The Apparition of the
Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes

Greater Double

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Candor est * lucis ætérnæ, et spéculum sine mácula.

Ant.    She is as the brightness * of everlasting light, and the unspotted mirror of the power of God.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

Dixit Dóminus Dómino meo: * Sede a dextris meis:
2  Donec ponam inimícos tuos, * scabéllum pedum tuórum.
3  Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: * domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum.
4  Tecum princípium in die virtútis tuæ in splendóribus sanctórum: * ex útero ante lucíferum génui te.
5  Jurávit Dóminus, et non pœnitébit eum: * Tu es sacérdos in ætérnum secúndum órdinem Melchísedech.
6  Dóminus a dextris tuis, * confrégit in die iræ suæ reges.
7  Judicábit in natiónibus, implébit ruínas: * conquassábit cápita in terra multórum.
8  De torrénte in via bibet: * proptérea exaltábit caput.

The Lord said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand:
2  Until I make thine enemies * thy footstool.
3  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
4  Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints : * from the womb before the day star have I begotten thee.
5  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
8  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Ant.    Candor est lucis ætérnæ, et spéculum sine mácula.

Ant.    She is as the brightness of everlasting light, and the unspotted mirror of the power of God.

Ant.    Múlier * amícta sole, et luna sub pédibus ejus, et in cápite ejus coróna stellárum duódecim.

Ant.    A woman, * clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

Laudáte, púeri, Dóminum: * Laudáte nomen Dómini.
2  (fit reverentia) Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.
3  A solis ortu usque ad occásum, * laudábile nomen Dómini.
4  Excélsus super omnes gentes Dóminus, * et super cælos glória ejus.
5  Quis sicut Dóminus, Deus noster, qui in altis hábitat, * et humília réspicit in cælo et in terra?
6  Súscitans a terra ínopem, * et de stércore érigens páuperem:
7  Ut cóllocet eum cum princípibus, * cum princípibus pópuli sui.
8  Qui habitáre facit stérilem in domo, * matrem filiórum lætántem.

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord, O ye his servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  (all bow) Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.
3  From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the Lord's Name be praised.
4  The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high, * and beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and in the earth?
6  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, * and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill.
7  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

Ant.    Múlier amícta sole, et luna sub pédibus ejus, et in cápite ejus coróna stellárum duódecim.

Ant.    A woman, clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

Ant.    Tu glória Jerúsalem, * tu lætítia Israël, tu honorificéntia pópuli nostri.

Ant.    Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, * thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation.

Psalmus 121.  Lætatus sum

Lætátus sum in his, quæ dicta sunt mihi: * In domum Dómini íbimus.
2  Stantes erant pedes nostri, * in átriis tuis, Jerúsalem.
3  Jerúsalem, quæ ædificátur ut cívitas: * cujus participátio ejus in idípsum.
4  Illuc enim ascendérunt tribus, tribus Dómini: * testimónium Israël ad confiténdum nómini Dómini.
5  Quia illic sedérunt sedes in judício, * sedes super domum David.
6  Rogáte quæ ad pacem sunt Jerúsalem: * et abundántia diligéntibus te:
7  Fiat pax in virtúte tua: * et abundántia in túrribus tuis.
8  Propter fratres meos, et próximos meos, * loquébar pacem de te:
9  Propter domum Dómini, Dei nostri, * quæsívi bona tibi.

Psalm 121.  Lætatus sum

I was glad when they said unto me, * We will go into the house of the Lord.
2  Our feet shall stand * in thy gates, O Jerusalem.
3  Jerusalem is built as a city * that is at unity in itself.
4  For thither did the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord, * to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.
5  For their seats have sat in judgment, * even the seats upon the house of David.
6  O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; * they shall prosper that love thee.
7  Peace be within thy walls, * and plenteousness within thy palaces.
8  For my brethren and companions' sakes, * I spake peace of thee.
9  Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God, * I have sought to do thee good.

Ant.    Tu glória Jerúsalem, tu lætítia Israël, tu honorificéntia pópuli nostri.

Ant.    Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation.

Ant.    Benedícta es tu, * Virgo María, a Dómino Deo excélso præ ómnibus muliéribus super terram.

Ant.    O Virgin Mary, * blessed art thou of the Most High God, above all the women upon the earth.

