December 14th - Third Sunday of Advent

The Third Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite. The liturgical colour, from Mattins this year, is violet but today at Mass the ministers wear dalmatic and tunicle rather than planetis plicatis and the organ may be played.

Vespers yesterday afternoon were second Vespers of the feast of St. Lucy of Syracuse - a poignant reminder that at the darkest time of the year (in the northern hemisphere) a Light to lighten the Gentiles is coming soon. The, proper, antiphons Orante sancta Lucia etc were sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn was Jesu corona Virginum. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted.

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. The Suffrages are omitted being Advent.

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

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

Vespers are of the Sunday. The antiphons Ecce veniet etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113. The Office hymn is Conditor alme siderum. The Suffrages are omitted. After Benedicamus Domino and its response, Vespers of the Dead are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

December 7th - Second Sunday of Advent

The Second Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, until Vespers, is violet.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Ecce sacerdos magnus etc were sung, not doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 131. The chapter was Fratres: Quaecumque scripta sunt and the Office hymn was Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the preceding Office of St. Nicholas of Myra was sung. The Suffrages were omitted being Advent but the Dominical preces were sung at Compline.

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 the post-Clementine 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 Office hymn is Vox clara ecce intonat.The Suffrages are omitted in Advent.

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

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

At Vespers there is a colour change to white and first Vespers of the feast of the Conceptioin of the Blessed Virgin are sung. The antiphons Conceptio gloriosae Virginis Mariae are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn is Ave maris stella. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted. At Compline Te lucis is sung with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc. The Dominical preces are omitted.

Art: Jerome Nadal

November 30th - First Sunday of Advent

The first Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, until after None this year, is violet. During Advent bishops exchange their violet choir cassocks for those of black with a 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 dress. The Office of St. Andrew the Apostle is transferred to Monday.

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

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

At Lauds the antiphons In illa die etc, proper to Advent Sunday, are sung with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Vox clara ecce intonat. There are no commemorations and 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 occurring 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-deacon do not wear 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 is Ecclesiae. The Creed is sung, the preface is the Common Preface. As the Gloria was not sung, the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino sung by the deacon facing the altar.

At Vespers there is a colour change to red and first Vespers of St. Andrew the Apostle are sung. The antiphons Salve crux etc are sung, doubled, 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 23rd - XXVI and last Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-sixth and last Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. It is also the fifth Sunday of November. The texts for the Sunday in the Missal are those for the twenty-fourth and last Sunday after Pentecost. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the prophetic words of the LORD concerning the last days and the coming of the Antichrist. The semi-double feast of St. Clement is transferred to Monday.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Cantantibus organis etc were sung with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126, & 147. From the chapter the Office was of the Sunday with the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the on the Magnificat was Super muros tuosfor the Saturday before the fifth Sunday of November. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations were sung of the preceding Office of St. Cecilia 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 Micheas the Prophet. The first lesson is longer than that found in the modern editions of the Breviary. After ... et super excelsa terra the lesson continues Et consumenter montes, from the second lesson in the modern Breviary, until ... in peccatis domus Israel. The second lesson begins Quod scelus Jacob?... and continues until usque ad Hierusalem, i.e the end of the modern third lesson. The third lesson begins In Geth nolite annciare and continues until ...in deceptionem regibus Israel (vv. 10 - 14). These verses are absent from the modern editions. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writings of St. Basil on the thirty-third psalm. These are identical to those found in the modern Breviaries. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh lesson continues with the first sentence of the modern eighth lesson Potest autem... in praesentem diem stetit. The eighth lesson begins Abominatio quoque secundum... and continues until Apostoli habere prohibentur, the end of the modern ninth lesson. The text of the ninth lesson, absent from the modern books, begins Vae autem praegnantibus... and continues until ne temporum mora fides concutiatur credentium. Today the eighth and ninth lessons of the Sunday are joined together to form an extended eighth lesson and the ninth lesson is of St. Peter of Alexandria. 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 texts of the XXIV Sunday are used. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Credo and the Common Preface are sung.

