Ever feel like you're on a merry-go-round?
Around and around we go, when it will stop, only the Holy Father knows! or as we used to say "Patience is a virtue"! but now I just wait to catch the brass ring for a free ride to Heaven.
"Swing low, sweet chariot!" Boy. I loved that old spiritual hymn . . .

I wonder if we'll be allowed to attend the local Traditional Latin Mass for our Sunday obligation?

So many questions and few answers . . .

The Letter to the Chinese Catholics that was released today says that the Chinese faithful can attend a Mass celebrated by a Bishop or priest who is not in union with Rome . . . very interesting!
Roman Deacon

El Greco's Saint Paul & Saint Peter

COMMEMORATION OF SAINT PAUL
Apostle

After his conversion and baptism, Paul embarked on great missionary journeys. He preached in the cities of the Mediterranean to the simple and the learned, both in the east and in the west. He offered the Jews the first chance of listening to the Gospel story, but most of them returned his love with bitter hatred. Then Paul gave himself to the Gentiles. Because of the sufferings he endured in winning his converts, the Apostle of the Nations could well say that he was their Father in Christ. In the persecution of Nero, he was condemned to death by beheading.

ENTRANCE HYMN II Tim. 1:12
I know whom I have believed, and I am certain that He is able to guard the trust committed to me against that day, for He is a just judge.
Ps. 138:1-2. O Lord, You have proved me and You know me; You know when I sit and when I stand.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, You have instructed many nations through the preaching of the blessed apostle Paul. Let the power of his intercession with You help us who venerate his memory this day. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER
O God, You have entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Your blessed apostle Peter and have given him the power of bishop to bind or to loose. May his intercession free us from the slavery of sin; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

READING Gal. 1:11-20
Brethren: For I give you to understand that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For neither did I receive it of man: nor did I learn it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion: how that, beyond measure, I persecuted the church of God and wasted it. And I made progress in the Jew's religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased him who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles: immediately I condescended not to flesh and blood. Neither went I to Jerusalem, to the apostles who were before me: but I went into Arabia, and again I returned to Damascus. Then, after three years, I went to Jerusalem to see Peter: and I tarried with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles I saw none, saving James the brother of the Lord. Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.

GRADUAL Gal. 2:8-9; I Cor. 15:10
He who worked in Peter for the apostleship worked in me among the Gentiles, and they recognized the grace of God that was given to me.
V. The grace of God in me has not been fruitless, but His grace remains in me always.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
O holy apostle Paul, preacher of truth and teacher of the nations, intercede for us. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 10:16-22
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men. For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. And you shall be brought before governors, and before kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles: But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak: For it is not you that speak, but the spirit of your Father that speaketh in you. The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall put them to death. And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 138:17
Your friends are greatly honored by me, O God; their pre-eminence is definitely established.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, sanctify the offerings of Your people through the intercession of the blessed apostle Paul. The Sacrifice we offer is already acceptable to You because You instituted it; may it become even more pleasing to You through the prayers of Your saint. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER
O Lord, we offer You the prayers and sacrifice of Your Church through the intercession of Your apostle Peter. May this Mass which we celebrate in his honor win pardon for us. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Matt. 19:28, 29
Amen I say to you that you who have left all and followed Me, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We who have received Your Sacrament, O Lord, look hopefully for the prayers of Your blessed Paul. May the Sacred Rite that we have celebrated in his honor bring us healing for our own sinfulness. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER
May our offering bring us happiness, O Lord. We praise You for the wondrous things You accomplished through Your apostle Peter and ask for forgiveness through his intercession. Through our Lord . . .

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

Apostles

Simon, a fisherman of Bethsaida, became a disciple of St. John the Baptist. Then his elder brother, Andrew, led him to Jesus, who gave him the name of Peter (Rock), making him the head of the Christian Church.
After Pentecost, the precedence of Peter in the Church was never disputed. He ruled with the authority given him by the Holy Spirit, but his rule was one of love. He evangelized various provinces of Asia Minor, and in A.D. 42 he fixed his see in Rome. From then until now each successor of St. Peter has been in turn, the Bishop of Rome. During the persecution of the Church by Nero, the Vicar of Christ was crucified, hanging head downward on his cross. His martyrdom took place on June 29, in the year 67, on the same day as that of St. Paul.

ENTRANCE HYMN Acts 12:11
Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from all that the Jewish people were expecting.
Ps. 138:1-2. O Lord, You have proved me and You know me; You know when I sit and when I stand.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, this day is sacred because of the martyrdom of Your apostles Peter and Paul. May Your Church follow the teachings of these two saints in every respect, for from them she received the faith in the beginning. Through our Lord . . .

READING Acts 12: 1-11
In those days, Herod the king stretched forth his hands, to afflict some of the church. And he killed James, the brother of John, With the sword. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the Azymes. And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers, to be kept, intending, after the pasch, to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shined in the room. And he, striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying: "Arise quickly." And the chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him: "Gird thyself and put on thy sandals." And he did so. And he said to him: "Cast thy garment about thee and follow me," And going out, he followed him. And he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city which of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through one street. And immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said: "Now I know in very deed that the Lord hath sent his angel and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews."

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

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Matt. 16:18
Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 16:13-19
At that time, Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea 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 on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 44:17-18
You shall make them princes throughout the land; they shall remember Your name, O Lord, in every generation and age.

SECRET PRAYER
May Your blessed apostles join their prayers to the sacrifice we offer to Your name, O Lord, so that it may win Your pardon and protection for us. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Matt. 16:18
Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
You have nourished us with the Bread of Heaven, O Lord. Shield us now against all dangers through the prayers of Your apostles. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT IRENAEUS
Bishop and Martyr

Born in Asia Minor, Irenaeus (c. 125-c. 202) later migrated to far-distant Gaul, and became bishop of Lyons. Tradition adds that he was a martyr, a victim of the massacre of the Christians of Lyons which occurred in A.D. 202 under Septimus Severus. Irenaeus was the first great ecclesiastical writer of the West, bearing testimony even at that early date to the Primacy of the Roman See.

ENTRANCE HYMN Mal. 2:6
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and in justice, and turned many away from sinfulness.
Ps. 77:1. Hearken, My people, to My law; incline your ears to the words of My mouth.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, through Your help the teachings of the blessed confessor bishop Irenaeus overcame heresy and established peace in the Church. Grant us peace in our day and keep Your people steadfast in their holy religion. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

O Almighty God, let no disturbance upset us, for You have established us upon the rock of Your apostles. Through our Lord . . .

READING II Tim. 3:14-17; 4:1-5
Beloved: But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned and which have been committed to thee. Knowing of whom thou hast learned them: And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures which can instruct thee to salvation by the faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice: That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work. 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.

GRADUAL Ps. 121:8; 36:37
For the sake of my brethren and my neighbors, I prayed for your peace.
V. Hold fast to innocence and keep your sight on justice, for to the man who loves peace his future is in the hands of God.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Eccli. 6:35
Be among the numbers of prudent priests, and with your heart follow their wisdom, that you may hear every word of God. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 10:28-32
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven."

OFFERTORY HYMN Eccli. 24:44
I make my doctrine shine forth to all as the morning light, and I declare it abroad.

SECRET PRAYER
O God, You will not permit the faithful who believe in You to be shaken by the threat of danger. Accept the prayers and offerings of the people dedicated to You, and mercifully grant Christian nations peace and security against all their enemies. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

Bless these gifts we offer You, O Lord. May they cleanse us from the stain of our sins by the intercession of Your apostles. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Eccli. 24:47
See, I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who seek the truth.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O God, You are the author and lover of peace; to know You is to live and to serve You is to rule. Shield Your suppliant people against all attacks, so that we who trust in Your protection may live without fear of any enemy. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

You have nourished us with the Bread of Heaven, O Lord. Shield us now against all dangers through the prayers of Your apostles. Through our Lord . . .

URGENT: Motu Proprio To Be Published July 7/07

June 27, 2007 -- VATICAN CITY -- Inside the Vatican has learned that Pope Benedict XVI intends to publish his motu proprio on the old Mass on July 7, 2007.

The report comes from the Vatican correspondent for the German newspaper Die Welt, Paul Badde. He reports today that the motu proprio liberating the Tridentine Mass for the entire Catholic Church has been given to about 30 bishops from all over the world in the Sala Bologna of the Apostolic Palace by Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone.

It emphasizes the unity of the Roman Rite which will consist of an ordinary and an extraordinary form which are supposed to inspire each other. The ordinary/regular form will continue to be the new rite of 1969. The extraordinary form will be the Missal of Bl. John XXIII. of 1962.

The German news service Kath.net has picked up this story, and you can find it at this link: http://www.kath.net/detail.php?id=17154

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
Continued . . .

30--What are the three principal parts or 'peaks' of the Mass?

Many people fail to understand the Mass, because they become lost in the maze of its secondary details.

Before going on with our study, let us detach now the three principal parts from all those purely accidental ceremonies that prepare, accompany, or continue them.

These three parts are:

(a) the Offertory or oblation;

(b) the Consecration or immolation;

(c) the Communion or reception.

These three parts belong together and are the indispensable elements of every sacrifice.

Every Mass demands an offering, a relinquishment, a renunciation.

Every offering calls for a consecration, an immolation,. a choice.

Every consecration presupposes a communion--love calls for love, sacrifice for reception.
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life', to be continued . . .]

Martyrdom

SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL

Martyrs

John and Paul, Roman brothers, were imperial officers of high repute. When Julian the Apostate summoned them to appear at his court they refused, in order to remain faithful to their Master in Heaven. Having been allowed ten days in which to reconsider their decision, the brothers used the time distributing their possessions to the poor. Firm in their love of God and fellow men, John and Paul were beheaded in about A.D. 362.

ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 33:20-21

Many were the troubles of the just men, but out of them all the Lord delivered them. The Lord watches over all their bones; not one of them shall be broken.
Ps. 33:2. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O Almighty God, let our joy be doubled on this feast of the victory of blessed John and Paul, for they were made true brothers by sharing the same faith and the same martyrdom. Through our Lord . . .

READING Eccli. 44:10-15 [Sirach]
These were men of mercy, whose godly deeds have not failed: Good things continue with their seed, Their posterity are a holy inheritance, and their seed hath stood in the covenants. And their children for their sakes remain for ever: their seed and their glory shall not be forsaken.
Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation. Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise.

GRADUAL Ps. 132:1-2
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity!
V. It is like the precious ointment upon the head that runs down over the beard, the beard of Aaron.

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!

GOSPEL Luke 12:1-8
At that time, Jesus began to say to his disciples: "Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For 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 HYMN Ps. 5:12-13
All those who love Your name shall glory in You, for You, O Lord, will bless the just man. You, O Lord, will surround us with Your good will, as with a shield.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyrs, John and Paul, and help us to find in them unending assistance. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Sap. 3:4, 5. 6
And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, God was trying them, and as gold in the fire He was proving them, and as a victim of a holocaust He received them.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We have received Your Sacrament of Heaven, O Lord, to commemorate Your holy martyrs John and Paul. May this Sacred Rite which we celebrate now on earth bring us happiness in eternity. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT WILLIAM
Abbot

This Piedmontese religious founder (1085-1142) lived as a hermit in various regions of Italy. While he was on a height between Nola and Benevento, he was joined by a group of hermit-monks to whom he gave a rule based on that of St. Benedict. His congregation of Williamites was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. William was merciless in the austerities he imposed upon himself, believing ardently that the Christian who suffers with Jesus will also be glorified with Him (Rom. 8:17).

Mass of an ABBOT, except

PRAYER
O God, the example and protection of Your saints, strengthen us in our own weakness, and enable us to walk in the path of salvation. May we pay fitting honor to the merits of the blessed abbot William, so that he may intercede for us and lead us in his own footsteps. Through our Lord . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
OFFERING MYSELF WITH CHRIST

29b--What is the source of our obligation to offer ourselves in the Mass with Christ?

Not only is it permissible for us to be offered with Christ, but we are under obligation to offer ourselves with Him--under pain of mutilating the total Christ! For the head alone is not the total Christ. In order for the Mystical Body to be complete, both head and members are needed. This is the whole Christ, as He was offered up to God on Calvary--as He is offered each day on our altars.

Father Plus, S.J., has written these beautiful lines on this subject:

"I am a part of Jesus Christ. That is why I can offer Christ to the Father, and why I ought to offer myself to the Father with Christ.

