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Today's Gospel + short theological explanation

April 29th: Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, patron saint of Europe
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Gospel text (Mt 11,25-30): Jesus said in reply, «I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike (...)».

St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor of the Church (Patron saint of Europe) (1347-1380)

Fr. Antoni CAROL i Hostench (Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain)

Today, the church celebrates with joy and gratitude the festivity of St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). Catalina, knowing quite well her Beloved, had a vivid awareness of the greatness of man because God himself is in love with each one of us: «What made you establish man in so great a dignity? Certainly, the incalculable love by which you have looked on your creature in yourself! You are taken with love for her; for by love indeed you created her, by love you gave have given her a being capable of fasting your eternal Good».

Finally, the gratitude of the Church to Catherine for her conciliatory task. At that time, the Church was undergoing a sad period of divisions, both internal and external. The most unfortunate thing was the "Avignon exile". From 1305, a total of seven Popes resided in Avignon. The prayers and the efforts of St. Catherine —also from other personalities, as St. Brigitte— made possible that in 1367 Pope Urban V could return to the Eternal City.

—Thanks may be eternally given to these holy women who have done more than we will ever know for the Church.