THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

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

ENTRANCE HYMN John 19:25
There were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother and His mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Salome and Mary Magdalene.
John 19:26, 27. "Woman, behold, thy son," said Jesus; then to the disciple, "Behold, thy mother."
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, in Your passion the prophecy of Simeon was fulfilled that a sword of sorrow should pierce the sweet soul of Your glorious Virgin-Mother Mary. We reverently recall her sufferings and sorrows. Mercifully grant us the fruits of the redemption that was paid for by Your own sufferings; who lives and rules in God the Father . . .

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

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

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

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

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

SEQUENCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord Jesus Christ, we offer You our prayers and sacrifices. May we, who commemorate the piercing of the sweet soul of blessed mary, Your Mother, share the reward of the saints through her loving and constant intercession and the prayers of those who stood with her beside the cross, as well as through Your own meritorious death; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

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

COMMUNION HYMN
Happy the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who without dying earned the palm of martyrdom beneath the cross of our Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord Jesus Christ, may this sacrifice which we have received in memory of the sorrows of Your Virgin-Mother obtain for us from Your mercy every grace and help; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

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

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

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
Continued . . .

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI AND THE MASS

40--What did St. Francis of Assisi think of the Mass?

"St. Francis was on fire with love for the Sacrament of the Lord's Body to the very marrow of his bones," wrote Celano. "And he was struck with amazement in the face of this mercy full of charity, and more especially before this so merciful charity."

Celano does not exaggerate. St. Francis, whose spirituality sprang from a penetrating gaze on the body of Christ, whose loving longing for our love led to a Cross, was bound to make "the Lord's most Sacred Body" the core of his devotion.
While still a pleasure-loving youth, St. Francis had purchased costly vestments and other objects for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice and given them in secret to priests and poor churches. All his life he continued his pious ministry, sending his friars throughout the world with precious vases, with host irons, or with altar linens made by Clare or her daughters.

It was during the celebration of Mass on the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle (February 24, 1208), and through the voice of the priest explaining the Gospel, that Francis received special light from Heaven and an intimation of the necessity of a changed life, and dimly glimpsed the vocation that was to be his.

When prevented by illness or some other circumstance from going to a church or oratory to hear Mass, St. Francis would ask one of his brother priests--Friar Benedict or another--to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice for him in private; because "sick though he was, he always wanted to have or hear Mass said, whenever it was possible to do so." {Mirror of Perfection, 6:87.} If even this consolation was denied him, he would have someone read the Gospel of the day in a Gospel-Book that had been copied by his express order. And he would say: "When I do not hear Mass, I pray and adore the Body of Christ by the look of the heart; just as in the Mass I see and adore Him." {Note of Brother Leo in St. Francis' breviary, preserved in the Basilica of St. Clare. See also Mirror of Perfection, 12:117.}

Effortlessly, Francis poured out at the foot of the altar those effusions of love with which the memory of the Passion and death of Christ inspired him. He, more than all others, found in Holy Mass the authentic and official means of uniting his personal sacrifice to that of the beloved Master.

"Penetrated with the reverence that these dread mysteries deserve, he offered up all his members as a holocaust; and whenever he received the Immolated Lamb, he delivered his his spirit over to those flames with which the altar of his heart was ever aglow." {II Celano, 152.}

Thus, "to let a day pass without hearing at least one mass when one was able to do so, was in his eyes the proof of a grave indifference." {Idem.}
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY

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

ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 44:13, 15, 16
All the rich among the people seek Your favor. Behind her the virgins shall be led to the king; her friends shall be brought to You with gladness and joy.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O Almighty God, Your faithful people rejoice in the protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and delight in her name. Deliver them from all evil here on earth and make them worthy of everlasting happiness in heaven through her loving intercession. Through our Lord . . .

READING Eccli. 24:23-31 [Sirach]
As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour: and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. For my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger: and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me, shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting.

GRADUAL
You are blessed and venerable, O Virgin Mary, for without loss of your virginity you became the Mother of our Savior.
V. O Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world cannot contain enclosed Himself in your womb and was made man.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAINTS PROTUS AND HYACINTH
Martyrs

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

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

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

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

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

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO
Confessor

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

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

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

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SAINT PETER CLAVER
Confessor

SAINT GORGONIUS
Martyr

DOUBLE / GREEN
ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 85:1, 2-3
Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me. Save Your servant who trusts in You. Have pity on me, O Lord, for to You I call all the day.
Ps. 85:4. Gladden the soul of Your servant, for I have lifted up my soul to You, O Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O Lord, let Your abiding mercy purify and defend the Church. Govern her always by Your care, for without Your assistance she cannot remain safe. Through our Lord . . .

