Blessed Brother Andre Besset (CSC) is of the Holy Cross Brothers/Priests (which founded Notre Dame University in South Bend, and the current president of the University is a Holy Cross priest).

Maybe we should ask Blessed Brother Andre Besset to pray for Notre Dame University.

When Blessed Brother Andre was alive, he built a chapel to Saint Joseph in Montreal. This was part of a school for boys -- Notre Dame School.

So maybe Saint Joseph may be petitioned as well (especially today) to help Blessed Brother Andre change things at Notre Dame.

should have been Blessed Brother Andre Bessette, not "Besset". Sorry folks...

Makes me wonder, “where are we in time”; or perhaps better put, “where are we in Jesus time”. Yea.....it’s kind of a stupid thought I guess.

The
Rosary
Online, in
English
and
Spanish.

People don’t have to read them. These links are for newbies as well as the oldtimers.

In fact, no one even needs to reply on this CATHOLIC CAUCUS thread. The information is always offered.

This is a Catholic Caucus thread. Are you a Catholic?

Office of Readings and Invitatory Psalm

Office of Readings

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

O God, come to my aid.

– O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 71 (72)
The Messiah's royal power
The kings of Tharsis and the islands will offer tribute to the Lord, their king.
Give the king your judgement, O God, give the king’s son your righteousness. Let him judge your people with justice and your poor ones with wisdom. Let the mountains bring peace to your people, let the hills bring righteousness. He will give his judgement to the poor among the people, he will rescue the children of the destitute, he will lay low the false accuser. He will endure with the sun, beneath the moon, from generation to generation. He will come down like rain on the pasture, like a shower that waters the earth. In his time, righteousness will flourish and abundance of peace, until the moon itself is no more. He will rule from coast to coast, from the world’s centre to its farthest edge. The desert-dwellers will cast themselves down before him; his enemies will eat dust at his feet. The kings of Tharsis and the islands will bring tribute, the kings of Arabia and Sheba will bring gifts. All the kings will worship him, all nations will serve him. Because he has given freedom to the destitute who called to him, to the poor, whom no-one will hear. He will spare the poor and the needy, he will keep their lives safe. He will rescue their lives from oppression and violence, their blood will be precious in his sight. He will live long, and receive gifts of gold from Arabia; they will pray for him always, bless him all through the day. There will be abundance of grain in the land, it will wave even from the tops of the mountains; its fruit will be richer than Lebanon. The people will flourish as easily as grass. Let his name be blessed for ever, let his name endure beneath the sun. All the nations of the earth will be blessed in him, all nations will acclaim his greatness. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. Let his majesty be blessed for ever; let it fill all the earth. Amen, amen. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The kings of Tharsis and the islands will offer tribute to the Lord, their king.

Psalm 95 (96)
The Lord, the universal King and judge
Worship the Lord in his holy sanctuary, alleluia.
Sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; day after day, proclaim his saving power. Proclaim his glory to the nations, proclaim to all peoples the wonders he has done. For the Lord is great; great is the praise we owe him, he is to be feared above all gods. The gods of the nations are foolishness, but the Lord made the heavens. Majesty and splendour are all about him, power and honour in his holy place. Bring to the Lord, clans of the peoples, bring to the Lord glory and power, bring to the Lord the glory that belongs to his name. Bring your offerings, enter his courts, worship the Lord in holy attire. Tremble at his presence, all the earth. Say to the nations: “The Lord reigns!” For he has set the world firm, so that it cannot be shaken, and he will judge the peoples with fairness. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, let the sea and its fulness resound. The fields will rejoice, and all that is in them, all the trees of the woods will rejoice at the Lord’s presence – for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge all the world with justice. He will judge all the peoples with fairness. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Worship the Lord in his holy sanctuary, alleluia.

Psalm 96 (97)
The glory of God in his judgements
Praise God, all his angels, alleluia.
The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice, let the many islands be glad. Clouds and dark mist surround him, his throne is founded on law and justice. Fire precedes him, burning up his enemies all around. His lightnings light up the globe; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains flow like wax at the sight of the Lord, at the sight of the Lord the earth dissolves. The heavens proclaim his justice and all peoples see his glory. Let them be dismayed, who worship carved things, who take pride in the images they make. All his angels, worship him. Zion heard and was glad, the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgements, O Lord. For you are the Lord, the Most High over all the earth, far above all other gods. You who love the Lord, hate evil! The Lord protects the lives of his consecrated ones: he will free them from the hands of sinners. A light has arisen for the just, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice, you just, in the Lord and proclaim his holiness. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise God, all his angels, alleluia.

The heavens have proclaimed his justice,

– and all peoples have seen his glory.

