Saint Bridget; Saints Sergius and Companions; Our Lady of Good Remedy; Saint Keyna, Virgin

 

SAINT BRIDGET
Widow

SAINTS SERGIUS, BACCHUS & COMPANIONS
Martyrs

OUR LADY OF GOOD REMEDY

[Historical]

 

SAINT KEYNA

DOUBLE / WHITE
Patron saint of Sweden, Bridget (1302-73) married a young prince and lived happily with him for 28 years, bearing him eight children. St. Catherine of Sweden was their daughter. After her husband died, Bridget founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior, erecting at Vadstena a double monastery for monks and nuns. Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she later went to Rome, where she worked for the return of the Popes from Avignon. This Scandinavian mystic is famous for her Revelations concerning the sufferings of our Redeemer.

Mass of a HOLY WOMAN, except

COLLECT
O Lord our God, Your only-begotten Son revealed the secrets of heaven to blessed Bridget. May the prayers of this saint bring Your servants the joy of one day beholding the revelation of Your eternal glory. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS SERGIUS, BACCHUS & COMPANIONS

Martyrs, d. in the Diocletian persecution in Coele-Syria about 303. Their martyrdom is well authenticated by the earliest martyrologies and by the early veneration paid them, as well as by such historians as Theodoret. They were officers of troops on the frontier, Sergius being primicerius, and Bacchus secundarius. According to the legend, there were high in esteem of the Caesar Maximianus on account of their bravery, but this favour was turned into hate when they acknowledged their Christian faith. When examined under torture they were beaten so severely with thongs that Bacchus died under the blows. Sergius, though, had much more suffering to endure; among other tortures, as the legend relates, he had to run eighteen miles in shoes which were covered on the soles with sharp-pointed nails that pierced through the foot. He was finally beheaded. The burial-place of Sergius and Bacchus was pointed out in the city of Resaph; in honour of Sergius the Emperor Justinian also built churches in honour of Sergius at Constantinople and Acre; the one at Constantinople, now a mosque, is a great work of Byzantine art. In the East, Sergius and Bacchus were universally honoured. Since the seventh century they have a celebrated church in Rome. Christian art represents the two saints as soldiers in military garb with branches of palm in their hands. Their feast is observed on 7 October. The Church calendar gives the two saints Marcellus and Apuleius on the same day as Sergius and Bacchus. They are said to have been converted to Christianity by the miracles of St. Peter. According to the "Martyrologium Romanum" they suffered martyrdom soon after the deaths of Sts. Peter and Paul and were buried near Rome. Their existing Acts are not genuine and agree to a great extent with those of Sts. Nereus and Achilleus. The veneration of the two saints is very old. A mass is assigned to them in the "Sacramentarium" of Pope Gelasius. 

O God, who dost permit us to celebrate the heavenly birthday of Thy holy Martyrs, Sergius, Bacchus and companions, grant that we may rejoice in their fellowship in everlasting bliss. 

Commemoration of SAINT KEYNA 

St "Keyna the Virgin," a Welsh princess, called thereto by her heavenly Spouse, lived a long life of prayer and penance in the solitude of the mountains of Somerset and Wales. During life as well as after her death, she worked miracles. She fell asleep in Christ near the close of the fifth century.

Hear us, O God, our Savior, and as we rejoice in the feast of blessed Keyna, Thy Virgin, so may we may learn a filial devotion to Thee. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE  I Tim. 5:3-10
Brethren: Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or grandchildren, let her learn first to govern her own house and to make a return of duty to her parents; for this is acceptable before God. But she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, let her trust in God and continue in supplications and prayers night and day. For she that liveth in pleasures is dead while she is living. And this give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any man have not care of his own and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. Let a widow be chosen of no less than threescore years of age, who hath been the wife of one husband. Having testimony for her good works, if she have brought up children, if she have received to harbour, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered to them that suffer tribulation, if she have diligently followed every good work.


Gradual
Ps 44:3, 5.
Grace is poured out upon your lips; thus God has blessed you forever.
V. In the cause of truth and mercy and for the sake of justice: may your right hand show you wondrous deeds. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 44.5.
V. In your splendor and your beauty ride on triumphant, and reign. Alleluia.


