Double Feast of Saint John Leonardi


Commemoration of Saints Denis and Companion Martyrs

Missa "In sermónibus Dómini"

WHITE Vestments


    Saint John Leonardi was born in 1541 in the small Italian village of Diecimo just outside of Lucca in Tuscany as the Protestant revolution raged on. Though he had studied to be a pharmacist and was even practicing it, he had a higher calling and answered his vocation against the wishes of many, even in his own family. Nevertheless, as was one of his greatest virtues, he disregarded his own will and that of other influences and followed God's holy Will, being ordained a priest in 1572.

    He first dedicated himself to the Christian formation of young people in his home parish in Lucca. Two years after his ordination, spurred on by what was happening at the Council of Trent in the counter-reform, he founded a community charged to deepen faith and devotion against the influence of Lutheranism. It was one of the first fruits of the movement known as the Counter-Reformation and was called the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Padre Giovanni, as he was known, worked with this community to spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, devotion to the Forty Hours, and frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist as well as the promotion of the Catholic Faith and the formation of missionaries. He tried to unite a congregation of diocesan priests to effect this with the initial founding of the Order of the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God, though that name was not officially

    As is usual with founders of religious congregations, opposition often rises its ugly head just as it did with St. Dominic and St. Francis to name a few. So also with St. John Leonardi. However he persevered and in 1583 the local ordinary of Lucca officially recognized John's organization with the approval of His Holiness Pope Gregory XIII. Still he suffered many tribulations for this work, including exile. This forced John to leave his beloved Lucca and he took refuge in Rome where he became friends with two saintly men St. Joseph Calasanctius and St. Philip Neri. The latter understood John's plight and held him in high regard for his qualities of firmness and judgment; so much was his zeal that St. Philip, with Pope Clement VIII's blessings, entrusted him to delicate works, such as the reform of the Benedictine congregations at Vallombrosa of Montevergine in 1595.

    Following his success there, this zealous Italian priest from Tuscany founded, with another known as Vivès, the Institute De Propaganda Fide which would become a seminary for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Had he had his own way, St. John Leonardi may never have founded it, for he had wanted to be a missionary, going to foreign lands to convert pagans and infidels, but St. Philip Neri, who also served as his spiritual director, realized God had other plans for this enthusiastic priest from Lucca. Obediently St. John complied with St. Philip's direction.

    He died in 1609 at the age of 68. His health had taken its toll from his dedicating himself to his brothers suffering from the influenza epidemic that was raging in Rome at the time. He opened two houses of the Clerks of the Mother of God and he had planned more but an influenza epidemic broke out ravaging Rome and claiming his life for he had dedicated his last days to tending to his brother priests and community suffering from the deadly flu. He died of that plague in Rome on this date in 1609. His Order received approval from Pope Paul V in 1614. Three other houses were opened later in that same century. The final Rule of his community was published in 1851.

    John was beatified by His Holiness Pope Pius IX in 1861 and Pope Pius XI canonized San Giovanni Leonardi in 1938. His predecessor Pope Pius XII extended his feast to the whole world two years later for the day of his death, October 9.

    Today is also the feast of the Martyrs Sts. Dionysius, Rusticus and Eleutherius. Ever since the Seventh Century Rusticus and Eleutherius, third century martyrs, have been associated with St. Dionysius (or Denis). The veneration of St. Dionysius, First Bishop of Paris, goes back to an earlier period. St. Denis was born in Italy. In 250 he was sent to France with six other missionary bishops by Pope Fabian. Denis became the first bishop of Paris. He was beheaded in 258 with the priest Rusticus and the deacon Eleutherius at Catulliacum, now Saint-Denis. One of the many legends about his torture and death was that his body carried his severed head some distance from his execution site. St. Denis, who is the patron saint against strife and diabolical possession and invoked to soothe headaches, is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers who were specific saints invoked against afflictions, originating in the Middle Ages in seeking Heaven's help against the Black Plague.

    St. Gregory of Tours frequently mentioned the Basilica of St. Denis built at the suggestion of St. Genevieve. The saint martyred at Paris is to be distinguished from the Areopagite converted by St. Paul, whose veneration has ever been famous among the Greeks, and from the pseudo-Dionysius, a Syrian of the Fifth or Sixth century.

    Resources: We are grateful to Friends of Our Lady of Fatima for providing the Propers for the faithful. Sources: Saint Andrew Daily Missal and the Marian Missal , 1945


Missa "In sermónibus Dómini"

Go to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS THE MASS OF THE CATECHUMENS

INTROIT
    In sermónibus Dómini ópera ejus: sol illúminans per ómnia respéxit, et glória Dómini plenum est opus ejus. (Ps. 95: 1) Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: cantáte Dómino, omnis terra. v. Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancti sicut erat in principio et nunc, et semper, et saecula saeculorum. Amen.
    Repeat In sermonibus Domini...
    By the words of the Lord are His works: the sun giving light hath looked upon all things, and full of the glory of the Lord is His work. (Ps. 95: 1) O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. v. 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 By the words of the Lord...
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    COLLECT
    Deus, qui beátum Joánnem Confessórem tuum ad fidem in géntibus propagándam mirabíliter excitáre dignátus es, ac per eum in erudiéndis fidélibus novam in Ecclésia tua famíliam congregásti: da nobis fámulis tuis; ita ejus institútis profícere, ut præmia consequámur ætérna. Per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.

    Commemoration of St. Dionysius and Companion Martyrs
    Oremus. Deus, qui hodiérna die beatum Dionýsium, Martyrem tuum atque Pontíficem, virtúte constántiæ in passióne roborásti, quique illi, ad preedicándum géntibus glóriam tuam, Rústicum et Eleuthérium sociáre dignátus es: tribue nobis, quæsumus; eórum imitatióne pro amóre tuo próspera mundi despícere, et nulla ejus advérsa formidáre. Per Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Tuum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.
    O God, Who for the propagation of the Faith among the people wast pleased in a wondrous manner to stir up blessed John, Thy confessor: and Who, through him, didst in Thy Church gather together a new Society for the instruction of the faithful: do Thou grant unto us Thy servants, that we may so profit by his teaching, as to attain unto the everlasting rewards. Through the same 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 of St. Dionysius and Companion Martyrs
    Let us pray. God, Who on this day didst strengthen blessed Dionysius, Thy martyr, with the virtue of fortitude in his suffering, and didst vouchsafe to join with him Rusticus and Eleutherius to preach Thy glory to the nations, grant us, we beseech Thee, to imitate them in contemning the prosperity of the world for the sake of Thy love, and to fear none of its adversity. Through the same 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.

    EPISTLE: 2 Corinthians 4: 1-6, 15-18
    Fratres: Habéntes administratiónem juxta quod misericórdiam consecúti sumus, non defícimus, sed abdicámus occúlta dedécoris, non ambulantes in astútia, neque adulterántes verbum Dei, sed in manifestatióne veritátis commendántes nosmetípsos ad omnem consciéntiam hóminum coram Deo. Quod si étiam opértum est Evangélium nostrum: in iis, qui péreunt, est opértum: in quibus Deus hujus saeculi excæcávit mentes infidélium, ut non fúlgeat illis illuminátio Evangélii glóriæ Christi, qui est imágo Dei. Non enim nosmetípsos prædicámus, sed Jesum Christum Dóminum nostrum: nos autem servos vestros per Jesum: quóniam Deus, qui dixit de ténebris lucem splendéscere, ipse illúxit in córdibus nostris ad illuminatiónem sciéntiæ claritátis Dei, in facie Christi Jesu. Omnia enim propter vos: ut grátia abúndans, per multos in gratiárum actióne, abúndet in glóriam Dei. Propter quod non defícimus: sed licet is, qui foris est, noster homo corrumpátur: tamen is, qui intus est, renovátur de die in diem. Id enim, quod in præsénti est momentáneum et leve tribulatiónis nostræ, supra modum in sublimitáte ætérnum glóriæ pondus operátur in nobis, non contemplántibus nobis quæ vidéntur, sed quæ non vidéntur. Quæ enim vidéntur, temporália sunt: quæ autem non vidéntur, ætérna sunt. Deo Gratias.
    Brethren. Seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not, but renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor adulterating the word of God, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God. And if our Gospel be also hid; it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord: and ourselves your servants through Jesus. For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus. For all things are for your sakes: that the grace, abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man be corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look, not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen, are temporal: but the things which are not seen, are eternal. Thanks be to God.

    GRADUAL: Psalm 72: 21, 68
    Inflammátum est cor meum et renes mei commutáti sunt: zelus domus tux comédit me. V. (Isai. 49: 2) Pósuit os meum quasi gládium acútum: in umbra manus sue protéxit me, et pósuit me sicut sagíttam eléctam. Allelúja, allelúja. V. (Ps. 70: 7) Tamquam prodígium factus sum multis: et tu adjútor fortis. Allelúja.
    My heart hath been inflamed and my loins have been changed: the zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up. V. (Is. 49: 2) He hath made my mouth like unto a sharp sword: in the shadow of His hand hath He protected me, and made me as a chosen shaft. Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Ps. 70: 7) I am become to many as a wonder: but Thou art a strong helper. Alleluia.

    GOSPEL:   Luke 10: 1-9
    Dominus vobiscum.
    R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
    Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam
    R.Gloria tibi, Domine

    In illo témpore: Designávit Dóminus et álios septuagínta duos: et misit illos binos ante fáciem suam in omnem civitátem et locum quo erat ipse ventúrus. Et dicébat illis: "Messis quidem multa, operárii autem pauci. Rogate ergo dóminum messis ut mittat operários in messem suam. Ite: ecce ego mitto vos sicut agnos inter lupos. Nolíte portáre sácculum. neque peram, neque calceaménta: et néminem per viam salutavéritis. In quamcúmque domum intravéritis, primum dícite: Pax huic dómui: et si ibi fúerit fílius pacis, requiéscat super illum pax vestra: sin autem, ad vos revertétur. In eadem autem domo manéte, edéntes et bíbéntes Nolíte transíre de domo in domum. qua; apud illos sunt: dignus est enim operárius mercéde sua. Et in quamcúmque civitátem intravéritis et suscéperint vos, manducáte quæ apponúntur vobis: et curáte infírmos qui in illa sunt, et dícite illos: Appropinquávit in vos regnum Dei."
    Laus tibi Christe.

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

    At that time, The Lord appointed also other seventy-two; and He sent them two and two before His face into every city and place whither He Himself was to come. And He said to them, "The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He send laborers into His harvest. Go, behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. Into whatsoever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house: and if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein; and say to them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
    Praise be to Christ


    OFFERTORY:   Colossians 1: 25
    Dominus vobiscum.
    R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

    Christi factus sum ego miníster secúndum dispensatiónem Dei, quæ data est mihi, ut ímpleam verbum Dómini.
    The Lord be with you.
    R. And with thy spirit.

    I am made a minister of Christ according to the dispensation of God, which is given to me, that I may fulfill the word of the Lord.
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    SECRET
    Súscipe, Dómine, oblatiónem mundam salutáris hóstiæ: et præsta; ut, intercedénte beato Joánne Confessóre tuo, ubique géntium júgiter offerátur. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.

    Commemoration of St. Dionysius and Companion Martyrs
    Obláta tibi, Dómine, múnera pópuli tui, pro tuórum honóre Sanctórum, súscipe propítius, quæsumus: et eórum nos intercessióne sanctífica. 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. Receive, O Lord, the clean oblation of this salutary sacrifice: and, by the intercession of blessed John, Thy confessor, grant that everywhere among the nations it may fittingly be offered up. 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.

    Commemoration of St. Dionysius and Companion Martyrs
    Graciously receive, O Lord, the gifts of Thy people in honor of Thy saints, and sanctify us by their intercession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one 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:   Ecclus. 39: 19
    Quæ mihi fuérunt lucra, hæc arbitrátus sum propter Christum detriménta.
    The things that were gain to me, the same I counted loss for Christ.

    POSTCOMMUNION
    Dominus vobiscum.
    R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
    Oremus.
    Pretiósi córporis, et sánguinis tui sacris refécti mystériis, Dómine, adprecámur: ut beáti Joánnis Confessóris tui exémplo, studeámus confitéri quod crédidit, et ópere exercére quod dócuit: Qui vivis et regnas, cum Deo Patre in unitáte Spíritu Sancti, Deus,
    Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
    R. Amen.

    Commemoration of St. Dionysius and Companion Martyrs
    Orémus. Sumptis, Dómine, sacraméntis, quæsumus: ut, intercedéntibus beatis Martyribus tuis Dionýsio, Rústico et Eleuthério, ad redemptiónis ætérnæ proficiámus augméntum. 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.
    Refreshed by the sacred mysteries of Thy precious body and blood, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that, following the example of blessed John, Thy confessor, we may set ourselves to profess that which he believed, and in our actions to put into practice that which he taught. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
    Forever and ever.
    R. Amen.

    Commemoration of St. Dionysius and Companion Martyrs
    Let us pray. We who have received Thy sacraments, O Lord, pray that, by the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs, Dionysius, Rusticus, and Eleutherius, we may be profited unto the increase of our everlasting redemption. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, 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. John Leonardi