St. Cecilia

Virgin Martyr

Double

Matins

Lauds

Terce

Sext

None

COLLECT OF THE DAY

Oremus.
Deus, qui nos ánnua beátæ Cæcíliæ Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ solemnitáte lætíficas : da, ut, quam venerámur offício, étiam piæ conversatiónis sequámur exémplo.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, which makest us glad with the yearly festival of blessed Cecilia thy Virgin and Martyr : grant, we beseech thee ; that as we do venerate her in our outward office, so we may follow the example of her godly conversation.  Through.

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

At Second Vespers of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

If First Vespers of St. Cecilia be said entire, Psalms from Vespers of Common of BVM, with Antiphons from Lauds below, and Chapter and Hymn from Common of Virgins.  Otherwise, Commemoration is made of the following :

Ant:  Est secrétum, Valeriáne, quod tibi volo dícere : Angelum Dei hábeo amatórem, qui nímio zelo custódit corpus meum.

Ant:  There is a secret, O Valerian, which I desire to tell thee: I have an Angel of God for my lover, which same with exceeding zeal guardeth my body.

V.  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua.
R.  Inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

V.  In thy comeliness, yea, in thy beauty.
R.  Go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.

Oremus.
Deus, qui nos ánnua beátæ Cæcíliæ Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ solemnitáte lætíficas : da, ut, quam venerámur offício, étiam piæ conversatiónis sequámur exémplo.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, which makest us glad with the yearly festival of blessed Cecilia thy Virgin and Martyr : grant, we beseech thee ; that as we do venerate her in our outward office, so we may follow the example of her godly conversation.  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

Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * O come, let us worship.

Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * O come, let us worship.

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.

Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * O come, let us worship.

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.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

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.

Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * O come, let us worship.

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.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

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.

Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * O come, let us worship.

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.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * O come, let us worship.

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

First Nocturn

Ant.    Cæcília virgo * Almáchium superábat : Tibúrtium et Valeriánum ad corónas vocábat.

Ant.    The virgin Cecilia * bravely withstood the Prefect Almachius, after she had brought Tiburtius and Valerian unto their crowns.

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.    Cæcília virgo Almáchium superábat : Tibúrtium et Valeriánum ad corónas vocábat.

Ant.    The virgin Cecilia bravely withstood the Prefect Almachius, after she had brought Tiburtius and Valerian unto their crowns.

Ant.    Expánsis mánibus, * orábat ad Dóminum, ut eam eríperet de inimícis.

Ant.    She spread forth her hands * and prayed unto the Lord, that he would deliver her from her enemies.

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.    Expánsis mánibus, orábat ad Dóminum, ut eam eríperet de inimícis.

Ant.    She spread forth her hands and prayed unto the Lord, that he would deliver her from her enemies.

Ant.    Cilício * Cæcília membra domábat, Deum gemítibus exorábat.

Ant.    Cecilia * brought under her body with haircloth, and besought God with loud crying.

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.    Cilício Cæcília membra domábat, Deum gemítibus exorábat.

Ant.    Cecilia brought under her body with haircloth, and besought God with loud crying.

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.

De Epístola prima beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Corínthios

The Lesson is taken from the Former Epistle of Blessed Paul to the Corinthians

De virgínibus præcéptum Dómini non hábeo : consílium autem do, tamquam misericórdiam consecútus a Dómino, ut sim fidélis.  Exístimo ergo hoc bonum esse propter instántem necessitátem, quóniam bonum est hómini sic esse.  Alligátus es uxóri?  noli quærere solutiónem.  Solútus es ab uxóre?  noli quærere uxórem.  Si autem accéperis uxórem, non peccásti.  Et si núpserit virgo, non peccávit.  Tribulatiónem tamen carnis habébunt hujúsmodi.  Ego autem vobis parco.  Hoc ítaque dico, fratres : Tempus breve est : réliquum est, ut et qui habent uxóres, tamquam non habéntes sint ; et qui flent, tamquam non flentes ; et qui gaudent, tamquam non gaudéntes ; et qui emunt, tamquam non possidéntes ; et qui utúntur hoc mundo, tamquam non utántur ; præterit enim figúra hujus mundi.

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord : yet give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.  I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.  Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed.  Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.  But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned ; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned.  Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh : and I would spare you.  But this I say, brethren, the time is short : it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none ; and they that weep, as though they wept not ; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not ; and they that buy, as though they possessed not ; and they that use this world, as not using it to the full : for the fashion of this world passeth away.

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

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

R.  Cantántibus órganis, Cæcília virgo in corde suo soli Dómino decantábat dicens : * Fiat, Dómine, cor meum et corpus meum immaculátum, ut non confúndar.
V.  Biduánis et triduánis jejúniis orans, commendábat Dómino quod timébat.
R.  Fiat, Dómine, cor meum et corpus meum immaculátum, ut non confúndar.

R.  The musicians played, and the maiden Cecilia sang in her heart unto the Lord alone, saying : * Lord, let my heart and my body be undefiled, that I be not ashamed.
V.  She fasted and prayed for two days and three days together, committing the cause of her fear unto the Lord.
R.  Lord, let my heart and my body be undefiled, that I be not ashamed.

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.

Volo autem vos sine sollicitúdine esse.  Qui sine uxóre est, sollícitus est quæ Dómini sunt, quómodo pláceat Deo.  Qui autem cum uxóre est, sollícitus est quæ sunt mundi, quómodo pláceat uxóri ; et divísus est.  Et múlier innúpta et virgo cógitat quæ Dómini sunt, ut sit sancta córpore et spíritu.  Quæ autem nupta est, cógitat quæ sunt mundi, quómodo pláceat viro.  Porro hoc ad utilitátem vestram dico, non ut láqueum vobis injíciam, sed ad id, quod honéstum est, et quod facultátem præbeat sine impediménto Dóminum obsecrándi.

But I would have you free from cares.  He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: but he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.  There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.  And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a constraint upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

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

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

R.  O beáta Cæcília, quæ duos fratres convertísti, Almáchium júdicem superásti, * Urbánum epíscopum in vultu angélico demonstrásti.
V.  Quasi apis argumentósa Dómino deservísti.
R.  Urbánum epíscopum in vultu angélico demonstrásti.

R.  O Blessed Cecilia, thou didst convert the two brethren, but thou didst overcome Almachius the judge ; * Thou didst point out Urban the Bishop, by this, that his face was as the face of an Angel.
V.  Busy like a bee, thou didst serve the Lord.
R.  Thou didst point out Urban the Bishop, by this, that his face was as the face of an Angel.

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.

Si quis autem turpem se vidéri exístimat super vírgine sua, quod sit superadúlta, et ita opórtet fíeri ; quod vult fáciat : non peccat, si nubat.  Nam, qui státuit in corde suo firmus, non habens necessitátem, potestátem autem habens suæ voluntátis, et hoc judicávit in corde suo, serváre vírginem suam, bene facit.  Igitur et qui matrimónio jungit vírginem suam, bene facit ; et qui non jungit, mélius facit.  Múlier alligáta est legi quanto témpore, vir ejus vivit.  Quod, si dormíerit vir ejus, liberáta est ; cui vult nubat, tantum in Dómino.  Beátior autem erit, si sic permánserit, secúndum meum consílium ; puto autem quod et ego Spíritum Dei hábeam.

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.  Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching his own will, and hath determined this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, shall do well.  So then he that giveth his own virgin daughter in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.  The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.  But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit 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.  Virgo gloriósa semper Evangélium Christi gerébat in péctore, et non diébus neque nóctibus vacábat * A collóquiis divínis et oratióne.
V.  Expánsis mánibus, orábat ad Dóminum, et cor ejus igne cælésti ardébat.
R.  A collóquiis divínis et oratióne.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  A collóquiis divínis et oratióne.

