SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO (1584 A.D.); WITHIN THE OCTAVE; SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA, Martyrs (304 A.D.)

Intercession of Charles Borromeo supported by the Virgin Mary (1714), Ceiling paintings made by Johann Michael Rottmayr (1654-1730) for the Karlskirche, Vienna. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO
Bishop and Confessor

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

The painting of Christian martyrs Vitalis and Agricola in Bologna.
[Wikipedia]

SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA
MARTYRS

DOUBLE / WHITE
When Charles Borromeo, great hero of the "Catholic Reformation," was 22, his uncle, Pope Pius IV, appointed him Cardinal-deacon and administrator of the see of Milan. He governed wisely and courageously all during his uncle's pontificate, and was mainly responsible for the successful conclusion of the Council of Trent. The death of his elder brother changed him from a virtuous man to a saint. He entered the priesthood and from 1565 onward he lived in Milan, devoting all his time to reforming that diocese in accordance with the decrees of Trent. He founded the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, with its schools for teaching the Catechism to children, historically the first "Sunday Schools." To help those stricken by the plague of 1576, he gave away everything, even his bed. He died in 1584, at the age of 46.

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except
Introit 
Sir 45:30
The Lord made a covenant of friendship with him, and make 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 make him a prince; that he should possess the dignity of priesthood forever.

COLLECT
O Lord, keep Your Church always under the protection of Your holy confessor bishop Charles, who was distinguished by his vigilant care of his flock. Enkindle in us a burning love of You through his intercession. 

Commemoration of SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA
Agricola converted his slave Vitalis and went with him to martyrdom at Bologna about A.D. 304 under Emperor Diocletian.

O Almighty God, may the intercessory power of Your blessed martyrs Vitalis and Agricola aid us who celebrate their feast today. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson 
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Sir 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
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt. 25:14-23
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: "A man going abroad, called his servants and handed over his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his particular ability, and then he went on his journey. And he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more. In like manner, he who had received the two gained two more. But he who had received the one went away and dug in the earth and hid his master's money. Then after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; behold, I have gained five others in addition.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many; enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had received the two talents came, and said, 'Master, you handed over to me two talents; behold, I have gained two more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many; enter into the joy of your master.

SECRET PRAYER
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.

Commemoration of SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLAO 
Lord, be moved to compassion by our offerings and shield us from all danger through the prayers of Your holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
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 Charles.

Commemoration of SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLAO 
Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of Your holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola. Through our Lord . . .