Sermons & Letters 188

... that they may be pleasing to you for the festival of your holy martyrs, and may confer upon us the help of your propitiation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For unto you the festive solemnity is kept, unto you the sacred day is celebrated, which the blood of your blessed martyr Tiburtius, poured out in testimony of your truth, has marked with the magnificent honor of your name. And therefore with the angels, etc. It is truly meet. For we marvel at your powers, O Lord, and at your victories, as often as in your Church the feasts of these days are celebrated—days which the palms of your illustrious confessors and martyrs have consecrated to perpetual memory and solemn joy for your faithful peoples. Through, etc.

Those whom you satisfy with heavenly gifts, O Lord, defend by your protection, that, delivered from all harmful things, we may run to you with all our heart after your salvation. Through, etc. ... and grant to your suppliants, we beseech you, O Lord, the largess of light, that, following your commandments by your working, they may both receive the consolation of the present life and lay hold of the joys to come. Through, etc. VII. Another, likewise. Grant us, O Lord, your mercy, implored by the intercessions of your saints; and those whom you have granted to be our intercessors, make them both continually to entreat your majesty, and to obtain saving things for us. Through, etc.

O God, who, perceiving that we are not fit worthily to entreat your magnificence as is meet, have conferred upon us the protection of those who have been pleasing to you: grant that we may be helped by the prayers of those whose aid, in your mercy, you have provided for us. Through, etc. Hear, O Lord, your people supplicating you with the patronage of your saints, and grant us both to rejoice in the peace of this temporal life and to find the support of the eternal. Through, etc. Be present, O our God, to your servants, and, being made propitious, regard our oblations by the appeasements of your saints; that what our confidence does not merit, pious supplication may render acceptable. Through, etc.

Give us, O Lord, the effect of your loving-kindness, and, as your saints commend them, look propitiously also upon our gifts. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For it is of your work and of your loving-kindness that to a countless multitude of your saints it was granted not only to believe in your Son, our Lord, but even to suffer for Him; that those whom faith justified, the end also might glorify. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For your powers, O Lord, etc., as above. VIII. Another, likewise. Be favorable, O Lord, to our supplications, and, by the interceding merits of your saints, deign to admit our prayers. Through, etc.

Our prayers, O Lord, we beseech you, being made propitious, admit; and that we may worthily serve at your altars, guard us by the intercession of your saints. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For you are glorious in your saints, on whom you have bestowed both virtue in confession and victory in suffering. Therefore with the angels, etc. Filled with the libation of the sacred Body and the precious Blood, we beseech you, O our God, that what we perform with pious devotion we may receive with sure redemption. Through, etc. IX. Another, likewise. Protect, O Lord, your people, and, always aided by saving protections, raise it up by continual benefits of mind and body. Through, etc. Almighty and everlasting God, who guard us by the intercession of your saints:

grant that, being cherished by whose merits, we may profit by the examples of their pious confession. Through, etc. May our supplication, O Lord, be to you both a pleasing thing and an acceptable oblation alike, which, when it is offered for the commemoration of your saints, may, with the same interceding, obtain for us indulgence. Through, etc. It is truly meet. You who are wonderful in the virtue not only of your martyrs but also of your confessors. For although those are illustrious by their passion, who endured bitter punishments in manifest torments, yet these too, afflicted and tormented by the hidden purpose of self-chastisement, have followed close upon their footsteps in the disciplines of spiritual observance. Through, etc. X. Another, likewise. Regard, O Lord, the offerings of your people;

and let it feel that what it devoutly celebrates in honor of your saints profits it unto healing. Through, etc. It is truly meet. You who, while even now you glorify your confessors with so great a festival, at the same time both teach that with you no holy purpose is without reward, and, apart from the harder contests, invite even the frail to the gift of the reward of light. Through, etc. Receiving the pledge of the heavenly mystery, and though set upon the earth, already satisfied with the supernal Bread, we beseech you, O Lord, that, your saints deprecating, what is mystically wrought in us may be truly fulfilled. Through, etc. May the righteous prayer of your saints obtain help, we beseech, O Lord, for your faithful; and in whose celebration they are devout, may they become partakers in their perpetual lot. Through, etc.

XI. Another, likewise. May the suffrages of your saints, conferred upon us, profit us, we beseech, O Lord; that what we cannot obtain by our own prayers, we may attain by the prayers of those pleasing to you. Through, etc. Grant, O Lord, that we be cherished by the supplications of your holy martyrs; that those whose venerable day we frequent with yearly homage, by their intercessions and merits we may be commended. Through, etc. XII. Another, likewise. O God, who perceive that the faculty of our conscience does not suffice to entreat you, make all your martyrs, whom you can worthily hear, to pray for us. Through, etc. We offer to you, O Lord, the solemn gifts of your faithful, trusting in the interventions of the holy martyrs;

that what we carry out with our less-than-fit service may rather, by their merits, be made acceptable. Through, etc. It is truly meet. You who so destroyed the contrivances of the ancient enemy that, against the devil whom He had laid low by His own power, He might render His saints, armed with the Spirit of truth, still stronger, so that they might neither fear the savagery of persecutors nor doubt of the promised eternity of blessedness; whose glory recalling in this day's festival, we offer to you the sacrifices of praise, with the angels, etc. Having obtained the grace of the sacred gift, as suppliants, O Lord, we ask you, that, as your holy martyrs implore for us, we may spiritually perceive the effect of divine power, which we have received corporeally. Through, etc.

Protect, O Lord, your people, supplicating with the patronage of your saints, and, trusting in your loving-kindness, purify it within and without: that through these things which they have tasted in the divine sacrifice, they may merit the salvation both of minds and of bodies. Through, etc. XIII. Another, likewise. Extend to us, O Lord, your mercy; and to your saints, by whose patronage you have made us to be aided, grant that they continually entreat your majesty for us. Through, etc. Receive, O Lord, the sacrifice of propitiation and of praise, which, the saints interceding, may both lead us to pardon and establish us in perpetual thanksgiving. Through, etc.

Filled with the substance of renewal and of life, we beseech you, O Lord our God, that through the heavenly gifts which you deign to bestow upon us, by these same you may grant us to cleave to heavenly things. Through, etc. Protector of those who hope in you, O God, save your people, guard them, dispose them; that, free from sins, secure from the enemy, they may ever persevere in your grace. Through, etc. XIV. Another, likewise. Be propitious, O Lord, to your people, and make help from your sanctuary to be present to us more swiftly. Through, etc. Show us, O Lord, your mercy, and grant the gifts of your salvation. Through, etc. We immolate the sacrifices of your praise, O Lord, by which we trust to be stripped both of present evils and of those to come. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Suppliantly entreating your majesty, that you would not suffer those to perish for whom you have provided such great remedies; and that the protections conferred may not turn out to the heaping up of condemnation for the guilty, but rather come to the effect of salvation. Through, etc. May the venerable reception of your sacrament, cleansed from all oldness, we beseech, O Lord, transfer us into a new creature. Through, etc. Let not, we beseech, O Lord, the less-than-fit deprecation of our servitude prejudice your faithful; but, prevailing over our merits, sanctify, govern, save, and attend your Church; and confirm it, devoted to you without ceasing, by perpetual redemption. Through, etc. XV. Another, likewise. Hear, O Lord, our prayers, and protect us by the protections of your holy martyrs. Through, etc.

Regard, O Lord, the gifts which we bring in the commemoration of your saints; that those to whom they are pleasing in their honor may become for us a perpetual intercession. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For all your saints praise and bless you, on whom you have bestowed both virtue in confession and victory in suffering. Through, etc. Grant, O Lord our God, that they whose votive sacraments are a festival for us may, by their intercession, be rendered saving for us. Through, etc. Protect, O Lord, your suppliants, sustain the frail, purge the earthly; and, amid the darkness of mortal things, quicken us mortals as we walk ever by your light, and, mercifully snatched from all evils, grant us to attain to the highest goods. Through, etc. XVI. Another, likewise.

Grant, we beseech, O Lord, that we may continually celebrate the merit of your martyrs, whose continual help we perceive. Through, etc. We immolate a sacrifice to you, O Lord, for the birthday-feasts of your holy martyrs: that we may frequent the glory of those in whose protections we rejoice. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For we acknowledge, O Lord, that we are fortified by the deprecation of your holy martyrs; imploring your majesty more abundantly, that you would command us both to be cherished temporally by these patronages and to be aided spiritually. Through, etc. Grant us, we beseech, O Lord, that with the solemnity of your holy martyrs we may rejoice under perpetual guardianship. Through, etc. Let the Christian people exult, O Lord, over the glorification of the great members of your Son;

and, by how much they are more eminent than the rest, by so much the more may the lower members rejoice together over their height. Through, etc. XVII. Another, likewise. Be propitious, O Lord, we beseech, to your people, and, your saints interceding, grant us the pardon of sins; being appeased, grant also peace, that being propitious you may bestow help. Through, etc. Receive, O Lord, we beseech, our prayers; and make the homage of this oblation, which we offer in the holy commemoration of your martyr, to come forth for us with abundant clemency unto the appeasing of your name, and to pass over into everlasting joy for us. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Since you give to your saints both the patience of endurance and, in the blessed end of the contest, the triumph. Through, etc.

Restored by the sacred mysteries, we suppliantly entreat that, your saints interceding, we may lay hold in effect by deeds of that which we celebrate in affection. Through, etc. Creator of your people, O God, and Restorer, protect your suppliants, protect those who ask your mercy; that as satisfaction is made, with that saint interceding on their behalf, they may both receive good things established and guard those restored. Through, etc. XVIII. Another, likewise. Grant, O Lord, to your people the pardon of sins and the increase of religion; and that you may multiply your gifts unto it, make the patronages of your holy martyrs to be present. Through, etc. Receive propitiously, O Lord, the gifts of your Church, and protect us by the prayers of the saints, who are pleasing to your justice. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For all your saints bless and praise you, on whom you have bestowed both virtue in confession and glory in suffering. Through, etc. By the prayers of the saints, O Lord, we beseech, may salvation both of minds and of bodies be granted; that it may become for us both the abundant blessing and the lavish protection of your gift. Through, etc. Give help, O Lord, we beseech, to those subject to your majesty and power, that whatever they do not presume upon by their own merits, they may obtain by the prayers of your saints. Through, etc. XIX. Another, likewise. Be present, O Lord, to our prayers, which we bring in the commemoration of your saints, that we who have no confidence in our own righteousness may be aided by the merits of those who have been pleasing to you. Through, etc.

Hear, O Lord our God, those supplicating you with the patronage of your saints; that we may be able to retain the constancy of those whose triumphs we celebrate. Through, etc. Extend to us, O Lord, your mercy, and to your saints, by whose patronage you have granted us to be aided, grant that they continually entreat your majesty for us. Through, etc. Assist, O Lord, our frailty, that by the intercession of your saints we may not be rejected in our merits—those whom you deign to appoint to such great offices. Through, etc. Grant, we beseech, O Lord, that we may serve your gifts with a free mind, so that, your saints interceding, the gifts which we bring may work for us both healing and glory. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For you are glorious in all your saints, on whom you have bestowed both virtue in confession and victory in suffering. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For it is of your work and of your power that to your saints it was granted not only to believe in your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, but even to be able to suffer for Him: that those whom faith justified, the end also might glorify. Through, etc. Renewed by the libation of the sacred Body and the precious Blood, we beseech, O Lord, your clemency, that what we perform with frequent devotion we may receive with sure redemption. Through, etc. Preserve, O Lord, your people; and grant that whom you do not cease to aid with saving protections, may rejoice in the perpetual benefits of mind and body. Through, etc. XX. Another, likewise.

May we be aided, O Lord, by the prayers of your saints; and what our own possibility does not obtain, may it be granted to us by their petition. Through, etc. May the venerable confession and blessed prayer of St. Lawrence your martyr commend our victim, we beseech, O Lord. Through, etc. It is truly meet. You who, through the mists of the world, instruct us as by the luminaries of heaven, by the examples of your saints, and attend us with their intercession. Through, etc. Amid your innumerable helps of loving-kindness, O Lord, we trust that our frailty is not on this side forsaken, since so great patronages of those pleasing to you have been provided for us. Through, etc. O God, who show the light of truth to those erring in the way, that they may be able to return:

