Saint Celestine renouncing the Papacy

Saint Pudentiana

SAINT PETER CELESTINE
Pope and Confessor

SAINT PUDENTIANA
Virgin

DOUBLE / WHITE
Peter Celestine (1221-96) left his Italian home at the age of 20, and went to a mountain to live in solitude. Disciples soon grouped themselves around him, and the rule of life that Peter gave them formed the foundation of the Celestine Order. When Peter was 72 years old, he was elected Pope and chose the name of Celestine. It soon became evident that the former hermit's life had not in any way fitted him for the government of the Church; so Pope Celestine V had the supreme humility to resign his trust after a reign of five months.

Mass of a POPE, except

COLLECT
O God, You raised blessed Peter Celestine to the dignity of Pope, and taught him also to renounce the honor in all humility. May we follow his example and despise the things of this world, so that we may win the rewards You promised to the humble of heart. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PUDENTIANA
Pudentiana, a daughter of a Roman senator, consecrated herself wholly to Christ and gave away her goods to the poor. She died in the year 160, when she was 16 years of age.

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

SECRET
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 . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PUDENTIANA
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 . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, govern Your 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 . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PUDENTIANA
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 . . .