Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

As June 24th approaches, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the last of the prophets, similarly advances. Along with solely the sinless Blessed Virgin Mary and our Lord Jesus Christ, the Church remembers the birth of St. John the Baptist. Together, the Church only liturgically celebrates these three holy births.

In the Traditional Catholic Calendar, June 23 is the Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. From the propers of the Mass for June 23, the Introit occupies a place of importance, expressing comfort and hope:

Fear not, Zachary; thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John; and he shall be great before the Lord, and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mother's womb; and many shall rejoice at his birth. V. (Ps. 20: 2) In Thy strength, O Lord, the king shall joy; and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly. 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. Fear not, Zachary...

Please see my post from last year and attempt to participate in the ancient tradition of a Bonfire this evening.

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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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Lauds of St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Please join me in praying Lauds this morning in honor of St. Aloysius Gonzaga's whose feastday is today.  St. Aloysius Gonzaga was canonized on December 31, 1726, Rome, Italy by Pope Benedict XIII. His relics are entombed under the altar of Saint Ignatius Church in Rome.

Prayer:

Lauds
V.  Justum dedúxit Dóminus per vias rectas. R.  Et osténdit illi regnum Dei.	V.  The Lord guided the righteous in right paths. R.  And shewed him the kingdom of God.
Ad Bened. Ant:  Euge, serve bone * et fidélis, quia in pauca fuísti fidélis, supra multa te constítuam, intra in gáudium Dómini tui.	Ant. on Bened:  Well done, good and faithful servant: * thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy Lord.
BENEDICTUS	THE BENEDICTUS
Oremus. Cæléstium donórum distribútor, Deus, qui in angélico júvene Aloísio miram vitæ innocéntiam pari cum pœniténtia sociásti : ejus méritis et précibus concéde ; ut, innocéntem non secúti, pœniténtem imitémur.  Per Dóminum.	Let us pray. O God, the giver of all spiritual gifts, who in the angelic youth of thy blessed Saint Aloysius didst unite a wondrous penitence to a wondrous innocence of life : grant, by his merits and intercession ; that although we have not followed the pattern of his innocence, yet we may imitate the example of his penitence.  Through.

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Tridentine Mass in Calumet City, IL (June 2012)

Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, said the regularly scheduled First Saturday Traditional Latin Mass at St. Andrew's Church in Calumet City, IL on June 2, Ember Saturday in the octave of Pentecost.

The Ecclesia Choir, conducted by Mr. Timothy Woods, sang 'Missa Super Laudate Dominum' by Orlando de Lassus, while the regular schola of six years chanted the propers of the Mass. This marked the sixth anniversary of the Latin Mass in this location, which was started in June 2006. St. Andrew's is located at 768 Lincoln Avenue in Calumet City, Illinois. The regular celebrant of this mass is Fr. Bernard Danber, O.S.A., but occasionally there is an alternate celebrant.

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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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Traditional Mass Propers: Sunday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart (Third Sunday after Pentecost)

Vestments: White

The 1962 Missal used with Green Vestments for Third Sunday after Pentecost. Pre-1954 would be white vestments for the Sunday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart.

INTROIT
Psalms 24: 16, 18
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 . . . -- Look Thou upon me . . .

COLLECT - O God, the Protector of those who put their trust in Thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: multiply upon us Thy mercy, that with Thee as our ruler, and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we may not lose those which are eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF THE FEAST OF THE MOST SACRED HEART- 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 Commemoration 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
I Peter 5. 6-11
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 seeking 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.

GRADUAL
Ps. 54. 23, 17, 19
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 was lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders rejoicing an 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 more joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon niney-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
Psalms 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 - Look, O Lord, upon the gifts of Thy suppliant Church: and grant that they may with constant hallowing be received unto the salvation of those who believe. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF THE FEAST OF THE MOST 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 the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . .

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
Luke 5:10 
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 our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF THE FEAST OF THE MOST SACRED HEART- 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 . . .

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US Ordinations for the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX)

Ordinations to the priesthood of Our Lord Jesus Christ at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, Winona, MN.  Please pray for these deacons to be ordained to the priesthood today, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of our Lord. 

