Saint Robert Bellarmine
Introit
Ecclesiasticus 15:5
In the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth: and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. Ps. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy Name, O Most High. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, who didst adorn blessed Robert, Thy Bishop and Doctor, with marvellous learning and virtue to expose the deceptions of error and to defend the rights of the Apostolic see, grant that, by his merits and intercession, love for the truth may increase in us and the souls of the erring may return to the unity of Thy Church. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Wisdom 7:7-14
I wished, and understanding was given me; and I called, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me; and I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone, for all gold in comparison of her is as a little sand, and silver in respect to her shall be counted as clay. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light, for her light cannot be put out. Now all good things came to me together with her, and innumerable riches through her hands. And I rejoiced in them all; for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she was the mother of them all; which I have learned without guile, and communicate without envy, and her riches I hide not; for she is an infinite treasure to men, which they that use, become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts of discipline.
Paschal Alleluia
Daniel 12:3
Alleluia, alleluia. They that are learned shall shine as the brightness of the firmament.
Alleluia
Alleluia. They that instruct many to justice, as stars for all eternity. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 5:13-19
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, Who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and so shall teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Offertory
Psalm 72:28
It is good for me to adhere to my God, to put my hope in my Lord, that I may declare all Thy praises in the gates of the daughter of Sion. Alleluia.
Secret
We offer this sacrifice unto Thee, O Lord, for an odour of sweetness; grant that, taught by the instruction and example of blessed Robert, we may with enlarged heart run the way of Thy commandments. Through our Lord.
Communion
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world: so let your light shine before all men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven. Alleluia.
Postcommunion
May the sacraments which we have received, O Lord, our God, inflame us with that fire of love which ardently consumed blessed Robert and led him to spend himself continually for Thy Church. Through our Lord.