Common of Confessor Bishops (I)
Státuit ei

[Latin Text]

Introit: Ecclus. vl: 30

The Lord made a covenant of friendship with him, and made him a prince; that he should possess the dignity of priesthood forever. [Ps.cxxxi] Remember, O Lord, David and all his meekness. Glory be. The Lord.

Collect:

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the venerable solemnity of blessed N., Thy confessor and bishop may both increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord.

Epistle:  Ecclesiasticus xliv: 16-27

A reading from the Wisdom books.
Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just; and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was not found the like to him who kept the law of the most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him to increase among his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings; He preserved for him His mercy; and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood: and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise in His name, and to offer Him a worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.

Gradual:  Ecclesiasticus xliv: 16-27

Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God. There was not found the like to him who kept the law of the most High.
Alleluia, alleluia. Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia.

From Septuagesima to Easter the Alleluia is replaced by the

Tract: Ps. cxi: 1-3

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed. Glory and wealth shall be in his house, and his justice remaineth forever and ever.

During Paschaltide gradual and tract are replaced by:

Alleluia, alleluia. Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia. This is the priest whom the Lord hath crowned. Alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-23
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 The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: "A man going abroad, called his servants and handed over to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his particular ability, and then he went on his journey. And he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more. In like manner, he who had received the two gained two more. But he who had received the one went away and dug in the earth and hid his master's money. Then after a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came, and brought five other talents, saying, 'Master, thou handed over to me five talents; behold, I have gained five, more in addition.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many; enter into the joy of thy master. And also he who had received the two talents came, and said, 'Master, thou handed over to me two talents; behold, I have gained two more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many; enter into the joy of thy master."

Offertory: Ps. lxxxviii: 21-22

I have found David My servant, with My holy oil I have anointed him: for My hand shall keep him and My arm shall strengthen him. (P.T. Alleluia.)

Secret:

May Thy saints, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in every place bring us joy; that while we commemorate their merits, we may experience their patronage. Through our Lord.

Communion: Luke xii: 42

This is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family: to give them their measure of wheat in due season. (P.T. Alleluia.)

Postcommunion:

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that by showing gratitude for the gifts which we have received, we may, by the intercession of blessed N., Thy confessor and bishop, obtain yet greater benefits. Through our Lord.