Saint Gregory the Wonder Worker (268 A.D.)

SAINT GREGORY 

THE WONDER WORKER
Bishop and Confessor

SIMPLE / WHITE
Gregory, one of the Fathers of the Church, was converted to the faith by Origen about the year 232. He then returned to his native city of Neocaesarea in Asia Minor, and was made its bishop. At that time there were only 17 Christians in the city, but Gregory's apostolic zeal was such that before his death there were only 17 non-Christians left. Gregory was aided in his apostolate by an extraordinary gift of miracles. A legend relating that he once caused the removal of a mountain from the spot where he wished to build a church is alluded to in today's Gospel. He died about the year 270.

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except

Introit
Sir 45:30
The Lord made a covenant of friendship with him, and made him a prince; that he should possess the dignity of priesthood forever.
Ps 131:1
Remember, O Lord, David and all his meekness.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Lord made a covenant of friendship with him, and made him a prince; that he should possess the dignity of priesthood forever.

COLLECT
O Almighty God, grant that our solemn celebration of the feast of Your confessor bishop Gregory may increase our devotion and bring us closer to our salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Ecclus 44:16-27: 45:3- 20.
Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just; and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore, by an oath, the Lord made him to increase among his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings; He preserved for him His mercy; and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood; and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise in His name, and to offer Him a worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.

Gradual
Sir 44:16, 20.
Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God.
V. There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 109:4
V. You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Mark 11:22-24
At that time, Jesus answering, said to His disciples: "Have faith in God. Amen I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Arise, and hurl thyself into the sea,' and does not waver in his heart, but believes that whatever he says will be done, it shall be done for him. Therefore I say to you, all things whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you shall receive, and they shall come to you."

SECRET 
O Lord, may Your saints everywhere be a source of joy for us, and may we feel the power of their intercession with You as we solemnly recall the deeds of their lives. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Almighty God, may the expression of our gratitude to You for all Your Gifts bring us even greater benefits, through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Gregory. Through Our Lord . . .

St. Gregory the Wonderworker. Image via Wikipedia