Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of the Snow

 

          OUR LADY OF THE SNOW

 

Wednesday within the Tenth Week after the octave of Pentecost

      Greater – Double / White Vestments

        Missa “Salve sancta parens

INTROIT – Psalm 44:2

Hail, holy Mother, thou who didst bring forth the King who rules heaven and earth for ever and ever. (Ps. 44: 2) My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King. V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

COLLECT

Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, to enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, to be delivered from present sorrows and to enjoy everlasting gladness. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ: who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God…

EPISTLE – Eccles 24:14-16

Lesson from the Book of Wisdom

From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be; and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before Him. And so I was established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honourable people, and in the portion of my God, his inheritance; and my abode is in the full assembly of saints.

GRADUAL

Thou art blessed and venerable, O Virgin Mary, who, with purity unstained, was found to be the Mother of our Saviour. Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world was unable to contain enclosed Himself in thy womb, being made man.

Alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia. After childbirth, thou didst remain a virgin, O Mother of God; intercede for us. Alleluia.

GOSPEL – Luke 11: 27-28

The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke

At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to Him: ‘Blessed is the womb that bore Thee and the paps that gave Thee suck." But He said: “Yea, rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”’  

OFFERTORY

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

SECRET

Through thy mercy. O Lord, and the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, may this oblation secure for us prosperity and peace both now and forever. Through our Lord.

PREFACE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

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 everlasting God. That on the Festival of Our Lady of the Snow of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we should praise, bless, and proclaim Thee. For she conceived Thine only-begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost; and, losing not the glory of her virginity, gave forth to the world the everlasting light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom the angels praise Thy majesty, the Dominions worship it, and the powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly Hosts, and the blessed Seraphim, join together in celebrating their joy. With these we pray Thee join our voices also, while we say with lowly praise:

SANCTUS

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra glória tua. Hosánna in excélsis. Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosánna in excélsis.

COMMUNION 

Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal Father.

POSTCOMMUNION

Having received, O Lord, these helps to our salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be ever protected by the patronage of blessed Mary ever Virgin, in whose honor we have made these offerings to Thy majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

 

The Finding of the Body of St. Stephen

             THE FIRST MARTYR

The body of St. Stephen, the first martyr, with those of some other saints, was discovered near Jerusalem in the year 415. Later the body of the saint was taken to Constantinople and finally to Rome, where it now lies beside that of St. Lawrence. The many miracles that occurred on the finding of St. Stephen’s body led to the institution of this festival, besides that of December 26th. A tradition states that Gamaliel, the teacher of St. Paul, had buried the body of St. Stephen at his country house; Nicodemus and Abibas, son of Gamaliel, and Gamaliel himself, were also buried there.

                     Mass 

Semi- Double / Red Vestment

Missa ‘Sederunt principes’

Introitus

Ps 118:23; 118:86; 118:23

Sedérunt príncipes, et advérsum me loquebántur: et iníqui persecúti sunt me: ádjuva me, Dómine, Deus meus, quia servus tuus exercebátur in tuis justificatiónibus.

Ps 118:1- Beati immaculáti in via, qui ámbulant in lege Dómini, Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculórum. Amen. Sedérunt príncipes, et advérsum me loquebántur: et iníqui persecúti sunt me: ádjuva me, Dómine, Deus meus, quia servus tuus exercebátur in tuis justificatiónibus.

Introit

Ps 118:23; 118:86; 118:23

For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications. All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me. For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications.

Ps 118:1 – Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications. All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me. For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications.

Collect

Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord, to imitate what we celebrate, so that we may learn to love even our enemies; because we keep the anniversary of the invention of Him Who knew how to plead even for His persecutors with our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who with You. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Epistle – Acts: 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Lesson from the Acts of Apostles

And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some of that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed with their teeth at him. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. And they crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and with one accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth without the city, they stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, invoking, and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his death.

Gradual

Ps 118:23; 118:86 For princes sat, and spoke against me: they have persecuted me unjustly,

Ps 6:5 Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for thy mercy’s sake.

Alleluia, alleluia, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Alleluia.

The Martyrdom of St Stephen by Peter Paul Rubens

 

Gospel – Matthew: 23:34-39

Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Therefore behold I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you will put to death and crucify, and some you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: That upon you may come all the just blood that hath been shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just, even unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom you killed between the temple and the altar. Amen I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered together thy children, as the hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and thou wouldest not? Behold, you house shall be left to you, desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see me henceforth till you say: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Offertory – Acts 6:5; 7:59

The Apostles chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, And the Jews stoned Stephen, invoking, and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Secret

Receive our offerings, O Lord, in memory of Your saints that, as their passion has given them eternal glory, so may this sacrificial act free us from guilt. Through our Lord.

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:

The Sanctus

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis.  Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.

Communion – Acts 7:55; 58; 59

I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, and lay not this sin to their charge.

Post Communion

May the sacrament we have received aid us, O Lord; and by the intercession of blessed Stephen, Your Martyr, may it sustain us under Your everlasting protection. Through our Lord.

10th Sunday after Pentecost

          

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Commemoration of St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church and St. Stephen Pope and Martyr

INTROIT

When I cried to the Lord He heard my voice, from them that draw near to me; and He humbled them, who is before all ages, and remains for ever: cast thy care upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. 

Ps. Hear, O God, my prayer, and despise not my supplication; be attentive to me and hear me. V. Glory be to the Father. 

 

COLLECT

O God, who dost manifest Thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity; increase Thy mercy towards us, that we, seeking the way of Thy promises, may be made partakers of Thy heavenly treasures. Through our Lord.

Commemoration of St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

O God, Who, through the burning zeal for the salvation of souls of blessed Alphonsus Mary, Thy confessor and bishop, didst enrich Thy Church with fresh offspring: grant, we beseech Thee, that, imbued with his wholesome doctrine and strengthened by his examples, we may, by Thy grace, come happily unto Thee. Through our Lord.

Commemoration of St. Stephen Pope and Martyr

O God, who givest joy by the annual solemnity of blessed  Stephen, Thy martyr and bishop mercifully grant that we may rejoice in the protection of him whose festival we celebrate. Through our Lord.

EPISTLE  I Corinthians 12. 2-11 

Brethren, you know that, when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus; and no man can say: The Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit; and there are diversities of ministries, but the same Lord; and there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all. And the manifestation To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom; and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another the grace of healing in one Spirit; to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the discerning of spirits; to another, divers kinds of tongues; to another, interpretation of speeches. But all these things one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as He will. 

GRADUAL Psalm 16: 8, 2

Keep me, O Lord, as the apple of Thy eye; protect me under the shadow of Thy wings. V. Let my judgment come forth from Thy countenance: let Thy eyes behold the things that are equitable. 

 

Alleluia, alleluia.

V. A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Sion: and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem. Alleluia

GOSPEL Luke 18: 9-14 

At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves as just, and despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, a Publican. The Pharisee, standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give Thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers; as also is this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican standing afar off would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven, but struck his breast saying: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” I say to you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

OFFERATORY

To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on Thee shall be confounded.

SECRET

May these sacrifices, O Lord, which Thou hast appointed to be offered up to Thee for the glory of Thy name, so be made holy that they may become a remedy for all our ills. Through our Lord.

 

PREFACE OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God: Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the Oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what by Thy revelation we believe of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son; the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation; so that in confessing the true and eternal Godhead, in it we should adore distinction in persons, unity in Essence, and equality in Majesty: in praise of which Angels and Archangels, Cherubim also and Seraphim, day and night exclaim, without end and with one voice say.

 

 SANCTUS, SANCTUS, SANCTUS

OFFERATORY

To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on Thee shall be confounded.

COMMUNION Psalm 50: 21

Thou wilt accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and holocausts, upon Thy altar, O Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that Thy gracious help may never be lacking to us whose strength Thou ceasest not to renew with Thy divine sacraments. Through our Lord.

St. Peter's Chains

                                  St. Peter’s Chains

                           From The Liturgical Year

                    Dom Prosper Gueranger, O.S.B.

Rome, making a god of the man who had subjugated her, consecrated the month of August to Caesar Augustus. When Christ had delivered her, she placed at the head of this same month, as a trophy of her regained liberty, the feast of the chains, wherewith, in order to break hers, Peter, the Vicar of Christ, had once been bound. O Divine Wisdom, who hast a better claim to reign over this month than had the adopted son of Caesar, thou couldst not have more authentically inaugurated thy empire. Strength and sweetness are the attributes of thy works, and it is in the weakness of thy chosen ones that thou triumphest over the powerful. Thou thyself, in order to give us life, didst swallow death; Simon, son of John, became a captive to set free the world entrusted to him. First, Herod, and then Nero showed him the cost of the promise he had once received: of binding and loosing on earth as in heaven. He had to share the love of the Supreme Shepherd, even to allowing himself, like him, to be bound with chains for the sake of the flock, and led where he would not.

Glorious chains! Never will ye make Peter's successors tremble any more than Peter himself; before the Herods and Neros and Caesars of all ages ye will be the guarantee of the liberty of souls. With what veneration have the Christian people honoured you, ever since the earliest times! One may truly say of the present feast that its origin is lost in the darkness of ages. According to ancient monuments, St. Peter himself first consecrated on this date the basilica on the highest of the seven hills, where the citizens of Rome are gathered today. The name Title of Eudoxia, by which the venerable Church is often designated, seems to have arisen from certain restorations made on occasion of the events mentioned in the Lessons. As to the sacred chains, which are its treasure, the earliest mention now extant of honour being paid to them occurs in the beginning of the second century. Balbina, daughter of the tribune Quirinus, keeper of the prisons, had been cured by touching the chains of the holy Pope Alexander; she could not cease kissing the hands which had healed her. " Find the chains of blessed Peter, and kiss them rather than these, said the Pontiff. Balbina, therefore, having fortunately found the Apostle's chains, lavished her pious veneration upon them, and afterwards gave them to the noble Theodora, sister of Hermea.

The irons which had bound the arms of the Doctor of the Gentiles, without being able to bind the word of God, were also, after his martyrdom, treasured more than jewels and gold. From Antioch, in Syria, St. John Chrysostom, thinking with holy envy of the lands enriched by these trophies of triumphant bondage, cried out in a sublime transport: " What more magnificent than these chains? Prisoner for Christ is a more beautiful name than that of an Apostle, an Evangelist, or Doctor. To be bound for Christ's sake is better than to dwell in the heavens; to sit upon the twelve thrones is not so great an honour. He that loves can understand me; but who can better understand these things than the holy choir of Apostles? As for me, if I were offered my "choice between these chains and the whole of " heaven, I should not hesitate ; for in them is happiness. Would that I were now in those places where it is said the chains of these admirable men are still kept! If it were given me to be set free from the care of this Church, and if I had a little health, I should not hesitate to undertake such a voyage only to see Paul's chains. If they said to me: Which wouldst thou prefer, to be the Angel who delivered Peter or Peter himself in chains? I " would rather be Peter, because of his chains." 

                     

Though always venerated in the great basilica which enshrines his tomb, St. Paul's chain has never been made, like those of St. Peter, the object of a special feast in the Church. This distinction was due to the pre-eminence of him who alone received the keys of the kingdom of heaven to communicate them to others," and who alone continues, in his successors, to bind and loose with sovereign power throughout the whole world. The collection of letters of St Gregory the Great proves how universally, in the sixth century, was spread the cultus of these holy chains, a few filings of which, enclosed in gold or silver keys, was the richest present the Sovereign Pontiffs were wont to offer to the principal churches, or to princes whom they wished to honour. Constantinople, at some period not clearly determined, received a portion of these precious chains; she appointed a feast on the 16th January, honouring on that day the Apostle Peter, as the occupant of the first See, the foundation of the faith, the immovable basis of dogma.