June 2nd - Trinity Sunday

The feast of the Most Holy Trinity is a double feast and its liturgical colour is white. Today is also the first Sunday after Pentecost and the Sunday is commemorated at Mass and in the Office. The Octave of Pentecost ended with the celebration of the Ember Saturday Mass after None yesterday.

At first Vespers yesterday afternoon the Office was proper with the antiphons Gloria tibi Trinitas etc sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The chapter, O altitudo, and hymn, O lux beata Trinitas, will both be used at Vespers on Saturdays for all the Sundays after Pentecost when the following Office is of the Sunday. The antiphon on the Magnificat, Gratias tibi, Deus etc, and the collect, Omnipotens, were proper to the feast. After the collect of the feast a commemoration was sung of the first Sunday after Pentecost. After Vespers the antiphon Salve Regina was sung for the first time this year.

At Mattins there are three nocturns. The invitatory is proper, Deum verum, unum in Trinitate, et Trinitatm in Unitate, Venite adoremus. The Office hymn is Summae Deus clementiae. In the first nocturn the antiphons Adesto unus Deus etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 8, 18 & 23. The lessons are taken from the sixth chapter of the Prophet Isaiah. These are identical to those found in the 'modern' books. In the second nocturn the antiphons Te invocamus etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 46, 47 & 51. The lessons are taken from the Book of Bishop Fulgentius on faith. The fourth lesson continues with Si enim, sicut et Patris...veraciter Trinitas diceretur. The fifth lesson begins Rursus quidem Trinitas...and continues Per hanc unitatem...totus quoque Spiritus Sanctus in Patre et Filio. The sixth lesson begins Nullus horum and continues past the ending found in the 'modern' editions with three more sentences Sicut ergo...est trium personarum divinitas. In the third nocturn the antiphons Caritas Pater est etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 95, 96 & 97. The lessons are from a homily of St. Gregory Nazianzen. These are again slightly longer than those found in the later editions. The seventh lesson continues Nec extensionem...atque potentiae credimus. The eighth lesson begins Et ideo unum... and continues Sic est Apostolus...per quem omnia et nos per ipsum. The ninth lesson is of the first Sunday after Pentecost, it ends slightly before the version in 'modern' editions with Ego sum panis vivus, qui de caelo descendi? The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Gloria tibi Trinitas are sung, doubled, with the Dominical psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Tu, Trinitatis Unitas. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the first Sunday after Pentecost and of SS Peter, Marcellinus & Erasmus.

At Prime the festal psalms are sung, Pss.53, 118(i) & 118(ii) followed by Quicumque. The Athanasian Creed is sung on all other Sundays of the year when the Office is of the Sunday unlike in the later, reformed, versions of the rite. The Dominical preces are omitted.

Mass is sung after Terce. Before Mass at the sprinkling of lustral water the antiphon Asperges me returns. The Mass is proper, Benedicta sit. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect of SS Peter, Marcellinus & Erasmus. The Creed is sung, the common preface is sung and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

At second Vespers the antiphons Gloria tibi Trinitas etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113. The chapter is O altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the first Sunday after Pentecost. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

May 26th - Dominica Pentecostes - Pentecost Sunday

The feast of Pentecost is a double feast with an Octave preceded by a Vigil similar to that of Pascha but although the Vigil is celebrated after None, and has six prophecies, followed by the blessing of the font, Litany and Mass of the Vigil the service of Vespers is not integrated into the morning ceremonies. The liturgical colour of the feast and its Octave is red. This year the feast of St. Eleutherius is omitted from the Universal Calendar.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Dum complerentur dies Pentecostes etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The chapter was Dum complerentur dies Pentecostes etc and the Office hymn was Veni, Creator Spiritus. All hymns of Iambic metre have the Doxology Gloria Patri Domino, Natoque, qui a mortuis, Surrexit ac Paraclito, In saeculorum saecula during the Octave. There are no commemorations. The Suffrages are omitted during the Octave as are the Dominical preces.

Mattins for the feast, and Octave, is like Pascha in only having a single nocturn of three psalms and three lessons. The invitatory is Alleluia, Spiritus Domini replevit orbem terrarum, Venite adoremus Alleluia. The Office hymn is Jam Christus aster ascenderat. The antiphons Factus est etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 47, 67 & 103. The lessons are from a homily of St. Gregory the Great on St. John's Gospel. The lessons are the same as those appearing in the later editions of the Breviary. At Lauds the antiphons, Dum complerentur dies Pentecostes etc, are the same as those at Vespers and are sung, doubled, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Beata nobis gaudia.

At Prime the festal psalms 53, 118(i) & 118(ii) are sung under the antiphon Dum complerentur dies Pentecostes. In the short responsory the versicle Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, alleluia, alleluia is sung. The short lesson is Judaei quoque. At Terce instead of the usual hymn Nunc Sancte nobis the hymn Veni Creator is sung as it was at the third hour the Holy Ghost descended on the Apostles.

At Mass the Gloria is sung and there is a single collect. After the Alleluia the sequence Veni, Sancte Spiritus is sung. The Creed is sung. The preface, Communicantes and Hanc igitur are proper to the feast and used throughout the Octave.

At second Vespers the antiphons Dum complerentur dies Pentecostes etc are sung, doubled, with the Dominical psalms (109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). The versicle and response and antiphon on the Magnificat are proper to second Vespers. There are no commemorations. The feast of St. John I is omitted this year from the Universal Calendar.

Art: Jerome Nadal.

May 19th - Sunday within the Octave of the Ascension

Sunday within the Octave of the Ascension is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white. The theme of Thursday's great feast of the Ascension continues with the majority of the texts used today coming from the feast itself.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons for the feast, Viri Galilaei etc were sung, not doubled, with the psalms as sung on the feast (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116). The chapter was of the Sunday, the Office hymn for the Ascension, Jesu nostra redemptio, and both the antiphon on the Magnificat and collect were proper to the Sunday. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations were sung of the Octave and of St. Potentiana. The Suffrages were omitted. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Ascension Doxology, Gloria tibi Domine, Qui scandis super sidera, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula. The Dominical preces were omitted.

At Mattins the invitatory is Alleluia, Christum Dominum ascendentem in coelum, Venite adoremus. The Office hymn at Mattins is Aeterne Rex altissime. In the first nocturn the antiphons Elevata est etc are sung, not doubled, with Pss. 8, 10 & 18. The lessons are the Incipit of the First Epistle of St. John and the responsories are of the feast. The lessons are the same as those found in post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn the antiphons Exaltare Domine etc are sung, not doubled, with Pss. 20, 29 & 46. The lessons are taken from a sermon on the Ascension by St. Augustine, These are the same as those in the modern editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Nimis exaltatus etc are sung, not doubled, with Pss. 96, 98 & 102. The homily on the Gospel from John is also from St. Augustine, these are the same as those in the modern editions. The eighth and ninth lessons are read as one to form the eighth lesson of the Sunday and the ninth lesson is of St. Potentia. This is virtually identical to that found in the modern books with a name change to St. Pudentiana. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Viri Galilaei etc are sung with Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The chapter is of the Sunday, the Office hymn is of the Ascension Jesu nostra redemptio. The antiphon on the Benedictus, versicle & respond and collect are proper to the Sunday. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the Octave and of St. Potentiana. The Suffrages are omitted.

