Litany of Saints for Rogation Days

Please join the Holy Church in observing the Rogation Days by praying the Litany of the Saints.  For those wishing to pray along in Latin, the language of the Church, please click here to pray along.

Latin and Greek (original)	English (translation)
V. Kyrie, eléison.	V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christe, eléison.	R. Christ, have mercy.
V. Kyrie, eléison.	V. Lord, have mercy.
V. Christe, audi nos.	V. O Christ, hear us.
R. Christe, exáudi nos.	R. O Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Pater de cælis, Deus.	V. O God the Father of heaven.
R. Miserére nobis.	R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Fili, Redémptor mundi, Deus.	V. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world.
R. Miserére nobis.	R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Spíritus Sancte, Deus.	V. O God the Holy Ghost.
R. Miserére nobis.	R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Sancta Trínitas, unus Deus.	V. O Holy Trinity, one God.
R. Miserére nobis.	R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Sancta María.	V. Holy Mary.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta Dei Génetrix.	V. Holy Mother of God.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta Virgo vírginum.	V. Holy Virgin of virgins.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Michael.	V. Saint Michael.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Gabriel.	V. Saint Gabriel.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Raphael.	V. Saint Raphael.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Angeli et Archangeli.	V. All ye holy Angels and Archangels.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti beatórum Spírituum ordines.	V. All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Joánnes Baptista.	V. Saint John the Baptist.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Josephe.	V. Saint Joseph.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Patriárchæ et Prophetæ.	V. All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Petre.	V. Saint Peter.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Paule.	V. Saint Paul.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Andrea.	V. Saint Andrew.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Jacobe.	V. Saint James.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Joánnes.	V. Saint John.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Thoma.	V. Saint Thomas.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Jacobe.	V. Saint James.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Philippe.	V. Saint Philip.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Bartholomæe.	V. Saint Bartholomew.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Matthæe.	V. Saint Matthew.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Simon.	V. Saint Simon.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Thaddæe.	V. Saint Jude.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Matthia.	V. Saint Matthias.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Barnaba.	V. Saint Barnabas.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Luca.	V. Saint Luke.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Marce.	V. Saint Mark.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Apóstoli et Evangelistæ.	V. All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Discípuli Dómini.	V. All ye holy Disciples of the Lord.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Innocéntes.	V. All ye Holy Innocents.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Stephane.	V. Saint Stephen.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Laurénti.	V. Saint Lawrence.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Vincenti.	V. Saint Vincent.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancti Fabiane et Sebastiane.	V. Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancti Joánnes et Paule.	V. Saint John and Saint Paul.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancti Cosma et Damiane.	V. Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancti Gervasi et Protasi.	V. Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasius.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Mártyres.	V. All ye holy Martyrs.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Silvester.	V. Saint Sylvester.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Gregóri.	V. Saint Gregory.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Ambrósi.	V. Saint Ambrose.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Augustine.	V. Saint Augustine.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Hieronyme.	V. Saint Jerome.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Martine.	V. Saint Martin.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Nicolaë.	V. Saint Nicholas.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Pontifices et Confessores.	V. All ye holy Bishops and Confessors.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Doctores.	V. All ye holy Doctors.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Antoni.	V. Saint Anthony.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Benedicte.	V. Saint Benedict.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Bernarde.	V. Saint Bernard.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Dominice.	V. Saint Dominic.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancte Francisce.	V. Saint Francis.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Sacerdótes et Levitæ.	V. All ye holy Priests and Levites.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sancti Monachi et Eremitæ.	V. All ye holy Monks and Hermits.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta María Magdalena.	V. Saint Mary Magdalene.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta Agatha.	V. Saint Agatha.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta Lucia.	V. Saint Lucy.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta Agnes.	V. Saint Agnes.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta Cæcilia.	V. Saint Cecilia.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta Catharina.	V. Saint Catherine.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Sancta Anastasia.	V. Saint Anastasia.
R. Ora pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes sanctæ Vírgines et Víduæ.	V. All ye holy Virgins and Widows.
R. Orate pro nobis.	R. Pray for us.
V. Omnes Sancti et Sanctæ Dei.	V. All ye Holy, Righteous, and Elect of God.
R. Intercédite pro nobis.	R. Intercede for us.
V. Propitius esto.	V. Be thou merciful.
R. Parce nobis, Dómine.	R. Spare us, Lord.
V. Propitius esto.	V. Be thou merciful.
R. Exáudi nos, Dómine.	R. Graciously hear us, Lord.
V. Ab omni malo.	V. From all evil.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Ab omni peccáto.	V. From all deadly sin.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Ab ira tua.	V. From thine anger.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. A subitanea et improvisa morte.	V. From sudden and unrepentant death.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Ab insídiis diaboli.	V. From the crafts and assaults of the devil.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Ab ira, et ódio, et omni mala voluntáte.	V. From anger, and hatred, and all uncharitableness.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. A spíritu fornicatiónis.	V. From the spirit of fornication.
