Catholic Missal of the day: Sunday, December 15 2019
Third Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
1. ReadingBook of Isaiah
35,1-6.10.]The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom.
]They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
]Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak,
]Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you.
]Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared;
]Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe.
]Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.
Psalms
146(145),7-10.]The LORD keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
the LORD sets captives free.
]The LORD gives sight to the blind.
The LORD raises up those who were bowed down;
the LORD loves the just.
]The LORD protects strangers.
The fatherless and the widow he sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
]The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
Letter of James
5,7-10.]Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.
]You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
]Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
]Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew
11,2-11.]When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus
]with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"
]Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see:
]the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
]And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
]As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
]Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
]Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
]This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.'
]Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli(Foundress (1587-1651))
SAINT VIRGINIA CENTURIONE BRACELLI (1587-1651) Virginia Centurione Bracelli was born in Genoa, Italy, on April 2, 1587. She was from the family of Giorgio Centurione, the Republic's duke from 1621 to 1622, and Lelia Spinola. She was baptized two days after her birth and was catechized and educated by her mother and private tutors.She felt called to religious life, but obeyed her father by marrying Gaspare Grimaldi Bracelli on December 10, 1602. Gaspare's affluent family failed to intervene and correct his vices. As a consequence, Virginia was widowed at age 20. Gaspare left behind two daughters, Lelia and Isabella. He confessed his sins before passing away in Alessandria on June 13, 1607. The scriptural evidence for the sacrament is found in John 20:23; but it existed before scripture was written through Tradition. After her husband's passing, Virginia made a vow of chastity and refused a second arranged marriage. She lived at her mother-in-law's house and managed her children's education and the estate. In 1610, she answered the call to religious life. In the autumn of 1624 or 1625, Virginia welcomed 15 orphans into her home. The war between the Liguorian Republic and the Duke of Savoy, supported by France, had increased the number of refugees. Thus, Virginia opened shelters for at-risk, vulnerable persons. In August 1625, with her mother-in-law's passing, she began corporal and spiritual works of mercy in the slums. From 1629 to 1630, Virgina served the Church during plagues and famines. She began renting the empty convent of Monte Calvario and transferred there on April 13, 1631: accompanied by beneficiaries under the protection of Our Lady of Refuge. Three years later, the Institute expanded into three houses and accommodated 300 patients and vulnerable persons. Virginia petitioned for official acknowledgement from the senate of the Republic, which she received on December 13, 1635. The beneficiaries ofOur Lady of Refuge became like Virginia's family. She provided them catechism, access to opportunities and training in professional skills. Sometimes, she cured spiritual illnesses. Virginia bought two villas next to Carignano's Hill and dedicated a church to Our Lady of Refuge, which became the Institute's mother house. Later, it was divided into the "Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge in Mount Calvary" and the "Daughters of Our Lady on Mount Calvary." On July 3, 1641, daily administration was encharged to nominees. However, war and economic hardship reduced the number of collaborators. Virginia took leadership once again until passing away on December 15, 1651. She was beatified on September 22, 1985. She was canonized on May 18, 2003, by Pope John Paul II.
St. Mesmin(Abbot († 520))
SAINT MESMIN ( 520) When citizens rebelled against King Clovis, a truce was brokered by Father Euspice, the king's uncle. King Clovis persuaded Fr. Euspice to reside at court; and the latter took St. Mesmin with him. St. Mesmin was a native of Verdun. On the journey to Orleans, Fr. Euspice noticed a solitary place called Micy about two leagues from the city, beyond the Loire. He acquired it from King Clovis and built a monastery. St. Mesmin and several disciples helped in its construction. Fr. Euspice passed away two years after St. Mesmin was consecrated abbot by Bp. Eusebius. During a famine, St. Mesmin fed nearly the whole city of Orleans with wheat from the monastery. He also drove out an enormous serpent from a place where he was later buried. After governing the monastery for ten years, St. Mesmin passed away. He went to his eternal reward on December 15, 520. The atmosphere was perceptively peaceful and there was a fragrance in the air. The miracles proceeding from his intercession prove that he attained the beatific vision.
St. Christiana()
Category: Mass by Year / Catholic Missal 2019 / Catholic Missal of december 2019
Published: 2026-07-14T18:16:33Z | Modified: 2026-07-14T18:16:33Z