Friday, July 31, 2020

Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1556 A.D.); SAINT GERMANUS (448 A.D.)



SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
Confessor 




SAINT GERMANUS
Confessor

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE 
In the year 1521 a cannon ball fractured the left leg of Captain Ignatius Loyola, the future founder of the Jesuits. While he was convalescing, Ignatius read about Christ and His saints and thus turned wholly to God. He then undertook to equip himself for Christ's service by acquiring a good classical and theological education. On the feast of the Assumption, 1534, the seven pioneer Jesuits pronounced their vows in Paris. The members of the Society of Jesus became the shock troops of the Church in the battle against the spread of Protestantism in Europe, as well as one of the greatest foreign mission organizations that the world has known. Ignatius died on July 31, 1556.
 

INTROIT Philipp. 2:10-11
At the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
Ps. 5:12-13. All those who love Your name shall glory in You, for You will bless the just man.
V. Glory be . . .


COLLECT
O God, in order to promote the greater glory of Your name, You fortified Your Church militant with a new army through the work of blessed Ignatius. may his help and example bring us through our battle on earth to be crowned with him in heaven. Through our Lord . . .



Commemoration of SAINT GERMANUS

Born at Auxerre, Gaul, of Catholic parents he was also known as Germain; he studied at local schools and then law at Rome and became a lawyer. After he married, he was made governor of the Amorican border provinces of Gaul; in 418 was named bishop of Auxerre. He changed his life to one of poverty and austerity, building a monastery, dedicated to Sts. Cosmas and Damian on the banks of the Yonne, and endowing various poor churches in the diocese. [I was unable to find out when his noble wife died.] In 429, he and St. Lupus, bishop of Troyes, were sent to Britain to combat the Pelagian heresy which was raging there: they were most successful in restoring orthodoxy. On his way Germain stopped at Nanterre, where he met a young child, Genevieve, destined to become the patroness of Paris. One of the early lives of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, tells us that he formed one of St. Germain's suite on this occasion. Tradition tells us that the main discussion with the representatives of Pelagianism took place at St. Alban's, and resulted in the complete discomfiture of the heretics. Germain remained in Britain for some time preaching, and established several schools for the training of the clergy. It was on this trip that occurred the famous incident in which Germanus is reputed to have saved a force of Britons from destruction by a superior force of marauding Picts and Saxons. He led the Britons to a narrow ravine between two high mountains, and when the enemy approached had the Britons shout "Alleluia!" three times. The echoes magnified the shouts causing the invaders to believe they were confronted by a far superior force, and they fled. It was at this time that Germanus Baptized many of the Britons in the army. On his return to Gaul, he convinced Auxiliaris, prefect of Gaul, to reduce taxes when he healed Auxiliaris' sick wife, returning Britain about 440 to combat Pelagianism once more. Again he was successful, eliminating the heresy, and founded numerous schools to teach true doctrine. When he returned to Gaul, he found that Aetius, a Roman general, had dispatched a barbarian army under Goar to put down a revolt in Amorica. Fearful of the savagery of the barbarian forces, Germanus persuaded Goar to desist and then went to Ravenna in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Emperor Valentinian III to call off the attack. Germanus' effort came to naught when news of another Amorican uprising reached the Emperor. Germanus died on July 31 while he was still in Ravenna, July 31 450.

On this feastday of blessed Germanus, Thy Confessor and Bishop hear our prayers to Thee, O Lord, and since he gave Thee such worthy service,  be mindful of his merits and blot out all our sins. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE II Tim. 2:8-10; 3:10-12
Beloved: Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel: Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, Persecutions, afflictions: such as came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra: what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me. And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

GRADUAL Ps. 91:13, 14, 3
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon in the house of the Lord.
V. That he may show forth Your mercy in the morning and Your truth throughout the night.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Jac. 1:12
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 10:1-9
At that time, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: "The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God
is come nigh unto you."
 
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
Ps. 88:25 
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in my name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET
We join our offering, O Lord God, to the gracious prayers of blessed Ignatius so that we may in truth be sanctified by these most sacred mysteries which were instituted as the source of all holiness. Through our Lord . . .



