Saint Angela Merici
Introit
Psalm 44:8
Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (P.T. Alleluia.) Ps. My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, Who through blessed Angela didst cause a new society of holy virgins to flourish in Thy Church; grant through her intercession, that living angelic lives, and by detaching our hearts from earthly joys, we may merit to enjoy those that are eternal. Through our Lord.
Epistle
2 Corinthians 10:17-18
Brethren, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commandeth himself is approved: but he whom God commandeth. Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly, but do bear with me: for I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Gradual
Psalm 44:5
With thy comeliness and thy beauty set out, proceed prosperously, and reign. Because of truth, and meekness, and justice: and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.
Alleluia
Psalm 44:15-16; Psalm 44:5
Alleluia, alleluia. After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbours shall be brought to thee with gladness. [Alleluia.]
During Eastertide, in lieu of the Gradual:
Alleluia. With thy comeliness and thy beauty set out, proceed prosperously, and reign. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 25:1-13
At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable: The kingdom of Heaven shall be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise: but the five foolish having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last came also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering, said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.
Offertory
Psalm 44:10
The daughters of the King are in thine honour, the queen stood on thy right hand in gilded clothing, surrounded with variety. (P.T. Alleluia.)
Secret
May the sacrifice, O Lord, which we offer Thee in remembrance of blessed Angela, both implore for us the pardon of our iniquity, and obtain for us the gifts of Thy grace. Through our Lord.
Communion
Matthew 25:4, 6
The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps: and at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh: go ye forth to meet Christ the Lord. (P.T. Alleluia.)
Postcommunion
Refreshed with this heavenly food, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that by the prayers and example of blessed Angela, we may be cleansed from all sin, and become pleasing to Thee both in body and mind. Through our Lord.