27th November, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
(pro aliquibus locis)

The devotion commonly known as that of the Miraculous Medal owes its origin to St Catherine Labore, a member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared three separate times in the year 1830, at the mother-house of the community at Paris. On the second occasion, Sister Catherine records that the Blessed Virgin appeared as if standing on a globe, and bearing a globe in her hands. As if from rings set with precious stones dazzling rays of light were emitted from her fingers. These, she said, were symbols of the graces which would be bestowed on all who asked for them. Sister Catherine adds that around the figure appeared an oval frame bearing in golden letters the words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee"; on the back appeared the letter M, surmounted by a cross, with a crossbar beneath it, and under all the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the former surrounded by a crown of thorns, and the latter pierced by a sword. (Catholic Encyclopaedia)

Erit quasi signum in manu tua, et quasi monuméntum ante óculos tuos, et ut lex Dómini semper sit in ore tuo. * Confitémini Dómino et invocáte nomen ejus: annuntiáte inter gentes ópera ejus.

It shall be a sign in thy hand, and as a memorial before thine eyes, and that the law of the Lord be always in thy mouth. * O give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon His name: tell forth His deeds among the nations.

(Exodus 13:9 and Psalm 104:1 from the Introit of Mass)

Dómine Jesu Christe, qui beatíssimam Vírginem Maríam, Matrem tuam, ab orígine immaculátam innúmeris miráculis claréscere voluísti: concéde; ut, ejúsdem patrocínium semper implorántes, gáudia consequámur aetérna.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast willed that the most blessed Virgin Mary, Thy mother, sinless from the first moment of her conception, should be glorified by countless miracles: grant that we, who never cease from imploring her patronage, may attain in the end to eternal happiness.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia on the Miraculous Medal: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10115a.htm

25th November, St Catharine, Virgin and Martyr

St Catharine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr

Catharine was born at Alexandria. From youth she combined the study of the liberal arts with the ardour of faith. At the age of 18, she rebuked the Emperor Maximinus for tormenting the Christians. He assembled the most learned men, to bring her over to idolatry, but she succeeded in converting several of them.

Maximinus then ordered her to be scourged with rods and with whips weighted with lead. Then he had her tied to wheels armed with sharp swords. But the machine broke down and the tyrant caused her to be beheaded. She died about 310. After her death her body was carried by angels to mount Sinai. She is one of the 14 auxiliary saints. Christian philosophers honour her as their patroness.

Loquebar de testimoniis tuis in conspectu regum, et non confundebar: et meditabar in mandatis tuis, quae dilexi nimis. * Beati immaculati in via, qui ambulant in lege Domini.
I spoke of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed: I meditated also on Thy commandments, which I loved. * Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord.
(Psalm 118:46-47,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui dedísti legem Móysi in summitáte montis Sínai, et in eódem loco per sanctos Angelos tuos corpus beátae Catharínae Vírginis et Mártyris tuae mirabíliter collocásti: praesta, quaesumus; ut, ejus méritis et intercessióne, ad montem, qui Christus est, perveníre valeámus.

O God, who on the top of mount Sinai didst give the law to Moses, and in wondrous wise, by means of Thy holy angels didst place there the body of blessed Catharine, Thy virgin and martyr: grant that, through her merits and prayers, we may come to the true mountain which is Christ.

(Collect)

Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03445a.htm

24th November, St Chrysogonus, Martyr

St Chrysogonus, Martyr

St Chrysogonus, martyr, after having been long in chains was taken to Aquileia, by order of Diocletian, and there beheaded and thrown into the sea. He is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass (first list of saints). In his church at Rome is held the Station on Monday in Passion Week.

In virtute tua, Domine, laetabitur justus: et super salutare tuum exsulatabit vehementer: desiderium animae ejust tribuisti ei. * Quoniam praevenisti eum in benedictionibus dulcedinis: posuisti in capite ejus coronam de lapide pretioso.
In thy strength, O Lord, the just man shall rejoice: and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly: Thou hast given him his heart's desire. * For Thou hast gone before him with blessings of sweetness: Thou hast set upon his head a crown of precious stones.
(Psalm 20:2-3,4 from the Introit of Mass)

Adésto, Dómine, supplicatiónibus nostris: ut, qui ex iniquitáte nostra reos nos esse cognóscimus, beáti Chrysógoni Mártyris tui intercessióne liberémur.
Give heed, O Lord, to our supplications: may we, who acknowledge our sinfulness, by the intercession of blessed Chrysogonus, Thy martyr, obtain our deliverance.
(Collect)

Catholic Encyclopedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03742b.htm

24th November, St John of the Cross, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

St John of the Cross, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

Born in Old Castile in 1542, he took the name of John of the Cross, on entering the Order of Mount Carmel. He always had a great devotion to the Passion of our Lord and his predominant virtue was abnegation. He obtained from God not to pass a day without suffering and to die where he would be unknown to all.

He helped St Teresa in reforming the Order, and introduced the primitive observance among the friars. He was also equal to St Teresa in explaining divine mysteries.

Struck down at Ubeda, by a cruel disease, he died embracing the crucifix and exclaiming: "Glory To God" in 1591. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1926.

In medio Ecclesiae aperuit os ejus: et implevit eum Dominus spiritu sapientiae et intellectus: stolam gloriae induit eum. * Bonum est confiteri Domino: et psallere nomini tuo, Altissime.

In the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth: and He filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. * It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy name, O most High.
(Ecclesiasticus 15:5 and Psalm 91:2 from the Introit of Mass)



Deus, qui sanctum Joánnem Confessórem tuum atque Doctorem perféctae sui abnegatiónis
et Crucis amatórem exímium effecísti: concéde; ut, ejus imitatióni júgiter inhaeréntes, glóriam assequámur aetérnam.
O God, who didst endow holy John,Thy confessor and doctor, with a wonderful love of self-denial and with a surpassing love of the cross; grant that by following ever in his footsteps, we may obtain everlasting glory.
(Collect)



The Dark Night
a poem by St John of the Cross



On a darkened night,
Anxious, by love inflamed,
-- O happy chance! --
Unnoticed, I took flight,
My house at last at peace and quiet.

Safe, disguised by the night,
By the secret ladder I took flight,
-- O happy chance! --
Cloaked by darkness, I scaled the height,
My house at last at peace and quiet.

On that blessed night,
In secret, and seen by none,
None in sight,
I saw with no other guide or light,
But the one burning in my heart bright.

This guide, this light,
Brighter than the midday sun,
Led me to the waiting One
I knew so well -- my delight!
To a place with none in sight.

O night! O guide!
O night more loving than the dawn!
O night that joined
The lover with the Beloved;
Transformed, the lover into the Beloved drawn!

Upon my flowered breast,
For him alone kept fair,
There he slept
There I caressed,
There the cedars gave us air.

I drank the turret's cool air
Spreading playfully his hair.
And his hand, so serene,
Cut my throat. Drained
Of senses, I dropped unaware.

Lost to myself and yet remaining,
Inclined so only the Beloved I spy.
All has ceased, all rests,
Even my cares, even I;
Lost among the lilies, there I die.



From the Catholic Encyclopedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08480a.htm

23rd November, St Clement I, Pope and Martyr

St Clement I, Pope and Martyr

Pope St Clement is named third in the Canon of the mass after the apostles. He was the third successor of St Peter (after Linus and Cletus). The letter of St Clement to the Corinthians is one of the most precious documents of the earliest Christian centuries.

The Epistle of the mass identifies this saint with a Clement who was an auxiliary of St Paul. Most scholars think that this was a different Clement.
According to tradition, he was relegated to Chersonese during Trajan's persecution, and cast into the sea with an anchor attached to his neck (about 100). His body was carried to Rome, under the pontificate of Nicholas I and solemnly laid to reast in the church which had been built in his honour.

This church, where the Station is held on the Monday of the second week in Lent is one of the most interesting in Rome, because it kept much of the plan and furniture of an ancient Roman basilica; the atrium, the ambos with their chancels, the altar turned towards the congregation, with separate parts of the building for catechumens, faithful and clergy.

Dicit Dominus: Sermones mei, quos dedi in os tuum, non deficient de ore tuo: et munera tua accepta erunt super altare meum. * Beatus vir qui timet Dominum: in mandatis ejus cupit nimis.
The Lord saith, My words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of they mouth: and they gifts shall be accepted upon My altar. * Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; he delighteth exceedingly in His commandments.
(Isaias 59:21 and Psalm 111:1 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui nos ánnua beáti Clementis Martyris tui atque Pontíficis sollemnitáte laetíficas: concéde propítius; ut, cujus natalítia cólimus, virtútem quoque passiónis imitémur.O God, who dost give us joy by the yearly festival of Thy blessed martyr and bishop Clement: grant that we who keep his birthday may also imitate his fortitude in suffering.
(Collect)

Catholic encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04012c.htm

23rd November, St Felicitas, Martyr

St Felicitas, Martyr

St Felicitas, the mother of seven martyred sons, was beheaded after them for the faith of Christ, in Rome, by order of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, AD 150.

Her seven sons have their feast day on 10th July.

Me exspectaverunt peccatores, ut perderent me: testimonia mea, Domine, intellexi: omnis consummationis vidi finem: latum mandatum tuum nimis. * Beati immaculati in via, qui ambulant in lege Domini.The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood Thy testimonies, O Lord: I have seen an end of all perfection: Thy commandment is exceeding broad. * Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the Law of the Lord.

(Psalm 118:95-96,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Praesta, quaesumus, omnípotens Deus: ut, beátae Felicitátis Martyris tuae sollémnia recenséntes, méritis ipsíus protegámur et précibus.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we may be protected by the merits and prayers of blessed Felicitas, Thy Martyr, whose feast we keep.

(Collect)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06028a.htm

22nd November, St Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

St Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

Born at Rome, of the illustrious family of the Coecilii, Cecilia as a child consecrated her virginity to God. Forced to marry Valerian, a young pagan, she said to him: "Valerian, I am placed under the guardianship of an angel who protects my virginity." Valerian declared that he would believe in Jesus Christ if he saw the angel. Cecilia sent him first to Pope Urban, in the Catacombs, to be baptized. Valerian saw the angel, and got his brother Tiburtius to be baptized; he also saw the angel. A short time after, both brothers were martyred under the prefect Almachius (feast day 14th April). Finally the latter arrested Cecilia and ordered her to be put to death in her house. This was about AD 230.

Her body was discovered in 1599 by Cardinal Sfondrati, just as it was at the moment of her death, in her house transformed into a church, in the Trastavere. Here is held the station on the Wednesday in the second week of Lent. The name of St Cecilia is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass, in the second list of saints.

"At the sound of musical instruments," says the first antiphon at Vespers, "the virgin Cecilia sang to God in her heart." On this account she has been chosen as the patroness of musicians.



Loquebar de testimoniis tuis in conspectu regum, et non confundebar: et meditabar in mandatis tuis, quae dilexi nimis. * Beati immaculati in via, qui ambulant in lege Domini.
I spoke of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed: I meditated also on Thy commandments, which I loved. * Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord.
(Psalm 118:46-47,1 from the Introit of Mass)



Deus, qui nos ánnua beátae Caecíliae Vírginis et Mártyris tuae solemnitáte laetíficas : da, ut, quam venerámur offício, étiam piae conversatiónis sequámur exémplo.
O God who dost gladden us by the annual festival of blessed Cecilia, Thy virgin and martyr: grant that we who revere her with our service, may also follow the example of her pious life.
(Collect)



Vírginis Proles Opiféxque Matris,
Virgo quem gessit, peperítque Virgo:
Vírginis partos cánimus decóra
Morte triúmphos.

Son of a Virgin, Maker of thy Mother,
Thou, Rod and Blossom from a Stem unstained,
Thou, King of Virgins, hearken as we honour
Virginal glories.
(Hymn from Matins)



Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03471b.htm

21st November, Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This feast is founded on a tradition, recorded by two apocryphal gospels, but which is probably authentic, relating that the Blessed Virgin was presented in the temple of Jerusalem when three years old, and that she lived there with other girls and the holy women who had them in their care. Already in the 6th century the event is commemorated in the East. Gregory XI in 1372 heard of that feast, kept in Greece on 21st November, and introduced it at Avignon. Sixtus V in 1585 extended it to the whole Church. Clement VII raised it to the rank of a greater double.

Salve, sancta parens, enixa puerpera Regem: qui caelum, terramque regit in saecula saeculorum. * Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego opera mea Regi.

Hail, holy Mother, thou who didst bring forth the King who rules heaven and earth for ever and ever. * My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King.

(Ps. 44: 2 )

Deus, qui beátam Maríam semper Vírginem, Spíritus Sancti habitáculum, hodiérna die in templo praesentári voluísti: praesta, quaesumus; ut, ejus intercessióne, in templo glóriae tuae praesentári mereámur.
O God, Who wast pleased that on this day the Blessed Virgin, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, should be presented in the Temple, grant, we beseech Thee, that, by her intercession, we may deserve to be presented in the temple of Thy glory.

(Collect)



Catholic Encyclopedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12400a.htm

20th November, St Felix of Valois, Confessor

St Felix of Valois, Confessor

St Felix, of the royal family of Valois, retired to a desert, near Meaux, where he was joined by St John of Matha. In consequence of a vision, they went to Rome. Innocent III approved the Order of the Most Holy Trinity, founded by them for the ransoming of captives. They were ready to suffer hunger and thirst and all sorts of ill-treatmnet to deliver their brethren. On their return to France, favoured by King Philip-Augustus and by the Lord of Chatilon, they founded the monastery of Cerfroi. St Felix died in 1212.

The Feast of St John of Matha is on 8th February.

Justus ut palma florebit: sicut cedrus Libani multiplicabitur: plantatus in domo Domini: in atriis domus Dei nostri. * Bonum est confiteri Domino: et psallere nomini tuo, Altissime.

The just shall flourish like the palm-tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus: planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

(Psalm 91:13-14,2 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui beátum Felicem Confessórem tuum ex eremo ad munus rediméndi captívos coelitus vocáre dignátus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut per grátiam tuam ex peccatórum nostrórum captivitáte, ejus intercessióne, liberáti, ad coeléstem pátriam perducámur.
O God, who didst vouchsafe by a voice from heaven to call blessed Felix to the work of the ransoming of captives: grant, we beseech Thee, that his holy prayers may free us from the bondage of sin, and may safely lead us to the heavenly fatherland.
(Collect)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06033c.htm


The Order of Trinitarians: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15045d.htm

20th November, Our Lady, Mother of Divine Providence

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Providence
Saturday before the Third Sunday of November - pro aliquibus locis.

Honouring Our Lady under the title of Mother of Divine Providence originated in Italy in the 13th century. The devotion later passed to Spain, where a shrine was built in Tarragona, Catalonia. It later passed to Puerto Rico, where it became popular; she is regarded as principal patroness of Puerto Rico, under this title.

The imate of Our Lady of Divine Providence, venerated by the Servants of Mary, and other Italian religious orders and saints, shows the Virgin with the Divine Child sleeping peacefully in her arms. Its title has been attributed to St Philip Benizi, fifth superior of the Servants of Mary.

Múlier, ecce fílius tuus, dixit Jesus Matri: deinde dixit discípulo, quem diligébat: Ecce Mater tua. * Confitémini Dómino, quóniam bonus: quóniam in saeculum misericórdia ejus.

Woman, behold thy son, Jesus said to his mother: then He said to the disciple whom He loved: "Behold, thy mother." * Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

(St John 19:26-27 and Psalm 105:1 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, cujus providéntia in sui dispositióne non fállitur, te súpplices exorámus: ut, intercedénte beáta Vírgine ac Genetríce Fílii tui María; noxia cuncta submóveas, et ómnia nobis profutúra concedas.
O God, whose providence faileth not in its designs, we humbly entreat Thee, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Thy son, that Thou wouldst put away from us all hurtful things, and give us all things which are profitable for us.
(Collect)



Sources: http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/resources/bvmtext3.htm
http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/resources/engsix.html#pue



St Philip Benizi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Benizi_de_Damiani



Catholic Encyclopaedia on the Servites: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09750a.htm

19th November, St Pontianus, Pope and Martyr

St Pontianus, Pope and Martyr

Deported to Sardinia with the priest Hippolytus by order of the Emperor Alexander, St Pontianus was scourged to death in 235.

 

Statuit ei Dominus testamentum pacis, et principem fecit eum: ut sit illi sacerdotii dignitas in aeternum. * Memento, Domine, David, et omnis mansuetudinis ejus.

The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince: that the dignity of the priesthood should be to him for ever. * O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness.

(Ecclesiasticus 45:30 and Psalm 131:1 from the Introit of Mass)

Be mindful of our weakness, O almighty God, and since the burden of our deeds is grievous to us, grant that the glorious intercession of blessed Pontianus Thy martyr and bishop may protect us.

(Collect)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12229b.htm

19th November, St Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow

St Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow

Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew, King of Hungary, was given in marriage to Louis IV, the saintly Landgrave of Thuringia. She was called the mother of the poor, and cared for the sick and the lepers with maternal tenderness, kissing their wounds with respect. At her husband's death, her brother-in-law expelled her from the castle at Wartburg and she could not find a shelter. She took the habit of the Third Order of Penance of St Francis, and died at the age of 24, AD 1231.

Cognovi, Domine, quia aequitas judicia tua, et in veritate tua humiliasti me: confige timore tuo carnes meas, a mandatis tuis timui. Beati immaculati in via, qui ambulant in lege Domini.

I know, O Lord, that Thy judgements are equity, and in Thy truth Thou hast humbled me: pierce Thou my flesh with Thy fear, I am afraid of Thy judgements. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

(Psalm 118:75,120,1 from the Introit of Mass).

O God of tender mercies, pour forth Thy light over the hearts of Thy faithful people: and graciously listening to the glorious prayers of blessed Elizabeth, make us to think little of worldly prosperity and to be ever gladdened by heavenly consolation.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05389a.htm

18th November, Dedication of the Basilicas of SS Peter and Paul

The Dedication of the Basilicas of the Holy Apostles SS Peter and Paul

The basilica of St Peter on the Vatican and that of St Paul outside the Walls, both erected by Constantine on the site of their martyrdom and built over their tomb, are hardly inferior, owing to their origin and importance, to the basilica of St John Lateran. They were also consecrated by St Sylvester, on 18th November.

At St Peter's is held the Station of the Saturday in Ember week, when Holy Orders are conferred; of the third Sunday in Advent, Epiphany, Passion Sunday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Pentecost, the Litanies of St Mark, and Rogation Wednesday. This church was completely rebuilt in the 16th century when it was falling into decay. Popes Julius II and Leo X had recourse to the greatest artists of the age, Bramante and Michaelangelo. Urban VIII consecrated this church, the vastest and richest in the world, on 18th November 1626.

The basilica of St Paul, on the Ostian Way, was, on account of distance, only used for the Station four times a year - Holy Innocents, Sexagesima, Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent or day of the great scrutiny, and Easter Tuesday. Having been completely destroyed by fire in 1823, the church was rebuilt with unheard of magnificence by Gregory XVI and Pius IX, and consecrated by the latter on 10th December 1854, two days after the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

Terríbilis est locus iste: hic domus Dei est et porta coeli: et vocabitur aula Dei. * Quam dilecta tabernacula tua, Domine virtutum! concupiscit, et deficit anima mea in atria Domini.

Terrible is this place: it is the house of God, and the gate of heaven; and it shall be called the court of God. * How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts! my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord.
(Genesis 28:17 and Psalm 83:2-3 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui nobis per síngulos annos hujus sancti templi tui consecrationis reparas diem, et sacris semper mysteriis representas incolumes: exaudi preces populi tui, et praesta; ut, quisquis hoc templum benefícia petiturus ingreditur, cuncta se impetrasse laetetur.
O God, who every year dost renew the day of the consecration of this Thy holy temple, and continuest to bring us in safety to Thy sacred mysteries, graciously hear the prayers of Thy people, and grant that all who enter this temple to implore Thy blessings, may rejoice in obtaining whatsoever they ask.
(Collect)



The Lord hath made this tabernacle * his holy place, for this is the house of the Lord, wherein we stand before his presence and cry unto him, and whereof it is written: My Name shall be there, saith the Lord.
(Magnificat Antiphon from 1st Vespers)



Blessed City, heavenly Salem,

Vision dear of peace and love,
Who, of living stones upbuilded,
Art the joy of heaven above,
And, with Angel cohorts circled,
As a bride to earth dost move!

(From the hymn, Caelestis Urbs Jerusalem)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia on the Basilica of St Peter: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13369b.htm


From the Catholic Encyclopaedia on the Basilica of St Paul: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13369a.htm

17th November, St Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop and Confessor

St Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop and Confessor

St Gregory was born at Neo-Cesarea in Pontus about 200, and became bishop of his native city. God multiplied miracles in such a manner throughout his life, that he was surnamed Thaumaturgus, the Wonderworker. At his command, a mountain moved, so as to leave sufficient room for the building of a church. He died in 270.

Statuit ei Dominus testamentum pacis, et principem fecit eum: ut sit illi sacerdotii dignitas in aeternum. * Memento Domine David et omnis mansuetudinis ejus.

The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince; that the dignity of the priesthood should be to him for ever. * O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness.

(Ecclus. 45:30 and Psalm 131:1. From the Introit at Mass).

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the venerable solemnity of blessed Gregory, Thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and promote our salvation.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07015a.htm

16th November, St Gertrude, Virgin

St Gertrude, Virgin

St Gertrude, called the Great, was a Cistercian. She entered the cloister as an oblate in 1261, at the age of five. On 27th January 1281, Gertrude being then just over 25, the Spouse of her soul  revealed Himself to her and favoured her with remarkable visions during the eight following years. At God's command, she related them in the wonderful book of her Revelations. We also have of her, the Book of Special Grace, the Exercises of St Gertrude, and the Prayers of St Gertrude. Gertrude died in 1334, consumed rather by the ardour of her love than by disease.

She was proclaimed patroness of the West Indies, and in New Mexico a town was built in her honour and still bears her name.

Dilexisti justitiam, et odisti iniquitatem: properea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, oleo laetitiae prae consortibus tuis. * Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego opera mea Regi.

Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. * My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King.
(Psalm 44:8,2 from the Introit of Mass)



O God, who in the heart of the holy virgin Gertrude didst provide for Thyself a pleasing abode; through her merits and prayers, do Thou cleanse from our hearts every stain of sin, and grant that we may enjoy fellowship with her for evermore.
(Collect)



Jesu, coróna Vírginum,
Quem Mater illa cóncipit
Quae sola Virgo párturit,
Haec vota clemens áccipe.
Jesu, the Virgins' Crown, do thou
Accept us, as in prayer we bow;
Born of that Virgin, whom alone
The Mother and the Maid we own.
(Hymn from Vespers, from the Common Office of Virgins)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06534a.htm

15th November, St Albert the Great, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church

St Albert the Great, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church

Born in Swabia, Albert entered the Order of St Dominic, at the earnest entreaty and through the ardent prayers of blessed Jourdan of Saxony. He taught philosophy and theology at the Universities of Paris and Cologne. St Thomas Aquinas was one of his students. Made bishop of Ratisbon, he defended the church against the errors of Guillaume de Saint-Amour, and died at Cologne in 1280. He was canonized and proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1931.

In medio Ecclesiae aperuit os ejus: et implevit eum Dominus spiritu sapientiae et intellectus: stolam gloriae induit eum. * Bonum est confiteri Domino: et psallere nomini tuo, Altissime.
In the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth: and He filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. * It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy name, O most high.

(Ecclus. 15:5 and Psalm 91:2 from the Introit of Mass)

O God, who didst make blessed Albert, Thy bishop and doctor, great in subordinating human wisdom to divine faith: grant us, we beseech Thee, to follow the footsteps of his doctrine that in heaven we may enjoy perfect light.
(Collect)



From the Catholic encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01264a.htm

14th November, All Souls of the Benedictine Order

All Souls of the Benedictine Order

Yesterday the Benedictine Order celebrated its saints - those who are now part of the Church Triumphant in heaven. Today it remembers its members who are part of the Church suffering, completing their purification in purgatory.

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat eis. * Te decet hymnus Deus, in Sion, et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem: exaudi orationem meam, ad te omnis caro veniet.

Eternal rest give to them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. * A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Sion; and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem: hear my prayer; all flesh shall come to Thee.

(Psalm 64. 2-3, from the Introit of Mass)

O God, Who grantest forgiveness and desirest the salvation of mankind, we beseech Thee in Thy mercy to grant that the brethren of our congregation, who have passed out of this life, may partake of everlasting bliss by the intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin and of all Thy saints.

12th November, St Martin I, Pope and Martyr

St Martin I, Pope and Martyr

Not to be confused with St Martin of Tours, whose feast was yesterday, St Martin I became Pope in 649. He condemned the Monothelites, who only admitted a Divine will in Christ. He was treacherously seized by order of the heretical emperor Constant, and carried away to Constantinople. After enduring much suffering and humiliation, he was exiled to Chersonesus, where he died of fatigue on 16th September 665. His body was translated to Rome on 12th November, and was laid in the church of St Sylvester and Martin the Apostle of Gaul.

Sacerdotes Dei, benedicite Dominum: sancti et humiles corde, laudate Deum. * Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, Domino: laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula.

O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: O ye holy and humble of heart, praise God. * All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt Him above all for ever.

(Daniel 3:84,87,57 from the Introit of Mass)

O God, who givest us joy by the annual solemnity of blessed Martin, Thy martyr and bishop, mercifully grant that we may rejoice in his protection, whose birthday we celebrate.
(Collect)



From the Catholic encyclopaedia on Pope St Martin I: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09723c.htm

On the Monothelite heresy: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10502a.htm