September 17
SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM
Bishop and Lawgiver of Carmel

Feast

Albert Avogadro was born about the middle of the twelfth century in Castel Gualtieri in Italy. He became a Canon Regular of the Holy Cross at Mortara and was elected their prior in 1180. Named Bishop of Bobbio in 1184, and of Vercelli in 1185, he was made Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1205. There, in word and example, he was the model of a good pastor and peace-maker. While he was Patriarch (1206-1214) he formed the hermit brothers of Mount Carmel into a collegium and wrote a Rule for them. He was murdered at Acre on September 14, 1214, by the Master of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, whom he had rebuked and deposed for immorality.

Invitatory

Ant. Come let us worship the Lord, the source of all just law.

Invitatory psalm, as in the Ordinary

Office of Readings

Hymn

Albert, as you shine before us
Legislator, Shepherd true,
Hear in love the hymns of homage
Which your children sing to you.

Messenger of peace and concord,
Careful to foresee all need,
You instructed all your faithful
Zealously by word and deed.

From your virtues this whole country
Shines with many a precious gem;
Most of all your mem’ry’s fragrance
Clings about Jerusalem.

So renowned that Church, so honored
When you worked as pastor there,
Carmel’s hermits asked for precepts
To define a life of prayer.

We are grateful to you, Father,
For the Rule which we profess,
Apt to guide each one in Carmel
To the heights of holiness.

With your Rule to give us increase,
Fruit abundant may we see
When with you we praise in heaven
God eternal, One in Three.

87.87.
Sr. Margarita of Jesus, O.C.D.

Psalmody

Ant. 1 The righteous one delights in the law of the Lord and ponders it day and night.

Psalm 21:2-8, 14

O Lord, your strength gives joy to the King; *
how your saving help makes him glad!
You have granted him his heart’s desire; *
you have not refused the prayer of his lips.

You came to meet him with the blessings of success, *
you have set on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked you for life and this you have given, *
days that will last from age to age.

Your saving help has given him glory. *
You have laid upon him majesty and splendor,
you have granted your blessings to him forever. *
You have made him rejoice with the joy of your presence.

The king has put his trust in the Lord: *
through the mercy of the Most High he shall stand firm.
O Lord, arise in your strength; *
we shall sing and praise your power.

Ant. The righteous one delights in the law of the Lord and ponders it day and night.

Ant. 2 Let the law of the Lord be ever on your lips.

Psalm 92 – I

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, *
to make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning *
and your truth in the watches of the night,
on the ten-stringed lyre and the lute, *
with the murmuring sound of the harp.

Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad; *
for the work of your hands I shout with joy.
O Lord, how great are your works! *
How deep are your designs!
The foolish man cannot know this *
and the fool cannot understand.

Though the wicked spring up like grass *
and all who do evil thrive,
they are doomed to be eternally destroyed. *
But you, Lord, are eternally on high.

Ant. Let the law of the Lord be ever on your lips.

Ant. 3 All who ponder the law of the Lord will yield fruit in due season.

Psalm 92 – II

See how your enemies perish; *
all doers of evil are scattered.

To me you give the wild ox’s strength; *
you anoint me with the purest oil.
My eyes looked in triumph on my foes; *
my ears heard gladly of their fall.
The just will flourish like the palm tree *
and grow like a Lebanon cedar.

Planted in the house of the Lord *
they will flourish in the courts of our God,
still bearing fruit when they are old, *
still full of sap, still green,
to proclaim that the Lord is just. *
In him, my rock, there is no wrong.

Ant. All who ponder the law of the Lord will yield fruit in due season.

Receive instruction from his mouth.
—And lay up his words in your heart.

First Reading

Eph. 6:5-8, 10-18, 23-24

From the letter of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians

Put on all the armor that God gives you

Slaves, obey your human masters with the reverence, the awe, and the sincerity you owe to Christ. Do not render service for appearance only and to please men, but do God’s will with your whole heart as slaves of Christ. Give your service willingly, doing it for the Lord rather than men. You know that each one, whether slave or free, will be repaid by the Lord for whatever good he does.

Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground. Stand fast, with the truth as the belt around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and zeal to propagate the gospel of peace as your footgear. In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the word of God.

At every opportunity pray in the Spirit, using prayers and petitions of every sort. Pray constantly and attentively for all in the holy company.

May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ grant the brothers peace and love and faith. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with unfailing love.

Responsory

Lead a life worthy of your vocation,
—living in allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Ponder the Lord’s law day and night, and keep watch at your prayers,
—living in allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Second Reading

(Chs. 14, 16; ed. Edwards-Clarke 1973, 1973, pp 87-89, 91-93)

From the rule delivered to the Brothers of Mount Carmel by Saint Albert of Jerusalem

Spiritual exhortations

Since man’s life on earth is a time of trial, and all who would live devotedly in Christ must undergo persecution, and the devil, your foe, is on the prowl like a roaring lion looking for prey to devour, you must use every care to clothe yourselves in God’s armor, so that you may be ready to withstand the enemy’s ambush.

