Commemoration for Peace.
The following commemoration was traditionally used at Vespers, at the end of the other commemorations, and is for Peace. That Peace "which the world cannot give."
It was used in the pre-1911 Breviary, on days which were semi-doubles or of lower rank. It found its way into Evensong in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. No doubt the revisers of 1911 thought that praying each day for peace was no longer necessary ...
In view of the current international situation, and a world which is far from peaceful, those who say the Office, and even those who don't, might like to add this to their daily prayers.
Pro Pace.
Antiphon. Da pacem Domine in diebus nostris, quia non est alius, qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu Deus noster.
V. Fiat pax in virtute tua.
R. Et abundantia in turribus tuis.
Oremus.
Deus, a quo sancta desideria, recta consília, et justa sunt opera: da servis tuis illam, quam mundus dare non potest, pacem; ut et corda nostra mandátis tuis dedita, et hostium sublata formidine, tempora sint tua protectione tranquilla.
For Peace.
Antiphon. Give peace in our time, O Lord, because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only Thou, O Lord.
V. May peace be within thy walls.
R. And plenteousness within thy palaces.
Let us Pray.
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed. Give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give: that both, our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and that also by Thee, we being freed from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in peace and quietness.
Monday, 18 August 2014
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
29th July, St Martha, Virgin
St. Martha, Virgin
After having celebrated on the 22nd of this month the feast of St. Mary Magdalen, we honour to-day Martha, her sister.
The daughter of noble and rich parents, she lived at Bethany, two miles from Jerusalem. "Jesus," says St. John, "loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus," wherefore He preferred to dwell at their house when He was in Judea. There He spent the days which preceded His death. Martha, who was the elder, therefore often had the honour of being the hostess of Jesus (Gospel, Communion), the divine Spouse to whom she had consecrated her virginity (Epistle). While busy with serving Jesus, she requested Him to bid Mary help her. And Jesus, without blaming her for ministering to His wants, made her understand that certain souls, called by God, choose a still better part, since they commence on earth what all shall do in heaven. Active life, with all its labours and fatigues endured for the sake of Christ whom we serve in our neighbour, is very meritorious; "happy however is the home where Mary causes the complaint of Martha" and refuses to take away from prayer a life which ordinary occupations might appear to claim.
God is indeed the author of all grace and wishes to be recognized as such; and contemplative life, which puts souls in direct contact with Him, assures their personal sanctification more fully and obtains more efficaciously the graces by which a Christian apostleship becomes fruitful. Let us esteem at its just value the position that Jesus reserves to Mary, and if He calls us to share in Martha's solicitude, let us endeavour, like the saints, to make up by the spirit of prayer for what is wanting in active life.
After having celebrated on the 22nd of this month the feast of St. Mary Magdalen, we honour to-day Martha, her sister.The daughter of noble and rich parents, she lived at Bethany, two miles from Jerusalem. "Jesus," says St. John, "loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus," wherefore He preferred to dwell at their house when He was in Judea. There He spent the days which preceded His death. Martha, who was the elder, therefore often had the honour of being the hostess of Jesus (Gospel, Communion), the divine Spouse to whom she had consecrated her virginity (Epistle). While busy with serving Jesus, she requested Him to bid Mary help her. And Jesus, without blaming her for ministering to His wants, made her understand that certain souls, called by God, choose a still better part, since they commence on earth what all shall do in heaven. Active life, with all its labours and fatigues endured for the sake of Christ whom we serve in our neighbour, is very meritorious; "happy however is the home where Mary causes the complaint of Martha" and refuses to take away from prayer a life which ordinary occupations might appear to claim.
God is indeed the author of all grace and wishes to be recognized as such; and contemplative life, which puts souls in direct contact with Him, assures their personal sanctification more fully and obtains more efficaciously the graces by which a Christian apostleship becomes fruitful. Let us esteem at its just value the position that Jesus reserves to Mary, and if He calls us to share in Martha's solicitude, let us endeavour, like the saints, to make up by the spirit of prayer for what is wanting in active life.
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)
Hear us, O God our Saviour; that as we rejoice in the festivity of blessed Martha, Thy Virgin, so we may be instructed in the affection of pious devotion.
Monday, 28 July 2014
28th July, SS. Nazarius and Celsus Martyrs; Victor I, Pope and Martyr; Innocent I, Pope and Confessor
SS. Nazarius and Celsus Martyrs; Victor I, Pope and Martyr; Innocent I, Pope and Confessor
The Church honours to-day several Saints who lived at different times and in different countries.
Nazarius, baptized by Pope St. Linus at Rome, in his turn baptized young Celsus who was born at Cimiez near Nice. They betook themselves to Milan, where they were arrested by the pagans and beheaded about the year 68. In 395 their bodies were discovered and in the tomb of St. Nazarius was found a phial of his blood as red as if it had been shed that very day.
Victor I, born in Africa, succeeded St. Eleutherius, on the pontifical throne. He fixed the date of Easter for the whole Church according to the rules observed still now. He decided that any one might baptize in cases of necessity with unblessed water. He was martyred under Septimus Severus, A.D. 202.
Innocent I was born at Albano and was a contemporary of St. Augustine and of St. Jerome. The latter wrote of him: "Keep the faith of St. Innocent who fills the Apostolic Chair and who is the successor and spiritual son of Anastasius, of happy memory; receive no other doctrine, however wise and attractive it may appear." He died A.D. 417.
Sanctorum tuorum nos, Domine, Nazarii, Celsi, Victoris et Innocentii confessio beata communiat: et fragilitati nostrae subsidium dignanter exoret.
May we draw strength, O Lord, from the blessed confession of Thy saints, Nazarius, Celsus, Victor and Innocent and do Thou vouchsafe that it be ever a help to us in our weakness.
(Collect)
St Nazarius and Celsus: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10728a.htm
Pope St Victor I: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15408a.htm
Pope St Innocent I: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08011a.htm
Nazarius, baptized by Pope St. Linus at Rome, in his turn baptized young Celsus who was born at Cimiez near Nice. They betook themselves to Milan, where they were arrested by the pagans and beheaded about the year 68. In 395 their bodies were discovered and in the tomb of St. Nazarius was found a phial of his blood as red as if it had been shed that very day.
Victor I, born in Africa, succeeded St. Eleutherius, on the pontifical throne. He fixed the date of Easter for the whole Church according to the rules observed still now. He decided that any one might baptize in cases of necessity with unblessed water. He was martyred under Septimus Severus, A.D. 202.Innocent I was born at Albano and was a contemporary of St. Augustine and of St. Jerome. The latter wrote of him: "Keep the faith of St. Innocent who fills the Apostolic Chair and who is the successor and spiritual son of Anastasius, of happy memory; receive no other doctrine, however wise and attractive it may appear." He died A.D. 417.
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)
Sanctorum tuorum nos, Domine, Nazarii, Celsi, Victoris et Innocentii confessio beata communiat: et fragilitati nostrae subsidium dignanter exoret.
May we draw strength, O Lord, from the blessed confession of Thy saints, Nazarius, Celsus, Victor and Innocent and do Thou vouchsafe that it be ever a help to us in our weakness.
(Collect)
St Nazarius and Celsus: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10728a.htm
Pope St Victor I: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15408a.htm
Pope St Innocent I: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08011a.htm
Sunday, 27 July 2014
27th July, St Pantaleon, Martyr
St Pantaleon, Martyr
At Nicomedia, says the Roman Martyrology, was martyred St. Pantaleon, a doctor, who having been arrested on account of his faith by order of the Emperor Maximian, was tortured on the rack and burned with flaming torches; he was consoled in his torments by an apparition of our Lord; the sword put an end to his glorious combat. This was under Dioclctlim about A.D. 303. St. Pantaleon is numbered by the Greeks among the great martyrs. Medical men honour him, after St. Luke, as their principal patron. He is one of the "fourteen auxiliary saints".
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 by the intercession of blessed Pantaleon, Thy martyr, we may both be delivered from all adversities in body, and be purified from all evil thoughts in mind.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11447a.htm
Saturday, 26 July 2014
26th July, St Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Church honours with the angels in holy joy (Introit), the mother of the blessed Virgin Mary.
As her name signifies, grace was poured on her and she was blessed by God for ever (Communion). "By His grace He made her deserve to be the mother of the Mother of God" (Collect).
Filled with the virtues which the Holy Ghost grants to good women, the spouse of St. Joachim surpassed all women by her privileges and graces (Epistle). Her holiness made her leave everything for God, and she thereby acquired this pearl and this treasure (Gospel).
The devotion to St. Anne is founded on the bond which unites her to Mary and to the Incarnate Word. Its ancient liturgy dates from the sixth century for the East and the eighth century for the West. It was authorized by Urban IV in 1378. In 1584 Gregory XIII fixed July 26 as date of the feast and Leo XIII in 1879 extended it to the whole Church.
Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrantes sub honore beatae Annae: de cujus solemnitate gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. * Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego opera mea Regi.
Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival-day in honour of blessed Anne; on whose solemnity the angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God.* My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King.
(Psalm 44:2 from the introit of Mass)
Deus, qui beatae Annae gratiam conferre dignatus est ut Genitricis unigeniti Filii tui mater effici mereretur: concede propitius: ut, cujus solemnia celebramus, ejus apus te patrociniis adjuvemur.
O God, who didst vouchsafe to blessed Anne the grace to be mother of her who was to bring forth Thine only-begotten Son; grant, in Thy mercy, that we who keep her festival may be aided by her intercession.
As her name signifies, grace was poured on her and she was blessed by God for ever (Communion). "By His grace He made her deserve to be the mother of the Mother of God" (Collect).
Filled with the virtues which the Holy Ghost grants to good women, the spouse of St. Joachim surpassed all women by her privileges and graces (Epistle). Her holiness made her leave everything for God, and she thereby acquired this pearl and this treasure (Gospel).
The devotion to St. Anne is founded on the bond which unites her to Mary and to the Incarnate Word. Its ancient liturgy dates from the sixth century for the East and the eighth century for the West. It was authorized by Urban IV in 1378. In 1584 Gregory XIII fixed July 26 as date of the feast and Leo XIII in 1879 extended it to the whole Church.
Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrantes sub honore beatae Annae: de cujus solemnitate gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. * Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego opera mea Regi.
Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival-day in honour of blessed Anne; on whose solemnity the angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God.* My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King.
(Psalm 44:2 from the introit of Mass)
Deus, qui beatae Annae gratiam conferre dignatus est ut Genitricis unigeniti Filii tui mater effici mereretur: concede propitius: ut, cujus solemnia celebramus, ejus apus te patrociniis adjuvemur.
O God, who didst vouchsafe to blessed Anne the grace to be mother of her who was to bring forth Thine only-begotten Son; grant, in Thy mercy, that we who keep her festival may be aided by her intercession.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01538a.htm
Friday, 25 July 2014
25th July, St Christopher, Martyr
St. Christopher
St. Christopher was a native of Chanaan. His name (who bears Christ) expresses his love of Jesus. A generous soul, he walked like a giant in the way of virtue. The piety of our fathers inspired by this grand allegory caused them to place a colossal statue of St. Christopher at the entrance to cathedrals. He was martyred towards A.D. 250. He is one of the " fourteen Auxiliary Saints".
St. Christopher was a native of Chanaan. His name (who bears Christ) expresses his love of Jesus. A generous soul, he walked like a giant in the way of virtue. The piety of our fathers inspired by this grand allegory caused them to place a colossal statue of St. Christopher at the entrance to cathedrals. He was martyred towards A.D. 250. He is one of the " fourteen Auxiliary Saints".
In virtute tua, Domine laetabitur justus: et super salutare tuum exsultabit vehementer: desiderium animae ejus tribuisti ei. * Quoniam praevenisti eum in bendictionibus dulcedinis: posuisti in capite ejus coronam de lapide pretioso.
In Thy strength, O Lord, the just man shall joy and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly: Thou hast given him his heart's desire. For Thou hast prevented him with blessing of sweetness: Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.
(Psalm 20:2-3,4 from the Introit of Mass)
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who celebrate the festival of blessed Christopher, Thy martyr, may by his intercession be strengthened in the love of Thy name.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03728a.htm
25th July, St. James, Apostle
St. James, Apostle
St. James, brother of St. John, and son of Zebedee, was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee. He is surnamed the Greater, i.e. the elder.
One day his mother, approaching the Saviour, asked of Him "the favour for her two sons to be seated, one at His right hand and the other at His left, in His kingdom" (Gospel). Christ then foretold their martyrdom. St. James "shall sit on a throne to judge the twelve tribes of Israel" (Communion), but he will first have to mix his blood with that of Jesus (Gospel) and undergo, like all the apostles, a life of suffering and persecution, such as the Epistle describes. After the Ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven, says the office of to-day, James preached His divinity in Judea and Samaria. He soon betook himself to Spain. When he returned to Jerusalem, Herod Agrippa, desiring to please the Jews, condemned him to death and he was beheaded towards the year 42, a short time before the feast of Easter.
It would seem, that for fear of the Arabs who were masters of Jerusalem, the body of the Saint was later carried to Compostella, in Spain, where he is greatly honoured. July 25 recalls the date of this translation. His name is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass with that of St. John, his brother (first list).
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)
Esto, Domine, plebi tuae sanctificator et custos: ut, Apostoli tui Jacobi munita praesidiis, et conversatione tibi placeat, et secura mente deserviat.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, keep and sanctify Thy people; that strengthened by the help of Thine apostle James, they may please Thee by their conduct and serve Thee with a quiet mind.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08279b.htm
One day his mother, approaching the Saviour, asked of Him "the favour for her two sons to be seated, one at His right hand and the other at His left, in His kingdom" (Gospel). Christ then foretold their martyrdom. St. James "shall sit on a throne to judge the twelve tribes of Israel" (Communion), but he will first have to mix his blood with that of Jesus (Gospel) and undergo, like all the apostles, a life of suffering and persecution, such as the Epistle describes. After the Ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven, says the office of to-day, James preached His divinity in Judea and Samaria. He soon betook himself to Spain. When he returned to Jerusalem, Herod Agrippa, desiring to please the Jews, condemned him to death and he was beheaded towards the year 42, a short time before the feast of Easter.
It would seem, that for fear of the Arabs who were masters of Jerusalem, the body of the Saint was later carried to Compostella, in Spain, where he is greatly honoured. July 25 recalls the date of this translation. His name is inscribed in the Canon of the Mass with that of St. John, his brother (first list).
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)
Esto, Domine, plebi tuae sanctificator et custos: ut, Apostoli tui Jacobi munita praesidiis, et conversatione tibi placeat, et secura mente deserviat.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, keep and sanctify Thy people; that strengthened by the help of Thine apostle James, they may please Thee by their conduct and serve Thee with a quiet mind.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08279b.htm
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