Saint Bede the Venerable (735 A.D.); Saint John I (526 A.D.); Rogation Day

 

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE

Confessor and Doctor of the Church

[Commemoration]

SAINT JOHN I

Pope and Martyr

ROGATION DAY

DOUBLE / WHITE

Venerable Bede (673-735), the first English historian, was consecrated to God from childhood. He became a Benedictine monk in the monastery of Jarrow in Northumberland, and trained there some six hundred scholars. His Ecclesiastical History of England is a treasure to scholars and lovers of spiritual life alike; but his principal study was ever the Bible. When this great Englishman died, on Ascension Day, 735, he had just finished dictating the final sentence of a translation of the Gospel of St. John.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

Introit
Sir 15:5
In the midst of the church he opened his mouth, and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory.
Ps 91:2
It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to thy name, O most High.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the midst of the church he opened his mouth, and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory.

 

GLORIA

 

COLLECT

O God, who dost enlighten Thy Church by the learning of blessed Bede, Thy Confessor and Doctor, mercifully grant to Thy servants ever to be enlightened by his wisdom and helped by his merits. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN I

Pope John I (525-26) was imprisoned by the heretical ravager of Italy, King Theodoric, and died in a dungeon from the hardships he had to endure.

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

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION  

The death and resurrection of Jesus have opened heaven and won the grace to avoid sin and to gain eternal happiness. But many of the consequences of sin still remain; and every person has his guilt to confess and atone for. Besides, there are the countless needs of soul and body that put all men on their knees before God. Earthquakes and other calamities afflicted Europe in the fifth century and St. Mamertus, instituted a penitential procession with public supplications in his Diocese. Hence, the special days of petition, called Rogation Days, marked by a special Mass, the Litany of the Saints, and, where possible, a procession during which the Litany is sung. It is well to join penance and fasting to all prayer. In 816 A.D., Pope Leo III introduced this Mass in Rome, and soon after it became a general observance throughout the Church.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who in our affliction put our trust in Thy mercy, may ever be defended by the protection against all adversity. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET

O Lord, let the blessed Confessor and Doctor Bede always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN I

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

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . . 

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Bede. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN I

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

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 

Favorably receive our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; may we in our distress be consoled by Thy gifts and grow in love accordingly. Through our Lord . . .  

Saints Philip and James, Apostles; Rogation Day 2

 

SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES
Apostles and Martyrs

ROGATION DAY 2
LESSER LITANIES

 DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED

The Apostle Philip came from Bethsaida in Galilee and was one of the very first disciples called by Christ. Early Christian writers state that St. Philip evangelized Phrygia in Asia Minor, until he was stoned and crucified by hostile pagans.
St. James, called the Minor to distinguish him from St. John's brother, came from Cana and was a cousin of the Saviour. He became the first bishop of Jerusalem, and even the Jews gave him the title of "The Just." Finally, because he was converting so many of their community, the Jews tried to force him to make a public renunciation of Christ. When he replied by joyfully proclaiming the glory of his Lord, he was slain.

INTROIT II Esd. 9:27At the time of their tribulation they cried to You, O Lord, and You heard them from heaven, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy apostles Philip and James. As we joyously remember the merits of these saints, may we also be inspired by their example. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION  

The death and resurrection of Jesus have opened heaven and won the grace to avoid sin and to gain eternal happiness. But many of the consequences of sin still remain; and every person has his guilt to confess and atone for. Besides, there are the countless needs of soul and body that put all men on their knees before God. Earthquakes and other calamities afflicted Europe in the fifth century and St. Mamertus, instituted a penitential procession with public supplications in his Diocese. Hence, the special days of petition, called Rogation Days, marked by a special Mass, the Litany of the Saints, and, where possible, a procession during which the Litany is sung. It is well to join penance and fasting to all prayer. In 816 A.D., Pope Leo III introduced this Mass in Rome, and soon after it became a general observance throughout the Church.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who in our affliction put our trust in Thy mercy, may ever be defended by the protection against all adversity. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Wisdom 5:1-5
Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labours. These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation, Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: "These are they, whom we had sometime in derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honour. Behold, how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints."

