Sermons & Letters 188 part 11/15

Through, etc. V. Likewise another. Almighty and everlasting God, in the protection of thy faithful peoples work the ancient miracles of thy arm, that, our enemies being crushed by thy power, the Roman devotion may serve thee secure. Through, etc. Receive, O Lord, we beseech thee, the sacrifices which we offer thee for the welfare of thy people, and grant that, serving the heavenly sacraments, we may be free from all guilt. Through, etc. Truly it is meet. Who by the ineffable power of thy Word, even as thou art the Founder of the human race, so art its most benign Reformer. Through, etc. VI. Likewise another. O God, who hast set the remedies of human salvation

in the solemnity of this present mystery, grant us that, as we have come to know these things by the preaching of thy apostles, so we may obtain them by their intercessions. Through, etc. Receive graciously, we beseech thee, O Lord, the gifts of thy people, that what they profess by the piety of faith they may apprehend by the heavenly sacraments. Through, etc. Truly it is meet. In whose wondrous resurrection the death of the redeemed fell, and the life of believers arose. And therefore with the angels, etc. I. Almighty and everlasting God, who hast bestowed on thy faithful the remedies of life after death, grant, we beseech thee, being propitious and appeased, that the soul of thy servant (such a one), cleansed from all sins, may rest in the lot of thy redemption. Through, etc.

With humble supplication we offer thee these victims, O Lord, that the soul of thy servant (such a one), through these offices of pious appeasement, may obtain perpetual mercy. Through, etc. This oblation therefore of thy servant (such a one), which he offers to thee for the soul of thy servant (such a one), we beseech thee, O Lord, that thou receive being appeased, and by the bounty of thy compassions grant that whatever he contracted in his earthly manner of life may be cleansed by these sacrifices, and, the bonds of death being loosed, he may merit passage unto life. Through, etc. II.

Almighty and merciful God, in whose power all human condition consists, absolve, we beseech thee, the soul of thy servant (such a one) from all sins, that he may not, being forestalled by mortality, lose the fruit of penitence which his will desired. Through, etc. May the oblation of the present sacrifice make satisfaction to thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, for the soul of thy servant (such a one), and may he find the pardon of sins which he sought; and what he was not able to fulfil by the office of his voice, may he receive by the compensation of his desired penitence. Through, etc. This oblation therefore, etc. (as above). III.

Almighty and merciful God, with whom the human will is reckoned in place of deeds, grant, we beseech thee, that for the soul of thy servant (such a one) to have desiringly willed penitence may suffice for the attaining of a perfect remedy. Through, etc. To the soul of thy servant, we beseech thee, O Lord, grant through these sacraments of eternal redemption the remission of sins, that the devotion of penitence which his affection cherished may obtain the effect of perpetual salvation. Through, etc. O God, from whom is inspired into human hearts all that is good, as thou didst grant the soul of thy servant to will penitence, so mercifully grant the longed-for indulgence. Through, etc.

O God, to whom alone it belongs to bestow healing after death, grant, we beseech thee, that the soul of thy servant (such a one), stripped of earthly defilements, may be numbered in the portion of thy redemption. Through, etc. By these sacrifices, O Lord, we beseech thee, whereby thou grantest purgation both to the living and to the dead, graciously absolve the soul of thy servant, that he may await the day of resurrection with the hope of sure rejoicing. Through, etc. Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, to the soul of thy servant everlasting mercy, that, freed from mortal bonds, thy eternal one may possess him. Through, etc. O God, Creator and Redeemer of the souls of the faithful, grant to thy servant the remission of all sins, that he may obtain the indulgence which he ever desired. Through, etc. IV.

By the intercession of thy blessed martyr Laurence, O Lord, we beseech thee, protect us, and join the soul of thy servant (Name) the bishop to the fellowship of thy saints. Through, etc. Look graciously, O Lord, we beseech thee, upon our oblations, which we offer to the name of thy majesty in honour of thy holy martyr Laurence, and which we humbly present for the repose of thy servant (Name) the bishop. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Thou who dost both restore us by the commemoration of thy saints and defend us by their prayer. Through, etc. This oblation, therefore, etc., and grant that he may be reckoned in the number of the priests pleasing to thee. Through, etc.

Help us, O Lord our God, when the prayers of thy blessed martyr Laurence have been heard, and set the soul of thy servant (Name) the bishop in the everlasting light of blessedness. Through, etc. Be mindful, O Lord, we beseech thee, of the soul of thy servant (Name) the bishop; and him whom, while set in the body, thou didst will to hold the helm of the Apostolic See, place in the rank of upright priests. Through, etc. Receive, O Lord, we beseech thee, these victims for the soul of thy servant (Name) the bishop, that to him to whom thou didst grant the merit of the pontificate thou mayest also grant its reward. Through, etc. This oblation, therefore, etc., that he who followed the see of the blessed Apostle Peter by his vicarious office may also, by the bounty of thy grace, receive a perpetual portion of the apostolic dignity. Through, etc.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the soul of thy servant (Name) the bishop, whom while dwelling in this world thou didst adorn with the sacred offices, may ever exult in glory in the heavenly abode. Through, etc. O God, who didst make thy servant (Name) to flourish as a pontiff among the apostolic priests, grant, we beseech thee, that he may also obtain their everlasting seat. Through, etc. O God, the portion of the departed who confess thee, graciously receive our prayers which we offer at the burial of thy servant Silvester the bishop; that he who rendered faithful ministry to thy name may rejoice in the perpetual fellowship of thy saints. Through, etc.

This oblation, therefore, we beseech thee, O Lord, look upon it appeased, which we humbly offer in commemoration of thy holy confessor and bishop Silvester, that this affection of piety may profit us, and that everlasting blessedness may glorify him. Through, etc. Humbly we entreat thy majesty, O Lord, that the soul of thy servant Simplicius the bishop, stripped of all that it drew unto itself by human frailty, may be reckoned in the lot of the holy shepherds. Through, etc. To the yearly vows of thy martyrs, O Lord, we return, humbly beseeching thy majesty that with temporal increase we may receive also the augmentation of eternal prosperity. Through, etc. For the birthday-feasts of the martyrs, O Lord, we heap thine altars with gifts.

Grant, we beseech thee, that holy joys may increase in us, whereby the devotion of our affection may profit. Through, etc. It is truly meet. As we celebrate the birthday-feasts of the holy patrons, since while the glory of thy name is frequented through them, the succour of our frailty grows. Through, etc. Likewise another. We present unto thee victims, O Lord, for the commemoration of thy martyrs, beseeching that they may confer upon us alike pardon and salvation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For thou art magnified in the praise of thy saints. And whatsoever pertains to their precious passion is the wondrous work of thy power; thou who dost mercifully grant the ardour of this faith; who dost inspire the firmness of endurance; who dost bestow victory in the contest. Through, etc.

May the feasts of thy saints, we beseech thee, O Lord, ever gladden us, and commend us to thy majesty by perpetual propitiation. Through, etc. Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that as the Christian people rejoices together in the temporal solemnity of thy martyrs, so it may fully enjoy the eternal, and may attain in effect what it celebrates in its vows. Through, etc. May we feel thy propitiation, O Lord, we beseech thee, from this present festivity, that our oblations being received through the intercession of thy holy (Name), thou mayest both grant us pardon and bestow saving gifts. Through, etc. It is truly meet. On this day of today's festivity, whereon holy Cecilia was made a martyr in the confession of thy name.

For she, while devoted to human nuptials, despised the temporal marriage-chamber, and took to herself a Bridegroom who should be everlasting, having chosen the reward of chastity; and she preferred the eternity of life rather than to bring forth offspring to the world. To her glory this also was added, that Valerian, to whom she had been to be joined by the right of matrimony, she, a chaste martyr, joining him to herself in perpetual fellowship, led with her to the crown. Through, etc. We exult together, both at receiving the bread of righteousness and at the festivity of thy saints, O Lord; for we trust that by the intercessions of those pleasing to thee, what we have received shall be for us unto eternal life (var. shall profit). Through, etc.

Thy help, O Lord, do the hearts of the faithful, subject to thy name, implore, that since without thee they can accomplish nothing that is just, by the bounty of thy mercy they may both lay hold of the things that are right, and receive all things profitable to them. Through, etc. Likewise another. Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose the weak things of the world that thou mayest confound the strong, grant us to rejoice with fitting devotion in the festivity of thy holy martyr Cecilia, that we may both praise thy power in her passion, and receive the help provided for us. Through, etc.

O God, author and bestower of all good things, who, that thou mightest summon the human race to the confession of thy name, didst accomplish martyrdom even in the frail sex, grant, we beseech thee, that thy Church, admonished by this example, may neither fear to suffer for thee, and may long for the glory of the heavenly reward. Through, etc. Upon these victims, we beseech thee, O Lord, may a copious blessing descend, which may both mercifully work sanctification for us, and gladden us by the solemnity of the martyrs. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Thou who dost perfect virtue in weakness, whereby the blessed and glorious Cecilia, despising the world's wedlock, striving toward the fellowship of the heavens, was neither hindered by her tender age, nor called back by the allurement of the flesh, nor deterred by the frailty of her sex. But amid her girlish years, amid the world's blandishments, amid the torments of her persecutors, a chaste virgin and martyr she achieved manifold victory, and to a mightier triumph she led with her to the heavenly kingdom him to whom she had been wedded. Through, etc. Likewise another. Let the gifts of thy suppliant Church, O Lord, be pleasing to thy sight, and that they may profit our salvation, let the blessed intercession of the saints be present. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Thou who, that a greater triumph might be led over the enemy of the human race, didst not only through Christ our Lord destroy the diabolical tyranny, nor only for the overthrow of the first-formed man render deserved retribution upon the deceiver through the male sex of the blessed martyrs, but dost also, against the enemy of our mother Eve, turn back rightful vengeance through the female condition; so that he who had wickedly laid low both sexes—the one that trusted in its felicity in Paradise—might now by thy grace be trodden down by both. Which holy Cecilia, testifying (var. accomplishing) by today's confession, yet that she might not depart from the promised faith of wedlock, made him whom she was to have had as husband (var. whom she had received in marriage) the companion of her passion. Through, etc. Likewise another.

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that we may both rejoice in the yearly solemnity of thy holy martyr Cecilia, and profit by the example of so great a faith. Through, etc. Recalling the feast of holy Cecilia, we offer prayers, we immolate victims. Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that with temporal protection they may afford us also the increases of the eternal and true. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Since, as the devil by the merit of a wicked confession cast down the human race in both sexes, so in both is he triumphed over by a glorious confession through thy grace. And the victory is the more illustrious, when that lofty being, which boasted itself like unto the Most High, and applauded that it had overthrown God's work in man's fall, is overcome by the female condition.

Whose day of glory the blessed martyr Cecilia illumines for us, who, assigned to earthly nuptials, was wedded in heaven, and dedicated to a worldly marriage, obtained a divine fellowship; and that very temporal husband, to whom she had been destined to be joined in mortal wise, she, a virgin, by the bond of martyrdom made her own for ever. Through, etc. Likewise another. We beseech thee, O God of the heavenly powers, that the sacrifices offered for the solemnity of holy Cecilia may teach us to hold in contempt temporal desires, and make us to seek the gifts of heavenly joys. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For a wondrous reversal is bestowed upon us today, since that enemy of ours, who, when man was conspicuous in the felicity of Paradise and wholly ignorant of death, while by trusting in his own integrity he sought not the divine protections, overthrew him by his viperous cunning, is now, amid the miseries of this world and in the exile of humanity's condemned condition, laid low by mortal frailty, yet a frailty trusting in thee. And whereas the first woman is reported to have been her husband's guide unto the fall, now a girl's confession, going before the man, leads him unto the reward. Through, etc. Hear us, O God our salvation, that as we rejoice in the festivity of holy Cecilia, so we may be instructed in the affection of pious devotion. Through, etc.

