Dominic Savio, a choirboys’ patron saint, emerged from humble origins in Riva, Italy. At twelve, he joined St. John Bosco’s Oratory in Turin as a student. His aspiration for priesthood and dedication to aiding Bosco with marginalized youth marked him out. Dominic was a natural mediator and leader, establishing the Company of the Immaculate Conception. This group was not only devotional but also supported Bosco’s work with the youth and in manual tasks. By 1859, all members except Dominic had joined the initial ranks of Bosco’s Salesian order. Dominic, however, had already passed on.

Dominic was known for his profound prayer life, often experiencing raptures he humorously termed “my distractions.” His spirituality was so intense that he feared his expressions of faith might be misunderstood as frivolity by his peers. He held a belief in performing all actions, no matter how minor, for God’s greater glory.

Fragile health plagued Dominic, leading to severe lung issues. Attempting to recuperate at home, he underwent bleeding, a common treatment then, which only exacerbated his condition. He died on March 9, 1857, after receiving the Last Rites, with St. John Bosco chronicling his life.

There were those who questioned Dominic’s sainthood due to his youth. Contrary to this, St. Pius X affirmed that his young age was not a barrier but a testament to his sanctity, leading to his canonization in 1954.

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Frances of Rome, born into Italian nobility in the 15th century, challenged expectations early on. At eleven, she expressed a wish to join a convent, a plan diverging sharply from her parents’ intentions of marrying her into wealth. Despite her aspirations, Frances found herself wed at thirteen to a wealthy landowner, Lorenzo dei Ponziani, marking the beginning of a forty-year marriage grounded in devotion.

Rome during this era was far from its later celebrated self, grappling with internal conflicts, natural disasters, and widespread disease. It was against this tumultuous backdrop that Frances, alongside her sister-in-law Vannozza, extended support to those battered by disease and conflict. Her life, too, was marred by adversity: the invasion and pillaging of her home by Ladislaus of Naples in 1409, and the subsequent exile of her husband. Such events, while not rare for the period, posed significant personal trials.

Upon Lorenzo’s return in 1414, a shadow of his former self, Frances’s care was unwavering. Her charitable deeds during these trying times won her renown, drawing others to her cause of self-sacrifice and service. This led to the founding of the Benedictine Oblates of Monte Oliveto on August 15, 1425, a community blending familial and communal obligations, which received papal approval in 1433. The community’s constitution was sanctioned in 1436, the same year Frances, now a widow, joined the order she founded.

Frances’s life came to a close on March 9, 1440, after fifty-six years of relentless dedication to her fellow citizens and acts of charity. Despite personal losses, including the death of two children and witnessing her husband’s downfall, her commitment to helping others never wavered. Canonized on May 29, 1608, her legacy endures, with her tomb at Santa Francesca Romana a testament to her life’s work, and her community continuing its educational mission.

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Saint John of God, born in 1495, underwent a profound spiritual transformation at the age of 40. After years of military service and a departure from his Christian faith, he experienced a profound awakening to the depth of his past misdeeds. This realization propelled him to dedicate the remainder of his life to serving God, initially leading him to Africa with the aim of liberating captive Christians and possibly achieving martyrdom.

However, he was soon counseled that his quest for martyrdom was not founded on genuine spiritual insight, prompting his return to Spain where he began a modest venture running a religious goods store. Yet, his soul remained restless. Influenced by a sermon from the Blessed John of Avila, John of God exhibited a dramatic public display of self-flagellation, pleading for mercy and expressing deep repentance for his life’s actions. This act led to his confinement in a mental institution, where he was visited by the Blessed John of Avila, who advised him to channel his energies into serving others rather than focusing on self-imposed suffering. Heeding this counsel brought John peace, and he soon left the hospital to dedicate himself to assisting the poor.

John established a haven for the impoverished sick, initially sustaining his mission through personal begging. His dedication and the visible impact of his work soon attracted support from the community, including notable figures like the archbishop and the marquis of Tarifa. John’s service was deeply intertwined with a rich inner life of prayer and humility, traits that endeared him to many and eventually led to the formation of the Brothers Hospitallers, a global religious order, by his followers 20 years after his death.

