Friends in Christ,
Welcome to our weekly Sunday update. This Sunday, the Second Sunday after Easter, is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” because of the message conveyed by Jesus in the Gospel reading: “I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd giveth His life for His sheep” (John 10:11). As He is speaking not to the choir but to a hostile group of Pharisees, Jesus also outlines the opposite case: The “hireling” tending sheep that are not his own sees the wolf coming and runs away, abandoning those he was supposed to protect. He does so because, being only a hired hand, “he hath no care for the sheep” (John 10:13). Once again Jesus condemns the Pharisees, and by extension the Jewish authorities, for their lack of charity toward the people.
Speaking as the one who actually owns the flock, Jesus reiterates, “I am the good Shepherd: and I know Mine, and Mine know Me” (John 10:14). As the rightful owner, He is willing to sacrifice all for those entrusted to His care: “As the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father: and I lay down My life for My sheep” (John 10:15). But the claim of ownership made by Jesus extended to limits the Pharisees could scarcely imagine. Certainly they were scandalized by the assertion that it included other sheep “not of this fold” and by His declaration that “there shall be one fold and one shepherd”: One Church, embracing Jew and Gentile alike, under the care and protection of Jesus himself.
We too are summoned by Jesus, in this season of joy, to be faithful and believe, giving thanks and saying with Saint Thomas the Apostle, “My Lord and My God” (John 20:28).
Calendar of Special Observances
Celebrations are those listed in the Roman Missal of 1962.
DAY, DATE – FEAST (CLASS)
Sunday, April 19 – Second Sunday after Easter (II)
Monday, April 20 – Feria of Paschaltide (IV)
Tuesday, April 21 – St. Anselm, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church (III)
Wednesday, April 22 – Ss. Soter and Caius, Popes and Martyrs (III)
Thursday, April 23 – Feria of Paschaltide (IV) – Commemoration of St. Georgius, Martyr
Friday, April 24 – St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr (III)
Saturday, April 25 – St. Mark, Evangelist (II) – The Greater Litanies (II)
Second Sunday after Easter
The links provided below can be used to download printable copies of the Proper Prayers for the Second Sunday after Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) with English or Spanish translation, followed by commentary by Dr. Michael P. Foley.
Traditional Latin Mass Schedule
Diocese of Charlotte Sunday Masses
Chapel of the Little Flower (757 Oakridge Farm Road, Mooresville, NC)
Note: Only Sunday Latin Masses and Holy Days are offered at the Chapel. This is the only Diocese of Charlotte location which offers the Traditional Latin Mass.
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, the Little Flower, pray for us!
Diocese of Raleigh Sunday Masses
Diocese of Charleston Sunday Masses
Diocese of Charleston Daily Traditional Latin Masses
As a reminder, travelers are urged to consult parish websites or offices for up-to-date information regarding possible changes in the schedule of Mass times.
Chapel of the Little Flower Announcements
Mass Intentions for Sunday
Sunday April 19, 10:00 a.m. - the Nobers family - requested by the Severson family
Donations for the Chapel of the Little Flower
There is a new procedure for making donations to the Chapel of the Little Flower. Please make out a check to “St. Ann Catholic Church” and carefully earmark it for “Latin Mass” or “Chapel of the Little Flower”. It can be mailed to the parish (3635 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209). To donate online, please visit the parish’s “Chapel of the Little Flower” online donation portal at this link.
Lost and Found
The Chapel has a growing collection of items left behind after Mass. If one is missing a missal, book, or other item, please see the table in the cry room.
Father Jones’ Contact Info
If one has questions about the Chapel of the Little Flower, that are not related to one’s parish, please email Father Jones directly at: tlmchapel(at)rcdoc.org
Visiting the Chapel of the Little Flower
If you haven’t attended Mass at the Chapel of the Little Flower yet, you are welcome to join us in Eastertide. Seating is adequate at both Masses, and there is plenty of parking; a cry room; open space outside for the kids after Mass. Bulletins from Saint Ann and Saint Thomas Aquinas parishes are usually available.
General Announcements
Greater Rogation Day Next Saturday – The 25th of April has traditionally been observed as the major rogation on the Roman Calendar, a day of penitential sacrifice and prayers of petition rooted in the agricultural cycle and linked to the spring planting of crops. An outdoor Rogation procession is also customary on this day.
