Friday, 29 February, 2008
FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast and abstinence.)
Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, bless our fasts with Thy gracious favour: that as in body we abstain from food, so we may fast from sin in our mind. 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 Numbers, 20:1-3; 6-13.
[During the forty years passed in the desert, Moses and Aaron asked God to bring forth from the rock (a figure of Jesus Christ) a spring of living water, so that all the people could quench their thirst.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 4:5-42.
[During these forty days of Lent the Church entreats our Lord Jesus Christ to give us the living water about which He spoke to the woman of Samaria near Jacob’s well, the water which quenches the thirst or our souls for ever.]
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, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Thursday, 28 February, 2008
THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace: that duly applying ourselves to fasting and prayer, we may be delivered from enemies of mind and body. 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 Jeremias the Prophet, 7:1-7.
[Let us pray to the Divine Physician, that the severe abstinence of the Lenten fast may cool the fever of our passions and assure our salvation.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 4:38-44.
[We must imitate the example of Jesus, and during Lent follow Him with the holy liturgy in His ministry of redemption. Let us love to listen to the word of God: it will cure our souls and secure them from the Devil who seeks to reign therein.]
ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS, Confessor (III)
“St. Gabriel, born at Assissi A.D. 1838, was guided by Our Lady into the Passionist Institute and became a veritable Apostle of her Sorrows. His life was throughout perfect and irreproachable. He died at the age of twenty-four and many miracles bore witness to his holiness. He was canonized by pope Benedict XV, who gave him as a pattern to young people.”
Collect: O God who didst teach blessed Gabriel to think continually of the sorrows of Thy most sweet Mother, and didst exalt him through her by the renown of holiness and miracles: grant us through his intercession and example so to join Thy Mother in her grief that we may be saved by her maternal protection: Who livest and reigneth with Thy Son Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. John the Apostle, 2:14-17.
[We must not love the world, but do the will of God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 10:13-21.
[Give to the poor whatsoever thou hast, and come, follow me.]
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 OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace: that duly applying ourselves to fasting and prayer, we may be delivered from enemies of mind and body. 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 Jeremias the Prophet, 7:1-7.
[Let us pray to the Divine Physician, that the severe abstinence of the Lenten fast may cool the fever of our passions and assure our salvation.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 4:38-44.
[We must imitate the example of Jesus, and during Lent follow Him with the holy liturgy in His ministry of redemption. Let us love to listen to the word of God: it will cure our souls and secure them from the Devil who seeks to reign therein.]
ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS, Confessor (III)
“St. Gabriel, born at Assissi A.D. 1838, was guided by Our Lady into the Passionist Institute and became a veritable Apostle of her Sorrows. His life was throughout perfect and irreproachable. He died at the age of twenty-four and many miracles bore witness to his holiness. He was canonized by pope Benedict XV, who gave him as a pattern to young people.”
Collect: O God who didst teach blessed Gabriel to think continually of the sorrows of Thy most sweet Mother, and didst exalt him through her by the renown of holiness and miracles: grant us through his intercession and example so to join Thy Mother in her grief that we may be saved by her maternal protection: Who livest and reigneth with Thy Son Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. John the Apostle, 2:14-17.
[We must not love the world, but do the will of God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 10:13-21.
[Give to the poor whatsoever thou hast, and come, follow me.]
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, February 27, 2008
Wednesday, 27 February, 2008
WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, grant us that taught by wholesome fastings, and abstaining from harmful vices, we may more easily obtain 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 Esther, 13:8-11; 15-17.
[Prayer of Mardochai in favour of the Jewish people, whom the impious Aman had determined to destroy. He implored the Lord God of Israel to turn their sadness into joy. The Christian people in the same way are mourning by Lenten penance and are looking forward to the holy joys of Easter.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 20:17-28.
[Jesus foretells His Passion and Resurrection. He will make us all participants in His Resurrection, if we die to our sins. ]
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 OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, grant us that taught by wholesome fastings, and abstaining from harmful vices, we may more easily obtain 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 Esther, 13:8-11; 15-17.
[Prayer of Mardochai in favour of the Jewish people, whom the impious Aman had determined to destroy. He implored the Lord God of Israel to turn their sadness into joy. The Christian people in the same way are mourning by Lenten penance and are looking forward to the holy joys of Easter.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 20:17-28.
