Saint Raymond Nonnatus, (1240 A.D.) Patron of midwives, pregnant women, unborn children, and women in labor; Saint Aristedes

 

Patron of midwives, pregnant women, unborn children, and women in labor.
In Mexico, he is invoked for silence and protection against curses.
He was called non natus, “not born,” because he was taken out of his mother’s womb after she died in labor.
He voluntary offered himself as a slave to save others and while in captivity,
he gave comfort to other Christians in captive and hoped to convert his captors to Christianity.
To punish and to stop St. Raymond from preaching, his lips were pierced with a
red-hot iron and his mouth closed with a padlock.

SAINT RAYMOND NONNATUS
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
Raymond Nonnatus (c.1204-40), a Catalonian, was a pioneer member of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the redemption of Christians enslaved by the Mohammedans. After freeing hundreds of Christian captives in Africa, he gave himself up as a hostage so as not to expose to apostasy those still unransomed. At length he himself was ransomed and he returned to Spain. He died soon after Pope Gregory IX had nominated him a cardinal. He believed with St. John Chrysostom that the greatest charity of all is to contribute to the salvation of a soul.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

Introit
Ps 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. The law of his God is in his heart.
Ps 36:1
Be not vexed over evildoers, nor jealous of those who do wrong.
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 mouth of the just man tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. The law of his God is in his heart.

COLLECT 

O God, You granted remarkable success to the efforts of the holy confessor Raymond in releasing Christians from the slavery of unbelievers. May his prayers free us from the slavery of sin, so that we may fulfill Your wishes with complete freedom. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Ecclus 31:8-11
Happy the man found without fault, who turns not aside after gain, nor puts his trust in money nor in treasures! Who is he, that we may praise him? For he has done wonders in his life. He has been tested by gold and come off safe, and this remains his glory forever; he could have sinned but did not, could have done evil but would not, so that his possessions are secure in the Lord, and the assembly of the Saints shall recount his alms.

Gradual
Ps 91:12, 14.
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow in the house of the Lord.
Ps 91:3
V. To proclaim Your kindness at dawn and Your faithfulness throughout the night. Alleluia, alleluia.
James 1:12
V. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 12:35-40
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning, and you yourselves like men waiting for their master’s return from the wedding; so that when he comes and knocks, they may straight-way open to him. Blessed are those servants whom the master, on his return, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he will gird himself, and will make them recline at table, and will come and serve them. And if he comes in the second watch, and if in the third, and fins them so, blessed are those servants! But of this be assured, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would certainly have watched, and not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because at an hour that you do not expect, the Son of Man is coming. 

 

Offertory
Ps 88:25
My faithfulness and My kindness shall be with him, and through My name shall his horn be exalted.   

SECRET 
We offer You, O Lord, this Sacrifice of praise in memory of Your saints. Free us from evil now and in the future through their intercession. Through our Lord . . .

Communion
Matt 24:46-47
Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he will set him over all his goods.

 

POSTCOMMUNION 
Refreshed with Heavenly Food and Drink, we humbly pray You, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of Your saint in whose memory we have received this Sacrament. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT ARISTEDES

[Historical]

A confessor of the faith and Athenian philosopher. He wrote an Apologia for Christianity, presented to Emperor Hadrian in 125. His text was included in a work by Sts. Barlaam and Josaphat.

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA (1617 A.D.); SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS (304 A.D.) Martyrs

 

Saints Felix & Adauctus with Jesus & Mary

SAINT ROSE OF LIMA
Virgin

SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
The first canonized saint of the Western Hemisphere, Rose of Lima (1586-1617) might also be considered a type of the special vocation of contemplative-in-the-world. Inspired by the example of St. Catherine of Siena, Rose became a Dominican lay tertiary and devoted herself to works of active charity while living a life of extreme austerity. She longed to evangelize the Indians, not at all discouraged by the thought that they would probably kill her. Saint Martin de Porres and Bl. John Masias were among her friends. She died at the age of 31, praying, "Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them increase Your love in my heart."

Mass of a VIRGIN, except

Introit
Ps 44:8
Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Ps 44:2
My heart hath uttered a good word I speak my works 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.
Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

 

COLLECT

O Almighty God, from whom every good gift comes, it pleased You that blessed rose should blossom as a flower of purity and patience in the Indies under the shower of Your heavenly grace. May we, Your servants, follow the fragrance of her sweetness so that we too may become a pleasing offering to Christ; who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS
Felix, a Roman priest, was beheaded about A.D. 303. Adauctus, a Christian layman, insisted on sharing the crown of the martyred priest. Since his name was not known, he was simply called by the Latin equivalent of "added on."

O Lord, we humbly implore Your majesty to defend us through the intercession of Your saints, just as You fill us with happiness by the celebration of their feast. 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.
R. Thanks be to God.

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
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 25:1-3
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: "Then will the kingdom of heaven be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom and the bride. Five of them were foolish and five wise. But the five foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, while the wise did take oil in their vessels with the lamps. Then as the bridegroom was long in coming, they all became drowsy and slept. And at midnight a cry arose, ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go forth to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ The wise answered, saying, ‘Lest there may not be enough for us and for you, go rather to those who sell it, and buy some for yourselves.’ Now while they were gone to buy it, the bridegroom came; and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Finally there came also the other virgins, who said, ‘Sir, sir, open the door for us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Amen I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.  

Offertory
Ps 44:10
The daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety.

 

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. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS
Look upon the offering of Your people, O Lord, and let the Sacrifice which we devoutly celebrate in honor of Your saints also bring us the consolation of knowing that it helps us toward salvation. Through our Lord . . .

 

Communion
Matt 25:4; 25:6
The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet Christ the 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. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FELIX AND ADAUCTUS
We have feasted on Your Sacred Gifts, O Lord; may the prayers of Your saints keep us constant in returning thanks to You. Through our Lord . . .

14th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST; THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST; SAINT SABINA (127 A.D.) Martyr

 

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Saint Sabina

THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN
THE BAPTIST

SAINT SABINA
Martyr

DOUBLE / GREEN
INTROIT Ps. 83:10-11
O God, our Protector, look, and gaze upon the face of Your Christ. Better indeed is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.
Ps. 83:2-3. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns and faints for the courts of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
Keep Your Church, O Lord, in Your everlasting mercy. Without Your assistance our human nature is bound to fall, so help us to shun whatever is harmful and guide us towards those things that will aid our salvation. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
To our short vision, the beheading of St. John the Baptist to satisfy the rancor of a wicked woman appears as a painfully ignominious death for the "friend of the heavenly bridegroom." Yet never was the burning and the shinning light (John 5:35) of the Precursor's lamp more radiant than at this moment, when it was absorbed within the abyss of light that is the Godhead. Because John's role in the economy of redemption was so vital, the Church has made room for him in her glowing firmament of saints next to the Mother of God herself. Today, as long ago on the banks of the Jordan, John leads us to the fount of apostolic zeal -- the divine simplicity of loving only Christ, and all men in and for Him.


May the holy festival of Thy Forerunner and Martyr, St. John the Baptist, we beseech Thee, O Lord, afford us help unto salvation; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT SABINA, MARTYR
St. Sabina, who gave her name to the famous old church which is now Dominican world headquarters, was probably martyred during the second century.

O God, one of the marvelous examples of Your power was granting the victory of martyrdom even to delicate womanhood. May the example of the blessed martyr Sabina, whose birthday we celebrate today, draw us closer to You. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Gal. 5:16-24
Brethren: Walk in the Spirit: and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit: and the spirit against the flesh: For these are contrary one to another: so that you do not the things that you would. But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest: which are fornication, uncleanness, immodesty, luxury,
Idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, emulations, wraths, quarrels, dissensions, sects, Envies, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, Mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified their flesh, with the vices and concupiscences.


GRADUAL Ps. 117:8-9
It is better to trust in the Lord than to confide in man.
V. It is better to have confidence in the Lord than to rely on princes.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 94:1
Come, let us praise the Lord with joy, let us sing joyfully to God our Saviour. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 6:24-33
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other: or he will sustain the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. "Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat: and the body more than the raiment? Behold the birds of the air, for they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns: and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not you of much more value than they? And which of you by taking thought, can add to his stature one cubit? "And for raiment why are you solicitous? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they labour not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass of the field, which is to day, and to morrow is cast into the oven, God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of little faith? "Be not solicitous therefore, saying: What shall we eat: or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 33:8-9
The Angel of the Lord shall encamp around those who fear him, and shall deliver them. Taste and see how good is the Lord.

SECRET 
O Lord, grant that this offering of the Sacrifice of salvation may take away our sins and appease Your majesty. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTISTO Lord, may the gifts we offer You in memory of the sufferings of Your holy martyr John the Baptist bring us closer to salvation through his prayers. through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT SABINA
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr Sabina and help us find in them unending assistance. Through our Lord . . .

 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 6:33
"Seek first the kingdom of God, and all other things shall be given you besides," said the Lord.

 
POSTCOMMUNION 
May Your Sacrament ever cleanse and strengthen us, O God, and lead us to eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
O Lord, may the feast of blessed John the Baptist teach us to reverence the deep significance of the Holy Eucharist which we have received, and to be filled with joy at the fulfillment of this promise in ourselves. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT SABINA
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 martyr Sabina. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Augustine (430 A.D.); Saint Hermes (132 A.D.) Martyr

SAINT AUGUSTINE

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

From Dutch Book of Prayers from the mid-fifteenth century.
Saint Hermes is the figure in the back, in armor.
Other saints pictured include Saint James the Great, Saint Joseph,Saint Ghislain, and Saint Eligius.

SAINT HERMES

Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITE
Monica had instilled into the heart of her son Augustine (353-430) the truths of Christian belief, but the young man fell into bad company and was drawn to heresy. At Milan he met the great bishop Ambrose, who guided his way back into the true Faith. Augustine then returned to North Africa, his birthplace, was ordained to the priesthood, and was consecrated bishop and placed over the see of Hippo at the age of 41. He became the author of enduring Christian classics, and wrote a rule of religious life that strongly influenced the development of Western spirituality. The numerous heresies of his time had in St. Augustine an untiring foe.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

Introit
Ecclus 15:5
In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory.
Ps 91:2
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, Most High.
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.
In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory.  

 

COLLECT
Hear our petitions, O Almighty God. Your love has given us hope; let Your unfailing mercy protect us through the intercession of Your blessed confessor and bishop Augustine. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT HERMES 
Probably during Diocletian's persecution, St. Hermes, a prominent citizen of Rome, was beheaded, together with several other Christian martyrs.

O God, it was Your strength that kept the blessed martyr Hermes unfaltering under suffering. May we follow his example in spurning earthly riches for love of You and in fearing no worldly harm. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the second letter of St Paul the Apostle to Timothy
2 Tim. 4:1-8
Beloved: I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus, Who will judge the living and the dead by His coming and by His kingdom, preach the word, be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and teaching. For there will come a time when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will heap up to themselves teachers according to their lusts, and they will turn away their hearing from the truth and turn aside rather to fables. But be watchful in all things, bear with tribulation patiently, work as a preacher of the Gospel, fulfill your ministry. As for me, I am already being poured out in sacrifice, and the time of my deliverance is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. For the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just Judge, will give to me in that day; yet not to me only, but also to those who love His coming.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual
Ps 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right.
V. The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps do not falter. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 88:21
V. I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him. Alleluia.

 

Gospel
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 5:13-19
At that time Jesus said to His disciples: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its strength, what shall it be salted with? It is no longer of any use but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a lamp and put it under the measure, but upon the lampstand, so as to give light to all in the house. Even so let your light shine before men, in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall be lost from the Law till all things have been accomplished. Therefore whoever does away with one of these least commandments, and so teaches men, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever carries them out and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.
 

 Offertory
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Ps 91:13
The just shall flourish like the palm tree; like a cedar of Libanus shall he grow.

 

SECRET 
O Lord, let the blessed bishop and doctor Augustine always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT HERMES
We offer You, O Lord, this sacrifice of praise in memory of Your saints, and pray that just as it was the source of their glory, it may be our help toward salvation. Through our Lord . . .

 

Communion
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.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed bishop and illustrious doctor Augustine. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT HERMES
We are filled with the blessings of heaven, O Lord. May the holy martyr Hermes intercede for us, so that we may sensibly feel the effects of this Sacred Rite that we have humbly celebrated. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Joseph Calasanctius (1648 A.D.); Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

 
St. Joseph Calasanctius' last Communion.

SAINT JOSEPH CALASANCTIUS
Confessor

SEVEN JOYS OF THE BLESSED 

VIRGIN MARY

[Historical]
(See below)

DOUBLE / WHITE
Joseph Calasanctius (1556-1648) was born in Aragon, Spain. He went to Rome after his ordination to the priesthood, and in the Eternal City he was dismayed by the vice and ignorance of the children of the poor. In order to provide for the religious education of these neglected youngsters, he founded the Order of Clerks Regular of the Pious Schools, also called Piarists. In the latter years of his long life, he had much to suffer in persecutions by members of his own order. Yet he died full of hope and peace, saying, "My work was done solely for the love of God."

INTROIT Ps. 33:12 
Come, children listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Ps. 33:2. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, in the person of Your blessed confessor Joseph You provided the Church with new help to train the young in wisdom and holiness. Grant that we may be led by his example and prayer so to work and teach that we may gain an everlasting reward. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Wisdom 10:10-14 
The Lord conducted the just through the right ways, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours. In the deceit of them that overreached him, he stood by him, and made him honourable. He kept him safe from his enemies, and he defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. He forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: he went down with him into the pit. And in bands he left him not, till he brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused him, and gave him everlasting glory.

