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Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist
Other Titles: The Greater Litanies; Major Rogation Day
MASS READINGS
April 25, 2023(Readings on USCCB website)
PROPERS [Show]
COLLECT PRAYER
Feast of St. Mark: O God, who raised up Saint Mark, your Evangelist, and endowed him with the grace to preach the Gospel, grant, we pray, that we may so profit from his teaching as to follow faithfully in the footsteps of Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
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Today is the Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist, the author of the second Gospel, was the son of Mary whose house at Jerusalem was the meeting place of Christians, where St. Peter sough refuge after having been freed from prison. He was baptized and instructed by St. Peter. He accompanied St. Paul and his own cousin St. Barnabas in the evangelization of Cyprus before he became the companion and secretary of St. Peter in Rome about the year 42 A.D.. He wrote his Gospel about the year 50 A.D. His Gospel is a record of St. Peter's preaching about Our Lord and pays special attention to the head of the Apostles, and emphasizes the miraculous powers of the Savior. The Gospel was written for Roman Gentile converts. It rarely quotes the Old Testament, and is careful to explain Jewish customs, rites and words. It excels in portraying the emotions and affections of both Christ and His hearers. St. Mark preached in Egypt, especially in Alexandria and was martyred there by the heathen.
Today is also traditionally the Major Rogation Day also called the Greater Litanies. While no longer included in the Universal Calendar, Rogation Days can still be observed by the faithful. These were formerly days of fasting and penance, and there were special liturgies and processions for this day.
What are Rogation Days? From Father John Hardon: "Rogation Days are prescribed days of prayer and penance in spring. Two sets of rogation days were kept since early Christian times: the Major Rogation on April 25, the Feast of St. Mark; and the Minor Rogations on the last three days before Ascension Thursday. They were instituted to appease divine justice, ask for protection, and invoke God's blessing on the harvest. The Litany of the Saints was chanted in procession and the Rogation Mass followed. The feast of St. Mark, as the more ancient, was also called the Greater Litanies."
See the Rogation Days collection on Catholic Culture with further reading, prayers and recipes.
Today's Station Church >>>
St. Mark
John Mark, later known simply as Mark, was a Jew by birth. He was the son of that Mary who was proprietress of the Cenacle or "upper room" which served as the meeting place for the first Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). He was still a youth at the time of the Savior's death. In his description of the young man who was present when Jesus was seized and who fled from the rabble leaving behind his "linen cloth," the second Evangelist might possibly have stamped the mark of his own identity.
During the years that followed, the rapidly maturing youth witnessed the growth of the infant Church in his mother's Upper Room and became acquainted with its traditions. This knowledge he put to excellent use when compiling his Gospel. Later, we find Mark acting as a companion to his cousin Barnabas and Saul on their return journey to Antioch and on their first missionary journey. But Mark was too immature for the hardships of this type of work and therefore left them at Perge in Pamphylia to return home.
As the two apostles were preparing for their second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take his cousin with him. Paul, however, objected. Thereupon the two cousins undertook a missionary journey to Cyprus. Time healed the strained relations between Paul and Mark, and during the former's first Roman captivity (61-63), Mark rendered Paul valuable service (Col. 4:10; Philem. 24), and the Apostle learned to appreciate him. When in chains the second time Paul requested Mark's presence (2 Tim. 4:11).
An intimate friendship existed between Mark and Peter; he played the role of Peter's companion, disciple, and interpreter. According to the common patristic opinion, Mark was present at Peter's preaching in Rome and wrote his Gospel under the influence of the prince of the apostles. This explains why incidents which involve Peter are described with telling detail (e.g., the great day at Capharnaum, 1:14f)). Little is known of Mark's later life. It is certain that he died a martyr's death as bishop of Alexandria in Egypt. His relics were transferred from Alexandria to Venice, where a worthy tomb was erected in St. Mark's Cathedral.
The Gospel of St. Mark, the shortest of the four, is, above all, a Roman Gospel. It originated in Rome and is addressed to Roman, or shall we say, to Western Christianity. Another high merit is its chronological presentation of the life of Christ. For we should be deeply interested in the historical sequence of the events in our blessed Savior's life.
