Our Lady of Fatima; Mass of The Immaculate Heart of Mary; VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION; SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE (1621 A.D.), Bishop and Doctor of the Church

  

 

By a letter published and dated of today, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei granted to all priests of the Latin Rite (secular or religious) the possibility of celebrating on the centenary of the first main apparition (May 13, 2017) the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima -- it is a Votive Mass of the II Class, using the exact same texts and prayers of the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22nd in the Traditional Calendar). - See more at: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2017/04/ecclesia-dei-letter-mass-of-our-lady-of.html#sthash.BhbB3P3D.dpuf

By a letter published and dated of today, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei granted to all priests of the Latin Rite (secular or religious) the possibility of celebrating on the centenary of the first main apparition (May 13, 2017) the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima -- it is a Votive Mass of the II Class, using the exact same texts and prayers of the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22nd in the Traditional Calendar). - See more at: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2017/04/ecclesia-dei-letter-mass-of-our-lady-of.html#sthash.BhbB3P3D.dpuf

By a letter published and dated 4/5/2017, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei granted to all priests of the Latin Rite (secular or religious) the possibility of celebrating on the centenary of the first main apparition (May 13, 2017) the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima -- it is a Votive Mass of the II Class, using the exact same texts and prayers of the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22nd in the Traditional Calendar). - See more at: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2017/04/ecclesia-dei-letter-mass-of-our-lady-of.html#sthash.BhbB3P3D.dpuf

By a letter published and dated of today, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei granted to all priests of the Latin Rite (secular or religious) the possibility of celebrating on the centenary of the first main apparition (May 13, 2017) the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima -- it is a Votive Mass of the II Class, using the exact same texts and prayers of the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22nd in the Traditional Calendar). - See more at: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2017/04/ecclesia-dei-letter-mass-of-our-lady-of.html#sthash.BhbB3P3D.dpuf

THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Fatima owes its present popularity in the Church very largely to the interest and encouragement of Pope Pius XII. Although the bishops of Portugal had authorized the cultus of Our Lady of Fatima in 1930, and Pius XI made an implicit reference to the "extra-ordinary benefits with which the Blessed Virgin recently favored" Portugal, it was Pius XII among the Popes who first explicitly referred to Fatima in a formal papal document. Pleading for more vocations to the missions, he wrote in 1940, "Let the faithful, when reciting the Rosary so strongly recommended by Our Lady of Fatima, not omit to address an invocation to the Blessed Virgin in favor of missionary vocations" (L’Osservatore, June 29, 1940). This was so significant that the Portuguese Hierarchy in 1942 were able to say, "We are happy to see the Supreme Authority of the Vicar of Jesus Christ evoke thus the testimony of Fatima, and proclaim Urbi et orbi the name of Our Lady of Fatima in an Apostolic Letter addressed to the Portuguese Bishops, but published for the whole world" (Da Cruz, Fatima, 1949, 99).

On October 31, 1942, the Holy Father associated himself with the closing celebrations of the Jubilee of Fatima, by consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as Our Lady of Fatima had requested. And in the same year he extended the Office and Mass of the Immaculate Heart to the Universal Church, appointing the 22nd of August as the feast day. More recently Pope Pius XII sent, for the second time, an official delegate to Fatima, to represent, as he said, "Our own person at the shrine of the Virgin of Fatima, to act in Our own name, and to preside with Our authority" (A.A.S., 43, 781). Cardinal Tedeschini, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, was the papal legate who assisted at the Fatima celebration on October 13, 1951, when more than a million pilgrims came to the Portuguese shrine.

In his own radio message to the pilgrims, the Holy Father emphasized one practical aspect of the message of Fatima which deserves to be better known: the Family Rosary. "The Virgin Mother's insistence on the recitation of the family Rosary," he said, "was meant to teach us that the secret of peace in family life lies in imitating the virtues of the Holy Family" (A.A.S., 43, 801). via Fr. Hardon S.J. 

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION

[Commemoration]

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE

The apparitions of Mary at Fatima in 1917 were not the first supernatural events reported there – two years before Mary appeared to the three shepherd children – Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto – they saw a strange sight while praying the rosary in the field, according to the memoirs of Sister Lucia, who had become a Carmelite nun.

