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Tuesday, 25 February 2014

Evensong offered for special intentions during Lent at STM

Lenten Daily Office Ordo for St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Toronto
Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter



As a mission church we are committed to praying the Daily Office. During Lent every family and individual is asked to offer EVENING PRAYER for:

+ the intentions of the Church and the Holy Father     

+  for the role of STM in the New Evangelization

+ for outreach to those who would be brought into the full communion of the Catholic Church through the Personal Ordinariate from many backgrounds and experiences.

A PRAYER FOR THE HOLY FATHER
O GOD, the pastor and ruler of all the faithful, mercifully look upon thy servant Francis whom thou hast been pleased to set as pastor over thy Church: grant him, we beseech Thee, to be in word and teaching a wholesome example to the people committed to his charge; that he with them may attain unto eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We pray that by the grace of the Holy Spirit and the Sacred Heart of Jesus we may worship and serve God in the beauty of holiness and so be sustained and grow as a community of faith in the midst of the city.

Our thanks to Tim Smith for assembling the material for the Canadian version of the Ordinariate Ordo in compliance with the Roman Lectionary and the Universal Calendar of the Catholic Church.

This work assumes the form of the Daily Office presented in the Book of Divine Worship [BDW] is used. The lectionary included is also that of the BDW with the exceptions as noted in the Appendix. Assembled 2013, Tim Smith. Please report any errors to Tim Smith (observer@telusplanet.net)

LEGEND

- Each day's observances are listed in the following format:  Date (Weekday) Celebration or Observance of the Day

- Mattins: (Invitatory Psalm) ♦ Psalms ♦ First Reading ♦ First Canticle ♦ Second Reading ♦ Office Hymns

- Evensong: Psalms ♦ First Reading ♦ Office Hymns ♦ Second Reading

- Collect(s) relevant to the day. On any feria where no other collect is appropriate, that of the preceding Sunday is used.

- Solemnities, Feasts, and Sundays are listed in BOLD CAPITALS; Solemnities are indicated. Holy Days of obligation are indicated by [HDO] on the title line.


Terminology

First Canticle: Per the BDW, a canticle is read or sung after each scripture reading. This notation indicates the traditional canticle for use after the first reading.

Office Hymn:  At Evensong, the Office Hymn is traditionally read or sung immediately after the first reading, preceding the Magnificat.
                                   
Hymns listed as "E" are from the English Hymnal (Church of England, 1906/33); those listed as "A" are from the Ancient Office Hymn Book (TAC, Parish of St. John the Evangelist, Victoria BC); hymns numbered "B" are from the Book of Common Praise (Anglican, 1938). Where a number of hymns are listed, any one may be used.

SI: Surge Illuminare (BDW Morning #11, p.134).
TD: Te Deum laudamus (BDW Morning #7, p.113 or #21, p.142).


COLLECTS AND READINGS FOR LENT AND 
THE EASTER OCTAVE A.D. 2014

The Collect for the preceding Sunday is used on ferias which are not solemnities, feasts or memorials.

Mar 5 (Wed) [FAST] ASH WEDNESDAY
Mattins: Purple ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 32, 143 ♦ Amos 5:6‑15 ♦ SM ♦ Heb 12:1‑14 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑24, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 102, 130 ♦ Jonah 3:1‑4:11 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑25, B‑827 ♦ Luke 18:9‑14
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mar 6 (Thu) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 37:1‑18 ♦ Hab 3:1‑10(11‑15),16‑18 ♦ SM ♦ Phil 3:12‑21 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑26, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 37:19‑42 ♦ Deut 7:6‑11 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑27, B‑827 ♦ John 17:1‑8
Collect for Ash Wednesday

Mar 7 (Fri) [ABS] cm. Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs
Mattins: Purple ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 31 ♦ Ezek 18:1‑4,25‑32 ♦ SM ♦ Phil 4:1‑9 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑28, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 35 ♦ Deut 7:12‑16 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑29, B‑827 ♦ John 17:9‑19
O HOLY GOD, who gavest great courage to Perpetua, Felicity and their companions: grant that, through their prayers, we may be worthy to climb the ladder of sacrifice and be received into the garden of peace; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth  with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mar 8 (Sat) St. John of God, Religious
Mattins: Purple {John of God: White} ♦ Ps 30, 32 ♦ Ezek 39:21‑29 ♦ SM {John of God: TD} ♦ Phil 4:10‑20 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑30, B‑116 {John of God: E‑188, E‑189, A‑197, B‑217}
Evensong: Purple {John of God: White} ♦ Ps 42, 43 ♦ Deut 7:17‑26 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 {John of God: E‑189, A‑198, B‑846} ♦ John 17:20‑26
St. John of God
O GOD, who didst fill Saint John of God with a spirit of compassion, grant, we pray, that, giving ourselves to works of charity, we may merit to be found among the elect in thy Kingdom.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Mar 9 (Sun) FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 63:1‑8(9‑11), 98 ♦ Dan 9:3‑10 ♦ SM ♦ Heb 2:10‑18 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 103 ♦ Deut 8:1‑10 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ John 12:44‑50
ALMIGHTY GOD, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted of Satan: Make speed to help thy servants who are assaulted by manifold temptations; and, as thou knowest their several infirmities, let each one find thee mighty to save; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Mar 10 (Mon) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 41, 52 ♦ Gen 37:1‑11 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 1:1‑19 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 44 ♦ Deut 8:11‑20 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 1:1‑13


