Words from St. Bernard
"Why should our praise and glorification, or even the celebration of this feastday mean naything to the saints? what do they care about earthly honors when their heavenly Father honors them by fulfilling the faithful promiseof the Son?... Clearly if we venerate their memory it serves us not them. Calling the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company, so desirable in itself. We long to share in the citzenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, to join the assembly of the patriarchs, the ranks of the prophets, the councl of the apostles, the great host of martyrs, the noble company of professors and the choir of virgins. In short, we long ot be united in happiness with all the saints...
Come let us spur ourselves on. We must rise again with Christ, we must seek the world which is above and set our mind on the things of heaven. Let us long for those who are longing for us."On this day we sing the ancient him Te Deum: click here for the chant version
You are God we praise you
You are the Lord: we acclaim you
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you
To you all the angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robe army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy SPirit, advocate and guide....
come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the pric eof your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting!
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