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Semidouble
PRAYER BEFORE OFFICE
Open thou, O Lord, my mouth to bless thy holy Name; cleanse also my heart from all vain, evil, and wandering thoughts; enlighten my understanding; enkindle my affections; that I may say this Office worthily, with attention and devotion, and so be meet to be heard in the presence of thy divine Majesty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, in union with that divine intention wherewith thou thyself on earth didst render thy praises to God, I desire to offer these Hours (or this Hour) unto thee.
MATINS
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee : Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners ; Now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth : And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord : Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary : Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried : He descended into hell ; The third day he rose again from the dead : He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty : From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost : The holy Catholic Church : The Communion of Saints : The Forgiveness of sins : The Resurrection of the body : And the Life everlasting. Amen.
V. O Lord, + open thou my lips. R. And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
V. O God, make speed to save me. R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
Psalm 94. Venite, exsultemus Domino.
O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods: For the Lord will not cast off his people: In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.
O come, let us worship.
The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land. O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.
O come, let us worship.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways: unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O come, let us worship.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
The Hymn
This the Confessor of the Lord, whose triumph
Now through the wide world celebrate the faithful,
On this his feast-day merited a blessed
Heavenly throne.
Fervent and holy, prudent in his converse,
Humbly and chastely here on earth he sojourned,
Curbing all passions, and in peace and meekness,
Constant abiding.
What though the grave now hold his hallowed relicks?
He, ever living, ever interceding,
Reigns with the Blessed, nor from us his brethren
Is he divided.
Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour,
Chanting his praises with devout affection,
That in his merits we may have our portion,
Ever and ever.
Glory and virtue, honour and salvation,
Be unto him that, sitting in the highest,
Governeth all things, Lord and God Almighty,
Trinity blessed. Amen.
FIRST NOCTURN
Ant. In God is my salvation.
Psalm 61. Nonne Deo?
Shall not my soul be subject to God? * for from him is my salvation.
2 For he is my God and my saviour: * he is my protector, I shall be moved no more.
3 How long do you rush in upon a man? * you all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence.
4 But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: * they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.
5 But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: * for from him is my patience.
6 For he is my God and my saviour: * he is my helper, I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: * he is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.
8 Trust in him, all ye congregation of people: pour out your hearts before him. * God is our helper for ever.
9 But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: * that by vanity they may together deceive.
10 Trust not in iniquity, and cover not robberies: * if riches abound, set not your heart upon them.
11 God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God, and mercy to thee, O Lord; * for thou wilt render to every man according to his works. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. In God is my salvation and my glory: and my hope is in God.
Ant. See the works of the Lord.
Psalm 65. i. Jubilate Deo
Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; * give glory to his praise.
2 Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! * in the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee.
3 Let all the earth adore thee, and sing to thee: * let it sing a psalm to thy name.
4 Come and see the works of God; * who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men.
5 Who turneth the sea into dry land, in the river they shall pass on foot: * there shall we rejoice in him.
6 Who by his power ruleth for ever: his eyes behold the nations; * let not them that provoke him he exalted in themselves.
7 O bless our God, ye Gentiles: * and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
8 Who hath set my soul to live: * and hath not suffered my feet to be moved:
9 For thou, O God, hast proved us: * thou hast tried us by fire, as silver is tried.
10 Thou hast brought us into a net, thou hast laid afflictions on our back: * thou hast set men over our heads.
11 We have passed through fire and water, * and thou hast brought us out into a refreshment. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. See the works of the Lord, and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
Ant. Hear, all ye.
Psalm 65. ii. Introibo in domum
12 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: * I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered,
13 And my mouth hath spoken, * when I was in trouble.
14 I will offer up to thee holocausts full of marrow, with burnt offerings of rams: * I will offer to thee bullocks with goats.
15 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you * what great things he hath done for my soul.
16 I cried to him with my mouth: * and I extolled him with my tongue.
17 If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, * the Lord will not hear me.
18 Therefore hath God heard me, * and hath attended to the voice of my supplication.
19 Blessed be God, * who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Hear, all ye that fear God, what great things he hath done for my soul.
V. The Lord hath not cast out my prayer. R. Nor turned his mercy from me.
Our Father secretly to
V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution Graciously hear, O Lord Jesus Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us. Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever. R. Amen.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing. R. Amen.
Lesson i
Chap. 1, 1-2
Here beginneth the Book of Amos the Prophet
The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, and the whole earth was full of his glory : * And his train filled the temple. V. Above it stood the Seraphim : each one had six wings. And.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us. R. Amen.
Lesson ii
Chap. 1, 3-5
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: but I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. Look down, O Lord, from the dwelling place of thine holiness, and take thought for us : O my God, incline thine ear, and hear : * Open thine eyes, and behold our desolation. V. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock. Open.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the grace of the Holy Ghost all our heart and mind enlighten. R. Amen.
Lesson iii
Chap. 1, 6-8
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: but I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: and I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. Consider, O Lord, how that the city sitteth solitary that was full of riches ; how is she become as a widow, she that was great among the nations ; * She hath none to comfort her, save thee, O our God. V. She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks. She. Glory. She.
SECOND NOCTURN
Ant. Let God arise.
Psalm 67. i. Exsurgat Deus
Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: * and let them that hate him flee from before his face.
2 As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish away: * as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 And let the just feast, and rejoice before God: * and be delighted with gladness. 4 Sing ye to God, sing a psalm to his name, make a way for him who ascendeth upon the west: * (all bow) the Lord is his name.
5 Rejoice ye before him: * but the wicked shall be troubled at his presence, who is the father of orphans, and the judge of widows.
6 God in his holy place: * God who maketh men of one manner to dwell in a house:7 Who bringeth out them that were bound in strength; * in like manner them that provoke, that dwell in sepulchres.
8 O God, when thou didst go forth in the sight of thy people, * when thou didst pass through the desert:
9 The earth was moved, and the heavens dropped at the presence of the God of Sinai, * at the presence of the God of Israel.
10 Thou shalt set aside for thy inheritance a free rain, O God: * and it was weakened, but thou hast made it perfect.
11 In it shall thy animals dwell; * in thy sweetness, O God, thou hast provided for the poor. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered.
Ant. Our God.