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

O God, in order to bring the enslaved negroes the knowledge of Your holy name, You gave blessed Peter the strength to help them through a wondrous love and patience. May we all seek the things that belong to Jesus and in doing so love our neighbors in truth and in deed through the intercession of Your saint.

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

O Lord, may the intercession of saint Gorgonius fill us with joy and may his holy feast be the occasion of happiness for us. Through our Lord . . .

READING Gal. 5:25-26; 6:1-10
Brethren: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be made desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Brethren, and if a man be overtaken in any fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens: and so you shall fulfil the law of Christ. For if any man think himself to be some thing, whereas he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every one prove his own work: and so he shall have glory in himself only and not in another. For every one shall bear his own burden.
And let him that is instructed in the word communicate to him that instructeth him, in all good things. Be not deceived: God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit of the spirit shall reap life everlasting. And in doing good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not failing. Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

GRADUAL Ps. 91:2-3
It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most high.
V. To proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth throughout the night.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 94:3
For the Lord is a great God, and a great king over all the earth. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 7:11-16
At that time, Jesus went into a city that is called Naim: and there went with him his disciples and a great multitude. And when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother: and she was a widow. And a great multitude of the city was with her. Whom when the Lord had seen, being moved with mercy towards her, he said to her: "Weep not." And he came near and touched the bier. And they that carried it stood still. And he said: "Young man, I say to thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and begun to speak. And he gave him to his mother. And there came a fear upon them all: and they glorified God saying: "A great prophet is risen up among us: and, God hath visited his people."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 39:2, 3, 4
I have waited and waited for the Lord, and He inclined toward me and heard my cry. And He out a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, may Your Sacrament safeguard and defend us always against the attacks of the devil. through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER CLAVER
O Lord, may the Victim of love which we offer here in sacrifice obtain mercy for us; and may the prayers and merits of blessed Peter help us toward salvation by making us more patient and charitable.

Commemoration of SAINT GORGONIUS
Be pleased, O Lord, by the offering which we, Your servants, make to You through the intercession of the blessed martyr Gorgonius. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN John 6:52
The Bread that I will give is My flesh for the life of the world.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Let the grace of your Heavenly gift rule our minds and bodies, O Lord, that we may overcome the unruly impulses of our nature. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER CLAVER
Increase in us the effects of Your life-giving love, O Lord, so that after being refreshed by the Food of Heaven we may come to the reward of everlasting life through the intercession of blessed Peter.

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

Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God,
heralded joy to all the world.
For from thou hast risen the Sun of justice,
Christ our God.

Destroying the curse, He gave blessing;
and damning death, He bestowed on us
life everlasting.

Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
For from thou hast risen of Sun of justice,
Christ our God.

­ from The Divine Office - Matins (Morning Prayer)

THE NATIVITY OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SAINT ADRIAN
Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
Mary was born to be the Mother of the Saviour of the world, the spiritual Mother of all men, and the holiest of God's creatures. Because of her Son's infinite merits, she was conceived and born immaculate and full of grace. Through her, Queen of Heaven and of earth, all grace is given to men. Through her, by the will of the Trinity, the unbelieving receive the gift of faith; the afflicted are tendered the works of mercy, and the members of Christ grow in likeness of their Head. In Mary all human nature is exalted. We rejoice in her birthday, as the Church has done from the earliest times.

ENTRANCE HYMN
Hail, holy Mother, who brought froth the king who rules heaven and earth forever and ever.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings, I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
Grant us the gift of Your heavenly peace, O Lord. Let the solemn feast of the Blessed Virgin's nativity establish us more securely in that peace, just as the birth of her Child heralded the beginning of our salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ADRIAN
About the year 303, Adrian, a military officer at the imperial court, was executed at Nicomedia for his fidelity to Christ.

O Almighty God, grant that we who celebrate the birthday of Your blessed martyr Adrian may be made stronger in our love of You through his intercession. Through our Lord . . .

READING Prov. 8:22-35
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made any thing from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old, before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived, neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out. The mountains, with their huge bulk, had not as yet been established: before the hills, I was brought forth: He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world.
When he prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law, and compass, he enclosed the depths: When he established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters: When he compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when he balanced the foundations of the earth; I was with him forming all things: and was delighted every day, playing before him at all times; Playing in the world: and my delights were to be with the children of men.
Now, therefore, ye children, hear me: blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors. He that shall find me, shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord.

