Pope and Confessor

Double

Common

Matins

Lauds

At I Vespers, Antiphons and Psalms as on Christmas at II Vespers, but from Chapter onwards from Common of a Bishop Confessor.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

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

Iste Conféssor Dómini, coléntes
Quem pie laudant pópuli per orbem,
Hac die lætus méruit beátas
Scándere sedes.

Qui pius, prudens, húmilis, pudícus,
Sóbriam duxit sine labe vitam,
Donec humános animávit auræ
Spíritus artus.

Cujus ob præstans méritum, frequénter,
Ægra quæ passim jacuére membra,
Víribus morbi dómitis, salúti
Restituúntur.

Noster hinc illi chorus obsequéntem
Cóncinit laudem celebrésque palmas,
Ut piis ejus précibus juvémur
Omne per ævum.

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus,
Qui, super cæli solio corúscans,
Totíus mundi sériem gubérnat,
Trinus et unus.  Amen.

This the Confessor of the Lord, whose triumph
Now through the wide world celebrate the faithful,
At his departure entered with rejoicing
Heavenly mansions.

Fervent and holy, prudent in his converse,
Humbly and chastely here on earth he sojourned,
Curbing all passions, and in peace and meekness,
Constant abiding.

What though the grave now hold his hallowed relicks?
He, ever living, ever interceding,
Reigns with the Blessed, nor from us his brethren
Is he divided.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour,
Chanting his praises with devout affection,
That in his merits we may have our portion,
Ever and ever.

Glory and virtue, honour and salvation,
Be unto him that, sitting in the highest,
Governeth all things, Lord and God Almighty,
Trinity blessed.  Amen.

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT

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

Compline of Current Weekday
 

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn

First Nocturn

The Lessons for the First Nocturn are taken from the occurrent Scripture.  If, however, they are to be taken from the Common, they are read from that of a Bishop Confessor, Series 1,  Fidelis sermo.

Scripture Lessons

Lessons from Common of Bishop Confessor
 

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

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

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

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

De Epístola ad Romános

The Lesson is taken from the Epistle to the Romans

Scimus autem quóniam quæcúmque lex lóquitur, iis, qui in lege sunt, lóquitur : ut omne os obstruátur, et súbditus fiat omnis mundus Deo : quia ex opéribus legis non justificábitur omnis caro coram illo.  Per legem enim cognítio peccáti.  Nunc autem sine lege justítia Dei manifestáta est : testificáta a lege et prophétis.  Justítia autem Dei per fidem Jesu Christi in omnes, et super omnes, qui credunt in eum : non enim est distínctio.

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.

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.

Omnes enim peccavérunt et egent glóriam Dei.  Justificáti gratis per grátiam ipsíus, per redemptiónem, quæ est in Christo Jesu, quem propósuit Deus propitiatiónem per fidem in sánguine ipsíus, ad ostensiónem justítiæ suæ propter remissiónem præcedéntium delictórum in sustentatióne Dei, ad ostensiónem justítiæ ejus in hoc témpore : ut sit ipse justus, et justíficans eum, qui est ex fide Jesu Christi.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

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.

Ubi est ergo gloriátio tua?  Exclúsa est.  Per quam legem?  Factórum?  Non : sed per legem fídei.  Arbitrámur enim justificári hóminem per fidem sine opéribus legis.  An Judæórum Deus tantum? nonne et Géntium?  Immo et Géntium : quóniam quidem unus est Deus, qui justíficat circumcisiónem ex fide, et præpútium per fidem.  Legem ergo destrúimus per fidem?  Absit : sed legem statúimus. 

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

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.

Silvéster Románus, patre Rufíno, a prima ætáte óperam dedit Cyríno presbytero ; cujus doctrínam et mores egrégie imitátus est.  Hic, sæviénte persecutióne, in Sorácte monte latitáverat ; et trigésimum annum agens, presbyter sanctæ Románæ Ecclésiæ a Marcellíno Pontífice creátur.  Quo in múnere cum omni laude cléricis áliis antecélleret, in Melchíadis póstea locum succéssit, imperatóre Constantíno, qui ántea pacem Ecclésiæ Christi lege pública déderat.  Vix Ecclésiæ gubernácula tractánda suscéperat, Constantínum, jam Crucis signo cælitus illustrátum, et de hoste Maxéntio victórem, ad tuéndam propagandámque christiánam religiónem impénse fovit.  Quem étiam, uti vetus Ecclésiæ Románæ refert tradítio, Apostolórum imágines recognóscere fecit, sacro baptísmate tinxit, et ab infidelitátis lepra mundávit.

Sylvester was a Roman by birth, and his father's name was Rufinus.  He was brought up from a very early age under a Priest named Cyrinus, of whose teaching and example he was a diligent learner.  During the fury of the persecutions, Sylvester hid himself upon Mount Soracte.  In his thirtieth year he was ordained Priest of the Holy Roman Church by Pope Marcellinus.  In the discharge of his duties he became a model for all the clergy, and, after the death of Melchiades, he succeeded him on the Papal throne, during the reign of Constantine, who had already by public decree proclaimed peace to the Church of Christ.  Hardly had he undertaken the government of the Church when he betook himself to stir up the Emperor to protect and propagate the religion of Christ.  Constantine was fresh from his victory over his enemy Maxentius, on the Eve whereof the sign of the Cross had been revealed to him limned in light upon the sky ; and there was an old story in the Church of Rome that it was Sylvester who caused him to recognise the images of the Apostles, administered to him holy Baptism, and cleansed him from the leprosy of misbelief.

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

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

R.  Invéni David servum meum, óleo sancto meo unxi eum : * Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei.
V.  Nihil profíciet inimícus in eo, et fílius iniquitátis non nocébit ei.
R.  Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei.

R.  I have found David my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him. * My hand shall hold him fast.
V.  The enemy shall not be able to do him violence ; the son of wickedness shall not hurt him.
R.  My hand shall hold him fast.

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.

Itaque, auctóre Silvéstro, pius imperátor quam christifidélibus públice templa exstruéndi tribúerat facultátem, eam exémplo suo confirmávit.  Multas enim eréxit Basílicas, scílicet Lateranénsem Christo Salvatóri, Vaticánum sancto Petro, Ostiénsem sancto Paulo, sancto Lauréntio in Agro Veráno, sanctæ Cruci in Atrio Sessoriáno, sancto Petro et Marcellíno ac sanctæ Agnéti in viis Lavicána et Nomentána, et álias ; quas sacris imagínibus spléndide exornávit, et, munéribus prædiísque attribútis, magnificentíssime locupletávit.  Hoc Pontífice hábitum est Concílium Nicænum primum, ubi præsidéntibus ejus legátis, præsénteque Constantíno et trecéntis decem et octo epíscopis, sancta et cathólica fides explicáta est, Arío ejúsdem sectatóribus condemnátis ; quod étiam Concílium, peténtibus Pátribus, confirmávit in synodo Romæ hábita, ubi íterum Aríus condemnátus est.  Multa item decréta fecit Ecclésiæ Dei utília, quæ sub ejus nómine recenséntur : id est, ut a solo epíscopo chrisma conficerétur ; ut presbyter chrísmate baptizáti summum liníret vérticem ; ut diáconi dalmáticis in ecclésia, et palla linóstima ad lævam uteréntur ; ut in líneo tantum velo sacrifícium altáris conficerétur.

The godly Emperor had already granted to Christ's faithful people permission to build public churches, and by the advice of Sylvester he himself set them the example.  He built many Basilicas, and magnificently adorned them with holy images, and gifted them with gifts and endowments.  Among these there were, besides others, the Church of Christ the Saviour, hard by the Lateran Palace ; that of St. Peter, upon the Vatican Mount ; that of St. Paul, upon the Ostian Way ; that of St. Lawrence in Agro Verano ; that of the Holy Cross in Atro Sessoriano ; that of St. Peter and St. Marcellinus, upon the Labican Way ; and that of St. Agnes, upon the Nomentan Way.  Under this Pope was held the first Council of Nice, presided over by the Papal Legates, and in the Presence of Constantine, and three hundred and eighteen Bishops, where the holy and Catholick Faith was declared, and Arius and his followers condemned ; which Council was finally confirmed by the Pope, at the request of all the assembled Fathers, in a synod held at Rome, where Arius was again condemned.  This Pope issued many useful ordinances for the Church of God.  He reserved to Bishops the right of consecrating the Holy Chrism ; ordered Priests to anoint with Chrism the heads of the newly baptized ; settled the offíciating dress of Deacons as a dalmatic and linen maniple ; and forbade the consecration of the Sacrament of the Altar on anything but a linen corporal.

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

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

R.  Pósui adjutórium super poténtem, et exaltávi eléctum de plebe mea : * Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei.
V.  Invéni David servum meum, óleo sancto meo unxi eum.
R.  Manus enim mea auxiliábitur ei.

R.  I have laid help upon one that is mighty, I have exalted one chosen out of the people. * My hand shall hold him fast.
V.  I have found David, my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him.
R.  My hand shall hold him fast.

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.

Idem præscripsísse tráditur tempus ómnibus, qui ordínibus initiáti essent, exercéndi síngulos órdines in Ecclésia, ántequam quisque ad altiórem gradum ascénderet ; ut láicus clérico non inférret crimen, ne cléricus apud profánum júdicem causam díceret.  Sábbati et Domínici diéi nómine reténto, réliquos hebdómadæ dies feriárum nómine distínctos, ut jam ante in Ecclésia vocári cœperant, appellári vóluit, quo significarétur, quotídie cléricos, abjécta ceterárum rerum cura, uni Deo prorsus vacáre debére.  Huic cælésti prudéntiæ, qua ecclésiam administrábat, insígnis vitæ sánctitas, et benígnitas in páuperes perpétuo respóndit.  Quo in génere provídit, ut cléricis copiósis egéntes conjúngeret, et sacris virgínibus, quæ ad victum necessária essent, suppeditaréntur.  Vixit in pontificátu annos vigínti unum, menses decem, diem unum.  Sepúltus est in cœmetério Priscíllæ, via Salária.  Fecit ordinatiónes septem mense Decémbri, quibus creávit presbyteros quadragínta duos, diáconos vigínti quinque, epíscopos per divérsa loca sexagínta quinque.

This Sylvester is likewise said to have ordained that all persons taking Holy Orders should remain a while in each grade  before being promoted to a higher ; that laymen should not go to law against the clergy ; and that the clergy themselves were not to plead before civil tribunals.  He decreed that the first and seventh days of the week should be called respectively the Lord's Day and the Sabbath, and the others, Second Day, Third Day, and so on.  In this he confirmed the use of the word Feria for the weekdays, the which use had already begun in the Church.  This word signifieth an holiday, and pointeth to the duty of the clergy ever to lay aside all worldly labour, and leave themselves free to do continually the work of the Lord.  The heavenly wisdom with which he ruled the Church of God, was joined in him to a singular holiness of life, and an inexhaustible tenderness towards the poor ; in which matter he ordained that the wealthy clergy should each relieve a certain number of needy persons ; and he also made arrangements for supplying the consecrated virgins with the necessaries of life.  He lived as Pope twenty-one years, ten months and one day, and was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Salarian Way.  He held seven ordinations in the month of December, and made forty-two priests, twenty-five deacons, and sixty-five bishops of various sees.

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

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

R.  Iste est, qui ante Deum magnas virtútes operátus est, et omnis terra doctrína ejus repléta est : * Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum.
V.  Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna.
R.  Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Ipse intercédat pro peccátis ómnium populórum.

R.  This is he who wrought mighty deeds and valiant in the sight of God, and all the earth is filled with his doctrine: * May his intercession avail for the sins of all the people.
V.  He was a man who despised the life of the world and attained unto the kingdom of heaven.
R.  May his intercession avail for the sins of all the people.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  May his intercession avail for the sins of all the people.

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.

Silvéster Románus, patre Rufino, sæviénte persecutióne in Sorácte monte látuit ; et, trigésimum annum agens, presbyter sanctæ Románæ Ecclésiæ est creátus.  Melchíade Pontifice vita functo, in ejus locum succéssit, imperatóre Constantíno, qui ántea pacem Ecclésiæ Christi lege pública déderat.  Quem Silvéster ad tuéndam propagandámque religiónem ita fovit, ut imperátor multas eréxerit basílicas, eásque munificentíssime locupletárit.  Hoc Pontífice hábitum est Concílium Nicænum primum ab ipso Silvéstro confirmátum, quo Aríus condemnátus fuit.  Vitæ sanctitáte et in páuperes benignitate insígnis, óbiit in pace et sepúltus est in cœmetério Priscíllæ.

Sylvester was a Roman by birth, and his father's name was Rufinus.  During the fury of the persecutions, he hid himself upon Mount Soracte.  In his thirtieth year he was ordained Priest of the Holy Roman Church.  After the death of Melchiades, he succeeded him on the Papal throne, during the reign of Constantine, who had already by public decree proclaimed peace to the Church of Christ.  Sylvester betook himself so to stir up the Emperor to protect and propagate the religion of Christ that Constantine built many Basilicas, and magnificently adorned them.  Under this Pope was held the first Council of Nice, at which Arius was condemned ; which Council was finally confirmed by Sylvester.  After a life of holiness and tenderness towards the poor, he died in peace and was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla.

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

In the Third Nocturn, the Gospel Homily Venit Jesus is read from the Common of a Sovereign Pontiff, with Responds from the Common of a Bishop Confessor, as noted therein.

Gospel Homily from Common of Sovereign Pontiff
 

Lauds

The first part of Lauds is in the Ordinary

BENEDICTUS

THE BENEDICTUS

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
 

Vespers of the following day without Commemoration.  But when this or any other Feast is celebrated on this day as a I Class Double, at II Vespers the Antiphons and Psalms are said as on Christmas, and from the Chapter the Office is of the occurring Feast, with a Commemoration only of the following Feast of the Circumcision.