Obligatory and Optional Memorials (June 26)

In the liturgy of the hours, the majority of Saints celebrated on a specific day are either celebrated as an obligatory or an optional memorial. For the special days of the Lord and the Blessed Mother, some are celebrated as Feasts or Solemnities. Feasts and Solemnities are more infrequent, but they are more important than the obligatory and optional memorials. Obligatory and optional memorials are more frequent.

June 26 is an optional memorial for St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer.

St. Josemaria is the founder of Opus Dei. To know more about St. Josemaria and the writings he published, visit this blog post.

Other saints honored on June 26 can be found in another blog post. Visit the page.

Memorial of Saints (June 25)

on June 25: William of Vercelli, abbot; Febronia, virgin and martyr; Gallicanus; Prosper of Aquitaine; Prosper of Reggio, bishop; Maximus of Turin, bishop; Moloc or Luan, bishop; Adalbert of Egmond; Eurosia, virgin and martyr; Gohard, bishop, and Companions, martyrs

William of Vercelli (1085-1142 A.D.) became a hermit on Monte Virgiliano and attracted so many disciples that he organized them into a community that by 1119 A.D. became known as the Hermits of Monte Vergine. There were conflicts within that community and so he organized other communities. He founded more monasteries at Conza, Guglietto, and Salerno opposite the palace where he became adviser to King Roger I of Naples.

Febronia (d. ca. 304 A.D.) refused a marriage and remained constant in her Christian faith. She was scourged, roasted, had her teeth pulled out and her breasts and limbs cut off, and then was axed to death.

Gallicanus (d. ca. 352 A.D.) became famous for his charity and good works, and was forced into exile by Emperor Julian the Apostate when he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods.

Prosper of Aquitaine (ca. 390-465 A.D.) was probably a layman who may have been married. He wrote poetry and treatises, notably his Chronicle, a universal history from creation to the Vandal capture of Rome in 455 A.D.

Prosper of Reggio (d. ca. 466 A.D.) was bishop of Reggio, Emilia, Italy, who was known for his charities and ruled his see for twenty-two years until his death.

Maximus of Turin (ca. 380-467 A.D.) was born probably at Vercelli, Rhaetia, Italy. He attended the synod of Milan in 451 A.D. and the Council of Rome in 465 A.D. He is mainly remembered for his writings - sermons, homilies and ascetical writings.

Moloc or Luan (d. ca. 572 A.D.) may have been born in Scotland of a noble family, educated at Birr, Ireland, and was trained by St. Brendan the Elder. He returned to Scotland to work as a missionary bishop near Lismore.

Adalbert of Egmond (d. ca. 705 A.D.) accompanied St. Egbert to Ireland and became a deacon at Rathmelsigi Monastery. Miracles were reported at his tomb, which became a center of pilgrimage.

Eurosia (8th century A.D.) may have been a native of Bayonne, France, who was murdered by the Saracens at Jaca in the Pyrenees of Aragon near the French border when she refused to marry a Moorish leader.

Gohard and Companions (d. 843 A.D.) was murdered with a large number of priests, monks, and laypeople while saying Mass in Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Nantes by marauding Normans, who then pillaged and destroyed the entire city.

Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist (B)

(Edited) Reflections (from) Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist (B), June 24, 2012

Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 139
Acts 13:22-26
Luke 1:57-66, 80

"His name is John"

As with the events surrounding the birth and naming of Jesus, it was also the angel Gabriel who appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth and naming of John the Baptist. The Scriptures present the truth that, unlike some present-day trends, names are sacred; and not only names of persons but also of places - like where Moses encountered Yahweh, and where Jacob had a dream of angels ascending and descending from heaven. The name John given by the angel Gabriel denotes a special mission for the child to be born of Zechariah and Elizabeth (for no one in their family's tradition has that name).

As with the birth of Jesus, the birth of John the Baptist was also a miracle. Jesus was born of a virgin, while John was born from Elizabeth, who was already way advanced in years, and known by her community as barren. The parallelism of the birth narratives of Jesus and John makes all see the importance of their mission - that both would call the people back to God and His commands. In their mission, John would baptize by water, while Jesus will baptize in the Holy Spirit. And since John the Baptist's mission introduces the mission of Jesus, he is honored well in Catholic tradition: his name appears in the Litany of Saints right after the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the angels.

We can reflect on the events surrounding the birth of St. John the Baptist. What does it mean when God overrides a family tradition of naming? What was the reason for the Lord to strike Zechariah with speechlessness until his son was born? And how can a woman so advanced in years still find strength to bear a child? We can derive many truths from these questions for reflection. One truth that can be derived is the majesty and greatness of God. And since John's birth has a mission entrusted by God, his name is sacred (John means "graced by God"). It relates to the mystery of God as the Author of all life and all that is good.