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. Ps. 88:6. The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints. Alleluia!
V. John 14:9. Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also My Father. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 14:1-13
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself: that where I am, you also may be. And whither I go you know: and the way you know." Thomas saith to him: "Lord, we know not whither thou goest. And how can we know the way?" Jesus saith to him: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him. And you have seen him." Philip saith to him: "Lord, shew us the Father; and it is enough for us." Jesus saith to him: "Have I been so long a time with you and have you not known me? Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also. How sayest thou: Shew us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abideth in me, he doth the works. Believe you not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? Otherwise believe for the very works' sake. Amen, amen, I say to you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he also shall do: and greater than these shall he do. Because I go to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son." 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:6
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints, alleluia, alleluia!

SECRET 
O Lord, accept our offering on the feast of Your holy apostles Philip and James, and shield us from the punishments we so richly deserve. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 14:9, 10
Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also My father. Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? Alleluia, alleluia!

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 the MASS OF ROGATION 
Favorably receive our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; may we in our distress be consoled by Thy gifts and grow in love accordingly. Through our Lord . . . 
 

SAINT PETER CELESTINE (1296 A.D.); SAINT PUDENTIANA (160 A.D.); ROGATION DAY 2

Saint Celestine renouncing the Papacy

Saint Pudentiana

SAINT PETER CELESTINE
Pope and Confessor

SAINT PUDENTIANA
Virgin

DOUBLE / WHITE
Peter Celestine (1221-96) left his Italian home at the age of 20, and went to a mountain to live in solitude. Disciples soon grouped themselves around him, and the rule of life that Peter gave them formed the foundation of the Celestine Order. When Peter was 72 years old, he was elected Pope and chose the name of Celestine. It soon became evident that the former hermit's life had not in any way fitted him for the government of the Church; so Pope Celestine V had the supreme humility to resign his trust after a reign of five months.

Mass of a POPE, except

Introit
John 21:15-17
If you love Me, Simon Peter, feed My lambs, feed My sheep. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 29:2
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. Alleluia, alleluia.
 
COLLECT
O God, You raised blessed Peter Celestine to the dignity of Pope, and taught him also to renounce the honor in all humility. May we follow his example and despise the things of this world, so that we may win the rewards You promised to the humble of heart. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PUDENTIANA
Pudentiana, a daughter of a Roman senator, consecrated herself wholly to Christ and gave away her goods to the poor. She died in the year 160, when she was 16 years of age.

Hear our prayer, O God our Saviour, and let us learn the spirit of true devotion from Your blessed virgin Pudentiana, as we joyfully celebrate her feast. 

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . . 

Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St Peter the Apostle
1 Pet. 5:1-4; 5:10-11.
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.

Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
Matt 16:18
V. You are Peter and upon this rock I will build My Church. Alleluia.
Ps 44:17-18
You shall make them princes through all the land; they shall remember Your name through all generations. 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."  

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

Commemoration of SAINT PUDENTIANA
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 the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .  


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

Commemoration of SAINT PUDENTIANA
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 the MASS OF ROGATION 
Favorably receive our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; may we in our distress be consoled by Thy gifts and grow in love accordingly. Through our Lord . . .   

MAY 23 FERIAL DAY; ROGATION DAY 2; ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE ROSSI (1764 A.D.); SAINT JULIA (440 A.D.)

May 23

FERIAL DAY

(Mass of preceding Sunday)

[Requiem or Votive Mass allowed]

ROGATION DAY 2

Introit
Isa 48:20
Declare it with the voice of joy: make this to be heard, allelúja: and speak it out even to the ends of the earth. Say: The Lord hath redeemed his people, allelúja, allelúja
Ps 65:1-2
Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; give glory to his praise.
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.
Declare it with the voice of joy: make this to be heard, allelúja: and speak it out even to the ends of the earth. Say: The Lord hath redeemed his people, allelúja, allelúja.

