Mass Texts

English Translation of Approved O.S.J. Liturgical Rite for Mass of the Holy Spouses

January 23 (or transferred to January 19 or 29 in USA)

Entrance Antiphon
Hail Mary, Mother of God, united by a sacred bond to Joseph, faithful guardian of your virginal motherhood.

Collect
Holy Father, who joined together by a virginal bond the glorious Mother of your Son and the just man, Saint Joseph,
that they might be faithful cooperators in the mystery of the Word Incarnate,
grant, we pray, that we who are united with you by the bond of baptism
may live more intimately our union with Christ and may walk more joyfully in the way of love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

First Reading (Is 61:9-11) Lectionary for the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary [707,9]. I rejoice heartily in the Lord, for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 113)
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord, both now and forever.
Praise, you servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord, both now and forever.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the Lord to be praised.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord, both now and forever.
High above all nations is the Lord,
above the heavens is his glory.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord, both now and forever.

Second Reading (Gal 4:4-7) Lectionary for the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary [710,3]. God sent his Son born of a woman.

Alleluia (Lk 2:51a)
Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.

Gospel (Lk 2:41-52) Lectionary for the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary [712,8]. Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.

Sample Intercessions
Introduction by Celebrant
Joyously celebrating our Savior,
who saw fit to be born of the Virgin Mary and to be called the son of Joseph,
we present our prayers to God with confident trust.

Petitions by deacon or other minister
Let us pray together, responding:
Look on Mary and Joseph and hear our prayer. R.
Divine Master, grant that we may hear your word and keep it with pure and generous hearts, after the example of Mary, who received it and treasured it in her heart. R.
Christ, designer of the universe, known as the son of the carpenter, grant that we too may perform our daily work with generous dedication, so as to make of it an instrument of sanctification and peace. R.
Jesus, obedient son, having grown in the family of Nazareth in wisdom, age and grace before God and humanity, grant that after your example we may grow in all the virtues. R.
Jesus Redeemer, as you chose Mary and Joseph to be your guardians, so guard our families and our Congregation. R.

Celebrant’s Concluding Prayer
Father of Mercy, we pray that you look with love on your family joined in prayer,
so that, by imitating the humility and simplicity of the Holy Spouses, Joseph and Mary,
we may obtain from you every true good.
Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the Offerings
Lord, look graciously upon the gifts
which we present at your altar
on the Feast of the Holy Spouses,
Mary and Joseph,
and enkindle in us the spirit of your love.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface of the Holy Spouses Mary and Joseph
The Lord be with you. R.
Lift up your hearts. R.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. R.
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 give the Church the joy of celebrating the feast of the Holy Spouses, Mary and Joseph:
in her, full of grace and worthy Mother of your Son, you signify the beginning of the Church, resplendently beautiful bride of Christ;
you chose him, the wise and faithful servant, as Husband of the Virgin Mother of God, and made him head of your family, to guard as a father your only Son, conceived by the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
For this gift of your kindness, with the angels and saints we sing with one voice the hymn of your praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, …

Communion Antiphon (Mt 1:20b)
Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife, since by the Holy Spirit she has conceived this child.
Prayer after Communion
Lord, by your holy gifts you have filled us with joy:
by venerating the blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, her spouse,
may we be strengthened in your love
and live in continual thanksgiving.
Through Christ our Lord.

Solemn Blessings
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Saint Joseph, her Husband, may the Lord bless and protect you. R.
May his face shine upon you and may he grant you his mercy. R.
May he look upon you with kindness and give you his peace. R.
And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you for ever. R.