Grant to all who are numbered in the Christian profession both to reject those things which are hostile to this name, and to pursue those things which befit it. Through, etc. Almighty and everlasting God, who biddest those who share Thy table to abstain from the banquet of the devil: grant, we beseech Thee, to Thy people, that, the taste of deadly profanity being cast away, they may with pure minds approach the feast of eternal salvation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Whose Church is now so intermingled with true confessors and false, that nevertheless the change wrought by human frailty must ever be guarded against, and the conversion of none is to be despaired of; wherefore the more do we as suppliants entreat Thee, that—since without Thee no steadfast devotion can stand—Thou wouldst bestow perseverance upon the firm and amendment upon the weak. Through, etc.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to Thy people to abstain from the diabolical snares which they have renounced, and to bow themselves down to Thee with their whole heart. Through, etc. Likewise another. May the blessed supplication of the martyrs, O Lord, reconcile us to Thy majesty, that we who unceasingly offend by our deeds may be cleansed by the continual prayers of the just. Through, etc. May our offerings be acceptable to Thee, O Lord, which are established by Thy precepts, and may the glorious festival of the saints commend them. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Praising Thee in the confessions of Thy saints; whose solemnities, while they are kept, set before us more abundant examples of faith; and while their victories are the oftener recounted, the more frequent are the helps ministered to us;

and while their merit and glory are proclaimed the more richly and manifold, the hope of eternal blessedness is intimated to us the more readily. Through, etc. Filled, O Lord, with the heavenly mystery and with the blessings of our intercessors, we give thanks to Thy name, who dost accompany us with a saving gift and dost graciously raise us up by the patronage of the saints. Through, etc. Likewise another. May the feasts of Thy martyrs, O Lord, ever gladden us; and may we experience the help of those whose merit we celebrate. Through, etc. We magnify Thy name, O Lord, almighty and merciful God, who, coming to the aid of our frailty, dost not only bestow upon us the divine mysteries, but by their prayers dost also make us worthy of them. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For we celebrate the precious heavenly birthdays of Thy just ones, which, while daily they shine forth throughout the whole world, are ever both begun as though completed, and completed as though ever to be begun anew. Through, etc. Satisfied by the frequent reception of the sacraments, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that those in whose honor they are doubled may come to us through their saving prayer. Through, etc. May Thy mercy be present with Thy people, O Lord, appeased by the intercession of the saints, that it may ever both cleanse them from sin and defend them from the enemy, advance them with temporal helps, and lead them to the everlasting joys of the saints. Through, etc. Likewise another. Multiply for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gifts of this sacred festival;

when we both recall the vows of our salvation, and are aided by the patronage of those who are pleasing to Thee. Through, etc. Engaging, O Lord, in a glorious exchange, we offer what Thou hast given, that we may be worthy to receive Thee Thyself. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For although all the things bestowed upon human nature at its beginning are immeasurable—namely, that Thou didst create it out of nothing; that Thou didst grant it to be strong in the knowledge of Thee; that Thou didst set it above all living creatures by a share in the highest reason; that Thou didst enrich it with possession of the whole world—yet far more wondrous are Thy works, in that Thou dost not only quicken earthly and mortal matter when it is dead, but hast even made it divine. Through, etc.

Likewise another. Upon Thy altars, O Lord, we gladly offer earthly gifts, that we may obtain the heavenly; we give temporal things, that we may receive the eternal. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For who could, or would dare, to cease from Thy praise, when he ponders the effects of Thy wondrous dispensation—that from a sinful kind of nature an immaculate Victim should be brought forth, by whose immolation, on behalf of that same guilty nature, Thou mightest be appeased. Through, etc. Likewise another. Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, these oft-frequented mysteries: for as often as the commemoration of this Victim, well-pleasing to Thee, is celebrated, the work of our redemption is wrought. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For since the whole world experiences and beholds that the fallen beginnings of the human race are raised up, that what had grown old is renewed, and that what was cast down is brought back to its height; just as it knows that what the ancient saints believed must be done has been fulfilled, so it faithfully awaits the things that are now promised. Through, etc. Likewise another. We celebrate, O Lord, the Sacrifice which ought to be perpetual for us, even as we ceaselessly desire to be made worthy by its working. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who, offering Himself to Thee to be immolated for us, showed forth the same to be both Priest and holy Lamb. Through, etc. Grant us, O Lord, Thy mercy, through which we may both be absolved from our guilt and be fittingly conformed to these mysteries. Through, etc. Likewise another.

Almighty and everlasting God, who adornest the sacred body of Thy Church with the confessions of the holy martyrs: grant us, we beseech Thee, both to advance in things pleasing to Thee by their teachings and to follow their holy example. Through, etc. Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy suppliants, and the things which our own merits fail to obtain, may the commendation of Thy saints render acceptable. Through, etc. Receive, O Lord, the votive gifts of Thy peoples; and may they be pleasing to Thee through the prayers of those in whose honor they are offered. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who dost grant us to celebrate unceasingly the glorious victories of the holy martyrs. For these are the confessors of that Name in which, O eternal Father, Thou hast placed for us the sole safeguard of our salvation.

And that we may be able to come to the knowledge of Him, Thou dost both instruct the faith of little minds by their testimonies, and graciously raise it up by their intercessions. Through, etc. Trusting, O Lord, in the prayers of the saints, we beseech Thee that through the things which we have received we may obtain eternal remedies. Through, etc. Guard, O Lord, by Thy protection the people that entreat Thee; and let him not with difficulty obtain what he devoutly and justly asks, whom the merits of Thy saints support. Through, etc. Likewise another. Receive graciously, O Lord, these Victims dedicated to Thee by the merits of Thy saints, and grant that they may become for us a perpetual help. Through, etc. Grant us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to escape alike all sins and all dangers of body and mind.

us whom Thou dost encompass with the devout confession of innumerable martyrs. Through, etc. We offer Thee, O Lord, a sacrifice of praise in commemoration of Thy venerable saints. Grant, we beseech Thee, that what conferred glory upon them may profit us unto salvation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who dost grant us, as we venerate the palms of the blessed martyrs on the days which they marked with their own blood, ever to rejoice in the exaltation of Thy power and in Thy honor, O Lord. Through, etc. We have received, O Lord, the heavenly Sacraments as we celebrate the solemnities of Thy saints; by whose intercessions grant, we beseech Thee, that what we do in time we may attain in eternal joys. Through, etc. Likewise another. May the apostolic prayer ever defend us, O Lord;

that the Church may be guided by the same intercessors in whom as her princes she glories. Through, etc. Be Thou, O Lord, a singular refuge to the wretched through Thy saints, in whose honor and merit Thou art well-pleased on our behalf. Through, etc. Coming, O Lord, to the feasts of Thy martyrs, we hasten with gifts dedicated to Thy name, that, paying reverence to them, we may obtain pardon for ourselves. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For Thou art glorious in Thy saints, to whom Thou hast both granted endurance in persecution and bestowed victory in their passion. Through, etc. Be mindful, O Lord, we beseech Thee, of the human condition, that Thy saints may ever entreat Thy clemency on our behalf, and be unceasingly heard. Through, etc. Likewise another.

