September 15 - Our Lady of Sorrows, "Woman of the New Covenant" (5)
HYMN
At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.
Let me to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.
Wounded with his every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In his very blood away.
Be to me, O Virgin nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die
In his awful judgment day.
Christ when you shall call me hence,
Be your mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally. Amen
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.
Ant. 1 In the blood of the Cross,
God has made you spouse and mother,
ever a virgin.
PSALM 122 Greeting to the Holy City of Jerusalem
You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22).
I rejoiced when they said to me, *
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
And now our feet are standing *
within your gates, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city,*
walled round about.
Here the tribes have come, the tribes of the Lord, †
as it was decreed for Israel, *
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
Here are the thrones of justice, *
the thrones of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray: *
“May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your ramparts, *
prosperity within your towers.”
For family and friends *
I say, “May peace be yours.”
For the house of the Lord, our God,*
I pray, “May blessings be yours.”
Ant. 1 In the blood of the Cross,
God has made you spouse and mother,
ever a virgin.
Ant. 2 You were the chosen one of God,
O Virgin Mary;
all peoples will praise you forever.
PSALM 127 All toil is useless without the Lord
Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. You are God's field, God's building. (1 Corinthians3:7,9)
Unless the Lord build the house, *
they labor in vain who build.
Unless the Lord guard the city, *
in vain does the guard keep watch.
It is vain for you to rise early *
and put off your rest at night,
To eat bread earned by hard toil-- *
all this God gives to his beloved in sleep.
Children too are a gift from the Lord,*
the fruit of the womb, a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children born in one's youth.
Blessed are they *
whose quivers are full.
They will never be shamed *
contending with foes at the gate.
Ant. 2 You were the chosen one of God,
O Virgin Mary;
all peoples will praise you forever.
Ant. 3 The beauty of your Son Jesus
has made you resplendent.
CANTICLE cf Ephesians 1:3-10 God our Savior
In the Virgin Mother, Christ has revealed to us the mystery of the Father.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, †
who has blessed us in Christ *
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him, †
before the foundation of the world, *
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us †
for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, *
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace *
that he granted us in the beloved.
In Christ we have redemption by his blood, *
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace *
that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight †
God has made known to us the mystery of his will *
in accord with his favor that he set forth in him,
as a plan for the fullness of times, *
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
Ant. 3 The beauty of your Son Jesus
has made you resplendent.
READING 2 Timothy 2:10-12a
I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him.
RESPONSORY
R. Mary was standing * near the cross of her Son.
-- Mary was standing near the cross of her Son.
V. She faced the martyrdom of her heart with strength,
-- near the cross of her Son.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-- Mary was standing near the cross of her Son.
Magnificat Ant. We rejoice with you, Woman of the New Covenant;
through the Cross of your Son, death has been defeated.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; *
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; *
behold, from now on all ages will call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, *
and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age *
to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm, *
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones*
but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things; *
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, *
remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers, *
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
Magnificat Ant. We rejoice with you, Woman of the New Covenant;
through the Cross of your Son, death has been defeated.
INTERCESSIONS
With Our Lady of Sorrows, let us look lovingly at the crucified Christ and pray to our heavenly Father saying:
Reveal to us, Father, the mysterious glory of the Cross.
God of love, in the blood of your Son, poured out on the Cross, you ratified the eternal covenant with your people,
- grant that we may live it as Mary did, faithful to your loving plan and in solidarity with all our sisters and brothers.
God of compassion, in view of Christ’s Paschal Mystery, you preserved the Virgin Mary undefiled,
- keep us free from sin.
God of life, you strengthened Mary at the foot of the Cross and filled her with joy at the resurrection of her Son,
- support us amid the trials of life and strengthen us in hope.
God of peace, in the blood of your Son you reconciled humanity to yourself and restored harmony in creation,
- make us builders of peace, generous in service and solicitous in love.
God of kindness, through your Son, the sole Mediator, who died and rose for us,
- grant to our deceased brothers and sisters a share in the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Our Father.
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.
Let me to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.
Wounded with his every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In his very blood away.
Be to me, O Virgin nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die
In his awful judgment day.
Christ when you shall call me hence,
Be your mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally. Amen
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.
Ant. 1 In the blood of the Cross,
God has made you spouse and mother,
ever a virgin.
PSALM 122 Greeting to the Holy City of Jerusalem
You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22).
I rejoiced when they said to me, *
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
And now our feet are standing *
within your gates, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city,*
walled round about.
Here the tribes have come, the tribes of the Lord, †
as it was decreed for Israel, *
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
Here are the thrones of justice, *
the thrones of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray: *
“May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your ramparts, *
prosperity within your towers.”
For family and friends *
I say, “May peace be yours.”
For the house of the Lord, our God,*
I pray, “May blessings be yours.”
Ant. 1 In the blood of the Cross,
God has made you spouse and mother,
ever a virgin.
Ant. 2 You were the chosen one of God,
O Virgin Mary;
all peoples will praise you forever.
PSALM 127 All toil is useless without the Lord
Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. You are God's field, God's building. (1 Corinthians3:7,9)
Unless the Lord build the house, *
they labor in vain who build.
Unless the Lord guard the city, *
in vain does the guard keep watch.
It is vain for you to rise early *
and put off your rest at night,
To eat bread earned by hard toil-- *
all this God gives to his beloved in sleep.
Children too are a gift from the Lord,*
the fruit of the womb, a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children born in one's youth.
Blessed are they *
whose quivers are full.
They will never be shamed *
contending with foes at the gate.
Ant. 2 You were the chosen one of God,
O Virgin Mary;
all peoples will praise you forever.
Ant. 3 The beauty of your Son Jesus
has made you resplendent.
CANTICLE cf Ephesians 1:3-10 God our Savior
In the Virgin Mother, Christ has revealed to us the mystery of the Father.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, †
who has blessed us in Christ *
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him, †
before the foundation of the world, *
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us †
for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, *
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace *
that he granted us in the beloved.
In Christ we have redemption by his blood, *
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace *
that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight †
God has made known to us the mystery of his will *
in accord with his favor that he set forth in him,
as a plan for the fullness of times, *
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
Ant. 3 The beauty of your Son Jesus
has made you resplendent.
READING 2 Timothy 2:10-12a
I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him.
RESPONSORY
R. Mary was standing * near the cross of her Son.
-- Mary was standing near the cross of her Son.
V. She faced the martyrdom of her heart with strength,
-- near the cross of her Son.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-- Mary was standing near the cross of her Son.
Magnificat Ant. We rejoice with you, Woman of the New Covenant;
through the Cross of your Son, death has been defeated.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; *
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; *
behold, from now on all ages will call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, *
and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age *
to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm, *
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones*
but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things; *
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, *
remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers, *
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
Magnificat Ant. We rejoice with you, Woman of the New Covenant;
through the Cross of your Son, death has been defeated.
INTERCESSIONS
With Our Lady of Sorrows, let us look lovingly at the crucified Christ and pray to our heavenly Father saying:
Reveal to us, Father, the mysterious glory of the Cross.
God of love, in the blood of your Son, poured out on the Cross, you ratified the eternal covenant with your people,
- grant that we may live it as Mary did, faithful to your loving plan and in solidarity with all our sisters and brothers.
God of compassion, in view of Christ’s Paschal Mystery, you preserved the Virgin Mary undefiled,
- keep us free from sin.
God of life, you strengthened Mary at the foot of the Cross and filled her with joy at the resurrection of her Son,
- support us amid the trials of life and strengthen us in hope.
God of peace, in the blood of your Son you reconciled humanity to yourself and restored harmony in creation,
- make us builders of peace, generous in service and solicitous in love.
God of kindness, through your Son, the sole Mediator, who died and rose for us,
- grant to our deceased brothers and sisters a share in the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Our Father.
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Complementary psalmody. However, if the solemnity is celebrated on Sunday, the psalms are taken from Sunday, Week I.
Mid-morning
Ant. In holiness God created me;
He took me by my hand,
and redeemed me.
READING Genesis 3:14a–15
The Lord said to the serpent: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”
V. The Virgin Mary, as a rose from thorns, is born from Eve.
R. So that the power of God might wipe out sin; and his grace, our guilt.
Midday
Ant. When they reached the summit of Calvary,
Jesus was crucified.
READING Hebrews 5:7-9
In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
V. Mother of Christ-God, a sword pierced your most holy soul
R. when you saw your Son and God voluntarily ascend the Cross.
Mid-afternoon
Ant. The Lord says to his mother:
Woman, behold your son!
And to the disciple: Behold your mother!
READING Genesis 9:17
God said: This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all mortal creatures that are on the earth.
V. At the foot of the Cross, you appointed the Virgin Mary, Woman of the New Covenant,
R. reconciler of sinners.
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Mid-morning
Ant. In holiness God created me;
He took me by my hand,
and redeemed me.
READING Genesis 3:14a–15
The Lord said to the serpent: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”
V. The Virgin Mary, as a rose from thorns, is born from Eve.
R. So that the power of God might wipe out sin; and his grace, our guilt.
Midday
Ant. When they reached the summit of Calvary,
Jesus was crucified.
READING Hebrews 5:7-9
In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
R. when you saw your Son and God voluntarily ascend the Cross.
Mid-afternoon
Ant. The Lord says to his mother:
Woman, behold your son!
And to the disciple: Behold your mother!
READING Genesis 9:17
God said: This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all mortal creatures that are on the earth.
V. At the foot of the Cross, you appointed the Virgin Mary, Woman of the New Covenant,
R. reconciler of sinners.
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
HYMN
At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
O sweet Mother! Font of love,
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with yours accord.
Make me feel as you have felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Let me share with you his pain,
Who for all our sins was slain.
Who for me in torments died.
Let me mingle tears with you,
Mourning him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
By the cross with you to stay,
There with you to weep and pray,
Is all I ask of you to give.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally. Amen.
Or:
Clap your hands, all you peoples, *
Sing unto God with a voice of jubilation.
For the Lord high and mighty *
Has shown to us his mercy,
For he has not spared his own Son *
But has delivered him up in our behalf,
That we might be redeemed by his blood *
And freed from our sins;
That justified in his blood *
We might be saved from his wrath;
That we who were separated from him *
Might be reconciled through the blood of his Son.
O Lord, my God, what can I render unto you *
For all the good you have bestowed upon me?
I will take the chalice of salvation *
And I will call upon the power of this blood.
Sing to Jesus, all you saints, *
And make known the memory of his holiness.
For he has loved us and has washed us in his blood *
And he has become our helper and our redeemer.
Blessed forever be the blood of Christ *
Which has wrought such wonders in us.
Blessed be Jesus for all eternity, *
And may the heavens and the earth be filled with the glory of his blood.
Come, let us adore Christ the Son of God *
Who has redeemed us with his blood. Amen
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastic authority.
Ant. 1 On Calvary, Our Lady of Sorrows ushers us
into the nuptial feast of the New Covenant.
PSALM 63: 2-9 A soul thirsting for God
The Church thirsts for her Savior, yearning to drink at the fount of living water that springs up for eternal life. (Cf Cassiodorus).
O God, you are my God, for you I long; *
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you *
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary *
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life, *
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life, *
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, *
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you. *
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help; *
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
Ant. 1 On Calvary, Our Lady of Sorrows ushers us
into the nuptial feast of the New Covenant.
Ant. 2 With the Virgin Mary,
may all creatures of heaven and earth,
bless the Lord Jesus for the gift of redemption.
CANTICLE Daniel 3: 57-88, 56 Let all creatures praise the Lord
Praise our God, all you his servants. (Rv 19:5)
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, *
you heavens, bless the Lord,
All you waters above the heavens, *
all you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord;
sun and moon, bless the Lord; *
stars of heaven, bless the Lord;
every shower and dew, bless the Lord; *
all you winds, bless the Lord;
fire and heat, bless the Lord; *
cold and chill, bless the Lord;
dew and rain, bless the Lord; *
frost and chill, bless the Lord;
ice and snow, bless the Lord; *
nights and days, bless the Lord;
light and darkness, bless the Lord; *
lightning and clouds, bless the Lord;
let the earth bless the Lord, *
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; *
everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord;
you springs, bless the Lord; *
seas and rivers, bless the Lord;
you dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; *
all you birds of the air, bless the Lord;
all you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; *
you sons of men, bless the Lord;
O Israel, bless the Lord; *
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; *
servants of the Lord, bless the Lord;
spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; *
holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord;
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord;*
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. *
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, *
praiseworthy and glorious forever.
At the end of the canticle the Glory be to the Father is not said.
Ant. 2 With the Virgin Mary,
may all creatures of heaven and earth,
bless the Lord Jesus for the gift of redemption.
Ant. 3 With Mary, Woman of the New Covenant,
the Church raises hymns of praise to the Lord.
PSALM 149 The joy of God’s holy people
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius).
Sing a new song to the Lord, *
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker, *
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing *
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people. *
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, *
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips *
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations *
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains *
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained; *
this honor is for all his faithful.
Ant. 3 With Mary, Woman of the New Covenant,
the Church raises hymns of praise to the Lord.
READING 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
RESPONSORY
R The Cross of Christ * is the sign of reconciliation.
-- The Cross of Christ is the sign of reconciliation.
V. In the blood of the new covenant,
-- is the sign of reconciliation.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
-- The Cross of Christ is the sign of reconciliation.
Benedictus Ant. Blessed are you, Virgin Mary,
because you believed in Christ Jesus who visited and redeemed us.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old †
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father and to the Son *
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be *
world without end. Amen
Benedictus Ant. Blessed are you, Virgin Mary,
because you believed in Christ Jesus who visited and redeemed us.
INTERCESSIONS
In union with Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, let us raise our prayers to the Lord Jesus, and ask:
Make us companions and witnesses of your life, Lord Jesus.
Lord Jesus, you call blessed those who listen to your word and observe it;
- grant that we, too, may savor it and keep it as a source of blessedness.
Lord Jesus, in your love you have called women and men to your discipleship;
- may the example of the Virgin Mary encourage many young people to follow you and share your saving mission.
Lord Jesus, by the deep sorrow that pierced your beloved Mother,
- with your presence, console all those burdened by suffering.
Lord Jesus, who joined your holy Mother to yourself in life and in glory,
- by her intercession, remember to your heavenly Father all those whom you have redeemed with your blood.
Our Father.
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
O sweet Mother! Font of love,
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with yours accord.
Make me feel as you have felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Let me share with you his pain,
Who for all our sins was slain.
Who for me in torments died.
Let me mingle tears with you,
Mourning him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
By the cross with you to stay,
There with you to weep and pray,
Is all I ask of you to give.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally. Amen.
Or:
Clap your hands, all you peoples, *
Sing unto God with a voice of jubilation.
For the Lord high and mighty *
Has shown to us his mercy,
For he has not spared his own Son *
But has delivered him up in our behalf,
That we might be redeemed by his blood *
And freed from our sins;
That justified in his blood *
We might be saved from his wrath;
That we who were separated from him *
Might be reconciled through the blood of his Son.
O Lord, my God, what can I render unto you *
For all the good you have bestowed upon me?
I will take the chalice of salvation *
And I will call upon the power of this blood.
Sing to Jesus, all you saints, *
And make known the memory of his holiness.
For he has loved us and has washed us in his blood *
And he has become our helper and our redeemer.
Blessed forever be the blood of Christ *
Which has wrought such wonders in us.
Blessed be Jesus for all eternity, *
And may the heavens and the earth be filled with the glory of his blood.
Come, let us adore Christ the Son of God *
Who has redeemed us with his blood. Amen
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastic authority.
Ant. 1 On Calvary, Our Lady of Sorrows ushers us
into the nuptial feast of the New Covenant.
PSALM 63: 2-9 A soul thirsting for God
The Church thirsts for her Savior, yearning to drink at the fount of living water that springs up for eternal life. (Cf Cassiodorus).
O God, you are my God, for you I long; *
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you *
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary *
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life, *
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life, *
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, *
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you. *
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help; *
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
Ant. 1 On Calvary, Our Lady of Sorrows ushers us
into the nuptial feast of the New Covenant.
Ant. 2 With the Virgin Mary,
may all creatures of heaven and earth,
bless the Lord Jesus for the gift of redemption.
CANTICLE Daniel 3: 57-88, 56 Let all creatures praise the Lord
Praise our God, all you his servants. (Rv 19:5)
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, *
you heavens, bless the Lord,
All you waters above the heavens, *
all you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord;
sun and moon, bless the Lord; *
stars of heaven, bless the Lord;
every shower and dew, bless the Lord; *
all you winds, bless the Lord;
fire and heat, bless the Lord; *
cold and chill, bless the Lord;
dew and rain, bless the Lord; *
frost and chill, bless the Lord;
ice and snow, bless the Lord; *
nights and days, bless the Lord;
light and darkness, bless the Lord; *
lightning and clouds, bless the Lord;
let the earth bless the Lord, *
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; *
everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord;
you springs, bless the Lord; *
seas and rivers, bless the Lord;
you dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; *
all you birds of the air, bless the Lord;
all you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; *
you sons of men, bless the Lord;
O Israel, bless the Lord; *
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; *
servants of the Lord, bless the Lord;
spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; *
holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord;
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord;*
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. *
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, *
praiseworthy and glorious forever.
At the end of the canticle the Glory be to the Father is not said.
Ant. 2 With the Virgin Mary,
may all creatures of heaven and earth,
bless the Lord Jesus for the gift of redemption.
Ant. 3 With Mary, Woman of the New Covenant,
the Church raises hymns of praise to the Lord.
PSALM 149 The joy of God’s holy people
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius).
Sing a new song to the Lord, *
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker, *
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing *
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people. *
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, *
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips *
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations *
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains *
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained; *
this honor is for all his faithful.
Ant. 3 With Mary, Woman of the New Covenant,
the Church raises hymns of praise to the Lord.
READING 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
RESPONSORY
R The Cross of Christ * is the sign of reconciliation.
-- The Cross of Christ is the sign of reconciliation.
V. In the blood of the new covenant,
-- is the sign of reconciliation.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
-- The Cross of Christ is the sign of reconciliation.
Benedictus Ant. Blessed are you, Virgin Mary,
because you believed in Christ Jesus who visited and redeemed us.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old †
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father and to the Son *
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be *
world without end. Amen
Benedictus Ant. Blessed are you, Virgin Mary,
because you believed in Christ Jesus who visited and redeemed us.
INTERCESSIONS
In union with Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, let us raise our prayers to the Lord Jesus, and ask:
Make us companions and witnesses of your life, Lord Jesus.
Lord Jesus, you call blessed those who listen to your word and observe it;
- grant that we, too, may savor it and keep it as a source of blessedness.
Lord Jesus, in your love you have called women and men to your discipleship;
- may the example of the Virgin Mary encourage many young people to follow you and share your saving mission.
Lord Jesus, by the deep sorrow that pierced your beloved Mother,
- with your presence, console all those burdened by suffering.
Lord Jesus, who joined your holy Mother to yourself in life and in glory,
- by her intercession, remember to your heavenly Father all those whom you have redeemed with your blood.
Our Father.
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
INVITATORY
Ant. In memory of Mary
united with her Son in his passion,
let us adore Christ our Lord.
PSALM 95 Invitation to praise God
Encourage yourself daily while it is still “today” (Heb 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord; *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving, *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord. (Ant.)
The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands. (Ant.)
Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds. (Ant.)
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: Do not grow stubborn, *
as your fathers did in the wilderness, †
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works. (Ant.)
Forty years I endured that generation; †
I said: “They are a people whose hearts go astray *
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.” (Ant.)
Glory to the Father and to the Son *
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever will be. Amen (Ant.)
Alternative Invitatory Psalms: 100, 67, 24
HYMN
At the cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.
Through her heart, his sorrow sharing,
all his bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword had passed.
Oh, how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother highly blessed
of the sole-begotten One!
Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.
Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ’s dear Mother to behold?
Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother’s pain untold?
For the sins of his own nation
saw him hang in desolation
till his spirit forth he sent.
O sweet Mother! Font of love,
touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with yours accord.
Christ, when you shall call me hence,
be your Mother my defense,
be your cross my victory. Amen.
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.
Ant. 1 Mary, you are blessed by the Lord;
the God of salvation has made you holy.
PSALM 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all it holds, *
the world and those who live there.
For God founded it on the seas, *
established it over the rivers.
Who may go up the mountain of the Lord? *
Who can stand in his holy place?
“The clean of hand and pure of heart, †
who are not devoted to idols, *
who have not sworn falsely.
They will receive blessings from the Lord,*
and justice from their saving God.
Such are the people that love the Lord, *
that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O gates; †
rise up, you ancient portals, *
that the king of glory may enter.
Who is this king of glory? †
The Lord, a mighty warrior, *
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates; †
rise up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may enter.
Who is this king of glory? *
The Lord of hosts is the king of glory.
Ant. 1. Mary, you are blessed by the Lord,
the God of salvation has made you holy.
Ant. 2. The Most High has sanctified his dwelling-place.
PSALM 46
God is our refuge and our strength, *
an ever-present help in distress.
Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken *
and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,
Though its waters rage and foam *
and mountains totter at its surging.
The Lord of hosts is with us; *
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Streams of the river gladden the city of God,*
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken; *
God will help it at break of day.
Though nations rage and kingdoms totter, *
God's voice thunders and the earth trembles.
The Lord of hosts is with us; *
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Come and see the works of the Lord, *
who has done fearsome deeds on earth;
Who stops wars to the ends of the earth, †
breaks the bow, splinters the spear, *
and burns the shields with fire;
Who says: “Be still and confess that I am God! *
I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;*
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Ant. 2 The Most High has sanctified his dwelling-place.
Ant. 3 Marvelous things are said of you,
O Virgin Mary!
PSALM 87
The Lord loves the city founded on holy mountains, †
loves the gates of Zion *
more than any dwelling in Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,*
O city of God!
From Babylon and Egypt I count those who acknowledge the Lord. †
Philistia, Ethiopia, Tyre, *
of them it can be said: “This one was born there.”
But of Zion it must be said: “They all were born here. *
The Most High confirms this.”
The Lord notes in the register of the peoples: *
“This one was born here.”
So all sing in their festive dance:*
“Within you is my true home.”
Ant. 3 Marvelous things are said of you,
O Virgin Mary!
V. In the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of a woman,
R. to redeem us and to make us his children by adoption.
FIRST READING
From the first letter of Saint Paul the apostle to the Corinthians 1:17-30
Wisdom of the world and Christian wisdom
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside.”
Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?
For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong; and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
RESPONSORY
R. Blessed are you among women; you changed the curse of Eve into blessing;
* thanks to you, the blessing of the Father has shone upon all men and women.
V. Through you, your ancestors found salvation;
R. thanks to you, the blessing of the Father has shone upon all men and women.
SECOND READING
From the writings of Saint Maria De Mattias, virgin.
(Letters of Saint Maria De Mattias nn. 498, 471: Vol. II, ed. 1947)
The condescension of God toward us
Dearest daughter in Jesus, remember to be very, very devoted to Mary Most Holy; be persevering in often invoking her with confidence. Tell her to set you totally afire with love for Jesus. Let your thoughts dwell on the most holy Passion of her Son and his bitter sufferings. Often speak of God’s infinite charity in having given us his most Holy Son; speak also of the great beauty of Jesus and Mary. Let us love all with tender affection: they cost Jesus his blood and caused bitter sorrows to his Virgin Mother. Our hearts should be filled with zeal for their salvation, and we should offer our prayers for the salvation of souls.
Let us offer the blood of Jesus at the throne of Divine Mercy for the fulfillment of our desires, which are the gift of his goodness and which he wishes us to foster because they are his, not ours. Let us thank him.
Let us not become dismayed at the hardships and the fatigue to be borne. Let us reflect that a God endured the hard death of the cross to save souls. With infinite condescension he calls on us to help him.
Let us humble ourselves to the depths, and even lower, because of our sins. Let us place all our confidence in God and in the blood of Jesus Christ. Over and over let us abandon ourselves into the arms of the divine mercy, protesting that we should be happy to die for the salvation of souls. In this way we shall give joy to Jesus and Mary. My daughter, meditate on the great condescension of a God toward us.
I lose myself; I do not know how to express what I feel. We, work for Jesus? We, suffer for Jesus? …(I cannot understand). We, die for Jesus?…We? Who are we?
O great condescension of a God! O great condescension of Jesus! Let us consider, dearly loved daughter, that the law given us, to walk the way of sorrow and suffering, is not due to any hardness on the part of our most beloved God, because there cannot be such in that holiest and sweetest Heart. Rather, it is the effect of a most tender and unlimited love toward us, so that we can atone for our sins and make ourselves worthy of him. With profound respect and true attachment, let us adore the admirable mystery of the Cross…
They tell me I am always speaking about the Cross. My daughter, believe me, that is not just for form’s sake, but for the true love of my heart and the high esteem I have for that adorable Standard. And we can say in all truth that anyone who shares the sufferings of Jesus Christ is immensely honored.
As for myself (I admit the truth), I do not suffer anything; I feel ashamed and humiliated to appear before my Crucified Jesus. I shrink from every little inconvenience. Pray for me so that the Lord may make me worthy of his disappointments.
Let us lovingly embrace hardships for Jesus, and carry his most holy Cross in triumph.
RESPONSORY
R. Let us place all our trust in Mary Most Holy * and live hidden in the Cross.
V. In any need whatsoever, let us turn to Our Lady of Sorrows,
R. and live hidden in the Cross.
Or
From the writings of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, priest
(“Sorrows of Mary Most Holy”, 3,1: Spiritual Writings, I, Rome 1995, 6 –12, selections)
The Passion of Jesus in Mary
Turn your eyes to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of incense, to lovers’ mountain, oh faithful people. Look at the tender Mother to whom it was once prophesied that a sword would pierce her soul. Truly, O Mother, your sorrow is as big as the sea. The heart of Mary is afflicted and in anguish by a twofold love: the love of her Son, innocent and crucified, causes her an ineffable martyrdom; the love for the redeemed sinner inflicts upon her unparalleled pain. Just like a ship battered by opposing winds, she is tossed back and forth, and at the end stands still.
After following the trace of Jesus’ blood from a distance, her mind overwhelmed by sorrow at the thought of his pain, Mary makes her way out of the crowd and places herself facing him; she became both a viewer and a performer of the cruel event.
And now she ponders Jesus’ pains, contemplates the gashes, and reflects on the killing. A bundle of thorns pierces Mary’s mind.
Where the world’s ruin began from Eve, there, the reparation began by Christ, who, after tasting the bitterness of the wood of the cross, passed it to his Mother to taste.
She stood there as a Priestess, more than as a Mother, contributing by her pain to the sacrifice for us human beings.
Mary’s sufferings were increased by the fact that she could not be of any solace to Jesus. She suffered most when she saw Jesus’ final agony, after he had suffered for several hours.
Oh Mother! My sin is the sword that Simeon foretold. I pierce through two hearts when I sin: your soul and that of your Son.
You, angels of peace, were weeping while she stood firm at the sight of her Son: her eyes were pitiful, but full of great dignity; they were in pain, but without tears. When, in compassion for Jesus the Redeemer, the tears, as tiny drops heralding suffering, would appear on her pupils, her love for redeemed humanity would stop their flow down the cheeks. While Jesus’ love touched her heart, her love for us human beings held back her tears.
The eternal Father gave us his Son out of his excessive love for us; Mary gave her own Son to us out of tender benevolence.
RESPONSORY cf. Lk 23:33; Jn 19:25; Lk 2:35
R. When they reached Calvary’s summit, they crucified him. * Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother.
V. The sword of sorrow pierced her soul.
R. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother.
HYMN Te Deum
We praise you, O God; *
we acclaim you Lord and Master.
Everlasting Father, *
all the world bows down before you.
All the angels sing your praise, *
the hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers;
All the cherubim and seraphim *
call out to you in unending chorus:
Holy, holy, holy *
is the Lord God of angel hosts!
The heavens and the earth are filled, Lord, *
with your majesty and glory.
Your praises are sung *
by the renowned Apostles;
By all the prophets, *
who themselves deserve our praise;
By that mighty white-robed army *
who shed their blood for Christ.
And to the ends of the earth, *
the holy Church proclaims her faith in you:
Father, *
whose majesty is boundless;
Your only Son, *
who is true God and who is to be adored;
The Holy Spirit, *
sent to be our Advocate.
O Christ, the King of glory! *
You alone are the Father’s eternal Son.
When you were to become man so as to save humankind, *
you did not shrink back from the chaste Virgin’s womb.
When you triumphantly destroyed death’s sting, *
you opened up to believers the kingdom of haven.
You are now enthroned at God’s right hand, in the Father’s glory: *
We believe that you will come for judgment.
We therefore implore you to grant your servants grace and aid, *
for you shed your precious blood for their redemption.
Admit them all to the ranks of your saints *
in everlasting glory.
Be their Shepherd, Lord, *
uphold and exalt them forever and ever.
Day by day we praise you, *
daily we acclaim you.
We will confess and glorify your hold name, *
now and for all eternity.
In your great mercy, Lord, throughout this day *
keep us free from sin by your protection.
Have mercy on us, we humbly pray; *
Lord, have mercy on us.
May your mercy, Lord, your loving-kindness, always remain with us; *
for we have placed our confidence in you.
In you alone, Lord, I have hoped; *
may I not be disappointed.
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Ant. In memory of Mary
united with her Son in his passion,
let us adore Christ our Lord.
PSALM 95 Invitation to praise God
Encourage yourself daily while it is still “today” (Heb 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord; *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving, *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord. (Ant.)
The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands. (Ant.)
Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds. (Ant.)
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: Do not grow stubborn, *
as your fathers did in the wilderness, †
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works. (Ant.)
Forty years I endured that generation; †
I said: “They are a people whose hearts go astray *
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.” (Ant.)
Glory to the Father and to the Son *
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever will be. Amen (Ant.)
Alternative Invitatory Psalms: 100, 67, 24
HYMN
At the cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.
Through her heart, his sorrow sharing,
all his bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword had passed.
Oh, how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother highly blessed
of the sole-begotten One!
Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.
Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ’s dear Mother to behold?
Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother’s pain untold?
For the sins of his own nation
saw him hang in desolation
till his spirit forth he sent.
O sweet Mother! Font of love,
touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with yours accord.
Christ, when you shall call me hence,
be your Mother my defense,
be your cross my victory. Amen.
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.
Ant. 1 Mary, you are blessed by the Lord;
the God of salvation has made you holy.
PSALM 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all it holds, *
the world and those who live there.
For God founded it on the seas, *
established it over the rivers.
Who may go up the mountain of the Lord? *
Who can stand in his holy place?
“The clean of hand and pure of heart, †
who are not devoted to idols, *
who have not sworn falsely.
They will receive blessings from the Lord,*
and justice from their saving God.
Such are the people that love the Lord, *
that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O gates; †
rise up, you ancient portals, *
that the king of glory may enter.
Who is this king of glory? †
The Lord, a mighty warrior, *
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates; †
rise up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may enter.
Who is this king of glory? *
The Lord of hosts is the king of glory.
Ant. 1. Mary, you are blessed by the Lord,
the God of salvation has made you holy.
Ant. 2. The Most High has sanctified his dwelling-place.
PSALM 46
God is our refuge and our strength, *
an ever-present help in distress.
Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken *
and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,
Though its waters rage and foam *
and mountains totter at its surging.
The Lord of hosts is with us; *
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Streams of the river gladden the city of God,*
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken; *
God will help it at break of day.
Though nations rage and kingdoms totter, *
God's voice thunders and the earth trembles.
The Lord of hosts is with us; *
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Come and see the works of the Lord, *
who has done fearsome deeds on earth;
Who stops wars to the ends of the earth, †
breaks the bow, splinters the spear, *
and burns the shields with fire;
Who says: “Be still and confess that I am God! *
I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;*
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Ant. 2 The Most High has sanctified his dwelling-place.
Ant. 3 Marvelous things are said of you,
O Virgin Mary!
PSALM 87
The Lord loves the city founded on holy mountains, †
loves the gates of Zion *
more than any dwelling in Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,*
O city of God!
From Babylon and Egypt I count those who acknowledge the Lord. †
Philistia, Ethiopia, Tyre, *
of them it can be said: “This one was born there.”
But of Zion it must be said: “They all were born here. *
The Most High confirms this.”
The Lord notes in the register of the peoples: *
“This one was born here.”
So all sing in their festive dance:*
“Within you is my true home.”
Ant. 3 Marvelous things are said of you,
O Virgin Mary!
V. In the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of a woman,
R. to redeem us and to make us his children by adoption.
FIRST READING
From the first letter of Saint Paul the apostle to the Corinthians 1:17-30
Wisdom of the world and Christian wisdom
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside.”
Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?
For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong; and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
RESPONSORY
R. Blessed are you among women; you changed the curse of Eve into blessing;
* thanks to you, the blessing of the Father has shone upon all men and women.
V. Through you, your ancestors found salvation;
R. thanks to you, the blessing of the Father has shone upon all men and women.
SECOND READING
From the writings of Saint Maria De Mattias, virgin.
(Letters of Saint Maria De Mattias nn. 498, 471: Vol. II, ed. 1947)
The condescension of God toward us
Dearest daughter in Jesus, remember to be very, very devoted to Mary Most Holy; be persevering in often invoking her with confidence. Tell her to set you totally afire with love for Jesus. Let your thoughts dwell on the most holy Passion of her Son and his bitter sufferings. Often speak of God’s infinite charity in having given us his most Holy Son; speak also of the great beauty of Jesus and Mary. Let us love all with tender affection: they cost Jesus his blood and caused bitter sorrows to his Virgin Mother. Our hearts should be filled with zeal for their salvation, and we should offer our prayers for the salvation of souls.
Let us offer the blood of Jesus at the throne of Divine Mercy for the fulfillment of our desires, which are the gift of his goodness and which he wishes us to foster because they are his, not ours. Let us thank him.
Let us not become dismayed at the hardships and the fatigue to be borne. Let us reflect that a God endured the hard death of the cross to save souls. With infinite condescension he calls on us to help him.
Let us humble ourselves to the depths, and even lower, because of our sins. Let us place all our confidence in God and in the blood of Jesus Christ. Over and over let us abandon ourselves into the arms of the divine mercy, protesting that we should be happy to die for the salvation of souls. In this way we shall give joy to Jesus and Mary. My daughter, meditate on the great condescension of a God toward us.
I lose myself; I do not know how to express what I feel. We, work for Jesus? We, suffer for Jesus? …(I cannot understand). We, die for Jesus?…We? Who are we?
O great condescension of a God! O great condescension of Jesus! Let us consider, dearly loved daughter, that the law given us, to walk the way of sorrow and suffering, is not due to any hardness on the part of our most beloved God, because there cannot be such in that holiest and sweetest Heart. Rather, it is the effect of a most tender and unlimited love toward us, so that we can atone for our sins and make ourselves worthy of him. With profound respect and true attachment, let us adore the admirable mystery of the Cross…
They tell me I am always speaking about the Cross. My daughter, believe me, that is not just for form’s sake, but for the true love of my heart and the high esteem I have for that adorable Standard. And we can say in all truth that anyone who shares the sufferings of Jesus Christ is immensely honored.
As for myself (I admit the truth), I do not suffer anything; I feel ashamed and humiliated to appear before my Crucified Jesus. I shrink from every little inconvenience. Pray for me so that the Lord may make me worthy of his disappointments.
Let us lovingly embrace hardships for Jesus, and carry his most holy Cross in triumph.
RESPONSORY
R. Let us place all our trust in Mary Most Holy * and live hidden in the Cross.
V. In any need whatsoever, let us turn to Our Lady of Sorrows,
R. and live hidden in the Cross.
Or
From the writings of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, priest
(“Sorrows of Mary Most Holy”, 3,1: Spiritual Writings, I, Rome 1995, 6 –12, selections)
The Passion of Jesus in Mary
Turn your eyes to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of incense, to lovers’ mountain, oh faithful people. Look at the tender Mother to whom it was once prophesied that a sword would pierce her soul. Truly, O Mother, your sorrow is as big as the sea. The heart of Mary is afflicted and in anguish by a twofold love: the love of her Son, innocent and crucified, causes her an ineffable martyrdom; the love for the redeemed sinner inflicts upon her unparalleled pain. Just like a ship battered by opposing winds, she is tossed back and forth, and at the end stands still.
After following the trace of Jesus’ blood from a distance, her mind overwhelmed by sorrow at the thought of his pain, Mary makes her way out of the crowd and places herself facing him; she became both a viewer and a performer of the cruel event.
And now she ponders Jesus’ pains, contemplates the gashes, and reflects on the killing. A bundle of thorns pierces Mary’s mind.
Where the world’s ruin began from Eve, there, the reparation began by Christ, who, after tasting the bitterness of the wood of the cross, passed it to his Mother to taste.
She stood there as a Priestess, more than as a Mother, contributing by her pain to the sacrifice for us human beings.
Mary’s sufferings were increased by the fact that she could not be of any solace to Jesus. She suffered most when she saw Jesus’ final agony, after he had suffered for several hours.
Oh Mother! My sin is the sword that Simeon foretold. I pierce through two hearts when I sin: your soul and that of your Son.
You, angels of peace, were weeping while she stood firm at the sight of her Son: her eyes were pitiful, but full of great dignity; they were in pain, but without tears. When, in compassion for Jesus the Redeemer, the tears, as tiny drops heralding suffering, would appear on her pupils, her love for redeemed humanity would stop their flow down the cheeks. While Jesus’ love touched her heart, her love for us human beings held back her tears.
The eternal Father gave us his Son out of his excessive love for us; Mary gave her own Son to us out of tender benevolence.
RESPONSORY cf. Lk 23:33; Jn 19:25; Lk 2:35
R. When they reached Calvary’s summit, they crucified him. * Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother.
V. The sword of sorrow pierced her soul.
R. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother.
HYMN Te Deum
We praise you, O God; *
we acclaim you Lord and Master.
Everlasting Father, *
all the world bows down before you.
All the angels sing your praise, *
the hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers;
All the cherubim and seraphim *
call out to you in unending chorus:
Holy, holy, holy *
is the Lord God of angel hosts!
The heavens and the earth are filled, Lord, *
with your majesty and glory.
Your praises are sung *
by the renowned Apostles;
By all the prophets, *
who themselves deserve our praise;
By that mighty white-robed army *
who shed their blood for Christ.
And to the ends of the earth, *
the holy Church proclaims her faith in you:
Father, *
whose majesty is boundless;
Your only Son, *
who is true God and who is to be adored;
The Holy Spirit, *
sent to be our Advocate.
O Christ, the King of glory! *
You alone are the Father’s eternal Son.
When you were to become man so as to save humankind, *
you did not shrink back from the chaste Virgin’s womb.
When you triumphantly destroyed death’s sting, *
you opened up to believers the kingdom of haven.
You are now enthroned at God’s right hand, in the Father’s glory: *
We believe that you will come for judgment.
We therefore implore you to grant your servants grace and aid, *
for you shed your precious blood for their redemption.
Admit them all to the ranks of your saints *
in everlasting glory.
Be their Shepherd, Lord, *
uphold and exalt them forever and ever.
Day by day we praise you, *
daily we acclaim you.
We will confess and glorify your hold name, *
now and for all eternity.
In your great mercy, Lord, throughout this day *
keep us free from sin by your protection.
Have mercy on us, we humbly pray; *
Lord, have mercy on us.
May your mercy, Lord, your loving-kindness, always remain with us; *
for we have placed our confidence in you.
In you alone, Lord, I have hoped; *
may I not be disappointed.
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
HYMN
At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.
Let me to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.
Wounded with his every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In his very blood away.
Be to me, O Virgin nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In his awful judgement day.
Christ, when you shall call me hence,
Be your Mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally. Amen.
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastic authority.
Ant. 1 For you we praise the Father,
O sorrowful Virgin;
in the blood of your Son Jesus,
we have the fullness of life.
PSALM 113 Praise the name of the Lord
He has thrown down the powerful from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. (Luke 1:52)
Praise, you servants of the Lord,*
praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord*
both now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting*
let the name of the Lord be praised.
High above all nations is the Lord; *
above the heavens God's glory.
Who is like the Lord, our God enthroned on high, *
looking down on heaven and earth?
The Lord raises the needy from the dust,*
lifts the poor from the ash heap,
Seats them with princes,*
the princes of the people,
Gives the childless wife a home, *
the joyful mother of children.
Ant. 1 For you we praise the Father,
O sorrowful Virgin;
in the blood of your Son Jesus,
we have the fullness of life.
Ant. 2 Woman of the New Covenant, standing beside the cross,
your divine Son
named you Mother of his disciples.
PSALM 147 (12-20) God’s word restores Jerusalem
Come, I will show you the bride, the spouse of the lamb. (Revelation 21:9)
Glorify the Lord, Jerusalem; *
Zion, offer praise to your God,
Who has strengthened the bars of your gates, *
blessed your children within you.
He has brought peace to your borders, *
and filled you with finest wheat.
The Lord sends a command to earth;*
his word runs swiftly!
Thus snow is spread like wool, *
frost is scattered like ash,
Hail is dispersed like crumbs;*
before such cold the waters freeze.
Again he sends his word and they melt; *
the wind is unleashed and the waters flow.
The Lord also proclaims his word to Jacob, *
decrees and laws to Israel.
God has not done this for other nations; *
of such laws they know nothing.
Ant. 2 Woman of the New Covenant, standing beside the cross,
your divine Son
named you Mother of his disciples.
Ant. 3 Rejoice, full of grace,
and dance, O joyful Mother;
the blood of your Son Jesus
has reconciled heaven and earth.
CANTICLE cf Ephesians 1:3-10 God our Savior
In the Virgin Mother, Christ has revealed to us the mystery of the Father.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, †
who has blessed us in Christ *
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him, †
before the foundation of the world, *
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us †
for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, *
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace *
that he granted us in the beloved.
In Christ we have redemption by his blood, *
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace *
that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight †
God has made known to us the mystery of his will *
in accord with his favor that he set forth in him,
as a plan for the fullness of times, *
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
Ant. 3 Rejoice, full of grace,
and dance, O joyful Mother;
the blood of your Son Jesus
has reconciled heaven and earth.
READING Colossians 1:24-25
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake; and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me, to bring to completion for you the word of God.
RESPONSORY
R. Obtain salvation for us, * O Virgin Mary.
-- Obtain salvation for us, O Virgin Mary.
V. Through the passion of Christ your Son,
-- O Virgin Mary
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-- Obtain salvation for us, O Virgin Mary.
Magnificat Ant. Jesus says to his mother: “Woman behold your son!”
And to the disciple whom he loved: “Behold your mother!”
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; *
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; *
behold, from now on all ages will call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, *
and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age *
to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm, *
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones*
but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things; *
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, *
remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers, *
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
Magnificat Ant. Jesus says to his mother: “Woman behold your son!”
And to the disciple whom he loved: “Behold your mother!”
INTERCESSIONS
With Our Lady of Sorrows, let us look lovingly at the crucified Christ and pray to our heavenly Father saying:
Reveal to us, Father, the mysterious glory of the Cross.
God of love, in the blood of your Son, poured out on the Cross, you ratified the eternal covenant with your people,
- grant that we may live it as Mary did, faithful to your loving plan and in solidarity with all our sisters and brothers.
God of compassion, in view of Christ’s Paschal Mystery, you preserved the Virgin Mary undefiled,
- keep us free from sin.
God of life, you strengthened Mary at the foot of the Cross and filled her with joy at the resurrection of her Son,
- support us amid the trials of life and strengthen us in hope.
God of peace, in the blood of your Son you reconciled humanity to yourself and restored harmony in creation,
- make us builders of peace, generous in service and solicitous in love.
God of kindness, through your Son, the sole Mediator, who died and rose for us,
- grant to our deceased brothers and sisters a share in the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Our Father
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.
Let me to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.
Wounded with his every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In his very blood away.
Be to me, O Virgin nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In his awful judgement day.
Christ, when you shall call me hence,
Be your Mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally. Amen.
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastic authority.
Ant. 1 For you we praise the Father,
O sorrowful Virgin;
in the blood of your Son Jesus,
we have the fullness of life.
PSALM 113 Praise the name of the Lord
He has thrown down the powerful from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. (Luke 1:52)
Praise, you servants of the Lord,*
praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord*
both now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting*
let the name of the Lord be praised.
High above all nations is the Lord; *
above the heavens God's glory.
Who is like the Lord, our God enthroned on high, *
looking down on heaven and earth?
The Lord raises the needy from the dust,*
lifts the poor from the ash heap,
Seats them with princes,*
the princes of the people,
Gives the childless wife a home, *
the joyful mother of children.
Ant. 1 For you we praise the Father,
O sorrowful Virgin;
in the blood of your Son Jesus,
we have the fullness of life.
Ant. 2 Woman of the New Covenant, standing beside the cross,
your divine Son
named you Mother of his disciples.
PSALM 147 (12-20) God’s word restores Jerusalem
Come, I will show you the bride, the spouse of the lamb. (Revelation 21:9)
Glorify the Lord, Jerusalem; *
Zion, offer praise to your God,
Who has strengthened the bars of your gates, *
blessed your children within you.
He has brought peace to your borders, *
and filled you with finest wheat.
The Lord sends a command to earth;*
his word runs swiftly!
Thus snow is spread like wool, *
frost is scattered like ash,
Hail is dispersed like crumbs;*
before such cold the waters freeze.
Again he sends his word and they melt; *
the wind is unleashed and the waters flow.
The Lord also proclaims his word to Jacob, *
decrees and laws to Israel.
God has not done this for other nations; *
of such laws they know nothing.
Ant. 2 Woman of the New Covenant, standing beside the cross,
your divine Son
named you Mother of his disciples.
Ant. 3 Rejoice, full of grace,
and dance, O joyful Mother;
the blood of your Son Jesus
has reconciled heaven and earth.
CANTICLE cf Ephesians 1:3-10 God our Savior
In the Virgin Mother, Christ has revealed to us the mystery of the Father.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, †
who has blessed us in Christ *
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him, †
before the foundation of the world, *
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us †
for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, *
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace *
that he granted us in the beloved.
In Christ we have redemption by his blood, *
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace *
that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight †
God has made known to us the mystery of his will *
in accord with his favor that he set forth in him,
as a plan for the fullness of times, *
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
Ant. 3 Rejoice, full of grace,
and dance, O joyful Mother;
the blood of your Son Jesus
has reconciled heaven and earth.
READING Colossians 1:24-25
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake; and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me, to bring to completion for you the word of God.
R. Obtain salvation for us, * O Virgin Mary.
-- Obtain salvation for us, O Virgin Mary.
V. Through the passion of Christ your Son,
-- O Virgin Mary
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-- Obtain salvation for us, O Virgin Mary.
Magnificat Ant. Jesus says to his mother: “Woman behold your son!”
And to the disciple whom he loved: “Behold your mother!”
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; *
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; *
behold, from now on all ages will call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, *
and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age *
to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm, *
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones*
but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things; *
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, *
remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers, *
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
Magnificat Ant. Jesus says to his mother: “Woman behold your son!”
And to the disciple whom he loved: “Behold your mother!”
INTERCESSIONS
With Our Lady of Sorrows, let us look lovingly at the crucified Christ and pray to our heavenly Father saying:
Reveal to us, Father, the mysterious glory of the Cross.
God of love, in the blood of your Son, poured out on the Cross, you ratified the eternal covenant with your people,
- grant that we may live it as Mary did, faithful to your loving plan and in solidarity with all our sisters and brothers.
God of compassion, in view of Christ’s Paschal Mystery, you preserved the Virgin Mary undefiled,
- keep us free from sin.
God of life, you strengthened Mary at the foot of the Cross and filled her with joy at the resurrection of her Son,
- support us amid the trials of life and strengthen us in hope.
God of peace, in the blood of your Son you reconciled humanity to yourself and restored harmony in creation,
- make us builders of peace, generous in service and solicitous in love.
God of kindness, through your Son, the sole Mediator, who died and rose for us,
- grant to our deceased brothers and sisters a share in the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Our Father
Prayer
Father most holy, who willed to associate Our Lady of Sorrows, Woman of the New Covenant, to the sacrifice of your Son; through the merits of his precious blood, grant, we pray, that your Church, born of Christ’s pierced side, may always celebrate the memorial of his work of redemption with the love of our Mother Mary showed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.