December 13th - the Third Sunday of Advent

The Third Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite. The feast of St. Lucy is transferred to Monday. The liturgical colour is violet. At Vespers yesterday the antiphons and psalms of Saturday were sung. The chapter, Fratres, gaudete in Domino semper was from Philippians, the Office hymn was Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday the usual Suffrages are omitted during Advent. 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 the usual 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. 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

December 6th - The Second Sunday of Advent

The Second Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite. The semi-double feast of St. Nicholas is transferred to Wednesday.

At Vespers yesterday the antiphons and psalms of Saturday were sung. The chapter, Fratres, quaecumque scripta sunt was from Romans, the Office hymn was Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday the usual 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. 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 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 was not sung, the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino.

Vespers are first Vespers of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan with a colour change to white. The antiphons Ecce sacerdos magnus etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The antiphon on the Magnificat is O Doctor optime etc. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

Art: Jerome Nadal

November 29th - The First Sunday of Advent

The season of Advent begins at the chapter of Vespers on 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. (The Vigil of St. Andrew the Apostle was anticipated on Saturday). 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 are omitted during Advent. From this Vespers the Marian Antiphon sung is Alma Redemptoris Mater. At Compline the Dominical preces are 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 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 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. Vespers are first Vespers of St. Andrew the Apostle. The antiphons Salve crux etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The Office hymn is Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted. Art: Jerome Nadal

November 22nd XXVIII and Last Sunday after Pentecost

Today is the twenty-eighth and last Sunday after Pentecost. It is also the fifth Sunday of November. The day is of semi-double rite and the liturigcal 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 tothose 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. 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 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 a commemoration is sung of the following, feast of St. Clement. Then follow 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. The feast of St. Cecilia is transferred to Tuesday. (Apologies to readers for the late posting. I was stuck in snow last week and also have suffered some health problems.) Art: Jerome Nadal

November 15th - XXVII Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-seventh 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 and the pericopes at Mass and the third nocturn lessons of Mattins come from the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. The introit, inter-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. The last Sunday after Pentecost will be celebrated next week.

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. 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. 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 (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.

November 8th - Octave Day of All Saints

Today is the Octave Day of All Saints. It is a double feast. The liturgical colour for the Octave Day is white. Today is also the twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost and the third Sunday of November. The third nocturn lessons and the pericopes at Mass come from the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.

At Vespers yesterday the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc were sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The Office hymn was Christe Redemptor omnium. After the collect of the feast commemorations of the Four Crowned Martyrs an of the Sunday were sung (with the antiphon being Muro tuo for the Saturday before the third Sunday of November). At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted due to the Octave.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper and the hymn, Christe Redemptor omnium, is again sung as on the feast. In the first nocturn the antiphons Novit Dominus etc are sung with psalms 1, 4 and 8. The lessons in the first nocturn are taken from occurring scripture i.e. from the third Sunday in November, the Incipit of the book of Daniel the Prophet. These are almost the same as in the modern editions of the Breviary but, unusually the Tridentine third lesson is slightly shorter ending ... facies cum servis tuis. In the second nocturn the antiphons Domine, qui operati etc are sung with psalms 14, 23 and 31. The lessons are from St. Cyprian's writings. These are longer than those found in the modern editions. 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. These are identical to those found in the modern editions. Instead of the ninth lesson being read of the Four Crowned Martyrs the homily for the Sunday is read as the ninth lesson. This is from St. Augustine on St. Matthew's Gospel. The lessons are the same as in the modern editions. The three lessons of the homily are read as one and followed by the Te Deum.

At Lauds the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc are sung with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 99, 92, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). Commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of the Four Crowned Martyrs.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect of the Four Crowned Martyrs. The Creed is sung, the common preface is sung and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

Vespers are first Vespers of the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. The antiphons Domum tuam Domine etc are sung with Psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 147. The Office hymn is Urbs beata Jerusalem. Commemorations are sung of the Octave Day of All Saints, the Sunday and St. Theodore.

Icon: All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church, Illinois.

November 1st - All Saints Day

Today is the great feast of All Saints. It is a double feast. 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 lessons at Mattins, described below, were different in the pre-Tridenine Breviary (wherein many feasts did not have scriptural lessons). Gregory DiPippo has written a series about these lessons on the New Liturgical Movement. The liturgical colour for the feast, and octave, is white. Today is also the twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost and the first Sunday of November. The third nocturn lessons and the pericopes at Mass come from the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.

At Vespers yesterday the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc were sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The Office hymn was Christe Redemptor omnium. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung (with the antiphon being Vidi Dominum for the Saturday before the first Sunday of November). At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted throughout the Octave.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper and the hymn, Christe Redemptor omnium, is again sung. 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 eighth and ninth lessons are read together as the eighth lesson and the ninth lesson is the homily for the Sunday. This is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The three lessons of the homily are read as one and followed by the Te Deum. The lessons are the same as in the modern editions.

At Lauds the antiphons Vidi turbam magnam etc are sung with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 99, 92, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of St. Caesarius.

The antiphons sung at Lauds are used at the Hours in the usual way. Prime has the festal psalms (53, 118i, 118ii). Quicumque is omitted. The lectio brevis is proper, Benedictio et claritas, to the feast.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday. The Creed is sung, the common preface is sung and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

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. A commemoration of the Sunday is sung.

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.

Update: Time does not permit me to write an entry for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. In the Tridentine Rite November 2nd is the second day within the Octave of All Saints. Vespers, Mattins and Lauds of the Dead are sung on the evening of All Saints' Day in addition to the Office of the day. On the 2nd 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.

The Caeremoniale Episcoporum, Lib. II, Cap. X, #2. directs that in at Pontifical Celebrations of Second Vespers of All Saints after Benedicamus Domino the bishop exchanges his festal white vestments assited by the 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.

October 25th - XXIV Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. The liturgical colour is green. This year it is also the fourth Sunday of October. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the parable of the enemy sowing cockle in a planted field. The Missal provides complete texts for twenty-four Sundays after Pentecost. Where there are more Sundays after Pentecost, depending of course on the date Holy Pascha falls, then after the twenty-third Sunday has been celebrated the Epistles and Gospels that had not be read on Sundays after the Epiphany are transferred to this time. These pericopes are combined with fixed texts for the introit, gradual etc. Today the pericopes from the third Sunday after the Epiphany are sung with the corresponding homily in the third nocturn at Mattins.

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 Exaudiat Dominus for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung 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 . 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 (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. These lessons are the same as in the modern books. The eighth and ninth lessons are read as one and the ninth lesson is comprised of the three lessons, read as one, for the feast of SS Chrysanthus and Daria. 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 SS Chrysanthus and Daria is sung 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.

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 of SS Chrysanthus and Daria, 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 St. Evaristus 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

October 18th - St. Luke the Evangelist

Today is the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. The feast is of double rite and the liturgical colour is red. It is also the twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost and the third Sunday of October. The Sunday after Pentecost is commemorated at both Vespers, Mattins, Lauds and Mass. St. Luke was probably born in Antioch and in St. Paul's writings is described as a physician. He was a companion of St. Paul and the author of a Gospel that addressed itself to the non-Jewish world.

The feast began yesterday with the celebration of first Vespers. The antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc, from the Common of Apostles, were sung with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Lugebat autem Judam. At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted because of the double feast.

At Mattins the invitatory, antiphons and pslams are taken from the Common of Apostles but the lessons in the first nocturn are what are now from the proper for Evangelists. In the 1568 Breviary the reader is directed to the Incipit liber Ezechielis Prophetae for the first Sunday of November. The lessons are considerably longer than those found in the modern editions of the Breviary. The modern three lessons are all read by the penultimate sentence of the second lesson in the 1568 edition. In the second nocturn the lessons are proper to the feast of St. Luke and from St. Jerome on Ecclesial Writers. These are the same as in the modern books. In the third nocturn the lessons are from the Common of Evangelists with a homily by St. Gregory. These are significantly longer than those found in the modern editons, with all of the modern three lessons contained within the eighth and ninth lessons of the modern books. The ninth lesson is of the Sunday. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum are again sung, this time with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150). After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime the antiphon Hoc est praeceptum meum is sung with the festal Psalms (Pss. 53, 118i & 118ii). Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday. The Credo is sung. The preface is of the Apostles and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

Vespers are of the feast. A commemoration of the Sunday is sung after the collect of the feast. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

October 11th - XXII Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. This year it is the second Sunday of October. 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 Refulsit solfor the Saturday before the second 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 are from the First Book of the Machabees. The first lesson continues with 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. Hiliary on St. Matthew's Gospel. These 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. 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 (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 are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

October 4th - St. Francis of Assisi

Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. It is of double rite and the liturgical colour is white. Today is also the twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost and the first Sunday of October.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Domine, quinque talenta etc from the Common of Confessor non-pontiffs were sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung, the antiphon on the Magnificat being Adaperiat Dominus for the Saturday before the first Sunday of October. The Suffrages were omitted as the feast is a double.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Confessorum etc and the Office hymn Iste Confessor. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3) the lessons are the Incipit of the first Book of Machabees. The first lesson is the same as in mondern 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. 4, 5 & 8) the lessons for St. Francis are the same as those found in the modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 14, 20 & 23) the seventh and eighth lesson are as on the feast of St. Matthias with the Gospel Confiteor tibi Pater... These lessons are now found (in a slightly shorter version) in the Common of Abbots. The ninth lesson is the three lessons of the homily of the XXI Sunday. These are significantly longer than those in the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Domine, quinque talenta are again sung, this time with the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150). After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime the antiphon Domine, quinque talenta is sung with the festal Psalms (Pss. 53, 118i & 118ii). Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung, and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

Vespers are of the feast. A commemoration of the Sunday is sung after the collect of the feast. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

Icon of St. Francis, shewing his life, from here.

September 27th - XX Sunday after Pentecost

The twentieth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. This year it is the fifth Sunday of September. The Gospel pericopes from St. John 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 Domine, Rex omnipotensfor the Saturday before the fifth 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 Esther. 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. 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 eighth lesson. The ninth lesson is not found at all in 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. 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 (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the feast of SS Cosmas and Damian (transferred from today). 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 are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

September 20th - XIX Sunday after Pentecost

The nineteenth 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 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. The Vigil of St. Matthew the Apostle was anticipated yesterday in the Ember Saturday 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 Adonai, Domine for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of September. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of SS Eustace and Companions 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 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. 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 a commemoration of SS Eustace and Companions is sung 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. 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 of SS Eustace and Companions, the third collect is A cunctis. The Credo is sung, the Common Preface is sung. Vespers are first Vespers of the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle with a corresponding change of liturgical colour to red. The antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc are sung with the psalms for first Vespers from the Common of Apostles (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116). At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted because of the double feast. Art: Jerome Nadal

September 13th - XVIII Sunday after Pentecost

The eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost is, this year, the third Sunday of September. It is of semi-double rite and, being in the Octave of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, the liturgical colour is white. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew relate the healing of a paralytic, both by being forgiven his sins and physically healed by the LORD.

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. Peter Chrysologus on St. Matthew's Gospel. These 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 a commemoration of the Octave is sung.

At Prime (Pss. 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.

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 first Vespers of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with a corresponding colour change to red. The antiphons O magnam pietatis opus etc are sung with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The Office hymn is the magnificent Vexilla regis. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of the Octave of the Nativity of the BVM. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

Art: Jerome Nadal

September 6th - XVII Sunday after Pentecost

Today is the seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost and the second Sunday of September. The Sunday is, as usual, of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour is green. 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 In omnibus hisfor 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 . 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 continue to be read from the Book of Job, taken from the ninth chapter. The first lesson consists of all the first and second lessons from the modern editions, Et respondens Job ait...quorum non est numerus. The second lesson begins Si venerit ad me... and includes all the text of the modern third lesson but, in addition, has Non concedit requiescere... me amaritudinibus (v. 18). The third lesson is not found at all in the modern books Si fortitudo quaeritur...non parceres delinquenti (vv. 19 - 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 in the modern books. 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. 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. 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, 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. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

August 30th - XVI Sunday after Pentecost

The sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and is, this year, the first Sunday of September. The liturgical colour is green from the Office of Mattins onwards.

Vespers yesterday afternoon were second Vespers of the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. The liturgical colour of the feast was red. The antiphons Herodes enim tenuit etc were sung with the psalms of Second Vespers from the Common of Martyrs (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115). After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung, the antiphon on the Magnificat was Cum audisset Jobfor the Saturday before the first Sunday of September. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of SS Felix and Adauctus was sung. The Suffrages were omitted because of the concurring double feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, likewise a Compline the Dominical preces were omitted.

At Mattins the liturgical colour changes to green. 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 Job. The first lesson continues until ...et biberunt cum eis in what is now the modern second lesson. The second lesson begins Cumque in orbem... and continues until Circuivi terram et perambulavi eam. The third lesson begins Dixitque Dominus ad eum... and continues until ...Satan a facie Domini(v.12) In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book of Morals of St. Gregory the Great. These are the same as those 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. There are read as one. with lessons seven and eight comprising of the text of the modern three third nocturn lessons. The ninth lesson is of SS Felix and Adauctus. 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 SS Felix and Adauctus is sung followed by the 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.

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 Felix and Adauctus, the third collect A cunctis. The Credo is sung, the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of Sunday (Ps. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). After the collect of the day a commemoration is sung of St. Giles and Twelve Holy Brothers. These commemorations are 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

August 23rd - XV Sunday after Pentecost

Today is the fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, it is also the fourth Sunday of August. The liturgical colour of the Sunday is green, although this year the Sunday Office is only from Mattins to None.

Vespers yesterday afternoon were second Vespers of the Octave Day of the Assumption of the Mother of God. The antiphons proper to the feast Assumpta est Maria in caelum etc were sung with the psalms from the Common of the BVM. A commemoration of the Sunday was sung, the antiphon on the Magnificat being Sapientia of the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of August. At Compline the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc was sung for the final time with the Octave then ending. The Dominical preces were omitted at Compline.


At Mattins the liturgical colour is green. 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 Ecclesiasticus. The first lesson is longer than the form given in the modern editions. It continues Radix sapientiae ... illius quis intellexit?, what is now the first sentence of the second lesson. The second lesson begins Unus est altissimus.. and continues until defunctionis suae benedicitiur - what is now the middle of the third lesson. The text of the third lesson begins Dilectio Dei... and continues until ...et receptacula a thesauris illius (v.21). In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book of Morals of St. Gregory the Great. 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. 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 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. 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 chosen by the Dean or Superior. The Creed is sung and the Common preface is sung.

Vespers are first Vespers of the feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle with a corresponding colour change to red vestments. The antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc from the Common are sung with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Sunday is not commemorated. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted because of the double feast.

Art: Jerome Nadal

August 16th - Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption - XIV Sunday after Pentecost

Today is Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption and the fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. It is also the third Sunday of August. As it is within the Octave of a feast the Sunday is celebrated in white vestments.

Vespers yesterday afternoon were second Vespers of the great feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God. The antiphons proper to the feast Assumpta est Maria in caelum etc were sung with the psalms from the Common of the BVM. A commemoration of the Sunday was sung, the antiphon on the Magnificat being Omnis sapientia etc. At Compline the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc was sung as it is at all hymns of Iambic metre for 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 Wisdom. The first lesson is longer than the form given in the modern editions. It continues Spiritus enim ... superveniente iniquitate. The second lesson begins Benignus est enim and continues until quod mentitur occidit animam - what is now the end of third lesson. The text of the third lesson is not found in the modern editions Nolite zelare ...qui sunt ex parte illius, vv. 12-16. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from St. Ambrose. Lessons IV and V are substantially longer than those in the modern books with additional text not appearing in the modern editions, lesson VI is longer by a sentence. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Matthew's Gospel. Again, these are longer than those found in 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 a commemoration of the Octave of the Assumption is sung followed by a commemoration of the Octave of St. Lawrence. The suffrages are omitted due to the occurring Octaves.

At Prime (Pss. 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung but the Dominical preces are omitted. In the short responsory Qui natus es in sung (and throughout the Octave).

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Octave, the third collect is of the Octave of St. Lawrence. The Creed is sung and the preface is of the BVM with Et te in Assumptione.

Vespers are of the following Octave Day of St. Lawrence, with the corresponding colour change to red vestments. The antiphons Laurentius ingressus est martyr etc are sung with Pss. 109, 110, 11, 112 & 115. The antiphon on the Magnificat is Beatus Laurentius etc, the collect is proper to the Octave Day, Excita Domine. After the collect of the Octave Day commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of the Octave of the Assumption. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted because of the double feast.

Art: Jerome Nadal

August 9th - XIII Sunday after Pentecost

The thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, this year the second Sunday of August, is of semi-double rite.

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 a commemoration of St. Romanus was 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 . At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

Yesterday was also the anticipated Vigil for the feast of St. Lawrence, as Vigils which fall on a Sunday are anticipated on the Saturday.

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 Ecclesiastes. The second lesson continues Ego Ecclesisastes...ut occuparentur in ea, what is the beginning of the third lesson in the modern editions. The third lesson begins Vidi cuncta... and continues until ...et qui addit scientiam, addit dolorem, i.e. until v.18. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from a sermon of St. Chrysostom. These are longer than those in the modern books with lessons IV and V consisting of the entire text of the modern lessons IV, V & VI. The sixth lesson is not found in the modern editions (Igitur quo pacto... immanissima tyrannide commutare.) In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Luke's Gospel. These are longer than those found in modern editions with lessons seven and eight comprising of the text of the modern three third nocturn lessons. The ninth lesson is not found in 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 a commemoration of St. Romanus is sung followed by the 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.

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 of St. Romanus, the third collect A cunctis. The Credo is sung, the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are first Vespers of the feast of St. Lawrence with a corresponding change of liturgical colour to red. The antiphons Laurentius ingressus etc are sung with the psalms for first Vespers from the Common of Apostles (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116). At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted because of the double feast.

Art: Jerome Nadal

August 6th - The Transfiguration of the LORD

The feast of the Transfiguration of the LORD is a feast of double rank.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the proper antiphons Assumpsit Jesus Petrum et Jacobum etc were sung with the Psalms for first Vesper from the Commmon of Apostles (109, 110, 111, 112 & 116). The Office hymn was Quicumque Christum quaeritis. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Christus Jesus, splendor Patris etc. The collect was proper. A commemoration was sung of the precdding Office of the Dedication of Sancta Maria ad Nives, followed by a commemoration of SS Xystus, Felicissimus and Agapitus. Because of the double feast the Suffrages were omitted at Vespers and, at Compline, the Dominical preces were omitted for the same reason. At Compline, and at all the Hours the hymns have the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine, Qui apparusti hodie, Cum Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula.

At Mattins the invitatory is Summum Regem gloriae, Venite adoremus. The Office hymn is as at Vespers. In the first nocturn the antiphons are proper, Paulo minus etc, are sung with psalms 8, 28 & 44. The lessons in the first nocturn are from the Second Epistle of St. Peter. These are identical to those found in modern editions. In the second nocturn the antiphons Illuminans etc are sung with psalms 75, 83, and 86. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Leo. Again, these are identical to those found in modern edtions of the Breviary. In the third nocturn the antiphons Thabor et Hermon etc are sung with psalms 88, 96 and 103. The homily in the third nocturn is taken from St. Chrysostom's 57th homily on St. Matthew's Gospel. The eighth lesson is shorter in the Tridentine Breviary ending with ... a melioribus confirmari. The ninth lesson is for SS Xystus etc. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Assumpsit Jesus Petrum et Jacobem etc are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Jesu Amor Jesu dulcissime. The antiphon on the Benedictus is Et ecce vox de nube dicens etc. A commemoration is sung SS Xystus etc after the collect of the day.

At Prime and the Hours the hymns have the proper Doxology and the antiphons of Lauds are sung. At Prime the festal psalms are sung (53, 118i & 118ii). The lectio brevis is Sustulit me.

Mass is sung after Terce. The introit is Illuxerant. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of SS Xystus etc. The Credo is sung, the Preface of the Nativity is sung.

At Vespers all is sung as was sung at first Vespers except the antiphon on the Magnificat, Et audientes, which is proper to second Vespers. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the following Office of St. Donatus. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

August 2nd - XII Sunday after Pentecost

Today is the twelfth Sunday after Pentecost and the first Sunday of August. The rite of the day is semi-double and the liturgical colour is green.

Vespers yesterday were second Vespers of the feast of St. Peter in Chains. The antiphons Herodes rex etc were sung with the psalms for second Vespers from the Common of Apostles. Commemorations were then sung of St. Paul, the Sunday (the antiphon being Sapientia for the Saturday before the first Sunday in August) and St. Stephen I. At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted due to the double feast.

At Mattins the colour changes to green and 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 Parable of Solomon. Their arrangement is different from that found in the modern editions. The first lesson continues as far as ut addatur gratia capiti tuo et torques collo tuo (i.e. vv 7 & 8 now forming the opening of the second lesson. The second lesson begins Fili mi, si te lactaverint... and continues, through what is now the third lesson and concludes, animas possidentium rapiunt. The third lesson is not found in the modern books and consists of vv 20 - 27: Sapientia foris praedicat...vos tribulatio et angustia. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writings of St. Ambrse on Psalm 118. These are the same as those found in modern recensions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Bede on St. Luke's Gospel. These are longer than those found in modern editions with lessons seven and eight comprising of the text of the modern third nocturn lessons. The seventh responsory is Domine, pater et Deus vitae meae etc, as from the first Sunday of August. 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 St. Stephen is sung followed by the 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.

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 St. Stephen, the third collect A cunctis. 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 Invention of the Body of St. Stephen the Protomartyr issung. 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 etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

July 26th - XI Sunday after Pentecost

The eleventh Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. The Gospel pericopes from St. Mark contain the account of the LORD healing a deaf and dumb man with His spittle.

