The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in Honor of:

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro (1936-1964)

 Biography of Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro
by: Gianpiero Petritti and Emilia Flocchini (from santibeati.it entry of Bl. Benedetta)
“I think what a wonderful thing life is even in its most terrible aspects; and my soul is
full of gratitude and love towards God for this ": a hymn to life fully in tune with a
twenty year old, surprising only for the fact that the one who utters it is a blind girl,
deaf and totally paralyzed by a devious disease and devastating that he spared only his
intelligence, a faint voice and a hand through which he communicates with the world.
Everything can be said about Benedetta Bianchi Porro, except that she is
lucky. Humanly speaking, of course, and only judging from his medical record, which
records a fragile health since birth; at three months she gets polio, which leaves one
leg shorter than the other, so she will be called "the limp"; then he has to wear a very
uncomfortable torso, due to the deformations of the back.
Despite the war (she was born in 1936), her health is not exactly brilliant and several
removals, she manages to graduate and enroll in university at just 17 years old. He
wants to become a doctor to help others, because unfortunately he knows very well
what disease is. And not only for the ailments of childhood, but rather for what is
troubling his adolescence and shattering so many dreams.
From the age of 13 he begins to suffer from progressive hearing loss, which worsens
over the years. Then she begins to stagger and has to lean on a cane to walk, while at
20 a corneal ulcer scares her sight.
The following year (we are in 1957) her medical studies allow her a self-diagnosis,
confirmed by the doctors: her disease is called Recklinghausen's disease, and it is a
proliferation of small tumors that undermine the nervous system. With extraordinary
willpower, despite his deafness, he continues to study and take exams, also meeting
insensitive professors who make fun of his handicap.
A first head surgery causes facial paresis; a second spinal surgery, in 1959, paralyzed
her completely. After having gone through the dark night of suffering and loneliness,
having been terrified by the specter of blindness and deafness, having cried over the
most beautiful dreams that she has seen shattering, finally a light begins to illuminate
her inner darkness.
Jesus begins to make his way in her life and hers is an ever more significant and
precious presence, which gives meaning to the interminable days, the physical pain, the
darkness and the silence that surrounds her: "Sometimes I find myself on the ground ,
under the weight of a heavy cross. Then I call Him with love and He gently makes me
lay my head on His lap ».
Around his bed many friends try to fill his loneliness, but they return home full of the
serenity that he transmits, as when he manages to whisper to them: "Life in and of
itself seems to me a miracle, and I wish I could raise a hymn of praise to Who gave it
to me ... Sometimes I wonder if I am not one of those to whom much has been given
and much will be asked ... ».
In 1962 they took her to Lourdes, in search of a miracle. Which happens, but for the
sick woman lying on the stretcher next door. She returns to Lourdes the following year
and this time the miracle is for her: not of physical healing, but of the discovery of her
vocation to the cross: "I have become more aware than ever of the richness of my
state and I want nothing more than to keep it".
There are days when he realizes he needs to "draw strength from the heavenly Mother,
since I don't know how to get used to living happily in the dark as I would like", but
more and more he must recognize that "in the sadness of my deafness, and in the
darkest of mine loneliness, I tried with the will to be serene to make my pain flourish ».
In January 1964 he realizes that his general conditions have worsened considerably: «I
hope that the" call "will not be long in coming», he says serenely to his friends. The
moment arrives on January 23rd. Benedetta takes leave of this world with a message of
hope: "Love life, because I too was happy with what God has given me".
Benedetta died in her parents' house in Sirmione, in the province and diocese of
Brescia, but the cognitive process to ascertain her virtues took place in the diocese of
Forlì-Bertinoro, where the Amici di Benedetta, plaintiff part of the cause.
The nulla osta for the initiation of the cause of beatification and canonization is dated
July 12, 1975. The cognition process, which began on January 25, 1976, ended on July
9, 1977. The decree by which the acts of the process were validated it is dated June 5,
1981.
The "Positio super virtutibus", delivered in 1988, was examined by the Theological
Consultors of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 11 May 1993, while the
cardinals and bishops who are members of the same Congregation gave a positive
opinion on 19 October 1993. On 23 December 1993, therefore, Pope Saint John Paul II
authorized the promulgation of the decree by which Benedetta was declared Venerable.
Among the numerous significant graces attributed to her, the one that occurred to a
young Genoese, Stefano Anerdi, was considered as a possible miracle to obtain her
beatification.
As reported by the newspaper «L'Arena», on 7 March 2014, in 1986 Stefano, who was
twenty years old, had a car accident. Her mother, who had read a biography of
Benedetta, started a novena to ask her to watch over her son. At the end of the nine
days of prayer, Stephen came out of the coma and in a short time fully recovered.
The diocesan inquiry into the miracle took place in Genoa; the acts were validated on
June 20, 2014. On January 25, 2018 the medical council of the Congregation for the
Causes of Saints considered the young man's recovery to be scientifically
inexplicable. Three months later, on April 26, 2018, the Congress of Theological
Consultors expressed a favorable opinion on the link between the alleged miracle and
the patient's awakening from a coma. On 30 October 2018, in the Ordinary Session, the
cardinals and bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in turn issued a
positive opinion.
On 7 November 2018, receiving in audience Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, Prefect of
the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of
the decree by which the healing of Stefano Anerdi was to be considered inexplicable,
immediate, lasting and obtained through the intercession of Benedetta Bianchi Porro.
She was beatified on Saturday 14 September 2019 in the Cathedral of Santa Croce in
Forlì, with the rite presided over by Cardinal Becciu as envoy of the Holy Father. His
liturgical memory falls on January 23, the day of his birth in Heaven.
 I. Entrance Antiphon (Psalm 64 (63): 11)

