1 December 2014 - Saint Andrew the Apostle (Transferred) (Commemoration of Feria II after Advent I)

Double of the Second Class – Red

Saint Andrew the Apostle was the brother of Simon Peter, the first Pope. Born on Bethsaida on Galilee, he was, like his brother, a fisherman. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and was the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. It was Andrew who introduced Christ to his brother, Simon Peter. His mission work in Thrace, Sythia, and Achaia would develop into the Patriarchate of Constantinople. As the See of Rome is known as the See of Peter, so the See of Constantinople is known as the See of Andrew. He also traveled into the Slavic lands and thus is also the Patron of these areas. He was martyred in Achaea on the northern coast of the Peloponnese by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross. Thus his symbol is the saltire, an X-shaped cross, often known as a St. Andrew's Cross. In the Middle Ages, the relics of Andrew came from Constantinople to Scotland at a place now called St. Andrew's. He became the Patron Saint of Scotland, and the Scottish flag is a blue field with a white St. Andrew's cross for this reason. 

INTROIT Ps. 138. 17

Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honorable; their power is become very great. Ps. 138.1,2. Lord, thou hast proved me and known me: thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

We humbly entreat thy majesty, O Lord: that as the blessed Apostle Andrew was once a teacher and ruler of thy Church: so he may be a constant advocate for us before thee. Through.

Commemoration: Feria II after Advent I

STIR up thy power, we beseech thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by thy protection, and to be saved by thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest

EPISTLE Romans 10. 10-18

Brethren: With the heart, we believe unto justice, but, with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith: Whosoever believeth in him, shall not be confounded. For there is no distinction of the Jew and the Greek, for the same is Lord over all, rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? Or how shall they believe him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear, without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they be sent? as it is written: How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, of them that bring glad tidings of good things! But all have not obeyed the Gospel. For Isaias saith: Lord, who hath believed our report? Faith, then, cometh by hearing: and hearing by the word of Christ. But I say: Have they not heard? Yea, verily, their sound hath gone into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the whole world.

GRADUAL Ps. 44. 17, 18.

Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth; they shall perpetuate the glory of thy Name, O Lord. V.: Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee: therefore shall peoples praise thee.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: The Lord loved Andrew as an odor of sweetness. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (4. 18-22)

At that time: Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting their nets into the sea (for they were fishers). And he saith to them: Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men. And they immediately leaving their nets, followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and he called them. And they forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him.

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Ps. 138. 17

Thy friends, O Lord, are exceedingly honorable; their power is become very great.

SECRET

May the holy prayer of the blessed Apostle Andrew, we beseech thee, O Lord, render our sacrifice well-pleasing unto thee: that by his merits it may be made acceptable, in whose honor it is solemnly offered. Through.

Commemoration: Feria II after Advent I

MAY these holy mysteries, O Lord, cleanse us by their powerful virtue and make us to come with greater purity to him who is their source. Through.

PREFACE: Of the Apostles

COMMUNION Matt. 4.19,20.

Come ye after me: and I will make you to be fishers of men; and they immediately leaving their nets, followed the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION

We have received, O Lord, the Divine Mysteries, rejoicing in the feast of blessed Andrew: and we beseech thee, as thou makest them a source of glory to thy Saints, so thou wouldst make them unto us a source of pardon. Through.

Commemoration: Feria II after Advent I

MAY we receive, O Lord, thy mercy in the midst of thy temple, that we may prepare with due honor for the approaching feast of our redemption. Through.

30 November 2014 - First Sunday in Advent

Sunday of the First Class, Semidouble

Purple 

This Sunday begins the liturgical year. Herein are given the same instructions as in the missal, which are carried forth and assumed throughout the year. 

N.b. 30 November being the First Sunday in Advent, the Feast of Saint Andrew is transferred to the following day this year in accordance with the rubrics. I Vespers of St. Andrew is commemorated at Vespers this day.

INTROIT Ps. 24. 1-3

To thee have I lifted up my soul: in thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let mine enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on thee shall be confounded. Ps. 24.4. Show, O Lord, thy ways to me: and teach me thy paths. V. (Here bow.) Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, (Here rise.) as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. To thee have I lifted up my soul: in thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let mine enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on thee shall be confounded.

¶ And the above method of reciting the Introit is obsevered at all masses, except where otherwise noted. The Introit itself is said, then the Psalm fragment given, followed by the Gloria Patri. Then the Introit is repeated up to, but not including the Psalm. The Gloria Patri is abbreviated Glory be. and the repeated Introit is assumed but not given in this book from here foreward.

¶ The Gloria in Excelsis is not said from this Sunday until the First Mass of the Nativity exclusive, except at feasts.

COLLECT

STIR up thy power, we beseech thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by thy protection, and to be saved by thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

¶ The Collect of the Day, except where noted, is always given its own ending. Then follow the required or discretionary commemorations, then Seasonal Prayers as appointed, and finally any Collects ad Libitum at the discretion of the priest, all under one ending. The usual ending for Collects is Through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. This is abbreviated Through. at the end of Collects. Any variations on that ending are indicated in the abbreviation. The short ending to Collects, when called for, is written in its entirety and is Through Christ our Lord.

EPISTLE Rom. 13. 11-14

BRETHREN, knowing that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is past and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy: but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.

GRADUAL Ps. 24. 3, 4

All they that wait on thee shall not be confounded, O Lord. V. Show, O Lord, thy ways to me: and teach me thy paths.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps. 84.8 Show us, O Lord, thy mercy; and grant us thy salvation.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (21.25-33)  

AT that time Jesus said to his disciples: There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the sea and of the waves: men withering away for fear and expectations of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved. And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand. And he spoke to them a similitude: See the fig tree and all the trees: when they now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh. So you also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand. Amen, I say to you, this generation shall not pass away till all things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 

The Creed is said. 

¶ The Creed is said on this Sunday and on all Sundays throughout the year, as well as at Festal masses when appointed.

OFFERTORY Ps. 24. 1-3

To thee have I lifted up my soul: in thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on thee shall be confounded.

SECRET

MAY these holy mysteries, O Lord, cleanse us by their powerful virtue and make us to come with greater purity to him who is their source. Through.

¶ The Secrets are said in the Secret voice by the Celebrant and following in the same order, number, and manner as the Collects.

COMMUNION Ps. 84. 13

The Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit.

POSTCOMMUNION

MAY we receive, O Lord, thy mercy in the midst of thy temple, that we may prepare with due honor for the approaching feast of our redemption. Through.

¶ In this mass and at the end of all masses in which the Gloria in Excelsis is omitted, Benedicamus Domino (Let us Bless the Lord) is said in lieu of Ite Missa Est (Depart in Peace).

¶ At ferial masses during the week, except during Lent, the mass of the Season for the preceding Sunday is simply resumed, with the Creed omitted and the ferial tone used.

29 November 2014 - Vigil of Saint Andrew the Apostle (Commemoration of St. Saturninus, Martyr)

Minor Vigil – Purple

Saint Saturninus was the first Bishop of Toulouse, France. He was martyred around 257 by being dragged around by a bull. 

INTROIT Matt. 4.18,19.

JESUS our Lord walking by the sea of Galilee saw two brethren, Peter and Andrew, and he called them saying: Follow me; and I will make you fishers of men. Ps. 18.2. The heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament sheweth his handywork. V. Glory be.

¶ The Gloria in Excelsis is not said.

COLLECT

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that as we do anticipate the festival of thy holy Apostle Saint Andrew, so he may implore thy mercy for us; that we being delivered from all our iniquities, may likewise be defended against all adversitites. Through.

Commemoration: Of Saint Saturninus

O God, who dost allow us to rejoice on the feast day of blessed Saturninus thy martyr: through his merits do thou bestow unto us thine aid. Through.

LESSON Ecclus. 44.25-27;45.2-4,6-9.

The Lord gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed his covenant upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessings, and gave him an inheritance, and divided him his portion in twelve tribes. And he preserved for him men of mercy, that found grace in the eyes of all flesh. He made him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to cease. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of his people, and shewed him his glory. He sanctified him in his faith, and meekness, and chose him out of all flesh. And he gave him commandments before his face, and a law of life and instruction, that he might teach Jacob his covenant, and Israel his judgments. He exalted Aaron his brother, and like to himself of the tribe of Levi: He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him the priesthood of the nation, and made him blessed in glory, And he girded him about with a glorious girdle, and clothed him with a robe of glory, and crowned him with majestic attire.

GRADUAL Ps. 138.17-18

Right dear are thy friends, O God, and held in highest honor: their rule and governance is exceeding steadfast. V. If I should count them: They are more in number than the sand of the sea.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John (1.35-51)

At that time: John stood and two of his disciples. And beholding Jesus walking, he saith: Behold the Lamb of God. And the two disciples heard him speak: and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turning and seeing them following him, saith to them: What seek you? Who said to him: Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Master), where dwellest thou? He saith to them: Come and see. They came and saw where he abode: and they stayed with him that day. Now it was about the tenth hour. And Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had heard of John and followed him. He findeth first his brother Simon and saith to him: We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And Jesus looking upon him, said: Thou art Simon the son of Jona. Thou shalt be called Cephas, which is interpreted Peter. On the following day, he would go forth into Galilee: and he findeth Philip. And Jesus saith to him: follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael and saith to him: We have found him of whom Moses, in the law and the prophets did write, Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth. And Nathanael said to him: Can any thing of good come from Nazareth? Philip saith to him: Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him and he saith of him: Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile. Nathanael saith to him: Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said to him: Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered him and said: Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God. Thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said to him: Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, thou believest: greater things than these shalt thou see. And he saith to him: Amen, amen, I say to you, you shall see the heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

OFFERTORY Ps. 8.6-7

Thou hast crowned him with glory and worship: thou hast made him to have dominion of the works of thy hands, O Lord.

SECRET

Grant, O Lord, that this oblation, which we, remem-bering the festival of thy blessed Apostle Saint Andrew, do offer to be hallowed unto thee, may likewise avail to the cleansing of our soul from all evil. Through.

Commemoration: Of Saint Saturninus

Sanctify, O Lord, the gifts dedicated to thee, and because of them, by the inter-cession of Blessed Saturninus, thy Martyr and Bishop, look on us with mercy. Through.

COMMUNION John 1.41,42.

Andrew saith unto his brother, Simon: we have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ: and he brought him to Jesus.

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, who hast vouchsafed to feed us with these Holy Sacraments, we humbly pray thee: that at the intercession of thy Holy Apostle Saint Andrew, the mysteries which we have offered in remembrance of his glorious passion may be profitable unto us for the healing of our souls. Through.

Commemoration: Of Saint Saturninus

We beseech thee, O Lord, may the reception of thy Sacrament sanctify us: and by the intercession of thy Saints render us acceptable to thee. Through.

28 November 2014 - Feria VI after the Sunday Next before Advent

Feria - Green

INTROIT Jer. 29. 11, 12, 14

The Lord saith: I think thoughts of peace, and not of affliction: you shall call upon me, and I will hear you; and I will bring back your captivity from all places. Ps. 84.2. Lord, thou hast blessed thy land: thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people, that they more earnestly seeking the fruit of divine service, may receive more abundantly healing gifts from thy tender mercy. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect Ad Libitum

EPISTLE Col. 1. 9-14

Brethren, We cease not to pray for you, and to beg that you may be filled with the knowledge of the will of God, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of God, in all things pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to the power of his glory, in all patience and long suffering with joy; giving thanks to God the Father, who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we have redemption through the his Blood, the remission of sins.

GRADUAL Ps. 43. 8, 9

Thou hast delivered us, O Lord, from them that afflict us: and hast put them to shame that hate us. V.: In God we will glory all the day: and in thy Name we will give praise for ever.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps. 129.1,2. From the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my prayer. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (24. 13-25)

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: When you shall see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place; (he that readeth, let him understand:) then they that are in Judea, let them flee to the mountains; and he that is on the house-top, let him not come down to take anything out of his house; and he that is in the field, let him not go back to take his coat. And woe to them that are with child and that give suck, in those days. But pray that your flight be not in the winter, or on the sabbath: for there shall be then great tribulation, such as hath not been found from the beginning of the world until now, neither shall be: and unless those days had been shortened, no flesh should be saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say to you: Lo, here is Christ, or there; do not believe him; for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect. Behold I have told it to you beforehand. If therefore they shall say to you: Behold his is in the desert, go ye not out; Behold his in the closets, believe it not. For as lightning cometh out of the east, and appeareth even in the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Wheresoever the body shall be, there shall the eagles also be gathered together. And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be moved; and then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with much power and majesty. And he shall send his angels with a trumpet and a loud voice, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the farthest parts of the heavens to the utmost bounds of them. And from the fig tree learn a parable: when the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves come forth, you know that summer is nigh. So you also, when you shall see all these things, know ye that it is nigh at the doors. Amen I say to you that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

OFFERTORY Ps. 129.1, 2

From the depths I have cried out to thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my prayer: from the depths I have cried out to thee, O Lord.

SECRET

Be gracious, O Lord, to our humble entreaties; and receiving the offerings and prayers of thy people, turn the hearts of all of us to thee: that freed from greed of earthly things, we may pass on to heavenly desires. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect Ad Libitum

COMMUNION Mark 11. 24

Amen I say to you, whatsoever you ask when you pray, believe that you shall receive and it shall be done to you.

POSTCOMMUNION

Grant unto us, we beseech thee, O Lord, that through these Sacraments which we have received, whatsoever in our minds is corrupt, may be cured by the gift of their healing power. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect Ad Libitum

27 November 2014 - Mass of the Dead on the First Ferial Day of November

Feria - Black

Matins and Lauds of the Dead are said this day after Matins and Lauds of the feria. A second mass of the feria may be said. 

INTROIT IV Esdr. 2.34-35

Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Ps. 64.2-3. A hymn, O God, becometh thee in Sion; and a vow shall be paid to thee in Jerusalem: hear my prayer; all flesh shall come to thee. ¶ Then repeat the Introit up to the Psalm. The Gloria Patri is not said. 

COLLECT

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful: grant to the souls of thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins: that through pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon which they always desired.

Seasonal Collects are omitted. 

LESSON Apoc. 14.13.

In those days: I heard a voice from heaven, saying to me: Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. From henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors. For their works follow them.

GRADUAL IV Esdr. 2.34,35

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. V. Ps. 111.7. The just shall be in everlasting remembrance; he shall not fear the evil hearing.

TRACT

Absolve, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful departed from every bond of sin. And by the help of thy grace, may they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment and enjoy the bliss of everlasting light.

SEQUENCE

Day of Wrath and doom impeding, « David's word with Sibyl's blending. « Heaven and earth in ashes ending.

O what fear man's bosom rendeth « When from heaven the Judge descendeth, « On whose sentence all dependeth.

Wondrous sound the trumpet flingeth, « Through earth's sepulchers it ringeth, « All before the throne it bringeth.

Death is struck, and nature quaking, « All creation is awaking, « To its Judge an answer making.

Lo, the book exactly worded, « Wherein all hath been recorded, « Thence shall judgment be awarded.

When the Judge his seat attaineth, « And each hidden deed arraigneth, « Nothing unavenged remaineth.

What shall I, frail man, be pleading? « Who for me be interceding, « When the just are mercy needing?

King of majesty tremendous, « Who dost free salvation send us, « Fount of pity, then befriend us.

Think, kind Jesus, my salvation « Caused thy wondrous Incarnation, « Leave me not to reprobation.

Faint and weary thou hast sought me, « On the Cross of suffering bought me, « Shall such grace be vainly brought me?

Righteous Judge, for sin's pollution « Grant thy gift of absolution, « Ere that day of retribution.

Guilty now I pour my moaning, « All my shame with anguish owning, « Spare, O God, thy suppliant groaning.

Through the sinful woman shriven, « Through the dying theif forgiven, « Thou to me a hope hast given.

Worthless are my prayers and sighing, « Yet, good Lord, in grace complying, « Rescue me from fires undying.

With thy sheep a place provide me, « From the goats afar divide me, « To thy right hand do thou guide me.

When the wicked are confounded, « Doomed to flames of woe unbounded, « Call me with thy Saints surrounded.

Low I kneel with heart's submission, « See, like ashes, my contrition, « Help me in my last condition.

Ah! that day of tears and mourning, « From the dust of earth returning.

Man for judgment must prepare him, « Spare, O God, in mercy spare him.

Lord all pitying, Jesus blest, « Grant them thine eternal rest. Amen.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John (6.51-55)

At that time: Jesus said unto the multitudes of the Jews: I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen, I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day.

OFFERTORY

O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit: « deliver them from the lion's mouth, that hell swallow them not up, that they fall not into darkness, but let the standard bearer holy Michael lead them into that light: « Which thou didst promise of old Abraham and to his seed. We offer to thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers: « Do thou receive them on behalf of those souls of whom we make memorial this day. Grant them, O Lord, to pass from death to that life, « Which thou didst promise of old to Abraham and his seed.

SECRET

Mercifully regard, we beseech thee, O Lord, the Sacrifice which we offer thee for the souls of thy servants and handmaidens: that to those to whom thou didst grant the favor of the Christian Faith thou wouldst also grant due reward. Through.

Preface: Of the Dead.

COMMUNION IV Esdr. 2.35,34.

May light enternal shine upon them, O Lord, with thy Saints for evermore; for thou art gracious. V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them: with thy Saints for evermore, for thou art gracious.

POSTCOMMUNION

May the prayer for thy suppliant people, we beseech thee, O Lord, avail the souls of thy servants and handmaidens: that thou mayest deliver them from all their sins and make them sharers in thy Redemption: Who livest and reignest.

26 November 2014 - Saint Sylvester, Abbot (Commemoration of St. Peter of Alexandria, Bishop & Martyr)

Double - White

N.b. Vespers of the Dead is said after II Vespers of the feast this day. 

Saint Sylvester Gozzolini was a nobleman born in Osimo, in the Marche, Italy, in 1177. In time he lived as a hermit and founded the Sylvestrine Order. He died in 1267 and was canonized in 1598 by Pope Clement VIII. 

Saint Peter of Alexandria was born in the 3rd century and was Bishop of Alexandria. He suffered under the Diocletian persecution and opposed the heretic Arius. He was martyred in 311. 
INTROIT Ps. 36.30-31.

The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgement: the law of his God is in his heart. Ps. 36.1. Be not emulous of evildoers: nor envy them that work iniquity. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O most merciful God, who didst vouchsafe to call the holy Abbot Sylvester from pondering the vanity of worldly things before an open grave, into the wilderness to make his life illustrious by his merits: we humbly beseech thee, that like him we may despise earthly things, and enjoy fellowship with thee for evermore. Through.

Commemoration: Saint Peter of Alexandria

Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our deeds beareth us down, may the glorious intercession of Blessed Peter, thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. Through.

LESSON Ecclus. 45.1-6.

Beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction. He made him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to cease. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of his people, and shewed him his glory. He sanctified him in his faith, and meekness, and chose him out of all flesh. For he heard him, and his voice, and brought him into a cloud. And he gave him commandments before his face, and a law of life and instruction.

GRADUAL Ps. 20.4-5.

Lord, thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness: thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones. V.: He asked life of thee, and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Ps. 91.13. The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (19.27-29)

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

OFFERTORY Ps. 20.3-4.

Thou hast given him his heart's desire, O Lord, and hast not withholden from him the will of his lips: Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.

SECRET

We beseech thee, O Lord, that whilst we reverently offer these gifts to thy divine Majesty, we may be devout in preparation of mind, and by cleanness of heart imitate the blessed Abbot Sylvester and devoutly receive the Body and Blood of thy Son: Who liveth and reigneth.

Commemoration: Saint Peter of Alexandria

Refreshed by partaking of thy holy Gift, we beseech thee, O Lord, our God, that through the intercession of blessed Peter, thy Martyr and Bishop, we may receive the fruit of the rite which we celebrate. Through.

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

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that we who have been refreshed by thy divine banquet may so cleave to the footsteps of the holy Abbot Sylvester, as to receive a plentiful reward with thy Saints in the kingdom of thy heavenly glory. Through.

Commemoration: Saint Peter of Alexandria

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord our God: that like as we whom thou hast made partakers of thy heavenly food do offer unto thee our outward worship; so by the intercession of blessed Peter thy Martyr and Bishop, we may inwardly be profited thereby unto our salvation. Through.

25 November 2014 - Saint Catherine, Virgin and Martyr

Double - Red 

N.b. The Winter Half-Year begins at First Vespers of Saint Catherine on 24 November. 

Saint Catherine of Alexandria was a Princess born c. 282 in Alexandria, Egypt. She was noted as a scholar. She went to her martyrdom at the hands of the pagan Emperor Maxentius in about 305. She attempted to convince him not to persecute Christians, but instead was herself made a victim. She was scourged and tortured. The Emperor then decided to execute her on the spiked breaking wheel, but at her touch, it was destroyed. It is for this reason that she is sometimes referred to as Saint Catherine of the Wheel. The Emperor eventually had her beheaded. 
INTROIT Ps. 118.46-47.

I spoke of thy testimonies before kinds, and I was not ashamed: I meditated also on thy commandments, which I loved. Ps. 118.1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, who on the top of Mount Sinai didst give the Law of Moses, and didst, by means of thy holy Angels, wondrously convey thither the body of blessed Catherine, thy Virgin and Martyr: grant beseech thee, that, through her merits and intercession, so may be able to reach that mountain which is Christ: Who liveth and reigneth.

LESSON Ecclus. 51.1-8,12.

I will give glory to thee, O Lord, O King, and I will praise thee, O God my Savior. I will give glory to thy Name, for thou hast been a helper and protector to me, and hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies; and in the sight of them that stood by thou hast been my helper. And thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of thy Name, from them that did roar, prepared to devour; out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions which compassed me about: from the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt: from the depth of the body of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue. My soul shall praise the Lord even unto death: because thou, O Lord our God, deliverest them that wait for thee, and savest them out of the hands of the nations.

GRADUAL Ps. 44-8.

Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity V.: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Ps. 44.15,16. After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors shall be brought to thee with gladness. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (25.1-13)

At that time, Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: The Kingdom of Heaven shall be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

OFFERTORY Ps. 44.15,16.

After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors shall be brought to thee with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the King, the Lord.

SECRET

Receive, O Lord, the gifts which we bring thee on the feast of blessed Catherine thy Virgin and Martyr, by whose patronage we hope to be delivered. Through.

Communion Ps. 118.78,80

Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in thy commandments, in thy justifications, that I may not be confounded.

POSTCOMMUNION

May the mysteries which we have received, help us, O Lord; and by the intercession of blessed Catherine, thy Virgin and Martyr, may we ever enjoy thy protection. Through.

24 November 2014 - Saint John of the Cross, Confessor and Doctor of the Church (Commemoration of St. Chrysogonus, Martyr)

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N.b. The Winter Half-Year begins at First Vespers of Saint Catherine today. 

Saint John of the Cross is both a Confessor and a Doctor of the Church. He was born in Spain in 1542 and played a significant role in the Counter-Reformation. He was a member of the Carmelite Order and is considered to be, along with St. Teresa of Avila, the founder of the Discalced Carmelites. He died in 1591 and was canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926 by Pope Pius XI. 

Saint Chrysogonus was a martyr of the early Church. Although the precise date is not known, he was likely martyred under the Diocletian persecution. 

INTROIT Ecclus. 15.5.

In the midst of the Church he opened his mouth: and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and under-standing. Ps. 91.2. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to thy Name, O Most High. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, who didst endow holy John, thy Confessor and Doctor with a wonderful spirit of self-denial and a surpassing love of the Cross: grant that by ever cleaving to his example, we may obtain eternal glory. Through.

Commemoration: St. Chrysogonus

Give ear, O Lord, to our humble prayers: that we who know ourselves to be guilty because of the evil we have done, may be delivered by the intercession of blessed Chrysogonus thy Martyr. Through.

EPISTLE II Tim. 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 their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill 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 a 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 Ps. 36.30-31.

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

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ecclus. 45.9. The Lord hath loved him and adorned him: He hath clothed him with a robe of glory. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to 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 savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to 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 in the house. So let your light shine 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 fulfill. 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 shall so 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.

¶ The Creed is said in all masses of Doctors of the Church.

OFFERTORY Ps. 91.13.

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

SECRET

May the holy prayer of John, Confessor and Doctor, fail us not, O Lord: may it render our offerings acceptable, and ever obtain for us thy pardon. Through.

Commemoration: St. Chrysogonus

We beseech thee, O Lord, be appeased by the gifts we have offered thee: and through the intercession of blessed Chrysogonus, thy Martyr, defend us from all dangers. Through.

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

We beseech thee, O Lord, that blessed John, Confessor and illustrious Doctor may join his prayers to ours, that this thy sacrifice may bring us salvation. Through.

Commemoration: St. Chrysogonus

By partaking of thy Sacraments, O Lord, may we be cleansed from our hidden sins and delivered from the snares of our enemies. Through.

23 November 2014 - Saint Clement I, Pope and Martyr (Commemoration of the Sunday Next before Advent and of Saint Felicitas, Martyr)

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Saint Clement was Bishop of Rome from 92-99. In his letter to Corinth, he asserted the authority of priests as rulers of the Church, for the Apostles had appointed them as such. Clement was arrested by the Emperor Trajan and executed by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea. 

Saint Felicitas was a Roman widow, rich and pious, with seven sons. For refusing to renounce the Christian faith, they were martyred by the Prefect of Rome. The Prefect martyred her sons one by one, each time asking Felicitas to renounced the Faith. She refused each time and was eventually martyred herself. 

INTROIT Is. 59.21; 56.7 

The Lord saith: my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth: and their gifts shall be accepted upon mine altar. Ps. 111.1 Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; he delighteth exceedingly in his commandments. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

Look forgivenly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Clement, thy Martyr and Pope, whom thou didst constitute chief shepherd of the whole Church. Through.

Commemoration: Sunday Next before Advent

Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people, that they more earnestly seeking the fruit of divine service, may receive more abundantly healing gifts from thy tender mercy. Through.

Commemoration: Of St. Felicitas

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that we who are keeping the feast of blessed Felicitas thy Martyr, may be shielded by her merits and prayers. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

EPISTLE Phil. 3.17-21; 4.1-3

Brethren: Be ye followers of me, brethren, and observe them who walk so as you have our model. For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping), that they are enemies of the Cross of Christ; Whose end is destruction; whose God is their belly; and whose glory is in their shame; who mind earthly things. But our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy and my crown; so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beg of Evodia, and I beseech Syntyche, to be of one mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help those women who have laboured with me in the Gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.

GRADUAL Ps. 106.32,31

Let them exalt him in the church of the people: and praise him in the chair of the ancients. Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him, and his wonderful works to the children of men.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Matt. 16.18. Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (16.3-19)

At that time, Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea 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 upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

OFFERTORY Jer. 1.9-10

Behold I have given my words in thy mouth: lo, I have set thee over the nations, and over kingdoms, to root up and to pull down, and to build, and to plant.

SECRET

We beseech thee, O Lord, through the gifts which we have offered, in thy kindness enlighten thy Church: so that everywhere thy flock may prosper and her Shepherds by thy guidance may be pleasing to thy Name. Through.

Commemoration: Sunday Next before Advent

Be gracious, O Lord, to our humble entreaties; and receiving the offerings and prayers of thy people, turn the hearts of all of us to thee: that freed from greed of earthly things, we may pass on to heavenly desires. Through.

Commemoration: Of St. Felicitas

Graciously regard, O Lord, the oblations of thy people: and grant that we may enjoy the intercession of her whose festival thou sufferest us to keep. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

Preface: Of the Apostles.

COMMUNION Matt. 16.18.

Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church.

POSTCOMMUNION

Appeased by this Sacrifice, O Lord, in which thou hast nourished thy Church on heavenly food, do thou so guide her that she may be steered with a firm hand and, while enjoying more liberty, may persist in wholeness of faith. Though.

Commemoration: Sunday Next before Advent

Grant unto us, we beseech thee, O Lord, that through these Sacraments which we have received, whatsoever in our minds is corrupt, may be cured by the gift of their healing power. Through.

Commemoration: Of St. Felicitas

Grant, we humbly entreat thee almighty God, that through the intercession of thy Saints, thou wouldst increase thy gifts within us, and order our lives by thy grace. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

22 November 2014 - Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr (Commemoration of Trinity XXIV (Transferred))

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N.b. The Offices this day are of Trinity XXIV (transferred) with commemoration of the Presentation of the B.V.M. If a mass of Trinity XXIV is said this day, it is said with all the honors of a Sunday.

Saint Cecilia was down in the 2nd century in Rome. She told her husband that an angel of the Lord would be sent to protect her virginity. He asked for proof, and Cecilia told him to go to the Appian Way and be baptized by Pope Urbanus. This he did. She and her husband were martyred by the Prefect. It is said that even after being struck three times on the neck with a sword, she lived three days and asked the Pope to convert her home into a Church.

INTROIT Ps. 118.46-47

And I spoke of thy testimonies before kings: and I was not ashamed. I meditated also on thy commandments, which I loved. Ps. 118.1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way; who walk in the law of the Lord. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, who dost gladden us with the yearly festival of blessed Cecilia, thy Virgin and Martyr, grant that we who honor her by this solemn rite may follow the example of her godly life. Through.

Commemoration: Trinity XXIV O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature, we cannot stand fast: grant us health of mind and body, that what we suffer for our sins, we may overcome by thy help. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

LESSON Ecclus. 51.13-17

O Lord my God, thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth and I have prayed for death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. I will praise thy name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard. And thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time. Therefore I will give thanks, and praise thee, O Lord Our God.

GRADUAL Ps. 44.11,12,5

Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear; for the King hath greatly desired thy beauty. With thy comeliness and thy beauty, set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Matt. 25.4,6. The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps; and at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet Christ our Lord. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (25.1-13)

At that time, Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: The kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

OFFERTORY Ps. 44.15,16

After her shall virgins be brought to the king: her neighbours shall be brought to thee. They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the king.

SECRET

May this Sacrifice of propitiation and praise, we beseech thee, O Lord, through the intercession of blessed Cecilia, thy Virgin and Martyr, make us ever worthy of forgiveness. Through.

Commemoration: Trinity XXIV

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the offering of the gifts of this Sacrifice, may ever cleanse and protect our frailty from all evil. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

COMMUNION Ps. 118.78,80

Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in thy commandments, in thy justifications, that I may not be confounded.

POSTCOMMUNION

Filled with the Gift of thy divine bounty, we beseech thee, O Lord, our God, that by the intercession of blessed Cecilia, thy Virgin and Martyr, we may partake thereof for evermore. Through.

Commemoration: Trinity XXIV

May thy gifts, O Lord, detach us from earthly pleasures: and ever renew us with heavenly nourishment. Through. SEASONAL COLLECTS Of the Saints Collect ad Libitum

21 November 2014 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Commemoration of Trinity XXIII (Transferred))

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N.b. The Offices this day are of Trinity XXIII (transferred) with commemoration of the Presentation of the B.V.M. If a mass of Trinity XXIII is said this day, it is said with all the honors of a Sunday.

INTROIT Sedulius

Hail, holy Parent, that didst bring forth the King who ruleth heaven and earth for ever and ever. Ps. 44.2. My heart hath uttered a good work: I speak of my works to the King. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, who didst will that this day the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, dwelling-place of the Holy Ghost, should be presented in the temple: grant, we beseech thee, that through her intercession, we may be worthy to be presented in the temple of thy glory. Through.

Commemoration: Trinity XXIII

O almighty and everlasting God, look mercifully upon our weakness: and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty to protect us. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

EPISTLE Ecclus. 24.14-16

From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him. And so was I established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God his inheritance, and mine abode is in the full assembly of saints.

GRADUAL

Blessed and venerable art thou, O Virgin Mary: who without loss of purity wert found to be the Mother of our Savior. V. Virgin Mother of God, he whom the whole world cannot hold enclosed himself in thy womb, and became man.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. After his birth a Virgin entire thou dost remain: O Mother of God, intercede for us. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (11.27-28)

At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee and the paps that gave thee suck. But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it. 

 The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Luke 1.28,42

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

SECRET

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. Through.

Commemoration: Trinity XXIII

May these offerings, we beseech thee, O Lord, cleanse us from our sins, and sanctify the bodies and minds of thy servants for the celebration of this Sacrifice. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

Preface: Of the Blessed Virgin, with In the Presentation.

COMMUNION

Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal Father.

POSTCOMMUNION

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. Through.

Commemoration: Trinity XXIII

Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech thee, to make us, who of thy bounty frequent such great mysteries, truly disposed to obtain the benefits of the same. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

20 November 2014 - Saint Felix de Valois, Confessor

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Saint Felix was born in 1127 in Valois, France. He became a hermit and was sought out by Saint John of Matha. He proposed to Felix to found a new religious order for the ransoming of captives, to which Felix readily agreed. This order is known as the Order of the Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives, or the Trinitarians. Felix died in 1212 and was canonized in 1262 by Pope Urban IV. 

INTROIT Ps. 91.13-14.

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus: planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Ps. 91.2. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to thy Name, O Most High. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, who by the voice of an Angel didst recall thy blessed Confessor Felix from the desert to undertake the work of ransoming captives: grant, we beseech thee, that by thy grace we may be freed from the bondage of sin through the intercession of blessed Felix, and may be guided safely to our heavenly country. Through.

EPISTLE I Cor. 4.9-14.

Brethren, We are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honorable, but we without honor. Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no fixed abode; and we labor, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it. We are blasphemed, and we entreat; we are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all even until now. I write not these things to confound you; but I admonish you as my dearest children: in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 36.30-31.

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

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps. 111.1. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (12.32-34)

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a kingdom. Sell what you possess and give alms. Make to yourselves bags which grow not old, a treasure in heaven which faileth not: where no thief approacheth, nor moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

OFFERTORY Ps. 20-2-3.

In thy strength, O Lord, the just man shall joy, and in thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly: thou hast given him his heart's desire.

SECRET

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the offering we humbly bring may be pleasing to thee in honor of thy Saints, and cleanse us alike in body and in soul. Through.

Communion Matt. 19.28, 29

Amen I say to you, that you, who have left all things and followed me, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting.

POSTCOMMUNION

We beseech thee, almighty God, that we who have received heavenly nourishment, may thereby, at the intercession of blessed Felix, thy Confessor, be defended against all adversity. Through.

19 November 2014 - Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow (Commemoration of St. Pontianius, Pope & Martyr)

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Saint Elizabeth, daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary, was born in 1207 as a Princess of Hungary. She was married the Landgrave of Thuringia at age 14 and widowed at age 20. She managed to reclaim her dowry, which she used to built a hospital. She also tended to the sick herself. She died in 1231 in Thuringia, Holy Roman Empire, and was canonized in 1235 by Pope Gregory IX. 

Saint Pontianus was Bishop of Rome from 230-235. He was arrested in 235 during the persecution of the Christians by Emperor Maximinus the Thracian and sent to the island of Sardinia to work in the mines, where he died. Upon his exile, he resigned the papacy to allow for a smooth selection of a successor. 

INTROIT Ps. 118.75, 120.

I KNOW, O Lord, that thy judgments are equity, and in thy truth thou hast humbled me: pierce thou my flesh with thy fear, I am afraid of thy judgments. Ps. 118.1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

Shed thy light upon the hearts of thy faithful people, O merciful God, and through the glorious prayers of blessed Elizabeth, grant that we may despise wordly success and find our joy in heavenly consolation. Through.

Commemoration: St. Pontianus, Pope and Martyr

Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Pontianus, thy Martyr and Pope, whom thou didst constitute chief shepherd of the whole Church. Through.

LESSON Prov. 31.10-31.

Who shall find a valiant woman? far, and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good, and not evil all the days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. She hath tasted, and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double gar-ments. She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple, is her covering. Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine linen, and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite. Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well on the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates.

GRADUAL Ps. 44.3,5.

Grace is poured abroad in thy lips: therefore hath God blessed thee forever. Because of truth and meekness, and justice: and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.

Alleluia, alleluia . V. Ps. 44.5. With thy comeliness and thy beauty set out, proceed prosperously and reign. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (13.44-52)

At that time, Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kind of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things? They say to him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.

OFFERTORY Ps. 44.3.

Grace is poured abroad in thy lips: therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.

SECRET

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

Commemoration: St. Pontianus

We beseech thee, O Lord through the gifts which we have offered, in thy kindness enlighten thy Church: so that everywhere thy flock may prosper and her Shepherds by thy guidance be pleasing to thy Name. Through.

Communion Ps. 44.8.

Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Commemoration: St. Pontianus

Appeased by this Sacrifice, O Lord, in which thou hast nourished thy Church on heavenly food, do thou so guide her that she may be steered with a firm hand and, while enjoying more liberty, may persist in wholeness of faith. Through.

18 November 2014 - Dedication of the Basilicas of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

Greater Double - White

The Basilica of Saint Peter, located on Vatican Hill, replaced the Old Saint Peter's Basilica and was initiated by Pope Julius II. Its primary designers were Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini. The Basilica sits upon the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle and was completed 18 November 1626. 

The Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome. It was built over the burial site of Saint Paul the Apostle. It was completed in the 5th century under Pope Leo I. It was later heavily modified by Pope Gregory the Great. It takes its name "outside the Walls" from the fact that it was constructed outside of the Aurelian walls of the City of Rome. The basilica underwent several renovations and modifications since its construction, in part due to invasion and natural disaster. 

INTROIT Gen. 28.17.

Terrible is this place: it is the house of God, and the gate of heaven; and it shall be called the court of God. Ps. 82. 2,3. How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts. My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, who every year dost renew the day of the consecration of this thy holy temple, and continuest to bring us in safety to thy sacred mysteries, graciously hear the prayers of thy people, and grant that all who enter this temple to implore thy blessings, may rejoice in obtaining whatsoever they ask. Through.

LESSON Apoc. 21.2-5.

In those days: I, John, saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the throne, saying: Behold the tabernacle of God with men: and he will dwell with them. And they shall be his people: and God himself with them shall be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more. Nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things are passed away. And he that sat on the throne, said: Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me: Write, for these words are most faithful and true.

Gradual

This place was made by God, a priceless mystery, it is without reproof. V. O God, before whom standeth the choir of angels, give ear to the prayers of thy servants.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps. 137.2.
I will worship towards thy holy temple: and I will give glory to thy name. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (19.1-10)

At that time: entering, Jesus walked through Jericho. And behold, there was a man named Zacheus, who was the chief of the publicans: and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was: and he could not for the crowd, because he was low of stature. And running before, he climbed up into a sycamore tree, that he might see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up, he saw him and said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down: for this day I must abide in thy house. And he made haste and came down and received him with joy. And when all saw it, they murmured, saying, that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a sinner. But Zacheus standing, said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wronged any man of any thing, I restore him fourfold. Jesus said to him: This day is salvation come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. 

  The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY I Par. 29.17,18.

O Lord God, in the simplicity of my heart I have joyfully offered all these things; and I have seen with great joy thy people which are here present: O God of Israel, keep this will.

SECRET

Give heed, we beseech thee, O Lord, to our prayers: that while we set before thee these present gifts, we may be found worthy, by thy help, to come to everlasting rewards.

Communion Matt. 21.13.

My house shall be called the house of prayer, saith the Lord: in it everyone that asketh receiveth: and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Postcommunion 

O God, who from living and chosen stones dost prepare an eternal dwelling place for thy majesty; assist thy suppliant people, that thy Church, whilst benefitting by material enlargement, may also expand by spiritual increase. Through.

17 November 2014 - Saint Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop and Confessor

Semi-double – White

Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea in modern-day Turkey around 213. Of a pagan family, he converted around the age of 14 after the death of his father. He was a pupil of the early Christian philosopher Origen. At the age of 40, Gregory was consecrated Bishop of Caesarea, which had at the time a Christian community of only seventeen people. He was known for many miracles, which led to his being known as the wonder-worker. He died around 213. 

INTROIT Ecclus. 45.30

The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, to be the prince of the sanctuary, and of his people, that the dignity of priesthood should be to him and to his seed for ever. Ps. 131.1. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the solemn feast of blessed Gregory, thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and advance our salvation. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

EPISTLE Ecclus. 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. He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood: and made him blessed in glory. To exercise the office of priesthood, and to have praise in his Name and to offer him a worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.

GRADUAL Ecclus. 44.16,20

Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God. There was not found the like to him who kept the law of the Most High.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps. 109.4. Thou art a priest for ever according of the order of Melchisedch. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Mark (11.22-24)

At that time, Jesus answering, said to his disciples: Have the faith of God. Amen I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou removed and be cast into the sea, and shall not stagger in his heart, but believe, that whatsoever he saith shall be done; it shall be done unto him. Therefore I say unto you, all things, whatsoever you ask when ye pray, believe that you shall receive; and they shall come unto you.

OFFERTORY Ps. 88.21-22

I have found David my servant, with my holy oil I have anointed him: for my hand shall help, and mine arm shall strengthen him.

SECRET

May thy Saints, we beseech thee, O Lord, in all places bring us joy; that while we recall their merits, we may experience their patronage. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

COMMUNION Luke 12.42.

This is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family: to give them their measure of wheat in due season.

POSTCOMMUNION

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

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Saints
Collect ad Libitum

16 November 2014 - Saint Gertrude, Virgin (Trinity XXII)

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Saint Gertrude was born on the Feast of the Epiphany in 1256 in the Holy Roman Empire. The entered the monastic community in 1266. At the age of twenty-five, she began to experience visions, which she would do for the rest of her life. Gertrude was known for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She died aroun 1302 in Saxony and was canonized in 1677 by Pope Clement XII.

INTROIT Ps. 44.8.

THOU hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Ps. 44.2. My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my words to the King.
V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, who in the heart of the holy Virgin Gertrude didst provide for thyself a pleasant dwelling: through her merits and intercession, do thou, in thy mercy, wash all stains from our hearts and grant us joyful fellowship with her. Through.

Commemoration: Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity

O Lord, we beseech thee, absolve thy people from their offenses, that through thy bountiful goodness, we may be freed from the bonds of those sins, which by our frailty we have committed. Through.

LESSON II Cor. 10.17-18; 11.1-2.

Brethren: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commendeth himself is approved: but he, whom God commendeth. Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly! But do bear with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Gradual Ps. 44.5,15,16.

With thy comelieness and thy beauty set out, proceed pros-perously and reign. Because of truth and meekness and justice: and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors shall be brought to thee with gladness. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (25.1-13)

At that time: Jesus said this parable unto his disciples: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh. Go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy the bridegroom came: and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage. And the door was shut. But at last came also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

OFFERTORY Ps. 44.10.

The daughters of the King are in thine honor, the queen stood on thy right hand in gilded clothing, surrounded with variety.

SECRET

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

Commemoration: Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity

We offer to thee, O Lord, this Sacrifice of praise, as an increase of our service: that what thou hast conferred on us who are unworthy, thou mayest mercifully accomplish. Through.

Communion Matt. 25.4, 6.

The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps: and at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh: go ye forth to meet Christ the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION

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

Commemoration: Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity

We beseech thee, O almighty God: that thou suffer us not to yield to human dangers whom thou dost grant to rejoice in this sharing in divine Gifts. Through.