Saint John of Avila

On January 25, 2021, Pope Francis ordered the inscription of Saint John of Avila, Priest and Doctor of the Church, into the General Roman Calendar.  St. John is celebrated each year as an Optional Memorial on May 10.

The proper liturgical texts were released by the Holy See in Latin (see pages 4-6). English and Spanish translations must be approved by the USCCB and confirmed by the Holy See before they can be implemented in the United States.

Below are interim liturgical guidelines for the celebration of St. John of Avila:

Roman Missal

From the Common of Pastors: For One Pastor, or the Common of Doctors of the Church.

Lectionary for Mass

Aside from the usual Mass readings of the day, any Lectionary readings from the Common of Pastors or Common of Doctors of the Church may be used for St. John of Avila. The following readings are also recommended by the Holy See, and will appear in a future edition of the Lectionary for Mass. (Current citations from the Lectionary's Common of Pastors and Common of Doctors of the Church are provided for convenience.)

From the Common of Pastors, or the Common of Doctors of the Church, or:

First Reading – Acts 13:46-49 (no. 720-1)
We now turn to the Gentiles.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6 (no. 721-2)
R/. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Gospel Acclamation – Matthew 5:16 (no. 729-1)
Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Gospel – Matthew 5:13-19 (no. 730-1)
You are the light of the world.

Liturgy of the Hours

Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, and Evening Prayer

Psalmody of the day. Other elements from the Psalter of the day or the Common of Pastors or Common of Doctors of the Church.