Tuesday, July 31, 2007


SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
Confessor


GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE
In the year 1521 a cannon ball fractured the left leg of Captain Ignatius Loyola, the future founder of the Jesuits. While he was convalescing, Ignatius read about Christ and His saints and thus turned wholly to God. He then undertook to equip himself for Christ's service by acquiring a good classical and theological education. On the feast of the Assumption, 1534, the seven pioneer Jesuits pronounced their vows in Paris. The members of the Society of Jesus became the shock troops of the Church in the battle against the spread of Protestantism in Europe, as well as one of the greatest foreign mission organizations that the world has known. Ignatius died on July 31, 1556.

ENTRANCE HYMN Philipp. 2:10-11
At the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
Ps. 5:12-13. All those who love Your name shall glory in You, for You will bless the just man.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, in order to promote the greater glory of Your name, You fortified Your Church militant with a new army through the work of blessed Ignatius. may his help and example bring us through our battle on earth to be crowned with him in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

READING II Tim. 2:8-10; 3:10-12
Beloved: Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel: Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, Persecutions, afflictions: such as came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra: what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me. And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

GRADUAL Ps. 91:13, 14, 3
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon in the house of the Lord.
V. That he may show forth Your mercy in the morning and Your truth throughout the night.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Jac. 1:12
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 10:1-9
At that time, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: "The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God
is come nigh unto you."

OFFERTORY HYMN
Ps. 88:25
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in my name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET PRAYER
We join our offering, O Lord God, to the gracious prayers of blessed Ignatius so that we may in truth be sanctified by these most sacred mysteries which were instituted as the source of all holiness. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Luke 12:49
I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and what will I but that it be enkindled?

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may our offering of this Sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the saint Ignatius bring us through this life in answer to his prayers, and lead us to heaven where we shall praise Your majesty for all eternity. Through our Lord . . .

Monday, July 30, 2007


SAINTS ABDON AND SENNEN
Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED
These Persian nobles were taken to Rome as captives by Emperor Decius, after his campaign in their country. During those years of persecution, they bore courageous witness to Christ and reverently buried the bodies of the martyrs. Abdon and Sennen were themselves arrested and exposed to wild beasts in the Colosseum, about A.D. 250.

ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 78:11, 12, 10
Let the sighs of the imprisoned come before You, O Lord. Pay back to our neighbors seven times over into their bosoms, and avenge the shedding of the blood of Your saints.
Ps. 78:1. O God, strangers have come into Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple, they have made Jerusalem desolate as an orchard watchtower.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, Your saints Abdon and Sennen came to their present glory through Your abundant gifts of grace. Grant the forgiveness of sins to all Your servants that they may be delivered from all harm through the merits of Your saints. Through our Lord . . .

READING II Cor. 6:4-10
Brethren: But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, In chastity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned, In the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left: By honour and dishonour: by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true: as unknown and yet known: As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed: As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

GRADUAL Ex. 15:11, 6
Glorious is God in His saints, marvelous in majesty, worker of wonders.
V. Your right hand, O Lord, is magnificent in power, Your right hand has slain the enemy.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Sap. 3:1
The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 5:1-12
At that time, Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth he taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 67:36
God is wonderful in His saints. The God of Israel Himself gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!

SECRET PRAYER
May this Sacrifice, O Lord, which we offer in remembrance of the birthdays of Your saints, free us from the slavery of sin and win for us the gift of Your mercy. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Ps. 78:2, 11
They have given the dead bodies of Your servants, O Lord, as food to the birds of the air, and the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. With Your great power, save the sons of those who have been put to death.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may this sacred rite wash away our sins and fulfill our reasonable desires, through the intercession of Your holy martyrs Abdon and Sennen. Through our Lord . . .


Sunday, July 29, 2007

Saint Martha

Martyrdom of Sts. Simplicius & Faustinus

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SAINT MARTHA, Virgin
SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS,
AND BEATRICE, Martyrs


DOUBLE / GREEN
ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 53:6-7
Behold, God is my helper, and the Lord is the support of my soul. Turn back the evils upon my enemies, and in Your faithfulness to us disperse them, O Lord my protector.
Ps. 53:3. O God, by Your name save me, and by Your might deliver me.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O Lord, let mercy attune Your ear to the prayers of Your people calling upon You. May they ask only what is pleasing to You, so that their requests may always be heard. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARTHA
Martha was the active and anxious sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, and Mary, the contemplative, whom the Lord said "has chosen the best part." [Luke 10:42]

Hear our prayer, O God our Saviour, and let us learn the spirit of true devotion from Your blessed virgin Martha, as we joyfully celebrate her feast.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
Pope Felix II was martyred in Tuscany, Italy, in the fourth century. The brothers Simplicius and Faustinus and their sister, Beatrice, gave their lives for Christ at Rome, A.D. 303.

O Lord, all Christian nations joyfully unite today to celebrate the feast of your martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice. Grant that the faithful may rejoice in it through all eternity and share the triumph of Your saints which they commemorate. Through our Lord . . .

READING I Cor. 10:6-13
Brethren: These things were done in a figure of us, that we should not covet evil things, as they also coveted. Neither become ye idolaters, as some of them, as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them that committed fornication: and there fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted and perished by the serpent. Neither do you murmur, as some of them murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them in figure: and they are written for our correction, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore, he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.

GRADUAL Ps. 8:2
O Lord our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth!
V. For Your splendor is exalted above the heavens.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 58:2
Rescue me from my enemies, O my God, and defend me from my adversaries. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 19:41-47
At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, seeing the city, he wept over it, saying: "If thou also hadst known, and that in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace: but now they are hidden from thy eyes. For the days shall come upon thee: and thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee and compass thee round and straiten thee on every side, And beat thee flat to the ground, and thy children who are in thee. And they shall not leave in thee a stone upon a stone: because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation." And entering into the temple, he began to cast out them that sold therein and them that bought. Saying to them: "It is written: 'My house is the house of prayer.' But you have made it a den of thieves." And he was teaching daily in the temple.

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 18:9, 10, 11, 12
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart, and His judgments are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb; for Your servant observes them.

SECRET PRAYER
May we celebrate these sacred rites worthily, O Lord, for each offering of this memorial Sacrifice carries on the work of our redemption. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARTHA
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.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
We offer our gifts, O Lord, in memory of Your holy martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice, and pray that they may obtain forgiveness and salvation for us. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN John 6:57
"He who eats My flesh, and drinks My blood, abides in Me and I in him," said the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may the reception of Your Blessed Sacrament cleanse us from sin and unite us all in You. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARTHA
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.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
We ask, Almighty God, that the celebration of this heavenly Sacrifice on the feast of Your martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice, may bring us Your merciful pardon. Through our Lord . . .

Saturday, July 28, 2007



THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
Continued . . .

35a--Father Dutil has said that "the Mass is a drama in four acts": and that in this drama, Catholics are not merely "spectators," but "actors." Are you able to prove this?

Here we embark on the concrete and easiest part of the explanation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.


THE MASS IS A DRAMA IN WHICH WE ARE ACTORS

Our Lord sometimes used parables to make Himself better understood. Supposing we try a parable to explain the Mass!
To begin with, we recall that the Council of Trent declared that the best way to hear Mass is to offer it up to God, to meditate on the sufferings and death of Christ, and to receive Holy Communion.
We have said a word about the Offering, and we shall come back to it. Later on, we shall also discuss Holy Communion.

Let us pause here for a meditation on Christ's Passion, remembering, of course, that Christ in Glory is incapable of suffering. The parable:
The Mass may be compared to a drama whose scene is laid in a penitentiary. A criminal, guilty of numerous crimes, is about to mount the scaffold. . . . In the rear of the execution chamber, we see the criminal's family and a few friends; who--grief-stricken--address one another in low tones. They seem to be deliberating something. . . . Now the judge reads the death edict and gives orders to proceed with the execution. . . . The culprit shuffles toward the scaffold; when suddenly from the rear of the hall a young man steps forward, and cries out: "If it is a victim you want to satisfy for these crimes, then let me die! And let my young brother live!"
The judge accepts. The elder brother (the "big brother") is executed. The criminal is set free!
And that is not all! This poignant drama has been filmed in its entirety, and now every morning the redeemed one sees unfold before his eyes the scene of his liberation by his elder brother--whom he had so often outraged. . . . He sees his father and mother plunged into the depths of grief. . . the friends of the family sharing. . . in their hearts. . . the sufferings of the noble victim, sacrificed for him. He sees all this and says to himself, "It is I who am the cause of so much suffering and so great generosity!" . . . He then gives way to mixed feelings of repentance and love for the one who saved his life, and for those who took part in his ransom, or suffered because of him.

This daily enactment of his liberation, far from becoming tedious, affords him an occasion to make reparation and to grow in love--for the thing concerns him personally.
As you will have seen for yourselves, the application of the parable is not difficult. The culprit condemned to death is all humanity. He is you and I. The case is ours. The deliberations of the family at the beginning represent God the Father asking His Beloved Son to atone for the outrage and immolate Himself on the Cross that I may live! Again, it is the Son who turns toward His Mother, Mary, to ask if she consents to become the Mother of the Crucified! (Adam had a woman as accomplice to his crime. By virtue of Mary's fiat, Christ will have a woman as Co-Redemtrix.)
The compassionate friends are the saints, who participated in Christ's sufferings by their generous acceptance of the trials with which their lives were strewn. The elder brother of the parable saved only his brother's physical life. Christ, by the torments of His Cross, ransomed all mankind--including me! He reconciled me with God; assures me of His favor; permits me to praise Him; and has prepared for me a blessed eternity.
And it is every day, in the Mass, that our "film of liberation" is shown. Film, did I say? And much more than a film! For it is the very drama of the passion that takes place on the altar! At each renewal by a priest of the words and actions of the Last Supper under the symbols of bread and wine, Christ becomes really present in His redemptive action with the same dispositions that He had on Calvary, of love toward His Father and of mercy toward us.
Alas, how often we, His friends, are conspicuous by our absence! Or if we do attend Mass, how often do we do so listlessly, with scattered thoughts! No wonder that on the night of the Agony in the Garden, Jesus was sad, "even unto death"!
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]





SAINTS NAZARIUS AND CELSUS
Martyrs

SAINTS VICTOR I AND INNOCENT I
Popes

SIMPLE / RED
Nazarius, an ardent Christian of the first century, left his native city of Rome to preach the Faith to pagans in many Italian towns and villages. He took with him on his missionary journeys a young co-apostle by the name of Celsus. Both of these missionary pioneers died for Christ at Milan, about A.D. 68.
Pope Victor I, born in Africa, was martyred under Septimus Severus, A.D. 198. Pope Innocent I was a contemporary of St. Jerome, who urged Christians to keep the faith of Pope Innocent and to "receive no other doctrine, however wise and attractive it may appear." Pope Innocent died A.D. 417.

Mass of
SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

PRAYER
Defend us, O Lord, through the blessed martyrdom of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, and may their merits support us in our weakness. Through our Lord . . .

READING Wisdom 10:17-20
God rendered to the just the wages of their labours, and conducted them in a wonderful way: and he was to them for a covert by day, and for the light of stars by night: And he brought them through the Red Sea, and carried them over through a great water. But their enemies he drowned in the sea, and from the depth of hell he brought them out. Therefore the just took the spoils of the wicked. And they sung to thy holy name, O Lord, and they praised with one accord thy victorious hand, O Lord our God.

SECRET PRAYER
Let Your wrath be appeased, Almighty God, by the gifts we offer You in honor of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, and grant us new life through these offerings as we receive them back from You. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
May the prayers of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, win forgiveness for us, O Lord. Grant that the Sacrifice we offer in this life may be our everlasting possession in the life to come. Through our Lord . . .



Friday, July 27, 2007



SAINT PANTALEON
Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
The name of this Eastern saint means "the all-compassionate." He is said to have been a physician at Nicomedia. Mindful of the opportunities of charity which his profession afforded him, he treated the needy sick without payment. When Diocletian's persecution reached Nicomedia, the Christlike doctor prepared himself for martyrdom by distributing all his goods to the poor. He was urged to apostatize, but steadfastly confessed Jesus. He was beheaded about A.D. 305.

Mass of a
MARTYR


O Almighty God, through the intercession of Your blessed martyr Pantaleon, shield us from bodily harm and purify our minds from evil thoughts. Through our Lord . . .

Thursday, July 26, 2007



SAINT ANNE
Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
Anne and Joachim, her husband, were both of the royal house of David. They served God continually in prayer and good works, but were looked down upon by the Jews because they were childless. At length God gave them a daughter, who was to become the mother of His own divine son. Because St. Anne devoted herself ceaselessly to educating her child in innocence and sanctity, she is patron of all Christian mothers. St. Paul says that it is by a holy exercise of their parenthood that parents are to be saved (Col. 3:18-21).

ENTRANCE HYMN
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of blessed Anne, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I will sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, You conferred upon holy Anne the grace to bear the Mother of Your only-begotten Son; help us through the prayers of this holy woman as we celebrate her feast. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

READING Prov. 31:10-31
Who shall find a valiant woman? far, and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good, and not evil all the days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. She hath tasted, and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple, is her covering. Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine linen, and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite. Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well on the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates.

GRADUAL Ps.44:8
You loved justice and hated wickedness.
V. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 44:3
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 13:44-52
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kinds of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things?" They say to him: "Yes." He said unto them: "Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 44:10
The daughters of the king wish to be held in honor by you. The Queen stood at your right hand, clad in robes of gold and many colors.

SECRET PRAYER
Look with favor upon these offerings, O Lord, so that they may be an aid to our devotion and to our salvation through the intercession of blessed Anne, mother of Mary who bore Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Ps. 44:3
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever and for all ages.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We are given new life through Your Divine Sacraments, O Lord our God. Grant us eternal salvation through the intercession of blessed Anne, whom You chose to bear the Mother of Your Son. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .



Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Saint James the Greater

Saint Christopher

SAINT JAMES
Apostle

SAINT CHRISTOPHER
Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED
St. James the Greater was the brother of St. John the Beloved Disciple. After having evangelized Spain, James returned to Jerusalem during the reign of the persecuting Herod Agrippa. He was delivered into the hands of Agrippa by an informer. The informer was so affected by the holy courage of his victim that he repented of his apostasy. James then embraced his betrayer, saying, "Peace be with you!" The Apostle and the repentant apostate were beheaded at the same time, in A.D. 42.

ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 138:17
Your friends are greatly honored by me, O Lord; their pre-eminence is definitely established.
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
Sanctify and protect Your people, O Lord. Let the assistance of Your apostle James strengthen them that they may serve You with confidence and please You by their conduct. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CHRISTOPHER
The name Christopher means "he who bears Christ." A native of Palestine, Christopher made great strides in the way of virtue, because he carried Jesus in his soul. This patron saint of travelers was martyred in the third century.

O Almighty God, grant that we who celebrate the birthday of Your blessed martyr Christopher, may be made stronger in our love of You through his intercession. Through our Lord . . .

READING I Cor. 4:9-15
Brethren: I think that God hath set forth us apostles, the last, as it were men appointed to death. We are made a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ: we are weak, but you are strong: you are honourable, but we without honour. Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffeted and have no fixed abode. And we labour, working with our own hands. We are reviled: and we bless. We are persecuted: and we suffer it. We are blasphemed: and we entreat. We are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now. I write not these things to confound you: but I admonish you as my dearest children. For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:17-18
You shall make them princes throughout 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. John 15:16
I have chosen you out of the world that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 20:20-23
At that time, then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of him. Who said to her: "What wilt thou?" She saith to him: "say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom." And Jesus answering, said: "You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" They say to him: "We can." He saith to them: "My chalice indeed you shall drink; but to sit on my right or left hand is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared by my Father."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 18:5
Their voice has gone forth through all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

SECRET PRAYER
May the holy martyrdom of the blessed apostle James make the offerings of Your people acceptable to You, O Lord. In spite of our unworthiness, may these gifts be pleasing to You through the prayers of Your saint. Through our Lord . . .

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

COMMUNION HYMN Matt. 19:28
You who have followed Me shall sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Help us, O Lord, through the intercession of Your blessed apostle James, in whose honor we have joyfully received Your Blessed Sacrament today. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CHRISTOPHER
O Lord our God, may we who now joyfully commemorate Your saints on earth rejoice one day with them in heaven. Through our Lord . . .



Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Jacinta, Lucia & Francisco
Our Lady of Fatima is the title given to the Virgin Mary by those who believe that she appeared to three shepherd children at Fátima, Portugal, in 1917, at a time when many young men, including relatives of the children, were fighting in WWI. She reportedly exhorted the children to do penance, and they wore tight cords around their waists, abstained from water on hot days, gave away their lunch to poor children, knelt in prayer for long hours, reciting the Rosary over and over, and always obedient to their parents. Jacinta & Francisco are among the Blessed in Heaven!

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

34c-- VOLUNTARY PENANCES

In addition to the sacrifices required for the preservation of the state of grace, besides the acceptance of the trials that God's Providence permits, one also prepares for mass by voluntary penances. Not content with mere acceptance of what God is pleased to send in the way of mortification, one ought eagerly to seek out--always within the bounds of prudence and obedience, of course--all existing possibilities of reproducing within oneself the inner dispositions of Christ offering Himself to His Father as a Victim. It will not do to come to Mass empty-handed. That is tantamount to saying to Our Lord, "Immolate yourself, dear Lord. Offer yourself up. That's your job! Only, please, dear Jesus, don't count on me to help!"

His Holiness, Pius XII, treats of this in number 102 of his encyclical, Mediator Dei:
"The words of the Apostle, 'Have in you the same mind that was in Christ Jesus,' requires of all Christians the taking upon themselves in some sort of the victim state; a complete submission to the precepts of the Gospel; a spontaneous and voluntary addiction to penance; and for each one the detestation and expiation of his sins. It requires that each, together with Christ, should die mystically on the Cross; so as to be able to make St. Paul's thought, "With Christ I am nailed to the Cross,' {Gal. 2:19.} his own."

However, "nothing demands so much wisdom in its application," writes Fr. Grimaud, "as does the use of supplementary penances. One cannot recommend too strongly to our people, if they would avoid the perils of temerity, and often of pride, to undertake nothing in this line of mortification without having received the permission of an enlightened director.
"But what a field for voluntary privation still remains open to all those desirous of becoming 'Living sacrifices pleasing to God,' without detriment to health or the obligations of their state, without risk of being imprudent, and without the necessity of asking permission of their confessor! When Christians shall have sacrificed idle words--frivolous conversations--distractions in church--luxury in food--immodesty in dress--when they shall have given to the poor or to good works the abundant alms that their social status permits--when they shall have put themselves out to do a neighbor a service, to have consoled and encouraged him--when they have exercised the apostolate in accordance with their abilities and circumstances, by the teaching of catechism, by a charge accepted in a parish group, or in Catholic Press publicity . . ." In other words, when Tertiaries shall have integrated the Rule into their lives, then they will have practiced a great number of voluntary penances; then they will have formed within themselves the "victim for the sacrifice"; then they will be ready each morning to "celebrate" their Mass!
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]



SAINT CHRISTINA
Virgin and Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
Christina, born in Tuscany, Italy, destroyed the pagan idols in her father's home and distributed their gold among the poor. Her father then delivered the young girl to the persecutors. Christina was martyred about A.D. 307.

Mass of a
VIRGIN MARTYR, except

PRAYER
O Lord, pardon our sins through the intercession of the blessed virgin martyr Christina, who pleased You by her purity and faith. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer you in honor of Your blessed virgin martyr Christina, and grant us Your unending assistance through these offerings. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We have been nourished by Your Divine Gift, O Lord our God. May the reception of this Bread of Heaven bring us eternal life through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Christina. Through our Lord . . .

Monday, July 23, 2007

Pope John XXIII celebrating Mass

Requesting the Extraordinary Form of the Holy Mass:
Three Sample Letters

Here is a link for these sample letters and suggestions on how to request the Latin Mass of Pope John XXIII to be celebrated in your parish!

Link to this article by referencing this address:
http://www.lumengentleman.com/content.asp?id=361


Saint Apollinaris


SAINT APOLLINARIS
Bishop and Martyr

DOUBLE / RED
As first bishop and only known martyr of Ravenna, Italy, Apollinaris evangelized that region and laid down his life for his flock about A.D. 200 after a succession of banishments and harassments from the pagans. Many miracles were ascribed to his intercession. He had perfectly fulfilled the command of St. Peter to those ordained to the ministry of souls: "Tend the flock of God which is among you . . . becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock"
(Reading).

ENTRANCE HYMN Dan. 3:84, 87
You priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; you holy and humble of heart, praise God. Dan. 3:57. All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever.
V. Glory be . . .

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

Commemoration of
SAINT LIBORIUS, BISHOP AND CONFESSOR
Liborius was bishop of Le Mans in France and friend of St. Martin of Tours, who was present at his death in A.D. 397.

O Almighty God, grant that our solemn celebration of the feast of Your confessor bishop Liborius may increase our devotion and bring us closer to our salvation. Through our Lord . . .

READING I Peter 5:1-11
Beloved: The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 88:21-23
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.
V. The enemy shall have no advantage over him, nor shall the son of iniquity have power to hurt him.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 109:4
The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech." Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 22:24-30
At that time, there was also a strife amongst the disciples, which of them should seem to be the greater. And Jesus said to them: "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them are called beneficent. But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger: and he that is the leader, as he that serveth. For which is greater, he that sitteth at table or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth. And you are they who have continued with me in my temptations: And I dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to me, a kingdom; That you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom: and may sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 88:25
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET PRAYER
O God, look kindly upon these gifts which we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr priest Apollinaris and in satisfaction for our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of
SAINT LIBORIUS
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. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Matt. 25:20, 21
Master, thou didst hand over to me five talents; behold, I have gained five others in addition. Well done, good and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many; enter into the joy of thy master.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We have received Your Holy Sacrament, O Lord. We now ask to be comforted by the protection of blessed Apollinaris, for You will always be merciful to those who are helped by Your saints. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of
SAINT LIBORIUS
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 Liborius. Through our Lord . . .








Sunday, July 22, 2007

DO THE OLD RITE RIGHT

The return of the Tridentine Mass is the reemergence of the stern, old Patriarch just when we were beginning to have fun


Notes from a Cultural Madhouse

By Christopher Zehnder


Since Pope Benedict XVI freed up the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass in his Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum, I'€™ve heard oft-repeated the comforting assurance, '€œThe Tridentine Mass only appeals to a very small percentage of Catholics. Most Catholics are happy with the rite of the Mass celebrated in the vernacular.'

Read the rest here: California Catholic Daily




EIGHT SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Saint Mary Magdalen

DOUBLE / GREEN
ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 47:10-11
We have received Your kindness, O God, within Your temple. As Your name, O God, is known to the ends of the earth, so also shall Your praise be voiced to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is just in all things.
Ps. 47:2. Great is the Lord, and worthy of all praise in the city of our god, upon His holy mountain.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O Lord, we cannot exist without You. Inspire us to think and act rightly, that we may always live as You would have us live. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARY MAGDALEN, Penitent
Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, wasted the great beauty that God had given her in a life of sin, but one day she saw Christ and was touched by grace. On the day of Our Lord's crucifixion, she stood with the Mother of Jesus at the foot of the cross. At early dawn on the first Easter morning, Mary Magdalen and other women who had ministered to Jesus went to the Lord's sepulcher. Two angels said to them, "He is not here, but is risen. . . . Go, tell his disciples." Mary Magdalen ran to tell the Apostles what she had seen and heard. Then Peter and John, hastening to the sepulcher, saw and believed.

O Lord, help us through the prayers of blessed Mary Magdalen, whose pleas moved You to recall her brother Lazarus to life after he had been dead for four days; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

READING Rom. 8:12-17
Brethren: We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

GRADUAL Ps. 30:3; 70:1
Be a God of protection to me, a place of shelter to give me safety.
V. I have placed my trust in You, O God; let me never be put to shame.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 47:2
Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise in the city of our God, upon His holy mountain. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 16: 1-9
At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable: "There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, 'What is this that I hear of thee? render the account of thy stewardship; for thou canst be no longer steward.' "And the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do, seeing that my lord taketh away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' And calling to him each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first, 'How much owest thou unto my lord?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said unto him, 'Take thy bond, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' Then said he to another, 'And how much owest thou?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He saith unto him, 'Take thy bond, and write fourscore.' "And his lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had done wisely: for the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 17:28, 32
You will save the humble, O Lord, but the eyes of the proud You will bring low, for who is God except You, O Lord?

SECRET PRAYER
Accept these gifts, which Your bounty makes it possible for us to offer You, O Lord. May the grace of this sacred rite sanctify our lives on earth and bring us to eternal happiness. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARY MAGDALEN
Accept our gifts, O Lord, through the merits of blessed Mary Magdalen, as her humble homage and service were accepted by Your only-begotten Son; who lives and rules with You . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Ps. 33:9
Taste and see how good is the Lord; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
May this heavenly Sacrament bring us health of soul and body, O Lord, and make us feel the power of the sacred rite we have celebrated. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARY MAGDALEN
We who have received Your precious Body and Blood, our solitary hope for salvation, O Lord, ask that the prayers of blessed Mary Magdalen may save us from all harm; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .


Saturday, July 21, 2007

Saint Praxidis.
Attributed to Johannes Vermeer (ca. 1655).


SAINT PRAXEDES
Virgin

SIMPLE / WHITE
Praxedes, the daughter of wealthy parents in Rome, consecrated her virginity to God in the second century. Later she renounced her considerable wealth in favor of the poor and of the Church. When Emperor Marcus Antoninus was hunting down the Christians, Praxedes aided the victims of persecution in every way possible. At length she begged Christ that she might be spared from witnessing any longer the fearful sufferings inflicted on her fellow Christians. Her plea was heard, and she was called to the reward of her charity.

ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 118:46-47
I spoke of Your testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed; I meditated on Your commandments, which I love dearly.
Ps. 118:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
Hear our prayer, O God our Saviour, and let us learn the spirit of true devotion from Your blessed virgin Praxedes, as we joyfully celebrate her feast. Through our Lord . . .

READING I Cor. 7:25-34
Brethren: Concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy. I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is. Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife. But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none; and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not; and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord: but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and is divided. So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:8
You loved justice and hated wickedness.
V. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 44:5
In your splendor and your beauty make ready, ride on triumphant, and rule. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 13:44-52
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls: and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach; and they sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but the bad they cast away. So shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. "Have ye understood all these things?" They say unto him, "Yea." And he said unto them, "Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 44:3
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever and for all ages.

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 . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Matt. 13:45-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he finds asingle pearl of great price, he gives all that he has and buys it.

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 . . .







THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

34b--THE ACCEPTANCE OF TRIALS PERMITTED BY PROVIDENCE

The state of grace is a requisite for offering Christ and for offering ourselves worthily in our Mass.

To profit fully from the Mass, the state of sacrifice is essential. We must accept the trials God sends. For how are we to become one with the Victim, unless we, too, are victims? When Jesus sees a growing desire for perfection in a soul, He makes it feel the weight of His Cross. That is what He said just a few years ago to a Visitation nun, Sister Louise Marguerite: "I will perfect in your heart the faculty to live and suffer, so that you may be able to understand and feel the sufferings of Mine." Corresponding to this desire of Jesus, she wrote: "Lord, I want to go straight toward You! I will break with whatever holds me back. If it is my friends, I will leave them. If it is something I have, I will give it away. If it is my heart, I will tear it out. If it is my body, let it be destroyed." It was this humble religious whom our Lord used as a channel for the overflowing abundance of His infinite love for priests.

Christ would increase in us if we would let Him. Our Lord let Himself be crucified on Calvary. On the altar He abandons Himself in the hands of His priests. What a Model of detachment!

We should take the "Christian risk," have faith in Providence, surrender ourselves utterly to the divine Will. Surrender of self! This means the great plunge into the divine Sea, the leap of the human soul into the depths of divine Love! Thenceforth, nothing on earth has power to trouble, disturb, or charm. Forever lost and submerged in the ineffable delights of the divine Will, the soul wills all that God wills, and as He wills! To reach this point, one must--of all necessity--have lost his earthly "foothold," abandoned earth's security and support. He must have "laid hold on" God's plan of salvation, the way a drowning man "lays hold on" a plank extended to him--with both hands! Now to grasp an object with both hands, one must first "let go" of everything else one may be holding--everything! For this is the "pearl of great price" of the parable. Whoever would possess it, must first sell all that he has!
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]

Friday, July 20, 2007

“I wholeheartedly accede”

Tridentine Mass returning to St. Mary’s By the Sea in Huntington Beach, but Sunday readings will remain in the vernacular and from the “Novus Ordo”


The Tridentine Latin Mass will return to St. Mary’s by the Sea in Huntington Beach in accordance with Pope Benedict XVI’s July 7 Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum.

The parish’s former pastor, the deceased Father Daniel Johnson, said Mass according to the Missal of Pius V (the “Tridentine Mass”) from 1984 until his retirement in 2004. After Johnson’s retirement, Diocese of Orange Bishop Tod Brown ended the celebration of the old rite at St. Mary’s, though another priest had offered to say it.

Read the rest of the story here: California Catholic Daily



SAINT JEROME EMILIAN
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
Jerome Emilian (1481-1537), a member of one of the patrician families of Venice, was in early life a soldier. Captured by the enemy and thrown in a dungeon, he invoked the aid of Our Lady. Under circumstances that appeared to be miraculous, he was enabled to make his escape. The young man then dedicated himself to the service of the Blessed Virgin and began a life of intense charity, concerning himself especially with the care and Christian education of homeless orphans, victims of war and plague, whom he clothed, fed, and taught at his own expense. Later, he founded several orphanages, a home for converted prostitutes, and a hospital. In about 1532, Jerome founded the Clerks Regular of Somascha, for the continuation of his work after his own death. He died of a disease he caught in visiting the sick. Pope Pius XI declared him the patron of orphans and abandoned children.

ENTRANCE HYMN Lam. 2:11
My liver is poured out upon the earth in sorrow for the destruction of the daughter of my people, for the child and the suckling fainting away in the streets of the city.
Ps. 112:1. Praise the Lord, you His servant, praise the name of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, Father of mercy, grant that we may preserve the spirit of adoption, which makes us Your children in name and in fact, through the merits and prayers of blessed Jerome, father and helper of orphans. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARGARET, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
Margaret was tortured at Antioch in Pisidia, in the last general persecution during the third century. After having endured many torments, she finished her martyrdom by the sword.

O God, one of the marvelous examples of Your power was granting the victory of martyrdom even to delicate womanhood. May the example of the blessed virgin martyr Margaret, whose birthday we celebrate today, draw us closer to You. Through our Lord . . .

READING Isa. 58:7-11
The Lord says: "Deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harbourless into thy house: when thou shalt see one naked, cover him, and despise not thy own flesh. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall speedily arise, and thy justice shall go before thy face, and the glory of the Lord shall gather thee up. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall hear: thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou wilt take away the chain out of the midst of thee, and cease to stretch out the finger, and to speak that which profiteth not. When thou shalt pour out thy soul to the hungry, and shalt satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light rise up in darkness, and thy darkness shall be as the noonday. And the Lord will give thee rest continually, and will fill thy soul with brightness, and deliver thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a fountain of water whose waters shall not fail."

GRADUAL Prov. 5:16; Ps. 111:5-6
Let your fountains be conveyed abroad, and in the streets divide your waters.
V. Delightful is the man who is kind and accommodating, who orders his speech with justice, for he shall never be moved.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 111:9
He has distributed his wealth and given it to the poor, his justice shall endure forever. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 19:13-21
At that time, little children were presented to Jesus, that he should impose hands upon them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said to them: "Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me: for the kingdom of heaven is for such." And when he had imposed hands upon them, he departed from thence. And behold one came and said to him: "Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting?" Who said to him: "Why askest thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." He said to him: "Which?" And Jesus said: "Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness. Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." The young man saith to him: "All these have I kept from my youth, what is yet wanting to me?" Jesus saith to him: "If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."

OFFERTORY HYMN Tob. 12:12
When you prayed with tears, and buried the dead, and left your dinner to hide the dead by day in your house so as to bury them at night, I offered your prayer to the Lord.

SECRET PRAYER
O God, you destroyed the old self of Your blessed Jerome and remade him in Your own likeness. Renew us also in spirit through the merits of this saint, and allow our offering of this victim of atonement to rise before You as a sweet fragrance. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARGARET
O Lord, accept the gifts we bring You on the feast of Your blessed virgin Margaret, through whose intercession we hope to be set free. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Jac. 1:27
Religion pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself unspotted from this world.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We are refreshed with the Bread of Angels, O Lord. May the yearly celebration in memory of blessed Jerome help us to imitate his example and win the abundant rewards of Your kingdom. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARGARET
O Lord, through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Margaret, may we be aided by the reception of the Blessed Sacrament and rejoice in Your everlasting protection. Through our Lord . . .