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Ordinary Time: August 15th

Solemnity of the Assumption

On November 1, 1950, Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption. Thus he solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life, was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven,... More

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Ordinary Time: August 14th

Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have... More

Sunday: a day of rest.

Ordinary Time: August 13th

Optional Memorial of Saints Pontian, pope and martyr and Hippolytus, priest and martyr

St. Pontian (Pontianus) was a victim of the persecution of Alexander Severus, who directed his attention particularly against the leaders of the Church. St. Pontian governed the Church from 230 to 235. He was exiled to the mines of... More

It's the weekend! Catch up on the news and commentary from the week, or check out this selection from our Resources library for your weekend reading.

Ordinary Time: August 12th

Optional Memorial of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, religious (USA)

St. Jane was a married woman and a mother of seven children from Dijon, France. Her husband was killed in a hunting accident. In 1604, upon being deeply moved by the preaching of Francis de Sales, Jane asked him to become her spiritual... More

Ordinary Time: August 11th

Memorial of St. Clare, virgin

St. Clare of Assisi was the first woman to practice the life of entire poverty as taught by St. Francis. Placed by him at the head of a few companions in the small convent of San Damiano, she governed her community for forty-two years... More

Ordinary Time: August 10th

Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr

Lawrence was chief among the seven deacons who served the Roman Church during the mid-third century. The young cleric held a position of great trust, caring for the goods of the Church and distributing its alms among the poor. He was... More

Ordinary Time: August 9th

Optional Memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr

Edith Stein was born of Jewish parents in 1891, becoming an influential philosopher following her extensive studies at major German universities. After her conversion to Catholicism she became a major force in German intellectual life,... More

Ordinary Time: August 8th

Memorial of St. Dominic, priest

At the end of the twelfth century the Church in France was ravaged by the Albigensian heresy, a doctrine which was not only entirely unchristian but which, in addition, constituted a social evil. Effective measures were required to be... More

Ordinary Time: August 7th

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible... More

Sunday: a day of rest.

Ordinary Time: August 6th

Feast of the Transfiguration

This feast became widespread in the West in the 11th century and was introduced into the Roman calendar in 1457 to commemorate the victory over Islam in Belgrade. Before that, the Transfiguration of the Lord was celebrated in the Syrian,... More

It's the weekend! Catch up on the news and commentary from the week, or check out this selection from our Resources library for your weekend reading.

Ordinary Time: August 5th

Optional Memorial of the Dedication of St. Mary Major

We celebrate today the dedication of one of the four most illustrious churches of Rome. While each diocese and parish keeps its own dedication anniversary, the Church universal commemorates the consecration of the four great Roman... More