Psalm 67. ii. Dominus dabit
12 The Lord shall give the word to them that preach good tidings * with great power.
13 The king of powers is of the beloved, of the beloved; * and the beauty of the house shall divide spoils.
14 If you sleep among the midst of lots, you shall be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, * and the hinder parts of her back with the paleness of gold.
15 When he that is in heaven appointeth kings over her, they shall be whited with snow in Selmon. * The mountain of God is a fat mountain.
16 A curdled mountain, a fat mountain. * Why suspect, ye curdled mountains?
17 A mountain in which God is well pleased to dwell: * for there the Lord shall dwell unto the end.
18 The chariot of God is attended by ten thousands; thousands of them that rejoice: * the Lord is among them in Sina, in the holy place.
19 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive; * thou hast received gifts in men.20 Yea for those also that do not believe, the dwelling of the Lord God.
21 Blessed be the Lord day by day: * the God of our salvation will make our journey prosperous to us.
22 Our God is the God of salvation: * and of the Lord, of the Lord are the issues from death.
23 But God shall break the heads of his enemies: * the hairy crown of them that walk on in their sins.
24 The Lord said: I will turn them from Basan, * I will turn them into the depth of the sea:
25 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thy enemies; * the tongue of thy dogs be red with the same. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Our God, is the God of salvation: and of the Lord are the issues from death.
Ant. In the churches.
Psalm 67. iii. Viderunt ingressus
26 They have seen thy goings, O God, * the goings of my God: of my king who is in his sanctuary.
27 Princes went before joined with singers, * in the midst of young damsels playing on timbrels.
28 In the churches bless ye God the Lord, * from the fountains of Israel.
29 There is Benjamin a youth, * in ecstasy of mind.30 The princes of Juda are their leaders: * the princes of Zabulon, the princes of Nephthali.
31 Command thy strength, O God: * confirm, O God, what thou hast wrought in us.
32 From thy temple in Jerusalem, * kings shall offer presents to thee.
33 Rebuke the wild beasts of the reeds, the congregation of bulls with the kine of the people; * who seek to exclude them who are tried with silver.
34 Scatter thou the nations that delight in wars: ambassadors shall come out of Egypt: * Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God.
35 Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth: * sing ye to the Lord.
36 Sing ye to God, who mounteth above the heaven of heavens, * to the east.
37 Behold he will give to his voice the voice of power: give ye glory to God for Israel, * his magnificence, and his power is in the clouds.
38 God is wonderful in his saints: the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people. * Blessed be God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. In the churches bless ye the Lord God.
V. O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places. R. Even the God of Israel, he will give strength and power unto his people.
Our Father secretly to
V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us. Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever. R. Amen.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity. R. Amen.
Lesson iv
Gregory, Archishop of Neocaesarea in Pontus, is famous indeed for his holiness and his learning, but much more so on account of the signs and wonders which he wrought, the number and character of which were so spectacular thath they have gotten him the name Thaumaturgus, or Wonderworker. Holy Basil compareth him with Moses, with the Prophets, and with the Apostles, and testifieth that by his prayers he moved to another place a mountain that stood in the way of the building of a church. Moreover, he dried up a marsh, which was the cause of strife between two brothers. Also, when the River Lycus overflowed and wasted the fields, he set his staff on the bank, which stick forthwith grew into a green tree, and confined the stream within its bed, so that it never more passed that place again.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. I have found David my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him. * My hand shall hold him fast. V. The enemy shall not be able to do him violence ; the son of wickedness shall not hurt him. My.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal. R. Amen.
Lesson v
Gregory exorcized devils frequently, either from heathen idols or from the bodies of men. He wrought many other miracles which brought countless numbers to the faith of Jesus Christ. He had the gift of prophecy also and foretold things to come. When he was about to depart from this life he asked how many infidels still remained in the city of Neocaesarea. His attendants told him there were but seventeen. Hearing this he gave God thanks, and said : Just so many were the faithful when I took the Bishoprick. He wrote many books, whereby, as well as by his wonders, he hath enlightened the Church of God.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. I have laid help upon one that is mighty, I have exalted one chosen out of the people. * My hand shall hold him fast. V. I have found David, my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him. My.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love. R. Amen.
Lesson vi
The Lesson is taken from a Sermon by St. Maximus the Bishop
Homilia 59, quæ est 2 de S. Eusebio
We may safely extol the merits of the blessed Father Gregory for he is now secure ; he who, manfully handling the rudder of faith, hath now cast the anchor of hope in a snug harbour, hath brought his ship, laden with heavenly riches and eternal rewards, to the shore for which he longed. For a long time he opposed the shield of the fear of God unflinchingly against all enemies until the victory was won. For what was the course of his life, but one long conflict with a watchful foe?
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. This is he who wrought mighty deeds and valiant in the sight of God, and all the earth is filled with his doctrine: * May his intercession avail for the sins of all the people. V. He was a man who despised the life of the world and attained unto the kingdom of heaven. May. Glory. May.
THIRD NOCTURN
Ant. Save me.
Psalm 68. i. Salvum me fac
Save me, O God: * for the waters are come in even unto my soul.
2 I stick fast in the mire of the deep: * and there is no sure standing.3 I am come into the depth of the sea: * and a tempest hath overwhelmed me.
4 I have laboured with crying; my jaws are become hoarse: * my eyes have failed, whilst I hope in my God.
5 They are multiplied above the hairs of my head, * who hate me without cause.6 My enemies are grown strong who have wrongfully persecuted me: * then did I pay that which I took not away.
7 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; * and my offences are not hidden from thee:
8 Let not them be ashamed for me, who look for thee, O Lord, * the Lord of hosts.9 Let them not be confounded on my account, * who seek thee, O God of Israel.
10 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; * shame hath covered my face.
11 I am become a stranger to my brethren, * and an alien to the sons of my mother.
12 For the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up: * and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
13 And I covered my soul in fasting: * and it was made a reproach to me.
14 And I made haircloth my garment: * and I became a byword to them.
15 They that sat in the gate spoke against me: * and they that drank wine made me their song.
16 But as for me, my prayer is to thee, O Lord; * for the time of thy good pleasure, O God.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Save me, O God, for the waters are come in, even unto my soul.
Ant. Save me.
