Tuesday, May 05, 2026

SAINT PIUS V (1572 A.D.)

   



The body of Pius V in his tomb in Santa Maria
 ...











SAINT PIUS V
Pope and Confessor

Michael Ghislieri, who later became Pope Pius V (1506-72), entered the Dominican Order at the age of 15 and was made successively inquisitor bishop, cardinal, and then pope. When he became Vicar of Christ, the first care of Pius V was to translate the reforms of the Council of Trent into immediate action. Pius V revised the missal and the breviary. He strongly upheld the Catholic rulers and parties in the countries affected by Protestantism, and he was the soul of Christian resistance to the Moslem advance in Europe. Pope Pius V found his wisdom and strength in devotion to Christ Crucified.

Mass of a 
POPE, except

Introit 
John 21:15-17.
If you love Me, Simon Peter, feed My lambs, feed My sheep, alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 29:1
I will extol You, O Lord, for You drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
If you love Me, Simon Peter, feed My lambs, feed My sheep, alleluia, alleluia.


COLLECT
O God, You chose blessed Pius as Pope to overcome the enemies of the Church and to restore the beauty of sacred liturgy. May his prayers protect us and help us to persevere in serving You, so that we may avoid the snares laid by our enemies and enjoy everlasting peace. Through Our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St Peter the Apostle
1 Pet. 5:1-4, 10-11.
Beloved: I exhort the presbyters among you - I, your fellow presbyter and witness of the sufferings of Christ, the partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed in time to come - tend the flock of God which is among you, governing not under constraint, but willingly, according to God; nor yet for the sake of base gain, but eagerly; nor yet as lording it over you charges, but becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock. And when the Prince of the shepherds appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. But the God of all grace, Who has called us unto His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself, after we have suffered a little while, perfect, strengthen and establish us. To Him is the dominion forever and ever. Amen.


Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
Matt 16:18
V. You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church. Alleluia.
Ps 44:17-18
V. You shall make them princes through all the land; they shall remember Your name through all generations. Alleluia.


GOSPEL
Continuation  of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt. 16:13-19.
At that time, Jesus, having come into the district of Caesarea Philippi, began to ask His disciples, saying, Who do men say the Son of Man is? But they said, Some say, John the Baptist; and others, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then Jesus answered and said, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

 
Offertory
Jer 1:9-10
Behold I have given my words in thy mouth: Lo, I have set thee over the nations, and over the kingdoms, to root up, and pull down, and to waste, and to destroy, and to build, and to plant. Allelúja.

SECRET
We have offered our gifts to You, O Lord. Let Your light graciously shine upon Your Church, so that this flock may everywhere prosper, and its pastors, under Your guidance, may be truly pleasing to You. Through our Lord . . .

Communion
Matt 16:18
Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Allelúja.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, govern the Church, which You have been pleased to nourish with Your heavenly food. Guide her by Your powerful direction so that she may enjoy greater freedom and remain unshaken in the fullness of faith. Through our Lord . . .

Monday, May 04, 2026

Saint Monica, Widow (387 A.D.)

    



DOUBLE / WHITE
In North Africa during the fourth century, Monica converted her pagan husband by the power of her prayers and her holy life. After her husband's death, she suffered intense grief when her brilliant son Augustine went astray in morals and faith. A saintly bishop consoled her with the words, "It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish." Augustine crossed over into Italy, but his mother followed him. There, by St. Augustine's marvelous conversion, Monica's sorrow was turned into joy.

Mass of a holy WOMAN, except


Introit
Ps 118:75; 118:120
I know, O Lord, that Your ordinances are just, and in Your faithfulness You have afflicted me. Pierce my flesh with Your fear; I fear Your ordinances. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 118:1
Happy are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
I know, O Lord, that Your ordinances are just, and in Your faithfulness You have afflicted me. Pierce my flesh with Your fear; I fear Your ordinances. Alleluia, alleluia.

GLORIA
 
COLLECT
O God, You are the comfort of those who mourn and the Saviour of all who trust in You. Blessed Monica's loving tears moved You to convert her son Augustine. may we also grieve for our sins and win the grace of Your pardon through the intercession of these two saints. Through Our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St Paul the Apostle to Timotheus
1 Tim. 5:3-10.
Beloved: Honor widows who are truly widowed. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let these first learn to provide for their own household and make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing to God. But she who is truly a widow, and left solitary, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. For she who gives herself up to pleasures is dead while she is still alive. And command them to be blameless. But if anyone does not take care of his own, and especially of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Let a widow who is selected be not less than sixty years old, having been married but once, with a reputation for her good works in bringing up children, in practicing hospitality, in washing the saints’ feet, in helping those in trouble, in carefully pursuing every good work.


Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 44:5
In your splendor and your beauty ride on triumphant, and reign. Alleluia.
V. In the cause of truth and mercy and for the sake of justice: may your right hand show you wondrous deeds. Alleluia.
 


GOSPEL Luke 7:11-16
At that time, And it came to pass afterwards that Jesus went into a city that is called Naim: and there went with him his disciples and a great multitude. And when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother: and she was a widow. And a great multitude of the city was with her. Whom when the Lord had seen, being moved with mercy towards her, he said to her: "Weep not." And he came near and touched the bier. And they that carried it stood still. And he said: "Young man, I say to thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and begun to speak. And he gave him to his mother. And there came a fear upon them all: and they glorified God saying: "A great prophet is risen up among us:" and, "God hath visited his people."

SECRET
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. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
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. Through our Lord . . .

Sunday, May 03, 2026

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER; THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS

 

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
[Commemoration] 
THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS

 


DOUBLE / WHITE

In about the year 326, Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, discovered after many attempts and failures the cross on which the Saviour had died. The miraculous cure of a woman of Jerusalem authenticated the sacred tree of our salvation. Today's feast calls to mind that Christ said we cannot be His true disciples unless we share the burden of the cross. In imitation of our Lord, we must humble ourselves, "becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross"(Reading). 


INTROIT Ps. 97:1, 2

Sing to the Lord a new canticle, alleluia! For the Lord has done wondrous deeds, alleluia! He has revealed His justice in the sight of the nations, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 97:1. His right hand has won him victory, and his holy arm has brought salvation.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, in whom all the faithful are united in one mind, let Your people everywhere love Your commandments and yearn for Your promises, so that, even amid the changes of this world, their hearts may always be fixed upon the true happiness of heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS 

O God, we were reminded again of the mystery of Your passion by the miraculous discovery of the cross of salvation. May we attain eternal happiness through the ransom price You paid for us on that tree of life; who lives and rules with God the Father . . . 

GLORIA 

EPISTLE James 1:17-21
Beloved: Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no change nor shadow of alteration. For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creature.
You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak and slow to anger. For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God. Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Alleluia, alleluia! Ps. 117:16 The right hand of the Lord has exercised power, the right hand of the Lord has lifted me up. Alleluia!
Rom. 6:9 Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death shall no longer have dominion over Him. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 16:5-14
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "I go to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me: 'Whither goest thou?' But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart. But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go. For if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you: but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin and of justice and of judgment. Of sin: because they believed not in me. And of justice: because I go to the Father: and you shall see me no longer. And of judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged. "I have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will teach you all truth. For he shall not speak of himself: but what things soever he shall hear, he shall speak. And the things that are to come, he shall shew you. He shall glorify me: because he shall receive of mine and shall shew it to you."

CREED 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 65:1-2, 16
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; sing a psalm to the glory of His name. Come and hear, all you who fear God, the great things the Lord has done for me, alleluia!

SECRET
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. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS  

May the sacrifice we offer be pleasing to You, O Lord. Let it free us from all the evils of war and destroy the pitfalls prepared by our powerful enemy, so that we may be safely protected under the banner of Your Son's cross. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . . 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 16:8
When the Paraclete, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will convict the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Help us, O Lord our God, that we may be cleansed from sin and shielded from all dangers by these Gifts which we receive with faith. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS  

We have been nourished by the Food of Heaven and refreshed by spiritual drink. Shield us from our evil enemies, O Almighty God, for You have commanded us to fight through to victory under the cross of Your Son, the weapon of justice that will save the world. Through Our Lord . . . 

Saturday, May 02, 2026

Saint Athanasius (373 A.D.), Bishop and Doctor of the Church

 

 

 





SAINT ATHANASIUS
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE / WHITE
While he was still a deacon, Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 298-373) was present at the Council of Nicaea, during which the true doctrine of the Church concerning the divinity of Christ was defined; and the rest of his life was an heroic testimony to the profession of the Nicene Fathers. After Athanasius had become bishop of Alexandria, he resisted during long years the pressure put upon him to compromise in essentials of the Faith. Five times he endured exile, and in consequence composed most of his great writings from his see city.

INTROIT Eccli. 15:5
In the gathering of the Church the Lord opened his mouth and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and clothed him with a robe of glory, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 91:2. It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most High!
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
O Lord, graciously hear the prayers we offer on the feast of Your blessed confessor bishop Athanasius. Forgive us all our sins through the merits and intercession of this saint who served You so well on earth. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE II Cor. 4:5-14
Brethren: For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord: and ourselves your servants through Jesus. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us. In all things we suffer tribulation: but are not distressed. We are straitened: but are not destitute. We suffer persecution: but are not forsaken. We are cast down: but we perish not. Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake: that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us: but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: "I believed, for which cause I have spoken"; we also believe. For which cause we speak also: Knowing that he who raised up Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and place us with you.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 109:4; Jac. 1:12
You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia!
V. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 10:23-28
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, "And when they shall persecute you in this city, flee into another. Amen I say to you, you shall not finish all the cities of Israel, till the Son of man come. The disciple is not above the master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the good man of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household? Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known. That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops. And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:21-22
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, alleluia!

