In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea and this was his message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said:
A voice cries in the wilderness: prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.
Here is a small bird cast as John the Baptist
who from my treetops is inspired to say:
I come from heaven to prepare the way.
Now in the east approach the feet of day.
Day will reward you well, my little bird,
who make his coming such enchanting news,
who with the sweetest music I have heard
unloose the golden lachet of his shoes.
Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit, OCD (Jessica Powers)
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2:1-3
READING
Let us rejoice, Beloved,
and let us go forth to behold ourselves in your beauty
to the mountain and to the hill,
to where the pure water flows,
and further, deep into the thicket.
to the mountain and to the hill,
That is: to the morning and essential knowledge of God, which is knowledge in the divine Word, who in his height is signified here by the mountain. That they may know the Son of God, Isaiah urges all: Come, let us ascend to the mountain of the Lord (Is. 2:3); in another passage: The mountain of the house of the Lord shall be prepared (Is. 2:2).
“And to the hill,” that is, to the evening knowledge of God, which is God’s wisdom in his creatures, works, and wondrous decrees. The hill suggests this wisdom because it is not as high as the morning wisdom. Yet the soul asks for both the evening and the morning wisdom when she says: “To the mountain and to the hill.”
Saint John of the Cross
The Spiritual Canticle: Stanza 36 (excerpts)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition scripture references provided by biblegateway.com
John of the Cross, St. 1991, The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, Revised Edition, translated from the Spanish by Kavanaugh, K and Rodriguez, O with revisions and introductions by Kavanaugh, K, ICS Publications, Washington DC.
November 29 BLESSEDS DENIS OF THE NATIVITY, PRIEST,
AND REDEMPTUS OF THE CROSS, RELIGIOUS Martyrs
Optional Memorial in the provinces of India: Memorial
Denis of the Nativity, a priest, called in the world Pierre Berthelot, was born in Honfleur in France in 1600. He was a cartographer and naval commander for the kings of Portugal and France before he joined the Discalced Carmelites in Goa in 1635. It was also at Goa that the Portuguese lay brother, Thomas Rodriguez da Cunha, born in 1598, had made his profession in 1615, taking the name Redemptus of the Cross. They were sent to the island of Sumatra (Indonesia), where, in the town of Achen (Aceh), they received the martyr’s crown on November 29, 1638.
From the common of several martyrs
Office of Readings
Second Reading
From The Ascent of Mount Carmel by Saint John of the Cross
(Bk 2, Ch 7:5—ed. Kavanaugh-Rodriguez 1979, pp. 122-24)
True self-denial means carrying Christ’s Cross
If anyone wishes to follow my way, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For he who would save his soul shall lose it, but he who loses it for me shall gain it. Oh, who can make this counsel of Our Savior understandable and practicable and attractive, that spiritual persons might become aware of the difference between the method many of them think is good and that which ought to be used in traveling this road! They are of the opinion that any kind of withdrawal from the world or reformation of life suffices. Some are content with a certain degree of virtue, perseverance in prayer, and mortification, but never achieve the nakedness, poverty, selflessness, or spiritual purity (which are all the same) that the Lord counsels us here. For they still feed and clothe their natural selves with spiritual feelings and consolations rather than divesting and denying themselves of these for God’s sake.
Through this kind of conduct, they became, spiritually speaking, enemies of the cross of Christ. A genuine spirit seeks the distasteful in God rather than the delectable, leans more toward suffering than toward consolation, more toward going without everything for God rather than toward possession. It prefers dryness and affliction to sweet consolation. It knows that this is the significance of following Christ and denying self, that the other method is perhaps a seeking of self in God—something entirely contrary to love.
If a man resolutely submits to the carrying of this cross, if he decidedly wants to find and endure trial in all things for God, he will discover in all of them great relief and sweetness. A man makes progress only through imitation of Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one goes to the Father but through him. This way is nothing other than a death to our natural selves.
Responsory
If anyone wishes to follow my way,
let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. —Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
They have persecuted me, and they will persecute you. —Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Morning Prayer
Canticle of Zechariah
Ant. Blessed are you when you are persecuted on my account: rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Prayer
Father,
we celebrate the memory of Blesseds Denis and Redemptus
who died for their faithful witnessing to Christ.
Give us the strength to follow their example,
loyal and faithful to the end.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Evening Prayer
Canticle of Mary
Ant. They loved Christ in their lives and imitated Him in their death: and so they reign with Him forever.
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Photos from the convent of the Discalced Carmelite Friars in Banda Aceh, Indonesia courtesy of the Discalced Carmelite General Curia (used by permission)
Raphael Kalinowski was born to Polish parents in the city of Vilnius in 1835. Following military service, he was condemned in 1864 to ten years of forced labor in Siberia. In 1877 he became a Carmelite and was ordained a priest in 1882. He contributed greatly to the restoration of the Discalced Carmelites in Poland. His life was distinguished by zeal for Church unity and by his unflagging devotion to his ministry as confessor and spiritual director. He died in Wadowice in 1907.
From the common of pastors or of holy men (religious)
Office of Readings
Second Reading
From the exhortations of Saint Raphael, Religious
(C. Gil, O. Rafal Kalinowski, pp. 109-110)
You must be holy
The Holy Scriptures praise nothing more than a perfect and holy life lived in the exact and perfect fulfillment of each one’s duties. In the Old Testament our Lord and God taught his people and told them: You must be holy because I am holy.
The Eternal Father gave us our Lord Jesus Christ as our teacher, master, and guide. He confirmed and ratified the Old Testament injunction where he taught us that we must emulate the holiness of the Father: You must be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect. How does one become perfect and holy? The Doctors of the Church, the leaders of souls, and the masters of the spiritual life answer: If you would be perfect and become holy, fulfill your duties faithfully.
Once a desert father was asked by a certain young hermit what books he ought to study in order to advance in holiness. The old man replied: My practice is to read two books only. In the morning hours I read the Gospel, and in the evening I read the Rule. The first teaches me the way I should walk as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. The other teaches me what I should do to be a good religious. That is enough for me.
Let us, therefore, be students of the laws of God so that we may conduct ourselves according to them. When you walk, these will guide you; when you lie down, watch over you; when you wake, talk with you. Wherever we may be or go, may they go with us to direct our footsteps. May they be so near us when we sleep that they may fill our thoughts as soon as we awaken. His voice will speak to us in them. He will refresh us for the day ahead. Through his laws, we will gain the victory over our doubts. We will cast away every obstacle. We will free ourselves of that sluggishness of nature which is the enemy of strength, the foe of devotion, and the lover of ease. The law of life will help us to overcome our fears in the time of temptation and to follow eagerly in the way of obedience. May it always be at hand to counsel us, so that by it we may find the strength to follow God’s call with generous hearts and willing souls.
Responsory
Free your minds, then, of encumbrances, since it is the Holy One who has called you —be holy in all you do.
For it is I, the Lord, who am your God;
you have been sanctified and have become holy because I am holy. —be holy in all you do.
Prayer
Lord God, you made your priest Saint Raphael
strong in adversity and filled him with
a great love in promoting Church unity.
Through his prayers, make us strong in faith
and in love for one another,
that we too may generously work together
for the unity of all believers in Christ.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Saint Raphael of St. Joseph Kalinowski, photo taken 30 March 1897 | Photo credit: Discalced Carmelites
Dear friends, here we are once again to invite you to live this Advent in a spirit of communion through an online retreat prepared especially for you by the Discalced Carmelite friars.
If you are already registered and have received the meditations from one of the previous retreats, you do not need to register again and it is not too late to register even though Advent has begun.
However, don’t hesitate to extend an invitation to your friends and acquaintances so that they can register using the form on the websitewww.retreat-online.karmel.at
We suggest that you download the A4 poster and distribute it to your Christian community, parish, ecclesial movement, association, or prayer group. You also can promote this initiative through social media.
Inviting others to pray through the retreat is an excellent way to evangelize and witness to your faith.
This Advent we will be guided by the writings of Father François de Sainte-Marie, a Discalced Carmelite friar from the Paris province who consecrated his brief life (1910-1961) to pass on the treasures of the Carmelite heritage. His best-known project was the publication of the autograph manuscripts of Thérèse of Lisieux, under the title Autobiographical Manuscripts, which today is published under the title Story of a Soul. It brings to light his knowledge of the doctrine of little Thérèse, his scientific mind, and at the same time a great human sensitivity.
At the end of November, you will receive the first introductory text of this Advent retreat. Then you will receive the meditations for each of the 4 weeks of Advent, with the following themes:
– 1st Sunday:Return to the Gospel
– 2nd Sunday:Outstanding educator
– 3rd Sunday:Delight of the little ones
– 4th Sunday:Abyss of grace
– Christmas:“True Marian devotion”
The content will be available so that you may organize your moments of meditation during the week. The texts were prepared by Discalced Carmelite friars from Avon, France, and the translation into English was prepared by Secular Carmelites from North America.
The online retreat is free of charge. You can register or unsubscribe at any time.
If you have any difficulty in receiving the meditations, please send an email to: webretiro@karmel.at
With this invitation to the online retreat, we extend our sincere wishes for a blessed Advent!
Carmelite Quoteson behalf of —
fr. Roberto Maria OCD and the Discalced Carmelites in Austria
When November 15 falls on a Sunday, the Commemoration is celebrated on the following day.
Just as the love of Christ and the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary have brought us together in a single family, fraternal charity unites those of us still striving to lead a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ in this world, and those already awaiting the vision of God in purgatory. Today the whole Order commends our departed brothers and sisters to God’s mercy through the intercession of Our Lady, sure sign of hope and consolation, and begs for their admission to the courts of heaven.
All as in the Office of the Dead.
Prayer
Lord,
you are the glory of those who serve you.
Look lovingly on our departed brothers and sisters,
united in following Christ and his Mother
by the waters of baptism and the bonds of Carmel.
In your mercy
grant them everlasting sight of you,
their Creator and Redeemer.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Ego sum resurrectio et vita: I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25) The cross overlooks the garden in what was once the monastery cemetery at the Carmel of Indianapolis, now Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary | Corey Bruns / Flickr
The whole family of Carmel in the homeland, with Mary its Mother at its head, is the reason for our joy and praise to the Father on this day. We recall our brothers and sisters who once dedicated their lives to continual prayer on earth and now share in the worship of heaven. We unite ourselves spiritually to their glory, all the while journeying along the paths they traveled with courage, as they lived in obedience to Christ and followed in the footsteps of Our Lady.
Invitatory
Ant. Jesus, Son of Mary, is the source of all holiness; come, let us worship him.
Invitatory psalm, as in the Ordinary
Office of Readings
Hymn
Come, let us praise the Virgin Queen
Who called her sons from earthly strife
To Carmel, ever since the scene
Of silent eremitic life.
The special call of Christ they heard,
As Mary’s liegemen they lived there,
With her to ponder on God’s word
Absorbed in solitary prayer.
Our prophets flourished, faithful, strong;
Our martyrs stained the ground with blood,
While in their wake the virgin throng
Brought pure and spotless hearts to God.
Hail, flowers from Carmel’s mountainside
And from its vales the lilies white,
With mystic roses opened wide
Of equal fragrance and delight!
You followed Christ your King and Lord
As Mary’s faithful servants there
And pondered on God’s sacred word
In lives of solitude and prayer.
Grant that, on Carmel’s mount of prayer,
We may, from this all-hallowed place,
Spread Jesu’s fragrance everywhere
As we, too, blossom forth in grace.
Praise to the Father evermore
And to the Spirit who indwells,
To Jesus whom that Virgin bore
From whom all Carmel’s beauty wells.
L.M. Laudemus omnes Virginem
Psalmody
Ant. 1 Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.
Psalm 1
Happy indeed is the man *
who follows not the counsel of the wicked;
nor lingers in the way of sinners *
nor sits in the company of scorners,
but whose delight is the law of the Lord *
and who ponders his law day and night.
He is like a tree that is planted *
beside the flowing waters,
that yields its fruit in due season †
and whose leaves shall never fade; *
and all that he does shall prosper.
Not so are the wicked, not so! †
For they like winnowed chaff *
shall be driven away by the wind.
When the wicked are judged they shall not stand, *
nor find room among those who are just;
for the Lord guards the way of the just *
but the way of the wicked leads to doom.
Ant. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.
Ant. 2 The Lord has given his heritage to those who fear his name.
Psalm 61
O God, hear my cry! *
Listen to my prayer!
From the end of the earth I call; *
my heart is faint.
On the rock too high for me to reach *
set me on high,
O you who have been my refuge. *
my tower against the foe.
Let me dwell in your tent for ever *
and hide in the shelter of your wings.
For you, O God, hear my prayer, *
grant me the heritage of those who fear you.
May you lengthen the life of the king: *
may his years cover many generations.
May he ever sit enthroned before God: *
bid love and truth be his protection.
So I will always praise your name *
and day after day fulfill my vows.
Ant. The Lord has given his heritage to those who fear his name.
Ant. 3 I will bring them to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer.
Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place, *
Lord, God of hosts.
My soul is longing and yearning, *
is yearning for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my soul ring out their joy *
to God, the living God.
The sparrow herself finds a home *
and the swallow a nest for her brood;
she lays her young by your altars, *
Lord of hosts, my king and my God.
They are happy, who dwell in your house, *
forever singing your praise.
They are happy, whose strength is in you, *
in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.
As they go through the Bitter Valley †
they make it a place of springs, *
the autumn rain covers it with blessings.
They walk with ever growing strength, *
they will see the God of gods in Zion.
O Lord, God of hosts, hear my prayer, *
give ear, O God of Jacob.
Turn your eyes, O God, our shield, *
look on the face of your anointed.
One day within your courts *
is better than a thousand elsewhere.
The threshold of the house of God *
I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a rampart, a shield; *
he will give us his favor and glory.
The Lord will not refuse any good *
to those who walk without blame.
Lord, God of hosts, *
happy the man who trusts in you!
Ant. I will bring them to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer.
Everlasting light will shine upon your saints, Lord. —And they will live forever.
First Reading
From the book of Revelation 19:1-10; 21:1-7
The glory of the saints in the new Jerusalem
I, John, heard what sounded like the loud song of a great assembly in heaven. They were singing:
“Alleluia!
Salvation, glory and might belong to our God,
for his judgments are true and just!
He has condemned the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her harlotry.
He has avenged the blood of his servants which was shed by her hand.”
Once more they sang “Alleluia!” And as the smoke began to rise from her forever and ever, the four and twenty elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God seated on the throne and sang, “Amen! Alleluia!” A voice coming from the throne cried out:
“Praise our God, all you his servants,
the small and the great, who revere him!”
Then I heard what sounded like the shouts of a great crowd, or the roaring of the deep, or mighty peals of thunder, as they cried:
“Alleluia!
The Lord is king,
our God, the Almighty!
Let us rejoice and be glad, and give him glory!
For this is the wedding day of the Lamb;
his bride has prepared herself for the wedding.
She has been given a dress to wear made of finest linen, brilliant white”
(The linen dress is the virtuous deeds of God’s saints.)
The angel then said to me: “Write this down: Happy are they who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” The angel continued, “These words are true; they come from God.” I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “No, get up! I am merely a fellow servant with you and your brothers who give witness to Jesus. Worship God alone. The prophetic spirit proves itself by witnessing to Jesus.”
Then I saw new heavens and a new earth. The former heavens and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no longer. I also saw a new Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down out of heaven from God, beautiful as a bride prepared to meet her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne cry out: “This is God’s dwelling among men. He shall dwell with them and they shall be his people, and he shall be their God, who is always with them. He shall wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain, for the former world has passed away.
The One who sat on the throne said to me, “See, I make all things new!” Then he said, “Write these matters down, for the words are trustworthy and true!” He went on to say: “These words are already fulfilled! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To anyone who thirsts I will give to drink without cost from the spring of life-giving water. He who wins the victory shall inherit these gifts; I will be his God and he shall be my son.”
Responsory
All who are victorious shall be clothed in white garments, —and I will not blot their names out of the book of life.
To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the fountain of life, —and I will not blot their names out of the book of life.
Second Reading
From the works of Saint Teresa of Jesus
All of us who wear this holy habit of Carmel are called to prayer and contemplation. This explains our origin; we are the descendants of those who felt this call, of those holy fathers on Mount Carmel who in such great solitude and contempt for the world sought this treasure, this precious pearl of contemplation that we are speaking about.
Let us remember our holy forebears of the past, those hermits whose lives we aim to imitate. We must remember our real founders, those holy fathers whose descendants we are. It was by way of poverty and humility, we know, that they came to the enjoyment of God.
On the subject of the beginnings of Orders, I sometimes hear it said that the Lord gave greater graces to those saints who went before us because they were the foundations. Quite so, but we too must always bear in mind what it means to be foundations for those who will come later. For if those of us who are alive now have not fallen away from what they did in the past, and those who come after us do the same, the building will always stand firm. What use is it to me for the saints of the past to have been what they were, if I come along after them and behave so badly that I leave the building in ruins because of my bad habits? For obviously those who come later don’t remember those who have died years before as clearly as they do the people they see around them. A fine state of affairs it is if I insist that I am not one of the first, and do not realize what a difference there is between my life and virtues, and the lives of those God has endowed with such graces!
Any of you who sees your Order falling away in any respect, must try to be the kind of stone the building can be rebuilt with—the Lord will help to rebuild it.
For love of our Lord I beg them to remember how quickly everything comes to an end, and what a favor our Lord has done us in bringing us to this Order, and what a punishment anyone who starts any kind of relaxation will deserve. They must always look at the race we are descended from—that race of holy prophets. What numbers of saints we have in heaven who have worn this habit of ours! We must have the holy audacity to aspire, with God’s help, to be like them. The struggle will not last long, but the outcome will be eternal.
Responsory
I will make my home with them and walk among them; —I will be their God and they shall be my people.
I will set up my dwelling among them. —I will be their God and they shall be my people.
Where the Vigil Office is celebrated:
Ant. The beauty of Carmel has been given to them; they will see the glory of the Lord and the splendor of our God.
Canticle I
Wisdom 3:1-6
The souls of the just are in the hands of God
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Now … let them rest from their labors (Revelation 14:13).
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, *
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; *
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction. *
But they are in peace.
For if to others, indeed, they seem punished, †
yet is their hope full of immortality; *
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them *
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them, *
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
Canticle II
Wisdom 3:7-9
The future glory of the just
The just shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43)
In the time of their visitation they shall shine *
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, *
and the LORD shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth, *
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, *
and his care is with the elect.
Canticle III
Wisdom 10:17-21
God leads his people to deliverance
Those who had overcome the beast sang the canticle of Moses, the servant of God, and the canticle of the Lamb (Revelation 15:2, 3).
God gave the holy ones the recompense of their labors, *
conducted them by a wondrous road,
and became a shelter for them by day *
and a starry flame by night.
He took them across the Red Sea *
and brought them through the deep waters— but their enemies he overwhelmed, *
and cast them up from the bottom of the depths.
Therefore the righteous despoiled the wicked; † and they sang, O Lord, your holy name *
and praised in unison your conquering hand— because Wisdom opened the mouths of the dumb, *
and gave ready speech to infants
Gospel Mt 25:34-46
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
In so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me
Jesus said to his disciples: “The King will say to those on his right hand, ‘Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.’ Then the virtuous will say to him in reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you; or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome; naked and clothe you; sick or in prison and go to see you?’ And the King will answer, ‘I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.’ Next he will say to those on his left hand, ‘Go away from me, with your curse upon you, to the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you never gave me food; I was thirsty and you never gave me anything to drink; I was a stranger and you never made me welcome, naked and you never clothed me, sick and in prison and you never visited me.’ Then it will be their turn to ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or naked, sick or in prison, and did not come to your help?’ Then he will answer, ‘I tell you solemnly, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me.’ And they will go away to eternal punishment, and the virtuous to eternal life.”
Hymn, Te Deum.
Prayer
Lord,
may the patronage
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother,
and the prayers of all the saints of Carmel
help us to walk steadfastly in their footsteps,
and by our prayers and good works
ever further the cause of your Church.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Morning Prayer
Hymn
O Jesus, source of endless life
Be near to help us and defend;
O Mary, Mother of our Lord,
Lead us to heaven in the end.
You angel hosts suffused with life,
You Patriarchs who heard God’s call,
You Prophets, knowing mysteries,
Obtain forgiveness for us all.
O Saints of Carmel, throned above
In Mary’s court, obtain this grace
That where you are in glory now
We too may find a resting place.
May hosts of martyrs intercede
For us on earth, confessors pray
And choirs of holy virgins plead
That God may wash our sins away.
O blessed saints of solitude,
And all the heavenly company,
Obtain for us that life in God
Which lasts for all eternity.
Praise to the Father evermore
And to the Spirit he bestows,
To Jesus whom that Virgin bore
From whom all Carmel’s beauty flows.
L.M. Jesu, Salvator saeculi
Psalmody
Ant. 1 Your saints, Lord, as they watched in prayer, saw your strength and your glory.
Psalms and canticle from Sunday, Week I
Ant. 2 All you men and women, saints of God, O bless the Lord forever.
Ant. 3 Eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for those who love him.
Reading 1 Peter 2:9-10
You, however, are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works” of the One who called you from darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people, but now you are God’s people; once there was no mercy for you, but now you have found mercy.
Responsory
Let the just rejoice and sing for joy in the Lord. —Let the just rejoice and sing for joy in the Lord.
Delight in his love, you pure of heart. —And sing for joy in the Lord.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —Let the just rejoice and sing for joy in the Lord.
Canticle of Zecharian
Ant. With such a cloud of witnesses around us, let us steadfastly run the race that lies before us, our eyes fixed on Jesus who inspires and perfects our faith.
Intercessions
Let us give thanks to God our Father, who gives us the joy of honoring our brothers and sisters, the saints of Carmel. United with them and with the Virgin Mary, our Mother, let us say: We glorify you, Lord.
Lord, you called your people into the desert to make with them a covenant of love, —renew your covenant with us in Jesus Christ.
You have made us brothers and sisters of Mary, to keep your word and treasure it in our hearts; —help us to be like her, serving Christ and sharing in his work of salvation.
You called us to follow Elijah in intimacy with you, —may we live continually in your presence, and burn with zeal for your glory.
You raised up our Order in the Church to live in dedication to you and to seek union with you in prayer and contemplation, —may we ever seek your face, and so teach others how to live as your friends.
You gave our saints such apostolic zeal and charity that they did not hesitate to lay down their lives for their brothers and sisters, —may we bear the death of Christ continually in our bodies, and so share his work of redemption, even at the cost of our lives.
Our Father…
Prayer
Lord,
may the patronage
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother,
and the prayers of all the saints of Carmel
help us to walk steadfastly in their footsteps,
and by our prayers and good works
ever further the cause of your Church.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Daytime Prayer
Antiphons and psalms from the current weekday.
Midmorning
Reading Ephesians 6:17-18
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.
Your word is a lamp for my feet. —And a light on my path.
Midday
Reading Ephesians 5:18b-20
Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and inspired songs. Sing praise to the Lord with all your hearts. Give thanks to God the Father always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All your creatures praise you, Lord. —Your saints shall bless your name.
Midafternoon
Reading 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
The present burden of our trial is light enough, and earns for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. We do not fix our gaze on what is seen but on what is unseen. What is seen is transitory; what is unseen lasts forever.
My chosen ones shall not labor in vain. —They are the offspring of those the Lord has blessed.
Prayer
Lord,
may the patronage
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother,
and the prayers of all the saints of Carmel
help us to walk steadfastly in their footsteps,
and by our prayers and good works
ever further the cause of your Church.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Evening Prayer
Hymn
On Carmel’s mount Our Lady tends
A living garden rich in flowers;
God’s Word has sown the seed of grace,
That grows in silent, prayer-filled hours.
In heaven’s glory Carmel’s saints
With Christ their King for ever reign;
The firstborn Son enfolds in joy
His brethren, born of Mary’s pain.
Dark night gives way to purest light,
The mystic sees with light unsealed;
The saints who bore Christ’s wounds of love
Now see Christ’s wounds in love revealed.
The white-robed martyrs sing the praise
Of Christ, the martyrs’ glorious Lord;
The lowly now are lifted high,
To gain at last their great reward.
Give thanks to God, the fount of grace,
Give thanks to God, our victim-priest,
Give thanks to God, the breath of life,
For Carmel’s saints on their great feast.
L.M. James Quinn, S.J.
Psalmody
Ant. 1 In my Father’s house there are many mansions, says the Lord.
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 forever.
Ant. In my Father’s house there are many mansions, says the Lord.
Ant. 2 I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.
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 forever.
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 forever.
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 forever. *
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. I no longer call you servants, but my friends, for I have shared with you everything I have heard from my Father.
Ant. 3 I heard what seemed to be the mighty voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying: “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!”
Canticle: Rev 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12
O Lord our God, you are worthy *
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you have created all things; *
by your will they came to be and were made.
Worthy are you, O Lord, *
to receive the scroll and break open its seals.
For you were slain; †
with your blood you purchased for God *
men of every race and tongue, of every people and nation.
You made of them a kingdom and priests to serve our God, *
and they shall reign on the earth.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, *
to receive power and riches,
wisdom and strength, *
honor and glory and praise.
Ant. I heard what seemed to be the mighty voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying: “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!”
Reading Rom 8:28-30
We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who have been called according to his decree. Those whom he foreknew he predestined to share the image of his Son, that the Son might be the first-born of many brothers. Those he predestined he likewise called; those he called he also justified; and those he justified he in turn glorified.
Responsory
Let the just rejoice and exult at the sight of God. —Let the just rejoice and exult at the sight of God.
They shall delight in holiness, —at the sight of God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —Let the just rejoice and exult at the sight of God.
Canticle of Mary
Ant. You have left all things and have followed me; you will be repaid a hundred times over, and gain eternal life.
Intercessions
Safe in the protection of Mary, our Mother, let us call upon Jesus, our Lord and Savior, through the intercession of the Saints of Carmel: Lord, make us holy in the truth.
You have called your faithful ones to Carmel, so that they might follow you more closely in the ways of love; —in love, may we perform the works of truth in your Church.
You have granted everlasting mutual love to those of our family who are with you in heaven; —grant your peace to our communities, and make us one in heart and mind.
It was your will that our saints, pledged to the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary, should reflect her virtues in their lives, —as we go forward each day in newness of life, may we be faithful to the spirit of our Order, endowed with your Mother’s name and patronage.
You raised up the Order of Carmel in your Church to seek union with you in prayer and self-denial, and to share the treasures of contemplation with others; —may we be attentive to the voice of your Spirit within us crying, “Abba, Father,” and ever invite the faithful to the life of prayer.
You are the crown and everlasting reward of our saints; —bring our departed brothers and sisters to share eternal joy with you in heaven.
Our Father…
Prayer
Lord,
may the patronage
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother,
and the prayers of all the saints of Carmel
help us to walk steadfastly in their footsteps,
and by our prayers and good works
ever further the cause of your Church.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Iconography from the Carmel of Ravenna, Italy | Photo credit: the Carmelites
Elizabeth Catez of the Trinity was born in 1880 in the diocese of Bourges. In 1901 she entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery of Dijon. There she made her profession of vows in 1903 and from there she was called “to light, to love, and to life” by the Divine Spouse in 1906. A faithful adorer in spirit and in truth, her life was a “praise of glory” of the Most Blessed Trinity, present in her soul and loved amidst interior darkness and excruciating illness. In the mystery of divine inhabitation, she found her “heaven on earth,” her special charism, and her mission for the church.
From the common of virgins or of holy women (religious)
Office of Readings
Second Reading
From the writings of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, Virgin (Oeuvres completes I (Paris, 1980), p. 200)
The indwelling Trinity
O my God, Trinity Whom I adore, help me to forget myself entirely that I may be established in You as still and as peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity. May nothing trouble my peace or make me leave You, O my Unchanging One, but may each minute carry me further into the depths of your Mystery. Give peace to my soul; make it Your heaven, Your beloved dwelling, and Your resting place. May I never leave You there alone but be wholly present, my faith wholly vigilant, wholly adoring, and wholly surrendered to your creative action.
O my beloved Christ, crucified by love, I wish to be a bride for Your Heart; I wish to cover You with glory; I wish to love You even until I die of love! But I feel my weakness, and I ask You to clothe me with Yourself, to identify my soul with all the movements of Your Soul, to overwhelm me, to possess me, to substitute Yourself for me that my life may be but a radiance of Your life. Come into me as Adorer, as Restorer, as Savior. O Eternal Word, Word of my God, I want to spend my life in listening to You, to become wholly teachable that I may learn all from You. Then, through all nights, all voids, all helplessness, I want to gaze on You always and remain in Your great light. O my beloved Star, so fascinate me that I may not withdraw from Your radiance.
O Consuming Fire, Spirit of Love, come upon me, and create in my soul a kind of incarnation of the Word: that I may be another humanity for Him in which He can renew His whole Mystery. And you, O Father, bend lovingly over Your poor little creature: cover her with Your shadow, seeing in her only the Beloved in whom You are well pleased.
O my Three, my All, my Beatitude, infinite Solitude, Immensity in which I lose myself, I surrender myself to You as Your prey. Bury Yourself in me that I may bury myself in You until I depart to contemplate in Your light the abyss of Your greatness.
Responsory
You are God’s temple and the Spirit of God lives in you. —Glorify God in your body.
To the praise of his glory, —glorify God in your body.
Prayer
O God of bountiful mercy,
you revealed to Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
the mystery of your secret presence
in the hearts of those who love you,
and you chose her to adore you in spirit and in truth.
Through her intercession
may we also abide in the love of Christ,
that we may merit to be transformed
into temples of your life-giving Spirit
to the praise of your glory.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Elizabeth Catez, the prize-winning pianist | Photo credit: Discalced Carmelites
Born in Aytona, Lerida, on December 29, 1811, Blessed Francis Palau y Quer entered the Order in 1832 and was ordained priest in 1836. Civil turmoil forced him to live in exile and outside his community. On his return to Spain in 1851, he founded his “School of Virtue”—which was a model of catechetical teaching—at Barcelona. The school was suppressed and he was unjustly exiled to Ibiza (1854-1860) where he lived at El Vedra in solitude and experienced mystically the vicissitudes of the Church. While in the Balearic Islands he founded the Congregations of Teresian Carmelite Missionary Brothers and Sisters (1860-1861). He preached popular missions and spread love for Our Lady wherever he went. He died at Tarragona on March 20, 1872, and was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1980.
Common of Pastors or Men Religious
Office of Readings
Second Reading
From the spiritual writings of Blessed Francis Palau y Quer
The efficacy of prayer in favor of the Church
God in His providence has ordained not to cure our ills or grant us grace without the intervention of prayer. He wishes us to help in saving each other by means of our prayer (cf. Jas 5:16f). If the heavens showered down dew and the clouds rained the righteous One, if the earth opened to bring forth the Savior (cf. Is 45:8), it was God’s good pleasure that His coming should be preceded by the prayers of that singular Virgin who by the beauty of her virtues drew into her womb the uncreated Word of God.
The Redeemer came, and by constant prayer, He reconciled the world to the Father. If Christ’s prayer and the fruits of His redemptive work are to be applied to any nation or people, or if the gospel message is to enlighten them and they are to have someone to administer the sacraments, it is indispensable that someone or even many persons should have previously won them over and reconciled them to God by earnest entreaties and supplications, by prayers and sacrifices.
For the purpose, among others, the Eucharistic sacrifice is offered on our altars. This sacred Victim which we present to the Father every day, accompanied by our own petitions, is not simply destined to recall the memory of the life, passion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also to oblige God in His goodness to show His graciousness in applying the graces of His Son’s redemption to the nation, province, city, village, or to whatever person or persons for whom the Mass is offered. It is precisely here that we plead with the Father for the redemption of the world, namely, for the conversion of the nations. Before the grace of redemption is applied to the world or, in other words, before the standard of the cross is lifted up among the nations, God the Father ordains that His only Son, made man, should plead with Him by means of ‘prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears’ (Heb 5:7), in the anguish of death and through the shedding of His blood, especially on the altar of the cross that was raised on Calvary.
In order that God might give His grace to those who do not or cannot ask it, or who do not wish to ask it, He enjoined us to pray for one another, so that we might be saved (Jas 5:16f). If God gave the grace of conversion to St. Augustine, it was due to the prayers of St. Monica; nor would the church have St. Paul, according to one of the fathers, were it not for the prayers of St. Stephen.
It is noteworthy in this context that the Apostles, who were sent to preach and to teach all nations, acknowledged that the results of their preaching sprang from prayer more than from their words. In fact, at the election of the seven deacons who were charged with external works of charity, they said: ‘But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word’ (Acts 6:4). Notice carefully that they say they would devote themselves first of all to prayer and only afterward to the ministry of the Word. For they would never convert any nation until prayer had first obtained the grace of its conversion.
Christ prayed throughout His entire life, whereas He spent only three years preaching. Since God does not distribute His graces to men except through prayer, because He wishes us to recognize Him as the source from which all good things flow; in like manner, He does not wish to save us from danger, or cure our wounds, or console us in affliction, except by means of this same exercise of prayer.
Responsory
Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For whoever asks, receives; whoever seeks, finds; whoever knocks, is admitted. —The prayer of the righteous has great power in its effects.
Pray for one another that you may find healing. —The prayer of the righteous has great power in its effects.
Prayer
O God,
through your Spirit
you filled Bl. Francis, your priest,
with singular gifts of prayer and apostolic charity.
Through his intercession
grant that Christ’s beloved Church,
refulgent with the beauty of the Virgin Mother Mary,
may be an ever more effective universal sacrament of salvation.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
Optional Memorial In the province of Portugal, Memorial
Nuno was born in 1360 and fought for many years as a soldier for the independence of Portugal. After his wife’s death, he entered the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a brother in the house he had founded in Lisbon and took the name of Nuno of Saint Mary (1423). He died there in 1431, after distinguishing himself by his prayer, penance, and filial devotion to the Mother of God.
From the common of holy men (religious)
Office of Readings
SECOND READING
From the Exhortation on the Carmelite Rule by Blessed John Soreth
(Tex. 15, c. 6: ed. Paris 1625, pp. 195-97)
The helmet of hope and the sword of salvation
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 helmet of salvation is hope, which looks forward to eternal salvation; and it is called the helmet of salvation because, just as the helmet is the uppermost piece of a soldier’s armor, worn on the head, so hope is the uppermost of the virtues, always facing upwards and sighing for the joys of heaven. Of salvation means that hope obtains what it longs for: salvation; or rather, just as the shield of faith is faith itself, the helmet of salvation is salvation—Jesus Christ himself—for salvation is from the Lord, and we are to hope for salvation from our only Savior. The remembrance of, or longing for, his lasting salvation is the headpiece of our minds, which makes us safe against any blows the evil one can deal us. But it is better to be armed for attack than for mere defense. This is why the Rule adds: The sword of the spirit, the word of God, must abound in your mouths and hearts; let whatever you do have the Lord’s word for accompaniment. The pieces of armor we have been considering, the breastplate of holiness, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, will keep you safe enough from ever giving into the devil or any of his minions; but there is another weapon which will enable you to subdue him completely with his whole horde and his works. This is the sword of the spirit, that spiritual blade, the word of God. There are four reasons why the word of God is called the sword of the spirit: first, it is made by the Holy Spirit, for it is not you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Second, it slays our spiritual foes as Isaiah says: With the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Third, it divides spirit from flesh as we find in the Letter to the Hebrews: The word of God is living and active, piercing to the division of soul and spirit. Fourth, it wounds and penetrates our innermost spiritual parts, which is why it is compared to sharp arrows in the Psalms: A warrior’s sharp arrows. The temptations our enemy subjects us to may be cruel, but far more cruel to him is a text from the word of God. And if armor and weapons are not defense enough for us and we feel the need of rations, we need not think we have been left without supplies; God’s word is our provision. Though an army encamp against me and temptation lays siege, I will trust in the word of my God, the sword of the spirit, and it will bring me easy victory. Then I can wash my hands, knowing that he has prepared a table before me that I may not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, and in the strength of that food I shall run with our father Elijah to the mountain of God by way of his commandments. That is why the Rule adds: The word of God must abound in your mouths in preaching, and in your hearts in meditation. Just as our Order’s patroness the Blessed Virgin Mary kept all these words in her heart, so must they abound in your hearts by meditation, and in your mouths by instruction. It is by your Rule then brothers, and from the Order’s first institution that you are bidden to preach the word of God like our father Elijah whose word burned like a torch; after his example let the word of God abound in your mouths and hearts, and let all you do, whatever it may be, have the Lord’s word for accompaniment.
RESPONSORY
Romans 13:13, 14; Psalm 119:105
Cast aside the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, —the Lord Jesus Christ Your word is a lamp for our feet, and a light on our path, —the Lord Jesus Christ
Morning Prayer
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant.The Lord is my inheritance; he is good to those who seek him
PRAYER
Lord God, you called Saint Nuno Alvares Pereira to put aside his sword and follow Christ under the patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Through his prayers may we too deny ourselves, and devote ourselves to you with all our hearts.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Evening Prayer
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant.Our faith is the victorious power that overcomes the world
The newest ‘star’ to shine in Carmel’s galaxy, that is to say, the liturgical calendar of the Carmelite saints whose holiness we celebrate from year to year is Blessed Maria Teresa of Saint Joseph Tauscher, the foundress of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus.
The Sisters say that their spirit “comes from the faith experience of Mother Maria Teresa of St. Joseph. Anna Maria Tauscher, as she was known then, was born on June 19, 1855, in Sandow, Germany (now in Poland), and grew up in a deeply religious family. Her father, a Lutheran pastor, disowned her when she converted to the Catholic faith on October 30, 1888. Through meditating upon the Sacred Heart of Jesus, wounded and bleeding, yet burning with love for mankind, a desire was born in her to love the Sacred Heart with her whole being and make Him loved in every heart He had created. She desired to place her life in the service of God.”
The Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in the Central Province (U.S.A.) share two web links that can help us to learn more about their Blessed foundress.
You can read a brief overview of the life of Blessed Maria Teresa Tauscher and find the prayer to ask for favors through her intercession here. In addition, you can learn more about obtaining a prayer card and relic.
If you would like to read more in-depth about Blessed Maria Teresa of St. Joseph and her work in founding the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, visit this link. You will find several photographs of Blessed Maria Teresa and the Sisters.
In 2013, the oldest continuously serving home established in North America by Blessed Maria Teresa Tauscher—in East Chicago, Indiana—celebrated its centenary. The facility provides family and child residential treatment services. The Times of Northwest Indiana published an article about the centenary here. You can learn about the Sisters’ ministry to youth and families in need here.
Our Lady of Fatima International Pilgrim Statue visits the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus at St. Agnes Home in St. Louis, Missouri during the Christmas season, 2010 | pilgrimfatima / Flickr
October 30
BLESSED MARIA TERESA OF SAINT JOSEPH TAUSCHER
Virgin
Optional Memorial
Anna Maria Tauscher van den Bosch was born in 1855 in Sandow, Brandenburg (now in Poland), the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. At a young age, she was attracted to the Catholic Church and desired to become a “sister”. While serving as Director of Nursing at a mental hospital in Berlin, her desires were realized; she made her profession of faith 30 October 1888. In the following year, she read the autobiography of St. Teresa and understood that her vocation was profoundly Carmelite and one of service to the poor. She opened her first home for needy children in Berlin; others followed. In 1906, she received permission to gather her companions, to profess vows and establish the religious institute “Carmel of the Divine Heart of Jesus”, taking the name Maria Teresa of St. Joseph. Despite much suffering, her work grew and prospered in Europe and North America. After a long illness, she died in the odor of sanctity, 20 September 1938 and was beatified 13 May 2006.
Office of Readings
Second Reading
From the Autobiography of Blessed Maria Teresa
A thirst to win souls for the Divine Heart
During the night of January 21, 1890, I seemed to see a very touching picture in my sleep. It was a living, life-size crucifix. From the hands to the feet, the body was framed with a wreath of thorns. A wreath of thorns in the shape of a heart was impressed into the left side of the heart. There was no crown of thorns on the head. The arms were not lowered; they were stretched out, as a sign of life. This vision was a shocking and pitiful sight, as well as horrible and jolting. There are no words to describe it. While my eyes rested on it, my heart trembled with pain.
I understood this picture to mean that the Divine Savior is the head in heaven, without pain or thorns. The Body is His holy Church, not only affixed to the cross by earthly powers but also wounded by lukewarm, lapsed Catholics, indicated by the thorns framing the body. The thorns impressed upon the heart are those consecrated to God, who have become the tepid and disloyal priests and members of religious Orders.
That morning I arose quite early and hurried to the church. My heart was profoundly moved by pain and compassion; no, it was wounded. It was clear that God was asking of me prayer and atonement! I was to pray for the conversion of sinners and to move the mercy of God for the freedom of Holy Church.
From that morning on my heart was filled with a new hunger and thirst, not only for God’s pleasure or for perfection, but with a burning hunger and thirst to win souls for the Divine Heart. That crucifix is stamped on my memory, and it not only keeps my zeal for the salvation of souls alive, it increases its fire and creates in me the desire to arrive soon at the throne of God, where my longing for souls may be satisfied.
Responsory
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, — and I complete that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ in my own flesh for the sake of His body, that is the Church.
I appraised the cross always as the greatest sign of divine love, — and I complete that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ in my own flesh for the sake of His body, that is the Church.
Prayer
Almighty and merciful God,
you imbued Blessed Maria Teresa
with outstanding zeal for serving your people
through persevering prayer and work;
grant that through her intercession,
we may work with the same love even amid hardships,
and so dedicate ourselves to building up your Church.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever. Amen.
Per incerta
Prudens consilium
Per adversa
Juge solatium
Largiaris.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Carmelite Church of Santa Maria in Traspontina | Johan Bergström-Allen, gbcarmelite / Flickr | View more photos of the Carmelite Church of Santa Maria in Traspontina here
Flower of Carmel,
Blossom on the vine,
Splendor of Heaven,
Virgin bearing child,
Singular.
Gentle mother,
Yet unknown to man,
Give your Rule
To the Carmelites,
Star of the Sea.
Stem of Jesse
Sprouting a blossom
Be thou near me.
And permit me
To be thy servant!
Lily which grows
Among the thorns,
Preserve as innocent
And protect
The minds of the weak!
Strong armour
Of the fighting men
The wars are raging
Extend the protection
Of the scapular.
Through uncertainty
You lavish
Wise council,
And through adversity
Eternal consolation.
Proper Calendar Order of the Discalced Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(unofficial, working translation for our readers)
We present an English translation of the newly revised liturgical calendar for the Discalced Carmelite Order that was published online by the General Curia 16 October 2019 pursuant to the Decree of the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments (Prot. N. 345/18) dated 16 July 2019, its effective date. A commentary on the calendar and translation follows below.
January
4 St. Kuriakos Elias of the Holy Family Chavara,
Priest —Optional Memorial In provinces in India: Memorial
8 St. Peter Thomas,
Bishop — Optional Memorial
9 St. Andrew Corsini,
Bishop — Optional Memorial In provinces in Italy: Memorial
27 St. Henry de Ossó y Cervelló,
Priest — Optional Memorial
February
4 Bl. Marie Eugene of the Child Jesus Grialou, Priest — Optional Memorial
24 Bl. Josepha Naval Girbes, Virgin — Optional Memorial
April
17 Bl. Baptist Spagnoli,
Priest — Optional Memorial
18 Bl. Mary of the Incarnation Barbe Acarie,
Religious — Optional Memorial In provinces of France: Memorial
23 Bl. Teresa Maria of the Cross Manetti, Virgin — Optional Memorial
May
4 Bl. Angel Maria Prat Hostench, Lucas of St. Joseph Tristany Pujol, Priests, and Companions,
Martyrs — Optional Memorial In Spain: Memorial
16 St. Simon Stock,
Priest — Optional Memorial In the Anglo-Irish province: Memorial
22 St. Joachina de Vedruna,
Religious — Optional Memorial
24 St. Bede the Venerable,
Priest and Doctor of the Church — Optional Memorial St. Gregory VII,
Pope — Optional Memorial
25 St. Mary Magdalene of the Incarnate Word de’ Pazzi,
Virgin — Memorial
June
7 Bl. Anne of St. Bartholomew,
Virgin — Optional Memorial In the Spanish province: Memorial
12 Bl. Alphonsus Mary of the Holy Spirit Mazurek,
Priest, and Companions, Martyrs — Optional Memorial In the Polish provinces: Memorial
July
10 St. Henry,
Optional Memorial
12 Sts. Louis Martin and Marie Azélie Guérin,
Spouses — Optional Memorial
13 St. Teresa of Jesus Fernández Solar,
Virgin — Memorial In the province of Chile: Feast
16 BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MOUNT CARMEL, PATRONESS AND HEAD OF OUR ORDER — Solemnity
17 Bl. Teresa of St. Augustine Lidoine and Companions,
Virgins and Martyrs — Optional Memorial In the provinces of France: Memorial
18 St. Apollinaris,
Bishop and Martyr — Optional Memorial
19 St. Bridget,
Religious — Optional Memorial
20 OUR FATHER SAINT ELIJAH,
PROPHET — Feast
23 Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of Divine Grace — Memorial
24 Bl. Maria Pilar of St. Francis Borgia Martínez García, Bl. Maria Sagrario of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Moragas Cantarero and Companions,
Virgins and Martyrs — Optional Memorial
27 Bl. Titus Brandsma,
Priest and Martyr — Optional Memorial
28 Bl. John Soreth,
Priest — Optional Memorial In the provinces of France: Memorial
August
3 St. Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs — Optional Memorial St. Cajetan, Priest — Optional Memorial
7 St. Albert of Trapani, Priest — Memorial
9 St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr — Memorial In provinces of Europe: Patroness of Europe, Feast
18 Bls. Leonard Duverneuil, Michael Aloysius Brulard, and Hubert of St. Claude, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs —Optional Memorial
25 St. Mary of Jesus Crucified Baouardy, Virgin — Optional Memorial
26 Transverberation of the Heart of St. Teresa of Jesus Our Mother,
Optional Memorial
September
1 St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Virgin — Memorial In the provinces of Italy: Feast
11 Bl. Mary of Jesus López Rivas, Virgin —Optional Memorial In the Spanish province: Memorial
17 St. Albert of Jerusalem, Bishop and Lawgiver of our Order — Feast
18 St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church — Optional Memorial
October
1 SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS, VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH — Feast
15 SAINT TERESA OF JESUS OUR MOTHER, VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH — Solemnity
30 Bl. Maria Teresa of St. Joseph Tauscher,
Virgin —Optional Memorial
November
6 St. Nuno of St. Mary, Religious — Optional Memorial In the province of Portugal: Memorial
7 Bl. Francis of Jesus Mary Joseph Palau y Quer, Priest — Optional Memorial
8 St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Catez, Virgin — Optional Memorial
14 ALL SAINTS OF OUR ORDER, Feast
15 Commemoration of all the Departed of Our Order, Optional Memorial
19 St. Raphael of St. Joseph Kalinowski, Priest — Memorial
29 Bls. Denis of the Nativity, Priest, and Redemptus of the Cross, Religious, Martyrs — Optional Memorial In provinces of India: Memorial
December
11 St. Maria Maravillas of Jesus Pidal y Chico de Guzmán, Virgin — Optional Memorial
14 SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS OUR FATHER, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH — Solemnity
APPENDIX
April
In the provinces of Latin America:
28 Bl. Maria Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Guggeri Echeverría,
Virgin — Optional Memorial
May
In the provinces of Italy:
29 Bl. Elia of St. Clement,
Virgin — Optional Memorial
June
In the provinces of France:
14 St. Elisha, Prophet — Optional Memorial
In the provinces of Italy:
14 Bl. Maria Candida of the Eucharist Barba, Virgin — Optional Memorial
26 Bl. Maria Giuseppina of Jesus Crucified Catanea, Virgin — Optional Memorial
July
In the provinces of Europe:
7 Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Grace — Memorial
In the province of Spain:
24 Bl. Maria Pilar of St. Francis Borgia Martínez García, Teresa of the Child Jesus García García, and Maria Angeles of St. Joseph Voltierra Tordesillas, Virgins and Martyrs — Optional Memorial
August
In the province of the Netherlands:
2 St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr, Patroness of Europe — Feast
In the province of Spain:
16 Bl. Maria Sagrario of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Moragas Cantarero, Virgin and Martyr — Optional Memorial
In the provinces of France:
30 St. Mary of Jesus Crucified Baouardy, Virgin — Optional Memorial
October
In the province of Nigeria:
1 SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS, VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH — Feast
November
In the provinces of France:
7 Bl. Françoise d’Amboise, Religious
In the province of Austria:
16 Commemoration of all the Departed of Our Order, Optional Memorial
In the provinces of Austria and Germany:
7 St. Raphael of St. Joseph Kalinowski,
Priest — Memorial
December
In the provinces of Italy:
7 Bl. Mary of the Angels Fontanella, Virgin — Optional Memorial
Nota Bene: In its Appendix, the Decree provides for several celebrations to be assigned to specific jurisdictions. For example, Latin American provinces may observe the optional memorial of Blessed Chiquitunga on 28 April; the Italian provinces may observe the optional memorial of Blessed Elia of St. Clement on 29 May. In other jurisdictions, dates of Carmelite feasts have been changed to accommodate local calendars where a conflict exists. These changes primarily affect the Spanish, French, German, and Italian-speaking provinces.
In that which concerns English-speaking Discalced Carmelites, perhaps the most significant of these particular date changes concerns the provinces of Europe, where the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Grace now will be celebrated on 7 July.
The Discalced Carmelite Procurator General, Father Jean Joseph Bergara, explains that the calendar became valid immediately upon the signature of the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Cardinal Robert Sarah: “The calendar is already in force. It is in force effective from the date of the signing of the decree, 16 July 2019, but especially from the date of reception of the decree, 24 September 2019. From that date forward, it is the only valid calendar in all communities.”
You may view the Latin text of the Decree, the original Latin text of the newly revised calendar and its appendix, and the introduction from Father Bergara here.
You showed the way of perfection
to the point of rapture, you cherished the God of love
who lavished upon you His ineffable visions;
with the zeal of Elijah you conquered souls for Christ;
through your foundations you made the desert blossom again,
and your monasteries sanctify the people of the cities.
O venerable Teresa, having reached the castle of the great King,
intercede for the faithful who celebrate your glory, as they sing:
Rejoice, mystic spouse of Jesus!
Icon of St. Teresa venerated at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology Teresianum, Rome
Ikos
Rejoice, for so many graces sown in you!
Rejoice, for you were loved by the Lord!
Rejoice, you whose homeland was above!
Rejoice, splendid glory of Avila!
Rejoice, you who were nourished by manna!
Rejoice, you whose desert became a meadow!
Rejoice, shepherdess-friend of the Good Shepherd!
Rejoice, as you bring your lambs to the Creator!
Rejoice, you who were perfect in the Way!
Rejoice, you who radiate holy joy!
Rejoice, you whose passion was for the Eternal One!
Rejoice, for your way leads to heaven!
Rejoice, mystic spouse of Jesus!
Texts from the Byzantine Matins of our venerable mother Teresa of Jesus, mother of the Carmelite Order, graciously provided by Father J. Michael Thompson.
October 15 SAINT TERESA OF JESUS Virgin, Doctor of the Church, and our Mother
Solemnity
The solemnity is observed even when October 15 falls on a Sunday
Teresa was born at Avila in Spain in 1515. She entered the Carmelites and made great progress in the way of perfection and was granted mystical revelations. Wishing to share in the spiritual renewal of the Church of her time, she began to live her religious life more ardently and soon attracted many companions, to whom she was like a mother. She also helped in the reform of the friars, and in this had to endure great trials. She wrote books that are renowned for their depth of doctrine and which showed her own spiritual experiences. She died at Alba in 1582.
Evening Prayer I
Hymn
As messenger of the Most high, Theresa from her home would fly,
Good tidings of the Heavenly King
To heathen lands afar to bring, Or yield for Christ her gentle life,
In ruddy streams of martyr strife.
But death with sweeter aspect came,
Awaiting her with rapturous claim. Ecstatic pangs delight her soul, And, conquered by their strong control,
She falleth, wounded from above By piercing lance of heavenly love.
Oh, flaming victim! may thy dart
Enkindle every frozen heart, That upward mounting, one with thine,
They rise, consumed with fire divine. And may thy pleading safely keep Thy nations from the burning deep.
All praise unto the Father be, And to the Son eternally,
With joyful harmony repeat
All praise unto the Paraclete,
The Blessed Trinity adore
With reverent homage evermore.
88.88.88. Regis superni nuntia
Psalmody
Ant. 1 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to little ones.
Psalm 113
Praise, O servants of the Lord, * praise the name of the Lord! May the name of the Lord be blessed *
both now and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting *
praised be the name of the Lord!
High above all nations is the Lord, *
above the heavens his glory. Who is like the Lord, our God, *
who has risen on high to his throne yet stoops from the heights to look down, *
to look down upon heaven and earth?
From the dust he lifts up the lowly, *
from his misery he raises the poor to set him in the company of princes, *
yes, with the princes of his people. To the childless wife he gives a home *
and gladdens her heart with children.
Ant.The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to little ones.
Ant. 2 Nations will proclaim her wisdom, and the Church will sing her praise.
Psalm 146
My soul, give praise to the Lord, †
I will praise the Lord all my days, * make music to my God while I live.
Put no trust in princes, * in mortal men in whom there is no help.
Take their breath, they return to clay *
and their plans that day come to nothing.
He is happy who is helped by Jacob’s God, *
whose hope is in the Lord his God, who alone made heaven and earth, *
the seas and all they contain.
It is he who keeps faith forever, * who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry, *
the Lord, who sets prisoners free,
the Lord who gives sight to the blind, *
who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger * and upholds the widow and orphan.
It is the Lord who loves the just *
but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign forever, *
Zion’s God, from age to age.
Ant.Nations will proclaim her wisdom, and the Church will sing her praise.
Ant. 3 The Lord gave her wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and a heart as vast as the sand on the seashore.
Canticle: Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father *
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who has bestowed on us in Christ *
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him *
before the world began,
to be holy *
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us †
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, *
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor *
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, *
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous *
is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom *
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased *
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out *
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him, *
in the heavens and on the earth.
Ant.The Lord gave her wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and a heart as vast as the sand on the seashore.
Reading
1 Corinthians 2:6-9
There is, to be sure, a certain wisdom which we express among the spiritually mature. It is not a wisdom of this age, however, nor of the rulers of this age, who are men headed for destruction. No, what we utter is God’s wisdom: a mysterious, a hidden wisdom. God planned it before all ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew the mystery; if they had known it, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. Of this wisdom it is written: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Responsory
In the midst of the Church she spoke with eloquence. —In the midst of the Church she spoke with eloquence.
The Lord filled her with the spirit of wisdom and understanding. —She spoke with eloquence.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —In the midst of the Church she spoke with eloquence.
Canticle of Mary
Ant.Holy Mother Teresa, light of the Church, teach us the way of perfection, and lead us to the eternal mansions where Christ has his home.
Intercessions
With our Mother Saint Teresa let us call upon our loving Father, in the name of Christ our friend and companion. Let us pray:
R/. Lord, may your kingdom come.
You made your Son a source of life, so that whoever believes in him might have life for all eternity; —may we listen to the voice of Christ, our true life, and so have life in him.
You gave us your only-begotten Son as our teacher of holiness and our Way to you; —may we, your children, loyally follow Christ, the Way of perfection, and pray to you without ceasing.
You promised through Christ that with him you will come to dwell in those who surrender to your love; —may we let your Spirit of love take possession of our hearts for Christ, and so be admitted to the inmost mansions of your dwelling-place.
You made Christ head and cornerstone of the Church, the foundation on which we might build; —may we love and serve the Church for his sake, rooted and founded in his love and faith.
You raised Christ to your right hand in glory, to prepare a place for us in your presence; —may all the dead who seek your face be with Christ, and contemplate the glory you have given him.
Our Father…
Prayer
Father, by your Spirit you raised up our Mother Saint Teresa of Jesus to show your Church the way to perfection. May her inspired teaching awaken in us a longing for true holiness.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Invitatory
Ant.Come, let us worship the Lord, source of all wisdom.
Invitatory psalm, as in the Ordinary.
Office of Readings
Hymn
Noonday blaze of virtues rare;
Highest gifts of grace and prayer;
You have lived, in deep repose,
All that faith on us bestows.
Wedded to the Father’s Word,
Word of light, in silence heard
Leaning on the Savior’s breast,
Guided by the Spirit blest.
Blest the mind refined by fire
To receive divine desire,
Wisdom’s secrets in your heart,
Opened by the heavenly dart.
Christ drew you to his embrace
By the fragrance of his grace;
In your teaching we confide, Trusting you, our heav’n-sent guide.
Truth eternal, One and Three,
May Teresa constantly Lead us up the mountain’s ways
To the realms of joy and praise.
77.77. Sr. Margarita of Jesus, O.C.D.
Psalmody
Ant. 1 My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life: when shall I see God face to face?
Psalm 42
Like the deer that yearns * for running streams,
so my soul is yearning *
for you, my God.
My soul is thirsting for God, *
the God of my life; when can I enter and see *
the face of God?
My tears have become my bread, *
by night, by day, as I hear it said all the day long: *
“Where is your God?”
These things will I remember *
as I pour out my soul: how I would lead the rejoicing crowd *
into the house of God, amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving, *
the throng wild with joy.
Why are you cast down, my soul, *
why groan within me? Hope in God; I will praise him still, *
my savior and my God.
My soul is cast down within me *
as I think of you, from the country of Jordan and Mount Hermon, *
from the Hill of Mizar.
Deep is calling on deep, *
in the roar of waters: * your torrents and all your waves *
swept over me.
By day the Lord will send *
his loving kindness; by night I will sing to him, *
praise the God of my life.
I will say to God, my rock: *
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning *
oppressed by the foe?”
With cries that pierce me to the heart, *
my enemies revile me, saying to me all the day long: *
“Where is your God?”
Why are you cast down, my soul, *
why groan within me? Hope in God; I will praise him still, *
my savior and my God.
Ant. 1My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life: when shall I see God face to face?
Ant. 2Your splendor, Lord, is unending, who can tell your mercy and greatness?
Psalm 145
I will give you glory, O God my King, *
I will bless your name forever.
I will bless you day after day *
and praise your name forever. The Lord is great, highly to be praised, *
his greatness cannot be measured.
Age to age shall proclaim your works, *
shall declare your mighty deeds, shall speak of your splendor and glory, *
tell the tale of your wonderful works.
They will speak of your terrible deeds, *
recount your greatness and might. They will recall your abundant goodness; *
age to age shall ring out your justice.
The Lord is kind and full of compassion, *
slow to anger, abounding in love. How good is the Lord to all, *
compassionate to all his creatures
Ant. 2Your splendor, Lord, is unending, who can tell your mercy and greatness?
Ant. 3 The Lord is faithful to all who call on him in truth; his kingdom will never end.
All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord, *
and your friends shall repeat their blessing.
They shall speak of the glory of your reign *
and declare your might, O God,
to make known to men your mighty deeds *
and the glorious splendor of your reign. Yours is an everlasting kingdom; *
your rule lasts from age to age.
The Lord is faithful in all his words *
and loving in all his deeds. The Lord supports all who fall * and raises all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all creatures look to you * and you give them their food in due time.
You open wide your hand, * grant the desires of all who live.
The Lord is just in all his ways *
and loving in all his deeds. He is close to all who call him, *
who call on him from their hearts.
He grants the desires of those who fear him, *
he hears their cry and he saves them. The Lord protects all who love him; *
but the wicked he will utterly destroy.
Let me speak the praise of the Lord, † let all mankind bless his holy name forever, for ages unending.
Ant. 3 The Lord is faithful to all who call on him in truth; his kingdom will never end.
You, O Lord, are close. —And all your commands are truth.
First Reading
Phil 3:8-21
From the letter of the apostle Paul to the Philippians
The knowledge of Christ Jesus is supreme
I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have accepted the loss of everything, and I look on everything as so much rubbish if only I can have Christ and be given a place in him. I am no longer trying for perfection by my own efforts, the perfection that comes from the Law, but I want only the perfection that comes through faith in Christ, and is from God and based on faith. All I want is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection I and to share his sufferings by reproducing the pattern of his death. That is the way I can hope to take my place in the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have become perfect yet: I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upward to receive in Christ Jesus. We who are called “perfect” must all think in this way. If there is some point on which you see things differently, God will make it clear to you; ·meanwhile, let us go forward on the road that has brought us to where we are.
My brothers, be united in following my rule of life. Take as your models everybody who is already doing this and study them as you used to study us. I have told you often, and I repeat it today with tears, there are many who are behaving as the enemies of the cross of Christ. They are destined to be lost. They make foods into their god and they are proudest of something they ought to think shameful; the things they think important are earthly things. For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the Savior we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. He will do that by the same power with which he can subdue the whole universe.
Responsory
Colossians 3:3-4; Romans 8:38-39
Your life is hidden now with Christ in God. —When Christ your life appears, you too will appear with him in glory. Neither death nor life, nor anything in all creation, can come between us and Christ’s love for us. —When Christ your life appears, you too will appear with him in glory.
Second Reading
Ch 22:6-7, 14
From the Autobiography of Saint Teresa of Jesus
We should always be mindful of Christ’s love
Whoever lives in the presence of so good a friend and excellent a leader, who went ahead of us to be the first to suffer, can endure all things. The Lord helps us, strengthens us, and never fails; he is a true friend. And I see clearly, and I saw afterward, that God desires that if we are going to please him and receive his great favors, we must do so through the most sacred humanity of Christ, in whom he takes his delight. Many, many times have I perceived this through experience. The Lord has told it to me. I have definitely seen that we must enter by this gate if we desire His Sovereign Majesty to show us great secrets.
Thus your Reverence and Lordship should desire no other path, even if you are at the summit of contemplation; on this road you walk safely. This Lord of ours is the one through whom all blessings come to us. He will teach us these things. In beholding his life we find that he is the best example. What more do we desire than to have such a good friend at our side, who will not abandon us in our labors and tribulations, as friends in the world do? Blessed is he who truly loves him and always keeps him at his side! Let us consider the glorious Saint Paul: it doesn’t seem that any other name fell from his lips than that of Jesus, as coming from one who kept the Lord close to his heart. Once I had come to understand this truth, I carefully considered the lives of some of the saints, the great contemplatives, and found that they hadn’t taken any other path: Saint Francis demonstrates this through the stigmata; Saint Anthony of Padua, with the Infant; Saint Bernard found his delight in the Humanity; Saint Catherine of Siena—and many others about whom your Reverence knows more than I.
We must walk along this path in freedom, placing ourselves in the hands of God. If His Majesty should desire to raise us to the position of one who is an intimate and shares his secrets, we ought to accept gladly. As often as we think of Christ we should recall the love with which he bestowed on us so many favors, and what great love God showed in giving us a pledge like this of his love; for love begets love. Even if we are at the very beginning and are very wretched, let us strive to keep this divine love always before our eyes and to waken ourselves to love. If at some time the Lord should favor us by impressing this love on our hearts, all will become easy for us, and we shall carry out our tasks quickly and without much effort.
Responsory
Phil 1:21; 2 Cor 12:9
For me, to live is Christ, —to die is gain. Gladly will I glory in my weakness, so that Christ’s strength may come to dwell in me. —To die is gain.
Where the Vigil Office is celebrated:
Ant.I have been zealous for the honor of my spouse, Jesus Christ; he said to me: Be zealous for my honor like a true bride.
Canticle I
Is 2:2-3
All the peoples will come to the house of the Lord
The mountain where God has chosen to dwell (Ps 67:17)
It shall come to pass in the latter days *
that the mountain of the house of the Lord
shall be established as the highest of the mountains †
and shall be raised above the hills, *
and all the nations shall flow to it.
And many people shall come, and say: †
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, *
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may teach us his ways *
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Sion shall go forth the law, *
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Canticle II
Is 61:10-62:3
The prophet rejoices in the new Jerusalem
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, as beautiful as a bride prepared to meet her husband (Rev 21:2)
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord *
my soul shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, *
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, *
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots, *
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise *
to spring forth before all the nations.
For Sion’s sake I will not keep silent, *
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest
until her vindication goes forth as brightness, *
and her salvation as a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication, *
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name *
which the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty *
in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem *
in the hand of your God.
Canticle III
Is 62:4-7
The glory of the new Jerusalem
Here God lives among men. He will make his home among them (Rev 21:3)
No longer are you to be named ‘Forsaken,’ *
nor your land ‘Abandoned,’
but your shall be called ‘My Delight’ *
and your land ‘The Wedded;’
for the Lord takes delight in you *
and your land will have its wedding.
Like a young man marrying a virgin, *
so will the one who built you wed you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices in his bride, *
so will your God rejoice in you.
On your walls, Jerusalem, *
I set watchmen.
Day or night *
they must never be silent.
You who keep the Lord mindful *
must take no rest.
Nor let him take rest †
till he has restored Jerusalem, *
and made her the boast of the earth.
Ant.I have been zealous for the honor of my spouse, Jesus Christ; he said to me: Be zealous for my honor like a true bride.
Gospel
Jn 14:1-11a
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
There are many rooms in my Father’s house
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God still, and trust in me.
There are many rooms in my Father’s house;
if there were not, I should have told you.
I am going now to prepare a place for you,
and after I have gone and prepared you a place,
I shall return to take you with me;
so that where I am
you may be too.
You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus said:
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.
No one can come to the Father except through me.
If you know me, you know my Father too.
From this moment you know him and have seen him.”
Philip said, “Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied.” “Have I been with you all this time, Philip,” said Jesus to him, “and you still do not know me?
“To have seen me is to have seen the Father,
so how can you say, ‘Let us see the Father?’
Do you not believe
that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words I say to you I do not speak as from myself:
it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work.
You must believe me when I say
that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”
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
Father, by your Spirit you raised up our Mother Saint Teresa of Jesus to show your Church the way to perfection. May her inspired teaching awaken in us a longing for true holiness.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Morning Prayer
HYMN
The day is dawning with delight,
When, spotless as the dove,
Theresa winged her spirit flight
Afar, to realms of love and light,
In heavenly courts above.
Her ear hath caught the mystic sound,
Oh, come, my sister, spouse! From Carmel’s summit come, be crowned,
Bride of the Lamb, in bliss profound,
Come plight thy nuptial vows!
O Jesus! Spouse of Virgin choice,
Thy holy name we praise! While heavenly choirs, too, rejoice,
Their bridal canticle to voice, And hymn their endless lays.
86.88.6. Felix dies, qua candidae
Psalmody
Ant. 1 For you my soul is thirsting, Lord; my body pines for you.
Psalm 63
O God, you are my God, for you I long; *
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you *
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary *
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life, *
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life, *
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, *
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you. *
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help; *
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. For you my soul is thirsting, Lord; my body pines for you.
Ant. 2 All your creatures praise you, Lord; your saints shall bless your name.
Canticle – Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord. *
You heavens, bless the Lord,
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord. *
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord. *
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord. *
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord. *
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord. *
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord. *
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord. *
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord. *
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord. *
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord. *
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord. *
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord. *
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord. *
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. *
Let us praise and exalt him above all for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven. *
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all for ever.
Ant. All your creatures praise you, Lord; your saints shall bless your name.
Ant. 3 I have sung the praises of your mercies, Lord, in the assembly of the faithful.
Psalm 149
Sing a new song to the Lord, *
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker, *
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing *
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people. *
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, *
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips *
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations *
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains *
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained; *
this honor is for all his faithful.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. I have sung the praises of your mercies, Lord, in the assembly of the faithful.
Reading
2 Cor 4:5-7
It is not ourselves we preach but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts, that we in turn might make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ. This treasure we possess in earthen vessels, to make it clear that its surpassing power comes from God and not from us.
Responsory
My heart is ever pleading, show me your face. —My heart is ever pleading, show me your face. I long to gaze upon you, Lord. —Show me your face. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —My heart is ever pleading, show me your face.
Canticle of Zechariah
Ant.All who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old †
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers*
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant.All who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.
Intercessions
The Lord of glory, Crown of all the Saints, gives us the joy of honoring our Mother, Saint Teresa.
Let us praise him, saying: Glory to you, Lord!
Source of life and holiness, in your saints you show us the infinite marvels of your grace;—in company with Saint Teresa may we sing of your mercies forever.
You want your love to blaze like fire throughout the world; —with Saint Teresa, make us zealous in spreading your charity.
You make friends of your saints, and reveal to them the mysteries of your heart; —bind us to yourself in friendship so close that we may taste the secrets of your love, proclaim your wonders, and draw others to you.
You pronounced blessed the pure of heart, and promised that they should see you; —purify our sight, so that we may see you in everyone and be faithful to you in all things.
You resist the proud and give wisdom to little ones; —make us humble of heart, so that we may receive your wisdom for the sake of the whole Church.
Our Father…
Prayer
Father, by your Spirit you raised up our Mother Saint Teresa of Jesus to show your Church the way to perfection. May her inspired teaching awaken in us a longing for true holiness.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Daytime Prayer
The complementary psalms are used. In place of psalm 122, psalm 129 may be said, and in place of psalm 127, psalm 131 may be said. If this feast falls on Sunday, then psalms from Sunday, Week I are said.
Midmorning
Ant.When you pray go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is hidden.
Psalm 120
To the Lord in the hour of my distress *
I call and he answers me.
“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, *
from the tongue of the deceitful.”
What shall he repay you in return, *
O treacherous tongue?
The warriors arrows sharpened *
and coals, red-hot, blazing.
(Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, *
dwell among the tents of Kedar!)
Long enough have I been dwelling *
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak, *
they are for fighting.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains; *
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord *
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble! *
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, *
Israel’s guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade; *
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you *
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil, *
he will guard you soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming *
both now and for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm 129
“They have pressed me hard from my youth,” *
this is Israel’s song.
“They have pressed me hard from my youth *
but could never destroy me.
They plowed my back like plowmen, *
drawing long furrows.
But the Lord who is just, has destroyed *
the yoke of the wicked.”
Let them be shamed and routed, *
those who hate Zion!
Let them be like grass on the roof *
that withers before it flowers.
With that no reaper fill his arms, *
no binder makes his sheaves
and those passing by will not say: †
“On you the Lord’s blessing!” *
“We bless you in the name of the Lord.”
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Reading
Rev 3:20
Here I stand, knocking at the door. If anyone hears me calling and opens the door, I will enter his house and have supper with him, and he with me.
I will pray to the God of my life. —I will say to him: You are my support.
Midday
Ant.Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say: Rejoice! The Lord is near.
Psalm 123
To you have I lifted up my eyes, *
you who dwell in the heavens;
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves *
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant *
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God *
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. *
We are filled with contempt.
Indeed all too full is our soul †
with the scorn of the rich, *
with the proud man’s disdain.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm 124
“If the Lord had not been on our side,” *
this is Israel’s song.
“If the Lord had not been on our side *
when men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive *
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us, *
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept *
the raging waters.”
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us *
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped *
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken *
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, *
who made heaven and earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm 125
Those who put their trust in the Lord †
are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken, *
that stands for ever.
Jerusalem! The mountains surround her, †
so the Lord surrounds his people *
both now and for ever.
For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest *
over the land of the just
for fear that the hands of the just *
should turn to evil.
Do good, Lord, to those who are good, *
to the upright of heart;
but the crooked and those who do evil, *
drive them away!
On Israel, peace!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Reading
1 Thess 5:16-18
Rejoice always, never cease praying, render constant thanks; such is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
You will show me the path of life. —The fullness of joy in your presence.
Midafternoon
Ant.Let us live in truth and love, and let all things aid our growth into Christ.
Psalm 126
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, *
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: “What marvels *
the Lord worked for them!”
What marvels the Lord worked for us! *
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage *
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears *
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears, *
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song, *
carrying their sheaves.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm 127
If the Lord does not build the house, *
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city, *
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising, *
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat, *
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, *
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth *
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man *
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame *
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: — as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm 128
O blessed are those who fear the Lord *
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat. *
You will be happy and prosper;
the wife like a fruitful vine *
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive, *
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed *
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion *
all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children *
in a happy Jerusalem!
On Israel, peace!
Reading
3 John 3-4
It has given me great joy to have the brothers bear witness to how truly you walk in the path of truth. Nothing delights me more than to hear that my children are walking in this path.
Serve the Lord in truth. —All who follow the truth come to the light.
Prayer
Father, by your Spirit you raised up our Mother Saint Teresa of Jesus to show your Church the way to perfection. May her inspired teaching awaken in us a longing for true holiness.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Evening Prayer
Hymn
Glory of Carmel, Mother Saint Teresa
Called to refashion Mary’s holy Order,
Yearning to suffer, even die for Jesus
From early childhood.
Carmel’s enclosure was the chosen desert Where purest blossoms should be gathered for him— Christ gave his right hand, sealing your espousals
With him forever.
God was your Teacher, to your mind imparting
Learning surpassing human intuition; Bread full of sweetness, secret strength and virtue
You give the faithful.
Praise to the Godhead through the world resounding,
Majesty, honor, joy and jubilation, Christ our Redeemer, through Teresa’s pleading
Grant us salvation!
11.11.11.5. Text: Sr. Margarita, O.C.D.
Psalmody
Ant. 1 The Lord showed me the holy city: it was resplendent with the glory of God, and shone like a precious jewel.
Psalm 122
I rejoiced when I heard them say: *
“Let us go to God’s house.” And now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city *
strongly compact. It is there that the tribes go up, *
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel’s law it is, * there to praise the Lord’s name. There were set the thrones of judgment *
of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray; *
“Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, *
in your palaces, peace!”
For love of my brethren and friends *
I say: “Peace upon you!” For love of the house of the Lord *
I will ask for your good.
Ant.The Lord showed me the holy city: it was resplendent with the glory of God, and shone like a precious jewel.
Ant. 2 Behold, the dwelling of God is with men, and he will make his home among them.
Psalm 127
If the Lord does not build the house, *
in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, *
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising, *
your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat: * when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, *
a blessing, the fruit of the womb. Indeed the sons of youth * are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man * who has filled his quiver with these arrows! He will have no cause for shame *
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways.
Ant.Behold, the dwelling of God is with men, and he will make his home among them.
Ant. 3 I will make up in my body whatever is lacking in the sufferings of Christ, for the sake of his body the Church.
Canticle: Col 1:12-20
Let us give thanks to the Father *
for having made you worthy to share the lot of the saints *
in light.
He rescued us * from the power of darkness
and brought us * into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption, *
the forgiveness of our sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, *
the first-born of all creatures. In him everything in heaven and on earth was created, *
things visible and invisible.
All were created through him; *
all were created for him. He is before all else that is. * In him everything continues in being.
It is he who is head of the body, the church! *
he who is the beginning, the first-born of the dead, * so that primacy may be his in everything.
It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him *
and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,
both on earth and in the heavens, * making peace through the blood of his cross.
Ant.I will make up in my body whatever is lacking in the sufferings of Christ, for the sake of his body the Church.
Reading
Jude 20-21
Beloved, grow strong in your holy faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit. Persevere in God’s love, and welcome the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ which leads to life eternal.
Responsory
You are the temple of the living God. —You are the temple of the living God. And the Spirit of God dwells in you, —the temple of the living God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. —You are the temple of the living God.
Canticle of Mary
Ant.Do not let your hearts be troubled. In my Father’s house, there are many mansions, and I am going to prepare a place for you.
Or:Holy Mother Teresa, look down from heaven and see; visit this vineyard of yours, and perfect what your right hand has planted.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, *
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant, *
and from this day all generations will call me blessed.
The Almighty has done great things for me: *
holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,*
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and has sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel*
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant.Do not let your hearts be troubled. In my Father’s house, there are many mansions, and I am going to prepare a place for you.
Or:Holy Mother Teresa, look down from heaven and see; visit this vineyard of yours, and perfect what your right hand has planted.
Intercessions
Christ loved his Church and gave his life for her that she might be holy: let us pray to Christ that his Church may be holy and spotless in all her members:
Be with your Church, Lord Jesus.
You are the Head of the Church and the source of all her grace; —may all your people be joined to you in faith and love, and realize that they are the living and holy members of your Body.
You founded the Church on Peter and the apostles, and through them you teach us the truth and lead us in green pastures; —enlighten and guide those you have placed over your Church, and confirm our faith so that in them we may hear your voice leading us to life.
You choose some to announce the Good News by teaching, baptizing, calling to repentance, and offering in your memory the Eucharistic Sacrifice; —as the harvest is great, and the laborers few, send laborers into your harvest.
You choose some of your friends to follow you more closely in your poverty, your chastity and your obedience, for the building up of the Church; —with Mary as their Mother and teacher, may all religious cling to you and show forth your life within them as they serve the Church.
You made your people one body and one spirit in the unity of faith and baptism; —may all whom you have redeemed preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bonds of peace.
You died for our redemption and rose so that we could have life; —may all who have died in your love and await the revelation of your glory rejoice at the eternal banquet in the company of your saints.
Our Father…
Prayer
Father, by your Spirit you raised up our Mother Saint Teresa of Jesus to show your Church the way to perfection. May her inspired teaching awaken in us a longing for true holiness.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
St Teresa praying at a desk to left, looking at the Holy Spirit in top left, a book and ink-well on the table; unsigned; illustration to page 122 of Aubert le Mire’s “Sanctorum Principum … Imagines” (Antwerp: 1613) Engraving | British Museum (Creative Commons)
October 1 SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Feast
Thérèse Martin was born at Alencon in 1873. At the age of fifteen she entered the Carmel at Lisieux. She practiced heroic humility, evangelical simplicity and trust in God, and taught the novices these virtues by word and example. She offered her life for the salvation of souls and the growth of the Church. She died September 30, 1897.
Invitatory
Ant. The Lord reveals himself to little ones; come, let us worship him.
Invitatory psalm, as in the Ordinary.
Office of Readings
Hymn
Let all who lovingly avow
Those gifts the Christ Child came to share
Acclaim Thérèse’s virtues now
And praise her name in song and prayer.
Her patroness and mother chose
The lofty peaks of Carmel’s height
And there Thérèse in fervor goes
To follow Christ, her one delight.
Inspired by Jesus to convey
Amazing secrets of his grace,
She taught the world the simple way
Of childhood that the Gospels trace.
More like an angel than a child
She gathered virtue’s flowers at will
By whose sweet scent was God beguiled,
Whose tender fragrance charms us still.
Yet joy itself could not portray
The surge of her immense desire
Nor cloister walls have strength to stay
A love that swept the world like fire.
All glory, Jesus, be to you
This day revealed to little ones,
To Father and blest Spirit, too,
While age on age forever runs.
L.M. Nomen decusque concinant
Ant. 1 Your mercy will follow me all the days of my life.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, *
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures *
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me, *
To revive my drooping spirit.
He guides me along the right path; *
he is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness *
no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff; *
with these you give me comfort.
You have prepared a banquet for me *
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil; *
my cup is overflowing.
Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me *
all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell *
forever and ever.
Ant. Your mercy will follow me all the days of my life.
Ant. 2 See what love the Father has shown us, to let us be called children of God; yet that is what we are.
Psalm 103
My soul, give thanks to the Lord, *
all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord *
and never forget all his blessings.
It is he who forgives all your guilt *
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave, *
who crowns you with love and compassion,
who fills your life with good things, *
renewing your youth like an eagle’s.
The Lord does deeds of justice, *
gives judgment for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses *
and his deeds to Israel’s sons.
The Lord is compassion and love, *
slow to anger and rich in mercy.
His wrath will come to an end; *
he will not be angry forever.
He does not treat us according to our sins *
nor repay us according to our faults.
For as the heavens are high above the earth *
so strong is his love for those who fear him.
Ant. See what love the Father has shown us, to let us be called children of God; yet that is what we are.
Ant. 3 The Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and believed in me.
As far as the east is from the west *
so far does he remove our sins.
As a father has compassion on his sons, *
the Lord has pity on those who fear him;
for he knows of what we are made, *
he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass; *
he flowers like the flower of the field;
the wind blows and he is gone *
and his place never sees him again.
But the love of the Lord is everlasting *
upon those who hold him in fear;
his justice reaches out to children’s children +
when they keep his covenant in truth, *
when they keep his will in their mind.
The Lord has set his sway in heaven *
and his kingdom is ruling over all.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels, +
mighty in power, fulfilling his word, *
who heed the voice of his word.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts, *
his servants who do his will.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his works, *
in every place where he rules.
My soul, *
give thanks to the Lord!
Ant. The Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and believed in me.
Your word is a lamp for my feet — And a light on my path.
First Reading
From the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians
I Cor. 12:12, 27-31; 13:1-13
You together are Christ’s body, but each of you is a different part of it
The body is one and has many members, but all the members, many though they are, are one body; and so it is with Christ. You, then, are the body of Christ. Every one of you is a member of it. Furthermore, God has set up in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, healers, assistants, administrators, and those who speak in tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles or have the gift of healing? Do all speak in tongues, all have the gift of interpretation of tongues? Set your hearts on the greater gifts.
Now I will show you the way which surpasses all the others. If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; it does not put on airs; it is not snobbish. Love is never rude; it is not self-seeking; it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong, but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.
Love never fails. Prophecies will cease, tongues will be silent, knowledge will pass away. Our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect. When the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. When I was a child I used to talk like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways aside. Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. My knowledge is imperfect now; then I shall know even as I am known. There are in the end three things that last: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.
Responsory
When I am lifted up from the earth, — I will draw all people to myself.
Fragrant is the scent of your perfume; let us follow in your footsteps. — I will draw all people to myself.
Second Reading
From the autobiography of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus
(MS B, f. 3r-3v: ed. J. Clarke 1975, pp. 193-94)
In the heart of the Church I shall be love
My desires caused me a veritable martyrdom, and I opened the Epistles of Saint Paul to find some kind of answer. Chapters Twelve and Thirteen of the First Epistle to the Corinthians fell under my eyes. I read there, in the first of these chapters, that all cannot be apostles, prophets, doctors, etc., that the Church is composed of different members, and that the eye cannot be the hand at one and the same time. The answer was clear, but it did not fulfill my desires and gave me no peace. Without becoming discouraged, I continued my reading, and this sentence consoled me: Yet strive after the better gifts, and I point out to you a yet more excellent way. And the Apostle explains how all the most perfect gifts are nothing without Love. That Charity is the excellent way that leads most surely to God.
I finally had rest. Considering the mystical body of the Church, I had not recognized myself in any of the members described by Saint Paul, or rather I desired to see myself in them all. Charity gave me the key to my vocation. I understood that if the Church had a body composed of different members, the most necessary and most noble of all could not be lacking to it, and so I understood that the Church had a heart and that this heart was burning with love. I understood it was love alone that made the Church’s members act; that if love ever became extinct, apostles would not preach the Gospel and martyrs would not shed their blood. I understood that love comprised all vocations, that love was everything, that it embraced all times and places… in a word, that it was eternal!
Then, in the excess of my delirious joy, I cried out, “O Jesus, my Love… my vocation, at last I have found it… My vocation is Love!”
Yes, I have found my place in the Church and it is you, O my God, who have given me this place; in the heart of the Church, my Mother, I shall be love. Thus I shall be everything, and thus my dream will be realized.
Responsory
Joy and gladness fill my heart; — the Lord has been merciful to me.
He has looked with favor on his lowly servant and taken account of my soul’s needs. — the Lord has been merciful to me.
Where the Vigil Office is celebrated:
Canticles (Alternative 1)
Ant. The Lord spread his wings like an eagle; he lifted her up and bore her on his shoulders. The Lord alone was her leader.
Canticle I
Dt 32:3-7, 10-12
The deeds of kindness which God wrought for his people
How often have I longed to gather your children as a hen gathers her young under her wings (Mt 23:37)
I shall praise the name of the Lord. *
O give glory to this God of ours!
The Rock – his deeds are perfect, *
and all his ways are just,
a faithful God, without deceit, *
a God who is right and just.
Those whom he begot unblemished *
have become crooked, false, perverse.
Is it thus you repay the Lord, *
O senseless and foolish people?
Is he not your father who created you, *
he who made you, on whom you depend?
Remember the days of old, *
consider the years that are past;
ask your father and he will show you, *
ask your elders and they will tell you.
Israel God found him in a wilderness, *
in fearful, desolate wastes;
he surrounded him, he lifted him up, *
he kept him as the apple of his eye.
Like an eagle that watches its nest, *
that hovers over its young,
so he spread his wings; he took him, *
placed him on his outstretched wings.
The Lord alone was his guide *
and no other god was with him.
Canticle II
Song 1:3-4a; 2:8-10; 3:1b-2, 4bc
The faithful soul finds the beloved
Where have you hidden yourself, my Beloved? (St. John of the Cross)
Your name is oil poured out; *
therefore the maidens love you.
Draw me after you, let us make haste; *
your anointing oils are fragrant.
The king has brought me into his chambers; *
we will exult and rejoice in you.
The voice of my beloved: †
Behold, he comes, *
leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills.
My beloved is like a gazelle, *
or a young stag.
Behold, there he stands behind our wall, *
gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice.
My beloved speaks and says to me: †
“Arise, my love, my fair one, *
and come away.”
I sought him whom my soul loves; *
I sought him, but found him not.
“I will rise now and go about the city; *
in the streets and in the squares
I will seek him whom my soul loves;” *
I sought him, but found him not.
I found him whom my soul loves. *
I held him, and would not let him go.
Canticle III
Song 4:8ab, 9bc, 12, 15; 5:2; 6:3; 8:6-7a
The strength of love
Love turns labor into rest (St. Teresa of Jesus)
Come with me from Lebanon, my bride; *
come with me from Lebanon.
You have ravished my heart with a glance of your eyes, *
with one jewel of your necklace.
A garden locked is my sister, my bride, *
a garden locked, a fountain sealed.
A garden fountain, a well of living water, *
and flowing streams from Lebanon.
I slept, but my heart was awake. *
Hark! my beloved is knocking.
“Open to me, my sister, my love, *
my dove, my perfect one,
for my head is wet with dew, *
my locks with the drops of the night.”
I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine; *
he pastures his flock among the lilies.
Set me as a seal upon your heart, *
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is strong as death, *
jealousy is cruel as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire, †
a most vehement flame. *
Many waters cannot quench love.
Ant. The Lord spread his wings like an eagle; he lifted her up and bore her on his shoulders. The Lord alone was her leader.
Gospel (Alternative 1)
Jn 17:17-26
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
I have sent them into the world
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:
Holy Father,
consecrate them in the truth;
your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
I have sent them into the world,
and for their sake I consecrate myself
so that they too may be consecrated in truth.
I pray not only for these,
but for those also
who through their words will believe in me.
May they all be one.
Father, may they be one in us,
as you are in me and I am in you,
so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.
I have given them the glory you gave to me,
that they may be one as we are one.
With me in them and you in me,
may they be so completely one
that the world will realize that it was you who sent me
and that I have loved them as much as you loved me.
Father,
I want those you have given me
to be with me where I am,
so that they may always see the glory
you have given me
because you loved me
before the foundation of the world.
Father, Righteous One,
the world has not known you,
but I have known you,
and these have known
that you have sent me.
I have made your name known to them
and will continue to make it known
so that the love with which you loved me may be in them,
and so that I may be in them.
Gospel (Alternative 2)
Jn 15:1-13
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine,
and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that bears no fruit
he cuts away,
and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes
to make it bear even more.
You are pruned already,
by means of the word that I have spoken to you.
Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.
As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself,
but must remain part of the vine,
neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine,
you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me, with me in him,
bears fruit in plenty;
for cut off from me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
is like a branch that has been thrown away
-he withers;
these branches are collected and thrown on the fire,
and they are burned.
If you remain in me
and my words remain in you,
you may ask what you will
and you shall get it.
It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit,
and then you will be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me,
so I have loved you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments
you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.
I have told you this
so that my own joy may be in you
and your joy be complete.
This is my commandment:
love one another,
as I have loved you.
A man can have no greater love
than to lay down his life for his friends.
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
God our Father,
you have promised your kingdom
to those who are willing to become like little children.
Help us to follow the way of Saint Thérèse with confidence
so that by her prayers
we may come to know your eternal glory.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Morning Prayer
Hymn
Her boundless love for Christ her Lord
Impels Thérèse to greater things.
The martyr’s and apostle’s crown
To crown of virgins now she brings.
To be a victim of God’s love
Her heart aglow with mystic fire,
She begs her Spouse by love consume
Her life, a holocaust entire.
When death, the herald of true life,
Brings to its close, her life’s brief race,
She calls, “I love you” as she dies
And hastens to meet Christ’s embrace.
Now savoring all heaven’s joys,
The glories by her virtues won,
May she that shower of roses send
Which once she promised to her own.
O King of meek and gentle heart
Who for the little ones prepare
Your feast, grant us who follow her
In childlike trust, to enter there.
All praise be to the Father now,
Praise also to his only Son,
The Spirit in all virgin souls,
As ages endless through time run.
88.88. Immensa Christi caritas
Psalmody
Ant. 1 My soul clings to you; with your right hand you have raised me up.
Psalms and canticle from Sunday, Week I
Ant. 2 You holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord.
Ant. 3 The Lord takes delight in his people, and crowns the humble with salvation.
Reading
Romans 8:14-17
All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. You did not receive a spirit of slavery leading you back into fear, but a spirit of adoption through which we cry out, “Abba!” (that is, “Father”). The Spirit himself gives witness with our spirit that we are children of God. But if we are children, we are heirs as well; heirs of God, heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so as to be glorified with him.
Responsory
See, I will pour out upon her a river of peace. — See, I will pour out upon her a river of peace.
The glory of the nations like an overflowing stream, — a river of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. — See, I will pour out upon her a river of peace.
Canticle of Zechariah
Ant. Pray to the Lord of the harvest that he send laborers into his harvest.
Intercessions
Our Lord Jesus Christ has given Saint Thérèse to us as a model of the evangelical life. Let us pray to him and say:
R/.Hear us, O Lord.
Lord, you said, “Whoever is thirsty, let him come to me and drink;” — give us an intense thirst for your love.
Lord, you said, “If you do not become as little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven,” — help us to love you in simplicity of heart.
Lord, you told us, “There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents;” — help us to have a childlike trust in your mercy.
Lord, you said, “Whoever does the will of my Father will enter the kingdom of heaven,” — give us a spirit of faithful obedience to all your commands.
Lord, you said, “Whatsoever you do to one of the least of my brethren you do to me;” — may we see you today in our brothers and sisters, and love you in them.
Lord, you said, “The harvest is great, but the laborers are few; pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he send laborers into the harvest;” — give to all of us the missionary spirit of Saint Thérèse, who longed for the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Prayer
God our Father,
you have promised your kingdom
to those who are willing to become like little children.
Help us to follow the way of Saint Thérèse with confidence
so that by her prayers
we may come to know your eternal glory.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Daytime Prayer
Psalms from the current weekday.
Midmorning
Ant. The Lord chose you for his own, to praise him and give glory to his name.
Reading
2 Corinthians 12:9b-10
I willingly boast of my weakness instead, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I am content with weakness, with mistreatment, with distress, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ; for when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong.
The Lord is my strength and my song. — In you I trust; I shall not be put to shame.
Midday
Ant. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to little ones.
Reading
1 John 4:17-19
Our love is brought to perfection in this,
that we should have confidence on the day of judgment:
for our relation to this world is just like his.
Love has no room for fear;
rather, perfect love casts out all fear.
And since fear has to do with punishment,
love is not yet perfect in one who is afraid.
We, for our part, love
because he first loved us.
You, Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer. — From eternity this is your name.
Midafternoon
Ant. The Lord looks kindly on the prayer of the needy, and his word is addressed to the lowly.
Reading
1 John 3:1-2
See what love the Father has bestowed on us
in letting us be called children of God!
Yet that is what we are.
The reason the world does not recognize us
is that it never recognized the Son.
Dearly beloved,
we are God’s children now;
what we shall later be has not yet come to light.
We know that when it comes to light
we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
I will run in the way of your commandments. — For you have given greatness to my heart.
Prayer
God our Father,
you have promised your kingdom
to those who are willing to become like little children.
Help us to follow the way of Saint Thérèse with confidence
so that by her prayers
we may come to know your eternal glory.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Evening Prayer
Hymn
From clear high mansions of that shining palace
Where you enjoy the light of God’s dear presence,
And plead our causes, mindful of your promise
Show’r down your roses.
Roses of faith to shed its light supernal,
Roses of hope when obstacles surround us,
And for our strengthening in daily living
Roses of pure love.
Through your own childlike confidence and candor
Send us the rose of quietly discerning
Love of a Father, shining in each happening
Both sweet and bitter.
This be our portion, God forever blessed,
Father eternal, Son and Holy Spirit,
Whose is the glory which through all creation
Resounds forever.
11.11.11.5. Luce divina rutilantis aulae
Psalmody
Ant. 1 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Psalm 113
Praise, O servants of the Lord, *
praise the name of the Lord!
May the name of the Lord be blessed *
both now and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting *
praised be the name of the Lord!
High above all nations is the Lord, *
above the heavens his glory.
Who is like the Lord, our God, *
who has risen on high to his throne
yet stoops from the heights to look down, *
to look down upon heaven and earth?
From the dust he lifts up the lowly, *
from his misery he raises the poor
to set him in the company of princes, *
yes, with the princes of his people.
To the childless wife he gives a home *
and gladdens her heart with children.
Ant. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Ant. 2 For their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.
Psalm 131
O Lord, my heart is not proud *
nor haughty my eyes.
I have not gone after things too great *
nor marvels beyond me.
Truly I have set my soul *
in silence and peace.
As a child has rest in its mother’s arms, *
even so my soul.
O Israel, hope in the Lord *
both now and forever.
Ant. For their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.
Ant. 3 God chooses those the world considers weak to confound the strong.
Phil. 2:6-11
Though he was in the form of God, +
Jesus did not deem equality with God *
something to be grasped at.
Rather, he emptied himself, +
and took the form of a slave, *
being born in the likeness of men.
He was known to be of human estate *
and it was thus that he humbled himself,
obediently accepting even death, *
death on a cross!
Because of this, *
God highly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name *
above every name,
So that at Jesus’ name +
every knee must bend, *
in the heavens, on the earth,
and under the earth, *
and every tongue proclaim
to the glory of God the Father: *
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
Ant. God chooses those the world considers weak to confound the strong.
Reading
1 Timothy 2:1, 3-6a
First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for all men. Prayer of this kind is good, and God our Savior is pleased with it, for he wants all men to be saved and come to know the truth. And the truth is this:
“God is one
One also is the mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus,
who gave himself as a ransom for all.”
Responsory
I will tell of your name to my friends: in the midst of the assembly I will praise you. — I will tell of your name to my friends: in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.
For you have not despised the poor in their distress; — in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. — I will tell of your name to my friends: in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.
Canticle of Mary
Ant. Father, I have made your name known to those you have given me: make them holy in the truth.
Intercessions
Let us pray to God, our almighty Father, for his Church throughout the world:
Lord, remember your covenant with us.
May we be inspired by the example of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus; — may your Church give itself to you in love.
May all contemplatives be faithful witnesses of your goodness; — so that the world may believe in you.
May we bear one another’s burdens in a spirit of love; — so that your faithful people may see your face in us and imitate your Son.
Fill us with a faithful missionary spirit; — for you desire all the world to know the truth of Christ.
Grant to all the faithful departed the joy of seeing your face; — for Christ wants those you gave him to be with him where he reigns in glory.
Our Father…
Prayer
God our Father,
you have promised your kingdom
to those who are willing to become like little children.
Help us to follow the way of Saint Thérèse with confidence
so that by her prayers
we may come to know your eternal glory.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
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.
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.
St. Albert of Jerusalem gives the Rule of the Order of Carmel to B. and the hermits with him who sought the guidance of the Patriarch of Jerusalem at the beginning of the 13th c. (marble tableau in the cloister of the Discalced Carmelite nuns, Haifa, Israel)
Born in 1560 at Tartanedo (Spain) Maria Lopez de Rivas took the Discalced Carmelite habit at Toledo in 1577 and made her profession the following year. She spent the rest of her life serving God in that Carmel, except for a brief period in 1585 when she helped with a foundation at Cuerva. She died at Toledo on September 13, 1640. Saint Teresa of Jesus thought extremely highly of her. She was a great contemplative, intensely devoted to our Lord, and often drawing inspiration from the liturgy.
From the common of virgins
Office of Readings
Second Reading
From the Interior Castle of Saint Teresa of Avila
(Dwell. VI, 7, 10-15; II, 1, 11)
No one comes to the Father except through me
What I mean by meditation is to busy one’s understanding in the following way. We begin to think about God’s goodness to us in giving us his only Son, but we don’t stop there: we go on to all the other mysteries of his glorious life. Or we begin with his prayer in the garden, and our understanding doesn’t stop until we picture him nailed to the cross. Or we take a single scene from the passion, and go on thinking about that one mystery, working out in detail everything that can be thought or felt about it. It is a very admirable and meritorious kind of prayer.
No soul that has received so much from God, such precious proofs of his love, can forget them. They are live sparks that can only intensify what we feel for our Lord. Anyone who says he can’t dwell on these mysteries is quite mistaken. He will often have them in mind, especially when they are being celebrated by the Catholic Church.
The company of our beloved Jesus, and his blessed Mother, is far too good to be given up. For my own part I could not wish for any blessing that had not been won for us by him, through whom every good thing comes to us.
Our Lord said himself, No one can come to the Father except through me, and Whoever sees me, sees my Father. So if we never look at him, or think about what we owe him and the death he underwent for our sake, I don’t see how we can hope to know him or do anything to serve him. (Without such good works, what good is faith? And what good are works unless they are joined to the merits of Jesus Christ, our only good, which alone have any worth?) And how can anyone persuade us to love our Lord?
Responsory
Let your hearts be comforted in the knowledge of Christ, God’s mystery: —in him lies hidden every treasure of wisdom and knowledge.
You must live in him, be rooted in him, built upon him; —in him lies hidden every treasure of wisdom and knowledge.
Morning Prayer
Canticle of Zechariah
Ant. Blessed be God, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.
Prayer
Lord,
you enabled Blessed Mary of Jesus
to contemplate the mysteries of your Son
and become a living image of his love.
Give us through her prayers
the burning faith to seek Jesus in all things
and the love to prove by our actions
the presence within us of him
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Evening Prayer
Canticle of Mary
Ant. If you gladly share Christ’s sufferings, you will have far greater joy when his glory is revealed.
Image of Blessed Mary commissioned by the church of Tartanedo after her beatification | Source: santosocd.blogspot.com
September 1 SAINT TERESA MARGARET REDI OF THE SACRED HEART Virgin
Memorial
Teresa Margaret belonged to the noble family of Redi, and was born in the Tuscan city of Arezzo in 1747. She entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery at Florence on September 1, 1764. She was granted a special grace of contemplative insight based on Saint John’s phrase God is love, through which she felt called to a hidden life of love and self-sacrifice. She progressed rapidly, fulfilling her vocation through heroic charity toward others. She died in Florence in 1770, aged twenty-three.
From the common of virgins
Office of Readings
Hymn
Come, happy Saint, and teach us all
The boundless love of Christ,
His gifts to you, that for the height
Of sanctity sufficed.
You made Teresa’s teaching yours,
Together with her name,
Determined to become with her
A spirit of pure flame.
Drawn by your Spouse, you lived with Him
A hidden life apart.
Teach us to drink the healing springs
That well up from his heart.
Praise to You, Eternal Father
And to Your Only Son
Who with the Holy Spirit pure
Forever reign as One.
C.M. Unknown
Second Reading
From the Acts of Canonization of Saint Teresa Margaret
(Decr. “Super tuto” AAS 26 [1934], pp 105-06)
The love of Christ impels us
Brief as it was, Teresa Margaret’s whole life may be regarded as one continual raising up of her guiltless soul to God.
In its innocence, her soul turned spontaneously to God, and seemed able to find rest in him alone. In her, utter purity was joined to profound humility and she genuinely loved to be disregarded and despised. She did not simply bear humiliations, she rejoiced in them. Her purity of heart and her lowliness of spirit earned for her a high degree of charity, and this rapidly increased until her ardor became truly seraphic and she could hardly speak of God without her face becoming suffused with joy. Her love of God went hand in hand with a deep love for her neighbor and especially for sinners, on whose behalf she offered herself unreservedly to God as a victim. Her unassuming kindness and complete self-denial for the sake of her sisters in religion, especially the sick, were such that she was regarded as an angel of charity.
The fires of her love were fed principally by the Eucharist, and she looked forward with longing to her communions. She was also especially devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion which did much to curb the advances of Jansenism at that time in Tuscany. She was utterly devoted to Our Lady, whom she regarded as the model and protectress of her own virginal purity. She was endowed to a high degree with the gift of contemplative prayer, and daily grew closer to God, as though reflecting the glories of the eternity she was fast approaching.
As her life neared its end this true daughter of the holy Mother Teresa and faithful disciple of Saint John of the Cross was called upon through a mystical martyrdom of the spirit, to resemble her crucified Spouse yet more closely. It was the very intensity of her love which caused this martyrdom; for the more fervent love becomes the more unrelentingly it spurs the soul on to further love, and since no love of ours can match God’s infinite lovableness, such a soul suffers exquisite torments from its insatiable thirst for greater love, and seems to itself to be wrapped in impenetrable darkness and to be totally lacking in love for God. In fact the greater love is, the less it seems to itself to be. It is the soul that is truly nailed to the cross with Christ by this supreme martyrdom of the heart that wins for itself and for others the choicest fruits of redemption.
Such souls by their silent apostolate of suffering, love and prayer, are foremost in the benefits they obtain for mankind and are the purest and most exalted in the whole Church.
Responsory
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. —You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your strength.
The Lord your God is a consuming fire; a jealous God. —You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Morning Prayer
Hymn
The life that flowered in Carmel’s shade,
Yielding a fragrant-scented grace,
Is crowned in heaven, a bud of light
Washed in the radiance from God’s face.
Margaret, you blaze with charity
Among those weaving virgin choirs
Who, for reward, follow the Lamb
Singing the love his name inspires.
Help us to catch that same love’s fire
That, lit with the interior flame,
We find our life, our peace, our joy,
All things in Christ and in his name.
Help us deserve the Father’s gifts,
Tasting eternity and heaven
On the unclouded source of joy
From whom alone all gifts are given.
Open our hearts to take the life
Which his renewing Spirit pours,
Life that returns the Father’s love
With the same freedom it restores.
So even on earth we come to know
God’s Trinity by God’s own grace,
Happy, like you, for evermore
To sing his glory and his praise.
L.M.
Text: Bro. John Leonard Davies, O.C.D.
Canticle of Zechariah
Ant. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me.
Prayer
Father,
you enabled Saint Teresa Margaret Redi
to draw untold resources of humility and charity
from the fountainhead, our Savior.
Through her prayers
may we never be separated from the love of Christ.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Evening Prayer
Hymn
Jesu, the Virgins’ Crown, do thou
Accept us, as in prayer we bow;
Born of that woman, whom alone
Virgin and Mother we do own.
Amongst the lilies thou dost feed,
With virgin choirs accompanied;
With glory deck’d, the spotless brides
Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.
They, wheresoe’er thy footsteps bend,
With hymns and praises still attend;
In blessed troops they follow thee,
With dance, and song, and melody.
We pray thee therefore to bestow
Upon our senses here below
Thy grace, that so we may endure
From taint of all corruption pure.
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Laud, honor, might, and glory be,
From age to age eternally. Amen.
88.88. Jesu, coróna Vírginum
Canticle of Mary
Ant. As the Father has loved me, I have loved you; remain in my love.
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