Thursday, September 30, 2010



SAINT JEROME
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE/WHITE
Born in Dalmatia of a Christian family, Jerome (c. 342-420) was baptized in Rome, while taking his classical courses. He then studied under the best masters in foreign cities. But the Church had need of this extraordinarily gifted man. Jerome heard and obeyed the divine call, made a vow of celibacy, and withdrew for four years to a hermitage in the Syrian desert. The Holy Father soon summoned Jerome to Rome and entrusted him with the enormous task of revising the Latin Bible. This work, which took 30 years to complete, is our official Vulgate version of the Scriptures. In 1920, Pope Benedict XV stated: "The Church venerates in Jerome the greatest doctor given her by heaven for the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures."

COLLECT
O God, in the person of Your blessed confessor Jerome You provided Your Church with her greatest scholar in the interpretation of Holy Scripture. may the merits of this saint help us to practice his teachings in our words and deeds. Through our Lord . . .


SECRET
Grant us Your heavenly grace, O Lord, that we may serve You in perfect freedom. Let the offerings, which we bring You through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Jerome, heal us and lead us to everlasting glory. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
We are refreshed with the Bread of Heaven, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed confessor Jerome make us worthy of Your mercy. Through our Lord . . .

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

“Milestone for the Latin Mass community”


Bishop emeritus of Fresno to participate in 20th anniversary commemoration of Traditional Mass Society

News Release from Fresno Traditional Mass Society


The Most Reverend José de Jesús Madera Uribe, M.Sp.S, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Fresno, will be presiding in choir at the Mass commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Latin Mass in Fresno, CA on October 3, 2010 at the Shrine of St. Therese at 3:30 p.m.
In 1990, Bishop José de Jesús Madera Uribe, M.Sp.S., gave his blessing for the Latin Mass to be celebrated regularly in Fresno. For many years, the Latin Mass community met at St. Anne’s Chapel on the grounds of the chancery offices of the Diocese of Fresno. The community later moved to St. Agnes Mission Church in Pinedale, where the Latin Mass became available every Sunday.

The Latin Mass is now celebrated every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Guadalupe Chapel. Regular celebrants include priests of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP); Fr. Salvatore Ciranni, RCJ; Fr. Angel Sotelo; and Fr. Mark Kristy, OCD.

“We are grateful to God and His Providence that Bishop Madera will be here to share in this milestone for the Latin Mass community and, in fact, all the faithful in the Diocese,” says Keven Smith, president of the Fresno Traditional Mass Society. “His Excellency celebrated the first Latin Mass for our community twenty years ago. We are honored that he is joining us again, twenty years later.”

In addition, the Mass will now be a Solemn High Mass due to the generosity of one of the families in the Latin Mass community. Two seminarians from Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska, will be flying out to assist Fr. Michael Stinson, FSSP, in celebrating a Solemn High Mass, with incense and Gregorian chant.

The October 3 Mass will begin at 3:30 p.m., with printed English translations available. After Mass, there will be veneration of a first-class relic of St. Therese, followed by a reception in the parish hall. All mothers in attendance will receive a floral scented bracelet in honor of St. Therese. The Shrine of St. Therese is located at 855 E. Floradora Ave. in Fresno.

The Fresno Traditional Mass Society is a chapter of Una Voce America. Its members work to promote the traditional Latin Mass and Gregorian chant.



DEDICATION OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL BASILICA

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
This feast commemorates the dedication to St. Michael of an ancient church at Rome at a date earlier than the sixth century. St. Michael the Archangel is honored as the supreme guardian spirit of the universal Church. In heaven Michael led the good angels against Lucifer and his rebel angels. The fallen angels pursue on earth that same war against the Man-God Christ which they began in heaven. Therefore Michael continues to direct the battle against them here on earth. The standard-bearer of the Church, he introduces the departed souls of her children into God's holy light (Offertory Hymn of Requiem Mass). He also presents our prayers to God (Incensation at High Mass), conquers demons (Prayers after Low Mass), and pleads for us sinners (Confiteor).

