Friday, 21 December was the Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Canisius, Priest & Doctor of the Church, S.J. (1521-1597, the "Hammer of the Protestants" & "Second Apostle of Germany"): Doctor-link ūnus, Doctor-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Doctors-link & Wikipedia-link Doctors.
Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
A renowned Dutch Jesuit Catholic priest, he became known for his strong support for the Catholic faith during the Protestant Reformation in Germany, Austria, Bohemia, Moravia, & Switzerland. The restoration of the Catholic Church in Germany after the Protestant Reformation is largely attributed to the work there of the Society of Jesus, which he led.'Twas also the festival of Saint Anastasius the Younger, Bishop & Martyr (died 609, A.K.A. Anastasius II of Antioch), martyred by Jewish rebels: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.
'Twas also the festival of Saint Beornwald, Priest (floruit eighth century, of Bampton; also spelt Berenwald, Byrnwald): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link (Minster).
'Twas also the festival of Blessed Domenico Spadafora, Priest, O.P. (1450-1521): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.
'Twas also the festival of Blessed Anton Durcovici, Bishop & Martyr (1888-1951), martyred in the reign of the Communist dictator Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.
Scripture of That Day
Mass Readings—Friday of the Third Week of Advent
The Song of Songs, chapter two, verses eight thru fourteen;
or, the Book of Zephaniah, chapter three, verses fourteen thru eighteen(a);
Psalm Thirty-three, verses two & three, eleven & twelve, & twenty & twenty-one;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses thirty-nine thru forty-five.
Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, today’s Gospel tells of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. I’ve always been fascinated by Mary’s “haste” in this story of the Visitation. Upon hearing the message of Gabriel concerning her own pregnancy and that of her cousin, Mary “proceeded in haste into the hill country of Judah” to see Elizabeth.
Why did she go with such speed and purpose? Because she had found her mission, her role in the theo-drama. We are dominated today by the ego-drama in all of its ramifications and implications. The ego-drama is the play that I’m writing, I’m producing, I’m directing, and I’m starring in. We see this absolutely everywhere in our culture. Freedom of choice reigns supreme; I become the person that I choose to be.
The theo-drama is the great story being told by God, the great play being directed by God. What makes life thrilling is to discover your role in it. This is precisely what has happened to Mary. She has found her role—indeed a climactic role—in the theo-drama, and she wants to conspire with Elizabeth, who has also discovered her role in the same drama. And, like Mary, we have to find our place in God’s story.
Video reflection by the Reverend Daniel Renaud, O.M.I.: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Mass Readings—Optional Memorial of St. Peter Canisius
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter four, verses one thru five;
Psalm Forty, verses eight(a) & nine(a);
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter five, verses thirteen & nineteen.
Papal Quote o' That Day
"Do not be afraid to commit your life for others. Do not sy away from problems. Do not try to compromise with mediocrity or conformity. It is time to assume your responsibilities, to become involved, not to run away."Little Flower Quote o' That Day
—Pope St. John Paul II the Great (1920-2005, feast day: 22 October)
"I know quite well all you are suffering. I know your anguish, & I share it. Oh! if I could but impart to you the peace which Jesus has put into my soul amid my most bitter tears. Be comforted, all passes away."Saint Quote o' That Day
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)
"If you have too much to do, with God’s help you will find time to do it all."
—St. Peter Canisius, Doctor of the Church (1521-1597, feast day: 21 December)
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