Saturday, April 18, 2026

April 18 Sanctae Mariae Sabbato OUR LADY'S SATURDAY; SAINT APOLLONIUS, MARTYR (185 A.D.)

 


Sanctae Mariae Sabbato


OUR LADY'S SATURDAY 

SAINT APOLLONIUS
Martyr 
(Historical)
 
IV. classis
Introit
Sedelius
Hail Holy Parent, who didst bring forth the King, who rules heaven and earth forever, allelúja, allelúja.
Ps 44:2
My heart hath uttered a good word I speak my works to the king; My tongue is the pen of a scrivener that writeth swiftly.
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.
Hail Holy Parent, who didst bring forth the King, who rules heaven and earth forever, allelúja, allelúja.
 
GLORIA
 
Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord God, unto all thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness both of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of thine eternal gladness.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Sir 24:14-16
From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him. And so was I established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honourable people, and in the portion of my God his inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints.
 
Alleluia
Allelúja, allelúja.
Num 17:8
The rod of Jesse had blossomed, virgin hath brought forth God and man: God hath restored peace, reconciling in himself the lowest with the highest, alleluia.
Luke 1:28
Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Allelúja.
 
Gospel
Continuation +︎ of the Holy Gospel according to John
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
John 19:25-27
Now 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
Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who didst bear the Creator of all things, thou didst bring forth who made thee, and remainest a virgin forever. Alleluia.
 
 
Communion
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of Eternal Father, alleluia.
 
 
Post Communion
Grant, O Lord, that we who have partaken of aids of salvation, may be everywhere defended by the intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, in whose honor we have offered these gifts to thy majesty.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.
 
 

St. Apollonius the Apologist

Martyr whose Apologia or defense of the faith, is called one of the most priceless documents of the early Church. Apollonius was a Roman senator who was denounced as a Christian by one of his slaves. The Praetorian prefect, Sextus Tigidius Perenis, arrested him, also putting the slave to death as an informer. Perennis demanded that Apollonius denounce the faith, and when he refused, the case was remanded to the Roman senate. There a debate took place between Perennis and Apollonius that clearly outlines the beauty and the value of Christianity. Despite his eloquent defense, Apollonius was condemned and beheaded.

(Taken from Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints)

 

Friday, April 17, 2026

SAINT ANICETUS (175 A.D.) Pope and Martyr; SAINT DONAN AND COMPANIONS (617 A.D.) Martyrs

 



SAINT ANICETUS
Pope and Martyr
 
pinterest.com image
 
SAINT DONAN 
AND COMPANIONS
Martyrs 
 

SIMPLE / RED
Anicetus, who was of Syrian ancestry, was pope from about the year 152 to the year 160. He took a firm stand against contemporary heresies. Although he did not actually shed his blood for the Faith, he merited the title of Martyr through the sufferings he endured in the government of the persecuted Church.
 
INTROIT John 21: 15-17
Simon Peter, if thou lovest Me, feed
My lambs, feed My sheep. [P.T.
Alleluia, alleluia.] (Ps. 29: 1) I will
extol Thee, O Lord, for Thou hast
upheld me: and hast not made my
enemies to rejoice over me. Glory be
to the Father, and to the Son, and to
the Holy Spirit, as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Simon
Peter, if thou lovest Me, feed My
lambs, feed My sheep. Alleluia,
alleluia.
 
COLLECT
O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Anicetus shepherd of the whole Church, let the prayers of this Martyr and Supreme Pontiff move you to look with favor upon Your flock and to keep it under Your continual protection.
 
Commemoration of SAINT DONAN
Saint Donan, also known as Saint Donnán of Eigg, lived from about 550 to 17 April 617. He was probably Irish in origin, and probably of noble birth. He is known for his efforts to introduce Christianity to the Picts of north-west Scotland. Very little remains of him in the written record, but he is remembered in the quite remarkable number of places named after him across large parts of modern Scotland. The only part of his life to have made it into the annals in any detail was his death, when he and 52 of his monks were murdered at their monastery on the Isle of Eigg.
 
We who elevate our souls unto Thee, O Almighty and everlasting God, beseech Thee to forget the faults of  our youth and if, through carelessness, we are delinquent, do Thou, at the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Donan and his Companions, vouchsafe mercifully to forgive us. Through our Lord . . .  
 
EPISTLE 1 Peter 5: 1-4, 10-11
Dearly beloved brethren: The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake, but voluntarily: Neither as lording it over the clergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen. 

Alleluia
Allelúja, allelúja
Matt 16:18
And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My Church.
Ps 44:17-18.
Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth. They shall remember thy name throughout all generations. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, for ever and ever. Allelúja.
 