SECRET
Let our annual commemoration of Your blessed confessor bishop Athanasius 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 . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 10:27
"What I tell you in darkness, speak it in the light," said the Lord; "and what you hear whispered, preach it on the housetops." Alleluia!

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

Friday, May 01, 2026

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKMAN, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  

 



SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKMAN
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary


DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
The Church has for workmen a complete program of social principles and ideal, in which the dignity of the laborer has a sound basis in the spiritual values of work. In an address called "The Apostolate of the Worker for Workers," Pope Pius XII stressed the Catholic laborer's duty of acquainting his fellow workers with this program. The new feast of Saint Joseph the Workman for May 1, gives the Catholic laborer a powerful patron and model in this vital apostolate. God entrusted His own Son as an apprentice worker to the justice and charity of the humble carpenter of Nazareth. With full confidence the working world can look to Joseph for aid in its efforts to build a better social order, one that has social charity as its soul.

INTROIT Sap. 10:17
Wisdom rendered to the just the wages of their labors and conducted them in a wonderful way; and she was for them a protection by day and the light of the stars by night, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 126:1. Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.
V. Glory Be . . .
 
GLORIA
 
COLLECT
O God, the Creator of all things, You have imposed on all men the obligation of work. May the example and prayer of blessed Joseph help us to accomplish the tasks You have commanded us to perform, so that we may attain the reward You have promised. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Col. 3:14-15, 17, 23-24.
Brethren: have charity, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body.
Show yourselves thankful. Whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Whatsoever you do, do it from the heart, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that you shall receive of the Lord the reward of inheritance. Serve ye the Lord Christ.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
In whatever tribulation they shall cry to Me, I will hear them and be their protector always. Alleluia!
V. Obtain for us, Joseph, grace to lead an innocent life, that we may always be protected by your patronage. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 13:54-58.
At that time, when Jesus had come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogues, so that they wondered and said: "How came this man by this wisdom and miracles? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brethren James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Jude: And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence therefore hath he all these things?" And they were scandalized in his regard. But Jesus said to them: "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house." And he wrought not many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
 
CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 89:17
May the tender care of the Lord our God watch over us, and direct the work of our hands for us! yes, direct the work of our hands. Alleluia!

SECRET
Mat these offerings that we have labored with our hands to make -- which we now lay before You in sacrifice, O Lord -- be a pledge of unity and peace through the intercession of blessed Joseph. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 13:54-55
How did this man come by this wisdom and these miracles? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
Let these Holy Mysteries which we have received make up for the deficiencies of our work, O Lord, and let them assure us of Your rewards through the intercession of blessed Joseph. Through Our Lord . . .

Thursday, April 30, 2026

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA (1380 A.D.)

     




SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA
Virgin


DOUBLE / WHITE
Catherine of Siena (1347-80), the daughter of an Italian tradesman, made a vow of virginity, and thereafter endured patiently the reproaches of her disappointed parents. When she was 15, she joined the lay Third Order of St. Dominic, and became one of the Church's greatest mystics and apostles of charity. Inspired by the Holy Ghost, Catherine persuaded Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome from residence in Avignon and strove zealously to prevent a threatening schism within the Church. As she lay dying, at the age of 33, she recommended particularly to her grieving disciples the striving after Christlike charity. Her mystical Dialogues are widely read and quoted today.

Mass of a 
VIRGIN, except

Introit
Ps 44:8
Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 44:2
My heart hath uttered a good word I speak my works to the king;
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Alleluia, alleluia.
 

GLORIA

COLLECT
Almighty God, we celebrate today the birthday of Your blessed virgin Catherine. May her feast fill us with joy and may we profit by the example of her great faith. Through Our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the second letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
2 Cor 10:17-18; 11:1-2
Brothers: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commendeth himself, is approved, but he, whom God commendeth. Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly: but do bear with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.


Alleluia
Allelúia, allelúja
Ps 44:15-16
After her shall virgins be brought to the king: her neighbours shall be brought to thee. They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: Allelúja.
Ps 44:5
With thy comeliness and thy beauty set out, proceed prosperously, and reign. Allelúja.


GOSPEL
Continuation  of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 25:1-13
In that time Jesus said to the people: "shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.
"


Offertory
Ps 44:10
The daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety. Alleluia.
 
