Saint Alphonsus Mary Liguori

Saint Stephen I

SAINT ALPHONSUS MARY DE LIGUORI

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

SAINT STEPHEN I
Pope and Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITE
After a brief but successful career as a lawyer, Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787), a member of a noble Neapolitan family, laid his sword on Our Lady's altar at the age of 27, and soon afterward was ordained to the priesthood. As a priest he devoted himself to the most neglected souls, founding for their care the missionary Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer -- the Redemptorists. Later, and much against his will, he was made a bishop. He died at the age of 91, after having suffered persecutions and long illness for Christ's sake.

INTROIT Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me; to bring good news to the poor He has sent me, to heal the contrite of heart.

Ps. 77:1. Hearken, My people, to My law; incline your ears to the words of My mouth.

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, the burning zeal for souls which You kindled in the blessed confessor bishop Alphonsus Mary gave birth to a new congregation in the Church. May we learn from his helpful teaching and take courage from his example, so that with Your help we may come to You. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT STEPHEN I

Pope Stephen I reigned during the vicious persecutions of Valerian and Gallienus, and was forced even to conduct his Church councils in the martyrs' crypts. In 257, as he was finishing his Mass, his persecutors seized him and put him to death.

O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Stephen I 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 . . .

EPISTLE II Tim. 2:1-7

Beloved: Thou therefore, my son, be strong in Christ Jesus: And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men who shall be fit to teach others also. Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses: that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself. For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must first partake of the fruits. Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding.

GRADUAL Ps. 118:52-53; 39:11

I have remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and I have been comforted. I have become faint because of the wicked who forsake Your law.

V. I have not hidden Your justice within my heart, but I have spoken about Your truth and Your salvation.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Eccli. 49:3-4

He was directed by God unto the repentance of the nation, and he took away the abominations of wickedness. He also directed his heart to God, and in the days of sinners he strengthened godliness. 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 ANTIPHON Prov. 3:9, 27

Honor the Lord with your substance and give Him of the first of all your fruits. Do not prevent the one who is able from doing good; if you are able, do good yourself also.

SECRET

Let our hearts be consumed by the flame of this sacrifice of heaven so that they may be a sweet fragrance to You, O Lord Jesus Christ, just as You enabled blessed Alphonsus to offer himself as a holy victim in the celebration of these sacred mysteries; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT STEPHEN

We have offered our gifts to You, O Lord. Let Your light graciously shine upon Your Church, so that this flock may everywhere prosper, and its pastors, under Your guidance, may be truly pleasing to You. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Eccli. 50:1, 9

Great the priest who in his life propped up the house of God, and in his days strengthened the temple, as a bright fire and frankincense burning in the fire.

POSTCOMMUNION

O God, You made the blessed confessor bishop Alphonsus Mary a faithful minister and preacher of this Divine Sacrament. May his merits and prayers win for the faithful the grace to receive it frequently and join with him in singing its ceaseless praise. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT STEPHEN

O Lord, govern the Church, which You have been pleased to nourish with Your Heavenly Food. Guide her by Your powerful direction, so that she may enjoy greater freedom and remain unshaken in the fullness of faith. Through our Lord . . .