TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS PROPERS IN ENGLISH

Saint Silverius

2013-06-20T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT SILVERIUS
Pope and Martyr

SIMPLE / RED
This brave shepherd of Christ's sheepfold was only a subdeacon when he was elevated to the Roman See. He incurred the unrelenting hatred of the forceful Empress Theodora by refusing to restore to the see of Constantinople the heretical Bishop Anthimos. Pope Silverius was aware that his courageous decision would cost him his life. The Empress had him condemned to banishment on a false charge of high treason. He died in A.D. 537 on an islet off Naples, either of privation or by actual murder.

Mass of a POPE, with commemoration of preceding Sunday

COLLECT
O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Silverius 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 . . .

SECRET
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 . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, govern the 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 Juliana Falconieri, Saints Gervase and Protase

2013-06-19T00:30:00.000-04:00

Saint Juliana Falconieri

Saints Gervase and Protase

SAINT JULIANA FALCONIERI
Virgin

Saints Gervase and Protase
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
Born at Florence, Juliana Falconieri (1270-1341) was the niece of St. Alexis, one of the founders of the Servite Order. At the age of sixteen, Juliana embraced the rule of the Servite Friars. When the community of Servite tertiaries was later established, she served as its first superior. The religious present at Juliana's death-bed testified that, unable to retain food, she nevertheless received Holy Viaticum miraculously. "Then Juliana, with a tender and joyous face, as if she was rapt in ecstasy, died in the kiss of her Lord," the old document reads.

Mass of a VIRGIN, except the following:
COLLECT
O God, You miraculously nourished the blessed virgin Juliana by the Precious Body of Your Son, when she was on the point of death. May we likewise be comforted and strengthened at our last hour and brought safely to our heavenly home through the merits of this saint. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS GERVASE AND PROTASE
The relics of these martyrs were discovered at Milan in 386, during the time of St. Ambrose. They were venerated as the first martyrs of Milan, and their cult spread everywhere in the West.

We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy martyrs Gervase and Protase. As we joyously remember the merits of these saints, may we also be inspired by their example. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS GERVASE AND PROTASE
O Lord, be moved to compassion by our offerings and shield us from all danger through the prayers of Your holy martyrs Gervase and Protase. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of Heaven. May we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your saint whose feast we celebrate this day. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS GERVASE AND PROTASE
O Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Gervase and Protase. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Ephrem, Saints Mark & Marcellian,

2013-06-18T00:30:00.000-04:00

Saints Mark & Marcellian
Medieval manuscript ca. 14th century.
Bibliothèque nationale de France.

Artwork by Hanna Hajjar

SAINT EPHREM

Deacon and Doctor of the Church

SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
Martyrs

DOUBLE / WHITE
Ephrem the Syrian (c. 300-373) was a native of Nisibis, in Roman Mesopotamia, and was very probably the head of the catechetical school of that city until its capture by the Persians. He subsequently became a monk near Edessa and there spent most of his life writing commentaries on the Bible and composing hymns. Ephrem's hymns, written in his native Syriac, kept his people free from heresy and won for the saint the title of "Harp of the Holy Spirit." His hymns to the Virgin Mary, in particular, form an important contribution to Catholic dogma.

O God, You added glory to the Church by the brilliant learning and outstanding merits of Your blessed confessor and doctor Ephrem. Defend Your Church against the dangers of sin and error, through the intercession of this saint. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN, MARTYRS
Brothers, and deacons of the Roman Church, these two martyrs were slain (pierced with arrows, after two days of suffering) early in the reign of Diocletian.

O Almighty God, may the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian, whose heavenly birthday we celebrate today, rescue us from all the dangers that threaten to overcome us. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
O Lord, let the blessed confessor and doctor Ephrem always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
Bless the gifts we have set apart for You, O Lord. may the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian help these offerings to win Your mercy for us. Through our Lord . . .

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

Commemoration of SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIAN
O Lord, may the Banquet of salvation, of which we have partaken with joy, bring us new life by the intercession of Your blessed martyrs Mark and Marcellian. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Gregory Barbarigo

2013-06-17T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO
Bishop, Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE

Gregory Barbarigo (Italian: Gregorio Barbarigo; 16 September 1625 - June 18, 1697) was an Italian Cardinal Archbishop of Padua, a diplomat and scholar.

Born into a famous family from Venice, he traveled with the Venetian ambassador, Alvise Contarini, to the Congress of Münster in 1648, where the Peace of Westphalia was developed. Soon he became a priest and was consecrated as the first Bishop of Bergamo by Pope Alexander VII, whom he had met in Germany. After that, he was given the dignity of cardinal and was made the bishop of the Diocese of Padua. He was a strong supporter of the work of the Council of Trent. He made the seminaries of Padua and of Bergamo larger and added a library and printing press in Padua. He had the reputation of being another Charles Barromeo, renowned like him for his wonderful zeal in every kind of labor for thye clergy and the faithful, but especially the poor.

He died in Padua in 1697. In 1960, Pope John XXIII canonized him.

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except

COLLECT
O God, Thou wert pleased to have blessed Gregory, Thy Confessor and Bishop, renowned as one who cherished his flock and loved the poor, in Thy mercy see that we extol his merits and imitate his charity. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
May the Saints, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in all places bring us joy, that while we recall their merits, we3 may experience their patronage. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that, we who give thanks for the gifts which we have received, may through the intercession of blessed Gregory, Thy Confessor and Bishop, obtain still greater blessings. Through our Lord . . .

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

2013-06-16T00:30:00.000-04:00

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

DOUBLE / GREEN
INTROIT Ps. 26:1, 2
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Mine enemies that have troubled me have themselves been weakened and have fallen.
Ps. 26:3. If armies in camp should stand together against me, my heart shall not fear.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the world may be regulated in its course by Thy governance for our peace, and that Thy Church may with tranquil devotion rejoice. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Rom. 8:18-23
Brethren: I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come that shall be revealed in us. For the expectation of the creature waiteth for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity: not willingly, but by reason of him that made it subject, in hope. Because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For we know that every creature groaneth and travaileth in pain, even till now. And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit: even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body.

GRADUAL Ps. 78:9, 10
Forgive us our sins, O Lord. lest the Gentiles should at any time say, "Where is their God?"
V. Help us, O God, our Savior; and for the honor of Thy Name, O Lord, deliver us.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 9:5
O God, who sittest upon the throne, and judgest justice, be Thou the refuge of the poor in tribulation. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 5:1-11
At that time, when the multitudes pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them and were washing their nets. And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting, he taught the multitudes out of the ship. Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught."
And Simon answering said to him: "Master, we have laboured all the night and have taken nothing: but at thy word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes: and their net broke. And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking.
Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken. And so were also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: "Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 12:4-5
Enlighten mine eyes, that I never sleep in death, lest at any time mine enemy say, "I have prevailed against him."

SECRET
Accept our oblations, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and be appeased by them, and mercifully compel even our rebel wills to turn to Thee. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 17:3
The Lord is my firmament, and my refuge, and my deliverer, my God is my helper.

POSTCOMMUNION
May the Mysteries which we have received, we beseech Thee, O Lord, purify us, and fulfill their purpose by defending us. Through our Lord . . .

Our Lady's Saturday, Saint Vitus and Companions

2013-06-15T00:30:00.000-04:00

The martyrdom of Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia.
From a 14th century manuscript.

OUR LADY'S SATURDAY

SAINTS VITUS, MODESTUS AND
CRESCENTIA
Martyrs

SIMPLE / RED

Vitus, born of an illustrious Sicilian family, was arrested with his tutor and his nurse. After many sufferings, they were martyred A.D. 303. In the Middle Ages St. Vitus was declared one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and came to be considered as the special patron of those inflicted with nervous disorders.

INTROIT Ps. 33:20-21

Many were the troubles of the just men, but out of them all the Lord delivered them. The Lord watches over all their bones; not one of them shall be broken.

Ps. 33:2. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth.

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

Grant to Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, not to be highminded, but to advance in that humility which is pleasing in Thy sight, that despising such things as be evil, she may practice with overflowing charity whatsoever things are right. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Wisdom 3:1-8

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them.

In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery:

And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust, he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.

GRADUAL Ps. 149:5, 1

The Saints shall rejoice in glory; they shall shout for joy on their couches.

V. Sing a new song to the Lord; let His praise resound in the assembly of the Saints.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 144:10-11

Let Your Saints bless You, O Lord, let them tell of the glory of Your kingdom. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 10:16-20

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "He that heareth you heareth me: and he that despiseth you despiseth me: and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me." And the seventy-two returned with joy, saying: "Lord, the devils also are subject to us in thy name." And he said to them: "I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven. Behold, I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall hurt you. But yet rejoice not in this, that spirits are subject unto you: but rejoice in this, that your names are written in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 67:36

God is wonderful in His Saints. The God of Israel Himself gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!

SECRET

As the gifts we lay before Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints, bear witness to the glory of Thy divine power, so may they win for us the fruit of Thy salvation. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Sap. 3:1-2, 3

The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they appeared to perish, but they are in peace.

POSTCOMMUNION

We who are filled with Thy solemn blessing, beseech Thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, the healing virtue of the Sacrament may benefit both body and soul. Through our Lord . . .

2013-06-14T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT BASIL THE GREAT
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

OCTAVE DAY OF THE SACRED HEART

DOUBLE / WHITE
Basil the Great (329-79) was the founder of a monastic colony at Pontus in Asia Minor, for which he wrote his famous Rule, which ranks in importance with that of St. Benedict in the West. In 370 he was made Metropolitan of Caesarea, and by his brave fight against a heresy then at its height and supported by the Emperor, he saved the whole of Cappadocia for the Catholic Faith. Basil's wonderful care for the poor inspired others to imitate his charity. His doctrinal writings were as outstanding as was his administration of his diocese; and his sublime work on the Holy Spirit has never been surpassed in Catholic theology.

INTROIT Eccli. 15:5In 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, graciously hear the prayers we offer on the feast of Your blessed confessor bishop Basil. Forgive us all our sins through the merits and intercession of this saint who served You so well on earth. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE II Tim. 4:1-8
Beloved: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

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

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 88:21
I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 14:26-35
At that time, Jesus said to the multitude, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

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

SECRET
Let our annual commemoration of Your blessed confessor bishop Basil please You, O Lord. Grant that this sacrifice of atonement which we offer on his feast may bring him greater honor and fill us with Your grace. Through our Lord . . .

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

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

Saint Anthony of Padua, Within the Octave

2013-06-13T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

DOUBLE / WHITE
Anthony Padua (1195-1231), a native of Portugal, was inspired to enter the Franciscan Order on the occasion of the translation of the relics of the first Franciscan martyrs from Morocco to Coimbra. Anthony was soon assigned to Africa, but he had scarcely landed there when he fell desperately ill. After his forced return to Europe, his superiors discovered his marvelous power as a preacher, and with it his profound grasp of Sacred Scripture ( later Pope Gregory IX called him the "Ark of the Testament"). Under the guidance of St. Francis, he began his phenomenal preaching apostolate in Italy and France. Although his life offers no satisfactory explanation for his subsequent cult as the saint to be invoked for lost articles, his sermons certainly brought immediate results in reformed lives. Anthony died at the age of 36, and was canonized within the year.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except
COLLECT
O God, let the Church rejoice on the occasion of the solemn commemoration of Your blessed confessor and doctor Anthony. May she always be protected by Your divine help so that her members may one day be worthy of eternal happiness. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
May this offering aid the salvation of Your people, O Lord, for whom You have willed to offer Yourself as a living victim in sacrifice; who lives and rules with the same God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God.

POSTCOMMUNION
Nourished with Your Divine Gift, O Lord, we ask that we may feel the effect of Your life-giving sacrifice through the merits and intercession of Your blessed confessor and doctor Anthony. Through our Lord . . .

Saint John of San Facundo, Saint Basilides and Companions, Within the Octave

2013-06-12T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT JOHN OF SAN FACUNDO
Confessor

SAINTS BASILIDES, CYRINUS, NABOR, & NAZARIUS
Martyrs

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

DOUBLE / WHITE
This Spanish saint derives his surname from the Benedictine abbey of San Facundo in the kingdom of Leon, where he received his early education. Ordained to the priesthood in 1445 and having won a great reputation in Salamanca as a preacher and director of souls, John entered the community of Augustinian Canons. As a monk he succeeded in ending many of the baneful feuds that divided the young noblemen of Salamanca.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except
O God, you are the author of peace and the source of love who conferred on Your blessed confessor John the wondrous gift of being able to reconcile enemies. May his merits and prayers root us in Your love so that we may never be tempted to separate ourselves from You. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS BASILIDES, CYRINUS, NABOR, AND NAZARIUS
These martyrs died for Christ in Italy, toward the end of the third century.
O Lord, cheer our lives through the celebration of the heavenly birthday of Your holy martyrs Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius. May our devotion add further glory to their eternal blessedness. Through our Lord . . .

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

Commemoration of SAINT BASILIDES AND HIS COMPANIONS

We solemnly offer you these gifts, O Lord, in honor of the blood shed by Your saints Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius, as we recall the miracles of Your grace that won them so great a victory. Through our Lord . . .

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 SAINT BASILIDES AND HIS COMPANIONS

May the yearly observance of the feast of Your holy martyrs Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor, and Nazarius obtain for us the protection of these saints at all times. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Barnabas; Within the Octave

2013-06-11T00:30:00.000-04:00

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SAINT BARNABAS
Apostle

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

INTROIT Ps. 138:17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Margaret of Scotland; Within the Octave

2013-06-10T00:30:00.000-04:00

WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE SACRED HEART

SAINT MARGARET
QUEEN OF SCOTLAND
Widow

SIMPLE / WHITE
The granddaughter of King Edmund Ironside of England, Margaret (c. 1050-93) married King Malcolm III of Scotland. Malcolm perceived that Christ dwelt in the heart of his queen and he was always ready to follow her advice. The royal couple's chief aims in life were to serve the Church, to maintain justice and to make their subjects happy. Queen Margaret was known as the mother of orphans and the treasurer of the poor of Jesus Christ. Her private life was most austere, and she carefully educated her eight children in the fear and love of God.

Mass of a HOLY WOMAN, except

COLLECT
O God, who didst make the blessed Queen Margaret wonderful for her surpassing charity to the poor, grant that by her intercession and example, Thy love may ever grow in our hearts. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET

Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your Saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of heaven. May we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your Saint whose feast we celebrate this day. Through our Lord . . .

Third Sunday after Pentecost, Within the Octave

2013-06-09T00:30:00.000-04:00

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

OF THE SACRED HEART

[Commemoration]

SAINTS PRIMUS AND FELICIAN

Martyrs

Jesus, the pursuing shepherd of souls, follows and sustains each person in his worst battles with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Even when, ignoring Christ's presence and rejecting His grace, a man chooses to sin, Jesus does not abandon the sinner but gives him the graces of sorrow and of confidence in God's forgiveness. Following Christ's example, the Pope continues to shepherd souls by making himself the "servant of the servants of God."

DOUBLE / WHITE
INTROIT Ps. 24:16, 18 Look upon me, O Lord, and have pity on me, for I am alone and desolate. See my poverty and my pain, and pardon all my sins, O my God.
Ps. 24:1-2. I have lifted up my soul to You, O Lord, in You I place my trust, O my God. Let me not be put to shame.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, You are the protector of all who trust in You, and without You nothing is strong, nothing is holy. Be even more merciful towards us, and rule and guide us that we may use the good things of this life in such a way as not to lose the blessings of eternal life. Through our Lord . . .

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

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

EPISTLE I Peter 5:6-11
Beloved: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 54:23, 17, 19
Cast your care upon the Lord and He will support you.
V. When I called upon the Lord, He heard my voice and delivered me from those who war against me.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 7:12
God is a just judge, strong and patient. Shall He be angry all the time? Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 15:1-10
At that time, the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 9:11-12, 13
Let those trust in You who cherish Your name, O Lord, for You do not forsake those who seek you. Sing praise to the Lord, enthroned in Sion, for He has not forgotten the cry of the poor.

SECRET
O Lord, look with favor upon the offerings of Your Church as she prays to You. Bless these gifts, that the faithful who receive them may attain salvation. Through our Lord . . .

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

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 15:10
I say to you, there will be joy among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, let the reception of Your Holy Sacrament bring us to life, atone for our sins, and prepare us to receive Your unfailing mercy. Through our Lord . . .

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

Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, Saints Medard and Gildard

2013-06-08T00:30:00.000-04:00

JUNE 8

Within the Octave of

the Sacred Heart of Jesus

MARY, MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACES

[Some places]

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

SAINTS MEDARD & GILDARD

(Bishops, 560 A.D.)

[Historical]

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

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2013-06-07T00:30:00.000-04:00

FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
The heart stands for love. The human heart of Jesus stands both for His human love and for the infinite love of His divine Person. His love was not just a shimmering, dreamy softness; it was wisely strong and true to its eternal purposes. Despite the anguish of Gethsemane, His love yielded His human life to crucifixion. His love had all the majesty and fullness of God, a height and a depth that make paltry the wisdom of men. Every mystery of His life, every miracle, sermon, and kindness, was a new revelation of divine love that enlightens and warms mankind.

INTROIT Ps. 32:11, 19
The thoughts of His heart stand through all generations, to deliver their souls from death, and keep them alive in spite of famine.
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, through Your mercy we possess the treasures of Your love in the Sacred Heart of Your Son, the same Sacred Heart which we wounded by our sins. May our honor, devotion, and love make reparation to Him for our faults. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Eph. 3:8-12, 14-19
Brethren: To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

GRADUAL Ps. 24:8-9The Lord is kind and just, therefore He shows even the erring the way.
V. He guides the humble in justice, He teaches the meek His way.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Matt. 11:29
Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 19:31-37
At that time, the Jews, since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness--his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth--that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they have pierced."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 68:21
My heart dreaded reproach and misery, and I looked for someone to sympathize with Me, but there was none. I sought for someone to comfort Me, and I found none.

SECRET
O Lord, behold the love in the heart of Your beloved Son, which no tongue can describe. Because of that love, accept our gift as an offering in atonement for our sins. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 19:34
One of the soldiers opened His side with a lance, and immediately there came out blood and water.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord Jesus, let the Blessed Sacrament fire us with a holy fervor, that we may experience the sweetness of Your loving Heart and learn to prefer the things of Heaven to those of earth; who lives and reigns with God the Father . . .

Octave Day of Corpus Christi, Saint Norbert

2013-06-06T00:30:00.000-04:00

OCTAVE DAY OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Saint Norbert
Marten Pepijn
1637

[Commemoration]

SAINT NORBERT

Bishop and Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
Norbert was born in the Rhineland, about 1080, and educated at the imperial court. In 1115 a narrow escape from death turned him wholly to God. He took Holy Orders, gave all his possessions to the poor, and journeyed about the Rhineland as an itinerant preacher. Later, guided by the Holy Spirit, he founded near Soissons the Premonstratensian Order, which soon spread over Western Europe. The canons regular of this institute fostered devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and intensified Christian life among the faithful and the clergy.

Mass of CORPUS CHRISTI

Commemoration:
You made Your blessed confessor Bishop Norbert a great preacher of the Gospel, O God, and through him founded a new religious congregation in Your Church. May his merits and prayers win Your help for us so that we may follow his teaching and example. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration:
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
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 Norbert. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Boniface

2013-06-05T00:30:00.000-04:00

Pope Gregory II Commissions Saint Boniface

Saint Boniface is Martyred

SAINT BONIFACE
Bishop and Martyr

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

DOUBLE / RED
The apostle of Germany, St. Boniface (c. 679-755), was an Englishman of strong, serene character who entered the Benedictine Order at an early age. When he was 40, Boniface led a little band of English missioners to the Continent. During his mighty apostolic work of the following 35 years, he was undeviating in his obedience to the directives of the Holy See. He had the gift of inspiring others with the fire of his apostolic zeal, so that many English monks and nuns came eagerly to his aid. In addition to Christianizing and civilizing a great part of Germany and Holland, he regenerated the Church in neighboring Frankland, at the request of the Pope. At the age of 75, Archbishop Boniface converted and baptized thousands of pagans in Holland. There, on June 5, 755, he and his companions were attacked by a band of fanatical idolaters and brutally martyred.

INTROIT Isa. 65:19, 23
I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be happy in my people, and the voice of weeping shall no more be heard in the city, nor the voice of crying. My chosen ones shall not labor in vain nor bring forth in distress, for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their posterity with them.
Ps. 43:2. God, our ears have heard, our fathers have spoken to us of the deeds you performed in their days.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, by the zeal of Your holy martyr, Bishop Boniface, You have brought many nations to know and bow to Your holy name. May we, in honoring his feast, know the benefits of his powerful intercession with You. Through our Lord . . .

READING Eccli. 44:1-15 [Sirach]
Let us now praise men of renown and our fathers in their generation. The Lord hath wrought great glory through his magnificence from the beginning. Such as have borne rule in their dominions, men of great power, and endued with their wisdom, shewing forth in the prophets the dignity of prophets, And ruling over the present people, and by the strength of wisdom instructing the people in most holy words. Such as by their skill sought out musical tunes, and published canticles of the scriptures. Rich men in virtue, studying beautifulness: living at peace in their houses. All these have gained glory in their generations, and were praised in their days. They that were born of them have left a name behind them, that their praises might be related:
And there are some, of whom there is no memorial: who are perished, as if they had never been: and are become as if they had never been born, and their children with them. But these were men of mercy, whose godly deeds have not failed: Good things continue with their seed, Their posterity are a holy inheritance, and their seed hath stood in the covenants. And their children for their sakes remain for ever: their seed and their glory shall not be forsaken. Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation. Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise.

GRADUAL I Peter 4:13-14
Rejoice, in so far as you are partakers of the sufferings of Christ, that you may also rejoice with exultation in the revelation of His glory.
V. If you are upbraided for the name of Christ, blessed will you be, because the honor, the glory, and the power of God and His Spirit rest upon you.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Isa. 66:12
I will bring upon him, as it were, a river of peace, and glory, as an overflowing torrent. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 5:1-12
At that time, Jesus seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth he taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 15:7, 8
I bless the Lord, who has given me understanding. I set the Lord ever before me; with Him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

SECRET
Pour out Your rich blessings, O Lord, upon this Sacrifice, that through it we may come closer to our sanctification and be made joyful on the feast of Your holy martyr, Bishop Boniface. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Apoc. 3:21
He who overcomes, I will permit him to sit with Me upon My throne; as I also have overcome and have sat with My Father on His throne.

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

Saint Francis Caracciolo, Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

2013-06-04T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT FRANCIS CARACCIOLO

Confessor

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

DOUBLE / WHITE Three things made Francis of Caracciolo stand out from his wealthy Neapolitan friends: he was powerfully drawn to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, he fasted every Saturday in honor of the Virgin Mary, and he had a generous love for the poor. When he was seriously ill at the age of twenty-two, he vowed that if he were cured he would devote himself to the service of God and his fellow men. He became a priest and was the founder of the order of Minor Clerks Regular. Francis instituted perpetual adoration as one of the works of his order. He died in A.D. 1608.

INTROIT Ps. 21:15; 68:10
My heart is become like wax melting in the midst of my bowels, for the zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up.
Ps. 72:1. How good is God to Israel, to them that are of a right heart.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, who didst adorn blessed Francis, the founder of a new Order, with zeal for prayer and love of penance, grant that Thy servants may make such progress by imitating him, that through constancy in prayer and bodily mortification they may deserve to attain heavenly glory. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Wisd. 4:7-14
The just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be in rest. For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years: but the understanding of a man is grey hairs. And a spotless life is old age. He pleased God, and was beloved, and living among sinners, he was translated. He was taken away, lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent mind. Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time. For his soul pleased God: therefore he hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities.

GRADUAL Ps. 41:1, 2, 3
As the hart panteth after the fountains of waters, so my soul panteth after Thee, O God.V. My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God.

Alleluia, alleluia! Ps. 72:26
My flesh and my heart hath fainted away, Thou art the God of my heart and the God that is my portion forever. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 12:35-40
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let your loins be girt and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you that he will gird himself and make them sit down to meat and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch or come in the third watch and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not the Son of man will come."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 91:13
The just man shall flourish like the palm-tree, he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus.

SECRET
O Most merciful Jesus, grant that as we commemorate the glorious merits of blessed Francis, on fire with love like him we amy be worthy to gather around Thy holy table; who livest and reignest . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 30:20
O how great is the multitude of Thy sweetness, O Lord, which Thou hast hidden for them that fear Thee!

POSTCOMMUNION
We beseech Thee, Lord, let our minds ever retain the joyous memory and fruit of this most holy Sacrifice which we have offered to Thy Majesty on today's solemnity of blessed Francis. Through our Lord . . .

Ferial Day Within the Octave of Corpus Christi, Saint Clotilde

2013-06-03T00:30:00.000-04:00

FERIAL DAY

WITHIN THE OCTAVE
OF CORPUS CHRISTI

SAINT CLOTILDE

Queen

[Historical]

Also known as

Clotilda

Memorial

3 June

Profile

Daughter of King Chilperic of Burgundy. Married young to King Clovis of the Salian Franks.Queen. Mother of three sons. Led her husband to Christianity in 496. Widow. FollowingClovis‘s death in 511, her sons fought for years over the kingdom. To escape the constant murder and intrigue, she retired to Tours, France where she spent her remaining 34 years caring for the poor and sick.

Born

475 at Lyons, France

Died

545 at Tours, France of natural causes

buried in the church of Saint Genevieve, Paris, France

Canonized

Pre-Congregation

Patronage

against death of children

adopted children

brides

disappointing children

exiles

parenthood

parents of large families

people in exile

queens

widows

Second Sunday After Pentecost, Saints Marcellinus and Companions

2013-06-02T00:30:00.000-04:00

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

[Commemoration]

SAINTS MARCELLINUS, PETER,

AND ERASMUS

Martyrs

DOUBLE / GREEN

When Jesus said, "To him who strikes thee on the one cheek, offer the other also" (Luke 6:29), it was a way of telling anyone worthy of the name of Christian that he must be ready to be imposed upon. It is a hard saying, but inescapable. Meekness is essential to thoroughgoing charity. When Jesus, the all-holy God, gave His very life for the world's sinners -- and that means all human beings -- He gave the supreme example of willingness to suffer imposition. After that, there can be no complaint on our part.

INTROIT Ps. 17:19-20
The Lord came to my protection, and He led me out into freedom; He saved me, because He loves me.
Ps. 17:2-3. I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my support, my refuge, and my Deliverer.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O Lord, grant that we may always have a reverential fear and love of Your holy name, for those who are firmly founded in Your love will ever be guided and governed by Your grace. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARCELLINUS, PETER, AND ERASMUS

Marcellinus and Peter were Roman citizens, martyred during the reign of Diocletian about the year A.D. 303. Both were in the service of Christ and His Church: Marcellinus was a priest and Peter an exorcist. At the same period Erasmus, or Elmo, Bishop of Formiae in Campania, gave his life for His Master. St. Elmo was widely venerated during the Middle Ages as patron of sailors, and as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in time of need.

O God, who dost gladden us by the yearly festival of Thy holy Martyrs Marcellinus, Peter and Erasmus, grant, we beseech Thee, that, as we rejoice in their merits, so our fervor may be kindled by their example. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I John 3:13-18
Beloved: Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

GRADUAL Ps. 119:1-2
In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me.
V. O Lord, deliver me from lying lips and from a treacherous tongue.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 7:2
O Lord, my God, in You have I placed my trust; save me from all my persecutors, and rescue me. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 14:16-24
At that time, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.' "

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 6:5
Turn to me, O Lord, and save my life; in Your mercy rescue me.

SECRET
O Lord, may this Sacrifice, which we are about to offer in Your name, cleanse us from sin and bring us each day closer to the realization of a heavenly life. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARCELLINUS, PETER, AND ERASMUS

May this Sacrifice, O Lord, which we offer in remembrance of the birthdays of Your Saints, free us from the slavery of sin and win us Your mercy. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 12:6
I will sing to the Lord, who has given me all good; I will sing to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may we, who have received Your Gifts, be brought closer to our salvation by each performance of this sacred rite. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINTS MARCELLINUS, PETER, AND ERASMUS

Nourished by Your sacred gift, O Lord, we humbly ask that through this worship we may receive an increase of Your saving grace. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Angela Merici

2013-06-01T00:30:00.000-04:00

WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

SAINT ANGELA MERICI
Virgin

DOUBLE/WHITE

St. Angela adopted the rule of St. Francis, and started to teach the ignorant poor children in her native town. Later founded the Order of the Ursulines uniting "evangelical poverty to the merit of virginity. She died A.D. 1540.

Mass of a VIRGIN, except

COLLECT

O God, who through blessed Angela didst cause a new society of holy Virgins to grow up within the Church, grant through her intercession that we may lead lives of angels, so that shedding all earthly interests we may be found worthy to enjoy everlasting happiness. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET

O Lord, look with favor upon the offerings of Your Church as she prays to You. Bless these gifts, that the faithful who receive them may attain salvation. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

Refreshed with this heavenly food, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that by the prayers and example of blessed Angela, we may be cleansed of all stain of sin, and may please Thee both in body and soul. Through our Lord . . .

Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Petronilla

2013-05-31T00:30:00.000-04:00

Our Lady Virgin and Queen

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, OUR QUEEN

WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

The Burial of Saint Petronilla by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (1623)

Commemoration of SAINT PETRONILLA

Virgin

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
In his prayer to Our Queen Mother, Pope Pius XII recognized Her Queenship as due to the sovereign excellence of Her entire being: "O most sweet Mother of Him who is King by right, by inheritance, and by conquest." The Holy Father hailed the reign of Mary over the angels, the saints, and the entire human race. He asked the special aid of the Queen of Heaven and earth for those who do not yet know Her divine Son, and for the persecuted members of the Church that they may never yield under unjust compulsion. "Reign over the minds of men, that they may seek only what is true; over their wills, that they may follow only what is good; over their hearts, that they may love only what You yourself love."

INTROIT
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of our Queen, the Blessed Virgin, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O Lord, bestow peace in this life and glory in the life to come upon all who celebrate the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETRONILLA
Aurelia Petronilla, specially honored in France, was a disciple of St. Peter, the first Pope. She died A.D. 60.

Hear us, O God, our Savior: and as we rejoice in the feast of blessed Petronilla, Thy Virgin: so we may learn a filial devotion to Thee. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Eccli. 24:5, 7, 9-11, 30-31
I came out of the mouth of the Most High, the firstborn before all creatures; I dwelt in the highest places, and my throne is in a pillar of a cloud. I have stood in all the earth and in every people, and in every nation I have had the chief rule; and by my power I have trodden under my feet the hearts of all the high and low. He who hearkens to me, shall not be confounded, and they who work by me, shall not sin; they who explain me shall have life everlasting.

GRADUAL Apoc. 19:16; Ps. 44:10
Upon His cloak and upon His thigh He has written the name: King of kings and Lord of lords.
V. The queen stands at His right hand, clad in robes of gold from Ophir.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
Hail, O Queen of mercy. Shield us from our enemy, and receive us at the hour of death. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 1:26-33
At that time, And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
Mary has come forth from a royal race and is crowned with glory. We earnestly plead with heart and soul for the assistance of Her prayers.

SECRET
O Lord, receive the gifts of Your jubilant Church and let them assist us toward salvation through the merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETRONILLA
Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your Saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
O Ever-Virgin Mary, the most royal Queen of the world who gave birth to Christ the Lord, the Savior of all men, obtain peace and salvation for us.

POSTCOMMUNION
We have celebrated the Sacred Mysteries with joy, O Lord, on this feast of Holy Mary, our Queen. may the Sacrifice that we have jubilantly offered in Mary's honor bring us to our eternal salvation through Her intercession. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT PETRONILLA
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the food of heaven. May we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your Saint whose feast we celebrate this day. Through our Lord . . .

Feast of Corpus Christi

2013-05-30T00:30:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY AFTER TRINITY SUNDAY

FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
The Body of Christ which centers our worship in this feast is a Sacrificed, Crucified Body. The Eucharist is always first of all a Sacrifice that is offered again and again by Christ in each Mass, through His ordained ministers.
Out of the broken body of the God-Man was born the Church that channels His life to men. The main channel of divine life is the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Jesus gives His own Body and Blood to preserve and increase the Christ-life in Christians and to make them all divinely one in Himself.

INTROIT Ps. 80:17
He fed them with the finest wheat, alleluia! and filled them with honey from the rock, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 80:2. Sing joyfully to God, our helper, sing aloud to the God of Jacob.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, we possess a lasting memorial of Your Passion in this wondrous Sacrament. Grant that we may so venerate the mysteries of Your Body and Blood that we may always feel within ourselves the effects of Your redemption; who lives and rules with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

EPISTLE I Cor. 11:23-29
Breathren: For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, And giving thanks, broke and said: "Take ye and eat: This is my body, which shall be delivered for you. This do for the commemoration of me." In like manner also the chalice, after he had supped, saying: "This chalice is the new testament in my blood. This do ye, as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of me. For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the chalice, you shall shew the death of the Lord, until he come." Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself.

GRADUAL Ps. 144:15-16
The eyes of all look hopefully to You, O Lord, and You give them food in due season.
V. You open Your hand and fill every living creature with blessing.
Alleluia, alleluia! V. John 6:56-57
My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him, alleluia!

SEQUENCE

Sion, lift thy voice and sing:
Praise thy Savior and thy King;
Praise with hymns thy Shepherd true:
Dare thy most to praise Him well;
For He doth all praise excel;
None can ever reach His due.

Special theme of praise is thine,
That true living Bread divine,
That life-giving flesh adored,
Which the brethren twelve received,
As most faithfully believed,
At the Supper of the Lord.

Let the chant be loud and high;
Sweet and tranquil be the joy
Felt to-day in every breast;
On this festival divine
Which recounts the origin
Of the glorious Eucharist.

At this table of the King,
Our new Paschal offering
Brings to end the olden rite;
Here, for empty shadows fled,
Is reality instead;
Here, instead of darkness, light.

His own act, at supper seated,
Christ ordained to be repeated,
In His memory divine;
Wherefore now, with adoration,
We the Host of our salvation
Consecrate from bread and wine.

Hear what holy Church maintaineth,
That the bread its substance changeth
Into Flesh, the wine to Blood.
Doth it pass thy comprehending?
Faith, the law of sight transcending,
Leaps to things not understood.

Here in outward signs are hidden
Priceless things, to sense forbidden;
Signs, not things, are all we see:-
Flesh from bread, and Blood from wine;
Yet is Christ, in either sign,
All entire confessed to be.

They too who of Him partake
Sever not, nor rend, nor break,
But entire their Lord receive.
Whether one or thousands eat,
All receive the selfsame meat,
Nor the less for others leave.

Both the wicked and the good
Eat of this celestial Food;
But with ends how opposite!
Here 'tis life; and there 'tis death;
The same, yet issuing to each
In a difference infinite.

