Wednesday, July 31, 2024

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 . . .

GLORIA

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)

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

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,
Martyrs

 

BLESSED EVERARD HANSE
Martyr


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 . . .

GLORIA

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. 

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that through the intercession of blessed Everard Hanse, Thy Martyr, we may be delivered from all harm to the body and all uncleaness of mind. 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. 

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 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. 

Refreshed by partaking of Thy sacred Gift, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that through the intercession of blessed Everard Hanse, Thy Martyr, we may perceivethe fruits of the rite which we celebrate. Through our Lord . . .

Monday, July 29, 2024

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


  III Class / 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.

GLORIA 

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." 

Offertory
Ps 44:10
The daughters of kings come to meet You; the queen takes her place at Your 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.

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 . . .

Communion
Matt 25:4, 6
The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps: and at midnight a cry arose, Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go forth to meet Christ 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 . . .


Sunday, July 28, 2024

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST; Saints Nazarius & Celsus Martyrs (68 A.D.); Saints Victor & Innocent, Popes; Saint Samson (565 A.D.) Bishop, Confessor

  

 

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST



SAINTS NAZARIUS AND CELSUS 
Martyrs


SAINTS VICTOR I AND INNOCENT I 
Popes
[wikipedia.org image]

SAINT SAMSON
Bishop, Confessor

 


DOUBLE / GREEN

However great the gifts of nature or grace, however important the office that God entrusts to us, it is still only by the grace of God that we can do any good. The plain truth about our life and work is that from start to finish we depend upon God. Moreover, it is only by the grace of God that our sins are forgiven.
The grace of forgiveness and every other grace and favor given to men anywhere, have been won by the supreme humiliation of Christ in His crucifixion. Very rightly, then, we begin the Mass with Christ by confessing before heaven and earth that we have sinned. 

INTROIT Ps. 54:17, 18, 20, 23
When I called upon the Lord, He heard my voice and delived me from those who war against me. He humbled them, He who is from eternity and remains forever. Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will support you.
Ps. 54:2. Hearken, O God, to my prayer and turn not from my pleading; give heed to me, and answer me.
V. Glory be . . .
 
GLORIA 

COLLECT
O God, Your almighty power is made most evident in Your mercy and pity. Be even more merciful toward us, that we may aspire after Your promises and come to share Your heavenly rewards. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS NAZARIUS, CELSUS, VICTOR, INNOCENT
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.
 
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.

Commemoration of SAINT SAMSON

c 490-c 565. Born in Wales, he became a disciple of St Illtyd at Llantwit Major and then for a time was monk and abbot of the monastery on Caldey Island. He left Caldey and visited Ireland. Then he went to Cornwall and was consecrated bishop by St Dubricius. Finally he crossed to Brittany and spent the rest of his life enlightening that country, basing himself at Dol. He was one of the greatest missionaries of his century.

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

EPISTLE I Cor. 12:2-11
Brethren: You know that when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led. Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus. And no man can say "The Lord Jesus," but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministries. but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit: To another, faith in the same spirit: to another, the grace of healing in one Spirit: To another the working of miracles: to another, prophecy: to another, the discerning of spirits: to another, diverse kinds of tongues: to another, interpretation of speeches. But all these things, one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will.

GRADUAL Ps. 16:8, 2
Keep me as the apple of Your eye, O Lord; protect me under the shadow of Your wings.
V. Let my judgment come from You; let Your eyes behold what is right.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 64:2.
It is fitting to praise You in Sion, O God, and to fulfill our vow to You in Jerusalem. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 18:9-14
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable also to some who trusted in themselves as just and despised others. "Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: 'O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

CREED
 
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 24:1-3
I have lifted up my soul to You, O Lord; I place my trust in You, O my God. Let me not be put to shame, nor let my enemies exult over me. No one who waits for You shall be left in confusion.

