SAINT BONIFACE
Martyr



ROGATION DAYS

Boniface, a young Roman who lived the early years of the fourth century, was notorious for his dissipated life. But there was much good in Boniface, too; He was always extremely kind to the poor. The hour of grace struck for him when he was asked to journey to Asia Minor to recover the bodies of certain martyrs. At Tarsus Boniface rushed to join a group of Christians being tortured for their Faith, and then he himself was put to death with savage cruelty.

Mass of a MARTYR DURING EASTERTIME, except
COLLECT
O Almighty God, may the prayers of Your blessed martyr Boniface aid us as we celebrate his feast today. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION  

The death and resurrection of Jesus have opened heaven and won the grace to avoid sin and to gain eternal happiness. But many of the consequences of sin still remain; and every person has his guilt to confess and atone for. Besides, there are the countless needs of soul and body that put all men on their knees before God. Earthquakes and other calamities afflicted Europe in the fifth century and St. Mamertus, instituted a penitential procession with public supplications in his Diocese. Hence, the special days of petition, called Rogation Days, marked by a special Mass, the Litany of the Saints, and, where possible, a procession during which the Litany is sung. It is well to join penance and fasting to all prayer. In 816 A.D., Pope Leo III introduced this Mass in Rome, and soon after it became a general observance throughout the Church.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who in our affliction put our trust in Thy mercy, may ever be defended by the protection against all adversity. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
Accept our offerings and prayers, O Lord. Cleanse us by this heavenly rite, and in Your mercy hear our petitions. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
We are refreshed by the reception of Your Sacred Gift, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed martyr Boniface make us feel the benefit of the Sacred Rite we have performed. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
Favorably receive our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; may we in our distress be consoled by Thy gifts and grow in love accordingly. Through our Lord . . .