Again this week we have an opportunity to celebrate several beautiful feasts as we begin the month of August, dedicated to the Immaculate Hear of Mary.
We open the week on Monday, July 31st, with the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.
Tuesday is the feast of the titular of the Cathedral of Cincinnati, St. Peter in Chains. August 1st is also called “Lammas Day” and marks the end of Petertide, which began June 29th with the Feast of Ss. Peter & Paul. At the altar of St. Peter Ad Vincula, where St. Peter’s chains are kept, it was formerly the custom on this day to offer the first bread from the wheat harvest of the year. This gave to the feast its popular name of “Loaf Mass” or Lammas.
Tuesday, St. Anthony is honored, of course, at 5:30 PM before Mass.
Wednesday we honor St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists.
Thursday is First Thursday and the feast of St. Stephen, Protomartyr, the saint of forgiveness.
Friday is First Friday and the feast of St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers.
First Saturday fittingly falls on the feast of Our Lady of the Snows.
Finally our week of feasts ends on Sunday, Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 7:00 AM. All the morning Masses will be before the Blessed Sacrament exposed, and exposition will continue all morning. Our day on the Mount ends with Vespers and Benediction beginning at 1:10 PM.
Find time this week to attend an extra Mass. Surely one of these lovely feasts will draw you to spend some time with Our Eucharistic Lord and His Immaculate Mother.
August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption, with Procession, Blessing of First Fruits and Flowers, Children’s Assumption Day Breakfast.
Ladies, please remember, in spite of the weather, there can be no compromise of Catholic modesty. Dresses that are sleeveless, tight, sheer or do not reach below the knee are unbecoming anywhere, but especially at Divine worship. As you know, the church is quite cool so that you can dress properly.
Modesty and decorum are for men and boys as well. Do not wear jeans to church. Wear a shirt, trousers, jacket and tie! Men, give the example of respect!
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Dr. Rama P. Coomaraswamy, a well-known traditional Catholic writer, as well as a prominent surgeon and psychiatrist. His devotion to the traditional Catholic faith, as well as his charity towards many individuals, will not soon be forgotten, and will recommend him to our charitable prayers. RIP.