GRADUAL Ps. 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly.
V. The law of God is in his heart and his steps do not falter.

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 Matt. 18:1-5
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying: "Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus, calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them. And said: "Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 9:17
The Lord has heard the desire of the poor; Your ear has heard the prayer prepared in their heart.

SECRET 
We place our gifts in offering upon Your altar, O Lord. May they win us Your mercy through the prayers of Your saint, whom we have given as our intercessor and helper. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mark 10:14
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God.

POSTCOMMUNION 
We are made holy by this life-giving Rite, O Lord; may we advance toward more perfect holiness through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Joseph. Through our Lord . . .

FEAST DAY OF THE SEVEN JOYS OF

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

[Historical]

The Franciscans celebrate this feast August 27 and the Conventuals on August 26. Pope St. Pius X authorized them to celebrate this feast in 1906. The original day was the Sunday after the octave of the Assumption, but in 1914 it was transferred to the octave day itself; and in 1942, when the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was assigned to that day, that of the Seven Joys was moved to August 26 or 27. The Franciscans wear the Rosary of the Seven Joys on their cord. 

ON THE FRANCISCAN CROWN 

1.  The Blessed Virgin herself pointed out that the Franciscan Crown, like the Dominican rosary, is a devotion pleasing to her. The annuals of the order state that a young man - it is generally believed to be James of the Rosary - who entered the order had been a fervent client of our Blessed Lady and had decked her statue daily with a wreath of flowers. Since he was not permitted to continue this practice in the novitiate, he thought of leaving the order. But first he knelt before the statue of Our Lady to say a prayer.

There the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and said: "Remain here, and do not grieve because you can no longer weave a wreath of flowers for me. I will teach you how you can daily weave a crown of roses that will not wither and will be more pleasing to me and more meritorious for yourself."  And she taught him the rosary of seven decades.  From that incident we can learn not to be selfishly attached to pious practices, and that prayer is of greater value than perishable decorations.

2.  Consider the fragrant roses that make up the Franciscan Crown. This rosary consists of seventy-two Hail Marys, and originally these were said in honor of the seventy-two years which Our Lady spent on earth according to the more probable opinion and tradition. As such, it was certainly in existence during the first half of the fifteenth century, for St. Bernardin and St. John Capistran both promoted it. It was not until the seventeenth century apparently that the children of St. Francis began to recite the seven decades of the crown also in honor of the seven joys of Our Lady.  The seven joys are as follows: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Adoration of the Magi, The Finding of Jesus in the Temple, The Resurrection of Our Lord, The Assumption and Coronation of Our Lady.  At each decade it is well to reflect on the sweet joy Our Lady experienced on the occasions indicated. Said in this way, the rosary will be very pleasing to Mary, and you will learn to love it more and more.

3.  Consider how effectual this rosary has proved to be. The servant of God James experienced its good effects even in his lifetime, and throughout the history of the Franciscan Order blessed results have been so often achieved in various necessities, that at the request of the superiors of the order the popes have attached rich indulgences to its recitation. It is urgently recommended that all members of the order recite it at least every Saturday.  Make that a rule for yourself. You may then rest assured that you will participate in the joys of Our Lady in heaven.

From THE FRANCISCAN BOOK OF SAINTS edited by Marion Habig, ofm

SAINT ZEPHYRINUS (217 A.D.); OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA

 

SAINT ZEPHYRINUS
Pope and Martyr

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA
[Historical]

SIMPLE/RED
A native of Rome, Zephyrinus was Pope from 199 to 217. During part of his rule, the Church endured the bloody persecution of Emperor Septimus Severus. Pope Zephyrinus rejoiced in the triumphs of the martyrs, but he had much to suffer from current heresies and apostasies. It was his glory that the heretics called this holy Pope the principle defender of Christ's divinity.

Introit
Ps 83:10-11
Behold, O God, our Protector, and look upon the face of Your Anointed. Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.
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.
Behold, O God, our Protector, and look upon the face of Your Anointed. Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.

Mass of a POPE, except

COLLECT
O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Zephyrinus shepherd of the whole Church, let the prayers of this martyr and supreme pontiff move You to look with favor upon Your flock and to keep it under Your continual protection. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
1 Cor. 15:1-10
Brethren: I recall to your minds the Gospel that I preached to you, which also you received, wherein also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold it fast, as I preached it to you - unless you have believed to no purpose. For I delivered to you first of all, what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, and after that to the Eleven. Then He was seen by more than five hundred brethren at one time, many of whom are with us still, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by the Apostles. And last of all, as by one born out of due time, He was seen also by me. For I am the least of the Apostles, and am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace in me has not been fruitless.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual
Ps 27:7
In God my heart trusts, and I find help; then my heart exults, and with my song I give Him thanks.
V. To You, O Lord, I call; O my God, be not deaf to me; depart not from me. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 80:2-3
V. Sing joyfully to God our strength; acclaim the God of Jacob. Take up a pleasant psalm with the harp. Alleluia.

Gospel
 Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Mark
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Mark 7:31-37
At that time, Jesus departing from the district of Tyre came by way of Sidon to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the district of Decapolis. And they brought to Him one deaf and dumb, and entreated Him to lay His hand upon him. And taking him aside from the crowd, He put His fingers into the man’s ears, and spitting, He sighed, and said to him, Ephpheta, that is, Be opened. And his ears were at once opened, and the bond of his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak correctly. And He charged them to tell no one. But the more He charged them, so much the more did they continue to publish it. And so much the more did they wonder, saying, He has done all things well. He has made both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.  

SECRET
We have offered our gifts to You, O Lord. Let Your light graciously shine upon Your Church, so that this flock may everywhere prosper, and its pastors under Your guidance, may be truly pleasing to You. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, govern the Church, which You have been pleased to nourish with Your Heavenly Food. Guide her by Your powerful direction so that she may enjoy greater freedom and remain unshaken in the fullness of faith. Through our Lord . . .

English: The Black Madonna of Czestochowa Polski: Ikona Matki Boskiej z Jasnej Góry w Częstochowie zwana Czarną Madonną (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Feast Day: August 26 - Our Lady of Czestochowa

History:

The origin of this miraculous image in Czestochowa, according to tradition, the painting was a portrait of Our Lady done by St. John sometime after the Crucifixion of Our Lord and remained in the Holy Land until discovered by St. Helena of the Cross in the fourth century. The painting was taken to Constantinople, where St. Helena's son, the Emperor Constantine, erected a church for its enthronement.  During the siege by the Saracens, the invaders became frightened when the people carried the picture in a procession around the city; the infidels fled. Later, the image was threatened with burning by an evil emperor, who had a wife, Irene, who saved it and hid it from harm. The image was in that city for 500 years, until it became part of some dowries, eventually being taken to Russia to a region that later became Poland.

After the portrait became the possession of the Polish prince, St. Ladislaus in the 15th century, it was installed in his castle. Tartar invaders besieged the castle and an enemy arrow pierced Our Lady's image, inflicting a scar. Interestingly, repeated attempts to fix the image, artistically have all failed.

Tradition says that St. Ladislaus determined to save the image from repeated invasions, so he went to his birthplace, Opala, stopping for rest in Częstochowa; the image was brought nearby to Jasna Góra (bright hill")and placed in a small wooden church named for the Assumption. The following morning, after the picture was carefully placed in the wagon, the horses refused to move. St. Ladislaus understood this to be a sign from Heaven that the image should stay in Częstochowa; thus he replaced the painting in the Church of the Assumption, August 26, 1382, a day still observed as the Feast Day. The Saint wished to have the holiest of men guard the painting, so he assigned the church and the monastery to the Pauline Fathers, who have devoutly protected the image for the last six hundred years.

Having survived two attacks upon it, Our Lady's image was next in peril by the Hussites. The Hussites successfully stormed the Pauline monastery in 1430, plundering the sanctuary. Among the items stolen was the image. After putting it in their wagon, the Hussites went a little ways but then the horses refused to go any further. Recalling the former incident that was so similar, the heretics threw the portrait down to the ground, which shattered the image into three pieces. One of the plunderers drew his sword and slashed the image twice, causing two deep gashes; while attempting a third gash, he was overcome with a writhing agony and died.

The two slashes on the cheek of the Blessed Virgin, together with the one on the throat, have always reappeared after artistic attempts to fix them. The portrait again faced danger in 1655 by a Swedish horde of 12,000, which confronted the 300 men guarding the image. The band of 300 routed the 12,000 and the following year, the Holy Virgin was acclaimed Queen of Poland.

Prayer

(to be said each day upon rising)

HOLY MOTHER of Czestochowa, Thou art full of grace,
goodness and mercy. I consecrate to Thee all my thoughts,
words and actions----my soul and body. I beseech Thy
blessings and especially prayers for my salvation.
Today, I consecrate myself to Thee, Good Mother, totally
 ----with body and soul amid joy and sufferings to obtain
for myself and others Thy blessings on this earth and
eternal life in Heaven. Amen.

Imprimatur: Cardinal O' Boyle, Washington, DC