Friends in Christ,
Welcome to our weekly Sunday update. This Sunday is the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost. The Gospel reading for this Sunday features one of Our Lord’s seemingly enigmatic parables, followed by this somewhat mystifying advice conveyed to his disciples: “And I say to you: Make unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity; that when you shall fail, they may receive you into everlasting dwellings” (Luke 16:9). Dom Guéranger sees in the unjust steward the sinner confronted by God at the end of his misspent time on earth, afforded a last opportunity to make up the deficit in his spiritual accounts: This very Judge, whom he so rightly fears, now most mercifully points out to him how he may escape the punishment due to his past maladministration. Let him imitate the prudence of the unjust steward, and he will have praise for it from his Lord: not only, like him, because of his prudence, but because, by his thus spending over God’s servants the riches that were entrusted to his care, far from thereby robbing his divine Master, he acts in strict accordance with his wishes (Dom Prosper Guéranger, OSB, “Eighth Sunday after Pentecost,” The Liturgical Year).
Feast of the Transfiguration Wednesday August 6
On Wednesday, August 6th, the Church will celebrate the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel reading for that day comes from the 17th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel in which we are told that “after six days” Jesus took Peter and James and John “up into a high mountain apart: And he was transfigured before them” (Matthew 17:1-2). What happened six days earlier? We are told in the previous chapter that Jesus revealed himself to his disciples to be the Christ and said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). His destination is Jerusalem. On the mountain the three apostles saw Him revealed in all His glory conversing with Moses and Elias. We have to go to Luke’s Gospel to find out, “[T]hey spoke of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31). The Son of God came into the world to accomplish His own death. He did it for each of us and for all men, even those who mock Him and belittle His sacrifice.
Calendar of Special Observances
Celebrations are those listed in the Roman Missal of 1962.
DAY, DATE – FEAST (CLASS)
Sunday, August 3 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (II)
Monday, August 4 – St. Dominic, Confessor (III)
Tuesday, August 5 – Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Our Lady of the Snows) (III)
Wednesday, August 6 – The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ (II)
Thursday, August 7 – St. Cajetan, Confessor (III) – Jesus Christ the High Priest (III) – Commemoration of St. Donatius, Bishop & Martyr
Friday, August 8 – St. John Mary Vianney, Confessor (III) – Commemoration of Ss. Cyriac, Largus and Smaragdus, Martyrs
Saturday, August 9 – St. Romanus, Martyr (IV) – Our Lady on Saturday (IV)
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
The
links provided below can be used to download printable copies of the
Proper Prayers for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost with English or
Spanish translation, followed by commentary by Dr. Michael P. Foley.
Latin Mass Schedule: Sundays
Charlotte Area Latin Masses
11:30 a.m., Saint Thomas Aquinas (potluck afterwards)
12:30 p.m., Saint Ann (Latin Mass Holy Hour at 3pm - see Announcements)
Other Diocese of Charlotte Latin Masses
8:30 a.m., Saint John the Baptist (Tryon)
1:00 p.m., Church of the Epiphany (Blowing Rock)
1:30 p.m., Our Lady of Grace (Greensboro)
Diocese of Charleston Latin Masses
12:00 p.m., Prince of Peace (Taylors SC)
1:00 p.m., Our Lady of the Lake (Chapin SC)
Note: Travelers are urged to consult parish websites or offices for up-to-date information regarding possible changes in the regular schedule of Sunday Mass times.
Latin Mass Schedule: Weekdays (August 4 - August 9)
Charlotte Area Latin Masses
Saint Ann – Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. (Feast of the Transfiguration)
Saint Thomas Aquinas – Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Saint Ann – Friday, 7:00 a.m.
Other Diocese of Charlotte Latin Masses
Our Lady of the Mountains (Highlands) – Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
Saint John the Baptist (Tryon) – Friday, 8:30 a.m.
Church of the Epiphany (Blowing Rock) – Friday, 9:30 a.m.
