30th November, St Andrew, Apostle

St Andrew, Apostle

The feast of St. Andrew has been kept since the fourth century on November 30th.

St. Andrew was both an apostle and a martyr. The Collect tells us that he was called to govern and teach the Church; and the Epistle and the Gospel deal with the vocation of him who was the first among the apostles to know Jesus Christ. When he was called, he immediately left his nets to become a fisher of men (Gospel), and "his sound hath gone forth into all the earth to preach the gospel of peace" (Epistle). After the coming of the Holy Ghost he preached in Palestine, and then in Scythia, Epirus and Thrace.

"But all have not obeyed the Gospel " (Epistle), and St. Andrew ere long became the apostle of the cross. The priests of Achaia describe his martyrdom at Patras. He died On that special form of cross which has ever since been called after him, and " the Lord received his sacrifice in the odour of sweetness " (Alleluia). His body, having been first taken to Constantinople, was in 1210 moved to the Cathedral at Amalfi, in the kingdom of Naples. In 1462 his head was placed by Pius II in the basilica of St. Peter, his brother. His name is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass (first list, p. 973). St. Andrew is the patron of Scotland.

Let us, with St. Andrew, follow Christ even to the cross.

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).

Majestátem tuam, Dómine, supplíciter exorámus: ut, sicut Ecclésiae tuae beátus Andréas Apóstolus éxstitit praedicátor et rector; ita apud te sit pro nobis perpétuus intercéssor.We humbly beseech Thy majesty, O Lord, that as blessed Andrew the apostle was both a preacher and a rule of Thy Church, so he may unceasingly intercede for us with Thee.
(Collect)

Catholic Encyclopaedia on St Andrew: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01471a.htm

29th November, St Saturninus, Martyr

St Saturninus, Martyr

St. Saturninus was martyred in Rome under Maximian about 300. The Roman Martyrology mentions on the same day another St. Saturninus, bishop, martyred at Toulouse under Decius, about 250.

Laetábitur justus in Dómino, et sperábit in eo: et laudabúntur omnes recti corde. * Exáudi, Deus, oratiónem meam, cum déprecor: a timóre inimíci éripe ánimam meam.
The just shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall hope in Him: and all the upright of heart shall be praised. * Hear, O God, my prayer when I make supplications to Thee: deliver my sould from the fear of the enemy.
(Psalm 63:11,2 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui nos beáti Saturníni Martyris tui concédis natalítia pérfrui: ejus nos tríbue méritis adjuvári.
O God, who grantest us to rejoice in the feast of Thy blessed martyr Saturninus, grant that we may be helped by his merits.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13486b.htm

29th November, The Vigil of St Andrew, Apostle

The Vigil of St Andrew, Apostle

If the feast of St Andrew falls on a Monday, the Mass of the Vigil is said on the previous Saturday, but the commemoration of St Saturninus is made on the Sunday. The same rule holds good for all other vigils, with the exception of that of Christmas. If the feast of St Andrew falls on the first Sunday of Advent, it is transferred to the first free day.

The Gospel tells us that St John the Baptist, whilst fulfilling his mission of preparing souls for the coming of our Lord, pointed out the Messias to his disciple Andrew.

Dóminus secus mare Galilaeae vidit duos fratres, Petrum et Andréam, et vocávit eos: Veníte post me: fáciam vos fíeri piscatóres hóminum. * Coeli enárrant glóriam Dei: et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
The Lord walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew; and He called them: Come ye after Me, I will make you to be fishers of men. * The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the works of His hands.
(St Matthew 4:18 and Psalm 18:2 from the Introit of Mass)

Quaesumus, omnípotens Deus: ut beátus Andréas Apóstolus, cujus praevenímus festivitátem, tuum pro nobis implóret auxílium; ut, a nostris reátibus absolúti, a cunctis étiam perículis eruámur.
We beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the blessed apostle Andrew, to whose festival we look forward, may implore Thy help for us; that being absolved from our sins, we may likewise be delivered from all dangers.
(Collect)

Catholic Encyclopaedia on St Andrew: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01471a.htm

Advent Sunday

First Sunday of Advent

Station at St. Mary Major

At Christmas Jesus will be born in our hearts, for at that time the anniversary of His birth will be celebrated. He refuses nothing, to the prayer of the Church, His spouse, and thus He will grant to our souls the same graces which He gave the shepherds and the wise Kings.

Christ will come again also, at the end of all time, to "condemn the guilty to the flames, and to call the just with a loving voice to heaven" (Hymn for Matins).

The whole of to-day's mass is a preparation for this double Advent of mercy and justice. Some parts of it can be applied equally to either (e.g., the Introit, Collect, Gradual, Alleluia), while others refer to our Divine Redeemer's lowly birth, and others again, (e.g. the Epistle and Gospel), to His coming in the splendour of His power and majesty. The same welcome will be given to us by our Lord when He comes to judge us, as we give to Him now when coming to redeem us. Let us prepare for the Christmas feast by holy prayers and aspirations and by reforming our lives, that we may be ready for that last great assize upon which depends the fate of our soul for all eternity. And all this with confidence, for those "who wait upon the Lord will never be confounded" (Introit; Gradual; Offertory).

In former times, on this First Sunday of Advent, all the people of Rome made the station at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, to assist at the solemn mass which the Pope celebrated, surrounded by his clergy. This particular Church was chosen because it is Mary who gave us Jesus and because relics of the crib in which the Blessed Mother placed her Divine Child are preserved in this Church.

Ecce nomen Domini * venit de longinquo, et claritas ejus implet orbem terrarum.

Behold the name of the Lord cometh from afar, and all the earth is full of His glory.

(Magnificat Antiphon at the Saturday Vespers, Isaias 30:27 and 6:3)

Ad te levavi animam meam: Deus meus, in te confido, non erubescam; neque irrideant me inimici mei, etenim universi qui te exspectant non confundentur. * Vias tuas, Domine, demonstra mihi: et semitas tuas edoce me.

To thee have I lifted up my soul: in thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on thee shall be confounded. * Show, O Lord, thy ways to me, and teach me thy paths.

(Psalm 24:1-3,4 from the Introit of Mass)

Excita, quaesumus, Domine, potentiam tuam et veni; ut ab imminentibus peccatorum nostrorum periculis, te mereamur protegente eripi, te liberante salvari.
Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy power and come; that by thy protection we may be freed from the imminent dangers of our sins, and be saved by thy mercy.
(Collect)

Lesson of the Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans.
Brethren, know that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy: but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Romans 13:11-14)

Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

At that time Jesus said to His disciples : There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the sea and of the waves: men withering away for fear and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved. And then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand. And He spoke to them a similitude : See the fig tree and all the trees: when they now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh. So you also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand. Amen, I say to you, this generation shall not pass away till all things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away : but My words shall not pass away.

(St Luke 21:25-33)

The Catholic Encyclopaedia on Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01165a.htm

Dom Gueranger's Liturgical Year on Advent: http://www.liturgialatina.org/lityear/advent/index.htm

26th November, St Sylvester, Abbot

St Sylvester Gozzolini, Abbot

St Sylvester was born at Osimo, near Ancona. He became a canon of the cathedral. When present one day at a funeral, he exclaimed: "I am today what this man was, and one day I shall be what he is." This is referred to in the Collect. He immediately gave up everything, and retired into a desert where he devoted himself to penance and meditation. Later he built at Monte Fano a church in honour of St Benedict who advised him in a vision to found the Order of Sylvestrines, whose rule and habit he described to him. This branch of the Benedictine Order spread in a short time and already numbered twenty-five houses in Italy when its founder died in 1267, at the age of ninety.

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 and 1 from the Introit of Mass)

O most merciful God, who, when the holy abbot Sylvester, by the side of an open grave, stood meditating on the emptiness of the things of this world, didst vouchsafe to call him into the wilderness and to ennoble him with the merit of a singularly holy life; most humbly we beg of Thee, that like him, we may despise earthly things, and enjoy fellowship with Thee for evermore.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14372b.htm
On the Sylvestrines: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14372c.htm

26th November, St Peter of Alexandria, Bishop and Martyr

St Peter of Alexandria, Bishop and Martyr

St Peter, bishop of Alexandria, resplendent with the light of every virtue, was beheaded in 311, under the Emperor Maximinus.

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).

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 Peter Thy martyr and bishop may protect us.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11771a.htm

14th November, St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

Born in 1580 at Wladimir, in Volhynia, Josaphat Kuncewitcz embraced monastic life in the Order of St Basil. Commissioned, in spite of his early age, to govern the monastery of Bytene, he became archimandrite of Vilna and lastly Archbishop of Polotzk, of the Ruthenian rite. Attacked at Vitebsk by schismatics, he was cruelly put to death, in 1623, and obtained from God the conversion of his murderers.

Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrantes sub honore beati Josaphat Martyris: de cujus passione gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. * Exsultate justi in Domino: rectos decet collaudatio.

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival day in honour of the blessed martyr Josaphat: at whose martyrdom the Angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God.* Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright.

(Psalm 32:1 from the Introit of Mass)

Stir up in Thy Church, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that Spirit with which blessed Josaphat, thy martyr and bishop, was filled when he laid down his life for the sheep: that by this intercession we too may be stirred and strengthened by the same Spirit and not fear to give our lives for our brethren.
(Collect)



From the Catholic encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08503b.htm
On the Ruthenian rite: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13277a.htm

14th November, Blessed Hugh Faringdon and his Companions, Martyrs

14th November, Blessed Hugh Faringdon and his Companions, Martyrs

Blessed Hugh Cook or Faringdon was the last Abbot of Reading. He was accused of high treason against Henry VIII on account of his defence of the Holy See, and was hanged at the gates of his own Abbey, having been condemned without any trial.

Praesta, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus: ut qui gloriosum Hugonem Abbatem, ejusque Socios pro unitate Ecclesiae tuae Martyres fortes in sua confessione cognovimus; pios apud te in nostra intercessione sentiamus.

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we, who acknowledge the fortutide of glorious Hugh Thine Abbot and his Companions in defending the unity of Thy Church, may enjoy their loving intercession for us before Thee.

13th November, St Didacus, Confessor

St Didacus, Confessor

Didacus or Diego, born in Spain in about AD 1400, entered, as a lay-brother, the Franciscan monastery of Arrizafa. He devoted himself especially to the contemplation of the Lord's passion; he spoke of heavenly things in an almost divine way. In the Canary Islands, he suffered all manner of tribulations. In Rome, in 1450, he was put in charge of the sick at the convent of Ara Coeli; in spirt of the scarcity, those who were committed to his care never wanted the necessaries of life. He returned to Spain and died piously at Alcala de Hanarez in 1463.

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)

O Almighty and everlasting God, who by Thy wonderful providence hast chosen the weak things of this world to confound those which are strong: relying on the kindly prayers of blessed Didacus, Thy confessor, we who are lowly in deed, supplicate Thee to be made worthy of being raised up to the everlasting glory in heaven.

(Collect)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04781a.htm

13th November, All Saints of the Benedictine Order

All Saints of the Benedictine Order

How many saints have there been in the Benedictine order? Even the calendar of the canonized and beatified runs to pages! Let alone those who have lived out saintly lives in cloisters, remembered now by none on earth, but dear to God.

The Benedictine Order keeps this day, 13th November, as the annual commemoration of All saints of the Order (this includes Cistercians, by the way). This includes not only professed monks, but Benedictine nuns, and also Oblates of the Order.

Tomorrow will be kept as a commemoration of All Souls of the Order - those who are still in need of prayer to enable them to complete the purgation of their souls and enter into light.

Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrantes sub honore sanctorum Monachorum: de quorum solemnitate gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. * Exsultate justi in Domino: rectos decet collaudatio.

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival day in honour of all the saintly monks: at whose solemnity the Angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God.* Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright.
(Psalm 32:1 from the Introit of Mass)



Concede, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus: ut ad meliorem vitam sanctorum Monachorum exempla nos provocent; quatenus, quorum solemnia agimus, etiam actus imitemur.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, grant that the example of the holy Monks may stir us to a better life, so that we may imitate the actions of those whose solemnity we celebrate.
(Collect)



Avete Solitudinis Claustrique Mites

Hail dwellers in the solitude
And in the lowly cloister cell,
Who steadfast and unshaken stood
Against the raging hordes of hell.

All wealth of gold and precious stone
And glories all of rank and birth
You cast away and trampled on,
With all low pleasures of this earth.

The green fields and the orchards grew
The simple fare whereon ye fed.
The brook was drink enough for you,
And on the hard ground was your bed.

Around you dwelt the venomed snakes,
And fiercest monsters harboured near.
All foul forms that the demon takes
You saw, but would not yield to fear.

Far, far beyond all earthly things
Your burning thoughts would wing their flight,
And hear the holy whisperings
Of angels in the heavenly height.

Thou Father of the heavenly host,
Thou glorious Son of Mary maid,
Thou Paraclete, the Holy Ghost,
To Thee be praise and glory paid.
Amen.



For further information about this feast, see: http://subtuum.blogspot.com/2009/11/feast-of-all-saints-who-fought-under.html

11th November, St Mennas, Martyr

St Mennas, Martyr

An Egyptian soldier in the Roman army, Mennas suffered a glorious martyrdom at Cotyea, a town in Phrygia, under the Emperor Diocletian, year 295.

Laetábitur justus in Dómino, et sperábit in eo: et laudabúntur omnes recti corde. * Exáudi, Deus, oratiónem meam, cum déprecor: a timóre inimíci éripe ánimam meam.

The just shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall hope in Him: and all the upright of heart shall be praised. * Hear, O God, my prayer when I make supplications to Thee: deliver my sould from the fear of the enemy.

(Psalm 63:11,2 from the Introit of Mass)

Grant we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who celebrate the festival of Blessed Mennas, Thy martyr, may by his intercession be strenthened in the love of Thy name.

(Collect)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10178d.htm

11th November, St Martin, Bishop and Confessor

St Martin, Bishop and Confessor (Martinmas)

St Martin is the first bishop and confessor honoured by the Church in the west. In Gaul, the liturgy gave him a rank equal to the apostles, for he was the principal apostle of Gaul. His feast was of obligation, with an octave and popular rejoicings.

St Martin, born at Savaria in Pannonia, came to Gaul as a soldier. While still a catechumen, he one day, near Amiens, gave part of his cloak to a poor man who asked him for an alms in the name of Christ. During the following night Jesus appeared to him clothed in this half of his cloak and said to him: "Martin, a simple catechumen, covered me with this garment."

At the age of 18, he was baptized, and having become a disciple of St Hilary, he built in the desert of Liguge, near Poitiers, the first monastery in Gaul. Made Bishop of Tours, he founded the famous abbey of Marmoutiers or Martin's Monastery, where eighty monks imitated the lives of the hermits of Thebaid.

He died, aged over eighty, at Candes, nears Tours, on 8th November, 397. His tomb became famous through many miracles, and attracted large pilgrimages. Roma has a church of SS Sylvester and Martin, better known as St Martino ai Monti, where the Station is held on the Thursday of the fourth week in Lent.

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).

O God, who knowest that we stand not by any strength of our own, mercifully grant that by the intercession of blessed Martin, Thy confessor and bishop, we may be kept from all harm.
(Collect)

There are a number of popular traditions associated with this day, which is called Martinmas. It is sometimes considered the first day of winter, though "St Martin's summer" is a spell of fine weather at this time. In some countries it is considered to be a sort of harvest festival - the new wine is tasted, and a goose is cooked, with much festivity.

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09732b.htm

10th November, SS. Tryphon and Respicius, Martyrs, and St. Nympha, Virgin and Martyr

SS. Tryphon and Respicius, Martyrs, and S. Nympha, Virgin and Martyr

In the reign of Decius, Tryphon suffered martyrdom at Nicea in Bithynia. The tribune Respicius, touched by his fortitude, was converted, and both were condemned to death by scourging, in the year 250.

Two centuries later St Nympha, a Sicilian virgin from Palermo, fled to Italy before the invading Goths, and died in Tuscany. Her feast is kept today, because her body was taken to Rome, and laid in the church of SS Tryphon and Respicius. The station on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday was formerly held in this church.

Clamaverunt justi, et Dominus exaudivit eos: et ex omnibus tribulationibus eorum liberavit eos. * Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore: semper laus ejus in ore meo.The just cried, and the Lord heard them; and delivered them out of all their troubles. * I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall be ever in my mouth.

(Psalm 33:18,2 from the Introit of Mass)



Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may ever keep with rejoicings, the feast of Thy holy martyrs, Tryphon, Respicius, and Nympha: and that through their intercession we may ever enjoy Thy protection.
(Collect)



From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15079a.htm

10th November, St Andrew Avellino, Confessor

St Andrew Avellino, Confessor

Andrew Avellino was born at Castro-Nuovo, in the Kingdom of Naples. As a youth, he resisted violent temptations. As a priest and a lawyer, he pleaded in the ecclesiastical court. But he gave up his career at the bar, out of fear of uttering the slightest untruth. He then joined the Theatines or Clerks Regular of St Paul at Naples, and obtained, on account of his great love for the cross, that he should be given the name of Andrew. Having become superior of the Institute, he devoted all his free time to prayer and the care of souls. He died at Naples in 1608 at a very advanced age, at the foot of the altar as he was ascending to celebrate mass.

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)

O God, who didst in a wonderful way lift up to Thyself the heart of blessed Andrew, Thy confessor, by means of the steadfast vow to advance daily in virtue; grant, we beseech Thee, that through his merits and intercession we may share in the same grace; that by ever following the more perfect way, we may happily be brought to Thy glory on high.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01472b.htm

9th November, St Theodore, Martyr

St Theodore, Martyr

Theodore was a soldier with the Roman legion at Amasea (Pontus). His flesh was torn with iron hooks until his ribs were laid bare. The martyr, filled with joy, never ceased singing the verse of the Psalm: I will bless the Lord at all times. He was then burned alive and gave up his soul to God AD 306.

Laetábitur justus in Dómino, et sperábit in eo: et laudabúntur omnes recti corde. * Exáudi, Deus, oratiónem meam, cum déprecor: a timóre inimíci éripe ánimam meam.
The just shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall hope in Him: and all the upright of heart shall be praised. * Hear, O God, my prayer when I make supplications to Thee: deliver my sould from the fear of the enemy.
(Psalm 63:11,2 from the Introit of Mass)



O God, who dost encompass and shield us by the glorious confession of blessed Theodore Thy martyr; grant that we may profit by his example, and be strengthened by his intercession.
(Collect)



The Catholic Encyclopaedia on St Theorore of Amasea: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14573a.htm



Further details on the life of St Theodore: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2009/03/st-theodore-tyron-and-miracle-of.html

9th November, the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Saviour

Dedication of the Basilica of St. Saviour (St John Lateran)

The palace of the Lateran on the Caelian Hill belonged to Fausta, the wife of Constantine. The Emperor, after his conversion, gave it to the Pope as his private residence, and founded there the church of the Lateran which became the Cathedral of Rome and the mother of all the churches of the world.

On November 9th, 324, Pope St. Sylvester consecrated it under the name of Basilica of St. Saviour. This was the first public consecration of a church. A long time after, under Lucius II, in the 12th century, it was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, whose name had been given to the adjoining baptistry. Wherefore it bears nowadays the title of St. John Lateran.

In this basilica and the adjoining palace were held, from the 4th to the 16th centuries, more than twenty-five councils, five of which were ecumenical. Holy Orders were conferred there, penitents were reconciled, catechumens wee baptized on Easter Day, and as neophytes they came there in procession during the whole octave.



The Stational mass is held at St. John Lateran on the first Sunday in Lent, Palm Sunday, Rogation Tuesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter Eve, Saturday in Albis, and on the eve of Pentecost.



The church was rebuilt and consecrated anew by Benedict XIII in 1726, and the commemoration of this consecration was fixed, as that of the first church, on 9th November.

Terríbilis est locus iste: hic domus Dei est et porta coeli: et vocábitur aula Dei. * Quam dilécta tabernácula tua, Dómine virtútum! concupíscit, et déficit ánima mea in átria Dómini.
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 consecratiónis réparas diem, et sacris semper mystériis repaeséntas incólumes: exáudi preces pópuli tui, et praesta; ut, quisquis hoc templum benefícia petitúrus ingréditur, cuncta se impetrásse laetétur.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)

The Catholic Encyclopaedia on the Basilica of St John Lateran: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09014b.htm

8th November, Octave Day of All Saints

Octave Day of All Saints


The custom of celebrating during eight days the feast of All Saints was established by Pope Sixtus IV in 1430 for the universal church.



Justorum animae in manu Dei sunt, et non tanget illos tormentum malitiae: visi sunt oculis insipientium mori: illi autem sunt in pace, alleluia.The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of malice shall not touch them: in the sight of the unwise they seemed to die, but they are in peace, alleluia.
(Wisdom 3:1-3 from the Offertorium of Mass)



Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui nos omnium Sanctorum tuorum merita sub una tribuisti celebritate venerari: quaesumus: ut desideratam nobis tuae propitiationis abundantiam, multiplicatis intercessoribus, largiaris.O Almighty and everlasting God, who hast granted us to honour in one solemn feast the merits of all Thy Saints: we beseech Thee, that, since so many are praying for us, Thou wouldst pour forth upon us the abundance of Thy mercy, for which we long.
(Collect)



The Catholic encyclopaedia on Octaves: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11204a.htm

8th November, The Holy Four Crowned Martyrs

The Holy Four Crowned Martyrs

These saints were four brothers whose names remained long unknown. They were called "the four crowned" (quattuor coronati) because they received the palm of martyrdom under Diocletian in 304 and were crowned in heaven.

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)

Praesta, quaesumus, omnípotens Deus: ut, qui gloriósos Mártyres fortes in sua confessióne cognóvimus, pios apud te in nostra intercessióne sentiámus.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who acknowledge the steadfastness of Thy glorious Martyrs in their confession, may enjoy their loving intercession with Thee.
(Collect)

Article from Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06163a.htm

5th November, Feast of the Holy Relics

Feast of the Holy Relics
(pro aliquibus locis)



Many dioceses - including the major ones in England - keep a feast today of all the Holy Relics, which are preserved in the churches of the diocese. This is kept as a feast with the rank of Greater Double.



From the very beginnings of Christianity the faithful have venerated the mortal remains of those who had led a holy life or suffered martyrdom. They were buried with great honour, and Mass was said over their tombs. This practice is easily understood when it is remembered that their bodies were temples of the Holy Ghost, and that they will rise to a glorious and eternal life at the last day.



Multae tribulatiónes justórum, et de his ómnibus liberávit eos Dóminus: Dóminus custodit ómnia ossa eórum: unum ex his non conterétur. * Benedícam Dóminum in omni témpore: semper laus ejus in ore meo.
Many are the tribulations of the just, and out of them all did the Lord deliver them: the Lord keepeth all their bones: not one of them all shall be broken. * I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall be always in my mouth.
(Psalm 33:20-21,2 from the Introit of Mass)



Auge in nobis, Dómine, resurrectiónis fidem, qui in Sanctórum tuórum Relíquiis mirabília operáris: et fac nos immortális glóriae partícipes; cujus in eórum cinéribus pígnora venerámur.
Increase within us faith in the Resurrection, O Lord, who workest marvels in the relics of Thy saints; and let us share in that everlasting glory, the pledge of which we honour in their remains.
(Collect)



Catholic Encyclopaedia on Relics: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12734a.htm

4th November, SS Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs

SS Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs

Vitalis was the servant of Agricola. In 304, at Bologna, they exhausted on him every kind of torment, and not an inch of his body was left unwounded; he died praying. Agricola was crucified. St Ambrose collected the nails, his glorious blood and the cross on which he was nailed, and placed them under the holy altars.

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 Psalm 32:1, from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui nos concedis sanctorum Martyrum tuorum Vitalis et Agricolae natalitia colere: da nobis in aeterna beatitudine de eorum societate gaudere.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who celebrate the festival of Thy holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola, may be helped by their intercession before Thee.
(Collect)

Article from the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15486b.htm

4th November, St Charles Borromeo, Bishop and Confessor

St Charles Borromeo, Bishop and Confessor

St Charles was one of the chief instruments of the true reformation of the Church in the 16th century. It was greatly owing to his wisdom that the Council of Trent was happily concluded. Made a cardinal at the age of 23, he soon became archbishop of Milan. He held synods and councils, established colleges and communities, renewed the spirit of his clergy and of monasteries, founded asylums and created diocesan seminaries, the rules of which were adopted everywhere. He died in 1584.

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).

Ever keep Thy church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, under the protection of St. Charles, Thy confessor and bishop; that through the intercession of him how became glorious by his watchful care over his flock, we may ever burn with love for Thee.
(Collect)



The Catholic Encyclopaedia on St Charles Borromeo: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03619a.htm

3rd November, St Winifred, Virgin and Martyr

St Winifred, Virgin and Martyr
(in some dioceses, including Shrewsbury)

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 inter cétera poténtiae tuae mirácula etiam in sexu frágili victóriam martýrii contulísti: concéde propítius; ut, qui beátae Winifridae Virginis et Martyris tuae natalítia cólimus, per ejus ad te exémpla gradiámur.
O God, who among the wonders of Thy power hast granted even to the weaker sex the triumph of martyrdom: mercifully grant that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Winifred Thy virgin and martyr, may, through her example, advance nearer to Thee.
(Collect)



Wikipedia on St Winifrid: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winefride

2nd November, All Souls Day

All Souls Day

In every Mass a Memento of the Dead is made, but already in the fifth century special masses were said for the dead, and a day of remembrance of the dead is found in many ancient church calendars. The fixing of this solemn celebration on the day following the Feast of All Saints originated with St Odilo of Cluny in 998, and quickly spread throughout Europe. The privilege of saying three masses on this day, formerly granted to Spain, was extended to the whole church by Pope Benedict XV in 1915.

Fidelium Deus omnium conditor, et redemptor, animabus famulorum, famularumque tuarum remissionem cunctorum tribue peccatorum: ut indulgentiam, quam semper optaverunt, piis supplicationibus consequantur.

O God the Creator, and Redeemer of all the faithful, give unto the souls of thy servants men, and women remission of all their sins: that through Godly supplications they may obtain the pardon which they have always wished for.

(Collect for the Dead, from the first Mass of All Souls)

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)


Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to St John.
At that time: Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died: but now also I know that whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give Thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus saith to her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, although he be dead, shall live; and every one that liveth, and believeth in Me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this? She saith to Him, Yea, Lord, I have believed that Thou art Christ, the Son of the Living God, who art come into this world.
(St John 11. 21-27, from Mass on the Day of Burial)

Domine Jesu Christe, Rex gloriae, libera animas omnium fidelium defunctorum de poenis inferni et de profundi lacu: libera eas de ore leonis, ne absorbeat eas tartarus, ne cadant in obscurum: sed signifer sanctus Michael repraesentet eas in lucem sanctam: * Quam olim Abrahae promisisti, et semini ejus. V. Hostias et preces tibi, Domine, laudis offerimus: tu suscipe pro animabus illis, quarum hodie memoriam facimus: fac eas, Domine, de morte transire ad vitam. * Quam olim Abrahae promisisti et semini ejus.
O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit: deliver them from the lion's mouth, that hell swallow them not up, that they fall not into darkness, but let the standard-bearer, holy Michael, lead them into that holy light; which Thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed. V. We offer to Thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers: do Thou receive them in behalf of those souls of whom we make memorial this day. Grant them, O Lord, to pass from death to that life which Thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed.
(Offertorium of Mass)

Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine: * Cum Sanctis tuis in aeternum: quia pius es. V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis: * Cum Sancis tuis in aeternum: quia pius es.
May light eternal shine upon them, O Lord, * With Thy Saints for evermore, for Thou art gracious. V. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them * with Thy Saints for evermore, for Thou art gracious.
(Communio of Mass)


The Catholic Encyclopaedia on:
All Souls Day: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315b.htm
Prayers for the Dead: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04653a.htm
Requiem Masses: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12776d.htm



"Help Lord the souls that Thou hast made
The souls to Thee so dear
In prison for the debt unpaid
Of sins committed here."

1st November, The Feast of All Saints

The Feast of All Saints

The temple of Agrippa was dedicated, under Augustus, to all the pagan gods, hence its name of Pantheon. Under the Emperor Phocas, between A.D. 607 and 610, Boniface IV translated hither numerous remains of martyrs taken from the Catacombs.

On May 13, A.D. 610, he dedicated this new Christian basilica to St. Mary and the Martyrs. The feast of this dedication took later a more universal character, and the temple was consecrated to St. Mary and all the Saints.

As there was already a feast in commemoration of all the Saints, celebrated at first at various dates in various churches, then fixed by Gregory IV in A.D. 835 on November 1, Pope Gregory VII transferred to this date the anniversary of the dedication of the Pantheon as a church. The feast of All Saints therefore recalls the triumph of Christ over the false pagan deities.

In this temple is held the Station on the Friday in the octave of Easter.

As the saints commemorated during the three first centuries were martyrs, and the Pantheon was at first dedicated to them, the Mass of All Saints is made up of extracts from the liturgy of martyrs. The Introit is that of the Mass of St. Agatha, used later for other feasts, the Gospel, Offertory and Communion are taken from the Common of martyrs of the Church

The Church gives us on this day a wonderful vision of heaven, showing us with St. John, the twelve thousand signed (twelve is considered a perfect number) of each tribe of Israel, and a great multitude which no one can count, of every nation and tribe, of every people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes and with palms in their hands (Epistle). Christ, our Lady, the blessed battalions distributed in nine choirs, the apostles and prophets, the martyrs crimsoned in their blood, the confessors adorned in white garments and the chaste choir of virgins form, as the hymn of Vespers sings, the majestic court. It is composed of all those who here below were detached from worldly riches, gentle, suffering, just, merciful, pure, peaceful and persecuted for the name of Jesus. "Rejoice," the Master had foretold them, "for a great reward is prepared for you in heaven" (Gospel, Communion). Among those millions of the just who were faithful disciples of Jesus on earth, are several of our own family, relations, friends, members of our parochial family, now enjoying the fruit of their piety, adoring the Lord, King of kings, and Crown of all Saints (Invitatory at Matins) and obtaining for us the wished for abundance of His mercies (Collect).

Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrantes sub honore Sanctorum omnium: de quorum solemnitate gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. * Exsultate justi in Domino: rectos decet collaudatio.
Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival day in honour of all the Saints: at whose solemnity the Angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God.* Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright.
(Psalm 32:1 from the Introit of Mass)

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui nos omnium Sanctorum tuorum merita sub una tribuisti celebritate venerari: quaesumus: ut desideratam nobis tuae propitiationis abundantiam, multiplicatis inter cessoribus, largiaris.

O Almightyand everlasting God, who hast granted us to honour in one solemn feast the merits of all Thy Saints: we beseech Thee, that, since so many are praying for us, Thou wouldst pour forth upon us the abundance of Thy mercy, for which we long.

(Collect)

O Christ, thy guilty people spare!
Lo, kneeling at thy gracious throne,

Thy Virgin-Mother pours her prayer,

Imploring pardon for her own.

Ye Angels, happy evermore!
Who in your circles nine ascend,
As ye have guarded us before,
So still from harm our steps defend.

Ye Prophets and Apostles high!
Behold our penitential tears;
And plead for us when death is nigh,
And our all-searching Judge appears.

Ye Martyrs all! a purple band,
And Confessors, a white-robed train;
O, call us to our native land,
From this our exile, back again.

And ye, O choirs of Virgins chaste!
Receive us to your seats on high;
With Hermits whom the desert waste
Sent up of old into the sky.

Drive from the flock, O Spirit blest!
The false and faithless race away;
That all within one fold may rest,
Secure beneath one Shepherd's sway.

To God the Father glory be,
And to his sole-begotten Son;
And glory, Holy Ghost, to thee,
While everlasting ages run. Amen.

(Hymn for Vespers, from the Roman Breviary)



Angeli, Archangeli, Throni et Dominationes, Principalis et Potestates, Virtutes caelorum, Cherubim atque Seraphim, Patriarchae et Prophetae, sancti legis Doctores, Apostoli, omnes Christi Martyres, sancti Confessores, Virgines Domini, Anachoritae Sanctique omnes, intercedite pro nobis.

O ye Angels and Archangels, Thrones and Dominions, Principalities and Powers, Virtues of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, ye Patriarchs and Prophets, holy Doctors of the Law, Apostles, all Martyrs of Christ, holy Confessors, Virgins of the Lord, Hermits, and all Saints : intercede for us.

(Magnificat Antiphon from 1st Vespers)

The Catholic Encyclopaedia on the Feast of All Saints: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315a.htm