Please join me in praying for these men as they receive Ordination to the Priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For the SSPX

Rev. Mr. Nicholas Gardner

Rev. Mr. Leo Haynos

Rev. Mr. Christopher Polley

Rev. Mr. Scott Graves

Rev. Mr. John McFarland

Rev. Mr. Steven Reuter

For the Benedictines of Silver City, NM

Br. Elias Campbell, OSB

Br. Andrew Menage, OSB

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Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral (May 5, 2012)

Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass and Crowning of Our Lady at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral last May 5, 2012, after the conclusion of the Annual May Procession. Mass was sung by the choir and choristers of St. Stephen the First Martyr Parish of Sacramento, California, USA. Father McNeely, FSSP, celebrant, is the pastoral administrator of St. Stephen the First Martyr in Sacramento.

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St. Anthony & the Mule: A Eucharistic Miracle

St Anthony of Padua The Miracle of the Mule by Joseph the Younger Heintz

A story of St. Anthony involves a mule. While St. Anthony was preaching, a local heretic came to him and stated that he would not believe in Our Lord's Real Presence in the Eucharist unless a mule would kneel before the Blessed Sacrament. St. Anthony prayed and then brought a mule to the heretic. In St. Anthony's right hand was the Blessed Sacrament, and in his left, he held oats. The mule refused the oats and knelt before the Blessed Sacrament. The heretic repented and submitted himself to the Catholic Church.

St. Anthony died on June 13, 1231, at a young age. On January 19, 1946, St. Anthony was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony:

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

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Traditional Mass Propers: Second Sunday after Pentecost (Sunday within the Octave of Corpus Christi)

Vestments: Green

INTROIT
Psalms 17: 19, 20
The Lord became my protector, and He brought me forth into a large place: He saved me, because He was well pleased with me. -- (Ps. 17. 2, 3). I will love Thee, O Lord my strength: the Lord is my firmament, and my refuge, and my deliverer. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . The Lord became my protector . . .

COLLECT

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 liveth and reigneth . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

O God, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us the memorial of Thy Passion; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood as to experience continually within ourselves the fruit of Thy Redemption. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

(unless the Feast of Corpus Christi is transferred to the 2nd Sunday After Pentecost, in which case only the propers for the Feast are said today) 

EPISTLE
I John 3. 13-18
Dearly beloved, Wonder not if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in himself. In this we have known the charity of God, because He hath laid down His live for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. He that hath the substance of this world, and shall see his brethren in need, and shall shut up his bowels from him, how doth the charity of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

GRADUAL
Ps. 119: 1, 2

In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He heard me. V.: O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips and a deceitful tongue. Alleluia, alleluia. V.(Ps. 17. 2). O Lord, my God, in Thee have I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Luke 14: 16-24
At that time, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees this parable: A certain man made a great supper, and invited many. And he sent his servant, at the hour of supper, to say to them that were invited, that they should come, for now all things were ready. And they began all at once to make excuse. The first said to him: I have bought a farm, and must needs go out, and see it; I pray thee hold me excused. And another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to try them; I pray thee hold me excused. And another said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. And the servant returning, told these things to his lord. Then the master of the house being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the feeble, and the blind, and the lame. And the servant said: Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said to the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. But I say unto you, that none of these men that were invited shall taste of my supper.

OFFERTORY
Psalms 6:5
Turn to me, O Lord, and deliver my soul, O save me for Thy mercy's sake.

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

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Graciously bestow on Thy Church, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gifts of unity and peace, which are mystically shown forth in the gifts now offered. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

PREFACE (Preface of the Most Holy Trinity)

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks 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
Ps 12:6 I will sing to the Lord, who giveth me good things: and I will sing to the Name of the Lord Most High.

POST COMMUNION 

We who have receive the sacred Gifts, beseech Thee, O Lord, that by the frequenting of the Mystery, the fruit of our salvation may increase. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

COMMEMORATION OF OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

Make us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to be filled with the eternal enjoyment of Thy Divinity, which is prefigured by the reception in this life of Thy precious Body and Blood. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

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