Commemoration of SAINT GERMANUS
May the annual feast of saint Germanus, Thy Confessor and Bishop make us in Thy kindness acceptable to Thee, O Lord, and may this present rite duly appease Thee, bring happy recompense to him, and assure gifts of Thy grace to us. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12:49
I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and what will I but that it be enkindled?

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may our offering of this Sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the saint Ignatius bring us through this life in answer to his prayers, and lead us to heaven where we shall praise Your majesty for all eternity. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINT GERMANUS
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls, grant that by the prayers of blessed Germanus, Thy Confessor and Bishop, whose venerable feast we celebrate, we may obtain pardon. Through our Lord . . .  

St. Ignatius of Loyola
St. Ignatius of Loyola (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


Thursday, July 30, 2020

Saints Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs; BLESSED EDWARD POWELL, RICHARD FEATHERSTONE and COMPANIONS, (1540 A.D.); BLESSED EVERARD HANSE (1531 A.D.) Martyrs



SAINTS ABDON AND SENNEN
Martyrs



BLESSED EDWARD POWELL, RICHARD FEATHERSTONE and
COMPANIONS, 
BLESSED EVERARD HANSE
Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED
These Persian nobles were taken to Rome as captives by Emperor Decius, after his campaign in their country. During those years of persecution, they bore courageous witness to Christ and reverently buried the bodies of the martyrs. Abdon and Sennen were themselves arrested and exposed to wild beasts in the Colosseum, about A.D. 250.


INTROIT Ps. 78:11, 12, 10

Let the sighs of the imprisoned come before You, O Lord. Pay back to our neighbors seven times over into their bosoms, and avenge the shedding of the blood of Your saints.
Ps. 78:1.
O God, strangers have come into Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple, they have made Jerusalem desolate as an orchard watchtower.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, Your saints Abdon and Sennen came to their present glory through Your abundant gifts of grace. Grant the forgiveness of sins to all Your servants that they may be delivered from all harm through the merits of Your saints. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of BL. EDWARD POWELL & COMPANIONS; BL. EVERARD HANSE
Bl. Richard was chaplain to Queen Katherine and vehemently opposed Henry VIII's attempt to divorce her. He was kept in the Tower six years and was martyred at Smithfield on July 30, 1540, together with Bl. Edward, like himself one of the Queen's counselors in the divorce proceedings.
Blessed Everard Hanse was arrested in London shortly after his return to the English mission and on refusing to take the unlawful oath of royal supremacy was martyred under Queen Elizabeth at Tyburn, on July 30, A.D. 1531.

May the Feast of the blessed Martyrs Edward Powell & Companions, defend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and may their venerable prayer commend us to Thee. Through our Lord . . .

 
EPISTLE II Cor. 6:4-10
Brethren: But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, In chastity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned, In the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left: By honour and dishonour: by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true: as unknown and yet known: As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed: As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

GRADUAL Ex. 15:11, 6
Glorious is God in His saints, marvelous in majesty, worker of wonders.
V. Your right hand, O Lord, is magnificent in power, Your right hand has slain the enemy.

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. Sap. 3:1
The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 5:1-12
At that time, Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth he taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 67:36
God is wonderful in His saints. The God of Israel Himself gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!

SECRET 
May this Sacrifice, O Lord, which we offer in remembrance of the birthdays of Your saints, free us from the slavery of sin and win for us the gift of Your mercy. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of BL. EDWARD POWELL & COMPANIONS; BL. EVERARD HANSE
Stand by us, O Lord, while we commemorate Thy saints and humbly pray, that by their merits these Thy friends may assist us who dare not rely on our own. Through our Lord . . . 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 78:2, 11
They have given the dead bodies of Your servants, O Lord, as food to the birds of the air, and the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. With Your great power, save the sons of those who have been put to death.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this sacred rite wash away our sins and fulfill our reasonable desires, through the intercession of Your holy martyrs Abdon and Sennen. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of BL. EDWARD POWELL & COMPANIONS; BL. EVERARD HANSE 
Well satisfied with these saving mysteries, O Lord, we beseech Thee that those whose feast we celebrate may aid us by their prayers. Through our Lord . . .  

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

SAINT MARTHA, Virgin; SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE, Martyrs (4th C.)


 
Saint Martha
 
Martyrdom of Sts. Simplicius & Faustinus


SAINT MARTHA
Virgin
 

SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS,AND BEATRICE 
Martyrs


SIMPLE / WHITE
Martha was the active and anxious sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, and Mary, the contemplative, whom the Lord said "has chosen the best part." [Luke 10:42]

Introit
Ps 44:8
You love justice and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
Ps 44:2
My heart overflows with a goodly theme; as I sing my ode to the King.
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.
You love justice and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.


COLLECT
Hear our prayer, O God our Saviour, and let us learn the spirit of true devotion from Your blessed virgin Martha, as we joyfully celebrate her feast.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
Pope Felix II was martyred in Tuscany, Italy, in the fourth century. The brothers Simplicius and Faustinus and their sister, Beatrice, gave their lives for Christ at Rome, A.D. 303.

O Lord, all Christian nations joyfully unite today to celebrate the feast of your martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice. Grant that the faithful may rejoice in it through all eternity and share the triumph of Your saints which they commemorate. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the second letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
2 Cor. 10:17-18; 11:1-2
Brethren: He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord. For he is not approved who commends himself, but he whom the Lord commends. Would to God that you could bear with a little of my foolishness! Nay, do bear with me! For I am jealous for you with a divine jealousy. For I betrothed you to one spouse, that I might present you a chaste virgin to Christ.


Gradual
Ps 44:5
In your splendor and your beauty ride on triumphant, and reign.
V. In the cause of truth and mercy and for the sake of justice: may your right hand show you wondrous deeds. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 44:15-16
V. Behind her the virgins of her train are brought to the King. They are borne in to You with gladness. Alleluia.
 



GOSPEL Luke 10:38-42
At that time, Jesus entered into a certain town: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary. who, sitting also at the Lord's feet, heard his word. But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: "Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? Speak to her therefore, that she help me." And the Lord answering, said to her: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and art troubled about many things: But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her." 

SECRET
Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
We offer our gifts, O Lord, in memory of Your holy martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice, and pray that they may obtain forgiveness and salvation for us. Through our Lord . . .


POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of Heaven. may we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your saint whose feast we celebrate this day.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX, SIMPLICIUS, FAUSTINUS, AND BEATRICE
We ask, Almighty God, that the celebration of this heavenly Sacrifice on the feast of Your martyrs Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus, and Beatrice, may bring us Your merciful pardon. Through our Lord . . .


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Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Saints Nazarius & Celsus Martyrs (68 A.D.); Saints Victor & Innocent, Popes






SAINTS NAZARIUS AND CELSUS 
Martyrs

SAINTS VICTOR I AND INNOCENT I 
Popes

SIMPLE / RED 
Nazarius, an ardent Christian of the first century, left his native city of Rome to preach the Faith to pagans in many Italian towns and villages. He took with him on his missionary journeys a young co-apostle by the name of Celsus. Both of these missionary pioneers died for Christ at Milan, about A.D. 68.
Pope Victor I, born in Africa, was martyred under Septimus Severus, A.D. 198. Pope Innocent I was a contemporary of St. Jerome, who urged Christians to keep the faith of Pope Innocent and to "receive no other doctrine, however wise and attractive it may appear." Pope Innocent died A.D. 417.

Mass of 
SEVERAL MARTYRS, except


Introit
Ps 78:11; 78:12; 78:10
Let the prisoners’ sighing come before You, O Lord; repay our neighbors sevenfold into their bosoms; avenge the shedding of Your servants’ blood.
Ps 78:1
O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple, they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit.
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.
Let the prisoners’ sighing come before You, O Lord; repay our neighbors sevenfold into their bosoms; avenge the shedding of Your servants’ blood.
 

COLLECT 
Defend us, O Lord, through the blessed martyrdom of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, and may their merits support us in our weakness. Through our Lord . . .


LESSON Wisdom 10:17-20
God rendered to the just the wages of their labours, and conducted them in a wonderful way: and he was to them for a covert by day, and for the light of stars by night: And he brought them through the Red Sea, and carried them over through a great water. But their enemies he drowned in the sea, and from the depth of hell he brought them out. Therefore the just took the spoils of the wicked. And they sung to thy holy name, O Lord, and they praised with one accord thy victorious hand, O Lord our God.

