DEDICATION OF THE ARCHBASILICA OF OUR SAVIOUR; SAINT THEODORE THE RECRUIT (306 A.D.)

Image via Wikipedia

DEDICATION OF THE ARCHBASILICA
OF OUR SAVIOUR

SAINT THEODORE

Martyr

Commonly called St. John Lateran, this basilica, donated by the Emperor Constantine, was once part of the Pope's residence and is the cathedral of the bishop of Rome. On its facade is carved the inscription: "The Mother and Head of all the churches in the city and the world." Today's feast, then, calls to mind the unity of the Church over the whole earth.This is the first church given public consecration. Five ecumenical councils were held there. Within the basilica is an altar of wood which dates back to the days of persecution, and is believed by some to have been used by St. Peter himself.

Mass of the DEDICATION OF A CHURCH, except:

Introit 
Gen 28:17
How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven; and it shall be called the court of God.
Ps 83:2-3
How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts! My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord.
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.
How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven; and it shall be called the court of God.

COLLECT
O God, by Your care we come safely each year to commemorate with these sacred rites the dedication of Your holy Temple. Graciously hear the prayers of Your people and grant that all who implore Your blessings in this church may joyfully receive the favors they ask. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THEODORE 

This Roman soldier was cruelly tortured and burnt alive in the year 306 for having allegedly set fire to the temple of the pagan goddess Cybele.

The glorious profession of faith of Your holy Martyr Theodore overshadows and protects us, O God. May we profit by his example and rejoice in the assistance of his prayers. Through Our Lord . . .


Lesson 
Lesson from the book of Revelation
Apoc 21:2-5
In those days, I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold the dwelling of God with men, and He will dwell with them. And they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away. And He Who was sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new!

Gradual 

This place was made by God, a priceless mystery; it is without reproof.
V. O God, before Whom stands the choir of angels, give ear to the prayers of Your servants. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 137:2
V. I will worship at Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 19:1-10
At that time, Jesus entered and was passing through Jericho. And behold there was a man named Zacchaeus; and he was a leading publican, and he was rich. And he was trying to see Jesus, Who He was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay in your house today. And he made haste and came down, and welcomed Him joyfully. And upon seeing it all began to murmur, saying, He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner. But Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, Behold, Lord, I give one-half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold. Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house, since he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

SECRET
Graciously hear our prayers, O Lord (and grant that all who are gathered in this church to celebrate the anniversary of its dedication may please You by their complete service of body and soul). May the gifts we offer You help us to attain Your eternal rewards. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THEODORE

Accept the prayers and offering of the faithful, O Lord, and let our love and devotion lead us to the glory of heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O God, by Your divine choosing, living stones are used to build an everlasting dwelling place for Your majesty. Hear the prayers of Your people who call upon You, and grant that the material growth of Your Church may be accompanied by a deepening spiritual development in her. Through Out Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THEODORE

Pope's Chair in Basilica. Image via Wikipedia

May the intercession of Your holy Martyr Theodore help us, O Lord, to cherish with pure hearts the Sacrament we have received upon our lips. Through Our Lord . . .