Based on
the ancient ordering of days to a specific spiritual theme
As
the Catechism of the Catholic
Church explains, “In the liturgical year the various aspects of the
one Paschal mystery unfold” (CCC 1171). While this chiefly refers to the annual
cycle of seasons, from Advent to Easter, the Church also traditionally sees
every week as an unfolding of the mystery of Christ.
Over time
there developed a tradition that assigned each day of the week a different
spiritual theme. This was most clearly revealed in the regulations regarding
the celebration of Votive Masses.
When a
priest says Mass throughout the week, he has various options about what prayers
he can use. Most often they reflect the feast of a particular saint, but on
certain days the priest is allowed to celebrate a Votive Mass that highlights a
particular aspect of the faith. For centuries this was restricted to certain
Masses in connection to the spiritual theme of the day.
These
themes were repeated each week and allowed the priest (and faithful) to have a
primary focus to their work days. Most of these themes are connected to various
historical events that happened on a specific day of the week (i.e. Holy
Eucharist on Thursdays, because the Last Supper occurred on a Thursday).
Below is
a different prayer for each day of the week based on the prayers of the Votive
Masses found in the current Roman
Missal.
Mondays – Most Holy Trinity
God our Father, who, by sending into the world the Word of truth
and the Spirit of sanctification, made known to the human race your wondrous
mystery, grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith we may
acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in
majesty.
Tuesdays – The Holy Angels
O God, who dispose in marvelous order ministries
both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
O Lord, under the faithful protection of your Angels, may we
advance boldly along the way of salvation.
Wednesdays – St. Joseph
O God, who in your inexpressible providence were
pleased to choose Saint Joseph as spouse of the most holy Mother of your Son,
grant, we pray, that we, who revere him as our protector on earth, may be
worthy of his heavenly intercession.
Lord, may we live for you always in justice and holiness, helped
by the example and intercession of Saint Joseph, who in carrying out your great
mysteries served you as a man just and obedient.
Thursdays – The Holy Eucharist
O God, who have accomplished the work of human
redemption through the Paschal Mystery of your Only Begotten Son, graciously
grant that we, who confidently proclaim, under sacramental signs, the Death and
Resurrection of Christ, may experience continued increase of your saving grace.
May sharing at the heavenly table sanctify us, Lord, we pray, so
that through the Body and Blood of Christ the whole family of believers may be
bound together.
Fridays – Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Clothe us, Lord God, with the virtues of the
Heart of your Son and set us aflame with his love, that, conformed to his
image, we may merit a share in eternal redemption.
O God, Father of mercies, who, because of the great love with
which you loved us, with untold goodness gave us your Only Begotten Son, grant,
we pray, that, being perfectly united with him, we may offer you worthy homage.
Saturdays – Blessed Virgin Mary
O God, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary,
foremost among the poor and humble, to be the Mother of the Savior, grant, we
pray, that, following her example, we may offer you the homage of sincere faith
and place in you all our hope of salvation.
May the venerable intercession of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin come to
our aid, we pray, O Lord, and free us from every danger, so that we may rejoice
in your peace.
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