At the Little Hours the hymns are sung with the Doxology of the Ascension. At Prime the festal psalms 53, 118(i), 118(ii) are sung rather than the Dominical ones and the short lesson is Si quis loquitur. The Dominical preces are omitted due to the Octave.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Octave, the third collect is of St. Potentiana. The Creed is sung and the preface and communicantes are of the Octave.

At Vespers the antiphons Viri Galilaei etc are again sung, not doubled, with the psalms of the feast109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Jesu nostra redemptio. The antiphon on the Magnificat and collect are of the Sunday. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the Octave is sung. The Suffrages are omitted. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted due to the Octave.

Art: Jerome Nadal.

May 12th - Fifth Sunday after Pascha

The fifth Sunday after Pascha is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white. The Gospel pericopes from St. John's Gospel describe how the LORD tells His disciples to ask for anything in His name after He has ascended to the Father. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week are the Rogation Days of the Lesser Litanies before the feast of the LORD's Ascension on Thursday.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung under the single antiphon, Alleluia. The chapter, Carissimi: Estote factores etc etc, was proper to the Sunday, the Office hymn was Ad coenam Agni providi. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Usque modo etc. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of SS Nereus, Archilleus & Pancras followed by the Pachal Commemoration of the Cross. At Compline (Pss. 4, 30 vv 1-6, 90, 133) Te lucis was sung to the Paschal tone with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc and the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Surrexit Dominus vere Alleluia and the Office hymn O Rex aeterne Domine. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung under a single antiphon Alleluia, Lapis revolutus etc., the lessons are the Incipit of the first Epistle of St. Peter. The lessons are the same as in the post-Clementine editions. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are taken from the book of St. Ambrose on faith in the Resurrection. These too are the same as in modern recensions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine. The seventh lesson is longer than in modern recensions including Unde qui hoc... nomine non petit from the 'modern' eighth lesson (sharp eyed readers will notice the non). The eighth lesson runs Qui vero quod est de illo ... proculdubio tunc erit plenum, i.e. continuing into half of what is now the ninth lesson. The ninth lesson begins Quidquid ergo petitur and continues for several more sentences absent from the post-Clementine books. Today the eighth and ninth lessons are read as one and the ninth lesson is formed of the two historical lessons given for SS Nereus, Archilleus & Pancras. These are shorter, and the text slightly different, to the three lessons found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds psalms 92, 99 and 62-66 are sung under a single antiphon, the ancient nine-fold Alleluia. Benedicite is sung with the antiphon Surrexit Christus etc, and Pss. 148, 149 and 150 are sung under a single antiphon, a four-fold Alleluia as on previous Sundays. The Office hymn is Aurora lucis rutilat. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of SS Nereus, Archilleus and Pancras followed by the Paschal Commemoration of the Cross.

At the Hours the psalms are sung under an antiphon consisting of a four-fold Alleluia. At Prime, Pss. 53, 118(i), 118(ii), both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are sung. The Paschal Doxology is sung at the hymn of the Hours.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of SS Nereus, Archilleus and Pancras, the third collect is Concede nos. The Creed is sung and the preface is of Paschaltide.

Vespers are of the Sunday, with Pss 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113 sung under a single antiphon. The Office hymn is Ad coenam Agni providi. After the collect of the Sunday the Paschal Commmemoration of the Cross is sung. At Compline (Pss. 4, 30 vv 1-6, 90 & 133) the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

May 5th - Fourth Sunday after Pascha

The fourth Sunday after Pascha is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the psalms of Saturday, Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147, were sung under the single antiphon, Alleluia. The chapter, Carissimi: Omne datum optimum etc etc, was proper to the Sunday, the Office hymn was Ad coenam Agni providi. The antiphon on the Magnificat : was Vado ad eum etc. After the collect of the Sunday the Paschal Commemoration of the Cross was sung. At Compline (Pss. 4, 30 vv 1-6, 90, 133) Te lucis was sung to the Paschal tone with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc and the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory and hymn are sung as previous Sundays of Paschaltide. Again, at the nocturns the psalms are sung under one antiphon. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are the Incipit of the Epistle of St. James. The lessons are the same as in post-Clementine editions. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are taken from the Treatise of St. Cyprian on the boon of patience. These too are the same as in modern editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine, again, unusually, the same as in post-Clememtine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds psalms 92, 99 & 62-66 are sung under the nine-fold Alleluia. Benedicite is sung under the antiphon Surrexit Christus and psalms 148-49-150 are sung under the antiphon Alleluia. The Office hymn is Aurora lucis rutilat. After the collect of the Sunday the Paschal Commemoration of the Cross is sung.

At the Hours the Office hymns are sung with the Paschal Doxology and the psalms are sung under a four-fold Alleluia. At Prime, Pss. 53, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque) the Dominical preces are sung.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is Concede nos, the third collect is Ecclesiae etc. The Creed and the preface of Paschaltide are sung.

After None there is a colour change to red and first Vespers of the feast of St. John before the Latin Gate are sung. The antiphons Sancti tui etc, doubled, are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Tristes erant Apostoli. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. At Compline (Pss. 4, 30 vv 1-6, 90 & 133) Te lucis is sung with the Paschal Doxology and the Dominical preces are omitted.

Art: Jerome Nadal

April 28th - Third Sunday after Pascha

The third Sunday after Pascha is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white. It is sometimes referred to as Jubilate from the first words of the introit at Mass, Jubilate Deo omnis terra etc.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the psalms of Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung under the single antiphon, Alleluia. The Office hymn was Ad cenam Agni providi. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of St. Vitalis was sung followed by the Paschal Commemoration of the Cross. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Paschal Doxology and the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory and hymn are sung as previous Sundays of Paschaltide. Again, at the nocturns the psalms are sung under one antiphon. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are Incipit of the Book of the Apocalypse. The lessons are the same as in the post-Clementine editions. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are taken from the a sermon by St. Augustine. These too are the same as in the later editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine, again the same as in the revised books.

At Lauds psalms 92, 99 & 62-66 are sung under the nine-fold Alleluia. Benedicite is sung under the antiphon Surrexit Christus and psalms 148-49-150 are sung under the antiphon Alleluia. The Office hymn is Aurora lucis rutilat. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Vitalis followed by the Paschal Commemoration of the Cross.

At the Hours the hymns are sung with the Paschal Doxology and the psalms are sung under an antiphon consisting of a four-fold Alleluia. At Prime the Dominical psalms are sung, Pss. 53, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque, as are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of St. Vitalis, the third collect is Concede nos. The Creed is sung and the preface is of Paschaltide.

