- December 3, 2023
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2024 Spring On-Air Appeal – May 6-10 – Call 1-877-711-8500!
Today is Good Friday, the day on which Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried.
From The Liturgical Year, by Dom Prosper Gueranger:
O Jesus! Son of the Eternal Father! we adore Thee now lying dead on the wood of Thy Sacrifice. Thy bitter Death has given us Life. Like those Jews who saw thee expire, and returned to Jerusalem striking their breasts, — we, also, confess that it is our sins have caused Thy death. Thou hast loved us, as none but a God could love. Henceforth, we must be Thine, and serve Thee, as creatures redeemed at the infinite price of Thy Blood. Thou art our God; we are Thy people. Accept, we beseech Thee, our most loving thanks for this final proof of Thy goodness towards us. Thy holy Church now silently invites us to celebrate Thy praise. We leave Calvary for a time; but will soon return thither, to assist at Thy holy Burial. Mary, Thy Mother, remains immoveable at the foot of Thy cross. Magdalene clings to Thy feet. John and the holy women stand around thee. Once more, dearest Jesus! We adore Thy sacred Body, Thy precious Blood, and Thy holy Cross, that have brought us Salvation.
IN Persia, the holy martyrs Jonas and Barachisius, under Sapor, king of Persia. Jonas, being pressed in a vice till his bones were broken, was cut in twain; Barachisius was suffocated by burning pitch poured into his throat.
At Heliopolis, near Mount Lebanon, under Julian the Apostate, St. Cyril, deacon and martyr, whose body was opened and his liver plucked out by the Gentiles, who devoured it like wild beasts.
At Nicomedia, the martyrdom of the holy martyrs Pastor, Victorinus and their companions.
In Africa, under the Arian king Genseric, during the persecution of the Vandals, the holy confessors Armogastes, count, Mascula, Archimimus, and Saturus, master of the king’s household. Having endured many severe torments, as well as reproaches, for the confession of the truth, they reached the end of their glorious combats.
At Asti, St. Secundus, martyr.
In the monastery of Luxeuil, the decease of the abbot St. Eustasius, a disciple of St. Columban, who had under his guidance nearly six hundred monks. Eminent in sanctity, he was also renowned for miracles.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.