Protect us, O Lord, by the intercession of Thy just ones; that we, who are encompassed by their support, may be cherished by their helps. Through, etc. Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, ever to offer Thee these vows, whereby, celebrating the birthdays of Thy saints, we may proclaim Thy glory. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For we repeat the solemnities of Thy saints, whose venerable confession both accomplished the wonders of Thy power, and won for them a heavenly reward, and prepared for us their patronage. Through, etc. May the frequent solemnities of Thy just ones profit us, O Lord: for the more frail we are, the more we need the safeguards that are pleasing to Thee. Through, etc. Likewise another. Since the multitude of our sins prevails, O Lord,

O Lord, while their multitude prevails, we keep the yearly feasts of Thy saints, entreating Thy mercy for a singular support through those by whose patronage Thou hast willed us to be aided. Through, etc. Regard not, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the offenses of those who offer Thee gifts; but look graciously upon the merits of our intercessors. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Glorifying Thee in the confession of Thy saints, who by the wondrous dispensation of Thy wisdom hast prepared both everlasting blessedness for them and fitting helps for our frailty; that those whom Thou didst foresee worthy to appease Thee, Thou, being propitiated, mightest regard through the worthy prayers of them that have pleased Thee.

Wherefore as suppliants we implore that, even as eternal happiness awaits them, so their continual intercession for us may not fail. Through, etc. We have sinned against Thee, almighty and merciful God. We have no remedy, unless Thou have mercy on us by the intercession of Thy saints. Through, etc. Likewise another. Grant us, almighty and merciful God, that celebrating the birthdays of Thy saints, whose triumphs we proclaim, we may truly imitate their faith. Through, etc. We offer Thee, O Lord, gifts pleasing to Thee at the solemnities of Thy saints, entreating Thy clemency that what redounds to their glory may profit us unto pardon. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For the venerable blood of the blessed martyrs, poured out for the confession of Thy name, even as it manifests Thy wonders—Thou who dost perfect strength in weakness—so it gives increase to our endeavors and furnishes help to our frailties. Through, etc. Likewise another. By the intervention of the saints, O Lord, may our service be pleasing to Thee, and may the homage of our gifts become safeguards for the devout. Through, etc. Look upon us, O Lord, entreated by the prayers of the venerable martyr Gregory, granting by Thy compassion that, as his passion has brought us this day's gladness in Thy power, so also his merit may support us. Through, etc. May the Victim to be consecrated, O Lord, we beseech Thee, become appeasing through the celebration of this precious martyrdom, which:

may both purify our hearts and reconcile the vows of Thy people to Thee. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Entreating the more earnestly that, as in Thy foreknowledge Thou hast bestowed abundant helps of the just upon our weakness, so Thou wouldst grant us to be refreshed by their intercession. Through, etc. Hear us, O Lord, as we cry to Thee, and those whom Thou dost not forsake with the sacraments, raise up with the needful safeguards. Through, etc. Likewise another. O God, who makest the dignity of blessed Peter the Apostle to be glorious everywhere: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may ever be cherished both by his teaching and by his merits. Through, etc. Receive, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the Victims which we offer to Thy majesty in honor of blessed Peter the Apostle, to whom this basilica is consecrated, and by his prayers protect us. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Who, that in every place of Thy dominion Thou mightest magnify the power of blessed Peter the Apostle, dost grant him to be present not only where his venerable relics repose, but wherever his precious reverence has been invoked; mayest Thou now also show it to continue, that 'his sound may go forth into all the earth,' and his saving words run through the whole world. Through, etc. We bless, O Lord, Thy mercies, who dost suffer us to be unceasingly cherished by the commemoration of Thy blessed Apostle Peter, humbly entreating that we may feel the patronage of him whose solemnities we keep. Through, etc. Likewise another. If Thou wilt, Thou canst make clean, O Lord; and the pardon which the voice of our iniquity cannot obtain, grant us by the prayers of Thy saints. Through, etc.

As suppliants, O Lord, we ask Thee that, although our offenses hinder us, yet through the remembrance of Thy martyrs our offering may not be unacceptable. Through, etc. It is truly meet. With prostrate heart imploring that, although our misdeeds are so great that even with the innumerable intercessions of the saints we labor under them, Thou nevertheless in Thy boundless mercy wouldst grant that our crimes may not prevail more than the abundant satisfaction of the just on our behalf. Through, etc. Grant, O Lord, we beseech Thee, that we, who, weighed down by immense errors, have no confidence of conscience, may be aided by the blessed supplication of Thy martyrs. Through, etc.

Likewise another. May the manifold patronage of the saints profit us by their merits, O Lord, and may the prayer of the blessed, poured out for us in such number, dissolve our injustices. Through, etc. Despise not, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gifts presented for our excesses, but rather, through the intercession of Thy saints, turn Thyself to indulgence toward Thy suppliants. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For Thou, O Lord, dost discern Thy people; and when a multitude gathers for the feasts of the martyrs, Thou knowest who are truly of the number of Thy faithful; and therefore let no portion of the devil remain in any, that he who desires to be counted in the lot of the saints may be so counted. Through, etc.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to Thy holy martyrs, that they may bestow on us the help of their intercession, and that we may escape Thy wrath, which we have merited by our depravities. Through, etc. Likewise another. Let us not be overwhelmed, O Lord, we beseech Thee, though by the immense masses of our sins—we who entreat Thee with Thy saints interceding—that, offended by our evils, Thou reject not these present Victims, but by the power of the sacrament make us pleasing to Thee. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Humbly entreating that it may be granted us, that as Thy saints overcame the world by Thy power, so they may ask that we be freed from worldly errors. Through, etc.

Since our own voices, O Lord, do not deserve to be heard, may the intervention of Thy saints, we beseech Thee, be accepted on our behalf. Through, etc. Likewise another. Graciously admit our prayers, O Lord, and that we may serve at Thine altars worthily, guard us by the intercession of Thy saints. Through, etc. Grant us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to serve Thy gifts with a free mind, that, Thy grace purifying us, we may be amended by the very mysteries in which we minister. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For unto Thee, O Lord, this sacred festival is kept, unto Thee this hallowed day is celebrated, which the blood of Thy blessed martyrs, poured out in testimony of Thy truth, has marked with the magnificent honor of Thy name. Through, etc.

