Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

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COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

At Second Vespers of St. Hyacinth, C.

Ant:  Virgo prudentíssima, quo progréderis, quasi auróra valde rútilans?  Fília Sion, tota formósa et suávis es, pulchra ut luna, elécta ut sol.

Ant:  O wisest of virgins, whither goest thou, like to the Day-Spring gloriously rising?  O daughter of Sion, altogether lovely art thou, and pleasant for delights, fair as the moon, clear as the sun.

If, however, the Office of the Octave be not celebrated on this day, the following Antiphon is substituted :

Ant:  Hódie María Virgo cælos ascéndit : gaudéte, quia cum Christo regnat in ætérnum.

Ant:  As on this day the Virgin Mary went up into heaven ; rejoice ye, for with Christ she reigneth for ever and ever.

V.  Exaltáta est sancta Dei Génitrix.
R.  Super choros Angelórum ad cæléstia regna.

V.  Thou art exalted, O holy Mother of God.
R.  Above choirs of Angels, unto the heavenly kingdom.

Oremus.
Omnípotens sempiterne Deus, qui Immaculátam Vírginem Maríam, Fílii tui Genitrícem, córpore et ánima ad cæléstem glóriam assumpsísti : concéde, quæsumus ; ut ad supérna semper inténti, ipsíus glóriæ mereámur esse consórtes.  (Per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum.)

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast taken up into heavenly glory both the body and soul of the Mother of thy Son, the immaculate Virgin Mary : grant, we beseech thee ; that we may in such wise set our affections on things above ; that we may finally attain unto fellowship with her in glory.  (Through the same.)

Ant:  Iste Sanctus pro lege Dei sui certávit usque ad mortem, et a verbis impiórum non tímuit ; fundátus enim erat supra firmam petram.

Ant:  This is a Saint who strove for the truth, even unto death, and feared not the words of sinful men, forasmuch as he was founded upon a sure foundation.

V.  Glória et honóre coronásti eum, Dómine.
R.  Et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

V.  Thou hast crowned him with glory and worship, O Lord.
R.  And hast made him to have dominion of the works of thy hands.

Oremus.
Lætétur Ecclésia tua, Deus, beáti Agapíti Mártyris tui confísa suffrágiis : atque ejus précibus gloriósis, et devóta permáneat, et secúra consístat.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Grant, O Lord, that thy Church may with all gladness trust in the advocacy of thy blessed Martyr Agapitus : and that by his glorious intercession it may be enabled to continue stedfastly in all godly devotion, and established in security against all adversities.  Through.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn
 

Invitatory and Hymn

Veníte, adorémus Regem regum, * Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

O come let us worship the King of kings, * This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

Veníte, adorémus Regem regum, * Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

O come let us worship the King of kings, * This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

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.

Veníte, adorémus Regem regum, * Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

O come let us worship the King of kings, * This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

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.

Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

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.

Veníte, adorémus Regem regum, * Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

O come let us worship the King of kings, * This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

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.

Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

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.

Veníte, adorémus Regem regum, * Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

O come let us worship the King of kings, * This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

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.

Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

Veníte, adorémus Regem regum, * Cujus hódie ad æthéreum Virgo Mater assúmpta est cælum.

O come let us worship the King of kings, * This day was his Virgin Mother taken to the heavens above.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn.  The Psalms with their Antiphons are taken from the current weekday, according to the following table. 

First Nocturn

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.

De Cánticis canticórum

The Lesson is taken from the Canticle of Canticles

Tota pulchra es, amíca mea, et mácula non est in te.  Veni de Líbano, sponsa mea, veni de Líbano : veni, coronáberis, de cápite Amana, de vértice Sanir et Hermon, de cubílibus leónum, de móntibus pardórum.  Vulnerásti cor meum, soror mea, sponsa, vulnerásti cor meum in uno oculórum tuórum et in uno crine colli tui.  Hortus conclúsus, soror mea sponsa, hortus conclúsus, fons signátus.

Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.  Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.  Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.  A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

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

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

R.  Vidi speciósam sicut colúmbam, ascendéntem désuper rivos aquárum, cujus inæstimábilis odor erat nimis in vestiméntis ejus ; * Et sicut dies verni circúmdabant eam flores rosárum et lília convállium.
V.  Quæ est ista quæ ascéndit per desértum sicut vírgula fumi ex aromátibus myrrhæ et thuris?
R.  Et sicut dies verni circúmdabant eam flores rosárum et lília convállium.

R.  I saw her, when fair as a dove, she winged her flight above the rivers of waters.  The priceless savour of her perfumes hung heavy in her garments, * And about her it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and as lilies of the valley.
V.  Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense?
R.  And about her it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and as lilies of the valley.

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.

Pulchra es, amica mea, suávis et decóra sicut Jerúsalem : terríbilis ut castrórum ácies ordináta.  Una est colúmba mea, perfécta mea, una est matris suæ, elécta genitríci suæ.  Vidérunt eam fíliæ, et beatíssimam prædicavérunt : regínæ, et laudavérunt eam.  Quæ est ista, quæ progréditur, quasi auróra consúrgens, pulchra ut luna, elécta ut sol, terríbilis ut castrórum ácies ordináta?  Quæ est ista, quæ ascéndit de desérto delíciis áffluens, inníxa super diléctum suum?

Thou art beautiful, O my love, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.  My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens, and they praised her.  Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?  Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?

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

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

R.  Sicut cedrus exaltáta sum in Líbano, et sicut cypréssus in monte Sion : quasi myrrha elécta, * Dedi suavitátem odóris.
V.  Et sicut cinnamómum et bálsamum aromatízans.
R.  Dedi suavitátem odóris.

R.  I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree upon the mountain of Hermon, and like the best myrrh * I yielded a pleasant odour.
V.  I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus.
R.  I yielded a pleasant odour.

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.

Pone me ut signáculum super cor tuum, ut signáculum super bráchium tuum, quia fortis est ut mors diléctio, dura sicut inférnus æmulátio : lámpades ejus, lámpades ignis atque flammárum.  Aquæ multæ non potuérunt exstínguere caritátem, nec flúmina óbruent illam.  Si déderit homo omnem substántiam suam, pro dilectióne, quasi nihil despíciet eam.

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.  Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

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 procéssit sicut sol, et formósa tamquam Jerúsalem? * Vidérunt eam fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, et regínæ laudavérunt eam.
V.  Et sicut dies verni circúmdabant eam flores rosárum et lília convállium.
R.  Vidérunt eam fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, et regínæ laudavérunt eam.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Vidérunt eam fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, et regínæ laudavérunt eam.

R.  Who is she that goeth forth as the morning, clear as the sun, and comely as Jerusalem? * The daughters of Sion saw her and called her blessed ; the queens also, and they did praise her.
V.  As the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and as the lilies of the valley, so did they cluster round about her.
R.  The daughters of Sion saw her and called her blessed ; the queens also, and they did praise her.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  The daughters of Sion saw her and called her blessed ; the queens also, and they did praise her.

The Psalms of the Second Nocturn with their Antiphons are taken from the current weekday, according to the following table. 

Second Nocturn

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.

Sanctórum Patrum ac theologórum arguménta considerationésque Sacris Lítteris, tamquam último fundaménto, nitúntur ; quæ quidem almam Dei Matrem nobis véluti ante óculos  propónunt divíno Fílio suo conjunctíssimam, ejúsque semper participántem sortem.  Quamóbrem quasi impossíbile vidétur eam cérnere, quæ Christum concépit, péperit, suo lacte áluit, eúmque inter ulnas hábuit pectoríque obstrínxit suo, ab eódem post terréstrem hanc vitam, etsi non ánima, córpore tamen separátam.  Cum Redémptor noster Maríæ Fílius sit, haud póterat profécto, útpote divínæ legis observátor perfectíssimus, præter Ætérnum Patrem, Matrem quoque suam dilectíssimam non honoráre.  Atqui, cum eam posset tam magno honóre exornáre, ut eam a sepúlcri corruptióne serváret incólumem, id reápse fecísse credéndum est.

