Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Saint Teresa of Avila, Virgin, Doctor of the Church (1582 A.D.)

 



SAINT TERESA OF AVILA
Virgin, Doctor


DOUBLE / WHITE
When she was seven, Teresa of Avila (1515-82) tried unsuccessfully to run away to seek martyrdom at the hands of the Moors. Following this initial frustration, Teresa spent a normal girlhood, until called to the Carmelite Order in 1533. Twenty years later, when she undertook the reform of her order, she founded many convents of Discalced Carmelites throughout Spain, her principal collaborator being St. John of the Cross. She managed to combine a schedule of heavy administrative responsibility with an intense interior program graced with many mystical blessings and issuing in a group of magnificent writings on the spiritual life. She always had great devotion to Christ the King and to St. Joseph (called the patron of interior souls). And she insisted on prayer for priests as one of the primary duties of her nuns. On account of her invaluable works on mystical Theology, she may be considered one of the greatest Doctors of the Church.

Mass of a 
VIRGIN, except

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.


GLORIA

COLLECT
Hear our prayer, O God our savior. The feast of the blessed virgin Teresa fills us with joy; may her holy teaching also inspire us, and the example of her virtuous life guide us. 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
Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 25:1-13
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.
 


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 . . .
 


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 him.
 


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 . . .


Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saints (Simon Sto...
Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saints (Simon Stock, Angelus of Jerusalem, Mary Magdalene de’Pazzi, Teresa of Avila) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



Meet St. Teresa: An Introduction to La Madre of Avila (Google Affiliate Ad)
  St. Teresa of Avila by Beevers, John [Paperback] (Google Affiliate Ad)

Monday, October 14, 2024

SAINT CALLISTUS I (222 A.D.) Pope and Martyr

   




Pope and Martyr


III Class / WHITE
A Christian slave of Rome, Callistus was ordained by Pope St. Zephyrinus, whom he succeeded as pope in the year 217. As deacon he was guardian of the Christian cemetery on the Appian Way which is still known by his name. While he was vigorously opposed to heresy, his charitable attitude toward repentant sinners incurred the wrath of contemporary rigorists.

Catacombs of San Callisto


Mass of a POPE, except 

Introit
John 21:15-17
If you love Me, Simon Peter, feed My lambs, feed My sheep.
Ps 29:1
I will extol You, O Lord, for You drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
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.
If you love Me, Simon Peter, feed My lambs, feed My sheep.
 

 
GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, You see that we fail because of our weakness. Be merciful to us and let the example of Your saints renew our love of You. Through our Lord . . .


Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St Peter the Apostle
1 Pet. 5:1-4, 10-11.
Beloved: I exhort the presbyters among you - I, your fellow presbyter and witness of the sufferings of Christ, the partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed in time to come - tend the flock of God which is among you, governing not under constraint, but willingly, according to God; nor yet for the sake of base gain, but eagerly; nor yet as lording it over your charges, but becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock. And when the Prince of the shepherds appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. But the God of all grace, Who has called us unto His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself, after we have suffered a little while, perfect, strengthen and establish us. To Him is the dominion forever and ever. Amen.


Gradual
Ps 106:32, 31.
Let them extol in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.
V. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His kindness and His wondrous deeds to the children of men. Alleluia, alleluia.
Matt 16:18
V. You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church. Alleluia.


GOSPEL
Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 16:13-19
At that time, Jesus, having come into the district of Caesarea Philippi, began to ask His disciples, saying, Who do men say the Son of Man is? But they said, Some say, John the Baptist; and others, Elias; and others, Jeremia, or one of the prophets. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then Jesus answered and said, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
 

Offertory
Jer 1:9-10
Behold I have given my words in thy mouth: Lo, I have set thee over the nations, and over the kingdoms, to root up, and pull down, and to waste, and to destroy, and to build, and to plant.
  

SECRET

O Lord, may this sacramental offering help to free us of our sins and bring us to eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .


Communion
Matt 16:18
Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
 


POSTCOMMUNION
O Almighty God, let these sacred rites cleanse us, so that through them we may lead holy lives. Through our Lord . . .

Sunday, October 13, 2024

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST; Saint Edward the Confessor (1066 A.D.); Saint Comgan, Abbot

 

 

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY
AFTER PENTECOST
 

SAINT EDWARD
King and Confessor
 

 SAINT COMGAN
Abbot

 

 
DOUBLE / GREEN
Many temptations result from exposing ourselves to persons, places, and things that entice us to unlawful satisfaction. Other temptations come from reflex actions of our instincts. But some temptations may be due to the subtle deceptions of the devil. A fallen angel, the devil retains the intelligence of an angel and directs all his rebellious hatred to detracting from God's glory and undoing Christ's work. But the devil can do only what God permits him to do. Sometimes God may permit severe temptations of every sort, in order to humble and purify a person for a special grace or a special office. Even the devil is made to serve God's purposes.
 
INTROIT Esth. 13:9, 10-11
All things depend on Your will, O Lord, and there is no one who can resist Your will. For You have made all things, heaven and earth, and all things that are under the canopy of heaven. You are the Lord of all.
Ps. 118:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
Keep Your family under Your continual care, O Lord. Shelter it with Your protection from all adversity, that it may be zealous in doing good for the honor of Your name. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT EDWARD
King Edward the Confessor reigned in England from the end of the Danish rule (1042) to the Norman conquest (1066). His subjects praised his simplicity, gentleness, humility, and purity. He made a practice of standing at his palace gate, speaking kindly to the beggars and lepers who crowded about him, and often he wrought cures among them. England grew prosperous during his rule of almost unbroken peace, and for ages afterward the people spoke with affection of the "laws of good St. Edward."

O God, You gave the blessed confessor king Edward a crown of everlasting glory. may we who honor him on earth be worthy to rule with him in heaven. 

Commemoration of SAINT COMGAN

Born to the Irish royalty, the son of a prince of Leinster, Ireland; brother of Saint Kentigern, nephew of Saint Fillan. Soldier, wounded in battle with a neighboring clan, he and his sister fled to Scotland where he became a monk at Lochaise.

O God, who didst endow Thy blessed Confessor Comgan with illustrious miracles, grant, we beseech Thee, that, supported by his merits and patronage, we may attain unto heavenly joys. Through our Lord . . .

 EPISTLE Eph. 6:10-17

Brethren, be strengthened in the Lord and in the might of his power. Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.
Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of justice: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

GRADUAL Ps. 89:1-2
O Lord, You have been our refuge through all generation.
V. Before the mountains were made, or the earth was formed, from eternity to eternity You are God.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 113:1.
When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob fled from a barbarous people. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 18:23-35
At that time, Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: "The kingdom of heaven likened to a king, who would take an account of his servants. And when he had begun to take the account, one as brought to him, that owed him ten thousand talents. And as he had not wherewith to pay it, his lord commanded that he should be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. But that servant falling down, besought him, saying: 'Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.' And the lord of that servant being moved with pity, let him go and forgave him the debt.
"But when that servant was gone out, he found one of his fellow-servants that owed him an hundred pence: and laying hold of him, he throttled him, saying: 'Pay what thou owest.' And his fellow-servant falling down, besought him, saying: 'Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.' And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he paid the debt.
"Now his fellow servants seeing what was done, were very much grieved, and they came, and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him: and said to him: 'Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all the debt, because thou besoughtest me: Shouldst not thou then have had compassion also on thy fellow servant, even as I had compassion on thee?' And his lord being angry, delivered him to the torturers until he paid all the debt. So also shall my heavenly Father do to you, if you forgive not every one his brother from your hearts."

CREED
 
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Job 1:2
There was a man in the land of Hus, whose name was Job, simple and upright, and fearing God. Satan asked that he might tempt him, and power was given Satan from the Lord over Job's possessions and his flesh; and Satan destroyed all his substance and his children, and afflicted his body with a grievous ulcer.

SECRET
O Lord, graciously accept this offering which You in Your boundless mercy instituted to atone for our sins and to restore salvation to us. Through our Lord . . .
 
Commemoration of SAINT EDWARD
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.  
 
 Commemoration of SAINT COMGAN   
May the holy Abbot Comgan, we beseech Thee, O Lord, obtain by his prayers, that the Sacrifice laid on Thy holy altar may profit us unto salvation. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 118:81, 84, 86
My soul looks to Your salvation, and in Your word have I hoped. When will You come in judgment for those who persecute me? The wicked have persecuted me; help me, O Lord my God.

POSTCOMMUNION
We have been seeking the food of immortality and implore Thee, O Lord, that with its savour still on our tongues, we may with pure hearts continue to pursue it. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT EDWARD

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.

Commemoration of SAINT COMGAN 

May the pleading of blessed Comgan, the Abbot, for us, as well as the reception of Thy Sacrament, protect us, O Lord, that we may both share in the glory of his works and receive the help of his intercession. Through our Lord . . . 

 

 

 

Saturday, October 12, 2024

OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR; SAINT KENNETH, Abbot (599 A.D.); SAINT WILFRID, Bishop. Confessor (709 A.D.)

 

 

 







Español: Francisco de Goya, El apóstol Santiag...
Español: Francisco de Goya, El apóstol Santiago y sus discípulos adorando a la Virgen del Pilar, 1775-1780, 107 x 80 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



English: The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilla...
English: The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, in Zaragoza, Spain. Español: Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar en Zaragoza (Aragón, España) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In the early days of the Church, the Apostle James the Greater was evangelizing the Gospel in Caesaraugusta, but his mission was making little progress until miraculously, he saw The Blessed Virgin Mary committing him to Jerusalem. In his vision, she was atop a column or pillar, which was being carried by angels. That pillar is believed to be the same one venerated in Zaragoza today. Miraculous healings have been reported at the scene. Our Lady of the Pillar (SpanishNuestra Señora del Pilar) is the name given to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her appearance in Spain. Her shrine is in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, by the river Ebro.



 

SAINT KENNETH
Abbot
SAINT WILFRID
Bishop, Confessor
 

IV CLASS/WHITE
INTROIT
Hail, holy Parent, that didst bring forth the King who ruleth Heaven and earth for ever and ever. Alleluia, alleluia. Ps. 44:2 My heart hath uttered a good word, I speak of my works to the King. Glory be to the Father . . . Hail . . .
 
GLORIA
 
COLLECT
Almighty and eternal God, who in the most glorious Mother of Thy Son hast wondrously given us a heavenly protectress, mercifully grant us perpetual protection through her aid whom we devoutly honor under the special title of Our Lady of the Pillar. Through the same . . . 

Commemoration of SAINT KENNETH
St. Kenneth, one of the twelve called the  "Apostles of Ireland," was an Irish missionary in Western Scotland. He founded a monastery at St. Andrews and became Abbot at Achaboe, where he died A.D. 599.

Omnipotent God, whom to serve is the climax and fulness of felicity, grant, we beseech Thee, that in imitation of blessed Kenneth, being subject one to another in the fear of Christ, we may, like submissive sons, serve Thee frankly in charity, holiness and justice. 
 
Commemoration of SAINT WILFRID
St. Wilfrid, a monk of Lindisfarne, became one of the most illustrious Archbishops of York. He built many churches and monasteries and rested from his labors on October 12, A.D. 709.  
 
O God, by whose grace the blessed Bishop Wilfrid was radiant with the shining light of merits, mercifully grant, that we, who from his teaching learn to seek after heavenly things, may ever be protected by his patronage. Through our Lord . . .
 
