St. Joseph Calasanctius - August 27

St. Joseph Calasanctius was born in Aragon in 1556. Having become a priest it was revealed to him that he should teach the children of the poor. He founded the Order of the Poor Clerks Regular of the Pious Schools of the Mother of God. He was ever a devout pilgrim at the shrines of the martyrs, and daily visited the seven Churches of Rome, where he lived for fifty years. He died August 25, 1648.

Dom Gueranger, Liturgical Year

You will be the helper of the fatherless; it is that the poor have been left. This word that already had seen the beautiful Venice performed in the person of his noble son Jerome Emilian today fixed the sanctity of another famous person counting among his ancestors the first princes of Navarre, but became more of a lineage strain high in the realm of charity.

God watering the shrubs of the plain as the cedars of Lebanon, because he has all planted neglects point either passerines nor gather into barns: he forget the child, which is better than the birds of the air? Or, nourishing his body, he neglects in his soul which is more, the hungry for the bread of the science of salvation that strengthens the heart of man soul? Alas! In the sixteenth century, who rose to such ruin, it seemed as if the old family man reserves were exhausted. Wonderful probably manifested soon revenge of the Spirit who makes the Saints, who raises the dead by them; but abandoned the resurgent charity which could not suffice, in his zeal too overwhelmed by the thousands of care in the first hour! How many children of all, unlike schools where only the rich had entered, demanded food from the most elementary, the most indispensable to their obligations, their nobility as a son of God, and no one might present to break their bread intelligence!

Happier than many other nations where heresy undermined all social forces, Spain, at its peak, had the hundredfold promised to anyone looking for first the kingdom of God. For a moment she seemed to become the inexhaustible resource of the Lord lately, it was Ignatius she gave to the world; it comes through the precious death of Teresa of Avila, to enrich the sky; today, it is still in abundance that the Spirit uses to raise the opulence of the capital of the Christian world, and provide, under the eyes of the Church mistress and mother, the needs of the humblest of the extended family.

The descendant of Calasanz of Peralta de la Sal, the apostle which the people of Aragon, Catalonia and Castile prepare the highest offices in their grateful admiration, hears ringing in the ear of his soul a mysterious voice: Go to Rome; leave the land of your birth; soon you will appear in the beauty of the heavens which is the companion for you, holy poverty, calling you at this hour to the austere delight of his covenant; will, without knowing the road leads you where I; I will make you the father of a great posterity; I will show you everything he must suffer for my name.

Joseph understood the dignity of his mission as recommended by the holy Doctor during fifty-two years he must live again, nothing will seem to him contemptible or vile in serving the least of this world; nothing will cost him to get by teaching elements of letters, to infuse the children who come to him without fear of the Lord number. Soon, St. Pantaleon, his residence, magpies Schools cover all Italy: and from the sea and the mountains, they spread through Sicily, Spain, while kings and peoples argue they are too few in Moravia, Bohemia, Poland and the Nordic countries.

St. Joseph Calasanctius

Double/ White - Missa “Veníte”

INTROIT: Psalm 33:12

Come, children, harken to me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. (Ps. 33: 2) I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall be ever in my mouth. V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. 

COLLECT

O God, who for the teaching of youth in the spirit of understanding and godliness didst through thy blessed Confessor Saint Joseph vouchsafe to provide thy Church with a new succour: grant, we pray thee; that by his example and intercession we may learn so to do and to teach, that we may be found worthy to attain to the reward of everlasting felicity.  Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

EPISTLE:  Wisdom 10:10-14

Lesson from the Book of Wisdom. 

The Lord conducted the just through the right ways, and showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things; made him honorable in his labors, and accomplished his labors. In the deceit of them that overreached him, He stood by him, and made him honorable. He kept him safe from his enemies, and defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. He forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: He went down with him into the pit, and in bands she left him not, till He brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him; and showed them to be liars that had accused him: and the Lord our God gave him everlasting glory.

GRADUAL:   Psalm 36: 30-31

The mouth of the righteous is exercised in wisdom, and his tongue will be talking of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart, and his goings shall not slide.

ALLELUIA: James 1: 12

Alleluia, alleluia.  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he hath been proven, he shall receive the crown of life.  Alleluia.

GOSPEL:   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:    Psalm 9: 17

The Lord hath heard the desire of the poor: Thy ear hath heard the preparation of their heart.

SECRET

We heap Thine altar, O Lord, with gifts offered to Thee, that they may be made effectual for mercy by his supplication by whose patronage Thou hast granted us to be assisted. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.

PREFACE   Common Preface

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

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

COMMUNION:   Mark 10: 14

Suffer little children to come to Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. 

POSTCOMMUNION

Sanctified by the mystery of salvation, O Lord, we pray that, by the intercession of St. Joseph, Thy confessor, we may ever progress to a greater increase of piety. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, For ever and ever. Amen.

                             

St. Louis IX - August 25

 

                       August 25 

Feast of the Holy King and Confessor St. Louis IX

Born into royalty on April 25, 1214 in Poissy, France, Saint Louis was crowned King of France in 1226 on the death of his father King Louis VIII. He had been raised in a staunch Catholic atmosphere by his mother Blanche of Castile, who became regent upon her husband’s death until her son reached adulthood. The youthful Louis, one of the youngest rulers in French history, weaned on his faith by his mother exemplified his Catholicity throughout his life.

It served him well in his long reign which was frought with great crisis including fending off those who would usurp his throne such as Thibault of Champagne. At the age of 20, Louis married the daughter of the Count of Provence, Margaret Berenger and they populated the royal court with eleven children. At the age of 28 Louis quelled rebellion in the south of France and followed that up by soundly defeating the English and King Henry III at the Battle of Taillebourg. With that accomplished, he turned his attention to bringing all the provinces in line with the king, securing this with victories over Guienne, Poitou and Toulouse.

Satisfied that France was safe, Louis set his sights on his life-long goal to lead the Crusades in liberating the Holy Land in 1248. His ambitions, at first successful with victory over the Saracens at Damietta in 1249 met harsh reality at the Massacre of El Mansura when he was soundly defeated by the infidels. Historians have not been kind to Louis, claiming his crusade was ill-timed and poorly planned, but they overlook the fact Louis was a peacemaker evidence in Louis’ ability to convince his Saracen captors to release him and his troops in order to reach the Holy Land. It was not a cheap gesture as he ransomed many treasures and emptied many a coffer to assure their safety. There in Jerusalem he stayed until 1254 when his beloved mother Blanche died, prompting him to return to France. Always opting for peaceful measures he brought calm to Flanders in 1256 and assured, through the Treaty of Paris with Henry III that the provinces of Anjou, Maine, Normandy, Poitou and Touraine would remain part of France in exchange for Cahors, Limoges and Perigueux as Brit territory. He followed that up with the Treaty of Corbeil in 1258 by giving up Roussillon and Barcelona in order to secure Provence and Languedox from Aragon.

Once a crusader, always a crusader and in 1270 he set out once again on an expedition to the Holy Lands. However he would not reach his promised land this time, succumbing to typhus, as well as his dear son Philip, at Tunis on the North African coast where he died on August 25, 1270 at the age of 56 leaving a legacy of peace and fairness to posterity. His last words were “Into Thy hands I commend my soul.” Throughout his life he forged numerous peace treaties for allies and foes alike. He was a close friend of the great Doctor of the Church Saint Thomas Aquinas and endowed and founded the Sorbonne University as well as building impressive cathedrals drawing on the Gothic theme which flourished during his reign. He was a friend to vassals whom he protected, forbidding fighting between feudal lords and assuring they would not mistreat their subjects. Louis was a master of streamlining government while remaining always true to his word no matter what he said. He built France’s first Naval operations and, despite his defeats in the Holy Land, was considered a master military technician.

But war was only a last resort for this saintly king who desired, above all, peace at home and with his neighbors. He was greatly loved by all who prospered during his glorious reign of 44 years of peaceful coexistence with the other countries of Europe as France gained in prestige and profit through peace. One of his other goals was to reunite the Eastern Church with Rome, calling on the Greek Ambassadors to work with him toward reunion. What might have been never materialized for death deprived history of even greater accomplishments. History, however, cannot deny the fact that Louis, a Franciscan Tertiary, lived his faith and preached through example. In fact, this stately king lived the austerity of a monk, praying daily the Divine Office and attending Daily Mass. He received from the Latin emperor in Constantinople the priceless gift of the authentic Crown of thorns that pressed against Our Lord’s skull. To honor this sacramental relic, Louis built the renowned Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Thirty seven years after his death Pope Boniface VII canonized Louis, who was a champion of both the poor and privileged classes.

Louis was forever a faithful disciple of Christ Crucified, and his life bears witness to the truth that virtue is not always rewarded in this world. Louis was inspired by his zeal for the Faith to attempt the reconquest of the Holy Places sanctified by the blood of the Redeemer, but instead of triumph and victory, he only met with defeat and captivity, and when he was at last ransomed by his people, he brought back to Paris as a symbolic trophy of his campaigns the crown of thorns once worn by Our Savior. The custom of genuflecting at the words in the Credo, et homo factus est, and of making profound reverence at the passage in the Gospels recording the death of Jesus was introduced by this pious king in his own chapel; they are now part of the ordinary ceremonial.

St. Louis IX, King of France, Confessor  Tuesday in the Thirteenth Week after Pentecost

Semi-Double/White          Missa “Os justi”

INTROIT - Psalm 36: 30-31

The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment: the law of his God is in his heart. Be not emulous of evildoers: nor envy them that work iniquity. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

COLLECT

God, Who didst take Thy blessed confessor, Louis, from an earthly throne to the glory of the Heavenly kingdom, by his merits and intercession we beseech Thee that Thou make us to be associates of the King of kings, Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God…

Second Collect for Petitioning the Assistance of All Saints

Defend us, O Lord, we beseech thee, from all dangers both of body and soul: and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all thy Saints, grant us thy saving health and peace; that being defended from all adversities and all false doctrines, thy Church may serve thee in freedom and quietness.

EPISTLE - Ecclesiasticus 10:10-14

Lesson from the Book of Wisdom

The Lord conducted the just through the right ways, and showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things; made him honorable in his labors, and accomplished his labors. In the deceit of them that overreached him, He stood by him, and made him honorable. He kept him safe from his enemies, and defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: she went down with him into the pit, and in bands she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him; and showed them to be liars that had accused him: and the Lord our God gave him everlasting glory.

GRADUAL - Psalm 61: 13,14

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

Psalm 61: 3 To show forth Thy mercy in the morning, and Thy truth in the night. Alleluia. Alleluia. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL - Luke 19: 12-26

At that time Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And calling his ten servants, he gave them ten pounds; and said to them, Trade till I come. But his citizens hated him; and they sent an embassage after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass that he returned, having received the kingdom; and he commanded his servants to be called, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. And the first came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds: and he said to him, Well done, thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a little, thou shalt have power over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds: and he said to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin; for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man; thou takest up what thou didst not lay down, and thou reapest that which thou didst not sow. He saith to him, Out of thy own mouth I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knowest that I was an austere man, taking up what I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow: and why then didst thou not give my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have exacted it with usury? And he said to them that stood by, Take the pound away from him, and give it to him that hath the ten pounds. And they said to Him, Lord, he hath ten pounds. But I say to you, that to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound; and from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken from him.”

OFFERTORY - Psalm 88: 25

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

SECRET

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that as blessed Louis, Thy confessor, spurning the delights of the world, strove only to please Christ, his King, so his prayer may render us acceptable to Thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God…

Secret Prayer for Petitioning the Assistance of All Saints

Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation, and by the power of the Sacrament defend us from all dangers both of body and soul:  granting us in this world the succour of thy grace, and in the world to come life everlasting.

PREFACE - Common Preface

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

SANCTUS, SANCTUS, SANCTUS Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria Tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.

COMMUNION - Matthew 24: 46-47

Blessed is the servant, whom when the Lord shall come, He shall find watching: Amen I say to you, He shall set him over all his goods.

POSTCOMMUNION

O God, Who didst make Thy blessed confessor, Louis, wonderful on earth and glorious in Heaven, constitute him, we beseech Thee, the defender of Thy Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God…

Second Postcommunion for Petitioning the Assistance of All Saints

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the gifts now offered by us in these holy mysteries may evermore cleanse and defend us:  that, at the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all thy Saints; we may be absolved from all our offences and defended against all adversities.

St. Bartholomew, Apostle - Mass Propers

                St. Bartholomew

The Apostle Bartholomew was a Galilean. In the division of the world among the Apostles it fell to his lot to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in hither India. He went thither and preached to those nations the coming of the Lord Jesus, according to the Gospel of St. Matthew. When he had turned many in that province to Jesus Christ, and had endured many toils and woes, he came into the Greater Armenia.

St. Bartholomew, sometimes referred as Nathanael, was said to have been flayed alive before being beheaded. By association with his own fate, his most usual emblem is the flaying-knife. He is regarded as the patron saint of tanners and all who work at skins.

Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He has been identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel),who appears in the Gospel according to John as being introduced to Christ by Philip (who would also become an apostle),[Jn 1:43-51] although most modern commentators reject the identification of Nathanael with Bartholomew

Art and literature

The account of Bartholomew being skinned alive is the most represented in works of art, and consequently Bartholomew is often shown with a large knife, holding his own skin (as in Michelangelo's Last Judgment), or both. In Avezzano, in Abruzzo the image of the Saint who is holding his own skin has become the symbol of the city. Archaeological research has shown that the cult of Saint Bartholomew began in Avezzano, because the previous presence of a temple dedicated to Heracles, which is always represented in the act of holding the skin of the Nemean Lion. There is, therefore, a solid relationship between the two iconographies and the re-semantization of the symbols Heracles/Physical Strength/Hero and Bartholomew/Power of Faith/Hero-Martyr. Bartholomew is also the patron saint of tanners.

 

St Bartholomew from The Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel, Vatican - Michaelangelo

Miracles

Of the many miracles performed by Bartholomew before and after his death, two very popular ones are known by the townsfolk of the small island of Lipari.

The people of Lipari celebrated his feast day annually. The tradition of the people was to take the solid silver and gold statue from inside the Cathedral of St Bartholomew and carry it through the town. On one occasion, when taking the statue down the hill towards the town, it suddenly became very heavy and had to be set down. When the men carrying the statue regained their strength, they lifted it a second time. After another few seconds, it got even heavier. They set it down and attempted once more to pick it up. They managed to lift it but had to put it down one last time. Within seconds, walls further downhill collapsed. If the statue had been able to be lifted, all the towns people would have been killed.

During World War II, the Fascist regime (German/Italian) looked for ways to finance their activities. The order was given to take the silver statue of St Bartholomew and melt it down. The statue was weighed, and it was found to be only a few grams. It was returned to its place in the Cathedral of Lipari. In reality, the statue is made from many kilograms of silver and it is considered a miracle that it was not melted down.

St Bartholomew is credited with many other miracles having to do with the weight of objects.

Tradition

Eusebius of Caesarea's Ecclesiastical History (5:10) states that after the Ascension, Bartholomew went on a missionary tour to India, where he left behind a copy of the Gospel of Matthew. Other traditions record him as serving as a missionary in Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Parthia, and Lycaonia. Popular traditions and legends say that Bartholomew preached the Gospel in India, then went to Greater Armenia.

Roman Breviary - Matins

We ourselves are fools because of Christ; but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak and you are strong, you are honored, but we are despised. Until that time we both hunger and thirst, we are naked, torn with fists, and we have no fixed abode. We toil, working with our hands; they cursed us, and we bless; we are persecuted, we endure and; blasphemy on us, and we pray; we have become so far as the garbage of the world, and rejected all the filth. It is not to give you the confusion as I write this, but to admonish you as my beloved son. For, had you ten thousand teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers; it was I who, through the gospel, you have begotten in Christ.

When you are brought before kings and governors, do not think how or what you should say:  

You will be given indeed, at that very hour what you will say.

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Monday - Thirteenth Week after Pentecost

                St Bartholomew, Apostle

Double of the Second Class – Red Vestments

                     Missa 'Mihi Autem'

INTROIT: Psalm 138: 17

Mihi autem nimis honorati sunt amici tui, Deus: nimis confortatus est principatus eorum. Ps. Domine, probasti me, et cognovisti me: tu cognovisti sessionem meam, et resurrectionem meam. Gloria Patri

To me Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honorable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened.

Psalm 138: 1-2 Lord, Thou hast proved me, and known me; Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up. v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

COLLECT

Almighty, eternal God, Who hast bestowed on us the august and holy joy of this day by the festival of Thy blessed apostle Bartholomew, grant unto Thy Church, we beseech Thee, both to love what he believed and to preach what he taught. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God.

EPISTLE - I Corinthians 12: 27-31

Lesson from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians. Brethren, you are the body of Christ, and members of member. And God indeed hath set some in the Church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors, after that miracles, then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But be ye zealous for the better gifts.

GRADUAL - Psalm 44: 17,18

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

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Thee, the glorious choir of the apostles doth praise, O Lord. Alleluia.

GOSPEL - Luke 6: 12-19

At that time, Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and He passed the whole night in the prayer of God: and when day was come, He called unto Him His disciples; and He chose twelve of them (whom also He named apostles), Simon whom He surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes, and Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor. And coming down with them, He 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 seacoast, 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.

OFFERTORY - Psalm 138: 17

To me Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly, honorable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened.

SECRET

Commemorating the feast of Thy blessed apostle Bartholomew, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may obtain Thy blessings by his aid for whom we immolate sacrifices of praise to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God.

PREFACE OF THE APOSTLES

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, to entreat Thee humbly, O Lord, that Thou woulds not desert Thy flock. O everlasting Shepherd; but through Thy blessed Apostles, wouldst keep it under Thy constant protection; that it may be governed by those same rulers, whom as vicars of Thy work, Thou didst set over it to be its pastors. And therefore with Angels and Archangesl, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of The glory, evermore saying:

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

COMMUNION - Matthew 19: 28

You who have followed Me shall sit on seats judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Saith the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION

May the pledge of everlasting redemption, which we have received, O Lord, be unto us, we beseech Thee, by the intercession of blessed Bartholomew Thine Apostle, an aid alike for the present and the future life. Through our Lord.

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

 

Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost with a Commemoration of St. Philip Benizi, Confessor 

           Semi-Double/Green   

       Missa “Réspice, Dómine”

“Arise, go thy way for thy faith hath made thee whole.”

The liturgy for the Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost shows us that by faith we put all our hope in Jesus, for He is our Refuge and we ask for the virtue of charity, which renders us lovers of the divine law and practitioners of it. Let us pray for an increase of faith, hope and charity.

The Collect which prays for an increase of this – faith, hope and charity – re-echoes the teaching of the Apostle in the Epistle and that of the Master in the Gospel. The Jews wanted to impose the Mosaic law on Christians; St Paul shows to the Galatians that it is not this law which gives holiness to souls, since, before the law, Abraham, father of the Jewish people, was sanctified by his faith in Jesus. All those, therefore, Jews or pagans, who enter into the Church and put their faith in the merits of the Passion of Christ will be saved.

 Our Divine Savior indeed heals all the lepers, Jews or Samaritans, who have recourse to Him. ” Arise,” said Jesus to the latter, ” thy faith hath made thee whole.” It is He Who, through His Church, gives back health to the souls of those, whether Jews or Gentiles, who come to Him, By faith we put in Jesus all our hope (Offertory) for He is our refuge (Alleluia) and we ask for the virtue of charity which makes us love the divine law (Collect) and makes us practice it (Postcommunion).

Statue of Philip Benizi on the Charles Bridge, Prague

St. Philip Benizi

Philip Benizi - (August 15, 1233 – August 22, 1285) was a general superior of the Order of the Servites, and credited with reviving the order. Pope Leo X had beatified him in 1516; and Pope Clement X canonized him as a saint in 1671.

Philip Benizi was born on August 15 in the Florentine district of Oltrarno, the day the Blessed Virgin first appeared to the Seven Founders. He became the great propagator of the Order of the Servants of Mary (the Servites). When he was elected the general superior on June 5, 1267, the order, which had long been the object of attack from enemies, entered into the crisis of its existence. The Second Council of Lyons in 1274 put into execution the ordinance of the Fourth Lateran Council, forbidding the foundation of new religious orders, and absolutely suppressing all mendicant institutions not yet approved by the Holy See. In 1276 Pope Innocent V, in a letter addressed to Philip, declared the order suppressed. 

     Philip then proceeded to Rome, but before his arrival there, Innocent V had died. The city of Forlì was part of the Papal States and, in 1283, the site of strong anti-papal sentiment was placed under interdict. Pope Martin V asked Philip to go to Forlì and try to reconcile the divided city. Eighteen-year-old Peregrine Laziosi (Latiosi), the son of a Ghibelline leader, was among those abusive towards Philip. However Philip's meeting with the initially antagonistic Peregrine helped the young man later decide to join the Servite order. 

    Saint Peregrine was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. Philip died on August 22, 1285, during the Octave of the Assumption at Todi, where he is buried.

Réspice, Dómine, in testaméntum tuum, et ánimas páuperum tuórum ne derelínquas in finem: exsúrge, Dómine, et júdica causam tuam: et ne obliviscáris voces quæréntium te. Ps. 73:1 Ut quid, Deus, repulisti in finem, irátus est furor tuus super oves páscuæ tuae? v. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

Réspice, Dómine…

INTROIT:   Psalm 54: 17-18, 20, 23

Have regard, O Lord, to Thy covenant, and forsake not to the end the souls of Thy poor: arise, O Lord, and judge Thy cause, and forget not the voices of them that seek Thee. (Ps. 73: 1) O God, why hast Thou cast us off unto the end: why is Thy wrath enkindled against the sheep of Thy pasture? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Have regard, O Lord…

COLLECT

Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of Faith, Hope and Charity: and that we may deserve to obtain what Thou dost promise, make us to love that which Thou dost command. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever.

COLLECT - Commemoration of Philip Benizi, Confessor

O God, Who through St. Philip, Your Confessor, gave us an outstanding example of humility, grant that Your household may follow his example by scorning worldly prosperity and ever seeking the things of heaven. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Collect for the Intercession of the Saints

Defend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all dangers of mind and body: and through the intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary, ever Virgin, mother of God, of St Joseph, of Thy holy apostles, Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy loving-kindness grant us safety and peace; that, all adversities and errors being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever.

EPISTLE - Galatians 3: 16-22

Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians.

Brethren, To Abraham were the promises made and to his seed. He saith not:” And to his seeds, “as of many but as of one: “And to Thy seed,” which is Christ. Now this I say, that the testament which was confirmed by God, the law which was made after four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul to make the promise of no effect.For if the inheritance be of the law it is no more of promise. But God gave it to Abraham by promise. Why then was the law? It was set because of transgressions until the seed should come, to whom He made the promise, being ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not of one: but God is one. Was the law then against the promises of God? God forbid. For if there had been a law given, which could give life, verily justice should have been by the law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Thanks be to God.

GRADUAL:  Psalm 73: 20, 19, 22

Have regard, O Lord, to Thy covenant, and forsake not to the end the souls of Thy poor: Arise O Lord, and judge Thy cause: remember the reproach of Thy servants.

ALLELUIA: Psalm 89: 1

O Lord Thou hast been our refuge, from generation to generation. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL: Luke 17: 11-19

At that time, as Jesus was going to Jerusalem, He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee: and as He entered into a certain town, there met Him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off, and lifted up their voice, saying: Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. Whom when He saw, He said: “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were made clean. And one of them, when he saw that he was made clean, went back, with a loud voice glorifying God: and he fell on his face before His feet, giving thanks: and this was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said: “Were not ten made clean? And where are the nine? There is no one found to return, and give glory to God, but this stranger.” And He said to him: “Arise, go thy way for thy faith hath made thee whole.” Laus tibi Christe

OFFERTORY:    Psalm 30: 15

In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped: I said, Thou art my God, my times are in Thy hands.

SECRET

Look graciously, O Lord, upon Thy people: graciously look upon our gifts,that, being appeased by this offering, Thou mayest both grant us pardon, and give us what we ask. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God…

The Presentation in the Temple, with St Philip Benizi on the left and St. Pellegrino Laziosi (Latiosi) on the right - Filippo Lippi

SECRET - Commemoration of Philip Benizi, Confessor

Grant us, we beseech You, almighty God, that the offering of our lowliness may be pleasing to You in honor of Your Saints and may purify us in both body and mind.

Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord

SECRET- for the Intercession of the Saints

Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour, and, by virtue of this Sacrament, defend us from all enemies of soul and body, bestowing upon us Thy grace here and Thy glory hereafter. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.

PREFACE OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, ever-lasting God: Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, are one God, one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty may be adored. Which the Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim do praise: who cease not daily to cry out with one voice saying:

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

COMMUNION - Wisdom 16: 20

Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from Heaven, having in it all that is delicious, and the sweetness of every taste.

POSTCOMMUNION

We who have received the heavenly Sacraments, beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may increasingly advance towards eternal redemption. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God…

POSTCOMMUNION - Commemoration of Philip Benizi, Confessor

We pray You, almighty God, that we who have received heavenly nourishment may thereby, through the intercession of blessed Philip, Your Confessor, be sustained against all harm and danger. Through Jesus Christ.

Postcommunion for the Intercession of the Saints

May the gift of this Divine Sacrament which we have offered, cleanse us and defend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, of St. Joseph, of Thy holy apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, free us from all iniquity and deliver us from all adversity. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God.