The just shall rejoice at the presence of God; they shall exult with glad rejoicing.

II. Introductory Rites

Celebrant: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you. (If Bishop: Peace be with you).
All: And with your spirit.

III. Penitential Rite

Celebrant: Brethren, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to

celebrate these Sacred Mysteries. (Pause)

All: I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly
sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed
to do, (striking your breasts) through my fault, through my fault, through my most
grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Celebrant: May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us
to everlasting life.
All: Amen.

Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.

All: Lord, have mercy.
Celebrant: Christ, have mercy.
All: Christ, have mercy.
Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.

IV. Gloria (if Feast day or commemorative anniversaries)

Celebrant: Gloria in Excelsis Deo…

All: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise
you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great
glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only
Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of
 the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the
Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the
Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

V. Collect

Celebrant: Let us pray.

O God, who has united Blessed Benedetta to the mystery of the Glorious Cross of
Your Son, and has made it a sign of hope for the suffering, grant us we pray, a similar
faith, that we be able to experience the proof of a joyful life in the midst of trials, and
to love You above all.
Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

VI. Liturgy of the Word

i. First Reading

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans (8: 26-30)

Brothers and sisters:

The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
And the one who searches hearts
knows what is the intention of the Spirit,
because he intercedes for the holy ones
according to God's will.

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.

The word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God

ii. Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 23: 1-3a, 4, 5, 6)

Response (R): The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures He gives me repose;
Beside restful waters He leads me;
He refreshes my soul. (R)

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for You are at my side
With Your rod and Your staff
that give me courage. (R)

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. (R)

Only goodness and kindness follow me

all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come. (R)

(NOTE: If 2nd Reading is needed, the Letter to the Romans in the First Reading be used in the
Second Reading, and the 1st Reading is replaced by a reading from Song of Songs, see
Appendix)

iii. Alleluia (Matthew 16:25b)

[Alleluia, alleluia] Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for my sake will save it, says the Lord. [Alleluia.]

iv. Gospel
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit
Celebrant: A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (16:24-
27)
 All: Glory to you, O Lord.

Celebrant:
+ At that time: Jesus said to His Disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after
Me, must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever
wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
will save it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and
forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son
of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will
repay each one according to his conduct."