“We had hardly begun when, there before our eyes, we saw a figure poised in the air above the trees; it looked like a statue made of snow, rendered almost transparent by the rays of the sun,” she wrote, describing what they saw in 1915.

The next year, Francisco and Jacinta received permission to tend their family’s flocks and Lucia decided to join her cousins in a field owned by their families. It was 1916 when the mysterious figure appeared again, this time approaching close enough “to distinguish its features.”

“Do not be afraid! I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me,” Sister Lucia recalled the angel saying.

The three told no one about the angel’s visit and received no more heavenly visits until May 13, 1917. While the children tended their sheep and played, they were startled by two flashes of lightning.

As they made their way down a slope, the children saw a “lady all dressed in white” standing on a small tree. It was the first of six apparitions of Mary, who gave a particular message or revelation each time:

– May 13, 1917. When asked by the children who she was and where she came from, the lady said she was “from heaven” and that she would reveal her identity later. She asked the children to come back to the Cova da Iria on the 13th day of the month for the next six months, and she asked them to pray the rosary every day “in order to obtain peace for the world” and the end of World War I.

– June 13, 1917. The lady said she would take Francisco and Jacinta to heaven soon while Lucia would remain on earth for “some time longer” to establish devotion to the Immaculate Heart.

– July 13, 1917. The lady said she would reveal her identity in October and “perform a miracle for all to see and believe.” After telling the children to make sacrifices for sinners, she revealed three secrets; two of the secrets were not shared publicly until 1941 and the third secret, written down by Sister Lucia and sent to the Vatican, was not released until 2000.

INTROIT Heb. 4:16 
Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
Almighty and Eternal God, You prepared a worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May all of us who devoutly celebrate the feast of her Immaculate Heart be blessed to live according to the wishes of Your own Heart. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION

O God, from Whom all good things come, grant, we beseech You, that by Your inspiration, we may think what is right and under Your guidance, accomplish it.

Commemoration of SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,
Bishop and Doctor of the Church When the great Italian Jesuit, Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), was made a cardinal, Pope Clement VIII said of him: "We elect this man because he has not his equal for learning in the Church of God." Untiring in his powerful opposition to the Protestant enemies of the Church, St. Robert wrote masterpieces of apologetic literature, as well as two famous catechisms. He also won souls through his sermons and lectures, but above all through his ardent prayer and the example of his holy life.

O God, You fortified Your blessed bishop and doctor Robert with remarkable learning and courage to expose the dangers of error and defend the rights of the Holy See. May we grow in love of truth, and may they who have been led astray by falsehood come back to the unity of Your Church through the intercession of Your saint. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON Eccli. 24:23-31 [Sirach]
As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour: and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. For my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger: and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me, shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting.

GRADUAL Ps. 12:6; 44:18
My heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, who has given me all good; I will sing to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
V. They shall remember your name in every generation. Therefore peoples shall praise you forever.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Luke 1:46
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. Alleluia!

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

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Luke 1:47, 49
My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

SECRET
We offer this perfect Lamb to your majesty, O Lord, and pray that our hearts may be kindled by that divine fire which so wondrously inflamed the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION

Accept, O Lord, the prayers and gifts of Your faithful people, that, through these rites of love and devotion we may pass to the glory of heaven.

Commemoration of SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE
We offer these gifts, O Lord, as a sweet fragrance before You. May the teaching and example of blessed Robert lead us to obey Your commandments with joyous hearts. Through Our Lord . . . 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 19:26-27
Jesus said to His Mother, "Woman, behold, thy son." Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, thy mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

POSTCOMMUNION
We have been refreshed by Your Divine Gifts, O Lord. Free us from present dangers and bestow upon us the joys of eternal life through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose Immaculate Heart we honor in this feast. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION

Grant, O Lord, that we who have been fed with the strengthening food of Your heavenly table, may desire what is right and obtain what we desire.

Commemoration of SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE
O Lord Our God, may the Sacrament we have received fire us with the same burning love that consumed blessed Robert and made him spend himself ceaselessly in the service of Your Church. Through Our Lord . . . 

SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS, DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS Martyrs; OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD; SAINTS BASSUS, FABIAN AND LUCINA Martyrs

          

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE          

SHEPHERD

                                 

 

SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS,
DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS
Martyrs

SAINTS BASSUS, FABIAN AND LUCINA

Martyrs
 

3 CL./RED

Nereus, Achilleus, and Domitilla were Romans who died for Christ in the first century. Nereus and Achilleus were pretorian soldiers and probably executioners of Christians before their conversion. Domitilla was a great lady, the niece of one of the consuls of Rome at that time. Pancras is believed to have been martyred in about A.D. 304, when he was only 14 years old. Pope Gregory the Great dedicated a monastery in Rome to him, and Augustine of Canterbury, Gregory's missionary, named the first church in Canterbury in his honor, thus beginning a widespread cult of the boy-martyr in England.

INTROIT Ps. 32:18, 19, 20
Behold, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, on those who trust in His mercy, alleluia, alleluia, to rescue them from death; for the Lord is our helper and protector, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
O Lord, may the blessed feast of Your martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras fire us with zeal to serve You more worthily. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS BASSUS, FABIAN, LUCINA

Saints Bassus, Fabian, and Lucina, a Roman matron, were martyred at Rome under the Emperor Diocletian.

O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feast of Thy holy Martyrs Bassus, Fabian and Lucina, mercifully grant that we who rejoice in their merits may be inspired by their example.

Commemoration of OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
The good Shepherd commended us, the sheep of His flock, to the Virgin Mother, when, dying on the cross, He said to Mary and to John: "Woman, behold thy son ... Behold thy mother."
O Virgin most glorious, Mother of the Divine Shepherd, look down upon us, guide us into the right path!

O Lord Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd, who didst give Thy life for Thy sheep and didst on the Cross commend us, Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture, to the Virgin Mother, grant through her prayers that by following Thee as our shepherd on earth, we may be brought to the pastures of life eternal in heaven, Who livest and reignest . . .  

LESSON Wisdom 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 sometime 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, alleluia
V. Here was true brotherliness which overcame the sinfulness of the world and followed Christ to attain the glorious kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!
V. The white-robed army of martyrs tenders You praise, O Lord. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 4:46-53
At that time, there was a certain ruler, whose son was sick at Capharnaum. He having heard that Jesus was come from Judea into Galilee, sent to him and prayed him to come down and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him: "Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not." The ruler saith to him: "Lord, come down before that my son die." Jesus saith to him: "Go thy way. Thy son liveth." The man believed the word which Jesus said to him and went his way. And as he was going down, his servants met him: and they brought word, saying, that his son lived. He asked therefore of them the hour wherein he grew better. And they said to him: "Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him." The father therefore knew that it was at the same hour that Jesus said to him:"Thy son liveth." And himself believed, and his whole house.

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

SECRET 
Be pleased, O Lord, by the witness that the holy martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras gave to Your holy name. May their deaths make our gifts more acceptable to You and bring us Your unfailing mercy. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS BASSUS, FABIAN, LUCINA 
Be appeased, we beseech Thee, O Lord, by the gifts now offered, and by the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Bassus, Fabian and Lucina, defend us from all dangers.

Commemoration of OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
By Thy gracious mercy, O Lord, and the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, may this offering be of avail to us for welfare and peace now and forever. Through our Lord . . .  

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 32:1
Rejoice in the Lord, you just, alleluia! Praise befits the upright, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, may the holy sacrament that we have received make us more acceptable to You through the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS BASSUS, FABIAN, LUCINA 
May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt, and through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Bassus, Fabian and Lucina, make us share in the heavenly healing.

Commemoration of OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
O Lord, grant we beseech Thee, that we who have received these aids unto salvation may be always and everywhere protected by the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, in whose honor we offer this Sacrifice to Thy Majesty. Through our Lord . . .   

SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES Apostles and Martyrs; THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS (1537-1583 A.D.); SAINT ERKENWALD (686 A.D.)

 

 

SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES
Apostles and Martyrs

Martyrdom of Priests John Rochester and James Walworth.

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS

[Commemoration]

SAINT ERKENWALD

Bishop and Confessor

 DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED

The Apostle Philip came from Bethsaida in Galilee and was one of the very first disciples called by Christ. Early Christian writers state that St. Philip evangelized Phrygia in Asia Minor, until he was stoned and crucified by hostile pagans.
St. James, called the Minor to distinguish him from St. John's brother, came from Cana and was a cousin of the Saviour. He became the first bishop of Jerusalem, and even the Jews gave him the title of "The Just." Finally, because he was converting so many of their community, the Jews tried to force him to make a public renunciation of Christ. When he replied by joyfully proclaiming the glory of his Lord, he was slain.

