SAINT ANTONINUS
MARTYRDOM OF ST. GORDIANSAINTS 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.
GLORIA
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. 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.’"
OFFERTORY Psalms 88: 21-22
I have found David My servant, with
My holy oil I have anointed him: for
My hand shall help him, and My arm
shall strengthen him. Alleluia.
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. 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. Through Our Lord . . .
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