Furthermore, Mark was a skilled painter of word pictures. With one stroke he frequently enhances a familiar scene, shedding upon it new light. His Gospel is the "Gospel of Peter," for he wrote it under the direction and with the aid of the prince of the apostles. "The Evangelist Mark is represented as a lion because he begins his Gospel in the wilderness, `The voice of one crying in the desert: Make ready the way of the Lord,' or because he presents the Lord as the unconquered King."
—Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
Patronage: Against impenitence; attorneys; barristers; captives; Egypt; glaziers; imprisoned people; insect bites; lions; notaries; prisoners; scrofulous diseases; stained glass workers; struma; Diocese of Venice, Florida; Venice, Italy.
Symbols and Representation: Winged lion; fig tree; pen; book and scroll; club; barren fig tree; scroll with words Pax Tibi; winged and nimbed lion; lion.
Often Pictured as: Man writing or holding his gospel; man with a halter around his neck; lion in the desert; man with a book or scroll accompanied by a winged lion; holding a palm and book; holding a book with pax tibi Marce written on it; bishop on a throne decorated with lions; helping Venetian sailors; rescuing Christian slaves from Saracens.
Highlights and Things to Do:
- Read further about St. Mark:
- Visit online the Basilica di San Marco located in Venice, Italy. Read How the remains of Saint Mark came to be in Venice.
- Read more at EWTN and at My Catholic Life
- See Catholic Cuisine for food ideas for St. Mark. I also enjoyed San Marco Pasta from Cooking with the Saints by Ernst Schuegraf.
The Major Rogation Day
The Roman calendar contains four Rogation days: one on April 25 (St. Mark’s day), and three before the feast of the Ascension (in Latin, Litaniae majores et minores). On these days the Church petitions intensively that God in His mercy will grant all temporal and spiritual needs, particularly a good harvest.
In the ancient Church Rogation days were quite common; some recurred annually, others were introduced at times of particular need, e.g., averting war or pestilence. Today’s Rogation observance dates to the time of Gregory I (about 600). This Pope affixed a Rogation procession to April 25, on which day, according to ancient Roman tradition, St. Peter came to the Holy City for the first time. He also made St. Peter’s the day’s station church. April 25 was chosen to offset pagan Rome’s Robigalia, a celebration with processions in honor of the harvest god. There was no connection with the feast of St. Mark, which was subsequently assigned to this date. That is why the Rogation procession is invariably held on this day, even though the feast of St. Mark is transferred.
The liturgical celebration of Rogation day consists in a procession followed by the Rogation Mass. In this procession we have a last remnant of the old stational observance held almost daily during Lent and Easter week. The Christians of Rome assembled at a specified church (ecclesia collecta, hence the word “Collect”), and from there marched in procession with bishop and clergy to the station church where Mass was celebrated. On the way the Litany of the Saints and the Kyrie, eleison were chanted.
The four Rogation days have preserved the main elements of this venerable rite, an observance that we should respect and foster. For we should pray both perseveringly and in common, since special efficacy and power is attached to such prayer. During the Rogation procession the Litany of Saints is sung; we call upon the entire Church triumphant to intercede in our behalf. And the Litany’s concluding prayers are unusually beautiful.
—The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
The Rogation Days
These are the Church's special days of prayer during which the faithful beseech God for mercy in behalf of the bodily and spiritual needs of humanity, and especially to obtain His blessings upon the new growth in the fields. The term Rogation has been given these days because of the supplicatory and penitential exercises which characterize them. Outstanding are the special prayers (given in the Ritual and Breviary), the violet color of the vestments of the clergy and of the vestures, the Litany of the Saints sung during the procession and the special Rogation Mass.
Formerly such observances were more numerous than today, and they included fasting and abstinence. They were held in time of public calamity to appease the just wrath of God because of sin or to beseech Him to avert impending calamities. It is still common in many places for clergy and people to proceed to the fields, imploring God's blessing upon them. Antedating the Christian observance, and which the latter replaced, was the pagan festival of the Robigalia which sacrifices were offered to the god Robigus whose special task it was, as popularly believed, to keep blight from grain.
