Memorial of Saints Cornelius (pope and martyr) and Cyprian (bishop and martyr)

Today we Catholics celebrate the memory of two saints: Cornelius and Cyprian. Who are they? Let's refer to Catholic Culture:

- Pope Saint Cornelius was famous for opposing Novatian (circa 200 – 258) the first antipope (who held that lapsed Christians- Christians who had not maintained their confession of faith under persecution- may not be received again into communion with the Church, and that second marriages are unlawful).
- Saint Cyprian (or Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus) ranks as an important Church Father, one whose writings are universally respected and often read in the Divine Office.

Bible Readings for Today (16 Sep, Tue - 24th Week)

1 Corinthians 12: 12-14, 27-31
For just as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body – though many – are one body, so too is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit. For in fact the body is not a single member, but many.
Now you are Christ’s body, and each of you is a member of it. And God has placed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healing, helps, gifts of leadership, different kinds of tongues. Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform miracles, do they? Not all have gifts of healing, do they? Not all speak in tongues, do they? Not all interpret, do they? But you should be eager for the greater gifts.

Luke 7: 11-17
Soon afterward Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the town gate, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother (who was a widow), and a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and those who carried it stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” So the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they began to glorify God, saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us!” and “God has come to help his people!” This report about Jesus circulated throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Today we Catholics celebrate the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary. The title "Our Lady of Sorrows" focuses on Mary's intense suffering during the passion and death of Christ. So what are these seven sorrows?

1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
   
2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
   
3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
   
4. Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
   
5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
   
6. The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
   
7. The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)

These seven sorrows were foretold by Simeon (read it in today's reading) and thus are signs of the spiritual martyrdom of Mary, and her compassion with the sufferings of her Divine Son Jesus. (source: Catholic Culture)