Saints Philip and James, Apostles; Rogation Day

SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES
Apostles and Martyrs

ROGATION DAY 
LESSER LITANIES

 DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED

The Apostle Philip came from Bethsaida in Galilee and was one of the very first disciples called by Christ. Early Christian writers state that St. Philip evangelized Phrygia in Asia Minor, until he was stoned and crucified by hostile pagans.
St. James, called the Minor to distinguish him from St. John's brother, came from Cana and was a cousin of the Saviour. He became the first bishop of Jerusalem, and even the Jews gave him the title of "The Just." Finally, because he was converting so many of their community, the Jews tried to force him to make a public renunciation of Christ. When he replied by joyfully proclaiming the glory of his Lord, he was slain.

INTROIT II Esd. 9:27At the time of their tribulation they cried to You, O Lord, and You heard them from heaven, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy apostles Philip and James. As we joyously remember the merits of these saints, may we also be inspired by their example. 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 . . .

LESSON Wisdom 5:1-5
Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labours. These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation, Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: "These are they, whom we had sometime in derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honour. Behold, how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints."

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. Ps. 88:6. The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints. Alleluia!
V. John 14:9. Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also My Father. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 14:1-13
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself: that where I am, you also may be. And whither I go you know: and the way you know." Thomas saith to him: "Lord, we know not whither thou goest. And how can we know the way?" Jesus saith to him: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him. And you have seen him." Philip saith to him: "Lord, shew us the Father; and it is enough for us." Jesus saith to him: "Have I been so long a time with you and have you not known me? Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also. How sayest thou: Shew us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abideth in me, he doth the works. Believe you not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? Otherwise believe for the very works' sake. Amen, amen, I say to you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he also shall do: and greater than these shall he do. Because I go to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son." 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:6
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints, alleluia, alleluia!

SECRET 
O Lord, accept our offering on the feast of Your holy apostles Philip and James, and shield us from the punishments we so richly deserve. 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 . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 14:9, 10
Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also My father. Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? Alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION 
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. may we be aided also by the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. 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 . . .