Psalm 68. ii. In multitudine
17 In the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
18 Draw me out of the mire, that I may not stick fast: * deliver me from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
19 Let not the tempest of water drown me, nor the deep swallow me up: * and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
20 Hear me, O Lord, for thy mercy is kind; * look upon me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
21 And turn not away thy face from thy servant: * for I am in trouble, hear me speedily.
22 Attend to my soul, and deliver it: * save me because of my enemies.
23 Thou knowest my reproach, and my confusion, * and my shame.
24 In thy sight are all they that afflict me; * my heart hath expected reproach and misery.25 And I looked for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none: * and for one that would comfort me, and I found none.
26 And they gave me gall for my food, * and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
27 Let their table become as a snare before them, * and a recompense, and a stumblingblock.
28 Let their eyes be darkened that they see not; * and their back bend thou down always.
29 Pour out thy indignation upon them: * and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
30 Let their habitation be made desolate: * and let there be none to dwell in their tabernacles.
31 Because they have persecuted him whom thou hast smitten; * and they have added to the grief of my wounds.
32 Add thou iniquity upon their iniquity: * and let them not come into thy justice.
33 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; * and with the just let them not be written. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Save me because of my enemies, O Lord.
Ant. Seek ye God.
Psalm 68. iii. Ego sum pauper
34 But I am poor and sorrowful: * thy salvation, O God, hath set me up.
35 I will praise the name of God with a canticle: * and I will magnify him with praise.
36 And it shall please God better than a young calf, * that bringeth forth horns and hoofs.
37 Let the poor see and rejoice: * seek ye God, and your soul shall live.
38 For the Lord hath heard the poor: * and hath not despised his prisoners.
39 Let the heavens and the earth praise him; * the sea, and every thing that creepeth therein.
40 For God will save Sion, * and the cities of Juda shall be built up.41 And they shall dwell there, * and acquire it by inheritance.
42 And the seed of his servants shall possess it; * and they that love his name shall dwell therein. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Seek ye God, and your soul shall live.
V. I will praise the Name of God with a song. R. And magnify it with thanksgiving.
Our Father secretly to
V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of our sins and set us free. R. Amen.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and protection. R. Amen.
Lesson vii
Chap. 11, 22-24
The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Mark
At that time : Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea ; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass ; he shall have whatsoever he saith. And so on, and that which followeth.
A Homily by St. Venerable Bede the Priest
Liber 3 Comment. in Marc. cap. 11
The heathen who have written evil things against the Church are apt to taunt the faithful with a lack of complete faith in God since they have never been able to remove mountains. The answer to be made to such as these is that not all things that have been done in the Church, have been written down, just as not all the things that have been done by Christ our Lord have been written down, as Scripture itself testifieth. It could have happened. A mountain could have been removed from its place and cast into the sea, had need of this arisen. Indeed, we read this is the thing that actually occurred through the prayers of the blessed Father Gregory, Bishop of Neocaesarea, in Pontus, a man extraordinary in virtue and merits. A mountain was moved back on the land the distance necessary to give proper space to the inhabitants of a certain city.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. The Lord loved him and adorned him ; he clothed him with a robe of glory : * And crowned him at the gates of Paradise. V. The Lord put upon him the breastplate of faith, and adorned him. And.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Benediction 8: May he whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocate with God.
R. Amen.
Lesson viii
Gregory wanted to build a church on a certain desirable spot, but he found the site too narrow. On one side it was bounded by a cliff which fell away into the sea, and on another side by a mountain. Gregory went to the place at night and on his bent knees reminded the Lord of his promise, that whoever would pray with faith could move mountains. When he returned in the morning he found that the mountain had been moved, leaving the exact space the builders required for the church. If one man could do this, another man of equal merit, could obtain from the Lord through faith that a mountain be moved, or if need be cast into the sea.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning: * And be ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord when he will return from the wedding. V. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. And. Glory. And.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven. R. Amen.
Lesson ix
It is true that the term mountain is used metaphorically sometimes to signify the devil. Through pride the devil setteth himself against God and desireth to be be exalted like the Most High. The mountain is lifted from the earth and cast into the sea at the command of those who are strong in faith. Through the preaching of the saintly doctors the unclean spirit is driven from the hearts of those who are preordained to life and permitted to exercise the frenzy of his tyranny upon the turbulent and bitter minds of infidels.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
TE DEUM
We praise thee, O God, * we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee, * the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud, * the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim * continually do cry.
Holy, Holy, Holy, * Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full * of the Majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles * praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets * praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs * praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world * doth acknowledge thee;
The Father, * of an infinite Majesty.
Thine honourable, true, * and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, * the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory, * O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting * Son of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, * thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, * thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, * in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come * to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, * whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy Saints, * in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people, * and bless thine heritage.
Govern them, * and lift them up for ever.
Day by day * we magnify thee;
And we worship thy Name * ever, world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us * this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, * have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, * as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted, * let me never be confounded.
LAUDS
V. O God, make speed to save me. R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
Ant. Make a joyful noise.
Psalm 97. Cantate Domino
Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * because he hath done wonderful things.
2 His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, * and his arm is holy.
3 The Lord hath made known his salvation: * he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.
4 He hath remembered his mercy * and his truth toward the house of Israel.5 All the ends of the earth have seen * the salvation of our God.
6 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; * make melody, rejoice and sing.
7 Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: * with long trumpets, and sound of comet.
8 Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: * let the sea be moved and the fulness thereof: the world end they that dwell therein.
9 The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord: * because he cometh to judge the earth.
10 He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with equity. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our King.
Ant. Lord.
Psalm 89. Domine, refugium
Lord, thou hast been our refuge * from generation to generation.
2 Before the mountains were made, or the earth and the world was formed; * from eternity and to eternity thou art God.
3 Turn not man away to be brought low: * and thou hast said: Be converted, O ye sons of men.
4 For a thousand years in thy sight * are as yesterday, which is past.
5 And as a watch in the night, * things that are counted nothing, shall their years be.
6 In the morning man shall grow up like grass; in the morning he shall flourish and pass away: * in the evening he shall fall, grow dry, and wither.
7 For in thy wrath we have fainted away: * and are troubled in thy indignation.
8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thy eyes: * our life in the light of thy countenance.
9 For all our days are spent; * and in thy wrath we have fainted away.10 Our years shall be considered spider: * the days of our years in them are threescore and ten years.
11 But if in the strong they be fourscore years: * and what is more of them is labour and sorrow.12 For mildness is come upon us: * and we shall be corrected.
13 Who knoweth the power of thy anger, * and for thy fear can number thy wrath?
14 So make thy right hand known: * and men learned in heart, in wisdom.
15 Return, O Lord, how long? * and be entreated in favour of thy servants.
16 We are filled in the morning with thy mercy: * and we have rejoiced, and are delighted all our days.
17 We have rejoiced for the days in which thou hast humbled us: * for the years in which we have seen evils.
18 Look upon thy servants and upon their works: * and direct their children.
19 And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us: and direct thou the works of our hands over us; * yea, the work of our hands do thou direct. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Lord, thou hast been our refuge
Ant. O Lord.
Psalm 35. Dixit injustus
The unjust hath said within himself, that he would sin : * there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For in his sight he hath done deceitfully, * that his iniquity may be found unto hatred.
3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and guile : * he would not understand that he might do well.
4 He hath devised iniquity on his bed, * he hath set himself on every way that is not good : but evil he hath not hated.
5 O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, * and thy truth reacheth, even to the clouds.
6 Thy justice is as the mountains of God, * thy judgments are a great deep.
7 Men and beasts thou wilt preserve, O Lord : * O how hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God! 8 But the children of men * shall put their trust under the covert of thy wings.
9 They shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house; * and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure.
10 For with thee is the fountain of life; and in thy light we shall see light.
11 Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, * and thy justice to them that are right in heart.
12 Let not the foot of pride come to me, * and let not the hand of the sinner move me.
13 There the workers of iniquity are fallen, * they are cast out, and could not stand. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven.
Ant. My people.
Canticle of Jeremias the Prophet.
Audite verbum Domini
Jer. 31. 10-14
Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, * and declare it in the islands that are afar off,
2 and say: He that scattered Israel will gather him: * and he will keep him as the shepherd doth his flock.
3 For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, * and delivered him out of the hand of one that was mightier than he.
4 And they shall come, and shall give praise in mount Sion: * and they shall flow together to the good things of the Lord,
5 for the corn, and wine, and oil, * and the increase of cattle and herds,
6 and their soul shall be as a watered garden, * and they shall be hungry no more.
7 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, * the young men and old men together:
8 And I will turn their mourning into joy, * and will comfort them, and make them joyful after their sorrow.
9 And I will fill the soul of the priests with fatness: * and my people shall be filled with my good things.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. My people, saith the Lord, shall be filled with my good things.
Ant. To our God.
Psalm 146. Laudate Dominum
Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: * to our God be joyful and comely praise.
2 The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: * he will gather together the dispersed of Israel.
3 Who healeth the broken of heart, * and bindeth up their bruises.
4 Who telleth the number of the stars: * and calleth them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and great is his power: * and of his wisdom there is no number.
6 The Lord lifteth up the meek, * and bringeth the wicked down even to the ground.
7 Sing ye to the Lord with praise: * sing to our God upon the harp.
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, * and prepareth rain for the earth.9 Who maketh grass to grow on the mountains, * and herbs for the service of men.
10 Who giveth to beasts their food: and * to the young ravens that call upon him.
11 He shall not delight in the strength of the horse: * nor take pleasure in the legs of a man.
12 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: * and in them that hope in his mercy. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. To our God be joyful praise.
The Little Chapter Ecclus. 44. 16.Behold a great priest who in his days pleased the Lord, and was found righteous; and in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world.
R. Thanks be to God.
The Hymn
Jesu, the world's Redeemer, hear!
Thou Crown of saintly Bishops, dear,
Accept with gentlest love today
The prayers and praises that we pay.
This meek Confessor of thy Name,
Today attained a glorious fame;
Whose yearly feast, in solemn state,
Thy faithful people celebrate.
Earth's fleeting joys he counted naught,
For higher, truer joys he sought;
And now with Angels round thy throne
Unfading treasures are his own.
Grant then that we, most gracious God,
May follow in the steps he trod:
And, aided by his prayers, may win
The grace of pardon for our sin.
Glory to thee, O Father, Lord,
And to thy sole-begotten Word,
With him thy Spirit; ever One
While everlasting ages run. Amen.
V. The Lord guided the righteous in right paths. R. And shewed him the kingdom of God.
Ant. on Bened: Well done, good and faithful servant.
THE SONG OF ZACHARIAS Luke 1. 68-79
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: * because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people.
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, * in the house of David his servant.
70 As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, * who are from the beginning.
71 Salvation from our enemies * and from the hand of all that hate us.
72 To perform mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy testament.
73 The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, * that he would grant to us.
74 That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, * we may serve him without fear:
75 In holiness and justice before him, * all our days.
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: * for thou shalt, go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:
77 To give knowledge of salvation to his people, * unto the remission of their sins.
78 Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, * in which the Orient from on high hath visited us
79 To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: * to direct our feet into the way of peace.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. on Bened: Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, saith the Lord.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that the devout observance of this festival of blessed Gregory, thy Confessor and Bishop, may be profitable unto us for our advancement in all godliness, and for the attainment of everlasting salvation. Through.
Suffrage of the Saints
Ant. May the blessed Mother of God, Mary the Virgin, and all the Saints, intercede for us with the same Lord our God.
V. The Lord hath chosen to himself them that are godly. R. When they call upon the Lord he will hear them.
Let us pray. Defend us, O Lord, we beseech thee, from all dangers both of body and soul : and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of blessed N., and of all thy Saints, grant us thy saving health and peace ; that being defended from all adversities and all false doctrines, thy Church may serve thee in freedom and quietness. Through the same. R. Amen.In this Collect, at the letter N., is inserted the name of the Titular Saint of one's own Church, provided that the Church not be dedicated to a divine Person or Mystery of the Lord, or by the same rule the Office or Commemoration of the Vigil or Feast not be said, or his name be not pronounced in the same Collect of the Suffrage; and the names of the Holy Angels and St. John the Baptist, if they be the Titular Saint, are placed before the name of St. Joseph. And in all these cases the words atque beato N. are omitted.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord. R. Thanks be to God.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
V. The Lord give us his peace. R. And life everlasting. Amen.
FINAL ANTIPHON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, shew unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, most holy Mother of God. R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Almighty, everlasting God, who by the co-operation of the Holy Ghost didst prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin-Mother Mary to become a dwelling-place meet for thy Son : grant that as we rejoice in her commemoration ; so by her fervent intercession we may be delivered from present evils and from everlasting death. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
V. May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding. R. Amen.
PRAYER BEFORE OFFICE
Open thou, O Lord, my mouth to bless thy holy Name; cleanse also my heart from all vain, evil, and wandering thoughts; enlighten my understanding; enkindle my affections; that I may say this Office worthily, with attention and devotion, and so be meet to be heard in the presence of thy divine Majesty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, in union with that divine intention wherewith thou thyself on earth didst render thy praises to God, I desire to offer these Hours (or this Hour) unto thee.