INTROIT II Esd. 9:27
At the time of their tribulation they cried to You, O Lord, and You heard them from heaven, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.

 
GLORIA

COLLECT
We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy apostles Philip and James. As we joyously remember the merits of these saints, may we also be inspired by their example. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS

This Feast commemorates all the Martyrs of the London Charterhouse who suffered under Henry VIII and his successors.

May this holy sacrifice on the solemnity of Blessed John, James and their companions Martyrs, magnify Thee, O Lord, through which Thine ineffable providence didst bestow everlasting glory on them and on us  Thine aid. 

Commemoration of SAINT ERKENWALD
St. Erkenwald, Bishop of London, of the royal stock of East Anglia, was a brother of St. Ethelburga and a disciple of St. Theodore of Canterbury. He was famous for miracles both in life and after death. Full of labors and merits, he entered into his eternal rest about A.D. 686.

Almighty, everlasting God, who dost gladden us on this Feastday of blessed Erkenwald, Thy Confessor and Bishop, we humbly implore Thy clemency that we who by this devout function venerate his festival, may, by his loving help, obtain the remedies of everlasing life. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Wisdom 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 sometime 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, alleluia!
V. Ps. 88:6. The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints. Alleluia!
V. John 14:9. Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also My Father. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 14:1-13
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself: that where I am, you also may be. And whither I go you know: and the way you know." Thomas saith to him: "Lord, we know not whither thou goest. And how can we know the way?" Jesus saith to him: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him. And you have seen him." Philip saith to him: "Lord, shew us the Father; and it is enough for us." Jesus saith to him: "Have I been so long a time with you and have you not known me? Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also. How sayest thou: Shew us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abideth in me, he doth the works. Believe you not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? Otherwise believe for the very works' sake. Amen, amen, I say to you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he also shall do: and greater than these shall he do. Because I go to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

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, accept our offering on the feast of Your holy apostles Philip and James, and shield us from the punishments we so richly deserve. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS
We offer, O Lord, on this Feast of the precious death of these Thy just Servants, that sacrifice from which all martyrdom drew its source.

Commemoration of SAINT ERKENWALD
Be Propitious unto our prayers, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and, by the intercession of blessed Erkenwald, Thy Confessor and Bishop, grant that we who serve the altar of Thy heavenly Sacraments may be free from all sin, that, by Thy cleansing grace, we may be purified by the very Mysteries which we minister. Through our Lord . . .
  
COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 14:9, 10
Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also My father. Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? Alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. may we be aided also by the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS
O Lord, may this Sacrament be to us a pledge of everlasting blessedness, which we implore by the merits of Thy blessed Martyrs, John, James, and their Companions.

Commemoration of SAINT ERKENWALD
Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that cleansed by the divine Mysteries, we may, by the intercession of blessed Erkenwald, Thy Confessor and Bishop, progress towards the heavenly fulness of that Sacrament of which we have partaken. Through our Lord . . . 

Fifth Sunday After Easter; SAINT ANTONINUS Bishop and Confessor; SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS, Martyrs

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

SAINT ANTONINUS

MARTYRDOM OF ST. GORDIAN

SAINT ANTONINUS
Bishop and confessor

SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE

The statement of Jesus to His Apostles is like a last will and testament. Jesus tells everyone that His bodily passing from this earth does not lessen the power of His sympathy or the readiness of His love to answer man's every need. The problem is to believe strongly enough in such divine goodness. The chief limit to what He will do for us is, pathetically, our lack of confidence in His readiness to do everything. His preaching told the world which essential things to ask for; but everyone must also ask God for his individual, daily necessities. If sincere, man's prayer will be infallibly answered -- in God's wise way.

  
INTROIT Isa. 48:20
Declare it with the voice of joy and let it be heard, alleluia! Announce it to th eends of the earth: the Lord has delivered His people, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 65:1-2. Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; sing a psalm to the glory of His name; proclaim His glorious praise.
V. Glory be . . .

