In this pre-season to Lent, the priest wears violet vestments. Although we are not obligated to make sacrifices as during Lent to prepare for Holy Week and Easter, nevertheless our minds should turn toward more serious things. Lent is primarily a time of instruction. The Masses are intended as a catechism, so to speak, and the catechumens of ancient times benefited from the Gospels and Epistles used in the Masses. Each day is different, and the Mass Propers of Lent are the oldest in the Missal and go back to the I Century. How wonderful that we have a tie to our ancestors.
Today Is Feast of St. John Bosco C. If one visits Italy, he might visit the Basilica of St. John Bosco C., a bit off the tourist sites in Turin. St. John was known for schooling and taking care of thousands of children, for forming the Salesian Fathers, honouring Our Lady, Help of Christians, inspiring missionaries and forming over 1,000 houses. Although not commemorated in the Sunday Mass we might pray for his intercession to help the young during this pandemic.
The week ahead ….
Monday 1st February: St. Ignatius E. M., was Bishop of Antioch whose name is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass. The priest makes a slight bow toward the Crucifix at its mention. At Rome in 110 the Saint was thrown into the Coliseum in Rome and torn apart by wild beasts for amusement of the corrupt crowd. His famous saying: “I am Christ’s wheat. Let me be milled by the teeth of the beasts that I may become spotless bread.”
Tuesday 2nd February: II Class Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, now considered a Feast of the Lord, as Our Lord, is presented, enters the Temple, where He is greeted by Simeon’s prophetic words as Light of the World. Can-dles are blessed for the faithful. If there are enough faithful, a procession with the blessed candles may be made.
Wednesday 3rd February: Wondrous Feast of St. Blaise E. M., Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. In 316 the Roman authorities arrested St. Blaise, tortured him, put him to death. Known in both the Eastern and Western Church, St. Blaise cured a child choking on a bone through prayer and is invoked for diseases of the throat. Two blessed candles are blessed and placed on the throats of the faithful with a prayer from the Rituale Romanum. St. Blaise is one of the XIV Holy Helpers invoked for diseases of the throat.
First Thursday 4th February: Preferred is Votive Mass of Our Lord Jesus Christ High and Eternal Priest, if Devotion for the Sanctification of Priests is made. In the Votive Mass commemoration of St. Andrew Corsini E. C., of Florence who passed away in 1373 having received a vision from Our Lady on Christmas Day 1372. Mother of the Saint had a vision where her son changed from a wolf to a lamb upon entering a Carmelite chapel. Leading a sinful life, St. Andrew later repented and joined the Carmelite Order. Setting an example for the penitential life, while instructing his flock, he reformed abuse and instructed his clergy.
First Friday 5th February: Preferred Mass is of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with commemoration of St. Agatha V. M. Martyred at Catania in 250 St. Agatha is Patroness of Sicily. Her veil laid in the path of rushing lava several times at Etna, saved the faithful. Her name is in-scribed in the Canon of the Mass, and the priest makes a slight bow at its mention toward the Crucifix. Devotions of Reparation in honour of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is pre-condition to celebrated the Votive Mass
First Saturday 6th February: A Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is permitted in each chapel or church where Devotions of Reparation in honour of the Immaculate Heart are made. St. Titus E. C. is commemorated in the Votive Mass. St. Titus made several journeys with St. Paul who appointed him Bishop of Crete. He served until age 94 and died in 105. St. Dorothy V. M. is commemorated. Beheaded at the beginning of the III Century in Cappadocia, the Saint was a model for faith in Christ.