16 December 2014 - Saint Eusebius, Bishop & Martyr

Semi-Double - Red

Nota bene: Sapientiatide begins in the Divine Offices this day at Matins. 

Saint Eusebius was born around 283 in Sardinia. He became the first Bishop of Vercelli in Piemonte, in modern-day northern Italy. He attended a Council in Milan to attempt to settle the conflict between Saint Athanasius of Alexandria and the Arian heretics. He refused to condemn Athanasius, and so was exiled. He was eventually freed and took part in the council of Athanasius, which confirmed the divinity of the Holy Ghost. He returned to his See and was instrumental in the fight against Arianism. He died in 371 and is given the status of martyr because of his sufferings. 

INTROIT Dan 3.84,87.

O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: O ye holy and humble of heart, praise God. V. Dan. 3. 57. All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feast of blessed Eusebius, thy Martyr and Bishop: mercifully grant that we who celebrate his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. Through.

Commemoration: Of the Advent Feria

Hear our prayers, O Lord, and enlighten the darkness of our minds by thy coming on earth; who liveth and reigneth.

EPISTLE II Cor. 1.3-7.

Brethren: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we also may be able to comfort them who are in all distress, by the exhortation wherewith we also are exhorted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us: so also by Christ doth our comfort abound. Now whether we be in tribulation, it is for your exhortation and salvation: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation: or whether we be exhorted, it is for your exhortation and salvation, which worketh the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer. That our hope for you may be steadfast: knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation.

GRADUAL Ps. 8.6-7.

Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor. V.: And hast set him over the works of thy hands, O Lord.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: This is the priest whom the Lord hath crowned. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (16.24-27)

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to every man according to his works.

OFFERTORY Ps. 88.21-22.

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

SECRET

Sanctify, O Lord, the gifts dedicated to thee, and through them, by the intercession of blessed Eusebius, thy Martyr and Bishop, graciously regard us. Through.

Commemoration: Of the Advent Feria

May we always offer the sacrifice of adoration in such a manner, O Lord, that it will attain the purpose for which thou instituted this sacred rite, and bring about our salvation. Through.

COMMUNION Ps. 20.4

Thou hast set on his head, O Lord, a crown of precious stones.

POSTCOMMUNION

May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt: and through the intercession of blessed Eusebius, thy Martyr and Bishop, may it make us sharers in the heavenly healing. Through.

Commemoration: Of the Advent Feria

In thy mercy cleanse us from our sins by these divine Rites, O Lord, and make us ready for the coming feast. Through.