 
GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, the source of all good, grant us Your inspiration that we may have proper thoughts, and Your guidance that we may carry them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ANTONINUS
The Catholics of Florence have never forgotten their Archbishop Antoninus (1389-1459). Although christened "Anthony," the diminutive "Antoninus" clung to him all his life, partly because of his small stature, chiefly because of his lovable nature. as a youth he entered the Dominican Order, in which he soon gave evidence of exceptional gifts of mind and personality. Finally, in 1446, he was compelled to accept the archbishopric of Florence. Before long the Florentines were calling him "the father of the poor." During chronic earthquakes, epidemics, natural and political storms, and famine, he gave away everything he had, even his clothes, and anonymously supported thousands of "proud poor."
An illustrious canonist, he was consulted on all questions of Church and State, well deserving his title "the Counsellor." Pope Eugenius IV insisted upon receiving the Last Sacraments from him, dying in his arms. He was fellow novice and dear friend of the beatified artist Fra Angelico; and when he founded the Dominican convent of San Marco, he chose Fra Angelico to create the famous frescoes which are among the choicest treasures of Christian art.

O Lord, may the merits of Your holy confessor bishop Antoninus help us, so that while we sing Your praise for having manifested Your power through him we may also rejoice in the mercy You show to us.

Commemoration of SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS 
Gordian, a Roman judge, was converted by a Christian whom he had been ordered to condemn. Gordian was martyred about the year 360, and he was buried in the tomb where already lay the relics of the martyr St. Epimachus.

O Almighty God, may the intercessory power of Your blessed Martyrs Gordian and Epimachus aid us who celebrate their feast today. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON James 1:22-27
Beloved: But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if a man be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he shall be compared to a man beholding his own countenance in a glass. For he beheld himself and went his way and presently forgot what manner of man he was. But he that hath looked into the perfect law of liberty and hath continued therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work: this man shall be blessed in his deed. And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation and to keep one's self unspotted from this world.

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. Christ has risen and has given light to us, whom He redeemed with His Blood. Alleluia!
V. John 16:28. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again I leave the world and go to the Father. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 16:23-30
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "Amen, amen, I say to you: if you ask the Father any thing in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto, you have not asked any thing in my name. Ask, and you shall receive; that your joy may be full. "These things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh when I will no longer speak to you in proverbs, but will shew you plainly of the Father. In that day, you shall ask in my name: and I say not to you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loveth you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father and am come into the world: again I leave the world and I go to the Father."
His disciples say to him: "Behold, now thou speakest plainly and speakest no proverb. Now we know that thou knowest all things and thou needest not that any man should ask thee. By this we believe that thou camest forth from God."

 
CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 65:8-9, 20
Bless the Lord our God, you nations; loudly sound His praise. he has given life to my soul, and has not let my feet falter. Blessed be the Lord who has not refused my prayer nor His mercy to me, alleluia!

SECRET
Accept the prayers and offering of the faithful, O Lord, and let our love and devotion lead us to the glory of heaven. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ANTONINUS
O Lord, may Your saints everywhere be a source of joy for us, and may we feel the power of their intercession with You as we solemnly recall the deeds of their lives. 
 
Commemoration of SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed Martyrs Gordian and Epimachus, and help us find in them unending assistance. Through Our Lord . . .
 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 95:2
Sing to the Lord, alleluia! Sing to the Lord, and bless His name; announce His salvation day after day, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
Grant that we, who have been fed at Your Heavenly Banquet, O Lord, may desire only what is right and that we may fulfill these holy desires. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ANTONINUS
O Almighty God, may the expression of our gratitude to You for all Your gifts bring us even greater benefits, through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Antoninus.

Commemoration of SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS
Almighty God, we pray that the reception of this Bread of Heaven may strengthen us against all adversity through the intercession of Your blessed Martyrs Gordian and Epimachus. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT GREGORY NAZIANZEN (389 A.D.); THE TRANSLATION OF ST. ANDREW Apostle

   

 

Português: Gregório de Nazianzo em Chora. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SAINT GREGORY NAZIANZEN
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

[Commemoration]

THE TRANSLATION OF ST. ANDREW
Apostle

DOUBLE / WHITE
Gregory, the chosen friend of St. Basil the Great, was born in Cappadocia about the year 325, and was made bishop of Nazianzus, his native town. When Gregory was 50 years old, he was chosen patriarch of Constantinople, where the Church was being desolated by various heresies. He rekindled the torch of the Faith in Constantinople, but then his enemies banded together against him. Hoping to restore peace to the city, Gregory resigned his see and retired to Nazianzus. Because of his profound knowledge of the sacred sciences and his inspired exposition of the mystery of the Trinity, he is called "The Theologian."

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

Introit
Eccli 15:5
In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory.
Ps 91:2
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, 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.
In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory. 

COLLECT
O God, may blessed Gregory 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 . . .

Commemoration of THE TRANSLATION OF ST. ANDREW
This Feast commemorates: 1.--the translation of the body of St. Andrew from Constantinople to the Cathedral of Amalfi in Italy, on May 8, 1208; 2.--the enshrining of a relic of St. Andrew in the monastery built on the site of the present city of St. Andrews: and 3.--the translation of a portion of the Apostle's arm, from Amalfi to the Cathedral of Edinburgh on December 1, 1878.

O God, who dost gladden us by the venerated Translation of blessed Andrew Thine Apostle, do Thou, through his intercession, translate us to the brightness of Thy vision. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Eccli. 39:6-14 [Sirach]
The just will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High. He will open his mouth in prayer, and will make supplication for his sins. For if it shall please the great Lord, he will fill him with the spirit of understanding: And he will pour forth the words of his wisdom as showers, and in his prayer he will confess to the Lord. And he shall direct his counsel, and his knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate. He shall shew forth the discipline he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord. Many shall praise his wisdom, and it shall never be forgotten. The memory of him shall not depart away, and his name shall be in request from generation to generation. Nations shall declare his wisdom, and the church shall shew forth his praise.

Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
Eccli 45:9
V. The Lord loved him and adorned him; He clothed him with a robe of glory. Alleluia.
Osee 14:6
V. The just man shall blossom like the lily; and shall flourish forever before the Lord. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 5:13-19
At that time Jesus said to His disciples: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its strength, what shall it be salted with? It is no longer of any use but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a lamp and put it under the measure, but upon the lampstand, so as to give light to all in the house. Even so let your light shine before men, in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall be lost from the Law till all things have been accomplished. Therefore whoever does away with one of these least commandments, and so teaches men, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever carries them out and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

 SECRET
O Lord, let the blessed Bishop and Doctor Gregory always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE TRANSLATION OF ST. ANDREW
May this oblation, O Lord, which we offer on the Translation of Thy holy Apostle Andrew, render us acceptable unto Thy loving bounty, that even as he enjoys a blessed recompense, so we may have with us Thy mercy and grace. Through our Lord . . . 

Communion Antiphon
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? Allelúia.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Bishop and illustrious Doctor Gregory. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE TRANSLATION OF ST. ANDREW
We beseech Thee, O Lord, may the prayer of the holy Apostle Andrew obtain for us the help of Thy grace, that, devoutly celebrating his Translation, we may share his everlasting fellowship. Through our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

APPARITION OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL (492 A.D.)

  

 

APPARITION OF SAINT MICHAEL
THE ARCHANGEL
Monte Gargano, Italy (492)

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE
Today's feast commemorates an apparition of St. Michael the Archangel on Monte Gargano in southern Italy in the year 492.

In that year, a man named Gargan was pasturing his large herds in the countryside. One day a bull fled to the mountain, where at first it could not be found. When its refuge in a cave was discovered, an arrow was shot into the cave, but the arrow returned to wound the one who had sent it. Faced with so mysterious an occurrence, the persons concerned decided to consult the bishop of the region. He ordered three days of fasting and prayers. After three days, the Archangel Saint Michael appeared to the bishop and declared that the cavern where the bull had taken refuge was under his protection, and that God wanted it to be consecrated under his name and in honor of all the Holy Angels.

Accompanied by his clergy and people, the pontiff went to that cavern, which he found already disposed in the form of a church. The divine mysteries were celebrated there, and there arose in this same place a magnificent temple where the divine Power has wrought great miracles. To thank God’s adorable goodness for the protection of the holy Archangel, the effect of His merciful Providence, this feast day was instituted by the Church in his honor.
This mighty leader of the heavenly host, the vanquisher of Lucifer and his followers, has appeared on other occasions during the Christian ages; for example, it was he who summoned St. Joan of Arc from the care of her flocks to the command of armies. We may mention his apparition in Rome, where Saint Gregory the Great saw him in the air sheathing his sword, to signal the cessation of a pestilence and the appeasement of God’s wrath. Another apparition to Saint Ausbert, bishop of Avranches in France, led to the construction of Mont-Saint-Michel in the sea, a famous pilgrimage site. The angelic visitor has always been honored by the Church as her guardian under God, and as the protector of the faithful.