Today the Church has four such days to be observed during the year. The one replacing the pagan festival of April 25 coincides with the feast of St. Mark, celebrated on this day, and is called the Greater Litanies. The procession is held, and the Mass of Rogation is offered up. If the procession cannot possibly be held, whether out of doors or within the church, the Mass is of the feast of St. Mark, unless it occurs on a still greater feast, or during Easter week, when it is transferred. The three other Rogation Days, also called the Lesser Litanies immediately priced the feast of the Ascension. Their observance has come down to use form the institution at Vienna in France by Bishop Mamertus in the fifth century. Pope St. Leo III, towards the end of the eighth century, introduced practice for the universal church.
—Excerpted from "The Mind of the Church after Easter and at Whitsuntide: Participation Outlines" by Rembert Bularzik, OSB, Orate Fratres 1935-05-18: Vol 9 Iss 7, pp. 292-293
Highlights and Things to Do:
- See the Rogation Days collection on Catholic Culture with further reading, prayers and recipes.
- Read more about the Rogation Days at Catholic Saints Info.
Major Rogation Day (April 25, Feast of St. Mark)
Station with San Pietro in Vaticano (St. Peter's in the Vatican):
In the fifth, possibly in the fourth century, April 25, independently of the Feast of St. Mark, was already a sacred day at Rome. Moretti tells us that it was a feast in honor of St. Peter, in memory of his arrival at Rome. The title of Greater Litanies is in contradistinction to the Rogation Procession and the Lesser Litanies. They probably date from a period before the time of St. Gregory. In ancient days, the Procession used to leave the Church of St. Mark, to go to Ponte Molle (Pons Milvius), and thence, by Monte Mario, to St. Peter’s in the Vatican.
—The Year’s Liturgy, Volume 2 by Fernand Cabrol, OSB
For more on San Pietro in Vaticano, see:
For further information on the Station Churches, see The Stational Church.
FAQs
What is the homily for April 25 2023? ›
Commentary on the Gospel of Tuesday, April 25, 2023
A faithful disciple will show respect for authority, living with humility rather than calling attention to themselves. They will trust their lives with all their concerns to the Lord, relying on him to grant them comfort and peace.
Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist; Major Rogation Day - April 25, 2023 - Liturgical Calendar | Catholic Culture.
Why is St Mark's feast day April 25? ›The Feast of St. Mark is annually observed on April 25. It commemorates the anniversary of the death of Venice's patron saint, Saint Mark, in 68 A.D. The holiday is observed by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. It is also referred to as the rosebud festival.
What is the liturgical year for 2023? ›The 2023 liturgical year begins on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2022. During the year 2023: a. Since a Sunday does not occur between December 25, 2022, and January 1, 2023, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is celebrated on Friday, December 30, with only one reading before the Gospel.
What is the Bible reading for April 25 2023? ›Gospel Reading for April 25 2023 – Mark 16:15-20
They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Gospel: Mark 16: 15-20
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues. 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.
Prayer: O Lord, guide us to be salt in the world as we show Your love to others. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Father, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come.
Which evangelist has a feast day on 25 April? ›Saint Mark's Day, or the Feast of Saint Mark, commemorates Mark the Evangelist and takes place on April 25.
What saint was born on April 25? ›St. Mark: April 25 | saints-feast-family.
What do you pray to St. Mark for? ›Mark is the patron saint of barristers. You can ask him to pray for you if you are a barrister, or you can ask him to pray for a barrister whom you know. You can pray the St. Mark Novena for any intention!
What is the liturgical color for St. Mark? ›
Outstanding are the special prayers (given in the Ritual and Breviary), the violet color of the vestments of the clergy and of the vestures, the Litany of the Saints sung during the procession and the special Rogation Mass.
What is the collect prayer for St. Mark? ›The Collect
O Almighty God, who hast instructed thy holy Church with the heavenly doctrine of thy Evangelist Saint Mark: Give us grace, that, being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of thy holy Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The third, universal phase will begin with the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, dedicated to the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” at the Vatican in October 2023.
What lectionary year is 2023 Catholic? ›Year A - 2022-2023.
