Almighty and merciful God,

who chose the priest Blessed Bronislas

to be the father and protector of abandoned youth,

grant that we,

encouraged by his example of untiring work and temperance,

may faithfully carry out your will

and be assiduous in your service.

Through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

Evening Prayer

Scripture ReadingRm 8, 28-30

We are well assured that everything helps to secure the good of those who love God, those whom he has called in fulfilment of his design. All those who from the first were known to him, he has destined from the first to be moulded into the image of his Son, who is thus to become the eldest-born among many brethren. So predestined, he called them; so called, he justified them; so justified, he glorified them

Short Responsory

R/. The Lord is good; * he loves good deeds.

The Lord is good; he loves good deeds.

V/. His face is turned towards the upright man.

* he loves good deeds.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit

The Lord is good; he loves good deeds.

.

Ant. At the Magn. You have left all things and have followed me; you will be repaid a hundred times over, and gain eternal life.

Intercessions

Let us ask the Father the source of all holiness, that through the example and the help of the saints we may live according to our baptism.

Lord make us holy as you are holy.

Holy Father, it was your will that we be called your children and that is what we are,

–may you Church all over the world glorify you with the light of its holiness.

Holy Father you have called us to walk in your light in a way worthy of our vocation and to do always the things that please you,

– may our lives be rich in every kind of good work.

Holy Father, you call some to follow more closely Christ poor and humble,

–grant that they may reach the perfection of love.

Holy Father, Blessed Bronislas Markiewicz personified in his life the spirit of “work and temperance” learned at the school of Don Bosco;

–grant to the members of the religious Institutes he founded, under the protection of Saint Michael the Archangel, and all of us to live in the same spirit.

Holy Father, bring our deceased brothers and sisters to the contemplation of your face,

–make us too worthy of your glory.

Our Father.

Almighty and merciful God,

who chose the priest Blessed Bronislas

to be the father and protector of abandoned youth,

grant that we,

encouraged by his example of untiring work and temperance,

may faithfully carry out your will

and be assiduous in your service.

Through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

31 January

The life of Saint John Bosco is marked in particular by interventions of divine Providence and by the presence of the Virgin Mary. He was born at Castelnuovo d'Asti on 16 August 1815 into a poor peasant family, and from his childhood felt a call to devote his life to the young. He was ordained priest at Turin in 1841 after years of sacrifice, and spent all his rich natural talents and tireless zeal in setting up works for the education of abandoned youth, in defending the faith of the common people from danger, and in contributing to the evangelization of distant lands.

He entrusted the continuation of his immense work to the three branches of his Family: the Society of St Francis de Sales (1859), the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (1872), and the Association of Salesian Cooperators (1876), passing on to them as the key to success the treasure of the preventive system: reason, religion, loving kindness: a system totally inspired by a charity rooted in a living encounter with Jesus Christ, especially in the Eucharist, in boundless trust in the Virgin Mary, and in fidelity to the Church and its teaching.

He died at Turin on 31 January 1888. He was canonized by Pius XI at Easter 1934, and on the centenary of his death was proclaimed by John Paul II as the Father and teacher of youth (24 January 1989).

Evening Prayer I

* HymnIste Confessor

He, whose confession God of old accepted,

Whom through the ages all now hold in honour,

Gaining his glory this day came to enter

Heaven's high portal.

God-fearing, watchful, pure of mind and body,

Holy and humble, thus did all men find him;

While, through his members, to the life immortal

Mortal life called him.

Thus to the weary, from the life enshrined,

Potent in virtue, flowed humane compassion;

Sick and sore laden, howsoever burdened,

There they found healing.

So now in chorus, giving God the glory,

Raise we our anthem gladly to his honour,

That in fair kinship we may all be sharers

Here and hereafter.

Honour and glory, power and salvation,

Be in the highest unto him who reigneth

Changeless in heaven over earthly changes,

Triune, eternal.

Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.

Psalmody

Ant. 1:  God has raised you from the dust, and given you a place

among the great ones of his people.

Psalm 112 (113)

Praise, O servants of the Lord,*
praise the name of the Lord!
May the name of the Lord be blessed*
both now and for evermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting*
praised be the name of the Lord!

High above all nations is the Lord,*
above the heavens his glory.
Who is like the Lord, our God,*
who has risen on high to his throne
yet stoops from the heights to look down,*
to look down upon heaven and earth?

From the dust he lifts up the lowly,*
from his misery he raises the poor
to set him in the company of princes,*
yes, with the princes of his people.
To the childless wife he gives a home*
and gladdens her heart with children.

Ant.  God has raised you from the dust, and given you a place

among the great ones of his people.

Ant. 2 :  Through you the Lord has given bread to the hungry, a father

to orphans, a friend to the young

Psalm 145 (146)

My soul, give praise to the Lord;†
I will praise the Lord all my days,*
make music to my God while I live.

Put no trust in princes,*
in mortal men in whom there is no help.
Take their breath, they return to clay*
and their plans that day come to nothing.

He is happy who is helped by Jacob’s God,*
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who alone made heaven and earth,*
the seas and all they contain.

It is he who keeps faith for ever,*
who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry,*
the Lord, who sets prisoners free,

the Lord who gives sight to the blind,*
who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger*
and upholds the widow and orphan.

It is the Lord who loves the just*
but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign for ever,*
Sion’s God, from age to age.

Ant.  Through you the Lord has given bread to the hungry, a father

to orphans, a friend to the young

Ant. 3: God has raised you up in the Church

to the praise and glory of his grace

to reveal his love to young people.

Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10

Blessed be the God and Father*

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in Christ*

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

He chose us in him*

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy*

and blameless before him.

He destined us in love*

to be his sons through Jesus Christ,

according to the purpose of his will,†

to the praise of his glorious grace*

which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

In him we have redemption through his blood,*

the forgiveness of our trespasses,

according to the riches of his grace*

which he lavished upon us.

He has made known to us†

in all wisdom and insight *

the mystery of his will,

according to his purpose*

which he set forth in Christ.

His purpose he set forth in Christ,*

as a plan for the fulness of time,

to unite all things in him,*

things in heaven and things on earth.

Ant. God has raised you up in the Church

to the praise and glory of his grace

to reveal his love to young people.

Scripture Reading 2 Thess 2,13-17

We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

Short Responsory

R/. The Lord loved him, * and bestowed on him all honour.

The Lord loved him, and bestowed on him all honour.

V/. He invested him with glory, * and bestowed on him all honour.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

The Lord loved him, and bestowed on him all honour.

Ant. At the Magn. My every breath and all my strength

will be at the service of the young.

Or: My son, keep your father's commandment,

and forsake not your mother's teaching;

Bind them always upon your heart.

