Hall of Honour (8): Rodolfo Vargas Rubio (1958 - 2025)

Rodolfo Vargas Rubio was born in Lima, Peru on 23rd November 1958 from Spanish parents. He had both Peruvian and Spanish nationality. His elementary and secondary schools were with the Jesuits in Lima. He studied Law at the Peruvian University of San Marcos, Philosophy at the Seminary of Cuenca (Spain), Theology at the Angelicum of Rome and History at the UNED (Spain). In 2005, Rodolfo Vargas Rubio wrote a biography of Pope Benedict XVI, published in Spain. He had the unique privilege of presenting a copy of this book ¿El último Papa? Benedicto XVI y su tiempo : perfil biográfico del Papa Ratzinger to His Holiness.

Vargas Rubio was a founder member and chairman of the Consociatio Culturalis Roma Aeterna, that joined the FIUV in 1997. He was also a founder member and chairman of the Sodalitium Internationalis Pastor Angelicus (SIPA), a lay association active from 1998 to contribute to the cause of beatification and canonization of the Venerable Pope Pius XII. Vargas Rubio spoke fluently Spanish, English, French, Italian and Catalan and knew Latin. He was also a knight of the Constantinian Order of Saint George and of the Royal Order of Saint Michael of the Wing (Portugal).

Rodolfo Vargas Rubio entered into the FIUV Council in 2007 and was elected Secretary of the Board in the same year and in 2009. During this time, he supported wholeheartedly Pro Tridentina (Malta)'s membership in the same organisation. He had to resign in 2011 for health reasons but stayed as councillor until 2017. 

As FIUV councillor FIUV he focused on two main areas: 

1) the promotion and diffusion of the FIUV in Spanish-speaking countries and strengthening the links between the associations of Spain, Portugal and Latin-America, and 

2) To fortify inner unity of the FIUV around its President in the challenge represented by the new circumstances that were being raised in Rome. 

In September 2025, Rodolfo Vargas Rubio passed away. He was a great Latinist and connoisseur of the liturgy and was also highly appreciated for his humility and generosity.

Requiescat in Pace

Leo XIV on the Tridentine Mass

Last April this Blog had commented on the future of the Tridentine Mass in Malta, and whether Traditionis custodes would still apply. 

Some days ago, it was announced that Tridentine Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Raymond Burke at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica on 25 October, 2025. This represents an important return of this rite to the Basilica after it was suspended in 2022 due to restrictions issued by Pope Francis' 2021. 

Yesterday, Rorate Coeli published the text being reproduced below:

From an excerpt of the new book-interview with Elise Ann Allen, of Crux, released today -- a direct quote from the Pope's response:

[Elise Ann Allen]: Regarding the study group on liturgy, what is being studied? How much of the reason for establishing this was related to divisions surrounding the Traditional Latin Mass, for example, or issues such as the new Amazonian rite?

 

[Leo XIV]: My understanding of what the group came out of is primarily from issues that have to do with the inculturation of the liturgy. How to continue the process of making the liturgy more meaningful within a different culture, within a specific culture, in a specific place at any given time. I think that was the primary issue.

 

There is another issue, which is also another hot-button issue, which I have already received a number of requests and letters [about]: The question about, people always say ‘the Latin Mass.’ Well, you can say Mass in Latin right now. If it’s the Vatican II rite there’s no problem. Obviously, between the Tridentine Mass and the Vatican II Mass, the Mass of Paul VI, I’m not sure where that’s going to go. It’s obviously very complicated.

 

I do know that part of that issue, unfortunately, has become – again, part of a process of polarization – people have used the liturgy as an excuse for advancing other topics. It’s become a political tool, and that’s very unfortunate. I think sometimes the, say, ‘abuse’ of the liturgy from what we call the Vatican II Mass, was not helpful for people who were looking for a deeper experience of prayer, of contact with the mystery of faith that they seemed to find in the celebration of the Tridentine Mass. Again, we’ve become polarized, so that instead of being able to say, well, if we celebrate the Vatican II liturgy in a proper way, do you really find that much difference between this experience and that experience?

 

I have not had the chance to really sit down with a group of people who are advocating for the Tridentine rite. There’s an opportunity coming up soon, and I’m sure there will be occasions for that. But that is an issue that I think also, maybe with synodality, we have to sit down and talk about. It’s become the kind of issue that’s so polarized that people aren’t willing to listen to one another, oftentimes. I’ve heard bishops talk to me, they’ve talked to me about that, where they say, ‘we invited them to this and that and they just won’t even hear it’. They don’t even want to talk about it. That’s a problem in itself. It means we’re into ideology now, we’re no longer into the experience of church communion. That’s one of the issues on the agenda.

IMPORTANT: appeal from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

As traditional Catholics, at Pro Tridentina (Malta), we feel it is our duty to share this appeal from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America):

"It is with profound concern and deep sorrow that I address the grave situation facing the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at the God-trodden Mount Sinai, following the recent judicial decision by Egyptian authorities that threatens to seize the monastery’s property and disrupt its sacred mission.

The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith, scholarship, and interreligious harmony. Established in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, it is the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world. The monastery is situated at the very place where God appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush and beneath the Mount of the Decalogue where the Law was given. This sacred ground has nurtured saints honored by the Church, including Saint John Climacus, author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent, and Gregory of Sinai, who transplanted Hesychast traditions to the Slavic peoples. The monastery has preserved Christianity’s most precious archaeological and spiritual heritage, including the celebrated Sinai library with its ancient manuscripts and the world’s most important collection of pre-iconoclastic panel icons.

Throughout eighteen centuries, this spiritual institution has maintained harmonious relations with various administrations and regional authorities, who have consistently confirmed and protected its traditional order and sacred character. Its walls have witnessed centuries of devotion and peace among Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. The monastery’s significance transcends religious boundaries, symbolizing a shared heritage of humanity.

In May 2023, I had the profound honor of leading a pilgrimage of Greek Americans to this sacred site. Together, we venerated the Chapel of the Burning Bush, ascended Mount Sinai, and engaged with the monastic community that has preserved this beacon of spirituality through the ages. Our visit reaffirmed the monastery’s role as a living monument to faith and resilience.

The recent judicial actions which threaten to confiscate the monastery’s property and disrupt its spiritual mission are deeply troubling. Such measures not only violate religious freedoms but also endanger a site of immense historical and cultural importance. It is imperative that the Egyptian government honors its previous commitments to protect the monastery’s autonomy and heritage.

I call upon religious leaders, international organizations, and all people of faith, to join in advocating for the preservation of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine. Let us work collectively to ensure that this sacred institution continues to inspire and unite people of all faiths for generations to come."

Statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV by FIUV

 

Press Release of Una Voce International (FIUV) on the election of Pope Leo XIV

Una Voce International (Foederation Internationalis Una Voce) would like to welcome Pope Leo XIV and assure him of the prayer of our member associations, who represent Catholics attached to the Traditional Mass all over the world.

Pope Leo has the chance to make a new start with many matters in the Church, and if the Traditional Mass does not appear to him the most pressing one, we commend to him a policy of peaceful co-existence, in which our supporters in every continent may be encouraged to make the greatest possible contribution to the life of the Church, united to the Holy Father in charity and obedience.

We urge all our supporters and friends to pray for Pope Leo. The following prayer, from the ancient Roman Missal, is the Collect from the Votive Mass ‘On the day of the Coronation of a Pope’, and is suitable for a newly elected Pope.

Deus, ómnium fidélium pastor et rector, fámulum tuum Leonem, quem pastórem Ecclésiæ tuæ præésse voluísti, propítius réspice: da ei, quǽsumus, verbo et exémplo, quibus præest, profícere; ut ad vitam, una cum grege sibi crédito, pervéniat sempitérnam. Per Dominum nostrum.

O God the Pastor and Ruler of all the faithful, look favourably on Thy servant Leo whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint as shepherd of Thy Church: grant to him, we beseech Thee, that by word and example he may edify those over whom he is placed, so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may attain unto life everlasting.

Contact: 

Joseph Shaw president@fiuv.org 

Andris Amolins secretary@fiuv.org

Habemus Papam

 

Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum

Robertum Franciscum, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost,

cui sibi nomen imposuit Leonem Decimum Quartum.

What happens to Traditionis custodes now in Malta and Gozo?

The regulations set out in Traditionis custodes and as applied in Malta and Gozo provide that (comments in bold by this Blog):

1. The bishop of the diocese is the sole authority to decide whether the celebration of Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal may take place in his diocese. - only one Sunday Mass is allowed in Malta, none in Gozo.

2. The bishop must decide the locations and times when Mass according to the 1962 rubrics may take place. This cannot occur within parochial churches, nor can the bishop erect new personal parishes dedicated to the celebration of Mass according to the 1962 Missal. - in fact the Mass is only held in the Jesuits Church in Valletta. Other, few Tridentine Masses that are held from time to time are celebrated by so-called 'independent priests'.

3. The bishop must ensure that the existing communities that celebrate Mass according to the 1962 rubrics are effective for the spiritual growth of his people, and he has the option to revoke the permissions given to these communities. He may not authorize the establishment of new groups that gather for celebration according to the 1962 Roman Missal. - this has affected Pro Tridentina (Malta) directly, also because some persons had decided to spread lies about this organisation, for their personal ambitions.

4. The bishop should appoint a priest to act as a delegate for the pastoral care of the groups of the faithful attached to the 1962 liturgical rites. The priest must understand the Missal of 1962 well, must be well-versed in ecclesial Latin, and must exhibit pastoral charity and a desire for ecclesial communion. -  this has been done with the appointment of Canon Doublet.

5. Priests ordained before the publication of Traditionis custodes (16 July 2021) who celebrated Mass according to the 1962 Missal before the publication of Traditionis custodes should request permission from the bishop of the diocese to continue to celebrate Mass according to the 1962 rubrics. - it's unclear whether these priests, some of whom appear in the section Hall of Honour did this or not.

6. Priests ordained after the publication of Traditionis custodes must submit a formal request to the bishop of the diocese in order to gain permission to celebrate Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal. The bishop must then consult the Holy See before the bishop grants permission to the priest. - as far as is known, no priest did this.

In December 2021, additional restrictions and guidelines (some of which are reproduced below) were issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in the form of a Responsa ad dubia:

1. if a non-parish church, oratory or chapel cannot be found for a group to gather to celebrate the Mass according to the 1962 Missal, the diocesan bishop can ask the Holy See for permission to use a parish church; however, the Mass should not be listed in the parish schedule and when a non-parish church, oratory or chapel becomes available, the permission to celebrate the Mass in the parish church will be withdrawn. - none was asked. If such a group grows in the number of attendees, permission to use the 1962 Missal may be withdrawn because it can be considered that the group is promoting the previous rite. 

2. The diocesan bishop is not authorized to grant permission for the use of the Pontificale Romanum (the Pontifical Missal) issued in 1962. This also means that the sacraments of Holy Orders and Confirmation may only be celebrated in the post-Vatican II form. The only exception is for personal parishes to use the Roman Ritual. But these very few exceptions must be monitored in order to ensure that the priests are accepting the liturgical reforms coming from the Council. - this eliminates all previous permissions to celebrate the Mass and the Sacraments according to the Roman Pontifical and the Roman Ritual which are the two main directories that regulated ceremonies in the Catholic Church for more than 1,000 years. 

3. In order for a priest to be granted permission to celebrate the Mass according to the Missal of 1962, he must recognize the validity and legitimacy of concelebration and is not to refuse to concelebrate at the diocesan Chrism Mass. - this is being applied in Malta.

4. The faculty to celebrate according to the 1962 missal, granted by a diocesan bishop to a priest, is restricted to the territory of that diocese. - therefore priests who celebrate in Malta cannot celebrate the Tridentine Mass in Gozo. The same would apply to any Maltese priest who was incardinated in another diocese. From testimonies gathered by some faithful who attend the different Tridentine Masses in Malta (whether authorised or not), this has been the case with at least 1 priest who attended a seminary abroad.

5. A priest who has been granted faculties to celebrate the 1962 missal is not permitted to celebrate both the Mass according to the 1962 missal and the post-Vatican II missal on the same day. - it is unclear whether an exemption was made in Malta, based on testimonies made by faithful who attend Mass in Valletta.

