Torah of Yeshuah: PRAYERS 2

Canticle
Benedictus es, Domine

Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.

Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; *
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.

Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory to you, beholding the depths; *
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.

Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Second Canticle
Magnificat

Antiphon:Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you must be the slave of all.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Antiphon:Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you must be the slave of all.

Collect
O gracious God, we remember before you today your servant and apostle James, first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ; and we pray that you will pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service by which alone they may have true authority among your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Intercessions
The Apostles are the foundation and we are built on them. Let us pray to the almighty Father for his holy people:
- Lord, remember your Church.
Father, by your will the Apostles were the first to see your resurrected Son:
- may we be his witnesses, to the very ends of the earth. (R.)
Father, you sent your Son into the world to bring the Good News to the poor:
- may the Gospel be preached to every created thing. (R.)
Father, you sent your Son to sow the seed of the word:
- as we sow the Word with great labour, so may we reap its fruits with joy. (R.)
Father, you sent your Son to reconcile the world to you with his blood:
- grant that we may all work together for reconciliation. (R.)
Father, you have seated your Son at your right hand in heaven:
- receive the dead into your blessed kingdom. (R.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Closing Prayer
Almighty and ever-living God,
with the blood of Saint James
you consecrated the offering of the first-fruits of the Apostles.
Grant that your Church may draw strength from his martyrdom
and thrive by his intercession.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

Readings
for the Feast of

ST. ANDREW
Feast
November 30

MASS

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Mt 4: 18-19
Beside the Sea of Galilee,
the Lord saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew,
and he said to them:
Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.

COLLECT
We humbly implore your majesty, O Lord,
that, just as the blessed Apostle Andrew
was for your Church a preacher and pastor,
so he may be for us a constant intercessor before you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

FIRST READING Romans 10:9-18
If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved. The scripture says, "No one who believes in Him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him. For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." But how are men to call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 19: 8, 9, 10, 11

R. The judgements of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes.
R. The judgements of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
R. The judgements of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
R. The judgements of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
R. The judgements of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

ALLELUIA
We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

GOSPEL Matthew 4:18-22
As He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fisherman. And He said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately t they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant us, almighty God, that through these offerings,
which we bring on the feast day of Saint Andrew,
we may please you by what we have brought
and be given life by what you have accepted.
Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE
Preface I of the Apostles
Preface II of the Apostles

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Jn 1:41-42
Andrew told his brother Simon:
We have found the Messiah, the Christ,
and he brought him to Jesus.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May communion in your Sacrament strengthen us, O Lord,
so that by the example of the blessed Apostle Andrew
we, who carry in our body the Death of Christ,
may merit to live with him in glory.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

SOLEMN BLESSING OF THE APOSTLES
May God, who has granted you
to stand firm on apostolic foundations,
graciously bless you through the glorious merits
of the holy Apostle Bartholomew.
R. Amen.
And may he who endowed you
with the teaching and example of the Apostles,
make you, under their protection,
witnesses to the truth before all.
R. Amen.
So that through the intercession of the Apostles,
you may inherit the eternal homeland,
for by their teaching you possess firmness of faith.
R. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.
Morning Prayer
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.

HYMN

Great Saint Andrew, Friend of Jesus,
Lover of his glorious Cross,
Quickly at the Master's bidding,
Called from ease to pain and loss,
Sweet Saint Andrew, Simon's brother,
Like him started life anew,
Gladly spead the holy gospel
Which from Word of God he drew.
Blessed Saint Andrew, noble herald,
True Apostle, martyr bold,
Who, by deeds his words confirming,
Sealed with blood the truth he told.
Never was a crown more glorious,
Never prize to heart so dear,
As to him the cross of Jesus
When its promised joys drew near.
Melody: Suttgart or Contemplation 87.87.D
Music: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809-1847
Text: Frederick Oakley, 1802-1880

PSALMODY

Antiphon:Two men followed the Lord from the beginning; one of these was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter.

Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for GodO God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. Glory...

Antiphon:Two men followed the Lord from the beginning; one of these was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter.

Antiphon: The Lord loved Andrew and cherished his friendship.

Canticle - Daniel 3:57-88,56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5)
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.

Antiphon: The Lord loved Andrew and cherished his friendship.

Antiphon:Andrew said to his brother Simon: we have found the Messiah, and he brought him to Jesus.

Psalm 149
The joy of God's holy people
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius)
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained;
this honor is for all his faithful. Glory...

Antiphon: Andrew said to his brother Simon: we have found the Messiah, and he brought him to Jesus.

READING Ephesians 2:19-22
You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building that rises on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.

RESPONSORY
You have made them rulers over all the earth.
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.
They will always remember your name,O Lord,
- over all the earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- You have made them rulers over all the earth.

BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon:I bow before the cross made precious by Christ, my Master. I embrace it as his disciple.

INTERCESSIONS
Beloved friends, we have inherited heaven along with the apostles. Let us give thanks to the Father for all his gifts:

The company of apostles praises you, O Lord

Praise be to you, Lord, for the banquet of Christ's body and blood given us through the apostles,
- which refreshes us and gives us life

Praise be to you, Lord, for the feast of your word prepared for us by the apostles,
- giving us light and joy.

Praise be to you, Lord, for your holy Church, founded on the apostles,
- where we are gathered together into your community.

Praise be to you, Lord, for the cleansing power of baptism and penance that you have entrusted to your apostles,
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.

Our Father…

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE
July 3

DaytimePrayer
Antiphons are from the Proper below. Psalms are taken from the Psalms of the Day, or from the Complementary Psalter, as below. Hymns are from Daytime Prayer of the day or the Complementary Psalmody.

O God, come to my assistance
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Terce (Midmorning) Sext (Midday) Nones (Midafternoon)

TERCE

Antiphon on Psalms: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

READING 2 Cor. 5:19-20
God has entrusted to us the news of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ's name is: be reconciled to God.

Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.

SEXT

Antiphon on Psalms: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

READING Acts 5:12a,14
Through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders occurred among the people. Nevertheless, more and more believers, men and women in great numbers, were continually added to the Lord.

The Apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.

NONES

Antiphon on Psalms: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

READING Acts 5:41-42
The apostles left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name. They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted.

Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.

Complementary Psalms for Feasts of the Apostles
(Psalm 129 replaces Psalm 126)

Terce (Midmorning) Sext (Midday) Nones (Midafternoon)

TERCE

Antiphon: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.

Psalm 120
Longing for peace
Be patient in suffering, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)
To the Lord in the hour of my distress
I call and he answers me.
O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,
from the tongue of the deceitful.
What shall he repay you in return,
O treacherous tongue?
The warriors arrows sharpened
and coals, red-hot, blazing.
Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,
dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Long enough have I been dwelling
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
they are for fighting. Glory...
Psalm 121
Guardian of his people
Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel's guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever. Glory...
Psalm 122
The holy city, Jerusalem
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22)
I rejoiced when I heard them say:
Let us go to God's house.
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel's law it is,
there to praise the Lord's name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
Peace be to your homes!
For love of my brethren and friends
I say: Peace upon you.
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good. Glory...

Antiphon: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.

Continue

SEXT

Antiphon: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalm 123
The Lord is the hope of his people
Two blind men cried out: "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us" (Matthew 20:30)
To you have I lifted up my eyes,
you who dwell in the heavens;
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt.
Indeed all too full is our soul
with the scorn of the rich,
with the proud man's disdain. Glory...
Psalm 124
Our help is in the name of the Lord
The Lord said to Paul: Fear not...I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10)
If the Lord had not been on our side,
this is Israel's song.
If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept
the raging waters.
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Glory...
Psalm 125
The Lord, the guardian of his people
Peace to God's true Israel (Galatians 6:16)
Those who put their trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,
that stands for ever.
Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and for ever.
For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest
over the land of the just
for fear that the hands of the just
should turn to evil.
Do good, Lord, to those who are good,
to the upright of heart;
but the crooked and those who do evil,
drive them away!
On Israel, peace! Glory...

Antiphon: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.

Continue

NONES

Antiphon: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalm 129
God's people reaffirm their trust in time of affliction
The voice of the Church lamenting in suffering is heard in this psalm (St. Augustine)

"They have pressed me hard from my youth,"
this is Israel's song.
"They have pressed me hard from my youth
but could never destroy me.

They plowed my back like plowmen,
drawing long furrows.
But the Lord who is just, has destroyed
the yoke of the wicked."

Let them be shamed and routed,
those who hate Zion!
Let them be like grass on the roof
that withers before it flowers.

With that no reaper fills his arms,
no binder makes his sheaves
and those passing by will not say:
On you the Lord's blessing!

We bless you in the name of the Lord. Glory...
Psalm 127
Apart from God our labors are worthless
You are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:9)
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord,
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways. Glory...
Psalm 128
Happiness of family life rooted in God
"May the Lord bless you from Zion," that is, from the Church (Arnobius)
O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper;
the wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
May you see your children's children
in a happy Jerusalem!
On Israel, peace! Glory...

Antiphon: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.

ANDREW, APOSTLE
Evening PrayerPsalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.

HYMN

The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M. Music: Graham George, 1941 Text: Saint Ambrose, d. 397 Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866

PSALMODY

Antiphon:The Lord saw Peter and Andrew; he called them to follow him.

Psalm 116:10-19
I trusted, even when I said:
I am sorely afflicted,
and when I said in my alarm:
No man can be trusted.
How can I repay the Lord
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord's name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfill
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem. Glory...

Antiphon: The Lord saw Peter and Andrew; he called them to follow him..

Antiphon: Come follow me, said the Lord. I will make you fishers of men.

Psalm 126
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: "What marvels
the Lord worked for them!"
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.Glory...

Antiphon: Come follow me, said the Lord. I will make you fishers of men.

Antiphon:The left their nets to follow Christ, their Lord and Redeemer.

Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10

Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him
before the world began
to be holy
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out
in Christ, in the fulness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth. Glory...

Antiphon:The left their nets to follow Christ, their Lord and Redeemer.

READING Ephesians 4:11-13
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature

RESPONSORY
Tell all the nations how glorious God is.
- Tell all the nations how glorious God is.
Make known his wonders to every people
- how glorious God is.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- Tell all the nations how glorious God is.

MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: Andrew served Christ and loyally preached the Gospel; with his bother Peter, he laid down his life for God.

INTERCESSIONS
My brothers and sisters, we build on the foundation of the Apostles. Let us pray to our almighty Father for his holy people and say:

Be mindful of your Church, O Lord.

Father, you wanted your Son to be seen first by the apostles
after the resurrection from the dead.
- We ask you to make us his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
You sent your Son to preach your good news to the poor,
- help us to preach this Gospel to every creature.
You sent your Son to sow the seed of unending life,
- grant that we who work at sowing the seed may share the joy of the harvest.
You sent your Son to reconcile all to you through his blood,
- help us all to work toward achieving this reconciliation.
Your Son sits at your right hand in heaven,
- Let the dead enter your kingdom of joy.

Our Father…

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
ANDREW, APOSTLE
Office of Readings

Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.

Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.

Office of Readings
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Your hand, O Lord, has guided
Your Church from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written
So clearly on each page;
Our fathers praised your goodness,
And we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your heralds brought glad tidings
To greatest and to least;
They told all men to hasten
To share the great King’s feast;
And this was all their teaching
In every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Through many days of darkness,
Through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely
To guard the Christian life;
Their gospel of redemption,
Sin pardoned, man restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Your mercy will not fail us,
Nor leave your work undone;
With all your strength to help us,
The vict’ry shall be won;
And then by men and angels
Your name shall be adored,
And this shall be their anthem:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord.
Melody: Thornbury 76.76.D; Music: Basil Harwood, 1859-1949; Text: Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-1891, alt. by Anthony G. Petti; Midi: Cyberhymnal

PSALMODY

Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
There he has placed a tent for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent,
rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest end of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed from its burning heat. Glory...

Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.

Psalm 64
Hear my voice, O God, as I complain,
guard my life from dread of the foe.
Hide me from the band of the wicked,
from the throng of those who do evil.
They sharpen their tongues like swords;
they aim bitter words like arrows
to shoot at the innocent from ambush,
shooting suddenly and recklessly.
They scheme their evil course;
they conspire to lay secret snares.
They say: "Who will see us?
Who can search out our crimes?"
He will search who searches the mind
and knows the depths of the heart.
God has shot them with his arrow
and dealt them sudden wounds.
Their own tongue has brought them to ruin
and all who see them mock.
Then will all men fear;
they will tell what God has done.
They will understand God's deeds.
The just will rejoice in the Lord
and fly to him for refuge.
All the upright hearts will glory. Glory...

Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.

Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.
They proclaimed the Lord's praises, told of his power to save.
- And of the wonders he had worked.

FIRST READING

From the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians 1:18-2:5

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the learning of the learned I will set aside."
Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?
For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."
When I came to you, brothers, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,
and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

RESPONSORY
As the Lord was walking by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Peter and Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
he called out to them, saying:
- Come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men.

They were fishermen, so he said to them:
- Come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men.

SECOND READING

From a homily on the gospel of John by St John Chrysostum, bishop
(Hom. 19, 1: PG 59, 120-121)

We have found the Messiah

After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned much from him, he did not keep this treasure to himself, but hastened to share it with his brother. Notice what Andrew said to him: We have found the Messiah, that is to say, the Christ. Notice how his words reveal what he has learned in so short a time. They show the power of the master who has convinced them of this truth. They reveal the zeal and concern of men preoccupied with this question from the very beginning. Andrew’s words reveal a soul waiting with the utmost longing for the coming of the Messiah, looking forward to his appearing from heaven, rejoicing when he does appear, and hastening to announce so great an event to others. To support one another in the things of the spirit is the true sign of good will between brothers, of loving kinship and sincere affection.
Notice, too, how, even from the beginning, Peter is docile and receptive in spirit. He hastens to Jesus without delay. He brought him to Jesus, says the evangelist. But Peter must not be condemned for his readiness to accept Andrew’s word without much weighing of it. It is probable that his brother had given him, and many others, a careful account of the event; the evangelists, in the interest of brevity, regularly summarise a lengthy narrative. Saint John does not say that Peter believed immediately, but that he brought him to Jesus. Andrew was to hand him over to Jesus, to learn everything for himself. There was also another disciple present, and he hastened with them for the same purpose.
When John the Baptist said: This is the Lamb, and he baptizes in the Spirit, he left the deeper understanding of these things to be received from Christ. All the more so would Andrew act in the same way, since he did not think himself able to give a complete explanation. He brought his brother to the very source of light, and Peter was so joyful and eager that he would not delay even for a moment.

RESPONSORY
As soon as Andrew heard the Lord preaching,
he left the nets, which were his livelihood and way of life,
- and followed the Lord who gives eternal life.

This is the man who endured suffering for the love of Christ and for his law.
- and followed the Lord who gives eternal life.

CANTICLE TE DEUM

You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
R. govern and uphold them, now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you;
R. we praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin;
R. have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The concluding part of the hymn may be omitted.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
St John Chrysostom's Homily on the Holy Apostle Andrew

This homily by St. John Chrysostom is to be found in St. Symeon Metaphrastes' "Lives of the Saints."

Strong is the net used by the apostles to fish, wondrous the memory of Andrew, and marvelous the commemoration of the net he employed to catch the nations and to lead them to faith in Christ! The seine of those deathless mortals, the apostles, can never be torn by forgetfulness, nor can time destroy their fishing tackle, made not by the art of man but by the grace of God. The fishermen themselves have departed from us, yet neither their gear nor the sweep-net with which they ensnared the world have fallen into decay. They cast and pull in their net invisibly, but the net is clearly seen to be full. They do not make use of a rod that time decays, nor do they let down into the water flaxen cord, which rots with time. No hook that rusts away have they fashioned; no bait have they prepared for a hook with which to catch fish. They do not sit upon a rock washed by waters, nor in a ship that may be sunk by a tempest do they sail. Indeed, it is not fish, by nature irrational, that they catch. Astonishing are the methods of which they make use; new and previously unseen their gear. With them, preaching replaces the rod; their recollections of Christ, the fishing-line; the might of grace, the hook; miracles, bait; and the heavens, from which they cast their line, the rock at the water's edge. Their ship is the holy altar; instead of fish, their catch is kings. They do not spread a net but the Gospel. Their work is guided by divine grace, not by the rules of the fishing trade. They are not helmsmen of ships on the sea but men's guides in life; and the seine, the sweep-net they always employ, is the Cross.
Who has ever seen fisherman from the dead catch living men like fish? O, great is the power of the Crucified One! Wondrous is the beauty of the divine! Mighty are the deeds of the Apostles! Nothing in this life is as great and lofty as the grace given them!
The history of mankind has seen much that is marvelous and surpasses understanding; it has seen spilt blood cry, murder call out as though with a tongue, nature divided and turned against itself in jealousy, brother slay a brother born of the same womb, and the door of death opened by rancor. It has seen Noah's ark remain afloat while the whole world was submerged by the flood and the human race destroyed. It has seen an old man, because of his faith, arm himself against his own son, the offspring of his loins, and take him to sacrifice, although the son was not put to death. It has seen a blessing stolen and God the Creator wrestle with His servant. It has seen envy arise between brethren and slavery lead to dominion over a kingdom. A throne it has seen prepared by a dream and those who betrayed their brother compelled by famine to return to him. It has seen a rod work miracles and a bush covered with flames as if with dew. It has seen Moses the lawgiver give commands to nature. It has seen water made hard as a rock, the bottom of the sea laid bare, a path suddenly opened, and a pillar of cloud by day and one of fire by night serve as guides for a host of people. It has beheld a rod blossom, although the rod was not planted in the earth, and seen manna given as bread from heaven. It has seen the sun halted in its course by a man's prayers and a prophet conceived through the supplications of a barren woman. It has seen a handful of meal made greater than the contents of a granary and a cruse of oil steam forth more abundantly than a spring. It has seen a chariot ascend through the air, carrying away a prophet, and the bones of the dead become a life-giving potion. The history of mankind has seen many great and marvelous things, but all of them pass away and are extinguished like a lamb put out at the rising of the sun. Never has there been anything or anyone like the apostles.
As servants of God the Word, they touched the Incarnate One, Who as God has no form. They followed after Him Who is everywhere present and reclined with Him Who cannot be contained in any place. They heard the voice of Him Who created the world by a word, and caught the world with their tongues as if with nets. Their travels took them to the ends of the earth. Error they rooted up like thistles, and they levelled heathen places of sacrifices like thorns cut down to the ground. They utterly destroyed idols as if they were wild beasts, and drove off demons as though they were wolves. They assembled their flock, the Church, and gathered in the Orthodox like a crop of wheat. But heresies they cast away like tares, while they caused Judaism to whither up like grass and destroyed paganism as if by fire, reducing it to ashes. The Cross was the plough with which they cultivated human nature, and they sowed on that ground the seed of the word of God.
Their deeds shone like the stars; therefore the Lord said of them, "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5). The eastern horizon is for the Christian man the Lord, born of a Virgin; morning, Him Who gave an example to all by being baptized. The light of the sun is the grace of Christ crucified; its rays the wondrous tongues of fire that appeared at Pentecost. Morning is the age to come; midday, the time when the Lord hung on the Cross. The western horizon is the grave; evening, death, which quickly passes away at the rising of the sun, the resurrection of the dead. "Ye are", it is said, "the light of the world." Let us gaze upon these stars and marvel at their brilliance!
When Andrew, whom we commemorate today, found the Lord of all, he cried to his brother Peter, "We have found the Messiah!" (Jn. 1) O brotherly love that surpasses measure! O good reversal of nature's order! Andrew was born after Peter, but it was he who lead Peter to the Gospel, catching him by the word, "We have found the Messiah!" Joyfully did he exclaim these words:
"We have found a treasure!" Andrew cried. "Flee, O Peter, the poverty of circumcision; strip yourself of the ragged cloak of the Law, and cast off the yoke of its written ordinances. Count all things temporal as of little importance. Regard your present life as a dream, and flee Bethsaida, the wretched dwelling of outcasts. Forsake your nets, the gear of impoverished men; your boat, refuge from deluge; fishing, an occupation for times of flood; fish, gluttony's merchandise; the people of the Jews, a nation ever in revolt against God; and Caiaphas, the father of a rebellious nation. 'We have found the Messiah' Whom the prophets foretold and Whose coming the Law heralded like a trumpet. We have found the treasure hidden in the Law. Flee, O Peter, the famine of the written statutes! 'We have found the Messiah', foreshadowed in ancient wonders, Whom Micah beheld sitting upon a throne of glory, Whom Isaiah saw surrounded by seraphim, Whom Ezekiel saw amid the cherubim, Whom Daniel beheld sitting upon the clouds, Whom Nebuchadnezzar saw in the furnace, Whom Abraham received in his tent, Whom Jacob would not release until he had received his blessing, Whose back parts Moses beheld as he stood upon a rock. We have found Him Who was begotten before time and appeared in the last times. Great is this treasure, which can never be exhausted! The riches thereof are not subject to the laws of nature; they exist eternally although they are newly revealed. 'We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.'"
Many were they whom God anointed, but all were subject to death. Abraham He anointed, but he moulders in the grave; Isaac He also anointed, but his bones lie in a sepulchre. Jacob He anointed, but he was mortal, and Moses as well, whose body lies in a place known to no one. David was also anointed, but like the others he was death's prey. All alike were captives of death. Only Christ is by nature God. Yet in His compassion He became man, leaving sealed the virginal womb from which he appeared and making of fisherman springs of healing; for His are dominion and the kingdom, and unto Him, together with His blameless and consubstantial Father and the Holy Spirit, are due glory and worship, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Readings
for the Feast of

ST. BARTHOLOMEW
Feast
August 24

MASS

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 96 (95): 2-3
Proclaim the salvation of God day by day;
tell among the nations his glory.

GLORIA

COLLECT
Strengthen in us, O Lord, the faith,
by which the blessed Apostle Bartholomew
clung wholeheartedly to your Son,
and grant that through the help of his prayers
your Church may become for all the nations
the sacrament of salvation.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

FIRST READING Revelation 21:9b-14
The angel spoke to me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west. The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

ALLELUIA John 20:29
Rabbi, you are the Son of God;
you are the King of Israel.

GOSPEL John 1:45-51
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

CREDO

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we celebrate anew
the feast day of Saint Bartholomew, O Lord,
we pray that we may obtain your help
through the intercession of the Apostle,
in whose honor we bring you this sacrifice of praise.
Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE
Preface I of the Apostles
Preface II of the Apostles

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Lk 22: 29-30
I confer a kingdom on you,
just as my Father has conferred one on me,
that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
As we celebrate the feast day
of the blessed Apostle Bartholomew,
we have received the pledge of eternal salvation, O Lord,
and we pray that it may be of help to us,
both now and for the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord.

Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.

Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.

Psalm 95 Psalm 100 Psalm 67 Psalm 24

HYMN

PSALMODY

Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.

Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.
Psalm 97
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.
A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.
The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.
Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name. Glory...

Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.

They proclaimed the Lord's praises, told of his power to save.
- And of the wonders he had worked.

FIRST READING

From the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians 4:1-16

Men should regard us as servants of Christ and administrators of the mysteries of God. The first requirement of an administrator is that he prove trustworthy. It matters little to me whether you or any human court pass judgment on me. I do not even pass judgment on myself. Mind you, I have nothing on my conscience. But that does not mean that I am declaring myself innocent. The Lord is the one to judge me, so stop passing judgment before the time of his return. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and manifest the intentions of hearts. At that time, everyone will receive his praise from God.
Brothers, I have applied all this to myself and Apollos by way of example for your benefit. May you learn from us not to go beyond what is set down, so that none of you will grow self-important by reason of his association with one person rather than another. Who confers any distinction on you? Name something you have that you have not received. If, then, you have received it, why are you boasting as if it were your own? At the moment you are completely satisfied. You have grown rich! You have launched upon your reign with no help from us. Would that you had really begun to reign, that we might be reigning with you!
As I see it, God has put us apostles at the end of the line, like men doomed to die in the arena. We have become a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ’s account. Ah, but in Christ you are wise! We are the weak ones, you the strong! They honor you, while they sneer at us! Up to this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless. We work hard at manual labor. When we are insulted we respond with a blessing. Persecution comes our way; we bear it patiently. We are slandered, and we try conciliation. We have become the world’s refuse, the scum of all; that is the present state of affairs.
I am writing you in this way not to shame you but to admonish you as my beloved children. Granted you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you have only one father. It was I who begot you in Christ Jesus through my preaching of the gospel. I beg you, then, be imitators of me.

RESPONSORY John 15:15; Matthew 13:11, 16
I no longer call you servants, but my friends,
– for I have shared with you everything
I have heard from my Father.
The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven have been revealed to you;
blessed are your eyes because they see
and your ears because they hear.
– For I have shared with you everything
I have heard from my Father.

SECOND READING

From a homily on the first letter to the Corinthians by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop
(Hom. 4,3,4: PG 61, 34-36)

The weakness of God is stronger than men

It was clear through unlearned men that the cross was persuasive, in fact, it persuaded the whole world. Their discourse was not of unimportant matters but of God and true religion, of the Gospel way of life and future judgment, yet it turned plain, uneducated men into philosophers. How the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and his weakness stronger than men!
In what way is it stronger? It made its way throughout the world and overcame all men; countless men sought to eradicate the very name of the Crucified, but that name flourished and grew even mightier. Its enemies lost out and perished; the living who waged war on a dead man proved helpless. Therefore, when a Greek tells me I am dead, he shows only that he is foolish indeed, for I, whom he thinks a fool, turn out to be wiser than those reputed wise. So too, in calling me weak, he but shows that he is weaker still. For the good deeds which tax-collectors and fishermen were able to accomplish by Gods grace, the philosophers, the rulers, the countless multitudes cannot even imagine.
Paul had this in mind when he said: The weakness of God is stronger than men. That the preaching of these men was indeed divine is brought home to us in the same way. For how otherwise could twelve uneducated men, who lived on lakes and rivers and wastelands, get the idea for such an immense enterprise? How could men who perhaps had never been in a city or a public square think of setting out to do battle with the whole world? That they were fearful, timid men, the evangelist makes clear; he did not reject the fact or try to hide their weaknesses. Indeed he turned these into a proof of the truth. What did he say of them? That when Christ was arrested, the others fled, despite all the miracles they had seen, while he who was leader of the others denied him!
How then account for the fact that these men, who in Christ's lifetime did not stand up to the attacks by the Jews, set forth to do battle with the whole world once Christ was dead - if, as you claim, Christ did not rise and speak to them and rouse their courage? Did they perhaps say to themselves: "What is this? He could not save himself but he will protect us? He did not help himself when he was alive, but now that he is dead he will extend a helping hand to us? In his lifetime he brought no nation under his banner, but by uttering his name we will win over the whole world?" Would it not be wholly irrational even to think such thoughts, much less to act upon them?
It is evident, then, that if they had not seen him risen and had proof of his power, they would not have risked so much.

RESPONSORY 1 Cor. 1:23-24; 2 Cor 4:8; Rom 8:37
We preach Christ crucified,
a stumbling block to Jews
and an absurdity to Gentiles,
but to those who have heard his call,
- Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

We are afflictred in every way possible,
but in all these trials the victory is ours,
because of Christ who loves us.
- Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

CANTICLE TE DEUM

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE
Morning Prayer

Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.

Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.

Psalm 95 Psalm 100 Psalm 67 Psalm 24

Morning Prayer
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.

HYMN

Let all on earth their voices raise,
Resounding heaven's praise,
To him who gave apostles grace
To run their glorious race.
Of Gospel truth they bore the light
To brighten earthly night;
May we that heav'nly light impart
To ev'ry mind and heart.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Spirit Three in One,
Who sent these men with holy fire
All mankind to inspire. Amen.
Melody: Saint Peter C.M.; A. R. Reingale, 1799-1877 Text: Exultet Orbis Gaudiis, 10th century; Translator: Roger Nachtwey, 1965; Midi: Cyberhymnal

PSALMODY

Antiphon:My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you.

Antiphon:There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.

Antiphon: There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.

Antiphon: You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you.

BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon: On the foundation stones of the heavenly Jerusalem, the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are written; the Lamb of God is the light of that holy city.

INTERCESSIONS
Beloved friends, we have inherited heaven along with the apostles. Let us give thanks to the Father for all his gifts:

The company of apostles praises you, O Lord

Praise be to you, Lord, for the banquet of Christ's body and blood given us through the apostles,
- which refreshes us and gives us life

Praise be to you, Lord, for the feast of your word prepared for us by the apostles,
- giving us light and joy.

Praise be to you, Lord, for your holy Church, founded on the apostles,
- where we are gathered together into your community.

Praise be to you, Lord, for the cleansing power of baptism and penance that you have entrusted to your apostles,
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.

Our Father…

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE
July 3

Terce (Midmorning) Sext (Midday) Nones (Midafternoon)

TERCE

Antiphon on Psalms: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.

SEXT

Antiphon on Psalms: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

The Apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.

NONES

Antiphon on Psalms: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.

Complementary Psalms for Feasts of the Apostles
(Psalm 129 replaces Psalm 126)

Terce (Midmorning) Sext (Midday) Nones (Midafternoon)

TERCE

Antiphon: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.

Continue

SEXT

Antiphon: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.

Continue

NONES

"They have pressed me hard from my youth,"
this is Israel's song.
"They have pressed me hard from my youth
but could never destroy me.

They plowed my back like plowmen,
drawing long furrows.
But the Lord who is just, has destroyed
the yoke of the wicked."

Let them be shamed and routed,
those who hate Zion!
Let them be like grass on the roof
that withers before it flowers.

With that no reaper fills his arms,
no binder makes his sheaves
and those passing by will not say:
On you the Lord's blessing!

Antiphon: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.

BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE
Evening PrayerPsalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.

HYMN

PSALMODY

Antiphon: You are the men who have stood by me in my time of trial.

Antiphon: I have lived among you as one who ministers to others.

Antiphon:I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.

Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10

Antiphon: I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.

READING Ephesians 4:13
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature

MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: When all things are made new, and the Son of Man is enthroned in majesty, you will sit in judgment over the twelve tribes of Israel.

INTERCESSIONS
My brothers and sisters, we build on the foundation of the Apostles. Let us pray to our almighty Father for his holy people and say:

Be mindful of your Church, O Lord.

Our Father…

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
Readings
for the Feast of

Sts. Philip and James
Apostles
May 3
MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Lk 22:32
Isti sunt viri sancti, quos elégit Dóminus in caritáte no ficta, et dedit illis glóriam sempitérnam, allelúia.
These are the holy men
whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love;
to them he gave eternal glory, alleluia.

COLLECT
O God, who gladden us each year
with the feast day of the Apostles Philip and James,
grant us, through their prayers,
a share in the Passion and Resurrection
of your Only Begotten Son,
so that we may merit to behold you for eternity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

FIRST READING 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast -- unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brethen at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared also to me.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 19:2-3,4-5
In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum.

R. Their message goes out through all the earth. or: Alleluia.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth. or: Alleluia.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth. or: Alleluia.

ALLELUIA Jn 14:6b, 9c
Ego sum via, véritas et vita, dicit Dóminus; Phillípe, qui videt me, videt et Patrem.
I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord;
Philip, whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, the offerings we bring
for the feast day of the Apostles Philip and James
and bestow on us religion pure and undefiled.
Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE
Preface I of the Apostles
Preface II of the Apostles

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Jn 14: 8-9
Dómine, osténde nobis Patrem, et súfficit nobis, Phillípe, qui videt me, videt et Patrem meum, allelúia.
Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.
Whoever has seen me, Philip, has seen the Father also, alleluia.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Purify our minds, we pray, O Lord,
by these holy gifts we have received,
so that, contemplating you in your Son
together with the Apostles Philip and James,
we may be worthy to possess eternal life.
Through Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING OF THE APOSTLES
May God, who has granted you
to stand firm on apostolic foundations,
graciously bless you through the glorious merits
of the holy Apostles Philip and James.
R. Amen.
And may he who endowed you
with the teaching and example of the Apostles,
make you, under their protection,
witnesses to the truth before all.
R. Amen.
So that through the intercession of the Apostles,
you may inherit the eternal homeland,
for by their teaching you possess firmness of faith.
R. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.
FEAST OF STS. PHILIP AND JAMES
Morning Prayer

Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.

Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.

HYMN

PSALMODY

Antiphon: Lord, show us the Father, as we shall be satisified, alleluia.

Antiphon: Have I been with you all this time and still you do not know me? Philip, whoever sees me, sees my Father also, alleluia.
Canticle - Daniel 3:57-88,56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5)
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.

Antiphon: Have I been with you all this time and still you do not know me? Philip, whoever sees me, sees my Father also, alleluia.

Antiphon: Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid; trust in God and trust also in me; there are many rooms in my Father's house, alleluia.
Antiphon: Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid; trust in God and trust also in me; there are many rooms in my Father's house, alleluia.

BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon: Philip found Nathanael and said to him: We have found the man Moses wrote of in the law, the one of whom the prophets spoke. He is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth, alleluia.

INTERCESSIONS
Beloved friends, we have inherited heaven along with the apostles. Let us give thanks to the Father for all his gifts:

The company of apostles praises you, O Lord

Praise be to you, Lord, for the banquet of Christ's body and blood given us through the apostles,
- which refreshes us and gives us life

Praise be to you, Lord, for the feast of your word prepared for us by the apostles,
- giving us light and joy.

Praise be to you, Lord, for your holy Church, founded on the apostles,
- where we are gathered together into your community.

Praise be to you, Lord, for the cleansing power of baptism and penance that you have entrusted to your apostles,
- through which we are cleansed of our sins.

Our Father…

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
STS. PHILIP AND JAMES
Apostles

Daytime Prayer

Antiphons are from the Proper below. Psalms are taken from the Psalms of the Day, or from the Complementary Psalter, as below. Hymns are from Daytime Prayer of the day or the Complementary Psalmody.

TERCE

Antiphon on Psalms: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
SEXT

Antiphon on Psalms: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

The Apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.
NONES

Antiphon on Psalms: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
Psalms of the Day, or Complementary Psalms.

Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.

Antiphon: Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.

SEXT

Antiphon: Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.

Antiphon: By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.
STS. PHILIP AND JAMES
Apostles
Evening Prayer
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.

HYMN

PSALMODY

Antiphon: Philip, whoever sees me sees my Father, also, alleluia.

Antiphon: If you had known me you would have known my Father also. Now you both know him and see him, alleluia.

Antiphon: If you love me, says the Lord, keep my commandments, alleluia.

MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: If you live in me and my words live in you, all you ask for wil be yours, alleluia.

INTERCESSIONS
My brothers and sisters, we build on the foundation of the Apostles. Let us pray to our almighty Father for his holy people and say:

Be mindful of your Church, O Lord.

Our Father…

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
FEAST OF STS. PHILIP AND JAMES
Office of Readings

Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.

Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.
Office of Readings
Psalter, Common of the Apostles
God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.

HYMN

PSALMODY

Antiphon 1: Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

Antiphon 2: They proclaimed what God has done for us; they grasped the meaning of his deeds.

Antiphon 3: God's holiness was revealed by them; all nations saw God's glory.

They proclaimed the Lord's praises, told of his power to save.
- And of the wonders he had worked.

FIRST READING

SECOND READING

From the treatise On the Prescription of Heretics by Tertullian, priest
(Cap. 20:1-9:21,3; 22,8-10: CCL 1, 201-204)

The preaching of the apostles

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself declared what he was, what he had been, how he was carrying out his Father’s will, what obligations he demanded of men. This he did during his earthly life, either publicly to the crowds or privately to his disciples. Twelve of these he picked out to be his special companions, appointed to teach the nations.
One of them fell from his place. The remaining eleven were commanded by Christ, as he was leaving the earth to return to the Father after his resurrection, to go and teach the nations and to baptise them into the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The apostles cast lots and added Matthias to their number, in place of Judas, as the twelfth apostle. The authority for this action is to be found in a prophetic psalm of David. After receiving the power of the Holy Spirit which had been promised to them, so that they could work miracles and proclaim the truth, they first bore witness to their faith in Jesus Christ and established churches throughout Judea. They then went out into the whole world and proclaimed to the nations the same doctrinal faith.
They set up churches in every city. Other churches received from them a living transplant of faith and the seed of doctrine, and through this daily process of transplanting they became churches. They therefore qualify as apostolic churches by being the offspring of churches that are apostolic.
Every family has to be traced back to its origins. That is why we can say that all these great churches constitute that one original Church of the apostles; for it is from them that they all come. They are all primitive, all apostolic, because they are all one. They bear witness to this unity by the peace in which they all live, the brotherhood which is their name, the fellowship to which they are pledged. The principle on which these associations are based is common tradition by which they share the same sacramental bond.
The only way in which we can prove what the apostles taught – that is to say, what Christ revealed to them – is through those same churches. They were founded by the apostles themselves, who first preached to them by what is called the living voice and later by means of letters.
The Lord had said clearly in former times: I have many more things to tell you, but you cannot endure them now. But he went on to say: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into the whole truth. Thus Christ shows us that the apostles had full knowledge of the truth, for he had promised that they would receive the whole truth through the Spirit of truth. His promise was certainly fulfilled, since the Acts of the Apostles prove that the Holy Spirit came down on them.

RESPONSORY
Some Greeks approached Philip with this request:
Sir, we wish to see Jesus.
- Philip went to tell Andrew;
Andrew and Philip then went to inform Jesus, alleluia.
In the very place where it was said to them,
You are not my people,
they will be called sons of the living God.
- Philip went to tell Andrew;
Andrew and Philip then went to inform Jesus, alleluia.

CANTICLE TE DEUM

Let us praise the Lord.
- And give him thanks.

Stir up the will of your faithful, we pray, O Lord, that, striving more eagerly to bring your divine work to fruitful completion, they may receive in greater measure the healing remedies your kindness bestows. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Novena to Christ the King
JESUS, Thou didst declare that Thy Kingdom is upon the earth, but not of the earth; it is a spiritual, supernatural Kingdom, the Kingdom of truth. It fights with the power of conviction, and conquers by this means the hearts that by right belong to it. Thou Thyself art witness to this truth, and Thou Thyself art the Truth.
Jesus, I believe that Thou art truly a King because Thou hast come into the world to institute among people the rule of God; every person who is of the truth, who believes in God and recognizes His authority in human affairs, owes Thee a loyal and undivided allegiance and "hears Thy voice."
I am a member of Thy Kingdom, and Thou art my King. To Thee I owe loyalty, obedience, and love. Help me to carry out these most sacred duties toward Thee. I wish to be "of the truth " that is "a child of God" and
gladly to hear Thy voice and follow Thee in all things. I accept Thee as my King and submit to Thy authority.
Reign supremely in my heart and in my life. Thy reign is heavenly peace; Thy law is love. Help me to pray and work that Thy Kingdom may come into every soul, every family, every nation.
Jesus, since I honor Thee as my King, I come to Thee with great confidence, asking Thee to grant this special favor, if it be Thy holy Will:
(Mention your request).
Lord Jesus Christ, my King, I adore Thee as the Son of God, and through the prayers of Thy most loving Mother I beg of Thee, send me from out of the abundance of Thy loving Heart the grace of the Holy Spirit in order that He may enlighten my ignorance, purify and sanctify my sinful heart, and confirm me in Thy holy love. This I request through the love of the Father and the Holy Spirit, through Thine infinite mercy, and through the merits of all Thy Saints. Amen.
Litany of Christ the King
For Private Use Only.
The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power
and Divinity and wisdom and strength and honor;
To Him be glory and empire forever and ever.
V. He shall rule from sea to sea,
and from the river to the ends of the earth.
R. All kings shall adore Him, all nations shall serve Him.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ the King, hear us.
Christ the King, graciously hear us.
Thou Who didst receive crowns and tribute from the Magi,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who didst rule by love the Holy Family of Nazareth,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who as King, served Thy people in the example of filial obedience,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who drawest to Thy realm the fishermen to be fishers of men,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Whose Kingdom is not of the spirit of this world,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who art King not of the Jews alone but of all creation,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who wast mocked in false purple by the little rulers,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who wast crowned with piercing thorns,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who wast nailed to Thy throne on Golgotha,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who didst ransom Thy people by the royal Sacrifice of Calvary,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who didst purchase Thy Kingdom with the Blood of the Atonement,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who in Thy Resurrection wert the First-born from the dead.
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who in Thy glorified Body art risen triumphant,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Who art enthroned and crowned at the right hand of The Father,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
In Whom are all created things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Beneath Whom are all thrones and dominations.
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Beneath Whom are all principalities and powers,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
By Whom all things subsist,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
To Whom all the nations of the earth are subject,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
Through Whom all things are reconciled unto Thy Father,
May all nations serve Thee, O Lord.
V. His power shall be an everlasting power,
R. And His Kingdom a kingdom that shall not be destroyed.
That the peoples of this world may know
themselves subject to Thee,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may put off their vainglory,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may dispel the evils laicism has brought upon society,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may hearken to Thy fiat,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may bow their heads before Thee,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may know Thy reign is eternal,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may submit to Thy just and gentle rule,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may recognize Thy Vicar on earth,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may freely accept his rule for Thy sake,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That they may know that Thy Church, being Thee
Thyself, cannot die as nations die,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That the Gentiles may be restored to mercy,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That to Christ the King all things may be restored,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
That in the Prince of Peace true peace may by all be found,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Christ our King.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Hear us, O Christ our King.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. His power shall be an everlasting power,
which shall not be taken away,
R. And His Kingdom shall not decay. Alleluia.
Let Us Pray.
Almighty, everlasting God, Who in Thy beloved Son,
King of the whole world, hast willed to restore all things anew,
grant in Thy mercy that all the families of nations,
rent asunder by the wound of sin, may be subjected
to His most gentle rule, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
Readings for the Eucharist
VIGIL MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Peter the apostle and Paul the teacher of the Gentiles have brought us to know the law of the Lord.

OPENING PRAYER
Lord our God, encourage us through the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul. May the apostles who strengthened the faith of the infant Church help us on our way of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Father in heaven, the light of your revelation brought Peter and Paul the gift of faith in Jesus your Son. Through their prayers may we always give thanks for your life given us in Christ Jesus, and for having been enriched by him in all knowledge and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A reading from the book of Acts 3:1-10
Peter and John were going up to the temple area for the three o'clock hour of prayer. And a man crippled from birth was carried and placed at the gate of the temple called "the Beautiful Gate" every day to beg for alms from the people who entered the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. But Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." He paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk." Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw the man walking and praising God, they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 19:2-3, 4-5
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day;
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Galatians 1:11-20
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, and progressed in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my race, since I was even more a zealot for my ancestral traditions. But when God, who from my mother's womb had set me apart and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him to the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; rather, I went into Arabia and then returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the Apostles, only James the brother of the Lord. --As to what I am writing to you, behold, before God, I am not lying.

GOSPEL ANTIPHON John 21:7
Lord, you know everything; / you know that I love you.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 21:15-19
Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and, when they had finished breakfast, said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."
He then said to Simon Peter a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Lord, we present these gifts on this feast of the apostles Peter and Paul. Help us to know our own weaknesses and to rejoice in your saving power. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 21:15,17
Simon, Son of John, do you love me more than these? Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.

Propers for Catholic Mass during the day

Entrance Antiphon
These men, conquering all human frailty, shed their blood and helped the Church to grow. By sharing the cup of the Lord's suffering, they became the friends of God - See Mt 20:22-23

Opening Prayer
God our Father, Today you give us the joy of celebrating the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul. Through them your Church first received the faith. Keep us true to their teaching. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Praise to you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in your great mercy have given us new birth and hope through the power of Christ's resurrection.

Through the prayers of the apostles Peter and Paul may we who received this faith through their preaching share their joy in following the Lord to the unfading inheritance reserved for us in heaven. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

First Reading

Acts 12:1-11

In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. –It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.– He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on his behalf.
On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter recovered his senses and said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.”
Responsorial Psalm

34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Communion Prayer and Prayer after Communion:
Lord, renew the life of your Church with the power of this sacrament. May the breaking of bread and the teaching of the apostles keep us united in your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Communion Song
Peter said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered, You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church. - Matt 16:16,18

Orthodox Divine Liturgy

Troparion - Tone 4
First-enthroned of the apostles, teachers of the universe: Entreat the Master of all to grant peace to the world, and to our souls great mercy!
Kontakion - Tone 2
O Lord, You have taken up to eternal rest and to the enjoyment of Your blessings the two divinely-inspired preachers, the leaders of the Apostles, for You have accepted their labors and deaths as a sweet-smelling sacrifice, for You alone know what lies in the hearts of men.
Kontakion - Tone 2
Today Christ the Rock glorifies with highest honor The rock of Faith and leader of the Apostles, Together with Paul and the company of the twelve, Whose memory we celebrate with eagerness of faith, Giving glory to the one who gave glory to them!
Eucharist
Episcopal Church

Collect:Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever Amen.

Readings
for the Feast of

PETER AND PAUL
Solemnity
June 29

At the Vigil Mass

This Mass is used on the evening of 28 June, either before or after First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Solemnity.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Peter the Apostle, and Paul the teacher of the Gentiles,
these have taught us your law, O Lord.

COLLECT
Grant, we pray, O Lord our God,
that we may be sustained
by the intercession of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul,
that, as through them you gave your Church
the foundations of her heavenly office,
so through them you may help her to eternal salvation.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

ALLELUIA John 21:17
Lord, you know everything:
you know that I love you.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We bring offerings to your altar, O Lord,
as we glory in the solemn feast
of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul,
so that the more we doubt our own merits,
the more we may rejoice that we are to be saved
by your loving kindness.
Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE The twofold mission of Peter and Paul in the Church
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is right and just.
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

For by your providence
the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul bring us joy:
Peter, foremost in confessing the faith,
Paul, its outstanding preacher,
Peter, who established the early Church from the remnant of Israel,
Paul, master and teacher of the Gentiles that you call.

And so, each in a different way
gathered together the one family of Christ;
and revered together throughout the world,
they share one Martyr’s crown.

And therefore, with all the Angels and Saints,
we praise you, as without end we acclaim:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts...

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Jn 21: 15, 17
Simon, Son of John, do you love me more than these?
Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
By this heavenly Sacrament, O Lord, we pray,
strengthen your faithful,
whom you have enlightened with the teaching of the Apostles.
Through Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING
May almighty God bless you,
for he has made you steadfast in Saint Peter's saving confession
and through it has set you on the solid rock of the Church's faith.
R. Amen.
And having instructed you
by the tireless preaching of Saint Paul,
may God teach you constantly by his example
to win brothers and sisters for Christ.
R. Amen.
So that by the keys of St Peter and the words of St Paul,
and by the support of their intercession,
God may bring us happily to that homeland
that Peter attained on a cross
and Paul by the blade of a sword.
R. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.

Mass during the Day

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Jn 1: 6-7; Lk 1: 17
These are the ones who, living in the flesh,
planted the Church with their blood;
they drank the chalice of the Lord
and became the friends of God.

COLLECT
O God, who on the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul
give us the noble and holy joy of this day,
grant, we pray, that your Church
may in all things follow the teaching
of those through whom she received
the beginnings of right religion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps. 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May the prayer of the Apostles, O Lord,
accompany the sacrificial gift
that we present to your name for consecration,
and may their intercession make us devoted to you
in celebration of the sacrifice.
Through Christ our Lord.

And so, each in a different way
gathered together the one family of Christ;
and revered together throughout the world,
they share one Martyr's crown.

And therefore, with all the Angels and Saints,
we praise you, as without end we acclaim:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts...

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Mt 16: 16, 18
Peter said to Jesus: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Jesus replied: You are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant us, O Lord,
who have been renewed by this Sacrament,
so to live in the Church,
that, persevering in the breaking of the Bread
and in the teaching of the Apostles,
we may be one heart and one soul,
made steadfast in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING
May almighty God bless you,
for he has made you steadfast in Saint Peter’s saving confession
and through it has set you on the solid rock of the Church’s faith.
R. Amen.
And having instructed you
by the tireless preaching of Saint Paul,
may God teach you constantly by his example
to win brothers and sisters for Christ.
R. Amen.
So that by the keys of St Peter and the words of St Paul,
and by the support of their intercession,
God may bring us happily to that homeland
that Peter attained on a cross
and Paul by the blade of a sword.
R. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.
Readings for the Feast of
Saints Peter and Paul
Leaders of the Apostles

Troparion - Tone 4
First-enthroned of the apostles,
teachers of the universe:
Entreat the Master of all
to grant peace to the world,
and to our souls great mercy!
Kontakion - Tone 2
O Lord, You have taken up to eternal rest
and to the enjoyment of Your blessings
the two divinely-inspired preachers, the leaders of the Apostles,
for You have accepted their labors and deaths as a sweet-smelling sacrifice,
for You alone know what lies in the hearts of men.
Kontakion - Tone 2
Today Christ the Rock glorifies with highest honor
The rock of Faith and leader of the Apostles,
Together with Paul and the company of the twelve,
Whose memory we celebrate with eagerness of faith,
Giving glory to the one who gave glory to them!

Eucharist
Episcopal Church

PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
June 29

Evening Prayer I

God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M.; Music: Graham George, 194.1 Text: Saint Ambrose; Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866

PSALMODY

Antiphon: You are Christ, the Son of the Living God. Blessed are you, Simon, son of John!

Antiphon: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.

Antiphon: You are the chosen vessel of God, blessed apostle Paul; you preached the truth throughout the whole world.

Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10

Antiphon: You are the chosen vessel of God, blessed apostle Paul; you preached the truth throughout the whole world.

READING Romans 1:1-2,7
Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSORY
The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.
- The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.
They bore witness to the resurrection of Christ.
- and preached it faithfully.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
- The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.

MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: How glorious are the apostles of Christ; in life they loved one another; in death they rejoice together for ever.

INTERCESSSIONS
The Lord Jesus built his holy people on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. In faith, let us pray:
Lord, come to the aid of your people.
You once called Simon, the fisherman, to catch men,
- now summon new workers who will bring the message of salvation to all peoples.
You calmed the waves so that your followers would not be drowned,
- guard your Church, protect it from all dangers.
You gathered your scattered flock around Peter after the resurrection,
- good Shepherd, bring together all your people as one flock.
You sent Paul as apostle to preach the Good News to the Gentiles,
- let the word of salvation be proclaimed to all mankind.
You gave the keys of your kingdom into the hands of your holy Church,
- open the gates of that kingdom to all who trusted in your mercy while on earth.

Our Father…

PRAYER
Lord our God,
encourage us through the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul.
May the apostles who strengthened the faith of the infant Church
help us on our way to salvation.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
Morning Prayer

Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If the Office of Readings is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.

Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.

HYMN

What fairer light is this than time itself doth own,
The golden day with beams more radiant brightening?
The princes of God’s Church this feast day doth enthrone,
To sinners heavenward bound their burden lightening.
One taught mankind its creed, one guards the heavenly gate,
Founders of Rome, they bind the world in loyalty;
One by the sword achieved, one by the cross his fate;
With laurelled brows they hold eternal royalty.
Rejoice, O Rome, this day; thy walls they once did sign
With princely blood, who now their glory share with thee.
What city’s vesture glows with crimson deep as thine?
What beauty else has earth that may compare with thee?
To God the three in one eternal homage be,
All honor, all renown, all songs victorious,
Who rules both heaven and earth by one divine decree,
To everlasting years in empire glorious.
Melody: Peter and Paul 12.12.12.12; Music: Carl Fortunato, b. 1958. Text by Elphis, c. 493, wife of Boethius. Translated by Ronald A. Knox, 1888-1957.

PSALMODY

Antiphon: I know the one whom I have trusted and I am certain that he, the just judge, has power to keep safe what he has entrusted to me until that day.

Antiphon:I know the one whom I have trusted and I am certain that he, the just judge, has power to keep safe what he has entrusted to me until that day.

Antiphon:God's grace in me has not been without fruit; it is always at work in me.

Antiphon: God's grace in me has not been without fruit; it is always at work in me.

Antiphon: I have fought the good fight; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith.

RESPONSORY
They gave up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- They gave up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
They went forth rejoicing because they have been found worthy to suffer insult,
- for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
- They gave up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

BENEDICTUS (Canticle of Zechariah)
Antiphon: Simon Peter said: Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we believe and we are convinced that you are the Christ, the Son of God, alleluia.

INTERCESSIONS
The Lord Jesus built his holy people on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. In faith let us pray:
Bless your Church, O Lord.
You prayed that the faith of Peter would not fail,
- strengthen the faith of your Church.
You appeared to Peter after your resurrection and you appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus,
- strengthen our faith, so that we may steadfastly proclaim that you have risen from the dead.
You chose Paul as an apostle to preach your message to the Gentiles,
- make us faithful preachers of your Gospel.
You mercifully forgave Peter’s denials,
- forgive us all of our sins.

Our Father…

PRAYER
God our Father,
today you give us the joy of celebrating the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Through them your Church first received the faith.
Keep us true to their teaching.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
June 29

Daytime Prayer
Terce Sext Nones
Terce (Mid Morning)
O God, come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Antiphon:
Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.
Antiphon:
Go forth and proclaim the good news of the kingdom; and freely share with others what God has given you.

Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

PSALMODY

Antiphon
Know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world.

READING Acts 5:12-14
Many signs and wonders were worked among the people at the hands of the apostles and the numbers of men and women who came to believe in the Lord increased steadily.

The Apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon
By your trusting acceptance of trials, you will gain true life.

Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.

Evening Prayer II
Psalter, Common of the Apostles

God, come to my assistance.
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.
Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o'er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.
In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav'enly host.
To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.
Melody: King's Majesty L.M.; Music: Graham George, 194.1 Text: Saint Ambrose; Translator: J.M. Neale, d. 1866

PSALMODY

Antiphon: I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned to me, you must strengthen the faith of your brothers.

Antiphon: Willingly I boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may live in me.

Antiphon: You are shepherd of the flock, the prnce of the apostles; to you were entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

READING 1 Corinthians 15:3-5,8a
I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, he appeared to me.

MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: Peter the Apostle and Paul the teacher of the Gentiles taught us your law, O Lord.

INTERCESSIONS
The Lord Jesus built his holy people on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. In faith, let us pray:
Lord, come to the aid of your people.
You once called Simon, the fisherman, to catch men,
- now summon new workers who will bring the message of salvation to all peoples.
You calmed the waves so that your followers would not be drowned,
- guard your Church, protect it from all dangers.
You gathered your scattered flock around Peter after the resurrection,
- good Shepherd, bring together all your people as one flock.
You sent Paul as apostle to preach the Good News to the Gentiles,
- let the word of salvation be proclaimed to all mankind.
You gave the keys of your kingdom into the hands of your holy Church,
- open the gates of that kingdom to all who trusted in your mercy while on earth.

Our Father…

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
Office of Readings

Invitatory
The Invitatory opens the first Office of the day. If Morning Prayer is the first Office of the day, begin below.
Lord, open my lips.
- And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Psalm 95 is the traditional Invitatory Psalm. Psalm 24, 67, or 100 may be substituted.

Antiphon: Alleluia, come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Apostles, alleluia.

HYMN

PSALMODY

Antiphon 1: If you love me, Simon Peter, feed my sheep.

Antiphon 2: For me, life is Christ and death is gain; I must glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Antiphon 3: Lord, if it is you, bid me walk across the waters.

The word of the Lord lives for ever.
- This is the good news that has been preached to you.

RESPONSORY
You are Peter,
and on this rock that I will build my Church,
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
- I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth
will be held bound in heaven
and whatever you loose on earth
will be held loosed in heaven.
- I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

SECOND READING

From a sermon by St. Augustine, bishop
(Sermo 295, 1-2, 4, 7-8; PL 38, 1348-1352)

The martyrs realized what they taught

This day has been made holy by the passion of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul. We are, therefore, not talking about some obscure martyrs. For their voice has gone forth to all the world and to the ends of the earth their message. These martyrs realized what they taught: they pursued justice, they confessed the truth, they died for it.
Saint Peter, the first of the apostles and a fervent lover of Christ, merited to hear these words: I say to you that you are Peter, for he had said: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then Christ said: And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church. On this rock I will build the faith that you now confess, and on your words: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, I will build my Church. For you are Peter, and the name Peter comes from petra, the word for "rock," and not vice versa. "Peter" comes, therefore, from petra, just as "Christian" comes from Christ.
As you are aware, Jesus chose his disciples before his passion and called them apostles: and among these almost everywhere Peter alone deserved to represent the entire Church. And because of that role which he alone had, he merited to hear the words: To you I shall give the keys of the kingdom of heaven. For it was not one man who received the keys, but the entire Church considered as one. Now insofar as he represented the unity and universality of the Church, Peter's preeminence is clear from the words: To you I give, for what was given was given to all. For the fact that it was the Church that received the keys of the kingdom of God is clear from what the Lord says elsewhere to all the apostles: Receive the Holy Spirit, adding immediately, whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven, and whose sins you retain, they are retained.
Rightly then did the Lord after his resurrection entrust Peter with the feeding of his sheep. Yet he was not the only disciple to merit the feeding of the Lord's sheep; but Christ in speaking only to one suggests the unity of all; and so he speaks to Peter, because Peter is the first among the apostles. Therefore do not be disheartened, Peter; reply once, reply twice, reply a third time. The triple confession of your love is to regain what was lost three times by your fear. You must loose three times what you bound three times; untie by love that which your fear bound. Once, and again, and a third time did the Lord entrust his sheep to Peter.
Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles' blood. Let us embrace what they believed , their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching and their confession of faith.

RESPONSORY
Blessed apostle Paul, preacher of the truth and teacher of the Gentiles,
- you are truly worthy of praise.
Through you all peoples have come to know God's grace.
- you are truly worthy of praise.

CANTICLE TE DEUM

O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy on us (3x)

Opening Verse:
From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus who has been called to be an apostle, and specially chosen to preach the Good News of his Son that God promised long ago through his prophets in the scriptures. To you all, who are God’s beloved in Rome, called to be saints, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send grace and peace.- Romans 1:1-7

HYMN

Peter, good shepherd, may your ceaseless orisons
for us prevailing break the bands of wickedness:
for you in ancient time received authority
the gates to open, or to close, of paradise.
Oh, by your doctrine, Paul, you sage illustrious,
guide us in virtue, raise our spirits heavenward,
till perfect knowledge streams on us abundantly,
and that which is only in part be done away.
Glory eternal to the blessed Trinity,
with laud and honor, homage and supremacy,
Trinal yet Onely, reigning in his majesty
both now and ever, through the ages infinite. Amen

The Psalter

Ant. 1: You are Christ,+ the Son of the Living God. / Blessed are you, Simon, son of John.

84 Quam dilecta!
1
How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! *
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
2
The sparrow has found her a house
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *
by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my King and my God.
3
Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
they will always be praising you.
4
Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *
whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.
5
Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of
springs, *
for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
6
They will climb from height to height, *
and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.
7
LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; *
hearken, O God of Jacob.
8
Behold our defender, O God; *
and look upon the face of your Anointed.
9
For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own
room, *
and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God
than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
10
For the LORD God is both sun and shield; *
he will give grace and glory;
11
No good thing will the LORD withhold *
from those who walk with integrity.
12
O LORD of hosts, *
happy are they who put their trust in you!

Ant. 1: You are Christ,+ the Son of the Living God. / Blessed are you, Simon, son of John.

Ant. 2: Paul is my chosen instrument + to bring my name before the nations, / and before the people of Israel.

13
Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; *
praise your God, O Zion;
14
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
he has blessed your children within you.
15
He has established peace on your borders; *
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
16
He sends out his command to the earth, *
and his word runs very swiftly.
17
He gives snow like wool; *
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
18
He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
who can stand against his cold?
19
He sends forth his word and melts them; *
he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
20
He declares his word to Jacob, *
his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
21
He has not done so to any other nation; *
to them he has not revealed his judgments.
Hallelujah!

Ant. 2: Paul is my chosen instrument + to bring my name before the nations, / and before the people of Israel.

Ant. 3: I have prayed + for you Peter that your strength may not fail; / and when you have turned to me, you must strengthen the faith of your brothers.

150 Laudate Domine
1
Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy temple; *
praise him in the firmament of his power.
2
Praise him for his mighty acts; *
praise him for his excellent greatness.
3
Praise him with the blast of the ram's-horn; *
Praise him with lyre and harp.
4
Praise him with timbrel and dance; *
praise him with strings and pipe.
5
Praise him with resounding cymbals; *
praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.
6
Let everything that has breath *
praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!

Ant. 3: I have prayed + for you Peter that your strength may not fail; / and when you have turned to me, you must strengthen the faith of your brothers.

Canticle
Benedictus es, Domine

Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.

Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; *
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.

Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory to you, beholding the depths; *
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.

Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Second Canticle
Magnificat

Antiphon: Holy Peter, + shepherd of the sheep, chief of the apostles; and holy Paul, preacher of the truth, teacher of the Gentiles: / intercede for us to God who chose you.

My soul magnifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Antiphon: Holy Peter, + shepherd of the sheep, chief of the apostles; and holy Paul, preacher of the truth, teacher of the Gentiles: / intercede for us to God who chose you.

Responsory
The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.
The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.
They bore witness to the resurrection of Christ.
and preached it faithfully.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.

Collect
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martydom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Intercessions

Encouraged by our fellowship with all the saints, let us make our prayers to the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, your Son called men and women to leave the past behind them and to follow him as his disciples in the way of the cross. Look with mercy upon those whom he has called today, marked with the cross and made his disciples within the Church.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Your Son told his disciples not to be afraid, and at Easter breathed on them his gift of peace. Look with mercy upon the world into which he sent them out, and give it that peace for which it longs.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Your Son formed around him a company who were no longer servants but friends, and he called all those who obeyed him his brother and sister and mother. Look with mercy upon our families and friends and upon the communities in which we share.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Your Son sent out disciples to preach and to heal the sick. Look with mercy on all those who yearn to hear the good news of salvation, and renew among your people the gifts of healing.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Your Son promised to those who followed him that they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel and would share the banquet of the kingdom. According to your promise, look with mercy on those who have walked with Christ in this life and now have passed through death.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Pursuing, shepherding, and converting God, your risen Son appeared to both Peter and Paul, undoing their past, claiming them for the work of your Church, spilling them out as witnesses to a deeper love. Undo and claim us, that we too may finish the race you set before us in Christ Jesus.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Closing Prayer:
O God, you have given us this holy day so that we may have the joy of venerating the apostles Peter and Paul.
Grant that your Church may follow their example in all things,
for it was from them that her life began.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Morning Prayer
The Feast of Peter and Paul
June 29
______

Lord open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us (3x)

Beloved, if you can have some share in the sufferings of Christ, be glad, because you will enjoy a much greater gladness when his glory is revealed. It is a blessing for you when they insult you for bearing the name of Christ, because it means that you have the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God resting on you. - 1 Peter 4:13 - 14

Hymn

Let heav'n with acclamations ring,
And earth with joy responsive sing:
The Apostles' deeds and high estate
This festal-tide we celebrate.
O ye who, thron'd in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead,
True lights, the world illúmining,
Regard the suppliant pray'r we bring.
The gates of heav'n, at your command,
To all or clos'd or open stand:
May we, at your august decree,
Be loos'd from our iniquity.
That Christ the unerring Judge of doom,
When he at time's last end shall come,
May grant us for his mercy's sake,
Of joys eternal to partake.
All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesus, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore. Amen.
Antiphon: Christ the cornerstone has built his church on the foundation of apostles and prophets; Come let us adore him.

Venite (Psalm 95:1-7)

Come let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.

Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!

Antiphon: Christ the cornerstone has built his church on the foundation of apostles and prophets; Come let us adore him.

The Psalms

Ant. 1: Jesus said, + You are Peter the Rock / and on this rock I will build my church.

66 Jubilate Deo
1
Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing the glory of his Name;
sing the glory of his praise.
2
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! *
because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you.
3
All the earth bows down before you, *
sings to you, sings out your Name."
4
Come now and see the works of God, *
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5
He turned the sea into dry land,
so that they went through the water on foot, *
and there we rejoiced in him.
6
In his might he rules for ever;
his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
let no rebel rise up against him.
7
Bless our God, you peoples; *
make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8
Who holds our souls in life, *
and will not allow our feet to slip.
9
For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us just as silver is tried.
10
You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
11
You let enemies ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.

Ant. 1: Jesus said, + You are Peter the Rock / and on this rock I will build my church.

Ant. 2: I know + the one whom I have trusted and I am certain that he, the just judge, / has power to keep safe what he has entrusted to me until that day.
12
I will enter your house with burnt-offerings
and will pay you my vows, *
which I promised with my lips
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
13
I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts
with the smoke of rams; *
I will give you oxen and goats.
14
Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
15
I called out to him with my mouth, *
and his praise was on my tongue.
16
If I had found evil in my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me;
17
But in truth God has heard me; *
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
18
Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *
nor withheld his love from me.

Ant. 2: I know + the one whom I have trusted and I am certain that he, the just judge, / has power to keep safe what he has entrusted to me until that day.

Ant. 3: God's grace in me + has not been without fruit; / it is always at work in me.

117 Laudate Domine
1
Praise the LORD, all you nations; *
laud him, all you peoples.
2
For his loving-kindness toward us is great, *
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever.
Hallelujah!
Ant. 3: God's grace in me + has not been without fruit; / it is always at work in me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Canticle
A Song of Faith - 1 Peter 1.3-4,18-21

Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading,
kept in heaven for you.
Who are being protected by the power of God
through faith for a salvation,
ready to be revealed in the last time.
You were ransomed from the futile ways of your ancestors
not with perishable things like silver or gold
But with the precious blood of Christ
like that of a lamb without spot or stain.
Through him you have confidence in God,
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,
so that your faith and hope are set on God.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Second Reading

Second Canticle
Benedictus

Antiphon:You that have stood firmly by me in times of trial, / will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Antiphon:You that have stood firmly by me in times of trial, / will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Responsory
They gave up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
They gave up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
They went forth rejoicing because they have been found worthy to suffer insult,
for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
They gave up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Intercessions

Let us pray trustingly to Christ, who has built his Church on the foundation of the Apostles and the prophets:
- Lord, be good to your Church.
You prayed that Peter’s faith should not fail:
- make strong the faith of your Church. (R.)
You appeared to Simon Peter after your resurrection, you revealed yourself to Saul:
- enlighten our minds and make us proclaim that you live. (R.)
You chose Paul to be an apostle, to bring your name to the Gentiles:
- make us true preachers of your Gospel. (R.)
In your mercy you ignored Peter’s denials of you:
- wipe out all our sins. (R.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Closing Prayer:
O God, you have given us this holy day so that we may have the joy of venerating the apostles Peter and Paul.
Grant that your Church may follow their example in all things,
for it was from them that her life began.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Daytime Prayer
The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
June 29
______

Terce (Mid Morning)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Psalms

Antiphon:
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit descended on all who were listening to him, and they spoke in tongues and glorified God.

Reading
God chose that the pagans should learn the Good News from me and so become believers. In fact God, who can read everyone’s heart, showed his approval of them by giving the Holy Spirit to them just as he had to us. God made no distinction between them and us, since he purified their hearts by faith. - Acts 15:7-9

Responsory
Their voice has gone out to the limits of the earth.
- Their words to the ends of the world.

Sext (Noon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Psalms

Antiphon
Peter went up to the roof of the house to pray around noontime.

Reading
God, who had specially chosen me while I was still in my mother’s womb, called me through his grace and chose to reveal his Son in me, so that I might preach the Good News about him to the pagans. I went off to Arabia at once and later went straight back from there to Damascus. Three years later I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas. - Galatians 1:15 - 18

Responsory
The Apostles held fast to Christ's message.
- They kept the precepts he gave them..

Prayer
O God, you have given us this holy day so that we may have the joy of venerating the apostles Peter and Paul.
Grant that your Church may follow their example in all things,
for it was from them that her life began.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Nones (Mid Afternoon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Antiphon
Peter and John went up to the temple at three in the afternoon.

Reading
We have the same spirit of faith that is mentioned in scripture – "I believed, and therefore I spoke" – we too believe and therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, and put us by his side and you with us- Isaiah 49:7b

Responsory
Rejoice and be glad says the Lord,
- for your names are written in heaven.

Evening Prayer II
The Feast of Peter and Paul
June 29
______

O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy on us (3x)

Opening Verse:
In the first place, I taught you what I had been taught myself, namely that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the scriptures; that he was buried; and that he was raised to life on the third day, in accordance with the scriptures; that he appeared first to Cephas and secondly to the Twelve, and last of all to me.- 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Hymn
Peter, good shepherd, may your ceaseless orisons
for us prevailing break the bands of wickedness:
for you in ancient time received authority
the gates to open, or to close, of paradise.
Oh, by your doctrine, Paul, you sage illustrious,
guide us in virtue, raise our spirits heavenward,
till perfect knowledge streams on us abundantly,
and that which is only in part be done away.
Glory eternal to the blessed Trinity,
with laud and honor, homage and supremacy,
Trinal yet Onely, reigning in his majesty
both now and ever, through the ages infinite. Amen

Ant. 1: Willingly + I boast of my weaknesses, / that the power of Christ may live in me.

Ant. 3: I have run the great race, + I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; / now the prize awaits me, the garland of righteousness.

Canticle
Song of the Three Young Men Benedicite, omnia opera Domini

Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.

Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.

Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow

Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.

Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.

All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.

O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

Second Canticle
Magnificat

Antiphon:Today Simon Peter + ascended the gibbet of the cross; today the keybearer departed to Christ: / today the Apostle Paul bowed down his head and the name of Christ received the martyr's crown.

My soul magnifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Antiphon:Today Simon Peter + ascended the gibbet of the cross; today the keybearer departed to Christ: / today the Apostle Paul bowed down his head and the name of Christ received the martyr's crown

Intercessions

Let us pray trustingly to Christ, who has built his Church on the foundation of the Apostles and the prophets:
- Lord, come to the aid of your people.
You called Simon the fisherman to be a fisher of men:
- never cease to choose labourers for your harvest, so that many may be saved.
You took command of the storm at sea to save your disciples’ boat from sinking:
- defend your Church from all disturbance and strengthen the apostolic rule.
After your resurrection you gathered your scattered flock round Peter:
- good Shepherd, unite all your people in a single flock.
You sent the apostle Paul to evangelize the nations:
- let the message of salvation be preached to every creature.
You entrusted the keys of heaven to the care of your Church:
-; open the gates of heaven to all who have trusted in your compassion.
Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Closing Prayer:
O God, you have given us this holy day so that we may have the joy of venerating the apostles Peter and Paul.
Grant that your Church may follow their example in all things,
for it was from them that her life began.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Office of Readings
The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
June 29
______

O, God, make speed to save us.
O, Lord, make haste to help us.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us (3x)

Reading from the Church Fathers

From a sermon by St. Augustine, bishop.

This day has been consecrated for us by the martyrdom of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul. It is not some obscure martyrs we are talking about. "Their sound has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." These martyrs had seen what they proclaimed, they pursued justice by confessing the truth, by dying for the truth.

The blessed Peter, the first of the Apostles, the ardent lover of Christ, who was found worthy to hear, "And I say to you, that you are Peter." He himself, you see, had just said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Christ said to him, "And I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church." Upon this rock I will build the faith you have just confessed. Upon your words, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," I will build my Church; because you are Peter. Peter comes from "petra", meaning a rock. Peter, “Rocky”, from “rock”; not “rock” from “Rocky”. Peter comes from the word for a rock in exactly the same way as the name Christian comes from Christ.

Before his passion the Lord Jesus, as you know, chose those disciples of his whom he called apostles. Among these it was only Peter who almost everywhere was given the privilege of representing the whole Church. It was in the person of the whole Church, which he alone represented, that he was privileged to hear, "To you will I give the keys of the kingdom of heaven." After all, it is not just one man that received these keys, but the Church in its unity. So this is the reason for Peter’s acknowledged pre-eminence, that he stood for the Church’s universality and unity, when he was told, "To you I am entrusting," what has in fact been entrusted to all. To show you that it is the Church which has received the keys of the kingdom of heaven, listen to what the Lord says in another place to all his apostles: "Receive the Holy Spirit;" and immediately afterwards, "Whose sins you forgive, they will be forgiven them; whose sins you retain, they will be retained."

Quite rightly, too, did the Lord after his resurrection entrust his sheep to Peter to be fed. It is not, you see, that he alone among the disciples was fit to feed the Lord’s sheep; but when Christ speaks to one man, unity is being commended to us. And he first speaks to Peter, because Peter is the first among the apostles. Do not be sad, Apostle. Answer once, answer again, answer a third time. Let confession conquer three times with love, because self-assurance was conquered three times by fear. What you had bound three times must be loosed three times. Loose through love what you had bound through fear. And for all that, the Lord once, and again, and a third time, entrusted his sheep to Peter.

There is one day for the passion of two apostles. But these two also were as one; although they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, Paul followed. We are celebrating a feast day, consecrated for us by the blood of the apostles. Let us love their faith, their lives, their labours, their sufferings, their confession of faith, their preaching.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.

Closing Prayer:
O God, you have given us this holy day so that we may have the joy of venerating the apostles Peter and Paul.
Grant that your Church may follow their example in all things,
for it was from them that her life began.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen.

LITANY IN HONOUR OF
SAINT PETER,
PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin,
pray for us.
Queen of Apostles,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
Prince of the Apostles,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
to whom were given the keys
of the Kingdom of Heaven,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
so ardent for the glory of Christ,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
whose heart was pierced
with one look from Jesus,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
who ceased not to grieve
for having denied the Son of God,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
whose cheeks were furrowed
by a stream of tears
which flowed to the end of thy life,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
who cried out, "Lord,
Thou knowest that I love Thee!"
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
bound in chains for Christ,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
delivered from prison by an angel,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
who rejoiced to suffer for Christ,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
whose very shadow healed the sick,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
whose voice even the dead obeyed,
pray for us.
Saint Peter,
that we may have a constant
and mutual charity among ourselves,
pray for us.
That we may taste and see
more and more how sweet is the Lord,
pray for us.
That we may be zealous in loyalty to thy successor,
the present Vicar of Christ,
pray for us.
That we may help, at least by prayer,
to restore to the unity of thy Holy See the scattered sheep,
pray for us.
That we may be prudent and watchful in prayer,
pray for us.
That we may die the death of the just,
pray for us.
V. Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him,
R. And His wonderful works to the children of men.
V. Pray for us, Saint Peter the Rock,
R. That we may be worthy of the Vicar of Christ.
Let Us Pray
O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who upon blessed Peter,
Thine Apostle,
didst bestow the pontifical power
of binding and loosing,
and didst give to him the keys
of the Kingdom of Heaven,
grant that his intercession
may ensure our deliverance
from the bondage of sin,
Thou Who livest and reignest
with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
ever one God,
world without end.
The Acts of Peter
______________

