The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord became widespread in the West in the 11th century and was introduced into the Roman calendar in 1457 to commemorate the victory over Islam in Belgrade. Before that, the Transfiguration of the Lord was celebrated in the Syrian, Byzantine, and Coptic rites. The Transfiguration foretells the glory of the Lord as God, and His Ascension into heaven. It anticipates the glory of heaven, where we shall see God face to face. Through grace, we already share in the divine promise of eternal life.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #554:
From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master "began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things. . . and be killed, and on the third day be raised." Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus' Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus' face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking "of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem". A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"

Gospel
Matthew 17:1-9
‘His face shone like the sun.’

At that time: Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’ And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, ‘Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.’

Gospel
Matthew 15:21-28
‘O woman, great is your faith!’

At that time: Jesus went away and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’ But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she is crying out after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.

A relic of Pauline Jaricot, the foundress of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, has been gifted to her former residence

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BLESSED Pauline Jaricot has returned home to the Maison de Lorette (House of Loreto) in Lyon, France after her family donated a very special relic to the site.

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St John Vianney, the Curé of Ars and patron saint of parish priests.

Born in France in 1786 during the turmoil of the French Revolution, John Vianney faced many obstacles on his journey to the priesthood. He struggled with his studies and was even considered unsuitable for seminary, yet his perseverance, humility and deep trust in God carried him through to ordination.

As a parish priest, he became renowned for his holiness, spending countless hours in the confessional, gently leading people back to God’s mercy. His compassion, prayer, sacrifice and unwavering dedication transformed not only his parish but the lives of pilgrims who travelled from across France to seek his counsel.

St John Vianney reminds us that true greatness is found in humble service, faithfulness to our vocation, and a heart always open to God’s mercy.

Today, we give thanks for the ministry of our priests and ask St John Vianney to pray for them, that they may continue to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, courage and love.

St John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, pray for us.