THE SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY APOSTLES STS. PETER AND PAUL

The Apostles Peter and Paul are the two Princes of the Apostles, the foundations of the Church, on which she is firmly established as on a rock. 

After the Descent of the Holy Ghost, St. Peter preached the Gospel in Judea and was cast into prison by the cruel Herod. He was miraculously delivered by an Angel and established his see first at Antioch, and then finally at Rome, where the first Pope exercised during twenty-five years the Supreme Authority vested in him by Christ Himself. Then he was arrested, and like St. Paul suffered martyrdom A.D. 65.

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY APOSTLES STS. PETER AND PAUL

Double of The First Class with a Common Octave

Red Vestments  – Missa ‘Nunc scio vere’

INTROIT Acts 12: 11

Nunc scio vere quia misit Dóminus Angelum suum: et erípuit me de manu Heródis, et de omni exspectatióne plebis Judæórum. Ps. 138. 12. Dómine, probásti me et cognovísti me: tu cognovísti sessiónem meam et resurrectiónem meam. Gloria Patri.

Now I know in very deed, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. Ps. Lord, Thou hast proved me and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up. Glory be to the Father.

COLLECT

O God, who hast made holy this day with the martyrdom of Thine apostles Peter and Paul; grant that Thy Church may in all things follow the precepts of those from whom it first received the faith. Through our Lord.

Liberation of St. Peter by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

EPISTLE Acts 12: 1-11

In those days, Herod the king stretched forth his hand to afflict some of the Church: and he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword; and seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the azymes: and when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers to be kept, intending after the Pasch to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing by the Church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And  behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the room; and he striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands; and the angel said to him: Gird thyself, and put on thy sandals. And he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And going out, he followed him: and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel; but he thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which of itself opened to them; and going out, they passed on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

GRADUAL – Psalm 44: 17-18

Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth: they shall remember Thy name, O Lord. V. Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee: therefore shall people praise thee.

ALLELUIA – Matthew 16: 18

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church. Alleluia.

GOSPEL – Matthew 16: 13-19

At that time, Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi, and He asked His disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? But they said: Some, John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered, and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art Thou, Simon Bar Jona, because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but My Father who is in heaven: and I say to thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

OFFERTORY Psalm 44: 17, 18

Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth; they shall remember Thy name, O Lord, throughout all generations.

SECRET

May the prayer of Thine apostles accompany the oblation which we offer to be consecrated to Thy name; and grant that by it we may be cleansed and defended. Through our Lord.

PREFACE OF THE APOSTLES

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, humbly to pray Thee, O Lord, the eternal Shepherd, to abandon not Thy flock; but through Thy blessed Apostles to keep a continual watch over it; that it may be governed by those same rulers whom Thou didst set over it as Thy shepherds and vicars. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly hosts, we sing a hymn to Thy glory, saying without ceasing…

THE SANCTUS

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra glória tua. Hosánna in excélsis. Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosánna in excélsis.

COMMUNION – Matthew 16: 18

Thou art Peter: and upon this rock I will build my Church.

SAINT PETER ON THE GLOBE WITH THREE ANGELS By Il Baciccio

POSTCOMMUNION

Thou hast fed us with bread from heaven, O Lord; by the prayers of Thine apostles keep us from all harm. Through our Lord.

MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS NOVENA – FOURTH DAY

His blood shed in the scourging

O most innocent Jesus, who, to satisfy for our sins, didst shed in Thy sorrowful and painful scourging Thy precious blood so copiously; by this blood, by Thy extreme anguish, and by the sufferings of Thy most holy mother, I entreat that Thou wilt vouchsafe to preserve us in all our actions from the least stain of sin. Sanctify and purify our hearts and souls, and grant to all men, our brethren, the grace to hate sin, and to avoid all occasions of it.

“I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:13

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; for this is my Blood of the covenant, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.” Mt 26:27-28

“For my Flesh is food indeed, and my Blood is drink indeed.” John 6:56

Novena Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood

O Precious Blood of Jesus, infinite Price of our redemption and both the drink and laver of our souls, You continually plead the cause of all people before the throne of Infinite Mercy.  From the depths of my heart I adore You. Jesus, insofar as I am able I want to make reparation for the insults and outrages which You receive from human beings, especially from those who blaspheme You and deny Your presence. Who would not venerate the Blood of infinite value?!  Who does not feel inflamed with love for the Jesus Who shed it? What would have become of me had I not been redeemed by this Divine Blood?  Who has drained it all from the veins of my Savior?  Surely this was the work of Love!  O Infinite Love, which has given us this saving Balm!  O Balm beyond all price, welling up from the foundation of Infinite Love!  Grant that every heart and every tongue may render You praise and thanks, now and forever! Amen.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP – MASS PROPERS

History of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

The picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour is painted on wood, with background of gold. It is Byzantine in style and is supposed to have been painted in the thirteenth century. It represents the Mother of God holding the Divine Child while the Archangels Michael and Gabriel present before Him the instruments of His Passion. Over the figures in the picture are some Greek letters which form the abbreviated words Mother of God, Jesus Christ, Archangel Michael, and Archangel Gabriel respectively. It was brought to Rome towards the end of the fifteenth century by a pious merchant, who, dying there, ordered by his will that the picture should be exposed in a church for public veneration. It was exposed in the church of San Matteo, Via Merulana, between St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran. Crowds flocked to this church, and for nearly three hundred years many graces were obtained through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. The picture was then popularly called the Madonna di San Matteo. The church was served for a time by the Hermits of St. Augustine, who had sheltered their Irish brethren in their distress. These Augustinians were still in charge when the French invaded Rome (1812) and destroyed the church. The picture disappeared; it remained hidden and neglected for over forty years, but a series of providential circumstances between 1863 and 1865 led to its discovery in an oratory of the Augustinian Fathers at Santa Maria in Posterula.

The pope, Pius IX, who as a boy had prayed before the picture in San Matteo, became interested in the discovery and in a letter dated 11 Dec., 1865 to Father General Mauron, C.SS.R., ordered that Our Lady of Perpetual Succour should be again publicly venerated in Via Merulana, and this time at the new church of St. Alphonsus. The ruins of San Matteo were in the grounds of the Redemptorist Convent. This was but the first favour of the Holy Father towards the picture. He approved of the solemn translation of the picture (26 April, 1866), and its coronation by the Vatican Chapter (23 June, 1867). He fixed the feast as duplex secundae classis, on the Sunday before the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and by a decree dated May, 1876, approved of a special office and Mass for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. This favour later on was also granted to others. Learning that the devotion to Our Lady under this title had spread far and wide, Pius IX raised a confraternity of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St. Alphonsus, which had been erected in Rome, to the rank of an arch-confraternity and enriched it with many privileges and indulgences. He was amongst the first to visit the picture in its new home, and his name is the first in the register of the arch-confraternity.

Two thousand three hundred facsimiles of the Holy Picture have been sent from St. Alphonsus’s church in Rome to every part of the world. At the present day not only altars, but churches and dioceses (e.g. in England, Leeds and Middlesborough; in the United States, Savannah) are dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. In some places, as in the United States, the title has been translated Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

  Within the Octave of the Nativity

           of St. John the Baptist

                White vestments

   Missa “Gaudeamus omnes”

 

INTROITUS – Psalm 44: 2

Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrántes sub honóre beátæ Mariæ Vírginis Regínæ: de cujus solemnitáte gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Fílium Dei. Ps. 44. 2. Effundit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego carmen meum Regi. Gloria Patri.

Gaudeamus omnes…

INTROIT  

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a feast in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary: at whose solemnity the angels rejoice and join in praising the Son of God Ps. 44: 2 My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my works to the King. Glory be.

Let us all rejoice…

COLLECT

Almighty and merciful God, Who hast given us a picture of Thy most blessed Mother to venerate under the special title of Perpetual Succor, mercifully grant us to be so fortified, among all the vicissitudes of this wayfaring life, by the protection of the same immaculate, ever virgin Mary, that we may deserve to attain the rewards of Thine everlasting redemption. Who livest and reignest.

Commemoration of the Feria –  Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

O God, Who hast prepared for them that love Thee such good things as pass understanding: pour into our hearts such love towards Thee, that we, loving Thee in all things, and above all things, may obtain Thy promises which exceed all that we can desire. Through our Lord.

Commemoration for Octave of St. John the Baptist

O God, Who hast made this day honorable to us on account of the birth of blessed John, grant Thy people the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the minds of all the faithful in the way of eternal salvation. Through our Lord.

EPISTLE  – Ecclesiasticus 24: 23-31

As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are the fruit of honor and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits; for my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger; and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me shall not be confounded, and they that work by me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting.

GRADUAL AND ALLELUIA

Thou art all lovely and sweet, O daughter of Sion, beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army in battle array. V. (Judith 13: 22) The Lord hath blessed thee by His power, because by thee He hath brought to naught our enemies.

ALLELUIA

Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Luke 1: 28) Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women. Alleluia.

GOSPEL – John 19: 25-27

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen His mother and the disciple standing whom He loved, He saith to His mother: “Woman, behold thy son.” After that, He saith to the disciple: “Behold thy mother.” And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.

OFFERTORY – Jeremiah 18: 24

Remember, O Virgin Mother, that thou speak good things for us in the sight of God, that He turn away His wrath from us.

SECRET

By Thy clemency, O Lord, and the intercession of blessed Mary, ever a virgin, may this oblation profit us unto eternal and also present well being and peace. Through our Lord.

Commemoration for the Feria – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Be appeased, O Lord, by our humble prayers, and favorably receive the offerings of Thy people: and that the prayers of none be vain, no one petition void, grant, that what we ask faithfully, we may obtain effectually. Through our Lord.

Octave St. John the Baptist

We heap Thine altars with gifts, O Lord, celebrating with fitting honour the nativity of him who heralded the coming of the Saviour, and pointed Him out when He had come, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who liveth and reigneth.

PREFACE OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God and that we should praise and bless, and proclaim Thee, on the Visitation of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin: Who also conceived Thine only-begotten Son by the over-shadowing of the Holy Ghost, and the glory of her virginity still abiding, gave forth to the world the everlasting light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom the angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, and the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the Heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say with lowly praise:

COMMUNION

O Mary, ever Virgin, who because of thy great worth, God set up as Queen of the whole world, pray for our peace and salvation, for Thou hast brought forth Christ the Lord, the Savior of us all.

POSTCOMMUNION

May the august intercession of Mary, Thy glorious Mother, ever-virgin, help us, O Lord, that those whom it hath heaped with benefits it may deliver from all peril and by her tender kindness, make to be of one mind. Who livest and reignest.

 For the Feria – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

We have been filled, Lord, with Thy gifts: grant we beseech thee, that we may both be cleansed by their effects, and defended by their aid. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son.

Octave of the Nativity, St. John the Baptist

May Thy Church, O God, be joyful at the birth of blessed John the Baptist: through whom she knew the Author of her regeneration, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who with Thee livest and reignest.

 

PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS NOVENA – THIRD DAY

Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood

O Precious Blood of Jesus, infinite Price of our redemption and both the drink and laver of our souls, You continually plead the cause of all people before the throne of Infinite Mercy.  From the depths of my heart I adore You. Jesus, insofar as I am able I want to make reparation for the insults and outrages which You receive from human beings, especially from those who blaspheme You and deny Your presence. Who would not venerate the Blood of infinite value?!  Who does not feel inflamed with love for the Jesus Who shed it? What would have become of me had I not been redeemed by this Divine Blood?  Who has drained it all from the veins of my Savior?  Surely this was the work of Love!  O Infinite Love, which has given us this saving Balm!  O Balm beyond all price, welling up from the foundation of Infinite Love!  Grant that every heart and every tongue may render You praise and thanks, now and forever! Amen.

His blood shed in the garden of Gethsemane

Beloved Jesus, who, on beholding the sins, the crimes, the ingratitude, the coldness of men, the eternal damnation of so many souls, and the frightful evils of sin, wast by Thy love thrown into a bitter agony, and didst shed Thy precious blood so copiously in the garden of Gethsemane; grant me, through this same blood, and for the infinite charity which caused Thee to drink the bitter chalice of Thy Passion, and by the sorrow of Thy most holy mother, when she beheld Thy suffering, oh, grant me, I pray Thee, an unshaken constancy in suffering all things for Thee; be pleased to enlighten the mind of all men, that they may not, by their evil lives, be deprived for all eternity of the benefits of Thy blood and Thy love.

Prayer

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, shed, in order to obtain mercy for all men, behold us prostrate before Thee; flow upon us abundantly. Behold our heads, our hands, our wills, our understandings, our memories, our thoughts, our affections, our work, our senses, interior and exterior; wash all because all is soiled; purify all because all is corrupt; cure all because all is diseased. Change us by Thy adorable virtue that we may unite ourselves to Thee, O infinite Purity! Purify us, adorn us, save us, and crown us. Amen.

MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS NOVENA – SECOND DAY

Christ hath loved us.

And washed us in His blood.

Commemoration of the most precious blood shed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ  

On His blood shed at His circumcision

Beloved Jesus, who, clothed in human flesh, didst appear on earth in the form of a sinner, and didst shed the first drop of Thy blood in Thy painful circumcision; we pray Thee by this same blood, and by the extreme sorrow which Thy mother endured, to grant us a fervent spirit, which will enable us to serve Thee faithfully till death; and that Thou wouldst be pleased to preserve us in Thy grace and justice, ‘and to deliver us from all our sins, that we may obtain the full and complete benefit of Thy redemption.

Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, Save us.

Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,Save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, Save us.

Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,Save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, Save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Price of our salvation, Save us.

Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, Save us.

Blood of Christ, river of mercy, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Victor over demons, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Courage of martyrs, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Strength of confessors, Save us.

Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Help of those in peril, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Relief of the burdened, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Solace in sorrow, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Hope of the penitent, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Consolation of the dying, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Peace and Tenderness of hearts,Save us.

Blood of Christ, Pledge of Eternal Life, Save us.

Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory, Save us.

Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, Save us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, OLord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, in Thy Blood,

R. And made of us a kingdom for our God.

Almighty and Eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may worthily adore this Price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of this present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in Heaven. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, shed, in order to obtain mercy for all men, behold us prostrate before Thee; flow upon us abundantly. Behold our heads, our hands, our wills, our understandings, our memories, our thoughts, our affections, our work, our senses, interior and exterior; wash all because all is soiled; purify all because all is corrupt; cure all because all is diseased. Change us by Thy adorable virtue that we may unite ourselves to Thee, O infinite Purity! Purify us, adorn us, save us, and crown us. Amen.

Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist – Mass Propers

NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The birth of St. John was foretold by an angel of the Lord to his father, Zachary, who was offering incense in the Temple. It was the office of St. John to prepare the way for Christ, and before he was born into the world he began to live for the Incarnate God. Even in the womb he knew the presence of Jesus and of Mary, and he leaped with joy at the glad coming of the Son of man. In his youth he remained hidden, because He for Whom he waited was hidden also. But before Christ’s public life began, a divine impulse led St. John into the desert; there, with locusts for his food and haircloth on his skin, in silence and in prayer, he chastened his own soul. Then, as crowds broke in upon his solitude, he warned them to flee from the wrath to come, and gave them the baptism of penance, while they confessed their sins. At last there stood in the crowd One Whom St. John did not know, till a voice within told him that it was his Lord. With the baptism of St. John, Christ began His penance for the sins of His people, and St. John saw the Holy Ghost descend in bodily form upon Him. Then the Saint’s work was done. He had but to point his own disciples to the Lamb, he had but to decrease as Christ increased. He saw all men leave him and go after Christ. “I told you,” he said, “that I am not the Christ. The friend of the Bridegroom rejoiceth because of the Bridegroom’s voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.” St. John had been cast into the fortress of Machaerus by a worthless tyrant whose crimes he had rebuked, and he was to remain there till he was beheaded, at the will of a girl who danced before this wretched king. In this time of despair, if St. John could have known despair, some of his old disciples visited him. St. John did not speak to them of himself, but he sent them to Christ, that they might see the proofs of His mission. Then the Eternal Truth pronounced the panegyric of the Saint who had lived and breathed for Him alone: “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.”

Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Double of the First Class with a Common Octave / White Vestments

Missa ‘De ventre matris’

Introit – Isaias 49: 1-2

De ventre matris meæ vocávit me Dóminus nómine meo: et pósuit os meum ut gládium acútum: sub teguménto manus suæ protexit me, et pósuit me quasi sagíttam eléctam.  Ps. 91: 2. Bonum est confitéri Dómino: et psállere nómini tuo, Altíssime. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

From the womb of my mother the Lord hath called me by my name, and He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow. Psalm 91:2 It is good to give praise to the Lord, and to sing to Thy name, O Most High. V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

COLLECT

Deus, qui præséntem diem honorábilem nobis in beáti Joánnis nativitáte fecísti: da pópulis tuis spirituálium grátiam gaudiórum; et ómnium fidélium mentes dírige in viam salútis ætérnæ. Per Dóminum.

O God, Who hast made this day honorable to us on account of the birth of blessed John, grant Thy people the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the minds of all the faithful in the way of eternal salvation. Through our Lord.

EPISTLE – Isaias 49: 1-3, 5-7

Auídte, ínsulæ, et atténdite, pópuli de longe: Dóminus ab útero vocávit me, de ventre matris meæ recordátus est nóminis mei. Et pósuit os meum quasi gládium acútum: in umbra manus suæ protéxit me, et pósuit me sicut sagíttam eléctam: in pháretra sua abscóndit me. Et dixit mihi: Servus meus es tu, Israël, quia in te gloriábor. Et nunc dicit Dóminus, formans me ex útero servum sibi: Ecce dedi te in lucem géntium, ut sis salus mea usque ad extrémum terræ. Reges vidébunt, et consúrgent príncipes, et adorábunt propter Dóminum, et sanctum Israël, qui elégit te.

GRADUAL – Jeremias 1: 5, 9

Priúsquam te formárem in útero, novi te: et ántequam exires de ventre,sanctificávi te. V. Misit Dóminus manum suam, et tétigit os meum, et dixit mihi.

St. John the Baptist – The Virgin, Baby Jesus and St John the Baptist William Bouguereau

Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee. V. The Lord put forth His hand, and touched my mouth: and said to me.

ALLELUIA – Luke 1: 76

Allelúia, allelúia. V. Tu, puer prophéta Altíssimi vocáberis: præíbis ante Dóminum paráre vias ejus. Allelúia.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; thou shalt go before the Lord to prepare His ways. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Luke 1: 57-68

Elisabeth implétum est tempus pariéndi, et péperit fílium. Et audiérunt vicíni, et cognáti ejus, quia magnificávit Dóminus misericórdiam suam cum illa, et congratulabántur ei. Et factum est in die octávo, venérunt círcumcídere púerum, et vocábant eum nómine patris sui Zacharíam. Et respóndens mater ejus, dixit: Nequáquam, sed vocábitur Joánnes. Et dixérunt ad illam: Quia nemo est in cognatióne tua, qui vócétur hoc nómine. Innuébant autem patri ejus, quem vellet vocári eum. Et póstulans pugillárem, scripsit, dicens: Joánnes est nomen ejus. Et miráti sunt univérsi. Apértum est autem illico os ejus, et lingua ejus, et loquebátur benedícens Deum. Et factus est timor super omnes vicínos eórum: et super ómnia montána Judææ divulgabántur ómnia verba hæc: et posuérunt omnes, qui audíerant in corde suo, dicéntes: Quis, putas puer iste erit? Etenim manus. Dómini erat cum illo. Et Zacharías pater ejus replétus est Spíritu Sancto, et prophetávit, dicens: Benedíctus Dóminus Deus Israël, quia visitávit et fecit redemptiónem plebis suæ.

The naming of St John the Baptist – ANGELICO, Fra

Elizabeth’s full time of being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had showed His great mercy towards her, and they congratulated with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him by his father’s name, Zachary. And his mother answering, said Not so, but he shall be called John. And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by that name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And demanding a writing-table, he wrote, saying: John is his name: and they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed; and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came upon all their neighbours; and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea; and all they that had heard them, laid them up in their heart, saying: What a one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him. And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost; and he prophesied, saying: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because He hath visited, and wrought the redemption of His people.

OFFERTORY – Psalm 91: 13

Justus ut palma florébit: sicut cedrus, quæ in Líbano est, multiplicabitur.

The just man shall flourish like the palmtree; he shall grow up like the cedar of Lebanon.

SECRET

Tua, Dómine, munéribus altária cumulámus: illíus nativitátem honóre débito celebrántes qui Salvatórem mundi et cécinit adfutúrum, et adésse monstrávit, Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat.

We heap Thine altars with gifts, O Lord, celebrating with fitting honour the nativity of him who heralded the coming of the Saviour, and pointed Him out when He had come, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who liveth and reigneth.

COMMON PREFACE

Vere dignum et justum est, æquum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, æterne Deus: per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Cœli, cœlorumque Virtutes ac beata Seraphim socia exultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti, jubeas, supplici confessione dicéntes.

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God: through Christ our Lord. through Whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, Dominations worship, Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the Heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say in lowly praise:

 

THE SANCTUS

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra glória tua. Hosánna in excélsis. Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosánna in excélsis.

COMMUNION – Luke 1: 76

Tu, puer, prophéta Altíssimi vocáberis: præíbus enim ante fáciem Dómini paráre vias ejus.

Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways.

POSTCOMMUNION

Sumat Ecclésia tua, Deus, beáti Joánnis Baptístæ generatióne lætitiam: per quem suæ regeneratiónis cognóvit auctórem, Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fiiium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat.

May Thy Church, O God, be joyful at the birth of blessed John the Baptist: through whom she knew the Author of her regeneration, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who with Thee livest and reignest.

  St. John the Baptist ora pro nobis.

NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST – FIRST DAY

Meditation by St. John Chrysostom

Wouldst thou learn the power of the Blood of Christ?  Then let us look at the figure thereof, by calling to mind the ancient type written in the ancient Scriptures.  In Egypt, at midnight, God threatened the Egyptians with the tenth plague, by which their first-born should perish, because they kept in captivity his first-born people.  But, lest the beloved Jews should share their danger, because they were all in the same place, he found, in his wisdom, a remedy.  Behold then a wonderful figure, that thou mayest learn his power in truth.  The anger of the divine indignation was expected, and the Angel of Death circled over every home.  What, therefore, did Moses do?  Kill, saith he, a yearling lamb, and sprinkle the doors with its blood.  What sayest thou, O Moses?  Is the blood of a sheep likely to deliver a reasoning man?  Yea, in good sooth, saith he; not by what that blood is in itself, but because by it, there is displayed a figure of the Blood of the Lord.

Prayer

Most Precious Blood of life eternal! Price and ransom of the world! Drink and cleansing-bath of the soul! Ever pleading the cause of man before the throne of Mercy! I adore Thee most profoundly; I would, if I were able, make Thee some compensation for the outrages and wrongs Thou dost ever suffer from men, and especially from those who dare, in their rashness and pride, to blaspheme Thee. Who will not bless this Blood of value infinite? Who does not feel himself on fire with the love of Jesus, Who shed It all for us? What would I be like if it were not for this Blood, which hath redeemed me? And what drew Thee, Thou Precious Blood, from the veins of my Lord, even to the last drop? It was love! O boundless love, which gave to us this saving balsam! O balsam beyond all price, streaming forth from the fount of immeasurable love! Give to all hearts, all tongues, power to praise, celebrate, and thank Thee, now and ever, and throughout all eternity. Amen.

You have redeemed us, O Lord, in your Blood. And made us a kingdom for our God.

Almighty and Eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may worthily adore this Price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of this present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in Heaven. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

Hail, saving Victim, offered on the gibbet of the cross for me and for the whole human race. Hail, precious blood, flowing from the wounds of our crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world. Remember, O Lord, Thy creature that Thou hast redeemed by Thy precious blood.

Indulgence of 60 days, once a day, at the elevation during Mass.Leo XIII, June 30, 1893            

Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, Save us.

Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,Save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony,Save us.

Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, Save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, Save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Price of our salvation, Save us.

Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness,Save us.

Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, Save us.

Blood of Christ, river of mercy, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Victor over demons, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Courage of martyrs, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Strength of confessors, Save us.

Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Help of those in peril, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Relief of the burdened, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Solace in sorrow, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Hope of the penitent, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Consolation of the dying, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Peace and Tenderness of hearts, Save us.

Blood of Christ, Pledge of Eternal Life, Save us.

Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory, Save us.

Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,Save us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,Have mercy on us.

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL NOVENA

NOVENA TO SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

                  (June 20 – June 28)

                       Novena Prayer

O blessed apostles Peter and Paul! I take you this day for my special protectors and advocates with God. In all humility I rejoice with thee, blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, because thou art the rock whereon God hath built his Church; and I rejoice with thee, too, blessed Paul, because thou wast chosen of God for a vessel of election, and preacher of the truth throughout the world. Ask for me, I pray you both, lively faith, firm hope, and perfect charity; entire detachment from myself, contempt of the world, patience in adversity, humility in prosperity, attention in prayer, purity of heart, right intention in my works, diligence in the fulfilment of all the duties of my state of life, constancy in my good resolutions, resignation to the holy will of God, perseverance in his grace even unto death, that, by your joint intercession and your glorious merits, I may overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and be made worthy to stand before the face of the chief and eternal pastor of souls, Jesus Christ, to enjoy him and to love him for all eternity, who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.

                      Pater noster

Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur Nomen Tuum. Adveniat regnum Tuum, fiat voluntas Tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris, et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

                      Our Father

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

                      Ave Maria

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.

                     Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.

                  Gloria Patri

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

                      Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

  From the Raccolta

The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI., by a rescript from the Office of the Secretary of Memorials, July 28, 1778, granted to all the faithful who, with at least contrite heart and devotion, shall say this prayer, together with the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory be to the Father: An indulgence of one hundred days, once a day. A plenary indulgence, on any of the feasts of St. Peter and St. Paul, or on any of the nine days preceding, or within their octaves, to those who, being truly penitent, after confession and communion, shall visit with devotion a church or an altar dedicated to these holy apostles, and say there, as directed above, this prayer, praying for holy Church and for the Sovereign Pontiff. These indulgences, plenary and partial, were confirmed forever by his Holiness, Pope Pius IX., by a rescript, June 18, 1876.

 

 

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – MASS PROPERS

     St. Juliana Falconieri, O.S.M.

             Virgin and foundress

                 (1270 – June 19, 1341)

Juliana was the Italian foundress of the Religious Sisters of the Third Order of Servites (or the Servite Tertiaries).

Juliana belonged to the noble Falconieri family of Florence. Her uncle, Alexis Falconieri, was one of the seven founders of the Servite Order. Under his influence, she decided at a young age to follow the consecrated life. After her father’s death, she received the habit of the Third Order of the Servites from Philip Benizi, then Prior General of that Order. She remained at home following the rule Benizi had given her until her mother’s death, when Juliana and several companions moved into a house of their own in 1305. This became the first convent of the Sisters of the Third Order of Servites. Juliana would serve as Superior until the end of her life.

Saints Gervasius and Protasius (Sts. Gervase and Protase)

Christian martyrs, probably of the 2nd century. They are the patron saints of Milan and of haymakers and are invoked for the discovery of thieves. Gervasius and Protasius were the twin sons of martyrs. Their father Saint Vitalis of Milan, a man of consular dignity, suffered martyrdom at Ravenna, possibly under Nero. The mother Saint Valeria died for her faith at Milan. Gervasius and Protasius were imprisoned, and visited in prison by Saint Nazarius.

The sons are said to have large hands and had been scourged and then beheaded, during the reign of the Emperor Nero, under the presidency of Anubinus or Astasius, and while Caius was Bishop of Milan. Some authors place the martyrdom under the Emperor Diocletian, but others object to this time, because it is not clear how, in that case, the place of burial, and even the names, could be forgotten by the time of Saint Ambrose, as is stated. It probably occurred during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180).