 


SECRET
O Lord, let this saving victim that we offer on the feast of blessed Catherine come before You with our prayers, breathing the fragrance of spotless purity. Through Our Lord . . .

Communion
Matt 25:4; 25:6

 The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Alleluia.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, confer eternal life on us through the Food we have eaten at Your heavenly banquet, from which the blessed virgin Catherine drew support even for her earthly life. Through Our Lord . . .



File:Giovanni di Paolo 012.jpg 
St Catherine before the Pope at Avignon // Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid
Date circa 1460
 
[wikimedia.org image] 

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Third Sunday After Easter; Saints Cletus and Marcellinus, Popes & Martyrs; Our Lady of Good Counsel

  



THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER


[Commemoration]
SAINTS CLETUS AND MARCELLINUS
Popes and Martyrs




OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL

[In some places]




INTROIT Ps. 65:1-2
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, alleluia, alleluia! Sing a psalm to the glory of His name, Alleluia, Proclaim His glorious praise, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 65:3. Say to God, "How tremendous are your deeds, O Lord! because of Your great strength Your enemies cringe before You."
V. Glory be . . .
 
GLORIA

COLLECT
Show us the light of Your truth, O God, which guides the sinner back to th epath of justice. Let those who profess to be Christians avoid whatever will endanger their faith, and follow those things which will help it. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of 
SAINTS CLETUS AND MARCELLINUS
Cletus was third in the succession of popes after Peter. He died a martyr about A.D. 91, during the reign of Emperor Domitian. Like Pope Cletus, Pope Marcellinus was a Roman. He was Vicar of Christ from 296 to 304, and acquired great glory during the stormy persecution of Diocletian, who ordered his beheading.

Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Cletus and Marcellinus thy Martyrs and Sovereign Pontiffs, whom thou didst constitute Shepherds of the whole Church.

Commemoration of OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL
The devotion of Our Lady of Good Counsel originated at Gennazzano in Italy A.D. 1467. A picture of Our Lady originally at Scutari in Albania, was miraculously transferred to the Augustinian church, then in course of construction. This Church, in which is enshrined the miraculous picture, became a place of popular pilgrimage.

O God, who didst give us the Mother of Thy beloved Son for our Mother, and wert pleased by a wondrous apparition to glorify a beauteous picture of her, grant, we beseech Thee, that ever hearkening to her counsels, we may be enabled to live according to Thy Heart, and happily to reach our home in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 2:11-19.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, to refrain yourselves from carnal desires which war against the soul, Having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by the good works which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the king as excelling, Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of the good. For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the forward. For this is thankworthy: if, for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 110:9
The Lord has sent deliverance to His people. Alleluia!
V. Luke 24:26. Thus Christ should suffer and should rise again from the dead and should enter into His glory. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 16:16-22.
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "A little while, and now you shall not see Me: and again a little while, and you shall see Me: because I go to the Father." Then some of his disciples said one to another: "What is this that he saith to us: A little while, and you shall not see me: and again a little while, and you shall see me, and, Because I go to the Father?" They said therefore: "What is this that he saith, A little while? We know not what he speaketh."
And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask him. And he said to them: "Of this do you inquire among yourselves, because I said: A little while, and you shall not see Me; and again a little while, and you shall see Me? Amen, amen, I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labour, hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but when she hath brought forth the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. So also you now indeed have sorrow: but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice. And your joy no man shall take from you."

CREED
 
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 145:2
Praise the Lord, O my soul; I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live, alleluia!

SECRET
May this sacred rite help us to overcome our earthly desires, O Lord, and teach us to love the things of heaven. Through Our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINTS CLETUS AND MARCELLINUS

By the offered gifts we beseech thee, O Lord, that thou kindly enlighten thy Church, so that thy flock may everywhere progress and prosper, and thy shepherds, under thy guidance may be pleasing to thy name. 

Commemoration of OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL 
Sanctify, O Lord, the Sacrifice we bring; and by the most salutary intercession of Blessed Mary Mother of God, Mother of Good Counsel, grant that it may avail us unto salvation. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 16:16
A little while and you shall see Me no longer, alleluia! and again a little while and you shall see Me, because I go to the Father, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may the Sacrament which we have received strengthen us in spirit and comfort us in body. Through Our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINTS CLETUS AND MARCELLINUS
Being appeased, O Lord, guide thy Church, which has been nourished by holy refreshment, that under thy direction and powerful rule it may receive increase of liberty and may continue in religious integrity.

Commemoration of OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL
O Lord, may the venerable intercession of Thy glorious Mother, Mary ever Virgin, be our hope. May she who has showered upon us continual benefits ever make us see what it behoveth us to do, and strengthen us to fulfill the same: Who livest and reignest . . .