GOSPEL
Matt 16:13-19
In that time: Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. 

 

OFFERTORY Jeremias 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. 

 
Commemoration of SAINT DONAN
Be appeased, we beseech Thee, O Lord, by the gifts now offered, and by the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs blessed Donan and Companions, defend us from all dangers. 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 Your 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. 

Commemoration of SAINT DONAN
May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt and through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs blessed Donan and Companions, make us share in the heavenly healing. Through our Lord . . .
 

Thursday, April 16, 2026

SAINT BENEDICT JOSEPH LABRE (1783 A.D.); Saint Bernadette Soubirous (1879 A.D.)SAINT MAGNUS OF ORKNEY (1104 A.D.) Martyr



[pinterest.com image]
 

SAINT BENEDICT JOSEPH LABRE

Confessor

 English: a picture of saint Bernadette's face 


 

 

 


St. Bernadette Soubirous

Virgin

[In some places]


 SAINT MAGNUS OF ORKNEY

Martyr

WHITE

St. Benedict Joseph Labre, born in France (1748) devoted himself from his youth to penance and prayer. Obeying the inspiration from on high he became a pilgrim. With no resources he journeyed to Loreto, Assisi and Rome. The populace treated him as a fool. He spent the last twelve years of his life praying in the sanctuaries of Rome and died on April 16 A.D. 1783.

INTROIT (Jer. 12, 7, Ps. 85)

I have forsaken my home, I have cast off mine inheritance, I am poor and nedy, but the Lord hath taken m up. Alleluia, alleluia. (Ps. 41, 2.) As the hart panteth after the fontains of water, so my soul panteth after Thee, O God. Glory be to the Fasther ...--I have forsaken ...

COLLECT

O God, who didst make Thy holy Confessor Benedict Joseph, by the pursuit of humility and by the love of poverty, cleave unto Thee alone, grant us by the help of his merits, to dispise all earthly things, and ever to seek after those of heaven. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT BERNADETTE
Bernadette Soubirous, in religion Sister Mary Bernard, was born at Lourdes, 7th January 1844. Died at Nevers, in the odour of sanctity, 16th April 1879. She was declared venerable 13th August 1913 and canonised 8th December 1933. The eighteen apparitions of the Immaculate Virgin took place between the 11th of February and 16th July 1858, when Bernadette was in her fifteenth year.

O God, protector and friend of the humble, who filled Thy servant, Mary Bernard, with joy by the apparition and the conversation of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, that by the simple way of faith we may be counted worthy to see Thee face to face in heaven.  

 

Commemoration of SAINT MAGNUS

St. Magnus, Earl of the Orkney Isles, was a Saint famed for his heroic humility and charity. He was martyred in the Orkneys by pagan Norsemen on April 18, A.D. 1104.

May the excellent merits of holy Magnus, Thy Martyr, defend us, O Lord, and may we, who in those merits proclaim the works of Thy Majesty, obtain through them both present and future help. Through our Lord . . . 

EPISTLE 

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world: and certainly we can carry nothing out.

But having food, and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content.

For they that will become rich, fall into temptation, and into the snare of the devil, and into many unprofitable and hurtful desires, which drown men into destruction and perdition.

10 For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, fly these things: and pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith: lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses.

Alleluia, alleluia. (Ps. 112, 5, 6) Who is as the Lord our God, who dweleth on high, and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth? Alleluia. (Ps. 112, 7) Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill. That he may place him with princes, with the princes of His people. Alleluia.

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it.

26 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?

27 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 (Heb. 13, 14, 15)

For we have not here a lasting city, but we seek one that is to come. Let us therefore always offer to God, the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips confessing to His name. Alleluia.

SECRET

Most merciful God, graciously look down  upon the gifts we bring  and, giving ear to the prayers of St. Benedict Joseph, Thy Confessor, grant that our offerings may avail us unto salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT BERNADETTE 
O Lord, by Thy Sacrifice inflame our souls with that heavenly ardour by which blessed Mary Bernard, Thy Virgin, presented herself as a praise-offering agreeable to Thee.  
 

Commemoration of SAINT MAGNUS

Behold graciously, we beseech Thee, O Lord, these our offerings, that they may be infused with the blessing of the Holy Ghost, and may pour into our hearts that vigorous love which enabled the holy Martyr Magnus to overcome all bodily tortures. Through our Lord . . . 

COMMUNION (Matt. 5, 4, 8)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. Alleluia.

