Feast of St Januarius, Bishop and Companion Martyrs: Missa “Salus autem”
St. Januarius and companion martyrs were martyred during the persecution under Diocletian. St. Januarius, patron of the city of Naples and bishop of Beneventum, was beheaded with his deacons and some others. In the great church at Naples are preserved some of the blood of St. Januarius (also called St. Gennaro) in two glass phials, and also his head. The blood is congealed but every year up to the present, it liquefies when placed near the martyr’s head. This miracle has been verified both by scientists and by many pious and learned persons. Cardinal Schuster, Archbishop of Milan, was able to observe it closely and, like others who have studied it, was obliged to confess that there seems to be no possible natural explanation of this event. It may be that in this manner God is pleased to show to the people of Naples that the blood of their great Patron is still active and powerful in the sight, of the Lord, for with God there is no past, but all is present and living in His sight.
INTROIT Psalm 36: 31
The salvation of the just is from the Lord: and He is their protector in the time of trouble. (Ps. 36: 1) Be not emulous of evil-doers: nor envy them that work iniquity. 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 The salvation of the just…
COLLECT
O God, Who dost permit us to celebrate the birthday of Thy holy martyrs, Januarius and Companions, grant us to enjoy their companionship in everlasting beatitude. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.
EPISTLE Hebrews 10: 32-38
Lesson from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews. Brethren, call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions. And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations were made a gazingstock; and on the other, become companions of them that were used in such sort. For you both had compassion on them that were in bands, and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and lasting substance. Do not therefore lose your confidence, which hath a great reward. For patience is necessary for you: that doing the will of God you may receive the promise. For yet a little and a very little while, and He that is to come, will come and will not delay. But my just man liveth by faith.
GRADUAL/ALLELUIA Psalm 33: 18-19
The just cried, and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of all their troubles. V. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart; and He will save the humble of spirit Alleluia, alleluia. V. The white-robed army of martyrs praiseth Thee, O Lord. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Luke 12: 1-8
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: “At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; nor hidden, that shall not be known. For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness, shall be published in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear, in the chambers, shall be preached on the house-tops. And I say to you, my friends, be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom ye shall fear: fear ye him who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. And I say to you, whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God.”
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Wisdom 3: 1-3
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of malice shall not touch them: in the sight of the unwise they seemed to die, but they are in peace, alleluia.
SECRET
We offer Thee, O Lord, the gifts of our devotion; may they be rendered both pleasing unto Thee, for the honor of Thy just ones, and to us, through Thy mercy, helpful to salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R.Amen.
PREFACE of the Common
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: through Christ our Lord. Through Whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the Heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say in lowly praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
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 Matthew 10: 2, 7
That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light; and that which you hear in the ear preach ye upon the housetops.
POSTCOMMUNION
Grant us, we beseech Thee; O Lord, by the intercession of Thy holy martyrs, Januarius and Companions, that what we touch with our lips we may receive with a pure heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, For ever and ever. R. Amen.
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