TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS PROPERS IN ENGLISH

2012-02-13T00:04:00.000-05:00

FERIAL DAY

Mass of preceding Sunday
is celebrated

[Violet Vestments]

THE HOURS OF OUR LADY #13

2012-02-12T16:17:00.001-05:00

(The translation of the Psalms and the brief introductory comments on the Psalms of this Little Office of the Blessed Virgin are taken largly from: The Psalms and Canticles by George O'Neill, S.J. [Bruce Publishing Co. 1937.] The late Father O'Neill's work has long been out of print.)

[Continued]

INTRODUCTION
"St. Thomas More repeated his favorite Psalm, the Miserere, on the scaffold;

St. John Fisher wrote a treatise on the Penitential Psalms, and he, too, died repeating verse after verse from Psalms. So, almost at the same time, did St. Francis Xavier. So did St. Theresa; So did St. Francis de Sales. St. Vincent de Paul escaped from imprisonment in Africa by means of a Psalm."

(Towards Loving the Psalms, by Father C. C. Martindale, S.J.).

[To be continued]

2012-02-12T00:04:00.001-05:00

The Sower

SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY

THE SEVEN FOUNDERS OF THE

SERVITE ORDER

Confessors

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / PURPLE

This Sunday moves deeper into immediate preparation for Lent. It is a day of testing the soil of human hearts, to find out how ready everyone is for the good seed of grace that God is sure to offer. Has our vision enlarged to see all men as our brothers? Has our love reached out to all the world's sufferers, at least by sympathy and prayer? Is our hand open to the needy of our local community?

The Prayer recalls that in old Rome this Mass was always said at the "stational" church of St. Paul-outside-the-Walls.

INTROIT Ps. 43:23-26

Awake! Why are you asleep, O Lord? Arise! Cast us not off forever! Why do you hide your face and forget our troubles? Our bodies are pressed to the earth. Arise, O Lord, help us, and free us!
Ps. 43:2. O God, our ears have heard, our fathers have spoken to us.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, You see that we place no trust in our ability and actions. May the prayers of the Doctor of the Gentiles defend us against all adversity. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS
In the thirteenth century, the prosperous city of Florence was torn by political struggles and troubled by heresy. Seven young Florentines offered their lives to atone for the sins of their fellow citizens. They became hermits, meditating constantly on the Passion of Jesus and the sorrows of Mary at the foot of the cross. In 1240 our Blessed Lady inspired the holy solitaries to found a new order, the Servants of Mary. The society grew amazingly and from Italy spread to France, Germany, Poland, and even Asia.

O Lord Jesus Christ, through the seven blessed fathers You enriched Your Church with the new Order of Servites in order to keep alive the memory of the sorrows of Your most holy Mother. May we be united in the sorrows of these saints so that we may also share in their joys; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

EPISTLE II Cor. 11:19-33; 12:1-9

Brethren: For you gladly suffer the foolish: whereas yourselves are wise. For you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face.

I seek according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly), I dare also. They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are the seed of Abraham: so am I. They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise): I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times did I receive forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods: once I was stoned: thrice I suffered shipwreck: a night and a day I was in the depth of the sea.
In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from false brethren: In labour and painfulness, in much watchings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness: Besides those things which are without: my daily instance, the solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire?

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth that I lie not. At Damascus, the governor of the nation under Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes, to apprehend me. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall: and so escaped his hands. If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ: above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth), such a one caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth): That he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words which it is not granted to man to utter.

For such an one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing but in my infirmities. For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.
And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me. For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me. And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

GRADUAL Ps. 82:19, 14

Let the nations know that You whose name is God, alone are the Most High over all the earth.
V. O my God, whirl them about like chaff before the wind!

TRACT Ps. 59:4, 6

You have shaken the earth, O Lord, and thrown it into confusion.
V. Repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering.
V. That they may flee out of bowshot; that Your chosen ones may escape.

GOSPEL Luke 8:4-15

At that time, when a very great multitude was gathered together and hastened out of the cities, unto him, he spoke by a similitude. "The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the way side. And it was trodden down: and the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a rock. And as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns. And the thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon good ground and, being sprung up, yielded fruit a hundredfold." Saying these things, he cried out: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. To whom he said: "To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables, that 'seeing they may not see and hearing may not understand.' Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. And they by the way side are they that hear: then the devil cometh and taketh the word out of their heart, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon the rock are they who when they hear receive the word with joy: and these have no roots: for they believe for a while and in time of temptation they fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they who have heard and, going their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life and yield no fruit. But that on the good ground are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it and bring forth fruit in patience."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 16:5, 6-7

Keep my steps steadfast in Your paths, that my feet may not falter. Incline Your ear and hear my words. Show Your wondrous kindness, O Savior of those who trust in You, O Lord.

SECRET

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

Commemoration of SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS

O Lord, graciously accept the sacrifice we offer You. Through the prayers of Your saints inflame us with love for the sorrowing Virgin Mother of Your Son and let us serve You in freedom of spirit. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 42:4

I will go in to the altar of God, to God who gives joy to my youth.

POSTCOMMUNION
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 . . .

Commemoration of SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS

We are refreshed by the Sacrament of Heaven, O Lord. May we follow the examples of these saints, whom we honor today, and stand faithfully beneath the cross of Jesus with Mary His Mother, in order that we may also share in the effects of His redeeming sacrifice. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

2012-02-11T00:23:00.000-05:00

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THE APPARITION OF
OUR LADY OF LOURDES

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE

During the year 1858 our Blessed Lady appeared eighteen times from February 11 to July 16 to Bernadette Soubirous, the fourteen-year-old daughter of a destitute day laborer of Lourdes in France. Through this humble child, the Mother of God announced to the world her sublime title of the Immaculate Conception and a special message of penance and love.

Mary of the Immaculate Conception is the national patron of the Church in the United States of America, and so we should develop a special interest in helping to fill the treasury of graces that our compassionate Mother distributes so freely for the conversion of sinners to God.

INTROIT Apoc. 21:2
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory Be . . .

COLLECT

O God, You prepared a fitting dwelling place for Your Son by preserving the Blessed Virgin immaculate at the moment of her conception. Grant health of mind and body to all of us who celebrate the feast of Blessed Mary's apparition today. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .
EPISTLE Apoc. 11:19; 12:1, 10 And the temple of God was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. And there were lightnings and voices and an earthquake and great hail. And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying: Now is come salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ: because the accuser of our brethren is cast forth, who accused them before our God day and night.

GRADUAL Cant. 2:12, 10, 14 The flowers have appeared in our land, the time of pruning has come, the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
V. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come: my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall.

TRACT Judith 15:10; Cant. 4:7 You are the glory of Jerusalem, you are the joy of Israel, you are the honor of our people.
V. You are all fair, O Mary, and there is no stain of original sin in you.
V. Truly happy are you, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of praise, for with your virgin heel you have crushed the head of the serpent.

GOSPEL Luke 1:26-31 At that time, 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."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Luke 1:28
Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women.

SECRET

O Lord, we offer You this sacrifice of praise through the merits of the glorious and immaculate Virgin. May it please You and win for us the health of body and mind we seek. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
You have visited the earth and watered it; You have greatly enriched it.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, You have nourished us with the Food of Heaven. May Your immaculate Mother now strengthen us with her own power and help us to reach our everlasting home; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

2012-02-10T00:20:00.001-05:00

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SAINT SCHOLASTICA

Virgin

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

Mass of a VIRGIN, except

COLLECT

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

SECRET

May this sacrifice of Thy dedicated people be accepted by Thee, O Lord, in honor of Thy Saints: to whose merits we attribute the help afforded us in tribulation. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

Thou hast filled Thy household, O Lord, with holy gifts: do Thou cherish us always, through the intercession of her whose festival we are keeping. Through our Lord . . .

2012-02-09T00:17:00.001-05:00

SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

SAINT APOLLONIA
Virgin and Martyr

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

Mass of a Doctor of the Church, except

COLLECT

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

Commemoration of SAINT APOLLONIA

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

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

SECRET

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

Commemoration of SAINT APOLLONIA

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Commemoration of SAINT APOLLONIA

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

2012-02-08T00:02:00.000-05:00

SAINT JOHN OF MATHA

Confessor

DOUBLE/WHITE

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

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, Except

COLLECT

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

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 . . .

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 . . .

2012-02-07T00:08:00.001-05:00

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SAINT ROMUALD

Abbot

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

Mass of an ABBOT

COLLECT

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

SECRET

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

2012-02-06T00:07:00.000-05:00

SAINT TITUS
Confessor and Bishop

SAINT DOROTHY
Virgin & Martyr

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

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP except

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

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

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

GOSPEL (Luke 10:1-9)
At that time, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: "The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest. Go. Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."

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

Commemoration of SAINT DOROTHY

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

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

Commemoration of SAINT DOROTHY

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

Tridentine Mass in Miami

2012-02-05T13:41:00.001-05:00

From Fr. John Zuhlsdor's blog: http://wdtprs.com/blog/

On 2 February, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there was a Pontifical Mass in Miami, celebrated by His Excellency Most Rev. Thomas Wenski.

Before I get to the liturgical eye-candy and some commentary on the meaning of this Mass, Archbp. Wenski said in his sermon:

Today, the witness of the Church on behalf of the dignity and right to life of the human person from the first moment of conception till natural death is itself a "sign that will be contradicted" – and is in fact contradicted in the present mandate of the Obama administration's Department of Health and Human Services' mandate to deny a religious exemption to Catholic institutions and thus force us to violate our consciences and to make us accomplices in evil.

WDTPRS kudos!

A couple shots from the website of the Archdiocese of Miami.

And

On the Archdiocesan website, there is some commentary from Father Chris Marino, pastor of St. Michael Church in Miami. Among the helpful things he said is this:

"What's happening tonight should give us an indication of what should be happening in our parishes every Sunday — the dignity, the solemnity, the pageantry, if you will. But it's not about entertaining people, it's about worshiping God, along with the tradition and continuity of the faith throughout the ages."

Spot on.

In a "liturgical aid" issued to clerics participating "in choir" there is an interesting note which touches on something I have been talking about ever since Summorum Pontificum was issued in 2007.

""All priests are welcome to attend. This wonderful celebration is an opportunity to experience beautiful music in its intended spiritual setting, but also to be immersed in the rich symbolism of the Tridentine Mass. It is the Archbishop's hope that this event will serve as a means for "mutual enrichment," as Pope Benedict XVI has noted, between the Extraordinary and Ordinary Forms of the Roman Rite. By becoming more familiar with and deeply rooted in the Mass of the 1962 Missale Romanum, we can better understand the Missale Romanum of Pope Paul VI and its accompanying ars celebrandi."

The provisions of Summorum Pontificum are needed today not just to promote the wide-spread use of the pre-Conciliar forms, but also to teach those who use mainly the Novus Ordo something about a proper ars celebrandi consistent with our Roman tradition, our Catholic identity.

In other words, as one of my correspondents put it, "the last sentence (in the quote above) crystallizes Pope Benedict's primary reason Summorum Pontificum — to rescue the Mass of Paul VI from the 'deformations' to which it has almost universally been subjected."

http://www.newmiamiarch.org/Atimo_s/articles_images/12241603312.jpg

Receiving Holy Communion

2012-02-05T00:08:00.000-05:00

SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY

The Martyrdom of Saint Agatha
c. 1755; Oil on canvas,
Gemaeldegalerie, Staatliche Museen Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin

SAINT AGATHA
Virgin and Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / PURPLE

The emphasis today has ceased to be upon the joys of Christ's coming or upon the peace and wonder of possessing Him. Now the stress is on what it cost Our Lord to atone for the sins of men, on how much everyone needs His atoning death, and on what everyone can do to have a part in atoning for sin.

Every Christian without exception must enter into the warfare between Christ and Satan -- the warfare that begins to be dramatized and lived anew in these weeks.

INTROIT Ps. 17:5, 6, 7

The moaning of death surrounded me, the sorrows of hell enveloped me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and from His holy temple He heard my voice.
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, we beg You to kindly hear the prayers of Your people. We are being justly punished for our sins, but be merciful and free us for the glory of Your name. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT AGATHA

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

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

EPISTLE I Cor. 9:24-27; 10:1-5

Brethren: Know you not that they that run in the race, all run indeed, but one receiveth the prize. So run that you may obtain. And every one that striveth for the mastery refraineth himself from all things. And they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible one. I therefore so run, not as at an uncertainty: I so fight, not as one beating the air. But I chastise my body and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway. For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud: and all passed through the sea. And all in Moses were baptized, in the cloud and in the sea: And did all eat the same spiritual food: And all drank the same spiritual drink: (And they drank of the spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ.) But with most of them God was not well pleased.

GRADUAL Ps. 9:10-11, 19-20

You are a helper to those in need, in time of distress. Let those who know You trust in You, O Lord, for You do not forsake those who seek You. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor shall the patience of the poor forever perish. Arise, O Lord, let not man prevail.

TRACT Ps. 129:1-4

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the prayer of Your servant.
V. If You, O Lord, shall mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
V. But with You there is merciful forgiveness, and because of Your law I have waited for You, O Lord.

GOSPEL Matt. 20:1-16

At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable:"The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour, he saw others standing in the marketplace idle. And he said to them: 'Go you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be just.' And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did in like manner. But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith to them: 'Why stand you here all the day idle?' They say to him: 'Because no man hath hired us.' He saith to them: 'Go ye also into my vineyard.' And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward: 'Call the labourers and pay them their hire, beginning from the last even to the first.' When therefore they were come that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: And they also received every man a penny. And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house, Saying: 'These last have worked but one hour. and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.' But he answering said to one of them: 'friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee. Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Is thy eye evil, because I am good?' So shall the last be first and the first last. For many are called but few chosen."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 91:2

It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most High.

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

Commemoration of SAINT AGATHA

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

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 30:17-18

Let Your face shine upon Your servant, and save me in Your kindness. Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I call upon You.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, may the faithful be strengthened by the reception of Your Sacramental Gifts. And having received them, may they hunger after them still; and through hungering may they come constantly to be nourished by them. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT AGATHA

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

2012-02-04T00:09:00.001-05:00

SAINT ANDREW CORSINI
Bishop and Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE
Andrew Corsini was born in the fourteenth century in Florence, Italy. He fell into bad company; but soon, touched by the grief of his mother, the young nobleman entered the Carmelite Order. Having served as prior of his convent, he was chosen to fill the vacant bishopric of Fiesole. He continually helped the poor, doing so in secret in the case of those who were ashamed to make known their distress. By showing his people the true nature of Christian peace, Bishop Andrew put an end to a number of troublesome disturbances in the city. He died on the feast of the Epiphany, 1373.

Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except

COLLECT
O God, You continually provide Your Church with new examples of virtue. May Your people follow in the footsteps of the blessed Confessor Bishop Andrew and obtain the same reward he now enjoys. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET

May Thy Saints, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in all places bring us joy; that while we recall their merits, we 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 Andrew, Thy Confessor and Bishop, obtain still greater blessings. Through our Lord . . .

2012-02-03T00:37:00.001-05:00

SAINT BLAISE

Bishop and Martyr

SIMPLE /RED

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

Mass of a Martyr Bishop

COLLECT

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

SECRET

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

[video] Candlemas

2012-02-02T14:36:00.001-05:00

Today, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the last day of the Christmas Season in the Traditional calendar. In praying the 'Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary' I will switch back to the prayers said before Lent and then this Sunday we celebrate Septuagesima Sunday [The 17-day period beginning on Septuagesima Sunday was intended to be observed as a preparation for the season of Lent, which is itself a period of spiritual preparation (for Easter). In many countries, however, Septuagesima Sunday still marks the traditional start of the carnival season, culminating on Shrove Tuesday, sometimes known as Mardi Gras.

In the pre-1970 Roman Catholic liturgy, the Alleluia ceases to be said during the liturgy. At first Vespers of Septuagesima Sunday, two alleluias are added to the closing verse ofBenedicamus Domino and its response, Deo gratias, as during the Easter Octave, and, starting at Compline, it is no longer used until Easter. Likewise, violet vestments are worn, except on feasts, from Septuagesima Sunday until Holy Thursday. As during Advent and Lent, the Gloria and Te Deum are no longer said on Sundays. The readings at Matins for this week are the first few chapters of Genesis, telling of the creation of the world, of Adam and Eve, the fall of man and resulting expulsion from the Garden of Eden, and the story of Cain and Abel. In the following weeks before and during Lent, the readings continue to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. The Gospel reading for Septuagesima week is the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).]

Candlemas

Reflection for 2/2/12

www.apostleshipofprayer.org More

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbJRx_QMVjo&feature=player_detailpage

2012-02-02T00:35:00.000-05:00

THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Candlemas Day

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

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

THE BLESSING OF THE CANDLES

PURPLE

PRAYER

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

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

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

THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CANDLES

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

THE PROCESSION

The deacon turns to the congregation.

V. Let us go forth in peace.

R. In the name of Christ.

V. Amen.

THE MASS

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
INTROIT Ps. 47:10-11

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

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

LESSON Mal. 3:1-4

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

GRADUAL Ps. 47:10-11, 9

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

TRACT Luke 2:29-32Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace.
V. Because my eyes have seen thy salvation.
V. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples.
V. A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.

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

GOSPEL Luke 2:22-32

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

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

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 44:3

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

SECRET

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

The Preface for Christmas is said.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 2:26

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

2012-02-01T00:30:00.001-05:00

SAINT IGNATIUS

Bishop and Martyr

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

INTROIT (Gal. 6:14)

God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.

Ps. 131:1. O Lord, remember David and all his meekness.

V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

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

EPISTLE (Rom. 8:35-39)

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

GRADUAL (Eccli. 44:16, 20)

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

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

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

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (John 12:24-26)

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

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 8:6-7)

You have crowned him with glory and honor, and You have given him rule over the works of Your hands, O Lord.

SECRET

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

COMMUNION ANTIPHON

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Other saints: St Brigid (451? - 525)

She was born in 451 or 452 at Faughart, near Dundalk, in Ireland. Her name is that of the pagan goddess of fire. She converted to Christianity, inspired by the preaching of St Patrick. She founded a double monastery, of monks and nuns, at Kildare, the first women’s monastic community in Ireland, and she died there in 525. See the articles in Wikipedia and the Catholic Encyclopaedia.

THE HOURS OF OUR LADY #12

2012-01-31T13:00:00.001-05:00

[Continued]

INTRODUCTION

"In Welsh monastic institutions it was arranged that the Psalms should be sung day and night without intermission. You may say that not one of the Saints who taught the Faith in England failed (as records show) to love and use the Psalms in all circumstances: St. Dunstan died with Psalm 90, 4-5 upon his lips, 'He will give thee the shelter of His arms; under His wings thou shalt find refuge.'
So did St. Thomas Becket; so did men so similar, yet so different, as Charlemagne and Hildebrand. Charlemagne, savage as he was, liked even to be nicknamed 'David' by his friends, so did he love the Psalms. St. Francis of Assisi
trod with loving awe on the very stones, remembering those words: 'He set my feet upon a rock and made firm my steps.' Psalm 39, 3. St. Louis of France never took his seat as judge without repeating from Psalm 105, 3: 'Blessed are they that keep the statutes and that do at all times what is just.' And he, too, died repeating a Psalm.

[To be continued]

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Dots show locations of the Salesian's missions. Image via Wikipedia

SAINT JOHN BOSCO

Confessor

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

INTROIT III Reg. 4:29

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

COLLECT

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

EPISTLE Philipp. 4:4-9

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

GRADUAL Ps. 36:3-5

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

TRACT Ps. 60:4-6

You have been my hope, O Lord, a tower of strength against the enemy. V. In Your dwelling place I shall abide forever; I shall be protected under the shelter of Your wings. V. For You, my God, have heard my prayers; You will grant and inheritance to those who fear Your name.

GOSPEL Matt. 18:1-5

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

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 33:12

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

SECRET

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

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Rom. 4:18

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Image via Wikipedia

2012-01-30T00:06:00.001-05:00

El Greco

SAINT MARTINA

Virgin and Martyr

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

Mass of a VIRGIN MARTYR, except

COLLECT

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

SECRET

O Lord, accept the gifts we bring You on the feast of Your blessed virgin Martina, through whose intercession we hope to be set free. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

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

2012-01-29T00:38:00.000-05:00

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

SAINT FRANCIS OF SALES

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

INTROIT (Ps. 96:7-8)

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

COLLECT

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

Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES

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

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

EPISTLE (Rom. 13:8-10)

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

GRADUAL (Ps. 101:16-17)

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

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

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

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Matt. 8:23-27)

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

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 117:16, 17)

The right hand of the Lord has exercised power; the right hand of the Lord has lifted me up. I shall not die, but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord.

SECRET

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

Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES
O Lord, let the blessed bishop and Doctor Francis always help us, and through his intercession accept our offering and pardon our sins. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Luke 4:22)

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Commemoration of SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES

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

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

St. Peter Nolasco has a vision of Jerusalem. Image via Wikipedia

SAINT PETER NOLASCO
Confessor

Saint Agnes
Virgin and Martyr
[2nd Mass]

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

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

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

Commemoration of SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR

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

Pour out Your rich blessings, O Lord, upon this sacrifice, so that through it we may come closer to our sanctification and be made joyful on the feast of Your martyrs. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Commemoration of SAINT AGNES

We have partaken of Your Sacrament, O Lord, with which we yearly celebrate this feast.May it help us in this life and in the life to come. Through Our Lord . . .

2012-01-27T00:08:00.001-05:00

Body of St. John Chrysostom being brought to Holy Apostles Church.

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE/WHITE

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

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

COLLECT

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

GRADUAL (Eccli. 44:20)

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

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

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

Alleluia!

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

2012-01-26T00:04:00.000-05:00

SAINT POLYCARP

Bishop and Martyr

DOUBLE / RED

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

Mass of a MARTYR BISHOP, except the following:

COLLECT

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

EPISTLE I John 3:10-16

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

GOSPEL Matt. 10:26-32

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, " Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known. That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops. And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven."

SECRET

Bless the gifts we have set apart for You, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed Martyr bishop Polycarp help these offerings to win Your mercy for us. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

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

St. Polycarp miraculously extinguishing fire Icon. Image via Wikipedia

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THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL

Chair of Unity Octave Intention: Missionary Conquest of the World

GREATER DOUBLE/WHITE

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

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

INTROIT (II Tim. 1:12)

I know whom I have believed, and I am certain that He is able to guard the trust committed to me against that day, for He is a just judge. Ps. 138:1, 2. O Lord, You have proved me and You know me; You know when I sit and when I stand. V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

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

Commemoration of SAINT PETER

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

EPISTLE (Acts 9:1-22)

In those days, Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

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

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

GRADUAL (Gal. 2:8, 9)

He who worked in Peter for the apostleship worked also in me among the Gentiles, and they recognized the grace of God that was given to me.

V. The grace of God in me has not been fruitless, but His grace remains in me always.

Alleluia, alleluia!

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

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Matt. 19:27-29)

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

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (Ps. 138:17)
Your friends are greatly honored by me, O God; their pre-eminence is definitely established.

SECRET

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

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

COMMUNION ANTIPHON (Matt. 19:28, 29)

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

POSTCOMMUNION

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

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

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When I lived in New York City, I loved to attend the Latin Mass at St. Agnes Church at 43rd St. and 3rd Ave. It was the only Latin Mass celebrated at that time. Later the Bishop of Brooklyn authorized a Latin Mass in Queens, where I lived, at Christ the King High School in Middle Village. I served the Mass as an altar boy, which was celebrated by an elderly priest. Sometimes I had to help the priest get up after he genuflected, his legs were not strong, but I loved assisting him and serving in this way. Now that I'm old I need someone to help me up too! Anyway, I'm so happy to have these memories and to have experienced these wonderful and happy events in my life.

Wednesday, January 25, a Missa Cantata for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul will be celebrated at 6 P.M. at the Church of the Holy Innocents (West 37th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan).

The Holy Innocents Schola will sing Henri Dumont's plainchant Messe Royale du Priemier Ton, the first time this ordinary setting has been sung at Holy Innocents since the weekday sung Masses in the traditional rite began.

The video below provides a sample of the music (in another choir's rendition) laid under some pictures from Holy Innocents:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpJzE3ieva4&feature=player_detailpage

Hat-tip to http://www.latinmassnyc.org/