October 23
St John of Capistrano
Friday, week 29 in Ordinary Time — Year II
St John of Capistrano was a 15th-century Franciscan priest and preacher, celebrated for his ardent defense of the Catholic faith during challenging times in Europe. Born in the Kingdom of Naples, John initially pursued a career as a lawyer and magistrate before experiencing a profound conversion that led him to join the Observant branch of the Franciscans. He became known for his powerful sermons and deep commitment to Church reform, working against prevalent heresies of his time, such as the Hussite movement. John also played a significant role in mediating disputes, encouraging spiritual and moral reform, and rallying Christian forces in the face of the Ottoman advance into Europe. His most famous historical involvement was at the Siege of Belgrade in 1456, where he helped inspire defenders during a pivotal battle. St John’s legacy is one of zealous faith, tireless work for unity and reform, and courage in the face of adversity. The Church remembers him as a model of evangelical zeal and pastoral dedication, reminding all of the need for continual renewal and defense of the faith.
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Questions about St John of Capistrano (Novus Ordo Missae)
The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingEp 4, 1-6
Brothers and sisters,
I, who am in prison because of the Lord,
I urge you, then, to conduct yourselves
in a manner worthy of your calling:
have much humility, gentleness, and patience,
bear with one another in love;
take care to preserve unity in the Spirit
through the bond of peace.
Just as your calling has called you all
to one hope,
so there is one Body and one Spirit.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all,
above all,
through all, and in all.
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 23 (24), 1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord,
the world and all who dwell in it!
For he founded it upon the seas
and keeps it firm over the waters.
Who can climb the mountain of the Lord
who can stand in his holy place?
The person with clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to idols.
He will receive blessing from the Lord,
and righteousness from God his Savior.
This is the generation of those who seek him!
This is Jacob, who seeks your face!
GospelLc 12, 54-59
At that time,
Jesus said to the crowds:
“When you see a cloud rising in the west,
you immediately say it is going to rain,
and so it happens.
And when you see the south wind blowing,
you say it will be scorching hot,
and it happens.
Hypocrites!
You know how to interpret
the appearance of earth and sky;
but this present time—
why do you not know how to interpret it?
And why do you not judge for yourselves
what is right?
So, when you are going with your opponent before the magistrate,
while you are on the way,
do everything you can to settle with him,
so that he does not drag you before the judge,
the judge hand you over to the bailiff,
and the bailiff throws you in prison.
I tell you:
you will not get out
until you have paid the last penny.”
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org