Your loins are to be girt with chastity, your breast fortified by holy meditations, for, as Scripture has it, holy meditation will save you. Put on holiness as your breastplate, and it will enable you to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. Faith must be your shield on all occasions, and with it you will be able to quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one. There can be no pleasing God without faith. On your head, set the helmet of salvation, and so be sure of deliverance by our only Savior, who sets his own free from their sins. The sword of the spirit, the word of God, must abound in your mouths and hearts. Let all you do have the Lord’s word for accompaniment.

The Apostle would have us keep silence, for in silence he tells us to work. As the Prophet also makes known to us, silence is the way to foster holiness. Elsewhere he says, your strength will lie in silence and hope. Be careful not to indulge in a great deal of talk, for as Scripture has it—and experience teaches us no less—sin will not be wanting where there is much talk, and he who is careless in speech will come to harm, and elsewhere, the use of many words brings harm to the speaker’s soul. And Our Lord says in the Gospel, every rash word uttered will have to be accounted for on Judgment Day. Make a balance, then, each of you, to weigh your words in, keep a tight rein on your mouths lest you should stumble and fail in speech, and your fall be irreparable and prove mortal. Like the Prophet, watch your step lest your tongue give offense, and employ every care in keeping silent, which is the way to foster holiness.

Responsory

My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law,
—for it is your way to glory.

The Lord’s law is perfect and strengthens the soul; it gives wisdom to the humble
—for it is your way to glory.

Where the Vigil Office is celebrated:

Canticles

Ant. Let your belts be fastened round your waists, and have your lamps burning ready.

Canticle I

Jer 17:7-8

Blessed are those who hope in the Lord

Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it (Lk 11:28)

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, *
whose hope is the Lord.

He is like a tree planted by water, *
that sends out its roots by the stream:
and does not fear when heat comes, *
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought, *
for it does not cease to bear fruit.

Canticle II

Sir 14:20; 15:3-5a, 6b

The happiness of the wise

Wisdom has been proved right by all her children (Lk 7:35)

Happy the man who meditates on wisdom, *
and reason with good sense.
She will give him the bread of understanding to eat, *
and the water of wisdom to drink.

He will lean on her and will not fall, *
he will rely on her and not be put to shame.
She will raise him high above his neighbors, *
and he will inherit an everlasting name.

Canticle III

Sir 31:8-11

Happy are those who do not go chasing after riches

Get yourselves treasure that will not fail you in heaven (Lk 12:33)

Blessed is the rich man who is found blameless, *
and who does not go after gold.

Who is he? And we will call him blessed, *
for he has done wonderful things among his people.
Who has been tested by it and been found perfect? *
Let it be for him a ground for boasting.

Who has had the power to transgress and did not transgress, *
and to do evil and did not do it?
His prosperity will be established, *
and the assembly will relate his acts of charity.

Ant. Let your belts be fastened round your waists, and have your lamps burning ready.

Gospel

Mt 20:25-28

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Te Deum

You are God: we praise you; *
You are the Lord: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father: *
All creation worships you.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, *
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, *
heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you. †
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. *
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you: *
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, *
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the King of glory, *
the eternal Son of the Father.

When you became man to set us free *
you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death, *
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. *
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people, *
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints*
to glory everlasting.

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
— Govern and uphold them now and always.

Day by day we bless you.
— We praise your name for ever.

Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
— Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your love and mercy,
— for we have put our trust in you.

In you, Lord, is our hope:
— And we shall never hope in vain.

Prayer as at Morning Prayer

 

Morning Prayer

Hymn

Glorious Saint Albert, we would hymn your praises,
Splendid in virtue, victor in the combat,
All hearts and voices joyously united
Here to acclaim you.

High-priest devoted, lover of the people,
Watchman unwearied; though your death was bloodstained;
Stainless your honor, when for God and duty
You fell a victim.

True to the wisdom of our ancient Fathers,
Your Rule for Carmel still preserves among us
Solitude, silence, spirit of the desert
Timeless, unfading.

Get us the courage needed in these last days,
Faithful transmitter of the Spirit’s message;
Make Carmel’s garden fruitful for God’s glory
Yielding new increase.

Splendor and empire to our Lord God only
Who willed to give us such a Friend and Father,
Praying at all times that we may in safety
Gain heaven’s kingdom.

11.11.11.5.
Sr. Mary Paula, O.C.D.

Psalmody

Ant. 1 You are the light of the world; a city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Psalms and canticle from Sunday, Week I

Ant. 2 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father.

Ant. 3 God’s word is alive; it strikes to the heart. It pierces more surely than a two-edged sword.

Reading

Hebrews 13:7-9a

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you; consider how their lives ended, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.

Responsory

On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my sentinels to guard you.
—On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my sentinels to guard you.

Day or night, they will not cease to proclaim the name of the Lord.
—I have set my sentinels to guard you.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
—On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my sentinels to guard you.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Let everyone who is zealous for the law follow me: then many who were seeking righteousness and justice went out into the desert.

Intercessions

Let us worship Christ, the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, who loves his people; full of hope in him let us pray:

R/. Lord, protect your people.

Lord, accept our vows and intentions, —as the first-fruits of this day. R/.

Lord, may we be inspired by our Rule, —and so proclaim your love to all. R/.

May we so love you, who are Love itself, that we may come to possess you; —and so live that our lives may be a continual hymn of praise to you. R/.

Help us, who are your servants, to keep your word faithfully; —and to seek it with all our hearts. R/.

Lord, be our teacher and guide, leading the way for us to the height of Carmel; —may we be bound to your service with a pure heart and a clean conscience. R/.

Our Father…

Prayer

Lord God,
through Saint Albert of Jerusalem
you have given us a Rule of life according to your Gospel,
to help us attain perfect love.
Through his prayers may we always live
in allegiance to Jesus Christ,
and serve faithfully until death
him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

 

Daytime Prayer

Antiphons and psalms from the current weekday.

Before Noon

Reading

Leviticus 20:7-8

Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy; for I am the Lord your God. Keep my statutes, and do them; I am the Lord who sanctify you.

Let all that you do
—have the Lord’s word for accompaniment.

Midday

Reading

Cf. 2 Timothy 3:12, 14-15

You are well aware that anyone who tries to live in devotion to Christ is certain to be attacked. You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures—from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Follow the sound advice you have heard from me,
—in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

Afternoon

Reading

Philippians 4:8-9

And now, my friends, all that is true, all that is noble, all that is just and pure, all that is lovable and gracious, whatever is excellent and admirable—fill all your thoughts with these things. The lessons I taught you, the tradition I have passed on, all that you heard me say or saw me do, put into practice; and the God of peace will be with you.

Blessed are the peacemakers.
—They shall be called God’s children.

 

Evening Prayer

Hymn, as at Morning Prayer

Psalmody

Ant. 1 My life is at the service of the Gospel; God has given me this gift of his grace.

Psalm 15

Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent *
and dwell on your holy mountain?

He who walks without fault; *
he who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart; *
he who does not slander with his tongue;

he who does no wrong to his brother, *
who casts no slur on his neighbor,
who holds the godless in disdain, *
but honors those who fear the Lord;

he who keeps his pledge, come what may; *
who takes no interest on a loan
and accepts no bribes against the innocent. *
Such a man will stand firm for ever.

Ant. My life is at the service of the Gospel; God has given me this gift of his grace.

Ant. 2 This servant proved himself faithful and wise; the Lord entrusted the care of his household to him.

Psalm 112

Happy the man who fears the Lord, *
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth; *
the children of the upright are blessed.

Riches and wealth are in his house; *
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright: *
he is generous, merciful and just.

The good man takes pity and lends, *
he conducts his affairs with honor.
The just man will never waver: *
he will be remembered for ever.

He has no fear of evil news; *
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear; *
he will see the downfall of his foes.

Open-handed, he gives to the poor; †
his justice stands firm for ever. *
His head will be raised in glory.

The wicked man sees and is angry, †
grinds his teeth and fades away;
the desire of the wicked leads to doom.

Ant. This servant proved himself faithful and wise; the Lord entrusted the care of his household to him.

Ant. 3 My sheep will hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.

Canticle: Rev 15:3-4

Great and wonderful are your deeds, *
O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways, *
O King of the ages!

Who shall not fear and glorify your name, O Lord? *
For you alone are holy.
All nations shall come and worship you, *
for your judgments have been revealed.

Ant. My sheep will hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd

Reading

James 1:22-25

Act on this word. If all you do is listen to it, you are deceiving yourselves. A man who listens to God’s word but does not put it into practice is like a man who looks into a mirror at the face he was born with: he looks at himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like. There is, on the other hand, the man who peers into freedom’s ideal law and abides by it. He is no forgetful listener, but one who carries out the law in practice. Blessed will this man be in whatever he does.

Responsory

This is a man who loved his brethren and ever prayed for them.
—This is a man who loved his brethren and ever prayed for them.

He spent himself in their service,
—and ever prayed for them.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
—This is a man who loved his brethren and ever prayed for them.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. Let the word of Christ in its richness live within you; sing gratefully in your hearts to God.

Intercessions

Praise and honor to Christ, who has reconciled the world to God. It was as his representative that Albert came among us, and God was encouraging us through him. Filled with faith, let us implore Christ:

R/. Remember your family, Lord.

Lord, it is in your service that we have embraced the religious life; —may we serve you faithfully with a pure heart and a clean conscience. R/.

To some of us you give special authority so that they may be at the service of the community; —may we hear your voice in their word and example. R/.

You call us to ponder your law day and night; —come and dwell with us: be on our lips and in our hearts. R/.

You commend to us that silence which is filled with your presence; —convince us that our strength is found in silence and in hope. R/.

You have said that our life on earth is a time of trial; —strengthen the faint-hearted, lift the fallen, and fill us all with your Holy Spirit. R/.

We commend to you all those who were our companions while they lived; —may they rejoice with you forever in the heavenly kingdom. R/.

Our Father…

Prayer

Lord God,
through Saint Albert of Jerusalem
you have given us a Rule of life according to your Gospel,
to help us attain perfect love.
Through his prayers may we always live
in allegiance to Jesus Christ,
and serve faithfully until death
him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.