POSTCOMMUNION

We have been refreshed, O Lord, by Thy sacred gifts, and beg of Thee the grace to imitate the virtues of Thy holy Confessor Benedict Joseph, on whose merits we rely while we entreat Thy help. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT BERNADETTE 
We, who are renewed by those holy Mysteries, beseech Thee, O Lord, that imitating the marvelous constancy of the blessed Mary Bernard, we may obtain the eternal reward of our patience. 

 

Commemoration of SAINT MAGNUS

O Lord, we have received this heavenly Sacrament, while solemnising Thy holy Martyr Magnus, grant, we beseech Thee, through his prayers that what we now perform in this time we may receive in everlasting joys. Through our Lord . . . 
 

St. Bernadette Soubirous

 


English: Art of LourdesImage via Wikipedia


Feastday: April 16 [Traditional Calendar]
Died: 1879

Famed visionary of Lourdes, baptized Mary Bernard. She was born in Lourdes, France, on January 7, 1844, the daughter of Francis and Louise Soubirous. Bernadette, a severe asthma sufferer, lived in abject poverty. On February 11, 1858, she was granted a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a cave on the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. She was placed in consider able jeopardy when she reported the vision, and crowds gathered when she had futher visits from the Virgin, from February 18 of that year through March 4.The civil authorities tried to frighten Bernadette into recanting her accounts, but she remained faithful to the vision. On February 25, a spring emerged from the cave and the waters were discovered to be of a miraculous nature, capable of healing the sick and lame. On March 25, Bernadette announced that the vision stated that she was the Immaculate Conception, and that a church should be erected on the site. Many authorities tried to shut down the spring and delay the construction of the chapel, but the influence and fame of the visions reached Empress Eugenie of France, wife of Napoleon Ill, and construction went forward. Crowds gathered, free of harassment from the anticlerical and antireligious officials. In 1866, Bernadette was sent to the Sisters of Notre Dame in Nevers. There she became a member of the community, and faced some rather harsh treatment from the mistress of novices. This oppression ended when it was discovered that she suffered from a painful, incurable illness. She died in Nevers on April 16,1879, still giving the same account of her visions. Lourdes became one of the major pilgrimage destinations in the world, and the spring has produced 27,000 gallons of water each week since emerging during Bernadette's visions. She was not involved in the building of the shrine, as she remained hidden at Nevers. Bernadette was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1933 by Pope Pius XI. 

From http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1757  
 
 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

April 15th Ferial Day

 


FERIAL DAY

(Mass of preceding Sunday)
[Requiem or Votive Mass allowed]


INTROIT I Peter 2:2
Crave, as newborn babes, alleluia! pure spiritual milk, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 80:2. Sing joyfully to God, our helper; sing aloud to God of Jacob.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Almighty God, let our conduct and our lives always be guided by the Easter feast we have just celebrated. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I John 5:4-10.
Beloved: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world. And this is the victory which overcameth the world: Our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is he that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifieth that Christ is the truth. And there are Three who give testimony in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one. And there are three that give testimony on earth: the spirit and the water and the blood. And these three are one. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God, which is greater, because he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth in the Son of God hath the testimony of God in himself.

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. Matt. 28:7. "On the day of My resurrection," said the Lord, "I will go before you into Galilee." Alleluia!
V. John 20:26. After eight days, the doors being closed, Jesus stood in the midst of His disciples, and said, "Peace be to you." Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 20:19-31.
At that time, when it was late the same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them: "Peace be to you." And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. He said therefore to them again: "Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: "Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst and said: "Peace be to you." Then he said to Thomas: "Put in thy finger hither and see my hands. And bring hither the hand and put it into my side. And be not faithless, but believing." Thomas answered and said to him: "My Lord and my God."
Jesus saith to him: "Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen and have believed."
Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book.
But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Matt. 28:2, 5, 6
An Angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and said to the women, "He whom you seek has risen, as He said." Alleluia!

SECRET
Accept the gifts of Your joyous Church, O Lord. You have given her such cause for joy; grant that she may attain that unending happiness. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 20:27
Put in your hand, and feel the place of the nails, alleluia! and be not unbelieving, but believing, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord our God, may we be healed now and forever by these sacred rites which You instituted to protect us in our new life of grace. Through Our Lord . . .

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

SAINT JUSTIN, Martyr (165 A.D.); SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, & MAXIMUS, Martyrs (229 A.D.)

 



SAINT JUSTIN
Martyr

SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, & MAXIMUS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / RED
Attracted by the supernatural fortitude of Christian Martyrs, Justin studied the Scriptures, was baptized at about the age of 30, and found peace in a humble acceptance of his new faith. Believing that reason is a vital auxiliary of faith, this "apologist" opened at Rome the first school of Christian philosophy and became its most eminent teacher. Emperor Marcus Aurelius had Justin scourged and put to death in the year 165.

