Sunday 25 December 2011

December 12th - The Third Sunday of Advent


The Third Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite. The liturgical colour is violet but today at Mass the Deacon wears a dalmatic and the subdeacon a tunicle and the organ may be played.

At Vespers yesterday the antiphons and psalms were sung from the semi-double Office of St. Damasus. The antiphons Ecce sacerdos magnus etc were sung with psalms 109, 112, 115, 125 & 131. From the chapter, Fratres: Gaudete in Domino semper was of the Sunday. The Office hymn was Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of St. Damasus. The Suffrages were omitted. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Prope est jam Dominus and the hymn is Verbum supernum. In the first nocturn the antiphons Veniet ecce Rex etc are sung with Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14. The lessons in the first nocturn are taken from the prophet Isaiah. The first lesson is longer than that found in modern editions and continues until the penultimate sentence of the modern second lesson: justitiam discent habitatores orbis. The second lesson begins Misereamur impio... and continues all through the text of the modern third lesson and beyond: Indulsisti genti Dominie ... murmuris doctrina tua eis. The third lesson is absent from the modern editions and begins Sicut quae concepit... and continues until ... non operiet ultra interfectos suos. (vv. 17 -21). In the second nocturn the antiphons Gaude et laetare etc are sung with Pss. 15, 16 and 17. The lessons are taken from a sermon of St. Leo. These are substantially longer than in the modern editions of the Breviary. The sixth lesson text is completely absent from the modern editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gabriel Angelus etc are sung with Pss. 18, 19 and 20. The homily is from St. Gregory's writing on St. John's Gospel. These are the same as those found in the modern editions. A ninth responsory, Docebit nos Dominus, is sung and the Te Deum omitted in the Office of Advent.

At Lauds the antiphons Ecce veniet etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The hymn is Vox clara ecce intonat. As noted above for Vespers the Suffrages are omitted in Advent.

At Prime the first antiphon from Lauds, Ecce veniet, is sung with the usual Dominical psalms 53, 117, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. In the short responsory the versicle Qui venturus es in mundum replaces Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris. The Dominical preces are sung. At the other Hours the other antiphons of Lauds are sung in the usual order.

Mass is sung after Terce. The ministers wear violet dalmatic and tunicle rather than folded chasubles. The Gloria in not sung, the second collect is of the Blessed Virgin in Advent, Deus, qui de beate, the third collect Ecclesiae. The Creed is sung, the preface is the Common Preface. As the Gloria was not sung, the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino sung by the deacon facing the altar.

Vespers are first Vespers of St. Lucy of Syracuse with a colour change to red. The antiphons Orante Sancta Luciaetc are sung with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The antiphon on the Magnificat is In tua potentia etc. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Wednesday 21 December 2011

December 8th - The Conception of the Blessed Virgin

The Conception of the BVM is a double feast and the liturgical colour is white. In the 1570 Missale Romanum no texts are given for the feast but a rubric refers to the Nativity of the BVM with a direction to change the word Nativity to Conception. In the 1568 Breviary the user is again referred to the feast of the Nativity but lessons are printed for the first and second nocturns.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Conceptio gloriosae etc were sung with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The chapter was Ab initio et ante saecula and the Office hymn Ave maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Gloriosae Virginis Mariae Conceptionem etc and the collect Famulis tuis etc. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of St. Ambrose and of the Advent feria. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine.

At Mattins the invitatory is Conceptionem Virginis Mariae celebremus: Christum ejus Filium adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn is Quem terra pontus aethera. In the first nocturn the antiphons Benedicta tu etc are sung with psalms 8, 18 & 23. The lessons are taken from the twenty-fourth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiasticus beginning at the fifth verse, Ego ex ore Altissimi etc. The first lesson is followed by the responsory Hodie concepta est beata Virgo Maria etc. The lessons are the same as those found in the editions of Clement VIII and Urban VIII. In the second nocturn the antiphons Specie tua etc are sung with psalms 44, 45 & 86. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Ambrose from his Book on Virgins. These are significantly longer than those found in the Clementine (1602) edition of the Breviary. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gaude Maria Virgo etc are sung with psalms 95, 96 & 97. The homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Conceptio gloriosae Virginis Mariae etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is O gloriosa Domina. The antiphon on the Benedictus is Conceptionem hodiernam etc. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Advent feria.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons Conceptio gloriosae Virginis Mariae etc are sung with the festal psalms. The hymns have the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc. At Prime the versicle in the short responsory is changed to Qui natus es de Virgine and the lectio brevis is In plateis.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass formula is Salve sancta parens. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Advent feria. The Creed is sung and the preface is of the BVM.

At Vespers the antiphons Conceptio gloriosae Virginis Mariae are sung with the psalms of the BVM. The hymn is Ave maris stella. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Advent feria.

Sunday 18 December 2011

December 5th - The Second Sunday of Advent


The Second Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour is violet.

At Vespers yesterday the antiphons Benedictus etc were sung with the psalms of Saturday (Pss.143, 144, 145, 146 & 147). The chapter, Fratres, quaecumque scripta sunt, was from Romans and the Office hymn was Conditor alme siderum. After the collect a commemoration was sung of St. Sabbas. The Suffrages are omitted during Advent. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem venturum and the hymn is Verbum supernum. In the first nocturn the antiphons Veniet ecce Rex etc are sung with Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14. The lessons in the first nocturn are taken from the prophet Isaiah. The first lesson, about the wondrous Jesse Tree, is longer than that found in modern editions and continues with the first lines of the modern second lesson: Et percutiet... until ...cinctorium renum ejus. The second lesson begins Habitabit lupus... and continues until two-thirds through the modern third lesson, ...sicut aquae maris operientes. The third lesson begins In die illa radix Jesse... and continues until ... et hostes Juda peribunt, i.e. the addition of vv. 11 -13 from the eleventh chapter. In the second nocturn the antiphons Gaude et laetare etc are sung with Pss. 15, 16 and 17. The lessons are taken from the Exposition on Isaiah by St. Jerome. These are substantially longer than in the modern editions of the Breviary. The fourth lesson comprises the entirety of the modern fourth and fifth lessons. The fifth lesson contains text absent from the modern sixth and the sixth lesson text is completely absent from the modern editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gabriel Angelus etc are sung with Pss. 18, 19 and 20. The homily is from St. Gregory's writing on St. Matthew's Gospel. Again, these are significantly longer than those in the modern editions with the sevent lesson comprising of all of the modern seventh and eighth lessons. The eighth lesson contains all of the modern ninth and an equal amount of text from the St. Gregory's homily that is absent from the modern editions and the ninth lesson is completely absent from the modern Breviary. A ninth responsory, Ecce Dominus veniet, is sung and the Te Deum omitted in the Office of Advent.