Vespers are of the Sunday with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113 sung under a single antiphon. The Office hymn is Ad cenam Agni providi. After the collect of the Sunday the Paschal Commemoration of the Cross is sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

April 21st - Second Sunday after Pascha

The Second Sunday after Pascha is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the psalms for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung under the single antiphon, Alleluia. The chapter, Carissimi: Christus passus est pro nobis etc, was proper to the Sunday. The Office hymn was Ad coenam Agni providi and the antiphon on the Magnificat was Ego sum pastor ovium.  After the collect of the Sunday the Paschal Commemoration of the Cross was sung.  At Vespers this consists of the antiphon Crucem sanctam subiit qui infernum confregit, accinctus est potentia, surrexit die teria, Alleluia. the V & R, Dicite in nationibus, Alleluia and Quia Dominus regnavit a ligno, Alleluia and the collect Deus, qui pro nobis Filium tuum crucis patibulum.  The Paschal Commemoration of the Cross is sung at both Vespers and Lauds when the Office if of semi-double rite or below from the Monday after Dominica in Albis. At Compline (Pss. 4, 30 vv 1-6, 90 & 133) Te lucis was sung to the Paschal tone with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc and the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory and hymn are sung as last Sunday. Again, at the nocturns the psalms are sung under a single antiphon. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are from the Acts of the Apostles. The first lesson is the same as in modern recensions. The second lesson begins Et exinde but continues Viri fratres...a Pilato , ut interficerent eum. The third lesson begins Cumque consummasssent omnia and continues for several additional verse ending with Quem vero Deus suscitavit a mortuis, non vidit corruptionem. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are taken from the first sermon on the Ascension of the Lord by St. Leo. These are the same as in the later editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Gregory, again the text is the same as in the post-Clementine editions.

At Lauds psalms 92, 99 & 62-66 are sung under the nine-fold Alleluia. Benedicite is sung under the antiphon Surrexit Christus and psalms 148-49-150 are sung under the antiphon Alleluia. The Office hymn is Aurora lucis rutilat. The Paschal Commemoration of the Cross is sung after the collect of the Sunday. The antiphon for the Commemoration at Lauds is Crucifixus surrexit a mortuis, et redemit nos, alleluia, alleluia. The V & R and collect are the same as those that are sung at Vespers.

At the Hours the hymns have the Paschal Doxology. The psalms are sung under an antiphon consisting of a four-fold Alleluia. At Prime Pss. 53, 118(i), 118(ii) both  Quicumque and the Dominical preces are sung.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is Concede nos, the third collect is Ecclesiae etc. The Creed is sung and the preface is that of Paschaltide.

Vespers are of the Sunday, with the psalms (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) sung under a single antiphon. The Office hymn is Ad coenam Agni providi.  After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the following feast of SS Soter and Caius followed by the Paschal Commemoration of the Cross. At Compline (Pss. 4, 30 vv 1-6, 90 & 133) the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

April 14th Dominica in Albis - Low Sunday

Dominica in Albis or Low Sunday is of double rite and its liturgical colour is white. The Gospel at Mattins and Mass is the account of the LORD appearing to His disciples behind the shut doors of the room and the doubting of St. Thomas.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the psalms of Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung under the single antiphon, Alleluia. Chapters and hymns returned to the Office with this service, the Octave having ended with None. The Paschaltide hymn Ad cenam Agni providi was sung. Its Doxology is sung at all hymns of Iambic metre: Gloria tibi Domine, Qui surrexisti a mortuis, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula. After the collect of the Sunday After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of SS Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus. From this Office of Vespers, the dismissal, Benedicamus Domino, is sung without the double Alleluia that had been sung since Pascha. At Compline Te lucis is sung to the Paschal tone with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc. This Doxology is sung with all hymns of Iambic metre until the Ascension. The Dominical preces are omitted.

At Mattins the invitatory Surrexit Dominus vere Alleluia continues to be sung. The Office hymn is O Rex aeterne Domine. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung under the single antiphon Alleluia, Lapis revolutus etc. The lessons in the first nocturn are from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians; the first begins Igitur si consurrexistis otherwise it and the other two first nocturn lessons are the same as in the post-Clementine editions. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 & 17 are sung under the single antiphon Alleluia, quem quaeris mulier etc. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Augustine and are the same as in the modern editions. In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung under the single antiphon Alleluia, noli flere Maria etc. The homily is from the writings of St. Gregory on St. John's Gospel and the same same as in modern editions except they are missing the words 'Dixit eis' at the beginning of the ninth lesson. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds Pss. 92, 99, & 62-66 are sung under a nine-fold Alleluia - an ancient feature of the Roman rite that would be destroyed in the 1911-13 reform. The Benedicite has the antiphon Surrexit Christus etc and Pss 148, 149 & 150 the antiphon Alleluia. The Office hymn is Aurora lucis rutilat. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of SS Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus.

At Prime the Dominical psalms 53, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque are sung under the antiphon Alleluia. The Dominical preces are omitted. At the other Little Hours Alleluia is also sung as the antiphon, the hymns have the Paschal Doxology.

Mass is sung after Terce. Before Mass the antiphon Vidi aquam is sung during the aspersion. At Mass the Gloria is sung. The second collect is of SS SS Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus. The Creed is sung and the preface is of Paschaltide.

At Vespers the Sunday psalms are sung under the single antiphon Alleluia. The Office hymn is Ad cenam Agni providi. There is a single collect. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.
Art: Jerome Nadal

April 7th - Dominica Resurrectionis - Easter - Pascha

The Sunday of the Resurrection is the Queen of Feasts and the most important of all liturgical celebrations. The Sunday is of double rite.

At the final stages of the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday yesterday morning an antiphon consisting of a triple Alleluia was sung, doubled, with psalm 116. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Vespere autem sabbati etc. After the Vesperal Liturgy the traditional blessing of houses takes place and, in some countries, the Paschal food.  In the evening of Holy Saturday Compline was sung, at the normal time. On Holy Saturday the Office of Compline has some interesting variations. Compline begins with the usual Jube, domne, blessing, short lesson and confession. Converte nos, Deus, salutaris noster and its response are sung followed by Deus in adjutorium etc with Alleluia for the first time since Septuagesima. The psalms are sung, without an antiphon, to the usual Tone 8. The hymn, chapter and responsory are omitted and Vespere autem sabbati sung as the antiphon fragment to the Nunc dimittis. After the Canticle the antiphon is sung in full. After the usual collect, Visita quaesumus, the antiphon Regina Caeli is sung for the first time along with its versicle and collect.

The church is decorated for the greatest of feasts. Before Mattins the images that have been veiled from Passiontide (or from the beginning of Lent where Array was used) are removed. Mattins begin with the solemn tone for Deus in adjutorium etc. The invitatory is Surrexit Dominus vere Alleluia and psalm 94 is sung to a lovely tone 6 setting. Mattins consists of a single nocturn of three psalms. There is no Office Hymn throughout the Octave (c.f. Monastic praxis). The first antiphon is Ego sum qui sum etc and sung, doubled, with psalm 1. The second antiphon, Postulavi Patrem meum etc, is sung with psalm 2. The third antiphon, Ego dormivi etc, is sung with psalm 3. A versicle and its response are sung followed by the absolution Exaudi etc. The first lesson has the Gospel fragment Mark 16: 1-7 and is followed by a homily of St. Gregory the Great. The two responsories Angelus Domini descendit and Cum transisset sabbatum are famous and intimately connected with the Quem quaeritis ceremonies. The second lesson, Notandum vero nobis est is sung followed by the second responsory. The lessons are identical to those found in the later editions. During the second responsory the cantors and the celebrant don copes and the principal cantor pre-intones the Te Deum. Six pluvialistae assist the Hebdomadarius where possible. The Te Deum is then sung and, where it is the custom, the bells ring throughout.