It is said of this special guardian and protector of the Church that, during the final persecution of Antichrist, he will powerfully defend it: “At that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince who protects the children of thy people.” (Dan. 12:1) Compare this text with Chapter 10 of the Apocalypse of Saint John.

Mass of DEDICATION OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

INTROIT Ps. 102:20

Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength who do His bidding, obeying the voice of His commands.

Ps. 102:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name.

V. Glory be . . .

 

GLORIA

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

LESSON Apoc. 1:1-5

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

Alleluia, alleluia! V.

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

GOSPEL Matt. 18:1-10

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

 

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

COMMUNION (Dan. 3:58)

All ye Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, sing a hymn, and exalt Him above all for ever.

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

English: Icon of Archangel Michael in Cathedral in the name of Archangel Michael (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SAINT STANISLAUS Bishop and Martyr (1079 A.D.); SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY (721 A.D.)

  

  

SAINT STANISLAUS
Bishop and Martyr

[Commemoration]
 SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY
Bishop, Confessor

DOUBLE / RED
Early in the eleventh century, Stanislaus, a holy priest, was made bishop of Cracow. The ruler of Poland was then King Boleslas II, a famous warrior but a man of lust and cruelty. Bishop Stanislaus alone had the courage to rebuke the violent ruler; and when Boleslas persisted in his misdeeds, Stanislaus excommunicated the royal culprit. Boleslas then went to a chapel where the bishop was saying Mass and murdered him at the altar.

Mass of a MARTYR DURING EASTERTIME, except

GLORIA

 

COLLECT
O God, the glorious bishop Stanislaus fell beneath the swords of evil men in defending Your name. May all of us who seek his help be brought closer to our salvation through his intercession. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY
John of Beverley (died 7 May 721) was an English bishop active in the kingdom of Northumbria. He was the bishop of Hexham and then the bishop of York which was the most important religious designation in the area. He went on to found the town of Beverley by building the first structure there, a monastery. John was associated with miracles during and after his lifetime, and was canonised a saint by the Catholic Church in 1037. 

 O God, who hast consecrated this day by the festival of blessed John, Thy Confessor and Bishop, grant that Thy Church may meetly rejoice in his solemnity, so that by his example and merits we may win Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Wisdom
Wis 5:1-5
The just shall stand with great assurance before their oppressors who set at nought their labors. Seeing this, these shall be shaken with dreadful fear, and amazed at the suddenness of the unlooked-for salvation. They shall say among themselves, rueful and groaning through anguish of spirit: These are they whom once we held as a laughingstock and as a type for mockery, fools that we were! Their life we deemed madness, and their death dishonored. See how they are accounted among the sons of God; how their lot is with the Saints! 

 Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 88:6
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. Alleluia.
Ps 20:4
You placed on his head, O Lord, a crown of pure gold.

Gospel
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to John
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
John 15:1-7.
At that time, Jesus to His disciples, I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser. Every branch in Me that bears no fruit He will take away; and every branch that bears fruit He will cleanse, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remain on the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he shall be cast outside as the branch and wither; and they shall gather them up and cast them into the fire, and they shall burn. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done to you. 

SECRET 
Bless the gifts we have set apart for You, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop Stanislaus, help these offerings to win Your mercy for us. Through Our Lord . . .

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

SECRET 
Bless the gifts we have set apart for You, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop Stanislaus, help these offerings to win Your mercy for us. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY
May Thy clemency, O God, accept from our hands the oblation which we offer, and by the prayers of Thy blessed Confessor and Bishop John, absolve us from all wickedness. 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, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of Your blessed martyr bishop Stanislaus. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN OF BEVERLEY
Sanctified by these saving Mysteries, O Lord, we beseech Thee, that we may not be deprived of the prayer of blessed John, Thy Confessor and Bishop, by whose patronage Thou wast pleased to guide us. Through our Lord . . .