Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Introit
Psalm 118:46-47, 1
I spoke of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed: I meditated also on Thy commandments, which I loved. Ps. Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, Who didst give the law to Moses on the summit of Mount Sinai and by means of Thy holy angels didst miracu-lously place there the body of blessed Catherine, Thy Virgin and Martyr: grant we beseech Thee, that, by her merits and intercession, we may be able to come unto the mountain which is Christ. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Ecclesiasticus 51:1-8, 12
I will give glory to Thee, O Lord, O King, and I will praise Thee, O God my Saviour. I will give glory to Thy Name, for Thou hast been a helper and protector to me, and hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies; and in the sight of them that stood by Thou hast been my helper. And Thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of Thy Name, from them that did roar, prepared to devour; out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions which compassed me about: from the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt: from the depth of the body of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue. My soul shall praise the Lord even unto death: because Thou, O Lord our God, deliverest them that wait for Thee, and savest them out of the hands of the nations.
Gradual
Psalm 44:8
Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.
Alleluia
Psalm 44:15, 16
Alleluia, alleluia. After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbours shall be brought to Thee with gladness. 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 fool-ish, and five wise; but the five foolish hav-ing taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarry-ing, 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 vir-gins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, be-cause you know not the day nor the hour.
Offertory
Psalm 44:15-16
After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbours shall be brought to Thee with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the King, the Lord.
Secret
Receive, O Lord, the gifts which we bring Thee, on the feast of blessed Catherine, Thy Virgin and Martyr, by whose patronage we hope to be delivered. Through our Lord.
Communion
Psalm 118:78, 80
Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in Thy commandments and in Thy justifications, that I may not be confounded.
Postcommunion
May the Mysteries which we have received, help us, O Lord; and by the intercession of blessed Catherine, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may we ever enjoy their protection. Through our Lord.