Diocese of Charleston Latin Masses
Prince of Peace (Taylors SC) – No daily Mass this summer
Note: The summer Mass schedule for Prince of Peace parish is in effect and no daily Latin Masses are scheduled at Prince of Peace Monday-Saturday this summer. The normal schedule resumes August 11.
Travelers are advised to contact parish offices to confirm weekday and Saturday Mass times, since local schedules are sometimes subject to change without notice, especially on or around holidays, holy days of obligation and other special feast days.
Feast of the Assumption: Friday August 15
The following are announced Latin Masses for the Feast of the Assumption (a Holy Day of Obligation). If more Masses are scheduled, we will include them in future updates.
Saint Ann, 7:00 a.m.
Church of the Epiphany (Blowing Rock), 6:00 p.m
Our Lady of Grace (Greensboro), 6:30 p.m.
Prince of Peace (Taylors SC), 12 noon
Our Lady of the Lake (Chapin SC), 6:30 p.m.
Sensus Fidelium App: A Great Way to Promote Tradition and the Sacred Liturgy
Sensus Fidelium, the local online apostolate that has brought many to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, now has an app - SensusFidelium TV - for Apple’s iOS (iPhone, iPad) or Android. The app has an amazing collection of traditional sermons, classes, and interviews about the faith and liturgy.
They are now offering a free 2-week trial of the app. To try it out or subscribe visit: SensusFidelium.tv
Additionally, one can also help Sensus Fidelium grow and evangelize by financially supporting them, which can be done at this link.
Announcements
Holy Hour for the Latin Mass - Sunday August 3rd, 3:00 p.m. – Saint Ann will be hosting a special Holy Hour and Rosary for the Traditional Latin Mass after the 12:30 p.m. Latin Mass on Sunday August 3rd from 3:00-4:00 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed at 3:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary and concluding with Benediction at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to join Father in praying for the Latin Mass in our diocese.
Saint Thomas Aquinas First Sunday Food and Fellowship (August 3rd) – First Sunday Food and Fellowship is this Sunday August 3rd at St. Thomas Aquinas after the 11:30 a.m. Latin Mass (1:30-3:30 p.m.). All are invited!
Complimentary Copies of the FSSP’s July Newsletter – This Sunday we will have complimentary copies of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter’s (FSSP) July 2025 newsletter, Meménto, which features an interview with Deacon David Carter, FSSP, a Saint Ann parishioner who was recently ordained to the diaconate for the FSSP (a society of priests offering the Traditional Latin Mass). The interview, conducted by Saint Ann parishioner Rachel Shrader, mentions the influence Saint Ann parish had on Deacon Carter’s vocation.
Copies are available at our table in the Saint Ann narthex. (Our thanks to the FSSP for these copies).
Daily Holy Face Chaplet for Sacred Liturgy (perpetual novena) – For the protection of the Latin Mass, it has been recommended to all friends of the sacred liturgy in the diocese to consider continually praying the powerful Holy Face chaplet, under the banner of Our Lady of the Holy Name. To pray the chaplet, please see this link.
Cardinal Burke’s Prayer for Pope Leo XIV – His Eminence Cardinal Raymond Burke has released a prayer for Pope Leo XIV. Please consider praying this daily for the Holy Father as he leads the Church.
Prayer for Pope Leo XIV: Vicar of Christ on Earth and Shepherd of the Universal Church
O Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of the Lord of Heaven and of Earth, Our Lady of Guadalupe, guide and protect the Roman Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. Through your intercession, may he receive in abundance the grace of the Successor of Saint Peter: the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity of our Bishops and of all our brothers and sisters in the Mystical Body of your Divine Son. Unite Pope Leo’s heart to your Immaculate Heart, leading him to rest his heart ever more securely in the glorious-pierced Heart of Jesus, so that he may confirm us in the Catholic faith, in the worship of God in spirit and truth, and in a good and holy Christian life.