Collect
O God, from Whom all good things do come, grant to us thy humble servants that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that be good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same.
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 the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .  

Lesson
Lesson from the letter of St James the Apostle
Jas 1:22-27
Dearly beloved: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if a man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he shall be compared to a man beholding his own countenance in a glass. For he beheld himself, and went his way, and presently forgot what manner of man he was. But he that hath looked into the perfect law of liberty, and hath continued therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; this man shall be blessed in his deed. And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation: and to keep one's self unspotted from this world.

Alleluia
Allelúja, allelúja.
V. Christ is risen and hath shone upon us whom he redeemed with his blood. Alleluia,
John 16:28
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and I go to the Father. Allelúja.

GOSPEL

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to John
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
John 16:23-30
In that time, Jesus said to His disciples: And in that day you shall not ask me any thing. Amen, amen I say to you: if you ask the Father any thing in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto you have not asked any thing in my name. Ask, and you shall receive; that your joy may be full. These things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh, when I will no more speak to you in proverbs, but will shew you plainly of the Father. In that day you shall ask in my name; and I say not to you, that I will ask the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and I go to the Father. His disciples say to him: Behold, now thou speakest plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now we know that thou knowest all things, and thou needest not that any man should ask thee. By this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

Secret
Receive, O Lord, the prayers of thy faithful with offerings of victims, that by these services of pious devotion we may pass to heavenly glory.
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 the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .        

Post Communion

Grant us, O Lord, fed with the virtue of a heavenly table, to desire what is right, and to gain what we desire.
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 the MASS OF ROGATION 
Favorably receive our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; may we in our distress be consoled by Thy gifts and grow in love accordingly. Through our Lord . . .     

[Historical]

St. John Baptist de Rossi, Confessor, 'The Apostle of the Abandoned'

 

John was born in Voltaggio, diocese of Genoa, Italy, in 1698. He was one of four children of Carlo de Rossi and Francesca Anfosi, who were poor, but pious parents. At the age of ten, he was taken in by wealthy friends of the family who saw to it that he was well-educated.

At the suggestion of his uncle, Lorenzo de Rossi, a Church Canon, John travelled to Rome to study at the Collegium Romanum, under the Jesuits. He entered the Roman College at 13 and completed the classical course of studies but began practicing severe mortification. This practice, combined with a heavy course load and a bout of epilepsy, led to a breakdown, and he was forced to leave the college. He recuperated and completed his training at Minerva but never fully regained his former strength.

At the age of 23 he was ordained (with dispensation, due to his poor health),and celebrated his first Mass in the Roman College. He was assigned to Rome, where he worked with the poor and the sick. He concentrated especially on the hospice of Saint Galla, an overnight shelter for paupers that had been founded by Pope Celestine III. John also helped start a nearby hospice for homeless women, which he placed under the protection of St. Aloysius Gonzaga - one of his favorite saints.

For many years, John avoided hearing confessions for fear he would have a seizure in the confessional, but the bishop of Civitá Castellana convinced him it was part of his vocation; he relented, and soon became one of the most sought after confessors in Rome. He worked tirelessly, spending many hours a day hearing confessions, particularly those of prisoners, the poor and illiterate in the hospitals or in their homes. He preached to them five and six times a day in churches, chapels convents, hospitals, barracks, and prison cells, so that he became known as "the apostle of the abandoned", a second Philip Neri.

John's frail health compelled him in 1763 to move to the Trinita dei Pellegrini, where he suffered a stroke that same year and received the last sacraments. He recovered enough to resume celebrating Mass, but, in 1764, he had another stroke and died at the age of 66. He was buried at the altar of the Blessed Virgin in the Church of Trinita de Pelleghrini. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII on December 8,1881. 

SAINT JULIA
Virgin, Martyr
Patron of Corsica
(Fifth century)

 

Saint Julia was a noble virgin of Carthage, who, when the city was taken by Genseric in 439, was sold for a slave to a pagan merchant of Syria. In the most mortifying employments of her station, by cheerfulness and patience she found a happiness and comfort which the world could not give. Whenever she was not employed in household affairs, her time was devoted to prayer and reading books of piety.

Her master, who was charmed with her fidelity and other virtues, thought proper to take her with him on one of his voyages to Gaul. When he reached the northern part of Corsica, he cast anchor and went ashore to join the pagans of the place in an idolatrous festival. Julia was left at some distance, because she would not be defiled by the superstitious ceremonies, which she openly spurned. The governor of the island, Felix, a bigoted pagan, asked who this woman was who dared to insult the gods. The merchant informed him that she was a Christian, and that all his authority over her was too weak to prevail upon her to renounce her religion; nonetheless, he found her so diligent and faithful he could not part with her. The governor offered him four of his best slaves in exchange for her. But the merchant replied, “No; all you are worth will not purchase her; for I would lose the most valuable thing I have in the world rather than be deprived of her.”

Nonetheless Felix, while the inebriated merchant was asleep, attempted to compel her to sacrifice to his gods. He offered to procure her liberty if she would comply. The Saint made answer that she was as free as she desired to be, as long as she was allowed to serve Jesus Christ. The pagan, offended by her undaunted and resolute air, in a transport of rage caused her to be struck on the face, and the hair of her head to be torn off. Finally he ordered her to be hanged on a cross until she expired. Certain monks from the isle of Gorgon transported her relics there, but in 763 the king of Lombardy transferred them to Brescia, where her memory is celebrated with great devotion.

The Finding of the Holy Cross, Saint Alexander and Companions; ROGATION DAY 2

Relic of the True Cross. Image by Lawrence OP via Flickr

THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS

SAINTS ALEXANDER, EVENTIUS, THEODULUS AND JUVENAL
Martyrs

ROGATION DAY
 2

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED
In about the year 326, Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, discovered after many attempts and failures the cross on which the Saviour had died. The miraculous cure of a woman of Jerusalem authenticated the sacred tree of our salvation. Today's feast calls to mind that Christ said we cannot be His true disciples unless we share the burden of the cross. In imitation of our Lord, we must humble ourselves, "becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross"(Reading).

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, alleluia, alleluia!
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 on us.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, we were reminded again of the mystery of Your passion by the miraculous discovery of the cross of salvation. May we attain eternal happiness through the ransom price You paid for us on that tree of life; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .
 
Commemoration of SAINTS ALEXANDER, EVENTIUS, THEODULUS, AND JUVENAL
Under the Emperor Hadrian, in A.D. 117, Pope Alexander I suffered martyrdom, together with the priests Eventius and Theodulus. Juvenal, bishop of Narni, was executed on May 3, A.D. 377.

O Almighty God, today we are celebrating the birthday of Your saints Alexander, Eventius, Theodulus, and Juvenal. Hear their prayers and rescue us from all the dangers that threaten us.

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through 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, (here all kneel) 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.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 95:10
Announce among the nations that the Lord reigns upon a cross. Alleluia!
V. O sweet wood, O sweet nails! O precious the burden suspended thereon! You alone were worthy to bear the King and Lord of Heaven. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 3:1-15
At that time, there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him: "Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him." Jesus answered and said to him: "Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith to him: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born again?" Jesus answered: "Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Wonder not that I said to thee: You must be born again. The Spirit breatheth where he will and thou hearest his voice: but thou knowest not whence he cometh and whither he goeth. So is every one that is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus answered and said to him: "How can these things be done?" Jesus answered and said to him: "Art thou a master in Israel, and knowest not these things? Amen, amen, I say to thee that we speak what we know and we testify what we have seen: and you receive not our testimony. If I have spoken to you earthly things, and you believe not: how will you believe, if I shall speak to you heavenly things? And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 117:16, 17
The right hand of the Lord has exercised power, the right hand of the Lord has lifted me up. I shall not die, but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord, alleluia!