What is the theme for the Catholic Church year 2023? ›VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has chosen “His mercy is from age to age,” a passage from the Gospel of Luke, as the theme for the 2023 celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
What is the Catholic prayer for April 25 2023? ›Almighty and everlasting God, have mercy upon Thy servant, Pope Francis, our Supreme Pontiff, and direct him, according to Thy loving kindness, in the way of eternal salvation; that, of Thy gift, he may ever desire that which is pleasing unto Thee and may accomplish it with all his might. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
What is the theme for the year 2023 Bible verse? ›The spiritual theme for 2022-2023 is “Promise Keeper: Faithful to All His Promises” based on Psalm 145:13b: “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.”
What is the New Year message from the Bible 2023? ›May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
What is the gospel for April 23 2023? ›Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, April 23, 2023, the Third Sunday of Easter (Year A) But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
What is the mass reading for April 26 2023? ›Gospel: John 6: 35-40
38 Because I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 Now this is the will of the Father who sent me: that of all that he hath given me, I should lose nothing; but should raise it up again in the last day.
What Gospel are we reading this year? ›
2021 was Year B, 2022 is Year C, Year A will being on November 27, 2022 and continue through December 2, 2023. In Year A, we read mostly from the Gospel of Matthew. In Year B, we read the Gospel of Mark and chapter 6 of the Gospel of John.
What Bible verse says he is risen? ›Luke 24:6-7: "He is not here; he has risen!"
What is the Bible verse of today? ›Romans 5:5. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
What is the daily Bible verse for April 26? ›May your kingdom come over the whole world, for all people are longing for faith and for mercy and are to be gathered into your house under the staff of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
What is Mark the Evangelist the patron saint of? ›Mark is celebrated on April 25th. St. Mark is the patron saint of notaries, attorneys, lawyers, barristers, captives, prisoners, imprisoned people, glaziers, and stained glass workers. St.
Which evangelist do we celebrate in April? ›| Saint Mark the Evangelist | |
|---|---|
| Major shrine | St Mark's Basilica (Venice) Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral (Alexandria) |
| Feast | 25 April (Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Julian Calendar date) 30 Parmouti or 8 May (Coptic Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Gregorian Calendar date) |
Mark founded the Church in Egypt and he became bishop of Alexandria, an important center of trade and power during ancient times. He died there sometime between the years 68-74 AD as a martyr for his belief in Jesus. Mark's Gospel is a lasting treasure for all believers.
Which saint was born on April? ›Saint Gregory XIII, pope. Saint Teresa de los Andes. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla. Saint Catherine of Siena.
What saints are in April Catholic? ›- 01 April. St Ceallach (Celsus), Bishop. ...
- 02 April. St Francis of Paola, Hermit. ...
- 04 April. St Isidore, Bishop, Doctor of the Church. ...
- 05 April. St Vincent Ferrer, Priest. ...
- 07 April. St John Baptist de la Salle, Priest. ...
- 11 April. St Stanislaus, Bishop, Martyr. ...
- 13 April. St Martin I, Pope, Martyr. ...
- 18 April.
Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi died in 1607 at age 41, and was canonized in 1669. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on May 25.
What does St. Mark symbolize? ›
Mark is one of the four evangelists. His Gospel is thought to be the nearest in time to the life of Jesus. His symbol as an evangelist is a winged lion.
Why is Saint Mark so important? ›Although he was not a direct disciple of Jesus, Saint Mark is the author of one of the four Gospel accounts and played a vital role in spreading the Gospel as a missionary in the early church. Mark is featured throughout the Basilica in a variety of beautiful domes and chapels.
What is the symbol of Saint Mark? ›The winged lion symbol is associated with St. Mark because according to ancient legend, while taking refuge from a storm in the city of Venice, Mark was visited in a dream by an angel in the form of a winged lion.
What does purple mean in Catholic Church? ›Worn during Lent or the Advent, purple represents penance, preparation, and sacrifice. It is also worn at funerals because of its connection to mourning. Purple vestments are donned to remind the funeral-goers to pray for the penance and absolution of the departed.