Gradual
Ex 15:11, 6.
God is glorious in His Saints, wonderful in majesty, a worker of wonders.
V. Your right hand, O Lord, is magnificent in power; Your right hand has shattered the enemy. Alleluia, alleluia.
Sir 44:14
V. The bodies of the Saints are buried in peace, but their name lives on and on. Alleluia.


Gospel
Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 21:9-19
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; these things must first come to pass, but the end will not be at once. Then He said to them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be great earthquakes in various places, and pestilences and famines, and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all these things they will arrest you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, dragging you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It shall lead to your bearing witness. Resolve therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how you are to make your defense. For I Myself will give you utterance and wisdom, which all your adversaries will not be able to resist or gainsay. But you will be delivered up by your parents and brothers and relatives and friends; and some of you they will put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake; yet not a hair of your head shall perish. By your patience you will win your souls.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
 


Offertory
Ps 67:36
God is wonderful in His Saints; the God of Israel is He Who gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God! Alleluia.
 


SECRET
Let Your wrath be appeased, Almighty God, by the gifts we offer You in honor of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, and grant us new life through these offerings as we receive them back from You. Through our Lord . . . 



Communion
Wis 3:4-6
For if before men they be punished, God tried them; as gold in the furnace, He proved them, and as sacrificial offerings He took them to Himself.
 


POSTCOMMUNION
May the prayers of Your saints Nazarius, Celsus, Victor, and Innocent, win forgiveness for us, O Lord. Grant that the Sacrifice we offer in this life may be our everlasting possession in the life to come. Through our Lord . . .


Monday, July 27, 2020

Saint Pantaleon, Martyr


[Commemoration]
SAINT PANTALEON
Martyr



SIMPLE / RED
The name of this Eastern saint means "the all-compassionate." He is said to have been a physician at Nicomedia. Mindful of the opportunities of charity which his profession afforded him, he treated the needy sick without payment. When Diocletian's persecution reached Nicomedia, the Christlike doctor prepared himself for martyrdom by distributing all his goods to the poor. He was urged to apostatize, but steadfastly confessed Jesus. He was beheaded about A.D. 305.



INTROIT
We have received Your kindness, O God, within Your temple. As Your name, O God, is known to the ends of the earth, so also shall Your praise be voiced to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is just in all things.
Ps. 47:2. Great is the Lord, and worthy of all praise in the city of our God, upon His holy mountain.
V. Glory be . . .

 
COLLECT
Ever graciously bestow upon us, we beseech You, O Lord, the spirit of thinking and doing what is right, so that we, who cannot exist without You, may have the strength to live in accordance with Your law.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.


Commemoration of SAINT PANTALEON 
O Almighty God, through the intercession of Your blessed martyr Pantaleon, shield us from bodily harm and purify our minds from evil thoughts. Through our Lord . . . 


EPISTLE Rom. 8:12-17
Brethren: We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.


GRADUAL Ps. 30:3; 70:1
Be a God of protection to me, a place of shelter to give me safety.
V. I have placed my trust in You, O God; let me never be put to shame.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 47:2
Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise in the city of our God, upon His holy mountain. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 16: 1-9
At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable: "There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, 'What is this that I hear of thee? render the account of thy stewardship; for thou canst be no longer steward.' "And the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do, seeing that my lord taketh away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' And calling to him each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first, 'How much owest thou unto my lord?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said unto him, 'Take thy bond, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' Then said he to another, 'And how much owest thou?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He saith unto him, 'Take thy bond, and write fourscore.' "And his lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had done wisely: for the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles."


OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 17:28, 32
You will save the humble, O Lord, but the eyes of the proud You will bring low, for who is God except You, O Lord?

SECRET
Accept these gifts, which Your bounty makes it possible for us to offer You, O Lord. May the grace of this sacred rite sanctify our lives on earth and bring us to eternal happiness. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PANTALEON 
May our offering be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, and may it benefit us by the prayer of him on whose feast it is offered. Through our Lord . . .

Communion
Ps 33:9
Taste and see how good the Lord is; happy the man who takes refuge in Him.

POSTCOMMUNION
May this heavenly Sacrament bring us health of soul and body, O Lord, and make us feel the power of the sacred rite we have celebrated. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PANTALEON 
Refreshed by partaking of Thy sacred Gift, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that through the intercession of blessed Pantaleon, Thy Martyr, we may perceive the fruit of the rite which we celebrate. Through our Lord . . .






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Sunday, July 26, 2020

SAINT ANNE, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary; 8th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST




SAINT ANNE
Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary



EIGHT SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
Anne and Joachim, her husband, were both of the royal house of David. They served God continually in prayer and good works, but were looked down upon by the Jews because they were childless. At length God gave them a daughter, who was to become the mother of His own divine son. Because St. Anne devoted herself ceaselessly to educating her child in innocence and sanctity, she is patron of all Christian mothers. St. Paul says that it is by a holy exercise of their parenthood that parents are to be saved (Col. 3:18-21).

INTROIT
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of blessed Anne, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I will sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, You conferred upon holy Anne the grace to bear the Mother of Your only-begotten Son; help us through the prayers of this holy woman as we celebrate her feast. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the 8th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Ever graciously bestow upon us, we beseech You, O Lord, the spirit of thinking and doing what is right, so that we, who cannot exist without You, may have the strength to live in accordance with Your law.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

 

LESSON Prov. 31:10-31
Who shall find a valiant woman? far, and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good, and not evil all the days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. She hath tasted, and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple, is her covering. Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine linen, and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite. Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well on the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates.

GRADUAL Ps.44:8
You loved justice and hated wickedness.
V. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 44:3
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 13:44-52
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples,"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kinds of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things?" They say to him: "Yes." He said unto them: "Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 44:10
The daughters of the king wish to be held in honor by you. The Queen stood at your right hand, clad in robes of gold and many colors.

SECRET
Look with favor upon these offerings, O Lord, so that they may be an aid to our devotion and to our salvation through the intercession of blessed Anne, mother of Mary who bore Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the 8th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Accept, we beseech You, O Lord, the gifts which we bring to You out of Your own bounty, so that these most holy sacramental rites may, by the power of Your grace, sanctify us in the conduct of our present life, and lead us to everlasting joy.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.


COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 44:3
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever and for all ages.

POSTCOMMUNION
We are given new life through Your Divine Sacraments, O Lord our God. Grant us eternal salvation through the intercession of blessed Anne, whom You chose to bear the Mother of Your Son. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the 8th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
May the heavenly sacrament, O Lord, renew our minds and bodies, so that we may feel the benefit of the worship we perform.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Saint James the Greater, Saint Christopher (250 A.D.)

 
Saint James the Greater
Saint Christopher


SAINT JAMES
Apostle

[Commemoration]
SAINT CHRISTOPHER
Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED
St. James the Greater was the brother of St. John the Beloved Disciple. After having evangelized Spain, James returned to Jerusalem during the reign of the persecuting Herod Agrippa. He was delivered into the hands of Agrippa by an informer. The informer was so affected by the holy courage of his victim that he repented of his apostasy. James then embraced his betrayer, saying, "Peace be with you!" The Apostle and the repentant apostate were beheaded at the same time, in A.D. 42.


INTROIT Ps. 138:17 
Your friends are greatly honored by me, O Lord; their pre-eminence is definitely established.
Ps. 138:1-2. O Lord, You have proved me and You know me; You know when I sit and when I stand.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
Sanctify and protect Your people, O Lord. Let the assistance of Your apostle James strengthen them that they may serve You with confidence and please You by their conduct. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CHRISTOPHER
The name Christopher means "he who bears Christ." A native of Palestine, Christopher made great strides in the way of virtue, because he carried Jesus in his soul. This patron saint of travelers was martyred in the third century. 

