St. Irenaeus - Mass Propers

                             JUNE 28

                         St. Irenaeus
Bishop of Lyons, and Father of the Church

       

Irenaeus was born about the year 120. He was a Grecian, probably a native of Lesser Asia. His parents, who were Christians, placed him under the care of the great St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. It was in so holy a school that he learned that sacred science which rendered him afterward a great ornament of the Church and the terror of her enemies. St. Polycarp cultivated his rising genius, and formed his mind to piety by precepts and example; and the zealous scholar was careful to reap all the advantages which were offered him by the happiness of such a master. Such was his veneration for his tutor’s sanctity that he observed every action and whatever he saw in that holy man, the better to copy his example and learn his spirit. He listened to his instructions with an insatiable ardor, and so deeply did he engrave them on his heart that the impressions remained most lively even to his old age. In order to confute the heresies of his age, this father made himself acquainted with the most absurd conceits of their philosophers, by which means he was qualified to trace up every error to its sources and set it in its full light. St. Polycarp sent St. Irenaeus into Gaul, in company with some priest; he was himself ordained priest of the Church of Lyons by St. Pothinus. St. Pothinus having glorified God by his happy death, in the year 177, our Saint was chosen the second Bishop of Lyons. By his preaching, he in a short time converted almost that whole country to the Faith. He wrote several works against heresy, and at last, with many others, suffered martyrdom about the year 202, under the Emperor Severus, at Lyons. 

     

                       St. Irenaeus

                  Bishop and Martyr

                Commemoration for 

  Vigil of Holy Apostles Ss. Peter and Paul

          and Within the Octave of the 
           Nativity of St. John the Baptist

              Double - Red vestments

                   Missa ‘Lex veritatis’

INTROITUS

Lex veritatis fuit in ore ejus, et iniquitas non est inventa in labiis ejus: in pace et in aequitate ambulavit mecum, et multos avertit ab iniquitate. Ps. 77:1. Intellectus Asaph. Attendite, popule meus, legem meam; inclinate aurem vestram in verba oris mei.

INTROIT

The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and in justice, and turned many away from sinfulness.

Ps. 77:1. Hearken, My people, to My law; incline your ears to the words of My mouth.

V. Glory be.

COLLECT

O God, through Your help the teachings of the blessed confessor bishop Irenaeus overcame heresy and established peace in the Church. Grant us peace in our day and keep Your people steadfast in their holy religion. Through our Lord.

Commemoration for Vigil of Holy Apostles Ss. Peter and Paul

We beseech Thee, O almighty God, that Thou suffer no disturbance to shake us, whom Thou hast founded on the rock of the confession of Thine Apostles. Through our Lord.

St. John the Baptist Preaching in the Wilderness by Anton Raphael Mengs                                                                  

Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

O God, Who hast made this day honorable to us on account of the birth of blessed John, grant Thy people the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the minds of all the faithful in the way of eternal salvation. Through our Lord.

EPISTLE - II Timothy 3:14-17; 4:1-5

Beloved: But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned and which have been committed to thee. Knowing of whom thou hast learned them: And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures which can instruct thee to salvation by the faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice: That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work. I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.

GRADUAL - Ps. 121:8; 36:37

For the sake of my brethren and my neighbors, I prayed for your peace.

V. Hold fast to innocence and keep your sight on justice, for to the man who loves peace his future is in the hands of God.

ALLELUIA - Ecclus. 6:35

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Be among the numbers of prudent priests, and with your heart follow their wisdom, that you may hear every word of God. Alleluia!

Martyrdom of St. Irenaeus                                                                               

GOSPEL - Matthew 10:28-32

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, "And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven."

OFFERTORY - Ecclus. 24:44

I make my doctrine shine forth to all as the morning light, and I declare it abroad.

SECRET

O God, You will not permit the faithful who believe in you to be shaken by the threat of danger. Accept the prayers and offerings of the people dedicated to you, and mercifully grant Christian nations peace and security against all their enemies. Through our Lord.

Parting of Sts Peter and Paul Led to Martyrdom by Giovanni Serodine                                                                                                                     

Commemoration for Vigil of Holy Apostles Ss. Peter and Paul

Sanctify, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the offering of Thy people, by the intercession of Thine Apostles, and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through our Lord.

Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

We heap Thine altars with gifts, O Lord, celebrating with fitting honour the nativity of him who heralded the coming of the Saviour, and pointed Him out when He had come, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who liveth and reigneth.

COMMON PREFACE

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God: through Christ our Lord. Through Whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, Dominations worship, Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the Heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say in lowly praise:

COMMUNION

See, I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who seek the truth.

POSTCOMMUNION

O God, You are the author and lover of peace; to know You is to live and to serve You is to rule. Shield Your suppliant people against all attacks, so that we who trust in Your protection may live without fear of any enemy. Through our Lord.

Commemoration for Vigil of Holy Apostles Ss. Peter and Paul

O Lord, by the intercession of Thine Apostles keep from all harm those whom Thou hast filled with heavenly food. Through our Lord.

Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

May Thy Church, O God, be joyful at the birth of blessed John the Baptist: through whom she knew the Author of her regeneration, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who with Thee livest and reignest.