Mass Propers: Octave Day of the Assumption (Feast of the Immaculate Heart)

Today according to the 1962 Calendar is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Below are the Mass Propers for this Feast along with commemorations of the Octave Day of the Assumption which was in place up until the 1955 Calendar of Saints.

INTROIT

Hebrews 4: 16

Let us go with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid. (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 - Let us pray. Almighty, everlasting God, who didst prepare in the Heart of the Virgin Mary a worthy dwelling-place for the Holy Ghost; mercifully grant that we, devoutly contemplating the festivity of the same Immaculate Heart, may be enabled to live according to Thy heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.

COMMEMORATION OF THE OCTAVE DAY OF THE ASSUMPTION - Let us pray. Forgive, we beseech Thhe, O Lord, the sins of Thy servants, that we, who by our own deeds are unable to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen.

EPISTLE

Eccles. 24: 23-31

As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are the fruit of honor and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits; for my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honey-comb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger; and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded, and they that work by me, shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting. Thanks be to God.

GRADUAL

My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation: I will sing to the Lord, who giveth me good things: yea I will sing to the name of the Lord the most high. V. (Ps. 44: 18) They shall remember thy name throughout all generations. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever: yea, for ever and ever.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Luke 1: 46, 47) My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 19: 26-27

At that time, there stood by the cross of Jesus, His mother, and His mother's sister Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen His mother and the disciple standing, whom He loved, He saith to His mother,"Woman, behold thy son." After that He saith to the disciple, "Behold, thy mother." And from that hour the disciple took her to his own.

OFFERTORY

Luke 1: 46

Let us pray. My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior; because He that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is His name.

SECRET Offering the Immaculate Lamb to Thy Majesty, O Lord, we beg that the divine fire which ineffably inflamed the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be lighted in our hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen.

SECRET FOR THE OCTAVE DAY May the prayer of the Mother of God aid Thy people, O Lord: and although we know her to have passed out of this life, fulfilling the lot of the flesh, may we experience her intercession for us with Thee in Heavenly glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen. 

COMMUNION

John 19: 27

Jesus said to His mother: Woman, behold thy son: Then He said to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. 

POST COMMUNION - Let us pray. Refreshed by divine gifts, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that, by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the solemnity of whose Immaculate Heart we have just venerated, we may be freed from present dangers and may attain to the joys of eternal life 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. R. Amen. .

POST COMMUNION FOR THE OCTAVE DAY - Let us pray. Now that we have received, O Lord, the Sacrament of salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that through the merits and the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary, who was taken up into heaven, we may be brought to the glory of the resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen.

Sources: Saint Andrew Daily Missal and the Marian Missal , 1945

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Octave Day of St. John the Baptist

Besides being the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, today is traditionally the Octave Day of St. John the Baptist.  Today is also still part of the Octave of Ss Peter and Paul.

The Mass for the Octave Day is below:


INTROIT Isaias 49: 1-2

From the womb of my mother the Lord hath called me by my name, and He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow. V. (Ps. 91: 2) It is good to give praise to the Lord, and to sing to Thy name, O Most High. v. Glory be…etc

COLLECT

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 everlasting salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever.

Commemoration of Octave of SS Peter & Paul

O God, Who hast consecrated this day to the martyrdom of Thine apostles Peter and Paul, grant to Thy Church in all things to follow their teaching from whom it received the right ordering of religion in the beginning. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever.

May the prayer of Thine apostles, O Lord, accompany the sacrifices which we offer to be consecrated to Thy name, and through it do Thou grant us to be pardoned and defended. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever.

Preserve, O Lord from all dangers, by the intercession of Thine apostles, those whom Thou hast filled with Heavenly nourishment. 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.

EPISTLE Isaias 49: 1-3, 5-7

Lesson from Isaias the Prophet. Give ear, ye islands, and harken, ye people from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother He hath been mindful of my name. Arid He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow; in His quiver He hath hidden me. And He said to me,Thou art My servant Israel, for in thee will I glory. And now saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be His servant. Behold I have given thee to be the light of the gentiles, that thou mayest be My salvation even to the farthest part of the earth. Kings shall see, and princes shall rise up, and adore for the Lord’s sake, and for the Holy One of Israel Who hath chosen thee.

GRADUAL/ALLELUIA Jeremias 1: 5, 9

Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee. V. The Lord put forth His hand, and touched my mouth: and said to me. Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Luke 1: 76) Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; thou shalt go before the Lord to prepare His ways. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Luke 1: 57-68

Elizabeth’s full time of (being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son, And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had showed His great mercy towards her, and they congratulated with her. And It came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him by his father’s name, Zachary. And his mother answering, said Not so, but he shall be called John. And they said to her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by that name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And demanding a writing-table, he wrote, saying, John is his name: and they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed; and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came upon all their neighbors; and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea; and all they that had heard them, laid them up in their heart, saying, What a one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him. And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost; and he prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because He hath visited, and wrought the redemption of His people.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Psalm 91: 13

The just man shall flourish like the palm-tree; he shall grow up like the cedar of Lebanon.

SECRET

We heap Thine altars with gifts, O Lord, celebrating with fitting honor the nativity of him who heralded the coming of the Saviour, and pointed Him out when He had come,Our Lord Jesus Christ, and reignest, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever.

Commemoration of the Octave of SS Peter & Paul

PREFACE of the Blessed Trinity

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, everlasting 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 we believe by Thy revelation 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 everlasting Godhead, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty may be adored. Which the angels and archangels, the cherubim also and seraphim do praise: who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice saying:

COMMUNION ANTIPHON  Luke 1: 76

Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways.

POSTCOMMUNION

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, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God For ever and ever.

Commemoration of Octave of SS Peter & Paul

Unloose, great Baptist, our sin-fettered lips;
That with enfranchis'd voice we may proclaim
The miracles of thy transcendent life,
Thy deeds of matchless fame.

Oh, lot sublime! an angel quits the skies,
Thy birth, thy name, thy glory to declare
Unto thy priestly sire; while to the Lord He offers
Israel's prayer.

Mistrustful of the promise from on high,
His speech forsakes him at the angel's word;
But thou on thine eighth day dost re-attune
For him the vocal chord.

No marvel; since yet cloister'd in the womb,
The presence of Thy King had thee inspir'd;
What time Elizabeth and Mary sang
With joy prophetic fir'd.

Immortal glory to the Father be,
With his Almighty sole-begotten Son,
And Thee, co-equal Spirit, One in Three,
While endless ages run.
Amen. 

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Sunday within the Octave of the Most Sacred Heart

The Institution for the Feast of the Sacred Heart was a result of the appearances of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1675. St. Margaret Mary suffered contempt from many people who refused to believe the authenticity of the visions. In these appearances, Our Lord told her twelve graces that He would give to anyone devoted to His Sacred Heart. Yet, it was not until 1856 that the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was placed officially on the Church calendar. However, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus dates back even to the Middle Ages.

In 1856, Pope Pius IX established the Feast of the Sacred Heart as obligatory for the whole Church, to be celebrated on the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi. Pope Pius XII raised the feast to the highest rank, Double of the First Class, and added an octave - that octave was later suppressed in the 1955 reforms, which removed all but three octaves.

Up until 1955 but after the time of Pope St. Pius X, Octaves were arranged in the following hierarchical order:

• Privileged Octaves
  • Privileged Octaves of the First Order
    • Octave of Easter
    • Octave of Pentecost
  • Privileged Octaves of the Second Order
    • Octave of Epiphany
    • Octave of Corpus Christi
  • Privileged Octaves of the Third Order
    • Octave of Christmas
    • Octave of the Ascension
    • Octave of the Sacred Heart  <----(Notice its rank)
• Common Octaves
  • Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM
  • Octave of the Solemnity of St. Joseph
  • Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
  • Octave of Saints Peter and Paul
  • Octave of All Saints
  • Octave of the Assumption of the BVM
• Simple Octaves
  • Octave of St. Stephen
  • Octave of St. John the Apostle
  • Octave of the Holy Innocents

INTROIT
Psalm 17: 19-20
Look Thou upon me , O Lord, and have mercy on me: for I am alone and poor.See my abjection and my labor and forgive me all my sins, O my God. (Ps. 24: 1,2) To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, my God, I put my trust: let me not be ashamed. 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 - Let us pray. Make us, O Lord, to have both a perpetual fear and a love of Thy holy Name: for Thou dost never deprive of Thy guidance those whom Thou dost establish steadfastly in Thy love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen.

COMMEMORATION OF THE OCTAVE OF THE SACRED HEART - Let us pray. O God, Who in the Heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost mercifully vouchsafe to bestow upon us the boundless treasures of Thy love: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now render Him the service of our devotion and piety, may also fulfill our duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same our , Lord Jesus Christ who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.

EPISTLE
I Peter 5: 6-11
Lesson from the first Epistle of Blessed Peter the Apostle. Dearly Beloved, Be you humbled under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in the time of visitation casting all your care upon Him, for He hath care of you. Be sober and, watch, because, your adversary the, devil, as, a roaring lion, goeth about seekinq whom he may devour, Whom resist ye, strong in faith knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto the eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will Himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. To Him be glory and empire for ever and ever, Amen. Thanks be to God.

GRADUAL
Cast thy care upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee. V. When I cried to the Lord He heard my voice, from them that draw near to me.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Ps. 7: 12) God is a just judge, strong and patient: is He angry every day? Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Luke 15: 1-10
At that time, the publicans and sinners drew near unto Jesus to hear Him: and the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them. And He spoke to them this parable, saying: " What man is there of you that hath a hundred sheep, and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders rejoicing and coming home, call together his friends and neighbors, saying to them; Rejoice with me because I have found my sheep that was lost? I say to you that even so there shall be joy in Heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need no penance. Or what woman having ten groats, if she lose one groat doth not light a candle and sweep the house,and seek diligently until she find it? And when she hath found it, call together her friends and neighbors, saying: Rejoice with me because I have found the groat which I had lost? So I say to you, there shall be joy before the Angels of God upon one sinner doing penance."

OFFERTORY
Psalm 9: 11, 12, 13
Let them trust in Thee who know Thy name, O Lord: for Thou hast not forsaken them that seek Thee; sing ye to the Lord, Who dwelleth in Sion: for He hath not forgotten the cry of the poor.

SECRET May the offering, to be dedicated to thy Name, O Lord, purify us, and day by day, carry us on the observances of a heavenly life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen.

COMMEMORATION OF THE OCTAVE OF THE SACRED HEART Have regard, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to the inexpressible love of the Heart of Thy beloved Son: so that what we offer may be a gift acceptable to Thee, and an expiation for our offenses.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.

PREFACE (Preface of the Sacred Heart) - 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, everlasting God Who didst will that Thine only-begotten Son, while hanging on the Cross, should be pierced by a soldier's spear, that the heart thus opened, a shrine of divine bounty, should pour out on us streams of mercy and grace, and that what never ceased to burn with love for us, should be a resting-place to the devout, and open as a refuge of salvation to the penitent. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:

COMMUNION
Luke 15: 10
I say to you: there is joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing penance.


POST COMMUNION -May Thy holy Gifts, O Lord, which we have received, give us life: and having purified us, prepare us for thine everlasting mercy. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God world without end. R. Amen.

COMMEMORATION OF THE OCTAVE OF THE SACRED HEART -Let us pray. May Thy holy mysteries, O Lord Jesus, impart to us divine fervor: whereby having tasted the sweetness of Thy most loving heart, we may learn to despise earthly things, and to love what is heavenly: Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

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Octave of Pentecost

During the Octave of Pentecost, the Church celebrates more especially the glories of the grace of the Holy Ghost and His secret work of sanctification in the Mystical Body of Christ.

Originally the feast of Pentecost brought to an end in Rome the fifty days of the Easter celebrations and introduced the fast of the Ember Days of the summer quarter. Afterward, it became customary to continue the festivity for two more days, the Monday and the Tuesday, and, finally, after the time of Pope St. Leo the Great, it was extended like the Octave of Easter through the entire week. For many centuries, Pentecost Monday and Pentecost Tuesday were Holy Days of Obligation.

The fasting and abstinence on the Ember Days of Pentecost is unique in the Church as these are the only Ember Days celebrated without violet vestments. But the Ember Days of Pentecost are meant to be a joyful fast.

In medieval times, families in many parts of Europe would suspend a carved and painted wooden dove over their dining table during this time of Pentecost. Such a custom could be easily revived for the throughout the Octave of the Pentecost -- and imagine that dining room table covered with a white tablecloth, sprinkled with red rose petals.

Dom Guéranger, O.S.B. in The Liturgical Year insightfully writes: "The Christian Pentecost, prefigured by the ancient one of the Jews, is of the number of the feasts that were instituted by the apostles. As we have already remarked, it formerly shared with Easter the honour of the solemn administration of Baptism. Its octave, like that of Easter, and for the same reason, ended with the Saturday following the feast. The catechumens received Baptism on the night between Saturday and Sunday. So that the Pentecost Solemnity began on the vigil, for the Neophytes at once put on their white garments: on the eighth day, the Saturday, they laid them aside."

There is a profound connection of the Scripture readings at Mass during the Octave of Pentecost with each of the Sacraments. And the Stational Churches of the Octave of Pentecost have a unique connection to the stations during the Octave of Easter.

Up until 1955 but after the time of Pope St. Pius X, Octaves were arranged in the following hierarchical order:

• Privileged Octaves
  • Privileged Octaves of the First Order
    • Octave of Easter
    • Octave of Pentecost (Notice it's rank in the utmost category!)
  • Privileged Octaves of the Second Order
    • Octave of Epiphany
    • Octave of Corpus Christi
  • Privileged Octaves of the Third Order
    • Octave of Christmas
    • Octave of the Ascension
    • Octave of the Sacred Heart
• Common Octaves
  • Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM
  • Octave of the Solemnity of St. Joseph
  • Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
  • Octave of Saints Peter and Paul
  • Octave of All Saints
  • Octave of the Assumption of the BVM
• Simple Octaves
• Octave of St. Stephen
• Octave of St. John the Apostle
• Octave of the Holy Innocents

Sadly, Paul VI abolished the Octave in 1969, although he did not even realize it when he signed the authorization, in one sad example of his lack of oversight. Thankfully, Traditional Catholic priests keep this Octave. And even some priests who say the Novus Ordo Mass choose to celebrate Votive Masses in Honor of the Holy Ghost over this week.

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Octave Day of the Epiphany

Greater Double (1954 Calendar): January 13

According to the 1962 Roman Catholic Calendar, January 13th is the Commemoration of the Baptism of Christ.  However, according to the more traditional pre-1955 Calendar, today is the Octave Day of the Epiphany. In fact, in the 1962 Calendar if January 13th falls on a Sunday the Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated in place of the Octave Day which is extremely strange and rupture with the conclusion of this traditional Octave. In such a case, the commemoration of Christ's Baptism is completely omitted for that year. Thankfully for those who prefer to pray the pre-1955 Breviary, today is kept as the Octave Day even when it falls on a Sunday (in such years the Holy Family is moved to the day before).

Of all the seasons that the Modern Novus Ordo Catholic Calendar has neglected to properly retain and celebrate, Epiphanytide has, like Ascensiontide, unfortunately, fallen by the wayside.  But, for those Catholics committed to the Sacred Traditions of the past, Epiphanytide holds a special length of time.

The Epiphany is a Privileged Octave of the 2nd Class, as is the Octave of Corpus Christi.   Make a special effort to commemorate this Octave today.  For example, pray the Sarum Rite's Compline prayers this evening for the Octave of the Epiphany.  Please click here for a PDF version.

The great Dom Gueranger explains:

A Solemnity of such importance as the Epiphany could not be without an Octave. The only Octaves, during the year, that are superior to this of the Epiphany, are those of Easter and Pentecost. It has a privilege which the Octave of Christmas has not; for no Feast can be kept during the Octave of the Epiphany, unless it be that of a Patron of first class; whereas, Feasts of a double and semi-double rite are admitted during the Christmas Octave. It would even seem, judging from the ancient Sacramentaries, that, anciently, the two days immediately following the Epiphany were Days of Obligation, as were the Monday and Tuesday of Easter and Whitsuntide. The names of the Stational Churches are given, where the Clergy and Faithful of Rome assembled on these two days.

 I conclude with Dom Gueranger's worthy reflection for the Octave Day of the Epiphany:

The thoughts of the Church, today, are fixed on the Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan, which is the second of the three Mysteries of the Epiphany. The Emmanuel manifested Himself to the Magi, after having shown Himself to the Shepherds; but this manifestation was made within the narrow space of a stable at Bethlehem, and the world knew nothing of it. In the Mystery of the Jordan, Christ manifested himself with greater publicity. His coming is proclaimed by the Precursor; the crowd, that is flocking to the river for Baptism, is witness of what happens; Jesus makes this the beginning of His public life. But who could worthily explain the glorious circumstances of this second Epiphany?

It resembles the first in this, that it is for the benefit and salvation of the human race. The Star has led the Magi to Christ; they had long waited for His coming, they had hoped for it; now, they believe. Faith in the Messias' having come into the world is beginning to take root among the Gentiles. But faith is not sufficient for salvation; the stain of sin must be washed away by water. He that believeth and is baptised, shall be saved (St. Mark, xvi. 16). The time is come, then, for a new manifestation of the Son of God, whereby there shall be inaugurated the great remedy, which is to give to Faith the power of producing life eternal.

Now, the decrees of divine Wisdom had chosen Water as the instrument of this sublime regeneration of the human race. Hence, in the beginning of the world, we find the Spirit of God moving over the Waters (Gen. i. 2), in order that they might "even then conceive a principle of sanctifying power," as the Church expresses it in her Office for Holy Saturday (The Blessing of the Font). But, before being called to fulfil the designs of God's mercy, this element of Water had to be used by the divine justice for the chastisement of a sinful world. With the exception of one family, the whole human race perished, by the terrible judgment of God, in the Waters of the Deluge.

A fresh indication of the future supernatural power of this chosen element was given by the Dove, which Noe sent forth from the Ark; it returned to him, bearing in its beak an Olive-branch, the symbol that peace was given to the earth by its having been buried in Water. But, this was only the announcement of the mystery; its accomplishment was not to be for long ages to come.

Meanwhile, God spoke to His people by many events, which were figurative of the future Mystery of Baptism. Thus, for example, it was by passing through the waters of the Red Sea, that they entered into the Promised Land, and during the miraculous passage, a pillar of a cloud was seen covering both the Israelites, and the Waters, to which they owed their deliverance.

But, in order that Water should have the power to purify man from his sins, it was necessary that it should be brought in contact with the Sacred Body of the Incarnate God. The Eternal Father had sent His Son into the world, not only that He might be its Lawgiver, and Redeemer, and the Victim of its salvation--but that He might also be the Sanctifier of Water; and it was in this sacred element that He would divinely bear testimony to His being His Son, and manifest Him to the world a second time.

Jesus, therefore, being now thirty years of age, comes to the Jordan, a river already celebrated for the prophetic miracles which had been wrought in its waters. The Jewish people, roused by the preaching of John the Baptist, were flocking thither in order to receive a Baptism, which could, indeed, excite a sorrow for sin, but could not effect its forgiveness. Our divine King approaches the river, not, of course, to receive sanctification, for He Himself is the author of all Justice--but to impart to Water the power of bringing forth, as the Church expresses the mystery, a new and heavenly progeny (The Blessing of the Font). He goes down into the stream, not, like Josue, to walk dry-shod through its bed, but to let its waters encompass Him, and receive from Him, both for itself and for the Waters of the whole earth, the sanctifying power which they would retain forever. The saintly Baptist places his trembling hand upon the sacred head of the Redeemer, and bends it beneath the water; the Sun of Justice vivifies this His creature; He imparts to it the glow of life-giving fruitfulness; and Water thus becomes the prolific source of supernaturnal life.

But, in this the commencement of a new creation, we look for the intervention of the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. All Three are there. The heavens open; the Dove descends, not as a mere symbol, prophetic of some future grace, but as the sign of the actual presence of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of love, who gives peace to men and changes their hearts. The Dove hovers above the head of Jesus, overshadowing, at one and the same time, the Humanity of the Incarnate Word and the water which bathed His sacred Body.

The manifestation is not complete; the Father's voice is still to be heard speaking over the Water, and moving by its power the entire element throughout the earth. Then was fulfilled the prophecy of David: The Voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of majesty hath thundered. The Voice of the Lord breaketh cedars, (that is, the pride of the devils). The Voice of the Lord divideth the flame of fire, (that is, the anger of God). The Voice of the Lord shaketh the desert, and maketh the flood to dwell, (that is, announces a new Deluge, the Deluge of divine Mercy) (Ps. cssviii. 3, 5, 7, 8, 10). And what says this Voice of the Father? This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (St. Matth. iii. 17).

Thus was the Holiness of the Emmanuel manifested by the presence of the Dove and by the voice of the Father, as His kingly character had been previously manifested by the mute testimony of the Star. The mystery is accomplished, the Waters are invested with a spiritual purifying power, and Jesus comes from the Jordan and ascends the bank, raising up with Himself the world, regenerated and sanctified, with all its crimes and defilements drowned in the stream. Such is the interpretation and language of the Holy Fathers of the Church regarding this great event of our Lord's Life.

Let us honour our Lord in this second Manifestation of His divinity, and thank Him, with the Church for His having given us both the Star of Faith which enlightens us, and the Water of Baptism which cleanses us from our iniquities. Let us lovingly appreciate the humility of our Jesus, who permits Himself to be weighed down by the hand of a mortal man, in order, as He says Himself, that He might fulfil all justice (St. Matth. iii. 15); for having taken on Himself the likeness of sin, it was requisite that He should bear its humiliation, that so He might raise us from our debasement. Let us thank Him for this grace of Baptism, which has opened to us the gates of the Church both of heaven and earth; and let us renew the engagements we made at the holy Font, for they were the terms on which we were regenerated to our new life in God.

Collect:

O God, Whose only-begotten Son appeared in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech thee, that we who acknowledge His outward likeness to us may deserve to be inwardly refashioned in His image. Who with thee liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

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Mass Propers: Octave Day of Ss Peter and Paul

Mass of the Octave Day of Ss Peter and Paul Missa "Nunc scio vere"

Prior to the 1955 reforms, today was the Octave Day of Ss Peter and Paul.  As previously explained, the Octave of Ss Peter and Paul was a Common Octave.  Octaves were classified into several types by Popes Leo XIII and St. Pius X. Easter and Pentecost had "specially privileged" octaves, during which no other feast whatsoever could be celebrated. Christmas, Epiphany, and Corpus Christi had "privileged" octaves, during which certain highly ranked feasts might be celebrated. The octaves of other feasts allowed even more feasts to be celebrated.

 

Ever mindful of our past Traditions, let us spiritually unite ourselves this day to Ss Peter and Paul.
 

Traditional Propers - Octave Day of Ss Peter and Paul

Vestments: Red

INTROIT
Acts 12:11
Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from all that the Jewish people were expecting. Ps. 138:1-2. O Lord, You have proved me and You know me; You know when I sit and when I stand. V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT- O God, this day is sacred because of the martyrdom of Your apostles Peter and Paul. May Your Church follow the teachings of these two saints in every respect, for from them she received the faith in the beginning. Through our Lord . . .

Lesson
Acts 12: 1-11
In those days, Herod the king stretched forth his hands, to afflict some of the church. And he killed James, the brother of John, With the sword. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the Azymes. And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers, to be kept, intending, after the pasch, to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shined in the room. And he, striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying: "Arise quickly." And the chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him: "Gird thyself and put on thy sandals." And he did so. And he said to him: "Cast thy garment about thee and follow me," And going out, he followed him. And he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city which of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through one street. And immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said: "Now I know in very deed that the Lord hath sent his angel and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews."

GRADUAL
Ps. 44:17-18
You shall make them prices through all the land; they shall remember Your name, O Lord. V. To take the place of your fathers, sons shall be born to you; therefore peoples shall praise you. Alleluia, alleluia! V. Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church. Alleluia!

GOSPEL
Matthew 16:13-19

At that time, Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: "Whom do men say that the Son of man is?" But they said: "Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets." Jesus saith to them:"But whom do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said: "Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answering said to him: "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven."

OFFERTORY
Ps. 44:17-18
You shall make them princes throughout the land; they shall remember Your name, O Lord, in every generation and age.

SECRET - May Your blessed apostles join their prayers to the sacrifice we offer to Your name, O Lord, so that it may win Your pardon and protection for us. Through our Lord . . .

PREFACE (Preface of the Apostles) - It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, to entreat Thee humbly, O Lord, that Thou wouldst not desert Thy flock, O everlasting Shepherd; but, through Thy blessed apostles, wouldst keep it under Thy constant protection; that it may be governed by those same rulers, whom as vicars of Thy work, Thou didst set over it to be its pastors. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dóminations and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:

COMMUNION
Matthew 16:18
Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church.

POST COMMUNION - You have nourished us with the Bread of Heaven, O Lord. Shield us now against all dangers through the prayers of Your apostles. Through our Lord . . .

Sources: Saint Andrew Daily Missal and the Marian Missal , 1945

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Office of Lauds: Feast of Ss Peter and Paul

Today is the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul (Double of the I Class with Octave).  Today is a holy day of obligation in the universal Church.  In England and Wales the feast is observed as a holy day of obligation while in the United States and Canada, it is not. In Malta it is a public holiday.  This is the day of the liturgical year on which those newly created metropolitan archbishops receive the primary symbol of their office, the pallium, from the pope.

Now I know in very deed, that the Lord hath sent His Angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. (From the introit of the day's Mass, Acts, 12. 11)
[Click to listen to it chanted]

Lauds
The first part of Lauds is in the Ordinary
Ant.    Petrus et Joánnes * ascendébant in templum ad horam oratiónis nonam.	Ant.    Peter and John * went up together into the temple at the ninth hour, being the hour of prayer.
Psalmus 92.  Dominus regnavit Dóminus regnávit, decórem indútus est: * indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se. 2  Etenim firmávit orbem terræ, * qui non commovébitur. 3  Paráta sedes tua ex tunc: * a sæculo tu es. 4  Elevavérunt flúmina, Dómine: * elevavérunt flúmina vocem suam. 5  Elevavérunt flúmina fluctus suos, * a vócibus aquárum multárum. 6  Mirábiles elatiónes maris: * mirábilis in altis Dóminus. 7  Testimónia tua credibília facta sunt nimis: * domum tuam decet sanctitúdo, Dómine, in longitúdinem diérum.	Psalm 92.  Dominus regnavit The Lord hath reigned, and hath put on glorious apparel; * the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength. 2  For he hath stablished the round world, * that it cannot be moved. 3  Thy throne is prepared from of old : * thou art from everlasting. 4  The floods have lift up, O Lord, * yea, the floods have lift up their voice. 5  The floods have lift up their waves, * with the noise of many waters. 6  The waves of the sea are mighty, * glorious is the Lord, who dwelleth on high. 7  Thy testimonies are become exceeding credible: * holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever and ever.
Ant.    Petrus et Joánnes ascendébant in templum ad horam oratiónis nonam.	Ant.    Peter and John went up together into the temple at the ninth hour, being the hour of prayer.
Ant.    Argéntum et aurum * non est mihi : quod autem hábeo, hoc tibi do.	Ant.    Silver and gold * have I none, but such as I have, give I thee.
Psalmus 99.  Jubilate Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * servíte Dómino in lætítia. 2  Introíte in conspéctu ejus, * in exsultatióne. 3  Scitóte quóniam Dóminus ipse est Deus: * ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos. 4  Pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus: * introíte portas ejus in confessióne, átria ejus in hymnis: confitémini illi. 5  Laudáte nomen ejus: quóniam suávis est Dóminus, in ætérnum misericórdia ejus, * et usque in generatiónem et generatiónem véritas ejus.	Psalm 99.  Jubilate O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness, 2  And come before his presence * with a song.. 3  Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; * it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves. 4  We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture : * O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be ye thankful unto him. 5  Give praises unto his Name: for the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
Ant.    Argéntum et aurum non est mihi : quod autem hábeo, hoc tibi do.	Ant.    Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, give I thee.
Ant.    Dixit Angelus ad Petrum : * Circúmda tibi vestiméntum tuum, et séquere me.	Ant.    The Angel said unto Peter : * Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Psalmus 62.  Deus, Deus meus Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce vígilo. 2  Sitívit in te ánima mea, * quam multiplíciter tibi caro mea. 3  In terra desérta, et ínvia, et inaquósa: * sic in sancto appárui tibi, ut vidérem virtútem tuam, et glóriam tuam. 4  Quóniam mélior est misericórdia tua super vitas: * lábia mea laudábunt te. 5  Sic benedícam te in vita mea: * et in nómine tuo levábo manus meas. 6  Sicut ádipe et pinguédine repleátur ánima mea: * et lábiis exsultatiónis laudábit os meum. 7  Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, in matutínis meditábor in te: * quia fuísti adjútor meus. 8  Et in velaménto alárum tuárum exsultábo, adhæsit ánima mea post te: * me suscépit déxtera tua. 9  Ipsi vero in vanum quæsiérunt ánimam meam, introíbunt in inferióra terræ: * tradéntur in manus gládii, partes vúlpium erunt. 10  Rex vero lætábitur in Deo, laudabúntur omnes qui jurant in eo: * quia obstrúctum est os loquéntium iníqua.	Psalm 62.  Deus, Deus meus O God, thou art my God; * to thee do I watch at break of day. 2  My soul hath thirsted for thee, * my flesh also in many different ways. 3  In a barren and dry land where no water is: * so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, that I might behold thy power and thy glory. 4  For thy mercy is better than the life itself : * my lips shall praise thee. 5  Thus will I bless thee as long as I live : * and I will lift up my hands in thy Name. 6  My soul shall be filled as with marrow and fatness, * and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. 7  If I have remembered thee in my bed, I will think upon thee in the morning : * because thou hast been my helper. 8  And under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice, my soul hath hung upon thee; * thy right hand hath upholden me. 9  But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go down into the nether parts of the earth : * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be a portion for foxes. 10  But the king shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended; * for the mouth of them that speak wicked things shall be stopped.
Ant.    Dixit Angelus ad Petrum : Circúmda tibi vestiméntum tuum, et séquere me.	Ant.    The Angel said unto Peter : Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Ant.    Misit Dóminus * Angelum suum, et liberávit me de manu Heródis, allelúja.	Ant.    The Lord hath sent * his Angel , and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, alleluia.
Canticum trium Puerorum Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 et 56 Benedícite, ómnia ópera Dómini, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula. 2    Benedícite, Angeli Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, cæli, Dómino. 3    Benedícite, aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes virtútes Dómini, Dómino. 4    Benedícite, sol et luna, Dómino: * benedícite, stellæ cæli, Dómino. 5    Benedícite, omnis imber et ros, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes spíritus Dei, Dómino. 6    Benedícite, ignis et æstus, Dómino: * benedícite, frigus et æstus, Dómino. 7    Benedícite, rores et pruína, Dómino: * benedícite, gelu et frigus, Dómino. 8    Benedícite, glácies et nives, Dómino: * benedícite, noctes et dies, Dómino. 9    Benedícite, lux et ténebræ, Dómino: * benedícite, fúlgura et nubes, Dómino. 10  Benedícat terra Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula. 11  Benedícite, montes et colles, Dómino: * benedícite, univérsa germinántia in terra, Dómino. 12  Benedícite, fontes, Dómino: * benedícite, mária et flúmina, Dómino. 13  Benedícite, cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes vólucres cæli, Dómino. 14    Benedícite, omnes béstiæ et pécora, Dómino: * benedícite, fílii hóminum, Dómino. 15    Benedícat Israël Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula. 16    Benedícite, sacerdótes Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, servi Dómini, Dómino. 17    Benedícite, spíritus, et ánimæ justórum, Dómino: * benedícite, sancti et húmiles corde, Dómino. 18    Benedícite, Ananía, Azaría, Mísaël, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula. (Fit reverentia:) 19    Benedicámus Patrem et Fílium cum Sancto Spíritu: * laudémus et superexaltémus eum in sæcula. 20  Benedíctus es, Dómine, in firmaménto cæli: * et laudábilis, et gloriósus, et superexaltátus in sæcula. Hic non dícitur Glória Patri, neque Amen.	The Song of the Three Holy Children Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 and 56 O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * praise him, and magnify him for ever. 2  O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord. 3  O ye Waters that be above the Firmament, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. 4  O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Stars of Heaven, bless ye the Lord. 5  O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord: * O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord. 6  O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord. 7  O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord. 8  O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord. 9  O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord. 10  O let the Earth bless the Lord; * yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever. 11  O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord.  12  O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord. 13  O ye Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Fowls of the Air, bless ye the Lord. 14  O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord. 15  O let Israël bless the Lord; * praise him, and magnify him for ever. 16  O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. 17  O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: * O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord. 18  O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise him and magnify him for ever: (During the following verse, all bow:) 19  Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise him and magnify him for ever. 20  Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven; * and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Here is not said Amen or Glory be.
Ant.    Misit Dóminus Angelum suum, et liberávit me de manu Heródis, allelúja.	Ant.    The Lord hath sent his Angel , and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, alleluia.
Ant.    Tu es Petrus, * et super hanc petram ædificábo Ecclésiam meam.	Ant.    Thou art Peter, * and upon this rock I will build my Church.
Psalmus 148.  Laudate Dominum Laudáte Dóminum de cælis: * laudáte eum in excélsis. 2  Laudáte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * laudáte eum, omnes virtútes ejus. 3  Laudáte eum, sol et luna: * laudáte eum, omnes stellæ et lumen. 4  Laudáte eum, cæli cælórum: * et aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, laudent nomen Dómini. 5  Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt. 6  Státuit ea in ætérnum, et in sæculum sæculi: * præcéptum pósuit, et non præteríbit. 7  Laudáte Dóminum de terra, * dracónes, et omnes abyssi. 8  Ignis, grando, nix, glácies, spíritus procellárum: * quæ fáciunt verbum ejus: 9  Montes, et omnes colles: * ligna fructífera, et omnes cedri. 10  Béstiæ, et univérsa pécora: * serpéntes, et vólucres pennátæ: 11  Reges terræ, et omnes pópuli: * príncipes, et omnes júdices terræ. 12  Júvenes, et vírgines : senes cum junióribus laudent nomen Dómini: * quia exaltátum est nomen ejus solíus. 13  Conféssio ejus super cælum et terram: * et exaltávit cornu pópuli sui. 14  Hymnus ómnibus sanctis ejus: * fíliis Israël, pópulo appropinquánti sibi.	Psalm 148.  Laudate Dominum O praise ye the Lord from the heavens: * praise ye him in the height. 2  Praise him, all ye Angels of his: * praise him, all his host. 3  Praise ye him, O sun and moon: * praise him, all ye stars and light. 4  Praise him, all ye heavens of heavens, * and ye waters that are above the heavens, praise the Name of the Lord. 5  For he spake the word, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created. 6  He hath established them for ever, yea, unto ages of ages : * he hath set forth a law, and it shall not pass away. 7  Praise the Lord from the earth, * ye dragons and all deeps; 8  Fire and hail, snow and ice, wind and storm, * fulfilling his word; 9  Mountains and all hills; * fruitful trees and all cedars; 10  Beasts and all cattle; * creeping things and flying fowls; 11  Kings of the earth, and all people; * princes, and all judges of the world; 12  Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord: * for his Name only is exalted. 13  His praise is above heaven and earth : * and he shall exalt the horn of his people. 14  A hymn unto all his saints : * even unto the children of Israel, a people that draw nigh unto him.
Ant.    Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram ædificábo Ecclésiam meam.	Ant.    Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.
STAND
Capitulum           Act. 12. 1-3. Misit Heródes rex manus ut afflígeret quosdam de Ecclésia.  Occídit autem Jacóbum fratrem Joánnis gládio.  Videns autem quia placéret Judæis, appósuit ut apprehénderet et Petrum. R.  Deo grátias.	The Little Chapter        Acts 12. 1-3. Herod the King stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church.  And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. R.  Thanks be to God.
HymnusBeate Pastor, Petre, clemens áccipe Voces precántum, criminúmque víncula Verbo resólve, cui potéstas trádita Aperíre terris cælum, apértum cláudere.	The Hymn To Peter, shepherd good, was first by thee assigned By apostolic word to loosen or to bind; And him thou didst empower, by thy divine decree, The heavenly gate to shut or open wide and free.
Egrégie Doctor, Paule, mores ínstrue, Et nostra tecum péctora in cælum trahe ; Veláta dum merídiem cernat fides, Et solis instar sola regnet cáritas.	By holy lore may Paul, thy Church's Doctor, teach Our earth-bound souls to strive the heavenly goal to reach: Till that which perfect is shall shine with fuller glow, And that be done away which here in part we know.
Sit Trinitáti sempitérna glória, Honor, potéstas atque jubilátio, In unitáte, quæ gubérnat ómnia, Per univérsa sæculórum sæcula.  Amen.	Now to the Trinity eternal glory sing; All honour, virtue, might, and hymns of gladness bring; He rules the universe in wondrous Unity, And shall, through all the days of vast eternity.  Amen.
V.  Annuntiavérunt ópera Dei. R.  Et facta ejus intellexérunt.	V.  They shall say, This hath God done. R.  For they shall perceive that it is his work.
Ad Bened. Ant:  Quodcúmque * ligáveris super terram, erit ligátum et in cælis ; et quodcúmque sólveris super terram, erit solútum et in cælis : dicit Dóminus Simóni Petro.	Ant. on Bened:  Thus said the Lord unto Simon Peter : * Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
BENEDICTUS	THE BENEDICTUS
Oremus. Deus, qui hodiérnam diem Apostolórum tuórum Petri et Pauli martyrio consecrásti : da Ecclésiæ tuæ, eórum in ómnibus sequi præcéptum; per quos religiónis sumpsit exórdium.  Per Dóminum.	Let us pray. O God, who didst hallow his day by the martyrdom of thine holy Apostles Peter and Paul, grant unto thy Church, whose foundations thou wast pleased to lay by their hands, the grace always in all things to remain faithful to their teaching.  Through.

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Traditional Propers: Octave Day of the Sacred Heart

 Introit from the Mass of the Sacred Heart, Missa Cogitationes cordis 

Prior to the 1955 reforms, today was the Octave Day of the Sacred Heart.  As previously explained, the Octave of the Sacred Heart was a Privileged Octave of the Third Class.  Pope Pius XII raised the feast to the highest rank, Double of the First Class, and added an octave - that octave was later suppressed in the 1955 reforms under the same Holy Pontiff, which removed all but three octaves.

Octaves were classified into several types. Easter and Pentecost had "specially privileged" octaves, during which no other feast whatsoever could be celebrated. Christmas, Epiphany, and Corpus Christi had "privileged" octaves, during which certain highly ranked feasts might be celebrated. The octaves of other feasts allowed even more feasts to be celebrated.
 

Ever mindful of our past Traditions, let us spiritually unite ourselves this day to the Sacred Heart.
 

Traditional Propers - Octave Day of the Sacred Heart

Vestments: White

INTROIT
Psalm 32: 11, 19
The thoughts of His heart to all generations: to deliver their souls from death and feed them in famine. (Ps. 32: 1) Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just, praise becometh the upright. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . -- The thoughts of His heart . . .

COLLECT- O God, who in the Heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost mercifully vouchsafe to bestow upon us the boundless treasures of Thy love: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now render Him the service of our devotion and piety, may also fulfill our duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth . . .

Attached to the above Collect is an indulgence of 5 years. -- Plenary, under the usual conditions, if this prayer is recited daily during a month. -- P.P.O. n. 233.

EPISTLE
Ephesians 3: 8-19
Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians. Brethren: To me, the least of all the Saints, is given the grace, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ: and to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, Who created all things: that the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the Church, according to the eternal purpose which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord: in Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom all paternity in Heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened by His spirit with might unto the inward man, that Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that being rooted and grounded in charity, you may be able to comprehend with all the Saints, what is the breadth and length, and height and depth: to know also the charity of Christ which surpasseth all knowledge. That you may be filled unto all the fulness of God. Thanks be to God.

GRADUAL
Psalm 24: 8, 9
The Lord is sweet and righteous: therefore He will give a law to sinners in the way. V. He will guide the mild in judgment: He will teach the meek His ways. Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Matthew 11: 29) Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
John 19: 31-37

At that time: The Jews (because it was the parasceve), that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath day (for that was a great sabbath day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken: and that they might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came: and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers, with a spear opened His side, and immediately there came out blood and water. And he knoweth that saw it, hath given testimony: and his testimony is true. And he knoweth that he saith true, that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture might be fulfilled: "You shall not break a bone of Him." And again another Scripture saith: "They shall look on Him Whom they pierced."

OFFERTORY
Psalm 68: 21
My heart hath expected reproach and misery: and I looked for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none: and for one that would comfort me, and I found none.

SECRET - Have regard, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to the inexpressible love of the Heart of Thy beloved Son: so that what we offer may be a gift acceptable to Thee, and an expiation for our offenses.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.

PREFACE (Preface for the Feast of the Sacred Heart) - 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, everlasting God; Who didst will that Thine only-begotten Son, while hanging on the cross, should be pierced by a soldier's spear, that the Heart thus opened, a shrine of divine bounty, should pour out on us streams of mercy and grace, and that what never ceased to burn with love for us, should be a resting-place to the devout, and open as a refuge of salvation to the penitent. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:

COMMUNION
John 19: 34
One of the soldiers with a spear opened His side, and immediately there came out blood and water.

POST COMMUNION - May Thy holy mysteries, O Lord Jesus, impart to us divine fervor: whereby having tasted the sweetness of Thy most loving heart, we may learn to despise earthly things, and to love what is heavenly: Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever.

Sources: Saint Andrew Daily Missal and the Marian Missal , 1945

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Octave of the Feast of the Sacred Heart

As many of you may have noticed in my post yesterday for the Mass Propers for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, commemorations were present for the Octave of the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

The Institution of the Feast of the Sacred Heart was a result of the appearances of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1675. St. Margaret Mary suffered contempt from many people who refused to believe the authenticity of the visions. In these appearances, Our Lord told her twelve graces that He would give to anyone devoted to His Sacred Heart. She died in 1690 and it was not until 1856 that the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was placed officially on the Church calendar. However, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus dates back even to the Middle Ages.

In 1693, three years after the death of St. Margaret Mary, the Holy See imparted indulgences to the Confraternities of the Sacred Heart, and in 1697 granted the feast to the Visitandines with the Mass of the Five Wounds, but refused a feast common to all, with special Mass and Office. The devotion spread, particularly in religious communities. The Marseille plague in 1720 furnished perhaps the first occasion for a solemn consecration and public worship outside of religious communities. Other cities of southern Europe followed the example of Marseille. In 1726 Rome was again asked for a feast with a Mass and Office of its own; this was refused in 1729, but granted in 1765. In that year, at the request of the queen, the feast was received quasi-officially by the episcopate of France. 

In 1856, at the urgent entreaties of the French bishops, Pope Pius IX extended the Feast of the Sacred Heart to the Latin Church under the rite of double major. In 1889 it was raised by the Latin Church to the double rite of first class. In 1928, Pope Pius XI raised the feast to the highest rank, Double of the First Class, and added an octave; the 1955 reforms of the general Roman calendar suppressed this octave and removed most other octaves. On November 9, 1921, Pope Benedict XV established the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus on the Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart.

Up until 1955 but after the time of Pope St. Pius X, Octaves were arranged in the following hierarchical order:

• Privileged Octaves
  • Privileged Octaves of the First Order
    • Octave of Easter
    • Octave of Pentecost
  • Privileged Octaves of the Second Order
    • Octave of Epiphany
    • Octave of Corpus Christi
  • Privileged Octaves of the Third Order
    • Octave of Christmas
    • Octave of the Ascension
    • Octave of the Sacred Heart
• Common Octaves
  • Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM
  • Octave of the Solemnity of St. Joseph
  • Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
  • Octave of Saints Peter and Paul
  • Octave of All Saints
  • Octave of the Assumption of the BVM
• Simple Octaves
  • Octave of St. Stephen
  • Octave of St. John the Apostle
  • Octave of the Holy Innocents

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