Pope Saint Felix I. Martyr. Feast Day 30 May.

Italic Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal.

Roman Text from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,

unless otherwise stated.

Saint Felix.

Pope and Martyr.

Feast Day 30 May.

Simple.

Red Vestments.

Pope Saint Felix I.

Fresco in Sistine Chapel, Vatican.

Papacy 269 A,D, - 274 A.D.

Image: Wikipedia.

In 269 A.D., Saint Felix ascended the Throne of Peter, to whom Jesus, before His Ascension, had committed His Church.

Saint Felix commanded that Masses be celebrated over the tombs of Martyrs, and it is in remembrance of this prescription that the Relics of Martyrs are placed in a small cavity of the Altar Stone, called "Tomb".

The Altar, nowadays, has indeed often the shape of a tomb, this being a relic of the "Confession", or underground tomb, which is found under the High Altar in Roman Basilicas, and is reached by stairs.

The custom of uniting the remembrance of Martyrs to the Sacrifice of the Mass or of Calvary shows that these Martyrs, having entered into the bosom of Jesus (Gospel), have found there the strength to confess their Faith before their enemies and the Grace of being Children of the Father (Epistle).

Saint Felix bore witness to Christ in 274 A.D., under the persecution of Emperor Aurelian.

Mass: In Paschaltide, Protexisti, with Collects of Mass: Statuit.

Mass: Out of Paschaltide, Statuit.

A Roman by birth, Felix was chosen as Pope on 5 January 269 A.D., in succession to Pope Dionysius, who had died on 26 December 268 A.D.

Felix was the author of an important Dogmatic Letter on the Unity of Christ's Person. He received the Emperor Aurelian's aid in settling a theological dispute between the anti-Trinitarian, Paul of Samosata, who had been deprived of the Bishopric of Antioch, by a Council of Bishops, for heresy, and the Orthodox, Domnus, Paul's successor. Paul refused to give way, and in 272 A.D., the Emperor Aurelian was asked to decide between the rivals. He ordered the Church building to be given to the Bishop, who was "recognised by the Bishops of Italy and of the City of Rome" (Felix). See Eusebius, Hist. Ecc. vii. 30.

The Text of that Letter was later interpolated by a follower of Apollinaris in the interests of his Sect.

The notice about Felix, in the Liber Pontificalis, ascribes to him a Decree that Masses should be celebrated on the tombs of Martyrs ("Hic constituit supra memorias martyrum missas celebrare"). The author of this entry was evidently alluding to the custom of celebrating Mass privately at the Altars near, or over, the tombs of the Martyrs in the Crypts of the Catacombs (missa ad corpus), while the Solemn Celebration always took place in the Basilicas built over the Catacombs.

This practice, still in force at the end of the 4th-Century, dates apparently from the period when the great Cemeterial Basilicas were built in Rome, and owes its origin to the Solemn Commemoration Services of Martyrs, held at their tombs on the anniversary of their burial, as early as the 3rd-Century. Felix probably issued no such decree, but the compiler of the Liber Pontificalis attributed it to him, because he made no departure from the custom in force in his time.

The Feast Of The Ascension Of Our Lord.

Roman Text taken from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal.

Illustrations and Captions taken from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,

unless otherwise stated.

Station at Saint Peter's.

(Plenary Stational Indulgence).

Double of the First-Class with Privileged Octave

of the Third Order.

White Vestments.

English: Woodcut for "Die Bibel in Bildern", 1860.

Deutsch: Holzschnitt aus "Die Bibel in Bildern", 1860.

Français: Gravure en bois pour «Die Bibel in Bildern», 1860.

Date: 1851-1860.

Source: Die Bibel in Bildern.

Author: Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld (1794–1872).

(Wikimedia Commons)

It is in the Basilica of Saint Peter, dedicated to one of the chief witnesses of Our Lord's Ascension, that this Mystery, which marks the end of Our Lord's Earthly life, is "this day" (Collect) kept.

In the forty days which followed His Resurrection, Our Redeemer laid the foundations of His Church, to which He was going to send the Holy Ghost.

All the Master's teachings are summed up in the Epistle and Gospel for this Feast Day. Then, He left this Earth and the Introit, Collect, Epistle, Alleluia, Gospel, Offertory, Secret, Preface and Communion celebrate His glorious Ascension into Heaven, where the Souls He had freed from Limbo escort Him (Alleluia), and enter in His train into the heavenly kingdom, where they share more fully in His Divinity.

The Ascension sets before us the duty of raising our hearts to God. So, in the Collect, we are led to ask that we may dwell with Christ in Spirit, in the heavenly realms, where we are called one day to dwell in our risen bodies.

English: A mosaic, showing the Ascension, in one of the Chapels 

in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Lourdes, France (see, below).

Français: Mosaïque d'une des chapelles 

de la Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire (niveau inférieur) : l'Ascension.

Photo: 10 August 2007.

Source: Own work.

Author: Vassil.

(Wikimedia Commons)

During the Octave of this Feast, the Credo is said: "I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God . . . Who ascended into Heaven . . . He sitteth at the right hand of the Father." The Gloria speaks in the same sense: "O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son . . Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy upon us."

In the Proper Preface, which is said until Pentecost, we give thanks to God because His Son, the Risen Christ, "after His Resurrection, appeared and showed Himself to all His disciples; and, while they beheld Him, was lifted up into Heaven".

In the same way, during the whole Octave, a Proper Communicantes of the Feast is said, in which the Church reminds us that she is keeping the day on which the only-begotten Son of God set at the right hand of His glory the substance of our frail human nature, to which He had united Himself in the Mystery of the Incarnation.

English: The Basilicas of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of the Rosary, Lourdes, France.

Français: La basilique de l'Immaculée-Conception et, au premier plan, la basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire, Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées, France.

Photo: 23 May 2012.

Source: Own work.

Author: Père Igor.

(Wikimedia Commons)

We are reminded, daily, in the Liturgy, at the Offertory's Suscipe Sancta Trinitas, and in the Canon's Unde et memories, that, at Our Lord's command, the Holy Sacrifice is being offered in memory of the "Blessed Passion of the same Christ Thy Son, Our Lord," and also His Resurrection from Hell and His glorious Ascension into Heaven.

The truth is that man is saved only by the Mysteries of the Passion and the Resurrection, united with that of the Ascension. "Through Thy Death and Burial, through Thy Holy Resurrection, through Thy admirable Ascension, deliver us, O Lord" (Litany of the Saints).

Let us offer the Divine Sacrifice to God in memory of the glorious Ascension of His Son (Suscipe, Unde et memores); while we nourish within our Souls an ardent desire for Heaven, that "delivered from present dangers," we may "attain to eternal life" (Secret).

Every Parish Priest celebrates Mass for the people of his Parish.

NOTE:

The Novena, preparatory to Pentecost, prescribed by Pope Leo XIII, for the return of heretics and schismatics to the Roman unity, begins on the Friday after the Ascension.

Ascension Day. Missa Cantata. 2000hrs (8p.m.). Thursday, 29 May 2014, Our Lady Of The Rosary, Blackfen, Kent.

There is a Missa Cantata (Sung Mass), in the Usus Antiquior,

at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen, Kent DA15 8LW, at 2000 hrs (8 p.m.),

Thursday, 29 May 2014.

DIRECTIONS

Image: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY

Italic Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,

The observance of this Feast is of great antiquity. Although no documentary evidence of it exists prior to the beginning of the 5th-Century, Saint Augustine says that it is of Apostolic origin, and he speaks of it in a way that shows it was the universal observance of the Church long before his time. Frequent mention of it is made in the writings of Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, and in the Constitution of the Apostles.

The Pilgrimage of Aetheria speaks of the Vigil of this Feast and of the Feast, itself, as they were kept in the Church built over the grotto in Bethlehem, in which Christ was born. It may be that, prior to the 5th-Century, the fact narrated in the Gospels was commemorated in conjunction with the Feast of Easter or Pentecost.

Some believe that the much-disputed forty-third Decree of the Synod of Elvira (circa 300 A.D.), condemning the practice of observing a Feast on the fortieth day after Easter, and neglecting to keep Pentecost on the fiftieth day, implies that the proper usage of the time was to commemorate the Ascension along with Pentecost. Representations of the Mystery are found in diptychs and frescoes dating as early as the 5th-Century.

Português: Catedral de São Pedro de Alcântara (Petrópolis, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil):

Vitral triptico de Jesus : Natal, Ascenção, Agonia no horto das oliveiras.

English: Stained-Glass Window, depicting the Ascension, in the Cathedral of

Saint Peter of Alcantara, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Photo: 21 May 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: Eugenio Hansen, OFS.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Rogation Wednesday.

Roman Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal.

The Ancient Custom of Blessing the Fields

on Rogation Sunday,

at Hever, Kent,
England.

Photo: 9 February 1967.

Source: From geograph.org.uk

Author: Ray Trevena.

(Wikimedia Commons)

THE LESSER LITANIES.

In consequence of the public calamities that afflicted the Diocese of Vienne-in-Dauphiny, France, in the 5th-Century, Saint Mamertus instituted a Solemn Penitential Procession on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, before Ascension Day.

Under an Order of the Council of Orleans, in 511 A.D., the Devotion spread to the rest of France. In 816 A.D., Pope Leo III introduced it to Rome and it soon became a general observance throughout the Church.

The Litany of the Saints and the Psalms and Collects, sung in Procession on these days, are supplications; hence, the term "Rogations" applied to them. The object of these Devotions is to appease the anger of God and avert the scourges of His Justice and to draw down the Blessings of God on the Fruits of the Earth.

Rogation Days.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/zN3Nlp409Z0.

Violet Vestments are used as a token of Penance, and the Paschal Candle is left unlighted. The Litany of the Saints, consisting of Prayer in the form of a dialogue, is an admirable manner of Prayer, which it should be our purpose to cultivate.

The Celebrant wears a Violet Stole and Cope. All in the Choir stand as they sing the Antiphon (Psalm xliii. 26) Exsurge, Domine, adjuva nos . . .

When the Antiphon is finished, all kneel, and two Cantors begin the Litany of the Saints, the Choir singing the Responses. Each Invocation must be repeated, except where it is found impossible to have the Procession. At Sancta Maria, all stand, and the Procession begins to move, preceded by the Processional Cross, and followed by the Clergy, Celebrant and Faithful.

If a Church or Chapel is visited, the Antiphon, Versicle, and Collect of the local Patron Saint may be sung, or the Stational Mass Exaudivit may be said. On leaving the Church or Chapel, the interrupted Litany is resumed.

MASS OF ROGATION.

Stations:

Monday:      At Saint Mary Major;

Tuesday:      At Saint John Lateran;

Wednesday: At Saint Peter's.

Indulgence of 30 years and 30 Quarantines each day.

Violet Vestments.

The Mass, throughout, points to the efficacy of the Prayer of the Just Man, when humble, sure, and persistent. Elias, by Prayer, closed and opened the heavens (Epistle), and Our Lord shows us, by two Parables, that God gives His Holy Spirit to whomsoever asks Him, because He is good (Gospel, Alleluia). In our afflictions, let us place our trust in God and He will hear our Prayers (Introit, Collect).

The Mass of Rogation is said during or after the Procession of both the Greater Litanies (25 April) and the Lesser Litanies.

Rogation Tuesday.

Roman Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal.

The Ancient Custom of Blessing the Fields

on Rogation Sunday,

at Hever, Kent,
England.

Photo: 9 February 1967.

Source: From geograph.org.uk

Author: Ray Trevena.

(Wikimedia Commons)

THE LESSER LITANIES.

In consequence of the public calamities that afflicted the Diocese of Vienne-in-Dauphiny, France, in the 5th-Century, Saint Mamertus instituted a Solemn Penitential Procession on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, before Ascension Day.

Under an Order of the Council of Orleans, in 511 A.D., the Devotion spread to the rest of France. In 816 A.D., Pope Leo III introduced it to Rome and it soon became a general observance throughout the Church.

The Litany of the Saints and the Psalms and Collects, sung in Procession on these days, are supplications; hence, the term "Rogations" applied to them. The object of these Devotions is to appease the anger of God and avert the scourges of His Justice and to draw down the Blessings of God on the Fruits of the Earth.

Rogation Days.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/zN3Nlp409Z0.

Violet Vestments are used as a token of Penance, and the Paschal Candle is left unlighted. The Litany of the Saints, consisting of Prayer in the form of a dialogue, is an admirable manner of Prayer, which it should be our purpose to cultivate.

The Celebrant wears a Violet Stole and Cope. All in the Choir stand as they sing the Antiphon (Psalm xliii. 26) Exsurge, Domine, adjuva nos . . .

When the Antiphon is finished, all kneel, and two Cantors begin the Litany of the Saints, the Choir singing the Responses. Each Invocation must be repeated, except where it is found impossible to have the Procession. At Sancta Maria, all stand, and the Procession begins to move, preceded by the Processional Cross, and followed by the Clergy, Celebrant and Faithful.

If a Church or Chapel is visited, the Antiphon, Versicle, and Collect of the local Patron Saint may be sung, or the Stational Mass Exaudivit may be said. On leaving the Church or Chapel, the interrupted Litany is resumed.

MASS OF ROGATION.

Stations:

Monday:      At Saint Mary Major;

Tuesday:      At Saint John Lateran;

Wednesday: At Saint Peter's.

Indulgence of 30 years and 30 Quarantines each day.

Violet Vestments.

The Mass, throughout, points to the efficacy of the Prayer of the Just Man, when humble, sure, and persistent. Elias, by Prayer, closed and opened the heavens (Epistle), and Our Lord shows us, by two Parables, that God gives His Holy Spirit to whomsoever asks Him, because He is good (Gospel, Alleluia). In our afflictions, let us place our trust in God and He will hear our Prayers (Introit, Collect).

The Mass of Rogation is said during or after the Procession of both the Greater Litanies (25 April) and the Lesser Litanies.

Rogation Days.

Roman Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal.

The Ancient Custom of Blessing the Fields

on Rogation Sunday,

at Hever, Kent,
England.

Photo: 9 February 1967.

Source: From geograph.org.uk

Author: Ray Trevena.

(Wikimedia Commons)

THE LESSER LITANIES.

In consequence of the public calamities that afflicted the Diocese of Vienne-in-Dauphiny, France, in the 5th-Century, Saint Mamertus instituted a Solemn Penitential Procession on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, before Ascension Day.

Under an Order of the Council of Orleans, in 511 A.D., the Devotion spread to the rest of France. In 816 A.D., Pope Leo III introduced it to Rome and it soon became a general observance throughout the Church.

The Litany of the Saints and the Psalms and Collects, sung in Procession on these days, are supplications; hence, the term "Rogations" applied to them. The object of these Devotions is to appease the anger of God and avert the scourges of His Justice and to draw down the Blessings of God on the Fruits of the Earth.

Rogation Days.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/zN3Nlp409Z0.

Violet Vestments are used as a token of Penance, and the Paschal Candle is left unlighted. The Litany of the Saints, consisting of Prayer in the form of a dialogue, is an admirable manner of Prayer, which it should be our purpose to cultivate.

The Celebrant wears a Violet Stole and Cope. All in the Choir stand as they sing the Antiphon (Psalm xliii. 26) Exsurge, Domine, adjuva nos . . .

When the Antiphon is finished, all kneel, and two Cantors begin the Litany of the Saints, the Choir singing the Responses. Each Invocation must be repeated, except where it is found impossible to have the Procession. At Sancta Maria, all stand, and the Procession begins to move, preceded by the Processional Cross, and followed by the Clergy, Celebrant and Faithful.

If a Church or Chapel is visited, the Antiphon, Versicle, and Collect of the local Patron Saint may be sung, or the Stational Mass Exaudivit may be said. On leaving the Church or Chapel, the interrupted Litany is resumed.

MASS OF ROGATION.

Stations:

Monday:      At Saint Mary Major;

Tuesday:      At Saint John Lateran;

Wednesday: At Saint Peter's.

Indulgence of 30 years and 30 Quarantines each day.

Violet Vestments.

The Mass, throughout, points to the efficacy of the Prayer of the Just Man, when humble, sure, and persistent. Elias, by Prayer, closed and opened the heavens (Epistle), and Our Lord shows us, by two Parables, that God gives His Holy Spirit to whomsoever asks Him, because He is good (Gospel, Alleluia). In our afflictions, let us place our trust in God and He will hear our Prayers (Introit, Collect).

The Mass of Rogation is said during or after the Procession of both the Greater Litanies (25 April) and the Lesser Litanies.

Gabriel Fauré (1845 - 1924). Requiem: 'In Paradisum'.

Text and Illustration from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,

unless otherwise stated.

Gabriel Fauré (front row, second from left) in a group of staff and students of the École Niedermeyer, 1871. Also in the group are (front) Gustave Lefèvre 3rd from left, Eugène Gigout 4th from left; and André Messager middle row 2nd from right.

Stated by the Bibliothèque nationale de France to be public domain.

Wikipedia.

Gabriel Fauré.

Requiem:

'In Paradisum'.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/6-i1ESIRKdA.