6. Not only the priest but the deacons and acolytes must also be authorized to serve at the Mass.- if one considers High Masses, the solemnities of the Holy Week, Easter and Christmas in which deacons and acolytes play a very precise role, we see that this demand for authorisation is intended to discourage their participation in such ceremonies. This necessarily leads to a diminishing of such ceremonies.

7. A priest who is authorised to say the Mass according to the1962 Missal cannot say two such Masses even if the group of faithful is approved by the Bishop. - this harms the faithful and puts pressure on them to attend the Novus Ordo Missae. Again, it is clear why groups such as the ASPM are not allowed to expand their attendance at Tridentine Mass while other groups, like Pro Tridentina (Malta), when possible, have to resort to independent priests. 

As if this was not enough, a Rescriptum ex audientia was issued in early 2023. The latest document clearly demands that permission for the groups who received parishes to say the 1962 Mass has to be confirmed by the Vatican. This is directly aimed at the Fraternity of St. Peter, the Institute of Christ the King, the Institute of the Good Shepherd, the Apostolic Administration of St. John Mary Vianney and other such priestly organizations. - but, what about those priests who do not belong to these organizations and say the Latin Mass in churches where both the Novus Ordo Mass and the Tridentine Mass are said once in a while?

The goal of these documents is to entirely abrogate the permissions given by both John Paul II and Benedict XVI to celebrate the Tridentine Mass according to the 1962 Missal. The documents pretend also to abolish the celebration of Mass according to the Missals prior to 1955. They affirm that from now on the only approved expression of the Latin Rite is the Novus Ordo Missae, in which the faithful must have an active participation. Using his "magisterial authority" Francis declared that "the Liturgical Reform is irreversible."

Now that the sede vacante period has begun, one can expect the current situation in Malta to remain the same, for the time being. After a new pope  is elected, one needs probably to wait for some time to see whether the current legislation continues, more restrictions are made or, perhaps, the Church reverts back to the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum.

BREAKING NEWS: Pope Francis has died

The Vatican has just announced that Pope Francis has died.

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.

Bishop Richard Williamson R.I.P.

The sad news that was expected, arrived. As we had informed the readers of this Blog, on 25 January 2025, it was reported that Bishop Williamson was in hospital and in a serious condition. The bishop had suffered a brain haemorrhage and had received last rites at hospital. He died yesterday evening (29 January), at the age of 84.

Réquiem æternam dona ei, Dómine.
Et lux perpétua lúceat ei.
Requiéscat in pace.
Amen.
Anima ejus, et ánimæ ómnium fidélium defunctórum, per misericórdiam Dei requiéscant in pace.
Amen.

BREAKING NEWS: Bishop Richard Williamson dying

Dear members and friends of Pro Tridentina (Malta),

We kindly ask you to pray for Bishop Richard Williamson, formerly of SSPX.

Although His Excellency Bishop Williamson reportedly passed away yesterday, after suffering a brain haemorrhage, we have yet to confirm this report. A former official of the organisation is currently in touch with the Bishop's entourage. This person knew the Bishop and was involved in the organisation of the Bishop's visit to Malta in 2013.

Disagreements notwithstanding, he is a man of great faith and intellect and was always more than charitable in his approach, even to those with whom he disagreed. He has devoted his life to the service of Christ's Church, was ordained by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, and has fought tirelessly for the restoration of Christ's Church and the proclamation of the social Kingship of Jesus Christ. He is a loyal son of the Church.

In your charity, please pray for His Excellency, and if it is true that he has passed away, let us pray for the repose of his soul.

Damian Vella

President, Pro Tridentina (Malta)

Important anniversary - 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea

The year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the world’s first Ecumenical Council, the Council of Nicea of 325, a key moment in the history of Christianity. To mark the anniversary, Pro Tridentina (Malta) is planning a year of activities that will include seminars, lectures and other activities. 

The first Ecumenical Council in 325 was a gathering of Christian bishops in Nicea (present-day Türkiye), as the first attempt to reach consensus in the church through an assembly representing all of Christendom, and to affirm the Christian faith in the triune God. It was held under the patronage of the Emperor Constantine the Great, to affirm the faith and witness to the society around the Empire. 

This anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the affirmation of faith in the Nicene Creed, as well as ponder the current situation where traditional Catholics are de facto being thrown out of the Church's structures. Further information will be posted in due course on this website. You can also contact us at:

• pro.tridentina.malta@gmail.com
• Facebook Group Pro Tridentina (Malta)
  

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Due to the current health condition of Fr. Anthony, Pro Tridentina (Malta) regrets to inform its members and friends that, until further notice, Tridentine Mass at the Church of the Knights in Valletta, will not be held until further notice. Should anyone know of a priest who is willing to replace Fr Anthony, kindly get in touch with me. 

Damian Vella

President, Pro Tridentina (Malta)

pro.tridentina.malta@gmail.com 

Abuses in the Novus Ordo Mass - sacrifice needed?

A member of Pro Tridentina (Malta) wanted to share a correspondence he had with Bro. John-Paul Ignatius Mary, OMSM several years ago. Although Brother Ignatius passed away 5 years ago (this Friday), we thought fitting to publish said correspondence to honour his memory. Obviously some information is now outdated.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Bro. Ignatius Mary, In Malta, in recent years, the Ordinary Rite of Mass is being abused in various ways, such as: priests behaving irreverently during Mass or cracking jokes, indecent attire (both males and females), no respect for Jesus in the Tabernacle, and awful music (a case in point is a parish that uses erotic music from the Eurovision Song Contest).

In the past, I've spoken to the Archbishop and other priests about this situation but the reaction was from lukewarm to outright derision.

I've stopped attending Mass since last year because it's so irreverent and I feel guilty if I attend as I would be an accomplice in all this. At least, that is how I feel.

What can I do to help in having reverent masses (whether Ordinary or eventually Extraordinary Rite if it will available). I feel at a loss and guilty.

Thank you for your patience.

Konrad (surname withheld for privacy)

Answer below

Dear Konrad,

No matter how irreverent the Mass may be said, there is no justification to stop going to Mass. You are risking your soul to hell by avoiding Mass like this.

You need to get to the Sacrament of Confession to confess your sin and return to the Mass this next weekend. There is no excuse.

These things do not invalidate the Mass. As long as the Mass is valid, Jesus is there. Why do you leave Jesus alone with the abusers?

You need to mortify your pride and instead accept the suffering of having to endure priests who abuse the liturgy and offer that suffering up to God for the conversion of those priests and for your Archbishop.

You are not an accomplice to the abuse for attending Mass. You are not the priest, you are not an altar server, you are a man sitting in the pew who has expressed his concern to the authorities. There is no complicity.

But, you disobey God to stop going to Mass over this and it is grave sin.

In terms of what to do about this situation, you need to offer up your suffering, pray, write a letter (not verbal communications) to the bishop, and if no response or inadequate response then you can write the Congregation on the Discipline of the Sacraments. In doing these things your responsibility is finished, There is nothing else you can do except to continue to offer up your suffering and to pray.

You do have a right under Canon Law to address these issues with them (Canon 212.2). In that regard Canon Law 214 says that you have a right to participate in the liturgy in accordance with legitimate norms.

When you write the bishop be business-like and factual. Detail the specific things that you believe are in violation of liturgical law and ask that these things be resolved.

If there is no resolution, if you wish, write (sending a copy of letters to and from the Bishop):

Antonio Cañizares Llovera, Cardinal, Prefect
Congregatio de Cultu Divino et Disciplina Sacramentorum
Palazzo delle Congregazioni
Piazza Pio XII, 10
00120 CITTÀ DEL VATICANO
(Vatican City)

• Bro. John-Paul Ignatius Mary

Brief biography: Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r)+ DALC, LTh, DD, CDCP. was born  in October 1955. He was a writer, poet, Deliverance Counselor, Nouthetic Counselor, Catholic Apologist, Theologian, Professor, and Spiritual Director. He held the posts of:

• Dean and Senior Professor, St. Michael Academy for Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance Counseling;
• Provost and Superior, Oblates and Missioners of St. Michael;
• Director, St. Padre Pio Center for Deliverance Counseling;
• Lord Knight of the Cross, Military Fraternity of the Legionnaires of St. Michael.

He lived a monastic life in a hermitage. Brother Ignatius Mary passed peacefully from this life to his eternal reward on 13 December 2019.

Liturgical Development as early as the 3rd century

 

Writings that exist from the third century give many insights into the canonical and liturgical life of the Church in this era. These are the so-called Teachings of the Apostles from Syria, and the Apostolic Tradition of Saint Hippolytus of Rome. The former gives regulations concerning the hierarchical offices and the sacramental practices in the Church of Syria, and it describes the liturgical assembly. The latter gives similar information, in a more lengthy and detailed way, about the Church in Rome. It contains the text of the oldest fixed Eucharistic prayer in Church history that we possess, as well as the form for the sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, and Ordination.

Baptism and Chrismation in the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus

And when he who is to be baptized goes down to the water, let him who baptizes lay a hand on him, saying thus: “Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty?”

And he who is being baptized shall say: “I believe.”

Let him forthwith baptize him once, having laid his hand upon his head. And after this, let him say: “Dost thou believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who was born of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, Who was crucified in the days of Pontius Pilate; and died and was buried; and He rose the third day living from the dead; and ascended into heaven; and sat down at the right hand of the Father; and will come to judge the living and the dead?”

And when he says: “I believe,” let him baptize him the second time.

And again let him say: “Dost thou believe in the Holy Spirit in the Holy Church, and the resurrection of the flesh?”

And he who is being baptized shall say: “I believe.”

And so let him baptize him the third time.

And afterwards when he comes up from the water, he shall be anointed by the presbyter with the Oil of Thanksgiving, saying: “I anoint thee with holy oil in the Name of Jesus Christ.”

And so each one drying himself with a towel, they shall now put on their clothes, and after this let them be together in the assembly (Church). And the Bishop shall lay his hand upon them, invoking and saying:

“O Lord God, who didst count these Thy servants worthy of deserving the forgiveness of sins by the laver of regeneration, make them worthy to be filled with Thy Holy Spirit and send upon them Thy grace, that they may serve Thee according to Thy will, for to Thee is the glory, to the Father and to the Son with the Holy Spirit in the Holy Church, both now and ever and world without end. Amen.”

After this, pouring the consecrated oil from his hand and laying his hand on his head, he shall say:

“I anoint thee with holy oil in God the Father Almighty and Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit.”

And sealing him on the forehead, he shall give him the kiss of peace and say: “The Lord be with you.”

And he who has been sealed shall say: “And with thy spirit.”

And so he shall do to each one severally.

Thenceforward they shall pray together with all the people. But they shall not previously pray with the faithful before they have undergone all these things.

And after the prayers, let them give the kiss of peace.

Eucharist in the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus

Celebrant: “The Lord be with you.”

People: “And with thy spirit.”

Celebrant: “Lift up your hearts.”

People: “We have them in the Lord.”

Celebrant: “Let us give thanks to the Lord.”

People: “That is proper and right.”

Celebrant: “We thank Thee God through Thy beloved servant Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent in the latter times to be our Savior and Redeemer and the messenger of Thy counsel, the Logos Who went out from Thee, through Whom Thou hast created all things, Whom Thou wast pleased to send out from heaven into the womb of the Virgin, and in her body He became incarnate and was shown to be Thy Son born of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin. In order to fulfill Thy will and to make ready for Thee a holy people, He spread out His hands when He suffered in order that He might free from sufferings those who have reached faith in Thee.

“And when He gave Himself over to voluntary suffering, in order to destroy death, and to break the bonds of the devil, and to tread down hell, and to illuminate the righteous, and to set up the boundary stone, and to reveal the Resurrection, He took bread, gave thanks, and said: ‘Take, eat, this is My body which is broken for you.’ In the same manner also He took the cup, and said: ‘This is My blood which is poured out for you. As often as you do this you keep My memory.’

“When we remember His death and His resurrection in this way, we bring to Thee the bread and the cup, and give thanks to Thee, because Thou hast thought us worthy to stand before Thee and to serve Thee as priests."

“And we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst send down Thy Holy Spirit on the sacrifice of the Church. Unite them, and grant to all the saints who partake in the sacrifice, that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit, that they may be strengthened in faith in the truth, in order that we may praise and laud Thee through Thy servant, Jesus Christ, through Whom praise and honor be to Thee in Thy Holy Church now and forevermore. Amen.”