Nor a single doubt retain,
When they break the Host in twain,
But that in each part remains
What was in the whole before;
Since the simple sign alone
Suffers change in state or form,
The Signified remaining One
And the Same forevermore

Lo! upon the Altar lies,
Hidden deep from human eyes,
Angels' Bread from Paradise
Made the food of mortal man:
Children's meat to dogs denied;
In old types foresignified;
In the manna from the skies,
In Isaac, and the Paschal Lamb.

Jesu! Shepherd of the sheep!
Thy true flock in safety keep.
Living Bread! Thy life supply;
Strengthen us, or else we die;
Fill us with celestial grace:
Thou, who feedest us below!
Source of all we have or know!
Grant that with Thy Saints above,
Sitting at the Feast of Love,
We may see Thee face to face.
Amen. Alleluia.

GOSPEL John 6:56-59
At that time, Jesus said to the crowds of the Jews: "For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me: and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead. He that eateth this bread shall live for ever."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Lev. 21:6
The priests of the Lord offer incense and loaves to God; therefore they shall be sacred to their God and shall not profane His name, alleluia!

SECRET
O Lord, graciously bestow upon Your Church the gifts of unity and peace, which are symbolized in this Sacrifice we offer You. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON I Cor. 11:26-27
As often as you shall eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily, will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, grant that we may enjoy the eternal presence of Your divinity, which is foreshadowed by our earthly reception of Your Precious Body and Blood; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

THE PROCESSION

The procession usually takes place immediately after high Mass. Sometimes,
however, it is held as a separate ceremony in the afternoon.

Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi

2013-05-29T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT MARY MAGDALEN OF PAZZI
Virgin

SIMPLE / WHITE
Mary Magdalen of Pazzi (1566-1607) was born of an illustrious family in Florence. When she was ten years of age, she made a vow of virginity. After she had become a Carmelite nun, she entered upon a life of extraordinary penance for the sins of others. There was nothing forbidding, however, in the character of this great penitent. On the contrary, her heart was so suffused with the love of God that her sister religious felt in it her love of themselves. She was also famous for her visions. Her motto was "To suffer and not to die."

Mass of a VIRGIN, except

COLLECT
O God, lover of chastity, who didst inflame the blessed Virgin, Mary Magdalen, with love for Thee and didst adorn her with heavenly gifts, grant that as we honor her on this festal day, so may we follow her in purity and love. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET
Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your Saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of Heaven. May we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your Saint whose feast we celebrate this day. Through our Lord . . .

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Saint Augustine of Canterbury

2013-05-28T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY
Bishop and Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
St. Augustine, sent by St. Gregory the Great to the Anglo-Saxons, is the great Apostle of England and the first Archbishop of Canterbury. He died A.D. 604.

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except

COLLECT
O God, who by the preaching and miracles of blessed Augustine, Thy Confessor and Bishop, didst vouchsafe to shed upon the English people the light of the true faith, grant that, through his intercession, the hearts of the straying may return to the unity of Thy truth, and that we may do Thy will with one accord. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Thess. 2:2-9
Brethren: We had confidence in our God, to speak unto you the gospel of God in much carefulness. For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deceit. But as we were approved by God that the gospel should be committed to us: even so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who proveth our hearts. For neither have we used at any time the speech of flattery, as you know: nor taken an occasion of covetousness (God is witness): Nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others. Whereas we might have been burdensome to you, as the apostles of Christ: but we became little ones in the midst of you, as if a nurse should cherish her children: So desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls: because you were become most dear unto us. For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil: working night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you, we preached among you the gospel of God.

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
We offer Thee this Sacrifice, O Lord, on the solemn feast of blessed Augustine, Thy Bishop and Confessor, humbly entreating that the sheep which are lost may return to the one fold, and be nourished by this food of salvation. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
We who are refreshed by this Saving Victim, humbly entreat Thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of blessed Augustine pleading for us, it may continually be offered in every place to th

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e glory of Thy name. Through our Lord . . .

Saint Bede the Venerable, Saint John I

2013-05-27T00:30:00.000-04:00

SAINT BEDE THE VENERABLE
Confessor and Doctor of the Church

SAINT JOHN I
Pope and Martyr

DOUBLE / WHITE
Venerable Bede (673-735), the first English historian, was consecrated to God from childhood. He became a Benedictine monk in the monastery of Jarrow in Northumberland, and trained there some six hundred scholars. His Ecclesiastical History of England is a treasure to scholars and lovers of spiritual life alike; but his principal study was ever the Bible. When this great Englishman died, on Ascension Day, 735, he had just finished dictating the final sentence of a translation of the Gospel of St. John.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

COLLECT
O God, who dost enlighten Thy Church by the learning of blessed Bede, Thy Confessor and Doctor, mercifully grant to Thy servants ever to be enlightened by his wisdom and helped by his merits. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN I
Pope John I (525-26) was imprisoned by the heretical ravager of Italy, King Theodoric, and died in a dungeon from the hardships he had to endure.

O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed John 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 . . .

SECRET
O Lord, let the blessed Confessor and Doctor Bede always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN I
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 . . .

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, may this Sacrifice bring us closer to our salvation through the intercession of Your blessed Confessor and illustrious Doctor Bede. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN I
O Lord, govern the 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 . . .