Saint Ambrose, in 386, had built a magnificent basilica at Milan, now called the Basilica Sant’Ambrogio. Asked by the people to consecrate it in the same solemn manner as was done in Rome, he promised to do so if he could obtain the necessary relics. In a dream he was shown the place where such relics could be found. He ordered excavations to be made outside the city, in the cemetery Church of Saints Nabor and Felix, who were at the time the primary patrons of Milan, and there found the relics of Saints Gervasius and Protasius. In a letter, St Ambrose wrote: “I found the fitting signs, and on bringing in some on whom hands were to be laid, the power of the holy martyrs became so manifest, that even whilst I was still silent, one was seized and thrown prostrate at the holy burial-place. We found two men of marvelous stature, such as those of ancient days. All the bones were perfect, and there was much blood.”

St Ambrose had their relics removed to the Basilica of Fausta (now the Church of Saints Vitalis and Agricola) and on the next day into the basilica, accompanied in the texts by many miracles, emblematic of divine favor in the context of the great struggle then taking place between St Ambrose and the Arian Empress Justina. Of the vision, the subsequent discovery of the relics and the accompanying miracles, St Ambrose wrote to his sister Marcellina.

Saint Augustine, not yet baptized, witnessed these facts, and relates them in his “Confessions” (IX, vii), and in “De Civitate Dei” (XXII, viii) as well as in his “Sermon 286 in natal. Ss. Mm. Gerv. et Prot.”. They are also attested by Saint Paulinus in his life of Saint Ambrose. The latter died in 397 and by his own wish was buried in his basilica by the side of these martyrs. It has been suggested that the Brescia Casket was made or used to hold the relics.

    FIFTH SUNDAY OF PENTECOST                  COMMEMORATION of St. Juliana Falconieri, Virgin and Sts. Gervase and Protase, Martyrs

Semi-double  –  Green Vestments  

Missa ‘Exaudi, Domine’

INTROITUS – Psalm 26: 7, 9

Exaudi, Dómine, vocem meam, qua clamávi ad te: adjútor meus esto, ne derelínquas me, neque despícias me, Deus salutáris meus. Ps. 26. 2. Dóminus illuminátio mea, et salus mea, quem timébo? V. Glória Patri.

INTROIT

Hear O Lord, my voice with which I have cried to Thee: be Thou my helper, forsake me not, nor do Thou despise me, O God, my Saviour. Ps. The Lord is my light, and my salvation, whom shall I fear? V. Glory be to the Father.

COLLECT

O God, Who hast prepared for those who love Thee such good things as eye hath not seen; pour into our hearts such love towards Thee, that loving Thee above all things, we may obtain Thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire. Through our Lord.

ST JULIANA FALCONIERI, VIRGIN

O God, Who didst vouchsafe wondrously to solace blessed Juliana, Thy Virgin, in her last sufferings with the precious Body of Thy Son: grant, we beseech Thee, that, by her intercession and merits, we too in our mortal agony may be refreshed and strengthened by the same Sacrament, and so be brought to our heavenly country. Through the same our Lord.

ST. GERVASE AND ST. PROTASE, MARTYRS

O God, Who dost gladden us by the annual feast of Thy holy Martyrs Sts. Gervase and Protase, mercifully grant that we who rejoice in their merits may be inspired by their example. Through our Lord.

EPISTLE – I Peter 3: 8-15

Dearly beloved: Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble; not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him decline from evil and do good; let him seek after peace, and pursue it; because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and His ears unto their prayers, but the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things. And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good? But if also you suffer anything for justice’s sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear, and be not troubled; but sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts.

GRADUAL – Psalm 83: 10, 9

Behold, O God our protector, and look on Thy servants. V. O Lord God of hosts, give ear to the prayers of Thy servants.

ALLELUIA – Psalm 20: 1

Alleluia, alleluia. V. In Thy strength, O Lord, the king shall joy; and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly. Alleluia.

GOSPEL – Matthew 5: 20-24

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: Except your justice abound more than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother: Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say: Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee, leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother; and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift.

OFFERTORY – Psalm 15: 7, 8

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding; I set God always in my sight; for He is at my right hand, that I be not moved.

SECRET

Be appeased, we beseech Thee, O Lord, by our supplications: and in Thy loving kindness, accept the offerings Thy servants and handmaidens lay before Thee, that the offerings of each to the glory of Thy name may profit all alike unto salvation. Through our Lord.

ST JULIANA FALCONIERI, VIRGIN

May the offering of Thy holy people be accepted by Thee, O Lord, in honour of Thy saints; by whose merits they know they have received help in tribulation. Through our Lord.

ST. GERVASE AND ST. PROTASE, MARTYRS

Be appeased, we beseech Thee, O Lord, by the gifts now offered, and by the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs, Sts. Gervase and Protase defend us from all dangers. Through our Lord.

PREFACE OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God: Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the Oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what by Thy revelation we believe of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation; so that in confessing the true and eternal Godhead, in It we should adore distinction in persons, unity in Essence, and equality in Majesty: in praise of which Angels and Archangels, Cherubim also and Seraphim day and night exclaim, without end and with one voice saying:

COMMUNION – Psalm 26: 4

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

POSTCOMMUNION

Thou hast filled us with thy heavenly gifts, O Lord: vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to cleanse us from our hidden faults, and deliver us from the snares of our enemies.  Through our Lord

ST JULIANA FALCONIERI, VIRGIN

Thou hast fed Thy household, O Lord, with these sacred gifts: do Thou ever comfort us, we beseech Thee, by the intercession of her whose festival we celebrate. Through our Lord.

ST. GERVASE AND ST. PROTASE, MARTYRS

May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt; and through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs Sts. Gervase and Protase, make us share in the heavenly healing. Through our Lord.

 

 

ST. EPHREM – MASS PROPERS

                             June 18

                       ST. EPHREM

       DEACON, CONFESSOR AND DOCTOR

                  Missa ‘In Medio’ 

  Sts. Mark and Marcellianus, Martyrs

St. Ephrem

St. Ephrem was born at Nisibis in Mesopotamia and was one of the lights of the Church (Gospel). His father, a pagan priest, cast him out of his home. He then went as a hermit in the desert and was ordained deacon of Edessa (Communion). Led by the Holy Ghost to Caesarea in Cappadocia, he there met St. Basil. In order to refute the numerous errors which were being spread by the prayers and canticles of the heretics, he wrote poems and Christian hymns, celebrating the mysteries of the lives of Christ, the Blessed Virgin and the saints. That is why he is called “the harp of the holy Ghost”. He always had a great devotion to our Lady. He died at Edessa in 375 under the Emperor Valens. Benedict XV proclaimed him a Doctor of the universal Church. Let us ask God, through the intercession of St. Ephrem, to defend His Church against the snares of error and wickedness (Collect).

INTROITUS – Ecclesiasticus 15: 5

In medio ecclesiæ aperuit os ejus: et implevit eum Dominus spiritu sapientiæ, et intellectus: stolam gloriæ induit eum. Ps. 91: 2. Bonum est confiteri Domino: et psallere nomini tuo, Altissime. Gloria Patri.

INTROIT

In the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth: and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. Ps. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy Name, O Most High. Glory be to the Father.

COLLECT

O God, Who on Thy Church didst bestow a new glory in the wondrous learning and in the meritorious life of blessed Ephrem, Thy Confessor and Doctor: humbly we beseech Thee that, through his prayers, she may be shielded by Thine unfailing might against every snare of false teaching and wickedness. Through our Lord.

COMMEMORATION of Ss Mark & Marcellian

O God, Who dost gladden us by the annual feast of Thy holy Martyrs St. Mark and St. Marcellian, mercifully grant that we who rejoice in their merits may be inspired by their example. Through our Lord.

EPISTLE – II  Timothy 4: 1-8

Dearly beloved, I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the living and the dead, by His coming and His kingdom: preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and will indeed turn away from the truth, but will be turned into fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just Judge, will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love His coming.

GRADUAL – Psalm 36: 30-31

The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment. The law of His God is in his heart: and his steps shall not be supplanted.

ALLELUIA – Ecclus. 45: 1, 9

Alleluia, alleluia. The Lord loved him and adorned him: He clothed him with a robe of glory. Alleluia.

GOSPEL – Matthew 5: 13-19

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, Who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and so shall teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

OFFERTORY – Psalm 91: 13

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus.

SECRET

May the loving prayers of St. Ephrem, Thy Confessor and Doctor, not be wanting to us, O Lord, to commend our gifts and ever to obtain pardon for us. Through our Lord.

St. Mark and St. Marcellian, Martyrs

Be appeased, we beseech Thee, O Lord, by the gifts now offered, and by the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs, St. Mark and St. Marcellian, defend us from all dangers. Through our Lord.

COMMON PREFACE

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God: through Christ our Lord. Through Whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, Dominations worship, Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the Heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say in lowly praise:

COMMUNION – Luke 12: 42

The faithful and wise servant, whom his lord setteth over his family: to give them their measure of wheat in due season.

POSTCOMMUNION

That Thy sacrifices may give us health, O Lord, may blessed Ephrem, Confessor and illustrious Doctor, we beseech Thee, act as our intercessor. Through our Lord.

St. Mark and St. Marcellian

May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt; and through the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs St. Mark and St. Marcellian, make us share in the heavenly healing. Through our Lord.