St. Mary-Torun

Today, churches may celebrate either St. Faustina Kowalska or Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos.
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You're probably more familiar with St. Faustina who shared the message of Divine Mercy and connected trust in God with mercy toward others.
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Blessed Seelos brought that same care to his ministry as a Redemptorist priest. He preached missions across the United States, including right here in Wisconsin, although the exact location is unknown.
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And, fittingly, the Gospel for today is the story of the Good Samaritan, where mercy takes shape in someone stopping to care for a wounded stranger.

Today the Church observes Respect Life Sunday, a day that reminds us of a fundamental truth of our Catholic Faith: every human life is sacred.
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From the child in the womb to the person nearing the end of life, and at every stage in between, each person possesses an inherent dignity.
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Let's work to build a culture in which every person is welcomed, every life is cherished and every human being is recognized for who they are: a beloved child of God.
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Mary, Mother of Life, pray for us.

Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

Today is the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels.
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The Church teaches that from the beginning of our lives we are surrounded by the care and intercession of the angels. Jesus speaks of the angels who watch over His little ones, saying, “their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
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Our guardian angels are a reminder of God's loving providence; spiritual companions who protect us, pray for us and help guide us toward Christ.

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (St. Thérèse of Lisieux), Virgin and Doctor of the Church.
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Known as the “Little Flower,” St. Thérèse entered the Carmelite monastery at just 15 years old and lived a quiet, hidden life. She discovered what she called her “little way” of doing ordinary things with extraordinary love and trusting completely in God's mercy.
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St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us! 🌹

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church.
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St. Jerome devoted most of his life to studying and translating Sacred Scripture. His great work, the Latin Vulgate, would make the Word of God accessible to generations of Christians.
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He famously wrote, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
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Today, maybe the best way to honor St. Jerome is to open the Scriptures and spend a few minutes with the Word of God.
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St. Jerome, pray for us!

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.
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But have you ever wondered: How can they be both angels and saints?
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While we often think of saints as holy men and women who lived on earth, the Church also gives the title “Saint” to the holy angels who are with God.
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Each appears by name in Scripture with a particular mission: Michael as a defender against evil, Gabriel as God's messenger (including announcing to Mary that she would be the Mother of Jesus) and Raphael as a guide and healer in the Book of Tobit.

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Wenceslaus, Martyr, the 10th-century Duke of Bohemia.
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Wenceslaus was known for his faith and care for the poor. Tradition remembers him traveling to bring food, clothing and assistance to those in need.
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His reign was cut short when he was murdered by supporters of his own brother before he even turned 30, and he has been honored as a martyr ever since.
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St. Wenceslaus, pray for us!

In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that our actions matter more than our words. It is easy to say “yes” to God, but discipleship means actually living that yes.
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The first son initially refused his father, but he changed his mind and went. That is the hope at the heart of this Gospel: no matter how many times we have said “no” to God in the past, it is never too late to turn back and say “yes” with our lives.

Our love for Mary never takes us away from Christ. It draws us closer to Him!