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.
PROPERS OF THE SAINTS AND OF THE SEASONS
NOVEMBER 29
THE VIGIL OF ST. ANDREWThe Collect
We beseech thee, Almighty God, that the blessed Apostle Andrew, whose festival we are about to keep, may entreat for us thine aid: that we may be loosed from the guilt of our sins, and be delivered from all dangers. Through.
All else as in Common I
DECEMBER 3
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, C.The Collect
O God, who didst gather into thy Church a great multitude of the Indian people by the preaching and miracles of blessed Francis: mercifully grant; that while we reverence his glorious deeds, we may also follow the example of his virtues. Through.
All else as in Common VIII
DECEMBER 4
ST. BARBARA, V. M.The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, to purify the hearts and bodies of thy faithful people at the prayer of the holy Virgin Barbara: that by thine inspiration we may be able to overcome all evil pleasures; and not being taken captive by their delights, may ever be refreshed by thy sweetness. Through.
All else as in Common X
DECEMBER 6
ST. NICHOLAS, B. C.The Collect
O merciful God, confirm thy faithful people who fly to thee for succour, in everlasting blessedness: and grant that they who devoutly keep the feast-day of thy blessed Bishop Nicholas; may ever be protected, by his patronage, from all adversities. Through.
All else as in Common VI
DECEMBER 7
ST. AMBROSE, B. C. D.The Collect
O God, who didst give blessed Ambrose to thy people for a minister of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech thee; that as he has been the instructor of our life here upon earth, so he may be our intercessor in heaven. Through.
All else as in Common VII
DECEMBER 8
CONCEPTION B. V. M.The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, grant to us thy servants the gifts of thy heavenly grace: that as our salvation began by the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin, so this devout solemnity of her Conception may afford us an increase of peace. Through.
For the Epistle, Prov. viii: 22
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: when he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: when he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.
The Gospel, St. Luke is 26
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
The Post Communion
May this Sacrament which we have received, O Lord our God, heal in us the wounds of sin, from which thou didst preserve unsullied the soul of Blessed Mary. Through.
DECEMBER 13
ST. LUCY, V. M.The Collect
Hear us, O Lord God, our salvation: that like as we do rejoice on the festival of the blessed Lucy, thy Virgin and Martyr, so in the feelings of love and devotion we may be instructed. Through.
All else as in Common X
EMBER WEDNESDAY IN ADVENT
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that the coming festival of our Redemption may afford us succour in this present life, and bestow upon us the rewards of eternal bliss hereafter. Through.
For the Epistle, Isa. vii: 10
In those days, the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refyse the evil and choose the good.
The Gospel, as in the Votive Mass B. V. M. in Advent
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, O Lord, that we, being filled with the gift of thy salvation, may ever be renewed by the effect of the Sacrament, in whose sweetness we rejoice. Through.
EMBER FRIDAY IN ADVENT
The Collect
Raise up, we pray thee, O Lord, thy power, and come among us: that they who trust in thy lovingkindness, may speedily be delivered from all adversity. Who livest.
For the Epistle, Isa. xi: 1
Thus saith the Lord God: There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
The Gospel, as on the Visitation B.V.M.
The Post Communion
Restore us, O Lord, we beseech thee, by the holy partaking of this Sacrament; that, being cleansed from all past stains, we may at the last be assured of a participation in the mysteries of thy salvation. Through.
EMBER SATURDAY IN ADVENT
The Collect
O God, who seest that we are sore afflicted by our sinfulness: mercifully grant; that by thy visitation we may be comforted. Through.
The Epistle, 2 Thess. ii: 1
We beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.
The Gospel, St. Luke iii: 1
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Juda, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Itura and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, O Lord our God: that these holy Mysteries, which thou hast ordained to be our strength and defense may be unto us for healing both in this time present, and also in that which is to come. Through.
THE VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY
The Collect
O God, who makest us glad with the yearly expectation of the Birth of thine only Son Jesus Christ: grant; that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him, when he shall come to be our Judge. Who liveth.
The Epistle, Rom. i: 1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God, (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel, as on the Feast of St. Joseph
The Post Communion
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that our devout meditation upon the Nativity of thine Only-begotten Son may be unto us as the breath of life, even as his celestial Mysteries are unto us both food and drink. Through the same.
THE SECOND OR DAY-BREAK MASS OF CHRISTMAS
The first, or Midnight, Mass is that which appears in the Prayer Book as the second or alternate Mass, on p. 60. The third Mass appears as the first Mass in the Prayer Book, p. 58.
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we, who are filled with the new light of thine Incarnate Word, may show forth in our deeds that which by faith illuminates our minds. Through the same.
The Epistle and Gospel as in the Votive Mass B.V.M. from Christmas to the Purification
The Post Communion
O Lord, by whose miraculous Birth the ancient weakness of our nature hath been overcome: grant that we may be ever refreshed by the Christmas renewal of this divine Sacrament. Who livest.
DECEMBER 29
ST. THOMAS OF CANTERBURY, B. M.The Collect
O God, in defense of whose Church the glorious Prelate Thomas was slain by the swords of wicked men: grant, we beseech thee; that all they who make supplication for his help may obtain an healthful answer to their prayers. Through.
All else as in Common IV
JANUARY 2
OCTAVE OF ST. STEPHENThe Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst consecrate the first-fruits of the,Martyrs by the blood of the blessed Levite Stephen: grant, we beseech thee; that he may be our intercessor, who, even for his persecutors, prayed to Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord. Who liveth.
For the Epistle, Acts vii: 55
Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned, him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xxiii: 34
At that time Jesus said to the Scribes and Pharisees: Behold I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
The Post Communion
O Lord, we pray thee that these holy Mysteries which we have received, may help and assist us: and that, at the intercession of blessed Stephen, thy Protomartyr, we may be strengthened and protected evermore. Through.
JANUARY 5
THE EVE OF THE EPIPHANYThe Collect
O Lord, we beseech thee, let the brightness of the coming feast-day shine upon our hearts: whereby we may be able to escape the darkness of this world, and come at length to the country of everlasting glory. Through.
The Epistle, Gal. iv: 1
Brethren, the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God.
The Gospel, St. Matt. ii: 19
When Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child, and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child, and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
The Post Communion
Grant, O Lord, that by the operation of this Mystery, our sins may be purged away, and all our holy desires fulfilled. Through.
JANUARY 8
ST. LUCIAN AND COMPANIONS, MM.The Collect
O God, who makest us joyful in the annual solemnity of blessed Lucian, thy Martyr and Priest, and his Companions: mercifully grant; that as we observe the festival of their birthday, so we may ever joy in the protection of the same. Through.
All else as in the Common V
JANUARY 13
OCTAVE OF THE EPIPHANYThe Collect
O God, whose only-begotten Son hath appeared in the substance of our flesh: grant, we beseech thee; that we may be conformed inwardly unto him, whom we confess to have been made outwardly like unto us, even Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord. Who liveth.
The Epistle, Eph. iii: 1
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby when ye read ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by The Gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
The Gospel, St. Matt. ii: 1
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king they departed; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
The Post Communion
Prevent us, O Lord, we beseech thee, at all times and in all places, with light from heaven; that we may with clear vision discern the Mystery which thou hast willed us to receive, and grant, that partaking of it, we may be filled with a worthy devotion. Through.
JANUARY 14
ST. HILARY, B. C. D.The Collect
Let the memorial of thy blessed Bishop, Hilary, be profitable unto us, O Lord: that as by him thou didst preserve unharmed a right faith in thy Consubstantial Word; so we at his intercession, may be stedfast in the same faith, and ever live by that Word alone, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Who liveth.
All else as in Common VII
JANUARY 15
ST. PAUL, THE FIRST HERMITThe Collect
Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, that we may be holpen by the intercession of Saint Paul the Hermit: that as by him thou hast given unto thy servants an example of evangelical perfection; so by him also thou mayest give us help to the gaining of eternal salvation. Through.
All else as in Common IX
JANUARY 17
ST. ANTHONY, ABBOTThe Collect
O God, by whose word outwardly sounding, and by whose grace inwardly moving, blessed Anthony was stirred up to leave all, that he might be perfect: grant unto all them that have set out on the way of evangelical perfection; so to run, that they may receive the prize of everlasting felicity. Through.
All else as in Common IX
JANUARY 18
ST. PRISCA, V. M.The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God: that we who celebrate the birthday of blessed Prisca, thy Virgin and Martyr, may rejoice in her festival, and profit by the example of so great faith. Through.
All else as in Common X
JANUARY 20
SS. FABIAN, B., and SEBASTIAN, MMThe Collect
Look, O Almighty God, upon our weakness: and because we sink under the weight of our own doings, may the glorious intercession of Fabian and Sebastian, thy blessed Martyrs, be a protection to us. Through.
All else as in Common V
JANUARY 21
ST. AGNES, V. M.The Collect
O Almighty and eternal God, who choosest the weak things of this world to confound the strong: mercifully grant; that we who celebrate the feast of blessed Agnes, thy Virgin and Martyr, may experience the effect of her prayers. Through.
All else as in Common X
JANUARY 22
ST. VINCENT, MThe Collect
Hear, O Lord, our earnest prayers: that we who know that we are guilty of our iniquities, may be delivered therefrom by the prayers of thy blessed Martyr Vincent. Through.
All else as in Common IV
JANUARY 24
ST. TIMOTHY, B. M.The Collect
O God, who didst choose Saint Timothy to be a workman that need not be ashamed, and a faithful minister in The Gospel of thy Son: grant unto us by his prayers; so to follow his footsteps, that keeping the commandments without spot, we may lay hold on eternal life. Through the same.
All else as in Common IV
JANUARY 26
ST. POLYCARP, B. M.The Collect
O Lord, fulfill all our petitions: and with Saint Polycarp, thy Martyr and Bishop, whose passion we to-day do reverence; accept us as a fat burnt-offering unto thee. Through.
All else as in Common IV
JANUARY 27
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, B. C. D.The Collect
Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, to all who minister in holy things: that same spirit of wisdom and strength; whereby Saint John Chrysostom ceased not to rebuke sinners, and also overcame many afflictions for the love of thy Holy Name. Through.
All else as in Common VII
JANUARY 29
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, B. C. D.The Collect
O God, who for the salvation of souls didst make Saint Francis thy Bishop, to become all things to all men: mercifully grant; that the sweetness of thy love being shed forth upon us, we may be guided by his teaching, and holpen by his prayers, to the gaining of everlasting gladness. Through.
All else as in Common VII
FEBRUARY 1
ST. IGNATIUS, B. M.The Collect
O Lord, we beseech thee, renew in us the spirit of apostolic love: which burned so strongly and so purely in Saint Ignatius; and so happily abounded to the salvation of thy people. Through.
All else as in Common IV
ST. BRIGIT, V.
The Collect
O God, who makest us glad to-day by the yearly commemoration of Saint Brigit, thy Virgin: mercifully grant; that as we are enlightened by the example of her chastity, so we may be holpen by her prayers. Through.
All else as in Common XI
VIGIL OF THE PURIFICATION OF THE B. V. M.
The Collect
O God, who didst vouchsafe to choose the virgin womb of Blessed Mary, as a shrine wherein thou mightest rest: grant we beseech thee; that we, being defended by her intercession, may joyfully take part in her coming festival. Who livest.
All else as in the Votive Mass of B. V. M. from Christmas to Purification. But note, that Commemoration only is made, save when the Purification occurs on a Monday.
FEBRUARY 3
ST. BLASIUS, B. M.The Collect
O God, who didst make blessed Blasius, thy Martyr and Bishop, strong to endure his own sufferings and to lighten the infirmities of. other men: mercifully grant that we may imitate his constancy of faith, and in danger may feel his protection. Through.
All else as in Common IV
FEBRUARY 4
ST. GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM, ABBOTThe Collect
O Lord, the Saviour and preserver of all them that seek thee, who didst give grace to the blessed Abbot Gilbert to renounce the world, lest he should be a partaker of its defilements, and to fly beneath the shadow of thy wings: grant unto thy people, at his intercession; that they may escape the snares of the devil, and with pure minds, follow thee, the only God. Who livest.
All else as in Common IX
FEBRUARY 5
ST. AGATHA, V. M.The Collect and Post Communion as in Common X
The Epistle, 1 Cor. i: 26
Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after ,the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things, which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xix: 3
At that time, the Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
FEBRUARY 6
ST. TITUS, B. C.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst fill blessed Titus, a faithful minister of the Gospel, with the charity that seeketh not her own: grant, we beseech thee, at his intercession; that we being purified from worldly lusts, may ever seek thee, the only God. Through.
All else as in Common VI
ST. DOROTHEA, V. M.
The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose gift blessed Dorothea, being made strong in her purpose of virginity and in the confession of the Faith, attained the prize both of virginity and also of martyrdom: grant us so to persevere in purity of body and mind; that we may be overcome neither by the beguilements of the flesh, nor by the bitterness of afflictions. Through.
All else as in Common X
FEBRUARY 9
ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, B. C. D.The Collect
O God, who didst make blessed Cyril, thy Confessor and Bishop, an invincible teacher of the divine motherhood of the most blessed Virgin Mary: grant, through his prayers, that we who believe her to be indeed the Mother of God, may find safety under her maternal protection. Through.
All else as in Common VII
FEBRUARY 10
ST. SCHOLASTICA, V.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost inspire them that love thee with contempt for the world: grant unto us, on this feast-day of Saint Scholastica, thy Virgin; that at her intercession we may be enabled to despise earthly things, and firmly to cleave to thee alone. Through.
All else as in Common XI
FEBRUARY 14
ST. VALENTINE, M.The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we who solemnize the birthday festival of blessed Valentine, thy Martyr, may at his intercession be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through.
All else as in Common IV
FEBRUARY 18
ST. COLMAN, B. C.The Collect
Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, continual perseverance in thy holy service: that at the devout intercession of the blessed Bishop Colman; we may at last be accounted worthy to serve before thee in everlasting glory. Through.
All else as in Common VI
FEBRUARY 23
ST. PETER DAMIAN, B. C. D.The Collect
O God, the source and fountain of all holiness and wisdom: help us, we beseech thee, to profit by the teaching and example of blessed Peter thy Confessor, and grant that through his merits and intercession we may despise the allurements of worldly honour, and that our hearts may be free for thee alone. Through.
All else as in Common VII
MARCH 1
ST. DAVID, B. C.The Collect
Grant to us, Almighty God, that the devout intercession of blessed David, thy Confessor and Bishop, may protect us: and. that while we celebrate his solemnity, we may imitate his firmness in the defence of the Catholic Faith. Through.
All else as in Common VI
MARCH 2
ST. CHAD, B. C.The Collect
Almighty and eternal God, who makest us glad this day by the festival of blessed Chad, thy Confessor and Bishop: we humbly beseech thy mercy; that as we devoutly observe and reverence his solemnity, we may at his intercession obtain the reward of eternal life. Through.
All else as in Common VI
MARCH 7
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, C. D.The Collect
O God, who hast glorified thy Church by the wondrous learning of the blessed Confessor Thomas, and hast made it fruitful by his holy deeds: grant unto us, we beseech thee; that we may understand those things which he taught and follow that which he did. Through.
All else as in Common VII
SS. PERPETUA AND FELICITAS, MM.
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, continually to reverence the palms of thy holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas: that, although we cannot celebrate them worthily in mind, we may at least commemorate them with humble devotion. Through.
All else as in Common X
MARCH 10
FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTEThe Collect
Grant we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we who know thy glorious martyrs to have been mighty in their witness unto thee, may find them in thy presence pitiful to our prayers. Through.
All else as in Common V
MARCH 12
ST. GREGORY, B. C. D.The Collect
O God, who hast rewarded the soul of blessed Gregory thy servant with eternal bliss: mercifully grant; that as we are oppressed with the weight of our sins, so through his prayers we may receive thy gracious help. Through.
All else as in Common VII
MARCH 17
ST. PATRICK, B. C.The Collect
O God, who hast translated to heavenly glory blessed Patrick the Apostle of Ireland, who was adorned with such manifold miracles: grant, we beseech thee; that we being holpen by thee for his sake, at his prayers may attain unto the rewards of everlasting blessedness. Through.
All else as in Common VI
MARCH 18
ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, B. C. D.The Collect
O Lord, we beseech thee, graciously hear our prayers which we offer unto thee on the feast-day of the blessed Doctor Cyril, thy Confessor: and grant for the sake of him whom thou hast counted worthy to be numbered among thy servants, that we may be set free from all our sins. Through.
All else as in Common VII
ST. EDWARD, K. M.
The Collect
O God, who rulest over the everlasting kingdom, graciously behold thy family who celebrate the martyrdom of King Edward: and as thou hast vouchsafed to glorify him with the gift of heaven, so be pleased mercifully to grant, that at his intercession we may be made meet to be partakers with him of everlasting happiness. Through.
All else as in Common IV
MARCH 18
ST. GABRIEL, ARCHANGELThe Collect
O God, who among all the angels didst choose the Archangel Gabriel to proclaim the mystery of thy Incarnation: mercifully grant that we who keep his feast on earth may know his protection in heaven. Who livest.
The Epistle, Dan. ix: 21
In those days, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. Seventy weeks are determined upon, thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
The Gospel, as in the Votive Mass B.V.M. in Advent
The Post Communion
Having received the Mysteries of thy Body and Blood, O Lord our God, we pray thy mercy that as we have known thine Incarnation by the message of Gabriel, so by his help we may obtain the benefits of the same Incarnation. Who livest.
MARCH 19
ST. JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE B. V. M.The Collect
O Lord, we beseech thee, grant us thy help for the sake of the spouse of thy most holy Mother: that those things which by our own power we cannot obtain, may be given to us at his intercession. Who livest.
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 showed 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. i: 18
When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
The Post Communion
Abide with us, we beseech thee, O Lord, and being moved by the prayers of blessed Joseph, thy Confessor; cherish and increase the gifts of grace which thou hast bestowed upon us. Through.
MARCH 20
ST. CUTHBERT, B. C.The Collect
O God, who by thy priceless gift of grace dost make thy Saints to be glorious: grant, we beseech thee; at the intercession of the blessed Bishop Cuthbert, thy Confessor, that we may be enabled to attain unto perfect strength. Through.
All else as in Common VI
MARCH 21
ST. BENEDICT, ABBOTThe Collect
Let the intercession, O Lord, we beseech thee, of the blessed Abbot Benedict, 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.
All else as in Common IX
MARCH 24
COMMEMORATION OF THE VIGIL OF
THE ANNUNCIATION, B. V. M.The Collect
O God, who didst vouchsafe to choose the virgin womb of Blessed Mary as a shrine wherein thou mightest rest: grant, we beseech thee; that we being defended by her intercession, may joyfully take part in her coming festival. Who livest.
The Post Communion
Grant us, O Lord, by these heavenly gifts, which thou hast been pleased to bestow upon us, ever with all our hearts to cleave unto heavenly things: that with Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, we may at last receive the things we have hoped for. Through the same.
MARCH 27
ST. JOHN DAMASCENE, C. D.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst endue blessed John with heavenly doctrine and admirable fortitude of spirit to defend the use of sacred images: grant that.through his prayers and example, we may imitate the virtues, and experience the protection of those whose images we honour. Through.
All else as in Common VII
EMBER WEDNESDAY IN LENT
The Collect
O Lord, we beseech thee, mercifully hear our prayers: and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty against all things that oppose and hinder us. Through.
For the Epistle, 1 Kings, xix: 3
In those days Elias came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xii: 38
At that time certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, -and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
The Post Communion
Grant, O Lord, that by the partaking of this Sacrament, we may be cleansed from our hidden sins and also set free from the snares of the enemy. Through.
EMBER FRIDAY IN LENT
The Collect
Be favourable, O Lord, to thy people: and as thou makest them to be devoutly given to serve thee, so of thy tender mercy do thou cherish and defend them. Through.
For the Epistle, Ezek. xviii: 20
Thus said the Lord God: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed; and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
The Gospel, St. John v: 1
At that time there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him; Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and, on the- same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and saith unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
The Post Communion
Grant, O Lord, that through this Mystery our sins may be purged away and our righteous desires satisfied. Through.
EMBER SATURDAY IN LENT
The Collect
Look favourably upon thy people, O Lord, we beseech thee: and mercifully turn away from them the scourges of thy wrath. Through.
The Epistle, 1 Thess. v: 14
We exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xvii: 1
At that time Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
The Post Communion
Grant, O Almighty God, that by thy sanctifying power our evil dispositions may be purified, and that the wholesome medicine of thy grace may be profitable to us. Through.
THE FRIDAY AFTER PASSION SUNDAY
THE COMPASSION OF THE B.V.M.The Collect
O God, in whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon, the sword of sorrow pierced through the most sweet soul of the glorious Virgin Mother Mary: mercifully grant; at the prayers and intercessions of all those saints who faithfully stood by thy Cross, that we, worthily commemorating thy sufferings and thy Mother's sorrows, may be made partakers of the fruit of thy Passion. Who livest.
For the Epistle, Judith xiii: 17
Blessed be thou, O our God, which hast this day brought to naught the enemies of thy people. O daughter, blessed art thou of the most high God above all the women upon the earth; and blessed be the Lord God, which hath created the heavens and the earth. For this thy confidence shall not depart from the heart of men, which remember the power of God for ever. And God turn these things to thee for a perpetual praise, to visit thee in good things, because thou hast not spared thy life for the affliction of our nation, but hast revenged our ruin, walking a straight way before our God.
The Gospel, St. John xix: 25
At that time there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
The Post Communion
O Lord Jesus Christ, may the Sacrifice of which we have partaken in devout celebration of the piercing of thy Virgin Mother's soul, effectually obtain for us, through thy clemency, every healthgiving benefit. Who livest.
GOOD FRIDAY
THE MASS OF THE PRESANCTIFIEDThe priest and ministers vested as for Mass, without cross, lights or incense, go to the altar and kneel in prayer. The Priest then proceeds to the Epistle side.
The Collects
Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
O Merciful God, who has made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor desirest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, infidels, and heretics; and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle. Heb. x. 1.
The law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the corners thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The Gospel. St. John xix. 1.
Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jews ! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know-that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cmsar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in' the Hebrew, Golgotha: where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city; and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus; took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
THE SOLEMN COLLECTS.
Then the priest, still standing at the Epistle side of the Altar, begins the Solemn Collects, as follows, folding his hands at each exhortation, and extending them at each Collect.
Let us pray, dearly beloved, in the first place, for the Holy Church of God: that the Lord our God would vouchsafe to grant it peace, unity, and protection throughout the whole world; and would bring into subjection to it all principalities and powers; and may he grant that we, living quiet and peaceable lives, may glorify God the Father almighty.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, who hast, in Christ, made known thy glory unto all nations: preserve, we beseech: thee, the works which thy mercy hath wrought; that thy Church, spread abroad through all the earth, may ever with steadfast faith continue in the confession of thy Name. Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Every Collect has its full ending.
Let us also pray for our Primate, N., that the Lord our God, who hath chosen him to the order of Bishops, may keep him in health and safety for the good of his holy Church, and for the governance of God's holy people.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, by whose decree all the world standeth sure: favorably regard our prayers; and keep our chosen Prelate by thy mercy; that the Christian people committed to his charge may, under thy governance, increase in all good works, the fruit of faith. Through.
Let us pray for the right reverend Father in God, N., our Bishop; that our Lord Jesus Christ may direct him after his own heart, that so he may govern and feed the people committed to his charge in God's holy Church.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, have mercy upon thy servant our Bishop: and direct him, after thy great goodness, in the way of everlasting salvation: that, by thy grace, he may desire those things that are well-pleasing to thee, and with all his strength fulfil the same. Through.
Let us also pray for all Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and all orders in Christ's holy Church, and for all Confessors, Virgins, and Widows, and for all the holy people of God.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: receive our supplications which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church; that every member of the same in his vocation and ministry may truly and godly serve thee. Through in the unity of the same.
Let us also pray for our President, N., that the Lord our God, giving him the victory over all his enemies, would keep us in continual peace.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, in whose hand is the power and right of all the kingdoms of the earth: graciously look upon this Christian nation; that its enemies, trusting in their own strength, may by the right hand of thy might, be brought to nought. Through.
Let us also pray for all Catechumens: that the Lord our God would open the ears of their hearts, and the gate of his mercy; that having, by the laver of regeneration, received the remission of all their sins, they may themselves be found worthy in Christ Jesus our Lord.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, Who ever makest thy Church fruitful in bestowing upon her fresh offspring; increase the faith and understanding of all Catechumens; that, being born anew in the font of Baptism, they may be gathered into the number of thine adopted children. Through.
Let us pray, dearly beloved, that God the Father Almighty would cleanse the world from all errors, that he would take away all pestilences, and drive hence all famine; that he would open the doors of the prisons, and loosen every chain; that to travellers he would grant a safe return, health to the sick, and a sure haven to all that journey by sea.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, the comforter of them that mourn, the strength of them that toil: let the prayers of them that cry unto thee in divers tribulations come into thy presence; that they all, in their several necessities, may rejoice in the presence of thy loving-kindness. Through.
Let us also pray for all heretics and schismatics, that Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, would deliver them from all their errors: and would vouchsafe to call them back to their holy mother, the Catholic and Apostolic Church.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, who would have all men to be saved, and wouldest not that any should perish: look upon all souls deceived by the wiles of the, devil; that laying aside all wicked heresy, the hearts of those that are in error may be so turned, that they may come again to the unity of thy truth. Through.
Let us also pray for the faithless Jews: that the Lord our God would take away the veils from their hearts: that they also may acknowledge our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us pray.
Neither Let us bow the knee, nor Arise, are said, but the Collect immediately follows.
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, who dost not cast out from thy mercy even the faithless Jews: mercifully hear the prayers we offer unto thee, for that blinded nation; that, acknowledging Christ, the Light of thy truth, they may be delivered from their darkness. Through the same.
Let us also pray for the heathen: that Almighty God would take away the iniquity from their hearts; that leaving their idols they may be turned to the living and true God, and to his only Son, Jesus Christ our God and Lord. With whom, and with the Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end.
P. Let us pray. Let us bow the knee. [M. Arise.]
Collect
Almighty, everliving God, who desirest not the death, but rather the life of sinners; favorably receive our prayer; deliver them from idolatry, and gather them into thy holy Church, to the praise and glory of thy Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
[In Churches where it is held, here follows the Veneration of the Cross.]
The candles on the altar are lighted and the Priest with his Ministers proceeds to the Altar where the Holy Sacrament was deposited the day before. He censes the Holy Sacrament and bears the sacred Vessel back to the Altar. The hymn Vexilla Regis is sung in procession.
The priest places the Sacred Vessel upon the Altar, censes the Holy Sacrament. The Host is placed on the Altar in the usual manner, wine and water unblessed being poured into the Chalice, nothing being said. Then he censes the Oblation and Altar in the accustomed way in the usual words. The priest is not tensed; he washes his hands, saying nothing. Then bowing down, he says privately:
In the spirit of humility and with a contrite heart let us be accepted by thee, O Lord: and so let our sacrifice be in thy sight this day, that it may be well-pleasing unto thee, O Lord our God.
Then turning to the people he says:
Brethren, pray that both my Sacrifice and yours also may be acceptable to God the Father almighty.
No answer is made: all else omitted, he continues;
Let us pray. As our Saviour Christ hath commanded and taught us, we are bold to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
The priest continues, making the accustomed fraction as on other days, saying privately:
Deliver us, O Lord, we beseech thee, from all evils, past, present, and to come: and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and of thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, of Andrew, and all thy Saints: favourably grant peace in our time: that we, being holpen by thy mercy, may be kept free from sin, and safe from all disquietude: through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Then he puts a particle of the Host in the Chalice, as usual, saying nothing; then proceeds to communicate himself, saying only the words of reception, without previous prayer;
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ be unto me a sinner the way and the life. Amen.
Having received the particle of the Host with the wine, he takes the ablutions, and says privately this prayer in the midst of the Altar;
Grant, O Lord, that what we have received with our lips we may keep with a pure heart, so that by the gift vouchsafed in this present life, there may be given unto us everlasting life. Amen.
After this the Priest and his ministers reverence the altar and depart.
APRIL 2
ST. FRANCIS OF PAULA, ABBOT.The Collect
O God, who art the exaltation of the lowly, who hast raised blessed Francis to the glory of the Saints: grant, we beseech thee; that at his prayers, and by following his example, we may have grace to attain unto the rewards promised to the humble. Through.
