Bishop and Martyr

Double

Common

Matins

Lauds

Vespers

At all the Hours except Vespers, Psalms with the Antiphons, and at Matins the Nocturn Versicles also, are of the weekday, as in the Psalter; the rest is from the Common of a Martyr, except that which is given below as proper.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Commemoration of St. Thomas, M,  at 2nd Vespers of Holy Innocents

Ant:  Hódie Christus natus est : hódie Salvátor appáruit : hódie in terra canunt Angeli, lætántur Archángeli  : hódie exsúltant justi, dicéntes : Glória in excélsis Deo, allelúja.

Ant:  This is the time when the Christ was born ; this is the time when a Saviour appeared ; this is the time when on earth Angels were singing, Archangels rejoicing ; this is the time when the righteous should exult and say: Glory to God in the highest, alleluia.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn

First Nocturn

The Lessons from the Epistle to the Romans today and the next two days are always read, each on its own day, with the Responds (as here given) of the Sunday within the Octave, whether the Office be of a Saint, or of the Sunday, or of the Octave of Christmas, unless however there are to be read Lessons that are proper, or from the Common of any occurring Feast whatever, according to the Rubrics, in which case the Lessons from Romans are on that day omitted.  But the Lessons assigned to this day from the beginning of the same Epistle, if they are impeded as above, are transferred to the first subsequent day on the which they would otherwise have to be read from the same Epistle, not excluding even the Feast of the Circumcision, but, in this case, retaining the Responds assigned to the aforesaid Feast of the Circumcision.

If the Lessons for today's Feast are to be taken from the Common, they are read from that of a Martyr, A Mileto.

Scripture Lessons

Lessons from Common of a Martyr

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.

Incipit Epístola beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Romános

The Lesson is taken from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans

Paulus servus Jesu Christi, vocátus Apóstolus, segregátus in Evangélium Dei, quod ante promíserat per prophétas suos in Scriptúris sanctis de Fílio suo, qui factus est ei ex sémine David secúndum carnem, qui prædestinátus est Fílius Dei in virtúte secúndum spíritum sanctificatiónis ex resurrectióne mortuórum Jesu Christi Dómini nostri : per quem accépimus grátiam, et apostolátum ad obediéndum fídei in ómnibus Géntibus pro nómine ejus, in quibus estis et vos vocáti Jesu Christi : ómnibus qui sunt Romæ, diléctis Dei, vocátis sanctis.  Grátia vobis, et pax a Deo Patre nostro, et Dómino Jesu Christo.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God, (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

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

R.  Hódie nobis de cælo pax vera descéndit : * Hódie per totum mundum mellíflui facti sunt cæli.
V.  Hódie illúxit nobis dies redemptiónis novæ, reparatiónis antíquæ, felicitátis ætérnæ.
R.  Hódie per totum mundum mellíflui facti sunt cæli.

R.  As of today hath true peace from heaven come down to earth : * As of today have the skies begun to drop down honey through all the world.
V.  As of today the dawn of a new redemption hath been seen, even the restoration ordained of old ; yea, felicity eternal.
R.  As of today have the skies begun to drop down honey through all the world.

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.

Primum quidem grátias ago Deo meo per Jesum Christum pro ómnibus vobis : quia fides vestra annuntiátur in univérso mundo.  Testis enim mihi est Deus, cui sérvio in spíritu meo in Evangélio Fílii ejus, quod sine intermissióne memóriam vestri fácio semper in oratiónibus meis : óbsecrans, si quómodo tandem aliquándo prósperum iter hábeam in voluntáte Dei veniéndi ad vos.  Desídero enim vidére vos : ut áliquid impértiar vobis grátiæ spirituális ad confírmándos vos : id est, simul consolári in vobis per eam, quæ ínvicem est, fidem vestram atque meam.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.  For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

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

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

R.  Quem vidístis, pastóres? dícite, annuntiáte nobis, in terris quis appáruit? * Natum vídimus, et choros Angelórum collaudántes Dóminum.
V.  Dícite, quidnam vidístis? et annuntiáte Christi nativitátem.
R.  Natum vídimus, et choros Angelórum collaudántes Dóminum.

R.  Whom saw ye, O ye shepherds? speak! tell us! give us the tidings ; who is this that hath appeared on earth? * We beheld a new-born Child, and choirs of Angels singing praise to the Lord.
V.  Speak, what have ye seen?  And tell us of the Birth of Christ.
R.  We beheld a new-born Child, and choirs of Angels singing praise to the Lord.

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.

Nolo autem vos ignoráre, fratres : quia sæpe propósui veníre ad vos (et prohíbitus sum usque adhuc), ut áliquem fructum hábeam et in vobis, sicut et in céteris Géntibus : Græcis, ac Bárbaris, sapiéntibus, et insipiéntibus débitor sum : ita (quod in me) promptum est et vobis, qui Romæ estis, evangelizáre.  Non enim erubésco Evangélium.  Virtus enim Dei est in salútem omni credénti, Judæo primum, et Græco.  Justítia enim Dei in eo revelátur ex fide in fidem : sicut scriptum est : Justus autem ex fide vivit.  Revelátur enim ira Dei de cælo super omnem impietátem et injustítiam hóminum eórum, qui veritátem Dei in injustítia détinent : quia quod notum est Dei, maniféstum est in illis.  Deus enim illis manifestávit.

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.  For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto 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.  O magnum mystérium, et admirábile sacraméntum, ut animália vidérent Dóminum natum, jacéntem in præsépio : * Beáta Virgo, cujus víscera meruérunt portáre Dóminum Christum.
V.  Ave, María, grátia plena : Dóminus tecum.
R.  Beáta Virgo, cujus víscera meruérunt portáre Dóminum Christum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Beáta Virgo, cujus víscera meruérunt portáre Dóminum Christum.

R.  How great the mystery, fraught with a wondrous, hidden meaning, that beasts should behold the new-born Lord, lying in the manger : * Blessed art thou, O Virgin, whose womb was made meet to bear the Lord Christ.
V.  Hail, Mary, full of grace : the Lord is with thee.
R.  Blessed art thou, O Virgin, whose womb was made meet to bear the Lord Christ.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Blessed art thou, O Virgin, whose womb was made meet to bear the Lord Christ.

After the conclusion of the First Nocturn, the Second Nocturn is begun according to the current weekday, as given in the table below.

Second Nocturn

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

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

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

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

Thomas, Londíni in Anglia natus, Theobáldo succéssit Cantuariénsi epíscopo : et qui ántea in administrándo cancelláriæ múnere præcláre se gésserat, in episcopáli offício fortis et invíctus fuit.  Cum enim Henrícus secúndus Angliæ rex, convocátis ad se epíscopis et procéribus regni, leges ferret utilitáti ac dignitáti ecclesiásticæ repugnántes, ádeo constánter óbstitit régiæ cupiditáti, ut neque pollicitatiónibus, neque terróribus de senténtia decédens, próxime conjiciéndus in cárcerem clam recésserit.  Inde propínqui ejus omnis ætátis ejécti, amíci, fautóres omnes, iis, quibus per ætátem licéret, jurejurándo adstríctis, univérsos Thomam aditúros, si fortásse miserábili suórum calamitátis aspéctu moverétur, qui a sancto propósito privátis incómmodis deterréri mínime potuísset.  Non respéxit carnem aut sánguinem, neque ullus in eo humanitátis offícii constántiam labefactávit.

Thomas was born at London in England, and succeeded Theobald in the Archbishopric of Canterbury.  He had previously filled with great distinction the office of Lord Chancellor, and shewed an indomitable firmness in his duty as Primate.  When Henry II, King of England, in an assembly of the Bishops and great men of his realm, endeavoured to pass laws detrimental to the advantage and dignity of the Church, he opposed himself so steadily to the king's wishes, that, neither promises, nor threats availing to shake him, he was about to be cast into prison, had he not made good his escape in time.  The whole of his kinsfolk without regard to age or sex, his friends, and his advisers, were then banished the kingdom, and those who were able, were bound by an oath  to make their way to the presence of Thomas, in the hope that though careless of his own sufferings, he might yield at the sight of their misery.  But neither flesh nor blood, nor the pleadings of natural affection could make him swerve from the line of his pastoral duty.

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

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

St. Thomas arguing with King Henry II

R.  Honéstum fecit illum Dóminus, et custodívit eum ab inimícis, et a seductóribus tutávit illum: * Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.
V.  Descendítque cum illo in fóveam, et in vínculis non derelíquit eum.
R.  Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.

R.  The Lord multiplied the fruit of his labours and defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait: * And gave him perpetual glory.
V.  The Lord went down with him into the pit, and left him not in bonds.
R.  And gave him perpetual glory.

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.

Cóntulit ígitur se ad Alexándrum tértium Pontíficem, a quo benígne accéptus est : et inde proféctus, mónachis Pontiniacénsis monastérii, Cisterciénsis órdinis, ab eódem commendátus.  Quod ut cognóvit Henrícus, missis ad convéntum fratrum Cisterciénsium minácibus lítteris, Thomam e Pontiníaco monastério exturbáre conátur.  Quare vir sanctus, véritus ne sua causa mali áliquid Cisterciénsis família paterétur, sponte discéssit, et Ludovícum Gálliæ regem ejus invitátu convénit ; ubi támdiu fuit, quod, Pontífice máximo et ipso rege agéntibus, ab exsílio, summa totíus regnis gratulatióne revocátur.  Quid dum boni pastóris offícium secúrus exséquitur, ecce calumniatóres ad regem déferunt, eum multa contra regnum et públicam quiétem molíri, ut proptérea sæpius conquererétur rex, se in suo regno cum uno sacerdóte pacem habére non posse.

He betook himself to Pope Alexander III, by whom he was graciously received, and who committed him to the care of the Cistercians at Pontigny.  As soon as this came to the knowledge of King Henry, he sent threatening letters to the monks, in order to drive Thomas from this shelter.  The saint was unwilling that the Cistercian Order should suffer on his account, and therefore voluntarily withdrew from Pontigny, and accepted the invitation of Louis VII, King of France, to go to his court.  He remained here, until his banishment was recalled at the intercession of the Pope and of the King of France, and he returned to England amid great public joy.  He was quietly continuing the work of a faithful shepherd of souls, when certain calumniators denounced him to the king as a plotter against the crown and the public peace.  Henry, deceived by these libels, cried out that it was hard that one priest should never let him have quiet in his kingdom.

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

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

R.  Desidérium ánimæ ejus tribuísti ei, Dómine, * Et  voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.
V.  Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis, posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.
R.  Et  voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.

R.  Thou hast given him, O Lord, his heart's desire, * And hast not denied him the request of his lips.
V.  For thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness, and hast set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
R.  And hast not denied him the request of his lips.

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.

Ex qua regis voce nefárii satéllites sperántes grátum se regi factúros, si Thomam e médio tóllerent, clam conveniéntes Cantuáriam, epíscopum in templo vespertínis horis óperam dantem aggrediúntur.  Qui cléricis templi áditus præclúdere conántibus accúrrens, óstium apéruit, illis usus verbis ad suos : Non est Dei Ecclésia custodiénda more castrórum ; et ego pro Ecclésia Dei libénter mortem subíbo.  Tum ad mílites : Vos Dei jussu cavéte, ne cuípiam meórum noceátis.  Deínde flexis génibus, Deo, beátæ Maríæ, sancto Dionysio et réliquis Sanctis ejus ecclésiæ patrónis, Ecclésiam et seípsum comméndans, sacrum caput eádem constántia, qua iniquíssimi regis légibus restíterat, ímpio ferro præcidéndum óbtulit, quarto Kaléndas Januárii, anno Dómini millésimo centésimo septuagésimo primo : cujus cérebro respérsum est totíus templi paviméntum.  Quem multis póstea illústrem miráculis idem Alexánder Póntifex rétulit in Sanctórum númerum.

Some wicked servants of the king, hearing his words, and thinking to do him pleasure, betook themselves  to Canterbury to rid him of the Archbishop.  They entered the cathedral in the evening as Thomas was proceeding to assist at Evensong.  The clergy in attendance on him, conscious of the attempt about to be made, wished to bolt the doors.  But the saint caused them to be again opened , saying, The Church of God is not be made a castle of, and for the cause of God's Church I am willing to die.  He then said to his murderers, I charge you in the Name of the Almighty God to hurt none of my people.  With these words he fell on his knees, and commended himself to God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to St. Denis, and to the other holy Patrons of the Church of Canterbury.  He presently offered his sacred head for the stroke of death, and received it from the swords of those wicked men with the same constancy  with which he had withstood the commands of the unrighteous king.  The murderers pulled out his brains and strewed them all about the floor of the church.  He testified on the 29th day of December, in the year of our Lord 1170, and, being afterwards honoured with many miracles, was canonised by Pope Alexander III.

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

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

R.  Stola jucunditátis índuit eum Dóminus : * Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.
V.  Cibávit illum Dóminus pane vitæ et intelléctus : et aqua sapiéntiæ salutáris potávit illum.
R.  Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.

R.  The Lord hath put on him a robe of honour, * And hath put about his head a crown of joy.
V.  With the bread of life and understanding the Lord hath fed him, and hath given him the water of wisdom to drink.
R.  And hath put about his head a crown of joy.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And hath put about his head a crown of joy.

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

Thomas, Londíni in Anglia natus, ántea regni cancellárius, Theobáldo succéssit Cantuariénsi epíscopo.  In episcopáli offício fortis et invíctus, utilitáti ac dignitáti ecclesiásticæ repugnántes, ab Henríco secúndo rege latas, nullis fractus suis ac suórum incómmodis, acceptáre rénuit.  Quare próximi conjiciéndus in cárcerem, clam recésserit ; et primo Pontiníaci apud mónachos Cisterciénses, deínde apud Ludovícum regem Gálliæ se cóntulit.  Ab exsílio revocátus, paulo post per calúmniam apud regem ita impétitur, ut sæpius conquererétur rex se in suo regno cum uno sacerdote pacem habére non posse.  Hinc nefárii hómines sperántes se grátum regi factúros, Thomam in Cantuariénsi templo vespertínis horis óperam dantem aggrediúntur.  Qui cléricis templi áditus præclúdere conántibus óbstitit, dicens : Non est Dei Ecclésia custodiénda more castrórum ; et ego pro Ecclésia Dei libénter mortem subíbo.  Tum ad mílites ait : Vos Dei jussu cavéte, ne cuípiam meórum noceátis.  Deínde, fléxis génibus, ecclésiam et seípsum Deo comméndans, cápite pléctitur, quarto Kaléndas Januárii, anno Dómini millésimo centésimo septuagésimo primo.

Thomas was born at London in England, and after being Lord Chancellor of the kingdom, succeeded Theobald in the Archbishopric of Canterbury.  He shewed an indomitable firmness in his duty as Primate, opposing himself steadily to the wishes of King Henry II, who endeavoured to pass laws detrimental to the advantage and dignity of the Church.  For this reason he was about to be cast into prison, had he not made good his escape in time.  He betook himself first to the care of the Cistercian monks at Pontigny, and then to the court of Louis VII, King of France.  Soon after his recall from exile, certain calumniators denounced him to the king, who cried out that it was hard that one priest should never let him have quiet in his kingdom.  Some wicked men, thinking to do the king pleasure, betook themselves  to Canterbury to rid him of the Archbishop as Thomas was proceeding to assist at Evensong.  The clergy wished to bolt the doors of the cathedral, but the saint refused, saying, The Church of God is not be made a castle of, and for the cause of God's Church I am willing to die.  He then said to the soldiers, I charge you in the Name of the Almighty God to hurt none of my people.  With these words he fell on his knees, and commending himself to God, his head was struck off on the 29th day of December, in the year of our Lord 1170.

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

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

After the conclusion of the Second Nocturn, the Third Nocturn is begun according to the current weekday, as given in the table below.

Third Nocturn

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

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

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

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

In illo témpore : Dixit Jesus pharisæis : Ego sum pastor bonus.  Bonus pastor ánimam suam dat pro óvibus suis.  Et réliqua.

At that time : Jesus said unto the Pharisees : I am the Good Shepherd ; the Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Magnum quiddam, dilectíssimi, magnum, inquam, est Ecclésiæ prælátio, et quæ multa índiget sapiéntia et fortitúdine, qualem Christus propósuit : ut ánimam pro óvibus  ponámus, et numquam illas deserámus ; ut lupo generóse resistámus.  Hæc enim inter pastórem et mercenárium est differéntia : alter própriæ, contémptis óvibus ; alter, sua contémpta, óvium semper salúti invígilat.  Pastóris ergo exémplo demonstráto, deceptóres duos méminit : furem mactántem et rapiéntem oves ; et mercenárium permitténtem, neque defendéntem commíssas.

Dearly beloved brethren, the Bishops of the Church hold a great office, an office that needeth much that wisdom and strength whereof Christ hath given us an example.  We must learn of him to lay down our lives for the sheep and never to leave them ; and to fight bravely against the wolf.  This is the difference between the true shepherd and the hireling.  The one leaveth the sheep and seeketh his own safety, but the other recketh not of his own safety, so as he may watch over the sheep.  Christ then having given us the pattern of a good shepherd, warneth us against two enemies ; first, the thief that cometh not but to kill and to steal, and, secondly, the hireling that standeth by, and defendeth not them that are committed to his charge.

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

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

R.  Coróna áurea super caput ejus, * Expréssa signo sanctitátis, glória honóris, et opus fortitúdinis.
V.  Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis, posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.
R.  Expréssa signo sanctitátis, glória honóris, et opus fortitúdinis.

R.  The Lord set a crown of gold upon his head, * Wherein was engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, goodly and beautiful.
V.  For thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness, and hast set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
R.  Wherein was engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, goodly and beautiful.

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.

Quod superióri témpore Ezéchiel his verbis insectátus est : Væ pastóribus Israël : nonne pascébant semetípsos?  Nonne greges pascúntur a pastóribus?  Sed illi contrárium faciébant, quod máximæ malítiæ genus est, et plurimórum causa malórum.  Idcírco inquit : Neque quod abjéctum erat, reducébant : neque quod períerat, quærébant : neque confráctum alligábant : neque infírmum consolidábant : quóniam se, non gregem pascébant.  Idem et Paulus áliis verbis signíficat : Omnes quæ sua sunt, quærunt, non quæ Jesu Christi.

Ezekiel hath said of old time, Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves!  Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?  But they did the contrary, which was a great wickedness and the root of many evils.  Therefore, he saith, they brought not back that which was gone astray : neither did they search for that which was lost : neither did they bind up that which was broken, nor strengthen that which was sick ; for they fed themselves, and not the flock.  And Paul hath the same in other words, where he saith, All seek their own, not the things which are of Jesus Christ.

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

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

R.  Hic est vere Martyr, qui pro Christi nómine sánguinem suum fudit: * Qui minas júdicum non tímuit, nec terrénæ dignitátis glóriam quæsívit, sed ad cæléstia regna pervénit.
V.  Justum dedúxit Dóminus per vias rectas, et osténdit illi regnum Dei.
R.  Qui minas júdicum non tímuit, nec terrénæ dignitátis glóriam quæsívit, sed ad cæléstia regna pervénit.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Qui minas júdicum non tímuit, nec terrénæ dignitátis glóriam quæsívit, sed ad cæléstia regna pervénit.

R.  This is indeed a Martyr who for the Name of Christ poured forth his life-blood; * Who feared not the judgement of the world, nor clung to any earthly honours; but set his heart on a heavenly reward.
V.  The Lord guided the righteous in right paths, and shewed him the kingdom of God.
R.  Who feared not the judgement of the world, nor clung to any earthly honours; but set his heart on a heavenly reward.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Who feared not the judgement of the world, nor clung to any earthly honours; but set his heart on a heavenly reward.

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.

Verum ab utróque se dissidére osténdit Christus : ab illis quidem, qui in aliórum perníciem véniunt, cum dicat, se proptérea venísse, ut vitam habérent, et abundántius habérent? ab his autem, qui oves a lupis rapi negligébant, dicéndo se propter eas ánimam pónere, ne oves perírent.  Nam cum Judæi ipsum interímere vellent, non proptérea déstitit a doctrína, neque credéntes trádidit, sed pérstitit, et pértulit mortem : ídeo frequénter inquit : Ego sum pastor bonus.  Quæ cum nullo niti testimónio videréntur, (quod enim póneret ánimam suam, non multo post re monstrátum est ; quod autem vitam habérent, et abundántius habérent, eventúrum erat in futúro sæculo) álterum ab áltero confírmat.

Christ sheweth himself very different from either the thief or the hireling.  Whereas the thief cometh to destroy, Christ came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  The hireling fleeth, but Christ layeth down his life for the sheep, that the sheep perish not.  When then the Jews went about to kill him, he ceased not to teach.  He forsook not them that believed in him, but stood stedfast and died.  Wherefore he hath good title often to say : I am the Good Shepherd.  It was but a little while after he proclaimed himself the Good Shepherd that he shewed us how he could lay down his life for the sheep.  And if it appeareth not as yet how they have life, and have it more abundantly, (but it shall appear, in the world which is to come,) we may well be persuaded of the truth of the latter promise, who have seen how he fulfilled his former one.

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

Canterbury Cathedral

BENEDICTUS

THE BENEDICTUS

Oremus.
Deus, pro cujus Ecclésia gloriósus Póntifex Thomas gládiis impiórum occúbuit : præsta, quæsumus ; ut omnes, qui ejus implórant auxílium, petitiónis suæ salutárem consequántur efféctum.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, who for thy Church's sake didst suffer thy Bishop Thomas gloriously to be slain by the swords of wicked men : grant, we beseech thee ; that all they who call upon him for succour may be profited by the obtaining of all that they desire.  Through.

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.

Oremus.
Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut nos Unigéniti tui nova per carnem Natívitas líberet; quos sub peccáti jugo vetústa sérvitus tenet.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that the new birth, in the flesh, of thine only-begotten Son, may deliver us whom slavery from of old doth keep under the yoke of sin.  Through the same.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Canterbury Cathedral

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

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

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

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Dómini: * exquisíta in omnes voluntátes ejus.
3  Conféssio et magnificéntia opus ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Memóriam fecit mirabílium suórum, miséricors et miserátor Dóminus: * escam dedit timéntibus se.
5  Memor erit in sæculum testaménti sui: * virtútem óperum suórum annuntiábit pópulo suo:
6  Ut det illis hereditátem géntium: * ópera mánuum ejus véritas, et judícium.
7  Fidélia ómnia mandáta ejus: confirmáta in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritáte et æquitáte.
8  Redemptiónem misit pópulo suo: * mandávit in ætérnum testaméntum suum.
9  (fit reverentia) Sanctum, et terríbile nomen ejus: * inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.
10  Intelléctus bonus ómnibus faciéntibus eum: * laudátio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the righteous, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * meet to serve for the doing of his will.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  He hath made a memorial of his marvellous works; the Lord is merciful and gracious : * he hath given meat unto them that fear him.
5  He shall ever be mindful of his covenant : * he will shew his people the power of his works.
6  That he may give them the heritage of the heathen : * the works of his hands are verity and judgment.
7  All his commandments are true; they stand fast for ever and ever : * and are done in truth and equity.
8  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
9  (all bow) Holy and terrible is his Name : * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
10  A good understanding have all they that do thereafter; * his praise endureth for ever.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.
2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.
9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalmus 129.  De profundis

De profúndis clamávi ad te, Dómine: * Dómine, exáudi vocem meam :
2  Fiant aures tuæ intendéntes: * in vocem deprecatiónis meæ.
3  Si iniquitátes observáveris, Dómine: * Dómine, quis sustinébit?
4  Quia apud te propitiátio est: * et propter legem tuam sustínui te, Dómine.
5  Sustínuit ánima mea in verbo ejus: * sperávit ánima mea in Dómino.
6  A custódia matutína usque ad noctem: * speret Israël in Dómino.
7  Quia apud Dóminum misericórdia: * et copiósa apud eum redémptio.
8  Et ipse rédimet Israël: * ex ómnibus iniquitátibus ejus.

Psalm 129.  De profundis

Out of the depths I have cried unto thee, O Lord; * Lord, hear my voice.
2  O let thine ears be attentive * to the voice of my supplication.
3  If thou, O Lord, shalt observe our iniquities, * Lord, who may endure it?
4  For with thee there is merciful forgiveness : * and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
5  My soul hath relied on his word * my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
6  From the morning watch even until night : * let Israel hope in the Lord.
7  Because with the Lord there is mercy, * and with him plentiful redemption.
8  And he shall redeem Israel * from all his iniquities.

Psalmus 131.  Memento, Domine

Meménto, Dómine, David, * et omnis mansuetúdinis ejus :
2  Sicut jurávit Dómino, * votum vovit Deo Jacob :
3  Si introíero in tabernáculum domus meæ, * si ascéndero in lectum strati mei :
4  Si dédero somnum óculis meis, * et pálpebris meis dormitatiónem :
5  Et réquiem tempóribus meis : donec invéniam locum Dómino, * tabernáculum Deo Jacob.
6  Ecce audívimus eam in Ephrata: * invénimus eam in campis silvæ.
7  Introíbimus in tabernáculum ejus: * adorábimus in loco, ubi stetérunt pedes ejus.
8  Surge, Dómine, in réquiem tuam, * tu et arca sanctificatiónis tuæ.
9  Sacerdótes tui induántur justítiam: * et sancti tui exsúltent.
10  Propter David, servum tuum: * non avértas fáciem Christi tui.
11  Jurávit Dóminus David veritátem, et non frustrábitur eam: * de fructu ventris tui ponam super sedem tuam.
12  Si custodíerint fílii tui testaméntum meum: * et testimónia mea hæc, quæ docébo eos.
13  Et fílii eórum usque in sæculum: * sedébunt super sedem tuam.
14  Quóniam elégit Dóminus Sion: * elégit eam in habitatiónem sibi.
15  Hæc réquies mea in sæculum sæculi: * hic habitábo, quóniam elégi eam.
16  Víduam ejus benedícens benedícam: * páuperes ejus saturábo pánibus.
17  Sacerdótes ejus índuam salutári: * et sancti ejus exsultatióne exsultábunt.
18  Illuc prodúcam cornu David: * parávi lucérnam Christo meo.
19  Inimícos ejus índuam confusióne: * super ipsum autem efflorébit sanctificátio mea.

Psalm 131.  Memento, Domine

O Lord, remember David, * and all his meekness:
2  How he sware unto the Lord, * and vowed a vow unto the God of Jacob:
3  I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house, * nor go up into the bed wherein I lie;
4  I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, * nor mine eyelids to slumber;
5  Neither the temples of my head to take any rest : * until I find out a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
6  Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah, * and found it in the fields of the wood.
7  We will go into his tabernacle, * and worship in the place where his feet stood.
8  Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place; * thou, and the ark which thou hast sanctified.
9  Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; * and let thy saints rejoice.
10  For the sake of thy servant David, * turn not away the face of thine anointed.
11  The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David, and he shall not make it void : * of the fruit of thy womb shall I set upon thy throne.
12  If thy children will keep my covenant, * and my testimonies that I shall teach them.
13  Their children also for evermore : * shall sit upon thy throne.
14  For the Lord hath chosen Sion * he hath chosen it to be an habitation for himself.
15  This shall be my rest for ever and ever: * here will I dwell, for I have chosen it.
16  Blessing I will bless her widow : * and will satisfy her poor with bread.
17  I will clothe her priests with salvation, * and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding great joy.
18  There will I bring forth make a horn unto David : * I have prepared a lantern for mine anointed.
19  His enemies will I clothe with confusion; * but upon him shall my sanctification flourish.

STAND

Statue of St. Thomas in
Canterbury Cathedral

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.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Qui vult veníre post me, * ábneget semetípsum, et tollat crucem suam, et sequátur me.

Ant. on Magnif:  If any man shall come after me, * let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT