Vespers for Sundays.

Vespers for Sundays.Vespers are a part of the Divine Offices recited daily by the priests. They consist of five psalms, a chapter, a hymn, the canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary,Magnificat, and an Antiphon to the Blessed Mother of God, which differs according to the season. Although there is no express commandment to assist at Vespers, yet every good Catholic will make it his duty to attend when he can.Pater noster, etc. Ave Maria, etc.(Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.)P.Deus, in adjutorium meum intende.(P.Incline unto my aid, O God.)R.Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.(R.O Lord, make haste to help me.)V.Gloria Patri, et Filio, * et Spiritui Sancto.(V.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.)R.Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. Alleluia.(R.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.)In Lent.Laus tibi, Domine, Rex æternæ gloriæ.(In Lent.Praise be to Thee, O King of eternal glory.)Psalm CIX.Dixit Dominus Domino meo: * sede a dextris meis.(The Lord said to my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand.)[pg 586]Donec ponam nimicos tuos * scabellum pedum tuorum.(Until I make Thy enemies: Thy footstool.)Virgam virtutis tuæ emittet Dominus ex Sion: * dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum.(The Lord will send forth the sceptre of Thy power out of Sion: rule Thou in the midst of Thy enemies.)Tecum principium in die virtutis tuæ in splendoribus sanctorum: * ex utero ante luciferum genui te.(With Thee is the principality in the day of Thy strength, in the brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day star I begot Thee.)Juravit Dominus, et non pœnitebit eum: * tu es sacerdos in æternum, secundum ordinem Melchisedech.(The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent: Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech.)Dominus a dextris tuis * confregit in die iræ suæ reges.(The Lord, at Thy right hand, hath broken kings in the day of His wrath.)Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: * conquassabit capita in terra multorum.(He shall judge among nations, He shall fill ruins: He shall crush the heads in the land of many.)De torrente in via bibet, * propterea exaltabit caput.(He shall drink of the torrent in the way: therefore shall He lift up the head.)Gloria Patri, etc.(Glory be to the Father, etc.)[pg 587]Psalm CX.Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: * in concilio justorum, et congregatione.(I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the council of the just, and in the congregation.)Magna opera Domini: * exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus.(Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all His wills.)Confessio et magnificentia opus ejus, * et justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.(His work is praise and magnificence: and His justice continueth forever and ever.)Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus: * escam dedit timentibus se.(He hath made a remembrance of His wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: He hath given food to them that fear Him.)Memor erit in sæculum testamenti sui: * virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo:(He will be mindful forever of His covenant: He will show forth to His people the power of His works:)Ut det illis hæreditatem Gentium: * opera manuum ejus veritas et judicium.(That He may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of His hands are truth and judgment.)Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritate et æquitate.(All His commandments are faithful, confirmed forever and ever: made in truth and equity.)[pg 588]Redemptionem misit populo suo: * mandavit in æternum testamentum suum.(He hath sent redemption to His people: He hath commanded His covenant forever.)Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: * initium sapientiæ timor Domini.(Holy and terrible is His name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.)Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum: * laudatio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.(A good understanding to all that do it: His praise continueth forever and ever.)Gloria Patri, etc.(Glory, etc.)Psalm CXI.Beatus vir qui timet Dominum: * in mandatis ejus volet nimis.(Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.)Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generatio rectorum benedicetur.(His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.)Gloria et divitiæ in domo ejus: * et justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.(Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth forever and ever.)Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: * misericors, et miserator, et justus.(To the righteous a light has sprung up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate, and just.)Jucundus homo qui miseretur et commodat, disponet sermones suos in judicio: * quia in æternum non commovebitur.(Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall order his words with judgment: because he shall not be moved forever.)[pg 589]In memoria æterna erit justus: * ab auditione mala non timebit.(The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.)Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: * non commovebitur, donec despiciat inimicos suos.(His heart is ready to hope in the Lord, his heart is strengthened: he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.)Dispersit, dedit pauperibus: justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi: * cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria.(He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth forever and ever, his horn shall be exalted in glory.)Peccator videbit, et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet et tabescet: * desiderium peccatorum peribit.(The wicked shall see, and shall be angry; he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.)Gloria Patri, etc.(Glory, etc.)Psalm CXII.Laudate, pueri, Dominum: * laudate nomen Domini.(Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.)Sit nomen Domini benedictum, * ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum.(Blessed be the name of the Lord: from henceforth, now, and forever.)A solis ortu usque ad occasum, * laudabile nomen Domini.(From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same: the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.)[pg 590]Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus: * et super cœlos gloria ejus.(The Lord is high above all nations: and His glory above the heavens.)Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster, qui in altis habitat: * et humilia respicit in cœlo et in terra?(Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwelleth on high: and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?)Suscitans a terra inopem, * et de stercore erigens pauperem;(Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dung-hill;)Ut collocet eum cum principibus: * cum principibus populi sui.(That He may place him with princes: with the princes of His people.)Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: * matrem filiorum lætantem.(Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house: the joyful mother of children.)Gloria Patri, etc.(Glory, etc.)Psalm CXIII.In exitu Israel de Ægypto: * domus Jacob de populo barbaro:(When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:)Facta est Judæa sanctificatio ejus, * Israel potestas ejus.Judea was made his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.[pg 591]Mare vidit, et fugit: * Jordanis conversus est retrorsum.(The sea saw and fled: Jordan was turned back.)Montes exultaverunt ut arietes: * et colles sicut agni ovium.(The mountains skipped like rams: and the hills like the lambs of the flock.)Quid est tibi, mare, quod fugisti? * et tu, Jordanis, quia conversus es retrorsum?(What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee? and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?)Montes, exultastis sicut arietes? * et colles sicut agni ovium?(Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams: and ye hills like the lambs of the flock?)A facie Domini mota est terra: * a facie Dei Jacob.(At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved: at the presence of the God of Jacob.)Qui convertit petram in stagna aquarum: * et rupem in fontes aquarum.(Who turned the rock into pools of water: and the stony hills into fountains of waters.)Non nobis, Domine, non nobis: * sed nomini tuo da gloriam.(Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us: but to Thy name give glory.)Super misericordia tua, et veritate tua: * ne quando dicant Gentes: ubi est Deus eorum?(For Thy mercy and for Thy truth's sake: lest the Gentiles should say, Where is their God?)Deus autem noster in cœlo: * omnia quæcumque voluit, fecit.But Our God is in heaven: He hath done all things whatsoever He would.[pg 592]Simulacra Gentium argentum et aurum, * opera manuum hominum.(The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold: the work of the hands of men.)Os habent, et non loquentur: * oculos habent, et non videbunt.(They have mouths and speak not: they have eyes and see not.)Aures habent, et non audient: * nares habent, et non odorabunt.(They have ears and hear not: they have noses and smell not.)Manus habent, et non palpabunt: pedes habent, et non ambulabunt: * non clamabunt in gutture suo.(They have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not, neither shall they cry out through their throats.)Similes illis fiant qui faciunt ea: * et omnes qui confidunt in eis.(Let them that make them become like unto them: and such as trust in them.)Domus Israel speravit in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.(The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)Domus Aaron speravit in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.(The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)Qui timent Dominum, speraverunt in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.(They that fear the Lord have hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)Dominus memor fuit nostri: * et benedixit nobis.The Lord hath been mindful of us: and hath blessed us.[pg 593]Benedixit domui Israel: * benedixit domui Aaron.(He hath blessed the house of Israel: He hath blessed the house of Aaron.)Benedixit omnibus qui timent Dominum, * pusillis cum majoribus.(He hath blessed all that fear the Lord: both little and great.)Adjiciat Dominus super vos: * super vos, et super filios vestros.(May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you and upon your children.)Benedicti vos a Domino: * qui fecit cœlum et terram.(Blessed be you of the Lord; Who made heaven and earth.)Cœlum cœli Domino; * terram autem dedit filiis hominum.(The heaven of heavens is the Lord's: but the earth He hath given to the children of men.)Non mortui laudabunt te, Domine: * neque omnes qui descendunt in infernum.(The dead shall not praise Thee, O Lord: nor any of them that go down to hell.)Sed nos qui vivimus, benedicimus Domino: * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.(But we that live bless the Lord: from this time, now and forever.)Gloria Patri, etc.(Glory, etc.)Instead of 113, Psalm 116 is often sung.Psalm CXVI.Laudate Dominum, omnes Gentes: * laudate eum, omnes populi.Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people.[pg 594]Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: * et veritas Domini manet in æternum.(Because His mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.)Gloria Patri, etc.(Glory, etc.)The Capitulum.Benedictus Deus et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Pater misericordiarum, et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos in omni tribulatione nostra.(Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, Who comforteth us in all our tribulations.)R.Deo gratias.(R.Thanks be to God.)Here is usually sung a hymn appropriate to the season of the year.Hymn For Sunday.Lucis Creator optime,Lucem dierum proferens,Primordiis lucis novæ,Mundi parans originem.(O great Creator of the light,Who, from the darksome womb of night,Broughtst forth new light at nature's birth,To shine upon the face of earth.)Qui mane junctum vesperiDiem vocari præcipis;Illabitur tetrum chaos,Audi preces cum fletibus.(Who, by the morn and evening ray,Hast measured time and called it day,Whilst sable night involves the spheres,Vouchsafe to hear our prayers and tears.)[pg 595]Ne mens gravata crimine,Vitæ sit exul munere,Dum nil perenne cogitat,Seseque culpis illigat.(Lest our frail mind, with sin defiled,From gifts of life should be exiled,Whilst on no heavenly thing she thinks,But twines herself in Satan's links.)Cœleste pulset ostium:Vitale tollat præmium:Vitemus omne noxium:Purgemus omne pessimum.(Oh, may she soar to heaven above,The happy seat of light and love;Meantime all sinful actions shun,And purge the foul ones she hath done.)Præsta, Pater piissime,Patrique compar unice,Cum Spiritu Paraclito,Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.(This prayer, most gracious Father, hear,Thy equal Son incline His ear,Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,Doth live and reign eternally. Amen.)The Magnificat,Or Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Magnificat * anima mea Dominum.(My soul doth magnify the Lord;)[pg 596]Et exultavit spiritus meus * in Deo salutari meo.(And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.)Quia respexit humilitatem ancillæ suæ: * ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.(Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.)Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est: * et sanctum nomen ejus.(For He that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is His name.)Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies, * timentibus eum.(And His mercy is from generation to generation: to them that fear Him.)Fecit potentiam in brachio suo: * dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.(He hath showed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.)Deposuit potentes de sede, * et exaltavit humiles.(He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.)Esurientes implevit bonis: * et divites dimisit inanes.(He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent away empty.)Suscepit Israel puerum suum: * recordatus misericordiæ suæ.(He hath received Israel His servant: being mindful of His mercy.)Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros: * Abraham, et semini ejus in sæcula.(As He spoke to our fathers: to Abraham, and to his seed forever.)Gloria Patri, etc.(Glory, etc.)[pg 597]For theMagnificat, Pope Leo XIII. granted an indulgence of 100 days, to be gained by reciting it devoutly and with contrite heart once a day. (September 20, 1879.)Then follows the prayer, which is different every day.V.Dominus vobiscum.(V.The Lord be with you.)R.Et cum spiritu tuo.(R.And with thy spirit.)V.Benedicamus Domino.(V.Let us bless the Lord.)R.Deo gratias.(R.Thanks be to God.)V.Fidelium animæ, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace.(V.May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.)R.Amen.(R.Amen.)Pater noster, etc. (secreto).(Our Father (in secret).)V.Dominus det nobis suam pacem.(V.May the Lord grant us His peace.)R.Et vitam æternam. Amen.(R.And life everlasting. Amen.)Then is sung one of the following anthems, according to the time.From Advent to the Purification.Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cœli,Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti,Surgere qui curat populo: tu quæ genuisti,(Mother of Jesus, heaven's open gate,Star of the sea, support the fallen stateOf mortals; thou whose womb thy Maker bore,)[pg 598]Natura mirante, tuum sanctum genitorem:Virgo prius ac posterius: Gabrielis ab ore,Sumens illud ave, peccatorum miserere.(And yet, strange thing, a virgin as before:Who didst from Gabriel's hail this news receive;Repenting sinners by thy prayers relieve.)In Advent.V.Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ.(V.The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.)R.Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.(R.And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.)Oremus.(Let Us Pray.)Gratiam tuam quæsumus, Domine, mentibus nostris infunde, ut qui, angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per Passionem ejus et crucem, ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.(Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, has been made known by the message of an angel, may, by His Passion and cross, be brought to the glory of His resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord.)R.Amen.(R.Amen.)[pg 599]After Advent.V.Post partum virgo inviolata permansisti.(V.After childbirth thou didst remain a pure virgin.)R.Dei genitrix, intercede pro nobis.(R.Mother of God, intercede for us.)Oremus.(Let Us Pray.)Deus, qui salutis æternæ beatæ Mariæ virginitate fœcunda humano generi præmia præstitisti: tribue quæsumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercedere sentiamus, per quam meruimus Auctorem vitæ suscipere, Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum.(O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be sensible of the benefits of her intercession, by whom we have received the Author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son.)R.Amen.(R.Amen.)From The Purification Till Easter.Ave, Regina cœlorum!Ave, Domina angelorum!Salve, radix! salve, porta!Ex qua mundo lux est orta.(Hail, Mary, queen of heavenly spheres!Hail, whom the angelic host reveres!Hail, fruitful root! hail, sacred gate!Whence the world's light derives its date.)[pg 600]Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,Super omnes speciosa,Vale, O valde decora,Et pro nobis Christum exora.(O glorious Maid, with beauty blest,May joys eternal fill thy breast!Thus, crowned with beauty and with joy,Thy prayers with Christ for us employ.)V.Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata.(V.Vouchsafe, O sacred Virgin, to accept my praises.)R.Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos.(R.Give me power against thy enemies.)Oremus.(Let Us Pray.)Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostræ præsidium; ut qui sanctæ Dei genitricis memoriam agimus, intercessionis ejus auxilio a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.(Grant us, O merciful God, strength against all our weakness; that we, who celebrate the memory of the holy Mother of God, may, by the help of her intercession, rise again from our iniquities. Through the same Christ Our Lord.)R.Amen.(R.Amen.)From Easter Till Trinity Sunday.Regina cœli, lætare! Alleluia.(O Queen of heaven, rejoice, Alleluia.)Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia,(For He Whom thou didst deserve to bear, Alleluia,)[pg 601]Resurrexit, sicut dixit. Alleluia.(Is risen again, as He said. Alleluia.)Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia.(Pray for us to God. Alleluia.)V.Gaude et lætare, Virgo Maria. Alleluia.(V.Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.)R.Quia surrexit Dominus vere. Alleluia.(R.Because Our Lord is truly risen. Alleluia.)Oremus.(Let Us Pray.)Deus qui, per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Jesu Christi, mundum lætificare dignatus es; præsta, quæsumus, ut per ejus genitricem Virginem Mariam perpetuæ capiamus gaudia vitæ. Per eundem Christum, etc.(O God, Who, by the resurrection of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to fill the world with joy: grant, we beseech Thee, that by the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may receive the joys of eternal life. Through, etc.)R.Amen.(R.Amen.)From Trinity Sunday Till Advent.Salve, Regina, mater misericordiæ, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra salve. Ad te clamamus, exules filii Hevæ. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes, in hac lacrymarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui nobis post hoc exilium ostende, O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria!(Hail to the Queen who reigns above, Mother of clemency and love! Hail, thou our hope, life, sweetness! We, Eve's banished children, cry to thee. We, from this wretched vale of tears, Send sighs and groans unto thy ears; Oh, then, sweet advocate, bestow A pitying look on us below! After this exile let us see Our blessed Jesus, born of thee. O merciful, O pious Maid, O gracious Mary, lend thy aid!)[pg 602]V.Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.(V.Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.)R.Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.(R.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.)Oremus.(Let Us Pray.)Omnipotens, sempiterne Deus, qui gloriosæ Virginis Matris Mariæ corpus et animam, ut dignum Filii tui habitaculum effici mereretur, Spiritu Sancto co-operante præparasti; da, ut cujus commemoratione lætamur ejus pin intercessione ab instantibus malis, et a morte perpetua liberemur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.Almighty and eternal God, Who, by the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare the body and the soul of the glorious Virgin Mother Mary, that she might become a worthy habitation for Thy Son: grant that, as with joy we celebrate her memory, so, by her pious intercession, we may be delivered from present evils and eternal death. Through the same Christ Our Lord.[pg 603]R.Amen.(R.Amen.)S.Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum.(P.May the divine assistance always remain with us.)R.Amen.(R.Amen.)

Vespers are a part of the Divine Offices recited daily by the priests. They consist of five psalms, a chapter, a hymn, the canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary,Magnificat, and an Antiphon to the Blessed Mother of God, which differs according to the season. Although there is no express commandment to assist at Vespers, yet every good Catholic will make it his duty to attend when he can.

Pater noster, etc. Ave Maria, etc.

(Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.)

P.Deus, in adjutorium meum intende.

(P.Incline unto my aid, O God.)

R.Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.

(R.O Lord, make haste to help me.)

V.Gloria Patri, et Filio, * et Spiritui Sancto.

(V.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.)

R.Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. Alleluia.

(R.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.)

In Lent.Laus tibi, Domine, Rex æternæ gloriæ.

(In Lent.Praise be to Thee, O King of eternal glory.)

Psalm CIX.

Dixit Dominus Domino meo: * sede a dextris meis.

(The Lord said to my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand.)

Donec ponam nimicos tuos * scabellum pedum tuorum.

(Until I make Thy enemies: Thy footstool.)

Virgam virtutis tuæ emittet Dominus ex Sion: * dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum.

(The Lord will send forth the sceptre of Thy power out of Sion: rule Thou in the midst of Thy enemies.)

Tecum principium in die virtutis tuæ in splendoribus sanctorum: * ex utero ante luciferum genui te.

(With Thee is the principality in the day of Thy strength, in the brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day star I begot Thee.)

Juravit Dominus, et non pœnitebit eum: * tu es sacerdos in æternum, secundum ordinem Melchisedech.

(The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent: Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech.)

Dominus a dextris tuis * confregit in die iræ suæ reges.

(The Lord, at Thy right hand, hath broken kings in the day of His wrath.)

Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: * conquassabit capita in terra multorum.

(He shall judge among nations, He shall fill ruins: He shall crush the heads in the land of many.)

De torrente in via bibet, * propterea exaltabit caput.

(He shall drink of the torrent in the way: therefore shall He lift up the head.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory be to the Father, etc.)

Psalm CX.

Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: * in concilio justorum, et congregatione.

(I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the council of the just, and in the congregation.)

Magna opera Domini: * exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus.

(Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all His wills.)

Confessio et magnificentia opus ejus, * et justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

(His work is praise and magnificence: and His justice continueth forever and ever.)

Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus: * escam dedit timentibus se.

(He hath made a remembrance of His wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: He hath given food to them that fear Him.)

Memor erit in sæculum testamenti sui: * virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo:

(He will be mindful forever of His covenant: He will show forth to His people the power of His works:)

Ut det illis hæreditatem Gentium: * opera manuum ejus veritas et judicium.

(That He may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of His hands are truth and judgment.)

Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritate et æquitate.

(All His commandments are faithful, confirmed forever and ever: made in truth and equity.)

Redemptionem misit populo suo: * mandavit in æternum testamentum suum.

(He hath sent redemption to His people: He hath commanded His covenant forever.)

Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: * initium sapientiæ timor Domini.

(Holy and terrible is His name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.)

Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum: * laudatio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

(A good understanding to all that do it: His praise continueth forever and ever.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

Psalm CXI.

Beatus vir qui timet Dominum: * in mandatis ejus volet nimis.

(Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.)

Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generatio rectorum benedicetur.

(His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.)

Gloria et divitiæ in domo ejus: * et justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

(Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth forever and ever.)

Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: * misericors, et miserator, et justus.

(To the righteous a light has sprung up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate, and just.)

Jucundus homo qui miseretur et commodat, disponet sermones suos in judicio: * quia in æternum non commovebitur.

(Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall order his words with judgment: because he shall not be moved forever.)

In memoria æterna erit justus: * ab auditione mala non timebit.

(The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.)

Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: * non commovebitur, donec despiciat inimicos suos.

(His heart is ready to hope in the Lord, his heart is strengthened: he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.)

Dispersit, dedit pauperibus: justitia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi: * cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria.

(He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth forever and ever, his horn shall be exalted in glory.)

Peccator videbit, et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet et tabescet: * desiderium peccatorum peribit.

(The wicked shall see, and shall be angry; he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

Psalm CXII.

Laudate, pueri, Dominum: * laudate nomen Domini.

(Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.)

Sit nomen Domini benedictum, * ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum.

(Blessed be the name of the Lord: from henceforth, now, and forever.)

A solis ortu usque ad occasum, * laudabile nomen Domini.

(From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same: the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.)

Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus: * et super cœlos gloria ejus.

(The Lord is high above all nations: and His glory above the heavens.)

Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster, qui in altis habitat: * et humilia respicit in cœlo et in terra?

(Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwelleth on high: and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?)

Suscitans a terra inopem, * et de stercore erigens pauperem;

(Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dung-hill;)

Ut collocet eum cum principibus: * cum principibus populi sui.

(That He may place him with princes: with the princes of His people.)

Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: * matrem filiorum lætantem.

(Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house: the joyful mother of children.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

Psalm CXIII.

In exitu Israel de Ægypto: * domus Jacob de populo barbaro:

(When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:)

Facta est Judæa sanctificatio ejus, * Israel potestas ejus.

Judea was made his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

Mare vidit, et fugit: * Jordanis conversus est retrorsum.

(The sea saw and fled: Jordan was turned back.)

Montes exultaverunt ut arietes: * et colles sicut agni ovium.

(The mountains skipped like rams: and the hills like the lambs of the flock.)

Quid est tibi, mare, quod fugisti? * et tu, Jordanis, quia conversus es retrorsum?

(What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee? and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?)

Montes, exultastis sicut arietes? * et colles sicut agni ovium?

(Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams: and ye hills like the lambs of the flock?)

A facie Domini mota est terra: * a facie Dei Jacob.

(At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved: at the presence of the God of Jacob.)

Qui convertit petram in stagna aquarum: * et rupem in fontes aquarum.

(Who turned the rock into pools of water: and the stony hills into fountains of waters.)

Non nobis, Domine, non nobis: * sed nomini tuo da gloriam.

(Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us: but to Thy name give glory.)

Super misericordia tua, et veritate tua: * ne quando dicant Gentes: ubi est Deus eorum?

(For Thy mercy and for Thy truth's sake: lest the Gentiles should say, Where is their God?)

Deus autem noster in cœlo: * omnia quæcumque voluit, fecit.

But Our God is in heaven: He hath done all things whatsoever He would.

Simulacra Gentium argentum et aurum, * opera manuum hominum.

(The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold: the work of the hands of men.)

Os habent, et non loquentur: * oculos habent, et non videbunt.

(They have mouths and speak not: they have eyes and see not.)

Aures habent, et non audient: * nares habent, et non odorabunt.

(They have ears and hear not: they have noses and smell not.)

Manus habent, et non palpabunt: pedes habent, et non ambulabunt: * non clamabunt in gutture suo.

(They have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not, neither shall they cry out through their throats.)

Similes illis fiant qui faciunt ea: * et omnes qui confidunt in eis.

(Let them that make them become like unto them: and such as trust in them.)

Domus Israel speravit in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.

(The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)

Domus Aaron speravit in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.

(The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)

Qui timent Dominum, speraverunt in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est.

(They that fear the Lord have hoped in the Lord: He is their helper and their protector.)

Dominus memor fuit nostri: * et benedixit nobis.

The Lord hath been mindful of us: and hath blessed us.

Benedixit domui Israel: * benedixit domui Aaron.

(He hath blessed the house of Israel: He hath blessed the house of Aaron.)

Benedixit omnibus qui timent Dominum, * pusillis cum majoribus.

(He hath blessed all that fear the Lord: both little and great.)

Adjiciat Dominus super vos: * super vos, et super filios vestros.

(May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you and upon your children.)

Benedicti vos a Domino: * qui fecit cœlum et terram.

(Blessed be you of the Lord; Who made heaven and earth.)

Cœlum cœli Domino; * terram autem dedit filiis hominum.

(The heaven of heavens is the Lord's: but the earth He hath given to the children of men.)

Non mortui laudabunt te, Domine: * neque omnes qui descendunt in infernum.

(The dead shall not praise Thee, O Lord: nor any of them that go down to hell.)

Sed nos qui vivimus, benedicimus Domino: * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.

(But we that live bless the Lord: from this time, now and forever.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

Instead of 113, Psalm 116 is often sung.

Psalm CXVI.

Laudate Dominum, omnes Gentes: * laudate eum, omnes populi.

Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people.

Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: * et veritas Domini manet in æternum.

(Because His mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

The Capitulum.

Benedictus Deus et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Pater misericordiarum, et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos in omni tribulatione nostra.

(Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, Who comforteth us in all our tribulations.)

R.Deo gratias.

(R.Thanks be to God.)

Here is usually sung a hymn appropriate to the season of the year.

Hymn For Sunday.

Lucis Creator optime,Lucem dierum proferens,Primordiis lucis novæ,Mundi parans originem.

Lucis Creator optime,

Lucem dierum proferens,

Primordiis lucis novæ,

Mundi parans originem.

(O great Creator of the light,Who, from the darksome womb of night,Broughtst forth new light at nature's birth,To shine upon the face of earth.)

(O great Creator of the light,

Who, from the darksome womb of night,

Broughtst forth new light at nature's birth,

To shine upon the face of earth.)

Qui mane junctum vesperiDiem vocari præcipis;Illabitur tetrum chaos,Audi preces cum fletibus.

Qui mane junctum vesperi

Diem vocari præcipis;

Illabitur tetrum chaos,

Audi preces cum fletibus.

(Who, by the morn and evening ray,Hast measured time and called it day,Whilst sable night involves the spheres,Vouchsafe to hear our prayers and tears.)

(Who, by the morn and evening ray,

Hast measured time and called it day,

Whilst sable night involves the spheres,

Vouchsafe to hear our prayers and tears.)

Ne mens gravata crimine,Vitæ sit exul munere,Dum nil perenne cogitat,Seseque culpis illigat.

Ne mens gravata crimine,

Vitæ sit exul munere,

Dum nil perenne cogitat,

Seseque culpis illigat.

(Lest our frail mind, with sin defiled,From gifts of life should be exiled,Whilst on no heavenly thing she thinks,But twines herself in Satan's links.)

(Lest our frail mind, with sin defiled,

From gifts of life should be exiled,

Whilst on no heavenly thing she thinks,

But twines herself in Satan's links.)

Cœleste pulset ostium:Vitale tollat præmium:Vitemus omne noxium:Purgemus omne pessimum.

Cœleste pulset ostium:

Vitale tollat præmium:

Vitemus omne noxium:

Purgemus omne pessimum.

(Oh, may she soar to heaven above,The happy seat of light and love;Meantime all sinful actions shun,And purge the foul ones she hath done.)

(Oh, may she soar to heaven above,

The happy seat of light and love;

Meantime all sinful actions shun,

And purge the foul ones she hath done.)

Præsta, Pater piissime,Patrique compar unice,Cum Spiritu Paraclito,Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.

Præsta, Pater piissime,

Patrique compar unice,

Cum Spiritu Paraclito,

Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.

(This prayer, most gracious Father, hear,Thy equal Son incline His ear,Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,Doth live and reign eternally. Amen.)

(This prayer, most gracious Father, hear,

Thy equal Son incline His ear,

Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,

Doth live and reign eternally. Amen.)

The Magnificat,

Or Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Magnificat * anima mea Dominum.

(My soul doth magnify the Lord;)

Et exultavit spiritus meus * in Deo salutari meo.

(And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.)

Quia respexit humilitatem ancillæ suæ: * ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.

(Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.)

Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est: * et sanctum nomen ejus.

(For He that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is His name.)

Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies, * timentibus eum.

(And His mercy is from generation to generation: to them that fear Him.)

Fecit potentiam in brachio suo: * dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.

(He hath showed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.)

Deposuit potentes de sede, * et exaltavit humiles.

(He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.)

Esurientes implevit bonis: * et divites dimisit inanes.

(He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent away empty.)

Suscepit Israel puerum suum: * recordatus misericordiæ suæ.

(He hath received Israel His servant: being mindful of His mercy.)

Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros: * Abraham, et semini ejus in sæcula.

(As He spoke to our fathers: to Abraham, and to his seed forever.)

Gloria Patri, etc.

(Glory, etc.)

For theMagnificat, Pope Leo XIII. granted an indulgence of 100 days, to be gained by reciting it devoutly and with contrite heart once a day. (September 20, 1879.)

Then follows the prayer, which is different every day.

V.Dominus vobiscum.

(V.The Lord be with you.)

R.Et cum spiritu tuo.

(R.And with thy spirit.)

V.Benedicamus Domino.

(V.Let us bless the Lord.)

R.Deo gratias.

(R.Thanks be to God.)

V.Fidelium animæ, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace.

(V.May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.)

R.Amen.

(R.Amen.)

Pater noster, etc. (secreto).

(Our Father (in secret).)

V.Dominus det nobis suam pacem.

(V.May the Lord grant us His peace.)

R.Et vitam æternam. Amen.

(R.And life everlasting. Amen.)

Then is sung one of the following anthems, according to the time.

From Advent to the Purification.

Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cœli,Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti,Surgere qui curat populo: tu quæ genuisti,

Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cœli,

Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti,

Surgere qui curat populo: tu quæ genuisti,

(Mother of Jesus, heaven's open gate,Star of the sea, support the fallen stateOf mortals; thou whose womb thy Maker bore,)

(Mother of Jesus, heaven's open gate,

Star of the sea, support the fallen state

Of mortals; thou whose womb thy Maker bore,)

Natura mirante, tuum sanctum genitorem:Virgo prius ac posterius: Gabrielis ab ore,Sumens illud ave, peccatorum miserere.

Natura mirante, tuum sanctum genitorem:

Virgo prius ac posterius: Gabrielis ab ore,

Sumens illud ave, peccatorum miserere.

(And yet, strange thing, a virgin as before:Who didst from Gabriel's hail this news receive;Repenting sinners by thy prayers relieve.)

(And yet, strange thing, a virgin as before:

Who didst from Gabriel's hail this news receive;

Repenting sinners by thy prayers relieve.)

In Advent.

V.Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ.

(V.The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.)

R.Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

(R.And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.)

Oremus.

(Let Us Pray.)

Gratiam tuam quæsumus, Domine, mentibus nostris infunde, ut qui, angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per Passionem ejus et crucem, ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

(Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, has been made known by the message of an angel, may, by His Passion and cross, be brought to the glory of His resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord.)

R.Amen.

(R.Amen.)

After Advent.

V.Post partum virgo inviolata permansisti.

(V.After childbirth thou didst remain a pure virgin.)

R.Dei genitrix, intercede pro nobis.

(R.Mother of God, intercede for us.)

Oremus.

(Let Us Pray.)

Deus, qui salutis æternæ beatæ Mariæ virginitate fœcunda humano generi præmia præstitisti: tribue quæsumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercedere sentiamus, per quam meruimus Auctorem vitæ suscipere, Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum.

(O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be sensible of the benefits of her intercession, by whom we have received the Author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son.)

R.Amen.

(R.Amen.)

From The Purification Till Easter.

Ave, Regina cœlorum!Ave, Domina angelorum!Salve, radix! salve, porta!Ex qua mundo lux est orta.

Ave, Regina cœlorum!

Ave, Domina angelorum!

Salve, radix! salve, porta!

Ex qua mundo lux est orta.

(Hail, Mary, queen of heavenly spheres!Hail, whom the angelic host reveres!Hail, fruitful root! hail, sacred gate!Whence the world's light derives its date.)

(Hail, Mary, queen of heavenly spheres!

Hail, whom the angelic host reveres!

Hail, fruitful root! hail, sacred gate!

Whence the world's light derives its date.)

Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,Super omnes speciosa,Vale, O valde decora,Et pro nobis Christum exora.

Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,

Super omnes speciosa,

Vale, O valde decora,

Et pro nobis Christum exora.

(O glorious Maid, with beauty blest,May joys eternal fill thy breast!Thus, crowned with beauty and with joy,Thy prayers with Christ for us employ.)

(O glorious Maid, with beauty blest,

May joys eternal fill thy breast!

Thus, crowned with beauty and with joy,

Thy prayers with Christ for us employ.)

V.Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata.

(V.Vouchsafe, O sacred Virgin, to accept my praises.)

R.Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos.

(R.Give me power against thy enemies.)

Oremus.

(Let Us Pray.)

Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostræ præsidium; ut qui sanctæ Dei genitricis memoriam agimus, intercessionis ejus auxilio a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

(Grant us, O merciful God, strength against all our weakness; that we, who celebrate the memory of the holy Mother of God, may, by the help of her intercession, rise again from our iniquities. Through the same Christ Our Lord.)

R.Amen.

(R.Amen.)

From Easter Till Trinity Sunday.

Regina cœli, lætare! Alleluia.

(O Queen of heaven, rejoice, Alleluia.)

Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia,

(For He Whom thou didst deserve to bear, Alleluia,)

Resurrexit, sicut dixit. Alleluia.

(Is risen again, as He said. Alleluia.)

Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia.

(Pray for us to God. Alleluia.)

V.Gaude et lætare, Virgo Maria. Alleluia.

(V.Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.)

R.Quia surrexit Dominus vere. Alleluia.

(R.Because Our Lord is truly risen. Alleluia.)

Oremus.

(Let Us Pray.)

Deus qui, per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Jesu Christi, mundum lætificare dignatus es; præsta, quæsumus, ut per ejus genitricem Virginem Mariam perpetuæ capiamus gaudia vitæ. Per eundem Christum, etc.

(O God, Who, by the resurrection of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to fill the world with joy: grant, we beseech Thee, that by the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may receive the joys of eternal life. Through, etc.)

R.Amen.

(R.Amen.)

From Trinity Sunday Till Advent.

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiæ, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra salve. Ad te clamamus, exules filii Hevæ. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes, in hac lacrymarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui nobis post hoc exilium ostende, O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria!

(Hail to the Queen who reigns above, Mother of clemency and love! Hail, thou our hope, life, sweetness! We, Eve's banished children, cry to thee. We, from this wretched vale of tears, Send sighs and groans unto thy ears; Oh, then, sweet advocate, bestow A pitying look on us below! After this exile let us see Our blessed Jesus, born of thee. O merciful, O pious Maid, O gracious Mary, lend thy aid!)

V.Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.

(V.Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.)

R.Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

(R.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.)

Oremus.

(Let Us Pray.)

Omnipotens, sempiterne Deus, qui gloriosæ Virginis Matris Mariæ corpus et animam, ut dignum Filii tui habitaculum effici mereretur, Spiritu Sancto co-operante præparasti; da, ut cujus commemoratione lætamur ejus pin intercessione ab instantibus malis, et a morte perpetua liberemur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

Almighty and eternal God, Who, by the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare the body and the soul of the glorious Virgin Mother Mary, that she might become a worthy habitation for Thy Son: grant that, as with joy we celebrate her memory, so, by her pious intercession, we may be delivered from present evils and eternal death. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

R.Amen.

(R.Amen.)

S.Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum.

(P.May the divine assistance always remain with us.)

R.Amen.

(R.Amen.)

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