Liturgical Year
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Dec. 23 December 23, O Emmanuel; Opt Mem of St. John of Kanty, Priest, Opt. Mem.
The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. John of Kanty (1390-1473), priest. Born in Kanty (Cracow, Poland), he taught at the university and became pastor of a parish. He was distinguished for his piety and love of neighbor.
Dec. 22 December 22, O King of the Nations (O Rex Gentium), Weekday
Today is the Sixth of the O Antiphons, O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations). “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return” (Luke 19:12). This nobleman is Christ, the Son of God, King of all nations. His kingdom is over all men and over … Read more
Dec. 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent; O Dayspring (O Oriens), Sunday
Gospel Excerpt: Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear … Read more
Dec. 20 December 20, O Key of David (O Clavis David); Ember Saturday, Weekday
Today is the Fourth of the O Antiphons, O Clavis David (O Key of David). O sublime majesty of the coming Redeemer! To Him has been delivered the key, the government of the house of David (Is 22:22). Boundless is His power over the graces and privileges of the Church, over the souls and hearts … Read more
Dec. 19 December 19, O Root of Jesse (O Radix Jesse); Ember Friday, Weekday
Today is the Third of the O Antiphons, O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse). Christ the King, the Lord! Divine Wisdom, Adonai, the powerful God, is at the same time man with flesh and blood of the house of Jesse, the father of King David. Truly, the right of kingship has now passed from … Read more
Dec. 18 December 18, O Lord and Ruler (O Adonai), Weekday
Today is the Second of the O Antiphons, O Adonai (O Almighty God/O Lord and Ruler). As Moses approached the burning bush, so we approach the divine Savior in the form of a child in the crib, or in the form of the consecrated host, and falling down we adore Him. “Put off the shoes … Read more
Dec. 17 December 17, O Wisdom (O Sapientia); Ember Wednesday, Weekday
December 17 marks the beginning of 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. The Church in these following Golden Nights travels … Read more
Dec. 16 Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent, Weekday
We are the blind offspring of the children of pitiful Eve
Dec. 15 Monday of the Third Week of Advent, Weekday
The Roman Martyrology commemorates St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli (1587-1651) is celebrated in Italy. She was born in Genoa, Italy and entered into an arranged marriage at the age of 15. She bore two daughters and was widowed at the young age of 20. She refused another marriage and took up a vow of chastity. She … Read more