Josepha Naval Girbes was born at Algemesi in the
Archdiocese of Valencia, Spain, on December 11, 1820. As a very young woman she
consecrated herself to the Lord by a perpetual vow of chastity. Josepha’s life
was simple. She stood out for her ardent love, and she made progress along the
way of prayer and evangelical perfection while dedicating herself generously to
apostolic works in her parish community. In her own home she opened a school
where she taught needlework, prayer, and the evangelical virtues. She formed
many young girls and women and shared with them her wisdom and spiritual
understanding. She was a member of the Third Order Secular of Our Lady of Mount
Carmel and St. Teresa of Jesus and had a special love for the Virgin Mother of
God. Her holy death took place on February 24, 1893. She is buried in her parish
church of St. James in her native city.
Opening Prayer
O God,
through the new leaven of the Gospel,
You
call men and women and empower them
to serve You faithfully in secular
life.
Grant that they may fervently imitate
the example of Blessed
Josepha,
and, through her intercession,
work tirelessly as true Christians
to build up Your kingdom
by fulfilling their duties in the world.
We ask
this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord,
we see the wonder of Your love
in the life of
the virgin Josepha
and her witness to Christ.
Accept our gifts of
praise
and make our offering pleasing to you.
Grant this through Christ
our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
The bridegroom is here; let us go
out to meet Christ the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord God,
may this Eucharist renew our courage and
strength.
May we remain close to You like Bl. Josepha
by accepting in our
lives
a share in the suffering of Jesus Christ,
Who lives and reigns with
You for ever and ever.
First Reading
Corinthians 1: 26-31
For consider
your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,
not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth; but God chose what is
foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to
shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things
that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might
boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus,
whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption;
therefore, as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord.”
Responsorial Psalm
R/. Keep my soul in peace before You, O
Lord.
Psalm 130
Gospel
Matthew 11:25-30
At that time Jesus
declared, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden
these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea,
Father, for such was thy gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by
my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the
Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to
me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will
find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light.”
