OP Parvum Pre-1910

The Office of the
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,

according to the sacred rite of the
ORDER OF PREACHERS,
in Latin and English.
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THE MANNER OF RECITATION
OF THE OFFICE
In the Middle Ages, it was the practice to recite each part at its own hour.
• Matins: The morning office, originally recited before dawn;
o Followed by Lauds, praises of God.
• Prime: Said at the "first hour" at sunrise, 6:00 a.m.
• Terce: Said at the "third hour" at 9:00 a.m.
• Sext: Said at the "sixth hour" at noon.
• None: Said at the "ninth hour" at 3:00 p.m.
• Vespers: Said as the evening service.
• Compline: Meaning "completion," said at bedtime.
The regular hours for saying the Office of Our Lady are the following:
Matins and Lauds may be commenced about four o'clock in the afternoon or
at any time later for the next day; the Little Hours or Prime, Terce, Sext and
None, are said at any time from sunrise to noon of the day; Vespers and
Compline during the afternoon or evening.
All, however, may use the Office Beads instead of reading the Office of Our
Lady. These beads are divided as follows: for Matins and Lauds, twenty
eight Our Fathers and Hail Marys are said; for each of the Little Hours,
seven Our Fathers and Hail Marys; for Vespers, fourteen Our Fathers and
Hail Marys; and for Compline, seven Our Fathers and Hail Marys. The
Apostles' Creed is said before Matins and Prime, and after Compline.
RUBRICS
1. Candles are not lighted on the altar.
2. Pauses should be observed wherever marked in the Psalms by an
asterisk.
3. Chant is never employed. The Office is simply recited: Matins and
Lauds in a low tone; the remaining Hours in a higher tone.
4. The Choir always stands.
5. Prostrations are never made.
6. All Antiphons are recited by the Choir in common.
7. The beginning: (1) of any Hour; (2) of the first Psalm in each Hour; (3)
of any Hymn: (4) of any Canticle; is always made on the side of the
Choir where the “board”* hangs. On this side, likewise, the
Versiclarian reads the Responsories and Versicles, and the
Hebdomadarian the Prayers with their Versicles.
*-Note: The board (tabella) indicates the side of the Choir on which the Hours of
the Office begin. It is nothing more than a board on which is inscribed the word
“Chorus.” At Vespers of the Saturday preceding the First Sunday of Advent, the
board is hung on the right side of the Choir. Every week thereafter it is changed
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alternately, from the right side to the left. The Superior of a Convent when in Choir
occupies a place on the right. If the Choir is situated behind the altar, the Superior’s
place is farthest from the altar on the Gospel side; if before, the Superior’s place is
farthest from the altar on the Epistle side.
8. The Hymns of all the Hours, except Matins and Lauds, are begun by the
Cantor, who recites alone the first two lines of the first stanza; the
remaining lines of the stanza are recited by his side of the Choir; the
second stanza is taken up by the opposite Choir, and so on alternately.
9. Where but a single Versicle and Response are given, the Versicle is said
by the Versiclarian alone (or by the Hebdomadarian alone, if it be a
Versicle before or after a prayer), and the Response is made by the
entire Community.
10. The Hebdomadarian when saying the “Deus in adjutorium” at the
beginning of each Hour, should sign himself with the Sign of the Cross:
the same should be done by the Community when responding “Domine
ad adjuvandum”.
11. The Community together with the Cantor, kneels during the
recitation of the first stanza of the “Ave, maris stella”; likewise, while
the Antiphon “Sub tuum praesidium” is recited.
12. When the Office is said in choir, the Salve and O Lumen should be
sung. All should assist at the daily procession that occurs during them.
Yet, those who are prevented may say them privately or terminate the
Office with the customary Ave Maria.
13. The Salve and O Lumen are omitted on Wednesday, Thursday, and
Friday of Holy Week.
14. In the time of Easter, the Alleluia is added at the end of the
Invitatory, Antiphons, Versicles, and Responses.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECITATION
IN CHOIR
Choir Inclinations: is recited by the Versiclarian and the R.

• The Simple Inclination of the head “Propterea…” by the Community.
used in Choir, is made by slightly
inclining the head and body The “Pater noster…” is said by the
simultaneously. Community in silence up to the words
• To make a Medium Inclination, so “Et ne nos.” These words are said aloud
incline the head and body that the by the Hebdomadarian and the
palms of the hands may touch the Community responds “Sed libera nos a
knees. maIo.” Then the Versiclarian, turning to
• The Profound Inclination is done by the Hebdomadarian, asks the blessing
inclining the head and body until the with the words “Jube, domne,
elbows touch the knees. benedicere.” The blessing ended, the
Community responds “Amen.” The
Versiclarian then reads the Lesson. To
AT MATINS: the ending “Tu autem,” the Choir
In beginning Matins (likewise any answers “Deo gratias” and immediately
Hour,) the Community should stand reads aloud in common the R. The R.
facing the altar from the time the V. being finished, the Versiclarian reads
“Ave Maria” is begun up to the “Gloria the Versicle. At the end of the Versicle,
Patri.” At the “Gloria Patri,” the two the Choir takes up the R. at the asterisk
Choirs face each other and incline the and reads to the V. This finished, the
head until the words “Sicut erat.” The Versiclarian again asks the blessing as
V. “Ave Maria” is said by the before, etc.
Hebdomadarian (in some Convents the
Superior performs this duty); likewise The Hebdomadarian and the Choir
the Versicles “Domine labia” and recite the verses of the “Te Deum”
“Deus in adjutorium” are given out by alternately. The V. “Ora pro nobis…”
the Hebdomadarian. To each Versicle is said by the Hebdomadarian; the
the entire Community responds. The Community responds and then turns
Hebdomadarian should sign himself towards the altar to begin Lauds.
with the Sign of the Cross when saying
“Deus in adjutorium”; the Community
AT LAUDS:
when responding.
The Hebdomadarian signs himself with
the Sign of the Cross while saying
The Invitatory is recited by the
“Deus in adjutorium…” and the
Community; the Psalm “Venite
members of the Community sign
exultemus,” by the Versiclarian. The
themselves while saying “Domine ad
first stanza of the Hymn is recited by the
adjuvandum…” At the “Gloria Patri,”
Hebdomadarian, the second by the
the two Choirs face each other and
Community, the third by the
incline the head during the first part to
Hebdomadarian, and so on alternately.
the words “Sicut erat.”
The verses of the Psalms are recited
alternately by the Hebdomadarian and
The Psalms are said as at Matins, the
the Community; the first verse always
Hebdomadarian always saying the first
being recited by the Hebdomadarian.
verse of each. The Antiphon “Post
The Psalms finished, the V. “Diffusa…”
partum…” is recited in common. The
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Little Chapter is read by the Inclination. After the “Gloria Patri,”
Hebdomadarian, and is responded to by “Alleluia” or “Laus tibi,” according to
the Community. The Hymn is said as at the season, is said by all.
Matins. The Versiclarian gives out the
V. “Elegit eam…” The first Psalm in each Hour is begun
by the Cantor on that side of the Choir
The Canticle of Zachary is recited as where the “board” is hanging. The
were the Psalms, and is followed by its Cantor recites the first part of the verse
Antiphon recited by the Community. up to the asterisk, making a Simple
The Hebdomadarian recites the Prayer Inclination upon finishing; the second
together with the Versicles preceding half of the verse is recited by his side of
and following it. The Antiphons for the the Choir. The opposite Choir recites the
Commemorations are recited in second verse; the first side then says the
common; their Versicles are said by the third verse, and so on the two sides
Versiclarian. alternately recite the verses. The
succeeding Psalms, however, of each
Note: The only inclination used in Hour are begun by that Cantor whose
saying Matins and Lauds of the Office side of then Choir recited the first part
of the B. V. is the Simple Inclination. It of the preceding “Gloria Patri.” Up to
is made: (1) during the first part of every the words “Sicut erat” of any “Gloria
“Gloria Patri” i. e., up to the words Patri” following a Psalm, the
“Sicut erat”: (2) whenever the name of Community makes a Medium
Jesus, Mary, and St. Dominic is Inclination.
pronounced.
The Community recites the Antiphon.
Nothing more is prescribed by the The Hebdomadarian reads the Little
rubrics than what has been given; Chapter, and the Community responds
whatever else may be done custom “Deo gratias” at its conclusion. In the
alone sanctions. Responsory that follows, the
Versiclarian first recites the R.,
AT PRIME, TERCE, SEXT, observing the pause as marked by the
NONE, VESPERS, AND asterisk; the Community then repeats
COMPLINE: the same R., likewise observing the
At the beginning of each Hour, the pause. The Versiclarian then says the V.
entire Community should face the altar and the Community repeats the last half
and remain in this position until the first of the first R. The “Gloria Patri, Filio,
“Gloria Patri” is to be said. The et Spiritui Sancto” is said by the
Hebdomadarian begins each Hour with Versiclarian. The Community makes a
the V. “Ave Maria…” to which the Medium Inclination during the recitation
Community responds “Benedicta…” of these words, and the Versiclarian
The V. “Deus in adjutorium…” is said immediately after. After the “Gloria
by the Hebdomadarian; the R. “Domine Patri,” the Community repeats the
ad adjuvandum…” by the Community: entire first R. The V. and R. which
likewise, the “Gloria Patri” which follow are said by the Versiclarian and
follows. During the first part of this Community, respectively. The Prayer
“Gloria Patri” (the first one in each with its Versicles is said by the
Hour), i. e., up to the “Sicut erat,” the Hebdomadarian.
Community should make a Profound
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Prayer Before the Office
In the beginning, offer to God the praises that you are about to pour forth in His
honour, and beseech Him to free you from distractions, and to give you light and help
to praise him and to pray to Him as he deserves; and for this end recite attentively the
usual prayer. (St. Alphonsus Liguori)
Aperi, Dómine, os meum ad Open, O Lord, my mouth to bless

benedicéndum nomen sanctum tuum: Thy Holy Name: cleanse also my heart
munda quoque cor meum ab ómnibus from all vain, perverse and distracting
vanis, pervérsis et aliénis thoughts; enlighten my understanding,
cogitatiónibus; intelléctum illúmina, inflame my will, that I may worthily,
afféctum inflámma, ut digne, atténte ac attentively, and devoutly recite this
devóte hoc Offícium recitáre váleam, Office, and deserve to be heard in the
et exaudíri mérear ante conspéctum presence of Thy divine Majesty.
divínæ Majestátis tuæ. Per Christum Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dóminum nostrum. Amen.
Dómine, in unióne illíus divínæ O Lord, in union with that divine
intentiónis, qua ipse in terris laudes intention wherewith Thou didst offer
Deo persolvísti, has tibi Horas praises on earth to God. I offer these
persólvo. Hours to Thee.
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Matins
The first Hour of the Office is called Matins, or Morning Offices, because it seems to
be the continuation of the Vigils or Night Watches of the primitive Christians, who
were accustomed to spend the time from midnight till dawn in prayers and meditations
as a preparation for the great feasts. A suitable intention for the recitation of Matins is
preparation for the coming of Our Lord, whether in Holy Communion on the following
day, or in His judgment at the hour of death.
V. Ave, Maria, gratia plena: Dominus V. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is
tecum. with thee.
R. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et R. Blessed art thou amongst women,
benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
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Jesus.
Here, all trace the Sign of the Cross upon their lips.
V. Domine, labia mea aperies. V. O Lord, open my lips.
R. Et os meum annuntiabit laudem R. And my mouth shall announce thy
tuam. praise.
V. Deus, † in adjutorium meum V. Incline † unto my aid, O God.
intende.
R. Domine, ad adjuvandum me R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
festina.
V. Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui V. Glory be to the Father, and to the
Sancto. Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. Sicut erat in principio et nunc et R. As it was in the beginning, is now,
semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. and ever shall be, world without end,
Amen. Alleluia. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima until Easter, instead of Alleluia is said:
Laus tibi, Domine, Rex æternæ gloriæ. Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of
everlasting glory.
Invitatory
Regem Virginis Filium, * Venite, Our King, a Virgin's Son: * Come, let
adoremus. us adore.
Psalm 94
An invitation to adore and serve God and to hear His voice.
Venite, exsultemus Domino, Come let us praise the Lord with joy:
jubilemus Deo, salutari nostro: let us joyfully sing to God our Saviour:
præoccupemus faciem ejus in let us approach to his presence in
confessione, et in psalmis jubilemus ei. confession, and in Psalms let us make
joy unto him.
Invitatory. Regem Virginis Invitatory. Our King, a Virgin's
Filium, * Venite, adoremus. Son: * Come, let us adore.
Quoniam Deus magnus Dominus, et For God is a great Lord, and a great
Rex magnus super omnes deos: King above all Gods: because our
quoniam non repellet Domino plebem Lord repelleth not his people: for that
suam: quia in manu ejus sunt omnes in his hand are all the bounds of the
fines terræ, et altitudinem montium earth, and he beholdeth the heights of
ipse conspicit. the mountains.
Invitatory. Venite, adoremus. Invitatory. Come, let us adore.
Quoniam ipsius est mare, et ipse fecit For the sea is his, and he made it: and
illud, et aridam fundaverunt manus his hands founded the dry land: come
ejus: venite, adoremus, (Here all let us adore, (Here all genuflect) and fall
genuflect) et procidamus ante Deum: down before God: let us weep before
ploremus coram Domino, qui fecit our Lord, that made us: because he is
nos, quia ipse est Dominus Deus the Lord our God: we are his people,
noster; nos autem populus ejus et oves and the sheep of his pasture.
pascuæ ejus.
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Hodie, si vocem ejus audieritis, nolite Today if ye shall hear his voice, harden
obdurare corda vestra, sicut in not your hearts, as in the provocation
exacerbatione secundum diem according to the day of temptation in
tentationis in deserto: ubi tentaverunt the wilderness: where your fathers
me patres vestri, probaverunt et tempted me: proved, and saw my
viderunt opera mea. works.
Quadraginta annis proximus fui Forty years was I nigh unto this
generationi huic, et dixi: Semper hi generation: and said, they always err in
errant corde; ipsi vero non heart: and they have not known my
cognoverunt vias meas: quibus juravi ways, to whom I swear in my wrath, if
in ira mea: Si introibunt in requiem they shall enter into my rest.
meam.
Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son:
Sicut erat in principio et nunc et and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in
semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. the beginning, is now, and ever shall
Amen. be, world without end, Amen.
Invitatory
Regem Virginis Filium, * Venite, Our King, a Virgin's Son: * Come, let
adoremus. us adore.
Hymn
Quem terra, pontus, æthera, Whom earth, and sea, and sky
proclaim,
Colunt, adorant, prædicant, The ruler of the triple frame,
Trinam regentem machinam, He unto Whom their praises,
Claustrum Mariæ bajulat. Within the womb of Mary lies.
Cui luna, sol, et omnia, Her womb, the seat of every grace,
Deserviunt per tempora, Is now the Lord's abiding place,
Perfusa cæli gratia, That Lord's to Whom the sun by day,
Gestant puellæ viscera. The moon by night, their service pay.
Beata Mater munere, O Happy Mother that thou art,

Cujus supernus Artifex, Close underneath thy beating heart,
Mundum pugillo continens, Lies thy Creator-God, who plann'd,
Ventris sub arca clausus est. The world He holds within His hand.
Beata cæli nuntio, Blest by herald angel's tongue,

Fecunda Sancto Spiritu, O'er thee God's shadowing Spirit
hung,
Desideratus gentibus, And fill'd thy womb which issued
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forth,
Cujus per alvum fusus est. The long-desir'd of all the earth.
Maria, mater gratiæ, O Mary, Mother of all grace,

Mater misericordiæ, Mother of Mercy to our race,
Tu nos ab hoste protege, Protect us now from Satan's power,
Et hora mortis suscipe. And own us at life's closing hour.
Gloria tibi, Domine, All glory be Thee, O Lord,

Qui natus es de Virgine, The Virgin's son, by all ador'd,
Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, And equal praise forever greet,
In sempiterna sæcula. Amen. The Father and the Paraclete. Amen.
Psalm 8
God is wonderful in His works: especially in mankind,
singularly exalted by the Incarnation of Christ.
Domine, Dominus noster, * quam O Lord our Governor, * how

admirabile est nomen tuum in universa excellent is thy Name in all the world!
terra!
Quoniam elevata est magnificentia tua For thou hast set thy glory * above the
* super cælos. heavens.
Ex ore infantium et lactentium Out of the mouth of very babes and
perfecisti laudem propter inimicos sucklings hast thou perfected praise,
tuos, * ut destruas inimicum et because of thine enemies, * that thou
ultorem. mightest destroy the enemy and the
avenger.
Quoniam videbo cælos tuos, opera For I will consider thy heavens, even
digitorum tuorum: * lunam et stellas, the works of thy fingers; * the moon
quæ tu fundasti. and the stars which thou hast
ordained;
Quid est homo, quod memor es ejus? * What is man, that thou art mindful of
Aut filius hominis, quoniam visitas him? * And the son of man, that thou
eum? visitest him?
Minuisti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, Thou madest him lower than the
gloria et honore coronasti eum: * et Angels, thou hast crowned him with
constituisti eum super opera manuum glory and worship: * thou makest him
tuarum. to have dominion over the works of
thy hands.
Omnia subjecisti sub pedibus ejus, * Thou hast put all things in subjection
oves et boves universas: insuper et under his feet: * all sheep and oxen,
pecora campi. yea, and the beasts of the field;
Volucres cæli et pisces maris, * qui The fowls of the air, and the fishes of
perambulant semitas maris. the sea; * and whatsoever walketh
through the paths of the seas.
Domine, Dominus noster, * quam O Lord our Governor, * how excellent
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admirabile est nomen tuum in universa is thy Name in all the world!
terra!
Gloria Patri et Filio * et Spiritui Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
Sancto. * and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in principio et nunc et As it was in the beginning, is now, and
semper, * et in sæcula sæculorum. ever shall be, * world without end.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 18
The works of God show forth His glory: His law is to be greatly esteemed and loved.
Cæli enarrant gloriam Dei, * et opera The heavens declare the glory of
manuum ejus annuntiat firmamentum. God; * and the firmament sheweth his
handywork.
Dies diei eructat verbum, * et nox Day to day uttereth speech; * and night
nocti indicat scientiam. to night sheweth knowledge.
Non sunt loquelæ, neque sermones, * There is neither speech nor language; *
quorum non audiantur voces eorum. where their voices are not heard.
In omnem terram exivit sonus eorum; Their sound is gone out into all lands;
* et in fines orbis terræ verba eorum. * and their words into the ends of the
world.
In sole posuit tabernaculum suum: * et In the sun hath he set his tabernacle: *
ipse tamquam sponsus procedens de and he, as a bridegroom coming out of
thalamo suo, his chamber,
Exsultavit ut gigas ad currendam viam, Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his
* a summo cælo egressio ejus. course, * his going forth is from the
uttermost part of the heaven.
Et occursus ejus usque ad summum And his circuit even unto the end
ejus; * nec est qui se abscondat a calore thereof; * and there is no one that can
ejus. hide himself from his heat.
Lex Domini immaculata, convertens The law of the Lord is an undefiled
animas: * testimonium Domini fidele, law, converting the soul: * the
sapientiam præstans parvulis. testimony of the Lord is sure, and
giveth wisdom unto the simple.
Justitiæ Domini rectæ, lætificantes The statutes of the Lord are right, and
corda: * præceptum Domini lucidum, rejoice the heart: * the commandment
illuminans oculos. of the Lord is pure, and giveth light
unto the eyes.
Timor Domini sanctus, permanens in The fear of the Lord is holy, and
sæculum sæculi: * judicia Domini vera, endureth for ever: * the judgments of
justificata in semetipsa. the Lord are true, justified in
themselves.
Desiderabilia super aurum et lapidem More to be desired are they than gold,
pretiosum multum; * et dulciora super yea, than much precious stone; *
mel et favum. sweeter also than honey, and the
honeycomb.
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Etenim servus tuus custodit ea, * in For thy servant keepeth them, * and in
custodiendis illis retributio multa. keeping of them there is great reward.
Delicta quis intelligit? Ab occultis meis Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O
munda me: * et ab alienis parce servo cleanse thou me from my secret faults:
tuo. * save thy servant also from the sins of
others.
Si mei non fuerint dominati, tunc If they get not the dominion over me,
immaculatus ero, * et emundabor a so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent
delicto maximo. from the great offence.
Et erunt ut complaceant eloquia oris And the words of my mouth shall be
mei: * et meditatio cordis mei in such as may please, * and the
conspectu tuo semper. meditation of my heart be always in
thy sight.
Domine, adjutor meus * et redemptor O Lord, my strength * and my
meus. redeemer.
Sancto. * and to the Holy Ghost:
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 23
Who are they that shall ascend into heaven: Christ's triumphant ascension thither.
Domini est terra, et plenitudo ejus, * The earth is the Lord's, and all the
orbis terrarum, et universi qui habitant fullness thereof, * the compass of the
in eo. world, and they that dwell therein.
Quia ipse super maria fundavit eum, * For he hath founded it upon the seas,
et super flumina præparavit eum. * and established it upon the rivers.
Quis ascendet in montem Domini? * Who shall ascend into the mountain of
Aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus? the Lord? * Or who shall stand in his
holy place?
Innocens manibus et mundo corde, Even he that hath clean hands, and a
qui non accepit in vano animam suam, pure heart, * and that hath not lift up
* nec juravit in dolo proximo suo. his soul unto vanity, nor deceitfully
sworn to his neighbour.
Hic accipiet benedictionem a Domino: He shall receive a blessing from the
* et misericordiam a Deo salutari suo. Lord: * and mercy from God his
savior.
Hæc est generatio quærentium eum, * This is the generation of them that
quærentium faciem Dei Jacob. seek him, * even of them that seek the
face of the God of Jacob.
Attollite portas, principes, vestras, et Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and
elevamini, portæ æternales, * et be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates, * and
introibit rex gloriæ. the King of glory shall come in.
Quis est iste rex gloriæ? * Dominus Who is this King of glory? * It is the
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fortis et potens, Dominus potens in Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord
prælio. mighty in battle.
Attollite portas, principes, vestras, et Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and
elevamini, portæ æternales, * et be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates, * and
introibit rex gloriæ. the King of glory shall come in.
Quis est iste rex gloriæ? * Dominus Who is this King of glory? * Even the
virtutum ipse est rex gloriæ. Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et Blessed art thou amongst women, and
benedictus fructus ventris tui. blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
V. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis. V. Grace is poured forth on thy lips.
R. Propterea benedixit te Deus in R. Therefore God hath blessed thee
æternum. forever.
(Silently) Pater noster, qui es in coelis, (Silently) Our Father, Who art in
sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut kingdom come, Thy will be done on
in coelo et in terra. Panem nostrum earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this
quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte day our daily bread, and forgive us our
nobis debita nostra sicut et nos trespasses, as we forgive those who
dimittimus debitoribus nostris. trespass against us.
V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. Sed libera nos a malo. Amen. R. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
V. Jube, domne, benedicere. V. We pray thee, vouchsafe us a
blessing.
Blessing. Alma Virgo virginum Blessing. May the tender Virgin of
intercedat pro nobis ad Dominum. virgins intercede for us with the Lord.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Lesson 1
Sancta Maria, Virgo virginum, mater et O Holy Mary, Virgin of virgins,
filia Regis regum omnium, tuum nobis Mother and daughter of the King of
impende solatium: ut cælestis regni per Kings! Bestow upon us thy
te mereamur habere præmium, et cum consolation, that through thee we may
electis Dei regnare in perpetuum. deserve the reward of the heavenly
kingdom, and reign with the elect of
God unto all eternity.
Tu autem, Domine, miserere nostri. But thou, O Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Deo gratias. R. Thanks be to God.
Responsory
R. Sancta et immaculata virginitas, R. O holy and immaculate Virginity,
quibus te laudibus efferam, nescio: * with what praises to extol thee, I know
Quia quem cæli capere non poterant, not: * For thou gavest from thy bosom
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tuo gremio contulisti. Him Whom the heavens could not
contain.
V. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et V. Blessed art thou among women,
benedictus fructus ventris tui. * Quia and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. *
quem cæli capere non poterant, tuo For thou gavest from thy bosom Him
gremio contulisti. Whom the heavens could not contain.
blessing.
Blessing. Sancta Dei Genetrix sit Blessing. May the Holy Mother of
nobis auxiliatrix. God be our helper.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Lesson 2
Sancta Maria, piarum piissima, O Holy Mary, most compassionate of
intercede pro nobis, sanctarum all the compassionate, and holiest of all
sanctissima: per te, Virgo, nostra sumat the holy, make intercession for us.
precamina qui pro nobis ex te natus Through thee, O Virgin, may He
regnat super æthera: ut sua caritate receive our prayers, Who, born for us
nostra deleantur peccamina. of thee, reigneth above the skies; that
so, by His loving-kindness, our sins
may be cleansed away.
Responsory
R. Beata es, Virgo Maria, quæ R. Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary,
Dominum portasti creatorem mundi: * who didst bear the Lord, the Creator
Genuisti eum qui te fecit, et in of the world: * Thou gavest birth unto
æternum permanes virgo. Him Who made thee, and remainest a
virgin evermore.
V. Ave, Maria, gratia plena, Dominus V. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is
tecum. * Genuisti eum qui te fecit, et with thee. * Thou gavest birth unto
in æternum permanes virgo. Him Who made thee, and remainest a
virgin evermore.
blessing.
Blessing. Nos cum Prole pia Blessing. May the Virgin Mary, with
benedicat Virgo Maria. her loving Child, bless us.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
Lesson 3
Sancta Dei Genetrix, quæ digne O holy Mother of God, who didst
meruisti concipere quem totus orbis worthily deserve to conceive Him
nequit comprehendere, tuo pio Whom the whole world cannot
interventu culpas nostras ablue: ut contain, cleanse away our sins by thy
redempti perennis sedem gloriæ per te loving intercession that we who have
valeamus scandere, ubi regnas cum been redeemed may through thee be
eodem Filio tuo sine tempore. able to ascend to the seat of perpetual
glory, where, with Him, thy Son, thou
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reignest forever.
Responsory
R. Felix namque es, sacra Virgo Maria, R. Happy thou, O sacred Virgin Mary,
et omni laude dignissima: * Quia ex te and most worthy of all praise: * For
ortus est Sol justitiæ, Christus Deus out of thee arose the Sun of Justice,
noster. Christ our God.
V. Ora pro populo, interveni pro clero, V. Pray for the people, plead for the
intercede pro devoto femineo sexu; clergy, make intercession for the
sentiant omnes tuum juvamen, devout female sex; let all feel thy
quicumque celebrant tuam helping power who celebrate thy
commemorationem. * Quia ex te ortus blessed memory. * For out of thee
est Sol justitiæ, Christus Deus noster. arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our
God.
Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
+ Christus Deus noster. and to the Holy Ghost: + Christ our
God
On those Sundays and feast days when the Te Deum is omitted, the following is added:
R. Felix namque es, sacra Virgo Maria, R. Yea, happy art thou, O Holy
et omni laude dignissima: * Quia ex te Mother of God, and most worthy of
ortus est Sol justitiæ, Christus Deus all praise: * For out of thee arose the
noster. Sun of Justice, even Christ our Lord.
The Te Deum is not said on the Sundays of Advent and the Sundays from Septuagesima
until Easter (except on the Feasts of St. Joseph and The Annunciation), Christmas Eve
(Dec. 24), Holy Innocents Day (Dec. 28)-except when it falls on Sunday, simple feasts from
Septuagesima to Easter, and outside Septuagesima on feasts less than simple, Ash
Wednesday, all of Holy Week, the Vigil of Pentecost, and All Souls Day (Nov. 2)
Te Deum
called the Canticle of Sts. Ambrose and Augustine
Te Deum laudámus: * te Dóminum We praise thee, O God, * we

confitémur. acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
Te ætérnum Patrem * omnis terra All the earth doth worship thee, * the
venerátur. Father everlasting.
Tibi omnes Angeli, * tibi Cæli et To thee all Angels cry aloud, * the
univérsæ Potestátes. Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
Tibi Chérubim et Séraphim * To thee Cherubim and Seraphim *
incessábili voce proclámant: continually do cry:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus * Dóminus Holy, Holy, Holy, * Lord God of
Deus Sábaoth. Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra * majestátis Heaven and earth are full * of the
glóriæ tuæ. Majesty of thy glory.
Te gloriósus * Apostolòrum chorus, The glorious company of the Apostles
* praise thee.
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Te Prophetárum * laudábilis númerus, The goodly fellowship of the Prophets
* praise thee.
Te Mártyrum candidátus * laudat The noble army of Martyrs * praise
exércitus. thee.
Te per orbem terrárum * sancta The holy Church throughout all the
confitétur Ecclésia: world * doth acknowledge thee:
Patrem * imménsæ majestátis; The Father, * of an infinite Majesty;
Venerándum tuum verum * et únicum Thine honorable, true, * and only Son;
Fílium;
Sanctum quoque * Paráclitum Also the Holy Ghost, * the Comforter.
Spíritum.
Tu rex glóriæ, * Christe. Thou art the King of Glory, * O
Christ.
Tu Patris * sempitérnus es Filius. Thou art the everlasting * Son of the
Father.
Tu, ad liberándum susceptúrus When thou tookest upon thee to
hóminem, * non horrúisti Virginis deliver man, * thou didst not abhor the
úterum. Virgin's womb.
Tu, devícto mortis acúleo, * aperuísti When thou hadst overcome the
credéntibus regna cælórum. sharpness of death, * thou didst open
the Kingdom of Heaven to all
believers.
Tu ad déxteram Dei sedes, * in glória Thou sittest at the right hand of God,
Patris. * in the glory of the Father.
Judex créderis * esse ventúrus. We believe that thou shalt come * to
be our Judge.
Here all kneel.
Te ergo quǽsumus, tuis fámulis We therefore pray thee, help thy
súbveni, * quos pretióso sánguine servants, * whom thou hast redeemed
redemísti. with thy precious Blood.
Here all rise.
Ætérna fac cum sanctis tuis * in glória Make them to be numbered with thy
numerári. Saints, * in glory everlasting.
Salvum fac pópulum tuum, Dómine, * O Lord, save thy people, * and bless
et bénedic hereditáti tuæ. thine heritage.
Et rege eos, * et extólle illos usque in Govern them, * and lift them up for
ætérnum. ever.
Per síngulos dies * benedícimus te. Day by day * we magnify thee;
Et laudámus nomen tuum in sǽculum, And we worship thy Name * ever,
* et in sǽculum sǽculi. world without end.
Dignáre, Dómine, die isto * sine Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us * this
peccáto nos custodíre. day without sin.
Miserére nostri, Dómine, * miserére O Lord, have mercy upon us, * have
nostri. mercy upon us.
Fiat misericórdia tua, Dómine, super O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us,
nos, * quemádmodum sperávimus in * as our trust is in thee.
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te.
In te, Dómine, sperávi: * non O Lord, in thee have I trusted, * let me
confúndar in ætérnum. never be confounded.
The following is said before Lauds:
V. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of
Genetrix. God.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus R. That we may be made worthy of
Christi. the promises of Christ.
If Lauds are not to follow immediately, say:
V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Prayer
Oremus. Concede nos famulos tuos, Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee,
quæsumus, Domine Deus, perpetua O Lord God, that we, Thy servants,
mentis et corporis salute gaudere: et may enjoy continual health of mind
gloriosa beatæ Mariæ semper Virginis and body; and that, through the
intercessione a præsenti liberari glorious intercession of blessed Mary,
tristitia, et æterna perfrui lætitia. Per ever virgin, we may be delivered from
Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. present sorrow, and enjoy eternal
happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Lauds
In the early Christian Night Watches, the meditations and readings that had lasted
from midnight gave place, at the break of the dawn of the expected feast-day, to songs
of praise and gladness, which continued till sunrise; and it is these Morning Praises
that gave rise to the present Hour of Lauds. The chief thought of Lauds, then is that of
praise and thanksgiving offered to God at the opening of a new day.
intende.
festina.
everlasting glory.
Psalm 92
The glory and stability of the kingdom: that is, of the Church of Christ.
Dominus regnavit, decorem indutus The Lord hath reigned, and hath put
est: * indutus est Dominus on glorious apparel: * the Lord hath
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fortitudinem, et præcinxit se. put on his apparel, and girded himself
with strength.
Etenim firmavit orbem terræ, * qui For he hath established the round
non commovebitur. world, * that it cannot be moved.
Parata sedes tua ex tunc: * a sæculo tu Thy throne is prepared from of old: *
es. thou art from everlasting.
Elevaverunt flumina, Domine: * The floods have lift up, O Lord: * yea,
elevaverunt flumina vocem suam. the floods have lift up their voice.
Elevaverunt flumina fluctus suos, * a The floods have lift up their waves, *
vocibus aquarum multarum. with the noise of many waters.
Mirabiles elationes maris: * mirabilis in The waves of the sea are mighty: *
altis Dominus. glorious is the Lord, who dwelleth on
high.
Testimonia tua credibilia facta sunt Thy testimonies are become exceeding
nimis: * domum tuam decet credible: * holiness becometh thine
sanctitudo, Domine, in longitudinem house, O Lord, unto length of days.
dierum.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 99
All are invited to rejoice in God, the Creator of all.
Jubilate Deo, omnis terra: * servite O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: *
Domino in lætitia. serve the Lord with gladness.
Introite in conspectu ejus, * in Come before his presence * with
exsultatione. exceeding great joy.
Scitote quoniam Dominus ipse est Know ye that the Lord he is God; * it
Deus: * ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos. is he that hath made us, and not we
ourselves.
Populus ejus, et oves pascuæ ejus: We are his people, and the sheep of his
introite portas ejus in confessione, * pasture: * O go your way into his gates
atria ejus in hymnis: confitemini illi. with thanksgiving, and into his courts
with praise; be ye thankful unto him.
Laudate nomen ejus: quoniam suavis Give praises unto his Name: for the
est Dominus, in æternum misericordia Lord is gracious, his mercy is
ejus, * et usque in generationem et everlasting; * and his truth endureth
generationem veritas ejus. from generation to generation.
Amen. Amen.
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Psalm 62
The prophet aspireth after God.
Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce O God, thou art my God, * to thee do

vigilo. I watch at break of day.
Sitivit in te anima mea, * quam My soul hath thirsted for thee, * my
multipliciter tibi caro mea. flesh also in many different ways.
In terra deserta, et invia, et inaquosa: In a barren and dry land where no
sic in sancto apparui tibi, * ut viderem water is: * so in the sanctuary have I
virtutem tuam et gloriam tuam. come before thee, that I might behold
thy power and thy glory.
Quoniam melior est misericordia tua For thy mercy is better than the life
super vitas: * labia mea laudabunt te. itself: * my lips shall praise thee.
Sic benedicam te in vita mea: * et in Thus will I bless thee as long as I live:
nomine tuo levabo manus meas. * and I will lift up my hands in thy
Name.
Sicut adipe et pinguedine repleatur My soul shall be filled as with marrow
anima mea, * et labiis exsultationis and fatness, * and my mouth shall
laudabit os meum. praise thee with joyful lips.
Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, If I have remembered thee in my bed,
in matutinis meditabor in te: * quia I will think upon thee in the morning:
fuisti adjutor meus. * because thou hast been my helper.
Et in velamento alarum tuarum And under the shadow of thy wings
exsultabo, adhæsit anima mea post te; will I rejoice, my soul hath hung upon
* me suscepit dextera tua. thee; * thy right hand hath upholden
me.
Ipsi vero in vanum quæsierunt animam But they have sought my soul in vain,
meam, introibunt in inferiora terræ: * they shall go down into the nether
tradentur in manus gladii, partes parts of the earth: * they shall be
vulpium erunt. delivered into the hands of the sword,
they shall be a portion for foxes.
Rex vero lætabitur in Deo, laudabuntur But the king shall rejoice in God; all
omnes qui jurant in eo; * quia they also that swear by him shall be
obstructum est os loquentium iniqua. commended; * for the mouth of them
that speak wicked things shall be
stopped.
Psalm 66
A prayer for the propagation of the Church.
[Deus misereatur nostri, et benedicat [May God have mercy on us, and bless
nobis; * illuminet vultum suum super us: * may he shew us the light of his
nos, et misereatur nostri; countenance, and be merciful unto us;
Ut cognascamus in terra viam tuam, * That thy way may be known upon
in omnibus gentibus salutare tuum. earth: * thy salvation in all nations.
Confiteantur tibi populi, Deus, * Let people confess to thee, O God: *
confiteantur tibi populi omnes. let all the people give praise to thee.
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Laetentur et exsultent gentes, * Let the nations be glad and rejoice: *
quoniam judicas populos in aequitate, for thou judgest the folk righteously,
et gentes in terra dirigis. and govern the nations upon earth.
Confiteantur tibi populi, Deus, Let the people, O God, confess to
confiteantur tibi populi omnes: * terrathee: let all the people give praise to
dedit fructum suum. thee. * Then shall the earth bring forth
her increase.
Benedicat nos Deus, Deus noster! May God, our God bless us. May God
Benedicat nos Deus, * et metuant eum bless us: * and all the ends of the
omnes fines terrae.] world shall fear him.]
Amen. Amen.
Canticle of the Three Youths
Dan. 3: 57-88, 56
Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye

Domino: * laudate et superexaltate the Lord: * praise him, and magnify
eum in sæcula. him for ever.
Benedicite, Angeli Domini, Domino: * O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the
benedicite, cæli, Domino. Lord: * O ye Heavens, bless ye the
Lord.
Benedicite, aquæ omnes quæ super O ye Waters that be above the
cælos sunt, Domino: * benedicite, Firmament, bless ye the Lord: * O all
omnes virtutes Domini, Domino. ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the
Lord.
Benedicite, sol et luna, Domino: * O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord:
benedicite, stellæ cæli, Domino. * O ye Stars of Heaven, bless ye the
Lord.
Benedicite, omnis imber et ros, O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the
Domino: * benedicite, omnes spiritus Lord: * O ye winds of God, bless ye
Dei, Domino. the Lord.
Benedicite, ignis et æstus, Domino: * O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord:
benedicite, frigus et æstus, Domino. * O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye
the Lord.
Benedicite, rores et pruina, Domino: * O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the
benedicite, gelu et frigus, Domino. Lord: * O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye
the Lord.
Benedicite, glacies et nives, Domino: * O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord:
benedicite, noctes et dies, Domino. * O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the
Lord.
Benedicite, lux et tenebræ, Domino: * O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the
benedicite, fulgura et nubes, Domino. Lord: * O ye Lightnings and Clouds,
20
bless ye the Lord.
Benedicat terra Dominum: * laudet et O let the Earth bless the Lord; * yea,
superexaltet eum in sæcula. let it praise him, and magnify him for
ever.
Benedicite, montes et colles, Domino: O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the
* benedicite, universa germinantia in Lord: * O all ye Green Things upon
terra, Domino. the earth, bless ye the Lord.
Benedicite, fontes, Domino: * O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * O ye
benedicite, maria et flumina, Domino. Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord.
Benedicite, cete et omnia quæ O ye Whales, and all that move in the
moventur in aquis, Domino: * waters, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye
benedicite, omnes volucres cæli, Fowls of the Air, bless ye the Lord.
Domino.
Benedicite, omnes bestiæ et pecora, O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the
Domino: * benedicite, filii hominum, Lord: * O ye Children of Men, bless ye
Domino. the Lord.
Benedicat Israël Dominum: * laudet et O let Israël bless the Lord; * praise
superexaltet eum in sæcula. him, and magnify him for ever.
Benedicite, sacerdotes Domini, O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the
Domino: * benedicite, servi Domini, Lord: * O ye Servants of the Lord,
Domino. bless ye the Lord.
Benedicite, spiritus et animæ justorum, O ye Spirits and Souls of the
Domino: * benedicite, sancti et Righteous, bless ye the Lord: * O ye
humiles corde, Domino. holy and humble Men of heart, bless
ye the Lord.
Benedicite, Anania, Azaria, Misaël, O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless
Domino: * laudate et superexaltate ye the Lord: * praise him and magnify
eum in sæcula. him for ever.
During the following verse, all bow:
Benedicamus Patrem et Filium cum Let us bless the Father and the Son,
Sancto Spiritu: * laudemus et with the Holy Ghost: * let us praise
superexaltemus eum in sæcula. him and magnify him for ever.
Benedictus es, Domine, in firmamento Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the
cæli; * et laudabilis, et gloriosus, et firmament of heaven; * and to be
superexaltatus in sæcula. praised and exalted above all for ever.
Psalm 148
All creatures are invited to praise their Creator.
Laudate Dominum de cælis: * laudate O praise ye the Lord from the

eum in excelsis. heavens: * praise ye him in the height.
Laudate eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * Praise him, all ye Angels of his: *
laudate eum, omnes virtutes ejus. praise him, all his host.
Laudate eum, sol et luna: * laudate Praise ye him, O sun and moon: *
eum, omnes stellæ, et lumen. praise him, all ye stars and light.
Laudate eum, cæli cælorum, * et aquæ Praise him, all ye heavens of heavens, *
21
omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, laudent and ye waters that are above the
nomen Domini. heavens, praise the Name of the Lord.
Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse For he spake the word, and they were
mandavit, et creata sunt. made: * he commanded, and they were
created.
Statuit ea in æternum, et in sæculum He hath established them for ever, yea,
sæculi: * præceptum posuit, et non unto ages of ages: * he hath set forth a
præteribit. law, and it shall not pass away.
Laudate Dominum de terra, * dracones Praise the Lord from the earth, * ye
et, omnes abyssi. dragons and all deeps;
Ignis, grando, nix, glacies, spiritus Fire and hail, snow and ice, wind and
procellarum, * quæ faciunt verbum storm, * fulfilling his word;
ejus:
Montes, et omnes colles; * ligna Mountains and all hills; * fruitful trees
fructifera, et omnes cedri; and all cedars;
Bestiæ, et universa pecora; * serpentes Beasts and all cattle; * creeping things
et volucres pennatæ; and flying fowls;
Reges terræ et omnes populi; * Kings of the earth, and all people; *
principes et omnes judices terræ; princes, and all judges of the world;
Juvenes, et virgines; senes cum Young men and maidens, old men and
junioribus laudent nomen Domini: * children, praise the Name of the Lord:
quia exaltatum est nomen ejus solius. * for his Name only is exalted.
Confessio ejus super cælum, et terram: His praise is above heaven and earth: *
* et exaltavit cornu populi sui. and he shall exalt the horn of his
people.
Hymnus omnibus sanctis ejus: * filiis A hymn unto all his saints: * even unto
Israël, populo appropinquanti sibi. the children of Israel, a people that
draw nigh unto him.
Psalm 149
The Church is particularly bound to praise God.
[Cantate Domino canticum novum; * [O sing unto the Lord a new song: *
laus ejus in ecclesia sanctorum. let his praise be in the church of the
saints.
Laetetur Israel in eo qui fecit eum, * et Let Israel rejoice in him that made
filii Sion exsultent in rege suo. him: * and let the children of Sion be
joyful in their king.
Laudent nomen ejus in choro, * in Let them praise his name in choir: * let
tympano et psalterio psallant ei. them sing praises unto him with tabret
and harp.
Quia beneplacitum est Domino in For the Lord hath pleasure in his
populo suo, * et exaltabit mansuetos in people: * and he will exalt the meek
salutem. unto salvation.
Exsultabunt sancti in gloria, * The saints shall rejoice in glory: * let
laetabuntur in cubilibus suis. them rejoice in their beds.
Exaltationes Dei in gutture eorum: * et The high praise of God shall be in
gladii ancipites in manibus eorum: their mouth: * and a two-edged sword
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in their hands;
Ad faciendam vindictam in nationibus, To execute vengeance upon the
* increpationes in populis; nations, * and to rebuke the people;
Ad alligandos reges eorum in To bind their kings with fetters, * and
compedibus, * et nobiles eorum in their nobles with links of iron.
manicis ferreis;
Ut faciant in eis judicium conscriptum: To execute upon them the judgment
* gloria haec est omnibus sanctis ejus.] that is written: * Such honour have all
his saints.]
Psalm 150
An exhortation to praise God with all sorts of instruments.
[Laudate Dominum in sanctis ejus; * [Praise ye the Lord in his holy places: *
laudate eum in firmamento virtutis praise him in the firmament of his
ejus. power.
Laudate eum in virtutibus ejus; * Praise ye him for his mighty acts: *
laudate eum secundum multitudinem praise him according to his excellent
magnitudinis ejus. greatness.
Laudate eum in sono tubae; * laudate Praise him with the sound of the
eum in psalterio et cithara. trumpet: * praise him with psaltery and
harp.
Laudate eum in tympano et choro; * Praise him with timbrel and choir: *
laudate eum in chordis et organo. praise him upon the strings and
organs.
Laudate eum in cymbalis Praise him upon the well-tuned
benesonantibus; laudate eum in cymbals: praise him on cymbals of joy:
cymbalis jubilationis. * Omnis spiritus * Let every thing that hath breath,
laudet Dominum!] praise the Lord.]
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
Post partum, Virgo, inviolata After childbirth thou didst still remain
permansisti: Dei Genetrix, intercede a virgin undefiled: Mother of God,
pro nobis. intercede for us.
Little Chapter
Eccl. 24: 23
Ego quasi vitis fructificavi suavitatem Like a vine, I gave forth an odor of
odoris: et flores mei fructus honoris et sweetness: and my flowers are the
honestatis. fruits of honor and riches.
Hymn
O gloriosa Domina, O glorious Lady, throned in light,
Excelsa supra sidera: Sublime above the starry height:
Qui te creavit provide, Thine arms thy great Creator pressed,
23
Lactasti sacro ubere. A suckling at thy sacred breast.
Quod Heva tristis abstulit, Through the dear Blossom of thy

womb,
Tu reddis almo germine: Thou changest hapless Eva's doom:
Intrent ut astra flebiles, Through thee to contrite souls is given,
Cæli fenestra facta es. An opening to their home in heaven.
Tu Regis alti janua, Thou art the great King's portal bright,
Et porta lucis fulgida: With pearls and stones of living light:
Vitam datam per Virginem, Come then, ye ransomed nations, sing,
Gentes redemptæ, plaudite. The life divine 'twas hers to bring.


V. Elegit eam Deus et præelegit eam. V. God hath chosen her, and preferred
her.
R. Et habitare eam facit in tabernaculo R. And He maketh her dwell in His
suo. tabernacle.
The Canticle of Zachary
Luke 1: 68-79
Benedictus † Dominus, Deus Israël, Blessed † be the Lord God of Israel,

* quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem * for he hath visited and redeemed his
plebis suæ. people.
Et erexit cornu salutis nobis * in domo And hath raised up a mighty salvation
David pueri sui. for us, * in the house of his servant
David.
Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, * As he spake by the mouth of his holy
qui a sæculo sunt, prophetarum ejus: Prophets, * which have been since the
world began:
Salutem ex inimicis nostris, * et de That we should be saved from our
manu omnium qui oderunt nos. enemies, * and from the hand of all
that hate us.
Ad faciendam misericordiam cum To perform the mercy promised to our
patribus nostris, * et memorari forefathers, * and to remember his
testamenti sui sancti: holy Covenant:
Jusjurandum, quod juravit ad Abraham To perform the oath which he swore
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patrem nostrum, * daturum se nobis; to our forefather Abraham, * that he
would give us;
Ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum That we being delivered out of the
nostrorum liberati, * serviamus illi, hand of our enemies * might serve him
without fear,
In sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso * In holiness and righteousness before
omnibus diebus nostris. him, * all the days of our life.
Et tu, puer, propheta Altissimi And thou, child, shalt be called the
vocaberis: * præibis enim ante faciem Prophet of the Highest: * for thou
Domini parare vias ejus: shalt go before the face of the Lord to
prepare his ways:
Ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi ejus To give knowledge of salvation unto
* in remissionem peccatorum eorum. his people * for the remission of their
sins.
Per viscera misericordiæ Dei nostri, * Through the tender mercy of our God;
in quibus visitavit nos Oriens ex alto, * whereby the Day-Spring from on
high hath visited us,
Illuminare his, qui in tenebris et in To give light to them that sit in
umbra mortis sedent, * ad dirigendos darkness, and in the shadow of death,
pedes nostros in viam pacis. * and to guide our feet into the way of
peace.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
O gloriosa Dei Genetrix, Virgo semper O glorious Mother of God, Mary, ever
Maria, quæ Dominum omnium virgin, who alone wast found worthy
meruisti portare, et Regem Angelorum to bear the Lord of all, and though a
sola Virgo lactare: nostri, quæsumus, virgin, to nurse the King of angels: be
pia memorare, et pro nobis Christum graciously mindful of us, we beseech
deprecare: ut tuis fulti patrociniis ad thee, and pray to Christ for us, that we,
cælestia regna mereamur pervenire. being upheld by thy care, may deserve
to attain to heavenly kingdoms.
During Advent:
Spiritus Sanctus in te descendet, Maria: The Holy Ghost shall come down
ne timeas, habebis in utero Filium Dei, upon thee, O Mary: fear not, thou
alleluja. shalt bear within thy womb the Son of
God, alleluia.
From Christmas to Purification:
Genuit puerpera Regem, cui nomen A Woman in childbirth brought forth
æternum: et gaudia matris habens cum a King Whose name is eternal: and,
virginitatis honore, nec primam possessing a mother's joy with a
similem visa est, nec habere virgin's honor, her like hath not
sequentem. appeared before nor since.
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During Paschal Time:
Beata Dei Genetrix Maria, Virgo O blessed Mary, Mother of God,
perpetua, templum Domini, sacrarium perpetual virgin, temple of the Lord,
Spiritus Sancti, tu sola sine exemplo sanctuary of the Holy Ghost, thou
placuisti Domino nostro Jesu Christo. alone without equal wast pleasing to
Ora pro populo, interveni pro clero, our Lord Jesus Christ: pray for the
intercede pro devoto femineo sexu, people, plead for the clergy, make
alleluia, alleluia. intercession for the devout female sex.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Prayer
gloriosa beatæ Mariæ semper Virginis and body; and that through the
Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. present sorrow and enjoy eternal
. happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
During Advent:
Oremus. Deus, qui de beatæ Mariæ Let us pray. O God, Who wast pleased
Virginis utero Verbum tuum Angelo that, at the message of an angel, Thy
nuntiante carne suscipere voluisti, Word should take flesh from the
præsta supplicibus tuis: ut, qui vere womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
eam Genetricem Dei credimus, ejus grant that we, Thy suppliants, who
apud te intercessionibus adjuvemur. believe her to be truly the Mother of
Per eundem Christum Dominum God, may be helped through her
nostrum. Amen. intercession with Thee. Through the
same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Oremus. Deus, qui salutis æternæ, Let us pray. O God, Who through the
beatæ Mariæ virginitate fecunda, fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, hast
humano generi præmia præstitisti: given to mankind the reward of eternal
tribue, quæsumus, ut ipsam pro nobis salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that
intercedere sentiamus, per quam we may feel the intercession she makes
meruimus Auctorem vitæ suscipere: for us, through whom we have been
Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. made worthy to receive the Author of
life, Christ our Lord. Amen.
Commemoration of Our Holy Father, Saint Dominic
Antiphon
Benedictus Redemptor omnium, qui Blessed be the Redeemer of all, Who,
saluti providens hominum mundo in providing for the salvation of men,
dedit sanctum Dominicum. gave Saint Dominic to the world.
V. Lex Dei ejus in corde ipsius. V. The law of his God is in his heart.
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R. Et non supplantabuntur gressus R. And his steps shall not fail.
ejus.
Prayer
Oremus. Deus, qui Ecclesiam tuam Let us pray. O God, Who didst
beati Dominici Confessoris tui, Patris vouchsafe to enlighten Thy Church by
nostri, illuminare dignatus es meritis et the merits and teachings of Thy
doctrinis: concede ut ejus intercessione blessed Confessor, Our Father
temporalibus non destituatur auxiliis, Dominic, grant through his
et spiritualibus semper proficiat intercession that it may never be
incrementis. Per Christum Dominum destitute of temporal help, and may
nostrum. Amen. always increase in spiritual growth.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Commemoration of all the Saints of the Dominican Order
Antiphon
O quam felix gloria semper est O what happiness and glory belong
Sanctorum, quam præclara merita sunt always to the saints, how distinguished
Prædicatorum, quorum verbo et opere the merits of the Preachers, by whose
mundus decoratur, eorumque munere words and deeds the world is adorned,
mens consolidatur. by whose works the mind grows
stronger.
V. Exsultabunt Sancti in gloria. V. The saints shall be joyful in glory.
R. Lætabuntur in cubilibus suis. R. They shall sing for joy on their
couches.
Prayer
Oremus. Concede, quæsumus, Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee,
omnipotens Deus, ut ad meliorem almighty God, that the examples of the
vitam Sanctorum Ordinis nostri saints of our Order may incite us to a
exempla nos provocent: quatenus, better life; that we may imitate the
quorum memoriam agimus, etiam deeds of them whose memory we
actus imitemur. Per Christum celebrate. Through Christ our Lord.
Dominum nostrum. Amen. Amen.
Commemoration of all Saints
Antiphon
Sancti Dei omnes intercedere All ye saints of God vouchsafe to
dignemini pro nostra omniumque make intercession for our salvation,
salute. and for that of all.
V. Orate pro nobis, omnes Sancti Dei. V. Pray for us, all ye saints of God.
Prayer
Oremus. Tribue, quæsumus, Domine, Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee,
omnes Sanctos tuos jugiter pro nobis O Lord, that all Thy saints may pray
orare, et eos clementer exaudire for us unceasingly, and vouchsafe in
digneris. Per Christum Dominum Thy clemency to hear them. Through
nostrum. Amen. Christ our Lord. Amen.
Commemoration for Peace
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Antiphon
Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris, Give peace, O Lord, in our days,
quia non est alius qui pugnet pro because there is no other who will
nobis, nisi tu Deus noster. fight for us, except Thee, our God.
V. Fiat pax in virtute tua. V. Let peace be in thy strength.
R. Et abundantia in turribus tuis. R. And abundance in thy towers.
Prayer
Oremus. Deus, a quo sancta desideria, Let us pray. O God, from Whom are
recta consilia, et justa sunt opera, da holy desires, right counsels, and just
servis tuis illam, quam mundus dare works, grant to Thy servants that
non potest, pacem: ut et corda nostra peace which the world cannot give;
mandatis tuis dedita, et, hostium that our hearts being devoted to Thy
sublata formidine, tempora sint tua commandments, and the fear of
protectione tranquilla. Per Dominum enemies being taken away, the times
nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, may, by Thy protection, be peaceful.
qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula Son, Who with Thee liveth and
sæculorum. Amen. reigneth in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, God, world without end.
Amen.
V. Benedicamus Domino. V. Let us bless the Lord.
If the next Hour does not follow immediately, the following is said:
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
Fidelium animæ per misericordiam Dei May the souls of the faithful departed,
requiescant in pace. Amen. through the mercy of God, rest in
peace. Amen.
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Prime
At the time of Our Lord, the day, from sunrise until evening, was divided into four
hours; the first hour (6-9 A.M.), the third hour (9 A.M. to noon), the sixth hour (noon
to 3 P.M.), the ninth hour (3 P.M. to 6 P.M.). Wishing to consecrate all these divisions
of the day to God, the Church appointed a prayer appropriate for each hour. Prime is
the prayer of the first hour of daylight, and its purpose is to offer all the works of the
day to God and obtain for them His protection and blessing.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
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intende.
festina.
Sancto. Son and to the Holy Ghost.
everlasting glory.
Hymn
Memento, salutis Auctor, Author of grace, sweet Saviour mine,
Quod nostri quondam corporis, Remember that Thy flesh divine,
Ex illibata Virgine, From the unsullied Virgin came,
Nascendo, formam sumpseris. Made like unto our mortal frame.


Psalm 119
A prayer in tribulation.
Ad Dominum cum tribularer clamavi: When I was in trouble, I called upon

* et exaudivit me. the Lord, * and he heard me.
Domine, libera animam meam a labiis Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying
iniquis, * et a lingua dolosa. lips, * and from a deceitful tongue.
Quid detur tibi, aut quid apponatur What shall be given unto thee, or what
tibi, * ad linguam dolosam? shall be added unto thee, * to a
deceitful tongue?
Sagittæ potentis acutæ, * cum Even the sharp arrows of the mighty, *
carbonibus desolatoriis. with hot burning coals.
Heu mihi, quia incolatus meus Woe is me, that I sojourning is
prolongatus est; habitavi cum prolonged; I have dwelt with the
habitantibus Cedar: * multum incola inhabitants of Kedar: * my soul hath
fuit anima mea. long dwelt among them.
Cum his qui oderunt pacem, eram With them that hated peace I was
pacificus: * cum loquebar illis, peaceable: * when I spake unto them,
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impugnabant me gratis. they fought against me without cause.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 120
God is the keeper of His servants.
Levavi oculos meos in montes, * I have lifted up mine eyes unto the
unde veniet auxilium mihi. hills; * from whence cometh my help.
Auxilium meum a Domino, * qui fecit My help cometh even from the Lord, *
cælum et terram. who hath made heaven and earth.
Non det in commotionem pedem May he not suffer thy foot to be
tuum, * neque dormitet qui custodit te. moved; * neither let him slumber that
keepeth thee.
Ecce non dormitabit neque dormiet, * Behold, he that keepeth Israel * shall
qui custodit Israël. neither slumber nor sleep.
Dominus custodit te, Dominus The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy
protectio tua, * super manum defence * upon thy right hand.
dexteram tuam.
Per diem sol non uret te, * neque luna The sun shall not burn thee by day, *
per noctem. neither the moon by night.
Dominus custodit te ab omni malo: * The Lord shall preserve thee from all
custodiat animam tuam Dominus. evil: * yea, it is even he that shall keep
thy soul.
Dominus custodiat introitum tuum, et The Lord shall preserve thy going out,
exitum tuum: * ex hoc nunc, et usque and thy coming in: * from this time
in sæculum. forth for evermore.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 121
The desire and hope of the just for the coming of the kingdom of God,
and the peace of His Church.
Lætatus sum in his quæ dicta sunt I rejoiced at the things that were said
mihi: * In domum Domini ibimus. unto me: * We will go into the house
of the Lord.
Stantes erant pedes nostri, * in atriis Our feet shall stand * in thy gates, O
tuis, Jerusalem. Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, quæ ædificatur ut civitas: * Jerusalem is built as a city * that is at
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cujus participatio ejus in idipsum. unity in itself.
Illuc enim ascenderunt tribus, tribus For thither did the tribes go up, even
Domini: * testimonium Israël ad the tribes of the Lord, * to testify unto
confitendum nomini Domini. Israel, to give thanks unto the Name
of the Lord.
Quia illic sederunt sedes in judicio, * For their seats have sat in judgment, *
sedes super domum David. even the seats upon the house of
David.
Rogate quæ ad pacem sunt Jerusalem: O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; *
* et abundantia diligentibus te: they shall prosper that love thee:
Fiat pax in virtute tua, * et abundantia Peace be within thy walls, * and
in turribus tuis. plenteousness within thy palaces.
Propter fratres meos, et proximos For my brethren and companions'
meos, * loquebar pacem de te. sakes, * I spake peace of thee.
Propter domum Domini, Dei nostri, * Yea, because of the house of the Lord
quæsivi bona tibi. our God, * I have sought to do thee
good.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata: Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, O
da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos. sacred Virgin: give me strength against
thine enemies.
Little Chapter
Eccl. 24: 14
Ab initio, et ante sæcula creata sum, et From the beginning and before the
usque ad futurum sæculum non world, was I created, and unto the
desinam, et in habitatione sancta world to come I shall not cease to be;
coram ipso ministravi. and in the holy dwelling-place I
ministered before Him.
Responsory
R. Post partum, Virgo, * inviolata R. After childbirth, a virgin, * thou still
permansisti. didst remain undefiled.
V. Dei Genetrix, intercede pro nobis: * V. Mother of God, intercede for us: *
inviolata permansisti. thou still didst remain undefiled.
and to the Holy Ghost.
V. Benedicta tu in mulieribus. V. Blessed art thou amongst women.
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R. Et benedictus fructus ventris tui. R. And blessed is the fruit of thy
womb.
Prayer
Oremus. Gratiam tuam, quæsumus, Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech
Domine, mentibus nostris infunde: ut thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts,
qui Angelo nuntiante Christi Filii tui that we to whom the Incarnation of
incarnationem cognovimus, per Christ thy Son was made known by the
passionem ejus et crucem ad message of an Angel, may by his
resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per Passion and Cross be brought to the
eundem Dominum nostrum Jesum glory of the Resurrection. Through the
Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit same Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son,
et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in
Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
Amen. world without end. Amen.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
peace. Amen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terce
The third hour (9 A.M.) was sacred as a time of prayer to the Jews and the early
Christians; and it was for long spoken of as "the holy hour," as it was the time when
the Holy Ghost came upon Our Lady and the disciples in the Cenacle, and was later
appointed as the hour for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice. As the sun begins to
diffuse warmth upon the earth at this time of the day, it is appropriate that at Terce we
would especially ask for an increase of the fire of divine charity.
V. Ave, Maria, gratia plena: Dominus
V. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is
tecum. with thee.
R. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et
R. Blessed art thou amongst women,
benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus.
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
intende.
festina.
32
everlasting glory.
Hymn


Psalm 122
A prayer in affliction with confidence in God.
Ad te levavi oculos meos, * qui Unto thee have I lift up mine eyes, *
habitas in cælis. O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Ecce sicut oculi servorum * in Behold, even as the eyes of servants *
manibus dominorum suorum, look unto the hand of their masters,
Sicut oculi ancillæ in manibus dominæ And as the eyes of a maiden are on the
suæ: * ita oculi nostri ad Dominum, hands of her mistress, * even so our
Deum nostrum, donec misereatur eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until
nostri. he have mercy upon us.
Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have
nostri; * quia multum repleti sumus mercy upon us; * for we are utterly
despectione. despised.
Quia multum repleta est anima nostra; Our soul is greatly filled; * we are a
* opprobrium abundantibus, et reproof to the wealthy, and contempt
despectio superbis. to the proud.
Amen. Amen.
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Psalm 123
The Church giveth glory to God for her deliverance from the hands of her enemies.
Nisi quia Dominus erat in nobis, dicat If the Lord himself had not been on
nunc Israël: * nisi quia Dominus erat our side, let Israel now say: * if the
in nobis, Lord himself had not been on our side,
Cum exsurgerent homines in nos, * When men rose up against us, *
forte vivos deglutissent nos. perchance they had swallowed us up
alive.
Cum irasceretur furor eorum in nos, * When they were so wrathfully
forsitan aqua absorbuisset nos. displeased at us, * perchance their
waters had drowned us.
Torrentem pertransivit anima nostra: * Our soul hath passed through the
forsitan pertransisset anima nostra torrent: * perchance our soul had
aquam intolerabilem. passed through a water insupportable.
Benedictus Dominus * qui non dedit Blessed be the Lord, * who hath not
nos in captionem dentibus eorum. given us over for a prey unto their
teeth.
Anima nostra sicut passer erepta est * Our soul is escaped even as a bird, *
de laqueo venantium. out of the snare of the fowler.
Laqueus contritus est, * et nos liberati The snare is broken, * and we are
sumus. delivered.
Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Our help is in the Name of the Lord, *
Domini, * qui fecit cælum et terram. who hath made heaven and earth.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 124
The just are always under God's protection.
Qui confidunt in Domino, sicut They that put their trust in the Lord
mons Sion: * non commovebitur in shall be even as the mount Sion: * he
æternum, qui habitat in Jerusalem. shall stand fast for ever, that dwelleth
in Jerusalem.
Montes in circuitu ejus: * et Dominus Mountains stand round about: * even
in circuitu populi sui, ex hoc nunc et so standeth the Lord round about his
usque in sæculum. people, from this time forth for
evermore.
Quia non relinquet Dominus virgam For the Lord shall not leave the rod of
peccatorum super sortem justorum: * sinners upon the lot of the just: * that
ut non extendant justi ad iniquitatem the righteous may not stretch forth
manus suas. their hand unto wickedness.
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Benefac, Domine, bonis, * et rectis Do well, O Lord, unto those that are
corde. good * and true of heart.
Declinantes autem in obligationes But such as turn aside unto bonds, the
adducet Dominus cum operantibus Lord shall lead them forth with the evil
iniquitatem: * Pax super Israël. doers: * peace upon Israel.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
Gaude, Maria Virgo, cunctas hæreses Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, thou alone
sola interemisti in universo mundo. hast destroyed all heresies throughout
the whole world.
Little Chapter
Eccl. 24: 15
Et sic in Sion firmata sum, et in And so in Sion was I established, and
civitate sanctificata similiter requievi, et in the holy city likewise did I rest, and
in Jerusalem potestas mea. in Jerusalem was my power.
Responsory
R. Sancta Maria, Mater Christi, * audi R. Holy Mary, Mother of Christ, *
rogantes servulos. hear thy servants imploring thee.
V. Et impetratam nobis cælitus tu V. And bring to us from heaven the
defer indulgentiam: * audi rogantes pardon thou obtainest: * hear thy
servulos. servants imploring thee.
V. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of
Genetrix. God.
Prayer
Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum present sorrow and enjoy eternal
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Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat happiness. Through our Lord Jesus
in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth
omnia sæcula sæculorum. Amen. and reigneth in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, God world without end. Amen.
During Advent:
Per eundem Dominum nostrum Jesum God, may be helped through her
Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit intercession with Thee. Through the
et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, same Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son,
Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in
Amen. the unity of the Holy Ghost, God
world without end. Amen.
Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum made worthy to receive the Author of
Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in
omnia sæcula sæculorum. Amen. the unity of the Holy Ghost, God
world without end. Amen.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
peace. Amen.
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Sext
The sixth hour of the day (noon) is hallowed as being the time when Our Lord was
nailed to the Cross and later ascended into heaven. The special blessings that may
36
suitably be asked for in Sext, the Prayer of the Sixth Hour, are charity towards our
neighbor, health of body, and peace of mind amidst the occupations in which we are
engaged.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
intende.
festina.
everlasting glory.
Hymn


Psalm 125
The people of God rejoice at their delivery from captivity.
In convertendo Dominus When the Lord brought back the

captivitatem Sion, * facti sumus sicut captives of Sion, * then we became like
consolati. men comforted.
Tunc repletum est gaudio os nostrum, Then was our mouth filled with
* et lingua nostra exsultatione. gladness, * and our tongue with joy.
Tunc dicent inter gentes: * Then shall they say among the
Magnificavit Dominus facere cum eis. heathen: * The Lord hath done great
37
things for them.
Magnificavit Dominus facere Yea, the Lord hath done great things
nobiscum; * facti sumus lætantes. for us; * whereof we rejoice.
Converte, Domine, captivitatem Turn again our captivity, O Lord, * as
nostram, * sicut torrens in austro. the rivers in the south.
Qui seminant in lacrimis, * in They that sow in tears * shall reap in
exsultatione metent. joy.
Euntes ibant et flebant, * mittentes Going they went and wept, * casting
semina sua. their seed.
Venientes autem venient cum But coming they shall come again with
exsultatione, * portantes manipulos joyfulness, * carrying their sheaves.
suos.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 126
Nothing can be done without God's grace and blessing.
Nisi Dominus ædificaverit domum, * Except the Lord build the house, *
in vanum laboraverunt qui ædificant they labor in vain that build it.
eam.
Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, * Except the Lord keep the city, * the
frustra vigilat qui custodit eam. watchman waketh but in vain.
Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere: * It is vain for you to rise up before the
surgite postquam sederitis, qui light: * rise ye after ye have taken your
manducatis panem doloris. rest, ye that eat the bread of sorrow.
Cum dederit dilectis suis somnum: * When he giveth his beloved sleep: *
ecce hæreditas Domini, filii: merces, behold, children are the heritage of the
fructus ventris. Lord: the reward, and the fruit of the
womb.
Sicut sagittæ in manu potentis, * ita filii Like as the arrows in the hand of the
excussorum. mighty, * even so are the children of
them that have been shaken.
Beatus vir qui implevit desiderium Blessed is the man that hath filled the
suum ex ipsis: * non confundetur cum desire with them: * he shall not be
loquetur inimicis suis in porta. confounded when he shall speak with
his enemies in the gate.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 127
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The fear of God is the way to happiness.
Beati omnes qui timent Dominum, * Blessed are all they that fear the
qui ambulant in viis ejus. Lord, * and walk in his ways.
Labores manuum tuarum quia For thou shalt eat the labors of thine
manducabis: * beatus es, et bene tibi hands: * blessed art thou, and it shall
erit. be well with thee.
Uxor tua sicut vitis abundans, * in Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine *
lateribus domus tuæ. upon the walls of thine house.
Filii tui sicut novellæ olivarum, * in Thy children like the olive-branches *
circuitu mensæ tuæ. round about thy table.
Ecce sic benedicetur homo, * qui timet Lo, thus shall the man be blessed, *
Dominum. that feareth the Lord.
Benedicat tibi Dominus ex Sion, * et The Lord bless thee out of Sion, * that
videas bona Jerusalem omnibus diebus thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity
vitæ tuæ. all the days of thy life.
Et videas filios filiorum tuorum, * Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's
pacem super Israël. children, * and peace upon Israel.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
In prole mater, in partu virgo, gaude et In offspring a mother, in childbirth a
lætare, Virgo Mater Domini. virgin, rejoice and be glad, O Virgin,
Mother of the Lord.
Little Chapter
Eccl. 24: 16
Et radicavi in populo honorificato, et And I took root in an honorable
in parte Dei mei hereditas illius, et in people, and in the portion of my God
plenitudine sanctorum detentio mea. is his inheritance, and my abode is in
the full assembly of the saints.
Responsory
R. Ora pro nobis, * Sancta Dei R. Pray for us, * O holy Mother of
Genetrix. God.
Genetrix. God.
V. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus V. That we may be made worthy of
Christi: * Sancta Dei Genetrix. the promises of Christ: * O holy
Mother of God.
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Genetrix. God.
V. Elegit eam Deus et præelegit eam. V. God hath chosen her and preferred
her.
R. Et habitare eam facit in tabernaculo R. And He maketh her to dwell in His
suo. tabernacle.
Prayer
Oremus. Protege, Domine, famulos Let us pray. Protect Thy servants, O
tuos subsidiis pacis: et, beatæ Mariæ Lord, by granting them the gift of
semper Virginis patrociniis peace, and as they have confidence in
confidentes, a cunctis hostibus redde the patronage of blessed Mary, ever
securos. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum virgin, so do Thou make them safe
Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit from all enemies. Through our Lord
et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee
Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. liveth and reigneth in the unity of the
Amen. Holy Ghost, God world without end.
Amen.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
peace. Amen.
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None
At the ninth hour (3 P.M.) when the sun begins to decline in the heavens, Our Lord
expired on the Cross. The Prayer of the Ninth Hour, therefore, commemorates the
death of the Redeemer; and it bids us look forward to the decline of our own days and
beg the grace of a happy death.
V. Ave, Maria, gratia plena: Dominus
V. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is
tecum. with thee.
R. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et
R. Blessed art thou amongst women,
benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus.
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
intende.
festina.
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everlasting glory.
Hymn


Psalm 128
The Church of God is invincible: her persecutors come to nothing.
Sæpe expugnaverunt me a juventute Many a time have they fought

mea, * dicat nunc Israël: against me from my youth up, * let
Israel now say:
Sæpe expugnaverunt me a juventute Yea, many a time have they fought
mea; * etenim non potuerunt mihi. against me from my youth up; * but
they have not prevailed against me.
Supra dorsum meum fabricaverunt The ungodly have wrought upon my
peccatores; * prolongaverunt back; * they have lengthened their
iniquitatem suam. iniquity.
Dominus justus concidit cervices The righteous Lord hath hewn the
peccatorum: * confundantur et necks of the ungodly: * let them be
convertantur retrorsum omnes qui confounded and turned backward, as
oderunt Sion. many as hate Sion.
Fiant sicut fœnum tectorum, * quod Let them be even as the grass upon the
priusquam evellatur exaruit; housetops, * which withereth afore it
be grown up;
De quo non implevit manum suam qui Whereof the mower filleth not his
metit, * et sinum suum qui manipulos hand, * neither he that bindeth up the
colligit. sheaves his bosom.
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Et non dixerunt qui præteribant: And they who go by say not: The
Benedictio Domini super vos; * blessing of the Lord be upon you; * we
benediximus vobis in nomine Domini. have blessed you in the Name of the
Lord.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 129
A prayer of a sinner trusting in the mercies of God.
De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine: Out of the depths I have cried unto
* Domine, exaudi vocem meam. thee, O Lord: * Lord, hear my voice.
Fiant aures tuæ intendentes, * in O let thine ears be attentive * to the
vocem deprecationis meæ. voice of my supplication.
Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine: * If thou, O Lord, shalt observe our
Domine, quis sustinebit? iniquities: * Lord, who may endure it?
Quia apud te propitiatio est: * et For with thee there is merciful
propter legem tuam sustinui te, forgiveness: * and by reason of thy
Domine. law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus: * My soul hath relied on his word: * my
speravit anima mea in Domino. soul hath hoped in the Lord.
A custodia matutina usque ad noctem: From the morning watch even until
* speret Israël in Domino. night: * let Israel hope in the Lord.
Quia apud Dominum misericordia: * et Because with the Lord there is mercy:
copiosa apud eum redemptio. * and with him plentiful redemption.
Et ipse redimet Israël, * ex omnibus And he shall redeem Israel, * from all
iniquitatibus ejus. his iniquities.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 130
The prophet's humility.
Domine, non est exaltatum cor meum: O Lord, mine heart is not exalted: *
* neque elati sunt oculi mei. nor are mine eyes raised up high.
Neque ambulavi in magnis, * neque in Neither have I walked in great matters,
mirabilibus super me. * nor in wondrous things above me.
Si non humiliter sentiebam, * sed If I was not humbly minded, * but
exaltavi animam meam. exalted my soul.
Sicut ablactatus est super matre sua, * Like as a child that is weaned is
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ita retributio in anima mea. towards his mother, * even so is the
reward in my soul.
Speret Israël in Domino, * ex hoc Let Israel hope in the Lord, * from this
nunc et usque in sæculum. time forth for evermore.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
Beata mater, et intacta virgo, gloriosa Blessed Mother and Virgin undefiled,
Regina mundi, intercede pro nobis ad glorious Queen of the world, intercede
Dominum. for us with the Lord.
Little Chapter
Eccl. 24: 17-18
Quasi cedrus exaltata sum in Libano, I was exalted like the cedar in Libanus,
et quasi cypressus in monte Sion: quasi and like a cypress on Mount Sion. Like
palma exaltata sum in Cades, et quasi a palm tree in Cades was I exalted, and
plantatio rosæ in Jericho. like a rose plant in Jericho.
Responsory
R. Elegit eam Deus * et præelegit eam. R. God hath chosen her * and
preferred her.
preferred her.
V. Et habitare eam facit in tabernaculo V. And He maketh her to dwell in His
suo: * et præelegit eam. tabernacle: * and preferred her.
preferred her.
V. Sancta Dei Genetrix, virgo semper V. O ever virgin, Mary, Holy Mother
Maria. of God.
R. Intercede pro nobis ad Dominum R. Intercede for us with Lord our
Deum nostrum. God.
Prayer
Oremus. Famulorum tuorum, Let us pray. Forgive, we beseech Thee,
quæsumus, Domine, delictis ignosce: O Lord, the sins of Thy servants, that
ut qui tibi placere de actibus nostris we who cannot be pleasing to Thee by
non valemus, Genetricis Filii tui our deeds, may be saved by the
Domini nostri intercessione salvemur: intercession of the Mother of Thy Son,
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate our Lord, Who with Thee liveth and
Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula reigneth in the unity of the Holy
sæculorum. Amen. Ghost, God world without end. Amen.
43
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
peace. Amen.
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Vespers
When the sun has set and Vesper, the evening star, has appeared, the Church offers up
another Canonical Hour to God, that of Vespers or Evening Praises. The hour for the
evening sacrifice of incense in the Temple was 6 P.M. and it was also at this time that
Our Lord at the Last Supper instituted the Sacrifice of the Mass. The prayers of
Vespers are said very appropriately, therefore, as praises of Our Lord in the Blessed
Sacrament.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
intende.
festina.
everlasting glory.
Psalm 109
Christ's exaltation and everlasting priesthood.
Dixit Dominus Domino meo: * Sede The Lord said unto my Lord: * Sit
a dextris meis: thou on my right hand:
Donec ponam inimicos tuos * Until I make thine enemies * thy
scabellum pedum tuorum. footstool.
44
Virgam virtutis tuæ emittet Dominus The Lord shall send the rod of thy
ex Sion: * dominare in medio power out of Sion: * be thou ruler,
inimicorum tuorum. even in the midst among thine
enemies.
Tecum principium in die virtutis tuæ in Thine shall be the dominion in the day
splendoribus sanctorum: * ex utero of thy power, amid the brightness of
ante luciferum genui te. the saints: * from the womb before the
day star have I begotten thee.
Juravit Dominus, et non pænitebit The Lord sware, and will not repent: *
eum: * Tu es sacerdos in æternum Thou art a priest for ever after the
secundum ordinem Melchisedech. order of Melchisedech.
Dominus a dextris tuis, * confregit in The Lord upon thy right hand * shall
die iræ suæ reges. wound even kings in the day of his
wrath.
Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: He shall judge among the heathen; he
* conquassabit capita in terra shall fill the places with the dead
multorum. bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads
over divers countries.
De torrente in via bibet; * propterea He shall drink of the brook in the way;
exaltabit caput. * therefore shall he lift up his head.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 112
God is to be praised for His regard to the poor and humble.
Laudate, pueri, Dominum: * laudate Praise the Lord, O ye his servants: *

nomen Domini. O praise the Name of the Lord.
(Here all bow) Sit nomen Domini (Here all bow) Blessed be the Name of
benedictum, * ex hoc nunc et usque in the Lord, * from this time forth for
sæculum. evermore.
A solis ortu usque ad occasum, * From the rising up of the sun unto the
laudabile nomen Domini. going down of the same, * the Lord's
Name be praised.
Excelsus super omnes gentes The Lord is high above all nations, *
Dominus, * et super cælos gloria ejus. and his glory above the heavens.
Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster, qui Who is like unto the Lord our God,
in altis habitat, * et humilia respicit in that hath his dwelling on high, * and
cælo et in terra? beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and
in the earth?
Suscitans a terra inopem, * et de He raiseth up the poor out of the dust,
stercore erigens pauperem. * and lifteth the needy out of the dung
hill.
45
Ut collocet eum cum principibus, * That he may set him with the princes,
cum principibus populi sui. * even with the princes of his people.
Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo, * He maketh the barren woman to keep
matrem filiorum lætantem. house, * and to be a joyful mother of
children.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 121
The desire and hope of the just for coming of the kingdom of God,
and the peace of His Church.
Lætatus sum in his quæ dicta sunt I was glad at the things that were said
mihi: * In domum Domini ibimus. unto me: * We will go into the house
of the Lord.
Stantes erant pedes nostri, * in atriis Our feet shall stand * in thy gates, O
tuis, Jerusalem. Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, quæ ædificatur ut civitas: * Jerusalem is built as a city * that is at
cujus participatio ejus in idipsum. unity in itself.
Illuc enim ascenderunt tribus, tribus For thither did the tribes go up, even
Domini: * testimonium Israël ad the tribes of the Lord: * to testify unto
confitendum nomini Domini. Israel, to give thanks unto the Name
of the Lord.
Quia illic sederunt sedes in judicio, * For their seats have sat in judgment, *
sedes super domum David. even the seats upon the house of
David.
Rogate quæ ad pacem sunt Jerusalem; O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; *
* et abundantia diligentibus te. they shall prosper that love thee.
Fiat pax in virtute tua, * et abundantia Peace be within thy walls, * and
in turribus tuis. plenteousness within thy palaces.
Propter fratres meos, et proximos For my brethren and companions'
meos, * loquebar pacem de te. sakes, * I spake peace of thee.
Propter domum Domini, Dei nostri, * Yea, because of the house of the Lord
quæsivi bona tibi. our God, * I have sought to do thee
good.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 126
Nothing can be done without God's grace and blessing.
46
Nisi Dominus ædificaverit domum, * Except the Lord build the house, *
in vanum laboraverunt qui ædificant they labour in vain that build it.
eam.
Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, * Except the Lord keep the city, * the
frustra vigilat qui custodit eam. watchman waketh but in vain.
Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere: * It is vain for you to rise up before the
surgite postquam sederitis, qui light: * rise ye after ye have sitten, ye
manducatis panem doloris. that eat the bread of sorrow.
Cum dederit dilectis suis somnum: * When he giveth his beloved sleep: *
ecce hæreditas Domini, filii: merces, behold, children are the heritage of the
fructus ventris. Lord: the reward, and the fruit of the
womb.
Sicut sagittæ in manu potentis, * ita filii Like as the arrows in the hand of the
excussorum. mighty, * even so are the children of
them that have been shaken.
Beatus vir qui implevit desiderium Blessed is the man that hath filled the
suum ex ipsis: * non confundetur cum desire with them: * he shall not be
loquetur inimicis suis in porta. confounded when he shall speak with
his enemies in the gate.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 147
The Church is called upon to praise God for His peculiar graces and favors to His people.
Lauda, Jerusalem, Dominum: * lauda Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: *

Deum tuum, Sion. praise thy God, O Sion.
Quoniam confortavit seras portarum For he hath made fast the bars of thy
tuarum: * benedixit filiis tuis in te. gates, * and hath blessed thy children
within thee.
Qui posuit fines tuos pacem, * et adipe Who hath placed peace in thy borders,
frumenti satiat te. * and filleth thee with the fat of the
crops.
Qui emittit eloquium suum terræ: * Who sendeth forth his commandment
velociter currit sermo ejus. upon earth, * and his word runneth
swiftly.
Qui dat nivem sicut lanam: * nebulam Who giveth snow like wool, * and
sicut cinerem spargit. scattereth the mist like ashes.
Mittit crystallum suam sicut buccellas: He sendeth his ice like morsels: * who
* ante faciem frigoris ejus quis is able to abide before the face of his
sustinebit? frost?
47
Emittet verbum suum, et liquefaciet He shall send out his word, and shall
ea: * flabit spiritus ejus, et fluent aquæ. melt them: * his spirit shall breathe
forth, and the waters shall flow.
Qui annuntiat verbum suum Jacob: * Who declareth his word unto Jacob, *
justitias et judicia sua Israël. his statutes and judgments unto Israel.
Non fecit taliter omni nationi: * et He hath not dealt so with every nation:
judicia sua non manifestavit eis. * neither hath he given them
knowledge of his judgments.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
Sancta Dei Genetrix, Virgo semper Holy Mother of God, Mary ever
Maria, intercede pro nobis ad virgin, intercede for us with the Lord
Dominum Deum nostrum. our God.
Little Chapter
Eccl. 24: 20
Sicut cinnamomum et balsamum Like a vine, I gave forth a sweet
aromatizans odorem dedi: quasi perfume like cinnamon and aromatical
myrrha electa dedi suavitatem odoris. balm: I yielded an odor of sweetness,
like the choicest myrrh.
Hymn
Kneel for the first stanza:
Ave, maris stella, Hail, O star of ocean,
Dei Mater alma, God's own Mother blest,
Atque semper Virgo, Ever sinless Virgin,
Felix cæli porta. Gate of heaven's rest.
Sumens illud Ave, Taking that sweet Ave,

Gabrielis ore, Which from Gabriel came.
Funda nos in pace, Peace confirm within us,
Mutans nomen Hevæ. Changing Eva's name.
Solve vincla reis, Break the sinners' fetters,

Profer lumen cæcis, To the blind give day,
Mala nostra pelle, Ward all evils from us,
Bona cuncta posce. For all blessings pray.
Monstra te esse matrem: Show thyself a mother,

Sumat per te preces, May the Word Divine,
Qui pro nobis natus, Born for us thine infant,
Tulit esse tuus. Hear our pray'rs through thine.
48
Virgo singularis, Virgin all excelling,
Inter omnes mitis, Mildest of the mild,
Nos culpis solutos, Free from sin preserve us,
Mites fac et castos. Meek and undefil'd.
Vitam præsta puram, Keep our lives all spotless,

Iter para tutum: Make our way secure:
Ut videntes Jesum, Till we find in Jesus,
Semper collætemur. Joys that shall endure.
Sit laus Deo Patri, Praise to God the Father,

Summo Christo decus, Honor to the Son,
Spiritui Sancto, To the Holy Spirit,
Tribus honor unus. Amen. Be glory one. Amen.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Luc. 1: 46-55
Magnificat † anima mea Dominum; My soul † doth magnify the Lord;

Et exsultavit spiritus meus * in Deo, And my spirit hath rejoiced * in God
salutari meo. my Saviour.
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillæ suæ: For he hath regarded the lowliness of
* ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent his handmaiden: * for behold, from
omnes generationes. henceforth all generations shall call me
blessed.
Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est, * For he that is mighty hath magnified
et sanctum nomen ejus. me, * and holy is his Name.
Et misericordia ejus a progenie in And his mercy is on them that fear
progenies * timentibus eum. him * throughout all generations.
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo, * He hath shewed strength with his arm,
dispersit superbos mente cordis sui. * he hath scattered the proud in the
imagination of their hearts.
Deposuit potentes de sede, * et He hath put down the mighty from
exaltavit humiles. their seat, * and hath exalted the
humble and meek.
Esurientes implevit bonis, * et divites He hath filled the hungry with good
dimisit inanes. things, * and the rich he hath sent
empty away.
Suscepit Israël, puerum suum, * He remembering his mercy * hath
recordatus misericordiæ suæ. holpen his servant Israel.
Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, * As he promised to our forefathers, *
Abraham et semini ejus in sæcula. Abraham and his seed for ever.
49
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
Sancta Maria, succurre miseris, juva Holy Mary, succor the miserable, help
pusillanimes, refove flebiles, ora pro the faint hearted, comfort the
populo, interveni pro clero, intercede sorrowful, pray for the people, plead
pro devoto femineo sexu. for the clergy, make intercession for
the devout female sex.
During Advent:
O Virgo virginum, quomodo fiet O Virgin of virgins, how will this be
istud? Quia nec primam similem visa done? For thou art seen to have none
es, nec habere sequentem. Filiæ like thee either before or after. Ye
Jerusalem, quid me admiramini? daughters of Jerusalem, why look ye at
Divinum est mysterium hoc quid me in wonder? This mystery which ye
cernitis. see is all divine.
O admirabile commercium! Creator O wonderful intercourse! The Creator
generis humani, animatum corpus of human kind, taking unto Himself a
sumens, de Virgine nasci dignatus est: living body, vouchsafed to be born of
et procedens homo sine semine, a virgin; and coming forth amongst us,
largitus est nobis suam Deitatem. a man without human generation
bestowed upon us His divinity.
During Paschal Time:
Regina cæli, lætare, alleluja: quia quem O Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia;
meruisti portare, alleluja, resurrexit, for He Whom thou didst merit to bear,
sicut dixit, alleluja. Ora pro nobis alleluia, hath risen as He said alleluia;
Deum, alleluja. pray to God for us, alleluia.
During Ascensiontide:
Regina cæli, lætare, alleluja: quia quem O Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia;
meruisti portare, alleluja, jam ascendit, for He Whom thou didst merit to bear,
sicut dixit, alleluja. Ora pro nobis alleluia, hath ascended as He said
Deum, alleluja. alleluia; pray to God for us, alleluia.
Prayer
Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. present sorrow and enjoy eternal
happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
50
During Advent:
Per eundem Christum Dominum God, may be helped through her
nostrum. Amen. intercession with Thee. Through the
same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. made worthy to receive the Author of
life, Christ our Lord. Amen.
Commemoration of Our Holy Father, Saint Dominic
Antiphon
Magne Pater sancte Dominice, mortis O great and holy Father, Dominic, at
hora nos tecum suscipe, et hic semper the hour of death take us to thyself,
nos pie respice. and while here regard us always
graciously.
V. Os justi meditabitur sapientiam. V. The mouth of the just man shall
speak wisdom.
R. Et lingua ejus loquetur judicium. R. And his tongue shall speak
judgment.
Prayer
Oremus. Deus, qui Ecclesiam tuam Let us pray. O God, Who didst
beati Dominici Confessoris tui, Patris vouchsafe to enlighten Thy Church by
nostri, illuminare dignatus es meritis et the merits and teachings of Thy
doctrinis: concede ut ejus intercessione blessed Confessor, Our Father
temporalibus non destituatur auxiliis, Dominic, grant through his
et spiritualibus semper proficiat intercession that it may never be
incrementis. Per Christum Dominum destitute of temporal help, and may
nostrum. Amen. always increase in spiritual growth.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Commemoration of all the Saints of the Dominican Order
Antiphon
Christi pia gratia Sanctos sublimavit, The holy grace of Christ hath exalted
quos Patris Dominici Ordo propagavit. the saints, whom the Order of Father
Nos eorum meritis petimus juvari, Dominic has raised up. We beg to be
atque suis precibus Deo commendari. helped by their merits and to be
commended to God by their prayers.
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V. Sapientiam Sanctorum narrent V. The wisdom of the holy the peoples
populi. shall speak.
R. Et laudem eorum nuntiet ecclesia. R. And their praise the Church shall
proclaim.
Prayer
omnipotens Deus, ut ad meliorem almighty God, that the examples of the
vitam Sanctorum Ordinis nostri saints of our Order may incite us to a
exempla nos provocent: quatenus, better life; that we may imitate the
quorum memoriam agimus, etiam deeds of them whose memory we
actus imitemur. Per Christum celebrate. Through Christ our Lord.
Dominum nostrum. Amen. Amen.
Commemoration of all Saints
Antiphon
Sancti Dei omnes intercedere All ye saints of God vouchsafe to
dignemini pro nostra omniumque make intercession for our salvation,
salute. and for that of all.
V. Orate pro nobis, omnes Sancti Dei. V. Pray for us, all ye saints of God.
Prayer
Oremus. Tribue, quæsumus, Domine, Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee,
omnes Sanctos tuos jugiter pro nobis O Lord, that all Thy saints may pray
orare, et eos clementer exaudire for us unceasingly, and vouchsafe in
digneris. Per Christum Dominum Thy clemency to hear them. Through
nostrum. Amen. Christ our Lord. Amen.
Commemoration for Peace
Antiphon
Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris, Give peace, O Lord, in our days,
quia non est alius qui pugnet pro because there is no other who will
nobis, nisi tu Deus noster. fight for us, except Thee, our God.
V. Fiat pax in virtute tua. V. Let peace be in thy strength.
R. Et abundantia in turribus tuis. R. And abundance in thy towers.
Prayer
Oremus. Deus, a quo sancta desideria, Let us pray. O God, from Whom are
recta consilia, et justa sunt opera, da holy desires, right counsels, and just
servis tuis illam, quam mundus dare works, grant to Thy servants that
non potest, pacem: ut et corda nostra peace which the world cannot give;
mandatis tuis dedita, et, hostium that our hearts being devoted to Thy
sublata formidine, tempora sint tua commandments, and the fear of
protectione tranquilla. Per Dominum enemies being taken away, the times
nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, may, by Thy protection, be peaceful.
qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula Son, Who with Thee liveth and
sæculorum. Amen. reigneth in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, God, world without end.
52
Amen.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
peace. Amen.
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Compline
The word "Compline" means completion, and the Hour called by this name is the
closing prayer of the Office. It was formerly said about 9 P.M., when darkness had
spread over the earth and those who had labored throughout the day were preparing
to take their repose. Hence, it may be called the Night Prayer of the Church. The
thoughts that may well inspire our prayers during Compline are the need we have of
divine protection against the powers of darkness and the other dangers that
encompass us, especially during night, and when we shall be entering upon the sleep
of death.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
Here, all trace the Sign of the Cross upon their hearts.
V. Converte nos, Deus, salutaris V. Convert us, O God, our Savior.
noster.
R. Et averte iram tuam a nobis. R. And turn away Thy wrath from us.
intende.
festina.
everlasting glory.
Psalm 131
A prayer for the fulfilling of the promises made to David.
53
Memento, Domine, David, * et O Lord, remember David, * and all
omnis mansuetudinis ejus: his meekness:
Sicut juravit Domino, * votum vovit How he sware unto the Lord, * and
Deo Jacob: vowed a vow unto the God of Jacob:
Si introiero in tabernaculum domus I will not come within the tabernacle
meæ, * si ascendero in lectum strati of mine house, * nor go up into the
mei: bed wherein I lie:
Si dedero somnum oculis meis, * et I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, *
palpebris meis dormitationem: nor mine eyelids to slumber:
Et requiem temporibus meis: donec Neither the temples of my head to take
inveniam locum Domino, * any rest: * until I find out a place for
tabernaculum Deo Jacob. the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of
Jacob.
Ecce audivimus eam in Ephrata, * Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah, * and
invenimus eam in campis silvæ. found it in the fields of the wood.
Introibimus in tabernaculum ejus: * We will go into his tabernacle, * and
adorabimus in loco ubi steterunt pedes worship in the place where his feet
ejus. stood.
Surge, Domine, in requiem tuam, * tu Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place; *
et arca sanctificationis tuæ. thou, and the ark which thou hast
sanctified.
Sacerdotes tui induantur justitiam; * et Let thy priests be clothed with
sancti tui exsultent. righteousness; * and let thy saints
rejoice.
Propter David, servum tuum, * non For the sake of thy servant David, *
avertas faciem Christi tui. turn not away the face of thine
anointed.
Juravit Dominus David veritatem, et The Lord hath made a faithful oath
non frustrabitur eam: * de fructu unto David, and he shall not make it
ventris tui ponam super sedem tuam. void: * of the fruit of thy womb shall I
set upon thy throne.
Si custodierint filii tui testamentum If thy children will keep my covenant,
meum, * et testimonia mea hæc quæ * and my testimonies that I shall teach
docebo eos: them.
Et filii eorum usque in sæculum, * Their children also for evermore: *
sedebunt super sedem tuam. shall sit upon thy throne.
Quoniam elegit Dominus Sion: * elegit For the Lord hath chosen Sion: * he
eam in habitationem sibi. hath chosen it to be a habitation for
himself.
Hæc requies mea in sæculum sæculi: * This shall be my rest for ever and ever:
hic habitabo, quoniam elegi eam. * here will I dwell, for I have chosen it.
Viduam ejus benedicens benedicam: * Blessing I will bless her widow: * and
pauperes ejus saturabo panibus. will satisfy her poor with bread.
Sacerdotes ejus induam salutari, * et I will clothe her priests with salvation,
54
sancti ejus exsultatione exsultabunt. * and her saints shall rejoice with
exceeding great joy.
Illuc producam cornu David: * paravi There will I bring forth a horn unto
lucernam Christo meo. David: * I have prepared a lantern for
mine anointed.
Inimicos ejus induam confusione: * His enemies will I clothe with
super ipsum autem efflorebit confusion: * but upon him shall my
sanctificatio mea. sanctification flourish.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 132
The happiness of brotherly love and concord.
Ecce quam bonum et quam Behold, how good and joyful a thing
jucundum * habitare fratres in unum: it is, * for brethren to dwell together in
unity:
Sicut unguentum in capite, * quod It is like the precious oil upon the
descendit in barbam, barbam Aaron. head, * that ran down upon the beard,
even upon the beard of Aaron.
Quod descendit in oram vestimenti That went down to the skirts of his
ejus: * sicut ros Hermon, qui descendit clothing: * like as the dew of Hermon,
in montem Sion. which fell upon mount Sion.
Quoniam illic mandavit Dominus For there the Lord hath commanded
benedictionem, * et vitam usque in blessing, * and life for evermore.
sæculum.
Amen. Amen.
Psalm 133
An exhortation to praise God continually.
Ecce nunc benedicite Dominum, * Behold now, bless the Lord, * all ye
omnes servi Domini: servants of the Lord:
Qui statis in domo Domini, * in atriis Ye that stand in the house of the Lord,
domus Dei nostri. * even in the courts of the house of
our God.
In noctibus extollite manus vestras in Lift up your hands by night in the
sancta, * et benedicite Dominum. sanctuary, * and bless ye the Lord.
Benedicat te Dominus ex Sion, * qui The Lord that made heaven and earth
55
fecit cælum et terram. * give thee blessing out of Sion.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
Virgo Maria, non est tibi similis nata in O Virgin Mary, there is no one in the
mundo inter mulieres, florens ut rosa, world born of woman like to thee;
fragrans sicut lilium: ora pro nobis, flourishing like the rose, fragrant as the
sancta Dei Genetrix. lily: pray for us, O holy Mother of
God.
Little Chapter
Eccl. 24: 24
Ego mater pulchræ dilectionis et I am the mother of fair love, and of
timoris et agnitionis et sanctæ spei. fear, and of knowledge, and of holy
hope.
Responsory
R. Intercede pro nobis, sancta Virgo R. Intercede for us, O holy Virgin of
virginum, * Mater Dei, Maria. virgins, * Mary, Mother of God.
V. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus V. That we may be made worthy of
Christi: * Mater Dei, Maria. the promises of Christ: * Mary, Mother
of God.
Hymn
Virgo singularis, Virgin all excelling,
Inter omnes mitis, Mildest of the mild,
Nos culpis solutos, Free from sin preserve us,
Mites fac et castos. Meek and undefiled.
Vitam præsta puram, Keep our lives all spotless,

Iter para tutum: Make our way secure:
Ut videntes Jesum, Till we find in Jesus,
Semper collætemur. Joys that shall endure.
Sit laus Deo Patri, Praise to God the Father,

Summo Christo decus, Honor to the Son,
Spiritui Sancto, To the Holy Spirit,
Tribus honor unus. Amen. Be glory one. Amen.
V. Post partum, Virgo, inviolata V. After childbirth thou didst still
56
permansisti. remain a virgin undefiled:
R. Dei Genetrix, intercede pro nobis. R. Mother of God, intercede for us.
The Canticle of Simeon
Luke 2: 29-32
Nunc dimittis † servum tuum, Now Thou † dost dismiss Thy

Domine, * secundum verbum tuum in servant, O Lord * according to Thy
pace. word.
Quia viderunt oculi mei * salutare Because mine eyes have seen * Thy
tuum, salvation,
Quod parasti * ante faciem omnium Which thou hast prepared * before the
populorum; face of all people;
Lumen ad revelationem gentium, * et A light for the revelation of the
gloriam plebis tuæ Israël. gentiles, * and to be the glory of Thy
people Israel.
Amen. Amen.
Antiphon
The following is said kneeling:
Sub tuum præsidium confugimus, We fly to thy patronage, O holy
sancta Dei Genetrix: nostras Mother of God; despise not our
deprecationes ne despicias in petitions in our necessities, but deliver
necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis us from all dangers, O ever blessed
libera nos semper Virgo benedicta. Virgin.
Prayer
Oremus. Concede, misericors Deus, Let us pray. Grant, O merciful God,
fragilitati nostræ præsidium: ut, qui protection for our frailty: that we who
sanctæ Dei Genetricis memoriam celebrate the memory of the holy
agimus, intercessionibus ejus auxilio a Mother of God may, by the help of
nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per her intercession, arise from our sins.
eundem Dominum nostrum Jesum Through the same Jesus Christ, our
Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit Lord, Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth
et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, and reigneth in the unity of the Holy
Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. Ghost, God, world without end.
Amen. Amen.
Blessing
57
Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, † Patris May the blessing of Almighty God, †
et Filii et Spiritus Sancti descendat Father, Son and Holy Ghost descend
super nos et maneat semper. upon and remain with us forever.
R. Amen. R. Amen.
When the Salve Regina and O Lumen are said, the following V. and R. is omitted.
tecum. with thee.
Jesus.
Salve Regina
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiæ: Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,

vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad hail, our life, our sweetness, and our
te clamamus exsules filii Hevæ. Ad te hope! To thee do we cry, poor
suspiramus gementes et flentes in hac banished children of Eve, to thee do
lacrimarum valle. (Here all kneel.) Eja we send up our sighs, mourning and
ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos weeping in this vale of tears. (Here all
misericordes oculos ad nos converte. kneel.) Turn then, most gracious
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards
tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. us; and after this our exile, show unto
(Here all rise.) O clemens, o pia, o dulcis
us the blessed fruit of thy womb,
Virgo Maria. (In Easter) Alleluia. Jesus. (Here all rise.) O clement, O
loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. (In
Easter) Alleluia.
V. Dignare me laudare te, Virgo V. Make me worthy to praise thee,
sacrata. (In Easter) Alleluia. holy Virgin. (In Easter) Alleluia.
R. Da mihi virtutem contra hostes R. Give me strength against thine
tuos. (In Easter) Alleluia. enemies. (In Easter) Alleluia.
gloriosa beatæ Mariæ semper Virginis and body; and that, through the
intercessione a præsenti liberari intercession of blessed Mary, ever
tristitia, et æterna perfrui lætitia. Per virgin, we may be delivered from
Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. present sorrow, and enjoy eternal
hapiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O Lumen
O lumen Ecclesiæ, Doctor veritatis, O Light of the Church, doctor of

Rosa patientiæ, Ebur castitatis, aquam truth, Rose of patience, ivory of
sapientiæ propinasti gratis: Prædicator chastity, freely hast thou dispensed the
gratiæ nos junge beatis. (In Easter) water of wisdom: Preacher of grace,
58
Alleluia. unite us to the blessed. (In Easter)
Alleluia.
V. Ora pro nobis, beate Pater V. Pray for us, blessed Father
Dominice. (In Easter) Alleluia. Dominic. (In Easter) Alleluia.
Christi. (In Easter) Alleluia. the promises of Christ. (In Easter)
Alleluia.
omnipotens Deus, ut qui peccatorum almighty God, that we who are
nostrorum pondere premimur, beati oppressed with the weight of our sins
Dominici Confessoris tui, Patris nostri, may be relieved by the intercession of
patrocinio sublevemur. Per Christum Thy Confessor and our Father, the
Dominum nostrum. Amen. Blessed Dominic. Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Conclusion
peace. Amen.
The following prayers are said in silence:
Pater noster, qui es in coelis, Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom
regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut come, Thy will be done on earth as it
in coelo et in terra. Panem nostrum is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily
quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as
nobis debita nostra sicut et nos we forgive those who trespass against
dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne us. And lead us not into temptation,
nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera but deliver us from evil. Amen.
nos a malo. Amen.
Credo in Deum Patrem I believe in God, the Father almighty,
omnipotentem, creatorem coeli et Creator of Heaven and earth. And in
terrae. Et in Jesum Christum, Filium Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto natus born of the Virgin Mary, suffered
ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio under Pontius Pilate; was crucified,
Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, died, and was buried. He descended
descendit ad inferos, tertia die into Hell; on the third day He rose
resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad again from the dead. He ascended into
coelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris Heaven, and is seated at the right hand
omnipotentis, inde venturus est of God, the Father almighty. From
iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in there, He will come to judge the living
Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam and the dead. I believe in the Holy
catholicam, sanctorum communionem, Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the
remissionem peccatorum, carnis communion of saints, the forgiveness
resurrectionem, et vitam aeternam. of sins, the resurrection of the body,
Amen. and life everlasting. Amen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
59
Prayer After the Office
To those who devoutly say the following, kneeling, after the Office, Pope Leo X grants
the remission of any defects and faults in its recital arising from human frailty.
Sacrosanctæ, et indivíduæ Trinitáti, To the most holy and undivided

crucifíxi Dómini nostri Jesu Christi Trinity, to the humanity of our
humanitáti, beatíssimæ et gloriosíssimæ crucified Lord Jesus Christ; To the
sempérque Vírginis Maríæ foecúndæ fruitful virginity of most blessed and
integritáti, et ómnium Sanctórum glorious Virgin Mary; And to the entire
universitáti sit sempitérna laus, honor, Company of the Saints of God, in
virtus et glória ab omni creatúra, heaven; Be praise, honor, power, and
nobísque remíssio ómnium glory, from every creature on earth:
peccatórum, per infiníta sæcula and likewise to us sinners may there be
sæculórum. Amen. full remission of all our sins:
Throughout all ages, world without
end. Amen.
V. Beáta víscera Maríæ Vírginis, quæ V. Blessed is the womb of the Virgin
portavérunt ætérni Patris Fílium. Mary, which bore the Son of the
everlasting Father.
R. Et beáta úbera quæ lactavérunt R. And blessed are the breasts which
Christum Dóminum. nourished Christ the Lord.
For the welfare of Holy Mother Church, silently pray the following:
Pater noster, qui es in coelis, Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom
regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut come, Thy will be done on earth as it
in coelo et in terra. Panem nostrum is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily
quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as
nobis debita nostra sicut et nos we forgive those who trespass against
dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne us. And lead us not into temptation,
nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera but deliver us from evil. Amen.
nos a malo. Amen.
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is
tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et with thee. Blessed art thou among
benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. women, and blessed is the fruit of thy
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of
peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis God, pray for us sinners, now and at
nostrae. Amen. the hour of our death. Amen

60
MUSICAL APPENDIX
I. Salve Regina
61
II. O Lumen
62
63
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Manner of Recitation of the Office……………………….......... p. 3
Rubrics…………………………………………………………… pp. 3-4
Instructions for Recitation in Choir……………………………. pp. 5-6
Prayer Before the Office……………………………………….......... p. 7
The Hours:
Matins……………………………………………………….. pp. 7-17
Lauds………………………………………………………… pp. 17-28
Prime………………………………………………………… pp. 28-32
Terce………………………………………………………… pp. 32-36
Sext………………………………………………………… pp. 36-40
None………………………………………………………… pp. 40-44
Vespers……………………………………………………… pp. 44-53
Compline…………………………………………………..… pp. 53-59
Prayer After the Office………………………………………………. p. 60
Musical Appendix:
Salve Regina……………………………………………………... p. 61
O Lumen…………………………………………………………. p. 62
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Latin Text of the Office:
• http://psallitesapienter.blogspot.com/2009/01/dominican-rite-little-office.html
• http://psallitesapienter.blogspot.com/2011/09/dominican-little-office-
memorials-at.html
English Text of the Office, Commentary on the Hours and the Psalms,
Rubrics, and Manner of Recitation:
• http://www.willingshepherds.org/Office%20of%20the%20Dead.html
• https://archive.org/details/OfficeBookForDominicanSisters
Rubrics, and Instructions for Recitation in Choir:
• https://media.musicasacra.com/dominican/Texts/ordinary.pdf
Salve Regina:
• https://gregobase.selapa.net/chant.php?id=4577
O Lumen:
• https://gregobase.selapa.net/chant.php?id=4208
64

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The Office of the

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,

Choir Inclinations: is recited by the Versiclarian and the R.

Aperi, Dómine, os meum ad Open, O Lord, my mouth to bless

Beata Mater munere, O Happy Mother that thou art,

Beata cæli nuntio, Blest by herald angel's tongue,

Maria, mater gratiæ, O Mary, Mother of all grace,

Gloria tibi, Domine, All glory be Thee, O Lord,

Domine, Dominus noster, * quam O Lord our Governor, * how

Te Deum laudámus: * te Dóminum We praise thee, O God, * we

Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce O God, thou art my God, * to thee do

Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye

Laudate Dominum de cælis: * laudate O praise ye the Lord from the

Quod Heva tristis abstulit, Through the dear Blossom of thy

Maria, mater gratiæ, O Mary, Mother of all grace,

Gloria tibi, Domine, All glory be Thee, O Lord,

Benedictus † Dominus, Deus Israël, Blessed † be the Lord God of Israel,

Maria, mater gratiæ, O Mary, Mother of all grace,

Gloria tibi, Domine, All glory be Thee, O Lord,

Ad Dominum cum tribularer clamavi: When I was in trouble, I called upon

Maria, mater gratiæ, O Mary, Mother of all grace,

Gloria tibi, Domine, All glory be Thee, O Lord,

Maria, mater gratiæ, O Mary, Mother of all grace,

Gloria tibi, Domine, All glory be Thee, O Lord,

In convertendo Dominus When the Lord brought back the

Maria, mater gratiæ, O Mary, Mother of all grace,

Gloria tibi, Domine, All glory be Thee, O Lord,

Sæpe expugnaverunt me a juventute Many a time have they fought

Laudate, pueri, Dominum: * laudate Praise the Lord, O ye his servants: *

Lauda, Jerusalem, Dominum: * lauda Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: *

Sumens illud Ave, Taking that sweet Ave,

Solve vincla reis, Break the sinners' fetters,

Monstra te esse matrem: Show thyself a mother,

Vitam præsta puram, Keep our lives all spotless,

Sit laus Deo Patri, Praise to God the Father,

Magnificat † anima mea Dominum; My soul † doth magnify the Lord;

Vitam præsta puram, Keep our lives all spotless,

Sit laus Deo Patri, Praise to God the Father,

Nunc dimittis † servum tuum, Now Thou † dost dismiss Thy

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiæ: Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,

O lumen Ecclesiæ, Doctor veritatis, O Light of the Church, doctor of

Sacrosanctæ, et indivíduæ Trinitáti, To the most holy and undivided

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