Just Too Cool: Options for Divine Office sung in Gregorian chant – ONLINE | From Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Just Too Cool: Options for Divine Office sung in Gregorian chant – ONLINE | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

There are times when as I work or drive or walk I listen to the Office sung by Benedictine monks.

For those of you who would like to get to know more about Gregorian chant, or start a schola, I recommend the same.

There are a couple good options.  The monks of Le Barroux, in France, and the monks at Norcia, in Italy (we like them – they make beer!).

The monks at Le Barroux are among the best singers of chant I have ever heard.  The monks at Norcia are easier to understand, because of their acoustics, though they are a bit rougher and readier.

What I like about both of them is that they sing like men.  There is a virile quality to their chant and it is not pretentious or overly scientific.  They get that the texts are prayer and that prayer is language.  Thus, they have a natural quality that I find helpful.

Le Barroux streams live on their website, which isn’t very convenient for people in other time zones.  A nice fellow set up a site to capture their streams and make them available on demand.  THANKS!  You can also subscribe to the hours as a podcast. They only stream Prime, Sext (followed by the Angelus), Vespers and Compline.  The Norcia monks generally provide us with Lauds, Mass and Vespers on a regular basis.  Their feed is HERE.  Sometimes they have Compline and Prime.  They can be a bit spotty with posting their hours and I have had a troubles downloading on some days.

NOTA BENE: Sext and Le Barroux amused me today.  Perhaps you who have been parents can affirm or comment… if you listen the recording HERE.  There must have been some visitors to their abbey during Sext, including a baby.

QUAERITUR: Tell if you agree or not, but, toward the end, is the baby singing with the monks?

It seems to me that these monks, by streaming their hours, are using well the tools of social communication which are readily available these days.  They are, therefore, offering people a tool for – in my opinion – the New Evangelization.

This is part of who we are as Catholics.  We have to know this form or worship and rebuild it everywhere.  It is the Church’s preferred music for worship.  It is our patrimony.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
Confessor

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITEIn the year 1521 a cannon ball fractured the left leg of Captain Ignatius Loyola, the future founder of the Jesuits. While he was convalescing, Ignatius read about Christ and His saints and thus turned wholly to God. He then undertook to equip himself for Christ's service by acquiring a good classical and theological education. On the feast of the Assumption, 1534, the seven pioneer Jesuits pronounced their vows in Paris. The members of the Society of Jesus became the shock troops of the Church in the battle against the spread of Protestantism in Europe, as well as one of the greatest foreign mission organizations that the world has known. Ignatius died on July 31, 1556.
INTROIT Philipp. 2:10-11
At the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
Ps. 5:12-13. All those who love Your name shall glory in You, for You will bless the just man.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, in order to promote the greater glory of Your name, You fortified Your Church militant with a new army through the work of blessed Ignatius. may his help and example bring us through our battle on earth to be crowned with him in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE II Tim. 2:8-10; 3:10-12
Beloved: Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel: Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, Persecutions, afflictions: such as came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra: what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me. And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

GRADUAL Ps. 91:13, 14, 3
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon in the house of the Lord.
V. That he may show forth Your mercy in the morning and Your truth throughout the night.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Jac. 1:12
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 10:1-9
At that time, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: "The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:25My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in my name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET
We join our offering, O Lord God, to the gracious prayers of blessed Ignatius so that we may in truth be sanctified by these most sacred mysteries which were instituted as the source of all holiness. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12:49
I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and what will I but that it be enkindled?

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may our offering of this Sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the saint Ignatius bring us through this life in answer to his prayers, and lead us to heaven where we shall praise Your majesty for all eternity. Through our Lord . . .

SAINTS ABDON AND SENNEN

Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED
These Persian nobles were taken to Rome as captives by Emperor Decius, after his campaign in their country. During those years of persecution, they bore courageous witness to Christ and reverently buried the bodies of the martyrs. Abdon and Sennen were themselves arrested and exposed to wild beasts in the Colosseum, about A.D. 250.
INTROIT Ps. 78:11, 12, 10Let the sighs of the imprisoned come before You, O Lord. Pay back to our neighbors seven times over into their bosoms, and avenge the shedding of the blood of Your saints.
Ps. 78:1. O God, strangers have come into Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple, they have made Jerusalem desolate as an orchard watchtower.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, Your saints Abdon and Sennen came to their present glory through Your abundant gifts of grace. Grant the forgiveness of sins to all Your servants that they may be delivered from all harm through the merits of Your saints. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE II Cor. 6:4-10
Brethren: But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, In chastity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned, In the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left: By honour and dishonour: by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true: as unknown and yet known: As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed: As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