Almighty and everlasting God, who, providing for our frailty, dost console us by the constant celebration of the saints: grant us, being set under such patrons, both to be fortified with perpetual security and to rejoice in saving progress. Through, etc. May our offerings be acceptable to Thee, O Lord, which are both established by Thy precepts and commended by the glorious festival of Thy saints. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For we marvel, O Lord, at Thy powers and Thy victories, as often as we celebrate in Thy Church the solemnities of these days, which the illustrious palms of Thy confessors and martyrs have consecrated for the faithful peoples unto perpetual memory and holy gladness. Through, etc.

We beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that the divine mysteries which we frequent in commemoration of Thy saints we may follow both in deed and in understanding. Through, etc. Be present, O Lord, to Thy people entreating Thee with the patronage of the saints, that what it does not presume upon by its own confidence it may obtain by the merits of its intercessors. Through, etc. Likewise another. Almighty and everlasting God, who dost consider us not fit to entreat Thy majesty as is meet, grant that Thy holy martyrs, whom Thou canst worthily hear, may intercede for our sins. Through, etc. Aid us, O Lord, by the prayer of Thy saints, that we may feel the help of those whose feasts we keep. Through, etc.

May the appointed safeguards of the holy martyrs commend the oblation of Thy household, O Lord, and, that it may be pleasing to Thee, may it be offered through the supplications of those who please Thee. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who, not only paying the debt of the ancient death—by which He Himself was not bound—repaid it on behalf of the debtors, but also conferred upon His martyrs that what human nature had incurred by acting against the will of its Creator, and had been bound by a fixed law to pay, while they willingly took it upon themselves for the testimony of the Creator, might become for them justice out of guilt, and the penalty might pass over into glory. Through, etc. Likewise another.

May the votive sacrifices of Thy people be pleasing to Thee, O Lord, and what our frailty cannot obtain, may the supplication of those for whose glory they are offered obtain. Through, etc. May the satisfaction of Thy saints accompany, on our behalf, the gifts dedicated to Thy name, O Lord; that our offenses may be relaxed through them who are worthy in Thy sight. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who, in order to win a greater triumph over the enemy of the human race, besides that singular glory whereby he was cast down in unspeakable ways by the power of the Lord, brought it to pass that he should be overcome even by the holy martyrs; and that in His members too the victory might follow which went before in the Head. Through, etc. Likewise another. Hear, O Lord, our prayers;

and that the gifts which we offer before the eyes of Thy majesty may be worthy, grant us the help of Thy saints. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For it is of Thy work, O Lord, and of Thy power, that the enemy of human nature should be made subject—not only through Thy Son our Lord, but also through Thy holy martyrs—to the nature that was once his debtor, and be made subject to that which had been subject to him. And therefore with the angels, etc. Likewise another. We beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that our sins may not weigh us down before Thy justice, which the unconquered compassion of Thy mercy overcomes; nor suffer us, though burdened by errors however innumerable, to be overwhelmed—we whom Thou hast willed to be aided by so great intercessions of Thy saints. Through, etc.

Look graciously, O Lord, upon these gifts which we both present in commemoration of Thy saints and offer up for our offenses. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For in Thy blessed martyrs there fought against the profanity of the world the glorious confession of Thy faith; against the irrational savagery of persecutors, a wise and holy patience; against temporal allurements, the hope of heavenly rewards; against the love of this present life, the eternity of the salvation to come; and in all things, with Thy right hand contending in them, they overcame the devices of the raging devil. Through, etc. Likewise another. Make our oblations, we beseech Thee, O Lord, pleasing to Thee by Thy own gracious favor:

for there is nothing in us that can appease Thee, unless, with the saints interceding, Thou goest before us with Thy propitiation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Recounting the praises of the venerable martyrs: for it is of Thy work, O Lord, and of Thy power, etc. Quickened both by the birthdays of the saints, O Lord, and by the gift of the sacrament, we beseech Thee that the good things by which we are now cherished through Thy grace we may enjoy eternally. Through, etc. May Thy propitiation, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be present to Thy suppliant people; that what, by Thy inspiration, it faithfully seeks, it may receive by Thy swift bounty. Through, etc. Be present, O Lord, to our supplications;

that, even as we trust that the Savior of the human race is seated with Thee in Thy majesty, so we may perceive Him to remain with us, as Thou hast promised, until the consummation of the age. Through, etc. Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by the gift of this day's festival that the intent of Thy children may be directed thither, where in Thine Only-begotten our nature is with Thee. Through, etc. Hear us, O merciful God, and grant our minds to be lifted up thither whither our Redeemer ascended, that at the second coming of the Mediator we may receive by manifest gift what we now dare to hope as promised. Through, etc. Grant us, almighty and merciful God, that what we have received in the celebration of these visible mysteries we may attain by their invisible effect. Through, etc.

Grant us, O Lord, not to relish earthly things but to love the heavenly, and, set among things that pass away, even now to cling to those that abide. Through, etc. Hear us, O God our Savior, for through these most holy mysteries we trust that there shall be wrought in the body of the whole Church what went before in her Head, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. It is truly meet. Who, after His resurrection glorious to all ages, appeared manifest to His disciples, visible to sight and palpable to touch, even unto the fortieth day; and while they beheld Him was lifted up into heaven: the primitive members of the Church profiting by these delays, that what they had believed might become the more certain, and that they might more fully learn what they were to teach. Through, etc.

It is truly meet. For with just exultation we must rejoice amid the joys of this day's festival, because the Ascension into the heavens of the Mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, is no departure from our lowliness; since He is both in that glory which He ever had with Thee, and in that nature which He made His own from us: and thus He vouchsafed to exist as man, that He might grant us to be partakers of His divinity. Therefore, etc. It is truly meet. For, while the angels and the princes of angels marveled, the King of glory and Lord of hosts placed at Thy right hand with Himself the firstfruits of the blessed resurrection, offered upon the throne of Thy majesty. And therefore, etc.

In communion with, and celebrating the most sacred day of the Ascension into heaven of our Lord Jesus Christ, and venerating also the memory, etc. Likewise another. It is truly meet. And humbly to entreat Thee, that Thou wouldst grant to our minds by Thy inspiration to be lifted up thither whither our Redeemer ascended, that at the second coming of the Mediator we may receive by manifest gift what we now dare to hope as promised, through this same Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom the angels praise Thee, etc. Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the intent of our mind may ever aim thither whither the glorious Author of this day's solemnity has entered, and that whither it presses on by faith, it may arrive by its manner of life. Through, etc. Likewise another.

Look, O God, upon the exaltation of our estate, and, cleansed by Thy gracious favor, may we be fitted for the sacraments of Thy great mercy. Through, etc. It is truly meet. That Thou wouldst graciously pour into our senses this grace, lest by clinging to earthly affections we lift not our eyes to the heavenly; lest, occupied with base pleasures, we be unable to raise our minds thither whither our Savior ascended; lest, following the devil's footsteps, we withdraw from the fellowship of Christ: for none can delight in the loftiness of the supreme and true King, save he who has trampled underfoot the destroyed and pestilent laws of the Tyrant. Through, etc. Likewise another. Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the members of Thy faithful may follow thither whither our Head and Beginning has gone before. Through, etc.

It is truly meet. On this day, whereon Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, having consummated the end of the divine mystery, unfolded the gift of the ancient dispensation; namely, that He might both crush the devil, the enemy of the heavenly work, through the man whom he had subjugated, and lead back human nature to the gifts on high. Through, etc. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the affection of our Christian devotion may tend thither where our nature is with Thee. Through, etc. In communion with, and celebrating the most sacred day whereon our Lord, Thy only-begotten Son, placed the man of our nature, united to Himself, at the right hand of Thy glory; and venerating also the memory, etc.

O God, who, if Thou shouldst render what we deserve, we should fail before we could endure the merited punishments: we beseech Thee, being appeased, absolve our errors, and, that we may be able to turn to Thy commandments, forestall us with abundant propitiation. Through, etc. O clement, almighty, and merciful God, turn away the hardness of our heart, whereby we dread the multiplied stripes, yet perceive not the gifts conferred through mysteries so great; and grant us by Thy inspiration both to beg pardon for our sins and to render thanks for our salvation. Through, etc. O Lord our God, from whom is the first cause of mercy, whereby we may fear and love Thy name: pour it in mercy into our hearts, that, rejecting the things that displease Thee, we may be made subject to Thee with sincere will.

Through, etc. Spare, O Lord, spare them that sin; and that we may be able to come to Thy propitiation, grant us the Spirit of amendment. Through, etc. Likewise another. Almighty and everlasting God, who didst will the paschal sacrament to be contained within the mystery of fifty days, grant that the dispersion of the nations, made by the division of tongues, may be gathered by a heavenly gift into one confession of Thy name. Through, etc. As suppliants we entreat Thy clemency, O Lord, that Thou, who dost ever go before our evil deserts by showing mercy, wouldst make our deeds pleasing to Thee, our sin being expiated by pious works and wholesome fasts. Through, etc.

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the dignity of the human condition, wounded by excess, may be restored by the practice of medicinal abstinence. Through, etc. Grant, O merciful God, that we, who by violating the divine precepts fell from the happiness of paradise, may return to the access of eternal blessedness through the keeping of Thy commandments. Through, etc. Be present, O Lord, to Thy faithful, be present to Thy suppliants: and forsake not with earthly helps those whom Thou makest partakers of heavenly things. Through, etc. May the working of the sacred gift cleanse and cherish us, O Lord, and unite us to everlasting gifts. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Who, that the human condition may be restored to that for which it was made, dost fittingly assign to each its own in one and the same man. The body is nourished by food, the soul is fattened by fasts; unless the limbs be sustained by suitable foods they do not serve, and without continence the rule of the mind does not thrive. In this diversity of substance Thou so governest us by Thy control that—since without those things by which either is refreshed neither can subsist—Thou dost bid them to be taken in that measure whereby both may be quickened: so that at once nourishment be not lacking to the flesh, whereby it may subsist, and observance be present, whereby the mind may be strong. Through, etc. By the heavenly mysteries, O Lord, may our vile things be purged, that we may ever be fitted for Thy gifts. Through, etc.

Look, O Lord, being appeased, upon Thy suppliant people, and accompany with more abundant clemency those who trust in Thy mercy; that, since without Thee it cannot stand at all, it may be governed by Thy temporal benefits so as to advance unto the eternal. Through, etc. Grant us, ineffable and merciful God, that the adoption which the Holy Spirit has called into this very thing may have nothing earthly in its love, nothing divergent in its confession. Through, etc. Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and, the oblation of the spiritual Victim being accepted, make us ourselves an eternal offering to Thee. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who, ascending above all the heavens and seated at Thy right hand, poured out the promised Holy Spirit upon the sons of adoption:

wherefore, rejoicing amid Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, we offer Thee sacrifices of praise, etc. This oblation, therefore, which we offer to Thee for those whom Thou hast vouchsafed to regenerate of water and the Holy Spirit, granting them the remission of all sins, we beseech Thee, being appeased, to accept, and to command their names to be written in the book of the living. Through, etc. In communion with, and celebrating the most sacred day of Pentecost, whereon the Holy Spirit filled the apostles and the people of believers with the presence of His majesty; and venerating also the memory, etc. Bless, O Lord, these Thy creatures also, of honey and of milk;

And give Thy servants to drink from this fountain of the water of everlasting life, which is the Spirit of truth, and nourish them with this milk and honey, even as Thou didst promise to our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that Thou wouldst bring them into the land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey. Join, therefore, Thy servants, O Lord, to the Holy Spirit, as this honey and milk are joined together, whereby is signified the uniting of the heavenly and the earthly substance in Christ Jesus our Lord. Through whom all these things, etc. II. Likewise another. — Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, through the grace of the Holy Spirit the new discipline of the spiritual observance of Thy Paraclete, that our minds, cleansed by the sacred fast, may be rendered more fit for all His gifts. Through, etc.

Grant us, O Lord, to begin with holy fasts the defenses of Christian warfare, that being about to fight against spiritual wickedness, we may be fortified by the aids of self-restraint. Through, etc. O God, by whose mysteries we are cleansed and fed, grant that we may so celebrate the same in time that we may find in them things eternal. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Who, after that ineffably established fellowship of the divine and human nature, forewarned that the children of the Bridegroom could not fast until His departure; lest He should burden the untried souls of little ones, who were yet to be imbued with heavenly instructions, with sterner disciplines, but reserved the greater exercises for those making progress; upon whom, sufficiently instructed by the more abundant gift of the Holy Spirit, He bestowed the first-fruits of the fast that was to follow;

So that, whereas after the creation of the first man concupiscence ministered the beginning of sin, after the restoration of the human race self-restraint might become the origin of the virtues. Through, etc. Almighty and everlasting God, who hast completed the mystery of the paschal solemnity by the fullness of this day's mystery, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who are made children of Thy adoption may deserve to obtain the peace which our Lord Jesus Christ, coming to Thee, bequeathed. Through, etc. Grant to Thy Church, O merciful God, that gathered together by the Holy Spirit, it may in no wise be troubled by the assault of the enemy. Through, etc. Look mercifully, we beseech Thee, O Lord, upon the offerings of Thy people; and that they may be rendered acceptable to Thee, may the saving coming of the Holy Spirit cleanse our consciences. Through, etc.

It is truly meet. On the day of this present solemnity, whereon Thou dost perfect the human substance, from its manifold superstition, made one by the spirit of true religion. Through, etc. Be present, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to Thy people, and defend from the fury of enemies those whom Thou hast imbued with heavenly mysteries. Through, etc. Be present, O Lord, to our prayers, that the adoption whereby into that same, etc. Be favorable, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and sanctify these gifts, etc. It is truly meet. May this our confession, O Father of glory, be ever acceptable to Thee, sent forth from the hearts of the children of promise: for we prove that nothing more sublime was granted to the beginnings of Thy Church than that the tongues of all believers should proclaim the heralding of Thy Gospel;

That both that sentence, which the building of the proud Tower once deserved, might be dissolved, and the diversity of tongues might make no difficulty for the ecclesiastical edifying, but rather increase its unity. Through, etc. Hear, O Lord, our prayers; and as Thou hast dispelled the profane mists of the world by the light of the Holy Spirit, so vanquish the enemies of the Roman name and the foes of the Catholic profession. Through, etc. O God, who, by destroying the perfidy of the ancient waster through the power of Thy Son and of the Holy Spirit, hast given us victory over captivity: grant, we beseech Thee, that those who strive to assail us may be crushed by the right hand of Thy power. Through, etc. Receive, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift offered;

And work worthily, that what we perform in mysteries we may celebrate with holy effects. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Humbly beseeching Thy clemency, that as Thou hast opened to us the entrance of eternal security by the Passion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, so Thou wouldst also grant the tranquillity of this present life, whereby the quiet devotion of one who partakes of so great a gift may advance, and negligence and instilled terror may be turned to the increase of faith. Through, etc. II. Likewise another. — May the oblation of the present gift purify us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that it may render us worthy of sacred participation. Through, etc. May the Holy Spirit prepare our minds, we beseech Thee, O Lord, for the divine sacraments, for He Himself is the remission of all sins.

Through, etc. Communicating and keeping the most sacred day of Pentecost, whereon the apostles and the disciples of the apostles received the spiritual gifts of all the graces; but also venerating the memory, etc. May the power of the Holy Spirit be present to us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, which may both mercifully cleanse our hearts and guard them from all enemies. Through, etc. Be present, O Lord, to Thy suppliants, that we may celebrate with devout service this solemn fast, which was wholesomely instituted for the healing of souls and bodies. Through, etc. Grant, O Lord our God, that we may overcome by purity of mind against all the ragings of the impious, and that those who, trusting in their own strength, strive to afflict us, may be subdued to us as we fast. Through, etc.

We offer to Thee, O Lord, the things which Thou hast given to be dedicated to Thy name, humbly beseeching that, as Thou makest the same to be for us a sacrament, so Thou wouldst grant it to become an everlasting remedy. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For after those days of joy which we have spent in honor of the Lord rising from the dead and ascending into the heavens, and after receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, these holy fasts have been necessarily provided for us; that, for those living in pure conversation, the things divinely bestowed upon the Church may endure. Through, etc. Refreshed by the participation of the sacred gift, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we may feel the effect of that whose worship we perform. Through, etc.

Be present, O Lord, to Thy peoples who trust in Thy protection, and who humbly bow themselves to Thy right hand; preserve them by perpetual defense. Through, etc. May they receive, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of this present life, and find grace everlasting. Through, etc. O God of the heavenly powers, who grantest us to keep the yearly solemnities of blessed John the Baptist, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may both celebrate the same in security amid those who fall, and, by the merit of his patronage, may fully receive the increase of security. Through, etc. To offer our gifts, O Lord, we joyfully run together, humbly imploring that, revering the glory of the Herald, we may obtain the grace of Him who was heralded. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Keeping the solemn fast whereby we anticipate the birthday of blessed John the Baptist: whose father, doubting the messenger of the Word of God concerning the one to be born, was deprived of the office of speech, and at the birth of the same recovered his speech; who, while the angel was promising and he did not believe, was struck dumb; but at the coming forth of the magnificent herald both regained his voice and became a prophet; and whose mother, likewise barren and by age not only fruitful in childbearing, but also, that she might receive the fruit of blessed Mary with a sure voice of benediction, was filled with the Divine Spirit; and John himself, begotten as it were a scarcely-born champion of heaven, admonished that the way be prepared for the Lord; and, conceived and brought forth in the last and uttermost age of his parents, foretold the Redeemer to be born in the latter times.

Through, etc. May the patronage of Thy saints, O Lord, bestowed upon us, not forsake us, but by their prayers and merits protect our frailty. Through, etc. Almighty and merciful God, who by Thy providence didst destine blessed John the Baptist to prepare a perfect people for Christ the Lord: grant, we beseech Thee, that Thy family, by the intercession of this Herald, may be stripped of all sins, and may find their way to Him whom he foretold. Through, etc. II. Likewise another. — Almighty and everlasting God, give to our hearts that uprightness of Thy paths which the voice of blessed John the Baptist, crying in the wilderness, taught. Through, etc.

With Thy gifts, O Lord, we heap Thy altars, celebrating with due honor the nativity of him who both sang that the Savior of the world would come, and showed Him present. Through, etc. It is truly meet. On the day of this present festivity, whereon that blessed John the Baptist was born, not yet beholding earthly things, yet already revealing heavenly ones; a preacher of the eternal Light, before he perceived the temporal light; a witness of the truth, before he was seen; and a prophet before he was born; hidden in his mother's womb, and with foreknowing exultation announcing the Only-begotten of God; and, though not yet born, already the forerunner of Thy Christ. Nor is it any wonder if, once begotten, he pointed out Thy Son, O Lord, whom while yet enclosed in the womb he had recognized;

And deservedly among those born of women none was found like him, because it was granted to no man at all to be an executor of the Godhead before he drew the life of the human condition; and it was sufficiently confirmed how wonderful was the One heralded, of whom so illustrious a Herald appeared; and fittingly, for the ministry of the laver which he bore, he offered his service, consecrating the mystery of the perfect baptism, and for the conferring of remission of sins upon mortals, he rendered his due servitude to Him whom he had declared to have come to take away the sin of the world. Wherefore with the angels, etc. May the illustrious prayer of blessed John the Baptist accompany us, O Lord; and may he ask that He whom he foretold to come may be appeased and favor us. Through, etc.

May Thy people, O Lord, stirred by great mysteries, walk by the way of salvation and peace, and following the exhortations of the blessed Forerunner, may they come safely to Him whom he foretold. Through, etc. III. Likewise another. — Almighty and everlasting God, who even in the generation of blessed John didst establish the confession to be shown forth of a people consecrated to Thee: increase in us the constancy of faith and piety, that we may more and more confess the excellence of Him who was heralded, since so great is the glory of the herald. Through, etc. Look mercifully, O Lord, upon the vows of Thy people, and cause those whose solemnities Thou grantest us to celebrate to rejoice by their suffrages. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Since deservedly among the sons of men none was set before him, whom from the beginning of himself unto the end Thou didst consecrate with so many marks of good things, with so many splendors of graces: for it was fitting that he who was also visibly to show forth the ineffable sacrament of the Lord, which he had foretold with prophetic voice, should appear more eminent than the rest of His messengers. Wherefore with the angels, etc. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that as we pass from things past to new sacraments, so, the old being laid aside, we may be renewed in sanctified minds. Through, etc. Bless, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy people, and grant to those trusting in the prayers of Thy saints to obtain what Thou hast given them to hope for. Through, etc. IV. Likewise another.

— Almighty and everlasting God, who didst fulfill the legal ordinances and the heraldings of the holy prophets in the days of Thy blessed servant John: grant that, the figures of the significations ceasing, the Truth Himself may speak forth by His own manifestation. Through, etc. Give, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the light of understanding to Thy little ones, that, in place of the grace of the ancient sacrament the grace of the present sacrifice succeeding, we may so glory in things new that we may not misuse things old. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Since all ages are full of Thy mercy, which, given to the times as they recur by a fixed law, we venerate also in the festivity of this day:

Acknowledging that it pertained to the great counsel of Thy loving-kindness, that Thy holy John, whose birthday we celebrate to the glory of Thy name, should be born wondrous with so many gifts. Through, etc. Grant to our prayers, O Lord, that as we have been translated from things past to new sacraments, so, the old being laid aside, we may be renewed in sanctified minds. Through, etc. V. Likewise another. — O God, who hast made the present day honorable to us in the nativity of blessed John, give to Thy peoples the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the minds of all the faithful into the way of salvation and peace. Through, etc.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast bestowed upon Thy faithful that he than whom among those born of women none is greater should arise, and should exist as the glorious Forerunner of Thy Only-begotten: fulfill the gift of Thy providence, that what the testimony of the Herald made manifest, the presence of the One heralded may accomplish. Through, etc. The shadows of carnal victims being removed, we bring to Thee, O most high Father, a spiritual victim in suppliant service, which by a wondrous and ineffable mystery is both ever immolated and ever offered; and is at once both the gift of the devout and the reward of the Rewarder. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

On the day of this present festivity, whereon blessed John was born, who perceived the voice of the Mother of the Lord before he was brought forth, and, still enclosed in the womb, leaped with prophetic exultation at the coming of human salvation; who, when conceived, wiped away the barrenness of his mother, and, when born, loosed the tongue of his father: and alone of all the prophets pointed out the Redeemer of the world whom he had foretold; and, that the nature of the waters might conceive the effect of sacred purification, washed in the waters of Jordan, to be sanctified, the very Author of baptism. Wherefore with the angels, etc. Having received the blessing of the heavenly gift, we humbly beseech Thee, Almighty God, that this same may ever be for us both a cause of the sacrament and of salvation. Through, etc.

Those whom Thou makest Thine own, O Lord, encompass with Thy loving-kindness; and hold forth to the frail the aids of all Thy saints; that they may run to Thy promises by Thy inspiring, and by Thy governing may attain them. Through, etc. Almighty and everlasting God, who dost perceive that we are not fit, etc. Help us, O Lord, by the prayer of Thy saints, etc. It is truly meet. Who not only the debt of the ancient death, etc. II. Likewise another. — May Thy peoples be pleasing to Thee, O Lord, etc. The gifts dedicated to Thy name, O Lord, etc. It is truly meet. Who unto a greater triumph, etc. III. Likewise another. — Hear, O Lord, our prayers, and worthy of Thee, etc. It is truly meet. For of Thy work, O Lord, etc. IV. Likewise another.

— Be present, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to the vows of Thy Church, be present to its offerings; and what our own conscience does not supply, may the intercession and merit of Thy saints make up. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For the works of Thy justice and loving-kindness are wonderful, since either man, straying from Thee, is subjected to the diabolical power, or, returning to Thee by Thy grace, not only escapes the right of the hostile ruler, but even, as we prove in Thy saints, receives by Thy power dominion over him. Through, etc. May Thy saints, O Lord, implore Thy mercy, that the sacraments which we have received may confer upon us the remedies both of the present life and of that to come. Through, etc.

As the blessed martyrs make supplication, O Lord, look mercifully upon Thy faithful, that they may keep the gifts bestowed, and may attain the things piously and justly hoped for. Through, etc. May those who are subject to Thee, O Lord, receive Thy blessings by Thy bounty, which with humble devotion they unceasingly await. Through, etc. V. Likewise another. — We beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the twofold gladness of this day's festivity may receive us, which proceeds from the glorification of the blessed John and Paul, whom the same faith and passion made to be brethren. Through, etc. We lay upon Thy altars, O Lord, the victims of propitiation, honoring Thy power in the passions of Thy saints, and imploring through them for ourselves the pardon of sins. Through, etc. It is truly meet.