Saint Fabian
Gozzoli, Benozzo (1420-1497)

SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY

SAINTS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN

Martyrs

Chair of Unity Intention: Submission of Anglicans

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / PURPLE

The emphasis today has ceased to be upon the joys of Christ's coming or upon the peace and wonder of possessing Him. Now the stress is on what it cost Our Lord to atone for the sins of men, on how much everyone needs His atoning death, and on what everyone can do to have a part in atoning for sin.

Every Christian without exception must enter into the warfare between Christ and Satan -- the warfare that begins to be dramatized and lived anew in these weeks.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps. 17:5, 6, 7

The moaning of death surrounded me, the sorrows of hell enveloped me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and from His holy temple He heard my voice.
Ps. 17:2, 3. I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my support, my refuge, and my deliverer.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O Lord, we beg You to kindly hear the prayers of Your people. We are being justly punished for our sins, but be merciful and free us for the glory of Your name. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN

Ancient tradition has coupled together the veneration of these glorious martyrs. Fabian was responsible for sending St. Dionysius and other missioners to Gaul. From there, missionary priests journeyed to Britain. This pope was slain during the year 250, during the persecution of Decius. Sebastian was a Christian Roman officer of the fourth century, who by his devotion and fervor converted many of his soldier companions. He fearlessly pleaded with Emperor Diocletian to cease persecuting the Church. For this Sebastian was arrested, sentenced to death, and mercilessly beaten with clubs.

Almighty God, look upon our weakness and the heavy burden we carry because of our deeds. Let the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Fabian and Sebastian in heaven be our protection. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 9:24-27; 10:1-5

Brethren: Know you not that they that run in the race, all run indeed, but one receiveth the prize. So run that you may obtain. And every one that striveth for the mastery refraineth himself from all things. And they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible one. I therefore so run, not as at an uncertainty: I so fight, not as one beating the air. But I chastise my body and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway. For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud: and all passed through the sea. And all in Moses were baptized, in the cloud and in the sea: And did all eat the same spiritual food: And all drank the same spiritual drink: (And they drank of the spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ.) But with most of them God was not well pleased.

GRADUAL Ps. 9:10-11, 19-20

You are a helper to those in need, in time of distress. Let those who know You trust in You, O Lord, for You do not forsake those who seek You. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor shall the patience of the poor forever perish. Arise, O Lord, let not man prevail.

TRACT Ps. 129:1-4

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the prayer of Your servant.
V. If You, O Lord, shall mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
V. But with You there is merciful forgiveness, and because of Your law I have waited for You, O Lord.

GOSPEL Matt. 20:1-16

At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour, he saw others standing in the marketplace idle. And he said to them: 'Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.' And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner. But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith to them: 'Why stand you here all the day idle?' They say to him: 'Because no man hath hired us.' He saith to them: 'Go ye also into my vineyard.' And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward: 'Call the labourers and pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the first.' When therefore they were come that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: And they also received every man a penny. And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house, Saying: 'These last have worked but one hour. and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.' But he answering said to one of them: 'friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee. Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Is thy eye evil, because I am good?' So shall the last be first and the first last. For many are called but few chosen."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 91:2

It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most High.

SECRET
Accept our offerings and prayers, O Lord. Cleanse us by this heavenly rite, and in Your mercy hear our petitions. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN

O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyrs Fabian and Sebastian, and grant us Your unending assistance through these offerings. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 30:17-18

Let Your face shine upon Your servant, and save me in Your kindness. Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I call upon You.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, may the faithful be strengthened by the reception of Your Sacramental Gifts. And having received them, may they hunger after them still; and through hungering may they come constantly to be nourished by them. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN

We are refreshed by the reception of Your sacred Gift, O Lord. may the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Fabian and Sebastian make us feel the benefit of the sacred rite we have performed. 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 MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX,

AND ABACHUM

Martyrs

SAINT CANUTE
Martyr

Chair of Unity Octave Intention: Return of Oriental Separatists

These saints -- a family of father, mother, and two sons -- were Persians. In the year 270 they made a pilgrimage to Rome, one of the many proofs that the faithful, even at that early date, held the Holy See to be the center of Christendom. Emperor Claudius was then persecuting the Church, and these holy Persians gave Christian burial to the remains of martyrs. God rewarded the veneration they paid His saints by granting them in their turn the supreme gift of martyrdom. After their arrest, Marius and his two sons were beheaded, and Martha was drowned.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps. 67:4

Let the just feast and rejoice before God; let them rejoice with gladness.
Ps. 67:2. Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee before Him.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Your people and Your saints who intercede for them. Grant us peace in this life and Your assistance to attain eternal life. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CANUTE, MARTYR

During the eleventh century King St. Canute of Denmark was one of the missionary rulers who spread the Faith of Scandinavia. Rebels rose against him and murdered him at Odense in 1086.

O God, You have added glory to Your Church by granting to the blessed king Canute the gift of miracles and the crown of martyrdom. May we walk in the footsteps of Your saint and follow our Lord's own path of suffering, so that we too may enter into everlasting happiness. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Heb. 10:32-38

Brethren, call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions. And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations, were made a gazingstock; and on the other, became companions of them that were used in such sort. For you both had compassion on them that were in bands and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance. Do not therefore lose your confidence which hath a great reward. For patience is necessary for you: that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise. "For yet a little and a very little while, and he that is to come will come and will not delay. But my just man liveth by faith."

GRADUAL 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. V. In the sight of the unwise they appeared to perish, but they are in peace.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 67:36

Our God is wonderful in His saints.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 24:3-13

At that time, as Jesus was sitting on mount Olivet, the disciples came to him privately, saying: "Tell us when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the consummation of the world?" And Jesus answering, said to them: "Take heed that no man seduce you. For many will come in my name saying, 'I am Christ.' And they will seduce many. And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass: but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And there shall be pestilences and famines and earthquakes in places.
"Now all these are the beginnings of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall put you to death: and you shall be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be scandalized and shall betray one another and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise and shall seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold. But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 123:7

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken and we are free.

SECRET
Look favorably on the prayers and offerings of Your people, O Lord. may this celebration of the feast of Your saints please You and bring us Your merciful help. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CANUTE

O Lord, let the prayers of Your saints whom we honor by this sacred rite make our offering acceptable to You, so that it may aid our salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12:4

But I say to you, my friends, "Do not be afraid of those who persecute you."

POSTCOMMUNION

May the prayers of Your saints win forgiveness for us, O Lord. Grant that the Sacrifice we offer in this life may be our everlasting possession in the life to come. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT CANUTE

We are refreshed by the reception of Your sacred Gift, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed martyr Canute make us feel the benefit of the sacred rite we have performed. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT PETER'S CHAIR AT ROME

Chair of Unity Octave Intention: Return of the "Other Sheep"

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE
Preserved to this day at the Vatican Basilica in Rome is the chair upon which, as history tells us, Pope Peter sat enthroned to exercise his Christ-given authority over the universal Church. Our Lord founded the continuing line of visible heads of the Church with the impetuous fisherman of the Sea of Galilee. Peter, inspired by God to recognize the divinity of the Son of Man, became the guardian of the revelation of faith which was left as a heritage from Christ to all men. Today's feast commemorates the unbroken chain of successors of the bishop of Rome. Submission to that See, by Christ's own declaration, is a mark of unity with Christ Himself.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Eccli. 45:30

The Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and made him a prince, that the dignity of priesthood should be his forever.
Ps. 131:1. O Lord, remember David and all his meekness.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, You have entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Your blessed apostle Peter and have given him the power of bishop to bind or to loose. May his intercession free us from the slavery of sin; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of Saint Paul

St. Paul's journeys in search of souls for Christ took him to the capital of the Roman Empire. In tradition and liturgy, he is linked with St. Peter in the founding of Christianity in Rome.

O God, you have instructed many nations through the preaching of the blessed apostle Paul. Let the power of his intercession with You help us who venerate his memory this day.