Psalmus 126.  Nisi Dominus

Nisi Dóminus ædificáverit domum, * in vanum laboravérunt qui ædíficant eam.
2  Nisi Dóminus custodíerit civitátem, * frustra vígilat qui custódit eam.
3  Vanum est vobis ante lucem súrgere: * súrgite postquam sedéritis, qui manducátis panem dolóris.
4  Cum déderit diléctis suis somnum: * ecce heréditas Dómini fílii : merces, fructus ventris.
5  Sicut sagíttæ in manu poténtis: * ita fílii excussórum.
6  Beátus vir qui implévit desidérium suum ex ipsis: * non confundétur cum loquétur inimícis suis in porta.

Psalm 126.  Nisi Dominus

Except the Lord build the house, * they labour in vain that build it.
2  Except the Lord keep the city, * the watchman waketh but in vain.
3  It is vain for you to rise up before the light : * rise ye after ye have sitten, ye that eat the bread of sorrow.
4  When he giveth his beloved sleep : * behold, children are the heritage of the Lord: the reward, and the fruit of the womb.
5  Like as the arrows in the hand of the mighty, * even so are the children of them that have been shaken.
6  Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; * he shall not be confounded when he shall speak with his enemies in the gate.

Ant.    Benedícta es tu, Virgo María, a Dómino Deo excélso præ ómnibus muliéribus super terram.

Ant.    O Virgin Mary, blessed art thou of the Most High God, above all the women upon the earth.

Ant.    Hódie nomen tuum * ita magnificávit Dóminus, ut non recédat laus tua de ore hóminum.

Ant.    This day * hath the Lord so magnified thy name, that thy praise shall never depart from the mouths of men.

Psalmus 147.  Lauda, Jerusalem

Lauda, Jerúsalem, Dóminum: * lauda Deum tuum, Sion.
2  Quóniam confortávit seras portárum tuárum: * benedíxit fíliis tuis in te.
3  Qui pósuit fines tuos pacem: * et ádipe fruménti sátiat te.
4  Qui emíttit elóquium suum terræ: * velóciter currit sermo ejus.
5  Qui dat nivem sicut lanam: * nébulam sicut cínerem spargit.
6  Mittit crystállum suum sicut buccéllas: * ante fáciem frígoris ejus quis sustinébit?
7  Emíttet verbum suum, et liquefáciet ea: * flabit spíritus ejus, et fluent aquæ.
8  Qui annúntiat verbum suum Jacob: * justítias, et judícia sua Israël.
9  Non fecit táliter omni natióni: * et judícia sua non manifestávit eis.

Psalm 147.  Lauda, Jerusalem

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; *  praise thy God, O Sion.
2  For he hath made fast the bars of thy gates, * and hath blessed thy children within thee.
3  Who hath placed peace in thy borders, * and filleth thee with the fat of the crops.
4  Who sendeth forth his commandment upon earth, * and his word runneth swiftly.
5  Who giveth snow like wool, * and scattereth the mist like ashes.
6  He sendeth his ice like morsels: * who is able to abide before the face of his frost?
7  He shall send out his word, and shall melt them: * his spirit shall breathe forth, and the waters shall flow.
8  Who declareth his word unto Jacob, * his statutes and judgments unto Israel.
9  He hath not dealt so with every nation; * neither hath he given them knowledge of his judgments.

Ant.    Hódie nomen tuum ita magnificávit Dóminus, ut non recédat laus tua de ore hóminum.

Ant.    This day hath the Lord so magnified thy name, that thy praise shall never depart from the mouths of men.

Capitulum           Cant. 2. 13.
Surge, amíca mea, speciósa mea, et veni, colúmba mea, in foramínibus petræ, in cavérna macériæ, osténde mihi fáciem tuam, sonet vox tua in áuribus meis.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Cant. 2. 13.
Arise my love, my fair one, and come away.  O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the covert of the steep place, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice.
R.  Thanks be to God.

If this feast have no II Vespers, instead of the following Hymn Ave, maris stella is used the Hymn Omnis expertem assigned to II Vespers.

KNEEL

Ave, maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo,
Felix cæli porta.

Sea-Star! we acclaim thee,
God's kind Mother name thee!
Hail, thou Maid immortal,
Heaven's blissful portal.

Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen cæcis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce.

Monstra te esse matrem,
Sumat per te preces,
Qui pro nobis natus
Tulit esse tuus.

Virgo singuláris,
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos, culpis solútos,
Mites fac et castos.

Vitam præsta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut, vidéntes Jesum,
Semper collætémur.

Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus,
Spirítui Sancto,
Tribus honor unus.  Amen.

Ask light for the blinded,
Free the worldly-minded;
Thus our ills repressing,
Win us every blessing.

Be to us a Mother;
For thy Son, our Brother,
Will, for our salvation,
Heed thy supplication.

Maiden meek and lowly,
Singularly holy,
Hardened sinners render
Meek and chaste and tender.

In straight paths direct us,
On our way protect us,
Till on Jesus gazing,
We shall join thy praising.

Doxology
Father, Son eternal,
Holy Ghost supernal,
Thee we bless as Trinal,
One and First and Final.  Amen.

St. Bernadette Soubirous

V.  My praise by thee accepted be, O hallowed Virgin.
R.  Obtain for me strength against thine enemies.

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Deus, qui per immaculátam Vírginis Conceptiónem dignum Fílio tuo habitáculum præparásti : súpplices a te quæsumus ; ut ejúsdem Vírginis Apparitiónem celebrántes, salútem mentis et córporis consequámur.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the blessed Virgin Mary didst consecrate a dwelling-place meet for thy Son : we humbly pray thee ; that we, observing the appearing of the same blessed Virgin, may obtain thy healing, both in body and soul.  Through the same.

Ant:  Veni, Sponsa Christi, áccipe corónam, quam tibi Dóminus præparávit in ætérnum.

Ant:  Come, thou bride of Christ, receive the crown which the Lord hath prepared for thee for ever.

V.  Diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.
R.  Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

V.  Full of grace are thy lips.
R.  Because God hath blessed thee for ever.

Oremus.
Deus, qui ánimam beátæ Vírginis tuæ Scholásticæ, ad ostendéndam innocéntiæ viam, in colúmbæ spécie cælum penetráre fecísti : da nobis, ejus méritis et précibus, ita innocénter vívere ; ut ad ætérna mereámur gáudia perveníre.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, who for a testimony to the path of innocency didst cause the soul of blessed Scholastica, thy Virgin, to enter heaven in the appearance of a dove : grant unto us, that by her merits and intercession we may walk in such innocency of life ; that we may be worthy to attain to everlasting felicity.  Through.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn

Invitatory and Hymn

Immaculátam Conceptiónem Vírginis Maríæ celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, * Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

Immaculátam Conceptiónem Vírginis Maríæ celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, * Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Immaculátam Conceptiónem Vírginis Maríæ celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, * Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods:  For the Lord will not cast off his people:  In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Immaculátam Conceptiónem Vírginis Maríæ celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, * Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Immaculátam Conceptiónem Vírginis Maríæ celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, * Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,  et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

Immaculátam Conceptiónem Vírginis Maríæ celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum.

Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, * Let us worship Christ her Son and Lord.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn. 

First Nocturn

Ant.    Ave, grátia plena ; * Dóminus tecum.

Ant.    Hail, full of grace ; * the Lord is with thee.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 8.  Domine, Dominus noster

Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!
2  Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.
3  Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.
4  Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.
5  Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?
6  Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.
7  Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas : ínsuper et pécora campi.
8  Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.
9  Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!
2  For thou hast set thy glory * above the heavens.
3  Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest destroy the enemy and the avenger.
4  For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
5  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
6  Thou madest him lower than the Angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and worship : * thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
7  Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet : * all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8  The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.
9  O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

Ant.    Ave, grátia plena ; Dóminus tecum.

Ant.    Hail, full of grace ; the Lord is with thee.

Ant.    Benedícta tu inter mulíeres * et benedíctus fructus ventris tui.

Ant.    Blessed art thou among women, * blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 18. Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.
3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.
4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.
5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.
6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cæli egréssio ejus.
7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.
8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.
9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.
10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sæculum sæculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.
11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.
12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.
13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.
14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.
15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.
16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

Psalm 18. Cæli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.
2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.
3  There is neither speech nor language; * where their voices are not heard.
4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.
5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
6  Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.
7  And his circuit even unto the end thereof; * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.
13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults : * save thy servant also from the sins of others.
14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.
15  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please, * and the meditation of my heart be alway in thy sight.
16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Ant.    Benedícta tu inter mulíeres et benedíctus fructus ventris tui.

Ant.    Blessed art thou among women, blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

Ant.    Ne tímeas, María, * invenísti grátiam apud Dóminum.

Ant.    Fear not, Mary, * thou hast found favour with God.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 23. Domini est terra

Dómini est terra, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et univérsi qui hábitant in eo.
2  Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.
3  Quis ascéndit in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?
4  Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, * qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.
5  Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.
6  Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.
7  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras, et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
8  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus fortis et potens : Dóminus potens in prælio.
9  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras,  et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
10  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

The earth is the Lord's, and all the fulness thereof; * the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon the rivers.
3  Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? * or who shall stand in his holy place?
4  Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor deceitfully sworn to his neighbour.
5  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his saviour.
6  This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
8  Who is this King of glory? * It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
9  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
10  Who is this King of glory? * Even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Ant.    Ne tímeas, María, invenísti grátiam apud Dóminum.