SECRET 
May the sacrifice we offer be pleasing to You, O Lord. Let it free us from all the evils of war and destroy the pitfalls prepared by our powerful enemy, so that we may be safely protected under the banner of Your Son's cross. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ALEXANDER AND HIS COMPANIONS
Pour out Your rich blessings, O Lord, upon this sacrifice, so that through it we may come closer to our sanctification and be made joyful on the feast of your saints. 

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .  

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
By the sign of the cross deliver us from our enemies, You who are our God, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION 
We have been nourished by the Food of Heaven and refreshed by spiritual drink. Shield us from our evil enemies, O Almighty God, for You have commanded us to fight through to victory under the cross of Your Son, the weapon of justice that will save the world. Through Our Lord . . .
 
Commemoration of SAINT ALEXANDER AND HIS COMPANIONS
We are refreshed by the reception of Your sacred Gift, O Lord. May the prayers of Your saints Alexander, Eventius, Theodulus, and Juvenal make us feel the benefit of the sacred Rite we have performed. 

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
Favorably receive our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; may we in our distress be consoled by Thy gifts and grow in love accordingly. Through our Lord . . .   

SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS, DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS, Martyrs; ROGATION DAY 2

Saints Domitilla, Nereus, Achilleus, by Peter Paul Rubens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS,
DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS
Martyrs

ROGATION DAY

SIMPLE/RED
Nereus, Achilleus, and Domitilla were Romans who died for Christ in the first century. Nereus and Achilleus were pretorian soldiers and probably executioners of Christians before their conversion. Domitilla was a great lady, the niece of one of the consuls of Rome at that time. Pancras is believed to have been martyred in about A.D. 304, when he was only 14 years old. Pope Gregory the Great dedicated a monastery in Rome to him, and Augustine of Canterbury, Gregory's missionary, named the first church in Canterbury in his honor, thus beginning a widespread cult of the boy-martyr in England.

INTROIT Ps. 32:18, 19, 20
Behold, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, on those who trust in His mercy, alleluia, alleluia, to rescue them from death; for the Lord is our helper and protector, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, may the blessed feast of Your Martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras fire us with zeal to serve You more worthily. Through Our Lord . . .
 
Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . . 

LESSON Wisdom 5:1-5
Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labours. These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation, Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: "These are they, whom we had sometime in derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honour. Behold, how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints."

Alleluia, alleluia
V. Here was true brotherliness which overcame the sinfulness of the world and followed Christ to attain the glorious kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!
V. The white-robed army of martyrs tenders You praise, O Lord. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 4:46-53
At that time, there was a certain ruler, whose son was sick at Capharnaum. He having heard that Jesus was come from Judea into Galilee, sent to him and prayed him to come down and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him: "Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not." The ruler saith to him: "Lord, come down before that my son die." Jesus saith to him: "Go thy way. Thy son liveth." The man believed the word which Jesus said to him and went his way. And as he was going down, his servants met him: and they brought word, saying, that his son lived. He asked therefore of them the hour wherein he grew better. And they said to him: "Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him." The father therefore knew that it was at the same hour that Jesus said to him:"Thy son liveth." And himself believed, and his whole house.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:6
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of saints, alleluia, alleluia!

SECRET 
Be pleased, O Lord, by the witness that the holy Martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras gave to Your holy name. May their deaths make our gifts more acceptable to You and bring us Your unfailing mercy. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . . 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 32:1
Rejoice in the Lord, you just, alleluia! Praise befits the upright, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, may the holy sacrament that we have received make us more acceptable to You through the prayers of Your blessed Martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
Favorably receive our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; may we in our distress be consoled by Thy gifts and grow in love accordingly. Through our Lord . . .