9th August, St John Mary Vianney, Confessor

St. John Mary Vianney, Confessor

John-Baptist-Mary Vianney was born at Dardilly near Lyons (France) on May 8th, 1786. After many difficulties, he received holy priesthood in August 1815. He was parish priest of Ars for nearly forty-two years: he became a model for all his brethren in the sacerdotal ministry by his pastoral zeal, and by the unflagging ardour of his prayer and penance. Sitting up to sixteen hours a day in the confessional, he healed souls and sometimes bodies as well. His simple catechism preaching touched the hearts of grown ups as well as those of children. Meanwhile, he chastized his body as an act of reparation and impetration for sinners. He died on August 4th, 1859; he was beatified in 1905 by Pope Pius X, who had been a parish priest, and canonized by Pius XI in 1925.

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)

Omnipotens et misericors Deus, qui beatum Joannem Mariam, pastorali studio et jugi orationis ac poenitentiae ardore mirabilem effecisti: da, quaesumus, ut ejus exemplo et intercessione, animas fratrum lucrari Christo, et cum eis aeternam gloriam consequi valeamus.
Almighty and merciful God, who didst bestow upon blessed John Mary wonderful pastoral zeal and a great fervour for prayer and penance ; grant, we beseech Thee, that by his example and intercession we may be able to gain the souls of our brethren for Christ, and with them attain to everlasting glory.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08326c.htm

8th August, SS. Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus, Martyrs

SS. Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus, Martyrs

St. Cyriacus, a deacon of the Roman Church under Popes Marcellinus and Marcellus, was put to death in 303, during the persecution of Diocletian. He had twenty-two Christian companions, among whom were Largus and Smaragdus. St. Cyriacus is one of the "14 Auxiliary Saints."

Timete Dominum, omnes sancti ejus, quoriiam nihil deest timentibus eum: divites eguerunt, et esurierunt: inquirentes autem Dominum non deficient omni bono. * Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore: semper laus ejus in ore meo.
Fear the Lord, all ye His saints ; for there is no want to them that fear Him: the rich have wanted and have suffered hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good. * I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall be always in my mouth.
(Psalm 33:10-11,2 from the introit of Mass)

Deus, qui nos annua sanctorum Martyrum tuorum Cyriaci, Largi et Smaragdi solemnitate laetificas: concede propitius: ut, quorum natalitia colimus, virtutem quoque passionis imitemur.

O God, who dost gladden us by the yearly festival of Thy holy martyrs Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus; in Thy loving kindness, make us, we beseech Thee, to imitate the fortitude with which suffered the holy men whose feast-day we are celebrating.

(Collect)

From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyriacus

7th August, St Cajetan, Confessor

St. Cajetan, Confessor

St. Cajetan founded the first Congregation of Clerks Regular who endeavour to imitate the manner of life of the apostles (Collect). Trust in God, which the Gospel recalls, was their great law; they therefore refrained from begging alms and waited until the faithful brought them help of their own accord. They are also called Theatines.

This saint's zeal for others' salvation caused him to be called the Hunter of Souls. It was said that he was an angel at the altar and an apostle in the pulpit. He died at Naples on August 7, 1547.

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 beato Cajetano Confessori tuo apostolicam vivendi formam imitari tribuisti: da nobis, ejus intercessione et exemplo, in te semper confidere, et sola caelestia desiderare.
O God, who didst bestow upon blessed Cajetan, Thy confessor, to live a life of an apostle; grant, we beseech Thee, that by his intercession and example, we may always trust in Thee and desire only heavenly things.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03145a.htm

7th August, St Donatus, Bishop and Martyr

St. Donatus of Arezzo, Bishop and Martyr

Donatus, bishop of Arezzo in Tuscany, was arrested under Julian the Apostate. He was beheaded in A.D 361.

Sacerdotes Dei, benedicite Dominum: sancti et humiles corde, laudate Deum. * Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, Domino: laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula.
O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; O ye holy and humble of heart, praise God. * All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all for ever.

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

Deus, tuorum gloria sacerdotum: praesta, quaesumus; ut sancti Martyris tui et Episcopi Donati, cujus festa gerimus, sentiamus auxilium.
O God, the glory of Thy priests, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience the help of Thy holy martyr and bishop Donatus, whose festival we celebrate.
(Collect)

From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donatus_of_Arezzo

High altar of Arezzo Cathedral, called the Arch of St Donatus.

6th August, SS. Sixtus II, Felicissimus and Agapitus, Martyrs

SS. Sixtus II, Felicissimus and Agapitus, Martyrs

Pope St. Sixtus II was martyred in the third century, during the cruel persecution of Valerian, with his two deacons, Felicissimus and Agapitus. His name is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass among the popes (first list).

Laurence, his first deacon, seeing him led to death, exclaimed: "Why do you abandon me, Father, you who never offer the holy sacrifice without your deacon? " "You will follow me in three days," replied Sixtus. The anniversary of the martyrdom of St Laurence will be solemnized in three days.

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, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.

(Ecclesiasticus 44:15,14 and Psalm 32:1 from the introit of Mass)

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

O God, who grantest us to celebrate the heavenly birthdays of Thy holy martyrs N. and N., vouchsafe that we may enjoy their fellowship in everlasting bliss.

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14031c.htm

6th August, The Transfiguration of Our Lord

The Transfiguration of Our Lord 

The feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus had long been solemnized on August 6, in different churches of the East and West. To commemorate the victory which arrested, near Belgrade in 1456, the invading tide of Islam, and which was announced at Rome on August 6, Callistus III extended the feast to the whole Church.

It is the feast of many churches under the title of St. Saviour. This is why Pope St Pius X raised it to the rank of double of the second class, for it is the old title of the Cathedral of Rome, St. John Lateran, formerly called the Basilica of St. Saviour (see November 9th).

Illuxerunt coruscationes tuae orbi terrae: commota est, et contremuit terra. * Quam dilecta tabernacula tua, Domine virtutum! concupiscit et deficit anima mea in atria Domini.
Thy lightnings enlightened the world : the earth shook and trembled. * How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts! my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord.
(Psalm 76:19 and 83:2-3 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui fidei sacramenta, in Unigeniti tui gloriosa Transfiguratione, patrum testimonio roborasti, et adoptionem filiorum perfectam, voce delapsa in nube lucida, mirabiliter praesignasti: concede propitius; ut ipsius Regis gloriae nos coheredes efficias, et ejusdem gloriae tribuas esse consortes.
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of Thine only-begotten Son didst confirm the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of the fathers, and who by Thy voice from the shining cloud, didst in wondrous manner foreshow the perfect adoption of sons : make us, in Thy loving kindness, we beseech Thee, as co-heirs with Him who is the King of glory, and in that very glory call us in the end to share.
(Collect)

Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
At that time: Jesus taketh Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: and He was transfigured before them. And His face did shine as the sun, and His garments became white as snow. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with Him. And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here; if Thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them; and lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid: and Jesus came and touched them, and said to them: Arise, and fear not. And they lifting up their eyes saw no one, but only Jesus. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying: Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man be risen from the dead.
(St Matthew 17:1-9)

The Hymn 'Quicumque Christum Quaeritis' from Vespers.

All ye who seek, in hope and love,
For Christ our Lord, look up above!
Where, traced upon the azure sky,
Faith may a glorious form descry.

Lo! on the trembling verge of light
A something all divinely bright!
Immortal, infinite, sublime!
Older than chaos, space, or time!

Hail, thou, the Gentiles' mighty Lord!
All hail, O Israel's King adored!
To Abraham sworn in ages past,
And to his seed while earth shall last.

To thee the prophets witness bear;
Of thee the Father doth declare,
That all who would his glory see,
Must hear and must believe in thee.

To Jesus, from the proud conceal'd,
But evermore to babes reveal'd,
All glory with the Father be,
And Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen.

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15019a.htm

5th August, Our Lady of the Snows

The Dedication of the Church of our Lady of the Snow

This church was built at Rome, on Mount Esquiline, in the fourth century during the pontificate of pope Liberius. In the middle ages a graceful and popular tradition ascribed its foundation to a noble patrician who, having been favoured with a vision of Mary, caused it to be erected on a spot covered by a miraculous fall of snow.

This sanctuary was rebuilt in the following century and dedicated by Sixtus III in 432, to Mary, whom the Council of Ephesus (431) had just proclaimed the Mother of God. The mosaics of the triumphal arch glorify this divine maternity, and the representations of the two cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, recall the birth of Christ in the city of David, and that of the Church in the Cenacle of the Last Supper. These mosaics were restored in 1931-1934. The Basilica is also called St. Mary of the Crib, because portions of the crib are preserved there.

St. Mary's, called Major, because it is the largest and most important of the churches dedicated to the blessed Virgin, is a patriarchal basilica. The great nave is formed by two rows of forty-four columns of white marble and the ceiling is covered with the first gold brought from America.

In this church, whose dedication is solemnized on this day, takes place the inauguration of the liturgical year on the first Sunday in Advent, there are held the Stations at Christmas, on the feast of St. John, at Easter, on Rogation Monday, and on all Wednesdays in Ember Weeks.

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

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

(Sedulius, and Psalm 44:2 from the Introit of Mass)

Concede nos famulos tuos, quaesumus, Domine Deus, perpetua mentis et corporis sanitate gaudere: et, gloriosa beatae Mariae semper Vírginis intercessione, a praesenti liberari tristitia et aeterna perfrui laetitia.

Grant us Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, to enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, to be delivered from present sorrows and to enjoy everlasting gladness.

(Collect)

From the Roman Breviary:
When Liberius was supreme Pontiff, a certain John, a Roman Patrician, and his wife, of equally noble race, since they had had no children whom they might leave as heirs to their estates, devoted their inheritance to the most holy Virgin Mother of God, continually begging of her, with the most earnest prayers, that she would make known to them, by some means, in what pious work in particular she wished them to expend the money. The Blessed Virgin Mary graciously heard their heartfelt prayers and vows, and acknowledged them by a miracle.
Therefore, on the Nones of August (August 5), at which date the most intense heats usually occur in the City, a part of the Esquiline hill was covered with snow during the night. That same night, the Mother of God urged John and his wife separately, in their dreams, to build, upon that spot which they should see was sprinkled with snow, a church which should be dedicated to the name of the Virgin Mary; for it was in this manner that she wished to become their heiress. John related this to Pope Liberus, who declared that the same thing had happened to himself in a dream.
He went, therefore, with a solemn procession of priests and people to the snow-clad hill, and marked out the plan of a church on that site, which was built with the money of John and his wife ; it was afterwards restored by Sixtus III. At first it was called by various names: the Liberian basilica, S Mary at the Crib. But, since there were already many churches in the City with the name of the holy Virgin Mary, and, as this basilica surpasses all the other basilicas named after her, both by the strangeness of that miracle, and by its own grandeur; that its supereminence may likewise be indicated in its title, it is called the church of St Mary Major. A commemoration of this dedication is celebrated by a yearly feast that is named after the snow, which on this day so miraculously fell.

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11361c.htm