Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Melody: Sine Nomine 10.10. 10 44; Music Ralph Vaughan Williams; Text: William W. How

Or:


Faith of our fathers! faith and prayer
shall win all nations unto thee;
and through the truth that comes from God,
mankind shall then indeed be free.

Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers! we will love
both friend and foe in all our strife:
and preach thee, too, as love knows how,
by kindly deeds and virtuous life.

Refrain

Antiphon 1: God found him pure and strong; he will have everlasting glory.

Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent
and dwell on your holy mountain?

The man who walks without fault,
who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart,
he who does not slander with his tongue,

who does no wrong to his kindred,
who casts no slur on his neighbors,
who holds the godless in disdain,
but honors those who fear the Lord;

those who keep their word, come what may,
who take no interest on a loan
and accept no bribes against the innocent.
Such people will stand firm for ever. Glory...

Antiphon 1 God found him pure and strong; he will have everlasting glory.


Antiphon 2 God's saints will be filled with his love and mercy; he watches over his chosen ones.

Riches and wealth are in his house;
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
he is generous, merciful and just.

The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honor.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.

He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes.

Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory.

The wicked man sees and is angry,
grinds his teeth and fades away;
the desire of the wicked leads to doom.  Glory...

Antiphon 2 God's saints will be filled with his love and mercy; he watches over his chosen ones.


Antiphon 3 The whole earth echoes with the melody of heaven where the saints are singing before the throne of God and the Lamb.

Who would dare refuse you honor,
or the glory due your name, O Lord?

Since you alone are holy,
all nations shall come
and worship in your presence.
Your mighty deeds are clearly seen. Glory...

Antiphon 3 The whole earth echoes with the melody of heaven where the saints are singing before the throne of God and the Lamb.


READING     Romans 8:28-30
We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.


RESPONSORY
Just is the Lord, in justice he delights.
 - Just is the Lord, in justice he delights.
He looks with favor on the upright man;
 - in justice he delights.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Just is the Lord, in justice he delights.


MAGNIFICAT (Canticle of Mary)
Antiphon: Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.

For several holy men:

Antiphon: These holy ones persevered even unto death; the Lord has bestowed on them the crown of life.


INTERCESSIONS
Let us pray to the Father, the source of all holiness, and ask him to lead us to holiness of life through the example and intercession of his saints.

                              May we be holy as you are holy.

Holy Father, you want us to be called your sons and truly to be such,
 - grant that your holy Church may proclaim you throughout the world.

Holy Father, you want us to walk worthily and please you in all we do,
 - let us abound in doing good works.

Holy Father, you have reconciled us to yourself through Christ,
 - preserve us in your name so that all may be one.

Holy Father, you have called us to a heavenly banquet,
 - through the bread that came down from heaven make us worthy to grow in perfect love.

Holy Father, forgive the offenses of every sinner,
 - let the dead perceive the light of your countenance.


Our Father...


PRAYER

If there is no proper prayer, one of the following is said:

God our Father,
you alone are holy;
without you, nothing is good.
Trusting in the prayers of Saint N.,
we ask you to help us
to become the holy people you call us to be.
Never let us be found undeserving
of the glory you have prepared for us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Or:

All powerful God,
Help us who celebrate the memory of Saint N.
to imitate his way of life.
May the example of your saints
be our challenge to live holier lives.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

For several holy men:
Ever-living God,
the signs of your love are manifest
in the honour you give your saints.
May their prayers and their example encourage us
to follow your Son more faithfully.
We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For a religious:
Lord God,
you kept Saint N. faithful to Christ's pattern of poverty and humility.
May his prayers help us to live in fidelity to our calling
and bring us to the perfection you have shown us in your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For one who worked for the underprivileged:
Lord God,
you teach us that the commandments of heaven
are summarized in love of you and of our neighbor.
By following the example of Saint N.
in practicing the works of charity
may we be counted among the blessed in your kingdom.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

For a teacher:
Lord God,
you called Saint N. to serve you in the Church
by teaching his fellow man the way of salvation.
Inspire us by his example:
help us to follow Christ our teacher,
and lead us to our brothers and sisters in heaven.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.


May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.