Look, O Lord, we beseech thee, upon thy people rejoicing at the glorification of holy Cecilia the martyr, and grant that the service of minds consecrated to thee may become well-pleasing; that they who cease not to honour thee in thy saints may enjoy the perpetual bounty of thy gifts, and may lay hold invisibly of what they visibly perform. Through, etc. Almighty and everlasting God, who art wonderful in the power of all thy saints, grant us to rejoice in the yearly solemnity of blessed Clement, who, a martyr and pontiff of thy Son, confirmed by his testimony what he wrought in his ministry, and established by example what he preached with his mouth. Through, etc. Thy propitiation, O Lord, etc. It is truly meet.

Celebrating the birthday-feast of thy holy martyr Clement, who left his kindred and his fatherland, and, following the fragrance of thy name, crossing lands and seas, and denying himself, took up the cross of pilgrimage, that he might follow thee in the footsteps of thine Apostles. To whom thou, O Lord, according to the promise of thy Son, both in the present age and in that to come, didst repay the rewards of a hundredfold gift. For to him, soon delivered over to the teachings of the most blessed Peter, thou dost restore in a foreign region the parents whom he had lost in his native soil; those whom he had lost of earthly generation, thou renderest partakers of the divine nature.

Then, appointing him by due succession as the vicar of his master, thou didst set him to hold the primacy of the city of Rome—whose dignity he had despised for thy sake—and for a transitory renown thou didst make him conspicuous with heavenly honour. Finally, exalted with the glory of martyrdom, for his temporal deeds thou dost advance him to an eternal crown. Through, etc. Likewise another. Let our prayers ascend to thee, O Lord, and let the gifts of thy faithful, humbly offered, win the votive prayers, that even if by our own works we merit it not, we may, we beseech thee, merit it by the intercession of thy saints. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

For deservedly, O Lord, do we glory in the triumphs of thy martyrs, since in their victories we confess thy wondrous works, rejoicing today in the festivity of thy holy priest and martyr Clement; whom, trained by the instructions of the blessed Apostle Peter, and raised to the pontificate of the apostolic see, and at length crowned with glory in the end of a renowned martyrdom, the heavenly habitation received. Through, etc. Likewise another. May thy devout Church, O Lord, we beseech thee, receive the venerable birthday-feast of thy holy priest and martyr Clement, and become the more devoted through love of his great glorification. Through, etc.

May the intercession of thy holy priest and martyr Clement, O Lord, commend our gifts to thy mercy, that what our merits do not supply may be made up by the entreaty of thy saints. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Since through the bounty of the Holy Spirit that blessed Clement consecrated for us the affection of today's exultation by the contest of his glorious passion; who, noble in the world, more noble in the love of Christ, conspicuous by his pious labour, and wondrous both in the seeking-out and the recovery of his parents, received as a most faithful pupil of apostolic preaching, shone forth an outstanding priest and a distinguished martyr. Through, etc. Likewise another. Receive, we beseech thee, O Lord, these victims,

conferred upon us by thy condescension, since both they proceed by thy creating, and thou hast established the causes of human salvation and glory, whereby they are pleasing to thee. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For the praises of blessed Clement are to be repeated by us today. Who, kindled by divine inspiration, left his fatherland, following after thy preachers, and found his lost parents in a foreign land. In foreign regions, humble, he followed the glory of Christ, and received the highest dignity of his own city. He set the present life after Christ, and merited the triumph of everlasting blessedness. Through, etc. Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that for the honour of thy name we may be cherished by continual prayers of those whose distinctions we celebrate.

