DAILY LITURGY

Wednesday December 22:
Wednesday in Late Advent

Violet vestments

First Reading: 1 Samuel 1: 24-28
Psalms: 1 Samuel 2: 1, 4-8
Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 46-56

ANTIPHON:

   O King of the Gentiles, yea, and desire thereof! O Corner-stone, that makest of two one, come to save man, whom Thou hast made out of the dust of the earth!

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)

Thursday December 23:
Thursday in Late Advent and the optional
Feast of Saint John of Kanty, Priest

Violet vestments

First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4, 23-24
Psalms: Psalm 25: 4-5, 8-10, 14
Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 57-66

ANTIPHON:

    O Emmanuel, our King and our Law-giver, Longing of the Gentiles, yea, and salvation thereof, come to save us, O Lord our God!

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)

   This Polish-born priest, also known as John of Cantiusstudied at the University of Cracow before his ordination, then returned to teach Sacred Scripture. Because of his fame as a preacher and great teacher a coup was formed to oust him from his tenure at the University. Nevertheless, his chief interest was souls and therefore he forgave his accusers and tended to the spiritual care of the poor in Cracow until he died on this date in 1473. Pope Clement XII proclaimed him Patron of Poland and Lithuania in 1737 and Pope Clement XIII canonized John in 1767.