St Titus of Crete, Bishop Confessor, Commemoration of St Dorothy of Caesarea: Missa “Statuit“
St Titus was a disciple and fellow labourer of the blessed Apostle Paul, trained by him not only in doctrine but in the governance of the Church. Chosen for his prudence and steadfastness, he was sent by the Apostle to difficult missions, especially to Corinth, where grave dissensions troubled the faithful. By his firmness joined to charity, he restored peace and strengthened the brethren.
Afterwards the Apostle left him in Crete, a region noted for instability of character and corruption of morals, charging him to set in order the things that were wanting and to ordain priests in every city. Thus Titus exercised true apostolic authority, guarding sound doctrine, correcting error, and forming the clergy according to the rule of faith delivered by the Apostles.
In the Epistle addressed to him, Paul exhorts Titus to be a pattern of good works, sound speech, and gravity, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus fulfilled this charge faithfully, governing the Church entrusted to him not by novelty, but by adherence to the tradition he had received. Having laboured long in the service of Christ, he departed this life in peace, leaving to the Church an example of pastoral vigilance, doctrinal fidelity, and patient perseverance.
St Dorothy of Caesarea flourished in the time of the Emperor Diocletian and suffered martyrdom at Caesarea in Cappadocia. From her youth she had consecrated herself wholly to Christ, despising the vanities of the world and guarding with constancy the purity of both body and soul. When persecution arose, she was brought before the judge and commanded to deny the faith and offer sacrifice to idols.
Remaining steadfast, she professed Christ with calm courage and endured torments with patience. Mocked by the persecutors, she was asked to send flowers and fruit from the paradise she professed to hope for. By divine power, at the hour of her execution, a child appeared bearing roses and apples, which were delivered to one who had derided her faith. By this sign many were moved to wonder at the truth of the promises of Christ.
At last, having confessed the holy name unto death, she received the crown of martyrdom. The Church venerates her as a witness to the joy prepared for those who persevere in faith, and as a sign that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come.
INTROIT Ecclesiasticus 45: 30
The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince: that the dignity of priesthood should be to him for ever. (Ps. 131: 1) O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness. v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Repeat Simon Peter, If thou lovest Me…
COLLECT
O God, Who adorned blessed Titus, Your Confessor and Bishop, with the virtues of an apostle, grant, through his merits and intercession, that by living justly and piously in this world, we may be found worthy to enter heaven. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
Commemoration S. Dorothy virgin and martyr
May blessed Dorothy, Virgin and Martyr, who was ever pleasing to You by the merit of her chastity and by her trust in Your power, implore for us Your forgiveness, we beseech You, O Lord. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
EPISTLE Ecclesiasticus 44. 16-27; 45. 3-20
Lesson from the Book of Wisdom. (Noah) Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just; and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. (Abraham) There was not found the like to him who kept the law of the most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him to increase among his people (Isaac) He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings; He preserved for him His mercy ; and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. (Moses) He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. (Aaron) He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood : and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praised in His name, and to offer him a worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.
GRADUAL Ecclesiasticus Sir 44:16, 20
Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God.
V. There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.
Ps 111:1-3 Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands.
V. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed.
V. Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever.
GOSPEL Luke 10:1-9
At that time, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and sent them forth two by two before Him into every town and place where He Himself was about to come. And He said to them, The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest. Go. Behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry neither purse, nor wallet, nor sandals, and greet no one on the way. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if a son of peace be there, your peace will rest upon him; but if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they have; for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. And whatever town you enter, and they receive you, eat what is set before you, and cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Psalm 88: 21-22
I have found David My servant, with My holy oil I have anointed him : for My hand shall help him, and My arm shall strengthen him.
SECRET
May Your Saints, we beseech You, O Lord, everywhere make us joyful: so that, while we reflect upon their merits, we may enjoy their help. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
Commemoration S. Dorothy virgin and martyr
Graciously accept the sacrificial gifts offered You, O Lord, through the merits of blessed Dorothy, Your Virgin and Martyr, and grant they may prove an unfailing aid for us. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
PREFACE of the Common
It is truly meet and just, and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to thee, O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, through Christ, our Lord. Though whom the angels praise thy majesty, the dominions adore it, the powers are in awe. Which the heavens and the hosts of heaven together with the blessed seraphim joyfully do magnify. And do thou command that it be permitted to us join with them in confessing thee, while we say with lowly praise:
ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Oh my Jesus,
I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
As though Thou were already there,
I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee.
Permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee. Amen.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12: 42
This is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family: to give them their measure of wheat in due season.
POSTCOMMUNION
Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that as we thank You for the favors we have received, we may, by the intercession of blessed Titus, Your Confessor and Bishop, obtain still greater blessings. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
Commemoration S. Dorothy virgin and martyr
We who have been refreshed by the richness of Your divine sacrament beseech You, O Lord our God, that through the intercession of blessed Dorothy, Your Virgin and Martyr, we may forevermore abide in its participation. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.
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