INTROIT Ps. 118:85, 46
The wicked have told me idle tales, which are not according to Your law; but I spoke of Your testimonies before kings and I was not ashamed, Alleluia, alleluia!
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 God, who through the foolishness of the cross didst teach the blessed Martyr Justin the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ: enable us by his intercession to put away all deceits of error and obtain steadfastness of faith. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, AND MAXIMUS
About the year 229, the brothers Tiburtius and Valerian converted their executioner Maximus by the example of their courage. Then all three were martyred in the Roman arena.

Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who keep the solemn festival of Thy holy Martyrs Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus, may also follow the example of their virtues. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 1:18-25, 30
Brethren: For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness: but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise: and the prudence of the prudent I will reject. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For, seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world, by wisdom, knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of our preaching, to save them that believe. For both the Jews require signs: and the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified: unto the Jews indeed a stumblingblock, and unto the Gentiles foolishness: But unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is stronger than men. But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and justice and sanctification and redemption.

ALLELUIA, alleluia! V. I Cor. 3:19, 20; Philipp. 3:8
The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for it is written: The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain, Alleluia.
Furthermore, I count all things to be but loss, for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord. Alleluia! 

GOSPEL Luke 12:2-8
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed: nor hidden that shall not be known. For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness shall be published in the light: and that which you have spoken in the ear in the chambers shall be preached on the housetops. And I say to you, my friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will shew you whom you shall fear: Fear ye him who, after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you: Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows. And I say to you: Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the Angels of God."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON I Cor. 2:2
For I judged not myself to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Alleluia!

SECRET
Graciously receive, O Lord God, these our oblations, the wondrous Mystery of which Thy holy Martyr Justin resolutely defended against the calumny of the ungodly. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT TIBURTIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that this Sacrifice, which we offer in celebration of the heavenly birthday of Thy holy Martyrs, may loosen the bonds of our sins and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON 2 Tim. 4:6
There is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just Judge, will render to me in that day. Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
We who have been refreshed with heavenly food, humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that following the teaching of blessed Justin, Thy Martyr, we may ever give thanks for the gifts we have received. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT TIBURTIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS
Filled with Thy sacred gifts, O Lord, we humbly beseech that this rite of dur submission which we celebrate may bring us evident increase of Thy saving grace. Through our Lord . . .

Monday, April 13, 2026

Saint Hermenegild (585 A.D.) Martyr

 

 

The triumph of St. Hermenegild

SAINT HERMENEGILD  
Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
In the sixth century Hermenegild, the elder son of King Leovigild, the heretical Visigothic ruler of Spain, married a French princess and was converted to the true religion by her holy example. King Leovigild regarded the converted prince as a traitor and had him put to death. But remorse worked on the royal father's heart, and he died advising his remaining son to become a Catholic and thus to bring the whole nation of the Visigoths in Spain into the Catholic Church.

Introit
Ps 63:3
Thou hast protected me from the assembly of the malignant, alleluia; from the multitude of the workers of iniquity, alleluia, alleluia.
Ps. 63:2
Hear, O God, my prayer, when I make supplication to thee: deliver my soul from the fear of the enemy.
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 protected me from the assembly of the malignant, alleluia; from the multitude of the workers of iniquity, alleluia, alleluia.


COLLECT
O God, who didst teach blessed Hermenegild, Thy Martyr, to choose the heavenly kingdom rather than an earthly throne: grant us, we beseech Thee, that, following his example, we may despise the fleeting things of time and seek what is eternal. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Wisdom
Wis 5:1-5
Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labours. These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation. Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: These are they, whom we had some time in derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honour. Behold how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints.  


Alleluia
Allelúja, allelúja
Ps 88:6.
The heavens shall confess thy wonders, O Lord: and thy truth in the church of the saints. Alleluia.
Ps 20:4
For thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness: thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones. Alleluia.
 


GOSPEL Luke 14:26-33At that time, Jesus said to the multitude, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, having a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down and reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it: Lest, after he hath laid the foundation and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, Saying: 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or, what king, about to go to make war against another king, doth not first sit down and think whether he be able, with ten thousand, to meet him that, with twenty thousand, cometh against him? Or else, while the other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth cannot be my disciple." 
 
SECRET
Accept our offerings and prayers, O Lord. Cleanse us by this heavenly rite, and in Your mercy hear our petitions. Through our Lord . . .

Communion
Ps 63:11.
The just shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall hope in him: and all the upright in heart shall be praised, alleluia, alleluia.

 
POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord Our God, may we who now joyfully commemorate Your Saints on earth rejoice one day with them in Heaven. Through our Lord . . .

Saturday, April 11, 2026

EASTER SATURDAY; SAINT LEO THE GREAT (461 A.D.)

    

EASTER SATURDAY
 

[Commemoration] 
SAINT LEO THE GREAT
Pope, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church
 


DOUBLE / WHITE
 The life of a baptized Christian must exemplify sincerity, honesty, and charity. Such basic character is necessary for the sublime "new creature" who is born through the Sacrament of Baptism. Though not given the distinctive power to consecrate and absolve, every baptized person shares in a very real way in the priesthood of Christ through membership in Christ. This royal dignity empowers the Christian to receive all the other sacraments, and especially to offer the Mass through the hands of the priest-celebrant.
 
INTROIT Ps. 104:43
The Lord led forth His people with joy, alleluia! and His chosen ones with rejoicing, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 104:1. Praise the Lord and invoke His name; make His deeds known among the nations.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
We pray, Almighty God, that our reverent celebration of the Easter Feast may win for us the joys of eternal life. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT LEO
Pope Leo I (440-461) governed the Church when it was being attacked from within by heretics (Nestorians and Monophysites) and from without by the northern barbarians. By his fearless holiness and learning, Pope Leo overcame the heretics. He stopped the advance of Attila, "the scourge of God," at the very gates of Rome. He attributed all the fruits of his great labors to St. Peter, the glorious Prince of the Apostles. St. Peter, he often declared, lives and governs in Peter's successors.

Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Leo Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 2:1-10.
Beloved: Wherefore laying away all malice and all guile and dissimulations and envies and all detractions, As newborn babes, desire the rational milk without guile, that thereby you may grow unto salvation: If so be you have tasted that the Lord is sweet. Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men but chosen and made honourable by God: Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore it is said in the scripture: "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious. And he that shall believe in him shall not be confounded." To you therefore that believe, he is honour: but to them that believe not, "the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner:" And, "a stone of stumbling and a rock of scandal," to them who stumble at the word, neither do believe, whereunto also they are set. But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Who in times past were not a people: but are now the people of God. Who had not obtained mercy: but now have obtained mercy.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps. 117:24
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. Alleluia!
V. Ps. 112:1. Praise the Lord, you His servants, praise the name of the Lord.



SEQUENCE
May you praise the Paschal Victim,
immolated for Christians.
The Lamb redeemed the sheep:
Christ, the innocent one,
has reconciled sinners to the Father.

A wonderful duel to behold,
as death and life struggle:
The Prince of life dead,
now reigns alive.
Tell us, Mary Magdalen,
what did you see in the way?

"I saw the sepulchre of the living Christ,
and I saw the glory of the Resurrected one:
The Angelic witnesses,
the winding cloth, and His garments.
The risen Christ is my hope:
He will go before His own into Galilee."
We know Christ to have risen
truly from the dead:
And thou, victorious King,
have mercy on us.
Amen. Alleluia.


GOSPEL John 20:1-9.
At that time, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalen cometh early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre: and she saw the stone taken away from the sepulchre. She ran therefore and cometh to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved and saith to them: "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre: and we know not where they have laid him." Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple: and they came to the sepulchre. And they both ran together: and that other disciple did outrun Peter and came first to the sepulchre. And when he stooped down, he saw the linen cloths lying: but yet he went not in. Then cometh Simon Peter, following him, and went into the sepulchre: and saw the linen cloths lying, And the napkin that had been about his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but apart, wrapped up into one place. Then that other disciple also went in, who came first to the sepulchre: and he saw and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 117:26-27
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and He has given us light, alleluia, alleluia!

SECRET
May we always be made joyful by this Easter ceremony, O Lord, and may the actual accomplishment of our redemption be a source of endless happiness for us. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT LEO
Kindly receive, O Lord, the gifts which in our joy we offer Thee, and grant, by the intercession of blessed Leo, that Thy Church may rejoice in integrity of faith and delight in quiet days. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Gal. 3:27
All you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
We have come to a new life by Your gift of redemption, O Lord. Let us always be strong in faith through this aid to our eternal salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT LEO
Appeased by this Sacrifice, O Lord, in which Thou hast nourished Thy Church on heavenly food, do Thou so guide her that She may be steered with a firm hand and, while enjoying more liberty, may persist in wholeness of faith. Through our Lord . . .