Rogare is a Latin verb that can be translated to ask, beg or request. In the Ordinary of the Mass it is usually translated as beseech – as when the celebrant prays, following the consecration of the eucharistic elements, Supplices te rogámus, omnípotens Deus (“We most humbly beseech Thee, almighty God”). Historically, the prayers of petition associated with the major rogation have focused on the need for favorable weather conditions and protection against calamitous events.
The minor rogations are made on the three days (Monday-Wednesday) immediately preceding the Feast of the Ascension. For an informative article on the subject, see the two articles in our Latin Mass and Liturgical News section below.
LiveMass.net – Want to watch a Latin Mass online? The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP) has a broadcast apostolate which streams its Latin Masses across the world at various times of the day. To view visit: https://www.livemass.net/
Reprinted Book on The Holy Face – Sensus Fidelium Press has just released a reprint of Father J.B. Fourault’s 19th century book, The Month of the Holy Face. According to the description, April is the month of the Holy Face and the book offers meditations for each day in honor of the Holy Face of Jesus. It seems a perfect opportunity to continue to practice the Holy Face of Jesus devotion to pray for the Traditional Latin Mass. To learn more or to order, click here.
Support Saint Ann and Saint Thomas Parishes – Our parishes remain the anchor of our spiritual and community lives and continue to promote the sacred traditions, devotions, speakers and catechesis important for the spiritual growth of ourselves and our families. They also need our continued financial support (and occasional visits!). Both parishes would appreciate our continued generosity.
Prayer Request: Healing of Tony Reitz
Rosary for the Traditional Latin Mass – A Rosary is offered for the restoration of the Traditional Latin Mass in the church on Sundays after the 11:30 a.m. Novus Ordo Mass at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church.
Daily Holy Face Chaplet for Sacred Liturgy (perpetual novena) – For the preservation of the Traditional 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 see the prayer at the links below and consider praying this daily for the Holy Father as he leads the Church. 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:
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).
Traditional Latin Mass and Liturgical News
Saints and Special Observances
St. Mark the Evangelist, author of the second of the four canonical Gospels, is first mentioned in the history of the early Church in connection with the miraculous escape of Peter from prison following the martyrdom of James, the first of the Apostles to give his life for the Faith. Around 44 A.D. Herod Agrippa ordered the slaying of “James, the brother of John, with the sword. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also” (Acts 12:2-3). Because he had to put off the execution of Peter until after the celebration of the Pasch, Herod had him put in chains and imprisoned under heavy guard. On the night before the Apostle was to be put to death an angel of the Lord appeared to Peter.
Having freed him from his chains, the angel led Peter from his place of confinement past sleeping guards and through the gate of the city which opened to let them pass. When he realized he was actually free, and not asleep and dreaming, Peter made his way “to the house of Mary the mother of John, who was surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together and praying” (Acts 12:12). John Mark may not have been present, as he was sent around this time with Barnabas and Saul from Antioch to Jerusalem to bring needed relief to the disciples there. “And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having fulfilled their ministry, taking with them John who was surnamed Mark” (Acts 12:25).
John Mark was subsequently the cause of a rift between Saul (now Paul) and Barnabas when Paul suggested they revisit the places where they had planted the seed of belief in Jesus Christ in order to see how the new communities of believers were getting along. Mark and Barnabas were closely related, and Barnabas wanted to include John Mark in the planned tour of cities previously visited; but Paul objected because the younger man had left them at Pamphylia during their first journey in order to return to Jerusalem. The outcome of this disagreement was that Barnabas and Paul went their separate ways for a time, Barnabas taking Mark with him to Cyprus, while Paul recruited Silas to accompany him on his travels through Syria and Cilicia. Eventually, all were reconciled and came to be closely associated in the work of the early Church, as indicated by various references to both Barnabas and Mark in the letters of St. Paul. Writing to Timothy shortly before his martyrdom at Rome in 67 A.D., Paul said, “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).
Mark also became even more closely associated with St. Peter who spoke of him as his son in the penultimate line of his first letter: “The church that is in Babylon [i.e., Rome], elected together with you, saluteth you. And so doth my son, Mark” (1 Pet. 5:13). St. Jerome included Mark in his seminal biographical work about the early leaders of the Church, De Viris Illustribus (“On Illustrious Men”), noting the close relationship between Peter and his younger associate.
According to St. Jerome, Mark was Peter’s interpreter and wrote his Gospel at the request of the Christians at Rome in order to pass on what he had heard Peter tell of the life, death, resurrection and ascension into Heaven of Jesus Christ. Mark took his Gospel to Egypt and established the Church at Alexandria, becoming the first bishop of that great city.
