Double Feast of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr

Red Vestments

Missa "Loquébar"

With a commemoration of the Martyrs Saint Tiburtius and Saint Susanna, Virgin

        August 11 is the Traditional historical feast of Saint Philomena. The tomb of this virgin and martyr, unknown until the first years of the 19th century, was providentially discovered in 1802 in the catacombs. God by many miracles made the discovery of Saint Philomena’s body famous, and the cult of the young Saint spread everywhere with an extraordinary rapidity. She received such exceptional homage that she deserves to be placed in the first ranks of the virgin martyrs whom the Church venerates. The Holy Curé of Ars Saint John Mary Vianney whose feast was celebrated two days ago, called her his "dear little Saint" and performed wonders, invoking her.

        Certain revelations having the character of authenticity say that Saint Philomena was the daughter of a Greek prince, who accompanied her parents to Rome on a journey, and that her glorious martyrdom occurred there under Diocletian in the third century. The two arrows engraved on her tombstone in opposite directions referred to the efforts of the persecutor to slay her with a volley of arrows, after Angels preserved her from death by drowning; the arrows turned against the archers. Finally she was beheaded, like so many other miraculously protected heroes and heroines of Christ. This opinion, which certain circumstances attending the translation of her relics in 1812 to the city of Mugnano appeared to verify, has prevailed. In that city devotion to her has been extraordinary and remains so to this day; miracles have multiplied both there and elsewhere for those who invoke her.

        Other very serious studies maintain that she was a child of the Roman people, immolated in the first century for Jesus Christ, at the age of twelve or thirteen years. An examination of her bones permitted her age to be estimated, and the vial of dried blood in her tomb clearly indicated her martyrdom. The instruments of torture painted on the terra cotta plaque which closed her tomb — an arrow, an anchor, a torch — show us what sort of tortures she bore, all of which are known to us through other martyrdoms of the same early centuries. The inscription: “Peace be with you, Philomena,” reveals her name.

        What is beyond doubt is that this Saint responds unfailingly to the faith of those who invoke her. Invoked everywhere with wonderful success, she was entitled “the wonder-worker of the 19th century”. She has shown herself to be the protectress, in particular, of small children. A mother whose young son died despite her prayers, placed a picture of the Saint on his corpse, begging that he be returned to her. And the child rose as though from sleep, stood up beside his bed and had no more symptoms of any sickness whatsoever. A little girl who had put out her eye playing with a pair of scissors, which injury was declared irreparable by physicians, had her eye restored when she washed her face in oil taken from the Saint’s lamp; and this eye seemed to everyone more vivid and bright than the other.


        There is a commemoration of Saint Tiburtius and Saint Susanna. Tiburtius was the son of Chromatius prefect of Rome, and was baptized with him. He was later ordained a subdeacon, and one day raised to life a man whom he found on the ground, his body broken by a fall from the upper story of a residence. Under Diocletian, Tiburtius was betrayed to the persecutors by an unfaithful Christian. He courageously confessed his ardent faith, saying, “I sacrifice only to one God, the Creator of the world, who reigns over heaven and earth, and my greatest desire is to be immolated and sacrificed myself for this confession.” After being condemned to walk on hot coals, which he did without suffering any pain, he was beheaded at a site three miles from Rome. A church was afterward built at this site and named for him.

        Nine years later St. Susanna, a holy virgin, after many torments laid down her life for Christ. She was nobly born in Rome, the daughter of a certain Gabinius, who after his conversion became a priest; she was also the niece of Pope Saint Caius, her father’s brother. This family was also related to the emperor Diocletian. Susanna’s father had raised her with great care in the fear of God and love of Jesus Christ, and she had made a private vow of virginity. Diocletian, wishing to obtain the consent of this very beautiful maiden to marry his favorite, Maximian, sent a certain Claudius, another member of her family, to propose the espousals. She refused to consent, making known to her father and Saint Caius her vow, and saying that even if she had not resolved to conserve her chastity, she would not wish to marry a man responsible for the massacre of an infinite number of Christians. The Emperor’s messenger was converted by her confession of faith, and became a fervent penitent. When Diocletian received no answer from his messenger concerning the results of the commission, and then learned of the conversion of Claudius, he was very irritated; then with Claudius he arrested Suzanne, Gabinius her father, and several other Christians. He had Suzanne beaten in her residence, then decapitated secretly. The emperor’s wife, Prisca, who was also a Christian in secret, buried her body clandestinely and prayed to her as a holy martyr. Later the house of Gabinius was transformed by Pope Saint Caius into a church; it eventually became a convent for Cistercian nuns. Saint Susanna suffered towards the beginning of Diocletian’s reign, about the year 295.

        We want to thank the Friends of Our Lady of Fatima for expediting these resources of the Propers. Sources: Saint Andrew Daily Missal and the Marian Missal , 1945 Bio: Catholic Encyclopedia 1913 edition


Missa "Loquébar"
    Go to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS THE MASS OF THE CATECHUMENS
    INTROIT: Psalm 118: 46-47
    Loquébar de testimóniis tuis in conspéctu regum, et non confundébar: et meditábar in mandátis tuis, quæ diléxi nimìs. (Ps. 118, 1) Beáti immaculáti in via: qui ámbulant in lege Dómine. v. Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancti sicut erat in principio et nunc, et semper, et saecula saeculorum. Amen.
    Repeat Loquébar...
    I spoke of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed: I meditated also on Thy commandments, which I loved exceedingly. (Ps. 118, 1) Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Repeat I spoke...
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    COLLECT
    Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

    Oremus. Deus, qui inter cetera potentiae Tuae miracula, etiam in sexu fragili victoriam martyrii contulisti: concede propitius: ut, qui beatae Philomenae Virginis et Martyris Tuae natalitia colimus, per ejus ad Te exempla gradiamur. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui vivis et regnas in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.

    Commemoration Collect for Sts. Tiburtius and Susanna, Martyrs
    Orémus. Sanctórum Mártyrum tuórum Tibúrtii et Susánnae nos, Dómine, fóveant continuáta praesídia; quia non désinis propítius intuéri; quos tálibus auxíliis concésseris adjuvári. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.
    The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.

    Let us pray. O God, Who among the wonders of Thy power hast granted even to the weaker sex the triumph of martyrdom : mercifully grant that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Philomena Thy virgin and martyr may, through her example, advance nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
    Forever and ever.
    R.Amen.

    Commemoration Collect for Sts. Tiburtius and Susanna, martyrs
    Let us pray. May the constant protection of Thy holy martyrs, Tiburtius and Susanna, support us, O Lord, for Thou dost never cease mercifully to regard those to whom Thou hast granted such assistance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
    Forever and ever.
    R.Amen.

    EPISTLE:   Ecclesiasticus 2: 1-8, 12 (Wisdom 51: 1-8, 12)
    Lectio libri Sapientiae. Confitebor tivi, Domine rex, et collaudabo te Deum salvatorem meum. Confitebor nomini tuo: quoniam adjutor et protector factus es mihi, et liberasti corpus meum a perditione, a laqueo linguae iniquae, et a labiis operantium mendacium, et in conspectus adstantium factus es mihi adjutor. Et liberasti me secundum multitudinem misericordiae nomis tui a rugientibus, praeparatis ad escam de minibus quaerentium animam meam, et de portis tribulationun, quae circumdederunt me: a pressura flammae, quae circumdedit me, et in medio ignis non sum aestuata: de altitudine ventris inferi, et a lingua coinquinata, et a verbo mendacii, a rege iniquo, et a lingua injusta: laudabit usque ad mortem anima mea Dominum: quonia eruis sustinentes te, liberas eos de minibus gentium, Domine Deus noster.
    Deo Gratias.
    Lesson from the Book of Wisdom. I will give glory to Thee, O Lord, O King, and I will praise Thee, O God my Savior. I will give glory to Thy name: for Thou hast been a helper and protector to me, and hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies: and in the sight of them that stood by Thou hast been my helper. And Thou has delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of Thy name, from them that did roar prepared to devour; out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions which compassed me about: from the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt: from the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue. My soul shall praise the Lord even to death: because Thou, O Lord our God, deliverest them that wait for Thee, and savest the out of the hands of the nations.
    Thanks be to God.

    GRADUAL:  Psalm 44: 3, 5
    Dilexisti justitiam, et odisti iniquititatem, V. Propterea unxit Te Deus, Deus Tuus, oleo laetitiae.

    Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Psalm 44: 15, 16) Adducentur regi virgines post eam: proximae ejjjjjus afferentur tibi in laetitia. Alleluia.

    Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity. V. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.

    Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Psalm 44: 15, 16 ) After her shall virgins be brought to the king: her neighbors shall be brought to thee with gladness. Alleluia.


    GOSPEL:   Matthew 25: 1-13
    Dominus vobiscum.
    R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
    Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Matthaeum.
    R.Gloria tibi, Domine

    In illo temmpore: Dixit Jesus discipulis suis parabolam hanc: Simile erit regnum caelorum decem virginibus: quaeaccipentes lampades suas exierunt obviam sponso et sponsae. Quinque autem ex eis erant fatuae, et quinque prudentes: sed qinque fatuae, acceptis lampadibus, non sumpserunt oleum secum: prudentes vero acceperunt oleum in vasis suis cum lampadibus. Moram autem facientes sponso, dormitaverunt omnes et dormierunt. Media autem nocte clamor factus est: Ecce sponsus venit, exite obviam ei. Tunc surrexerunt omnes virgins illae, et ornaverunt lampades suas. Fatuae autem sapientibus dixerunt. Date nobis de oleo vestro: quia lampades nostrae exstinguuntur. Responderunt prudentes, dicentes: Ne fortenon sufficiat nobis, et vobis, ite potius ad vendentes et emite bovis. Dum autem irent emere, venit sponsus: et quae paratae erant, intraverunt cum eo ad nuptias, et clausa est janua. Novissime vero venient et reliquae virgins, dicentes: Domine, Domine, aperi nobis. At ille respondens, ait: Amen dico vobis, nescio vos. Vigilate itaque quia nescio vos. Vigilare itaque, quia nescitis diem, neque horam.'
    Laus tibi Christe.

    The Lord be with you.
    R. And with thy spirit.
    The continuation of the holy Gospel according to Matthew. R. Glory to Thee, O Lord

    At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable: 'The kingdom of Heaven shall be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise; but the five foolish having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made; Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now, whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last came also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.'
    Praise be to Christ


    OFFERTORY:    Psalm 44: 15,16
    Dominus vobiscum.
    R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

    Afferentur regi virgines post eam: proximae ejus afferentur tibi in laetitia, et exsultationes: adducentur in templum regi Domino.
    The Lord be with you.
    R. And with thy spirit.

    After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors shall be brought to Thee with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the King, the Lord.
    Return to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS THE OFFERTORY
    SECRET
    Suscipe, Domine, munera, quae in beatae Philomene Virginis et Martyris Tuae solemnitate deferimus: cujus nos confidimus patrocinio liberari. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.

    Secret Commemoration for Sts. Tiburtius and Susanna, martyrs
    Adésto, Dómine, précibus pópuli tui, adésto munéribus: ut, quae sacris sunt obláta mystériis, tuórum tibi placeant intercessióne Sanctórum. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.
    Receive, O Lord, the gifts which we bring on the solemnity of blessed Philomena Thy virgin and martyr, through whose intercession we hope for deliverance. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
    Forever and ever.
    R.Amen.

    Secret Commemoration for Sts. Tiburtius and Susanna, martyrs
    Listen, O Lord, to the prayers of Thy people; look with favor on their offerings, that those things which are offered in the sacred mysteries may please Thee by the intercession of Thy saints. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
    Forever and ever.
    R.Amen.

    PREFACE   Common Preface
    Dominus vobiscum.
    R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
    Sursum corda.
    R.Habemus ad Dominum.
    Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
    R. Dignum et justum est.

    Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos Tibi simper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus: per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem majestatem Tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates, Coeli, Coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim socia exultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti, jubeas, supplici confessione dicentes:
    SANCTUS, SANCTUS, SANCTUS...
    The Lord be with you.
    R. And with thy spirit.
    Lift up your hearts.
    R.We have lifted them up to the Lord.
    Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
    R. It is meet and just.

    It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: through Christ our Lord. Through Whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the Heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say in lowly praise:
    HOLY, HOLY, HOLY...

    Return to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS THE CANON OF THE MASS
    COMMUNION:   Psalm 118: 78, 80
    Confundantur superbi, quia injuste iniquitatem fecerunt in me: ego autem in mandatis Tuis exercebor, in Tuis justificationibus, ut non confundar.
    Let the proud be ashamed because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in Thy commandments and in Thy justifications, that I may not be confounded.

    POSTCOMMUNION
    Dominus vobiscum.
    R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
    Oremus.
    Auxilientur nobis, Domine, sumpta mysteria: et, intercedent beata Philomena Virgine et Martyre Tua, sempiterna faciant protectione gaudere. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.

    Postcommunion Commemoration for Sts. Tiburtius and Susanna, martyrs
    Orémus. Súmpsimus, Dómine, pignus redemptiónis aetérnae: quod sit nobis, quaesumus, interveniéntibus sanctis Mártyribus tuis, vitae praeséntis auxílium paríter et futúrae Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.
    The Lord be with you.
    R. And with thy spirit.
    Let us pray.
    May the mysteries which we have received be a help unto us, O Lord, and through the intercession of blessed Philomena Thy virgin and martyr, may they cause us to rejoice in Thine everlasting protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
    For ever and ever.
    R. Amen.

    Postcommunion Commemoration for Sts. Tiburtius and Susanna, martyrs
    Let us pray. We have received, O Lord, everlasting redemption; may it, by the intercession of Thy holy Martyrs, be our aid alike in the present and in the life to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
    For ever and ever.
    R. Amen.
    Return to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS CONCLUSION OF THE HOLY MASS





    Feast of St. Philomena