Double of II Class with simple Octave

All as in Common of a Martyr, except the following

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Commemoration of St. Stephen at Second Vespers of Christmas

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

Christum natum, qui beátum hódie coronávit Stéphanum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The new-born Christ, who as on this day gave the crown to blessed Stephen, * O come, let us worship.

Christum natum, qui beátum hódie coronávit Stéphanum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The new-born Christ, who as on this day gave the crown to blessed Stephen, * 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.

Christum natum, qui beátum hódie coronávit Stéphanum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The new-born Christ, who as on this day gave the crown to blessed Stephen, * 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.

Christum natum, qui beátum hódie coronávit Stéphanum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The new-born Christ, who as on this day gave the crown to blessed Stephen, * 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.

Christum natum, qui beátum hódie coronávit Stéphanum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The new-born Christ, who as on this day gave the crown to blessed Stephen, * 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.

Christum natum, qui beátum hódie coronávit Stéphanum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The new-born Christ, who as on this day gave the crown to blessed Stephen, * O come, let us worship.

Deus, tuórum mílitum
Sors, et coróna, præmium,
Laudes canéntes Mártyris
Absólve nexu críminis.

Hic nempe mundi gáudia,
Et blanda fraudum pábula
Imbúta felle députans,
Pervénit ad cæléstia.

Pœnas cucúrrit fórtiter,
Et sústulit viríliter,
Fundénsque pro te sánguinem,
Ætérna dona póssidet.

Ob hoc precátu súpplici
Te póscimus, piíssime :
In hoc triúmpho Mártyris
Dimítte noxam sérvulis.

Jesu, tibi sit glória,
Qui natus es de Vírgine,
Cum Patre et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

O God, thy soldiers' great reward,
Their portion, crown, and faithful Lord,
From all transgressions set us free
Who sing thy Martyr's victory.

By wisdom taught he learn'd to know
The vanity of all below,
The fleeting joys of earth disdain'd,
And everlasting glory gain'd.

For thee through many a woe he ran,
In many a fight he play'd the man;
For thee his blood he dar'd to pour,
And thence hath joy for evermore.

We therefore pray thee, Lord of love,
Regard us from thy throne above;
On this thy Martyr's triumph-day
Wash ev'ry stain of sin away.

Doxology
All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

First Nocturn

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

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

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

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

De Actibus Apostolórum

The Lesson is taken from the Acts of the Apostles

In diébus illis, crescénte número discipulórum, factus est murmur Græcórum advérsus Hebræos, eo quod dispiceréntur in ministério quotidiáno víduæ eórum.  Convocántes autem duódecim multitúdinem discipulórum, dixérunt : Non est æquum nos derelínquere verbum Dei et ministráre mensis.  Consideráte ergo, fratres, viros ex vobis boni testimónii, septem, plenos Spíritu Sancto et sapiéntia, quos constituámus super hoc opus.  Nos vero oratióni et ministério verbi instántes érimus.  Et plácuit sermo coram omni multitúdine.  Et elegérunt Stéphanum virum plenum fide et Spíritu Sancto, et Philíppum, et Próchorum, et Nicánorem, et Timónem, et Pármenam, et Nicoláum, ádvenam Antiochénum.  Hos statuérunt ante conspéctum Apostolórum: et orántes imposuérunt eis manus.

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

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

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

R.  Stéphanus autem plenus grátia et fortitúdine, * Faciébat prodígia et signa magna in pópulo.
V.  Surrexérunt quidam de synagóga disputántes cum Stéphano : et non póterant resístere sapiéntiæ, et Spirítui qui loquebátur.
R.  Faciébat prodígia et signa magna in pópulo.

R.  And Stephen was filled with grace and power, * And he did great wonders and miracles among the people.
V.  There arose certain of the synagogue, disputing with Stephen ; and they were not able to resist the wisdom, and the Spirit which spake.
R.  And he did great wonders and miracles among the people.

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.

Et verbum Dei crescébat, et multiplicabátur númerus discipulórum in Jerúsalem valde : multa étiam turba sacerdótum obediébat fídei.  Stéphanus autem plenus grátia et fortitúdine, faciébat prodígia et signa magna in pópulo.  Surrexérunt autem quidam de synagóga, quæ appellátur Libertinórum, et Cyrenénsium et Alexandrinórum, et eórum qui erant a Cilícia, et Asia, disputántes cum Stéphano : et non póterant resístere sapiéntiæ, et Spirítui qui loquebátur.  Audiéntes autem hæc, dissecabántur córdibus suis, et stridébant déntibus in eum.

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.  Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilícia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.  And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

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

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

R.  Vidébant omnes Stéphanum, qui erant in concílio : * Et intuebántur vultum ejus tamquam vultum Angeli stantis inter illos.
V.  Plenus grátia et fortitúdine, faciébat prodígia et signa magna in pópulo.
R.  Et intuebántur vultum ejus tamquam vultum Angeli stantis inter illos.

R.  All that sat in the council, looked stedfastly on Stephen, *  And they beheld his face as it had been the face of an Angel standing among them.
V.  Full of grace and power, he did great wonders and miracles among the people.
R.  And they beheld his face as it had been the face of an Angel standing among them.

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.

Cum autem esset plenus Spíritu Sancto, inténdens in cælum, vidit glóriam Dei, et Jesum stantem a dextris Dei.  Et ait : Ecce vídeo cælos apértos, et Fílium hóminis stantem a dextris Dei.  Exclamántes autem voce magna, continuérunt aures suas, et ímpetum fecérunt unanímiter in eum.  Et ejiciéntes eum extra civitátem lapidábant : et testes deposuérunt vestiménta sua secus pedes adolescéntis, qui vocabátur Saulus.  Et lapidábant Stéphanum, invocántem et dicéntem : Dómine Jesu, súscipe spíritum meum.  Pósitis autem génibus, clamávit voce magna : Dómine, ne státuas illis hoc peccátum.  Et cum hoc dixísset, obdormívit in Dómino.

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

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

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

R.  Intuens in cælum beátus Stéphanus, vidit glóriam Dei, et ait : * Ecce vídeo cælos apértos, et Fílium hóminis stantem a dextris virtútis Dei.
V.  Cum autem esset Stéphanus plenus Spíritu Sancto, inténdens in cælum, vidit glóriam Dei, et ait.
R.  Ecce vídeo cælos apértos, et Fílium hóminis stantem a dextris virtútis Dei.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Ecce vídeo cælos apértos, et Fílium hóminis stantem a dextris virtútis Dei.

R.  The blessed Stephen looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and said : * Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of the power of God.
V.  But Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and said :
R.  Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of the power of God.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of the power of God.

After the conclusion of the First Nocturn, The Second Nocturn is begun from the Common of a Martyr.

Second Nocturn

The Psalms and Antiphons for the Second Nocturn are taken from the Common of a Martyr.

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.

Heri celebrávimus temporálem sempitérni Regis nostri natalem : hódie celebrámus triumphalem mílitis passiónem.  Heri enim Rex noster trábea carnis indútus, de aula úteri virginális egrédiens, visitáre dignátus est mundum : hódie miles de tabernáculo córporis éxiens, triumphátor migrávit ad cælum.  Ille, sempitérnæ Deitátis majestáte serváta, servíle cinctórium carnis assúmens, in hujus sæculi campum pugnatúrus intrávit ; iste, depósitis corruptibílibus córporis induméntis, ad cæli palátium perénniter regnatúrus ascéndit.  Ille descéndit carne velátus, iste ascéndit sánguine laureátus.

Yesterday we were celebrating the Birth in time of our eternal King.  Today we celebrate the triumphant suffering of one of his soldiers.  Yesterday our King, clothed in the robe of our flesh, was pleased to come forth from his royal palace of the Virgin's womb to visit the world.  Today his soldier, laying aside the tabernacle of the body, entereth in triumph into the palace of heaven.  The One, preserving unchanged that majesty of the Godhead which he had before the world was, girded himself with the lowliness of our flesh in the form of a servant, and entered the battlefield of this world.  The other, putting off the corruptible garment of our flesh, entered into the heavenly mansion, there to reign for ever.  The One cometh down, and is veiled in the flesh of his human birth.  The other goeth up, and is robed with a glory which is red with the blood of his temporal death.

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

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

R.  Lapidábant Stéphanum invocántem et dicéntem : * Dómine Jesu Christe, áccipe spíritum meum : et ne státuas illis hoc peccátum.
V.  Pósitis autem génibus, clamávit voce magna, dicens.
R.  Dómine Jesu Christe, áccipe spíritum meum : et ne státuas illis hoc peccátum.

R.  They stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying : *  Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit ; and lay not this sin to their charge.
V.  And he kneeled down, and cried with loud voice, saying :
R.  Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit ; and lay not this sin to their charge.

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.

Ascéndit iste lapidántibus Judæis, quia ille descéndit lætántibus Angelis.  Glória in excélsis Deo, heri sancti Angeli exsultántes cantavérunt : hódie Stéphanum lætántes in suum consórtium suscepérunt.  Heri Dóminus exívit de útero Vírginis : hódie miles egréssus est de ergástulo carnis.  Heri Christus pro nobis pannis est involútus : hódie Stéphanus stola est ab eo immortalitátis indútus.  Heri præsépis angústia Christum portávit infántem : hódie imménsitas cæli suscépit Stéphanum triumphántem.  Solus Dóminus descéndit, ut multos eleváret : humiliávit se Rex noster, ut suos mílites exaltáret.

The One cometh down amid the jubilation of Angels.  The other goeth up amid the stoning of Jewry.  Yesterday the holy Angels rejoiced in the song : Glory to God in the highest.  Today they rejoice in the welcome whereby they do receive Stephen into their company.  Yesterday the Lord came forth from the Virgin's womb.  Today his soldier is delivered from the prison of the body.  Yesterday Christ was for our sakes wrapped in swaddling bands.  Today he girdeth Stephen with a robe of immortality.  Yesterday the new-born Christ lay in a narrow manger.  Today Stephen entereth victorious into the boundless heavens.  The Lord came down, one and alone, that he might raise many up.  Our King descended to our low estate that he might set his soldiers, such as Stephen, in high places.

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

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

R.  Impetum fecérunt unanímiter in eum, et ejecérunt eum extra civitátem, invocántem et dicéntem : * Dómine Jesu, áccipe spíritum meum.
V.  Et testes deposuérunt vestiménta sua secus pedes adolescéntis, qui vocabátur Saulus : et lapidábant Stéphanum invocántem et dicéntem.
R.  Dómine Jesu, áccipe spíritum meum.

R.  They ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, calling upon God, and saying : * Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
V.  And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul : and they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying :
R.  Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

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.

Necessárium tamen nobis est, fratres, agnóscere, quibus armis præcínctus Stéphanus sævítiam Judæórum pótuit superáre, ut ita meruísset felíciter triumpháre.  Stéphanus ergo, ut nóminis sui corónam meruísset accípere, caritátem pro armis habébat, et per ipsam ubíque vincébat.  Per caritátem Dei sæviéntibus Judæis non cessit : per caritátem próximi pro lapidántibus intercéssit.  Per caritátem arguébat errántes, ut corrigeréntur : per caritátem pro lapidántibus orábat, ne puniréntur.  Caritátis virtúte subníxus, vicit Saulum crudéliter sæviéntem ; et quem hábuit in terra persecutórem, in cælo méruit habére consórtem.

Now let us consider, brethren, by what arms Stephen conquered the hatred and persecution of Jewry in such wise as to win so blessed a triumph.  Verily he had no arms or armour other than charity.  Love it was that armed him in that struggle, and strengthened him to conquer on all sides, and brought him to the crown whereof his name is a prophecy.  The love of God strengthened him against the hatred of Jewry.  The love of his neighbour made him pray even for his murderers.  Through love he rebuked them, in their perversities that they might be corrected.  Through love he prayed for them that stoned him that they might not be punished.  By the might of his charity he overcame Saul, his cruel persecutor, and earned, as a comrade in heaven, the very man who had done him to death upon earth.

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

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

R.  Impii super justum jactúram fecérunt, ut eum morti tráderent : * At ille gaudens suscépit lápides, ut mererétur accípere corónam glóriæ.
V.  Continuérunt aures suas, et ímpetum fecérunt unanímiter in eum.
R.  At ille gaudens suscépit lápides, ut mererétur accípere corónam glóriæ.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  At ille gaudens suscépit lápides, ut mererétur accípere corónam glóriæ.

R.  The ungodly fell upon the righteous, to put him to death : * But he received the stones with joy, that he might earn a crown of glory.
V.  They stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord.
R.  But he received the stones with joy, that he might earn a crown of glory.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  But he received the stones with joy, that he might earn a crown of glory.

After the conclusion of the Second Nocturn, The Third Nocturn is begun from the Common of a Martyr.

Third Nocturn

The Psalms and Antiphons for the Third Nocturn are taken from the Common of a Marytr.

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 : Dicébat Jesus scribis et pharisæis : Ecce ego mitto ad vos prophétas, et sapiéntes, et scribas : et ex illis occidétis, et crucifigétis.  Et réliqua.

At that time : Jesus said unto the Scribes and Pharisees : Behold, I send unto you Prophets, and wise men, and Scribes ; and some of them ye shall kill and crucify.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Hoc quod ántea dixerámus, Impléte mensúram patrum vestrórum ; ad persónam Dómini pertinére, eo quod occidéndus esset ab eis, potest et ad discípulos ejus reférri, de quibus nunc dicit : Ecce ego mitto ad vos prophétas, et sapiéntes, et scribas.  Simúlque obsérva, juxta Apóstolum scribéntem ad Corínthios, vária esse dona discipulórum Christi ; álios prophétas, qui ventúra prædícent ; álios sapiéntes, qui novérunt quando débeant proférre sermónem ; álios scribas in lege doctíssimos, ex quibus lapidátus est Stéphanus, Paulus occísus, crucifíxus Petrus, flagelláti in Actibus Apostolórum discípuli.

We have already remarked that the words : Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers : may have reference to the Lord as the one whom the Jews were afterward to put to death.  In a secondary sense it may likewise be applied to his disciples, of whom he speaketh when he saith : Behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes.  Here observe that, as the Apostle wrote to the Corinthians, there are diversities of gifts amongst Christ's followers.  Some are prophets of that which is to come ; some are wise men who know the due season for rebuke, and exhortation ; some are scribes learned in the Law.  And of these Stephen was stoned, Paul was slain with the sword, Peter was crucified, and the disciples of whom mention is made in the Acts of the Apostles were scourged.

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

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

R.  Stéphanus servus Dei, quem lapidábant Judæi, vidit cælos apértos : vidit, et introívit : * Beátus homo, cui cæli patébant.
V.  Cum ígitur saxórum crepitántium túrbine quaterétur, inter æthéreos aulæ cæléstis sinus divína ei cláritas fulsit.
R.  Beátus homo, cui cæli patébant.

R.  Stephen, the servant of God, who was stoned by the Jews, saw the heavens opened : he saw and entered in. *  Blessed is he, unto whom the heavens were opened.
V.  While his poor body was crushed by the hurtling shower of stones, God's brightness broke upon him out of the heavenly palaces.
R.  Blessed is he, unto whom the heavens were opened.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

Benediction 8:  May he whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocate with God.
R.  Amen.

Quærimus, quis iste sit Zacharías fílius Barachíæ : quia multos légimus Zacharías.  Et ne líbera nobis tribuerétur erróris facúltas, ádditum est : Quem occidístis inter templum et altáre.  In divérsis divérsa legi : et débeo singulórum opiniónes pónere.  Alii Zacharíam fílium Barachíæ dicunt, qui in duódecim prophétis undécimus est, patrísque in eo nomen conséntit : sed ubi occísus sit inter templum et altáre, Scriptúra non lóquitur ; máxime cum tempóribus ejus vix ruínæ templi fúerint.  Alii Zacharíam patrem Joánnis intélligi volunt, ex quibúsdam apocryphórum sómniis approbántes, quod proptérea occísus sit, quia Salvatóris prædicáverit advéntum.

It is a subject of dispute amongst commentators as to what is meant by Zacharias the son of Barachias, for we read of several persons of this name.  But in this passage, as if to prevent any mistake, is added : Whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.  I have read various opinions in various places upon this question, and I will give you each.  First, some hold that this Zacharias was the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets, which same is called the son of Barachias.  But the Bible nowhere telleth us that this Prophet was slain between the temple and the altar ; and it is hardly possible in his day that even the ruins of the temple were in existence.  Secondly, others maintain that this Zacharias was the father of John the Baptist.  Such an interpretation is derived from certain vain imaginations of the apocryphal Gospels, wherein it is asserted that he was martyred for preaching the Saviour's coming.

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

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

R.  Patefáctæ sunt jánuæ cæli Christi Mártyri beáto Stéphano, qui in número Mártyrum invéntus est primus : * Et ídeo triúmphat in cælis coronátus.
V.  Mortem enim, quam Salvátor noster dignátus est pro nobis pati, hanc ille primus réddidit Salvatóri.
R.  Et ídeo triúmphat in cælis coronátus.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et ídeo triúmphat in cælis coronátus.

R.  The gates of heaven were opened to Christ's blessed Martyr Stephen, and he is the first of all the Martyrs. * Wherefore he reigneth crowned in heaven.
V.  For he was the first to make an offering of his death to that Saviour who vouchsafed to suffer death for us.
R.  Wherefore he reigneth crowned in heaven.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Wherefore he reigneth crowned in heaven.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

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

Alii istum volunt esse Zacharíam, qui occísus est a Joas rege Judæ inter templum et altáre, sicut Regum narrat história.  Sed observándum, quod ille Zacharías non sit fílius Barachíæ, sed fílius Jójadæ sacerdótis : unde et Scriptúra refert : Non fuit recordátus Joas patris ejus Jójadæ, quia sibi fecísset bona.  Cum ergo et Zacharíam teneámus et occisiónis conséntiat locus : quærimus, quare Barachíæ dicátur fílius, et non Jójadæ?  Barachía lingua nostra Benedíctus Dómini dícitur, et sacerdótis Jójadæ justítia Hebræo nómine demonstrátur.  In Evangélio, quo utúntur Nazaréni, pro fílio Barachíæ, fílium Jójadæ reperímus scriptum.

A third school will have it that this Zacharias, the son of Barachias, was that Zacharias of whom we read in the second Book of Chronicles, that he was slain by Joash, King of Judah, in the court of the house of the Lord, which same might be understood as between the temple and the altar.  However, that Zacharias was not the son of Barachias, but of Jehoiada the priest, whence it is written : Joash the King remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son.  The question therefore ariseth, if this opinion be true, why the manner of death agreeth with this explanation but the name doth not, since Zacharias is called the son of Jehoiada rather than of Barachias.  The Hebrew word Barachias signifieth Blessed-of-the-Lord, and this might be an honourific title for Jehoiada, used to imply his righteousness, inasmuch as our Lord was making reference to the shedding of righteous blood.  Further, we might find that in the Gospel used by the Nazarenes the name of Jehoiada is used instead of Barachias.

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

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

Lauds

The first part of Lauds is in the Ordinary

Psalmus 92.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, decórem indútus est: * indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se.
2  Etenim firmávit orbem terræ, * qui non commovébitur.
3  Paráta sedes tua ex tunc: * a sæculo tu es.
4  Elevavérunt flúmina, Dómine: * elevavérunt flúmina vocem suam.
5  Elevavérunt flúmina fluctus suos, * a vócibus aquárum multárum.
6  Mirábiles elatiónes maris: * mirábilis in altis Dóminus.
7  Testimónia tua credibília facta sunt nimis: * domum tuam decet sanctitúdo, Dómine, in longitúdinem diérum.

The Lord hath reigned, and hath put on glorious apparel; * the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength.
2  For he hath stablished the round world, * that it cannot be moved.
3  Thy throne is prepared from of old : * thou art from everlasting.
4  The floods have lift up, O Lord, * yea, the floods have lift up their voice.
5  The floods have lift up their waves, * with the noise of many waters.
6  The waves of the sea are mighty, * glorious is the Lord, who dwelleth on high.
7  Thy testimonies are become exceeding credible: * holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever and ever.

Psalmus 99.  Jubilate

Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * servíte Dómino in lætítia.
2  Introíte in conspéctu ejus, * in exsultatióne.
3  Scitóte quóniam Dóminus ipse est Deus: * ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos.
4  Pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus: * introíte portas ejus in confessióne, átria ejus in hymnis: confitémini illi.
5  Laudáte nomen ejus: quóniam suávis est Dóminus, in ætérnum misericórdia ejus, * et usque in generatiónem et generatiónem véritas ejus.

Psalm 99.  Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness.
2  Come before his presence * with exceeding great joy.
3  Know ye that the Lord he is God; * it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.
4  We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture : * O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be ye thankful unto him.
5  Give praises unto his Name: for the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Psalmus 62.  Deus, Deus meus

Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce vígilo.
2  Sitívit in te ánima mea, * quam multiplíciter tibi caro mea.
3  In terra desérta, et ínvia, et inaquósa: * sic in sancto appárui tibi, ut vidérem virtútem tuam, et glóriam tuam.
4  Quóniam mélior est misericórdia tua super vitas: * lábia mea laudábunt te.
5  Sic benedícam te in vita mea: * et in nómine tuo levábo manus meas.
6  Sicut ádipe et pinguédine repleátur ánima mea: * et lábiis exsultatiónis laudábit os meum.
7  Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, in matutínis meditábor in te: * quia fuísti adjútor meus.
8  Et in velaménto alárum tuárum exsultábo, adhæsit ánima mea post te: * me suscépit déxtera tua.
9  Ipsi vero in vanum quæsiérunt ánimam meam, introíbunt in inferióra terræ: * tradéntur in manus gládii, partes vúlpium erunt.
10  Rex vero lætábitur in Deo, laudabúntur omnes qui jurant in eo: * quia obstrúctum est os loquéntium iníqua.

Psalm 62.  Deus, Deus meus

O God, thou art my God; * to thee do I watch at break of day.
2  My soul hath thirsted for thee, * my flesh also in many different ways.
3  In a barren and dry land where no water is: * so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, that I might behold thy power and thy glory.
4  For thy mercy is better than the life itself : * my lips shall praise thee.
5  Thus will I bless thee as long as I live : * and I will lift up my hands in thy Name.
6  My soul shall be filled as with marrow and fatness, * and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.
7  If I have remembered thee in my bed, I will think upon thee in the morning : * because thou hast been my helper.
8  And under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice, my soul hath hung upon thee; * thy right hand hath upholden me.
9  But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go down into the nether parts of the earth : * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be a portion for foxes.
10  But the king shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended; * for the mouth of them that speak wicked things shall be stopped.

Canticum trium Puerorum
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 et 56

Benedícite, ómnia ópera Dómini, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.

2    Benedícite, Angeli Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, cæli, Dómino.

3    Benedícite, aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes virtútes Dómini, Dómino.

4    Benedícite, sol et luna, Dómino: * benedícite, stellæ cæli, Dómino.

5    Benedícite, omnis imber et ros, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes spíritus Dei, Dómino.

6    Benedícite, ignis et æstus, Dómino: * benedícite, frigus et æstus, Dómino.

7    Benedícite, rores et pruína, Dómino: * benedícite, gelu et frigus, Dómino.

8    Benedícite, glácies et nives, Dómino: * benedícite, noctes et dies, Dómino.

9    Benedícite, lux et ténebræ, Dómino: * benedícite, fúlgura et nubes, Dómino.

10  Benedícat terra Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

11  Benedícite, montes et colles, Dómino: * benedícite, univérsa germinántia in terra, Dómino.

12  Benedícite, fontes, Dómino: * benedícite, mária et flúmina, Dómino.

13  Benedícite, cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes vólucres cæli, Dómino.

14    Benedícite, omnes béstiæ et pécora, Dómino: * benedícite, fílii hóminum, Dómino.

15    Benedícat Israël Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

16    Benedícite, sacerdótes Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, servi Dómini, Dómino.

17    Benedícite, spíritus, et ánimæ justórum, Dómino: * benedícite, sancti et húmiles corde, Dómino.

18    Benedícite, Ananía, Azaría, Mísaël, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.
(Fit reverentia:)

19    Benedicámus Patrem et Fílium cum Sancto Spíritu: * laudémus et superexaltémus eum in sæcula.
20  Benedíctus es, Dómine, in firmaménto cæli: * et laudábilis, et gloriósus, et superexaltátus in sæcula.
Hic non dícitur Glória Patri, neque Amen.

The Song of the Three Holy Children
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 and 56

O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
2  O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord.
3  O ye Waters that be above the Firmament, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
4  O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Stars of Heaven, bless ye the Lord.
5  O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord: * O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord.
6  O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord.
7  O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord.
8  O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord.
9  O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord.
10  O let the Earth bless the Lord; * yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.
11  O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord. 
12  O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord.
13  O ye Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Fowls of the Air, bless ye the Lord.
14  O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord.
15  O let Israël bless the Lord; * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
16  O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
17  O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: * O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord.
18  O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise him and magnify him for ever:
(During the following verse, all bow:)
19  Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise him and magnify him for ever.
20  Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven; * and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
Here is not said Amen or Glory be.

