QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY; Commemoration SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA (121 A.D.) Martyrs

 

  

QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY

[Commemoration]

SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Martyrs

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / PURPLE

Excitement and tension are in the prayers and lessons of today's Mass. There is an appreciation of what Christ our Leader must endure for mankind's redemption, and a joy at the sure outcome of His warfare with Satan. We are confident that love will triumph.

Baptism commits everyone to carry a cross, especially the cross of consistent, unobtrusive charity. As Jesus commanded the blind man of Jericho to be brought to Him, so He commands His members to bring to Him those who need Him as their light and their love. We fulfill our own baptismal promises by helping others to renounce Satan and to put on Christ.

INTROIT (Ps. 30:3-4)

Be a God of protection to me, a place of shelter to give me safety. For You are my strength and my refuge; for Your name's sake You will lead me and nourish me.
Ps. 30:2. In You, O Lord, have I hoped; let me never to be put to shame. In Your justice rescue me and set me free.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

Hear our prayers, we beg You, O Lord. Free us from the slavery of our sins, and protect us against all adversity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

 

Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Faustinus, a priest and Jovita, a deacon, were brothers, born into a family of the nobility in Brescia, Italy. They preached the Christian religion openly during the persecution under the Emperor Hadrian. When neither threats nor torments could shake their fidelity to Christ, Hadrian ordered their beheading about the year 121.

The two brothers were sent to the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but four of those came out and lay down at their feet. They were left without food in a dark jail cell, but Angels brought them strength and joy for new combats. The flames of a huge fire respected them, and a large number of spectators were converted at the sight. Finally sentenced to decapitation, they knelt down and received the death blow. The city of Brescia honors them as its chief patrons and possesses their relics, and a very ancient church in that city bears their names.

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

 

EPISTLE (I Cor. 13:1-13)

Brethren: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up, Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil: Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth: Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part: and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known. And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.

GRADUAL (Ps. 76:15, 16)

You are the God who alone works wonders; You have made known Your power among the nations. V. With Your strong are You have freed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.

TRACT (Ps. 99:1-2)

Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; serve the Lord with gladness. V. Come before Him with joyful song. Know that the Lord is God. V. He made us, not we ourselves; and we are His people, the flock He tends.

GOSPEL (Luke 18:31-43)

At that time, Jesus took unto him the twelve and said to them: "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man. For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles and shall be mocked and scourged and spit upon. And after they have scourged him, they will put him to death. And the third day he shall rise again."

And they understood none of these things, and this word was hid from them: and they understood not the things that were said.
Now it came to pass, when he drew nigh to Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the way side, begging. And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me."
And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out much more: "Son of David, have mercy on me."
And Jesus standing, commanded him to be brought unto him. And when he was come near, he asked him, Saying; "What wilt thou that I do to thee?" But he said: "Lord, that I may see." And Jesus said to him: "Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made thee whole." And immediately he saw and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 

CREED

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 118:12-13)

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your commandments. With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of your mouth.

SECRET

May this offering cleanse us from our sins, O Lord, and may it sanctify Your servants in body and soul for the celebration of this sacrifice. Through Our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
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 help us. Through Our Lord . . . 

 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Ps. 77:29-30)

They ate, and were well filled, and the Lord gave them what they craved. They were not cheated of their desires.

POSTCOMMUNION

Almighty God, we pray that the reception of this Bread of Heaven may strengthen us against all adversity. Through Our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. Help us also through the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. 

Feb. 15 Our Lady's Saturday - Sanctae Mariae Sabbato; SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA, Martyrs (121 A.D.)

 

Sanctae Mariae Sabbato
OUR LADY'S SATURDAY 

Saints Faustinus & Jovita with the Blessed Virgin Mary and Christ Child. Image via Wikipedia

[Commemoration]
SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Martyrs

IV Class/White

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
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
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 present 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.
R. Amen.

Commemoratio SS. Faustini et Jovitae
Faustinus, a priest and Jovita, a deacon, were brothers, born into a family of the nobility in Brescia, Italy. They preached the Christian religion openly during the persecution under the Emperor Hadrian. When neither threats nor torments could shake their fidelity to Christ, Hadrian ordered their beheading about the year 121.

The two brothers were sent to the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but four of those came out and lay down at their feet. They were left without food in a dark jail cell, but Angels brought them strength and joy for new combats. The flames of a huge fire respected them, and a large number of spectators were converted at the sight. Finally sentenced to decapitation, they knelt down and received the death blow. The city of Brescia honors them as its chief patrons and possesses their relics, and a very ancient church in that city bears their names.

O God, Who gladden us each year by the feast of Your holy Martyrs, Faustinus and Jovita, graciously grant that, as we rejoice in their merits, we may be inspired by their example.
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.

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.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual
Blessed and venerable are you, O Virgin Mary, who, with unsullied virginity, were found to be the Mother of the Saviour.
℣. O Virgin, Mother of God, He Whom the whole world does not contain, becoming man, shut Himself in your womb. Alleluia, alleluia.
Num 17:8
The rod of Jesse has blossomed: a Virgin has brought forth God and man: God has given peace, reconciling in Himself the lowest with the highest. Alleluia.

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.

Offertory
You are happy, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise; since out of you has risen the sun of justice, Christ our God.

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.
R. Amen.

Commemoratio SS. Faustini et Jovitae
O Lord, heed our prayers which we pour forth on the feast of Your saints; so that we who cannot rely on our own righteousness may be helped by the merits of those who have been pleasing to You.
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.
R. Amen.

49

Communion
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the eternal Father.

Post Communion
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
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.
R. Amen.

Commemoratio SS. Faustini et Jovitae
Filled by these saving sacramental rites, we beseech You, O Lord, that the intercession of those whose festival we celebrate may help us.
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.
R. Amen.

THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY; Commemoration SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA (121 A.D.) Martyrs

 

 

THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

[Commemoration]

SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Martyrs

SIMPLE / PURPLE
Everyone owes God the homage of looking to Him as the source of all things. Everyone must express this homage, both in private prayer and in corporate worship. Both private and public prayer should embrace all mankind, so that men of every race will come to offer God the homage of prayer and receive from Him the graces of spiritual rebirth, of final perseverance, and of every needed blessing. Today's Mass indicates that all prayer is to be offered with simplicity, with complete confidence, and with deep humility.
 
 Introit
Ps 54:17, 19-20, 23.
When I called upon the Lord, He heard my voice from those who war against me; and He humbled them, Who is before all ages and remains forever. Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will support you.
Ps 54:2
Hearken, O God, to my prayer; turn not away from my pleading; give heed to me, and answer 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.
When I called upon the Lord, He heard my voice from those who war against me; and He humbled them, Who is before all ages and remains forever. Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will support you.

Collect
O God, offended by sin, and appeased by penitence, graciously hear the prayers of Your people as they entreat You to turn away from us the scourges of anger that we have deserved because of our sins.
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 SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Faustinus, a priest and Jovita, a deacon, were brothers, born into a family of the nobility in Brescia, Italy. They preached the Christian religion openly during the persecution under the Emperor Hadrian. When neither threats nor torments could shake their fidelity to Christ, Hadrian ordered their beheading about the year 121.

The two brothers were sent to the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but four of those came out and lay down at their feet. They were left without food in a dark jail cell, but Angels brought them strength and joy for new combats. The flames of a huge fire respected them, and a large number of spectators were converted at the sight. Finally sentenced to decapitation, they knelt down and received the death blow. The city of Brescia honors them as its chief patrons and possesses their relics, and a very ancient church in that city bears their names.

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

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Isaias
Isa 38:1-6
In those days, when Ezechia was mortally ill, the prophet Isaiah, son of Amos, came and said to him; Thus says the Lord: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you shall not recover. Then Ezechia turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord: O Lord, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in Your presence, doing what was pleasing to You! And Ezechia wept bitterly. Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: Go, tell Ezechia: ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life. I will rescue you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; I will be a shield to this city, says the Lord almighty.

Gradual
Ps 54:23, 17-19.
Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will support you.
V. When I called upon the Lord, He heard my voice from those who war against me.

GOSPEL

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt. 8:5-13
At that time, when Jesus had entered Capharnaum, there came to Him a centurion, who entreated Him, saying, Lord, my servant is lying sick in the house, paralyzed, and is grievously afflicted. Jesus said to him, I will come and cure him. But in answer the centurion said, Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, and have soldiers subject to me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. And when Jesus heard this, He marveled, and said to those who were following Him, Amen I say to you, I have not found such great faith in Israel. And I tell you that many will come from the east and from the west, and will feast with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom will be put forth into the darkness outside; there will be the weeping, and the gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to the centurion, Go your way; as you have believed, so be it done to you. And the servant was healed in that hour.

Secret
O Lord, we beseech You to look with favor upon these offerings before You, and may they be profitable to our devotion as well as to our salvation.
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 SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
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 help us. Through Our Lord . . .
 
Communion
Ps 50:21
You shall be pleased with due sacrifices, burnt offerings and holocausts on Your altar, O Lord.

Post Communion
We humbly beseech You, almighty God, that, having received the blessing of Your heavenly gift, it may be for us the source of sacramental grace and of salvation.
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 SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. Help us also through the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

 

Prayer over the people
Spare, O Lord, spare Your people, that, being chastened with well-deserved scourging, they may find relief through Your compassion.
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.

Feb. 15 Feria IV Sexagesimæ; Commemoration SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA (121 A.D.) Martyrs

 

[Commemoration]

SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED

INTROIT Ps. 43:23-26

Awake! Why are you asleep, O Lord? Arise! Cast us not off forever! Why do you hide your face and forget our troubles? Our bodies are pressed to the earth. Arise, O Lord, help us, and free us!
Ps. 43:2. O God, our ears have heard, our fathers have spoken to us.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, You see that we place no trust in our ability and actions. May the prayers of the Doctor of the Gentiles defend us against all adversity. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Faustinus, a priest and Jovita, a deacon, were brothers, born into a family of the nobility in Brescia, Italy. They preached the Christian religion openly during the persecution under the Emperor Hadrian. When neither threats nor torments could shake their fidelity to Christ, Hadrian ordered their beheading about the year 121.

The two brothers were sent to the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but four of those came out and lay down at their feet. They were left without food in a dark jail cell, but Angels brought them strength and joy for new combats. The flames of a huge fire respected them, and a large number of spectators were converted at the sight. Finally sentenced to decapitation, they knelt down and received the death blow. The city of Brescia honors them as its chief patrons and possesses their relics, and a very ancient church in that city bears their names.

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

EPISTLE II Cor. 11:19-33; 12:1-9

Brethren: For you gladly suffer the foolish: whereas yourselves are wise. For you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face.

I seek according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly), I dare also. They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are the seed of Abraham: so am I. They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise): I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times did I receive forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods: once I was stoned: thrice I suffered shipwreck: a night and a day I was in the depth of the sea.
In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from false brethren: In labour and painfulness, in much watchings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness: Besides those things which are without: my daily instance, the solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire?

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth that I lie not. At Damascus, the governor of the nation under Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes, to apprehend me. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall: and so escaped his hands. If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ: above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth), such a one caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth): That he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words which it is not granted to man to utter.

For such an one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing but in my infirmities. For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.
And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me. For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me. And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

GRADUAL Ps. 82:19, 14

Let the nations know that You whose name is God, alone are the Most High over all the earth.
V. O my God, whirl them about like chaff before the wind!

TRACT Ps. 59:4, 6

You have shaken the earth, O Lord, and thrown it into confusion.
V. Repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering.
V. That they may flee out of bowshot; that Your chosen ones may escape.

GOSPEL Luke 8:4-15

At that time, when a very great multitude was gathered together and hastened out of the cities, unto him, he spoke by a similitude. "The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the way side. And it was trodden down: and the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a rock. And as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns. And the thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon good ground and, being sprung up, yielded fruit a hundredfold." Saying these things, he cried out: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. To whom he said: "To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables, that 'seeing they may not see and hearing may not understand.' Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. And they by the way side are they that hear: then the devil cometh and taketh the word out of their heart, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon the rock are they who when they hear receive the word with joy: and these have no roots: for they believe for a while and in time of temptation they fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they who have heard and, going their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life and yield no fruit. But that on the good ground are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it and bring forth fruit in patience."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 16:5, 6-7

Keep my steps steadfast in Your paths, that my feet may not falter. Incline Your ear and hear my words. Show Your wondrous kindness, O Savior of those who trust in You, O Lord.

SECRET

May the sacrifice we offer You, O Lord, bring us new life and keep us safe. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
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 help us. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 42:4

I will go in to the altar of God, to God who gives joy to my youth.

POSTCOMMUNION
Almighty God, we humbly ask that those who are nourished with Your Sacrament may live a life of worthy service pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. Help us also through the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Feria III Septuagesimæ; SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA, MARTYRS (121 A.D.)

  

[Commemoration]
SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED

Faustinus, a priest and Jovita, a deacon, were brothers, born into a family of the nobility in Brescia, Italy. They preached the Christian religion openly during the persecution under the Emperor Hadrian. When neither threats nor torments could shake their fidelity to Christ, Hadrian ordered their beheading about the year 121.

The two brothers were sent to the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but four of those came out and lay down at their feet. They were left without food in a dark jail cell, but Angels brought them strength and joy for new combats. The flames of a huge fire respected them, and a large number of spectators were converted at the sight. Finally sentenced to decapitation, they knelt down and received the death blow. The city of Brescia honors them as its chief patrons and possesses their relics, and a very ancient church in that city bears their names.

Introit
Ps 17:5-7
The terrors of death surged round me, the cords of the nether world enmeshed me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; from His holy temple He heard my voice.
Ps 17:2-3
I love You, O Lord, my strength, O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
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 terrors of death surged round me, the cords of the nether world enmeshed me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; from His holy temple He heard my voice.

COLLECT
O Lord, we beseech You, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who are justly punished for our sins may be mercifully delivered for the glory of Your name.
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 SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

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

Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
1 Cor. 9:24-27; 10:1-5
Brethren: Do you not know that those who run in a race, all indeed run, but one receives the prize? So run as to obtain it. And everyone in a contest abstains from all things - and they indeed to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable. I, therefore, so run as not without a purpose; I so fight as not beating the air; but I chastise my body and bring it into subjection, lest perhaps after preaching to others I myself should be rejected. For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, all were baptized in Moses, in the cloud and in the sea. And all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink for they drank from the spiritual rock which followed them, and the rock was Christ. Yet with most of them God was not well pleased.

Gradual
Ps 9:10-11; 9:19-20
A helper in due time in tribulation. Let them trust in thee who know thy name: for thou hast not forsaken them that seek thee, O Lord.
For the poor man shall not be forgotten to the end: the patience of the poor shall not perish for ever. Arise, O Lord, let not man be strengthened.
Ps 129:1-4
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice!
V. Let Your ears be attentive to the prayer of Your servant.
V. If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand it?
V. But with You is forgiveness, and by reason of Your law I have waited for You, O Lord.

GOSPEL
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 20:1-16
At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a householder who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. And having agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And about the third hour, he went out and saw others standing in the market place idle; and he said to them, ‘Go you also into the vineyard, and I will give you whatever is just.’ So they went. And again he went out about the sixth, and about the ninth hour, and did as before. But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing about and he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day idle?’ They said to him, ‘Because no man has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘Go you also into the vineyard.’ But when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers, and pay them their wages, beginning from the last even to the first.’ Now when they of the eleventh hour came, they received each a denarius. And when the first in their term came, they thought that they would receive more; but they also received each his denarius. And on receiving it, they began to murmur against the householder, saying, ‘These last have worked a single hour, and you have put them on a level with us, who have borne the burden of the day’s heat.’ But answering one of them, he said, ‘Friend, I do you no injustice; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go; I choose to give to this last even as to you. Have I not a right to do what I choose? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ Even so the last shall be first, and the first last; for many are called, but few are chosen.

SECRET
Since You have accepted our gifts and our prayers, we beseech You, O Lord, to cleanse us by this heavenly sacrament and mercifully to hear us.
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 SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
 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 help us. Through Our Lord . . .

49

Communion
Ps 30:17-18
Let Your face shine upon Your servant; save me in Your kindness. O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon You.

POSTCOMMUNION
May Your faithful people, O God, be strengthened by Your gifts; that by receiving them, they may still desire them, and by desiring them, may evermore receive them.
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 SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
 We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. Help us also through the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA, MARTYRS (121 A.D.)

 

  

Saints Faustinus & Jovita with the Blessed Virgin Mary and Christ Child. Image via Wikipedia

[Commemoration]
SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Martyrs

SIMPLE/RED

Faustinus, a priest and Jovita, a deacon, were brothers, born into a family of the nobility in Brescia, Italy. They preached the Christian religion openly during the persecution under the Emperor Hadrian. When neither threats nor torments could shake their fidelity to Christ, Hadrian ordered their beheading about the year 121.

The two brothers were sent to the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but four of those came out and lay down at their feet. They were left without food in a dark jail cell, but Angels brought them strength and joy for new combats. The flames of a huge fire respected them, and a large number of spectators were converted at the sight. Finally sentenced to decapitation, they knelt down and received the death blow. The city of Brescia honors them as its chief patrons and possesses their relics, and a very ancient church in that city bears their names.

Introit
Ps 96:7-8
Adore God, all you His angels: Sion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Juda rejoiced.
Ps 96:1
The Lord has reigned; let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.
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.
Adore God, all you His angels: Sion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Juda rejoiced.

