SAINT SCHOLASTICA

Virgin

St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict, the Patriarch of Western monasticism. She was born in Umbria, Italy, about 480. Under Benedict's direction, Scholastica founded a community of nuns near the great Benedictine monastery Monte Cassino. We are told that Scholastica "could be sated or wearied with the words of grace which flowed from St. Benedict's lips." Inspired by Benedict's teaching, his sister devoted her whole life to seeking and serving God. St. Scholastica died in the peace of Christ in the year 547. Tradition holds that at her death her soul ascended to heaven in the form of a dove.

Mass of a VIRGIN, except

PRAYER

O God, you brought the soul of the blessed virgin Scholastica to heaven in the form of a dove in order to bring to our notice her life of innocence. Through the prayers and merits of Your saint may we live such a life that we too may attain everlasting happiness. Through Our Lord . . .

THE PLACE OF THE MASS IN THE DIVINE PLAN

Continued

B. The external activity of the Blessed Trinity

The Divine Family which the three Persons form in the unity of their nature, is perfectly happy. This communal life is perfect, and no new riches can be added to it. Nothing can be added to God, since in God nothing is lacking: He can neither acquire anything nor be increased. His goodness is self-sufficient, and is the source of all abundance.

Nevertheless, the Trinity, overflowing with joy and love, wills to find outside itself the most adequate possible praise; and to this end degrees first of all the Incarnation of the Son of God.

THE CREATION--GOD'S OUTGOING

In God's plan, it is not man who is the center of the universe; but Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word.

God created all things for Christ.

For the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom the Father already had "placed all His delight"; and for the sake of Mary, His Mother, "full of grace"; God decided to create man and the universe.

To this Son, in whom He is well pleased, friends were to be given--and so man was created. (The race of man represents the "friends of the Bridegroom" mentioned by our Lord in the Gospel.)

To this Son whom He loves, the Father will give a house and garden--and so the universe was created.

Man, created for Christ, is loved in Him.

We thus form, as it were, a "wedding gift" from God the Father to Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom.

In Him, through Him, and for Him, we are pleasing to the heavenly Father. Without Him we are nothing. This last is very important for an understanding of the Mass. Our sacrifices are of value only through their being united with Christ's Sacrifice.

Since all have issued from the Heart of God solely to give pleasure to Jesus, all then are brothers. Creation itself is our kin. "Ah, yes, the swallow twittering in flight; the humble, perfumed violet hiding itself; we can, we should, call them 'sister.' To do so is no mere literary fiction nor poet's fantasy; but a clear vision of reality, as was grasped by St. Francis of Assisi. The universe and I, what are we, if not a delicate thought of the Father toward His Divine Son?

"The creation, launched into existence by God's loving power, will forever have something unfinished about it, until that time when it shall return to the Source of its perfection; there to receive from that same Source its final perfection and beatitude in love.

"Thus the general plan of creation appears to us as an image and prolongation of the fecundity of the Most Blessed Trinity."

The chronological order of the plan is as follows:

Creation of the heavens

Preparation of the earth

Creation of minerals, vegetation, and animals

Creation of man

King though he may be of that creation predating his own existence; man, however, is not creation's final goal.

Man--simple link in a chain that must go back to God--paves the way for the coming of the Queen--of Mary, whose luminous humility God looked upon before the world was. Mary, God's jewel case, in which reposed He who upholds all things, Jesus Christ!

Christ is the center of the universe. He is before all things:

"He is before all creatures." (Col. 1:17)

"The first-born of every creature." (Col. 1:15)

"In the beginning." (John 1:1)

"In Him. . . through Him. . . unto Him. . . all things! (Col. 1:16, 17)

All things are through Him. "Without Him was made nothing that has been made." (John 1:3) "Upholding all things by the word of His power." (Heb. 1:3)

All things are in Him. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ; who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing on high in Christ, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world." (Eph. 1:3-4)

All things are unto Him. "Whom He appointed heir of all things." (Heb. 1:2) "I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Apoc. 22:13)

[From 'Your Mass and Your Life' To be continued]

SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Cyril, patriarch of Alexandria, was known as the Doctor of the Incarnation. He took a fearless stand against the Nestorian heretics who denied that the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity was made man. As the Pope's legate, Cyril presided over the third General Council, held at Ephesus in 431. The clear statements of this great council regarding the Incarnation defined that the Son of God is both God and man and that the Blessed Virgin, His Mother, is truly the Mother of God. Of St. Cyril it may be said, "Nations shall declare his wisdom, and the Church shall show forth his praise" (Eccli. 39:14).

