The Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
Double of I Class with common Octave

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

Oremus.
Deus, qui per immaculátam Vírginis Conceptiónem dignum Fílio tuo habitáculum præparásti : quæsumus ; ut qui ex morte ejúsdem Fílii tui prævísa, eam ab omni labe præservásti, nos quoque mundos ejus intercessióne ad te perveníre concédas.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.
Let us pray.
O God, who in the foreknowledge of thy Son's most precious death didst consecrate for him a dwelling-place by the immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin : mercifully grant that she who was preserved from all defilement ; may evermore pray for us until we attain unto thee in purity of heart.  Through the same.

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

 

 

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Tota pulchra * es, María, et mácula originális non est in te. Ant.    Thou art all fair, * O Mary, and there is no spot of sin in thee.

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.

Psalm 109.  Dixit Dominus

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.    Tota pulchra es, María, et mácula originális non est in te. Ant.    Thou art all fair, O Mary, and there is no spot of sin in thee.
Ant.    Vestiméntum tuum * cándidum quasi nix, et fácies tua sicut sol. Ant.    Thy raiment * is white as the snow, and thy face as the sun.

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.
 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.    Vestiméntum tuum cándidum quasi nix, et fácies tua sicut sol. Ant.    Thy raiment is white as the snow, and thy face as the sun.
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.    Blessed art thou * O Virgin Mary, of the Most High Lord our 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.    Blessed art thou O Virgin Mary, of the Most High Lord our God, above all the women upon the earth.
Ant.    Trahe nos, * Virgo immaculáta, post te currémus in odórem unguentórum tuórum. Ant.    Draw us, O Maiden undefiled; * we will run after thee because of the savour of thy good ointments.

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.    Trahe nos, Virgo immaculáta, post te currémus in odórem unguentórum tuórum. Ant.    Draw us, O Maiden undefiled; we will run after thee because of the savour of thy good ointments.

STAND

Capitulum           Prov. 8. 22.
Dóminus possédit 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.
R.  Deo grátias.
The Little Chapter          Prov. 8. 22.
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.
R.  Thanks be to God.
The first stanza of the following Hymn is said kneeling.

KNEEL

Hymnus

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

The Hymn

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

STAND

Sumens illud Ave
Gabriélis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Hevæ nomen.

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.

Ave was the token
By the Angel spoken!
Peace on earth it telleth,
Eva's name re-spelleth.

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.

V.  Immaculáta Concéptio est hódie sanctæ Maríæ Vírginis.
R.  Quæ serpéntis caput vírgineo pede contrívit.
V.  Today we honour the Immaculate Conception of Saint Mary the Virgin.
R.  Who with her virginal foot hath bruised the serpent's head.
Ad Magnif. Ant:  Beátam me dicent * omnes generatiónes, quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est, allelúja.

Ant. on Magnif:  All generations * shall call me blessed, for he that is mighty hath magnified me, alleluia.

MAGNIFICAT THE MAGNIFICAT
Oremus.
Deus, qui per immaculátam Vírginis Conceptiónem dignum Fílio tuo habitáculum præparásti : quæsumus ; ut qui ex morte ejúsdem Fílii tui prævísa, eam ab omni labe præservásti, nos quoque mundos ejus intercessióne ad te perveníre concédas.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.
Let us pray.
O God, who in the foreknowledge of thy Son's most precious death didst consecrate for him a dwelling-place by the immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin : mercifully grant that she who was preserved from all defilement ; may evermore pray for us until we attain unto thee in purity of heart.  Through the same.
A Commemoration is made of the Feria only

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline

 

 

Compline

The conclusion of Hymns at all Hours shall be the following:
Jesu tibi sit glória,
Qui natus es de Vírgine,
Cum Patre et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.
All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

 

 

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

Psalm 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.