INTROIT Ps. 102:20
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength who do His bidding, obeying the voice of His commands.
Ps. 102:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, who wondrously directs the services of angels and men, grant that our lives on earth may be guarded by the angels who stand ever before Your face ministering to You in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Apoc. 1:1-5
In those days, God gave unto him, to make known to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass: and signified, sending by his angel to his servant John, Who hath given testimony to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, what things soever he hath seen. Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things which are written in it. For the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia. Grace be unto you and peace, from him that is and that was and that is to come: and from the seven spirits which are before his throne: And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

GRADUAL Ps. 102:20, 1
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength who do His bidding.
V. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
Holy archangel Michael, defend us in battle, that we may not perish in the dreaded judgment. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 18:1-10
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying: "Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus, calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them. And said: "Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. And if thy hand, or thy foot, scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Apoc. 8:3, 4
An angel stood before the altar, having a golden censer in his hand; and there was given to him much incense, and the smoke of the incense went up before God, alleluia!

SECRET
O Lord, graciously accept the Sacrifice of praise we offer You. May it bring us closer to our salvation through the angels' prayers of intercession. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Dan. 3:58
All you angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, sing a hymn of praise and exalt Him above all forever.

POSTCOMMUNION
We rely on the prayers of the blessed archangel Michael, O Lord, that the Sacrament which we have received upon our lips may always remain in our hearts. Through our Lord . . .

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Young prince Wenceslas


SAINT WENCESLAS
Duke and Martyr


SIMPLE / RED
Son of a Christian duke of tenth-century Bohemia, Wenceslas received a pious upbringing from his grandmother St. Ludmilla, who later died a martyr. Taking over the government at the time of a strong pagan reaction among his people, Wenceslas labored with Christlike patience and mildness to stem this regression. He rebuilt churches, recalled exiled priests, and invited missioners from Germany. But Boleslas, the duke's heathen brother, had Wenceslas assassinated while he was on his way to Mass. The 22-year old martyr died uttering the words, "May God forgive you."

Mass of a MARTYR, except

COLLECT
O God, You raised blessed Wenceslas from his earthly honors to the glory of heaven by granting him the victory of martyrdom. May his prayers shield us from all harm and bring us to share his heavenly happiness. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
Receive our gifts and our prayers, we beseech Thee, O Lord; cleanse us by the heavenly Mysteries and mercifully hear us. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that as we rejoice on earth in keeping the memory of Thy saints, so also we may enjoy their company for evermore. Through our Lord . . .

Monday, September 27, 2010

Saints Cosmas and Damian performing transplant surgery.
Attributed to Alonso De Sedano, Burgos, Spain, ca. 1495.

SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN
Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED
Doctors and mission dispensaries have special patrons in Cosmas and Damian, brothers who practiced medicine in Syria in the closing years of the third century. They were called in the East "the moneyless ones," because they cared for their patients free of charge. Devout lovers of Jesus, they were even more solicitous for the souls than for the bodies of those they tended. The apostolic brother-physicians converted many sinners and exorcised the possessed. They were given the grace of martyrdom during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian.

INTROIT Eccli. 44:15, 14 
Let the people show forth the wisdom of the saints, and let the Church declare their praise; and their names shall live for all generations.
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Almighty God, today we are celebrating the birthday of Your blessed martyrs Cosmas and Damian. Hear their prayers and rescue us from all the dangers that threaten us. Through our Lord . . .

READING Wisdom 5:16-20
But the just shall live for evermore: and their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the most High. Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory, and a crown of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with his right hand he will cover them, and with his holy arm he will defend them. And his zeal will take armour, and he will arm the creature for the revenge of his enemies.
He will put on justice as a breastplate, and will take true judgment instead of a helmet: He will take equity for an invincible shield.

GRADUAL Ps. 33:18-19
The just have cried out, and the Lord answered them and rescued them from all their distress.
V. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and He will save those who are humble in spirit.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
Here was true brotherliness which overcame the sinfulness of the world and followed Christ to attain the glorious kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 6:17-23
At that time, Jesus, coming down from the mountain, stood in a plain place: and the company of his disciples and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the sea coast, both of Tyre and Sidon, Who were come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch him: for virtue went out from him and healed all.
And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: "Blessed are ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you and shall reproach you and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice: for behold, your reward is great in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 5:12-13
All those who love your name shall glory in You, for You, O Lord, will bless the just man. O Lord, You surround us with Your good will, as with a shield.

SECRET
O Lord, may Your saints' unfailing prayer of honor render our offerings acceptable to You and obtain Your pardon for us. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 78:2, 11
They have given the dead bodies of Your servants, O Lord, as food to the birds of the air, and the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. With Your great power, save the sons of those who have been put to death.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, let Your people find protection in this banquet at which You have generously fed them, and in the prayers of all Your saints. Through our Lord . . .

Sunday, September 26, 2010





SAINTS ISAAC JOGUES, JOHN DE BREBEUF,
AND THEIR COMPANIONS

Martyrs

IN ALL DIOCESES OF THE UNITED STATES
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SAINTS CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA 
Martyrs

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED 
These eight French Jesuit missioners, the first canonized saints of the North American continent, labored and died among the most barbaric of red men in the most impenetrable fastnesses of the 17th-century New World. After struggling with unbelievable privations and hardships, they were severely tortured and martyred by the Iroquois Indians between the years 1642 and 1649. Fathers Isaac Jogues and Anthony Daniel and the two lay oblates, John Lalande and Rene Goupil, gave their lives in what is now New York State; Fathers John de Brebeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, Charles Garnier, and Noel Chabanel in central Canada.

INTROIT Apoc. 7:14
These are they who have come out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.
Ps. 116:1. Praise the Lord, all you nations; praise Him, all you peoples!
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, You blessed the first fruits of the faith in the vast expanse of North America by the missionary labors and martyrdom of blessed Isaac, John, and their companions. May the harvest for Christ grow daily more abundant in the whole world through the intercession of these saints. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of the 18th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

O Lord, let Your mercy direct our hearts, for without You we can do nothing to please You.


Commemoration of SAINTS CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA
At Antioch the virtue of the virgin Justina converted Cyprian, a magician, to Christianity. Cyprian later became a priest and then a bishop. Both suffered martyrdom under Diocletian in the year 304, and their bodies were brought to Rome by some Christian mariners.

Comfort us, O Lord, with the unfailing protection of Your holy martyrs Cyprian and Justina, for You are always merciful to those who are helped by Your saints. Through our Lord . . .

READING II Cor. 12:11-15
Brethren: I ought to have been commended by you, For I have no way come short of them that are above measure apostles, although I be nothing. Yet the signs of my apostleship have been wrought on you, in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. For what is there that you have had less than the other churches but that I myself was not burthensome to you? Pardon me this injury. Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. But I most gladly will spend and be spent myself for your souls: although loving you more, I be loved less.

GRADUAL Ps. 123:7-8
Our soul has been rescued as a bird from the snare of the hunters.
V. The snare has been broken and we are free. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. II Cor. 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also through Christ does our comfort abound. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 6:17-23
At that time, Jesus coming down from the mountain, stood in a plain place: and the company of his disciples and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the sea coast, both of Tyre and Sidon, Who were come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch him: for virtue went out from him and healed all. 
And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: "Blessed are ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you and shall reproach you and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice: for behold, your reward is great in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Sap. 3:6
As gold in the furnace the Lord has proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust He received them.

SECRET 
O Lord, let us offer You with pure hearts this spotless Victim, in which Your holy martyrs found a food of unutterable sweetness, because of their own unsullied purity and their tireless zeal for mortification. Through our Lord . . . 

 
Commemoration of the 18th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
 O God, who allows us to share in Your own divine nature by partaking of this sacrifice, grant that our conduct may be guided by Your revealed truth.
 
Commemoration of SAINTS CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA
We offer these gifts to You in sacrifice, O Lord. May the honor we pay to Your saints please You, and may these offerings, through Your mercy, bring us closer to our salvation. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHONPhilipp. 1:20-21
Christ will be glorified in my body whether through life or death. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

POSTCOMMUNION 
Almighty God, we are refreshed by the food of the valiant. When Your holy martyrs Isaac, John, and their companions were strengthened by this same Bread, they were able to lay down their own lives for their brothers; may we also bear one another's burdens and love our neighbors with an effective and sincere charity. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of the 18th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
We thank You, O Lord, for nourishing us with Your Sacred Gift. In Your mercy, make us worthy of the Sacrament we have received.

Commemoration of SAINTS CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA
May the intercession of Your holy martyrs Cyprian and Justina help us to cherish with pure hearts the Sacrament we have received upon our lips. Through our Lord . . .

Friday, September 24, 2010



OUR LADY OF RANSOM

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE
This feast was extended to the whole Church in thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin, for having in the thirteenth century inspired St. Peter Nolasco and St. Raymond of Pennafort to found a religious order for the release of Christians captured by the Saracens. The Mercedariansvowed to give themselves up as hostages for the imprisoned Christians when ransom and military means failed. Their heroism saved countless souls from apostasy and despair.
Peter NolascoImage via Wikipedia


Mass of the 
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,except
COLLECT
O God, through the glorious Mother of Your Son You enriched the Church with a new religious congregation dedicated to freeing Christians from slavery among the heathens. We venerate Mary as the foundress of this institution and pray that she may also deliver us from our sins and the slavery of the devil through her own merits and intercession. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

SECRET
O Lord, through Your mercy and the intercession of the Blessed ever-Virgin Mary, let this offering bring us prosperity and peace now and forever. Through our Lord . . .


POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, grant that we who have received the Sacrament of our salvation may be protected through the intercession of the Blessed ever-Virgin Mary, in whose honor we have offered this Sacrifice to Your majesty. Through our Lord . 

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

St. Thomas of Villanova, renowned for the works of charity and love for the poor

El Greco

Martyrdom of St. Maurice and His Legions

1580-81
Oil on canvas, 448 x 301 cm
Chapter House, Monastery of El Escorial

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA
Bishop and Confessor

SAINT MAURICE AND HIS COMPANIONS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555), great saint of the Spanish Renaissance and good friend of Emperor Charles V, joined the Hermits of St. Augustine, where his heroic qualities soon marked him for responsible offices in his community and then for ecclesiastical honor as archbishop of Valencia. A man of infinite charity in word and deed, he lived as frugally as the poor who benefited by his unstinted almsgiving. While provincial of his order in Castile, he sent the first group of Augustinians to the Americas. Establishing themselves in Mexico, they were integral in the growth of Christianity in the New World.

Mass of a 
CONFESSOR BISHOP, except

COLLECT
O God, You blessed the holy bishop Thomas with an extraordinary love for the poor. Be moved by his intercession to pour out the treasury of Your mercies upon all who humbly pray to You. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MAURICE AND HIS COMPANIONS
Near Lake Geneva, Switzerland, about A.D. 297, the Theban Legion of 660 soldiers under the command of St. Maurice died to a man for abstaining from pagan sacrifice. 

O Almighty God, let the solemn feast of Your holy martyrs Maurice and his companions fill us with joy. May we glory in their feast, as we also rely on the power of their intercession. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET 
Let our annual commemoration of Your blessed confessor bishop Thomas please You, O Lord. Grant that this Sacrifice of atonement which we offer on his feast may bring him greater honor and fill us with Your grace. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MAURICE AND HIS COMPANIONS
Look graciously, O Lord, on the gifts we offer You in memory of Your holy martyrs Maurice and his companions. May the intercession of these saints who are pleasing to You win us Your grace for all time. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
O God, rewarder of the faithful, pardon our sins through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Thomas, whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MAURICE AND HIS COMPANIONS
You have comforted us by Your Sacraments, O Lord, and filled us with the joy of heaven. May Your saints defend us, even as we glory in their own victory. Through our Lord . . .

Monday, September 20, 2010

The Vision of St. Eustace (c.1436) by Pisanello (Antonio or Vittore Pisano; c.1395-1455)

SAINT EUSTACE AND
HIS COMPANIONS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / RED
Eustace was a distinguished Roman officer. He owed his conversion to the vision of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers, seen by him while he was hunting. His wife and their two sons became Christians at the same time. In about the year 120 A.D., Eustace and his wife and two children, after undergoing many cruel tortures, were martyred for having refused to offer sacrifice to false gods.

Mass of
SEVERAL MARTYRS
COLLECT
O God, who granted us the grace to celebrate the birthday of Your blessed martyrs Eustace and companions, grant that we may also share their eternal happiness in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
We offer to Thee, O Lord, the gifts of our devotion: may they be pleasing to Thee, honorable to Thy Saints, and through Thy mercy salutary to us. Through our Lord . . .


POSTCOMMUNION
Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs, Eustace and Companions, that what we take with our mouth, we may receive with a pure heart. Through our Lord . . .



Sunday, September 19, 2010


SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY
AFTER PENTECOST



SAINT JANUARIUS AND
HIS COMPANIONS
Martyrs

OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE
[1846 A.D.]
(Historical)


DOUBLE / GREEN
INTROIT Ps. 118:137, 124
You are just, O Lord, and Your judgment is right. Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy.
Ps. 118:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, keep Your people from falling under the influence of the devil, and let our hearts follow You, our only God, that they may remain pure. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JANUARIUS AND COMPANIONS
In the year 304 Januarius, bishop of Benevento, three deacons, a lector, and two laymen were beheaded at Pozzuoli, Italy, under Emperor Diocletian. The courage of Bishop Januarius in facing death brought about the conversion of many pagan onlookers. His body was eventually taken to Naples, of which city he has become the patron saint. According to reliable records, some of his blood preserved in a phial has miraculously liquefied at regular intervals during the past four hundred years.

We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy Martyrs Januarius and his companions. As we joyously remember the merits of these Saints, may we also be inspired by their example. Through our Lord . . .
 
EPISTLE Eph. 4:1-6
Brethren: I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called: With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit: as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all, who is blessed forever and ever. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 32:12, 6
Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen for His inheritance!
V. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all the celestial bodies thereof were created.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 101:2
O Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come unto You. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 22:34-46
At that time, the Pharisees, hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together. And one of them, a doctor of the law, asked him, tempting him: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"
Jesus said to him: " 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind.' This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like to this: 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets."
And the Pharisees being gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying: "What think you of Christ? Whose son is he?" They say to him: "David's." He saith to them: "How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying: 'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?' If David then call him 'Lord,' how is he his son?" And no man was able to answer him a word: neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Dan. 9:17, 18, 19
I, Danial, prayed to my God, saying, "Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Your servant; show Your face upon Your sanctuary, and look down favorably upon this people upon whom Your name is invoked, O God."

SECRET
We humbly implore Your majesty, O Lord, to grant us, through the sacred rite that we here celebrate, pardon for our sins of the past and preservation from sin in the future. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JANUARIUS AND COMPANIONS
O Lord, be moved to compassion by our offerings and shield us from all danger through the prayers of Your holy Martyrs Januarius and his companions. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 75:12-13
Make vows and fulfill them to the Lord your God, all you round about Him who bring gifts; to the awesome God who destroys the pride of princes, to Him who is awesome among all the kings of the earth.

POSTCOMMUNION
Almighty God, may the grace of this Sacrament cure our sinfulness and be an everlasting remedy for our weakness. Through our Lord . . .
Commemoration of SAINT JANUARIUS AND COMPANIONS
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. May we be aided also by the prayers of Your Saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . .


Our Lady of La Salette.Image via Wikipedia

Our Lady of La Salette

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Friday, September 17, 2010



THE IMPRESSION OF THE
STIGMATA OF SAINT FRANCIS
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
In 1224, two years before his death, three years after he had laid down active leadership of his order, Francis of Assisi received the greatest gift of his singularly blessed life -- the Stigmata. During the course of a 40-day fast on Mount Alvernia in honor of St. Michael, Francis was visited by a dazzling seraphic figure whose feet and hands were nailed to a cross -- to indicate to Francis that the martyrdom he yearned for would be of the mystical, rather than the physical order. He was then afflicted with the five wounds of the Crucifixion, and bore their sufferings until his death.

INTROIT Gal. 6:14
But as for me, God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
Ps. 141:2. With a loud voice I cried out to the Lord, with a loud voice I pleaded with the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord Jesus Christ, You reproduced the sacred marks of Your suffering in the body of the most blessed Francis in order that Your love might set our hearts afire in a world that has grown cold. may the merits and prayers of saint Francis help us to bear our cross and win forgiveness through true repentance; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

EPISTLE Gal. 6:14-18
Brethren: But as for me, God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision: but a new creature. And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them and mercy: and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man be troublesome to me: for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly.
V. The law of God is in his heart, and his steps do not falter.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
The poor and humble Francis enters heaven a rich man, and is welcomed with heavenly music. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 16:24-27
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to every man according to his works."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET 
Bless the gifts we offer to You, O Lord, and cleanse us from all stain of sin through the intercession of blessed Francis. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12:42
This is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master has set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O God, in many ways You displayed the wondrous mystery of redemption in Your blessed confessor Francis. Grant that we may imitate his devotedness to the cross and find our strength by constantly meditating upon it. Through our Lord . . .

Thursday, September 16, 2010




SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN
Martyrs

SAINTS EUPHEMIA, LUCY, AND GEMINIAN
Martyrs



SIMPLE / RED
Pope Cornelius, who was exiled after a short reign and slain by Decius in the year 253, strove always for Church unity and for kindness towards Christians who fell away during persecutions. Cyprian, an African lawyer and a pagan until middle life, had not been long a Christian when he was ordained to the priesthood and then made bishop of Carthage. He became a great leader and an inspired religious writer. At his martyrdom five years after that of Pope Cornelius, he had the consolation of being surrounded by crowds of his faithful children in Christ.

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

COLLECT
O Lord, let the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishops Cornelius and Cyprian, whom we honor today, gain us Your protection. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of
 SAINTS EUPHEMIA, LUCY, AND GEMINIAN
These martyrs bore witness to Christ under Diocletian in the fourth century. Euphemia died at Chalcedon, and Lucy and Geminian in Rome.

Grant our requests, O Lord, and fill us with joy. Each year we devoutly observe the day of martyrdom of blessed Euphemia, Lucy, and Geminian; grant that we may also imitate their resolute faith. Through our Lord . . .




SECRET
O Lord, hear the prayers we offer on the feast of Your saints. Since we cannot rely on our own merits, let the merits of those who have been pleasing to You be our assistance. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of 
SAINT EUPHEMIA AND HER COMPANIONS
Look with favor upon the offerings of Your people, O Lord. Let us rejoice in the protection of Your saints whose feast we are permitted to celebrate today. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

We have been nourished by the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord. May we be aided also by the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of
 SAINT EUPHEMIA AND HER COMPANIONS
Hear our prayers, O Lord. Help us through the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Euphemia, Lucy, and Geminian, whose feast we celebrate today. Through our Lord . . .

Wednesday, September 15, 2010





Stain Glass Image
of Saint Nicomedes

THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SAINT NICOMEDES
Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE

Our Lady had the comfort of St. Joseph's presence when Simeon prophesied to her, "Thy own soul a sword shall pierce" (Luke 2:35). The Provider was with her also during the flight into Pagan Egypt, and when they lost the twelve-year-old Jesus in Jerusalem. But it was after Joseph's death that Mary bore the most tremendous of her sorrows: the meeting on the way to Calvary, the standing at the foot of the Cross, the removal of her Son's body from the instrument of torture, the entombment. Mary's boundless compassion for the sufferings of Jesus made her the Queen of Martyrs; and in her unspeakable agony she became the Mother of Christ's Mystical Body.

INTROIT John 19:25
There were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother and His mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Salome and Mary Magdalene.
John 19:26, 27. "Woman, behold, thy son," said Jesus; then to the disciple, "Behold, thy mother."
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, in Your passion the prophecy of Simeon was fulfilled that a sword of sorrow should pierce the sweet soul of Your glorious Virgin-Mother Mary. We reverently recall her sufferings and sorrows. Mercifully grant us the fruits of the redemption that was paid for by Your own sufferings; who lives and rules in God the Father . . .

Commemoration of
 SAINT NICOMEDES
Toward the close of the first century Nicomedes, a priest, was scourged to death for refusing to sacrifice to idols.

Stay close to Your people, O Lord, so that the brilliant merits of Your blessed martyr Nicomedes may help us, and his prayers win for us Your unfailing mercy. Through our Lord . . .


LESSON Judith 13:22, 23-25

The Lord hath blessed thee by his power, because by thee he hath brought our enemies to nought. Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God, above all women upon the earth. Blessed be the Lord who made heaven and earth, who hath directed thee to the cutting off the head of the prince of our enemies. Because he hath so magnified thy name this day, that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men who shall be mindful of the power of the Lord for ever, for that thou hast not spared thy life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people, but hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God.

GRADUAL

You are sorrowful and tearful, O Virgin Mary, standing by the cross of the Lord Jesus, your Son, our Redeemer.
V. O Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world cannot contain, the Author of life who was made man, bears this punishment of the cross!

Alleluia, alleluia! V. By the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ stood the sorrowing Holy Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Mistress of the world.

SEQUENCE

At the Cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Through her Heart, His sorrow sharing,
All His bitter anguish bearing,
Now at length the sword has passed.
O how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole-begotten One!
Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.
Is there one who would not weep,
'Whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?
Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother's pain untold?
Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent.
For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent.
O sweet Mother! Font of love,
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with yours accord.
Make me feel as you have felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Let me mingle tears with you,
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
By the Cross with you to stay,
There with you to weep and pray,
Is all I ask of you to give.
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.
Let me to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.
Wounded with His every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In His very Blood away.
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In His awful judgment day.
Christ, when you shall call me hence,
Be your Mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,

Safe in heaven eternally.

Amen. Alleluia!


GOSPEL John 19:25-27
At that time, there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: "Woman, behold thy son." After that, he saith to the disciple: "Behold thy mother." And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Jer. 18:20
Remember, O Virgin Mother of God, to speak good things in our behalf before the face of God, that He may turn away His anger from us.

