one thru seven;
Psalm Fifty-six, verses two & three, nine & ten(a), ten(b) & eleven, & twelve & thirteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter three, verses seven thru twelve.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, in today’s Gospel we read about crowds coming to Jesus for healing and deliverance from unclean spirits. We hear that people brought the sick from all over the region, as well as those troubled by unclean spirits—and all of them were cured.

Now I realize that we today might be a bit skeptical of such miraculous healings. But it’s hard to deny that Jesus was known as a healer and a miracle worker. And there is abundant evidence that the performance of miracles was a major reason why the first preachers were taken seriously.

Have there been miracle workers and miraculous places up and down the centuries? Yes indeed. But the Church has customarily done this work through its hospitals and clinics, through figures such as John of God [8 March], Catherine of Siena [29 April], and Teresa of Calcutta [5 September]. But the Church also serves through its sacraments, which heal sin-sick souls.

This is the apostolic dimension of the Church’s life, and without it, it would no longer be the Church. Parishes, parish priests, missionaries, servants of the poor and sick—the whole apostolic life of the Church is represented here.

Video reflection by Father Pat McCloskey, O.F.M. (Franciscan Media): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Saint Quote o' the Day

"We must be convinced of the necessity of having a living, authentic, & active faith. That is all the more true today, when we face so many difficulties. It is not enough to have a vague, weak, or uncertain faith."
—Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963, feast day: 11 October)

Commentary: Confer Matthew, 7:21-23 & Revelation, 3:14-16.

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Theology Thursday: "You Only Live Twice"