December 3 - Saint Francis Xavier (4)
HYMN
Jesus, prize and crown
of your faithful servants,
glorify your name.
Grant to your Church,
who venerates Francis Xavier,
victory over evil.
Following your steps
on the way of the cross,
he pleased God the Father.
Wise and vigilant,
he proclaimed the gospel
in words and in works.
From the city of saints,
where he reigns, glorious,
may he guide and protect us.
To you, O Christ, be glory,
to the Father and to the Spirit
for ever and ever. Amen.
Ant.1 Through the gift of God
I became a minister of the gospel.
PSALM 113 Give praise to the name of the Lord
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly (Luke1:52).
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 Through the gift of God
I became a minister of the gospel.
Ant. 2 I do all that I do for the sake of the gospel,
to inherit the promise.
PSALM 146 Blessed are they who hope in the Lord
Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them (Matthew 11:5).
Praise the Lord, my soul; *
I shall praise the Lord all my life, †
sing praise to my God while I live.
I put no trust in princes, *
in mere mortals powerless to save.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth; *
that day all their planning comes to nothing.
Happy those whose help is Jacob’s God, *
whose hope is in the Lord, their God,
The maker of heaven and earth, *
the seas and all that is in them,
Who keeps faith forever, *
secures justice for the oppressed, †
gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free; *
the Lord gives sight to the blind.
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down; *
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord protects the stranger, †
sustains the orphan and the widow, *
but thwarts the way of the wicked.
The Lord shall reign forever, *
your God, Zion, through all generations!
Ant. 2 I do all that I do for the sake of the gospel,
to inherit the promise.
Ant. 3 To me was given the grace to preach to the Gentiles
the unfathomable riches of Christ.
CANTICLE cf. Ephesians 1, 3-10 God our Savior
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 To me was given the grace to preach to the Gentiles
the unfathomable riches of Christ.
READING 2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
RESPONSORY Philippians 1:21; Galatians 6:14
R. For to me life is Christ * and death is gain.
-- For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
V. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
-- and death is gain.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-- For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
Magnificat Ant. Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place at the banquet in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
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. Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place at the banquet in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
INTERCESSIONS
As we joyfully honor Saint Francis Xavier, let us with confidence call upon God who is honored in his saints:
Lord, hear our prayer.
O God, through the mission of Saint Francis Xavier you revealed your love of a merciful father:
- help us communicate the same love in our lives.
O God, you wonderfully inflamed the soul of Saint Francis Xavier to spread the Gospel of your Son:
- grant that we may burn with the same apostolic zeal.
O God, you entrusted to Saint Francis Xavier the mission for the people in the Orient.
- grant that they may always be witnesses of your word and proclaim it faithfully.
O God, through your apostles you opened the way of truth to all peoples:
- grant that all may know you, the one true God, and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ.
O God, you willed that your Son shed his Blood for the entire human race:
- mercifully admit our departed into the heavenly home.
Our Father.
Prayer
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples for yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith, and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in abundant offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Jesus, prize and crown
of your faithful servants,
glorify your name.
Grant to your Church,
who venerates Francis Xavier,
victory over evil.
Following your steps
on the way of the cross,
he pleased God the Father.
Wise and vigilant,
he proclaimed the gospel
in words and in works.
From the city of saints,
where he reigns, glorious,
may he guide and protect us.
To you, O Christ, be glory,
to the Father and to the Spirit
for ever and ever. Amen.
Ant.1 Through the gift of God
I became a minister of the gospel.
PSALM 113 Give praise to the name of the Lord
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly (Luke1:52).
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 Through the gift of God
I became a minister of the gospel.
Ant. 2 I do all that I do for the sake of the gospel,
to inherit the promise.
PSALM 146 Blessed are they who hope in the Lord
Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them (Matthew 11:5).
Praise the Lord, my soul; *
I shall praise the Lord all my life, †
sing praise to my God while I live.
I put no trust in princes, *
in mere mortals powerless to save.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth; *
that day all their planning comes to nothing.
Happy those whose help is Jacob’s God, *
whose hope is in the Lord, their God,
The maker of heaven and earth, *
the seas and all that is in them,
Who keeps faith forever, *
secures justice for the oppressed, †
gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free; *
the Lord gives sight to the blind.
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down; *
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord protects the stranger, †
sustains the orphan and the widow, *
but thwarts the way of the wicked.
The Lord shall reign forever, *
your God, Zion, through all generations!
Ant. 2 I do all that I do for the sake of the gospel,
to inherit the promise.
Ant. 3 To me was given the grace to preach to the Gentiles
the unfathomable riches of Christ.
CANTICLE cf. Ephesians 1, 3-10 God our Savior
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 To me was given the grace to preach to the Gentiles
the unfathomable riches of Christ.
READING 2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
RESPONSORY Philippians 1:21; Galatians 6:14
R. For to me life is Christ * and death is gain.
-- For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
V. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
-- and death is gain.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-- For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
Magnificat Ant. Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place at the banquet in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
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. Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place at the banquet in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
INTERCESSIONS
As we joyfully honor Saint Francis Xavier, let us with confidence call upon God who is honored in his saints:
Lord, hear our prayer.
O God, through the mission of Saint Francis Xavier you revealed your love of a merciful father:
- help us communicate the same love in our lives.
O God, you wonderfully inflamed the soul of Saint Francis Xavier to spread the Gospel of your Son:
- grant that we may burn with the same apostolic zeal.
O God, you entrusted to Saint Francis Xavier the mission for the people in the Orient.
- grant that they may always be witnesses of your word and proclaim it faithfully.
O God, through your apostles you opened the way of truth to all peoples:
- grant that all may know you, the one true God, and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ.
O God, you willed that your Son shed his Blood for the entire human race:
- mercifully admit our departed into the heavenly home.
Our Father.
Prayer
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples for yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith, and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in abundant offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Published in
December 3 - Saint Francis Xavier
Midmorning
Ant. I know him in whom I have believed
and I am confident he, just judge that he is,
is able to guard what has been entrusted
to me until that day.
READING Rom. 1: 16-17
I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God leading everyone who believes in it to salvation, the Jews first, then the Greek. For in the gospel is revealed the justice of God which begins and ends with faith; as Scripture says, “The just man will live by faith.”
V. To those spreading the good news the Lord gives the word
R. With great power
Midday
Ant. The Lord’s mercy
reproves, admonishes, teaches,
as a shepherd guides his flock.
READING 1 Th 2: 2-4
We drew courage from our God to preach his good tidings to you in the face of great opposition. The exhortation we deliver does not spring from deceit or impure motives or any sort of trickery; rather, having met the test imposed on us by God, as men entrusted with good tidings, we speak like those who strive to please God, “the tester of our hearts,”, rather than men.
V. They heard the decrees of God
R. And the law he gave them
Mid-afternoon
Ant. I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
READING 2 Tim 1: 8-9
With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails. God has saved us and has called us to a holy life, not because of any merit of ours but according to his own design – the grace held on us in Christ Jesus.
V. The favor of God to me has not proved fruitless
R. His grace is with me always.
Prayer
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples for yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith, and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in abundant offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Ant. I know him in whom I have believed
and I am confident he, just judge that he is,
is able to guard what has been entrusted
to me until that day.
READING Rom. 1: 16-17
I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God leading everyone who believes in it to salvation, the Jews first, then the Greek. For in the gospel is revealed the justice of God which begins and ends with faith; as Scripture says, “The just man will live by faith.”
V. To those spreading the good news the Lord gives the word
R. With great power
Midday
Ant. The Lord’s mercy
reproves, admonishes, teaches,
as a shepherd guides his flock.
READING 1 Th 2: 2-4
We drew courage from our God to preach his good tidings to you in the face of great opposition. The exhortation we deliver does not spring from deceit or impure motives or any sort of trickery; rather, having met the test imposed on us by God, as men entrusted with good tidings, we speak like those who strive to please God, “the tester of our hearts,”, rather than men.
V. They heard the decrees of God
R. And the law he gave them
Mid-afternoon
Ant. I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
READING 2 Tim 1: 8-9
With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails. God has saved us and has called us to a holy life, not because of any merit of ours but according to his own design – the grace held on us in Christ Jesus.
V. The favor of God to me has not proved fruitless
R. His grace is with me always.
Prayer
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples for yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith, and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in abundant offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Published in
December 3 - Saint Francis Xavier
HYMN
O Christ, Word of the Father,
glorious king among the saints,
light and salvation of the world,
we believe in you.
Food and drink of life,
balm, garment, dwelling,
strength, refuge, and comfort,
we hope in you.
Enlighten with your Spirit
the dark night of evil,
direct our journey
toward the Father. Amen
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastic authority.
Ant.1 God called us to the gospel
through our faith in what is true,
to be worthy to possess the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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 God called us to the gospel
through our faith in what is true,
to be worthy to possess the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ant. 2 Go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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 Go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Ant. 3 The word of God is alive and effective,
sharper than a two-edged sword.
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 The word of God is alive and effective,
sharper than a two-edged sword.
READING 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Now I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures.
RESPONSORY 1 Corinthians 2:2, 3, 5
R. I came to you in weakness and fear, * so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
-- I came to you in weakness and fear, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
V. For I resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ, and him crucified,
-- so that your faith might rest on the power of God.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-- I came to you in weakness and fear, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.
Benedictus Ant. Blessed be the Lord; he has redeemed all people and has called everyone from darkness to his splendid light.
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 be the Lord; he has redeemed all people and has called everyone from darkness to his splendid light.
INTERCESSIONS
On the feast of Saint Francis Xavier we turn to God, our Father, in the Spirit of his Risen
Son, as we say in faith:
Your kingdom come, Lord.
O Father, you set Saint Francis Xavier on fire with zeal:
- may your Church be an effective witness of your love toward every creature.
O Father, you endowed Saint Francis Xavier with a great missionary spirit:
- may the saving word of the gospel reach every nation.
O Father, you placed in the heart of Saint Francis Xavier a great love for the neglected:
- may the heralds of the gospel always prefer the poor and the marginalized.
O Father, you filled the apostle of the Indies, Saint Francis Xavier, with your Spirit:
- may all baptized people, announcing and professing your word, always be motivated by the same love of Christ.
Our Father.
Prayer
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples for yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith, and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in abundant offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
O Christ, Word of the Father,
glorious king among the saints,
light and salvation of the world,
we believe in you.
Food and drink of life,
balm, garment, dwelling,
strength, refuge, and comfort,
we hope in you.
Enlighten with your Spirit
the dark night of evil,
direct our journey
toward the Father. Amen
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastic authority.
Ant.1 God called us to the gospel
through our faith in what is true,
to be worthy to possess the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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 God called us to the gospel
through our faith in what is true,
to be worthy to possess the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ant. 2 Go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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 Go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Ant. 3 The word of God is alive and effective,
sharper than a two-edged sword.
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 The word of God is alive and effective,
sharper than a two-edged sword.
READING 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Now I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures.
RESPONSORY 1 Corinthians 2:2, 3, 5
R. I came to you in weakness and fear, * so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
-- I came to you in weakness and fear, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
V. For I resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ, and him crucified,
-- so that your faith might rest on the power of God.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-- I came to you in weakness and fear, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.
Benedictus Ant. Blessed be the Lord; he has redeemed all people and has called everyone from darkness to his splendid light.
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 be the Lord; he has redeemed all people and has called everyone from darkness to his splendid light.
INTERCESSIONS
On the feast of Saint Francis Xavier we turn to God, our Father, in the Spirit of his Risen
Son, as we say in faith:
Your kingdom come, Lord.
O Father, you set Saint Francis Xavier on fire with zeal:
- may your Church be an effective witness of your love toward every creature.
O Father, you endowed Saint Francis Xavier with a great missionary spirit:
- may the saving word of the gospel reach every nation.
O Father, you placed in the heart of Saint Francis Xavier a great love for the neglected:
- may the heralds of the gospel always prefer the poor and the marginalized.
O Father, you filled the apostle of the Indies, Saint Francis Xavier, with your Spirit:
- may all baptized people, announcing and professing your word, always be motivated by the same love of Christ.
Our Father.
Prayer
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples for yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith, and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in abundant offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Published in
December 3 - Saint Francis Xavier
Invitatory
Ant. On the feast of Saint Francis Xavier,
Come, let us adore the Lord Jesus, light of the people.
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
Wheat of Christ are we
grown under the sun of God,
kneaded in the water of the fount,
marked by the divine chrism.
Transform us into bread, O Father,
for the sacrament of peace;
one Bread, one Spirit, one Body,
the One and Holy Church, O Lord.
O Christ, glorious shepherd,
to you be power and honor
with the Father and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever. Amen.
Or another appropriate hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.
Ant. 1 Tell all people: the Lord reigns!
PSALM 21:2-8. 14 Thanksgiving for the victory of the King-Messiah
Lord, the king finds joy in your power; *
in your victory how greatly he rejoices!
You have granted him his heart’s desire; *
you did not refuse the prayer of his lips.
For you welcomed him with goodly blessings; *
you placed on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked life of you; you gave it to him, *
length of days forever.
Great is his glory in your victory; *
majesty and splendor you confer upon him.
You make him the pattern of blessings forever, *
you gladden him with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the Lord, *
stands firm through the love of the Most High.
Arise, Lord, in your power! *
We will sing and chant the praise of your might.
Ant.1 Tell all people: the Lord reigns!
Ant. 2 To live for God is my delight;
my joy is to tell his wonders.
PSALM 92 Praise to the creator
I (1-9)
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, *
to sing praise to your name, Most High,
To proclaim your love in the morning, *
your faithfulness in the night,
With the ten-stringed harp, *
with melody upon the lyre.
For you make me jubilant, Lord, by your deeds; *
at the works of your hands I shout for joy.
How great are your works, Lord! *
How profound your purpose!
A senseless person cannot know this; *
a fool cannot comprehend.
Though the wicked flourish like grass *
and all sinners thrive,
They are destined for eternal destruction; *
For you, Lord, are forever on high.
Ant. 2 To live for God is my delight;
my joy is to recount his wonders.
Ant. 3 Our strength is in the blood of Jesus;
our life is in his mercy.
II (10-16)
Indeed your enemies, Lord, †
indeed your enemies shall perish; *
all sinners shall be scattered.
You have given me the strength of a wild bull; *
you have poured rich oil upon me.
My eyes look with glee on my wicked enemies; *
my ears delight in the fall of my foes.
The just shall flourish like the palm tree, *
they shall flourish in the courts of our God.
shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
Planted in the house of the Lord, *
They shall bear fruit even in old age, *
always vigorous and sturdy,
As they proclaim: “The Lord is just; *
our rock, in whom there is no wrong.”
Ant. 3 Our strength is in the blood of Jesus;
our life is in his mercy.
R. You will receive the word from my mouth,
V. and you will relate it to your people.
FIRST READING
From the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-48a
Even the pagans have received the gift of the Holy Spirit
Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”
While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?” He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
RESPONSORY Acts 12:24; 13:48,52
R. The word of God continued to spread and grow. * All who were destined for eternal life came to believe.
V. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
R. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe.
SECOND READING
From the letters of Saint Francis Xavier, priest, to Saint Ignatius
(20 October and 15 January 1544: Letters of St. Francis Xavier and other writings, vol. I, ed G. Schurhammer - I. Wicki, Mon. Hist. Soc. Iesu, vol. 67, Romae 1944, pp 147-148; 166-167)
Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel
We have covered the villages of the neophytes, who a few years ago had received the Christian sacraments. This zone is not inhabited by the Portuguese, because extremely sterile and poor, and the aboriginal Christians, deprived of clergymen, do not know anything other than that they are Christian. No one is here to celebrate the sacred functions, no one to teach them the Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Commandments of the divine law.
Therefore since I arrived here I have not stopped a moment; I cover with assiduousness the villages, I administer baptism to the children who have not yet received it. Therefore I have saved a very great number of children, who, as is said, did not know how to distinguish the right hand from the left. Children then do not leave me to say the Divine Office, nor to take food, nor to rest until I have taught them some prayer; then I began to understand that to them the reign of heaven belongs.
Therefore, not being able without impiety reject a just need, beginning from the confession of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I taught them the apostolic Symbol, the Our Father and the Hail Mary. I became aware that they are intelligent, and if someone was here to instruct them in the Christian faith, I do not doubt that they would become very good Christians.
Very many, in these places, do not become Christians only because no one is here to make them Christians. Very often it comes to my mind to cover the Universities of Europe, especially the one of Paris, and to scream here and there as a crazy one and to shake those who have more science that charity with these words: Alas, what a great number of people, for your fault, become excluded from heaven and forced to hell!
Oh! if these, as they take care of learning, would give thought also of this, to be able to render account to God of science and the talents received!
In truth very many of them, upset by this thought, giving themselves to the meditation of the divine matters, would listen to how much the Lord speaks to their heart, and, having put aside their desires and human expectations, would place themselves totally at the disposition of the will of God. They would cry from the depth of their heart: “Here I am, Lord; what do you want me to do”. Send me where you want, even to India.
RESPONSORY Luke 10:2; Acts 1:8
R. The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; * ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
V. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.
R. ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
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
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples for yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith, and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in abundant offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Ant. On the feast of Saint Francis Xavier,
Come, let us adore the Lord Jesus, light of the people.
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
Wheat of Christ are we
grown under the sun of God,
kneaded in the water of the fount,
marked by the divine chrism.
Transform us into bread, O Father,
for the sacrament of peace;
one Bread, one Spirit, one Body,
the One and Holy Church, O Lord.
O Christ, glorious shepherd,
to you be power and honor
with the Father and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever. Amen.
Or another appropriate hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.
Ant. 1 Tell all people: the Lord reigns!
PSALM 21:2-8. 14 Thanksgiving for the victory of the King-Messiah
Lord, the king finds joy in your power; *
in your victory how greatly he rejoices!
You have granted him his heart’s desire; *
you did not refuse the prayer of his lips.
For you welcomed him with goodly blessings; *
you placed on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked life of you; you gave it to him, *
length of days forever.
Great is his glory in your victory; *
majesty and splendor you confer upon him.
You make him the pattern of blessings forever, *
you gladden him with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the Lord, *
stands firm through the love of the Most High.
Arise, Lord, in your power! *
We will sing and chant the praise of your might.
Ant.1 Tell all people: the Lord reigns!
Ant. 2 To live for God is my delight;
my joy is to tell his wonders.
PSALM 92 Praise to the creator
I (1-9)
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, *
to sing praise to your name, Most High,
To proclaim your love in the morning, *
your faithfulness in the night,
With the ten-stringed harp, *
with melody upon the lyre.
For you make me jubilant, Lord, by your deeds; *
at the works of your hands I shout for joy.
How great are your works, Lord! *
How profound your purpose!
A senseless person cannot know this; *
a fool cannot comprehend.
Though the wicked flourish like grass *
and all sinners thrive,
They are destined for eternal destruction; *
For you, Lord, are forever on high.
Ant. 2 To live for God is my delight;
my joy is to recount his wonders.
Ant. 3 Our strength is in the blood of Jesus;
our life is in his mercy.
II (10-16)
Indeed your enemies, Lord, †
indeed your enemies shall perish; *
all sinners shall be scattered.
You have given me the strength of a wild bull; *
you have poured rich oil upon me.
My eyes look with glee on my wicked enemies; *
my ears delight in the fall of my foes.
The just shall flourish like the palm tree, *
they shall flourish in the courts of our God.
shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
Planted in the house of the Lord, *
They shall bear fruit even in old age, *
always vigorous and sturdy,
As they proclaim: “The Lord is just; *
our rock, in whom there is no wrong.”
Ant. 3 Our strength is in the blood of Jesus;
our life is in his mercy.
R. You will receive the word from my mouth,
V. and you will relate it to your people.
FIRST READING
From the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-48a
Even the pagans have received the gift of the Holy Spirit
Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”
While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?” He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
RESPONSORY Acts 12:24; 13:48,52
R. The word of God continued to spread and grow. * All who were destined for eternal life came to believe.
V. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
R. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe.
SECOND READING
From the letters of Saint Francis Xavier, priest, to Saint Ignatius
(20 October and 15 January 1544: Letters of St. Francis Xavier and other writings, vol. I, ed G. Schurhammer - I. Wicki, Mon. Hist. Soc. Iesu, vol. 67, Romae 1944, pp 147-148; 166-167)
Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel
We have covered the villages of the neophytes, who a few years ago had received the Christian sacraments. This zone is not inhabited by the Portuguese, because extremely sterile and poor, and the aboriginal Christians, deprived of clergymen, do not know anything other than that they are Christian. No one is here to celebrate the sacred functions, no one to teach them the Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Commandments of the divine law.
Therefore since I arrived here I have not stopped a moment; I cover with assiduousness the villages, I administer baptism to the children who have not yet received it. Therefore I have saved a very great number of children, who, as is said, did not know how to distinguish the right hand from the left. Children then do not leave me to say the Divine Office, nor to take food, nor to rest until I have taught them some prayer; then I began to understand that to them the reign of heaven belongs.
Therefore, not being able without impiety reject a just need, beginning from the confession of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I taught them the apostolic Symbol, the Our Father and the Hail Mary. I became aware that they are intelligent, and if someone was here to instruct them in the Christian faith, I do not doubt that they would become very good Christians.
Very many, in these places, do not become Christians only because no one is here to make them Christians. Very often it comes to my mind to cover the Universities of Europe, especially the one of Paris, and to scream here and there as a crazy one and to shake those who have more science that charity with these words: Alas, what a great number of people, for your fault, become excluded from heaven and forced to hell!
Oh! if these, as they take care of learning, would give thought also of this, to be able to render account to God of science and the talents received!
In truth very many of them, upset by this thought, giving themselves to the meditation of the divine matters, would listen to how much the Lord speaks to their heart, and, having put aside their desires and human expectations, would place themselves totally at the disposition of the will of God. They would cry from the depth of their heart: “Here I am, Lord; what do you want me to do”. Send me where you want, even to India.
RESPONSORY Luke 10:2; Acts 1:8
R. The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; * ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
V. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.
R. ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
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
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples for yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith, and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in abundant offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Published in
December 3 - Saint Francis Xavier