Catholic Fire

Today's Mass Readings Saint of the Day: Sts. Christopher Magallanes, priest, and companions, martyrs Today in Catholic History: 996 Pope Gregory V (ca. 970–999; reigned 996–999) crowned Otto III (980–1002) as emperor. 1864 Joseph de Veuster (better known as Father Damien , 1840–1889) was ordained priest in Honolulu. In 1873 at his own request he was sent to a settlement of lepers on the island of Molokai, where he later contracted the disease and died. 1972 Wielding a hammer, Laszlo Toth damaged one of the world's most celebrated sculptures, Michelangelo's Piet à , in the Vatican at Rome. Birthday: Giuseppe Mercalli , an Italian volcanologist, was born on May 21, 1850 in the Italian city of Milan. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest and soon became a professor of the Natural Sciences at the seminary of Milan. He is best remembered today for his Mercalli scale for measuring earthquakes which is still used today. Today's Prayer Intentions/Requests

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter Today's Mass Readings "I have told you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name are my witness; but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine. The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and not one will ever steal them from me. The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father. The Father and I are one (John 10:25-30)." Reflection The Work of the Holy Spirit Meditation for April 15, Angels of the Agony Via †Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam† Saint of the Day St. Paturnus On This Day in Catholic History 2008 -- Pope Benedict XVI arrives in the USA for his apostolic visit. Historical Birthday 1452 - Leonardo da Vinci , Italian Renaissance polymath: a scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer (d. 1519) Today's...

Optional Memorial of St. Stanislaus Today's Mass Readings Today's Homily: Fr. Philip N. Powell, OP Church of the Incarnation, Irving, TX Saint of the Day: St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr On This Day in Catholic History 1079 - Bishop Stanislaus of Krakow is executed by order of Bolesław II of Poland. 1963 -- Pope John XXIII put forth his encyclical "On peace in truth, justice, charity and liberty." 1997 -- In Italy, fire damaged the 500-year-old San Giovanni Cathedral, home of the Shroud of Turin, which some consider Christ's burial cloth. 2004 -- Pope John Paul II celebrated Easter Mass with calls for world leaders to resolve conflicts in Iraq, the Holy Land and Africa. Famous Birthday: 1928 -- age 80 -- Ethel Kennedy , widow of the late Robert Kennedy. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Ann Brannack, a Roman Catholic , and George Skakel, a Protestant , Ethel was raised Catholic in Greenwich, Connecticut .

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Old Calendar: St. Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church; St. Felix of Nola, priest and martyr Today's Mass Readings Saint of the Day: Saint Barbara, Virgin and Martyr On This Day in Catholic History 1129 - Formal approval of the Order of the Knights Templar was granted at the Council of Troyes . 1514 - Pope Leo X issued a papal bull against slavery. Birthdays 1875 - Albert Schweitzer , Alsatian physician, Nobel laureate (d. 1965) 1883 - Nina Ricci - Italian - born French fashion designer (d. 1970) 1892 - Hal Roach , American film and television producer from the 1910s to the 1980s. (d. 1992) 1906 - William Bendix , American actor (d. 1964) 1941 - Faye Dunaway , American Actress 1942 - Dave Campbell , American baseball player and sportscaster 1952 - Maureen Dowd , American writer 1964 - Shepherd Smith , News Anchor at Fox News

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious The Eleventh Day of Christmas Today's Mass Readings On This Day in Catholic History 1066 - St. Edward the Confessor (b. ca. 1004), English king, died. 1953 - The Catholic Hour aired for the first time over NBC television. This long-running series (aired through August 1970) was produced by NBC in cooperation with the National Council of Catholic Men. 1975 - Elizabeth Ann Seton becomes the first American-born saint. Birthdays 1643 - Sir Isaac Newton , English mathematician and natural philosopher (d. 1727) 1710 - Giovanni Battista Pergolesi , Italian composer (d. 1736) 1809 - Louis Braille , French inventor of braille (d. 1852) 1896 - Everett Dirksen , American politician (d. 1969) 1935 - Floyd Patterson , American boxer (d. 2006) 1957 - Patty Loveless , American singer

Memorials of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors Today's Mass Readings The Ninth Day of Christmas On This Day in Catholic History 533 - Mercurius becomes Pope John II , the first pope to adopt a new name upon elevation to the papacy. 1873 - St. Thérèse of Lisieux , Virgin and Doctor of the Church, a French Carmelite nun, is born. (d. 1897) Read Showers of Roses: Miracles in My Life Through the Intercession of St. Therese, Virgin, and Doctor of the Church for more information about my personal relationship with St. Thérèse. Birthdays 1936 - Roger Miller , American singer, (King of the Road) (d. 1992) 1963 - Edgar Martinez , American baseball player 1965 - Greg Swindell , American baseball player 1971 - Lisa Harrison , American Basketball player born in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S., is a former American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). 1983 - Kate Bosworth , American a...

O' Antiphons~December 21 From: EJGcatholi O'Dayspring, Brightness of the everlasting light, Son of justice, come to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death! Optional Memorial of St. Peter Canisius, priest and doctor Read my post on St. Peter Canisius, priest and doctor, which includes a brief bio, quotes, and a prayer here. Today's Mass Readings Today is Day Six of the Christmas Novena. On This Day in Catholic History 1118 - Thomas Becket , Lord Chancellor of England and Archbishop of Canterbury was born. (d. 1170) 1597 Peter Canisius (b. 8 May 1521), Dutch-born Roman Catholic reformer, died. Birthdays 1401 - Tommaso Masaccio , Catholic Italian painter (d. 1428) 1872 - Don Lorenzo Perosi , Catholic Italian composer of Sacred Music (d. 1956) 1892 - Rebecca West , English journalist and novelist (d. 1983) 1915 - Werner von Trapp , member of the Trapp Family Singers (d. 2007) 1922 - Paul Winchell , American ventriloquist (d. 2005) 1954 - Chris Ever...

Video via Love To be Catholic. Today's Liturgy: Monday of the Third Week of Advent Today we begin the O Antiphons, the seven jewels of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, one for each day until Christmas Eve. These antiphons address Christ with seven magnificent Messianic titles, based on the Old Testament prophecies and types of Christ. Today's Mass Readings Today's Advent Meditation with Fr. Philippe Today is Day Two of the Christmas Novena. On This Day in Catholic History 1187 Pope Gregory VIII died (b. ca. 1100). 1999 Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) told an international symposium, “Today, on the eve of the Great Jubilee, I feel the need to express deep regret for the cruel death inflicted on Jan Hus.” Birthdays 1807 - John Greenleaf Whittier , American poet and abolitionist (d. 1892) 1894 - Arthur Fiedler , American conductor (d. 1979) 1937 - Art Neville, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, vocalist, Neville Brothers 1953 - Barry Livingston , an American acto...

From Our Backyard: Bill took a quick pic of our mulberry tree, our pond, and the two inches of snow we got here over the weekend. The sun is shining brightly as it often does here in southern Kansas, so we wanted to catch this before it melted. Snow is rare here as compared to IL and when we get it, it doesn't last long. Third Sunday of Advent Today's Mass Readings Father Darren's homily for today. Why Rejoice? Gaudette Sunday by Fr. Martin Fox Today is Day One of the Christmas Novena. On This Day in Catholic History 345 Eusebius (ca. 283–371; not to be confused with historian Eusebius of Caesarea), a champion of St . Athanasius and Catholic orthodoxy in the 4th century controversy over Arianism , became bishop of Vercelli, Italy. Birthdays 1770 - Ludwig van Beethoven , German composer (It is his supposed birthday, since he was baptized the following day it is believed his birthday is on the 16th.) (d. 1827) 1775 - Jane Austen , British writer (d. 1817) 1901 - Ma...

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe The Feast of Our Lady of Gudalupe, Protectress of the Unborn Today's Mass Readings Today's Advent Meditation with Fr. Philippe, O.P ., Priest, Philosophy Professor, Founder of the Community of St. John On This Day in Catholic History 1531 The Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe : Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin saw the Blessed Virgin Mary outside of modern-day Mexico City. 1545 The Council of Trent opened. 1917 In Nebraska, Father Edward J. Flanagan (1886–1948) founded Boys Town as a farm village for wayward boys. Birthdays 1745 - John Jay , 1st Chief Justice of the United States (d. 1829) 1876 - Alvin Kraenzlein , Olympic gold medalist (d. 1928) 1893 - Edward G. Robinson , American actor (d. 1973) 1915 - Frank Sinatra , American singer, (d. 1998) 1923 - Bob Barker , American TV Game Show Host 1932 - Bob Pettit , American basketball player 1938 - Connie Francis , American singer 1940 - Dionne Warwick , American singer 1952 - Cathy Rigby , Americ...

