SAINT MARK, Evangelist; THE GREATER LITANIES

 

 Anniversary of my Ordination to the Diaconate, April 25, 1987 (38 years).

Deacon John

  

SAINT MARK
Evangelist

THE GREATER LITANIES

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED
In the year 47, the young John Mark aided St. Paul and St. Barnabas (Mark's cousin) in the evangelization of the island of Cyprus. Later Mark became the beloved companion and secretary of Pope Peter in Rome. He set down in writing Peter's sermons about the sayings and the public ministry of Jesus, and so composed the second Gospel of the New Testament. Its terse, picturesque language must have been very close to the words of the former fisherman of Galilee. The writings of both St. Peter and St. Paul show that John Mark evangelized many districts of Asia Minor. Tradition claims also that St. Mark was founder of the Church of Alexandria and won the glory of martyrdom in that Egyptian city.

INTROIT Ps. 63:3
You have protected me, O God, from the throng of the evildoers, alleluia! from the multitude of malefactors, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 63:2. Hear, O God, my prayer of supplication; deliver me from the fear of the enemy.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, Your grace raised up the blessed evangelist Mark to preach the Gospel. May we always profit by his teaching and find refuge in his intercession. through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION
In our difficulties, O Almighty God, we rely upon Your loving mercy. Let Your protection shield us from all harm. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON Ezech. 1:10-14
And as for the likeness of their faces: there was the face of a man, and the face of a lion on the right side of all the four: and the face of an ox, on the left side of all the four: and the face of an eagle over all the four. And their faces, and their wings were stretched upward: two wings of every one were joined, and two covered their bodies: And every one of them went straight forward: whither the impulse of the spirit was to go, thither they went: and they turned not when they went. And as for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like that of burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps. This was the vision running to and fro in the midst of the living creatures, a bright fire, and lightning going forth from the fire. And the living creatures ran and returned like flashes of lightning.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 88:6; 20:4
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints. Alleluia!
V. You have placed on his head, O Lord, a crown of precious stones. 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.' "

CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:6
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints, alleluia, alleluia!

SECRET
O Lord, we offer You these gifts on the feast of Your blessed evangelist Mark. May the intercession of this illustrious preacher make us pleasing to You in word and deed. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION
O Lord, may these offerings free us from the bondage of sin and win for us the gift of Your mercy. Through Our Lord . . .
 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 63:11
The just man rejoices in the Lord and trusts in Him; and all the upright of heart glory in Him, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may Your holy Sacrament always protect and shield us from all adversity through the prayers of Your blessed evangelist Mark. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION
Mercifully grant us our requests, O Lord, that the consolation we receive in our grievous troubles may increase our love for You. Through Our Lord . . .

Saint Fidelis (1622 A.D.); Saint Egbert (729 A.D.) Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (1868 A.D.)

  

SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN
Martyr

 

Saint Egbert

 

 

SAINT MARY EUPHRASIA PELLETIER
Virgin
(For the Religious of the Good Shepherd)

DOUBLE / RED
Fidelis (1577-1622), a native of southern Germany, became a lawyer of such noble integrity that he was known as "The Advocate of the Poor." In the year 1612 he entered the Capuchin Order and was sent as a missioner to Switzerland. He had marked success in persuading Protestant Swiss to return to the Catholic Church. Eventually Father Fidelis was waylaid by a band of ruffians. One of them felled the priest with a violent blow, and as he struggled to his knees, another of the murderers stabbed the martyr. He died after uttering the prayer, "Lord, forgive my enemies!"

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.

Mass of a MARTYR DURING EASTERTIME, except

GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, You set the heart of Fidelis on fire with a seraphic love, and granted him both the triumph of martyrdom and the gift of miracles in preaching the true faith. May his merits and prayers make us strong in faith and love, so that by Your grace we may be faithful in Your service until death. Through Our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of SAINT EGBERT

Northumbrian monk, born of noble parentage c. 639; d. 729. In his youth he went for the sake of study to Ireland, to a monastery, says the Venerable Bede, “called Rathmelsigi”, identified by some with Mellifont in what is now County Louth. There, when in danger of death from pestilence, he prayed for time to do penance, vowing amongst other things to live always in exile from his own country. In consequence he never returned to England, though he lived to the age of ninety, and always fasted rigorously. Having become a priest, he was filled with zeal for the conversion of the still pagan German tribes related to the Angles, and would himself have become their apostle, if God had not shown him that his real calling was to other work. It was he, however, who dispatched to Friesland St. Wigbert, St. Willibrord, and other saintly missionaries. St. Egbert’s own mission was made known to him by a monk, who, at Melrose, had been a disciple of St. Boisil. Appearing to this monk, St. Boisil sent him to tell Egbert that the Lord willed him instead of preaching to the heathen to go to the monasteries of St. Columba, “because their ploughs were not going straight”, in consequence of their schismatic practice in the celebration of Easter. Leaving Ireland therefore in 716, Egbert crossed over to Iona, where the last thirteen years of his life were spent. By his sweetness and humility he induced the Iona monks to relinquish their erroneous mode of computation; in 729 they celebrated Easter with the rest of the Church upon April 24, although their old rule placed it that year upon an earlier day. On the same day, after saying Mass and joining joyfully in their celebration, the aged Egbert died. Though he is now honored simply as a confessor, it is probable that St. Egbert was a bishop. By Alcuin he is expressly called antistes and episcopus, and an Irish account of a synod at Birra names him “Egbert Bishop”, whilst the term sacerdos used by the Venerable Bede, is sometimes applied by him to bishops. 

From https://nobility.org/

 

O God, who dost gladden us by the annual solemnity of blessed Egbert, Thy Confessor, do Thou, through his interceding merits, guide unto Thyself the hearts of Thy servants, that inflamed with the fire of Thy Spirit, they may found both firm in faith and efficient in deed. 

Commemoration of SAINT MARY EUPHRASIA PELLETIER

By her enlightened zeal, Sister Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (1796-1868) developed the French Institute of the Religious of the Good Shepherd into a world-wide congregation. She was accused by her adversaries of ambition and disobedience; but her innovations were approved by Pope Gregory XVI, as being entirely in harmony with the spirit of the Gospel. During the 33 years that she served as mother general of her congregation, ecclesiastical authorities in every part of the world requested the soul-saving aid of her Sisters.

O God, by Your gift the blessed virgin Mary Euphrasia followed in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd. May we imitate her example on earth to gain the rewards of heaven promised to those who are merciful. 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
Continuation ✝ of the Holy Gospel according to John
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
John 15:1-7
In that time, Jesus said to his disciples: I am the true vine; and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me, that beareth not fruit, he will take away: and every one that beareth fruit, he will purge it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean by reason of the word, which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine: you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If any one abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall wither, and they shall gather him up, and cast him into the fire, and he burneth. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you.   

Offertory
Ps 88:6
The heavens shall confess thy wonders, O Lord: and thy truth in the church of the saints, alleluia, alleluia. 

SECRET

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

 

Commemoration of SAINT EGBERT

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we may ever rejoice in these Easter Mysteries and that the unceasing working out of our redemption may be for us a cause of endless joy.

Commemoration of SAINT MARY EUPHRASIA PELLETIER

We offer You this spotless host, O Lord, in honor of the virgin Mary Euphrasia. For the glory of Your holy Name may we be fired with zeal to save souls through her intercession. 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 . . .

 

Commemoration of SAINT EGBERT

Pour forth upon us, O Lord, the spirit of Thy love and by Thy goodness, make to be of one mind those whom Thou hast fully nourished with Thine Easter Sacraments.

 

Commemoration of SAINT MARY EUPHRASIA PELLETIER

We are refreshed by Your divine Gift, O Lord. May the intercession of the blessed virgin Mary Euphrasia bring Your abundant blessing upon the sheep of Your fold. Through our Lord . . .

Saint George (303 A.D.) Martyr - Patron of England

 

 [Wikimedia image]

SAINT GEORGE
Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
George from an illustrious family, was a Cappadocian who who fought in the Roman army during the third century. He rebuked Diocletian when that ruler began to persecute the Christians, and was in consequence tortured and beheaded. The brave and defiant cheerfulness of the young officer during his torture was so great an inspiration to Christians of succeeding centuries that both the East and the West surrounded his bright figure with clusters of beautiful legends. St. George is the patron of England, and Christian soldiers. He was especially venerated in Christian Russia. 

Mass of a MARTYR DURING EASTERTIME, except

GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, the merits and prayers of Your blesses martyr George are a source of happiness for us. Grant us as a gift of grace the blessings we seek through him. Through Our Lord . . .

O God, who, by the humility of Thy Son, didst lift up a fallen world, grant unending happiness to Thy faithful: that those whom Thou hast snatched from the perils of endless death, Thou mayest cause to rejoice in everlasting days.
Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.  

EPISTLE II Tim. 2:8-10; 3:10-12
Dearly 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.

Alleluia, alleluia (Ps. 88:6)
The heavens shall confess Thy wonders, O Lord and Thy truth in the Church of Thy Saints. Alleluia. (Ps. 20:4) Thou hast set on his head, O Lord, a crown of precious stones. Alleluia.

 GOSPEL (John 15: 1-7)
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."

SECRET 
Bless these gifts we offer You, O Lord, and through the intercession of Your blessed martyr George may they cleanse us from the stain of our sins. Through Our Lord . . .
 

May this holy offering, O Lord, always bring to us Thy healing blessing: that what it represents in a Mystery, it may accomplish with power.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. 

POSTCOMMUNION 
Almighty God, we humbly ask through the intercession of Your blessed martyr George that those who are nourished with Your Sacrament may live a life of worthy service pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .

Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that having received the grace of a new life, we may ever glory in Thy gift.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Saints Soter (175 A.D.) and Caius (296 A.D.), Popes and Martyrs

  

 

April 22
SAINTS SOTER AND CAIUS
Popes and Martyrs

 

By Polylerus - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3351370 

SIMPLE / RED
In 166 Soter succeeded Pope Anicetus on the Throne of St. Peter and was martyred some ten years later. Pope Soter was solicitous for the poor, and he consoled with the tenderness of a father the Christians who suffered persecution for their beliefs. Pope Caius, who died about the year 296, is said to have been a Dalmatian. Like all the Vicars of Christ in the first centuries, St. Soter and St. Caius were constant in uniting their sufferings to those of the Divine Redeemer and "in Him bore much fruit".

Introit
John 21:15-17
If thou lovest me, Simon Peter, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. Allelúja, allelúja
Ps 29:2
I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me: and hast not made my enemies to 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 thou lovest me, Simon Peter, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. Allelúja, allelúja.

COLLECT
Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Soter and Cajus thy Martyrs and Sovereign Pontiffs, whom thou didst constitute Shepherds of the whole Church.
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 first letter of St Peter the Apostle
1 Pet 5:1-4; 5:10-11.
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. 

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
Continuation ✝ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
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
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

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.
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.

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 

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.
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.

SAINT ANSELM (1109 A.D.) Bishop and Doctor of the Church; Saint Conrad of Parzham (1894 A.D.)

  

SAINT ANSELM
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Saint Conrad of Parzham 

[Historical]

(Youtube image) 

DOUBLE / WHITE
Anselm (c. 1033-1109), an Italian, studied at the Abbey of Bec in Normandy, and there became a Benedictine monk. Anselm was an original and profound thinker and because of his writings he is considered the father of Scholasticism. He later became Archbishop of Canterbury in England. He suffered much at the hands of Kings William II and Henry I, who persisted in encroaching on the spiritual jurisdiction belonging to the Church alone.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

6

Introit
Sir 15:5
And in the midst of the church she shall open his mouth, and shall fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall clothe him with a robe of glory. Allelúja, allelúja.
Ps 91:2
It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to thy name, O most High.
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.
And in the midst of the church she shall open his mouth, and shall fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall clothe him with a robe of glory. Allelúja, allelúja.

 
GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, may blessed Anselm intercede for us in heaven as he once instructed Your faithful on earth and directed them in the way of eternal salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the second letter of St Paul the Apostle to Timotheus
2 Tim 4:1-8
Dearly beloved: I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming, and his kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming.

Alleluia
Allelúja, allelúja
Sir 45:9
And he girded him about with a glorious girdle, and clothed him with a robe of glory.
Hos 14:6
I will be as the dew, Israel shall spring as the lily, and his root shall shoot forth as that of Libanus 

GOSPEL
Matt 5:13-19
In that time Jesus said to His disciples: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

Offertory
Ps 91:13
The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus. T.P.Allelúja.

SECRET

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

 Communion
Luke 12:42
The faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family: to give them their measure of wheat in due season. Allelúja.

POSTCOMMUNION

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

 

  

[pinterest.com image]

Saint Conrad of Parzham’s Story

Conrad spent most of his life as porter in Altoetting, Bavaria, letting people into the friary and indirectly encouraging them to let God into their lives.

His parents, Bartholomew and Gertrude Birndorfer, lived near Parzham, Bavaria. In those days, this region was recovering from the Napoleonic wars. A lover of solitary prayer and a peacemaker as a young man, Conrad joined the Capuchins as a brother. He made his profession in 1852 and was assigned to the friary in Altoetting. That city’s shrine to Mary was very popular; at the nearby Capuchin friary there was a lot of work for the porter, a job Conrad held for 41 years.

At first, some of the other friars were jealous that such a young friar held this important job. Conrad’s patience and holy life overcame their doubts. As porter, he dealt with many people, obtaining many of the friary supplies and generously providing for the poor who came to the door. He treated them all with the courtesy Francis expected of his followers.

Conrad’s helpfulness was sometimes unnerving. Once Father Vincent, seeking quiet to prepare a sermon, went up the belltower of the church. Conrad tracked him down when someone wanting to go to confession specifically requested Father Vincent.

Saint Conrad of Parzham also developed a special rapport with the children of the area. He enthusiastically promoted the Seraphic Work of Charity, which aided neglected children.

Saint Conrad of Parzham spent hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He regularly asked the Blessed Mother to intercede for him and for the many people he included in his prayers. The ever-patient Conrad was canonized in 1934. His liturgical feast is celebrated on April 21.

 

April 20th Ferial Day; St. Agnes of Montepulciano; Saint Marcellinus

April 20

FERIAL DAY

(Mass of preceding Sunday)

[Requiem or Votive Mass allowed]

 

INTROIT 
Ps. 32:5-6 

The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord, alleluia! By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory Be . . .

 
GLORIA

COLLECT
You raised up our fallen world, O God, by the humiliation of Your own Son. May we, Your faithful people, be always joyful on earth, and, by being rescued from the danger of eternal death, come to everlasting happiness in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 2:21-25
Beloved: Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth." When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Luke 24:33
The disciples recognized the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Alleluia!
V. John 10:14. I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and mine know me. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 10:11-16.
At that time, Jesus said to the Pharisees: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 62:2, 5
O God, my God, for You do I watch at the break of day; and I lift up my hands in Your name, alleluia!

SECRET
May this holy offering bring us the blessing of salvation, O Lord, and may the mystery of the sacrifice which we here perform, work its effect in us. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, alleluia!
And I Know my sheep, and mine know me, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Almighty God, may we always proudly rejoice in Your Gift of grace, which has brought us back to life again. Through Our Lord . . . 

 

 

 

By Sailko - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147825788

St. Agnes of Montepulciano

Born in the neighbourhood of Montepulciano in Tuscany about 1268; died there 1317. At the age of nine years she entered a monastery. Four years later she was commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV to assist in the foundation of a monastery at Proceno, and became its prioress at the age of fifteen. At the entreaty of the citizens of her native town, she established (1298) the celebrated convent of Dominican nuns at Montepulciano which she governed until the time of her death. She was canonized by Benedict XIII in 1726. Her feast is celebrated on 20 April.

(Taken from Catholic Encyclopedia)

 

 

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Saint Marcellinus
Bishop of Embrun
(† 374)

Saint Marcellinus was born in Africa of a noble family; with two other Christians desiring to evangelize Gaul, Vincent and Domninus, he went to Pope Saint Damasus. The young men were sent to Eusebius, bishop of Verceil, who encouraged them for their mission and announced to them that they would have much to suffer. The three were ordained, and Marcellinus was consecrated bishop of Embrun by Eusebius and the bishop of Valencia. The gift of miracles fortified the preaching of Marcellinus at Embrun, in a region bordering on the Alps, while his companions continued their labors at Digne. Saint Domninus was later consecrated bishop of Digne by Saint Marcellinus, and energetically protected his flock from the errors of Arius; eventually Saint Vincent succeeded him there.

Marcellinus built at Embrun a chapel in which he passed his nights in prayer, after laboring all day in the exercise of his sacred calling. By his pious example, as well as by his earnest words and his miracles, he converted many of the pagans among whom he lived. A striking miracle, added to these influences, brought the entire population of Embrun into the church, with the exception of one idolater, who later also abandoned his gods. The waters in the nearby baptistry were increased, without the human intervention which had been proposed, to accommodate great numbers of catechumens who, during the feast of Christmas, would be baptized. The same event occurred again at Easter, and the sick were healed by the waters. For as long as the ancient baptistry remained standing, the miracle was renewed, as Saint Gregory of Tours and Saint Adon of Vienne attest — that is, for more than five hundred years.

Saint Marcellinus died at Embrun about the year 374, and was interred there. Saint Gregory of Tours, who speaks of him in terms of highest praise, narrates some of the countless miracles which multiplied at his tomb.

Reflection. Though you may not be called upon to preach, endeavor to give good example, remembering that deeds often speak louder than words.

Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, a compilation based on Butler's Lives of the Saints and other sources by John Gilmary Shea (Benziger Brothers: New York, 1894)

 

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

 

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

DOUBLE / WHITE
With the memory of Christ's death still vivid in our minds and daily renewed with the renewal of His death in each Mass, we know the price of shepherding souls. That divine and dangerous leadership began with Christ. By His command, it must reach across the world to embrace all men, until there shall be but one flock and one shepherd. The inspiring leadership of each successive Pope is the living voice and power of Jesus to each generation. The Pope's commands and admonitions require reverent acceptance. The closer men are to the mind and will of the Vicar of Christ, the closer they are to Christ Himself.

INTROIT 
Ps. 32:5-6The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord, alleluia! By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory Be . . .

 
GLORIA

COLLECT
You raised up our fallen world, O God, by the humiliation of Your own Son. May we, Your faithful people, be always joyful on earth, and, by being rescued from the danger of eternal death, come to everlasting happiness in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 2:21-25
Beloved: Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth." When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Luke 24:33
The disciples recognized the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Alleluia!
V. John 10:14. I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and mine know me. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 10:11-16.
At that time, Jesus said to the Pharisees: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

CREED

 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 62:2, 5
O God, my God, for You do I watch at the break of day; and I lift up my hands in Your name, alleluia!

SECRET
May this holy offering bring us the blessing of salvation, O Lord, and may the mystery of the sacrifice which we here perform, work its effect in us. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, alleluia!
And I Know my sheep, and mine know me, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Almighty God, may we always proudly rejoice in Your Gift of grace, which has brought us back to life again. Through Our Lord . . .