8 November, Mass of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, Virgin

At the end of the homily today I prayed Blessed Elizabeth’s prayer; her text has a way of establishing the soul in silence. After Mass the faithful came forward to venerate the relic of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity. I am always moved by the tenderness and faith that people bring to the veneration of holy relics. One senses the nearness of the saint in the most remarkable way.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
MR
This is a wise virgin, and one of the number of the prudent
who went out with lighted lamp
to meet Christ on the way.

COLLECT
God of bountiful mercy,
who revealed to Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity
the mystery of your secret presence
in the hearts of those who love you,
and chose her to adore you in spirit and in truth;
grant through her intercession,
that we also may abide in the love of Christ,
and merit to be transformed
into temples of your life-giving Spirit,
to the praise of your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS
That the Church, the beloved Bride of Christ,
may everywhere witness to His love
by the beauty and fragrance of her holiness,
to the Lord we pray: Christ, hear us. R. CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

That the leaders of nations,
while working for justice and seeking reconciliation,
may put their trust in the power of God to deliver from evil
and establish peace in every human heart,
to the Lord we pray: Christ, hear us. R. CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

That those who find themselves in a dark night,
in emptiness or in helplessness
may fix their gaze on the light of the Eternal Word
and never withdraw from His radiance,
to the Lord we pray: Christ, hear us. R. CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

That, through the intercession of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity,
souls may go out of themselves to cling to God alone
and, like her, abide in an adoring silence
to the Lord we pray: Christ, hear us. R. CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

That inspired by the example of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity,
we may implore the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Consuming Fire,
so as to become for the Eternal Word another humanity
in which He can renew His whole mystery,
to the Lord we pray: Christ, hear us. R. CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.

COLLECT AT THE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS
Unchanging God,
grant that we who rejoice today in the memorial
of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity
may follow her along the path of adoration,
of silence, and of love
until, like her, we become the praise of your glory.
Through Christ our Lord.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
GR
Enter the presence of the Lord,
and find there enlightenment;
here is no room for downcast looks (Ps 33:6).

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Receive the worship that, in our lowliness,
we set before you, O Lord,
on this memorial of the blessed virgin, Elizabeth of the Trinity;
by this spotless offering,
grant that we may be set ablaze
with a love that is both tender and holy in your sight.
Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE
Truly it is right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Christ our Lord.
Christ spoke to the heart of your virgin,
Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity,
and was received by her as a welcome guest,
a beloved bridegroom espoused in steadfast faith.
Father, in this way do your wise virgins
prepare themselves and stand with lamps alight,
keeping watch with longing for Christ your Son,
their greatest and highest desire and love.
Accompanying Christ, they praise him,
who is one with you and the Holy Spirit,
the glory of angels with whom we are united
in this, their ageless hymn of praise:

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
MR
One thing I have asked of the Lord,
this will I seek after;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life (Ps 26:4).

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
May the sacred reception
of the Body and Blood of your only Son,
turn us away from passing things, O Lord,
that by the example of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity
we may be able to grow in unfeigned love for you on earth,
and in heaven rejoice in the endless vision of your glory.
Through Christ our Lord.