O Almighty God, grant that we who celebrate the birthday of Your blessed martyr Christopher, may be made stronger in our love of You through his intercession. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 4:9-15
Brethren: I think that God hath set forth us apostles, the last, as it were men appointed to death. We are made a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ: we are weak, but you are strong: you are honourable, but we without honour. Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffeted and have no fixed abode. And we labour, working with our own hands. We are reviled: and we bless. We are persecuted: and we suffer it. We are blasphemed: and we entreat. We are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now. I write not these things to confound you: but I admonish you as my dearest children. For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:17-18
You shall make them princes throughout the land; they shall remember Your name, O Lord.
V. To take the place of your fathers, sons shall be born to you; therefore peoples shall praise you.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. John 15:16
I have chosen you out of the world that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 20:20-23
At that time, then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of him. Who said to her:"What wilt thou?" She saith to him: "say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom." And Jesus answering, said: "You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" They say to him: "We can." He saith to them: "My chalice indeed you shall drink; but to sit on my right or left hand is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared by my Father."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 18:5
Their voice has gone forth through all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

SECRET 
May the holy martyrdom of the blessed apostle James make the offerings of Your people acceptable to You, O Lord. In spite of our unworthiness, may these gifts be pleasing to You through the prayers of Your saint. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CHRISTOPHER
Accept our offerings and prayers, O Lord. Cleanse us by this heavenly rite, and in Your mercy hear our petitions. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 19:28
You who have followed Me shall sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

POSTCOMMUNION 
Help us, O Lord, through the intercession of Your blessed apostle James, in whose honor we have joyfully received Your Blessed Sacrament today. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CHRISTOPHER
O Lord our God, may we who now joyfully commemorate Your saints on earth rejoice one day with them in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

Friday, July 24, 2020

Saint Christina of Bolsena (307 A.D.); Saint Francis Solano (1610 A.D.); Vigil of St. James "the Greater"





SAINT CHRISTINA 
of Bolsena
Virgin and Martyr


SAINT FRANCIS SOLANO
Priest

VIGIL OF SAINT JAMES
Apostle

SIMPLE / RED
Christina, born in Tuscany, Italy, destroyed the pagan idols in her father's home and distributed their gold among the poor. Her father then delivered the young girl to the persecutors. Christina was martyred about A.D. 307 at the age of ten or eleven.

Mass of a
 VIRGIN MARTYR, except 

COLLECT

O Lord, pardon our sins through the intercession of the blessed virgin martyr Christina, who pleased You by her purity and faith. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS SOLANO
South American missionary of the Order of Friars Minor; b. at Montilla, in the Diocese of Cordova, Spain, 10 March, 1549; d. at Lima, Peru, 14 July, 1610. His parents, Matthew Sanchez Solanus and Anna Ximenes, were distinguished no less for their noble birth than for their virtue and piety. When Francis was twenty years old, he was received into the Franciscan Order at Montilla, and after his ordination, several years later, he was sent by his superiors to the convent of Arifazza as master of novices. In 1589 he sailed from Spain to the New World, and having landed at Panama, crossed the isthmus and embarked on a vessel that was to convey him to Peru. His missionary labours in South America extended over a period of twenty years, during which time he spared no fatigue, shrank from no sacrifice however great, and feared no danger that stood in the way of evangelizing the vast and savage regions of Tucuman and Paraguay. So successful, indeed, was his apostolate that he has been aptly styled the Thaumaturgus of the New World. Notwithstanding the number and difficulty of the dialects spoken by the Indians, he learned them all in a very short time, and it is said that he often addressed tribes of different tongues in one language and was understood by them all. Besides being engaged in active missionary work, he filled the office of custos of the convents of his order in Tucuman and Paraguay, and later was elected guardian of the Franciscan convent in Lima, Peru. In 1610, while preaching at Truxillo he foretold the calamities that were to befall that city, which was destroyed by an earthquake eight years later, most of the inhabitants perishing in the ruins. The death of St. Francis, which he himself had foretold, was the cause of general grief throughout Peru. In his funeral sermon at the burial of the saint, Father Sebastiani, S.J., said that "Divine Providence had chosen Father Francis Solanus to be the hope and edification of all Peru, the example and glory of Lima and the splendour of the Seraphic Order". St. Francis was beatified by Clement X, in 1675, and canonized by Benedict XIII, in 1726. His feast is kept throughout the Franciscan Order on the twenty-fourth of July. 

O God, who by means of blessed Francis didst bring a number of the tribes of America into the bosom of the Church, do Thou, through his merits and prayers, turn away Thine indignation from our sins, and graciously send down the fear of Thy name to the nations that have not known Thee. Through our Lord . . . 

Lesson
Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Rom. 6:3-11.
Brethren: All we who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death. For we were buried with Him by means of Baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ has arisen from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in the likeness of His death, we shall be so in the likeness of His resurrection also. For we know that our old self has been crucified with Him, in order that the body of sin may be destroyed, that we may no longer be slaves to sin; for he who is dead is acquitted of sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live together with Christ; for we know that Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more, death shall no longer have dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all, but the life that He lives, He lives unto God. Thus do you consider yourselves also as dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.


Gradual
Ps. 89:13, 1.
Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on Your servants!
V. O Lord, You have been our refuge through all generations. Alleluia, alleluia.
V. Ps. 30:2-3. In You, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In Your justice rescue me and release me, incline Your ear to me, make haste to deliver me! Alleluia.


Gospel
Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Mark
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.


Mark 8:1-9
At that time, when there was a great crowd with Jesus, and they had nothing to eat, He called His disciples together and said to them, I have compassion on the crowd, for behold, they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat; and if I send them away to their homes fasting, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come from a distance. And His disciples answered Him, How will anyone be able to satisfy these with bread, here in a desert? And He asked them, How many loaves have you? And they said, Seven. And He bade the crowd recline on the ground. Then taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to distribute; and they set them before the crowd. And they had a few little fishes; and He blessed them, and ordered them to be distributed. And they ate and were satisfied; and they took up what was left of the fragments, seven baskets. Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He dismissed them.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
 
 


SECRET
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer you in honor of Your blessed virgin martyr Christina, and grant us Your unending assistance through these offerings. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS SOLANO
May the gift which we offer unto Thee give unto us, we beseech Thee, almighty God, an increase of faith, hope, and charity and that we may attain unto that which Thou dost promise, do Thou, through the intercession of blessed Francis Thy confessor, make us to love that which Thou commandest. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
We have been nourished by Your Divine Gift, O Lord our God. May the reception of this Bread of Heaven bring us eternal life through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Christina. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS SOLANO
Do Thou, O Lord, through the intercession of blessed Francis Thy confessor, make us ever to obey Thy commandments, that we may become worthy of the gifts of which we have partaken. Through our Lord . . . 

Thursday, July 23, 2020

SAINT APOLLINARIS (A.D. 79) Bishop, Martyr; SAINT LIBORIUS (A.D. 395) Bishop, Confessor


Saint Apollinaris


SAINT APOLLINARIS 
Bishop and Martyr

SAINT LIBORIUS
Bishop and Confessor

DOUBLE / RED
As first bishop and only known martyr of Ravenna, Italy, Apollinaris evangelized that region and laid down his life for his flock after a succession of banishments and harassments from the pagans. Many miracles were ascribed to his intercession. He had perfectly fulfilled the command of St. Peter to those ordained to the ministry of souls: "Tend the flock of God which is among you . . . becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock" 
(Reading).

INTROIT Dan. 3:84, 87
You priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; you holy and humble of heart, praise God. Dan. 3:57. All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, rewarder of the faithful, pardon our sins through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Apollinaris, whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . . 

Commemoration of
 SAINT LIBORIUS
Liborius was bishop of Le Mans in France and friend of St. Martin of Tours, who was present at his death in A.D. 397.

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

EPISTLE I Peter 5:1-11
Beloved: The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 88:21-23
I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may help him and My arm strengthen him.
V. The enemy shall have no advantage over him, nor shall the son of iniquity have power to hurt him.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 109:4
The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech." Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 22:24-30
At that time, there was also a strife amongst the disciples, which of them should seem to be the greater. And Jesus said to them: "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them are called beneficent. But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger: and he that is the leader, as he that serveth. For which is greater, he that sitteth at table or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth. And you are they who have continued with me in my temptations: And I dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to me, a kingdom; That you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom: and may sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:25
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET 
O God, look kindly upon these gifts which we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr priest Apollinaris and in satisfaction for our sins. Through our Lord . . . 

Commemoration of
 SAINT LIBORIUS
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 . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 25:20, 21
Master, thou didst hand over to me five talents; behold, I have gained five others in addition. Well done, good and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many; enter into the joy of thy master.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER 
We have received Your Holy Sacrament, O Lord. We now ask to be comforted by the protection of blessed Apollinaris, for You will always be merciful to those who are helped by Your saints. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of
 SAINT LIBORIUS 
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 Liborius. Through our Lord . . .