February 15th - Septuagesima Sunday

Septuagesima Sunday is of semi-double rank and its liturgical colour 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.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms (143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) of Saturday were sung. The Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas and the antiphon on the Magnificat was proper to the Sunday, Dixit Dominus etc. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of SS Faustinus and Jovita 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 the conclusion of Vespers to Benedicamus Domino and its response a double Alleluia is added and after that Alleluia is not heard again until Holy Saturday. At Compline and at the beginning of all the Hours until the Triduum Laus tibi Domine Rex aeterne gloriae is sung in place of Alleluia. The Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatorium is Praeoccupemus as on preceding Sundays and the hymn 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. Today the text given for the eighth and ninth lessons are joined and an extended eighth lesson is read. The ninth lesson is that given for SS Faustinus and Jovita. 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 SS Faustinus and Jovita 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, 118i, 118ii and Quicumque are sung. The Dominical preces are also sung.

Mass is sung after Terce. The ministers wear violet dalmatic and tunicle. The Gloria is omitted, the second collect is of SS Faustinus and Jovita, the third collect is A cunctis. A Tract replaces the Alleluia after the Gradual, the Credo is sung and the Common Preface is 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 Septuagesima Sunday as in the antiphon at the Magnificat, Simile est etc. 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 8th - Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. The Gospel pericope at Mattins and Mass is from St. Matthew and contains the parable of the cockle sown amongst the wheat.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms (143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) of Saturday were sung. The Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas and the antiphon on the Magnificat is again Suscepit Deus. 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 hymn is 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 Epistle to Timothy. These are the same as those found in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary except for the addition of ..illi, in vitam aeternam in the later editions. In the second nocturn, Pss. 15, 16 & 17, the lessons are taken from and exposition on the Apostle and are ascribed to St. Ambrose (wrongly?). These are substantially longer, and different, apart from the opening words of the fourth lesson to the sermon of St. Augustine found in modern editions. In the third nocturn, Pss. 18, 19 & 20, the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Matthew's Gospel. These lessons are the same as in the post-Clementine 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 is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

At Vespers the antiphons and psalms of Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) are sung. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the following Office of St. Apollonia 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 . At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

February 2nd - Purification of the BVM

The Feast of the Purification of the BVM is a double rank feast. The liturgical colour of the day is white but violet is used for the blessing of candles and procession.

At Vespers yesterday the antiphons used on the feast of the Circumcision, O admirabile commercium etc., were sung with the psalms of feasts for the Blessed Virgin (Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147). The chapter was proper to the feast and the Office hymn Ave, maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat was proper to the feast Senex Puerum portabat etc. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany was sung. At Compline the tone of Te lucis was that for feast of the Virgin with the Doxology in honour of the Incarnation Gloria tibi Domineetc. The Dominical preces were omitted.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper, Ecce venit as templum sanctum suum Dominator Dominus: Gaude et laetare, Sion occurrens Deo tuo and the Office hymn is Quem terra. In the first nocturn the antiphons Benedicta tu etc are sung with psalms 8, 18 & 23, from the Common of the BVM. The first lesson is from the book of Exodus, the second and third lessons lessons are from Leviticus. These are the same as in the post-Clement editions of the Breviary. The responsories are proper to feast and particularly beautiful. In the second nocturn the antiphons Specie tua etc are sung with psalms 44, 45 & 86. The lessons come from a sermon of St. Augustine. These are longer than those found in the later books. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gaude Maria Virgo etc are sung with psalms 95, 96 & 97. The Gospel fragment is from St. Luke's Gospel and the homily is from St. Ambrose of Milan. These are the same as in later editions of the Breviary. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons are proper to the feast, Simeon justus etc. These are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is O gloriosa Domina. The antiphon on the Benedictus is again proper to the feast, Cum inducerent etc.

At the Hours the hymns have the melody of the BVM and the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc. The antiphons from Lauds, Simeon justus etc., are sung with the festal psalms. At Prime the psalms are Pss. 53, 118i & 118ii and in the short responsory the versicle Qui natus es de Virgine is sung and the lectio brevis is proper to the feast, Et placebit.

After Terce the blessing of candles takes place. The celebrant vests in a violet cope and the ministers in violet folded chasubles. The altar is vested in white but a violet antependium placed over the festal one etc. The organ is silent (as is always the case when folded chasubles are used).

At the Epistle corner the celebrant sings five prayers of blessing in the ferial tone. Incense is then blessed, lustral water sprinkled over the candles whilst the celebrant says Asperges me and then the candles are incensed. At the centre of the altar the celebrant receives a candle from the senior canon present, kissing the candle before taking it. In no canon or senior cleric is present the celebrant kneels before the altar and takes his own candle. Candles are then distributed while the antiphon Lumen ad revelationem is sung interpolated into the canticle Nunc dimittis. Those receiving the candles kiss them, first, then the celebrant's hand. At the conclusion of the distribution the antiphon Exsurge, Domine is sung with a Doxology and the candles lighted. After the distribution the celebrant returns with the ministers to the Epistle corner and chants Oremus. As the feast falls before Septuagesima the deacon does not sing Flectamus genua. The celebrant sings the collect Exaudi. The procession then takes place. The subdeacon of the Mass takes the processional cross. The procession goes around the church with lighted candles during the singing of three antiphons Adorna thalamum, Responsum accepit Simeon and Obtulerunt. These text are clearly ancient and found, almost verbatim, in the Menaion of the Byzantine rite.