On the first day of the week, that is, on the Lord's day, a multitude gathered together, and they brought unto Peter many sick that he might heal them. And one of the multitude adventured to say unto Peter: Lo, Peter, in our presence thou hast made many blind to see and the deaf to hear and the lame to walk, and hast succoured the weak and given them strength: but wherefore hast thou not succoured thy daughter, the virgin, which grew up beautiful and hath believed in the name of God? For behold, her one side is wholly palsied, and she lieth there stretched out in the corner helpless. We see them that have been healed by thee: thine own daughter thou hast neglected.
But Peter smiled and said unto him: My son, it is manifest unto God alone wherefore her body is not whole. Know then that God is not weak nor powerless to grant his gift unto my daughter: but that thy soul may be convinced, and they that are here present may the more believe -then he looked unto his daughter and said to her: Raise thyself up from thy place, without any helping thee save Jesus only, and walk whole before all these, and come unto me. And she arose and came to him; and the multitude rejoiced at that which was come to pass. Then said Peter unto them: Behold, your heart is convinced that God is not without strength concerning all things that we ask of him. Then they rejoiced yet more and praised God. And Peter said to his daughter: Go unto thy place, and lay thee down and be again in thine infirmity, for this is expedient for me and for thee. And the maiden went back and lay down in her place and was as beforetime: and the whole multitude wept, and entreated Peter to make her whole.
But Peter said unto them: As the Lord liveth, this is expedient for her and for me. For on the day when she was born unto me I saw a vision, and the Lord said unto me: Peter, this day is a great temptation born unto thee, for this daughter will bring hurt unto many souls if her body continue whole. But I thought that the vision did mock me.
Now when the maiden was ten years old, a stumbling-block was prepared for many by reason of her. And an exceeding rich man, by name Ptolemaeus, when he had seen the maiden with her mother bathing, sent unto her to take her to wife; but her mother consented not. And he sent oft-times to her, and could not wait.
[Here a leaf is lost: the sense, however, is not hard to supply. Augustine speaks (quoting Apocryphal Acts) of a daughter of Peter struck with palsy at the prayer of her father.
Ptolemaeus, unable to win the maiden by fair means, comes and carries her off. Peter hears of it and prays God to protect her. His prayer is heard. She is struck with palsy on one side of her body. Then the text resumes.]
The servants of Ptolemaeus brought the maiden and laid her down before the door of the house and departed.
But when I perceived it, I and her mother, we went down and found the maiden, that one whole side of her body from her toes even to her head was palsied and withered: and we bore her away, praising the Lord which had preserved his handmaid from defilement and shame and (corruption?). This is the cause of the matter, why the maiden continueth so unto this day.
Now, then, it is fitting for you to know the end of Ptolemaeus. He went home and sorrowed night and day over that which had befallen him, and by reason of the many tears which he shed, he became blind. And when he had resolved to rise up and hang himself, lo, about the ninth hour of the day, he saw a great light which enlightened the whole house, and heard a voice saying unto him: Ptolemaeus, God hath not given thee the vessels for corruption and shame, and yet more doth it not become thee which hast believed in me to defile my virgin, whom thou shalt know as thy sister, even as if I were unto you both one spirit (sic). But rise up and go quickly unto the house of the apostle Peter, and thou shalt see my glory; he shall make known unto thee what thou must do.
But Ptolemaeus was not negligent, and bade his servants show him the way and bring him unto me. And when they were come to me, he told me all that had befallen him by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then did he see with the eyes of his flesh, and with the eyes of his soul, and much people believed (hoped) in Christ: and he did them good and gave them the gift of God.
Thereafter Ptolemaeus died, departing out of this life, and went unto his Lord: and when he made his will he bequeathed a piece of land in the name of my daughter, because through her he had believed in God and was made whole. But I unto whom the disposition thereof fell, exercised it with great carefulness: I sold the land, and God alone knoweth neither I nor my daughter (received the price). I sold the land and kept nought back of the price, but gave all the money unto the poor.
Know therefore, thou servant of Jesus Christ, that God directeth (?) them that are his, and prepareth good for every one of them, although we think that God hath forgotten us. Therefore now, brethren, let us be sorrowful and watch and pray, and so shall the goodness of God look upon us, whereon we wait.
And yet further discourse did Peter hold before them all, and glorified the name of Christ the Lord and gave them all of the bread: and when he had distributed it, he rose up and went unto his house.
The scene of this episode is probably Jerusalem. The subject of it was often used by later writers, most notably, perhaps, by the author of the late Acts of SS. Nereus and Achilleus (fifth or sixth century), who gives the daughter a name, Petronilla, which has passed into Kalendars, and as Perronelle, Pernel, or Parnell has become familiar.
A few critics have questioned whether this piece really belongs to the Acts of Peter: but the weight of probability and of opinion is against them. Nothing can be plainer than that it is an extract from a larger book, and that it is ancient (the manuscript may be of the fourth century). Moreover, Augustine, in dealing with apocryphal Acts, alludes to the story contained in it. What other large book of ancient date dealing with Peter's doings can we imagine save the Acts?
II
THE GARDENER'S DAUGHTER
Augustine (Against Adimantus, xvii. 5), says to his Manichaean opponent: the story of Peter killing Ananias and Sapphira by a word is very stupidly blamed by those who in the apocryphal Acts read and admire both the incident I mentioned about the apostle Thomas (the death of the cup-bearer at the feast in his Acts) 'and that the daughter of Peter himself was stricken with palsy at the prayer of her father, and that the daughter of a gardener died at the prayer of Peter. Their answer is that it was expedient for them, that the one should be disabled by palsy and the other should die: but they do not deny that it happened at the prayer of the apostle'.
This allusion to the gardener's daughter remained a puzzle until lately. But a passage in the Epistle of Titus (already quoted) tells us the substance of the story.
A certain gardener had a daughter, a virgin, her father's only child: he begged Peter to pray for her. Upon his request, the apostle answered him that the Lord would give her that which was useful for her soul. Immediately the girl fell dead.
O worthy gain and suitable to God, to escape the insolence of the flesh and mortify the boastfulness of the blood! But that old man, faithless, and not knowing the greatness of the heavenly favour, ignorant of the divine benefit, entreated Peter that his only daughter might be raised again. And when she was raised, not many days after, as it might be to-day, the slave of a believer who lodged in the house ran upon her and ruined the girl, and both of them disappeared.
This was evidently a contrast to the story of Peter's daughter, and probably followed immediately upon it in the Acts. There is another sentence appropriate to the situation, which Dom de Bruyne found in a Cambrai MS. of the thirteenth century -a collection of apophthegms- and printed with the extracts from the Epistle of Titus.
That the dead are not to be mourned overmuch, Peter, speaking to one who lamented without patience the loss of his daughter, said: So many assaults of the devil, so many warrings of the body, so many disasters of the world hath she escaped, and thou sheddest tears as if thou knewest not what thou sufferest in thyself (what good hath befallen thee).
This might very well be part of Peter's address to the bereaved gardener.
III
THE VERCELLI ACTS
I. At the time when Paul was sojourning in Rome and confirming many in the faith, it came also to pass that one by name Candida, the wife of Quartus that was over the prisons, heard Paul and paid heed to his words and believed. And when she had instructed her husband also and he believed, Quartus suffered Paul to go whither he would away from the city: to whom Paul said: If it be the will of God, he will reveal it unto me. And after Paul had fasted three days and asked of the Lord that which should be profitable for him, he saw a vision, even the Lord saying unto him: Arise, Paul, and become a physician in thy body (i.e. by going thither in person) to them that are in Spain.
He therefore, having related to the brethren what God had commanded, nothing doubting, prepared himself to set forth from the city. But when Paul was about to depart, there was great weeping throughout all the brotherhood, because they thought that they should see Paul no more, so that they even rent their clothes. For they had in mind also how that Paul had oftentimes contended with the doctors of the Jews and confuted them, saying: Christ, upon whom your fathers laid hands, abolished their sabbaths and fasts and holy-days and circumcision, and the doctrines of men and the rest of the traditions he did abolish. But the brethren lamented (and adjured) Paul by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he should not be absent above a year, saying: We know thy love for thy brethren; forget not us when thou art come thither, neither begin to forsake us, as little children without a mother. And when they besought him long with tears, there came a sound from heaven, and a great voice saying: Paul the servant of God is chosen to minister all the days of his life: by the hands of Nero the ungodly and wicked man shall he be perfected before your eyes. And a very great fear fell upon the brethren because of the voice which came from heaven: and they were confirmed yet more in the faith.
II. Now they brought unto Paul bread and water for the sacrifice, that he might make prayer and distribute it to every one. Among whom it befell that a woman named Rufina desired, she also, to receive the Eucharist at the hands of Paul: to whom Paul, filled with the spirit of God, said as she drew near: Rufina, thou comest not worthily unto the altar of God, arising from beside one that is not thine husband but an adulterer, and assayest to receive the Eucharist of God. For behold Satan shall trouble thine heart and cast thee down in the sight of all them that believe in the Lord, that they which see and believe may know that they have believed in the living God, the searcher of hearts. But if thou repent of thine act, he is faithful that is able to blot out thy sin and set thee free from this sin: but if thou repent not, while thou art yet in the body, devouring fire and outer darkness shall receive thee for ever. And immediately Rufina fell down, being stricken with palsy (?) from her head unto the nails of her feet, and she had no power to speak (given her) for her tongue was bound. And when both they that believed (in the faith) and the neophytes saw it, they beat their breasts, remembering their old sins, and mourned and said: We know not if God will forgive the former sins which we have committed. Then Paul called for silence and said: Men and brethren which now have begun to believe on Christ, if ye continue not in your former works of the tradition of your fathers, and keep yourselves from all guile and wrath and fierceness and adultery and defilement, and from pride and envy and contempt and enmity, Jesus the living God will forgive you that ye did in ignorance. Wherefore, ye servants of God, arm yourselves every one in your inner man with peace, patience, gentleness, faith, charity, knowledge, wisdom, love of the brethren, hospitality, mercy, abstinence, chastity, kindness, justice: then shall ye have for your guide everlastingly the first-begotten of all creation, and shall have strength in peace with our Lord. And when they had heard these things of Paul, they besought him to pray for them. And Paul lifted up his voice and said: O eternal God, God of the heavens, God of unspeakable majesty (divinity), who hast stablished all things by thy word, who hast bound upon all the world the chain of thy grace, Father of thine holy Son Jesus Christ, we together pray thee through thy Son Jesus Christ, strengthen the souls which were before unbelieving but now are faithful. Once I was a blasphemer, now I am blasphemed; once I was a persecutor, now do I suffer persecution of others; once I was the enemy of Christ, now I pray that I may be his friend: for I trust in his promise and in his mercy; I account myself faithful and that I have received forgiveness of my former sins. Wherefore I exhort you also, brethren, to believe in the Lord the Father Almighty, and to put all your trust in our Lord Jesus Christ his Son, believing in him, and no man shall be able to uproot you from his promise. Bow your knees therefore together and commend me unto the Lord, who am about to set forth unto another nation, that his grace may go before me and dispose my journey aright, that he may receive his vessels holy and believing, that they, giving thanks for my preaching of the word of the Lord, may be well grounded in the faith. But the brethren wept long and prayed unto the Lord with Paul, saying: Be thou, Lord Jesus Christ, with Paul and restore him unto us whole: for we know our weakness which is in us even to this day.
III. And a great multitude of women were kneeling and praying and beseeching Paul; and they kissed his feet and accompanied him unto the harbour. But Dionysius and Balbus, of Asia, knights of Rome, and illustrious men, and a senator by name Demetrius abode by Paul on his right hand and said: Paul, I would desire to leave the city if I were not a magistrate, that I might not depart from thee. Also from Caesar's house Cleobius and Iphitus and Lysimachus and Aristaeus and two matrons Berenice and Philostrate, with Narcissus the presbyter [after they had] accompanied him to the harbour: but whereas a storm of the sea came on, he (Narcissus?) sent the brethren back to Rome, that if any would, he might come down and hear Paul until he set sail: and hearing that, the brethren went up unto the city. And when they told the brethren that had remained in the city, and the report was spread abroad, some on beasts, and some on foot, and others by way of the Tiber came down to the harbour, and were confirmed in the faith for three days, and on the fourth day until the fifth hour, praying together with Paul, and making the offering: and they put all that was needful on the ship and delivered him two young men, believers, to sail with him, and bade him farewell in the Lord and returned to Rome.
There has been great dispute about these three chapters, whether they are not an excerpt from the Acts of Paul, or whether they are an addition made by the writer of the Greek original of the Vercelli Acts.
If they are from the Acts of Paul, it means that in those Acts Paul was represented as visiting Rome twice, and going to Spain between the visits. Evidently, if this was so, he did not return straight from Spain to Rome: at least the Coptic gives no indication that the prophecies of Cleobius and Myrte were uttered in Spain.
The question is a difficult one. All allow that the writer of the Acts of Peter knew and used the Acts of Paul: but there is strong opposition to the idea that Paul related two visits to Rome.
The writer of Paul obviously knew the canonical Acts very well and obviously took great liberties with them. Did he go so far, one wonders, as to suppress and ignore the whole story of the trial before Felix and the shipwreck? If he told of but one visit to Rome -the final one- it appears that he did: for the conditions described in the Martyrdom -Paul quite free and martyred very shortly after his arrival- are totally irreconcilable with Luke (Paul arriving in custody and living two years at least in the city).
IV. Now after a few days there was a great commotion in the midst of the church, for some said that they had seen wonderful works done by a certain man whose name was Simon, and that he was at Aricia, and they added further that he said he was a great power of God and without God he did nothing. Is not this the Christ? but we believe in him whom Paul preached unto us; for by him have we seen the dead raised, and men Delivered from divers infirmities: but this man seeketh contention, we know it (or, but what this contention is, we know not) for there is no small stir made among us. Perchance also he will now enter into Rome; for yesterday they besought him with great acclamations, saying unto him: Thou art God in Italy, thou art the saviour of the Romans: haste quickly unto Rome. But he spake to the people with a shrill voice, saying: Tomorrow about the seventh hour ye shall see me fly over the gate of the city in the form (habit) wherein ye now see me speaking unto you. Therefore, brethren, if it seem good unto you, let us go and await carefully the issue of the matter. They all therefore ran together and came unto the gate. And when it was the seventh hour, behold suddenly a dust was seen in the sky afar off, like a smoke shining with rays stretching far from it. And when he drew near to the gate, suddenly he was not seen: and thereafter he appeared, standing in the midst of the people; whom they all worshipped, and took knowledge that he was the same that was seen of them the day before.
And the brethren were not a little offended among themselves, seeing, moreover, that Paul was not at Rome, neither Timotheus nor Barnabas, for they had been sent into Macedonia by Paul, and that there was no man to comfort us, to speak nothing of them that had but just become catechumens. And as Simon exalted himself yet more by the works which he did, and many of them daily called Paul a sorcerer, and others a deceiver, of so great a multitude that had been stablished in the faith all fell away save Narcissus the presbyter and two women in the lodging of the Bithynians, and four that could no longer go out of their house, but were shut up (day and night): these gave themselves unto prayer (by day and night), beseeching the Lord that Paul might return quickly, or some other that should visit his servants, because the devil had made them fall by his wickedness.
V. And as they prayed and fasted, God was already teaching Peter at Jerusalem of that which should come to pass. For whereas the twelve years which the Lord Christ had enjoined upon him were fulfilled, he showed him a vision after this manner, saying unto him: Peter, that Simon the sorcerer whom thou didst cast out of Judaea, convicting him, hath again come before thee (prevented thee) at Rome. And that shalt thou know shortly (or, and that thou mayest know in few words): for all that did believe in me hath Satan made to fall by his craft and working: whose Power Simon approveth himself to be. But delay thee not: set forth on the morrow, and there shalt thou find a ship ready, setting sail for Italy, and within few days I will show thee my grace which hath in it no grudging. Peter then, admonished by the vision, related it unto the brethren without delay, saying: It is necessary for me to go up unto Rome to fight with the enemy and adversary of the Lord and of our brethren.
And he went down to Caesarea and embarked quickly in the ship, whereof the ladder was already drawn up, not taking any provision with him. But the governor of the ship whose name was Theon looked on Peter and said: Whatsoever we have, all is thine. For what thank have we, if we take in a man like unto ourselves who is in uncertain case (difficulty) and share not all that we have with thee? but only let us have a prosperous voyage. But Peter, giving him thanks for that which he offered, himself fasted while he was in the ship, sorrowful in mind and again consoling himself because God accounted him worthy to be a minister in his service.
And after a few days the governor of the ship rose up at the hour of his dinner and asked Peter to eat with him, and said to him: O thou, whoever thou art, I know thee not, but as I reckon, I take thee for a servant of God. For as I was steering my ship at midnight I perceived the voice of a man from heaven saying to me: Theon, Theon! And twice it called me by my name and said to me: Among them that sail with thee let Peter be greatly honoured by thee, for by him shalt thou and the rest be preserved safe without any hurt after such a course as thou hopest not for. And Peter believed that God would vouchsafe to show his providence upon the sea unto them that were in the ship, and thenceforth began Peter to declare unto Theon the mighty works of God, and how the Lord had chosen him from among the apostles, and for what business he sailed unto Italy: and daily he communicated unto him the word of God. And considering him he perceived by his walk that he was of one mind in the faith and a worthy minister (deacon).
Now when there was a calm upon the ship in Hadria (the Adriatic), Theon showed it to Peter, saying unto him: If thou wilt account me worthy, whom thou mayest baptize with the seal of the Lord thou hast an opportunity. For all that were in the ship had fallen asleep, being drunken. And Peter went down by a rope and baptized Theon in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost: and he came up out of the water rejoicing with great joy, and Peter also was glad because God had accounted Theon worthy of his name. Arid it came to pass when Theon was baptized, there appeared in the same place a youth shining and beautiful, saying unto them: Peace be unto you. And immediately Peter and Theon went up and entered into the cabin; and Peter took bread and gave thanks unto the Lord which had accounted him worthy of his holy ministry, and for that the youth had appeared unto them, saying: Peace be unto you. And he said: Thou best and alone holy one, it is thou that hast appeared unto us, O God Jesu Christ, and in thy name hath this man now been washed and sealed with thy holy seal. Therefore in thy name do I impart unto him thine eucharist, that he may be thy perfect servant without blame for ever.
And as they feasted and rejoiced in the Lord, suddenly there came a wind, not vehement but moderate, at the ship's prow, and ceased not for six days and as many nights, until they came unto Puteoli.
VI. And when they had touched at Puteoli, Theon leapt out of the ship and went unto the inn where he was wont to lodge, to prepare to receive Peter. Now he with whom he lodged was one by name Ariston, which alway feared the Lord, and because of the Name Theon entrusted himself with him (had dealings with him). And when he was come to the inn and saw Ariston, Theon said unto him: God who hath accounted thee worthy to serve him hath communicated his grace unto me also by his holy servant Peter, who hath now sailed with me from Judaea, being commanded by our Lord to come unto Italy. And when he heard that, Ariston fell upon Theon's neck and embraced him and besought him to bring him to the ship and show him Peter. For Ariston said that since Paul set forth unto Spain there was no man of the brethren with whom he could refresh himself, and, moreover, a certain Jew had broken into the city, named Simon, and with his charms of sorcery and his wickedness hath he made all the brotherhood fall away this way and that, so that I also fled from Rome, expecting the coming of Peter: for Paul had told us of him, and I also have seen many things in a vision. Now, therefore, I believe in my Lord that he will build up again his ministry, for all this deceit shall be rooted out from among his servants. For our Lord Jesus Christ is faithful, who is able to restore our minds. And when Theon heard these things from Ariston, who wept, his spirit was raised (increased) yet more and he was the more strengthened, because he perceived that he had believed on the living God.
But when they came together unto the ship, Peter looked upon them and smiled, being filled with the Spirit; so that Ariston falling on his face at Peter's feet, said thus: Brother and lord, that hast part in the holy mysteries and showest the right way which is in the Lord Jesus Christ our God, who by thee hath shown unto us his coming: we have lost all them whom Paul had delivered unto us, by the working of Satan; but now I trust in the Lord who hath commanded thee to come unto us, sending thee as his messenger, that he hath accounted us worthy to see his great and wonderful works by thy means. I pray thee therefore, make haste unto the city: for I left the brethren which have stumbled, whom I saw fall into the temptation of the devil, and fled hither, saying unto them: Brethren, stand fast in the faith, for it is of necessity that within these two months the mercy of our Lord bring his servant unto you. For I had seen a vision, even Paul, saying unto me: Ariston, flee thou out of the city. And when I heard it, I believed without delay and went forth in the Lord, although I had an infirmity in my flesh, and came hither; and day by day I stood upon the sea-shore asking the sailors: Hath Peter sailed with you? But now through the abundance of the grace of God I entreat thee, let us go up unto Rome without delay, lest the teaching of this wicked man prevail yet further. And as Ariston said this with tears, Peter gave him his hand and raised him up from the earth, and Peter also groaning, said with tears: He hath prevented us which tempteth all the world by his angels; but he that hath power to save his servants from all temptations shall quench his deceits and put him beneath the feet of them that have believed in Christ whom we preach.
And, as they entered in at the gate, Theon entreated Peter, saying: Thou didst not refresh thyself on any day in so great a voyage (sea): and now after (before) so hard a journey wilt thou set out forthwith from the ship? tarry and refresh thyself, and so shalt thou set forth: for from hence to Rome upon a pavement of flint I fear lest thou be hurt by the shaking. But Peter answered and said to them: What if it come to pass that a millstone were hung upon me, and likewise upon the enemy of our Lord, even as my Lord said unto us of any that offended one of the brethren, and I were drowned in the sea? but it might be not only a millstone, but that which is far worse, even that I which am the enemy of this persecutor of his servants should die afar off from them that have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ (so Ficker: the sentence is corrupt; the sense is that Peter must at all costs be with his fellow-Christians, or he will incur even worse punishment than that threatened by our Lord's words). And by no exhortation could Theon prevail to persuade him to tarry there even one day.
But Theon himself delivered all that was in the ship to be sold for the price which he thought good, and followed Peter unto Rome; whom Ariston brought unto the abode of Narcissus the presbyter.
VII. Now the report was noised through the city unto the brethren that were dispersed, because of Simon, that he might show him to be a deceiver and a persecutor of good men. All the multitude therefore ran together to see the apostle of the Lord stay (himself, or the brethren) on Christ. And on the first day of the week when the multitude was assembled to see Peter, Peter began to say with a loud voice: Ye men here present that trust in Christ, ye that for a little space have suffered temptation, learn for what cause God sent his Son into the world, and wherefore he made him to be born of the Virgin Mary; for would he so have done if not to procure us some grace or dispensation? even because he would take away all offence and all ignorance and all the contrivance of the devil, his attempts (beginnings) and his strength wherewith he prevailed aforetime, before our God shined forth in the world. And whereas men through ignorance fell into death by many and divers infirmities, Almighty God, moved with compassion, sent his Son into the world. With whom I was; and he (or I) walked upon the water, whereof I myself remain awitness, and do testify that he then worked in the world by signs and wonders, all of which he did.
I do confess, dearly-beloved brethren, that I was with him: yet I denied him, even our Lord Jesus Christ, and that not once only, but thrice; for there were evil dogs that were come about me as they did unto the Lord's prophets. And the Lord imputed it not unto me, but turned unto me and had compassion on the infirmity of my flesh, when (or so that) afterward I bitterly bewailed myself, and lamented the weakness of my faith, because I was befooled by the devil and kept not in mind the word of my Lord. And now I say unto you, O men and brethren, which are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ: against you also hath the deceiver Satan aimed his arrows, that ye might depart out of the way. But faint not, brethren, neither let your spirit fall, but be strong and persevere and doubt not: for if Satan caused me to stumble, whom the Lord had in great honour, so that I denied the light of mine hope, and if he overthrew me and persuaded me to flee as if I had put my trust in a man, what think ye will he do unto you which are but young in the faith? Did ye suppose that he would not turn you away to make you enemies of the kingdom of God, and cast you down into perdition by a new (or the last) deceit? For whomsoever he casteth out from the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, he is a son of perdition for ever. Turn yourselves, therefore, brethren, chosen of the Lord, and be strong in God Almighty, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom no man hath seen at any time, neither can see, save he who hath believed in him. And be ye aware whence this temptation hath come upon you. For it is not only by words that I would convince you that this is Christ whom I preach, but also by deeds and exceeding great works of power do I exhort you by the faith that is in Christ Jesus, that none of you look for any other save him that was despised and mocked of the Jews, even this Nazarene which was crucified and died and the third day rose again.
VIII. And the brethren repented and entreated Peter to fight against Simon: (who said that he was the power of God, and lodged in the house of Marcellus a senator, whom he had convinced by his charms) saying: Believe us, brother Peter: there was no man among men so wise as this Marcellus. All the widows that trusted in Christ had recourse unto him; all the fatherless were fed by him; and what more, brother? all the poor called Marcellus their patron, and his house was called the house of the strangers and of the poor, and the emperor said unto him: I will keep thee out of every office, lest thou despoil the provinces to give gifts unto the Christians. And Marcellus answered: All my goods are also thine. And Caesar said to him: Mine they would be if thou keptest them for me; but now they are not mine, for thou givest them to whom thou wilt, and I know not to what vile persons. Having this, then, before our eyes, brother Peter, we report it to thee, how the great mercy of this man is turned unto blasphemy; for if he had not turned, neither should we have departed from the holy faith of God our Lord. And now doth this Marcellus in anger repent him of his good deeds, saying: All this substance have I spent in all this time, vainly believing that I gave it for the knowledge of God! So that if any stranger cometh to the door of his house, he smiteth him with a staff and biddeth him be beaten, saying: Would God I had not spent so much money upon these impostors: and yet more doth he say, blaspheming. But if there abide in thee any mercy of our Lord and aught of the goodness of his commandments, do thou succour the error of this man who hath done so many alms-deeds unto the servants of God.
And Peter, when he perceived this, was smitten with sharp affliction and said: O the divers arts and temptations of the devil! O the contrivances and devices of the wicked! he that nourisheth up for himself a mighty fire in the day of wrath, the destruction of simple men, the ravening wolf, the devourer and scatterer of eternal life! Thou didst enmesh the first man in concupiscence and bind him with thine old iniquity and with the chain of the flesh: thou art wholly the exceeding bitter fruit of the tree of bitterness, who sendest divers lusts upon men. Thou didst compel Judas my fellow-disciple and fellow-apostle to do wickedly and deliver up our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall punish thee therefor. Thou didst harden the heart of Herod and didst inflame Pharaoh and compel him to fight against Moses the holy servant of God; thou didst give boldness unto Caiaphas, that he should deliver our Lord Jesus Christ unto the unrighteous multitude; and even until now thou shootest at innocent souls with thy poisonous arrows. Thou wicked one, enemy of all men, be thou accursed from the Church of him the Son of the holy God ommpotent and as a brand cast out of the fire shalt thou be quenched by the servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. Upon thee let thy blackness be turned and upon thy children, an evil seed; upon thee be turned thy wickedness and thy threatenings; upon thee and thine angels be thy temptations, thou beginning of malice and bottomless pit of darkness! Let thy darkness that thou hast be with thee and with thy vessels which thou ownest! Depart from them that shall believe in God, depart from the servants of Christ and from them that desire to be his soldiers. Keep thou to thyself thy garments of darkness! Without cause knockest thou at other men's doors, which are not thine but of Christ Jesus that keepeth them. For thou, ravening wolf, wouldest carry off the sheep that are not thine but of Christ Jesus, who keepeth them with all care and diligence.
IX. As Peter spake thus with great sorrow of mind, many were added unto them that believed on the Lord. But the brethren besought Peter to join battle with Simon and not suffer him any longer to vex the people. And without delay Peter went quickly out of the synagogue (assembly) and went unto the house of Marcellus, where Simon lodged: and much people followed him. And when he came to the door, he called the porter and said to him: Go, say unto Simon: Peter because of whom thou fleddest out of Judaea waiteth for thee at the door. The porter answered and said to Peter: Sir, whether thou be Peter, I know not: but I have a command; for he had knowledge that yesterday thou didst enter into the city, and said unto me: Whether it be by day or by night, at whatsoever hour he cometh, say that I am not within. And Peter said to the young man: Thou hast well said in reporting that which he compelled thee to say. And Peter turned unto the people that followed him and said: Ye shall now see a great and marvellous wonder. And Peter seeing a great dog bound with a strong chain, went to him and loosed him, and when he was loosed the dog received a man's voice and said unto Peter: What dost thou bid me to do, thou servant of the unspeakable and living God? Peter said unto him: Go in and say unto Simon in the midst of his company: Peter saith unto thee, Come forth abroad, for thy sake am I come to Rome, thou wicked one and deceiver of simple souls. And immediately the dog ran and entered in, and rushed into the midst of them that were with Simon, and lifted up his forefeet and in a loud voice said: Thou Simon, Peter the servant of Christ who standeth at the door saith unto thee: Come forth abroad, for thy sake am I come to Rome, thou most wicked one and deceiver of simple souls. And when Simon heard it, and beheld the incredible sight, he lost the words wherewith he was deceiving them that stood by, and all of them were amazed.
X. But when Marcellus saw it he went out to the door and east himself at Peter's feet and said: Peter, I embrace thy feet, thou holy servant of the holy God; I have sinned greatly: but exact thou not my sins, if there be in thee the true faith of Christ, whom thou preachest, if thou remember his commandments, to hate no man, to be unkind to no man, as I learned from thy fellow apostle Paul; keep not in mind my faults, but pray for me unto the Lord, the holy Son of God whom I have provoked to wrath -for I have persecuted his servants- that I be not delivered with the sins of Simon unto eternal fire; who so persuaded me, that I set up a statue to him with this inscription: 'To Simon the new (young) God.' If I knew, O Peter, that thou couldest be won with money, I would give thee all my substance, yea I would give it and despise it, that I might gain my soul. If I had sons, I would account them as nothing, if only I might believe in the living God. But I confess that he would not have deceived me save that he said that he was the power of God; yet will I tell thee, O most gentle (sweet) Peter: I was not worthy to hear thee, thou servant of God, neither was I stablished in the faith of God which is in Christ; therefore was I made to stumble. I beseech thee, therefore, take not ill that which I am about to say, that Christ our Lord whom thou preachest in truth said unto thy fellow-apostles in thy presence: If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain: Remove thyself: and straightway it shall remove itself. But this Simon said that thou, Peter, wast without faith when thou didst doubt, in the waters. And I have heard that Christ said this also: They that are with me have not understood me. If, then, ye upon whom he laid his hands, whom also he chose, did doubt, I, therefore, having this witness, repent me, and take refuge in thy prayers. Receive my soul, who have fallen away from our Lord and from his promise. But I believe that he will have mercy upon me that repent. For the Almighty is faithful to forgive me my sins.
But Peter said with a loud voice: Unto thee, our Lord, be glory and splendour, O God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unto thee be praise and glory and honour, world without end. Amen. Because thou hast now fully strengthened and stablished us in thee in the sight of all, holy Lord, confirm thou Marcellus, and send thy peace upon him and upon his house this day: and whatsoever is lost or out of the way, thou alone canst turn them all again; we beseech thee, Lord, shepherd of the sheep that once were scattered, but now shall be gathered in one by thee. So also receive thou Marcellus as one of thy lambs and suffer him no longer to go astray (revel) in error or ignorance. Yea, Lord, receive him that with anguish and tears entreateth thee.
XI. And as Peter spake thus and embraced Mareellus, Peter turned himself unto the multitude that stood by him and saw there one that laughed (smiled), in whom was a very evil spirit. And Peter said unto him: Whosoever thou art that didst laugh, show thyself openly unto all that are present. And hearing this the young man ran into the court of the house and cried out with a loud voice and dashed himself against the wall and said: Peter, there is a great contention between Simon and the dog whom thou sentest; for Simon saith to the dog: Say that I am not here. Unto whom the dog saith more than thou didst charge him; and when he hath accomplished the mystery which thou didst command him, he shall die at thy feet. But Peter said: And thou also, devil, whosoever thou art, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, go out of that young man and hurt him not at all: show thyself unto all that stand here. When the young man heard it, he ran forth and caught hold on a great statue of marble which was set in the court of the house, and brake it in pieces with his feet. Now it was a statue of Caesar. Which Marcellus beholding smote his forehead and said unto Peter: A great crime hath been committed; for if this be made known unto Caesar by some busybody, he will afflict us with sore punishments. And Peter said to him: I see thee not the same that thou wast a little while ago, for thou saidst that thou wast ready to spend all thy substance to save thy soul. But if thou indeed repentest, believing in Christ with thy whole heart, take in thine hands of the water that runneth down, and pray to the Lord, and in his name sprinkle it upon the broken pieces of the statue and it shall be whole as it was before. And Marcellus, nothing doubting, but believing with his whole heart, before he took the water lifted up his hands and said: I believe in thee, O Lord Jesu Christ: for I am now proved by thine apostle Peter, whether I believe aright in thine holy name. Therefore I take water in mine hands, and in thy name do I sprinkle these stones that the statue may become whole as it was before. If, therefore, Lord, it be thy will that I continue in the body and suffer nothing at Caesar's hand, let this stone be whole as it was before. And he sprinkled the water upon the stones, and the statue became whole, whereat Peter exulted that Marcellus had not doubted in asking of the Lord, and Marcellus was exalted in spirit for that such a sign was first wrought by his hands; and he therefore believed with his whole heart in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God, by whom all things impossible are made possible.
XII. But Simon within the house said thus to the dog: Tell Peter that I am not within. Whom the dog answered in the presence of Marcellus: Thou exceeding wicked and shameless one, enemy of all that live and believe on Christ Jesus, here is a dumb animal sent unto thee which hath received a human voice to confound thee and show thee to be a deceiver and a liar. Hast thou taken thought so long, to say at last: 'Tell him that I am not within?' Art thou not ashamed to utter thy feeble and useless words against Peter the minister and apostle of Christ, as if thou couldst hide thee from him that hath commanded me to speak against thee to thy face: and that not for thy sake but for theirs whom thou wast deceiving and sending unto destruction? Cursed therefore shalt thou be, thou enemy and corrupter of the way of the truth of Christ, who shall prove by fire that dieth not and in outer darkness, thine iniquities that thou hast committed. And having thus said, the dog went forth and the people followed him, leaving Simon alone. And the dog came unto Peter as he sat with the multitude that was come to see Peter's face, and the dog related what he had done unto Simon. And thus spake the dog unto the angel and apostle of the true God: Peter, thou wilt have a great contest with the enemy of Christ and his servants, and many that have been deceived by him shalt thou turn unto the faith; wherefore thou shalt receive from God the reward of thy work. And when the dog had said this he fell down at the apostle Peter's feet and gave up the ghost. And when the great multitude saw with amazement the dog speaking, they began then, some to throw themselves down at Peter's feet, and some said: Show us another sign, that we may believe in thee as the minister of the living God, for Simon also did many signs in our presence and therefore did we follow him.
XIII. And Peter turned and saw a herring (sardine) hung in a window, and took it and said to the people: If ye now see this swimming in the water like a fish, will ye be able to believe in him whom I preach? And they said with one voice: Verily we will believe thee. Then he said -now there was a bath for swimming at hand: In thy name, O Jesu Christ, forasmuch as hitherto it is not believed in, in the sight of all these live and swim like a fish. And he cast the herring into the bath, and it lived and began to swim. And all the people saw the fish swimming, and it did not so at that hour only, lest it should be said that it was a delusion (phantasm), but he made it to swim for a long time, so that they brought much people from all quarters and showed them the herring that was made a living fish, so that certain of the people even cast bread to it; and they saw that it was whole. And seeing this, many followed Peter and believed in the Lord.
And they assembled themselves day and night unto the house of Narcissus the presbyter. And Peter discoursed unto them of the scriptures of the prophets and of those things which our Lord Jesus Christ had wrought both in word and in deeds.
XIV. But Marcellus was confirmed daily by the signs which he saw wrought by Peter through the grace of Jesus Christ which he granted unto him. And Mareellus ran upon Simon as he sat in his house in the dining chamber, and cursed him and said unto him: Thou most adverse and pestilent of men, corrupter of my soul and my house, who wouldest have made me fall away from my Lord and Saviour Christ! and laying hands on him he commanded him to be thrust out of his house. And the servants having received such licence, covered him with reproaches; some buffeted his face, others beat him with sticks, others cast stones, others emptied out vessels full of filth upon his head, even those who on his account had fled from their master and been a long time fettered; and other their fellowservants of whom he had spoken evil to their master reproached him. saying to him: Now by the will of God who hath had mercy on us and on our master, do we recompense thee with a fit reward. And Simon, shrewdly beaten and cast out of the house, ran unto the house where Peter lodged, even the house of Narcissus, and standing at the gate cried out: Lo, here am I, Simon: come thou down, Peter, and I will convict thee that thou hast believed on a man which is a Jew and a carpenter's son.
XV. And when it was told Peter that Simon had said this, Peter sent unto him a woman which had a sucking child, saying to her: Go down quickly, and thou wilt find one that seeketh me. For thee there is no need that thou answer him at all, but keep silence and hear what the child whom thou holdest shall say unto him. The woman therefore went down. Now the child whom she suckled was seven months old; and it received a man's voice and said unto Simon: O thou abhorred of God and men, and destruction of truth, and evil seed of all corruption, O fruit by nature unprofitable! but only for a short and little season shalt thou be seen, and thereafter eternal punishment is laid up for thee. Thou son of a shameless father, that never puttest forth thy roots for good but for poison, faithless generation void of all hope! thou wast not confounded when a dog reproved thee; I a child am compelled of God to speak, and not even now art thou ashamed. But even against thy will, on the sabbath day that cometh, another shall bring thee into the forum of Julius that it may be shown what manner of man thou art. Depart therefore from the gate wherein walk the feet of the holy; for thou shalt no more corrupt the innocent souls whom thou didst turn out of the way and make sad; in Christ, therefore, shall be shown thine evil nature, and thy devices shall be cut in pieces. And now speak I this last word unto thee: Jesus Christ saith to thee: Be thou stricken dumb in my name, and depart out of Rome until the sabbath that cometh. And forthwith he became dumb and his speech was bound; and he went out of Rome until the sabbath and abode in a stable. But the woman returned with the child unto Peter and told him and the rest of the brethren what the child had said unto Simon: and they magnified the Lord which had shown these things unto men.
XVI. Now when the night fell, Peter, while yet waking, beheld Jesus clad in a vesture of brightness, smiling and saying unto him: Already is much people of the brotherhood returned through me and through the signs which thou hast wrought in my name. But thou shalt have a contest of the faith upon the sabbath that cometh, and many more of the Gentiles and of the Jews shall be converted in my name unto me who was reproached and mocked and spat upon. For I will be present with thee when thou askest for signs and wonders, and thou shalt convert many: but thou shalt have Simon opposing thee by the works of his father; yet all his works shall be shown to be charms and contrivances of sorcery. But now slack thou not, and whomsoever I shall send unto thee thou shalt establish in my name. And when it was light, he told the brethren how the Lord had appeared unto him and what he had commanded him:
XVII. [This episode, inserted most abruptly, is believed by Vouaux to have been inserted here by the compiler of the Greek original of the Vercelli Acts: but it was not composed by him, but transferred with very slight additions from the earlier part of the Acts-now lost- of which the scene was laid in Judaea. I incline to favour this view.)
But believe ye me, men and brethren, I drove this Simon out of Judaea where he did many evils with his magical charms, lodging in Judaea with a certain woman Eubula, who was of honourable estate in this world, having store of gold and pearls of no small price. Here did Simon enter in by stealth with two others like unto himself, and none of the household saw them two, but Simon only, and by means of a spell they took away all the woman's gold, and disappeared. But Eubula, when she found what was done, began to torture her household, saying: Ye have taken occasion by this man of God and spoiled me, when ye saw him entering in to me to honour a mere woman; but his name is as the name of the Lord.
As I fasted for three days and prayed that this matter should be made plain, I saw in a vision Italicus and Antulus (Antyllus?) whom I had instructed in the name of the Lord, and a boy naked and chained giving me a wheaten loaf and saying unto me: Peter, endure yet two days and thou shalt see the mighty works of God. As for all that is lost out of the house of Eubula, Simon hath used art magic and hath caused a delusion, and with two others hath stolen it away: whom thou shalt see on the third day at the ninth hour, at the gate which leadeth unto Neapolis, selling unto a goldsmith by name Agrippinus a young satyr of gold of two pound weight, having in it a precious stone. But for thee there is no need that thou touch it, lest thou be defiled; but let there be with thee some of the matron's servants, and thou shalt show them the shop of the goldsmith and depart from them. For by reason of this matter shall many believe on the name of the Lord, and all that which these men by their devices and wickedness have oft-times stolen shall be openly showed. When I heard that, I went unto Eubula and found her sitting with her clothes rent and her hair disordered, mourning; unto whom I said: Eubula, rise up from thy mourning and compose thy face and order thy hair and put on raiment befitting thee, and pray unto the Lord Jesus Christ that judgeth every soul: for he is the invisible Son of God, by whom thou must be saved, if only thou repent with thine whole heart of thy former sins: and receive thou power from him; for behold, by me the Lord saith to thee: Thou shalt find all whatsoever thou hast lost. And after thou hast received them, take thou care that he find thee, that thou mayest renounce this present world and seek for everlasting refreshment. Hearken therefore unto this: Let certain of thy people keep watch at the gate that leadeth to Neapolis on the day after to-morrow at about the ninth hour, and they shall see two young men having a young satyr of gold, of two pound weight, set with gems, as a vision hath shown me: which thing they will offer for sale to one Agrippinus of the household of godliness and of the faith which is in the Lord Jesus Christ: by whom it shall be showed thee that thou shouldest believe in the living God and not on Simon the magician, the unstable devil, who hath desired that thou shouldest remain in sorrow, and thine innocent household be tormented; who by fair words and speech only hath deceived thee, and with his mouth only spake of godliness, whereas he is wholly possessed of ungodliness. For when thou didst think to keep holy-day, and settedst up thine idol and didst veil it and set out all thine ornaments upon a table (round three-legged table), he brought in two young men whom no man of yours saw, by a magic charm, and they stole away thine ornaments and were no more seen. But his device hath had no success (place); for my God hath manifested it unto me, to the end thou shouldest not be deceived, neither perish in hell, for those sins which thou hast committed ungodly and contrary to God, who is full of all truth, and the righteous judge of quick and dead; and there is none other hope of life unto men save through him, by whom those things which thou hast lost are recovered unto thee: and now do thou gain thine own soul.
But she cast herself down before my feet, saying: O man, who thou art I know not; but him I received as a servant of God, and whatsoever he asked of me to give it unto the poor, I gave much by his hands, and beside that I did give much unto him. What hurt did I do him, that he should contrive all this against mine house? Unto whom Peter said: There is no faith to be put in words, but in acts and deeds: but we must go on with that we have begun. So I left her and went with two stewards of Eubula and came to Agrippinus and said to him: See that thou take note of these men; for to-morrow two young men will come to thee, desiring to sell thee a young satyr of gold set with jewels, which belongeth to the mistress of these: and thou shalt take it as it were to look upon it, and praise the work of the craftsman, and then when these come in, God will bring the rest to the proof. And on the next day the stewards of the matron came about the ninth hour, and also those young men, willing to sell unto Agrippinus the young satyr of gold. And they being forthwith taken, it was reported unto the matron, and she in distress of mind came to the deputy, and with a loud voice declared all that had befallen her. And when Pompeius the deputy beheld her in distress of mind, who never had come forth abroad, he forthwith rose up from the judgement seat and went unto the praetorium, and bade those men to be brought and tortured; and while they were being tormented they confessed that they did it in the service of Simon, which, said they, persuaded us thereto with money. And being tortured a long time, they confessed that all that Eubula had lost was laid up under the earth in a cave on the other side of the gate, and many other things besides. And when Pompeius heard this, he rose up to go unto the gate, with those two men, each of them bound with two chains. And lo, Simon came in at the gate, seeking them because they tarried long. And he seeth a great multitude coming, and those two bound with chains; and he understood and betook him to flight, and appeared no more in Judaea unto this day. But Eubula, when she had recovered all her goods, gave them for the service of the poor, and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and was comforted; and despised and renounced this world, and gave unto the widows and fatherless, and clothed the poor. And after a long time she received her rest (sleep). Now these things, dearly beloved brethren, were done in Judaea, whereby he that is called the angel of Satan was driven out thence.
XVIII. Brethren, dearest and most beloved, let us fast together and pray unto the Lord. For he that drove him out thence is able also to root him out of this place: and let him grant unto us power to withstand him and his magical charms, and to prove that he is the angel of Satan. For on the sabbath our Lord shall bring him, though he would not, unto the forum of Julius. Let us therefore bow our knees unto Christ, which heareth us, though we cry not; it is he that seeth us, though he be not seen with these eyes, yet is he in us: if we will, he will not forsake us. Let us therefore purify our souls of every evil temptation, and God will not depart from us. Yea, if we but wink with our eyes, he is present with us.
XIX. Now after these things were spoken by Peter, Marcellus also came in, and said: Peter, I have for thee cleansed mine whole house from the footsteps (traces) of Simon, and wholly done away even his wicked dust. For I took water and called upon the holy name of Jesus Christ, together with mine other servants which belong unto him, and sprinkled all my house and all the dining chambers and all the porticoes, even unto the outer gate, and said: I know that thou, Lord Jesu Christ, art pure and untouched of any uncleanness: so let mine enemy and adversary be driven out from before thy face. And now, thou blessed one, have I bidden the widows and old women to assemble unto thee in my house which is purified (MS. common), that they may pray with us. And they shall receive every one a piece of gold in the name of the ministry (service), that they may be called indeed servants of Christ. And all else is now prepared for the service. I entreat thee, therefore, O blessed Peter, consent unto their request, so that thou also pay honour unto (ornament) their prayers in my stead; let us then go and take Narcissus also, and whosoever of the brethren are here. So then Peter consented unto his simplicity, to fulfil his desire, and went forth with him and the rest of the brethren.
XX. But Peter entered in, and beheld one of the aged women, a widow, that was blind, and her daughter giving her her hand and leading her into Marcellus' house; and Peter said unto her: Come hither, mother: from this day forward Jesus giveth thee his right hand, by whom we have light unapproachable which no darkness hideth; who saith unto thee by me: Open thine eyes and see, and walk by thyself. And forthwith the widow saw Peter laying his hand upon her.
And Peter entered into the dining-hall and saw that the Gospel was being read, and he rolled up the book and said: Ye men that believe and hope in Christ, learn in what manner the holy Scripture of our Lord ought to be declared: whereof we by his grace wrote that which we could receive, though yet it appear unto you feeble, yet according to our power, even that which can be endured to be borne by (or instilled into) human flesh. We ought therefore first to know the will and the goodness of God, how that when error was everywhere spread abroad, and many thousands of men were being cast down into perdition, God was moved by his mercy to show himself in another form and in the likeness of man, concerning which neither the Jews nor we were able worthily to be enlightened. For every one of us according as he could contain the sight, saw, as he was able. Now will I expound unto you that which was newly read unto you. Our Lord, willing that I should behold his majesty in the holy mount -I, when I with the sons of Zebedee saw the brightness of his light, fell as one dead and shut mine eyes, and heard such a voice from him as I am not able to describe, and thought myself to be blinded by his brightness. And when I recovered (breathed again) a little I said within myself: Peradventure my Lord hath brought me hither that he might blind me. And I said: If this also be thy will, Lord, I resist not. And he gave me his hand and raised me up; and when I arose I saw him again in such a form as I was able to take in. As, therefore, the merciful God, dearly beloved brethren, carried our infirmities and bare our sins (as the prophet saith: He beareth our sins and suffereth for us; but we did esteem him to be in affliction and smitten with plagues), for he is in the Father and the Father in him -he also is himself the fulness of all majesty, who hath shown unto us all his good things: he did eat and drink for our sakes, himself being neither an-hungered nor athirst; he carried and bare reproaches for our sakes, he died and rose again because of us; who both defended me when I sinned and comforted me by his greatness, and will comfort you also that ye may love him: this God who is great and small, fair and foul, young and old, seen in time and unto eternity invisible; whom the hand of man hath not held, yet is he held by his servants; whom no flesh hath seen, yet now seeth; who is the word proclaimed by the prophets and now appearing (so Gk.: Lat. not heard of but now known); not subject to suffering, but having now made trial of suffering for our sake (or like unto us); never chastised, yet now chastised; who was before the world and hath been comprehended in time; the great beginning of all principality, yet delivered over unto princes; beautiful, but among us lowly; seen of all yet foreseeing all (MS. foul of view, yet foreseeing). This Jesus ye have, brethren, the door, the light, the way, the bread, the water, the life, the resurrection, the refreshment, the pearl, the treasure, the seed, the abundance (harvest), the mustard seed, the vine, the plough, the grace, the faith, the word: he is all things and there is none other greater than he. Unto him be praise, world without end. Amen.
XXI. And when the ninth hour was fully come, they rose up to make prayer. And behold certain widows, of the aged, unknown to Peter, which sat there, being blind and not believing, cried out, saying unto Peter: We sit together here, O Peter, hoping and believing in Christ Jesus: as therefore thou hast made one of us to see, we entreat thee, lord Peter, grant unto us also his mercy and pity. But Peter said to them: If there be in you the faith that is in Christ, if it be firm in you, then perceive in your mind that which ye see not with your eyes, and though your ears are closed, yet let them be open in your mind within you. These eyes shall again be shut, seeing nought but men and oxen and dumb beasts and stones and sticks; but not every eye seeth Jesus Christ. Yet now, Lord, let thy sweet and holy name succour these persons; do thou touch their eyes; for thou art able -that these may see with their eyes.
And when all had prayed, the hall wherein they were shone as when it lighteneth, even with such a light as cometh in the clouds, yet not such a light as that of the daytime, but unspeakable, invisible, such as no man can describe, even such that we were beside ourselves with bewilderment, calling on the Lord and saying: Have mercy, Lord, upon us thy servants: what we are able to bear, that, Lord, give thou us; for this we can neither see nor endure. And as we lay there, only those widows stood up which were blind; and the bright light which appeared unto us entered into their eyes and made them to see. Unto whom Peter said: Tell us what ye saw. And they said: We saw an old man of such comeliness as we are not able to declare to thee; but others said: We saw a young man; and others: We saw a boy touching our eyes delicately, and so were our eyes opened. Peter therefore magnified the Lord, saying: Thou only art the Lord God, and of what lips have we need to give thee due praise? and how can we give thee thanks according to thy mercy? Therefore, brethren, as I told you but a little while since, God that is constant is greater than our thoughts, even as we have learned of these aged widows, how that they beheld the Lord in divers forms.
XXII. And having exhorted them all to think upon (understand) the Lord with their whole heart, he began together with Marcellus and the rest of the brethren to minister unto the virgins of the Lord, and to rest until the morning.
Unto whom Marcellus said: Ye holy and inviolate virgins of the Lord, hearken: Ye have a place to abide in, for these things that are called mine, whose are they save yours? depart not hence, but refresh yourselves: for upon the sabbath which cometh, even to-morrow, Simon hath a controversy with Peter the holy one of God: for as the Lord hath ever been with him, lo will Christ the Lord now stand for him as his apostle. For Peter hath continued tasting nothing, but fasting yet a day, that he may overcome the wicked adversary and persecutor of the Lord's truth. For lo, my young men are come announcing that they have seen scaffolds being set up in the forum, and much people saying: To-morrow at daybreak two Jews are to contend here concerning the teaching (?) of God. Now therefore let us watch until the morning, praying and beseeching our Lord Jesus Christ to hear our prayers on behalf of Peter.
And Marcellus turned to sleep for a short space, and awoke and said unto Peter: O Peter, thou apostle of Christ, let us go boldly unto that which lieth before us. For just now when I turned myself to sleep for a little, I beheld thee sitting in a high place and before thee a great multitude, and a woman exceeding foul, in sight like an Ethiopian, not an Egyptian, but altogether black and filthy, clothed in rags, and with an iron collar about her neck and chains upon her hands and feet, dancing. And when thou sawest me thou saidst to me with a loud voice: Marcellus the whole power of Simon and of his God is this woman that danceth; do thou behead her. And I said to thee: Brother Peter, I am a senator of a high race, and I have never defiled my hands, neither killed so much as a sparrow at any time. And thou hearing it didst begin to cry out yet more: Come thou, our true sword, Jesu Christ. and cut not off only the head of this devil, but hew all her limbs in pieces in the sight of all these Whom I have approved in thy service. And immediately one like unto thee, O Peter, having a sword, hewed her in pieces: so that I looked earnestly upon you both, both on thee and on him that cut in pieces that devil, and marvelled greatly to see how alike ye were. And I awaked, and have told unto thee these signs of Christ. And when Peter heard it he was the more filled with courage, for that Marcellus had seen these things, knowing that the Lord alway careth for his own. And being joyful and refreshed by these words, he rose up to go unto the forum.
XXIII. Now the brethren were gathered together, and all that were in Rome, and took places every one for a piece of gold: there came together also the senators and the prefects and those in authority. And Peter came and stood in the midst, and all cried out: Show us, O Peter, who is thy God and what is his greatness which hath given thee confidence. Begrudge not the Romans; they are lovers of the gods. We have had proof of Simon, let us have it of thee; convince us, both of you, whom we ought truly to believe. And as they said these things, Simon also came in, and standing in trouble of mind at Peter's side, at first he looked at him.
And after long silence Peter said: Ye men of Rome, be ye true judges unto us, for I say that I have believed on the living and true God; and I promise to give you proofs of him, which are known unto me, as many among you also can bear witness. For ye see that this man is now rebuked and silent, knowing that I drove him out of Judaea because of the deceits which he practised upon Eubula, an honourable and simple woman, by his art magic; and being driven out from thence, he is come hither, thinking to escape notice among you; and lo, he standeth face to face with me. Say now, Simon, didst thou not at Jerusalem fall at my feet and Paul's, when thou sawest the healings that were wrought by our hands, and say: I pray you take of me a payment as much as ye will, that I may be able to lay hands on men and do such mighty works? And we when we heard it cursed thee, saying: Dost thou think to tempt us as if we desired to possess money? And now, fearest thou not at all? My name is Peter, because the Lord Christ vouchsafed to call me 'prepared for all things': for I trust in the living God by whom I shall put down thy sorceries. Now let him do in your presence the wonders which he did aforetime: and what I have now said of him, will ye not believe it?
But Simon said: Thou presumest to speak of Jesus of Nazareth, the son of a carpenter, and a carpenter himself, whose birth is recorded (or whose race dwelleth) in Judaea. Hear thou, Peter: the Romans have understanding: they are no fools. And he turned to the people and said: Ye men of Rome, is God born? is he crucified? he that hath a master is no God. And when he so spake, many said: Thou sayest well, Simon.
XXIV. But Peter said: Anathema upon thy words against (or in) Christ! Presumest thou to speak thus, whereas the prophet saith of him: Who shall declare his generation? And another prophet saith: And we saw him and he had no beauty nor comeliness. And: In the last times shall a child be born of the Holy Ghost: his mother knoweth not a man, neither doth any man say that he is his father. And again he saith: She hath brought forth and not brought forth.[From the apocryphal Ezekiel (lost)] And again: Is it a small thing for you to weary men (lit. Is it a small thing that ye make a contest for men)? Behold, a virgin shall conceive in the womb. And another prophet saith, honouring the Father: Neither did we hear her voice, neither did a midwife come in.[From the Ascension of Isaiah, xi. 14] Another prophet saith: Born not of the womb of a woman, but from a heavenly place came he down. And: A stone was cut out without hands, and smote all the kingdoms. And: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner; and he calleth him a stone elect, precious. And again a prophet saith concerning him: And behold, I saw one like the Son of man coming upon a cloud. And what more? O ye men of Rome, if ye knew the Scriptures of the prophets, I would expound all unto you: by which Scriptures it was necessary that this should be spoken in a mystery, and that the kingdom of God should be perfected. But these things shall be opened unto you hereafter. Now turn I unto thee, Simon: do thou some one thing of those wherewith thou didst before deceive them, and I will bring it to nought through my Lord Jesus Christ. And Simon plucked up his boldness and said: If the prefect allow it (prepare yourselves and delay not for my sake).
XXV. But the prefect desired to show patience unto both, that he might not appear to do aught unjustly. And the prefect put forward one of his servants and said thus unto Simon: Take this man and deliver him to death. And to Peter he said: And do thou revive him. And unto the people the prefect said: It is now for you to judge whether of these two is acceptable unto God, he that killeth or he that maketh alive. And straightway Simon spake in the ear of the lad and made him speechless, and he died.
And as there began to be a murmuring among the people, one of the widows who were nourished (refreshed) in Marcellus' house, standing behind the multitude, cried out: O Peter, servant of God, my son is dead, the only one that I had. And the people made place for her and led her unto Peter: and she cast herself down at his feet, saying: I had one only son, which with his hands (shoulders) furnished me with nourishment: he raised me up, he carried me: now that he is dead, who shall reach me a hand? Unto whom Peter said: Go, with these for witness, and bring hither thy son, that they may see and be able to believe that by the power of God he is raised, and that this man (Simon) may behold it and fail (or, and she when she saw him, fell down). And Peter said to the young men: We have need of some young men, and, moreover, of such as will believe. And forthwith thirty young men arose, which were prepared to carry her or to bring thither her son that was dead. And whereas the widow was hardly returned to herself, the young men took her up; and she was crying out and saying: Lo, my son, the servant of Christ hath sent unto thee: tearing her hair and her face. Now the young men which were come examined (Gk. apparently, held) the lad's nostrils to see whether he were indeed dead; and seeing that he was dead of a truth, they had compassion on the old woman and said: If thou so will, mother, and hast confidence in the God of Peter, we will take him up and carry him thither that he may raise him up and restore him unto thee.
XXVI. And as they said these things, the prefect (in the forum, Lat.), looking earnestly upon Peter (said: What sayest thou Peter?) Behold my lad is dead, who also is dear unto the emperor, and I spared him not, though I had with me other young men; but I desired rather to make trial (tempt) of thee and of the God whom thou (preachest), whether ye be true, and therefore I would have this lad die. And Peter said: God is not tempted nor proved, O Agrippa, but if he be loved and entreated he heareth them that are worthy. But since now my God and Lord Jesus Christ is tempted among you, who hath done so great signs and wonders by my hands to turn you from your sins -now also in the sight of all do thou, Lord, at my word, by thy power raise up him whom Simon hath slain by touching him. And Peter said unto the master of the lad: Go, take hold on his right hand, and thou shalt have him alive and walking with thee. And Agrippa the prefect ran and went to the lad and took his hand and raised him up. And all the multitude seeing it cried: One is the God, one is the God of Peter.
XXVII. In the meanwhile the widow's son also was brought upon a bed by the young men, and the people made way for them and brought them unto Peter. And Peter lifted up his eyes unto heaven and stretched forth his hands and said: O holy Father of thy Son Jesus Christ. who hast granted us thy power, that we may through thee ask and obtain, and despise all that is in the world, and follow thee only, who art seen of few and wouldest be known of many: shine thou about us, Lord, enlighten us, appear thou, raise up the son of this aged widow, which cannot help herself without her son. And I, repeating the word of Christ my Lord, say unto thee: Young man, arise and walk with thy mother so long as thou canst do her good; and thereafter shalt thou serve me after a higher sort, ministering in the lot of a deacon of the bishop (or, and of a bishop). And immediately the dead man rose up, and the multitudes saw it and marvelled, and the people cried out: Thou art God the Saviour, thou, the God of Peter, the invisible God, the Saviour. And they spake among themselves, marvelling indeed at the power of a man that called upon his Lord with a word; and they received it unto sanctification.
XXVIII. The fame of it therefore being spread throughout the city, there came the mother of a certain senator, and cast herself into the midst of the people, and fell at Peter's feet, saying: I have learned from my people that thou art a servant of the merciful God, and dost impart his grace unto all them that desire this light. Impart therefore the light unto my son, for I know that thou begrudgest none; turn not away from a matron that entreateth thee. Unto whom Peter said: Wilt thou believe on my God, by whom thy son shall be raised? And the mother said with a loud voice, weeping: I believe, O Peter, I believe! and all the people cried out: Grant the mother her son. But Peter said: Let him be brought hither before all these. And Peter turned himself to the people and said: Ye men of Rome, I also am one of yourselves, and bear a man's body and am a sinner, but have obtained mercy: look not therefore upon me as though I did by mine own power that which I do, but by the power of my Lord Jesus Christ, who is the judge of quick and dead. In him do I believe and by him am I sent, and have confidence when I call upon him to raise the dead. Go thou therefore also, O woman, and cause thy son to be brought hither and to rise again. And the woman passed through the midst of the people and went into the street, running, with great joy, and believing in her mind she came unto her house, and by means of her young men she took him up and came unto the forum. Now she bade the young men put caps [pilei, a sign that they were now freed.] on their heads, and to walk before the bier, and all that she had determined to burn upon the body of her son to be borne before his bier; and when Peter saw it he had compassion upon the dead body and upon her. And she came unto the multitude, while all bewailed her; and a great crowd of senators and matrons followed after, to behold the wonderful works of God: for this Nicostratus which was dead was exceeding noble and beloved of the senate. And they brought him and set him down before Peter. And Peter called for silence, and with a loud voice said: Ye men of Rome, let there now be a just judgement betwixt me and Simon; and judge ye whether of us two believeth in the living God, he or I. Let him raise up the body that lieth here, and believe in him as the angel of God. But if he be not able, and I call upon my God and restore the son alive unto his mother, then believe ye that this man is a sorcerer and a deceiver, which is entertained among you. And when all they heard these things, they thought that it was right which Peter had spoken, and they encouraged Simon, saying: Now, if there be aught in thee, show it openly! either overcome, or thou shall be overcome! (or, convince us, or thou shalt be convicted). Why standest thou still? Come, begin! But Simon, when he saw them all instant with him, stood silent; and thereafter, when he saw the people silent and looking upon him, Simon cried out, saying: Ye men of Rome, if ye behold the dead man arise, will ye cast Peter out of the city? And all the people said: We will not only cast him out, but on the very instant will we burn him with fire.
Then Simon went to the head of the dead man and stooped down and thrice raised himself up (or, and said thrice: Raise thyself), and showed the people that he (the dead) lifted his head and moved it, and opened his eyes and bowed himself a little unto Simon. And straightway they began to ask for wood and torches, wherewith to burn Peter. But Peter receiving strength of Christ, lifted up his voice and said unto them that cried out against him: Now see I, ye people of Rome, that ye are -I must not say fools and vain, so long as your eyes and your ears and your hearts are blinded. How long shall your understanding be darkened? see ye not that ye are bewitched, supposing that a dead man is raised, who hath not lifted himself up? It would have sufficed me, ye men of Rome, to hold my peace and die without speaking, and to leave you among the deceits of this world; but I have the chastisement of fire unquenchable before mine eyes. If therefore it seem good unto you, let the dead man speak, let him arise if he liveth, let him loose his jaw that is bound, with his hands, let him call upon his mother, let him say unto you that cry out: Wherefore cry ye? let him beckon unto us with his hand. If now ye would see that he is dead, and yourselves bewitched, let this man depart from the bier, who hath persuaded you to depart from Christ, and ye shall see that the dead man is such as ye saw him brought hither.
But Agrippa the prefect had no longer patience, but thrust away Simon with his own hands, and again the dead man lay as he was before. And the people were enraged, and turned away from the sorcery of Simon and began to cry out: Hearken, O Caesar! if now the dead riseth not, let Simon burn instead of Peter, for verily he hath blinded us. But Peter stretched forth his hand and said: O men of Rome, have patience! I say not unto you that if the lad be raised Simon shall burn; for if I say it, ye will do it. The people cried out: Against thy will, Peter, we will do it. Unto whom Peter said: If ye continue in this mind the lad shall not arise: for we know not to render evil for evil, but we have learned to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. For if even this man can repent, it were better; for God will not remember evil. Let him come, therefore, into the light of Christ; but if he cannot, let him possess the part of his father the devil, but let not your hands be defiled. And when he had thus spoken unto the people, he went unto the lad, and before he raised him, he said to his mother: These young men whom thou hast set free in the honour of thy son, can yet serve their God when he liveth, being free; for I know that the soul of some is hurt if they shall see thy son arise and know that these shall yet be in bondage: but let them all continue free and receive their sustenance as they did before, for thy son is about to rise again; and let them be with him. And Peter looked long upon her, to see her thoughts. And the mother of the lad said: What other can I do? therefore before the prefect I say: whatsoever I was minded to burn upon the body of my son, let them possess it. And Peter said: Let the residue be distributed unto the widows. Then Peter rejoiced in soul and said in the spirit: O Lord that art merciful, Jesu Christ, show thyself unto thy Peter that calleth upon thee like as thou hast always shown him mercy and loving-kindness: and in the presence of all these which have obtained freedom, that these may become thy servants, let Nicostratus now arise. And Peter touched the lad's side and said: Arise. And the lad arose and put off his grave clothes and sat up and loosed his jaw, and asked for other raiment; and he came down from the bier and said unto Peter: I pray thee, O man of God, let us go unto our Lord Christ whom I saw speaking with me; who also showed me unto thee and said to thee: Bring him hither unto me, for he is mine. And when Peter heard this of the lad, he was strengthened yet more in soul by the help of the Lord; and Peter said unto the people: Ye men of Rome, it is thus that the dead are raised up, thus do they converse, thus do they arise and walk, and live so long time as God willeth. Now therefore, ye that have come together unto the sight, if ye turn not from these your evil ways, and from all your gods that are made with hands, and from all uncleanness and concupiscence, receive fellowship with Christ, believing, that ye may obtain everlasting life.
XXIX. And in the same hour they worshipped him as a God, falling down at his feet, and the sick whom they had at home, that he might heal them.
But the prefect seeing that so great a multitude waited upon Peter, signified to Peter that he should withdraw himself: and Peter told the people to come unto Marcellus' house. But the mother of the lad besought Peter to set foot in her house. But Peter had appointed to be with Marcellus on the Lord's day, to see the widows even as Marcellus had promised, to minister unto them with his own hands. The lad therefore that was risen again said: I depart not from Peter. And his mother, glad and rejoicing, went unto her own house. And on the next day after the sabbath she came to Marcellus' house bringing unto Peter two thousand pieces of gold, and saying unto Peter: Divide these among the virgins of Christ which serve him. But the lad that was risen from the dead, when he saw that he had given nothing to any man, went home and opened the press and himself offered four thousand pieces of gold, saying unto Peter: Lo, I also which was raised, offer a double offering, and myself also from this day forward as a speaking sacrifice unto God.
Here begins the original Greek text as preserved in one of our two manuscripts (that at Mt. Athos). The second (Patmos) manuscript begins, as do the versions, at ch. xxxiii. The Greek and not the Latin is followed in the translation.
XXX. Now on the Lord's day as Peter discoursed unto the brethren and exhorted them unto the faith of Christ, there being present many of the senate and many knights and rich women and matrons, and being confirmed in the faith, one woman that was there, exceeding rich, which was surnamed Chryse because every vessel of hers was of gold -for from her birth she never used a vessel of silver or glass, but golden ones only- said unto Peter: Peter, thou servant of God, he whom thou callest God appeared unto me in a dream and said: Chryse, carry thou unto Peter my minister ten thousand pieces of gold; for thou owest them to him. I have therefore brought them, fearing lest some harm should be done me by him that appeared unto me, which also departed unto heaven. And so saying, she laid down the money and departed. And Peter seeing it glorified the Lord, for that they that were in need should be refreshed. Certain, therefore, of them that were there said unto him: Peter, hast thou not done ill to receive the money of her? for she is ill spoken of throughout all Rome for fornication, and because she keepeth not to one husband, yea, she even hath to do with the young men of her house. Be not therefore a partner with the table of Chryse, but let that which came from her be returned unto her. But Peter hearing it laughed and said to the brethren: What this woman is in the rest of her way of life, I know not, but in that I have received this money, I did it not foolishly; for she did pay it as a debtor unto Christ, and giveth it unto the servants of Christ: for he himself hath provided for them.
XXXI. And they brought unto him also the sick on the sabbath, beseeching that they might recover of their diseases. And many were healed that were sick of the palsy, and the gout, and fevers tertian and quartan, and of every disease of the body were they healed, believing in the name of Jesus Christ, and very many were added every day unto the grace of the Lord.
But Simon the magician, after a few days were past, promised the multitude to convict Peter that he believed not in the true God but was deceived. And when he did many lying wonders, they that were firm in the faith derided him. For in diningchambers he made certain spirits enter in, which were only an appearance, and not existing in truth. And what should I more say? though he had oft-times been convicted of sorcory, he made lame men seem whole for a little space, and blind likewise, and once he appeared to make many dead to live and move, as he did with Nicostratus (Gk. Stratonicus). But Peter followed him throughout and convicted him always unto the beholders: and when he now made a sorry figure and was derided by the people of Rome and disbelieved for that he never succeeded m the things which he promised to perform, being in such a plight at last he said to them: Men of Rome, ye think now that Peter hath prevailed over me, as more powerful, and ye pay more heed to him: ye are deceived. For to-morrow I shall forsake you, godless and impious that ye are, and fly up unto God whose Power I am, though I am become weak. Whereas, then, ye have fallen, I am He that standeth, and I shall go up to my Father and say unto him: Me also, even thy son that standeth, have they desired to pull down; but I consented not unto them, and am returned back unto myself.
XXXII. And already on the morrow a great multitude assembled at the Sacred Way to see him flying. And Peter came unto the place, having seen a vision (or, to see the sight), that he might convict him in this also; for when Simon entered into Rome, he amazed the multitudes by flying: but Peter that convicted him was then not yet living at Rome: which city he thus deceived by illusion, so that some were carried away by him (amazed at him).
So then this man standing on an high place beheld Peter and began to say: Peter, at this time when I am going up before all this people that behold me, I say unto thee: If thy God is able, whom the Jews put to death, and stoned you that were chosen of him, let him show that faith in him is faith in God, and let it appear at this time, if it be worthy of God. For I, ascending up, will show myself unto all this multitude, who I am. And behold when he was lifted up on high, and all beheld him raised up above all Rome and the temples thereof and the mountains, the faithful looked toward Peter. And Peter seeing the strangeness of the sight cried unto the Lord Jesus Christ: If thou suffer this man to accomplish that which he hath set about, now will all they that have believed on thee be offended, and the signs and wonders which thou hast given them through me will not be believed: hasten thy grace, O Lord, and let him fall from the height and be disabled; and let him not die but be brought to nought, and break his leg in three places. And he fell from the height and brake his leg in three places. Then every man cast stones at him and went away home, and thenceforth believed Peter.
But one of the friends of Simon came quickly out of the way (or arrived from a journey), Gemellus by name, of whom Simon had received much money, having a Greek woman to wife, and saw him that he had broken his leg, and said: O Simon, if the Power of God is broken to pieces, shall not that God whose Power thou art, himself be blinded? Gemellus therefore also ran and followed Peter, saying unto him: I also would be of them that believe on Christ. And Peter said: Is there any that grudgeth it, my brother? come thou and sit with us.
But Simon in his affliction found some to carry him by night on a bed from Rome unto Aricia; and he abode there a space, and was brought thence unto Terracina to one Castor that was banished from Rome upon an accusation of sorcery. And there he was sorely cut (Lat. by two physicians), and so Simon the angel of Satan came to his end.
[Here the Martyrdom proper begins in the Patmos MS. and the versions.]
XXXIII. Now Peter was in Rome rejoicing in the Lord with the brethren, and giving thanks night and day for the multitude which was brought daily unto the holy name by the grace of the Lord. And there were gathered also unto Peter the concubines of Agrippa the prefect, being four, Agrippina and Nicaria and Euphemia and Doris; and they, hearing the word concerning chastity and all the oracles of the Lord, were smitten in their souls, and agreeing together to remain pure from the bed of Agrippa they were vexed by him.
Now as Agrippa was perplexed and grieved concerning them -and he loved them greatly- he observed and sent men privily to see whither they went, and found that they went unto Peter. He said therefore unto them when they returned: That Christian hath taught you to have no dealings with me: know ye that I will both destroy you, and burn him alive. They, then, endured to suffer all manner of evil at Agrippa's hand, if only they might not suffer the passion of love, being strengthened by the might of Jesus.
XXXIV. And a certain woman which was exceeding beautiful, the wife of Albinus, Caesar's friend, by name Xanthippe, came, she also, unto Peter, with the rest of the matrons, and withdrew herself, she also, from Albinus. He therefore being mad, and loving Xanthippe, and marvelling that she would not sleep even upon the same bed with him, raged like a wild beast and would have dispatched Peter; for he knew that he was the cause of her separating from his bed. Many other women also, loving the word of chastity, separated themselves from their husbands, because they desired them to worship God in sobriety and cleanness. And whereas there was great trouble in Rome, Albinus made known his state unto Agrippa, saying to him: Either do thou avenge me of Peter that hath withdrawn my wife, or I will avenge myself. And Agrippa said: I have suffered the same at his hand, for he hath withdrawn my concubines. And Albinus said unto him: Why then tarriest thou, Agrippa? let us find him and put him to death for a dealer in curious arts, that we may have our wives again, and avenge them also which are not able to put him to death, whose wives also he hath parted from them.
XXXV. And as they considered these things, Xanthippe took knowledge of the counsel of her husband with Agrippa, and sent and showed Peter, that he might depart from Rome. And the rest of the brethren, together with Marcellus, besought him to depart. But Peter said unto them: Shall we be runaways, brethren? and they said to him: Nay, but that thou mayest yet be able to serve the Lord. And he obeyed the brethren's voice and went forth alone, saying: Let none of you come forth with me, but I will go forth alone, having changed the fashion of mine apparel. And as he went forth of the city, he saw the Lord entering into Rome. And when he saw him, he said: Lord, whither goest thou thus (or here)? And the Lord said unto him: I go into Rome to be crucified. And Peter said unto him: Lord, art thou (being) crucified again? He said unto him: Yea, Peter, I am (being) crucified again. And Peter came to himself: and having beheld the Lord ascending up into heaven, he returned to Rome, rejoicing, and glorifying the Lord, for that he said: I am being crucified: the which was about to befall Peter.
XXXVI. He went up therefore again unto the brethren, and told them that which had been seen by him: and they lamented in soul, weeping and saying: We beseech thee, Peter, take thought for us that are young. And Peter said unto them: If it be the Lord's will, it cometh to pass, even if we will it not; but for you, the Lord is able to stablish you in his faith, and will found you therein and make you spread abroad, whom he himself hath planted, that ye also may plant others through him. But I, so long as the Lord will that I be in the flesh, resist not; and again if he take me to him I rejoice and am glad.
And while Peter thus spake, and all the brethren wept, behold four soldiers took him and led him unto Agrippa. And he in his madness (disease) commanded him to be crucified on an accusation of godlessness.
The whole multitude of the brethren therefore ran together, both of rich and poor, orphans and widows, weak and strong, desiring to see and to rescue Peter, while the people shouted with one voice, and would not be silenced: What wrong hath Peter done, O Agrippa? Wherein hath he hurt thee? tell the Romans! And others said: We fear lest if this man die, his Lord destroy us all.
And Peter when he came unto the place stilled the people and said: Ye men that are soldiers of Christ! ye men that hope in Christ! remember the signs and wonders which ye have seen wrought through me, remember the compassion of God, how many cures he hath wrought for you. Wait for him that cometh and shall reward every man according to his doings. And now be ye not bitter against Agrippa; for he is the minister of his father's working. And this cometh to pass at all events, for the Lord hath manifested unto me that which befalleth. But why delay I and draw not near unto the cross?
XXXVII. And having approached and standing by the cross he began to say: O name of the cross, thou hidden mystery! O grace ineffable that is pronounced in the name of the cross! O nature of man, that cannot be separated from God! O love (friendship) unspeakable and inseparable, that cannot be shown forth by unclean lips! I seize thee now, I that am at the end of my delivery hence (or, of my coming hither). I will declare thee, what thou art: I will not keep silence of the mystery of the cross which of old was shut and hidden from my soul. Let not the cross be unto you which hope in Christ, this which appeareth: for it is another thing, different from that which appeareth, even this passion which is according to that of Christ. And now above all, because ye that can hear are able to hear it of me, that am at the last and final hour of my life, hearken: Separate your souls from every thing that is of the senses, from every thing that appeareth, and does not exist in truth. Blind these eyes of yours, close these ears of yours, put away your doings that are seen; and ye shall perceive that which concerneth Christ, and the whole mystery of your salvation: and let thus much be said unto you that hear, as if it had not been spoken. But now it is time for thee, Peter, to deliver up thy body unto them that take it. Receive it then, ye unto whom it belongeth. I beseech you the executioners, crucify me thus, with the head downward and not otherwise: and the reason wherefore, I will tell unto them that hear.
XXXVIII. And when they had hanged him up after the manner he desired, he began again to say: Ye men unto whom it belongeth to hear, hearken to that which I shall declare unto you at this especial time as I hang here. Learn ye the mystery of all nature, and the beginning of all things, what it was. For the first man, whose race I bear in mine appearance (or, of the race of whom I bear the likeness), fell (was borne) head downwards, and showed forth a manner of birth such as was not heretofore: for it was dead, having no motion. He, then, being pulled down -who also cast his first state down upon the earth- established this whole disposition of all things, being hanged up an image of the creation (Gk. vocation) wherein he made the things of the right hand into left hand and the left hand into right hand, and changed about all the marks of their nature, so that he thought those things that were not fair to be fair, and those that were in truth evil, to be good. Concerning which the Lord saith in a mystery: Unless ye make the things of the right hand as those of the left, and those of the left as those of the right, and those that are above as those below, and those that are behind as those that are before, ye shall not have knowedge of the kingdom.
This thought, therefore, have I declared unto you; and the figure wherein ye now see me hanging is the representation of that man that first came unto birth. Ye therefore, my beloved, and ye that hear me and that shall hear, ought to cease from your former error and return back again. For it is right to mount upon the cross of Christ, who is the word stretched out, the one and only, of whom the spirit saith: For what else is Christ, but the word, the sound of God? So that the word is the upright beam whereon I am crucified. And the sound is that which crosseth it, the nature of man. And the nail which holdeth the cross-tree unto the upright in the midst thereof is the conversion and repentance of man.
XXXIX. Now whereas thou hast made known and revealed these things unto me, O word of life, called now by me wood (or, word called now by me the tree of life), I give thee thanks, not with these lips that are nailed unto the cross, nor with this tongue by which truth and falsehood issue forth, nor with this word which cometh forth by means of art whose nature is material, but with that voice do I give thee thanks, O King, which is perceived (understood) in silence, which is not heard openly, which proceedeth not forth by organs of the body, which goeth not into ears of flesh, which is not heard of corruptible substance, which existeth not in the world, neither is sent forth upon earth, nor written in books, which is owned by one and not by another: but with this, O Jesu Christ, do I give thee thanks, with the silence of a voice, wherewith the spirit that is in me loveth thee, speaketh unto thee, seeth thee, and beseecheth thee. Thou art perceived of the spirit only, thou art unto me father, thou my mother, thou my brother, thou my friend, thou my bondsman, thou my steward: thou art the All and the All is in thee: and thou Art, and there is nought else that is save thee only.
Unto him therefore do ye also, brethren, flee, and if ye learn that in him alone ye exist, ye shall obtain those things whereof he saith unto you: 'which neither eye hath seen nor ear heard, neither have they entered into the heart of man.' We ask, therefore, for that which thou hast promised to give unto us, O thou undefiled Jesu. We praise thee, we give thee thanks, and confess to thee, glorifying thee, even we men that are yet without strength, for thou art God alone, and none other: to whom be glory now and unto all ages. Amen.
XL. And when the multitude that stood by pronounced the Amen with a great sound, together with the Amen Peter gave up his spirit unto the Lord.
And Marcellus not asking leave of any, for it was not possible, when he saw that Peter had given up the ghost, took him down from the cross with his own hands and washed him in milk and wine: and cut fine seven minae of mastic, and of myrrh and aloes and indian leaf other fifty, and perfumed (embalmed) his body and filled a coffin of marble of great price with Attic honey and laid it in his own tomb.
But Peter by night appeared unto Marcellus and said: Marcellus, hast thou heard that the Lord saith: Let the dead be buried of their own dead? And when Marcellus said: Yea, Peter said to him: That, then, which thou hast spent on the dead, thou hast lost: for thou being alive hast like a dead man cared for the dead. And Marcellus awoke and told the brethren of the appearing of Peter: and he was with them that had been stablished in the faith of Christ by Peter, himself also being stablished yet more until the coming of Paul unto Rome.
XLI. [This last chapter, and the last sentence of XL, are thought by Vouaux to be an addition by the author of i-iii, in other words by the compiler of the Greek original of the Vercelli Acts.]
But Nero, learning thereafter that Peter was departed out of this life, blamed the prefect Agrippa, because he had been put to death without his knowledge; for he desired to punish him more sorely and with greater torment, because Peter had made disciples of certain of them that served him, and had caused them to depart from him: so that he was very wrathful and for a long season spake not unto Agrippa: for he sought to destroy all them that had been made disciples by Peter. And he beheld by night one that scourged him and said unto him: Nero, thou canst not now persecute nor destroy the servants of Christ: refrain therefore thine hands from them. And so Nero, being greatly affrighted by such a vision, abstained from harming the disciples at that time when Peter also departed this life.
And thenceforth the brethren were rejoicing with one mind and exulting in the Lord, glorifying the God and Saviour (Father?) of our Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Ghost, unto whom be glory, world without end. Amen.

DAILY ROMAN MISSAL

Week

1. Ordinary Time contains thirty-three or thirty-four weeks. It begins on the Monday following the Sunday after January 6 and continues until the beginning of Lent; it begins again on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday and ends on the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent.
2. The numbering of Sundays and weeks in Ordinary Time is calculated as follows:
a) The Sunday on which the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord occurs takes the place of the first Sunday in Ordinary Time; the week that follows is counted as the first week in Ordinary Time. The remaining Sundays and weeks are numbered in order until the beginning of Lent.
b) If there are thirty-four weeks in Ordinary Time, after Pentecost the series is resumed with the week that follows immediately the last week celebrated before Lent; it should be noted, however, that the Masses of Pentecost Sunday and of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity take the place of the Sunday Masses. If, however, there are thirtythree weeks in Ordinary Time, the first week that would otherwise follow Pentecost is omitted.
3. Thus, in the Missal, thirty-four Masses for the Sundays and weekdays in Ordinary Time are found. They are used in this way:
a) On Sundays the Mass corresponding to the number of the Sunday in Ordinary Time is ordinarily used, unless there occurs a Solemnity or a Feast of the Lord which takes the place of the Sunday.
b) On weekdays, however, any of the thirty-four Masses may be used, provided the pastoral needs of the faithful are taken into consideration.
4. The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) and the Creed are said on Sundays; on weekdays, however, both are omitted.
5. Unless a Eucharistic Prayer is used that has a proper Preface, on Sundays one of the Prefaces for Sundays in Ordinary Time is said; but on weekdays, a Common Preface is said.
6. Two antiphons are provided for Communion, the first from the Psalms, and the second for the most part from the Gospel. One or the other may be selected, as circumstances suggest, but preference should be given to an antiphon that is in harmony with the Gospel of the Mass.

FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

On the first Sunday in Ordinary Time there occurs the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Upon a lofty throne, I saw a man seated,
whom a host of angels adore, singing in unison:
Behold him, the name of whose empire is eternal.

COLLECT
Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care,
O Lord, we pray,
that they may see what must be done
and gain strength to do what they have seen.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May your people’s oblation, O Lord, find favor with you, we pray,
that it may restore them to holiness
and obtain what they devoutly entreat.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 36 (35): 10
With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life,
and in your light we see light.

Or: Jn 10: 10

I have come that they may have life,
and have it more abundantly, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Humbly we ask you, almighty God,
be graciously pleased to grant
that those you renew with your Sacraments
may also serve with lives pleasing to you.
Through Christ our Lord.

\
SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 66 (65): 4
All the earth shall bow down before you, O God,
and shall sing to you,
shall sing to your name, O Most High!
COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God,
who govern all things,
both in heaven and on earth,
mercifully hear the pleading of your people
and bestow your peace on our times.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant us, O Lord, we pray,
that we may participate worthily in these mysteries,
for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated
the work of our redemption is accomplished.
Through Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 23 (22): 5
You have prepared a table before me,
and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst.
Or: 1 Jn 4: 16
We have come to know and to believe
in the love that God has for us.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Pour on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love,
and in your kindness
make those you have nourished
by this one heavenly Bread
one in mind and heart.
Through Christ our Lord.

THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 96 (95): 1, 6
O sing a new song to the Lord;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
In his presence are majesty and splendor,
strength and honor in his holy place.
COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God,
direct our actions according to your good pleasure,
that in the name of your beloved Son
we may abound in good works.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray,
and in sanctifying them
grant that they may profit us for salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 34 (33): 6
Look toward the Lord and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.

Or: Jn 8: 12

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that, receiving the grace
by which you bring us to new life,
we may always glory in your gift.
Through Christ our Lord.

FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 106 (105): 47
Save us, O Lord our God!
And gather us from the nations,
to give thanks to your holy name,
and make it our glory to praise you.

COLLECT
Grant us, Lord our God,
that we may honor you with all our mind,
and love everyone in truth of heart.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
O Lord, we bring to your altar
these offerings of our service:
be pleased to receive them, we pray,
and transform them
into the Sacrament of our redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 31 (30): 17-18
Let your face shine on your servant.
Save me in your merciful love.
O Lord, let me never be put to shame, for I call on you.
Or: Mt 5: 3-4
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Nourished by these redeeming gifts,
we pray, O Lord,
that through this help to eternal salvation
true faith may ever increase.
Through Christ our Lord.

FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 95 (94): 6-7
O come, let us worship God
and bow low before the God who made us,
for he is the Lord our God.

COLLECT
Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care,
that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace,
they may be defended always by your protection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
O Lord, our God,
who once established these created things
to sustain us in our frailty,
grant, we pray,
that they may become for us now
the Sacrament of eternal life.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 107 (106): 8-9
Let them thank the Lord for his mercy,
his wonders for the children of men,
for he satisfies the thirsty soul,
and the hungry he fills with good things.

Or: Mt 5: 5-6
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall have their fill.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
O God, who have willed that we be partakers
in the one Bread and the one Chalice,
grant us, we pray, so to live
that, made one in Christ,
we may joyfully bear fruit
for the salvation of the world.
Through Christ our Lord.

SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 31 (30): 3-4
Be my protector, O God,
a mighty stronghold to save me.
For you are my rock, my stronghold!
Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.

COLLECT
O God, who teach us that you abide
in hearts that are just and true,
grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace
as to become a dwelling pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May this oblation, O Lord, we pray,
cleanse and renew us
and may it become for those who do your will
the source of eternal reward.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 78 (77): 29-30
They ate and had their fill,
and what they craved the Lord gave them;
they were not disappointed in what they craved.

Or: Jn 3: 16

God so loved the world
that he gave his Only Begotten Son,
so that all who believe in him may not perish,
but may have eternal life.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having fed upon these heavenly delights,
we pray, O Lord,
so that we may always long
for that food by which we truly live.
Through Christ our Lord.

SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 13 (12): 6
O Lord, I trust in your merciful love.
My heart will rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me.

COLLECT
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that, always pondering spiritual things,
we may carry out in both word and deed
that which is pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we celebrate your mysteries, O Lord,
with the observance that is your due,
we humbly ask you,
that what we offer to the honor of your majesty
may profit us for salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 9: 2-3
I will recount all your wonders,
I will rejoice in you and be glad,
and sing psalms to your name, O Most High.

Or: Jn 11: 27
Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Christ,
the Son of the living God, who is coming into this world.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we may experience the effects of the salvation
which is pledged to us by these mysteries.
Through Christ our Lord.

EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 18 (17): 19-20
The Lord became my protector.
He brought me out to a place of freedom;
he saved me because he delighted in me.
COLLECT
Grant us, O Lord, we pray,
that the course of our world
may be directed by your peaceful rule
and that your Church may rejoice,
untroubled in her devotion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
O God, who provide gifts to be offered to your name
and count our oblations as signs
of our desire to serve you with devotion,
we ask of your mercy
that what you grant as the source of merit
may also help us to attain merit’s reward.
Through Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 13 (12): 6
I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me,
sing psalms to the name of the Lord Most High.
Or: Mt 28: 20
Behold, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age, says the Lord.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Nourished by your saving gifts,
we beseech your mercy, Lord,
that by this same Sacrament
with which you feed us in the present age,
you may make us partakers of life eternal.
Through Christ our Lord.

NINTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 25 (24): 16, 18
Turn to me and have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I am alone and poor.
See my lowliness and suffering
and take away all my sins, my God.

COLLECT
O God, whose providence never fails in its design,
keep from us, we humbly beseech you,
all that might harm us
and grant all that works for our good.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Trusting in your compassion, O Lord,
we come eagerly with our offerings to your sacred altar,
that, through the purifying action of your grace,
we may be cleansed by the very mysteries we serve.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 17 (16): 6
To you I call, for you will surely heed me, O God;
turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Or: Mk 11: 23, 24

Amen, I say to you: Whatever you ask for in prayer,
believe you will receive it,
and it will be yours, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Govern by your Spirit, we pray, O Lord,
those you feed with the Body and Blood of your Son,
that, professing you not just in word or in speech,
but also in works and in truth,
we may merit to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.

TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 27 (26): 1-2
Dóminus illuminátio mea, et salus mea, quem timébo? Dóminus defénsor vitæ meæ quo trepidábo? Qui tríbulant me inimíci mei, ipsi infirmáti sunt.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; whom should I dread?
When those who do evil draw near, they stumble and fall.

COLLECT
O God, from whom all good things come,
grant that we, who call on you in our need,
may at your prompting discern what is right,
and by your guidance do it.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look kindly upon our service, O Lord, we pray,
that what we offer
may be an acceptable oblation to you
and lead us to grow in charity.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 18 (17): 3
Dóminus firmaméntum meum, et refúgium meum, et liberátor meus. Deus meus adiútor meus.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God is my saving strength.

Or: 1 Jn 4: 16
Deus cáritas est, et qui manet in caritáte in Deo manet et Deus in eo.
God is love, and whoever abides in love
abides in God, and God in him.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May your healing work, O Lord,
free us, we pray, from doing evil
and lead us to what is right.
Through Christ our Lord.
ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 27 (26): 7, 9
O Lord, hear my voice, for I have called to you; be my help.
Do not abandon or forsake me, O God, my Savior!
COLLECT
O God, strength of those who hope in you,
graciously hear our pleas,
and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing,
grant us always the help of your grace,
that in following your commands
we may please you by our resolve and our deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
O God, who in the offerings presented here
provide for the twofold needs of human nature,
nourishing us with food
and renewing us with your Sacrament,
grant, we pray,
that the sustenance they provide
may not fail us in body or in spirit.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 27 (26): 4
There is one thing I ask of the Lord, only this do I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Or: Jn 17: 11
Holy Father, keep in your name those you have given me,
that they may be one as we are one, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
As this reception of your Holy Communion, O Lord,
foreshadows the union of the faithful in you,
so may it bring about unity in your Church.
Through Christ our Lord.

TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 28 (27): 8-9
The Lord is the strength of his people,
a saving refuge for the one he has anointed.
Save your people, Lord, and bless your heritage,
and govern them for ever.

COLLECT
Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love your holy name,
for you never deprive of your guidance
those you set firm on the foundation of your love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, the sacrifice of conciliation and praise
and grant that, cleansed by its action,
we may make offering of a heart pleasing to you.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 145 (144): 15
The eyes of all look to you, Lord,
and you give them their food in due season.
Or: Jn 10: 11, 15
I am the Good Shepherd,
and I lay down my life for my sheep, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed and nourished
by the Sacred Body and Precious Blood of your Son,
we ask of your mercy, O Lord,
that what we celebrate with constant devotion
may be our sure pledge of redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 47 (46): 2
All peoples, clap your hands.
Cry to God with shouts of joy!

COLLECT
O God, who through the grace of adoption
chose us to be children of light,
grant, we pray,
that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error
but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
O God, who graciously accomplish
the effects of your mysteries,
grant, we pray,
that the deeds by which we serve you
may be worthy of these sacred gifts.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 103 (102): 1
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all within me, his holy name.
Or: Jn 17: 20-21
O Father, I pray for them, that they may be one in us,
that the world may believe that you have sent me, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May this divine sacrifice we have offered and received
fill us with life, O Lord, we pray,
so that, bound to you in lasting charity,
we may bear fruit that lasts for ever.
Through Christ our Lord.

FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 48 (47): 10-11
Suscépimus, Deus, misericórdiam tuam in médio templi tui. Secúndum nomen tuum, Deus, ita et laus tua in fines terræ; iustítia plena est déxtera tua.
Your merciful love, O God,
we have received in the midst of your temple.
Your praise, O God, like your name,
reaches the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with saving justice.

COLLECT
O God, who in the abasement of your Son
have raised up a fallen world,
fill your faithful with holy joy,
for on those you have rescued from slavery to sin
you bestow eternal gladness.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May this oblation dedicated to your name
purify us, O Lord,
and day by day bring our conduct
closer to the life of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 34 (33): 9
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed the man who seeks refuge in him.
Or: Mt 11: 28
Come to me, all who labor and are burdened,
and I will refresh you, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant, we pray, O Lord,
that, having been replenished by such great gifts,
we may gain the prize of salvation
and never cease to praise you.
Through Christ our Lord.
FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 17 (16):15
Ego autem cum iustítia apparébo in conspéctu tuo; satiábor dum manifestábitur glória tua.
As for me, in justice I shall behold your face;
I shall be filled with the vision of your glory.

COLLECT
O God, who show the light of your truth
to those who go astray,
so that they may return to the right path,
give all who for the faith they profess
are accounted Christians
the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ
and to strive after all that does it honor.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look upon the offerings of the Church, O Lord,
as she makes her prayer to you,
and grant that, when consumed by those who believe,
they may bring ever greater holiness.
Through Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 84 (83): 4-5
The sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for her young:
by your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Blessed are they who dwell in your house,
for ever singing your praise.
Or: Jn 6: 57
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having consumed these gifts, we pray, O Lord,
that, by our participation in this mystery,
its saving effects upon us may grow.
Through Christ our Lord.

SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 54 (53): 6, 8
See, I have God for my help.
The Lord sustains my soul.
I will sacrifice to you with willing heart,
and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.

COLLECT
Show favor, O Lord, to your servants
and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace,
that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity,
they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
O God, who in the one perfect sacrifice
brought to completion varied offerings of the law,
accept, we pray, this sacrifice from your faithful servants
and make it holy, as you blessed the gifts of Abel,
so that what each has offered to the honor of your majesty
may benefit the salvation of all.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 111 (110): 4-5
The Lord, the gracious, the merciful,
has made a memorial of his wonders;
he gives food to those who fear him.
Or: Rev 3: 20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock, says the Lord.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door to me,
I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Graciously be present to your people, we pray, O Lord,
and lead those you have imbued with heavenly mysteries
to pass from former ways to newness of life.
Through Christ our Lord.

SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 68 (67): 6-7, 36
God is in his holy place,
God who unites those who dwell in his house;
he himself gives might and strength to his people.

COLLECT
O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept, O Lord, we pray, the offerings
which we bring from the abundance of your gifts,
that through the powerful working of your grace
these most sacred mysteries may sanctify our present way of life
and lead us to eternal gladness.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 103 (102): 2
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and never forget all his benefits.

Or: Mt 5: 7-8
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We have consumed, O Lord, this divine Sacrament,
the perpetual memorial of the Passion of your Son;
grant, we pray, that this gift,
which he himself gave us with love beyond all telling,
may profit us for salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 70 (69): 2, 6
Deus, in adiutórium meum inténde; Dómine, ad adiuvándum me festína. Adiútor meus et liberátor meus es tu; Dómine, ne moréris.
O God, come to my assistance;
O Lord, make haste to help me!
You are my rescuer, my help;
O Lord, do not delay.

COLLECT
Draw near to your servants, O Lord,
and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness,
that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide,
you may restore what you have created
and keep safe what you have restored.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray,
and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice,
make of us an eternal offering to you.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Wis 16: 20
Panem de cælo dedísti nobis, Dómine, habéntem omne delectaméntum et omnem sapórem suavitátis.
You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven,
endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste.

Or: Jn 6: 35
Ego sum panis vitæ, dicit Dóminus. Qui venit ad me non esúriet, et qui credit in me non sítiet.
I am the bread of life, says the Lord;
whoever comes to me will not hunger
and whoever believes in me will not thirst.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Accompany with constant protection, O Lord,
those you renew with these heavenly gifts
and, in your never-failing care for them,
make them worthy of eternal redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 74 (73): 20, 19, 22, 23
Réscipe, Dómine, in testaméntum tuum, et ánimas páuperum tuórum ne derelínquas in finem. Exsúrge, Dómine, et iúdica causam tuam, et ne obliviscárus voces quæréntium te.
Look to your covenant, O Lord,
and forget not the life of your poor ones for ever.
Arise, O God, and defend your cause,
and forget not the cries of those who seek you.

COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God,
whom, taught by the Holy Spirit,
we dare to call our Father,
bring, we pray, to perfection in our hearts
the spirit of adoption as your sons and daughters,
that we may merit to enter into the inheritance
which you have promised.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Be pleased, O Lord, to accept the offerings of your Church,
for in your mercy you have given them to be offered
and by your power you transform them
into the mystery of our salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 147: 12, 14
Lauda, Ierúsalem, Dóminum, qui ádipe fruménti sátiat te.
O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord,
who gives you your fill of finest wheat.

Or: Cf. Jn 6: 51
Panis, quem ego dédero, caro mea est pro sæculi vite, dicit Dóminus.
The bread that I will give, says the Lord,
is my flesh for the life of the world.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the communion in your Sacrament
that we have consumed, save us, O Lord,
and confirm us in the light of your truth.
Through Christ our Lord.

TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 84 (83): 10-11
Protéctor noster, áscipe, Deus, et réscipe in fáciem Christi tui, quia mélior est dies una in átriis tuis super míllia.
Turn your eyes, O God, our shield;
and look on the face of your anointed one;
one day within your courts
is better than a thousand elsewhere.

COLLECT
O God, who have prepared for those who love you
good things which no eye can see,
fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of your love,
so that, loving you in all things and above all things,
we may attain your promises,
which surpass every human desire.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive our oblation, O Lord,
by which is brought about a glorious exchange,
that, by offering what you have given,
we may merit to receive your very self.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 130 (129): 7
Apud Dóminum misericórdia, et copiósa apud eum redémptio.
With the Lord there is mercy;
in him is plentiful redemption.

Or: Jn 6: 51-52
Ego sum panis vivus, qui de cælo descéndi, dicit Dóminus: si quis manducáverit ex hoc pane, vivet in ætérnum.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord.
Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Made partakers of Christ through these Sacraments,
we humbly implore your mercy, Lord,
that, conformed to his image on earth,
we may merit also to be his coheirs in heaven.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 86 (85): 1-3
Inclína Dómine, aurem tuam ad me, et exáudi me. Salvum fac servum tuum, Deus meus, sperántem in te. Miserére mihi, Dómine, quóniam ad te clamávi tota die.
Turn your ear, O Lord, and answer me;
save the servant who trusts in you, my God.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long.

COLLECT
O God, who cause the minds of the faithful
to unite in a single purpose,
grant your people to love what you command
and to desire what you promise,
that, amid the uncertainties of this world,
our hearts may be fixed on that place
where true gladness is found.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
O Lord, who gained for yourself a people by adoption
through the one sacrifice offered once for all,
bestow graciously on us, we pray,
the gifts of unity and peace in your Church.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 104 (103): 13-15
De fructu óperum tuórum, Dómine, satiábitur tera, ut edúcas panem de terra, et vinum lætíficet cor hóminis.
The earth is replete with the fruits of your work, O Lord;
you bring forth bread from the earth
and wine to cheer the heart.

Or: Cf. Jn 6: 54
Qui mandúcat meam carnem et bibit meum sánguinem, habet vitam ætérnam, dicit Dóminus; et ego resuscitábo eum in novíssimo.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life, says the Lord,
and I will raise him up on the last day.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Complete within us, O Lord, we pray,
the healing work of your mercy
and graciously perfect and sustain us,
so that in all things we may please you.
Through Christ our Lord.

TWENTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 86 (85): 3, 5
Miserére mihi, Dómine, quóniam ad te clamávi tota die: quia tu, Dómine, suavis ac mitis es, et copiósus in misericórdia ómnibus invocántibus te.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long.
O Lord, you are good and forgiving,
full of mercy to all who call to you.

COLLECT
God of might, giver of every good gift,
put into our hearts the love of your name,
so that, by deepening our sense of reverence,
you may nurture in us what is good
and, by your watchful care,
keep safe what you have nurtured.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May this sacred offering, O Lord,
confer on us always the blessing of salvation,
that what it celebrates in mystery
it may accomplish in power.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 31 (30): 20
Quam magna multitúdo dulcédinis tuae, Dómine, quam abscondísti timéntibus te.
How great is the goodness, Lord,
that you keep for those who fear you.

Or: Mt 5: 9-10
Beáti pacífici, quóniam fílii Dei vocabúntur. Beáti qui persecutiónem patiúntur propter iustítiam, quóniam ipsórum est regnum cælórum.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed by this bread from the heavenly table,
we beseech you, Lord,
that, being the food of charity,
it may confirm our hearts
and stir us to serve you in our neighbor.
Through Christ our Lord.

TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 119 (118): 137, 124
Iustus es Dómine, et rectum iudícium tuum: fac cum servo tuo secúndum misericórdiam tuam.
You are just, O Lord, and your judgment is right;
treat your servant in accord with your merciful love.

COLLECT
O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption,
look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters,
that those who believe in Christ
may receive true freedom
and an everlasting inheritance.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
O God, who give us the gift of true prayer and of peace,
graciously grant that through this offering,
we may do fitting homage to your divine majesty
and, by partaking of the sacred mystery,
we may be faithfully united in mind and heart.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 42 (41): 2-3
Quemádmodum desíderat cervus ad fontes aquárum, ita desíderat ánima mea ad te, Deus: sitívit ánima mea ad Deum fontem vivum.
Like the deer that yearns for running streams,
so my soul is yearning for you, my God;
my soul is thirsting for God, the living God.

Or: Jn 8: 12
Ego sum lux mundi, dicit Dóminus; qui séquitur me, non ámbulat in ténebris, sed habébit lumen vitæ.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant that your faithful, O Lord,
whom you nourish and endow with life
through the food of your Word and heavenly Sacrament,
may so benefit from your beloved Son's great gifts
that we may merit an eternal share in his life.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Sir 36:18
Da pacem , Dómine, sustinéntibus te, ut prophétæ tui fidéles inveniántur; exáudi preces servi tui, et plebis tuæ Israel.
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you,
that your prophets be found true.
Hear the prayers of your servant,
and of your people Israel.

COLLECT
Look upon us, O God,
Creator and ruler of all things,
and, that we may feel the working of your mercy,
grant that we may serve you with all our heart.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look with favor on our supplications, O Lord,
and in your kindness accept these, your servants’ offerings,
that what each has offered to the honor of your name
may serve the salvation of all.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 36 (35): 8
Quam pretiósa est misericórdia tua, Deus! Fílii hóminum sub umbra alárum tuárum confúgient.
How precious is your mercy, O God!
The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.

Or: Cf. 1 Cor 10: 16
Calix benedictiónis, cui benedícibus, communicátio, Sánguinis Christi est; et panis, quem frángimus, participátio Córporis Dómini est.
The chalice of blessing that we bless
is a communion in the Blood of Christ;
and the bread that we break
is a sharing in the Body of the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray,
take possession of our minds and bodies,
so that its effects, and not our own desires,
may always prevail in us.
Through Christ our Lord.

TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Salus pópuli ego sum, dicit Dóminus. De quacúmque tribulatióne clamáverint ad me, exáudiam eos, et ero illórum Dóminus in perpétuum.
I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord.
Should they cry to me in any distress,
I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever.

COLLECT
O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law
upon love of you and of our neighbor,
grant that, by keeping your precepts,
we may merit to attain eternal life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive with favor, O Lord, we pray,
the offerings of your people,
that what they profess with devotion and faith
may be theirs through these heavenly mysteries.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 119 (118): 4-5
Tu mandásti mandáta tua custodíra nimis; útinam dirigántur viæ meæ ad custodiéndas iustificatiónes tua.
You have laid down your precepts to be carefully kept;
may my ways be firm in keeping your statutes.

Or: Jn 10: 14
Ego sum pastor bonus, dicit Dóminus; et cognósco oves meas, et cognóscunt me meæ.
I am the Good Shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Graciously raise up, O Lord,
those you renew with this Sacrament,
that we may come to possess your redemption
both in mystery and in the manner of our life.
Through Christ our Lord.

TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Dn 3: 31, 29, 30, 43, 42
All that you have done to us, O Lord,
you have done with true judgment,
for we have sinned against you
and not obeyed your commandments.
But give glory to your name
and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy.
COLLECT
O God, who manifest your almighty power
above all by pardoning and showing mercy,
bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us
and make those hastening to attain your promises
heirs to the treasures of heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant us, O merciful God,
that this our offering may find acceptance with you
and that through it the wellspring of all blessing
may be laid open before us.
Through Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 119 (118): 49-50
Remember your word to your servant, O Lord,
by which you have given me hope.
This is my comfort when I am brought low.
Or: 1 Jn 3: 16
By this we came to know the love of God:
that Christ laid down his life for us;
so we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May this heavenly mystery, O Lord,
restore us in mind and body,
that we may be coheirs in glory with Christ,
to whose suffering we are united
whenever we proclaim his Death.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Est 4: 17
Within your will, O Lord, all things are established,
and there is none that can resist your will.
For you have made all things, the heaven and the earth,
and all that is held within the circle of heaven;
you are the Lord of all.

COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God,
who in the abundance of your kindness
surpass the merits and the desires of those who entreat you,
pour out your mercy upon us
to pardon what conscience dreads
and to give what prayer does not dare to ask.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept, O Lord, we pray,
the sacrifices instituted by your commands
and, through the sacred mysteries,
which we celebrate with dutiful service,
graciously complete the sanctifying work
by which you are pleased to redeem us.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Lam 3: 25
The LORD is good to those who hope in him,
to the soul that seeks him.

Or: Cf. 1 Cor 10: 17
Though many, we are one bread, one body,
for we all partake of the one Bread and one Chalice.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant us, almighty God,
that we may be refreshed and nourished
by the Sacrament which we have received,
so as to be transformed into what we consume.
Through Christ our Lord.

TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 130 (129): 3-4
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you is found forgiveness,
O God of Israel.

COLLECT
May your grace, O Lord, we pray,
at all times go before us and follow after
and make us always determined
to carry out good works.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept, O Lord, the prayers of your faithful
with the sacrificial offerings,
that, through these acts of devotedness,
we may pass over to the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 34 (33): 11
The rich suffer want and go hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.
Or: 1 Jn 3: 2
When the Lord appears, we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We entreat your majesty most humbly, O Lord,
that, as you feed us with the nourishment
which comes from the most holy Body and Blood of your Son,
so you may make us sharers of his divine nature.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

TWENTY-NINTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 17 (16): 6, 8
To you I call; for you will surely heed me, O God;
turn your ear to me; hear my words.
Guard me as the apple of your eye;
in the shadow of your wings protect me.

COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God,
grant that we may always conform our will to yours
and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant us, Lord, we pray,
a sincere respect for your gifts,
that, through the purifying action of your grace,
we may be cleansed by the very mysteries we serve.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 33 (32): 18-19
Behold, the eyes of the Lord
are on those who fear him,
who hope in his merciful love,
to rescue their souls from death,
to keep them alive in famine.
Or: Mk 10: 45
The Son of Man has come
to give his life as a ransom for many.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant, O Lord, we pray,
that, benefiting from participation in heavenly things,
we may be helped by what you give in this present age
and prepared for the gifts that are eternal.
Through Christ our Lord.

THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 105 (104): 3-4<BR> Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice;
turn to the Lord and his strength;
constantly seek his face.

COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God,
increase our faith, hope and charity,
and make us love what you command,
so that we may merit what you promise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look, we pray, O Lord,
on the offerings we make to your majesty,
that whatever is done by us in your service
may be directed above all to your glory.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 20 (19): 6
We will ring out our joy at your saving help
and exult in the name of our God.
Or: Eph 5: 2
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,
as a fragrant offering to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May your Sacraments, O Lord, we pray,
perfect in us what lies within them,
that what we now celebrate in signs
we may one day possess in truth.
Through Christ our Lord.

THIRTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 38 (37): 22-23
Forsake me not, O Lord, my God;
be not far from me!
Make haste and come to my help,
O Lord, my strong salvation!

COLLECT
Almighty and merciful God,
by whose gift your faithful offer you
right and praiseworthy service,
grant, we pray,
that we may hasten without stumbling
to receive the things you have promised.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May these sacrificial offerings, O Lord,
become for you a pure oblation,
and for us a holy outpouring of your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 16 (15): 11
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord.
Or: Jn 6: 58
Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so whoever feeds on me
shall have life because of me, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the working of your power, O Lord,
increase in us, we pray,
so that, renewed by these heavenly Sacraments,
we may be prepared by your gift
for receiving what they promise.
Through Christ our Lord.

THIRTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 88 (87): 3
Let my prayer come into your presence.
Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord.

COLLECT
Almighty and merciful God,
graciously keep from us all adversity,
so that, unhindered in mind and body alike,
we may pursue in freedom of heart
the things that are yours.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look with favor, we pray, O Lord,
upon the sacrificial gifts offered here,
that, celebrating in mystery the Passion of your Son,
we may honor it with loving devotion.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 23 (22): 1-2
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose,
near restful waters he leads me.

Or: Cf. Lk 24: 35
The disciples recognized the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Nourished by this sacred gift, O Lord,
we give you thanks and beseech your mercy,
that, by the pouring forth of your Spirit,
the grace of integrity may endure
in those your heavenly power has entered.
Through Christ our Lord.

THIRTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Jer 29: 11, 12, 14
The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction.
You will call upon me, and I will answer you,
and I will lead back your captives from every place.

COLLECT
Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God,
the constant gladness of being devoted to you,
for it is full and lasting happiness
to serve with constancy
the author of all that is good.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant, O Lord, we pray,
that what we offer in the sight of your majesty
may obtain for us the grace of being devoted to you
and gain us the prize of everlasting happiness.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 73 (72): 28
To be near God is my happiness,
to place my hope in God the Lord.

Or: Mk 11: 23-24
Amen, I say to you, whatever you ask in prayer,
believe that you will receive,
and it shall be given to you, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We have partaken of the gifts of this sacred mystery,
humbly imploring, O Lord,
that what your Son commanded us to do
in memory of him
may bring us growth in charity.
Through Christ our Lord.

THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps 85 (84): 9
The Lord speaks of peace to his people and his holy ones
and to those who turn to him.

COLLECT
Stir up the will of your faithful, we pray, O Lord,
that, striving more eagerly
to bring your divine work to fruitful completion,
they may receive in greater measure
the healing remedies your kindness bestows.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

READINGS

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept, O Lord, the sacred offerings
which at your bidding we dedicate to your name
and, in order that through these gifts
we may become worthy of your love,
grant us unfailing obedience to your commands.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 117 (116): 1, 2
O praise the Lord, all you nations,
for his merciful love towards us is great.
Or: Mt 28: 20
Behold, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We pray, almighty God,
that those to whom you give the joy
of participating in divine mysteries
may never be parted from you.
Through Christ our Lord.
1. For convenience, the individual Commons each offer several Masses with all the elements, namely antiphons and prayers, included. It is permitted for the Priest, as appropriate, to exchange antiphons and prayers of the same Common, choosing those texts which seem more suitable for pastoral reasons. In addition, for Masses of Memorials, the Prayers over the Offerings and the Prayers after Communion may also be taken from the weekdays of the current liturgical time as well as from these Commons.

2. In the Common of Martyrs and in the Common of Holy Men and Women, all the prayers that are given for men may also be used for women, with the necessary change of gender.

3. In the individual Commons, texts in the singular may always be used for several Saints, with the necessary change to the plural. Similarly, texts in the plural may be used for an individual, with the necessary change to the singular.

4. Masses that are designated for specific times or circumstances should only be used for these.

COMMON OF THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH

The formularies of the Mass for the Dedication of a Church and of the Mass for the Dedication of an Altar are to be found among the Ritual Masses.

ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION

I. In the Church that was Dedicated

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 68 (67): 36
Wonderful are you, O God in your holy place. The God of Israel himself gives his people strength and courage. Blessed be God! (E.T. alleluia).

GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, who year by year renew for us the day when this your holy temple was consecrated, hear the prayers of your people and grant that in this place for you there may always be pure worship and for us, fullness of redemption.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

CREDO

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Recalling the day when you were pleased to fill your house with glory and holiness, O Lord, we pray that you may make of us a sacrificial offering always acceptable to you. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE The mystery of the Temple of God, which is the Church.

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For in this visible house that you have let us build and where you never cease to show favor to the family on pilgrimage to you in this place, you wonderfully manifest and accomplish the mystery of your communion with us. Here you build up for yourself the temple that we are and cause your Church, spread throughout the world, to grow ever more and more as the Lord's own Body, till she reaches her fullness in the vision of peace, the heavenly city of Jerusalem. And so, with the countless ranks of the blessed, in the temple of your glory we praise you, we bless you and proclaim your greatness, as we acclaim:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Cf. 1 Cor 3: 16-17<br>
You are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you. The temple of God, which you are, is holy (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the people consecrated to you, O Lord, we pray, receive the fruits and joy of your blessing, that the festive homage they have offered you today in the body may redound upon them as a spiritual gift. Through Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING

May God, the Lord of heaven and earth, who has gathered you today in memory of the dedication of this church, make you abound in heavenly blessings.

R. Amen.

And may he, who has willed that all his scattered children be gathered together in his Son, grant that you may become his temple and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

R. Amen. Thus, may you be made thoroughly clean, so that God may dwell within you and you may possess with all the Saints the inheritance of eternal happiness.

R. Amen. And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you for ever.

R. Amen.

II. Outside the Church that was Dedicated

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Rev 21: 2
I saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God prepared like a bride adorned for her husband (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Cf. Rev 21: 3

Behold God's dwelling with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and God himself with them will be their God (E.T. alleluia).

GLORIA

COLLECT
O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the grace you have bestowed, so that by unceasing growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

O God, who were pleased to call your Church the Bride, grant that the people that serves your name may revere you, love you and follow you, and may be led by you to attain your promises in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept, we pray, O Lord, the offering made here and grant that by it those who seek your favor may receive in this place the grace of the Sacraments and an answer to their prayers. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE The mystery of the Church, the Bride of Christ and Temple of the Spirit.

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God. For in your benevolence you are pleased to dwell in this house of prayer in order to perfect us as the temple of the Holy Spirit, supported by the perpetual help of your grace and resplendent with the glory of a life acceptable to you. Year by year you sanctify the Church, the Bride of Christ, foreshadowed in visible buildings, so that, rejoicing as the mother of countless children, she may be given her place in your heavenly glory. And so, with all the Angels and Saints, we praise you, as without end we acclaim:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts…

COMMUNION ANTIPHON 1 Pt 2: 5
Be built up like living stones, into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Mt 21: 13; Lk 11: 10

My house shall be a house of prayer, says the Lord: in that house, everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
O God, who chose to foreshadow for us the heavenly Jerusalem through the sign of your Church on earth, grant, we pray, that, by our partaking of this Sacrament, we may be made the temple of your grace and may enter the dwelling place of your glory. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

These Masses are also used for celebrating the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, and in Votive Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In all the prayers, where the word “commemoration” is found, “memorial” may also be used, as appropriate.

I. In Ordinary Time

These formularies may be used in accordance with the norms, even in Lent, should a celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary occur that is duly inscribed in a proper calendar.

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Hail, Holy Mother, who gave birth to the King who rules heaven and earth for ever.

COLLECT
Grant, Lord God, that we, your servants, may rejoice in unfailing health of mind and body, and, through the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin, may we be set free from present sorrow and come to enjoy eternal happiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, we ask, the prayers of your people with the sacrificial offerings, that, through the intercession of Blessed Mary, the Mother of your Son, no petition may go unanswered, no request be made in vain. Through Christ our Lord.

Or:

May the humanity of your Only Begotten Son come, O Lord, to our aid, and may he, who at his birth from the Blessed Virgin did not diminish but consecrated her integrity, by taking from us now our wicked deeds, make our oblation acceptable to you. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 11: 27
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the eternal Father.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
As we receive this heavenly Sacrament, we beseech, O Lord, your mercy, that we, who rejoice in commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary, may by imitating her serve worthily the mystery of our redemption. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who bore the Creator of all things. You became the Mother of your Maker, and you remain for ever Virgin.

COLLECT
Grant us, O merciful God, protection in our weakness, that we, who keep the Memorial of the holy Mother of God, may, with the help of her intercession, rise up from our iniquities. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we honor the memory of the Mother of your Son, we pray, O Lord, that the oblation of this sacrifice may, by your grace, make of us an eternal offering to you. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Lk 1: 49
He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having been made partakers of eternal redemption, we pray, O Lord, that we, who commemorate the Mother of your Son, may glory in the fullness of your grace and experience its continued increase for our salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

3
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Jdt 13: 18-19
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, by the Lord God Most High, above all women on the earth; for he has so exalted your name, that your praise shall be undying on our lips.

COLLECT
As we venerate the glorious memory of the most holy Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, O Lord, through her intercession, that we, too, may merit to receive from the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We offer you the sacrifice of praise, O Lord, as we rejoice in commemorating the Mother of your Son; grant, we pray, that through this most holy exchange we may advance towards eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 1: 48
All generations will call me blessed, for God has looked on his lowly handmaid.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed with this heavenly food, we humbly implore you, Lord, that, having received your Son, born of the tender Virgin, under sacramental signs, we may profess him in words and hold fast to him in deeds. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

4
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 45 (44): 13, 15, 16
All the richest of the people long to see your face: behind her, her maiden companions are escorted to the King; her attendants are escorted to you amid gladness and joy.

COLLECT
Pardon the faults of your servants, we pray, O Lord, that we, who cannot please you by our own deeds, may be saved through the intercession of the Mother of your Son and our Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept, O Lord, the offerings we bring you and grant that, enlightened by the Holy Spirit and encouraged by the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our hearts may always seek out and treasure the things that are yours. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Praise the Lord our God, for in Mary his handmaid he has fulfilled his promise of mercy to the house of Israel.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having received the Sacrament of salvation and of faith, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that we, who devoutly honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, may be worthy to share with her in the charity of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

5
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Lk 1: 28, 42
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

COLLECT
O God, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, foremost among the poor and humble, to be the Mother of the Savior, grant, we pray, that, following her example, we may offer you the homage of sincere faith and place in you all our hope of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, the offerings of our devotion, and grant that we, who celebrate your Son's work of boundless charity, may, through the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, be confirmed in love of you and of our neighbor. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Ps 87 (86): 3; Lk 1: 49
Glorious things are spoken of you, O Virgin Mary, for he who is mighty has done great things for you.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant to your Church, O Lord, that, strengthened by the power of this Sacrament, she may eagerly walk in the pathways of the Gospel, until she reaches the blessed vision of peace, which the Virgin Mary, your lowly handmaid, already enjoys eternally in glory. Through Christ our Lord.

6
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
The rod of Jesse has blossomed; the Virgin has brought forth one who is both God and man. God has restored peace, reconciling in himself the depths and the heights.

COLLECT
May the venerable intercession of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin come to our aid, we pray, O Lord, and free us from every danger, so that we may rejoice in your peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We offer you, O Lord, these offerings of conciliation and praise, humbly asking that, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may present our very selves as a holy sacrifice pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 45 (44): 3
Graciousness is poured out upon your lips, for God has blessed you for ever more.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having nourished us with heavenly food, O Lord, grant that, according to the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may serve you in purity of life and magnify you, with her, in wholehearted praise. Through Christ our Lord.

7
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Lk 1: 47-48
Mary said: My spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because the Lord has looked on his lowly handmaid.

COLLECT
O God, who were pleased to choose Blessed Mary as the virginal chamber where your Word would dwell, grant, we pray, that under her protection, we may participate joyfully in her commemoration. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May the offerings your people make in commemoration of Blessed Mary be acceptable to you, O Lord, for by her virginity she pleased you and in humility conceived your Son, our Lord. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Lk 2: 19
Mary treasured all these words, reflecting on them in her heart.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having been made partakers of this spiritual food, we pray, O Lord our God, that, steadily imitating the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may always be found intent on service of the Church and may know the joys of doing your will. Through Christ our Lord.

8
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for from you arose the sun of justice, Christ our God, through whom we have been saved and redeemed.

COLLECT
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that your faithful, who rejoice under the patronage of the most holy Virgin Mary, may be freed by her motherly intercession from all evils on earth and merit the attainment of eternal joys in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look, O Lord, upon the prayers and offerings of your faithful, presented in commemoration of Blessed Mary, the Mother of God, that they may be pleasing to you and may confer on us your help and forgiveness. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 1: 48
The Lord has looked on his lowly handmaid; behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed by the Sacrament of salvation, we humbly beseech you, Lord, that we, who have honored in veneration the memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, may merit to experience in perpetuity the fruits of your redemption. Through Christ our Lord.

II. In Advent

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Is 45: 8
Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior.

Or: See Lk 1: 30-32

The angel said to Mary: You have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and bear a son, and he will be called Son of the Most High.

COLLECT
O God, who willed that at the message of an Angel your Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, who pray to you and believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her interceding before you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

O God, who, fulfilling the promise made to our Fathers, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to become the Mother of the Savior, grant that we may follow her example, for her humility was pleasing to you and her obedience profitable to us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept, O Lord, these offerings, and by your power change them into the Sacrament of salvation, in which, fulfilling the sacrifices of the Fathers, is offered the true Lamb, Jesus Christ your Son, born of the ever-Virgin Mary in a way beyond all telling. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Preface I or II of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Preface II of Advent may also be used.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Is 7: 14
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name will be called Emmanuel.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the mysteries we have received, O Lord our God, always show forth your mercy in us, that we, who commemorate in faith the Mother of your Son may be saved by his Incarnation. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

III. In Christmas Time

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
In childbirth she brought forth the King, whose name is eternal. She keeps a mother's joy with a virgin's honor. None like her was seen before, and none thereafter.

Or:

O Virgin Mother of God, he whom the whole world cannot contain cloistered himself within your womb, made man for us.

COLLECT
O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we pray, that we may experience the intercession of her, through whom we were found worthy to receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

O God, who willed that your Word, begotten from all eternity, should come forth from the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, through her intercession, that he may light up our darkness with the splendor of his presence, and from his fullness give us joy and peace. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we celebrate the blessed days which you made sacred by the Nativity of your Only Begotten Son, born into time as the offspring of the Virgin Mary, we pray, O Lord, that this oblation may sanctify us, and may grant us new birth in him. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 11: 27
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the eternal Father.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed by the Body and Blood of your incarnate Word, we pray, O Lord, that these divine mysteries, which we have joyfully received as we commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary, may make us sharers for eternity in the divinity of your Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

IV. In Easter Time

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 30 (29): 12
You have changed my mourning into dancing, O Lord, and have girded me with joy, alleluia.

COLLECT
O God, who have been pleased to gladden the world by the Resurrection of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that through his Mother, the Virgin Mary, we may receive the joys of everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, holy Father, this offering of our humility, which we bring you with joy as we commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary, and grant, we pray, that it may be for us, who are joined to the sacrifice of Christ, our consolation on earth and our eternal salvation. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

PREFACE I Blessed Virgin Mary

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Rejoice, O Virgin Mother, for Christ has risen from the tomb, alleluia.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed by this paschal Sacrament, we pray, O Lord, that we, who honor the memory of the Mother of your Son, may show forth in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

During Easter Time, the Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles, may also be used.

COMMON OF MARTYRS

I. Outside Easter Time

A. For Several Martyrs

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
The souls of the Saints are rejoicing in heaven, the Saints who followed the footsteps of Christ, and since for love of him they shed their blood, they now exult with Christ for ever.

Or:

Holy men shed their glorious blood for the Lord; they loved Christ in their life, they imitated him in their death, and therefore were crowned in triumph.

COLLECT
Grant a joyful outcome to our prayers, O Lord, so that we, who each year devoutly honor the day of the passion of the holy Martyrs N. and N., may also imitate the constancy of their faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, holy Father, the offerings we bring in commemoration of the holy Martyrs, and grant that we, your servants, may be found steadfast in confessing your name. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Lk 22: 28-30
It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, says the Lord, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom.

Or:

See how rich is the Saints' reward from God; they died for Christ and will live for ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
O God, who in your holy Martyrs have wonderfully made known the mystery of the Cross, graciously grant that, drawing strength from this sacrifice, we may cling faithfully to Christ and labor in the Church for the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 34 (33): 20-21
Many are the trials of the just, but from them all the Lord will rescue them. The Lord will keep guard over all their bones; not one of their bones shall be broken.

Or: See Rev 7: 14; Dn 3: 95

These are they who come out of the great ordeal and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. For God's sake they handed their bodies over for punishment, and they have earned unfading crowns.

COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God, who gave Saints N. and N. the grace of suffering for Christ, come, in your divine mercy, we pray, to the help of our own weakness, that, as your Saints did not hesitate to die for your sake, we, too, may live bravely in confessing you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May the sacrifice soon to be consecrated be acceptable to you, O Lord, we pray, in commemoration of this precious martyrdom, so that it may cleanse our sins and commend to you the prayers of your servants. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Jn 15: 13
Greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends, says the Lord.

Or: Lk 12: 4

I say to you, my friends: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that, being nourished by the Bread of heaven and made one Body in Christ, we may never be separated from his love and, after the example of your holy Martyrs N. and N., may bravely overcome all things for the sake of him who loved us. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

3
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 37 (36): 39
From the LORD comes the salvation of the just; he is their stronghold in time of distress.

Or: See Wis 3: 6-7, 9
As gold in the furnace, the Lord put his chosen to the test; as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself; and in due time they will be honored, and grace and peace will be with the elect of God.

COLLECT
May the sight of the great number of your holy Martyrs gladden us, O Lord, making our faith stronger and bringing us consolation by the prayers of them all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

May the prayer of the blessed Martyrs N. and N., being pleasing to you, O Lord, commend us, we pray, and confirm us in the profession of your truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, we pray, O Lord, the offerings of your people in honor of the passion of your holy Martyrs, and may the gifts that gave blessed N. and N. courage under persecution make us, too, steadfast in all trials. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mk 8: 35

Whoever loses his life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel will save it, says the Lord.

Or: See Wis 3: 4

Even if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Preserve in us your gift, O Lord, and may what we have received at your hands for the feast day of the blessed Martyrs N. and N.
bring us salvation and peace. Through Christ our Lord.

4
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 34 (33): 18
When the just cried out, the Lord heard them and rescued them in all their distress.

Or:

Because of the Lord's covenant and the ancestral laws, the Saints of God persevered in loving brotherhood, for there was always one spirit in them, and one faith.

COLLECT
O God, who gladden us each year with the feast day of blessed N. and N., grant in your mercy that we, who honor their heavenly birthday, may also imitate their courage in suffering. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

O God, who bestowed on Saints N. and N. the grace of coming to such surpassing glory, grant to your servants, we pray, through your Martyrs' merits, pardon for their sins and freedom from every trial. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We bring you sacrificial offerings, O Lord, to commemorate blessed N. and N., humbly entreating that, as you gave them the bright light of holy faith, so you may grant us pardon and peace. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON 2 Cor 4: 11
For the sake of Jesus we are given up to death, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Or: Mt 10: 28

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Through this heavenly Sacrament, O Lord, grant us manifold grace on the celebration of the blessed Martyrs N. and N., that from so great a struggle we may learn to be united in unwavering patience and to exult in the victory they won for love of you. Through Christ our Lord.

5
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
The blood of the holy Martyrs was poured out for Christ upon the earth; therefore they have gained everlasting rewards.

Or: See Wis 3: 1-2, 3

The souls of the just are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead, but they are in peace.

COLLECT
Grant us in your compassion, O Lord, we pray, an increase of that faith which brought glory to your holy Martyrs N. and N.

as they maintained it even to the shedding of their blood, and may the same faith bring to us, who truly follow it, justification in your sight. Through our Lord

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look with favor, we pray, O Lord, upon these sacrificial gifts offered here that, celebrating in mystery the Passion of your Son, we may, by following the example of blessed N. and N., honor it with loving devotion. Through Christ our Lord.

Or:

May this sacrifice, O Lord, which we bring for the triumph of blessed N. and N., constantly kindle in our hearts the fire of your love and prepare them for the rewards you have promised to those who persevere. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Rom 8: 38-39

Neither death nor life nor any created thing will be able to separate us from the love of Christ.

Or: Mt 10: 30, 31

The hairs on your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having been fed, O Lord, on the commemoration of your blessed Martyrs N. and N., with the precious Body and Blood of your Only Begotten Son, we humbly pray: grant that by steadfast charity we may abide in you, draw life from you, and to you be drawn. Through Christ our Lord.

B. For One Martyr

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
This holy man fought to the death for the law of his God and did not fear the words of the godless, for he was built on solid rock.

Or: See Wis 10: 12

The Lord granted him a stern struggle, that he might know that wisdom is mightier than all else.

COLLECT
Almighty and merciful God, who brought your Martyr blessed N. to overcome the torments of his (her) passion, grant that we, who celebrate the day of his (her) triumph, may remain invincible under your protection against the snares of the enemy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Sanctify our offerings by your blessing, O Lord, we pray, and by your grace may we be set afire with that flame of your love through which Saint N. overcame every bodily torment. Through Christ our Lord.

Or:

May the offerings we bring in commemoration of blessed N. be acceptable to you, we pray, O Lord, so that they may be pleasing to your majesty just as the shedding of this Martyr's blood was precious in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mt 16: 24
Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me, says the Lord.

Or: Mt 10: 39

Whoever loses his life for my sake, will find it in eternity, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the sacred mysteries of which we have partaken, O Lord, we pray, give us that determination which made your blessed Martyr N.

faithful in your service and victorious in suffering. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
This truly is a Martyr, who shed his (her) blood for the name of Christ, who did not fear the threats of judges but attained the heavenly kingdom.

Or: See Phil 3: 8,10

He (She) counted all as loss in order to know Christ and to have a share in his sufferings, conforming himself (herself) to his death.

COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God, by whose gift blessed N. fought for righteousness' sake even until death, grant, we pray, through his (her) intercession, that we may bear every adversity for the sake of your love and hasten with all our strength towards you who alone are life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS

Most merciful God, pour out your blessing upon these offerings and confirm us in the faith that blessed N. professed by the shedding of his (her) blood. Through Christ our Lord.

Or:

We offer you sacrificial gifts, O Lord, to commemorate your blessed Martyr N., whom no temptation could separate from the unity of the Body of Christ. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Jn 15: 1, 5

I am the true vine and you are the branches, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears fruit in plenty.

Or: Jn 8: 12

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life, says the Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Made new by these sacred mysteries, we pray, O Lord, that, imitating the wondrous constancy of blessed N., we may merit an eternal reward for suffering endured. Through Christ our Lord.

II. During Easter Time

A. For Several Martyrs

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Mt 25: 34

Come, you blessed of my Father; receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, alleluia.

Or: See Rev 7:13-14

These who are clothed in white robes are they who survived the time of great distress and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, alleluia.

COLLECT
By the power of the Holy Spirit we pray, Almighty God: make us docile in believing the faith and courageous in confessing it, just as you granted the blessed Martyrs N. and N.

that they might lay down their lives for the sake of your word and in witness to Jesus. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

O God, from whom faith draws perseverance and weakness strength, grant, through the example and prayers of the Martyrs N. and N., that we may share in the Passion and Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son, so that with the Martyrs we may attain perfect joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
In honor of the precious death of your just ones, O Lord, we come to offer that sacrifice from which all martyrdom draws its origin. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Rev 2: 7

To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of my God, alleluia.

Or: See Ps 33 (32): l

Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just, for praise is fitting for the upright, alleluia.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
As we celebrate by this divine banquet the heavenly victory of the blessed Martyrs N. and N., we beseech you, Lord, to bestow victory on those who eat here below of the Bread of life and to allow them to eat as victors from the tree of life in paradise. Through Christ our Lord.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Rev 12: 11

These are the Saints who were victorious because of the blood of the Lamb, and in the face of death refused to cling to life; therefore they reign with Christ for ever, alleluia.

Or: See Mt 25: 34

Rejoice, you Saints, in the presence of the Lamb; a kingdom has been prepared for you from the foundation of the world, alleluia.

COLLECT
May the glorious feast day of your blessed Martyrs N. and N.

gladden us, we pray, O Lord, for, as they boldly confessed the Passion and Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son, you led them to shed their costly blood in a glorious death. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look with such serenity and kindness, we pray, O Lord, upon these present offerings, that they may be filled with the blessing of the Holy Spirit and may stir up in our hearts that powerful love through which the holy Martyrs N. and N.

overcame every bodily torment. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See 2 Tm 2: 11-12

If we have died with Christ, we shall also live with him; if we persevere, we shall also reign with him, alleluia.

Or: See Mt 5: 12

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven, alleluia.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed by the sustenance of the one Bread, O Lord, on the commemoration of the blessed Martyrs N. and N., we humbly pray, that you may confirm us ever in your charity and make us walk in newness of life. Through Christ our Lord.

B. For One Martyr

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See 4 Esdr 2: 35

Perpetual light will shine on your Saints, O Lord, and life without end for ever, alleluia.

Or:

This is the one who was not deserted by God on the day of struggle and now wears a crown of victory for faithfulness to the Lord's commands, alleluia.

COLLECT
O God, who were pleased to give light to your Church by adorning blessed N. with the victory of martyrdom, graciously grant that, as he (she) imitated the Lord's Passion, so we may, by following in his (her) footsteps, be worthy to attain eternal joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, we pray, O Lord, the sacrifice of conciliation and praise which we offer to your majesty in commemoration of the blessed Martyr N., that it may lead us to obtain pardon and confirm us in perpetual thanksgiving. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Jn 12: 24

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit, alleluia.

Or: Ps 116 (115): 15

How precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his holy ones, alleluia.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We have received your heavenly gifts, rejoicing at this feast day, O Lord; grant, we pray, that we, who in this divine banquet proclaim the Death of your Son, may merit to be partakers with the holy Martyrs in his Resurrection and his glory. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

III. For Missionary Martyrs

A. For Several Missionary Martyrs

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Gal 6: 14; 1 Cor 1: 18

May we never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the word of the Cross is the power of God to us who have been saved (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
We humbly beseech the mercy of your majesty, almighty and merciful God, that, as you have poured the knowledge of your Only Begotten Son into the hearts of the peoples by the preaching of the blessed Martyrs N. and N., so, through their intercession, we may be made steadfast in the faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we venerate the passion of your Martyrs N. and N., grant that through this sacrifice, O Lord, we may proclaim worthily the Death of your Only Begotten Son, who, not content with encouraging the Martyrs by word, strengthened them likewise by example. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt 5: 10

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Mt 10: 32

Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having fed upon heavenly delights, we humbly ask you, O Lord, that by the example of blessed N. and N. we may bear in our hearts the marks of your Son's charity and suffering and ever enjoy the fruit of perpetual peace. Through Christ our Lord. B. For One Missionary Martyr

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Phil 2: 30

This Saint went as far as death, handing over his life to destruction for the work of Christ (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we may follow with due devotion the faith of blessed N., who, for spreading the faith, merited the crown of martyrdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we commemorate the martyrdom of blessed N., O Lord, we make our offerings at your altar, praying that we, who celebrate the mysteries of our Lord's Passion, may imitate what we now do. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mk 8: 35

Whoever loses his life for the sake of the Gospel will save it, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
As we celebrate the heavenly banquet, we beseech you, Lord, that, in following such a great example of faith, we may be encouraged by the remembrance of the blessed Martyr N.

and led on by his (her) gracious intercession. Through Christ our Lord.

IV. For a Virgin Martyr

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Behold, now she follows the Lamb who was crucified for us, powerful in virginity, modesty her offering, a sacrifice on the altar of chastity (E.T. alleluia).

Or:

Blessed is the virgin who by denying herself and taking up her cross imitated the Lord, the spouse of virgins and prince of martyrs (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who gladden us today with the annual commemoration of blessed N., graciously grant that we may be helped by her merits, just as our lives are lit up by the splendor of her example of chastity and fortitude. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May the offerings we bring in celebration of blessed N. win your gracious acceptance, O Lord, we pray, just as the struggle of her suffering and passion was pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Rev 7: 17

The Lamb who is at the center of the throne will lead them to the springs of the waters of life (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
O God, who bestowed on blessed N. a crown among the Saints for her twofold triumph of virginity and martyrdom, grant, we pray, through the power of this Sacrament, that, bravely overcoming every evil, we may attain the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

V. For a Holy Woman Martyr

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to these women, who despised life in the world, and have reached the rewards of the kingdom and washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, by whose gift strength is made perfect in weakness, grant to all who honor the glory of blessed N. that she, who drew from you the strength to triumph, may likewise always obtain from you the grace of victory for us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we joyfully offer, O Lord, this day's sacrifice, recalling the heaven-sent victory of blessed N., we proclaim by it your mighty deeds and rejoice at having gained her glorious intercession. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Rev 12: 11-12

They did not cling to their lives even in the face of death; therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
As we draw everlasting joys, O Lord, from our participation in this Sacrament and from the commemoration of blessed N., we humbly implore, that by your gift we may truly understand what you grant us to enact in diligent service. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMON OF PASTORS

I. For a Pope or for a Bishop

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
The Lord chose him for himself as high priest, and, opening his treasure house, made him rich in all good things (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Sir 50: 1; 44: 16, 22

Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God; therefore, in accordance with his promise, the Lord gave him growth for the good of his people (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT

For a Pope:
Almighty ever-living God, who chose blessed N. to preside over your whole people and benefit them by word and example, keep safe, we pray, by his intercession, the shepherds of your Church along with the flocks entrusted to their care, and direct them in the way of eternal salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

For a Bishop:
O God, who in blessed N. were pleased to provide for your Church the example of a good shepherd, mercifully grant that through his intercession we may merit an eternal place in your pastures. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Accept this sacrifice from your people, we pray, O Lord, and make what is offered for your glory, in honor of blessed N., a means to our eternal salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Jn 10: 11
The Good Shepherd has laid down his life for his sheep (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the Sacrament we have received, O Lord our God, stir up in us that fire of charity with which blessed N. burned ardently as he gave himself unceasingly for your Church. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Sir 45: 30
The Lord established for him a covenant of peace, and made him the prince, that he might have the dignity of the priesthood for ever (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT

For a Pope:
O God, who gave blessed N. to be shepherd of the whole Church and made him resplendent with wondrous virtue and teaching, grant that we, who venerate the merits of such a Bishop, may shine with good deeds before others and burn with love before you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

For a Pope:
O God, who made blessed N. the Vicar of Peter and committed to him the care of the universal Church, by his intercession keep your beloved flock ever safe, so that with integrity of faith and perfect charity your Church may journey to her heavenly homeland. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

For a Bishop:
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we may venerate fittingly the memory of the Bishop blessed N., and, as you willed that his word and example should benefit those over whom he presided, so may we always experience the support of his intercession before you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant our supplication, we pray, O Lord, that this sacrifice we present on the feast day of blessed N. may be for our good, since through its offering you have loosed the offenses of all the world. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Jn 21: 17
Lord, you know everything: you know that I love you (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the power of the gifts we have received, Lord God, on this feast day of blessed N. fill us with its effects, both to sustain our mortal life and to gain us the joy of unending happiness. Through Christ our Lord.

II. For a Bishop

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ez 34: 11, 23-24
Visitábo oves meas, dicit Dóminus, et suscitábo pastórem qui pascat eas; ego autem Dóminus ero eis in Deum.
I will look after my sheep, says the Lord, and I will appoint a shepherd to pasture them, and I, the Lord, will be their God (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Lk 12: 42
Ista est fidélis et prudens dispensátor, quem constítuit Dóminus super famíliam suam, ut det illis in témpore tríciti mensúram.
This is the steward, faithful and prudent, whom the Lord set over his household to give them their allowance of food at the proper time (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Almighty ever-living God, who chose blessed N. to preside as Bishop over your holy people, we pray that, by his merits, you may bestow on us the grace of your loving kindness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

Almighty and eternal God, who gave your holy Church blessed N. as Bishop, grant that what he taught when moved by the divine Spirit may always stay firm in our hearts; and as by your gift we embrace him as our patron, may we also have him as our defender to entreat your mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS

Look with favor, O Lord, we pray, on the offerings we set upon this sacred altar on the feast day of blessed N., that, bestowing on us your pardon, our oblations may give honor to your name. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Jn 15: 16

It was not you who chose me, says the Lord, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Lk 12: 36-37

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord finds awake when he comes and knocks at the gate (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Renewed by the sacred mysteries, we humbly pray, O Lord, that, following the example of blessed N., we may strive to profess what he believed and to practice what he taught. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See 1 Sm 2:35
I shall raise up for myself a faithful priest who will act in accord with my heart and my mind, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Lk 12:42

This is the steward, faithful and prudent, whom the Lord set over his household, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who wonderfully numbered among your holy shepherds blessed N., a man aflame with divine charity and outstanding for that faith that overcomes the world, grant, we pray, that through his intercession we, too, persevering in faith and charity, may merit to be sharers of his glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

Lord God, who graciously imbued blessed N. with heavenly doctrine, grant, through his intercession, that we may keep that same teaching faithfully and express it in what we do. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, these offerings of your people, on the feast day of blessed N., so that through them, according to our confident hope, we may experience the help of your loving kindness. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Jn 10: 10
I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Mk 16: 17-18

These are the signs that will follow those who believe in me, says the Lord: they will cast out demons. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Replenished by the sacred Body and the precious Blood of your Son, we pray, O Lord our God, that what we celebrate with loving devotion, may be our sure pledge of redemption. Through Christ our Lord.

III. For Pastors

A. For Several Pastors

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Jer 3: 15

I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Dn 3: 84, 87

Priests of God, bless the Lord; praise the Lord, all who are holy and humble of heart (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who to pasture your people filled (the Bishops) blessed N. and N. with a spirit of truth and of love, grant that, as we celebrate their feast day with honor, we may benefit by imitating them and be given relief through their intercession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We offer you a sacrifice of praise in commemoration of your Saints, O Lord, by which we trust to be delivered from evils both present and to come. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt 20: 28

The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We have received this heavenly Sacrament, O Lord, as we commemorate your Saints N. and N.; grant, we pray, that what we celebrate in time we may attain with eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord.

B. For One Pastor

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 132 (131): 9
Your priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with justice;
your holy ones shall ring out their joy (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
We humbly ask you, almighty God,
that at the intercession of (the Bishop) blessed N.
you may multiply your gifts among us
and order our days in peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, we pray,
the offerings placed on your altar
in commemoration of blessed N.,
so that, as you brought him glory,
you may, through these sacred mysteries,
grant to us your pardon.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mt 24: 46-47
Blessed is the servant whom the Lord finds watching
when he comes. Amen I say to you:
He will put that servant in charge of all his property (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Lk 12: 42

This is the steward, faithful and prudent,
whom the Lord set over his household,
to give them their allowance of food at the proper time (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May partaking at the heavenly table, almighty God,
confirm and increase strength from on high
in all who celebrate the feast day of blessed N.,
that we may preserve in integrity the gift of faith
and walk in the path of salvation you trace for us.
Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Lk 4: 18

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me
and sent me to preach the good news to the poor,
to heal the broken-hearted (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Sir 45:20

The Lord chose him as a priest for himself,
to offer him a sacrifice of praise (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, light of the faithful and shepherd of souls,
who set (the Bishop) blessed N. in the Church
to feed your sheep by his words and form them by his example,
grant that through his intercession
we may keep the faith he taught by his words
and follow the way he showed by his example.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We humbly implore your majesty, almighty God,
that, just as the offerings made in honor of blessed N.
bear witness to the glory of divine power,
so they may impart to us the effects of your salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt 28: 20
Behold, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the mysteries we have received, O Lord,
prepare us, we pray, for the eternal joys
that, as a faithful steward, blessed N. came to deserve.
Through Christ our Lord.

Or:

Make us, who have been nourished
by this sacred meal, almighty God,
always follow the example of blessed N.
in serving you with constant devotion
and assisting all with untiring charity.
Through Christ our Lord.

IV. For Founders of Churches

A. For One Founder

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Is 59: 21; 56: 7

Thus says the Lord: My words, which I have put into your mouth, will remain for ever on your lips and your gifts will be accepted on my altar (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Almighty and merciful God, who were pleased to enlighten our forebears by the preaching of blessed N., grant, we pray, that, glorying in the name of Christian, we may show continually in our deeds the faith that we profess. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

Look, O Lord, upon your family, which (the Bishop) blessed N. engendered by the Word of truth and fed with the Sacrament of life, that your grace, which has made them faithful through his ministry, may through his prayers make them fervent in charity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant our supplication, we pray, almighty God, that with these sacrificial offerings of your people, which we bring you in commemoration of blessed N., you may graciously mingle with the gifts of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mk 10: 45

The Son of Man has come to give his life as a ransom for many (E.T. alleluia).

Or: 1 Cor 3: 11

No one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
As we rejoice at the feast day of blessed N., we have received the pledge of eternal redemption, O Lord, and we pray that it may be of help to us, both now and for the life to come. Through Christ our Lord.

B. For Several Founders

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
These are the holy men whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love; to them he gave eternal glory; their teaching is a light for the Church (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O Lord, who through the apostolic ministry of Saints N. and N. gave your Church the beginnings of religion, look on her with kindness and grant her, we pray, through their intercession, constant increase in Christian devotion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

O God, who called our forebears by the preaching of (the Bishops) blessed N. and N. into the wonderful light of the Gospel, grant that through their intercession we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, we pray, the offerings of your people, which we bring for the feast day of Saints N. and N., and in your kindness render us fully acceptable by giving us sincerity of heart. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Jn 15: 15

I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father (E.T. alleluia).

Or: 1 Pt 2: 9

O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the Savior we have welcomed at this altar, O Lord, gladden us on the feast day of Saints N. and N., on which, with longing for your favor, we honor the precious beginnings of our faith and proclaim your wonders in your Saints. Through Christ our Lord.

V. For Missionaries

For Missionary Martyrs, see Common of Martyrs

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (E.T.

alleluia).

Or: Ps 18 (17): 50; 22 (21): 23

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will tell of your name to my kin (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who through (the Bishop) blessed N. brought peoples without faith from darkness to the light of truth, grant us, through his intercession, that we may stand firm in faith and remain constant in the hope of the Gospel he preached. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

Almighty ever-living God, who have made sacred this day's rejoicing at the glorification of blessed N., graciously grant that we may strive always to keep and to put into practice the faith which, with unquenchable zeal, he strove to proclaim. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look upon the sacrificial gifts we offer, almighty God, on the feast day of blessed N., and grant that we, who celebrate the mysteries of the Lord's Passion, may imitate what we now do. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ez 34: 15

I will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Mt 10: 27

What I say to you in the darkness speak in the light, says the Lord; what you hear whispered proclaim on the housetops (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
By the power of this mystery, O Lord, confirm your servants in the true faith, that they may everywhere profess in word and deed the faith for which blessed N. never ceased to labor and for which he spent his whole life. Through Christ our Lord.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Is 52: 7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings of peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who gave increase to your Church through the zeal for religion and apostolic labors of blessed N., grant, through his intercession, that she may always receive new growth in faith and in holiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look with favor on our supplications, O Lord, and free us from every fault, so that through the purifying action of your grace we may be cleansed by the very mysteries through which we render you service. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mk 16: 15; Mt 28: 20

Go into all the world, and proclaim the Gospel. I am with you always, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Jn 15: 4-5

Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me and I in him bears fruit in plenty (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the Sacrament we have received, O Lord our God, nourish in us that faith taught by the preaching of the Apostles and kept safe by the labors of blessed N. Through Christ our Lord.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Ps 96 (95): 3-4

Tell among the nations his glory, and his wonders among all the peoples, for the Lord is great and highly to be praised (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, by whose untold mercy blessed N. preached the good news of the unfathomable riches of Christ, grant that through his intercession we may grow in knowledge of you and, bearing fruit in every good work, faithfully walk in your presence, in accord with the truth of the Gospel. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we celebrate the memory of blessed N., we pray, O Lord, that you may pour out your blessing from heaven on these offerings we have made to you, so that in partaking of them we may be without fault and be replenished with heavenly food. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 10: 1, 9

The Lord sent out disciples to proclaim throughout the towns: The kingdom of God is at hand for you (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Mt 13: 8, 23

This is the seed that fell on rich soil: those who with a good and perfect heart patiently bring forth fruit (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May your holy gifts which we have received fill us with life, O Lord, so that we, who rejoice in commemorating blessed N., may also profit from his example of apostolic virtue. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMON OF DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Sir 15: 5
In the midst of the Church he opened his mouth,
and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding
and clothed him in a robe of glory (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Ps 37 (36): 30-31

The mouth of the just man utters wisdom,
and his tongue tells forth what is just;
the law of his God is in his heart (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Almighty and eternal God,
who gave your holy Church blessed N. as Doctor (and Bishop),
grant that what he taught when moved by the divine Spirit
may always stay firm in our hearts;
and, as by your gift we embrace him as our patron,
may we also have him as our defender to entreat your mercy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May the sacrifice which we gladly present on the feast day of blessed N.,
be pleasing to you, O God,
for, taught by him, we, too, give ourselves entirely to you in praise.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 12: 42
Behold a faithful and prudent steward
to give them their allowance of food at the proper time (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Ps 1: 2-3

He who ponders the law of the Lord day and night
will yield his fruit in due season (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Through Christ the teacher, O Lord,
instruct those you feed with Christ, the living Bread,
that on the feast day of blessed N. they may learn your truth
and express it in works of charity.
Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Dn 12: 3
Those who are wise will shine brightly
like the splendor of the firmament
and those who lead the many to justice
shall be like the stars for ever (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Sir 44: 15, 14

Let the peoples recount the wisdom of the Saints,
and let the Church proclaim their praise.
Their names will live on and on (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Lord God, who graciously imbued blessed N. with heavenly doctrine,
grant, through his intercession,
that we may keep that same teaching faithfully
and express it in what we do.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we celebrate the divine mysteries,
O Lord, we pray,
may the Holy Spirit fill us with that light of faith
by which he constantly enlightened blessed N.
for the spreading of your glory.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See 1 Cor 1: 23-24
We proclaim Christ crucified;
Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Refreshed by heavenly food,
we humbly implore you, O Lord,
that, attentive to the teaching of blessed N.,
we may abide at all times in thanksgiving
for the gifts we have received.
Through Christ our Lord.

COMMON OF VIRGINS

For a Virgin Martyr, see Common of Martyrs

I. For Several Virgins

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 148:12-14
Let the virgins praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above heaven and earth (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Ps 45 (44): 16

The virgins to the King are escorted amid gladness and joy; they are led within the temple to the Lord and King (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Bestow your mercy upon us, Lord, we pray, that, as we rejoice with loving devotion on the feast day of the Virgins blessed N. and N., so by your gift we may know the eternal delight of their company. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we proclaim your wonders, O Lord, in the commemoration of the holy Virgins N. and N., we bring you these offerings and prayers; grant, we ask, that, as their merits are pleasing to you, so, too, our dutiful service may find favor in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mt 25: 10

The bridegroom has come, and the virgins who were ready have gone with him into the wedding feast (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Jn 14: 21, 23

Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will come to him and reveal myself to him (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the mysteries we have received, O Lord, on this feast day of the Virgins blessed N. and N. constantly bestir and enlighten us, we pray, so that we may stand ready for the coming of your Son and be admitted to his wedding feast on high. Through Christ our Lord.

II. For One Virgin

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Here is a wise virgin, from among the number of the prudent, who went forth with lighted lamp to meet Christ (E.T. alleluia).

Or:

How beautiful you are, O virgin of Christ, who were worthy to receive the Lord's crown, the crown of perpetual virginity (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Hear us, God our Savior, that, as we rejoice in commemorating the Virgin blessed N., we may be instructed by her loving devotion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we proclaim your wonders, O Lord, in the Virgin blessed N., we humbly implore your majesty that, as her merits are pleasing to you, so, too, our dutiful service may find favor in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mt 25: 6

Behold, the Bridegroom is coming; come out to meet Christ the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Ps 27 (26): 4

There is one thing I ask of the Lord, only this do I seek: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed by partaking of this divine gift, we pray, O Lord our God, that by the example of the blessed N., bearing in our body the Death of Jesus, we may strive to hold fast to you alone. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Let us rejoice and exult for joy: for the Lord of all has shown his love for a holy and glorious virgin (E.T. alleluia).

Or:

Here is a wise virgin whom the Lord found watching; when they took up their lamps she brought oil with her and when the Lord came she went in with him to the wedding feast (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Lord God, who gave the holy Virgin N. gift upon gift from heaven, grant, we pray, that, imitating her virtues on earth, we may delight with her in the joys of eternity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or, for a Virgin foundress:

Grant, O Lord our God, that the Virgin blessed N., your faithful spouse, may stir up in our hearts the flame of divine love, which she inspired in other virgins to the enduring glory of your Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May we receive, O Lord, we pray, the effects of this offering dedicated to you, so that we may be cleansed from old earthly ways and, through the example of blessed N., be renewed by growth in heavenly life. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mt 25: 4, 6
The five wise virgins brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Then at midnight, the cry went up: Behold, the Bridegroom is coming; come out to meet Christ the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the holy reception of the Body and Blood of your Only Begotten Son, O Lord, turn us away from the cares of this fleeting world, so that, following the example of blessed N., we may grow in sincere love for you on earth and rejoice to behold you for eternity in heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

3
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Come, bride of Christ, receive the crown, which the Lord has prepared for you for eternity (E.T. alleluia).

Or:

For love of the Lord Jesus Christ, she despised the kingdom of the world and all worldly things (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who declare that you abide in hearts that are pure, grant that through the intercession of the Virgin blessed N. we may be so fashioned by your grace, that we become a dwelling pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

Hear our prayers, we ask, O Lord, that we, who devoutly honor the virtue of the Virgin blessed N., may be worthy to abide in love of you and to grow in it always until the end. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, the homage of our humble service, which we present to you in commemoration of the Virgin blessed N., and grant through the one unblemished sacrifice that we may constantly burn with devoted and holy love in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 10: 42
The wise virgin has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Mt 25: 6

At midnight, the cry went up: Behold, the Bridegroom is coming; come out to meet him (E.T. alleluia)!

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed by heavenly Bread, we humbly beseech your mercy, O Lord, that we, who rejoice in commemorating blessed N., may obtain pardon for our offenses, health for our bodies, and grace and eternal glory for our souls. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMON OF HOLY MEN AND WOMEN

The following Masses, if indicated for a particular category of Saints, are used for Saints of that category. Other Masses, however, may be used for all categories of Saints.

I. For All Categories of Saints

A. For Several Saints

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 145 (144): 10-11
May all your works thank you, O Lord, and all your Holy ones bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your reign, and declare your mighty deeds (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Almighty and eternal God, who by glorifying the Saints, bestow on us fresh proofs of your love, graciously grant that, commended by their intercession and spurred on by their example, we may be faithful in imitating your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Give favorable hearing to our prayers, O Lord, we pray, and safeguard us through the intercession of your Saints, that we may give worthy service at your altar. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Ps 68 (67): 4

The just shall rejoice at the presence of God; they shall exult with glad rejoicing (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Lk 12: 37

Blessed are those servants whom the lord finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you: He will gird himself, seat them at table, and proceed to wait on them (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Almighty ever-living God, Father of all consolation and peace, grant your family, gathered to praise your name in celebration of the Saints, that through the mysteries of your Only Begotten Son, which they have here received, they may obtain the pledge of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 64 (63): 11

The just will rejoice in the Lord and hope in him, and all upright hearts will be praised (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who see that in our weakness we fail, mercifully restore us to your love by the example of your Saints. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant us, we pray, almighty God, that the humble offering we make may be pleasing to you in honor of your Saints and may purify us both in body and in mind. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Jn 12: 26

Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
On the heavenly birthday of your Saints, we pray, O Lord, that we, who are nourished by the gift of this Sacrament, may delight for all eternity in the good things with which even now by your grace you nurture us. Through Christ our Lord.

3
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 92 (91): 13-14
The just will flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a Lebanon cedar, planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
May the prayer and integrity of the Saints, O Lord, we pray, obtain help for your faithful, that they may gain a share in the eternal inheritance of those whom they celebrate with devotion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Give to those who make sacrificial offerings at your altar, O Lord, that spirit of devotion which you instilled in your Saints, so that we may approach these sacred rites with a pure mind and a fervent heart and celebrate a sacrifice that is pleasing to you and ensures your favor for us. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt 11: 28
Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the communion in your Sacrament that we have consumed, save us, O Lord, and confirm us in the light of your truth. Through Christ our Lord.

4
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Jer 17: 7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: it fears not the heat when it comes (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the example of your Saints may spur us on to a better life, so that we, who celebrate the memory of blessed N. and N., may also imitate without ceasing their deeds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
As we make our offerings at this sacred altar, O Lord, on the feast day of your Saints, we ask your mercy, that this oblation may render you supreme glory and win for us an abundance of your grace. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Jn 15: 9
As the Father loves me, so I also love you; remain in my love, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We pray, O Lord our God, that the divine mysteries, which we celebrate in commemoration of your Saints, may bring about in us salvation and eternal peace. Through Christ our Lord.

B. For One Saint

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 21 (20): 2-3

In your strength, O Lord, the just one rejoices; how greatly your salvation makes him glad! You have granted him his soul's desire (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who in your Saints have given an example and brought us protection in our weakness to help us tread the path of salvation, mercifully grant that we, who honor the heavenly birthday of blessed N., may, through his (her) example, make our way to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Through the present oblation, O Lord, which we offer in commemoration of blessed N., bestow on your faithful, we pray, the gifts of unity and peace. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mt 16: 24

Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

Or, for those who served in public office: Mt 6: 33

Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the Sacrament we have received, O Lord, in commemoration of blessed N., sanctify our minds and hearts, that we may merit to be made sharers in the divine nature. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Mal 2: 6
The law of truth was in his mouth; no dishonesty was found on his lips. He walked with me in integrity and peace, and turned many away from evil (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who alone are holy and without whom no one is good, command, we pray, through the intercession of blessed N., that we be numbered among those who do not deserve to be deprived of your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May the sacrifices we offer to your majesty, O Lord, on this feast day of blessed N. be effective for our salvation and pleasing to you in your loving kindness. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt 5: 8-9
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Nourished by these sacred gifts, we humbly implore you, Lord, that the homage of dutiful service, which we render on the feast day of blessed N., may bring us an increase of your saving grace. Through Christ our Lord.

II. For Monks and Religious

A. For an Abbot

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 92 (91): 13-14
The just will flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a Lebanon cedar, planted in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Ps 37 (36): 30-31

The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue tells forth what is right. The law of his God is in his heart (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
Grant us, O Lord, that amid the uncertainties of this world we may cling with all our heart to the things of heaven, for through the Abbot blessed N. you have given us a model of evangelical perfection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Grant those who approach your altar, O Lord, that spirit of devotion with which the blessed Abbot N. was on fire, so that, pure of heart and fervent in charity, we may offer you a worthy sacrifice. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 12: 42
This is the steward, faithful and prudent, whom the Lord set over his household, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Mt 23: 11

The greatest among you must be your servant, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
By the power of this Sacrament which we have received, renew our hearts, O Lord, so that by the example of the Abbot blessed N., being wise in the things above and not in the things of earth here below, we may merit to appear in glory with Christ. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

B. For a Monk

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Where brothers unite to glorify God, there the Lord will give blessing (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Ps 71 (70): 8, 23

Let my mouth be filled with your praise, that I may sing aloud; my lips shall shout for joy, when I sing to you (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who in your kindness called your servant blessed N. to the following of Christ, grant, we pray, through his intercession, that, denying ourselves, we may hold fast to you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, we pray, the offerings made for the salvation of your people, so that through the intercession of blessed N. we may flee the enticements of sin and draw near to the company of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Lk 8: 15
Those who keep God's word with a good and perfect heart patiently bring forth fruit (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Ps 84 (83): 5

Blessed are they who dwell in your house, for ever singing your praise (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant our request, we pray, O Lord our God, that, defended by the protection of blessed N., we may live by this Sacrament of your wisdom in serenity and moderation. Through Christ our Lord.

C. For a Nun

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 52 (51): 10
I am like a growing olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God, for ever and ever (E.T. alleluia).

Or:

I despised the kingdom of the world and all worldly finery for love of my Lord, Jesus Christ, whom I have seen, whom I have loved, in whom I have believed, in whom has been my delight (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who called your handmaid blessed N. to seek you before all else, grant that, serving you, through her example and intercession, with a pure and humble heart, we may come at last to your eternal glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We bring the offerings of our devotion to be consecrated by you, O Lord, in commemoration of blessed N., for by the consolation you give us in this life you show that we should not lose hope of what is promised for eternity. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 45 (44): 2
My heart overflows with noble words. To the king I address the song I have made (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Lk 10: 42

One thing is necessary: she has chosen the better part, which shall not be taken away from her (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Renewed, O Lord, at the wellsprings of salvation, we humbly entreat you that through the intercession of blessed N., holding more closely day by day to Christ, we may merit to be coheirs in his Kingdom of grace. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

D. For Religious

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 16 (15): 5
O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; you yourself who secure my portion (E.T alleluia).

Or, for a Woman Religious: See Hos 2: 21-22

The Lord has taken her as his bride for ever in faithfulness and mercy (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, by whose gift blessed N. persevered in imitating Christ, poor and lowly, grant us through his (her) intercession that, faithfully walking in our own vocation, we may reach the perfection you have set before us in your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Most merciful God, who were pleased to create in blessed N. the New Man in your image, the old having passed away, graciously grant, we pray, that, renewed like him (her), we may offer you the acceptable sacrifice of conciliation. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mt 19: 27-29
Amen I say to you, that you who have left all and followed me, will receive a hundredfold and possess eternal life (E.T. alleluia).

Or, for a woman Religious: See Lam 3: 24-25

The Lord is my portion: he is good to the soul that seeks him (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
By the power of this Sacrament, Lord, we pray, lead us always in your lov, through the example of blessed N., and bring to fulfillment the good work you have begun in us until the day of Christ Jesus. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Ps 24 (23): 5-6
These are the holy ones, who have received blessings from the Lord, and mercy from the God who saves them, such is the people who seek the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Ps 105 (104): 3-4

Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who called blessed N. to seek your Kingdom in this world through the pursuit of perfect charity, grant, we pray, through his (her) intercession that we may advance with joyful spirit along the way of love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May these offerings of our service, placed on your altar in commemoration of blessed N., be acceptable to you, O Lord, we pray, and grant that, released from earthly attachments, we may have our riches in you alone. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps 34 (33): 9
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed the man who seeks refuge in him (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Mt 5: 3

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We pray, almighty God, that we, who are fortified by the power of this Sacrament, may learn through the example of blessed N. to seek you always above all things and to bear in this world the likeness of the New Man. Through Christ our Lord.

III. For Those Who Practiced Works of Mercy

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Mt 25: 34, 36, 40
Come, you blessed of my Father, says the Lord: I was sick, and you visited me. Amen I say to you: Whatever you did for one of the least of my brethren you did it for me (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Ps 112 (111): 9

Open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm for ever. His might shall be exalted in glory (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who have taught your Church to keep all the heavenly commandments by love of you as God and love of neighbor; grant that, practicing the works of charity after the example of blessed N., we may be worthy to be numbered among the blessed in your Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive, O Lord, the offerings of your people, and grant that we, who celebrate your Son's work of boundless charity, may, by the example of blessed N., be confirmed in love of you and of our neighbor. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Jn 15: 13
Greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Jn 13: 35

This is how all will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that we, who are renewed by these sacred mysteries, may follow the example of blessed N., who honored you with tireless devotion and, by surpassing charity, was of service to your people. Through Christ our Lord.

Or:

Having fed upon the delights of the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord, we humbly implore your faithful love, that, imitating, by your grace, the charity of blessed N., we may also be made partakers with him (her) in glory. Through Christ our Lord.

IV. For Educators

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Mk 10: 14

Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Mt 5: 19

Whoever obeys and teaches the commandments of the Lord will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who raised up blessed N. in your Church to show others the way of salvation, grant us, by his (her) example, so to follow Christ the master, that we may come with our neighbor into your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
May the oblation made by your consecrated people in commemoration of blessed N. be acceptable to you, we pray, O Lord, and grant that by participation in this mystery we may reflect the pattern of your love. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt 18: 3

Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

Or: Jn 8: 12

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May this holy meal give us strength, almighty God, so that, by the example of blessed N., we may show in our hearts and by our deeds both fraternal charity and the light of truth. Through Christ our Lord.

V. For Holy Women

For a Holy Woman Martyr

1
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Prv 31: 30, 28

The woman who fears the Lord will herself be praised. Her children have called her most blessed, her husband has sung her praises (E.T. alleluia).

Or: See Prv 31: 20, 27

She reaches out her hands to the needy and extends her arms to the poor. She did not eat her food in idleness (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, who gladden us each year with the feast day of blessed N., grant, we pray, that we, who are called to honor her, may also follow her example of holy living. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or, for several:

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the revered intercession of blessed N. and N. may bring us heavenly aid, just as their wonderful lives point the way to salvation for us all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We bring you these sacrificial gifts, O Lord, to commemorate blessed N., humbly entreating that they may bestow on us both pardon and salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON See Mt 13: 45-46
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant who travels in search of fine pearls and who, on finding one of great price, sold everything and bought it (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the working of this divine Sacrament enlighten and inflame us, almighty God, on this feast day of blessed N., that we may be ever fervent with holy desires and abound in good works. Through Christ our Lord.

2
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON See Prv 14: 1-2
Behold a wise woman who has built her house. She feared the Lord and walked in the right path (E.T. alleluia).

COLLECT
O God, the exaltation of the lowly, who willed that blessed N. should excel in the beauty of her charity and patience, grant, through her merits and intercession, that, carrying our cross each day, we may always persevere in love for you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Or:

Pour out upon us, Lord, the spirit of knowledge and love of you, with which you filled your handmaid blessed N., so that, serving you sincerely in imitation of her, we may be pleasing to you by our faith and our works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Look with favor, O Lord, on the sacrificial offering of your people, and what they devoutly celebrate in honor of blessed N. may they experience in its power to save. Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Mt 12: 50
Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother, says the Lord (E.T. alleluia).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We are replenished, O Lord, with the gifts we have received on the feast day of blessed N.; grant, we pray, that we may be purified by their effects and strengthened by the help they bring. Through Christ our Lord.

THE ORDER OF MASS

The Introductory Rites

1. When the people are gathered, the Priest approaches the altar with the ministers while the Entrance Chant is sung.
When he has arrived at the altar, after making a profound bow with the ministers, the Priest venerates the altar with a kiss and, if appropriate, incenses the cross and the altar. Then, with the ministers, he goes to the chair.
When the Entrance Chant is concluded, the Priest and the faithful, standing, sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross, while the Priest, facing the people, says:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The people reply:
Amen.

2. Then the Priest, extending his hands, greets the people, saying:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.

Or:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Or:
The Lord be with you.

The people reply:
And with your spirit.
____________________________________________________________

In this first greeting a Bishop, instead of The Lord be with you, says:
Peace be with you.
____________________________________________________________

3. The Priest, or a Deacon, or another minister, may very briefly introduce the faithful to the Mass of the day.

Penitential Act*
* From time to time on Sundays, especially in Easter time, instead of the customary Penitential Act, the blessing and sprinkling of water may take place (as in Appendix II, pp. 000-000) as a reminder of Baptism.

4. Then follows the Penitential Act, to which the Priest invites the faithful, saying:
Brethren (brothers and sisters), let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

A brief pause for silence follows. Then all recite together the formula of general confession:
I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,

And, striking their breast, they say:
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;

Then they continue:
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

The absolution of the Priest follows:
May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.

The people reply:
Amen.
____________________________________________________________________

Or:

5. The Priest invites the faithful to make the Penitential Act:
Brethren (brothers and sisters), let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

A brief pause for silence follows.

The Priest then says:
Have mercy on us, O Lord.

The people reply:
For we have sinned against you.

The Priest:
Show us, O Lord, your mercy.

The people:
And grant us your salvation.

The absolution by the Priest follows:
May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.

The people reply:
Amen.
____________________________________________________________________

Or:
6. The Priest invites the faithful to make the Penitential Act:
Brethren (brothers and sisters), let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

There follows a brief pause for silence.

The Priest, or a Deacon or another minister, then says the following or other invocations* with Kyrie, eleison (Lord, have mercy):
* Sample invocations are found in Appendix VI, pp. 000-000. [USA]
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart:
Lord, have mercy. Or: Kyrie, eleison.
The people reply:
Lord, have mercy. Or: Kyrie, eleison.

The Priest:
You came to call sinners:
Christ, have mercy. Or: Christe, eleison.
The people:
Christ, have mercy. Or: Christe, eleison.

The Priest:
You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us:
Lord, have mercy. Or: Kyrie, eleison.
The people:
Lord, have mercy. Or: Kyrie, eleison.

The absolution by the Priest follows:
May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.

The people reply:
Amen.
____________________________________________________________

7. The Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) invocations follow, unless they have just occurred in a formula of the Penitential Act.
V/. Lord, have mercy. R/. Lord, have mercy.
V/. Christ, have mercy. R/. Christ, have mercy.
V/. Lord, have mercy. R/. Lord, have mercy.

Or:
V/. Kyrie, eleison. R/. Kyrie, eleison.
V/. Christe, eleison. R/. Christe, eleison.
V/. Kyrie, eleison. R/. Kyrie, eleison.

8. Then, when it is prescribed, this hymn is either sung or said:
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

9. When this hymn is concluded, the Priest, with hands joined, says:
Let us pray.
And all pray in silence with the Priest for a moment.
Then the Priest, with hands extended, says the Collect prayer, at the end of which the people acclaim:
Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

10. Then the reader goes to the ambo and reads the first reading, while all sit and listen.

To indicate the end of the reading, the reader acclaims:
The Word of the Lord.
All reply:
Thanks be to God.

11. The psalmist or cantor sings or says the Psalm, with the people making the response.

12. After this, if there is to be a second reading, a reader reads it from the ambo, as above.

To indicate the end of the reading, the reader acclaims:
The Word of the Lord.
All reply:
Thanks be to God.

13. There follows the Alleluia or another chant laid down by the rubrics, as the liturgical time requires.

14. Meanwhile, if incense is used, the Priest puts some into the thurible. After this, the Deacon who is to proclaim the Gospel, bowing profoundly before the Priest, asks for the blessing, saying in a low voice:
Your blessing, Father.

The Priest says in a low voice:
May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips
that you may proclaim his Gospel worthily and well,
in the name of the Father and of the Son X and of the Holy Spirit.
The Deacon signs himself with the Sign of the Cross and replies:
Amen.

If, however, a Deacon is not present, the Priest, bowing before the altar, says quietly:
Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God,
that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel.

15. The Deacon, or the Priest, then proceeds to the ambo, accompanied, if appropriate, by ministers with incense and candles. There he says:
The Lord be with you.
The people reply:
And with your spirit.

The Deacon, or the Priest:
A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.
and, at the same time, he makes the Sign of the Cross on the book and on his forehead, lips, and breast.

The people acclaim:
Glory to you, O Lord.

Then the Deacon, or the Priest, incenses the book, if incense is used, and proclaims the Gospel.

16. At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
The Gospel of the Lord.
All reply:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Then he kisses the book, saying quietly:
Through the words of the Gospel
may our sins be wiped away.

17. Then follows the homily, which is to be preached by a Priest or Deacon on all Sundays and holy days of obligation; on other days, it is recommended.

18. At the end of the homily, the Symbol or Profession of Faith or Creed, when prescribed, is either sung or said:
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
At the words that follow up to and including and became man, all bow.
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

19. Instead of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, especially during Lent and Easter time, the baptismal Symbol of the Roman Church, known as the Apostles' Creed, may be used.
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
At the words that follow, up to and including the Virgin Mary, all bow.
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.

20. Then follows the Universal Prayer, that is, the Prayer of the Faithful or Bidding Prayers.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

21. When all this has been done, the Offertory Chant begins. Meanwhile, the ministers place the corporal, the purificator, the chalice, the pall, and the Missal on the altar.

22. It is desirable that the faithful express their participation by making an offering, bringing forward bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist and perhaps other gifts to relieve the needs of the Church and of the poor.

23. The Priest, standing at the altar, takes the paten with the bread and holds it slightly raised above the altar with both hands, saying in a low voice:
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
for through your goodness we have received
the bread we offer you:
fruit of the earth and work of human hands,
it will become for us the bread of life.
Then he places the paten with the bread on the corporal.

If, however, the Offertory Chant is not sung, the Priest may speak these words aloud; at the end, the people may acclaim:
Blessed be God for ever.

24. The Deacon, or the Priest, pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly:
By the mystery of this water and wine
may we come to share in the divinity of Christ
who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

25. The Priest then takes the chalice and holds it slightly raised above the altar with both hands, saying in a low voice:
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
for through your goodness we have received
the wine we offer you:
fruit of the vine and work of human hands
it will become our spiritual drink.
Then he places the chalice on the corporal.

If, however, the Offertory Chant is not sung, the Priest may speak these words aloud; at the end, the people may acclaim:
Blessed be God for ever.

26. After this, the Priest, bowing profoundly, says quietly:
With humble spirit and contrite heart
may we be accepted by you, O Lord,
and may our sacrifice in your sight this day
be pleasing to you, Lord God.

27. If appropriate, he also incenses the offerings, the cross, and the altar. A Deacon or other minister then incenses the Priest and the people.

28. Then the Priest, standing at the side of the altar, washes his hands, saying quietly:
Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

29. Standing at the middle of the altar, facing the people, extending and then joining his hands, he says:
Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters),
that my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God,
the almighty Father.
The people rise and reply:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands
for the praise and glory of his name,
for our good
and the good of all his holy Church.

30. Then the Priest, with hands extended, says the Prayer over the Offerings, at the end of which the people acclaim:
Amen.
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

31. Then the Priest begins the Eucharistic Prayer.
Extending his hands, he says:
The Lord be with you.
The people reply:
And with your spirit.

The Priest, raising his hands, continues:
Lift up your hearts.
The people:
We lift them up to the Lord.

The Priest, with hands extended, adds:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
The people:
It is right and just.

The Priest, with hands extended, continues the Preface.

At the end of the Preface he joins his hands and concludes the Preface with the people, singing or saying aloud:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Or:

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dóminus Deus Sábaoth.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra glória tua.
Hosánna in excélsis.
Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini.
Hosánna in excélsis.

32. In all Masses, the Priest celebrant is permitted to sing parts of the Eucharistic Prayer provided with musical notation below, pp. 000ff., especially the principal parts.
In Eucharistic Prayer I, the Roman Canon, the words included in brackets may be omitted.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER I
(THE ROMAN CANON)

83. V/. The Lord be with you.
R/. And with your spirit.
V/. Lift up your hearts.
R/. We lift them up to the Lord.
V/. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R/. It is right and just.
There follows the Preface indicated by the rubrics, which concludes:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

84. The Priest, with hands extended, says:
To you, therefore, most merciful Father,
we make humble prayer and petition
through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord:
He joins his hands and says
that you accept
He makes the Sign of the Cross once over the bread and chalice together, saying:
and bless X these gifts, these offerings,
these holy and unblemished sacrifices,
With hands extended, he continues:
which we offer you firstly
for your holy catholic Church.
Be pleased to grant her peace,
to guard, unite and govern her
throughout the whole world,
together with your servant N. our Pope
and N. our Bishop,*
* Mention may be made here of the Coadjutor Bishop, or Auxiliary Bishops, as noted in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 149.
and all those who, holding to the truth,
hand on the catholic and apostolic faith.
85. Commemoration of the Living.

Remember, Lord, your servants N. and N.
The Priest joins his hands and prays briefly for those for whom he intends to pray.
Then, with hands extended, he continues:
and all gathered here,
whose faith and devotion are known to you.
For them, we offer you this sacrifice of praise
or they offer it for themselves
and all who are dear to them,
for the redemption of their souls,
in hope of health and well-being,
and paying their homage to you,
the eternal God, living and true.

86. Within the Action.

In communion with those whose memory we venerate,
especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary,
Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ,
† and blessed Joseph, her Spouse,
your blessed Apostles and Martyrs,
Peter and Paul, Andrew,
(James, John,
Thomas, James, Philip,
Bartholomew, Matthew,
Simon and Jude:
Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus,
Cornelius, Cyprian,
Lawrence, Chrysogonus,
John and Paul,
Cosmas and Damian)
and all your Saints:
we ask that through their merits and prayers,
in all things we may be defended
by your protecting help.
(Through Christ our Lord. Amen.)

____________________
PROPER FORMS OF THE COMMUNICANTES

On the Nativity of the Lord and throughout the Octave
Celebrating the most sacred night (day)
when blessed Mary the immaculate Virgin
brought forth the Savior for this world,
and in communion with those whose memory we venerate,
especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary,
Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ, †

On the Epiphany of the Lord
Celebrating the most sacred day
on which your Only Begotten Son,
eternal with you in your glory,
appeared in a human body, truly sharing our flesh,
and in communion with those whose memory we venerate,
especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary,
Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ, †

From the Mass of the Paschal Vigil until the Second Sunday of Easter
Celebrating the most sacred night (day)
of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh,
and in communion with those whose memory we venerate,
especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary,
Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ, †

On the Ascension of the Lord
Celebrating the most sacred day
on which your Only Begotten Son, our Lord,
placed at the right hand of your glory
our weak human nature,
which he had united to himself,
and in communion with those whose memory we venerate,
especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary,
Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ, †

On Pentecost Sunday
Celebrating the most sacred day of Pentecost,
on which the Holy Spirit
appeared to the Apostles in tongues of fire,
and in communion with those whose memory we venerate,
especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary,
Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ, †

87. With hands extended, the Priest continues:
Therefore, Lord, we pray:
graciously accept this oblation of our service,
that of your whole family;
order our days in your peace,
and command that we be delivered from eternal damnation
and counted among the flock of those you have chosen.
He joins his hands.
(Through Christ our Lord. Amen.)
____________________
From the Mass of the Paschal Vigil until the Second Sunday of Easter
Therefore, Lord, we pray:
graciously accept this oblation of our service,
that of your whole family,
which we make to you
also for those to whom you have been pleased to give
the new birth of water and the Holy Spirit,
granting them forgiveness of all their sins:
order our days in your peace,
and command that we be delivered from eternal damnation
and counted among the flock of those you have chosen.
He joins his hands.
(Through Christ our Lord. Amen.)
____________________

88. Holding his hands extended over the offerings, he says:
Be pleased, O God, we pray,
to bless, acknowledge,
and approve this offering in every respect;
make it spiritual and acceptable,
so that it may become for us
the Body and Blood of your most beloved Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ.
He joins his hands.

89. In the formulas that follow, the words of the Lord should be pronounced clearly and distinctly, as the nature of these words requires.

On the day before he was to suffer,
The Priest takes the bread
and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

he took bread in his holy and venerable hands,
He raises his eyes.
and with eyes raised to heaven
to you, O God, his almighty Father,
giving you thanks he said the blessing,
broke the bread
and gave it to his disciples, saying:
He bends slightly.
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT,
FOR THIS IS MY BODY,
WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
He shows the consecrated host to the people, places it again on the paten, and genuflects in adoration.

90. After this, the Priest continues:
In a similar way, when supper was ended,
He takes the chalice
and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

he took this precious chalice
in his holy and venerable hands,
and once more giving you thanks, he said the blessing
and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying:
He bends slightly.
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT,
FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT,
WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY
FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
The Priest shows the chalice to the people, places it on the corporal, and genuflects in adoration.
91. Then the Priest says:
The mystery of faith.

And the people continue, acclaiming:
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.

Or:
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup,
we proclaim your Death, O Lord,
until you come again.

Or:
Save us, Savior of the world,
for by your Cross and Resurrection
you have set us free.

92. Then the Priest, with hands extended, says:
Therefore, O Lord,
as we celebrate the memorial of the blessed Passion,
the Resurrection from the dead,
and the glorious Ascension into heaven
of Christ, your Son, our Lord,
we, your servants and your holy people,
offer to your glorious majesty
from the gifts that you have given us,
this pure victim,
this holy victim,
this spotless victim,
the holy Bread of eternal life
and the Chalice of everlasting salvation.

93. Be pleased to look upon these offerings
with a serene and kindly countenance,
and to accept them,
as once you were pleased to accept
the gifts of your servant Abel the just,
the sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith,
and the offering of your high priest Melchizedek,
a holy sacrifice, a spotless victim.

94. Bowing, with hands joined, he continues:
In humble prayer we ask you, almighty God:
command that these gifts be borne
by the hands of your holy Angel
to your altar on high
in the sight of your divine majesty,
so that all of us who through this participation at the altar receive
the most holy Body and Blood of your Son,

He stands upright again and signs himself with the Sign of the Cross, saying:
may be filled with every grace and heavenly blessing.
He joins his hands.
(Through Christ our Lord. Amen.)

95. Commemoration of the Dead

With hands extended, the Priest says:
Remember also, Lord, your servants N. and N.,
who have gone before us with the sign of faith
and rest in the sleep of peace.
He joins his hands and prays briefly for those who have died and for whom he intends to pray.
Then, with hands extended, he continues:
Grant them, O Lord, we pray,
and all who sleep in Christ,
a place of refreshment, light and peace.
He joins his hands.
(Through Christ our Lord. Amen.)

96. He strikes his breast with his right hand, saying:
To us, also, your servants, who, though sinners,
And, with hands extended, he continues:
hope in your abundant mercies,
graciously grant some share
and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs:
with John the Baptist, Stephen,
Matthias, Barnabas,
(Ignatius, Alexander,
Marcellinus, Peter,
Felicity, Perpetua,
Agatha, Lucy,
Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia)
and all your Saints:
admit us, we beseech you,
into their company,
not weighing our merits,
but granting us your pardon,
He joins his hands.
through Christ our Lord.

97. And he continues:
Through whom
you continue to make all these good things, O Lord;
you sanctify them, fill them with life,
bless them, and bestow them upon us.

98. He takes the chalice and the paten with the host and raising both, he says:
Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours,
for ever and ever.

The people acclaim:
Amen.

Then follows the Communion Rite, p. 000.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II

99. Although it is provided with its own Preface, this Eucharistic Prayer may also be used with other Prefaces, especially those that present an overall view of the mystery of salvation, such as the Common Prefaces.

V/. The Lord be with you.
R/. And with your spirit.
V/. Lift up your hearts.
R/. We lift them up to the Lord.
V/. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R/. It is right and just.

It is truly right and just, our duty and salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy,
through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
your Word through whom you made all things,
whom you sent as our Savior and Redeemer,
incarnate by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin.
Fulfilling your will and gaining for you a holy people,
he stretched out his hands as he endured his Passion,
so as to break the bonds of death and manifest the resurrection.
And so, with the Angels and all the Saints
we declare your glory,
as with one voice we acclaim:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

100. The Priest, with hands extended, says:
You are indeed Holy, O Lord,
the fount of all holiness.

101. He joins his hands and, holding them extended over the offerings, says:
Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray,
by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall,
He joins his hands and makes the Sign of the Cross once over the bread and the chalice together, saying:
so that they may become for us
the Body and X Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
He joins his hands.

102. In the formulas that follow, the words of the Lord should be pronounced clearly and distinctly, as the nature of these words requires.

At the time he was betrayed
and entered willingly into his Passion,
He takes the bread
and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it,
and gave it to his disciples, saying:
He bends slightly.
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT,
FOR THIS IS MY BODY,
WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
He shows the consecrated host to the people, places it again on the paten, and genuflects in adoration.

103. After this, he continues:
In a similar way, when supper was ended,
He takes the chalice
and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

he took the chalice
and, once more giving thanks,
he gave it to his disciples, saying:
He bends slightly.

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT,
FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT,
WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY
FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
He shows the chalice to the people, places it on the corporal, and genuflects in adoration.

104. Then he says:
The mystery of faith.

And the people continue, acclaiming:
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.

Or:
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup,
we proclaim your Death, O Lord,
until you come again.

Or:
Save us, Savior of the world,
for by your Cross and Resurrection
you have set us free.

105. Then the Priest, with hands extended, says:
Therefore, as we celebrate
the memorial of his Death and Resurrection,
we offer you, Lord,
the Bread of life and the Chalice of salvation,
giving thanks that you have held us worthy
to be in your presence and minister to you.
Humbly we pray
that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ,
we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.

Remember, Lord, your Church,
spread throughout the world,
and bring her to the fullness of charity,
together with N. our Pope and N. our Bishop*
*Mention may be made here of the Coadjutor Bishop, or Auxiliary Bishops, as noted in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 149.
and all the clergy.

___________________________________________

In Masses for the Dead, the following may be added:
Remember your servant N.,
whom you have called (today)
from this world to yourself.
Grant that he (she) who was united with your Son in a death like his,
may also be one with him in his Resurrection.
___________________________________________

Remember also our brothers and sisters
who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection,
and all who have died in your mercy:
welcome them into the light of your face.
Have mercy on us all, we pray,
that with the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with the blessed Apostles,
and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages,
we may merit to be co-heirs to eternal life,
and may praise and glorify you
He joins his hands.
through your Son, Jesus Christ.

106. He takes the chalice and the paten with the host and raising both, he says:
Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours,
for ever and ever.

The people acclaim:
Amen.

Then follows the Communion Rite, p. 000.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER III

107. V/. The Lord be with you.
R/. And with your spirit.
V/. Lift up your hearts.
R/. We lift them up to the Lord.
V/. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R/. It is right and just.

Then follows the Preface to be used in accord with the rubrics, which concludes:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

108. The Priest, with hands extended, says:
You are indeed Holy, O Lord,
and all you have created rightly gives you praise, for through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit,
you give life to all things and make them holy, and you never cease to gather a people to yourself, so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name.

109. He joins his hands and, holding them extended over the offerings, says:
Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you:
by the same Spirit graciously make holy
these gifts we have brought to you for consecration,
He joins his hands and makes the Sign of the Cross once over the bread and chalice together, saying:
that they may become the Body and X Blood
of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
He joins his hands.
at whose command we celebrate these mysteries.

110. In the formulas that follow, the words of the Lord should be pronounced clearly and distinctly, as the nature of these words requires.
For on the night he was betrayed
He takes the bread
and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

he himself took bread,
and giving you thanks he said the blessing,
broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying:
He bends slightly.
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT,
FOR THIS IS MY BODY,
WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
He shows the consecrated host to the people, places it again on the paten, and genuflects in adoration.

111. After this, he continues:
In a similar way, when supper was ended,
He takes the chalice
and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

he took the chalice,
and giving you thanks he said the blessing,
and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying:
He bends slightly.
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT,
FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT,
WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY
FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
He shows the chalice to the people, places it on the corporal, and genuflects in adoration.
112. Then he says:
The mystery of faith.

And the people continue, acclaiming:
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.

Or:
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup,
we proclaim your Death, O Lord,
until you come again.

Or:
Save us, Savior of the world,
for by your Cross and Resurrection
you have set us free.

113. Then the Priest, with hands extended, says:
Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving Passion of your Son,
his wondrous Resurrection and Ascension into heaven, and as we look forward to his second coming, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.

Look, we pray, upon the oblation of your Church and, recognizing the sacrificial Victim by whose death
you willed to reconcile us to yourself,
grant that we, who are nourished by the Body and Blood of your Son and filled with his Holy Spirit, may become one body, one spirit in Christ.

May he make of us
an eternal offering to you,
so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect,
especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with your blessed Apostles and glorious Martyrs
(with Saint N.: the Saint of the day or Patron Saint)
and with all the Saints,
on whose constant intercession in your presence we rely for unfailing help.
May this Sacrifice of our reconciliation,
we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim Church on earth,
with your servant N. our Pope and N. our Bishop,*
* Mention may be made here of the Coadjutor Bishop, or Auxiliary Bishops, as noted in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 149.
the Order of Bishops, all the clergy,
and the entire people you have gained for your own.

Listen graciously to the prayers of this family,
whom you have summoned before you:
in your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world.

† To our departed brothers and sisters
and to all who were pleasing to you
at their passing from this life,
give kind admittance to your kingdom.
There we hope to enjoy for ever the fullness of your glory
He joins his hands.
through Christ our Lord,
through whom you bestow on the world all that is good. †

114. He takes the chalice and the paten with the host and raising both, he says:
Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours,
for ever and ever.

The people acclaim:
Amen.

Then follows the Communion Rite, p. 000.

____________________________________________________________________
115. When this Eucharistic Prayer is used in Masses for the Dead, the following may be said:
† Remember your servant N.
whom you have called (today)
from this world to yourself.
Grant that he (she) who was united with your Son in a death like his,
may also be one with him in his Resurrection,
when from the earth
he will raise up in the flesh those who have died,
and transform our lowly body after the pattern of his own glorious body. To our departed brothers and sisters, too, and to all who were pleasing to you at their passing from this life,
give kind admittance to your kingdom. There we hope to enjoy for ever the fullness of your glory, when you will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
For seeing you, our God, as you are, we shall be like you for all the ages and praise you without end,

He joins his hands.

through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is good. †
____________________________________________________________

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IV

116. It is not permitted to change the Preface of this Eucharistic Prayer because of the structure of the Prayer itself, which presents a summary of the history of salvation.

V/. The Lord be with you.
R/. And with your spirit.
V/. Lift up your hearts.
R/. We lift them up to the Lord.
V/. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R/. It is right and just.

It is truly right to give you thanks,
truly just to give you glory, Father most holy,
for you are the one God living and true,
existing before all ages and abiding for all eternity,
dwelling in unapproachable light;
yet you, who alone are good, the source of life,
have made all that is,
so that you might fill your creatures with blessings
and bring joy to many of them by the glory of your light.
And so, in your presence are countless hosts of Angels,
who serve you day and night
and, gazing upon the glory of your face,
glorify you without ceasing.
With them we, too, confess your name in exultation,
giving voice to every creature under heaven
as we acclaim:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

117. The Priest, with hands extended, says:

We give you praise, Father most holy,
for you are great,
and you have fashioned all your works
in wisdom and in love.
You formed man in your own image
and entrusted the whole world to his care,
so that in serving you alone, the Creator,
he might have dominion over all creatures.
And when through disobedience he had lost your friendship,
you did not abandon him to the domain of death.
For you came in mercy to the aid of all,
so that those who seek might find you.
Time and again you offered them covenants
and through the prophets
taught them to look forward to salvation.

And you so loved the world, Father most holy,
that in the fullness of time
you sent your Only Begotten Son to be our Savior.
Made incarnate by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary,
he shared our human nature
in all things but sin.
To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation,
to prisoners, freedom,
and to the sorrowful of heart, joy.
To accomplish your plan,
he gave himself up to death,
and, rising from the dead,
he destroyed death and restored life.

And that we might live no longer for ourselves
but for him who died and rose again for us,
he sent the Holy Spirit from you, Father,
as the first fruits for those who believe,
so that, bringing to perfection his work in the world,
he might sanctify creation to the full.

118. He joins his hands and, holding them extended over the offerings, says:
Therefore, O Lord, we pray:
may this same Holy Spirit
graciously sanctify these offerings,
He joins his hands and makes the Sign of the Cross once over the bread and chalice together, saying:
that they may become
the Body and X? Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
He joins his hands.
for the celebration of this great mystery,
which he himself left us
as an eternal covenant.

119. In the formulas that follow, the words of the Lord should be pronounced clearly and distinctly, as the nature of these words requires.

For when the hour had come
for him to be glorified by you, Father most holy,
having loved his own who were in the world,
he loved them to the end:
and while they were at supper,
He takes the bread
and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

he took bread, blessed and broke it,
and gave it to his disciples, saying,
He bends slightly.
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT,
FOR THIS IS MY BODY,
WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
He shows the consecrated host to the people, places it again on the paten, and genuflects in adoration.

120. After this, he continues:
In a similar way,
He takes the chalice
and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

taking the chalice filled with the fruit of the vine,
he gave thanks,
and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying:
He bends slightly.
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT,
FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT,
WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY
FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
He shows the chalice to the people, places it on the corporal, and genuflects in adoration.

121. Then he says:
The mystery of faith.

And the people continue, acclaiming:
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.

Or:
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup,
we proclaim your Death, O Lord,
until you come again.

Or:
Save us, Savior of the world,
for by your Cross and Resurrection
you have set us free.

122. Then, with hands extended, the Priest says:
Therefore, O Lord,
as we now celebrate the memorial of our redemption,
we remember Christ's death
and his descent to the realm of the dead,
we proclaim his Resurrection
and his Ascension to your right hand;
and as we await his coming in glory,
we offer you his Body and Blood,
the sacrifice acceptable to you
which brings salvation to the whole world.

Look, O Lord, upon the Sacrifice
which you yourself have provided for your Church,
and grant in your loving kindness
to all who partake of this one Bread and one Chalice
that, gathered into one body by the Holy Spirit,
they may truly become a living sacrifice in Christ
to the praise of your glory.

Therefore, Lord, remember now
all for whom we offer this sacrifice:
especially your servant, N. our Pope,
N. our Bishop,* and the whole Order of Bishops,
* Mention may be made here of the Coadjutor Bishop, or Auxiliary Bishops, as noted in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 149.
all the clergy,
those who take part in this offering,
those gathered here before you,
your entire people,
and all who seek you with a sincere heart.

Remember also
those who have died in the peace of your Christ
and all the dead,
whose faith you alone have known.

To all of us, your children,
grant, O merciful Father,
that we may enter into a heavenly inheritance
with the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
and with your Apostles and Saints in your kingdom.
There, with the whole of creation,
freed from the corruption of sin and death,
may we glorify you through Christ our Lord,
He joins his hands.
through whom you bestow on the world all that is good.

123. He takes the chalice and the paten with the host and raising both, he says:
Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours,
for ever and ever.

The people acclaim:
Amen.

Then follows the Communion Rite, p. 000.
The Communion Rite

124. After the chalice and paten have been set down, the Priest, with hands joined, says:
At the Savior's command
and formed by divine teaching,
we dare to say:

He extends his hands and, together with the people, continues:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

125. With hands extended, the Priest alone continues, saying:
Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil,
graciously grant peace in our days,
that, by the help of your mercy,
we may be always free from sin
and safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
He joins his hands.

The people conclude the prayer, acclaiming:
For the kingdom,
the power and the glory are yours
now and for ever.

126. Then the Priest, with hands extended, says aloud:
Lord Jesus Christ,
who said to your Apostles,
Peace I leave you, my peace I give you,
look not on our sins,
but on the faith of your Church,
and graciously grant her peace and unity
in accordance with your will.
He joins his hands.
Who live and reign for ever and ever.
The people reply:
Amen.

127. The Priest, turned towards the people, extending and then joining his hands, adds:
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
The people reply:
And with your spirit.

128. Then, if appropriate, the Deacon, or the Priest, adds:
Let us offer each other the sign of peace.
And all offer one another a sign, in keeping with local customs, that expresses peace, communion, and charity. The Priest gives the sign of peace to a Deacon or minister.

129. Then he takes the host, breaks it over the paten, and places a small piece in the chalice, saying quietly:
May this mingling of the Body and Blood
of our Lord Jesus Christ
bring eternal life to us who receive it.

130. Meanwhile the following is sung or said:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.
The invocation may even be repeated several times if the fraction is prolonged. Only the final time, however, is grant us peace said.

131. Then the Priest, with hands joined, says quietly:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
who by the will of the Father
and the work of the Holy Spirit,
through your Death gave life to the world;
free me by this, your most holy Body and Blood,
from all my sins and from every evil;
keep me always faithful to your commandments,
and never let me be parted from you.

Or:
May the receiving of your Body and Blood,
Lord Jesus Christ,
not bring me to judgment and condemnation,
but through your loving mercy
be for me protection in mind and body,
and a healing remedy.

132. The Priest genuflects, takes the host and, holding it slightly raised above the paten or above the chalice, while facing the people, says aloud:
Behold the Lamb of God,
behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

And together with the people he adds once:
Lord, I am not worthy
that you should enter under my roof,
but only say the word
and my soul shall be healed.

133. The Priest, facing the altar, says quietly:
May the Body of Christ
keep me safe for eternal life.
And he reverently consumes the Body of Christ.

Then he takes the chalice and says quietly:
May the Blood of Christ
keep me safe for eternal life.
And he reverently consumes the Blood of Christ.

134. After this, he takes the paten or ciborium and approaches the communicants. The Priest raises a host slightly and shows it to each of the communicants, saying:
The Body of Christ.
The communicant replies:
Amen.
And receives Holy Communion.

If a Deacon also distributes Holy Communion, he does so in the same manner.

135. If any are present who are to receive Holy Communion under both kinds, the rite described in the proper place is to be followed.

136. While the Priest is receiving the Body of Christ, the Communion Chant begins.
137. When the distribution of Communion is over, the Priest or a Deacon or an acolyte purifies the paten over the chalice and also the chalice itself.

While he carries out the purification, the Priest says quietly:
What has passed our lips as food, O Lord,
may we possess in purity of heart,
that what has been given to us in time
may be our healing for eternity.

138. Then the Priest may return to the chair. If appropriate, a sacred silence may be observed for a while, or a psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn may be sung.

139. Then, standing at the altar or at the chair and facing the people, with hands joined, the Priest says:
Let us pray.
All pray in silence with the Priest for a while, unless silence has just been observed. Then the Priest, with hands extended, says the Prayer after Communion, at the end of which the people acclaim:
Amen.

The Concluding Rites

140. If they are necessary, any brief announcements to the people follow here.

141. Then the dismissal takes place. The Priest, facing the people and extending his hands, says:
The Lord be with you.
The people reply:
And with your spirit.

The Priest blesses the people, saying:
May almighty God bless you:
the Father, and the Son, X and the Holy Spirit.
The people reply:
Amen.
____________________________________________________________

142. On certain days or occasions, this formula of blessing is preceded, in accordance with the rubrics, by another more solemn formula of blessing or by a prayer over the people (cf. pp. 000ff).
____________________________________________________________

143. In a Pontifical Mass, the celebrant receives the miter and, extending his hands, says:
The Lord be with you.
All reply:
And with your spirit.

The celebrant says:
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
All reply:
Now and for ever.

The celebrant says:
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All reply:
Who made heaven and earth.

Then the celebrant receives the pastoral staff, if he uses it, and says:
May almighty God bless you,
making the Sign of the Cross over the people three times, he adds:
the Father, X and the Son, X and the Holy X Spirit.
All:
Amen.
____________________________________________________________

144. Then the Deacon, or the Priest himself, with hands joined and facing the people, says:
Go forth, the Mass is ended.
Or:
Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
Or:
Go in peace.
The people reply:
Thanks be to God.

145. Then the Priest venerates the altar as usual with a kiss, as at the beginning. After making a profound bow with the ministers, he withdraws.
146. If any liturgical action follows immediately, the rites of dismissal are omitted.
Easter Collects
From Lesser Feasts and Fasts
(for the Easter Season Readings from Lesser Feasts and Fasts, click here)
Easter Sunday
I.
O God, who for our redemption gave you only begotten Son to the death of the Cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of the enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II.
O God, who made this holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
III.
Almighty God, who through your only begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Easter Monday
Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with awe the Paschal Feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Easter Tuesday
O God, who by the glorious resurrection of you Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Easter Wednesday
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Easter Thursday
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Easter Friday
Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Easter Saturday
We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of you Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Octave of Easter (2 Easter)
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For the week of 2 Easter
I.
O God, you have united diverse people in the confession of your name: Grant that all who have been born again in the font of Baptism may also be united in faith and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II.
O God, by the waters of Baptism you have renewed those who believe in you: Come to the help of those who have been reborn in Christ, that they may overcome the wiles of the devil, and continue faithful to the gifts of grace they have received from you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
III.
Grant, O Lord, that we may live in the Paschal mystery that the joy of the fifty day may continually strengthen us and assure us of our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
IV.
O Lord, you have saved us through the Paschal mystery of Christ: Continue to support your people with heavenly gifts, that we may attain true liberty, and enjoy the happiness of heaven which we have begun to taste on earth: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Third Sunday of Easter
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For the Week of 3 Easter
I.
O Lord, the life of the faithful, the glory of the saints, and the delight of those who trust in you: Hear our supplications, and quench, we pray, the thirst of those who long for your promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II.
O God, by the abundance of your grace you unfailingly increase the number of your children: Look with favor upon those whom you have chosen to be members of your Church, that, having been born again in Baptism, they may be granted a glorious resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
III.
Let your people. O Lord, rejoice for ever that they have been renewed in spirit; and let the joy of our adoption as your sons and daughters strengthen the hope of our glorious resurrection in Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Fourth Sunday of Easter
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For the Week of 4 Easter
I.
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given your Church the great joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Give us also the greater joy of the kingdom of your elect, when the flock of your Son will share in the final victory of its Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II.
Almighty God, you show the light of your truth to those who are in error, to the intent that they may return to the way of righteousness: Grant to those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to it; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
III.
God of infinite mercy, you renew the faith of your people by the yearly celebration of these fifty days: Stir up in us the gifts of your grace, that we may know more deeply that Baptism has cleansed us, the Spirit has quickened us, and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
IV.
Lord God Almighty, for no merit on our part, you have brought us from death into life, out of sorrow into joy: Put no end to your gifts, fulfill your marvelous acts in us, and grant to us who have been justified by faith the strength to persevere in that faith: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Almighty god, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For the Week of Five Easter
I.
O God, you continually increase your Church by the birth of new sons and daughters in Baptism: Grant that they may be obedient all the days of their life to the rule of faith which they received in the Sacrament; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II.
Grant, Almighty God, that the commemoration of our Lord's death and resurrection may continually transform our lives and be manifested in our deeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
III.
Hear our prayers, O Lord, and, as we confess that Christ, the Savior of the world, lives with you in glory, grant that, as he himself has promised, we may perceive him present among us also, to the end of the ages; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Sixth Sunday of Easter (Rogation Sunday)
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
From Monday after 6 Easter till Ascension Thursday (Rogation Days)
I.
O Lord, you have given us the grace to know the resurrection of your Son: Grant that the Holy Spirit, by his love, may raise us to the newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II.
O Lord, you open the portals of your kingdom to those who have been reborn by water and the Spirit: Increase the grace you have given to your children, that those whom you have cleansed from sin may attain to all your promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Collects for the Rogation Days
I. For fruitful seasons
Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who are constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II. For Commerce and Industry
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
III. For stewardship of creation
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Ascension Day
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
From Friday after Ascension Day until 7 Easter
O God, by the resurrection of your Son you have given us a new birth into eternal life: Lift our hearts to our Savior, who is seated at your right hand, so that, when he comes again, we who have been reborn in Baptism may be clothed in a glorious immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Seventh Sunday of Easter
O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
The Week of 7 Easter
I.
O God, by the glorification of Jesus Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit you have opened for us the gates of your kingdom: Grant that we, who have received such great gifts, may dedicate ourselves more diligently to your service, and live more fully the riches of our faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
II.
O Lord, when your Son ascended into heaven he sent down upon the Apostles the Holy Spirit, as he had promised, that they might comprehend the mysteries of the kingdom: Distribute among us, we pray, the gifts of the selfsame Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
III.
O loving Father, grant that you Church, being gathered by your Holy Spirit, may be dedicated more fully to your service, and live united in love, according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Day of Pentecost
Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your 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 Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. O sons and daughters, let us sing! The King of heav'n the glorious King, O'er death today rose triumphing, Alleluia!

Sign of the Cross

Reading:
'For we have grown into union with Christ through a death like His, we shall also be united with Him in the resurrection....If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall live with Him....Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as being dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus: (Romans 6: 5, 7, 11).

Reflection:
Let us walk this pilgrimage of faith, the Via Lucis, as daughters and sons of the light and as witnesses of the Risen Lord. Let us meditate upon the resurrection of Christ and discover the pathway of light that Christ blazes through our lives.

First Station
Jesus Rises from the Dead

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"The angel of the Lord said to the women: 'Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said." (Matthew 28: 5b-6a).

Reflection:
On the first day of the week, at the dawning of the new creation, Jesus arose from the dead. No one saw the event, yet like the apostles, we are called to be witnesses of this central faith event. The light and power of Christ's death and resurrection has become the pattern for our living. May we recognize Christ's dying and rising in our midst.

Silence

Prayer:
This is the day, Lord God, that You have made! Raising Christ from the dead, and raising us with Christ, You have fashioned for Yourself a new people. As we hear the word that brings salvation, make our hearts burn within us. Through the presence of every friend and stranger, reveal to us the face of the One who had first to suffer, but who has entered now into glory, Jesus Christ, our Passover and our Peace, living and reigning with You, forever and ever. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. That Easter morn, at break of day, The faithful women went their way To seek the tomb where Jesus lay, Alleluia!

Second Station

The Disciples Discover the Empty Tomb

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed" (John 20: 8).

Reflection:
The empty tomb was not a proof of the resurrection, but rather a silent witness of the greatest event of our faith. Seeing the empty tomb, the disciples were motivated to seek the Risen Lord at work in their midst. They saw and believed in the continuing presence of the Lord of love. All the empty and lonely places of human life are precisely where the Lord wishes to work and be revealed.

Silence

Prayer:

God our Father, creator of all, today is the day of overwhelming joy. The Lord appeared to those who had begun to lose hope and opened their eyes to what the Scriptures foretold: that first He must die and then rise. May the Risen Lord breathe on our minds and open our eyes that we may know Him in the breaking of bread, and follow Him in His risen life. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. The dear belov'd apostle John Could faster than St. Peter run, Arriving first before the tomb. Alleluia.

Third Station

The Risen Lord Appears to Mary Magdalen, Apostle to the Apostles

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"She turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?' She thought He was the gardener and said to Him, 'Sir, if you carried Him away, tell me where you laid Him, and I will take Him.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary!" She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, 'Rabbouni,' which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, 'Stop holding on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them, 'I am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.' Mary of Magdalen went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord,' and what He told her" (John 20: 14b-18).

Reflection:
In the fourth gospel, Mary Magdalen is given the mission to carry the good news of the resurrection to the apostles and the disciples. Mary had been in the company of Jesus and His followers, and is given the privilege to announce the hope of new life. She is known over the centuries as "the apostle to the Apostles." Jesus called her by name, gave her the eyes of faith, and called her to give a unique personal witness to her friends in the faith community.

Silence

Prayer:
God our Father, You will that all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of Your truth. Send workers into Your great harvest that the Gospel may be preached to every creature. May Your people, gathered together by the word of life and strengthened by the power of the sacraments, advance in the way of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Not Magdalen, not Salome, Nor James' own mother then delay Embalming Jesus' corpse that day. Alleluia.

Fourth Station

The Risen Lord Appears on the Road to Emmaus

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"It happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus Himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.... And He said to them, 'Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His glory?' Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them what referred to Him in all the scriptures" (Luke 24: 15, 25-27).

Reflection:
The Emmaus road is the story of the Christian life. These disciples were walking away from Jerusalem and the apostolic faith community in defeat and dejection. They had lost hope. We too, have moments of despair and desolation. The Risen Lord Jesus accompanies us along the road, even when we are moving in the wrong direction. Only the Lord can "break open" the Word in order to help us understand the stories of our lives, especially suffering, and read them in harmony with the pattern of the Scriptures. Only the Lord can rekindle our energy and our resolve to devote ourselves to what is most important in life.

Silence

Prayer:
Lord God, as disciples on our pilgrimage, we implore Jesus Christ: stay with us, Lord. Open our hearts to true conversion and, as we have known the Lord in the breaking of the bread, so make us witnesses of a new humanity, renewed, reconciled and at peace in Your love. Send us as heralds of the repentance and forgiveness You offer to all in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You, forever and ever. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. That night the apostles met in fear; Amidst them came the Lord most dear, And said My peace be on all here. Alleluia.

Fifth Station

The Risen Lord is Recognized in the Breaking of the Bread

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"They urged Him, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.' So He went in to stay with them. And it happened that while He was with them at table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us'" (Luke 24: 29-32).

Reflection:
The encounter on the road leads to the table, the breaking of the bread and the total gift of self. Recognition of the Risen Lord is always linked with the Eucharist. At the heart of our Christian life is this meal of Word and Eucharist which we celebrate every Sunday. The Risen Lord presides over all our journeys, wishing to set our hearts on fire in generous service to all people in need, near and far. The gift we have received is the gift we share. Humbly, we set out on the various roads of our lives to respond to all the hungers of the human family.

Silence

Prayer:
You are truly blessed, O God of holiness: You accompany us with love as we journey through life. Blessed too, is Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is present among us, and whose love gathers us together. As once He did for His disciples, Christ now opens the Scriptures for us and breaks the bread. May the Eucharist we celebrate guide us to the fullness of Christ's life. We pray in the power of Christ's Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. When Thomas, first the tidings heard, How they had seen the Risen Lord, He doubted the disciples' word. Alleluia.

Sixth Station

The Risen Lord Appears to the Community of Disciples

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading: "'
Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have,' And as He said this, He showed them His hands and His feet" (Luke 24: 38-40).

Reflection:
The disciples on the road to Emmaus quickly returned to the other disciples in Jerusalem with "burning hearts." Their despair had been reversed and they were eager to convince the others that Jesus was alive. Jesus the Christ is always eager to gather the community of disciples at the table of faith and to show them that He has risen with His wounds glorified. All our wounds will one day be glorified. We seek to understand how the Risen Lord invites us to be "wounded healers," recognizing now that the Lord desires us to be ambassadors of reconciliation, while we ourselves are being forgiven and healed.

Silence

Prayer:
God of unchanging power and light, look with favor and mercy on the entire community of Your Church. Bring lasting salvation to the human family, so that the world may see the fallen lifted up, the old made new, and all things brought to perfection, through Him who is our origin, our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. My wounded side, O Thomas see; Behold My hands, My feet, said He Not faithless, but believing be. Alleluia.

Seventh Station

The Risen Lord Breathes Peace and Gives the Power to Forgive

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, 'Peace be with you'... The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained'" (John 20: 19b, 20b-23).

Reflection:
Even though the doors of the Upper Room were bolted shut, the Risen Lord pierced through all fear and united the hearts of the disciples with the gift of peace. Deep inner peace is the root and source of the peace and joy that the world cannot give. The Risen Lord calls us to seek peace always through a non-violent commitment to conflict resolution and thus transform the world, relationship by relationship.

Silence

Prayer:
God of perfect peace, violence and cruelty can have no part of You. May those who are at peace with one another hold fast to the good will that unites them; may those who are enemies forget their hatred and be healed. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. No longer Thomas then denied, He saw the feet, the hands, the side; You are my Lord and God, he cried, Alleluia!

Eighth Station

The Risen Lord Strengthens the Faith of Thomas

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"Thomas…was not with them when Jesus came.... Thomas said, 'Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into His side, I will not believe'...Jesus came...and stood in their midst and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put it into My side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe'…Blessed are those who do not see and yet believe." (John 20: 24- 29).

Reflection:
The story of Thomas is important because it is through Thomas' example that we realize that doubt can be a part of faith. Too easily we call him "Doubting Thomas," and forgetting that after examining the nail marks, he fully embraced the Risen One as his Lord and Savior. Thomas' doubt was transformed into a lively faith. We too, are called to believe, knowing full well that our faith may be tested by doubt and fear. As disciples who desire an ever-deeper faith, we are patient and understanding with those who are struggling, searching and seeking like Thomas.

Silence

Prayer:
Heavenly Father and God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for He is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death You raise us up with Him and renew Your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ and help us to grow as Your people toward the fullness of eternal life with You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. How blest are they who have not seen, And yet whose faith has constant been For they eternal life shall win. Alleluia!

Ninth Station

The Risen Lord Eats with the Disciples on the Shore of Tiberias

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"Jesus said to them, 'Bring some of the fish you just caught.' So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, 'Come, have breakfast.' And none of His disciples dared to ask Him, 'Who are You?' because they realized it was the Lord" (John 21: 10-12).

Reflection:
After the crucifixion, the apostles returned to their former way of life. Out on the familiar Sea of Galilee, these expert fishers find themselves ineffective and baffled because not even a single fish was caught. From the shore, the Risen Lord guides them and directs their nets until they are filled to overflowing. As He prepares breakfast for them, He nourishes their hearts and promises them that they can also be fed by making disciples in His name. He calls them to an entirely new way of fishing—fishing for people.

Silence

Prayer:
Father in heaven, author of all truth, a people once in darkness has listened to Your Word and followed Your Son as He rose from the tomb. Hear the prayer of this newborn people and strengthen Your Church to answer Your call. May we rise and come forth into the light of day to stand in Your presence until eternity dawns. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. On Sunday morn at break of day The sad disciples went their way To see the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia.

Tenth Station

The Risen Lord Forgives Peter and Entrusts Him to Feed His Sheep

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?'... Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, 'Do you love Me?' and he said to Him, 'Lord, You know everything, You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.... Follow Me' " (John 21: 15, 17b, 19b).

Reflection:
The Risen Lord directs His attention to Peter whose embarrassing three-fold denial was still ringing in his heart. The questions posed by Jesus help Peter to find reconciliation and to embrace his new mission to tend and feed the sheep. Their encounter reminds us that forgiveness is always available, even for the most serious of mistakes we can make. This warm embrace of forgiveness strengthens our resolve to be reconcilers and healers in the Spirit of Jesus. Only love can overcome guilt and deception. Only love and forgiveness can make us whole.

Silence

Prayer:
Father, fill our hearts with the fire of Your love and the desire to ensure justice for our brothers and sisters. By sharing the good things You give us, may we secure justice and equality for every human being, an end to all division, and a human society built on love and peace. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. An angel clad in white they see, Who sat and spoke unto the three, Your Lord has gone to Galilee, Alleluia!

Eleventh Station

The Risen Lord Sends the Disciples into the World

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"'Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age'" (Matthew 28: 19- 20).

Reflection:
From the mountaintop, the Risen Lord gives the "Great Commission" to the disciples to reach out to the ends of the earth. We realize that we are the recipients of this faith-filled mission: our ancestors embraced the faith of the apostles, who were the original witnesses of the resurrection. The greatest response we can give to such a legacy is our dedication to a new evangelization of our contemporary culture. We must allow the Risen Lord to reinvigorate our whole way of living, helping us to re-evaluate every aspect of our lives with the values of the Kingdom of God.

Silence

Prayer:
God of all creation, whose mighty power raised Jesus from the dead, be present to this community of disciples whom You have called to the hope of a glorious inheritance among the saints. Strengthen us in the power of the Spirit to go and make disciples of all nations, to obey everything that Jesus Christ has commanded us, and to know that He is with us always until the end of the age, interceding on our behalf, living and reigning with You in the power of the Holy Spirit, now and forevermore. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. And we with Holy Church unite, As evermore is just and right, in glory to the King of light. Alleluia.

Twelfth Station

The Risen Lord Ascends into Heaven

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"So then the Lord Jesus, after He spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took His seat at the right hand of God. But theywent forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs" (Mark 16: 19-20).

Reflection:
The Scriptures do not portray the Ascension as a day of sadness. While still looking up at the skies, the disciples were consoled by the continuing presence of the Lord. They return to the familiar surroundings of the Upper Room, with Mary, the mother of the Lord, to pray in anticipation of their mission. In this "original novena," we continue to implore the Risen Lord to be the center of our lives and to keep us focused as a jubilant pilgrim people.

Silence

Prayer:
Eternal God, clothe us now with Your power. With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, may we come to understand the immeasurable greatness of Your power at work in us who believe. In that strength, may we boldly pronounce the Good News of our salvation to everyone. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Our humble thanks to God let's show And fitting praise on Him bestow For Paschal blessings here below. Alleluia.

Thirteenth Station

Mary and the Disciples Keep Vigil in the Upper Room for the Spirit's Advent

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"When they entered the city, they went to the upper room where they were staying.... All [the apostles] devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers" (Acts 1: 13a, 14).

Reflection:
Throughout the history of the Church, there have been apostolic movements dedicated to prayerful contemplation, and others resulting in transforming action. As we have crossed the threshold into a new millennium, we look to the "Upper Room" as a symbolic place where we return over and over again, so that we can become "contemplatives in action." As persons who are both prayerful and energetic in service to the Gospel, we must always keep vigil for the advent of the Risen Lord, with the flame of faith alive in our hearts. Only the Lord can refresh our spirits and renew us in the ministries that flow from our Baptism and Confirmation.

Silence

Prayer:
Father most holy, see Your Church gathered here in prayerful worship like the first disciples and Mary in the Upper Room. Grant that we may accomplish, in the joy of the Holy Spirit, all that You give us to do in the world. May we gladly share in Christ's sufferings so as to rejoice when His glory is revealed. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. On this most holy day of days, To God your hearts and voices raise, In laud and jubilee and praise. Alleluia!

Fourteenth Station

The Risen Lord Sends the Holy Spirit

All:
We adore You, O Christ and we praise You! Because by the Wood of the Cross and the Light of the Resurrection, You have redeemed the world!

Reading:
"Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim" (Acts 2: 2-4).

Reflection:
The power of the Holy Spirit drives the disciples from the Upper Room into the streets and marketplace. The Spirit compels them to take the message everywhere, in places familiar and unfamiliar, not stopping until they reach the ends of the world. We have been clothed with the same Spirit. We are called to be evangelizers and witnesses, near and far, wherever we go. The Spirit always goes before us, preparing the way and strengthening our hearts to be generous servants of the Risen Lord who ever guides us. Pentecost is an enduring and continuing event. We implore the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth by renewing us.

Silence

Prayer:
Father in heaven, through this spiritual journey, You have reminded us of the fullness of the mystery of Your revealed love. See Your people gathered in prayer, open to receive the Spirit's flame. May it come to rest in our hearts and disperse the divisions of word and tongue. With one voice and one song, may we praise Your name in joy and thanksgiving. Grant this through Christ our Lord, and in the power of the Spirit, both now and forevermore. Amen.

All:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. O sons and daughters of the Lord, The King of glory, King adored, From death to life has been restored. Alleluia.

Conclusion

Reading:
" Jesus Himself, through them, sent forth from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen" (Mark 16:8, the Shorter Ending ).

Reflection:
Through the Via Lucis, we have shared our pilgrim journey with the Risen Lord. As servants and witnesses of Christ, let us now pray in the way our Savior taught us:

All:

"Our Father…"

Lord, may everything we do, begin with Your inspiration, continue with Your help, and reach perfection under Your guidance. We ask this through Christ, our Risen Lord. Amen.

Personal Stations of the Via Lucis

As a coda to the pilgrimage of the Via Lucis, three other "personal resurrection stations" are offered for personal reflection, stressing the Marian, Pauline and Johannnine dimensions of the Christian life.

The Risen Lord Appears to His Mother, Mary

The Scriptures are silent about any encounter between the Risen Lord and His mother on the Day of Resurrection. Many spiritual traditions, among them the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, lead faithful Christians in a meditation about this consoling and touching scene. Mary is the first and the model disciple. She accompanied the Lord from His birth, in His maturity and His ministry, through His death and resurrection. She enjoys the light and company of her Son, as do we on our faith journey.

The Risen Lord Appears to Paul on the Road

In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke three times narrates the story of the revelation of the Risen Lord to Paul on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9: 1-19; 22: 3-16 and 26: 2-18). We can readily identify with the Apostle Paul who never saw the earthly Jesus face-to-face. We can also heartily resonate with the challenging words of the Risen Lord: "Get up now, and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen and what you will be shown" (Acts 26: 16).

The Risen Lord Assures All Beloved Disciples

The author of the fourth gospel concludes his witness to the Risen Lord with this faith-filled statement: "It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written" (John 21: 24-25). In this sense, the Gospel is unfinished. It continues to unfold among us, beloved disciples of the Risen Lord in all times and places.
MATINS OF THE RESURRECTION
While the priest removes the Burial Shroud from the sepulchre to the altar, the people sing the following Troparion:
TROPARION
Tone 2
When You descended to death, O Immortal Life, * You destroyed the Abyss by the radiance of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the depths of the earth * all the heavenly powers cried out: * "O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You."

The priest and faithful make a solemn procession once around the church.
During the procession the following Troparion is sung repeatedly:
TROPARION
Tone 6
Your resurrection, O Christ, our Savior,
the Angels in heaven praise with hymns;
make us, on earth, also worthy with a
pure heart * to extol and give glory to You.
The procession stops before the closed doors of the church and the priest begins:
Priest: Glory to the holy, consubstantial, life-creating and indivisible Trinity, always, now and ever, and forever.
People: Amen.
Then the priest sings in Tone 5:
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life.
The people repeat the Troparion twice.
Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life. (2 times)

TROPARION WITH VERSES
Priest: Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, * and let those who hate Him flee from before His face.
People: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life.
Priest: As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish * as wax melts before a fire.
People: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life.
Priest: So let the wicked perish at the presence of God, * and let the righteous ones rejoice.
People: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life.
Priest: This is the day that the Lord has made; * let us exult and rejoice in it.
People: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life.
Priest: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, * now and ever, and forever. Amen.
People: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life.
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death.
The doors are opened and the celebrant, preceded by candle-bearers and servers, enters the church followed by the faithful who sing:
People: And to those in the graves He granted life.

LITANY OF PEACE
The priest intones the Litany to which the faithful give the usual responses.

RESURRECTION CANON
ODE 1
The priest sings the Hirmos:
It is the day of Resurrection, all People, let us be enlightened by it. *The Passover is the Lord’s Passover, * Since Christ, our God, has brought from death to life * and from earth to heaven. * Therefore, we sing the hymn of victory.
People: Christ is risen from the dead!
The people sing the remainder of the Ode:
Let us cleanse our senses * that we may see the risen Christ * in the glory of His resurrection * and clearly hear Him greeting us: * "Rejoice!" — as we sing the hymn of victory.
Christ is risen from the dead!
Let the heavens properly rejoice, * and let the earth be glad, * and let the whole visible and invisible world celebrate; * for Christ, our everlasting joy, is risen.
Christ is risen from the dead!
The people continue with the Katabasia:
It is the day of Resurrection, * O People, let us be enlightened by it.* The Passover is the Lord’s Passover, * since Christ, our God, has brought us from death to life * and from earth to heaven. * Therefore, we sing the hymn of victory.

The priest intones the SHORT LITANY to which the faithful respond.

ODE 3
The priest sings the Hirmos:
Come, let us partake of a new drink, * not miraculously produced from the barren rock, * but from the Fountain of Immortality, * springing up from the tomb of Christ. * In Him is our firm strength.
People: Christ is risen from the dead!
The people sing the remainder of the Ode:
Today all things are filled with light * earth and heaven and the world beneath. * Then let all creation celebrate * the resurrection of Christ. * In Him is the firm foundation of all things.
Christ is risen from the dead!
I was buried yesterday with You, O Christ; * but today I rise, * resurrected with You. * Yesterday I crucified myself with You, O Savior. * Now glorify me with You * in Your kingdom.
Christ is risen from the dead!
The people continue with the Katabasia:
Come, let us partake of a new drink, * not miraculously produced from the barren rock, * but from the Fountain of Immortality, * springing up from the tomb of Christ. * In Him is our firm strength.

The priest intones the SHORT LITANY to which the faithful respond.

HYPAKOJE
The women with Mary, before the dawn,* found the stone rolled away from the tomb, * and they heard the Angel say: * "Why do you seek among the dead, as a mortal, the One who abides in everlasting light? * Behold the linens of burial. * Go in haste and proclaim to the world * that, having conquered Death, the Lord is risen; * for He is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind."

ODE 4
The priest sings the Hirmos:
Let Habakkuk, * speaking in behalf of God, * stand with us at the divine watch; * let him show us the brilliant Angel who proclaims: * "Today, salvation comes to the world; * for Christ, being Almighty, is risen."
People: Christ is risen from the dead!
The people sing the remainder of the Ode:
Christ had appeared as a man * when He was born of the Virgin. * As a mortal, He was called "Lamb". * Being undefiled and without blemish, * He is our Passover; * and as true God, * He is proclaimed perfect.
Christ is risen from the dead!
Christ, our blessed crown, was sacrificed of His own will * like a Yearling lamb for all of us, * and so became our cleansing Pasch. * From His tomb He shines on us again * as the splendid Sun of Righteousness.
Christ is risen from the dead!
The people continue with the Katahasia:
David, ancestor of the Lord, * danced and made music before the Ark * which was just a symbol. * As God’s holy people, * let us witness the symbol fulfilled * and rejoice in spirit; * for Christ, being Almighty, is risen.
Christ is risen from the dead!
Let Habakkuk, * speaking in behalf of God, * stand with us at the divine watch; * let him show us the brilliant Angel who proclaims: * "Today, salvation comes to the world; * for Christ, being Almighty, is risen.

The priest intones the SHORT LITANY to which the faithful respond.

ODE 5
The priest sings the Hirmos:
Let us rise at early dawn * and bring to our Master a hymn instead of myrrh;* and we shall see Christ, * the Sun of Righteousness * Who enlightens the life of all.
People: Christ is risen from the dead!
The people sing the remainder of the Ode:
When those bound by chains in the realm of Death * saw Your boundless mercy, 0 Christ, * they hastened to the light with joy, * praising the Eternal Pasch.
Christ is risen from the dead!
Bearing torches: let us meet the bridegroom, Christ, * as He comes forth from His tomb; * and let us greet, with joyful song,* the saving Pasch of God.
Christ’ is risen from the dead!
The people continue with the Katabasia:
Let us rise at early dawn * and bring to our Master a hymn instead of myrrh;* and we shall see Christ, * the Sun of Righteousness * Who enlightens the life of all.
The priest intones the SHORT LITANY to which the faithful respond.

ODE 6
The priest sings the Hirmos:
You have descended into the realm of Death, 0 Christ, * and have broken ancient bonds which held the captive. * You arose from the tomb on the third day * like Jonah from the whale.
People: Christ is risen from the dead!
The people sing the remainder of the Ode:
When You arose from the tomb, 0 Christ, * You preserved its seals intact, * just as in Your holy birth * a virgin’s vow was unbroken. * You opened to us the gates of paradise.
Christ is risen from the dead!
O my Savior, being God, * willingly You offered Yourself. * As a never-consumed, yet living, victim, * You gave Yourself to the Father. * You arose from the tomb, * resurrecting Adam, the father of all.
Christ is risen from the dead!
The people continue with the Katabasia:
You have descended into the realm of Death, O Christ, * and have broken ancient bonds which held the captive, * You arose from the tomb on the third day * like Jonah from the whale.

The priest in tones the SHORT LITANY to which the faithful respond.

KONTAKION
Tone 8
The people sing:
Although You descended into the grave, O Immortal,. * You destroyed the power of Death. * You arose as a victor, O Christ God. * You told the women bearing ointment: "Rejoice!" * You gave peace to Your Apostles * and resurrection to the Fallen.

OIKOS
The reader chants the following in recitando:
Early in the morning before sunrise, as if it were already day, myrrh-bearing virgins were seeking the Sun, previously descended into the grave; and they cried out one to another: "Come, O Friends! Let us anoint with fragrant spices the life-giving and yet already buried body of Christ Who has resurrected the fallen Adam. Let us hasten, as did the Magi, and adore Christ and bring our myrrh as a gift to Him Who is wrapped not in swaddling clothes but in a shroud. Let us weep and exclaim: ‘Arise, O Master, granting resurrection to the Fallen!"
By custom, the following prayer is recited once by the priest and twice by the people:
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, * let us adore the holy Lord Jesus * Who alone is sinless. * We bow to Your cross, 0 Christ, * and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. * You are our God * and beside You we recognize no other, * and we invoke Your Name. * Come, all you faithful, * and let us bow to the holy resurrection of Christ, * since, through the cross, * joy has come to all the world. * Ever praising the Lord, * let us extol His resurrection, * since He, * having endured the crucifixion, * has destroyed Death by His death.

STICHERA
Tone 8
Jesus is risen from the tomb, * as He foretold, * and granted us everlasting and great mercy.

ODE 7
The priest sings the Hirmos:
God, Who saved the three youths from the furnace, * has become man * and suffered as any mortal; * but His passion clothed His mortality * with the splendor of incorruption. * He is the only Blessed One, God of our fathers, * and is worthy of all praise.
People: Christ is risen from the dead!
The people sing the remainder of the Ode:
Pious women ran in tears to You, O Christ, * bringing myrrh to You as dead; * but instead, they adored You in joy as the living God * and announced Your mystical Passover * to Your Disciples.
Christ is risen from the dead!
We celebrate the victory over Death, * the destruction of the deep abyss, * and the birth of a new eternal life. * With joy, we praise the Author of all things, * the only Blessed One, God of our fathers, * for He is worthy of all praise.
Christ is risen from the dead!
This most splendid and saving night * is sacred and all-worthy of solemnity. * It heralds the bright day of resurrection * on which the Eternal Light, in the flesh, * has shown forth from the tomb to all.
Christ is risen from the dead!
The people continue with the Katabasia:
God, Who saved the three youths from the furnace, * has become man * and suffered as any mortal; * but His passion clothed His mortality * with the splendor of incorruption. He is the only Blessed One, God of our fathers, * and is worthy of all praise.

The priest intones the SHORT LITANY to which the people respond.

ODE 8
The priest sings the Hirmos:
This is that chosen and holy day, * feast of feasts, * most solemn day, * only king and lord of all Sabbaths, * on which we ever praise Christ.
People: Christ is risen from the dead!
The people sing the remainder of the Ode:
Come, on this glorious day of resurrection, * and partake of the fruit of the new vine, * the divine joy of Christ’s kingdom, * ever praising Him, our God.
Christ is risen from the dead!
Lift up your eyes, O Sion, and behold. * See your children coming to you. * From the east, west, north, and south * they come to you like stars of light divine, * ever blessing Christ.
O Most Holy Trinity, our God, * glory be to You!

The priest intones the SHORT LITANY to which the faithful respond.

ODE 9
Priest: Let us extol the Birth-giver of God, the Mother of Light, in song.
The people sing the remainder of the Ode:
PRELUDE
The angel exclaimed to her, * full of grace: * "Rejoice, 0 Pure Virgin; * again I say, rejoice! * Your Son is risen from the grave on the third day * and has raised the dead. * Let all nations rejoice!"
Shine in splendor, * O new Jerusalem! * For the glory of the Lord * is risen upon you, O Sion; * sing with joy and rejoice! * And you, pure Mother of God, * rejoice in the resurrection of your Son.
How pleasingly divine and sweet * was Your voice, 0 Christ, * when You promised, without fail, to remain with us * until the end of time. * We, the faithful, rejoice * in this firm foundation of hope.
Christ is risen from the dead!
O Christ, Great and Sacred Pasch, * Wisdom, Power, and Word of God, * grant that we be with You in Your kingdom * on the never-ending day.
Christ is risen from the dead!

HIRMOS
Christ is risen from the dead!
The people continue with the Katabasia:
Shine in splendor, * O new Jerusalem! * For the glory of the Lord * is risen upon you, O Sion; * sing with joy and rejoice! * And you, pure Mother of God, * rejoice in the resurrection of your Son.

The priest intones the SHORT T LITANY to which the faithful respond.

EXAPOSTILARION
Traditionally, the priest sings the following once and the people twice more.
You, O King and Lord, * have fallen asleep * in the flesh as a mortal man, * but on the third day You arose again. * You have raised Adam * from his corruption and made Death powerless. * You are the Pasch of Incorruption. * You are the Salvation of the world.

STICHERAS FOR "PRAISE HIM"
Tone 1
Let every creature that has breath * praise the Lord! * Praise the Lord from the heavens, * praise Him in the heights.* For to You, O God, is due a song of praise.
Praise Him, all You Angels, * praise Him, all You Hosts. * For to You, 0 God, is due a song of praise.
Verse: Praise Him for His mighty deeds;* praise Him for His sovereign majesty.
O Christ, we praise Your redeeming passion, * and we glorify Your resurrection.
Verse: Praise Him with the blast of trumpet, * praise Him with lyre and harp.
You endured the cross, 0 Lord, * and You made Death powerless; * and having risen from the dead, * You give peace to our life; * for You alone are the Almighty.
Verse: Praise Him with timbrel and dance, * praise Him with strings and pipe.
By Your resurrection, O Christ, * You have conquered the Abyss * and You have uplifted man. * Make us worthy to praise * and glorify You with a pure heart.
Verse: Praise Him with sounding cymbals, * praise Him with clanging cymbals. * Let every creature that has breath praise the Lord.
We give glory to Your divine plan of salvation, 0 Christ, * and we sing praise to You. * For even in Your virgin-birth, * You remained as God; * You suffered as a man, * willingly enduring the cross. *
You arose from the grave to save the world. * You are filled with love for us like a newly wed groom. * Glory be to You, 0 Lord!

PASCHAL STICHERAS
AT THE KISSING OF THE CROSS
During the singing of the following Sticheras, the faithful approach the priest and kiss the cross, the gospel book, and holy icon. The priest gives the traditional greeting of Resurrection and the faithful respond:
Priest: Christ is risen!
People: Indeed He is risen!
Verse: Let God arise * and let His enemies be scattered, * and let those who hate Him * flee from before His face.
Today the sacred Pasch is revealed to us, * holy and new Pasch, * the mystical Passover, * the venerable Passover, * the Pasch which is Christ the Redeemer, * spotless Pasch, great Pasch, * the Pasch of the faithful, * the Pasch which is the key to the gates of Paradise, * the Pasch which sanctifies all the faithful.
Verse: As smoke vanishes, * so let them vanish * as wax melts before a fire.
O Women, * be the heralds of good news and tell what you saw; * tell of the vision and say to Sion: * "Accept the good news of joy from us, * the news that Christ has risen." * Exult and celebrate * and rejoice, 0 Jerusalem, * seeing Christ the King coming from the tomb * like a bridegroom.
Verse: So let the wicked perish at the presence of God * and let the righteous ones rejoice.
The myrrh-bearing women * arrived just before the dawn * at the tomb of the Giver of Life * and found an Angel seated on the stone * who spoke these words to them: * "Why do you seek the living among the dead? * Why do you mourn the Incorruptible among those subject to decay? * Go, announce the good news * to His Disciples."
Verse: This is the day that the Lord has made; * let us exalt and rejoice in it.
Pasch so delightful,* Pasch of the Lord is the Pasch — * most honored Pasch now dawned on us. * It is the Pasch! * Therefore, let us joyfully embrace one another. O Passover, save us from sorrow; for today Christ has shown forth from the tomb * as from a bridal chamber * and filled the women with joy by saying: * "Announce the good news * to My Apostles."
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, * now and ever, and forever. Amen.
This is the Resurrection Day. * Let us be enlightened by this Feast * and let us embrace one another. * Let us call "Brethren" * even those who hate us * and in the Resurrection * forgive everything; and let us sing:
Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life.

FIRST LITANY
RESPONSES: Lord, have mercy. (3 times) — four petitions

SECOND LITANY
RESPONSES:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Grant it, O Lord. — six petitions
To You, 0 Lord.
Amen.
And with your spirit.
To You, O Lord.
Amen.

DISMISSAL
Priest: Wisdom!
People: Give the blessing!
Priest: Blessed are You, O Christ our God, always, now and ever,
and forever.
People: Amen. O God, strengthen the true faith forever and ever.
Priest: O most holy Mother of God, save us.
People: (recitando) Shine in splendor, O new Jerusalem. For the glory of the Lord is risen upon you, O Sion; sing with joy and rejoice! And you, pure Mother of God, rejoice in the resurrection of your Son.
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ, our God, our hope, glory be to You!
People: Christ is risen from the dead I By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Give the blessing!
Priest: May Christ our true God, risen from the dead, by death conquering Death and granting life to all in the graves, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of His most pure Mother and all the Saints, for He is gracious and loves mankind.
People: Amen.
The priest raises the handcross to the people three times, each time saying:
Priest: Christ is risen!
And the people respond each time:
People: Indeed He is risen!
Then the following is sung three times:
Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves He granted life.
And after the third time the following is added:
And to us He granted life eternal. * Let us glorify His resurrection.
Easter Vigil
(Episcopal)
Concerning the Vigil
The Great Vigil, when observed, is the first service of Easter Day. It is celebrated at a convenient time between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Morning.
The service normally consists of four parts:
The Service of Light.
The Service of Lessons.
Christian Initiation, or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows.
The Holy Eucharist with the administration of Easter Communion.
It is customary for all the ordained ministry present, together with lay readers, singers, and other persons, to take active parts in the service.
The bishop, when present, is the chief celebrant, presides at Baptism and administers Communion, and normally preaches the sermon.
The priests who are present share among them the reading of the Collects which follow each Lesson, and assist at Baptism and the Eucharist. In the absence of a bishop, a priest presides at the service.
It is the prerogative of a deacon to carry the Paschal Candle to its place, and to chant the Exsultet. Deacons likewise assist at Baptism and the Eucharist according to their order.
Lay persons should read the Lessons and the Epistle, and assist in other ways. A lay person may be assigned to chant the Exsultet. It is desirable that each Lesson be read by a different reader.
In the absence of a bishop or priest, a deacon or lay reader may lead the first two parts of the service, the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and the Ministry of the Word of the Vigil Eucharist, concluding with the Prayers of the People, the Lord's Prayer, and the Dismissal.
A deacon may also, when the services of a priest cannot be obtained, and with the authorization of the bishop, officiate at public Baptism; and may administer Easter Communion from the Sacrament previously consecrated.
When the Vigil is not celebrated, the Service of Light may take place at a convenient time before the Liturgy on Easter Day.
The Great Vigil of Easter
The Lighting of the Paschal Candle
In the darkness, fire is kindled; after which the Celebrant may address the people in these or similar words.
Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death.
The Celebrant may say the following prayer:
Let us pray.
O God, through your Son you have bestowed upon your people the brightness of your light: Sanctify this new fire, and grant that in this Paschal feast we may so burn with heavenly desires, that with pure minds we may attain to the festival of everlasting light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Paschal Candle is then lighted from the newly kindled fire, and the Deacon (the Celebrant if there is no deacon) bearing the Candle, leads the procession to the chancel, pausing three times and singing or saying:
The light of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God.
If candles have been distributed to members of the congregation, they are lighted from the Paschal Candle at this time. Other candles and lamps in the church, except for those at the Altar, may also be lighted.
The Paschal Candle placed in its stand.
Then the Deacon, or other person appointed, standing near the Candle, sings or says the Exsultet, as follows (the indicated sections may be omitted)
Exsultet

Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels,
and let your trumpets shout Salvation
for the victory of our mighty King.
Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth,
bright with a glorious splendour,
for darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King.
Rejoice and be glad now, Mother Church,
and let your holy courts, in radiant light,
resound with the praises of your people.
[All you who stand near this marvelous and holy flame,
pray with me to God the Almighty
for the grace to sing the worthy praise of this great light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.]
The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Deacon: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Deacon: It is truly right and good, always and everywhere, with our whole heart and mind to praise you, the invisible, almighty, and eternal God, and your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who at the feast of the Passover paid for us the debt of Adam's sin, and by his blood delivered your faithful people.
This is the night, when you brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea on dry land.
This is the night, when all who believe in Christ are delivered from the gloom of sin, and are restored to grace and holiness of life.
This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.
[How wonderful and beyond our knowing, O God, is your mercy and loving-kindness to us, that to redeem a slave, you gave a Son.]
[How holy is this night, when wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings peace and concord.]
[How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven are joined and man is reconciled to God.]
Holy Father, accept our evening sacrifice, the offering of this candle in your honor. May it shine continually to drive away all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find it ever burning--he who gives his light to all creation, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
It is customary that the Paschal Candle burn at all services from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost.
The Liturgy of the Word
The Celebrant may introduce the Scripture readings in these or similar words:
Let us hear the record of God's saving deeds in history, how he saved his people in ages past; and let us pray that our God will bring each of us to the fullness of redemption.
At least two of the following Lessons are read, of which one is always the Lesson from Exodus. After each Lesson, the Psalm or Canticle listed, or some other suitable psalm, canticle, or hymn may be sung. A period of silence may be kept; and the Collect provided, or some other suitable Collect, may be said.
The Story of Creation
Genesis 1:1-2:2
Psalm 33:1-11, or Psalm 36:5-10
Let us pray. Silence
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Flood
Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:8-18; 9:8-13
Psalm 46
Let us pray. Silence
Almighty God, you have placed in the skies the sign of your covenant with all living things: Grant that we, who are saved through water and the Spirit, may worthily offer to you our sacrifice of thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac
Genesis 22:1-18
Psalm 33:12-22, or Psalm 16
Let us pray. Silence
God and Father of all believers, for the glory of your Name multiply, by the grace of the Paschal sacrament, the number of your children; that your Church may rejoice to see fulfilled your promise to our father Abraham; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea
Exodus 14:10-15:1
The Song of Moses - Exodus 15:1-6,11-13,17-18
Let us pray. Silence
O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day, you once delivered by the power of your mighty arm your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, to be a sign for us of the salvation of all nations by the water of Baptism: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham, and rejoice in the inheritance of Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God's Presence in a renewed Israel
Isaiah 4:2-6
Psalm 122
Let us pray. Silence
O God, you led your ancient people by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night: Grant that we, who serve you now on earth, may come to the joy of that heavenly Jerusalem, where all tears are wiped away and where your saints for ever sing your praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Salvation offered freely to all
Isaiah 55:1-11
Isaiah 12:2-6 or Psalm 42:1-7
Let us pray. Silence
O God, you have created all things by the power of your Word, and you renew the earth by your Spirit: Give now the water of life to those who thirst for you, that they may bring forth abundant fruit in your glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A new heart and a new spirit
Ezekiel 36:24-28
Psalm 42:1-7 or Isaiah 12:2-6
Let us pray. Silence
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who are reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The valley of dry bones
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 30, or Psalm 143
Let us pray. Silence
Almighty God, by the Passover of your Son you have brought us out of sin into righteousness and out of death into life: Grant to those who are sealed by your Holy Spirit the will and the power to proclaim you to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The gathering of God's people
Zephaniah 3:12-20
Psalm 98, or Psalm 126
Let us pray. Silence
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquillity the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A homily may be preached after any of the preceding Readings.
Holy Baptism (beginning with the Presentation of the Candidates, and concluding with the reception of the newly baptized) may be administered here or after the Gospel. Confirmation may also be administered.
The Celebrant may first address the people in these or similar words, all standing
Through the Paschal mystery, dear friends, we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life. I call upon you, therefore, now that our Lenten observance is ended, to renew the solemn promises and vows of Holy Baptism, by which we once renounced Satan and all his works, and promised to serve God faithfully in his holy Catholic Church.
The Renewal of Baptismal Vows
Celebrant: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
People: I do.
Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Father?
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People: I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Celebrant: Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God's help.
The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows:
May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
At the Eucharist
The candles at the Altar may now be lighted from the Paschal Candle.
One of the following Canticles is then sung. Immediately before the Canticle the Celebrant may say to the people:
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
The Canticles
Gloria in excelsis
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Te Deum laudamus
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
Pascha nostrum
1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Alleluia.
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *
therefore let us keep the feast,
Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.
Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *
death no longer has dominion over him.
The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *
but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.
Christ has been raised from the dead, *
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since by a man came death, *
by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, *
so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.
The Celebrant then says
The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
The Celebrant says one of the following Collects:
Almighty God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
or this
O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Romans 6:3-11
"Alleluia" may be sung and repeated.
Psalm 114, or some other suitable psalm or a hymn may be sung.
Matthew 28:1-10
If a sermon or homily was not preached earlier, it follows here.
The Nicene Creed is not used at this service
Holy Baptism, Confirmation, or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows may take place here.
The celebration continues with the Prayers of the People.
Preface of Easter
But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the very Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath won for us everlasting life.
Lenten Reading and Collects
Taken from Lesser Feasts and Fasts
Ash Wednesday
The Collects
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in me a new and contrite hearts, that worthily lamenting my sins and acknowledging my wretchedness, I may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, you have created me out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to me a sign of my mortality and penitence, that I may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen
(This Collect, with the corresponding Psalm and Lessons, may also serves for the weekdays which follow).
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
The Collect
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and, finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday after Ash Wednesday
The Collect
Support us, O Lord, with your gracious favor through the fast we have begun; that as we observe it by bodily self-denial, so we may fulfill it with inner sincerity of heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth your right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Sunday in Lent
(Note: The Great Litany is traditionally said on this day)
The Collect
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week are the traditional spring Ember Days.)
Monday in the First Week of Lent
The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully increase in us your gifts of holy discipline, in almsgiving, prayer and fasting; that our lives may be directed to the fulfilling of your most gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday in the First Week of Lent
The Collect
Grant to your people, Lord, grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh ad the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only True God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday in the First Week of Lent
The Collect
Bless us, O God, in this holy season, in which our hearts seek your help and healing; and so purify us by your discipline that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday in the First Week of Lent
The Collect
Strengthen us, O Lord, by your grace, that in your might we may overcome all spiritual enemies, and with pure hearts serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday in the First Week of Lent
The Collect
Lord Christ, our eternal Redeemer, grant us such fellowship in your sufferings, that filled with your Holy Spirit, we may subdue the flesh to the spirit, and the spirit to you, and at the last attain to the glory of your resurrection; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday in the First Week of Lent
The Collect
O God, by your Word you marvelously carry out the work of reconciliation: Grant that in our Lenten fast we may be devoted to you with all our hearts, and united with one another in prayer and holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Second Sunday in Lent
The Collect
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astry from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday in the Second Week of Lent
The Collect
Let your Spirit, O Lord, come into the midst of us to wash us with the pure water of repentance, and prepare us to be always a living sacrifice to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday in the Second Week of Lent
The Collect
O God, you willed to redeem us from all iniquity by your Son: Deliver us when we are tempted to regard sin without abhorrence, and let the virtue of his passion come between us and our mortal enemy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Readings
Isaiah 1:2-4,16-20
Psalm 50:7-15,22-24
Matthew 23:1-12
Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent
The Collect
O God, you so loved the world that you gave your only begotten Son to reconcile earth with heaven; Grant that we, loving you above all things, may love our friends in you, and our enemies for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday in the Second Week of Lent
The Collect
O Lord, strong and mighty, Lord of Hosts and King of glory: Cleanse our hearts from sin, keep our hand pure, and turn our minds from what is passing away; so that at the last we may stand in your holy place and receive your blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday in the Second Week of Lent
The Collect
Grant, O Lord, that as your Son Jesus Christ prayed for His enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday in the Second Week of Lent
The Collect
Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Third Sunday in Lent
The Collect
Almighty God, you know that I have no power in myrself to help myself: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I 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 Jesus Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Monday in the Third Week of Lent
The Collect
Look upon the heart-felt desires of your humble servants, Almighty God, and stretch forth the right hand of your majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Another Proper: The following Lessons may be used on any weekday in the week, especially in Years B and C.:
Tuesday in the Third Week of Lent
The Collect
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom you have given a fervent desire to pray, may, by your mighty aid, be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday in the Third Week of Lent
The Collect
Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and direct the way of your servants in safety under your protection, that, amid all the changes of our earthly pilgrimage, we may be guarded by your mighty aid; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday in the Third Week of Lent
The Collect
Keep watch over you church, O Lord, with your unfailing love; and, since it is grounded in human weakness and cannot maintain itself without your aid, protect it from all danger, and keep it in the way of salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday in the Third Week of Lent
The Collect
Grant us, O Lord our Strength, to have a True Love of your Holy Name; so that, trusting in your grace, we may fear no earthly evil, nor fix our hearts on earthly goods, but may rejoice in your full salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday in the Third Week of Lent
The Collect
O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fourth Sunday in Lent
The Collect
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give me this bread, that he may live in me, and I in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Monday in the Fourth Week of Lent
The Collect
O Lord our God, in your Holy Sacraments you have given us a foretaste of the good things of your kingdom: Direct us, we pray, in the way that leads to eternal life, that we may come to appear before you in that place of light where you dwell forever with your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Another Proper: The following Lessons may be used on any weekday in the week, especially in Years B and C:
Tuesday in the Fourth Week of Lent
The Collect
O God, with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light: Quench our thirst with living water, and flood our darkened minds with heavenly light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday in the Fourth Week of Lent
The Collect
O Lord our God, you sustained you people in the wilderness with bread from heaven: Feed now your pilgrim flock with the food that endures to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday in the Fourth Week of Lent
The Collect
Almighty and most merciful God, drive from us all weakness of body, mind and spirit; that, being restored to wholeness, we may with free hearts become what you intend us to be and accomplish what you want us to do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent
The Collect
O God, you have given us the good news of your abounding love in your Son Jesus Christ: So fill our hearts with thankfulness that we may rejoice to proclaim the good tidings we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday in the Fourth Week of Lent
The Collect
Mercifully hear our prayers, O Lord, and spare all those who confess their sins to you; that those whose consciences are accuse by sin may by your merciful pardon be absolved; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fifth Sunday in Lent
The Collect
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Monday in the Fifth Week of Lent
The Collect
Be gracious to your people, we entreat you, O Lord, that they, repenting day by day of the things that displease you, may be more and more filled with love of you and of your commandments; and, being supported by your grace in this life, may come to the full enjoyment of eternal life in you everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Another Proper: The following Lessons may be used on any weekday in the week, especially in Years B and C:
Tuesday in the Fifth Week of Lent
The Collect
Almighty God, through the incarnate Word you have caused us to be born anew of an imperishable and eternal seed: Look with compassion upon those who are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant that they may be built as living stones into a spiritual temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent
The Collect
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday in the Fifth Week of Lent
The Collect
O God, you have called us to be your children, and have promised that those who suffer with Christ will be heirs with him of your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from his demands and have no fear in his service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday in the Fifth Week of Lent
The Collect
O Lord, you relieve our necessity out of the abundance of your great riches: Grant that we may accept with joy the salvation you bestow, and manifest it to all the world by the quality of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday in the Fifth Week of Lent
The Collect
O Lord, in your goodness you bestow abundant graces on your elect: Look with favor, we entreat you, upon those who in these Lenten days are being prepared for you Holy Baptism, and grant them the help of your protection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Collect
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday in Holy Week
The Collect
Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday in Holy Week
The Collect
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday in Holy Week
The Collect
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Collect
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Collect
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Holy Saturday
The Collect
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Torah of Yeshuah

יום רביעי, 22 באפריל 2015

PRAYERS 2

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