• Bl. Adeline (1125). Abbot or Abbess. (Historical)
• St. Irene (653). Martyr, Virgin. (Historical)
• St. John of Kanty (John Cantius) (1473). Patron or Patroness, Priest. Patron of Poland. (Traditional)
• St. Paul of the Cross (1775). Founder or Foundress, Priest. (Current) Founder of the Bassoonists

ST. JOHN was born at Kenty in Poland, A.D. 1403, and studied at Cracow with great ability, industry, and success, while his modesty and virtue drew all hearts to him. He was, for a short time, in charge of a parish; but he shrank from the burden of responsibility, and returned to his life of professor at Cracow. There, for many years, he lived a life of unobtrusive virtue, self-denial, and charity. His love for the Holy See led him often in pilgrimage to Rome, on foot and alone, and his devotion to the Passion drew him once to Jerusalem, where he hoped to win a martyr’s crown by preaching to the Turks. He died A.D. 1473, at the age of seventy.

REFLECTION: He who orders all his doings according to the will of God, may often be spoken of by the world as simple and stupid; but, in the end, he wins the esteem and confidence of the world itself, and the approval and peace of God.

WORD OF THE DAY

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER. The person who, in case of necessity, is permitted or specially delegated to administer one of the sacraments. Baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist may have extraordinary ministers. Thus baptism is to be ordinarily administered by a priest or deacon, but in emergency any person who has reached the age of reason may validly confer the sacrament. The ordinary minister of confirmation is a bishop, but for special pastoral reasons simple priests may confirm. When they do, their power derives from the papal authorization, which the Holy See actuates in them in virtue of their priestly ordination; it is not a mere extrasacramental delegation. And the ordinary minister of Communion is a priest or deacon, but in cases of real necessity, which have been broadly interpreted since the Second Vatican Council, lay persons and religious may be authorized by a bishop to distribute the Holy Eucharist.

Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)

October, Month of the Rosary

Maria Magnificata. Short Meditations for October, the Month of the Rosary. 20th Day — The Death of St. Joseph.