Monday, 31 December, 2007
7th DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS (II)

Collect (from The Third Mass of Christmas): Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Don in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
(Epistle and Gospel from The Second Mass of Christmas)
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 2:11-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:15-20.

ST. SYLVESTER I, Pope and Confessor (Comm.)
“Under the pontificate of this holy Pope – Saint Sylvester (314-335) – the Church, after three hundred years of persecution, begins to enjoy liberty, and spreads in the Roman Empire; and the Council of Nicaea (325) established against the heretic Arius the doctrine of the eternal Divinity of the Saviour.”

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Sunday, 30 December, 2007
SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD (I)
"The sacred Liturgy, in revealing to us the supernatural Sonship of our Lord Jesus Christ, which affects our souls more especially at this time of Christmas, makes the Divinity under the aspect of Fatherhood resplendent in our eyes."

Collect: O almighty and everlasting God, direct our actions according to Thy good pleasure; that in the Name of Thy beloved Son we may deserve to abound in good works: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Galatians 4:1-7
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 2:33-40

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Feast days of the week 30 December, A.D. 2007 - 5 January, A.D. 2007 (1962 liturgical calendar).

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION).[1]

II. CHRISTMASTIDE (from the Vigil of the Nativity [December 24] through the Baptism of Our Lord [January 13]).

Sunday, 30 December, 2007
SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD (I)
"The sacred Liturgy, in revealing to us the supernatural Sonship of our Lord Jesus Christ, which affects our souls more especially at this time of Christmas, makes the Divinity under the aspect of Fatherhood resplendent in our eyes."

Collect: O almighty and everlasting God, direct our actions according to Thy good pleasure; that in the Name of Thy beloved Son we may deserve to abound in good works: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Galatians 4:1-7
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 2:33-40

Monday, 31 December, 2007
7th DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS (II)

Collect (from The Third Mass of Christmas): Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Don in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
(Epistle and Gospel from The Second Mass of Christmas)
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 2:11-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:15-20.

ST. SYLVESTER I, Pope and Confessor (Comm.)
“Under the pontificate of this holy Pope – Saint Sylvester (314-335) – the Church, after three hundred years of persecution, begins to enjoy liberty, and spreads in the Roman Empire; and the Council of Nicaea (325) established against the heretic Arius the doctrine of the eternal Divinity of the Saviour.”

Tuesday, 1 January, 2008
OCTAVE-DAY OF THE NATIVITY (II)
Holy Day of Obligation.
"In the Old Law, by the Rite of Circumcision, every male Jew became a member and shared in the privileges and blessings of the chosen people of God. A Jew who failed to be initiated by the ceremony was excluded. Our Lord was Son of God by nature, and absolutely sinless, and therefore did not need adoption into the membership of God's children. Yet, He submitted to the law. The Church also honours on this day the holy Name of Jesus, given to the Divine Child at the Circumcision, and the Divine Maternity of Our Lady."


Collect: O God, who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord: Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle (from The First Mass of Christmas): Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 3:4,7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:21.

Wednesday, 2 January, 2008
THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS (II)
"This Feast is kept on the First Sunday of the year; but if this Sunday falls on Jan. 1st, 6th, or 7th, the Feast is kept on Jan. 2nd. Its origin is traced to the sixteenth century, when it was celebrated by the Franciscan Order. In 1721 Pope Innocent XIII made the keeping of this solemnity universal. The Name Jesus, i.e. the Saviour of the world, was brought by the Angel Gabriel from God, "For He shall save His people from their sins."

Collect: O God, who didst constitute Thine only-begotten Son the Saviour of mankind, and didst bid Him to be called Jesus: mercifully grant, that we who venerate His holy Name on earth, may fully enjoy also the vision of Him in heaven. Through same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: Acts of the Apostles, 4:8-12
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 2:21

Thursday, 3 January, 2008
FERIAS (IV)

Collect: O God, who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord: Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle (from The First Mass of Christmas): Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 3:4,7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:21.

Friday, 4 January, 2008
First Friday
FERIAS (IV)

Collect: O God, who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord: Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle (from The First Mass of Christmas): Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 3:4,7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:21.

Saturday, 5 January, 2008
First Saturday
OUR LADY ON SATURDAYS (IV)

Collect: O God, who wast pleased that, at the message of an Angel, Thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us Thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through same Jesus Christ, Thy Son Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 7:10-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-38.

ST. TELESPHORUS, Pope and Martyr (d. 137; Comm.)


