GENERAL CALENDAR OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS
JANUARY
January 7
SAINT RAYMOND OF PENYAFORT
Friar, Priest and Master of the Order
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon 1 (Joel 2:23a)
1. Children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the Lord, your God! The Lord has given you a teacher of justice. [MOP 130]
Entrance Antiphon 2 (Gal 5:14)
2. The whole law has found its fulfillment in this one saying: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. [MOP 130]
OPENING PRAYER 1
3. Lord, you gave Saint Raymond the gift of compassion in his ministry to sinners. May his prayers free us from the slavery of sin and help us to love and serve you in liberty. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 130]
OPENING PRAYER 2
4. Almighty and compassionate Father, through the life and teaching of our brother Raymond you show us that love is the fulfillment of the law. Fill our hearts with love and so make us grow in freedom as your sons and daughters. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God., for ever and ever. [MOP 130]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
5. Lord, as we offer prayers and gifts at your altar, help us imitate the devotion of our brother Raymond to your law of love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 131]
Communion Antiphon (in 15:4-5)
6. Live in me and let me live in you, says the Lord; those who live in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit. [MOP 131]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
7. Lord, may this celebration of the eucharist on the feast of our brother Raymond increase our strength and joy and enable us to come to the fullness of your law of love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 131]
January 18
SAINT MARGARET OF HUNGARY
Nun and Virgin
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon 1 (Ps45:13,15)
8. The rich among the people seek your favor. Behind her the virgins of her train are brought to the King; they are borne in with gladness and joy. [MOP 133]
Entrance Antiphon 2 (Hos 2:16-17)
9. I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart. She shall respond there as in the days of her youth.[Text proposed by the Commission]
OPENING PRAYER 1
10A. O God, guardian and lover of virginity, by your gift of grace Margaret your handmaid joined the beauty of a virginal spirit to a life of good works. Through a spirit of penance may we come to purity of heart. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 133]
10B. O God of truth, through the Holy Spirit you blessed our sister Margaret with true humility. Teach us that same integrity so that we may constantly turn from our selfishness to your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 133]
OPENING PRAYER 2
11. O God of truth, through the power of the Holy Spirit you willed that Saint Margaret should shine forth with the grace of self-denial. In yielding always to your will may we fulfill what is pleasing in your sight. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 133]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
12. Accept our gifts, Lord, as we recall our sister Margaret and the humble gift of herself for her own people. Give us your peace in Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. [MOP 133]
Communion Antiphon (Gal 2:19-20)
13. I have been crucified with Christ. The life I live now is not my own; it is Christ who lives in me. [MOP 134]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
14A. O Lord, you have refreshed us at this heavenly banquet. By following the example of Saint Margaret may we so use the goods of this passing world that we may be found worthy to come at last to eternal joys. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 134]
14B. Lord, you nourish us at the table of your kingdom as once you refreshed our sister Margaret. Help us to live in the hope of that same kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 134]
January 28
SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Friar, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Feast
Entrance Antiphon 1 (Dn 12:3)
15. The learned will shine like the brilliance of the firmament, and those who train many in the ways of justice will sparkle like the stars for all eternity. [MOP 137]
Entrance Antiphon 2 (See Sir 44:15,14)
16. Let the peoples declare the wisdom of the saints and the Church proclaim their praises; their names shall live for ever. [MOP 137]
§ The Gloria is said.
OPENING PRAYER 1
17A. O God, you made Saint Thomas known for his zeal for holiness and his dedication to sacred doctrine. Help us to grow in wisdom by his teaching and in holiness by imitating his faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 137]
17B. God of wisdom, you gave your church our brother Thomas, a wise and holy teacher who sought truth. As we seek you, help us and those we teach in our constant search for your truth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. [MOP 137]
OPENING PRAYER 2
18. All-provident God, in Saint Thomas you gave your Church a beacon of wisdom and a model of sanctity. By his prayers and example, help us to always seek you in truth and to love you above all things. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 137]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
19. Loving God, accept these gifts which we offer you on the feast of our brother Thomas, and make us an acceptable gift to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 138]
PREFACE: Preface of St. Thomas Aquinas
20.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with you.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. On this feast of our brother Thomas we praise and bless you. He devoted himself to a life of prayer and study and you clothed him with the clear light of divine wisdom. Shadows of confusion were swept away by his teaching. Brilliant in life and words, Thomas shone like the sun illuminating the church. We praise you, Lord, with all the angels and the saints in their song of joy: [MOP 138]
Holy, holy...
Communion Antiphon (Ps 16:11)
21. Lord, you will show me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence. [MOP 138]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
22. O God, you strengthened us with Christ the living bread, and enlightened us by his teaching. Help us to live the truth, as our brother Thomas did, and live it in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 139]
SOLEMN BLESSING
23. God gave Blessed Thomas the grace to search out the divine mysteries. May the Lord bless you and help you to love those same truths. Amen.
God gave Thomas the grace to praise the mystery of the body and blood of Christ. May the Lord continue to nourish you by that same body and blood. Amen.
God has led you to recall with Thomas the memorial of Christ's passion. May the Lord fill your hearts with grace. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. [MOP 139]
FEBRUARY
February 2
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
Feast
24. (1) Today's celebration recalls the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple and his meeting with believers. The ceremony of presenting candles as an offering, or placing them on the altar according to the custom of the Order, expresses and aptly signifies the dispositions of our hearts. Likewise the procession, which is recommended for the preparation of the gifts at Mass, lends a greater impact and spiritual significance to the celebration. The celebrant may mention this in the instruction. [MOP 141]
Blessing of Candles and Procession
First Form: Procession
25 . (2) At the scheduled time the members of the community and the faithful gather in a suitable place outside the church or, if circumstances permit, in the chapter room or in the cloister. Meanwhile candles may be distributed; this may also be done immediately after the blessing. [MOP 141]
26. (3) The prior or the principal celebrant, the concelebrants and ministers put on white vestments for Mass and go to the place where the community and the faithful have assembled. The principal celebrant may wear the cope instead of the chasuble during the procession. [MOP 141]
27. (4) Before the celebration begins or while the candles are being lighted one of the following antiphons may be sung: [MOP 141]
28. [MOP 142; AOP 301] [The Lord will come with mighty power, and give light to the eyes of all who serve him, alleluia. (See Is 35:4-5)]
29A. [MOP 142; POP 69-70] [Adorn your bridal chamber, O Sion, and receive Christ the King. Embrace Mary, the gate of heaven, for she carries the King of glory. The Virgin stands amidst clouds of light bearing in her hands the Son, begotten before the light. Simeon receives him into his arms and announces to the people that Christ is the Lord of life and death, the Savior of the world. (See Ex 13:22; 19:16; Ps 110:3; Wis 16:13; Lk 2:28)]
29B. The antiphon "Lumen" with its canticle (see n.8) or another suitable song may be sung. [MOP 142]
30. The principal celebrant greets the people as usual and with a brief introduction urges the faithful to offer themselves to the Lord as they receive the sign of light in their lives. He may use these or similar words: [MOP 142] 31.
Forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we recall the holy day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses and at the same time going to meet his faithful people. Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the temple, recognized Christ as their Lord, and proclaimed him with joy. United by the Spirit, may we now go to the house of God to welcome Christ the Lord. There we shall recognize him in the breaking of bread until he comes again in glory. [MOP 142]
OR:
32. Dear friends in Christ, God wished to manifest the divine presence to the human race, revealing the divine intervention in its history and responding to its expectation. On this day when the only-begotten Son, who assumed our human flesh, was presented in the temple and was recognized as the light and hope of all peoples, let us go to meet him to offer him our hearts, cleansed by the Holy Spirit, and to receive from him what all human hearts desire. [MOP 143]
34. (6) Then the principal celebrant joins his hands and blesses the candles:
35. Let us pray.
God our Father, source of eternal light, fill the hearts of all believers with the light of faith. May we who carry these candles in your church come with joy to the light of glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. [MOP 143]
Or:
36. Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-living God, on this day your only-begotten Son was received into the arms of blessed Simeon in your holy temple. In your mercy we ask you to bless +, sanctify and enkindle with the light of your heavenly blessing these candles which we, your servants, will receive and carry lighted for the honor of your name. As we offer them to you, our Lord and God, may we be inflamed with the fire of your love and finally come to be presented in the holy temple of your glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. [MOP 143-144]
37. The principal celebrant sprinkles the candles with holy water. Then the candles are distributed by the sacristan or one of the ministers, unless this has already been done. Meanwhile the candles are lighted and the antiphon "Adorna" (n.4) or another suitable antiphon is sung. [MOP 144]
38. (7) The principal celebrant takes the candle prepared for him. Then the deacon or one of the concelebrants or, if there are none, the principal celebrant himself begins the procession with these or similar words:
39. Let us go in peace to meet the Lord. [MOP 144]
40A. (8) The cross-bearer leads the procession with the cross, calling to mind the prophecy of the passion on today's feast of light. Then come the members of the community, the concelebrants, the principal celebrant and the faithful (who may also follow immediately after the cross-bearer).
40B. Stations, if there are to be any, are determined by local circumstances with careful attention to the meaning of this practice. During the procession the following antiphons or another suitable song is sung.
40C. Unless it has already been sung, the following antiphon with its canticle may be sung: [MOP 144]
41. [MOP 122; POP 67] [Antiphon: Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel his people. (Lk 24:32)]
[Now, Lord, you have kept your word: let your servant go in peace.]
Antiphon
[With my own eyes I have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people.]
Antiphon
[A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. (Lk 2:29-31)]
42A. [MOP 145; POP 68-69] [Hail, full of grace, Virgin-Mother of God! From you has risen the Sun of justice who enlightens those who are in darkness. Rejoice, Simeon, O just one! You receive in your arms our liberator who brings us resurrection. (See Mal 4:2; Lk 1:79; 2:28)
42B. As the procession approaches the church the following is sung:
43. [MOP 145; POP 70] [It was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not experience death until he had seen the Anointed of the Lord. When the parents brought in the child, he took him in his arms and blessed God in these words: Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace. (See Lk 2:26-29)]
44. [MOP 145; POP 71] [Today the Blessed Virgin Mary presented the child Jesus in the temple and Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, took him in his arms and blessed God in these words: Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace. (See Lk 2:26-29)]
45. (9) As the procession enters the church, the entrance chant of the Mass is sung. The members of the community enter the choir and go to their seats; the concelebrants reverence the altar and go to their seats. The penitential rite is omitted. When the principal celebrant reaches the altar, he reverences it, and may incense it. Then he goes to the chair (and replaces the cope with the chasuble, if he used it in the procession). After the "Gloria" he sings or says the opening prayer. The Mass continues as usual. Before the gospel the sequence "Laetabundus" may be sung. [MOP 145]
46. (10) If the ceremony of presenting candles as an offering, according to the custom of the Order, is carried out (see n.l), all hold lighted candles (depending on circumstances they may put them down during the liturgy of the word). But if this ceremony is not carried out, when the entrance procession is finished, all may put down their candles at the steps of the sanctuary or before the cross or in another suitable place. [MOP 145-146]
Second Form: Solemn Entrance
47. (11) Where the blessing of candles and procession cannot be held outside the church or in the cloister, the conventual Mass may begin with the solemn entrance. [MOP 146]
48. (12) The community and the faithful, carrying unlighted candles, assemble either in front of the door of the church or in the church itself. The principal celebrant, the concelebrants and ministers, and a representative group of the faithful go to a suitable place in the church, but outside the sanctuary, where most of the congregation can see the rite. [MOP 146]
49. (13) When the principal celebrant and the others reach the appointed place, candles are lighted while the antiphon "Ecce Dominus" or "Adorna" or another suitable song is sung (see n.4). After the greeting and introduction, the principal celebrant blesses the candles as above (nn.5-6). [MOP 146]
50. (14) After the blessing the principal celebrant, accompanied by the concelebrants and ministers and a representative group of the faithful, processes solemnly through the church to the sanctuary while the antiphon "Responsum accepit" (n.8) or the antiphon "Lumen" with the canticle "Nunc dimittis" or another suitable song is sung. The Mass proceeds as described above (n.9). [MOP 146]
MASS
Entrance Antiphon (15) (Ps 48:10-11)
51. Within your temple, we ponder your loving kindness, O God. As your name, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with justice. [MOP 146]
§ The Gloria is said.
OPENING PRAYER (16)
52. All-powerful Father, Christ your Son assumed a human nature for us and was presented in the temple. May he free our hearts from sin and bring us into your presence. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 147]
53. ' Readings are taken from the Roman Lectionary. The sequence Laetabundus may be sung. [MOP 147]
Presentation of Candles
54 . (17) While the song during the preparation of the gifts is sung, the principal celebrant stands before the altar and with the help of the ministers receives the offering of a candle from the concelebrants and the members of the community. After they have presented their candles, they make a reverence to the altar and return to their seats. When the members of the community have presented their candles, the principal celebrant and ministers go to a suitable place to receive the candles of the faithful. The principal celebrant then returns to the sanctuary, washes his hands and Mass continues as usual with the preparation of the gifts and the incensation. [MOP 147]
55. (18) If it seems more desirable, the presentation of candles may be carried out in this manner. While the song during the preparation of the gifts is sung, the principal celebrant, the concelebrants, the members of the community and the faithful put their candles down at the steps of the sanctuary or in another suitable place or before the cross. The candles may be so arranged that they may remain lighted until the end of Mass. Some of these candles may be lighted for Evening Prayer. [MOP 147]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (19)
56. Lord, accept the gifts your Church offers you with joy, since in fulfillment of your will your Son offered himself as a lamb without blemish for the life of the world We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 147]
PREFACE: Preface of the Presentation of the Lord (20)
57.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with you.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. Today your Son, who shares your eternal splendor, was presented in the temple, and revealed by the Spirit as the glory of Israel and the light of all peoples. Our hearts are joyful, for we have seen your salvation, and now with the angels and saints we praise you for ever: [MOP 148]
Holy, holy...
Communion Antiphon (21) (Lk 2:30-31)
58. With my own eyes I have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all the nations. [MOP 148]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (22)
59. Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon, who did not die until he had been privileged to welcome the Messiah. May this communion perfect your grace in us and prepare us to meet Christ when he comes to bring us into everlasting life, for he is Lord for ever and ever. [MOP 148]
February 4
SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI
Sister and Virgin
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon (Gal 6:14)
60. I should boast of nothing but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; through him the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. [MOP 150]
OPENING PRAYER
61A. God of light and truth, by your grace Saint Catherine shone forth in her contemplation of the passion of your Son. By the help of her prayers may we meditate with reverence upon these same mysteries, and so come to enjoy their fruits. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 150]
61B. Almighty God, your brought our sister Catherine to holiness through her contemplation of your Son's passion. As we remember the dying and rising of your Son, help us to become courageous preachers and teachers of these mysteries. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 150]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
62. Lord, accept our gifts of bread and wine on this feast of our sister Catherine. Help us now to celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. [MOP 150]
Communion Antiphon (Ps 89:2)
63. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. [MOP 151]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
64. Lord our God, we have been renewed by a sharing in this divine gift. May we, like our sister Catherine, bear in our bodies the suffering of Jesus and strive to live for you alone. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 151]
February 7
ANNIVERSARY OF DECEASED PARENTS
Entrance Antiphon
65. The Lord will open to them the gate of paradise, and they will return to that homeland where there is no death, but only lasting joy. [MOP 151]
OPENING PRAYER
66A. God of all consolation, by whose command we honor father and mother, in your tenderness have mercy on our parents, forgive their sins, and let us see them at last in the light of eternal joy. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 151]
66B. Loving Father, today we honor our deceased parents and we ask you to give them light, happiness and peace. Strengthen our hope and faith in our promised future with you. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 151]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
67. Lord, receive this offering for our parents. Give them eternal joy in the land of the living, and reunite us with them in the happiness of the saints. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 151]
Communion Antiphon (in 6:7)
68. All that the Father gives to me will come to me; whoever comes to me, I shall never turn away. [MOP 152]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
69. Lord, may this sharing in the sacrament of heaven win eternal rest and light for our parents and prepare us to share eternal glory with them. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 152]
February 12
BLESSED REGINALD OF ORLEANS
Friar and Priest
Optional Memorial
Entrance Antiphon 1 (Ps 16:5-6)
70. O Lord, you who are my portion and cup; you alone are my prize. The lot marked out for me is my delight. Welcome, indeed, the heritage that falls to me. [MOP 152] Entrance Antiphon 2 (Ps 21:2-3)
71. Lord, your strength gives joy to the just; they greatly delight in your saving help. You have granted them the desire of their hearts. [Text proposed by the Commission]
OPENING PRAYER
72A. God of all riches, with the aid of the Mother of Mercy you called Blessed Reginald to a life of gospel poverty and granted him power to persuade others to embrace religious life. By his prayers guide our steps in the way of your Word, so that with hearts enkindled we may run in the way of your commandments. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 152]
72B. Lord our God, with the help of Mary, the mother of your Son, our brother Reginald chose the way of gospel poverty. Inspire us by your word and help us to take the path of generous service in your Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 152]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
73. O Lord, bless these gifts and increase in us that love which led our brother Reginald to leave all things for the sake of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 153]
Communion Antiphon (See Mt 19:27-29)
74. I solemnly tell you: those who have left everything and followed me will be repaid a hundredfold and will gain eternal life. [MOP 153]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
75. Lord, increase our faith and love through this sacrament which we celebrate with joy on this feast of our brother Reginald. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. [MOP 153]
February 13
BLESSED JORDAN OF SAXONY
Friar, Priest and Master of the Order
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon (Is 59:21; 56:7)
76. My words that I have put in your mouth, says the Lord, will never be absent from your lips, and your gifts will be accepted on my altar. [MOP 153]
OPENING PRAYER
77. Gracious God, you called-our brother Jordan to the preaching of the gospel by which he drew many to the apostolic way of life. Help us to preach the way of salvation faithfully and so proclaim the kingdom of Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 153-154]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
78. Accept our gifts, O Lord, on this feast of our brother Jordan. As we recall the promises of our profession, help us to serve you by the holiness of our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 154]
Communion Antiphon (See Lk 10:1,9)
79. The Lord sent disciples to proclaim to all the towns: the kingdom of God is very near to you. [MOP 154]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
80. O Lord, you strengthen us with food from this eucharistic table. Help us to follow the way of our brother Jordan as faithful preachers of the gospel. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 154]
February 18
BLESSED JOHN OF FIESOLE (Fra Angelico)
Friar and Priest
Optional Memorial
Entrance Antiphon (Ps 86:11-12)
81. O Lord, teach me your way that I may walk in your truth; direct my heart that I may fear your name. I will give thanks to you with all my heart, O Lord my God, and I will glorify your name forever. [MOP 155]
OPENING PRAYER 1
82A. God of eternal beauty, in your providence you inspired Blessed Fra Angelico to reveal in images of earth the tranquil harmony of heaven. With the help of his prayers and by following his example may our lives reveal that same splendor to the hearts of all our brothers and sisters. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 155]
82B. God of eternal beauty, you inspired Fra Angelico as an artist at the service of your truth. May we delight in the beauty of his work and rejoice in the glory of your creation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 155]
OPENING PRAYER 2
83. God of eternal beauty, by your ineffable grace Fra Angelico studied and taught the mystery of your Word. With the help of his prayers may we be led at last to contemplate the radiance of your majesty face to face. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 155]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
84. We bring you our bread and wine, O Lord, on this feast of Fra Angelico. May these gifts recall for us the beauty of your creation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 156]
Communion Antiphon (Heb 12:22,23,24)
85. You have drawn near to the heavenly Jerusalem, to the assembly of the first-born enrolled in heaven and to the sprinkled blood which speaks more eloquently than that of Abel. [MOP 156]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
86. O Lord, we rejoice in these gifts which nourish your people and which inspired Fra Angelico. May we be inspired to use all our gifts for the glory of your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 1561
APRIL
April 5
SAINT VINCENT FERRER
Friar and Priest
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon 1 (Is 52:7)
87. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the those who bring glad tidings of peace, joy and salvation. [MOP 158]
Entrance Antiphon 2 (Ps 27:14)
88. Put your hope in the Lord. Take courage and be strong. [MOP 158]
OPENING PRAYER 1
89. Almighty and ever-living God, you called out brother Vincent Ferrer to preach the gospel of the last judgment. At the coming of your Son may we be found preaching the gospel in your kingdom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 158]
OPENING PRAYER 2
90. Almighty and ever-living God, you taught us through the preaching of Saint Vincent to run the path to our heavenly home in expectation of the Savior. With the help of his prayers may we be fervent in labor and in love and seek no lasting city here below, but an eternal dwelling place to come. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. [MOP 158]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
91. Lord, we bring you these gifts of our own making on the feast of our brother Vincent. Direct our hearts to the good things of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 159]
Communion Antiphon (See Rev 2:7)
92. Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life, which grows in the paradise of my God. [MOP 159]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
93. Lord, united in the breaking of one bread we now pray with one heart, so that celebrating the feast of our brother Vincent, we may live in hope until the last judgment. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 159]
April 20
SAINT AGNES OF MONTEPULCIANO
Nun and Virgin
Memorial [For the Nuns: Feast]
Entrance Antiphon (Ps 105:3,4)
94. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Seek the Lord and you will be strengthened, seek always the face of the Lord. [MOP 163]
OPENING PRAYER
95A. Merciful God, you adorned Agnes, your bride, with a marvelous fervor in prayer. By imitating her example, may we always hold fast to you in spirit and so come to enjoy the abundant fruits of holiness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 163]
95B. Merciful God, you called our sister Agnes to be the bride of Christ your Son, and blessed her with the gift of prayer. Lead us to seek your face and to know the joy of your compassion. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 163]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
96A. O Lord, bless us in this offering lifted up to you. By following the example of Saint Agnes cleanse us of the old ways of earth and renew us in our progress towards the life of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 163]
96B. Lord, we bring you these gifts of our own making on the feast of our sister Agnes. Direct our hearts to the good things of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 163]
Communion Antiphon 1 (See Lk 10:42)
97. The wise virgin chose the better part for herself, and it shall not be taken away from her. [MOP 163]
Communion Antiphon 2 (Zec 9:17)
98. What goodness is theirs, and what beauty! Grain that makes the youths flourish, and wine the maidens! (MOP 163)
Communion Antiphon 3 (Jn 11:28)
99. The master is here and he calls you. [Text proposed by the Commission]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
100. O Lord, may our communion in the body and blood of Christ free us from all harm. Like our sister Agnes may we grow in the life of prayer and come to the joy of seeing you face to face. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 164]
April 29
SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA
Lay Dominican, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Feast
Entrance Antiphon (Rom 5:5; see 8:11)
101. The love of God has been poured into our hearts, alleluia, by his spirit living in us, alleluia. [MOP 165]
§ The Gloria is said.
OPENING PRAYER 1
102A. God of wisdom, you made Saint Catherine burn with divine love in contemplating the Lord's passion and in serving your Church. With the help of her prayers may your people, united in the mystery of Christ, rejoice forever in the revelation of his glory, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 165]
102B. Father, in meditating on the sufferings of your Son and in serving your Church, our sister Catherine was filled with the fervor of your love. By her prayers, may we share in the mystery of Christ's death and rejoice in the revelation of his glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 165]
OPENING PRAYER 2
103. O God, through Saint Catherine you teach us the wonderful truth about our own human nature- that we live in you and you live in us. With the help of her prayers may this knowledge help us to advance in virtue and to serve you all our days. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 165].
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
104. Lord, accept these gifts we offer on the feast of our sister Catherine. By following her teaching and example, may we offer perfect praise to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 166]
PREFACE: Preface of Saint Catherine of Siena
105.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with you.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks. We praise you today because your revealed to Saint Catherine the unsearchable mysteries of your own life and gave her a special love for your Church.
She contemplated you in constant prayer and pleaded that discord might give way to unity.
Obedient and humble she challenged the Church of Christ to be mindful of its mission and be a faithful spouse of Christ, holy and spotless until the end of time. And so with the Church and all the Angels and saints we praise your glory as we say: [MOP 166]
Holy, holy...
Communion Antiphon 1On 4:13-14)
106. Those who drink the water that I shall give, says the Lord, will have a spring within them, welling up for eternal life. [MOP 167)
Communion Antiphon 2 (1 Jn 1:7)
107. If we walk in the light, as God is in light, there is fellowship among us, and the blood of his Son, Jesus Christ, will cleanse us from all sin, alleluia. [MOP 167]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
108. O Lord, may our communion at this heavenly table bring us eternal life, for it was here that Blessed Catherine found nourishment all her earthly days. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 167]
SOLEMN BLESSING (See 1 Pt 2:9; 1 Jn 1:7)
109. God called you from darkness into marvelous light. May the Lord graciously bless you and lead you to walk in that same light Amen. God has cleansed you from sin through the blood of Christ. May God now grant you salvation and peace Amen. The compassion of God has never failed. May God now grant you boundless mercy. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you for ever.. Amen. [MOP 167-168]
April 30
SAINT PIUS V
Friar and Pope
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon 1 (Sir 45:30)
110. The Lord sealed a covenant of peace with him and made him a prince, bestowing the priestly dignity upon him for ever. [MOP 168]
Entrance Antiphon (2Per 3:15)
111. I will give you shepherds after my own heart and they shall feed you on knowledge and sound teaching. [Text proposed by the Commission]
OPENING PRAYER
112. Faithful God, you called our brother Pius to defend the faith and to renew the worship of your Church. With the help of his prayers guide us toward that worship in truth which is faithful to your Word. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 168]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
113. We bring these gifts to you, Lord, on this feast of our brother Pius. Accept our bread and wine as a sign of our faithful service. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 168]
Communion Antiphon 1 (in 21:17)
114. Lord, you know all things: you know that I love you. [MOP 168]
Communion Antiphon 2 (Lk 12:42)
115. The Lord has put his faithful servant in charge of his household; to give them their share of bread at the proper time. [Text proposed by the Commission]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
116. O Lord, we have renewed our faith at the table of your banquet. May we, like our brother Pius, contemplate the mystery of the life, death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. [MOP 169]
MAY
May 8
PATRONAGE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
OVER THE ENTIRE ORDER OF PREACHERS
117A. Until the recent restoration of the liturgical calendar, the Order celebrated the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 22, the anniversary of the approval of the Order by Pope Honorius III (December 22, 1216). Now, however, keeping in mind the precedence of the weekdays of Advent which take first place over all other memorials, it is suggested that a memorial of the Patronage be celebrated on this day (or on another day, if there is a special reason for it), in as much as throughout the Church on this day various celebrations of a similar title of the Blessed Virgin Mary are celebrated in other proper liturgical calendars.
117B. A votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be celebrated using the propers approved for our Order which are especially suitable for this purpose. [MOP 171]
May 10
SAINT ANTONINUS OF FLORENCE
Friar and Bishop
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon 1 (Ez 34:11,23-24)
118. I will look after my sheep, says the Lord, and I will raise up one shepherd who will pasture them. I, the Lord, will be their God. [MOP 171]
Entrance Antiphon 2 (Ps 19:10)
119. The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever. The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just. [Text proposed by the Commission]
OPENING PRAYER 1
120. Eternal God, you blessed Saint Antoninus with a marvelous gift of counsel. By the help of his prayers while we walk in the darkness of this life, may we learn from a light of Christ all that we ought to do. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 171-172]
OPENING PRAYER 2
121A. Eternal God, you wonderfully blessed Saint Antoninus with the gift of wisdom. Pour out upon us, your servants, the same spirit of understanding, truth and peace. May we know in our hearts what pleases you and pursue it with all our strength. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 172]
121B. Eternal God, you blessed our brother Antoninus with the gift of wisdom. Fill us with the spirit of understanding, truth and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 172]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
122. Lord, accept the gifts we bring to your altar on this feast of our brother Antoninus. May our offering bring honor to your name and deepen your love in our hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 172]
Communion Antiphon 1 (Jer 3:15)
123. I will give you shepherds after my own heart, and they shall feed you on knowledge and sound teaching. [MOP 172]
Communion Antiphon 2 (Ps 19:9)
124. The precepts of the Lord are right, they gladden the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, it gives light to the eyes. [Text proposed by the Commission]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
125. Lord, you have refreshed us by these holy mysteries. By following the example of our brother Antoninus, may we strive to profess what he believed and to practice what he taught. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 172]
May 24
TRANSLATION OF OUR HOLY FATHER DOMINIC
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon (4 Ezr 2:36-37)
126. Rejoice to the full in the glory that is yours, alleluia, and give thanks to God, alleluia, who called you to his kingdom, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.[MOP 176]
OPENING PRAYER 1
127A. God of truth, you graciously enlightened your Church by the merits and teaching of Saint Dominic, your confessor and our father. By his prayers grant that the Church may never lack for temporal help, and may grow ever richer in spiritual blessings. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 176]
127B. God of truth, you gave your Church a new light in the life and preaching of our father Dominic. Give us the help we need to support our preaching by holy and simple lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 1761
OPENING PRAYER 2
128. Lord, let the holiness and teaching of our Father Dominic come to the aid of your Church. May he help us now with his prayers as he once inspired people by his preaching. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 177]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
129A. Gracious Lord, through the intercession of our Holy Father Dominic, listen with kindness to the prayers we offer here. By the power of this sacrifice, strengthen with the protection of your grace all who defend the faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 177]
129B. Loving God, receive our gifts of bread and wine as we celebrate the feast of our father Dominic and make us an acceptable gift to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 177]
PREFACE: Preface of St. Dominic I
130A.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with you.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
We praise and bless you today because you called our Father Dominic to enrich the church by renewing the apostolic way of life. Disciple of Christ, the very Christ who became poor for our sake, Dominic called the lost and the wandering home by preaching the Good News. He gathered a band of preachers together. Nourished by the light of sacred study they gave themselves without reservation to the proclamation that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Now, with all the saints and angels, we praise you forever: [MOP 177-178]
Holy, holy...
130B. Or, Preface of St. Dominic II (see August 8).
Communion Antiphon 1 (Mk 16:15; Mt 28:20)
131. Go out to all the world, and tell the good news:I am with you always, says the Lord. [MOP 178]
Communion Antiphon 2 (Mt 23:10,8)
132. The Lord says: You have one teacher, the Christ. All of you are brothers and sisters. [MOP 178]
Communion Antiphon 3 (Lk 12:42)
133. The Lord has put a faithful servant in charge of the household, to give them their share of bread at the proper time. [Text proposed by the Commission]
Communion Antiphon 4 (Lk 10:1,9)
134. The Lord sent disciples to proclaim to all the cities; the kingdom of God is very near to you. [Text proposed by the Commission]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
135. Lord our God, help us to proclaim the mystery we have celebrated on this feast of our Father Dominic and help us to continue to preach your truth. May the Church which flourished through his preaching now find help through his prayers. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 178]
SOLEMN BLESSING
136. God our Father raised up Dominic to be a preacher of truth. May God support you in your search for truth. Amen.
God manifested the tenderness and humanity of Christ in our Father, Dominic. May God transform you in the image of that same Christ. Amen.
God enriched Dominic with the gift of compassion for the poor and for sinners. May God give you the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel of peace. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
[MOP 200-201. The blessing is taken from August 8.]
JUNE
June 4
SAINT PETER OF VERONA
Friar, Priest and Martyr
Memorial
Entrance Antiphon (See Mt 10:32)
137. Let us rejoice in celebrating the victory of Saint Peter Martyr. On earth he proclaimed Christ's love for us. Now Christ leads him to a place of honor before his Father in heaven. [MOP 183]
OPENING PRAYER 1
138. Almighty God, you crowned our brother Peter with martyrdom as he faithfully preached the gospel. Help us to live that faith he professed at the moment of his death. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 183]
OPENING PRAYER 2
139. Almighty God, you crowned our brother Peter with martyrdom for confessing the true faith with perseverance. Give to us, your people, that same faith that we too may receive the gift of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 183]
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
140A. O God, you accepted Saint Peter's profession of faith as a holy and pleasing sacrifice. Accept these gifts we offer you in living faith, that the body and blood of the spotless Lamb may be for our welfare and our salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 183-184]
140B. Lord, you received our brother Peter's profession of faith as a sacrifice pleasing to you. Accept these gifts of bread and wine which we offer you in living faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 183-184]
PREFACE: Preface of Saint Peter of Verona
141.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with you.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ, our Lord. We praise and bless you today as we recall the heavenly birth of our brother Peter, your priest and martyr.
This great preacher struggled for the integrity of the gospel, even to the shedding of his blood for the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.