GRADUAL Ex. 15:11, 6
Glorious is God in His saints, marvelous in majesty, worker of wonders.
V. Your right hand, O Lord, is magnificent in power, Your right hand has slain the enemy.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Sap. 3:1
The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 5:1-12
At that time, Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth he taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven."
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 67:36
God is wonderful in His saints. The God of Israel Himself gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!

SECRETMay this Sacrifice, O Lord, which we offer in remembrance of the birthdays of Your saints, free us from the slavery of sin and win for us the gift of Your mercy. 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, may this sacred rite wash away our sins and fulfill our reasonable desires, through the intercession of Your holy martyrs Abdon and Sennen. Through our Lord . . .

[Video] Cardinal Burke’s Candid Interview On The Society of St. Pius X

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Cardinal Burke's Candid Interview On The Society of St. Pius X   Cardinal Burke Reveals the Struggle Society Will Have Praises the Efforts of Pope Benedict XVI Expressing Hope For the Reunification   Subscriber Note:  This is a video, please click HERE to watch. http://www.gloria.tv/?media=315454   Please say a quick prayer right now for the reunification. Thanks and God bless!

Saint Martha

Martyrdom of Sts. Simplicius & Faustinus

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SAINT MARTHA, Virgin

SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS,
AND BEATRICE, Martyrs

DOUBLE / GREEN
INTROIT Ps. 53:6-7
Behold, God is my helper, and the Lord is the support of my soul. Turn back the evils upon my enemies, and in Your faithfulness to us disperse them, O Lord my protector.
Ps. 53:3. O God, by Your name save me, and by Your might deliver me.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, let mercy attune Your ear to the prayers of Your people calling upon You. May they ask only what is pleasing to You, so that their requests may always be heard. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARTHA
Martha was the active and anxious sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, and Mary, the contemplative, whom the Lord said "has chosen the best part." [Luke 10:42]

Hear our prayer, O God our Saviour, and let us learn the spirit of true devotion from Your blessed virgin Martha, as we joyfully celebrate her feast.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
Pope Felix II was martyred in Tuscany, Italy, in the fourth century. The brothers Simplicius and Faustinus and their sister, Beatrice, gave their lives for Christ at Rome, A.D. 303.

O Lord, all Christian nations joyfully unite today to celebrate the feast of your martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice. Grant that the faithful may rejoice in it through all eternity and share the triumph of Your saints which they commemorate. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 10:6-13
Brethren: These things were done in a figure of us, that we should not covet evil things, as they also coveted. Neither become ye idolaters, as some of them, as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them that committed fornication: and there fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted and perished by the serpent. Neither do you murmur, as some of them murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them in figure: and they are written for our correction, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore, he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.

GRADUAL Ps. 8:2
O Lord our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth!
V. For Your splendor is exalted above the heavens.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 58:2
Rescue me from my enemies, O my God, and defend me from my adversaries. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 19:41-47
At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, seeing the city, he wept over it, saying: "If thou also hadst known, and that in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace: but now they are hidden from thy eyes. For the days shall come upon thee: and thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee and compass thee round and straiten thee on every side, And beat thee flat to the ground, and thy children who are in thee. And they shall not leave in thee a stone upon a stone: because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation." And entering into the temple, he began to cast out them that sold therein and them that bought. Saying to them: "It is written: 'My house is the house of prayer.' But you have made it a den of thieves." And he was teaching daily in the temple.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 18:9, 10, 11, 12
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart, and His judgments are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb; for Your servant observes them.

SECRET

May we celebrate these sacred rites worthily, O Lord, for each offering of this memorial Sacrifice carries on the work of our redemption. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARTHA
Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
We offer our gifts, O Lord, in memory of Your holy martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice, and pray that they may obtain forgiveness and salvation for us. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 6:57
"He who eats My flesh, and drinks My blood, abides in Me and I in him," said the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may the reception of Your Blessed Sacrament cleanse us from sin and unite us all in You. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARTHA
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of Heaven. may we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your saint whose feast we celebrate this day.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
We ask, Almighty God, that the celebration of this heavenly Sacrifice on the feast of Your martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice, may bring us Your merciful pardon. Through our Lord . . .

