Saint John Before the Latin Gate, Rogation Day

SAINT JOHN BEFORE THE LATIN GATE

 

ROGATION DAY

[Commemoration]

 

GREATER DOUBLE / RED

Jesus told St. John and his brother, St. James, that the sincerity of their love for Him would be put to trial by their partaking of the chalice of His sufferings. St. James was the first of the Apostles to be martyred; St. John was the last of the Twelve to die. Emperor Domitian caused John to be brought to Rome and condemned him to be cast into a cauldron of boiling oil; but God preserved the Apostle from injury. St. John thus suffered a far greater martyrdom than death; his longing to be reunited with Christ in heaven had to be endured with an increasingly loving patience. So, we, too, must learn to wait lovingly on God's will.

INTROIT Ps. 63:3

You have protected me, O God, from the throng of evildoers, alleluia; from the multitude of malefactors, alleluia, alleluia!

Ps. 63:2. Hear, O god, my prayer of supplication; deliver me from the fear of the enemy.

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, you see how we are tossed about by the misfortunes that surround us. May Your blessed Apostle and Evangelist John intercede for us and protect us. Through our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION  

The death and resurrection of Jesus have opened heaven and won the grace to avoid sin and to gain eternal happiness. But many of the consequences of sin still remain; and every person has his guilt to confess and atone for. Besides, there are the countless needs of soul and body that put all men on their knees before God. Earthquakes and other calamities afflicted Europe in the fifth century and St. Mamertus, instituted a penitential procession with public supplications in his Diocese. Hence, the special days of petition, called Rogation Days, marked by a special Mass, the Litany of the Saints, and, where possible, a procession during which the Litany is sung. It is well to join penance and fasting to all prayer. In 816 A.D., Pope Leo III introduced this Mass in Rome, and soon after it became a general observance throughout the Church.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who in our affliction put our trust in Thy mercy, may ever be defended by the protection against all adversity. Through our Lord . . .

 

LESSON Wisd. 5:1-5

Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labours. These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation, Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: These are they, whom we had sometime in derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honour. Behold, how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints.

ALLELUIA

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 91:13; Os. 14:6

The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon. Alleluia!

V. The just man shall blossom as the lily, and shall flourish forever before the Lord. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 20:20-23

At that time, then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of him. Who said to her: "What wilt thou?" She saith to him: "say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom." And Jesus answering, said: "You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" They say to him: "We can." He saith to them: "My chalice indeed you shall drink; but to sit on my right or left hand is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared by my Father."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:6

The heavens proclaim Your wonders, o Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

SECRET

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

 

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
 May these oblations, O Lord, we beseech Thee, loosen the bonds of our wickedness, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 63:11

The just man rejoices in the Lord and trusts in Him; and all the upright of heart glory in Him, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, may the Bread of Heaven that refreshes us strengthen us unto life everlasting. Through our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION 
Favorably receive our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; may we in our distress be consoled by Thy gifts and grow in love accordingly. Through our Lord . . . 

Fourth Sunday After Easter, Saint Paul of the Cross, Saint Vitalis

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS
Confessor

SAINT VITALIS
Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITE
INTROIT Ps. 97:1, 2
Sing to the Lord a new canticle, alleluia! For the Lord has done wondrous deeds, alleluia! He has revealed His justice in the sight of the nations, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 97:1. His right hand has won him victory, and his holy arm has brought salvation.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, in whom all the faithful are united in one mind, let Your people everywhere love Your commandments and yearn for Your promises, so that, even amid the changes of this world, their hearts may always be fixed upon the true happiness of heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS
 The central fact of the long life of Paul of the Cross (1694-1775) was his ardent sharing in the sufferings of the passion of Our Lord. Born in Piedmont of holy parents, Paul began at the age of 15 to engage in severe penitential practices. In 1720, inspired by a vision, he conceived the idea of a new religious order. Surmounting difficulties that would have finally discouraged a less humble and dedicated man, he established the Congregation of the Passion. The fame of the Passionists' missions and of their ascetical spirit soon spread far beyond the frontiers of Italy.

O Lord Jesus Christ, You endowed blessed Paul with a special love to preach the mystery of Your cross and raised up a new community in the Church through him. May his intercession make us always mindful of Your passion so that we may share in its reward in heaven.

Commemoration of SAINT VITALIS
At Ravenna during the third century, under Marcus Aurelius, Vitalis was tortured for having confessed Christ, and then was buried alive.

O Almighty God, grant that we who celebrate the birthday of Your blessed martyr Vitalis may be made stronger in our love of You through his intercession. Through Our Lord . . .
 
EPISTLE James 1:17-21
Beloved: Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no change nor shadow of alteration. For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creature.
You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak and slow to anger. For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God. Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Alleluia, alleluia! Ps. 117:16 The right hand of the Lord has exercised power, the right hand of the Lord has lifted me up. Alleluia!
Rom. 6:9 Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death shall no longer have dominion over Him. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 16:5-14
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "I go to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me: 'Whither goest thou?' But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart. But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go. For if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you: but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin and of justice and of judgment. Of sin: because they believed not in me. And of justice: because I go to the Father: and you shall see me no longer. And of judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged. "I have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will teach you all truth. For he shall not speak of himself: but what things soever he shall hear, he shall speak. And the things that are to come, he shall shew you. He shall glorify me: because he shall receive of mine and shall shew it to you."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 65:1-2, 16
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; sing a psalm to the glory of His name. Come and hear, all you who fear God, the great things the Lord has done for me, alleluia!

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 PAUL OF THE CROSS

O Lord, may the mysteries of Your passion and death stir up in us the same divine ardor that inspired blessed Paul to offer with the holy sacrifice of the mass his own body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You.
 
Commemoration of SAINT VITALIS
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 John 16:8
When the Paraclete, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will convict the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Help us, O Lord our God, that we may be cleansed from sin and shielded from all dangers by these Gifts which we receive with faith. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS
O Lord, we have received Your Sacrament which is a perpetual reminder of Your boundless love. May the merits and example of blessed Paul help us to draw from Your fountains the water that springs upward to eternal life. May they also engrave the memory of Your sacred passion on our hearts, so that it will show itself in the conduct of our lives.

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

April 16th Ferial Day

April 16

FERIAL DAY

(Mass of preceding Sunday)

[Requiem or Votive Mass allowed]

Second Sunday after Easter, Saints Justin, Tiburtius and Companions

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

[Commemoration]

SAINT JUSTIN

Martyr

SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, & MAXIMUS

Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
With the memory of Christ's death still vivid in our minds and daily renewed with the renewal of His death in each Mass, we know the price of shepherding souls. That divine and dangerous leadership began with Christ. By His command, it must reach across the world to embrace all men, until there shall be but one flock and one shepherd. The inspiring leadership of each successive Pope is the living voice and power of Jesus to each generation. The Pope's commands and admonitions require reverent acceptance. The closer men are to the mind and will of the Vicar of Christ, the closer they are to Christ Himself.

INTROIT Ps. 32:5-6
The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord, alleluia! By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory Be . . .

COLLECT
You raised up our fallen world, O God, by the humiliation of Your own Son. May we, Your faithful people, be always joyful on earth, and, by being rescued from the danger of eternal death, come to everlasting happiness in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JUSTIN
Attracted by the supernatural fortitude of Christian Martyrs, Justin studied the Scriptures, was baptized at about the age of 30, and found peace in a humble acceptance of his new faith. Believing that reason is a vital auxiliary of faith, this "apologist" opened at Rome the first school of Christian philosophy and became its most eminent teacher. Emperor Marcus Aurelius had Justin scourged and put to death in the year 165.

O God, who through the foolishness of the cross didst teach the blessed Martyr Justin the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ: enable us by his intercession to put away all deceits of error and obtain steadfastness of faith. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, AND MAXIMUS
About the year 229, the brothers Tiburtius and Valerian converted their executioner Maximus by the example of their courage. Then all three were martyred in the Roman arena.

Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who keep the solemn festival of Thy holy Martyrs Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus, may also follow the example of their virtues. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 2:21-25
Beloved: Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth." When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Luke 24:33
The disciples recognized the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Alleluia!
V. John 10:14. I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and mine know me. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 10:11-16.
At that time, Jesus said to the Pharisees: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 62:2, 5
O God, my God, for You do I watch at the break of day; and I lift up my hands in Your name, alleluia!

SECRET
May this holy offering bring us the blessing of salvation, O Lord, and may the mystery of the sacrifice which we here perform, work its effect in us. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JUSTIN
Graciously receive, O Lord God, these our oblations, the wondrous Mystery of which Thy holy  Martyr Justin resolutely defended against the calumny of the ungodly. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT TIBURTIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that this Sacrifice, which we offer in celebration of the heavenly birthday of Thy holy Martyrs, may loosen the bonds of our sins and obtain for us the gifts of Thy mercy. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, alleluia!
And I Know my sheep, and mine know me, alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Almighty God, may we always proudly rejoice in Your Gift of grace, which has brought us back to life again. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JUSTIN
We who have been refreshed with heavenly food, humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that following the teaching of blessed Justin, Thy Martyr, we may ever give thanks for the gifts we have received. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT TIBURTIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS
Filled with Thy sacred gifts, O Lord, we humbly beseech that this rite of dur submission which we celebrate may bring us evident increase of Thy saving grace. Through our Lord . . .

April 9th Ferial Day

April 9th
FERIAL DAY 
(Mass of preceding Sunday)
[Requiem or Votive Mass allowed]

Sung Latin Mass for the Feast of the Annuncation

Latin Mass NYC: 4/8: Sung Mass for the Feast of the Annuncation

A Sung Mass (or possibly a Solemn Mass) will be celebrated tonight, April 8, at 6 P.M. for the transferred Feast of the Annunciation and Incarnation of Christ at the Church of the Holy Innocents in Manhattan (W. 37th St. between Broadway and Seventh Ave.).

Easter Tuesday

EASTER TUESDAY

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
INTROIT Eccli. 15:3, 4
He gave them the water of wisdom to drink, alleluia! He shall be made strong in them and shall not be moved, alleluia! and he shall exalt them forever, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 104:1. Praise the Lord and invoke His name, make His deeds known among the nations.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
Continue to raise up new children, O God, and let Your Church grow. May Your servants so live that they will always have the grace of this Sacrament which their faith brings them. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON Acts 13:16, 26-33.
In those days, Then Paul rising up and with his hand bespeaking silence, said: "Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fear God: to you the word of this salvation is sent. For they that inhabited Jerusalem and the rulers thereof, not knowing him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, judging him, have fulfilled them. And finding no cause of death in him, they desired of Pilate that they might kill him. And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, taking him down from the tree, they laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him up from the dead the third day. Who was seen for many days by them who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who to this present are his witnesses to the people. And we declare unto you that the promise which was made to our fathers, This same God hath fulfilled to our children, raising up Jesus Christ Our Lord."

GRADUAL Ps. 117:24; Ps. 106:2
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
V. Let those who have been redeemed by the Lord now speak, those whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered together from all lands.

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. The Lord, who was suspended upon the cross for us, is risen from the tomb.

SEQUENCE
May you praise the Paschal Victim,
immolated for Christians.
The Lamb redeemed the sheep:
Christ, the innocent one,
has reconciled sinners to the Father.

A wonderful duel to behold,
as death and life struggle:
The Prince of life dead,
now reigns alive.
Tell us, Mary Magdalen,
what did you see in the way?

"I saw the sepulchre of the living Christ,
and I saw the glory of the Resurrected one:
The Angelic witnesses,
the winding cloth, and His garments.
The risen Christ is my hope:
He will go before His own into Galilee."
We know Christ to have risen
truly from the dead:
And thou, victorious King,
have mercy on us.
Amen. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Luke 24:36-47.
At that time, Now, whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst of them and saith to them: "Peace be to you. It is I: Fear not." But they being troubled and frightened, supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them: "Why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself. Handle, and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me to have." And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and feet.
But while they yet believed not and wondered for joy, he said: "Have you here any thing to eat?" And they offered him a piece of a broiled fish and a honeycomb. And when he had eaten before them, taking the remains, he gave to them. And he said to them: "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled which are written in the law of Moses and in the prophets and in the psalms, concerning me." Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And he said to them: "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise again from the dead, the third day: And that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, unto all nations." 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 17:14, 16
The Lord thundered from heaven and the Most High gave forth His voice, and the fountains of waters appeared, alleluia!

SECRET 
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 . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Col. 3:1-2
If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, alleluia! Mind the things that are above, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Almighty God, may the grace of the Easter Sacrament which we have received remain always in our souls. Through our Lord . . .

[Video] The Passion: Pope Francis faces a Devastated Vineyard

+J.M.J.+ Passion Sunday, Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 17th, 2013. San Francisco Javier Catholic Church, El Paso, Texas.
Father Michael Rodriguez preached upon the Passion of Christ and also the Passion of the Church, which finds itself today as a devastated vineyard. Included also are some of Father's comments on the new papacy.You can hear the moan of the wind outside the church from time to time in the background of Fr.'s sermon. It gives a haunting seriousness to the whole subject of the sermon.This sermon truly is a powerful message which hopefully many many people will hear! From: St. Vincent Ferrer Foundation of Texas
5628 Rosa Ave.
El Paso, TX 79905

Phone # (915) 500-3025

Website: http://svfonline.org/about-the-founda...
Email: stvincentferreroftexas@gmail.com

Traditional † Catholicism: Palm Sunday - Church of the Holy Innocents - NYC

Traditional † Catholicism: Palm Sunday - Church of the Holy Innocents - NYC

Here's a link to view some beautiful Traditional Mass Palm Sunday Mass photos:
http://traditionalcatholicism83.blogspot.com/2013/03/palm-sunday-church-of-holy-innocents-nyc.html

The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Friday of Passion Week, Saint Isidore the Farmer

THE SEVEN SORROWS
OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK

 

[Commemoration]

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARM LABORER
Confessor
(IN ALL DIOCESES OF THE UNITED STATES)

 

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE
The psalms of David and the prophecies of Isaias told rather plainly what would happen to Mary's Son. But to help extend God's mercy to all men, Mary suffered the seven great swords of her life and the multitude of little swords. All of them were the cost of mothering the earth's Redeemer and His members. Calvary was the climax of her sorrows.
The graces and merits won by the anguish of Jesus and His Mother continually come to us through her hands. This fruit of her tears makes her also the "cause of our joy" and the sweetness and hope of the world.
 
INTROIT (John 19:25)There stood by the cross of Jesus His Mother and His Mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Salome, and Mary Magdalene.
V. "Woman, behold thy Son," Jesus said; and 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 sorrow; mercifully grant us the fruits of the redemption that was paid for by Your own sufferings, through the merits and prayers of all the saints watching beside the cross; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O Lord, fill our hearts with Your grace so that we may avoid sin through our voluntary penance. May we suffer here in this life rather than be condemned to punishment in eternity. 

Commemoration of SAINT ISIDORE

In the twelfth century, Isidore earned his living as a day laborer on an estate just outside Madrid. Because he attended Mass daily, some fellow laborers, reported to the owner that Isidore was neglecting his work. St. Isidore was not troubled by what was said of him, because he knew that the Christian must have patience and must keep up his courage, "for the coming of the Lord is at hand"

O Merciful God, shield us from the pride that comes from learning, through the intercession of Your holy farm worker Isidore. May his merits and example help us to please You by our humble service. 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.

TRACT (John 19:25; Lam. 1:12)
By the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ stood the sorrowing Holy Mary, the Queen of Heaven and the Mistress of the world. V. Look, all you who pass by, and see if there is any sorrow like unto mine.

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.

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, 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 the 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 FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O merciful God, may we always serve worthily at Your altar, and be saved by partaking continually of its gifts. 

Commemoration of SAINT ISIDORE
 Let our prayers win peace for Your people, O Lord, so that their offerings may be pleasing in Your sight. Grant the requests we confidently make of You through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Isidore. 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 FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK
O Lord, protect us always by the Sacrament we have received, and shield us against all that is harmful. 

Commemoration of SAINT ISIDORE
 May this Heavenly Sacrament bring us health of soul and body, O Lord, and through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Isidore make us feel the power of the sacred rite that we have celebrated. Through Our Lord . . .

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who seek the grace of Thy protection, may be freed from all evils and serve Thee with a quiet mind. Through our Lord . . .  

Thursday of Passion Week, Saint Benedict

THURSDAY OF PASSION WEEK

 

[Commemoration]

SAINT BENEDICT

Abbot

 

SIMPLE / PURPLE
INTROIT (Dan. 3:31, 29, 43, 42)
All that You have done to us, O Lord, You have done in just judgment, because we have sinned against You and disobeyed Your commandments; but give glory to Your own name and deal with us in accord with Your bounteous mercy.
Ps. 118:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. All that You . . .

COLLECT
O Almighty God, the dignity of our human nature has been undermined by self-indulgence. Strengthen it again through the practice of salutary self-denial. through Our Lord . . .
 

Commemoration of SAINT BENEDICT

Benedict was born in central Italy, about the year 480, when the civilized world was being overrun by pagan and heretical tribes. As a young man, he withdrew to the mountainous region of Subiaco to live there as a hermit. Soon many disciples followed him. Later, St. Benedict left Subiaco for Monte Cassino and founded on its summit a monastery that became the most famous in Europe. After having rescued Europe from the darkness and ignorance that followed the downfall of the Roman Empire, St. Benedict's monks went out into the whole world to combat paganism with the light of Christ. They were the great civilizers, and their influence upon subsequent history is incalculable.
Even more importantly, the spirituality of Western Christianity has been shaped by the famous Rule Benedict devised for his monks. With this Rule he provided a "school of the Lord's service" which embraced a program of liturgical prayer, sacred study, and work, lived socially in community under one common father, with noticeable emphasis on peace, moderation (especially as regards austerities), and charity towards all men.

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

LESSON (Dan. 3:25, 34-45)
In those days, Azarias standing up, prayed in this manner, and opening his mouth in the midst of the fire, he said: "Deliver us not up for ever, we beseech thee, for thy name's sake, and abolish not thy covenant. And take not away thy mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, thy beloved, and Isaac, thy servant, and Israel, thy holy one: To whom thou hast spoken, promising that thou wouldst multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that is on the sea shore.
"For we, O Lord, are diminished more than any nation, and are brought low in all the earth this day for our sins. Neither is there at this time prince, or leader, or prophet, or holocaust, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place of first fruits before thee, That we may find thy mercy: nevertheless, in a contrite heart and humble spirit let us be accepted. As in holocausts of rams, and bullocks, and as in thousands of fat lambs: so let our sacrifice be made in thy sight this day, that it may please thee: for there is no confusion to them that trust in thee.
"And now we follow thee with all our heart, and we fear thee, and seek thy face. Put us not to confusion, but deal with us according to thy meekness, and according to the multitude of thy mercies. And deliver us, according to thy wonderful works, and give glory to thy name, O Lord:
And let all them be confounded that shew evils to thy servants, let them be confounded in all thy might, and let their strength be broken: And let them know that thou art the Lord, the only God, and glorious over all the world. O Lord our God."

GRADUAL (Ps. 95:8-9; 28:9)
Bring offerings, and enter His courts; worship the Lord in His holy Temple. V. The Lord lays the forests bare, and in His temple all shall proclaim His glory.

