Saint Thomas of Villanova
Introit
Ecclesiasticus 45:30; Psalm 131:1
The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince: that the dignity of priesthood should be to him for ever. Ps. O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, Who didst adorn blessed Thomas, Thy Bishop, with the virtue of a consuming charity for the poor: we beseech Thee that, through his intercession, Thou graciously pour forth the riches of Thy mercy upon all who pray to Thee. Through the Lord.
Epistle
Ecclesiasticus 44:16-27; 45:3-20
Behold, a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just; and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation. There was not found the like to him who kept the law of the most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him to increase among his people He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings; He preserved for him His mercy; and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him a great priesthood: and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praised in His name, and to offer him a worthy incense for an odour of sweetness.
Gradual
Ecclesiasticus 44:16, 20
Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God. There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.
Alleluia
Psalm 109:4
Alleluia, alleluia. Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 25:14-23
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: A man going into a far country called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. And he that had received the five talents went his way, and traded with the same, and gained another five. And in like manner he that had received the two gained other two. But he that had received the one, going his way, digged into the earth and hid his lord’s money. But after a long time the lord of those servants came and reckoned with them. And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou has been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliverest two talents to me, behold I have gained other two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Offertory
Psalm 88:21-22
I have found David My servant, with My holy oil I have anointed him: for My hand shall help him, and My arm shall strengthen him.
Secret
May this annual feast of Saint Thomas, Thy Confessor and Bishop, make us in Thy kindness acceptable to Thee, O Lord: and may this present rite duly appease Thee, bring happy recompense to him, and assure gifts of Thy grace to us. Through our Lord.
Communion
Luke 12:42
This is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family: to give them their measure of wheat in due season.
Postcommunion
O God, the rewarder of faithful souls, grant that by the prayers of blessed Thomas, Thy Confessor and Bishop, whose venerable feast we celebrate, we may obtain pardon. Through our Lord.