Common of a Doctor Bishop

In medio

O right excellent Teacher * Light of the Holy Church, N., blessed lover of the Divine Law, pray for us to the Son of God.

O God, who didst give blessed N. to be thy people’s minister in eternal salvation; grant, we pray, that we who have him for teacher of life here on earth, may also deserve now that he is in heaven, to have him for an advocate. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus

Sir 39:1-5

1 The wise men will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients, and will be occupied in the prophets. 2 He will keep the sayings of renowned men, and will enter withal into the subtilties of parables. 3 He will search out the hidden meanings of proverbs, and will be conversant in the secrets of parables. 4 He shall serve among great men, and: appear before the governor. 5 He shall pass into strange countries: for he shall try good and evil among men.

Sir 39:6-10

6 He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High. 7 He will open his mouth in prayer, and will make supplication for his sins. 8 For if it shall please the great Lord, he will fill him with the spirit of understanding: 9 And he will pour forth the words of his wisdom as showers, and in his prayer he will confess to the Lord. 10 And he shall direct his counsel, and his knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate.

Sir 39:11-14

11 He shall show forth the discipline he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord. 12 Many shall praise his wisdom, and it shall never be forgotten. 13 The memory of him shall not depart away, and his name shall be in request from generation to generation. 14 Nations shall declare his wisdom, and the church shall show forth his praise.

From the Book of Moral Reflection on Job, written by Pope St. Gregory the Great.

Bk. ix. ch. vi.

In the Book of Job (ix. 9), it is written that it is God which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Hyades. Now if by the constellation Orion be mystically signified the spiritual constellation of the holy Martyrs, whom can we understand to be named after them under the title of the Hyades, but the Doctors of the Holy Church? When the glorious constellation of the Martyrs had set, and the light of the faith grew stronger, then appeared the constellation of the Doctors in the firmament of the Church, even in that spring-time when the winter of unbelief was past, and the Sun of truth rose higher to shine on the hearts of His faithful ones. The storms of persecution were gone, and the long nights of unbelief were over then rose the Doctors to shine on the Church, when the springtime of belief promised her a brighter year.

Nec immérito Doctóres sancti Hýadum nuncupatióne signántur. Græco quippe elóquio hýetos plúvia vocátur, et Hýades nomen a plúviis accepérunt, quia ortæ procul dúbio imbres ferunt. Bene ergo Hýadum appellatióne expréssi sunt, qui, ad statum universális Ecclésiæ quasi in cæli fáciem dedúcti, super aréntem terram humáni péctoris, sanctæ prædicatiónis imbres fudérunt. Si enim prædicatiónis sermo plúvia non esset, Móyses mínime dixísset: Exspectétur sicut plúvia elóquium meum; et nequáquam per Isaíam Véritas díceret: Mandábo núbibus meis, ne pluant super eam imbrem; atque hoc, quod paulo ante protúlimus: Quam ob rem prohíbitæ sunt stellæ pluviárum.

Dum ergo Hýades cum plúviis véniunt, ad cæli spátia altióra sol dúcitur: quia, apparénte Doctórum sciéntia, dum mens nostra imbre prædicatiónis infúnditur, fídei calor augétur. Et perfúsa terra ad fructum próficit, cum lumen ætheris ignéscit: quia ubérius frugem boni óperis réddimus, dum per sacræ eruditiónis flammam in corde clárius ardémus. Dumque per eos diébus síngulis magis magísque sciéntia cæléstis osténditur, quasi intérni nobis lúminis vernum tempus aperítur; ut novus sol nostris méntibus rútilet, et, eórum verbis nobis cógnitus, seípso quotídie clárior micet. Urgénte étenim mundi fine, supérna sciéntia próficit, et lárgius cum témpore excréscit.

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 5:13-19

At that time: Jesus said unto his disciples: Ye are the salt of the earth: But if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? And so on, and that which followeth.

A Homily by St. Augustine the Bishop

Lib. 1 de Sermóne Dómini in monte, cap. 6

The Lord would have us understand how that men do lose their power of savouring others with righteousness when they are willing to place their eternal welfare in jeopardy for the sake of any témporal advantage, like as attainment of ease or luxury, or escape from suffering or toil. For that which is eternal, unlike things of this world, can neither be bestowed by men, nor by them taken away. Hence, when he asketh: If the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? he would have us understand the question to be: If ye, by whom mankind is preserved from corruption, be willing to lose the kingdom of heaven so as to escape trials or persecutions in this world, who is there to preserve you from corruption, seeing ye are they that God hath chosen to preserve all others from corruption?

