St Anicetus, Pope (from the martyrology), April 17 (EF); April 20 (OF): the date of Easter controversy

From the martyrology:

"At Rome, St. Anicetus, pope and martyr, who received the palm of martyrdom in the persecution of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and Lucius Verus."

St Anicetus was Pope between around 150-167.

During his pontificate St Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of John the Evangelist, visited Rome to discuss the celebration of Passover with the Pope, marking the start of the controversy between the Eastern and Western Churches over the date of Easter.  The two agreed to differ and Pope St Anicetus granted St Polycarp and the Church of Smyrna the ability to retain the date to which they were accustomed.

St Anicetus was the first pope to condemn heresy by forbidding Montanism. He also actively opposed the Gnostics and Marcionism.

His feast is celebrated on April 20 in the Novus Ordo calendar.

St Bernadette Soubirous (April 16): visions of Our Lady

From the martyrology:

"In the city of Nevers in France, St. Mary Bernard Soubirous of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity, also called the Christian Institute. She was favoured with frequent apparitions and conversations at Lourdes with Mary Immaculate, the Mother of God. In 1933 her name was added to the roll of holy virgins by Pope Pius XI."

Octave Day of Easter (April 15)/Second Sunday of Easter (OF)

This Sunday has acquired various titles down the centuries, including (but not limited to!):

• Dominica in Albis, of White Sunday,  reflecting the day on which the newly baptised members of the Church put aside the white garments traditionally received at their baptism;
• Low Sunday, in contrast to the previous 'High' Sunday;
• Quasi modo Sunday, for the opening words of the Introit of the Mass (as newborn babes....);
• St Thomas Sunday, for the Gospel (in both the EF and OF, St John 20:19-31), which tells the story of St Thomas' doubts and Our Lord's response;
• Second Sunday of Easter (Novus Ordo);
• Divine Mercy Sunday.

The Office from this week follows the Ordinary of Eastertide/Paschaltide:

•  at Lauds there only three antiphons, as the first three psalms are said under one antiphon of alleluias;
• at Vespers the psalms are said under one antiphon;
• at all the day hours there is a chapter, hymns, responsory/versicle etc of the season.

There are also proper antiphons for the Benedictus and Magnificat canticles at Lauds and Vespers each day.

Easter Saturday

Easter Friday

Easter Thursday

Easter Wednesday