GOSPEL (Luke 7:36-50)
At that time, one of the Pharisees desired him to eat with him. And he went into the house of the Pharisee and sat down to meat. And behold a woman that was in the city, a sinner, when she knew that he sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment. And standing behind at his feet. she began to wash his feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
And the Pharisee, who had invited him, seeing it, spoke within himself, saying: "This man, if he were if a prophet, would know surely who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner." And Jesus answering, said to him: Simon, "I have somewhat to say to thee." But he said: "Master, say it." "A certain creditor had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence and the other fifty. And whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which therefore of the two loveth him most?" Simon answering, said: "I suppose that he to whom he forgave most." And he said to him: "Thou hast judged rightly."
And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon: "Dost thou see this woman? I entered into thy house: thou gavest me no water for my feet. But she with tears hath washed my feet; and with her hairs hath wiped them. Thou gavest me no kiss. But she, since she cane in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint. But she with ointment hath anointed my feet. Wherefore, I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much. But to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less." And he said to her: "Thy sins are forgiven thee." And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves: "Who is this that forgiveth sins also?"
And he said to the woman: "Thy faith hath made thee safe. Go in peace."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 136:1)
By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered you, O Sion.

SECRET
O Lord our God, You created these material things to support our weak human bodies, and chose that we should offer these same things to You in sacrifice to Your name. May they nourish us in this life and be a pledge of our eternal happiness. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT BENEDICT
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. 118:49-50)
Remember Your promise to Your servant, by which You have given me hope. This is my solace in my affliction.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may we cherish with pure hearts this spiritual Food that we have taken with our lips, and may this Gift that we received on earth become for us an everlasting remedy. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT BENEDICT
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 Benedict. Through our Lord . . .

 
PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Be merciful to Your people, O Lord. May they despise the things that displease You and find their joy in keeping Your commandments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

Saint Joseph, Tuesday of Passion Week

SAINT JOSEPH

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Confessor

Patron of the Universal Church


[Commemoration]

TUESDAY OF PASSION WEEK

Joseph, a member of the royal family of David, was leading the obscure life of a village carpenter when God chose him to be th espouse of the Blessed Virgin and the foster father of the Incarnate Word. Scripture tells us that Joseph was just, pure, gentle, prudent, and a lover of holy silence. Above all, this humble guardian of the Child Jesus was unfailingly obedient to the divine will.
Joseph is not mentioned after he and Mary lost the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple and, following three days of agonized search, found their boy discoursing divinely with the learned doctors of the Law. The great task of the foster father of Christ must have been finished before the marriage feast at Cana and the beginning of the Savior's public ministry. Untold millions have since then invoked St. Joseph as the patron of a happy death.

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
INTROIT (Ps. 91:13-14)
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
Ps. 91:2. It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most High.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, may the merits of the spouse of Your most Holy Mother assist us, so that what we cannot obtain through our own efforts we may have through his intercession; who lives and rules with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

Commemoration of TUESDAY OF PASSION WEEK

May our fasting be acceptable to You, O Lord. Let it atone for our sins, make us worthy of Your grace and lead us to eternal life. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON (Eccli. 45:1-6) [Sirac]
Beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction.
He made him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to cease.
He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of his people, and shewed him his glory.
He sanctified him in his faith, and meekness, and chose him out of all flesh.
For he heard him, and his voice, and brought him into a cloud.
And he gave him commandments before his face, and a law of life and instruction.

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

TRACT Ps. 111:1-3
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.
V. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the righteous generation shall be blessed.
V. Glory and wealth shall be in his house, and his righteousness shall endure forever.

GOSPEL ( Matt. 1:18-21)
When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: "Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON ( Ps. 88:25)
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his power be exalted.

SECRET
We worship You, O Lord, as it is our duty. Guard the gifts You have bestowed upon us through the prayers of blessed Joseph, the spouse of the Mother of Jesus, Your Son and our Lord. We offer You this sacrifice of praise on his feast day. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of TUESDAY OF PASSION WEEK

O Lord, we offer You as a sacrifice these gifts, which are symbols of our consolation in this life. May they keep us from ever losing hope in the promises of eternal life. Through Our Lord . . .

 
COMMUNION ANTIPHON ( Matt. 1:20)
Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of David, to take to thee Mary thy wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.

POSTCOMMUNION
Be close to us, O merciful God, and through the prayers of Your blessed confessor Joseph, watch over the gifts You have given us. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of TUESDAY OF PASSION WEEK 

O Almighty God, may our ceaseless search of divine things make us worthy of the reward of heaven. Through Our Lord . . .