THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SAINT MARK
Pope and Confessor

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
The feast of the Holy Rosary was instituted to honor Mary for the Christian victory over the Turks at Lepanto on October 7, 1571. Pope St. Pius V and all Christians had prayed the Rosary for victory.
The Rosary is a powerful means of uniting families, communities, and nations in the Mystical Body of Christ. In reciting the Rosary we say, "pray for us sinners," not "pray for me." The prayers of the Rosary take us out of ourselves by adoring and thanking God, and particularly by meditating on the doctrinal truths of the 15 Mysteries. Moreover, as Pope Leo XIII wrote, ". . . the Rosary is by far the best prayer by which to plead before her (Mary) the cause of our separated brethren."
 
INTROIT
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, Your only-begotten Son has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life by His life, death, and resurrection. May we who meditate on those mysteries in the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary imitate the virtues they proclaim and obtain the promises they offer. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARK
During his short reign (eight months of the year 336) Pope Mark I set a pattern of personal holiness for the Church.

O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Mark 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 . . .

LESSON Prov. 8:22-24, 32-35
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made any thing from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old, before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived. Now, therefore, ye children, hear me: blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors. He that shall find me, shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:5, 11, 12
For the sake of truth and meekness and justice, may your right hand lead you on wonderfully.
V. Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, for the king greatly desires your beauty.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
This is the solemn feast of the glorious Virgin Mary, descendant of Abraham from the tribe of Juda, of the royal race of David. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 1:26-38
At that time, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end."
And Mary said to the angel: "How shall this be done, because I know not man?" And the angel answering, said to her: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren. Because no word shall be impossible with God." And Mary said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Eccli. 24:25; 39:17
In me is all grace of the way and the truth; in me is all hope of life and virtue. Like a rose planted by the flowing stream I have budded forth.

SECRET
Make us worthy to offer You these gifts, O Lord. May the mysteries of the holy rosary recall to our minds the life, passion, and triumph of Your only-begotten Son so that we may also reap the rewards which He has promised; who lives and rules with You . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARK
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. 39:19
Send forth flowers as the lily, and be fragrant; bring forth leaves in beauty, and with songs of praise bless the Lord in His works!

POSTCOMMUNION
May Your most Blessed Mother, whose rosary we honor this day, o Lord, help us by her intercession so that we may be strengthened in virtue through the contemplation of these mysteries and the reception of Your Sacrament; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARK
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 . . .