SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO
Confessor

EMBER FRIDAY IN AUTUMN

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Because he was apparently a most ungifted and unpromising youth, Joseph of Cupertino (1603-63) was unwanted at home. Finally the Conventual Franciscans accepted him as a lay brother and assigned to him the task of rubbing down a mule. Brother Joseph's obedience and patience under severe criticism, his spirit of poverty, and his angelic purity brought about his ordination to the priesthood. He worked such extraordinary miracles that his fame spread over all Christendom. He is known as the flying Saint, patron of aviators and those who fly.

INTROIT Eccli. 1:14-15
Wisdom worthy of honor is the love of God. Those to whom she is revealed love her because of her beauty and the appreciation of her great works.
Ps. 83:2. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns and faints for the courts of the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, at Your command Your only-begotten Son was lifted up above the earth that He might draw all things to Himself. May the merits and example of Your seraphic confessor Joseph help to raise us above all earthly desires so that we may come to Jesus, who lives and rules with You . . .


Almighty God, we beg that, by keeping this yearly fast with devotion, we may please You both in body and in soul. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Cor. 13:1-8
Brethren: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up, Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil: Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth: Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed.

GRADUAL Ps. 20:4-5
O Lord, You have made him excel by Your choicest blessings; You have placed on his head a crown of precious stones.
V. He asked life of You and You gave him length of days forever.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Eccli. 11:13
The eye of God has looked upon him for good, and he has lifted him up from his low estate and exalted his head. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 22:1-14
At that time, Jesus answering, spoke again in parables to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who made a marriage for his son. And he sent his servants to call them that were invited to the marriage: and they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying: 'Tell them that were invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come ye to the marriage.' But they neglected and went their ways, one to his farm and another to his merchandise. And the rest laid hands on his servants and, having treated them contumeliously, put them to death. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry: and sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers and burnt their city. Then he saith to his servants: 'The marriage indeed is ready; but they that were invited were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways; and as many as you shall find, call to the marriage.' And his servants going forth into the ways, gathered together all that they found, both bad and good: and the marriage was filled with guests. And the king went in to see the guests: and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. And he saith to him: 'Friend, how camest thou in hither not having on a wedding garment?' But he was silent. Then the king said to the waiters: 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."


OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 34:13
But I, when they were afflicting me, clothed myself in sackcloth, humbled myself with fasting, and prayed with head bent low.

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 . . .


May our fasting be acceptable to You, O Lord. Let it atone for our sins and make us worthy of Your grace, so that we may attain the fulfillment of Your everlasting promises. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 68:30-31
I am brought low and sorrowful. let Your saving aid, O God, lift me up. I will extol the name of God in song and I will glorify Him with praise.

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 . . .


Almighty God, may our gratitude for the gifts we have received from You bring us even greater benefits. Through our Lord . . .

THE IMPRESSION OF THE
STIGMATA OF SAINT FRANCIS
Confessor

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In 1224, two years before his death, three years after he had laid down active leadership of his order, Francis of Assisi received the greatest gift of his singularly blessed life -- the Stigmata. During the course of a 40-day fast on Mount Alvernia in honor of St. Michael, Francis was visited by a dazzling seraphic figure whose feet and hands were nailed to a cross -- to indicate to Francis that the martyrdom he yearned for would be of the mystical, rather than the physical order. He was then afflicted with the five wounds of the Crucifixion, and bore their sufferings until his death.

INTROIT Gal. 6:14
But as for me, God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
Ps. 141:2. With a loud voice I cried out to the Lord, with a loud voice I pleaded with the Lord.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord Jesus Christ, You reproduced the sacred marks of Your suffering in the body of the most blessed Francis in order that Your love might set our hearts afire in a world that has grown cold. may the merits and prayers of saint Francis help us to bear our cross and win forgiveness through true repentance; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

EPISTLE Gal. 6:14-18
Brethren: But as for me, God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision: but a new creature. And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them and mercy: and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man be troublesome to me: for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly.
V. The law of God is in his heart, and his steps do not falter.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
The poor and humble Francis enters heaven a rich man, and is welcomed with heavenly music. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 16:24-27
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to every man according to his works."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET 
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 Luke 12:42
This is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master has set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O God, in many ways You displayed the wondrous mystery of redemption in Your blessed confessor Francis. Grant that we may imitate his devotedness to the cross and find our strength by constantly meditating upon it. Through our Lord . . .

SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN
Martyrs

SAINTS EUPHEMIA, LUCY, AND GEMINIAN
Martyrs

EMBER WEDNESDAY IN AUTUMN 

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Pope Cornelius, who was exiled after a short reign and slain by Decius in the year 253, strove always for Church unity and for kindness towards Christians who fell away during persecutions. Cyprian, an African lawyer and a pagan until middle life, had not been long a Christian when he was ordained to the priesthood and then made bishop of Carthage. He became a great leader and an inspired religious writer. At his martyrdom five years after that of Pope Cornelius, he had the consolation of being surrounded by crowds of his faithful children in Christ.

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

COLLECT
O Lord, let the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishops Cornelius and Cyprian, whom we honor today, gain us Your protection. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS EUPHEMIA, LUCY, AND GEMINIAN
These martyrs bore witness to Christ under Diocletian in the fourth century. Euphemia died at Chalcedon, and Lucy and Geminian in Rome.

Grant our requests, O Lord, and fill us with joy. Each year we devoutly observe the day of martyrdom of blessed Euphemia, Lucy, and Geminian; grant that we may also imitate their resolute faith. Through our Lord . . .



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

Commemoration of SAINT EUPHEMIA AND HER COMPANIONS
Look with favor upon the offerings of Your people, O Lord. Let us rejoice in the protection of Your saints whose feast we are permitted to celebrate today. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord. May we be aided also by the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT EUPHEMIA AND HER COMPANIONS
Hear our prayers, O Lord. Help us through the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Euphemia, Lucy, and Geminian, whose feast we celebrate today. Through our Lord . . .

Stain Glass Image
of Saint Nicomedes

THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SAINT NICOMEDES
Martyr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEQUENCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constantine was converted by vision of Cross. Heraculius rescued the True Cross.

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

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

GREATER DOUBLE / RED
This feast commemorates both the dedication of the basilica built by Constantine for the Holy Sepulcher, and also the return of the True Cross to Jerusalem by Emperor Heraclius of Judea during the seventh century. After Heraclius had recovered it by force from King Chosroes of Persia, he tried to carry it along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, but was unable to make any headway. Bishop Zachary of Jerusalem, pointing to his luxurious clothing, said, "Attired in these rich robes, you are far from imitating the poverty of Jesus Christ and His humility in bearing His Cross." The Emperor caught the hint--and went on to Calvary barefooted and wearing a simple cloak, carried the holy Cross to the Basilica on Calvary [A.D. 629].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image via Wikipedia

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAINTS PROTUS AND HYACINTH
Martyrs

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

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

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

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

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

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO
Confessor

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

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

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


SECRET
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 . . .


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 Nicholas. Through our Lord . . .

SAINT PETER CLAVER
Confessor

SAINT GORGONIUS
Martyr

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

INTROIT Ps. 106:9-10
For he hath satisfied the empty soul, and hath filled the hungry soul with good things. Such as sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in want and in iron.
Ps. 106:8. Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him, and his wonderful works to the children of men.
V. Glory be . . .

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

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

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

LESSON Isaias 58:6-9, 10
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy healing shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in darkness, and thine obscurity be as the noonday. 

GRADUAL Ps. 71:12-14
He shall deliver the poor from the mighty, and the needy that had no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and he shall save the souls of the poor. He shall redeem their souls from usuries and iniquity, and their names shall be honorable in his sight.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 9:33, 35
Arise, O Lord God, let Thy hand be exalted; for get not the poor. To Thee is the poor man left; Thou wilt be a helper to the orphan. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 10:29-37
At that time, a certain lawyer desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus made answer and said, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, which both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion, and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said, 'Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee.' Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbour unto him that fell among the robbers?" And he said, "He that shewed mercy on him." And Jesus said unto him, "Go, and do thou likewise."


OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Job 29:12-13, 15-16
Because I had delivered the poor man that cried out; and the fatherless, that had no helper. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, and I comforted the heart of the widow. I was an eye to the blind, and a foot to the lame. I was a father of the poor.

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

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

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ezech. 34:15-16
I will feed my sheep; and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost; and that which was driven away, I will bring again; and I will bind up that which was broken, and I will strengthen that which was weak. 

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

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

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

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

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

from The Divine Office - Matins (Morning Prayer)

THE NATIVITY OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SAINT ADRIAN
Martyr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FERIAL DAY

(Mass of preceding Sunday)

Saint Regina (martyr) [Historical]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Saint Regina
Statue of St. Regina at church dedicated to her atDrensteinfurt.
Born	Autun, France
Died	Alesia, France
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Feast	September 7
Attributes	depicted as experiencing the torments of martyrdom, or as receiving spiritual consolation in prison by a vision of adove on a luminous cross.
Patronage	against poverty, impoverishment, shepherdesses, torture victims[1]

Saint Regina (Regnia, French: Sainte Reine) (3rd century) was a virgin martyr and saint of the Catholic Church. She was born in Autun, France, to a pagan named Clement. Her mother died at her birth and her father repudiated her. She then went to live with a Christian nurse who baptized her. Regina helped out by tending the sheep. She communed with God in prayer and meditated on the lives of the saints. She was betrothed to the proconsulOlybrius, but refused to renounce her faith to marry him, for which she was tortured and wasbeheaded at Alesia in the diocese of Autun, called Alise-Sainte-Reine after her.

Her martyrdom is considered to have occurred either during the persecution of Decius, in 251, or under Maximian in 286.

[edit]Veneration

Honored in many ancient Martyrologies, Regina's feast is celebrated on 7 September or in the Archdiocese of Paderborn on 20 June. In the past, a procession was held in her honor in the town of Dijon. However, her relics were transferred to Flavigny Abbey in 827. The history of the translation of Regina was the subject of a 9th century account.

There are many places in France named Sainte-Reine after her.

St. Cloud

Feastday: September 7

On the death of Clovis, King of the Franks, in the year 511 his kingdom was divided between his four sons, of whom the second was Clodomir. Thirteen years later he was killed fighting against his cousin, Gondomar, leaving three sons to share his dominions. The youngest of these sons of Clodomir was St. Clodoald, a name more familiar to English people under its French form of Cloud from the town of Saint-Cloud near Versailles. When Cloud was eight years old, his uncle Childebert plotted with his brother, to get rid of the boys and divide their kingdom. The eldest boy, Theodoald was stabbed to death. The second, Gunther fled in terror, but was caught and also killed. Cloud escaped and was taken for safety into Provence or elsewhere.

Childebert and his brother Clotaire shared the fruits of their crime, and Cloud made no attempt to recover his kingdom when he came of age. He put himself under the discipline of St. Severinus, a recluse who lived near Paris, and he afterwards went to Nogent on the Seine and had his heritage where is now Saint-Cloud. St. Cloud was indefatigable in instructing the people of the neighboring country, and ended his days at Nogent about the year 560 when he was some thirty-six years old. St. Cloud's feast day is September 7th.