Intercessions

Our faith receives encouragement from the witness of the Saints; they are signs of the presence of the Spirit in the Church. United with them in prayer let us invoke God our Father, the source of all holiness:

Increase in us our faith, hope and charity.

You raised up St John Bosco in your Church as the father and teacher of youth:

– grant that all of us may love young people and joyfully dedicate our lives to their good.

You enabled the Saint of youth to unite tireless activity with an intense life of prayer:

–help us with the power of your Spirit that in our apostolic work we may always remain united to you.

It is your wish that parents be the first and principal educators of their children:

–may they find in you the strength and joy to be always aware of the grandeur of their task

To our Founder you gave the Virgin Mary as Mother and Guide:

–grant that the members of the Salesian Family may trust in her help and always experience her motherly presence.

On those who have died after spending their best energies for the education of the young according to the Salesian charism:

–bestow the fullness of happiness and eternal light

Our Father.

Concluding prayer as at Morning Prayer.

Compline

Compline of Sunday after Evening Prayer I. It can conclude with the antiphon: “Sub tuum praesidium confugimus”, or:

"O Maria, Virgo potens

Tu magnum et praeclarum in Ecclesia praesidium;

Tu singulare Auxilium Christianorum:

Tu terribilis ut castrorum acies ordinata.

Tu cunctas haereses sola interemisti in universo mundo.

Tu in angustiis,

Tu in bello,

Tu in necessitatibus nos ab hoste protege,

atque in aeterna gaudia in mortis hora suscipe."

Invitatory

Ant. Let us give praise to the Lord our God

on the Feast of St John Bosco

Invitatory psalm as in the Ordinary.

Office of Readings

* Hymn

Praise the Lord of all things living,

Praise the God who gives us life.

Praise to Him who brought His people

Out of darkness into light.

Unto us His Son was given

To redeem unbroken sin;

His command of love He left us

Till the day He comes again.

Out of love He raised a shepherd,

Father, teacher of the young.

Gave to him a hopeful vision

of the Kingdom Jesus won.

Leading youthful hearts to heaven,

Modelling a life of grace,

Showing how a joyful spirit

Earns our heav'nly dwelling place.

Sign of all that God has given,

Bearer of the Father's love,

Pray that we proclaim the promise

Of our heav'nly home above.

Show us how to praise the Father,

How to praise His only Son,

Living, reigning with the Spirit,

E'er eternal, ever one!

(C.J.Lieby)

Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.

Ant.1:  God gave him wisdom and understanding

and a heart as vast as the sand on the seashore.

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 splendour,
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. God gave him wisdom and understanding

and a heart as vast as the sand on the seashore.

Ant. 2:  He believed against all hope

and became the father of many peoples.

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. He believed against all hope

and became the father of many peoples.

Ant. 3  He trusted in the Lord and did good works;

in him he placed all his joy.

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. He trusted in the Lord and did good works;

in him he placed all his joy.

R/. You will hear the word from my mouth,

V/. and pass it on to your brethren.

First Reading

From the first letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians 1,2-6; 2,7-9a.10-12

Our behaviour was holy,

righteous and blameless

We give thanks to God always for you all, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you; for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit;

But we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember our labour and toil, brethren.

You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our behaviour to you believers; for you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory

Responsory 1 Thess 3,12-13a; 4,2

R/. May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men, as we do to you, * so that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father.

V/. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

*so that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father.

Second Reading

From the "Regulations for the Oratory of St Francis de Sales" (1854) written by St John Bosco.

(Pedagogical and spiritual writings, Rome 1987, 41-44 passim)

A new way for evangelizing the young

"[...] to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad" (Jn 11,52). These words of the holy Gospel show us that the Divine Saviour came down from heaven to earth to gather together all God's children scattered over the face of the earth, and I think we can apply them literally to the young people of our time. This portion of human society, the most precious and at the same time most delicate on which rest the hopes for a happy future, is not of itself of a perverse disposition. Were it not for the neglect of parents, idleness, meeting with bad companions, to which they are prone especially on Sundays and Feastdays, it would be quite easy to insert into their tender hearts principles of good order and behaviour, of respect and of religion, because it sometimes happens that those who are already lost at that age have become so through thoughtlessness rather than through ingrained wickedness.

These youngsters really need a kindly helper who will take care of them, encourage them and lead them to virtue, and to keep them away from vice. The difficulty lies in finding a way to gather them together, to talk to them and teach them good morals.

This was the mission of the Son of God, and only his holy religion can bring it about. But this religion which in itself is eternal and unchangeable, which has been and will always be the mentor of mankind, contains a law so perfect as to be adaptable to changing times and to the different characteristics of all persons.

Among the means best suited to disseminate the spirit of religion in the hearts of the uneducated and abandoned the Oratories stand high. They are places which provide youngsters with pleasing and honest recreation after they have been present at sacred functions in church.

The encouragement I have received from civil and ecclesiastical authorities, the zeal shown by many people who have helped me by temporal means and by their own hard work, are without any doubt signs of the blessings of God and of public satisfaction.

I do not intend to give either laws or precepts. My only purpose is to describe what is done in the Boys' Oratory of St Francis de Sales at Valdocco, and the manner in which it is done.

Some may think from what I say that I am looking for honour and glory. Don't you believe it! It is just that I have a duty to describe things that have really happened and continue to happen still.

When I gave myself to this part of the sacred ministry, my intention was to consecrate all my energies to the greater glory of God and the good of souls; I intended to work to produce good citizens in this world so that in due time they would be worthy citizens of heaven above. May God continue to help me to continue in this work till my last breath.

Responsory Cf. Col 3,17; 1 Cor 16,14

R/. Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus * giving thanks to God the Father through him V/. Let all that you do be done in love,

R/. giving thanks to God the Father through him.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

* Or:

Second Reading

From the letter "Iuvenum Patris" of Pope John Paul II

(AAS 80 [1988] 969-987)

St John Bosco

"Father and Teacher of Youth"

St John Bosco felt within himself that he had received a special vocation and that in the carrying out of his mission he was assisted and almost led by the hand by the Lord and the motherly intervention of the Virgin Mary. His response was such that the Church has officially proposed him to the faithful as a model of holiness.

His stature as a Saint gives him a unique place among the great Founders of religious Institutes in the Church. He is outstanding from many points of view: he initiated a true school of a new and attractive apostolic spirituality; he promoted a special devotion to Mary, Help of Christians and Mother of the Church; he displayed a loyal and courageous ecclesial sense manifested in the delicate mediation work he carried out between Church and State at a time when the relations between the two were difficult; as an apostle he was both realistic and practical, always open to the implications of new discoveries; he was a zealous organizer of foreign missions with truly Catholic sensitivity; he was an eminent example of a preferential love for the young, and especially for the most needy among them, for the good of the Church and society; he was the exponent of an efficacious and attractive pedagogical method which he has left as a precious legacy to be safeguarded and developed.

An interchange between "education" and "holiness" is indeed the characteristic aspect of his personality: he was a "holy educator", he drew his inspiration from a "holy model" - Francis de Sales, he was the disciple of a "holy spiritual director" - Joseph Cafasso, and he was able to form from among his boys a "holy pupil" - Dominic Savio.

For St John Bosco, founder of a great spiritual Family, one may say that the peculiar trait of his brilliance is linked with the educational method which he himself called the "preventive system". In a certain sense this represents the quintessence of his pedagogical wisdom and constitutes the prophetic message which he has left to his followers and to the Church, and which has received attention and recognition from numerous educators and students of pedagogy.

The substance of his teaching remains intact; the unique nature of his spirit, his intuitions, his style, his charisma are unchanged, because they draw their inspiration from the transcendent pedagogy of God.

In the Church and in the world the integral educative vision that we see incarnated in John Bosco is a realistic pedagogy of holiness. We need to get back to the true concept of "holiness" as a component of the life of every believer. The originality and boldness of the plan for a "youthful holiness" is intrinsic to the educational art of this great Saint, who can be rightly called the "master of youth spirituality". His secret lay in the fact that he did not disappoint the deep aspirations of the young (the need for life, love, expansiveness, joy, freedom, future prospects) but at the same time led them gradually and realistically to discover for themselves that only in the "life of grace", i.e. in friendship with Christ, does one fully attain the most authentic ideals.

Responsory Phil 3,17; 4,9; cf. 1 Cor 1,10; 10,31

R/. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do * and the God of peace will be with you.

V/. I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to do all to the glory of God; R/. and the God of peace will be with you.

.

Te Deum

Concluding prayer as at Morning Prayer.

Vigil celebration

Those who desire to extend the celebration of the Vigil should first celebrate the Office of Readings; after the two Readings and before the Te Deum they should add the canticles and Gospel as indicated below:

Ant. Whatever you do, in word or deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord.

Canticle I Jer 17,7-8Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord

Canticle II Sir 14,20-21; 15,3-6 Happiness of the wise man

Canticle III Wis 9,1-6.9-11 Lord, give me the wisdom that is pleasing to you

Gospel

An extract from the Gospel is read, taken from those proposed in the Lectionary for the Mass of St John Bosco

1. Mt 5,13-19: You are the light of the world.

2. Mt 18,1-6.10: Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.

3. Mt 22,34-40: You shall love the Lord your God and your neighbour

4. Mk 9,34-37: Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.

5. Mk 10,13-16: Let the children come to me.

6. Lk 22,24-30: I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom.

7. Jn 10,1-11: The Good Shepherd.

8. Jn 15,9-17: You are my friends if you do what I command you.

If convenient a homily may be given.

Te Deum

Concluding prayer as at Morning Prayer.

Morning Prayer

* Hymn

Living source of all creation,

Grateful songs to you we raise.

In our joyful celebration

Of your love poured out always.

For our Father, Lord, we thank you,

For our unity in love,

For the brothers, for the sisters

Trusted to us from above.

Take our hearts, our love's devotion,

On our Father's festal day;

And in mercy give your blessing,

As with reverence we pray:

May we all, your life possessing,

Steadfast be in work and word;

By Christ's charity enamoured

May we be to service spurred.

May we, true to our vocation,

For our Father's sake now grow,

Showing forth Christ's healing kindness,

As Don Bosco's heart might show.

May we burn with zeal and ardour

For the work which Christ has blest.

Guided by our storied banner:

"Give me souls and take the rest."

Living source of all creation,

Guide and friend of all the weak,

Let us know Christ's true salvation

And the Spirit's grace unique.

By the Virgin's intercession,

By Don Bosco's prayers so kind,

May your children know your healing,

May we peace and mercy find.

(A.J.Lenti)

Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.

.

1 ant.  Glory and praise to you, O God of my fathers,

for you have given me wisdom, humility and strength.

Psalms and canticle from Sunday, Week 1

2 ant.  Praise our God with dancing;

praise him with lute and harp, alleluia

3 ant.  You have filled him with joy before your face:

and to the young he proclaims your blessings

Scripture reading Heb 13,17.20-21

Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you.

May the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Short Responsory

R/. The Lord is my shepherd, * there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

V/. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose,

* there is nothing I shall want.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Ant. al Ben. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

.

Intercessions

Let us bless God our Father who called St John Bosco to proclaim the gospel of joy. In his memory, let us pray:

:

Lord, bless your people

In St John Bosco you have manifested your love for the young and the poor:

–help us to recognize in them the countenance of Christ your Son and to serve them with true pastoral charity.

You made him the apostle of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation;

–grant that we may be able to lead young people to these sure founts of life and grace.

You opened the mind and heart of St John Bosco to the great horizons of the Church:

–bestow on us a missionary spirit and apostolic creativity for the building of your Kingdom.

In your providence you gave him serenity and trust in the trials of life:

–impart also to us a complete confidence in your assistance and faithful perseverance in your service.

In St John Bosco you have given to your Church a living image of Jesus the good shepherd:

–grant that not one may be lost of those you have entrusted to our mission as educators.

Our Father.

PRAYER

Lord our God, in your providence you have given us Saint John Bosco, the father and teacher of youth, who under the guidance of the Virgin Mary worked with untiring zeal for the good of the Church; inspire us with that same apostolic charity, to seek the salvation of our neighbour and so serve you, the one and only good. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son....

Prayer during the day

A suitable hymn and complementary psalmody; Ps 121 may be replaced by Ps 128, and Ps 126 by Ps 130. When the solemnity falls on Sunday the Sunday psalms are used.

Before noon

Ant. Serve the Lord with joy, alleluia.

Scripture Reading 1 Thess 5,16-22.28

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

V/. Praise the Lord and call upon his name,

R/. proclaim his works among the peoples.

Midday

Ant. Adore the Lord at all times: in joy and in sorrow:

Scripture Reading Phil 2,1-4

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

V/. Celebrate the Lord with me,

R/. together let us magnify his name.

Afternoon

Ant. May God be our help and our companion on the way of heaven.

Scripture Reading Rm 12,9-13

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practise hospitality.

V/. Lord, you are good and the source of all goodness:

R/. everlasting is your mercy.

Prayer as at Morning Prayer.

Evening Prayer II

* Hymn

Thou who didst befriend the friendless

Toiling here with heart so brave.

By thy love and labour endless

Fondly striving souls to save.

Refrain:

Saint John Bosco, guard and guide us.

We our hearts now pledge to thee.

Grant that we, whate'er betide us,

True to God shall ever be.

Unto youth you were a father,

Loving teacher, loyal friend.

Grant that we may round you gather

At our earthly journey's end. Refrain.

Grant that we may, sin defying,

With the strength that faith can bring,

Bravely living, bravely dying,

Win the fight for Christ our King. Refrain.

Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.

Ant. 1: My glory is in the Lord: let the humble listen and rejoice.

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 neighbour,
who holds the godless in disdain,*
but honours 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 for ever.

Ant. My glory is in the Lord: let the humble listen and rejoice.

Ant. 2: The source of wisdom is the fear of the Lord;

wise is the man who is faithful to him.

Psalm 111 (112)

Happy the man who fears the Lord,*
who takes delight in 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 a 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 honour.
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. The source of wisdom is the fear of the Lord;

wise is the man who is faithful to him.

Ant. 3: Great and wonderful are you, Lord, in all your saints.

Canticle – Revelation 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 judgments have been revealed.

Ant. Great and wonderful are you, Lord, in all your saints.

Scripture Reading 1 Cor 13,4-8a.13

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; It is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Short Responsory

R/. The just man speaks * words of wisdom.

The just man speaks words of wisdom.

V/. The law of God is in his heart;

* words of wisdom..

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

The just man speaks words of wisdom.

Ant. At the Magn. To save your souls I will gladly spend all my life.

Intercessions

United in the love of Christ at the close of this festive day, let us present to God our Father our hopes and expectations. Let us say:

Protect this your family, O Lord.

Through St John Bosco you have raised up new religious families in your Church:

–grant that in them may flourish evangelical life and prophetic witness.

You inspired our holy Founder to involve many others in work for the salvation of the young:

–increase the number of new vocations and keep our Salesian Family united.

It is your will that all peoples should attain to a knowledge of the truth:

–through the intercession of the Virgin Mary bless the work of missionaries of the Gospel and render it productive.

You made St John Bosco outstanding in the formation and education of the young, and especially of those who are poor and abandoned:

–in the way you have marked out for each one of us help us to imitate his pedagogical wisdom.

You have called to yourself many brothers and sisters who have dedicated their own lives to the spreading of your Kingdom:

–bestow on them the reward promised to good and faithful servants

Our Father.

Prayer

Lord our God, in your providence you have given us Saint John Bosco, the father and teacher of youth, who under the guidance of the Virgin Mary worked with untiring zeal for the good of the Church; inspire us with that same apostolic charity, to seek the salvation of our neighbour and so serve you, the one and only good. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son....

.

Compline

Of Sunday. The concluding antiphon can be "Sub tuum praesidium" as in the Ordinary, or the antiphon "O Maria, Virgo potens".

1 February

Commemoration

of all deceased Salesian Confreres

If 1 February is a Sunday the commemoration is omitted; it cannot be transferred to another day.

Prayer for our deceased confreres is a duty of gratitude and fellowship. The memory of those we have known and with whom we may have perhaps shared for years in the same vocation and mission can provide an eloquent and efficacious stimulus for preserving in the Salesian Family the commitment to holiness.

In the commemoration of the deceased confreres the Congregation celebrates the love the Lord has manifested in the lives of his children, and sees the realization of the promise of continuity made to St John Bosco.

Invitatory

Ant. The Lord is the light of all the living: come let us adore him.

Invitatory psalm as in the Ordinary

Office of Readings

* Hymn

.

As at Morning Prayer or from the Common, or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority

Ant. 1: Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 39 (40):2-14,17-18

I

I waited, I waited for the Lord†
and he stooped down to me;*
he heard my cry.

He drew me from the deadly pit,*
from the miry clay.
He set my feet upon a rock*
and made my footsteps firm.

He put a new song into my mouth,*
praise of our God.
Many shall see and fear*
and shall trust in the Lord.

Happy the man who has placed*
his trust in the Lord
and has not gone over to the rebels*
who follow false gods.

How many, O Lord my God,†
are the wonders and designs
that you have worked for us;*
you have no equal.
Should I proclaim and speak of them,*
they are more than I can tell!

You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings,*
but an open ear.
You do not ask for holocaust and victim.*
Instead, here am I.

In the scroll of the book it stands written*
that I should do your will.
My God, I delight in your law*
in the depth of my heart.

Ant.: Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Ant. 2:  Lord, guide me with your justice,

make your way level before me.

II

Your justice I have proclaimed*
in the great assembly.
My lips I have not sealed;*
you know it, O Lord.

I have not hidden your justice in my heart*
but declared your faithful help.
I have not hidden your love and your truth*
from the great assembly.

O Lord, you will not withhold*
your compassion from me.
Your merciful love and your truth*
will always guard me.

For I am beset with evils*
too many to be counted.
My sins have fallen upon me*
and my sight fails me.
They are more than the hairs of my head*
and my heart sinks.

O Lord, come to my rescue;*
Lord, come to my aid.

O let there be rejoicing and gladness*
for all who seek you.
Let them ever say: "The Lord is great",*
who love your saving help.

As for me, wretched and poor,*
the Lord thinks of me.
You are my rescuer, my help,*
O God, do not delay.

Ant.:  Lord, guide me with your justice,

make your way level before me.

Ant. 3:  My soul is thirsting for the living God:

when shall I see him face to face?

Psalm 41 (42)

Like the deer that yearns*
for running streams,
so my soul is yearning*
for you, my God.

My soul is thirsting for God,*
the God of my life;
when can I enter and see*
the face of God?

My tears have become my bread,*
by night, by day,
as I hear it said all the day long:*
"Where is your God?"

These things will I remember*
as I pour out my soul:
how I would lead the rejoicing crowd*
into the house of God,
amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving,*
the throng wild with joy.

Why are you cast down, my soul,*
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,*
my savior and my God.

My soul is cast down within me*
as I think of you,
from the country of Jordan and Mount Hermon,*
from the Hill of Mizar.

Deep is calling on deep,*
in the roar of waters;
your torrents and all your waves*
swept over me.

By day the Lord will send*
his loving kindness;
by night I will sing to him,*
praise the God of my life.

I will say to God, my rock:*
"Why have your forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning*
oppressed by the foe?"

With cries that pierce me to the heart,*
my enemies revile me,
saying to me all day long:*
"Where is your God?"

Why are you cast down, my soul,*
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,*
my saviour and my God.

Ant:  My soul is thirsting for the living God:

when shall I see him face to face?

R/. Great is your mercy, O Lord;

V/. make me live in accordance with your word.

First Reading

From the second letter of St Paul to the Corinthians4,16-5,1-10

After death we shall receive from God

an eternal dwelling-place in heaven

Brothers, we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Here indeed we groan, and long to put on our heavenly dwelling, so that by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we sigh with anxiety; not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

So we are always of good courage; we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body.

.

ResponsoryCf. Psalm 50,4

R/. Do not judge me, O God, according to my actions: for in your sight I have done nothing good. I beg your majesty: * in your love cleanse me from my sin. .

V/. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, blot out my transgressions.

*in your love cleanse me from my sin.

Second Reading

From the "Spiritual Testament" of St John Bosco

(Constitutions of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, 1984, 267-268)

In eternity the reward for trials borne for the love of Christ

My dear and beloved Sons in Jesus Christ, before leaving this world for eternity I wish to fulfil a duty towards you and so satisfy an ardent desire of my heart.

First of all, I thank you with the most ardent affection of my soul for the obedience you have given me, and for all you have done to sustain and propagate our Congregation.

I leave you here on earth, but only for a short time. I hope the infinite mercy of God will enable us all to meet one day in heaven; there I await you.

Do not grieve over my death. This is a debt we must all pay; but afterwards, every fatigue sustained for the love of our Master, the good Jesus, will be greatly rewarded. Instead of weeping, make firm and efficacious resolutions to remain staunch in your vocation until death.

Watch, so that neither the love of the world, nor the affection of parents, nor the desire of a more agreeable life induce you to make the great mistake of profaning the sacred vows, and so transgressing the religious profession by which you are consecrated to God. Let none of us take back that which we have given to God.

If you have loved me in the past, continue to love me in the future by the exact observance of our Constitutions.

Your first Rector is dead. But our true Superior, Jesus Christ, will never die. He will always be our Master, our guide, our model; but remember that he, in his own time, will also be our judge and the rewarder of our faithfulness in his service.

Your Rector is dead, but there will be another elected, who will have care of you and of your eternal salvation. Listen to him, love him, obey him, pray for him as you have done for me.

Adieu, dear children, adieu. I wait for you in heaven. There we shall speak of God, of Mary, the Mother and support of our Congregation; there we shall bless eternally this our Congregation, the observance of whose rules will have powerfully and efficaciously contributed to our salvation.

Sit nomen Domini benedictum, ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum. In te, Domine, speravi; non confundar in aeternum.

Responsory Cf. Phil 3,20.21; Col 3,4

R/. Our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. * He will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body.

V/. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

R/. He will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body.

___________________________________________________________________________________

* Or:

Second Reading

From the writings of the Venerable Fr Joseph Quadrio, Salesian priest

(Ed. R. Bracchi, Don G. Quadrio, Risposte,

Rome 1992, 236-238)

For the Christian, death is the beginning of true life

Faith sheds on death a soft and gentle light, adducing also its positive and consoling aspects. For a Christian, death is not the end but the beginning; it is the beginning of the true life, the gate which opens onto eternity. It is like hearing from behind the barbed wire of a concentration camp the longed-for announcement: "You are going home". Dying is like pushing open the half-closed door of a house and saying: "Father, here I am, I'm home!" It is a leap in the dark, it is true, but with the certainty of falling into the arms of the heavenly Father.

Anyone who really believes in eternal life cannot fail to repeat with St Paul: "For to me to die is gain. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (cf. Phil 1,21.23). We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (cf. 2 Cor 5,5-6). After death our eyes that have closed see again. The dead are not creatures that have been annihilated; they are super-alive.

An obsessive fear of death could also be caused by uneasiness about sins that have been committed and fear of the divine judgement. In this case the fear must be opposed by a most firm hope in the infinite mercy of the heavenly Father. The one who will judge us and decide our eternal destiny is not an enemy or a stranger; he is our elder brother, who in order to save us endured the agonies of Calvary and who loves us more than we love ourselves. St Francis de Sales used to say that on the day of judgement he would rather be judged by God than by his own mother. One has only to acknowledge one's sins and abandon oneself with trust to the immeasurable loving kindness of God to ensure pardon and salvation. It is a wonderful thing to feel that one is so far from his level and in need of his mercy: to feel that one is lost and at the same time saved by him who "came to save the lost."

Finally the root cause of disturbance at the approach of death could be the thought of the pains and agonies which frequently make it so bitter. There is an infallible remedy, not for overcoming this thought but for overcoming it and making it less unpalatable: it is that of offering each day one's own sufferings and death, with all the physical and moral agonies that will accompany it, to the heavenly Father in union with the death of Christ, and with the same love and the same intentions which Jesus had on the cross. What great light and comfort stem from this anticipated loving celebration of one's own death offered to the Father as a small victim united to the great Victim, who is Jesus immolated on Calvary and in every Mass! Our death then acquires the significance and value of a "co-redemption", i.e. a cooperation with Jesus in glorifying the Father in making expiation for sins and in saving the world.

Death, when made in this way the object of faith, hope and charity, may not succeed in driving away all fear; but the fear itself will be lovingly accepted as a precious part of the supreme sacrifice.

.

Responsory Psalm 30,20; 1 Cor 2,9

R/. How great is the goodness, Lord, that you keep for those who fear you, * that you show to those who trust you. V/. What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, these things you have prepared, O God, for those who love you. R/. that you show to those who trust you.

Concluding prayer as at Morning Prayer.

.

Morning Prayer

* Hymn

The King of love my shepherd is,

Whose goodness fails me never;

I nothing lack if I am his

And he is mine forever

Where streams of living water flow,

To rest my soul he leads me,

Where fresh and fertile pastures grow,

With heav'nly food he feeds me.

Perverse and foolish I have strayed,

But he with love has sought me,

And on his shoulder gently laid,

And home, rejoicing brought me.

In death's dark vale I fear no ill,

With you, dear Lord, Beside me;

Your rod and staff my comfort still,

Your cross will ever guide me.

You spread a banquet in my sight,

My head with oil anointing,

And let me taste the sweet delight

From your pure chalice flowing.

And so through all my length of days

Your goodness fails me never;

Good Shepherd, may I sing your praise

Within your house for ever.

Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.

Ant. 1:  Look, O Lord, on my weakness;

pardon all my sins.

Psalm 50 (51)

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.*
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt*
and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;*
my sin is always before me
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;*
what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence*
and be without reproach when you judge,
O see, in guilt I was born,*
a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;*
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;*
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,*
that the bones you have crushed may thrill.
From my sins turn away your face*
and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,*
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,*
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;*
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways*
and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,*
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips*
and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For in sacrifice you take no delight,*
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit,*
a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

In your goodness, show favour to Sion:*
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,*
holocausts offered on your altar.

Ant.  Look, O Lord, on my weakness;

pardon all my sins.

Ant. 2:  I will call upon the Lord of joy;

from death and evil I shall be set free.

Canticle Is 38: 10-14,17-20

I said, In the noontide time of my days I must depart;†

I am consigned to the gates of Sheol *
 for the rest of my years

I said, “I shall not see the Lord*
 in the land of the living;
I shall look upon man no more, *
 among the inhabitants of the world.

My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me*

like a shepherd’s tent;
like a weaver I have rolled up my life, *
he cuts me off from the loom;

From day to night you bring me to an end;*
I cry for help until morning;
like a lion he breaks all my bones; *
from day to night you bring me to an end

.
Like a swallow or a crane I clamour,*
I moan like a dove.
My eyes are weary from looking upward.*
O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.

Lo it was for my welfare *
that I had great bitterness;
bur you have held back my life*
from the pit of destruction;
for you have cast all my sins *
behind your back.

For Sheol cannot thank you,*
 death cannot praise you;
those who go down to the pit *
 cannot hope for your faithfulness.

The living, the living—he thanks you,†
as I do this day;*
the father makes known to the children
your faithfulness.

 The Lord will save me,*
 and we will sing to stringed instruments
all the days of our life*
at the house of the Lord.

Ant.  I will call upon the Lord of joy;

from death and evil I shall be set free.

Ant. 3:  The name of the Lord I will praise in song,

in exultation I shall celebrate his glory.

Psalm 145

My soul, give praise to the Lord;†

I will praise the Lord all my days,*
make music to my God while I live.

Put no trust in princes,*
In mortal men in whom there is no help.
Take their breath, they return to clay*
and their plans that day come to nothing.

He is happy who is helped by Jacob's God,*
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who alone made heaven and earth,*
the seas and all they contain.

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,*
who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry,*
the Lord, who sets prisoners free,

the Lord who gives sight to the blind,*
who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger*
and upholds the widow and orphan.

It is the Lord who loves the just*
but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign for ever,*
Sion's God, from age to age.

Alt Psalm150

Praise God in his holy place,*
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his powerful deeds,*
praise his surpassing greatness.

O praise him with sound of trumpet,*
praise him with lute and harp.
Praise him with timbrel and dance,*
praise him with strings and pipes.

O praise him with resounding cymbals,*
praise him with clashing of cymbals.
Let everything that lives and that breathes*
give praise to the Lord.

Ant. The name of the Lord I will praise in song,

in exultation I shall celebrate his glory.

Short Reading Wis 2,23 - 3,1.5-6.9b

God created man for incorruption, and made him in the image of his own eternity. but through the devil's envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his party experience it.

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. Those who trust in him will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.

Responsory breve

R/. I will praise you, Lord, * for you have rescued me.

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

V/. You turned my sorrow into joy,

* for you have rescued me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. .

Ant. al Ben I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.

Or: Our true home is in heaven; from there we await the coming of our Saviour,

the Lord Jesus Christ.

Invocations

God, the Father almighty, raised Jesus from the dead, and he will give life to our own mortal bodies through the Holy Spirit; sustained by this hope, we pray:

Lord of the living and the dead, hear our prayer.

Father, through baptism we have been buried with your Son and have risen with him in his resurrection:

– grant that we may walk in newness of life so that when we die, we may live with Christ for ever.

Father, in our body we carry always and everywhere the death of Jesus your Son:

–grant that his life be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Father, in the resurrection of Jesus your fidelity is proclaimed for evermore:

–enable us to live in hope, despite the mystery of death.

Father, let us not be discouraged as our body slowly decays:

–grant that day by day our spirit may be renewed.

Father, we know very well that neither death nor life, neither things present nor future, can separate us from the love you have revealed in Christ Jesus:

–while we entrust to you our dead confreres, renew in us the certainty that you are faithful to your promises.

Our Father.

Prayer

Father, whose mercy knows no limit, you have promised unending happiness to those who seek first the kingdom of heaven. We ask you to take to yourself our deceased confreres (all deceased Salesians), who have spent their lives in the service of the Gospel, following the way marked out by Saint John Bosco; grant that they may enjoy the vision of your countenance and that we may continue faithfully on our pilgrimage. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ .....

Prayer during the day

Hymn and Psalms from the Office of the Dead

Before noon

Ant. You give great joy and happiness to those who seek you;

and your salvation, O God, to those who love you.

Scripture Reading Job 19,25-27a

This I know: that my Redeemer lives, and he the last. will take his stand on earth. After my waking he will set me close to him, and from my flesh I shall look on God. He whom I shall see will take my part; these eyes will gaze on him and find him not aloof.

V/. Why are you cast down, my soul, and why groan within me?

R/. Hope in God; I will praise him still.

Midday

Ant. Show us, O Lord, your mercy and grant us your salvation.

Scripture Reading Wis 1,13-15

Death was not God’s doing, he takes no pleasure in the extinction of the living. To be – for this he created all; the world’s created things have health in them, in them so fatal poison can be found and Hades holds no power on earth; for virtue is undying.

V/. Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil.

R/. For you are with me, Lord.

Afternoon

Ant. For ever I will give glory to your name, O Lord, for great has been your mercy to me.

.

Scripture ReadingIs 25,8

God will destroy death for ever. The Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek; he will take away his people’s shame everywhere on earth, for the Lord has said so.

V/. O God, hear my prayer.

R/. To you all flesh must come.

Concluding prayer as at Morning Prayer.

.

Evening Prayer

When 2 February falls on a Sunday, the first Vespers of the Presentation of the Lord are celebrated.

* Hymn

As at Morning Prayer or from the Common, or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.

Ant. 1:  I will walk in the presence of the Lord,

in the land of the living.

Psalm 120 (121)

I lift up my eyes to the mountains;*
from where shall come my help?

My help shall come from the Lord*
who made heaven and earth.

May he never allow you to stumble!*
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,*
Israel's guard.

The Lord is your guard and your shade;*
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you*
nor the moon in the night.

The Lord will guard you from evil,*
he will guard you soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming*
both now and for ever.

Ant. I will walk in the presence of the Lord,

in the land of the living.

Ant. 2:  Do not abandon, Lord, the work of your hands.

Psalm 129 (130)

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,*
Lord, hear my voice!
O let your ears be attentive*
to the voice of my pleading.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,*
Lord, who would survive?
But with you is found forgiveness:*
for this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord.*
I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord*
more than watchman for daybreak.
Let the watchman count on daybreak*
and Israel on the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy*
and fullness of redemption,
Israel indeed he will redeem*
from all its iniquity.

Ant. Do not abandon, Lord, the work of your hands.

Ant. 3;  As the Father raises up and gives life,

So also the Son gives life to those who love

Canticle Phil 2, : 6-11

Though he was in the form of God, *

Jesus did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.

He emptied himself, †

taking the form of a servant,*

being born in the likeness of men.

And being found in human form,*

he humbled himself and became obedient unto death,*

even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him*

and bestowed on him the name which is above every name,

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,*

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,*

to the glory of God the Father.

Ant.  As the Father raises up and gives life,

So also the Son gives life to those who love

Scripture Reading 1 Cor 15,20-24a.25-27a

Christ, in fact, has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive, but each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, "for God has put all things in subjection under his feet".

Short Responsory

R/. Lord, in your steadfast love, * give them eternal rest

Lord, in your steadfast love, give them eternal rest.

V/. You will come to judge the living and the dead:

* give them eternal rest

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your steadfast love, give them eternal rest

Ant. At the Magn. I go to prepare a place for you - says the Lord; I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Or: All that the Father gives me will come to me,

and whoever comes to me I shall not turn away

Intercessions

We know that when our body, our earthly abode, has been dissolved, we shall receive from God an eternal dwelling in heaven. Full of trust, we proclaim:

You are the resurrection and the life!

Christ, our Lord, giver of life, you are the light which never fades:

– may the light of your countenance shine on us, that by our life we may bear witness to your love.

. Christ, our Lord, you have conquered death and become the first fruit of the resurrection:

– give to our dead confreres [deceased Salesians] the reward you promised to your faithful servants.

Lord Jesus, you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

–look on us with eyes of mercy at the time of our judgement.

You who have made all things new:

–open to the faithful departed who entrust themselves to you, the new heavens and a new earth where dwell justice and peace.

In our remembrance of those who have gone before us you fill us with hope and encouragement:

– grant that one day we may find ourselves in heaven to sing with them your love and glory.

Our Father.

Prayer

Father, whose mercy knows no limit, you have promised unending happiness to those who seek first the kingdom of heaven. We ask you to take to yourself our deceased confreres (all deceased Salesians), who have spent their lives in the service of the Gospel, following the way marked out by Saint John Bosco; grant that they may enjoy the vision of your countenance and that we may continue faithfully on our pilgrimage. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ ....

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Compline

As on Sunday after Evening Prayer II. A suitable closing Antiphon would be "O Maria, Virgo potens".

7 February

Blessed PiUS IX, Pope

Optional Memorial

John Maria Mastai Ferretti (Pius IX) was born at Senigallia on 13 May 1792. Ordained priest in 1819, between 1823 and 1825 for two years he was a missionary in Chile. At just 35 years of age he was appointed Archbishop of Spoleto, and then in 1832 of Imola. In 1840 he was created Cardinal and on 16 June 1846 was elected Supreme Pontiff at only 54 years of age.

Don Bosco had a first audience with Pius IX on 9 March 1858. Both had the impression of meeting a saint. Pius IX supported and guided Don Bosco in the foundation of the Salesian Congregation. He suggested to him to call it a “Society” so as to be in tune with the times, to make simple vows, he advised a simple habit and practices of piety intense but not too complicated.

He persuaded Don Bosco to write his memoirs to be left as a spiritual inheritance to the Salesians. During his pontificate he approved the Constitutions of the Salesian Society, the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Pious Union of Salesian Cooperators of which he was the first enrolled member.

Don Bosco loved Pius IX greatly and accepted all his advice even when it cost him great sacrifice: “No effort should be spared,” he used to say, “when the Church and the Papacy are at stake.” The Pontiff too had great esteem for Don Bosco and on different occasions called him to Rome to ask his help with various very delicate issues. 

On 8 December 1854 he defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. In 1869 he called the First Vatican Council. On 8 December 1870 he declared Saint Joseph Patron of the Universal Church. On 16 June 1875 he consecrated the Church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He died on 7 February 1878, after 32 years Pontificate. John Paul II proclaimed him Blessed on 3 September 2000.

From the Common of Pastors: for a Pope.

Office of Readings

Second Reading

From the «Letters» of Blessed Pius IX, Pope, to his beloved son Father John Bosco

(7 January 1860 and 23 June 1869; Memorie Biografiche VI [1907] pp. 472-473 [omitted in Biographical Memoirs VI p 270]; IX [1917] pp. 667-668) cf. BM p 314)

With perseverance bear with tribulations:

our hope rests in God

Beloved Son, Our greetings and Apostolic Blessing. In the letter which you wrote to Us on 9 November, We find further proof of your singular faith, piety and reverence towards Us and towards Our Supreme dignity. We can easily understand, Beloved Son, your sorrow and that of other ecclesiastics at this great confusion in Italy and the upsetting of public order and the rebellion in some Provinces of our temporal domains […].

In this fierce storm raised up by Satan, in humility of heart We greatly thank God that with his grace he strengthens and comforts the Bishops of Italy so that each one with his own flock may fearlessly safeguard the deposit of faith. Our heart is comforted by the profound harmony of spirit with which the clergy too in these saddest of times labour for the care of souls and the firmness and constancy of spirit with which for the cause of God and of the Church they bear with and support every adversity.

We cannot put into words the consolation which that part of your letter gives Us from which We know that the present calamities of these days prompted your immediate response, My Beloved Son, and that of other ecclesiastics. Therefore by preaching the word of God, and by distributing good books and other good writings united in spirit and in zeal you do all that is in your power to oppose the machinations of the enemies of the Church.

There is nothing more excellent than doing this, and there is nothing more useful for fostering and enlivening the piety of the people. Nor was your outstanding solicitude without fruit, through which many young people going to the sacred Oratories on feast days and daily to the schools at the appropriate time become ever more fervent through both Christian instruction and the frequentation of the Sacraments.

May the care which you have for the poor young people you have saved day by day obtain more happy success and increase the number of those who can then become in time useful ministers of the Church. Continue, Beloved Son, the way of life which you have taken up to the glory of God and the benefit of the Church. If you should meet with any serious tribulation bear with it, and support with firmness of spirit the tribulations of these times. Our hope is placed in God, who through the protection of the Queen of Heaven and Mistress of the world, the Mother of God, Mary the Immaculate Virgin, will free us from these great evils, and will console his afflicted Church, making her triumph over her enemies.

We have no doubt at all that to this end, and to beg for Our weakness the immediate assistance and the help of God, you will continue O Beloved Son, together with the pupils and the disciples of your hospice, to you and to Ourselves most dear, to beseech the same God with ever greater fervour in all kinds of prayer. We most earnestly pray the same God that he will preserve you and them in his peace, cover you with his right hand and defend you with his holy arm […].

The many tokens of faith and devotion which you have given Us have certainly acquainted us with your firm attachment to the Apostolic See and to Ourselves. They show too that not only do you diligently strive to arouse in others the love you bear Peter’s Chair, but also that many feel as you do.

Another splendid token of this We have received on the occasion of Our golden jubilee of ordination and First Mass in the very affectionate letter you sent Us in your name and in behalf of the oratories and institutes you direct.

We need not tell you how welcome these filial congratulations are to Us. We will appreciate it if you share Our sentiments with your priests and boys . Indeed, you may add that, in response to their wish, We remembered them in Our Holy Mass as We particularly recommended to Our Lord all who pray for Us.

We shall be grateful if they continue to pray, as We hope, for the conversion of souls gone astray, that they may all know and love Our Heavenly Father and Him whom He sent, Jesus Christ. Him albeit unworthy, We represent on earth. Meanwhile, in token of Our particular benevolence and a sign of divine grace, We most affectionately impart Our Apostolic Benediction to you and your beloved sons.

Responsory Mt. 16,18; Sal 47,9

R/. Jesus said to Simon: You are Peter and it is upon this rock that I will build my Church, * and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

V/. God has built it to endure for all eternity,

R/. and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Concluding prayer as at Morning Prayer.

Morning Prayer

Scripture Reading Heb 13, 7-9a

Remember your leaders, who preached the word of God to you, and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same today as hew was yesterday and as he will be for ever. Do not let yourselves be led astray by all sorts of strange doctrines.

Short Responsory

R/. I placed watchmen on your towers, * they watch over your Church.

I placed watchmen on your towers, they watch over your Church.

V/. They will never cease to tell of the name of the Lord, by day and by night.,

* they watch over your Church.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit..

I placed watchmen on your towers, they watch over your Church.

Ant. At the Ben. It is not you who speak;

the Spirit of your Father speaks in you.

Intercessions

To Christ, the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for his sheep, with confidence we pray:

O Lord, guide your people to the pastures of eternal life.

Christ our Lord, in Blessed Pius IX you have given us a living model of your merciful love,

–bless our Pope N.N. and increase in him the gifts of the Spirit to show to the world the sweetness of your love.

Through your sacred ministers you are present in our midst as the shepherd of our souls,

– never cease to guide us through their teaching and encouragement.

In the holy pastors who serve your people you manifest your power of healing souls and bodies,

–remain always with us to renew our lives in holiness.

In Blessed Pius IX, you O Lord gave Don Bosco a support and guide in the founding of the Salesian Society,

–grant that we may be always faithful to our mission of educators and pastors, handed on to us by our holy Founder.

Pius IX was ever trusting and untiring in glorifying Mary Immaculate;

–in Her, sign of sure hope, may the Church always find the strength to be renewed in fidelity.

Our Father

Prayer

O God, who gave your servant, Blessed Pius IX, Pope,

the spirit of fortitude in adversity,

and enabled him to enter more deeply

into the pure faith of the Church,

grant through his intercession,

that we may be filled with the same spirit

and live with the same devotion.

Through Our Lord.

Evening Prayer II

Scripture Reading 1 Pt 5, 1-4

Now I have something to tell your elders: I am an elder myself, and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and with you I have a share in the glory that is to be revealed. Be the shepherds of the flock of God that is entrusted to you; watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, because God wants it; not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it. Never be a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can follow. When the chief shepherd appears, you will be given the crown of unfading glory.

Short Responsory

R/. This is a man who loves his brothers, * and intercedes for the people.

This is a man who loves his brothers, and intercedes for the people.

V/. He laid down his life for his brothers,

* and intercedes for the people.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

This is a man who loves his brothers, and intercedes for the people.

Ant. At the Magn. I thank you Christ for honouring me by leading me to this glory, You are the good shepherd; I pray that the sheep which you have placed in my charge will share with me in your glory for ever.

Intercessions

Glory to Christ, the high priest who was appointed to represent men in their relations with God. United in evening prayer we invoke his name:

Lord save your people.

You raised up in your church wise and holy leaders,

–grant that the Christians community may always be guided by wise and generous leaders.

In the presence of their brothers and sisters you anointed the leaders of your people and poured on them your Spirit:

– fill with His gifts all those you have called to guide the Holy Church.

In Pius IX you gave us a Pope who loved and defended with zeal the freedom and the rights of the Church;

–grant that through his intercession, she may everwhere carry out her mandate of proclaiming and safeguarding the faith.

To Pope Pius IX Don Bosco expressed his gratitude and his devotion to the Successor of Peter;

–grant to us O Lord, that following the example of our Founder, we may have a great love for the Pope and for the Church, and educate our young people to the same love.

Through the pastors of your Church you assist your faithful so that no one can steal them from your hands,

–grant that the bishops, priests and the faithful departed may all be reunited in the joy of your Kingdom.

Our Father.

Prayer

O God, who gave your servant, Blessed Pius IX, Pope,

the spirit of fortitude in adversity,

and enabled him to enter more deeply

into the pure faith of the Church,

grant through his intercession,

that we may be filled with the same spirit

and live with the same devotion.

Through Our Lord.

9 February

Blessed EUSEBIA PALOMINO YENES, virgin

Optional Memorial

For the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians: memorial

Eusebia Palomino Yenes was born at Cantalpino (Salamanca, Spain) on 15 December 1899 in a family which was quite poor but rich in faith and harmony. Her early life was marked by daily hard work, as a child-minder with families in the countryside and then in the city.

From her father she eagerly learned the rudiments of the catechism, which enabled her to receive the "Bread of heaven " at nine years of age. At that moment Eusebia experienced deep within her something very special: she felt drawn by a deep love for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, and from then on every holy communion was for her a moment of "great happiness."

Overcoming numerous difficulties she fulfilled her dream of consecrating herself to the Lord, and in 1924 she became a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians. In the house of Valverde in Camino, in the diocese of Huelva, she was assigned to the kitchen and to various other community services, which she undertook with cheerfulness and joy. In the festive oratory she was entrusted with the smallest little girls, but little by little the older ones and the adults used to go to her captivated by her spirit of faith and of prayer. In her letters she spread everywhere the devotion of “Marian slavery,” according to the teaching of St. Louis M. Grignon de Montfort which she herself practised. In 1931, on the eve of the revolution, Sr Eusebia offered herself to the Lord as a victim for the salvation of her brothers and sisters in Spain and in the world.

Her offering was accepted: for three years she lived with indescribable suffering, which the doctors were unable to diagnose or to cure, until she entered into eternal Life on 10 February 1935. On 25 April 2004 the Holy Father John Paul II proclaimed her Blessed.

From the Common of virgins. Psalms of the day as in the Ordinary.

Office of Readings