1 February 2015 - Septuagesima Sunday (Commemoration of St. Ignatius, Bishop & Martyr)

Sunday of the Second Class – Purple

¶ During Septuagesimatide, also known as Pre-Lent, the color of the season is purple. The Gloria in Excelsis is omitted from all masses of the season, but not at masses for feasts. Ite Missa Est (Depart in Peace) is also exchanged for Benedicamus Domino (Let us bless the Lord) in masses of the sea-son, but not at masses for feasts. Flowers remain upon the altar until Ash Wednesday exclusive.

¶ Seasonal collects for masses during Septuagesimatide are either as given for masses before 2 February or for masses after 2 February, depending on when the mass falls.

INTROIT Ps. 17. 5-7

THE sorrows of death surrounded me, the sorrows of hell encompassed me; and in my affliction I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice from his holy temple. Ps.17.2,3. I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: the Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer. V.: Glory be.

¶The Gloria in Excelsis is not said at this mass, and also when it is resumed during the week as a ferial mass.
COLLECT

GRACIOUSLY hear, we beseech thee, O Lord, the prayers of thy people, that we, who are justly afflicted for our sins, may for the glory of thy Name, be mercifully delivered. Through.

Commemoration: St. Ignatius, Bishop & Martyr

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

SEASONAL COLLECTS
According to the season

EPISTLE I Cor.9.24-27; 10.1-5

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

GRADUAL Ps. 9.10-11,19-20.

A helper in due time in tribulation: let them trust in thee who know thee: for thou hast not forsaken them that seek thee, O Lord. V.: For the poor man shall not be forgotten to the end: the patience of the poor shall not perish for ever: arise, O Lord, let not man prevail.

¶ The Tract is omitted when this mass is resumed as a ferial mass during the week.

TRACT Ps. 129. 1-4

Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Let thine ears be attentive to the prayer of thy servant. V.: If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it? V.: For with thee there is merciful forgiveness, and by reason of thy law I have waited for thee, O Lord.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (20. 1-16)

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

OFFERTORY Ps. 91. 2

It is good to give praise to the Lord, and to sing to thy Name, O Most High.

SECRET

RECEIVE our offerings and prayers, we beseech thee, O Lord, and both cleanse us by these heavenly mysteries, and graciously hear us. Through.

Commemoration: St. Ignatius, Bishop & Martyr

Graciously accept, O Lord, the offerings consecrated to thee, through the merits of blessed Ignatius thy Martyr and Bishop: and grant that they may be for us an abiding source of strength. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
According to the season

COMMUNION Ps. 30. 17-18

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant, and save me in thy mercy: let me not be confounded, O Lord, for I have called upon thee.

POSTCOMMUNION

MAY thy faithful people, O God, be strengthened by thy gifts; that in receiving them, they may seek after them the more, and in seeking them, may receive them for ever. Through.

Commemoration: St. Ignatius, Bishop & Martyr

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

SEASONAL COLLECTS
According to the season

31 January 2015 - Saint John Bosco, Confessor (Epiphany VI, transferred)

Double – White

Saint John Bosco was born in Piemonte, Kingdom of Sardinia (now Italy), in 1815. He founded the Selesians of Don Bosco to help the young poor and improve educational systems. He was canonized by Pius XI in 1934.

Nota bene: The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany is observed this day with all the privileges of a Sunday according to the rubrics, due to the date of Septuagesima. 

INTROIT III Kings 4.29 

GOD gave to him wisdom and understanding exceeding much and largeness of hearts as the sand that is on the seashore. Ps. 112.1 Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the Name of the Lord. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O GOD, who didst raise up Saint John thy Confessor to be father and teacher of youth, and by him, with the help of the Virgin Mary, didst promote new families in thy Church: grant, we beceech thee, that inflamed by the same fire of love, we may win souls and serve thee alone. Through.

Commemoration: Epiphany VI

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that ever pondering on reasonable things, we may accomplish, both in words and works, that which is pleasing in thy sight. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE Phil 4.4-9

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

GRADUAL Ps. 36.3-6.

Trust in the Lord, and do good, and dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed with its riches. Delight in the Lord, and he will give thee the requests of thy heart; commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will do it.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ps. 73.21. The poor and needy shall praise thy Name. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (18.1-5)

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

OFFERTORY Ps. 33.12

Come, children, hearken to me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

SECRET

ACCEPT, O Lord, the pure oblation of the Host of salvation and grant that loving thee in and above all things, we may worthily live for the praise of thy glory. Through.

Commemoration: Epiphany VI

May this offering O Lord, we beseech thee, cleanse and renew us, guide and protect us. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

COMMUNION Rom. 4.18

Who against hope believed in hope; that he might be made the father of many nations, according to that which was said to him.

POSTCOMMUNION

FILLED with the Sacrament of thy Body and Blood, grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, through the intercession of Saint John, thy Confessor, that we may ever be thankful. Who livest and reignest.

Commemoration: Epiphany VI

Being fed, O Lord, with heavenly delights, we beseech thee, that we may ever hunger after things by which we truly live. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

30 January 2015 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany (Transferred) (Commemoration of St. Martina, Virgin & Martyr)

Semi-double – Green

This mass is said this day, with all the privileges of a Sunday, according to the rubrics due to the date of Septuagesima. 

Saint Martina of Rome, Virgin and Martyr, lived in 3rd century Rome. She openly professed her Christian faith and so was arrested. She was ordered to worship the idols, which she refused. She was tortured and then beheaded. 

INTROIT Ps. 96.7,8

ADORE God, all ye his Angels: Sion heard, and was glad: and the daughters of Juda rejoiced. Ps.96.1. The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

KEEP, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy household in thine unceasing goodness that, as it leans only upon the hope of thy heavenly grace, so it may be always defended by thy protection. Through.

Commemoration of St. Martina, Virgin and Martyr

O God, who among the other marvels of thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the victory of martyrdom: mercifully grant: that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Martina thy Virgin and Martyr, may, by her example draw nearer to thee. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Holy Spirit and Ad Libitum

EPISTLE Col. 3.12-17

BRETHREN, Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience: bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another: even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection: and let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or work, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by Jesus Christ our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 101.16-17

The Gentiles shall fear thy Name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. V.: For the Lord hath built up Sion: and he shall be seen in his glory.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice, let many islands be glad. Alle-luia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (13. 24-30)

AT that time Jesus spoke this parable to the multitudes: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that sowed good seed in his field. But while men were asleep, his enemy came and oversowed cockle among the wheat, and went his way. And when the blade was sprung up and had brought forth fruit, then appeared also the cockle. And the servants of the goodman of the house coming, said to him: Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? Whence then hath it cockle? And he said to them: An enemy hath done this. And the servants said to him: Wilt thou that we go and gather it up? and he said: No, lest perhaps, gathering up the cockle, you root up the wheat also together with it. Suffer both to grow until the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers: Gather up first the cockle and bind it into bundles to burn, but the wheat gather ye into my barn. The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Ps. 117.16-17

The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength: the right hand of the Lord hath exalted me: I shall not die, but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord.

SECRET

WE offer unto thee, O Lord, the sacrifice of propitiation: that thou mayest mercifully absolve us from our sins, and thyself direct our inconstant hearts. Through.

Commemoration of St. Martina, Virgin and Martyr

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

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Holy Spirit and Ad Libitum

COMMUNION Luke 4.22

All wondered at these things which proceeded from the mouth of God.

POSTCOMMUNION

WE beseech thee, O almighty God, that we may obtain the effect of that salvation, whereof we have received the pledge in these mysteries. Through.

Commemoration of St. Martina, Virgin and Martyr

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

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Of the Holy Spirit and Ad Libitum

29 January 2015 - Saint Frances de Sales, Bishop Confessor, & Doctor of the Church (Commemoration of Epiphany IV, transferred)

Double - White

Saint Francis de Sales was the Bishop of Geneva. In shepherding his flock, he was known for his kind, pastoral approach to the religious divisions caused by the Protestant Reformation in the territory of his diocese. He also wrote on spiritual devotion and formation. 

Nota bene: Due to the calendar date of Septuagesima, Epiphany IV is transferred to this day, and the mass is said with all the privileges of a Sunday. 

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, by whose will blessed Francis, thy Confessor and Bishop, became all things unto all men for the salvation of souls: graciously grant, that being filled with the sweetness of thy love, we may by following his counsels, and helped by his merits, attain unto everlasting joys. Through.

Commemoration: Epiphany IV (transferred)

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.

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 medi-tate 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 there-fore 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 Saint Francis, thy Bishop and Doctor, fail us not, O Lord: may it render our offerings acceptable, and ever obtain for us thy pardon. Through.

Commemoration: Epiphany IV (transferred)

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.

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 Francis, thy Bishop and illustrious Doctor, may approach to pray for us, that these thy sacrifices may bring us salvation. Through.




Commemoration: Epiphany IV (transferred)






M




ay thy gifts, O Lord,
detach us from earthly pleasures: and ever renew us with heavenly nourishment. Through.

27 January 2015 - Saint Peter Nolasco, Confessor (Commemoration of St. Agnes (2nd mass)

Double - White

Saint Peter Nolasco is perhaps best known as the founder of the Mercedarians in 1218. That religious order's full name is the Royal and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the Ransom of Captives. The order would seek the rescue of Christians being held captive by the Muslims. 

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 after the example of thine own love didst divinely teach blessed Peter to enrich thy Church with a new offspring for the ransoming of the faithful: grant by his intercession that we may be set free from the bondage of sin, and may rejoice in lasting freedom in our heavenly home. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

O GOD, who year by year dost gladden us with the festival of blessed Agnes, thy Virgin and Martyr, grant, we beseech thee, that as we honor her in this service, we may follow the example of her holy life. 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 chil-dren: in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps. 36.30-31.

The mouth of the just shall medi-tate 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. Alle-luia.

+ 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

IN memory of thy Saints, O Lord, we offer thee the sacrifice of praise, by which we trust to be freed from both present and future evils. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of St. Agnes

WE beseech thee, O Lord, may there descend upon these offerings thine abundant blessing: both mercifully to work our sanctification and to give us joy on this festival of thy Martyrs. 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 who are refreshed by heavenly meat and drink, humbly entreat thee, O our God, that we may be defended by the prayers of him in whose memory we have received them. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of St. Agnes

O LORD, we have received thy holy Sacraments on this annual festival: grant, we beseech thee, that they may confer upon us healing remedies both for this present life and for life eternal. Through.

27 January 2015 - Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church

Double – White

Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church, was Bishop of Constantinople. He was known as an eloquent speaker and for rebuking the abuse of power.

INTROIT Eccl. 15. 5.

IN the midst of the Church he opened his mouth: and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding. 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

WE beseech thee, O Lord, let thy heavenly grace give increase to thy Church, which thou wast pleased to adorn with the glorious merits and the teaching of blessed John Chrysostom, thy Confessor and Bishop. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

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 in-deed 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 Ecclus. 44. 16, 20.

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

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life. 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 Fa-ther 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.

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 Saint John Chrysostom, thy Bishop and Doctor, fail us not, O Lord: may it render our offerings acceptable, and ever obtain for us thy pardon. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

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 Chrysostom, thy Bishop and illustrious Doctor, may approach to pray for us, that these thy sacrifices may bring us salvation. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

26 January 2015 - Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr

Double – Red

Saint Polycarp was born in A.D. 80 and was the Bishop of Smyrna. His captors bound him to a stake and tried to burn him. Yet, the flames would not consume him. So, they stabbed him to death. 

INTROIT Daniel 3. 84, 87.

O YE priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: O ye holy and humble of heart, praise God. 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 Polycarp, thy Martyr and Bishop: mercifully grant that we who celebrate his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE I John 3. 10-16.

MOST dearly beloved: Whosoever is not just, is not of God, nor he that loveth not his brother. For this is the declaration, which you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one, and killed his brother. And wherefore did he kill him? Because his own works were wicked: and his brother's just. Wonder not, brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in himself. In this we have known the charity of God, because he hath laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

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 (10. 26-32)

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

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 mine arm shall strengthen him.

SECRET

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

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

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 Polycarp, thy Martyr and Bishop, may it make us sharers in the heavenly healing. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

25 January 2015 - Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (Epiphany III)

Greater Double – Red

INTROIT II Timothy 1. 12.

I KNOW whom I have believed, and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him, against that day; being a just Judge. 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

O GOD, who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant, we beseech thee, that we who this day celebrate his conversion, may, through his example, draw nearer unto thee.

And under one ending:

COMMEMORATION OF ST. PETER

O GOD, who by delivering to thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, didst confer upon him the pontifical power of binding and of loosing, grant that, by the help of his intercession, we may be delivered from the bonds of our sins: Who livest and reignest.

Commemoration: Third Sunday after Epiphany

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
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE Acts 9. 1-22

IN those days: Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew nigh to Damascus; and suddenly a light from heaven shined round about him. And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And He said: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad. And he trembling and astonished, said: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the city, and there it shall be told thee what thou must do. Now the men who went in company with him, stood amazed, hearing indeed a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus. And he was there three days, without sight, and he did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision: Ananias. And he said: Behold I am here, Lord. And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the street that is called Strait, and seek in the house of Judas, one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold he prayeth. (And he saw a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hands upon him, that he might receive his sight.) But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that invoke thy name. And the Lord said to him: Go thy way; for this man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my Name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus hath sent me, He that appeared to thee in the way as thou camest; that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and rising up, he was baptized. And when he had taken meat, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples that were at Damascus, for some days. And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. And all that heard him, were astonished, and said: Is not this he who persecuted in Jerusalem those that called upon this Name: and came hither for that intent, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests? But Saul increased much more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that this is the Christ.

GRADUAL Gal. 2. 8, 9.

He who wrought Peter to the apostleship, wrought in me also among the Gentiles, and they knew the grace of God which was given to me. V.: The grace of God in me hath not been made void; but his grace always remaineth in me.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: The great Saint Paul, the vessel of election, is indeed worthy to be glorified; who also deserved to possess the twelfth throne. 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. 

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Ps. 138. 17.

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

SECRET

SANCTIFY, O Lord, by the prayers of thine Apostle Paul, the gifts of thy people: that, the things which, as of thine ordaining are already pleasing unto thee, may be made the more pleasing by his interceding patronage. 

And under one ending:

COMMEMORATION OF ST. PETER

MAY the prayer of the blessed Apostle Peter, we beseech thee, O Lord, commend unto thee the petitions and offerings of thy Church: that, what we celebrate in his honor, may avail for our forgiveness. Through.

Commemoration: Third Sunday after Epiphany

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
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

PREFACE: Of the Apostles

COMMUNION Matt. 13. 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 who are sanctified by this saving Mystery, beseech thee, O Lord: that he under whose patronage thou dost vouchsafe to place us, may not fail to pray for us. 

Under one ending:

COMMEMORATION OF ST. PETER

MAY the gift which we have offered, fill us with joy, O Lord: that as we proclain thee wonderful in thine Apostle Peter, so we may through him receive the grace of thy forgiveness. Through.

Commemoration: Third Sunday after Epiphany

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
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

24 January 2015 - Saint Timothy, Bishop and Martyr

Double – Red

Saint Timothy was a disciple of Saint Paul the Apostle. In A.D. 64, he was consecrated the first Bishop of Ephesus by Saint Paul. 

INTROIT Eccles. 45. 30.

THE Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince: that the dignity of the priesthood should be to him forever. Ps. 131.1. O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

LOOK down on our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds beareth us down, may the glorious intercession of blessed Timothy, thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE I Timothy 6. 11-16.

DEARLY beloved, Follow after justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness. Fight the good fight of faith: lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses. I charge thee before God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate, a good confession, that thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in his times he shall show who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, and inhabiteth light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and empire everlasting. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 88. 21-23.

I have found David, my servant: with my holy oil I have anointed him: for my hand shall help him, and mine arm shall strengthen him. V.: The enemy shall have no advantage over him, nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt him.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (14. 26-33)

AT that time, Jesus said to his disciples: If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down, and reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it: lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, about to go to make war against another king, doth not first sit down, and think whether he be able, with ten thousand, to meet him that, with twenty thousand, cometh against him? Or else, whilst the other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple.

OFFERTORY Ps. 88. 25.

My truth and my mercy shall be with him: and in my Name shall his horn be exalted.

SECRET

GRACIOUSLY receive, O Lord, the sacrifice offered to thee by the merits of blessed Timothy, thy Martyr and Bishop, and grant that it may be to us an unfailing help. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

COMMUNION Ps. 88. 36-38.

Once I have sworn by my holiness: his seed shall endure for ever; and his throne as the sun be-fore me, and as the moon perfect for ever: and a faithful witness in heaven.

POSTCOMMUNION

WE, who are refreshed by partaking of thy holy Gift beseech thee, O Lord our God, that through the intercession of blessed Timothy, thy Martyr and Bishop, we may experience fruits of that which we worship. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

23 January 2015 - Saint Raymond de Pennafort, Confessor

Semi-Double - White

Saint Raymond de Pennafort was a Dominican Friar in the 12th century. He was born in Catalonia, Aragon, in modern-day Spain. He played a key role in founding the Mercedarians, otherwise known as the Order of the Blessed Virgin of Mercy or the Royal, Celestial and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy and the Redemption of Captives. Its main role was to secure the ransom of Christian captives in Muslim lands. Though he was appointed as Archbishop of Tarragona, he did not want the honor. He resigned two years after his appointment due to health concerns. He died 6 January 1275 in Barcelona. He was canonized in 1601 by Pope Clement VIII. 

Saint Emerentiana was a 4th century Roman martyr. Shortly after the martyrdom of St. Agnes, for whom Emerentiana's mother had been wet nurse, Emerentiana was seen praying at her tomb. She rebuked the crowd, which then stoned her to death. 

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 GOD, who didst choose blessed Raymund to be eminent as a minister of the Sacrament of Penance and didst lead him in wondrous wise through the waves of the sea: grant that by his intercession we may be able to bring forth worthy fruits of penance and to reach the port of everlasting salvation. Through.

Commemoration: Of St. Emerentiana.

May blessed Emerentiana, thy Virgin and Martyr, we beseech thee, O Lord, obtain pardon for us: both by her chastity and by her confession of thy power, she was ever pleasing to thee. Through.

LESSON Ecclus. 31.8-11.

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. Who is he, and we will praise him? For he hath done wonderful things in his life. 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: therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the Church of the Saints shall declare his alms.

GRADUAL Ps. 91.13,14.

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

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: James 1.12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (12.35-40)

AT that time, Jesus said to his disciples: Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not, the Son of Man will come.

OFFERTORY Ps. 88.25.

My truth and my mercy shall be with him, and in my Name shall his horn be exalted.

SECRET

In memory of thy Saints, O Lord, we offer thee the sacrifice of praise, by which we trust to be freed from both present and future evils. Through.

Commemoration: Of St. Emerentiana.

Graciously receive, O Lord, the offerings consecrated to thee by the merits of blessed Emerentiana, thy Virgin and Martyr, and grant that they may ever bring us help. Through.

COMMUNION Matt. 24.46-47.

Blessed is that servant, whom when his lord cometh he shall find watching: amen I say to you, he shall place him over all his goods.

POSTCOMMUNION

We who are refreshed by heavenly meat and drink, humbly entreat thee, O our God, that we may be defended by the prayers of him in whose memory we have received them. Through.

Commemoration: Of St. Emerentiana.

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

22 January 2015 - Saints Vincent and Anastasius, Martyrs

Semi-Double - Red

INTROIT Ps. 78.11,12,10.

LET the sighings of the prisoners come in before thee, O Lord; render to our neighbors sevenfold in their bosom; revenge the blood of thy Saints, which hath been shed. Ps. 78.1. O God, the heathens are come into thine inheritance; they have defiled thy holy temple: they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O LORD, listen to our supplications: that we who acknowledge the guilt of our sins, may be delivered through the intercession of thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius. Through.

LESSON Wis. 3.1-8.

THE souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery: And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust, he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.

GRADUAL Ex. 15.11, 6.

Glorious is God in his Saints, marvelous in majesty, doing wonders. V.: Thy right hand, O Lord, is magnified in strength: thy right hand hath slain the enemy.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Ecclus. 44.14. The bodies of the Saints are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (21.9-19)

AT that time: Jesus said unto his disciples: when you shall hear of wars and seditions, be not terrified. These things must first come to pass: but the end is not yet presently. Then he said to them: Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be great earthquakes in divers places and pestilences and famines and terrors from heaven: and there shall be great signs. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, dragging you before kings and governors, for my name's sake. And it shall happen unto you for a testimony. Lay it up therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before how you shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to resist and gainsay. And you shall be betrayed by your parents and brethren and kinsmen and friends: and some of you they will put to death. And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head shall not perish. In your patience you shall possess your souls.

OFFERTORY Ps. 67.36.

God is wonderful in his Saints: the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people: blessed be God.

SECRET

WE offer unto thee, O Lord, the gifts of our devotion: may they please thee as honoring thy just ones, and through thy mercy profit us unto salvation. Through.

COMMUNION Wis. 3.4-6.

And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, God hath tried them: as gold in the furnace he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust he hath received them.

POSTCOMMUNION

WE beseech thee, almighty God, that we, who have received this heavenly food, may at the intercession of thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius, thereby be defended against all adversities. Through.

21 January 2015 - Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

Double – Red

Saint Agnes of Rome was a member of the Roman nobility in the 3rd century. Suitors who were rebuffed by her turned her over to the authorities. She was dragged naked to a local brothel, but she was spared violation. She was later tried and condemned to death. She was burned at the stake, but the flames would not consume her. She was then beheaded by a soldier. 

INTROIT Ps. 118. 95, 96.

The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood thy testimonies, O Lord: I have seen an end of all perfection; thy command is exceeding broad. Ps. 118.1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O Almighty and everlasting God, who choosest the weak things of the world to confound the strong: mercifully grant that we who keep the solemn feast of blessed Agnes, thy Virgin and Martyr, may experience the benefit of her pleading with thee. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE 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. 3, 5.

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

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Matt. 25. 4,6. The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps; but 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 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

O Lord, graciously receive the oblations which we offer up to thee; and by the intercession of blessed Agnes, thy Virgin and Martyr, loose the bonds of our sins. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

COMMUNION Matt. 25. 4, 6.

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

POSTCOMMUNION

We who have been refreshed with heavenly food and drink, humbly entreat thee, O our God, that we may be defended by the prayers of her in whose memory we have partaken of these mysteries. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

20 January 2015 - Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr, and Saint Sebastian, Martyr

Double – Red

Saint Fabian was Pope in the early 3rd century. Saint Sebastian was a soldier during the reign of Diocletian. He was shot with arrows by his fellow soldiers for refusing to renounce his belief in Christ. He was then clubbed to death. Saint Fabian died for refusing to renounce the faith when the Roman Emperor wanted an increase of the Pagan religion. 

INTROIT Ps. 78. 11, 12, 10.

LET the sighings of the prisoners come in before thee, O Lord; render to our neighbors sevenfold in their bosom; revenge the blood of thy Saints, which hath been shed. Ps. 78.1. O God, the heathens are come into thine inheritance; they have defiled thy holy temple: they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O ALMIGHTY God, have regard to our weakness: and since the weight of our own evil deeds oppresseth us, may the glorious intercession of thy blessed Martyrs Fabian and Sebastian protect us. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE Heb. 11. 33-39.

BRETHREN, the Saints by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from weakness, became valiant in battle, put to flight the armies of foreigners. Women received their dead raised to life again. But others were racked, not accepting deliverance, that they might find a better resurrection. And others had trial of mockeries and stripes, moreover also of bands and prisons. They were stoned, they were cut asunder, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being in want, distressed, afflicted, of whom the world was not worthy; wandering in deserts, in mountains, and in dens, and in caves of the earth. And all these were found approved by the testimony of faith, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL Ex. 15. 11, 6.

Glorious is God in his Saints, marvelous in majesty, doing wonders. V. Thy right hand, O Lord, is magnified in strength: thy right hand hath slain the enemy.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Ps. 144.10,11. Thy Saints shall bless thee, O Lord; they shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke (6. 17-23)

AT that time, Jesus coming down with them, stood in a plain place, and the company of his disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast both of Tyre and Sidon, who were come to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits, were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch him, for virtue went out from him, and healed all. And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven.

OFFERTORY Ps. 31. 11.

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just; and glory, all ye right of heart.

SECRET

O LORD, graciously receive the offerings consecrated to thee, by the merits of thy blessed Martyrs Fabian and Sebastian, and grant that they may prove to us an abiding source of strength. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

COMMUNION Luke 6. 6, 8, 19.

A multitude of sick, and they that were troubled with unclean spirits, came to him; for virtue went out from him and healed all.

POSTCOMMUNION

WE who are refreshed by the sacred Gifts, of which we have partaken, beseech thee, O Lord our God, that through the intercession of thy holy Martyrs Fabian and Sebastian, we may ever feel within us the power of that which we celebrate. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

19 January 2015 - Saint Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Habbakuk, Martyrs (Commemoration of St. Canute, King and Martyr)

Simple – Red

The martyrs Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Habbakuk were born in Persia. They were tortured and killed for refusing to give up the Christian faith. 

Saint Canute was King of Denmark in the late 11th century. A devout Christian, he was martyred by rebels before the altar at St. Alban's Priory in Albense. . 

INTROIT Ps. 67. 4.

LET the just feast, and rejoice before God: and be delighted with gladness. Ps. 67.2. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: and let them that hate him flee from before his face. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT

O LORD, give ear to thy people, who humbly supplicate thee under the protection of thy Saints, that thou wouldst grant us to enjoy peace in this present life and to find help unto life eternal. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of St. Canute

O GOD, who, for the greater glory of thy Church, wast pleased to adorn blessed Canute the King with the palm of martyrdom and with glorious miracles: mercifully grant that, walking in the footsteps of him who followed our Lord in his sufferings, we may thereby deserve to attain to eternal joys. Through the same.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE Heb. 10. 32-38.

BRETHREN, call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions. And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations, were made a gazing-stock; and on the other, became companions of them that were used in such sort. For you both had compassion on them that were in bands, and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance. Do not therefore lose your confidence, which hath a great reward. For patience is necessary for you; that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise. For yet a little and a very little while, and he that is to come, will come, and will not delay. But my just man liveth by faith.

GRADUAL Wis. 3. 1, 3.

The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. V.: In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: but they are in peace.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Ps. 67.36. God is wonderful in his Saints. Alleluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (24. 3-13)

AT that time, as Jesus was sitting on Mount Olivet, the disciples came to him privately, saying: Tell us when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the consummation of the world? And Jesus answering, said to them: Take heed that no man seduce you. For many will come in my Name saying, I am Christ: and they will seduce many. And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be pestilences, and famines, and earthquakes in places: Now all these are the beginnings of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall put you to death: and you shall be hated by all nations for my Name's sake. And then shall many be scandalized: and shall betray one another: and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold. But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.

OFFERTORY Ps. 123. 7.

Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are delivered.

SECRET

O LORD, have regard to the prayers and offerings of thy faithful people: that they may both be pleasing to thee on the feast-day of thy Saints, and obtain for us the help of thy propitiation. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of St. Canute

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.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

COMMUNION Luke 12. 4.

But I say to you, my friends, be not afraid of those who persecute you.

POSTCOMMUNION

BE appeased, O Lord, by the intercession of thy Saints: and grant, we beseech thee, that what we celebrate by a temporal action, we may receive unto eternal salvation. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of St. Canute

WE who are refreshed by the partaking of thy sacred Gift, beseech thee, O Lord, our God, that through the intercession of blessed Canute, thy Martyr, we may experience the fruits of that which we worship. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

18 January 2015 - Chair of Saint Peter at Rome (Epiphany II and Commemoration of St. Prisca, VM)

Greater Double – White

INTROIT Eccl. 45.30

THE Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and made him a prince, that the dignity of priesthood should be his forever. Ps. 131.1. O Lord, remember David and all his meekness. V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O GOD, thou hast entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to thy blessed Apostle Peter and have given him the power of bishop to bind or to loose. May his intercession free us from the slavery of sin; And under one ending:

COMMEMORATION OF ST. PAUL

O GOD, thou hast instructed many nations through the preaching of the blessed apostle Paul. Let the power of his intercession with thee help us who venerate his memory this day. Through.

Commemoration: Epiphany II

O ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things both in heaven and on earth: mercifully hear the prayers of thy people, and grant us thy peace in our time. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of St. Prisca, Virgin and Martyr

GRANT, we beseech thee, O almighty God, that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Prisca, thy Virgin and Martyr, may both rejoice in her yearly festival and profit by the example of so great a faith. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE I Peter 1.1-7

PETER, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers dispersed through Pontus, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, elect, according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father, unto the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy hath regenerated us unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead: Unto an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled and that cannot fade, reserved in heaven for you, Who, by the power of God, are kept by faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you shalt greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a little time made sorrowful in divers temptations: That the trial of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the fire) may be found unto praise and glory and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

GRADUAL Ps. 106.32; 31

Let them extol him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. V. Let them praise the Lord for his mercies and for his wondrous deeds to the children of men.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Matt. 16.18 Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church. Al-leluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (16.13-19)

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

The Creed is said.

OFFERTORY Matt. 16.18-19

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 thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.

SECRET

O LORD, we offer thee the prayers and sacrifice of thy Church through the intercession of thine Apostle Peter. May this holy mass, which we celebrate in his honor, win pardon for us. And then the following under one ending:

COMMEMORATION OF ST. PAUL

O LORD, sanctify the offerings of thy people through the intercession of the blessed apostle Paul. The sacrifice we offer is already acceptable unto thee because thou didst institute it; may it become even more pleasing to thee through the prayers of thy saint. Through.

Commemoration: Epiphany II

Hallow, O Lord, these our oblations: and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of Saint Prisca

WE beseech thee, O Lord, may this Sacrifice which we offer in commemoration of the heavenly birthday of thy Saints, both loosen the bonds of our iniquity and obtain for us the gifts of thy mercy. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

PREFACE: Of the Apostles

COMMUNION Matt. 16.18

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

POSTCOMMUNION

MAY our offering bring us happiness, O Lord. We praise thee for the wondrous things thou didst accomplish through thine Apostle Peter and ask forgiveness through his intercession. And under one ending:

COMMEMORATION OF ST. PAUL

WE have been made holy by this life-giving Sacrifice, O Lord. May we always be aided by the prayers of thy saint, whom thou didst give us as a protector and a guide. Through.

Commemoration: Epiphany II

May the working of thy power, we beseech thee, O Lord, be increased in us: that quickened by the divine Sacraments, we may be prepared by thy grace to obtain that which they promise. Through.

COMMEMORATION: Of Saint Prisca

WE beseech thee, O Lord, that we who have been fed with these saving Mysteries, may ever be helped by the prayers of her whose festival we are keeping. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

17 January 2015 - Saint Anthony, Abbot

Double – White

Saint Anthony was born around 251 in Egypt. Around the time he turned 18, he decided to become a hermit. He remained in the Nitrian desert for about 13 years. He was opposed by the Devil, who provided many temptations. Anthony resisted them all through prayer. He is often considered the Father of Monks.

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

MAY the intercession of blessed Anthony the Abbot, commend us unto thee, we beseech thee, O Lord: so that what we may not have by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

EPISTLE 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 Luke (12. 35-40)

AT that time, Jesus said to his disciples: Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.

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

MAY the holy Abbot Anthony, we beseech thee, O Lord, obtain by his prayers, that the Sacrifice laid on thy holy altar, may profit us unto salvation. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

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

MAY the pleading of blessed Anthony the Abbot for us, as well as the reception of thy Sacraments, protect us, O Lord, that we may both share in the glory of his works, and receive the help of his intercession. Through.

SEASONAL COLLECTS
Against the Persecutors of the Church and Of the B.V.M.
(As given after 29 December.)

16 January 2015 - St. Marcellus I, Pope and Martyr

Semi-double - Red

Saint Marcellus I reigned as Pope from 308-309, during the time of the Diocletian persecution. It was Marcellus who divided Rome into 25 "tituli," or districts, each headed by a priest. These were the forerunners of the Cardinal Priests of today. Marcellus was martyred as a result of his refusal to renounce his episcopal office and make an offering to the Roman pagan gods. 

INTROIT John. 21. 15-17

SIMON Peter, if thou lovest me, feed my lambs, feed my sheep. Ps. 29.1. I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me: and hast not made mine enemies to rejoice over me. V.: Glory be.

COLLECT
ETERNAL Shepherd, regard graciously thy flock, and keep it with an everlasting protection, by the intecession of Marcellus thy Martyr and Pope. Through.

EPISTLE I Peter 5.1-4, 10-11.

DEARLY Beloved: The ancients that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake but voluntarily: Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eter-nal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you. To him be glory and empire, for ever and ever. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 106.32, 31

Let them exalt him in the church of the people: and praise him in the chair of the ancients. V.: 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. Al-leluia.

+ The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (16.13-19)

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 on 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

BY the offered gifts we beseech thee, O Lord: enlighten kindly thy Church: so that thy flock everywhere may be increasing, and the Shepherds, under thy direction may be pleasing to thy Name. Through.

COMMUNION Matt. 16.18.

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

POSTCOMMUNION

O LORD, we beseech thee, graciously govern thy Church, which thou hast fed with a holy meal; so that, directed by a mighty wisdom, she may progress in liberty, and persist in the integrity of faith. Through.