MATINS
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee : Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners ; Now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth : And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord : Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary : Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried : He descended into hell ; The third day he rose again from the dead : He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty : From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost : The holy Catholic Church : The Communion of Saints : The Forgiveness of sins : The Resurrection of the body : And the Life everlasting. Amen.
V. O Lord, + open thou my lips. R. And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
V. O God, make speed to save me. R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
Psalm 94. Venite, exsultemus Domino.
O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods: For the Lord will not cast off his people: In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.
O come, let us worship.
The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land. O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.
O come, let us worship.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways: unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O come, let us worship.
The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
The Hymn
This the Confessor of the Lord, whose triumph
Now through the wide world celebrate the faithful,
On this his feast-day merited a blessed
Heavenly throne.
Fervent and holy, prudent in his converse,
Humbly and chastely here on earth he sojourned,
Curbing all passions, and in peace and meekness,
Constant abiding.
What though the grave now hold his hallowed relicks?
He, ever living, ever interceding,
Reigns with the Blessed, nor from us his brethren
Is he divided.
Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour,
Chanting his praises with devout affection,
That in his merits we may have our portion,
Ever and ever.
Glory and virtue, honour and salvation,
Be unto him that, sitting in the highest,
Governeth all things, Lord and God Almighty,
Trinity blessed. Amen.
FIRST NOCTURN
Ant. In God is my salvation.
Psalm 61. Nonne Deo?
Shall not my soul be subject to God? * for from him is my salvation.
2 For he is my God and my saviour: * he is my protector, I shall be moved no more.
3 How long do you rush in upon a man? * you all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence.
4 But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: * they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.
5 But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: * for from him is my patience.
6 For he is my God and my saviour: * he is my helper, I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: * he is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.
8 Trust in him, all ye congregation of people: pour out your hearts before him. * God is our helper for ever.
9 But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: * that by vanity they may together deceive.
10 Trust not in iniquity, and cover not robberies: * if riches abound, set not your heart upon them.
11 God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God, and mercy to thee, O Lord; * for thou wilt render to every man according to his works. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. In God is my salvation and my glory: and my hope is in God.
Ant. See the works of the Lord.
Psalm 65. i. Jubilate Deo
Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; * give glory to his praise.
2 Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! * in the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee.
3 Let all the earth adore thee, and sing to thee: * let it sing a psalm to thy name.
4 Come and see the works of God; * who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men.
5 Who turneth the sea into dry land, in the river they shall pass on foot: * there shall we rejoice in him.
6 Who by his power ruleth for ever: his eyes behold the nations; * let not them that provoke him he exalted in themselves.
7 O bless our God, ye Gentiles: * and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
8 Who hath set my soul to live: * and hath not suffered my feet to be moved:
9 For thou, O God, hast proved us: * thou hast tried us by fire, as silver is tried.
10 Thou hast brought us into a net, thou hast laid afflictions on our back: * thou hast set men over our heads.
11 We have passed through fire and water, * and thou hast brought us out into a refreshment. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. See the works of the Lord, and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
Ant. Hear, all ye.
Psalm 65. ii. Introibo in domum
12 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: * I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered,
13 And my mouth hath spoken, * when I was in trouble.
14 I will offer up to thee holocausts full of marrow, with burnt offerings of rams: * I will offer to thee bullocks with goats.
15 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you * what great things he hath done for my soul.
16 I cried to him with my mouth: * and I extolled him with my tongue.
17 If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, * the Lord will not hear me.
18 Therefore hath God heard me, * and hath attended to the voice of my supplication.
19 Blessed be God, * who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Hear, all ye that fear God, what great things he hath done for my soul.
V. The Lord hath not cast out my prayer. R. Nor turned his mercy from me.
Our Father secretly to
V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution Graciously hear, O Lord Jesus Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us. Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever. R. Amen.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing. R. Amen.
Lesson i
Chap. 1, 1-2
Here beginneth the Book of Amos the Prophet
The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, and the whole earth was full of his glory : * And his train filled the temple. V. Above it stood the Seraphim : each one had six wings. And.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us. R. Amen.
Lesson ii
Chap. 1, 3-5
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: but I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. Look down, O Lord, from the dwelling place of thine holiness, and take thought for us : O my God, incline thine ear, and hear : * Open thine eyes, and behold our desolation. V. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock. Open.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the grace of the Holy Ghost all our heart and mind enlighten. R. Amen.
Lesson iii
Chap. 1, 6-8
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: but I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: and I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. Consider, O Lord, how that the city sitteth solitary that was full of riches ; how is she become as a widow, she that was great among the nations ; * She hath none to comfort her, save thee, O our God. V. She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks. She. Glory. She.
SECOND NOCTURN
Ant. Let God arise.
Psalm 67. i. Exsurgat Deus
Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: * and let them that hate him flee from before his face.
2 As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish away: * as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 And let the just feast, and rejoice before God: * and be delighted with gladness. 4 Sing ye to God, sing a psalm to his name, make a way for him who ascendeth upon the west: * (all bow) the Lord is his name.
5 Rejoice ye before him: * but the wicked shall be troubled at his presence, who is the father of orphans, and the judge of widows.
6 God in his holy place: * God who maketh men of one manner to dwell in a house:7 Who bringeth out them that were bound in strength; * in like manner them that provoke, that dwell in sepulchres.
8 O God, when thou didst go forth in the sight of thy people, * when thou didst pass through the desert:
9 The earth was moved, and the heavens dropped at the presence of the God of Sinai, * at the presence of the God of Israel.
10 Thou shalt set aside for thy inheritance a free rain, O God: * and it was weakened, but thou hast made it perfect.
11 In it shall thy animals dwell; * in thy sweetness, O God, thou hast provided for the poor. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered.
Ant. Our God.
Psalm 67. ii. Dominus dabit
12 The Lord shall give the word to them that preach good tidings * with great power.
13 The king of powers is of the beloved, of the beloved; * and the beauty of the house shall divide spoils.
14 If you sleep among the midst of lots, you shall be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, * and the hinder parts of her back with the paleness of gold.
15 When he that is in heaven appointeth kings over her, they shall be whited with snow in Selmon. * The mountain of God is a fat mountain.
16 A curdled mountain, a fat mountain. * Why suspect, ye curdled mountains?
17 A mountain in which God is well pleased to dwell: * for there the Lord shall dwell unto the end.
18 The chariot of God is attended by ten thousands; thousands of them that rejoice: * the Lord is among them in Sina, in the holy place.
19 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive; * thou hast received gifts in men.20 Yea for those also that do not believe, the dwelling of the Lord God.
21 Blessed be the Lord day by day: * the God of our salvation will make our journey prosperous to us.
22 Our God is the God of salvation: * and of the Lord, of the Lord are the issues from death.
23 But God shall break the heads of his enemies: * the hairy crown of them that walk on in their sins.
24 The Lord said: I will turn them from Basan, * I will turn them into the depth of the sea:
25 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thy enemies; * the tongue of thy dogs be red with the same. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Our God, is the God of salvation: and of the Lord are the issues from death.
Ant. In the churches.
Psalm 67. iii. Viderunt ingressus
26 They have seen thy goings, O God, * the goings of my God: of my king who is in his sanctuary.
27 Princes went before joined with singers, * in the midst of young damsels playing on timbrels.
28 In the churches bless ye God the Lord, * from the fountains of Israel.
29 There is Benjamin a youth, * in ecstasy of mind.30 The princes of Juda are their leaders: * the princes of Zabulon, the princes of Nephthali.
31 Command thy strength, O God: * confirm, O God, what thou hast wrought in us.
32 From thy temple in Jerusalem, * kings shall offer presents to thee.
33 Rebuke the wild beasts of the reeds, the congregation of bulls with the kine of the people; * who seek to exclude them who are tried with silver.
34 Scatter thou the nations that delight in wars: ambassadors shall come out of Egypt: * Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God.
35 Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth: * sing ye to the Lord.
36 Sing ye to God, who mounteth above the heaven of heavens, * to the east.
37 Behold he will give to his voice the voice of power: give ye glory to God for Israel, * his magnificence, and his power is in the clouds.
38 God is wonderful in his saints: the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people. * Blessed be God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. In the churches bless ye the Lord God.
V. O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places. R. Even the God of Israel, he will give strength and power unto his people.
Our Father secretly to
V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us. Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever. R. Amen.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity. R. Amen.
Lesson iv
Gregory, Archishop of Neocaesarea in Pontus, is famous indeed for his holiness and his learning, but much more so on account of the signs and wonders which he wrought, the number and character of which were so spectacular thath they have gotten him the name Thaumaturgus, or Wonderworker. Holy Basil compareth him with Moses, with the Prophets, and with the Apostles, and testifieth that by his prayers he moved to another place a mountain that stood in the way of the building of a church. Moreover, he dried up a marsh, which was the cause of strife between two brothers. Also, when the River Lycus overflowed and wasted the fields, he set his staff on the bank, which stick forthwith grew into a green tree, and confined the stream within its bed, so that it never more passed that place again.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. I have found David my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him. * My hand shall hold him fast. V. The enemy shall not be able to do him violence ; the son of wickedness shall not hurt him. My.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal. R. Amen.
Lesson v
Gregory exorcized devils frequently, either from heathen idols or from the bodies of men. He wrought many other miracles which brought countless numbers to the faith of Jesus Christ. He had the gift of prophecy also and foretold things to come. When he was about to depart from this life he asked how many infidels still remained in the city of Neocaesarea. His attendants told him there were but seventeen. Hearing this he gave God thanks, and said : Just so many were the faithful when I took the Bishoprick. He wrote many books, whereby, as well as by his wonders, he hath enlightened the Church of God.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. I have laid help upon one that is mighty, I have exalted one chosen out of the people. * My hand shall hold him fast. V. I have found David, my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him. My.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love. R. Amen.
Lesson vi
The Lesson is taken from a Sermon by St. Maximus the Bishop
Homilia 59, quæ est 2 de S. Eusebio
We may safely extol the merits of the blessed Father Gregory for he is now secure ; he who, manfully handling the rudder of faith, hath now cast the anchor of hope in a snug harbour, hath brought his ship, laden with heavenly riches and eternal rewards, to the shore for which he longed. For a long time he opposed the shield of the fear of God unflinchingly against all enemies until the victory was won. For what was the course of his life, but one long conflict with a watchful foe?
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. This is he who wrought mighty deeds and valiant in the sight of God, and all the earth is filled with his doctrine: * May his intercession avail for the sins of all the people. V. He was a man who despised the life of the world and attained unto the kingdom of heaven. May. Glory. May.
THIRD NOCTURN
Ant. Save me.
Psalm 68. i. Salvum me fac
Save me, O God: * for the waters are come in even unto my soul.
2 I stick fast in the mire of the deep: * and there is no sure standing.3 I am come into the depth of the sea: * and a tempest hath overwhelmed me.
4 I have laboured with crying; my jaws are become hoarse: * my eyes have failed, whilst I hope in my God.
5 They are multiplied above the hairs of my head, * who hate me without cause.6 My enemies are grown strong who have wrongfully persecuted me: * then did I pay that which I took not away.
7 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; * and my offences are not hidden from thee:
8 Let not them be ashamed for me, who look for thee, O Lord, * the Lord of hosts.9 Let them not be confounded on my account, * who seek thee, O God of Israel.
10 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; * shame hath covered my face.
11 I am become a stranger to my brethren, * and an alien to the sons of my mother.
12 For the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up: * and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
13 And I covered my soul in fasting: * and it was made a reproach to me.
14 And I made haircloth my garment: * and I became a byword to them.
15 They that sat in the gate spoke against me: * and they that drank wine made me their song.
16 But as for me, my prayer is to thee, O Lord; * for the time of thy good pleasure, O God.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Save me, O God, for the waters are come in, even unto my soul.
Ant. Save me.
Psalm 68. ii. In multitudine
17 In the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
18 Draw me out of the mire, that I may not stick fast: * deliver me from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
19 Let not the tempest of water drown me, nor the deep swallow me up: * and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
20 Hear me, O Lord, for thy mercy is kind; * look upon me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
21 And turn not away thy face from thy servant: * for I am in trouble, hear me speedily.
22 Attend to my soul, and deliver it: * save me because of my enemies.
23 Thou knowest my reproach, and my confusion, * and my shame.
24 In thy sight are all they that afflict me; * my heart hath expected reproach and misery.25 And I looked for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none: * and for one that would comfort me, and I found none.
26 And they gave me gall for my food, * and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
27 Let their table become as a snare before them, * and a recompense, and a stumblingblock.
28 Let their eyes be darkened that they see not; * and their back bend thou down always.
29 Pour out thy indignation upon them: * and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
30 Let their habitation be made desolate: * and let there be none to dwell in their tabernacles.
31 Because they have persecuted him whom thou hast smitten; * and they have added to the grief of my wounds.
32 Add thou iniquity upon their iniquity: * and let them not come into thy justice.
33 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; * and with the just let them not be written. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Save me because of my enemies, O Lord.
Ant. Seek ye God.
Psalm 68. iii. Ego sum pauper
34 But I am poor and sorrowful: * thy salvation, O God, hath set me up.
35 I will praise the name of God with a canticle: * and I will magnify him with praise.
36 And it shall please God better than a young calf, * that bringeth forth horns and hoofs.
37 Let the poor see and rejoice: * seek ye God, and your soul shall live.
38 For the Lord hath heard the poor: * and hath not despised his prisoners.
39 Let the heavens and the earth praise him; * the sea, and every thing that creepeth therein.
40 For God will save Sion, * and the cities of Juda shall be built up.41 And they shall dwell there, * and acquire it by inheritance.
42 And the seed of his servants shall possess it; * and they that love his name shall dwell therein. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Seek ye God, and your soul shall live.
V. I will praise the Name of God with a song. R. And magnify it with thanksgiving.
Our Father secretly to
V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of our sins and set us free. R. Amen.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and protection. R. Amen.
Lesson vii
Chap. 11, 22-24
The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Mark
At that time : Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea ; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass ; he shall have whatsoever he saith. And so on, and that which followeth.
A Homily by St. Venerable Bede the Priest
Liber 3 Comment. in Marc. cap. 11
The heathen who have written evil things against the Church are apt to taunt the faithful with a lack of complete faith in God since they have never been able to remove mountains. The answer to be made to such as these is that not all things that have been done in the Church, have been written down, just as not all the things that have been done by Christ our Lord have been written down, as Scripture itself testifieth. It could have happened. A mountain could have been removed from its place and cast into the sea, had need of this arisen. Indeed, we read this is the thing that actually occurred through the prayers of the blessed Father Gregory, Bishop of Neocaesarea, in Pontus, a man extraordinary in virtue and merits. A mountain was moved back on the land the distance necessary to give proper space to the inhabitants of a certain city.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. The Lord loved him and adorned him ; he clothed him with a robe of glory : * And crowned him at the gates of Paradise. V. The Lord put upon him the breastplate of faith, and adorned him. And.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Benediction 8: May he whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocate with God.
R. Amen.
Lesson viii
Gregory wanted to build a church on a certain desirable spot, but he found the site too narrow. On one side it was bounded by a cliff which fell away into the sea, and on another side by a mountain. Gregory went to the place at night and on his bent knees reminded the Lord of his promise, that whoever would pray with faith could move mountains. When he returned in the morning he found that the mountain had been moved, leaving the exact space the builders required for the church. If one man could do this, another man of equal merit, could obtain from the Lord through faith that a mountain be moved, or if need be cast into the sea.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
R. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning: * And be ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord when he will return from the wedding. V. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. And. Glory. And.
V. Pray, Lord, give me thy blessing.
Bened. May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven. R. Amen.
Lesson ix
It is true that the term mountain is used metaphorically sometimes to signify the devil. Through pride the devil setteth himself against God and desireth to be be exalted like the Most High. The mountain is lifted from the earth and cast into the sea at the command of those who are strong in faith. Through the preaching of the saintly doctors the unclean spirit is driven from the hearts of those who are preordained to life and permitted to exercise the frenzy of his tyranny upon the turbulent and bitter minds of infidels.
V. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God.
TE DEUM
We praise thee, O God, * we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee, * the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud, * the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim * continually do cry.
Holy, Holy, Holy, * Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full * of the Majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles * praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets * praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs * praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world * doth acknowledge thee;
The Father, * of an infinite Majesty.
Thine honourable, true, * and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, * the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory, * O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting * Son of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, * thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, * thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, * in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come * to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, * whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy Saints, * in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people, * and bless thine heritage.
Govern them, * and lift them up for ever.
Day by day * we magnify thee;
And we worship thy Name * ever, world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us * this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, * have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, * as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted, * let me never be confounded.
LAUDS
V. O God, make speed to save me. R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
Ant. Make a joyful noise.
Psalm 97. Cantate Domino
Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * because he hath done wonderful things.
2 His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, * and his arm is holy.
3 The Lord hath made known his salvation: * he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.
4 He hath remembered his mercy * and his truth toward the house of Israel.5 All the ends of the earth have seen * the salvation of our God.
6 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; * make melody, rejoice and sing.
7 Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: * with long trumpets, and sound of comet.
8 Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: * let the sea be moved and the fulness thereof: the world end they that dwell therein.
9 The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord: * because he cometh to judge the earth.
10 He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with equity. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our King.
Ant. Lord.
Psalm 89. Domine, refugium
Lord, thou hast been our refuge * from generation to generation.
2 Before the mountains were made, or the earth and the world was formed; * from eternity and to eternity thou art God.
3 Turn not man away to be brought low: * and thou hast said: Be converted, O ye sons of men.
4 For a thousand years in thy sight * are as yesterday, which is past.
5 And as a watch in the night, * things that are counted nothing, shall their years be.
6 In the morning man shall grow up like grass; in the morning he shall flourish and pass away: * in the evening he shall fall, grow dry, and wither.
7 For in thy wrath we have fainted away: * and are troubled in thy indignation.
8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thy eyes: * our life in the light of thy countenance.
9 For all our days are spent; * and in thy wrath we have fainted away.10 Our years shall be considered spider: * the days of our years in them are threescore and ten years.
11 But if in the strong they be fourscore years: * and what is more of them is labour and sorrow.12 For mildness is come upon us: * and we shall be corrected.
13 Who knoweth the power of thy anger, * and for thy fear can number thy wrath?
14 So make thy right hand known: * and men learned in heart, in wisdom.
15 Return, O Lord, how long? * and be entreated in favour of thy servants.
16 We are filled in the morning with thy mercy: * and we have rejoiced, and are delighted all our days.
17 We have rejoiced for the days in which thou hast humbled us: * for the years in which we have seen evils.
18 Look upon thy servants and upon their works: * and direct their children.
19 And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us: and direct thou the works of our hands over us; * yea, the work of our hands do thou direct. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. Lord, thou hast been our refuge
Ant. O Lord.
Psalm 35. Dixit injustus
The unjust hath said within himself, that he would sin : * there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For in his sight he hath done deceitfully, * that his iniquity may be found unto hatred.
3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and guile : * he would not understand that he might do well.
4 He hath devised iniquity on his bed, * he hath set himself on every way that is not good : but evil he hath not hated.
5 O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, * and thy truth reacheth, even to the clouds.
6 Thy justice is as the mountains of God, * thy judgments are a great deep.
7 Men and beasts thou wilt preserve, O Lord : * O how hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God! 8 But the children of men * shall put their trust under the covert of thy wings.
9 They shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house; * and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure.
10 For with thee is the fountain of life; and in thy light we shall see light.
11 Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, * and thy justice to them that are right in heart.
12 Let not the foot of pride come to me, * and let not the hand of the sinner move me.
13 There the workers of iniquity are fallen, * they are cast out, and could not stand. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven.
Ant. My people.
Canticle of Jeremias the Prophet.
Audite verbum Domini
Jer. 31. 10-14
Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, * and declare it in the islands that are afar off,
2 and say: He that scattered Israel will gather him: * and he will keep him as the shepherd doth his flock.
3 For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, * and delivered him out of the hand of one that was mightier than he.
4 And they shall come, and shall give praise in mount Sion: * and they shall flow together to the good things of the Lord,
5 for the corn, and wine, and oil, * and the increase of cattle and herds,
6 and their soul shall be as a watered garden, * and they shall be hungry no more.
7 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, * the young men and old men together:
8 And I will turn their mourning into joy, * and will comfort them, and make them joyful after their sorrow.
9 And I will fill the soul of the priests with fatness: * and my people shall be filled with my good things.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. My people, saith the Lord, shall be filled with my good things.
Ant. To our God.
Psalm 146. Laudate Dominum
Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: * to our God be joyful and comely praise.
2 The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: * he will gather together the dispersed of Israel.
3 Who healeth the broken of heart, * and bindeth up their bruises.
4 Who telleth the number of the stars: * and calleth them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and great is his power: * and of his wisdom there is no number.
6 The Lord lifteth up the meek, * and bringeth the wicked down even to the ground.
7 Sing ye to the Lord with praise: * sing to our God upon the harp.
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, * and prepareth rain for the earth.9 Who maketh grass to grow on the mountains, * and herbs for the service of men.
10 Who giveth to beasts their food: and * to the young ravens that call upon him.
11 He shall not delight in the strength of the horse: * nor take pleasure in the legs of a man.
12 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: * and in them that hope in his mercy. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. To our God be joyful praise.
The Little Chapter Ecclus. 44. 16.Behold a great priest who in his days pleased the Lord, and was found righteous; and in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world.
R. Thanks be to God.
The Hymn
Jesu, the world's Redeemer, hear!
Thou Crown of saintly Bishops, dear,
Accept with gentlest love today
The prayers and praises that we pay.
This meek Confessor of thy Name,
Today attained a glorious fame;
Whose yearly feast, in solemn state,
Thy faithful people celebrate.
Earth's fleeting joys he counted naught,
For higher, truer joys he sought;
And now with Angels round thy throne
Unfading treasures are his own.
Grant then that we, most gracious God,
May follow in the steps he trod:
And, aided by his prayers, may win
The grace of pardon for our sin.
Glory to thee, O Father, Lord,
And to thy sole-begotten Word,
With him thy Spirit; ever One
While everlasting ages run. Amen.
V. The Lord guided the righteous in right paths. R. And shewed him the kingdom of God.
Ant. on Bened: Well done, good and faithful servant.
THE SONG OF ZACHARIAS Luke 1. 68-79
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: * because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people.
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, * in the house of David his servant.
70 As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, * who are from the beginning.
71 Salvation from our enemies * and from the hand of all that hate us.
72 To perform mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy testament.
73 The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, * that he would grant to us.
74 That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, * we may serve him without fear:
75 In holiness and justice before him, * all our days.
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: * for thou shalt, go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:
77 To give knowledge of salvation to his people, * unto the remission of their sins.
78 Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, * in which the Orient from on high hath visited us
79 To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: * to direct our feet into the way of peace.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
Ant. on Bened: Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, saith the Lord.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that the devout observance of this festival of blessed Gregory, thy Confessor and Bishop, may be profitable unto us for our advancement in all godliness, and for the attainment of everlasting salvation. Through.
Suffrage of the Saints
Ant. May the blessed Mother of God, Mary the Virgin, and all the Saints, intercede for us with the same Lord our God.
V. The Lord hath chosen to himself them that are godly. R. When they call upon the Lord he will hear them.
Let us pray. Defend us, O Lord, we beseech thee, from all dangers both of body and soul : and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of blessed N., and of all thy Saints, grant us thy saving health and peace ; that being defended from all adversities and all false doctrines, thy Church may serve thee in freedom and quietness. Through the same. R. Amen.In this Collect, at the letter N., is inserted the name of the Titular Saint of one's own Church, provided that the Church not be dedicated to a divine Person or Mystery of the Lord, or by the same rule the Office or Commemoration of the Vigil or Feast not be said, or his name be not pronounced in the same Collect of the Suffrage; and the names of the Holy Angels and St. John the Baptist, if they be the Titular Saint, are placed before the name of St. Joseph. And in all these cases the words atque beato N. are omitted.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord. R. Thanks be to God.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
V. The Lord give us his peace. R. And life everlasting. Amen.
FINAL ANTIPHON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, shew unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, most holy Mother of God. R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Almighty, everlasting God, who by the co-operation of the Holy Ghost didst prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin-Mother Mary to become a dwelling-place meet for thy Son : grant that as we rejoice in her commemoration ; so by her fervent intercession we may be delivered from present evils and from everlasting death. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
V. May help divine be with us all, for ever abiding. R. Amen.