All these proofs and considerations of the holy Fathers and Theologians are based upon the Sacred Scriptures as the final foundation ; they establish the blessed Mother of God before our eyes, as it were, as most closely united to her divine Son and always sharing his lot.  Therefore, it seemeth impossible to think of her who conceived Christ, gave birth to him, gave him milk, held him in her arms, and clasped him to her heart, as being, after her earthly life, separated from him in body if not in soul.  Since our Redeemer is the Son of Mary, he could surely not do otherwise, as the most perfect observer of the divine law, than to honour his most beloved Mother in addition to honouring his eternal Father.  And, since it was possible for him to give her this great honour, that she might be preserved from the corruption of the grave, we must believe that he really did so.

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

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

R.  Ornátam monílibus filiam Jerúsalem Dóminus concupívit : * Et vidéntes eam fíliæ Sion, beatíssimam prædicavérunt, dicéntes : Unguéntum effúsum nomen tuum.
V.  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto, circúmdata varietáte.
R.  Et vidéntes eam fíliæ Sion, beatíssimam prædicavérunt, dicéntes : Unguéntum effúsum nomen tuum.

R.  When the Lord beheld the daughter of Jerusalem adorned with her jewels, he greatly desired her beauty ; * And when the daughters of Sion saw her, they cried out that she was most blessed, and they said : Thy name is as ointment poured forth.
V.  O Lord, upon thy right hand did stand the Queen in a vesture of gold, wrought about with divers colours.
R.  And when the daughters of Sion saw her, they cried out that she was most blessed, and they said : Thy name is as ointment poured forth.

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.

Máxime autem illud memorándum est, inde a sæculo secúndo, Maríam Vírginem a sanctis Pátribus véluti novam Hevam propóni novo Adæ, etsi subjéctam, arctíssime conjúnctam in certámine illo advérsus inferórum hostem, quod quemádmodum in protoevangélio præsignificátur, ad pleníssimam deventúrum erat victóriam de peccáto ac de morte, quæ semper in géntium Apóstoli scriptis inter se copulántur.  Quamóbrem, sicut gloriósa Christi anástasis essentiális pars fuit ac postrémum hujus victóriæ tropæum, ita Beátæ Vírginis commúne cum Fílio suo certámen virgínei córporis « glorificatióne » concludéndum erat ; ut enim idem Apóstolus ait, « cum... mortále hoc indúerit immortalitátem, tunc fiet sermo, qui scriptus est : absórpta est mors in victória. »

And this indeed should be borne in mind, that as far back as the second century the holy Fathers represented Mary as the new Eve of a new Adam, and closely joined to him (although dependently upon him) in the fight against the hellish enemy which, as already foretold in the protogospel, would end in complete victory over sin and death, which two phases are always joined in the writings of the Apostle of the Gentiles.  Wherefore, just as the essential glory of Christ's resurrection was a part and final trophy of this victory, so also the association of Mary with her Son in this common struggle was to end with the glorification of her virginal body ; for as the same Apostle saith : When this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

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

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

R.  Beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes, * Quia fecit mihi Dóminus magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus.
V.  Et misericórdia ejus a progénie in progénies timéntibus eum.
R.  Quia fecit mihi Dóminus magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus.

R.  All generations shall call me blessed, * For the Lord that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his Name.
V.  And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations.
R.  For the Lord that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his Name.

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.

Idcírco augústa Dei Mater, Jesu Christo, inde ab omni æternitáte, « uno eodémque decréto » prædestinatiónis, arcáno modo conjúncta, immaculáta in suo concéptu, in divína maternitáte sua integérrima virgo, generósa Divíni Redemptóris sócia, qui plenum de peccáto ejúsque consectáriis deportávit triúmphum, id tandem assecúta est, quasi suprémam suórum privilegiórum corónam, ut a sepúlcri corruptióne servarétur immúnis, utque, quemádmodum jam Fílius suus, devícta morte, córpore et ánima ad supérnam cæli glóriam eveherétur, ubi Regína refulgéret ad ejúsdem sui Fílii déxteram, immortális sæculórum Regis.

Therefore the august Mother of God, from all eternity united in a hidden way with Jesus Christ by one and the same decree of predestination, immaculate in her conception, an inviolate virgin in her divine motherhood, the gracious cooperator of the Divine Redeemer who triumphed completely over sin and its consequences, was finally granted as the supreme crown of her privileges that she should be preserved free from the corruption of the grave, and that, like her own Son, having conquered death, she might be taken up, body and soul, to the exalted glory of heaven, where she sitteth in splendour at the right hand of her very Son, the immortal King of ages.

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

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

R.  Beáta es, Virgo María, quæ Dóminum portásti, Creatórem mundi : * Genuísti qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo.
V.  Ave, María, grátia plena ; Dóminus tecum.
R.  Genuísti qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Genuísti qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo.

R.  Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who didst bear the Creator of all things : * Thou didst give birth to thy Maker, and forever remainedst a Virgin.
V.  Hail Mary, full of grace : the Lord is with thee.
R.  Thou didst give birth to thy Maker, and forever remainedst a Virgin.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Thou didst give birth to thy Maker, and forever remainedst a Virgin.

The Psalms of the Third Nocturn with their Antiphons are taken from the current weekday, according to the following table. 

Third Nocturn

Absolutio: A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of our sins and set us free.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 7: Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 7:  May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and protection.
R.  Amen.

In illo témpore : Repléta est Spíritu Sancto Elísabeth et exclamávit voce magna, et dixit : Benedícta tu inter mulíeres.  Et réliqua.

At that time : Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Virgo Dei Génitrix, cujus pulchritúdinem sol et luna mirántur, súbveni, dómina, clamántibus ad te júgiter : Revértere, revértere Sunamítis, revértere, revértere, ut intueámur te.  Tu benedícta, et super benedícta, revértere per poténtiam.  Fecit in te magna qui potens est, et data est tibi omnis potéstas in cælo et in terra.  Nihil tibi impossíbile, cui possíbile est desperátos in spem beatitúdinis releváre.  Quómodo enim illa potéstas tuæ poténtiæ póterit obviáre, quæ de carne tua carnis suscépit oríginem?  Accédis enim ante illud áureum humánæ, reconciliatiónis altáre, non solum rogans, sed ímperans, dómina, non ancílla.  Móveat te natúra, poténtia móveat, quia quanto poténtior, tanto misericórdior esse debébis.  Potestáti enim cedit ad glóriam, injúrias ulcísci nolle cum possit.  Revértere per amórem.  Scio, dómina, quia benigníssima es, et amas nos amóre invincíbili, quos in te et per te Fílius tuus et Deus tuus summa dilectióne diléxit.  Quis scit quóties refrígeras iram Júdicis, cum justítiæ virtus a præséntia deitátis egréditur?

O Virgin Mother of God, at whose beauty the sun and the moon stand in awe, come to the aid of them that unceasingly call upon thee, O Lady.  Turn thou unto us, o turn thou unto us, O Sulamitess, turn thou unto us, o turn thou unto us that we may behold thee, O blessed, yea more than blessed Maid, turn thou unto us in thy power.  He that is mighty hath magnified thee, and hath given thee all power in heaven and in earth.  Nothing is impossible to thee, to whom it is possible to shew the most desolate souls the hope of happiness.  For how can that Power ignore thy power, when it received its fleshly origin from thy flesh?  Thou standest before that golden altar of reconciliation, not only asking, but commanding, as mistress rather than handmaid.  Let thy nature move thee, because the more power thou art, the more merciful must thou needs be.  For it doth surely redound to the glory of power, to be unwilling to exact vengeance for wrong.  Look upon us through love ; I know, O Lady, that thou art the most blessed and that thou lovest with an unconquerable love them that in thee and through thee, thy Son and thy God hath loved with a great love.  Who knoweth how many times thou didst turn away the anger of the Judge when the virtue of justice went forth from the presence of God?

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

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

R.  Diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis : * Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.
V.  Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis, ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.
R.  Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

R.  Full of grace are thy lips, * Because God hath blessed thee for ever.
V.  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces whereby they have made thee glad ; kings' daughters are among thy honourable women.
R.  Because God hath blessed thee for ever.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 8:  Cujus festum cólimus, ipsa Virgo vírginum intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 8:  May she whose feast day we are keeping, Mary, blessed Maid of maidens, be our Advocate with God.
R.  Amen.

Revértere per singularitátem.  In mánibus tuis sunt thesáuri miseratiónum Dómini, et sola elécta es, cui grátia tanta concéditur.  Absit ut cesset manus tua, cum occasiónem quæras salvándi míseros et misericórdiam effundéndi! neque enim tua glória minúitur, sed augétur, cum pœniténtes ad véniam, justificáti ad glóriam assumúntur.  Revértere ergo, Sunamítis, id est despécta, cujus ánimam pertransívit gládius quæ fabri uxor appelláta fuísti.  Ad quid?  Ut intueámur te.  Summa glória est post Deum te vidére, adhærére tibi, et in tuæ protectiónis munímine demorári.  Audi nos.  Nam et Fílius nihil negans honórat te, qui est Deus benedíctus in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Turn thou unto us through thy very uniqueness.  In thy hands are the treasures of the Lord's mercy, and thou alone art the chosen one to whom such great grace is given.  Heaven forbid thy hand should ever weaken, for thou wilt never have to seek any occasion of saving the unfortunate or of pouring out thy mercy.  Nor doth thy glory ever grow less, but it ever increaseth, for penitents are taken back into favour, and just souls are raised into glory.  Turn thou unto us, O Sulamitess, that is, one who was despised, whose soul the sword did pierce and who hath been called the spouse of a carpenter.  And why do we ask thee to turn unto us?  So that we may behold thee.  The greatest glory after seeing God is to see thee, to cling to thee, and to dwell in the fastness of thy protection.  Hear thou us, for thy Son doth honour thee and denieth thee nothing, and he is God who is blessed forever and ever.  Amen.

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

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

R.  Beáta es, Virgo María, Dei Génitrix, quæ credidísti Dómino : perfécta sunt in te quæ dicta sunt tibi : ecce exaltáta es super choros Angelórum : * Intercéde pro nobis ad Dóminum Deum nostrum.
V.  Ave María, grátia plena ; Dóminus tecum.
R.  Intercéde  pro nobis ad Dóminum Deum nostrum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Intercéde  pro nobis ad Dóminum Deum nostrum.

R.  Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, Mother of God, for thou didst believe the Lord ; wherefore there hath been a performance of those things which were told thee ; and lo thou art exalted above the choirs of Angels : * Plead for us with the Lord our God.
V.  Hail Mary, full of grace : the Lord is with thee.
R.  Plead for us with the Lord our God.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Plead for us with the Lord our God.

For St. Agapitus, Martyr:

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 9: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven.
R.  Amen.

Agapítus Prænestínus, quíndecim annos natus, Aureliáno imperatóre, martyrii cupidíssimus, cum propter constántiam religiónis, imperatóris jussu, primum nervis diutíssime cæsus, deínde in tetrum cárcerem conjéctus esset, ut nihil omníno per quátuor dies gustáret, e custódia est edúctus.  Et, ardéntibus carbónibus cápiti ejus impósitis, Deo agens grátias, íterum afféctus verbéribus, nudus ita pédibus suspénsus est, ut ingens fumus e subjécto igne os ejus obrúeret.  Tum fervens aqua in ejus ventrem effúsa est, maxillǽque confráctæ.  Quo témpore judex, e tribunáli lapsus, paulo post mórtuus est.  Ea re incénso imperatóre, sanctum júvenem jubénte feris óbjici, cum illæ non audérent attíngere, Prænéste gládio percússus est.

