El Greco's Saint Paul & Saint Peter

COMMEMORATION OF SAINT PAUL
Apostle

GREATER DOUBLE / RED
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.

INTROIT 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 . . .

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

SECRET
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 ANTIPHON 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
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

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / RED
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.

INTROIT 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 . . .

COLLECT
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 . . .

Commemoration of the SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
O God, whose ever-watchful providence rules all things, we humbly implore You to remove from us whatever is harmful, and to bestow on us only that which will be helpful. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON 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 ANTIPHON 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
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 . . .

Commemoration of the SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
O God, this perfect Sacrifice has replaced the many offerings of the Old Law. Accept it now from Your devout servants and bless it, as You once blessed the offering of Abel, that the individual gift, which each one of us presents in honor of Your name, may bring all of us closer to salvation. Through our Lord . . .

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

POSTCOMMUNION
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 . . .

Commemoration of the SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
O Lord, let the gentle healing power of Your Sacrament rid us of our evil inclinations and lead us to do good. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT IRENAEUS
Bishop and Martyr

VIGIL OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

DOUBLE / RED
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.

INTROIT 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 . . .

COLLECT
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
The Vigil Mass records the powers given by Jesus Christ to SS. Peter and Paul, the two foundation pillars of the Church.

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

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

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

POSTCOMMUNION
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 . . .

Prayers to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Feast Day - June 27

O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O Purest Mary, O Sweetest Mary, let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, O Blessed Lady, to help me whenever I call on thee, for, in all my needs, in all my temptations I shall never cease to call on thee, ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary.

O what consolation, what sweetness, what confidence, what emotion fill my soul when I pronounce thy sacred name, or even only think of thee. I thank God for having given thee, for my good, so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely pronouncing thy name: let my love for thee prompt me ever to hail thee, Mother of Perpetual Help.

Martyrdom

SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL

Martyrs

DOUBLE / RED
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.

INTROIT 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 . . .

COLLECT
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 ANTIPHON 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
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 ANTIPHON 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
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 . . .

FROM CALIFORNIADAILYCATHOLIC,COM:

Nothing cheap, trite, or cliché

Book version of U.S. bishops’ statement promoting Gregorian chant soon to be available

A statement of the United States bishops encouraging “the cultivation and use of Gregorian chant” will soon be available in book form. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the statement, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, in November 2007. It is currently available on the USCCB web site.

Sing to the Lord “covers several issues integral to Catholic worship,” said a June 20 USCCB news release announcing the book version of the statement. “Musicians will find criteria for selecting a performance repertoire for various occasions. The statement also explains how participants are to engage music in liturgical celebrations according to the norms established by the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Liturgy.”

The statement addresses the place of Latin in the liturgy. Though it calls the vernacular “the norm in most liturgical celebrations” in U.S. dioceses, Sing to the Lord says “care should be taken to foster the role of Latin in the Liturgy, particularly in liturgical song.” Quoting Vatican II, the statement says that “pastors should ensure ‘that the faithful may also be able to say or to sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them.’” Seminarians, too, should be trained to understand and say Mass in Latin and to use Gregorian chant.

But if singers cannot execute the Latin texts properly, “even after sufficient training has been provided,” says the instruction, “it would be more prudent to employ a vernacular language in the Liturgy.”

Still, “every effort” in promoting the use of Gregorian chant in the liturgy “is laudable and highly encouraged,” says the statement. It refers to a simple Kyrie, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei that “each worshiping community in the United States, including all age groups and all ethnic groups, should, at a minimum, learn.” The statement allows a choir to draw from the Graduale Romanum or the Graduale Simplex for proper chants (for instance, presumably, the “gradual” in place of the responsorial psalm or the introit in place of the opening hymn) “when the congregation does not sing an antiphon or hymn.”

Regarding vernacular music in the liturgy, Sing to the Lord praises the “rich diversity of musical styles” and says, “the Church seeks to employ only that which, in a given style, meets the ritual-spiritual demands of the Liturgy.” To discern “the sacred quality of liturgical music, liturgical musicians will find guidance in music from the Church’s treasury of sacred music … which past generations have found suitable for worship. They also should strive to promote a fruitful dialogue between the Church and the modern world,” says the statement.

Sing to the Lord warns against admitting “to the Liturgy the cheap, the trite, or the musical cliché often found in secular popular songs,” because it “cheapen[s] the Liturgy,” “expose[s] it to ridicule,” and “invite[s] failure.”

Still, Sing to the Lord does not categorically reject popular-style music in the liturgy. “Sufficiency of artistic expression … is not the same as musical style, for ‘the Church has not adopted any particular style of art as her own. She has admitted styles from every period, in keeping with the natural characteristics and conditions of peoples and the needs of the various rites,’” says the statement, quoting Vatican II. “Thus, in recent times, the Church has consistently recognized and freely welcomed the use of various styles of music as an aid to liturgical worship,” says Sing to the Lord.

SAINT WILLIAM
Abbot

DOUBLE / WHITE
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

COLLECT 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 BIRTHDAY OF
SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
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).

INTROIT 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 . . .

COLLECT
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 . . .

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

SECRET
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.

The Preface for Weekdays is said.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON 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
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 . . .

VIGIL OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

SIMPLE / PURPLE
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.

INTROIT 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 . . .

COLLECT
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 . . .

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

POSTCOMMUNION
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 ALOYSIUS GONZAGA
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
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 ANTIPHON 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 . . .

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

POSTCOMMUNION
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 . . .

SAINT SILVERIUS
Pope and Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
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

COLLECT
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

Saints Gervase and Protase
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
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
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
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 . . .

Saints Mark & Marcellian
Medieval manuscript ca. 14th century.
Bibliothèque nationale de France.

Artwork by Hanna Hajjar

SAINT EPHREM

Deacon and Doctor of the Church

SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
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 (pierced with arrows, after two days of suffering) 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 . . .

The martyrdom of Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia.
From a 14th century manuscript.

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
Martyrs

DOUBLE / GREEN
INTROIT Ps. 26:7-9
Hear, O Lord, my voice with which I have cried to Thee, be Thou my helper, forsake me not, do not Thou despise me, O God, my Savior.
Ps. 26:1. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, who hast prepared for them that love Thee such good things as pass understanding, pour into our hearts such love towards Thee, that we, loving Thee in all things and above all things, may obtain Thy promises which exceed all that we can desire. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
Vitus, born of an illustrious Sicilian family, was arrested with his tutor and his nurse. After many sufferings, they were martyred A.D. 303. In the Middle Ages St. Vitus was declared one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and came to be considered as the special patron of those inflicted with nervous disorders.

Grant to Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, not to be highminded, but to advance in that humility which is pleasing in Thy sight, that despising such things as be evil, she may practice with overflowing charity whatsoever things are right. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 3:8-15
Dearly beloved: Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble: Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing. For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him decline from evil and do good: Let him seek after peace and pursue it: Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers but the countenance of the Lord upon them that do evil things. And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good? But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear: and be not troubled. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.

GRADUAL Ps. 86:10, 9
Behold, O God our protector, and look on Thy servants.
V. O Lord God of hosts, give ear to the prayers of Thy servants.

Alleluia, alleluia! Ps. 20:1
In Thy strength, O Lord, the king shall joy, and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 5:20-24
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "Unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to them of old: 'Thou shalt not kill.' And whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee; Leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother, and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 15:7, 8
I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding. I set God always in my sight; for He is at my right hand, that I be not moved.

SECRET
Be merciful, O Lord, to our humble pleading, and favorably receive these offerings of Thy servants and handmaidens, that what each of us has offered to the honor of Thy Name, may profit us all unto salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
As the gifts we lay before Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints, bear witness to the glory of Thy divine power, so may they win for us the fruit of Thy salvation. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 26:4
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

POSTCOMMUNION
Grant, O Lord, we beseech Thee, that we whom Thou hast fed with the heavenly Gift, may be cleansed from our hidden sins and delivered from the snares of our enemies. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
We who are filled with Thy solemn blessing, beseech Thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, the healing virtue of the Sacrament may benefit both body and soul. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT BASIL THE GREAT
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE / WHITE
Basil the Great (329-79) was the founder of a monastic colony at Pontus in Asia Minor, for which he wrote his famous Rule, which ranks in importance with that of St. Benedict in the West. In 370 he was made Metropolitan of Caesarea, and by his brave fight against a heresy then at its height and supported by the Emperor, he saved the whole of Cappadocia for the Catholic Faith. Basil's wonderful care for the poor inspired others to imitate his charity. His doctrinal writings were as outstanding as was his administration of his diocese; and his sublime work on the Holy Spirit has never been surpassed in Catholic theology.

INTROIT Eccli. 15:5
In the gathering of the Church the Lord opened his mouth and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and clothed him with a robe of glory.
Ps. 91:2. It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most High.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, graciously hear the prayers we offer on the feast of Your blessed confessor bishop Basil. Forgive us all our sins through the merits and intercession of this saint who served You so well on earth. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE II Tim. 4:1-8
Beloved: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

GRADUAL Ps. 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly.
V. The law of God is in his heart, and his steps do not falter.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 88:21
I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 14:26-35
At that time, Jesus said to the multitude, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

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

SECRET
Let our annual commemoration of Your blessed confessor bishop Basil please You, O Lord. Grant that this sacrifice of atonement which we offer on his feast may bring him greater honor and fill us with Your grace. Through our Lord . . .

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

SAINT JOHN OF SAN FACUNDO
Confessor

SAINTS BASILIDES, CYRINUS, NABOR, & NAZARIUS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
This Spanish saint derives his surname from the Benedictine abbey of San Facundo in the kingdom of Leon, where he received his early education. Ordained to the priesthood in 1445 and having won a great reputation in Salamanca as a preacher and director of souls, John entered the community of Augustinian Canons. As a monk he succeeded in ending many of the baneful feuds that divided the young noblemen of Salamanca.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

O God, you are the author of peace and the source of love who conferred on Your blessed confessor John the wondrous gift of being able to reconcile enemies. May his merits and prayers root us in Your love so that we may never be tempted to separate ourselves from You. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS BASILIDES, CYRINUS, NABOR, AND NAZARIUS
These martyrs died for Christ in Italy, toward the end of the third century.

O Lord, cheer our lives through the celebration of the heavenly birthday of Your holy martyrs Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius. May our devotion add further glory to their eternal blessedness. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
We offer You, O Lord, this sacrifice of praise in memory of Your saints. Free us from evil now and in the future through their intercession. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT BASILIDES AND HIS COMPANIONS

We solemnly offer you these gifts, O Lord, in honor of the blood shed by Your saints Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius, as we recall the miracles of Your grace that won them so great a victory. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
Refreshed with Heavenly Food and Drink we humbly pray You, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of Your saint, in whose memory we have received this Sacrament. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT BASILIDES AND HIS COMPANIONS

May the yearly observance of the feast of Your holy martyrs Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius obtain for us the protection of these saints at all times. Through our Lord . . .