[Jesus foretells His Passion and Resurrection. He will make us all participants in His Resurrection, if we die to our sins. ]
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, February 26, 2008
Tuesday, 26 February, 2008
TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Graciously hear us, O almighty and merciful God: and in Thy loving kindness grant to us the fruits of wholesome temperance. 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 Fourth Book of Kings, 4:1-7.
[This Epistle shows us in the wondrous increase of a small quantity of oil at the word of Eliseus, by the sale of which a poor widow was enabled to pay an inhuman creditor, a figure of the mercy of our Lord, whose infinite merits supply the ransom for our sins.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 18:15-22.
[The clemency or mercy of the Jews was content to forgive three times; Jesus says here in the Gospel that we are to forgive seventy times seven times, that is: always.]
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 OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Graciously hear us, O almighty and merciful God: and in Thy loving kindness grant to us the fruits of wholesome temperance. 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 Fourth Book of Kings, 4:1-7.
[This Epistle shows us in the wondrous increase of a small quantity of oil at the word of Eliseus, by the sale of which a poor widow was enabled to pay an inhuman creditor, a figure of the mercy of our Lord, whose infinite merits supply the ransom for our sins.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 18:15-22.
[The clemency or mercy of the Jews was content to forgive three times; Jesus says here in the Gospel that we are to forgive seventy times seven times, that is: always.]
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, February 25, 2008
Monday, 25 February 2008
ST. MATTHIAS, Apostle (II)
“Matthias, one of the seventy-two disciples of Jesus, was chosen as Apostle in the place of Judas. St. Matthias preached the Gospel for more than thirty years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia. he was stoned, A.D. 80.”
Collect: O God, who didst join blessed Matthias to the company of Thine Apostles, grant, we beseech Thee, that through his intercession, we may ever be conscious of Thy loving kindness towards us. 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, 1:15-26.
[Matthias is chosen in place of Judas.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:25-30.
[Christ calls to Him such as are sensible of their burdens.]
MONDAY IN THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Pour forth in Thy mercy, O Lord, we beseech Thee, Thy grace into our hearts: that as we abstain from bodily food, so we may also restrain our senses from hurtful excesses. 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 Fourth Book of Kings, 5:1-15.
[This Epistle speaks to us of Naaman, the general of the King of Syria’s army. He was cured by bathing in the Jordan, although he did not belong to the race of Israel. Naaman is a figure of the heathen or Gentile whom the Church by baptism cures of the leprosy of sin.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 4:23-30.
[Naaman, the general of the king of Syria, did not belong to the race of Israel, but he was cured by bathing in the Jordan. Let us renew ourselves in the spirit of our baptism by cleansing our hearts in the salutary bath of penitence. This will cure us of the impurity, the leprosy of the soul, called sin]
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)
ST. MATTHIAS, Apostle (II)
“Matthias, one of the seventy-two disciples of Jesus, was chosen as Apostle in the place of Judas. St. Matthias preached the Gospel for more than thirty years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia. he was stoned, A.D. 80.”
Collect: O God, who didst join blessed Matthias to the company of Thine Apostles, grant, we beseech Thee, that through his intercession, we may ever be conscious of Thy loving kindness towards us. 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, 1:15-26.
[Matthias is chosen in place of Judas.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:25-30.
[Christ calls to Him such as are sensible of their burdens.]
MONDAY IN THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Pour forth in Thy mercy, O Lord, we beseech Thee, Thy grace into our hearts: that as we abstain from bodily food, so we may also restrain our senses from hurtful excesses. 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 Fourth Book of Kings, 5:1-15.
[This Epistle speaks to us of Naaman, the general of the King of Syria’s army. He was cured by bathing in the Jordan, although he did not belong to the race of Israel. Naaman is a figure of the heathen or Gentile whom the Church by baptism cures of the leprosy of sin.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 4:23-30.
[Naaman, the general of the king of Syria, did not belong to the race of Israel, but he was cured by bathing in the Jordan. Let us renew ourselves in the spirit of our baptism by cleansing our hearts in the salutary bath of penitence. This will cure us of the impurity, the leprosy of the soul, called sin]
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, February 24, 2008
Sunday, 24 February, 2008
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (I)
"We see Jesus today in open conflict with Satan and his works. So also during Lent, which is a time when the struggle against the old man is more intense, should we ‘live as children of the light”, performing actions good, just and true.”
Collect: We beseech Thee, O almighty God, look upon the desires of the humble: and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defense. 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 Ephesians, 5:1-9.
[Let us live as children of the light, performing actions good, just and true.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 11:14-28.
[Our Lord is in open conflict with Satan, He disarms him and expels him from the body of one possessed.]
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)
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (I)
"We see Jesus today in open conflict with Satan and his works. So also during Lent, which is a time when the struggle against the old man is more intense, should we ‘live as children of the light”, performing actions good, just and true.”
Collect: We beseech Thee, O almighty God, look upon the desires of the humble: and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defense. 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 Ephesians, 5:1-9.
[Let us live as children of the light, performing actions good, just and true.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 11:14-28.
[Our Lord is in open conflict with Satan, He disarms him and expels him from the body of one possessed.]
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, February 23, 2008
Saturday, 23 February, 2008
SATURDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast-traditional)
Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, give a healing effect to our fasts: that the chastisement of the flesh which we have taken upon us, may bring new life to our souls. 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 Genesis, 27:6-40.
[The Epistle sets forth in the figure of the catechumens and public penitents how they are to take the place of the Jews in the Kingdom of God. Isaac has two sons. The elder Esau represents the people of God who sell their birthright to gratify their carnal appetite. Jacob represents the Gentiles who check their passions and are blessed by God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 15:11-32.
[Parable of the prodigal son. The elder son is the Jewish element of the primitive Church which is scandalized at the vocation of the Gentiles; the prodigal son is the pagan element.]
ST.PETER DAMIAN, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church (III)
“Peter Damian, a Benedictine monk, was nominated Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia on account of his learning and high virtues. He rendered immense services to St. Gregory VII in his struggle for the rights of the Church. He retired to his abbey of Fonte Avellano and died A.D. 1072.”
Collect: Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, so to follow in the counsels and example of blessed Peter, Thy Confessor and Bishop, that we may, by despising earthly things, obtain everlasting joys. 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.
[St. Paul admonishes Timothy to hold firmly to the sound doctrine of the Gospel. The Doctors of the Church were also renowned for their orthodoxy and their theological learning.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:13-19.
[Like the Apostles, the Doctors of the Church are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.]
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 IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast-traditional)
Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, give a healing effect to our fasts: that the chastisement of the flesh which we have taken upon us, may bring new life to our souls. 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 Genesis, 27:6-40.
[The Epistle sets forth in the figure of the catechumens and public penitents how they are to take the place of the Jews in the Kingdom of God. Isaac has two sons. The elder Esau represents the people of God who sell their birthright to gratify their carnal appetite. Jacob represents the Gentiles who check their passions and are blessed by God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 15:11-32.
[Parable of the prodigal son. The elder son is the Jewish element of the primitive Church which is scandalized at the vocation of the Gentiles; the prodigal son is the pagan element.]
ST.PETER DAMIAN, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church (III)
“Peter Damian, a Benedictine monk, was nominated Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia on account of his learning and high virtues. He rendered immense services to St. Gregory VII in his struggle for the rights of the Church. He retired to his abbey of Fonte Avellano and died A.D. 1072.”
Collect: Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, so to follow in the counsels and example of blessed Peter, Thy Confessor and Bishop, that we may, by despising earthly things, obtain everlasting joys. 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.
[St. Paul admonishes Timothy to hold firmly to the sound doctrine of the Gospel. The Doctors of the Church were also renowned for their orthodoxy and their theological learning.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:13-19.
[Like the Apostles, the Doctors of the Church are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.]
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, February 22, 2008
Friday, 22 February, 2008
THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER (II)
(Day of fast and abstinence.)
“The Feast of St. Peter’s Chair in Antioch formerly on this day, has been merged with that of his Chair in Rome, formerly on Jan. 18th. The Feast of St. Peter’s Chair is now kept on Febr. 22nd."
Collect: O God, Who by delivering to Thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, didst confer upon him the pontifical power of binding and loosing, grant that, by the help of his intercession, we may be freed from the bonds of sin. 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. Peter the Apostle, 1:1-7.
[The first Pope gives thanks to God for the benefit of our being called to the true Faith and to eternal life; into which we are to enter by many tribulations.]
Gospel: Continuation of the hoy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:13-19.
[Peter’s confession of the Godhead of Christ. He is declared by our Lord to be the Rock on which the Church rests securely.]
FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast and abstinence.)
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee O almighty God, that cleansed by this holy fast, we may arrive in the right dispositions at the holy Feast which is to come. 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 Genesis, 37:6-22.
[Joseph and his brethren.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 21:33-46.
[Parable of Christ: the destiny of the heathen and that of the Jews.]
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)
THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER (II)
(Day of fast and abstinence.)
“The Feast of St. Peter’s Chair in Antioch formerly on this day, has been merged with that of his Chair in Rome, formerly on Jan. 18th. The Feast of St. Peter’s Chair is now kept on Febr. 22nd."
Collect: O God, Who by delivering to Thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, didst confer upon him the pontifical power of binding and loosing, grant that, by the help of his intercession, we may be freed from the bonds of sin. 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. Peter the Apostle, 1:1-7.
[The first Pope gives thanks to God for the benefit of our being called to the true Faith and to eternal life; into which we are to enter by many tribulations.]
Gospel: Continuation of the hoy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 16:13-19.
[Peter’s confession of the Godhead of Christ. He is declared by our Lord to be the Rock on which the Church rests securely.]
FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast and abstinence.)
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee O almighty God, that cleansed by this holy fast, we may arrive in the right dispositions at the holy Feast which is to come. 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 Genesis, 37:6-22.
[Joseph and his brethren.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 21:33-46.
[Parable of Christ: the destiny of the heathen and that of the Jews.]
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, February 21, 2008
Thursday, 21 February, 2008
THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace: that duly applying ourselves to fasting and prayer, we may be delivered from enemies of mind and body. 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 Prophet Jeremias, 17:5-10.
[The Prophet speaks to us of two men, one of whom put his trust in himself and the other in God; the first dries up like the heather in the desert, and the second bears the abundant fruit of his good works.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 16:19-31.
[There were two men, says Jesus in the parable, one of whom enjoyed life instead of doing penance, and the other suffered: the first went to hell, whilst the second was carried by the Angels into Abraham’s bosom.]
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 OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace: that duly applying ourselves to fasting and prayer, we may be delivered from enemies of mind and body. 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 Prophet Jeremias, 17:5-10.
[The Prophet speaks to us of two men, one of whom put his trust in himself and the other in God; the first dries up like the heather in the desert, and the second bears the abundant fruit of his good works.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 16:19-31.
[There were two men, says Jesus in the parable, one of whom enjoyed life instead of doing penance, and the other suffered: the first went to hell, whilst the second was carried by the Angels into Abraham’s bosom.]
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, February 20, 2008
Wednesday, 20 February, 2008
WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Favourably regard Thy people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and grant that they who at Thy command abstain from food for the body may also abstain from the poison of vice. 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 Esther, 13:8-11; 15-17.
[Prayer of Mardochai in favour of the Jewish people, whom the impious Aman had determined to destroy. He implored the Lord God of Israel to turn their sadness into joy. The Christian people in the same way are mourning by Lenten penance and are looking forward to the holy joys of Easter.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 20:17-28.
[Jesus foretells His Passion and Resurrection. He will make us all participants in His Resurrection, if we die to our sins.]
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 OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Favourably regard Thy people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and grant that they who at Thy command abstain from food for the body may also abstain from the poison of vice. 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 Esther, 13:8-11; 15-17.
[Prayer of Mardochai in favour of the Jewish people, whom the impious Aman had determined to destroy. He implored the Lord God of Israel to turn their sadness into joy. The Christian people in the same way are mourning by Lenten penance and are looking forward to the holy joys of Easter.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 20:17-28.
[Jesus foretells His Passion and Resurrection. He will make us all participants in His Resurrection, if we die to our sins.]
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, February 19, 2008
Tuesday, 19 February, 2008
TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Mercifully perfect within us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the aid given us by this holy observance: that what by Thine instruction we know we should do, by Thine assistance we may do it. 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 Third Book of Kings, 17:8-16.
[The lesson tells of Elias going to a heathen woman, a poor widow of Sarepta, to ask for nourishment, when a drought had fallen on impenitent Israel. The widow took two pieces of wood and prepared a hearth cake for the Prophet and one for herself. Her charity and compassion were rewarded, for never after did she want for bread.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 23:1-12.
[Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ declares that the Jews who profess the law of Moses did not observe it. The Kingdom of God is open to the heathen, who by baptism become disciples of Christ and accomplish His works.]
ST. SIMEON, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
"St. Simeon, who was closely related to the Blessed Virgin, became Bishop of Jerusalem after St. James. As martyr of the Faith, he was crucified under Trajan at the age of 120 years A.D. 106."
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 Simeon, 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 Blessed James the Apostle, 1:12-18.
[God is the Author of all good, but not of evil. The benefit of tribulations, of martyrdom.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 14:26-33.
[The necessity of renouncing all to follow Christ. The martyr carries his cross.]
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 OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Mercifully perfect within us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the aid given us by this holy observance: that what by Thine instruction we know we should do, by Thine assistance we may do it. 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 Third Book of Kings, 17:8-16.
[The lesson tells of Elias going to a heathen woman, a poor widow of Sarepta, to ask for nourishment, when a drought had fallen on impenitent Israel. The widow took two pieces of wood and prepared a hearth cake for the Prophet and one for herself. Her charity and compassion were rewarded, for never after did she want for bread.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 23:1-12.
[Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ declares that the Jews who profess the law of Moses did not observe it. The Kingdom of God is open to the heathen, who by baptism become disciples of Christ and accomplish His works.]
ST. SIMEON, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
"St. Simeon, who was closely related to the Blessed Virgin, became Bishop of Jerusalem after St. James. As martyr of the Faith, he was crucified under Trajan at the age of 120 years A.D. 106."
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 Simeon, 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 Blessed James the Apostle, 1:12-18.
[God is the Author of all good, but not of evil. The benefit of tribulations, of martyrdom.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 14:26-33.
[The necessity of renouncing all to follow Christ. The martyr carries his cross.]
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, February 18, 2008
Monday, 18 February 2008
MONDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that Thy household, in mortifying the flesh by fasting from food, may follow after Thy justice by abstaining from sin. 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 Prophet Daniel, 9:15-19.
[The wrath of God, the Almighty Lord of Heaven and Earth, which fell the first time on Jerusalem at the time of the captivity into Babylon, was renewed against Israel at the burning of the Temple. Like guilty Christians, they would only be able to return to the Lord by penance, while the heathen are called instead to believe in Jesus, to become part of His people by baptism.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 8: 21-29.
[Our Lord Jesus Christ foretells that the Jews will lift Him up on the cross, and thrice He says that they will die in their sin, because they have not believed in Him and have neglected to do His works.]
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 IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT (III)
(Day of fast – traditional)
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that Thy household, in mortifying the flesh by fasting from food, may follow after Thy justice by abstaining from sin. 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 Prophet Daniel, 9:15-19.
[The wrath of God, the Almighty Lord of Heaven and Earth, which fell the first time on Jerusalem at the time of the captivity into Babylon, was renewed against Israel at the burning of the Temple. Like guilty Christians, they would only be able to return to the Lord by penance, while the heathen are called instead to believe in Jesus, to become part of His people by baptism.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 8: 21-29.
[Our Lord Jesus Christ foretells that the Jews will lift Him up on the cross, and thrice He says that they will die in their sin, because they have not believed in Him and have neglected to do His works.]
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, February 17, 2008
Sunday, 17 February, 2008
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (I)
"Let the sight of the grandeur of Jesus transfigured prepare us for a brief contemplation of the humiliation of His Passion.”
Collect: O God, who seest that we are wholly destitute of strength, keep us within and without: that we may be defended in body from all adversity: and cleansed in mind from evil thoughts. 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 Thessalonians, 4:1-7.
[God our Creator and our Lord “hath called us not unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification, in Christ Jesus our Lord.”]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 17:1-9.
[Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor; manifestation of the divinity of Jesus.]
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)
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (I)
"Let the sight of the grandeur of Jesus transfigured prepare us for a brief contemplation of the humiliation of His Passion.”
Collect: O God, who seest that we are wholly destitute of strength, keep us within and without: that we may be defended in body from all adversity: and cleansed in mind from evil thoughts. 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 Thessalonians, 4:1-7.
[God our Creator and our Lord “hath called us not unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification, in Christ Jesus our Lord.”]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 17:1-9.
[Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor; manifestation of the divinity of Jesus.]
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, February 09, 2008
Saturday, 9 February, 2008
SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY ((III)
Day of fast (Traditional).
Collect: O Lord, hearken to our supplications: and grant that we may celebrate with devout service this solemn fast, which Thou hast ordained for the healing of both soul and body. 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 Prophet Isaias, 58:9-14.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 6:47-56.
ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
"St. Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, fought with his pen and his eloquence against the Nestorians. He presided in the name of Pope Celestine at the great Council of Ephesus, where the heresy of Nestorius was condemned, and he successfully defended the truth concerning the Mother of God and our Saviour in His twofold nature of God and Man. He died A.D. 444."
Collect: O God, who didst make blessed Cyril, Thy Confessor and Bishop, the invincible champion of the divine Motherhood of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary: grant that by his intercession, we who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be saved by her motherly protection. Through the same 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.
ST. APPOLONIA, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Appolonia, Virgin of Alexandria, after having her teeth broken, cast herself into the flames prepared for her, under the Emperor Decius, A.D. 259.”
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 Appolonia, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may by 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.
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 AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY ((III)
Day of fast (Traditional).
Collect: O Lord, hearken to our supplications: and grant that we may celebrate with devout service this solemn fast, which Thou hast ordained for the healing of both soul and body. 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 Prophet Isaias, 58:9-14.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark, 6:47-56.
ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
"St. Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, fought with his pen and his eloquence against the Nestorians. He presided in the name of Pope Celestine at the great Council of Ephesus, where the heresy of Nestorius was condemned, and he successfully defended the truth concerning the Mother of God and our Saviour in His twofold nature of God and Man. He died A.D. 444."
Collect: O God, who didst make blessed Cyril, Thy Confessor and Bishop, the invincible champion of the divine Motherhood of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary: grant that by his intercession, we who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be saved by her motherly protection. Through the same 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.
ST. APPOLONIA, Virgin, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Appolonia, Virgin of Alexandria, after having her teeth broken, cast herself into the flames prepared for her, under the Emperor Decius, A.D. 259.”
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 Appolonia, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may by 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.
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, February 08, 2008
Friday, 8 February, 2008
FRIDAY AFTER AS WEDNESDAY (III)
Day of fast and abstinence.
Collect: Further with Thy gracious favour, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the fasts which we have begun: that the bodily observance which we keep, we may be able also to practice with sincere intention. 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 Prophet Isaias, 58:1-9.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:43-48; 6:1-4.
ST. JOHN OF MATHA, Confessor (Comm.)
"With St. Felix of Valois, St. John founded the Order of the Trinitarians for the ransoming of captives who had fallen into the hands of the Mohammedans. He died in A.D. 1213."
Collect: O God, who through St. John didst from heaven deign to institute the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for ransoming captives from the power of the Saracens: help us through his merits, we beseech Thee, to freedom from bondage of body and of souls. 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.
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 AFTER AS WEDNESDAY (III)
Day of fast and abstinence.
Collect: Further with Thy gracious favour, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the fasts which we have begun: that the bodily observance which we keep, we may be able also to practice with sincere intention. 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 Prophet Isaias, 58:1-9.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 5:43-48; 6:1-4.
ST. JOHN OF MATHA, Confessor (Comm.)
"With St. Felix of Valois, St. John founded the Order of the Trinitarians for the ransoming of captives who had fallen into the hands of the Mohammedans. He died in A.D. 1213."
Collect: O God, who through St. John didst from heaven deign to institute the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for ransoming captives from the power of the Saracens: help us through his merits, we beseech Thee, to freedom from bondage of body and of souls. 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.
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, February 07, 2008
Thursday, 7 February, 2008
THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY (III)
Day of fast (Traditional).
Collect: O God, who by sin art offended and by penance appeased, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy suppliant people: and turn aside the scourges of Thine anger, which we deserve for our sins. 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 Prophet Isaias, 38:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 8:5-13.
ST. ROMUALD, Abbot (Comm.)
"St. Romuald founded the Order of the Camaldoli, one of the branches of the Benedictine Order, in which the eremitical life is united with the cenobitical. He died at the age of 120, A.D. 1027.”
Collect: May the intercession of blessed Romuald, the Abbot, commend us unto 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, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee 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. 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 AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY (III)
Day of fast (Traditional).
Collect: O God, who by sin art offended and by penance appeased, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy suppliant people: and turn aside the scourges of Thine anger, which we deserve for our sins. 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 Prophet Isaias, 38:1-6.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 8:5-13.
ST. ROMUALD, Abbot (Comm.)
"St. Romuald founded the Order of the Camaldoli, one of the branches of the Benedictine Order, in which the eremitical life is united with the cenobitical. He died at the age of 120, A.D. 1027.”
Collect: May the intercession of blessed Romuald, the Abbot, commend us unto 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, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee 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. 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)
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Wednesday, 6 February, 2008
ASH WEDNESDAY (I)
Beginning of Lent
Day of Fast and Abstinence.
“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 summarised 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.’”
Collect: Grant, O Lord, to Thy faithful people, that they may undertake with fitting piety this period of fasting, and complete it with steadfast devotion. 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 Prophet Joel, 2:12-19.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 6:16-21.
ST. TITUS, Confessor, Bishop
"St. Titus, Bishop of Crete, was one of the most faithful disciples of St. Paul The Apostle wrote to Titus a letter included in Holy Scripture. He died A.D. 101."
Collect: O God, who didst adorn blessed Titus, Thy Confessor and Bishop, with apostolic virtues: grant by his merits and intercession, that a life of duty and justice here below may win for us 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.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 44:16-27; 45:3-20.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 10:1-9.
ST. DOROTHY, Virgin, Martyr
"St. Dorothy of Caesarea in Cappadocia was beheaded at the end of the third century. She died A.D. 275."
Collect: May blessed Dorothy, 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 by her to 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. Luke, 10:1-9.
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)
ASH WEDNESDAY (I)
Beginning of Lent
Day of Fast and Abstinence.
“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 summarised 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.’”
Collect: Grant, O Lord, to Thy faithful people, that they may undertake with fitting piety this period of fasting, and complete it with steadfast devotion. 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 Prophet Joel, 2:12-19.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 6:16-21.
ST. TITUS, Confessor, Bishop
"St. Titus, Bishop of Crete, was one of the most faithful disciples of St. Paul The Apostle wrote to Titus a letter included in Holy Scripture. He died A.D. 101."
Collect: O God, who didst adorn blessed Titus, Thy Confessor and Bishop, with apostolic virtues: grant by his merits and intercession, that a life of duty and justice here below may win for us 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.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 44:16-27; 45:3-20.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 10:1-9.
ST. DOROTHY, Virgin, Martyr
"St. Dorothy of Caesarea in Cappadocia was beheaded at the end of the third century. She died A.D. 275."
Collect: May blessed Dorothy, 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 by her to 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. Luke, 10:1-9.
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, February 05, 2008
Tuesday, 5 February, 2008
ST. AGATHA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“Born in Sicily of noble parents, St. Agatha suffered dreadful torture at the hands of her persecutors, but she was healed on the following night by a vision of St. Peter. Other sufferings were inflicted upon her, and from these she died A.D. 254.”
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 Agatha, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may by 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.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 1:26-31.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 19:3-12.
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)
ST. AGATHA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“Born in Sicily of noble parents, St. Agatha suffered dreadful torture at the hands of her persecutors, but she was healed on the following night by a vision of St. Peter. Other sufferings were inflicted upon her, and from these she died A.D. 254.”
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 Agatha, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may by 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.
Epistle: From the First Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 1:26-31.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 19:3-12.
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, February 04, 2008
Monday, 4 February 2008
ST. ANDREW CORSINI, Bishop, Confessor (III)
“St. Andrew, in his youth, led a dissolute life. Through the unceasing prayers and supplications of his mother, he was converted, and became a famous Carmelite friar and was raised later to the dignity of Bishop of Fiesole. He died A.D. 1373.”
Collect: O God, who dost ever show forth in Thy Church new examples of virtue: grant that Thy people may so follow in the footsteps of blessed Andrew, Thy Confessor and Bishop, that they may obtain a like reward. 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.
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)
ST. ANDREW CORSINI, Bishop, Confessor (III)
“St. Andrew, in his youth, led a dissolute life. Through the unceasing prayers and supplications of his mother, he was converted, and became a famous Carmelite friar and was raised later to the dignity of Bishop of Fiesole. He died A.D. 1373.”
Collect: O God, who dost ever show forth in Thy Church new examples of virtue: grant that Thy people may so follow in the footsteps of blessed Andrew, Thy Confessor and Bishop, that they may obtain a like reward. 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.
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, February 03, 2008
Sunday, 3 February, 2008
QUINQUAGESIMA 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."
“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.”
Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously hear our prayers: and releasing us from the bond of our sins, guard us from all adversity. 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, 13:1-13.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 18:31-43.
ST. BLAISE, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
(Blessing of throats)
“St. Blaise, bishop of Sebaste, was beheaded after terrible torments, under Licinius, A.D. 317.”
Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feats of blessed Blaise, Thy Martyr 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 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.
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)
QUINQUAGESIMA 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."
“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.”
Collect: We beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously hear our prayers: and releasing us from the bond of our sins, guard us from all adversity. 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, 13:1-13.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 18:31-43.
ST. BLAISE, Bishop, Martyr (Comm.)
(Blessing of throats)
“St. Blaise, bishop of Sebaste, was beheaded after terrible torments, under Licinius, A.D. 317.”
Collect: O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feats of blessed Blaise, Thy Martyr 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 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.
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, February 02, 2008
Saturday, 2 February, 2008
FIRST SATURDAY
PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
CANDLEMAS DAY (II)
“The Feast of Candlemas, which derives its origin from the local observance of Jerusalem, marks the end of the Feasts included in the Christmas cycle of the Liturgy. It is perhaps the most ancient festival of Our Lady. It commemorates not only the obedience of the Blessed Virgin to the Mosaic Law in going to Jerusalem forty days after the birth of her Child and making the accustomed offerings, but also the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, and the meeting of the Infant Jesus with the old man Simeon - the Occursus Domini, as the Feast was anciently termed. This is the principal theme of the liturgy on this day: Jesus is taken to the Temple 'to present Him to the Lord.' So the Lord comes to His Temple, and is met by the aged Simeon with joy and recognition.
The procession on this day is one of the most picturesque features of the Western Liturgy. The blessing and distribution of candles, to be carried lighted in procession, precedes the Mass today - a symbolic presentation of the truth proclaimed in the Canticle of Simeon: Our Lord is the 'Light for the revelation of the Gentiles.' The anthems sung during this procession, eastern in origin, will express the joy and gladness of this happy festival, and the honour and praise we give to our blessed lady and her Divine Son by its devout observance.”
Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, we humbly beseech Thy Majesty, that as Thine only begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so Thou wouldst cause us too with purified hearts to be presented unto Thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Malachias. 3:1-4.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:22-32.
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)
FIRST SATURDAY
PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
CANDLEMAS DAY (II)
“The Feast of Candlemas, which derives its origin from the local observance of Jerusalem, marks the end of the Feasts included in the Christmas cycle of the Liturgy. It is perhaps the most ancient festival of Our Lady. It commemorates not only the obedience of the Blessed Virgin to the Mosaic Law in going to Jerusalem forty days after the birth of her Child and making the accustomed offerings, but also the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, and the meeting of the Infant Jesus with the old man Simeon - the Occursus Domini, as the Feast was anciently termed. This is the principal theme of the liturgy on this day: Jesus is taken to the Temple 'to present Him to the Lord.' So the Lord comes to His Temple, and is met by the aged Simeon with joy and recognition.
The procession on this day is one of the most picturesque features of the Western Liturgy. The blessing and distribution of candles, to be carried lighted in procession, precedes the Mass today - a symbolic presentation of the truth proclaimed in the Canticle of Simeon: Our Lord is the 'Light for the revelation of the Gentiles.' The anthems sung during this procession, eastern in origin, will express the joy and gladness of this happy festival, and the honour and praise we give to our blessed lady and her Divine Son by its devout observance.”
Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, we humbly beseech Thy Majesty, that as Thine only begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so Thou wouldst cause us too with purified hearts to be presented unto Thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, world without end.
Lesson: From the Prophet Malachias. 3:1-4.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 2:22-32.
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, February 01, 2008
Friday, 1 February, 2008
FIRST FRIDAY
ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, Bishop, Martyr (III)
"Like St. Polycarp, Ignatius, the Bishop of Antioch, was a disciple of St. John the Apostle. His letters are precious documents for our Faith. He was sent in chains to Rome and, when condemned to the wild beasts, exclaimed: 'I am the wheat of Christ; may I be ground by the fangs of wild beasts and become agreeable to my Lord!' A.D. 110."
Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the intercession of blesses Ignatius, 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 Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans. 8:35-39.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 12:24-26.
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)
FIRST FRIDAY
ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, Bishop, Martyr (III)
"Like St. Polycarp, Ignatius, the Bishop of Antioch, was a disciple of St. John the Apostle. His letters are precious documents for our Faith. He was sent in chains to Rome and, when condemned to the wild beasts, exclaimed: 'I am the wheat of Christ; may I be ground by the fangs of wild beasts and become agreeable to my Lord!' A.D. 110."
Collect: Look down upon our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our own deeds bears us down, may the intercession of blesses Ignatius, 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 Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans. 8:35-39.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John, 12:24-26.
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)
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