GRADUAL
You are blessed and venerable, O Virgin Mary, for without loss of your virginity you became the Mother of our Saviour.
V. O Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world cannot contain enclosed Himself in your womb and was made man.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
Happy are you indeed, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for out of you arose the sun of justice, Christ our Lord. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 1:1-16
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Naasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Urias. And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abia. And Abia begot Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

OFFERTORY HYMN
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who bore the Creator of all things. You brought forth your won Creator, and yet you remain a virgin forever.

SECRET PRAYER
Rescue us, O Lord, through the Incarnation of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who by His birth did not impair the virgin purity of His Mother, but rather sanctified it. May He free us from our sins and make us acceptable to You on this feast of Mary's nativity; who lives and rules with You . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ADRIAN
Accept our offerings and prayers, O Lord. Cleanse us by this heavenly rite, and in Your mercy hear our petitions. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal Father.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We have partaken of Your Sacrament, O Lord, with which we yearly celebrate this feast. May it help us in this life and in the life to come. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ADRIAN
O Lord our God, may we who now joyfully commemorate Your saints on earth rejoice one day with them in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
Continued . . .

39--What warning does the Holy Father give in regard to these means? (Numbers 130, 131.)

"It is likewise to be noted that the attaching to these external things such importance that any should dare to assert their omission to be capable of preventing the holy Action from achieving its end, is to turn aside from right reason and let oneself be guided by erroneous notions."

"For many of the faithful are unable to use the Roman Missal, even when it is translated into their vernacular; nor are all capable of understanding correctly, liturgical rites and formulas. The talents, natures, and minds of men are so varied and different, that all cannot be directed and led in the same manner, by communal prayers, chants, and actions. Furthermore, the needs of souls and their tastes are not the same for all persons; and do not remain the same for each individual. Who, then, would dare to affirm--on the strength of such prejudice--that so many Christians are unable to take part in the Eucharistic Sacrifice and enjoy its benefits? But they may assuredly do so, in some other way that may be easier for them; as, for example, by devoutly meditating on the mysteries of Jesus Christ, or by performing other exercises of piety, or reciting other prayers; which though differing from the sacred ritual in form, nonetheless, correspond with it by their nature."
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]

SAINT CLOUD

Confessor

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE

Grandson of King Clovis and of St. Clotilde of France, Cloud was taken to safety in Provence after his two brothers had been murdered by his ambitious uncles. The young prince then renounced his prospects of an earthly kingdom and devoted himself to the service of God as a monk. In 551, by the earnest request of the people, he was ordained to the priesthood by Eusebius, bishop of Paris. Later he retired to a village near Versailles, where he built and governed a famous monastery.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

PRAYER

O God, blessed Cloud humbled himself in this world for You, but You raised him to the dignity of the priesthood and made him resplendent with virtue. May we follow his example in serving You worthily and may we grow in grace and merit through his prayers. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER

With Your holy priest Cloud, O Lord, we acknowledge that You are the author of our faith and of our salvation. Mercifully accept this Sacrifice of praise from our hands and grant us the same fervor of Your saint in offering homage to You. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

On this feast of Your holy priest Cloud we partake of these Sacred Mysteries and humbly ask, O Lord, that we may elevate our hearts to heaven and count the world well lost for the sake of Your Son, who delivered Himself up for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
Continued . . .

38--What means does the Holy Father propose in numbers 127-129 of Mediator Dei for promoting participation in the Mass by the people?

"Therefore, they are deserving of praise," he writes, "who with a view to facilitating and making more fruitful for the Christian people participation in the Eucharistic Sacrifice, try to place in their hands the Roman Missal; so that the faithful, in union with the priest, may pray with him, using the same words and the very thoughts of the Church. Also deserving of praise are those who strive to make the liturgy--even in its external expression--a holy action, in which those present really take part. This participation may be accomplished in several ways. As, for example, when all the people, in accordance with the rubrics, either respond in a uniform manner to the words of the priest, or sing chants in keeping with the various parts of the Sacrifice; or when they do both. Or finally, in a Solemn mass, when they sing the responses to the prayers of Christ's ministers and take part in the liturgical chant."