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise be to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

v. Homily

VII. Credo (If the Mass of the Feast or other solemnities fall on a Sunday, then the Creed should
be recited)
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the
Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through Him all things were
made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven,

At the words that follow up to and including and became man, all bow.

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was
buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He
ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come
again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the
Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the
 forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life
of the world to come. Amen.

VIII. Prayers of the Faithful

For feast day/certain anniversaries
Celebrant: Dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate with grace and joy the Feast
of our Patron, Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro, let us offer our intentions to the
Lord, just as how she offers her sufferings and pains for the conversion of sinners
and the salvation of souls. Let our response be:

For votive masses

Celebrant: Dearest brethren, as we continue to follow the exemplary holy life of
our Sister, Blessed Benedetta, let us bring our intentions to the Merciful Father,
who ALWAYS REMEMBERS us even if we DON’T DESERVE IT AT ALL.
Let our response be:

Response (R): Father, HELP US TO LEARN with Your Love.

or
Response (R): Lord Jesus, STRENGTH OF THE CHURCH, unite us to Your
Love

 For the Church, a community of those called to salvation, so that we may

become witnesses to the living and real presence that “GOD IS AMONG
MEN”, for those who are distant and indifferent. Let us pray to the Lord
(R)
 For the Clergy, Religious, and the Lay Missionaries all over the world, that
through the works of Blessed Benedetta, most especially in her
correspondence, they may understand well that “THE LORD GIVES
HIMSELF TO US SO THAT WE CAN GIVE HIM TO OTHER
PEOPLE.” Let us pray to the Lord (R)
 For us gathered here by common faith, in the Word that Saves, so that
"THE LORD WILL HOLD US ALL BY HAND AND LEAD US TO HIS
HOUSE, WHICH IS OURS". Let us pray to the Lord. (R)
 For the greats of the Earth, so that they recognize that "IT TAKES
HUMILITY TO FEEL POOR AND TO ASK AND KNOW THE
TRUTH". Let us pray to the Lord. (R)
  For those who suffer, so that they understand, like Benedetta, "THAT PAIN
IS OUR BREAD BUT ALSO OUR HOPE, [AND] OUR RANSOM". Let
us pray to the Lord. (R)
 For young people, who pursue ideals, so that they can "FIND A WISDOM
GREATER THAN THAT OF MEN", and, like Benedetta, develop the
conviction that "GOD EXISTS AND IS LOVE, FAITHFULNESS, JOY,
CERTAINTY, UNTIL THE CONSUMPTION OF CENTURIES”. let us
pray to the Lord. (R)
 For those who are in vocational discernment and those who are undecided
by the path that they wish to walk through, that taking inspiration from
Blessed Benedetta, they may BE A SAINT, WHEREVER THEY HAPPEN
TO BE. Let us pray to the Lord (R)
 For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection, and all
those who are currently in their final agony, that full of trust and hope in
LEAVING ASIDE WHAT AWAITS THEM AFTERWARDS, THE
LORD WILL CERTAINTLY NOT ABANDON THEM AT THE
MOMENT of their eternal judgment. Let us pray to the Lord. (R)

Celebrant: God our Father, lend Your ears to the BREATH OF THE SOULS
of Your children, that through the exemplary life and holy writings of Your
servant, Benedetta, we may be enriched by Your Charity, that helps us to LIVE
IN OTHER PEOPLE, through Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO IS
OUR GUIDE. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.
All: Amen.

IX. Liturgy of the Eucharist

a. Presentation of the Gifts
The Priest, standing at the altar, takes the paten with the bread and holds it slightly
raised above the altar with both hands, saying in a low voice:

Celebrant: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your
goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and
work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.

Then he places the paten with the bread on the corporal.

 If, however, the Offertory Chant is not sung, the Priest may speak these words aloud;
at the end, the people may acclaim:

All: Blessed be God for ever.

The Deacon, or the Priest, pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly:

Celebrant: By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in
the divinity of Christ, who humbled Himself to share in our humanity.

The Priest then takes the chalice and holds it slightly raised above the altar with both
hands, saying in a low voice:

Celebrant: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through
your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the
vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.

Then he places the chalice on the corporal.

If, however, the Offertory Chant is not sung, the Priest may speak these words aloud;
at the end, the people may acclaim:

All: Blessed be God for ever.

If appropriate, he also incenses the offerings, the cross, and the altar. A Deacon or
other minister then incenses the Priest and the people.

Then the Priest, standing at the side of the altar, washes his hands, saying quietly:

Celebrant: Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity. and cleanse me from my

sin.

b. Orate, Fratres
Standing at the middle of the altar, facing the people, extending and then joining his
hands, he says:

Celebrant: Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters), that my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
All: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of
his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.
c. Prayer over the Gifts

Celebrant: We bring you these sacrificial gifts, O Lord, to

commemorate blessed Benedetta, humbly entreating that they may
bestow on us both pardon and salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

d. Preface (Saints I: Glory of the Saints)

Then the Priest begins the Eucharistic Prayer. Extending his hands, he says:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

All: And with your spirit.
The Priest, raising his hands, continues:
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
The Priest, with his hands clasped and bowing to the altar, continues:
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
All: It is right and just.
The Priest, with hands extended, continues the Preface:
Celebrant:

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.

For you are praised in the company of your Saints and, in crowning their
merits, you crown your own gifts.

By their way of life you offer us an example, by communion with them you
give us companionship, by their intercession, sure support, so that, encouraged
by so great a cloud of witnesses, we may run as victors in the race before us
and win with them the imperishable crown of glory, through Christ our Lord.

And so, with the Angels and Archangels, and with the great multitude of the
Saints, we sing the hymn of your praise, as without end we acclaim:

All: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your
glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the
Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
 a. Eucharistic Prayer I (Canon of the Mass)

FOR THE CHURCH AND ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITIES

Celebrant:

To You, therefore, most merciful Father, we make humble prayer and petition
through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord:
He joins his hands and says:

that You accept

He makes the Sign of the Cross once over the bread and chalice together, saying:

and bless + these gifts, these offerings, these holy and unblemished sacrifices,
With hands extended, he continues:

which we offer You firstly for your holy catholic Church. Be pleased to grant
her peace, to guard, unite and govern her throughout the whole world, together
with your servant N. our Pope, and N. our Bishop, [and his assistant Bishops]
and all those who, holding to the truth, hand on the catholic and apostolic faith.

COMMERORATION OF THE LIVING.

Remember, Lord, your servants N. and N.

The Priest joins his hands and prays briefly for those for whom he intends to pray. Then,
with hands extended, he continues:

and all gathered here, whose faith and devotion are known to You. For them,
we offer You this sacrifice of praise or they offer it for themselves and all who
are dear to them: for the redemption of their souls, in hope of health and well-
being, and paying their homage to You, the eternal God, living and true.

INVOCATION OF THE SAINTS

In communion with those whose memory we venerate, especially the glorious

ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ, † and blessed
Joseph, her Spouse, Your blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul,
Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon
and Jude; Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence,
Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian and all Your Saints; we ask
 that through their merits and prayers, in all things we may be defended by
Your protecting help.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

OBLATION OF THE VICTIM TO GOD

With hands extended, the Priest continues:

Therefore, Lord, we pray: graciously accept this oblation of our service, the
offering of Your servants N. and N. and of Your whole family, who entreat
Your majesty on their behalf; and as You have brought them to their wedding
day, so gladden them with Your gift of the children they desire and bring them
in your kindness to the length of days for which they hope.
He joins his hands.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holding his hands extended over the offerings, he says:

Be pleased, O God, we pray, to bless, acknowledge, and approve this offering

in every respect; make it spiritual and acceptable, so that it may become for us
the Body and Blood of Your most beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
He joins his hands.

WORDS OF CONSECRATION AND ELEVATION

In the formulas that follow, the words of the Lord should be pronounced clearly and
distinctly, as the nature of these words requires.

On the day before He was to suffer,

He takes the bread and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

He took bread in His holy and venerable hands,

He raises his eyes.

and with eyes raised to heaven to you, O God, His almighty Father, giving You
thanks, He said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to His disciples,
saying:
He bows slightly.
 TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT,
FOR THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
He shows the consecrated host to the people, places it again on the paten, and genuflects in
adoration.

After this, the Priest continues:

In a similar way, when supper was ended,

He takes the chalice and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, continues:

He took this precious chalice in His holy and venerable hands, and once more
giving you thanks, He said the blessing and gave the chalice to His disciples,
saying:
He bows slightly.

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT,

FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, THE BLOOD OF THE
NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT, WHICH WILL BE POURED
OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF
SINS.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
He shows the chalice to the people, places it on the corporal, and genuflects in adoration.

Then he says:

The mystery of faith.

MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION
And the people continue, acclaiming:

ALL: Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you
have set us free.

OBLATION OF THE VICTIM TO GOD

Then the Priest, with hands extended, says:

Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the blessed Passion, the

Resurrection from the dead, and the glorious Ascension into heaven of Christ,
Your Son, our Lord, we, Your servants and Your holy people, offer to Your
 glorious majesty from the gifts that You have given us, this pure victim, this
holy victim, this spotless victim, the holy Bread of eternal life and the Chalice
of everlasting salvation.

Be pleased to look upon these offerings with a serene and kindly countenance,
and to accept them, as once You were pleased to accept the gifts of Your
servant Abel the just, the sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith, and the
offering of Your high priest Melchizedek, a holy sacrifice, a spotless victim.
Bowing, with hands joined, he continues:

In humble prayer we ask You, almighty God: command that these gifts be
borne by the hands of Your holy Angel to Your altar on high in the sight of
Your divine majesty, so that all of us, who through this participation at the altar
receive the most holy Body and Blood of Your Son,
He stands upright again and signs himself with the Sign of the Cross, saying:

may be filled with every grace and heavenly blessing.

He joins his hands.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD

With hands extended, the Priest says:

Remember also, Lord, Your servants N. and N., who have gone before us with
the sign of faith and rest in the sleep of peace.
He joins his hands and prays briefly for those who have died and for whom he intends to
pray. Then, with hands extended, he continues:

Grant them, O Lord, we pray, and all who sleep in Christ, a place of
refreshment, light and peace.
He joins his hands.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

INVOCATION OF THE SAINTS

He strikes his breast with his right hand, saying:
 To us, also, Your servants, who, though sinners,
And, with hands extended, he continues:

hope in your abundant mercies, graciously grant some share and fellowship
with Your holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John the Baptist, Stephen, Matthias,
Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha,
Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia and all your Saints; admit us, we beseech You,
into their company, not weighing our merits, but granting us Your pardon,

FINAL DOXOLOGY OF THE CANON AND MINOR ELEVATION

He joins his hands.

through Christ our Lord.

And he continues:

Through whom You continue to make all these good things, O Lord; You
sanctify them, fill them with life, bless them, and bestow them upon us.
He takes the chalice and the paten with the host and, raising both, he says:

Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, for ever and ever.
The people acclaim:

All: Amen.
Then follows the Communion Rite.

X. Communion Rite

i. Pater Noster
After the chalice and paten have been set down, the Priest, with hands joined says:
Celebrant: At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we
dare to say:

He extends his hands and together with the people, continues:

All:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
 thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

ii. Libera nos, quaesumus, Domine

With hands extended, the Priest continues alone, saying:
Celebrant: Deliver us, O Lord we pray, from every evil, graciously grant
peace in our days, that with the help of Your mercy, we may be always free
from sin, and safe from every distress, as we await the blessed Hope and
the Coming of Our Savior Jesus Christ:
All(to be recited): For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours,
now and forever. Amen.

iii. Prayer for Peace

Then the Priest, with hands extended, says aloud:
Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, who said to Your Apostles: Peace I leave
you, my peace I give you; look not on our sins, but on the faith of Your
Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with Your
will.
He joins his hands.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
All: Amen.

The Priest, turned towards the people, extending and then joining his hands, adds:
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
All: And with your spirit.
Celebrant: Let us offer each other the sign of peace.

And all offer one another a sign, in keeping with local customs, that expresses peace,
communion, and charity. The Priest gives the sign of peace to a Deacon or minister.

iv. Agnus Dei

All:
 Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

While the Agnus Dei is being sung the Priest takes the Host, breaks it over the paten,
and places a small piece in the chalice, saying quietly:

Celebrant: May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.

Then the Priest, with hands joined, says quietly:

Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, by the will of
the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit, through your Death gave life to
the world, free me by this, your most holy Body and Blood, from all my
sins and from every evil; keep me always faithful to your commandments,
and never let me be parted from you.
Or
Celebrant: May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ,
not bring me to judgment and condemnation, but through your loving
mercy be for me protection in mind and body and a healing remedy.

v. Invitation to Communion
The Priest genuflects, takes the host and, holding it slightly raised above the paten or
above the chalice, while facing the people, says aloud:
Celebrant: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins
of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only
say the word and my soul shall be healed.

The Priest, facing the altar, says quietly:

May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.
And he reverently consumes the Body of Christ.

Then he takes the chalice and says quietly:

May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.
And he reverently consumes the Blood of Christ.

vi. Communion Antiphon (Matthew 11:28)

 Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you, says the
Lord.

vii. Postcommunion Prayer

Then, standing at the altar or at the chair and facing the people, with hands joined, the Priest says:

Celebrant: Let us pray.

We are replenished, O Lord, with the gifts we have received on
the feast day of blessed Benedetta; grant, we pray, that we may be
purified by their effects and strengthened by the help they bring.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Then the dismissal takes place. The Priest, facing the people and extending his hands, says:

XI. Concluding Rites

i. Solemn Blessing
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
Then the Deacon, or in his absence, the Priest himself, says the invitation:

Celebrant: Bow down for the blessing.

Then the Priest, with hands extending over the people, says the blessing:

Celebrant: May God the Father, Creator of all things whom Blessed
Benedetta loved by seeing a reflection of Him in creation , bless us with the
GREATEST MEDICINE of Faith, the DIVINE REMEDY of hope, and
the DIVINE FLAME of Charity, WHICH TEMPERS EVERY SOUL.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: May Our Lord Jesus Christ, the WEALTH OF THE SPIRIT, of
whom Blessed Benedetta truly loves as her Bridegroom LEAD us BY THE
HAND in our daily Crosses, as we adore His Cross, which is THE SENSE
OF EVERYTHING.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: May God the Holy Spirit, who has given tongues of fire to the
Apostles of Our Lord at Pentecost and has strengthen Blessed Benedetta’s
life with the Sacred Virtues in Baptism, Confirmation, and Extreme
 Unction, sanctify us by PURIFYING WHAT’S UNCLEAN AND grant us
SERENITY IN PAIN.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son,
+, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever.
All: Amen

ii. Dismissal
Celebrant: Go forth, the Mass is ended.
All: Thanks be to God.

XII. Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Benedetta

Then the Priest invites the people to kneel and pray the Prayer for Canonization in front of the altar,
or, if present, an image or relic of Blessed Benedetta

Merciful Father, You have united Blessed Benedetta to the mystery of the glorious
Cross of Your Son, and have made her life, a song of praise to You, a sign of hope for
those who suffer.

Give us the same faith, that we are able to experience the proof of a joyful life, to love
You above everything else.

Through the intercession of Blessed Benedetta, listen to our prayers that with
confidence in calling You, may You grant the graces we implore… (mention your
intentions)

(3 times) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the
beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Then the Priest venerates the Altar and goes into the recessional. If, in the case that the Relic or Image
of Blessed Benedetta is present, then the priest incenses it (if there is), and prays for a while before
venerating the Altar and goes into the recessional, while the hymn is played.

XIII. Concluding Hymn (Inno alla Beata Benedetta)

Chorus:
Io Ti amo nell'aria
la rosa bianca è fiorita
non c'è più cosa contraria
al senso vero della vita, della vita.

i.
Molto è stato dato
molto è stato chiesto
a noi hai offerto un cesto
di letizia e dolore intrecciato

Una ragazza ci hai donato

che in ogni ombra come sposa
il gran mistero ci ha mostrato
Benedetta Bianca rosa. (Chorus)

ii.
Guida per la salita,
Signore, alla tua casa illuminata
ci hai donato questa ragazza
paziente e delicata.

E anche quando non cammino,

sei con me, Dio, tieni stretta
anche quando strano è il destino
la mia mano a Benedetta (Chorus)

iii.
Grazie Altissimo Signore
per la bellissima ragazza
che fa di ogni dolore un velo
e ci fa vedere il cielo.

Grazie Altissimo Signore

per la bellissima ragazza
che fa di ogni croce una via
per la tua dolce compagnia. (Chorus)
Appendix I

First Reading

A reading from the Letter of Song of Songs (2: 8-17)

Hark! my Lover-here He comes, springing across the mountains, leaping

across the hills.

My Lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here He stands behind our

wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices.

My Lover speaks; He says to me, "Arise, My beloved, My beautiful one,

and come!

"For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land.

The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth
fragrance. Arise, My beloved, My beautiful one, and come!

"O My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff,
Let Me see you, let Me hear your voice, For Your voice is sweet, and
You are lovely."

Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that damage the vineyards; for our
vineyards are in bloom!

My lover belongs to me and I to Him; He browses among the lilies.

Until the day breathes cool and the shadows lengthen, roam, My Lover,
Like a gazelle or a young stag upon the mountains of Bether.

The word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God
Or

First Reading

A reading from the Letter of Song of Songs (2: 8-10, 14, 16a; 8:6-7a)

Hark! My Lover—here He comes springing across the mountains, leaping

across the hills.

My Lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here He stands behind our wall,
gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices.

My Lover speaks; he says to me, "Arise, My beloved, My dove, My

beautiful one, and come!

"O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let
me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are
lovely.”

My lover belongs to me and I to him.

He says to me: "Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; For
stern as death is love, relentless as the nether-world is devotion; its flames
are a blazing fire.

Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away."

The word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God
Appendix II

Preface (Saints II: Action of the Saints)

Then the Priest begins the Eucharistic Prayer. Extending his hands, he says:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

All: And with your spirit.
The Priest, raising his hands, continues:
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
The Priest, with his hands clasped and bowing to the altar, continues:
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
All: It is right and just.
The Priest, with hands extended, continues the Preface:
Celebrant:

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 Christ our Lord.

For in the marvelous confession of your Saints,

you make your Church fruitful with strength ever new
and offer us sure signs of your love.
And that your saving mysteries may be fulfilled,
their great example lends us courage,
their fervent prayers sustain us in all we do.

And so, Lord, with all the Angels and Saints,

we, too, give you thanks, as in exultation we acclaim:

All: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your
glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the
Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Appendix III

Solemn Blessing (All Saints)

The Deacon or, in his absence, the Priest himself, says the invitation:

Bow down for the blessing

Then the Priest, with hands extended over the people, says the blessing, with all responding: Amen.

Celebrant: May God, the glory and joy of the Saints, who has caused you to be
strengthened by means of their outstanding prayers, bless you with unending blessings
All: Amen.

Celebrant: Freed through their intercession from present ills and formed by the example
of their holy way of life, may you be ever devoted to serving God and your neighbor.
All: Amen.

Celebrant: So that, together with all, you may possess the joys of the homeland, where
Holy Church rejoices that her children are admitted in perpetual peace to the company of
the citizens of heaven.
All: Amen.

Celebrant: 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.
All: Amen.
“In spite of appearances, I’m completely resigned…
I’ll pray for you all and wait for you in Heaven.”
- Bl. Benedetta Bianchi Porro, c. 1964