"How is it that it is permissible for me, a nonentity, to lay hold of Jesus Christ and offer Him in homage to the Most High? How is it that for me to do so is not sacrilegious? It is because the Offerer and I are one!

"Why is it, that in offering Jesus Christ, it is prescribed that I should not separate my oblation from His? It is because the One being offered is the total Christ, and that in that total Christ I am included!

"The Saviour's immolation--for He has so willed--is incomplete--we must add ours. The Cross of Christ, minus our cross, is not enough. Our Lord's merits were infinite; but in order for these merits to reach souls, our co-operation is needed. Christ effected the main part, but not all, of the task. It is up to each one of us to bring His contribution. The Saviour's work suffices only for him who completes it by adding his share.

"Our Lord has obligated Himself to the mission of summing up all things in Himself; but on each one of us devolves the task of supplying the few lines of text still required. In Christ is comprised the whole of redeemed and faithful humanity, the entire Church, the Communion of saints. In Him who offers, as well as in what He offers, we are included.

"Christ, the High Priest, we as subordinate priests; Christ. the Chief Victim, we as co-victims! But Christ and we--total Priest, and total Victim!

"Christ's constant attitude toward His father is to offer Himself, and with Himself, us. The constant attitude of the Christian toward Christ, is to offer up Christ, and himself with Christ."

[From 'Your Mass and Your Life, to be continued.]

THE NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

Our Lord said of His Precursor that among those born of women there had not risen a greater than John the Baptist. John was more than a prophet, because it was his office to point out to mankind the Saviour whom the ancient prophets had foretold obscurely and from afar. The Baptist practiced in a heroic degree the virtues of purity, penance, and incessant prayer; but the crown of his great holiness was his selfless humility. "He must increase, but I must decrease," John said of Christ. These words are the inspiration of foreign missioners striving to train native priests, in order to yield their places to them. They also mark the goal of all sincere Catholics, in whom self must die before they can attain "to the mature measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13).

ENTRANCE HYMN Isa. 49:1, 2
The Lord has called me by name from my mother's womb, and He has made my mouth as a sharp sword. Under the shadow of His hand He has protected me, and has made me a chosen arrow.
Ps. 91:2. It is good to praise the Lord, and sing to Your name, O Most High!
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, the birth of blessed John made this day one of honor to us. Grant the grace of spiritual happiness to Your people everywhere, and lead Your people in the path of eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
O Lord, let peace guide the course of world events, that Your Church may serve You in joy and security. Through our Lord . . .

READING Isa. 49:1-3, 5, 6, 7
Give ear, ye islands, and hearken, ye people from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother he hath been mindful of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword: in the shadow of his hand he hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow: in his quiver he hath hidden me. And he said to me: Thou art my servant Israel, for in thee will I glory. And now the Lord, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, says, "Behold, I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayst be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth. Kings shall see, and princes shall rise up, and adore for the Lord's sake, because he is faithful, and for the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee."

GRADUAL Jer. 1:5, 9
Before I formed you in the body of your mother, I knew you; and before you came forth from the womb, I sanctified you.
V. The Lord stretched forth His hand and touched my mouth, and said to me:

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Luke 1:76
"Thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High, for thou shall go before the Lord to prepare His ways." Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 1:57-68
At that time, Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come: and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her: and they congratulated with her. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and they called him by his father's name Zachary. And his mother answering, said: "Not so. But he shall be called John." And they said to her: "There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: "John is his name." And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed: and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: "What an one, think ye, shall this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him. And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost. And he prophesied, saying: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 91:13
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

SECRET PRAYER
We place our gifts upon Your altar, O Lord, in solemn celebration of the birthday of John. John was the herald of the coming of the Saviour of the world, and pointed Him out when He arrived as Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord; who lives and rules with You.

Commemoration of the FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Accept our gifts as a peace offering, O Lord, and by the constraint of Your mercy, make our rebellious wills submit to You. Through our Lord . . .

The Preface for Weekdays is said.

COMMUNION HYMN Luke 1:76
Thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the Lord to prepare His ways.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O God, let Your Church rejoice over the birth of blessed John the Baptist, for through him she came to know the author of her own birth, Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

Commemoration of the FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
O Lord, may the Sacrament, which we have received, cleanse and protect us. Through our Lord . . .

VIGIL OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

The important feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is preceded by a vigil. An angel announced to the saint's father Zachary, a priest of the house of Aaron, that the child should be called John and that many would rejoice in his birth. God had chosen John to be the herald of mankind's Redeemer, the morning star to usher in the daylight of justice and of truth. Therefore he was sanctified in his mother's womb, when Elizabeth was honored by a visit from the Virgin Mother of God, carrying Christ in her body. In like manner, Jesus today gives sanctifying joy to the missionary precursors whom He calls to go before Him into pagan lands.

ENTRANCE HYMN Luke 1:13, 15, 14
Do not be afraid, Zachary, for thy petition has been heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son and thou shalt call his name John. And he shall be great before the Lord; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. And many will rejoice at his birth.
Ps. 20:2. O Lord, the king rejoiced in Your strength; he greatly exalts in Your aid.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
May Your servants walk in the path of salvation, O Almighty God. May they follow the exhortation of blessed John, the precursor of Jesus Christ and herald of His coming, so that by doing so they may come safely to Your Son our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

READING Jer. 1:4-10
In those days, the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and made thee a prophet unto the nations." And I said: "Ah, ah, ah, Lord God: behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child." And the Lord said to me: "Say not: I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee: and whatsoever I shall command thee, thou shalt speak. Be not afraid at their presence: for I am with thee to deliver thee," saith the Lord. And the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth: and the Lord said to me: "Behold I have given my words in thy mouth: Lo, I have set thee this day over the nations, and over kingdoms, to root up, and to pull down, and to waste, and to destroy, and to build, and to plant," said the Lord Almighty.

GRADUAL John 1:6-7
There was a man, one sent from God, whose name was John.
V. This man came to bear witness concerning the light, to prepare a perfect people for the Lord.

GOSPEL Luke 1:5-17
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame.
And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren: and they both were well advanced in years.
And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zachary seeing him, was troubled: and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him: "Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice in his nativity. For he shall be great before the Lord and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias: that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just, to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 8:6-7
You have crowned him with glory and honor, and You have given him rule over the works of Your hands, O Lord.

SECRET PRAYER
Bless these gifts we offer You, O Lord. May they cleanse us from the stain of our sins by the intercession of blessed John the Baptist. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Ps. 20:6
His glory is great because of Your help; You have conferred upon him glory and great splendor, O Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may the powerful intercession of blessed John the Baptist be ours, so that it may obtain for us the mercy of Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, whom John foretold would come; who lives and rules with You . . .

SAINT PAULINUS
Bishop and Confessor

The son of a Roman praetorian prefect in Gaul, Paulinus (c. 354-431) enjoyed the warm friendship of the leading churchmen of his day, such as St. Jerome, St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Martin of Tours. After the death of his only child, Paulinus went to Spain where, because of his great charity to the poor, the people of Barcelona compelled him to accept the priesthood. Later, while he was living as a hermit near Nola in Campania, the inhabitants chose him for their bishop. He proved to be one of the best prelates of his age. As he lay dying, lamps were being lighted for Vespers. Rousing himself, the saint murmured, "I have prepared a lamp for my Christ."

ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 131:9-10
Let Your priests be clothed with justice, O Lord, and let Your saints be joyous. For the sake of David, Your servant, turn not away the face of Your anointed.
Ps. 131:1. O Lord, remember David and all his meekness.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, You promised a hundredfold reward and eternal life to those who forsake the world for Your sake. May we walk in the footsteps of Your holy bishop Paulinus, despising the things of the earth and desiring only those of heaven; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

READING II Cor. 8:9-15
Brethren: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor for your sakes: that through his poverty you might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you who have begun not only to do but also to be willing, a year ago. Now therefore perform ye it also in deed: that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have. For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath: not according to that which he hath not. For I mean not that others should be eased and you burdened, but by an equality. In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want: that there may be an equality, As it is written: He that had much had nothing over; and he that had little had no want.

GRADUAL Eccli. 44:16, 20
Behold a great priest, who pleased God in his life.
V. There was none found the like to him who kept the law of the Most High.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 109:4
You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 12:32-34
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a kingdom. Sell what you possess and give alms. Make to yourselves bags which grow not old, a treasure in heaven which faileth not: where no thief approacheth, nor moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 88:21-22
I have found David, my servant, with my holy oil I have anointed him, that my hand may help him and my arm strengthen him.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, grant that we may imitate the example of Your holy bishop Paulinus and unite our offering of perfect love with the Sacrifice on Your altar, so that our zeal for good may merit us Your everlasting mercy. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Luke 12:42
This is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master has set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may this Sacred Rite inspire us with the spirit of piety and humility, just as the holy bishop Paulinus acquired these virtues from this divine source. Pour out the treasures of Your grace upon all who pray to You through the intercession of this saint. Through our Lord . . .

The Power of One Drop of Holy Water!

Every Catholic home always should have in it, a supply of holy water. We do not take advantage of the benefits derived from it. If we understood the many spiritual and temporal benefits, derived from its use, we would use it far more frequently, and with greater faith and reverence. Try now to understand, appreciate, and cultivate its use.
Among all the many sacramentals of the Church there is one so ordinary, so commonplace, and so readily accessible to everyone, that people are inclined to forget it and neglect using it. There is an untold wealth of spiritual riches concentrated in every drop of Holy Water.

Ancient Tradition

The frequent use of Holy Water is no recent innovation, but a time honored tradition in Holy Mother, the Church. It has been used in all Catholic churches and homes throughout the world since the very beginning of Christianity.

Why This Tremendous Power?

Holy Water has its great power from the prayer of Holy Mother, the Church. The two tiny elements of salt and water used in the blessing, signify the glorious mission of Holy Water for the purpose of purification and preservation of body and soul.
Following is one of the blessings the priest makes to God, when he blesses water. It is great!
"Oh, God, grant that this creature of Thine (water) may be endowed with divine grace to drive away devils and to cast out diseases; that whatever in the house or possessions of the faithful may be sprinkled with this water, may be freed from everything unclean and delivered from everything hurtful. Let everything that threatens the peace or safety of the dwellers therein be banished by the sprinkling of this water, so that the health which they seek by calling on Thy Holy Name may be guarded from all assault."

Prayers Used With Holy Water

Prayers ascend to Heaven each time you take Holy Water and sprinkle a drop, either for yourself or for another, whether he be present or absent; and God's blessings descend upon both body and soul.

Effects Of Holy Water

Some of the marvelous effects of the devout use of Holy Water are:

1) Remission of venial sins,
2) Remission of temporal punishment due to sin,
3) Expulsion of demons,
4) Healing of the sick in body and soul,
5) Averting dangers, both spiritual and temporal.

Did you know that when dangers threaten, such as fire, storms, sickness, discord, or other calamities, prayers joined with the devout use of holy water are highly efficacious?

Bless Yourself And Your Children

Those who are concerned about the absent members of their family can help them by praying for them, while making the Sign of the Cross with holy water, and begging God's blessing upon them.
No matter how distant be the person who is prayed for, the effects of the prayer of the Church in that tiny drop of holy water, reach them instantly! Shouldn't parents and friends be doing this repeatedly for those they love. It is careless, and even a lack of love, not to do so!
Holy Water, sprinkled with faith and piety, can move the Sacred Heart to bless your loved ones and protect them from all harm. When worry and fear take possession of your heart, run to your Holy Water Font and give your dear ones the benefit of the Church's prayers.

Blood Of Christ Attached To It

Our bodies and souls are daily exposed to danger. As often as we use holy water, or it is used for us, we are given strength to do good and avoid evil. St. Teresa of Avila used to say that she was ready to give her life for every drop of Holy Water, because the Blood of Christ was attached to it. Our Savior had to die upon the Cross to impart to Holy Water its power; therefore, it should be highly valued by us.
The prayer below was given an Imprimatur on 12/24/1939 by Bishop Thomas O'Leary, D.D., Bishop of Springfield, Ohio. It is simple.
Memorize it, and while sprinkling a drop of Holy Water on the ground for the poor souls in Purgatory and making the Sign of the Cross, say this precious prayer for your own soul.

"By this Holy Water and by Thy Precious Blood, wash away my sins, O Lord!"

Only in Purgatory can one understand how ardently a poor soul longs for Holy Water. If we desire to make a host of intercessors for ourselves, let us try to realize some of their yearnings, and never forget them at the Holy Water font. They may need the sprinkling of only one drop to relieve their pining souls!

The Devil Hates Holy Water

The devil hates Holy Water because of its power over him. He cannot long abide in a place or near a person that is often sprinkled with this blessed water, by himself or someone else.
The 101 Foundation www.101foundation.com has obtained two Holy Water fonts that do not run dry. They were designed by a caring priest. . . We placed one by the front door at Fatima House, and it is tremendous! +++

SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA
Confessor

Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-91) was chosen by Pope Benedict XIII and again in this century, by Pope Pius XI, as the patron of youth. Turning resolutely aside from the turbulent manner of living of the Gonzaga clan, he entered the Society of Jesus. During his six years as a Jesuit, Aloysius explained the catechism to ragamuffins in the poor Trastevere district of Rome, and constantly begged his superiors for permission to visit the city's hospitals and prisons. It was in a hospital ward that the saint of youth caught the plague from a contagious patient whom he had held in his arms while the man was dying.

ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 8:6
You have made him a little less than the angels, You have crowned him with glory and honor.
Ps. 148:2. Praise the Lord, all you His angels, praise Him, all you His hosts.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, among the gifts of heaven bestowed upon the angelic youth, Aloysius, You united a wondrous innocence to his exceptional spirit of penance. Although we have not followed his path of innocence, may we at least imitate his penance through his own merits and prayers. Through our Lord . . .

READING Eccli. 31:8-11 [Sirach]
Blessed is the man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life. Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them: Therefore are his goods established in the Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 70:5-6; 40:13
O Lord, You are my hope from my youth; in You I have been strengthened since my birth; You have been my protector from my mother's womb.
V. Because of my innocence You have supported me and have placed me in Your sight forever.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 64:5
Blessed is he whom You have chosen and taken to dwell in Your courts. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 22:29-40
At that time, Jesus answering, said to them: "You err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they shall neither marry nor be married, but shall be as the angels of God in heaven. And concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read that which was spoken by God, saying to you: 'I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob?' He is not the God of the dead but of the living." And the multitudes hearing it were in admiration at his doctrine. But the Pharisees, hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together. And one of them, a doctor of the law, asked him, tempting him: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him: " 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind.' This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like to this: 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 23:3-4
Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? or who may stand in His holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, may we approach the banquet of heaven dressed in the wedding garment of priceless pearls such as blessed Aloysius prepared for himself by his devotion and sorrow. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Ps. 77:24-25
He gave them the Bread of Heaven, and man ate the Bread of Angels.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may we who have been nourished by the Food of Angels also live like angels and follow the example of the saint whom we honor this day by always being grateful to You. Through our Lord . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

OFFERING MYSELF WITH CHRIST

29a--What is the source of our obligation to offer ourselves in the Mass with Christ?

We have seen that the Mass is Christ's Sacrifice, that is, the Sacrifice of Calvary made present on the altar.

Now Christ's Sacrifice on the Cross was not an individual, but a social sacrifice. It was as Head of the Mystical Body that Christ consented to die. In offering and immolating Himself on the Cross, He included us in His Sacrifice. Christ was obedient to His Father in His own name, and in ours. Our Lord had a right to include, to integrate us into His Sacrifice; because we belong to Him, we are His members. He could require, therefore, that we should be obedient to His Father, as He Himself was obedient.

On our Lord's side, the Sacrifice is complete, of infinite merit.
On our side, it is incomplete, finite, limited in its application.

We carry out this offering, this submission, or this immolation, with the passage of time; and also to the degree in which we do not draw back from immolating ourselves with Christ.

We understand better now St. Paul's words: "I rejoice now in the sufferings I bear for your sake; and what is lacking of the sufferings of Christ I fill up in my flesh for His Body, which is the Church." (Col.1:24.) Christ's sufferings are complete in the order of satisfaction and merit, but not in the order of application.

On our side, the Sacrifice of the whole Christ is incomplete. It will terminate with the death of the last member of the Mystical Body, who adds the last thing lacking to the Passion of Christ.

Consequently, our obligation to offer ourselves with Christ in the Mass comes from our membership in Christ's Mystical Body, into which we were introduced by Baptism.

"It is not surprising," writes the Holy Father in Mediator Dei, paragraph 110, "that Christians should be raised to this dignity. For by the bath of Baptism, Christians are made members of the Body of Christ-Priest; and by the 'character' which is, as it were, graven on their souls, are ordered to divine worship. They thus participate according to their condition in the priesthood of Christ Himself."

A non-baptized person may be bodily present at Mass, and may even follow the ceremonies intelligently. Yet, in the full meaning of the term, he does not "assist" at Mass, for he who truly assists has to be offered with Christ. Now to be offered with Christ, one must first have been incorporated into Christ--be the prolongation of His life. Hence, the baptismal character comprises a union with Christ, a likeness by reason of which we share in His priesthood. And by virtue of our integration into Christ, we are enabled to be offered with Him; and to share in the offering of His immolation, in His Sacrifice.

[From 'Your Mass and Your Life', to be continued . . .]

SAINT SILVERIUS
Pope and Martyr

This brave shepherd of Christ's sheepfold was only a subdeacon when he was elevated to the Roman See. He incurred the unrelenting hatred of the forceful Empress Theodora by refusing to restore to the see of Constantinople the heretical Bishop Anthimos. Pope Silverius was aware that his courageous decision would cost him his life. The Empress had him condemned to banishment on a false charge of high treason. He died in A.D. 537 on an islet off Naples, either of privation or by actual murder.

Mass of a POPE, with commemoration of preceding Sunday

PRAYER
O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Silverius 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. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Juliana Falconieri

Saints Gervase and Protase

SAINT JULIANA FALCONIERI
Virgin

Born at Florence, Juliana Falconieri (1270-1341) was the niece of St. Alexis, one of the founders of the Servite Order. At the age of sixteen, Juliana embraced the rule of the Servite Friars. When the community of Servite tertiaries was later established, she served as its first superior. The religious present at Juliana's death-bed testified that, unable to retain food, she nevertheless received Holy Viaticum miraculously. "Then Juliana, with a tender and joyous face, as if she was rapt in ecstasy, died in the kiss of her Lord," the old document reads.

Mass of a VIRGIN, except the following:

PRAYER
O God, You miraculously nourished the blessed virgin Juliana by the Precious Body of Your Son, when she was on the point of death. May we likewise be comforted and strengthened at our last hour and brought safely to our heavenly home through the merits of this saint. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS GERVASE AND PROTASE, MARTYRS
The relics of these martyrs were discovered at Milan in 386, during the time of St. Ambrose. They were venerated as the first martyrs of Milan, and their cult spread everywhere in the West.

We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy martyrs Gervase and Protase. As we joyously remember the merits of these saints, may we also be inspired by their example. Through our Lord . . .

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

Commemoration of SAINTS GERVASE AND PROTASE
O Lord, be moved to compassion by our offerings and shield us from all danger through the prayers of Your holy martyrs Gervase and Protase. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of Heaven. May we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your saint whose feast we celebrate this day. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS GERVASE AND PROTASE
O Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Gervase and Protase. Through our Lord . . .

Artwork by Hanna Hajjar

SAINT EPHREM

Deacon and Doctor of the Church

Ephrem the Syrian (c. 300-373) was a native of Nisibis, in Roman Mesopotamia, and was very probably the head of the catechetical school of that city until its capture by the Persians. He subsequently became a monk near Edessa and there spent most of his life writing commentaries on the Bible and composing hymns. Ephrem's hymns, written in his native Syriac, kept his people free from heresy and won for the saint the title of "Harp of the Holy Spirit." His hymns to the Virgin Mary, in particular, form an important contribution to Catholic dogma.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

PRAYER
O God, You added glory to the Church by the brilliant learning and outstanding merits of Your blessed confessor and doctor Ephrem. Defend Your Church against the dangers of sin and error, through the intercession of this saint. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN, MARTYRS
Brothers, and deacons of the Roman Church, these two martyrs were slain early in the reign of Diocletian.

O Almighty God, may the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian, whose heavenly birthday we celebrate today, rescue us from all the dangers that threaten to overcome us. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, let the blessed confessor and doctor Ephrem always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
Bless the gifts we have set apart for You, O Lord. may the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian help these offerings to win Your mercy for us. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed confessor and illustrious doctor Ephrem. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
O Lord, may the Banquet of salvation, of which we have partaken with joy, bring us new life by the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian. Through our Lord . . .