Saint Antoninus (1459 A.D.); Saints Gordian and Epimachus (362 A.D.); Rogation Day 1

 

SAINT ANTONINUS

MARTYRDOM OF ST. GORDIAN

SAINT ANTONINUS
Bishop and confessor

SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
The Catholics of Florence have never forgotten their Archbishop Antoninus (1389-1459). Although christened "Anthony," the diminutive "Antoninus" clung to him all his life, partly because of his small stature, chiefly because of his lovable nature. as a youth he entered the Dominican Order, in which he soon gave evidence of exceptional gifts of mind and personality. Finally, in 1446, he was compelled to accept the archbishopric of Florence. Before long the Florentines were calling him "the father of the poor." During chronic earthquakes, epidemics, natural and political storms, and famine, he gave away everything he had, even his clothes, and anonymously supported thousands of "proud poor."
An illustrious canonist, he was consulted on all questions of Church and State, well deserving his title "the Counsellor." Pope Eugenius IV insisted upon receiving the Last Sacraments from him, dying in his arms. He was fellow novice and dear friend of the beatified artist Fra Angelico; and when he founded the Dominican convent of San Marco, he chose Fra Angelico to create the famous frescoes which are among the choicest treasures of Christian art.




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. Alleluia, alleluia.
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. Alleluia, alleluia. 

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except

COLLECT
O Lord, may the merits of Your holy confessor bishop Antoninus help us, so that while we sing Your praise for having manifested Your power through him we may also rejoice in the mercy You show to us. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS 
Gordian, a Roman judge, was converted by a Christian whom he had been ordered to condemn. Gordian was martyred about the year 360, and he was buried in the tomb where already lay the relics of the martyr St. Epimachus.

O Almighty God, may the intercessory power of Your blessed Martyrs Gordian and Epimachus aid us who celebrate their feast today.

 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
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.

Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps. 109:4
You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec. Alleluia.
V. This is the priest whom the Lord has crowned. 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 
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 . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed Martyrs Gordian and Epimachus, and help us find in them unending assistance. 

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
Luke 12:42
The faithful and prudent servant whom the master will set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time. Alleluia, alleluia.

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 Antoninus. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS GORDIAN AND EPIMACHUS
Almighty God, we pray that the reception of this Bread of Heaven may strengthen us against all adversity through the intercession of Your blessed Martyrs Gordian and Epimachus. 

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 . . .