Vigil of St. John the Baptist

VIGIL OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

SIMPLE / PURPLE
The important feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is preceded by a vigil. An angel announced to the saint's father, Zachary, a priest of the house of Aaron, that the child should be called John and that many would rejoice in his birth. God had chosen John to be the herald of mankind's Redeemer, the morning star to usher in the daylight of justice and of truth. Therefore, he was sanctified in his mother's womb, when Elizabeth was honored by a visit from the Virgin Mother of God, carrying Christ in her body. In like manner, Jesus today gives sanctifying joy to the missionary precursors whom He calls to go before Him into pagan lands.

INTROIT Luke 1:13, 15, 14 
Do not be afraid, Zachary, for thy petition has been heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son and thou shalt call his name John. And he shall be great before the Lord; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. And many will rejoice at his birth.
Ps. 20:2. O Lord, the king rejoiced in Your strength; he greatly exalts in Your aid.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
May Your servants walk in the path of salvation, O Almighty God. May they follow the exhortation of blessed John, the precursor of Jesus Christ and herald of His coming, so that by doing so they may come safely to Your Son our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

LESSON Jer. 1:4-10
In those days, the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and made thee a prophet unto the nations." And I said: "Ah, ah, ah, Lord God: behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child." And the Lord said to me: "Say not: I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee: and whatsoever I shall command thee, thou shalt speak. Be not afraid at their presence: for I am with thee to deliver thee," saith the Lord. And the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth: and the Lord said to me: "Behold I have given my words in thy mouth: Lo, I have set thee this day over the nations, and over kingdoms, to root up, and to pull down, and to waste, and to destroy, and to build, and to plant," said the Lord Almighty.

GRADUAL John 1:6-7
There was a man, one sent from God, whose name was John.
V. This man came to bear witness concerning the light, to prepare a perfect people for the Lord.

GOSPEL Luke 1:5-17
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame.
And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren: and they both were well advanced in years.
And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zachary seeing him, was troubled: and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him: "Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice in his nativity. For he shall be great before the Lord and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias: that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just, to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 8:6-7
You have crowned him with glory and honor, and You have given him rule over the works of Your hands, O Lord.

SECRET 
Bless these gifts we offer You, O Lord. May they cleanse us from the stain of our sins by the intercession of blessed John the Baptist. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 20:6
His glory is great because of Your help; You have conferred upon him glory and great splendor, O Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION 
O Lord, may the powerful intercession of blessed John the Baptist be ours, so that it may obtain for us the mercy of Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, whom John foretold would come; who lives and rules with You . . .

Saint Barnabas (60 A.D.)

SAINT BARNABAS

 Apostle

GREATER DOUBLE / RED
Barnabas was one of the 72 disciples called by Jesus. Because Barnabas was innately good and "full of the Holy Spirit," he was much esteemed by the Twelve Apostles. They sent him to Antioch and there the greathearted Barnabas invited Paul, the former persecutor of God's elect, to be his co-worker. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the clergy of Antioch dedicated Barnabas and Paul to the work of converting the Gentiles. The two pioneers labored together for a number of years on the island of Cyprus and in Asia Minor. According to an old tradition, the lovable Barnabas later died a martyr on Cyprus, his native land.

INTROIT Ps. 138:17Your friends are greatly honored by me, O God; their pre-eminence is definitely established.
Ps. 138:1, 2. O Lord, You have proved me and You know me; You know when I sit and when I stand.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, we are made happy by the merits and intercession of Your blessed apostle Barnabas. May the prayers we offer through him bring us the gift of Your grace. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
In those days, a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

GRADUAL Ps. 18:5, 2
Their voice has gone forth through all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
V. The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. John 15:16
I have chosen you out of the world that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit shall remain. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 10:16-22
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 44:17-18
You shall make them princes through all the land; they shall remember Your name in every generation and age.

SECRET
Bless these gifts we offer You, O Lord. May they cleanse us from the stain of sin through the prayers of Your blessed apostle Barnabas. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 19:28
You who have followed Me shall sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Almighty God, we humbly ask that those who are nourished with Your Sacrament may by the intercession of blessed Barnabas, Your apostle, have a life of worthy service pleasing to You. Through our Lord . . .

SAINTS PRIMUS AND FELICIAN (297 A.D.) Martyrs; WITHIN THE OCTAVE

Martyrdom of Saints Primus and Felician. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SAINTS PRIMUS AND FELICIAN

Martyrs

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SIMPLE / RED
The aged Primus and Felician were Roman citizens and blood brothers who suffered martyrdom under Emperor Diocletian. By their death they entered into a more perfect union than that of human kinship, becoming for all eternity glorified members of the Mystical Body of Christ.

INTROIT Eccli. 44:15. 14Let the people show forth the wisdom of the saints, and let the Church declare their praise; and their names shall live for all generations.
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
May we always be worthy to celebrate the feast of Your holy martyrs, Primus and Felician, O Lord, so that through their intercession we may be sheltered under Your gracious protection. Through our Lord . . .


LESSON Wisdom 5:16-20
But the just shall live for evermore: and their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the most High. Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory, and a crown of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with his right hand he will cover them, and with his holy arm he will defend them. And his zeal will take armour, and he will arm the creature for the revenge of his enemies.
He will put on justice as a breastplate, and will take true judgment instead of a helmet: He will take equity for an invincible shield.

GRADUAL Ps. 88:6, 2
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints.V. The mercies of the Lord I will sing forever through all generations.

Alleluia, alleluia!V. Here was true brotherliness which overcame the sinfulness of the world and followed Christ to attain the glorious kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 11:25-30
At that time, Jesus answered and said: "I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones. Yea, Father: for so hath it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knoweth the Son but the Father: neither doth any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him. Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: And you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 67:36
God is wonderful in His saints. The God of Israel Himself gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God! Alleluia!

SECRET
We consecrate this Sacrifice to You, O Lord, in memory of Your glorious martyrs. May our offering make amends for our sins, that we may be forgiven and that the prayers of Your servants may be pleasing to You. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 15:16
I have chosen you out of the world that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.

POSTCOMMUNION
We ask, Almighty God, that the celebration of this heavenly Sacrifice on the feast of Your martyrs Primus and Felician, may bring us Your merciful pardon. Through our Lord . . .

Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, Saints Medard and Gildard (560 A.D.)

JUNE 8

Within the Octave

MARY, MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACES

[Some places]

 O Lord Jesus Christ, our Mediator with the Father, Who hast deigned to appoint the Blessed Virgin, Thy Mother, to be our Mother also and our Mediatrix with Thee, graciously grant that whosoever goes to Thee in quest of blessings may be gladdened by obtaining them all through her, Thou Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. R. Amen.

SAINTS MEDARD & GILDARD

(Bishops, 560 A.D.)

[Historical]

These two saints of France were, as we are told in the Roman Martyrology, twin brothers. They were born on the same day, consecrated bishops on the same day, and on the same day they died. Saint Medard was Bishop of Noyon. Saint Gildard was Bishop of Rouen. Their memories are most loving ones in northern France. Saint Medard began the custom of crowning each year as the Rose Queen the most virtuous and holy young Catholic girl of his diocese. If it rains on the feast of Saint Medard, the loving Catholic peasants of northern France take it as a sign that it will rain for forty days more.

Photos of Corpus Christi 2016 at the Church of the Holy Innocents (NYC)

Corpus    Christi

Thursday after Trinity Sunday

“If any one saith, that, in the holy sacrament of the Eucharist, Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, is not to be adored with the worship, even external of latria; and is, consequently, neither to be venerated with a special festive solemnity, nor to be solemnly borne about in processions, according to the laudable and universal rite and custom of holy church; or, is not to be proposed publicly to the people to be adored, and that the adorers thereof are idolaters; let him be anathema” (Canon VI of the Council of Trent Concerning the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist).

Three hundred and forty (340) faithful attended the 6PM Solemn Mass and Procession at Holy Innocents for the 8^th annual celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi this past Thursday, May 26, 2016. Our Pastor Fr. Leonard Villa was the Celebrant of the Mass, Fr. Tomasz Szczepanczyk was the Deacon, Fr. Robert Rodriguez was the Subdeacon, and 17 servers devotedly served Holy Mass.

See the photos here: http://traditionalcatholicism83.blogspot.com/2016/05/photos-of-corpus-christi-2016-at-church.html

RORATE CÆLI: First Traditional Personal Parish in New England: Nashua, New Hampshire

RORATE CÆLI: First Traditional Personal Parish in New England: Nashua, New Hampshire

High Altar - St Stanislaus

"The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, announced today that the Diocese of Manchester will soon be blessed with the opening of a new parish dedicated to the celebration of the Tridentine Rite Mass, when the former Saint Stanislaus church in Nashua will reopen. The new parish will be entrusted to the members of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP). While a pastor for the new parish has not yet been named, current plans call for the celebration of the first Mass in early August.

Click on link above to read more.

Grow in the glow! | iPadre Catholic Podcasting

Grow in the glow! | iPadre Catholic Podcasting








 Fr. Jay wrote:

The Liturgical calendar for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite
celebrates an Octave of Pentecost. I wonder the rational for removing
this beautiful Octave, especially since Pentecost is the feast of the
birth of the Holy Church. Not a big problem for me since I celebrate
both forms of the Roman Rite and plan on taking the opportunity to
celebrate the Octave at least a couple of times in a private Low Mass.



Read more here:  http://www.ipadre.net/2016/05/grow-in-the-glow/

New Liturgical Movement: A Priest's First TLM: The Story is the Same

New Liturgical Movement: A Priest's First TLM: The Story is the Same



 

 The Rev. Richard Cipolla celebrates at Sacred Heart Church,

New Haven, circa 2001.



When Pope Benedict XVI instituted Summorum Pontificum, he hoped

English: Pope Benedict XVI (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

there would be an influence of the older rite on the new, and vice
versa. It is happening. It may not be as quickly as we like, but it is
occurring. Even those priests and seminarians not interested in the
traditional rites are being influenced by tradition in the new emphasis
on the Ars Celebrandi.

Read this article here: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2016/05/a-priests-first-tlm-story-is-same.html#.VzIRRZzYyUk

SAINT MONICA (387 A.D.); Rogation Day 3; Vigil of the Ascension

SAINT MONICA
Widow

Rogation Day 3; 

Vigil of the Ascension

DOUBLE / WHITE
In North Africa during the fourth century, Monica converted her pagan husband by the power of her prayers and her holy life. After her husband's death, she suffered intense grief when her brilliant son Augustine went astray in morals and faith. A saintly bishop consoled her with the words, "It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish." Augustine crossed over into Italy, but his mother followed him. There, by St. Augustine's marvelous conversion, Monica's sorrow was turned into joy.

Mass of a HOLY WOMAN, except

Introit 
Ps 118:75; 118:120
I know, O Lord, that Your ordinances are just, and in Your faithfulness You have afflicted me. Pierce my flesh with Your fear; I fear Your ordinances. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 118:1
Happy are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law 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.
I know, O Lord, that Your ordinances are just, and in Your faithfulness You have afflicted me. Pierce my flesh with Your fear; I fear Your ordinances. Alleluia, alleluia.
 
COLLECT
O God, You are the comfort of those who mourn and the Saviour of all who trust in You. Blessed Monica's loving tears moved You to convert her son Augustine. may we also grieve for our sins and win the grace of Your pardon through the intercession of these two saints. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the MASS OF ROGATION  

In our difficulties, O almighty God, we rely upon Your loving mercy. Let Your protection shield us from all harm.

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION

O God, the source of all good, grant us Your inspiration that we may have proper thoughts, and Your guidance that we may carry them into practice. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Lesson from the first letter of St Paul the Apostle to Timotheus
1 Tim. 5:3-10.
Beloved: Honor widows who are truly widowed. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let these first learn to provide for their own household and make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing to God. But she who is truly a widow, and left solitary, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. For she who gives herself up to pleasures is dead while she is still alive. And command them to be blameless. But if anyone does not take care of his own, and especially of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Let a widow who is selected be not less than sixty years old, having been married but once, with a reputation for her good works in bringing up children, in practicing hospitality, in washing the saints’ feet, in helping those in trouble, in carefully pursuing every good work.

Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 44:5
In your splendor and your beauty ride on triumphant, and reign. Alleluia.
V. In the cause of truth and mercy and for the sake of justice: may your right hand show you wondrous deeds. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Luke 7:11-16
At that time, And it came to pass afterwards that Jesus went into a city that is called Naim: and there went with him his disciples and a great multitude. And when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother: and she was a widow. And a great multitude of the city was with her. Whom when the Lord had seen, being moved with mercy towards her, he said to her: "Weep not." And he came near and touched the bier. And they that carried it stood still. And he said: "Young man, I say to thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and begun to speak. And he gave him to his mother. And there came a fear upon them all: and they glorified God saying: "A great prophet is risen up among us:" and, "God hath visited his people."

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 the MASS OF ROGATION

May these gifts free us from the ties of sinfulness, O Lord, and win us  the gift of Your mercy.

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION

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



POSTCOMMUNION
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 the MASS OF ROGATION

Mercifully grant us our requests, O Lord, that the consolation we receive in our grievous troubles may increase our love for You.

Commemoration of the VIGIL OF THE ASCENSION

Grant that we, who have been fed at Your heavenly banquet, O Lord, may desire only what is right and that we may fulfill these holy desires. Through our Lord . . .

The Finding of the Holy Cross, Saint Alexander and Companions; ROGATION DAY 2

Relic of the True Cross. Image by Lawrence OP via Flickr

THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS

SAINTS ALEXANDER, EVENTIUS, THEODULUS AND JUVENAL
Martyrs

ROGATION DAY
 2

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED
In about the year 326, Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, discovered after many attempts and failures the cross on which the Saviour had died. The miraculous cure of a woman of Jerusalem authenticated the sacred tree of our salvation. Today's feast calls to mind that Christ said we cannot be His true disciples unless we share the burden of the cross. In imitation of our Lord, we must humble ourselves, "becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross"(Reading).

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, alleluia, alleluia!
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 on us.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, we were reminded again of the mystery of Your passion by the miraculous discovery of the cross of salvation. May we attain eternal happiness through the ransom price You paid for us on that tree of life; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .
 
Commemoration of SAINTS ALEXANDER, EVENTIUS, THEODULUS, AND JUVENAL
Under the Emperor Hadrian, in A.D. 117, Pope Alexander I suffered martyrdom, together with the priests Eventius and Theodulus. Juvenal, bishop of Narni, was executed on May 3, A.D. 377.

O Almighty God, today we are celebrating the birthday of Your saints Alexander, Eventius, Theodulus, and Juvenal. Hear their prayers and rescue us from all the dangers that threaten us.

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 . . . 

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, (here all kneel) 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.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 95:10
Announce among the nations that the Lord reigns upon a cross. Alleluia!
V. O sweet wood, O sweet nails! O precious the burden suspended thereon! You alone were worthy to bear the King and Lord of Heaven. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 3:1-15
At that time, there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him: "Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him." Jesus answered and said to him: "Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith to him: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born again?" Jesus answered: "Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Wonder not that I said to thee: You must be born again. The Spirit breatheth where he will and thou hearest his voice: but thou knowest not whence he cometh and whither he goeth. So is every one that is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus answered and said to him: "How can these things be done?" Jesus answered and said to him: "Art thou a master in Israel, and knowest not these things? Amen, amen, I say to thee that we speak what we know and we testify what we have seen: and you receive not our testimony. If I have spoken to you earthly things, and you believe not: how will you believe, if I shall speak to you heavenly things? And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 117:16, 17
The right hand of the Lord has exercised power, the right hand of the Lord has lifted me up. I shall not die, but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord, alleluia!

SECRET 
May the sacrifice we offer be pleasing to You, O Lord. Let it free us from all the evils of war and destroy the pitfalls prepared by our powerful enemy, so that we may be safely protected under the banner of Your Son's cross. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ALEXANDER AND HIS COMPANIONS
Pour out Your rich blessings, O Lord, upon this sacrifice, so that through it we may come closer to our sanctification and be made joyful on the feast of your saints. 

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
By the sign of the cross deliver us from our enemies, You who are our God, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION 
We have been nourished by the Food of Heaven and refreshed by spiritual drink. Shield us from our evil enemies, O Almighty God, for You have commanded us to fight through to victory under the cross of Your Son, the weapon of justice that will save the world. Through Our Lord . . .
 
Commemoration of SAINT ALEXANDER AND HIS COMPANIONS
We are refreshed by the reception of Your sacred Gift, O Lord. May the prayers of Your saints Alexander, Eventius, Theodulus, and Juvenal make us feel the benefit of the sacred Rite we have performed. 

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 . . .   

SAINT ATHANASIUS, (373 A.D.) Bishop and Doctor of the Church; ROGATION DAY LESSER LITANIES

SAINT ATHANASIUS
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

ROGATION DAY 
LESSER LITANIES

DOUBLE / WHITE
While he was still a deacon, Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 298-373) was present at the Council of Nicaea, during which the true doctrine of the Church concerning the divinity of Christ was defined; and the rest of his life was an heroic testimony to the profession of the Nicene Fathers. After Athanasius had become bishop of Alexandria, he resisted during long years the pressure put upon him to compromise in essentials of the Faith. five times he endured exile, and in consequence composed most of his great writings from his see city.

INTROIT Eccli. 15:5
In the gathering of the Church the Lord opened his mouth and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and clothed him with a robe of glory, alleluia, alleluia!
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, graciously hear the prayers we offer on the feast of Your blessed confessor bishop Athanasius. Forgive us all our sins through the merits and intercession of this saint who served You so well on earth. 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 . . .

EPISTLE II Cor. 4:5-14
Brethren: For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord: and ourselves your servants through Jesus. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us. In all things we suffer tribulation: but are not distressed. We are straitened: but are not destitute. We suffer persecution: but are not forsaken. We are cast down: but we perish not. Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake: that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us: but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: "I believed, for which cause I have spoken"; we also believe. For which cause we speak also: Knowing that he who raised up Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and place us with you.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 109:4; Jac. 1:12
You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia!
V. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 10:23-28
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, "And when they shall persecute you in this city, flee into another. Amen I say to you, you shall not finish all the cities of Israel, till the Son of man come. The disciple is not above the master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the good man of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household? Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known. That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops. And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:21-22
I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may help him and My arm strengthen him, alleluia!

SECRET
Let our annual commemoration of Your blessed confessor bishop Athanasius please You, O Lord. Grant that this sacrifice of atonement which we offer on his feast may bring him greater honor and fill us with Your grace. 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 Matt. 10:27
"What I tell you in darkness, speak it in the light," said the Lord; "and what you hear whispered, preach it on the housetops." Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O God, rewarder of the faithful, pardon our sins through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Athanasius, whom we honor this day. 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 . . .  

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKMAN, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary; FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKMAN
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
The Church has for workmen a complete program of social principles and ideal, in which the dignity of the laborer has a sound basis in the spiritual values of work. In an address called "The Apostolate of the Worker for Workers," Pope Pius XII stressed the Catholic laborer's duty of acquainting his fellow workers with this program. The new feast of Saint Joseph the Workman for May 1, gives the Catholic laborer a powerful patron and model in this vital apostolate. God entrusted His own Son as an apprentice worker to the justice and charity of the humble carpenter of Nazareth. With full confidence the working world can look to Joseph for aid in its efforts to build a better social order, one that has social charity as its soul.

INTROIT Sap. 10:17
Wisdom rendered to the just the wages of their labors and conducted them in a wonderful way; and she was for them a protection by day and the light of the stars by night, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 126:1. Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.
V. Glory Be . . .

COLLECT
O God, the Creator of all things, You have imposed on all men the obligation of work. May the example and prayer of blessed Joseph help us to accomplish the tasks You have commanded us to perform, so that we may attain the reward You have promised. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
O God, the source of all good, grant us Your inspiration that we may have proper thoughts, and Your guidance that we may carry them into practice. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Col. 3:14-15, 17, 23-24.
Brethren: have charity, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body.
Show yourselves thankful. Whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Whatsoever you do, do it from the heart, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that you shall receive of the Lord the reward of inheritance. Serve ye the Lord Christ.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
In whatever tribulation they shall cry to Me, I will hear them and be their protector always. Alleluia!
V. Obtain for us, Joseph, grace to lead an innocent life, that we may always be protected by your patronage. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 13:54-58.
At that time, when Jesus had come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogues, so that they wondered and said: "How came this man by this wisdom and miracles? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brethren James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Jude: And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence therefore hath he all these things?" And they were scandalized in his regard. But Jesus said to them: "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house." And he wrought not many miracles there, because of their unbelief.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 89:17
May the tender care of the Lord our God watch over us, and direct the work of our hands for us! yes, direct the work of our hands. Alleluia!

SECRET
Mat these offerings that we have labored with our hands to make -- which we now lay before You in sacrifice, O Lord -- be a pledge of unity and peace through the intercession of blessed Joseph. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
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 Matt. 13:54-55
How did this man come by this wisdom and these miracles? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
Let these Holy Mysteries which we have received make up for the deficiencies of our work, O Lord, and let them assure us of Your rewards through the intercession of blessed Joseph. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER 
Grant that we, who have been fed at Your Heavenly Banquet, O Lord, may desire only what is right and that we may fulfill these holy desires. Through Our Lord . . .