Vespers yesterday were second Vespers of St. James the Apostle (celebrated, of course, in red vestments). A commemoration of the eleventh Sunday was sung, the antiphon on the Magnificat being Obsecro Domine etc. At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted.

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 and the lessons continue to be read from the fourth book of Kings. These are the same as those given in modern editions of the Breviary for the eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from St. Jerome's Exposition on the Prophet Isias. These are the same as those found in modern recensions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Gregory on St. MArk's Gospel. These are the same as those found in modern editions. The seventh responsory is Peccavi super numerum etc. 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. 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 St. Pantaleon is sung. 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 etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

July 19th - X Sunday after Pentecost

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. 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 and the lessons continue to be read from the fourth book of Kings. These are the same as those given in modern editions of the Breviary for the tenth Sunday after Pentecost. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the twenty-fifth homily of St. Chrysostom on the Epistle to the Romans. These are the same as those found in modern recensions except that the fourth lesson includes the sentence Itaque, si quando... perditionis poenas demus that now opens the fifth lesson in modern editions. 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. The seventh responsory is Peccavi super numerum etc. 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. 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 St. Margaret is sung. 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 etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

July 12th - IX Sunday after Pentecost

Today is the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost. The Sunday is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is green.

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. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of SS Nabor and Felix. This was 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 and the lessons are the Incipit of the fourth book of Kings. The first lesson includes what is now the text of the second lesson in modern editions and ends Idcirco de lectulo ... sed morte morieris. The second lesson begins Qui dixit eis (the modern third lesson) but continues until the end of verse 12 of the first chapter. The third lesson, not present in modern editions begins Iterum misit principes and continues until verse 17. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writings of St. Augustine. These are substantially longer than than those found in modern recensions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Gregory on St. Luke's Gospel. Again the version in the Tridentine Breviary is considerably longer than that 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 a commemoration is sung of SS Nabor and Felix. This is 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 Nabor and Felix, the third collect is A cunctis. 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 St. Anacletus is sung. 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 etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

July 5th - VIII Sunday after Pentecost - Sunday within the Octave of SS Peter and Paul

Today is the Sunday within the Octave of SS Peter and Paul and the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost. The Sunday is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour of the day is red. At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of the feast of SS Peter & Paul were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the Octave of SS Peter and Paul was sung. The Suffrages were omitted due to the Octave. At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted due to 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 and the lessons are a continuation from the third book of Kings for the Eighth Sunday. These are the same as those found in modern editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writings of St. Augustine on the City of God. These are substantially longer than than those found in modern recensions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Luke's Gospel. Again the version in the Tridentine Breviary is longer than that 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 a commemoration of the Octave of SS Peter and Paul is sung. The Suffrages are omitted because of the Octave. At Prime (Pss. 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque is sung but the Dominical preces are omitted because of the Octave. 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, the Preface is of the Apostles. Vespers are of the following Octave Day of SS Peter and Paul with a commemoration of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted at Vespers as are the Dominical preces at Compline. Art: Jerome Nadal

June 28th - VII Sunday after Pentecost

The seventh Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. The liturgical colour is white due to being within the Octave of St. John the Baptist. The Vigil of the feast of SS Peter and Paul was liturgically observed yesterday as Vigils are not celebrated when they fall on a Sunday but anticipated on the Saturday.

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. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the Octave of St. John the Baptist was sung. The Suffrages were omitted due to the Octave. At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted due to 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 and the lessons are the Incipit of the Third Book of the Kings. The lessons are the same as in modern editions of the Breviary. The first lesson includes what is now most of the second lesson in modern recensions ending ...qui adjuvabant partes Adoniae. The second lesson begins Sadoc vero sacerdotes and continues (including verses 9 & 10 omitted in the modern editions) until ...et complebo sermones tuos, the penultimate sentence in modern third lesson. The third lesson begins Ingressa est itaque and continues until ...Nathan propheta venit. (v.22) In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from St. Jeromes Letter to Nepotianus. These are substantially different from those found in modern recensions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Hiliary on St. Matthew's Gospel. These are the same as 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 a commemoration of the Octave of St. John the Bapist is sung. The Suffrages are omitted because of the Octave.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Octave. Ther is no third collect. The Credo is sung, the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of the following feast of SS Peter and Paul with a corresponding liturgical colour change to red. The antiphons Petrus et Joannes etc are sung with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Aurea luce. There are no commemorations or Suffrages. The Dominical preces are omitted at Compline.