The Holy Cross Missal
Propers and Commons of Various Feasts and Fasts Not Included in the Book of Common Prayer together with the Ordinary and Canon of the Mass, Requiems, and Other Votive Masses.
West Park, New York: Holy Cross Press, 1920.
THE COMMON OF SAINTS
I. COMMON OF VIGILS OF APOSTLES
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God: that the reverend solemnity of blessed N .... thine Apostle [and Evangelist,] to which we are now coming, may both increase our devotion and also advance our salvation. Through.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. xliv: 22
The blessing of the Lord was upon the head of the righteous. Therefore the Lord gave him an heritage, and divided his portion among the twelve tribes: and he found favour in the sight of all flesh. And he magnified him, so that his enemies stood in fear of him. By his words he caused the wonders to cease, he made him glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed him part of his glory. He sanctified him in his faithfulness and meekness, and chose him out of all men. He gave him commandments before his face, even the law of life and knowledge, and exalted him. An everlasting covenant he made with him; the Lord beautified him with comely ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.
The Gospel, St. John xv: 12
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
The Post Communion
O Lord, forasmuch as thou hast showed thy favour unto thy people through the prayers of thy holy Apostle [and Evangelist] grant unto us both pardon and everlasting salvation. Through.
II. COMMON OF MARTYR IN EASTER-TIDE
The Collect for a Bishop and Martyr
Almighty God, mercifully look upon our infirmities: and because we are oppressed by the burden of our own deeds, may the glorious intercession of blessed N thy Martyr and Bishop defend us. Through.
Collect for a Martyr only, in Easter-tide
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God: that as we celebrate the birthday of blessed N thy Martyr, so by his intercession we may be strengthened in the love of thy Name. Through.
For the Epistle, Wisdom v: 1
Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face as such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labours. When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for. And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach: we fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be without honour: how is he numbered among the children of God, and his lot is among the saints!
The Gospel, St. John xv: 1
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
The Post Communion
Refreshed by participation in the sacred Gift, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, that through the intercession of blessed N thy Martyr [and Bishop] we may ever enjoy the fruits of the worship we offer unto thee. Through.
III. COMMON OF MANY MARTYRS IN EASTER-TIDE
The Collects in Common V.
The Epistle, 1 St. Peter, i:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel, St. John xv: 5
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for with-out me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
The Post Communion for Martyrs and Bishops
We beseech thee, O Lord, that we being satisfied with the mysteries of salvation, may be helped by the prayers of those whose festival we celebrate. Through.
For Martyrs not Bishops
Grant us, we beseech thee, O Lord, by the intercession of thy holy Martyrs N. and N. that what we taste with our lips we may receive with a pure heart. Through.
IV. COMMON OF ONE MARTYR OUT OF EASTER-TIDE
Collect for a Bishop and Martyr
Almighty God, mercifully look upon our infirmities: and because we are oppressed by the burden of our own deeds, may the glorious intercession of blessed N. . . . ., thy Martyr and Bishop, defend us. Through.
The Epistle, St. James i: 12
Dearly beloved, blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
The Gospel, St. Luke xiv: 26
At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever cloth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
The Post Communion
Refreshed by participation of the sacred Gift, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, that through the intercession of blessed N Thy Martyr and Bishop, we may ever enjoy the fruits of the worship we offer unto thee. Through.
Collect for a Martyr not a Bishop
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God: that as we celebrate the birthday of blessed N thy Martyr, so by his intercession we may be strengthened in the love of thy Name. Through.
For the Epistle, Wis. x: 10
Wisdom guided the righteous in right paths, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his travails, and multiplied the fruit of his labours. In the covetousness of such as oppressed him she stood by him, and made him rich. She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait, and in a sore conflict she gave him the victory; that he might know that godliness is stronger than all. When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not: she went down with him into the pit, and left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: as for them that had accused him, she shewed them to be liars, and gave him perpetual glory.
The Gospel, St. Matt. x: 34
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life fore my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
The Post Communion
Grant we beseech thee, O Lord our God, that we who in this life joyfully assist in the commemoration of thy saints may hereafter rejoice in beholding them forever in heaven. Through.
V. COMMON OF MANY MARTYRS OUT OF EASTER-TIDE
Collect for Many Martyrs, Bishops
We beseech thee, O Lord, let the festival of thy blessed Martyrs, and also Bishops N. and N., support us: and their reverend prayer obtain for us thy favour. Through.
Collect for Many Martyrs not Bishops
O God, who dost suffer us to celebrate the birthday of thy holy Martyrs N . . . and N. . . : grant us to rejoice in their eternal and blessed fellowship. Through.
For the Epistle, Wis. iii: 1
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself. As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.
The Gospel, St. Luke xxi: 9
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, When ye shall hear of wars and commotions be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.
The Post Communion for Many Martyrs, Bishops
We beseech thee, O Lord, that we being satisfied with the Mysteries of salvation, may be helped by the prayers of those whose festival we celebrate. Through.
For Many Martyrs, not Bishops
Grant us, we beseech thee, O Lord, by the intercession of thy holy martyrs, N. ... and N that what we taste with our lips we may receive with a pure heart. Through.
VI. COMMON OF A CONFESSOR AND BISHOP
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that the reverend solemnity of blessed N thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion, and also advance our salvation. Through.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. xliv: 17
Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous: and in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world. In glory was there none like unto him; who kept the law of the most High. Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed. With him did he establish the blessing of all men, and the covenant, and made it to rest upon his head. He acknowledged him in his blessing, and he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour in the sight of all flesh. He made him glorious in the sight of kings, and shewed him part of his glory. An everlasting covenant he made with him, and gave him the priesthood, and beautified him with comely ornaments: to execute the office of the priesthood, and bless the people in his name, and to offer to the Lord incense, and a sweet savour for his people.
The Gospel, St. Matthew xxv: 14
At that time, Jesus spake this parable to his disciples, The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
The Post Communion
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we who yield thee thanks and praise for the Gifts we have received at the intercession of blessed N. thy Confessor and Bishop, may be made partakers of still more gracious blessings. Through.
VII. COMMON OF DOCTORS
The Collect
O God, who didst give blessed N to thy people to be a minister of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech thee; that as he has been the instructor of our life here upon earth, he may be our intercessor in heaven. Through.
The Epistle, 2 St. Tim. iv: 1
Dearly beloved, I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The Gospel, St. Matt. v: 13
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise Ross from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, O Lord, that through the prayers of blessed N. ... thy illustrious Doctor, thy sacrifice may be unto us for healing and salvation. Through.
VIII. COMMON OF A CONFESSOR NOT A BISHOP
The Collect
O God, who makest us glad by the yearly festival of thy blessed Confessor N ....: mercifully grant; that as we celebrate his birthday, so we may imitate his actions. Through.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. xxxi: 8
Blessed is the man that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold. Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he done among his people. Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it? His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall declare his alms.
The Gospel, St. Luke xii: 35
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
The Post Communion
We, beseech thee O our God, that we thy suppliants, who are refreshed with heavenly food and drink, may be fortified by the prayers of him in whose commemoration we have received these thy holy Gifts. Through.
IX. COMMON OF ABBOTS AND MONKS
The Collect
Let the intercession, O Lord, we beseech thee, of blessed N., Abbot, obtain for us thy favour: that those things which of our own worthiness we cannot attain, may at his intercession be granted unto us. Through.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. xlv: 1
He was beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed. He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified him, so that his enemies stood in fear of him. By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed him part of his glory. He sanctified him in his faithfulness and meekness, and chose him out of all men. He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before his face, even the law of life and knowledge.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xix: 27
At that time, Peter said unto Jesus, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
The Post Communion
Grant O Lord, that we receiving thy Sacrament may rejoice in the protecting prayers of thy holy Abbot N., and may both follow the standard of his holy conversation and be made partakers of the grace of his intercession. Through.
X. COMMON OF A VIRGIN-MARTYR
The Collect.
O God, who amongst other miracles of thy power, hast bestowed the victory of martyrdom on the weaker sex: mercifully grant; that as we do devoutly celebrate the birthday of blessed N., thy Virgin and Martyr, so we may, by following her example, walk in the way that leadeth unto thee. Through.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. li: 1
I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour: I do give praise unto thy name: for thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and hast been mine helper against mine adversaries: and hast delivered me, according to the multitude of thy mercies and greatness of thy name, from the teeth of them that were ready to devour me, and out of the hands of such as sought after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had; from the choking of fire on every side, and from the midst of the fire which I kindled not; from the depth of the belly of hell, from an unclean tongue, and from lying words. By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue my soul drew near even unto death, my life was near to the hell beneath. They compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help me: I looked for the succour of men, but there was none. Then thought I upon thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts of old, how thou deliverest such as wait for thee, and savest them out of the hands of the enemies.
The Gospel, St. Matthew xxv: 1
At that time, Jesus spake this parable to his disciples: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them-were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.
The Post Communion
May the Mysteries we have received help us, O Lord, and by the intercession of blessed N. thy Virgin and Martyr, may they cause us to rejoice in thy everlasting protection. Through.
XI. COMMON OF A VIRGIN NOT A MARTYR
The Collect
Hear us, O God, our Salvation: that like as we do rejoice in the festival of blessed N thy Virgin, so in the feelings of love and devotion we may be instructed. Through.
The Epistle, 2 Cor. x: 17
Brethren, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
The Gospel, as in Common X
The Post Communion
O Lord, who hast abundantly refreshed thy household with thy sacred Gifts; ever comfort us, we beseech thee, through her intercession whose festival we celebrate. Through.
XII. COMMON OF HOLY WOMEN, MARTYRS, NOT VIRGINS
The Collect
O God, who amongst other miracles of thy power hast bestowed the victory of martyrdom on the weaker sex: mercifully grant; that as we devoutly celebrate the birthday of blessed N thy Martyr, so we may by following her example, walk in the way that leadeth unto thee. Through.
The Epistle, as in Common X
The Gospel, St. Matt. xiii: 44
At that time, Jesus spake to his disciples in parables, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold, all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
The Post Communion
May the Mysteries we have received aid us, O Lord, and by the intercession of blessed N. ... thy Martyr, make us to rejoice in thy everlasting protection. Through.
XIII. COMMON OF HOLY WOMEN, NEITHER VIRGINS NOR MARTYRS
The Collect
Hear us, O God, our Salvation: that like as we do rejoice in the festival of blessed N so in the feelings of love and devotion we may be instructed. Through.
For the Epistle, Prov. xxxi: 10
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength,and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among ‘the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
The Gospel, as in Common XII
The Post Communion
O Lord, who hast abundantly refreshed Thy household with thy sacred Gifts; ever comfort us, we beseech Thee, through her intercession whose festival we celebrate. Through.