by L'équipe de publication | Jun 2, 2025 | Evangelium
Saints Charles Lwanga and his
companions (1885/7)
Psalter: Week III
Red
Saints Charles Lwanga and his companions became the first martyrs of black Africa under Ugandan king Mwanga. They were executed for being Christians, for rebuking the king for his debauchery and for murdering an Anglican missionary and for “praying from a book,” . They died between 1885 and 1887.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Wis 3: 6-7, 9
As gold in the furnace, the Lord put his chosen to the test; as sacrificial offerings, he took them to himself; and in due time they will be honoured, and grace and peace will be with the elect of God, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who have made the blood of Martyrs the seed of Christians, mercifully grant that the field which is your Church, watered by the blood shed by Saints Charles Lwanga and his companions, may be fertile and always yield you an abundant harvest. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Acts 20:28-38
Paul addressed these words to the elders of the Church of Ephesus: ‘Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers, to feed the Church of God which he bought with his own blood. I know quite well that when I have gone, fierce wolves will invade you and will have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks there will be men coming forward with a travesty of the truth on their lips to induce the disciples to follow them. So be on your guard, remembering how night and day for three years I never failed to keep you right, shedding tears over each one of you. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace that has power to build you up and to give you your inheritance among all the sanctified. ‘I have never asked anyone for money or clothes; you know for yourselves that the work I did earned enough to meet my needs and those of my companions. I did this to show you that this is how we must exert ourselves to support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.”’ When he had finished speaking he knelt down with them all and prayed. By now they were all in tears; they put their arms round Paul’s neck and kissed him; what saddened them most was his saying they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:29-30,33-36
R/ Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
Show forth, O God, show forth your might, your might, O God, which you have shown for us. For the sake of your temple high in Jerusalem may kings come to you bringing their tribute.
Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, praise the Lord who rides on the heavens, the ancient heavens. He thunders his voice, his mighty voice. Come, acknowledge the power of God.
His glory is on Israel; his might is in the skies. God is to be feared in his holy place. He is the Lord, Israel’s God. He gives strength and power to his people. Blessed be God!
Gospel Acclamation : Mt28:19,20
Alleluia, alleluia! Go, make disciples of all the nations. I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 17:11-19
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they may be one like us. While I was with them, I kept those you had given me true to your name. I have watched over them and not one is lost except the one who chose to be lost, and this was to fulfil the Scriptures. But now I am coming to you and while still in the world I say these things to share my joy with them to the full. I passed your word on to them, and the world hated them, because they belong to the world no more than I belong to the world. I am not asking you to remove them from the world, but to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth.As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world, and for their sake I consecrate myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth.’
Prayer over the Offerings
We offer you sacrifice, O Lord, humbly praying that, as you granted the blessed Martyrs grace to die rather than sin, so you may bring us to minister at your altar in dedication to you alone. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 115: 15
How precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his holy ones., alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
We have received this divine Sacrament, O Lord, as we celebrate the victory of your holy Martyrs; may what helped them to endure torment, we pray, make us, in the face of trials, steadfast in faith and in charity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Paul had come to the end of his mission in Ephesus, and could reflect with satisfaction on his accomplishments. When addressing the leaders of the church of that town, he affirmed his unwavering commitment to the Gospel, both in word and actions, and he could leave Ephesus with a clear conscience. Similarly, at the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus could look back at a job well done. In His prayer to His Father, He asserted that He had completed the work His Father entrusted to Him on earth. As each day draws to a close, we should examine our consciences and ask ourselves if, in the day, we remained faithful to our Christian calling. Were our thoughts, words, and actions pleasing to God? Did our way of life serve as an inspiration to others? Have we faithfully fulfilled our mission of bearing witness to the Good News of God’s grace? Let us strive to live our lives in a manner that allows us to consistently stand before our God with a clear conscience.
by L'équipe de publication | Jun 1, 2025 | Agenda Biblique
Saints marcellin et pierre,
Martyrs
Psautier: III
Blanc
‘’Marcellin, Pierre, écoutez le rappel de votre triomphe. Quand j’étais enfant, le bourreau m’a raconté, à moi, Damase, que le persécuteur furieux avait ordonné de vous trancher la tête au milieu des broussailles, afin que personne ne pût retrouver votre sépulture’’.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ac 1, 8
Vous allez recevoir une force, celle du Saint-Esprit qui viendra sur vous ; alors vous serez mes témoins jusqu’aux extrémités de la terre, alléluia
Prière d’ouverture
Seigneur, nous t’en prions : que descende sur nous la force de l’Esprit Saint pour que nous puissions discerner ta volonté et l’accomplir tout au long de notre vie. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Act. 19, 1-8
Pendant qu’Apollos était à Corinthe, Paul traversait le haut pays ; il arriva à Éphèse, où il trouva quelques disciples. Il leur demanda : « Lorsque vous êtes devenus croyants, avez-vous reçu l’Esprit Saint ? » Ils lui répondirent : « Nous n’avons même pas entendu dire qu’il y a un Esprit Saint. » Paul reprit : « Quel baptême avez-vous donc reçu ? » Ils répondirent: « Celui de Jean le Baptiste. » Paul dit alors : « Jean donnait un baptême de conversion :il disait au peuple de croire en celui qui devait venir après lui, c’est-à-dire en Jésus. » Après l’avoir entendu, ils se firent baptiser au nom du Seigneur Jésus. Et quand Paul leur eut imposé les mains, l’Esprit Saint vint sur eux, et ils se mirent à parler en langues mystérieuses et à prophétiser. Ils étaient une douzaine d’hommes au total. Paul se rendit à la synagogue où, pendant trois mois, il prit la parole avec assurance; il discutait et usait d’arguments persuasifs à propos du royaume de Dieu.
Psaume 67 (68), 2-3, 4-5, 6-7ab
R/ Royaumes de la terre, 67, 33a chantez pour le Seigneur.
ou : Alléluia !
Dieu se lève et ses ennemis se dispersent, ses adversaires fuient devant sa face. Comme on dissipe une fumée, tu les dissipes ; comme on voit fondre la cire en face du feu, les impies disparaissent devant la face de Dieu.
Mais les justes sont en fête, ils exultent ; devant la face de Dieu ils dansent de joie. Chantez pour Dieu, jouez pour son nom, frayez la route à celui qui chevauche les nuées. Son nom est Le Seigneur ; dansez devant sa face.
Père des orphelins, défenseur des veuves, tel est Dieu dans sa sainte demeure. À l’isolé, Dieu accorde une maison ; aux captifs, il rend la liberté.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Si vous êtes ressuscités avec le Christ, recherchez les réalités d’en haut: c’est là qu’est le Christ, assis à la droite de Dieu. Alléluia. (Col 3, 1)
Évangile : Jean 16, 29-33
En ce temps-là, les disciples de Jésus lui dirent : « Voici que tu parles ouvertement et non plus en images. Maintenant nous savons que tu sais toutes choses et tu n’as pas besoin qu’on t’interroge : voilà pourquoi nous croyons que tu es sorti de Dieu. » Jésus leur répondit : «Maintenant vous croyez ! Voici que l’heure vient – déjà elle est venue –où vous serez dispersés chacun de son côté, et vous me laisserez seul ; mais je ne suis pas seul, puisque le Père est avec moi. Je vous ai parlé ainsi, afin qu’en moi vous ayez la paix. Dans le monde, vous aurez à souffrir, mais courage! Moi, je suis vainqueur du monde. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Que le sacrifice parfait de Jésus Christ nous purifie, Seigneur : qu’il donne à nos âmes l’énergie qui vient d’en haut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Jn 14, 18; 16, 22
« Je ne vous laisserai pas orphelins, dit le Seigneur, je reviens vers vous, et votre joie, nul ne vous l’enlèvera», alléluia
Prière après la communion
Dieu très bon, reste auprès de ton peuple, car sans toi notre vie tombe en ruine ; fais passer à une vie nouvelle ceux que tu as initiées aux sacrements de ton Royaume. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Le baptême est le sacrement qui imprime en celui qui le reçoit la marque inaltérable de son appartenance au Christ. C’est la marque par laquelle tout disciple du Christ est reconnu dans le monde. Coiffé de ce sacrement, le disciple est appelé à devenir « témoin messager de la joie de l’Evangile » ; témoignage qui ne va pas sans heurt, ni souffrance, raison pour laquelle le christ rassure ses disciples de sa présence permanente.
by L'équipe de publication | Jun 1, 2025 | Evangelium
Saints Marcellinus and Peter (304),
Martyrs
Psalter: Week III
White
The exorcist Peter succeeded in converting his jailer and his family. All were baptized by St. Marcellinus. Both were beheaded in 304.
Entrance Antiphon : Acts 1: 8
You will receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and you will be my witnesses, even to the ends of the earth, alleluia.
Collect
May the power of the Holy Spirit come to us, we pray, O Lord, that we may keep your will faithfully in mind and express it in a devout way of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Acts 19:1-8
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul made his way overland as far as Ephesus, where he found a number of disciples. When he asked, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ they answered, ‘No, we were never even told there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit.’ ‘Then how were you baptised?’ he asked. ‘With John’s baptism’ they replied. ‘John’s baptism’ said Paul ‘was a baptism of repentance; but he insisted that the people should believe in the one who was to come after him – in other words, Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the moment Paul had laid hands on them the Holy Spirit came down on them, and they began to speak with tongues and to prophesy. There were about twelve of these men. He began by going to the synagogue, where he spoke out boldly and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. He did this for three months.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67(68):2-7
R/ Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
Let God arise, let his foes be scattered. Let those who hate him flee before him. As smoke is blown away so will they be blown away; like wax that melts before the fire, so the wicked shall perish at the presence of God.
But the just shall rejoice at the presence of God, they shall exult and dance for joy. O sing to the Lord, make music to his name; rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence.
Father of the orphan, defender of the widow, such is God in his holy place. God gives the lonely a home to live in; he leads the prisoners forth into freedom.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn16:28
Alleluia, alleluia! I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I leave the world to go to the Father. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 16:29-33
His disciples said to Jesus, ‘Now you are speaking plainly and not using metaphors! Now we see that you know everything, and do not have to wait for questions to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them: ‘Do you believe at last? Listen; the time will come – in fact it has come already – when you will be scattered, each going his own way and leaving me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but be brave: I have conquered the world.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May this unblemished sacrifice purify us, O Lord, and impart to our minds the force of grace from on high. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Jn 14: 18; 16: 22
I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord; I will come to you again, and your heart will rejoice, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Graciously be present to your people, we pray, O Lord, and lead those you have imbued with heavenly mysteries to pass from former ways to newness of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“In the world, you will have trouble.” Jesus is honest with us, making it clear that being a Christian is not an easy ride. We live in a world where Christianity is not in fashion. Christian values such as justice, honesty, love, and patience can attract us more enemies than friends. People may hate and reject us because we speak the truth and stand for justice, while others might take advantage of our meekness and love. However, Jesus assures us that we shall never be alone in these difficulties. The Holy Spirit, whom we received during baptism, will empower us to remain steadfast to Christ even when the world opposes us. By his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the world, and by staying faithful to Him, we can share in His triumph. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill us with the strength to remain rooted in Christ despite the hostility we encounter in the world.
by L'équipe de publication | May 31, 2025 | Evangelium
aint Justin, Martyr (165)
Psalter: Week III
White
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 26: 7 – 9
O Lord, hear my voice, for I have called to you; of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face; hide not your face from me, alleluia.
Collect
Graciously hear our supplications, O Lord, so that we, who believe that the Saviour of the human race is with you in your glory, may experience, as he promised, until the end of the world, his abiding presence among us. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Acts 7:55-60
Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. ‘I can see heaven thrown open’ he said ‘and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this all the members of the council shouted out and stopped their ears with their hands; then they all rushed at him, sent him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses put down their clothes at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen said in invocation, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and said aloud, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’; and with these words he fell asleep.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96(97):1-2,6-7,9
R/ The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, the many coastlands be glad. His throne is justice and right.
The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory. All you spirits, worship him.
For you indeed are the Lord most high above all the earth, exalted far above all spirits.
Second reading : Apocalypse 22:12-14,16-17,20
I, John, heard a voice speaking to me: ‘Very soon now, I shall be with you again, bringing the reward to be given to every man according to what he deserves. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Happy are those who will have washed their robes clean, so that they will have the right to feed on the tree of life and can come through the gates into the city.’ I, Jesus, have sent my angel to make these revelations to you for the sake of the churches. I am of David’s line, the root of David and the bright star of the morning. The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ Let everyone who listens answer, ‘Come.’ Then let all who are thirsty come: all who want it may have the water of life, and have it free. The one who guarantees these revelations repeats his promise: I shall indeed be with you soon. Amen; come, Lord Jesus.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Jn14:18
Alleluia, alleluia! I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord; I will come back to you, and your hearts will be full of joy. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 17:20-26
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but for those also who through their words will believe in me. May they all be one. Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. I have given them the glory you gave to me, that they may be one as we are one. With me in them and you in me, may they be so completely one that the world will realise that it was you who sent me and that I have loved them as much as you loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may always see the glory you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Father, Righteous One, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me. I have made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, O Lord, the prayers of your faithful with the sacrificial offerings, that through these acts of devotedness we may pass over to the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Jn 17: 22
Father, I pray that they may be one as we also are one, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear us, O God our Saviour, and grant us confidence, that through these sacred mysteries, there will be accomplished in the body of the whole Church what has already come to pass in Christ her Head. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Today, Christianity finds itself fragmented into numerous churches and denominations, with each holding distinct views on various theological matters, such as: Mary, the sacraments, the role of the Church, and the clergy. Observing this divergence, one might question the common ground among these self-proclaimed Christians. Perhaps, it is precisely because Jesus anticipated this sad spectacle that He prayed, extending an invitation for us to join Him in praying for the unity of Christians. The disunity is not from God, for God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, embodies communion. Jesus, in His prayers, sought unity among his followers in much the same way as there is unity between Him and His Father. We Christians should learn to go beyond our differences and concentrate on what unites us: that is, our faith in Jesus Christ. He is the only begotten Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, died for our sins, obtained salvation for us through His resurrection, and ascension into heaven where He is now seated at God’s right hand, from where he will come again to judge us according to our deeds. After this judgement, He shall give eternal life to those who have remained faithful to His Word. It was on account of this faith that Stephen was prepared to die. May this same faith empower us to build bridges between all those who identify themselves as Christian.
by L'équipe de publication | May 31, 2025 | Agenda Biblique
7EME DIMANCHE DE PAQUES
Saint justin, martyr
Psautier: III
Blanc
Antienne d’ouverture : Psaume 26, 7-9
Écoute, Seigneur, je t´appelle. En mon cœur je t´ai dit: Je cherche ton visage; ton visage, Seigneur, je le recherche: ne détourne pas de moi ta face, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Entends notre prière, Seigneur : nous croyons que le Sauveur des hommes est auprès de toi dans la gloire ; Fais-nous croire aussi qu´il est encore avec nous jusqu´à la fin des temps, comme il nous l´a promis. Lui qui.
1ère lecture : Act. 7, 55-60
En ces jours-là, Étienne était en face de ses accusateurs. Rempli de l’Esprit Saint, il fixait le ciel du regard : il vit la gloire de Dieu, et Jésus debout à la droite de Dieu. Il déclara : « Voici que je contemple les cieux ouverts et le Fils de l’homme debout à la droite de Dieu. » Alors ils poussèrent de grands cris et se bouchèrent les oreilles. Tous ensemble, ils se précipitèrent sur lui, l’entraînèrent hors de la ville et se mirent à le lapider. Les témoins avaient déposé leurs vêtements aux pieds d’un jeune homme appelé Saul. Étienne, pendant qu’on le lapidait, priait ainsi: « Seigneur Jésus, reçois mon esprit.» Puis, se mettant à genoux, il s’écria d’une voix forte: « Seigneur, ne leur compte pas ce péché. » Et, après cette parole, il s’endormit dans la mort.
Psaume 96 (97), 1-2b, 6.7c, 9
R/ Le Seigneur est roi, le Très-Haut sur toute la terre ! Ou : Alléluia !
Le Seigneur est roi ! Exulte la terre! Joie pour les îles sans nombre ! Justice et droit sont l’appui de son trône.
Les cieux ont proclamé sa justice, et tous les peuples ont vu sa gloire.
À genoux devant lui, tous les dieux! Tu es, Seigneur, le Très-Haut sur toute la terre : tu domines de haut tous les dieux.
2ème lecture : Ap. 22, 12-14.16-17. 20
Moi, Jean, j’ai entendu une voix qui me disait : « Voici que je viens sans tarder, et j’apporte avec moi le salaire que je vais donner à chacun selon ce qu’il a fait. Moi, je suis l’alpha et l’oméga, le premier et le dernier, le commencement et la fin. Heureux ceux qui lavent leurs vêtements : ils auront droit d’accès à l’arbre de la vie et, par les portes, ils entreront dans la ville. Moi, Jésus, j’ai envoyé mon ange vous apporter ce témoignage au sujet des Églises. Moi, je suis le rejeton, le descendant de David, l’étoile resplendissante du matin.» L’Esprit et l’Épouse disent : « Viens !» Celui qui entend, qu’il dise : « Viens ! » Celui qui a soif, qu’il vienne. Celui qui le désire, qu’il reçoive l’eau de la vie, gratuitement. Et celui qui donne ce témoignage déclare : « Oui, je viens sans tarder. » – Amen ! Viens, Seigneur Jésus !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Je ne vous laisserai pas orphelins, dit le Seigneur, je reviens vers vous, et votre cœur se réjouira. Alléluia. (cf. Jn 14, 18)
Évangile : Jean 17, 20-26
En ce temps-là, les yeux levés au ciel, Jésus priait ainsi : « Père saint, je ne prie pas seulement pour ceux qui sont là, mais encore pour ceux qui, grâce à leur parole, croiront en moi. Que tous soient un, comme toi, Père, tu es en moi, et moi en toi. Qu’ils soient un en nous, eux aussi, pour que le monde croie que tu m’as envoyé. Et moi, je leur ai donné la gloire que tu m’as donnée, pour qu’ils soient un comme nous sommes UN : moi en eux, et toi en moi. Qu’ils deviennent ainsi parfaitement un, afin que le monde sache que tu m’as envoyé, et que tu les as aimés comme tu m’as aimé. Père, ceux que tu m’as donnés, je veux que là où je suis, ils soient eux aussi avec moi, et qu’ils contemplent ma gloire, celle que tu m’as donnée parce que tu m’as aimé avant la fondation du monde. Père juste, le monde ne t’a pas connu, mais moi je t’ai connu, et ceux-ci ont reconnu que tu m’as envoyé. Je leur ai fait connaître ton nom, et je le ferai connaître, pour que l’amour dont tu m’as aimé soit en eux, et que moi aussi, je sois en eux. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Avec ces offrandes, Seigneur, reçois les prières de tes fidèles; Que cette liturgie célébrée avec amour nous fasse passer à la gloire du ciel. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Jn 17, 22
« Père, dit Jésus, je prie pour qu´ils soient un comme nous sommes un », alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Exauce-nous, Dieu notre Sauveur: Que notre communion au mystère du salut nous confirme dans cette assurance que tu glorifieras tout le corps de l´Église comme tu as glorifié son chef, Jésus le Christ. Lui qui.
Méditation
L’unité dans le Christ est le signe d’une vie accomplie. Elle donne à l’homme l’accès aux mystères cachés de Dieu qui ne sont pas les propres des « sages et des savants » (Mt 11,25). L’homme tourné vers Dieu est constamment porté à la réalisation du bien commun et à la recherche des moyens qui favorisent une vie de communion dont Dieu est la base. Sans l’unité au Christ vers qui le Père attire ses enfants, aucune œuvre humaine aussi juste soit-elle ne pourrait tenir. Car l’homme est constamment tendu vers les forces contraires au bien.