At Lauds the antiphons Ecce in nubibus caeli etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The hymn is Vox clara ecce intonat. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Sabbas. As noted above for Vespers the Suffrages are omitted in Advent.

At Prime the first antiphon from Lauds, Ecce in nubibus caeli, is sung with the usual Dominical psalms 53, 117, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. In the short responsory the versicle Qui venturus es in mundum replaces Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris. The Dominical preces are sung. At the other Hours the other antiphons of Lauds are sung in the usual order.

Mass is sung after Terce. The ministers wear folded chasubles. The Gloria in not sung, the second collect is of the Blessed Virgin in Advent, Deus, qui de beate, the third collect Ecclesiae. The Creed is sung, the preface is the Common Preface. As the Gloria is not sung, the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino.

At Vespers the antiphons Ecce in nubibus caeli etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 113. The Office hymn is Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. The Suffrages are omitted but at Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 11 December 2011

November 28th - The First Sunday of Advent


The season of Advent begins at the chapter of Vespers of the Saturday before Advent Sunday. The first Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite. During Advent bishops exchange their violet choir cassock for a black one with mozzeta or mattelletum with violet linings. Cardinals of the Court of Rome wear their 'winter' violet merino apparel (in contrast to their summer mourning dress of violet watered-silk) in place of their watered-silk scarlet.

At Vespers yesterday the antiphons and psalms of Saturday were sung (note the contrast with the post 1911-13 books where the antiphons of Lauds are sung). The chapter, Fratres, hora est jam nos etc., marked the beginning of Advent. The Office hymn was Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday the usual Suffrages were omitted. From this Vespers the Marian Antiphon sung is Alma Redemptoris Mater. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem venturum and this is sung in the Dominical and ferial Offices of Advent until the third Sunday. The hymn is Verbum supernum. In the first nocturn the antiphons Veniet ecce Rex etc are sung with Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14. The lessons in the first nocturn are the Incipit of the prophet Isaiah. The first lesson is longer than that found in modern editions and continues with the first lines of the modern second lesson: Vae genti peccatrici... until ..abalienati sunt retrorsum. The second lesson begins Super quo percutiam... and continues until the end of the modern third lesson, ...Gomorrha similes essemus. The third lesson is absent from the modern books. It begins Audite verbum Domini... and continues until sanguine plenae sunt, i.e. VV. 10 - 15. In the second nocturn the antiphons Gaude et laetare etc are sung with Pss. 15, 16 and 17. The lessons are taken from the writing sof St. Leo on the fast of the tenth month. These are substantially longer than in the modern editions of the Breviary. The fourth lesson comprises the entirety of the modern fourth and fifth lessons. The fifth lesson contains text absent from the modern sixth and the sixth lesson text is completely absent from the modern editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gabriel Angelus etc are sung with Pss. 18, 19 and 20. The homily is from St. Gregory's writing on St. Luke's Gospel. Again, these are significantly longer than those in the modern editions with the seventh lesson comprising of all of the modern seventh and eighth lessons. The eighth lesson contains all of the modern ninth and an equal amount of text from the St. Gregory's homily that is absent from the modern editions and the ninth lesson is completely absent from the modern Breviary. A ninth responsory, Ecce dies veniunt, is sung and the Te Deum omitted in the Office of Advent.

At Lauds the antiphons In illa die etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The hymn is Vox clara ecce intonat. As noted above for Vespers the Suffrages are omitted in Advent.

At Prime the first antiphon from Lauds, In illa die, is sung with the usual Dominical psalms 53, 117, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. In the short responsory the versicle Qui venturus es in mundum replaces Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris for all of Advent except when an occuring feast has a proper versicle. The Dominical preces are sung. At the other Hours the other antiphons of Lauds are sung in the usual order.

Mass is sung after Terce. During Advent the deacon and sub-deacaon do not wear the dalmatic and tunicle but violet folded chasubles, an ancient feature of the Roman liturgy. The Gloria in not sung, the second collect is of the Blessed Virgin in Advent, Deus, qui de beate, the third collect Ecclesiae. The Creed is sung, the preface is the Common Preface. As the Gloria was not sung, the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino sung by the deacon facing the altar.

At Vespers the antiphons In illa die etc are sung with the Dominical psalms (Pss.109, 110, 111, 112 &113). The Office hymn is Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Saturninus. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung. Vespers of the Dead are sung in choir after Vespers of the Sunday. After Mattins and Lauds of Monday, Mattins and Lauds of the Dead are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 4 December 2011

November 21st - XXV and Last Sunday after Pentecost


Today is the twenty-fifth and last Sunday after Pentecost. It is also the fifth Sunday of November. The day is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour is green. The texts for the Sunday in the missal are those for the twenty-fourth and last Sunday. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the prophetic words of the LORD concerning the last days and the coming of the Antichrist.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Super muros tuosfor the Saturday before the fifth Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are the Incipit of Micheas the Prophet. The first lesson is longer than that found in the modern editions of the Breviary. After ... et super excelsa terra the lesson continues Et consumenter montes, from the second lesson in the modern Breviary, until ... in peccatis domus Israel. The second lesson begins Quod scelus Jacob?... and continues until usque ad Hierusalem, i.e the end of the modern third lesson. The third lesson begins In Geth nolite annciare and continues until ...in deceptionem regibus Israel (vv. 10 - 14). These verses are absent from the modern editions. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writings of St. Basil on the thirty-third psalm. These are identical to those found in the modern Breviaries. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh lesson continues with the first sentence of the modern eighth lesson Potest autem... in praesentem diem stetit. The eighth lesson begins Abominatio quoque secundum... and continues until Apostoli habere prohibentur, the end of the modern ninth lesson. The text of the ninth lesson, absent from the modern books, begins Vae autem praegnantibus... and continues until ne temporum mora fides concutiatur credentium. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis and the third collect is chosen by the Dean or the Rector. The Credo and the Common Preface are sung.

At Vespers the antiphons and psalms of Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) are sung. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the following feast of St. Cecilia, the antiphon on the Magnificat, Est secretum Valeriane etc is proper to the feast. After the commemoration the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 27 November 2011

November 14th - XXIV Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is green. This year it is also the fourth Sunday of November. As there are twenty-five Sundays after Pentecost this year the last Sunday is celebrated next week and today, following the praxis introduced into the 1570 Missal, the pericopes at Mass, and the third nocturn lessons of Mattins, antiphons for the NT canticles and collect come from the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. The introit, intra-pericope chants, offertory and communion are those given in the Missal for the twenty-third Sunday. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew's Gospel contain the parable of the mustard seed.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Qui caelorum for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of November. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are the Incipit of the book of Osee. The first lesson is longer than that found in the modern editions of the Breviary and continues Et dixit Dominus... until ...conteram arcum Israel in valle Jezrahel. The second lesson begins Et concepit adhuc..., approximately a third through the modern second lesson, and continues until ... et non numerabitur (the last third of the modern third lesson). The third lesson begins Et erit, in loco ubi dicetur eis... and continues past the end of the modern third lesson Dicite fratribus vestris... until ... interficiam eam siti, i.e. Cap. 2, vv. 1 -3. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writing of St. Augustine on the City of God. These are longer than those found in the modern Breviaries: the fourth lesson includes half the text of the modern fifth lesson, the fifth lesson includes the remaining text of the modern fifth lesson and all of the modern sixth. The sixth lesson is not found in the modern editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. These lessons are the same as in the modern books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. The antiphon on the Benedictus is Simile est etc. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The introit is Dicit Dominus etc Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Sunday 20 November 2011

November 7th - XXIII Sunday after Pentecost - Sunday within the Octave of All Saints


The twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost is this year the third Sunday of November. The Sunday is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour is white, the colour of the Octave. This year the second Sunday of November and its week are omitted.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc and psalms of Vespers for All Saints (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115) were sung. The chapter, O altitudo, and hymn were of the Sunday. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Muro tuo for the Saturday before the third Sunday of November. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of the Octave. The Suffrages were omitted due to the Octave as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are the Incipit of the
Book of the Prophet Daniel. The first and second lessons are the same as those found in later editions of the Breviary but the third lesson is a sentence shorter, ending with the words ..facies cum servis tuis. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the book to Virgins by St. Athanasius. These are the same as those found in modern editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh lesson contains the text of both the modern seventh and eighth lessons. The eighth lesson consists of all of the text found in the modern ninth lesson and additional text absent from the modern books. The text of the ninth lesson is entirely absent from the later editions of the Breviary. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the Octave is sung. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung but the Dominical preces are omitted.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Octave. There is no third collect. The Credo and the common preface are sung.

Vespers are first Vespers of the Octave Day of All Saints. The antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Christe Redemptor omnium. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of the Four Crowned Martyrs. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

November 2nd - Second Day within the Octave of All Saints - Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

The second day within the Octave of All Saints is also the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed - All Souls' Day in popular parlance.

The Office of the second day within the Octave of All Saints is of semi-double rite and the liturgical white of the feast is kept during the Octave. At Mattins the invitatory and hymn are as on the feast. The antiphons and psalms are as were sung yesterday except that the antiphons are not doubled. In the first nocturn the lessons are for Tuesday in the first week of November taken from the Book of Ezechiel the Prophet with the responsories of the Octave. In the second nocturn the lessons are from a sermon of the Venerable Bede and in the third nocturn the homily on St. Matthew's gospel is from St. Augustine. The Te Deum is sung. At Lauds and the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc, are sung, not doubled, with psalms 99, 92, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are as on the feast.

At the end of Lauds Fidelium animae is omitted and Mattins and Lauds of the Dead are sung. Mattins begins with the invitatory Regem cui omnia vivunt, Venite adoremus. There are no Office hymns. In the first nocturn the antiphons Dirige Domine etc are sung with psalms 5, 6 & 7. Instead of Gloria Patri etc Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine and Et lux perpetua luceat eis is sung after the last verse of each psalm. After the versicle, its respond and a silent Pater noster the first lesson is begun without any absolution or blessing. The lessons for the Office all come from the Book of Job, in the first nocturn they are taken from the seventh and tenth chapters. They are the same as those found in modern editions of the Breviary up until the 1911-13 reform. The lessons are followed by the responsories Credo quod Redemptor meus vivit etc, Qui Lazarum resuscitasti etc & Domine, quando veneris judicare terram etc. Polyphonic settings of these lessons were composed for the Office of the Dead. The example below from the sublime hand of Cristobal de Morales and his setting of Parce mihi Domine; nihil enim sunt dies mei etc. (Other lessons are available on YouTube - well worth a listen).



In the second nocturn the antiphons In loco pascuae etc are sung with psalms 22, 24 & 26. After the versicle, its respond and a Pater noster the lessons are taken from the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of Job. These are the same as those found in pre-1911 editions of the Breviary but new lessons were introduced for November 2nd in that reform: one casualty being the lesson 'Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live...'. The responsories are Memento mei Deus etc, Hei mihi Domine etc and Ne recorderis peccata mea Domine etc. In the third nocturn the antiphons Complaceat etc are sung with psalms 39, 40 & 41. Again, after the versicle, its respond and Pater noster three lessons are sung from Job, in the third nocturn from the seventeenth, nineteenth and tenth chapters. The eighth lesson ends slightly differently to the text given in the modern books. The three responsories are Domine secundum actum etc, Libera me Domine de viis inferni etc and Libera me Domine de morte aeterna etc. Lauds immediately follow the repition of the last verse of the responsory. The antiphons Exsultaunt etc are sung with psalms 50, 64, 62-66, Ego dixi and 148-149-150. The antiphon on the Benedictus is formed of the LORD's moving words Ego sum resurrectio et vita etc. After the antiphon is repeated there follows a silent Pater noster, a series of versicles and their responds and the collect Fidelium (with the long conclusion).

At the Hours (of the Second Day with the Octave) the antiphons Vidi turbam magnum etc are sung. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i, 118ii) the lectio brevis is Benedictio et claritas. The Dominical preces are omitted during the Octave.

In Cathedral and Collegiate Churches two High Masses are sung: one of the day within the Octave, after Terce, and a Requiem after None. In other churches only the Requiem need be celebrated. Private Masses may be of Requiem. The collect is Fidelium, the epistle from Corinthians Fratres: Ecce mysterium vobis dico, the sequence Dies irae is sung and the common preface is sung. The dismissal is Requescant in pace which is sung by the deacon facing the altar.

Vespers are of the Octave. The antiphons Vidi turbam magnum etc are sung, undoubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The Office hymn is Christe Redemptor omnium and the antiphon on the Magnificat O quam gloriosum etc. The Suffrages at Vespers and the Dominical preces at Compline are omitted during the Octave.

Monday 14 November 2011

November 1st - The Feast of All Saints


The great feast of All Saints is a double feast with Octave. The universal celebration of this feast developed from the dedication of the Pantheon to St. Mary and the Martyrs. This dedication took place on May 13th 610. In some places, and the in Byzantine East to this day, a celebration of All Saints took place after Trinity Sunday. The celebration of the feast spread and Gregory IV transferred the feast and dedication to November 1st in 835. Louis the Pious spread the celebration throughout his empire and the feast entered the Universal Calendar. Sixtus IV gave the feast an Octave in the fifteenth century. The liturgical colour for the feast, and Octave, is white.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem regum Dominum, Venite adoremus: Quia ipse est corona sanctorum omnium. The Office hymn is Christe Redemptor omnium, as sung at Vespers. In the first nocturn the antiphons Novit Dominus etc are sung with psalms 1, 4 and 8. The lessons are taken from the book of the Apocalypse. These are the same as in the modern editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn the antiphons Domine, qui operati etc are sung with psalms 14, 23 and 31. The lessons are the same as in the modern editions but these are attributed to St. Augustine rather than St. Bede. In the third nocturn the antiphons Timete Dominum etc are sung with psalms 33, 60 and 96. The homily in the third nocturn is from St. Augustine. The lessons are the same as in the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc are sung with psalms 99, 92, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Jesu salvator saeculi. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of St. Caesarius.

The antiphons sung at Lauds, Vidi turbam magnum etc, are used at the Hours in the usual way. Prime has the festal psalms (53, 118i, 118ii) and the lectio brevis, Benedictio et claritas, is proper to the feast and sung throughout the Octave.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the Creed is sung, as is the the common preface.

At second Vespers the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc are again sung with psalms from the Common of Apostles but the fifth psalm is Ps. 115, Credidi. The Office hymn is, again, Christe Redemptor omnium.

After Benedicamus Domino the verse Fidelium is omitted and the choir sits as the festive white is removed and is exchanged for the black of mourning. Vespers of the Dead are then sung. These begin with the antiphon Placebo Domino in regione vivorum. Psalms 114, 119, 120, 129 and 127 are sung. Requiem aeternam etc is sung at the end of each psalm in place of Gloria Patri etc. After the psalms there is a versicle and response but no hymn. After the antiphon on the Magnificat the choir kneels for a Pater noster, some versicles and the collect Fidelium.

The Caeremoniale Episcoporum, Lib. II, Cap. X, #2, directs that at Pontifical Celebrations of Second Vespers of All Saints after Benedicamus Domino the bishop exchanges his festal white vestments assisted by his Canons and higher clergy whilst the sacristans etc. change the vesting of the choir altar. During this time the Mansionarii (the lower rank of beneficiaries) or any chaplains and seminarians go and sing Compline in the Secretarium. The bishop then proceeds to preside over Mattins and Lauds of the Dead. Anyone familiar with the parish celebration of a Byzantine 'All Night Vigil' may note the structural similarity with this aggregation of Offices.

Sunday 13 November 2011

October 31st - XXII Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. This year it is the first Sunday of November. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the account of the Pharisees trying to trap the LORD over tribute to Caesar and the LORD's rebuttal of "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God those things that are God's."

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Vidi, Dominum for the Saturday before the first Sunday of November. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. It will be noted that there was no commemoration of the anticipated Vigil of All Saints as that Office ended with None. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung. The lessons are the Incipit of the book of the Prophet Ezechiel. These are longer than those found in the modern editions. The first lesson continues with half of the text of the modern second lesson Et in medio ejus... until ..quasi aspectus aeris candentis. The second lesson begins Et manus hominis.. and continues until ..nec revertebantur cum ambularent - the end of the modern third lesson. The third lesson begins Et similitudo animalium... until ..spiritus enim vitae erat in rotis, vv. 13-19. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Exposition of St. Gregory on Ezechiel the Prophet. These are the same as those found in the modern editions except the sixth lesson is a sentence longer. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Hiliary on St. Matthew's Gospel. These lessons are the same as in the modern editions of the Breviary. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

At Vespers there is a colour change to festive white for first Vespers of the feast of All Saints. The antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The Office hymn is Christe Redemptor omnium. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted and are omitted throughout the Octave.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Saturday 12 November 2011

October 30th - Anticipated Vigil of All Saints

As October 31st this year is a Sunday the Vigil of All Saints is anticipated today. The liturgical colour is violet. The Office of the Vigil runs from Mattins to None inclusive and it is of simple rite.

At Mattins the invitatory and Office hymn are as given for Saturday in the Psalter: Dominum Deum nostrum, Venite adoremus and Summae Deus clementiae. In the nocturn psalms 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 & 108 are sung, in pairs, under six antiphons. It may be interesting to compare this with the post-1911 rite where three psalms (104, 105 & 106) are split into three sections each to make nine psalm fragments each sung under an antiphon. None of these nine antiphons are the same as any of the six in the Tridentine Breviary. The Gospel fragment is from St. Luke and the lessons are a homily of St. Ambrose from the Common of Several Martyrs. The first lesson is about twice as long as that found in the modern editions of the Breviary. The second lesson contains the text of both the modern second and third lessons. The text of the third lesson is entirely absent from the modern books. The three responsories are from the Saturday of the fourth week of October, Refulsit sol etc, Ornaverunt etc and In hymnis etc. The Te Deum is not sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Benigne fac etc are sung with psalms 50, 91, 62-66, Audite caeli & 148-149-150, from the Psalter for Saturday. The Office hymn Aurora jam spargit pollum and the antiphon on the Benedictus, Illuminare etc are also from the Psalter. After the antiphon Illuminare etc has been sung in full the choir kneels and the ferial preces are chanted. The Tridentine ferial preces include the psalm De profundis. When the preces have been sung the Hebdomadarius intones the collect of the Vigil. Then follow the Suffrages of the Cross Per signum Crucis etc, the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i & 118ii both the Dominical and ferial preces are sung, kneeling. The chapter is Pacem et veritatem. At Terce, Sext and None the short series of the ferial preces are sung, again the choir kneeling.

Mass is sung after None. Following the normal rules for Vigils four candles are placed on the altar, in contrast with two on ordinary ferial days. The deacon and sub-deacon wear violet dalmatic and tunicle, not folded chasubles. The ferial tone is used for the orations and for the preface and Pater noster. There is no Gloria. The second collect is of the Holy Ghost, Deus,qui corda, the third collect Ecclesiae. As it is a 'kneeling day' the choir kneels for the prayers and from the Sanctus until Pax Domini. As the Gloria is not sung the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino.

With the end of Mass the liturgy of the anticipated Vigil comes to an end. The liturgical colour changes to green and Vespers are of the XXII Sunday after Pentecost and first Sunday of November.

Sunday 6 November 2011

October 24th - XXI Sunday after Pentecost


The twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. This year it is the fourth Sunday of October. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the parable of the unjust and ungrateful servant who, forgiven his debts by the King, demands what is owed to him from others and shews complete ingratitude.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Exaudiat Dominusfor the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are the Incipit of the Second book of Machabees. The first lesson is longer than that found in the modern editions of the Breviary. After ...sumus orantes pro vobis the lesson continues Regnante Demetrio anno ... until ... mensis Casleu (vv. 7 - 9). The second lesson is absent from the modern editions. It begins Anno centesimo octogesimo ... and continues until Per omnia benedictus Deus, qui tradidit impios (1:vv. 10 - 17). The third lesson contains the text of both the modern second and third lessons. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writing of St. Chrysostom on the Psalms. These are longer than those found in the modern Breviaries. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh lesson is longer than that found in the modern editions and contains the text Quod ut manifestius...to si et ipsi dimittant minora peccantibus, about half of the modern eighth lesson. The eighth lesson begins Si autem ob factam and continues with all the remaining text of the modern eighth lesson but then continues Oblatus est ei unus... to ...et peccatoris appellari stultitiam, text not found in the modern books. The ninth lesson begins Sed quo modos.. and continues to..nec a prudentibus viris recipiendae text which, again, is absent from the modern books and then continues with Sic et Pater meus and the rest of the text of the modern ninth lesson. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of following feast of SS Chrysanthus and Daria followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 30 October 2011

October 17th - XX Sunday after Pentecost


The twentieth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. This year it is the third Sunday of October. The liturgical colour is green. The Gospel pericopes from St. John's give the account of the healing of the ruler's son at Capharnaum.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Lugebat autem Judamfor the Saturday before the third Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung. The lessons continue to be read from the First Book of the Machabees and are from its ninth chapter. They are the same as those found in the modern editions of the Breviary. /em> of the book of Esther. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book of Offices of St. Ambrose. These are again the same as those found in the modern book. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Gregory on St. John's Gospel. These are significantly longer than in the modern editions. By the eighth lesson all three modern lessons have been read and there is additional material from the homily to complete the Tridentine eighth lesson. The ninth lesson is entirely absent from the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are first Vespers of St. Luke the Evangelist with a colour change to red. The antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc, from the Common of Apostles, are sung with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted because of the double feast.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 23 October 2011

October 10th - XIX Sunday after Pentecost

The nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost is, this year, the second Sunday of October. The Sunday is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour is green. The Gospel pericopes contain the parable of the wedding feast from St. Matthew's Gospel with the sobering concluding words of the LORD Multi enim sunt vocati, pauci vero electi.

Vespers yesterday afternoon were 'from the chapter' of the Sunday. The antiphons Isti sunt sancti etc were sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115 (for second Vespers of SS Dionysius, Rusticus and Eleutherius). The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Refulsit sol for the Saturday before the second Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of the preceding Office of SS Dionysius, Rusticus and Eleutherius followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine . At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung. The lessons continue from the First Book of the Machabees. The first lesson includes part of the text from what is the second lesson in the modern books, Tunc ordinavit... until ...in locum immundum. The second lesson begins Et cogitavit... (from the middle of the modern second lesson) and continues with what is now part of the modern third lesson with Et acceperunt... until ...et mensam in templum. The third lesson begins Et incensum posuerunt... until ...qui prosperavit eis, i.e. continuing with vv. 52-55. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book on the City of God of St. Augustine. The fourth and fifth lessons are slightly longer than those in the modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Gregory on St. Matthews's Gospel. The seventh lesson does not appear in the modern editions. The eighth lesson consists of the modern seventh and half of the modern eighth lessons. The text of the ninth lesson consists of the rest of the modern eighth and ninth lessons and the inclusion of further texts from St. Gregory. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 16 October 2011

October 3rd - XVIII Sunday after Pentecost


The eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost is, this year, the first Sunday of October. It is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew relate the healing of a paralytic, both by being forgiven his sins and in being physically healed by the LORD.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Adaperiat Dominus for the Saturday before the first Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine . At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the Incipit of the first Book of Machabees is read. The first lesson is the same as in modern editions. The second lesson is longer and continues with what are the first sentences of the modern third lesson ending ... in oculis eorum. The third lesson begins Et destinaverunt... and continues beyond the end of the modern third lesson (ut facerent malum.) until ... et accepit spolia terrae Aegypti, i.e. vv. 17 - 20 are included. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from St. Ambrose's Book of Offices. These are the same as those in the modern editions of the Breviary. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Peter Chrysologus on St. Matthew's Gospel. These lessons are longer than those found in modern editions with the seventh lesson consisting of both the modern seventh and eighth lessons. The eighth lesson consists of all of the modern ninth lesson and additional texts. The text of the ninth lesson is not found in the modern books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are first Vespers of St. Francis with a corresponding colour change to white. The antiphons Domine, quinque talenta etc from the Common of Confessor non-pontiffs are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. The Suffrages are omitted as the feast is a double, as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 9 October 2011

September 26th - XVII Sunday after Pentecost


The seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturigcal colour is green. This year it is the fifth Sunday of September. The Gospel pericopes at Mattins and Mass come from the twenty-second chapter of St. Matthew and have the Pharisees asking the LORD what is the greatest commandment.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Domine, Rex omnipotensfor the Saturday before the fifth Sunday of September. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of SS Cyprian and Justina followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine . At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung. The lessons are the Incipit of the book of Esther and are considerably longer than those found in the modern editions. The first lesson continues with part of the text from what is the second lesson in the modern books, Cumque implerentur... until ...marmoreis fulciebantur. The second lesson begins Lectuli quoque... (the last sentence of the modern second lesson) and continues with all of what is all of the modern third lesson and then Itaque die septimo... until ...venire contempsit (vv 10-12). The third lesson is absent completely from the modern books, Unde iratus rex... until ...quae melior est illa, accipiat. (vv. 13-19). In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book of Offices of St. Augustine. These are slightly longer than those in the modern books and arranged differently. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Chrysostom on St. Matthews's Gospel. The eighth and ninth lessons are are longer than those found in modern editions. This year these are read together to form the eighth lesson and the ninth lesson is of SS Cyprian and Justina, formed of the two lessons given in the Sanctorale. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of SS Cyprian and Justina followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of SS Cyprian and Justina, the third collect is A cunctis. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the following feast of SS Cosmas and Damian. This is followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine . At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 2 October 2011

September 19th - XVI Sunday after Pentecost


The sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost is, this year, the fourth Sunday of September. The Sunday is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour is green. The Gospel pericopes from St. Luke are of the LORD healing the man with dropsy on the Sabbath. Last week saw the occurence of the autumn Ember Days. Ember Wednesday fell on the Octave Day of that Nativity of the BVM and was only celebrated in Collegiate and Cathedral Churches, but Ember Friday and Ember Saturday were free of any occurring feast.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Adonai, Domine for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of September. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung. The lessons are the Incipit of the book of Judith. These lessons are the same as in the modern editions. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from St. Ambrose on Elias and fasting. These are significantly longer than those in the modern books. The text of the fifth and sixth lessons is not found in the modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Ambrose on St. Luke's Gospel. The eighth and nine lessons are slightly longer than those found in modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung as is the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of Sunday (Ps. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the following feast of SS Eustace and Companions followed by the Suffrages of of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and, lastly, for peace Da pacem Domine etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal.

Sunday 25 September 2011

September 12th - XV Sunday after Pentecost

The fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white. This year it is the third Sunday of September and also Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity of the BVM.

Vespers yesterday afternoon were 'from the chapter' of the Sunday. The antiphons and psalms were those from the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, Nativitas gloriosae Virginis Mariae etc with Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. Hymns of Iambic metre were sung with the Doxology and melody of the Incarnation, Gloria tibi Domine etc throughout the Octave. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Ne reminiscaris for the Saturday before the third Sunday of September. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of the Octave of the Nativity of the BVM. At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted because of the Octave.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung. The lessons are the Incipit of the Book of Tobias. The first lesson continues with what is now the beginning of the second lesson Deinique, cum irent... to ...ministraret omnem decimationem. The second lesson begins Haec et his similia.. to ... salutis dabat eis, what is the end of the third lesson in the modern editions. The third lesson, absent from modern editions, begins Cum autem venisset... and continues until ...solicitus exhibebat. (vv. 16 - 20). In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from a sermon of St. Leo. The sixth lesson is slightly longer than that found in the modern editions, the seventh and eighth lessons are the same. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Luke's Gospel. The entire seventh lesson is absent from modern editions: Miracula Domini nostri ... quam suscitare iterum moriturum. The eighth lesson is significantly longer than that found in modern editions. The ninth lesson is the same as that found in the modern books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the Octave is sung. The Suffrages are not sung because of the Octave.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung but the Dominical preces are omitted due to the Octave. In the short responsory the verse Qui natus es is sung. At the Hours the hymns are sung with the Doxology and melody of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Octave. There is no third collect. The Credo is sung and the preface is of the BVM.

Vespers are of the Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the Octave. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

September 8th - The Nativity of the Mother of God

The Nativity of the Mother of God is a double feast with Octave and its liturgical colour is white.

The feast began with first Vespers yesterday afternoon. The antiphons Nativitas gloriosae etc were sung with the psalms from the Common of the BVM (Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147). The Office hymn was Ave, maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat and collect are proper to the feast. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Doxlogy of the Incarnation with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc.

At Mattins the invitatory is Nativitatem Virginis Mariae celebremus: * Christum ejus Filium adoremus Dominum, the hymn, from the Common, Quem terra, pontus, aethera. In the first nocturn the antiphons Benedicta tua etc are sung with psalms 8, 18 & 23. The lessons in the first nocturn are the Incipit of the Song of Songs, with its exquisite imagery. These are the same as in modern editions of the Breviary. The responsories are proper to the feast, Hodie est nata est beata Virgo Maria etc. In the second nocturn the antiphons Specie tua etc are sung with psalms 44, 45 & 88. The lessons are taken from a sermon attributed to St. Augustine. These are longer than those found in the modern books. The fourth lesson continues with Eva enim luxit..., the beginning of the modern fifth lesson, to ...ista edidit innocentem. The fifth lesson begins Mater generis nostri and contains all the remaining text of the modern fifth lesson and additional text too. The sixth lesson is the same as in the modern editions. The responsories are again proper to the feast, Nativitas gloriosae etc. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gaude, Maria virgo etc are sung with psalms 95, 96 & 97. St. Jerome provides the homily on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh lesson is the same as that found in the modern Breviary, the eighth a sentence longer with the addition of Naason autem genuit Salmon princeps Iudae, sicut in Numeris legimus. The ninth lesson is of St. Hadrian, a former perecutor of Christians who became a martyr himself. This is the same as in modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Nativitas gloriosae etc are again sung, this time with the festal psalms (Ps. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150)). The hymn is O gloriosa Domina. After the collect of the day a commemoration is sung of St. Hadrian.

At Prime the first of the antiphons used at Vespers and Lauds is sung with the festal psalms (Ps. 53, 118i & 118ii). In the short responsory the versicle Qui natus es is sung. The short lesson is In plateis. At the Hours the hymns are sung with the Doxology and tone of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. In some countries a blessing of seeds, figs, grapes or other fruits takes place (the fruits in question depending on the climate of the place. The introit is Salve, sancta Parens, the Gloria is sung, in said Masses the second collect is of St. Hadrian, the Creed is sung and the preface is of the BVM, Et te in Nativitate.

At Second Vespers all is sung as yesterday except the antiphon on the Magnificat which is proper, Nativitas tua etc., and after the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of St. Gorgonius.

Icon: Russian, 18th century

Sunday 18 September 2011

September 5th - XIV Sunday after Pentecost


The fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour is green. This year it is the second Sunday of September.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was In omnibus his for the Saturday before the second Sunday of September. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14)the lessons continue to be read from the Book of Job. The first lesson consists of text of both the first and second lessons in the modern Breviary. The second lesson begins Si venerit ad me and is a sentence longer than the third lesson found in the modern editions continuing until the end of verse 18 of the ninth chapter. The third lesson is entirely absent from the modern books and begins Si fortitudo quaeritur (v.19) and continues until the end of verse 28. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book of Morals of St. Gregory. These are the same as those found in the modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Matthew's Gospel. The lessons are longer than those found in the modern Breviary. The seventh lesson includes most of the text of the modern eighth lesson, the eighth lesson contains text not found in the later editions and the ninth lesson contains the text of the modern ninth lesson and, in addition, several more sentences. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are sung.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung, the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and, lastly, for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

Sunday 11 September 2011

August 29th - The Beheading of St. John the Baptist


The feast of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist is of double rite and its liturgical colour is red. Texts for the feast are either proper or from the Common of a Martyr. Today is also the thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost and the first Sunday of September. The Sunday is commemorated at Vespers, Mattins, Lauds and Mass.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Herodes enim tenuit etc were sung with the psalms as in first Vespers of Apostles (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116). The Office hymn was Deus tuorum militum. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of the preceding Office of St. Augustine of Hippo, of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat was Cum audisset Job for the Saturday before the first Sunday of September) and of St. Sabina. The Suffrages were omitted because of the occurring double feasts as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Martyrum Dominum, Venite adoremus and the Office hymn Deus, tuorum militum. In the first nocturn the antiphons In lege Domini etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3. The lessons are proper to the feast taken from the Incipit of the Book of Jeremiah (as on the feast of St. John's Nativity) with responsories proper to the feast Misit Herodes rex etc, Joannes Baptista arguebat Herodem etc and Puellae saltanti imperavit mater etc. The lessons are the same as those found in modern editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn the antiphons Filii hominum etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8. The lessons are from St. Ambrose, these are the same as those found in the modern editions and are followed by responsories from the Common. In the third nocturn the antiphons Justus Dominus etc are sung with psalms 10, 14 & 20. The homily on St. Mark's Gospel is from St. Augustine. The seventh and eighth lessons are as found in the modern books except the last word of the eighth lesson is saltatricem not saltantem. These are followed by responsories from the Common. The ninth lesson is made up of the three lessons from the Sunday homily which is also from St. Augustine. These lessons are longer than those found in the modern editions. The seventh lesson (of the Sunday) continues with about half of the modern eighth Leprosi ergo... until ...et jactantia sermonis ostentant. The eighth lesson begins Nulla porro... and continues with the text of what is the ninth lesson in the modern books. The ninth lesson, Cetera itque... until ...approbaretur color is entirely absent from the modern Breviary. After the three lessons have been read together as the ninth lesson of today's fast the Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Herodes enim tenuit etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum. The antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are proper to the feast. Commemorations are then sung of the Sunday and of St. Sabina.

At the Hours the antiphons Herodes enim tenuit etc are sung with the festal psalms. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i & 118ii) the lectio brevis is Justus cor suum.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect of St. Sabina. The Creed is sung as the feast falls on a Sunday and the Common Preface is sung.

At Vespers the antiphons Herodes enim tenuit etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The Office hymn is Deus, tuorum militum. The antiphon on the Magnificat is proper. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and the following feast of SS Felix and Adauctus.

Sunday 4 September 2011

August 22nd - Octave Day of the Assumption


The Octave Day of the Assumption is of double rite and the liturgical colour is white. This year the feast falls on the 12th Sunday after Pentecost and the Sunday is commemorated at Vespers, Mattins, Lauds and Mass

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Assumpta est Maria etc are sung (doubled as on the feast day) with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The chapter is from Ecclesiasticus, In omnibus requiem etc., and the Office hymn Ave, Maris stella. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday, the antiphon on the Magnificat is Sapientia for the Saturday before the third Sunday of August. Following the commemoration of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of SS Timothy, Hippolytus and Symphorian. At Compline Te lucis is sung to the tone for feasts of the BVM and with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula as it has been throughout the Octave.

At Mattins the invitatory, antiphons, psalmody and responsories are as on the feast. In the first nocturn the lessons are taken from the Canticle of Canticles. These are the same as those found in modern editons of the Breviary. In the second nocturn the lessons are taken from a sermon of St. Bernard. The selection of texts is completely different to that found in the modern editions (1891 & 1932). In the third nocturn St. Bernard again provides the homily on the fragment from St. Luke's Gospel. The texts are slightly longer than those found in the modern books. The eighth and ninth lessons are read together and ninth lesson is formed of the three lessons of the homily for the Sunday. These are from the text of a homily on St. Luke's Gospel by the Venerable Bede. The first lesson (of the homily) is the same as in the modern editions but the second is considerably longer combining both the modern second and third lessons. The third lesson is entirely absent from the modern books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Assumpta est Maria etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The hymn is O gloriosa Domina. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of SS Timothy, Hippolytus and Symphorian.

At Prime and the Hours the hymns are sung with the proper Doxology and tone. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i & 118ii) in the short responsory Qui natus es de Virgine is sung and the lectio brevis is In plateis.

Mass is celebrated after Terce. The Mass formulary is Gaudeamus etc. The Gloria is sung. The second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect of SS Timothy, Hippolytus and Symphorian. The Creed is sung, the preface is that of the BVM and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

In the afternoon at second Vespers all is as at first Vespers of the feast except the antiphon on the Magnificat which is Hodie Maria Virgo caelos ascendit: gaudete, quia cum Christo regnat in aeternum. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday. With the singing of Compline the Office of this great Octave comes to a close for this year.

Sunday 28 August 2011

August 15th - The Assumption of the Mother of God


Gaudeamus omnes in Domino , diem festum celebrantes sub honore beate Mariae Virginis: de cujus Assumptione gaudent Angeli et collaudant Filium Dei. (Introit)

The feast of the Assumption is a double feast with an Octave. The liturgical colour of the feast is white. This year the feast falls on the eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, the Sunday is commemorated at Vespers, Mattins, Lauds and Mass.

At Mattins the invitatory, Venite, adoremus Regem regum, Cujus hodie ad aethereum Virgo Mater assumpta est in caelum, is proper to the feast. The hymn is Quem terra, pontus. In the first nocturn the antiphons Exaltata est etc are sung with psalms 8, 18 & 23. The lessons in the first nocturn are taken from the Incipiunt of the Canticle of Canticles. These are the same as those found in the modern (pre-1950) editons of Breviary. In the second nocturn the antiphons Specie tua etc are sung with psalms 44, 45 & 86. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Athanasius. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gaude, Maria virgo etc are sung with psalms 95, 96 & 97. The homily on St. Luke's Gospel is from St. Augustine's 27th Sermon on the Words of the Lord. The eighth and ninth lessons are read as one and the ninth lesson is made of the three lessons for the Sunday. The text of the homily for the eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, from St. Gregory, is the same as that found in the modern books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Assumpta est Maria etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The hymn is O gloriosa Domina. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday.

At Prime and the Hours the hymns are sung with the proper Doxology and tone. In the short responsory at Prime Qui natus es de Virgine is sung, both today and throughout the Octave, and the lectio brevis is In plateis.

Mass is celebrated after Terce. The Mass formulary, Gaudeamus, is a particularly beautiful set of texts. The Gloria is sung. The second collect is of the Sunday. The Epistle is a sublime cento from the Book of Wisdom that also forms the chapters at the Office. The gradual Propter veritatem is very ancient. The Credo is sung , the preface that of the BVM and the last Gospel of the Sunday.

In the afternoon at second Vespers all is as at first Vespers except the antiphon on the Magnificat which today is Hodie Maria Virgo caelos ascendit: gaudete, quia cum Christo regnat in aeternum. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday.

Icon: The Dormition by Theophanus the Greek, 14th century.

Saturday 27 August 2011

August 14th - Within the Octave of St. Lawrence - Vigil of the Assumption

The fifth day within the Octave of St. Lawrence is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is red.

At Mattins the invitatory is as on the feast of St. Lawrence, Beatus Laurentius Christi Martyr triumphat coronatus in caelis: * Venite adoremus Dominum. The Office hymn is Deus tuorum militum. In the first nocturn the antiphons Quo progrederis etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3. The lessons are those of occurring scripture for the Saturday of the second week of August. The first lesson begins Melius est a sapiente... and continues until ...stulta est hujusmodi interrogatio. In the modern Breviary the lessons for Saturday begin with the first verse of Ch. 7 of Ecclesiastes but this was read as the third lesson yesterday in the usus antiquior with today's lessons beginning at verse 6 of Ch. 7. The second lesson begins Utilior est sapientia... (v.12) and continues until the end of v. 16, ...vivit tempore in malitia sua. Part of this text can be found half-way through the modern third lesson. The third lesson begins Noli esse justus... and continues until ...maledixisti ejus. vv. 17-23. This text is entirely absent from the modern books. In the second nocturn the antiphons Beatus Laurentius etc are sung with psalms 4, 5 & 8. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Maximus. These are longer than those found in the modern (pre-1911) editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Strinxerunt corporis are sung with psalms 14, 16 & 20. The homily is taken from St. Chrysostom's 65th homily on St. John's Gospel. The ninth lesson is of the Vigil. The Gospel fragment is from St. Luke (Lk 11:27-28) containing the passage wherein "a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck" to which the LORD responds "Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it." St. Augustine's homily praises the Virgin for doing will of the Father and St. Augustine has the LORD say: "Hoc est dicere: Et mater mea, quam appellatis felicem, inde felix, quia verbum Dei custodit: non quia in illa Verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis: sed quia custodit ipsum Verbum Dei, per quod facta est, et quod in illa caro factum est." The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Laurentius ingressus est martyr etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Martyr Dei, qui unicum. After the collect of the Octave a commemoration is sung of the Vigil: the antiphon on the Benedictus is of the Saturday, Illuminare Domine etc., and the V&R Repleti sumus etc and Exsultavimus etc., again both from the Saturday; the collect is proper to the Vigil. After the commemoration of the Vigil a commemoration is sung of St. Eusebius.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons from Lauds, Laurentius etc., are sung. At Prime the Dominical preces are omitted because of the Octave and the lectio brevis is Potens est autem.

Mass, of the Vigil, is sung after None. Violet dalmatic and tunicle are used. The second collect is of the Octave, the third collect is of St. Eusebius and the Common Preface is sung.

In the afternoon first Vespers are sung of the great feast of the Assumption. The liturgical colour changes to white and the antiphons Assumpta est Maria etc are sung with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The chapter is from Ecclesiasticus, In omnibus requiem etc., and the Office hymn Ave, Maris stella. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday, the antiphon on the Magnificat is Omnis sapientia for the Saturday before the third Sunday of August. At Compline Te lucis is sung to the tone for feasts of the BVM and with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula.

Sunday 21 August 2011

August 8th - X Sunday after Pentecost


The tenth Sunday after Pentecost, the second Sunday of August, is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour is green. The semi-double feast of SS Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus is transferred to Monday.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Ego in altissimis for the Saturday before the second Sunday of August. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14)the lessons are from the Incipit of the Book of Ecclesiastes. The second lesson is longer than that found in modern editions of the Breviary and continues with what is now the beginning of the third lesson, Ego Ecclesiastes fui rex Israel... until ...ut occuparentur in ea. The third lesson begins Vidi cuncta... and continue until ...addit dolorum ending with the last verse of Ch. 1. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the homily of St. Chrysostom against concubines. These are considerably longer than those found in modern recensions so that the text of the sixth lesson is entirely absent from the modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Luke's Gospel. These are considerably longer in the Tridentine Breviary than the form found in modern editions so the text of the ninth lesson is now entirely absent the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung, the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the following feast of SS. Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus is sung. This is followed by a commemoration of St. Romanus then the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and, lastly, for peace Da pacem Domine etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal