July 13
The commemoration of Saint Ezra, priest and scribe, who, in the time of Artaxerxes the king of the Persians, returned from Babylon to Judea, gathered the dispersed people, and strove with all zeal to investigate the law of the Lord and to fulfill and teach it in Israel.
The commemoration of Saint Silas, who, having been sent by the Apostles to the churches of the gentiles along with Paul and Barnabas, and being filled with the grace of God, fulfilled the obligation of preaching with vehemence.
***
May Holy Mary and all the saints intercede to the Lord for us, that we may merit to be helped and saved by him who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
V. Precious in the sight of the Lord
R. Is the death of his holy ones.
V. May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. And may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in pace.
R. Amen
[To learn about praying this and other Martyrology entries, see this page.]