Feast days of the week 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Saturday, 13 December, 2008 (Advent)
ST LUCY, Virgin and Martyr (III)
"Born at Syracuse in Sicily of noble parents, St. Lucy gave herself to Jesus and chose death rather than lose the incorruptible treasure of her virginity, A.D. 303. Her name occurs in the Canon of the Mass."

Collect: Hear us, O God, our Saviour: and as we rejoice in the feast of blessed Lucy, Thy Virgin and Martyr: so we may learn a filial devotion to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 10:17-18.
[Jesus is the heavenly Bridegroom of chaste souls.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.
[The parable of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Friday, 12 December, 2008 (Advent)
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, Patroness of the Americas (III)
(in U.S.A.)
Collect: O God, Who hast willed that, under the special patronage of the blessed Virgin Mary, we be laden with perpetual favors, grant to Thy suppliants that, as we this day rejoice in her commemoration on earth, we may enjoy the vision of her in heaven. Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 24:23-31.
[As Wisdom the Blessed Virgin sets forth her origin, her dwelling, her dignity, and her fruits.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 1:37-47.
[The Visitation of our Blessed Lady. The Blessed Virgin Mary visits Elizabeth and Jesus visits and sanctifies John. Wherefore St. John leaps with joy and Elizabeth filled with the Holy Ghost exclaims: “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb.’]

FERIAL (Comm.)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to 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)

Feast days of the week 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Thursday, 11 December, 2008 (Advent)
ST DAMASUS, Pope, Confessor (III)
"St. Damasus became Pope in 366, after the persecutions were over. He condemned Arianism, commanded St. Jerome to translate the Holy Scriptures into Latin, and composed inscriptions for the sepulchres of the Roman martyrs. He died A.D. 384."

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

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Wednesday, 10 December 2008 (Advent)
FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to his works.]

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

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

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 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Tuesday, 9 December, 2008 (Advent)
FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to 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)

Feast days of the week 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Monday, 8 December, 2008
Holy Day of Obligation
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (I)
"’I will put enmities between thee and the woman.’ In these words, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was announced to our first parents. It was to be the reversal of the friendship with the serpent contracted by Eve, when she listened to his voice and fell under his power. The second Eve was never to be under the power of the devil; the enmity between them was to admit of no possible exception. This involved the grace of being conceived immaculate. Mary’s Immaculate Conception was the foundation of all her graces. The absence of any stain or spot of sin distinguished her from all the rest of mankind. It distinguished her from the holiest of Saints, since they, one and all, were sinners. Her perfect sinlessness was the source of all her glory and all her majesty; it was this which opened the door to the unlimited graces that she received from God; it was this that raised qualified her for her divine maternity, and raised her to the throne as Queen of heaven.

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

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

FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to 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)

Feast days of the week 7-13 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Sunday, 7 December, 2008
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (I)
"Numerous allusions appear in the Liturgy of this day to Jerusalem and her people. Let us be filled with the sentiments of hope and of joy, for the coming of Jesus is nigh. Let us prepare the way in our hearts for the Messias: Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ.”

Collect: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son: that through His coming we may deserve to serve Thee with purified minds: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 15:4-13.
[“A root of Jesse shall rise up” for the salvation of Hebrews and Gentiles.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 11:2-10.
[John the Baptist, sent “to prepare the way for the Messias”, puts the question to Jesus: “Art Thou He that art to come?” Reply of Jesus to the Precursor.]

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

Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: From the Second Letter of Bl. Paul the Apostle to Timothy, 4:1-8.
[St. Paul admonishes Timothy to hold firmly 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)

Feast days of the week 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Saturday, 6 December, 2008 (Advent)
First Saturday
ST NICHOLAS, Bishop and Confessor (III)
"The Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor is one of the most popular oriental saints. The spiritual and temporal needs of his flock were the first object of his pastoral care. This worker of miracles died A.D. 342; his body was eventually enshrined at Bari in Italy."

Collect: O God, who didst adorn the blessed Bishop Nicholas with countless miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that by his merits and prayers we may be delivered from the flames of hell. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.

Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, 13:7-17.
[The faithful are exhorted to honour and obey their prelates.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:14-23.
[The parable of the talents is applied to Confessor Bishops.]

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

Feast days of the week 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Friday, 5 December, 2008 (Advent)
First Friday
FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.


Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 121:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to his works.]

ST SABBAS, Abbot (Comm.)
"St. Sabbas organized monastic communities in Palestine and was famous for his virtues and austerities. He died A.D. 531.”


Collect: O God, who sendest us joy year by year on the feast of blessed Sabas, Thy Confessor which we are now keeping: mercifully grant on this day of his heavenly birth that we may grow like him in deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11.
[The just man that hath not gone after earthly things is praised on earth and shall have glory everlasting.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke 12:35-40.
[Christ admonishes all to watch and be ready for His coming.]

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

Feast days of the week 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Thursday, 4 December, 2008 (Advent)
ST PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (III)
"The holy Bishop of Ravenna was one of the most eloquent preachers of the Church (Chrysologus means ‘golden speech’). He died at Imola A.D. 450."

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

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

Collect: O God, who among the other marvels of Thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the victory of martyrdom: mercifully grant that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed St. Barbara, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may be her example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 51:1-8, 12.
[The Church, in union with the Virgin martyrs offers to the Lord praise and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:1-13.
[The parable of the ten virgins. They that were ready went in with the heavenly Bridegroom to the Eternal Banquet.]

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

Feast days of the week 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Wednesday, 3 December 2008 (Advent)
ST FRANCIS XAVIER, Confessor (III)
"One of the first companions of St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, one of the greatest missionaries of all time, preached the Gospel in India and Japan. He converted innumerable pagans and died in 1552 on his way to China."

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

Feast days of the week 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Tuesday, 2 December, 2008 (Advent)
ST BIBIANA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
"St. Bibiana was martyred at Rome under Julian the Apostate A.D. 363."

Collect: O God, the giver of all good gifts, who in Thy handmaid Bibiana didst to the flower or virginity join the palm of martyrdom: do Thou, through her intercession, so unite our minds to Thee by the bonds of charity, that we may be shielded from every danger and reap eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 51:13-17.
[Utterance of praise and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:35-40.
[The parables of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

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

Feast days of the week 30 November -6 December, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Monday, 1 December, 2008 (Advent)
FERIAL (III)
Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
[It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep ... Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness ... and walk honestly.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.
[We learn in this Gospel of the Second Coming of Christ: to render to each one according to 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, 30 November, 2007

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

I. SEASON OF ADVENT

Sunday, 30 November, 2007
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (I)
"This First Sunday of Advent or the Fourth before Christmas, is the first day of the Liturgical Year. The Mass prepares us this day for the double coming (adventus) of mercy and justice. That is why St. Paul tells us, in the Epistle, to cast off sin in order that, being ready for the coming of Christ as our Saviour, we may also be ready for His coming as our Judge, of which we learn in the Gospel. Let us prepare ourselves, by pious aspirations and by the reformation of our life, for this twofold coming. Jesus our Lord will reward those who yearn for Him and await Him: ‘Those who trust in Him shall not be confounded.’”

Collect: Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Epistle: Bl. Paul the Apostle to the Romans, 13:11-14.
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:25-33.

[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)

Advent

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

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

I. SEASON OF ADVENT (from the first Sunday of Advent to December 24).

"The liturgical texts used during the four weeks of the season of Advent remind the faithful of the ‘absence of Christ.’ The Collects of Advent do not end with, ‘through our Lord Jesus Christ,’ as during the rest of the year. In a spirit of penance and prayer we await the Mediator, the God-Man, preparing for His coming in the flesh, and also for His second coming as our Judge. The Masses for Advent strike a note of preparation and repentance mingled with joy and hope; hence, although the penitential purple is worn and the Gloria is omitted, the joyous Alleluia is retained. The readings from the Old Testament contained in the Introit, Gradual, offertory, and Communion of the Masses, taken mostly from the prophecies of Isaias and from the Psalms, give eloquent expression to the longing of all nations for a Redeemer. We are impressed by repeated and urgent appeals to the Messias: ‘Come, delay no longer.’ The Lessons from St. Paul urge us to dispose ourselves fittingly for His coming. The Gospels describe the terrors of the last Judgment, the Second Coming, and tell of the preaching of St. John the Baptist ‘to prepare the way of the Lord.’

In Advent, the Greek Church celebrates particularly the ancestors of Our Lord – all the Patriarchs and Prophets of the Old Testament, but especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Latin Church also mentions them often in this period. In the Breviary, many texts are taken from Isaias (Introit of the second Sunday, Communion of the Third Sunday).

The idea of Advent is ‘Prepare you for the coming of Christ.’ Therefore the very appeals of the Patriarchs and the Prophets are put in our mouths in Advent. Prepare for the coming of Christ the Redeemer, who comes to prepare us for His Second Coming as Judge.

When the oracles of the Prophets were fulfilled and the Jews awaited the Messias, John the Baptist left the desert and came to the vicinity of the Jordan, bringing a baptism of penance to prepare the souls for the coming of Christ. The world took him to be the Messias, but he replied with the words of Isaias: ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: prepare ye the way of the Lord.’

During Advent we make straight for Christ the way to our souls – and behold, our Lord will come at Christmas.”

[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)

Sunday, 23 November, 2008

Feast days of the week 23-29 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).

Sunday, 23 November, 2008
LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (I)
“Easter being variable, the number of Sundays to the First Sunday of Advent is, of course, variable also; but there cannot be less than 23, nor more than twenty-eight. The Mass for the Last Sunday after Pentecost is always said on the Sunday preceding Advent. If there are more than twenty-four Sundays after Pentecost, the Introit, Gradual and Communion of the twenty-third Sunday are repeated on all the remaining Sundays. But the Collects, the Epistle and the Gospel are taken from the Masses of the Sundays omitted after Epiphany.”

Collect: Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the wills of Thy faithful to seek more earnestly this fruit of the divine work, that they will receive more abundantly healing gifts from Thy tender mercy. 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 Colossians, 1:9-14.
[St. Paul exhorts the Christian people to bring forth all manner of good works, in order that strengthened by the glorious might of our Saviour, they may bear all adversities with patience, joy and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 24:13-25.
[Jesus foretells the destruction of the world, and His second Advent, when all nations shall see the eternal Judge coming with power and majesty in the clouds of heaven.]

ST. CLEMENT I, Pope. Martyr (III)
“St. Clement I was a companion and a disciple of SS. Peter and Paul, and the third successor of St. Peter. He was exiled by the emperor Trajan and cast into the sea A.D. 100.”

Collect: O God, who didst solidly found Thy Church on the apostolic rock and dost shield her from the dreaded gates of hell, grant, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of blessed Clement Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, that under Thy sure protection she may persevere in Thy truth. 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 Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, 3:17-21; 4:1-3.
[Destruction is the end of those who are enemies of the cross.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy 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.]

ST. FELICITY, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Felicity, the mother of the Seven Holy Brothers, martyrs, was beheaded shortly after her sons A.D. 150.”
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who are keeping the feast of blessed Felicity Thy Martyr, may be shielded by her merits and prayers. 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.
[Utterance of praise and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.
[The parable of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

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

Saturday, 22 November 2008

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Saturday, 22 November 2008
ST. CECILIA, Virgin, Martyr (III)
“St. Cecilia (or Cecily), of an illustrious Roman family, converted her husband, Valerius, and her brother-in-law Tiburtius, preserved her virginity, and was beheaded during the pontificate of St. Urban I A.D. 230.”

Collect: O God, who dost gladden us with the yearly festival of blessed Cecily, Thy Virgin and Martyr, grant that we who honour her by this solemn rite, may follow the example of her godly life. 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.
[Utterance of praise and thanksgiving.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 25:1-13.
[The parable of the ten virgins. They that were ready went in with the heavenly Bridegroom to the Eternal Banquet.]

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

Friday, 21 November 2008

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Friday, 21 November 2008
THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (III)
“Truly Mary became the Lady above all creation in her role as the Mother of the Creator. She was born in Joachim’s house near the Probatica, and was presented in the temple. Thereupon ‘planted in the house of God’ and nurtured by His Spirit, like a fruitful olive tree she flowered forth in all virtues.”

Collect: O God, who didst will that this day the ever blessed Virgin mary, dwelling place of the Holy Ghost, should be presented in the temple: grant, we beseech Thee, that through her intercession, we may be worthy to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who livest and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Lesson: From the Book of Ecclesiasticus, 24:14-16.
[Wisdom, seen as a figure of the Blessed Virgin, speaks of herself, her origin, her dwelling, her dignity and her fruits.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 11:27-28.
[The holy Mother of God is blessed among women.]

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

Thursday, 20 November 2008

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Thursday, 20 November 2008
ST. FELIX OF VALOIS, Confessor (III)
“St. Felix, of the royal family of France, with St. John of Matha founded the Order of the Trinitarians for the ransom of captives. He died A.D. 1212.”

Collect: O God, who by the voice of an angel didst recall Thy blessed Confessor Felix from the desert to undertake the ransoming of captives: grant, we beseech Thee, that by Thy grace we may be freed from the bondage of sin through his intercession, and may be guided safely to our heavenly country. 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 Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, 4:9-14.
[Like the Apostles the Confessors were renowned for their holiness and their sufferings.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke, 12:32-34.
[Be not solicitous for earthly things, but make yourselves a treasure in heaven.]

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

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

Feast days of the week 16-22 November, A.D. 2008 (1962 liturgical calendar).
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
ST. ELIZABETH, Widow (III)
“St. Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew, king of Hungary, was given in marriage to the holy landgrave of Thuringia, Louis IV. After the death of her husband, she entered the Third Order of St. Francis, and died in poverty and humiliation, exiled by her brother-in-law A.D. 1231.”

Collect: Shed Thy light upon the hearts of Thy faithful people, O merciful God, and through the glorious prayers of blessed Elizabeth, grant that we may despise worldly success and find our joy in heavenly consolation. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who livest and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Lesson: From the Book of Proverbs, 31:10-31.
[Description of all the necessary duties and virtues of the valiant woman.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, 13:44-52.
[The parables of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

ST. PONTIANUS, Pope, Martyr (Comm.)
“St. Pontianus was exiled under Emperor Severus and was eventually scourged to death, A.D.235.”

Collect: O God, who didst solidly found Thy Church on the apostolic rock and dost shield her from the dreaded gates of hell, grant, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of blessed Pontianus, Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, that under Thy sure protection she may persevere in Thy truth. 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, 5:1-4; 10-11.
[Christ is the model for Popes. The Pope directs the Church with love and according to the will of God.]
Gospel: Continuation of the holy 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.]

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)