9 April 2026 - St Thomas of Tolentino - homily for Thursday of the octave of Easter - Act 3:1-10

Born in Ancona, Italy in 1260, Thomas became a member of the Friar Minors as a youth. He distinguished himself in his strict observance of the Franciscan rule, being strict in his observance of the Franciscan spirit of poverty. He had a great zeal in brining others to the faith, which sent him to Persia and Armenia to work for years as a missionary. In 1320, he was sent out to the missions in China, but got as far as Thana, near Mumbai, India. He and two of his Franciscan companions were martyred there, being accused of disrespecting the prophet Mohamed. He and his companions were beatified in the 14th century. 

In our reading from the Acts of the Apostles today, we hear about Peter and John heading off to the Temple area to pray when a lame man stops them and asks for assistance. Instead of giving him money, they heal him through the Holy Spirit. The lame man is overcome with joy. As he shouts out to God in praises, the commotion draws the attention of a crowd, giving Peter the opportunity to preach about Jesus. Peter and his companions tell the crowd about what happened to their Lord. They want the people to repent and to change their lives. However, it is not the miracle itself that draws our attention, but rather the power and truth behind the miracle, as it teaches us about God’s kingdom and about our faith. May we learn from the growth and development of the early Church this week in our first readings at daily Mass from the example of faith given us the Acts of the Apostles.

9 April 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the octave of Easter

Lord Jesus - you call us to a life of discipleship.

Christ Jesus - you bring us the love of your Father.

Lord Jesus - you are the resurrection.

Priest: Our joy is in Christ’s rising from the dead. In our Easter joy, we now present our prayers to our heavenly Father

1. For Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Kopacz, and all our church leader. May they continue to inspire the members of the body of Christ to deepen their reverence and prayer life on their journey of faith.

2. That pastors may lead and serve their flock entrusted to their care with humility and wisdom.

3. That all governmental leaders may reach out to their people in hope and unity.

4. For all those who are sick and in need of healing in their lives. 

5. For our medical professionals, first responders, veterans, and the men and women in the military. For those on the front lines and who keep us safe. For peace in the Middle East and throughout the world. 

6. For God's prophets in the modern world.  May their message enter our hearts and our minds. 

6. For the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life. For the souls in purgatory. 

7. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. For those who have asked for our prayers. 

Priest: Father, you know the many needs of your people. Hear and answer the prayers that we make through your son Jesus Christ, our risen Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

8 April 2026 - St Julie Billiart - Wednesday of the 2nd week of Easter - Luke 24:13-35

St Julie Billiart has a very interesting story. She was born in France to a prominent farming family in 1751. As a youth, she started getting involved in teaching the catechism to farm laborers and to other youth. She was stricken with a mysterious illness at the age of 30, which left her paralyzed and mostly bedridden. However, she still gave spiritual advice and taught the catechism, having a big heart for evangelization. When the French Revolution started in 1789, she spent several years in hiding, since the revolutionary forces were aware of her allegiance to fugitive priests. She always stayed true to her Catholic faith. Later, her friendship with an aristocratic woman led to the founding of the Institute of Notre Dame in 1803, dedicated to the education of poor Catholic girls and to the training of catechists. She died at the motherhouse of the institute in Belgium in 1816 and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1969. 

We hear the familiar Gospel story of the road to Emmaus today. While our theological knowledge of the faith is important, there is no substitute for a personal encounter and relationship with Christ. The disciples on the Road to Emmaus knew that Jesus died on the cross, so they did not recognize him as he appeared to them on their journey. Yet, through their interaction with Jesus, through the kindness they offered him, and through them breaking open God’s word together and breaking bread, they finally recognize Jesus and they believe. This encounter inspires these disciples to share their experiences and to bring the Gospel message to others. Like these disciples, we are also called to offer acts of kindness to the stranger.  We are called to break open God’s word, to have his word interact with the reality of life. In the Eucharist, in the breaking of the bread around the Lord’s table, we are to receive nourishment and encouragement. Like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, we also are pilgrims on a journey.