SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN (253 A.D.); SAINT EDITH; SAINTS EUPHEMIA, LUCY AND GEMINIANUS (4th C.)

   

SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN

Martyrs

 

 

 

 

SAINT EDITH

virgin

 

SAINTS EUPHEMIA, LUCY, AND GEMINIAN
Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED
Pope Cornelius, who was exiled after a short reign and slain by Decius in the year 253, strove always for Church unity and for kindness towards Christians who fell away during persecutions. Cyprian, an African lawyer and a pagan until middle life, had not been long a Christian when he was ordained to the priesthood and then made bishop of Carthage. He became a great leader and an inspired religious writer. At his martyrdom five years after that of Pope Cornelius, he had the consolation of being surrounded by crowds of his faithful children in Christ.

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

INTROIT Ps. 78, 11, 12, 10

Let the sighing of the prisoners come in before Thee, O Lord; renderto our neighbors sevenfold in their bosom; revenge the blood of Thy Saints, which has been shed.

O God, the heathens are come into Thine inheritance; they have defiled Thy holy temple, they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit. Glory be to the Father ...

COLLECT
O Lord, let the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishops Cornelius and Cyprian, whom we honor today, gain us Your protection. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT EDITH

St. Edith, of royal Anglo-Saxon blood, consecrated herself to God from her earliest childhood and resigned the world and entered the nunnery of Wilton. She built the church of Wilton, in which she was buried near the close of the tenth century.

O God, who didst afford unto Thy faithful an example of chastity in willing that Thy Son our Lord should be born of a Virgin, grant us, by the prayers of St. Edith, Thy Virgin, purity of mind and body, whereby we may obtain our promised happiness from Thee. 

Commemoration of  SAINTS EUPHEMIA, LUCY, AND GEMINIAN
These martyrs bore witness to Christ under Diocletian in the fourth century. Euphemia died at Chalcedon, and Lucy and Geminian in Rome.

Grant our requests, O Lord, and fill us with joy. Each year we devoutly observe the day of martyrdom of blessed Euphemia, Lucy, and Geminian; grant that we may also imitate their resolute faith. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Wisdom
Wis 3:1-8
The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and no torment of death shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was judged an affliction, and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of Himself. As gold in the furnace, He proved them, and as sacrificial offerings He took them to Himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual
Exo 15:11; 15:6
God is glorious in His Saints, wonderful in majesty, a worker of wonders.
V. Your right hand, O Lord, is magnificent in power; Your right hand has shattered the enemy. Alleluia, alleluia.
Sir 44:14
V. The bodies of the Saints are buried in peace, but their name lives on and on. Alleluia.

Gospel
Continuation ✝ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 21:9-19
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; these things must first come to pass, but the end will not be at once. Then He said to them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be great earthquakes in various places, and pestilences and famines, and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all these things they will arrest you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, dragging you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It shall lead to your bearing witness. Resolve therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how you are to make your defense. For I Myself will give you utterance and wisdom, which all your adversaries will not be able to resist or gainsay. But you will be delivered up by your parents and brothers and relatives and friends; and some of you they will put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake; yet not a hair of your head shall perish. By your patience you will win your souls.

Offertory
Ps 67:36
God is wonderful in His Saints; the God of Israel is He Who gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God! Alleluia.

SECRET 
O Lord, hear the prayers we offer on the feast of Your saints. Since we cannot rely on our own merits, let the merits of those who have been pleasing to You be our assistance. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT EDITH

O Lord, may Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, come down upon this our oblation, and may St. Edith obtain from Thee that we ourselves may be made an acceptable sacrifice unto Thee. 

Commemoration of  SAINT EUPHEMIA AND HER COMPANIONS
Look with favor upon the offerings of Your people, O Lord. Let us rejoice in the protection of Your saints whose feast we are permitted to celebrate today. Through our Lord . . .

Communion
Wis 3:4-6
For if before men they be punished, God tried them; as gold in the furnace, He proved them, and as sacrificial offerings He took them to Himself.

POSTCOMMUNION 
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord. May we be aided also by the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of SAINT EDITH

May the partaking of this spiritual Banquet, O Lord, be healthful to our mind and body, and may the supplication of Thy Virgin, St. Edith, commend us to Thee. 