Commemoration of Saint Prisca, Virgin Martyr

A young Roman virgin, Prisca was martyred during the third century.

Almighty God, we celebrate today the birthday of Your blessed virgin martyr Prisca. May her feast fill us with joy, and may we profit by the example of her great faith. 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.

EPISTLE I Peter 1:1-7

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers dispersed through Pontus, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, unto the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Grace unto you and peace be multiplied.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy hath regenerated us unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead: Unto an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled and that cannot fade, reserved in heaven for you, Who, by the power of God, are kept by faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you shalt greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a little time made sorrowful in divers temptations: That the trial of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the fire) may be found unto praise and glory and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

GRADUAL Ps. 106:32; 31

Let them extol him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.
V. Let them praise the Lord for His mercies and for His wondrous deeds to the children of men.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Matt. 16:18

Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 16:13-19

At that time, Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: "Whom do men say that the Son of man is?" But they said: "Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets." Jesus saith to them: "But whom do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said: "Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God."

And Jesus answering said to him: "Blessed art thou, Simon BarJona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Matt. 16:18-19

Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

SECRET

O Lord, we offer You the prayers and sacrifice of Your Church through the intercession of Your apostle Peter. May this Mass, which we celebrate in his honor, win pardon for us. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of Saint Paul

O Lord, sanctify the offerings of Your people through the intercession of the blessed apostle Paul. The sacrifice we offer is already acceptable to You because You instituted it; may it become even more pleasing to You through the prayers of Your saint.

Commemoration of Saint Prisca

May this sacrifice, O Lord, which we offer in remembrance of the birthdays of Your saints, free us from the slavery of sin and win for us the gift of Your mercy. 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.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 16:18

Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church.

POSTCOMMUNION

May our offering bring us happiness, O Lord. We praise You for the wondrous things You accomplished through Your apostle Peter and ask forgiveness through his intercession. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of Saint Paul

We have been made holy by this life-giving Sacrifice, O Lord. May we always be aided by the prayers of Your saint, whom You gave us as a protector and a guide.

Commemoration of Saint Prisca

We have been nourished by the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord. Help us also through the prayers of Your saint whom we honor this day. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT ANTHONY

Abbot

DOUBLE / WHITE

Anthony was born in Egypt of wealthy Christian parents at about the middle of the third century. After the death of his parents, he left the world and sought the solitude of the desert. Although Anthony undertook severe mortifications to overcome the ceaseless temptations he endured, yet he saw the secret of Christian sanctity not in bodily chastisement but in love of God. So many disciples followed him that he founded two monasteries on the bank of the Nile, and directed the lives of his monks according to the Gospel precept of perfection. This patriarch of all monks died in the year 356 in a cave near the Red Sea, at the age of 105.

Mass of an Abbot, except

COLLECT

Let the Blessed Abbot Anthony intercede for us, O Lord. May his prayers win us Your help, since our own actions cannot merit it. Through Our Lord . . .

GOSPEL Luke 12:35-40

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let your loins be girt and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you that he will gird himself and make them sit down to meat and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch or come in the third watch and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not the Son of man will come."

SECRET

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

POSTCOMMUNION

May the Sacrament we have received and the prayers of the blessed abbot Anthony 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 . . .

SAINT MARCELLUS

Pope and Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
Marcellus was elected pope in the year 308, when the early Church was combating the effects of the devastating persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Pope Marcellus received back into the Church those apostates who gave indications of repentance for having denied the Christian Faith during the reign of terror. A group revolted against the Papal penances imposed upon them and used their influence with Emperor Maxentius to have the Pope exiled from Rome. Pope Marcellus died during the first year of his banishment, safeguarding the integrity of Church discipline even at the sacrifice of his own freedom and life.

Mass of a POPE, except

COLLECT

O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people. may the merits of the martyred pope Marcellus help us, just as his sufferings have given us cause for spiritual joy. Through Our Lord . . .

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR

SAINT PAUL
Hermit

SAINT MAURUS
Abbot

DOUBLE / WHITE

The original statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor was brought from France to the pioneer Ursuline convent in New Orleans. When the British Army threatened New Orleans in 1815, the Urslines and the relatives of the American soldiers implored the help of Our Lady of prompt Succor. The subsequent American victory caused General Andrew Jackson to visit the convent to thank the Sisters for their prayers. Our Lady of Prompt Succor was later designated by Papal degree as special patroness of the State of Louisiana.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON

Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of the blessed ever-Virgin Mary, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O most gentle Jesus, You have entrusted the treasury of Your mercy to Your Mother Mary. May she shield us from all evil of body and soul; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PAUL
An affluent family and an excellent early education offered Paul of Egypt promise of a distinguished life in the world. He chose instead a life of renunciation alone with Christ. During 90 years he remained in the desert, absorbed in contemplation and adoration of God. Toward the close of his long dedication, he was visited by another hermit, St. Anthony of the Desert. His abiding concern for souls was expressed in an eager question to Anthony, "Does idolatry still reign in the world?" Death came to him in his 113th year, about 341, while he was on his knees.

O God, it is a joy for us to celebrate yearly the feast of Your blessed confessor Paul. May we who commemorate his birthday also imitate his example.

Commemoration of SAINT MAURUS
Maurus, sixth-century disciple of St. Benedict, helped to introduce monastic life in France, and was rewarded by God with the gift of miracles because of his heroic spirit of obedience.

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

EPISTLE Eccli. 24: 23-31

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 Cant. 6:3; Judith 13:22

You are all-beautiful and sweet, O daughter of Sion; fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army in battle array.
V. The Lord has blessed you by His power, because by you He has brought our enemies to nought.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Luke 1:28

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 2:1-11

At that time, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: "They have no wine." And Jesus saith to her: "Woman, what is that to me and to thee? My hour is not yet come." His mother saith to the waiters: "Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye." Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. Jesus saith to them: "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. And Jesus saith to them: "Draw out now and carry to the chief steward of the feast." And they carried it.

And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water: the chief steward calleth the bridegroom, And saith to him: "Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now." This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Jer. 18:20

Remember, O Virgin Mother, to speak good things in our behalf before the face of God, so that He may turn away His anger from us.

SECRET

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

Commemoration of SAINT PAUL
We offer You, O Lord, this Sacrifice of praise in memory of Your saints. Free us from evil now and in the future through their intercession.

Commemoration of SAINT MAURUS
May the offering we lay upon Your sacred altar, O Lord, bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of the blessed abbot Maurus. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON

Ever-Virgin Mary, most worthy Queen of the world, you who brought forth Christ, the Lord and Savior of all mankind, pray for our peace and safety.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, help us by the prayers of Your Immaculate ever-Virgin Mother Mary. Her loving care has already brought us lasting blessings; may she shield us from all dangers and unite us in heart and mind; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PAUL
Refreshed with Heavenly Food and Drink, we humbly pray You, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of the saint in whose memory we have received this Sacrament.

Commemoration of SAINT MAURUS
May the Sacrament we have received and the prayers of the blessed abbot Maurus 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 . . .

SAINT HILARY
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

SAINT FELIX
Priest and Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITE
Champion of the divinity of Christ, Hilary was born in Gaul of patrician parents about the year 315. The people of Poitiers chose Hilary as their bishop in 353, and he protected his flock against numerous heretical teachings of the period. The charity of Christ taught Bishop Hilary that, while heresy deserves only hatred, the individual heretic has need of loving compassion. By the time he died in 367, he had been instrumental in purging his country of false belief and winning back many of the heretics into the true fold of Christ.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

COLLECT
O God, may blessed Hilary intercede for us in heaven as he once instructed Your faithful on earth and directed them in the way of eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FELIX
Felix of Nola, a priest of Campania during the third century, manifested heroic Christian courage in the service of his bishop, St. Maximus, during the cruel persecution under Emperor Decius.

SECRET
O Lord, let Your blessed bishop and doctor Hilary always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FELIX
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr Felix, and help us find in them unending assistance. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed bishop and illustrious doctor Hilary. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FELIX
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord. May we be aided also by the prayers of Your saint Felix, whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . .

Pope Benedict celebrated parts of Sunday's Mass facing the altar

The Pope used the Sistine Chapel's ancient altar set right against the wall under Michelangelo's dramatic depiction of the Last Judgment, instead of the altar placed on a mobile platform that allowed his predecessor John Paul II to face the faithful.

A statement by the Vatican's office for liturgical celebrations said it had been decided to use the old altar, where ballots are placed during papal elections, to respect "the beauty and the harmony of this architectonic jewel."

That meant that for the first time in a long time, possibly since the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the pope turned to the altar and faced the Cross. He also read his homily from an old wooden throne on the left of the altar used by Pius IX in the 19th century.

Note: This Mass was the Novus Ordo and not the Tridentine Mass!

Roman Deacon

From 'RORATE CAELI':

IMPORTANT: Pope to celebrate facing the altar this Sunday

Tomorrow, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass (according to the Missal of Paul VI) facing the Altar, in the Sistine Chapel*, according to the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, headed by Monsignor Guido Marini (Apcom reports):

Click below to read this story
http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/

SIMPLE / WHITE

The Mass of the feast of the EPIPHANY is said

SAINT HYGINUS

Pope & Martyr

SIMPLE / WHITE
The Mass of the feast of the EPIPHANY is said, with the following commemoration.

Hyginus ruled the Church as supreme pontiff during the four relatively peaceful years that followed the martyrdom of his predecessor, St. Telephorus, in the year 138.

COLLECT

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

SECRET

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Saint William

Saint Nicanor

SIMPLE / WHITE

The Mass of the Feast of the EPIPHANY is said.

SAINT WILLIAM OF BOURGES Bishop (Historical)

St. William the Confessor was a member of the noble family of the Counts of Nevers, born in the 12^th century in Nevers, France. His father, Baldwin, planned a military life for the young William. He was educated, however, by his maternal uncle, Peter the Hermit, archdeacon of Soissons, and was drawn toward religious life from an early age. He first was a Monk in the Order of Grandmont. He became a priest and then a canon at Soissons and finally a canon at Paris. He was noted for his austere life, for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and for the time spent praying at the altar. Internal dissension in his religious order caused him to leave Grandmont for the recently formed Cistercian Order, taking the habit at Pontigny. He became abbot at Fontaine-Jean in Sens, France. And then he was elected abbot at Chalis near Senlis, France in 1187. He reluctantly assumed the position of archbishop at Bourges in central France in 1200, accepting the position only after receiving orders from the general of his order and from Pope Innocent III himself. St. William then lived an even more austere life, defended clerical rights against the state, cared personally for the poor, sick, imprisoned and debauched, and converted many Albigensian heretics in his diocese to orthodox Christianity. He died January 10, 1209 at Bourges, France, of natural causes while at prayer. Witnesses claim he performed 18 miracles during his life and another 18 after his death. He was canonized on May 17, 1217 by Pope Honorius III.

SAINT NICANOR
Deacon & Martyr (Historical)

Saint Nicanor, with two thousand other Christians, was slain for Christ on the same day as the holy protomartyr Stephen, as related in the Acts of the Apostles, which states, At that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem.

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The Mass of the Feast of the EPIPHANY is said.

SAINT ADRIAN OF CANTERBURY

Archbishop (Historical)

We all know about men and women who travelled to China and Africa and South Seas Islands as missionaries, to bring the Word of Christ to these distant lands. But many centuries ago, when the Church was still young and hadn't spread to Europe, people would travel from Judea or Egypt to other lands as missionaries. Saint Adrian was born in Africa, but ended his days as a missionary to the people of England.

Saint Adrian was an Abbot of a monastery near Naples, Italy when the Archbishop of Canterbury died in 664. Pope Vitalian asked Adrian to travel to Canterbury as the next Archbishop. (Adrian was then an Abbot of a monastery near Naples.) Adrian refused, saying that he was not good enough for the job and suggested that the Pope send Saint Theodore of Tarsus instead. Saint Adrian offered to go to Canterbury as Saint Theodore's assistant.

Once they arrived in England, Theodore and Adrian went about teaching the Gospel. Most of England was still pagan, and There was much work to be done, to build the Christian Church in England. Adrian's job consisted mainly of establishing monasteries and schools. Together, they successfully spread the Christian faith in England so that it soon became a Christian country.

Saint Adrian died in the year 710. Saint Adrian's feast day is on the 9th on January.

SAINTS JULIAN & BASILISSA

Martyrs (Historical)

Saint Julian and Saint Basilissa, though married, lived by mutual consent in perpetual chastity. They sanctified themselves by the most perfect exercises of an ascetic life, and employed their revenues in relieving the poor and the sick. For this purpose they converted their house into a kind of hospital, in which they sheltered up to a thousand poor people. Basilissa attended those of her sex in separate lodgings, and Julian, who for his charity is known as the Hospitaler, cared for the men.

Egypt, where they lived, was in those days blessed with persons who, either in the cities or in the deserts, devoted themselves to the most perfect exercises of charity, penance, and mortification. Conversions were numerous, and persecutions by furious pagans followed as the numbers of Christians increased. Basilissa, after having survived seven of those, died in peace, foretelling to her husband that he would die a martyr. Julian lived afterwards for a number of years, but eventually received the crown of a glorious martyrdom in 313. His interrogation and his tortures were accompanied by astonishing prodigies and numerous conversions.

With him died thirty-one other persons, including a priest named Anthony, a new Christian named Anastasius, Celsus, the seven-year-old son of the judge who sentenced Julian, Marcianilla, the mother of Celsus, who when she came to visit her son was won over to the faith, and many other Christians. Spared by fire and wild beasts, Saint Julian finally was decapitated. His tomb became illustrious by many great miracles, including the cure of ten lepers on the same day.

Many churches and hospitals, in both the East and in the West, bear the name of one or another of these martyrs. Four churches at Rome and three in Paris are dedicated to Saint Julian.

Saint Apollinaris the Apologist

Saint Severin of Noricum

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The Mass of the Feast of the EPIPHANY is said.

SAINT APOLLINARIS THE APOLOGIST
Bishop and Martyr (Historical)

Saint Apollinaris Claudius, otherwise Apollinaris of Hierapolis or Apollinaris the Apologist, was a Christian leader and writer of the 2nd century.

He was Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia and became famous for his polemical treatises against the heretics of his day, whose errors he showed to be entirely borrowed from the pagans. He wrote two books against the Jews, five against the pagans, and two on "Truth". In 177 he published an "Apologia" for the Christians, addressed to Marcus Aurelius, and appealing to the Emperor's own experience with the "Thundering Legion", whose prayers won him the victory over the Quadi. The exact date of his death is not known, but it was probably while Marcus Aurelius was still Emperor.

Nothing survives of his writings except for a few extracts, the longest of which relates to the date of Passover.

SAINT SEVERINUS OF NORICUM
Hermit, Archbishop (Historical)

Severinus of Noricum (ca. 410-482) is a Roman Catholic saint, known as the "Apostle to Noricum". It has been speculated that he was born in either Southern Italy or in the Roman province of Africa, after the death of Attila in 453. Severinus himself refused to discuss his personal history before his appearance along the Danube in Noricum. However, he did mention experiences with eastern desert monasticism, and his vita draws connections between Severinus and St. Anthony of Egypt.

Saint Lucian of Antioch

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The Mass of the Feast of the EPIPHANY is said.

The Profession of Faith is omitted.

SAINT LUCIAN OF ANTIOCH
Priest & Martyr (Historical)

Following the death of his wealthy parents, he gave away his possessions, and studied rhetoric, philosophy, and Scripture under Macarius at Edessa. Hermit briefly in his youth. Ordained in Antioch. Spiritual director of Saint Pelagia of Antioch.

Head of a school of theology in Antioch; one of his students was Arius, founder of Arianism. Friend of Paul of Samosata and other heretics, and may have been excommunited himself at one point, but later came back to full communion.

Noted Scripture scholar, working to insure that copyists made the most exact copies possible, correcting copyist errors by comparing against older texts in the original languages. His edition of the complete Bible, known as the Lucian Recension was used by many churches, and by Saint Jerome during his work on the Vulgate.

Arrested in Nicomedia during the persecution of Diocletian, and spent nine years in prison. Dragged before the emperor as an example, he struggled to his feet and gave a great defense of the faith. He thrown back in the cells, given no food or water for 14 days, then hauled before the tribunal and interrogated; he answered all questions with "I am a Christian."

THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE

The mystery of the Christ-birth is a rich and glorious beginning, splendid with promise. Today we worship a partial fulfillment when Jesus, as an Infant King, is manifested to wise men of the Gentile world and through them to all peoples. His royalty is neither frightening nor pompous, for the kingly majesty of the sovereign Redeemer is robed in babyhood. Coming in the simplicity of true greatness, Jesus makes Himself acceptable and at home to the little and the great of every nation under heaven.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Mal. 3:1; 1 Par. 29:12

Behold, the Lord, the Ruler, is come. He has dominion over all, and in His hand is power and might.
Ps. 71:2. O God, with Your judgment endow the king, and with Your justice, the kings son.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, who by the star this day revealed Your only-begotten Son to all nations, grant that we, who know You now by faith, may be brought one day before the vision of Your majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Isa. 60:1-6

Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thy eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see, and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord.

GRADUAL Isa. 60:6, 1

All they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing forth praise to the Lord.
V. Arise and be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Matt. 2:2

We have seen His star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

Alleluia.

GOSPEL Matt. 2:1-12

Now when Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying: "Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' " Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him.

Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, (here, genuflect) and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 71:10-11

The kings of Tharsis and the isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Saba shall pay Him homage, all nations shall serve Him.

SECRET

O Lord, look with favor upon the gifts offered by Your Church. It is not gold, frankincense, and myrrh that is offered now, but the King, God and Saviour, who was signified by these gifts, is Himself our Sacrifice and our Food, Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 2:2

We have seen His star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Almighty God, grant that we may understand with pure minds the revelation of Christ which we here solemnly commemorate. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT TELESPHORUS

Pope and Martyr

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Pope Telesphorus reigned as bishop of Rome for ten years, and was martyred in the persecution of Hadrian about the year 138 A.D.

COLLECT

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

Commemoration of the feast of the CIRCUMCISION

SECRET

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

Commemoration of the feast of the CIRCUMCISION

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Commemoration of the feast of the CIRCUMCISION

JANUARY 4, 2008

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The Mass of the CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD is said.

The Profession of Faith is omitted.

Saint Genevieve
Virgin

The Mass of the CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD is said.

Commemoration of SAINT GENEVIEVE, VIRGIN

Though there is a "vita" that purports to be written by a contemporary, Geneviève's history cannot be separated from her hagiography, which describes her as a peasant girl of Nanterre. One day Saint Germain of Auxerre came to Nanterre, and Genevieve confided in him that she wanted to live only for God. He encouraged her in her pursuit, and, at the age of fifteen, Genevieve became a nun. On the deaths of her parents, she went to live with her godmother Lutetia in Paris ("Lutetia", being the former name of the city of Paris, has a symbolic weight), where she became admired for the extremes of her piety and her devotion to works of charity, which included her severe corporal austerities, and a vegetarian diet which allowed her to sup but twice per week. "These mortifications she continued for over thirty years, till her ecclesiastical superiors thought it their duty to make her diminish her austerities," the Catholic Encyclopedia reports. She did encounter opposition and criticism for her activities, both before and after she was once again visited by Germanus.

Like many of her Gallic neighbors, Geneviève had frequent communication with the other world and reported her visions and prophesies, until her enemies conspired to drown her; through the intervention of Germain of Auxerre, their animosity was finally overcome. The bishop of the city appointed her to look after the welfare of the virgins dedicated to God, and by her instruction and example she led them to a high degree of sanctity.

Shortly before the attack of the Huns under Attila in 451 on Paris, with the help of Germanus' archdeacon, the panic-stricken people of Paris were persuaded not to leave their homes. The diversion of Attila's army to Orléans was attributed to Genevieve's prayers. During Childeric's siege and blockade of Paris in 464, Geneviève passed through the siege lines in a boat to Troyes, bringing grain to the starving city. She also plead for the welfare of prisoners of war to Childeric, and met with a favorable response. Later, Clovis I liberated captives and showed greater lenience to wrongdoers after being urged by her to do so.

St. Genevieve died in 512 A.D.

THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE

The Archangel Gabriel told Mary that her Son was to be called Jesus. Joseph, too, was told by an angel; and at the circumcision ceremony the foster father officially gave the name of Jesus to Mary's Son.

The name means "God saves," and it describes the mission of the divine Child as the Savior of mankind. The redeeming life of this newly named Babe will bve climaxed when He is lifted on Calvary above the hosts of men, when He rises from the tomb as Redeemer of the human race.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Philip. 2:10-11

At the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of the Father.
Ps. 8:2. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth!
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, it was You who conferred the name of Jesus upon Your only-begotten Son, the Savior of the world. Grant that by venerating His holy name on earth we may enjoy His presence in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

EPISTLE Acts 4:8-12

In those days, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: "Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole: Be it known to you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man standeth here before you, whole.

" This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved."

GRADUAL Ps. 105:47; Isa 63:16

Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in praising You.
V. You, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer. From eternity is Your name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 144:21

My lips shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all men bless His holy name.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 2:21

At that time, after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 85:12, 5

I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. For You, O Lord, are sweet and mild, abounding in kindness to all who call upon You, alleluia!

SECRET

O Most Merciful God, may Your blessing, which gives life to all creation, sanctify the sacrifice we offer in honor of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let this act of praise be pleasing to Your majesty and profitable towards our own salvation. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

The Preface for Christmas is said.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 85:9-10

All the nations You have made shall come and worship You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For great You are and do wondrous deeds. You alone are God. Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION

O Almighty and eternal God, who created and redeemed us, graciously hear our petitions. Receive kindly and favorably this saving Sacrificial Victim, which we have offered to Your majesty in honor of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Pour out Your grace upon us, that we may rejoice to see our names written in heaven under the glorious name of Jesus, who is the pledge of our eternal predestination. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 1

THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE

Jesus respected the sacredness of the Old Law and submitted to its ceremony of circumcision. The rite officially incorporated Him into the Jewish religion and was a figure of Christian Baptism. The Savior came to replace the Old Law, and to incorporate people of all nations into His Mystical Body through Baptism. From Him, the Head, they receive all the graces needed to live worthily as His members. We become "acceptable" to God in the measure that we are cleansed from sin, give God Hid due worship and obedience, and render our fellow men everywhere on earth both full justice and Christlike charity.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Isa. 9:6

A Child is born to us, and a son is given to us; upon his shoulder is supreme sovereignty, and his name shall be called the Angel of great counsel.
Ps. 97:1. Sing a new canticle to the Lord, for He has done wondrous things.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, it was through the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary that You bestowed the gift of eternal life upon mankind. Grant that we may feel the powerful intercession of Mary, through whom we were privileged to receive the giver of life, Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

EPISTLE Titus 2:11-15

Beloved: The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men: Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

GRADUAL Ps. 97:3-4, 2

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth.
V. The Lord has made His salvation known; in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Heb. 1:1-2

God, who in divers manners spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all in these days has spoken to us by His Son.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 2:21

At that time, when eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given to Him by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:12, 15

Yours are the heavens and Yours are the earth; the world and its fullness You have founded. Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne.

SECRET

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

The Christmas Preface is said.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 97:3

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .