ST. ANTONINUS, BISHOP
MAY 10
Taken
from
Lives of the Saints by
Alban Butler, 1894
Antoninus, or Little Antony, as he
was called from his small stature, was born at Florence in 1389. After a
childhood of singular holiness, he begged to be admitted into the Dominican
house at Fiesole; but the Superior, to test his sincerity and perseverance,
told him he must first learn by heart the book of the Decretals, containing
several hundred pages. This apparently impossible task was accomplished within
twelve months; and Antoninus received the coveted habit in his sixteenth year.
While still very young, he filled several important posts of his Order, and was
consulted on questions of difficulty by the most learned men of his day; being
known, for his wonderful prudence, as "the Counsellor." He wrote
several works on theology and history, and sat as Papal Theologian at the
Council of Florence. In 1446 he was compelled to accept the archbishopric of
that city; and in this dignity earned for himself the title of "the Father
of the Poor," for all he had was at their disposal. St. Antoninus never
refused an alms which was asked in the name of God. When he had no money, he
gave his clothes, shoes, or furniture. One day, being sent by the Florentines
to the Pope, as he approached Rome a beggar came up to him almost naked, and
asked him for an alms for Christ's sake. Outdoing St. Martin, Antoninus gave
him his whole cloak. "When he entered the city another was given him; by
whom he knew not. His household consisted of only six persons; his palace
contained no plate or costly furniture, and was often nearly destitute of the
necessaries of life. His one mule was frequently sold for the relief of the
poor, when it would be bought back for him by some wealthy citizen. He died
embracing the crucifix. May 2. 1459, often repeating the words, "To serve
God is to reign."
REFLECTION
"Alms-deeds," says St.
Augustine, comprise every kind of service rendered to our neighbor who needs
such assistance. He who supports a lame man bestows an alms on him with his
feet; he who guides a blind man does him a charity with his eyes; he who
carries an invalid or an old man upon his shoulders imparts to him an alms of
his strength. Hence none are so poor but they may bestow an alms on the
wealthiest man in the world."
Sts. Gordianus and Epimachus
Died 362 AD
Gordianus was a Roman judge who
converted to Christianity. He was tortured and finally beheaded. His body was
laid in a crypt on the Via Latina beside the body of Saint Epimachus, and the
two saints gave their name to the cemetery of Gordianus and Epimachus.
Tuesday within the Octave
of the Ascension
St. Antoninus, Bishop
and Confessor
Com. of Ss. Gordian and Epimachus, Martyrs
Double - White vestments
Missa ‘Statuit
INTROITUS
Statuit ei Dominus testamentum pacis,
et principem fecit eum: ut sit illi sacerdotii dignitas in æternum. Ps. Memento Domine, David: et omnis mansuetudinus ejus. Gloria Patri.
INTROIT
Eccles. 45: 30; Ps. 131: 1
The Lord made to him a covenant of
peace, and made him a prince: that the dignity of priesthood should be to him
for ever. Ps. O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness. Glory be to the
Father.
COLLECTS
ST.
ANTONINUS
May we be assisted, O Lord, by the
merits of Saint Antoninus, Thy Confessor and Bishop: that, as we declare Thee
wonderful in him, so we may glory in Thy mercy toward us. Through our Lord.
OCTAVE OF THE
ASCENSION
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God,
that we who believe Thine only-begotten Son, our Redeemer, to have this day
ascended into heaven, may ourselves dwell in spirit amid heavenly things.
Through the same Lord.
Sts. Gordian and Epimachus, M
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty
God, that we, who venerate the festival of Thy blessed Martyrs Gordian and
Epimachus, may be helped by their intercession with Thee. Through our Lord.
EPISTLE
Ecclesiasticus 44: 16-27; 45: 3-20
Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just;
and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was not found the
like to him who kept the law of the most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord
made him to increase among his people He gave him the blessing of all nations,
and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings;
He preserved for him His mercy; and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord.
He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. He made
an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood: and made him
blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praised
in His name, and to offer him a worthy incense for an odour of sweetness.
ALLELUIA
Thou art a priest for ever according
to the order of Melchisedech.
GOSPEL
Matthew 25: 14-23
At that time, Jesus spoke this
parable to His disciples: A man going into a far country called his servants,
and delivered to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to
another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability:
and immediately he took his journey. And he that had received the five talents
went his way, and traded with the same, and gained another five. And in like
manner he that had received the two gained other two. But he that had received
the one, going his way, digged into the earth and hid his lord's money. But
after a long time the lord of those servants came and reckoned with them. And
he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents,
saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other
five over and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful
servant, because thou has been faithful over a few things, I will place thee
over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that had
received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliverest two talents to
me, behold I have gained other two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and
faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will
place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
OFFERTORY
Psalm 88: 21-22
I have found David My servant, with
My holy oil I have anointed him: for My hand shall help him, and My arm shall
strengthen him
SECRET
May Thy Saints, we beseech Thee, O
Lord, in all places bring us joy; that while we recall their merits, we may
experience their patronage. Through our Lord.
OCTAVE OF THE ASCENSION
Accept, O Lord, the gifts we offer
Thee in memory of the glorious Ascension of Thy Son; and graciously grant that
being delivered from present dangers, we may attain unto eternal life. Through
the same our Lord.
Sts. Gordian and Epimachus
Graciously receive, O Lord, these
offerings, which we dedicate to Thee relying on the merits of Thy holy Martyrs
Gordian and Epimachus: and grant that they may become for us an everlasting
help. Through our Lord.
PREFACE FOR THE ASCENSION
It is truly meet and just, right and
availing unto salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give
thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty and eternal God; through Christ
our Lord. Who after His resurrection appeared and showed Himself to all His
disciples; and while they beheld Him, was lifted up into heaven, so that He
might make us partakers of His Godhead. And therefore with Angels and Archangels,
with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of heaven, we sing a hymn
to Thy glory, without ceasing.
COMMUNION
Luke 12: 42
This is the faithful and wise
steward, whom his lord setteth over his family: to give them their measure of
wheat in due season.
POSTCOMMUNION
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God,
that, we who give thanks for the gifts we have received, may through the
intercession of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Bishop, obtain still greater
blessings. Through our Lord.
OCTAVE OF THE ASCENSION
Grant us, we beseech Thee, Almighty
and merciful God, that what which we have outwardly received these holy
mysteries, may inwardly may profit us by its invisible effect. Through our
Lord.
Sts. Gordian and Epimachus
O almighty God, we beseech Thee,
that, through the prayers of Thy holy Martyrs Gordian and Epimachus, the
heavenly food of which we have partaken, may be our sure defense in all
adversity. Through the Lord.
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