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January 8 SAINT PETER THOMAS Bishop Feast |
Born about 1305 in southern Perigord, in France, Peter Thomas entered the Carmelites when he was twenty-one. He was chosen by the Order as its procurator general to the Papal Court at Avignon in 1345. After being made bishop of Patti and Lipari in 1354, he was entrusted with many papal missions to promote peace and unity with the Eastern Churches. He was translated to the see of Corone in the Peloponnesus in 1359 and made Papal Legate for the East. In 1363 he was appointed Archbishop of Crete and in 1364 Latin Patriarch of Constantinople. He won a reputation as an apostle of church unity before he died at Famagosta on Cyprus in 1366.
Invitatory
Christ is the apostle and high priest of our faith; come, let us adore him.
Office of Readings
Hymn
Peter, from your height of glory,
Look on all, our brethren dear.
Listen in your kind compassion
As we sound your praises here.
Faithful to the rule of Carmel
You made progress day by day;
Called from thence to higher office
Love still lighted all your way.
Mary, Virgin ever-blessed,
Guided you with mother's care;
You repaid her sweet affection
With your constant loving prayer.
Deeply you have pondered scripture,
Ever following truth's call,
Thence have drawn with zeal unwearied
Food of doctrine for us all.
Since we have your good example
Shining as a lamp to guide,
Pray for us that we may follow,
Putting selfish aims aside.
May we praise you, heavenly Father,
Praise your Son and Spirit blest,
When together with Saint Peter
At your throne we come to rest.
87.87.
Sr. Margarita of Jesus, O.C.D.
Psalmody
Ant. 1 Your leaders are watchful, for they must render an account of the way they look after your souls.
Psalm 20 (21): 2-8, 14
O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king; *
how your saving help makes him glad!
You have granted him his heart's desire; *
you have not refused the prayer of his lips.
You came to meet him with the blessings of success, *
you have set on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked you for life and this you have given, *
days that will last from age to age.
Your saving help has given him glory. *
You have laid upon him majesty and splendor,
you have granted your blessings to him for ever. *
You have made him rejoice with the joy of your presence.
The king has put his trust in the Lord: *
through the mercy of the Most High he shall stand firm.
O Lord, arise in your strength; *
we shall sing and praise your power.
Ant. Your leaders are watchful, for they must render an account of the way they look after your souls.
Ant. 2 To sing to your name, Lord, is my joy, the delight of my heart.
Psalm 91 (92) I
It is good to give thanks to the Lord *
to make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning *
and your truth in the watches of the night,
on the ten-stringed lyre and the lute, *
with the murmuring sound of the harp.
Your deeds, O Lord, have made me glad; *
for the work of your hands I shout with joy.
O Lord, how great are your works! *
How deep are your designs!
The foolish man cannot know this *
and the fool cannot understand.
Though the wicked spring up like grass *
and all who do evil thrive;
they are doomed to be eternally destroyed. *
But you, Lord, are eternally on high.
Ant. To sing to your name, Lord, is my joy, the delight of my heart.
Ant. 3 Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.
II
See how your enemies perish; *
all doers of evil are scattered.
To me you give the wild-ox's strength; *
you anoint me with the purest oil.
My eyes looked in triumph on my foes; *
my ears heard gladly of their fall.
The just will flourish like the palm-tree *
and grow like a Lebanon cedar.
Planted in the house of the Lord *
they will flourish in the courts of our God,
still bearing fruit when they are old, *
still full of sap, still green,
to proclaim that the Lord is just. *
In him, my rock, there is no wrong.
Ant. Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.
V. The Lord loved him and honored him.
R. He clothed him in a robe of glory.
The First Reading
1 Tim 1:1-7, 15-19; 2:1-8
A reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to Timothy
The calling of a pastor
FROM PAUL, apostle of Jesus Christ appointed by the command of God oursavior and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, true child of mine in the faith; wishing you grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
As I asked you when I was leaving for Macedonia, please stay at Ephesus, to insist that certain people stop teaching strange doctrines and taking notice of myths and endless genealogies; these things are only likely to raise irrelevant doubts instead of furthering the designs of God which are revealed in faith. The only purpose of this instruction is that there should be love, coming out of a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere faith. There are some people who have gone off the straight course and taken a road that leads to empty speculation; they claim to be doctors of the Law but they understand neither the arguments they are using nor the opinions they are upholding.
Here is a saying you can rely on and nobody should doubt: that Jesus Christ
came into the world to save sinners. I myself am the greatest of them; and if
mercy has been shown to me, it is because Jesus Christ meant to make me the greatest evidence of his inexhaustible patience for all the other people who would later have to trust in him to come to eternal life. To the eternal King, the undying, invisible and only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Timothy, my son, these are the instructions that I am giving you: I ask you to remember the words once spoken over you by the prophets, and taking them to heart to fight like a good soldier with faith and a good conscience for your weapons. Some people have put conscience aside and wrecked their faith in consequence.
My advice is that, first of all, there should be prayers offered for everyone — petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving—and especially for kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet. To do this is right, and will please God our savior: he wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth. For there is only one God, and there is only one mediator between God and mankind, himself a man, Christ Jesus, who sacrificed himself as a ransom for them all. He is the evidence of this, sent at the appointed time, and I have been named a herald and apostle of it and—I am telling the truth and no lie—a teacher of the faith and the truth to the pagans.
In every place, then, I want the men to lift their hands up reverently in prayer, with no anger or argument.
Responsory
R. Bear with one another in love; do all that you can to preserve the unity of the
Spirit by the peace that binds you together; there is one body and one Spirit, * just as you were all called into one and the same hope when you were called.
V. A servant of the Lord is to aim for holiness and faith, love and peace, in union with all those who call on the Lord with pure minds;* just as you were called into one and the same hope when you were called.
The Second Reading
Ch. 6
A reading from the Life of St Peter Thomas by his secretary, Philip of Mézières
The patriarch's last days on earth
As the feast of Christmas drew near, my father presided in person at the divine services. In the middle of the night which ushered in the feast he made his way from the Carmelite monastery where he was staying to the cathedral of Famagosta for the solemn celebration of Matins. He celebrated with full solemnity the three Masses of Christmas, but was affected by the cold and caught an infection in the throat, for he was weakened by fasting and vigils and wore only light clothing, following the example of the holy fathers of the desert.
During the following days he offered Mass daily but was evidently trying to conceal his illness. On the Tuesday the fever became critical. He made a general and particular confession, and spoke affectionately with his household. Then turning to the cross he adored and kissed it, and with joined hands fervently asked forgiveness of all his confreres, a gesture which moved them to tears. "My brothers and friends," he said, "what toils and dangers you have met with in my service—hunger and thirst, cold and unexpected trials. I have never given you the recognition or the recompense you deserve, and yet you were kind enough to bear with me and my shortcomings. How often for me you faced real risk of your lives! How can I repay you? Forgive me; I beg you to forgive me."
Then he asked that the sacred Body of the Lord be brought to him, and he received communion with reverence and unfeigned faith. At the end of that day, at the sixth hour of the night, he asked that the bishop of Laodicea, who was vicar of the diocese of Famagosta, should come in his pontifical vestments accompanied by the clergy of the cathedral to anoint him with the oil of the sick. Meanwhile he summoned his own household and put on the symbols of his episcopal office. Despite his weakness he sought out the office of anointing with his own hand and, having found the right place, followed attentively the preliminary prayers. After this he lay down on some sackcloth spread on the ground and waited calmly for the arrival of the bishop.
When they heard the bishop coming with all his clergy he began to recite the penitential psalms in a loud clear voice suggestive of a man in full health: "Lord, rebuke me not in your anger." With those around him making the responses he continued till about half way through the seven psalms. At last, however, his strength gave out, though his mind remained clear, and he signaled to his vicarbishop to join in and support him, and thus the whole seven psalms were completed. As the vicar anointed him with the holy oil he managed to make all the responses of the ritual, striving to keep from the eyes of others the threadbare tunic and scapular he always wore.
When the anointing was finished, my father devoutly recited the Confiteor and received absolution from the bishop. He humbly asked forgiveness of him, his household and all the assisting clergy if he had in any way offended them in the exercise of his office; and at the same time he requested them to ask on his behalf the same pardon of all the inhabitants of Cyprus and elsewhere. Finally, he gave up his soul to the God who made him. It was the sixth day of January in the year of our salvation thirteen hundred and sixty-six.
Responsory
R. I have no need of earthly doctors, because with me is my spiritual doctor, Jesus Christ, who has already healed me. * Him I desire and with him I am well.
V. He is my ruler who upholds me; in him is my confidence. I want nothing else but him. * Him I desire and with him I am well.
Te Deum
Prayer as at Morning Prayer.
Morning Prayer
Hymn
Peace-maker prudent, hear our humble voices
Singing your praises, bringing our petition;
Plead with the Father that with you for patron,
Peace be our portion.
Leader impassioned, all on fire with fervor,
Making long journeys to the eastern places,
Herald peace-laden, bearing love to soften
Hearts filled with hatred.
Dauntless and watchful, ready for all dangers,
Where the Pope called you, there he found you waiting:
Your sole ambition that the Church grow closer
To Christ her bridegroom.
Driven by ardor for the gospel precepts,
Kings you awakened, battle-lines united;
These were your weapons: sign of Cross redeeming
And Name of Jesus.
Singing the glory of the Three eternal,
Peter, we pray you, guide us on our journey.
Hopeful, unweary, may we reach the haven;
Heaven, our homeland!
11.11.1 1.5.
Pacis o prudens operator
Tr. unknown
Psalmody
Ant. I My soul clings to you, your right hand holds me fast.
Psalms and canticle of Sunday I.
Ant. 2 Give praise to God, all you his servants.
Ant. 3 The Lord will honor the gentle and deliver them.
Scripture Reading
Mal 2:6-7
True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He
walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For
the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and men should seek instruction
from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts.
Short Responsory
R. I will give you shepherds * after my own heart. Repeat R.
V. They will feed you on wisdom and true doctrine, * after my own heart.
Glory. . . R.
BenedictusOC: Let us serve the Lord in holiness and justice all our days.
Intercessions
Jesus Christ, who is our peace and reconciliation, strengthened and comforted his Church through the work and preaching of St Peter Thomas. Let us pray to him:
R. Holy God, holy and strong, you are our Savior.
Christ Jesus, in you many people form one body and all are members of one another;
— help us to live in peace with all people. R.
King of peace, you turn swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks;
— turn our envy to love and our hurt to forgiveness. R.
Lord Jesus, you are the perfect praise of the Father's glory;
— teach us to be happy in praising you every day of our lives. R.
Only Son of the Father, from the cross you gave your Mother to us as our own;
— under the patronage of so great a Mother, may we ponder in our hearts your marvelous deeds, and may our lives speak of you. R.
Our Father . . .
Prayer
Lord, you inspired in your bishop St Peter Thomas
an intense desire to promote peace and Christian unity.
Following his example
may we live steadfast in the faith
and work perseveringly for peace.
We ask this through our Lord.
Prayer During the Day
Antiphons and psalms of the weekday.
Before Noon
Scripture ReadingCf. 2 Cor 5:19-20
God has entrusted to us the news that men are reconciled. So we are
ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the
appeal we make in Christ's name is: be reconciled to God.
V. Show us, Lord, your saving power.
R. Come, O Lord, and set us free.
Midday
Scripture Reading
Cf. Tit 1:7-9
A bishop, as God's steward, must be blameless: hospitable, a lover of goodness,
master of himself, upright, holy and self-controlled; he must hold firm to the
sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine
and also to confute those who contradict it.
V. Be on your guard for all the flock.R. Of which the Holy Spirit made you bishop, to rule the Church of God.
Afternoon
Scripture Reading
Sir 39:6b-7, 9
He pleads in the presence of the Most High, he opens his mouth in prayer and
makes entreaty for his sins.
He will shower forth words of wisdom, and in prayer give thanks to the Lord.
V. God glorified him in the sight of kings.
R. And gave him commandments for the people.
Evening Prayer
Hymn as at Office of Readings.Psalmody
Ant. I Relying on the power of God, I bear hardships for the sake of the Gospel, for I have been appointed its herald and teacher.
Psalm 14 (15)
Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent *
and dwell on your holy mountain?
He who walks without fault; *
he who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart; *
he who does not slander with his tongue.
He who does no wrong to his brother, *
who casts no slur on his neighbor,
who holds the godless in disdain, *
and honors those who fear the Lord;
he who keeps his pledge, come what may;
who takes no interest on a loan *
and accepts no bribes against the innocent.
Such a man will stand firm forever.
Ant. Relying on the power of God, I bear hardships for the sake of the Gospel, for I have been appointed its herald and teacher.
Ant. 2 He was a faithful and wise servant, whom the Master placed over his household.
Psalm 111 (112)
Happy the man who fears the Lord, *
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth; *
the children of the upright are blessed.
Riches and wealth are in his house; *
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is light in the darkness for the upright: *
he is generous, merciful and just.
The good man takes pity and lends, *
he conducts his affairs with honor.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.
He has no fear of evil news; *
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear; *
he will see the downfall of his foes.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor; †
his justice stands firm for ever. *
His head will be raised in glory.
The wicked man sees and is angry, †
grinds his teeth and fades away,
the desire of the wicked leads to doom.
Ant. He was a faithful and wise servant, whom the Master placed over his household.
Ant. 3 How marvelous the glory of God! His mercy endures for ever.
Canticle: Rev 15:3-4
Great and wonderful are your deeds, *
O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways, *
O King of the ages!
Who shall not fear and glorify your name, O Lord? *
For you alone are holy.
All nations shall come and worship you, *
for your judgements have been revealed.
Ant. How marvelous the glory of God! His mercy endures for ever.
Scripture Reading
Is 52:7, 10
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of one who brings good news,
who heralds peace, brings happiness,
proclaims salvation,
and tells Zion, "Your God is king!"
Yahweh bares his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth
shall see the salvation of our God.
Short Responsory
R. Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God and was found righteous.
Repeat R.
V. In the time of wrath he became reconciliation, an was found righteous.
Glory... R.
Magnificat
Today he returned home, a glorious son of the Church and a tiller in thefield of faith; today he entered God's mystery, this preacher of the Cross and of the truth; today this soldier of the faith, strong in word and deed, is filled with
the eternal mercy.
Intercessions
Jesus Christ, our high priest, has entered into heaven and today has rewarded Peter Thomas with the crown of life for all his labors. Let us praise him and say:
R. Lord Jesus, make us whole.
Through your pastors you strengthen and comfort the Church,
— grant that Christians everywhere may work generously for the building up of your people. R.
You have given us preachers whose words are full of genuine love;
— inspire the priests and ministers of your people with enthusiasm and perseverance. R.
Lord, you are the healer of souls, renewing body and spirit;
— strengthen the weak, restore the hurt and wounded, heal the sick. R.
You commend your Mother to our love;
— strengthened by the example of Peter Thomas, may we be refreshed by her maternal care. R.
Through the pastors of your Church you wish to lead your people to eternal life, so that not one is lost;
— grant eternal salvation to those who have died, for whom you laid down your life. R.
Our Father...
Prayer as at Morning Pray
