Dedication of Our Lady of the Snows (Saint Mary Major)
Introit
Psalm 44:13
Hail, holy Parent, that didst bring forth the King who rules heaven and earth for ever and ever. Ps. My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
Grant us Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, to enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, to be delivered from present sorrows and to enjoy everlasting gladness. Through Our Lord.
Epistle
Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16
From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him. And so I was established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honourable people, and in the portion of my God his inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints.
Gradual
Thou art blessed and venerable, O Virgin Mary, who with purity unstained was found to be the Mother of our Saviour. Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world was unable to contain enclosed Himself in thy womb, being made man.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. After His birth a Virgin entire thou didst remain: O Mother of God, intercede for us. Alleluia.
Gospel
Luke 11:27-28
At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee and the paps that gave Thee suck. But He said: Yea, rather, blessed are they who hear the world of God and keep it.
Offertory
Luke 1:28,42
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Secret
By Thy gracious mercy, O Lord, and the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, may this offering be of avail to us for welfare and peace now and for evermore. Through our Lord.
Communion
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal Father.
Postcommunion
Having received, O Lord, these helps to our salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be ever protected by the patronage of blessed Mary ever Virgin, in whose honour we have made these offerings to Thy Majesty. Through our Lord.