Daybreak

Monday of the Second Week of Advent Optional Memorial of Pope St. Damasus I, 304-384; when elected pope, Damasus had to endure the existence of an antipope, Ursinus, elected and consecrated by a minority; this resulted in violent battles between two basilicas; supporters of the antipope even had Damasus accused of a grave crime, from which he had to clear himself in civil court and a Church synod; during his pontificate, Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman state, and Latin became the liturgical language Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/11/23 Gospel: Luke 5:17-26