In the tumult of the present time, keep Pope Leo securely within the hollow of your mantle, in the crossing of your arms, protecting him from Satan, the Father of Lies, and from every evil spirit. Implore Our Lord to grant him, in particular, the wisdom and courage to be a true Shepherd of the Church throughout the world. With you, I place all my trust in Christ, the Good Shepherd, Who alone is our help and salvation. Amen.
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother, have mercy upon us!
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of the Apostles, pray for us!
Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us!
Pope Saint Leo the Great, pray for us!
PDF copies can be accessed at these links: [English] [Español] [Latin]
Holy Face Devotions
Prayers of Reparation to the Holy Face of Jesus are offered each week at the following churches on the indicated days:
St. James (Concord) – Monday, 10-10:30 a.m. (in the cry room)
St. Mark – Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. (new schedule as of July 29)
St. Thomas Aquinas – Tuesday, 6:00 a.m.
St. Ann – Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. (following 7:00 a.m. Novus Ordo Mass)
St. Michael the Archangel (Gastonia) – Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. (following 8:00 a.m. Novus Ordo Mass)
St. Vincent de Paul – Tuesday, 8:40 a.m.
Holy Spirit (Denver) – Tuesday, 10-11:00 a.m. (following the 9:15 a.m. Novus Ordo Mass)
Saint Elizabeth of the Hill Country (Boone) – Third Tuesday, at 6:45 p.m. after Mass in the Youth Room
St. John the Baptist (Tryon) - First Saturday, 9:30 a.m. (after 8:30 a.m Latin Mass)
Note: Days and times may be subject to change due to holidays.
“Jesus, Your ineffable image is the star which guides my steps. Ah, You know, Your sweet Face is for me Heaven on earth” (from Canticle to the Holy Face by Saint Thérèse de Lisieux, the 19th century Discalced Carmelite nun who took the name in religion, Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face).
Latin Mass and Liturgical News
The Zeal of St. Alphonsus by Rev. Eugene Grimm, CSSR, Voice of the Family (July 30, 2025). [The Zeal of St. Alphonsus]
The Golden Legend of St. Peter's Chains, The Missive (July 30, 2020). [The Golden Legend of St. Peter’s Chains]
The Catacomb of St. Christina at Bolsena by Greg DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement (July 27, 2025). [The Catacomb of St Christina]
Filippino Lippi and the Beautiful Cappella Carafa in Santa Maria Sopra Minerva by Shawn Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal (July 29, 2025). [Beautiful Cappella Carafa]
St. Martha Kills a Dragon by Greg DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement (July 29, 2025). [St. Martha Kills a Dragon]
Inside the cave in France where Mary Magdalene spent her final years by Madalaine Elhabbal Catholic News Agency (July 22, 2025). [Inside the Cave]
Fulfilling a Dream by br. Philip Anderson, Abbot of Our Lady of Clear Creek (July 13, 2025). [Fulfilling a Dream]
Saints and Special Observances
Saint Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney, Confessor, who would one day be the most famous priest in France, was born in Dardilly, a little village just north of Lyons, on May 8, 1786. He was three years old when the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, triggered the French Revolution; and he was thirteen when Napoleon Bonaparte seized control of the country ten years later. His parents, Mathieu Vianney and Marie Béluze, were poor but devout peasants who managed to instill in their son their own dedication to Christ and His Church during a period when it was dangerous (and potentially fatal) to profess one’s faith.
Rather than being intimidated by the terrible violence inflicted on Christians by the revolutionary forces, young Jean-Marie was inspired by the courage and steadfastness of those who endured torture and suffered death because of their faith. Knowing that so many others were giving their very lives for the one who had been crucified to redeem mankind, he realized that he too was called to love Christ with all his heart and soul. After receiving the Body of Christ in the Eucharist for the first time, during a secret Mass celebrated by a priest evading the authorities, he decided to become a priest.
