31st October, the Vigil of All Saints

The Vigil of All Saints

The most illustrious martyrs had at Rome, from the fourth century, their basilicas, where was celebrated each year the anniversary of their death, or rather their birth in heaven. At that time a number of Masses were prescribed without any fixed day in honour of those who had no public recognition. When later the names of saints who were not martyrs were introduced into the ecclesiastical Calendar, a more universal character was given to such Masses. It is thus that in the eighth century the Gregorian Sacramentary indicates among the common Masses without a date : The Mass in honour of All Saints. Fixed in the following century on November 1, it became the Mass of All Saints' Day for which we are this day prepared by a vigil.

This explains why the Mass of the vigil, as well as that of the feast, contains extracts from the Masses of the Common of Martyrs.

Judicant sancti gentes, et dominantur populis: et regnabit Dominus Deus illorum in perpetuum. * Exsultate, justi, in Domino: rectos decet collaudatio.

The saints judge nations, and rule over peoples: and the Lord their God shall reign for ever. * Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.
(Wisdom and Psalm 32, from the Introit of Mass)

Domine Deus noster, multiplica super nos gratiam tuam: et, quorum praevenimus gloriosa solemnia, tribue subsequi in sancta professione laetitiam.

Multiply Thy grace upon us, O Lord our God, and grant that by sanctity of life we may attain to the joy of those whose glorious feast we anticipate.
(Collect)

Exsultabunt sancti in gloria, laetabuntur in cubilibus suis: exaltationes Dei in faucibus eorum.

The saints shall rejoice in glory, they shall be joyful in their beds : the high praises of God are in their mouth.

(Psalm 118:5-6 from the Offertory)

Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

On the Feast of Christ the King, this Act of Consecration is to be read solemnly with the Litany of the Sacred Heart before the blessed Sacrament exposed. It may also be used privately.

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thy altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but, to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known Thee; many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof; call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism; refuse not to draw them all into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy toward the children of that race, once Thy chosen people: of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Saviour; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life. Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be glory and Honour forever. Amen.

Indulgences: 5 years; plenary once a month for daily recitation on the usual conditions. On the Feast of Christ the King, to be read solemnly with the Litany of the Sacred Heart before the Blessed Sacrament exposed: then, 7 years and 7 quarantines, and a plenary indulgence on the usual conditions of Confession and Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Pope. (Pius XI, 1926, 1927, 1932)

There are later editions of this prayer which leave out the petitions for those of other faiths. This hardly seems charitable; if we believe firmly and truly that the Catholic Church is the one ark of salvation for all, then it is our duty in charity to pray that all may join us in that ark, especially those who are furthest from the truth.

Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

This text was composed by Fr Ladislaus SS.CC. and approved by Pope St Pius X in 1908.

O sweet Jesus, Whose overflowing charity for men is requited by so much forgetfulness, negligence and contempt, behold us prostrate before Thy altar eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel indifference and injuries, to which Thy loving Heart is everywhere subject.

Mindful alas! that we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities, which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask Thy pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation not only for our own personal offences, but also for the sins of those, who, straying far from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow Thee, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the vows of their baptism, have cast off the sweet yoke of Thy Law.

We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage committed against Thee; we are determined to make amends for the manifold offences against Christian modesty in unbecoming dress and behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent, for the frequent violations of Sundays and holidays, and the shocking blasphemies uttered against Thee and Thy Saints.

We wish also to make amends for the insults to which Thy Vicar on earth and Thy priests are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very Sacrament of Thy Divine Love; and lastly for the public crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching authority of the Church which Thou hast founded.

Would, O divine Jesus, we were able to wash away such abominations with our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of Thy divine honour, the satisfaction Thou didst once make to Thy eternal Father on the cross and which Thou dost continue to renews daily on our altars; we offer it in union with the acts of atonement of Thy Virgin Mother and all the Saints and of the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense, as far as we can with the help of Thy grace, for all neglect of Thy great love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past. Henceforth we will live a life of unwavering faith, of purity of conduct, of perfect observance of the precepts of the gospel and especially that of charity. We promise to the best of our power to prevent other from offending Thee and to bring as many as possible to follow Thee.

O loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our model in reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this act of expiation; and by the crowning gift of perseverance keep us faithful unto death in our duty and the allegiance we owe to Thee, so that we may one day come to that happy home, where Thou with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.

Indulgence of 300 days each time it is said. On the feast of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, when solemnly read with the Litany of the Sacred Heart before the Blessed Sacrament, exposed one can gain 7 years indulgence and 7 quarantines, and a plenary indulgence subject to the usual conditions of Confession and Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Pope. This is the official text first composed by Father Ladislaus, SS.CC., and approved by His Holiness Pope Saint Pius X at the request of the Procurator General of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts by Rescript of May 19, 1908. It was made obligatory to gain the indulgences of an Enthronement by a decision of the Sacred Penitentiary on March 1, 1918.

Feast of Christ the King

Feast of Christ the King

In his Encyclical of December 11, 1925, H.H. Pius XI denounced the great modern heresy of laicism. It refuses to recognize the rights of God and His Christ over persons and peoples and organizes the lives of individuals, families and of society itself, as though God did not exist. This laicism ruins society, because in place of the love of God and one's neighbour, it substitutes pride and egoism. It begets jealousy between individuals, hatred between classes and rivalry between nations.

The world denies Christ because it ignores His royal prerogatives. It must be instructed on this subject. Now "a yearly feast can attain this end, more effectively than the weightiest documents issued by ecclesiastical authority." The Holy Father has instituted this new feast to be a public, social and official declaration of the royal rights of Jesus, as God the Creator, as The Word Incarnate, and as Redeemer. This feast makes these rights to be known and recognized, in a way most suitable to man and to society by the sublimest acts of religion - particularly by Holy Mass. In fact, the end of the Holy Sacrifice is the acknowledgment of God's complete dominion over us, and our complete dependence on Him. And this act is accomplished, not only on Calvary but also through the royal priesthood of Jesus which never ceases in His kingdom, which is heaven. The great reality of Christianity is not a corpse hanging from a cross, but the risen Christ reigning in all the glory of His triumph in the midst of His elect who are His conquest (Epistle). And that is why the Mass begins with the finest vision of the Apocalypse where the Lamb of God is acclaimed by angels and saints (Introit).

The Holy Father has expressed his wish that this feast should be celebrated towards the end of the liturgical year, on the last Sunday of October, as the consummation of all the mysteries by which Jesus has established His royal powers and nearly on the eve of All-Saints, where He already realizes them in part in being "the King of kings and the crown of All Saints" (Invitatory at Matins); until He shall be the crown of all those on earth whom He saves, especially by the Mass. It is indeed principally by the Eucharist which is both a sacrifice and a sacrament, that Christ, now in glory, assures the results of the victorious sacrifice of Calvary, by taking possession of souls through the application of the merits of His Passion (Secret) and thereby unites them as members to their head. The end of the Eucharist, says the Catechism of the Council of Trent, is "to form one sole mystic body of all the faithful" and so to draw them in the cult which Christ, king-adorer, as priest and victim, rendered in a bloody manner on the cross and now renders, in an unbloody manner, on the stone altar of our churches and on the golden altar in heaven, to Christ, king-adored, as Son of God, and to His Father to whom He offers these souls (Preface).

Dignus est agnus, qui occisus est, accipere virtutem, et divinitatem, et sapientiam, et fortitudinem, et honorem. Ipsi gloria et imperium in saecula saeculorum. * Deus, judicium tuum Regi da: et justitiam tuam Filio Regis.
The lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and divinity and wisdom and strength and honour. To Him be glory and empire for ever and ever. * Give to the king Thy judgement, O God; and Thy justice unto the king's son.
(Apocalypse 5 and 1, and Psalm 71, from the Introit of Mass)

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui in dilecto Filio tuo, universorum Rege, omnia instaurare voluisti: concede propitius; ut cunctae familiae Gentium, peccati vulnere disgregatae, ejus suavissimo subdantur imperio.
Almighty, everlasting God, who hast willed to restore all things in thy beloved Son, the King of the universe, mercifully grant that all the nations of mankind who are torn asunder by the wounds of sin, may submit to his most sweet rule.
(Collect)

Lesson from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Colossians.

Brethren : Giving thanks to God the Father, who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light : who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins ; who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature : for in Him were all things created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and in Him; and He is before all, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body the Church, who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in all things, He may hold the primacy : because in Him, it hath well pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell; and through Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, making peace through the blood of His cross, both as to the things on earth, and the things that are in heaven, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Coloss. 1:12-20)

Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John.

At that time : Pilate said to Jesus: Art Thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of Me? Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee up to me: what hast Thou done? Jesus answered: My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from hence. Pilate therefore said to him: Art thou a King then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a King. For this was I born, and for this came I into the world, that I should give testimony to the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth My voice.

(St John 18:33-37)

Lord of the ages evermore,
Each nation's King, the wide world o'er,
O Christ, our only Judge thou art,
And Searcher of the mind and heart.

Through Sin with rebel voice maintain,
We will not have this Christ to reign,
Far other, Lord, shall be our cry,
Who hail thee King of kings most High.

O thou eternal Prince of peace,
Subdue man's pride, bid error cease,
Permit not sin to wax o'er-bold,
The strayed bring home within the fold.

For this thou hangedst on the Tree
With arms outstretched in loving plea;
For this thou shewedst forth thy Heart,
On fire with love, pierced by the dart.

And yet that wounded side sheds grace
Forth from the altar's holy place,
Where, veiled 'neath humblest bread and wine,
Abides for man the life divine.

Earth's noblest rulers to thee raise
Their homage due of public praise;
Teachers and judges thee confess;
Art, science, law, thy truth express.

Let kings be fain to dedicate
To thee the emblems of their state;
Rule thou each nation from above,
Rule o'er the people's homes in love.

All praise, King Jesu, be to thee,
The Lord of all in majesty;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen.

(Hymn for Vespers, from the Roman Breviary)

28th October, SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles

SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles

Jude or Thaddeus had asked the Master at the Last Supper why He manifested Himself to the apostles and not to the world. Jesus answered that He only manifested Himself to souls who show Him their fidelity by observing His commandments.

While Simon announced the Gospel to the peoples of the East, Jude wrote his catholic epistle which is still read in the West and "which", declares Origen, "contains strong doctrine in a few lines." In the first part he foretells the condemnation of heretics: he compares them to clouds without water, to autumn trees without fruit and to wandering stars for whom profound darkness is apportioned for all eternity. Like the rebel angels, they shall burn for ever in avenging flames. In the second part he exhorts the faithful not to be deceived by the seducers but to remain firm in their faith in God and Christ.

"My well-beloved, rising like an edifice on the foundation of your holy faith and praying by the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God." The archangel St. Michael, St. Jude again declares, was established by the most High as guardian of the tomb of Moses. Having on this occasion to fight with Satan, probably to hinder him taking possession of the prophet's body, out of respect for his angelical dignity, he left to God, to condemn him Himself, saying: "May the Lord rebuke him." The Church puts these very words on the lips of the priests in the prayers of Leo XIII which are said after Low Mass at the foot of the altar.

Mihi autem nimis honorati sunt amici tui, Deus: nimis confortatus est principatus eorum. * Domine probasti me et cognovisti me: tu cognovisti sessionem meam et resurrectionem meam.

To me, Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honourable; their principality is exceedingly strengthened. * Lord, Thou hast proved me and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up.

(Psalm 138,17 and 1-2, from the Introit of Mass).

Deus, qui nos per beatos Apostolos tuos Simonem et Judam, ad agnitionem tui nominis venire tribuisti: da nobis eorum gloriam sempiternam et proficiendo celebrare, et celebrando proficere.O God, who through Thy blessed apostles Simon and Jude, hast brought us unto the knowledge of Thy name; grant that by advancing in virtue we may celebrate their everlasting glory, and by celebrating their glory we may advance in virtue.(Collect)
Catholic Encyclopaedia on 'The Brethren of the Lord': http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02767a.htm

27th October, Vigil of SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles

Vigil of SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles

Simon, whom St Matthew calls the Cananean to distinguish him from St. Peter who bore the same name, was born at Cana in Galilee. St. Luke calls him Zelotes, because he had probably belonged to the Jewish parly, thus called for its zeal in defending the faith.

Jude, surnamed Thaddeus or Lebbe (the courageous) was by Cleophas his father and Mary his mother, a nephew to St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin and cousin to Jesus. St. James, the Less, first bishop of Jerusalem and the first apostle martyred, and Simeon who succeeded him in this see, were his brothers.

These apostles of Christ heard from the lips of the Master at the Last Supper the words of the Gospel: I am the vine, you are the branches. Every branch which bears fruit, My Father shall prune in order that it should bear more. After having preached the Gospel at the price of great sufferings, the first in Egypt, the second in Mesopotamia, they were both martyred in Persia. (Introit, Gradual, Communion). Wherefore their feasts are celebrated on the same day in the same office and their names are mentioned jointly in the Canon of the Mass.

These apostles having preached the Gospel at the price of great sufferings (Gospel), the first in Egypt, the second in Mesopotamia; they were both martyred in Persia, about 80. Their names are mentioned jointly in the Canon of the Mass.

Intret in conspectu tuo, Domine, gemitus compeditorum: redde vicinis nostris septuplum in sinu eorum: vindica sanguinem sanctorum tuorum, qui effusus est. * Deus, venerunt gentes in hereditatem tuam, polluerunt templum sanctum tuum: posuerunt Jerusalem in pomorum custodiam.
Let the sighing of the prisoners come in before Thee, O Lord; render to our neighbours sevenfold in their bosom; revenge the blood of Thy saints which hath been shed. * O God, the heathen are come into Thine inheritance: they have defiled Thy holy temple; they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit.
(Psalm 78:11,12,10 from the Introit of Mass)

Concéde, quaesumus, omnípotens Deus: ut, sicut Apostolórum tuórum Simonis et Judae gloriósa natalítia praevénimus; sic ad tua benefícia promerénda, majestátem tuam pro nobis ipsi praevéniant.

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that even as we anticipate the glorious festival of Thy apostles Simon and Jude, so they, in imploring from Thy majesty thy blessings for us, may anticipate our prayers.
(Collect).

26th October, St Evaristus, Pope and Martyr

St Evaristus, Pope and Martyr

Evaristus, a Greek by birth, was unanimously elected pope at the death of Anacletus I. It was he who first divided Rome into titles, or parishes, appointing to each a priest. He prescribed that seven deacons should surround the bishop when he preached, for the greater honour of the word of God and of the episcopal dignity. He was condemned to death under Trajan, AD 109.

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)

Infirmitátem nostram réspice, omnípotens Deus: et, quia pondus própriae actiónis gravat, beáti Evaristi Martyris tui atque Pontíficis intercéssio gloriósa nos prótegat.

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 Evaristus Thy martyr and bishop may protect us.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05646a.htm

25th October, SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, Martyrs

SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, Martyrs

Chrysanthus, an Egyptian from Alexandria, and his wife Daria from Athens, were tortured in Rome under the prefect Celerinus, and condemned by the Emperor Numerian to be thrown into a sandpit on the Salarian Way; they died buried alive under a heap of earth and stones, AD 283.

Intret in conspectu tuo, Domine, gemitus compeditorum: redde vicinis nostris septuplum in sinu eorum: vindica sanguinem sanctorum tuorum, qui effusus est. * Deus, venerunt gentes in haereditatem tuam: polluerunt templum sanctum tuum: posuerunt Jerusalem in pomorum custodiam.
Let the sighing of the prisoners come in before Thee, O Lord; render to our neighbours sevenfold in their bosom; revenge the blood of Thy saints, which hath been shed. * O God, the heathens are come into Thy inheritance: they have defiled Thy holy temple: they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit.
(Psalm 78:11-12,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Beatórum Mártyrum tuórum, Dómine, Chrysánthi et Daríae, quaesumus, adsit nobis orátio: ut, quos venerámur obséquio, eórum pium júgiter experiámur auxílium.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, may the prayers of Thy blessed martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria be our stay: and may we who seek to do them devout honour, at all times feel their kindly help.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03742a.htm

24th October, St Raphael the Archangel

St Raphael the Archangel

St. Raphael is one of the seven spirits who always stand before the Lord (Ant. at the Magnificat) and offer Him the incense of their adoration and that of men (Offertory). "While thou didst pray with tears," he declared to Tobias, "and didst bury the dead, and didst leave thy dinner to conceal the dead in thine house by day, and by night didst bury them, I presented thy prayer unto the Lord. And because thou wast agreeable to the Lord it was necessary that temptation should try thee" (Second Lesson at Matins).

Tobias became blind. "The loss of his eye-sight," says St. Augustine, "was the occasion for the old man to receive an angelical physician" (Fourth Lesson).

St. Raphael, a name meaning "God heals", was sent by God to cure Tobias as He sent the angel who moved the water in the pool called Probatica (Gospel). He told the younger Tobias what remedy he was to use to restore his father's sight, accompanied and protected the young man on his journey, helped him to find a wife and warded off the wiles of the devil. "We praise with sentiments of veneration," the Church sings, "all the princes of heavenly court, but in a special manner the archangel Raphael, healer and faithful companion, who chained down the devil under his power. O Christ, King of all goodness, by giving us such a guardian, make it impossible for the enemy to do us harm " (Hymn).

" May the angel Raphael, physician of our salvation, help us from the heights of heaven, heal all diseases and guide our faltering steps towards the true life " (Hymn at Lauds).

Benedict XV extended his feast to the universal Church.

Benedicite Dominum, omnes Angeli ejus: potentes virtute, qui facitis verbum ejus, ad audiendam vocem sermonum ejus. * Benedic, anima mea, Domino: et omnia, quae intra me sunt, nomini sancto ejus.

Bless the Lord, all ye His angels: you that are mighty in strength, and execute His word, hearkening to the voice of all His orders. * Bless the Lord, O my soul; and let all that is within me bless His holy name.

(Psalm 102:20,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui beátum Raphaélem Archángelum Tobíae fámulo tuo cómitem dedísti in via: concéde nobis fámulis tuis; ut ejúsdem semper protegámur custódia, et muniámur auxílio.

O God who to Tobias, Thy servant, when on his journey, didst give blessed Raphael the archangel, as a companion; grant to us Thy servants, that we may be ever protected by his custody and strengthened by his help.

(Collect)

"Raphael Angel, of our ills physician,

Send from thy glory, Lord, at our petition;

Healing and guiding be his blessed mission

Unto us mortals."

(Hymn from Vespers)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: www.newadvent.org/cathen/12640b.htm

23rd October, Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer

Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer
(pro aliquibis locis)

The feast is found only in the special calendar of some dioceses and religious orders, and is celebrated with proper Mass and Office either on the third Sunday of July or on 23 October. In Venice this feast has been observed for more than three centuries with great solemnity. In 1576 a plague broke out in Venice which in a few days carried off thousands of victims. To avert this scourge the Senate vowed to erect a splendid temple to the Redeemer of mankind, and to offer therein each year on the third Sunday of July public and solemn services of thanksgiving.

The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer solemnizes this feast as a double of the first class with an octave on the third Sunday of July. The same congregation also keeps the feast as a greater double on 23 October and 25 February, and has, besides, the privilege of reciting once a month the votive office of the Most Holy Redeemer. In Rome also Pope Pius VIII introduced the feast and by a Decree of 8 May, 1830, the Sacred Congregation of Rites assigned it to 23 October. The characteristics of the Mass and Office are joy and gratitude for the ineffable graces and benefits of the Redemption.

Extracted from the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12677b.htm

Gaudens gaudébo in Dómino, et exsultábit ánima mea in Deo meo: quia índuit me vestiméntis salútis, et induménto justítiae circúmdedit me. * Misericórdias Dómini in aetérnum cantábo: in generatiónem et generatiónem annuntiábo veritátem tuam in ore meo.I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God. For He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of justice He hath covered me. * The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever: I will shew forth Thy truth with my mouth to generation and generation.
(Isaias 61:10 and Psalm 88:2 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui Unigénitum tuum mundi Redemptórem constituísti, et per eum, devícta morte, nos misericórditer ad vitam reparásti: concéde; ut, haec benefícia recoléntes, tibi ejúsdem redemptiónis fructum percípere mereámur.O God, who didst establish Thy only begotten Son as Redeemer of the world and through Him, having overcome death, didst restore us mercifully unto life: grant that, recollecting these benefits, we may be made worthy to receive the fruit of that redemption.
(Collect)

Visit the Transalpine Redemptorists: http://papastronsay.blogspot.com/

21st October, St Hilarion, Abbot

St Hilarion, Abbot

After the era of martyrs to whom the Church had exclusively reserved the honours of public worship, she began to raise to the altars the servants of God who had distinguished themselves by their heroic virtues, although they had not won the glory of shedding their blood for Jesus Christ.

St. Hilarion in the East, and St. Martin in the West, are at the head of the list of saints known as " Confessors". A native of Palestine, St. Hilarion studied at Alexandria, and desiring to embrace a more perfect life, he left all to follow Jesus (Gospel). He heard of St. Anthony's holiness and went to see him in Egypt. The saint kept him for two months in order to train him to a life of penance and contemplation. He then gave to this boy of fifteen years of age a hair-shirt and a garment made of skin, saying : " Persevere to the end, my son, and thy labour shall be rewarded by the delights of heaven."

Hilarion returned to Palestine and founded monastic life there. After having built several monasteries for which he made laws, as Moses had done of old for God's people (Epistle), he retired to the island of Cyprus, to escape the crowd of admirers attracted by his heroic virtues. He died a holy death at the age of 80 about A.D. 372. St. Jerome wrote his life.

Os justi meditabitur sapientiam, et lingua ejus loquetur judicium: lex Dei ejus in corde ipsius. * Noli aemulari in malignantibus: neque zelaveris facientes iniquitatem.The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgement: the law of his God is in his heart. * Be not emulous of evildoers: nor envy them that work iniquity.
(Psalm 36:30-31,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Intercéssio nos, quaesumus, Dómine, beáti Hilarionis Abbátis comméndet: ut, quod nostris méritis non valémus, ejus patrocínio assequámur.May the intercession of the blessed abbot Hilarion, we beseech Thee, O Lord, commend us unto Thee, that what we cannot have through our own merits we may obtain through his patronage.
(Collect).

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07347a.htm

21st October, St Ursula and her 11,000 Companions, Virgin Martyrs

St Ursula and her Eleven Thousand Companions, Virgin Martyrs

Leaving the heathen Saxons of England, St Ursula and her holy companions travelled to Germany.

"At Cologne," says the Roman Martyrology, "the birth in heaven of St. Ursula and her holy companions, who were massacred by the Huns, out of hatred for the Christian religion and their virginal purity. Several are buried in this city."

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)

Da nobis, quaesumus, Dómine, Deus noster, sanctárum Vírginum et Mártyrum tuárum Ursulae et Sociárum ejus palmas incessábili devotióne venerári: ut, quas digna mente non póssumus celebráre, humílibus saltem frequentémus obséquiis.Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, to reverence with unceasing devotion the victories of Thy holy virgins and martyrs Ursula and her companions; that those whom we cannot fitting celebrate, we may at least approach with lowly homage.
(Collect)

Article in the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15225d.htm

20th October, St. John Cantius, Confessor

St. John Cantius, Confessor

Born at Kenty, a market- town in the diocese of Cracow, St. John was raised up by Providence to keep alight the torch of faith and the flame of Christian charity during the fifteenth century in Poland.

He obtained all the academical degrees at the University of Cracow, where he taught for several years. Ordained priest, he every day offered the Holy Sacrifice to appease heavenly justice, for he was deeply afflicted by the offenses of men against God.

He shone especially by his exquisite charity which is shown in the Introit, the Collects, the Epistle, the Gradual, the Offertory and the Communion of his Mass. He took from his own food to help those who were in need and even gave them his clothes and shoes (Epistle); and he would let his cloak fall to the ground so as not to be seen returning home barefoot. While on a pilgrimage to Rome, he was robbed by brigands, and when he declared that he had no other possession, they allowed him to pursue his journey. The saint, who had sewn some pieces of money in his cloak suddenly remembered this, and calling the thieves he offered them the sum. But they, touched by his goodness and candour, gave him back all that they had taken.

St. John Cantius died on Christmas Eve, A.D. 1473.

He is specially invoked in cases of consumption: "Owing to your prayers we see epidemics disappear, stubborn diseases averted and the blessing of health restored. Those whom consumption, fever and ulcers condemn to a painful end are by you delivered from the embrace of death." (Hymn of Second Vespers)

Miserátio hóminis circa próximum: misericórdia autem Dei super omnem carnem. Qui misericórdiam habet, docet et érudit quasi pastor gregem suum. * Beátus vir, qui non ábiit in consílio impiórum, et in via peccatórum non stetit, et in cáthedra pestiléntiae non sedit.The compassion of man is towards his neighbour; but the mercy of God is upon all flesh. He hath mercy, and teacheth and correcteth, as a shepherd doth his flock. * Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.
(Ecclesiasticus 18:12-13 and Psalm 1:1 from the Introit of Mass).

Da, quaesumus, omnípotens Deus: ut, sancti Joánnis Confessóris exémplo in scientia Sanctórum proficiéntes atque áliis misericórdiam exhibéntes; ejus méritis, indulgéntiam apud te consequámur.
Grant, we beseech Thee, almightly God, that by the example of Thy holy confessor John, we may advance in the science of the saints, and show mercy to others, that through his merits we may obtain forgiveness from Thee.
(Collect)

The Roman Breviary has proper hymns for St John Cantius at Vespers, Matins and Lauds. This is a rare honour, and enjoyed by no other confessor who is not a Bishop.

Great John! thou dost a beacon stand
To Poland's folk, to learning's halls,
Thou father of thy fatherland,
Priest-guardian of her Church's walls.

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08451b.htm

19th October, St Peter of Alcantara, Confessor

St Peter of Alcantara, Confessor

Born at Alcantara, of noble parents, Peter distributed his fortune in alms and at the age of 16 entered into the Order of St. Francis. A rigid observer of the primitive Franciscan rule, he had a great devotion to the Passion and an extraordinary love of penance.

He died in 1562 and appearing to St. Teresa, he said: "O blessed penance which has earned for me such great glory."

Justus ut palma florebit: sucut 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 Petrum Confessórem tuum ad mirábilis poeniténtiae et altíssimae contemplatiónis múnere illustráre dignátus es: da nobis, quaesumus; ut, ejus suffragántibus méritis, carne mortificáti, facílius coeléstia capiámus.
O God, who wast pleased to ennoble blessed Peter, imbuing him with a marvellous spirit of penance, and bestowing upon him the gift of the highest contemplation: for the sake of his merits, grant unto us that, by mortifying the flesh, we may more easily apprehend the things of heaven.
(Collect)

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all good gifts, we come before Thee to honour Thee in Thy servant, Peter of Alcantara, and to ask his help in our many needs. Thou didst promise that those who ask would receive, those who seek would find, and thoe who knock would have doors opened to them. Hear the prayers of Thy church and grant the requests we make as we trust in Thy love for us. Amen.

Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11770c.htm

19th October, St Frideswide, Virgin

St Frideswide, Virgin, Patron Saint of Oxford.

St. Frideswide - or Fritheswith - was born about 665 near Oxford, the daughter of noble parents. She founded a convent at the gates of Oxford - where Christ Church now stands. Aelfgar, prince of Mercia, was determined to marry her for her beauty and her inheritance, but she fled to the forests to avoid his attentions. When she returned to Oxford, Aelfgar beseiged the city, but just at the point of victory he was struck blind. For many years afterwards, she presided as Abbess of a double monastery of both monks and nuns. Some say that the origins of the University of Oxford lie in the school she established there. She was well known in her lifetime for effecting miraculous cures, and a well at Binsey - where she latterly retired as a hermitess - became known as a place of healing. She died at Binsey on19th October 735, and was buried in her monastery.

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)

Exáudi nos, Deus, salutáris noster: ut, sicut de beátae Frideswidae Vírginis tuae festivitáte gaudémus; ita piae devotiónis erudiámur afféctu.
Hear us, O God our Saviour; that as we rejoice in the festivity of blessed Frideswide Thy virgin, so we may be instructed in the affection of pious devotion.
(Collect)

Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frideswide

18th October, St Luke, Evangelist

St Luke, Evangelist

St. Luke, originally a pagan, was born, according to Eusebius, at Antioch, the capital of the kings of Syria. St. Paul tells us that he exercised the profession of a physician. He is also reputed to have been a painter. He accompanied the apostle of the nations in his travels, and was with him during most of his missions and when he was twice a prisoner in Rome. Owing to his connection with this master and the other apostles, he was enabled to write the third gospel which St. Jerome and St. John Chrysostom describe as the "gospel of St. Paul". He also wrote the Acts of the Apostles.

Like the Doctor of the Gentiles, he addresses himself to pagans to show them that salvation is brought by Jesus to all men without exception who believe in Him. He is symbolically represented as an ox, one of the four animals in the vision of Ezechiel 2, because at the beginning of his Gospel he mentions the priesthood of Zacharias, and because the ox was usually the victim in the sacrifices of the Old Law.

The Mass of St. Luke, like that of St. Mark, offers this particular that its Gospel refers to the instructions given by the Saviour to His seventy-two disciples, both these evangelists not having been apostles, but only disciples of our Lord. St. Jerome relates that St. Luke died in Achaia, about the year 83, at the age of 84.

Mihi autem nimis honorati sunt amici tui, Deus: nimis confortatus est principatus eorum. * Domine probasti me et cognovisti me: tu cognovisti sessionem meam et resurrectionem meam.
To me, Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honourable; their principality is exceedingly strengthened. * Lord, Thou hast proved me and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up.
(Psalm 138:17,1-2, from the Introit of Mass).


Interveniat pro nobis, quaesumus, Domine, sanctus tuus Lucas Evangelista: qui crucis mortificationem iugiter in suo corpore, pro tui nominis honore, portavit.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, grant us to be aided by the prayers of Saint Luke thine Evangelist; who for the glory of Thy name ever bore in his body the mortification of the cross.
(Collect).



Catholic encyclopaedia on St Luke and his gospel: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm

17th October, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin

Margaret Mary Alacoque was born at Verosvres in the diocese of Autun in 1647. While still young she consecrated herself to Jesus Christ by a vow of perpetual virginity. At the age of twenty-three she entered the convent of the Visitation Order at Paray-le-Monial. The mysteries of the Sacred Heart were revealed to her in three special manifestations, all unknown to her community.

St. Margaret Mary spent the last years of her life in spreading this devotion. She died on 17th October 1690, at the age of forty-three years. Her body was built under a slab close to the grille in the nun's chapel on the spot where she was kneeling when our Lord appeared to her.

She was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1864, and canonized by Benedict XV on the feast of the Ascension 1920. Pope Pius XI extended her feast to the whole church on June 28th 1929.

In order to live in the spirit of the Liturgy (which is also the spirit of the Church), and consecrate the first Friday of the month to the Sacred Heart (as the Church does by granting indulgences), let us adapt this devotion to the different feasts of the cycle. It will thus give a greater variety both in its material object (the Heart of Jesus born at Christmas, dying of Good Friday, rising again at Easter), and in its formal object, the love of Jesus in His joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries.

Sub umbra illius, quem desideraveram, sedi; et fructus ejus dulcis gutturi meo. Quam dilecta tabernacula tua, Domine virtutum! concupiscit et deficit anima mea in atria Domini.
I sat down under his shadow whom I desired: and his fruit was sweet to my palate. How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord.
(Canticle of Canticles 2:3 and Psalm 83:2-3, from the Introit of Mass)


Domine Iesu Christe, qui investigabiles divitias Cordis tui beatae Margaritae Mariae Virgini mirabiliter revelasti: da nobis eius meritis et imitatione; ut, te in omnibus et super omnia diligentes, iugem in eodem Corde tuo mansionem habere mereamur.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst in a wondrous manner reveal to the blessed Virgin Margaret the unsearchable riches of Thy heart; grant us through her merits and example, that we may love Thee in all things and above all things, and become worthy to dwell within Thy heart for evermore.
(Collect)



Aquae multae non potuerunt extinguere caritatem, nec flumina obruent illam. * Deficit caro mea et cor meum: Deus cordis mei, et pars mea Deus in aeternum.
Many waters cannot quench charity, neither can the floods drown it. My flesh and my heart have fainted away: thou art the God of my heart, and the God that is my portion forever.
(Canticle of Canticles 8:7 and Psalm 72, from the Gradual).

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09653a.htm

The 12 Promises of Our Lord for Souls Devoted to His Sacred Heart as told to St. Margaret Mary



1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their houses.
3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death.
5. I will bestow a large blessing upon all of their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall grow fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
9. I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honoured.
10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened of hearts.
11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.
12. I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their sole refuge in this last moment.

16th October, Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This Feast is authorized pro aliquibus locis (for some places) for16th October.

Salve, sancta Parens, eníxa puérpera Regem: qui coelum terrámque regit in saecula saeculórum. * Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego ópera mea Regi.
Hail holy Mother, thou didst bring forth the King, who ruleth heaven and earth for ever and ever. * My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King.
(Sedulius, and Psalm 44:2 from the Introit of Mass)

Da, quaesumus, omnípotens aetérne Deus: ut, puríssimae Vírginis Maríae integérrimam Virginitátem festíva celebritáte venerántes, ejus intercessióne, puritátem mentis et córporis consequámur.
Grant we beseech Thee, almighty everlasting God: that, as we venerate with festal celebration the most complete Virginity of the most pure Virgin Mary, we may attain purity of mind and body.
(Collect)

16th October, St Hedwig, Widow

St. Hedwig, Widow

Hedwig, daughter of a prince of Carinthia and aunt on the mother's side of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, married Henry, duke of Poland. She macerated her body both by fasting and watching and by the roughness of her clothes; she served the poor at table; she washed and kissed the ulcers of lepers.

The duke having died, she renounced the world, and entered the Cistercian monastery of Trebnitz where her daughter was abbess. She died on 15th October 1243, and Poland honours here with special veneration as her patroness.

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.

(Psalms 118:75 and 120:1 from the Introit of Mass).



Deus, qui beatam Hedwígem a saeculi pompa ad humilem tuae Crucis sequelam toto corde transire docuisti: concede; ut ejus meritis et exemplo discamus perituras mundi calcare delícias, et in amplexu tuae Crucis omnia nobis adversantia superare.
O God, who didst teach blessed Hedwig to renounce the pomps of this world with her whole heart, so that she might humbly follow Thy cross; grant that, through her example and merits, we may learn to trample under foot the perishable desires of this world, and by cleaving to Thy cross overcome whatever may withstand us.
(Collect)



Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07189a.htm

15th October, St Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

St Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

St Teresa was born at Avila in Spain. At the age of 18, she entered the local convent of Mount Carmel and through many difficulties, she succeeded in reforming it: afterwards she reformed with the help of St John of the Cross, most of the convents of the Carmelite Order, and founded many new ones. Her heart was miraculously inflamed with divine love. She made the difficult vow of always doing what she judged most perfect.

She attained the highest degree of mystical life. Her writings earned for her from Pope Gregory and Urban VII the title of Doctor of the Church, which until recently was given to no other woman. She died of divine love in 1582 during the night of the 4th to 15th October. (NB. That isn't a typo - in that year the 5th to 14th of October did not exist, having been suppressed by Pope Gregory XIII in order to reform the calendar).

Dilexisti justitiam, et odisti iniquitatem: propterea 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 and 44:2, from the Introit of Mass).



Exaudi nos, Deus, salutaris noster: ut, sicut de beatae Teresiae Virginis tuae festivitate gaudemus; ita coelestis ejus doctrínae pabulo nutriamur, et piae devotionis erudiamur affectu.
Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour; that as we rejoice in the festival of Thy holy Virgin Teresa, so we may be fed with the food of her heavenly teaching and grow in loving devotion towards Thee.
(Collect)



Veni, Sponsa Christi, * accipe coronam, quam tibi Dominus praeparavit in aeternum.
Come, thou bride of Christ, * receive the crown which the Lord hath prepared for thee for ever.
(Magnificat antiphon from 1st Vespers)

"Remember that you have only one soul; that you have only one death to die; that you have only one life, which is short and has to be lived by you alone; and there is only one Glory, which is eternal. If you do this, there will be many things about which you care nothing." St Teresa of Avila.

O Saint Teresa, seraphic Virgin, beloved spouse of thy crucified Lord, thou who on earth didst burn with a love so intense toward thy God and my God, and now dost glow with a brighter and purer flame in paradise: obtain for me also, I beseech thee, a spark of that same holy fire which shall cause me to forget the world, all things created, and even myself; for thou didst ever avidly desire to see Him loved by all men. Grant that my every thought and desire and affection may be continually directed to doing the will of God, the supreme Good, whether I am in joy or in pain, for He is worthy to be loved and obeyed forever. Obtain for me this grace, thou who art so powerful with God; may I be all on fire, like thee, with the holy love of God. Amen.

(S. Alphonsus M. de' Liguori. An indulgence of 300 days. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, if this prayer is said devoutly every day for a month.)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14515b.htm

14th October, St Callistus I, Pope and Martyr

St Callistus I, Pope and Martyr

Callistus, a Roman, succeeded St Sephyrinus on the See of Peter. He instituted the fasts of the Ember days. He suffered martyrdom, on October 12th, 223. One of the most important catacombs bears his name.

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 Introit of Mass).



Deus qui nos conspicis ex nostra infirmitate deficere: ad amorem tuum nos misericorditer per Sanctorum tuorum exempla restaura.
O God, who seest that we fall through our own infirmity, mercifully restore us to Thy love by the example of Thy saints.
(Collect)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03183d.htm

13th October, St Edward, King of England

St Edward the Confessor, King of England

Edward, called the Confessor, was a grandson of St. Edward, king and Martyr.

When he was raised to the throne of England "it was seen," says a historian, "what can be done by a king who is the true father of his subjects. All those who approached him endeavoured to regulate their lives according to his. Neither ambition, nor the love of riches, nor any of the passions which are unfortunately so common among courtiers, were known at his court." He was everywhere called the father of the orphans and of the poor, and he was never happier than when he could distribute alms (Epistle). He always granted what was requested of him in the name of St. John the Evangelist. He died A.D. 1066.

When he was raised to the throne of England he was everywhere called the father of the orphans and of the poor. He died on 5th January 1066. His reign was popularly remembered as a time of justice and mercy by subsequent generations.

13th October is the anniversary of the translation of his relics in 1163, when his incorrupt body was translated into Westminster Abbey, which he had founded, by St Thomas of Canterbury, in the presence of King Henry II.

Os justi meditabitur sapientiam, et lingua ejus loquetur judicium; lex Dei ejus in corde ipsius. * Noli aemulari in malignantibus: neque zelaveris facientes iniquitatem.
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgement: the law of his God is in his heart. * Be not emulous of evildoers: nor envy them that work iniquity.
(Psalm 36:30-31,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui beatum regem Eduardum Confessorem tuum aeternitatis gloria coronasti: fac nos, quaesumus; ita eum venerari in terris, ut cum eo regnare possimus in caelis.

O God, who hast crowned with glory everlasting the blessed King Edward, Thy confessor; grant us, we pray Thee, so to revere him on earth that we may reign with him in heaven.

(Collect).



Veritas mea, et misericordia mea cum ipso: et in nomine meo exaltabitur cornu ejus.

My truth and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

(Psalm 88:25 - the Offertory of Mass)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05322a.htm

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Composed by Pope Pius XII in 1942 for his consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.



Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Help of Christians, Refuge of the human race, conqueror in all God’s battles, we humbly prostrate ourselves before thy throne. We are confident of obtaining mercy, grace, and help in the present calamities, not for our own merits to which we make no claim but only because of the great goodness of thy Maternal Heart. In this tragic hour of human history we confide, entrust, and consecrate to thy Immaculate Heart the Holy Church, Mystical Body of thy son, Jesus, which bleeds now from so many wounds and is so sorely tried.



We consecrate likewise to thy Immaculate Heart the whole world torn as it is by deadly strife, afire with hatred and paying the penalty of its own wickedness. Be moved to pity by the sight of so much destruction and ruin of souls, by the grief and agony of fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, brothers, sisters, and innocent children. Look with compassion on the lives cut off in the flower of youth, on the bodies mangled in horrible slaughter, on the many torn with anguish, and on all those in danger of being lost forever.



Mother of Mercy, obtain for us peace from God and the grace that is able in an instant to change the heart of man, the grace that brings and fosters peace, and makes it lasting. Queen of Peace, pray for us and give to the warring world that peace for which the nations long, a peace in the truth, in the righteousness, and in the love of Jesus Christ. Turn their weapons aside and let peace possess their souls so that God’s kingdom may be set up in quiet order. Stretch out a helping hand to the unbeliever and to all who live in the shadow of death. Give them peace and grant that enlightened by the truth they may repeat with us before the one Saviour of the world, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will.’



Give peace also to the peoples separated from us by error or strife and in particular to those who have professed a special devotion to thee and in whose homes thine icon was always an object of veneration. It is hidden away now maybe to await the dawn of better days. Bring them back to the one fold of Christ under the one true shepherd. Grant perfect peace and freedom to the holy Church of God. Stem the flood of modern paganism. Let the love of purity increase among the children of God. Make us live as true followers of Christ, as zealous apostles, so that God’s servants may grow in merit and increase in number.



And as the whole human race was consecrated to the heart of thy Jesus that through hope in Him He might become for all the sign and pledge of victory and salvation, so we in like manner consecrate ourselves forever to thee and to thy Immaculate Heart, O Mother and Queen of the world. This we do so that thy love and protection may hasten the triumph of God’s kingdom. Thus may all nations at peace with one another and with God proclaim thee blessed, and sing with thee from pole to pole the unending Magnificat of glory, love, and thanksgiving to the Heart of Jesus in which alone they can find truth, life, and peace. Amen.

11th October, Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Maternity of the BVM

Mary is the Mother of Jesus and the spiritual Mother of all those who were redeemed by the blood of Jesus. The divine Maternity is her most important privilege and the root of all others.

This Feast was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1931, on the 15th centenary of the Council of Ephesus, where the dogma of Mary as mother of God was vindicated against the Nestorians.



Ecce Virgo concipiet, et pariet Filium, et vocabitur nomen ejus Emmanuel. * Cantate Domino canticum novum, quia mirabilia fecit.
Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son: and his name shall be called Emmanuel. * Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because He hath done wonderful things.
(Isaiah 7:14 and Psalm 97:1 from the Introit of Mass)



Deus, qui de beatae Maríae Vírginis utero Verbum tuum, Angelo nuntiante, carnem suscípere voluísti: praesta supplícibus tuis; ut, qui vere eam Genitrícem Dei credimus, ejus apud te intercessionibus adjuvemur.
O God who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh, at the message of an angel, in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary; grant unto us Thy suppliants that we who believe her to be indeed the Mother of God may be aided by her intercession with Thee.
(Collect)

Maternitas tua, Dei Genitrix Virgo, gaudium annuntiavit universo mundo: ex te enim ortus est sol justltiae, Christus Deus noster.
Thy Maternity, O Mother of God and Virgin, hath announced joy to the whole world : because out of Thee is arisen the sun of justice, Christ our God.

(Antiphon at the Magnificat of 2nd Vespers)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10046a.htm

9th October, St Dionysius, Bishop, and SS. Rusticus and Eleutherius, Martyrs

St Dionysius, Bishop and SS. Rusticus and Eleutherius, Martyrs

St Dionysius, also called St Denis, was the first Bishop of Paris. He was sent to Lutetia in the 3rd century, accompanied by the priest Rusticus and the deacon Eleutherius. After carrying out his mission there for several years, he was beheaded with his companions (which is why he is represented bearing his head in his hands) at Catulliacum, now St Denis, where they erected over his tomb a basilica; here the kings of France are buried. St. Denis is one of the 14 "Auxiliary Saints"

The Collect and Gospel show forth the Christian heroism of these three Martyrs who fearlessly confessed the name of Christ before men and remained firm in the midst of their sufferings. In the ninth century St Dionysius was erroneously identified with Dionysius the Areopagite, whence the Epistle in the Mass relating the conversion of the latter saint which happened when St Paul passed through Greece on his second journey.

Sapientiam sanctorum narrent populi, et laudes eorum nuntiet Ecclesia: nomina autem eorum vivent in saeculum saeculi. * Exsultate justi in Domino: rectos decet collaudatio.

Let the people show forth the wisdom of the saints, and the Church declare their praise; and their names shall live unto generation and generation. * Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright.

(Ecclesiasticus 44:15 and Ps 32:1 from the Introit of Mass)




Deus, qui hodierna die beatum Dionysium, Martyrem tuum at que Pontlficem, virtute constantiae in passione roborasti, quique illi, ad praedicandum gentibus gloriam tuam, Rusticum et Eleutherium sociare dignatus es: tribue nobis, quaesumus; eorum imitatione, pro amore tuo prospera mundi despicere, et nulla ejus adversa formidare.
O God, who for the enduring of his passion, didst on this day endow blessed Dionysius, Thy martyr and bishop, with the virtue of constancy, and who for the preaching of Thy glory to the heathen didst vouchsafe to appoint Rusticus and Eleutherius to be his fellow-workers; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may follow their example by despising the good things of this world for the sake of Thy love and by not fearing any of its adversities.
(Collect)



Istorum est enim regnum caelorum, qui contempserunt vitam mundi, et pervenerunt ad praemia regni, et laverunt stolas suas in sanguine Agni.
Blessed are they who have despised earthly pleasure, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and have won the heavenly great reward.
(Magnificat Antiphon from 1st Vespers)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04721a.htm