Lesson
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Ecclus 24:14-16
Before all ages, in the beginning, He created me, and through all ages I shall not cease to be. In the holy Tent I ministered before Him, and in Sion I fixed my abode. Thus in the chosen city He has given me rest, in Jerusalem is my domain. I have struck root among the glorious people, in the portion of my God, His heritage, and my abode is in the full assembly of Saints.


Gradual
Blessed and venerable are you, O Virgin Mary, who, with unsullied virginity, were found to be the Mother of the Saviour.
V. O Virgin, Mother of God, He Whom the whole world does not contain, becoming man, shut Himself in your womb. Alleluia, alleluia.
V. After childbirth you remained a pure virgin, O Mother of God, intercede for us. Alleluia.


GOSPEL
Luke 11:27-28
At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, a certain woman from the crowd lifted up her voice and said to Him, Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts that nursed You. But He said, "Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.
" 
 
Offertory
Lk 1:28; 1:42
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
     

 Secret
Through Your mercy, O Lord, and by the intercession of blessed Mary, ever virgin, the Mother of Your only-begotten Son, may this offering profit us for prosperity and peace, now and forevermore.


Commemoration of SAINT KENNETH
We beseech Thee, O Lord, receive the prayers and sacrifices we offer Thee, and vouchsafe us that in imitation of blessed Kenneth, mortifying by the spirit the desires of the flesh, we may serve Thee alone.
 
Commemoration of SAINT WILFRID
We beseech Thee, almighty God, cleanse the minds of Thy servants by the enlightenings of Thy Holy Spirit, that by the intercession of blessed Wilfrid, Thy Confessor and Bishop, these gifts of our devotion may become worthy of Thine acceptance. Through our Lord . . .
 
Communion
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the eternal Father.


Post Communion
Having received the aids conducive to our salvation, O Lord, we beseech You, grant that we may everywhere be protected by the patronage of blessed Mary, ever virgin, in veneration of whom we have made these offerings to Your Majesty. 


Commemoration of SAINT KENNETH
O God of our heart, and our portion for ever, through this Sacrament which we have received, vouchsafe through the intercession of blessed Kenneth, that during our life we may adhere solely to Thee, from whom we hope to receive an everlasting inheritance in Heaven.
 
Commemoration of SAINT WILFRID 
Replenished with the Food of eternal redemption, we suppliantly entreat Thy clemency, O Lord, that through the merits and intercession of blessed Wilfrid, Thy Confessor and Bishop, we may obtain the everlasting gifts of salvation. Through our Lord . . .

 
 
Prayer to Our Lady of the Pillar

O Queen and Mother of Mercy, who dispenses graces to all who have recourse to thee with so much liberality, because thou art a Queen and with so much love, because thou art our most loving Mother; to thee do I, who am so devoid of merit and virtue, and so loaded with debts to the Divine justice, recommend myself this day. O Mary, thou holdest the keys of all the Divine mercies; forget not my miseries, and leave me not in my poverty. Thou art so liberal with all, and givest more than thou art asked for, O, be thus liberal with me. O Lady, protect me; this is all that I ask of thee.

Friday, October 11, 2024

THE DIVINE MATERNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

 

 

The Theotokos of Vladimir, one of the most ven...Image via Wikipedia

MOTHERHOOD OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

DOUBLE / SECOND CLASS
The dogma of the Divine Motherhood was defined by the Council of Ephesus in 431. In his encyclical proclaiming the present feast, which commemorated the 15th centenary of the council, Pope Pius XI especially requested that we pray to Mary for the return of the separated Churches of the East. For these Churches had united with the Pope and the whole Church at Ephesus in proclaiming her to be Mother of God, and to this day they retain a deep devotion to her. Mary is their Mother, also, for in becoming Mother of our Redeemer she became the spiritual mother of all men.

INTROIT Isa. 7:14
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and shall bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.
Ps. 97:1. Sing to the Lord a new canticle, for He has done wondrous deeds.
V. Glory be . . .
 
GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, You willed that Your Word should become incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the time of the angel's announcement. We firmly believe that Mary is truly the Mother of God. We pray that her powerful intercession with You may help us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

LESSON Eccli. 24:23-31 [Sirach]
As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour: and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. For my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger: and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me, shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting.

GRADUAL
 Isa. 11:1-2
There shall come forth a young branch from the root of Jesse and a flower shall rise up out of his root.
V. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.

Alleluia, alleluia! 
V.
O Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world cannot contain enclosed Himself in your womb and was made man. Alleluia!

GOSPEL 
Luke 2:43-51
At that time, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: "Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." And he said to them: "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father's business?" And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them.
 
CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON 
Matt. 1:18
When Mary His Mother had been betrothed to Joseph, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

SECRET
O Lord, through Your mercy and the intercession of the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of Your only-begotten Son, let this offering bring us prosperity and peace now and forever. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal God.

POSTCOMMUNION
May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord .

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Saint Francis Borgia (1572 A.D.); Saint Paulinus (644 A.D.)

 

 

 

St. Ignatius Loyola receives St. Francis Borgia as Duke of Gandia

SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA
Confessor

SAINT PAULINUS
Confessor


  III CLASS/ WHITE
Francis Borgia (1510-72), who has been called the "second founder of the Jesuits," began his public career as Duke of Gandia and Viceroy of Catalonia at the court of his friend and relative Emperor Charles V. He was the widowed father of eight before he entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 40. Always courteous, humble, and generous, he was given charge of all Jesuit missions abroad, and in 1565 he was elected General of the order. Working always in closest co-operation and friendship with Pope St. Pius V and St. Charles Borromeo, he shares their stature as a great figure of the Catholic Reform. Though he longed to go as an apostle to India, he wrote to another would-be missioner: "You will find your India wherever the Society needs you."

Mass of an 
ABBOT, 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.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. 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.

GLORIA

COLLECT
O Lord Jesus Christ, You are the model of true humility and the reward of the humble. Let us share Your contempt for worldly honor, as Your blessed confessor Francis did, so that we may also share with this saint the glory of being Your follower; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PAULINUS
St. Paulinus, a Roman monk, was sent by St. Gregory the Great, with forty companions to aid St. Augustine n the English mission. He was elected first Bishop of York and afterwards administered the bishopric of Rochester till his death on October 10, A.D. 644.

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the solemn feast of blessed Paulinus, Thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and advance our salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Ecclus 45:1-6
Beloved of God and men, whose memory is held in benediction. He made him like the Saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies, and with his words He made prodigies to cease. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him Commandments in the sight of his people, and revealed to him His glory. He sanctified him in his faith and meekness, and chose him out of all flesh. For He heard him and his voice, and brought him into a cloud. And, face to face, He gave him the Commandments, the law of life and understanding.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual
Ps 20:4-5
O Lord, You welcomed him with goodly blessings, You placed on his head a crown of pure gold.
V. He asked life of You: You gave him length of days forever and ever. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 91:13
V. The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow. Alleluia.


GOSPEL
Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 19:27-29
At that time, Peter said to Jesus, Behold, we have left all and followed You; what then shall we have? And Jesus said to them, Amen I say to you that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of His glory, shall also sit on the throne of His glory, shall also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting.

Offertory
Ps 20:3-4.
You have granted him his heart’s desire, O Lord; You refused not the wish of his lips. You placed on his head a crown of pure gold.


SECRET 
May the offerings we lay upon Your sacred altar, O Lord, bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of the blessed Francis. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PAULINUS
May Thy Saints, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in all places bring us joy, that while we recall their merits, we may experience their patronage. Through our Lord . . .

Communion
Luke 12:42
The faithful and wise servant, whom his lord setteth over his family, to give them their measure of wheat in due season.