Mar 11 (Tue) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 45 ♦ Gen 37:12‑24 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 1:20‑31 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 47, 48 ♦ Deut 9:4‑12 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 1:14‑28

Mar 12 (Wed) Lenten Feria; Ember Day
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 119:49‑72 [pt 7‑9] ♦ Gen 37:25‑36 ♦ Ben ♦ 1 Cor 2:1‑13 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 49, [53] ♦ Deut 9:13‑21 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 1:29‑45
Ember Collects: See Appendix

Mar 13 (Thu) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 50 ♦ Gen 39:1‑23 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 2:14‑3:15 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps [59, 60] or 19, 46 ♦ Deut 9:23‑10:5 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 2:1‑12

Mar 14 (Fri) [ABS] Lenten Feria; Ember Day
Mattins: Purple ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 40, 54 ♦ Gen 40:1‑23 ♦ Ben ♦ 1 Cor 3:16‑23 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 51 ♦ Deut 10:12‑22 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 2:13‑22
Ember Collects: See Appendix

Mar 15 (Sat) Lenten Feria; Ember Day
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 55 ♦ Gen 41:1‑24 ♦ Ben ♦ 1 Cor 4:1‑7 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 138, 139:1‑17(18‑23) ♦ Deut 11:18‑28 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 2:23‑3:6
Ember Collects: See Appendix

Mar 16 (Sun) SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 24, 29 ♦ Ecclus 48:1‑11 ♦ SM ♦ 2 Cor 3:7‑18 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 8, 84 ♦ Jer 1:1‑10 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Luke 9:18‑27
O GOD, who before the passion of thy only-begotten Son didst reveal his glory upon the holy mount: Grant unto us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mar 17 (Mon) St. Patrick, Bishop
Mattins: Purple {Patrick: White} ♦ Ps 56, 57, [58] ♦ Gen 41:25‑57 ♦ SM {Patrick: TD} ♦ 1 Cor 4:8‑20(21) ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116 {Patrick: E‑188, E‑189, A‑191, B‑211}
Evensong: Purple {Patrick: White} ♦ Ps 64, 65 ♦ Jer 1:11‑19 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 {Patrick: E‑189, A‑192, B‑846} ♦ Mark 3:7‑19a
St. Patrick
ALMIGHTY God, who in thy providence didst choose thy servant Patrick to be the apostle of the people of Ireland: keep alive in us the fire of faith which he kindled, and in this our earthly pilgrimage strengthen us to gain the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mar 18 (Tue) St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop & Doctor
Mattins: Purple {Cyril: White} ♦ Ps 61, 62 ♦ Gen 42:1‑17 ♦ SM {Cyril: TD} ♦ 1 Cor 5:1‑8 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116 {Cyril: E‑188, E‑189, A‑195, B‑553}
Evensong: Purple {Cyril: White} ♦ Ps 68:1‑20(21‑23), 24‑36 ♦ Jer 2:1‑13 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 {Cyril: E‑189, A‑196, B‑846} ♦ Mark 3:19b‑3
St. Cyril
O GOD, who through the Bishop Saint Cyril of Jerusalem didst lead thy Church in a wonderful way to a deeper sense of the mysteries of salvation, grant us, through his intercession, that we may so acknowledge thy Son as to have life ever more abundantly.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Mar 19 (Wed) ST. JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BVM, PATRON OF CANADA [SOLEMNITY]
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 132 ♦ Isa 63:7‑16 ♦ TD ♦ Matt 1:18‑25 ♦ Hymn E‑188, E‑189, A‑97, B‑846
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 34 ♦ 2 Chr 6:12‑17 ♦ Hymn E‑189, A‑98, B‑846 ♦ Eph 3:14‑21
O GOD, who from the family of thy servant David didst raise up Joseph to be the guardian of thy incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to thy commands; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mar 20 (Thu) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps [70], 71 ♦ Gen 42:29‑38 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 6:12‑20 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 74 ♦ Jer 4:9‑10,19‑28 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 4:21‑34
Mar 21 (Fri) [ABS] Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 69:1‑23(24‑30), 31‑38 ♦ Gen 43:1‑15 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 7:1‑9 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 73 ♦ Jer 5:1‑9 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 4:35‑41

