THURSDAY
Catholic saints are holy people and human people who lived extraordinary lives. Each saint the Church honors responded to God's invitation to use his or her unique gifts. God calls each one of us to be a saint.
Memorial of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites
Second Reading from the Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours for February 17, Optional Memorial of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites
Seven men, born at Florence, began a life on Monte Senario with a particular veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Later they preached throughout Tuscany and founded the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, approved by the Holy See in 1304. Alexis Falconieri, one of the seven, died on this day in 1310.
Responsory: Acts 4:32; 2:46b-47a
The community of believers was of one heart, one mind.
--No one claimed as his own anything he possessed;
all things were held in common.
They took their food joyfully, in simplicity of heart;
they praised God, and were respected by all.
--No one claimed as his own anything he possessed;
all things were held in common.
Prayer
Lord,
fill us with the love
which inspired the seven holy brothers
to honor the mother of God with special devotion
and to lead your people to you.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Let us praise the Lord.
--And give him thanks.
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