At Vespers the antiphons and psalms of Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) are sung. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the transferred feast of St. Clement and of St. Chrysogonus 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

November 16th - XXV Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. This year it is the fourth Sunday of November and some texts are taken from the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Saturday (143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Qui caelorum for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of November. After the collect of the Sunday (that of the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany) 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 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 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 eighth and ninth lessons are read together as the eighth lesson of the day and the ninth lesson is formed of the two lessons given for St. Gregory Thaumaturgus. The Te Deum is sung.

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

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The introit, gradual, offertory and communion are as on the twenty-third Sunday, the orations and pericopes are from the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector of the place. The Credo and the common preface are sung.

At Vespers (Pss 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) the Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus 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

November 9th - Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

[Apologies to readers for the lack of a post on Sunday. Unfortunately I have had to care for an elderly relative who was discharged from hospital and needed more care, and time, than I anticipated.] 

The feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is of double rite and its liturgical colour is white. Today is also the twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost and the third Sunday of November. The Sunday is commemorated in both the Office and at Mass. The second Sunday of November and its week are omitted this year.

On November 9th, 324, St. Sylvester of Rome consecrated the basilica under the title of St. Saviour. This is believed to be the first public consecration of a church. The feast's title in the Breviary and Missal retains this ancient dedication: In Dedicatione Archbasilicae Ssmi Salvatoris. The texts for the Office come from the Common of the Dedication of a Church except for the lessons of the first and second nocturns.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons for the Octave Day of All Saints Vidi turbam magnam etc were sung, doubled, with Pss.109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. From the chapter, Vidi civitatem, the Office was of the feast. The Office was Urbs beata Jerusalem. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of the Octave Day of All Saints, of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Muro tuo for the Saturday before the third Sunday of November (with the collect from the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany) and of St. Theodore. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Domum Dei decet sanctitudo, Sponsum ejus Christum adoremus in ea and the Office hymn Urbs beata Jerusalem. In the first nocturn the antiphons Tollite portas etc are sung with psalms 23, 45 & 47. The lessons are proper to the feast and are taken from the book of the Apocalypse of St. John with the responsories from the Common. These are the same as those found in the post-Clementine editions. In the second nocturn the antiphons Non est hic aliud etc are sung with psalms 83, 86 & 87, the lessons are again proper to the feast. These are almost the same as those found in later editions but lack the texts referring to Benedict XIII onwards. In the third nocturn the antiphons Qui habitat etc are sung with psalms 90, 95 & 98. The homily is from St. Ambrose on St. Luke's Gospel. The lessons are the same as those found in the later books. Today ninth lesson is of the Sunday and is a homily from St. Hiliary on St. Matthew's Gospel. These lessons are the same as in the post-Clementine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Domum tuam, Domine etc are sung, doubled, with the Sunday psalms (92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). The chapter is Vidi civitatem sanctam etc and the Office hymn is Angularis fundamentum (a wonderful hymn that would later be re-written as an appalling piece of pagan nonsense Alto ex Olympi vertice). After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of St. Theodore. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime the antiphon Domum tuam Domine is sung with the festal psalms (53, 118i, 118ii), the Dominical preces are omitted and the lectio brevis is Et absterget Deus. Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted. The antiphons from Lauds are sung at the other Hours with the Dominical psalms in the usual manner.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Mass formulary from the Common Terribilis est locus iste. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect is of St. Theodore. The Creed is sung, the common preface is sung and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

At Vespers the antiphons Domum tuam, Domine etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 147. The Office hymn is Urbs beata Jerusalem. The versicle and response, and the antiphon on the Magnificat are proper to second Vespers. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and then of SS Tryphon and Companions. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Image: Photograph by Wiki ktulu of the fourteenth century baldichino over the High Altar of the Lateran, Wikipedia.

November 2nd - XXIII Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and, this year, it is the first Sunday of November and the Sunday within the Octave of All Saints. The liturgical colour is white, for the Octave. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the passages where the LORD heals a woman with an issue of blood and raises Jairus' daughter from the dead.
The Office and Mass for All the Faithful Departed is transferred to tomorrow.
Vespers yesterday were second Vespers of the feast of All Saints. The antiphons Vidi turba magnum etc, were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The Office hymn was Christe Redemptor omnium. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung, the antiphon on the Magnificat was Vidi, Dominum for the Saturday before the first Sunday of November. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline due to the Octave.

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 Book of Ezechiel. These are longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions. The first lesson continues with half of the text of the modern second lesson Et in medio ejus... until ..quasi aspectus aeris candentis. The second lesson begins Et manus hominis.. and continues until ..nec revertebantur cum ambularent - the end of the modern third lesson. The third lesson begins Et similitudo animalium... until ..spiritus enim vitae erat in rotis, vv. 13-19. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Exposition of St. Gregory on Ezechiel the Prophet. These are the same as those found in the modern editions except that the sixth lesson is a sentence longer. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. The seventh lesson contains the text of both the modern seventh and eighth lessons. The eighth lesson consists of all of the text found in the modern ninth lesson and additional text absent from the modern books. The text of the ninth lesson is entirely absent from the later editions of the Breviary. The Te Deum is sung.


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

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect of the Octave. There is no third collect being a Sunday within an Octave. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday (psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) and the Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the Octave of All Saints is sung. The Suffrages are omitted. 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.
Art: Jerome Nadal

October 26th - XXII Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. This year it is the fifth 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 Saturday were sung. The Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Tua est potentia for the Saturday before the fifth Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of St. Evaristus 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.

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 continue to be read from the Second Book of the Machabees. These are the same as those found in the post-Clementine editions. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writings of S. Gregory Nazianzeni. These are the same as those found in the modern editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Hiliary on St. Matthew's Gospel. These lessons are the same as in the modern editions of the Breviary. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung. The Office hymn is Aeterne. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Evaristus 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. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are sung.

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

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

October 19th - XXI Sunday after Pentecost

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

Vespers yesterday afternoon were second Vespers of the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. The antiphons Juravit Dominus etc were sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The Office hymn was Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung with the antiphon on the Magnificat being Exaudiat Dominus for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of October. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Domincial preces at Compline.

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

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

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

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

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

Art: Jerome Nadal

October 12th - XX Sunday after Pentecost

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

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers for Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter was O Altitudo and the Office hymn O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Lugebat autem Judam for the Saturday before the third Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are 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 continue to be read from the First Book of the Machabees and are taken from its ninth chapter. These are identical to those found in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book of Offices of St. Ambrose. These are, again, the same as those found in the later editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Gregory on St. John's Gospel. These lessons are significantly longer than in the modern editions. By the eighth lesson all three modern lessons have been read and there is additional material from the homily to complete the Tridentine eighth lesson. The ninth lesson is entirely absent from the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

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

At Prime (Pss. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) 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 Rector. The Credo is sung and the Common Preface is sung.

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

Art: Jerome Nadal

October 5th - XIX Sunday after Pentecost

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

Vespers yesterday afternoon were second Vespers of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The antiphons Domine, quinque talenta etc were sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn was Iste Confessor. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Refulsit sol for the Saturday before the second Sunday of October). The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

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

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

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

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

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

Art: Jerome Nadal

September 28th - XVIII Sunday after Pentecost

The eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, until after None, is green. This year it is the first Sunday of October. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew relate the healing of a paralytic, both by being forgiven his sins and in being physically healed by the LORD.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Isti sunt sancti etc, from the Common of Several Martyrs, were sung with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. From the chapter, O Altitudo , the Office was of the Sunday. The Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Adaperiat Dominus for the Saturday before the first Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the preceding Office of SS Cosmos and Damian 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.

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

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

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

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

At Vespers there is a colour change to white and first Vespers of the feast of the Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel are sung. The antiphons Stetit Angelus etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Tibi, Christe, splendor Patris. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Jerome Nadal

September 21st - St. Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

The feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist is of double rite and its liturgical colour is red. The seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, and this year the fourth Sunday of September, is commemorated at Vespers, Mattins, Lauds and Mass.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc., from the Common of Apostles, were sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116. The Office hymn was Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Adonai, Domine etc for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of September. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Apostolorum Dominum, Venite adoremus and the Office hymn is Aeterna Christi. In the first nocturn the antiphons In omnem terram etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 18, 33 & 44, all taken from the Common of Apostles. The lessons are from St. Paul's Epistle to the Corinthians. The third lesson is considerably longer than that found in the later editions of the Breviary. The responsories are from the Common. In the second nocturn the antiphons Principes populorum etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 46, 60 & 63. The lessons are proper to the feast. These are the same as those found in the post-Clementine editions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Exaltabuntur etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 74, 96 & 98. The homily on St. Matthew's Gospel is from St. Jerome's Commentary on the same and is proper to the feast. The ninth lesson is slightly longer than those found in the later books. Today the eighth and ninth lessons of the feast are read together to form an exteded eighth lesson of the day and the ninth lesson is formed from the three lessons appointed for the homily of the Sunday. These are taken from a homily of St. Chrysostom on St. Matthews's Gospel. The eighth and ninth lessons (of the Sunday) are are longer than those found in modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. The Suffrages are omitted.

At the Hours the antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc are sung, in the usual order, with the festal psalms (at Prime 53, 118i & 118ii). At Prime the lectio brevis is Ibant Apostoli. Both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted.

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

At Vespers the antiphons Juravit Dominus etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The hymn is, again, Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of the following feast of St. Mauritius & Others. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

September 14th - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is of double rite and its liturgical colour is red. The origin of the feast was the dedication of Constantine's basilica in Jerusalem in 335. The feast appears to have been celebrated in Rome since the seventh century. The sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, this year the Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin and the third Sunday of September, is commemorated at Vespers, Mattins, Lauds and Mass.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons O magnum pietatis opus etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn was the magnificent Vexilla regis. After the collect of the feast commemorations of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Ne reminiscaris for the Saturday before the third Sunday of September) and of the Octave of the Nativity of the BVM were sung. The Suffrages were omitted due to the double feast as were the Dominical preces at Compline. At Compline Te lucis is sung with the melody and Doxology of the Incarnatiion, Gloria tibi Domine etc., as are all the hymns of the Little Hours.

At Mattins the invitatory is Christum Regem, pro nobis in Cruce exaltatum, Venite adoremus. The Office hymn is Pange linua. In the first nocturn the antiphons Nobile lignum exaltatur etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 1, 2 & 3. The lessons in the first nocturn are taken from the Book of Numbers. These are the same as those found in the later editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn the antiphons O Crucis victoria etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 4, 10 & 20. The lessons describe the taking of the Cross from Jerusalem and its triumphant return. Again, they are the same as those in the later books. In the third nocturn the antiphons Adoramus te Christe etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 95, 96 & 97. The lessons are from a homily on the Passion of the Lord from St. Leo the Great. These are the same as those found in the later books. Today the eighth and ninth lessons of the feast are read together to form an extended eighth lesson of the day and the ninth lesson is form from the three lessons appointed for the homily of the Sunday. These are from a homily of St. Ambrose on St. Luke's Gospel. The eighth and nine lessons (of the Sunday) are slightly longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons O magnum pietatis opus etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Lustris sex. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of the Octave of the BVM.

At the Hours the O magnum pietatis opus etc are sung in the usual order. At Prime (Pss. 53, 118i & 118) both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted, the lectio brevis is proper, Humiliavit semetipsum. The hymns have the melody and Doxology of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect is of the Octave. The Creed is sung, the preface is of the Holy Cross and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

At Vespers the antiphons O magnum pietatis opus are, again, sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Vexilla regis. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the following Octave Day of the Nativity of the BVM and of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline The week ahead will be that of the September Ember Days.

Icon from the Greek Catholic Church.

September 7th - XV Sunday after Pentecost

The fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, until None inclusive, is green. This year it is the second Sunday of September. The Gospel pericopes from St. Luke are of the LORD raising the son of the Widow of Naim.

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 was O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was In omnibus his for the Saturday before the second Sunday of September. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung and the lessons continue to be read from the Book of Job. The first lesson consists of text of both the first and second lessons in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. The second lesson begins Si venerit ad me and is a sentence longer than the third lesson found in the modern editions continuing until the end of verse 18 of the ninth chapter. The third lesson is entirely absent from the modern books and begins Si fortitudo quaeritur (v.19) and continues until the end of verse 28. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book of Morals of St. Gregory. These are the same as those found in the modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. 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 are sung.

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

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

At Vespers there is a colour change to white and first Vespers of the Nativity of the BVM are sung. The antiphons Nativitas gloriosae etc are sung, doubled, with the psalms from the Common of the BVM (Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147). The Office hymn is Ave, maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat and collect are proper to the feast. There are no commemorations nor Suffrages. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation, Gloria tibi Domine etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

Art: Jerome Nadal.

August 31st - XIV Sunday after Pentecost

The fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and is, this year, the first Sunday of September. Its liturgical colour 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 was O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Cum audisset Job for the Saturday before the first 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 is 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 is longer than that found in the post-Clementine editions and 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 later editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Matthew's Gospel. The lessons are longer than those found in the modern Breviary. The seventh lesson includes most of the text of the modern eighth lesson, the eighth lesson contains text not found in the later editions and the ninth lesson contains the text of the modern ninth lesson and, in addition, several more sentences. The Te Deum is sung.

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

Vespers are of the Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113). The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the following feast of St. Giles and of the Twelve Holy Brothers 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

August 24th - St. Bartholomew the Apostle

The feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle is of double rite and its liturgical colour is red. The feast was preceded by a Vigil yesterday. The thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, and the fourth Sunday of August, is commemorated at Vespers, Mattins, Lauds and Mass. In Rome the feast of St. Bartholomew is observed on the 25th August - the anniversary of the translation of his relics to the church of San Bartolomeo all'Isola.

At first Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc were sung, doubled, with the psalms of first Vespers from the Common Apostles (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116). The Office hymn was Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration was sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Sapientia for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of August). The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Apostolorum Dominum, venite adoremus and the Office hymn is Aeterna Christi munera. In the first nocturn the antiphons In omnem terram etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 18, 33 & 44. The lessons are Sic nos existimet homo from the former Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. The third lesson is longer than that found in the later editions continuing with vv 16-21 of the fourth chapter. The responsories are from the Common of Apostles. In the second nocturn the antiphons Principes populorum etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 46, 60 & 63 followed by lessons proper to the feast. The sixth lesson is slightly longer containing several more sentences (concerning the translation of St. Bartholomew's relics to San Bartolomeo all'Isola and the eight days of festivities the Romans make there. This reference was suppressed in the 1911-13 reform). In the third nocturn the antiphons Exaltabuntur etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 74, 96 & 98. The homily is taken from a commentary by St. Ambrose on St. Luke's Gospel. The ninth lesson of the feast is longer by a sentence than those found in the post-Clementine editions. Today it is read together with the eighth lesson of the feast to form an extended eighth lesson and the ninth lesson is formed from the three lessons appointed for the homily of the Sunday. These are taken from St. Augustine on St. Luke's Gospel. The lessons are longer than those found in modern editions with lessons seven (of the Sunday) and eight comprising of the complete text of the three third nocturn lessons appointed for the Sunday in the later editions. The text of the ninth lesson is absent from the post-Clementine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Hoc est praeceptum meum etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung.

At the Hours the antiphons from Lauds are sung in the usual order. At Prime the festal psalms are sung (Pss. 53, 118i, 118ii) and the lectio brevis is Ibant Apostoli. Both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted. The lectio brevis is Ibant Apostoli.

Mass is sung after Terce. The introit is Mihi autem nimis. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday. The Creed is sung, the preface is of the Apostles and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

At Vespers the antiphons Juravit Dominus etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The Office hymn is, again, Exsultet caelum laudibus. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of the following Office of St. Louis. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Icon: Melkite Eparchy in Australia

August 17th - Octave Day of St. Lawrence

The Octave Day of St. Lawrence is of double rite and its liturgical colour is red. The XII Sunday after Pentecost and the third Sunday of August is commemorated in the Office and Mass. Today is also the Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Laurentius ingressus est martyr etc were sung, doubled, with psalms from the Common of Apostles, Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn was Deus, tuorum militum sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation, Gloria tibi Domine etc. The chapter, antiphon on the Magnificat and collect were proper, the rest of the Office from the Common of Martyrs. After the collect of the feast (which is proper to the Octave Day) commemorations were sung of the Sunday (the antiphon being Omnis sapientia for the Saturday before the third Sunday of August) and of the Octave of the Assumption. The Suffrages were omitted. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc and the Dominical preces were omitted.

At Mattins the invitatory is Beatus Laurentius, Christi Martyr, triumphat coronatus in caelis: Venite, adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn is, again, Deus, tuorum militum, sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation. In the first nocturn the antiphons Quo progredis etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 1, 2 & 3. The lessons, for the Sunday, are the Incipit of the Book of Wisdom. The first lesson is longer than that found in the post-Clementine 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 post-Clementine Nolite zelare ...qui sunt ex parte illius, vv. 12-16. The responsories are from the feast. In the second nocturn the antiphons Beatus Laurentius etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 4, 5 & 8. The lessons are from the writings of St. Augustine on St. John. These are the same as those found in the later edtions. In the third nocturn the antiphons Strinxerunt etc are sung, doubled, with 14, 16 & 20. The lessons in the third nocturn are from a sermon of St. Chrysostom on St. John's Gospel. These are marginally longer than those found in the later books. Today the eighth and ninth lessons of the Octave Day are read together to form an extended eighth lesson of the day and the ninth lesson is formed of the three lessons of the Sunday's homily from St. Bede on St. Luke's Gospel. These lessons are longer than those found in modern editions with lessons seven and eight (of the Sunday) comprising of the text of all of the later third nocturn lessons. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Laurentius ingressus est martyr etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Martyr dei. After the collect of the Octave Day commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of the Octave of the Assumption. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons from Lauds, Laurentius etc., are sung with the festal psalms. At Prime the Dominical preces are omitted and the lectio brevis is Potens est autem. The hymns are sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect is of the Octave of the Assumption. The Credo is sung, the preface is of the Blessed Virgin and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

At second Vespers the antiphons Laurentius etc are again sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. . After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday, of the Octave of the Assumption and of St. Agapitus. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Image: Fifteenth century painted panel featuring St. Lawrence from the Rood screen of St. Helen's Church, Ranworth, Norfolk.

August 15th - The Assumption of the BVM

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

The feast of the Assumption is of double rite with an Octave. The liturgical colour of the feast, and Octave, is white.

At first Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Assumpta est Maria etc were sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn was Ave maris stella. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the melody and Doxology of the Incarnation Gloria tibi Domine etc.

At Mattins the invitatory, Venite, adoremus Regem regum, Cujus hodie ad aethereum Virgo Mater assumpta est in caelum, is proper to the feast. The Office hymn is Quem terra, pontus. In the first nocturn the antiphons Exaltata est etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 8, 18 & 23. The lessons in the first nocturn are taken from the Incipiunt of the Canticle of Canticles. These are the same as those found in later editions of the Breviary until the 1950s when this most venerable of Offices was destroyed by wicked men. In the second nocturn the antiphons Specie tua etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 44, 45 & 86. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Athanasius. The more familiar texts from St. John Damascene appear in the Clementine edition of the Breviary. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gaude, Maria virgo etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 95, 96 & 97. The homily on St. Luke's Gospel is from St. Augustine's 27th Sermon on the Words of the Lord. These are the same as those found in the post-Clementine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Assumpta est Maria etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is O gloriosa Domina.

Screenshot from a video of the Mystery of Elche, a dramatic and musical representation of the Death of the Virgin and Her subsequent Assumption.

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

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

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

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

August 10th - St. Lawrence

The feast of St. Lawrence is of double rite with an Octave and its liturgical colour is red. St. Lawrence's body is interred in the basilica of St. Lawrence-without-the-Walls in Rome. St. Lawrence was the first of the seven Roman deacons and known for his generosity to the poor. He was martyred in 258, according to tradition, on a grid iron and asked his tormentors to turn him over as his flesh was fully roasted on the one side. St. Lawrence is listed in the Communicantes of the Canon. The feast is ancient and appears in the Leonine and other early sacramentaries. The feast was preceded yesterday by a Vigil. St. Lawrence is, amongst many other things, Patron of the Saint Lawrence Press. The XI Sunday after Pentecost, this year the second Sunday of August, is commemorated in the Office and at Mass.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Laurentius ingressus est martyr etc were sung, doubled, with psalms from the Common of Apostles, Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn was Deus, tuorum militum. The chapter, antiphon on the Magnificat and collect were proper, the rest of the Office from the Common of Martyrs. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung (the antiphon being Ego in altissimis for the Saturday before the second Sunday of August). The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Beatus Laurentius, Christi Martyr, triumphat coronatus in caelis: Venite, adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn is, again, Deus, tuorum militum. In the first nocturn the antiphons Quo progredis etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 1, 2 & 3. The lessons in the first nocturn are from the Book of Eccesiasticus. These are the same as in the post-Clementine editions. In the second nocturn the antiphons Beatus Laurentius etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 4, 5 & 8. The lessons are from a sermon of St. Leo on St. Lawrence and are, again, identical to those found in the post-Clementine books. In the third nocturn the antiphons Strinxerunt etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 14, 16 & 20. The lessons in the third nocturn are from a sermon of St. Augustine on St. John's Gospel, the same, yet again, as in the later books. Today the eighth and ninth lessons of the feast are read together to form the eighth lesson of the day and the ninth lesson is formed from the three appointed lessons on the homily of the XI Sunday after Pentecost. These are from St. Bede on St. Luke's Gospel. They are the same as those found in the post-Clementine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Laurentius ingressus est martyr etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Martyr dei. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons from Lauds, Laurentius etc., are sung with the festal psalms. At Prime the Dominical preces are omitted and the lectio brevis is Potens est autem.

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

At second Vespers the antiphons Laurentius etc are again sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The V&R are proper to the feast. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of SS Tiburtius & Others. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

August 3rd - X Sunday after Pentecost

The tenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, until Vespers, is green. This year it is the first Sunday of August. The semi-double feast of the Finding of the Body of St. Stephen is transferred to Thursday of the week ahead.

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 was O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Sapientia for the Saturday before the first Sunday of August. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) 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. Ambrose 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. Augustine on St. Luke's Gospel. These lessons are considerably longer in the Tridentine Breviary than the form found in post-Clementine editions so the text of the ninth lesson is now entirely absent the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

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

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

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

In the afternoon there is a colour change to white and first Vespers of St. Dominic are sung. The antiphons Domine, quinque talenta etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Iste Confessor. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Jerome Nadal

July 27th - IX Sunday after Pentecost

The ninth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour 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 was O lux beata Trinitas. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of St. Pantaleon 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.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn is 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 the Kings. The first lesson includes what is now the text of the second lesson in post-Clementine 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 the post-Clementine editions. Today the eighth and ninth lessons are read together to form an extended eighth lesson for the Sunday and the ninth lesson is of St. Pantaleon. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-49-150) are sung. The Office hymn is Ecce. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of St. Pantaleon 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. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque and the Dominical preces are sung.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of St. Pantaleon, the third collect is A cunctis. The Creed is sung as is the Common Preface.

Vespers are of the Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) and the Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the following feast of SS Nazarius, Celsus, Victor and Innocent 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

July 20th - VIII Sunday after Pentecost

The eighth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour 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 was O lux beata Trinitas. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of St. Margaret 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.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are a continuation from the third book of Kings. These are the same as those found in the post-Clementine 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 the post-Clementine books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Luke's Gospel. Again the text in the Tridentine Breviary is longer than that found in later editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Sunday psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-49-150) are sung. The Office hymn is Ecce jam noctis. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of St. Margaret 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. 53, 117, 118i & 118ii) Quicumque and the Dominical preces are sung.

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of St. Margaret, the third collect is A cunctis. The Credo is sung as is the Common Preface.

Vespers are of the Sunday (Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113) and the Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the following feast of St. Praxedes 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

July 13th - VII Sunday after Pentecost

The seventh Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. The semi-double feast of St. Anacletus is transferred to Tuesday.

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

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are the Incipit of the Third Book of the Kings. The first lesson includes what is now most of the second lesson in the post-Clementine editions 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. Jerome's Letter to Nepotianus. These are substantially different from those found in the later 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 Dominical psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-49-150) are sung. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine are sung.

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

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

Vespers are of Sunday. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the following feast of St. Bonaventure 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