Archbishop Tagle's Homily on the day the of his Canonical Possession of the Primatial See of Manila

The Official Photo of Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, DD
Archbishop of Manila

Homily of His Excellency Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, DD

Metropolitan Archbishop of Manila

My dear friends, sisters and brothers in the Lord,

We are in the holy season of Advent, a time to prepare for the coming of the Messiah through prayer, penance and good works. A few days ago a friend told me that my coming into the Archdiocese of Manila as its 32nd Archbishop is truly Advent. “You are the one who is to come,” he declared. The remark made me laugh. It also made me think. Is this occasion really about me? I know many people are asking “who is this new archbishop of Manila? What is he like? What are his vision and plans?” But like John the Baptist I am inviting you to focus on the One mightier than all of us, Jesus Christ, the Risen One and the True Shepherd of the Church. My Episcopal motto says it plainly, “Dominus Est! It is the Lord!”

This exclamation is drawn from the Risen Christ’s appearance to some of his disciples at the Sea Tiberias as recounted in John 21. In a retreat that I facilitated as a priest, this episode impressed me deeply. Although it tells of a Resurrection appearance, it is indeed an Advent experience. The Risen Lord comes to his disciples. He reveals who he truly is.

Seven disciples went out fishing. Five of them are named: Simon Peter the recognized head of the band of the Twelve who denied Jesus, Thomas who doubted the testimony of his companions about Jesus’ appearance to them, Nathanael who questioned if anything good could come from Nazareth, the sons of Zebedee known for their ambition to get the seats of honour in Jesus’ kingdom, and two who remain unnamed. Doubters and unknowns, they represent the Church at its infancy. Simon Peter planned to go out fishing and the rest joined him. Together they were the fragile Church embarking on its mission. Into the vast waters of mission they traveled together.

But that whole night they caught nothing. Tired and distraught they returned to shore. They probably did not notice the early morning light. It was still night for them. Standing on the shore was a man they did not know. He asked if they had caught anything to eat. That question could sound provocative to a group that had laboured all night without success. If I were one of the disciples, I would have retorted, “Hey don’t you see that our boats are empty? Don’t you see? Are you blind or are you insulting us?” But the disciples were probably so tired to argue with him. Then the stranger issued a surprising command to cast the net over the right side of the boat. He also promised they would find something. They followed him and had a catch so bountiful they could not pull it in. This stranger was not blind after all. He saw where the fishes were. What the disciples of doubters and unknowns did not see, he saw clearly.

At this moment the disciple whom Jesus loved exclaimed, “It is the Lord.” The eyes of the beloved disciple were opened. His stare moved from the catch to the loving presence in their midst. This man is not a stranger. He is the loving Lord. The long dark night is over. Morning has come. It is the Lord!

This simple story teaches me valuable lessons about the missions of the Church and my ministry as a bishop. First of all, the mission of the Church should be wholly directed by the Lord who is always present as Shepherd and guide. Human efforts should continue but unless the Lord directs the catch, we labour in vain. We know that the Lord guards His Church. He keeps watch with us on those long nights of confusion and helplessness in mission. When in spite of our good intentions and efforts there are still multitude of hungry people we cannot feed, homeless people we cannot shelter, battered women and children we cannot protect, cases of corruption and injustice that we cannot remedy, the long night of the disciples in the middle of the sea continues in us. Then we grow in compassion towards our neighbors whose lives seem to be a never ending dark night. But in our weariness the Lord comes. Advent never ends. He is the shepherd promised in the first reading from Ezekiel. He will come to his sheep where they are scattered when it is cloudy and dark. He is near. He is Emmanuel. But we need to hear his voice and to follow hi direction. We need to see realities with His eyes. We need faith. Without faith fueled by love, we cannot truly be a missionary Church of Jesus Christ. It is only by the vision provided by faith that the Church could meaningfully casts its nets in the vast seas of the world and history. They may be murky to human eyes, but the Lord sees where the fishes are. The new evangelization requires putting in the mind and eyes of the Lord again, a transformation coming from prayer. Then we see differently. A child, especially the unborn is no longer seen as a burden but a gift, the youth are not a problem but a promise, women are not objects but persons, labourers are not machines but partners, the poor are not a nuisance but our jewels, and the creation is not an object of manipulation but a sign of God’s sustaining love. These and many more comprise the Church’s miraculous harvest from the seas of mission of only we see with the eyes of Christ. Whenever we see as the Lord does, there is hope!

Secondly, we need to follow the Lord in our mission not singly but together as the disciples did. Mission is an ecclesial event. We will be together in failure, in listening to the Spirit, in beholding the God’s miracles, and in hauling the nets to shore. As it was then, so it is today. The ordained, the religious and the lay faithful, including non-Catholic Christians are called to one mission, though in various states of life and with a diversity of gifts. When we take different boats and even compete against each other to get the better portion of the catch for our own teams, we are not engaging in mission. Divisiveness and destructive competition will only help sink the boat. Let us look to the one Shepherd who gathers his sheep instead of scattering them. It is the Lord!

Finally, let us turn to the beloved disciple, the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was the one who recognized the Lord who had loved them by laying down his life on the cross and now as the Risen On who could turn nights of despair into dawns of hope by the power of His word. We realize that the beloved disciple does not occupy any known rank among the disciples. Peter was clearly the leader and spokesperson of the group. This episode teaches me that merely assuming the position of Archbishop of Manila does not guarantee that I will recognize the Lord. If I am not careful it might even blind me to the Lord and others. It is rather by being a humble disciple content with love of Jesus that I would see the advent of him whose love propels us to mission. Notice that at this moment the beloved disciple taught Peter. Later Jesus would ask Peter three time if he loved him more than the others. Love makes one a true shepherd, not position. I pray that my Episcopal ministry and all ministries in the Church may be rooted in humble and loving discipleship. I tell myself as though it were the Lord telling me, “Chito, do not think you have become great because of your new position. Be great rather in being a beloved and loving disciple of the Lord.”

The narrative we have reflecting on serves as a good description of the mission of the Church: Discerning the Lord’s presence, following his word, celebrating his love and proclaiming “It is the Lord.” The Church cannot stop proclaiming the Word of God as the second reading says. In season and out of season, we direct people to the person of the Lord. Even if it an inconvenient truth that we are proclaiming, it is always the Lord. “Love your enemies” is inconvenient. “Share what you have with the poor” is inconvenient. “Bless your prosecutors” is inconvenient. But through these inconvenient words, the Lord comes. He speaks. He brings true light.

As I embark on my new ministry as Archbishop of Manila, I feel deeply united with the many beloved disciples who have taught me to recognize the Lord: my loving parents Manuel and Milagros and brother Manuel Jr. They have always provided a haven of love and commitment for me; my aunts, uncles, cousins, and clan who never fail to nurture me; my self-less and caring teachers and mentors in St. Andrew’s School, the Ateneo de Manila University, the Loyola School of Theology, the Catholic University of America and San Jose Seminary; the dedicated people of the commissions that I have been a part of in the CBCP, the FABC, and the Vatican; my former students, seminarians, the religious and the poor who have taught me to be more sensitive to the presence of Jesus who calls me to mission. Your love has enabled me to see the Lord. Thank you. I remember in a special way Bishop Artemio Casas, Bishop Felix Perez, Bishop Manuel Sobrevinas, the clergy, the religious, the seminarians and the lay faithful of the Diocese of Imus. You have loved me. You have directed me to the Lord. Please remember me as loving you.

Now I face my new mission in this great Archdiocese of Manila that is rich in tradition, culture, history and religiosity. I tremble before the love that calls me to lead the people to the Lord. But my poor sinful person finds rest in Him who is the Church’s true Shepherd. I am also consoled to know that we would be building on the legacy of loving service of 31 bishops, notably those of the recent past: Archbishop Gabriele Reyes, Cardinal Rufino Santos, Cardinal Jaime Sin and my immediate predecessor, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales. As I look at the clergy, the religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, I feel humbled. There is much that I will learn from you. Teach me. Be patient with me. Let us love one other at all times. Extend your love to all, especially the poor and to the Churches in Asia. As one Church we will journey together even if the night is long and wearisome. We will welcome the ever new dawn who is the Lord, the light and shepherd of the Church. Everyday will be an advent of the Lord.

We are strengthened by the maternal love of Mary who 480 years ago appeared to the lowly Juan Diego in Guadalupe. She is the Advent woman who comes to the poor; she walks with them in dark paths; she brings hope. We rejoice to hear again her words to Juan Diego, as though addressed to us, “Do not let anything afflict you and do not be afraid of any illness or accident or pain. Am I not your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Do you need anything else? Do I not hold you in the folds of my mantle, there where my arms meet together and I can keep you close?” To you dear Mother I entrust the Church of Manila, the Church in the Philippines, the Churches in Asia, the entire Church and my Episcopal ministry. You come to us, as I have experienced so many times. Bring Jesus to us. Take us to Jesus. In the never ending advent of life and mission, help us to see your Son coming to us as our loving Shepherd to dispel all fear. We hope for the day when the Church and the whole creation would joyfully declare with one voice, “It is the Lord!” Amen.

Canonical Possession

12 December 2011

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

(Manila Cathedral) Intramuros, Manila

The Five-finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.' 

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers.They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in  pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them. 

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for 

yourself more effectively.

Quiapo Church Live Streaming

Live Streaming does not substitute for the mass. Parishioners still have to attend masses in their Churches. Live streaming was setup for those who, due to their illness, could not go to Mass; or those who, due to their location, do not have Churches to go to. Those who already went to mass may also view the live streaming, especially devotees, to nourish their faith and devotion.

 

Schedule of Live Streaming

Daily Mass: 12:15pm

Fridays:  4:00am to 12:15pm (every hour) - Mass
             3:00pm (Holy Hour)
             4:00pm to 8:00pm (every hour)
             9:00pm - Benediction

Saturdays: 5:00 to 7:00pm (every hour) - Mass

Sundays: 5:00am to 12:15pm (every hour) - Mass
             3:00pm (Children's Mass) Misa Pro Populo - Mass
             4:00pm - 7:00pm - Mass
             8:00pm - Benediction

Simbang Gabi Masses -(Anticipated 9:00pm from Dec. 15 - 23)  Dec 16-25 at 4:00am and 5:00am 

Coat of Arms of Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, DD

The coat of arms of His Excellency Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, has two sides. The left side represents the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Manila. The right side represents the personal coat of arms of the Archbishop.


On the upper left (red) side, the tower of Castille portrays the Almighty God, He who is called in Psalm 60, “My shelter, a strong tower against the enemy.” The three windows in the figure of the tower signify the Three Divine Persons. To its right is a Crescent, the symbol of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the Archdiocese of Manila.


On the lower left (blue) side, a sea lion engarde holding a pilgrim’s cross on its right represents the origin of Christianity through the evangelization of the Philippines by the Spaniards and the Philippines’ role in Christianizing the Orient. Manila played a key role in the development of faith for the whole of the Philippine archipelago. The sea lion itself is the symbol of the Philippines.


On the right, which represents the coat of arms of the Archbishop, there are three levels.


The top level contains the image of the Good Shepherd. It tells of the centrality of Jesus in the Episcopal ministry of the Archbishop. He who directs the catch of fish is also the Shepherd who goes before his sheep (Jn 10:4) and lays down his life for them (Jn 10:15). The figure also calls to mind the diocesan seminary of Imus, Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol, that the Archbishop served cumulatively for twenty-two years as rector.


In the top level, there is also an open Bible. The living Word is the ultimate rule of life and service of the Archbishop. He pays tribute to all those who taught him to love the Word of God, especially his family, teachers, students, and the poor. It also stands for his ministry as a theology teacher, a servant of the Word. But more than just being a teacher of the Word, the Archbishop hopes to live by Jesus, the Incarnate Word, so that through his person and service, many may come to know, love and serve the Living Lord.


On the middle and the bottom levels are symbols of two persons who, upon discerning the will of God, made Jesus the center of their lives. The middle level depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom the Archbishop is devoted under her title of Our Lady of the Pillar, patroness of the Cathedral Parish and Diocese of Imus. The bottom level refers to St. Joseph, the just man and worker, to whom the town of Imus and the Archbishop is devoted. He is the patron San Jose Seminary where he underwent priestly formation.

The motto of the Archbishop is taken from John 21:7, “It is the Lord” (Dominus Est!). Following Peter’s initiative, the disciples went fishing but that night caught nothing. When the risen Lord, unrecognized by them, directed their fishing, they had a bountiful catch. Thereupon the beloved disciple said, “It is the Lord!” The motto conveys the Archbishop’s conviction that the Lord must direct his mission. So he entrusts the care of the Archdiocese to Him. The Archbishop’s modest role is to discern His voice, to follow his bidding, and to end every fruitful endeavour in a loving prayer and of recognition and adoration of the Lord.

source: rcam.org

The Quadricentennial Visit of La Naval to UST

La Naval enthroned at the UST Parish Church

December 6, 2011 

A prayerful atmosphere enveloped the campus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila upon the arrival of the image of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary – La Naval de Manila. This particular visit of the original image is very meaningful because UST is celebrating its 400 years of unending grace. This further underscores the love story between UST and La Naval. 

The Carillon Bells of the UST Martyrs' Monument

After the destruction of the fifth Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros during the Second World War, the University Chapel became the sanctuary of La Naval for 13 years until a new shrine in Quezon City was built in 1954. Behind the conception of the sixth Santo Domingo Church was architect Jose Maria Zaragoza, an alumnus of UST College of Architecture. Galo Ocampo, a faculty member of UST, designed the stained glass depictions of Our Lady. Furthermore, its bas-reliefs were the works of another University mentor named Francesco Monti whose famous works were the illustration of La Naval procession and the image of St. Dominic, the Holy Father of the Order of Preachers. 

Rev.Fr. Jepoi Arsciwals, OP prayerfully waits for the
safe transfer of the image from the vehicle to the sanctuary.

From Santo Domingo Church, the image was escorted on a motorcade by the Chaplain and Prior of Santo Domingo Convent, Rev. Fr. Giuseppe Pietro Arsciwals, OP, together with the Dominican priests and brothers, diocesan priests, seminarians of UST Central Seminary, religious sisters, UST deans and administrators, the students and the other lay faithful. The resounding carillon bells of the UST Martyrs’ monument welcomed Our Lady while the Rector of the University, Rev. Fr. Rolando dela Rosa, OP awaited at the lobby of the Parish Church. Fr. Rector offered the rosary to Our Lady before it was enthroned. The recitation of the rosary was followed by a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Rector and a serenade by the students of the UST Conservatory of Music. 

The Arrival of La Naval

More than a century ago, UST played a major role in the canonical coronation of La Naval, the first in the Philippines and in Asia. In 1907, UST took charge of collecting donations for her coronation. Aside from two star brooches, UST took liberty of embellishing the crown with its center jewel adorned with precious colored stones, which embody the different colleges and faculties of the University at that time. These were testified under the deeds of donation signed by the UST rector; secretary-general; deans of Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy; and 36 professors from the Colleges of Law, Pharmacy, and Medicine on Sept. 7, 1907 after the prior of the Santo Domingo Convent received the crown for the canonical coronation. 

La Naval enthroned at UST

In fact, a dedication on the inside brace of the crown states “Real y Pontifica Universidad de Santo Tomas, Manila/ los Professores a su Patrona la Santisima Virgen del Rosario en su Coronacion/ 5 de Octubre de 1907 (The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, Manila/ the Professors to their Patroness the Most Holy Virgin of the Rosary on her Coronation/ 5 October 1907).” 

The UST Central Seminarians praying vespers
before the image of La Naval

In addition, the dated 1811 crowns of Our Lady and the Infant Christ were said to be commissioned in celebration of the second centennial foundation of the University. These crowns were meticulously crafted with gold, diamonds, jewels from donated brooches and earrings, and a precious natural Oriental pearl. 

The Parade of Colors signals the arrival of La Naval 

Our Lady stayed for an overnight vigil. The blessing of the UST Rosary garden happened the following day (December 7, 2011) before she returned to her shrine. 

A Dominican priest praying

The love story between the University of Santo Tomas and La Naval is a manifestation of God’s providence. UST did not only offer her a space in the sanctuary, donations of diamonds and other gemstones, and talented alumni to build her shrine; but also, it can be said that UST may not have persisted without the devotion to Our Lady. There is, indeed, a strong bond of history and faith that still continues today. 

Our Lady of La Naval, pray for us!

Sources:
The Varsitarian, Vol. LXXIX, No. 5 • November 21, 2007
The Homily of Fr. Rector, December 6, 2011
Chublog on youtube

The "O" Antiphons of Advent

The Liturgy of the Hours during the Advent season is marked by a peculiarity in the antiphons of the Magnificat in the last seven days before Christmas. The Magnificat or the Canticle of Mary (Luke 1:46-55) is part of the structure of the Evening Prayer or Vespers. Preceeding the Magnificat is an antiphon that serves as a responsory and varies depending on the liturgical season. 

It is interesting to note that the so called “O Antiphons” used at Vespers of the last seven days of Advent do not only provide the titles of Christ mentioned in Sacred Scriptures as follows: 

Dec17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom) 

Dec18: O Adonai (O Lord) 

Dec19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) 

Dec20: O Clavis David (O Key of David) 

Dec21: O Oriens (O Radiant Dawn) 

Dec22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the nations) 

Dec23: O Emmanuel (O God is with Us) 

But also provide an acrostic in Latin when the first letters of the titles are taken backwards. "Ero Cras" which is translated as "Tomorrow, I will come" reveals the true meaning of the promise of Advent and provides a response to our longing. The hymn "O come, O come, Emmanuel" (in Latin, Veni Emmanuel) is a lyrical paraphrase of the "O antiphons".

Prophet Isaiah

All begin with an "O" to signify that they are direct address to the Lord (Vocative case in grammar). In the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church, the Church invokes the Lord. It has the purpose of sanctifying the day. Clergy and religious have a canonical obligation to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as official representatives of the Church (CIC 1174 §1). Other members of the Christian faithful are also earnestly invited to participate in the liturgy of the hours as an action of the Church (CIC 1174 §2). May we be sanctified as we pray and hope for the coming Messiah. 

The importance of the "O Antiphons" is two-fold. First, each one is a title for the Messiah. Secondly, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. Advent encourages us to hold on to the promise that Christ will come back in the fullness of time. It goes beyond the vicissitudes of time.

PAST: We eagerly await for Christmas when we celebrate and long for the day when the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ... the first Christmas. 

PRESENT: We eagerly pray that God may remain in our hearts so that we can continue to believe, hope and love as we await for His return. 

FUTURE: We await for His second coming. The season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return.

Merry Christmas!

A Very Short Christmas Story

Bro. Paul Cardenas, an Extraordinary minister of the Eucharist of the Diocese of Caloocan has this inspiring story to tell

________________________

Christmas. Billions of people around the world celebrate it annually. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The Philippines has earned the distinction of having the longest Christmas celebration, and everyone has a story to tell about it. I too would want to share this story which happened seven years ago. 

It was a bright December morning, several weeks before Christmas, and I was out at our front yard. I saw children making rounds, singing carols. Numerous people, from garbage collectors, electricity and telephone bill collection agents, to people from different sects, were roaming around giving envelopes, hoping for a generous donation. But several things bothered me: business was down, and the scenario of not having a bright Christmas hangs over my head. I still haven’t done shopping for gifts, and I haven’t planned what to eat on our ‘Noche Buena’. The Christmas lights and lanterns need to be fixed, or worse, replaced. Things like these gave me a headache.....Christmas.... 

A boy suddenly appeared at the gate. He was thin and wore shabby clothes. He wore no slippers and he was holding a sack. He was a garbage scavenger. He asked if I have some plastic bottles or old newspapers to be sold to the junk shop. Even though I felt a little bit irritated, I was amused and jokingly asked him of what Christmas meant to him. He looked far away but said in a loud and joyous manner “Christmas is grace! Money! There’s plenty of money...because there’s so many garbage!!!” 

I was surprised at his reply. Here I was, worrying and having a hard time while this boy was full of excitement and enthusiasm. I was so out of focus that I forgot the real meaning of Christmas. I equated it with gift-giving, food, more spending, while the boy equated Christmas with GRACE! I felt ashamed. I forgot the most important thing. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday! I forgot the most important message of all. I forgot about L-O-V-E........ 

As I was pondering on it, the boy stood up, starting to leave. I told him to wait, and grabbed the old tin cans, newspapers, plastics and other items I collected and gave it to him for free. He was surprised and was so happy. The sack was full, and I told him to go and sell it immediately. He didn’t bother to thank me but I didn’t mind. In fact, I was thankful, because it took another poor boy again, like the poor baby in the manger, to open my ‘eyes’ to remember the true message of Christmas. 

As a conclusion to this story, let us remember the word of the great lyricist, the late Levi Celerio. We don’t have to wait for Christmas. We don’t have to pass the time to smile, to share, to repent, to forgive and most of all, to love. We can do it every day. And as we celebrate the season of Advent, let us be like the garbage boy, full of excitement and joy as we remember the birth of our God’s only begotten Son, and let us eagerly await for the second coming of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. The story doesn’t end here. I know you have a Christmas story to tell. Merry Christmas ----- 
 _______________________

Nota Bene

The boy is now a young man in his 20's, still scavenging, but the author and the boy remain friends....

Mass Responses for the Roman Missal, 3rd ed., 2010 English Translation of the Order of the Mass

Mass Responses

The Roman Missal, Third Edition

2010 English Translation Order of the Mass

[N.B. Modifications are in red]

Greeting

PRIEST: The Lord he with you.

PEOPLE: And with your spirit.

Penitential Act

Form A (Confiteor)

I confess to almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

or Form B

PRIEST:

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

PEOPLE:

For we have sinned against you.

PRIEST:

Show us, O Lord, your mercy.

PEOPLE:

And grant us your salvation.

Gloria

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Gospel Dialogue

PRIEST (OR DEACON):

The Lord be with you.

PEOPLE: And with Your spirit.

PRIEST (OR DEACON):

A reading from the holy Gospel according to___________________.

PEOPLE: Glory to you O Lord.

Profession of Faith

(Nicene Creed)

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God. Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontiffs Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. lie ascended into heaven and is scaled at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,who has spoken through the prophets­ I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Profession of Faith

(Apostles' Creed)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried: he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Invitation to Prayer

PRIEST:

Pray, brethren ... acceptable to God the almighty Father.

PEOPLE:  May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.

Preface Dialogue

PRIEST: The Lord be with you.

PEOPLE: And with your spirit.

PRIEST: Lift, up your hearts.

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord.

PRIEST: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

PEOPLE: It is right and just.

Preface Acclamation

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The Mystery of Faith

PRIEST: The mystery of faith.

PEOPLE: A - We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

B-When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

C - Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.

The Lord's Prayer

PRIEST: At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say: 

PEOPLE: Our Father...

PRIEST: ... and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

PEOPLE: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever.

Sign of Peace

PRIEST: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

PEOPLE: And with your spirit.

Invitation to Communion

PRIEST: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.

Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

ALL: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word

and my soul shall be healed.

Concluding Rites

PRIEST: The Lord be with you.

PEOPLE: And with your spirit.

PRIEST (OR DEACON):

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

OR Go and announce the Gospel

of the Lord.

OR Go in peace, glorifying the

Lord by your life.

OR Go in peace.

PEOPLE: Thanks be to God.

The Order for the Blessing of a Christmas Tree

INTRODUCTION

979 The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays which depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle which symbolized Christ, the Light of the world.

980 According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the solemnity of Epiphany. Although the primary place for the Christmas tree is the home, at times one or more may also be placed in the church. in such a case, the decoration of the trees should be appropriate to their use in the church, and care should be taken that they do not interfere with the requirements of the liturgical space.

981 The Christmas tree may be blessed on or before Christmas during a celebration of the word of God, or during Morning or Evening Prayer.

If the blessing is celebrated during Morning or Evening Prayer, it takes place after the gospel canticle. The intercessions, Lord's Prayer, and prayer of blessing replace the intercessions and concluding prayer of Morning or Evening Prayer.

982 The lights of the tree are illuminated after the prayer of blessing.

983 in the home the Christmas tree maybe blessed by a parent or another family member, in connection with the evening meal on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time on Christmas Day; the shorter rite may be used for this purpose.

984 These orders maybe used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.

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Source: Excerpted from the Shorter Book of Blessings (NY: Catholic Book Publishing Co., 1990). Approved for use in the United States by the USCCB and the Holy See. The Shorter Book of Blessings is an abbreviated version of the Book of Blessings, which translates the Roman Ritual De Benedictionibus.

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I. ORDER OF BLESSING OF A CHRISTMAS TREE

INTRODUCTORY RITES

985 When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the minister says:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All make the sign of the cross and reply:

Amen.

987 A lay minister greets those present in the following words:

Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and peace into our midst, now and for ever.

988 in the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.

My brothers and sisters, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and enlightenment to our minds. With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights guide us to the perfect light.

READING OF THE WORD OF GOD

989 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.

Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the apostle Paul to Titus: 3:4-7

His own compassion saved us.

But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared,not because of any righteous deeds we had done 

but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit,whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

990 Or:

Genesis 2:4-9 --The tree of life in the center of the garden.

Isaiah 9:1-6 --A son is given to us

Ezekiel 17:22-24 --I will plant a tender shoot on the mountain heights of Israel.

991 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung, or some other suitable song.

R. Christ comes to enlighten us.

Psalm 96

Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
announce his salvation, day after day. R.

Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
For great is the LORD and highly to be praised; awesome is he, beyond all gods. R.

For all the gods of the nations are things of nought, but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary. R.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise; give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bring gifts, and enter his courts; worship the LORD in holy attire. R.

Tremble before him, all the earth; say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. R.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. R.

He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. R.

992 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.

INTERCESSIONS

993 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.

The minister says:

Let us ask God to send his blessing upon us and upon this sign of our faith in the Lord.

R. Lord, give light to our hearts.

Assisting minister:

That the Church may always reflect the joy of Jesus Christ who enlightens our hearts, let us pray to the Lord. R.

Assisting minister:

That this tree of lights may remind us of the tree of glory on which Christ accomplished our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. R.

Assisting minister:

That the joy of Christmas may always be in our homes, let us pray to the Lord. R.

Assisting minister:

That the peace of Christ may dwell in our hearts and in the world, let us pray to the Lord. R.

994 After the intercessions the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord's Prayer.

With confident faith let us pray as Christ taught us:

All:

Our Father ...

PRAYER OF BLESSING

995 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.

Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night. We praise you for the light of Israel: the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures. We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace, who fills us with the wonder of your love.

Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree. May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

996 Or:

Holy Lord, we come with joy to celebrate the birth of your Son, who rescued us from the darkness of sin by making the cross a tree of life and light.

May this tree, arrayed in splendor, remind us of the life-giving cross of Christ, that we may always rejoice in the new life that shines in our hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

The candles or lights of the tree are then illuminated.

997 During the illumination of the tree, the cantor or another minister leads the congregation in singing the following acclamations to Christ, or some other suitable hymn, such as "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

Lord Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary.

R. We welcome you, O Lord.

Lord Jesus, hope of the shepherds and the poor.

R. We welcome you, O Lord.

Lord Jesus, glory of the angels.

R. We welcome you, O Lord.

CONCLUDING RITE

999 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:

May the God of glory fill our hearts with peace and joy, now and for ever.

R. Amen.

1000 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.

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II. CHRISTMAS TREE - SHORTER RITE

1001 All make the sign of the cross as the minister says:

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

All reply:

Now and for ever.

1002 One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example:

Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the apostle Paul to Titus: 3:4-7

His own compassion saved us.

But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

1003 Or:

Genesis 2:4-9 --The tree of life in the center of the garden.

Isaiah 9:1-6 --A son is given to us.

1004 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.

Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night.We praise you for the light of Israel: the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of theScriptures. We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace, who fills us with the wonder of your love.

Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree. May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

1005 Or:

Holy Lord, we come with joy to celebrate the birth of your Son, who rescued us from the darkness of sin by making the cross a tree of life and light.

May this tree, arrayed in splendor, remind us of the life-giving cross of Christ, that we may always rejoice in the new life that shines in our hearts.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.