Optional Memorial of Pope St. Damasus, 304-384; lived a relatively simple lifestyle as pope; encouraged St. Jerome’s biblical studies Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/11/18 Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14

Monday of the Second Week of Advent Spotlight on Pope St. Gregory III, 690-741; opposed Emperor Leo III on the veneration of holy images Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/10/18 Gospel: Luke 5:17-26

Second Sunday of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/9/18 Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation Saturday of the First Week of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/8/18 Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Memorial of St. Ambrose, 337-397; Bishop and Doctor of the Church; an otherworldly man involved in the great issues of his day; mentor to St. Augustine of Hippo Friday of the First Week of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/7/18 Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31

Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas, 270-343; bishop of Myra, known for generosity and gift-giving Thursday of the First Week of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/6/18 Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent Spotlight on St. Gerald of Braga; after serving as choir director of the Cathedral of Toledo, became bishop of Braga, eradicating abuses; died 1109 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/5/18 Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37

Optional Memorial of St. John Damascene, 676-749; last of the Greek Fathers; wrote against the iconoclasts; one of the greatest poets of the Eastern Church Tuesday of the First Week of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/4/18 Gospel: Luke 10:21-24

Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, 1506-1552; friend of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and one of the first Jesuits; ministered in India Monday of the First Week of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/3/18 Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11

First Sunday of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/2/18 Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36