THE FEAST OF SAINTS EUSEBIUS VERCELLI AND PETER JULIAN EYMARD.
FEAST OF ST PETER JULIAN EYMARD & EUSEBIUS VERCELLI.
THE GOSPEL:
"Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants,
“This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet.
But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.
His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.
Saturday 2nd August 2025 in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop and St Peter Julian Eymard, Priest.
St Peter Julian Eymard (1811 - 1868) was French. After his ordination, Peter joined the Marist Congregation in 1840. He then had an intense experience of the merciful love of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament. This experience changed the course of his life and gave him a new mission.
He fostered Eucharistic Adoration throughout the rest of his life and founded the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament who are priest-adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
August 2nd is also the feast of St Eusebius of Vercelli in Sardinia in Italy.(+ 371). Bishop. St Eusebius and St Athanasius fought the Arian heresy tooth and nail. The Arians denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Arians tortured and exiled St Eusebius.
We read in today's Gospel about the Beheading of John the Baptist.
Who is St John the Baptist?
Let us sketch a profile of St John the Baptist:
+ He is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Born into a priestly family, he had an educated upbringing and was privileged.
+ His name is John: "God is gracious."
+ He was sanctified in his mother's womb. He kicked his mother hard in the womb with excitement when Mary visited Elizabeth.
+ John was chosen by the Father to be forerunner of Jesus Christ and to prepare His way.
+ John baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.
+ His humility is supreme. He said: "He [Jesus] must increase. I must decrease." And he allowed his disciples to switch allegiance and follow Jesus.
+ John gave his life for Jesus. He was a great martyr for Jesus.
+ St. John the Baptist understood very well God’s purpose for life, that is, to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.
+ Without compromise, John fulfilled this mission which was foretold long before his birth by the Prophet Isaiah.
+ Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest of the prophets.
+ What are his virtues? Courage, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy must be mentioned among many.
+ John died like Christ for the kingdom of God. In dying for Christ, we are most like Christ. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly.
If someone asks you:
How do you know that Heaven is real? Your answer could be among others: Look at the martyrs. Intelligent and beautiful men and women! Could they have thrown away the only life they had for nothing?
Think of all the Apostles and Saints: Cecilia, Agatha, Thomas More, Lawrence, Edmond Campion, Paul Miki, Miguel Pro, Maximilian Kolbe, Charles Lwanga and companions and others.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10: 28)
August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
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