Psalmus 148.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum de cælis: * laudáte eum in excélsis.
2  Laudáte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * laudáte eum, omnes virtútes ejus.
3  Laudáte eum, sol et luna: * laudáte eum, omnes stellæ et lumen.
4  Laudáte eum, cæli cælórum: * et aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, laudent nomen Dómini.
5  Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt.
6  Státuit ea in ætérnum, et in sæculum sæculi: * præcéptum pósuit, et non præteríbit.
7  Laudáte Dóminum de terra, * dracónes, et omnes abyssi.
8  Ignis, grando, nix, glácies, spíritus procellárum: * quæ fáciunt verbum ejus:
9  Montes, et omnes colles: * ligna fructífera, et omnes cedri.
10  Béstiæ, et univérsa pécora: * serpéntes, et vólucres pennátæ:
11  Reges terræ, et omnes pópuli: * príncipes, et omnes júdices terræ.
12  Júvenes, et vírgines : senes cum junióribus laudent nomen Dómini: * quia exaltátum est nomen ejus solíus.
13  Conféssio ejus super cælum et terram: * et exaltávit cornu pópuli sui.
14  Hymnus ómnibus sanctis ejus: * fíliis Israël, pópulo appropinquánti sibi.

Psalm 148.  Laudate Dominum

O praise ye the Lord from the heavens: * praise ye him in the height.
2  Praise him, all ye Angels of his: * praise him, all his host.
3  Praise ye him, O sun and moon: * praise him, all ye stars and light.
4  Praise him, all ye heavens of heavens, * and ye waters that are above the heavens, praise the Name of the Lord.
5  For he spake the word, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created.
6  He hath established them for ever, yea, unto ages of ages : * he hath set forth a law, and it shall not pass away.
7  Praise the Lord from the earth, * ye dragons and all deeps;
8  Fire and hail, snow and ice, wind and storm, * fulfilling his word;
9  Mountains and all hills; * fruitful trees and all cedars;
10  Beasts and all cattle; * creeping things and flying fowls;
11  Kings of the earth, and all people; * princes, and all judges of the world;
12  Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord: * for his Name only is exalted.
13  His praise is above heaven and earth : * and he shall exalt the horn of his people.
14  A hymn unto all his saints : * even unto the children of Israel, a people that draw nigh unto him.

Ant.    Ecce vídeo cælos apértos, et Jesum stantem a dextris virtútis Dei.

Ant.    Behold, I see the heavens opened, and Jesus standing at the right hand of the power of God.

STAND

Capitulum           Act. 6. 8.
Stéphanus autem plenus grátia et fortitúdine, faciébat prodígia et signa magna in pópulo.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Act. 6. 8.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Invícte Martyr, únicum
Patris secútus Fílium,
Victis triúmphas hóstibus,
Victor fruens cæléstibus.

Tui precátus múnere
Nostrum reátum dílue,
Arcens mali contágium,
Vitæ repéllens tædium.

Solúta sunt jam víncula
Tui sacráti córporis :
Nos solve vinclis sæculi,
Dono supérni Núminis.

Jesu, tibi sit glória,
Qui natus es de Vírgine,
Cum Patre et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled,
To follow close God's only Son,
Well didst thou brave the battle-field,
And well the heavenly bliss was won!

Now join thy prayers with ours, who pray
That God may pardon us, and bless;
For prayer keeps evil's plagues away,
And draws from life its weariness.

Long, long ago were loosed the chains
That held thy body once in thrall;
For us how many a bond remains!
O love of God, release us all.

Doxology
All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

Ad Bened. Ant:  Stéphanus autem * plenus grátia et fortitúdine, faciébat signa magna in pópulo.

Ant. on Bened:  Stephen, full of faith and power, * did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Ant:  Glória in excélsis Deo, et in terra pax homínibus bonæ voluntátis, allelúja, allelúja.

Ant:  Glory be to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good-will, alleluia, alleluia.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Prime

Festal Psalms

Return to the Office of Prime

Lectio Brevis   Act. 7. 60
Pósitis autem génibus, clamávit voce magna, dicens : Dómine, ne státuas illis hoc peccátum.  Et cum hoc dixísset, obdormívit in Dómino.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

Brief Lesson    Act. 7. 60.
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, saying:  Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.  And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Return to the Office of Prime

Terce

Ant.    Lápides torréntis * illi dulces fuérunt : ipsum sequúntur omnes ánimæ justæ.

Ant.    The heavy rain of stones * was sweet unto Stephen: him doth every soul of the righteous follow.