Commemoration of  SAINT EUPHEMIA AND HER COMPANIONS
Hear our prayers, O Lord. Help us through the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Euphemia, Lucy, and Geminian, whose feast we celebrate today. Through our Lord . . .

THE 7 SORROWS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY; 17TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST; ST NICOMEDES, 990 A.D.) Martyr

THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Stain Glass Image
of Saint Nicomedes

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY
AFTER PENTECOST

[Commemoration]
SAINT NICOMEDES
Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS/WHITE

Our Lady had the comfort of St. Joseph's presence when Simeon prophesied to her, "Thy own soul a sword shall pierce" (Luke 2:35). The Provider was with her also during the flight into Pagan Egypt, and when they lost the twelve-year-old Jesus in Jerusalem. But it was after Joseph's death that Mary bore the most tremendous of her sorrows: the meeting on the way to Calvary, the standing at the foot of the Cross, the removal of her Son's body from the instrument of torture, the entombment. Mary's boundless compassion for the sufferings of Jesus made her the Queen of Martyrs; and in her unspeakable agony she became the Mother of Christ's Mystical Body.

INTROIT (John 19:25)
There stood by the cross of Jesus His Mother, and His Mother's sister Mary of Cleophas, and Salome, and Mary Magdalen.
(John 19:26, 27). Woman, behold thy son, said Jesus; and to the disciple, Behold thy Mother. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

Commemoration of the 17thSUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
O Lord, keep Your people from falling under the influence of the devil, and let our hearts follow You, our only God, that they may remain pure.

Commemoration of SAINT NICOMEDES
Toward the close of the first century Nicomedes, a priest, was scourged to death for refusing to sacrifice to idols.

Stay close to Your people, O Lord, so that the brilliant merits of Your blessed martyr Nicomedes may help us, and his prayers win for us Your unfailing mercy. Through our Lord . . .


LESSON Judith 13:22, 23-25
The Lord hath blessed thee by his power, because by thee he hath brought our enemies to nought. Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God, above all women upon the earth. Blessed be the Lord who made heaven and earth, who hath directed thee to the cutting off the head of the prince of our enemies. Because he hath so magnified thy name this day, that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men who shall be mindful of the power of the Lord for ever, for that thou hast not spared thy life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people, but hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God.

GRADUAL
You are sorrowful and tearful, O Virgin Mary, standing by the cross of the Lord Jesus, your Son, our Redeemer.
V. O Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world cannot contain, the Author of life who was made man, bears this punishment of the cross!

Alleluia, alleluia! V. By the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ stood the sorrowing Holy Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Mistress of the world.

SEQUENCE

At the Cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.

Through her Heart, His sorrow sharing,
All His bitter anguish bearing,
Now at length the sword has passed.

O how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole-begotten One!

Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,
'Whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother's pain untold?

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent.

For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent.

O sweet Mother! Font of love,
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with yours accord.

Make me feel as you have felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.

Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.

Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with you,
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.

By the Cross with you to stay,
There with you to weep and pray,
Is all I ask of you to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.

Let me to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.

Wounded with His every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In His very Blood away.

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In His awful judgment day.

Christ, when you shall call me hence,
Be your Mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.

While my body here decays, May my soul your goodness praise, Safe in heaven eternally. Amen. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 19:25-27
At that time, there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: "Woman, behold thy son." After that, he saith to the disciple: "Behold thy mother." And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.

CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Jer. 18:20
Remember, O Virgin Mother of God, to speak good things in our behalf before the face of God, that He may turn away His anger from us.

 
SECRET 
O Lord Jesus Christ, we offer You our prayers and sacrifices. May we, who commemorate the piercing of the sweet soul of blessed mary, Your Mother, share the reward of the saints through her loving and constant intercession and the prayers of those who stood with her beside the cross, as well as through Your own meritorious death; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .
 
 Commemoration of the 17thSUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
We humbly implore Your majesty, O Lord, to grant us, through the sacred rite that we here celebrate, pardon for our sins of the past and preservation from sin in the future. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT NICOMEDES
Graciously receive the gifts we offer You, O Lord, and may the prayer of Your blessed martyr Nicomedes make them acceptable to Your majesty. through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON  
Happy the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who without dying earned the palm of martyrdom beneath the cross of our Lord.
 
POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord Jesus Christ, may this sacrifice which we have received in memory of the sorrows of Your Virgin-Mother obtain for us from Your mercy every grace and help; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of the 17thSUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Almighty God, may the grace of this Sacrament cure our sinfulness and be an everlasting remedy for our weakness. 

Commemoration of SAINT NICOMEDES
Cleanse us by the Sacrament that we have received, O Lord, and wash us all sinfulness through the intercession of Your blessed martyr Nicomedes. Through our Lord . . .

 

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

 

 

Constantine was converted by vision of Cross.      Heraculius rescued the True Cross.

 
The finding of the True Cross,
Agnolo Gaddi, Florence, 1380.

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

GREATER DOUBLE / RED
This feast commemorates both the dedication of the basilica built by Constantine for the Holy Sepulcher, and also the return of the True Cross to Jerusalem by Emperor Heraclius of Judea during the seventh century. After Heraclius had recovered it by force from King Chosroes of Persia, he tried to carry it along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, but was unable to make any headway. Bishop Zachary of Jerusalem, pointing to his luxurious clothing, said, "Attired in these rich robes, you are far from imitating the poverty of Jesus Christ and His humility in bearing His Cross." The Emperor caught the hint--and went on to Calvary barefooted and wearing a simple cloak, carried the holy Cross to the Basilica on Calvary [A.D. 629].

INTROIT Gal. 6:14
But it is fitting that we should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is salvation, life, and resurrection for us, by whom we are saved and delivered.
Ps. 66:2. May God have mercy on us and bless us; may He let His face shine upon us; and may He have mercy upon us.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, today's feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross fills us each year with joy. May we, who have known its mystery on earth, also be worthy to enjoy in heaven the happiness which it has purchased for us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Philipp. 2:5-11
Brethren: For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause, God also hath exalted him and hath given him a name which is above all names: That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

GRADUAL Philipp. 2:8, 9
For us Christ became obedient to death, even to death on a cross.
V. Therefore God also has exalted Him and has bestowed upon Him the name that is above every name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
O sweet wood, O sweet nails! O precious the burden suspended thereon! You alone are worthy to bear the king and Lord of heaven. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 12:31-36
At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews,"Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself." (Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.) The multitude answered him: "We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever. And how sayest thou: The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?" Jesus therefore said to them: "Yet a little while, the light is among you. Walk whilst you have the light, and the darkness overtake you not. And he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither be goeth. Whilst you have the light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light."

CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
By the sign of the holy cross, O Lord, protect Your people from the deceits of their every foe, that our service may be pleasing to You and our offering acceptable, alleluia!

SECRET 
O Lord our God, we are preparing to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brought honor to the symbol of the cross. We are privileged to venerate this same holy cross; grant that we may also enjoy for all eternity the salvation it has purchased for us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN
Deliver us from our enemies, O God, by the sign of the cross.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Be close to us, O Lord our God, and with Your unfailing help defend those who rejoice in the glory of Your holy cross. Through our Lord . . .

Sept. 13 Ferial Day (Mass of Preceding Sunday)

 

FERIAL DAY

(Mass of preceding Sunday)

[Requiem or Votive Mass allowed]

INTROIT Ps. 85:3, 5
Have pity on me, O Lord, for to You I call all the day; for You, O Lord, are sweet and mild, and plentiful in mercy to all who call upon You.
Ps. 85:1. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am needy and poor.
V. Glory be . . .
 
COLLECT
O Lord, may Your grace always be with us to make us diligent in performing good deeds. Through our Lord . . .

 
EPISTLE Eph. 3:13-21
Brethren: Wherefore I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named: That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man: That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that, being rooted and founded in charity, You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge: that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.
Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us: To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, unto all generations, world without end. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 101:16-17
The nations all revere Your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth shall reverence Your glory.
V. For the Lord has built up sion, and He shall appear in His glory.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 97:1
Sing to the Lord a new canticle, for He has done wondrous deeds. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 14:1-11
At that time, when Jesus went into the house of one of the Pharisees, on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And behold, there was a certain man before him that had the dropsy. And Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying: "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?" 
But they held their peace. But he taking him, healed him and sent him away. And answering them, he said: "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fall into a pit and will not immediately draw him out, on the sabbath day?" And they could not answer him to these things.
And he spoke a parable also to them that were invited, marking how they chose the first seats at the table, saying to them: "When thou art invited to a wedding, sit not down in the first place, lest perhaps one more honourable than thou be invited by him: And he that invited thee and him, come and say to thee: 'Give this man place.' And then thou begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when thou art invited, go, sit down in the lowest place; that when he who invited thee cometh, he may say to thee: 'Friend, go up higher.' Then shalt thou have glory before them that sit at table with thee. Because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 39:14, 15
Look down, O Lord, to help me. Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek to snatch away my life. Look down, O Lord, to help me.

SECRET 
Cleanse us by this Sacrifice, O Lord, and in Your mercy make us worthy to participate in it. Through our Lord . . .


 COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 70:16-17, 18
O Lord, I will be mindful of Your singular justice. O God, You have taught me from my youth, and when I am old and gray, O God, forsake me not!

POSTCOMMUNION 
Purify our souls, O Lord, and instill new life into them through this Heavenly Sacrament, so that even our bodies may find strength now and for the future. Through our Lord . . . 

The Most Holy Name of Mary

  

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY



GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE

The name of Mary
brings grace, hope, and sweetness to the hearts of men. First fostered
in Spain, then invoked against the Turks at Vienna in 1683, this
devotion to Mary inspired King John Sobieski of Poland to put the
misbelievers to flight, and thus to save Christendom from devastation.
Pope Innocent XI extended observance of the feast to the whole Church.

INTROIT Ps. 44:13, 15, 16
All the rich among the people seek Your
favor. Behind her the virgins shall be led to the king; her friends
shall be brought to You with gladness and joy.

Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
O Almighty God, Your faithful people
rejoice in the protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and delight in
her name. Deliver them from all evil here on earth and make them worthy
of everlasting happiness in heaven through her loving intercession.
Through 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
You are blessed and venerable, O Virgin Mary, for without loss of your virginity you became the Mother of our Savior.
V. O Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world cannot contain enclosed Himself in your womb and was made man.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
You bore a Child, O Virgin, and remained a virgin still. Mother of God, intercede for us. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 1:26-38
At that time, the angel Gabriel was
sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin
espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the
virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her:
"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among
women." Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with
herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to
her: "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou
shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt
call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of
the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David
his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of
his kingdom there shall be no end." And Mary said to the angel: "How
shall this be done, because I know not man?" And the angel answering,
said to her: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the
Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall
be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin
Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the
sixth month with her that is called barren. Because no word shall be
impossible with God." And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be
it done to me according to thy word."

CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Luke 1:28, 42
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

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

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

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, grant that we who have received
the Sacrament of our salvation may be protected through the
intercession of the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary, in whose honor we have
offered this Sacrifice to Your majesty. Through our Lord . . .

SAINTS PROTUS AND HYACINTH (257 A.D.) Brothers, Martyrs

 

SAINTS PROTUS AND HYACINTH
Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED
According to tradition, Protus and Hyacinth were brothers, and slaves in the household of St. Basilla at Rome. They were burned alive around 257, during the persecution of Valerian and Gallian. The unshakable fortitude of the martyrs throughout the Christian ages should serve as a stimulating reproach to us when we are tempted to lose patience under the most ordinary trials.

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except
INTROIT (Ps. 36:39)
The salvation of the just is from the Lord, and He is their protector in time of trouble.
(Ps. 36:1) Be not envious of evildoers, nor jealous of those who do wrong. V. Glory be to the Father . . .

COLLECT
May the glorious profession of faith of Your blessed martyrs Protus and Hyacinth strengthen us, O Lord, and may the power of their intercession shield us. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson

Hebrews 10:32-38 Douay-Rheims 1899 

³² But call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions.

³³ And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations, were made a gazingstock; and on the other, became companions of them that were used in such sort.

³⁴ For you both had compassion on them that were in bands, and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance.

³⁵ Do not therefore lose your confidence, which hath a great reward.

³⁶ For patience is necessary for you; that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise.

³⁷ For yet a little and a very little while, and he that is to come, will come, and will not delay.

³⁸ But my just man liveth by faith
 

Gradual
The just have cried out, and the Lord has answered them and rescuded them from all their distress V. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and He will save those who are humble in spirit.
Alleluia, alleluia! The white robed army of martyrs praises You, O Lord!  Alleluia!

Gospel

Luke 12:1-8 Douay-Rheims 1899

12 And when great multitudes stood about him, so that they trod one upon another, he began to say to his disciples: Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

² For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed: nor hidden, that shall not be known.

³ For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness, shall be published in the light: and that which you have spoken in the ear in the chambers, shall be preached on the housetops.

⁴ And I say to you, my friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

⁵ But I will shew you whom you shall fear: fear ye him, who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you, fear him.

⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

⁷ Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.

⁸ And I say to you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.

 

OFFERTORY Wisdom 3: 1-3

The souls of the just are in the hand of
God, and the torment of malice shall
not touch them: in the sight of the
unwise they seemed to die, but they are in peace.

 
SECRET 
We fulfill our obligations to You, O Lord, by offering these gifts in memory of Your holy martyrs Protus and Hyacinth. May these offerings heal us and bring us to eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Matt. 10:27)
What I tell you in darkness, speak it in the light; and what you hear whispered, preach it on the housetops.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, may Your Sacrament which we have received cleanse us through the prayer of the blessed martyrs Protus and Hyacinth. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Nicholas of Tolentino (1305 A.D.)

 

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
Nicholas of Tolentino (1245-1305), a member of the austere Hermits of St. Augustine, was inspired by an intense apostolic zeal to go out to the people, preaching daily on street corners and giving missions. He converted a great number of hardened sinners. He frequently offered the Holy Sacrifice for souls in Purgatory, and often after his Mass it was revealed to him that they had been admitted to the presence of God.

Introit
Ps 91:13-14
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow: planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
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.
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow: planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. 

GLORIA

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except
 
COLLECT
O Lord, hear the prayers we offer on the feast of Your blessed Confessor Nicholas. Since we cannot rely on our own merits, let the merits of those who have been pleasing to You be our assistance. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
1 Cor. 4:9-14
Brethren: We have been made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, but we are without honor! To this very hour we hunger and thirst, and we are naked and buffeted, and have no fixed abode. And we toil, working with our own hands. We are reviled and we bless, we are persecuted and we bear with it, we are maligned and we entreat, we have become as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now! I write these things not to put you to shame, but to admonish you as my dearest children, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual
Ps 36:30-31
The mouth of the just 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 111:1
V. Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands. Alleluia.

Gospel
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 12:32-34
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Do not be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms. Make for yourselves purses that do not grow old, a treasure unfailing in heaven, where neither thief draws near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

Offertory
Ps 20:2-3
O Lord, in Your strength the just man is glad; in Your victory how greatly he rejoices! You have granted him his heart’s desire.

SECRET
Accept this offering which we humbly present in honor of Your Saints, O God, and through it purify our bodies and our souls. Through our Lord . . .

Communion
Matt 19:28-29
Amen I say to you that you, who have left all things and followed Me, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting. 

 POSTCOMMUNION
Almighty God, we pray that the reception of this Bread of Heaven may strengthen us against all adversity through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor Nicholas. Through our Lord . . .

WLA metmuseum Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Reviving the Birds (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SAINT PETER CLAVER (1654 A.D.); SAINT GORGONIUS (303 A.D.)

 

 

 

SAINT PETER CLAVER
Confessor

 

Commemoration
SAINT GORGONIUS
Martyr

 

3CL / WHITE
Cartagena, in Columbia, was the central slave mart of Spanish America. Transported on filthy ships like animals, the hapless Africans were forgotten men. A young Spanish Jesuit named Peter Claver appeared providentially in Cartagena in 1610, and until his death in 1654, he cared with the tenderness of Christ for the wracked bodies and tortured souls of the slaves. During his long apostolate he baptized some three hundred thousand Negro children of God. The Church has designated him the special patron of all Catholic missioners working among the Negroes.

INTROIT (Ps. 106: 9-10)

For he hath satisfied the empty soul, and hath filled the hungry soul with good things. Such asd sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in want and in iron. Ps. 106:8. Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him, and his wonderful works to the children of men. Glory be to the Father . . . For he hath satisfied . . . 

GLORIA 

COLLECT
O God, who, when about to call the enslaved blacks unto the knowledge of Thy name, didst strengthen blessed Peter with wonderful charity and patience for their aid, grant, through his intercession, that seeking the things of Jesus Christ, we may love our neighbors in deed and in truth. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT GORGONIUS
During the early years of the fourth century, Gorgonius, with the help of his ally Dorotheus, both Christian freedmen in the palace of Diocletian at Nicomedia, had managed to convert almost the whole imperial household. When they saw another servant, Peter, tortured for having borne witness to Jesus, they protested to the Emperor. Diocletian promptly condemned them to severe tortures, and then to death by strangulation.

O Lord, may the intercession of saint Gorgonius fill us with joy and may his holy feast be the occasion of happiness for us. Through our Lord . . .
 
EPISTLE (Isa. 58: 6-10)

Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the bundles that oppress, let them that are broken go free, and break asunder every burden.

⁷ Deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harbourless into thy house: when thou shalt see one naked, cover him, and despise not thy own flesh.

⁸ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall speedily arise, and thy justice shall go before thy face, and the glory of the Lord shall gather thee up.

⁹ Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall hear: thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou wilt take away the chain out of the midst of thee, and cease to stretch out the finger, and to speak that which profiteth not.

¹⁰ When thou shalt pour out thy soul to the hungry, and shalt satisfy the afflicted soul then shall thy light rise up in darkness, and thy darkness shall be as the noonday.

 
GRADUAL (Ps. 71: 12-14) 

He shall deliver the poor from the almighty, and the needy that had no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and he shall save the souls of the poor. He shall redeem their souls from usuries and iniquity, and their names shall be honorable in his sight.

Alleluia, alleluia! (Ps. 9: 33, 35)
Arise,O Lord God, let Thy hand be exalted, for get not the poor. To thee is the poor man left, thou wilt be a helper to the orphans.  Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Luke 10: 29-37)

²⁹ At that time, a certain lawyer willing to justify himself, said to Jesus: And who is my neighbour?

³⁰ And Jesus answering, said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who also stripped him, and having wounded him went away, leaving him half dead.

³¹ And it chanced, that a certain priest went down the same way: and seeing him, passed by.

³² In like manner also a Levite, when he was near the place and saw him, passed by.

³³ But a certain Samaritan being on his journey, came near him; and seeing him, was moved with compassion.

³⁴ And going up to him, bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine: and setting him upon his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

³⁵ And the next day he took out two pence, and gave to the host, and said: Take care of him; and whatsoever thou shalt spend over and above, I, at my return, will repay thee.

³⁶ Which of these three, in thy opinion, was neighbour to him that fell among the robbers?

³⁷ But he said: He that shewed mercy to him. And Jesus said to him: Go, and do thou in like manner.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Job 29: 12-13, 15-16)

Because I had delivered the poor man that cried out, an the fatherless, that had no helper. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, and I comforted the heart of the widow. I was an eye to the blind, and a foot to the lame. I was the father of the poor.

SECRET 

May the Victim of love, which we offer up in this sacrifice, be a propitiation for us, through Thy mercy, O Lord, and by the prayers and merits of blessed Peter, may it be efficacious and salutary in gaining for us greater patience and love. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT GORGONIUS
Be pleased, O Lord, by the offering which we, Your servants, make to You through the intercession of the blessed martyr Gorgonius. Through our Lord . . .
 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Ezech. 34: 15-16)

I will feed my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and that which was drivedf away, I will bring again and I will bind up that which was broken, and I will strengthen that which was weak.
 

POSTCOMMUNION

May the salutary effect of Thy loving kindness increase in us, O Lord, that refreshed by this heavenly food we may, through the intercession of blessed Peter, happily obtain the crown of everelasting life. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT GORGONIUS
Let the everlasting sweetness of the Sacrifice fill Your household and bring it to new life, O Lord, so that through Your martyr Gorgonius we may always be refreshed by the fragrance of Christ, Your Son; who lives and rules with You . . .