All Holy Popes (Mass in Some Places)

Few people recall that July 4th is the Mass of All Holy Popes in some places in the world, according to the traditional calendar, in addition to being within the Octave of Ss. Peter and Paul.  It is unfortunate that a quick internet search also reveals that few English websites have any information on this feast at all.  In fact, the only substantial reference is to the 1960 Breviarium general norms which state, "124. Likewise, red is used in the office and Mass of feasts: ... d) of the commemoration of all holy popes..."

Why celebrate this feast though on July 4th?  An Italian source from 1719 describes it as the result of the Octave of Ss. Peter and Paul: "On Sunday after the Octave of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is solemnly celebrated as a double in the Vatican Basilica the Universal commemoration of all of the holy Popes of the Roman Church with its proper office granted by the Sacred Congregration of Rites on March 20, 1683..." (translation of Emerologio Di Roma Cristiana, Ecclesiastica, e Gentile by Claudio Salvucci via Facebook)

In honor of this Feast, I present a list of all canonized popes of the Church.  Let us make out of this list a litany of prayers.  After each name say "pray for us" or "ora pro nobis".

1. St. Peter (32-67)
2. St. Linus (67-76)
3. St. Anacletus (Cletus) (76-88)
4. St. Clement I (88-97)
5. St. Evaristus (97-105)
6. St. Alexander I (105-115)
7. St. Sixtus I (115-125)
8. St. Telesphorus (125-136)
9. St. Hyginus (136-140)
10. St. Pius I (140-155)
11. St. Anicetus (155-166)
12. St. Soter (166-175)
13. St. Eleutherius (175-189)
14. St. Victor I (189-199)
15. St. Zephyrinus (199-217)
16. St. Callistus I (217-22)
17. St. Urban I (222-30)
18. St. Pontain (230-35)
19. St. Anterus (235-36)
20. St. Fabian (236-50)
21. St. Cornelius (251-53)
22. St. Lucius I (253-54)
23. St. Stephen I (254-257)
24. St. Sixtus II (257-258)
25. St. Dionysius (260-268)
26. St. Felix I (269-274)
27. St. Eutychian (275-283)
28. St. Caius (283-296)
29. St. Marcellinus (296-304)
30. St. Marcellus I (308-309)
31. St. Eusebius (309 or 310)
32. St. Miltiades (311-14)
33. St. Sylvester I (314-35)
34. St. Mark (Marcus) (336)
35. St. Julius I (337-52)
36. St. Damasus I (366-83)
37. St. Siricius (384-99)
38. St. Anastasius I (399-401)
39. St. Innocent I (401-17)
40. St. Zosimus (417-18)
41. St. Boniface I (418-22)
42. St. Celestine I (422-32)
43. St. Sixtus III (432-40)
44. St. Leo I (the Great) (440-61)
45. St. Hilarius (461-68)
46. St. Simplicius (468-83)
47. St. Felix III (II) (483-92)
48. St. Gelasius I (492-96)
49. St. Symmachus (498-514)
50. St. Hormisdas (514-23)
51. St. John I (523-26)
52. St. Felix IV (III) (526-30)
53. St. Agapetus I (535-36)
54. St. Silverius (536-37)
55. St. Gregory I (the Great) (590-604)
56. St. Boniface IV (608-15)
57. St. Deusdedit (Adeodatus I) (615-18)
58. St. Martin I (649-55)
59. St. Eugene I (655-57)
60. St. Vitalian (657-72)
61. St. Agatho (678-81)
62. St. Leo II (682-83)
63. St. Benedict II (684-85)
64. St. Sergius I (687-701)
65. St. Gregory II (715-31)
66. St. Gregory III (731-41)
67. St. Paul I (757-67)
68. St. Leo III (795-816)
69. St. Paschal I (817-24)
70. St. Leo IV (847-55)
71. St. Adrian III (884-85)
72. St. Leo IX (1049-54)
73. St. Gregory VII (1073-1085)
74. St. Celestine V (1294)
75. St. Pius V (1566-72)
76. St. Pius X (1903-14)

Traditional Mass Propers for the Mass of All Holy Popes.

INTROIT Ps. 49: 5-7
Gather ye together His saints to Him, who have set His Covenant before sacrifices. And the heavens shall declare His justice, because I am thy God.
Ps. 49:1. The God of gods, the Lord, hath spoken and hath called the earth.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT
O God, Who bountifully providest for Thy people, and lovingly rulest over them, do Thou, through the interceding merits of the Chief Bishops of Thy Church, give the Spirit of Wisdom to those unto whom Thou hast given the control of its discipline, that the good advance of their holy flocks may be to the Shepherds a source of everlasting joy. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Heb. 13:7-17
Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ, yesterday, and today: and the same for ever. Be not led away with various and strange doctrines. For it is best that the heart be established with grace, not with meats: which have not profited those that walk in them. We have an altar whereof they have no power to eat who serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holies by the high priest for sin are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people by his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore to him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For, we have not here a lasting city: but we seek one that is to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise always to God, that is to say, the fruit of lips confessing to his name. And do not forget to do good and to impart: for by such sacrifices God's favour is obtained. Obey your prelates and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls: that they may do this with joy and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you.

GRADUAL Ps. 8:6, 7
Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor. And hast set him over the works of Thy hands, O Lord.  Alleluia, alleluia! This is the priest whom the Lord hath crowned. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 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 ANTIPHON Ps. 88:21-22
I have found David My servant, with My holy oil I have anointed him, for My hand shall help him, and Mine arm shall strengthen him.

SECRET
May the spotless sacrifice of Thine only-begotten Son which we offer unto Thee, O God, the Father Almighty, in honor of the holy Pontiffs, help us to obtain the spiritual remedy. Through our Lord . . .

Preface of the Apostles
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, suppliantly to entreat you, Lord, that you, eternal Shepherd, do not desert your flock, but that through your blessed Apostles you watch over it and protect it always, so that it may be governed by those you have appointed shepherds to lead it in the name of {as representatives in/substitutes for} your work. And so, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven, as we sing the hymn of your glory without end we acclaim.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 88:25
My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his horn be exalted.

POSTCOMMUNION
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that Thy faithful people may ever find joy in the veneration of Thy holy Pontiffs, and be protected by their unceasing prayer. Through our Lord . . .

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Indulgences for Teaching and Learning Christian Doctrine

A "Solemn Obligation" Given by the Church

As stated by Holy Mother Church, "The faithful who devote twenty minutes to a half hour to teaching or studying Christian Doctrine may gain: an indulgence of 3 years.  The indulgence is plenary on the usual conditions twice a month, if the above practice is carried out at least twice a month."

The Church not only bestows upon parents the responsibility to educate their children, but She offers all the Faithful involved in learning and teaching religious Doctrine the temporal remission of sins. How truly generous Holy Mother Church is.  Many times when we are given an obligation and we perform, we do not receive a great reward for doing our duty.  But in this instance, we are given, for the performance of this duty, the partial remission of the punishment due to our sins. 

Teaching Christian Doctrine is also forgotten as a spiritual work of mercy.  Not everyone is considered capable or obligated to perform the first three spiritual works of mercy if they do not have proper tact, knowledge or training to do so. The last four are considered to be the obligation of all people without condition:

1. To instruct the ignorant;
2. To counsel the doubtful;
3. To admonish sinners;
4. To bear wrongs patiently;
5. To forgive offenses willingly;
6. To comfort the afflicted;
7. To pray for the living and the dead.

And we must not forget the obligation placed specifically on parents for raising their children in the Faith.  As stated in the following document by John Paul II, it is a "solemn obligation."

Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it.

But this idea of a responsibility to teach and promulgate the Sacred Deposit of the Faith dates to the very beginning of the Church, far before the time of Pope John Paul II. His Holiness Pope Leo XIII's Sapientiae Christianae (1890) explained the necessity of spreading the Faithful quite clearly:

15. ... Now, faith, as a virtue, is a great boon of divine grace and goodness; nevertheless, the objects themselves to which faith is to be applied are scarcely known in any other way than through the hearing. "How shall they believe Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Faith then cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Since, then, faith is necessary for salvation, it follows that the word of Christ must be preached. The office, indeed, of preaching, that is, of teaching, lies by divine right in the province of the pastors, namely, of the bishops whom "the Holy Spirit has placed to rule the Church of God." It belongs, above all, to the Roman Pontiff, vicar of Jesus Christ, established as head of the universal Church, teacher of all that pertains to morals and faith.

16. No one, however, must entertain the notion that private individuals are prevented from taking some active part in this duty of teaching, especially those on whom God has bestowed gifts of mind with the strong wish of rendering themselves useful. These, so often as circumstances demand, may take upon themselves, not, indeed, the office of the pastor, but the task of communicating to others what they have themselves received, becoming, as it were, living echoes of their masters in the faith. Such co-operation on the part of the laity has seemed to the Fathers of the [First] Vatican Council so opportune and fruitful of good that they thought well to invite it. "All faithful Christians, but those chiefly who are in a prominent position, or engaged in teaching, we entreat, by the compassion of Jesus Christ, and enjoin by the authority of the same God and Saviour, that they bring aid to ward off and eliminate these errors from holy Church, and contribute their zealous help in spreading abroad the light of undefiled faith." Let each one, therefore, bear in mind that he both can and should, so far as may be, preach the Catholic faith by the authority of his example, and by open and constant profession of the obligations it imposes. In respect, consequently, to the duties that bind us to God and the Church, it should be borne earnestly in mind that in propagating Christian truth and warding off errors the zeal of the laity should, as far as possible, be brought actively into play.

Resources for Teaching and Learning the Faith:

For those of you interested in teaching and learning the Sacred Doctrines of the Faith, I would ask for you to consider the curriculum of CatechismClass.com.  The company is supported by several faithful Catholic bishops and has even appeared on EWTN.

The lessons follow a 7-step format with a final test at the end of each lesson.  Each lesson will guide you through the following:

1. Introduction, Saint for the Day based on Liturgical Calendar, Description of the Lesson Topic
2. Opening Prayer (For adults a decade of the Rosary; For children, it is another prayer).  Typically it is learned in both Latin and English
3. Lectionary (Link to Daily Readings and mention of Scripture that concern the lesson topic)
4. Catechism References (as they relate to the lesson's topic) from the CCC 2nd Edition and the Baltimore Catechism (in addition to the Catechism of the Council of Trent and Pius X Catechism)
5. Lesson (A personally written section that explains and expands upon the Lectionary and Catechism in light of the Church teaching, beliefs, writings of the saints, etc)
6. Activity
7. Closing Prayer (For adults the Divine Office; For children, it is a decade of the Rosary)

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Salvete Christi Vulnera

In honor of the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, I present the following Little Chapter and Hymn from today's Office of Lauds.  The Hymn is the beautiful hymn "Salvete Christi Vulnera." It is important to note that on years like 2012 when the Feast of the Most Precious Blood falls on a Sunday, the Feast of the Precious Blood supersedes the Propers for the Sunday.

This feast was instituted in 1849 by Pope Pius IX and was raised to the rank of a double of the first class by Pius XI on the occasion of the nineteenth centenary of our Savior's death.

We are reminded of the scene of Calvary and of the blow from the lance which pierced our Savior's side. The liturgy today is at pains to emphasize the meaning and tremendous significance of this fact in relation with our salvation. The Gospel and the Epistle are concerned with our Redemption, effected by the Blood and the love of our Savior.

STAND
Capitulum           Hebr. 9. 11-12. Fratres : Christus assístens Póntifex futurórum bonórum, per ámplius et perféctius tabernáculum non manufáctum, id est, non hujus creatiónis : neque per sánguinem hircórum aut vitulórum, sed per próprium sánguinem introívit semel in Sancta, ætérna redemptióne invénta. R.  Deo grátias.	The Little Chapter        Hebr. 9. 11-12. Brethren : Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, (that is to say, not of this building; nor yet by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own Blood,) he entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. R.  Thanks be to God.
HymnusSalvéte, Christi vúlnera, Imménsi amóris pígnora Quibus perénnes rívuli Manant rubéntis sánguinis. Nitóre stellas víncitis Rosas odóre et bálsama, Prétio lapíllos Indicos, Mellis favos dulcédine. Per vos patet gratíssimum Nostris asylum méntibus; Non huc furor minántium Umquam penétrat hóstium. Quot Jesus in prætório Flagélla nudus éxcipit! Quot scissa pellis úndique Stillat cruóris gúttulas! Frontem venústam, proh dolor! Coróna pungit spínea, Clavi retúsa cúspide Pedes manúsque pérforant. Postquam sed ille trádidit Amans volénsque spíritum, Pectus ferítur láncea, Geminúsque liquor éxsilit. Ut plena sit redémptio, Sub torculári stríngitur; Suíque Jesus ímmemor, Sibi nil resérvat sánguinis. Veníte quotquot críminum Funésta labes ínficit; In hoc salútis bálneo Qui se lavat, mundábitur. Sequens Conclusio numquam mutátur. Summi ad Paréntis déxteram Sedénti habénda est grátia, Qui nos redémit sánguine, Sanctóque firmat Spíritu.  Amen.	The Hymn Hail, holy wounds of Jesus, hail, Sweet pledges of the saving Rood, Whence flow the streams that never fail, The purple streams of his dear Blood! Brighter than brightest stars ye shew; Than sweetest rose your scent more rare; No Indian gem may match your glow; Nor honey's taste with yours compare. Portals ye are to that dear home Wherein our wearied souls may hide, Whereto no angry foe can come, The Heart of Jesus crucified. What countless stripes our Jesus bore, All naked left in Pilate's hall! From his torn flesh how red a shower Did round his sacred person fall! O shame and woe! his comely head Was riven by a thorny crown; Upon the Cross, by woundings dread, His hands and feet were nailed down. But when for our poor sakes he died, A willing Priest by love subdued, And that sharp lance transfixed his side, Forth flowed the Water and the Blood. In full atonement of our guilt, Careless of self, the Saviour trod, E'en till his Heart's best Blood was spilt, The wine-press of the wrath of God. Come, bathe you in the healing flood, All ye who mourn, by sin oppressed; Your only hope is Jesus' Blood, His sacred Heart your only rest. This Ending is never changed. All praise to him, Eternal Son, At God's right hand enthroned above, Whose Blood our full redemption won, Whose Spirit seals the gift of love.  Amen.

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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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Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Declared Venerable

Image Source: Facebook Page of Andy Schmalen

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's Cause of Canonization.  On June 28, 2012, the Holy Father officially declared Fulton J Sheen as "Venerable", bringing him one step closer to sainthood.

In a private audience today with prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato, Pope Benedict XVI approved the “heroic virtue” Fulton J. Sheen, thereby officially opening his cause for canonization.

The American archbishop and former bishop of Rochester New York lived from 1895-1979. He was best known his 20 years of evangelical work on radio and television. Before Archbishop Sheen’s cause can advance towards beatification, the Pope must approve at least one miracle attributed to his intercession.

Others honored in the same decree as servants of God include the first prelate of the Personal Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei, Alvaro del Portillo y Diez de Sollano (1914-1994), a Canadian widow and founder of the Handmaidens of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Marie of the Sacred Heart (1806-1885), and American founder of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, Mary Angeline Teresa (1893-1984). There were also a number of martyrs on the list, including 154 martyrs of the Spanish civil war.

Zenit News

CatechismClass.com proudly include excerpts from Sheen's many literary masterpieces, including his Life of Christ, throughout its lessons.

We are all very pleased to celebrate this year the 10th Anniversary of the Opening of his cause.  Please join with us in praying for his canonization.

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication.  You have blessed your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.  He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.

If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint.  We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen

Imprimatur:

+Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
Bishop of Peoria

In honor of the life of the Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen, CatechismClass.com is offering 30% off on its summary of Sheen's Life is Worth Living and their series on The Life of Christ. 

Simply enter discount code SheenCause10 and receive 30% off either of these items.  This discount, which is in honor of Fulton J Sheen's Cause of Canonization, will only last for a week!

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Fr. John Berg on Ss Peter and Paul and the Fraternity's Coat of Arms

Today is the Vigil of Ss Peter and Paul.  Here is a recent Letter from the Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Fr. John Berg, on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul.  It is worth reading on this day:

This month of June closes with the great feast of Saints Peter and Paul on the 29th. Those who have visited Rome know firsthand the importance to the Eternal City of these two great martyrs. Because the rite we celebrate is truly Roman, this feast has also always held a particular pride of place in the liturgical calendar.

It is, of course, also the principle feast of our Fraternity of St. Peter, and we have considered ourselves fortunate to have such a great intercessor and example in the Prince of the Apostles. The choice of taking on the title of St. Peter for our institute was really a rather audacious one. Just as no Pope has dared to take the name Peter II for two millennia, so too, no institute or religious order has taken the title of the one chosen to be the first Vicar of Christ. But given the circumstances of our inception, our founders were encouraged to choose as our patron the one upon whom Christ chose to build His Church.

Continue reading...

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Fr. Francis Gallagher's (SSPX) 25th Anniversary of Ordination

St. Vincent de Paul Church in Kansas City, MO joyfully celebrated the 25th priestly ordination anniversary of Fr. Francis Gallagher with a Solemn Mass and banquet in the parish hall on Sunday, June 24.

These photos of Fr. Gallagher are from the website of the SSPX.

 May the God of life pour out grace upon him,
may he feel God’s hand upon him
and be strengthened by the things God’s loving presence.

May the Son of God be Lord in all his ways;
may Christ shepherd him,
and in his heart may Jesus receive the praise.

We pray that God’s grace will abound
and that the fullness of Christ’s love
will continue to be shared through him.

May God the Holy Spirit comfort him, and make him strong,
and may in his heart the Spirit of love be a song.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.+

[Adapted from a Celtic blessing.]

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SSPX June 2012 Ordination Photos

On the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday, July 15, 2012, a total of 8 new priests and 12 new deacons were ordained by Bishop Bernard Tissier de Mallerais at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Winona, Minnesota.  Please join me in praying for these priests to always remain close to the Sacred Heart of our Lord.  May they always remain a priest after His Most Holy Heart.  A list of the names of these new priests is available by clicking here.

Image Source: SSPX USA District Website

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First Holy Communions for the SSPX in Phoenix, Arizona & Edmonds, Washington

Please keep this children in your prayers as they have received the Sacred Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.  May they always remain close to the Sacred Heart of our Lord.

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds, hide me. Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me. At the hour of death, call me. To come to Thee, bid me, That I may praise Thee in the company Of Thy Saints, for all eternity. Amen.		Anima Christi, sanctifica me. Corpus Christi, salva me. Sanguis Christi, inebria me. Aqua lateris Christi, lava me. Passio Christi, conforta me. O bone Iesu, exaudi me. Intra tua vulnera absconde me. Ne permittas me separari a te. Ab hoste maligno defende me. In hora mortis meae voca me. Et iube me venire ad te, Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Phoenix, AR (Our Lady of Sorrows)

Photo Source


Edmonds, Washington (Corpus Christi Church)

 
 Photo Source

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Blessing of a Bonfire for St. John's Eve

The following is an excerpt from the book My Nameday, Come for Dessert containing suggested family prayers for St. John's Eve:

Blessing of a bonfire.  This blessing may be conferred by the priest outside of the church on the vigil of St. John's feast.  A parent may lead the prayer after lighting a family bonfire.

Father:  O Lord God, Father almighty, unfailing ray and source of all light, sanctify this new fire, and grant that after the darkness of this life we may come unsullied to You who are Light eternal. Through Christ our Lord.

All:  Amen.

Family prayers on the vigil.

Father:  I summoned you from your father's house, says the Lord, and made you shepherd of My people

All:  I granted you such renown as comes only to the greatest on earth, and no longer did your enemies trouble you.

Father:  From the writings of St. Ambrose:
Holy Scripture teaches us to praise not only the lives of those whom we honor, but also the lives of their parents.  Then that flawless purity which has been handed down to them as an inheritance will stand out even more clearly in those whom we would praise.  What other intention can the evangelist have had in the passage of the Gospel read today, save that of making John the Baptist renowned for his parents as well as for his miracles, his way of life, his mission and his death?

All:  Our hearts must wait in readiness on the Lord and serve Him only.  Then will He deliver us from our enemies' power.

Father:  Let us pray. Grant, almighty God, that Your household may tread the path of salvation, and by following the counsel of John the Precursor, come safely to Him whose coming he foretold, Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You forever.

All:  Amen.  Christ conquers, Christ reigns!

Image Source: Transalpine Redemptorists at Home

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