Hymnus The Hymn
Præclára custos Vírginum,
Intácta mater Núminis,
Cæléstis aulæ jánua,
Spes nostra, cæli gáudium,
Fair guardian of the virgin state,
God's Mother, Maid inviolate ;
To heaven's court, approach thou art,
Joy of God's Saints, hope of man's heart.
Inter rubéta lílium,
Colúmba formosíssima,
Virga e radíce gérminans
Nostro medélam vúlneri.
'Midst thorns thou art a lily white,
A dove of gold and silvery light ;
The flower, thou, of Jesse's rod,
Whence comes the healing balm of God.
Turris dracóni impérvia,
Amíca stella náufragis,
Tuére nos a fráudibus,
Tuáque luce dírige.
Tower the dragon cannot scale,
Star which as friend the shipwrecked hail ;
Assist us in our sin-dark night,
Through error guide us by thy light.
Erróris umbras díscute,
Syrtes dolósas ámove,
Fluctus tot inter, déviis
Tutam reclúde sémitam.
Dispel the mists that dim the eye,
'Midst treacherous shoals which round us lie ;
In angry seas, point out the way
For those who else would go astray.
Jesu tibi sit glória,
Qui natus es de Vírgine,
Cum Patre et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.
All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

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

 

 

First Nocturn

Ant.    Admirábile est * nomen tuum, Dómine, in univérsa terra, quia in Vírgine María dignum tibi habitáculum præparásti.

Ant.    How excellent * is thy Name, O Lord, in all the earth, who hast made thee a worthy tabernacle in the Virgin Mary.

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!

Psalm 8.  Domine, Dominus noster

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.    Admirábile est nomen tuum, Dómine, in univérsa terra, quia in Vírgine María dignum tibi habitáculum præparásti.

Ant.    How excellent is thy Name, O Lord, in all the earth, who hast made thee a worthy tabernacle in the Virgin Mary.

Ant.    In sole pósuit * Deus tabernáculum suum.

Ant.    The Lord hath set * his tabernacle in the sun.

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.    In sole pósuit Deus tabernáculum suum.

Ant.    The Lord hath set his tabernacle in the sun.

Ant.    In Conceptióne sua * accépit María benedictiónem a Dómino, et misericórdiam a Deo salutári suo.

Ant.    Even in her Conception * did Mary receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from the God of her salvation.

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.
 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.

Psalm 23. Domini est terra

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.    In Conceptióne sua accépit María benedictiónem a Dómino, et misericórdiam a Deo salutári suo.

Ant.    Even in her Conception did Mary receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from the God of her salvation.

STAND

V.  Deus omnípotens præcínxit me virtúte.
R. 
Et pósuit immaculátam viam meam.
V.  It is God Almighty that girdeth me with strength.
R.  And maketh my way immaculate.
Pater noster. 
secreto usque ad
V.  Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.
R.  Sed líbera nos a malo.
Our Father. 
Which words are said aloud, and the rest secretly to:
V.  And lead us not into temptation.
R.  But deliver us from evil.

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.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

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.

Lesson i

De libro Génesis

The Lesson is taken from the Book of Genesis

Chap. 3, 1-5

Serpens erat callídior cunctis animántibus terræ quæ fécerat Dóminus Deus.  Qui dixit ad mulíerem : Cur præcépit vobis Deus ut non comederétis de omni ligno paradísi?  Cui respóndit  múlier : De fructu lignórum, quæ sunt in paradíso, véscimur : de fructu vero ligni, quod est in médio paradísi, præcépit nobis Deus ne comederémus : et ne tangerémus illud, ne forte moriámur.  Dixit autem serpens ad mulíerem : Nequáquam morte moriémini.  Scit enim Deus quod in quocúmque die comedéritis ex eo, aperiéntur óculi vestri : et éritis sicut dii, sciéntes bonum et malum.

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

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

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

R.  Per unum hóminem peccátum in hunc mundum intrávit, in quo omnes peccavérunt. * Ne tímeas, María, invenísti grátiam apud Deum.
V.  Erípuit Dóminus ánimam tuam de morte, et contra inimícum factus est protéctor tuus.
R.  Ne tímeas, María, invenísti grátiam apud Deum.

R.  By one man sin entered into the world, in whom all have sinned. * Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.
V.  The Lord hath delivered thy soul from death, yea, he hath become thy protéctor against the enemy.
R.  Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.


V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

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.

Lesson ii Chap. 3, 6-8

Vidit ígitur múlier quod bonum esset lignum ad vescéndum, et pulchrum óculis, aspectúque delectábile : et tulit de fructu illíus, et comédit : dedítque viro suo, qui comédit.  Et apérti sunt óculi ambórum : cumque cognovíssent se esse nudos, consuérunt fólia ficus, et fecérunt sibi perizómata.  Et cum audíssent vocem Dómini Dei deambulántis in paradíso ad auram post merídiem, abscóndit se Adam et uxor ejus a fácie Dómini Dei in médio ligni paradísi.

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.  And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

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

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

R.  Transíte ad me, omnes qui concupíscitis me : * Et narrábo vobis quanta fecit Deus ánimæ meæ.
V.  Vivit Dóminus, quóniam adimplévit in me misericórdiam suam.
R.  Et narrábo vobis quanta fecit Deus ánimæ meæ.

R.  Come unto me all ye that be desirous of me, * And I will declare what God hath done for my soul.
V.  As the Lord liveth, by me, he hath fulfilled his mercy.
R.  And I will declare what God hath done for my soul.


V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

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.

Lesson iii Chap. 3, 9-15

Vocavítque Dóminus Deus Adam, et dixit ei : Ubi es?  Qui ait : Vocem tuam audívi in paradíso : et tímui, eo quod nudus essem, et abscóndi me.  Cui dixit : Quis enim indicávit tibi quod nudus esses, nisi quod ex ligno, de quo præcéperam tibi ne coméderes, comedísti?  Dixítque Adam : Múlier, quam dedísti mihi sóciam, dedit mihi de ligno, et comédi.  Et dixit Dóminus Deus ad mulíerem : Quare hoc fecísti?  Quæ respóndit : Serpens decépit me, et comédi.  Et ait Dóminus Deus ad serpéntem : Quia fecísti hoc, maledíctus es inter ómnia animántia et béstias terræ : super pectus tuum gradiéris, et terram cómedes cunctis diébus vitæ tuæ.  Inimicítias ponam inter te et mulíerem, et semen tuum et semen illíus : ipsa cónteret caput tuum, et tu insidiáberis calcáneo ejus.

And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?  And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.  And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?  And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.  And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.  And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; she shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel.

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

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

R.  Elécta mea cándida sicut nix in Líbano ; sicut favus distíllans lábia ejus : * Mel et lac sub lingua illíus.
V.  Veni de Líbano, sponsa mea, veni, coronáberis coróna gratiárum.
R.  Mel et lac sub lingua illíus.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Mel et lac sub lingua illíus.

R.  My beloved is white like snow in Lebanon, her lips drop as the honeycomb : * Honey and milk are under her tongue.
V.  Come from Lebanon, my Spouse, thou shalt be crowned with a crown of grace.
R.  Honey and milk are under her tongue.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Honey and milk are under her tongue.


 

 

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Diffúsa est * grátia in Conceptióne ejus, et speciósa appáruit inter filias hóminum.

Ant.    Grace is poured abroad * in her Conception, and she is fairer than the daughters of men.

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.

Psalm 44. i.  Eructavit cor meum

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.    Diffúsa est grátia in Conceptióne ejus, et speciósa appáruit inter filias hóminum.

Ant.    Grace is poured abroad in her Conception, and she is fairer than the daughters of men.

Ant.    Adjúvit eam * Deus mane dilúculo ; sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.