Saints Nazarius & Celsus; Saints Victor & Innocent

SAINTS NAZARIUS AND CELSUS 
Martyrs

SAINTS VICTOR I AND INNOCENT I 
Popes

SIMPLE / RED 
Nazarius, an ardent Christian of the first century, left his native city of Rome to preach the Faith to pagans in many Italian towns and villages. He took with him on his missionary journeys a young co-apostle by the name of Celsus. Both of these missionary pioneers died for Christ at Milan, about A.D. 68.
Pope Victor I, born in Africa, was martyred under Septimus Severus, A.D. 198. Pope Innocent I was a contemporary of St. Jerome, who urged Christians to keep the faith of Pope Innocent and to "receive no other doctrine, however wise and attractive it may appear." Pope Innocent died A.D. 417.

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

COLLECT 
Defend us, O Lord, through the blessed martyrdom of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, and may their merits support us in our weakness. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Wisdom 10:17-20
God rendered to the just the wages of their labours, and conducted them in a wonderful way: and he was to them for a covert by day, and for the light of stars by night: And he brought them through the Red Sea, and carried them over through a great water. But their enemies he drowned in the sea, and from the depth of hell he brought them out. Therefore the just took the spoils of the wicked. And they sung to thy holy name, O Lord, and they praised with one accord thy victorious hand, O Lord our God.

SECRET
Let Your wrath be appeased, Almighty God, by the gifts we offer You in honor of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, and grant us new life through these offerings as we receive them back from You. Through our Lord . . . 

POSTCOMMUNION
May the prayers of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, win forgiveness for us, O Lord. Grant that the Sacrifice we offer in this life may be our everlasting possession in the life to come. Through our Lord . . .

ST. PIUS X AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Pius X - hand coloured glass slide (Photo credit: Marc (alias willy whopper))

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Part of the 2012 Olympic Games 'Games time' uniform hangs in a cubicle at a Uniform distribution and accreditation centre, UDAC, on April 27, 2012 in London, England. 

Vatican City, 27 July 2012 (VIS) - It was 1908 when, in the wake of a serious economic crisis, Rome renounced hosting the Olympic Games which were eventually celebrated in London, England. In the same year Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, sought help from the Vatican to support the Games, and Pope St. Pius X in person offered him his support.

More than one hundred years later, the British capital is hosting the Olympic Games for the third time. The event is due to open this evening.

That moment at the beginning of the twentieth century is described in a book entitled "Pio X e lo sport" by Antonella Stelitano. At that time "less than one per cent of the population practised any sporting activity, ... and sport was used only as a form of military training or as a pastime for the upper classes", the author explained in an interview with Vatican Radio.

However "St. Pius X ... was aware of the educational potential of sport". He saw it as a way "to approach young people, and to bring them together while following certain rules and showing respect for adversaries. I believe", the author explained, "that he understood that it was possible to bring people together simply, without any problems of race, religion or differing political ideas".

At that time in history many people did not understand the importance of exercise, said Antonella Stelitano who concluded her interview by recalling an anecdote whereby Pius X told one of his cardinals: "All right, if it is impossible to understand that this can be done, then I myself will do exercise in front of everyone so that they may see that, if the Pope can do it, anyone can do it".

Saint Pantaleon

St. Pantaleon the Healer. Image via Wikipedia

SAINT PANTALEON
Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
The name of this Eastern saint means "the all-compassionate." He is said to have been a physician at Nicomedia. Mindful of the opportunities of charity which his profession afforded him, he treated the needy sick without payment. When Diocletian's persecution reached Nicomedia, the Christlike doctor prepared himself for martyrdom by distributing all his goods to the poor. He was urged to apostatize, but steadfastly confessed Jesus. He was beheaded about A.D. 305.

Mass of a MARTYR

COLLECT
O Almighty God, through the intercession of Your blessed martyr Pantaleon, shield us from bodily harm and purify our minds from evil thoughts. Through our Lord . . . 

SECRET

May our offering be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, and may it benefit us by the prayer of him on whose feast it is offered. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

Refreshed by partaking of Thy sacred Gift, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that through the intercession of blessed Pantaleon, Thy Martyr, we may perceive the fruit of the rite which we celebrate. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Anne

SAINT ANNE
Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
Anne and Joachim, her husband, were both of the royal house of David. They served God continually in prayer and good works, but were looked down upon by the Jews because they were childless. At length God gave them a daughter, who was to become the mother of His own divine son. Because St. Anne devoted herself ceaselessly to educating her child in innocence and sanctity, she is patron of all Christian mothers. St. Paul says that it is by a holy exercise of their parenthood that parents are to be saved (Col. 3:18-21).

INTROIT
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of blessed Anne, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I will sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, You conferred upon holy Anne the grace to bear the Mother of Your only-begotten Son; help us through the prayers of this holy woman as we celebrate her feast. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

LESSON Prov. 31:10-31
Who shall find a valiant woman? far, and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good, and not evil all the days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. She hath tasted, and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple, is her covering. Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine linen, and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite. Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well on the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates.

GRADUAL Ps.44:8
You loved justice and hated wickedness.
V. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 44:3
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 13:44-52
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kinds of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things?" They say to him: "Yes." He said unto them: "Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 44:10
The daughters of the king wish to be held in honor by you. The Queen stood at your right hand, clad in robes of gold and many colors.

SECRET
Look with favor upon these offerings, O Lord, so that they may be an aid to our devotion and to our salvation through the intercession of blessed Anne, mother of Mary who bore Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 44:3
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever and for all ages.

POSTCOMMUNION
We are given new life through Your Divine Sacraments, O Lord our God. Grant us eternal salvation through the intercession of blessed Anne, whom You chose to bear the Mother of Your Son. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Saint James the Greater, Saint Christopher

Saint James the Greater

Saint Christopher

SAINT JAMES
Apostle
SAINT CHRISTOPHER
Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED
St. James the Greater was the brother of St. John the Beloved Disciple. After having evangelized Spain, James returned to Jerusalem during the reign of the persecuting Herod Agrippa. He was delivered into the hands of Agrippa by an informer. The informer was so affected by the holy courage of his victim that he repented of his apostasy. James then embraced his betrayer, saying, "Peace be with you!" The Apostle and the repentant apostate were beheaded at the same time, in A.D. 42.
INTROIT Ps. 138:17Your friends are greatly honored by me, O Lord; their pre-eminence is definitely established.
Ps. 138:1-2. O Lord, You have proved me and You know me; You know when I sit and when I stand.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
Sanctify and protect Your people, O Lord. Let the assistance of Your apostle James strengthen them that they may serve You with confidence and please You by their conduct. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CHRISTOPHER
The name Christopher means "he who bears Christ." A native of Palestine, Christopher made great strides in the way of virtue, because he carried Jesus in his soul. This patron saint of travelers was martyred in the third century. 

O Almighty God, grant that we who celebrate the birthday of Your blessed martyr Christopher, may be made stronger in our love of You through his intercession. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 4:9-15
Brethren: I think that God hath set forth us apostles, the last, as it were men appointed to death. We are made a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ: we are weak, but you are strong: you are honourable, but we without honour. Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffeted and have no fixed abode. And we labour, working with our own hands. We are reviled: and we bless. We are persecuted: and we suffer it. We are blasphemed: and we entreat. We are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now. I write not these things to confound you: but I admonish you as my dearest children. For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:17-18
You shall make them princes throughout the land; they shall remember Your name, O Lord.
V. To take the place of your fathers, sons shall be born to you; therefore peoples shall praise you.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. John 15:16
I have chosen you out of the world that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 20:20-23
At that time, then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of him. Who said to her:"What wilt thou?" She saith to him: "say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom." And Jesus answering, said: "You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" They say to him: "We can." He saith to them: "My chalice indeed you shall drink; but to sit on my right or left hand is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared by my Father."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 18:5
Their voice has gone forth through all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

SECRET 
May the holy martyrdom of the blessed apostle James make the offerings of Your people acceptable to You, O Lord. In spite of our unworthiness, may these gifts be pleasing to You through the prayers of Your saint. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CHRISTOPHER
Accept our offerings and prayers, O Lord. Cleanse us by this heavenly rite, and in Your mercy hear our petitions. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 19:28
You who have followed Me shall sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

POSTCOMMUNION 
Help us, O Lord, through the intercession of Your blessed apostle James, in whose honor we have joyfully received Your Blessed Sacrament today. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CHRISTOPHER
O Lord our God, may we who now joyfully commemorate Your saints on earth rejoice one day with them in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

THE HOURS OF OUR LADY #23

We continue with our posting of the Introduction to The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

 

(The translation of the Psalms and the brief introductory comments on the Psalms of this Little Office of the Blessed Virgin are taken largely from: The Psalms and Canticles by George O'Neill, S.J. [Bruce Publishing Co. 1937.] The late Father O'Neill's work has long been out of print.)

[Continued]

INTRODUCTION

 

"Those who attack the Psalmist, or those who oppress the chosen people of old, are but types of those who persecute the Chosen One of God, whilst He was on earth in the flesh, figures of all the powers of evil opposed to God's spiritual Kingdom and harassing the individual soul struggling for sanctity, in all ages." 

(Simon, O.S.M., Scripture Manual).

 

[To be continued]

 

Saint Christina of Bolsena, Vigil of St. James "the Greater"

SAINT CHRISTINA 

of Bolsena

Virgin and Martyr

VIGIL OF SAINT JAMES
Apostle

SIMPLE / RED
Christina, born in Tuscany, Italy, destroyed the pagan idols in her father's home and distributed their gold among the poor. Her father then delivered the young girl to the persecutors. Christina was martyred about A.D. 307 at the age of ten or eleven.

Mass of a VIRGIN MARTYR, except 

COLLECT
O Lord, pardon our sins through the intercession of the blessed virgin martyr Christina, who pleased You by her purity and faith. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer you in honor of Your blessed virgin martyr Christina, and grant us Your unending assistance through these offerings. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
We have been nourished by Your Divine Gift, O Lord our God. May the reception of this Bread of Heaven bring us eternal life through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Christina. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Apollinaris, Saint Liborius

Saint Apollinaris

SAINT APOLLINARIS 

Bishop and Martyr

SAINT LIBORIUS
Bishop and Confessor

DOUBLE / RED
As first bishop and only known martyr of Ravenna, Italy, Apollinaris evangelized that region and laid down his life for his flock about A.D. 200 after a succession of banishments and harassments from the pagans. Many miracles were ascribed to his intercession. He had perfectly fulfilled the command of St. Peter to those ordained to the ministry of souls: "Tend the flock of God which is among you . . . becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock" (Reading).

INTROIT Dan. 3:84, 87
You priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; you holy and humble of heart, praise God. Dan. 3:57. All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever.
V. Glory be . . .

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

Commemoration of SAINT LIBORIUS
Liborius was bishop of Le Mans in France and friend of St. Martin of Tours, who was present at his death in A.D. 397.

O Almighty God, grant that our solemn celebration of the feast of Your confessor bishop Liborius may increase our devotion and bring us closer to our salvation. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 5:1-11
Beloved: The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 88:21-23
I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may help him and My arm strengthen him.
V. The enemy shall have no advantage over him, nor shall the son of iniquity have power to hurt him.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 109:4
The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech." Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 22:24-30
At that time, there was also a strife amongst the disciples, which of them should seem to be the greater. And Jesus said to them: "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them are called beneficent. But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger: and he that is the leader, as he that serveth. For which is greater, he that sitteth at table or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth. And you are they who have continued with me in my temptations: And I dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to me, a kingdom; That you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom: and may sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:25
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET 
O God, look kindly upon these gifts which we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr priest Apollinaris and in satisfaction for our sins. Through our Lord . . . 

Commemoration of SAINT LIBORIUS
O Lord, may Your saints everywhere be a source of joy for us, and may we feel the power of their intercession with You as we solemnly recall the deeds of their lives. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 25:20, 21
Master, thou didst hand over to me five talents; behold, I have gained five others in addition. Well done, good and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many; enter into the joy of thy master.



POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER 
We have received Your Holy Sacrament, O Lord. We now ask to be comforted by the protection of blessed Apollinaris, for You will always be merciful to those who are helped by Your saints. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT LIBORIUS 
O Almighty God, may the expression of our gratitude to You for all Your Gifts bring us even greater benefits through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Liborius. Through our Lord . . .