SAINT HILARY
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

SAINT FELIX
Priest and Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITE
Champion of the divinity of Christ, Hilary was born in Gaul of patrician parents about the year 315. The people of Poitiers chose Hilary as their bishop in 353, and he protected his flock against numerous heretical teachings of the period. The charity of Christ taught Bishop Hilary that, while heresy deserves only hatred, the individual heretic has need of loving compassion. By the time he died in 367, he had been instrumental in purging his country of false belief and winning back many of the heretics into the true fold of Christ.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

COLLECT
O God, may blessed Hilary intercede for us in heaven as he once instructed Your faithful on earth and directed them in the way of eternal salvation. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FELIX
Felix of Nola, a priest of Campania during the third century, manifested heroic Christian courage in the service of his bishop, St. Maximus, during the cruel persecution under Emperor Decius.

SECRET
O Lord, let Your blessed bishop and doctor Hilary always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FELIX
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You in honor of Your blessed martyr Felix, and help us find in them unending assistance. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed bishop and illustrious doctor Hilary. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT FELIX
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord. May we be aided also by the prayers of Your saint Felix, whom we honor this day. Through our Lord . . .

1962 Missale Romanum Just Released!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
Catholic PRWire


Benziger's Classic Edition Altar Missal

CHICAGO, IL (JANUARY 12, 2009) - Missale Romanum 1962 has been in preparation ever since Pope Benedict XVI released his new motu proprio 'Summorum Pontificum.'

The preferred altar missal amongst the American clergy, being the most user-friendly edition of the Missal for the Traditional Latin Mass, Benziger's classic standard edition is available once again thanks to the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in Chicago.

This is the only reprinted Altar Missal available in complete conformity with the final revisions made by the Holy See in 1962 to the traditional Roman Missal.

So unlike the other “1962” altar missal being offered in the USA, this edition includes:

* St. Joseph's name in the Canon (added in November 1962),
* the Ad Libitum Prefaces (added in July 1962 and which includes the restored Advent preface),
* the Pro Aliquibus Locis Section specifically arranged for the dioceses of the United States per the 1962 liturgical calendar (added in December 1962)
* and the original imprimatur by Cardinal Francis Spellman.

More information on the Missal can be found at:

http://www.sanctamissa.org/en/missale-romanum-1962/

The Missals were completed the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 2009.

The 1962 Missale Romanum features a bonded red leather hardcover, gold-embossed, 1,290 pages, and measuring 83/8” x 11¼” and is approximately 2¾” thick.

Our poly-grosgrain colored ribbons finished with bows prevent fraying. The Missal's strong midi-braid leads bridges the ribbons to the spine and protects pages and life of ribbons.

The flexible bonded leather tabs are in red and black. The original quality black and red text are found throughout the Missal. The Missal has sturdy sewn binding and reinforced endsheet construction. It features non-acid missal-quality paper.

The gorgeous gold-gilded page edges are protected by a complimentary slip jacket for proper storage of this worthy investment.

The famed Benziger Brothers were one of America's premier printers to the Apostolic See before the Second Vatican Council. Benzinger Brother's in addition to their book publishing business, began the lithographing of religious pictures.

Their crisp and beautiful chromo-lithograph images in their 1962 Missale Romanum were some of their most superb work.

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January 13

OCTAVE DAY OF THE EPIPHANY

COMMEMORATION OF THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

The Christ Child was manifested to the wise men from the East as the king of the world, the ruler of all nations. The mature God-man opens His public ministry with the manifestation of His divinity on the shore of the Jordan River.

The Sacrament of Baptism, prefigured by the baptism of John, incorporates us into union with God. Adopted as sons and made co-heirs of heaven through Baptism and the Holy Spirit, we begin our mission as followers of Christ. Our own lives must echo the words of the forerunner of Christ: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Mass of the feast of the EPIPHANY except

COLLECT

O God, Your only-begotten Son appeared in the substance of our flesh. May He who outwardly was like us, change us interiorly; who lives and rules with You . . .

LESSON as on the Feast of Epiphany

GOSPEL (John 1:29-34)

At that time, John saw Jesus coming to him; and he saith: "Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said: 'After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.' And I knew him not: but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." And John gave testimony, saying: "I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven; and he remained upon him. And I knew him not: but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me: 'He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him, he it is that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.' And I saw: and I gave testimony that this is the Son of God."

SECRET

We celebrate the manifestation of Your new-born Son with these offerings, O Lord. we humbly beg that Jesus Christ, our Lord, who created them, will mercifully accept them from us; who lives and rules with You . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, guide us always and everywhere with Your light from above so that we may clearly appreciate this Sacrament. You have allowed us to share in It; may we always receive It worthily. Through Our Lord . . .

SIMPLE / WHITE

Within the Octave

The Mass of First Sunday after the Epiphany

Image via Wikipedia

First Sunday After The Epiphany
Within the Octave

THE HOLY FAMILY

GREATER DOUBLE/WHITE

From eternity, the Son of God had lived the family life of the Blessed Trinity. At Nazareth, as the Redeemer both of individuals and of families, He lived and made holy the home life that guards divine life in every baptized person.

Problems of family life center mainly in personalities. But social pressures and poverty also add disturbing tensions. Happily, God made marriage a sacrament, which is ministered by husband and wife to one another. Through the sacrament, they communicate to one another those special graces they need for living their enduring and sometimes difficult obligations.

God remains the third partner in every marriage, with His own inalienable rights. In the Holy Family, God Incarnate was the third member. In a Christian family, anywhere in the world, the father is the spiritual head who takes the place of Christ.

INTROIT (Prov. 23:24, 25)

The Father of the just one greatly rejoices. Let your father and your mother be joyful, and let her who bore you be glad. Ps. 83:2, 3. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns and faints for the courts of the Lord. V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O Lord Jesus Christ, You sanctified home life with untold virtues by being subject to Mary and Joseph. May they assist us to imitate the example of Your Holy Family, so that we may share with them their eternal happiness; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of the First Sunday After The Epiphany

O Lord, mercifully hear the plea of those who call upon You, that Your people may understand their duty and be strengthened to fulfill it. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE (Col. 3:12-17)

Brethren: Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience: Bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another. Even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things 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: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly: in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All 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.

GRADUAL (Ps. 26:4; 83:5)

One thing I have asked of the Lord; this will I seek after: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. V. Happy they who dwell in Your house, O Lord! They shall praise You forever and ever.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. (Isa. 45:15)

Verily You are a hidden king, the God of Israel, the Savior.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Luke 2:42-52)

And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: "Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." And he said to them: "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father's business?"

And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace with God and men.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Luke 2:22)

The parents of Jesus took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.

SECRET

O Lord, we offer You this sacrifice in atonement for our sins. May the intercession of the Virgin Mother of God and blessed Joseph, ever bestow Your peace and grace upon our families. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration

May the sacrifice we offer You, O Lord, bring us new life and keep us safe. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Luke 2:51)

Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them.

POSTCOMMUNION

We are refreshed by Your heavenly Sacrament, O Lord Jesus. Help us always to follow the example of Your Holy Family, that Your glorious Virgin Mother and blessed Joseph may meet us at the hour of our death, and find us worthy to enter with You into Your eternal home; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration

Almighty God, we humbly ask that those who are nourished with Your Sacrament may live a life of worthy service pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .

Saint William

Saint Nicanor

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SIMPLE / WHITE

The Mass of the Feast of the EPIPHANY is said.

SAINT WILLIAM OF BOURGES
Bishop (Historical)

St. William the Confessor was a member of the noble family of the Counts of Nevers, born in the 12^th century in Nevers, France. His father, Baldwin, planned a military life for the young William. He was educated, however, by his maternal uncle, Peter the Hermit, archdeacon of Soissons, and was drawn toward religious life from an early age. He first was a Monk in the Order of Grandmont. He became a priest and then a canon at Soissons and finally a canon at Paris. He was noted for his austere life, for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and for the time spent praying at the altar. Internal dissension in his religious order caused him to leave Grandmont for the recently formed Cistercian Order, taking the habit at Pontigny. He became abbot at Fontaine-Jean in Sens, France. And then he was elected abbot at Chalis near Senlis, France in 1187. He reluctantly assumed the position of archbishop at Bourges in central France in 1200, accepting the position only after receiving orders from the general of his order and from Pope Innocent III himself. St. William then lived an even more austere life, defended clerical rights against the state, cared personally for the poor, sick, imprisoned and debauched, and converted many Albigensian heretics in his diocese to orthodox Christianity. He died January 10, 1209 at Bourges, France, of natural causes while at prayer. Witnesses claim he performed 18 miracles during his life and another 18 after his death. He was canonized on May 17, 1217 by Pope Honorius III.

SAINT NICANOR
Deacon & Martyr (Historical)

Saint Nicanor, with two thousand other Christians, was slain for Christ on the same day as the holy protomartyr Stephen, as related in the Acts of the Apostles, which states, At that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem.

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SIMPLE / WHITE

The Mass of the Feast of the EPIPHANY is said.

SAINT ADRIAN OF CANTERBURY

Archbishop

(Historical)

We all know about men and women who travelled to China and Africa and South Seas Islands as missionaries, to bring the Word of Christ to these distant lands. But many centuries ago, when the Church was still young and hadn't spread to Europe, people would travel from Judea or Egypt to other lands as missionaries. Saint Adrian was born in Africa, but ended his days as a missionary to the people of England.

Saint Adrian was an Abbot of a monastery near Naples, Italy when the Archbishop of Canterbury died in 664. Pope Vitalian asked Adrian to travel to Canterbury as the next Archbishop. (Adrian was then an Abbot of a monastery near Naples.) Adrian refused, saying that he was not good enough for the job and suggested that the Pope send Saint Theodore of Tarsus instead. Saint Adrian offered to go to Canterbury as Saint Theodore's assistant.

Once they arrived in England, Theodore and Adrian went about teaching the Gospel. Most of England was still pagan, and There was much work to be done, to build the Christian Church in England. Adrian's job consisted mainly of establishing monasteries and schools. Together, they successfully spread the Christian faith in England so that it soon became a Christian country.

Saint Adrian died in the year 710. Saint Adrian's feast day is on the 9th on January.

SAINTS JULIAN & BASILISSA

Martyrs

(Historical)

Saint Julian and Saint Basilissa, though married, lived by mutual consent in perpetual chastity. They sanctified themselves by the most perfect exercises of an ascetic life, and employed their revenues in relieving the poor and the sick. For this purpose they converted their house into a kind of hospital, in which they sheltered up to a thousand poor people. Basilissa attended those of her sex in separate lodgings, and Julian, who for his charity is known as the Hospitaler, cared for the men.

Egypt, where they lived, was in those days blessed with persons who, either in the cities or in the deserts, devoted themselves to the most perfect exercises of charity, penance, and mortification. Conversions were numerous, and persecutions by furious pagans followed as the numbers of Christians increased. Basilissa, after having survived seven of those, died in peace, foretelling to her husband that he would die a martyr. Julian lived afterwards for a number of years, but eventually received the crown of a glorious martyrdom in 313. His interrogation and his tortures were accompanied by astonishing prodigies and numerous conversions.

With him died thirty-one other persons, including a priest named Anthony, a new Christian named Anastasius, Celsus, the seven-year-old son of the judge who sentenced Julian, Marcianilla, the mother of Celsus, who when she came to visit her son was won over to the faith, and many other Christians. Spared by fire and wild beasts, Saint Julian finally was decapitated. His tomb became illustrious by many great miracles, including the cure of ten lepers on the same day.

Many churches and hospitals, in both the East and in the West, bear the name of one or another of these martyrs. Four churches at Rome and three in Paris are dedicated to Saint Julian.

Saint Apollinaris the Apologist

Saint Severin of Noricum

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SIMPLE / WHITE

The Mass of the Feast of the EPIPHANY is said.

SAINT APOLLINARIS THE APOLOGIST
Bishop and Martyr
(Historical)

Saint Apollinaris Claudius, otherwise Apollinaris of Hierapolis or Apollinaris the Apologist, was a Christian leader and writer of the 2nd century.

He was Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia and became famous for his polemical treatises against the heretics of his day, whose errors he showed to be entirely borrowed from the pagans. He wrote two books against the Jews, five against the pagans, and two on "Truth". In 177 he published an "Apologia" for the Christians, addressed to Marcus Aurelius, and appealing to the Emperor's own experience with the "Thundering Legion", whose prayers won him the victory over the Quadi. The exact date of his death is not known, but it was probably while Marcus Aurelius was still Emperor.

Nothing survives of his writings except for a few extracts, the longest of which relates to the date of Passover.

SAINT SEVERINUS OF NORICUM
Hermit, Archbishop
(Historical)

Severinus of Noricum (ca. 410-482) is a Roman Catholic saint, known as the "Apostle to Noricum". It has been speculated that he was born in either Southern Italy or in the Roman province of Africa, after the death of Attila in 453. Severinus himself refused to discuss his personal history before his appearance along the Danube in Noricum. However, he did mention experiences with eastern desert monasticism, and his vita draws connections between Severinus and St. Anthony of Egypt.

Saint Lucian of Antioch

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SIMPLE / WHITE

The Mass of the Feast of the EPIPHANY is said.

The Profession of Faith is omitted.

SAINT LUCIAN OF ANTIOCH
Priest & Martyr (Historical)

Following the death of his wealthy parents, he gave away his possessions, and studied rhetoric, philosophy, and Scripture under Macarius at Edessa. Hermit briefly in his youth. Ordained in Antioch. Spiritual director of Saint Pelagia of Antioch.

Head of a school of theology in Antioch; one of his students was Arius, founder of Arianism. Friend of Paul of Samosata and other heretics, and may have been excommunited himself at one point, but later came back to full communion.

Noted Scripture scholar, working to insure that copyists made the most exact copies possible, correcting copyist errors by comparing against older texts in the original languages. His edition of the complete Bible, known as the Lucian Recension was used by many churches, and by Saint Jerome during his work on the Vulgate.

Arrested in Nicomedia during the persecution of Diocletian, and spent nine years in prison. Dragged before the emperor as an example, he struggled to his feet and gave a great defense of the faith. He thrown back in the cells, given no food or water for 14 days, then hauled before the tribunal and interrogated; he answered all questions with "I am a Christian."

THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE

The mystery of the Christ-birth is a rich and glorious beginning, splendid with promise. Today we worship a partial fulfillment when Jesus, as an Infant King, is manifested to wise men of the Gentile world and through them to all peoples. His royalty is neither frightening nor pompous, for the kingly majesty of the sovereign Redeemer is robed in babyhood. Coming in the simplicity of true greatness, Jesus makes Himself acceptable and at home to the little and the great of every nation under heaven.

INTROIT Mal. 3:1; 1 Par. 29:12

Behold, the Lord, the Ruler, is come. He has dominion over all, and in His hand is power and might.
Ps. 71:2. O God, with Your judgment endow the king, and with Your justice, the kings son.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, who by the star this day revealed Your only-begotten Son to all nations, grant that we, who know You now by faith, may be brought one day before the vision of Your majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

LESSON Isa. 60:1-6

Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thy eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see, and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord.

GRADUAL Isa. 60:6, 1

All they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing forth praise to the Lord.
V. Arise and be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Matt. 2:2

We have seen His star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

Alleluia.

GOSPEL Matt. 2:1-12

Now when Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying: "Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' " Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him.

Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, (here, genuflect) and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 71:10-11

The kings of Tharsis and the isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Saba shall pay Him homage, all nations shall serve Him.

SECRET

O Lord, look with favor upon the gifts offered by Your Church. It is not gold, frankincense, and myrrh that is offered now, but the King, God and Saviour, who was signified by these gifts, is Himself our Sacrifice and our Food, Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 2:2

We have seen His star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Almighty God, grant that we may understand with pure minds the revelation of Christ which we here solemnly commemorate. Through Our Lord . . .

FERIA

The Mass of the CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD
[The Profession of Faith is not said]

SAINT TELESPHORUS

Pope and Martyr

SIMPLE / WHITE

Pope Telesphorus reigned as bishop of Rome for ten years, and was martyred in the persecution of Hadrian about the year 138 A.D.

Commemoration of the feast of SAINT TELESPHORUS

O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Telesphorus shepherd of the whole Church, let the prayers of this martyr and supreme pontiff move You to look with favor upon Your flock and to keep it under Your continual protection. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the feast of SAINT TELESPHORUS
We have offered our gifts to You, O Lord. Let Your light graciously shine upon Your Church so that this flock may everywhere prosper, and its pastors, under Your guidance, may be truly pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the feast of SAINT TELESPHORUS
O Lord, govern Your Church, which You have been pleased to nourish with Your Heavenly Food. Guide her by Your powerful direction so that she may enjoy greater freedom and remain unshaken in the fullness of faith. Through Our Lord . . .

Saint Genevieve
Virgin

OCTAVE DAY

SAINT JOHN

Apostle & Evangelist

Commemoration of SAINT GENEVIEVE, VIRGIN

Though there is a "vita" that purports to be written by a contemporary, Geneviève's history cannot be separated from her hagiography, which describes her as a peasant girl of Nanterre. One day Saint Germain of Auxerre came to Nanterre, and Genevieve confided in him that she wanted to live only for God. He encouraged her in her pursuit, and, at the age of fifteen, Genevieve became a nun. On the deaths of her parents, she went to live with her godmother Lutetia in Paris ("Lutetia", being the former name of the city of Paris, has a symbolic weight), where she became admired for the extremes of her piety and her devotion to works of charity, which included her severe corporal austerities, and a vegetarian diet which allowed her to sup but twice per week. "These mortifications she continued for over thirty years, till her ecclesiastical superiors thought it their duty to make her diminish her austerities," the Catholic Encyclopedia reports. She did encounter opposition and criticism for her activities, both before and after she was once again visited by Germanus.

Like many of her Gallic neighbors, Geneviève had frequent communication with the other world and reported her visions and prophesies, until her enemies conspired to drown her; through the intervention of Germain of Auxerre, their animosity was finally overcome. The bishop of the city appointed her to look after the welfare of the virgins dedicated to God, and by her instruction and example she led them to a high degree of sanctity.

Shortly before the attack of the Huns under Attila in 451 on Paris, with the help of Germanus' archdeacon, the panic-stricken people of Paris were persuaded not to leave their homes. The diversion of Attila's army to Orléans was attributed to Genevieve's prayers. During Childeric's siege and blockade of Paris in 464, Geneviève passed through the siege lines in a boat to Troyes, bringing grain to the starving city. She also plead for the welfare of prisoners of war to Childeric, and met with a favorable response. Later, Clovis I liberated captives and showed greater lenience to wrongdoers after being urged by her to do so.

St. Genevieve died in 512 A.D.

JANUARY 2, 2009

SIMPLE / WHITE

The Mass of the CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD is said.

The Profession of Faith is omitted.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 1

OCTAVE-DAY OF THE NATIVITY

THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE

Jesus respected the sacredness of the Old Law and submitted to its ceremony of circumcision. The rite officially incorporated Him into the Jewish religion and was a figure of Christian Baptism. The Savior came to replace the Old Law, and to incorporate people of all nations into His Mystical Body through Baptism. From Him, the Head, they receive all the graces needed to live worthily as His members. We become "acceptable" to God in the measure that we are cleansed from sin, give God Hid due worship and obedience, and render our fellow men everywhere on earth both full justice and Christlike charity.

INTROIT Isa. 9:6

A Child is born to us, and a son is given to us; upon his shoulder is supreme sovereignty, and his name shall be called the Angel of great counsel.
Ps. 97:1. Sing a new canticle to the Lord, for He has done wondrous things.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, it was through the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary that You bestowed the gift of eternal life upon mankind. Grant that we may feel the powerful intercession of Mary, through whom we were privileged to receive the giver of life, Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

EPISTLE Titus 2:11-15

Beloved: The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men: Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

GRADUAL Ps. 97:3-4, 2

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth.
V. The Lord has made His salvation known; in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Heb. 1:1-2

God, who in divers manners spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all in these days has spoken to us by His Son.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 2:21

At that time, when eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given to Him by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:12, 15

Yours are the heavens and Yours are the earth; the world and its fullness You have founded. Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne.

SECRET

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

The Christmas Preface is said.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 97:3

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

SAINT SYLVESTER
Pope and Confessor

7th DAY IN THE OCTAVE
OF CHRISTMAS
[The Third Mass of Christmas is said]

DOUBLE / WHITE
During the pontificate of St. Sylvester, from 314 to 335, the long persecutions in Rome came to an end, and the Church emerged from her hidden existence in the catacombs. The blood of the early martyrs, the seed of Christianity, blossomed into a rich harvest as the Faith spread throughout the Roman Empire. St. Sylvester, the first Pope of Peace, further strengthened the faith by convening the first ecumenical council of Nice and condemning the heresy which taught that Christ was inferior to the Father in the Blessed Trinity.

Mass of a Pope

COLLECT
O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Sylvester shepherd of the whole Church, let the prayers of this supreme pontiff move You to look with favor upon Your flock and to keep it under Your continual protection. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

The Profession of Faith is said.

The Christmas Preface is said.

SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE

OF CHRISTMAS

[Transferred from 12/28/08]

DOUBLE /WHITE

The Father has sent His Son to be the world's Savior. Though almighty king and ruler of the universe, Jesus came in silence and simplicity and obedience. After such an example there can be no excuse for not listening to Him. Everyone must believe Him or reject Him. He is the sign that divides the believers from their contradictors. making the choice and living by it, is part of our Christian adulthood: it is part of the loyalty due to Christ from His adopted brothers. To lead others to this adoption and brotherhood in Christ is the highest form of gratitude we can pay to Jesus.

INTROIT Sap. 18:14-15

While all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, Your Almighty Word, O Lord, leapt down from heaven, from Your royal throne.
Ps. 92:1. The Lord reigns, robed in beauty. The Lord is clothed and girt about with strength.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O Almighty and Eternal God, direct our actions according to Your holy will, so that, in the name of Your beloved Son, we may lead lives that are marked by good deeds; who lives and rules with You . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

EPISTLE Gal. 4:1-7

Brethren: As long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all, but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. So we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: "Abba, Father". Therefore, now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.

GRADUAL Ps. 44:3, 2

You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured out upon your lips.
V. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king; my tongue is as nimble as the pen of a skillful scribe.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 92:1

The Lord reigns, robed in beauty. The Lord is clothed with strength, and he has girded himself about with power.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 2:33-40

At that time, And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: "Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord: and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.
And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom: and the grace of God was in him.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 92:1-2

God has made the world firm, and it shall not be shaken. Your throne, O God, is prepared from of old; You are from eternity.

SECRET

Grant that the gifts we offer to Your majesty, O Almighty God, may obtain for us the grace of sincere devotion and the reward of a blessed eternity. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of Christmas

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Matt. 2:20

Take the Child and His Mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child's life are dead.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this sacred rite wash away our sins and fulfill our reasonable desires. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

Martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket

St. David the King

SAINT THOMAS OF CANTERBURY
Bishop and Martyr

Within the Octave of Christmas

Saint David the King
(Historical)

DOUBLE / RED
Thomas Becket, like "the good shepherd," laid down his life for the flock entrusted to his care. Already chancellor of England at the age of 35, he was consecrated archbishop of Canterbury in 1162 at the recommendation of Henry II. The king, relying on Thomas' gratitude and friendship, attempted to extend his jurisdiction over ecclesiastical affairs. But the archbishop fearlessly defended the independence of the Church and as a result was punished by banishment. After six years in exile, he returned and was brutally murdered by royal retainers while celebrating Vespers in his own episcopal church on December 29, 1170.

INTROIT
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of the blessed martyr Thomas, at whose martyrdom the angels rejoiced and praised the Son of God.
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

Gloria

COLLECT
O God, for the cause of the Church the glorious bishop Thomas was slain by the swords of evil men. May all who implore his aid obtain through him the petitions they ask. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

EPISTLE Heb. 5:1-6
Brethren: Every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And therefore he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. Neither doth any man take the honour to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was. So Christ also did not glorify himself, that he might be made a high priest: but he that said unto him: "Thou art my Son: this day have I begotten thee." As he saith also in another place: "Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech."

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. 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 giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep and flieth: and the wolf casteth and scattereth the sheep, And the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd: and I know mine, and mine know me. As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep. And other sheep I have that are not of this fold: them also I must bring. And they shall hear my voice: And there shall be one fold and one shepherd."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 20:4-5
You have placed on his head a crown of precious stones, O Lord. He asked life of You, and You have given it to him, alleluia!

SECRET
Bless the gifts we have set apart for You, O Lord. may the prayers of Your blessed martyr bishop, Thomas, help these offerings to win Your mercy for us. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and mine know me.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of Your blessed martyr bishop Thomas. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

SAINT JOHN
Apostle and Evangelist

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
In the group that Christ chose to be the messengers of God's love for men, St. John is singled out by the Gospel description as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." The great token of that love, the Mother of God, was entrusted to St. John by Christ in His dying moments. The New Testament writings of St. John -- the Fourth Gospel, the Apocalypse, and three epistles -- put into words the divine secret of love which the disciple learned in his intimacy with God and the Mother of God. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God" (I John 4:7).
Tradition persists that St. John, miraculously preserved from being killed, yet considered a martyr by Catholics, spent a long life forming the infant Church in Asia Minor in the simple and fundamental teaching of Christ, "Little children, love one another."