Saint Bede, the great historian of the early Church, writing in the eighth century, says that after leading the Christian community at Alexandria for twenty years, Mark was seized by hostile members of the local populace who bound him and dragged him over rough stones before committing him to prison. He was comforted by the visit of an angel and especially by an apparition of Our Lord before being called to his heavenly reward in the eighth year of the reign of the Emperor Nero (c. 68 A.D.).
Mark’s book is the shortest of the four Gospels and perhaps the most accessible due to its concision and clarity. Unlike the first Gospel, that of St. Matthew, the Gospel of St. Mark was clearly composed not in Hebrew or Aramaic but in Greek. Its text certainly served as an important source in the composition of the third Gospel, that of Luke. Written in Rome, it was intended for a non-Jewish audience, as it is frequently at pains to explain the customs of the Jewish people.
The Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist is celebrated annually on the 25th day of April.
Closing Commentary
In closing, we offer an excerpt from Dom Prosper Guéranger’s commentary on the Second Sunday after Easter, followed by a link to the complete text.
Second Sunday After Easter - Good Shepherd Sunday
This Sunday goes under the name of the Good Shepherd Sunday, because in the Mass, there is read the Gospel of St. John, wherein our Lord calls himself by this name. How very appropriate is this passage of the Gospel to this present Season, when our Divine Master began his work of establishing and consolidating the Church, by giving it the Pastor, or Shepherd, who was to govern it to the end of time!
In accordance with the eternal decree, the ManGod, on the fortieth day after his Resurrection, is to withdraw his visible presence from the world. He is not to be again seen upon the earth till the Last Day, when he will come again to judge the living and the dead. And yet, he could never abandon mankind, for which he offered himself on the Cross, and which he delivered from death and hell by rising triumphantly from the Grave. He will continue to be its Head after his Ascension into heaven: but what shall we have, on earth, to supply his place? We shall have the Church. It is to the Church that he will leave all his own authority to rule us; it is into the hands of the Church that he will intrust all the truths he has taught; it is the Church that he will make the dispenser of all those means of salvation, which he has destined for the world….
…We are now come to the last days of Jesus’ visible presence here below. The time is come for him to make good his promise and found the Kingdom of God—that Church which he was to build upon the earth. The Apostles, in obedience to the order sent them by the Angels, are come into Galilee. Our Lord appears to them on the shore of the lake of Tiberias: after providing them with a mysterious repast, and while they are all attentive to his words, he suddenly addresses himself to Peter: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Observe, he does not call him Peter; he, as it were, goes back to the day when he said to him: Simon, son of Jonas, thou art Peter; he would have his Disciples note the connection between the promise and its actual fulfillment. Peter, with his usual eagerness, answers his Master’s question: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus resumes, with a tone of authority: Feed my Lambs! Then, repeating the question, he asks: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter is surprised at his Master’s urging such an inquiry; still, he answers with the same simplicity as before: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee: and as soon as he had given answer, Jesus repeats the words of investiture: Feed my lambs!
Here, then, we have Peter made Shepherd by Him who says of himself: I am the good Shepherd. Firstly, our Lord gives his apostle, and twice over, the care of his Lambs;—this does not make him the complete Shepherd: but when he bids him feed his Sheep too, the whole Flock is subjected to his authority. Now, therefore, let the Church show herself, let her take her stand, let her spread herself through the length and breadth of the nations: Simon, the son of John, is proclaimed its visible Head. Is the Church a Building? he is the Foundation-Stone, the Petra, the Rock. Is she a Kingdom? he holds the Keys, that is, the scepter. Is she a Fold? he is the Shepherd.
Yes, this Church—which Jesus is now organizing, and is to be proclaimed to the world on the day of Pentecost—is to be a Fold. The Word, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, is come down from heaven, that he may gather together in one the children of God, that were dispersed; and the time is at hand when there shall be but one Fold and one Shepherd. O Jesus! our Divine Shepherd! we bless thee, we give thee thanks. It is by thee that the Church thou art now founding, subsists and lives through every age, congregating and saving all that put themselves under her guidance. Her authority, her strength, her unity, all come from thee, her infinitely powerful and merciful Shepherd! We likewise bless and thank thee for that thou hast secured this authority, this strength, this unity, by giving us Peter as thy Vicar, Peter our Shepherd in and by Thee, Peter to whom all, both Sheep and Lambs, owe obedience, Peter in whom thou, our Divine Head, will be forever visible, even to the end of the world! [Second Sunday after Easter]
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We wish our readers a blessed Eastertide. Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere!