Saint Martin of Tours

Christ and Saint Mennas. 6th-century icon from Bawit, Egypt, now in the Louvre

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS
Bishop and Confessor

SAINT MENNAS
Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITESon of an officer in the Roman army, martin of Tours (c. 316-397) was already a catechumen when he was conscripted into the imperial horse-guards at the age of 15. The famous incident in which Martin cut his cloak in two with his sword to clothe a beggar, took place while he was on garrison duty at Amiens. Soon after this, he was baptized, left the army, and went to serve Bishop Hilary of Poitiers as a cleric in minor orders. Later he founded a famous monastery at Liguge. When St. Hilary died, the people of Tours made Martin his successor, virtually by force. During his long episcopate, Martin not only organized parish life in his diocese, but journeyed throughout Gaul, evangelizing the French countryside, and earning the title, "Apostle of France."
INTROIT (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 see that we cannot depend upon our own strength. Mercifully preserve us from all harm through the intercesion of Your blessed confessor bishop Martin. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MENNASMennas was an Egyptian, martyred about 295 under Diocletian. He was one of the most popular saints in the early Eastern Church.
O Almighty God, grant that we who celebrate the birthday of Your blessed Martyr Mennas, may be made stronger in our love of You through his intercession. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON (Eccli. 44:16-27; 45:3-20)
Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God and was found just; and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was none found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him increase among his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed his covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in his blessings; he preserved for him his mercy; and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood; and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise in his name, and to offer him a worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.

GRADUAL (Eccli. 44:16, 20)
Behold a great priest, who pleased God in his life. V. There was none found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
That blessed man, Saint Martin, bishop of Tours, has entered into his rest. The Angels and Archangels, Thrones, Dominations and Powers have welcomed him.Alleluia!

GOSPEL (St. Luke 11:33-36)
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "No man lighteth a candle and putteth it in a hidden place, nor under a bushel: but upon a candlestick, that they that come in may see the light. The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body will be lightsome: but if it be evil, thy body also will be darksome. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If then thy whole body be lightsome, having no part of darkness: the whole shall be lightsome and, as a bright lamp, shall enlighten thee."
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 88:25)
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My Name shall his power be exalted. 

SECRET 
O Lord God, sanctify these gifts we offer on the feast of Your holy bishop Martin, and grant that they may guide our lives in prosperity as well as in adversity. Through Our Lord . . .

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

COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Matt. 24:46-47)
Blessed is that servant whom the master, when he comes, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he will set him over all his goods. 

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord our God, grant that this sacrifice which we offer on the feast of Your saints may aid our salvation through their intercession. Through Our Lord . . . 

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

SAINT ANDREW AVELLINO
Confessor

SAINTS TRYPHON, RESPICIUS, AND NYMPHA

Martyrs

As a young priest, Andrew was a lawyer in the ecclesiastical court of Naples. When one day he told a slight untruth in the course of an argument, he regretted it so much that he gave up his profession and joined the order of Theatines. He became famous as a director of souls, influencing many sinners to change their lives. Like his friend St. Charles Borromeo, he was a great reformer of clerical and religious life in an age when reform was badly needed.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except:
COLLECTO God, You wondrously inspired the blessed confessor Andrew to advance toward You by vowing to increase in virtue each day. May his merits and prayers win the same grace for us, so that we may happily ascend to Your glory on high by always following the more perfect way. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS TRYPHON, RESPICIUS, AND NYMPHA, MARTYRS
These martyrs of the early centuries of Christianity are commemorated together because their relics are preserved in the same church at Rome.
May we always be worthy to celebrate the feast of Your holy martyrs, Tryphon, Respicius, and Nympha, O Lord, so that through their intercession we may be sheltered under Your gracious protection. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET 
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. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS TRYPHON, RESPICIUS, AND NYMPHA
We offer these gifts to You in sacrifice, O Lord. May the honor we pay to Your saints please You, and may these offerings, through Your mercy, bring us closer to our salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
Refreshed with heavenly food and drink, we humbly pray You, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of Your saint, in whose memory we have received this Sacrament. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS TRYPHON, RESPICIUS, AND NYMPHA
May the intercession of Your holy martyrs Tryphon, Respicius, and Nympha help us, O Lord, to cherish with pure hearts the Sacrament we received upon our lips. Through Our Lord . . .

OCTAVE DAY OF ALL SAINTS

THE HOLY FOUR CROWNED MARTYRS

SIMPLE / RED
This is the name given to four fourth-century martyred brothers -- Severus, Severian, Carpophorus, and Victorinus. A tradition holds that they were stonemasons, and as such they were held in high honor by medieval masonry guilds.

The Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

COLLECT
O Almighty God, we pay honor to the bravery of Your glorious martyrs in bearing witness to You. Grant that we may feel the power of their intercession with You. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Heb. 11:33-39
Brethren: The saints by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from weakness, became valiant in battle, put to flight the armies of foreigners. Women received their dead raised to life again. But others were racked, not accepting deliverance, that they might find a better resurrection. And others had trial of mockeries and stripes: moreover also of bands and prisons. They were stoned, they were cut asunder, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being in want, distressed, afflicted: Of whom the world was not worthy: wandering in deserts, in mountains and in dens and in caves of the earth. And all these, being approved by the testimony of faith, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GOSPEL Matt. 5:1-12
At that time, Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth he taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
"Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
"Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven."

SECRET
May the prayers of Your holy martyrs bring us Your bountiful blessings, O Lord, so that our gifts may be pleasing to you and be a means of grace for our redemption. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
You have comforted us by Your Sacraments, O Lord, and filled us with the joy of Heaven. May Your saints defend us, even as we glory in their own victory. Through Our Lord . . .

Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity 1880 - 1906 November 8

Also known as: Elizabeth Catez Profile Daughter of Captain Joseph Catez and Marie Catez. Her father died when she was seven, leaving her mother to raise Elizabeth and her sister Marguerite. Noted as a lively, popular girl, extremely stubborn, given to fits of rage, with great reverence for God, and an early attraction to a life of prayer and reflection. Gifted pianist. Visited the sick and taught catechism to children. Much against her mother's wishes, she entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Dijon, France on 2 August 1901. Though noted for great spiritual growth, she was also plagued with periods of powerful darkness, and her spiritual director expressed doubts over Elizabeth's vocation. She completed her noviate, and took her final vows on 11 January 1903. She became a spiritual director for many, and left a legacy of letters and retreat guides. Born: Sunday 18 July 1880 in a military camp in the diocese of Bourges, France as Elizabeth Catez Died: 9 November 1906 of Addison's disease, a hormone disorder whose side effects are painful and exhausting; her dying words: I am going to Light, to Love, to Life! Beatified: 25 November 1984 by Pope John Paul II Canonized: pending Patronage bodily ills, illness, loss of parents, sick people, sickness Readings I think that in Heaven my mission will be to draw souls by helping them to go out of themselves in order to cling to God by a wholly simple and loving movement, and to keep them in this great silence within which will allow God to communicate Himself to them and to transform them into Himself. -Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make a little cell in your heart for Jesus of the Agony; take refuge there, when you hear Him outraged by men, try to make reparation; you, at least, love Him and keep your heart quite pure for Him. Oh! If you only knew how the good God love pure hearts! It is there that He loves to reign. -Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity

Dies Irae – Gregorian

Dies Irae – Gregorian

Dies Irae – Gregorian

For this Month of November let us remember the Souls in purgatory and pray so that we too are prepared for our coming judgment. And for your meditation: 01 Dies iræ ! dies illa Solvet sæclum in favilla: Teste David cum Sibylla ! The day of wrath, that day Will dissolve the world in ashes As foretold by David and the sibyl! 02 Quantus tremor est futurus, Quando iudex est venturus, Cuncta stricte discussurus ! How much tremor there will be, when the judge will come, investigating everything strictly! 03 Tuba, mirum spargens sonum - Per sepulchra regionum, Coget omnes ante thronum. The trumpet, scattering a wondrous sound through the sepulchres of the regions, will summon all before the throne. 04 Mors stupebit, et natura, Cum resurget creatura, Iudicanti responsura. Death and nature will marvel, when the creature arises, to respond to the Judge. 05 Liber scriptus proferetur, In quo totum continetur, Unde mundus iudicetur. The written book will be brought forth, in which all is contained, from which the world shall be judged. 06 Iudex ergo cum sedebit, Quidquid latet, apparebit: Nil inultum remanebit. When therefore the judge will sit, whatever hides will appear: nothing will remain unpunished. 07 Quid sum miser tunc dicturus ? Quem patronum rogaturus, Cum vix iustus sit securus ? What am I, miserable, then to say? Which patron to ask, when [even] the just may [only] hardly be sure? 08 Rex tremendæ maiestatis, Qui salvandos salvas gratis, - Salva me, fons pietatis. King of tremendous majesty, who freely savest those that have to be saved, save me, source of mercy. 09 Recordare, Iesu pie, Quod sum causa tuæ viæ: Ne me perdas illa die. Remember, merciful Jesus, that I am the cause of thy way: lest thou lose me in that day. 10 Quærens me, sedisti lassus: Redemisti Crucem passus: - Tantus labor non sit cassus. Seeking me, thou sat tired: thou redeemed [me] having suffered the Cross: let not so much hardship be lost. 11 Iuste iudex ultionis, Donum fac remissionis Ante diem rationis. Just judge of revenge, give the gift of remission before the day of reckoning. 12 Ingemisco, tamquam reus: Culpa rubet vultus meus: Supplicanti parce, Deus. I sigh, like the guilty one: my face reddens in guilt: Spare the supplicating one, God. 13 Qui Mariam absolvisti, Et latronem exaudisti, Mihi quoque spem dedisti. Thou who absolved Mary, and heardest the robber, gavest hope to me, too. 14 Preces meæ non sunt dignæ: Sed tu bonus fac benigne, Ne perenni cremer igne. My prayers are not worthy: however, thou, Good [Lord], do good, lest I am burned up by eternal fire. 15 Inter oves locum præsta, Et ab hædis me sequestra, Statuens in parte dextra. Grant me a place among the sheep, and take me out from among the goats, setting me on the right side. 16 Confutatis maledictis, Flammis acribus addictis: Voca me cum benedictis. Once the cursed have been rebuked, sentenced to acrid flames: Call thou me with the blessed. 17 Oro supplex et acclinis, Cor contritum quasi cinis: Gere curam mei finis. I meekly and humbly pray, [my] heart is as crushed as the ashes: perform the healing of mine end. 18 Lacrimosa dies illa, qua resurget ex favilla iudicandus homo reus. Huic ergo parce, Deus: Tearful will be that day, on which from the ashes arises the guilty man who is to be judged. Spare him therefore, God. 19 Pie Iesu Domine, dona eis requiem. Amen. Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them rest. Amen. Thanks to http://airmaria.com/2010/11/04/dies-irae-gregorian/ for this post.

Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Cleveland, Ohio

FERIAL DAY
(Mass of preceding Sunday)

[Requiem or Votive Mass allowed]

FEAST OF THE HOLY RELICS
[In some places]
(In the Cathedral Church of Cleveland)

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SAINTS ZACHARY & ELIZABETH

Parents of St. John the Baptist

[Historical]

Descendant of the Old Testament patriarch, Aaron. Wife of Zachary, temple priest. Relative of Mary. Mother of Saint John the Baptist, becoming pregnant very late in life. She was the Elizabeth that Mary visited soon after the Annunciation. Described in the Gospel of Luke as "righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly."

Born: 1st century BC

Died: 1st century AD of natural causes

Canonized: Pre-Congregation

Patronage
expectant mothers, pregnant women

Torture of Saint Vitalis

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO
Bishop and Confessor

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA
MARTYRS

DOUBLE / WHITE
When Charles Borromeo, great hero of the "Catholic Reformation," was 22, his uncle, Pope Pius IV, appointed him Cardinal-deacon and administrator of the see of Milan. He governed wisely and courageously all during his uncle's pontificate, and was mainly responsible for the successful conclusion of the Council of Trent. The death of his elder brother changed him from a virtuous man to a saint. He entered the priesthood and from 1565 onward he lived in Milan, devoting all his time to reforming that diocese in accordance with the decrees of Trent. He founded the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, with its schools for teaching the Catechism to children, historically the first "Sunday Schools." To help those stricken by the plague of 1576, he gave away everything, even his bed. He died in 1584, at the age of 46.

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except

COLLECT
O Lord, keep Your Church always under the protection of Your holy confessor bishop Charles, who was distinguished by his vigilant care of his flock. Enkindle in us a burning love of You through his intercession. 

Commemoration of SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA
Agricola converted his slave Vitalis and went with him to martyrdom at Bologna about A.D. 304 under Emperor Diocletian.

O Almighty God, may the intercessory power of Your blessed martyrs Vitalis and Agricola aid us who celebrate their feast today. 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.

Commemoration of SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLAO 
Lord, be moved to compassion by our offerings and shield us from all danger through the prayers of Your holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola. 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 Charles.

Commemoration of SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLAO 
Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of Your holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola. Through our Lord . . .

EXTRAORDINARY FORM; BOOK OF BLESSINGS

ROME, NOV. 2, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.

Q: In the celebration of the extraordinary form of the Latin-rite Mass, do prescriptions and indults given for the ordinary form apply, such as those in the United States permitting the lay faithful to receive Communion in the hand and expressing a preference for the laity to stand while receiving Communion? Another question: In 1989 the Book of Blessings was published in the U.S. The title page indicates that it is "The Roman Ritual" "Revised by Decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and Published by Authority of Pope John Paul II." It contains a decree from the U.S. bishops' conference that includes this statement: "From 3 December 1989, the First Sunday of Advent, the use of the Book of Blessings is mandatory in the dioceses of the United States of America. From that day forward no other English version may be used." Does this mean that the use of the "old" Roman Ritual -- for example, the 1964 version based on the 1952 editio typica -- is now forbidden? I know priests who use the old Roman Ritual. It certainly appears that some of the prayers in it are more robust, theologically elevated, and spiritually richer than their counterparts in the Book of Blessings. -- M.R., Corcoran, Minnesota

Read the answer to this question here:

http://www.zenit.org/article-30818?l=english

SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES

Confessor

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

DOUBLE / WHITE

Martin de Porres (1579-1639) was born in Peru of a Spanish Knight and a Negro woman from Panama. Martin inherited the features and dark complexion of his mother, and for that reason his noble father eventually turned the boy out of his house. After a turn as surgeon's apprentice, the young man joined the Dominicans as a laybrother and was put in charge of the infirmary of a friary in Lima. Soon he was caring for the sick of the city and the slaves brought to Peru from Africa -- not to mention the animals with which he is often pictured. Martin had the gift of miracles; and although he had no formal training, he was often consulted on theological questions by great churchmen of his day. St. Rose of Lima and Bl. John Massias were among his close friends. He is unofficially called the patron of social justice.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

COLLECT

O God, the rewarder of the humble, You raised up the blessed Confessor Martin to the kingdom of heaven. May his merits and prayers help us to imitate his humility on earth that we may be exalted with him in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET

O Lord, graciously accept the host that we present to You to be consecrated in honor of the blessed Confessor Martin. Grant that it may confer upon us the effects of Your salvation through the intercession of this Saint. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

We have been nourished by the Food of Heaven, O Lord our God. May the intercession of Your blessed Confessor Martin help us to be obedient always to Your commandments. Through our Lord . . .

ALL SOULS' DAY

COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE
FAITHFUL DEPARTED

DOUBLE / BLACK
"Unto Your faithful, O Lord, life is changed, not taken away."
The shared divine life that makes all the faithful one Mystical Body of Christ is not broken by death. Those who are born into eternal life remain our brothers and sisters in Christ. They have a debt of punishment to pay for sin, and God permits us to help them pay it. By personal sacrifices, by any personal prayer, by indulgenced prayers and good works, and especially by having Mass offered, everyone can help shorten Purgatory for relatives and friends, for unmourned derelicts, and for the persecuted of all nations who must die without the Sacraments.

FIRST MASS

INTROIT Ps. 64:2-3
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Ps. It is fitting to praise You in Sion, O God, and to fulfill our vow to You in Jerusalem. Hear my prayer: all flesh must come to You. Grant them . . .

COLLECT
O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant the souls of Your departed servants forgiveness of all their sins. May our devout prayers obtain for them the pardon that they have always desired; who lives and rules with God, . . .

LESSON I Cor. 15: 51-57
Brethren: Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall all indeed rise again: but we shall not all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall rise again incorruptible. And we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption: and this mortal must put on immortality. And when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory! O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" Now the sting of death is sin: and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

GRADUAL IV Esdr. 2:34
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Ps. 111:7. The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance; he shall not fear an evil report.

TRACT
Release the souls of all the faithful departed from every bond of sin, O Lord.
V. Enable them by the help of Your grace to escape the avenging judgment.
V. That they may enjoy the happiness of eternal light.

SEQUENCE

That day of wrath, that dreadful day
When heaven and earth shall pass away,
Both David and the Sibyl say.

What terror then to us shall fall
When lo, the Judge's steps appall,
About to weigh the deeds of all.

The mighty trumpet's dolorous tone
Shall pierce through each sepulchral stone
And summon men before the throne.

Now death and nature in amaze
Behold the Lord His creatures raise
To meet the Judge's awful gaze.

The book is opened, that the dead
May hear their doom from what is read,
The record of our conscience dread.

The Lord of judgment on His throne
Shall every secret thing make known,
No sin escapes that once was sown.

Ah, how shall I that day endure?
What patron's aid can make secure,
When scarce the just themselves are sure?