Jean-Marie Vianney was ordained to the priesthood in the seminary chapel at Grenoble on August 13, 1815, two months after the Battle of Waterloo finally brought the career of Napoleon to an end.
Assigned to the rural village of Ars, the new curé celebrated Mass in a nearly empty church at first. Refusing to be discouraged, the young priest spent hours on his knees before the tabernacle, praying day and night for the conversion of the people of Ars. Attendance at Mass began to grow as those who came heard him speak of how Christ had come into the world to save men from their sins, and of the boundless love and mercy that had led Him to the cross.
Surviving on a meager diet of dry bread and boiled potatoes, Fr. Vianney also subjected himself to self-flagellation in an effort to expiate his own sins and those of his parishioners. More and more were drawn by his message of love for Jesus Christ and the necessity of surrendering all to Him. Over time the town underwent a total transformation as the spirit of conversion gripped the entire community. The drunkenness, swearing and other vices that had plagued Ars in the past disappeared as people flocked to the confessional to be absolved by the priest consumed by love of Christ.
In 1823, as more and more people from neighboring districts were making their way to Ars to go to confession and hear Mass celebrated by the curé there, the mission was raised to the level of a parish. Fr. Vianney, believing himself unworthy to be a parish priest, thought he should be reassigned but remained in obedience to the bishop. Four years later he made his famous declaration, crying out in joy to his parishioners, “Ars, my brothers and sisters, is no longer Ars!”
Fr. Vianney celebrated Mass with total devotion, knowing himself to be standing in the place of Christ and being motivated by the solemn conviction that it was through the sacrifice of the Mass that the salvation of souls was made possible. Of the priesthood he said, “The priest has the key to the treasures of Heaven.” In his zeal to save souls he spent uncounted hours in the confessional, patiently hearing what penitents had to say and encouraging them in their efforts to reform their lives.
As his reputation spread, people came from all over Europe to make their confession to the priest at Ars. The number of confessions he heard each year increased from five figures to several hundred thousand over time. Those who came went away greatly fortified in their faith: One, when asked who it was that he had seen, answered simply, “I saw God, in a man.” They came without surcease until, on August 4, 1859, the future saint passed away two days after receiving Holy Communion and Extreme Unction from his curate.
On May 31, 1925, the Feast of Pentecost, Jean-Marie Vianney was elevated to sainthood by Pope Pius XI. Three years later, on April 23, 1928, the Pope named him patron of parish priests throughout the world. His feast is celebrated, in accordance with the traditional Roman Calendar, on the 8th of August.
Closing Commentary
In closing, we offer an excerpt from his commentary on the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost from The Liturgical Year of Dom Prosper Guéranger, OSB, followed by a link to the full text. This week focuses on the glory and beauty of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D. shortly before the terrible siege (Luke 21:20-28) that will soon befall the seemingly invincible holy city by the Romans, which the Church observes in next Sunday's liturgy.
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
In the Middle Ages, this Sunday was called, the sixth and last Sunday after the Natalis of the Apostles (that is, the Feast of St. Peter); it was, indeed, the last, for the years when Easter had been kept was late in April as was possible; but, it was only the first after that Feast of St. Peter, when Easter immediately followed the spring equinox.
We have already noticed the variable character of this last portion of the liturgical cycle, which was the result of Easter’s being kept on a different day each year; and that, in consequence of this variation, this week might be either the second of the reading from the Sapiential Books, or, what was of more frequent occurrence, the Books of Kings were still providing the Lessons for the divine Office. In this latter case, it is the ancient Temple raised by Solomon, the King of Peace, to the glory of Jehovah, that engages the Church’s attention today. We shall find that the portions of the Mass, which are chanted on this Sunday, are closely connected with the Lessons read in last night’s Office.
