Double of the First Class Feast of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Foster-father of Jesus Christ

White Vestments

Missa "Justus ut palma florebit"

        The Church always honors St. Joseph with Mary and Jesus, especially during the Christmas solemnities. This day's Gospel is indeed that of December 24th. A Coptic calendar tells us that St. Joseph was liturgically honored in a special way on July 20th, from the eight century. At the end of the fifteenth century
    his feast was kept on March 19th and in 1621 Gregory XV extended it to the whole Church. In 1870 Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph protector of the universal Church.

        This Saint "of the royal race of David" was a just man (Gospel). As by his marriage with the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph has certain rights over the blessed fruit of the virginal womb of his spouse a moral affinity exists between him and Jesus. He exercised over the Child-God a certain paternal authority, which the Preface of St. joseph delicately alludes to as that of a foster-father. Without having begotten Jesus, St. Joseph by the bonds which unite him to Mary, is legally and morally the Father of the Son of the Blessed Virgin.

        It follows that we must honor by a special homage this dignity of supernatural excellence of St. Joseph. "In the family of Nazareth", says Cornelius a Lapide, "were the three greatest and most excellent persons in the world. Wherefore to Christ is due the divine worship, to the Virgin a higher worship than to Saint's and to St Joseph the full worship due to Saints" God revealed to him the mystery of the Incarnation (ibid) and "chose him among all (Epistle) to commit to his care the Incarnate Word and the Virginity of Mary."

        The hymn of Lauds says that : "Christ and the Virgin were with him at his last hour and watched by him their faces gleaming with sweet serenity." St. Joseph went to heaven for ever to enjoy the beatific vision of the Word whose humanity he had so long and so closely contemplated on earth. This Saint is therefore justly considered the patron and model of interior and contemplative souls. And in the heavenly home St. Joseph has a powerful influence over the heart of the Son of his most blessed Spouse (Collect).

        Let us imitate at this holy season the purity, humility, the spirit of prayer and meditation of Joseph at Nazareth. Every parish priest celebrates Mass for the people of his parish.

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


Missa "Justus ut palma florebit"
    Go to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS THE MASS OF THE CATECHUMENS
    INTROIT: Psalm 91: 13, 14
        Justus ut palma florebit ; sicut cedrus Libani multiplicabitur. Plantati in domo Domini, in atriis domus Dei nostri florebunt. v. Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancti sicut erat in principio et nunc, et semper, et saecula saeculorum. Amen.
        Repeat Justus ut palma florebit...
        The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Lebanon. They that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of the house of our God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Repeat In the midst of the Church...
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        COLLECT
        Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

        Oremus. Sanctissimae Genitricis tuae Sponsi, quaesumus, Domine, meritis adjuvemur : ut, quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet , ejus nobis intercessione donetur : Qui vivis et regnas in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        Second Collect for intercession of the Saints
        A cunctis nos, quaesumus, Domine, mentis et corporis defende periculis: et intercedente beata et gloriosa semper Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beato Joseph, beatis Apostolis Tuis Petro et Paulo, atque beato N. (Here mention the titular saint of the church), et omnibus Sanctis, salutem nobis tribue benignus et pacem, ut destructis adversitatibus et erroribus universis, Ecclesia Tua secura Tibi serviat liberare. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        Third Collect for the Living and the Dead
        Omnipotens sempiterna Deus, qui vivorum dominaris simul et mortuorum, omniumque misereris quos tuos fide et opera futuros esse praenoscis : te supplices exoramus ; ut, pro quibus effundere preces decrevimus, quosque vel praesens saeculum adhuc in carne retinet, vel futurum jam exutos corpore suscepit, intercedentibus omnibus Sanctis tuis, pietatis tuae clementia omnium delictorum suorum veniam consequantur. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.

        Let us pray. We beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be helped by the merits of the Spouse of Thy most holy Mother, so that we cannot obtain of ourselves, may be given to us through his intercession. Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        Forever and ever.
        R.Amen.

        Second Collect for the Intercession of Thy Saints
        Defend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all dangers of mind and body; that through the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, together with blessed Joseph, Thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and blessed N. (Here mention the titular saint of the church), and all the saints, mercifully grant us safety and peace; that all adversities and errors being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        Forever and ever.
        R.Amen.

        Third Collect for the Living and the Dead
        O almighty and eternal God, who hast dominion over both the living and the dead, and hast mercy on all whom Thou foreknowest shall be Thine by faith and good works : we humbly beseech Thee that all for whom we have resolved to make supplication whether the present world still holds them in the flesh or the world to come has already received them out of the body, may, through the intercession of all Thy saints, obtain of Thy goodness and clemency pardon for all their sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        For ever and ever.
        R. Amen.


        EPISTLE: Ecclesiasticus 45: 1-6
        Lectio libri Sapientiae. Dilectus Deo et hominibus, cujus memoria in benedictione est. Similem illum fecit in gloris sanctorum, et magnificavit eum in timore inimicorum, et in verbus suis monstra placavit. Glorificavit illum in conspectu regum, et jussit illi coram populo suo, et ostendit illi gloriam suam. In fide, et lenitate ipsius, sanctum fecit illum, et elegit eum ex omni carne. Audivit enim eum, et vocem ipsius, et induxit illum in nubem. Et dedid illi coram parecepta, et legem vitae et disciplinae. Deo Gratias.
        Lesson from the Book of Wisdom. Beloved of God and men, whose memory is in benediction. He made him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to cease. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of his people, and showed him His glory. He sanctified him in his faith and meekness, and chose him out of all flesh. For He heard him and his voice, and brought him into a cloud. And He gave him commandments before His face, and a law of life and instruction. Thanks be to God.

        GRADUAL: Psalm 20: 4, 5
        Suisti in capite ejus coronam de lapide pretioso. V. Vitam petiit a te, et tribuisti ei longitudinem dierum in sæculum, et in sæculum sæculi
        For thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness: thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones. V. He asked life of thee: and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.

        TRACT: James 1: 12
        Beatus vir, qui suffert tentationem : Quoniam cum probates fuerit, accipiet coronam vitae.
        Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he hath he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life.


        GOSPEL:   Matthew 1: 18-21
        Dominus vobiscum.
        R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
        Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Matthaem
        R.Gloria tibi, Domine

        Christi autem generatio sic erat : cum esset desponsata mater ejus Maria Joseph, antequam convenirent inventa est in utero habens de Spiritu Sancto. 19 Joseph autem vir ejus cum esset justus, et nollet eam traducere, voluit occulte dimittere eam. 20 Hæc autem eo cogitante, ecce angelus Domini apparuit in somnis ei, dicens : Joseph, fili David, noli timere accipere Mariam conjugem tuam : quod enim in ea natum est, de Spiritu Sancto est. 21 Pariet autem filium : et vocabis nomen ejus Jesum : ipse enim salvum faciet populum suum a peccatis eorum.
        Laus Tibi Christi

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

        Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for That Which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call His name Jesus. For He shall save His people from their sins
        Praise be to Christ

        Return to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS THE CREDO
        OFFERTORY:    Psalm 88: 25
        Dominus vobiscum.
        R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

        Et veritas mea et misericordia mea cum ipso ; et in nomine meo exaltabitur cornu ejus.
        The Lord be with you.
        R. And with thy spirit.

        And My truth and My mercy shall be with him: and in
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        SECRET
        Debitum tibi, Domine, mostrae reddimus servitutis, suppliciter exorantes : ut, suffragiis beati Joseph, Sponsi Genitricis Filii tui Jesu Christi Domini nostri, in nobis tua munera tuearis, ob cujus venerandam fstivitatem laudis tibi hostias immolamus. Per eundem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        Second Secret to implore the Intercession of the Saints
        Exaudi nos, Deus salutaris noster : ut per hujus sacramenti virtutem, a cunctis nos mentis et corporis hostibus tuearis; gratiam tribunes in praesenti, et gloriam in futuro. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        Third Secret for the Living and the Dead
        Deus, Cui soli cogniuts est numerus electorum in superna felicitate locandus: tribue quaesumus; ut, intercedentibus omnibus Sanctis Tuis, universorum, quos in oratione commendatos suscepimus , et omnium fidelium nomina, beatae praedestinationis liber adscripta retineat. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        We render Thee, O Lord, the debt of our service, humbly entreating that Thou wouldst preserve Thy gifts within us through the intercession of blessed Joseph, the Spouse of the Mother of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; on whose holy festival we offer to Thee the sacrifice of praise. Through the same Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        Forever and ever.
        R.Amen.

        Second Secret to implore the Intercession of the Saints
        Graciously hear us, O God our Savior, and by the virtue of this sacrament protect us from all enemies of soul and body, bestowing on us both grace in this life and glory hereafter. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        For ever and ever.
        R. Amen.

        Third Secret for the Living and the Dead
        O God, Who alone knowest the number of the elect to be admitted to the happiness of Heaven, grant, we beseech Thee, tht through the intercession of all Thy saints, the names of all who have been recommended to our prayers and of all the faithful, may be inscribed in the book of blessed predestination. Protect us, O Lord, who assist at Thy mysteries; that, fixed upon things divine we may serve Thee in both body and mind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        For ever and ever.
        R. Amen.


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

        Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere : Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus : Et te in (Festivitate) beati Joseph debitis magnificare praeconiis, benedicere et praedicare. Qui et vir justus, a et Deiparae Virgini Sponsus est datus : et fideles servus ac prudens, super Familiam tuam est constitutus : ut Unigenitum tuum, Sancti Spiritus obumbratione conceptum, paterna vice custodiret, Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem magestatem tuam laudant angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Caeli, caelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, social exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti jubeas, deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes:
        SANCTUS, SANCTUS, SANCTUS...
        The Lord be with you.
        R. And with thy spirit.
        Lift up your hearts.
        R.We have lifted them up to the Lord.
        Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
        R. It is meet and just.

        It is truly meet and just, right and availing unto salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty and everlasting God; and magnify Thee with due praise, bless and proclaim Thee blessed Joseph; who, as a just man, was given by Thee to be the spouse of the Virgin Mother of God, and as a faithful and prudent servant, was set over Thy family, that with fatherly care he might guard Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, conceived by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost. Through whom the angels praise Thy majesty, the dominions worship it, the powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts with the blessed seraphim join together in celebrating their joy. With these we pray Thee join our voices also, while saying with lowly praise:
        HOLY, HOLY, HOLY...

        Return to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS THE CANON OF THE MASS
        COMMUNION:   Matthew 1: 20
        Hæc autem eo cogitante, ecce angelus Domini apparuit in somnis ei, dicens : Joseph, fili David, noli timere accipere Mariam conjugem tuam : quod enim in ea natum est, de Spiritu Sancto est.
        But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.

        Return to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS THE CANON OF THE MASS
        POSTCOMMUNION
        Dominus vobiscum.
        R. Et cum spiritu tuo.
        Oremus.
        Adesto nobis, quaesumus, misericors Deus : et, intercedente pro nobis beato Joseph Confessore, tua circa nos propitiatus dona custodi. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        Second Postcommunion to implore the Intercession of the Saints
        Mundet et muniat nos, quaesumus, Domine, divini Sacramenti munus oblatum : et, intercedente beata Virgine Dei. Genitrice Maria, cum beato Joseph, beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, atque beato N. (here mention the titular saint of the church), et omnibus Sanctis; a cunctis nos reddat et perversitatibus expiatos, et adversitatibus expeditos. Per eumdum Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        Third Postcommunion for the Living and the Dead
        Purificent nos, quaesumus, Omnipotens et misericors Deus, sacramenta quae sumpsimus : et, intercedentibus omnibus Sanctis tuis, praesta; ut hoc tuum sacramentum non sit nois reatus ad poenam, sed intercession salutaris ad veniam : sit ablution scelerum, sit fortitude fragilium sit contra omnia mundi pericula firmamentum ; sit vivorum atque mortuorum fidelium remissio omnium delictorum. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.

        The Lord be with you.
        R. And with thy spirit.
        Let us pray.
        Come to our assistance, we beseech Thee, O merciful God; and through the intercession of blessed Joseph Thy confessor, graciously preserve Thy gifts about us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        For ever and ever.
        R. Amen.

        Second Postcommunion to implore the Intercession of the Saints
        May the oblation of this divine sacrament cleanse and defend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and, through the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, Thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul, blessed N. (here mention the titular saint of the church), and all the saints, purify us from all our sins and deliver us from all adversity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        For ever and ever.
        R. Amen.

        Third Postcommunion for the Living and the Dead
        May the sacraments which we have received purify us, we beseech Thee, O almighty and merciful Lord; and through the intercession of all Thy saints, grant that this Thy sacrament may not be unto us a condemnation, but a salutary intercession for pardon; may it be the washing away of sin, the strength of the weak, a protection against all dangers of the world, and a remission of all the sins of the faithful, whether living or dead. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        For ever and ever.
        R. Amen.


        PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE:
        Oremus.
        Humilitate capita vestra Deo.

        Praesta, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus : ut, qui in tua protectione confidimus, cuncta nobis adversantia, te adjuvante, vicamus. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus,
        Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
        R. Amen.
        Let us pray.
        Bow down your heads before God.

        Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who trust in Thy protection, may by Thy help overcome all things standing in our way. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
        For ever and ever.
        R. Amen.
        Return to the ORDINARY OF THE HOLY MASS CONCLUSION OF THE HOLY MASS



        Feast of St. Joseph