In the Sight of Angels

Twenty-fourth and ultimate Sunday after Pentecost

2010-11-20T06:00:00.001Z

Sunday 21 November 2010

DOMINICA VIGESIMA QUARTA
ET ULTIMA POST PENTECOSTEN
24th Sunday after Pentecost
5th Sunday of November
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Excita, quæsumus, Dómine, tuórum fidélium voluntátes : ut divíni óperis fructum propénsius exsequéntes ; pietátis tuæ remédia majóra percípiant. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Arouse, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful, that, by more earnestly following after the fruit of the divine work, they may the more abundantly partake of thy mercies. Through.

(image: breviary.net)

Sixth Sunday Resumed after Epiphany

2010-11-13T06:00:00.000Z

Sunday 14 November 2010

DOMINICA VI QUAE SUPERFUIT POST EPIPH.
Resumed 6th Sunday after Epiphany
4th Sunday of November
2nd Class, Green

Orémus.

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut semper rationabília meditántes ; quæ tibi sunt plácita, et dictis exsequámur, et factis. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that, ever fixing our thoughts on reasonable things, we may both in word and in deed do that which is pleasing unto thee. Through.

Links:

(image: breviary.net)

Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Saviour

2010-11-08T06:00:00.001Z

Tuesday 9 November 2010

IN DEDICATIONE ARCHBASILICÆ
SSMI. SALVATORIS
Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Saviour
2nd Class, White

The Rites whereof the Church of Rome maketh use for the hallowing of Churches and Altars were first instituted by the blessed Pope Sylvester I. From the very time of the Apostles there had been places set apart for God, where assemblies took place upon the first day of every week, and where the Christians were used to pray, to hear the word of God, and to receive the Eucharist, which places were by some called Oratories and by others Churches. But these places were not dedicated with so solemn a form nor did they set up therein an Altar for a pillar, and pour chrism thereon, for a figure of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is himself our Altar, our Victim and our Priest.

But when the Emperor Constantine had by the Sacrament of Baptism received health both of body and soul, then first in a law by him published was it allowed to the Christians throughout the whole world to build Churches, to the which holy building he exhorted them by his example as well as by his decree. He dedicated his own Lateran Palace a Church to the Saviour, and built hard by it a Cathedral in the name of St. John the Baptist, upon the place where he had been baptized by holy Sylvester, and cleansed from his leprosy. This Cathedral was hallowed by the said Pope upon the 9th day of November. It is this consecration, the memory of which is still celebrated upon this day, the first whereon the public consecration of a Church ever took place in Rome, and the image of the Saviour was seen by the Roman people painted upon a wall.

The Blessed Sylvester afterwards decreed, when he was consecrating the Altar of the Prince of the Apostles, that altars were thenceforward to be made of stone only, but notwithstanding this the Lateran Basilica hath the altar made of wood. This is not surprising. From St. Peter to Sylvester the Popes had not been able, by reason of persecutions, to abide fixedly in one place, and they celebrated the Holy Liturgy in cellars, in burying-places, in the houses of godly persons, or wherever need drave them, upon a wooden altar made like an empty box. When peace was given to the Church, holy Sylvester took this box, and to do honour to the Prince of the Apostles, who is said to have offered sacrifice thereon, and to the other Popes who thereon had been used to execute the mystery even unto that time, set it in the first Church, even the Lateran, and ordained that no one but the Bishop of Rome should celebrate the Liturgy thereon for all time coming. The original Lateran Basilica, cast down and destroyed by fires, pillage, and earthquakes, and renewed by the constant care of the Popes, was at last rebuilt afresh, and solemnly consecrated by Pope Benedict XIII, a Friar Preacher, upon the 28th day of April, in the year 1726, the memory of which Festival he ordained to be kept upon this day. In the year 1884 Leo XIII took in hand a work which had received the sanction of his predecessor Pius IX. The great sanctuary, the walls of which were giving way with age, was lengthened and widened, a task of immense labour. The ancient mosaic had been renewed previously in several places ; it was not restored according to the original design, and transferred to the new apse, the embellishment of which was carried out with great magnificence. The transept was redecorated, and its ceiling and woodwork repaired. A sacristy, a residence for the canons, and a portico connecting with the Baptistery of Constantine, were added to the existing buildings.

-- from the Roman Breviary (1911)

Link:

Catholic Encyclopædia (New Advent)
The Cross Reference: Scripture Reflection
What Does the Prayer Really Say? (new!)

Note: the Archbasilica of Our Saviour is most commonly referred to as "St John Lateran" and is the Holy Father's official ecclesiastical seat as Bishop of Rome.

(image: Wikipedia)

Fifth Sunday Resumed after Epiphany

2010-11-06T06:00:00.001Z

Sunday 7 November 2010

DOMINICA V QUAE SUPERFUIT POST EPIPH.
Resumed 5th Sunday after Epiphany
3rd Sunday of November
2nd Class, Green

Oremus

Familiam tuam, quaesumus Domine, continua pietate custodi: ut quae in sola spe gratiae caelestis innititur, tua semper protectione muniatur.

Let us pray

O Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy family continually in godliness, that they who do lean only upon the hope of thine heavenly grace, may evermore be defended by thy mighty power.

Links:

What Does the Prayer Really Say?
Gregorian Chant Propers (as per Epiphany 3)
Fr Goffine's The Church's Year

(image: HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex attends the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on November 8, 2009)

All Souls: Praying for Souls in Purgatory

2010-11-01T06:00:00.000Z

Tuesday 2 November 2010

IN COMMEMORATIONE OMNIUM FIDELIUM DEFUNCTORUM
Commemoration of All Souls
1st Class, Black

Oremus.

Fidélium, Deus, ómnium cónditor et redémptor, animábus famulórum famularúmque tuárum remissiónem cunctórum tríbue peccatórum : ut indulgéntiam, quam semper optavérunt, piis supplicatiónibus consequántur : Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum.

R. Amen.

Let us pray.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all them that believe : grant unto the souls of thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins ; that as they have ever desired thy merciful pardon, so by the supplications of their brethren they may receive the same. Who livest and reignest with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

R. Amen.

This day all priests may celebrate three Masses. If a priest says only one Mass, it is to be the first of those given in the missal for this day. If he sings one Mass, it is to be the first and in this case he may say one or both of the other Masses before it.

Praying for the Souls in Purgatory

On this day the Church commemorates the departed faithful. Last year the Holy Father highlighted the importance of Christians living "our relationship with the dead in the truth of faith, and looking to death and the afterlife in the light of Revelation".

"Today too it is necessary to spread the message of the reality of death and eternal life - a reality particularly subject to superstition and syncretism - so that Christian truth does not risk being confused with mythologies of various kinds", he said.

After recalling the words of St. Augustine to the effect that "everyone seeks 'blessed life' and happiness", Benedict XVI affirmed that "we don't know what this is or what it is like, but we feel ourselves attracted to it. It is a universal hope, shared by people of all times and places. he expression 'eternal life' is an attempt to give a name to this unquenchable hope: not an endless succession, but an immersion in the ocean of infinite love, where time, before and after, exist no more. Fullness of life and of joy is what we hope and expect from being with Christ.

"Today we renew our hope in eternal life, a hope truly founded in the death and resurrection of Christ", the Pope added. "Christian hope is never something merely individual, it is always a hope for others. Our lives are deeply linked to one another, and the good and bad each of us does always touches other people".

The Holy Father concluded: "The prayer of a pilgrim soul in the world can help another soul that continues purifying itself after death. This is why today the Church invites us to pray for our deceased loved ones and to spend time at their tombs in cemeteries".

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
Sequence: Dies Iræ (video)
Rorate Cæli: Blessed are those who die in the Lord
A Catholic Life: All Souls Day Traditional Requiem Mass (2007)
Abbot Cuthbert Johnson: Holy Souls

(image: Ebomania)

All Saints

2010-10-31T06:00:00.000Z

Monday 1 November 2010

OMNIUM SANCTORUM
All Saints
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui nos ómnium Sanctórum tuórum mérita sub una tribuísti celebritáte venerári : quæsumus ; ut desiderátam nobis tuæ propitiatiónis abundántiam, multiplicátis intercessóribus, largiáris. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast granted us to venerate the merits of all thy Saints in one solemnity, vouchsafe to us, we beseech thee, through the multitude of our intercessors, that abundance of thy mercy for which we ever have hoped. Through.

~~*~~

~~*~~

Desire for Union with the Heavenly Family

In remarks he made to pilgrims before praying the Angelus on All Saints last year, Benedict XVI invited them to consider "the panorama of saintliness. The world", he said, "appears to us as a 'garden', where the Spirit of God, with marvellous ingenuity, created a multitude of male and female saints, from every age and social condition, of every language, people and culture.

"Each is different from the others in the uniqueness of his or her own human personality and spiritual charism. All, however, are marked by the 'seal' of Jesus, the imprint of His love".

The Pope explained how the Solemnity of All Saints "came into being during the course of the first Christian millennium as a collective celebration of the martyrs. ... We can, in fact, interpret such martyrdom in a broader sense, that of unreserved love for Christ, a love expressed in the total gift of self to God and to one's brothers and sisters. This spiritual goal, to which all the baptised are called, is achieved by following the path of the evangelical beatitudes. ... This is the same path traced by Jesus and that the saints strove to follow, always aware of their human limits. In their earthly existence, in fact, they were poor in spirit, pained by their sins, mild, starved of and thirsting for justice, merciful, pure of heart, peacemakers, persecuted for righteousness' sake. And God himself gave them a share in His own happiness. ... Now they are consoled. ... They see the God Whose children they are. In a word: 'theirs is the Kingdom of heaven'.

"On this day", the Holy Father concluded, "We feel our hearts aflame with the desire for everlasting union with the family of saints, of which we already have the grace to be a part. ... May this beautiful aspiration burn in all Christians and help them to overcome all difficulties, fears and tribulations".

~~*~~

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
chantblog
Gregorian Chant for All Saints (audio, 38 mins)
"For All the Saints" (video)
NLM: Gospel for the Feast of All Saints - The Beatitudes
Abbot Cuthbert Johnson: All Saints
Ted Krasnicki: Commentary on All Saints propers (NLM)

(image: breviary.net)

Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

2010-10-30T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 31 October 2010

D.N. IESU CHRISTI REGIS
Christ the King
5th Sunday of October
1st Class, White
(Vespers with commem. of All Saints)

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui in dilécto Fílio tuo, universórum Rege, ómnia instauráre voluísti : concéde propítius ; ut cunctæ famíliæ Géntium, peccáti vúlnere disgregátæ, ejus suavíssimo subdántur império : Qui tecum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast exalted thy beloved Son to be King over all worlds, and hast willed in him to make all things new : mercifully grant that the kindreds of the earth which are wounded and dispersed by sin : may speedily be knit together under his gracious sovereignty. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.

Links:

(image: Hendrick van den Broeck (1519-1597), The Resurrection of Christ, Sistine Chapel.)

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

2010-10-23T06:00:00.001+01:00

Sunday 24 October 2010

DOMINICA XXII POST PENTECOSTEN
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
4th Sunday of October
2nd Class, Green

Oremus

Deus, refugium nostrum, et virtus: adesto piis Ecclesiae tuae precibus, auctor ipse pietatis, et praesta: ut quod fideliter petimus, efficaciter consequamur.

Let us pray

O God, our Refuge and Strength, Who art the author of all godliness, be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church, and grant that those things which we ask faithfully, we may obtain effectually.

Links:

St. Luke the Evangelist

2010-10-17T06:00:00.001+01:00

Monday 18 October 2010

S. LUCAE EVANGLISTAE
St Luke, Evangelist
2nd Class, Red

Oremus

Interveniat pro nobis, quaesumus Domine, sanctus tuus Lucas Evangelista: qui crucis mortificationem jugiter in suo corpore, pro tui nominis honore portavit.

Let us pray

O Lord, we beseech thee, that there may plead for us thine holy Evangelist Luke, who, for thy Name's sake, bore about always in his body the death of the Cross.

Link:

Gregorian Chant Propers

(image: St Luke by Guercino)

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

2010-10-16T06:00:00.001+01:00

Sunday 17 October 2010

DOMINICA XXI POST PENTECOSTEN
21st Sunday after Pentecost
3rd Sunday of October
2nd Class, Green

Oremus

Familiam tuam, quaesumus Domine, continua pietate custodi: ut a cunctis adversitatibus te protegente sit libera; et in bonis actibus tuo nomini sit devota.

Let us pray

Lord, we beseech thee to keep thine household in continual godliness, that, through thy protection, it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name.

Links:

(image: The Blessing of Christ by Fernando Gallego, 1492)

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-10-09T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 10 October 2010

DOMINICA XX POST PENTECOSTEN
20th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Sunday of October
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Largíre, quæsumus, Dómine, fidélibus tuis indulgéntiam placátus et pacem : ut páriter ab ómnibus mundéntur offénsis, et secúra tibi mente desérviant. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace : that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: breviary.net)

Our Lady of the Rosary

2010-10-06T06:00:00.001+01:00

Thursday 7 October 2010

B. MARIAE VIRGINIS A ROSARIO
Our Lady of the Rosary
also called Our Lady of Victory
2nd Class, White
(commem. of Pope St Mark)

Oremus.

Deus, cujus Unigénitus per vitam, mortem et resurrectiónem suam nobis salútis ætérnæ præmia comparávit : concéde, quæsumus ; ut hæc mystéria sanctíssimo beátæ Maríæ Vírginis Rosário recoléntes, et imitémur quod cóntinent, et quod promíttunt, assequámur. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, whose only-begotten Son, by his life, death, and resurrection, hath purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation : grant, we beseech thee ; that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same.

~~*~~

In 1571 Pope St Pius V instituted "Our Lady of Victory" as an annual feast to commemorate the victory of Lepanto. The victory was attributed to Our Lady, as a rosary procession was offered on that day in St. Peter's Square in Rome for the success of the mission of the Holy League to hold back Muslim forces from overrunning Western Europe. In 1573, Pope Gregory XIII changed the title of this feast-day to "Feast of the Holy Rosary". This feast was extended by Pope Clement XII to the whole of the Latin Rite, inserting it into the Roman Catholic calendar of saints in 1716, and assigning it to the first Sunday in October. Pope St Pius X changed the date to 7 October in 1913.

(second image: the Battle of Lepanto, Yogesh Brahmbhatt)

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-10-02T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 3 October 2010

DOMINICA XIX POST PENTECOSTEN
19th Sunday after Pentecost
1st Sunday of October
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Omnípotens et miséricors Deus, univérsa nobis adversántia propitiátus exclúde : ut mente et córpore páriter expedíti, quæ tua sunt, líberis méntibus exsequámur. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O almighty and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us : that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wouldest have done. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image source unknown)

Dedication of St Michael

2010-09-28T06:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 29 September 2010

IN DEDICATIONE S. MICHAELIS ARCHANGELI
Dedication of St Michael the Archangel;
commonly called Michaelmas Day
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui, miro órdine, Angelórum ministéria hominúmque dispénsas : concéde propítius ; ut, a quibus tibi ministrántibus in cælo semper assístitur, ab his in terra vita nostra muniátur. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O everlasting God, who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order : mercifully grant that as thy holy Angels alway do thee service in heaven, so by thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth. Through.

(image: breviary.net)

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-09-25T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 26 September 2010

DOMINICA XVIII POST PENTECOSTEN
18th Sunday after Pentecost
4th Sunday of September
2nd Class, Violet

Oremus.

Dírigat corda nostra, quæsumus, Dómine, tuæ miseratiónis operátio : quia tibi sine te placére non póssumus. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the operation of thy mercy may direct our hearts, forasmuch as without thee we are not able to please thee. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: breviary.net)

Ember Saturday in September

2010-09-24T06:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday 25 September 2010

SABBATO QUATUOR TEMPORUM SEPTEMBRIS
Ember Saturday in September
2nd Class, Violet
(Lauds II, Preces; 1st Vespers of 18th Sunday)

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui per continéntiam salutárem corpóribus medéris et méntibus : majestátem tuam súpplices exorámus ; ut pia jejunántium deprecatióne placátus, et præséntia nobis subsídia tríbuas et futúra. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O Almighty and everlasting God, who hast chosen healthy fasting, as a mean to do good both to bodies and to souls, we humbly implore thy Majesty, that the godly prayer of such as be fasting this day may turn away thy wrath, and may be effectual to gain for us thy blessing in time and in eternity. Through.

Link:

St Conleth's Catholic Heritage: Ember days or Quarter Tense

Ember Friday in September

2010-09-23T06:00:00.000+01:00

Friday 24 September 2010

FERIA SEXTA QUATUOR TEMPORUM SEPTEMBRIS
Ember Friday in September
2nd Class, Violet
(Lauds II, Preces; commem. of Our Lady of Ransom)

Oremus.

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut observatiónes sacras ánnua devotióne recoléntes, et córpore tibi placeámus, et mente. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we who every year do earnestly renew the sacred observance of this Fast, may please thee both in body and in soul. Through.

Link:

FSSP: September Ember Days

(image: September Ember Days by Abel Grimmer, 1607)

Ember Wednesday in September

2010-09-21T06:00:00.000+01:00

This coming Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are Ember Days under the classical Roman Calendar. At the beginning of the four seasons of the year, the Church celebrated Ember Days to thank God for his blessings during the past year and to implore further graces for the new season. Ember Days were marked by fasting and abstaining from meat as one would do on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. They are intended to consecrate to God the four seasons in nature, and to prepare by penance those who are about to be ordained. Ordinations were often conferred at this time, so it is traditional to pray for Vocations at this time!

~~*~~

Wednesday 22 September 2010

FERIA QUARTA QUATUOR TEMPORUM SEPTEMBRIS
Ember Wednesday in September
2nd Class, Violet
(Lauds II, Preces; commem. of St Thomas of Villanova)

Oremus.

Misericórdiæ tuæ remédiis, quæsumus, Dómine, fragílitas nostra subsístat : ut, quæ sua conditióne attéritur, tua cleméntia reparétur. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

We pray thee, O Lord, that the healing power of thy mercy may give strength to our weakness, that those things which do pass away by their own frailty, may be renewed again by thy clemency. Through.

Link:

Athanasius Contra Mundum: Ember Days

(image: Rorate Cæli)

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-09-18T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 19 September 2010

DOMINICA XVII POST PENTECOSTEN
17th Sunday after Pentecost
3rd Sunday of September
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Da, quæsumus, Dómine, pópulo tuo diabólica vitáre contágia : et te solum Deum pura mente sectári. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant thy people, we beseech thee, O Lord, to shun the defilements of the devil, and with pure hearts to follow thee, the only God. Through.

Links:

(image: Christ Among the Doctors by Giotto. Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy.)

The Seven Sorrows of the B.V.M.

2010-09-14T06:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 15 September 2010

SEPTEM DOLORUM B.M.V.
Seven Sorrows of the B.V.M.
2nd Class, White
(commem. of St Nicomedis)

Oremus.

Deus, in cujus passióne, secúndum Simeónis prophetíam, dulcíssimam ánimam gloriósae Vírginis et Matris Maríæ dolóris gládius pertransívit : concéde propítius ; ut, qui dolóres ejus venerándo recólimus, passiónis tuæ efféctum felícem consequámur : Qui vivis et regnas.

Let us pray.

O God, in whose passion the sword of grief did pierce the gentle soul of the glorious Virgin Mary, thy Mother, that so might be fulfilled the word of thy Prophet Simeon : mercifully grant that we who here do call to mind her sorrows ; may be fulfilled with the blessed fruits of thy passion. Who livest and reignest with the Father.

(image: breviary.net)

What Must Be Done?

2010-09-13T21:25:00.002+01:00

Glory be to our Lord Christ!

- Stuart Milligan
http://stuart-filioque.blogspot.com/

A poll conducted by the BBC recently discovered that 49% of Catholics interviewed believed that the Holy Father should drop his (in fact, the Latin Church's) insistence on clerical celibacy in light of the sexual abuse scandals. Now, we must ask whether such a measure would be beneficial to the Church's mission, which is to perpetuate the Incarnation and bring the Redemption wrought by Christ's Precious Blood to all nations. Will a relaxing of discipline allow the Church to fully witness to the salvific work of God and make it effective in the lives of mankind? The simple answer is no.

What must be done is a return to the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ and an embrace of her teachings and her disciplines in their fullness. The Catholic Church (thankfully) is not founded as a democracy, otherwise she would have consumed and mutilated herself by impatiently attempting to conform to the prevailing trends in society. However, in a short period of time, these 'absolute values' of the world will be classed as outmoded and contrary to the judgment of right-minded and rational people. If we as a modern, technical and 'humane' society have progressed such a great deal in the past 50 or so years, could we even contemplate the marvellous nature of our country in another hundred years time? Will not our current 'truths' be decried as preposterous and Medieval? Let us not latch on to the latest novelty for the mere sake of it being 'new'. It must be noted however that not all developments must be rejected out of hand without due consideration, we must be careful not to throw out the wheat with the chaff.

Many have commented that if the Church does not alterate her doctrines and practices, there will not be a Church to worship in shortly. We are being warned that great multitudes will depart from her bosom as the Sacrament of Salvation is not fulfilling their needs. What should we do? Let them go. Our Blessed Lord said that 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God' (Lk 9:62) and 'anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me' (Mt 10:38). Such are hard (dare we say, harsh?) demands that require the conversion and consecration of the whole person to Christ Who descended to save all men and all of man. Let not an itch of your being remain cut off from Christ. Let your words be the words of Christ, your thoughts be of Christ, and your actions be of Christ. A recommitment to our Divine Lord especially to the Holy Sacrifice and to His Most Holy Mother Mary will allow us to be conformed to His likeness, resulting in an unconditional renunouncement of ourselves to our Lord. Do we not say at Compline, 'Into Your hands Lord, I commend my spirit'? Why do we idly recite those precious words of the Crucified and then retire to our beds without a single change of heart, of true repentence and desire for sanctity? The soul who verily acknowledges his debt to the God Who created, sustains and has redeemed him counts nothing as too much. 'Oh but it is too hard' we lament and blubber. Yes it is, for you. We must listen attentively to the words of our Lord to the Divine Apostle, Paul, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' (2 Cor 12:9) He, as the fashioner of human nature, knows exactly what we are capable and by His grace and illumination He allows man to live a divine life. A life free of disordered passions and worries of the ephemeral sort.

This will shrink the Church, they cry. Certainly. Yet, we must remember that few souls will enter and savour the Beatific Vision for all eternity anyway. Our Way is in the steps of our Master Who has went before us and He promised His chosen ones nothing less than sorrow, persecution and repudiation in return for eternal felicity. Is the servant greater than the Master? (Jn 13:16). Let us not be blinded by secular oppression and accept a Gospel other than the one 'entrusted once for all to the saints'(Ju 1:3). The Church cannot witness to the Redemption of the Incarnate Logos by attenuating her commitment to her Bridegroom and the salvation of souls. So if it has to be that men walk away sad from her like the rich man (Lk 18:23), or those gathered around our Lord as He spoke of the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood who departed at this 'hard teaching' (Jn 6:60), so be it. However, I would greatly prefer that we educate our children in the Faith and hand it on to them whilst leading a holy and cheerful life, in willing obedience to Christ and His Church. By our example to our friends, family and extended society, let us become channels of grace for this darkened time and with the Apostle may we say honestly, 'I feel as if I'm going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.' (Gal 4:19).

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

2010-09-13T06:00:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 14 September 2010

IN EXALTATIONE S. CRUCIS
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
2nd Class, Red

Oremus.

Deus, qui nos hodiérna die Exaltatiónis sanctæ Crucis ánnua solemnitáte lætíficas : præsta, quæsumus ; ut, cujus mystérium in terra cognóvimus, ejus redemptiónis præmia in cælo mereámur. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who dost gladden us upon this day by the festival of the Exaltation of the holy Cross : grant that we who have acknowledged the mystery of redemption here on earth, may rejoice in the everlasting fruits thereof in heaven. Through.

Link:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
Clerical Reform: Bl. John Henry Card. Newman, "The Sign of the Cross"
Vultus Christi: The Exaltation of the Glorious Cross
Sub tuum: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
WDTPRS: the Exaltation of the Cross and Basil

(image: Breviarium Romanum blog)

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-09-11T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 12 September 2010

DOMINICA XVI POST PENTECOSTEN
16th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Sunday of September
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Tua nos, quæsumus, Dómine, grátia semper et prævéniat et sequátur: ac bonis opéribus júgiter præstet esse inténtos. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Let thy grace, we beseech thee, O Lord, ever go before us and follow us, and may it make us to be continually zealous in doing good works. Through.

Links:

(image: Gospel, breviary.net)

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-09-07T06:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 8 September 2010

IN NATIVITATE B. MARIAE VIRGINIS
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2nd Class, White
(commem. of St Adrian)

Oremus.

Fámulis tuis, quæsumus, Dómine, cæléstis grátiæ munus impertíre : ut, quibus beátæ Vírginis partus éxstitit salútis exórdium ; Nativitátis ejus votíva solémnitas pacis tríbuat increméntum. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant unto us thy servants, we beseech thee, O Lord, the gift of thy heavenly grace, unto whom thou didst give the first sight of a Saviour as the offspring of a Blessed Virgin, and grant that this Feast, which they keep in honour of the same Virgin, may avail them unto the increase of peace. Through.

Link:

Gregorian Chant propers
Sub tuum: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(image: The Madonna by Sandro Botticelli, Florence, Italy)

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-09-04T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 5 September 2010

DOMINICA XV POST PENTECOSTEN
15th Sunday after Pentecost
1st Sunday of September
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Ecclésiam tuam, Dómine, miserátio continuáta mundet et múniat : et quia sine te non potest salva consístere ; tuo semper múnere gubernétur. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O Lord, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church, and because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness. Through.

Links:

(image: the Son of the Widow of Naim, Gospel)

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-08-28T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 29 August 2010

DOMINICA XIV POST PENTECOSTEN
14th Sunday after Pentecost
5th Sunday of August
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Custodi, Dómine, quæsumus, Ecclésiam tuam propitiatióne perpétua : et quia sine te lábitur humána mortálitas ; tuis semper auxíliis et abstrahátur a nóxiis, et ad salutária dirigátur. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Keep, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy, and because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation. Through.

Links:

(image: King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, Breviarium Romanum blog)

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-08-21T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 22 August 2010

DOMINICA XIII POST PENTECOSTEN
13th Sunday after Pentecost
4th Sunday of August
2nd Class, Green
(commmem. of Immaculate Heart of Mary)

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, da nobis fídei, spei, et caritátis augméntum : et, ut mereámur ássequi quod promíttis, fac nos amáre quod præcipis. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity, and that we may worthily obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: Christ and the Leper (Gospel), breviary.net)

St. Joachim

2010-08-15T06:00:00.001+01:00

Monday 16 August 2010

S. JOACHIM CONFESSORIS, PATRIS B.M.V.
St Joachim, Father of the B.V.M.
2nd Class, White

Oremus

Deus, qui prae omnibus Sanctis tuis beatum Joachim Genitricis Filii tui patrem esse voluisti: concede, quaesumus: ut cujus festa veneramur, ejus quoque perpetuo patrocinia sentiamus.

Let us pray

O God, Who, out of all thy Saints, didst choose blessed Joachim to be the father of the mother of thy Son, mercifully grant that as we hold his Festival in honour, we may ever feel his protection.

(image: Bondone, Legend of St Joachim (Padua))

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-08-14T06:00:00.001+01:00

Sunday 15 August 2010

IN ASSUMPTIONE B. MARIAE VIRGINIS
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
3rd Sunday of August
1st Class, White
(commem. of 12th Sunday after Pentecost)

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui Immaculátam Vírginem Maríam, Fílii tui Genitrícem, córpore et ánima ad cæléstem glóriam assumpsísti : concéde, quæsumus ; ut ad supérna semper inténti, ipsíus glóriæ mereámur esse consórtes. Per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast taken up into heavenly glory both the body and soul of the Mother of thy Son, the immaculate Virgin Mary : grant, we beseech thee ; that we may in such wise set our affections on things above ; that we may finally attain unto fellowship with her in glory. Through the same.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers - Holy Mass
propers - 2nd Vespers
chantblog: Beatam Me Dicent
Sub tuum: The Assumption
Godzdogz: Assumption of the B.V.M.
St Conleth's Catholic Heritage Association
Saint Mary Magdalen: Pope on the Assumption
de cura animarum: St John Vianney's Devotion to Mary

(images: Botticini's Assumption; Ven. Pope Pius XII solemnly declares the dogma of the Assumption)

Vigil of the Assumption

2010-08-13T06:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday 14 August 2010

IN VIGILIA ASSUMPTIONIS B.M.V.
Vigil of the Assumption
2nd Class, Violet
(Lauds II; 1st Vespers of the Assumption, commem. of 12th Sunday)

Oremus.

Deus, qui virginálem aulam beátæ Maríæ, in qua habitáres, elígere dignátus es : da, quæsumus ; ut, sua nos defensióne munítos, jucúndos fácias suæ interésse festivitáti : Qui vivis et regnas.

Let us pray.

O God, who didst vouchsafe to choose the Virgin womb of blessed Mary wherein to make thy dwelling-place : grant, we beseech thee ; that we, being defended by her protection, may of thee be enabled to attain with gladness to her coming festival. Who livest and reignest with the Father.

Link:

Psallite Sapienter: Vigil of the Assumption

(image: Dormition, breviary.net)

St Lawrence

2010-08-09T06:00:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 10 August 2010

S. LAURENTII, Martyris
St Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr
2nd Class, Red

Oremus.

Da nobis, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus, vitiórum nostrórum flammas exstínguere : qui beáto Lauréntio tribuísti tormentórum suórum incéndia superáre. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O Almighty God, who didst give unto blessed Lawrence power to be more than conqueror in his fiery torment : grant unto us, we beseech thee, the power to quench the flames of our sinful lusts. Through.

Link:

Clerical Reform: Feast of St Lawrence

(image: Martyrdom of St Lawrence)

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

2010-08-07T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 8 August 2010

DOMINICA XI POST PENTECOSTEN
11th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Sunday of August
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui abundántia pietátis tuæ, et mérita súpplicum excédis et vota : effúnde super nos misericórdiam tuam ; ut dimíttas quæ consciéntia métuit, et adjícias quod orátio non præsúmit. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve, pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy, forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask. Through.

(In some jurisdictions today must be celebrated as the external solemnity of the Feast of the Assumption.)

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: Hezekia, Lesson I, I Nocturn; breviary.net)

Transfiguration of Our Lord

2010-08-05T06:00:00.000+01:00

Friday 6 August 2010

IN TRANSFIGURATIONE D.N. IESU CHRISTI
Transfiguration of Our Lord
2nd Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui fídei sacraménta in Unigéniti tui gloriósa Transfiguratióne patrum testimónio roborásti, et adoptiónem filiórum perféctam, voce delápsa in nube lúcida, mirabíliter præsignásti : concéde propítius ; ut ipsíus Regis glóriæ nos coherédes effícias, et ejúsdem glóriæ tríbuas esse consórtes. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

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 in the voice proceeding from the shining cloud didst wondrously foreshew the perfect adoption of all thy sons : mercifully grant, that we, being made fellow-heirs of Christ himself the King of glory, may attain to the partaking of the same his glory in heaven. Through the same.

Links:

Gregorian Chant propers
Abbot Cuthbert Johnson: Reflections on the Transfiguration
St Augustine: Sermon 51 (on the Transfiguration)

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-07-31T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 1 August 2010

DOMINICA X POST PENTECOSTEN
10th Sunday after Pentecost
1st Sunday of August
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Deus, qui omnipoténtiam tuam parcéndo máxime et miserándo maniféstas : multíplica super nos misericórdiam tuam ; ut ad tua promíssa curréntes, cæléstium bonórum fácias esse consórtes. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who declarest thine Almighty power most chiefly in shewing mercy and pity, mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure. Through.

Links:

(image: the Pharisee and the Publican, breviary.net)

St Anne

2010-07-25T06:00:00.000+01:00

Monday 26 July 2010

S. ANNAE, MATRIS B.M.V.
St Anne, Mother of the B.V.M.
2nd Class, White

Oremus

Deus, qui beatae Annae gratiam conferre dignatus es, ut Genitricis unigeniti Filii tui mater effici mereretur: concede propitius; ut cujus solemnia celebramus, ejus apud te patrociniis adjuvemur.

Let us pray

O God, Who wast pleased to give unto Blessed Anne such grace that she earned to become the mother of the mother of thine Only-begotten Son, mercifully grant that, now that she is with thee, we who keep her Feast - day may be holpen by her prayers.

(image: Hans Baldung Grien, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC)

Benedict XVI enjoys his vacation at Castel Gandolfo

2010-07-24T12:41:00.000+01:00

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-07-24T06:00:00.001+01:00

Sunday 25 July 2010

DOMINICA IX POST PENTECOSTEN
9th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Páteant aures misericórdiæ tuæ, Dómine, précibus supplicántium : et, ut peténtibus desideráta concédas ; fac eos, quæ tibi sunt plácita, postuláre. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Let thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants ; and, that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee. Through.

Links:

(image: SSPX Asia)

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-07-17T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 18 July 2010

DOMINICA VIII POST PENTECOSTEN
8th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Largíre nobis, quæsumus, Dómine, semper spíritum cogitándi quæ recta sunt, propítius et agéndi : ut, qui sine te esse non póssumus, secúndum te vívere valeámus. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant unto us, O Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful, that we, who cannot do anything that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: breviary.net)

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

2010-07-10T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 11 July 2010

DOMINICA VII POST PENTECOSTEN
7th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Deus, cujus providéntia in sui dispositióne non fállitur : te súpplices exorámus ; ut nóxia cuncta submóveas, et ómnia nobis profutúra concédas. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, whose never-failing Providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth, we humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: the Sermon on the Mount)

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-07-03T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 4 July 2010

DOMINICA VI POST PENTECOSTEN
6th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Deus virtútum, cujus est totum quod est óptimum : ínsere pectóribus nostris amórem tui nóminis, et præsta in nobis religiónis augméntum ; ut, quæ sunt bona, nútrias, ac pietátis stúdio, quæ sunt nutríta, custódias. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God of all power and might, who art the Author and Giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and, of thy great mercy, keep us in the same. Through.

Links:

(image: Christ feeds the multitude (Gospel), breviary.net)

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-07-01T06:00:00.000+01:00

Friday 2 July 2010

IN VISITATIONE B. MARIAE VIRGINIS
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2nd Class, White
(commem. of Ss. Processus & Martinian)

Oremus.

Fámulis tuis, quæsumus, Dómine, cæléstis grátiæ munus impertíre : ut, quibus beátæ Vírginis partus éxstitit salútis exórdium ; Visitatiónis ejus votíva solémnitas, pacis tríbuat increméntum. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

We beseech thee, O Lord, pour into our hearts the abundance of thy heavenly grace : that like as the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin Mary was unto us thy servants the beginning of salvation, so the devout observance of her Visitation may avail for the increasing of our peace. Through.

Link:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
A Catholic Life

Most Precious Blood

2010-06-30T06:00:00.000+01:00

Thursday 1 July 2010

PRETIOSISSIMI SANGUINIS D.N.I.C.
Most Precious Blood of Our Lord
1st Class, Red

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui unigénitum Fílium tuum mundi Redemptórem constituísti, ac ejus Sánguine placári voluísti : concéde, quæsumus, salútis nostræ prétium solémni cultu ita venerári, atque a præséntis vitæ malis ejus virtúte deféndi in terris ; ut fructu perpétuo lætémur in cælis. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst ordain that thine only begotten Son should be the Redeemer of the world, and hast vouchsafed to accept his Blood as the propitiation for our sins : mercifully grant that we who here rejoice to honour that Blood, the price of our salvation ; may be defended by its power in this present world, and rejoice in the everlasting fruits thereof in the world to come. Through the same.

Link:

Dignare Me: Guéranger on the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of O.L.J.C.
A Catholic Life
Vultus Christi: Pope Benedict XVI on the Most Precious Blood

Saints Peter and Paul

2010-06-28T06:00:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 29 June 2010

SS. PETRI ET PAULI APOSTOLORUM
Ss. Peter & Paul, Apostles
1st Class, Red

Oremus.

Deus, qui hodiérnam diem Apostolórum tuórum Petri et Pauli martyrio consecrásti : da Ecclésiæ tuæ, eórum in ómnibus sequi præcéptum; per quos religiónis sumpsit exórdium. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who didst hallow his day by the martyrdom of thine holy Apostles Peter and Paul, grant unto thy Church, whose foundations thou wast pleased to lay by their hands, the grace always in all things to remain faithful to their teaching. Through.

Links:

(image: breviary.net)

Vigil of Saints Peter and Paul

2010-06-27T06:00:00.000+01:00

Monday 28 June 2010

VIGILIA SS. PETRI ET PAULI, APOSTOLORUM
Vigil of Ss. Peter & Paul, Apostles
2nd Class, Violet
(Lauds II; 1st Vespers of Ss. Peter and Paul)

Oremus

Praesta, quaesumus, omnípotens Deus; ut nullis nos permíttas perturbatiónibus cóncuti; quos in apostólicæ confessiónis petra solidásti. Per Dñm.

Let us Pray

We beseech Thee, almigghty God, that Thou suffer no disturbance to shake us, whom Thou hast founded on the rock of the confession of Thine Apostles. Through...
(image: Ss. Peter and Paul by El Greco)

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-06-26T06:00:00.002+01:00

Sunday 27 June 2010

DOMINICA V POST PENTECOSTEN
5th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Deus, qui diligéntibus te bona invisibília præparásti : infúnde córdibus nostris tui amóris afféctum ; ut te in ómnibus et super ómnia diligéntes, promissiónes tuas, quæ omne desidérium súperant, consequámur. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man's understanding ; pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee in all things and above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire. Through.

Links:

(image: SSPX Asia)

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-06-26T06:00:00.001+01:00

(image: SSPX Asia)

Nativity of St John the Baptist

2010-06-23T06:00:00.001+01:00

Thursday 24 June 2010

IN NATIVITATE S. IOANNIS BAPTISTAE
Nativity of St John Baptist
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui præséntem diem honorábilem nobis in beáti Joánnis nativitáte fecísti : da pópulis tuis spirituálium grátiam gaudiórum ; et ómnium fidélium mentes dírige in viam salútis ætérnæ. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who hast made this day to be honourable in our eyes because of the Birth of the blessed John, graciously quicken thy people with spiritual joy, and order the minds of all the faithful in the way of everlasting salvation. Through.

~~*~~

The St Margaret Schola will sing Vespers (chanted Solemn Evening Prayer) from 6.45pm, in St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh (Scotland), followed by Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament. The Schola was founded in 2009 to promote Gregorian Chant within the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, and sings at a variety of liturgical events throughout the Archdiocese and beyond.

All are welcome to join the Schola for this opportunity to pray with the ancient music of the Church. Please see edinburghschola.blogspot.com for updates and further information.

~~*~~

Links:

What Does the Prayer Really Say?
Gregorian Chant propers
Vespers hymn: Ut Queant Laxis
Abbot Cuthbert Johnson: Reflection on St John Baptist

(image: What Does the Prayer Really Say?)

Vigil of St John the Baptist

2010-06-22T06:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 23 June 2010

IN VIGILIA S. IOANNIS BAPTISTAE
Vigil of the Nativity of St John Baptist
2nd Class, Violet
(Lauds II; 1st Vespers of Nativity of St John Bapt.)

Oremus.

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut família tua per viam salútis incédat ; et beáti Joánnis Præcursóris hortaménta sectándo, ad eum quem prædíxit, secúra pervéniat, Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum, Fílium tuum : Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum.

R. Amen.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that thy family may go forward by the path of salvation, and, following the preaching of blessed John the Fore-Runner, may come in peace to him, whom he foretold, even Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, God, for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

(image: Angel appears to Zacharias)

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

2010-06-19T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 20 June 2010

DOMINICA IV POST PENTECOSTEN
4th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Da nobis, quæsumus, Dómine : ut et mundi cursus pacífice nobis tuo órdine dirigátur ; et Ecclésia tua tranquílla devotióne lætétur. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness. Through.

(In some jurisdictions today must be celebrated as the external solemnity of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.)

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: Fishers of Men, breviary.net)

end of the Year for Priests

2010-06-18T06:00:00.000+01:00

19 June 2009 - 19 June 2010

ANNUS SACERDOTALIS
Year for Priests

Third Sunday after Pentecost

2010-06-12T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 13 June 2010

DOMINICA III POST PENTECOSTEN
3rd Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Protéctor in te sperántium, Deus, sine quo nihil est válidum, nihil sanctum ; multíplica super nos misericórdiam tuam ; ut, te rectóre, te duce, sic transeámus per bona temporália, ut non amittámus ætérna. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, the protector of all them that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy ; increase and multiply upon us thy mercy, that thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. Through.

(In some jurisdictions today must be celebrated as the external solemnity of the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.)

Links:

(image: A Catholic Life blog)

Sacred Heart of Jesus

2010-06-10T06:00:00.002+01:00

Friday 11 June 2010

Feria Sexto, in festo
SACRATISSIMI CORDI IESU
Sacred Heart of Jesus
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui nobis in Corde Fílii tui, nostris vulneráto peccátis, infinítos dilectiónis thesáuros misericórditer largíri dignáris ; concéde, quæsumus, ut illi devótum pietátis nostræ præstántes obséquium, dignæ quoque satisfactiónis exhibeámus offícium. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who hast suffered the Heart of thy Son to be wounded by our sins, and in that very Heart hast bestowed on us the abundant riches of thy love : grant that the devout homage of our hearts, which we render unto him, may of thy mercy be deemed a recompence acceptable in thy sight. Through the same.

Lessons:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, lesson v., Nocturn II)

Sacred Heart of Jesus

2010-06-10T06:00:00.001+01:00

Friday 11 June 2010

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers

(image: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, lesson v., Nocturn II)

Second Sunday after Pentecost

2010-06-05T06:00:00.002+01:00

Sunday 6 June 2010

DOMINICA II POST PENTECOSTEN
Sunday in the Octave of Corpus Christi,
also the Second Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Class, Green

Oremus.

Sancti nóminis tui, Dómine, timórem páriter et amórem fac nos habére perpétuum : quia numquam tua gubernatióne destítuis, quos in soliditáte tuæ dilectiónis instítuis. Per Dóminum nostrum.

Let us pray.

O Lord, who never failest to help and govern them that thou dost bring up in thy steadfast fear and love ; keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good Providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy most holy Name. Through.

(In some jurisdictions today must be celebrated as the external solemnity of the Feast of Corpus Christi.)

Links:

Corpus Christi

2010-06-02T06:00:00.002+01:00

Thursday 3 June 2010

Feria Quinta, in festo
SANCTISSIMI CORPORIS CHRISTI
Corpus Christi
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui nobis sub Sacraménto mirábili passiónis tuæ memóriam reliquísti : tríbue, quæsumus, ita nos córporis, et sánguinis tui sacra mystéria venerári ; ut redemptiónis tuæ fructum in nobis júgiter sentiámus : Qui vivis et regnas.

Let us pray.

O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament hast ordained unto us a memorial of thy Passion : grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may ever know within ourselves the fruits of thy redemption. Who livest and reignest with the Father.

NOTE: Plenary Indulgence is granted where the principal Mass is followed by Procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Benedicamus Domino is said, Blessing & Last Gospel are omitted.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
NLM: Cibavit Eos, Introit for Corpus Christi
Catholic Heritage: Sequence of Corpus Christi
NLM: Corpus Christi in Rome
Saint Mary Magdalen: Augustine on the Eucharist
Abbot Cuthbert Johnson: Reflections on Corpus Christi
Liturgiae Causa: JRR Tolkien on the Blessed Sacrament (new!)
Transalpine Redemptorists at Home: He Passed This Way (new!)

(picture 2: His Holiness Pope Pius XI, kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament, is carried in procession on the Talamo)

First Thursday of the Month: Plenary Indulgence Available

2010-06-01T01:00:00.000+01:00

For the faithful, a plenary indulgence can be obtained on the opening and closing days of the Year for Priests, on the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean-Marie Vianney, on the first Thursday of the month, or on any other day established by the ordinaries of particular places for the good of the faithful.

To obtain the indulgence the faithful must attend Mass in an oratory or Church and offer prayers to "Jesus Christ, supreme and eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, or perform any good work to sanctify and mould them to his heart."

The conditions for the faithful for earning a plenary indulgence are to have gone to confession and prayed for the intentions of the Pope.

(source: Zenit/A Catholic Life)

Queenship of Mary

2010-05-30T06:00:00.000+01:00

Monday 31 May 2010

BEATAE MARIAE VIRGINIS REGINA
Queenship of Mary
2nd Class, White
(commem. of St Petronilla)

Oremus

Concede nobis, quaesumus, Domine: ut, qui solemnitatem beatae Maria; Virginis Reginae nostrae celebramus; ejus muniti praesidio, pacem in present et gloriam in futuro consequi mereamur.

Let us pray

Grant, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to those who are celebrating this solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary our Queen: that safe in her protection we may deserve to enjoy present peace and future glory.

Trinity Sunday

2010-05-29T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 30 May 2010

Dominica I post Pentecost, in festo
SANCTISSIMAE TRINITATIS
The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui dedísti fámulis tuis in confessióne veræ fídei, ætérnæ Trinitátis glóriam agnóscere, et in poténtia majestátis adoráre Unitátem : quæsumus ; ut ejúsdem fídei firmitáte, ab ómnibus semper muniámur advérsis. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum. Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace by the confession of the true Faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity : we beseech thee ; that, thou wouldest keep us stedfast in this Faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities. Through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

~~*~~

NOTE: At the sprinkling with Holy Water before the principal Mass Asperges me is resumed today.

Links:

(image: WDTPRS/Ss. Trinità dei Pellegrini/FSSP)

Ember Saturday in Pentecost

2010-05-28T06:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday 29 May 2010

SABBATO QUATUOR TEMPORUM PENTECOSTES
Ember Saturday in the Octave of Pentecost
1st Class, Red
(1st Vespers of Trinity Sunday)

Oremus.

Méntibus nostris, quæsumus, Dómine, Spíritum Sanctum benígnus infúnde : cujus et sapiéntia cónditi sumus, et providéntia gubernámur. Per Dóminum... in unitáte ejúsdem Spíritus.

Let us pray.

O Lord, we pray thee, that thy Holy Spirit, who doth preserve us by his wisdom and govern us by his providence, may by thy mercy be poured forth upon the hearts of us thy servants. Through... in the unity of the same Holy Ghost.

Link:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year

(image: Australia Incognita)

Ember Friday in Pentecost

2010-05-27T06:00:00.000+01:00

Friday 28 May 2010

FERIA VI QUATUOR TEMPORUM PENTECOSTES
Ember Friday in the Octave of Pentecost
1st Class, Red

Oremus.

Da, quæsumus, Ecclésiæ tuæ, miséricors Deus : ut Sancto Spíritu congregáta, hostíli nullátenus incursióne turbétur. Per Dóminum... in unitáte ejúsdem Spíritus.

Let us pray.

Most merciful God, we beseech thee : that thy Church being joined together in the unity of the Holy Spirit, may be preserved evermore from all the assaults of the enemy. Through... in the unity of the same Holy Ghost.

Link:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year

(image: Rorate Cæli)

Whit Thursday

2010-05-26T06:00:00.000+01:00

Thursday 27 May 2010

FERIA V INFRA OCTAVAM PENTECOSTES
Whit Thursday
(Pentecost Thursday)
1st Class, Red

Oremus.

Deus, qui hodiérna die corda fidélium Sancti Spíritus illustratióne docuísti : da nobis in eódem Spíritu recta sápere ; et de ejus semper consolatióne gaudére. Per Dóminum... in unitáte ejúsdem Spíritus Sancti Deus.

Let us pray.

O God, who on this day didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thine Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through... in the unity of the same Holy Ghost.

(image: Zoë Brigley)

Ember Wednesday in Pentecost

2010-05-25T06:00:00.000+01:00

~~*~~

Wednesday 26 May 2010

FERIA IV QUATUOR TEMPORUM PENTECOSTES
Ember Wednesday in the Octave of Pentecost
1st Class, Red

Oremus.

Mentes nostras, quæsumus, Dómine, Paráclitus, qui a te procédit, illúminet : et indúcat in omnem, sicut tuus promísit Fílius, veritátem : Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte ejúsdem Spíritus Sancti Deus.

Let us pray.
We beseech thee, O Lord, that the Comforter which proceedeth from thee may enlighten our minds : and lead us, as thy Son hath promised, into all truth. Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Holy Ghost.

Links:

Rorate Cæli: The Glow of the Ember Days
Fr Goffine's The Church's Year

(image: breviary.net)

Whit Tuesday

2010-05-24T06:00:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 25 May 2010

FERIA III INFRA OCTAVAM PENTECOSTES
Whit Tuesday
(Pentecost Tuesday)
1st Class, Red

Oremus.

Adsit nobis, quæsumus, Dómine, virtus Spíritus Sancti : quæ et corda nostra cleménter expúrget, et ab ómnibus tueátur advérsis. Per Dóminum... in unitáte ejúsdem Spíritus Sancti.

Let us pray.

Let the power of the Holy Spirit come upon us, O Lord, we beseech thee : that he may both mercifully cleanse our hearts, and defend us from all adversities. Through... in the unity of the same Holy Ghost.

Link:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
WDTPRS: Whit Tuesday (new!)

(image: What Does the Prayer Really Say?)

Whit Monday

2010-05-23T06:00:00.000+01:00

Monday 24 May 2010

FERIA II INFRA OCTAVAM PENTECOSTES
Whit Monday
(Pentecost Monday)
1st Class, Red

Oremus.

Deus, qui Apóstolis tuis Sanctum dedísti Spíritum : concéde plebi tuæ piæ petitiónis efféctum ; ut, quibus dedísti fidem, largiáris et pacem. Per Dóminum... in unitáte ejúsdem Spíritus Sancti.

Let us pray.

O God, who didst pour out upon thine Apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit : graciously fulfil the devout prayers of thy people ; that upon them to whom thou hast given faith, thou mayest also abundantly bestow the blessing of peace. Through... in the unity of the same Holy Ghost.

Link:

What Does the Prayer Really Say?
Fr Goffine's The Church's Year

(image: 1679 Missale Novum Romanum, Kempten, Germany)

Whitsun (Pentecost)

2010-05-22T06:00:00.002+01:00

Sunday 23 May 2010

DOMINICA PENTECOSTES
Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday)
1st Class, Red

Oremus.

Deus, qui hodiérna die corda fidélium Sancti Spíritus illustratióne docuísti : da nobis in eódem Spíritu recta sápere ; et de ejus semper consolatióne gaudére. Per Dóminum... in unitáte ejúsdem Spíritus Sancti Deus.

Let us pray.

O God, who on this day didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thine Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through... in the unity of the same Holy Ghost.

Links:

What Does the Prayer Really Say?
Podcast: Veni Sancte Spiritus - the Pentecost Sequence dissected
Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
NLM: Introit "Spiritus Dominus"
NLM: Sequence "Veni Sancte Spiritus"
The Guéranger Blog: Liturgical Recycling
The Guéranger Blog: Whit(e) Sunday
NLM: Veni Sancte Spiritus (new!)
WDTPRS: Collects for Pentecost (new!)
WDTPRS: Pentecost Podcasts (new!)

(image: breviary.net)

Vigil of Pentecost

2010-05-21T06:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday 22 May 2010

SABBATO IN VIGILIA PENTECOSTES
Vigil of Pentecost
1st Class, White
(1st Vespers of Pentecost)

Oremus.

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut claritátis tuæ super nos splendor effúlgeat: et lux tuæ lucis corda eórum, qui per grátiam tuam renáti sunt, Sancti Spíritus illustratióne confírmet. Per Dóminum...

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the splendour of Thy brightness may shine forth on us, and the light of Thy light may, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, confirm the hearts of those who have been born again by Thy grace. Through...

Link:

NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (part 7, the Vigil of Pentecost)
NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (part 8)

(image: St Michael, lesson iii, Nocturn 1; breviary.net)

Society of St Tarcisius - Sodality of Traditional Altar Servers

2010-05-18T18:43:00.002+01:00

On Saturday 15th May 2010, at Blackfriars, Oxford, a newly founded Sodality of Servers of the traditional Latin Mass (“extraordinary form”) was inaugurated. This took place in the context of a training day for experienced altar servers, arranged by the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales, who were seeking to improve their understanding of the ceremonies of sung solemn mass. Thirty servers were present at the event, with the training being delivered by Fr Armand de Mallerey FSSP, Br Lawrence Lew OP, Mr David Forster, and Mr Richard Hawker.

The new Sodality has been founded at the request of numerous servers of the traditional Mass, who desired a society that would encourage them in their work on the altar, provide training for both new servers and the more experienced, promote a high standard of reverent and exact service, and form a network through which servers can stay in touch and share resources.

The Sodality is sponsored by the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales, though membership is open to those from other countries who may wish. It has taken as its patron St Tarcisius, a Roman acolyte who was martyred during one of the fierce persecutions of the third century, while defending the Holy Eucharist from profanation. The Sodality has taken “Fidelis usque ad mortem” – Faithful even unto death – as its motto, and seeks to inculcate in servers an intense devotion and reverence to Our Lord in the Eucharist, as well as a precise attention to the ceremonies of Mass.

A website for the Society has been inaugurated – www.saint-tarcisius.org.uk – where further details will be found. Anybody wishing to join the Sodality should contact the Secretary, Mr David Forster, at secretary at saint-tarcisius.org.uk.

Photographs of the training event on Saturday can be seen at http://www.lmschairman.org/2010/05/server-master-class-report.html

Note: efforts are also being made to co-ordinate interests in membership from Scotland. If you live in Scotland and are interested in membership, please leave a comment, or email Mark Miles at markadm at catholic.org

(Photo: Joseph Shaw)

Sunday after the Ascension

2010-05-15T06:00:00.001+01:00

Sunday 16 May 2010

DOMINICA POST ASCENSIONEM
Sunday after the Ascension
2nd Class, White

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus : fac nos tibi semper et devótam gérere voluntátem ; et majestáti tuæ sincéro corde servíre. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, grant that our will be ever meekly subject unto thy will, and our heart ever honestly ready to serve thy Majesty. Through.

Links:

What Does the Prayer Really Say? (Collect, 2009)
What Does the Prayer Really Say? (2008)
Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
WDTPRS: Sunday after the Ascension (Collect, 2010) (new!)

(image: breviary.net)

Ascension of the Our Lord

2010-05-12T06:00:00.002+01:00

Thursday 13 May 2010

FERIA QUINTA IN ASCENSIONE DOMINI
Ascension of the Lord
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut, qui hodiérna die Unigénitum tuum Redemptórem nostrum ad cælos ascendísse crédimus; ipse quoque mente in cæléstibus habitémus. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that like as we do believe thine only-begotten Son our Saviour to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell. Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity.

~~*~~

NOTE: at the principal Mass the Paschal Candle is extinguished at the end of the Gospel and removed at the end of Mass.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
The Guéranger Blog: Ascension Day
The Guéranger Blog: The Acolyte blew it on Ascension Thursday
NLM: Ascension Introit - Viri Galilaei
Gregorian Chant propers
Ascension Thursday Mass video (Edinburgh, 2008)
Psallite Sapienter: Ascensiontide Magnificat Antiphon
Psallite Sapienter: Ascensiontide Doxology
WDTPRS: Postcommunion (2010) (new!)
WDTPRS: Preface for the Ascension (2010) (new!)

(image: Copley's Ascension)

Vigil of the Ascension

2010-05-11T06:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 12 May 2010

FERIA QUARTA IN ROGATIONIBUS
VIGILIA ASCENSIONIS
Vigil of the Ascension
2nd Class, White
(commem. of Ss. Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla and Pancras)

or, Rogation Mass
2nd Class, Violet

Oremus.

Deus, a quo bona cuncta procédunt, Largíre supllícibus tuis: ut cogitéums, te inspiránte, quæ recta sunt; et, te gubernánte, éadem faciámus. Per Dóminum...

Let us pray.

O God, from whom all good things do come, grant to us Thy suppliants, that by Thine inspiration we may think what is right, and under Thy guidance perform it. Through...

Links:

What are the Rogation Days?
The Guéranger Blog: Rogation Days Thoughts

(image: Priestly Fraternity of St Peter)

Saints Philip and James

2010-05-10T06:00:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 11 May 2010

SS. PHILIPPI ET IACOBI, Apostolorum
Ss. Philip & James, Apostles
2nd Class Red

or, Rogation Mass,
2nd Class, Violet

Oremus.

Deus, qui nos ánnua Apostolórum tuórum Philíppi et Jacóbi solemnitáte lætíficas : præsta, quæsumus ; ut, quorum gaudémus méritis, instruámur exémplis. Per Dóminum nostrum.

Let us pray.

O God, who dost every year gladden us by the solemn memorial of thine Apostles Philip and James, grant us grace, we beseech thee, not only to rejoice because of their worthy deeds, but also to tread in their footsteps. Through.

(image source unknown)

Fifth Sunday after Easter

2010-05-08T06:00:00.002+01:00

Sunday 9 May 2010

DOMINICA V POST PASCHA
Fifth Sunday after Easter
2nd Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, a quo bona cuncta procédunt, largíre supplícibus tuis : ut cogitémus, te inspiránte, quæ recta sunt ; et, te gubernánte, éadem faciámus. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, from whom all good things do come : grant to us thy humble servants ; that by thy holy inspiration, we may think those things that be good, and by thy merciful guidance may perform the same. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
What Does the Prayer Really Say? (2008)
Gregorian Chant propers
WDTPRS: Fifth Sunday after Easter (2010) (new!)
NLM: On Rogation Days (new!)

(image: breviary.net)

Fourth Sunday after Easter

2010-05-01T06:00:00.001+01:00

Sunday 2 May 2010

DOMINICA IV POST PASCHA
Fourth Sunday after Easter
2nd Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui fidélium mentes uníus éfficis voluntátis : da pópulis tuis id amáre quod præcipis, id desideráre quod promíttis ; ut inter mundánas varietátes ibi nostra fixa sint corda, ubi vera sunt gáudia. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men : grant unto thy people that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise ; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
WDTPRS: Fourth Sunday after Easter, Values, and the Smoke of Satan (new!)

(image: breviary.net)

First Thursday of the Month: Plenary Indulgence Available

2010-05-01T01:00:00.001+01:00

St Joseph the Worker

2010-04-30T06:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday 1 May 2010

S. IOSEPH OPIFICIS
St Joseph the Worker
1st Class, White
(commem. at Vespers of 4th Sunday after Easter)

Oremus:

Rerum cónditor Deus, qui legem labóris, humáno géneri statuísti: concéde propítius; ut Sancti Ioseph ex´mplo et patrocínio, ópera perficiámus quæ præcipis, et præmia consequámur quæ promítis. Per Dóminum...

Let us Pray:

O God, Create of all things, who didst lay on the human race the law of labour: gracious grant; that by following the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage, we may carry out the work Thou dost command, and obtain the reward Thou dost promise. Through...

Link:

What Does the Prayer Really Say?

(image source unknown)

Third Sunday after Easter

2010-04-24T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 25 April 2010

DOMINICA III POST PASCHA
Third Sunday after Easter
2nd Class, White
Major Litanies;
no commem. of St Mark)

Oremus.

Deus, qui errántibus, ut in viam possint redíre justítiæ, veritátis tuæ lumen osténdis : da cunctis qui christiána professióne censéntur, et illa respúere, quæ huic inimíca sunt nómini ; et ea quæ sunt apta, sectári. Per Dóminum nostrum.

Let us pray.

O God, who shewest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return to the way of righteousness : grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession ; and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same. Through.

Links:

(image: breviary.net)

Anniversary of the Coronation of the Supreme Pontiff

2010-04-23T06:00:00.001+01:00

Saturday 24 April 2010

IN ANNIVERSARIO CREATIONIS ET CORONATIONIS PAPAE
Anniversary of the Coronation of the Supreme Pontiff, Benedict XVI
2nd Class, White
(commem. of St Fidelis;
Vespers of 3rd Sunday after Easter)

Oremus

Deus, omnium fidelium pastor et rector, famulum tuum Benedictum, quem pastorem Ecclesiae tuae praeesse voluísti, propitius respice: da ei, quaesumus, verbo et exemplo, quibus praeest, proficere; ut ad vitam, una cum grege sibi credito, perveniat sempiternam. Per Dominum nostrum.

Second Sunday after Easter

2010-04-17T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 18 April 2010

DOMINICA II POST PASCHA
Second Sunday after Easter
(Good Shepherd Sunday)
2nd Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui in Fílii tui humilitáte jacéntem mundum erexísti : fidélibus tuis perpétuam concéde lætítiam ; ut, quos perpétuæ mortis eripuísti cásibus, gáudiis fácias pérfrui sempitérnis. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who by the humility of thy Son hast lifted up a fallen world, grant that to those whom thou hast delivered from the misfortunes of eternal death, thou mayest insure everlasting happiness. Through the same.

Link:

(image: NLM/Institute of the Good Shepherd)

Low Sunday

2010-04-10T06:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 11 April 2010

DOMINICA IN ALBIS in Octava Paschae
Low Sunday
(Divine Mercy Sunday)
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut, qui paschália festa perégimus, hæc, te largiénte, móribus et vita teneámus. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that we who have devoutly kept this Paschal Festival, may keep it, by thy bounty, in our life and behaviour. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
What Does the Prayer Really Say?
Gregorian Chant propers
What Does the Prayer Really Say? : St Augustine on the challenge of remaining faithful (podcast)

(image: John 20:27-28; Gospel of Low Sunday)

Saturday in Easter Week

2010-04-09T06:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday 10 April 2010

SABBATO IN ALBIS
Easter Saturday
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut, qui festa paschália venerándo égimus, per hæc contíngere ad gáudia ætérna mereámur. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that we who have devoutly kept this Paschal Festival, may thereby be found worthy to attain to everlasting felicity. Through.

Link:

What Does the Prayer Really Say? (Secret) (more...)

(image: St Mary Magdalene, Lesson at Matins)

Friday in Easter Week

2010-04-08T06:00:00.000+01:00

Friday 9 April 2010

FERIA VI INFRA OCTAVAM PASCHAE
Easter Friday
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempiterne Deus, qui paschále sacraméntum in reconciliatiónis humánæ fœdere contulísti : da méntibus nostris ; ut, quod professióne celebrámus, imitémur efféctu. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast bestowed on us this Paschal Sacrament, for a pledge of our redemption : grant, we beseech thee ; that those things which we observe in our outward profession we may effectually imitate within our souls. Through.

(image: St Thomas)

Thursday in Easter Week

2010-04-07T06:00:00.000+01:00

Thursday 8 April 2010

FERIA V INFRA OCTAVAM PASCHAE
Easter Thursday
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui diversitátem Géntium in confessióne tui nóminis adunásti : da, ut renátis fonte baptísmatis una sit fides méntium, et píetas actiónum. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who hast united the diversity of nations in the confession of thy Name : grant that they who are born again in the waters of baptism, may agree in stedfastness of faith and godliness of life. Through.

(image: breviary.net)

Wednesday in Easter Week

2010-04-06T06:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 7 April 2010

FERIA IV INFRA OCTAVAM PASCHAE
Easter Wednesday
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui nos resurrectiónis Domínicæ ánnua solemnitáte lætíficas : concéde propítius ; ut per temporália festa quæ ágimus, perveníre ad gáudia ætérna mereámur. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who gladdenest us with the yearly Festival of the Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord : mercifully grant that we may so observe this temporal feast, that we may be found worthy to attain to everlasting felicity. Through the same.

Link:

What Does the Prayer Really Say? (Secret)

(image: breviary.net)

Tuesday in Easter Week

2010-04-05T06:00:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 6 April 2010

FERIA III INFRA OCTAVAM PASCHAE
Easter Tuesday
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui Ecclésiam tuam novo semper fœtu multíplicas : concéde fámulis tuis ; ut sacraméntum vivéndo téneant, quod fide percepérunt. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who dost continually increase thy Church with new offspring : grant unto all thy servants ; that as by faith they have received the mystery of salvation, so by stedfastness thereto they may ever practice the same in their daily life. Through.

Link:

What Does the Prayer Really Say? (Secret)

(image: breviary.net)

Monday in Easter Week

2010-04-04T06:00:00.000+01:00

Monday 5 April 2010

FERIA II INFRA OCTAVAM PASCHAE
Easter Monday
1st Class, White

Oremus.

Deus, qui solemnitáte pascháli, mundo remédia contulísti : pópulum tuum, quæsumus, cælésti dono proséquere ; ut et perféctam libertátem cónsequi mereátur, et ad vitam profíciat sempitérnam. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who at the Feast of the Passover didst give unto the world the medicine of salvation : increase, we beseech thee, the use of all these thy saving remedies among thy people ; that thereby they may be healed of spiritual ills, and endued with the quickening power of life eternal. Through.

Link:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year

(image: breviary.net)

Easter Sunday

2010-04-02T06:00:00.004+01:00

Sunday 4 April 2010

DOMINICA RESURRECTIONIS
Easter Sunday
1st Class, White

Oremus:

Deus, qui hanc sacratissimum noctem gloria dominicae Resurrectionis illustras: conserva in nova familiae tuae progenie adoptionis spiritum, quem dedisti; ut, corpore et mente renovati, puram tibi exhibeant servitutem. Per eumdem Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum, Filium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum.

Let us Pray:

O God, who dost illuminate this most holy night by the glory of the Lord's Resurrection, preserve in the new children of Thy family the spirit of adoption which Thou hast given; that renewed in body and mind, they may render to Thee a pure service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

[vigil Mass of Easter]

Oremus.

Deus, qui hodiérna die per Unigénitum tuum, æternitátis nobis áditum devícta morte reserásti : vota nostra, quæ prævéniéndo aspíras, étiam adjuvándo proséquere. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray:

O God, who this day by thine only-begotten Son, vanquishing death, hast unlocked for us the gate of eternity, help us to attain the desires to which thou hast led us by thine inspirations. Through the same.

[Mass of Easter-Day]

~~*~~

Holy Saturday is liturgically a day of deepest mourning, a day which the Church spends at our Lord's sepulcher, meditating on His Sacred Passion and Death. There is no Mass; the sacred altar is bare

The Solemn Easter Vigil service [instituted by permission of Ven. Pius XII in 1951 and made obligatory in 1956], is intended to show liturgically how life and grace flow to us from the death of our Lord; the Light of the World is exhibited under the symbol of the Paschal Candle, dispelling the night of sin by the light of grace; the Exultet - the Easter Proclamation – is the song that heralds Easter, singing of the brightness of the holy night of Resurrection; the Lessons taken from the ancient prophecies tell of God's wonderful dealings with His people under the Old Covenant faint types of the glorious happenings that were to come to pass under the New; the water for Baptism is blessed – those waters in which those who have been buried along with Christ, die to sin and with Him rise to walk in newness of life; this grace He has won for us, and in Baptism bestowed on us; by renewal of our baptismal promises we publicly announce our purpose to show forth this newness in our daily lives; and finally the Church Triumphant is called on to intercede for us, and the Mass of the Resurrection begins.

In the Liturgy of Eastertide, we commemorate the various appearances of Our Lord, during which He instructed His Apostles and prepared them for the Descent of the Holy Ghost and His own Ascension. The triumph and joy of Eastertide is reflected in the decoration of the sanctuary and the priest’s use of white vestments, symbolizing joy and purity.

The "Asperges me" is supplanted by the "Vidi Aquam." Which refers to the waters of Baptism. Every year at Easter the Church rejoices for a double reason: Until Ascension Day, the paschal candle shines in the sanctuary as a symbol of the visible presence of Our Lord upon earth, and white vestments are used. The joyful repetition of "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia" which was omitted since Septuagesima, follows every Introit, Antiphon Verse, and Response as a sign of joy and peace.

Note: Compline, Matins and Lauds are not said by those attending the Solemn Easter Vigil.

~~*~~

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year (Easter Vigil)
The Paschal Vigil
What Does the Prayer Really Say? (Exultet)
What Does the Prayer Really Say? (Exultet with audio)
NLM: Exultet download
What Does the Prayer Really Say? (Easter Vigil)
Gregorian Chant propers (Easter Vigil)
Easter Vigil in Reading (FSSP)
Fr Goffine's The Church's Year (Easter Day)
What Does the Prayer Really Say? (Easter Day)
Gregorian Chant propers (Easter Day)
St Conleth's Catholic Heritage: The Sequence of Easter
NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (part 6.1)
NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (part 6.2)
NLM: Easter Vigil from the Vatican Basilica (new!)
Oxford Events: Easter Vigil with the FSSP in Reading(new!)

(image: Priestly Fraternity of St Peter;
more photos from the last year of Seminary life are available on the FSSP website here.)

Good Friday

2010-04-01T06:00:00.006+01:00

Friday 2 April 2010

FERIA SEXTA IN PASSIONE ET MORTE DOMINI
Good Friday
1st Class, Black and Violet

Réspice, quæsumus, Dómine, super hanc famíliam tuam, pro qua Dóminus noster Jesus Christus non dubitávit mánibus tradi nocéntium, et crucis subíre torméntum : sed dicitur sub silentio : Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum : Amen.

Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the Cross. Here is added silently : Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end : Amen.

~~*~~

The Solemn Liturgical Action is celebrated in the afternoon, about 3.00pm. This comprises the Adoration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.

Extract from the General Decree restoring the Liturgy of Holy Week:

'Let the faithful be led to understand properly today’s special liturgical act, in which the Passion of our Lord is solemnly chanted: prayers offered for the needs of the whole Church and the human race: the Holy Cross, monument of our Redemption, is adored most devoutly by clergy and faithful, the whole family of Christ: finally, as for hundreds of years was the practice, all who wish and are duly prepared go forward to receive Communion, with this as their chief intention, that by devoutly receiving the Body of the lord (which He delivered this day for all men) they may enjoy richer fruits of that Redemption. Let the priests urge the faithful to make this sacred day one of loving recollection, neither should they forget the law of abstinence and fasting.'

The instruction given by Ven. Pope Pius XII stipulates that Good Friday's solemn liturgy take place after noon; the best time would be three o'clock, and on no account may it begin later than six o'clock. The same Pope revives the old practice of all receiving Communion this day as a necessary part of the liturgical function. This consists of four main divisions, each of which has its own historical interest, the whole forming a dramatic representation of the Sacred Passion.

I & II. The first two parts consists of reading from Scripture, and a prayer followed by St. John's story of the Passion, and concluded by a long series of prayers for various intentions. In this part we have preserved the form of the earliest Christian prayer meeting--a service with was derived from the Jewish Synagogue. To this service of Scriptural readings the celebration of the Eucharist was afterwards joined to form the one solemn act of worship now called the Mass. This Mass still preserves these distinct divisions: the first from the beginning to the Offertory, in which the Introit and Gloria are included; the second from the Offertory to the Communion. The first division is called the Mass of the Catechumens, (for they were not permitted to remain for the celebration of the Eucharist); the second, the Mass of the Faithful.

III. The third part consists of the unveiling and adoration of the Cross. This ceremony was originally connected with the relic of the true Cross, and had its origin in Jerusalem. A veiled crucifix is gradually exposed to view, and three times at the words Venite adoremus the faithful kneel in adoration to the Redeemer.

IV. The fourth part, the Communion of Priest and people, completes what used to be known as the Mass of the Presanctified. Today's liturgy clearly does not constitute a Mass, for there is no Consecration; all who communicate receive sacred particles consecrated at the Mass of the previous day. This form of "Mass" is familiar in the Greek rite.

The service opens with a Mass of the Catechumens in what is perhaps its oldest and simplest form. It has neither Introit, Gloria, nor Credo, but consists merely of two lessons, followed each by a Tract, also taken from the prophets. The Gospel is the story of the Passion according to St. John. This is followed by the most ancient form of intercession. The priest (formerly the deacon) makes a solemn appeal to the faithful, telling them for whom each Prayer is to be offered: for the Church, the Pope, the Bishops, priests, etc. the Jews, pagans, heretics, prisoners, etc. The Flectamus genua is said and all kneel down to pray until the subdeacon bids them to rise. Then the celebrant turns to God, Almighty and Eternal, and formulates the prayer in the name of all. This was the oldest form of the Collect or public prayer.

The adoration of the Cross is followed by a short Communion service. The ciborium containing the sacred hosts consecrated yesterday is brought in silence with the simplest of ceremonial from the Altar of Repose. Preparation for Communion is fittingly made by all standing to recite the Pater Noster in unison, and the Communion itself is followed at once by three prayers of thanksgiving. These end the day's solemn function.

Note: Friday Vespers are omitted, since the liturgical functions of the two days replace them, Compline is chanted in choir after the function.

~~*~~

Please note: during the three days of the Triduum, the St Margaret Schola will sing Tenebrae (chanted Solemn Matins and Lauds) from 10.00am, in St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh (Scotland). The Schola was founded in 2009 to promote Gregorian Chant within the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, and sings monthly Vespers in the Cathedral.

All are welcome to join the Schola for this opportunity to pray with the ancient music of the Church, particularly at this most sacred of times. Please see edinburghschola.blogspot.com for updates and further information.

~~*~~

Link:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
The Guéranger Blog: Mass of the Pre-Sanctified (more)
Gregorian Chant propers
Fasting & Abstinence
NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (part 4.1)
NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (part 4.2)
Good Friday in Reading (FSSP)
NLM: Good Friday from the Vatican Basilica (new!)
Oxford Events: Good Friday in Reading(new!)

(images: Priestly Fraternity of St Peter)

First Thursday of the Month: Plenary Indulgence Available

2010-04-01T01:00:00.001+01:00

Maundy Thursday

2010-03-31T06:00:00.007+01:00

Thursday 1 April 2010

FERIA QUINTA IN CENA DOMINI
Holy Thursday
1st Class, White and Violet

Réspice, quæsumus, Dómine, super hanc famíliam tuam, pro qua Dóminus noster Jesus Christus non dubitávit mánibus tradi nocéntium, et crucis subíre torméntum : sed dicitur sub silentio : Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum : Amen.

Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the Cross. Here is added silently : Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end : Amen.

~~*~~

The Mass of Holy Thursday is celebrated in the evening. The Mandatum may take place after the Gospel. There is a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose; thereafter the Altar is stripped.

From the General Decree of November 16, 1955 restoring the Liturgy of Holy Week (Maxima Redemptionis):

'Let the faithful be taught about the love with which Christ our Lord 'on the day before He suffered' instituted the sacred and holy Eucharist, sacrifice and Sacrament, the perpetual memorial of His Passion, to be offered day by day through the ministry of His priests. Let the faithful be invited to render due adoration after the end of the Mass to the most holy Sacrament. Finally, wherever to illustrate the Lord's commandment of brotherly love the Washing of the Feet is carried out according to the restored rubrics, let the faithful be taught the deep significance of this holy rite, and let them spend this day in works of Christian charity.'

The Mass today, which by order of Ven. Pope Pius XII should not begin before 5 p.m. or after 8 p.m., specially commemorates the Institution of the Blessed Eucharist at the Last Supper, and the Ordination of the Apostles, and is, therefore, a Mass of joy and thanksgiving. Hence the Church lays aside for the moment the penitential purple, and assumes festive white vestments; the Altar is decorated; the Gloria is said. During the Gloria the bells are rung, and from that time until the Easter Vigil they remain silent.

At pontifical Mass the oils are blessed for Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Extreme Unction and the consecration of altars and churches.

On this day an extra Ciborium is consecrated for the 'Mass' of the Presanctified (hence the name) on Good Friday. After the Mass this Ciborium is borne in solemn Procession, during which the Pange Lingua is sung, to the Altar of Repose.

The derivation of the word Maundy reminds us of the ceremony of washing the feet, called Mandatum, from the first words of the Antiphon: Mandatum novum do vobis (John 13:34). The Mandatum takes place on this day because our Lord washed the feet of His Apostles before the Institution of the Holy Eucharist from which this feast (in Latin Feria Quinta in Coena Domini) derives its most characteristic features. The Epistle, Gospel, Secret, Communicantes (special form), the Postcommunion, the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament after Mass, and the placing of the Ciborum of Hosts consecrated during the Mass in a tabernacle at the 'Altar of Repose' where It is to remain until the following day, are all intended to commemorate the institution of this Divine Sacrament. This day was the only Feast of the Blessed Sacrament up to the time when a special and very solemn Feast was instituted on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. Private Masses are forbidden on this day. There is a general Communion at the Solemn Mass in which the priest takes part, to commemorate the custom of ancient times, when in cathedral churches the holy Sacrifice was offered by the Bishop, surrounded by his priests. Another ancient rite of this day is the Blessing of the Holy Oils and the reconciliation of public penitents. The only trace of the reconciliation of the penitents in our present Roman Missal is the Collect of the Mass 'Deus a quo' which is very ancient. In the early Middle Ages, when these ceremonies were observed, three Masses were celebrated on this day: (1) in memory of the Institution of the Holy Eucharist, (2) for the Blessing of the Holy Oils, and (3) for the reconciliation of public penitents. The second of these Masses is celebrated by the Bishop before noon in his Cathedral Church surrounded by his clergy.

After the evening Mass the Altar is stripped in order to show that the holy Sacrifice is interrupted and will not be offered again until Holy Saturday is ending.

Note: On Thursday and Friday Vespers are omitted, since the liturgical functions of the two days replace them, Compline is chanted in choir after the function.

~~*~~

Holy Thursday in Rome (Santissima Trinità dei Pelegrini):-

~~*~~

Please note: during the three days of the Triduum, the St Margaret Schola will sing Tenebrae (chanted Solemn Matins and Lauds) form 10.00am, in St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh (Scotland). The Schola was founded in 2009 to promote Gregorian Chant within the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, and sings monthly Vespers in the Cathedral.

~~*~~

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
The Guéranger Blog: Reconstructing the Last Supper
Gregorian Chant propers
Gregorian Chants for the Vesperal Mass (Schola of the Seminary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, FSSP)
chantblog: Sing my tongue
NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (Part 3)
Vultus Christi: The Hour of the Priest
Maundy Thursday in Reading (FSSP)
NLM: Chrism Mass of Pope Benedict XVI (new!)
NLM: The Papal Mass of Maundy Thursday (new!)
Oxford Events: Maundy Thursday with the FSSP in Reading(new!)

~~*~~

Please note: on Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd, and Saturday 3rd the St Margaret Schola will sing the Office of Tenebrae (Solemn Morning Prayer) within St Mary's RC Cathedral at 10.00am each day. All are welcome to join the Schola - now in its second year - for this opportunity to pray with the ancient music of the Church.

Please see edinburghschola.blogspot.com for updates and further information.

(image: Holy Thursday at the FSSP's Wigratzbad Seminary)

Wednesday in Holy Week

2010-03-30T06:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 31 March 2010

FERIA IV HEBDOMADAE SANCTAE
Spy Wednesday
1st Class, Violet
(Lauds II)

Oremus.

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut, qui nostris excéssibus incessánter afflígimur, per unigéniti Fílii tui passiónem liberémur : Qui tecum vivit et regnat.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that we, who are continually afflicted by reason of our transgressions, may be delivered by the Passion of thine only-begotten Son. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
What Does the Prayer Really Say? : Spy Wednesday
Psallite Sapienter: Holy Week collect

Tuesday in Holy Week

2010-03-29T06:00:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 30 March 2010

FERIA III HEBDOMADAE SANCTAE
Tuesday of Holy Week
1st Class, Violet
(Lauds II)

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus : da nobis ita Domínicæ passiónis sacraménta perágere ; ut indulgéntiam percípere mereámur. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God : grant that we may so celebrate the mysteries of the Passion of our Saviour ; that we may be worthy to obtain thy pardon. Through the same.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
What Does the Prayer Really Say?

(image: Church of St. Praxedes, stational church for Tuesday in Holy Week)

Monday in Holy Week

2010-03-28T06:00:00.000+01:00

Monday 29 March 2010

FERIA II HEBDOMADAE SANCTAE
Monday of Holy Week
1st Class, Violet
(Lauds II)

Oremus.

Da, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut, qui in tot advérsis ex nostra infirmitáte defícimus ; intercedénte unigéniti Fílii tui passióne respirémus : Qui tecum vivit et regnat.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that, whereas by reason of the frailty of our nature we are oppressed by the assaults of our enemies ; the meritorious passion of thy only-begotten Son may speedily help and deliver us. Who liveth and reigneth with thee.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
What Does the Prayer Really Say?

(image: Mary, sister of Martha, anoints Christ's feet)

Palm Sunday

2010-03-27T06:00:00.003Z

Sunday 28 March 2010

DOMINICA II PASSIONIS SEU IN PALMIS
Palm Sunday
1st Class, Red and Violet
(Lauds II)

Oremus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui humáno géneri, ad imitándum humilitátis exémplum, Salvatórem nostrum carnem súmere, et crucem subíre fecísti : concéde propítius ; ut et patiéntiæ ipsíus habére documénta, et resurrectiónis consórtia mereámur. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility : mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection. Through the same.

~~*~~

Extract from the General Decree restoring Holy Week:

'Let the faithful be invited to take part in the Procession of the Palms in greater numbers, thus rendering Christ the King public witness of their love and gratitude.'

The Second Sunday in Passiontide would be in any case a great and holy day as it commemorates the last triumph of Our Lord Jesus Christ on earth and opens Holy Week. On this day, the Church celebrates the triumphant entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem; when the multitude, going before and following after Him, cut off the branches from the trees and strewed them in His way, shouting: 'Hosanna (glory and praise) to the Son of David. Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.' It is in commemoration of this triumph that palms are blessed and borne in solemn procession.

In fact, this Palm Sunday triumph of Our Lord only led to His death. But we know that this death was not a failure. It was through His Passion and Death that he conquered the world and entered into His Kingdom. 'I, if I be lifted up ... will draw all thing to myself' (John 12:32). So the Church asks the faithful to join in the triumphal Procession today as an act of homage and gratitude to Christ our King. This triumphal beginning to Holy Week is full of meaning. Although the purple Mass vestments and the Gospel of the Passion remind us that the Cross lies ahead, we already know that this is the means of victory. So the church asks us to begin Holy Week by joyfully and publicly acknowledging Christ the King.

The principal ceremonies of the day are the Blessing of the Palms, the Procession, and the Mass with the reading of the Passion. The Blessing of the Palms used to follow a ritual similar to that of the Mass, - having an Epistle, a Gospel, a Preface, and a Sanctus. The Epistle referred to the murmuring of the Israelites in the desert, and their sighing for the flesh-pots of Egypt. The Gospel was the same as now, describing the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The prayers which followed the Sanctus, asked God to 'bless the branches of palm ... so that whoever receives them may find protection of soul and body ... that into whatever place they shall be brought, those there may obtain His blessing; that the devout faithful may understand the mystical meaning of the ceremony, that is, that the palms represent triumph over the prince of death ... and therefore the use of them declares both the greatness of the victory and the richness of God's mercy.'

Here we clearly have the remains of the early usage of having two Masses on this day: one for the Blessing of the Palms, the other after the Procession. The prayers of the Blessing, the Antiphons sung during the Procession, and the hymn Gloria laus, make this one of the most impressive ceremonies of the liturgical year.

~~*~~

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (part 2)
Palm Sunday in Reading, England (FSSP)
chantblog: Hosanna Filio David (new!)
NLM: Hosanna Filio David, Benedictus Qui Venit in Nomine Domini (new!)
The New Theological Movement: "O Cross of Chris, our only Hope!" (new!)

(image: Priestly Fraternity of St Peter, Palm Sunday 2009, Maria Thann)

Annunciation of the B.V.M.

2010-03-24T06:00:00.003Z

Thursday 25 March 2010

IN ANNUNTIATIONE B. MARIAE VIRG.
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Class, White
(commem. of feria at Lauds and Vespers)

Oremus.

Deus, qui de beátæ Maríæ Vírginis útero Verbum tuum, Angelo nuntiánte, carnem suscípere voluísti : præsta supplícibus tuis ; ut, qui vere eam Genitrícem Dei crédimus, ejus apud te intercessiónibus adjuvémur. Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.

O God, who didst will that at the message of an Angel thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary : grant that we, thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with thee. Through the same.

Links:

Sub Tuum: Annunciation Pregame: The Angelus
St Conleth's Catholic Heritage Association (2009)
St Conleth's Catholic Heritage Association (2010) (new!)
The Anglo-Catholic: Annunciation of the B.V.M. (new!)
Cardinal Newman, Apologist of Our Lady, by Fr John Hardon SJ

~~*~~

Please note: on Thursday 25th there will be Solemn Latin Vespers and Benediction at 5.00pm (NOTE: change of time) in St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh. All are welcome to join the Schola - now in its second year - for this opportunity to pray with the ancient music of the Church.

Please see edinburghschola.blogspot.com for updates and further information.

Passion Sunday

2010-03-20T06:00:00.000Z

Sunday 21 March 2010

DOMINICA I PASSIONIS
Passion Sunday
1st Class, Violet
(Lauds II)

Oremus.

Quæsumus, omnípotens Deus, famíliam tuam propítius réspice : ut, te largiénte, regátur in córpore ; et, te servánte, custodiátur in mente. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

We beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people : that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
What Does the Prayer Really Say?
Gregorian Chant propers
Sub Tuum: Passion Sunday: Station at St Peter
NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions (Part 1)

St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-03-18T06:00:00.001Z

Friday 19 March 2010

S. IOSEPH SPONSI B.M.V. CONFESSORS
ET ECCLESIAE UNIVERSAE PATRONI
St Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M.
Patron of the Universal Church
1st Class, White
(commem. of feria at Lauds and Vespers)

Oremus.

Sanctíssimæ Genitrícis tuæ Sponsi, quæsumus, Dómine, méritis adjuvémur : ut, quod possibílitas nostra non óbtinet, ejus nobis intercessióne donétur : Qui vivis et regnas.

Let us pray.

Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that we may be assisted by the merits of the spouse of thy most holy Mother : and vouchsafe to give us at his intercession ; those things which by our own power we cannot obtain. Who livest and reignest with the Father.

~~*~~

Te Joseph Celebrent, Office Hymn, for the Solemnity:

(image: St Joseph in Millegem Kerk, Ranst, Belgium)

Fourth Sunday of Lent

2010-03-13T06:00:00.000Z

Sunday 14 March 2010

DOMINICA IV IN QUADRAGESIMA
Fourth Sunday of Lent
(Laetare Sunday)
1st Class, Violet or Rose
(Lauds II)

Oremus.

Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut, qui ex mérito nostræ actiónis afflígimur, tuæ grátiæ consolatióne respirémus. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved. Through.

Links:

(image: Vultus Christi)

Third Sunday of Lent

2010-03-06T06:00:00.000Z

Sunday 7 March 2010

DOMINICA III IN QUADRAGESIMA
Third Sunday of Lent
1st Class, Violet
(Lauds II)

Oremus.

Quæsumus, omnípotens Deus, vota humílium réspice : atque ad defensiónem nostram, déxteram tuæ majestátis exténde. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

We beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants : and stretch forth the right hand of thy majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies. Through.

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
NLM: Introit, Third Sunday of Lent
St Conleth's Catholic Heritage: Lent III: Ave Regina Cœlorum
St Mary Magdalen: "And You will live long in the Land..."
Fr Scott Bailey, CSsR: Evening Devotions

First Thursday of the Month: Plenary Indulgence Available

2010-03-01T01:00:00.000Z

Second Sunday of Lent

2010-02-27T06:00:00.000Z

Sunday 28 February 2010

DOMINICA II IN QUADRAGESIMA
Second Sunday of Lent
1st Class, Violet

Oremus.

Deus, qui cónspicis omni nos virtúte destítui : intérius exteriúsque custódi ; ut ab ómnibus adversitátibus muniámur in córpore, et a pravis cogitatiónibus mundémur in mente. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves : keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls ; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul. Through.

~~*~~

From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master 'began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things...and be killed, and on the third day be raised.'(Mt 16:21.) Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. (Mt 16:22-23.) In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus' Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, (Mt 17:1-8.) before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus' face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking 'of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem.' (Lk 9:31.)" (CCC 554) For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to 'enter into his glory.' (Lk 24:26.) (CCC 555)

Links:

Fr Goffine's The Church's Year
Gregorian Chant propers
Breviarium Romanum blog
St Conleth's Catholic Heritage: Lent II: Miserere

(image: breviary.net)