Lauds follow immediately and have a series of beautiful antiphons: Angelus autem Domini, Et ecce terraemotus, Erat autem, Prae timore autem ejus and Respondens autem Angelus all taking up the theme of the Angels, earthquake and empty tomb. Psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150 are sung with these antiphons. The chapter, hymn, versicle and response are replaced by the Haec dies. After Haec dies the antiphon Et valde mane is sung and then the Benedictus sung to a solemn tone 8. During the Benedictus the altar, the choir and people are censed in the normal manner. The antiphon is repeated and the collect of Easter, Deus, qui hodierna die sung. Benedicamus Domino, Alleluia, Alleluia and its response are followed by the solemn Regina Caeli, its versicle and collect.

At Prime and the Hours the usual festal psalms are sung but without antiphons. Haec dies replaces the chapter, responsories etc. At Prime the Martyrology is read again, having not been read for the days of the Triduum. Before the announcement of the following day and moon "Hac die quam fecit Dominus, Solemnitas solemnitatum, et Pascha nostrum Resurrectio Salvatoris nostri Jesu Christi secundum carnem" is sung to the tone of the Passion.

Mass is sung after Terce. Vidi aquam replaces the Asperges during Paschaltide. At Mass the Gloria is sung, the Creed is sung, the preface, communicantes and Hanc igitur are proper. Ite, missa est is sung with a double Alleluia as the dismissal.

At Vespers the antiphons Angelus autem Domini etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 113. Again Haec dies replaces the chapter and hymn. The antiphon on the Magnificat is Et respicientes etc. At Compline the usual psalms are sung with a three or four-fold Alleluia after them (BR1568 editio princeps gives a triple Alleluia, BR1579 Antwerp and post-Clementine editions give four). Then the Nunc dimittis is sung followed by Haec dies and the collect Visita quaesumus.

Art: Jerome Nadal

March 31st - Dominica in Palmis - Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is a privileged semi-double Sunday and its liturgical colour is violet. It is the sixth, and final, Sunday in Lent and the beginning of Great or Holy Week.

At Vespers yesterday morning the antiphons and psalms of Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter, Hoc enim in sentite vobis, was proper to the Sunday. The Office hymn was Vexilla regis. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins, as last week and daily until the Triduum, the invitatory is Hodie, si vocem Domini audieritis, Nolite obdurare corda vestra from Ps. 94 and a special rubric indicates the omission of that verse in the psalm. The Office hymn is Pange, lingua. The antiphons given in the Psalter for Sundays are used. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung and the lessons are from the book of Jeremiah. These are the same, as are their responsories, as those found in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 and 17 are sung and the lessons are from a sermon on the Passion by St. Leo. The fifth lesson begins with the words Qui ut humanum genus and incorportates what is now the sixth lesson from Fefellit ergo illum.. until famulatae sunt Redemptori. The sixth lesson, Quod ergo...justitiae esse propositum is not found in the 'modern' Breviary. In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung and the lessons are a homily of St. Ambrose, their arrangement is slightly different to that found in the modern books. The Te Deum is omitted as on other Lenten Sundays and a ninth responsory, Circumderunt me viri mendaces..., sung in its place.

At Lauds the antiphons are proper to Palm Sunday, Dominus Deusetc, and sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The hymn is Lustra sex. The versicle after the hymn Eripe me, chapter, antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are proper to the Sunday.

At all the Hours the antiphons and chapters are proper. At Prime, Pss. 53, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque, the Dominical preces are sung.

The Asperges, the magnificent Blessing and Procession of Palms and Mass takes place after Terce. The ministers wear violet folded chasubles. After the Asperges the celebrant and ministers proceed to the Epistle corner and begin the solemn blessing of Palms whilst the choir sing the antiphon Hosanna fili David, O Rex Israel etc. The rubrics give a direction that the Palms to be blessed at the Epistle side.  The blessing begins with the celebrant reading the antiphon Hosanna Filio David followed by a collect Deus, quim diligere and then the reading of an Epistle and Gospel. The normal ceremonies of High Mass are followed. The subdeacon removes his folded chasuble to sing the Epistle taken from the Book of Exodus. Following the Epistle two texts are given, Collegerunt pontifices and In monte Oliveti (the latter will appear again as a responsory during the Triduum) to be sung as a 'gradual', both may be sung.  Following the Gospel the deacon resumes his folded chasuble and the collect Auge fidem is sung followed by a preface, Sanctus and four further collects Deus, qui dispersa, Deus, qui miro, Deus, qui per olivae and Benedic quaesumus. The presence of a preface is indicative of the solemn blessing (c.f. the great blessing of waters at Epiphany). The collect Deus, qui miro is a didactic masterpiece. Readers will note the strong correlation between the text of the collect and of the second lesson of Mattins for the Saturday before Palm Sunday from St. Augustine:

O God, who, by the wonderful order of Thy disposition, hast been pleased to manifest the dispensation of our salvation even from things insensible: grant, we beseech Thee, that the devout hearts of Thy faithful may understand to their benefit what is mystically signified by the fact that on this day the multitude, taught by a heavenly illumination, went forth to meet their Redeemer, and strewed branches of palms and olive at His feet. The branches of palms, therefore, represent His triumphs over the prince of death; and the branches of olive proclaim, in a manner, the coming of a spiritual unction. For that pious multitude understood that these things were then prefigured; that our Redeemer, compassionating human miseries, was about to fight with the prince of death for the life of the whole world, and, by dying, to triumph. For which cause they dutifully ministered such things as signified in Him the triumphs of victory and the richness of mercy. And we also, with full faith, retaining this as done and signified, humbly beseech Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, that in Him and through Him, whose members Thou hast been pleased to make us, we may become victorious over the empire of death, and may deserve to be partakers of His glorious Resurrection.

The celebrant then puts on incense and blesses it. The Palms are then aspersed with lustral water, the celebrant saying in a low voice Asperges me etc, and then censed. Another collect, Deus, qui Filium is then sung. The celebrant then receives his Palm from the senior canon present. If no other priest is present the celebrant kneels and takes the Palm from the of the altar, kisses it then passes it to the subdeacon who places it again on the mensa. The celebrant then gives Palms to the deacon and subdeacon and other ministers and then the people. The Palm is kissed first and then the celebrant's hand. During the distribution the antiphons Pueri Hebraeorum and Pueri Hebraeorum vestimenta are sung. After the distribution the celebrant and ministers go back to the altar, bow to the Cross and then go to the Epistle corner where the celebrant's hands are washed. Then, at the missal, he sings the collect Omnipotens sempiterne.

The celebrant's hands are washed after the distribution of Palms whilst the Processional Cross is decorated with the blessed Palms. A Procession is then formed, led by the thurifer, followed by the subdeacon (of the Mass, not this day an additional subdeacon) bearing the Processional Cross. The deacon sings Procedamus in pace and the following antiphons are sung during the Procession Cum appropinquaret, Cum audisset, Ante sex dies, Occurrunt turbae, Cum angelis et pueris and Turba multa.  Ideally, the Procession goes outside and around the church. Often circumstances dictate the Procession must simply go around the aisles of the church. Towards he end of the Procession cantors re-enter the church and the door is closed. The beautiful hymn of Theodolph Gloria, laus, et honor is then sung in alternation between the cantors inside the church and everyone else outside. At the end of the hymn the subdeacon strikes the church door three times with the foot of the Processional Cross and the party re-enters the church to the singing of Ingrediente Domino.