Through, etc. Merciful and almighty God, who dost make us, running with due veneration (var. service) from strength to strength, to rejoice by the prayers of thy saints, grant that we may be helped by the prayers of those in whose solemnities we are consoled. Through, etc. Look upon the gifts, O Lord, we beseech thee, set upon thine altars for the commemoration of thy holy martyr Felicitas, that as through these blessed mysteries thou didst confer glory upon her, so thou mayest bestow pardon upon us. Through, etc. It is truly meet. In the exultation of today's festivity, whereon the blessed mother by thy grace perfected in death the flock consecrated to thee, begotten of her flesh.

Behold indeed her in whom, as it is written, Wisdom hath builded herself a house, furnished with seven pillars. Behold her who fulfilled in deeds what she foretokened in name; and not only glorious in the prosperity of fecundity, but even amid adversities she remained Felicity, whom not even death could take away from her, but rather made everlasting. Through, etc. Partaking, O Lord, of the blessed mysteries of thy table, we beseech that by the intervention of thy holy martyrs they may confer upon us both present (var. temporal) mercy and eternal. Through, etc. Protect, O Lord, thy people, and grant, by the prayers of the righteous, that she whom thou dost make devoted by the constant festivity of thy martyrs may ever become pleasing to thee. Through, etc. Likewise another.

Grant us, O Lord our God, to venerate with unceasing devotion the passions of thy holy martyrs, that those whom we cannot honour with worthy mind we may at least frequent with humble homage. Through, etc. Receive, O Lord, the gifts of thy faithful for the solemnity of thy holy martyrs, and that our services may be pleasing to thee, grant it by the bounty of thy grace. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For great are thy works, O Lord, and immeasurable thy mighty deeds, through which the gladness of today's festivity has come to us.

For truly they are the sons of Felicity, and true is the Felicity of her sons, whom the fruitful mother both brought forth in the chaste offspring of holy wedlock, and again, a blessed martyr, conceiving them in the bowels of sacred confession, through faith more happily brought forth anew as martyrs unto the crown. Through, etc. Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, by the intercession of thy saints, that what we have touched with the mouth we may receive with pure mind. Through, etc. Deliver, O Lord, we beseech thee, from sins and enemies thy suppliant people; that, living in holy conversation, they may be afflicted by no adversities. Through, etc. Likewise another.

May the holy martyrs, O Lord, we beseech thee, both by their names and by their prayers avail us, that thy Clement may cause us to follow wise clemency, and Felicitas, consecrated to thee, may ask that we be truly happy. Through, etc. Proclaiming thee wonderful, O Lord, in the precious passions of thy saints, we present our votive gifts. Grant, we beseech thee, that as their merits are pleasing to thee, so the offices of our service may be rendered acceptable. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For today indeed, O Lord, by thy gift is celebrated a magnificent mother and martyr. An illustrious offspring by like passion. The Church glorious in such members. And deservedly in all things blessed Felicity. Through, etc.

We are filled, O Lord, with the sacraments and joys which we both frequent and receive in the celebrations of thy saints. Through, etc. Ever, O Lord, we beseech thee, make thy people to rejoice in the patronage of the holy martyrs, that it may unceasingly receive by the suffrages of thy righteous ones those benefits which it avails not to obtain by its own supplications. Through, etc. We exult, O Lord, in the multiplied festivity of the saints, since we doubt not that we shall receive thy gifts, for the obtaining of which thou hast conferred upon us such great patronage. Through, etc. Perfect, O Lord, the votive mysteries, and let the suffrages of those which proclaim thee in the veneration of the martyrs stand us in stead of eternal redemption. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

Since that heavenly fire so inflames the breasts of the blessed martyrs, that whatsoever is pleasant in the light of this world is rejected for love of thy name, and whatsoever is temporally bitter is undergone, that the rewards of thy promise may be attained. Through, etc. May the precious patience of the righteous, O Lord, we beseech thee, increase in us the affection of love, and ever exercise in our hearts the firmness of holy faith. Through, etc.

O God, who didst grant to thy saints the virtue of pious confession amid torments, bestow upon thy faithful peoples constancy of truth amid the temptations of this world, that as thy Holy Spirit, strengthening them, advanced those unto everlasting glory, so, continually governing these by thy grace, thou mayest bring them unto eternal mercy. Through, etc. Grant us, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, to be uplifted by the intercessions of thy blessed Apostle Andrew, that through those by whom thou didst give to thy Church the first beginnings of the heavenly gift, by them thou mayest bestow the aids of everlasting salvation. Through, etc.

Look, we beseech thee, O Lord, upon the gifts which we present for the commemoration of thy blessed Apostle Andrew, humbly entreating that we may be helped by his interventions, for whose merits they are immolated. Through, etc. It is truly meet. For thou hast granted thy Church to stand upon apostolic foundations. Celebrating the solemnities of blessed Andrew from among their college, we are not silent, O Lord, of thy praises. Through, etc. We have received, O Lord, the divine mysteries, rejoicing in the festivity of thy blessed Apostle Andrew, which, as they are unto glory for thy saints, so do thou, we beseech thee, make them to profit us unto pardon. Through, etc.

Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, to thy household, that the exultation of its heart, which it has received from the veneration of thy blessed Apostle Andrew, it may both securely celebrate together, and ever follow with its whole mind. Through, etc. Likewise another. Suppliant we beseech thee, O God, that thou grant us to celebrate with fitting joys the day whereon the sacred nativity of thy blessed Apostle Andrew shone forth in the magnificent confession of thy majesty; and grant us likewise seasons of this devotion the more ample and profitable. Through, etc. We offer to thee, O Lord, a gift to be consecrated, whereby, recalling the solemnities of blessed Andrew, we also implore purification for our minds. Through, etc. It is truly meet.

On this present festivity, whereon the venerable blood of thy blessed Apostle Andrew was shed. Who was brother of thy glorious Apostle Peter alike by the lot of birth, by the fellowship of faith, by the college of apostolic dignity, and by the brightness of martyrdom; so that those whom in the course of this life thy grace had bound with so many bonds of affection, a like crown might join in the kingdom of heaven. Through, etc. May the saving reception of thy sacrament profit us, O Lord, we beseech thee, for the commemoration of thy saints, that it may both free us from the vices of mortality, and make us companions of everlasting mercy. Through, etc. Be thou, O Lord, the protector of thy people, appeased, and their ruler, and, at the entreaty of thy saints, grant them remission of sins;

restore the effect of a better life; graciously afford temporal consolations, and bestow the promised gifts of eternity. Through, etc. Likewise another. O God, giver of all virtues and of good things, grant, we beseech thee, that the solemnities of thy blessed Apostle Andrew, both to be honoured and to be desired as protections, may ever be present with us. Through, etc. In the gifts offered, O Lord, let thy faithful people exult, since it trusts that likewise the joys of the apostolic passion, and thy being proclaimed wondrous in them, pertain to the increase of its salvation. Through, etc. It is truly meet. Thou who, through the worship of thy name and the veneration of the saints, dost wondrously work remedies for us.

For by this very fast, which, forestalling the feast of thy blessed Apostle Andrew, we offer before the eyes of thy majesty, may we at once both receive the saving continence of mind and body, and profit by an observance profitable to us, and, our bodily senses being softened, be prepared the purer for so great a birthday-feast. Through, etc. May we be instructed, O Lord, we beseech thee, and helped by these celebrations, whereby the martyrdoms of thy blessed Apostle Andrew, being anticipated, may afford us heavenly gladness. Through, etc. May the Christian people, O Lord, gather the fruits of holy rejoicing which it has undertaken with pious devotion, that it may become both joyful in the veneration and secure in the intercession of thy blessed Apostle Andrew. Through, etc. Likewise another.