In the Diocese of Florida
Introit: Ps. xliv
Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate the feast in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.
[Ps.] My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king. Glory
be.... Let us....
Collect:
Almighty and everlasting God, thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, hanging
upon the Cross didst commend the human race to His Blessed Virgin Mother; grant
that, through her intercession, we may always be filled with true hope of
eternal salvation.
Commemoration of St. Stephen, O almighty God, whose Church, while he ruled on earth, possessed in blessed
Stephen, Thy confessor, a mighty promoter; grant that she may find in him a
glorious defender in heaven.
Epistle: Ecclesiasticus: xxiv: 23-31
A reading from the wisdom books: Gradual:
Virgin Mary, blessed and venerable art thou: without blemish to thy
maidenhood, thou didst become the mother of the Savior. O Virgin Mother of God,
He whom the whole world cannot contain, being made man, shut Himself up within
thy womb. The Gospel: John xix: 25-27
+ Credo.
Offertory: Jeremias xvii: 20
Remember, O Virgin Mother, to speak good things on our behalf before the face
of God, that He may turn away His anger from us.
Secret:
Sanctify the gifts we offer Thee, O Lord, and grant that they may bring us
closer to salvation through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mother of
God.
Commemoration of St. Stephen
Graciously look down, O Lord, on the victim we offer; and by Thy grace,
enable us who celebrate the mysteries of our Lord's passion, to imitate what
therein is set forth.
Preface of the Blessed Virgin. Communion:
Most worthy Queen of the world, Mary, ever Virgin, who brought forth Christ
the Lord and Savior of all mankind, pray for our peace and salvation.
Postcommunion:
O Lord, help us by the prayers of Thine immaculate Virgin Mother Mary. Her
loving care has already brought us everlasting blessings; may she shield us from
all dangers, and unite us in heart and mind.
Commemoration of St. Stephen:
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we may follow with due devotion the faith of blessed Stephen Thy confessor, who by spreading the same faith, became worthy to pass from an earthly realm to the glory of the heavenly kingdom.
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