Mass then follows the usual manner. The celebrant removes his cope and dons his chasuble. The preparatory prayers are said but the psalm Judica me is omitted being Passiontide. The introit is Domine, ne longe etc. There is no Gloria. No commemoration is made of an occuring Office on Palm Sunday so there is only one collect. Psalm 21 is sung in its entirety as a Tract. The major difference from any other Sunday is singing of the Passion according to St. Matthew by three additional deacons of the Passion. The text of the Passion is Matthew 26: 1-75; 27: 1-66. After the singing of the Passion the last part, Altera autem die...lapidem cum custodibus, is sung with the ceremonies of a Gospel by the deacon of the Mass (having removed his folded chasuble etc).  The choir and people hold their Palms during the singing of the Passion. The Creed is sung, the preface is of the Cross and the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino sung by the deacon facing the celebrant and altar.

Vespers are of the Sunday. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung. The additional Offices of the Little Office of the BVM, the Office of the Dead, the Gradual Psalms and the Penitential Psalms and Litany are omitted in Great Week.

March 24th - Passion Sunday

Passion Sunday is the fifth and penultimate Sunday in Lent. It is semi-double Sunday and its liturgical colour, until Vespers this year, is violet. After Mass on Saturday morning all images and crosses are veiled in violet, according to the Roman praxis. The veils on the crosses are removed during the Adoration of the Cross on Good Friday, those on the images of the saints remain until after the Office of Holy Saturday is completed.

At Vespers, yesterday morning, the antiphons of Saturday, Benedictus etc., were sung with psalms 143, 144, 145, 146 and 147. The chapter, Fratres: Christus assistens Pontifex, was proper to the Sunday, taken from Hebrews. The Office hymn was Vexilla regis. From this Vespers until Trinity the Suffrages are omitted. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung. The Lesser Doxology was omitted in the short responsory.

At Mattins the invitatory is Hodie, si vocem Domini audieritis, Nolite obdurare corda vestra from Ps. 94 and a special rubric indicates the omission of that verse in the psalm. The Lesser Doxology is omitted from Venite for Passiontide in Offices of the Season. The Office hymn is Pange, lingua. The same invitatory and hymn are sung until Spy Wednesday inclusive. The antiphons given in the Psalter for Sundays are sung. As usual Mattins has three nocturns and nine lessons. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung. The psalms retain the Lesser Doxology (until the Triduum) but the third reponsories of each nocturn lose it for Passiontide. The lessons in the first nocturn are the the Incipit of the book of Jeremiah. These are substantially longer than in the modern editions of the Breviary. The first lesson runs from Verba Hieremiae until verse 10, ... et aedifices, et plantes. The second lesson runs from verse 11, Et factum est verbum Domini to verse 16, ...et adoraverunt opus manuum suarum. The third lesson begins with verse 17, Tu ergo accinge lumbos tuos.., and continues until verse 3 of the second chapter, ... mala venient super eos, dicit Dominus. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 and 17 are sung and the lessons are from a sermon by St. Leo. These again are longer than those found in the modern editions. In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung and the lessons are a homily of St. Gregory, again slightly longer than in the modern books. The Te Deum is omitted as on other Lenten Sundays and a ninth responsory, Quis dabit capiti meo aquam etc, sung in its place.

At Lauds the antiphons are proper to Passion Sunday, Vide Domine etc, and sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The office hymn is Lustra sex. The versicle after the hymn Eripe me, chapter, antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are proper to the Sunday.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons are proper, Ego daemonium etc. At Prime the order of psalmody is Pss. 53, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. The Dominical preces are sung. At all the Hours the chapters are proper. The Lesser Doxology is omitted from the short responsory at Prime and at those of the other Horae Minores.

Mass is sung after Terce. The ministers wear folded chasubles. In Mass there is no Gloria, the second collect is Ecclesiae etc. There is no third collect in Passiontide. A Tract replaces the Alleluia after the Gradual, the Credo is sung and the preface of the Cross is sung. Benedicamus Domino is sung as the dismissal by the deacon facing the celebrant and altar.

After None there is a colour change to white and the liturgical mood changes as first Vespers of the great feast of the Annunciation. are sung.  The antiphons, Missus est Gabriel Angelus ad Mariam etc., are proper to the feast and sung, doubled, with Pss.109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The chapter is proper to the feast and the Office hymn, isAve Maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat and collect were proper to the feast. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung.  At Compline the hymn, Te lucis, is sung with the Doxology in honour of the Incarnation, Gloria tibi Domine  etc and the Dominical preces are omitted.

Art: Jerome Nadal

March 17th - Fourth Sunday in Lent

The fourth Sunday in Lent is of semi-double rit and its liturgical colour is violet. The Gospel pericopes from St. John describe the multiplication miracle of the five barley loaves and two fishes to feed the Five Thousand.

At Vespers, yesterday morning, the antiphons and psalms (143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) of Saturday were sung, the chapter was proper to the Sunday. The Office hymn was Audi benigne conditor. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, of the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Non sit vobis and the Office hymn is Ex more. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung and the lessons are from the third chapter of the Book of Exdodus with the story of Moses and the Burning Bush. The second lesson includes part of what is now the third lesson in modern editions: Dixitque Moyses ad Deum...immolabis Deo super montem istum. The third lesson begins Ait Moyses ad Deum and continues with the addition of vv. 16 through to 19. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 & 17 are sung, the lessons are from St. Basil and are longer than in modern editions. In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung and the lessons are a homily of St. Augustine, again slightly longer than in the modern books. The Te Deum is omitted and in its place a ninth responsory, Attendite, popule meus etc, is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons, Tunc acceptabis etc., proper to the Fourth Sunday are sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Jam Christe sol justitiae. The versicle after the hymn Angelis suis, chapter, antiphon at the Benedictus and collect are all proper to the Sunday. 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 the Hours the antiphons, Acceptit ergo etc., are sung. At Prime, Pss. 53, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) & Quicumque, the Dominical preces are sung.

At Mass the ministers wear violet dalmatic and tunicle for this Sunday rather than folded chasubles. The organ may be played. The Gloria is omitted, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is Omnipotens.  A Tract is sung after the Gradual, the Creed is sung, the preface is of Lent and the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino, sung by the deacon facing the celebrant and altar.

Vespers are of the Sunday with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). The Office hymn is Ad preces nostras Deitatis aures. 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. After Vespers of the Sunday Vespers of the Dead are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

March 10th - Third Sunday in Lent

The third Sunday in Lent is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is violet. The Gospel pericopes from St. Luke recount the LORD casting out evil from a demoniac.

At Vespers, yesterday morning, the antiphons Isti sunt sancti etc were sung, not doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115). From the chapter, Fratres: Estote imitatores Dei etc, the Office was of the Sunday and the Office hymn was Audi benigne conditor. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of the preceding Office of the Holy Forty Martyrs 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 etc. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Non sit vobis and the hymn is Ex more. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung. In the first nocturn the lessons are from the Book of Genesis and the story of Joseph. The first lesson includes the first sentence of the second lesson in modern editions: Invidebant...considerabat. The second lesson is longer than in modern editions and includes the text from the modern third lesson Audiens autem...et reddere patri suo. The third lesson begins Confestim igitur and continues until the end of verse 34 rather than verse 28. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 & 17 are sung, the lessons are from St. Ambrose on Joseph. In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung and the lessons are a homily from the Venerable Bede.

At Lauds the antiphons, Fac benigne etc., are proper to the Sunday and sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The hymn is Jam Christe sol justitiae. The chapter, antiphon at the Benedictus and collect are proper to the Sunday. 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, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque are sung. The Dominical preces are sung. At all the Hours the antiphons and chapters are proper.

Mass is sung after Terce. The deacon and subdeacon wear violet folded chasubles. There is no Gloria. The second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is Omnipotens. A Tract is sung after the Gradual, the Creed is sung, the preface is of Lent and the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino, sung by the deacon facing the altar and celebrant.

At Vespers the antiphons and psalms are of Sunday (109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). The chapter is proper to the Sunday and the Office hymn is Ad preces nostras deitatis aures. 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. After Vespers of the Sunday Vespers of the Dead are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

March 3rd - Second Sunday in Lent

The second Sunday in Lent is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, until Vespers this year, is violet. No feast can take precedence in occurence over it or any such Sunday. The Gospel pericope is St. Matthew's account of the LORD's Transfiguration.

At Vespers, yesterday morning, the antiphons and psalms (143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) of Saturday were sung, the chapter was proper to the Sunday. The Office hymn was Audi benigne conditor. 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 were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Non sit vobis and the hymn is Ex more. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung. In the first nocturn the lessons are from the twenty-seventh chapter of the Book of Genesis. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 & 17 are sung, the lessons are from St. Augustine's Book against Liars. The fourth lesson is several sentences longer than the lesson found in more modern editions. In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung and the lessons are from a homily from St. Leo on the Gospel. The eighth lesson contains part of the text of the modern ninth lesson and the ninth lesson contains more material than that found in the modern editions. In place of the Te Deum a ninth responsory is sung, Cum audisset Jacob.

At Lauds the antiphons, Domine labia mea aperies etc., are proper to the Second Sunday and sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Jam Christe sol justitiae. The versicle after the hymn Angelis suis, chapter, antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are proper to the Sunday (the versicle and its response being used throughout Lent). 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 and the Hours the antipons, and chapters, are proper to the Sunday, Domine bonum est etc. At Prime the order of psalmody is Pss. 53, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. The Dominical preces are sung.

In Mass the ministers wear folded chasubles. The Gloria is omitted, the second collect is A cunctis nos and the third collect is Omnipotens. A Tract replaces the Alleluia after the Gradual, The Creed and the preface of Lent are sung. The dismissal is Benedicamus Domino sung by the deacon facing the altar and celebrant.

At Vespers the antiphons and psalms of Sunday ae sung (109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). The Office hymn is Ad preces nostras deitatis aures. 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. After Vespers of the Sunday Vespers of the Dead are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Image: Missale Romanum, Paris, 1572

February 24th - First Sunday in Lent

The first Sunday in Lent is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, until Vespers this year, is violet. No feast can take precedence over it or any such Sunday in occurence. The Gospel pericopes at Mattins and Mass are St. Matthew's account of the LORD's temptation by Satan in the desert. The feast of St. Matthias the Apostle is transferred to Monday. The Vigil of the feast was commemorated at Mass yesterday.

At Vespers, yesterday morning, the antiphons and psalms (143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) of Saturday were sung. The chapter was proper to the Sunday and the Office hymn was Audi benigne conditor. 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 were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Non sit vobis and the Office hymn is Ex more. These are both used throughout the first four weeks of Lent. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung and the lessons are from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. The second lesson is longer than that found in modern versions of the Breviary with the addition of Propter quod...Dominus omnipotens, vv. 17 & 18. The third lesson also is longer, beginning at the first verse of Ch. 7 with Has ergo habentes...pro vobis preceding the text found in modern editions which begin at the fourth verse. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 & 17 are sung, the lessons are from St. Leo and again give more of his sermon than found in modern editions. In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung and the lessons are a homily from St. Gregory on the Gospel. Yet again the text found in the Tridentine Breviary is truncated in later editions. A ninth responsory, Angelis suis Deus mandavit de te, is sung in place of the Te Deum.

At Lauds the antiphons are proper to Quadragesima Sunday, Cor mundum crea in me Deus etc., and are sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Jam Christe sol justitiae. The versicle after the hymn Angelis suis, chapter, antiphon at the Benedictus and collect are proper to the Sunday (the versicle and its response being used throughout Lent). 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 the order of psalmody is Pss. 53, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. The Dominical preces are sung. At all the Hours the antiphons and chapters are proper.

Mass is sung after Terce. Unlike in Septuagesima the deacon and subdeacon wear folded chasubles rather than dalmatic and tunicle and the organ is silent. There is no Gloria, the second collect is A cunctis nos, the third collect is Omnipotens. A Tract replaces the Alleluia after the Gradual, the Creed and the preface of Lent are sung. Benedicamus Domino is sung as the dismissal by the deacon facing the celebrant and altar.

After None there is a colour change to red and first Vespers of the feast of St. Matthias are sung. The antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. The Suffrages are omitted due to the double feast as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Jerome Nadal

February 17th - Quinquagesima Sunday

Quinquagesima Sunday is of semi-double rite and it liturgical colour is violet. The Epistle consists of perhaps one of the most famous pericopes in the NT, St. Paul's discourse to the Corinthians on faith, hope and charity. The Gospel from St. Luke has the story of the granting of sight to the man born blind. This Sunday corresponds in the Byzantine rite to the Sunday of Forgiveness, or Cheesefare Sunday, the Sunday being the last day dairy products are eaten until Pascha.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas. The chapter, antiphon on the Magnificat and collect were proper to Quinquagesima Sunday. 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 were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins, as for the previous Sundays, the invitatory is Praeoccupemus and the Office hymn is Primo dierum. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung. The lessons, from Genesis, are the beginning of the story of Abraham. These are the same as those in found in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 & 17 are sung, the lessons are from St. Ambrose on the Patriarch Abraham. The fifth lesson is, unusually, slightly shorter than in later editions: Sed ideo addidit...Sequere Deum. The sixth lesson begins at the preceding verse to modern editions, Facto praevenit... In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung and the lessons are from a homily from St. Gregory on the Gospel. These are the same as those found in the later editions. The ninth responsory, Caecus sedebat, is sung in place of the Te Deum.

At Lauds the antiphons are proper to Quinquagesima Sunday, Secundum multitudinem etc., and are sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The versicle after the hymn Aeterne, chapter, antiphon at the Benedictus and collect are proper to the Sunday. 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 the order of psalmody is Pss. 53, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. The Dominical preces are sung. At all the Hours the antiphons and chapters are proper to the Sunday

In Mass the Gloria is omitted, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector of the place. A Tract replaces the Alleluia after the Gradual, the Creed and the common preface are sung. Following the general rule as the Gloria is not sung Benedicamus Domino is sung as the dismissal. The ministers wear violet dalmatic and tunicle and the organ may be played.

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 of the following feast of St. Simeon is sung 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 etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

February 10th - Sexagesima Sunday

Sexagesima Sunday is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is violet. The Gospel pericopes are from St. Luke and the parable of the sower with his seed landing on rock, amongst weeds and the good ground. In the Kalendar of the Byzantine rite Sexagesima corresponds to the Sunday of the Last Judgement, or Meatfare Sunday, the last day on which meat is eaten until Pascha.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was proper to Sexagesima, Fratres: Libenter suffertis and the Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas. 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, as for Septuagesima Sunday, the invitatorium is Praeoccupemus and the Office hymn is Primo dierum. In the first nocturn psalms 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 are sung. The lessons continue to be taken from Genesis are read concerning the story of Noah. The lessons are longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. The first continues Videns autem Deus ...me fecisse eos, i.e with most of the text of the modern second lesson. The second lesson begins Noe vero invenit ... and continues with all of the modern third lesson and the addition of verse 16: Fenestram in arca facies ... tristega facies in ea. The third lesson, the text of which is entirely absent from the modern books, begins Ecce ego ... and continues until Fecit igitur omnia quae praeceperat illi Deus, Gen. 6:17 - 22. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 & 17 are sung, the lessons are from St. Ambrose on Noah and the Ark. These are identical to those found in the modern edtions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20 the lessons are taken from a homily of St. Gregory. The eighth and ninth lessons are slightly longer than in the modern editions. A ninth responsory, Cum turba plurima, is sung in place of the Te Deum.

At Lauds the antiphons are proper to the Sunday, Secundum magnam misericordiam etc., and are sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The versicle after the hymn Aeterne, chapter, antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are all proper to the Sunday. 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 the order of psalmody is Pss. 53, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. The Dominical preces are sung. At all the Hours the antiphons and chapters are proper.

At Mass the ministers wear violet dalmatic and tunicle. There is no Gloria, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. A Tract replaces the Alleluia after the Gradual, the Creed and the common preface are sung. Following the general rule as the Gloria is not sung Benedicamus Domino is sung as the dismissal by the deacon facing the altar.

At Vespers the antiphons and psalms (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) of Sunday are sung, the chapter is proper to Sexagesima Sunday. 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

February 3rd - Septuagesima Sunday

Septuagesima Sunday is of semi-double rank and its liturgical colour, from Mattins this year, is violet. At Mattins the book of Genesis is begun with the account of the Creation. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew at Mattins and Mass contain the parable of the labourers in the vineyard. The fourth Sunday after the Epiphany was anticipated on Thursday of last week when the third nocturn lessons of the Sunday, a homily from St. Jerome on St. Matthew' Gospel, replaced the readings from Scripture in the single ferial nocturn. In the Tridentine Rite anticipated Sundays have but a single nocturn and are far less privileged, and far simpler affairs, than following the reform of 1911-13.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the feast of the Purification of the BVM were sung. The antiphons Simeon justus etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn was Ave maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat was proper, Hodie. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of Septuagesima Sunday and of St. Blaise. At the end of Vespers a double Alleluia was added to both Benedicamus Domino and to its response. After that Alleluia will not be heard again until the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday. At Compline, and in all Offices until the end of the Vesperal liturgy on Holy Saturday, the Alleluia at the end of the Lesser Doxology at the beginning of the Hours is replaced by Laus tibi Domine Rex aeterne gloriae. The Alleluia is stripped from all other occurrences in the Liturgy until the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday. From Compline the Marian antiphon changes from Alma, Redemptoris to Ave, Regina caelorum etc.

At Mattins the invitatorium is Praeoccupemus and the Office hymn is Primo dierum. 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 Genesis. These are the same as those found in modern editions. In the second nocturn psalms 15, 16 & 17 are sung, the lessons are from the Enchiridion of St. Augustine. These are substantially longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions and the sixth lesson is not found in the later books, the fifth lesson effectively having been divided into two. In the third nocturn psalms 18, 19 & 20 are sung and the lessons are from a homily of St. Gregory on the Gospel of the labourers in the vineyard. Again, these are longer than those found in the modern editions. The Te Deum is omitted and in its place a ninth responsory, Ubi est Abel frater tuus, is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons are proper to the Sunday, Miserere mei Deus etc, and sung with Pss. 50, 117, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The versicle after the hymn Aeterne rerum conditor, chapter, antiphon on the Benedictus and collect are proper to Septuagesima Sunday. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of St. Blaise is sung followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Santa Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc.

At the Hours the antiphons and chapters are proper to the Sunday. At Prime the order of psalmody is changed from the usual order. Under the antiphon Conventione autem Pss. 53, 92, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque are sung. The Dominical preces are sung.

Mass is sung after Terce. The ministers wear violet dalmatic and tunicle. The Gloria is omitted, the second collect is of St. Blaise, the third collect is A cunctis. A Tract replaces the Alleluia after the Gradual, the Creed and the common preface are sung. The dismissal is Benedicamus Domino , sung by the Deacon facing the altar.

At Vespers the antiphons and psalms (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) of Sunday are sung, the chapter is proper to the Sunday as in the antiphon at the Magnificat. 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

January 27th - St. John Chrysostom

The feast of St. Chrysostom is of double rite and its liturgical colour is white. The third Sunday after the Epiphany is commemorated in the Office and at Mass.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Ecce sacerdos magnus etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn was Iste Confessor. After the collect of the feast a commemoration was sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Suscepit Deus. The Suffrages were omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Confessorum Dominum * Venite adoremus and the Office hymn is, again, Iste confessor. In the first nocturn the antiphons Beatus vir etc are sung with psalms 1, 2 & 3. The lessons are from occurring Scripture: the Incipit of the Epistle to the Galatians. The first and second lessons are the same as those found in the modern editions, the third lesson is longer and continues Cum autem placuit ... diebus quindecim (vv. 15 - 18). The responsories are from the Common of Confessor-Bishops. In the second nocturn the antiphons Invocantem etc are sung with Pss. 4, 5 & 8. The lessons are proper to the feast. These are the same as those found in the later editons up until the addition of a sentence to the sixth lesson. In the third nocturn the antiphons Domine etc are sung with Pss. 14, 20 & 23. The lessons are a homily of St. Chrysostom on St. Matthew's Gospel (from the Common of Doctors). These are longer than those found in the post-Clementine edtions. The eighth and ninth lessons are read as one and the ninth lesson is formed of the three lessons appointed for the homily of the third Sunday after the Epiphany from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. These lessons are the same as in the later editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Ecce sacerdos magnus etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Jesu redemptor omnium. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons from Lauds are sung in the usual order. At Prime the festal psalms are sung (53, 118i & 118ii) and the lectio brevis is Fungi sacerdotio.

Mass is sung after Terce. The second collect is of the Sunday. Today there is no third collect. The Creed and the common preface are sung and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

At Vespers all is sung as at first Vespers except the last psalm which is Ps. 131. The Office hymn is, again, Iste confessor. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of St. Agnes. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

January 20th - SS Fabian & Sebastian

The feast of SS Fabian and Sebastian is of double rite and its liturgical colour is red. St. Fabian was Bishop of Rome in the mid-part of the third century and was martyred in the year 250. St. Sebastian, a Milanese, was an officer in the Roman army under Diocletian. On the discovery that he was a Christian he was tied to a tree and shot by archers and then scourged to death in 288. The Office is largely taken from the Common of Several Martyrs save the collect and lessons. The second Sunday after the Epiphany is commemorated at Vespers, Mattins, Lauds and Mass.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Omnes sancti etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn was Sanctorum meritis inclyta gaudia. After the collect of the feast a commemoration was sung of the Sunday. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Martyrum Dominum, * Venite adoreumus and the Office hymn is Aeterna Christi munera. In the first nocturn the antiphons Secus decursus aquarum etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 1, 2 & 3. The lessons are of occurring Scripture, i.e. those appointed for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, the Incipit of the Epistle to the Galatians. The first and second lessons are the same as those in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. The third lesson is longer and continues Cum autem placuit (...) eum diebus quindecim, i.e. the addition of vv. 15 - 18. The responsories are from the Common of Martyrs. In the second nocturn the antiphons Dabo sanctis meis etc are sung with psalms 14, 15 & 23. The proper lessons appointed for the feast are identical to those found in the later editions of the Breviary. In the third nocturn the antiphons Justi autem etc are sung with psalms 32, 33 & 45. The lessons are a homily from St. Ambrose on St. Luke's Gospel, Descendens Jesus de monte. These are significantly longer than those found in the later editions and the eighth lesson incorporates the text of both the modern eighth and ninth lessons. The text of the ninth lesson is not in the later books. Today, the eighth and ninth lessons are read as one to form an extended eighth lesson and the ninth lesson is formed of the homily for the Sunday. This is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The lessons are the same as those found in later editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Omnes sancti etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150. The Office hymn is Rex gloriosae martyrumr. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime, Pss. 53, 118(i) & 118(ii), both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted and the lectio brevis is Fulgebunt justi.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass formula is Intret in conspectu tuo Domine etc. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday. Totday there is no third collect. The Creed and the common preface are sung and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

Vespers are 'from the chapter' of St. Agnes. The antiphons Isti sunt sancti etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The chapter is Confitebor tibi Domine Rex etc and the Office hymn is Jesu, corona Virginum. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the preceding Office of SS Fabian and Sebastian and of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: "Saints Fabian and Sebastian", The Hours of Catherine of Cleves (15th century)

January 13th - Octave Day of the Epiphany

The Octave Day of the Epiphany is of double rite and its liturgical colour, like that of the feast and the days within the Octave, is white. When the Epiphany and its Octave day fall on a Sunday the Sunday within the Octave is anticipated on the Saturday. Yesterday, in the Office of the anticipated Sunday the lessons in the first nocturn were from the sixteenth chapter of Romans, Commendo autem etc.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Ante luciferum genitus etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116 as were sung as first Vespers of the Epiphany. The Office hymn was Hostis Herodes impie. The collect was proper to the Octave Day. After the collect of the feast a commemoration was sung of the anticipated Sunday within the Octave.

At Mattins the invitatory is Christus apparuit nobis, Venite adoremus and the Office hymn is Hostis Herodes impie. The special arrangement being for the feast only. The antiphons Afferte Domino etc are sung, doubled, with the psalms of the feast. In the first nocturn the lessons are the Incipit of the Epistle to the Corinthians, Paulus vocatus Apostolus. These are significantly longer than those found in the later editions. The first responsory is Hodie. In the second nocturn the lessons are from a sermon of St. Gregory the Theologian. Again, these are significantly longer than those found in the post-Clementine books. In the third nocturn the homily if from St. Augustine on St. John's Gospel. Yet again, these are longer than those found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Ante luciferum genitus etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is O sola magnarum urbium. The collect is proper to the Octave Day Deus, cujus Unigenitus.

At the Hours the hymns have the Doxology and melody of the Epiphany. The antiphons and psalms are sung as on the feast but with the proper collect of the Octave Day.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass formulary is the same as on the feast except the orations and Gospel are proper. The Gloria is sung, the Creed is sung and the preface and communicantes are of the Epiphany.

At Vespers the antiphons Ante luciferum genitus etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113. The Office hymn is, again, Hostis Herodes impie. After the collect of the Octave Day commemorations are sung of the following feast of St. Hilary of Poitiers and of St. Felix.


Icon: Russian, 15th century, Wikipedia

January 6th - The Epiphany of the LORD

The feast of the Epiphany is of double rank with an Octave. The liturgical colour of the feast and its Octave is white.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Ante luciferum genitus etc were sung, doubled, with the psalms from the First Vespers of the Common of Apostles (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116). The chapter, Surge, illuminare, Jerusalem was from Isaiah, the Office hymn was Hostis Herodes impie. For the feast and its octave a Doxology in honour of the LORD's manifestation is sung at all hymns of Iambic metre: Gloria tibi Domine, Qui apparuisti hodie, Cum Patre, et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula. The rest of the Office is proper. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Doxology and tone of the feast.

Mattins begins, without the usual Domine labia me, invitatory and hymn, directly with the first antiphon of the first nocturn, Afferte Domino. In the first nocturn Psalms 28, 45 & 46 are sung and the lessons are from Isaiah. These are the same as in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn the antiphons Omnis terra adoret te etc are sung with psalms 65, 71 & 85 and the lessons are from a sermon on the Epiphany by St. Leo. The fifth and sixth lessons are longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions. In the third nocturn the antiphon Venite adoremus eum etc is sung with Ps. 94, Venite , the usual invitatory psalm, in a responsorial manner. Psalms 95 and 96 are also sung in the third nocturn. The homily on St. Matthew's Gospel if from St. Gregory. These are considerably longer than those found in the later editions. The text of the last sentence of the eighth lesson and the entire ninth lesson are absent from the post-Clementine books. The Te Deum is sung.

After the last lesson of Mattins (or after Compline) the celebrant vested in amice, alb, stole and cope and assisted by deacon and subdeacon celebrates the solemn Blessing of the Waters. The rite (which can be found in the Marquess of Bute's excellent study 'The Blessing of Waters on the Eve of the Epiphany') contains antiphons, a Litany, an OT reading, a Gospel, numerous lengthy prayers, a preface, Sanctus, Pater noster etc., and culminates in a Cross being plunged by the celebrant into the waters whilst the choir sings Baptizatur Christus, et sanctificatur omnis mundus: et tribuit nobis remissionem peccatorum: aqua et Spiritu omnes purificamur. (Christ is baptized, and all the world is hallowed, and He granteth unto us the remission of sins. We are purified by water and the Spirit). There are clearly strong parallels with other solemn blessings such as that used for the Palms and the font on Holy Saturday.

At Lauds the antiphons Ante luciferum genitusetc are sung, doubled, with the psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The chapter is Surge, illuminare from Isaiah and the Office hymn is O sola magnarum urbium.

At the Little Hours the antiphons from Lauds are sung in the usual order. At Prime, Pss. 53, 118(i) & 118(ii), in the short responsory, the versicle Qui apparuisti hodie is sung today and during the Octave, and the short lesson is Omnes de Saba. The Doxology Gloria tibi Domine, Qui apparuisti gentibus etc is sung at the hymns of the Little Hours.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass, Ecce advenit, is proper. The Gloria and Creed are sung. The preface and communicantes in the Canon are proper to the feast. After the Gospel of the Mass the Moveable Feasts for the year are traditionally announced.

At Vespers the antiphons Ante luciferum genitus etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 11, 112 & 113. The Office hymn is Hostis Herodes impie. The antiphon on the Magnificat is Tribus miraculis. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.