R. Líbera nos, Domine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. A fulgure et tempestáte.	V. From lightning and tempest.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. A flagello terræmotus.	V. From the peril of earthquake, fire, and flood.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. A peste, fame et bello.	V. From pestilence, famine, and battle.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. A morte perpetua.	V. From everlasting damnation.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per mystérium sanctæ Incarnatiónis tuæ.	V. By the mystery of thy Holy Incarnation.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per advéntum tuum.	V. By thine Advent.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per nativitátem tuam.	V. By thy Nativity.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per baptismum et sanctum jejunium tuum.	V. By thy Baptism and holy Fasting.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per crucem et passiónem tuam.	V. By thy Cross and Passion.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per mortem et sepultúram tuam.	V. By thy precious Death and Burial.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per sanctam resurrectiónem tuam.	V. By thy holy Resurrection.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per admirábilem ascensiónem tuam.	V. By thy glorious Ascension.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Per advéntum Spíritus Sancti Paracliti.	V. By the coming of the Holy Spirit the Comforter.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. In die judícii.	V. In the day of judgement.
R. Líbera nos, Dómine.	R. Good Lord, deliver us.
V. Peccatóres.	V. Even though we be sinners.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut nobis parcas.	V. That it may please thee to spare us.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut nobis indulgeas.	V. That it may please thee to pity and pardon us.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut ad veram pœniténtiam nos perducere dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to give us true repentance.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut Ecclésiam tuam sanctam regere et conservare dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut domnum Apostolicum et omnes ecclesiásticos ordines in sancta religióne conservare dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to preserve the Apostolic Lord, and to keep all orders of the Church in thy sacred religion.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut inimícos sanctæ Ecclésiæ humiliare dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to overthrow the enemies of thy holy Church.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut régibus et princípibus christiánis pacem et veram concordiam donare dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to bestow on all Christian kings and princes true peace and concord.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut cuncto pópulo christiáno pacem et unitátem largiri dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to give to all Christian nations both peace and unity.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut omnes errántes ad unitátem Ecclésiæ revocare, et infidéles univérsos ad Evangélii lumen perducere dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to restore unity to thy Church, and to lead all unbelievers into the light of thy holy Gospel.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut nosmetípsos in tuo sancto servítio confortare et conservare dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to strengthen and preserve us in true worshipping of thee.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut mentes nostras ad cæléstia desidéria erigas.	V. That it may please thee to endue our hearts with heavenly desires.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut ómnibus benefactóribus nostris sempitérna bona retríbuas.	V. That it may please thee to bestow on all our benefactors thine everlasting benefits.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut ánimas nostras, fratrum, propinquorum et benefactórum nostrórum ab ætérna damnatióne erípias.	V. That it may please thee to deliver from eternal damnation our souls, and those of our brethren, kindred, and benefactors.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut fructus terræ dare et conservare dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut ómnibus fidelibus defunctis réquiem ætérnam donare dignéris.	V. That it may please thee to bestow upon all thy faithful departed rest eternal.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Ut nos exáudire dignéris.	V. That it may please thee graciously to hear our prayer.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Fili Dei.	V. O Son of God.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.	R. We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
V. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi.	V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Parce nobis, Dómine.	R. Spare us, Lord.
V. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi.	V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Exáudi nos, Dómine.	R. Graciously hear us, Lord.
V. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi.	V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Miserére nobis.	R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Christe, audi nos.	V. O Christ, hear us.
R. Christe, exáudi nos.	R. O Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Kyrie, eléison.	V. Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Christe, eléison. Kyrie, eléison.	R. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Pater noster. (secréto usque ad)	Our Father. (Which words are said aloud, and the rest secretly to):
V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.	V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. Sed líbera nos a malo.	R. But deliver us from evil.
Psalmus 69. Deus, in adjutórium	Psalm 69. Deus, in adjutórium
1 Deus, in adjutórium meum inténde: * Dómine ad adjuvándum me festína.	1 HASTE thee, O God, to deliver me; * make haste to help me, O LORD.
2 Confundántur et revereántur, * qui quærunt ánimam meam.	2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul; * let them be turned backward and put to confusion that wish me evil.
3 Avertántur retrórsum, et erubéscant, * qui volunt mihi mala.	3 Let them for their reward be soon brought to shame, * that cry over me, There! there!
4 Avertántur statim erubescéntes, * qui dicunt mihi : Euge, euge.	4 But let all those that seek thee be joyful and glad in thee: * and let all such as delight in thy salvation say always, The Lord be praised.
5 Exsúltent et læténtur in te omnes qui quærunt te, * et dicant semper : Magnificétur Dóminus : qui díligunt salutáre tuum.	5 As for me, I am poor and in misery: * haste thee unto me, O God.
6 Ego vero egénus, et pauper sum : * Deus, ádjuva me.	6 Thou art my helper, and my redeemer: * O LORD, make no long tarrying.
7 Adjútor meus, et liberátor meus es tu : * Dómine, ne moréris.
8 Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.	8 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
9 Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen.	9 As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
V. Salvos fac servos tuos.	V. O God, save thy servants.
R. Deus meus, sperántes in te.	R. That put their trust in thee.
V. Esto nobis, Dómine, turris fortitúdinis.	V. Be unto us, O Lord, a tower of strength.
R. A fácie inimíci.	R. From the face of the enemy.
V. Nihil profíciat inimícus in nobis.	V. Let the enemy prevail nothing against us.
R. Et fílius iniquitátis non appónat nocére nobis.	R. Nor the son of wickedness approach to afflict us.
V. Dómine, non secúndum peccáta nostra fácias nobis.	V. O Lord, deal not with us after our sins.
R. Neque secúndum iniquitátes nostras retríbuas nobis.	R. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.
V. Orémus pro Pontifice nostro (Nomen).	V. Let us pray for our Pope (Name).
R. Dóminus consérvet eum, et vivíficet eum, et beátum fáciat eum in terra, et beátum fáciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in ánimam inimicórum ejus.	R. The Lord preserve him and keep him alive, that he may be blessed upon earth; and deliver not thou him into the will of his enemies.
(Vacante Apostolica Sede, Versus cum suo Responsorio præteritur.)	(If the Holy See is vacant, the above Versicle with its Response is omitted.)
V. Orémus pro benefactóribus nostris.	V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Retribúere dignáre, Dómine, ómnibus, nobis bona faciéntibus propter nomen tuum, vitam ætérnam. Amen.	R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for thy Name's sake, to reward with eternal life all them that do us good. Amen.
V. Orémus pro fidelibus defunctis.	V. Let us pray for the faithful departed.
R. Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine, et lux perpétua luceat eis.	R. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. Requiéscant in pace.	V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.	R. Amen.
V. Pro frátribus nostris abséntibus.	V. Let us pray for our absent brethren.
R. Salvos fac servos tuos, Deus meus, sperántes in te.	R. Save thy servants, O my God, that put their trust in thee.
V. Mitte eis, Dómine, auxílium de sancto.	V. Send them help, O Lord, from thy holy place.
R. Et de Sion tuere eos.	R. And from Zion deliver them.
V. Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.	V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. Et clamor meus ad te véniat.	R. And let my cry come unto thee.
V. Dóminus vobíscum.	V. The Lord be with you.
R. Et cum spíritu tuo.	R. And with thy spirit.
Oremus. (Oratio)	Let us pray. (Collects)
Deus, cui proprium est miseréri semper et parcere : súscipe deprecatiónem nostram ; ut nos, et omnes fámulos tuos, quos delictórum catena constringit, miserátio tuæ pietátis clementer absolvat.	O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive : receive our humble petitions ; and though we be tied and bound by the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us.
Exáudi, quæsumus, Dómine, supplícium preces, et confiténtium tibi parce peccátis : ut páriter nobis indulgéntiam tríbuas benignus et pacem.	We beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to hear the prayers of thy humble servants, and to forgive the sins of them that confess the same unto thee : that they may obtain of thy loving-kindness pardon and peace.
Ineffábilem nobis, Dómine, misericórdiam tuam clementer osténde : ut simul nos et a peccátis ómnibus exuas, et a pœnis, quas pro his meremur, erípias.	O Lord, we pray thee, shew forth upon us thy servants the abundance of thy unspeakable mercy : that we may be delivered from the chain of our sins, and from the punishment which for the same we have most righteously deserved.
Deus, qui culpa offenderis, pœniténtia placaris : preces pópuli tui supplicántis propítius réspice ; et flagélla tuæ iracúndiæ, quæ pro peccátis nostris meremur, averte.	O God, who art wroth with them that sin against thee, and sparest them that are penitent : we beseech thee to hear the prayers of thy people that call upon thee ; that we, which have most justly deserved the scourges of thine anger, may by thy great mercy be delivered from the same.
(If the Holy See is vacant, the following Collect is omitted.)	(If the Holy See is vacant, the following Collect is omitted.)
Omnípotens sempiterne Deus, miserére famulo tuo Pontifici nostro (Nomen), et dírige eum secúndum tuam cleméntiam in viam salútis ætérnæ : ut, te donante, tibi placita cupiat, et tota virtúte perfíciat.	Almighty and everlasting God, we beseech thee to have compassion upon N., our Pope, and by thy mercy govern him in the way of everlasting life : that, being endued with thy grace, he may ever seek those things that are pleasing unto thee, and with his whole strength perform the same.
Deus, a quo sancta desidéria, recta consília et justa sunt ópera : da servis tuis illam, quam mundus dare non potest, pacem ; ut et corda nostra mandátis tuis dedita, et, hóstium subláta formidine, témpora sint, tua protectióne, tranquilla.	O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed : give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give ; that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness.
Ure igne Sancti Spíritus renes nostros et cor nostrum, Dómine : ut tibi casto corpore serviamus, et mundo corde placeámus.	Grant, O Lord, we pray thee, that the fire of thy Holy Ghost may in such wise cleanse our reins and our hearts : that we serving thee in pureness both of body and soul may be found an acceptable people in thy sight.
Fidélium, Deus, ómnium conditor et redemptor, animábus famulórum famularumque tuárum remissiónem cunctórum tríbue peccatórum : ut indulgéntiam, quam semper optavérunt, piis supplicatiónibus consequántur.	O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all them that believe : grant unto the souls of thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins ; that, as they have ever desired thy merciful pardon, so by the supplications of their brethren they may receive the same.
Actiónes nostras, quæsumus, Dómine, aspirándo prævéni et adjuvándo proséquere : ut cuncta nostra orátio et operátio a te semper incipiat et per te cœpta finiátur.	Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help : that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life.
Omnípotens sempiterne Deus, qui vivórum domináris simul et mortuórum, ómniumque miseréris quos tuos fide et ópere futuros esse prænoscis : te supplices exorámus ; ut, pro quibus effúndere preces decrevimus, quosque vel præsens sæculum adhuc in carne retinet vel futúrum jam exutos corpore suscépit, intercedéntibus ómnibus Sanctis tuis, pietátis tuæ cleméntia, ómnium delictórum suórum véniam consequántur. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum.	Almighty and everlasting God, who hast dominion both of the quick and the dead, who likewise hast mercy upon all men, whom by reason of their faith and works thou hast foreknown : we commend unto thee all those for whom we now do offer our prayers, whether in this world they still be held in the bonds of the flesh, or being delivered therefrom have passed into that which is to come ; beseeching thee that at the intercession of all thy Saints they may of thy bountiful goodness obtain the remission of all their sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.	R. Amen.
V. Dóminus vobíscum.	V. The Lord be with you.
R. Et cum spíritu tuo.	R. And with thy spirit.
V. Exáudiat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.	V. May the Almighty and Merciful Lord graciously hear us.
R. Amen.	R. Amen.
V. Et fidélium ánimæ † per misericórdiam Dei requiéscant in pace.	V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, † through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.	R. Amen.

Read more >>

In Honor of Memorial Day: A Poem and a Prayer

A Poem entitled "The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke (1887 - 1915)

Before Omaha Beach, D-Day (June 1944)

If I should die, think only this of me:
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England. There shall be

During World War I (1914 - 1918)

In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,

Funeral Mass (Date Unknown)

A body of England's, breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers blest by the suns of home.

Mass on the Battlefield (Date Unknown)

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thought by England given;

Mass on the Battlefield (Date Unknown)

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English Heaven

Prayer:

Almighty father, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority, and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin, to be subjected to his just and gentle rule; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

God our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars will cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal God, in whose perfect realm no sword is drawn but the sword of justice, and no strength known but the strength of love: guide and inspire all who seek your kingdom, that peoples and nations may find their security in the love which casts out fear; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Image Sources: Believed to be in the Public Domain

Read more >>

The Need for Activism for our Lord Jesus Christ

When therefore they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter: Simon son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. He saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. He said to him the third time: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he had said to him the third time: Lovest thou me? And he said to him: Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

One thing that I find quite troubling is the lack of activism amongst those of us who serve our Lord Jesus Christ. On this most holy day in the year when we recall our Master's triumph, we should recall our responsibility to serve Him daily in our actions. Just browsing through several blogs and forums, I see a lot of outstanding posts and then several well needed posts that show us the errors in our culture and in the Novus Ordo Church. While it always pains me to see such abuses and lack of respect for our Master, we have to realize that it is our responsibility to go forth and serve Him. We shall be judged according to our actions and how often have we forgotten the sin of omission?

Our Lord Jesus Christ does not ask us to be successful. He has already won. The victory is done; the triumph is won; our salvation is purchased. Yet Our Lord asks us to spread His teachings to the furthermost corners of the world so that all souls can be saved. No one can be saved except by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And for that reason, we must attempt to serve our Lord at all times.
 

For example, I just saw a post on a Catholic online forum that mentioned that the city of Philadelphia is distributing condoms to 11 - 19 year olds. This is just one instance among many. While we may lament this sin, why do few of us fail in taking away? Why do not not message our friends in the state of Pennsylvania asking them to call their officials and write them. It does not matter if their efforts will be successful - our Master asks only that we serve Him in all ways. How do we serve our Master when we fail to instruct the ignorant, call sinners to repentance, and perform the other spiritual works of mercy?

Do not be discouraged. I think there needs to be a renewed sense of activism. Our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. He will judge each of us and all of our faults will be made known. All of our faults condemned our Savior to the death of the Cross. Sin not.

I ask all of you to please join me in a renewed sense of purpose. ITE MISSA EST. Go forth and write to ordinaries and the Vatican regarding abuses, go forth and instruct the ignorant in the faith, go forth and seek to stop sin. All the while let us do these actions in resignation of the will of God and offer these in union with His Sacrifice. Let us imitate the saints in our zeal to win souls and save them. "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 not penance" (Luke 15:7)

Read more >>

The Ceremonies of the Consecration of a Church in the Traditional Manner (1962): Part II

Continuing from my post on the Consecration of a Church using the 1962 Rubrics Part I, below is Part II of that Consecration. Instead of incorporating images of the ceremony into the post, I encourage you to read the post and then watch the entirety of the Consecration via videos of the Consecration of the Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth.

Psalm 42

Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off?
And why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me?
Send forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted me, and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles.
And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth.
To thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad,
O my soul? And why dost thou disquiet me?
Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God.

Intoning the beginning of the antiphon, the Bishop blesses himself with the Gregorian water and makes the sign of the cross in the middle cross of the altar, saying:

Let this altar be sanctified to the honor of God almighty, of the glorious Virgin Mary, and of all the Saints, and to the name and memory of Saints Auxilius, Casta and Aucta. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Peace be unto thee.

Then he does the same with the water on the crosses on the four corners of the altar. Sanctificetur hoc altare etc. He makes the first cross on the right rear side of the altar, that is where the gospel is said, the second on the left part before the first transverse, the third on the opposite side and the fourth on the left rear transverse, in this manner:

Let us pray.
Let us kneel. R. Arise.

That singular atoning offered on the altar of the cross for redeeming us, in prefiguration of which Patriarch Jacob erected a stone in pledge, in order that a sacrifice be made and an oracle of the gate of heaven be opened above it; as supplicants to Thee, Lord, we pour out our prayers, so that the polished material of this stone, to be imbued with the supernal sacrifices, Thou Thyself command to be endowed with the fruitfulness of Thy sanctification, who once wrote the law on stony tablets. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

The prayer finished, the Bishop sprinkles the altar table seven times.

Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be cleansed: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy.
And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.
Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Meanwhile the Bishop goes around the altar, sprinkling it. Finishing the verses, the Bishop begins the second antiphon:

Thou shalt sprinkle me....

For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.
To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee:
that thou mayst be justified in thy words, and mayst overcome when thou art judged.
For behold I was conceived in iniquities; and in sins did my mother conceive me.

Meanwhile the Bishop goes around the altar, sprinkling it. Finishing the verses, the Bishop begins the third antiphon:

Thou shalt sprinkle me....

For behold thou hast loved truth: the uncertain and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made manifest to me.
Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladness: and the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice.

Meanwhile the Bishop goes around the altar, sprinkling it. Finishing the verses, the Bishop begins the fourth antiphon:

Thou shalt sprinkle me....

Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.
Cast me not away from thy face; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Meanwhile the Bishop goes around the altar, sprinkling it. Finishing the verses, the Bishop begins the fifth antiphon.

Thou shalt sprinkle me....

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.
I will teach the unjust thy ways: and the wicked shall be converted to thee.
Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall extol thy justice.

Meanwhile the Bishop goes around the altar, sprinkling it. Finishing the verses, the Bishop begins the sixth antiphon:

Thou shalt sprinkle me....

O Lord, thou wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy praise.
For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it:
with burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted.
A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.>

Meanwhile the Bishop goes around the altar, sprinkling it. Finishing the verses, the Bishop begins the seventh antiphon.

Thou shalt sprinkle me....

Deal favorably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion;
that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.
Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings:
then shall they lay calves upon thy altar.

Meanwhile the Bishop goes around a seventh time, sprinkling.

Afterwards he goes around the interior of the church three times, sprinkling at the same time with the blessed water. At the end of the verse the schola sings the Antiphon:

This is the house of the Lord firmly built: it has been well founded upon a firm rock.

Psalm:
I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.

After beginning the Antiphon, the Bishop goes to the rear of the main altar, proceeding to the right part. He goes around the inside of the church, sprinkling the lower part near the floor, returning to the altar whence he started.

The schola begins the next antiphon:

I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.

Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.

For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David.
Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee.
Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers.
For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbors, I spoke peace of thee.
Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for thee.
Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; and let them that hate him flee from before his face.

Psalm 67

In the churches bless ye God the Lord, from the fountains of Israel. There is Benjamin a youth, in ecstasy of mind. The princes of Juda are their leaders: the princes of Zabulon, the princes of Nephthali. Command thy strength, O God: confirm, O God, what thou hast wrought in us. From thy temple in Jerusalem, kings shall offer presents to thee. Rebuke the wild beasts of the reeds, the congregation of bulls with the kine of the people; who seek to exclude them who are tried with silver. Scatter the nations that delight in wars: ambassadors shall come out of Egypt: Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God. Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth: sing ye to the Lord: Sing ye to God, who mounteth above the heaven of heavens, to the east. Behold he will give to his voice the voice of power: give ye glory to God for Israel, his magnificence, and his power is in the clouds. God is wonderful in his saints: the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people. Blessed be God.

Meanwhile, the Bishop sprinkles the walls a second time, at face level.

The schola sings the Antiphon:

He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.

Psalm 90

He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust. For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word. He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust. His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night. Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee. But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked. Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the most High thy refuge. There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling. For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways. In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon. Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my name. He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him. I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation.

Meanwhile the Bishop goes around the church a third time, sprinkling the walls, higher than the second time, returning to the place where he started. This done, he sprinkles on the floor of the church, beginning at the altar and going through the middle of the church to the principle door, then through both transverses.

The schola sings the following three antiphons with verses:

My house shall be called the house of prayer. V. I will declare thy name to my brethren: in the midst of the church will I praise thee. I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house. V. And the place where thy glory dwelleth. This is no other than the house of God, and the gate of heaven.

When the antiphon and sprinkling are finished, the Bishop in the middle of the church facing the main altar, the schola begins the following antiphon:

Jacob saw a ladder, touching the heights of heaven, and angels descending from it, and he said: Truly this place is holy.

The Bishop sprinkles water on the floor in the middle of the church, turning east, west, north, and then south. When the antiphon is finished, the Bishop says:

Let us pray.
Let us kneel.
R. Arise.

O God, who sanctifiest the places dedicated in thy name, pour thy grace upon this house of prayer, and let the aid of thy mercy be felt by all here who invoke thy name. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Let us pray.
Let us kneel.
R. Arise.

O God of sanctification, almighty ruler, whose goodness is perceived to be without limit; O God, who encompasses at the same time both heavenly and earthly things, preserving thy mercy for thy people walking before the sight of thy glory; hear the prayers of thy servants, that thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night; and also dedicate, O most clement one, this basilica in honor of the holy and most victorious Cross, and as a memorial of thy Saint Francis de Sales instituted for the purpose of the sacred mysteries; illumine it, O merciful one; make it bright with fitting splendor; and be pleased to admit every man coming to adore thee in this place; deign to look upon us mercifully; and, by thy great name, and thy strong hand, and thy lofty arm, freely protect the supplicants in this thy tabernacle; deign to hear them; and save them with thy eternal defense: so that always happy and always rejoicing in thy religion, in the constant confession of the Holy Trinity, they may preserve the Catholic Faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God.

The Bishop stands facing the door and says the preface:

World without end.
R. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up unto the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is meet and just so to do.

It is truly meet and just, right and profitable, for us, at all times, and in all places, to give thanks to thee, O Lord, the holy One, the Father almighty, everlasting God; be present through our prayers; be present through the sacraments; be present also through the pious works of thy servants, and through our entreaties for thy mercy. Upon this thy church, which we though unworthy consecrate under the invocation of thy holy name, in honor of the holy cross on which thy coeternal Son our Lord Jesus Christ deigned to suffer for the redemption of the world, and in memory of thy [insert name of saint in whose honor the Church is named], let thy Holy Spirit also descend, redounding in the fruitfulness of his sevenfold grace; so that, as often as thy holy name is invoked in this house, the prayers of those who call upon thee may be graciously heard by thee, holy Lord. O blessed and holy Trinity, who purifies all, cleanses all, and adorns all. O blessed majesty of God, which fills all, contains all, and orders all. O blessed and holy hand of God, which sanctifies all, blesses all, and enriches all. O God, Holy of Holies, we beseech thy mercy by the most humble devotion, so that thou may vouchsafe to purify, bless, and consecrate by the perpetual fullness of thy holiness this thy church through our humble service, in honor of the holy and most victorious cross and in memory of thy Saint Francis de Sales. Here also may priests offer sacrifices of praise to thee. Here may the vows of the faithful people be offered. Here may the burdens of sins be released, and the fallen faithful restored. In this thy house, we therefore beseech thee, O Lord, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, may the sick be healed, the infirm recuperate, the lame walk, the lepers be cleansed, the blind illuminated, and the demons cast out. Here, let the discomforts of all infirmities be driven away by thee, O Lord, and the bonds of all sins be absolved; so that all, who enter this church righteously praying for benefits, may rejoice in all that which they seek; so that, thy mercy having been granted, for which they pray, they may glory in the perpetual gift of thy compassion. Through the same Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

The Bishop proceeds to the altar, where he blesses the cement that is mixed with the blessed water.

The Lord be with thee. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. O most high God, who guards the heights, and the middle, and the depths, and who encloses every creature encircled within, sanctify and bless these creatures of limestone and sand. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

The blessed cement is reserved, but the residual water is poured out of the basin around the foot of the altar.

The Bishop then proceeds to the place where the relics were kept from the previous night

Let us pray.
Let us kneel.
R. Arise.

Take away from us all our iniquities, we beseech thee, O Lord; that, being made pure in heart we may be worthy to enter into the Holy of Holies. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Then the Bishop goes into the same place with the priests and the clergy, while the schola sings the following antiphons:

O how glorious is the kingdom, wherein all the Saints rejoice with Christ; clothed in white robes, they follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.

Another Antiphon:

Be moved, you Saints of God, from your abodes, and hasten to the places which have been prepared for you.

Another Antiphon:

Behold the people keeping judgment and doing truth; in thee have they hoped, O Lord, unto eternity.

Another Antiphon:

The way of the Saints has been made straight, and their path has been prepared.

Psalm 94

Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our savior.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
For in his hand are all the ends of the earth: and the heights of the mountains are his.
For the sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us.
For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
To day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts:
As in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Where your father tempted me, they proved me and saw my works.
Forty years long was I offended with that generation, and I said: These always err in heart.
And these men have not known my ways: so I swore in my wrath that they shall not enter into my rest. 

Let us pray.
Let us kneel.
R. Arise.

Make us, we beseech thee, O Lord, worthy to touch the parts of thy Saints especially consecrated to thee, whose patronage we desire continually to have.
R. Amen.

The procession with the relics goes out. The Bishop sings the incipit of the Antiphon; the schola continues and all join in:

With cheerfulness, you will go out, and with joy you will be led: for the mountains and hills will spring up, expecting you with joy. Alleluia.

Another Antiphon:

Arise, Saints of God, from your abodes; and sanctify these places, bless the people, and watch over us sinners in peace.

Another Antiphon:

Walk, Saints of God, and enter into the city of the Lord, for a new church has been built for you, where the people ought to worship the majesty of the Lord.

Another Antiphon:

For this is the kingdom of the heavens, where they despised the life of the world, and they looked forward to the rewards of the kingdom, and they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

At the door of the church to be consecrated, the schola remains, singing the preceding antiphons. The Bishop and others process around the outside of the church with the relics. The people follow and say:

When this is done, the Bishop sits before the doors of the church where a sermon is spoken to the people.

Dearly beloved brethren:

The Sacred Canons, the civil laws, the religious sense of the generality of the faithful, sufficiently declare what reverence is due to churches and places consecrated to God. For it is in consecrated Basilicas only that sacrifice may be offered to the Lord, by Whose command Moses consecrated the Tabernacle with the altar and table, the brazen vessels, and other utensils for the purposes of Divine worship, and we further learn from Holy Writ, that not only did he consecrate the Tabernacle, but that he anointed it with oil. In this Tabernacle none others but the consecrated Priests and the Levites, clad in sacred garments, performed their mystic functions, and offered sacrifices for the people. In after times the Christian Roman Emperors showed no less reverence for the Basilicas they had founded than did the Jewish Kings for the Temple of Solomon, excluding therefrom the noise and bustle of secular business, so that the house of prayer might be devoted to no other purpose. They further attached to them such privileges and immunities, that every sacrilegious violation thereof was visited with the most severe punishments. For it did not seem to them right that the dwelling of the Most High God should be exposed to sacrilegious outrage, or that, to use the words of very Truth, it should become a "den of thieves." It is a place of refuge, a harbor for the shipwrecked, where they may ride at anchor in safety from the storm. Hither do they come that ask for favors, and their lawful prayers are granted. Hither do those doomed to die flee for refuge, and by the entreaties of the Priests obtain the pardon of their evil deeds. You will, therefore, dearest brethren, enter the churches dedicated to God with great reverence, and offer therein to the Lord the sacrifice of a heart cleansed from guilt. This church you have founded, to which the Supreme Pontiffs have granted privileges, and which you have humbly besought us to consecrate, is one of these Basilicas. Now we, yielding to your reasonable petition, do consecrate it in honor of God Almighty, of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and of all the Saints, and in the memory of St. Francis de Sales. In the altar thereof we have determined, with God's blessing, to place the Relics of Saints Auxilius, Casta and Aucta, and all who devoutly visit them may obtain a partial indulgence.

I further remind you, dearest brethren, that you should pay to the full to the Priests and churches the tithes which are a tribute to God. The Lord claims them for Himself, in token of His universal dominion. Listen to St. Augustine:

Tithes are a tribute paid for the need of our souls. If you pay tithes, you shall be rewarded, not only with increase of store, but with health of soul and body. For it is not gain, but a token of subjection God requires at our hands. He, our God, Who has been pleased to bestow upon us all we have, is content to receive from us a tenth in return, not for His own, but for our advantage. But if it be sinful to be slow in paying, how much greater the guilt of withholding them? Pay the tithe of what accrues to you from military service, from your trade or handicraft. For as by paying tithes you ensure to yourself both earthly and heavenly rewards, why should you suffer covetousness to rob yourself of a twofold blessing? For God's dealings are most fair; if you refuse Him the tithe, He will strip you of all but a tithe. You shalt yield perforce to a brutal soldier what you withhold from the Priest; the public treasury will swallow up what has been refused Christ. 'Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord,' by the Prophet, 'and I will turn to you. And you have said, wherein shall we turn? Shall a man rob God? Yet do you rob Me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and first- fruits. Ye are cursed with dearth, for you have robbed Me, even the whole nation of you. Bring all the tithes into My storehouse, let there be food in My house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord, if I will not open unto you the flood-gates of the heavens and pour out unto you a blessing until there be not room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your land, neither shall your vine be barren in the field, saith the Lord of Armies. And all nations shall call you blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, saith the Lord of Hosts."

Let us then beware of God's anger, and pay tithes as the tribute due to God, nor forego the rewards we look for, for a momentary profit. Allow, then, dearest brethren, these truths to sink deep into your minds, and cheerfully put them into practice, that so ye may deserve eternal good things in reward of temporal benefactions.

The Archdeacon reads the following decree of the holy Council of Trent: Session XXV., Chap. XII., On Reformation

"Those are not to be borne who, by various artifices, endeavor to withhold the tithes accruing to the churches; nor those who rashly take possession of, and apply to their own use, the tithes which have to be paid by others, whereas the payment of tithes is due to God; and they who refuse to pay them, or hinder those who give them, usurp the property of another. Wherefore, the holy Synod enjoins on all, of whatsoever rank and condition they be, to whom it belongs to pay tithes, that they henceforth pay in full the tithes, to which they are bound in law, to the cathedral church, or to whatsoever other churches or persons they are lawfully due. And they who either withhold them, or hinder them from being paid, shall be excommunicated; nor be absolved from this crime, until after full restitution has been made. It further exhorts all and each, that, of their Christian charity, and the duty which they owe to their own pastors, they grudge not, out of the good things that are given them by God, to assist bountifully those Bishops and Parish Priests who preside over the poorer churches; to the praise of God, and to maintain the dignity of their own pastors who watch for them."

Lord, have mercy.

The Bishop stands and turns to the east, saying:

Let us pray.
Let us kneel. R. Arise.

We beseech thee, O Lord, to come into thy house with mercy; and build for thyself a perpetual abode in the hearts of thy faithful people; and grant that this house, which exists with solemnity by thy dedication, may be made exalted by thy habitation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Bishop dips cotton in the Holy Chrism and signs the door of the church in the manner of a cross, saying:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. O Door, be blessed, sanctified, consecrated, sealed, and commemorated to the Lord God; O Door, be an entrance of salvation and of peace; O Door, be a peaceful entrance, through Him, who called Himself the Door, Jesus Christ our Lord, who together with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, God, world without end. R. Amen.

The priests lift the bier with the relics and enter in the church processing with the clerics and people. The Bishop begins the following antiphon and is joined by the schola:

Enter in, O Saints of God, for a dwelling-place for you has been prepared by God: and indeed, the faithful people joyfully follow your way; that you may pray for us before the majesty of the Lord. Alleluia.

Another Antiphon:

The souls of the saints rejoice in heaven, who followed the footsteps of Christ; and because they shed their blood for love of him, thus with Christ they rejoice exceedingly without end.

When coming to the altar where the relics will be set, the relics in the bier are set near the altar with lit torches near them. The Bishop stands before the altar and begins the following antiphon:

The saints shall rejoice in glory: they shall be joyful in their beds.

Psalm 149

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: let his praise be in the church of the saints.
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king.
Let them praise his name in choir: let them sing to him with the timbrel and the psaltery.
For the Lord is well pleased with his people: and he will exalt the meek unto salvation.
The saints shall rejoice in glory: they shall be joyful in their beds.
The high praises of God shall be in their mouth: and two-edged swords in their hands:
To execute vengeance upon the nations, chastisements among the people:
To bind their kings with fetters, and their nobles with manacles of iron.
To execute upon them the judgment that is written: this glory is to all his saints.

Psalm 150

Praise ye the Lord in his holy places: praise ye him in the firmament of his power.
Praise ye him for his mighty acts: praise ye him according to the multitude of his greatness.
Praise him with sound of trumpet: praise him with psaltery and harp.
Praise him with timbrel and choir: praise him with strings and organs.
Praise him on high sounding cymbals: praise him on cymbals of joy:
let every spirit praise the Lord.

The Bishop turns to the altar and says:

Let us pray. O God, who in each place of thy dominion dost stand near as a merciful and benign consecrator, graciously hear us, we beseech thee, and grant that the consecration of this place may remain inviolable; and may the community of the faithful, which prays to thee, be deemed worthy to receive the benefits of thy gifts. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Related Posts:

• Consecration of a Church in the Traditional Manner: Part I
• Consecration of a Church in the Traditional Manner: Part III
• Consecration of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter's Seminary Chapel in the Traditional Rite

Read more >>

Holy Saturday Sermon

From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday:

Something strange is happening -- there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.

He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve. The Lord approached them bearing the Cross, the weapon that had won him the victory. At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: 'My Lord be with you all.' Christ answered him: 'And with your spirit.' He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: 'Awake, o sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'

I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. Out of love for you and your descendants I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, all who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise. I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be held a prisoner in Hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Rise up, work of my hands, you who were created in my image. Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in Me and I in you; together we form one person and cannot be separated.

For your sake I, your God, became your son; I, the Lord, took the form of a slave; I, Whose home is above the heavens, descended to the earth and beneath the earth. For your sake, for the sake of man, I became like a man without help, free among the dead. For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed to the Jews in a garden, and I was crucified in a garden.

See on My Face the spittle I received in order to restore to you the life I once breathed into you. See there the marks of the blows I received in order to refashion your warped nature in my image. On My back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back. See My hands, nailed firmly to a tree, for you who once wickedly stretched out your hand to a tree.

I slept on the cross and a sword pierced My side for you who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side has healed the pain in yours. My sleep will rouse you from your sleep in Hell. The sword that pierced Me has sheathed the sword that was turned against you.

Rise. Let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise. I will not restore you to that paradise, but will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you. I appointed cherubim to guard you as slaves are guarded, but now I make them worship you as God. The throne formed by cherubim awaits you, its bearers swift and eager. The bridal chamber is adorned, the banquet is ready, the eternal dwelling places are prepared, the treasure houses of all good things lie open. The kingdom of heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity.

Read more >>

Stabat Mater

Read more >>

A Secret Hidden by Our Government: Sitting Bull was Catholic

The Eponymous Flower has a fantastic post on the topic of Sitting Bull and the Dakota people who were Catholics. 

Sitting Bull was a fascinating and successful War leader of the Dakota people who gave the US Army one of its few decisive defeats in the Indian Wars, by crushing General Custer and his cavalry squadrons at the Battle of Little Big Horn.   There is a famous picture, which was cropped, to conceal the crucifix he wore.

The U.S. government has refused to recognize the fact that the Lakota were disposed toward Catholicism, and initially refused chief Red Clouds petitions to bring in the "Black Gowns" since the government had only authorized Episcopalians to proselytize to the Natives.

Read more >>

Martyrdom of St. Alexander of Bergamo

Please take a moment to meditate upon this glorious painting entitled The Martyrdom of St. Alexander of Bergamo painted by Ponziano Loverini.  After his glorious matrydom, "his body was found by a noble woman of the place (St. Grata) who recognized it because of the flowers growing up from his blood."

"St. Asteria is the patron of Bergamo in Lombardy in Italy.  She was the sister of St. Grata of Bergamo where, during the time of the persecutions under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, they both were responsible for burying the body of St. Alexander.  St. Grata was put to death for her deed, with Asteria also being responsible for the burial of her remains.  In 307, shortly after her sister’s martyrdom, St. Asteria was arrested, tortured and beheaded" (Source)

Writing of St. Alexander, the Martyrology of August 26 states, "At Bergamo in Lombardy, St. Alexander, martyr, who was one of the same legion, and endured martyrdom, being beheaded for the constant confession of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Ora pro nobis!

Read more >>