Mar 22 (Sat) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 75, 76 ♦ Gen 43:16‑34 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 7:10‑24 ♦ Hymn E‑66, A‑35, B‑116
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 23, 27 ♦ Jer 5:20‑31 ♦ Hymn E‑65, A‑34, B‑827 ♦ Mark 5:1‑20

Mar 23 (Sun) THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 93, 96 ♦ Gen 44:1‑17 ♦ SM ♦ Rom 8:1‑10 ♦ Hymn E‑68, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 34 ♦ Jer 6:9‑15 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ John 5:25‑29
ALMIGHTY God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mar 24 (Mon) EVE OF THE ANNUNCIATION
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 80 ♦ Gen 44:18‑34 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 7:25‑31 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: White* ♦ Ps 8, 138 ♦ Gen 3:1‑15 ♦ Hymn E‑213, A‑99, B‑838 ♦ Rom 5:12‑21 or Gal 4:1‑7

Mar 25 (Tue) ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD (LADY DAY)                                        [SOLEMNITY]
Mattins: White* ♦ Ps 85, 87 ♦ Isa 52:7‑12 ♦ TD ♦ Heb 2:5‑10 ♦ Hymn E‑214, E‑215, A‑100, B‑191, B‑807
Evensong: White* ♦ Ps 110:1‑5(6‑7), 132 ♦ Wis 9:1‑12 ♦ Hymn E‑213, A‑101, B‑83 ♦ John 1:9‑14
WE beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts, that we who have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Mar 26 (Wed) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 119:97‑120 [pt 13‑15] ♦ Gen 45:16‑28 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 8:1‑13 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 81, 82 ♦ Jer 8:18‑9:6 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ Mark 6:13‑29

Mar 27 (Thu) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps [83] or 42, 43 ♦ Gen 46:1‑7,28‑34 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 9:1‑15 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 85, 86 ♦ Jer 10:11‑24 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ Mark 6:30‑46


Mar 28 (Fri) [ABS] Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 88 ♦ Gen 47:1‑26 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 9:16‑27 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 91, 92 ♦ Jer 11:1‑8,14‑20 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ Mark 6:47‑56

Mar 29 (Sat) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 87, 90 ♦ Gen 47:27‑48:7 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 10:1‑13 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 136 ♦ Jer 13:1‑11 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ Mark 7:1‑23

Mar 30 (Sun) FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT (MOTHERING SUNDAY)
Mattins: Rose ♦ Ps 66, 67 ♦ Gen 48:8‑22 ♦ SM ♦ Rom 8:11‑25 ♦ Hymn E‑68, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 29, 46 ♦ Jer 14:1‑9,17‑22 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ John 6:27‑40
GRACIOUS Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which giveth life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Mar 31 (Mon) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 89:1‑13 ♦ Gen 49:1‑28 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 10:14‑11:1 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 89:19‑52 ♦ Jer 16:10‑21 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ Mark 24‑37

April 2014

Apr 1 (Tue) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 97, 99, [100] ♦ Gen 49:29‑50:14 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 11:17‑34 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 94, [95] ♦ Jer 17:19‑27 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ Mark 8:1‑10

Apr 2 (Wed) St. Francis of Paola, Hermit
Mattins: Purple {Francis: White} ♦ Ps 101, 109:1‑4(5‑19), 20‑30 ♦ Gen 50:15‑26 ♦ SM {Francis: TD} ♦ 1 Cor 12:1‑11 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115 {Francis: E‑188, E‑189, A‑197, B‑217}
Evensong: Purple {Francis: White} ♦ Ps 119:121‑144 [pt 16‑18] ♦ Jer 18:1‑11 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 {Francis: E‑189, A‑198, B‑846} ♦ Mark 8:11‑26
St. Francis of Paola
O GOD, exaltation of the lowly, who raised Saint Francis of Paola to the glory of thy Saints, grant, we pray, that by his merits and example we may happily attain the rewards promised to the humble.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Apr 3 (Thu) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 69:1‑23(24‑30), 31‑38 ♦ Exod 1:6‑22 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 12:12‑26 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 73 ♦ Jer 22:13‑23 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 ♦ Mark 8:27‑9:1

Apr 4 (Fri) [ABS] St. Isidore, Bishop & Doctor
Mattins: Purple {Isidore: White} ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 102 ♦ Exod 2:1‑22 ♦ SM {Isidore: TD} ♦ 1 Cor 12:27‑13:3 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115 {Isidore: E‑188, E‑189, A‑195, B‑553}
Evensong: Purple {Isidore: White} ♦ Ps 107:1‑32 ♦ Jer 23:1‑8 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 {Isidore: E‑189, A‑196, B‑846} ♦ Mark 9:2‑13
St. Isidore
GRACIOUSLY hear the prayers, O Lord, which we make in commemoration of Saint Isidore, that thy Church may be aided by his intercession, just as she has been instructed by his heavenly teaching.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Apr 5 (Sat) St. Vincent Ferrer, Priest
Mattins: Purple {Vincent: White} ♦ Ps 107:33‑43, 108:1‑6(7‑13) ♦ Exod 2:23‑3:15 ♦ SM {Vincent: TD} ♦ 1 Cor 13:1‑13 ♦ Hymn E‑68, E‑69, A‑37, B‑115 {Vincent: E‑188, E‑189, A‑197, B‑217}
Evensong: Purple {Vincent: White} ♦ Ps 33 ♦ Jer 23:9‑15 ♦ Hymn E‑67, A‑36, B‑828 {Vincent: E‑189, A‑198, B‑846} ♦ Mark 9:14‑29
St. Vincent Ferrer
O GOD, who raised up the Priest Saint Vincent Ferrer to minister by the preaching of the Gospel, grant, we pray, that, when the Judge comes, whom Saint Vincent proclaimed on earth, we may be among those blessed to behold him reigning in heaven.  Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Apr 6 (Sun) FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT (PASSION SUNDAY)
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 118 ♦ Exod 3:16‑4:12 ♦ SM ♦ Rom 12:1‑21 ♦ Hymn E‑95, A‑39, B‑830 pt 2‑3
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 145 ♦ Jer 23:16‑32 ♦ Hymn E‑94, A‑38, B‑829 ♦ John 8:46‑59
O ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men: Grant unto thy people that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Apr 7 (Mon) cm. St. John Baptist de la Salle, Priest
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 31 ♦ Exod 34:10‑20(21‑26),27‑31 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 14:1‑19 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑40, B‑830 pts 2‑3
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 35 ♦ Jer 24:1‑10 ♦ Hymn E‑94, A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Mark 9:30‑41
St. John Baptist de la Salle
O GOD, who didst choose Saint John Baptist de la Salle to educate young Christians, raise up, we pray, teachers in thy Church ready to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the human and Christian formation of the young.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Apr 8 (Tue) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps [120], 121, 122, 123 ♦ Exod 5:1‑6:1 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 14:20‑33a,39‑40 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑39, B‑830 pt 1
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 124, 125, 126, [127] ♦ Jer 25:8‑17 ♦ Hymn E‑94, A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Mark 9:42‑50

Apr 9 (Wed) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 119:145‑176 [pt 19‑22] ♦ Exod 7:8‑24 ♦ SM ♦ 2 Cor 2:14‑3:6 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑40, B‑830 pts 2‑3
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 128, 129, 130 ♦ Jer 25:30‑38 ♦ Hymn E‑94, A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Mark 10:1‑16

Apr 10 (Thu) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 131, 132, [133] ♦ Exod 7:25‑8:19 ♦ SM ♦ 2 Cor 3:7‑18 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑39, B‑830 pt 1
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 140, 142 ♦ Jer 26:1‑16 ♦ Hymn E‑94, A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Mark 10:17‑31

Apr 11 (Fri) [ABS] St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr
Mattins: Purple {Stanislaus: Red} ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 22 ♦ Exod 9:13‑15 ♦ SM {Stanislaus: TD} ♦ 2 Cor 4:1‑12 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑161, B‑145 {Stanislaus: E‑180, E‑181, A‑187, B‑616}
Evensong: Purple {Stanislaus: Red} ♦ Ps 141, 143:1‑11(12) ♦ Jer 29:1,4‑13 ♦ Hymn E‑94,A‑162, B‑145 {Stanislaus: E‑181, A‑188, B‑845} ♦ Mark 10:32‑45
St. Stanislaus
O GOD, for whose honour the Bishop Saint Stanislaus fell beneath the swords of his persecutors, grant, we pray, that we may persevere strong in faith even until death.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Apr 12 (Sat) Lenten Feria
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 137:1‑6(7‑9), 144 ♦ Exod 10:21‑11:8 ♦ SM ♦ 2 Cor 4:13‑18 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑39, B‑830 pt 1
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 42, 43 ♦ Jer 31:27‑34 ♦ Hymn E‑94, A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Mark 10:46‑52

Apr 13 (Sun) PALM SUNDAY
Mattins: Red ♦ Ps 24, 29 ♦ Zech 9:9‑12 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Tim 6:12‑16 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑40, B‑830 pts 2‑3
Evensong: Red ♦ Ps 103 ♦ Zech 12:9‑11,13:1,7‑9 ♦ Hymn E‑94,A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Luke 19:41‑48
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Apr 14 (Mon) MONDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 51:1‑18(19‑20) ♦ Lam 1:1‑2,6‑12 ♦ SM ♦ 2 Cor 1:1‑7 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑39, B‑830 pt 1
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 69:1‑23 ♦ Jer 12:1‑16 ♦ Hymn E‑94,A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Mark 11:12‑25
ALMIGHTY God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Apr 15 (Tue) TUESDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 6, 12 ♦ Lam 1:17‑22 ♦ SM ♦ 2 Cor 1:8‑22 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑40, B‑830 pts 2‑3
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 94 ♦ Jer 15:10‑21 ♦ Hymn E‑94,A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Mark 11:27‑33
O GOD, who by the passion of thy blessed Son didst make an instrument of shameful death to be unto us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Apr 16 (Wed) WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Mattins: Purple ♦ Ps 55 ♦ Lam 2:1‑9 ♦ SM ♦ 2 Cor 1:23‑2:11 ♦ Hymn E‑95, E‑96, A‑39, B‑830 pt 1
Evensong: Purple ♦ Ps 74 ♦ Jer 17:5‑10,14‑17 ♦ Hymn E‑94,A‑38, B‑829 ♦ Mark 12:1‑11
O LORD God, whose blessed Son our Saviour gave his back to the smiters and hid not his face from shame: Grant us grace to take joyfully the sufferings of the present time, in full assurance of the glory that shall be revealed; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Apr 17 (Thu) MAUNDY THURSDAY
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 102 ♦ Lam 2:10‑18 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Cor 10:14‑17;11:27‑32 ♦ Hymn Omitted
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 142, 143 ♦ Jer 20:7‑11 ♦ Hymn Omitted ♦ Mark 14:12‑25
GOD our Father, whose Son our Lord Jesus Christ in a wonderful Sacrament hath left unto us a memorial of his passion: Grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of his Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of his redemption; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Apr 18 (Fri) [ABS] GOOD FRIDAY
Mattins: Red ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 22 ♦ Lam 3:1‑9,19‑33 ♦ SM ♦ 1 Peter 1:10‑20, John 13:36‑38 ♦ Hymn Omitted
Evensong: Red ♦ Ps 40:1‑14(15‑19), 54 ♦ Wis 1:16‑2:1,12‑22 or Gen 22:1‑14 ♦ Hymn Omitted ♦ [1 Peter 1:10‑20], John 19:38‑42
ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Apr 19 (Sat) HOLY SATURDAY / EASTER EVE
Mattins: White ♦ Inv 95 ♦ Ps 88 ♦ Lam 3:37‑58 ♦ SM ♦ Heb 4:1‑16 ♦ Hymn Omitted
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 27 ♦ Job 19:21‑27a ♦ Hymn Omitted ♦ Rom 8:1‑11
O GOD, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of thy dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Apr 20 (Sun) EASTER DAY                                                                                                [SOLEMNITY]
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 148, 149, 150 ♦ Exod 12:1‑14 ♦ TD ♦ John 1:1‑18 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 113, 114 or 118 ♦ Isa 51:9‑11 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑831 ♦ Luke 24:13‑35 or John 20:19‑23
O GOD, who for our redemption didst give thine only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection hast delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through the same, thy Son Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
or
ALMIGHTY God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by thy life-giving Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Apr 21 (Mon) MONDAY IN THE EASTER OCTAVE
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 93, 98 ♦ Exod 12:14‑27 ♦ TD ♦ 1 Cor 15:1‑11 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑832
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 66 ♦ Jonah 2:1‑9 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑831 ♦ Mark 16:1‑8
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with reverence the Paschal feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Apr 22 (Tue) TUESDAY IN THE EASTER OCTAVE
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 103 ♦ Exod 12:28‑39 ♦ TD ♦ 1 Cor 15:12‑28 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑832
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 111, 114 ♦ Isa 30:18‑21 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑831 ♦ Mark 16:9‑20
O GOD, who by the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be dominion and praise for ever and ever.  Amen.

Apr 23 (Wed) WEDNESDAY IN THE EASTER OCTAVE
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 97, 99 ♦ Exod 12:40‑51 ♦ TD ♦ 1 Cor 15:(29),30‑41 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑832
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 115 ♦ Micah 7:7‑15 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑831 ♦ Matt 28:1‑16
O GOD, whose blessed Son did manifest himself to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open, we pray thee, the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Apr 24 (Thu) THURSDAY IN THE EASTER OCTAVE
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 146, 147 ♦ Exod 13:3‑10 ♦ TD ♦ 1 Cor 15:41‑50 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑832
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 148, 149 ♦ Ezek 37:1‑14 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑831 ♦ Matt 28:16‑20
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery hast established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Apr 25 (Fri) [ABS] FRIDAY IN THE EASTER OCTAVE
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 136 ♦ Exod 13:1‑2,11‑16 ♦ TD ♦ 1 Cor 15:51‑58 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑832
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 118 ♦ Dan 12:1‑4,13 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑831 ♦ Luke 24:1‑12
ALMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification: Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Apr 26 (Sat) SATURDAY IN THE EASTER OCTAVE
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 145 ♦ Exod 13:17‑14:4 ♦ TD ♦ 2 Cor 4:16‑5:10 ♦ Hymn Haec Dies, B‑832
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 104 ♦ Isa 25:1‑9 ♦ Hymn E‑125, A‑41, B‑169 ♦ Mark 12:1,8‑27
WE thank thee, heavenly Father, for that thou hast delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and hast brought us into the kingdom of thy Son; and we pray thee that, as by his death he hath recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to joys eternal; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Apr 27 (Sun) OCTAVE DAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY)                          [SOLEMNITY]
Mattins: White ♦ Ps 146, 147 ♦ Exod 14:5‑22 ♦ TD ♦ 1 john 1:1‑7 ♦ Hymn E‑123, E‑124, A‑42, B‑832
Evensong: White ♦ Ps 111, 112, 113 ♦ Isa 43:8‑13 ♦ Hymn E‑125, A‑44, B‑831 ♦ John 14:1‑7
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery hast established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Appendix 1: Common Collects

Common of Martyrs
ALMIGHTY God, by whose grace and power thy holy martyr N. triumphed over suffering and was faithful unto death: strengthen us with thy grace, that, assisted by his/her prayers we may endure reproach and persecution and faithfully bear witness to the name of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Common of Pastors: for a Bishop
ALMIGHTY God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, who didst call thy servant N. to be a bishop in the Church, to feed thy sheep by the word of Christ and to guide them by his godly example: give us grace to abide by the faith of the Church and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Common of Pastors: for other Pastors
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst call thy servant N. to proclaim thy glory by a life of prayer and the zeal of a true pastor: keep constant in faith the leaders of thy Church and so bless thy people through their ministry that the Church may grow into the full stature of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Common of Pastors: for an Abbot or Abbess
O GOD, by whose grace the blessed Abbot/Abbess N., enkindled with the fire of thy love, became a burning and shining light in thy Church: grant that, aided by his/her prayers we may be inflamed with the same spirit of discipline and love, and ever walk before thee as children of light; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Appendix 2: Ember Collects

For use on ember days or as otherwise appropriate. Ember Collects are generally said in addition to other Collects of the Day.
For an Increase in the Number of Priests
O almighty God, who hast committed to the hands of men the ministry of reconciliation; We humbly beseech thee, by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, to put it into the hearts of many to offer themselves for this ministry; that thereby mankind may be drawn to thy blessed kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.                        
For those to be ordained
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed various orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all who are [now] called to any office and ministry for thy people; and so fill them with the truth of thy doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great Name and for the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For the choice of fit persons for the ministry
O God, who didst lead thy holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that thy Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of thy kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For all Christians in their vocation
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of thy faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all members of thy holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The entire ordo may be found at: 

Monday, 24 February 2014

Sexagesima, Grace and Purgatory

Sexagesima                                                                   STM, Toronto – Feb. 23, 2014

Leviticus 19:1–2, 17–18
Psalm 103:1–4, 8, 10, 12–13
1 Corinthians 3:16–23
Matthew 5:38–48
The Gospel and the other readings today and last week echo God’s call to salvation but also our call to holiness. In the First Reading the Lord speaks to Moses about how we are called away from hate and vengeance to the love of neighbour as self.  Even beyond this in the Gospel Jesus says that we are called to love even our enemies and to be perfect even as God is perfect - Many would close the matter there, saying this is just impossible.
How can even consider being perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. Jesus explains that we make a start by realizing that we are given grace to be imitators of God as his beloved children (Eph. 5:1–2).  This grace begins the process of sanctification but does not come to an end even after our life on earth.
It is God’s love which refines us throughout our lives and the Church teaches us that after death the same grace continues to refine us in the purifying light of Purgatory to prepare us, perfect us, for the vision of God in eternity.
If you are like me you are thankful for this purifying light as we realize how far we are from perfection and how much in need of grace. It is indeed Good News that it is only God’s grace, love and mercy which can perfect us since we do not have the power on our own. However, we must ask for this grace and be open to receive it . . . even when it hurts.
One of the greatest counsels of perfection comes in today’s Gospel which calls us to love and pray even for those who wish us evil or do us ill. That is when this business of grace often begins to hurt. Praying for and trying to love those who hate us or despitefully use us is one of the most difficult things in the world to contemplate much less to accomplish.
Jesus insists that we are to pray for our enemies in sincerity with the knowledge that no matter how much trouble we have with them, they are loved by God and God is seeking to purify them as well.
Only God can give us the grace to love like this without limit—with a love that does not distinguish between friend and foe, overcoming evil with good (Rom. 12:21).
Jesus himself, in his Passion and death, gave us the perfect example of the love that we are called to – no matter how far we may be from it. 
Jesus offered no resistance to the evil—even though he could have commanded legions of angels to fight alongside him. He offered his face to be struck and spit upon. He allowed his garments to be stripped from him. He marched as his enemies compelled him to the Place of the Skull. On the cross he prayed for those who persecuted him (Luke 23:34).
Golgotha - The place of the skull
Jesus showed himself to be the perfect Son of God. By our imitation of him, however small it may be, we are given increasing grace to imitate him more and so we become what we have been created to be – the children of the Father, the eternal Father, the Father whom we share with Jesus and whose face, the beatific vision, is the goal of all humanity.  It is to this vision we aspire and to which we are led when we are finally purified by the divine light of God the Holy Trinity.
We are encouraged by the Psalm today which acknowledges that God does not deal with us as we deserve. God loves us with a Father’s love and saves us from sin and death. God forgives our transgressions and shows us the example of forgiveness which we are called to afford others: “Forgive us our trespasses . . . “as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Forgive us as we forgive, not more, not less.
God has loved us even when we have made ourselves his enemies through our sinfulness. St Paul tells us in his Letter to the Romans: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (see Rom. 5:8).
We have been bought with the price of the blood of God’s only Son (see 1 Cor. 6:20). We belong to Christ now, as St. Paul says in this week’s Epistle. By our baptism, we have been made temples of his Holy Spirit.

And we have been saved to share in his holiness and perfection. So let us glorify him by our lives lived in his worship and service, and by seeking the grace to love others as he loves us – even when it hurts.

Sunday, 23 February 2014

THE CHAIR OF ST . PETER

Homily preached by Fr. John Hodgins at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Streetsville, Ontario, CANADA - Saturday, Feb 22, 2014

Marking the Third Anniversary of the First Anglican Use Mass in Canada celebrated by Father Christopher Phillips in 2011.

Based upon a homily by Benedict XVI for the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter


Today’s Gospel presents Peter, divinely inspired, expressing his firm faith in Jesus as the Son of God and as the promised Messiah.  

In response to this transparent profession of faith, which Peter makes in the name of the other Apostles as well, Jesus reveals to Peter the mission he intends to entrust to him, namely that of being the “rock”, the visible foundation on which the entire spiritual edifice of the Church, the Body of Christ, is built (cf. Mt 16:16-19). 

Peter, Simon's new name meaning “rock” is not a reference to Peter’s personal character, but can be understood only on the basis of a deeper aspect, a mystery: through the office that Jesus confers upon him, Simon Peter will become something that, in terms of “flesh and blood”, he is not. 

The exegete Joachim Jeremias has shown that in the background, the symbolic language of “holy rock” is present. 

A rabbinic text states: “The Lord said, ‘How can I create the world, when these godless men will rise up in revolt against me?’ But when God saw that Abraham was to be born, he said, ‘Look, I have found a rock on which I can build and establish the world.’  Therefore he called Abraham a rock.”

The prophet Isaiah makes reference to this when he calls upon the people to “look to the rock from which you were hewn … look to Abraham your father” (Isaiah 51:1-2).  On account of his faith, Abraham, the father of believers, is seen as the rock that supports creation. 

Simon, the first to profess faith in Jesus as the Christ and the first witness of the resurrection, now, on the basis of his renewed faith, becomes the rock that is to prevail against the destructive forces of evil.

Let us go on a little imaginary pilgrimage, a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s in Rome. The Gospel we read today finds an explanation as we approach one of the most famous artistic treasures of St. Peter’s Basilica: the altar of the Chair.  After passing through the magnificent central nave, and continuing past the transepts, we, the pilgrims arrive in the apse and see before us an enormous bronze throne that seems to hover in mid air, but in reality is supported by the four statues of great Fathers of the Church from East and West. 

Above the throne, surrounded by triumphant angels suspended in the air, the glory of the Holy Spirit shines through the oval window.  What does this sculpture say to us, this product of Bernini’s genius?  It represents a vision of the essence of the Church and the place within the Church of the Petrine Magisterium or teaching office of the Bishop of Rome.
We see the window of the apse opens the Church towards the outside, towards the whole of creation, while the image of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove shows God as the source of light.  But there is also another aspect us to see here: the Church herself is like a window, the place where God draws near to us, where he comes towards our world. 

Pope Benedict in describing this sculpture and its relation to the Church said this:
“The Church does not exist for her own sake, she is not the point of arrival, but she has to point upwards, beyond herself, to the realms above.  The Church is truly herself to the extent that she allows the Other, with a capital “O”, to shine through her – the One from whom she comes and to whom she leads.  The Church is the place where God ‘reaches’ us and where we ‘set off’ towards [God]: she has the task of opening up, beyond itself, a world which tends to become enclosed within itself, the task of bringing to the world the light that comes from above, without which it would be uninhabitable.”

In our imagination we can see that the great bronze throne encloses a wooden chair from the ninth century, which was long thought to be Saint Peter’s own chair and was placed above the huge central  altar because of its great symbolic value.  It expresses the permanent presence of the Apostle in the Teaching Office of his successors – the Magisterium of Faith and Morals which holds the Church in one.

Saint Peter’s chair is the throne of truth which takes its origin from Christ’s commission after the confession at Caesarea Philippi.  Meditating on the magisterial chair we are reminded of the words spoken to Peter by the Lord during the Last Supper: “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren” (Lk 22:32).

The chair of Peter evokes the famous expression from Saint Ignatius of Antioch’s letter to the Romans, where he says of the Church of Rome that she “presides in charity”, caritas, that is, love. (Salutation, PG 5, 801).  In truth, presiding in faith is inseparably linked to presiding in love. 

Faith without love would no longer be authentic Christian faith.  But the words of Saint Ignatius have another much more concrete implication: the word “charity”, in fact, was also used by the early Church to indicate the Eucharist.  The Eucharist is the Sacramentum caritatis Christi, the sacrament of the love of Christ, through which Jesus continues to draw us all to himself, as he did when raised up on the Cross (cf. Jn 12:32). 

To “preside in charity”, then, is to draw men and women into a eucharistic embrace – the embrace of Christ – which surpasses every barrier and every division, creating communion from differences.  This, of course, is the purpose of the Personal Ordinariates, to draw not just Anglicans, but Protestants, unconfirmed Catholics indeed everyone into the unity of the See of Peter – the rock.

Ordinariate missions at to be  a signs of hope drawing people into the unity of faith and love.

The Petrine ministry is a primacy of love in the eucharistic sense. Peter and his successors are a solicitude for the universal communion of the Church in Christ.  And the Eucharist is the shape and the measure of this communion, a guarantee that it will remain faithful to the sacred tradition of the faith as defined by the universal Church.

Symbolically the great Chair at St. Peter’s Basilica is supported by the Fathers of the Church.  The two Eastern masters, Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Athanasius, together with the Latins, Saint Ambrose and Saint Augustine, represent the whole of the scacred teaching tradition, and hence the richness of expression of the true faith of the one Church.  This aspect of the altar teaches us that love rests upon faith. 

Pope Benedict went on to say in a homily delivered at his final consistory: “Love collapses if man no longer trusts in God and disobeys him.  Everything in the Church rests upon faith: the sacraments, the liturgy, evangelization, charity.  Likewise the law and the Church’s authority rest upon faith.  The Church is not self-regulating, she does not determine her own structure but receives it from the word of God, to which she listens in faith as she seeks to understand it and to live it. “

The Magisterium following the teaching of the Fathers of the Church and the Councils fulfills the function of guaranteeing fidelity to sacred Scripture.  They ensure that the Church receives reliable and solid exegesis, capable of forming, in unity with the Chair of Peter, a stable and consistent community of faith – the One Church of Christ drawing all the baptized together in faith. 

The sacred Scriptures, authoritatively interpreted by the Magisterium in the light of the Fathers, shed light upon the Church’s journey through time, providing her with a stable foundation through the ebb and flow of history.

Finally, we see that the altar of the Chair, then, is characterized by a twofold movement: ascending and descending.  This is what Benedict calls “the reciprocity between faith and love.“

The Chair is placed in a prominent position in St. Peter’s, because this is where Saint Peter’s tomb is located, this too indicates the love of God.  Indeed, faith is oriented towards love.  A selfish faith would be an unreal faith.  Whoever believes in Jesus Christ and enters into the dynamic of love that finds its source in the Eucharist, discovers true joy and becomes capable in turn of living according to the logic of gift. 

True faith is illumined by love and leads towards love, leads on high, just as the altar of the Chair points upwards towards the luminous window, the glory of the Holy Spirit, which constitutes the true focus for the pilgrim’s gaze.  That window is given great prominence by the triumphant angels and the great golden rays, with a sense of overflowing fullness that expresses the richness of communion with God.  God is not isolation, but glorious and joyful love, spreading outwards and radiant with light.


My brothers and sisters, the gift of this love has been entrusted to us, to every Christian.  It is a gift to be passed on to others, through the witness of our lives.  This is our task in particular, in the Ordinariate:  to bear witness to the joy of Christ’s love in the unity of faith.