"These modes of participation in the Sacrifice are praiseworthy and commendable, when they carefully comply with the precepts of the Church and the norms for sacred ritual. Their chief end is the nourishing and fostering of the devotion of Christians, their intimate union with Christ and His visible minister, and the stimulation of those interior sentiments and dispositions by which our soul must be in conformity with the High Priest of the New Covenant. They show in an outward manner that the Sacrifice, according to its nature (it having been accomplished by the Mediator between God and man) {I Tim. 2:5} should be considered as the work of the whole Mystical Body of Christ. Nevertheless, these exercises are by no means necessary for the constitution of its public and communal character. Furthermore, the dialogued mass cannot take the place of a Solemn mass; which even though celebrated in the presence of the sacred ministers only, enjoys a peculiar dignity, owing to the majesty of the ritual and the pomp of the ceremony. This latter, however, assumes much more solemnity and grandeur, if--in accordance with the desire of the Church--a numerous and devout people are present."
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]

St. Laurence Justinian as Patriarch of Venice

SAINT LAWRENCE JUSTINIAN
Bishop and Confessor

When Lawrence Justinian's father, a Venetian noble of illustrious line, died, his mother of equally distinguished rank and even more distinguished holiness, devoted herself exclusively to bringing up her six young children as good citizens and Christians. Granted a vision of the Eternal Wisdom when he was 19 years old, Lawrence fled from the family mansion and joined the austere community of canons regular of St. George, becoming a priest in 1406. As bishop of Castello ( which included part of Venice), and later patriarch of Venice ( a title created for him by Pope Nicholas V), he changed the face of the diocese, healing political and spiritual strife by prayer, preaching, charity, and the force of his own austerity of life and gentleness of heart. He died in 1455, at 74 years of age.

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except
PRAYER
O Almighty God, grant that our solemn celebration of the feast of Your confessor bishop Lawrence Justinian may increase our devotion and bring us closer to our salvation. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, may Your saints everywhere be a source of joy for us, and may we feel the power of their intercession with You as we solemnly recall the deeds of their lives. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Almighty God, may the expression of our gratitude to You for all Your gifts bring us even greater benefits, through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Lawrence Justinian. Through our Lord . . .

THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

37--How should Mass be heard in order to satisfy the precept?

1. In full. That is from beginning to end.
It is a venial sin to miss voluntarily a non-essential part of the Mass. For instance, from the beginning to the Offertory exclusively; or else everything after Communion. Or, again, if one should miss at the same time everything before the Epistle and after the Communion.
It is a mortal sin to miss voluntarily an essential part of the Mass. For example: if a person were to omit everything before the Offertory and at the same time everything after the Communion; or, again, all of the mass from the commencement to the Offertory exclusively; or else all the part of the Canon up to the Elevation; or from the Consecration to the Pater Noster; or else the Consecration alone.
Whoever misses through his own fault an important part of the mass, is bound to make up this missing part at another Mass heard the same day.

Legitimate excuses. A person is excused from hearing Mass for a weighty or important motive (as would be the case of serious personal illness, or the risk to oneself or to others of spiritual or temporal injury being brought about by illness, distance from church, the duties of one's state in life, etc.) In such a case, the person should unite himself in mind and heart with the Masses being celebrated all over the world, and offer himself through Christ to the Most Holy Trinity.

2. Physically. This means my actual, bodily presence in the place where the Sacrifice is being offered. Thus, I may not satisfy my obligation by following Mass on the radio or my television set. Why not? Because the obligation is one of exterior and social worship, entailing by its nature that the required act should be public. Celebrant and worshipers should form an ensemble, a congregation; in such a way as to enable one to follow the Mass at least in its main divisions.

3. With devotion. The ideal would be to possess the same interior dispositions as Our Lady had on Calvary--to be a"host with the Host," a victim with the Victim! Mary's greatest sacrifice was her consent to the death of her only Son, and what a Son! She did not try to drive back the executioners, the way St. Peter did in a gesture of natural compassion; for she knew that the Crucifixion was the Father's will for His Son. Mary simply conformed to that will! Standing at the foot of the Cross, she endured in her heart all that her Divine Son suffered in His flesh. That is how she became Co-Redemptrix with Christ. . . . If we accept our crosses as the expressed will of our Heavenly Father, we also through the Mass, may become pleasing to God; and like Jesus and Mary, "saviors of souls."

We should show great reverence in our comportment during Mass. We should avoid all conversation, curiosity, or distractions.
We should observe modesty in dress. The church is not a place for staging a style show, still less for displaying unsuitable dress.
Always be punctual.
It is better to wait a few minutes for Mass to begin, than to arrive late. A woman who has invited gusts for dinner, always finds it annoying to see the scrolling in sometimes after the soup has been served! The Church has her "etiquette" too, requiring that the faithful should not be distracted by latecomers.