Let us, then, turn our reverential thoughts once more to this splendid monument of the ancient Covenant. The Church is now going through that month, which immediately preceded the events so momentous to Jerusalem; she would do honor, today, to the glorious and divine past which prepared her own present. Let us, like her, enter into the feelings of the first Christians, who were Juda’s own children; they had been told of the impending destruction foretold by the Prophets; and an order from God bade them depart from Jerusalem. What a solemn moment that was, when the little flock of the elect,—the only ones in whom was kept up the faith of Abraham and the knowledge of the destinies of the Hebrew people,—had just begun their emigration, and looked back on the city of their fathers, to take a last farewell!
They took the road to the east; it led towards the Jordan, beyond which, God had provided a refuge for the remnant of Israel. They halted on the incline of Mount Olivet, whence they had a full view of Jerusalem; in a few moments, that hill would be between them and the City. Not quite forty years before, the Man-God had sat himself down on that same spot, taking his own last look at the City and her Temple. Jerusalem was seen, in all her magnificence, from this portion of the Mount, which afterwards would be visited and venerated by our Christian pilgrims. The City had long since recovered from its ruins; and had, at the time we are speaking of, been enlarged by the princes of the Herodian family, so favorably looked on by the Romans. Never, in any previous period of her history, had Jerusalem been so perfect and so beautiful, as she then was, when our fugitives were gazing upon her. There was not, as yet, the slightest outward indication that she was the City accursed of God. There, as a queen in her strength and power, she was throned amidst the mountains of which the Psalmist had sung, her towers and palaces seemed as though they were her crown. Within the triple inclosure of the walls built by her latest kings, she enchased those three hills, the grandest, not only of Judea, but of the whole world: first, there was Sion, with her unparalleled memories; then, Golgotha, that had not yet been honored with the Holy Sepulcher, and which, nevertheless, was even then attracting to herself the Roman legions, who were to wreak vengeance on this guilty land; and lastly, Moriah, the sacred mount of the old world, on whose summit was raised that unrivalled Temple, which gave Jerusalem to be the queen of all the Cities of the East, for, as such, even the Gentiles acknowledged her.
“At sun-rise, when, in the distance, there appeared the sanctuary, towering upwards of a hundred cubits above the two rows of porticos which formed its double enclosure; when the sun cast his morning rays on that façade of gold and white marble; when there glittered the thousand gilded spires which mounted from its roof;—it seemed,” says Josephus, “that it was a hill capped with snow, which gradually shone, and reddened, with the morning beams. The eye was dazzled, the soul was amazed, religion was roused within the beholder, and even the pagans fell down prostrate.” Yes, when the Pagan came hither, either for conquest or for curiosity,—if he ever returned, it was as a pilgrim. Full of holy sentiments, he ascended the hill; and, having reached the summit, he entered, by the golden gate, into the gorgeous galleries, which formed the outward enclosure of the Temple. In the Court of the Gentiles, he met with men from every country; his soul was struck by the holiness of a place, where he felt that there were preserved, in all purity, the ancient religious traditions of the human race; and, he being profane, stood afar off, assisting at the celebrations of the Hebrew worship, such as God had commanded it to be, that is, with all the magnificence of a divine ritual. The white column of smoke from the burning victims rose up before him as earth’s homage to God, its creator and savior; from the inner courts, there fell on his ear the harmony of the sacred chants, carrying as they did to heaven, both the ardent prayer of those ages of expectation, and the inspired expression of the world’s hope; and when, from the midst of the levite choirs and the countless priests who were busy in their ministry of sacrifice and praise, the High Priest, with his golden crown on his head, came forth holding the censer in his hand, and entering, himself alone, within the mysterious veil which curtained off the Holy of Holies,—the stranger, though he had but a glimpse of all those splendid symbols of religion, yet confessed himself overpowered, and acknowledged the incomparable greatness of that invisible Deity, whose majesty made all the vain idols of the Gentiles seem to him paltry and foolish pretenses. The princes of Asia, and the greatest kings considered it an honor to be permitted to contribute, both by personal gifts of their own making, and by sums taken from the national treasuries, towards defraying the expenses of the holy place. [Eighth Sunday after Pentecost]