Thursday, August 28, 2008



From Dutch Book of Prayers from the mid-fifteenth century.
Saint Hermes is the figure in the back, in armor.
Other saints pictured include Saint James the Great, Saint Joseph, Saint Ghislain, and Saint Eligius.

SAINT AUGUSTINE
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

SAINT HERMES
Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITE
Monica had instilled into the heart of her son Augustine (353-430) the truths of Christian belief, but the young man fell into bad company and was drawn to heresy. At Milan he met the great bishop Ambrose, who guided his way back into the true Faith. Augustine then returned to North Africa, his birthplace, was ordained to the priesthood, and was consecrated bishop and placed over the see of Hippo at the age of 41. He became the author of enduring Christian classics, and wrote a rule of religious life that strongly influenced the development of Western spirituality. The numerous heresies of his time had in St. Augustine an untiring foe.

Mass of a
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

COLLECT
Hear our petitions, O Almighty God. Your love has given us hope; let Your unfailing mercy protect us through the intercession of Your blessed confessor and bishop Augustine. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT HERMES
Probably during Diocletian's persecution, St. Hermes, a prominent citizen of Rome, was beheaded, together with several other Christian martyrs.

O God, it was Your strength that kept the blessed martyr Hermes unfaltering under suffering. May we follow his example in spurning earthly riches for love of You and in fearing no worldly harm. Through our Lord . . .

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 88:21
I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him. Alleluia!

SECRET
O Lord, let the blessed bishop and doctor Augustine always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT HERMES
We offer You, O Lord, this sacrifice of praise in memory of Your saints, and pray that just as it was the source of their glory, it may be our help toward salvation. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed bishop and illustrious doctor Augustine. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT HERMES
We are filled with the blessings of heaven, O Lord. May the holy martyr Hermes intercede for us, so that we may sensibly feel the effects of this Sacred Rite that we have humbly celebrated. Through our Lord . . .

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