Thursday, January 31, 2008

Thursday, 31 January, 2008
ST. JOHN BOSCO, Confessor (III)
"Don Bosco founded the Salesian Fathers and the Order of Our Lady, Help of Christians, for the education of poor boys and girls. He died A.D. 1888.”

Collect: O God, who didst raise up Saint John Thy Confessor to be father and teacher of youth, and by him, with the help of the Virgin Mary, didst promote new families in Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that inflamed by the same fire of love, we may win souls and serve Thee alone. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostles to the Philippians, 4:4-9.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 18:1-10, down to +



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, January 30, 2008

Wednesday, 30 January, 2008
ST. MARTINA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
"This noble Roman Virgin was beheaded after the most atrocious torments, A.D. 228."

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 Martina, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may be her example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee 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)

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Tuesday, 29 January, 2008
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
“St. Francis, Count of Sales, Bishop of Geneva, patron of Catholic writers, preached the word of God to the Calvinists and brought back sixty thousand to the Catholic faith. He founded with St. Jane Fremiot de Chantal the Order of the Visitation. He died A.D. 1622.”

Collect: O God, by whose will blessed Francis Thy Confessor and Bishop became all things to all men in his zeal for souls: graciously fill us with the sweetness of Thy love, and grant that by the light of his counsel and with the help of his merits we may attain eternal joy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the 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)

Monday, January 28, 2008

Monday, 28 January 2008
ST. PETER NOLASCO, Confessor (III)
“St. Peter, instructed by the Blessed Virgin, founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the Redemption of Captives. When all funds for the work were exhausted, the religious were bound by their rule to take the places of the prisoners of the infidels. St. Peter Nolasco died A.D. 1256.”

Collect: O God, who after the example of thine own love didst from heaven teach blessed Peter to enrich Thy Church with a new family founded to ransom the faithful: grant by his intercession that we may be set free from the bondage of sin, and may rejoice in lasting freedom in our heavenly home. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 4:9-14.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12: 32-34.

ST. AGNES, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)
“This noble Roman Virgin suffered martyrdom at the age of thirteen rather than lose the treasure of her virginity; she was beheaded A.D. 304. Her name is in the Canon of the Mass.”



Second Collect of St. Agnes: O God, Who year by year dost gladden us with the festival of blessed Agnes Thy Virgin and Martyr, grant, we beseech Thee, that as we honour her through this rite, so we may follow the example of her holy life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.





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, January 27, 2008

Sunday, 27 January, 2008
SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY (II)
"The three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, which mean, respectively, the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth day, that is, before Easter. They are mere names to correspond with the name of Lent (Quadragesima in Latin: fortieth); obviously they do not actually correspond with the period they indicate.

Jesus is our Redeemer, and by His saving doctrine gives life to souls.

On these Sundays the Gloria in excelsis and Alleluia are omitted, except when the Mass of a feast is said, and the purple vestments are used in preparation for Lent."

Collect: O God, Who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do: mercifully grant that by the protection of the Doctor of the Gentiles we may be defended against all adversities. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 11:19-33; 12:1-9.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 8: 4-15.

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church
“The holy Patriarch of Constantinople received his surname 'Chrysostom (golden-mouth)' because he was the most eloquent preacher and the most prolific writer of the Greek Church. He was persecuted by the empress Eudoxia and her courtiers. He died in exile A.D. 407”

Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, let Thy heavenly grace give increase to Thy Church, which Thou wast pleased to adorn with the glorious merits and teaching of Blessed John Chrysostom Thy Confessor and Thy Bishop. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the 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)

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Saturday, 26 January, 2008
ST. POLYCARP, Bishop, Martyr (III)
“St. Polycarp, a disciple of St. John the Apostle, was Bishop of Smyrna for seventy years, and was martyred under Marcus Aurelius A.D. 169.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feast of blessed Polycarp, Thy Maryr and Bishop: mercifully grant that we, who celebrate his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. John the Apostle, 3:10-16.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 10:26-32.

[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)

Friday, January 25, 2008

Friday, 25 January, 2008
THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL (III)
"Saul of Tarsus was full of hatred for Jesus and His Disciples. From a bitter persecutor he became an ardent apostle and the irresistible preacher of the Gospel."

Collect: O God, who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who this day celebrate his Conversion, may through his example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Acts of the Apostles, 9:1-22.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 19:27-29.

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, January 24, 2008

Thursday, 24 January, 2008
ST. TIMOTHY, Bishop, Martyr (III)
"St. Timothy, who is the best-known disciple of St. Paul, was Bishop of Ephesus in Asia Minor. He was stoned to death by pagans A.D. 97.”

Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of Blessed timothy, Thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to Timothy, 6:11-16.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 14:26-33.

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, January 23, 2008

Wednesday, 23 January, 2008
ST. RAYMOND of PENNAFORT, Confessor (III)
"St. Raymond, eminent minister of the sacrament of Penance, was a priest of the order of St. Dominic, celebrated for his virtues, his miracles, and his writings on Canon Law. He died A.D. 1275.”

Collect: O God, Who didst choose blessed Raymond to be eminent as a minister of the sacrament of penance and didst lead him in wondrous wise upon the waves of the sea: grant that by his intercession we may be able to bring forth worthy fruits of penance, and to reach the port of everlasting salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee 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.

St. Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr, foster-sister of St. Agnes, was stoned to death at the tomb of her friend. A.D. 304.”

Collect: May the blessed Emerentiana, Thy Virgin and Martyr, we beseech Thee, O Lord, obtain pardon for us: for she merited Thy constant good pleasure by her life of chastity attributed to her by Thy power. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 51:13-17.
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)

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Tuesday, 22 January, 2008
SS. VINCENT and ANASTASIUS, Martyrs (III)
“St. Vincent, deacon of Saragossa in Spain, suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian A.D. 304.
St. Anastasius, a monk of Persia, was put to death with seventy other Christians under Chosroes A.D. 628.”

Collect: O Lord, listen to our supplications: that we who acknowledge the guilt of our sins, may be delivered through the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Wisdom 3:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 21:9-19.

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)

Monday, January 21, 2008

Monday, 21 January 2008
ST. AGNES, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“This noble Roman Virgin suffered martyrdom at the age of thirteen rather than lose the treasure of her virginity; she was beheaded A.D. 304. Her name is in the Canon of the Mass.”

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong: mercifully grant, that those who keep the solemn feast of blessed Agnes, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may experience her advocacy with Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee 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)

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Notes from the Roman Missal (1962): Lent (The Easter Cycle)

SECOND PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE EASTER CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE REDEMPTION).[i]
I. Season of Lent

The Christmas Cycle celebrates the Mystery of the Incarnation. The Easter Cycle celebrates the Mystery of the Redemption and has the following subdivisions:

1. Season of Lent (Includes [I] Season after Septuagesima, [II] Season of Lent, and [III] Passiontide)
2. Eastertide (Begins with the Mass of the Easter Vigil and ends on the Saturday after Pentecost, a.k.a. Whitsunday)
3. Season after Pentecost (Begins with Trinity Sunday and is the longest of the Liturgical Year, extending 24-28 weeks.)

I. - Season of Lent.
Introduced by three Sundays (Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima), the season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the death of Jesus in Passion Week. The struggle between our Lord and Satan ends with the victory of the Savior at Eastertide. During the period from Septuagesima to Ash Wednesday, the liturgy speaks no more of our greatness but contemplates the misery of fallen humanity - the fatal consequences of original sin and actual sin - and the sacrifice that God asked from the faithful Melchisedech, symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus brings for the whole of humanity.

In this period we also prepare for the fasting and penance of the season of Lent. The season can be recapitulated with the words of the Preface of Lent: 'Who by this bodily fast dost curb our vices, lift our minds, and bestow strength and rewards.' Our souls are slaves of the Devil, flesh and the world. Jesus came into the world, not to be crowned king of the Jews, but to deliver us from this threefold bondage and to restore to us the divine life which we had lost.

The season of Lent ends with Passiontide (from Passion Sunday to Easter). The Judica me... and the Gloria Patri are omitted because the very ancient Masses of Passiontide date from an age before these prayers were added to the Roman Mass. The Liturgy commemorates the sorrowful events of the last week of Jesus' mortal life. On Thursday evening, He had the Last Supper with His Apostles, and on the following day He was crucified on Calvary.

'Who didst establish the salvation of mankind on a tree of the Cross, that whence death came thence also life might arise again, and that we, who were overcome by a tree, by a tree might also overcome.'

The struggle between our Lord and Satan ends with the apparent success of Satan on Good Friday. The priests are robed in vestments of mourning, and the whole Church wears an aspect of sadness. But by the sacrifice of Himself, the Son of God triumphs and gloriously comes forth from the sepulchre on Easter morning.

The three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, which mean, respectively, the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth day, that is, before Easter. They are mere names to correspond with the name of Lent (Quadragesima in Latin: fortieth); obviously they do not actually correspond with the period they indicate.

Man, victim of the sin of Adam and of his own sins, is justly afflicted, groans and sorrows encompass him.

On these Sundays the Gloria in excelsis and Alleluia are omitted, except when the Mass of a feast is said, and the purple vestments are used in preparation for Lent.

It is Jesus who, by the merits of His Passion, is to open the eyes of man as He did those of the blind man of Jericho, and deliver him alike from the bondage of sin and error.

Ash Wednesday is from a liturgical point of view one of the most important days of the year. In the first place this day opens the liturgical season of Lent, which formerly began with the First Sunday and comprised only thirty-six days. The addition of Wednesday and the three following days brought the number to forty, which is that of our Lord’s fast in the desert.

In the Old Law ashes were generally a symbolic expression of grief, mourning, or repentance. In the Early Church the use of ashes had a like signification, and with the sackcloth formed part of the public penances. The blessing of the ashes is one of the great liturgical rites of the year. It was originally instituted for public penitents, but is now intended for all Christians, as Lent should be a time of penance for all. The ashes used this day are obtained by burning palms of the previous year. Traditionally they are blessed by four ancient prayers, sprinkled with holy water and incensed, and then placed in the form of a cross on the foreheads of each of the faithful with the words: ‘Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.’ The ancient prayers of the blessing suggest suitable thoughts for the opening of Lent. They are summarized here:
‘Almighty and everlasting God, spare the penitent ... bless these ashes, that they may be a remedy to all who invoke Thy Name ... O God, who desirest not the death but the conversion of sinners, look in kindness upon our human frailty ... and bless those ashes, so that we, who know ourselves to be but ashes ... and that we must return to dust, may deserve to obtain pardon and the rewards offered to the penitent.’

[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)

Feast days of the week 20-26 January, A.D. 2007 (1962 liturgical calendar).

SECOND PART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR: THE EASTER CYCLE (MYSTERY OF THE REDEMPTION).[i]

I. LENT (SEASON AFTER SEPTUAGISIMA)

Sunday, 20 January, 2008
SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY (II)
"The three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, which mean, respectively, the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth day, that is, before Easter. They are mere names to correspond with the name of Lent (Quadragesima in Latin: fortieth); obviously they do not actually correspond with the period they indicate.
Man, victim of the sin of Adam and of his own sins, is justly afflicted, groans and sorrows encompass him.
On these Sundays the Gloria in excelsis and Alleluia are omitted, except when the Mass of a feast is said, and the purple vestments are used in preparation for Lent."

Collect: Graciously hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayers of Thy people, that we, who are justly afflicted for our sins, may for the glory of Thy Name be mercifully delivered. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 9:24-27; 10:1-5.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 20:1-16.

ST. FABIAN, Pope, and ST. SEBASTIAN, Martyrs (III)
“St. Fabian, Supreme Pontiff, suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Decius, A.D. 250.
St. Sebastian, an officer in the imperial cohort, was pierced with arrows in the persecution of Diocletian; but he recovered, and the emperor condemned him to be flogged to death. A.D. 284.”


Collect: O almighty God, have regard to our weakness: and since the weight of our own evil deeds is oppressive, may the glorious intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs, Fabian and Sebastian, protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 11:33-39.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 6:17-23.

Monday, 21 January 2008
ST. AGNES, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“This noble Roman Virgin suffered martyrdom at the age of thirteen rather than lose the treasure of her virginity; she was beheaded A.D. 304. Her name is in the Canon of the Mass.”

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong: mercifully grant, that those who keep the solemn feast of blessed Agnes, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may experience her advocacy with Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee 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.

Tuesday, 22 January, 2008
SS. VINCENT and ANASTASIUS, Martyrs (III)
“St. Vincent, deacon of Saragossa in Spain, suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian A.D. 304.
St. Anastasius, a monk of Persia, was put to death with seventy other Christians under Chosroes A.D. 628.”

Collect: O Lord, listen to our supplications: that we who acknowledge the guilt of our sins, may be delivered through the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Wisdom 3:1-8.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 21:9-19.

Wednesday, 23 January, 2008
ST. RAYMOND of PENNAFORT, Confessor (III)
"St. Raymond, eminent minister of the sacrament of Penance, was a priest of the order of St. Dominic, celebrated for his virtues, his miracles, and his writings on Canon Law. He died A.D. 1275.”

Collect: O God, Who didst choose blessed Raymond to be eminent as a minister of the sacrament of penance and didst lead him in wondrous wise upon the waves of the sea: grant that by his intercession we may be able to bring forth worthy fruits of penance, and to reach the port of everlasting salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee 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.

St. Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr, foster-sister of St. Agnes, was stoned to death at the tomb of her friend. A.D. 304.”

Collect: May the blessed Emerentiana, Thy Virgin and Martyr, we beseech Thee, O Lord, obtain pardon for us: for she merited Thy constant good pleasure by her life of chastity attributed to her by Thy power. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 51:13-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthw, 13:44-52.

Thursday, 24 January, 2008
ST. TIMOTHY, Bishop, Martyr (III)
"St. Timothy, who is the best-known disciple of St. Paul, was Bishop of Ephesus in Asia Minor. He was stoned to death by pagans A.D. 97.”

Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of Blessed timothy, Thy Bishop and Martyr, protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to Timothy, 6:11-16.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 14:26-33.

Friday, 25 January, 2008
THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL (III)
"Saul of Tarsus was full of hatred for Jesus and His Disciples. From a bitter persecutor he became an ardent apostle and the irresistible preacher of the Gospel."

Collect: O God, who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who this day celebrate his Conversion, may through his example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Acts of the Apostles, 9:1-22.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 19:27-29.

Saturday, 26 January, 2008
ST. POLYCARP, Bishop, Martyr (III)
“St. Polycarp, a disciple of St. John the Apostle, was Bishop of Smyrna for seventy years, and was martyred under Marcus Aurelius A.D. 169.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feast of blessed Polycarp, Thy Maryr and Bishop: mercifully grant that we, who celebrate his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. John the Apostle, 3:10-16.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 10:26-32.

[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)
Saturday, 19 January, 2008
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.

SS. MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX and ABACHUM, Martyrs (Comm.)
“The Persian nobles Marius and Martha came with their sons Audifax and Abachum to Rome, to visit the tombs of the Apostles SS. Peter and Paul. They were cast into prison, tortured and martyred A.D. 270.”

Collect: Give ear, O Lord, to Thy people when with Thy Saints as advocates we humbly pray: that Thou wouldst grant us in our present life joy and peace and growth of life eternal. 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.

ST. CANUTE, Martyr (Comm.)
"This King of Denmark sought to spread the faith in his kingdom and therefore his enemies put him to death, while praying at the foot of the altar, A.D. 1086."

Second Collect of St. Canute: O God, who, for the greater glory of Thy Church, wast pleased to adorn blessed Canute the king with the palm of martyrdom and with glorious miracles: mercifully grant that walking in the footsteps of him who followed our Lord in His sufferings, we may deserve to attain eternal joys. 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.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 10:32-38.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 24:3-13.

[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, January 17, 2008

Thursday, 17 January, 2008
ST. ANTHONY, Abbot (III)
“The Father of community life led the life of a hermit from the age of eighteen, but later he instituted the monastic life in common. He died at the age of 105 years A.D. 356.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Anthony, the Abbot, commend us to Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. Through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, 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 45:1-6.
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)

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Wednesday, 16 January, 2008
ST. MARCELLUS
“St. Marcellus I defended the rights of the Church with heroic resistance. On this account he was exiled by the heretical Maxentius. He died A.D. 310.”

Collect : We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully hearken to Thy people praying for help through the merits of blessed Marcellus Thy Martyr and Pontiff, in whose martyrdom we rejoice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the 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)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Tuesday, 15 January, 2008
ST. PAUL, the first Hermit, Confessor (III)
“The founder of the eremitical life retired at the age of fifteen into the desert and lived there in exercise of prayers and penances for more than a hundred years. He died in A.D. 343.”

Collect: O God, who sendest us joy year by year on the feast of blessed Paul 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.

St. Maurus, Abbot (Comm.)
“One of the first disciples of St. Benedict, he introduced the Holy Rule of the latter into France. He died A.D. 584.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Maurus, the Abbot, commend us unto Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. 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 Philippians, 3:7-12.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:25-30.

[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)

Monday, January 14, 2008

The day after January 13th (The Commemoration of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in 2008 falls on Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family) begins:
III. SEASON AFTER EPIPHANY (from January 14 to Septuagesima Sunday).

"This period, which begins the day after the Octave of Epiphany (a.k.a. Baptism of Our Lord – TPC), is an extension of Christmastide. Jesus asserts His Divinity - not by the appearance of angels or the Star of the Magi, but speaking Himself as God. He subjects our hearts to His teachings, explaining His Divine doctrine with parables and manifesting the truth of His words and works by many miracles.
At the time of our Lord, Palestine contained four provinces: Peraea, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. It was in the province of Galilee that the miracles and preaching of Jesus took place.
At Cana, He changed water into wine - His first miracle - at the request of His mother. At Nazareth, He preached His doctrine - and 'all wondered at these things that proceeded from the mouth of God,' says the Communion of the fourth, fifth, and sixth Sundays after Epiphany with the words of Luke. In Galilee, a word from our Lord cleansed the leper. From the shore of the Lake of Genesareth, He miraculously stilled the storm. All these miracles He performed to show His Apostles that He was God.
The Christmas cycle has a fixed character, and the Feasts of the Nativity and Epiphany always fall on December 25 and January 6."

Monday, 14 January 2008
ST. HILARY, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (III)
“The Bishop of Poitiers was one of the most able and eloquent opponents of Arianism. Therefore he was exiled by the heretical emperor. He died A.D. 368.”
St. Felix of Nola, Priest, Martyr (Comm.)
“Born at Nola, he bears the title of Martyr although he survived the most cruel torments. He died A.D. 312.”

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the example of Thy Saints may stir us up to a better life, so that we may imitate the good deeds of those whose festivals we celebrate. 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 the 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.

[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, January 12, 2008

Feast days of the week 13-19 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, 13 January, 2008
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
The Feast of the Holy Family. (II)
"The special devotion which sets forth the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the model of virtue for all Christian households began in the seventeenth century. It commenced almost simultaneously in Canada and France: - the Association of the Holy Family being founded in Montreal in 1663, and the Daughters of the Holy Family in Paris in 1674. Numerous other congregations and associations under the Patronage of the Holy Family have been established since that time, and they are spread over the world. The archconfraternity was established by Bl. Pius IX in 1847. In 1893 Leo XIII approved a Feast for Canada, and Pope Benedict XV extended the Feast of the Holy Family to the whole Church and ordered its celebration to take place on the Sunday after Epiphany."

Collect: O Lord Jesus Christ, who, being subject to Mary and Joseph, didst sanctify home life with ineffable virtues: grant that, with the aid of both, we may be taught by the example of Thy Holy Family, and attain to eternal fellowship with them: 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 Colossians, 3:12-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 2:42-52.

The day after January 13th (The Commemoration of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in 2008 falls on Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family) begins:
III. SEASON AFTER EPIPHANY (from January 14 to Septuagesima Sunday).

"This period, which begins the day after the Octave of Epiphany (a.k.a. Baptism of Our Lord – TPC), is an extension of Christmastide. Jesus asserts His Divinity - not by the appearance of angels or the Star of the Magi, but speaking Himself as God. He subjects our hearts to His teachings, explaining His Divine doctrine with parables and manifesting the truth of His words and works by many miracles.
At the time of our Lord, Palestine contained four provinces: Peraea, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. It was in the province of Galilee that the miracles and preaching of Jesus took place.
At Cana, He changed water into wine - His first miracle - at the request of His mother. At Nazareth, He preached His doctrine - and 'all wondered at these things that proceeded from the mouth of God,' says the Communion of the fourth, fifth, and sixth Sundays after Epiphany with the words of Luke. In Galilee, a word from our Lord cleansed the leper. From the shore of the Lake of Genesareth, He miraculously stilled the storm. All these miracles He performed to show His Apostles that He was God.
The Christmas cycle has a fixed character, and the Feasts of the Nativity and Epiphany always fall on December 25 and January 6."

Monday, 14 January 2008
ST. HILARY, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (III)
“The Bishop of Poitiers was one of the most able and eloquent opponents of Arianism. Therefore he was exiled by the heretical emperor. He died A.D. 368.”
St. Felix of Nola, Priest, Martyr (Comm.)
“Born at Nola, he bears the title of Martyr although he survived the most cruel torments. He died A.D. 312.”

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the example of Thy Saints may stir us up to a better life, so that we may imitate the good deeds of those whose festivals we celebrate. 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 the 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.

Tuesday, 15 January, 2008
ST. PAUL, the first Hermit, Confessor (III)
“The founder of the eremitical life retired at the age of fifteen into the desert and lived there in exercise of prayers and penances for more than a hundred years. He died in A.D. 343.”

Collect: O God, who sendest us joy year by year on the feast of blessed Paul 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.

St. Maurus, Abbot (Comm.)
“One of the first disciples of St. Benedict, he introduced the Holy Rule of the latter into France. He died A.D. 584.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Maurus, the Abbot, commend us unto Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. 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 Philippians, 3:7-12.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:25-30.

Wednesday, 16 January, 2008
ST. MARCELLUS
“St. Marcellus I defended the rights of the Church with heroic resistance. On this account he was exiled by the heretical Maxentius. He died A.D. 310.”

Collect : We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully hearken to Thy people praying for help through the merits of blessed Marcellus Thy Martyr and Pontiff, in whose martyrdom we rejoice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the 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.

Thursday, 17 January, 2008
ST. ANTHONY, Abbot (III)
“The Father of community life led the life of a hermit from the age of eighteen, but later he instituted the monastic life in common. He died at the age of 105 years A.D. 356.”

Collect: May the intercession of blessed Anthony, the Abbot, commend us to Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: so that what we cannot acquire by any merits of ours, we may obtain by his patronage. Through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, 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 45:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 12:35-40.

Friday, 18 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)
ST. PRISCA, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)

Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who celebrate the birthday of blessed Prisca, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may rejoice in her yearly festival and profit by the example of her outstanding faith. 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.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, 3:12-17.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 2:42-52.

Saturday, 19 January, 2008
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.

SS. MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX and ABACHUM, Martyrs (Comm.)
“The Persian nobles Marius and Martha came with their sons Audifax and Abachum to Rome, to visit the tombs of the Apostles SS. Peter and Paul. They were cast into prison, tortured and martyred A.D. 270.”

Collect: Give ear, O Lord, to Thy people when with Thy Saints as advocates we humbly pray: that Thou wouldst grant us in our present life joy and peace and growth of life eternal. 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.

ST. CANUTE, Martyr (Comm.)
"This King of Denmark sought to spread the faith in his kingdom and therefore his enemies put him to death, while praying at the foot of the altar, A.D. 1086."

Second Collect of St. Canute: O God, who, for the greater glory of Thy Church, wast pleased to adorn blessed Canute the king with the palm of martyrdom and with glorious miracles: mercifully grant that walking in the footsteps of him who followed our Lord in His sufferings, we may deserve to attain eternal joys. 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.
Epistle: From Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 10:32-38.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 24:3-13.

[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)

Friday, January 11, 2008

Saturday, 12 January, 2008
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.

[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)
Friday, 11 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

ST. HYGINUS, Pope, Martyr (Comm.)
“Pope in the second century, St. Hyginus suffered martyrdom under the emperor Hadrian A.D. 142.”

Collect: Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Hyginus, Thy Martyr and 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: From the First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle 5:1-4, 10-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mathew 16:13-19.

[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, January 10, 2008

Thursday, 10 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

[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)

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Wednesday, 9 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

[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)

Monday, January 07, 2008

Monday, 7 January 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

[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, January 05, 2008

Feast days of the week 6-12 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, 6 January, 2008
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD (I)
"The word 'Epiphany' means 'manifestation'. The Church in the Mass, commemorates a triple manifestation of Christ: to the Magi, to the Gentiles; in His Baptism, when the Voice from heaven declared, 'This is My Beloved Son'; and in the miracle of changing water into wine at Cana."

Collect: O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

Monday, 7 January 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

Tuesday, 8 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12

Wednesday, 9 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

Thursday, 10 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

Friday, 11 January, 2008
FERIA (IV)

Collect (as on the Feast of the Epiphany): O God, Who on this day didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles by the guidance of a star: graciously grant, that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be led to contemplate the beauty of Thy Majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Isaias 60:1-6
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 2:1-12.

ST. HYGINUS, Pope, Martyr (Comm.)
“Pope in the second century, St. Hyginus suffered martyrdom under the emperor Hadrian A.D. 142.”

Collect: Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Hyginus, Thy Martyr and 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: From the First Letter of Bl. Peter the Apostle 5:1-4, 10-11.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mathew 16:13-19.

Saturday, 12 January, 2008
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.

[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, 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)

Friday, January 04, 2008

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.

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, January 03, 2008

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.



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, January 02, 2008

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

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, January 01, 2008

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.

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)