St Gregory Thaumaturgus, Bishop & Confessor: Missa “Statuit ei Dominus”
Gregory was born to a distinguished pagan family in Neoceasarea in 213. He became a disciple of Origin, and afterward was appointed Bishop of Neoceasarea. Illustrious for his doctrine and sanctity, he was still more memorable for the number and brilliance of miracles he worked, which earned for him the title Thaumaturgus – Miracle Worker – and made him comparable to Moses, the Prophets and the Apostles, according to the testimony of St. Basil.
Through his prayer, he moved a mountain that prevented the construction of a church. He dried a lake that was the cause of dissension between two brothers. He stopped the flooding of the Icus River that was devastating the fields by planting his staff along the border of the river. His staff took root, and was transformed into a great tree beyond whose limits the water would not pass.
Many times he expelled devils from the idols and the bodies of possessed persons. These are some of the many miracles he worked, which caused multitudes to enter the Catholic Faith. He also had the spirit of the Prophets, foretelling many future events.
On his deathbed he was informed that the number of heretics in Neoceasarea was only seventeen. He gave thanks to God, because he had found but seventeen Catholics in the diocese when he became Bishop. He was a noted theological writer, and wrote several works which, like his miracles, illustrated the teachings of the Church of God. He died between 270 and 275.
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, The Lord made to him a covenant of peace…
COLLECT
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the august solemnity of Thy blessed confessor and pontiff, Gregory, may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen.
EPISTLE Wisdom (Ecclesiasticus) 44: 16-27; 45: 3-20
Lesson from the Book of Wisdom. Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just; and in the time of wrath was made a reconciliation. There was not any found like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him 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 praise in his name, and to offer to him worthy incense for an odour of sweetness.
GRADUAL/ALLELUIA
Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God. V. (Eccl. 44: 20) There was not any found like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Ps 109: 4 ) Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia. V. This is the priest whom the Lord hath crowned. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Mark 11: 22-24
At that time, Jesus answering, said to His disciples: “Have the faith of God. Amen I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou removed and be cast into the sea; and shall not stagger in his heart, but believe that whatsoever he saith shall be done, it shall be done unto him. Therefore I say unto you, all things, whatsoever you ask when ye pray, believe that you shall receive, and they shall come unto you.”
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Psalm 88:21-22
I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may be always with him, and that My arm may make him strong.
SECRET
May Thy saints, we beseech Thee, O Lord, everywhere make us joyful, that, while we venerate 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
The faithful and prudent servant whom the master will set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time.
POSTCOMMUNION
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that, giving thanks for the favors we have received, we may, by the intercession of blessed Gregory, Thy confessor and bishop, obtain blessings still greater. 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 