SAINT JOSAPHAT
Bishop and Martyr

DOUBLE / RED
Josaphat, apostle and a martyr of Church unity was baptized John Kuncevyk. When he was 16, in 1595, the Ruthenian Church, to which he belonged, was officially united with Rome. As a young apprentice-merchant with a monastic vocation, he devoted his spare time to learning Church Slavonic, in order to assist more intelligently at the Liturgy and to recite some of the Divine Office each day. As soon as possible he entered the monastery of the Holy Trinity at Vilna. Made Archbishop of Polotsk in 1617, he fought tirelessly to preserve the union with Rome against fierce opposition from many of the people and a schismatic hierarchy. He was beaten to death in a riot incited by his opponents in 1623. St. Josaphat is one of the patrons of Poland.

INTROIT
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of the blessed martyr Josaphat, at whose martyrdom the angels rejoiced and praised the Son of God.
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, infuse into your Church the Spirit that filled the blessed martyr bishop Josaphat when he gave his life for his flock. May that Spirit move and strengthen us through the prayers of this saint so that we may fearlessly sacrifice our lives for our brothers. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Heb. 5:1-6
Brethren: Every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And therefore he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. Neither doth any man take the honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was. So Christ also did not glorify himself, that he might be made a high priest: but he that said unto him: "Thou art my Son: this day have I begotten thee." As he saith also in another place: "Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech."

GRADUAL Ps. 88:21-23
I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may help him and My arm strengthen him.
V. The enemy shall have no advantage over him, nor shall the son of iniquity have power to hurt him.

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. This is the priest whom the Lord has crowned. 
Alleluia!

GOSPEL St. John 10:11-16
At that time, Jesus said to the Pharisees, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep and flieth: and the wolf casteth and scattereth the sheep, And the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd: and I know mine, and mine know me. As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep. And other sheep I have that are not of this fold: them also I must bring. And they shall hear my voice: And there shall be one fold and one shepherd."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON St. John 13:13
Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for his friends.

SECRET 
O Most Merciful God, bless these gifts of ours, and deepen in us that faith which Your blessed martyr bishop Josaphat upheld even at the cost of his life. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON St. John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep and mine know me.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, may the food of heaven which we have taken fill us with the spiritual strength of Your blessed martyr bishop Josaphat, which made him victorious in defending the Church. Through Our Lord . . .

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami to Celebrate Pontifical High Mass

Attention Florida residents:

via lexetlibertas.wordpress.com

From Fr. Zuhldorf: http://wdtprs.com/blog/

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami will be celebrate a Pontifical High Mass at Miami's Church of the Epiphany (7:30pm) on 2 February 2012, Feast of the Presentation.

This will be the first time in over 40 years that a bishop has celebrated a Pontifical High Mass, according to the Missal of 1962, in the State of Florida. The Mass is part of a symposium jointly sponsored by both Nova Southeastern University and Church Music Association of America.

The symposium is titled "Gregorian Chant and Modern Composition for the Catholic Liturgy: Charles Tournemire's 'L'Orgue Mystique' as Guide " The Mass will feature the French composer and organist's compositions for the Feast of the Presentation.

For more information about the Symposium, see here. http://lexetlibertas.wordpress.com/2011/11/13/archbishop-thomas-wenski-of-mia...

THE HOURS OF OUR LADY

I will be posting from time to time excerpts from

THE LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

so that we all can understand how wonderful these prayers are in honor of Our Lady and the great graces that are given to us when we devoutly pray them. 

Deacon John

 

To King David the "excellent Psalmist" of Israel (II Kings 23:1) and admirable penitent whose prophecies in the Psalms are literally Messianic and who as a great theocratic king typifies THE MESSIAS The Son of David and from whom descended MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD who was of the Tribe of Juda and The Royal House of DAVID (Feast Dec. 29).

Mary most sorrowful, Mother of Christians, pray for us (300 days) No. 376 Raccolta.

Virgin most sorrowful, pray for us. (300 days) No. 377 Raccolta.

In accordance with the most recent Latin version of the Psalms (1945) translated into English.

Published privately for the use of LAY RETREAT LEADERS AND LAY RETREATANTS of the Diocesan Retreat House, Cleveland, Ohio, with the hope that familiarity with the English translation of the Office of the B.V.M., will lead them on some day to the recitation of the Office in Latin--the Church's official language.

Notes and Explanations compiled and edited by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis P. Johns, S.T.D., Rector

Nihil Obstat: Bernard L. Koebele, O.F.M., Censor Deputatus

Imprimatur: +Eduardus F. Hoban, S.T.D., Archiepiscopus-Episcopus Clevelandensis

December 8, 1952

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

"Sweet is it to praise the Lord, to sing, Most High God, in honor of Thy Name: to proclaim Thy mercy and faithfulness at daybreak and at the fall of night." (Psalm 91)

The central idea of the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin is given in the verses of the Hymn at Lauds:

"COME THEN, YE RANSOMED NATIONS, SING THE LIFE DIVINE "TWAS HERS TO BRING."

[To be continued]

 

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY
AFTER PENTECOST

SAINT DIDACUS
Confessor

DOUBLE / GREEN
INTROIT Ps. 129:3, 4
If Thou, O Lord, shalt observe iniquities; Lord, who shall endure it? for with Thee there is merciful forgiveness, O God of Israel.
Ps. 129:1-2. Out of the depths have I cried to Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, our refuge and strength, Author of all devotedness, give ear to the devoted prayers of Thy Church, and grant, that we may obtain in deed what we ask with faith. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT DIDACUS

Didacus, a 15th-century Spanish Franciscan laybrother, labored for some years in the Canary Islands, where he instructed and converted many people. For a time he also headed a large monastery he had founded there. Didacus was above all a contemplative, and his abundant good works were the fruit of his ardent love of Christ. His charity for the sick was especially moving.

 
Almighty and eternal God, Your wondrous providence has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the strong. Hear our humble prayer and grant that the prayers of Your blessed confessor Didacus may make us worthy of eternal glory in heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

 

EPISTLE Phil. 1:6-11
Brethren: we are confident of this very thing, that he which began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 

GRADUAL Ps. 132:1-2
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron.

Alleluia, alleluia! Ps. 113:11
They that fear the Lord, let them hope in Him; He is their helper and protector. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 22:15-21
At that time, the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, "Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money." And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, "Whose is this image and superscription?" They say unto him, "Caesar’s." Then saith he unto them, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Esther 14:12, 13
Remember me, O Lord. Thou who rulest above all power; and give a well-ordered speech in my mouth, that my words may be pleasing in the sight of the prince.

SECRET
Grant, O merciful God, that this saving rite may unremittingly free us from all personal guilt and fend off all misfortune. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT DIDACUS

Accept this offering which we humbly present in honor of Your Saints, O God, and through it purify our bodies and our souls. Through our Lord . . .
 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 16:6
I have cried, for Thou, O God, hast heard me; O incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my words.

POSTCOMMUNION
We have received, O Lord, the gifts of this sacred Mystery, and humbly beseech Thee, that what we do at Thy bidding in memory of Thee, may avail us in our weakness. Who livest and reignest . . .

 

Commemoration of SAINT DIDACUS

Almighty God, we pray that the reception of this Bread of Heaven may strengthen us against all adversity through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor Didacus. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT MARTIN I
Pope and Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
Martin I, formerly papal ambassador at the court of Constantinople, was elected Pope in July, 649. In October of the same year he convoked the Lateran Council which condemned the heresy of the Monothelites (who denied that Christ had a human will). Emperor Constans II favored the heresy, and, after an unsuccessful attempt on the Pope's life, had him arrested, taken to Constantinople, and condemned to death. When the death sentence was commuted to exile, Pope Martin was banished to the Chersonese, where he died in 655, broken by his sufferings.

Mass of a POPE

COLLECT
O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Martin 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 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:

COLLECT
 O 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 . . .

Saint Theodore, Martyr

DEDICATION OF THE ARCHBASILICA
OF OUR SAVIOUR

SAINT THEODORE

Martyr

Image via Wikipedia

Commonly called St. John Lateran, this basilica, donated by the Emperor Constantine, was once part of the Pope's residence and is the cathedral of the bishop of Rome. On its facade is carved the inscription: "The Mother and Head of all the churches in the city and the world." Today's feast, then, calls to mind the unity of the Church over the whole earth.This is the first church given public consecration. Five ecumenical councils were held there. Within the basilica is an altar of wood which dates back to the days of persecution, and is believed by some to have been used by St. Peter himself.

Mass of the DEDICATION OF A CHURCH, except:

COLLECT
O God, by Your care we come safely each year to commemorate with these sacred rites the dedication of Your holy Temple. Graciously hear the prayers of Your people and grant that all who implore Your blessings in this church may joyfully receive the favors they ask. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THEODORE 

This Roman soldier was cruelly tortured and burnt alive in the year 306 for having allegedly set fire to the temple of the pagan goddess Cybele.

The glorious profession of faith of Your holy Martyr Theodore overshadows and protects us, O God. May we profit by his example and rejoice in the assistance of his prayers. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET
Graciously hear our prayers, O Lord (and grant that all who are gathered in this church to celebrate the anniversary of its dedication may please You by their complete service of body and soul). May the gifts we offer You help us to attain Your eternal rewards. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THEODORE

Accept the prayers and offering of the faithful, O Lord, and let our love and devotion lead us to the glory of heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O God, by Your divine choosing, living stones are used to build an everlasting dwelling place for Your majesty. Hear the prayers of Your people who call upon You, and grant that the material growth of Your Church may be accompanied by a deepening spiritual development in her. Through Out Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT THEODORE

Pope's Chair in Basilica. Image via Wikipedia

May the intercession of Your holy Martyr Theodore help us, O Lord, to cherish with pure hearts the Sacrament we have received upon our lips. Through Our Lord . . .

FERIAL DAY
(Mass of preceding Sunday)

[Requiem or Votive Mass allowed]

Saint Hyacinth Castaneda

Died 1773

November 7

Dominican. Priest. Missionary to China. Missionary to Vietnam. One of the Martyrs of Vietnam.


Born
at Setavo, diocese of Valencia, Spain


Died
beheaded in 1773 in Vietnam


Canonized
19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II

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

Image via Wikipedia

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

Image via Wikipedia

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 . . .