The Preface of the Nativity From Christmas until Epiphany, on the feasts of the Purification and Transfiguration, the feast and octave of Corpus Christi, and in votive Masses of the Blessed Sacrament. [P] World without end. It is truly meet and just, right and availing unto salvation, that we should in all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty and everlasting God. Because by the mystery of the Word made flesh, the light of Thy glory hath shone anew upon the eyes of our mind: that while we acknowledge Him to be God seen by men, we may be drawn by Him to the love of things unseen. And therefore with angels and archangels, with thrones and dominions, and with all the heavenly hosts, we sing a hymn to Thy glory, saying without ceasing: [All] Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts. Communicantes for Christmas Proper to Christmas and its octave for all Masses lacking a proper preface. Therefore, most gracious Father, we humbly beg of Thee and entreat Thee, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, [He kisses the altar and joins his hands before his breast, saying:] to deem acceptable and bless these + gifts, these + offerings, these + holy and unspotted oblations; [Extending his hands, he continues:] which we offer unto Thee in first instance for Thy Holy and Catholic Church, that Thou wouldst deign to give her peace and protection, to unite and guide her the whole world over; together with Thy servant N..., our Pope, N..., our Bishop; and all true believers who cherish the Catholic and Apostolic Faith. Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids N. et N. [Joining his hands, he prays for those who are to be remembered: then, extending his hands, he continues:] and of all here present, whose faith is known to Thee, and likewise their devotion, on whose behalf we offer unto Thee, or who themselves offer unto Thee, this sacrifice of praise for themselves and all their own, for the good of their souls, for their hope of salvation and deliverance from all harm, and who pay Thee the homage which they owe Thee, eternal God, living and true. In communion with, and keeping that most holy day on which [night in which] the spotless virginity of the blessed Mary brought forth a Savior to this world, venerating also in the first place the memory of the same glorious and ever virgin Mary, mother of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ; next that of blessed Joseph, spouse of the same Virgin, and of Thy blessed Apostles and martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, of Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy saints, by whose merits and prayers grant that we may always be fortified by the help of Thy protection. [He joins his hands.] Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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