After the Procession the ministers change from violet vestments to white and Mass is celebrated. The Gloria is sung. The Creed is sung and the preface is that of the Nativity, the feast being a 'satellite' of Christmas. Lighted candles are held by all during the chanting of the Gospel, including the celebrant, and from the beginning of the Canon until after the distribution of Communion.

Caeremoniale Episcoporum, 1651, Google Books - note the assistant-deacons in planetis plicatis

At second Vespers the antiphons Simeon justus etc are sung with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn is Ave maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat is proper, Hodie. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of following, transferred, feast of St. Ignatius and of St. Blaise. From Compline the Marian antiphon changes from Alma, Redemptoris to Ave, Regina caelorum etc.

Icon of the Hypapante from St. John's Parish of the Melkite Eparchy in Australia.

February 1st - Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. The Gospel at Mattins and Mass is from St. Matthew and is the account of the LORD stilling the storm at sea. The semi-double feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch is transferred to Tuesday.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms (143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) of Saturday were sung. The Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas and the antiphon on the Magnificat is again Suscepit Deus. 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 hymn is 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 Epistle to the Philippians. The first lesson is the same as in modern editions of the Breviary. The second lesson continues with what is now text of the third lesson: Quidam quidem et propter ... suscitare vinculis meis. The third lesson begins Quid enim? Dum omni modo... and continues with the addition of vv. 19 - 24, Scio enim, quia hoc mihi ... autem in carne necessarium propter vos. In the second nocturn, Pss. 15, 16 & 17, the lessons are taken from the Book of Morals of St. Gregory. These are virtually the same as in modern editions except that the sixth lesson is shorter by the omission of the final sentence found in modern editions Dissolvi enim ... vinctum videret. 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 post-Clementine 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 Deus, qui salutis, the third collect Ecclesiae etc. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

At Vespers there is a colour change to white and first Vespers of the feast of the Purification are sung. The antiphons used on the feast of the Circumcision, O admirabile commercium etc., are sung, doubled, with the psalms of feasts for the Blessed Virgin (Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147). The chapter is proper to the feast and the Office hymn is Ave, maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat is proper to the feast Senex Puerum portabat etc. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline. At Compline the melody of Te lucis is that of the Incarnation with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domineetc.

Art: Jerome Nadal

January 25th - Conversion of St. Paul

The feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle 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 proper antiphons, Ego plantavi etc., were sung, doubled, with the psalms from first Vespers of the Common of Apostles (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116). The chapter, Office hymn (Doctor egregie, Paule), versicle & response, antiphon on the Magnificat and collect were all proper to the feast. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of St. Peter the Apostle and then of the third Sunday after the Epiphany. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is proper, Laudemus Deum nostrum, In conversione Doctoris Gentium. The Office hymn is proper, Doctor egregie, Paule, as sung at Vespers. In the first nocturn the antiphons Qui operatus est etc are sung with psalms 18, 33 & 44. The first nocturn lessons are from the Acts of the Apostles detailing the account of Paul falling from his horse and the LORD asking Saul why he persecutes the brethren. These are longer than those found in the later books: the text of the entire second lesson in the later books is contained within the first lesson in the Tridentine book. The second lesson consists of the text of the modern third lesson and, in addition, continues with Et abiit Ananias... to ...et cum accepisset cibum, confortatus es i.e. vv 17 & 18. The third lesson begins Fuit autem... and continues to ...agens in nomine Domine, i.e. vv 19 - 28, These verses are entirely absent from the later books. In the second nocturn the antiphons Tu es vas electionis etc are sung with psalms 46. 60 & 63 The lessons are from St. Augustine's fourteenth sermon on the Saints. These are longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Saulus, qui et Paulus etc are sung with psalms 74, 96 & 98. The homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The later books substitute a homily of St. Bede. The eighth and ninth lessons are read together and the ninth lesson of the day is formed from the three lessons given for the homily of the Sunday. These are again taken from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel and are the same as in the post-Clementine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Ego plantavi etc are sung with Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-14--150. The Office hymn is from the Common, Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of St. Peter the Apostle and of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted.

At the Hours the antiphons, Ego plantavi etc., are sung with festal psalmody in the usual order. At Prime the lectio brevis is proper to the feast, Saulus, adhuc spirans. Quicumque is not sung nor are the Dominical preces.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass is proper with the introit Scio cui credidi. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of St. Peter the Apostle, the third collect is of the Sunday. The Creed is sung, the preface is of the Apostles and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

At second Vespers the antiphons Ego plantavi etc are sung again with the psalms from Second Vespers of Apostles (Pss. 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138). The Office hymn is, again, Doctor egregie, Paule. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of St. Peter, the Sunday and then of the following Office of St. Polycarp. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Icon: From an Orthodox Church in Pennsylvania featured here.