Reading	Isaiah 60:1-22 ©
Arise, shine out, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you, though night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples. Above you the Lord now rises and above you his glory appears. The nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness. Lift up your eyes and look round: all are assembling and coming towards you, your sons from far away and your daughters being tenderly carried. At this sight you will grow radiant, your heart throbbing and full; since the riches of the sea will flow to you, the wealth of the nations come to you; camels in throngs will cover you, and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; everyone in Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing the praise of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar will gather inside you, the rams of Nebaioth will be at your service. They will come up, for acceptance, to my altar, to adorn the Temple of my glory. Who are these flying like a cloud, like doves to their cote? Yes, for me the ships are assembling, vessels of Tarshish in the front, to bring your sons from far away, and their silver and gold with them, for the sake of the name of the Lord your God, for the sake of the Holy One of Israel who has made you glorious. Foreigners will rebuild your walls and their kings will be your servants. For though I struck you in anger, in mercy I have pitied you. And your gates will lie open continually, shut neither by day nor by night, for men to bring you the wealth of the nations with their kings leading them; for the nation and kingdom that refuses to serve you shall perish, such nations shall be utterly ruined. The glory of Lebanon will come to you, with cypress and plane and box, to adorn the site of my sanctuary, to glorify the resting place of my feet. The sons of your oppressors will come to you bowing, at your feet shall fall all who despised you. They will call you ‘City of the Lord’, ‘Zion of the Holy One of Israel.’ Though you have been abandoned, and hated and shunned, I will make you an eternal pride, a joy for ever and ever. You will be suckled on the milk of nations, suckled on the riches of kings, and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your saviour, that your redeemer is the Mighty One of Jacob. For bronze I will bring gold; for iron, silver; and bronze for wood; and iron for stone; I will put Peace in as magistrate, and Integrity as the government. Violence will no longer be heard of in your country, nor devastation and ruin within your frontiers. You will call your walls ‘Salvation’ and your gates ‘Praise.’ No more will the sun give you daylight, nor moonlight shine on you, but the Lord will be your everlasting light, your God will be your splendour. Your sun will set no more nor your moon wane, but the Lord will be your everlasting light and your days of mourning will be ended. Your people will all be upright, possessing the land for ever; a shoot that the Lord has planted, my handiwork, designed for beauty. The least among you will become a clan and the smallest a mighty nation. I, the Lord, have spoken; in due time I shall act with speed.

Reading

Isaiah 60:1-22 ©

Arise, shine out, for your light has come,

the glory of the Lord is rising on you,

though night still covers the earth

and darkness the peoples.

Above you the Lord now rises

and above you his glory appears.

The nations come to your light

and kings to your dawning brightness.

Lift up your eyes and look round:

all are assembling and coming towards you,

your sons from far away

and your daughters being tenderly carried.

At this sight you will grow radiant,

your heart throbbing and full;

since the riches of the sea will flow to you,

the wealth of the nations come to you;

camels in throngs will cover you,

and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;

everyone in Sheba will come,

bringing gold and incense

and singing the praise of the Lord.

All the flocks of Kedar will gather inside you,

the rams of Nebaioth will be at your service.

They will come up, for acceptance, to my altar,

to adorn the Temple of my glory.

Who are these flying like a cloud,

like doves to their cote?

Yes, for me the ships are assembling,

vessels of Tarshish in the front,

to bring your sons from far away,

and their silver and gold with them,

for the sake of the name of the Lord your God,

for the sake of the Holy One of Israel who has made you glorious.

Foreigners will rebuild your walls

and their kings will be your servants.

For though I struck you in anger,

in mercy I have pitied you.

And your gates will lie open continually,

shut neither by day nor by night,

for men to bring you the wealth of the nations

with their kings leading them;

for the nation and kingdom that refuses to serve you shall perish,

such nations shall be utterly ruined.

The glory of Lebanon will come to you,

with cypress and plane and box,

to adorn the site of my sanctuary,

to glorify the resting place of my feet.

The sons of your oppressors will come to you bowing,

at your feet shall fall all who despised you.

They will call you ‘City of the Lord’,

‘Zion of the Holy One of Israel.’

Though you have been abandoned,

and hated and shunned,

I will make you an eternal pride,

a joy for ever and ever.

You will be suckled on the milk of nations,

suckled on the riches of kings,

and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your saviour,

that your redeemer is the Mighty One of Jacob.

For bronze I will bring gold;

for iron, silver;

and bronze for wood;

and iron for stone;

I will put Peace in as magistrate,

and Integrity as the government.

Violence will no longer be heard of in your country,

nor devastation and ruin within your frontiers.

You will call your walls ‘Salvation’

and your gates ‘Praise.’

No more will the sun give you daylight,

nor moonlight shine on you,

but the Lord will be your everlasting light,

your God will be your splendour.

Your sun will set no more

nor your moon wane,

but the Lord will be your everlasting light

and your days of mourning will be ended.

Your people will all be upright,

possessing the land for ever;

a shoot that the Lord has planted,

my handiwork, designed for beauty.

The least among you will become a clan

and the smallest a mighty nation.

I, the Lord, have spoken;

in due time I shall act with speed.

Reading	A sermon by Pope St Leo the Great
The Lord has made his salvation known to the whole world
The loving providence of God determined that in the last days he would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ. A promise had been made to the holy patriarch Abraham in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are therefore compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations was to hope not in an earthly progeny but in a progeny from above. Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the patriarchs. Let the children of the promise now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi let all people adore the Creator of the universe; let God be known, not in Judaea only, but in the whole world, so that his name may be great in all Israel. Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate with spiritual joy the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the saints in light, who has rescued us from the power of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. As Isaiah prophesied: the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light, and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord: The Gentiles, who do not know you, will invoke you, and the peoples, who knew you not, will take refuge in you. This is the day that Abraham saw, and rejoiced to see, when he knew that the sons born of his faith would be blessed in his seed, that is, in Christ. Believing that he would be the father of the nations, he looked into the future, giving glory to God, in full awareness that God is able to do what he has promised. This is the day that David prophesied in the psalms, when he said: All the nations that you have brought into being will come and fall down in adoration in your presence, Lord, and glorify your name. Again, the Lord has made known his salvation; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognise and adore the King of heaven and earth. The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ. Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading

A sermon by Pope St Leo the Great

The Lord has made his salvation known to the whole world

The loving providence of God determined that in the last days he would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ.

A promise had been made to the holy patriarch Abraham in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are therefore compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations was to hope not in an earthly progeny but in a progeny from above.

Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the patriarchs. Let the children of the promise now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi let all people adore the Creator of the universe; let God be known, not in Judaea only, but in the whole world, so that his name may be great in all Israel.

Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate with spiritual joy the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the saints in light, who has rescued us from the power of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. As Isaiah prophesied: the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light, and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord: The Gentiles, who do not know you, will invoke you, and the peoples, who knew you not, will take refuge in you.

This is the day that Abraham saw, and rejoiced to see, when he knew that the sons born of his faith would be blessed in his seed, that is, in Christ. Believing that he would be the father of the nations, he looked into the future, giving glory to God, in full awareness that God is able to do what he has promised.

This is the day that David prophesied in the psalms, when he said: All the nations that you have brought into being will come and fall down in adoration in your presence, Lord, and glorify your name. Again, the Lord has made known his salvation; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognise and adore the King of heaven and earth. The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ.

Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn	Te Deum
God, we praise you; Lord, we proclaim you! You, the Father, the eternal – all the earth venerates you. All the angels, all the heavens, every power – The cherubim, the seraphim – unceasingly, they cry: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts: heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory!” The glorious choir of Apostles – The noble ranks of prophets – The shining army of martyrs – all praise you. Throughout the world your holy Church proclaims you. – Father of immeasurable majesty, – True Son, only-begotten, worthy of worship, – Holy Spirit, our Advocate. You, Christ: – You are the king of glory. – You are the Father’s eternal Son. – You, to free mankind, did not disdain a Virgin’s womb. – You defeated the sharp spear of Death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in you. – You sit at God’s right hand, in the glory of the Father. – You will come, so we believe, as our Judge. And so we ask of you: give help to your servants, whom you set free at the price of your precious blood. Number them among your chosen ones in eternal glory. Bring your people to safety, Lord, and bless those who are your inheritance. Rule them and lift them high for ever. Day by day we bless you, Lord: we praise you for ever and for ever. Of your goodness, Lord, keep us without sin for today. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. Let your pity, Lord, be upon us, as much as we trust in you. In you, Lord, I trust: let me never be put to shame.

Hymn

Te Deum

God, we praise you; Lord, we proclaim you!

You, the Father, the eternal –

all the earth venerates you.

All the angels, all the heavens, every power –

The cherubim, the seraphim –

unceasingly, they cry:

“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts:

heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory!”

The glorious choir of Apostles –

The noble ranks of prophets –

The shining army of martyrs –

all praise you.

Throughout the world your holy Church proclaims you.

– Father of immeasurable majesty,

– True Son, only-begotten, worthy of worship,

– Holy Spirit, our Advocate.

You, Christ:

– You are the king of glory.

– You are the Father’s eternal Son.

– You, to free mankind, did not disdain a Virgin’s womb.

– You defeated the sharp spear of Death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in you.

– You sit at God’s right hand, in the glory of the Father.

– You will come, so we believe, as our Judge.

And so we ask of you: give help to your servants, whom you set free at the price of your precious blood.

Number them among your chosen ones in eternal glory.

Bring your people to safety, Lord, and bless those who are your inheritance.

Rule them and lift them high for ever.

Day by day we bless you, Lord: we praise you for ever and for ever.

Of your goodness, Lord, keep us without sin for today.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.

Let your pity, Lord, be upon us, as much as we trust in you.

In you, Lord, I trust: let me never be put to shame.

Concluding Prayer
O God, today you revealed your only-begotten Son to the gentiles by means of a guiding star. Grant that we who already know you by faith may be led ever forward until we see you as you are, in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Seeking the intercession of Blessed Andrew is a great idea. Thanks!

This Religion Forum thread is labeled “Catholic Caucus” meaning if you are not Catholic, do not post on this thread.

Blessed André Bessette, Religious

Blessed André Bessette, Religious
Optional Memorial
January 6th

Unknown Artist

Blessed André Bessette (1845-1937), born near Quebec, entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross as a Brother. He performed humble tasks for over forty years and entrusted all of the poor and sick who flocked to his cell to the care of St. Joseph. During his life he built a chapel to the spouse of the Virgin Mary. After his death, the shrine grew into the great basilica known as St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal.
Source: Daily Roman Missal, Edited by Rev. James Socías, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago, Illinois ©2003

Collect:
Lord our God, friend of the lowly,
You gave your servant, Brother André,
a great devotion to Saint Joseph
and a special commitment to the poor and afflicted.
Through his intercession
help us to follow his example of prayer and love
and so come to share with him in Your glory.
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. +Amen.

Readings are taken from holy men and women (for religious)

I see that I erred also.

Brother Andre

not Brother Andrew

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: January 06, 2010
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Lord our God, friend of the humble, you blessed your servant, Brother Andre with a great devotion to St. Joseph and a real concern for the needy and the afflicted. Through his intercession fill our hearts with compassion, and lead us in the ways of prayer and love that we may enter with him into your glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

RECIPES

ACTIVITIES

PRAYERS

6th

Optional Memorial of Blessed Andre Bessette, religious (Can); Epiphany (traditional) Old Calendar: Epiphany of Our Lord

Blessed Andre was born near Quebec, and entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross as a Brother. He performed humble tasks for over forty years and entrusted all of the poor and sick who flocked to his cell to the care of St. Joseph. During his life he was able to have a chapel built to the spouse of the Virgin Mary. After his death, the shrine grew into the great basilica known as St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal.

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord.

The Thirteenth Day of Christmas

Bl. Andre Bessette
Brother Andre expressed a saint's faith by a lifelong devotion to Saint Joseph.

Sickness and weakness dogged Andre from birth. He was the eighth of twelve children born to a French Canadian couple near Montreal. Adopted at twelve, when both parents had died, he became a farmhand. Various trades followed: shoemaker, baker, blacksmith-all failures. He was a factory worker in the United States during the boom times of the Civil War.

At twenty-five, he applied for entrance into the Congregation of the Holy Cross. After a year's novitiate, he was not admitted because of his weak health. But with an extension and the urging of Bishop Bourget (see Marie-Rose Durocher, October 6), he was finally received. He was given the humble job of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, with additional duties as sacristan, laundry worker and messenger. "When I joined this community, the superiors showed me the door, and I remained forty years."

In his little room near the door, he spent much of the night on his knees. On his windowsill, facing Mount Royal, was a small statue of Saint Joseph, to whom he had been devoted since childhood. When asked about it he said, "Some day, Saint Joseph is going to be honored in a very special way on Mount Royal!"

When he heard someone was ill, he visited to bring cheer and to pray with the sick person. He would rub the sick person lightly with oil taken from a lamp burning in the college chapel. Word of healing powers began to spread.

When an epidemic broke out at a nearby college, Andre volunteered to nurse. Not one person died. The trickle of sick people to his door became a flood. His superiors were uneasy; diocesan authorities were suspicious; doctors called him a quack. "I do not cure," he said again and again. "Saint Joseph cures." In the end he needed four secretaries to handle the eighty thousand letters he received each year.

For many years the Holy Cross authorities had tried to buy land on Mount Royal. Brother Andre and others climbed the steep hill and planted medals of Saint Joseph. Suddenly, the owners yielded. Andre collected two hundred dollars to build a small chapel and began receiving visitors there-smiling through long hours of listening, applying Saint Joseph's oil. Some were cured, some not. The pile of crutches, canes and braces grew.

The chapel also grew. By 1931 there were gleaming walls, but money ran out. "Put a statue of Saint Joseph in the middle. If he wants a roof over his head, he'll get it." The magnificent Oratory on Mount Royal took fifty years to build. The sickly boy who could not hold a job died at ninety.

He is buried at the Oratory and was beatified in 1982. — Saint of the Day, Leonard Foley, O.F.M.

Things to Do:

Read more about the life of Blessed Andre.
Learn more about the Holy Cross Brothers, the order of which Bl. Andre was a member. Pray for an increase in vocations and for those who are already living the religious life.
If you live close to St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, make a pilgrimage. If that's not possible make a virtual pilgrimage.
Say a prayer for the sick who were so dear to the heart of Brother Andre.
Try the recipes offered to sample authentic French Canadian food.