[1] Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Saturday, 29 December, 2007
5th Day in the octave of Christmas (II)

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Don in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 3:4,7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:15-20.

St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
England and Wales
"Saint Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, is the Martyr of the liberties of the Church, in the XIIth century. Henry II, king of England, wished him to sanction customs contrary to the liberties of the Church. St. Thomas knew that to make this divine society subservient to the secular power, would be to violate her very constitution, and therefore as Bishop he would willingly suffer death in defence of the Church of Christ. He was slain in his cathedral by the King’s soldiers on December 29th, 1170."

Collect: O God, for the sake of whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell by the sword of ungodly men: grant, we beseech Thee, that all who implore his aid, may obtain the good fruit of their petition. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 5:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 10:11-16.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Friday, 28 December, 2007
4th Day in the octave of Christmas (II)
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
“It is because Herod believed the words of the Magi and of the high priests whom he consulted that he sees a rival in the Infant of Bethlehem and with jealousy pursues the Child, born King of the Jews. It is this God-King that the Innocents by dying confess. Their passion is the exultation of Christ.”

Collect: O God, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying: destroy in us all the evils of sin, that our life also may proclaim by deeds Thy faith which our tongue professes. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of the Apocalypse of the Bl. Apostle John, 14:1-5.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 2:13-18.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Thursday, 27 December, 2007
3rd Day in the octave of Christmas (II)
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
"St John is the virgin Apostle, crowned with the halo of those who knew how to conquer their flesh; for this reason he became ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved.’ Thanks to his angelic purity, he imbibed that wholesome wisdom of which the Epistle of the Mass speaks and which has given to him the halo of the Doctors. Finally he received the halo of the Martyrs, since he barely escaped a violent death. It is to St. John, who wrote a Gospel, three Epistles and the Apocalypse, that we owe the most beautiful pages on the Divinity of the Word made flesh, and it is for this reason that the virgin Apostle is symbolised by the eagle. His name is mentioned with the other Apostles’ names in the Canon of the Mass. St. John the Evangelist departed this life at Ephesus (d.101).”

Collect: Of Thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon Thy Church, that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, Thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain to everlasting gifts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 15:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 21:19-24.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Wednesday, 26 December, 2007
2nd Day in the octave of Christmas (II)
St. Stephen, First Martyr
“Stephen, one of the seven Deacons, chosen by the Apostles amongst the most pious and holy disciples, to help them, received from them the mission to organize the meals where the poor were fed in common. St. Stephen was renowned for his virtues and worked such great signs and wonders among the people that the Jews from five different synagogues became alarmed and summoned him before the Sanhedrin. The Jews stoned this holy Deacon, who invoked our Lord, saying: ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit... Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.’ (died 36) His name is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass.”

Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so to imitate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies: for we celebrate the heavenly Birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Acts of the Apostles, 6:8-10, 27, 54-59.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 23:34-39.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Tuesday, 25 December, 2007
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD or CHRISTMAS DAY (I)
"The Feast of the Birth of our Lord. Formerly the Masses for this day were celebrated at intervals; that is, at midnight, at dawn, and in the day time – a custom still observed in Cathedrals, monastic communities, and many parish churches. They are said always in the order in which they are arranged in the Missal, namely: 1. the Midnight Mass, 2. the Mass of the Dawn, 3. the Mass of the Day; even though the times at which they are said do not correspond to their titles.”

FIRST MASS: AT MIDNIGHT
“The Midnight Mass especially recalls the temporal birth of Jesus.”

Collect: O God, who hast made this most holy night shine forth with the splendour of the true Light: grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who have known the mysteries of His light on earth, may enjoy also His happiness in heaven: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 2:11-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:1-14.

SECOND MASS: AT DAWN
“The Mass at Dawn especially recalls the spiritual birth of Jesus in our souls.”

Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we on whom the new light of Thine Incarnate Word is poured, may show forth in our works that brightness, which now doth illuminate our minds by faith. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 3:4,7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:15-20.

THIRD MASS: DURING THE DAYTIME
“This Third Mass during the Daytime recalls especially the eternal generation of Jesus.”

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Don in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 1:1-12.
Gospel: The holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:1-18.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Notes from the Roman Missal (1962): Christmastide (The Christmas Cycle)

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION). [i]

II. CHRISTMASTIDE (from the Vigil of the Nativity [December 24] through the Baptism of Our Lord [January 13]).

During the Season of Advent we longed for the coming of Christ. In Christmastide we experience the joy of His coming into the world. The Church is full of the Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ. Jesus as God, begotten of the substance of the Father before all the ages and born of the substance of His Mother in the world, is given to us. ‘And His Name shall be called the Angel of Great Counsel.’

By the union of our souls with Jesus born to human life, we are born to the divine life. ‘As many as receive Him He gave them power to be made Sons of God.’ (St. John)

In the birth of Jesus we learn to know God as His Father: ‘All things are delivered to Me by My Father. And no one knoweth the Father but the Son and he whom it shall please the Son to reveal Him.’ (St. Matthew)

During Christmastide, the liturgy shows us the Messias as the Son of God, clothed with humanity, glorified by the humble surprised shepherds, and adored by the Magi from the East. Let us fall down before the Child and bless God, for the birth of Jesus is the beginning of our Redemption through grace to the supernatural life.

Christmas is the only day of the year which keeps the custom of celebrating its Feast at midnight. At this hour we call to mind that Mary in her spotless virginity gave to the world its Saviour. In the midst of the darkness, the Light was born. Therefore the Church celebrates Christmas on December 25, the time of the year when the days begin to lengthen. The custom of having three Masses originated in Jerusalem. A Mass was said in Bethlehem at a very early hour in the morning. Later a second Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem. About midday a third Mass was celebrated. Each of the three Masses has its identifying characteristics. The Midnight Mass celebrates the birth of Jesus, the Mass at dawn commemorates the adoration of the shepherds, the daytime Mass celebrates the eternal generation of the Word and the dignity of the Son of God.

Whereas Advent is the season of the ‘absence of Jesus,’ Christmastide is a season of great joy in our possession of the Saviour. Eight days after Christmas the Church celebrates the Circumcision of Jesus. On January 6, she commemorates the adoration of Jesus by the Magi (Epiphany), and Christmastide closes eight days later.

[i] Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

II. CHRISTMASTIDE (from the Vigil of the Nativity [December 24] through the Baptism of Our Lord [January 13]).

Monday, 24 December, 2007
VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD or CHRISTMAS EVE (I)
Day of Fast (Traditional)
Collect: O God, Who dost gladden us by the yearly expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now joyfully receive Thine only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also without fear behold Him coming as our Judge, even the same Lord Jesus Christ: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 1:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 1:18-21.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Feast days of the week 23-29 December, A.D. 2007 (1962 liturgical calendar).

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION).[1]

I. SEASON OF ADVENT

Sunday, 23 December, 2007
Fourth Sunday of Advent (I)

Collect: O Lord, we beseech Thee, stir up Thy power, and come, and with great might succour us: that by the help of Thy grace that which is hindered by our sins may be hastened by Thy merciful forgiveness: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 4:1-5.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 3:1-6.



II. CHRISTMASTIDE (from the Vigil of the Nativity [December 24] through the Baptism of Our Lord [January 13]).

Monday, 24 December, 2007
VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD or CHRISTMAS EVE (I)
Day of Fast (Traditional)
Collect: O God, Who dost gladden us by the yearly expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now joyfully receive Thine only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also without fear behold Him coming as our Judge, even the same Lord Jesus Christ: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 1:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 1:18-21.

Tuesday, 25 December, 2007
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD or CHRISTMAS DAY (I)
"The Feast of the Birth of our Lord. Formerly the Masses for this day were celebrated at intervals; that is, at midnight, at dawn, and in the day time – a custom still observed in Cathedrals, monastic communities, and many parish churches. They are said always in the order in which they are arranged in the Missal, namely: 1. the Midnight Mass, 2. the Mass of the Dawn, 3. the Mass of the Day; even though the times at which they are said do not correspond to their titles.”

FIRST MASS: AT MIDNIGHT
“The Midnight Mass especially recalls the temporal birth of Jesus.”

Collect: O God, who hast made this most holy night shine forth with the splendour of the true Light: grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who have known the mysteries of His light on earth, may enjoy also His happiness in heaven: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 2:11-15.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:1-14.

SECOND MASS: AT DAWN
“The Mass at Dawn especially recalls the spiritual birth of Jesus in our souls.”

Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we on whom the new light of Thine Incarnate Word is poured, may show forth in our works that brightness, which now doth illuminate our minds by faith. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 3:4,7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:15-20.

THIRD MASS: DURING THE DAYTIME
“This Third Mass during the Daytime recalls especially the eternal generation of Jesus.”

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Don in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 1:1-12.
Gospel: The holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:1-18.


Wednesday, 26 December, 2007
2nd Day in the octave of Christmas (II)
St. Stephen, First Martyr
“Stephen, one of the seven Deacons, chosen by the Apostles amongst the most pious and holy disciples, to help them, received from them the mission to organize the meals where the poor were fed in common. St. Stephen was renowned for his virtues and worked such great signs and wonders among the people that the Jews from five different synagogues became alarmed and summoned him before the Sanhedrin. The Jews stoned this holy Deacon, who invoked our Lord, saying: ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit... Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.’ (died 36) His name is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass.”

Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so to imitate what we revere, that we may learn to love even our enemies: for we celebrate the heavenly Birthday of him who knew how to pray for his very persecutors to our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Acts of the Apostles, 6:8-10, 27, 54-59.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 23:34-39.

Thursday, 27 December, 2007
3rd Day in the octave of Christmas (II)
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
"St John is the virgin Apostle, crowned with the halo of those who knew how to conquer their flesh; for this reason he became ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved.’ Thanks to his angelic purity, he imbibed that wholesome wisdom of which the Epistle of the Mass speaks and which has given to him the halo of the Doctors. Finally he received the halo of the Martyrs, since he barely escaped a violent death. It is to St. John, who wrote a Gospel, three Epistles and the Apocalypse, that we owe the most beautiful pages on the Divinity of the Word made flesh, and it is for this reason that the virgin Apostle is symbolised by the eagle. His name is mentioned with the other Apostles’ names in the Canon of the Mass. St. John the Evangelist departed this life at Ephesus (d.101).”

Collect: Of Thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon Thy Church, that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, Thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain to everlasting gifts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 15:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 21:19-24.

Friday, 28 December, 2007
4th Day in the octave of Christmas (II)
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
“It is because Herod believed the words of the Magi and of the high priests whom he consulted that he sees a rival in the Infant of Bethlehem and with jealousy pursues the Child, born King of the Jews. It is this God-King that the Innocents by dying confess. Their passion is the exultation of Christ.”

Collect: O God, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying: destroy in us all the evils of sin, that our life also may proclaim by deeds Thy faith which our tongue professes. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of the Apocalypse of the Bl. Apostle John, 14:1-5.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 2:13-18.

Saturday, 29 December, 2007
5th Day in the octave of Christmas (II)

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Don in the flesh may set us free, who are held by the bondage under the yoke of sin. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to Titus, 3:4,7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:15-20.

St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
England and Wales
"Saint Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, is the Martyr of the liberties of the Church, in the XIIth century. Henry II, king of England, wished him to sanction customs contrary to the liberties of the Church. St. Thomas knew that to make this divine society subservient to the secular power, would be to violate her very constitution, and therefore as Bishop he would willingly suffer death in defence of the Church of Christ. He was slain in his cathedral by the King’s soldiers on December 29th, 1170."

Collect: O God, for the sake of whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell by the sword of ungodly men: grant, we beseech Thee, that all who implore his aid, may obtain the good fruit of their petition. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 5:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 10:11-16.

[1] Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Saturday, 22 December, 2007
Ember Saturday in Advent (II)
Day of Fast (traditional).

Collect: O God, who seest that we are afflicted because of our iniquity, mercifullay grant that we may be comforted by Thy visitation: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 19:20-22.

Second Collect: O God, who didst deaden the flames of fire for the three children: mercifully grant that the flame of vice may not consume us Thy servants. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, 2:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 3:1-6.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Friday, 21 December, 2007
Ember Friday in Advent (II)
Day of Fast (traditional).

Collect: Stir up Thy might, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that they who trust in Thy loving kindness may be the more speedily freed from all adversity: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 11:1-5.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:37-47.

St. Thomas, Apostle (III)
“St. Thomas doubted the Lord’s Resurrection. But invited by our Lord to place his fingers into the Holy Wounds, he passed suddenly from incredulity to ardent faith, exclaiming: ‘My lord and my God!’ He became one of the greatest Apostolic missionaries and died in India in the first century.”

Collect: Give us, Lord, we beseech Thee, a share in the glory of today’s festival of Thy blessed Apostle Thomas: and grant that we may be uplifted by his patronage and drawn with fitting devotion to equal him in faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians, 2:19-22.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 20:19-31.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Thursday, 20 December, 2007
Ferial (III)
"On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penance: the coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Saviour, ‘The Saviour’, he says to them, ‘lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly.’ Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and penance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with what the Church wishes our souls to possess at the approach of the Saviour.”

Collect: Incline thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 4:4-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:19-28.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

ACOG on abortion and conscience

"In the provision of reproductive services, the patient's well being must be paramount. Any conscientious refusal that conflicts with a patient's well being should be accommodated only if the primary duty to the patient can be fulfilled." (from ACOG Comm. Opinion #385)

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) is arguably one of the most powerful and authoritative pro-abortion forces out there. Their November, 2007 Committee Opinion linked below is the most recent of a series of salvo's in the medical/culture war, and follows the general theme that the ACOG and other medical establishments have been developing for some years now: First, redefine abortion as part of "standard medical practice". (This is similar to the tactic of redefining the beginning of pregnancy as implantation rather than conception.) Second, redefine conscience as "the private, constant, ethically attuned part of human character"; essentially, private opinion, as opposed to awareness of the natural law. Thirdly, state that a physician does not have the right to refuse to provide "standard medical practice" (abortion) because of "conscience" (private opinion).

Just thought you'd like to know. Enjoy the read.

ACOG Committee Opinion No. 385 November 2007: the limits of conscientious refusal in reproductive medicine. in Obstetrics & Gynecology 2007 Nov;110(5):1203-8

Notes from the Roman Missal (1962): The Ember Fasts

THE EMBER FASTS. [i]

At the beginning of the four seasons of the Ecclesiastical Year, the Ember Days have been instituted by the Church to thank God for blessings obtained during the past year and to implore further graces for the new season. Their importance in the Church was formerly very great. They are fixed on the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: after the First Sunday of Lent for Spring, after Whitsunday for Summer, after the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross (14th September) for Autumn, and after the Third Sunday of Advent for Winter. They are intended also to consecrate to God the various seasons in nature, and to prepare by penance those who are about to be ordained. Ordinations generally take place on the Ember Days. The faithful ought to pray on these days for good priests. The Ember Days were once fast days of obligation.




[i] Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Wednesday, 19 December, 2007
Ember Wednesday in Advent (II)
Day of Fast (traditional).
“On the Wednesday of Ember week in Advent, the Mystery of the Annunciation is commemorated by many Churches. The Mass is sung early in the morning. That Mass is sometimes called the Golden Mass, Rorate Mass, or Messias Mass. On that occasion the Church is lit up, as a token that the world was still in darkness when the Light of the world appeared. The Mass is called the Golden Mass possibly because in the Middle Ages the whole of the Mass or at least the initial letters were written in gold, or on account of the golden magnificence of the solemnity, or more probably on account of the special, great, ‘golden’ grace which, at that time, is obtained by the numerous prayers. It is called Rorate Mass after the first words of the Introit of the Mass: Rorate Caeli (‘Drop down dew, ye heavens’); and Messias Mass because the Church, like Our lady, expresses on that day her longing for the arrival of the Messias.”

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the coming solemnity of our redemption may both confer upon us assistance in this present life and bestow the rewards of everlasting blessedness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 2:2-5.

Second Collect: Hasten, we beseech Thee, O Lord, tarry not: and grant us the help of Thy heavenly power, that they who trust in Thy loving kindness may also be relieved by the consolations of Thy coming: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 7:10-15
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-38.

Why 1962?

Why is the Missal of 1962 important?

"The traditional liturgy in fact gives acute expression to the Sacrifice of the Cross made present on the altar, orients the soul toward God, and witnesses our adoration of His Real Presence."
(From, "The Liturgy of 1962").

I have tried, in my own dumb way, to answer this question, but I think the answer given by The Priestly Fraternity of St. Petter (FSSP) in their short note, "The Liturgy of 1962" is far better. It certainly carries more authority.

Sites for Christmas carols

There's a zillion sites out there for Christmas Carols. Here's a few I found useful:

Christmas Carols UK
Traditional Christmas Carols
Traditional Christmas Music & Carols (Songs with sheet music, chords, lyrics & midis)

Tuesday, 18 December, 2007
Ferial (III)
"On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penance: the coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Saviour, ‘The Saviour’, he says to them, ‘lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly.’ Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and penance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with what the Church wishes our souls to possess at the approach of the Saviour.”

Collect: Incline thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 4:4-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:19-28.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Gardasil's a money-maker!

An interesting observation, to be found towards the bottom of this article from MarketWatch:

"Gardasil has been somewhat controversial, as some parents are uncomfortable with giving pre-teens a vaccine to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
But in the third quarter, Gardasil generated revenue of $418 million, roughly a third of the Whitehouse Station, N.J., company's sales from vaccines."

Doctrinal Note on some Aspects of Evangelization from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith December 14, 2007. Available at Papal Encyclicals Online, and, as always, thanks to Rorate caeli.

More on Designer Babies

Monday, 17 December, 2007
Ferial (III)
"On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penance: the coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Saviour, ‘The Saviour’, he says to them, ‘lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly.’ Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and penance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with what the Church wishes our souls to possess at the approach of the Saviour.”

Collect: Incline thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 4:4-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:19-28.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Feast days of the week 16-22 December, A.D. 2007 (1962 liturgical calendar).

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION).[1]

I. SEASON OF ADVENT

Sunday, 16 December, 2007
Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) (I)
"On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penance: the coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Saviour, ‘The Saviour’, he says to them, ‘lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly.’ Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and penance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with what the Church wishes our souls to possess at the approach of the Saviour.”

Collect: Incline thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 4:4-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:19-28.

St. Eusebius, Bishop, Martyr (III)
“Bishop of Vercelli in Italy, St. Eusebius was exiled to Egypt and Palestine by the Arians. The Church confers on him the title of Martyr, because there he suffered numerous persecutions at the hands of these heretics. His letters hold an important place in Latin literature. He died A.D. 371.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feast of blessed Eusebius, The Martyr and Bishop: mercifully grant that we, who celebrate his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 1:3-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:24-27.

Monday, 17 December, 2007
Ferial (III)
"On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penance: the coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Saviour, ‘The Saviour’, he says to them, ‘lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly.’ Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and penance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with what the Church wishes our souls to possess at the approach of the Saviour.”

Collect: Incline thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 4:4-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:19-28.

Tuesday, 18 December, 2007
Ferial (III)
"On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penance: the coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Saviour, ‘The Saviour’, he says to them, ‘lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly.’ Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and penance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with what the Church wishes our souls to possess at the approach of the Saviour.”

Collect: Incline thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 4:4-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:19-28.

Wednesday, 19 December, 2007
Ember Wednesday in Advent (II)
Day of Fast (traditional).
“On the Wednesday of Ember week in Advent, the Mystery of the Annunciation is commemorated by many Churches. The Mass is sung early in the morning. That Mass is sometimes called the Golden Mass, Rorate Mass, or Messias Mass. On that occasion the Church is lit up, as a token that the world was still in darkness when the Light of the world appeared. The Mass is called the Golden Mass possibly because in the Middle Ages the whole of the Mass or at least the initial letters were written in gold, or on account of the golden magnificence of the solemnity, or more probably on account of the special, great, ‘golden’ grace which, at that time, is obtained by the numerous prayers. It is called Rorate Mass after the first words of the Introit of the Mass: Rorate Caeli (‘Drop down dew, ye heavens’); and Messias Mass because the Church, like Our lady, expresses on that day her longing for the arrival of the Messias.”

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the coming solemnity of our redemption may both confer upon us assistance in this present life and bestow the rewards of everlasting blessedness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 2:2-5.

Second Collect: Hasten, we beseech Thee, O Lord, tarry not: and grant us the help of Thy heavenly power, that they who trust in Thy loving kindness may also be relieved by the consolations of Thy coming: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 7:10-15
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-38.

Thursday, 20 December, 2007
Ferial (III)
"On this day the Church urges us to gladness in the middle of this time of expectation and penance: the coming of Jesus approaches more and more. St. John, the holy precursor, announces to the Jews the coming of the Saviour, ‘The Saviour’, he says to them, ‘lives already among us, though unknown. He will soon appear openly.’ Now is the time for fervent prayers and for imploring Jesus to remain with us by His mercy. Let us prepare the way for Him by repentance and penance and by a worthy reception of the Sacraments. All the prayers of this Mass are filled with what the Church wishes our souls to possess at the approach of the Saviour.”

Collect: Incline thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 4:4-7.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 1:19-28.

Friday, 21 December, 2007
Ember Friday in Advent (II)
Day of Fast (traditional).

Collect: Stir up Thy might, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that they who trust in Thy loving kindness may be the more speedily freed from all adversity: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 11:1-5.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:37-47.

St. Thomas, Apostle (III)
“St. Thomas doubted the Lord’s Resurrection. But invited by our Lord to place his fingers into the Holy Wounds, he passed suddenly from incredulity to ardent faith, exclaiming: ‘My lord and my God!’ He became one of the greatest Apostolic missionaries and died in India in the first century.”

Collect: Give us, Lord, we beseech Thee, a share in the glory of today’s festival of Thy blessed Apostle Thomas: and grant that we may be uplifted by his patronage and drawn with fitting devotion to equal him in faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians, 2:19-22.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 20:19-31.

Saturday, 22 December, 2007
Ember Saturday in Advent (II)
Day of Fast (traditional).

Collect: O God, who seest that we are afflicted because of our iniquity, mercifullay grant that we may be comforted by Thy visitation: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias, 19:20-22.

Second Collect: O God, who didst deaden the flames of fire for the three children: mercifully grant that the flame of vice may not consume us Thy servants. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, 2:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 3:1-6.

[1] Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Thursday, 13 December, 2007
St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr (III)
"Born at Syracuse in Sicily of noble parents, St. Lucy gave herself to Jesus and chose death rather than lose the incorruptible treasure of her virginity, A.D. 303. Her name occurs in the Canon of the Mass."

Collect: Hear us, O God, our Saviour: and as we rejoice in the feast of blessed Lucy, Thy Virgin and Martyr: so we may learn a filial devotion to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 10:17-18.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Wednesday, 12 December, 2007
(in U.S.A.)
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas (III)

Collect: O God, Who hast willed that, under the special patronage of the blessed Virgin Mary, we be laden with perpetual favors, grant to Thy suppliants that, as we this day rejoice in her commemoration on earth, we may enjoy the vision of her in heaven. Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 24:23-31.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:37-47.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Mediator Dei - 60th Anniversary - IV from Rorate caeli

Tuesday, 11 December, 2007
St. Damasus, Pope, Confessor (III)
"St. Damasus became Pope in 366, after the persecutions were over. He condemned Arianism, commanded St. Jerome to translate the Holy Scriptures into Latin, and composed inscriptions for the sepulchres of the Roman martyrs. He died A.D. 384."

Collect: Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Damasus, Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle, 5:1-4;10-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:13-19.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Feast days of the week 9-15 December, A.D. 2007 (1962 liturgical calendar).

FIRST PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION).[1]

I. SEASON OF ADVENT

Sunday, 9 December, 2007
Second Sunday of Advent (I)
"Numerous allusions appear in the Liturgy of this day to Jerusalem and her people. Let us be filled with the sentiments of hope and of joy, for the coming of Jesus is nigh. Let us prepare the way in our hearts for the Messias: Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ.”

Collect: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son: that through His coming we may deserve to serve Thee with purified minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 15:4-13.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:2-10.

Monday, 10 December, 2007
Ferial (III)
"Numerous allusions appear in the Liturgy of this day to Jerusalem and her people. Let us be filled with the sentiments of hope and of joy, for the coming of Jesus is nigh. Let us prepare the way in our hearts for the Messias: Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ.”

Collect: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son: that through His coming we may deserve to serve Thee with purified minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 15:4-13.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:2-10.

St. Melchiades, Pope, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Melchiades died peacefully, after undergoing great sufferings in the persecution of Maximian, A.D. 314.”

Collect: O God, who didst solidly found Thy Church on the apostolic rock and dost shield her from the dreaded gates of hell, grant, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of blessed Melchiades Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, that under Thy sure protection she may persevere in Thy truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

Tuesday, 11 December, 2007
St. Damasus, Pope, Confessor (III)
"St. Damasus became Pope in 366, after the persecutions were over. He condemned Arianism, commanded St. Jerome to translate the Holy Scriptures into Latin, and composed inscriptions for the sepulchres of the Roman martyrs. He died A.D. 384."

Collect: Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Damasus, Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle, 5:1-4;10-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:13-19.

Wednesday, 12 December, 2007
(in U.S.A.)
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas (III)

Collect: O God, Who hast willed that, under the special patronage of the blessed Virgin Mary, we be laden with perpetual favors, grant to Thy suppliants that, as we this day rejoice in her commemoration on earth, we may enjoy the vision of her in heaven. Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 24:23-31.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:37-47.

Thursday, 13 December, 2007
St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr (III)
"Born at Syracuse in Sicily of noble parents, St. Lucy gave herself to Jesus and chose death rather than lose the incorruptible treasure of her virginity, A.D. 303. Her name occurs in the Canon of the Mass."

Collect: Hear us, O God, our Saviour: and as we rejoice in the feast of blessed Lucy, Thy Virgin and Martyr: so we may learn a filial devotion to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 10:17-18.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.

Friday, 14 December, 2007
Ferial (III)

Collect: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son: that through His coming we may deserve to serve Thee with purified minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 15:4-13.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:2-10.

Saturday, 15 December, 2007
Ferial (III)

Collect: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son: that through His coming we may deserve to serve Thee with purified minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 15:4-13.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:2-10.








[1] Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Saturday, 8 December, 2007
Holy Day of Obligation
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (I)
"’I will put enmities between thee and the woman.’ In these words, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was announced to our first parents. It was to be the reversal of the friendship with the serpent contracted by Eve, when she listened to his voice and fell under his power. The second Eve was never to be under the power of the devil; the enmity between them was to admit of no possible exception. This involved the grace of being conceived immaculate. Mary’s Immaculate Conception was the foundation of all her graces. The absence of any stain or spot of sin distinguished her from all the rest of mankind. It distinguished her from the holiest of Saints, since they, one and all, were sinners. Her perfect sinlessness was the source of all her glory and all her majesty; it was this which opened the door to the unlimited graces that she received from God; it was this that raised qualified her for her divine maternity, and raised her to the throne as Queen of heaven.

‘O Queen, conceived without original sin, pray for us, who have recourse to thee.’”

Collect: O God, who, by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, didst prepare for Thy Son a worthy habitation, we beseech Thee, that as Thou didst preserve her from every stain by the foreseen death of this Thy Son, so Thou wouldst grant that we also being cleansed from guilt by her intercession, may come to Thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Proverbs, 8:22-35.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:26-28.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Friday, 7 December, 2007
First Friday
St. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
"This Bishop of Milan was one of the four great doctors of the Western Church. As an orator he opposed the heretics, as a writer he enriched Latin literature with his sacred Hymns. He died A.D. 397."

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

Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to Timothy, 4:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:13-19.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

A Brief Note from the NCBC

Here is a short essay on Liberalism, Reason and the Defense of Conscience authored by Stephen Napier, Ph.D., NCBC Staff Ethicist.

Thursday, 6 December, 2007
St. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor (III)
"The Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor is one of the most popular oriental saints. The spiritual and temporal needs of his flock were the first object of his pastoral care. This worker of miracles died A.D. 342; his body was eventually enshrined at Bari in Italy."

Collect: O God, who didst adorn the blessed Bishop Nicholas with countless miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that by his merits and prayers we may be delivered from the flames of hell. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 13:7-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:14-23.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Wednesday, 5 December, 2007
Ferial (III)

Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14. (Bl 8x7)
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 121:25-33.

St. Sabbas, Abbot (Comm.)
"St. Sabas organized monastic communities in Palestine and was famous for his virtues and austerities. He died A.D. 531.”"
Collect: O God, who sendest us joy year by year on the feast of blessed Sabas, Thy Confessor which we are now keeping: mercifully grant on this day of his heavenly birth that we may grow like him in deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 31:8-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:35-40.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Tuesday, 4 December, 2007
St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
"The holy Bishop of Ravenna was one of the most eloquent preachers of the Church (Chrysologus means ‘golden speech’). He died at Imola A.D. 450."

Collect: O God, who didst choose blessed Peter Chrysologus, the illustrious Doctor, and miraculously point him out as one fit to rule and instruct Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that as we have had him for our teacher on earth, so we may have deserve to have him for our advocate in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to Timothy, 4:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:13-19.

St. Barbara, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)
“This Virgin and Martyr died at Nicomedia about 235 A.D.”

Collect: 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 St. Barbara, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may be her example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 51:1-8, 12.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:1-13.

Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Recent Ethics and Medics offerings.

Ethics and Medics on Plan B and religious liberty here.

Two Ethics and Medics articles on Gardasil, here and here.

Monday, 3 December, 2007
St. Francis Xavier, Confessor (III)
"One of the first companions of St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, one of the greatest missionaries of all time, preached the Gospel in India and Japan. He converted innumerable pagans and died in 1552 on his way to China."

Collect: O God, who by the preaching and miracles of blessed Francis, wast pleased to join to Thy Church the nations of the Indies: mercifully grant that we who venerate his glorious merits, may likewise follow through the example of his virtues. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 10:10-18.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 16:15-18.





Remarks are abstracted from The Daily Missal and Liturgical Manual, from Editio Typica of the Roman Missal and Breviary, 1962
(Baronius Press Limited, London, 2004, in conjunction with the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, www.baroniuspress.com)

Updates from NCBC

NCBC Statement on Somatic Cell Reprogramming to Obtain Stem Cells

Bioethics and Public Policy Report October - November 2007

SPE SALVI

Here is the ENCYCLICAL LETTER SPE SALVI OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF BENEDICT XVI TO THE BISHOPS PRIESTS AND DEACONS MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS AND ALL THE LAY FAITHFUL ON CHRISTIAN HOPE

And, here is a piece in Rorate caeli on it.