SAINT UBALDUS (1160 A.D.); SAINT JOHN NEPOMUCENE, Martyr (1393 A.D.); SAINT SIMON STOCK (1265 A.D.) Religious

  

SAINT UBALDUS

Bishop and Confessor

SAINT JOHN NEPOMUCENE
Martyr

 SAINT SIMON STOCK 
Religious

SIMPLE / WHITE
After being consecrated bishop of Gubbio, Italy, in 1129, Ubaldus Baldassini served his flock for more than 30 years with the firm justice, the mildness, and the patience of a true father in Christ. He was revered especially as a peacemaker. On an occasion when rival factions were rioting in the streets of Gubbio, Ubaldus threw himself between the combatants and they laid down their arms at once, for fear of wounding their bishop. At another time, when Emperor Frederick Barbarossa was about to sack Gubbio, Bishop Ubaldus met the Emperor on the road and persuaded him to spare the city.

Introit
Eccli 45:30
The Lord made a covenant of friendship with him, and made him a prince; that he should possess the dignity of priesthood forever. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 131:1
Remember, O Lord, David and all his meekness.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Lord made a covenant of friendship with him, and made him a prince; that he should possess the dignity of priesthood forever. Alleluia, alleluia.
 
Mass of a CONFESSOR BISHOP, except

GLORIA

COLLECT
Help us, O Lord, and stretch out Your right hand in compassion to save us from the wickedness of the devil, through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Ubaldus. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN NEPOMUCENE
While a child, he was cured by the prayers of his parents; they then consecrated him to God. Priest. Known as a great preacher who converted thousands. Vicar-general of Prague (in the modern Czech Republic). Counselor and advocate of the poor in the court of King Wenceslaus IV. He refused several bishoprics. Confessor to the queen, he taught her to bear the cross of her ill-tempered husband the king. Imprisoned for refusing to disclose the queen‘s confession to the king. When he continued to honor the seal of the confessional, he was ordered executed. Symbol of Bohemian nationalism. His image has been used in art as a symbol of the sacrament of Confession, and many bridges in Europe bear his likeness as their protector.

O God, Whose Church the unconquerable sacramental silence of blessed John has enriched with yet another martyr's crown, grant that, we may set a guard upon our tongue, and be ready to endure any suffering the world can afflict, rather than risk the loss of our soul. 

Commemoration of SAINT SIMON STOCK 
As far as can be ascertained from the earliest references, Simon Stock was an English Prior General, known for his holy way of life, who died about 1265 in Bordeaux in France. After his death, miracles were recorded by those visiting his tomb and during the 14th century a local cult developed in Bordeaux.

God of love,
you called Saint Simon Stock to serve you
in the family of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Through his prayers help us
like him to live in your presence and
to work for the salvation of all.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Lesson
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus
Eccli 44:16-27; 45:3-20.
Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just; and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore, by an oath, the Lord made him to increase among his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings; He preserved for him His mercy; and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise in His name, and to offer Him a worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.

Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia.
V. Ps. 109:4. You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec. Alleluia.
V. This is the priest whom the Lord has crowned. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 25:14-23
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: A man going abroad called his servants and handed over his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his particular ability, and then he went on his journey. And he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more. In like manner, he who had received the two gained two more. But he who had received the one went away and dug in the earth and hid his master’s money. Then after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; behold, I have gained five others in addition.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many; enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had received the two talents came, and said, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; behold, I have gained two more.’ His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many; enter into the joy of your master.  

Offertory
Ps 88:21-22
I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may be always with him, and that My arm may make him strong. Alleluia.

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 JOHN NEPOMUCENE
Receive our gifts and our prayers, we beseech Thee, O Lord, cleanse us by the heavenly Mysteries and mercifully hear us.

Commemoration of SAINT SIMON STOCK
God of all mercy,
you transformed Saint Simon Stock
and made him a new creature in your image. Renew us in the same way
by making our gifts of peace acceptable to you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Communion
Luke 12:42
The faithful and prudent servant whom the master will set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time. Alleluia.
 
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 blesses Confessor bishop Ubaldus. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT JOHN NEPOMUCENE
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that as we rejoice on earth in keeping the memory of Thy saints, so also we may enjoy their company for evermore.

Commemoration of SAINT SIMON STOCK 
All-powerful God,
may we who are strengthened by the power of this sacrament learn from the example of Saint Simon Stock
to seek you above all things
and to live in this world as your new creation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE (1719 A.D.) Confessor; SAINT DYMPHNA (620 A.D.) Martyr

  

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE

Confessor

 DOUBLE / WHITE

John Baptist de la Salle (1651-1719) was born of a titled family in Rheims. Although a private fortune and a high order of talent promised a brilliant secular career, John Baptist studied for the priesthood (at St. Sulpice), offering his first Mass with an intensity of devotion that never afterward left him. Gradually the heretical mood of the times and the abysmal ignorance of the poor disclosed a special vocation to him" "to teach the poor and to lead the young in the path of truth" (Collect). Weathering the reverses and heartbreaks that beleaguer every creative spirit, John baptist established the Brothers of the Christian Schools, whose vocation would be to teach and only to teach.
Although good teaching was important to John Baptist, spiritual formation was more so; and, in the face of a rampant Jansenism, he was advocating frequent and even daily Communion. When his foundation was firmly rooted and oriented, he resigned as superior, living thereafter as the humblest of his subjects. He died two years later, on Good Friday.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

INTROIT Ps. 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly. The law of God is in his heart. Alleluia, alleluia! 
Be not envious of evildoers, nor jealous of those who do wrong.
V. Glory be to the Father . . .

GLORIA

Probably the most famous portrait of St. John Baptist de La Salle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

COLLECT
O God, You inspired the holy confessor John Baptist to teach the poor and to lead the young in the path of truth, and then founded a new congregation in Your Church through him. May his intercession and example fill us with zeal to glorify You by the saving of souls, so that we may also share his reward in Heaven. Through Our Lord . . .
 

LESSON Eccl. (31:8-11)

[Sirach 31:8-11]

⁸ Blessed is the man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.

⁹ Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life.

¹⁰ Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them:

¹¹ Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms.

[Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition]

ALLELUIA, alleluia. Jac. 1:12

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

GOSPEL Matt. 18: 1-5
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in their midst, and said, "Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whoever, therefore, humbles himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such little child for My sake, receives Me."

Offertory
Ps. 88:25
My faithfulness and My kindness shall be with him, and through My name shall his horn be exalted. Alleluia.

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 . . .

Communion
Matt 24:46-47
Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he will set him over all his goods. Alleluia.

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 . . .

 

SAINT DYMPHNA

Pinterest.com image

Dymphna was fourteen when her mother died. Damon, her father, is said to have been afflicted with a mental illness, brought on by his grief. He sent messengers throughout his town and other lands to find some woman of noble birth, resembling his wife, who would be willing to marry him. When none could be found, his evil advisers told him to marry his own daughter. Dymphna fled from her castle together with St. Gerebran, her confessor and two other friends. Damon found them in Belgium. He gave orders that the priest's head be cut off. Then Damon tried to persuade his daughter to return to Ireland with him. When she refused, he drew his sword and struck off her head. She was then only fifteen years of age. Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom in defense of her purity about the year 620. She is the patron of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions. Many miracles have taken place at her shrine, built on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium.
Prayer: Hear us, O God, Our Saviour, as we honor St. Dymphna, patron of those afflicted with mental and emotional illness. Help us to be inspired by her example and comforted by her merciful help. Amen.

SAINT BONIFACE OF TARSUS (306 A.D.) Martyr; SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS (1535 A.D.) Martyr

 

 

Boniface of Tarsus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SAINT BONIFACE
Martyr

[Commemoration]

SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS
Martyr

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

SIMPLE/RED

Boniface, a young Roman who lived the early years of the fourth century, was notorious for his dissipated life. But there was much good in Boniface, too; He was always extremely kind to the poor. The hour of grace struck for him when he was asked to journey to Asia Minor to recover the bodies of certain martyrs. At Tarsus Boniface rushed to join a group of Christians being tortured for their Faith, and then he himself was put to death with savage cruelty.

Introit 
Ps 65:1-2
Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; give glory to his praise. allelúja, allelúja, allelúja.
Ps 65:3
Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! in the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; give glory to his praise. allelúja, allelúja, allelúja.

Mass of a MARTYR DURING EASTERTIME, except

GLORIA

 
COLLECT  
O Almighty God, may the prayers of Your blessed martyr Boniface aid us as we celebrate his feast today. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS
St. Richard Reynolds was a priest of the order of St. Bridget at Syon House on the Thames. For refusing to take the unlawful oath of royal supremacy he was hanged at Tyburn on May 4, A.D. 1535.

O God, who didst kindly rank blessed Richard among the glorious Martyrs for the Apostolic See, grant, by  his example and intercession, that we may lovingly live and piously die in true obedience to the same Holy See. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson 
Lesson from the first letter of St. Peter the Apostle
1 Pet 2:11-19 
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, to refrain yourselves from carnal desires which war against the soul, Having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by the good works, which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day of visitation. Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the king as excelling; Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of the good: For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully.
R. Thanks be to God.

Alleluia 
Allelúja, allelúja
Ps 110:9
He hath sent redemption to his people: 
Luke 24:46
Thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead, the third day. Allelúja.

GOSPEL
Continuation ☨︎ of the Holy Gospel according to John
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
John 16:16-22
In that time: Jesus said to his disciples: A little while, and now you shall not see me; and again a little while, and you shall see me: because I go to the Father. Then some of the disciples said one to another: What is this that he saith to us: A little while, and you shall not see me; and again a little while, and you shall see me, and, because I go to the Father? They said therefore: What is this that he saith, A little while? we know not what he speaketh. And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask him; and he said to them: Of this do you inquire among yourselves, because I said: A little while, and you shall not see me; and again a little while, and you shall see me? Amen, amen I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice; and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labour, hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but when she hath brought forth the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. So also you now indeed have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice; and your joy no man shall take from you.


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 RICHARD REYNOLDS
May our offering be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, and may it benefit us by the prayer of him on whose feast it is offered. Through our Lord . . .

Communion 
John 16:16
A little while, and now you shall not see me; and again a little while, and you shall see me: because I go to the Father, allelúja, allelúja.

POSTCOMMUNION 
We are refreshed by the reception of Your Sacred Gift, O Lord. May the prayers of Your blessed martyr Boniface make us feel the benefit of the Sacred Rite we have performed. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT RICHARD REYNOLDS
Refreshed by partaking of Thy sacred Gift, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that through the intercession of blessed Richard, Thy Martyr, we may perceive the fruit of the rite which we celebrate. Through our Lord . . . 

Our Lady of Fatima; Mass of The Immaculate Heart of Mary; SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE (1621 A.D.), Bishop and Doctor of the Church

 

 

By a letter published and dated of today, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei granted to all priests of the Latin Rite (secular or religious) the possibility of celebrating on the centenary of the first main apparition (May 13, 2017) the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima -- it is a Votive Mass of the II Class, using the exact same texts and prayers of the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22nd in the Traditional Calendar). - See more at: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2017/04/ecclesia-dei-letter-mass-of-our-lady-of.html#sthash.BhbB3P3D.dpuf

By a letter published and dated of today, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei granted to all priests of the Latin Rite (secular or religious) the possibility of celebrating on the centenary of the first main apparition (May 13, 2017) the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima -- it is a Votive Mass of the II Class, using the exact same texts and prayers of the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22nd in the Traditional Calendar). - See more at: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2017/04/ecclesia-dei-letter-mass-of-our-lady-of.html#sthash.BhbB3P3D.dpuf

By a letter published and dated 4/5/2017, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei granted to all priests of the Latin Rite (secular or religious) the possibility of celebrating on the centenary of the first main apparition (May 13, 2017) the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima -- it is a Votive Mass of the II Class, using the exact same texts and prayers of the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22nd in the Traditional Calendar). - See more at: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2017/04/ecclesia-dei-letter-mass-of-our-lady-of.html#sthash.BhbB3P3D.dpuf

By a letter published and dated of today, the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei granted to all priests of the Latin Rite (secular or religious) the possibility of celebrating on the centenary of the first main apparition (May 13, 2017) the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima -- it is a Votive Mass of the II Class, using the exact same texts and prayers of the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 22nd in the Traditional Calendar). - See more at: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2017/04/ecclesia-dei-letter-mass-of-our-lady-of.html#sthash.BhbB3P3D.dpuf

THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Fatima owes its present popularity in the Church very largely to the interest and encouragement of Pope Pius XII. Although the bishops of Portugal had authorized the cultus of Our Lady of Fatima in 1930, and Pius XI made an implicit reference to the "extra-ordinary benefits with which the Blessed Virgin recently favored" Portugal, it was Pius XII among the Popes who first explicitly referred to Fatima in a formal papal document. Pleading for more vocations to the missions, he wrote in 1940, "Let the faithful, when reciting the Rosary so strongly recommended by Our Lady of Fatima, not omit to address an invocation to the Blessed Virgin in favor of missionary vocations" (L’Osservatore, June 29, 1940). This was so significant that the Portuguese Hierarchy in 1942 were able to say, "We are happy to see the Supreme Authority of the Vicar of Jesus Christ evoke thus the testimony of Fatima, and proclaim Urbi et orbi the name of Our Lady of Fatima in an Apostolic Letter addressed to the Portuguese Bishops, but published for the whole world" (Da Cruz, Fatima, 1949, 99).

On October 31, 1942, the Holy Father associated himself with the closing celebrations of the Jubilee of Fatima, by consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as Our Lady of Fatima had requested. And in the same year he extended the Office and Mass of the Immaculate Heart to the Universal Church, appointing the 22nd of August as the feast day. More recently Pope Pius XII sent, for the second time, an official delegate to Fatima, to represent, as he said, "Our own person at the shrine of the Virgin of Fatima, to act in Our own name, and to preside with Our authority" (A.A.S., 43, 781). Cardinal Tedeschini, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, was the papal legate who assisted at the Fatima celebration on October 13, 1951, when more than a million pilgrims came to the Portuguese shrine.

In his own radio message to the pilgrims, the Holy Father emphasized one practical aspect of the message of Fatima which deserves to be better known: the Family Rosary. "The Virgin Mother's insistence on the recitation of the family Rosary," he said, "was meant to teach us that the secret of peace in family life lies in imitating the virtues of the Holy Family" (A.A.S., 43, 801). via Fr. Hardon S.J. 

[Commemoration]

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE

The apparitions of Mary at Fatima in 1917 were not the first supernatural events reported there – two years before Mary appeared to the three shepherd children – Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto – they saw a strange sight while praying the rosary in the field, according to the memoirs of Sister Lucia, who had become a Carmelite nun.

“We had hardly begun when, there before our eyes, we saw a figure poised in the air above the trees; it looked like a statue made of snow, rendered almost transparent by the rays of the sun,” she wrote, describing what they saw in 1915.

The next year, Francisco and Jacinta received permission to tend their family’s flocks and Lucia decided to join her cousins in a field owned by their families. It was 1916 when the mysterious figure appeared again, this time approaching close enough “to distinguish its features.”

“Do not be afraid! I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me,” Sister Lucia recalled the angel saying.

The three told no one about the angel’s visit and received no more heavenly visits until May 13, 1917. While the children tended their sheep and played, they were startled by two flashes of lightning.

As they made their way down a slope, the children saw a “lady all dressed in white” standing on a small tree. It was the first of six apparitions of Mary, who gave a particular message or revelation each time:

– May 13, 1917. When asked by the children who she was and where she came from, the lady said she was “from heaven” and that she would reveal her identity later. She asked the children to come back to the Cova da Iria on the 13th day of the month for the next six months, and she asked them to pray the rosary every day “in order to obtain peace for the world” and the end of World War I.

– June 13, 1917. The lady said she would take Francisco and Jacinta to heaven soon while Lucia would remain on earth for “some time longer” to establish devotion to the Immaculate Heart.

– July 13, 1917. The lady said she would reveal her identity in October and “perform a miracle for all to see and believe.” After telling the children to make sacrifices for sinners, she revealed three secrets; two of the secrets were not shared publicly until 1941 and the third secret, written down by Sister Lucia and sent to the Vatican, was not released until 2000.

INTROIT Heb. 4:16 
Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.
Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
Almighty and Eternal God, You prepared a worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May all of us who devoutly celebrate the feast of her Immaculate Heart be blessed to live according to the wishes of Your own Heart. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,
Bishop and Doctor of the Church When the great Italian Jesuit, Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), was made a cardinal, Pope Clement VIII said of him: "We elect this man because he has not his equal for learning in the Church of God." Untiring in his powerful opposition to the Protestant enemies of the Church, St. Robert wrote masterpieces of apologetic literature, as well as two famous catechisms. He also won souls through his sermons and lectures, but above all through his ardent prayer and the example of his holy life.

O God, You fortified Your blessed bishop and doctor Robert with remarkable learning and courage to expose the dangers of error and defend the rights of the Holy See. May we grow in love of truth, and may they who have been led astray by falsehood come back to the unity of Your Church through the intercession of Your saint. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON Eccli. 24:23-31 [Sirach]
As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour: and my flowers are the fruit of honour 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 Ps. 12:6; 44:18
My heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, who has given me all good; I will sing to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
V. They shall remember your name in every generation. Therefore peoples shall praise you forever.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Luke 1:46
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 19:25-27
At that time, 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 ANTIPHON Luke 1:47, 49
My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

SECRET
We offer this perfect Lamb to your majesty, O Lord, and pray that our hearts may be kindled by that divine fire which so wondrously inflamed the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE
We offer these gifts, O Lord, as a sweet fragrance before You. May the teaching and example of blessed Robert lead us to obey Your commandments with joyous hearts. Through Our Lord . . . 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 19:26-27
Jesus said to His Mother, "Woman, behold, thy son." Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, thy mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

POSTCOMMUNION
We have been refreshed by Your Divine Gifts, O Lord. Free us from present dangers and bestow upon us the joys of eternal life through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose Immaculate Heart we honor in this feast. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration of SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE
O Lord Our God, may the Sacrament we have received fire us with the same burning love that consumed blessed Robert and made him spend himself ceaselessly in the service of Your Church. Through Our Lord . . . 

SUNDAY AFTER THE ASCENSION; SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS, DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS Martyrs; OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD

 

SUNDAY AFTER THE ASCENSION

 

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE          

SHEPHERD

                                 

 

SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS,
DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS
Martyrs

 

 

DOUBLE / WHITE
Today's Mass has a touch of Good Friday, a sense of loss, a note of resignation that Christ's visible presence was not meant to continue. There was also a brave facing of the real world of Christian mystery, wherein charity is a constant need and violent opposition is a possible threat. But grace in the human heart is divine life shared with men: it is the seed of glory, the beginning of heaven. Mysteriously, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- tabernacled in every soul that is alive with grace -- are with every Christian as he goes on his missionary way to heaven.

INTROIT Ps. 26:7, 8, 9 
Hear, O Lord, my voice as I cry to You, alleluia! my heart has spoken to You; I have sought You. Your presence, O Lord, I will seek; hide not Your face from me, alleluia, alleluia! 
Ps. 26:1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? V. Glory be . . .

GLORIA

COLLECT
O Almighty and Eternal God, make our wills devoted to You so that our hearts may sincerely serve Your majesty. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
The good Shepherd commended us, the sheep of His flock, to the Virgin Mother, when, dying on the Cross, He said to Mary and to John: "Woman, behold thy son . . . Behold thy mother." 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd, who didst give Thy life for Thy sheep and didst on the Cross commend us, Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture, to the Virgin Mother, grant through her prayers that by following thee as our shepherd on earth, we may be brought to the pastures of life eternal in heaven.
  
Commemoration of  SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS, DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS
 Nereus, Achilleus, and Domitilla were Romans who died for Christ in the first century. Nereus and Achilleus were pretorian soldiers and probably executioners of Christians before their conversion. Domitilla was a great lady, the niece of one of the consuls of Rome at that time. Pancras is believed to have been martyred in about A.D. 304, when he was only 14 years old. Pope Gregory the Great dedicated a monastery in Rome to him, and Augustine of Canterbury, Gregory's missionary, named the first church in Canterbury in his honor, thus beginning a widespread cult of the boy-martyr in England.

O Lord, may the blessed feast of Your martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras fire us with zeal to serve You more worthily. Through Our Lord . . .

EPISTLE I Peter 4:7-11
Beloved: Be prudent therefore and watch in prayers. But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins. Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring, As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any minister, let him do it, as of the power which God administereth: that in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 46:9
God reigns over all the nations, God sits on His holy throne. Alleluia!
V. John 14:18. I will not leave you orphans; I go away, but I will come to you, and your heart shall rejoice. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 15:26-27; 16:1-4 
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: "When the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me. And you shall give testimony, because you are with me from the beginning."These things have I spoken to you things have I spoken to you that you may not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth a service to God. And these things will they do to you; because they have not known the Father nor me. But these things I have told you, that when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you of them."

CREED

 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 46:6
God ascends His throne amid shouts of joy, the Lord is taken up with the sound of trumpets, alleluia!

SECRET 
Cleanse us through this spotless offering, O Lord, and let our souls be made strong by Your heavenly grace. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
By Thy gracious mercy, O Lord, and the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, may this offering be of avail to us for welfare and peace now and for evermore. 

Commemoration of  SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS, DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS

Be pleased, O Lord, by the witness that the holy martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras gave to Your holy name. May their deaths make our gifts more acceptable to You and bring us Your unfailing mercy. Through Our Lord . . .

 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 17:12-13, 15
Father, while I was with them, I kept them whom You gave Me, alleluia! but now I am coming to You; I do not pray that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from evil, alleluia, alleluia! 

POSTCOMMUNION 
Grant, O Lord, that we may always be grateful for the Sacramental Gift that we have just received. Through Our Lord . . .

 

Commemoration of OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
O Lord, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who have received these aids unto salvation, may be always and everywhere protected by the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, in whose honor we offered this Sacrifice to Thy Majesty.

Commemoration of  SAINTS NEREUS, ACHILLEUS, DOMITILLA, AND PANCRAS
O Lord, may the holy sacrament that we have received make us more acceptable to You through the prayers of Your blessed martyrs Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, and Pancras. istThrough Our Lord . . .

SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES Apostles and Martyrs; THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS (1537-1583 A.D.); OUR LADY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES

  

SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES
Apostles and Martyrs

Martyrdom of Priests John Rochester and James Walworth.

THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS

OUR LADY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES 

SATURDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE ASCENSION

IN SOME PLACES BY SPECIAL INDULT

 DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / RED

The Apostle Philip came from Bethsaida in Galilee and was one of the very first disciples called by Christ. Early Christian writers state that St. Philip evangelized Phrygia in Asia Minor, until he was stoned and crucified by hostile pagans.
St. James, called the Minor to distinguish him from St. John's brother, came from Cana and was a cousin of the Saviour. He became the first bishop of Jerusalem, and even the Jews gave him the title of "The Just." Finally, because he was converting so many of their community, the Jews tried to force him to make a public renunciation of Christ. When he replied by joyfully proclaiming the glory of his Lord, he was slain.

INTROIT II Esd. 9:27
At the time of their tribulation they cried to You, O Lord, and You heard them from heaven, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .

 

GLORIA

COLLECT
We are made happy, O God, by the annual feast of Your holy apostles Philip and James. As we joyously remember the merits of these saints, may we also be inspired by their example. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS

This Feast commemorates all the Martyrs of the London Charterhouse who suffered under Henry VIII and his successors.

May this holy sacrifice on the solemnity of Blessed John, James and their companions Martyrs, magnify Thee, O Lord, through which Thine ineffable providence didst bestow everlasting glory on them and on us  Thine aid. 

Commemoration of OUR LADY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES 
Mary, the regal Mother of Christ's Apostles and their successors, watches over missioners' souls and persons and fortunes. She is, besides, their special Protectress and support in all that pertains to their work, because they are particularly dedicated to the cause nearest Her Heart -- the salvation of the world by and through Her divine Son. Apostles accordingly have a great and double claim on their heavenly Queen; they know it and are certain that by staying close to Her, they will be kept in every way close to God. Continuing through all the ages and over all the world, this special benevolence of Mary towards Her Son's apostles is something lavish, endless, and boundlessly maternal.

O God, You sent Your Holy Spirit upon the Apostles as they were united in prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. May the Queen of Apostles, the same Mother of us all, help us serve Your majesty faithfully, and to spread the glory of Your name by word and example. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . . in the unity of the same Holy Spirit.

LESSON Wisdom 5:1-5
Then shall the just stand with great constancy against those that have afflicted them, and taken away their labours. These seeing it, shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the suddenness of their unexpected salvation, Saying within themselves, repenting, and groaning for anguish of spirit: "These are they, whom we had sometime in derision, and for a parable of reproach. We fools esteemed their life madness, and their end without honour. Behold, how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints."

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. Ps. 88:6. The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints. Alleluia!
V. John 14:9. Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also My Father. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 14:1-13
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself: that where I am, you also may be. And whither I go you know: and the way you know." Thomas saith to him: "Lord, we know not whither thou goest. And how can we know the way?" Jesus saith to him: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him. And you have seen him." Philip saith to him: "Lord, shew us the Father; and it is enough for us." Jesus saith to him: "Have I been so long a time with you and have you not known me? Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also. How sayest thou: Shew us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abideth in me, he doth the works. Believe you not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? Otherwise believe for the very works' sake. Amen, amen, I say to you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, he also shall do: and greater than these shall he do. Because I go to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

CREED

 

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:6
The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints, alleluia, alleluia!

SECRET
O Lord, accept our offering on the feast of Your holy apostles Philip and James, and shield us from the punishments we so richly deserve. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS
We offer, O Lord, on this Feast of the precious death of these Thy just Servants, that sacrifice from which all martyrdom drew its source.

Commemoration of OUR LADY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES 
May our offering, O Lord, hasten the growth of Your Church and add to the splendor of the virtues of her members through Your mercy and the intercession of the blessed ever-Virgin Mary. Through Our Lord . . .
  
COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 14:9, 10
Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also My father. Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? Alleluia, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION
We have been nourished by the Sacrament of Salvation, O Lord. may we be aided also by the prayers of Your saints whom we honor this day. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of THE CARTHUSIAN MARTYRS
O Lord, may this Sacrament be to us a pledge of everlasting blessedness, which we implore by the merits of Thy blessed Martyrs, John, James, and their Companions.

  Commemoration of OUR LADY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES
O Lord, the Sacrament we have received will help us towards salvation. May we persevere in doing Your holy Will so that Your Church may always increase under the protection of the blessed ever-Virgin Mary, the Queen of Apostles. Through Our Lord . . .