Ant.    Fear not, Mary, thou hast found favour with God.

STAND

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

Ego sapiéntia hábito in consílio et erudítis intérsum cogitatiónibus.  Timor Dómini odit malum : arrogántiam, et supérbiam, et viam pravam, et os bilíngue detéstor.  Meum est consílium et æquitas, mea est prudéntia, mea est fortitúdo.  Per me reges regnant, et legum conditóres justa decérnunt ; per me príncipes ímperant, et poténtes decérnunt justítiam.  Ego diligéntes me díligo ; et qui mane vígilant ad me, invénient me.

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.  The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.  Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.  By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.  By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Sapiéntia quæ attíngit a fine usque ad finem fórtiter, et dispónit ómnia suáviter, ædificávit sibi domum : * Ecce tabernáculum Dei cum homínibus.
V.  Vidi sanctam civitátem Jerúsalem novam, parátam sicut sponsam ornátam viro suo.
R.  Ecce tabernáculum Dei cum homínibus.

R.  Wisdom, which reacheth from one end to another mightily, and sweetly ordereth all things, the same hath builded her house : * Behold the tabernacle of God is with men.
V.  I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
R.  Behold the tabernacle of God is with men.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

Mecum sunt divítiæ et glória, opes supérbæ et justítia.  Mélior est enim fructus meus auro et lápide pretióso, et genímina mea argénto elécto.  In viis justítiæ ámbulo, in médio semitárum judícii, ut ditem diligéntes me et thesáuros eórum répleam.  Dóminus possidébit me in inítio viárum suárum, ántequam quidquam fáceret a princípio.  Ab ætérno ordináta sum et ex antíquis, ántequam terra fíeret.  Nondum erant abyssi, et ego jam concépta eram ; necdum fontes aquárum erúperant, necdum montes gravi mole constíterant ; ante colles ego parturiébar.

Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.  My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.  I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.  The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.  I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.  When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.  Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Quasi arcus refúlgens inter nébulas, et quasi flos rosárum in diébus vernis, et quasi lília in tránsitu aquæ, * Sic fulget Virgo immaculáta.
V.  Arcum meum ponam in núbibus, et erit signum fœderis mei vobíscum.
R.  Sic fulget Virgo immaculáta.

R.  As the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds, and as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and as lilies by the rivers of water, * So appeareth the immaculate Virgin.
V.  I will set my rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a Covenant between me and the earth.
R.  So appeareth the immaculate Virgin.

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Beátus homo qui audit me, et qui vígilat ad fores meas quotídie, et obsérvat ad postes óstii mei.  Qui me invénerit, invéniet vitam, et háuriet salútem a Dómino ; qui autem in me peccáverit, lædet ánimam suam.  Omnes, qui me odérunt, díligunt mortem.  Sapiéntia ædificávit sibi domum, excídit colúmnas septem.  Immolávit víctimas suas, míscuit vinum et propósuit mensam suam.  Misit ancíllas suas ut vocárent ad arcem et ad mœnia civitátis : Si quis est párvulus, véniat ad me.  Et insipiéntibus locúta est : Veníte, comédite panem meum, et bíbite vinum quod míscui vobis.

Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.  For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.  But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.  Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.  She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Surge, amíca mea, speciósa mea, et veni, colúmba mea : * Osténde mihi fáciem tuam, sonet vox tua in áuribus meis.
V.  Vox túrturis audíta est in terra nostra.
R.  Osténde mihi fáciem tuam, sonet vox tua in áuribus meis.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Osténde mihi fáciem tuam, sonet vox tua in áuribus meis.

R.  Rise up, my love, my fair one, my dove, and come away : * Let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice.
V.  The voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land.
R.  Let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice.

Second Nocturn

St. Bernadette

Ant.    Fecit mihi magna * qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus.

Ant.    He that is mighty * hath magnified me, and holy is his Name.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 44.  Eructavit cor meum

Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: * dico ego ópera mea Regi.
2  Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.
3  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.
4  Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.
5  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.
6  Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.
7  Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corde inimicórum Regis.
8  Sedes tua, Deus, in sæculum sæculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.
9  Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.
10  Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.
11  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.
12  Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.
13  Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.
14  Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.
15  Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.
16  Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.
17  Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.
18  Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.
19  Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.
20  Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sæculum sæculi.

My heart is inditing of a good matter; * I speak my works unto the King.
2  My tongue is the pen of a writer : * that writeth swiftly.
3  Thou art fairer than the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, * therefore hath God hath blessed thee for ever.
4  Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou Most Mighty.
5  In thy comeliness, yea in thy beauty : * go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.
6  Because of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; * and thy right hand shall wondrously lead thee.
7  Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shall be subdued unto thee; *  even in the hearts of the King's enemies.
8  Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, * whereby the daughters of kings have made thee glad in thy glory.
11  Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, * wrought about with divers colours.
12  Hearken, O daughter, consider, and incline thine ear; * forget also thine own people, and thy father's house.
13  So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and they shall worship him.
14  And the daughters of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * yea, all the rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
15  The King's daughter is all glorious within; * in wrought gold clothed round about with divers colours.
16  Virgins shall be brought after her unto the King : * her neighbours shall be brought unto thee.
17  With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * they shall be brought into the King's temple.
18  Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou shalt make princes over all the earth..
19  They shall remember thy Name * throughout all generations.
20  Therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee for ever, * yea, and for ever, and world without end.

Ant.    Fecit mihi magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus.

Ant.    He that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his Name.

Ant.    Sanctificávit * tabernáculum suum Altíssimus : Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur.

Ant.    The Most Highest * hath hallowed his tabernacle : God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 45.  Deus noster refugium

Deus noster refúgium, et virtus: * adjútor in tribulatiónibus, quæ invenérunt nos nimis.
2  Proptérea non timébimus dum turbábitur terra: * et transferéntur montes in cor maris.
3  Sonuérunt, et turbátæ sunt aquæ eórum: * conturbáti sunt montes in fortitúdine ejus.
4  Flúminis ímpetus lætíficat civitátem Dei: * sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.
5  Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur: * adjuvábit eam Deus mane dilúculo.
6  Conturbátæ sunt Gentes, et inclináta sunt regna: * dedit vocem suam, mota est terra.
7  Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.
8  Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dómini, quæ pósuit prodígia super terram: * áuferens bella usque ad finem terræ.
9  Arcum cónteret, et confrínget arma: * et scuta combúret igni.
10  Vacáte, et vidéte quóniam ego sum Deus: * exaltábor in Géntibus, et exaltábor in terra.
11  Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

Psalm 45.  Deus noster refugium

God is our hope and strength, * a very present help in trouble, which hath found us exceedingly.
2  Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, * and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
3  Though the waters thereof rage and swell, * and though the mountains shake at the strength of the same.
4  The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God; * the Most Highest hath made holy his tabernacle.
5  God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed; * God shall help her, and that right early.
6  The nations were troubled, and the kingdoms were bowed down; * but he hath shewed his voice, and the earth hath been moved.
7  The Lord of Hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8  O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord : what wonders he hath brought upon the earth : * he maketh wars to cease even to the end of the earth.
9  He shall break the bow, and break the spear in sunder, * and the shield he shall burn in the fire.
10  Be still then, and know that I am God: * I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth.
11  The Lord of Hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Ant.    Sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus : Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur.

Ant.    The Most Highest hath hallowed his tabernacle : God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed.

Ant.    Dóminus possédit te * in inítio viárum suárum, et in caritáte perpétua diléxit te.

Ant.    The Lord possessed thee * in the beginning of his way, before his works of old, yea he hath loved thee with an everlasting love.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 86.  Fundamenta ejus

Fundaménta ejus in móntibus sanctis: * díligit Dóminus portas Sion super ómnia tabernácula Jacob.
2  Gloriósa dicta sunt de te, * cívitas Dei.
3  Memor ero Rahab, et Babylónis * sciéntium me.
4  Ecce alienígenæ, et Tyrus, et pópulus Æthíopum, * hi fuérunt illic.
5  Numquid Sion dicet: Homo, et homo natus est in ea: * et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus?
6  Dóminus narrábit in scriptúris populórum, et príncipum: * horum, qui fuérunt in ea.
7  Sicut lætántium ómnium: * habitátio est in te.

Psalm 86.  Fundamenta ejus

The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains : * the Lord loveth the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
2  Glorious things of thee are spoken, * thou city of God.
3  I will be mindful of Rahab and Babylon, * with them that know me.
4  Behold ye the Philistines also; and they of Tyre, with the people of the Ethiopians; * lo, these were there.
5  Shall not Sion say: Man, by man is born in her : * and the Most High himself hath stablished her.
6  The Lord shall write in the scriptures of the people and of the princes; * of them that have been born in her.
7  As it were of all rejoicing : * the dwelling is in thee.

Ant.    Dóminus possédit te in inítio viárum suárum, et in caritáte perpétua diléxit te.

Ant.    The Lord possessed thee in the beginning of his way, before his works of old, yea he hath loved thee with an everlasting love.

STAND

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Anno quarto a dogmática definitióne de immaculáto beátæ Vírginis Concéptu, ad Gavi flúminis oram prope óppidum Lourdes diœcésis Tarbiénsis in Gállia, ipsa Virgo in rupis sinu super specum Massabiélle puéllæ cuídam, vernácula lingua Bernadétte nuncupátæ, paupérrimæ quidem sed ingénuæ ac piæ, plúries se conspiciéndam óbtulit.  Immaculáta Virgo juveníli ac benígno videbátur aspéctu, nívea veste niveóque pállio contécta, ac zona cærúlea succíncta ; nudos pedes áurea rosa ornábat.  Primo apparitiónis die, qui fuit undécimus Februárii anno millésimo octingentésimo quinquagésimo octávo, puéllam signum crucis rite piéque faciéndum edócuit, atque ad sacri rosárii recitatiónem, exémplo suo, corónam, quæ prius ex bráchio demíssa pendébat, manu advólvens, excitávit : quod in céteris étiam apparitiónibus præstitit.  Altero autem apparitiónis die, puélla in simplicitáte cordis sui, diabólicam fraudem timens, lustrálem aquam in Vírginem effúdit ; sed beáta Virgo, léniter arrídens, benigniórem illi vultum osténdit.  Cum vero tértio apparuísset, puéllam ad specum per quíndecim dies invitávit.  Exínde eam sæpius est allocúta, ac pro peccatóribus oráre, terram deosculári, pœnitentiámque ágere est hortáta ; deínde imperávit, ut sacerdótibus edíceret, ædificándum ibi esse sacéllum, solemnísque supplicatiónibus more illo accedéndum.  Mandávit ínsuper ut e fonte, qui sub arena adhuc latébat sed mox erat eruptúrus, aquam bíberet, eáque se abstérgeret.  Dénique die festo Annuntiatiónis, percontánti eníxe puéllæ illíus nomen, cujus aspéctu tóties dignáta fúerat, Virgo, admótis péctori mánibus elatísque in cælum óculis, respóndit : Immaculáta Concéptio ego sum.

In the fourth year after the definition of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, the Virgin herself deigned to appear on several occasions to a certain very poor but pious and innocent girl named Bernadette, in a rock cavern overlooking the grotto of Massabielle, on the banks of the River Gave, near the town of Lourdes in the diocese of Tarbes in France.  The Immaculate Virgin shewed herself as a young and gracious figure, robed in white, with a white veil and a blue girdle, and golden roses on her bare feet.  At the first apparition on February 11, 1858, she taught the child to make the sign of the Cross correctly and devoutly, and, taking a chaplet from her own arm, encouraged her by example to say the holy Rosary ; this was also repeated in the subsequent apparitions.  On the second day the girl, who feared some deceit of the devil, in all simplicity cast holy water at the Virgin, who smiled more graciously than before.  At the third apparition, the girl was invited to repeat her visits to the grotto for fifteen days.  During this time the Virgin conversed with her, exhorted her to pray for sinners, to kiss the ground and do penance ; and finally commanded her to tell the priests, that a chapel was to be built in that place, and that pilgrims should come to it solemnly in prayer.  She was also told to drink and wash in the water from a spring, until then invisible, but which soon gushed out of the ground.  On the feast of the Annunciation the girl earnestly begged the Virgin, who had so often visited her, to reveal her name, and, joining her hands and raising her eyes to heaven, she said : I am the Immaculate Conception.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Quæ est ista, quæ progréditur quasi auróra consúrgens, * Pulchra ut luna, elécta ut sol?
V.  Ipsa est colúmba mea, perfécta mea, immaculáta mea.
R.  Pulchra ut luna, elécta ut sol.

R.  Who is she, that cometh forth like as the morn in its dawning, * She that is fair as the moon, clear as the sun?
V.  She is my dove, my perfect one, my undefiled one.
R.  Fair as the moon, bright as the sun.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