We should cherish thoughts of love and faith in our hearts. Our Lord is sacrificing Himself for the glory of His Father and for us. He is the Mediator between us and the Father. What confidence we should have in Christ's all-powerful mediation!
Knowledge of God's omnipotence ought to strengthen our trust in Him. And how it should increase at the thought that our Heavenly Father, besides being all-powerful, loves us with boundless love! And who can doubt it? We have but to glance at the Crucifix to find proof of God's incomprehensible love for men! Now Jesus is present during Mass with the same loving sentiments toward His Father and toward each one of us. How great our ingratitude, should our hearts remain cold and insensible!
[From 'Your Mass and Your Life,' to be continued . . .]

SAINT PIUS X
Pope and Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
The future pope and saint, Joseph Sarto was born in poverty in the northern Italian village of Riese in 1835. He was successively curate, parish priest, bishop of Mantua, patriarch of Venice and Pope. As Vicar of Christ (1903-14) he intrepidly defended the purity of Christian doctrine, his one aim being to restore all things in Christ. He returned sacred music to its rightful place in the liturgy; fostered Catholic popular action; directed a codification of Canon Law; urged in his Eucharistic Degrees early and daily Communion; and spent himself to sanctify the Catholic clergy. In his universal charity, Pius X considered it his mission "to have a care, not only for all the faithful, but for every soul for whom Christ died."

ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 88:20-22
I Have raised up a chosen man from My people; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may help him and My arm strengthen him.
Ps. 88:2. The mercies of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my tongue shall proclaim Your faithfulness.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, you filled saint Pius, the supreme pontiff, with the wisdom of heaven and the courage of the apostles in order that he might defend the Catholic faith and restore all things to Christ. May we follow his teaching and example and attain to our eternal reward. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

READING I Thess. 2:2-8
Brethren: We had confidence in our God, to speak unto you the gospel of God in much carefulness. For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deceit. But as we were approved by God that the gospel should be committed to us: even so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who proveth our hearts. For neither have we used at any time the speech of flattery, as you know: nor taken an occasion of covetousness (God is witness): Nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others. Whereas we might have been burdensome to you, as the apostles of Christ: but we became little ones in the midst of you, as if a nurse should cherish her children: So desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls: because you were become most dear unto us.

GRADUAL Ps. 39:10-11
I have declared Your justice in the vast assembly, and behold, O Lord, as you know, I did not restrain my lips.
V. I have not hidden Your justice within my heart, but I have spoken about Your truth and Your salvation.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 22:5-6
You prepare a banquet before me, you anoint my head with oil; my cup is overflowing. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 21:15-17
At that time, Jesus saith to Simon Peter: "Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these?" He saith to him: "Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." He saith to him: "Feed my lambs." He saith to him again: "Simon, son of John, lovest thou me?" He saith to him: "yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." He saith to him: "Feed my lambs." He said to him the third time: "Simon, son of John, lovest thou me?" Peter was grieved because he had said to him the third time: "Lovest thou me?" And he said to him: "Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee." He said to him: "Feed my sheep."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 33:12
Come, children, hear me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, graciously accept our Sacrifice and grant that we may celebrate these divine mysteries with true devotion and receive them in perfect faith through the intercession of blessed Pope Pius. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN John 6:56-57
My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood, abides in Me and I in him.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
We have been strengthened by the food of Your heavenly table, o Lord our God. Make us strong in faith and unite us in love of You through the intercession of blessed Pope Pius. 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.

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SAINT STEPHEN
King, Confessor

DOUBLE / GREEN
ENTRANCE HYMN Ps. 83:10-11
O God, our Protector, look, and gaze upon the face of Your Christ. Better indeed is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.
Ps. 83:2-3. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns and faints for the courts of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
Keep Your Church, O Lord, in Your everlasting mercy. Without Your assistance our human nature is bound to fall, so help us to shun whatever is harmful and guide us towards those things that will aid our salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT STEPHEN
As late as the tenth century the Magyar tribesmen of eastern Europe were still strangers to Christianity. King Stephen (997-1038) summoned missioners from France and Germany to preach the Faith to his subjects, and he himself accompanied the foreign priests on their apostolic journeys. The royal apostle promoted the growth of the Church in his realm so tirelessly that even during his lifetime Hungary developed from a rough mission land into a Christian kingdom. The Holy Father established a Hungarian hierarchy and conferred upon Stephen the title of Apostolic King. Having dedicated his country to Mary, "the Great Lady," King Stephen died in 1038 on the feast of her Assumption.

Almighty God, grant that the blessed confessor Stephen may now defend the Church from his throne in heaven, just as he fostered her growth when he ruled on earth. Through our Lord . . .

READING Gal. 5:16-24
Brethren: Walk in the Spirit: and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit: and the spirit against the flesh: For these are contrary one to another: so that you do not the things that you would. But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest: which are fornication, uncleanness, immodesty, luxury,
Idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, emulations, wraths, quarrels, dissensions, sects, Envies, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, Mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified their flesh, with the vices and concupiscences.


GRADUAL Ps. 117:8-9
It is better to trust in the Lord than to confide in man.
V. It is better to have confidence in the Lord than to rely on princes.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 94:1
Come, let us praise the Lord with joy, let us sing joyfully to God our Saviour. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 6:24-33
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other: or he will sustain the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. "Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat: and the body more than the raiment? Behold the birds of the air, for they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns: and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not you of much more value than they? And which of you by taking thought, can add to his stature one cubit? "And for raiment why are you solicitous? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they labour not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass of the field, which is to day, and to morrow is cast into the oven, God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of little faith? "Be not solicitous therefore, saying: What shall we eat: or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you."

OFFERTORY HYMN Ps. 33:8-9
The Angel of the Lord shall encamp around those who fear him, and shall deliver them. Taste and see how good is the Lord.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, grant that this offering of the Sacrifice of salvation may take away our sins and appease Your majesty. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT STEPHEN
Look graciously upon our offerings, O Almighty God. Grant that we may imitate the selfless sacrifice of Our Lord's Passion which we celebrate in this Sacrificial Rite. Through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN Matt. 6:33
"Seek first the kingdom of God, and all other things shall be given you besides," said the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
May Your Sacrament ever cleanse and strengthen us, O God, and lead us to eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT STEPHEN
Almighty God, may we walk with true devotion in the path of faith of Your blessed confessor Stephen, whose zeal for spreading that faith made him worthy to pass from an earthly kingdom to a glorious throne in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

Bring in traditionalists to save dying parishes, urges bishop


A leading traditionalist bishop has urged the bishops of England and Wales to invite traditionalist groups to take over failing parishes instead of closing down churches.
Bishop Fernando Areas Rifan of Campos, Brazil, said on Monday that the Pope’s recent document Summorum Pontificum, which lifted restrictions on the Traditional Mass, would bring about a worldwide revival in Catholic worship.

Read the full story here: Catholic Herald

Saint Giles

Martyrdom

SAINT GILES
Abbot

TWELVE HOLY BROTHERS
Martyrs

SIMPLE / WHITE
Tradition tells us that in the seventh century the Athenian Giles left his native Greece for a rough hermitage in far-distant Gaul. Hunters of a local ruler accidentally wounded Giles as he was shielding a fleeing deer. The ruler, Flavius said to him, "This must be the holy Giles! Come out of your hermitage, servant of God, and teach my Franks about heaven. They need you more than this forest does." Flavius built a monastery on the site of the hermitage; and under Giles' leadership it became a center of civilization and Christianity for all that sector of Gaul.

Mass of an ABBOT, except

PRAYER
Let the blessed abbot Giles intercede for us, O Lord. May his prayers win us Your help, since our own actions cannot merit it. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the TWELVE HOLY BROTHERS
These fourth-century apostles refused to offer sacrifice to pagan gods. After imprisonment in an African jail, they died for Christ in pagan spectacles at various places along the Italian coast.

O Lord, may the martyrdom of these brothers warm our hearts with joy, enliven our faith by an increase of virtue, and comfort us by the added number of intercessors we have in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER
May the offerings we lay upon Your sacred altar, O Lord, bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of the blessed abbot Giles. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the TWELVE HOLY BROTHERS
O Lord, grant that we may celebrate these sacred mysteries with devotion to honor Your holy martyrs, so that through this sacrifice we may have new help and a deeper joy. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
May the Sacrament we have received and the prayers of the blessed abbot Giles protect us, O Lord. Grant also that we may imitate the virtues of this saint who is our intercessor with You in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the TWELVE HOLY BROTHERS
O Almighty God, grant that we may grow in grace by emulating the faith of these martyrs whose memory we honor by the reception of Your Sacrament. Through our Lord . . .