St Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr Common of Martyrs, or Common of Virgins Readings from the Common of Saints: [596] 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6+8ab, 16bc+17 (#715.1); John 12:24-26 (#718.5).
Optional
Anniversary:
175th anniversary of the death of F. John Haupt (62) d. 1921 at Umvuma, S Rhodesia.
On this day in our Jesuit history...
1610
A letter of Fr. General says that no Jesuit can maintain that a private person could kill or attempt to kill princes or kings.
1621
At Barcelona, the death of Fr. Alphonsus Hernandez, a great lover of holy poverty. He used to call the little ornaments and conveniences to which some grow so attached, the "idols of half religious souls."
1687
In the 13th General Congregation, Tirso González was elected Superior General of the Society of Jesus at 66 years of age; he governed for 18 years.
1758
The election to the Papacy of Clement XIII who would defend the Society against the Jansenists and the Bourbon courts.
1797
Joseph Pignatelli renews his vows as a Jesuit.
1922
Countess Maria Theresa Ledochowski dies. A lay woman, and brother of Vladimir, she is now a Blessed. She founded the Sodality of St. Peter Claver for African Missions, is called the mother of Africa. Her sister Ursula is a canonized saint.
1942
The Gestapo enters Valkenburg and so 140 German and Dutch Jesuits leave. They declare the college at an end. One month later the building is destroyed by bombs.
2006
Thomas Stahel, S.J. dies. Provincial of New Orleans, Novice Director in Nigeria,and an editor of America Magazine.