Mass of a Doctor of the Church, except

PRAYER

O God, You made Cyril, Your blessed confessor bishop, the invincible champion of the most blessed Virgin Mary's divine Motherhood. We firmly believe that she is truly the Mother of God. May her motherly protection save us through the prayers of St. Cyril. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT APOLLONIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR

Apollonia was a virgin and deaconess of Alexandria. She died for Christ during a bloody persecution of the faithful in A.D. 249.

O God, one of the marvelous examples of Your power was granting the victory of martyrdom even to delicate womanhood. May the example of the blessed virgin martyr Apollonia, whose birthday we celebrate today, draw us closer to You. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER

O Almighty God, look graciously upon these offerings of ours. Through the intercession of blessed Cyril may we worthily receive into our hearts Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who is coeternal with You in glory; who lives and rules with You . . .

Commemoration of SAINT APOLLONIA

O Lord, Accept the gifts we bring You on the feast of Your blessed virgin martyr Apollonia, through whose intercession we hope to be set free. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Lord, we have been nourished by Your divine Sacrament. May the example and merits of the blessed bishop Cyril help us to serve fittingly the most holy Mother of Your only-begotten Son; who lives and rules with You . . .

Commemoration of SAINT APOLLONIA

O Lord, through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Apollonia, may we be aided by the reception of the Blessed Sacrament and rejoice in Your everlasting protection. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT JOHN OF MATHA

Confessor

As a young priest in Paris, Father John of Matha (1160-1213) was much troubled by the thought of the European Christians who were being captured and sold as slaves by Mohammedan pirates. Together with a dear friend, St. felix of Valois, Father John obtained the approval of Pope Innocent III for the new Trinitarian Order for the redemption of captives. The work was visibly blessed by God, and the Trinitarians seized every opportunity to do missionary work among the Mohammedian masters of the captives. The life of St. John of Matha is a reminder that true Christians are called upon to love their neighbors not only as themselves, but even with a devotion like that of their Divine Master, who was willing to lay down His life for mankind.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, Except

PRAYER

O God, through St. John You founded the order of the Holy Trinity to ransom captives from the oppression of the Saracens. By Your grace keep our souls and bodies free from any enslavement, through the prayers of Your saint. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT ROMUALD

Abbot

Romuald (c. 951-1027) was born of the family of the Onesti, dukes of Ravenna Italy. He grew up a worldly youth, but turned to God in horror when a murder was committed by his own father. Romuald later founded the order of the Camaldolese Benedictines, and some of his early disciples were apostles and martyrs in Russia and Poland.

Mass of an ABBOT

PRAYER

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

SECRET PRAYER

May the offerings we lay upon Your sacred altar, O Lord, bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of the blessed abbot Romuald. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

May the Sacrament we have received and the prayers of the blessed abbot Romuald protect us, O Lord. Grant also that we may imitate the virtues of this saint who is our intercessor with You in heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT TITUS

Confessor and Bishop

Titus, a convert from paganism, was a fellow laborer of St. Paul on many apostolic missions. Paul later made Titus bishop of Crete, a difficult charge because of the character of the inhabitants and the spread of erroneous doctrines on that island. St. Paul's writings tell us that Titus rejoiced to discover what was good in others and drew the hearts of men by his wide and affectionate sympathy. In this St. Titus imitated Christ: "When the goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared, then not by reason of good works that we did ourselves, but according to His mercy, He saved us" (Titus 3:4,5).

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP except

PRAYER

O God, You gave Titus, Your blessed confessor bishop, all the virtues of an apostle. May his merits and prayers help us to lead just and holy lives in this world so that we may reach our final home in heaven. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT DOROTHY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR

A virgin of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Dorothy was condemned to be beheaded toward the end of the third century. Before her execution, she had the happiness of winning for Christ two apostates who had been ordered to pervert her.

O Lord, pardon our sins through the intercession of the blessed virgin martyr Dorothy, who pleased You by her purity and her faith. Through Our Lord . . .

GOSPEL (Luke 10:1-9)

At that time, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: "The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest. Go. Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."

SECRET PRAYER

O Lord, may Your saints everywhere be a source of joy for us, and may we feel the power of their intercession with You as we solemnly recall the deeds of their lives. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT DOROTHY

O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed virgin martyr Dorothy, and help us find in them unending assistance. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Almighty God, may the expression of our gratitude to You for all Your Gifts bring us even greater benefits, through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Titus. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT DOROTHY

We have been nourished by Your divine Gift, O Lord our God. May the reception of this Bread of Heaven bring us eternal life through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Dorothy. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT AGATHA

Virgin and Martyr

The remarkable beauty of Agatha, a Sicilian, attracted the attention of the Roman governor. She was horribly tortured for resisting his offers; but she stood firm, saying, "Jesus Christ, Lord of all things! You see my heart, You know my desires. Do you alone possess all that I am." On the day of her martyrdom in 251, she was rolled over live coals. As she was being carried back to prison she died while praying, "Lord, my Creator, receive now my soul."

ENTRANCE HYMN

Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of the blessed virgin martyr Agatha, at whose sufferings the angels rejoiced and praised the Son of God. Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

O God, one of the marvelous examples of Your power was granting the victory of martyrdom even to delicate womanhood. May the example of the blessed virgin martyr Agatha, whose birthday we celebrate today, draw us closer to You. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (I Cor. 1:26-31)

Brethren: For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble. But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the wise: and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the strong. And the base things of the world and the things that are contemptible, hath God chosen: and things that are not, that he might bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his sight. But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and justice and sanctification and redemption: That, as it is written: "He that glorieth may glory in the Lord."

GRADUAL (Ps. 45:6.5)

God will help her by His presence. God is within her, she shall not be disturbed. V. The flowing stream gladdens the city of God, where the Most High has sanctified His own dwelling place.

TRACT (Ps. 125:5-7)

They who sow in tears shall reap in joy. V. They went forth weeping to sow their seed. V. But on their return they shall come with joy, carrying their sheaves.

GOSPEL (Matt. 19:3-12)

At that time, there came to Jesus some Pharisees tempting him, saying: "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?" Who answering, said to them: "Have ye not read, that he who made man from the beginning, made them male and female?" And he said: "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be in one flesh. Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." They say to him: "Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorce, and to put away?" He saith to them: "Because Moses by reason of the hardness of your heart permitted you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that shall marry her that is put away, committeth adultery." His disciples say unto him: "If the case of a man with his wife be so, it is not expedient to marry." Who said to them: "All men take not this word, but they to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs, who were born so from their mothers womb: and there are eunuchs, who were made so by men: and there are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. He that can take, let him take it."

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 44:15)

Behind her the virgins shall be led to the king; her friends shall be brought to you.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, accept the gifts we bring You on the feast of Your blessed virgin martyr Agatha, through whose intercession we hope to be set free. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN

I call upon the living God Himself, who was pleased to heal all my wounds and restore my breast to my body.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Lord, through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Agatha may we be aided by the reception of the Blessed Sacrament and rejoice in Your everlasting protection. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT BLAISE

Bishop and Martyr

Blaise, a physician in Armenia, perceived that the ills of the soul are infinitely more grievious than those of the body. He was ordained a priest and later appointed bishop, but God permitted this healer of souls to retain the power of healing bodies. St. Blaise became known far and wide for his miraculous cures, and he is still invoked for protection against diseases of the throat. He was martyred in 316, during a persecution under Emperor Licinius.

Mass of a Martyr Bishop

Prayer

O God, who gladdens us each year by the feast of Your blessed martyr bishop Blaise, mercifully grant that we who celebrate his birthday may also enjoy his protection. Through Our Lord . . .

THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Candlemas Day

Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple on this day. The Holy Spirit had revealed to the just and devout Simeon that he should not die before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. In the temple the old man glimpsed Jesus in Mary's arms and blessed God, knowing that at last he had seen the Savior, "a light of revelation to the Gentiles and a glory of Thy people Israel."

But only after the Savior's Passion and Crucifixion would the light win for men the final victory over bodily and spiritual death. Simeon therefore said to Mary, the co-redeemer of mankind, "Thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:35). May we, too, after having shared the redemptive sufferings of Christ attain the final grace of presentation in the holy temple of God's glory.

THE BLESSING OF THE CANDLES

PRAYER

Let us pray. O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God who created all things out of nothing, at Your creative command this honey was transformed into wax by the industry of the bees. On this day on which You granted just Simeon his request, we invoke Your most holy name and ask You through the intercession of the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary -- whose feast we reverently observe today -- and through the prayers of all Your saints, graciously to bless and sanctify these candles for the use of men, and for the health of bodies and souls of all on land and on the sea. From Your throne of majesty in heaven, hear the voices of Your people who hold these lights in their hands to honor You and praise You with song. Be merciful to all who call upon You, all those whom You have redeemed with the Precious Blood of Your Son, who lives and rules with You. Amen.

The celebrant sprinkles the candles three times with holy water and then incenses them three times. While sprinkling holy water, he says:

You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean; You shall wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CANDLES

The celebrant distributes the candles to the congregation, who in receiving them kiss first the candle, then the hand of the celebrant.

THE PROCESSION

The deacon turns to the congregation.

V. Let us go forth in peace.

R. In the name of Christ.

V. Amen.

THE MASS

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 47:10-11)

We have received Your kindness, O Lord, within Your temple. As Your name, O God, is known to the ends of the earth, so also shall Your praise be voiced to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is just in all things. Ps. 47:2. Great is the Lord, and worthy of all praise in the city of our God, upon His holy mountain. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
Almighty and Eternal God, we humbly ask that we may be presented to You with purified souls just as Your only-begotton Son was presented this day in the temple after He had taken on the substance of our flesh. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Mal. 3:1-4)

Thus says the Lord God: Behold I send my angel, and he shall prepare the way before my face. And presently the Lord, whom you seek, and the angel of the testament, whom you desire, shall come to his temple. Behold, he cometh, saith the Lord of hosts. And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him? for he is like a refining fire, and like the fuller's herb: And he shall sit refining and cleansing the silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and shall refine them as gold, and as silver, and they shall offer sacrifices to the Lord in justice. And the sacrifice of Juda and of Jerusalem shall please the Lord, as in the days of old, and in the ancient years, says the Lord almighty.

GRADUAL (Ps. 47:10-11, 9)

We have received Your kindness, O Lord, within Your temple. As Your name, O God, is known to the ends of the earth, so also shall Your praise be voiced to the ends of the earth. V. As we had heard, so we have seen in the city of our God, upon His holy mountain.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.

The old man carried the Child, but the Child was the ruler of the old man.

Alleluia!

The candles are held lighted during the Gospel, and from the Sanctus to the Communion.

GOSPEL (Luke 2:22-32)

At that time, when the days of Mary's purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: As it is written in the law of the Lord: "Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord": And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons"

And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon: and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Ghost was in him. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, He also took him into his arms and blessed God and said, "Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace: Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 44:3)

Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever and for all ages.

SECRET PRAYER

O Lord, graciously hear our prayers and in Your mercy help us so that our offering may be worthy of Your majesty. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Luke 2:26)

Simeon received an answer from the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Lord Our God, may this sacred rite, which You instituted to protect us in our new life of grace, bring us healing now and forever through the intercession of the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT IGNATIUS

Bishop and Martyr

Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch after St. Peter. When Emperor Trajan tried to force the Christians of that region to worship the Roman gods, the greatest obstacle to his purpose proved to be the aged bishop of Antioch. Trajan ordered that the intrepid prelate be taken to Rome in the year 107 and then thrown to the lions in the arena. The magnificent letters Ignatius sent to several Christian communities during his journey recall the mysticism of St. Paul's Epistles. "My yearning is for death. My love has been crucified, and I am not on fire with the love of earthly things. I desire incorruptible love," he wrote.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Gal. 6:14)

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. 131:1. O Lord, remember David and all his meekness. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

Almight God, look upon our weakness and the heavy burden we carry because of our own deeds. Let the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop Ignatius in heaven be our protection. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Rom. 8:35-39)

Brethren: Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation? Or distress? Or famine? Or nakedness? Or danger? Or persecution? Or the sword? (As it is written: "For thy sake, we are put to death all the day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.") But in all these things we overcome, because of him that hath loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL (Eccli. 44:16, 20)

Behold a great priest, who pleased God in his life. V. There was none found like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.

Alleluia, alleluia! (V. Gal. 2:19, 20)

With Christ I am nailed to the cross. It is now no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (John 12:24-26)

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, Itself remaineth alone. But if it die it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it and he that hateth his life in this world keepeth it unto life eternal. If any man minister to me, let him follow me: and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man minister to me, him will my Father honour."

OFFERTORY HYMN (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 PRAYER

O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr bishop Ignatius and grant us Your unending assistance through these offerings. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN

I am the wheat of Christ; may I be ground by the teeth of beasts that I may be found pure bread.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

We are refreshed by the reception of Your Sacred Gift, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop Ignatius make us feel the benefit of the sacred rite we have performed. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT JOHN BOSCO

Confessor

John Bosco (1815-88) grew up on a Piedmont farm in Italy. While still a student-priest at Turin, he began his mission for the abandoned boy apprentices of the early industrial era, who roamed uncared for on the streets of the city. Priests and Brothers gathered about John Bosco as his work developed, and formed the Salesian Order, named in honor of St. Francis of Sales. He also founded a community of Sisters to aid needy girls. Today, the missioners of John Bosco carry on his ideals of gentleness and charity among poor children in Asia, Africa, and South America, as well as in Europe and North America.

ENTRANCE HYMN (III Reg. 4:29)

God gave him wisdom and understanding exceedingly great, and a heart as wide as the sands on the seashore. Ps. 112:1. Praise the Lord, you His children, praise the name of the Lord. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

O God, You made Your confessor St. John a father and teacher for the young and willed that he should found in Your Church flourishing new communities under the protection of the Virgin Mary. Enkindle in us the same fire of love to seek after souls and serve You alone. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Philipp. 4:4-9)

Brethren: Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline: think on these things. The things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do ye: and the God of peace shall be with you.

GRADUAL (Ps. 36:3-5)

Put your trust in the Lord and do good; and you shall dwell in the land and feast on its abundance. V. Take delight in the Lord, and He will grant you your heart's desires. Commit your life to the Lord and trust in Him, and He will provide.

Alleluia, alleluia! (V. Ps. 73:21)

The afflicted and the poor shall praise your name.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Matt. 18:1-5)

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

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 33:12)

Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

SECRET PRAYER

Accept, O Lord, our offering of this perfect host of salvation. May we love You in all things and above all things so that our lives may praise and glorify You. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Rom. 4:18)

Hoping against hope he believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was said to him.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

We have partaken of the sacred mystery of Your Body and Blood, O Lord. remind us always of our obligation of gratitude through the intercession of Your blessed confessor saint John; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

El Greco

SAINT MARTINA

Virgin and Martyr

According to tradition, Martina was a young Roman who after her parents' death gave all her possessions to the poor and consecrated her virginity to Christ. When arrested by Emperor Alexander Severus, she steadfastly refused to deny her Lord. In spite of atrocious torments, Martina professed her love for Christ: "I love my Lord Jesus Christ who strengthens me." She was beheaded for that love in 228.

Mass of a VIRGIN MARTYR

PRAYER

O God, one of the marvelous examples of Your power was granting the victory of martyrdom even to delicate womanhood. May the example of the blessed virgin martyr Martina, whose birthday we celebrate today, draw us closer to You. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT FRANCIS OF SALES

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Born on the border of Switzerland, into an old aristocratic family of Savoy, Francis of Sales became one of the foremost missioners of the Catholic Restoration. He drew Calvinists to the Church by his Christlike kindness; but after the winning of the heretics, the saint was very exacting in the direction of his converts. His writings are Christian classics in which he emphasizes the importance of a staunch Catholic laity, holding that it is an error to believe that piety is incompatible with any state of life. Francis of Sales was appointed bishop of Geneva in 1603. Seven years later, together with St. Jane de Chantal, he founded the Order of the Visitation. This holy and gentle apostle died in 1622.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH except

PRAYER

O God, You willed that the blessed confessor bishop Francis should become all things to all men to save their souls. Fill us with the spirit of Your love, so that guided by the counsels of Your saint and aided by his merits we may come to the happiness of eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Commemoration of ST. PETER NOLASCO, Confessor

Commemoration of SAINT AGNES, Virgin and Martyr

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 96:7-8)

Worship God, all you his angels. Sion heard and was glad, and all the daughters of Juda rejoiced. Ps. 96:1. The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad! V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

O God, You know that our weakened nature cannot withstand the dangers that surround us. Make us stron in mind and body, that with Your help we may be able to overcome the afflictions that our own sins have brought upon us. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER NOLASCO

Peter (1182-1258) was born in southern France. After the death of his wealthy parents, he spent his inheritance in Barcelona to recue Christians enslaved by the Moors. He formed a lay confraternity, which later developed into the religious order of the Mercedarians, and led his fellow workers into Moorish territory to purchase the freedom of Christian captives, and to make numerous conversions among the non-Christians. Later Peter's Mercedarians labored among the Indiians of the far-flung Spanish American Empire.

O God, St. Peter was divinely guided by the example of Your won love to enrich Your Church with a new community dedicated to the ransoming of imprisoned Christians. Release us from the slavery of sin through his intercession so that we may enjoy the eternal freedom of our home in heaven; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR

We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your blessed virgin martyr Agnes. May we be inspiried by the example of Your saint, as we honor her in this Mass. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Rom. 13:8-10)

Brethren: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. For he that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law. For: "Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet." And if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The love of our neighbour worketh no evil. Love therefore is the fulfilling of the law.

GRADUAL (Ps. 101:16-17)

The nations shall revere Your name, O LOrd, and all the kings of the earth shall reverence Your glory. V. For the Lord has built up Sion, and He shall appear in His glory.

Alleluia, alleluia! (V. Ps. 96:1)

The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad!

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Matt. 8:23-27)

At that time, Jesus entered into the boat, and his disciples followed him: And behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves, but he was asleep. And they came to him, and awaked him, saying: "Lord, save us, we perish." And Jesus saith to them: "Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith?" Then rising up, he commanded the winds, and the sea, and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: "What manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him?"

OFFERTORY HYMN (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.

SECRET PRAYER

Almighty God, grant that our sacrificial offering may cleanse and protect our frail nature from all evil. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER NOLASCO

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.

Commemoration of SAINT AGNES

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 martyrs. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Luke 4:22)

All marveled at these things that came from the mouth of God.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

May this Gift draw us away from earthly pleasures, O God, and may the nourishment we recieve from this Bread of Heaven fill us always with new strength. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER NOLASCO

Refreshed with Heavenly Food and Drink, we humbly pray You, our God, to strengthen us through the prayers of Your saints, in whose memory we have received this Sacrament.

Commemoration of SAINT AGNES

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 . . .

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Archbishop of Constantinople in the fourth century, John was surnamed Chrysostom, "the golden-mouthed," because of his moving eloquence. His gifted pen, as well as his sermons drew many to christ. The saint's courageous condemnation of sinfulness brought him exile and all manner of ill-usage from his persecutors. Solicitous for the poor of Constantinople, St. John also looked beyond the boundaries of his episcopal see, and sent out missioners among the Scythians, Persians, and Goths. With the praise of God on his lips, this great Doctor of the Eastern Church died in exile on September 14, 407.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

PRAYER

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

Commemoration of SAINT ANGELA MERICI

Founder of the Ursulines.

O God, You instituted a new congregation of holy virgins in the Church through blessed Angela. May her intercession help us to practice the angelic virtues and renounce earthly things for the sake of everlasting happiness. through Our Lord . . .

GRADUAL (Eccli. 44:20)

Behold a great priest, who pleased God in his life. V. There was none found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.

Alleluia, alleluia! (V. Jac. 1:12)

Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life.

Alleluia!

SAINT POLYCARP

Bishop and Martyr

A disciple of St. John the Beloved, Polycarp received from the Apostle himself his appointment as bishop of Smyrna. Polycarp served his master ardently during a long episcopate. In his old age he refused to flee persecution and faced martyrdom with supreme peace of soul. When ordered to deny Christ, Polycarp replied, "For 86 years I have served Him; how then can I blaspheme my Savior and my King?" The last of the bishops chosen by the Apostles, he was martyred in the year 156.

Mass of a MARTYR BISHOP, except the following:

PRAYER

O God, who gladdens us each year by the feast of Your blessed martyr bishop Polycarp, mercifully grant that we who celebrate his birthday may also enjoy his protection. through Our Lord . . .

READING (I John 3:10-16)

Beloved: Whosoever is not just is not of God, or he that loveth not his brother. For this is the declaration which you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one and killed his brother. And wherefore did he kill him? Because his own works were wicked: and his brother's just. Wonder not, brethren, if the world hate you.
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in himself. In this we have known the charity of God, because he hath laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

GOSPEL (Matt. 10:26-32)

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, " 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. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven."

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

We are refreshed by the reception of Your sacred Gift, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop Polycarp make us feel the benefit of the sacred rite we have performed. Through Our Lord . . .

THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL

Chair of Unity Octave Intention: Missionary Conquest of the World

Saul, the youthful Pharisee of Jerusalem who stood by as a witness at the death of the first martyr, Stephen, grew into manhood with a consuming desire to destroy the religious followers of Jesus. Three years after the crucifixion of Christ, while in the very act of extending his persecution of the Christians from Jerusalem to Damascus, Saul was confronted by his Savior with the question, "Why dost thou persecute me?" In the dazzling light of this vision, Saul was called to a double vocation: to be a chosen vessel to carry the name of Jesus among nations, and to suffer much for Christ. In this new life, Saul was renamed Paul.

It was the suffering for the name of Jesus--not only the physical hardships, the deprivations and rejections of his journeys, but the complete giving of himself for his neighbors--that lay at the root of Paul's unparalleled missionary success. Because he "lived Christ," Paul glorified in his tribulations, wrote the lyrical praise of Christian love, exhorted his Christians to be imitators of him, as he was of Christ. He so thoroughly "emptied himself" for men that he could say, "It is now no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me."

ENTRANCE HYMN (II Tim. 1:12)

I know whom I have believed, and I am certain that He is able to guard the trust committed to me against that day, for He is a just judge. 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 . . .

PRAYER

We celebrate the conversion of the blessed apostle Paul today. You taught the whole world through his preaching, O God; may we come to You by following his example. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER

O God, You have entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven yo Your blessed apostle Peter, and have given him the power of bishop to bind or to loose. may his intercession free us from the slavery of sin; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

READING (Acts 9:1-22)

In those days, Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew nigh to Damascus. And suddenly a light from heaven shined round about him. And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Who said: "Who art thou, Lord?" And he: "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad." And he, trembling and astonished, said: "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" And the Lord said to him: "Arise and go into the city; and there it shall be told thee what thou must do." Now the men who went in company with him stood amazed, hearing indeed a voice but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the ground: and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they, leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus. And he was there three days without sight: and he did neither eat nor drink.
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision: "Ananias," And he said: "Behold I am here, Lord." And the Lord said to him: "Arise and go into the street that is called Strait and seek in the house of Judas, one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold he prayeth." (And he saw a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hands upon him, that he might receive his sight.) But Ananias answered: "Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that invoke thy name." And the Lord said to him: "Go thy way: for this man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." And Aninias went his way and entered into the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus hath sent me, he that appeared to thee in the way as thou camest, that thou mayest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost." And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales: and he received his sight. And rising up, he was baptized. And when he had taken meat, he was strengthened.

And he was with the disciples that were at Damascus, for some days. And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the son of God. And all that heard him were astonished and said: "Is not this he who persecuted in Jerusalem those that called upon this name and came hither for that intent, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests?"
But Saul increased much more in strength and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that this is the Christ.

GRADUAL (Gal. 2:8, 9)

He who worked in Peter for the apostleship worked also in me among the Gentiles, and they recognized the grace of God that was given to me. V. The grace of God in me has not been fruitless, but His grace remains in me always.

Alleluia, alleluia!

V. The great Saint Paul, a chosen vessel, is indeed worthy of glory, and he deserves to possess the twelfth throne.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Matt. 19:27-29)

At that time, Peter answering, said to him: "Behold we have left all things, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? " And Jesus said to them: " Amen I say to you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve seats judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting. "

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 138:17)

Your friends are greatly honored by me, O God; their pre-eminence is definitely established.

SECRET PRAYER

O Lord, sanctify the offerings of Your people through the intercession of the blessed apostle Paul. The sacrifice we offer is already acceptable to You because You instituted it; may it become even more pleasing to You through the prayers of Your saint. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER

O Lord, we offer You the prayers and sacrifice of Your Church through the intercession of Your apostle Peter. May this Mass which we celebrate in his honor win pardon for us. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Matt. 19:28, 29)

Amen I say to you that you who have left all and followed Me, shall receive a hundred fold, and shall possess life everlasting.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

We have been made holy by this life-giving Sacrifice, O Lord. May we always be aided by the prayers of Your saint, whom You gave us as a protector and a guide. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETER

May our offering bring us happiness, O Lord. We praise You for the wondrous things You accomplished through Your apostle Peter, and ask for forgiveness through his intercession. through Our Lord . . .

SAINT TIMOTHY

Bishop and Martyr

Chair of Unity Octave Intention: Conversion of the Jews

Timothy, born in Galatia in Asia Minor, was baptized and later ordained to the priesthood by St. Paul. The young Galatian became Paul's missionary companion and his most beloved spiritual son. Paul showed his trust in this disciple by consecrating him bishop of the great city of Ephesus. During his last imprisonment in Rome, Paul wrote to Timothy to make haste and come from Asia minor. But St. Paul was martyred before an earthly reunion with his son in Christ was possible. Thirty years later, Timothy was stoned to death at Ephesus for having denounced the worship of the goddess Diana.

Mass of a MARTYR BISHOP, except

PRAYER

Almighty God, look upon our weakness and the heavy burden we carry because of our own deeds. Let the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop Timothy in heaven be our protection. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (I Tim. 6:11-16)

Beloved: Pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness. Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called and be it confessed a good confession before many witnesses. I charge thee before God who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate, a good confession: That thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Which in his times he shall shew, who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Who only hath immortality and inhabiteth light inaccessible: whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and empire everlasting. Amen.

Saint Emerentiana

SAINT RAYMUND OF PENNAFORT

Confessor

Chair of Unity Octave Intention: Return of Lapsed Catholics

Raymund of Pennafort (1175-1275), a native of Catalonia, Spain, was outstanding in the direction of souls and is revered as a patron saint of confessors. A learned professor of philosophy and law, he was entrusted by the Holy Father with the codification of canon law. When he was nearly fifty years of age, Raymund entered the Dominican Order. He converted thousands of Moors, Jews, and Albigensian heretics, and pioneered in founding language schools for aspirant missioners. Raymund performed numerous miracles. The Prayer alludes to his miraculous journey from Barcelona to the Island of Majorca on his cloak spread on the sea.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

PRAYER

O God, You chose blessed Raymund to be an example of the true minister of the Sacrament of penance and marked his life by the miraculous trip across the sea. May his intercession make us worthy of the forgiveness and grace of penance and help us toward the shore of our eternal salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT EMERENTIANA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR

Tradition holds that Emerentiana, a foster-sister of St. Agnes, was stoned to death by a pagan mob while she was praying at the martytr's tomb.

O Lord, pardon our sins through the intercession of the blessed virgin martyr Emerentiana, who pleased You by her purity and her faith. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER

We offer You, O Lord, this sacrifice of praise in memory of Your saints. Free us from evil now and in the future through their intercession. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT EMERENTIANA

O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed virgin martyr Emerentiana, and grant us Your unending assistance through these offerings. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

Refreshed with Heavenly Food and Drink we humbly pray you, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of Your saint, in whose memory we have received this Sacrament. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT EMERENTIANA

We have been nourished by Your Divine Gift, O Lord our God. May the reception of this Bread of Heaven bring us eternal life through the intercession of Your blessed virgin martyr Emerentiana. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINTS VINCENT AND ANASTASIUS

Martyrs

Chair of Unity Octave Intention: Catholic Unity for American Christians

During the early years of the fourth century, Vincent, a young deacon, was inhumanly tortured by Dacian, Roman governor of Valencia in Spain. Vincent rejoiced in his sufferings until he drew his last breath. More than three hundred years later, Anastasius the Persian, a convert from the priestly caste of Magi, endured a similar martyrdom in distant Assyria. Through all the Christian centuries martyrs of the West and of the East have united their sacrifices to that of Calvary for the salvation of every man born into the world.

Mass of SEVERAL MARTYRS, except

PRAYER

O Lord, hear our humble prayers. May the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Vincent and Anastasius free us from the guilt of sin which troubles us. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER

We offer these gifts to You in sacrifice, O Lord. May the honor we pay to Your saints please You, and may these offerings. through Your mercy, bring us closer to our salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

Almighty God, we pray that the reception of this Bread of Heaven may strengthen us against all adversity through the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Vincent and Anastasius. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.