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Showing posts with the label Divine Office

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, Early Church Martyrs

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Optional Memorial - March 7th Women have always been important witnesses to the faith and to the sacredness and value of human life. On March 7th the Church honors Saints Perpetua and Felicity, two young mothers of the 3rd century who were martyred because they refused to renounce their Christian beliefs. They are mentioned in the first Eucharistic prayer at Mass and where highly venerated by the early Church. Saint Perpetua was born around 181 A.D. She was a 20-year-old married, well-educated noblewoman, who followed the path of her mother and was baptized a Christian. Her co-martyr, Felicity, was an expectant mother and catechumen who according to tradition was Perpetua’s slave. They both suffered at Carthage in the Roman province of Africa during the reign of Emperor Septimus in 203 A.D. After their arrest and imprisonment, Perpetua and Felicity were led to the amphitheater together alongside fellow professed Christians Revocatus, Felicitas, Saturninus, Secundulus and Satur

Saint Sebastian, Martyr

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Optional Memorial - January 20th  The name of Sebastian is enveloped in a wreath of legends. The oldest historical account of the saint is found in a commentary on the psalms by St. Ambrose; the passage reads: "Allow me to propose to you the example of the holy martyr Sebastian. By birth he was a Milanese. Perhaps the persecutor of Christians had left Milan, or had not yet arrived, or had become momentarily more tolerant. Sebastian believed that here there was no opportunity for combat, or that it had already passed. So he went to Rome, the scene of bitter opposition arising from the Christians' zeal for the faith. There he suffered, there he gained the crown." St. Sebastian was widely venerated during the Middle Ages, particularly as a protector against the plague. Paul the Deacon relates that in 670 a great pestilence at Rome ceased when an altar was dedicated in his honor. The Breviary account of the saint is highly legendary; in part it reads: "Diocl

The Epiphany of the Lord

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Solemnity - January 7th  Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Father Pius Parsch writes of this feast: "The Lord and ruler is coming; kingship is his, and [his wise] government and power." With these words the Church proclaims that today's feast brings to a perfect fulfillment all the purposes of Advent. [The] Epiphany, therefore, marks the liturgical zenith of the Advent-Christmas season. The Solemnity of the Epiphany is celebrated either on January 6 or, according to the decision of the episcopal conference, on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8. The young Messiah is revealed as the light of the nations. Yet, as the antiphon for the Magnificat at Second Vespers reminds us, three mysteries are encompassed in this solemnity: the adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi, the Baptism of Christ and the wedding feast at Cana. Extra candles and/or lamps may be placed around the sanctuary and in other parts of the church to honor Christ...

Saint Sylvester I, Pope and Confessor

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(In 2017, this feast is superseded by the Sunday liturgy.)  December 31st is the optional memorial of Saint Sylvester I, the 4th century pope and confessor, whose papacy saw the end of the initial period of Christian persecution. He guided the Church during the reign of Emperor Constantine when the Arian heresy and the Donatist schism had lead to great discord. He convened the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea and oversaw the building of Rome’s magnificent Basilicas. Only a strong and wise man could have preserved the autonomy of the Church in the face of such a looming and powerful figure that was Constantine. _____________________________________________________ Saint Sylvester, a native Roman, was chosen by God to govern His Church during the initial years of her temporal prosperity and the triumph over her persecuting enemies. Pope Melchiades died in January, 314, and Sylvester was chosen as his successor. He governed the Church for over twenty-one years, ably organizing the

Feast of the Holy Family

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December 31, 2017  The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is the model for all Christian families. Beginning in the 17th century, devotion to the Holy Family spread throughout the Church. In 1893, Pope Leo XIII approved the feast of the Holy Family; composing part of the Divine Office observing it. Since ancient times, the Coptic Church has celebrated this memorial in light of the flight into Egypt. Succeeding Pontiffs have affirmed the feast as an efficacious means of reminding Christians of the sanctity of the family and it's essential role in disseminating and preserving the Faith. The example of the Holy Family at Nazareth is a template for the restoration of family life and a safeguard against diabolical, present-day efforts to redefine or end the institutions of marriage and the "Domestic Church" as ordained by God. For Mary and Joseph, having God Incarnate in their midst was an unrivaled joy. Looking at the Holy Family, we see the love, the protectio

The O Antiphons, December 17 - 23

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Beginning on December 17, as the final phase of preparation for Christmas, the Church recites or chants the O Antiphons preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. The O Antiphons express the Church's longing and expectation for the Messiah, her startled wonderment at the fullness of grace which the Christ-Child is about to bestow on the world. Their theme is the majesty of the Savior, His wisdom, His faithfulness and sanctity, His justice and mercy, His covenant with His chosen people, who in their ingratitude broke faith with Him. They are concerned with His power and love as King and Redeemer of the world, His relation to every soul as Emmanuel, God-with-us. ( With Christ Through the Year by Bernard Strasser) According to Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Benedictine monks arranged these antiphons with a definite purpose. If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one — E mmanuel,

St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

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On December 7th, the Church observes the memorial of Saint Ambrose, the 4th century bishop and Doctor. One of the most important prelates and influential theologians in the early Church, he is acclaimed in the West as a Father of the Church. Ambrose was born at Treves in Gaul, a territory which encompassed modern France, Britain, Spain, and part of Africa. He completed his studies in Rome and later became governor of Liguria and Aemelia with residence at Milan. In the year 370, in his capacity as governor, Ambrose tried to resolve a heated dispute over who would ascend to the episcopacy of Milan. His words struck such a chord in people that someone shouted out that Ambrose should become bishop. Ambrose had no intention of being a priest or a bishop. He was still a catechumen who was preparing for baptism. But the people prevailed and by popular assent, Ambrose was baptized and then consecrated bishop of Milan the following week. His judicious administration proved to be very eff

How to Pray the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office)

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The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office or Breviary is the daily prayer of the Church, marking the hours of each day and sanctifying the day with prayer. The Hours are a meditative dialogue on the mystery of Christ, using scripture and prayer. At times the dialogue is between the Church or individual soul and God; at times it is a dialogue among the members of the Church; and at times it is even between the Church and the world. The Divine Office "is truly the voice of the Bride herself addressed to her Bridegroom. It is the very prayer which Christ himself together with his Body addresses to the Father." (SC 84) The dialogue is always held, however, in the presence of God and using the words and wisdom of God. Each of the five canonical Hours includes selections from the Psalms that culminate in a scriptural proclamation. The two most important or hinge Hours are Morning and Evening Prayer. These each include a Gospel canticle: the Canticle of Zecharia

St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr

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November 25th is the optional memorial of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the brilliant 4th century apologist and virgin, whose arguments and courageous witness for the Faith won many souls for Christ. Popular piety memorializes her heroic virtue and holy death. She is the patron of apologists and philosophers. ______________________________________ The account of her martyrdom is legendary and defies every attempt to cull out the historical kernel. Old Oriental sources make no mention of her. In the West her cult does not appear before the 11th century, when the crusaders made it popular. She became the patroness of philosophical faculties; she is one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers" [invoked against disease]. The Breviary offers this: Catherine, virgin of Alexandria, devoted herself to the pursuit of knowledge; at the age of 18, she surpassed all her contemporaries in science. Upon seeing how the Christians were being tortured, she went before Emperor Maximin, upbraid

Saint Margaret of Scotland, A Model of Virtue

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November 16th, the Church celebrates the optional memorial of Saint Margaret of Scotland, also known as Margaret of Wessex. According to Divine Providence, a shipwreck near Scotland turned out to be good fortune for both that country and its monarch, because it brought the virtuous young woman to their shores. She proved to be a model mother and exemplary queen who worked hard to improve the morality of her subjects. St. Margaret is the secondary patroness of Scotland. Margaret was born sometime around the year 1050, in Hungary, where her father was living in exile, and likewise spent her childhood there as an unusually devout and pious girl. While her birth date is uncertain, her lineage is unmistakable. The daughter of Princess Agatha of Hungary and Prince Edward Atheling, she was brought up in the court of her great uncle, Edward the Confessor, who was King of England. Her father died suddenly in 1057, the year they returned to England. When William the Conqueror invaded that

For Your Information: The Divinum Officium

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From the Divinum Officium site : "This web site and these programs were developed, managed, and maintained by Laszlo Kiss, as his own work, until his death in 2011. It is now maintained by The Divinum Officium Project It represents no official order, nor the view or opinion of any group. Laszlo wrote: I tried to follow my sources, but naturally the more I work on this project the more mistakes I make. Such a project can be done only by teamwork. I keep doing this in the hope that a team will pick up the idea, and will use the computers in their entirety to worship God. Since August 2011, The Divinum Officium Project continues Laszlo Kiss's work and keeps his hope alive." Words of caution: Those who are obliged to recite the office should do so from canonically approved books (Can 276.2.3). According to the motu proprio Summorum Pontificium Cura of Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007), the 1962 books are accepted as the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The Pro

Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

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November 10th is the memorial of Pope Saint Leo I. One of only three popes in the history of the Church to be given the title "Great," St. Leo ruled as pontiff when the Roman Empire in the west was falling into ruins. Acknowledged as the best administrative leader of the early Church, his belief that the Bishop of Rome was responsible for the well-being of all Christians, no matter where they lived, enabled him to be an agent of stability at a time when such a vision was needed. Pope St. Leo’s birthdate is unknown, but by the year 431, he appears in history as a particularly apt and influential deacon in the Church. At the death of Pope Sixtus III in 440, Leo was unanimously elected to succeed him. In his role as the successor of Peter, Pope St. Leo became widely known for his deep spirituality and pastoral care of his people; many of his writings continue to be read today, and one of his sermons is still included in the Office of Readings for Christmas. During his pon

De Profundis (Prayer)

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De Profundis (Out of the Depths) is the Latin translation of the beginning words of Psalm 130 from the Book of Psalms. It is one of the seven Penitential Psalms which powerfully express our dependence on God. Prayed at Vespers, Compline, and in the Office of the Dead, it was thought to have been composed during the Babylonian Exile, or the restoration following. The apostles in the boat, calling upon Christ amid the storm, is an example of this prayer in the New Testament. Out of the Depths Out of the depths I call to you, O Lord! Lord, hear my cry! May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, keep account of sins, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness and so you are revered I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and I hope for his word. My soul looks for the Lord more than sentinels for daybreak. More than sentinels for daybreak. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plenteous redemption

Saint Louis IX, King of France

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August 25th, is the optional memorial of Saint Louis IX, a wise monarch known for his successful peacemaking and administrative abilities. Reigning from 1226 to 1270, Louis showed how a saint would act on the throne of France. He was a lovable personality, a kind husband, a father of eleven children, and at the same time a strict ascetic. His mother, Blanche of Castile, instructed him in the Faith. His mother’s admonition to him as a child: "Never forget that sin is the only great evil in the world. No mother could love her son more than I love you. But I would rather see you lying dead at my feet than know that you had offended God by one mortal sin." remained indelibly impressed in his mind for the rest of his life. To an energetic and prudent rule Louis added love and zeal for the practice of piety and the reception of the holy sacraments. He was brave in battle, polished at feasts, and addicted to fasting and mortification. His politics were grounded upon strict ju

Saint Hyacinth of Poland, Apostle of the North

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According to the 1962 Missal of Saint John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, August 17th is the feast of Saint Hyacinth of Poland. He is called the “Apostle of the North” because he spread the Dominican Order to the northern countries of Russia, the Balkans, Prussia and Lithuania. St. Hyacinth preached the crusade against the Prussians. He died on the feast of the Assumption, 1257. ________________________________________ While a canon at the cathedral of Cracow, Hyacinth journeyed to Rome, was impressed by the preaching and miracles of St. Dominic, and from the hand of Dominic himself received the habit of the newly-founded Order. Upon returning to his native land (1219), he established monasteries of his Order beyond the Alps at Friesach, Prague, Olmiitz, and Cracow. From the Breviary we have this miracle. With three companions Hyacinth had arrived at the banks of the river Weichsel during their journey to Vischegrad, where they were expected to preach. B

St. Stephen of Hungary, Promoter of the Faith

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Optional Memorial – August 16th Saint Stephen (977-1038), the first King of Hungary. was born the son of Duke Geza, a Magyar chieftain, and Duchess Sarolt. Two years before his birth, his mother received a vision in which the Church's first martyr, Saint Stephen, revealed to her that she would bear a son who would bring the Good News to Hungary and evangelize its people. Like his parents before him, Stephen was baptized by Saint Adalbert. He married the daughter of Duke Henry II in 996. A year later, he succeeded his father as leader. Stephen devoted much of his reign to the promotion of the Christian faith. He gave his patronage to Church leaders, constructed numerous churches, and was a proponent of the rights of the Holy See. He successfully repelled the pagan counter reaction to Christianity, converting the large pagan population. Greatly devoted to the Blessed Mother, Stephen had several churches built in her honor both in and outside of Hungary. In recognition of his

Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

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August 10th, is the Feast of Saint Lawrence. As one of the seven deacons of Rome under Pope Sixtus II, he was in charge of giving help to the poor and the needy. In 258, it was decreed that all Christian clergy, from highest to lowest, were to be put to death. Consequently, not only the pope, but all seven deacons were martyred. Pope Sixtus II was one of the first victims of the persecution. St. Lawrence was killed last. Ordered by the emperor to turn over all the treasure the Church possessed, he gave to Rome’s most destitute all the money and goods the Church had. He then brought the people to the appointed place. To the prefect’s horror, St. Lawrence declared, “These are the treasures of the Church.” The prefect was so enraged that he ordered him slowly roasted to death over a gridiron. St. Lawrence maintained both his courage and his humor. It is said that after suffering for some time he quipped to his executioners, “Turn me over. I’m done on this side.” Lawrence rejoiced i

Pope Pius XII's Homily at the Canonization of St. Maria Goretti, Martyr for Purity

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Saint Maria Goretti died on July 6, 1902. The following is excerpted from the homily by Pope Pius XII at her canonization Mass on June 24, 1950. It is found in the Divine Office of Readings for the Feast of St. Maria Goretti on July 6th. "It is well known how this young girl had to face a bitter struggle with no way to defend herself. Without warning a vicious stranger (actually Alessandro Serenelli who lived with his father in the same house as the Goretti's.) burst upon her, bent on raping her and destroying her childlike purity. In that moment of crisis she could have spoken to her Redeemer in the words of that classic, The Imitation of Christ: "Though tested and plagued by a host of misfortunes, I have no fear so long as your grace is with me. It is my strength, stronger than any adversary; it helps me and gives me guidance." With splendid courage she surrendered herself to God and his grace and so gave her life to protect her virginity. The life of this s

Feast of Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles

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May 3rd, is the feast of Saint Philip and Saint James. St. Philip was born in Bethsaida and may have been a disciple of John the Baptist. He was called by Jesus himself and brought Nathaniel to Christ. Scripture records he was present at the miracle of the loaves and the fishes just before the Lord’s Passion. Jesus answered Philips’ request to show the apostles the Father. No further mention of Philip is made in the New Testament beyond his being listing among the apostles awaiting the Holy Spirit in the upper room. According to tradition, he preached in Greece and was crucified upside down at Hierapolis under the Emperor Domitian. St. James the Lesser, the author of the first Catholic epistle, was the son of Alpheus or Cleophas. His mother Mary, was a close relative of the Blessed Virgin, and for that reason, according to Jewish custom, he is sometimes called the brother of the Lord. He held a distinguished position in the early Christian community of Jerusalem, as a pillar of th

Tenebrae: Why is it Important to the Easter Triduum?

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Lamentation over the Dead Christ , Sandro Botticelli, c. 1481. Tenebrae , the Latin word for “shadow,” is the name of the ancient liturgy that engages our senses to help us understand the anguish of our Lord Jesus Christ as He was preparing to die for the sins of the whole world. It entails the public recitation (in a church) of Matins and Lauds, the first two hours of the Divine Office, on the evening before or early morning of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. One of the most conspicuous features of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle remains, considered a symbol of our Lord. As the church gets darker and darker, we sense the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus as His hour approached. Toward the end of the service, the Christ candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good. At the conclusion of the liturgy a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the