SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA (303 A.D.) Martyrs; Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

The martyrdom of Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia.
From a 14th century manuscript.

SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
Martyrs

 Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

SIMPLE / RED

Vitus, born of an illustrious Sicilian family, was arrested with his tutor and his nurse. After many sufferings, they were martyred A.D. 303. In the Middle Ages St. Vitus was declared one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and came to be considered as the special patron of those inflicted with nervous disorders.

INTROIT Ps. 33:20-21

Many were the troubles of the just men, but out of them all the Lord delivered them. The Lord watches over all their bones; not one of them shall be broken.

Ps. 33:2. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth.

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

Grant to Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, not to be highminded, but to advance in that humility which is pleasing in Thy sight, that despising such things as be evil, she may practice with overflowing charity whatsoever things are right. Through our Lord . . . 

LESSON Wisdom 3:1-8

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them.

In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery:

And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust, he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.

GRADUAL Ps. 149:5, 1

The Saints shall rejoice in glory; they shall shout for joy on their couches.

V. Sing a new song to the Lord; let His praise resound in the assembly of the Saints.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 144:10-11

Let Your Saints bless You, O Lord, let them tell of the glory of Your kingdom. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 10:16-20

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "He that heareth you heareth me: and he that despiseth you despiseth me: and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me." And the seventy-two returned with joy, saying: "Lord, the devils also are subject to us in thy name." And he said to them: "I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven. Behold, I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall hurt you. But yet rejoice not in this, that spirits are subject unto you: but rejoice in this, that your names are written in heaven." 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 67:36

God is wonderful in His Saints. The God of Israel Himself gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!

SECRET

As the gifts we lay before Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints, bear witness to the glory of Thy divine power, so may they win for us the fruit of Thy salvation. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Sap. 3:1-2, 3

The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they appeared to perish, but they are in peace.

POSTCOMMUNION

We who are filled with Thy solemn blessing, beseech Thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, the healing virtue of the Sacrament may benefit both body and soul. Through our Lord . . .

EMBER SATURDAY AFTER PENTECOST; SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA (303 A.D.) Martyrs

EMBER SATURDAY AFTER

PENTECOST

 

The martyrdom of Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia.
From a 14th century manuscript.

SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND 
CRESCENTIA
Martyrs 

DOUBLE / RED
Pentecost is the climax of Easter, and this is the last day of the Easter season. The extra lessons in today's Mass allow for the conferring of one of the four minor orders or one of the three major orders after each lesson. Priesthood is conferred before the last verse of the Sequence. The ordained priest combines in himself the powers and the responsibilities of each distinct order.

INTROIT Rom. 5:5
The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, alleluia! by His Spirit dwelling within us, alleluia, alleluia!  
Ps. 102:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, graciously fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit, who wisely created us and so carefully governs us. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT VITUS AND COMPANIONS
Vitus, born of an illustrious Sicilian family, was arrested with his tutor and his nurse. After many sufferings, they were martyred A.D. 303. In the Middle Ages St. Vitus was declared one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and came to be considered as the special patron of those inflicted with nervous disorders.

Grant to Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, not to be highminded, but to advance in that humility which is pleasing in Thy sight, that despising such things as be evil, she may practice with overflowing charity whatsoever things are right. Through our Lord . . .  

FIRST LESSON Joel 2:28-32
Thus says the Lord God: "I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Moreover, upon my servants and handmaids in those days I will pour forth my spirit. And I will shew wonders in heaven; and in earth, blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood: before the great and dreadful day of the Lord doth come. And it shall come to pass, that every one that shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved."

ALLELUIA! V. John 6:64
It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing.

May the Holy Spirit, O Lord, influence us with that same fire which Our Lord Jesus Christ sent upon the earth to burn brightly; who lives and rules with You, in the unity of the same Holy Spirit.

SECOND LESSON Lev. 23:9-11, 15-17, 21
In those days, the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: 'When you shall have entered into the land which I will give you, and shall reap your corn, you shall bring sheaves of ears, the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. Who shall lift up the sheaf before the Lord, the next day after the sabbath, that it may be acceptable for you, and shall sanctify it. You shall count therefore from the morrow after the sabbath, wherein you offered the sheaf of firstfruits, seven full weeks. Even unto the morrow after the seventh week be expired, that is to say, fifty days: and so you shall offer a new sacrifice to the Lord. Out of all your dwellings, two loaves of the firstfruits, of two tenths of flour leavened, which you shall bake for the firstfruits of the Lord. And you shall call this day most solemn, and most holy. You shall do no servile work therein. It shall be an everlasting ordinance in all your dwellings and generations.' " says the Lord Almighty.

ALLELUIA! V. Job 26:13
His Spirit has adorned the heavens.

O God, who commanded us to discipline our bodies by fasting in order to heal our souls, grant that we may always be ardently attached to You in body and soul. Through our Lord . . .

THIRD LESSON Deut. 26:1-3, 7-11
In those days, Moses said to the children of Israel: "Hear, O Israel, the things that I command you today. When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God will give thee to possess, and hast conquered it, and dwellest in it: Thou shalt take the first of all thy fruits, and put them in a basket, and shalt go to the place which the Lord thy God shall choose, that his name may be invocated there: And thou shalt go to the priest that shall be in those days, and say to him: 'I profess this day before the Lord thy God, who heard us, and looked down upon our affliction, and labour, and distress: And brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand, and a stretched out arm, with great terror, with signs and wonders: And brought us into this place, and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey. And therefore now I offer the firstfruits of the land which the Lord hath given me.' And thou shalt leave them in the sight of the Lord thy God, adoring the Lord thy God. And thou shalt feast in all the good things which the Lord thy God hath given thee."

ALLELUIA! V. Acts 2:1
When the days of Pentecost were drawing to a close, they were all sitting together. 

FOURTH LESSON Lev. 26:3-12
In those days, the Lord said to Moses: "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them from Me 'If you walk in my precepts, and keep my commandments, and do them, I will give you rain in due seasons. And the ground shall bring forth its increase: and the trees shall be filled with fruit. The threshing of your harvest shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land without fear. I will give peace in your coasts: you shall sleep, and there shall be none to make you afraid. I will take away evil beasts: and the sword shall not pass through your quarters. You shall pursue your enemies: and they shall fall before you. Five of yours shall pursue a hundred others: and a hundred of you ten thousand. Your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. I will look on you, and make you increase: you shall be multiplied, and I will establish my covenant with you. You shall eat the oldest of the old store: and, new coming on, you shall cast away the old. I will set my tabernacle in the midst of you: and my soul shall not cast you off. I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be My people,' " says the Lord Almighty.

ALLELUIA! (All kneel.) V.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.

O Almighty God, grant that by abstaining from food we may also abstain from sin that surrounds us. Through our Lord . . .

FIFTH LESSON Dan. 3:47-51
In those days, the angel of the Lord went down with Azarias and his companions into the furnace: and he drove the flame of the fire out of the furnace, And made the midst of the furnace like the blowing of a wind bringing dew. And the flame mounted up above the furnace nine and forty cubits; and it broke forth, and burnt such of the Chaldeans as it found near the furnace, the servants of the king, who were heating it and the fire touched them not at all, nor troubled them, nor did them any harm. Then these three, as with one mouth, praised and glorified and blessed God, in the furnace, saying:
The response Deo gratis is not made.

ALLELUIA! V. Dan. 3:52
Blessed are You, O Lord the God of our fathers, and worthy of praise forever. 

O God, who protected the three young men from the flames of fire, grant that the flames of sin may not consume us, Your servants. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Rom. 5:1-5
Brethren: Having been justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access through faith into this grace wherein we stand: and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God. And not only so: but we glory also in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience trial; and trial hope; And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost who is given to us. 

TRACT Ps. 116:1-2
Praise the Lord, all you nations; praise Him in unison, all you peoples!
V. For His mercy is steadfast toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever.

SEQUENCE
Holy Spirit, come and shine  
On our souls with beams divine
Issuing from your radiance bright.

Come, O Father of the poor,
Ever bounteous of your store,
Come, our heart's unfailing light.

Come, Consoler, kindest, best,
Come our bosom's dearest guest,
Sweet refreshment, sweet repose. 

Rest in labor, coolness sweet, 
Tempering the burning heat,
Truest comfort of our woes.

O divinest light, impart
Unto every faithful heart
Plenteous streams from love's bright flood.

But for your blest Deity,
Nothing pure in man could be;  
Nothing harmless, nothing good.

Wash away each sinful stain;
Gently shed your gracious rain
On the dry and fruitless soul.

Heal each wound and bend each will,
Warm our hearts benumbed and chill,
All our wayward steps control.

U nto all your faithful just,
Who in you confide and trust,
Deign the sevenfold gift to send.

Grant us virtue's blest increase, 
Grant a death of hope and peace,
Grant the joys that never end.
Amen.

GOSPEL  Luke 4:38-44
At that time, Jesus rising up out of the synagogue, went into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever: and they besought him for her. And standing over her, he commanded the fever: and it left her. And immediately rising, she ministered to them. And when the sun was down, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them to him. But he, laying his hands on every one of them, healed them. And devils went out from many, crying out and saying: "Thou art the son of God." And rebuking them he suffered them not to speak; for they knew that he was Christ. And when it was day, going out he went into a desert place: and the multitudes sought him, and came unto him. And they stayed him that should not depart from them. To whom he said: "To other cities also I must preach the kingdom of God: for therefore am I sent." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee. 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 87:2-3 
O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out by day and by night in Your presence. Let my prayer come before You, O Lord, alleluia!

SECRET
May our hearts, which we offer You, O Lord, be made clean by this sacred rite, so that our fasting may also become acceptable to You. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT VITUS AND COMPANIONS 
As the gifts we lay before Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints, bear witness to the glory of Thy divine power, so may they win for us the fruit of Thy salvation. Through our Lord . . .
 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 3:8
The wind blows where it will, and you hear its sound, alleluia, alleluia! but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 

POSTCOMMUNION  
O Lord, may Your Sacrament fill us with holy fervor so that we may delight in the celebration and grace of this Sacred Rite. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT VITUS AND COMPANIONS 
We who are filled with Thy solemn blessing, beseech Thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, the healing virtue of the Sacrament may benefit both body and soul. Through our Lord . . .

 

Ordination of a subdeacon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

EMBER WEDNESDAY AFTER

PENTECOST

The martyrdom of Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia.
From a 14th century manuscript.

SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
Martyrs

DOUBLE/RED
During these Ember Days every Christian should beg a blessing upon the new planting and sowing of crops that will feed the earth's millions. Everyone should also offer to God the first fruits of the spring harvest. Moreover, this is a time to pray for the deacons who will be ordained to the priesthood on the coming Saturday.

INTROIT Ps. 67:8, 9O God, when You went forth at the head of Your people, marching with them and dwelling among them, alleluia! the earth trembled and the skies dripped with rain, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 67:2. Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee before Him.
V. Glory be . . .

LET US PRAY:
May the Holy Comforter, who proceeds from You, O Lord, enlighten our minds and guide us in all truth, as Your Son has promised; who lives and rules with You in the unity of the same Holy Spirit . . .

LESSON Acts 2:14-21
In those days, Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke to them: "Ye men of Judea, and all you that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known to you and with your ears receive my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day: But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel: 'And it shall come to pass, in the last days, (saith the Lord), I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And upon my servants indeed and upon my handmaids will I pour out in those days of my spirit: and they shall prophesy. And I will shew wonders in the heaven above, and signs on the earth beneath: blood and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and manifest day of the Lord to come. And it shalt come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "

Alleluia! V. Ps. 32:6
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all the celestial bodies thereof were created.

COLLECT
Almighty and merciful God, grant that the Holy Spirit may come and dwell in us, that we may be a temple of His glory. Through our Lord . . .


Commemoration of SAINT VITUS AND COMPANIONS
 Vitus, born of an illustrious Sicilian family, was arrested with his tutor and his nurse. After many sufferings, they were martyred A.D. 303. In the Middle Ages St. Vitus was declared one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and came to be considered as the special patron of those inflicted with nervous disorders.

Grant to Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, not to be highminded, but to advance in that humility which is pleasing in Thy sight, that despising such things as be evil, she may practice with overflowing charity whatsoever things are right. Through our Lord . . . 
 
LESSON Acts 5:12-16
In those days, by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. But of the rest no man durst join himself unto them: but the people magnified them. And the multitude of men and women who believed in the Lord was more increased: Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that, when Peter came, his shadow at the least might overshadow any of them and they might be delivered from their infirmities. And there came also together to Jerusalem a multitude out of the neighbouring cities, bringing sick persons and such as were troubled with unclean spirits: who were all healed.

Alleluia, alleluia! (Here all kneel.)
V. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.
 

SEQUENCE
Holy Spirit, come and shine
On our souls with beams divine
Issuing from your radiance bright.
Come, O Father of the poor,
Ever bounteous of your store,
Come, our heart's unfailing light.

Come, Consoler, kindest, best,
Come our bosom's dearest guest,
Sweet refreshment, sweet repose.
Rest in labor, coolness sweet,
Tempering the burning heat,
Truest comfort of our woes.

O divinest light, impart
Unto every faithful heart
Plenteous streams from love's bright flood.
But for your blest Deity,
Nothing pure in man could be;
Nothing harmless, nothing good.

Wash away each sinful stain;
Gently shed your gracious rain
On the dry and fruitless soul.
Heal each wound and bend each will,
Warm our hearts benumbed and chill,
All our wayward steps control.

Unto all your faithful just,
Who in you confide and trust,
Deign the sevenfold gift to send.
Grant us virtue's blest increase,
Grant a death of hope and peace,
Grant the joys that never end.
Amen. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 6:44-52
At that time, Jesus said to the Jews: "No man can come to me, except the Father, who hath sent me, draw him. And I will raise him up in the last day. It is written in the prophets: 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Every one that hath heard of the Father and hath learned cometh forth me. Not that any man hath seen the Father: but he who is of God, he hath seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say unto you: He that believeth in me hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the desert: and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven: that if any man eat of it, he may not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 118:47-48
I will meditate on Your commandments, which I love dearly; and I will lift up my hands to Your commands, which I cherish, alleluia!

SECRET 
Accept the gifts we offer You, O Lord, and grant that the celebration of these sacred rites may be reflected in our holy lives. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT VITUS AND COMPANIONS


As the gifts we lay before Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints, bear witness to the glory of Thy divine power, so may they win for us the fruit of Thy salvation. Through our Lord . . .
 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, alleluia! My peace I give to you, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
We have received the Sacrament of Heaven, O Lord. We now humbly beg that the sacred rite, which we have celebrated, may be our joy for all eternity. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT VITUS AND COMPANIONS
We who are filled with Thy solemn blessing, beseech Thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, the healing virtue of the Sacrament may benefit both body and soul. Through our Lord . . .

The martyrdom of Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia.
From a 14th century manuscript.

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
Martyrs

DOUBLE / GREEN
INTROIT Ps. 26:7-9
Hear, O Lord, my voice with which I have cried to Thee, be Thou my helper, forsake me not, do not Thou despise me, O God, my Savior.
Ps. 26:1. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, who hast prepared for them that love Thee such good things as pass understanding, pour into our hearts such love towards Thee, that we, loving Thee in all things and above all things, may obtain Thy promises which exceed all that we can desire. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
Vitus, born of an illustrious Sicilian family, was arrested with his tutor and his nurse. After many sufferings, they were martyred A.D. 303. In the Middle Ages St. Vitus was declared one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and came to be considered as the special patron of those inflicted with nervous disorders.

Grant to Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, not to be highminded, but to advance in that humility which is pleasing in Thy sight, that despising such things as be evil, she may practice with overflowing charity whatsoever things are right. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 3:8-15
Dearly beloved: Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble: Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing. For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him decline from evil and do good: Let him seek after peace and pursue it: Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers but the countenance of the Lord upon them that do evil things. And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good? But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear: and be not troubled. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.

GRADUAL Ps. 86:10, 9
Behold, O God our protector, and look on Thy servants.
V. O Lord God of hosts, give ear to the prayers of Thy servants.

Alleluia, alleluia! Ps. 20:1
In Thy strength, O Lord, the king shall joy, and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 5:20-24
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "Unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to them of old: 'Thou shalt not kill.' And whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee; Leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother, and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 15:7, 8
I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding. I set God always in my sight; for He is at my right hand, that I be not moved.

SECRET
Be merciful, O Lord, to our humble pleading, and favorably receive these offerings of Thy servants and handmaidens, that what each of us has offered to the honor of Thy Name, may profit us all unto salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
As the gifts we lay before Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints, bear witness to the glory of Thy divine power, so may they win for us the fruit of Thy salvation. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 26:4
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

POSTCOMMUNION
Grant, O Lord, we beseech Thee, that we whom Thou hast fed with the heavenly Gift, may be cleansed from our hidden sins and delivered from the snares of our enemies. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND CRESCENTIA
We who are filled with Thy solemn blessing, beseech Thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, the healing virtue of the Sacrament may benefit both body and soul. Through our Lord . . .