O King of dreadful majesty
Who grants us grace and mercy free
Grant mercy now and grace to me.

Good Lord, who for my sinful sake
Man's suffering flesh Yourself did take,
Please do not now my soul forsake.

In weariness my soul was sought;
Upon the cross its life was bought;
Alas, if all in vain were wrought.

O just avenging Judge, I pray
Have pity, take my sins away
Before the great accounting day.

I groan beneath crimes' guilty pain;
My flush of shame reveals the stain
Of, sins, my God, that still remain.

All Mary's sins You did unbind,
And mercy for the robber find;
Now fill with hope my anxious mind.

My feeble prayers can make no claim;
Yet, gracious Lord, for Your great Name
Redeem me from the quenchless flame.

At Your right hand, give me a place,
Among Your sheep, a child of grace
Far from the goats' accursed race.

And when Your justly kindled ire
Lets sinners fall to ceaseless fire
Oh, call me to Your chosen choir.

In suppliant prayer I humbly bend,
My contrite heart like ashes rend;
Regard, O Lord, my final end.

Oh, on that day, that tearful day,
When man to judgment wakes from clay,
Do You the sinner's sentence stay
O spare him, God, we humbly pray.

And grant to all, O Saviour blest,
Who die in You, the saints' sweet rest. Amen.

GOSPEL St. John 5:25-29
At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews:"Amen, amen, I say unto you, that the hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself, so he hath given to the Son also to have life in himself. And he hath given him power to do judgment, because he is the Son of man. Wonder not at this: for the hour cometh wherein all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God. And they that have done good things shall come forth unto the resurrection of life: but they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
O Lord, Jesus Christ, glorious King, spare the souls of the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the deep pit; free them from the jaws of the lion, and let them not descend into hell to be swallowed up in darkness. May Saint Michael, Your standard bearer, lead them into the holy light which You promised of old to Abraham and his posterity. V. Receive the sacrifices and prayers of praise, O Lord, which we offer for the souls of those whom we would remember this day. Grant, O Lord, that they may pass from death to life, which You promised of old to Abraham and his posterity.

SECRET
O Lord, look with favor upon the gifts we offer You in behalf of the souls of Your faithful departed. Grant them the reward of Christian faith, just as You bestowed upon them the merit of their belief. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON IV Esdr 2:35, 34
May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord, with Your saints forever, for You are merciful. V. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, with Your saints forever, for You are merciful.

POSTCOMMUNION
May the prayers of Your suppliant people help the souls of Your servants, O Lord. Free them of all their sins and grant that they may share in the redemption You won for all men, who lives and rules with God . . .

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
This is the great family feast of the Mystical Body in its final triumph. The unnumbered and nameless multitude of saints, "out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues," are our brothers and sisters in Christ at home with our Redeemer-Brother. Their sainthood is the fulfillment of living the eight Beatitudes. They are the great Christian heroes. "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Cor. 2:9).

INTROIT 
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of all the saints upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God. 
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright. 
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
Almighty and eternal God, through Your grace we honor the merits of all Your saints in the one solemn feast of today. Grant us the abundant mercy we ask of You through this army of heavenly intercessors. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

LESSON Apoc. 7:2-12
In those days, behold, I, John, saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the sign of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying: "Hurt not the earth nor the sea nor the trees, till we sign the servants of our God in their foreheads." And I heard the number of them that were signed. An hundred forty-four thousand were signed, of every tribe of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Ruben, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Aser, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Nephthali, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Manasses, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Zabulon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand signed. After this, I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. And they cried with a loud voice, saying: "Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb." And all the angels stood round about the throne and the ancients and the four living creatures. And they fell down before the throne upon their faces and adored God, Saying: "Amen. Benediction and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving, honor and power and strength, to our God, for ever and ever. Amen."

GRADUAL Ps. 33:10, 11
Fear the Lord all you His saints, for nothing is wanting to those who fear Him. 
V. Those who seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.

Alleluia, alleluia! Matt. 11:28
Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.Alleluia! 

GOSPEL Matt. 5:1-12
At that time, Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth he taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Wisdom 3:1-2, 3 
The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they appeared to perish, but they are in peace, alleluia!

SECRET 
We offer these gifts to You in sacrifice, O Lord. May the honor we pay to Your saints please You, and may these offerings, through Your mercy, bring us closer to our salvation. Through Christ Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 5:8-10
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
May Your faithful always delight in paying reverence to all the saints, O Lord, and may the constant intercession of the saints be our protection. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit . . .