FROM NEW OXFORD REVIEW: OUT OF THE LITURGICAL GHETTO

Image via WikipediaFROM THE CURRENT ISSUE

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Out of the Liturgical GhettoWhile we wait for a revival of the Traditional Latin Mass, it's interesting to examine survey results from Europe which reveal pent up demand for the old rite.
Read all about it...
http://www.newoxfordreview.org/note.jsp?did=0711-notes-ghetto

Patron of midwives, pregnant women, unborn children, and women in labor.
In Mexico, he is invoked for silence and protection against curses.
He was called non natus, “not born,” because he was taken out of his mother’s womb after she died in labor.
He voluntary offered himself as a slave to save others and while in captivity,
he gave comfort to other Christians in captive and hoped to convert his captors to Christianity.
To punish and to stop St. Raymond from preaching, his lips were pierced with a
red-hot iron and his mouth closed with a padlock.

SAINT RAYMOND NONNATUS
Confessor

SAINT ARISTEDES

[Historical]

A confessor of the faith and Athenian philosopher. He wrote an Apologia for Christianity, presented to Emperor Hadrian in 125. His text was included in a work by Sts. Barlaam and Josaphat.

DOUBLE / WHITE
Raymond Nonnatus (c.1204-40), a Catalonian, was a pioneer member of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the redemption of Christians enslaved by the Mohammedans. After freeing hundreds of Christian captives in Africa, he gave himself up as a hostage so as not to expose to apostasy those still unransomed. At length he himself was ransomed and he returned to Spain. He died soon after Pope Gregory IX had nominated him a cardinal. He believed with St. John Chrysostom that the greatest charity of all is to contribute to the salvation of a soul.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except
COLLECTO God, You granted remarkable success to the efforts of the holy confessor Raymond in releasing Christians from the slavery of unbelievers. May his prayers free us from the slavery of sin, so that we may fulfill Your wishes with complete freedom. 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 . . .

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 . . .

Bernand Fellay, superior of Lefebvrites will meet with the Vatican [Video]

On September 14th, Bernard Fellay, the superior of the Society of St. Pius X, also know as Lefebvrites will meet with the Vatican

Saint Sabina

THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN
THE BAPTIST

SAINT SABINA
Martyr

GREATER DOUBLE / RED
To our short vision, the beheading of St. John the Baptist to satisfy the rancor of a wicked woman appears as a painfully ignominious death for the "friend of the heavenly bridegroom." Yet never was the burning and the shinning light (John 5:35) of the Precursor's lamp more radiant than at this moment, when it was absorbed within the abyss of light that is the Godhead. Because John's role in the economy of redemption was so vital, the Church has made room for him in her glowing firmament of saints next to the Mother of God herself. Today, as long ago on the banks of the Jordan, John leads us to the fount of apostolic zeal -- the divine simplicity of loving only Christ, and all men in and for Him.

INTROIT Ps. 118:46-47
I spoke of Your testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed; I meditated on Your commandments, which I loved dearly.
Ps. 91:2. It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most High!
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
May the holy festival of Thy Forerunner and Martyr, St. John the Baptist, we beseech Thee, O Lord, afford us help unto salvation; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of  SAINT SABINA, MARTYR
St. Sabina, who gave her name to the famous old church which is now Dominican world headquarters, was probably martyred during the second century.

O God, one of the marvelous examples of Your power was granting the victory of martyrdom even to delicate womanhood. May the example of the blessed martyr Sabina, whose birthday we celebrate today, draw us closer to You. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON  Jer. 1:17-19
In those days, the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak to them all that I command thee. Be not afraid at their presence: for I will make thee not to fear their countenance. For behold I have made thee this day a fortified city, and a pillar of iron, and a wall of brass, over all the land, to the kings of Juda, to the princes thereof, and to the priests, and to the people of the land. And they shall fight against them, and shall not prevail: for I am with thee," saith the Lord, "to deliver thee."

GRADUAL  Ps. 91:13, 14, 3
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow up like a cedar of Lebanon in the house of the Lord.
V. That he may show forth Your mercy in the morning and Your truth throughout the night.

Alleluia, alleluia!  V. Osee 14:6
The just man shall blossom as the lily, and shall flourish forever before the Lord. Alleluia!

GOSPEL  Mark 6:17-29
At that time, Herod himself had sent and apprehended John, and bound him prison for the sake of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her. For John said to Herod: "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." Now Herodias laid snares for him: and was desirous to put him to death and could not. For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly. And when a convenient day was come, Herod made a supper for his birthday, for the princes, and tribunes, and chief men of Galilee. And when the daughter of the same Herodias had come in, and had danced, and pleased Herod, and them that were at table with him, the king said to the damsel: "Ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee." And he swore to her: "Whatsoever thou shalt ask I will give thee, though it be the half of my kingdom." Who when she was gone out, said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" But her mother said: "The head of John the Baptist." And when she was come in immediately with haste to the king, she asked, saying: "I will that forthwith thou give me in a dish, the head of John the Baptist." And the king was struck sad. Yet because of his oath, and because of them that were with him at table, he would not displease her: But sending an executioner, he commanded that his head should be brought in a dish. And he beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a dish: and gave to the damsel, and the damsel gave it her mother. Which his disciples hearing came, and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON  Ps. 20:2-3
O Lord, the just man rejoices in Your strength, and he greatly exalts in Your aid. You have granted him his heart's desire.

SECRET 
O Lord, may the gifts we offer You in memory of the sufferings of Your holy martyr John the Baptist bring us closer to salvation through his prayers. through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of  SAINT SABINA
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr Sabina and help us find in them unending assistance. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON  Ps. 20:4
O Lord, You have placed on his head a crown of precious stones.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, may the feast of blessed John the Baptist teach us to reverence the deep significance of the Holy Eucharist which we have received, and to be filled with joy at the fulfillment of this promise in ourselves. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of  SAINT SABINA
We have been nourished by Your divine gift, O Lord our God. May the reception of this Bread of Heaven bring us eternal life through the intercession of Your blessed martyr Sabina. Through our Lord . . .

St. Joseph Calasanctius' last Communion.

SAINT JOSEPH CALASANCTIUS
Confessor

SEVEN JOYS OF THE BLESSED 

VIRGIN MARY

[Historical]

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. 33:12Come, 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 . . .

FEAST DAY OF THE SEVEN JOYS OF

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

[Historical]

The Franciscans celebrate this feast August 27 and the Conventuals on August 26. Pope St. Pius X authorized them to celebrate this feast in 1906. The original day was the Sunday after the octave of the Assumption, but in 1914 it was transferred to the octave day itself; and in 1942, when the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was assigned to that day, that of the Seven Joys was moved to August 26 or 27. The Franciscans wear the Rosary of the Seven Joys on their cord. 

ON THE FRANCISCAN CROWN 

1.  The Blessed Virgin herself pointed out that the Franciscan Crown, like the Dominican rosary, is a devotion pleasing to her. The annuals of the order state that a young man - it is generally believed to be James of the Rosary - who entered the order had been a fervent client of our Blessed Lady and had decked her statue daily with a wreath of flowers. Since he was not permitted to continue this practice in the novitiate, he thought of leaving the order. But first he knelt before the statue of Our Lady to say a prayer.

There the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and said: "Remain here, and do not grieve because you can no longer weave a wreath of flowers for me. I will teach you how you can daily weave a crown of roses that will not wither and will be more pleasing to me and more meritorious for yourself."  And she taught him the rosary of seven decades.  From that incident we can learn not to be selfishly attached to pious practices, and that prayer is of greater value than perishable decorations.

2.  Consider the fragrant roses that make up the Franciscan Crown. This rosary consists of seventy-two Hail Marys, and originally these were said in honor of the seventy-two years which Our Lady spent on earth according to the more probable opinion and tradition. As such, it was certainly in existence during the first half of the fifteenth century, for St. Bernardin and St. John Capistran both promoted it. It was not until the seventeenth century apparently that the children of St. Francis began to recite the seven decades of the crown also in honor of the seven joys of Our Lady.  The seven joys are as follows: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Adoration of the Magi, The Finding of Jesus in the Temple, The Resurrection of Our Lord, The Assumption and Coronation of Our Lady.  At each decade it is well to reflect on the sweet joy Our Lady experienced on the occasions indicated. Said in this way, the rosary will be very pleasing to Mary, and you will learn to love it more and more.

3.  Consider how effectual this rosary has proved to be. The servant of God James experienced its good effects even in his lifetime, and throughout the history of the Franciscan Order blessed results have been so often achieved in various necessities, that at the request of the superiors of the order the popes have attached rich indulgences to its recitation. It is urgently recommended that all members of the order recite it at least every Saturday.  Make that a rule for yourself. You may then rest assured that you will participate in the joys of Our Lady in heaven.

From THE FRANCISCAN BOOK OF SAINTS edited by Marion Habig, ofm

SAINT ZEPHYRINUS
Pope and Martyr

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA

[Historical]

SIMPLE/RED
A native of Rome, Zephyrinus was Pope from 199 to 217. During part of his rule, the Church endured the bloody persecution of Emperor Septimus Severus. Pope Zephyrinus rejoiced in the triumphs of the martyrs, but he had much to suffer from current heresies and apostasies. It was his glory that the heretics called this holy Pope the principle defender of Christ's divinity.

Mass of a POPE, except

COLLECT
O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Zephyrinus 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 . . .

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 . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
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 . . .

Feast Day: August 26 - Our Lady of Czestochowa

Our Lady of Czestochowa (Matka Boska Czestochowska)

History:

The origin of this miraculous image in Czestochowa, according to tradition, the painting was a portrait of Our Lady done by St. John sometime after the Crucifixion of Our Lord and remained in the Holy Land until discovered by St. Helena of the Cross in the fourth century. The painting was taken to Constantinople, where St. Helena's son, the Emperor Constantine, erected a church for its enthronement.  During the siege by the Saracens, the invaders became frightened when the people carried the picture in a procession around the city; the infidels fled. Later, the image was threatened with burning by an evil emperor, who had a wife, Irene, who saved it and hid it from harm. The image was in that city for 500 years, until it became part of some dowries, eventually being taken to Russia to a region that later became Poland.

After the portrait became the possession of the Polish prince, St. Ladislaus in the 15th century, it was installed in his castle. Tartar invaders besieged the castle and an enemy arrow pierced Our Lady's image, inflicting a scar. Interestingly, repeated attempts to fix the image, artistically have all failed.

Tradition says that St. Ladislaus determined to save the image from repeated invasions, so he went to his birthplace, Opala, stopping for rest in Częstochowa; the image was brought nearby to Jasna Góra (bright hill")and placed in a small wooden church named for the Assumption. The following morning, after the picture was carefully placed in the wagon, the horses refused to move. St. Ladislaus understood this to be a sign from Heaven that the image should stay in Częstochowa; thus he replaced the painting in the Church of the Assumption, August 26, 1382, a day still observed as the Feast Day. The Saint wished to have the holiest of men guard the painting, so he assigned the church and the monastery to the Pauline Fathers, who have devoutly protected the image for the last six hundred years.

Having survived two attacks upon it, Our Lady's image was next in peril by the Hussites. The Hussites successfully stormed the Pauline monastery in 1430, plundering the sanctuary. Among the items stolen was the image. After putting it in their wagon, the Hussites went a little ways but then the horses refused to go any further. Recalling the former incident that was so similar, the heretics threw the portrait down to the ground, which shattered the image into three pieces. One of the plunderers drew his sword and slashed the image twice, causing two deep gashes; while attempting a third gash, he was overcome with a writhing agony and died.

The two slashes on the cheek of the Blessed Virgin, together with the one on the throat, have always reappeared after artistic attempts to fix them. The portrait again faced danger in 1655 by a Swedish horde of 12,000, which confronted the 300 men guarding the image. The band of 300 routed the 12,000 and the following year, the Holy Virgin was acclaimed Queen of Poland.

Prayer

(to be said each day upon rising)

HOLY MOTHER of Czestochowa, Thou art full of grace,
goodness and mercy. I consecrate to Thee all my thoughts,
words and actions----my soul and body. I beseech Thy
blessings and especially prayers for my salvation.
Today, I consecrate myself to Thee, Good Mother, totally
 ----with body and soul amid joy and sufferings to obtain
for myself and others Thy blessings on this earth and
eternal life in Heaven. Amen.

Imprimatur: Cardinal O' Boyle, Washington, DC

Jose (Jusepe) de Ribera
The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew
Prado, Madrid
1639

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW

Apostle

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED
Bartholomew, a doctor in the Jewish law, was a dear friend of St. Philip the Apostle. Because Bartholomew was a man "in whom there was no guile," his mind was open to the truth. He went willingly with Philip to see Christ, and recognized the Saviour immediately as the Son of God. After having received the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost, Bartholomew evangelized Asia Minor, northwestern India, and Greater Armenia. In the latter country, while preaching to idolators, he was arrested and condemned to death.
INTROIT Ps. 138:17Your friends are greatly honored by me, O God; their pre-eminence is definitely established.
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
Almighty and Eternal God, the feast of Your blessed apostle Bartholomew fills us with reverent and holy joy. Grant that Your Church may love the truths that he believed and preach the doctrines that he taught. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 12:27-31
Brethren, you are the body of Christ and members of member. And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But be zealous for the better gifts.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:17-18
You shall make them princes 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.
The glorious choir of apostles praises You, O Lord. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 6:12-19
At that time, Jesus went out into a mountain to pray: and he passed the whole night in the prayer of God. And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples: and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles): Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes, And Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor. And coming down with them, he stood in a plain place: and the company of his disciples and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the sea coast, both of Tyre and Sidon, Who were come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch him: for virtue went out from him and healed all.

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

SECRET
O Lord, grant us Your blessings through the help of the blessed apostle Bartholomew, in whose memory we offer this Sacrifice of praise to celebrate his feast day. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 19:28
"You who have followed me shall sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel," said the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION
We have received in Holy Communion the pledge of eternal salvation, O Lord. May it help us in this life and in the life to come through the prayers of Your blessed apostle Bartholomew. Through our Lord . . .

Traditional Parish in Houston, Texas

Traditional Parish in Houston, Texas

Wonderful news for the faithful of the largest city in the great state:a full Parish, exclusively dedicated to the Traditional Roman Liturgy (the "Extraordinary Form" of the Roman Rite), is to be established by the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Cardinal DiNardo, as foreseen by Summorum Pontificum, art. 10.

The future Parish will be staffed with priests of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP), who begin celebrating daily Mass in the diocese already on September 4; their page adds: "A beautiful 40 acres parcel of land has been donated for this new Traditional Latin Mass Parish [near Breen and Fairbanks N. Houston - see Google Maps for surroundings] which will eventually have a full parish complex including a traditional style church, rectory, parish hall with room for a retirement facility, retreat house, and possibly a parish school."

Thanks be to God, and congratulations to Cardinal DiNardo, to the faithful of Houston and surrounding areas, and to the state of Texas, which will now host three personal parishes dedicated to the Traditional Mass (the first one being Mater Dei, in the Diocese of Dallas, and the second one St. Joseph the Worker, in the Diocese of Tyler).

Hat-tip to 

http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/

SAINT PHILIP BENIZI
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
St. Philip was born in Florence of the noble family of Benizi on the Feast of the Assumption, 1233. Our Lady herself called him to her newly founded Order of Servites. Philip entered as a lay brother, but his abilities were soon discovered and he was ordained to the priesthood. As a priest he filled in succession the highest offices of his order. He won souls to God in various European countries; and in Italy itself, then wasted by civil wars, his preaching restored peace.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

COLLECT
O God, You have set before us an outstanding example of humility in the person of Your blessed confessor Philip. Grant us, Your servants, the grace to follow his example and spurn earthly riches in order to strive after the treasures of heaven. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
Accept this offering which we humbly present in honor of Your Saints, O God, and through it purify our bodies and our souls. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
Almighty God, we pray that the reception of this Bread of Heaven may strengthen us against all adversity through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor Philip. Through our Lord . . . 

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL
Widow

DOUBLE / GREEN

INTROIT Ps. 54:17, 18, 20, 23

When I called upon the Lord, He heard my voice and delivered me from those who war against me. He humbled them, He who is from eternity and remains forever. Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will support you.

Ps. 54:2. Hearken, O God, to my prayer and turn not from my pleading; give heed to me, and answer me.

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, Your almighty power is made most evident in Your mercy and pity. Be even more merciful toward us, that we may aspire after Your promises and come to share Your heavenly rewards. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL
The family of Jane Frances de Fremiot (1572-1641) in Dijon, France, was prominent and wealthy. Jane became the wife of the Baron de Chantal, a nobleman of honor and virtue. The happiness of the young couple ended nine years later, when the baron died in a hunting accident. His widow devoted herself to the care of their four children, and after a time placed herself under the direction of St. Francis de Sales. Under his guidance she founded the congregation of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, for the education of girls.

O Almighty and merciful God, who willed to add glory to Your Church through the new congregation founded by blessed Jane Frances, You inflamed this saint with such a love of Yourself that her wondrous strength of soul led her in the way of perfection during her whole life. May her merits and prayers bring us grace from heaven to overcome everything that hinders us, for we are conscious of our own frailty and trust solely in Your strength. Through our Lord . . .
 

EPISTLE I Cor. 12:2-11

Brethren: You know that when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led. Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus. And no man can say "The Lord Jesus," but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministries. but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit: To another, faith in the same spirit: to another, the grace of healing in one Spirit: To another the working of miracles: to another, prophecy: to another, the discerning of spirits: to another, diverse kinds of tongues: to another, interpretation of speeches. But all these things, one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will.

GRADUAL Ps. 16:8, 2

Keep me as the apple of Your eye, O Lord; protect me under the shadow of Your wings.

V. Let my judgment come from You; let Your eyes behold what is right.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 64:2.

It is fitting to praise You in Sion, O God, and to fulfill our vow to You in Jerusalem. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 18:9-14

At that time, Jesus spoke this parable also to some who trusted in themselves as just and despised others. "Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: 'O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 24:1-3

I have lifted up my soul to You, O Lord; I place my trust in You, O my God. Let me not be put to shame, nor let my enemies exult over me. No one who waits for You shall be left in confusion.

SECRET

This Sacrifice was instituted by You, O Lord, to give glory to Your name. May we offer it in such a manner that we may find in it healing for our weaknesses. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL
 O Lord, let this life-giving sacrifice kindle in us the same fire of love that burned so ardently in the heart of blessed Jane Frances and consumed her in the flames of infinite charity. Through our Lord . . .
 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 50:21

You shall be pleased with sacrifices which are Your due; with oblations and holocausts offered upon Your altar, O Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord our God, do not withhold Your gracious assistance from us, for by Your heavenly Sacrament we are ever made new. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL
O Lord, pour out the Spirit of Your love upon us who have been fed with the Bread of Heaven. Grant us the grace to spurn earthly things through the prayers of blessed Jane Frances, so that we may seek You alone, our God, with pure hearts. Through our Lord . . .

Image via Wikipedia

Fra Bartolommeo The Vision of St. Bernard ca.1504. Oil on wood.Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy.

SAINT BERNARD
Abbot and Doctor of the Church

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DOUBLE / WHITE
Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153), of a titled Burgundy family, won over to the service of Christ 31 other Burgundian noblemen, including four of his five brothers and an uncle as well, who with him entered the monastic life at the Abbey of Citeaux, of "strict" Benedictine observance, which had been founded shortly before by SS. Robert, Alberic, and Stephen Harding. Their arrival gave new vigor to the Cistercian Order. Bernard was soon sent to found a Cistercian house at Clairvaux, and under his direction the fame of the new monastery spread throughout the world. There his aged father and youngest brother Nivard received the Cistercian habit from his hands. His spirit of austere strength and moving sweetness in the love of God and of the Blessed Virgin stamped itself on the age. He was the adviser of Popes and monarchs, the eloquent preacher of the Second Crusade, and inspired defender of the Faith against powerful schismatics and heretics.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, exceptCOLLECT
O God, may blessed Bernard intercede for us in heaven as he once instructed Your faithful on earth and directed them in the way of eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Eccli 39:6-14 [Sirach]
The just man will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High. He will open his mouth in prayer, and will make supplication for his sins. For if it shall please the great Lord, he will fill him with the spirit of understanding: And he will pour forth the words of his wisdom as showers, and in his prayer he will confess to the Lord. And he shall direct his counsel, and his knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate. He shall shew forth the discipline he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord. Many shall praise his wisdom, and it shall never be forgotten. The memory of him shall not depart away, and his name shall be in request from generation to generation. Nations shall declare his wisdom, and the church shall shew forth his praise.

SECRET
O Lord, let the blessed confessor and doctor Bernard always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed confessor and illustrious doctor Bernard. Through our Lord . . .