GOSPEL 
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 13:44-52
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden is a field; he who finds it hides it, and in his joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he finds a single pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea that gathered in fish of every kind. When it was filled, they hauled it out, and sitting down on the beach, they gathered the good fish into vessels, but threw away the bad. So will it be at the end of the world. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from among the just, and will cast them into the furnace of fire, where there will be the weeping, and the gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things? They said to Him, Yes. And He said to them, So then, every Scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings forth from his storeroom things new and old.
 
SECRET
Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your Saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS SERGIUS, BACCHUS & COMPANIONS
We offer to Thee, O Lord, the gifts of our devotion; may they be pleasing to Thee, honorable to Thy saints, and through Thy mercy salutary to us.

Commemoration of SAINT KEYNA POSTCOMMUNION
May this sacrifice of Thy dedicated people be accepted by Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints, to whose merits we attribute the help afforded us in tribulation. Through our Lord . . .
 
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of Heaven. May we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your Saint whose feast we celebrate this day. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS SERGIUS, BACCHUS & COMPANIONS
Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs, Sergius, Bacchus and companions, that what we take with the mouth, we may receive with a pure heart. 

Commemoration of SAINT KEYNA
Thou hast filled Thy household, O Lord, with holy gifts, do Thou cherish us always, through the intercession of her whose festival we are keeping. Through our Lord . . . 
 

OUR LADY OF GOOD REMEDY

St. John de Matha Mass. Image via Wikipedia

800 years ago Christians were being captured by the Moslems and sold into slavery by the thousands, and nobody knew what to do about it. Then, in the year 1198, a man had an idea. St. John de Matha founded the Trinitarians to go to the slave markets to buy (ransom) the Christian Slaves and set them free.

To carry out this plan, the Trinitarians needed large amounts of money. They placed their fundraising efforts under the patronage of Mary. According to very ancient documents the feast of the Virgin was celebrated solemnly by Trinitarians. Every week since the year 1262, by a special indult, the Trinitarian communities prayed the office of the Virgin. The Trinitarians were moved to show this special devotion to the Virgin because of her relationship with the three persons of the Trinity, because of the great love with which the Virgin collaborated in the redemption of the world and because often, when carrying redemptions of captives, they experienced special help from the Virgin of Remedy. They were so successful that, over the centuries, the Trinitarians were able to free thousands and thousands of people and return them safely home.


All of this contributed to the fact that the Trinitarians became known for their veneration of the Virgin under the title of "Remedy" or "Good Remedy" and that confraternities, altars and images were set up in her honor. By singular graces, the Virgin manifested how pleased she was by this invocation.

Devotion to Mary under this title is widely known in Europe and Latin America. Our Lady of Good Remedy is often depicted as the Virgin Mary handing a bag of money to St. John of Matha.

When in need - for whatever reason, but especially where you have had difficulty obtaining help - invoke the aid of Our Lady of Good Remedy and you will surely experience the power of her intercession.

The feast of Our Lady of Good Remedy is celebrated on October 8.

THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY; ST. MARK I, POPE (336 A.D.)

 

THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SAINT MARK
Pope and Confessor

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
The feast of the Holy Rosary was instituted to honor Mary for the Christian victory over the Turks at Lepanto on October 7, 1571. Pope St. Pius V and all Christians had prayed the Rosary for victory.
The Rosary is a powerful means of uniting families, communities, and nations in the Mystical Body of Christ. In reciting the Rosary we say, "pray for us sinners," not "pray for me." The prayers of the Rosary take us out of ourselves by adoring and thanking God, and particularly by meditating on the doctrinal truths of the 15 Mysteries. Moreover, as Pope Leo XIII wrote, ". . . the Rosary is by far the best prayer by which to plead before her (Mary) the cause of our separated brethren."
 
INTROIT
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of the Blessed 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 God, Your only-begotten Son has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life by His life, death, and resurrection. May we who meditate on those mysteries in the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary imitate the virtues they proclaim and obtain the promises they offer. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARK
During his short reign (eight months of the year 336) Pope Mark I set a pattern of personal holiness for the Church.

O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Mark 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 . . .

LESSON Prov. 8:22-24, 32-35
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made any thing from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old, before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived. Now, therefore, ye children, hear me: blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors. He that shall find me, shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:5, 11, 12
For the sake of truth and meekness and justice, may your right hand lead you on wonderfully.
V. Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, for the king greatly desires your beauty.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
This is the solemn feast of the glorious Virgin Mary, descendant of Abraham from the tribe of Juda, of the royal race of David. Alleluia!

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

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Eccli. 24:25; 39:17
In me is all grace of the way and the truth; in me is all hope of life and virtue. Like a rose planted by the flowing stream I have budded forth.

SECRET
Make us worthy to offer You these gifts, O Lord. May the mysteries of the holy rosary recall to our minds the life, passion, and triumph of Your only-begotten Son so that we may also reap the rewards which He has promised; who lives and rules with You . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARK
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 . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Eccli. 39:19
Send forth flowers as the lily, and be fragrant; bring forth leaves in beauty, and with songs of praise bless the Lord in His works!

POSTCOMMUNION
May Your most Blessed Mother, whose rosary we honor this day, o Lord, help us by her intercession so that we may be strengthened in virtue through the contemplation of these mysteries and the reception of Your Sacrament; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT MARK
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 . . .

Image via Wikipedia

Saint Bruno (1101 A.D.)

 

Fillipo Lauri, Ecstasy of Saint Bruno, 
Second half of the 17th century., oil on canvas

SAINT BRUNO
Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
As a young priest, Bruno (1030-1101) was a brilliant teacher at the cathedral school of Rheims. He became rector of that school and later chancellor of the diocese. In 1084 he withdrew to the wilderness of Chartreuse and founded there a monastery of monk-hermits which grew into the Carthusian Institute, the most penitential of all contemplative communities. His character, far from being harsh, was marked by serene gaiety and tender charity. Saint Bruno is Patron of those who suffer from demonic possession.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

Introit
Ps 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. The law of his God is in his heart.
Ps 36:1
Be not vexed over evildoers, nor jealous of those who do wrong.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. The law of his God is in his heart.

COLLECT
May the prayers of the holy confessor Bruno assist us, O Lord, so that we, who have deeply offended Your majesty by our sins, may be pardoned through his merits and intercession. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Sir 31:8-11
Happy the man found without fault, who turns not aside after gain, nor puts his trust in money nor in treasures! Who is he, that we may praise him? For he has done wonders in his life. He has been tested by gold and come off safe, and this remains his glory forever; he could have sinned but did not, could have done evil but would not, so that his possessions are secure in the Lord, and the assembly of the Saints shall recount his alms.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual
Ps 91:12, 14.
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow in the house of the Lord.
Ps 91:3
V. To proclaim Your kindness at dawn and Your faithfulness throughout the night. Alleluia, alleluia.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 12:35-40
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning, and you yourselves like men waiting for their master’s return from the wedding; so that when he comes and knocks, they may straight-way open to him. Blessed are those servants whom the master, on his return, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he will gird himself, and will make them recline at table, and will come and serve them. And if he comes in the second watch, and if in the third, and fins them so, blessed are those servants! But of this be assured, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would certainly have watched, and not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because at an hour that you do not expect, the Son of Man is coming.  

Offertory
Ps 88:25
My faithfulness and My kindness shall be with him, and through My name shall his horn be exalted. 

 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 . . .

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

POSTCOMMUNION 
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 Bruno. Through our Lord . . .

Painting by Sebastiano Ricci (1659-1734) depicting the founder of the Carthusians, Bruno of Cologne (c1030-1101), adoring the Virgin Mary and the Infant Christ, with Hugh of Lincoln (1135-1200) looking on in the background. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SAINT PLACID AND HIS COMPANIONS, Martyrs; SAINT THOMAS OF HEREFORD (1287 A.D.)

 

SAINT PLACID AND HIS COMPANIONS

Martyrs

SAINT THOMAS OF HEREFORD

SIMPLE / RED
The Church commemorates today 32 Christians martyred in Sicily in the fourth century by Saracen pirates. An ancient tradition wrongly identified St. Placid, one of these martyrs, with the St. Placid who was a favorite disciple of St. Benedict two centuries later.

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

Introit 

I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord; in whatever tribulation they shall cry to Me, I will hear them; and I will be their Lord forever.
Ps 77:1
Hearken, My people, to My teaching; incline yours ears to the words of My mouth.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord; in whatever tribulation they shall cry to Me, I will hear them; and I will be their Lord forever.

COLLECT 

O God, who has granted us the grace to celebrate the birthday of Your blessed martyrs Placid and his companions, grant that we may also share their eternal happiness in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of ST. THOMAS OF HEREFORD
St. Thomas  Cantelupe, Chancellor of England and Bishop of Hereford. After devoting himself for some years to the pastoral charge, he went on pilgrimage to Rome. He died at Montefiascone in Italy on his journey home from Rome on August 25, 1287.

O God, who didst endow Thy Church with the angelical purity and the glorious virtues of blessed Bishop Thomas; grant unto us, Thy servants, that, by his good works, which plead for us, we may be found worthy to join him in the angelic Choir. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson 
Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians
Eph 4:23-28
Brethren: Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, which has been created according to God in justice and holiness of truth. Wherefore, put away lying and speak truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down upon your anger; do not give place to the devil. He who was wont to steal, let him steal no longer; but rather let him labor, working with his hands at what is good, that he may have something to share with him who suffers need.

Gradual 
Ps 140:2
Let my prayer come like incense before You, O Lord.
V. The lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 104:1
V. Give thanks to the Lord, invoke His name; make known among the nations His deeds. Alleluia.

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 22:1-14
At that time, Jesus spoke to the chief priests and the Pharisees in parables, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a king who made a marriage feast for his son. And he sent his servants to call in those invited to the marriage feast for his son. And he sent his servants to call in those invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come. Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatlings are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.’ But they made light of it, and went off, one to his farm, and another to his business; and the rest laid hold of his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. But when the king heard of it, he was angry; and he sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burnt their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The marriage feast indeed is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy; go therefore to the crossroads, and invite to the marriage feast whomever you shall find.’ And his servants went out into the roads, and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; and the marriage feast was filled with guests. Now the king went in to see the guests, and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet and cast him forth into the darkness outside, where there will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.

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 our Lord . . .

Commemoration of ST. THOMAS OF HEREFORD
May this annual feast of Saint Thomas Thy Confessor and Bishop make us in Thy kindness acceptable to Thee, O Lord: and may this present rite duly appease Thee, bring happy recompense to him, and assure gifts of Thy grace to us. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 

May the intercession of Your holy martyrs Placid and his companions help us, O Lord, to cherish with pure hearts the Sacrament we have received upon our lips. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of ST. THOMAS OF HEREFORD
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls, grant: by the prayers of blessed Thomas, Thy Confessor and Bishop, whose venerable feast we celebrate, we may obtain pardon. Through our Lord . . . 

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST; SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1226 A.D.)

 

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Confessor 

DOUBLE / GREEN

Forgiveness is every man's need, for every man is born to sin. God may speak like thunder in the human heart, and then the man of good will has no peace until he kneels and confesses and receives His pardon. God's voice may be ignored or laughed at by others. But His rights to obedience and worship cannot be mocked. Through Christ our mediator, God has amply provided for man's reconciliation with the Deity. The confessional is always at hand, and the priest is God's minister of grace. By His death Christ won every grace needed for our present peace and future happiness.

 
INTROIT Eccli. 36:18
Grant peace, O Lord, to those who wait for You, that Your prophets may be found faithful. Hear the prayers of Your servant of Your people Israel.
Ps. 121.1. I rejoice at the tidings which were told me, "We shall go into the house of the Lord."
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O Lord, let Your mercy direct our hearts, for without You we can do nothing to please You. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS

Born at Assisi, Italy, and Christened John (Giovanni) di Bernadone, Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was a serviceman in his youth. His vocation -- that of counteracting the growing spirit of riches infecting Europe -- made itself known almost simultaneously with the young Spanish priest Dominic's call to combat the doctrinal ignorance and heretical evil of that day. Each in his own way, they revolutionized the Christian life with the creation of their two orders of mendicant friars. In 1207 Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), a group of laymen dedicated to poverty of life and Christlike charity toward all men. Two years later, with the blessing of Pope Innocent III, he and his band set out to preach. During a crusade he penetrated to the camp of the Egyptian sultan. Following his return from the Holy land, Francis relinquished the rule of his by now immensely expanded order, and received the Stigmata in its stead. His love for poverty, for the cross, and for all creation, brought new vitality and holiness to the whole Church.

O God, You increased the membership of the Church through the merits of blessed Francis. Grant that we may follow his example and spurn the things of earth to find our continual happiness in Your gifts from heaven. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 1:4-8
Brethren: I give thanks to my God always for you, for the grace of God that is given you in Christ Jesus: That in all things you are made rich in him, in all utterance and in all knowledge; As the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, So that nothing is wanting to you in any grace, waiting for the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who also will confirm you unto the end without crime, in the days of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

GRADUAL Ps. 121:1, 7
I rejoiced at the tidings which were told me, "We shall go into the house of the Lord."
V. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your towers.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
The nations shall revere Your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth shall reverence Your glory. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 9:1-8
At that time, Jesus entering into a boat, passed over the water and came into his own city. And behold they brought to him one sick of the palsy lying in a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the man sick of the palsy:"Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee." And behold some of the scribes said within themselves: "He blasphemeth." And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said:"Why do you think evil in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, Arise, and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins," (then said he to the man sick of the palsy,) "Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house." And he arose, and went into his house. And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God that gave such power to men.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ex. 24:4, 5
Moses consecrated an altar to the Lord, offering holocausts on it, and sacrificing victims. He made an evening sacrifice to the Lord God for an odor of sweetness, in the sight of the children of Israel.

SECRET 
O God, who allows us to share in Your own divine nature by partaking of this sacrifice, grant that our conduct may be guided by Your revealed truth. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS

Bless the gifts we offer to You, O Lord, and cleanse us from all stain of sin through the intercession of blessed Francis. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 95:8-9
Bring offerings, and enter his courts; worship the Lord in His holy temple.

POSTCOMMUNION 
We thank You, O Lord, for nourishing us with Your Sacred Gift. In Your mercy, make us worthy of the Sacrament we have received. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS

O Lord, the merits and teachings of the blessed confessor Francis reflected glory on Your Church. May she flourish and increase through Your divine grace. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT TERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS (1897 A.D.) Virgin, Doctor of the Church

 

SAINT TERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS
Virgin, Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE / WHITE
Therese Martin (1873-97) entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux, France, at the age of 15. Her simple but heroic religious life of nine years was dedicated to saving souls and to praying for priests. The young Carmelite longed to lead her hidden life of prayer in a pagan land, but illness kept her in France. Yet so well did she fulfill the essential vocation of a missioner that in 1927, two years after her canonization, Pope Pius XI declared her the patron of all missions, together with St. Francis Xavier, Apostle of the Orient.

INTROIT Cant. 4:8-9
Come forth from Lebanon, my spouse, come forth from Lebanon. Come! You have pierced my heart, my sister, my spouse, you have wounded my heart!
Ps. 112:1. Praise the Lord, you His children, praise the name of the Lord!
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, You have said, "Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." May we imitate the humility and the simplicity of heart of the blessed virgin Teresa, so that we too may win an eternal reward; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

LESSON Isa. 66:12-14
For thus saith the Lord: "Behold I will bring upon her as it were a river of peace, and as an overflowing torrent the glory of the Gentiles, which you shall suck; you shall be carried at the breasts, and upon the knees they shall caress you. As one whom the mother caresseth, so will I comfort you, and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb, and the hand of the Lord shall be known to his servants, and he shall be angry with his enemies."

GRADUAL Matt. 11:25; Ps. 70:5
I praise Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and prudent, and didst reveal them to little ones.
V. O Lord, you are my hope from my youth!

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Eccli. 39:17-19
Bud forth as the rose planted by the flowing stream! Give forth a sweet odor as frankincense! Send forth flowers as the lily, and be fragrant; bring forth leaves in beauty, and with songs of praise bless the Lord in His works! Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 18:1-4
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying: "Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus, calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them. And said: "Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Luke 1:46-48, 49
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid. He who is mighty has done great things for me.

SECRET 
May the prayers of the blessed virgin Teresa accompany our Sacrifice, O Lord, so that her merits, which we commemorate by these offerings, may make it acceptable to You. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Deut. 32:10-12
He led her about and instructed her, and guarded her as the apple of His eye. Like an eagle He spread His wings and took her upon His shoulders and carried her. The Lord alone was her leader.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, let this sacred rite of heaven inflame us with the same fire of love that inspired Your blessed virgin Teresa to offer herself to You as a victim of love for all men. Through our Lord . . .

St Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897) was one of three women to be named "Doctor of the Church during the 20th Century. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The Holy Guardian Angels

 

18th century rendition of a guardian angel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE
Because each individual soul is priceless, God has appointed an angel of heaven to be its guide and protector. Today we give special honor to these guardians, whose duty it is to defend us from evil, help us in prayer, and inspire us to live according to our Christian ideals. But we should remember to ask their intercession every day of the year.

INTROIT Ps. 102:20
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength who do His bidding, obeying the voice of His commands.
Ps. 102:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, we cannot express in words the mercy of Your providence that has given Your angels care over us. May we always be safe under their protection and happy for all eternity in their company. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Ex. 23:20-23
Thus says the Lord God: "Behold I will send my angel, who shall go before thee, and keep thee in thy journey, and bring thee into the place that I have prepared. Take notice of him, and hear his voice, and do not think him one to be contemned: for he will not forgive when thou hast sinned, and my name is in him. But if thou wilt hear hi voice, and do all that I speak, I will be an enemy to thy enemies, and will afflict them that afflict thee. And my angel shall go before thee."

GRADUAL Ps. 90:11-12
God has given His angels charge over you, that they may guard you in all your ways.
V. Upon their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 102:21
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, His ministers who do His will. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 18:1-10
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying: "Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus, calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them. And said: "Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. And if thy hand, or thy foot, scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 102:20, 21
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, His ministers who do His bidding and obey His spoken word.

SECRET
Accept, O Lord, the gifts we offer in veneration of Your holy angels. May Your mercy free us, under their unceasing guardianship, from our present dangers and lead us to eternal life. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Dan. 3:58
All you angels of the Lord, bless the Lord; sing a hymn of praise and exalt Him above all forever.

POSTCOMMUNION
We have received Your divine Sacrament, O Lord, in joyful celebration of the feast of Your holy angels. May their protection guard us against the deception of our enemies and keep us from all harm. Through our Lord . . .

The Guardian Angel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Saint Remigius (530 A.D.)

 

SAINT REMIGIUS
Bishop and Confessor

SIMPLE / WHITE
Remigius became bishop of Rheims by popular acclaim in 459, the period when the Franks from Germany were overrunning Roman Gaul. Bishop Remigius brought about the marriage of the pagan Clovis, the most powerful of the Frankish chieftains in Gaul, with Clotilda, a saintly Catholic princess. Clovis defeated invading Alammani hordes by invoking the God of his Christian wife, and then himself turned to Christ. On Christmas day in 496 Bishop Remigius baptized Clovis, and with him won to the Faith the future nation of France.

Mass of a  CONFESSOR BISHOP

Introit
Eccli 36:18
Give peace, O Lord, to those who have hoped in You, and let Your Prophets be proved true. Hear the prayers of Your servant, and of Your people Israel.
Ps 121:1
I rejoiced because they said to me, We will go up to the house of the Lord.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Give peace, O Lord, to those who have hoped in You, and let Your Prophets be proved true. Hear the prayers of Your servant, and of Your people Israel.

COLLECT
O Almighty God, grant that our solemn celebration of the feast of Your confessor bishop Remigius may increase our devotion and bring us closer to our salvation. Through our Lord . . .


Lesson
Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians
Eph 3:13-21
Brethren: I pray you not to be disheartened at my tribulations for you, for they are your glory. For this reason I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from Whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth receives its name, that He may grant you from His glorious riches to be strengthened with power through His Spirit unto the progress of the inner man; and to have Christ dwelling through faith in your hearts: so that, being rooted and grounded in love, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled unto all the fullness of God. Now, to Him Who is able to accomplish all things in a measure far beyond what we ask or conceive, in keeping with the power that is at work in us - to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus down through all the ages of time without end. Amen.
R. Thanks be to God.

Gradual
Ps 101:16-17
The nations shall revere Your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory.
V. For the Lord has rebuilt Sion, and He shall appear in His glory. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 97:1
V. Sing to the Lord a new song, for the Lord has done wondrous deeds. Alleluia.

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 14:1-11
At that time, when Jesus entered the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to take food, they watched Him. And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had the dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath? But they remained silent. And He took and healed him and let him go. Then addressing them, He said, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fall into a pit, and will not immediately draw him up on the Sabbath? And they could give Him no answer to these things. But He also spoke a parable to those invited, observing how they were choosing the first places at table, and He said to them, When you are invited to a wedding feast, do not recline in the first place, lest perhaps one more distinguished than you have been invited by him, and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Make room for this man’; and then you begin with shame to take the last place. But when you are invited go and recline in the last place; that when he who invited you comes in, he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher!’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who are at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.  
 
SECRET
O Lord, may Your Saints everywhere be a source of joy for us, and may we feel the power of their intercession with You as we solemnly recall the deeds of their lives. Through our Lord . . .


POSTCOMMUNION
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 confessor bishop Remigius. Through our Lord . . .