The Thirteenth Day of Christmastide

January 6, Bl. Andre Bessette

Brother André spent most of his days in a narrow lodge, with only a table, some chairs and a bench as furnishings. He was attentive to the needs of all, smiling, obliging. In the evening he would engage in the difficult work of maintaining the parlor and hallway floors. He was on his knees until late at night, washing, polishing, and waxing by the dim light of a candle. — Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval

The use of candles is one of the loveliest Christmas customs that we can keep on using throughout the year. Now, more than ever, Christmas is a festival of light in a dark world, a time to hold our candles high, and to teach our children all the little ceremonies which make life gracious and full of meaning. No matter how long we live, nor how learned we become, we may travel the world over, and find nothing more beautiful than candlelight on the face of a child. "Now the Lord be thanked because we have light." — Dorothy Albaugh Stickell

Day Thirteen activity (Candles for the Domestic Church)
Day Thirteen recipe (Yule Spice Cake)

Lauds -- Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted here.

Psalm 62 (63) Thirsting for God

The Magi opened their treasure-chests and gave the Lord gold, frankincense and myrrh, alleluia.

O God, you are my God, I watch for you from the dawn.

My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you.

I came to your sanctuary,

as one in a parched and waterless land,

so that I could see your might and your glory.

My lips will praise you, for your mercy is better than life itself.

Thus I will bless you throughout my life,

and raise my hands in prayer to your name;

my soul will be filled as if by rich food,

and my mouth will sing your praises and rejoice.

I will remember you as I lie in bed,

I will think of you in the morning,

for you have been my helper,

and I will take joy in the protection of your wings.

My soul clings to you; your right hand raises me up.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

The Magi opened their treasure-chests and gave the Lord gold, frankincense and myrrh, alleluia.

Canticle	Daniel 3

All creatures, bless the Lord

Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; springs of water, sing hymns to the Lord, alleluia.

Bless the Lord, all his works,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you heavens;

all his angels, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, you waters above the heavens;

all his powers, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, sun and moon;

all stars of the sky, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, rain and dew;

all you winds, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, fire and heat;

cold and warmth, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, dew and frost;

ice and cold, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, ice and snow;

day and night, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, light and darkness;

lightning and storm-clouds, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, all the earth,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, mountains and hills;

all growing things, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, seas and rivers;

springs and fountains, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, whales and fish;

birds of the air, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, wild beasts and tame;

sons of men, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, O Israel,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, his priests;

all his servants, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the just;

all who are holy and humble, bless the Lord.

Ananias, Azarias, Mishael, bless the Lord,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Let us bless Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

praise and exalt them for ever.

Bless the Lord in the firmament of heaven,

praise and glorify him for ever.

Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; springs of water, sing hymns to the Lord, alleluia.

Psalm 149 The saints rejoice

Your light has come, Jerusalem, and the glory of the Lord is rising on you. All peoples will walk in your light, alleluia.

Sing a new song to the Lord,

his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel rejoice in its maker,

and the sons of Zion delight in their king.

Let them praise his name with dancing,

sing to him with timbrel and lyre,

for the Lord’s favour is upon his people,

and he will honour the humble with victory.

Let the faithful celebrate his glory,

rejoice even in their beds,

the praise of God in their throats;

and swords ready in their hands,

to exact vengeance upon the nations,

impose punishment on the peoples,

to bind their kings in fetters

and their nobles in manacles of iron,

to carry out the sentence that has been passed:

this is the glory prepared for all his faithful.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

Your light has come, Jerusalem, and the glory of the Lord is rising on you. All peoples will walk in your light, alleluia.

Short reading	Isaiah 52:7-10 ©

How beautiful on the mountains,

are the feet of one who brings good news,

who heralds peace, brings happiness,

proclaims salvation,

and tells Zion,

‘Your God is king!’

Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices,

they shout for joy together,

for they see the Lord face to face,

as he returns to Zion.

Break into shouts of joy together,

you ruins of Jerusalem;

for the Lord is consoling his people,

redeeming Jerusalem.

The Lord bares his holy arm

in the sight of all the nations,

and all the ends of the earth shall see

the salvation of our God.

Short Responsory

All the kings of the earth will worship him.

– All the kings of the earth will worship him.

All the peoples will serve him.

– All the kings of the earth will worship him.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– All the kings of the earth will worship him.

Canticle	Benedictus

The Messiah and his forerunner

Today the Church is united to her spouse in heaven, because Christ has washed her sins away in the Jordan. The Magi hurry with gifts to the nuptials of the King. Water becomes wine to give joy to the wedding guests. Alleluia.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.

He has raised up the sign of salvation

in the house of his servant David,

as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones,

his prophets through the ages:

to rescue us from our enemies

and all who hate us,

to take pity on our fathers,

to remember his holy covenant

and the oath he swore to Abraham our father,

that he would give himself to us,

that we could serve him without fear

– freed from the hands of our enemies –

in uprightness and holiness before him,

for all of our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High:

for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,

to let his people know their salvation,

so that their sins may be forgiven.

Through the bottomless mercy of our God,

one born on high will visit us

to give light to those who walk in darkness,

who live in the shadow of death;

to lead our feet in the path of peace.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

Today the Church is united to her spouse in heaven, because Christ has washed her sins away in the Jordan. The Magi hurry with gifts to the nuptials of the King. Water becomes wine to give joy to the wedding guests. Alleluia.

Prayers and Intercessions

Today the Magi came to worship our Saviour. Let us venerate him also as we say:

– Light of light, shine on this day.

Christ, made manifest in the flesh,

sanctify us by the word of God and by prayer.

– Light of light, shine on this day.

Christ, vindicated in the Spirit,

free our life from spirits of error.

– Light of light, shine on this day.

Christ, who appeared to the angels,

let us receive on earth a share in that heavenly glory.

– Light of light, shine on this day.

Christ, preached to the nations,

by the power of the Holy Spirit open the hearts of men.

– Light of light, shine on this day.

Christ, believed in by the world,

renew the faith of all believers.

– Light of light, shine on this day.

Christ, taken up into glory,

ignite in us a desire for your kingdom.

– Light of light, shine on this day.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

O God, today you revealed your only-begotten Son to the gentiles by means of a guiding star.

Grant that we who already know you by faith

may be led ever forward until we see you as you are, in heaven.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

Amen.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Mark 6:45-52

He went off to the mountain to pray. (Mark 6:46)

If we were asked what stands out the most about today’s reading, this verse might not be the one we’d pick. We might highlight instead the verses where Jesus came to the apostles’ rescue, effortlessly walking on the water and calming the wind. We might say how wonderful it is that Jesus demonstrated his power in such a spectacular fashion, leaving no doubt that he was the answer to the apostles’ doubt and distress.

Miracles naturally get our attention, but the fact that Jesus prayed is no less significant. It means that although he was divine, he also chose to submit to his Father. Mark tells us that Jesus got up early in the morning to pray in a “deserted place” (Mark 1:35). Clearly, Jesus was careful never to do anything unless he knew it was in line with his Father’s will and his plan for our salvation.

What about us? If Jesus felt the need to pray, how much more do we need this contact with God! When we don’t pray at all, we are sidetracked by the first distraction that comes our way. When we pray only sporadically, we may give up too easily and not take the time to hear the Lord. But if we follow Jesus’ example of getting away from the crowds regularly and seeking God’s presence, we are more likely to see measurable results. Even if we don’t see a miracle, or if our problems don’t disappear right away, we can be at peace knowing that Jesus is in the boat with us, calming the storms in our hearts and building up our faith.

Sometimes we see the glory of God during a time of crisis or emergency. But other times we find the Lord when life is going smoothly and everything is as calm as a quiet, placid lake. Both experiences, of course, are valid, but wisdom tells us not to wait for a time of emergency to find the Lord. It’s best to seek him out every day. He wants you to become a messenger of his truth and love. You don’t have to walk on water to bring Christ into someone’s life—but you do have to pray!

“Lord, show me how to ‘get away’ to be with you. Give me the grace to seek you not just in the storms but every day. Lord, I want to find you!”

1 John 4:11-18; Psalm 72:1-2,10,12-13

Secret Harbor ~ Portus Secretioris

06 January 2010

The Light Which Knows No Setting

In part, what is proclaimed in the Readings at the Carthusian Night Office for the feast of the Epiphany are bits and pieces from the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, “Lumen Gentium”. Here is what the monks heard and reflected upon.

Christ instituted the new covenant, calling together a people made up of Jew and gentile, making them one, not according to the flesh but in the Spirit. This was to be the new people of God. For those who believe in Christ, who are reborn not from a perishable but from an imperishable seed through the word of the living God, not from the flesh but from water and the Holy Spirit, are finally established as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people . . . who in times past were not a people, but are now the people of God.

That messianic people has Christ for its Head, Who was delivered up for our sins, and rose again for our justification, and now, having won a Name which is above all names, reigns in glory in heaven. The state of this people is that of the dignity and freedom of the sons of God. Thus, the messianic people, although it does not actually include all men, and at times may look like a small flock, is nonetheless a lasting and sure seed of unity, hope and salvation for the whole human race. Established by Christ as a communion of life, charity and truth, it is also used by Him as an instrument for the redemption of all, and is sent forth into the whole world as the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

Israel according to the flesh, which wandered as an exile in the desert, was already called the Church of God. So likewise the new Israel which while living in this present age goes in search of a future and abiding city is called the Church of Christ. For He has bought it for Himself with His Blood, has filled it with His Spirit and provided it with those means which befit it as a visible and social union. God gathered together as one all those who in faith look upon Jesus as the Author of salvation and the Source of unity and peace, and established them as the Church that for each and all it may be the visible Sacrament of this saving unity. While it transcends all limits of time and confines of race, the Church is destined to extend to all regions of the earth and so enters into the history of mankind. Moving forward through trial and tribulation, the Church is strengthened by the power of God's grace, which was promised to her by the Lord, so that in the weakness of the flesh she may not waver from perfect fidelity, but remain a Bride worthy of her Lord, and moved by the Holy Spirit may never cease to renew herself, until through the Cross she arrives at the light which knows no setting.

It follows that though there are many nations there is but one people of God, making them citizens of a Kingdom which is of a heavenly rather than of an earthly nature. All the faithful, scattered though they be throughout the world, are in communion with each other in the Holy Spirit, and so, he who dwells in Rome knows that the people of India are his members. Since the Kingdom of Christ is not of this world the Church or people of God in establishing that Kingdom takes nothing away from the temporal welfare of any people. On the contrary it fosters and takes to itself, insofar as they are good, the ability, riches and customs in which the genius of each people expresses itself. Taking them to itself it purifies, strengthens, elevates and ennobles them. The Church in this is mindful that she must bring together the nations for that King to Whom they were given as an inheritance, and to Whose city they bring gifts and offerings.

Vultus Christi

Epiphany Blessing: Christus mansionem benedicat

By

Father Mark

on January 6, 2010 8:15 AM |

For those of you who keep the Epiphany of the Lord on the traditional date of January 6th, and for those of you who haven't yet blessed your houses for the Epiphany, here again is the traditional blessing from the Roman Ritual with a little explanation of it.

Epiphany Inscription Over the Doorway of the Home
20 + C + M + B + 10

The letters have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat. May Christ bless the house.” The letters recall the day on which the inscription is made, as well as the purpose of blessing.

The crosses represent the protection of the Precious Blood of Christ, Whose Sacred Name we invoke, and also the holiness of the Three Magi sanctified by their adoration of the Infant Christ.

The inscription is made above the front door, so that all who enter and depart this year may enjoy God's blessing. The month of January still bears the name of the Roman god Janus, the doorkeeper of heaven and protector of the beginning and end of things. This blessing "christens" the ancient Roman observance of the first month. The inscription is made of chalk, a product of clay, which recalls the human nature taken by the Adorable and Eternal Word of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

To bless your home this Epiphany, first read the Prologue of Saint John's Gospel, followed by the Our Father, and the Collect of the Epiphany; then write the inscription for this year above your front door with blessed chalk.

Blessing of Chalk

V. Our help is the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.

Let us pray.

Bless, O Lord God, this creature chalk
to render it helpful to your people.
Grant that they who use it in faith
and with it inscribe upon the doors of their homes
the names of your saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar,
may through their merits and intercession
enjoy health of body and protection of soul.
Through Christ our Lord.

And the chalk is sprinkled with Holy Water.

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted here.

Psalm 109 (110) The Messiah, king and priest

The King of peace is great, above all the kings of the world.

The Lord has said to my lord:

“Sit at my right hand

while I make your enemies your footstool.”

From Zion the Lord will give you a sceptre,

and you will rule in the midst of your foes.

Royal power is yours in the day of your strength,

among the sacred splendours.

Before the dawn, I begot you from the womb.

The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent:

“You are a priest for ever,

a priest of the priesthood of Melchisedech.”

The Lord is at your right hand,

and on the day of his anger he will shatter kings.

He will drink from the stream as he goes –

he will hold his head high.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

The King of peace is great, above all the kings of the world.

Psalm 111 (112) How blessed are the just

A light has been lit in the shadows for the upright of heart: the Lord is compassionate, kind, and just.

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord

and loves his commands above all things.

His seed will be powerful on earth:

the descendants of the just will be blessed.

Glory and riches will fill his house,

and his righteousness will stand firm for ever.

He rises up in the darkness,

a light for the upright,

compassionate, generous, and just.

Happy the man who takes pity and lends,

who directs his affairs with wisdom –

he will never be shaken.

The just man will be remembered for ever,

no slander will he fear.

His heart is ready, hoping in the Lord;

his heart is strong, it will not fear,

until he looks down on his defeated enemies.

He gives alms and helps the poor:

his righteousness will endure for ever,

his future will be glorious.

The transgressor will see, and be enraged:

he will grind his teeth and fade away.

The desires of the wicked will perish.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

A light has been lit in the shadows for the upright of heart: the Lord is compassionate, kind, and just.

Canticle	Apocalypse 15

A hymn of adoration

All the peoples you have made shall come and worship in your presence, O Lord.

Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God Almighty;

just and true are your ways, King of all nations!

Who, Lord, will not revere and glorify your name?

For you alone are holy.

All nations will come and worship in your presence,

for your judgements have been seen by all.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

All the peoples you have made shall come and worship in your presence, O Lord.

Short reading	Titus 3:4-5 ©

But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves: it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit.

Short Responsory

All the tribes of the earth will be blessed in him.

– All the tribes of the earth will be blessed in him.

All nations will proclaim his greatness.

– All the tribes of the earth will be blessed in him.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– All the tribes of the earth will be blessed in him.

Canticle	Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

We celebrate a day that is made holy by three miracles: today the star led the Magi to the manger; today the water was turned into wine at the wedding feast; today Christ chose to be baptized by John in the Jordan, for our salvation. Alleluia.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.

For he has shown me such favour –

me, his lowly handmaiden.

Now all generations will call me blessed,

because the mighty one has done great things for me.

His name is holy,

his mercy lasts for generation after generation

for those who revere him.

He has put forth his strength:

he has scattered the proud and conceited,

torn princes from their thrones;

but lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things;

the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,

he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

We celebrate a day that is made holy by three miracles: today the star led the Magi to the manger; today the water was turned into wine at the wedding feast; today Christ chose to be baptized by John in the Jordan, for our salvation. Alleluia.

Prayers and Intercessions

Today the Magi came to worship our Saviour. Let us venerate him also as we say:

– Lord, save us in our need.

King of the nations, you chose the Magi as the first-fruits of the harvest of the nations and you called them to worship you:

give us a spirit of worship and of service.

– Lord, save us in our need.

King of glory, you give just judgement to your people:

give mankind abundant peace.

– Lord, save us in our need.

Eternal King, you reign from generation to generation:

instil your word drop by drop into our hearts.

– Lord, save us in our need.

Righteous King, you liberate the poor who have no-one to stand by them:

look kindly on those burdened with sadness and affliction.

– Lord, save us in our need.

Lord, all ages bless your name:

give fullness of salvation to our deceased brethren.

– Lord, save us in our need.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

O God, today you revealed your only-begotten Son to the gentiles by means of a guiding star.

Grant that we who already know you by faith

may be led ever forward until we see you as you are, in heaven.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

Amen.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

Mark
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Mark 6
45.	And immediately he obliged his disciples to go up into the ship, that they might go before him over the water to Bethsaida, whilst he dismissed the people.	Et statim coëgit discipulos suos ascendere navim, ut præcederent eum trans fretum ad Bethsaidam, dum ipse dimitteret populum.	και ευθεως ηναγκασεν τους μαθητας αυτου εμβηναι εις το πλοιον και προαγειν εις το περαν προς βηθσαιδαν εως αυτος απολυση τον οχλον
46.	And when he had dismissed them, he went up to the mountain to pray.	Et cum dimisisset eos, abiit in montem orare.	και αποταξαμενος αυτοις απηλθεν εις το ορος προσευξασθαι
47.	And when it was late, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and himself alone on the land.	Et cum sero esset, erat navis in medio mari et ipse solus in terra.	και οψιας γενομενης ην το πλοιον εν μεσω της θαλασσης και αυτος μονος επι της γης
48.	And seeing them labouring in rowing, (for the wind was against them,) and about the fourth watch of the night, he cometh to them walking upon the sea, and he would have passed by them.	Et videns eos laborantes in remigando (erat enim ventus contrarius eis) et circa quartam vigiliam noctis venit ad eos ambulans supra mare : et volebat præterire eos.	και ειδεν αυτους βασανιζομενους εν τω ελαυνειν ην γαρ ο ανεμος εναντιος αυτοις και περι τεταρτην φυλακην της νυκτος ερχεται προς αυτους περιπατων επι της θαλασσης και ηθελεν παρελθειν αυτους
49.	But they seeing him walking upon the sea, thought it was an apparition, and they cried out.	At illi ut viderunt eum ambulantem supra mare, putaverunt phantasma esse, et exclamaverunt.	οι δε ιδοντες αυτον περιπατουντα επι της θαλασσης εδοξαν φαντασμα ειναι και ανεκραξαν
50.	For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he spoke with them, and said to them: Have a good heart, it is I, fear ye not.	Omnes enim viderunt eum, et conturbati sunt. Et statim locutus est cum eis, et dixit eis : Confidite, ego sum : nolite timere.	παντες γαρ αυτον ειδον και εταραχθησαν και ευθεως ελαλησεν μετ αυτων και λεγει αυτοις θαρσειτε εγω ειμι μη φοβεισθε
51.	And he went up to them into the ship, and the wind ceased: and they were far more astonished within themselves:	Et ascendit ad illos in navim, et cessavit ventus. Et plus magis intra se stupebant :	και ανεβη προς αυτους εις το πλοιον και εκοπασεν ο ανεμος και λιαν εκ περισσου εν εαυτοις εξισταντο και εθαυμαζον
52.	For they understood not concerning the loaves; for their heart was blinded.	non enim intellexerunt de panibus : erat enim cor eorum obcæcatum.	ου γαρ συνηκαν επι τοις αρτοις ην γαρ αυτων η καρδια πεπωρωμενη

Office of Readings

Daily Readings for: January 06, 2010(Readings on USCCB website)

RECIPES

ACTIVITIES

PRAYERS

Optional Memorial of Blessed Andre Bessette, religious (Can); Epiphany (traditional) Old Calendar: Epiphany of Our Lord

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

A M E N

Meditation: Mark 6:45-52

06 January 2010

The Light Which Knows No Setting

Epiphany Blessing: Christus mansionem benedicat

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

A M E N

Daily Readings for: January 06, 2010
(Readings on USCCB website)