SECRET
This Sacrifice was instituted by You, O Lord, to give glory to Your name. May we offer it in such a manner that we may find in it healing for our weaknesses. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS NAZARIUS, CELSUS, VICTOR, INNOCENT
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.

Commemoration of SAINT SAMSON
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 ANTIPHON Ps. 50:21
You shall be pleased with sacrifices which are Your due; with oblations and holocausts offered upon Your altar, O Lord.

Post Communion
We beseech You, O Lord our God, that in Your mercy You will not withhold Your help from those whom You constantly restore with divine sacraments.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
 
Commemoration of SAINTS NAZARIUS, CELSUS, VICTOR, INNOCENT 
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 . . .

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

 
 

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Sanctae Mariae Sabbato OUR LADY'S SATURDAY; Commemoration of Saint Pantaleon (305 A.D.) Martyr

 

 


Sanctae Mariae Sabbato


OUR LADY'S SATURDAY 
 



[Commemoration]
SAINT PANTALEON
Martyr



Introit

Hail, holy Mother, who in childbirth brought forth the King Who rules heaven and earth world without end.
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.
Hail, holy Mother, who in childbirth brought forth the King Who rules heaven and earth world without end.

GLORIA

Collect
Grant us, Your servants, O Lord God, we beseech You, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body; and by the intercession of glorious and blessed Mary, ever virgin, may we be delivered from pres
ent sorrow and partake to the full of eternal happiness.
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
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.

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 . . .

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
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary; alone you have put an end to all heresies.
V. You who believed the words of the Archangel Gabriel.
V. Still a virgin, you brought forth God and man; and after childbirth you remained an inviolate virgin.
V. O Mother of God, intercede for us.


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


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.
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
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 Antiphon
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.
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
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 . . .

Friday, July 26, 2024

Saint Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

 




SAINT ANNE
Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary


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 . . .

GLORIA

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 . . .

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."

CREED
 
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 . . .

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 . . .

Joachim
Saints Anne & Joachim (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Saint James the Greater; Saint Christopher (250 A.D.) Martyr [Patron of Travelers]

  

 
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 . . .
 
GLORIA

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."

CREED
 
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 . . .

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

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 

INTROIT Ps 118:95-96 

The wicked have waited for me to
destroy me: but I have understood Thy
testimonies, O Lord: I have seen an
end of all perfection; Thy command is
exceeding broad. (Ps. 118: 1)
Blessed are the undefiled in the way:
who walk in the law of the Lord. Glory
be to the Father, and to the Son, and
to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. The wicked
have waited for me to destroy me: but
I have understood Thy testimonies, O
Lord: I have seen an end of all
perfection; Thy command is exceeding
broad.

GLORIA

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 Ecclesiasticus 51:13-17

O Lord my God, Thou hast exalted my
dwelling place upon the earth, and I
have prayed for death to pass away. I
called upon the Lord, the Father of my
Lord, that He would not leave me in
the day of my trouble, and in the time
of the proud without help. I will praise
Thy Name continually, and will praise
it with thanksgiving, and my prayer
was heard. And Thou hast saved me
from destruction, and hast delivered
me from the evil time. Therefore I will
give thanks and praise to Thee, O
Lord our God. 



Gradual Psalms 45: 6, 5
God will help her with His
countenance: God is in the midst of
her, she shall not be moved. The
stream of the river maketh the city of
God joyful: the Most High hath
sanctified His own tabernacle.

Alleluia, alleluia. This is a wise virgin,
and one of the number of the prudent.
Alleluia
me, incline Your ear to me, make haste to deliver me! Alleluia.


Gospel Matt. 13: 44-52
At that time, Jesus spoke to His
disciples this parable:
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 kind 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 Ps. 44:3

Grace is poured abroad in thy lips:
therefore hath God blessed thee for
ever

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 . . .

COMMUNION
Psalms 118: 121, 122, 128

I have done judgement and justice, O
Lord, give me not up to them that
slander me: I was directed to all Thy
commandments, I have hated all
wicked ways.


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 . . .