Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless otherwise stated.
Vigil of Saint Thomas.
Apostle.
20 December.
Simple.
Violet Vestments.
The tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle,
in Mylapore, India.
Photo: 1 June 2013.
Source: Own work.
Author: Mathen Payyappilly Palakkappilly
(Wikimedia Commons)
Like nearly all The Feasts of The Apostles, that of Saint Thomas is preceded by a Vigil, which will enable our Souls to prepare for it in a Holy Manner. The Gospel recalls the vocation of this great Apostle, who had the happiness of hearing continually The Word of Christ and of enjoying His intimacy. "I have called you friends because I have made known to you all that I have heard from My Father."
"God," adds the Epistle, "has chosen him from among all men. He has given him His Commandments, The Law of Life and of Instruction."
Wherefore, the Offertory declares that he had been chosen by Jesus to be one of The Twelve Princes, who would govern His Church: "The Lord has crowned him with glory and honour and has given him authority over the works of His hands."
"The Lord", the Epistle also says, "has given him his share of inheritance among The Twelve Tribes." The Country of The Parthians and Persians was allotted to Saint Thomas when The Apostles divided The World among themselves. Let us prepare for tomorrow's Solemnity in union with The Holy Church.
Mass: Ego autem.
Commemoration: Of The Feria.
Third Collect: Deus qui de beátæ.
If The Vigil falls on one of The Ember Days, The Mass is that of The Ember Day, with Commemoration of The Vigil, but without its Gospel at the end of Mass.
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