Agapitus was a young man of Palestrina, who eagerly accepted martyrdom at the age of fifteen years, under the Emperor Aurelian.  On account of his firmness in his religion, the Emperor ordered him first to receive an exceedingly long hiding with cat-gut, and then to be thrown into a foul dungeon, where he remained for four days without food.  Being brought out of prison, live embers were put upon his head, but, whereas he still gave God thanks, he was whipped again, and hung up naked by the feet, in such wise that a thick smoke from a fire kindled under his face might pour into his mouth.  Afterwards, boiling water was poured upon his belly, and his jaws were broken.  Then presently the judge fell from his judgment seat, and shortly after died.  Whereupon the Emperor was enraged, and commanded the holy youth to be thrown to wild beasts, but these dared not to touch him, and he was stricken by the sword at Palestrina.

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

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

Palestrina

Lauds

STAND

Capitulum           Judith 13. 22-23.
Benedíxit te Dóminus in virtúte sua, quia per te ad níhilum redégit inimícos nostros.  Benedícta es tu, fília, a Dómino Deo excélso, præ ómnibus muliéribus super terram.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter     Judith 13. 22-23.
The Lord hath blessed thee by his power, because by thee he hath brought to nought the enemies of thy people.  Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God above all the women upon the earth.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Solis, o Virgo, rádiis amícta,
Bis caput senis redimíta stellis,
Luna cui præbet pédibus scabéllum
Inclita fulges.

O Virgin, who shines with sun's rays surrounded,
And over whose head glows the twelve-starred crown,
The moon of high heaven thy footstool is made,
Thou Queen of renown.

V.  Exaltáta est sancta Dei Génitrix.
R.  Super choros Angelórum ad cæléstia regna

V.  Thou art exalted, O holy Mother of God.
R.  Above choirs of Angels, unto the heavenly kingdom.

Ad Bened. Ant:  Quæ est ista * quæ ascéndit sicut auróra consúrgens, pulchra ut luna, elécta ut sol, terríbilis ut castrórum ácies ordináta?

Ant. on Bened:  Who is she * that looketh forth as the morning, ascending like the dawn-light to the highest heavens?  For she is fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners going forth to war.

THE BENEDICTUS

Oremus.
Omnípotens sempiterne Deus, qui Immaculátam Vírginem Maríam, Fílii tui Genitrícem, córpore et ánima ad cæléstem glóriam assumpsísti : concéde, quæsumus ; ut ad supérna semper inténti, ipsíus glóriæ mereámur esse consórtes.  Per eúmdem Dóminum nostrum.

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast taken up into heavenly glory both the body and soul of the Mother of thy Son, the immaculate Virgin Mary : grant, we beseech thee ; that we may in such wise set our affections on things above ; that we may finally attain unto fellowship with her in glory.  Through the same.

Ant:  Qui odit ánimam suam in hoc mundo, in vitam ætérnam custódit eam.

Ant:  He that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

V.  Justus ut palma florébit.
R.  Sicut cedrus Líbani multiplicábitur.

V.  The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree.
R.  And shall spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus.

Oremus.
Lætétur Ecclésia tua, Deus, beáti Agapíti Mártyris tui confísa suffrágiis : atque ejus précibus gloriósis, et devóta permáneat, et secúra consístat.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Grant, O Lord, that thy Church may with all gladness trust in the advocacy of thy blessed Martyr Agapitus : and that by his glorious intercession it may be enabled to continue stedfastly in all godly devotion, and established in security against all adversities.  Through.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

Prime

V.  Thou that deignest to be born of the Virgin Mary.

Lectio Brevis   Judith 15. 10.
Tu glória Jerúsalem, tu lætítia Israël, tu honorificéntia pópuli nostri.  Tu autem,  Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

Brief Lesson    Judith 15. 10.
Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Return to the Office of Prime
 

Terce

After completing the Antiphon following the Psalms, the Choir stands and then is said the Little Chapter and Brief Respond as follows:

STAND

Capitulum           Judith 13. 22-23.
Benedíxit te Dóminus in virtúte sua, quia per te ad níhilum redégit inimícos nostros.  Benedícta es tu, fília, a Dómino Deo excélso, præ ómnibus muliéribus super terram.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter    Judith 13. 22-23.
The Lord hath blessed thee by his power, because by thee he hath brought to nought the enemies of thy people.  Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God above all the women upon the earth.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Exaltáta est * Sancta Dei Génitrix.
R.  Exaltáta est * Sancta Dei Génitrix.
V.  Super choros Angelórum ad cæléstia regna.
R.  Sancta Dei Génitrix.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Exaltáta est * Sancta Dei Génitrix.

V.  Assúmpta est María in cælum : gaudent Angeli.
R.  Laudántes benedícunt Dóminum.

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  Thou art exalted * O holy Mother of God.
R.  Thou art exalted * O holy Mother of God.
V.  Above choirs of Angels, unto the heavenly kingdom.
R.  O holy Mother of God.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Thou art exalted * O holy Mother of God.

V.  Mary hath been taken up into heaven, the company of the Angels is joyful.
R.  Yea, the Angels rejoice, and glorify the Lord.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.

Sext

After completing the Antiphon following the Psalms, the Choir stands and then is said the Little Chapter and Brief Respond as follows:

STAND

Capitulum            Judith 13. 24-25.
Benedíctus Dóminus, quia hódie nomen tuum ita magnificávit, ut non recédat laus tua de ore hóminum.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter    Judith 13. 24-25.
Blessed be the Lord, because he hath so magnified thy name this day that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Assúmpta  est María in cælum : * Gaudent Angeli.
R.  Assúmpta  est María in cælum : * Gaudent Angeli.
V.  Laudántes benedícunt Dóminum.
R.  Gaudent Angeli.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Assúmpta  est María in cælum : * Gaudent Angeli.

V.  María Virgo assúmpta est ad æthéreum thálamum.
R.  In quo Rex regum stelláto sedet sólio.

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  Mary hath been taken up into heaven  : * the company of the Angels is joyful.
R.  Mary hath been taken up into heaven  : * the company of the Angels is joyful.
V.  Yea, the Angels rejoice, and glorify the Lord.
R.  The company of the Angels is joyful.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Mary hath been taken up into heaven  : * the company of the Angels is joyful.

V.  The Virgin Mary hath been taken into the heavenly mansions on high.
R.  Where the King of kings is seated on his starry throne.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.

None

After completing the Antiphon following the Psalms, the Choir stands and then is said the Little Chapter and Brief Respond as follows:

STAND

Lectio Brevis   Judith 15. 10.
Tu glória Jerúsalem, tu lætítia Israël, tu honorificéntia pópuli nostri.
R.  Deo grátias.

Brief Lesson    Judith 15. 10.
Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  María Virgo assúmpta  est * Ad æthéreum thálamum.
R.  María Virgo assúmpta  est * Ad æthéreum thálamum.
V.  In quo Rex regum stelláto sedet sólio.
R.  Ad æthéreum thálamum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  María Virgo assúmpta  est * Ad æthéreum thálamum.

V.  Dignáre me laudáre te, Virgo sacráta.
R.  Da mihi virtútem contra hostes tuos.

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  The Virgin Mary hath been taken * Into the heavenly mansions on high.
R.  The Virgin Mary hath been taken * Into the heavenly mansions on high.
V.  Where the King of kings is seated on his starry throne.
R.  Into the heavenly mansions on high.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  The Virgin Mary hath been taken * Into the heavenly mansions on high.

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

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.