SECRET
O Lord Jesus Christ, we offer You our prayers and sacrifices. May we, who commemorate the piercing of the sweet soul of blessed mary, Your Mother, share the reward of the saints through her loving and constant intercession and the prayers of those who stood with her beside the cross, as well as through Your own meritorious death; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT NICOMEDES
Graciously receive the gifts we offer You, O Lord, and may the prayer of Your blessed martyr Nicomedes make them acceptable to Your majesty. through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Happy the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who without dying earned the palm of martyrdom beneath the cross of our Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord Jesus Christ, may this sacrifice which we have received in memory of the sorrows of Your Virgin-Mother obtain for us from Your mercy every grace and help; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT NICOMEDES
Cleanse us by the Sacrament that we have received, O Lord, and wash us all sinfulness through the intercession of Your blessed martyr Nicomedes. Through our Lord . . .

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Constantine was converted by vision of Cross. Heraculius rescued the True Cross.


The finding of the True Cross,
Agnolo Gaddi, Florence, 1380.


THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS



GREATER DOUBLE / RED
This feast commemorates both the dedication of the basilica built by Constantine for the Holy Sepulcher, and also the return of the True Cross to Jerusalem by Emperor Heraclius of Judea during the seventh century. After Heraclius had recovered it by force from King Chosroes of Persia, he tried to carry it along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, but was unable to make any headway. Bishop Zachary of Jerusalem, pointing to his luxurious clothing, said, "Attired in these rich robes, you are far from imitating the poverty of Jesus Christ and His humility in bearing His Cross." The Emperor caught the hint--and went on to Calvary barefooted and wearing a simple cloak, carried the holy Cross to the Basilica on Calvary [A.D. 629].

INTROIT Gal. 6:14
But it is fitting that we should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is salvation, life, and resurrection for us, by whom we are saved and delivered.
Ps. 66:2. May God have mercy on us and bless us; may He let His face shine upon us; and may He have mercy upon us.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, today's feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross fills us each year with joy. May we, who have known its mystery on earth, also be worthy to enjoy in heaven the happiness which it has purchased for us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Philipp. 2:5-11
Brethren: For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause, God also hath exalted him and hath given him a name which is above all names: That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

GRADUAL Philipp. 2:8, 9
For us Christ became obedient to death, even to death on a cross.
V. Therefore God also has exalted Him and has bestowed upon Him the name that is above every name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
O sweet wood, O sweet nails! O precious the burden suspended thereon! You alone are worthy to bear the king and Lord of heaven. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 12:31-36
At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews,"Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself." (Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.) The multitude answered him: "We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever. And how sayest thou: The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?" Jesus therefore said to them: "Yet a little while, the light is among you. Walk whilst you have the light, and the darkness overtake you not. And he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither be goeth. Whilst you have the light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
By the sign of the holy cross, O Lord, protect Your people from the deceits of their every foe, that our service may be pleasing to You and our offering acceptable, alleluia!

SECRET 
O Lord our God, we are preparing to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brought honor to the symbol of the cross. We are privileged to venerate this same holy cross; grant that we may also enjoy for all eternity the salvation it has purchased for us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN
Deliver us from our enemies, O God, by the sign of the cross.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Be close to us, O Lord our God, and with Your unfailing help defend those who rejoice in the glory of Your holy cross. Through our Lord . . .

Saturday, September 11, 2010




SAINTS PROTUS AND HYACINTH
Martyrs

SATURDAY VOTIVE MASS OF
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SIMPLE / RED
According to tradition, Protus and Hyacinth were brothers, and slaves in the household of St. Basilla at Rome. They were burned alive around 257, during the persecution of Valerian and Gallian. The unshakable fortitude of the martyrs throughout the Christian ages should serve as a stimulating reproach to us when we are tempted to lose patience under the most ordinary trials.

Mass of 
SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

COLLECT
May the glorious profession of faith of Your blessed martyrs Protus and Hyacinth strengthen us, O Lord, and may the power of their intercession shield us. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET 
We fulfill our obligations to You, O Lord, by offering these gifts in memory of Your holy martyrs Protus and Hyacinth. May these offerings heal us and bring us to eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, may Your Sacrament which we have received cleanse us through the prayer of the blessed martyrs Protus and Hyacinth. Through our Lord . . .