Liturgical Colour : Green or White (Saturday Mass of our Lady)
Luke 11 : 27-28
At that time, as Jesus was speaking, a woman spoke from the crowd and said to Him, “Blessed is the one who gave You birth and nursed You!”
Jesus replied, “Truly blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it as well.”
Liturgical Colour : Green or White (Saturday Mass of our Lady)
Psalm 104 : 2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Sing to Him, sing His praise, proclaim all His wondrous deeds. Glory in His holy Name; let those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and be strong; seek His face always. Remember His wonderful works, His miracles and His judgments.
You descendants of His servant Abraham, you sons of Jacob, His chosen ones! He is the Lord our God; His judgments reach the whole world.
Liturgical Colour : Green or White (Saturday Mass of our Lady)
Galatians 3 : 22-29
But the Scriptures have declared that we are all prisoners of sin, so the only way to receive God’s promise is to believe in Jesus Christ. Before the time of faith had come, the Law confined us and kept us in custody until the time in which faith would show up.
The Law then was serving as a slave to look after us until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. With the coming of faith, we are no longer submitted to this guidance. Now, in Christ Jesus, all of you are sons and daughters of God through faith.
All of you who were given to Christ through baptism, have put on Christ. Here there is no longer any difference between Jew or Greek, or between slave or freed, or between man and woman : but all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Christ, you are of Abraham’s race and you are to inherit God’s promise.
Liturgical Colour : White
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, on this day we celebrate together the feast of our Lady of the Rosary, also once known as the feast of our Lady of Victory, a celebration of the great triumph and victory of the soldiers and the defenders of Christ and His Church in the great Battle of Lepanto in the year 1571, or about four hundred and forty-five years ago against the mighty forces of the enemies of the faithful, the pagan and the wicked Ottoman Turks.
On this day, at that time, the mighty Ottoman Empire had captured much of the eastern portion of Christendom, including the holy city of Constantinople, enslaving and ruling over many of the faithful, whose lives were made quite difficult, where they were not truly able to manifest their faith and devotion to God, and coercion as well as persuasion to abandon their faith were rampant.
And the same Ottoman Turks were then menacing and threatening the rest of Christendom with their mighty army and fleet, and there was then a very real possibility that they might just be able to overcome the rest of Christendom and destroy the Church and the faithful people of God just as they had done over vast areas of lands that they have conquered.
But of course the faithful people of God did not just stand by and let the devil and his armies to roll over them. Led by the brave and the courageous leaders of the forces of Christendom, many answered to the call made by a holy and devout saint, Pope St. Pius V, who called on all the faithful to defend the Church and their Faith and made a stand against the forces of the enemy, in which the decisive battle was fought at the sea in Lepanto.
Before the battle began, the forces of the faithful asked for the intercession of the holy saints and especially that of the Blessed Mother of our Lord, Mary, who was since then would be known as our Lady of Victory and later on as our Lady of the Rosary for the role which she played in that battle. Through her intercession of behalf of her Son, our Lord and God, it was told that the winds and the clouds themselves rallied against the enemy forces, and a vision apparently appeared to the Turks, that so terrified them that many abandoned their ships and the battlefield.
Eventually, the forces of the faithful triumphed in the battle, and Christendom and the people of God were saved from what was once a certain defeat and destruction in the hands of those who served the devil and the dark forces of this world. And in order to commemorate that great victory, thus this day was therefore forever marked to be celebrated as the Feast of our Lady of Victory, and later on also known as the Feast of our Lady of the Rosary.
We all are aware of the rosary and how to pray the rosary. But do we actually pray the rosary with genuine faith and devotion? Do we really dedicate ourselves heart, mind and soul when we handle the rosary and offer the prayers to God through His mother Mary? Or do we just mutter out prayers and words without really understanding them? Perhaps we should reflect on this and think about how we really should pray the rosary.
The rosary is a tool which the Blessed Virgin Mary herself had presented to the world, to those who are looking for a path towards the Lord. Mary is mankind’s greatest ally, for who else but the mother of our Lord, God and Saviour is able to assist us in so many ways, bringing us closer to the love and grace of God, and helping us to find our way to her Son? Through the rosary, she is trying to help us out, and to lift us out from the darkness that threatens our heart, mind and soul.
Rather, the rosary should be prayed with full sincerity, devoting ourselves and our time to offer this bouquet of prayers to Mary, that she may bring those prayers to our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the rosary we are shielded and protected from the depredations and attacks by the forces of the devil, that is the spiritual battles that are constantly striking against our souls.
The Lord sent us His guardian Angels who are always in constant battles with the devils and the demons desiring to see our downfall. And if we are not spiritually strong inside us, and if our faith is not resolute and strong, we may fall into temptation and therefore collapse into sin. Just as those Turks did so long ago, where they came bearing harm and destruction upon the faithful people of God, but this one is even more dangerous.
Why is that so? It is because, sin is a great harm upon our souls, and if we lose this spiritual battle, and if our souls are lost to the Lord, we will be condemned forever in suffering in the depths of hell and darkness. But that is exactly why our loving and merciful God wants us to be saved from such a sorry fate, and that was why He sent us Mary, His mother, who then revealed to us the gift of the rosary, the spiritual prayer bouquet, through which we will be able to steel ourselves with resolve for the Lord.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, therefore, from now on, let us all commit ourselves to the Lord and His ways, and pray the rosary with fervent devotion, so that in our great faith for God, His mother Mary may notice us and intercede for our sake, that her Son Jesus may intervene and help us to be freed from the darkness and the sufferings of this world. May God bless us all. Amen.
Liturgical Colour : White
Luke 1 : 26-38
In the sixth month, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a young virgin, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
The Angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean. But the Angel said, “Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a Son, and you shall call Him Jesus.”
“He will be great, and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the kingdom of David, His ancestor; He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and His reign shall have no end.”
Then Mary said to the Angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” And the Angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the Holy Child to be born of you shall be called Son of God. Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child; and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible.”
Then Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.” And the Angel left her.
Liturgical Colour : White
Luke 1 : 46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my Saviour!
He has looked upon His servant in her lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is His Name!
From age to age His mercy extends to those who live in His presence. He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up those who are downtrodden. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.
He held out His hand to Israel, His servant, for He remembered His mercy, even as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.
Liturgical Colour : White
Acts 1 : 12-14
Then the disciples of Jesus returned to Jerusalem from the Mount called Olives, which is a fifteen minute walk away. On entering the city they went to the room upstairs where they were staying.
Present there were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James, son of Alpheus; Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James. All of these together gave themselves to constant prayer. With them were some women and also Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
Liturgical Colour : White
Offertory
Ecclesiastes 24 : 25 and 39 : 17
In me gratia omnis viae et veritatis, in me omnis spes vitae et virtutis : ego quasi rosa plantata super rivos aquarum fructificavi.
English translation
In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Like a rose planted on the rivers I have borne fruit.
Secret Prayer of the Priest
Fac nos, quaesumus, Domine, his muneribus offerendis convenienter aptari : et per sacratissimi Rosarii mysteria sic vitam, passionem et gloriam Unigeniti Tui recolere; ut Ejus digni promissionibus efficiamur : Qui Tecum vivis et regnas in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
English translation
Grant us, we beseech You, o Lord, to be fittingly prepared for the offering of these gifts, and through the mysteries of the most holy Rosary, so to meditate upon the life, passion, and glory of Your only begotten Son, that we may be made worthy of His promises. He Who is with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.
Secret Prayer of the Priest (For Commemoration of Pope St. Mark)
Oblatis muneribus, quaesumus, Domine, Ecclesiam Tuam benignus illumina : ut et gregis Tui proficiat ubique successus, et grati fiant Nomini Tuo, Te gubernante, pastores. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
English translation
In Your loving kindness we beseech You, o Lord, be moved by the offering of our gifts and enlighten Your Church, that Your flock may prosper everywhere and the shepherds, under Your guidance, may be rendered acceptable to You. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.
Preface of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary
Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos Tibi semper et ubique gratias agere : Domine, Sancte Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus : Et Te in sollemnitate sacratissimi Rosarii de Beatae Mariae semper Virginis collaudare, benedicere et praedicare. Quae et Unigenitum Tuum Sancti Spiritus obumbratione concepit : et, virginitatis gloria permanente, lumen aeternum mundo effudit, Jesum Christum, Dominum nostrum.
Per quem majestatem Tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Caeli caelorumque Virtutes ac beata Seraphim socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces ut admitti jubeas, deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes :
English translation
It is truly meet and just, right and availing unto salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, o Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Everlasting God, and on the solemnity of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, should praise and bless and proclaim You. For she conceived Your only begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, and not losing the glory of her virginity, gave to the world the everlasting Light, Jesus Christ our Lord.
He through Whom the angels praise Your majesty, the Dominations worship it, and the Powers are in awe. The heavens and the heavenly hosts, and the blessed Seraphim join together in celebrating their joy. With these we pray to You joining also our voices, while we say with lowly praise :
Communion
Ecclesiastes 39 : 19
Florete, flores, quasi lilium, et date odorem, et frondete in gratiam, collaudate canticum, et benedicite Dominum in operibus Suis.
English translation
Send forth flowers, as the lily, and yield a smell, and bring forth leaves in grace, and praise with canticles, and bless the Lord in His works.
Post-Communion Prayer
Sacratissimae Genetricis Tuae, cujus Rosarium celebramus, quaesumus, Domine, precibus adjuvemur : ut et mysteriorum, quae colimus, virtus percipiatur; et sacramentorum, quae sumpsimus, obtineatur effectus : Qui vivis et regnas in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
English translation
May we be assisted, we beseech You, o Lord, by the prayers of Your most holy Mother, whose Rosary we celebrate, that the virtue of the mysteries we adore may be shared and the effect of the sacraments we have received may be obtained. He who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.
Post-Communion Prayer (For Commemoration of Pope St. Mark)
Refectione sancta enutritam guberna, quaesumus, Domine, Tuam placatus Ecclesiam : ut, potenti moderatione directa, et incrementa libertatis accipiat et in religionis integritate persistat. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
English translation
Since Your Church has been nourished by the sacred repast, govern her in Your clemency, we beseech You, o Lord, so that under the guidance of Your mighty rule she may enjoy greater freedom and abiding integrity of religion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.
Liturgical Colour : White
Sequentia Sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam – Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke
Luke 1 : 26-38
In illo tempore : Missus est Angelus Gabriel a Deo in civitatem Galilaeae, cui nomen Nazareth, ad Virginem desponsatam viro, cui nomen erat Joseph, de domo David, et nomen Virginis Maria.
Et ingressus Angelus ad eam, dixit : Ave, gratia plena; Dominus tecum : benedicta tu in mulieribus. Quae cum audisset, turbata est in sermone ejus : et cogitabat, qualis esset ista salutatio.
Et ait Angelus ei : Ne timeas, Maria, invenisti enim gratiam apud Deum : ecce, concipies in utero et paries filium, et vocabis Nomen Ejus Jesum. Hic erit magnus, et Filius Altissimi vocabitur, et dabit illi Dominus Deus sedem David, patris Ejus : et regnabit in domo Jacob in aeternum, et regni Ejus non erit finis.
Dixit autem Maria ad Angelum : Quomodo fiet istud, quoniam virum non cognosco? Et respondens Angelus, dixit ei : Spiritus Sanctus superveniet in te, et virtus Altissimi obumbrabit tibi. Ideoque et quod nascetur ex te Sanctum, vocabitur Filius Dei.
Et ecce, Elisabeth, cognata tua, et ipsa concepit filiumin senectute sua : et hic mensis sextus est illi, quae vocatur sterilis : quia non erit impossibile apud Deum omne verbum. Dixit autem Maria : Ecce ancilla Domini, fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.
English translation
At that time, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And the Angel being come in, said unto her, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women.” Having heard this, she was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.
And the Angel said to her, “Do not fear, Mary, for you have found grace with God. Behold you shall conceive in your womb and shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High, the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father, and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.”
And Mary said to the Angel, “How shall this be done, because I do not know any man?” And the Angel answering said to her, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you. And therefore also the Holy One which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.”
“And behold your cousin Elizabeth, she also had conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren, because no word shall be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word.”
Liturgical Colour : White
Psalm 44 : 5, 11, 12 and Tradition of the Faith
Propter veritatem et mansuetudinem et justitiam, et deducet te mirabiliter dextera tua.
Priest : Audi, filia, et vide, et inclina aurem tuam : quia concupivit Rex speciem tuam.
Alleluja, Alleluja.
Priest : Sollemnitas gloriosae Virginis Mariae ex semine Abrahae, ortae de tribu Juda, clara ex stirpe David. Alleluja.
English translation
Because of truth, and meekness, and justice, and Your right hand shall conduct you wonderfully.
Priest : Hear, o daughter, and see, and incline your ear, for the King had desired your beauty.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Priest : The solemnity of the glorious Virgin Mary, of the seed of Abraham, sprung from the tribe of Judah, of the noble line of David. Alleluia.
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