R.  The glorious maiden carried the Gospel of Christ always in her breast, and meditated therein day and night, * Talking with God and praying.
V.  She spread forth her hands and prayed unto the Lord, and her heart was enkindled with fire from heaven.
R.  Talking with God and praying.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Talking with God and praying.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Dómine Jesu Christe, * seminátor casti consílii, súscipe séminum fructus, quos in Cæcília seminásti.

Ant.    O Lord Jesu Christ, * who hast taught us concerning virginity, accept now the fruits from this seed, which thou didst sow in the heart of Cecilia.

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.    Dómine Jesu Christe, seminátor casti consílii, súscipe séminum fructus, quos in Cæcília seminásti.

Ant.    O Lord Jesu Christ, who hast taught us concerning virginity, accept now the fruits from this seed, which thou didst sow in the heart of Cecilia.

Ant.    Beáta Cæcília * dixit ad Tibúrtium : Hódie te fáteor meum cognátum, quia amor Dei te fecit esse contemptórem idolórum.

Ant.    Blessed Cecilia * said unto Tiburtius : Today I call thee my brother, for the love of God hath made thee cast away all false gods.

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.    Beáta Cæcília dixit ad Tibúrtium : Hódie te fáteor meum cognátum, quia amor Dei te fecit esse contemptórem idolórum.

Ant.    Blessed Cecilia said unto Tiburtius : Today I call thee my brother, for the love of God hath made thee cast away all false gods.

Ant.    Fiat, Dómine, * cor meum et corpus meum immaculátum, ut non confúndar.

Ant.    Lord, * let my heart and my body be undefiled, that I be not ashamed.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 47.  Magnus Dominus

Magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis * in civitáte Dei nostri, in monte sancto ejus.
2  Fundátur exsultatióne univérsæ terræ mons Sion, * látera Aquilónis, cívitas Regis magni.
3  Deus in dómibus ejus cognoscétur: * cum suscípiet eam.
4  Quóniam ecce reges terræ congregáti sunt: * convenérunt in unum.
5  Ipsi vidéntes sic admiráti sunt, conturbáti sunt, commóti sunt: * tremor apprehéndit eos.
6  Ibi dolóres ut parturiéntis: * in spíritu veheménti cónteres naves Tharsis.
7  Sicut audívimus, sic vídimus in civitáte Dómini virtútum, in civitáte Dei nostri: * Deus fundávit eam in ætérnum.
8  Suscépimus, Deus, misericórdiam tuam, * in médio templi tui.
9  Secúndum nomen tuum, Deus, sic et laus tua in fines terræ: * justítia plena est déxtera tua.
10  Lætétur mons Sion, et exsúltent fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine.
11  Circúmdate Sion, et complectímini eam: * narráte in túrribus ejus.
12  Pónite corda vestra in virtúte ejus: * et distribúite domus ejus, ut enarrétis in progénie áltera.
13  Quóniam hic est Deus, Deus noster in ætérnum et in sæculum sæculi: * ipse reget nos in sæcula.

Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised * in the city of our God, even upon his holy hill.
2  The hill of Sion is founded with the joy of the whole earth; * upon the north side lieth the city of the great King.
3  In her palaces shall God be well known : * when he shall protect her.
4  For lo, the kings of the earth are assembled: * yea, they are gathered together.
5  So they saw, and they marvelled, they were troubled, they were moved : * fear came there upon them.
6  There were pains as upon a woman in her travail : * with a violent wind thou shalt break the ships of Tharsis.
7  Like as we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God; * God upholdeth the same for ever.
8  We have received thy mercy, O God, * in the midst of thy temple.
9  O God, according to thy Name, so is thy praise unto the world's end; * thy right hand is full of righteousness.
10  Let the mount Sion rejoice, and the daughters of Judah be glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.
11  Walk about Sion, and go round about her; * and tell ye in the towers thereof.
12  Set your hearts on her strength : * and distribute her houses, that ye may tell it in another generation.
13  For this is God, even our God, for ever world without end : * he shall rule us for evermore.

Ant.    Fiat, Dómine, cor meum et corpus meum immaculátum, ut non confúndar.

Ant.    Lord, let my heart and my body be undefiled, that I be not ashamed.

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.

Cæcília, Virgo Romána, nóbili génere nata, a prima ætáte christiánæ fídei præcéptis institúta, virginitátem suam Deo vovit.  Sed, cum póstea, contra suam voluntátem, data esset in matrimónium Valeriáno, prima nuptiárum nocte hunc cum eo sermónem hábuit : Ego, Valeriáne, in Angeli tutéla sum, qui virginitátem meam custódit ; quare ne quid in me commíttas, quo ira Dei in te concitétur.  Quibus verbis commótus Valeriánus, illam attíngere non est ausus ; quin étiam áddidit se in Christum creditúrum, si eum Angelum vidéret.  Cui Cæcília cum sine baptísmo negáret id fíeri posse, incénsus cupiditáte vidéndi Angelum, se baptizári velle respóndit.  Quare hortátu Vírginis ad Urbánum Papam, qui propter persecutiónem in Mártyrum sepúlcris via Appia latébat, véniens, ab eo baptizátur.

Cecilia was a Roman maiden of noble birth, trained up from her earliest years in the teaching of the Christian faith, and who by vow consecrated her virginity to God.  She was afterwards given in marriage, against her will, to Valerian.  On the first night she said to him : Valerian!  I am under the wardship of an Angel, who keepeth me always a maiden.  Therefore do nothing unto me, lest the anger of God should be aroused against thee.  Valerian was moved at her words, and dared not to touch her.  Also he added even this, that he would believe in Christ, if he could see the Angel.  Cecilia answered him that that could not be unless he were first baptized, and for the sake of seeing the Angel he was willing.  So she bade him go unto Pope Urban, who was hiding in the sepulchre of the Martyrs on the Appian Way on account of the persecution.  And he went unto him and was baptized.

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

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

R.  Cilício Cæcília membra domábat, Deum gemítibus exorábat, * Tibúrtium et Valeriánum ad corónas vocábat.
V.  Hæc est Virgo sápiens, et una de número prudéntum.
R.  Tibúrtium et Valeriánum ad corónas vocábat.

R.  Cecilia brought her body under with haircloth, and besought God with loud crying, * And she called Tiburtius and Valerian unto their crowns.
V.  This is a wise Virgin, one chosen out of the number of the prudent.
R.  And she called Tiburtius and Valerian unto their crowns.

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.

Inde ad Cæcíliam revérsus, orántem et cum ea Angelum divíno splendóre fulgéntem invénit.  Quo aspéctu obstupefáctus, ut primum ex timóre confirmátus est, Tibúrtium fratrem suum accérsit ; qui, a Cæcília Christi fide imbútus et ab eódem Urbáno baptizátus, ipse étiam ejúsdem Angeli, quem frater ejus víderat, aspéctu dignátus est.  Utérque autem paulo post, Almáchio præfécto, constánter martyrium súbiit.  Qui mox Cæcíliam comprehéndi ímperat, ab eáque primum, ubi Tibúrtii et Valeriáni facultátes sint, exquírit.

Thence he came back to Cecilia, and found her praying, and the Angel with her, shining from the glory of God.  As soon as he had recovered from the shock of wonder and fear, he brought his brother Tiburtius, and Cecilia taught him Christ, and he was baptized by the same Pope Urban, and he also was vouchsafed to see the Angel whom his brother had seen.  A little while after, both of them bravely suffered martyrdom under the Prefect Almachius, who then caused Cecilia to be taken, and asked of her, first of all, where was the property of Tiburtius and Valerian?

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

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

R.  Cæcília intra cubículum orántem invénit, et juxta eam stantem Angelum Dómini : * Quem videns Valeriánus, nímio terróre corréptus est.
V.  Angelus Dómini descéndit de cælo, et lumen refúlsit in habitáculo.
R.  Quem videns Valeriánus, nímio terróre corréptus est.

R.  He found Cecilia praying in her chamber, and standing by her the Angel of the Lord : * And when Valerian saw him, he feared with a great fear.
V.  The Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and a light shone in all the house.
R.  And when Valerian saw him, he feared with a great fear.

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.

Cui, cum Virgo ómnia illórum paupéribus distribúta esse respondísset, eo furóre concitátus est, ut eam, in ipsíus ædes redúctam, in bálneo combúri jússerit.  Quo in loco cum diem noctémque ita fuísset ut ne flamma quidem illam attíngeret, eo immíssus est cárnifex, qui ter secúri ictam, cum caput abscíndere non potuísset, semivívam relíquit.  Illa tríduo post, sextodécimo Kaléndas Octóbris, Alexándro imperatóre, dúplici virginitátis et martyrii palma decoráta, evolávit in cælum.  Cujus corpus ab ipso Urbáno Papa in Callísti cœmetério sepúltum est, in ejus ædibus ecclésia ipsíus Cæcíliæ consecráta.  Ejus et Urbani ac Lúcii Pontíficum, Tibúrtii, Valeriáni et Máximi córpora, a Pascháli primo Pontífice inde transláta in Urbem, in eádem sanctæ Cæcíliæ ecclésia cóndita sunt.

To him the Virgin answered that all their goods had been given to the poor.  Thereupon he was filled with fury, and commanded her to be taken home, and burnt in the bath.  She was in that place a day and a night, but the fire had not harmed her.  Then was sent the executioner, who gave her three strokes of the axe, and, as he could not cut off her head, left her half-dead.  Three days thereafter, upon the 22nd day of November, in the reign of the Emperor Alexander Severus, she winged her flight for heaven, glorified with the two palms of virginity and martyrdom.  Her body was buried in the cemetery of Callistus by the aforementioned Pope Urban, who also consecrated a Church in her name in her own house.  Her relicks were brought into the city by Pope Paschal I, along with those of Tiburtius, Valerian, and Máximus, and all laid together in the said Church of St. Cecilia.

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

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

R.  Dómine Jesu Christe, pastor bone, seminátor casti consílii, súscipe séminum fructus quos in Cæcília seminásti : * Cæcília fámula tua quasi apis tibi argumentósa desérvit.
V.  Nam sponsum, quem quasi leónem ferócem accépit, ad te quasi agnum mansuetíssimum destinávit.
R.  Cæcília fámula tua quasi apis tibi argumentósa desérvit.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Cæcília fámula tua quasi apis tibi argumentósa desérvit.

R.  O Lord Jesu Christ, the Good Shepherd, who hast taught us concerning virginity, accept now the fruits from this seed, which thou didst sow in the heart of Cecilia. * Busy like a bee, did thine handmaiden Cecilia serve thee.
V.  For her husband, who was like unto a raging lion when at first she withstood him, she sent unto thee meek as the meekest of lambs.
R.  Busy like a bee, did thine handmaiden Cecilia serve thee.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Busy like a bee, did thine handmaiden Cecilia serve thee.

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.

Cæcília, Virgo Romána, nóbili génere nata, a prima ætáte virginitátem suam Deo vovit.  Sed, cum invíta núptui data esset Valeriáno, huic persuásit, ut ipsam illibátam relínqueret et ad beátum Urbánum Papam iret, ut, accépto baptísmate, dignus fieret, qui Angelum Cæcíliæ protectórem vidéret.  Quod cum Valeriánus obtinuísset, fratrem suum Tibúrtium convértit ad Christum, ita ut ambo paulo post sub Almáchio præfécto martyrium subíerint.  Cæcília autem ab eódem Almáchio comprehénsa, quod illórum facultátes in páuperes distribuísset, in bálneo combúri jussa est.  Sed, cum flamma eam attíngere non audéret, ibídem secúri ter percússa et semivíva relícta, post tríduum virginitátis et martyrii palmam est consecúta, et in cœmetério Callísti sepúlta.  Ejus et Urbáni ac Lúcii Pontíficum, Tibúrtii, Valeriáni et Máximi córpora, a Pascháli Papa primo in Urbem transláta, in ecclésia, ipsíus sanctæ Cæcíliæ nómine consecráta, cóndita sunt.

Cecilia, a Roman virgin of noble birth, vowed her virginity to God at a very early age.  Given in marriage against her will to Valerian, she persuaded him to leave her untouched and go to blessed Urban, the Pope, that when he had been baptized he might be worthy to see Cecilia's angelic protector.  When Valerian had obtained this favour, he converted his brother Tiburtius to Christ, and a little later both were martyred under the prefect Almachius.  But Cecilia was seized by the same prefect because she had distributed the two brothers' wealth to the poor, and orders were given to have her suffocated in a bath.  When the heat dared not harm her, she was struck three times with an axe, and left half dead.  After three days she received the palm of virginity and of martyrdom, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.  Her body and those of Popes Urban and Lucius, and of Tiburtius, Valerian and Máximus were transferred by Pope Paschal I to the church in the City dedicated to St. Cecilia.

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

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

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Crédimus Christum * Fílium Dei verum Deum esse, qui sibi talem elégit fámulam.

Ant.    Christ the Son of God, * who hath chosen unto himself such an handmaiden, him we believe to be the very God.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 95.  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * cantáte Dómino, omnis terra.
2  Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.
3  Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.
4  Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.
5  Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.
6  Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.
7  Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.
8  Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.
9  Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.
10  Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.
11  Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.
12  Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.
13  Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.
2  Sing unto the Lord, and bless ye his Name; * be telling of his salvation from day to day.
3  Declare his glory among the heathen, * and his wonders among all peoples.
4  For the Lord is great, and exceeding worthy to be praised; * he is to be feared above all gods.
5  For all the gods of the heathen, they are but devils; * but it is the Lord that made the heavens.
6  Praise and beauty are before him; * holiness and majesty are in his sanctuary.
7  Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the nations, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour : * bring ye to the Lord the honour due unto his Name.
8  Bring ye sacrifices, and come into his courts : * O worship the Lord in his holy court.
9  Let the whole earth be moved at his presence : * tell it out among the heathen, that the Lord is King.
10  For he hath corrected the round world, which shall not be moved; * he shall judge the peoples with justice.
11  Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved and all the fulness thereof : * the fields shall be joyful, and all that is in them.
12  Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord, for he cometh : * yea, he cometh to judge the earth..
13  He shall judge the world with justice, * and the peoples with his truth.

Ant.    Crédimus Christum Fílium Dei verum Deum esse, qui sibi talem elégit fámulam.

Ant.    Christ the Son of God, who hath chosen unto himself such an handmaiden, him we believe to be the very God.

Ant.    Nos sciéntes * sanctum nomen ejus, omníno negáre non póssumus.

Ant.    We that have known * his Holy Name can in no wise deny him.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 96.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.
2  Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.
3  Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.
4  Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.
5  Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.
6  Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.
7  Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.
8  Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.
9  Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:
10  Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.
11  Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.
12  Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.
13  Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

The Lord hath reigned, may the earth be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles shall be joyful.
2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.
3  There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.
4  His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and trembled.
5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord; * the whole earth at the presence of the Lord.
6  The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.
7  Confounded be all they that worship carved images, * and that delight in their vain gods.
8  Worship him, all ye his Angels : * Sion heard of it, and rejoiced.
9  And the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.
10  For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.
11  O ye that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
12  There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joy for such as are true-hearted.
13  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Ant.    Nos sciéntes sanctum nomen ejus, omníno negáre non póssumus.

Ant.    We that have known his Holy Name can in no wise deny him.

Ant.    Tunc Valeriánus * perréxit, et, signo quod accéperat, invénit sanctum Urbánum.

Ant.    Then Valerian * went his way, and found the holy Urban, by the sign which had been given him.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 97.  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * quia mirabília fecit.
2  Salvávit sibi déxtera ejus: * et bráchium sanctum ejus.
3  Notum fecit Dóminus salutáre suum: * in conspéctu Géntium revelávit justítiam suam.
4  Recordátus est misericórdiæ suæ, * et veritátis suæ dómui Israël.
5  Vidérunt omnes términi terræ * salutáre Dei nostri.
6  Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * cantáte, et exsultáte, et psállite.
7  Psállite Dómino in cíthara, in cíthara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductílibus, et voce tubæ córneæ.
8  Jubiláte in conspéctu regis Dómini: * moveátur mare, et plenitúdo ejus: orbis terrárum, et qui hábitant in eo.
9  Flúmina plaudent manu, simul montes exsultábunt a conspéctu Dómini: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.
10  Judicábit orbem terrárum in justítia, * et pópulos in æquitáte.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * for he hath done marvellous things.
2  His right hand hath wrought for him salvation : * and his arm is holy.
3  The Lord hath made known his salvation; * his righteousness hath he revealed in the sight of the heathen.
4  He hath remembered his mercy, * and his truth toward the house of Israel.
5  All the ends of the world have seen * the salvation of our God.
6  Be ye joyful unto God, all the earth : * make melody, rejoice, and sing.
7  Sing praise unto the Lord upon the harp, yea, upon the harp and with the voice of a psalm : * with long trumpets, and with the sound of the shawm.
8  O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord, the King : * let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: the round world, and they that dwell therein.
9  Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; * for he is come to judge the earth.
10  With righteousness shall he judge the world, * and the peoples with equity.

Ant.    Tunc Valeriánus perréxit, et, signo quod accéperat, invénit sanctum Urbánum.

Ant.    Then Valerian went his way, and found the holy Urban, by the sign which had been given him.

STAND

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 : Dixit Jesus discípulis suis parábolam hanc :  Símile erit regnum cælórum decem virgínibus, quæ, accipiéntes lámpades suas, exiérunt óbviam sponso et sponsæ.  Et réliqua.

At that time : Jesus spake this parable unto his disciples:  The kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom and the bride.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Quam ob causam in persóna vírginum hanc parábolam profert, nec qualemcúmque persónam sine discrímine súbjicit?  Magna quædam de virginitáte disserúerat dicens : Sunt eunúchi, qui seípsos castravérunt propter regnum cælórum ; et, Qui potest cápere, cápiat.  Nec ignorábat, de virginitáte magnam esse vulgo existimatiónem, quippe cum sit ea res natúra sublímis : quod inde patet, quia neque in véteri Testaménto a priscis illis sanctísque viris culta fuit, et in novo nulla legis necessitáte jubétur.  Non enim id imperávit, sed fidélium voluntáti permísit.  Unde et Paulus ait : De virgínibus autem præcéptum Dómini non hábeo ; et laudo quidem eum, qui hoc sectátur institútum, noléntem autem non cogo, neque eam rem præcéptum fácio.

Wherefore doth the Lord set forth this parable under the figure of virgins, and not make it of acceptation for all men?  He had spoken great things touching virginity, saying : There be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake.  He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.  He knew also that virginity is a thing which is held in great honour among men, being indeed a thing higher than nature, as is plain from this, that under the Old Testament even the Patriarchs and Saints did not practise it, and that under the new Testament it is not enjoined by any commandment of necessity ; for the Lord did not make it binding, but left it open to the free choice of the faithful.  Whence also Paul saith : Concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord ; yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.  I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, that it is good for a man so to be.  But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned, and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned.

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 Cæcília dixit Tibúrtio : Hódie te fáteor meum esse cognátum, quia amor Dei te fecit esse * Contemptórem idolórum.
V.  Sicut enim amor Dei mihi tuum fratrem cónjugem fecit, ita te mihi cognátum fecit esse.
R.  Contemptórem idolórum.

R.  Blessed Cecilia said unto Tiburtius : Today I call thee my brother, for the love of God hath made thee * To cast away all false gods.
V.  For even as the love of God hath made thy brother to be my husband, so the same hath made thee to be my brother.
R.  To cast away all false gods.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

Benediction 8:  May she whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocate