Welcome to York Minster

National Pilgrimage

to York
in honour of

St Margaret Clitherow

on her Feast Day

26 March 2011
 Programme of Events

1. Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form, York Minster, 1.30pm

2. Procession to the Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow in the Shambles immediately following Mass

3. Benediction & Veneration of the relic of St Margaret, English Martyrs' church, 4.00pm

Solemn Mass in honour of St Margaret Clitherow

Votive Mass of a martyr not a virgin.
From the Common of Holy Women

Celebrant: Fr Stephen Maughan

Music for the Mass sung by the Rudgate Singers.

Mass Setting: Mass for Five Voices (Byrd)

Offertory Motet: Justorum Animae (Byrd)
Communion Motet: Ave Verum Corpus (Byrd)
Marian Motet: Ave Regina Caelorum (Byrd)

Chant Proper: from the Graduale Romanum.

The choice of polyphonic music by William Byrd for this occasion is very deliberate. Byrd lived in England from
about 1540 – 1623; he was, therefore, a contemporary of Margaret Clitherow.

From the early 1570s onwards Byrd became increasingly involved with Catholicism, associating with known
Catholics. Byrd's wife Julian was first cited for recusancy (refusing to attend Protestant services) in 1577. Byrd
himself appears in the recusancy lists from 1584.

In 1583 he got into serious trouble because of his association with Lord Thomas Paget. As a result of this,
restrictions were placed on his movements and his house was placed on the search list. In 1586, the year of
Margaret Clitherow's execution, he attended a gathering at a country house which also included Father Henry
Garnett (later executed for complicity in the Gunpowder Plot) and the Catholic poet Robert Southwell.

Byrd's commitment to the Catholic cause found expression in his motets. In particular there is a persistent
emphasis on themes such as the persecution of the chosen people and the long-awaited coming of deliverance.
Byrd's setting of the first four verses of Psalm 78 (Deus venerunt gentes) is widely believed to refer to the cruel
execution of Fr Edmund Campion (Catholic martyr) in 1581, an event which caused widespread revulsion on the
Continent as well as in England.

A special feature of the four-part and five-part Masses is Byrd's treatment of the Agnus Dei. The final words dona
nobis pacem ('grant us peace'), in the five-part setting almost certainly reflect the aspirations of the troubled
Catholic community of the 1590s.

The adherence of Byrd and his family to Catholicism continued to cause him difficulties, though one surviving
petition suggests that he was granted permission to practise his religion under licence during the reign of
Elizabeth. Nevertheless, he regularly appeared in the quarterly local assizes to pay heavy fines for recusancy.

The Latin Mass Society is very grateful to the Dean and Chapter of York Minster for their kind permission
to use this wonderful building for our Mass today.
 Welcome to Mass
in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite of the Church
(popularly known as the Tridentine Mass).

If you have not experienced this Mass for some time, or if you have never been to one, you may find the
following points of interest:

 Latin is used predominantly in the Extraordinary Form, rather than English;

 The congregation maintains a prayerful silence for large parts of the Mass, and the Priest prays in silence
surrounding the consecration;
 The Priest faces the altar for most of the Mass.

The use of Latin is an ancient tradition of the Church, the value of which was acknowledged by the Second
Vatican Council, which expressly encouraged the continuation of that tradition. The benefits of Latin are many.
One is simply the beauty of many of the prayers of the Mass. Another is its Catholicity: you can go to a Latin
Mass in any country in the world and know precisely what is going on; it also unites us with the saints of previous
generations. A third is its unchanging meaning: living languages are subject to many changes, and translations of
the Mass quickly sound dated, or are believed to cause offence as people try to use language to drive social and
political change.

The prayerful silence demands a different style of participation in the sacrifice from the vocal responses of the
Ordinary Form. Here, the role of the congregation is to unite themselves in prayer with the sacrifice of Our Lord.
It may be helpful to remember the definition of prayer as the lifting up of the heart and mind to God. The silence
surrounding the consecration in particular helps us to focus ourselves on the adoration of Christ truly present on
the altar, and to prepare ourselves to receive Him reverently in Holy Communion.

The Priest faces the altar to emphasise the fact that he is leading the people in prayer, and that the whole of the
Mass is focused on the sacrifice of Calvary, made present on the altar in an unbloody fashion.

****
In the Order of Service the words in bold are spoken by the Server/s
who represent the congregation in the prayers.
****

ALL STAND as the Clergy and servers enter.

THE CONGREGATION then KNEELS as the Celebrant makes the sign of the cross.

In nomine Patris, et Filii, In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the
et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. Holy Ghost. Amen.
Introibo ad altare Dei. I will go in to the altar of God.
Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam. To God who giveth joy to my youth.

(As the Celebrant and acolytes continue with Psalm 42 and the Confiteor, the Schola sings the Introit:)

INTROIT: Ps. 118. 95-96

Me expectaverunt peccatores, ut perderent me: The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I
testimonia tua, Domine, intellexi: omnis have understood Thy testimonies, O Lord: I have seen
consummationis vidi finem: latum mandatum tuum an end of all perfection: Thy commandment is
nimis. Beati immaculate in via, qui ambulant in lege exceeding broad, Blessed are the undefiled in the
Domini. ‡ Gloria ... way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Glory be ...

During that, the Celebrant prays for absolution for our sins, finishes his preparatory prayers, and says the Introit
himself. The choir next sings the KYRIE.

STAND:
 The Celebrant intones the GLORIA, which the choir then sings.

COLLECT

Dominus vobiscum. The Lord be with you.

Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit.

Oremus. Deus, qui inter cetera potentiae tuae
miracula etiam in sexu fragili victoriam martyrii
contulisti: concede propitius; ut, qui beatae
Margaritae Martyris tuae natalita colimus, per ejus ad
te exempla gradiamur. Per Dominum.
Amen
Let us pray. O God, who among the other wonders of
Thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the
triumph of martyrdom: mercifully grant that we who
celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Margaret
Thy martyr, may, through her example, advance
nearer to Thee. Through our Lord. Amen.

SIT:
EPISTLE: (WISDOM) ECCLESIASTICUS 51. 1-8, 12

Confitebor tibi, Domine rex, et collaudabo te Deum
salvatorem meum. Confitebor nomini tuo: quoniam
adiutor et protector factus es mihi, et liberasti corpus
meum a perditione, a laqueo linguae iniquae, et a
labiis operantium mendacium, et in conspectu
adstantium factus es mihi adiutor. Et liberasti me
secundum multitudinem misericordiae nominis tui a
rugientibus praeparatis ad escam, de manibus
quaerentium animam meam, et de portis
tribulationum, quae circumdederunt me: a pressura
flammae, quae circumdedit me, et in medio ignis non
sum aestuata: de altitudine ventris inferi, et a lingua
coinquinata, et a verbo mendacii, a rege iniquo, et a
lingua iniusta: laudabit usque ad mortem anima mea
Dominum, quoniam eruis sustinentes te, et liberas
eos de manibus gentium, Domine Deus noster.
I will give glory to Thee, O Lord, O King, and I will
praise Thee, O God my Savior. I will give glory to Thy
Name, for Thou hast been a helper and protector to
me, and hast preserved my body from destruction,
from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips
of them that forge lies; and in the sight of them that
stood by Thou hast been my helper. And Thou hast
delivered me, according to the multitude of the
mercy of Thy Name, from them that did roar,
prepared to devour; out of the hands of them that
sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions which
compassed me about: from the oppression of the
flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the
fire I was not burnt: from the depth of the body of
hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying
words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous
tongue. My soul shall praise the Lord even unto
death: because Thou, O Lord our God, deliverest
them that wait for Thee, and savest them out of the
hands of the nations.

GRADUAL: PS. 44. 8

Dilexisti iustitiam, et odisti iniquitatem. V.: Propterea Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity V.:
unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, oleo laetitiae. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the
oil of gladness.

While the Celebrant, bowing down over the Altar, says silently the prayer of preparation for the reading of the
Holy Gospel, the Schola sings the Tract, which the Celebrant also recites silently.

TRACT: Ps. 44. 8, 5

Veni, sponsa Christi, accipe coronam, quam tibi Come thou, spouse of Christ, receive the crown
Dominus praeparavit in aeternum: pro cuius amore which the Lord hath prepared for thee from
sanguinem tuum fudisti. V.: Dilexisti iustitiam, et odisti everlasting: for the love of Whom thou didst shed thy
iniquitatem; propterea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, oleo blood. V.: (Ps. 44. 8, 5). Thou hast loved justice and
laetitiae prae consortibus tuis. V.: Specie tua, et hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath
pulchritudine tua intende, prospere procede, et regna. anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy
fellows. V.: With thy comeliness and thy beauty set
out, proceed prosperously, and reign.
 As the Celebrant crosses the Altar, ALL STAND for the GOSPEL

MATTHEW 13. 44-52

Dominus vobiscum. The Lord be with you

Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit.
Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Matthaeum The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to
Matthew
Gloria tibi, Domine. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

In illo tempore: Dixit Iesus discipulis suis parabolam
hanc: Simile est regnum caelorum thesauro abscondito
in agro, quem qui invenit homo, abscondit, et prae
gaudio illius vadit, et vendit universa quae habet, et
emit agrum illum. Iterum simile est regnum caelorum
homini negotiatori, quaerenti bonas margaritas.
Inventa autem una pretiosa margarita, abiit, et
vendidit omnia quae habuit, et emit eam. Iterum
simile est regnum caelorum sagenae missae in mare,
et ex omni genere piscium congreganti. Quam, cum
impleta esset, educentes, et secus littus sedentes,
elegerunt bonos in vasa, malos autem foras miserunt.
Sic erit in consummatione saeculi: exibunt Angeli, et
separabunt malos de medio iustorum, et mittent eos in
caminum ignis: ibi erit fletus, et stridor dentium.
Intellexistis haec omnia? Dicunt ei: Etiam. Ait illis: Ideo
omnis scriba doctus in regno caelorum, similis est
homini patrifamilias, qui profert de thesauro suo nova
et vetera.
At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this
parable: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a
treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having
found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth
all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the
Kingdom of Heaven is like to a merchant seeking
good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of
great price, went his way, and sold all that he had,
and bought it. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like
to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of
all kind of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they
drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out
the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels
shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from
among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace
of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of
teeth. Have ye understood all these things? They
say to him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every
scribe instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven is like to
a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out
of his treasure new things and old.

Laus tibi, Christe Praise to thee, O Christ.

If there is a Homily, it follows the Gospel, and ALL SIT.

All STAND and sing the CREED.

 Dominus vobiscum The Lord be with you.
Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit.
Oremus Let us pray:

ALL SIT. The Schola sings the Offertorium. The choir then sings the Offertory motet. The Celebrant continues with
the prayers of the offertory, as far as the Orate fratres.

ALL STAND for the incensation by the thurifer, bow to him, and then SIT again.
 OFFERTORY: Ps. 44. 3

Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis: propterea benedixit te Grace is poured abroad in thy lips: therefore hath
Deus in aeternum, et in saeculum saeculi. God blessed thee for ever, and for ages of ages.

OFFERTORY MOTET: Justorum Animae – William Byrd

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them.
In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: but they are in peace.

Orate fratres: ut meum ac vestrum sacrificium
acceptabile fiat apud Deum Patrem omnipotentem.
Suscipiat Dominus sacrificium de manibus tuis, ad
laudem et gloriam nominis sui, ad utlitatem quoque
nostram, totiusque Ecclesiae suae sanctae. Amen.
Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours, may be
acceptable to God the Father almighty.
May the Lord receive this sacrifice at thy hands, to
the praise and glory of His name, to our good
likewise, and to that of all His holy Church. Amen.

SECRET:

Suscipe Domine munera, quae in beatae Margaritae
Martyris tuae solemnitate deferimus: cuius nos
confidimus patrocinio liberari. Per Dominum nostrum,
Iesum Christum, Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et
regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia
saecula saeculorum.
Receive, O Lord, the gifts which we bring Thee, on
the feast of blessed Margaret Thy Martyr, by whose
patronage we hope to be delivered. Through our
Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth
with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world
without end.

The Celebrant then reads silently those prayers commonly called the Secret prayers.
At the end of the last of them, he raises his voice, and ALL STAND as he sings:

Per omnia saecula saeculorum. World without end.

Amen. Amen.
Dominus vobiscum. The Lord be with you.
Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit.
Sursum corda. Lift up your hearts.
Habemus ad Dominum. We have them lifted up unto the Lord.
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Dignum et justum est. It is meet and just.

Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos
tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte,
Pater Omnipotens, aeterne Deus. Qui corporali jejunio
vitia comprimis, mentem elevas, virtutem largiris et
praemia : per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem
majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant
Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Coeli, caelorumque
Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione
concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti
jubeas deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes:
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation
that we should at all times, and in all places, give
thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty,
everlasting God: Who by this bodily fast, dost curb
our vices, dost lift up our minds and bestow on us
strength and rewards; through Christ our Lord.
Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the
Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe.
The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with
the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to
celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee
that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted
while we say with lowly praise:

Here a bell is rung to give notice of the beginning of the Canon, or sacrificial part of the Mass.
ALL KNEEL. The Choir sings the SANCTUS.

While the choir is singing the Sanctus, the Celebrant continues with the Canon of the Mass in a low voice:

Te igitur clementissime Pater, per Jesum Christum Most merciful Father, we humbly pray and implore
 Filium tuum Dominum nostrum, supplices rogamus ac
petimus, uti accepta habeas, et benedicas haec dona,
haec munera, haec sacrificia illibata. In primis quae tibi
offerimus pro Ecclesia tua sancta Catholica; quam
pacificare, custodire, adunare, et regere digneris toto
orbe terrarum: una cum famulo tuo Papa nostro N, et
Antistite nostro N, et omnibus orthodoxis, atque
Catholicae et Apostolicae fidei cultoribus.
Memento Domine famulorum famularumque N. et N.
et omnium circumstantium, quorum tibi fides cognita
est, et nota devotio, pro quibus tibi offerimus: vel qui
tibi offerunt hoc sacrificium laudis pro se, suisque
omnibus: pro redemptione animarum suarum, pro spe
salutis et incolumitatis suae: tibique reddunt vota sua
aeterno Deo vivo et vero.
Communicantes, et memoriam venerantes in primis
gloriosae semper Virginis Mariae, Genitricis Dei et
Domini nostri Iesu Christi: sed et beatorum
Apostolorum ac Martyrum tuorum, Petri et Pauli,
Andreae, Iacobi, Ioannis, Thomae, Iacobi, Philippi,
Bartholomaei, Matthaei, Simonis, et Thaddei: Lini,
Cleti, Clementis, Xysti, Cornelii, Cypriani, Laurentii,
Chrysogoni, Ioannis et Pauli, Cosmae et Damiani: et
omnium Sanctorum tuorum; quorum meritis,
precibusque concedas, ut in omnibus protectionis tuae
muniamur auxilio. Per eumdem Christum Dominum
nostrum. Amen.
The Celebrant now spreads out his hands over the Oblation again, praying that Almighty God graciously accept it.
And here it is usual to give notice, by ringing the sanctuary bell, of the Consecration which is about to take place.
Hanc igitur oblationem servitutis nostrae, sed et
cunctae familiae tuae, quam tibi offerimus pro his
quoque, quos regenerare dignatus es ex aqua et Spiritu
Sancto, tribuens eis remissionem omnium
peccatorum,quaesumus Domine, ut placatas accipias:
diesque nostros in tua pace disponas, atque ab aeterna
damnatione nos eripi, et in electorum tuorum jubeas
grege numerari. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Quam oblationem tu Deus in omnibus, quaesumus,
benedictam, adscriptam, ratam, rationabilem,
acceptabilemque facere digneris: ut nobis Corpus et
Sanguis fiat dilectissimi Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu
Christi.
The Celebrant bows low to start the Consecration.
Qui pridie quam pateretur, accepit panem in sanctas ac
venerabilis manus suas: et elevatis oculis in coelum ad
te Deum Patrem suum omnipotentem, tibi gratias
agens, benedixit, fregit, deditque discipulis suis, dicens:
Thee, through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, to be
pleased to receive and bless these gifts, these
presents, these holy unblemished offerings. We offer
them to Thee in the first place for Thy holy Catholic
Church throughout the whole world. Be pleased to
keep her in peace, to watch over her, to gather her in
unity, and to guide her, and also for Thy servant our
Pope, N, for our bishop, N, and for all right believing
teachers of the Catholic apostolic faith.
Remember Lord Thy servants and handmaids N. and
N., and all here present whose faith and devotion
are known to Thee. We offer for them, or they
themselves offer, this sacrifice of praise for
themselves and all their own, for the redeeming of
their souls, for their hope of safety and salvation;
and they now send up their prayers to Thee, the
eternal living and true God
United in holy fellowship and reverently bringing to
mind also, firstly the glorious Mary, ever-virgin,
Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ, and then
the blessed Joseph, spouse of the same Virgin, and
Thy blessed apostles 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 Thy saints:
grant by their merits and prayers that at all times we
may be defended and helped by Thy protection.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
This then is our dutiful offering which we, Thy
servants and Thy whole family, make to Thee, Lord,
on behalf of those whom Thou hast vouchsafed to
bring to new birth by water and the Holy Ghost,
giving them remission of all their sins, entreating
Thee to accept it with favour. Order our days in Thy
peace, and cause us to be numbered among Thy
chosen ones. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be pleased, O God, to bless this offering, to accept it
fully, to make it perfect and worthy to please Thee,
so that it may become for us the Body and Blood of
Thy dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ
Who, the day before He suffered, took bread into
His holy and venerable hands, and with His eyes
lifted up to heaven, to Thee, God, His almighty
Father, giving thanks to Thee, He blessed broke, and
Accipite et manducate ex hoc omnes:
HOC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM.
The Celebrant genuflects, raises the Host for the congregation to adore, and genuflects again.
The bell is rung three times.
Simili modo postquam coenatum est, accipiens et hunc
praeclarum calicem in sanctas as venerabilis manus
suas: item tibi gratias agens, benedixit, deditque
discipulis suis dicens: Accipite et bibite ex eo omnes:
HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI, NOVI ET AETERNI
TESTAMENTI: MYSTERIUM FIDEI: QUI PRO VOBIS ET
PRO MULTIS EFFUNDETUR IN REMISSIONEM
PECCATORUM.
Haec quotiescumque feceritis in mei memoriam
facietis.
The Celebrant genuflects, raises the Chalice for the congregation to adore, and genuflects again.
The bell is rung three times. The choir sings the BENEDICTUS.
Unde et mores Domine, nos servi tui, sed et plebs tua
sancta, ejusdem Christi Filii tui Domini nostri tam
beatae passionis, nec non ab inferis resurrectionis, sed
et in coelos gloriosae ascensionis offerimus praeclare
majestate tuae de tuis donis ac datis, hostiam puram,
hostiam sanctam, hostiam immaculatam, panem
sanctum vitae aeternae, et calicem salutis perpetuae.
Supra quae propitio ac sereno vultu respicere digneris:
et accepta habere, sicuti accepta habere dignatus es
munera pueri tui justi Abel, et sacrificium patriarchae
nostri Abrahae: et quod tibi obtulit summus sacerdos
Melchisidech, sanctum sacrificium immaculatam
hostiam.
Supplices, te rogamus, omnipotens Deus: jube haec
perferri per manus sancti Angeli tui in sublime altare
tuum, in conspectu divinae majestatis tuae: ut
quotquot ex hac altaris participatione, sacrosanctum
Filii tui Corpus et Sanguinem sumpserimus, omni
benedictione coelesti et gratia repleamur. Per
eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Memento etiam, Domine, famulorum famularumque
tuarum N et N qui nos praecesserunt cum signo fidei,
et dormiunt in somno pacis.
Ipsis Domine et omnibus in Christo quiescentibus,
locum refrigerii, lucis et pacis, ut indulgeas,
deprecamur, per eumdem Christum Dominum
nostrum. Amen.
Nobis quoque peccatoribus famulis tuis, de
multitudine miserationum tuarum sperantibus, partem
gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and eat you all
of this:
FOR THIS IS MY BODY.
In like manner, after He had supped, taking also this
glorious chalice into His holy and venerable hands,
again giving thanks to Thee, He blessed and gave it
to His disciples, saying: Take and drink you all of this:
FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, OF THE
NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT: THE MYSTERY OF
FAITH: WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR
MANY UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS.
As often as you shall do these things, you shall do
them in memory of me.
Wherefore, Lord, in memory of the blessed passion
of the same Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, of His
resurrection from among the dead and of His
ascension into glory, we Thy servants and with us all
Thy holy people offer to Thy sovereign majesty, from
among Thy gifts bestowed upon us, a victim perfect,
holy and spotless, the holy bread of everlasting life
and the chalice of everlasting salvation.
Be pleased to look upon these offerings with a
favourable and gracious countenance; accept them
as Thou wast pleased to accept the offerings of Thy
servant Abel the righteous, the sacrifice of our father
Abraham, and that of Melchisidech, Thy high priest,
a holy sacrifice, a spotless victim.
We humbly imploreThee, almighty God, bid these
offerings to be carried by the hands of Thy holy
angel to Thine altar on high, that all who are
partakers at the altar of the precious Body and Blood
of Thy Son, may be filled with all heavenly grace and
blessing Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Remember also, Lord. Thy servants and handmaids,
N and N, who are gone hence before us, and sleep
the sleep of peace.
To them, Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant we
implore Thee, a place of happiness, light and peace.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
To us also, Thy sinful servants, who hope on the
multitude of Thy mercies, be pleased to grant some
aliquam et societatem donare digneris, cum tuis
sanctis Apostolis et Martyribus: cum Joanne,
Stephano, Mathia, Barnaba, Ignatio, Alexandro,
Marcellino, Petro, Felicitate, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucia,
Agnete, Caecilia, Anastasia, et omnibus sanctis tuis:
intra quorum nos consortium, non aestimator meriti,
sed veniae, quaesumus, largitor admitte. Per Christum
Dominum nostrum.
Per quem haec omnia, Domine, semper bona creas,
sanctificas, vivificas, benedicis et praestas nobis.
PER IPSUM, ET CUM IPSO, ET IN IPSO, EST TIBI DEO
PATRI OMNIPOTENTI, IN UNITATE SPIRITUS SANCTI,
OMNIS HONOR ET GLORIA, PER OMNIA SAECULA
SAECULORUM.
Amen.
ALL STAND:
Oremus:
Praeceptis salutaribus moniti, et divina institutione
formati, audemus dicere:
Pater noster, qui es in coelis, sanctificetur nomen
tuum: adveniat regnum tuum: fiat voluntas tua sicut in
coelo et in terra. Panum nostrum quotidianum da
nobis hodie et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos
dimittibus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in
tentatationem.
Sed libera nos a malo.
Amen.
Libera nos, quaesumus Domine, ab omnibus malis
praeteritis, praesentibus, et futuris: et intercedente
beata et gloriosa semper virgine Dei genitrice Maria,
cum beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, atque Andrea,
et omnibus sanctis, da propitius pacem in diebus
nostris: ut ope misericordiae tuae adjuti, et a peccato
semper liberi, et ab omni perturbatione securi. Per
eumdem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium
tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus
Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
Et cum spiritu tuo.
KNEEL:
Haec conmixto et consecratio Corporis et Sanguinis
Domini nostri Jesu Christi, fiat accipientibus nobis in
vitam aeternam.
The Choir sings the AGNUS DEI.
part and fellowship with Thy holy apostles and
martyrs; with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas,
Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity,
Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia,
and with all Thy saints. We pray Thee admit us into
their company, not weighing our merits, but
bestowing upon us Thine own free pardon. Through
Christ our Lord.
Through Him, O Lord, Thou dost ever create these
good things, and Thou dost hallow, quicken and
bless them as gifts for us.
BY HIM ANDWITH HIM AND IN HIM ARE EVER GIVEN
TO THEE, GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, IN THE UNITY
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ALL HONOUR AND GLORY, FOR
EVER AND EVER.
Amen.
ALL STAND:
Let us pray:
Taught by our Saviour's command, and following His
divine instruction we make bold to say:
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 them
that trespass against us. And lead us not into
temptation.
But deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Deliver us, we implore Thee, Lord, from all evils,
past, present and to come, and by the intercession
of the blessed and glorious Mary ever virgin, Mother
of God, and of Thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul,
and of Andrew and of all the saints, mercifully give
peace in our days; that through the help of Thy
mercy, we may always be free from sin, and safe
from all troubles. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with thy spirit.
KNEEL:
May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord
Jesus Christ avail us who receive it to everlasting life.
 The Celebrant continues with the following prayers as far as the Domine non sum dignus.

Domine Jesu Christe, qui dixisti Apostulis tuis: Pacem
relinquo vobis, pacem meam do vobis; ne respicias
peccata mea, sed fidem Ecclesiae tuae: eamque
secundum voluntatem tuam pacificare et coadunare
digneris: Qui vivis et regnas Deus per omnia saecula
saeculorum. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, who didst say to Thine apostles:
"Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you", look not
upon my sins, but upon the faith of Thy Church, and
be pleased to grant her peace and unity according to
Thy will, Thou who art God, living and reigning,
world without end. Amen

Domine Jesu Christe, Fili Dei vivi, qui ex voluntate
Patris, cooperante Spiritu Sancto, per mortem tuam
mundum vivificasti: libera me per hoc sacrosanctum
Corpus et Sanguinem tuum ab omnibus iniquitatibus
meis, et universis malis: et a te numquam seperari
permittas: Qui cum eodem Deo Patre et Spiritu Sancto
vivis et regnas Deus in saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who
according to the will of the Father, through the co-
operation of the Holy Spirit, by Thy death gave life to
the world: deliver me by this Thy most holy Body
and Blood from all transgressions and from all evils;
make me always adhere to Thy commandments and
never suffer me to be separated from Thee, who
with the same God the Father and the Holy Spirit
live and reign, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Perceptio Corporis tui, Domine Jesu Christe, quod ego
indignus sumere praesumo, non mihi proveniat in
judicium et condemnationem: sed pro tua pietate
prosit mihi ad tutamentum mentis et corporis, et ad
medelam percipiendam: Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo
Patre in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia
saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Let not the taking of Thy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ,
which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn
to my judgement and condemnation; but through
Thy goodness may it be unto me a safeguard and a
healing remedy both of soul and body; Thou who
dost live and reign with God the Father in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, God world without end. Amen.

Panem coelestem accipiam, et nomen Domini I will take the bread of heaven, and call upon the
invocabo. name of the Lord.

The Celebrant says the next prayer three times. The bell is rung three times.

Domine non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come
sed tantum dic verbo et sanabitur anima mea. under my roof; say but the word and my soul shall
be healed.

The Celebrant receives the Body of Christ, saying before doing so:

Corpus Domine nostri Jesu Christe custodiat animam
meam in vitam aeternam. Amen.
Quid retribuam Domino pro omnibus quae retribuat
mihi? Calicem salutaris accipiam, et nomen Domini
invocabo. Laudans invocabo Dominum, et ab inimicis
meis salvus ero.
May the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen.
What shall I render to the Lord for all the things that
He hath rendered to me? I will take the chalice of
salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord.
Praising, I will call upon the Lord,and I shall be saved
from my enemies.

The Celebrant receives the Blood of Christ, saying before doing so:

Sanguis Domini nostri Jesu Christe custodiat animam May the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my
meam in vitam aeternam. Amen. soul to life everlasting. Amen.

The Celebrant turns to the congregation and says:

Ecce Agnus Dei: ecce qui tollit peccata mundi. Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes
away the sins of the world.
Domine non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come
sed tantum dic verbo et sanabitur anima mea under my roof; say but the word and my soul shall
(Three times) be healed.

Those wishing to receive Holy Communion are reminded of the usual conditions:

One must be a baptised Catholic in communion with the Holy See.

One must have no unconfessed mortal sins.

One must have fasted at least one hour prior to receiving communion.

The Priest says to each, while giving the Host:

Corpus Domine nostri Jesu Christe custodiat animam May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy
tuam in vitam aeternam. Amen soul to life everlasting. Amen.

The communicant does not say ‘Amen’.

The Schola sings the Communion Antiphon followed by a motet from the choir.

COMMUNION: Ps. 118. 161-162

Principes persecuti sunt me gratis, et a verbis tuis Princes have persecuted me without cause, and my
formidavit cor meum: laetabor ego super eloquia tua, heart hath been in awe of Thy words: I will rejoice at
quasi qui invenit spolia multa. Thy words as one that hath found great spoil.

COMMUNION MOTET: Ave Verum Corpus – William Byrd

Hail true body, born of the Virgin Mary. Truly suffering, was sacrificed on the cross for mankind.
From whose pierced side flowed blood. Be for us a foretaste in the final judgement.
O sweet, O merciful, O Jesus, Son of Mary, have mercy on me. Amen.

Quod ore sumpsimus, Domine, pura mente capiamus:
et de munere temporali fiat nobis remedium
sempiternum.
Corpus tuum, Domine, quod sumpsi, et Sanguis, quem
potavi, adhaerat visceribus meis: et praesta; ut in me
non remaneat scelerum macula, quem pura et sancta
refecerunt sacramenta. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula
saeculorum. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, that what we have taken with our
mouth, we may receive with a pure mind: and that
from a temporal gift it may become for us an eternal
remedy.
May Thy Body, O Lord, which I have received and
Thy Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my inmost
parts, and grant that no stain of sin may remain in
me, whom these pure and holy sacraments have
refreshed. Who livest and reignest world without
end. Amen.

ALL STAND when the Celebrant turns to greet the people.

Dominus vobiscum The Lord be with you.

Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit.
Oremus Let us pray:

POSTCOMMUNION:

Auxilientur nobis, Domine, sumpta mysteria: et, May the Mysteries which we have received, help us,
intercedente beata Margaritae Martyre tua, O Lord; and by the intercession of blessed Margaret
sempiterna faciant protectione gaudere. Per Thy Martyr, may we ever enjoy their protection.
Dominum. Through our Lord.
Dominus vobiscum. The Lord be with you.
Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit.
Ite, missa est. The Mass is ended.
Deo gratias. Thanks be to God.

Placeat tibi, sancta Trinitas, obsequium servitutis
meae: et praesta; ut sacrificium, quod oculis tuae
majestatis indignus obtuli, tibi sit acceptabile, mihique
et omnibus, pro quibus illud obtuli, sit, te miserante,
propitiabile. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
May the homage of my bounden duty be pleasing to
Thee, O holy Trinity; and grant that the sacrifice
which I, though unworthy, have offered in the sight
of Thy majesty may be acceptable to Thee, and
through Thy mercy be a propitiation for me and for
all those for whom I have offered it. Through Christ
our Lord. Amen.

At this point, ALL KNEEL for the blessing, and then STAND for the Last Gospel.

Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater, et Filius, et May almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son
Spiritus Sanctus. Amen. and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Dominus vobiscum. The Lord be with you.

Et cum spiritu tuo. And also with you.
Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem. The beginning of the holy Gospel according to St.
John
Gloria tibi, Domine. Glory to Thee, O Lord.

In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum,
et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in principio apud
Deum. Omnia per ipsum facta sunt: et sine ipso
factum est nihil quod factum est: in ipso vita erat, et
vita erat lux hominem: et lux in tenebris lucet, et
tenebrae eam non comprehenderunt.
Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Johannes. Hic
venit in testimonium, ut testimonium, perhiberet de
lumine, ut omnes crederent per illum. Non erat ille
lux, sed ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine. Erat lux
vera, quae illuminat omnem hominem venientem in
hunc mundum, In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum
factus est, et mundus eum non cognovit. In propria
venit, et sui eum non receperunt. Quotquot autem
receperunt eum, dedit eis potestatem filios Dei fieri,
his, qui credunt in nomine ejus: qui non ex
sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex
voluntate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt. (Here all
genuflect) ET VERBUM CARO FACTUM EST, et habitavit
in nobis: et vidimus gloriam ejus, et gloriam
quasiunigeniti a Patre, plenum gratiae et veritatis.
Deo gratias.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God. The same was in
the beginning with God. All things were made by
Him, and without Him was made nothing that was
made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of
men: and the light shineth in darkness, and the
darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was
John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness
of the light, that all men through Him might believe.
He was not the light, but was to bear witness of the
light. That was the true light, which enlighteneth
every man that cometh into this world. He was in
the world. And the world was made by Him, and the
world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His
own received Him not. But as many as received Him,
to them gave He power to become the sons of God:
to them that believe in His name: who were born,
not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the
will of man, but of God. (Here all kneel) AND THE
WORD WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among us: And
we saw his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of
the Father, full of grace and truth.
Thanks be to God.

All remain standing. The choir sings Ave Regina Coelorum – William Byrd

Hail, Queen of the heavens, hail, ruler of the angels.

Hail, root, hail, portal from whom light has shone to the world.
Hail, Virgin most glorious, beautiful above all.
Farewell, O most comely, and pray to Christ for us.
Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata. Make me worthy to praise you, Holy Virgin.
Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos. Give me strength against your foes.

Oremus. Let us pray.

Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostrae
praesidium: ut, qui sanctae Dei Genetricis memoriam
agimus; intercessionis ejus auxilio, a nostris
iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per eundem Christum
Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Grant, O merciful God support in our weakness, that
we who keep the memory of the holy Mother of God
may, by the help of her intercession, be enabled to
arise from our sins. Through the same Christ our
Lord. Amen.

