St Andrew Corsini, Bishop Confessor: Missa “Statuit“
St. Andrew, of the noble family of Corsini, was born at Florence, and from his birth was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin. His mother dreamed that she had given birth to a wolf which, on entering into the Carmelite church, was suddenly changed into a lamb. Her son indeed led a dissolute life in his youth. But Jesus exerted His redeeming power over him and Andrew entered the Carmelite order and soon became its head in Tuscany (Communion).
Having thus turned to good use the talents with which God had favored him, he rose to a still higher dignity (Gospel) and as bishop of Fiesole he had a share in the priesthood of Christ, and accomplished His work of reconciling souls with God. Thus having been sent to Bologna as legate by Urban V, he succeeded by his great prudence in extinguishing the burning hatred which had armed the citizens against each other (Epistle).
The Blessed Virgin foretold him his death which occurred in 1373.
Made wolves by sin let us like St. Andrew become lambs by penance in order that, “following in the footsteps of this holy confessor, we may obtain the same “rewards” (Collect) The Church applies to her Confessors Bishops that which the author of Ecclesiasticus said of the chief characters of the Old Testament
INTROIT Ecclesiasticus 45: 30
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. 131: 1) O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness. v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Repeat Simon Peter, If thou lovest Me…
COLLECT
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the venerable solemnity of blessed Andrew Thy confessor and bishop may both increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. R. Amen.
EPISTLE Ecclesiasticus 44. 16-27; 45. 3-20
Lesson from the Book of Wisdom. (Noah) 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. (Abraham) 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 (Isaac) 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. (Moses) He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. (Aaron) 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 odor of sweetness.
GRADUAL Ecclesiasticus 44:16
Here was a great high priest whose life was acceptable to God. V. 20 Where shall we find another to keep the law of the Most High as he kept it? Alleluia, alleluia. Ps 109:4 You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Matthew 25:14-23
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON 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 Thy saints, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in every place bring us joy; that while we commemorate their merits, we may experience their patronage. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. R. Amen.
PREFACE of the Common
It is truly meet and just, and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to thee, O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, through Christ, our Lord. Though whom the angels praise thy majesty, the dominions adore it, the powers are in awe. Which the heavens and the hosts of heaven together with the blessed seraphim joyfully do magnify. And do thou command that it be permitted to us join with them in confessing thee, while we say with lowly praise:
COMMUNION ANTIPHON 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
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that by showing gratitude for the gifts which we have received, we may, by the intercession of blessed Andrew Thy confessor and bishop, obtain yet greater benefits. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. R. Amen.
The Brighton Oratory 