Ant.    God hath holpen her * right early, the Most High hath hallowed his tabernacle.

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.    Adjúvit eam Deus mane dilúculo ; sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.

Ant.    God hath holpen her right early, the Most High hath hallowed his tabernacle.

Ant.    Gloriósa * dicta sunt de te, cívitas Dei : fundávit te Dóminus in móntibus sanctis.

Ant.    Glorious things * are spoken of thee, O City of God : the Lord hath laid thy foundations upon the holy hills.

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.    Gloriósa dicta sunt de te, cívitas Dei : fundávit te Dóminus in móntibus sanctis.

Ant.    Glorious things are spoken of thee, O City of God : the Lord hath laid thy foundations upon the holy hills.

STAND

V.  In hoc cognóvi quóniam voluísti me.
R.  Quóniam non gaudébit inimícus meus super me.
V.  By this I know thou favourest me.
R.  That mine enemy doth not triumph against me.
Pater noster. 
secreto usque ad
V.  Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.
R.  Sed líbera nos a malo.
Our Father. 
Which words are said aloud, and the rest secretly to:
V.  And lead us not into temptation.
R.  But deliver us from evil.

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.

Lesson iv
Sermo sancti Hierónymi Presbyteri The Lesson is taken from a Sermon by St. Jerome the Priest
De Assumptione B.M.V.

Ave Maria, gratia plena

Qualis et quanta esset beáta et gloriósa semper Virgo María, ab Angelo divínitus declarátur, cum dícitur : Ave, grátia plena ; Dóminus tecum : benedícta tu in muliéribus.  Tálibus namque decébat Vírginem oppignorári munéribus, ut esset grátia plena, quæ dedit cælis glóriam, terris Dóminum, pacémque refúdit, fidem Géntibus, finem vítiis, vitæ órdinem, móribus disciplínam.  Et bene plena, quia céteris per partes præstátur ; Maríæ vero simul se tota infúdit plenitúdo grátiæ.  Vere plena, quia etsi in sanctis Pátribus et Prophétis grátia fuísse créditur, non tamen eátenus plena ; in Maríam vero totíus grátiæ, quæ in Christo est, plenitúdo venit, quamquam áliter.  Et ídeo inquit : Benedícta tu in muliéribus ; id est plus benedícta quam omnes mulíeres.  Ac per hoc quidquid maledictiónis infúsum est per Hevam, totum ábstulit benedíctio Maríæ.  De ipsa Sálomon in Cánticis, quasi in laudem ejus, Veni, inquit, colúmba mea, immaculáta mea.  Jam enim hiems tránsiit, imber ábiit et recéssit.  Ac deínde inquit : Veni de Líbano, veni, coronáberis.

Who and what was the blessed and glorious ever-Virgin Mary, hath been revealed by God by the message of an Angel, in these words : Hail, thou that art full of grace, the Lord is with thee : blessed art thou among women.  It was fitting that a fulness of grace should be poured into that Virgin who hath given to God glory and to man a Saviour, who hath brought peace to earth, who hath given faith to the Gentiles, who hath killed sin, who hath given law to life, who hath made the crooked ways straight.  Verily, she is full of grace.  To others grace cometh measure by measure ; in Mary grace dwelleth at once in all fulness.  Verily, she is full of grace.  We believe that the holy Fathers and Prophets had grace ; but they were not full of grace.  But into Mary came a fulness of all the grace which is in Christ, albeit otherwise than as it is in him.  Therefore is it said : Blessed art thou among women, that is, Blessed art thou above all women.  The fulness of blessing in Mary utterly neutralized in her any effects of the curse of Eve.  In her praise Solomon writeth in the Song of Songs, Rise up, my dove, my fair one, for the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.  And again, Come from Lebanon, my Spouse, come, thou shalt be crowned.

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

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

R.  Ego ex ore Altíssimi prodívi, primogénita ante omnem creaturám : ego feci in cælis, ut orirétur lumen indefíciens. * Nondum erant abyssi, et ego jam concépta eram.
V.  Deus enim creávit me in justítia, et apprehéndit manum meam, et servávit me.
R.  Nondum erant abyssi, et ego jam concépta eram.

R.  I came out of the mouth of the Most High, the first-begotten before every creature : I made the unfading light to arise in the heavens. * Before ever were the depths, and I was already conceived.
V.  For the Lord hath created me in righteousness, and hath held mine hand, and hath kept me.
R.  Before ever were the depths, and I was already conceived.


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.

Lesson v

Non immérito ígitur veníre de Líbano jubétur, quia Líbanus candidátio interpretátur.  Erat enim candidáta multis meritórum virtútibus, et dealbáta nive candídior, Spíritus Sancti munéribus, simplicitátem colúmbæ in ómnibus repræséntans : quóniam, quidquid in ea gestum est, totum púritas et simplícitas, totum véritas et grátia fuit ; totum misericórdia et justítia, quæ de cælo prospéxit : et ídeo immaculáta, quia in nullo corrúpta.  Circúmdedit enim virum in útero, sicut Jeremías sanctus testátur, et non aliúnde accépit.  Fáciet, inquit, Dóminus novum super terram, et múlier circúmdabit virum.  Vere novum, et ómnium novitátum superéminens nóvitas virtútum, quando Deus (quem ferre non potest mundus, neque vidére áliquis, ut vívere possit) sic ingréssus est hospítium ventris, ut córporis claustrum nescíret ; sicque gestátus, ut totus Deus in eo esset ; et sic exívit inde, ut esset (sicut Ezéchiel fatétur) porta omníno clausa.  Unde cánitur in eísdem Cánticis de ea : Hortus conclúsus, fons signátus, emissiónes tuæ paradísus.  Vere hortus deliciárum, in quo cónsita sunt univérsa florum génera, et odoraménta virtútum ; sicque conclúsus, ut nésciat violári, neque corrúmpi ullis insidiárum fráudibus.  Fons ítaque signátus sigíllo totíus Trinitátis.

Not unjustly then is she bidden to come from Lebanon, for Lebanon is so named on account of its stainless and glistening whiteness.  The earthly Lebanon is white with snow, but the lonely heights of Mary's holiness are white with purity and grace, brilliantly fair, whiter far than snow, sparkling with the gifts of the Holy Ghost―she is undefiled like a dove, all clean, all upright, full of grace and truth.  She is full of mercy, and of the righteousness that hath looked down from heaven, and therefore is she without stain because in her hath never been any corruption.  She hath compassed a man in her womb, saith holy Jeremiah, but she conceived not by the will of fallen man.  The Lord, saith the Prophet, hath created a new thing in the earth : a woman shall compass a man.  Verily, it is a new thing.  Verily, it was a new work of power, greater than all other works, when God, whom the world cannot bear, and whom no man shall see and live, entered the lodging of her womb, breaking not the blissful cloister of her virgin flesh.  And in her body he was borne, the Infinite inclosed within her womb.  And from her womb he came forth, so that it was fulfilled which was spoken of the Prophet Ezekiel, saying : This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it ; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.  Hence also in the Song of Songs it is said of her, A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse, a garden enclosed, a fountain sealed, thy perfumes are a garden of delights.  Verily a garden of delights, filled with the perfumes of all flowers, rich with the sweet savour of grace.  And the most holy Virgin herself is a garden enclosed, whereinto sin and Satan have never entered to sully the blossoms, a fountain sealed, sealed with the seal of the Trinity.

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

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

R.  Nihil inquinátum in eam incúrrit : * Candor est lucis ætérnæ et spéculum sine mácula.
V.  Est enim hæc speciósior sole, et luci comparáta invenítur púrior.
R.  Candor est lucis ætérnæ et spéculum sine mácula.

R.  No defiled thing can come nigh unto her ; * For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, and the unspotted mirror of the power of God.
V.  She is more beautiful than the sun, and being compared with the light, she is found before it.
R.  For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, and the unspotted mirror of the power of God.


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.

Lesson vi
Ex Actis Pii Papæ noni The Lesson is taken from the Acts of Pope Pius IX

Deíparæ autem Vírginis in sua Conceptióne de tetérrimo humáni géneris hoste victóriam, quam divína elóquia, veneránda tradítio, perpétuus Ecclésiæ sensus, singuláris episcopórum ac fidélium conspirátio, insígnia quoque summórum Pontíficum acta atque constitutiónes mirífice jam illustrábant, Pius nonus Póntifex máximus totíus Ecclésiæ votis ánnuens státuit suprémo suo atque infallíbili oráculo solémniter proclamáre.  Itaque sexto Idus Decémbris anni millésimi octingentésimi quinquagésimi quarti in basílica Vaticána, ingénti sanctæ Románæ Ecclésiæ Patrum Cardinálium et Episcopórum ex díssitis étiam regiónibus astánte cœtu, universóque plaudénte orbe, solémniter pronuntiávit et definívit : Doctrínam quæ tenet beatíssimam Vírginem Maríam in primo instánti suæ Conceptiónis fuísse, singulári Dei privilégio, ab omni originális culpæ labe præservátam immúnem, esse a Deo revelátam, ac proínde ab ómnibus fidélibus fírmiter constantérque credéndam.

The fact that the Virgin Mother of God had at the moment of her Conception triumphed over the foul enemy of man, hath ever been borne out by the Holy Scriptures, by the venerable tradition of the Church, and by her unceasing belief, as well as by the common conviction of all Bishops and faithful Catholics, and by marked acts and constitutions of the Holy See.  At length the Supreme Pontiff Pius IX, in compliance with the wishes of the Universal Church, determined to publish it as a truth of faith, on his own absolute and unerring authority, and accordingly, on the 8th day of December, 1854, in the Vatican Basilica, in presence of a great multitude composed of the Fathers Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, and Bishops from all parts of the earth, he, with the consent and jubilation of the whole world, declared and defined as follows : That doctrine which declareth that the most blessed Virgin Mary was in the first instant of her Conception preserved, by a special privilege granted unto her by God, from any stain of original sin, is a doctrine taught and revealed by God, and therefore is to be held by all faithful Christians firmly and constantly.

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

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

R.  Signum magnum appáruit in cælo : Múlier amícta sole, et luna sub pédibus ejus, * Et in cápite ejus coróna stellárum duódecim.
V.  Induit eam Dóminus vestiméntis salútis, induménto justítiæ, et quasi sponsam ornávit eam monílibus suis.
R.  Et in cápite ejus coróna stellárum duódecim.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et in cápite ejus coróna stellárum duódecim.

R.  And there appeared a great wonder in heaven : a Woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, * And upon her head is a crown of twelve stars.
V.  The Lord hath clothed her with the garments of salvation, he hath covered her with the robe of righteousness, as a bride adorned with jewels.
R.  And upon her head is a crown of twelve stars.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And upon her head is a crown of twelve stars.


 

 

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Sanctimónia et magnificéntia * in Conceptióne ejus : annuntiáte in ómnibus pópulis glóriam ejus.

Ant.    Holiness and beauty * are in her Conception : declare her glory among all people.

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.

Psalm 95.  Cantate Domino

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.
 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.    Sanctimónia et magnificéntia in Conceptióne ejus : annuntiáte in ómnibus pópulis glóriam ejus.

Ant.    Holiness and beauty are in her Conception : declare her glory among all people.

Ant.    Lætámini, omnes, * in Dómino : et confitémini memóriæ sanctitátis ejus.

Ant.    Rejoice ye all * in the Lord : and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

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.

Psalm 96.  Dominus regnavit

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.    L