|
The Motherhood of the |
|
|
Double of the II Class |
|
|
|
|
|
Oremus. |
Let us pray. |
|
Ant. Beáta es, * Virgo María, quæ ómnium portásti Creatórem. |
Ant. Blessed art thou, * O Virgin Mary, who didst bear the Creator of all things. |
|
Psalmus 109. Dixit Dóminus Dixit Dóminus Dómino
meo: * Sede a dextris meis: |
Psalm 109. Dixit Dóminus THE Lord said
unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy
footstool. |
|
Ant. Beáta es, Virgo María, quæ ómnium portásti Creatórem. |
Ant. Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who didst bear the Creator of all things. |
|
Ant. Genuísti, * qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo. |
Ant. Thou didst bear * him who hath made thee, and remainedst a Virgin evermore. |
|
Psalmus 112. Laudáte, púeri LAUDÁTE, púeri, Dóminum: * laudáte nomen Dómini. |
Psalm 112. Laudáte, púeri PRAISE the Lord, ye servants; * O praise the
Name of the Lord. |
|
Ant. Genuísti, qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo. |
Ant. Thou didst bear him who hath made thee, and remainedst a Virgin evermore. |
|
Ant. Cum essem párvula, * plácui Altíssimo et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem. |
Ant. When I was a child, * I pleased the Most High, and from my womb I gave birth to God and man. |
|
Psalmus 121. Lætátus sum Lætátus sum in
his, quæ dicta sunt mihi: * In domum Dómini íbimus. |
Psalm 121. Lætátus sum I WAS glad when they said unto me, * We will go into the house of
the Lord. |
|
Ant. Cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem. |
Ant. When I was a child, I pleased the Most High, and from my womb I gave birth to God and man. |
|
Ant. Benedícta fília * tu a Dómino, quia per te fructum vitæ communicávimus. |
Ant. Blessed of the Lord art thou, * O daughter, for by thee we have been given to eat of the fruit of life. |
|
Psalmus 126. Nisi Dóminus Nisi Dóminus
ædificáverit domum, * in vanum laboravérunt qui ædíficant eam. |
Psalm 126. Nisi Dóminus EXCEPT the Lord build the house, * their
labour is but lost that build it. |
|
Ant. Benedícta fília tu a Dómino, quia per te fructum vitæ communicávimus. |
Ant. Blessed of the Lord art thou, O daughter, for by thee we have been given to eat of the fruit of life. |
|
Ant. Vidérunt eam * fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, et regínæ laudavérunt eam. |
Ant. The daughters of Sion * saw her and blest her ; the queens also, and they did praise her. |
|
Psalmus 147. Lauda, Jerúsalem 12
Lauda, Jerúsalem, Dóminum: * lauda Deum tuum, Sion. |
Psalm 147. Lauda, Jerúsalem 12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; * praise thy God, O
Sion. |
|
Ant. Vidérunt eam fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, et regínæ laudavérunt eam. |
Ant. The daughters of Sion saw her and blest her ; the queens also, and they did praise her. |
|
STAND |
|
|
Capitulum
Eccli. 24. 12. |
The Little Chapter
Ecclus. 24. 12. |
| The first stanza of the following Hymn is said kneeling. | |
|
KNEEL |
|
|
Hymnus Ave, maris stella, |
The Hymn
Sea-Star! we acclaim thee, |
|
STAND |
|
| Sumens illud Ave Gabriélis ore, Funda nos in pace, Mutans Hevæ nomen. Solve vincla reis, Monstra te esse matrem, Virgo singuláris, Vitam præsta puram, Sit laus Deo Patri, |
Ave was the token By the Angel spoken! Peace on earth it telleth, Eva's name re-spelleth. Ask light for the blinded, Be to us a Mother; Maiden meek and lowly, In straight paths direct us, Doxology |
|
|
|
|
V. Benedícta tu in muliéribus. |
V.
Blessed art thou among women. |
|
Ad Magnif. Ant: Cum jucunditate * Maternitátem beátæ Maríæ semper Vírginis celebremus. |
Ant. on Magnif: Rejoice we all * in this worshipful remembrance of the Motherhood of blessed Mary ever Virgin. |
| MAGNIFICAT | THE MAGNIFICAT |
|
Oremus. |
Let us pray. |
|
COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any |
|
|
Sunday Compline |
|
|
Compline |
|
| The conclusion of Hymns at all Hours shall be the following: | |
| Jesu tibi sit glória, Qui natus es de Vírgine, Cum Patre et almo Spíritu, In sempitérna sæcula. Amen. |
All honour, laud, and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee; Whom with the Father we adore, And Holy Ghost, for evermore. Amen. |
|
The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary
|
|
|
Invitatory and Hymn |
|
|
Maternitátem beátæ Maríæ Vírginis celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary : * Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
|
Maternitátem beátæ Maríæ Vírginis celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary : * Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
|
Psalmus 94. |
Psalm 94. |
|
Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei. |
O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms. |
|
Maternitátem beátæ Maríæ Vírginis celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary : * Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
|
Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit. |
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. |
|
Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
|
In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect. |
|
|
Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus. |
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 his people, and the sheep of his pasture. |
|
Maternitátem beátæ Maríæ Vírginis celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary : * Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
|
Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea. |
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. |
|
Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
|
Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam. |
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. |
|
Maternitátem beátæ Maríæ Vírginis celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary : * Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
|
Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen. |
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. |
|
Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
|
Maternitátem beátæ Maríæ Vírginis celebrémus : * Christum ejus Fílium adorémus Dóminum. |
Let us keep holy-day in honour of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary : * Let us worship Christ her Son, our Lord. |
| Hymnus | The Hymn |
|
Cæli Redémptor prætulit Felicis alvum Vírginis, Ubi futura victima Mortale corpus índuit. Hæc Virgo nobis
edidit Spes læta nostro e péctore Voces Paréntis excipit, Sequens Conclusio numquam mutátur. Sit Trinitáti glória, |
In heaven's court the choice was weighed, And so this Virgin-Mother bore Let anxious fears from man depart, He welcometh his Mother's plea, This Ending is never changed: All glory to the Trinity |
|
As soon as the introductory part of Matins is
finished, there is begun
The First Nocturn. |
|
|
The Psalms with their Antiphons, as well as the V. and R. are taken from the Common of Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
|
|
Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine
Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum,
et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et
Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula
sæculórum. |
Absolution:
Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy
servants, and have mercy upon us. Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever. |
| V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. | V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
1: Benedictióne perpétua
benedícat nos Pater
ætérnus. |
Benediction
1: May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending
blessing. |
| Lesson i | |
| De libro Ecclesiástici |
The Lesson is taken from the Book of Ecclesiasticus |
| Chap. 24, 5-11 | |
![]() |
|
|
Ego ex ore Altíssimi prodívi, primogénita ante omnem creaturam : ego feci in cælis ut orirétur lumen indeficiens, et sicut nebula texi omnem terram : ego in altíssimis habitávi et thronus meus in colúmna nubis. Gyrum cæli circuívi sola, et profúndum abyssi penetrávi, in flúctibus maris ambulávi, et in omni terra steti : et in omni pópulo, et in omni gente primátum hábui : et ómnium excelléntium et humílium corda virtúte calcávi : et in his ómnibus réquiem quæsívi, et in hereditáte Dómini morabor. |
I came out of the mouth of the Most High before there was any creature. I caused the unfading light to arise in the heavens, and covered all the earth as a cloud. I dwelt in high places, and my throne was in the cloudy pillar. I alone compassed the circuit of heaven, and pierced unto the bottom of the deep. I walked in the waves of the sea, and stood in all the earth, and in every people and in every nation I had dominion. And in my power I trod under my feet the hearts of all that are excellent and that are lowly. And in all these I sought rest, and I will abide in the inheritance of the Lord. |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
|
R.
Felix es, sacra Virgo María et omni laude
digníssima ; * Ex qua ortus est sol justítiæ,
Christus Deus noster, per quem salváti et redémpti sumus. |
R.
O Holy Virgin Mary, happy art thou, and right
worthy of all praise ;
* For out of thee rose the Sun of
righteousness, even Christ our God, by whom we are saved and redeemed. |
|
|
|
| V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. | V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius
nos benedícere et adjuváre
dignétur. |
Benediction
2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless
and keep us. |
| Lesson ii | Cap. 24, 12-16 |
![]() |
|
|
Tunc præcepit, et dixit mihi Creator ómnium, et qui creávit me, requiévit in tabernáculo meo, et dixit mihi : in Jacob inhabita, et in Israël hereditare, et in eléctis meis mitte radíces. Ab inítio, et ante sæcula creáta sum, et usque ad futúrum sæculum non désinam, et in habitatióne sancta coram ipso ministrávi. Et sic in Sion firmáta sum, et in civitáte sanctificáta simíliter requiévi, et in Jerúsalem potéstas mea. Et radicávi in pópulo honorificato, et in parte Dei mei heréditas illíus, et in plenitúdine sanctórum detentio mea. |
So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment and said (and he that made me rested in my tabernacle)―and he said : Dwell thou in Jacob, and inherit in Israel, and strike thy roots amid my chosen people. I was created from the beginning, before the world ; and I shall never fail. And in the holy tabernacle I served before him. And so I was established in Sion, and likewise in the holy City was I given to rest, and in Jerusalem was my power. And I took root among the honourable people, even in the portion of my God as his own inheritance, and mine abiding was in the full assembly of the Saints. |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
|
R.
Sine tactu pudoris invénta es Mater
Salvatoris : *
Qui cælum terramque regit, in tua se clausit
víscera factus homo. |
R.
From thee, still maiden undefiled, the
Saviour came a little Child :
* He the Lord who ruleth o'er earth and o'er
heaven for ever, being made man, was enclosed in the blest sides of thy
womb. |
|
|
|
| V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. | V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
3: Spíritus Sancti grátia
illúminet sensus et corda nostra. |
Benediction
3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind
enlighten. |
| Lesson iii | Cap. 24, 17-23 |
![]() |
|
|
Quasi cedrus exaltáta sum in Líbano, et quasi cypréssus in monte Sion : quasi palma exaltáta sum in Cades, et quasi plantátio rosæ in Jericho : quasi olíva speciósa in campis, et quasi plátanus exaltáta sum juxta aquam in platéis. Sicut cinnamómum et bálsamum aromatízans odórem dedi ; quasi myrrha elécta dedi suavitátem odóris, et quasi storax, et gálbanus, et úngula, et gutta, et quasi Líbanus non incisus vaporávi habitatiónem meam, et quasi bálsamum non mixtum odor meus. Ego quasi terebinthus exténdi ramos meos, et rami mei honóris et gratiæ. Ego quasi vitis fructificávi suavitátem odóris. |
I was exalted like a cedar in Lebanon, and like a cypress tree upon Mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm tree in Kadesh, and like a rose tree in Jericho. I was exalted like a fair olive tree in the fields, and like a plane tree by the water in the broad ways. I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and a aromatic balm. I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh. Like storax, and galbanum, and onyx, and myrrh, like the unfelled woods of Lebanon, and like the unadulterated balsam, so did I perfume the place of mine abode. As the terebinth tree I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour and grace. As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour. |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
|
R.
Multæ fíliæ congregavérunt divítias, tu
supergressa es univérsas : *
Speciósa facta es et suávis in delíciis tuis, sancta Dei Génitrix. |
R.
Many daughters have gotten riches, but thou
excellest them all :
* O holy Mother of God, thou art become
beautiful and gentle in thy gladness. |
|
|
|
| The Psalms with their Antiphons, as well as the V. and R. are taken from the Common of Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary | |
|
Absolutio:
Ipsíus píetas
et misericórdia nos
ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu
Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum. |
Absolution:
May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us. Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever. |
|
V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
4: Deus Pater omnípotens
sit nobis propítius et clemens. |
Benediction
4: May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity. |
| Lesson iv | |
| Ex Sermóne sancti Leónis Papæ | The Lesson is taken from a Sermon by St Leo the Pope |
| Sermo 1 de Nativitáte Domini | |
![]() |
|
|
Virgo regia Davídicæ stirpis elígitur, quæ sacro gravidanda fœtu divinam humanamque prolem prius conciperet mente quam córpore : et ne superni ignara consílii ad inusitatos pavéret affatus, quod in ea operándum erat a Spíritu Sancto, colloquio dídicit angelico, nec damnum crédidit pudoris Dei Génitrix mox futura. Cur enim de conceptiónis novitate despéret, cui efficiéntia de Altíssimi virtúte promittitur? Confirmátur credéntis fides étiam præeuntis attestatióne miráculi. Donátur Elisabeth inopináta fœcunditas, ut qui conceptum dederat sterili, datúrus non dubitarétur et Virgini. Verbum ígitur Dei Fílius, qui in princípio erat apud Deum, per quem facta sunt ómnia, et sine quo factum est nihil, propter liberándum hóminem ab ætérna morte, factus est homo. |
His Mother was chosen a Virgin of the kingly lineage of David, and when she was to grow heavy with the sacred Child, her soul had already conceived him before her body. She learned the counsel of God announced to her by the Angel, lest the unwonted events should alarm her. The future Mother of God knew what was to be wrought in her by the Holy Ghost, and that her modesty was absolutely safe. For why should she, unto whom was promised all sufficient strength through the power of the Highest, have felt hopeless merely because of the unexampled character of such a conception? She believeth, and her belief is confirmed by the attestation of a miracle which hath already been wrought. The fruitfulness of Elizabeth, before unhoped for, is brought forward that she might not doubt that he who had given conception unto her that was barren, would give the same unto her that was Virgin. And so the Word of God, the Son of God, who was in the beginning with God, by whom all things were made, and without whom was not anything made that was made, to deliver man from eternal death, was made man. |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
|
R. Gloriosæ
Vírginis Maríæ Maternitátem digníssimam recolámus :
* Cujus Dóminus
humilitátem respéxit, quæ Angelo nuntiánte concépit Salvatórem mundi. |
R. Let us
tell again of the right worthy Motherhood of the glorious Virgin Mary :
* The same is she whose lowliness the Lord
regarded, she who by the message of an Angel conceived the Saviour of the
world. |
|
|
|
|
V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
5: Christus perpétuæ
det nobis gáudia vitæ. |
Benediction
5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal. |
| Lesson v | |
| Sermo 2 de Nativitáte Domini | |
![]() |
|
|
Ingréditur hæc ínfima Jesus Christus Dóminus noster de cæli sede descéndens, et a paterna glória non recédens, novo ordine, nova nativitáte generatus. Novo ordine, quia invisibilis in suis, visibilis factus est in nostris : incomprehensibilis vóluit comprehéndi : ante témpora manens, esse cœpit in témpore. Nova autem nativitáte génitus est : concéptus a Vírgine, natus ex Vírgine, sine paternæ carnis concupiscéntia, sine maternæ integritátis injuria : quia futúrum hóminum Salvatórem talis ortus decebat, qui et in se haberet humanæ substántiæ natúram, et humanæ carnis inquinaménta nescíret. Origo dissímilis, sed natúra consímilis ; humano usu et consuetúdine, quod crédimus, caret : sed divina potestate subnixum est, quod Virgo concéperit, Virgo pepérerit, Virgo permanserit. |
Our Lord Jesus Christ, descending from his throne in heaven, but leaving not that glory which he hath with the Father, cometh into this lower world by being born after a new order and in a new birth. He cometh after a new order, in that he who is unseen among his own, was seen among us ; the Incomprehensible was fain to be comprehended, and he that is from everlasting to everlasting began to be in time. He was the Offspring of a new birth ; conceived of a maiden, without the passion of any fleshly father, without any breach of his Mother's virginity, since such a birth beseemed the coming Saviour of mankind, who was to have in him the nature of man's being, and to be free of any defilement of man's flesh. Though he sprung not as we spring, yet is his nature as our nature ; we believe that he is free from the use and custom of men ; but it was the power of God which wrought that a maiden should conceive, that a maiden should bring forth, and yet abide a maiden still. |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
|
R. Benedícta
fília tu a Dómino, quia per te fructum vitæ
communicávimus : *
Sola sine exemplo placuísti Dómino nostro
Jesu Christo. |
R. Blessed
art thou of the Lord, O daughter, for through thee have we been given to
eat of the tree of life :
* Thou, without ensample before thee, didst
make thyself well-pleasing in the sight of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
|
|
|
|
V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
6: Ignem sui amóris
accéndat Deus in córdibus
nostris. |
Benediction
6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love. |
| Lesson vi | |
| Ex Actis Pii Papæ undecimi | The Lesson is taken from the Acts of Pope Pius XI |
![]() |
|
|
Quum anno millésimo nongentésimo trigésimo primo, univérso orbe catholico plaudente, sollemnia celebraréntur expleti sæculi décimi quinti, postquam in Ephesina synodo beáta María Virgo, de qua natus est Jesus, contra Nestorii hæresim Mater Dei a Pátribus, Cælestino Papa præeunte, conclamáta est, Summus Póntifex Pius undecimus faustíssimi eventus memóriam, perenni suæ pietátis testimonio perpetuandam vóluit. Itaque quod jam in Urbe exstábat nóbile ephesinæ proclamatiónis monuméntum, triumphalem arcum in Basilica sanctæ Maríæ Majoris in Exquiliis, a decessore suo Xysto tértio mirábili ópere musivo ornátum, témporis injuria fatiscéntem feliciter restituéndum una cum ala transversa Basilicæ munificéntia sua curávit. Litteris vero encyclicis, œcumenici Concilii Ephesini genuinis lineaméntis descriptis, ineffábile divínæ Maternitátis beátæ Maríæ Vírginis privilegium, pie copioseque illustrávit, ut tam excélsi mysterii doctrína altius fidélium ánimis insidéret. Insimul autem benedíctam inter omnes mulieres, Maríam Matrem Dei nazarenámque Familiam nobilíssimum præ ómnibus exemplum præpósuit imitándum tum dignitátis ac sanctitúdinis casti connubii tum educatiónis juventúti sancte tradendæ. Demum ut neque liturgicum deésset monuméntum jussit ut festum divínæ Maternitátis beátæ Maríæ Vírginis cum Missa et Officio propriis die undecima Octóbris sub ritu duplici secundæ classis quotannis ab univérsa Ecclésia celebrarétur. |
In the year 1931, amid the applause of the whole Catholic world, solemn rites were celebrated to mark the completion of the fifteen centuries which had elapsed since the Council of Ephesus, moving against the Nestorian heresy, had acclaimed the blessed Virgin Mary, of whom Jesus was born, as Mother of God. This acclamation had been made by the Fathers of the Church under the leadership of Pope Celestine. Pius XI, as Supreme Pontiff, wished to commemorate the notable event and to give lasting proof of his devotion to Mary. Now there had existed for many years in Rome a grand memorial to the proclamation of Ephesus―the triumphal arch in the basilica of Saint Mary Major on the Esquiline Hill. This monument had already been adorned by a previous pontiff, Sixtus III, with mosaics of marvellous workmanship, now falling to pieces from the decay of the passing ages. Pius XI, therefore, out of his own munificence, caused these to be restored most exquisitely and with them the transept of the basilica. In an Encyclical Letter Pius set forth also the true history of the Council of Ephesus, and expounded fervently and at great length the doctrine of the prerogatives of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Mother of God. He did this that the doctrine of this lofty mystery might sink more deeply into the hearts of the faithful. In it he set forth Mary, the Mother of God, blessed among women, and the most holy Family of Nazareth as the exemplars to be followed above all others, as models of the dignity and holiness of chaste wedlock, as patterns of the holy education to be given youth. Finally that no liturgical detail be lacking, he decreed that the feast of the Divine Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary be celebrated annually on the 11th day of October by the universal Church with a proper Mass and Office under the rite of a double of the second class. |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
|
R. Benedícta
tu inter mulieres, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui : *
Unde hoc mihi, ut véniat Mater Dómini mei ad me? |
R. Blessed
art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb :
* Whence is this to me, that the Mother of my
Lord should come to me? |
|
|
|
| The Psalms with their Antiphons are taken from the Common of Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The V. and R. are proper as follows. | |
|
V. Fecit mihi magna, qui potens
est. R. Misericórdia ejus a progénie in progénies timéntibus eum. |
V. He that is mighty hath magnified
me. R. And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. |
|
Pater noster. secréto usque ad V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem. R. Sed líbera nos a malo. |
Our Father. Which words are said aloud, and the rest secretly to: V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil. |
|
Absolutio:
A vínculis peccatórum
nostrórum absólvat
nos omnípotens et miséricors
Dóminus. |
Absolution:
May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of
our sins and set us free. |
|
V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
7: Evangélica léctio
sit nobis salus et protéctio. |
Benediction
7: May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and
protection. |
| Lesson vii | |
| Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam | The Lesson is taken from the Holy Gospel according to Luke |
| Chap. 2, 43-51 | |
|
In illo témpore : Cum redirent, remánsit puer Jesus in Jerusalem, et non cognovérunt paréntes ejus. Et réliqua. |
At that time : As they returned, the Child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem, and his parents knew not of it. And so on, and that which followeth. |
| Homilía sancti Bernardi Abbatis | A Homily by St. Bernard the Abbot |
| Homilía 1 de Laudibus Vírginis Matris | |
![]() |
|
|
Deum et Dóminum Angelórum María suum fílium appellat, dicens : Fili, quid fecísti nobis sic? Quis hoc audeat Angelórum? Sufficit eis, et pro magno habent, quod cum sint spíritus ex conditióne, ex grátia facti sint et vocáti Angeli, testante David : Qui facit Angelos suos spíritus. María vero matrem se agnoscens, majestátem illam, cui illi cum reveréntia sérviunt, cum fiducia suum núncupat Fílium : nec dedignátur nuncupári Deus, quod esse dignátus est. Nam paulo post subdit Evangelísta : Et erat súbditus illis. Quis? Quibus? Deus homínibus? Deus, inquam, cui Angeli súbditi sunt, cui Principátus et Potestátes obediunt, súbditus erat Maríæ. |
Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Mary called God, the Lord of Angels, her son. Which of the angels would have dared to do so? It is enough for them, and they reckon it is a great thing, that, being naturally spirits, they should receive the grace of being made and called angels, as witness David : Who maketh spirits his angels. But Mary, knowing herself to be his Mother, doth boldly apply the word Son to that Majesty whom the angels do serve with awe ; neither doth God despise to be called what he hath made himself. For a little after, the Evangelist saith : And he was subject unto them. Who to whom? God to men. I say that God, unto whom the angels are subject, and who is obeyed by the Principalities and Powers, was subject to Mary. |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
|
R.
Beáta es Virgo María, Dei Génitrix, quæ
credidísti Dómino : perfécta sunt in te, quæ dicta sunt tibi :
* Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in
ætérnum. |
R. Blessed
art thou, O Virgin Mary, Mother of God, thou that hast believed the Lord,
for there hath been a performance in thee of those things which were told
thee :
* Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. |
|
|
|
|
V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
8: Cujus
festum cólimus, ipsa
Virgo vírginum intercédat
pro nobis ad Dóminum. |
Benediction
8: May she whose feast day we are keeping, Mary, blessed
Maid of maidens, be our Advocate with God. |
| Lesson viii | |
![]() Our Lady of Westminster |
|
|
Mirare utrúmlibet, et élige quod ámplius miréris, sive Fílii benigníssimam dignatiónem, sive Matris excelentíssimam dignitátem. Utrimque stupor, utrimque miraculum. Et quod Deus feminæ obtémperet, humilitas absque exemplo : et quod Deo fémina principétur, sublimitas sine socio. In láudibus Vírginum singuláriter cánitur quod sequúntur Agnum quocúmque íerit. Quibus ergo láudibus júdicas dignam, quæ étiam præit? Disce homo obedire : disce terra subdi ; disce pulvis obtemperare. De Auctore tuo loquens Evangelísta : Et erat, inquit, súbditus illis. Erubesce superbe cinis : Deus se humíliat, et tu te exaltas? Deus se homínibus subdit, et tu dominári gestiens homínibus tuo te præpónis Auctori? |
Marvel thou at both these things, and choose whether to marvel most at the sublime condescension of the Son, or at the sublime dignity of Mary. Either is amazing, either marvellous. That God should obey this woman, is a lowliness without parallel ; that this woman should rule over God, an exaltation without match. In praise of virgins, and of virgins only, is it sung that These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. Of what praise then thinkest thou that she must be worthy who even leadeth the Lamb? O man, learn to obey. O earth, learn to submit. O dust, learn to keep down. It is of thy Maker that the Evangelist saith : And he was subject unto them. Blush, O proud ashes. God humbleth himself ; and dost thou exalt thyself? God is subject unto men ; and wilt thou, by striving to rule over men, set thyself before thy Maker? |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
|
R.
Congratulámini mihi omnes qui dilígitis Dóminum : quia cum essem párvula,
plácui Altíssimo : *
Et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem. |
R.
Rejoice with me, all ye that love the Lord,
for in my lowliness I pleased the Most High,
* And from my womb I brought forth
God-made-Man. |
|
|
|
|
If Lesson ix is to be taken from an occurring Feast or Sunday, it is given in its proper place, as announced in the Ordo. |
|
|
|
|
|
V. Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere. |
V. Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing. |
|
Benedíctio
9: Ad societátem cívium
supernórum perdúcat
nos Rex Angelórum. |
Benediction
9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the
citizens of heaven. |
| Lesson ix | |
![]() |
|
|
Felix María, cui nec humilitas defuit, nec virgínitas! Et quidem singuláris virgínitas, quam non temerávit, sed honorávit fœcunditas. Et nihilóminus specialis humilitas, quam non ábstulit, sed éxtulit fœcunda virgínitas : et incomparábilis prorsus fœcunditas, quam virgínitas simul comitátur et humilitas. Quid horum non mirábile? quid non incomparábile? quid non singulare? Mirum vero, si non hæsitas, in horum ponderatióne, quid tua júdices dignius admiratióne, utrum vidélicet potius stupenda sit fœcunditas in Vírgine, an in Matre integritas : sublimitas in prole, an cum tanta sublimitate humilitas : nisi quod indubitanter horum singulis præferenda sunt simul cuncta, et incomparabíliter excellentius est atque felicius ómnia percepísse quam aliqua. Et quid mirum, si Deus, qui mirábilis cérnitur, et legitur in Sanctis suis, mirabiliórem se exhibuit in Matre sua? Venerámini ergo cónjuges in carne corruptibili carnis integritátem : vos sacræ vírgines in Vírgine fœcunditátem. Imitámini omnes hómines Dei Matris humilitátem. |
O happy Mary, lowly and virgin ; and wondrous virginity, which motherhood destroyed not, but exalted ; and wondrous lowliness, which the fruitful virginity took not away, but ennobled ; and wondrous motherhood, which was both virgin and lowly. Which of them is not wondrous? which of them is not unexampled? and which of them doth not stand alone? The wonder would be if thou wert not puzzled at which to wonder most―motherhood in a virgin, or virginity in a mother ; a motherhood so exalted, or lowliness in such exaltation. But indeed more marvellous than any one of these things is the combination of them all, and without all comparison, it is more excellent and more blessed to have received them all, than to have received any one of them alone. What wonder is it that God, of whom we see and read, that He is wonderful in his holy places, should have shewn himself wonderful in his Mother? O ye that be married, honour this incorruption in corruptible flesh ; O holy maidens, gaze in wonder at motherhood in a maid ; O, all mankind, take pattern by the lowliness of the Mother of God. |
|
V.
Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis. |
V.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. |
| TE DEUM LAUDAMUS |
TE DEUM |
|
Ant. Beáta es, * Virgo María, quæ ómnium portásti Creatórem. |
Ant. Blessed art thou, * O Virgin Mary, who didst bear the Creator of all things. |
|
Psalmus 92. Dóminus regnávit
Dóminus regnávit, decórem
indútus est: * indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se. |
Psalm 92. Dóminus regnávit THE Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel; * the
Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength. |
|
Ant. Beáta es, Virgo María, quæ ómnium portásti Creatórem. |
Ant. Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who didst bear the Creator of all things. |
|
Ant. Genuísti, * qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo. |
Ant. Thou didst bear * him who hath made thee, and remainedst a Virgin evermore. |
|
Psalmus 99. Jubiláte
Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: *
servíte Dómino in lætítia. |
Psalm 99. Jubiláte O BE joyful in
the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his
presence with a song. |
|
Ant. Genuísti, qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo. |
Ant. Thou didst bear him who hath made thee, and remainedst a Virgin evermore. |
|
Ant. Cum essem párvula, * plácui Altíssimo et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem. |
Ant. When I was a child, * I pleased the Most High, and from my womb I gave birth to God and man. |
|
Psalmus 62. Deus, Deus meus
Deus, Deus meus, *
ad te de luce vígilo. |
Psalm 62. Deus, Deus meus O GOD, thou art my God; * early will I seek thee. |
|
Ant. Cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem. |
Ant. When I was a child, I pleased the Most High, and from my womb I gave birth to God and man. |
|
Ant. Benedícta fília * tu a Dómino, quia per te fructum vitæ communicávimus. |
Ant. Blessed of the Lord art thou, * O daughter, for by thee we have been given to eat of the fruit of life. |
|
Canticum trium Puerorum Benedícite, ómnia ópera Dómini, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula. 2 Benedícite, Angeli Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, cæli, Dómino. 3 Benedícite, aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes virtútes Dómini, Dómino. 4 Benedícite, sol et luna, Dómino: * benedícite, stellæ cæli, Dómino. 5 Benedícite, omnis imber et ros, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes spíritus Dei, Dómino. 6 Benedícite, ignis et æstus, Dómino: * benedícite, frigus et æstus, Dómino. 7 Benedícite, rores et pruína, Dómino: * benedícite, gelu et frigus, Dómino. 8 Benedícite, glácies et nives, Dómino: * benedícite, noctes et dies, Dómino. 9 Benedícite, lux et ténebræ, Dómino: * benedícite, fúlgura et nubes, Dómino. 10 Benedícat terra Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula. 11 Benedícite, montes et colles, Dómino: * benedícite, univérsa germinántia in terra, Dómino. 12 Benedícite, fontes, Dómino: * benedícite, mária et flúmina, Dómino. 13 Benedícite, cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes vólucres cæli, Dómino. 14 Benedícite, omnes béstiæ et pécora, Dómino: * benedícite, fílii hóminum, Dómino. 15 Benedícat Israël Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula. 16 | |