St John of God (commemoration of the Lenten Feria): Missa “Os justi”
Early Life and Conversion
St. John of God was born João Cidade in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal, in 1495. Orphaned at an early age, he was taken in by a Spanish family in Oropesa. As a young man, he worked as a shepherd and later became a soldier, serving in various military campaigns across Europe. After a period of wayward living, he experienced a profound conversion around the age of 40, inspired by a sermon of St. John of Ávila in Granada, Spain. Overcome with repentance, he publicly expressed his remorse in such an extreme manner that he was confined to a hospital for the mentally ill. It was during this time that he developed a deep empathy for the sick and abandoned.
Founder of the Order of Hospitallers
After his release, John devoted himself entirely to the care of the poor and sick. He established a hospital in Granada, personally attending to patients and relying on charity to sustain his work. His selfless dedication attracted followers, leading to the formation of the Order of Hospitallers, later known as the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God. This order became renowned for its compassionate medical care, emphasizing the dignity and spiritual well-being of patients.
Legacy and Canonization
John of God’s tireless service took a toll on his health. He died on March 8, 1550, at the age of 55. His legacy continued through the Hospitaller Order, which expanded its mission across Europe and beyond. Recognized for his holiness, he was canonized by Pope Alexander VIII in 1690. St. John of God is venerated as the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, and firefighters. His life exemplifies the Christian call to charity, demonstrating that care for the suffering is a path to sanctity.
INTROIT Ps 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. The law of his God is in his heart. Ps 36:1 Be not vexed over evildoers, nor jealous of those who do wrong. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. The law of his God is in his heart.
COLLECT
O God, Who caused blessed John when burning with love for You, to walk unharmed through the midst of flames, and through him enriched Your Church with a new religious family; grant that through the help of his merits, our sins may be burned away by the fire of Your love, and eternal remedies may come to us. Through our 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.
Commemoration of the Lenten Feria
EPISTLE Sir 31:8-11
Lesson from the book of Ecclesiasticus. Happy the man found without fault, who turns not aside after gain, nor puts his trust in money nor in treasures! Who is he, that we may praise him? For he has done wonders in his life. He has been tested by gold and come off safe, and this remains his glory forever; he could have sinned but did not, could have done evil but would not, so that his possessions are secure in the Lord, and the assembly of the Saints shall recount his alms.
GRADUAL Ps 91:13; 91:14
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow in the house of the Lord. Ps 91:3 V. To proclaim Your kindness at dawn and Your faithfulness throughout the night. Ps 111:1-3. Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands. V. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. V. Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever.
GOSPEL Matthew 22:34-46.
At that time, the Pharisees came to Jesus and one of them, a doctor of the Law, putting Him to the test, asked Him, Master, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul, and your whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets. Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus questioned them, saying, What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is He? They said to Him, David’s. He said to them, How then does David in the Spirit call Him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool’? If David, therefore, calls Him ‘Lord.’ how is He his son? And no one could answer Him a word; neither did anyone dare from that day forth to ask Him any more questions.
OFFERTORY Psalm 88:25
My faithfulness and My kindness shall be with him, and through My name shall his horn be exalted.
SECRET
We offer You sacrifices of praise, O Lord, in memory of Your Saints; trusting that by them we may be delivered from both present and future evils. Through our 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.
Commemoration of the Lenten Feria
PREFACE of Lent
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who by this bodily fast, dost curb our vices, dost lift up our minds and bestow on us strength and rewards; through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
COMMUNION Matt 24:46-47
Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, he will set him over all his goods.
POST COMMUNION
Refreshed with heavenly food and drink, we humbly pray You, our God, that we also may be helped by his prayers in memory of whom we have partaken of these gifts. Through our 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.
Commemoration of the Lenten Feria
PROPER LAST GOSPEL
Of the Lenten Feria