What color to wear to Catholic church? ›White expresses joy, celebration, purity and victory. Gold or silver may be substituted as it carries the same symbolism. Red – used on Palm Sunday and Good Friday symbolizes the fire of the Holy Spirit and the suffering of the Lord and the apostles.
What color to wear on Holy Saturday? ›Holy Saturday- Wear BLACK in the morning in mourning of the burial of Jesus. Wear WHITE once the sun falls to recall Jesus's Glorious Resurrection. Easter Sunday- Put on your Sunday's BEST! Wear White or Gold to symbolize the glory of the resurrection or flowers that recall new live!
What are the words to the collect prayer? ›O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law upon love of you and of our neighbor, grant that, by keeping your precepts, we may merit to attain eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Which saint to pray to for winning? ›We beseech thee, Almighty God, to purify our consciences by thy daily visitation, that when thy Son our Lord cometh he may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
What is the peace prayer for 2023? ›God, let us sow peace and not promote war. Let us reconcile and not contribute to divisions among peoples, groups and nations. Renew our hearts and hands with your love and compassion. Help us not just to talk about peace, but to use all our power to work for peace.
What is the prayer of the faithful 2023? ›
Prayers of the Faithful – May 13 & 14, 2023
Our Lord Jesus promised us that God would send us the Holy Spirit to guide us and to speak for us as we pray for the needs of the world.
may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What is the theme of the Synod 2023? ›Pope Francis announced the Sixteenth Ordinary Synod of Bishops, which will take place in 2023 in Rome. His theme for the Synod is for a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. The term synodality means walking the same road together.
What is the new common lectionary? ›The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) is a lectionary of readings or pericopes from the Bible for use in Christian worship, making provision for the liturgical year with its pattern of observances of festivals and seasons.
Which liturgical year are we in? ›2021-2022 is liturgical year C.
What is the homily for New Year Day? ›Today is a day of blessing. In this New Year, God has blessed us with another opportunity to grow in love, to come closer to Him, and to experience Him in the person of Jesus. Today is a day of blessing. We honour Mary – she who was blessed among women – as the mother of God.
What is the pastoral prayer for April 23 2023? ›Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever. but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. death has no more dominion over him.
What is the daily Catholic reflection for April 23 2023? ›Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel. Each time I attend Mass, I kneel in prayer, look up at the crucifix, and take a deep breath. I thank God for loving me and being with me in my life.
What is the prayer of the people for April 23 2023? ›Stay with us, Lord Jesus; And set our hearts on fire. Save us, O Lord, from corruption. Deliver the nations and all peoples from greed and hatred. Be with all who serve in positions of authority, including our President, Joe, our Governor, Glenn , and our elected local officials.
What is the morning prayer for April 26 2023? ›At this moment Lord I turn my thoughts to you. I will leave aside my chores and preoccupations. I will take rest and refreshment in your presence Lord.
What is the prayer for April 26 2023? ›
Dear Lord, how blessed are we to know that with you we have life eternal. There is no end with you. Even when we are faced with seemingly dark days, there is no need for panic or despair for nothing that happens today, or any day, can overcome us.
What is the gospel reading for April 27 2023? ›Gospel Reading:Jn 6:44-51
Jesus addressed the crowd, "No one can come to me unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise him up on the last day. It has been written in the Prophets: They shall all be taught by God. So whoever listens and learns from the Father comes to me.
We admire all those people who have achieved holiness. Some of them were gifted by God with supernatural gifts, others dedicated their lives to God as martyrs defending their faith. Today the Church gives us examples of many saints, and I think none of us would be able to remember all their names.
What is homily for all souls day? ›On All Souls' Day, we ask God for mercy on those who have died. We pray for an ever deeper and abiding awareness of the steadfast love of God expressed through Jesus Christ. God's love made known in Jesus Christ is the reason for our hope. Today is a day of solidarity between all Christians.
What is homily of all saints day? ›We are celebrating today all the saints, not just canonized saints, but all those who enjoy the happiness of heaven, whether canonized or not, and we hope that our loved ones, relations, and friends are among the saints of heaven who now enjoy the happiness promised by the beatitudes in the Gospel today (Matt 5:1-12).