H/T divineoffice.org
May 25
Saint Bede the Venerable, Priest and Doctor of the Church; Saint Gregory VII, Pope; Saint Mary Magdalene de’Pazzi, Virgin
Optional Memorials
Saint Bede the Venerable
Saint Bede (672/673 – 735) was an English monk and scholar. He is remembered as a brilliant historian, linguist, teacher, and prolific writer. He wrote The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, descriptions of holy places, a martyrology, and numerous commentaries on Sacred Scripture. An epitaph for him described him as “a candle of the Church lit by the Holy Spirit.” Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1899. [1]
Saint Gregory VII, Pope
Pope Saint Gregory VII was Supreme Pontiff from 1073 until his death in 1085. He was a staunch reformer of the church, insisting on moral behavior among his clergy, freedom of the church, and papal authority. He opposed the appointing of ecclesiastical offices by secular rulers and established the College of Cardinals as the papal electorate. [2]
Saint Mary Magdelane de’Pazzi
Saint Mary Magdelane de’ Pazzi (1566–1607) was a noblewoman of Florence who became a Carmelite nun. As a contemplative, she is remembered for her fervent love of the Eucharist, her raptures regarding Divine Love, and her sharing in the sufferings of Christ. She was canonized by Pope Clement IX in 1669. [3]
Written by Sarah Ciotti
Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD
[1] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St Bede.”
[2] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “Pope St. Gregory VII”
[3] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Mary Magdelane de’ Pazzi.”
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate these Saints as you worship Christ.
Be Holy! 