COLLECT
 O Lord, we beseech You to keep Your household continually under Your mercy: that as it leans only upon the hope of Your heavenly grace, so it may always be protected by Your mighty power.
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.
R. Amen.

Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

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

Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
1 Cor. 13:1-13
Brethren: If I should speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, yet do not have charity, I am nothing. And if I distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, yet do not have charity, it profits me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind; charity does not envy, is not pretentious, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, is not self-seeking, is not provoked; thinks no evil, does not rejoice over wickedness, but rejoices with the truth; bears with all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Charity never fails, whereas prophecies will disappear, and tongues will cease, and knowledge will be destroyed. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect has come, that which is imperfect will be done away with. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away the things of a child. We see now through a mirror in an obscure manner, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know even as I have been known. So there abide faith, hope and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
R. Thanks be to God.
 

Graduale & Tractus
Ps 76:15-16
You are the God Who alone works wonders; among the peoples You have made known Your power.
V. With Your strong arm You delivered Your people, the sons of Israel and Joseph.

Gospel

Continuation ✠ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 18:31-43
At that time, Jesus taking to Himself the Twelve said to them, Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that have been written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and scourged and spit upon; and after they have scourged Him, they will put Him to death; and on the third day He will rise again. And they understood none of these things and this saying was hidden from them, neither did they get to know the things that were being said. Now it came to pass as He drew near to Jericho, that a certain blind man was sitting by the wayside, begging; but hearing a crowd passing by, he inquired what this might be. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! And they who went in front angrily tried to silence him. But he cried out all the louder, Son of David, have mercy on me! Then Jesus stopped and commanded that he should be brought to Him. And when he drew near, He asked him, saying, What would you have Me do for you? And he said, Lord, that I may see. And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight, your faith has saved you. And at once he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people upon seeing it gave praise to God.
 

Offertory
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Ps 118:12-13
Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. With my lips I declare all the ordinances of Your mouth.

  

Secret
May these offerings, O Lord, we beseech You, wash away our sins; may it sanctify the bodies and souls of Your servants for the celebration of this sacrifice.
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.
R. Amen.

 

 Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
 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 help us. Through Our Lord . . .

Communion
Ps 77:29-30
They ate and were wholly surfeited; the Lord had brought them what they craved: they were not defrauded of that which they craved.

 

Post Communion
We beseech You, almighty God, that we who have received the Bread of heaven, may by it be protected from all adversity.
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.
R. Amen.

 
Commemoration of SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA
 We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. Help us also through the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Feb. 16 Our Lady's Saturday - Sanctae Mariae Sabbato; SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA, Martyrs

Sanctae Mariae Sabbato
OUR LADY'S SATURDAY 

Saints Faustinus & Jovita with the Blessed Virgin Mary and Christ Child. Image via Wikipedia

[Commemoration]
SAINTS FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA

Martyrs

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.

 Collect
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
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 present 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.
R. Amen.

Commemoratio SS. Faustini et Jovitae
Faustinus, a priest and Jovita, a deacon, were brothers, born into a family of the nobility in Brescia, Italy. They preached the Christian religion openly during the persecution under the Emperor Hadrian. When neither threats nor torments could shake their fidelity to Christ, Hadrian ordered their beheading about the year 121.

The two brothers were sent to the amphitheater to be devoured by lions, but four of those came out and lay down at their feet. They were left without food in a dark jail cell, but Angels brought them strength and joy for new combats. The flames of a huge fire respected them, and a large number of spectators were converted at the sight. Finally sentenced to decapitation, they knelt down and received the death blow. The city of Brescia honors them as its chief patrons and possesses their relics, and a very ancient church in that city bears their names.

O God, Who gladden us each year by the feast of Your holy Martyrs, Faustinus and Jovita, graciously grant that, as we rejoice in their merits, we may be inspired by their example.
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.

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.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual

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

Gospel
 

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.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
S. By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out.

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.
R. Amen.

Commemoratio SS. Faustini et Jovitae
O Lord, heed our prayers which we pour forth on the feast of Your saints; so that we who cannot rely on our own righteousness may be helped by the merits of those who have been pleasing to You.
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.
R. Amen.

49

Communion

Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the eternal Father.

Post Communion
P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
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.
R. Amen.

Commemoratio SS. Faustini et Jovitae
Filled by these saving sacramental rites, we beseech You, O Lord, that the intercession of those whose festival we celebrate may help us.
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.
R. Amen.