Whit Monday

Monday after Pentecost

Station at St. Peter's Chains

"The Gift of Understanding enlightens us by shedding a clear, searching and extraordinary light on the meaning of revealed truth, and by giving us a certitude that what God has revealed bears such and such a sense and no other". (Rev. M. Meschler. S.J. Ibid., p. 385.)

The Church extends the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles (Collect) over eight days. In the Epistle we see the Head of the Church (in whose church the station is held) giving testimony to Jesus Christ before the Jews and the Gentiles. Whosoever believeth in Me shall not perish," said our Lord, "for God sent His Son that the world may be saved by Him" (Gospel). And as St. Peter says, "Whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins through His name" (Epistle). All men, without exception are called to believe in Jesus Christ, to be baptized in His Name, to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in which the Holy Ghost is given, and the Eucharist where our Divine Redeemer feeds souls with the finest of heavenly wheat (Introit).

May Jesus and the Holy Ghost, of whom we have received testimony from the lips of Peter, head of the Church, defend us against our enemies and give us peace (Collect, Postcommunion).

Cibavit eos ex adipe frumenti, alleluia: et de petra melle saturavit eos, alleluia, alleluia. * Exsultate Deo adjutori nostro: jubilate Deo Jacob.
He fed them with the finest of wheat, alleluia : and filled them with honey out of the rock, alleluia, alleluia. Ps. Rejoice to God our helper : sing aloud to the God of Jacob. f. Glory be to the Father.
(Psalm 80:17,2 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui Apostolis tuis sanctum dedisti Spiritum: concede plebi tuae piae petitionis effectum: ut, quibus dedisti fidem, largiaris et pacem. 
O God, who didst send the Holy Ghost to Thine apostles, grant to Thy people the fruit of their loving prayers; that Thou mayest bestow peace upon those to whom Thou hast given faith.

(Collect)