All else as in Common IX
APRIL 3
ST. RICHARD, B. C.The Collect
O God, who hast made thy Church to shine by the deeds and glorious miracles of blessed Richard, thy Confessor and Bishop: grant, that we, thy servants, through his intercession, may attain to the blessedness of eternal glory. Through.
All else as in Common VI
APRIL 11
ST. LEO, B. C. D.The Collect
O God, who didst fight against the enemies of thy Sacred Humanity, and of thy Church by the words and deeds of Saint Leo, thy Bishop: we beseech thee to grant; that by the brightness of his writings, we may be enabled to walk in the paths of his virtues. Who livest.
All else as in Common VII
APRIL 19
ST. ALPHEGE, B. M.The Collect
O God, who didst adorn Saint Alphege, thy Bishop, with the dignity of the priesthood, and the palm of martyrdom: mercifully grant us, so to be assisted by his intercession with thee, that we may rejoice with him in everlasting happiness. Through.
All else as in Common II, (in Easter-tide), or IV, (out of Easter-tide)
APRIL 21
ST. ANSELM, B. C. D.The Collect
Hear our prayers, we beseech thee, O Lord, which we bring on this solemnity of blessed Anselm, thy Confessor and Bishop: and for the sake of the good deeds of him who was counted worthy to serve thee; absolve us from all our sins. Through.
All else as in Common VII
APRIL 23
ST. GEORGE, M.The Collect
O God, who dost make us to rejoice in the good deeds and intercession of blessed George, thy Martyr: mercifully grant; through his prayers, that the benefits we ask of thee we may obtain by the gift of thy grace. Through.
All else as in Common II, (in Easter-tide), or IV, (out of Easter-tide)
APRIL 28
ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS, C.The Collect
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst endue Saint Paul with singular love in the preaching of the Cross, and didst will that through him a new family should grow up in the Church: grant us, through his intercession, that by continually cherishing thy Passion on earth, we may be made worthy to reap its fruit in heaven. Who livest.
All else as in Common VIII
APRIL 30
ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA, V.The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God; that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Catherine, thy Virgin, may both rejoice in her yearly festival, and also profit by the example of so great a virtue. Through.
All else as in Common XI
MAY 2
ST. ATHANASIUS, B. C. D.The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we may ever rightly understand, and truly confess; the excellent greatness of thy Word, which Saint Athanasius so constantly maintained. Through the same.
All else as in Common VII
MAY 3
INVENTION OF THE HOLY CROSSThe Collect
O God, who in the wonderful Invention of the saving Cross didst renew the miracles of thy Passion: grant; that by the ransom paid on that life-giving wood, we may find help to obtain eternal life. Who livest.
The Epistle, Phil. ii: 5
Brethren, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Gospel, St. John iii: 1
At that time, there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth; and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, Almighty God, to defend us, who have now been filled with heavenly nourishment, and refreshed with spiritual drink, from all malice of the enemy; forasmuch as thou dost make us always to triumph through the wood of the Holy Cross of thy Son, which is the armour of righteousness for the salvation of the world. Through the same.
MAY 4
ST. MONICA, W.The Collect
O God, who art the comforter of them that mourn, and the salvation of them that hope in thee: who didst graciously accept the godly tears which Saint Monica poured forth for the conversion of Augustine; her son; grant unto us, at the intercession of them both, truly to lament our sins, and to obtain thy merciful pardon. Through.
All else as in Common XIII
MAY 5
CONVERSION OF ST. AUGUSTINEO God, who hast adorned this day by the wonderful conversion of blessed Augustine, thy Confessor and Bishop: grant, we beseech thee; that as he became a bulwark to thy Church by exposing the errors of heresy, so he may defend us by his prayers from the assaults of the ancient enemy. Through.
The Epistle, Romans xiii: 12
Brethren: the night is far spent, the day is at hand let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The Gospel, as in Common IX
The Post Communion
O God, who didst with ineffable providence bring forth blessed Augustine from the darkness of error to the light of. gospel truth: grant, we beseech thee; that we who on this day celebrate his conversion, may, through his prayers, receive the manifold gifts of thy grace. Through.
MAY 6
ST. JOHN BEFORE THE LATIN GATEThe Collect
O God, who seest that our evils trouble us on every side: grant, we beseech thee; that the glorious intercession of blessed John, thy Apostle and Evangelist, may protect us. Through.
The Epistle, as in Common II.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xx: 20
At that time there came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons, may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, O Lord, that being refreshed with the Bread from heaven, we may be preserved unto everlasting life. Through.
MAY 7
ST. JOHN OF BEVERLEY, B. C.The Collect
O God, who hast hallowed this propitious day with the feast of blessed John, thy Confessor and Bishop: grant to thy Church worthily to rejoice in his solemnity, and to us that we may be holpen by his example and by his merits. Through.
All else as in Common VI
MAY 9
ST. GREGORY OF NAZIANZEN, B. C. D.The Collect
Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, in thy Church the spirit whereby Saint Gregory served thee: that we being filled with the same, may endeavour to love that which he loved, and to do that which he taught. Through. . . . in the unity of the same.
All else as in Common VII
MAY 12
ST. PANCRAS, M.The Collect
O God, who didst strengthen blessed Pancras, thy Martyr, with the virtue of constancy in sufferings: grant, we beseech thee; that we following his example, for love of thee may despise the prosperous things of this world, and fear none of its adversities. Through.
All else as in Common II, (in Easter-tide,) or Common IV, (out of Easter-tide)
MAY 14
ST. BONIFACE, M.The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God; that we who celebrate the birthday of blessed Boniface, thy Martyr, may be holpen by his prayers in thy presence. Through.
All else as in Common II, (in Easter-tide,) or Common IV (out of Easter-tide)
MAY 19
ST. DUNSTAN, B. C.The Collect
O God, who hast translated the blessed Dunstan, thy high priest, to thy heavenly kingdom: grant; that we, for his glorious sake, may pass to never ending joys. Through.
All else as in Common VI
MAY 20
ST. BERNARDINE OF SIENA, C.The Collect
Lord Jesus, who didst give to thy blessed Confessor Bernardine the grace to love thy Name exceeding well: we beseech thee, for his sake and through his prayers, mercifully to pour out upon us the spirit of thy love. Who livest.
All else as in Common VIII
MAY 25
ST. ALDHELM, B. C.The Collect
O God, who as on this day, didst exalt thy holy Bishop Aldhelm to everlasting joys: we beseech thee; that thy mercy may lead us also thither, for his sake, and at his prayers. Through.
All else as in Common VI
MAY 26
ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, B. C.The Collect
O God, who didst appoint the blessed Augustine, thy Bishop to be the first teacher of the English nation: grant, we beseech thee; that as we declare his good deeds on earth, we may feel the assistance of his prayers in heaven. Through.
All else as in Common VI
ST. PHILIP NERI, C.
The Collect
O God, who didst separate thy servant Philip from the people that he might execute the priest's office before thee: separate us, at his intercession, from all sinners; that according to our calling, we may be made unto thee a royal priesthood, a holy people. Through.
All else as in Common VIII
MAY 27
THE VENERABLE BEDE, C.The Collect
O God, who makest thy Church illustrious by the learning of blessed Bede, thy Confessor and Doctor: mercifully grant to thy servants; that they may be enlightened by his wisdom, and aided for his sake. Through.
All else as in Common VIII
ROGATION MONDAY
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we, who in our troubles do trust only in thy mercy, may by thy protection be defended against all adversities. Through.
The Epistle, St. James v: 16
Dearly beloved, confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
The Gospel, St. Luke xi: 5
At that time, Jesus said unto his disciples: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you: Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if ye shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?The Post Communion
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that thy gracious favour may ever further our hearty desires: and as in our tribulation we have received thy gifts, grant us the increase of thy love to our great comfort. Through.
ROGATION TUESDAY
All as on Rogation Monday
ROGATION WEDNESDAY
THE EVE OF THE ASCENSION
The Collect
O Lord, from whom all good things do come: grant to us thy humble servants; that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that are good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same. Through.
The Epistle, Eph. iv: 7
Brethren, unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
The Gospel, St. John xvii: 1
At that time, Jesus, lifting up his eyes to heaven, said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gayest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gayest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gayest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee.
The Post Communion
Grant unto us, O Lord, that we who have been strengthened with the virtue of thy heavenly table, may desire those things which are right, and obtain those which we desire. Through.
WHITSUN-EVE
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, O almighty God, that the splendour of thy brightness may shine upon us: and that the light of thy light, through the illumination of the Holy Ghost, may strengthen the hearts of those who by thy grace, have been born again. Through.
For the Epistle, Acts xix: 1
In those days it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
The Gospel, St. John xiv: 15
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
The Post Communion
May our hearts be cleansed, O Lord, by the inpouring of the Holy Spirit; and may he render them fruitful by watering them with his heavenly dew. Through.
EMBER WEDNESDAY IN WHITSUN WEEK
The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, that the Comforter who proceedeth from thee may enlighten our hearts: and lead us, as thy Son hath promised, into all truth. Who liveth.
For the Epistle, Acts v: 12
In those days, by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
The Gospel, St. John vi: 44
At that time Jesus said to, the Jews, No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
The Post Communion
Having received this heavenly Sacrament, we beseech thy mercy, O Lord, that what we do in this world may bring us to the joys of everlasting life. Through.
EMBER FRIDAY IN WHITSUN WEEK
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, O merciful God, to thy Church: that it being gathered together in thy Holy Spirit, may be disturbed by no assaults of the enemy. Through.
For the Epistle, Joel ii: 23
Thus saith the Lord God: Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
The Gospel, St. Luke v: 17
At that time it came to pass on a certain day, as Jesus was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Juda, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he -answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things today.
The Post Communion
Having received the gifts of thy sacred Mysteries, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord, that what thou hast commanded us to do as a memorial of thee may profit us to the relief of our infirmities. Who livest.
EMBER SATURDAY IN WHITSUN WEEK
The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully pour into our hearts thy Holy Spirit: by whose wisdom we were created, and by whose providence we are governed. Through.
The Epistle, Rom. v: 1
Brethren, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; , and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
The Gospel, St. Luke iv: 38
At that time, Jesus arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.
The Post Communion
Let these thy Holy Things, O Lord, fill us with the fervour of divine love: that we may be gladdened by the celebration of the same, and filled with the enjoyment of the fruits thereof. Through.
THURSDAY AFTER TRINITY SUNDAY
CORPUS CHRISTIThe Collect
O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a Memorial of thy Passion: grant us, we beseech thee; so to reverence the sacred Mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of thy redemption. Who livest.
The Epistle, 1 Cor. xi: 23
Brethren, I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
The Gospel, St. John vi: 55
At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews, My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall life for ever.
The Post Communion
Make us, we beseech thee, O Lord, to be fulfilled with the everlasting fruition of thy Godhead: whereof the receiving of thy precious Body and Blood in this life is both a figure and a pledge. Who livest.
FRIDAY AFTER THE OCTAVE DAY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUSThe Collect
O Lord Jesu Christ, grant that we may be clothed with the virtues, and constrained by the love of thy most holy Heart: that we being made conformable to the image of thy goodness, may be counted worthy to be made partakers of thy redemption. Who livest.
For the Epistle, Isaiah xii: 1
In that day thou shalt say, O Lord I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
The Gospel, St. John xix: 31
At that time the Jews, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true.
The Post Communion
We humbly beseech thee, O Lord our God, who art meek and lowly of heart, that thou wouldst cleanse us, who have been fed with peaceful delights and life-giving Sacraments, from the stain of every sin, and make us abhor more steadfastly the proud vanities of the world. Who livest.
JUNE 2
SS. POTHINUS, B., BLANDINA, V., MM.The Collect
O God, who didst arm blessed Pothinus, Blandina, and their Companions with heavenly might to endure divers kinds of torments: grant that we bring rooted and grounded in thy love; may thereby be also enabled to endure all the sufferings of this present time. Through.
All else as in Common III, (in Easter-tide), or Common V, (out of Easter-tide)
JUNE 5
ST. BONIFACE, B., AND HIS COMPANIONS, MM.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who upon blessed Boniface and his Companions didst bestow the crown of martyrdom: grant us, we beseech thee; pardon for their sake on whom thou hast deigned to bestow a crown of glory. Through.
All else as in Common III, (in Easter-tide), or Common V, (out of Easter-tide)
JUNE 9
ST. COLUMBA, ABBOTThe Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, pour into our hearts the desire of heavenly glory: and grant; that we may carry with us our sheaves of righteousness to thy right hand, where the blessed Abbot Columba, who followed thee, now shineth in everlasting light. Through.
All else as in Common IX
JUNE 10
ST. MARGARET, Q.The Collect
O God who madest Margaret, the blessed Queen, wonderful for tender devotion towards the poor: grant that through her intercession and example thy charity may increase evermore within our hearts.
JUNE 13
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, C.The Collect
O God, may the solemn feast of blessed Anthony thy Confessor, rejoice thy Church: that she may ever be defended by spiritual help, and merit the enjoyment of eternal bliss. Through.
All else as in Common VIII
JUNE 14
ST. BASIL, B.C.D.The Collect
Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the hearts of thy faithful people at the intercession of Saint Basil: that they giving good heed to holy teaching; may both know what they ought to follow, and also attain that after which they seek. Through.
All else as in Common VII
JUNE 19
SS. GERVASE AND PROTASE, MM.The Collect
O God, who makest us glad by the yearly solemnity of thy holy Martyrs Gervase and Protase: mercifully grant; that as we rejoice in their good deeds, we may be inflamed by their example. Through.
All else as in Common V
JUNE 20
TRANSLATION OF ST. EDWARD, K. M.The Collect as on March 18, with this difference, that the word Translation shall be said instead of Martyrdom. All else as in Common IV
JUNE 22
ST. ALBAN, PROTOMARTYR OF ENGLANDThe Collect
O God, who hast hallowed this day by the martyrdom of blessed Alban: grant, we beseech thee; that as we yearly rejoice in the celebration of his festival, we may be continually encouraged by his assistance. Through.
All else as in Common IV
JUNE 23
ST. ETHELDREDA, V.The Collect
O God, who art the Spouse of virgins, the solace of the continent, and the Health of all them that love thee: favourably grant; that all we who reverently do keep the feast of thy blessed Virgin Etheldreda, may at her intercession, be made partakers of thy Majesty. Who livest.
All else as in Common XI
THE VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that thy family may walk in the way of salvation; and by following the exhortations of blessed John the forerunner, may in all safety attain unto him whom he foretold, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son. Who liveth.
For The Epistle, Jer. i: 4
In those days, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
The Gospel, St. Luke i: 5.
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Juda, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course; according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
The Post Communion
Let the excellent prayer of blessed John the Baptist accompany us, O Lord: and may he entreat him to be reconciled to us, whom he foretold should come, even our Lord Jesus Christ. Who liveth.
JUNE 28
VIGIL OF SS. PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLESThe Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we whom thou hast firmly established upon the rock of the Apostolic confession; may never be moved by any tribulations. Through.
All else as in Common I
JUNE 30
COMMEMORATION OF ST. PAULThe Collect
O God, who hast taught the multitude of the Gentiles by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant, we beseech thee; that we may know that we have the aid of his prayers with thee, whose birthday festival we do keep. Through.
Commemoration of St. Peter
O Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock; make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory. Through.
The Epistle, Gal. i: 11
Brethren, I certify you, that The Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the Church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the tradition of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the Apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
The Gospel, St. Matt. x: 16
At that time Jesus said, Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
The Post Communion
Having partaken of thy Sacraments, O Lord, we implore thee, that what we have celebrated in honour of Blessed Paul, thine Apostle, may, by his intercession, avail us as a healing remedy. Through.
JULY 2
VISITATION B.V.M.The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, grant us thy servants the gifts of thy heavenly grace: that as our salvation began by the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin, so this devout solemnity of her Visitation may afford us an increase of peace. Through.
For the Epistle, Song of Solomon, ii: 8
Behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice. My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
The Gospel, St. Luke i: 39
At that time, Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
The Post Communion
Having received, O Lord, the Sacrament which we offer unto thee in this yearly solemnity, we humbly beseech thee, that It may be unto us as a healing grace both for this life and that of the world to come. Through.
JULY 3
ST. IRENAEUS, B., AND HIS COMPANIONS, MM.The Collect
O God, who didst give Saint Irenaeus to thy Church as a worthy Shepherd and a great Doctor: grant, we beseech thee; that as when he laid down his life for his sheep, he had them with him as partners in his passion, so we, being renewed by his faith and doctrine, may ever follow him both in heart and deed. Through.
All else as in Common V
JULY 4
TRANSLATION OF ST. MARTIN, B. C.The Collect
O God, who seest that we trust in no strength of our own: mercifully grant; by the prayers of blessed Martin, thy Confessor and Bishop, that we may be defended against all adversities. Through.
All else as in Common VI
JULY 6
OCTAVE DAY SS. PETER AND PAULThe Collect
O God, whose right hand raised up blessed Peter, when he walked upon the waves, lest he should sink, and delivered his fellow Apostle Paul from the deep of the sea, when thrice he suffered shipwreck: favourably hear our prayers, and grant; for the sake of them both, that we may obtain eternal glory. Who livest.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. xliv: 10
These were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten. With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are within the covenant. Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes. Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out. Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore. The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shew forth their praise.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xiv: 22
At that time, Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit.; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
The Post Communion
Protect thy people, O Lord, and preserve by never-ending defence those who trust in the patronage of thine apostles, Peter and Paul. Through.
JULY 7
TRANSLATION OF ST. THOMAS OFCANTERBURY, B. M.The Collect
O God, who dost suffer us to celebrate the Translation of blessed Thomas, thy Martyr and Bishop: we humbly implore thee; that for his sake and at his prayers, we may be translated from sin to virtue, and from bondage to the kingdom. Through.
All else as in Common IV
JULY 14
ST. BONAVENTURE, B. C. D.The Collect
O God, who didst make Saint Bonaventure to shine and to burn as a Bishop and Doctor in thy Church: grant that we may be so inwardly touched by his heavenly doctrine; that we may be filled with the sweetness of the love that dwelt in him. Through.
All else as in Common VII
JULY 1b
TRANSLATION OF ST. SWITHUN, B. C.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast made this day honourable for us by the translation of blessed Swithun, thy Confessor and Bishop: grant thy Church joy in this feast, that we who reverently celebrate his memory on earth may by his prayers be lifted up to heaven. Through.
All else as in Common VI
JULY 16
TRANSLATION OF ST. OSMUND, B. C.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who makest us glad to-day by the feast of Saint Osmund, thy Confessor and Bishop: we humbly beseech thy mercy; that as with sacred services we celebrate his memory, so by his prayers we may be holpen to the attainment of the glory of eternal life. Through.
All else as in Common VI
JULY 19
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, C.O God, who didst endue blessed Vincent with Apostolic might, that he might preach the Gospel to the poor, and promote decency and comeliness among the ecclesiastical orders: grant, we beseech thee; that as we reverence his worthy deeds, we may also follow his example. Through.
All else as in Common VIII
JULY 20
ST. MARGARET, V. M.The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, let blessed Margaret, Virgin and Martyr, implore thy pardon for us: who by the purity of her life, and the profession of thy power, was ever pleasing to thee. Through.
All else as in Common X
JULY 22
ST. MARY MAGDALENEThe Collect
Most merciful Father, bestow upon thy servants remission of all their sins: which blessed Mary Magdalene herself obtained by loving thine Only-begotten Son above all things; and grant that she may evermore entreat thy loving-kindness to give unto us a place in everlasting blessedness. Through the same.
For the Epistle, Song of Solomon, iii:
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love till he please. Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
The Gospel, St. Luke vii: 36
At that time, one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gayest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them -with the hairs of her head. Thou gayest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
The Post Communion
Having received the only remedy of salvation, thy Body and Precious Blood, we beseech thee, O Lord, that by the intercession of Saint Mary Magdalene, we may be delivered from all evils. Who livest.
JULY 26
ST. ANNE, MOTHER OF THE B.V.M.The Collect
O God, who didst vouchsafe to bestow grace upon blessed Anne, that she might become the mother of the parent of thy Only-begotten Son: mercifully grant; that we, who celebrate her festival, may be helped by her prayers to thee. Through the same.
All else as in Common XIII
JULY 29
ST. MARTHA, V.The Collect
O God, who during thine earthly conversation, didst vouchsafe to be entertained in the house of blessed Martha: grant, we beseech thee; that with her we may be suffered to feed thee in thy members. Who livest.
All else as in Common XI
JULY 31
ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA, C.The Collect
O God, who didst separate thy servant Ignatius from the people that he might execute the priest's office before thee: separate us, at his intercession, from all sinners; that according to our calling, we may be made unto thee a royal priesthood, a holy people. Through.
All else as in Common VIII
ST. GERMANUS OF AUXERRE, B. C.
The Collect
Hear us, O God of our salvation: and because our own words do not deserve to be heard, we beseech thee that the intervention of blessed Germanus, thy Confessor and Bishop, may be accepted in our behalf. Through.
All else as in Common VI
AUGUST 1
ST. PETER'S CHAINSThe Collect
O God, who didst set free blessed Peter the Apostle from his chains, and let him go unhurt: loose us, we beseech thee; from the bonds of our sins, and mercifully protect us from all evil. Through.
Commemoration of the Holy Maccabees, MM.
The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, that the fraternal victory of thy Holy Martyrs may make us glad: that so our faith may receive an increase of strength; and our hearts be comforted by the prayers of so many intercessors. Through.
For the Epistle, Acts xii: 1
In those days, 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. (Then, were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth- to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a _light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, 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.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xvi: 13
At that time, Jesus coming into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon. Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto 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 unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The Post Communion for St. Peter
Having been satisfied with thy Sacred Body and Precious Blood, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, that what we perform in loving devotion we may effectually obtain. Who livest.
The Post Communion for the Holy Maccabees
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we may more and more closely follow the faith of those whose memory we celebrate in the receiving of thy Sacrament. Through.
AUGUST 4
ST. DOMINIC, ABBOTThe Collect
O God, who hast been pleased to enlighten thy Church with the good deeds and teaching of blessed Dominic: grant, at his intercession; that thy Church may never be left in want of temporal aids, and may always grow with spiritual increase. Through.
The Epistle and Gospel as in Common VII
The Post Communion
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we who are sore burdened by the weight of our sins, may be sustained by the patronage of blessed Dominic, thy Confessor. Through.
AUGUST 5
ST. OSWALD, K. M.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast consecrated the joyful and happy gladness of this day by the passion of thy holy servant Oswald: grant unto our hearts the increase of love and charity; that while we celebrate the shedding of his hallowed blood on earth, we may experience the effect of his prayers in heaven. Through.
All else as in Common IV
AUGUST 7
THE HOLY NAME OF JESUSThe Collect
O God, who didst appoint thine Only-begotten Son to be the Saviour of mankind, and didst command that he be called Jesus: mercifully grant; that we may enjoy the blessed vision in heaven of him whose Holy Name we reverence upon earth. Through the same.
For the Epistle, Acts iv: 8
In those days, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The Gospel, St. Luke, ii: 21
At that time, when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
The Post Communion
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast created and redeemed us, graciously look upon our offerings, and condescend to accept the sacrifice of the saving Victim which we have offered unto thy divine Majesty in honour of the Name of thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ; that, thy grace being poured into our hearts, we may rejoice in the glorious Name of Jesus, the title of eternal salvation, whereby our names are written in heaven. Through the same.
AUGUST 10
ST. LAWRENCE, M.The Collect
Grant us, we beseech thee, Almighty God, the grace to quench the flames of our vices: as thou didst endue the blessed Lawrence with power to overcome the fires of his torments. Through.
The Epistle, 2 Cor. ix: 6
Brethren, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.
The Gospel, St. John xii: 24
At that time Jesus said to his disciples, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, O Lord, that being refreshed with thy Sacred Gifts by the offering of our due service and the prayers of thy holy martyr Lawrence, we may ever perceive within ourselves the increase of thy saving power. Through.
AUGUST 12
ST. CLARA, V.The Collect
O God, who dost make thy habitation in the pure heart: mercifully grant; that while we meekly honour the purity of Clara, thy faithful spouse; we may also follow the example of her godly conversation. Through.
All else as in Common XI
AUGUST 14
VIGIL OF THE ASSUMPTION B.V.M.The Collect
O God, who didst vouchsafe to choose the virgin womb of blessed Mary as a shrine wherein thou mightest rest: grant, we beseech thee; that we being defended by her intercession, may joyfully take part in her coming festival. Who livest.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. xxiv: 17
As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am given to all my children which are named of him. Come unto me, all ye that be desirous of me, and fill yourselves with my fruits. For my memorial is sweeter than honey, and mine inheritance than the honeycomb. They that eat me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me shall yet be thirsty. He that obeyeth me shall never be confounded, and they that work by me shall not do amiss.
The Gospel, as in the Votive Mass of the B.V.M. from Purification to Advent
The Post Communion
Heal, O merciful God, the weakness of our infirmities, and grant that we who are coming to the festival of the holy Mother of God, may, by the aid of her prayers, rise again from our iniquities. Through.
AUGUST 15
ASSUMPTION B. V. M.The Collect
Forgive, O Lord, we beseech thee, the sins of thy people: that we who are not able to do anything of ourselves that is pleasing to thee, may be assisted in the way of salvation by the prayers of the Mother of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Who liveth.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. xxiv: 7
With all these I sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall I abide? So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel. He created me from the beginning before the world, and I shall never fail. In the holy tabernacle I served before him; and so was I established in Sion. Likewise in the beloved city he gave me rest, and in Jerusalem was my power. And I took root in an honourable people, even in the portion of the Lord's inheritance. I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree upon the mountains of Hermon. I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gaddi, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane tree by the water. I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh.
The Gospel, St. Luke i: 46
At that time, Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; as he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever.
The Post Communion
O Lord our God, who hast made us partakers of thy heavenly table, we implore thy mercy, that as we venerate the Assumption of the holy Mother of God, we may, by her intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through.
AUGUST 16 or Sunday in the Octave of the Assumption.
ST. JOACHIM, C.The Collect
O God, who didst choose blessed Joachim, before all thy Saints, to be the father of the Mother of thy Son: grant, we beseech thee; that as we hold his festival in honour, so we may ever feel his protection. Through the same.
All else as in Common VIII
AUGUST 19
ST. HELENA, W.The Collect
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst reveal to blessed Helena the place where thy Cross lay hid, that through her thou mightest enrich thy Church with that precious treasure: grant to us, at her intercession; that by the price paid on that life-giving wood, we may obtain the rewards of everlasting life. Who liveth.
All else as in Common XIII
AUGUST 20
ST. BERNARD, ABBOTThe Collect
O God, who didst make blessed Bernard, the Abbot, enkindled with the fire of thy love, both to burn and to shine in thy Church: grant, at his intercession; that we being inspired by the same Spirit of love, may ever walk as children of light. Through.
All else as in Common IX
AUGUST 21
ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL, W.The Collect
Almighty and merciful God, who didst make blessed Jane Frances, enkindled with thy love, to walk with wondrous fortitude in all the ways of perfection; and who wast also pleased by her to enrich thy Church with a new seed: grant for her sake, and at her prayers; that we who knowing our own infirmity do trust only in thy strength, may overcome all our adversities by the help of thy heavenly grace. Through.
All else as in Common XIII
AUGUST 25
ST. LOUIS, K. C.The Collect
O God, who hast translated the blessed King Louis from an earthly realm to the glory of the heavenly kingdom: make us, we pray thee, at his intercession, and for his sake; to sit in heavenly places with the King of kings, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who, liveth.
All else as in Common VIII
AUGUST 28
ST. AUGUSTINE, B.C.D.The Collect
O Almighty God, be ready to hear our humble supplications: and since thou dost suffer us to have confidence in the hope of thy loving-kindness; mercifully grant at the intercession of blessed Augustine, thy Confessor and Bishop, that we may effectually obtain thy wonted mercy. Through.
For the Epistle, Ecclus. 1: 1
Behold a great priest, who in his life repaired the house again, and in his days fortified the temple: and by him was built from the foundation the double height, the high fortress of the wall about the temple: in his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as the sea, was covered with plates of brass: he took care of the temple that it should not fall, and fortified the city against besieging: how is he honoured in the midst of the people, in his coming out of the sanctuary! He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full: as the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds: and as the flower of roses in the spring of, the year, as lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense tree in the time of summer: as fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten gold set with all manner of precious stones: and as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds. When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the perfection of glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holiness honourable. When he took the portions out of the priests' hands, he himself stood by the hearth of the altar, compassed with his brethren round about as a young cedar in Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they him round about. So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel.
The Gospel as in Common VII
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, O Lord, that thou wouldst grant to us, receiving thy saving Sacraments, to follow after his teaching whose glorious feast we celebrate. Through.
AUGUST 29
THE BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN BAPTISTThe Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, that the holy festival of St. John the Baptist, thy forerunner and Martyr, may afford us thy help towards the obtaining of our salvation. Who livest.
For the Epistle, Jer. i:,17
In those days the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.
The Gospel, St. Mark vi: 17
At that time, Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; and when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
The Post Communion
May the solemn festival of St. John Baptist enable us, O Lord, both to venerate that which is signified in this august Sacrament, and also to rejoice that thy grace is increasingly manifested in our lives. Through.
SEPTEMBER 1
ST. GILES, ABBOTThe Collect
O God, who on this day didst cause blessed Giles, thy Confessor and Abbot, to enter the courts of the kingdom of heaven: grant, we beseech thee; that we may sensibly be aided by his prayers in whose good deeds we reverently rejoice. Through.
All else as in Common IX
SEPTEMBER 7
ST. EVURTIUS, B. C.The Collect
Keep, we beseech thee, O Lord thy Church with thy perpetual mercy at the intercession of the blessed Bishop Evertius: that while it is tossed on the waves of this troublesome world; it may rejoice in this time present, and at last obtain the joys of everlasting blessedness. Through.
All else as in Common VI
SEPTEMBER 8
NATIVITY B. V. M.The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, grant us thy servants the gifts of thy heavenly grace: that as our salvation began by the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin, so this devout solemnity of her Nativity may afford us an increase of peace. Through.
For the Epistle, Prov. viii: 22
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no foundations abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth; while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, not the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: when he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: when he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.
The Gospel, St. Matt. is 1
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; and Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; and Aram begat Amniadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; and Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; and Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; and Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; and Asa begat Josaphat; and Josophat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; and Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; and Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; and Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: and after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; and Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
The Post Communion as on the Visitation B.V.M.
SEPTEMBER 14
EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSSThe Collect
O God, who this day makest thy people glad by the yearly solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: grant, we beseech thee; that as we have known the sacred Mystery of our redemption here on earth, so we may obtain the rewards thereof in heaven. Through.
The Epistle, Phil. ii: 5
Brethren, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in. fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Gospel, St. John xii: 31
At that time, Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews, Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is, this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.
The Post Communion
Abide with us, O Lord, our God; and, as thou dost, make us rejoice in honour of the Holy Cross, defend us also by its perpetual help. Through.
SEPTEMBER 15
ST. NICOMEDE, M.The Collect
O Lord be present with thy people: and grant that we who celebrate the glorious merits of blessed Nicomede thy Martyr, may ever have his help in imploring thy mercy. Through.
All else as in Common IV
SEPTEMBER 16
ST. CYPRIAN, B. M.The Collect
Let the continual protection of thy blessed Martyr Cyprian; O Lord, cherish us evermore: for thou wilt not fail favourably to regard those whom thou hast granted to be holpen by such aid. Through.
All else as in Common IV
ST. NINIAN, B. C.
The Collect
O God, who hast sanctified this day, and made it worthy of honour by the feast of the holy Bishop Ninian, thy Confessor: mercifully grant; that as by his teaching the light of thy truth hath shined upon us, so by his intercession we may obtain the gladness of everlasting life. Through.
All else as in Common VI
SEPTEMBER 17
ST. LAMBERT, B. M.The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, let the prayers of blessed Lambert, thy Martyr and Bishop, commend us unto thee: and as his glorious passion doth magnify this day, so let us ever be defended by his help. Through.
All else as in Common IV
SEPTEMBER 22
ST. MAURICE AND COMPANIONS, MM.The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that our hearts may rejoice in the solemn feast of thy holy Martyrs Maurice and his Companions; and may glory in the birthday of those on whose protection we do lean. Through.
All else as in Common V
SEPTEMBER 23
ST. THECLA, V. M.The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that as the glorious Virgin Thecla was the first of womankind to follow the Lord in his Passion; so she may ever prove a ready helper of our weakness. Through the same.
All else as in Common X
SEPTEMBER 25
BLESSED LAUNCELOT ANDREWES, B. C.The Collect
O God, who art the Light of thy faithful people, and the Shepherd of our souls, who also didst place blessed Launcelot as a Bishop in thy Church, that he might feed thy sheep with thy word, and teach them by his example: grant unto us, at his intercession; that we may keep the faith he taught by word, and follow the way he showed by his example. Who livest.
All else as in Common VI
SEPTEMBER 27
SS. COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MM.The Collect
Let the reverend feast-day of thy holy Martyrs Cosmas and Damian magnify thee, O Lord: that thereby they may obtain an increase of eternal glory; and we, by thine unspeakable providence, may obtain thy gracious and ready help. Through.
All else as in Common V
SEPTEMBER 30
ST. JEROME, C. D.The Collect
O God, who hast vouchsafed to provide for thy Church blessed Jerome, thy Confessor and Doctor, to expound the Holy Scriptures: grant, we beseech thee; that for his sake, we may be enabled, by thine aid, to perform, what he taught both by word and in deed. Through.
All else as in Common VII
EMBER WEDNESDAY IN SEPTEMBER
The Collect
O Lord, we beseech thee, let the healing of thy mercy come to the aid of the weakness of our nature: that whatsoever hath been decayed by reason of its frailty may by thy loving-kindness be restored. Through.
For the Epistle, Amos ix: 13
Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, the days come, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.
The Gospel, St. Mark ix: 17
At that time, one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked hip privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
The Post Communion
Receiving thy heavenly gifts, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord, that as of thy bounty we have solemnized this service, so we may likewise partake thereof with a prepared and ready heart. Through.
EMBER FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that we who year by year devoutly keep these holy observances, may please thee both in body and soul. Through.
For the Epistle, Hosea xiv: 1
Thus saith the Lord God: O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his-beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
The Gospel, as on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
The Post Communion
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who yield thee thanks and praise for the gifts we have received, may be made partakers of still more gracious blessings. Through.
EMBER SATURDAY IN SEPTEMBER
The Collect
Almighty, everlasting God, who by healthful continence dost heal both body and soul: we humbly beseech thy Majesty; that thou, being well-pleased by the devout prayers of thy fasting people, mayest grant unto them the help of thy grace both now and for evermore. Through.
The Epistle, Heb. ix: 9,
Brethren, there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
The Gospel, St. Luke xiii: 6
At that time, Jesus spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of the vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he, answering, said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, do.th not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
The Post Communion
Let thy Sacraments, O Lord, we beseech thee, operate in us according to their saving power, that we. may hereafter enjoy the fulfillment of those things which we now celebrate in mystery. Through.
OCTOBER 2
THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELSThe Collect
O God, who of thine unspeakable Providence dost vouchsafe to send thy holy Angels to guard us: of thy bounty grant us thy humble servants; that we may ever be defended by their protection and rejoice in their eternal fellowship. Through.
For the Epistle, Ex. xxiii: 20
Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee.
The Gospel, St. Matt. xviii: 1
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me, But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
The Post Communion
We who have received, O Lord, the divine Mysteries, rejoicing in the feast of thy Holy Angels pray; that we be continually delivered by their protection from the snares of our enemies, and strengthened against all adversities. Through.
OCTOBER 4
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, ABBOTThe Collect
O God, who by the worthy deeds of blessed Francis hast enriched thy Church by the generation of a new seed: grant that we, after his example; despising earthly things, may ever rejoice in the partaking of thy heavenly gifts. Through.
All else as in Common IX
OCTOBER 6
ST. BRUNO, ABBOTThe Collect
Let the intercessions of thy Confessor, Saint Bruno, we beseech thee, O Lord, ever assist us: that we who by sinning have grievously offended thy divine Majesty; may at his prayers obtain pardon of all our sins. Through.
All else as in Common IX
ST. FAITH, V. M.
The Collect
Almighty, everlasting God, by whose gift blessed Faith hath obtained the palm of virginity and of martyrdom: grant us, by her prayers; so to keep a perfect purity of mind and body, that neither by the allurements of the flesh, nor by the bitterness of affliction and trouble we may ever be overcome. Through.
All else as in Common X
OCTOBER 9
ST. DENIS, B. M.The Collect
O God, who on this day didst strengthen blessed Denis thy Martyr and Bishop with the virtue of constancy in suffering: grant, we beseech thee; that we following his example, for love of thee, may despise the prosperous things of this world, and fear none of its adversities. Through.
All else as in Common IV
OCTOBER 10
ST. PAULINUS OF YORK, B. C.The Collect
Almighty God, who didst set blessed Paulinus as a Bishop over thy people, and who didst will that he should profit them both by word and example: grant that the pastors of thy Church at his intercession; may guide their flocks into the way of everlasting salvation, that they all, by the gift of thy grace, may desire things well pleasing to thee, and with all their might perform the same. Through.
All else as in Common VI
OCTOBER 12
ST. WILFRID, B. C.The Collect
O God, by whose grace blessed Wilfrid, the Bishop, did shine with such evident signs of holiness: grant, we beseech thee; that we may be ever defended by his patronage, as by his teaching we have been instructed to desire heavenly things. Through.
All else as in Common VI
OCTOBER 13
TRANSLATION OF ST. EDWARD, K. C.The Collect
O God, who hast crowned blessed King Edward, thy Confessor, with eternal glory: make us, we beseech thee; so to venerate him upon earth, that we may reign with him in heaven. Through.
All else as in Common VIII
OCTOBER 15
ST. TERESA, V.The Collect
O God, who by the admonitions and example of blessed Teresa, the Virgin, didst raise up servants and handmaidens to thyself, upon whom thou didst pour out of thy Spirit: grant unto us at her prayers; that we, after her example, may both be fed with the food of heavenly doctrine, and also inflamed with a desire for true perfection. Through.
All else as in Common XI
OCTOBER 19
ST. FRIDESWIDE, V.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who art the Author of strength and the Lover of virginity: grant, we beseech thee; that for the sake of Saint Frideswide, thy Virgin, who by her life of chastity was well pleasing to thee, we also may obtain favour in thy sight. Through.
All else as in Common XI
OCTOBER 21
ST. URSULA AND HER COMPANIONS, VV, MM.The Collect
O God, who by a special providence didst bestow upon blessed Ursula and her Companions the crown both of virginity and martyrdom: grant, that they praying for us; we may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally we may attain the haven of everlasting salvation. Through.
All else as in Common X
OCTOBER 24
ST. RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELThe Collect
O God, who didst give blessed Raphael the Archangel unto Tobias, thy servant, as the companion of his way: grant unto us thy servants to be ever protected by his guardianship and defended by his help. Through.
For the Epistle, Tobit xii: 7
In those days the Angel Raphael said unto Tobit, It is good to keep close the secret of a king, but it is honourable to reveal the works of God. Do that which is good and no evil shall touch you. Prayer is good with fasting and alms and righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than much with unrighteousness. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold: for alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life: but they that sin are enemies to their own life. Surely I will keep close nothing from you. For I said, It was good to keep close the secret of a king, but that it was honourable to reveal the works of God. Now therefore, when thou didst pray, and Sara thy daughter in law, I did bring the remembrance of your prayers before the Holy One: and when thou didst bury the dead, I was with thee likewise. And when thou didst not delay to rise up, and leave thy dinner, to go and cover the dead, thy good deed was not hid from me: but I was with thee. And now God hath sent me to heal thee and Sara thy daughter in law. I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.
The Gospel, St. John v: 1
At that time there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, O Lord God, that thou wouldest send to our aid the holy Archangel Raphael: and grant that he whom we believe to be ever serving in the presence of thy Majesty, may present our unworthy prayers, so that they may obtain thy benediction. Through.
OCTOBER 25
SS. CRISPIN AND CRISPINIAN, MM.The Collect
O God, the invisible strength of those who fight: be present, we beseech thee, to our humble supplications; that we who honour today the glorious triumph of thy holy Martyrs Crispin and Crispinian, may for their sakes and at their prayers be defended against all spiritual wickedness. Through.
All else as in Common V
OCTOBER 27
VIGIL SS. SIMON AND JUDE, APP.The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that like as we are now coming to the glorious birthday of thy apostles Simon and Jude, so they may prevent thy Majesty in our behalf, that we may be found worthy of thy bountiful gifts. Through.
All else as in Common I
OCTOBER 31
VIGIL OF ALL SAINTSThe Collect
O Lord our God, increase and multiply upon us thy grace: and grant that we may by a holy profession follow after the joy of them unto whose glorious solemnities we are coming. Through.
For the Epistle, Rev. v: 6
In those days I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it has been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing.
The Gospel, St. Luke vi: 17
At that time, Jesus came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; and they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
The Post Communion
We beseech thee, O Lord, that we who have joyfully received thy Sacrament, earnestly desiring the coming feast-day: may be aided by the prayers of all those, in whose memory we have presented our offerings to thee. Through.
NOVEMBER 3
ST. WINIFRID, V. M.The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast bestowed upon blessed Winifrid the reward of her virginity: grant, we beseech thee, at her intercession; that we may reject the beguilements of this world, and with her obtain a throne of everlasting glory. Through.
All else as in Common X
NOVEMBER 4
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO, B. C.The Collect
Keep, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy, at the intercession of Saint Charles, thy Bishop: and as his pastoral care hath made him glorious; so may his prayers aid us ever to remain fervent in thy love. Through.
All else as in Common VI
NOVEMBER 6
ST. LEONARD, ABBOTThe Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, to further our prayers by thy heavenly gift: that we who glory in the guardianship of blessed Leonard, thy Confessor and Abbot, may ever be succoured for his sake and at his prayers. Through.
All else as in Common IX
NOVEMBER 11
ST. MARTIN, B. C.The Collect
O God, who seest that of our own strength we cannot stand upright: mercifully grant; at the prayer of blessed Martin, thy Confessor and Bishop, that we may be defended against all adversities. Through.
The Epistle as in Common VI
The Gospel, St. Luke xi: 33
At that time Jesus said to his disciples, No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle cloth give thee light.
The Post Communion as in Common VI
NOVEMBER 13
ST. BRITIUS, B. C.The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, at the intercession of blessed Britius, thy Confessor and Bishop, to keep thy people that trust in thy love: that for his prayers we may be meet to have fellowship in the joys of heaven. Through.
All else as in Common VI
NOVEMBER 14
BESTOWAL OF THE AMERICAN EPISCOPATE
[The anniversary of the consecration of the Right Reverend Samuel Seabury, the first Bishop of the American Church, 1784.]The Collect
Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed thy flock: give grace, we beseech thee; to all Bishops, the Pastors of thy Church, that they may diligently preach thy Word, and duly administer the godly Discipline thereof; and grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the same; that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory. Through.
The Epistle as on Rogation Wednesday
The Gospel, St. John xxi: 15
Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
The Post Communion
O Almighty God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner-stone: grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable unto thee. Through.
NOVEMBER 15
ST. GERTRUDE, V.The Collect
O God, who madest thyself a joyful habitation in the pure heart of blessed Gertrude thy Virgin: mercifully purge our hearts from sin through her merits and prayers, and make them worthy the indwelling of thy divine Majesty. Through.
All else as in Common XI
ST. MACHUTUS, B. C.
The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God: who didst endue blessed Machutus, thy Confessor and Bishop, with the grace of fortitude, and didst receive him this day into the glory of heaven, hear the prayers of thy people. Through.
All else as in Common VI
NOVEMBER 16
ST. EDMUND RICH, B. C,The Collect
O God, who according to the counsel of thy good pleasure, hast adorned thy Church with the glorious deeds and life of blessed Edmund, thy Confessor and Bishop, and hast made it glad by his wonderful miracles: favourably grant unto us thy servants; that after his example we may amend our lives, and by his prayers be protected from all adversities. Through.
All else as in Common VI
NOVEMBER 17
ST. HUGH, B. C.The Collect
O God, who didst eminently adorn blessed Hugh, thy Confessor and Bishop, with the excellency of his good deeds and renowned miracles: mercifully grant; that the brightness of his virtues may stir us up to an imitation of his actions. Through.
All else as in Common VI
ST. GREGORY THAUMATURGUS, B. C.
The Collect
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God: that the reverend solemnity of blessed Gregory, thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion, and also advance our salvation. Through.
The Epistle and Gospel as in Common VI
The Post Communion
O God, the rewarder of faithful souls, grant that through the prayers of blessed Gregory, thy Confessor and Bishop, whose solemn feast we celebrate, we may obtain pardon of our sins. Through.
NOVEMBER 19
ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY, W.The Collect
O merciful God, enlighten the hearts of thy faithful people: and as thou didst teach the blessed Elizabeth in a short time to fulfil a long time; so do thou grant that we may excel rather in good works than in length of days. Through.
All else as in Common XIII
NOVEMBER 20
ST. EDMUND, K. M.The Collect
O God of unspeakable mercy, who didst give grace unto the most blessed King Edmund to overcome his enemy by dying for thy Name: mercifully grant to this thy family; that through his intercession they may be enabled to mortify and kill the incitement of their ancient enemy within them. Through.
All else as in Common IV
NOVEMBER 21
PRESENTATION B.V.The Collect
O God, who didst will that blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, the tabernacle of the Holy Ghost, should as on this day be presented in the temple: grant, we beseech thee, at her intercession; that we may be counted worthy to be presented in the temple of thy glory. Through.
All else as in the Votive Mass B. V. M. from Purification to Advent
NOVEMBER 22
ST. CECILIA, V. M.The Collect
O God, who makest us glad by the yearly festival of blessed Cecilia, thy Virgin and Martyr: grant that while we venerate her memory with our holy service, we may follow the example of her holy life and conversation. Through.
All else as in Common X
NOVEMBER 23
ST. CLEMENT, B. M.The Collect
O God, who by the yearly solemnity of blessed Clement, thy Martyr and Bishop, rejoicest the hearts of thy faithful people: mercifully grant; that we who celebrate his birthday may likewise imitate his fortitude in suffering. Through.
The Epistle, Phil. iii: 17
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose
God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they may be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in The Gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life.
The Gospel as in Common IV
The Post Communion
Grant, O Lord our God, unto us who have been satisfied with the Sacrifice of thy Sacred Body and thy Precious Blood, that what we offer here in pious devotion may, by the prayers of blessed Clement, become unto us a sure pledge of our redemption. Through.
NOVEMBER 24
ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, C.The Collect
O God, who didst make Saint John, thy Confessor, to become a great lover of self-denial and of the Cross: grant that we ever following his example; may at length attain to everlasting glory. Through.
All else as in Common VIII
NOVEMBER 25
ST. KATHARINE, V. M.The Collect
O God, who didst give the law of Moses on the top of Mount Sinai, and by thy holy Angels didst wonderfully convey the body of blessed Katharine, thy Virgin and Martyr, to the same place: grant, we beseech thee; that for her sake and at her intercession we may be enabled to reach that mount which is Christ. Who liveth.
All else as in Common X