Those that should be the salt of the earth, but have lost their savour, are thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. But no one that suffereth persecution is truly said to be trodden under foot of men. Rather, that one is truly trodden under foot of men who through fear of persecution hath lost the savour of righteousness. For no one can be trodden upon, unless he be beneath him which treadeth upon him. And certainly no one who hath his heart in heaven, no matter how grievously he doth suffer in his body on earth, is rightly said to be beneath anyone who misuseth him.

R. In the midst of the congregation did the Lord open his mouth. * And filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding. V. He made him rich with joy and gladness. R. And filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. And filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding.

Ye are the light of the world. And we are to understand the word World in the same sense as the word Earth when he spoke above of the salt of the earth, that is, not that earth whereupon we walk with our bodily feet, but the men which dwell upon the earth; in other words, sinners, for the sweetening and correction of whose corruption, the Lord hath sent his Apostles, as it were, as so much salt. And so by the world we are to understand, not the heaven and the earth, but the men who are in the world and love the world, for the enlightening of whom the Apostles have been sent. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid: that is, what is founded upon the heights of righteousness, whereof the mountain upon which the Lord gave this discourse was itself a figure, is magnificent in the eyes of all men. v. We praise thee, O God we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee the Father everlasting. To thee all Angels cry aloud the Heavens, and all the Powers therein. To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory. The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee. The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee; The Father of an infinite Majesty; Thine honourable, true and only Son; Also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.

Kneel for the following verse

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy Saints in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage. Govern them and lift them up for ever.

Day by day we magnify thee; And we worship thy Name ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in thee.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted let me never be confounded.

O right excellent Teacher * Light of the Holy Church, N., blessed lover of the Divine Law, pray for us to the Son of God.

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 5:13-19

At that time, Jesus said unto His disciples: Ye are the salt of the earth. But if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted. And so on.

Homily by St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers.

Comment, on Matth. V

“Ye are the salt of the earth. But if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” There is, I take it, no such thing as salt of the earth. How, then, can the Apostles be called the salt of the earth? But the true meaning of these words will be made plain, when we consider the duty of Apostles, and the nature of salt itself. Now, salt is a compound of the elements of water and fire, out of the which two things in salt there is made one.

This thing, therefore, thus made to serve in diverse ways the use of men, doth keep from corruption bodies whereon it is sprinkled, and doth readily yield to all the senses the perception of its inborn savour. And thus are the Apostles, seeing that they are the preachers of the kingdom of heaven, and in a certain sense the sowers of the seed of life everlasting, since that Word of God which they scatter hath power to make this mortal put on immortality. Meetly then are they called salt, the savour of whose teaching doth keep sweet the receiver thereof even unto life everlasting.

But the nature of salt is to be ever the same, and unchanging, and, on the other hand, the nature of man hath this weakness, to be changeable. He only is blessed who hath continued even unto the end in all the works which God hath commanded. Therefore dot! the Lord warn them whom He calleth the salt of the earth, that they are behoven to remain strong in that strength which He hath given unto them, lest, becoming themselves savourless, they should be impotent to season others losing the freshness of their own saltness, be unable to stop the corruption round about them and so the Church cast them out of her buttery, and they and those that they should have salted, be together trodden under foot of such as enter in. v. We praise thee, O God we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee the Father everlasting. To thee all Angels cry aloud the Heavens, and all the Powers therein. To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory. The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee. The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee; The Father of an infinite Majesty; Thine honourable, true and only Son; Also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.

Kneel for the following verse

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy Saints in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage. Govern them and lift them up for ever.

Day by day we magnify thee; And we worship thy Name ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in thee.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted let me never be confounded.

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 5:13-19

At that time: Jesus said unto His disciples: Ye are the salt of the earth. But if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? And so on.

Homily by St John Chrysostom, Patriarch (of Constantinople.)

15/A on Matth.

Consider how that the Lord saith: “Ye are the salt of the earth,” by the which figure He showeth what a necessary of life is the Gospel. By this figure, He hath us to know that they unto whom He spake have an account to render, not of their own life only, but for the whole world. Not unto two cities, saith the Lord, nor unto ten, nor unto twenty, nor unto one people, as I sent the Prophets, send I you. But I send you unto every land and sea, even unto the whole world, lying groaning, as it is, under the burden of diverse sins.

These words, “Ye are the salt of the earth,” show unto us the whole nature of man as savourless and stinking with the strong corruption of sin. And therefore demandeth He of His Apostles such qualities as are most needful and useful to the furthering the salvation of many. He that is gentle and lowly, tender and just, shutteth not up all these good things in his own heart, but openeth these bright fountains that they may gush forth for the use of his neighbour. He whose heart is pure, and who seeketh peace, suffering persecution for the truth's sake, doth still lead a life for the good of the commonwealth.

Think not, saith the Lord, that the struggle is easy whereunto ye shall be led, neither shall your reckoning be of light matters. Ye are the salt of the earth. Have ye then salted that which is corrupted? Nay, for it is impossible that that which is once corrupted can be made sound again by the rubbing it with salt. This it is not asked of them to do. But their work is to sprinkle with salt, and to keep fresh thereafter, such things as the Lord hath given over into their charge, and which He Himself hath made new, and freed from all taint, before giving them. To make sound after the corruption of sin, is the work of Christ's power alone; to preserve from falling away again, is the duty and the toil commanded to the Apostles. v. We praise thee, O God we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee the Father everlasting. To thee all Angels cry aloud the Heavens, and all the Powers therein. To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory. The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee. The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee; The Father of an infinite Majesty; Thine honourable, true and only Son; Also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.

Kneel for the following verse

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy Saints in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage. Govern them and lift them up for ever.

Day by day we magnify thee; And we worship thy Name ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in thee.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted let me never be confounded.

Sir 15:5

v. In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

Ps 91:2

v. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, Most High. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. v. In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory. (Allelúja, allelúja.)

Lesson from the second letter of St Paul the Apostle to Timothy

2 Tim 4:1-8

v. Dearly beloved: I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming, and his kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming.

Ps 36:30-31

v. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgment. V. The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be supplanted. Allelúja, allelúja

Sir 45:9

v. And he girded him about with a glorious girdle, and clothed him with a robe of glory, Allelúja.

Allelúja, allelúja.

Eccli 45:9

The Lord loved him and decorated him: He hath clothed him in a stole of glory.

Osee 14:6.

The just man shall flourish like the lily: and will bear fruit in eternity before the Lord. Allelúja.

Ps 36:30-31

v. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom : V. And his tongue shall speak judgment. The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be supplanted.

Ps 111:1-3

v. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments. V. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed. V. Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.

Continuation ++ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 5:13-19

v. In that time Jesus said to His disciples: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Ps 91:13

v. The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus. (Allelúja.)

May the pious prayer of holy N. thy Bishop and illustrious Doctor be not wanting to us, O Lord, but make our offerings acceptable to thee and ever win for us thy mercy. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

May blessed N. thy Bishop and illustrious Doctor intercede for us, O Lord, that this thy sacrifice may obtain for us salvation. r. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus

Ecclus 39:6-14

The just man will give his heart to resort early to the Lord his Maker, and he will pray in the sight of the Most High. He will open his mouth in prayer, and will ask pardon for his sins. Then, if it pleases the Lord Almighty, He will fill him with the spirit of understanding; and he will pour forth his words of wisdom as showers, and in prayer give thanks to the Lord, Who will direct his knowledge and his counsel, as he meditates upon His mysteries. He will show the wisdom of what he has learned and glory in the Law of the Lord’s covenant. Many will praise his understanding; his fame can never be effaced; unfading will be his memory, through all generations his name will live; peoples will speak of his wisdom, the assembly will sing his praises.

Behold an high priest, * who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous. None was found like unto him, * to keep the Law of the Most High. Therefore the Lord assured him * by an oath that He would multiply his seed among His people. O all ye Priests of God, * bless ye the Lord O all ye servants of the Lord, sing praises unto our God. Good and faithful servant, * enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

v. This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness Erst on this feast-day merited to enter Into his glory.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen.

v. This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness On this feast day year by year receiveth Merited honors.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen.

v. Iste Conféssor Dómini sacrátus, Festa plebs cujus celébrat per orbem, Hac die lætus méruit suprémos Laudis honóres.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus, Sóbrius, castus fuit et quiétus, Vita dum præsens vegetávit ejus Córporis artus.

Ob sacrum cujus túmulum frequénter Membra languéntum modo sanitáti, Quólibet morbo fúerint graváta, Restituúntur.

Unde nunc noster chorus in honórem Ipsius, hymnum canit hunc libénter: Ut piis ejus méritis juvémur Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, Qui supra cæli résidens cacúmen, Tótius mundi máchinam gubérnat Trinus et unus. Amen.

v. Iste Conféssor Dómini sacrátus, Festa plebs cujus celébrat per orbem, Hódie lætus méruit secréta Scándere cæli.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus, Sóbrius, castus fuit et quiétus, Vita dum præsens vegetávit ejus Córporis artus.

Ob sacrum cujus túmulum frequénter Membra languéntum modo sanitáti, Quólibet morbo fúerint graváta, Restituúntur.

Unde nunc noster chorus in honórem Ipsius, hymnum canit hunc libénter: Ut piis ejus méritis juvémur Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, Qui supra cæli résidens cacúmen, Tótius mundi máchinam gubérnat Trinus et unus. Amen.

V. The Lord loved him and beautified him. R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.

v. This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness Erst on this feast-day merited to enter Into his glory.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen.

v. This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness On this feast day year by year receiveth Merited honors.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen.

v. Iste Conféssor Dómini sacrátus, Festa plebs cujus celébrat per orbem, Hac die lætus méruit suprémos Laudis honóres.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus, Sóbrius, castus fuit et quiétus, Vita dum præsens vegetávit ejus Córporis artus.

Ob sacrum cujus túmulum frequénter Membra languéntum modo sanitáti, Quólibet morbo fúerint graváta, Restituúntur.

Unde nunc noster chorus in honórem Ipsius, hymnum canit hunc libénter: Ut piis ejus méritis juvémur Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, Qui supra cæli résidens cacúmen, Tótius mundi máchinam gubérnat Trinus et unus. Amen.

v. Iste Conféssor Dómini sacrátus, Festa plebs cujus celébrat per orbem, Hódie lætus méruit secréta Scándere cæli.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus, Sóbrius, castus fuit et quiétus, Vita dum præsens vegetávit ejus Córporis artus.

Ob sacrum cujus túmulum frequénter Membra languéntum modo sanitáti, Quólibet morbo fúerint graváta, Restituúntur.

Unde nunc noster chorus in honórem Ipsius, hymnum canit hunc libénter: Ut piis ejus méritis juvémur Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, Qui supra cæli résidens cacúmen, Tótius mundi máchinam gubérnat Trinus et unus. Amen.

Blessed is the man * that doth meditate in the law of the Lord; his delight is therein day and night, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.;;1 Blessed and holy is he * that putteth his trust in the Lord, that declareth the decree of the Lord, and is set upon His holy hill.;;2 Thou, O Lord, art my glory, * Thou art a shield for me; Thou art the Lifter-up of mine head, and Thou hast heard me out of thy holy hill.;;3 When His holy one called, * the Lord heard him, yea, the Lord heard him, and gave him peace.;;4 Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice, O Lord, for Thou hast blessed the righteous; * Thou hast compassed him with thy favour as with a shield.;;5 O Lord, our Ruler, * how excellent is thy Name in all the earth, Who hast crowned thine holy one with glory and honour, and made him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.;;8 Lord, this thy Saint * shall dwell in thy tabernacle, and this that hath worked righteousness shall abide upon thy holy hill.;;14 He asked life of thee, * and Thou, O Lord, gavest it; honour and great majesty hast Thou laid upon him; Thou hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head.;;20 He shall receive * a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from the God of his salvation, for this is the generation of them that seek the Lord.;;23

V. The Lord hath chosen him for a Priest unto Himself. R. To offer up unto Him the sacrifice of praise.

V. Thou art a Priest for ever. R. After the order of Melchisedek.

R. Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things: * Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. V. Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents; behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. R. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

R. Behold an high priest, who in his days pleased God * Therefore the Lord assured him by an oath that He would multiply his seed among His people. V. He hath made him a blessing unto all nations, and hath established His covenant upon his head. R. Therefore the Lord assured him by an oath that He would multiply his seed among His people

R. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent * Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek. V. The Lord said unto my Lord Sit Thou at My right hand. R.* Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek.

R. I have found David My servant, with My holy oil have I anointed him * For My hand shall help him. V. The enemy shall prevail nothing against him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him. R. For My hand shall help him.

R. I have laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted one chosen out of My people * For My hand shall help him. V. I have found David My servant, with My holy oil have I anointed him. R. For My hand shall help him.

R. This is he which wrought great wonders before God, and the whole earth is full of his teaching * May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them V. This is he which loved not his life in this world, and hath attained unto the kingdom of heaven. R. May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them

R. The Lord loved him and beautified him He clothed him with a robe of glory * And crowned him at the gates of Paradise. V. The Lord hath put on him the breast-plate of faith, and hath adorned him. R. And crowned him at the gates of Paradise.

Behold an high priest, * who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous. None was found like unto him, * to keep the Law of the Most High. Therefore the Lord assured him * by an oath that He would multiply his seed among His people. O all ye Priests of God, * bless ye the Lord O all ye servants of the Lord, sing praises unto our God. Good and faithful servant, * enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Sir 44:16-17

v. Behold an high priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous, and in the time of wrath he was made a propitiation. R. Thanks be to God.

v. Jesu, the world’s Redeemer, O hear; thy bishops’ fadeless crown, draw near: Accept with gentlest love today The prayers and praises that we pay.

The meek confessor of thy name Today attained a glorious fame; Whose yearly feast, in solemn state, Thy faithful people celebrate.

The world and all its boasted good, As vain and passing, he eschewed; And therefore with angelic bands, In endless joy forever stands.

Grant then that we, most gracious God, May follow in the steps he trod: And, at his prayer, thy servants free From stain of all iniquity.

* To thee, O Christ, our loving King, All glory, praise, and thanks we bring: All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

v. Jesu, the world’s Redeemer, O hear; thy bishops’ fadeless crown, draw near: Accept with gentlest love today The prayers and praises that we pay.

The meek confessor of thy name Today attained a glorious fame; Whose yearly feast, in solemn state, Thy faithful people celebrate.

The world and all its boasted good, As vain and passing, he eschewed; And therefore with angelic bands, In endless joy forever stands.

Grant then that we, most gracious God, May follow in the steps he trod: And, at his prayer, thy servants free From stain of all iniquity.

* To thee, O Christ, our loving King, All glory, praise, and thanks we bring: All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

V. The Lord guided the just in right paths. R. And showed him the kingdom of God.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant * thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, saith the Lord.

Sir 45:19-20

v. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise, and to glorify his people in his name. He chose him out of all men living, to offer sacrifice to God, incense, and a good savour.

R.br. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him. R. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him. V. He clothed him with a robe of glory. R. And beautified him. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him.

Sir 44:20; 44:22

v. There was not found the like to him in glory, who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him. Therefore by an oath he gave him glory in his posterity, that he should increase in his people. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. The Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself. R. The Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself. V. To offer up unto Him the sacrifice of praise. R. For a Priest unto Himself. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. The Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself.

Sir 45:19-20

v. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise, and to glorify his people in his name. He chose him out of all men living, to offer sacrifice to God, incense, and a good savour. R. Thanks be to God.

R.br. Thou art a Priest * for ever. R. Thou art a Priest * for ever. V. After the order of Melchisedek. R. For ever. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. Thou art a Priest * for ever.

V. The Lord guided the just in right paths. R. And showed him the kingdom of God.

While he was supreme Pontiff, * he feared not earthly powers, but gloriously went his way to the heavenly kingdom.

Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus

Sir 44:1-5

1 Let us now praise men of renown, and our fathers in their generation. 2 The Lord hath wrought great glory through his magnificence from the beginning. 3 Such as have borne rule in their dominions, men of great power, and endued with their wisdom, shewing forth in the prophets the dignity of prophets, 4 And ruling over the present people, and by the strength of wisdom instructing the people in most holy words. 5 Such as by their skill sought out musical tunes, and published canticles of the scriptures.

Sir 44:6-9

6 Rich men in virtue, studying beautifulness: living at peace in their houses. 7 All these have gained glory in their generations, and were praised in their days. 8 They that were born of them have left a name behind them, that their praises might be related: 9 And there are some, of whom there is no memorial: who are perished, as if they had never been: and are become as if they had never been born, and their children with them.

Sir 44:10-15

10 But these were men of mercy, whose godly deeds have not failed: 11 Good things continue with their seed, 12 Their posterity are a holy inheritance, and their seed hath stood in the covenants. 13 And their children for their sakes remain for ever: their seed and their glory shall not be forsaken. 14 Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation. 15 Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise.

Sermo sancti Maxími Epíscopi

Homilía 78, de S. Eusebio 2, circa medio

Beáti Patris N. mérita, jam in tuto pósita, secúri magnificémus; qui, gubernáculum fídei viríliter tenens, ánchoram spei tranquílla jam in statióne compósuit, et plenam cæléstibus divítiis et ætérnis mércibus navem, optáto in líttore, collocávit; qui contra omnes adversários scutum timóris Dei támdiu infatigabíliter ténuit, donec ad victóriam perveníret. Quid enim fuit totus vitæ illíus cursus, nisi uníus cum vígili hoste conflíctus?

Quantis hic cæcis, a via veritátis errántibus et de summa jam in profúndum rupe pendéntibus, amíssum réddidit visum; et illum, quo Christus viderétur, reparávit intúitum? Quantórum áuribus surdis et infidelitátis obturatióne damnátis, ad percipiéndam vocem cæléstium mandatórum, pretiósum infúdit audítum; ut, vocánti Deo ad misericórdiam, respondérent per obediéntiam? Quantos intrínsecus vulnerátos, angélici oris arte et oratiónum, ab infirmitáte curávit?

Quantos, per longam incúriam peccáto labe resolútos et quadam lepræ contgióne perfúsos, castigatiónibus et exhortatiónibus expiándo, Deo in se operánte, mundávit? Quantórum ánimas, vivéntes in córpore jam defúnctas et delictórum mole óbrutas ac sepúltas, ad emendatiónem tamquam ad lucem vocándo, Deo esuscitávit; ut, Dómini sui admirándus imitátor, jam mórtuas Deo, e contrário mortíficet, vitáli morte, peccáto?

The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 19:27-29

At that time: Peter said unto Jesus: Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee: what shall we have therefore? And so on.

Homily by the Venerable Bede, Priest (at Jarrow and Doctor of the Church).

For St Benedict’s Birthday.

In the judgment to come, the elect will be in two classes. One class are they who have forsaken all, and followed the Lord: and these shall judge along with Him. The other class are they who have not equally forsaken all that they had, but who have been careful daily to give alms of their goods to the poor of Christ: these shall be the subjects of judgment, and these are they who shall then hear these words: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink.” (Matth. xxv. 34, 35.)

R. This is he which wrought great wonders before God, and praised the Lord with all his heart. * May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them. V. Behold a man without blame, a worshipper of God in truth, keeping himself clean from every evil work, and abiding still in his innocency. R. May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them.

Of the reprobate also we gather, from the words of the Lord, that there will be two classes. One class are they who, being made partakers in the mystery of Christian faith, have neglected to show their faith by their works: these are they to whom it will be said at the judgment: “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an-hungered, and ye gave Me no meat.” The other class are they who either have never received the faith and mysteries of Christ, or who, having received, have apostatised, and abandoned it: and touching these it is said: “But he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.” (John iii. 18.)

R. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; * And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding. V. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. R. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. R. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.

And now that we have touched for a moment, with fear and just dread, upon these things, let us rather turn our hearing to the right joyful promises of our Lord and Saviour. Let us look what His so great, beautiful, and fatherly love will give to such as follow Him; not the reward of life everlasting only, but gifts exceeding precious in this life also. “Every one,” saith He, that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” For every one that shall forsake earthly affections and goods, to go and be Christ’s disciple, the further he goeth on in Christ’s love, the more shall he find who will rejoice to give him a place in their hearts, and to minister to him of their substance. v. We praise thee, O God we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee the Father everlasting. To thee all Angels cry aloud the Heavens, and all the Powers therein. To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory. The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee. The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee; The Father of an infinite Majesty; Thine honourable, true and only Son; Also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.

Kneel for the following verse

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy Saints in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage. Govern them and lift them up for ever.

Day by day we magnify thee; And we worship thy Name ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in thee.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted let me never be confounded.

Luke 12:42

The faithful and prudent servant whom the master will set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time. (Allelúja.)