PM: Special Edition--Solemnity Of Ss. Peter And Paul, Apostles

The two greatest Apostles. The rock upon which the Church was built and the greatest preacher of the Gospel. Pillars of the Faith; martyrs for it. Today we celebrate the two men inseparable in ecclesiastical history, yet each with their own mission.

Now I know that the Lord really has sent his Angel, and has delivered me out of the hands of Herod, and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me; you know when I sit down and when I rise up.

Acts 12:11; v. Ps. 138:1-2 

Once again the Introit leads us into the First Reading. But it is the verse which grabs my attention. God knew the hearts of these two men and chose them to spearhead Christianity's beginnings. The Father chose these sons who saw His Son and empowered them with the Holy Spirit in their respective charisms. 

You will make them princes over all the earth; they shall conserve the memorial of your name, O Lord.

V. In place of your fathers, sons have been born unto you; therefore, all people will give you thanks.

Ps. 44:17; V. 18 

These two original Princes of the Church (a phrase associated with a bishop, the apostolic successors of Peter and Paul) tirelessly worked to spread the word about the Word. While the King has ascended into Heaven, the Gradual verse shows the authority given to them and their successors.

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

Matt. 16:18

Used for both the Alleluia and Communion, it is the reward given to the first Pope upon his confession that Jesus is Lord. What is our reward for answering the most burning question Christ posed? Hopefully, nothing less than the Heavenly Kingdom.

You will make them princes over all the earth; they shall keep the memorial of your name, in every age and generation.

Ps. 44:17-18

The Offertory is the same as the Gradual (I don't know why there is a different translation). But their place in the Roman Canon assures their leadership roles, being the first two listed after the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. Here we acknowledge one of the four marks of the Church (apostolic) and her mission in the world.

Two men of Judaism, each taking their own way to the Way. Two leading figures of Christianity showing the way to the Way. May their lives inspire us to answer the question without question:  "Who do you say that I AM?"

Solfege's Start

The article from New Advent describes the use of this hymn during today's Divine Office/Liturgy of the Hours. Wikipedia gives another brief account of its history. It is the cornerstone of sight reading and ear training for musicians.

++++++++++

Ut queant laxis resonare fibris

mira gestorum famuli tuorum,

solve polluti labiis reatum,

sancte Joannes.

Nuntius celso veniens Olympo,

te patri magnum fore nasciturum,

nomen, et vitae seriem gerendae,

ordine promit.

Ille promissi dubius superni

per didit promptae modulos loquelae;

sed reformasti genitus peremptae

organa vocis.

Laudibus cives celebrant superni

te, Deus simplex pariterque trine;

supplices ac nos veniam precamur:

parce redemptis.

Ventris obstruso recubans cubili,

senseras Regem thalamo manentem:

hinc parens, nati, meritis, uterque,

abdita pandit.

Sit decus Patri, genitaeque proli

et tibi, compare utriusque virtus,

Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni

Temporis aevo. Amen.

++++++++++

For thy spirit, holy John, to chasten

Lips sin-polluted, fettered tongues to loosen;

So by thy children might thy deeds of wonder

Meetly be chanted.

Lo! a swift herald, from the skies descending,

Bears to thy father promise of thy greatness;

How he shall name thee, what thy future story,

Duly revealing.

Scarcely believing message so transcendent,

Him for a season power of speech forsaketh,

Till, at thy wondrous birth, again returneth

Voice to the voiceless.

The heavenly citizens celebrate you

with lauds, one God and at once triune;

we also come imploring forgiveness;

spare us among the redeemed.

Thou, in thy mother's womb all darkly cradled,

Knewest thy Monarch, biding in His chamber,

Whence the two parents, through their children's merits,

Mysteries uttered.

Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten,

And to the Spirit, equal power. possessing,

One God whose glory, through the lapse of ages,

Ever resoundeth.

Amen.

PM: Special Edition--Solemnity Of The Nativity Of St. John The Baptist

This is one of the three actual birthdays the Church celebrates in her liturgical calendar (the other two being the Blessed Virgin Mary's and Jesus Christ's). The bridge between the Old and New Testaments, the herald of the Messiah, the one unfit to loosen his Savior's sandals, we honor the voice of he who cried out in the wilderness.

From my mother's womb the Lord called me by my name; and he made my mouth like unto a sharp sword; he protected me in the shadow of his hand, and he made me as his chosen arrow.

V. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to praise your name, O Most High.

Is. 49:1, 2; V. Psalm 91:1

The Introit prepares us for the First Reading. It is such an accurate description of what his life on earth would be like. And is not the first phrase a hint of the Visitation?

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you came out of the womb, I consecrated you.

V. The Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth, and he said unto me:  (Repeat antiphon.)

Jer. 1:5; V. 9

The Gradual also hints at the Visitation. When he leapt for joy in Elizabeth's womb when Mary came, could it be Christ ordaining him for his work? These are also the words we can recall for our vocation as the People of God.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; you will go before the Lord to make ready his ways.

Lk. 1:76

Used for both the Alleluia and Communion (the Latin in the Communion uses a different form of Lord), this answers the question posed in the Gospel. It is the first of the three Lukan canticles, used in Lauds/Morning Prayer. Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel--Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel.

The righteous man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow up like a cedar of Lebanon.

Ps. 91:13

If the words of the Offertory seem familiar, they should be; the verse is the same for the Introit for the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Because he was firmly rooted in Christ, he could be fearless in his proclaiming the coming of the Messiah and humble when they met "again" at Jesus' baptism. This distant relative of the Lord was as close to Him as he could be.

"Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matthew 11:11) John's martyrdom secured his place in Heaven; may our dying to Christ so as to rise with Him be made manifest. Like John, let us "prepare the way of the Lord".

The Heart Of A Mother

From St. Brigid Catholic Church; San Francisco, CA

The First Saturday Devotion came as a result of visions received by the last surviving Fatima seer at that time, Lucia, although they were mentioned in the apparition on July 13, 1917.

While not a part of this devotion, the following litany, after the rosary, is the most beautiful petition for intercession from the Blessed Virgin Mary.

++++++++++

Litany Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
R. Christ, graciously hear us.

V. God the Father of Heaven.

R. Have mercy on us. (Repeat after each invocation.)
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Spirit.
Holy Trinity, one God

V. Holy Mary.
R. Pray for us. (Repeat after each invocation.)
Holy Mother of God.

Holy Virgin of virgins.

Mother of Christ.
Mother of divine grace.
Mother most pure.
Mother most chaste.
Mother inviolate.
Mother undefiled.
Mother most amiable.
Mother most admirable.
Mother of good counsel.
Mother of our Creator.
Mother of our Savior.

Virgin most prudent.
Virgin most venerable.
Virgin most renowned.
Virgin most powerful.
Virgin most merciful.
Virgin most faithful.

Mirror of justice.
Seat of wisdom.
Cause of our joy.
Spiritual vessel.
Vessel of honor.
Singular vessel of devotion.

Mystical rose.
Tower of David.

Tower of ivory.
House of gold.
Ark of the Covenant.
Gate of Heaven.
Morning star.
Health of the sick.
Refuge of sinners.
Comforter of the afflicted.
Help of Christians.

Queen of angels.
Queen of patriarchs.
Queen of prophets.
Queen of apostles.
Queen of martyrs.
Queen of confessors.
Queen of virgins.
Queen of all saints.
Queen conceived without Original Sin.
Queen assumed into Heaven.
Queen of the most holy Rosary.

Queen of families.
Queen of peace.

V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Spare us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Grant, we beg You, O Lord God, that we Your Servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

++++++++++

Originally posted 7/2/2011.
Re-posted 6/8/2013.
Re-posted 6/27/2014.
Re-posted 6/24/2017. (NOTE: The feast this year was superseded by the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.)
Re-posted 6/9/2018.

Re-posted 6/29/2019.

Re-posted 6/20/2020.

Re-posted 6/12/2021.

Re-posted 6/25/2022.

Re-posted 6/17/2023.

The Making Of Hearts

From St. Brigid Catholic Church; San Francisco, CA

The First Friday Devotion was revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during an eighteen month period beginning December 27, 1673. It includes recitation of the following litany.

++++++++++

Litany To The Sacred Heart Of Jesus

V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy.
V. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us.
R. Christ, graciously hear us.

V. God, the Father of Heaven.
R. Have mercy on us. (Repeat after each invocation.)
God, the Son, Redeemer of the World.
God, the Holy Spirit.
Holy Trinity, one God.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father.
Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the Virgin Mother by the Holy Spirit.
Heart of Jesus, united substantially with the word of God.
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty.
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God.
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High.
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven.
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity.
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love.
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise.
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts.
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Divinity.
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased.
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received.
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills.
Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy.
Heart of Jesus, rich to all who invoke You.
Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness.
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins.
Heart of Jesus, saturated with revilings.
Heart of Jesus, crushed for our iniquities.
Heart of Jesus, made obedient unto death.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation.
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in You.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You.
Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints.

V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Spare us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Graciously hear us, O Lord
V. Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Have mercy on us.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart.
R. Make our hearts like unto Yours.

Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the Heart of Your well-beloved Son and upon the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders unto You in the name of sinners; and do, in Your great goodness, grant pardon to them who seek Your mercy, in the name of Your same Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You forever and ever. Amen.

++++++++++

Originally posted 7/1/2011.
Re-posted 6/5/2013.
Re-posted 6/27/2014.
Re-posted 6/3/2016.
Re-posted 6/23/2017.
Re-posted 6/8/2018.

Re-posted 6/28/2019.

Re-posted 6/19/2020.

Re-posted 6/11/2021.

Re-posted 6/24/2022.

Re-posted 6/16/2023.

June 2024 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

 Here is the intention for this month when praying the Morning Offering:

For Migrants Fleeing Their Homes. We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.

(UPDATE). A reflection for this intention can be found here.

Pange Lingua/Tantum Ergo

Pange, lingua, gloriosi
Corporis mysterium,
Sanguinisque pretiosi,
quem in mundi pretium
fructus ventris generosi
Rex effudit Gentium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus
ex intacta Virgine,
et in mundo conversatus,
sparso verbi semine,
sui moras incolatus
miro clausit ordine.

In supremae nocte cenae
recumbens cum fratribus
observata lege plene
cibis in legalibus,
cibum turbae duodenae
se dat suis manibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum
verbo carnem efficit:
fitque sanguis Christi merum,
et si sensus deficit,
ad firmandum cor sincerum
sola fides sufficit.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
veneremur cernui:
et antiquum documentum
novo cedat ritui:
praestet fides supplementum
sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
laus et iubilatio,
salus, honor, virtus quoque
sit et benedictio:
procedenti ab utroque
compar sit laudatio.
Amen. Alleluia.

V. Panem de caelis praestitisti eis. (T.P. Alleluja)
R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. (T.P. Alleluja)

Oremus: Deus, qui nobis sub sacramento mirabili, passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos corporis et sanguinis tui sacramysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum.

R. Amen.

++++++++++

Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory,
of His flesh the mystery sing;
of the Blood, all price exceeding,
shed by our immortal King,
destined, for the world's redemption,
from a noble womb to spring.

Of a pure and spotless Virgin
born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
then He closed in solemn order
wondrously His life of woe.

On the night of that Last Supper,
seated with His chosen band,
He the Pascal victim eating,
first fulfills the Law's command;
then as Food to His Apostles
gives Himself with His own hand.

Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
by His word to Flesh He turns;
wine into His Blood He changes;-
what though sense no change discerns?
Only be the heart in earnest,
faith her lesson quickly learns.

Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o'er ancient forms departing,
newer rites of grace prevail;
faith for all defects supplying,
where the feeble sense fail.

To the everlasting Father,
and the Son who reigns on high,
with the Holy Ghost proceeding
forth from Each eternally,
be salvation, honor, blessing,
might and endless majesty.
Amen. Alleluia.

R. Thou hast given them bread from heaven.
V. Having within it all sweetness.

Let us pray: O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament left us a memorial of Thy Passion: grant, we implore Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, as always to be conscious of the fruit of Thy Redemption. Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever.

R. Amen.

++++++++++

Originally posted 6/18/2006.
Re-posted 6/10/2012.
Re-posted 6/2/2013.
Re-posted 6/22/2014.
Re-posted 5/29/2016.
Re-posted 6/18/2017.
Re-posted 6/3/2018.

Re-posted 6/23/2019.

Re-posted 6/14/2020.

Re-posted 6/6/2021.

Re-posted 6/19/2022.

Re-posted 6/11/2023.