POSTCOMMUNION 
May the Sacrament we have received and the prayers of the blessed Francis protect us, O Lord. Grant also that we may imitate the virtues of this saint who is our intercessor with You in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PAULINUS 
Grant we beseech Thee, almighty God, that, we who give thanks for the gifts which we have received, may through the intercession of blessed Paulinus, Thy Confessor and Bishop, obtain still greater blessings. Through our Lord . . .

Wednesday, October 09, 2024

Saint John Leonardi (1609 A.D.); Saint Denis and Companions, Martyrs

  

SAINT JOHN LEONARDI
Confessor




SAINTS DENIS, RUSTICUS, AND ELEUTHERIUS
Martyrs


DOUBLE / WHITE
John Leonardi (1543-1609), a zealous Italian apostle, founded the congregation of the Mother of God, whose priest-members traveled throughout Tuscany urging the people to a stronger interest in their religion. Father John Leonardi longed to convert pagans, but his spiritual director, St. Philip Neri, told him to remain in Italy. So instead he founded in Rome a seminary to train for the priesthood young men from all the mission lands. This seminary developed into the Urban College of Propaganda, which has during succeeding centuries sent forth thousands of priests of all nationalities, to carry the Gospel to their own peoples.

INTROIT Eccli. 42:15-16
By His word the Lord has accomplished His works. The sun in giving light looks down upon all things; and the work of the Lord is full of His glory.
Ps. 95:1. Sing to the Lord a new canticle; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, You filled the blessed confessor John with a wondrous zeal to spread the faith among pagans, and through him You established in Your Church a new congregation to instruct the faithful. Grand that his teachings may lead us, Your servants, to the reward of eternal life. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS DENIS, RUSTICUS, AND ELEUTHERIUS
Denis, a third-century apostle of God, and now one of the "auxiliary saints," became first bishop of Paris. He suffered martyrdom there, together with his priest Rusticus and his deacon Eleutherius.

O God, You sent Rusticus and Eleutherius to join blessed Denis in preaching Your glorious name to the pagans, and on this day You so strengthened this martyr bishop in virtue that he was able to endure martyrdom courageously. May we follow the example of Your saints for love of You and spurn the pleasures of the world, without fearing to face any of its trials. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE II Cor. 4:1-6, 15-18
Brethren: Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not. But we renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness nor adulterating the word of God: but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God. And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost,
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord: and ourselves your servants through Jesus. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus.
For all things are for your sakes: that the grace, abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God. For which cause we faint not: but though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation worketh for us above measure, exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal: but the things which are not seen, are eternal.

GRADUAL Ps. 72:21; 68:10; Isa. 49:2
My heart was inflamed and my emotions were changed to excitement; the zeal for Your house has consumed me.
V. He has made my mouth as a sharp sword. Under the shadow of His hand He has protected me, and has made me a chosen arrow.

Alleluia, alleluia! Ps. 70:7. V.
I have become a matter of wonderment to many, but You are my strength and helper. 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 Col. 1:25
I have become a minister of Christ in virtue of the office that God has given me, that I may preach the word of God fully.

SECRET 
Accept the offering of this pure host of salvation, O Lord. May this Sacrifice be presented to You unceasingly throughout the world through the intercession of Your blessed confessor John. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT DENIS AND HIS COMPANIONS
O Lord, graciously accept these gifts which Your people offer in honor of Your saints, that we may be sanctified through their intercession. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Philipp. 3:7
The things that were gain to me, these, for the sake of Christ, I have counted loss.

POSTCOMMUNION 
We are refreshed, O Lord, by the Sacrament of Your precious Body and Blood. May we imitate Your blessed confessor John, and profess what he believed and practice what he taught, who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT DENIS AND HIS COMPANIONS
O Lord, may the reception of Your Sacrament bring us ever nearer to our eternal redemption through the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Denis, Rusticus, and Eleutherius. Through our Lord . . .