All the Saints of Ireland
The prayers and readings of this Mass are taken from new National Propers, approved by the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.
Entrance Antiphon (Cf Sirach 44:1-2)
Let us sing the praises of our ancestors in their successive generations,
for the Lord has created an abundance of glory,
and displayed his greatness from earliest times.
(Cf Sirach 44:1-2) Let us sing the praises of our ancestors in their successive generations, for the Lord has created an abundance of glory, and displayed his greatness from earliest times. Collect
Lord God,
as we celebrate the power of the Gospel
that you displayed in the Saints of our land
work for us, we pray, new wonders of your grace:
that the faith may grow stronger among us,
and true charity bind us in peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
First Reading: Letter to the Hebrews (11:2, 12:1-4, 15, 13:1)
Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.
It was for faith that our ancestors were commended. With so many witnesses in a great cloud on every side of us, we too, then, should throw off everything that hinders us, especially the sin that clings so easily, and keep running steadily in the race we have started. Let us not lose the sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection: for the sake of the joy which was still in the future, he endured the cross, disregarding the shamefulness of it, and from now on has taken his place at the right of God’s throne. Think of the way he stood such opposition from sinners and then you will not give up for want of courage. In the fight against sin, you have not yet had to deep fighting to the point of death. Be careful that no one is deprived of the grace of community. Continue to love each other like brothers.
Alternative First Reading: Sirach 44:1-15
Let us sing the praises of our ancestors.
(Lectionary Vol II, p.1367)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 125 R/.v.5
Response: Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
(lectionary Vol II, p.1455)
Gospel Acclamation: Luke 6:23
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Rejoice and be glad: your reward will be great in heaven.
Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:20-26
Blessed are you who are poor: woe to you who are rich.
(lectionary Vol II, p.305 or p.756)
Prayer over the Gifts
Accept at our hands, O Lord, we pray,
these gifts of the fruits of the earth
that we bring before you
on the feast of all the Saints of Ireland;
and by this holy sacrifice make of us a pure offering
to the glory of your name.
Through Christ our Lord.
Preface
V/. The Lord be with you.
R/. And also with you.
V/. Lift up your hearts.
R/. We lift them up to the Lord.
V/. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R/. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
For you are glorified in the Saints of this land
and in them you manifest the rich diversity of your gifts,
which come to us through the death and resurrection of Christ your Son.
In these faithful servants he has come close to us;
in the familiar pattern of their lives
he shows us the ways of his holiness;
in their intercession for us
he offers to you the pleading of our own.
And so in company with them
and with all the angels
we cry out with a single voice in praise of your glory:
Holy, holy, holy ….
Communion Antiphon
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God;
blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God;
blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, says the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
By your never-failing gift,
O Lord, these sacraments have sustained your people
on their pilgrim way;
grant that in the strength of this same food
we too may walk to the holy mountain
where you dwell with all the Saints.
Through Christ our Lord.
Solemn Blessing
May God, whose glory is revealed in all the Saints of this land,
keep you strong in faith.
R/. Amen.
By the victory of the Cross of Christ the Lord
may he bring you to the glory of the resurrection.
R/. Amen.
And by his grace may the noble company of Saints
be with you at life’s end and welcome you to paradise.
R/. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain for ever.
R/. Amen.
Courtesy of the National Centre for Liturgy, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
National Proper for Ireland will be published shortly by Veritas publications.