Percrebrescénte fama beneficiórum, quæ in sacro specu recepísse fidéles dicebántur, augebátur in dies hóminum concúrsus, quos loci relígio ad specum advocábat.  Itaque prodigiórum fama puellæque candóre mortus Tarbiénsis epíscopus, quarto ab enarrátis anno, post jurídiam factórum inquisitiónem, supernaturáles esse apparitiónis notas sua senténtia probávit, cultúmque Vírginis immaculátæ in eódem specu permísit.  Mox ædificátum sacéllum : ex illa die pene innúmeræ fidélium turbæ, voti ac supplicatiónis causa, ex Gállia, Bélgio, Itália, Hispánia ceterísque Európæ provínciis necnon ex longínquis Amerícæ regiónibus quovis anno illuc advéniunt, noménque Immaculátæ de Lourdes ubíque terrárum inclaréscit.  Fontis aqua, in cunctas orbis partes deláta, ægris sanitátem restítuit.  Orbis vero cathólicus tantórum memor benefactórum, ædes sacras mirábili ópere ibi exstrúxit.  Vexílla innúmera, acceptórum beneficiórum véluti sede immaculáta Virgo júgiter cólitur : intérdiu quidem précibus, religióso cantu solemnibúsque áliis cæremóniis ; noctu vero sacris illis supplicatiónibus, quibus infinítæ propémodum peregrinántium turbæ céreis facibúsque accénsis procédunt et laudes beátæ Vírginis cóncinunt.

Widespread reports of favours which the faithful were said to have received at the sacred grotto, in time increased the crowds of people, which the devotion of the place was calling to the grotto.  Therefore the Bishop of Tarbes, who had been impressed by the report of the miracles and the sincerity of the girl, four years after these events, after a judicial inquiry, recognized the supernatural character of the apparition, and permitted the worship of the Immaculate Virgin to be held in the grotto.  A chapel was soon built ; and since then, almost innumerable crowds of the faithful, because of vows and prayers, have come here every year from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and all parts of Europe and the most remote parts of America, and the name of the Immaculate of Lourdes hath become famous in all countries.  Water from the fountain, carried to all parts of the globe, hath restored health to the sick.  And the Catholic world, mindful of so many benefits, hath built beautiful churches there.  Countless banners, proofs of favours received, sent there by cities and nations, decorate the temple of the Virgin with a marvellous beauty.  The Immaculate Virgin is constantly venerated, as if in her own palace.  The days are filled with prayers, sacred singing, and other solemn ceremonies ; and the nights are sanctified by the pious supplications of almost countless people who walk in procession carrying lighted candles and torches, and singing the praises of the blessed Virgin.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Erit in novíssimis diébus mons præparátus Virgini Maríæ in vértice móntium, et elevábitur super cælos, et ibunt pópuli multi et dicent : * Veníte et ascendámus ad montem.
V.  Sicut lætántium ómnium habitátio est in te.
R.  Veníte et ascendámus ad montem.

R.  And in the latter days a mountain shall be established for the Virgin Mary in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills unto the heavens, and many people shall say : * Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.
V.  All they that dwell in thee are in gladness.
R.  Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

Peregrinatiónes hujúsmodi fidem, frigescénte sæculo, excitásse, ánimum ad christiánam legem profiténdam addidísse, cultúmque Vírginis immaculátæ mirum in modum auxísse, ómnibus compértum est.  In qua mirábili fídei professióne christiánus pópulus sacerdótes véluti duces habet, qui illuc suas plebes addúcunt.  Ipse étiam Sacrórum antístites sanctum locum frequénter ádeunt, peregrinatiónibus præsunt, solemnioribúsque festis intérsunt.  Nec ádeo rarum est ipsos Románæ Ecclésiæ purpurátos patres húmili peregrinórum more accedéntes conspícere.  Ipsi quoque Románi Pontífices, pro sua erga Immaculátam de Lourdes pietáte, sacram ædem donis nobilíssimis cumulárunt.  Pius nonus, sacris indulgéntiis, archiconfratérnitas privilégio ac minóris Basílicæ título ipsam insignívit ; ac Deíparæ imáginem ibídem cultam, solémni ritu per legátum suum apostólicum in Gállia, diadémate distínctam vóluit.  Leo vero décimus tértius innúmera étiam cóntulit benefícia, indulgéntias ad modum jubilæi vigésimo quinto Apparitiónis anno verténte concéssit, peregrinatiónes sua auctoritáte verbóque provéxit, ac solémnem Ecclésiæ sub título Rosárii dedicatiónem suo nómine péragi curávit.  Quorum beneficiórum amplitúdinem cumulávit, cum, plúrium episcopórum rogátu, solémne festum sub título Apparitiónis beátæ Maríæ Vírginis immaculátæ, próprio Offício et própria Missa celebrándum benígne concéssit.  Tandem Pius décimus Póntifex máximus pro sua erga Deíparam pietáte, ac plurimórum votis ánnuens Sacrórum antístitum, idem festum ad Ecclésiam univérsam exténdit.

It is evident to all that pilgrimages of this kind have revived faith in a world grown indifferent, have given inspiration to the profession of the Christian faith, and have wonderfully increased devotion to the Immaculate Virgin.  The Christian people have priests as leaders in this wonderful profession of faith, who bring their flocks there.  Even bishops frequently visit the holy spot, lead pilgrimages, and take part in the more solemn feasts.  And it is not uncommon for the eminent Cardinals of the Roman Church themselves to be seen as humble pilgrims.  The Roman Pontiffs themselves also have, out of their piety towards the Immaculate of Lourdes , showered many noble gifts upon the sacred temple.  Pius IX enriched it with sacred indulgences, gave it the privilege of an Archconfraternity and the title of a minor basilica ; and delegated his apostolic legate in France to crown, with solemn rites, the statue of the Mother of God venerated in that place.  Leo XIII also granted very many favours, jubilee indulgences on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Apparition, and promoted pilgrimages by his authority and suggestion, and ordained that the solemn dedication of the church, under the title of the Rosary, should be done in his name.  Moreover he crowned all these favours by granting, at the request of many bishops, the celebration of a solemn feast under the title of the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate, with a proper Office and Mass.  Finally Pius X, out of devotion to the Mother of God, granted the petition of many bishops that this feast should be extended to the Universal Church.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Prævenísti eam, Dómine, in benedictiónibus dulcédinis, posuísti in cápite ejus * Corónam de lápide pretióso.
V.  Magna est glória ejus in salutári tuo, glóriam et magnum decórem impónes super eam.
R.  Corónam de lápide pretióso.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Corónam de lápide pretióso.

R.  Thou shalt prevent her, O Lord, with the blessings of goodness, thou shalt set upon her head * A crown of precious stones.
V.  Great is her honour in thy salvation ; glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon her.
R.  A crown of precious stones.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  A crown of precious stones.

The incorrupt body of St. Bernadette

If this Feast be reduced to the rank of Simple, and Lesson IX of this Feast is to be said according to the Rubrics, the following abbreviated version may be used.

Anno quarto a dogmática definitióne de immaculáto beátæ Vírginis Concéptu, ad Gavi flúminis oram prope óppidum Lourdes diœcésis Tarbiénsis in Gállia, cum puélla quædam, nómine Bernadétte, in rupis sinu plúries se immaculátam Dei Genitrícem conspexísse asséreret, tot et tanta mirabília facta sunt, ut dígitum Dei ibi esse prudens quisque et pius Christifidélis fácile intellígeret.  Quæ inter illud est célebre quod ægri hauriéntes aquam e fonte in specu tunc primo mirabíliter scaténte, sæpe sæpius sanitátem recípiant.  Percrebrescénte ítaque fama beneficiórum quæ in sacro specu recepísse fidéles dicebántur, et aucto in dies hóminum concúrsu, Tarbiénsis epíscopus, post jurídicam factórum inquisitiónem, cultum ejúsdem Vírginis immaculátæ in eódem specu permísit.  Mox ædificáto templo, innúmeræ fidélium turbæ quovis anno illuc advéniunt, noménque Deíparæ immaculátæ ubíque terrárum in dies inclaréscit ; eo magis, quod síngulis annis, duránte processióne sanctíssimi Sacraménti, infírmis úndique eo delátis, nonnúlli, sanatiónem a Dómino per intercessiónem immaculátæ Matris peténtes, íllico convaléscunt.  Quibus jure commótus summus Póntifex Pius décimus, festum, a Leóne décimo tértio alíquibus locis concéssum ad univérsam exténdit Ecclésiam.

About four years after the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, a girl named Bernadette asserted that she had seen the Immaculate Mother of God several times.  The place of the apparition was a grotto of the cliff by the bank of the Gave river, near the town of Lourdes, France, in the diocese of Tarbes.  The many great miracles which followed were evidence enough for any prudent and faithful Christian that the finger of God was there.  The location of a hitherto unknown spring at the grotto had been revealed in one of the apparitions ; and the miracles for which Lourdes became best known were those very frequent occasions when the sick regained their health after drinking the water of the spring.  And so, as news of the benefits said to be received by the faithful at the holy grotto was spreading abroad and the number coming there was increasing day by day, the Bishop of Tarbes carried out an official investigation and then gave permission for the cult of the Immaculate Virgin at the grotto.  Soon a church was built.  Vast crowds of the faithful have come to Lourdes each year, and the name of the Immaculate Mother of God continueth to increase in glory all over the world.  Adding to this glory are the events during the procession of the most Blessed Sacrament : year after year, among the sick brought to Lourdes from all parts of the world to ask health from the Lord through the intercession of his Immaculate Mother, many are immediately cured.  Rightly influenced by these events, Pope Pius X extended to the Universal Church the feast already granted to certain places by Leo XIII.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.<