Immediately after Mass the celebrant, servers and choir will process back to the Sacristy.

The congregation is requested to remain in their seats.

You will then be directed to the West door of the Minster to begin your Procession.
 Map and directions for Procession:

The Procession will leave from the West door of the Minster, going via Deangate, Goodramgate and Kings Square
to the Shambles, the site of St. Margaret's shrine.

From there it will proceed via The Pavement, High Ousegate, crossing Ouse Bridge, the site of her execution,
and going up Micklegate and across onto Blossom Street, past the Bar Convent.

Proceeding along Blossom Street to the second set of traffic lights, you will turn right onto Dalton Terrace.
English Martyrs' church is on the right.
 BENEDICTION

A short service of
devotion to the
Blessed Sacrament

followed by veneration of the relic of

St Margaret Clitherow

ENGLISH MARTYRS' CHURCH

DALTON TERRACE, YORK
About Benediction

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is a solemn, short and quiet service, which often happens after Vespers,
although it does not appear in any official liturgical book. The service developed during the Middle Ages during
the Corpus Christi processions in which the Blessed Sacrament was held up for veneration. The service was
subsequently used at other times throughout the year as an opportunity to give thanks for the Mass and adore
Christ present under the form of bread. As a solemn ceremony, the priest vests in cope and stole. Altar servers
will vest in cassock and surplice.

The service consists of three parts:

I Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

II Adoration and Benediction (Blessing) of the Blessed Sacrament
III Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle

The most holy sacrament is translated into Latin as sanctissimum sacramentum. This is the consecrated bread
from the Mass. Because it has been consecrated it has now become, for the faithful, the Body of our Lord Jesus
Christ.

For the Benediction (blessing) of the Blessed Sacrament, the server dresses the priest in a special wrap with
which to handle the monstrance. This precious embroidered or silk wrap is called a humeral veil. It serves to
conceal the priest's arms and hands so that attention is focused not on him but on the monstrance.

The Divine Praises were originally written in Italian by Luigi Felici in 1797 for the purpose of making reparations
after saying profanity or blasphemy. The praises were expanded upon thereafter by Pius VII in 1801 and
eventually came into existence as a recitation following the Benediction, usually with the priest chanting each
line which is thereafter repeated by the congregation.

The faithful kneel throughout the service.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
The Celebrant and servers come in. The priest or deacon takes the consecrated host out of the tabernacle and
places it in the monstrance. The server rings a bell as the monstrance is placed on the altar. The faithful kneel at
the moment of exposition.

At the moment of Exposition – O Salutaris Hostia – Thurlow Weed

O salutaris hostia, O Saving Victim, opening wide

quae caeli pandis ostium; the gate of heaven to man below;
bella premunt hostilia; our foes press on from every side;
da robur, fer auxilium. thine aid supply, thy strength bestow.

Uni trinoque Domino, All praise and thanks to thee ascend

sit sempiterna Gloria. for ever more blest One in Three.
Qui vitam sine termino, O grant us life that shall not end
nobis donet in patria. In our true native land with thee.
Amen. Amen.

Opening Prayer
An opening prayer suitable for the occasion, collecting and offering the praise and the prayers of the faithful, may
be offered by the priest or deacon.

Prayer for England

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon
England, thy dowry, and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee. By thee it was that Jesus, our Saviour
and our hope, was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more. Plead for us
thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the cross, O Sorrowful Mother. Intercede for our
separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold, they may be united to the Chief Shepherd, the Vicar of thy
Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith, fruitful in good works, we may all deserve to see and praise God,
together with thee in our heavenly home. Amen.

Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

A time of silent adoration may be observed. Then during the second line of the hymn, Tantum Ergo
Sacramentum, all profoundly bow. Incense is offered once again during the second verse of the hymn.

Tantum Ergo – Thurlow Weed

Tantum ergo sacramentum Therefore we before him bending

veneremur cernui. this great sacrament revere.
Et antiquum documentum Types and shadows have their ending
novo cedat ritui. for the newer rite is here.
Praestet fides supplementum Faith our outward sense befriending
sensuum defectui. makes the inward vision clear.

Genitori genitoque Glory let us give and blessing

laus et iubilatio. to the Father and the Son.
Salus, honor, virtus quoque Honour, might and praise addressing
sit et benedictio. while eternal ages run.
Procedenti ab utroque Ever too his love confessing,
compar sit laudatio. who from both with both is one.
Amen. Amen

The Celebrant then stands and sings, and the people respond:

V. Panem de caelis praestitisti eis. V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven.
R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. R. Containing within it all Sweetness.
Oremus:
Deus, qui nobis sub sacramento mirabilis passionis
tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos
corporis et sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut
redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis jugiter sentiamus.
Qui vivis…
Amen.
Let us pray:
O God, who in a wonderful sacrament hast left unto
us a memorial of thy passion, grant, we beseech
thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries
of thy body and blood, that we may ever perceive
within ourselves the fruits of thy redemption. Who
livest… Amen.

The Celebrant receives the humeral veil on his shoulders. Then he goes up to the altar, takes the monstrance
into his hands, and turns towards the people. He gives the Benediction, making the sign of the cross over the
kneeling congregation. At the same time, the bell is rung three times and the server incenses the Blessed
Sacrament. Placing the monstrance back on the altar and giving up the humeral veil, the Celebrant kneels and
the choir sings in Latin: Laudes Divinae (THE DIVINE PRAISES)

Benedictus Deus. Blessed be God.

Benedictum nomen sanctum ejus.
Benedictus Jesus Christus verus Deus et verus homo.
Benedictum nomen Jesu. Benedictum Cor ejus
sacratissimum.
Benedictus eius Sanguis pretiosissimus.
Benedictus Jesus in sanctissimo altaris Sacramento.
Benedictus Sanctus Spiritus Paraclitus.
Benedicta magna Mater Dei, Maria sanctissima.
Benedicta sancta ejus et immaculata Conceptio.
Benedicta ejus Gloriosa Assumptio.
Benedictum nomen Mariae, Virginis et Matris.
Benedictus Sanctus Joseph, ejus castis simus sponsus.
Benedictus Deus in Angelis suis et in Sanctis suis.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus. Blessed be his most
Sacred Heart.
Blessed be his most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the
Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in his Angels and in his Saints.

Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle

Immediately after the singing of the Divine Praises, the Celebrant removes the Blessed Sacrament from the
monstrance and replaces It in the Tabernacle and the Antiphon and Psalm 117 are sung:

Adoremus in Aeternum - Gregorio Allegri

Adoremus in aeternum, Let us adore for ever,

sanctissimum sacramentum. the most holy sacrament.

Laudate Dominum omnes gentes; Praise the Lord all ye nations;

laudate eum omnes populi. Praise him all ye peoples.
Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus; Because his mercy is confirmed upon us;
et veritas Domini manet in aeternum. and the truth of the Lord remains forever.

Gloria patri et filio Glory be to the Father and to the Son

et spiritui sancto. and to the Holy Spirit.
Sicut erat in principio et nunc As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
et semper et in saecula saeculorum. world without end.
Amen. Amen.

Adoremus in aeternum, Let us adore for ever,

sanctissimum sacramentum. the most holy sacrament.
 The Relic of St Margaret Clitherow will now be venerated,
followed by the singing of the Laudes Regiae.

The following hymns will be sung during the veneration.

Faith of our fathers.
God of mercy and compassion.
Lord Jesus, think on me.

Cantor Christus vincit: Christus regnat: Christus imperat.

All Christus vincit: Christus regnat: Christus imperat.
Cantor Exaudi Christe.
All Exaudi Christe.
Cantor Summo Pontifici et universali Papae vita.
Salvator mundi:
All Tu illum adjuva.
Cantor Sancta Maria:
All Tu illum adjuva.
Cantor Sancte Petre:
All Tu illum adjuva.
Cantor Sancte Paule:
All Tu illum adjuva.
Cantor Sancte Gregori:
All Tu illum adjuva.
All Christus vincit: Christus regnat: Christus imperat.
Cantor Rex regum!
All Christus vincit.
Cantor Rex noster!
All Christus regnat.
Cantor Gloria nostra!
All Christus imperat.
Cantor Ipsi soli imperium Gloria et potestas, per immortalia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
All Christus vincit: Christus regnat: Christus imperat

Those people living in or near York may be interested to note that Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the
Roman Rite is held each Sunday evening at 6.30pm in English Martyrs' church, Dalton Terrace, York, with a
sung Mass usually every third Sunday of the month.
 St Margaret Clitherow (c1553 - 1586)

Margaret was born around 1553 in a house in Davygate, York. The house still stands today. Her
father was a wax chandler and she grew up in comfortable surroundings. She married John
Clitherow, a well thought of and wealthy butcher from The Shambles, on 1 July 1571. They had
three children. She converted to Catholicism during her marriage, but John remained a Protestant.

Following her conversion Margaret became a friend of the persecuted Roman Catholic population
and she raised her children in the Catholic faith (her son, Henry, went to France to train for the
priesthood). She regularly held Masses in her home. There was a hole cut between the attics of
her house and the house next door, so that a priest could escape if there was a raid.

In 1586, she was arrested and called before the York assizes for the crime of harbouring Roman
Catholic priests. She refused to plead to the case so as to prevent a trial that would entail her
children being made to testify, and she was executed by being crushed to death – the standard
punishment for refusal to plead. She was killed on Good Friday of 1586, 25 March, at the Tollbooth
on Ouse Bridge. The two sergeants who should have killed her could not carry out the task and
hired four desperate beggars to kill her. She was stripped naked and then laid out, with her arms
outstretched, upon a sharp rock the size of a man's fist. A door was put on top of her and slowly
loaded with an immense weight of rocks and stones (the small sharp rock would break her back
when the heavy rocks were laid on top of her). Her last known words were: “Jesu, Jesu, Jesu, Have
Mercy on Me!”. Her death occurred within fifteen minutes; she was left for 6 hours before the
weight was removed from her corpse. Margaret's execution was held in private, possibly because
it was so opposed by the residents of York.

After her death Margaret's body was buried in secret, on a rubbish heap (dunghill), within the
confines of York. This was done to avoid Catholics knowing where it was located and being able to
venerate her body. However, six weeks later, a party of Catholic men found her body, uncorrupted,
and buried it privately away from the town. Her hand was removed and is preserved in the chapel
of the Bar Convent, York.

After the execution, Elizabeth I wrote to the citizens of York to say how horrified she was at the
treatment of a fellow woman: due to her sex Margaret should not have been executed.

She was beatified in 1929 and canonised in 1970. Her feast day in the current Roman Catholic
calendar is 26 March.

On Friday, 29 August 2008, a commemorative plaque was installed at the Micklegate end of Ouse
Bridge to mark the site of her martyrdom. It is on the left hand side as you leave the city.

Margaret's house in The Shambles, now called the Shrine of the Saint Margaret Clitherow, is open
to the public and is served by the nearby Church of St Wilfrid.

***

Bibliography for notes on William Byrd & St. Margaret Clitherow:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Byrd
Margaret Clitherow, Saint of York by John Rayne-Davis, published by Highgate of Beverley, 2002.
MBIVB III/MMXI