Image: Beautiful Snow in Backyard Yes, it snowed here over the weekend and it actually stuck to the ground. Snow is beautiful, especially when you're sitting in front of the fireplace inside, staying warm. Monday of the Second Week of Advent Old Calendar: St. Melchiades, pope and martyr Today's Mass Readings Today's Advent Meditation: The Daily Gospel with Fr. Philippe, O.P. On This Day in Catholic History 1968 Thomas Merton (b. 31 January 1915), French-born American Trappist monk, died by accidental electrocution while attending a conference of Buddhist and Catholic monks in Bangkok, Thailand. Birthdays 1830 - Emily Dickinson , American poet (d. 1886) 1911 - Chet Huntley , American journalist (d. 1974) 1914 - Dorothy Lamour , American actress (d. 1996)

Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas, bishop Old Calendar: St. Nicholas, bishop and confessor Happy Feast Day of St. Nicholas! Today's Mass Readings On This Day in Catholic History 1273 Saint Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1225–1274) ceased writing following a tremendous mystical experience while conducting Mass. He suspended his work on his Summa Theologica. “I can do no more,” he told his servant. “Such things have been revealed to me that all that I have written seems to me as so much straw. Now I await the end of my life.” 1352 Pope Clement VI died (b. 1291, France). He was elected pope on May 7, 1342 at Avignon, where he died. 1964 The Roman Catholic hierarchy in both England and Wales authorized joint prayers with other churches. Birthdays: 1642 - Johann Christoph Bach , German composer (d. 1703), Johann Sebastian's first cousin once removed. 1886 - Joyce Kilmer , American poet (d. 1918) 1896 - Ira Gershwin , American lyricist (d. 1983) 1900 - Agnes Moorehead , American actress (d....

Image: Looking Through My Eyes Monday of the Thirty-Third Week of Ordinary Time Today's Mass Readings On This Day in Catholic History: 498 - Pope Anastasius II died. Birthdays: 1905 - Tommy Dorsey, American bandleader (d. 1956) 1917 - Indira Gandhi , Prime Minister of India (d. 1984) 1919 - Alan Young , British-born American actor ( Mister Ed ) 1921 - Roy Campanella , baseball player (d. 1993) 1926 - Jeane Kirkpatrick , U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations (d. 2006) 1936 - Dick Cavett , American talk show host 1956 - Glynnis O'Connor , American actress 1961 - Meg Ryan , American actress 1962 - Jodie Foster , American actress

Image: Notre Dame Campus, November 7, 2007 Memorial of St. Leo the Great, pope and doctor Today's Mass Readings On This Day in Catholic History: Leo I the Great, Pope (440-61), died. 627 Justus , fourth Archbishop of Canterbury, died. A Roman by birth, he was one of the missionaries sent to England, by Pope Gregory II at the request of St. Augustine of Canterbury in 601. 2005 Iraqi President Jalal Talabani met with Pope Benedict XVI amid tight security that closed down the main boulevard leading to the Vatican. Birthdays: 1878 - Cy Morgan , American baseball player (d. 1962) 1893 - John P. Marquand , American writer (d. 1960) 1895 - John Knudsen Northrop , American airplane manufacturer (d. 1981) 1907 - Jane Froman , American actor and singer (d. 1980) 1955 - Jack Clark , American baseball player 1981 - Jason L. Dunham , American Medal of Honor recipient (d. 2004) 1964 - Kenny Rogers , American baseball player

Burning Bush Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica CHURCHES OF ROME: CHRISTIANITY'S FIRST CATHEDRAL Today's Mass Readings On This Day in Catholic History: 1282 Pope Martin IV (ca. 1220–1285) excommunicated King Peter III of Aragon (1239–1285). 1697 Pope Innocent XII (1615–1700) ordered the city of Cervia , Italy, to be rebuilt. Birthdays: 1918 - Spiro Agnew , 39th Vice President of the United States (d. 1996) 1931 - Whitey Herzog , American baseball player 1935 - Bob Gibson , American baseball player 1936 - Mary Travers , American singer ( Peter, Paul and Mary ) 1941 - Tom Fogerty , American musician ( Creedence Clearwater Revival ) (d. 1990)

Yes, Autumn Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time Today's Readings Sunday Homily On This Day in Catholic History: 1958 - Angelo G. Roncalli was crowned as Pope John XXIII. Birthdays: 1575 - Guido Reni , Italian painter of high-Baroque style, Crucifixion of St Peter , Vatican, Rome, Christ Crucified , San Lorenzo in Lucina, Rome Holy Trinity , Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini, Rome (d. 1642) 1879 - Will Rogers , American humorist (d. 1935) 1916 - Walter Cronkite , American news broadcaster 1937 - Loretta Swit , American actress 1961 - Ralph Macchio , American actor, The Karate Kid , "Eight Is Enough"

Feast of St. Martin de Porres, Religious First Saturday Today's Mass Readings On This Day in Catholic History: 1584 Saint Charles Borromeo , archbishop of Milan and cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, died at Milan, Italy (b. 2 October 1538). Birthdays: 1500 - Benvenuto Cellini , Italian artist (d. 1571) 1560 - Annibale Carracci , Italian painter (d. 1609) 1794 - William Cullen Bryant , American Romantic poet and journalist (d. 1878) 1801 - Vincenzo Bellini , Italian composer (d. 1835) 1876 - Stephen Peter Alencastre , Roman Catholic prelate, the fifth and last vicar apostolic of the Vicariate Apostolic of the Hawaiian Islands — now the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu (d. 1940) 1948 - Lulu , British actress and singer, ( To Sir With Love) 1975 - Darren Sharper , American football player

Autumn Beauty "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~ Albert Camus Optional Memorial of St. John of Capistrano, priest Today's Mass Readings On This Day in Catholic History: 787 - The Second Council of Nicea closed. Birthdays: 1869 - John Heisman , American football player and coach (d. 1936) 1870 - Bishop Francis Kelley , Catholic Bishop of Oklahoma (d. 1948) 1880 - Una O'Connor , Irish actress (d. 1959) 1894 - Rube Bressler , baseball player (d. 1966) 1905 - Gertrude Ederle , American swimmer (d. 2003) 1918 - James Daly , American actor (d. 1978) 1923 - Frank Sutton , American actor, Sgt. Carter in "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." (d. 1974) 1956- Dwight Yoakam, American country singer 1975 - Keith Van Horn , American basketball player

Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time Today's Mass Readings A Personal Reflection and Witness on Today's Readings On This Day in Catholic History: The feast day of St. Viator and St. Ursula Birthdays: 1527- Louis I, Cardinal of Guise , French cardinal (d. 1578) 1581 - Domenico Zampieri , Italian painter (d. 1641) 1775 - Giuseppe Baini , Italian composer (d. 1844) 1833 - Alfred Nobel , Swedish inventor and founder of the Nobel Prize (d. 1896) 1847 - Giuseppe Giacosa , Italian writer (d. 1906) 1895 - Edna Purviance , American actress (d. 1958) 1907 - Jules Chevalier , French priest (b. 1824) 1924 - Joyce Randolph , American actress 1928 - Whitey Ford , American baseball player 1940 - Manfred Mann , English musician 1943 - Brian Piccolo , American football player (d. 1970) 1956 - Carrie Fisher, American actress and writer,(Princess Leia in Star Wars) 1978 - Will Estes , American actor,( JJ Pryor , on the NBC drama American Dreams .) Image Source

autumn scene Memorial of Sts. Isaac Jogues and John de Brebeuf, priests and martyrs and companions, martyrs Today's Mass Readings On This Day in Catholic History: 1187 - Pope Urban III died. 2003 - Mother Teresa is beatified by Pope John Paul II . Birthdays: 1748 - Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson , American wife of Thomas Jefferson, (d. 1782) 1862 - Auguste Lumière , French inventor (d. 1954) 1945 - John Lithgow , American actor, (Back to the Future, The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment) 1960 - Jennifer Holiday , American singer and actress 1965 - Ty Pennington , American television carpenter 1976 - Michael Young , baseball player