The order’s commitment to caring for the sick was so esteemed that it was charged with the medical care of the Popes, a lasting tribute to John’s legacy. Despite health challenges in his final decade of ministry, John discreetly managed his condition while ensuring the continuity of his work by organizing the hospital’s administration and designating a successor.

Saint John of God passed away on his 55th birthday, March 8, 1550. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VIII on October 16, 1690, and is venerated as the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, alcoholics, and booksellers, with his feast day celebrated on March 8.

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In the year 203, amidst the oppressive atmosphere of Septimus Severus’ persecution, Saint Perpetua made the life-altering choice to embrace Christianity, fully aware of the mortal danger this entailed. Inspired by her conviction, her brother also embarked on the path to become a catechumen, mirroring her courageous step.

The decision plunged her father into a state of despair, driven by his deep concern for her welfare. At 22, Perpetua, a figure of education and vibrant spirit, and a mother to a nursing infant, faced intense societal and familial pressure to renounce her newfound faith. The historical silence on her husband’s existence leads many to speculate she was a widow, adding another layer of vulnerability to her situation. Yet, her resolve was unshakeable. In a poignant exchange with her father, Perpetua likened her identity as a Christian to the undeniable reality of a water jug’s existence – fundamental and unchangeable.

This steadfast declaration incited her father to violence, a reaction that underscored the profound divide her faith had created within her family. However, the ensuing separation, a consequence of her arrest, brought her a brief respite from familial conflict, despite the grim circumstances of her imprisonment.

Perpetua’s baptism prior to her imprisonment marked the beginning of a journey characterized by divine encounters and prophetic gifts. Enclosed within a suffocatingly dark and overcrowded prison, she faced the terror of her predicament with a focus on spiritual endurance, encouraged by a divine message received at her baptism.

The prison’s harsh conditions were especially torturous for Perpetua, separated from her infant son, and for Felicity, a fellow catechumen who was pregnant. The intervention of two deacons, who improved their conditions, allowed Perpetua brief moments of solace with her child and highlighted the compassion within the Christian community.

Facing the inevitability of martyrdom, Perpetua remained resolute, even as her father and the judge pleaded for her to recant. Her imprisonment was marked by visions and spiritual insights, including prayers for her deceased brother Dinocrates, which provided her with a sense of purpose amidst her suffering.

Felicity, too, faced her own trials with a serene faith, fearing that her impending childbirth might delay her martyrdom and separate her from her companions. Miraculously, she gave birth just in time to join them in their final journey.

The prison officials, witnessing the Christians’ dignified resilience, were at times swayed by fear or respect, illustrating the complex dynamics between the early Christians and Roman authority.

On the eve of their execution, the martyrs transformed their public humiliation into a testament of faith, challenging both the spectators and their executioners with their unwavering spirit.

In the arena, the refusal to don pagan robes symbolized their ultimate rejection of Roman polytheism and an assertion of their freedom in Christ. Despite the brutal spectacle designed to break their spirits, Perpetua and her companions faced their deaths with a transcendent calm, turning a moment of intended degradation into a profound witness of faith.

Perpetua’s last words were to her brother: “Stand fast in the faith and love one another.”

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Saint Colette, born in 1381 to a carpenter named DeBoilet in Corby Abbey, Picardy, France, embarked on a remarkable journey of faith and reform after being orphaned at seventeen. Choosing to distribute her inheritance among the poor, she joined the Franciscan tertiaries and adopted a solitary life within Corby Abbey.

Her life took a transformative turn following visions of Saint Francis of Assisi, who commanded her to restore the Rule of Saint Clare to its pristine strictness. Initially hesitant, Colette was struck by a temporary blindness followed by muteness, each lasting three days. She interpreted these afflictions as divine signals to pursue her calling.

Faced with initial resistance when she tried to share her mission, Colette realized the need for authoritative support. Thus, she undertook a humble pilgrimage to Nice, France, to seek the endorsement of Peter de Luna, recognized by the French as Pope Benedict XIII despite the ongoing schism. Impressed by her conviction, he ordained her as a Poor Clare and granted her the authority to oversee the reformation and establishment of convents for the Minoresses, as well as to act as a missioner to Franciscan friars and tertiaries.

Colette’s journey was fraught with challenges, including opposition, defamation, and even accusations of sorcery. Despite these hurdles, she found success and support, notably in Savoy, which became a stronghold for her reformist efforts. Her reforms eventually spread to Burgundy in France, Flanders in Belgium, and even Spain.

In collaboration with Saint Vincent Ferrer, Colette played a pivotal role in resolving the papal schism. Her foundational efforts led to the creation of seventeen convents, and the establishment of the Colettine Poor Clares, a branch of the Poor Clares that adheres to her strict reforms, which include extreme poverty, barefootedness, and the observance of perpetual fasting and abstinence.

Renowned for her profound devotion to Christ’s Passion and her compassionate care for animals, Colette’s spiritual practices included fasting every Friday in meditation on the Passion and experiencing hours-long ecstasies after receiving Holy Communion. She even predicted her own death, underscoring her deep spiritual insight.

The Colettine Sisters, a testament to Colette’s enduring legacy, continue her work beyond France in countries such as Belgium, Germany, Spain, England, and the United States. Saint Colette was beatified on January 23, 1740, and canonized on May 24, 1807.

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Saint John Joseph of the Cross, born on the feast of the Assumption in 1654 on the island of Ischia in the kingdom of Naples, exemplified virtue from an early age. At sixteen, he joined the Franciscan Order of the Strict Observance, also known as the Reform of Saint Peter of Alcantara, in Naples. His piety and dedication were so profound that, merely three years after taking his vows, he was tasked with establishing a new monastery in Piedmont. There, he not only contributed to its physical construction but also instilled a spirit of deep silence and fervor among its inhabitants.

Saint John Joseph experienced an extraordinary moment of ecstasy in the chapel, where he was seen levitating. His journey to priesthood was marked by obedience to his superiors, and he possessed an almost divinely inspired grasp of moral theology, which he nurtured in silence and prayer. The saint was at his mother’s side during her final moments, and after celebrating a Mass for her soul, he witnessed her ascension to heaven.

With the approval of his superiors, he went on to found another convent and formulated a set of rules for the community, which were later ratified by the Holy See. As a master of novices, he was vigilant and kind, maintaining a steady demeanor. His role later expanded when he was appointed Provincial of the Naples Province by Clement XI in the early 18th century. Despite facing numerous challenges, including defamation, Saint John Joseph worked tirelessly to spread the Franciscan Order of the Strict Observance in Italy, emphasizing the dual focus on contemplation and penance inherited from Saint Peter of Alcantara. His efforts were characterized by humility, discipline, and a range of supernatural gifts, including prophecy and the ability to perform miracles.

Saint John Joseph of the Cross passed away in Naples on March 5, 1734, after a lifetime devoted to the service of God. His death was followed by numerous miracles, further attesting to his sanctity. In recognition of his holy life and miraculous deeds, he was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839.

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Reading 1 Jeremiah 18:18-20

The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said,
“Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah.
It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests,
nor of counsel from the wise, nor of messages from the prophets.
And so, let us destroy him by his own tongue;
let us carefully note his every word.”

Heed me, O LORD,
and listen to what my adversaries say.
Must good be repaid with evil
that they should dig a pit to take my life?
Remember that I stood before you
to speak in their behalf,
to turn away your wrath from them.
 

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 31:5-6, 14, 15-16

R. (17b) Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.
You will free me from the snare they set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.
I hear the whispers of the crowd, that frighten me from every side,
as they consult together against me, plotting to take my life.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.
But my trust is in you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me
from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.
 

Verse Before the Gospel John 8:12

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
 

Gospel Matthew 20:17-28

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem,
he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves,
and said to them on the way,
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem,
and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests
and the scribes,
and they will condemn him to death,
and hand him over to the Gentiles
to be mocked and scourged and crucified,
and he will be raised on the third day.”

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
He said to her, “What do you wish?”
She answered him,
“Command that these two sons of mine sit,
one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.”
Jesus said in reply,
“You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”
They said to him, “We can.”
He replied,
“My chalice you will indeed drink,
but to sit at my right and at my left,
this is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard this,
they became indignant at the two brothers.
But Jesus summoned them and said,
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and the great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.
Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
 

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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As Jesus draws closer to Jerusalem—and everything He knows that will take place while He is there—He tries to prepare his Apostles for what is coming. Despite His efforts, it seems that they still aren’t getting it. Jesus uses plain language to tell them that they will “hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified” (Matthew 20:19). Yet even with this clear explanation, His Apostles just don’t get it.

The mother of James and John comes to Jesus to advocate for their place of prestige in Jesus’ Kingdom. We know that this request ultimately comes from James and John themselves because Jesus’ response is directed to them. The brothers still think that the kingdom that Jesus has come to establish will be a worldly one. They expect Jesus to have earthly authority, and they want to secure their place next to the future king.

Indeed, Jesus has come to establish a kingdom, but it is not what they are expecting. This Kingdom will be won not with the sword but by the King willingly giving his life. In this Kingdom, the first shall be last. Those who wield earthly power will be powerless. Those who seem weak and insignificant will have authority. In this new Kingdom, Jesus explains, “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.”

It is easy to judge the Apostles as we read this Gospel 2,000 years later. Jesus spoke so clearly to His followers, yet they just didn’t get it. We should hesitate before condemning their thoughts, because we can get caught in similar thinking. When things are going well in our lives, it’s easy to praise God. We may start to believe that God is blessing us because we deserve it. We think that so long as we continue to attend Mass, say our prayers, and live a holy life, the Lord will continue to bless us with earthly success and happiness.

When things don’t go according to our plans, when we realize that when we and our loved ones are suffering, we start to think that God has forgotten us. We might even think we have done something to deserve being forsaken by God. We, like the Apostles in today’s Gospel, can’t believe that God’s plan actually involves painful and awful realities. Just as Jesus dying on the cross was God’s will for His life, our suffering and struggles aren’t God rejecting us, but rather the path that the Lord uses to draw us to Himself.

When we embrace each cross we welcome the Kingdom of God. By choosing to take the lowest place and serve we are exalted. When we feel like we have nothing left, God gives us riches beyond our imagination. This Kingdom is worth more than any earthly thing, we simply have to accept that this won’t always look the way we expect.

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A medida que Jesús se acerca a Jerusalén —y a todo lo que sabe que ocurrirá allí— intenta preparar a sus Apóstoles para lo que se avecina. A pesar de sus esfuerzos, parece que aún no lo comprenden. Jesús les dice con claridad que “va a ser entregado a los sumos sacerdotes y a los escribas, que lo condenarán a muerte y lo entregarán a los paganos para que se burlen de él, lo azoten y lo crucifiquen” (Mateo 20,19). Sin embargo, incluso con esta explicación tan clara, sus apóstoles no lo entienden.

La madre de Santiago y Juan se acerca a Jesús para interceder por ellos y pedirles que les otorguen un lugar de prestigio en su Reino. Sabemos que esta petición proviene, en última instancia, de los propios Santiago y Juan, porque la respuesta de Jesús va dirigida a ellos. Los hermanos aún creen que el reino que Jesús ha venido a establecer será terrenal. Esperan que Jesús tenga autoridad terrenal y quieren asegurarse un lugar junto al futuro rey.

En efecto, Jesús ha venido a establecer un reino, pero no es el que ellos esperan. Este Reino no se conquistará con la espada, sino con la entrega voluntaria de la vida del Rey. En este Reino, los primeros serán los últimos. Quienes ejercen el poder terrenal serán impotentes. Quienes parecen débiles e insignificantes tendrán autoridad. En este nuevo Reino, Jesús explica: “El que quiera ser grande entre ustedes, que sea el que los sirva, y el que quiera ser primero, que sea su esclavo”.

Es fácil juzgar a los Apóstoles al leer este Evangelio 2000 años después. Jesús habló con tanta claridad a sus seguidores, pero no lo comprendieron. Deberíamos reflexionar antes de condenar sus ideas, porque podemos caer en razonamientos similares. Cuando las cosas nos van bien, es fácil alabar a Dios. Podemos llegar a creer que Dios nos bendice porque lo merecemos. Pensamos que, mientras sigamos asistiendo a misa, rezando y llevando una vida santa, el Señor continuará bendiciéndonos con éxito y felicidad terrenales.

Cuando las cosas no salen como las planeamos, cuando nos damos cuenta de que nosotros y nuestros seres queridos sufrimos, empezamos a pensar que Dios nos ha olvidado. Incluso podríamos llegar a creer que hemos hecho algo para merecer su abandono. Al igual que los Apóstoles del Evangelio de hoy, nos cuesta creer que el plan de Dios implique realidades dolorosas y terribles. Así como la muerte de Jesús en la cruz fue la voluntad de Dios para su vida, nuestro sufrimiento y nuestras luchas no son un rechazo de Dios, sino el camino que el Señor usa para acercarnos a sí mismo.

Cuando aceptamos cada cruz, damos la bienvenida al Reino de Dios. Al elegir ocupar el lugar más humilde y servir, somos exaltados. Cuando sentimos que ya no nos queda nada, Dios nos da riquezas inimaginables. Este Reino vale más que cualquier cosa terrenal; simplemente debemos aceptar que no siempre se verá como esperamos.

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Maria Riley is a passionate Catholic author and speaker who loves volunteering or playing board games when she’s not writing or mom-ing around with her four daughters. Her award-winning Catholic children’s chapter book series, Adventures with the Saints, is endorsed by her bishop. Visit her at MariaRileyAuthor.com or on social media @mariarileyauthor. She and her family live in Kansas.

Feature Image Credit: Unknown Artist, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/sermon-on-the-mount-19217/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Saint Casimir, born into Polish royalty on October 3, 1458, in Cracow, was a figure of significant historical and spiritual prominence. His lineage was distinguished, with his grandfather, Wladislaus II Jagiello, introducing Christianity into Lithuania, and his parents, King Casimir IV of Poland and Queen Elizabeth of Austria, being notable figures in European royalty. Saint Casimir’s life was deeply intertwined with the political and religious fabric of the time, as his family connections spanned across the European continent, influencing regions far beyond Poland and Lithuania.

His upbringing, under the guidance of Father Dlugosz, a respected Polish historian and canon, and Filippo Buonaccorsi, known as Callimachus, was marked by a deep commitment to piety and learning. This early education played a crucial role in shaping Casimir’s character, imbuing him with a strong sense of duty, justice, and devotion, particularly towards the Virgin Mary. His refusal of the Hungarian crown and the decision to remain single highlighted his dedication to his spiritual beliefs and responsibilities over temporal power and personal desires.

Saint Casimir’s tenure as the administrator of Poland during his father’s absence demonstrated his capability and wisdom in governance, earning him the respect and admiration of his contemporaries. His untimely death at the age of 25 due to lung disease did not diminish his impact; rather, it solidified his legacy as a saintly figure. The miracles attributed to him posthumously further cemented his status as a patron saint, leading to his canonization by Pope Adrian VI in 1522, a process initiated by the efforts of Sigismund I, King of Poland.

His veneration as the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania attests to his enduring influence and the deep respect he commands across nations. Churches and chapels dedicated to him, as well as his celebration on March 4th, reflect the widespread devotion to Saint Casimir, whose life of piety, service, and devotion continues to inspire.

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Reading 1 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Hear the word of the LORD,
princes of Sodom!
Listen to the instruction of our God,
people of Gomorrah!

Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil; learn to do good.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.

Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
But if you refuse and resist,
the sword shall consume you:
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!
 

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23

R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.
I take from your house no bullock,
no goats out of your fold.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
 

Verse Before the Gospel  Ezekiel 18:31

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD,
and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
 

Gospel Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
 

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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