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.
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, let the Church be enlightened by the teachings of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, so that she may enjoy Your everlasting gifts. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

LESSON Eccli. 15:1-6
He that feareth God, will do good: and he that possesseth justice, shall lay hold on her, And she will meet him as an honourable mother, and will receive him as a wife married of a virgin. With the bread of life and understanding, she shall feed him, and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink: and she shall be made strong in him, and he shall not be moved. And she shall hold him fast, and he shall not be confounded: and she shall exalt him among his neighbours. And in the midst of the church she shall open his mouth, and shall fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall clothe him with a robe of glory. She shall heap upon him a treasure of joy and gladness, and shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name.

GRADUAL John 21:23, 19
A Saying went abroad among the brethren, that the disciple was not to die. But Jesus had not said, "He is not to die."
V. But rather, "So I will have him to remain until I come, do thou follow me."

Alleluia, alleluia! V. John 21:24
This is the disciple who bears witness concerning these things, and we know that his witness is true.
Alleluia!

Gospel John 21:19-24
At that time, Jesus said to Peter: "Follow me." Peter turning about, saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper and said: "Lord, who is he that shall betray thee?" Him therefore when Peter had seen, he saith to Jesus: "Lord, and what shall this man do?" Jesus saith to him: "So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? Follow thou me." This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say to him: "He should not die"; but: "So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee?"
This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things and hath written these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 91:13
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

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

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 21:23
A saying went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple was not to die. But Jesus had not said, "He is not to die"; but rather, "So I will have him to remain until I come."

POSTCOMMUNION
Refreshed with heavenly Food and Drink, we humbly pray You, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of Your saint, in whose memory we have received this Sacrament. through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

SAINT STEPHEN
First Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED
Stephen, the first to give his life for Christ, died, as did his master, praying for his persecutors. Stephen was one of the seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to preach and care for the poor. Because of the great signs and wonders he worked among the people, he was hailed before the Jewish Sanhedrin and condemned to stoning. St. Stephen's prayer, "Lord, do not lay this sin against them," fulfilled Christ's command to His followers, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute and calumniate you" (Matt. 5:44).


INTROIT Ps. 118:23, 86, 23
Princes met and spoke against me, and the wicked persecuted me. Help me, O Lord my God, because Your servant has followed Your commandments.
Ps. 118:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
V. Glory Be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, we celebrate the birthday of Stephen, who prayed for his persecutors. May we imitate this saint, whom we revere, and learn from him to love even our enemies. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS

EPISTLE Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-60
In those days, Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some, of that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines and of the Cyrenians and of the Alexandrians and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart: and they gnashed with their teeth at him. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." And they, crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears and with one accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth without the city. they stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, invoking and saying: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: "Lord, lay not his sin to their charge": And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 118:23, 86; 6:5
Princes met and spoke against me, and the wicked persecuted me.
V. Help me, O Lord my God! Save me for Your mercy's sake.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Acts 7:56
I see the heavens opened, and Jesus standing at the right hand of the power of God.
Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 23:34-39
At that time, Jesus said to the scribes and pharisees, "Therefore behold I send to you prophets and wise men and scribes: and some of them you will put to death and crucify: and some you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city. That upon you may come all the just blood that hath been shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just, even unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom you killed between the temple and the altar. Amen I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered together thy children, as the hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and thou wouldst not? Behold, your house shall be left to you, desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see me henceforth till you say: 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.' "

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Acts 6:5; 7:59
The Apostles chose Stephen, a Levite, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, whom the Jews stoned while he prayed and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Alleluia!

SECRET
O Lord, receive our offerings in memory of Your saints; and as they were made glorious by their suffering, may we be made sinless by our devotion. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of the Octave of CHRISTMAS
The Christmas Preface and Communicantes are said

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Acts 7:56, 59, 60
I see the heavens opened, and Jesus standing at the right hand of the power of God. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, and lay not this sin against them.

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

Commemoration of the Octave of Christmas