FIRST FRIDAY
- St. Engelbert (1225). Bishop, Martyr. (Historical)
- St. Willibrord (739). Bishop, Patron or Patroness. Patron of Holland. (Historical)
- Sts. Carina, Melasippius, & Antony (360). Martyr. (Historical)
WILLIBRORD was born in Northumberland A.D. 657, and when twenty years old, went to Ireland, to study under St. Egbert; twelve years later, he felt drawn to convert the great pagan tribes who were hanging as a cloud over the north of Europe. He went to Rome for the blessing of the Pope, and with eleven companions reached Utrecht. The pagans would not accept the religion of their enemies the Franks; and St. Willibrord could only labor in the track of Pepin Heristal, converting the tribes whom Pepin subjugated. At Pepin’s urgent request, he again went to Rome, and was consecrated Archbishop of Utrecht. He was stately and comely in person, frank and joyous, wise in counsel, pleasant in speech, in every work of God strenuous and unwearied. Multitudes were converted, and the Saint built churches and appointed priests all over the land. He wrought many miracles, and had the gift of prophecy. He labored unceasingly as bishop for more than fifty years, beloved alike of God and of man, and died full of days and good works.
REFLECTION: True zeal has its root in the love of God. It can never be idle; it must labor, toil, be doing great things. It glows as fire; it is, like fire, insatiable. See if this spirit be in you.
WORD OF THE DAY
PSALM TONES. Melodies used for chanting psalms in the Catholic liturgy, especially the Divine Office. First an intonation, then a single note persisting for several syllables on the pitch of the church mode being used, then an ending tone at the half verse and the final cadence. The antiphon in whole or in part opens each psalm, the full antiphon closes it followed by the Gloria Patri. The opening tone of the antiphon determines the choice of the alternative endings. There are traditionally eight psalm tones.
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!)
