St. Joseph Calasanctius' last Communion.

SAINT JOSEPH CALASANCTIUS
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
Joseph Calasanctius (1556-1648) was born in Aragon, Spain. He went to Rome after his ordination to the priesthood, and in the Eternal City he was dismayed by the vice and ignorance of the children of the poor. In order to provide for the religious education of these neglected youngsters, he founded the Order of Clerks Regular of the Pious Schools, also called Piarists. In the latter years of his long life, he had much to suffer in persecutions by members of his own order. Yet he died full of hope and peace, saying, "My work was done solely for the love of God."

INTROIT Ps. 33:12
Come, children listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Ps. 33:2. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, in the person of Your blessed confessor Joseph You provided the Church with new help to train the young in wisdom and holiness. Grant that we may be led by his example and prayer so to work and teach that we may gain an everlasting reward. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Wisdom 10:10-14
The Lord conducted the just through the right ways, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours. In the deceit of them that overreached him, he stood by him, and made him honourable. He kept him safe from his enemies, and he defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. He forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: he went down with him into the pit. And in bands he left him not, till he brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused him, and gave him everlasting glory.

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. 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 Matt. 18:1-5
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying: "Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus, calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them. And said: "Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 9:17
The Lord has heard the desire of the poor; Your ear has heard the prayer prepared in their heart.

SECRET
We place our gifts in offering upon Your altar, O Lord. May they win us Your mercy through the prayers of Your saint, whom we have given as our intercessor and helper. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mark 10:14
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God.

POSTCOMMUNION
We are made holy by this life-giving Rite, O Lord; may we advance toward more perfect holiness through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Joseph. Through our Lord . . .