December 15th - Third Sunday of Advent

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

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Saturday (Pss. 143, 144, 145, 146 & 147) were sung. The chapter, Fratres: Gaudete in Domino semper was of the Sunday. The Office hymn was Conditor alme siderum. The Suffrages were omitted being in Advent. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

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

At Lauds the antiphons Ecce veniet etc are sung, not doubled, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Vox clara ecce intonat. As noted above for Vespers the Suffrages are omitted in Advent.

At Prime the first antiphon from Lauds, Ecce veniet, is sung with Pss. 53, 117, 118(i), 118(ii) and Quicumque. In the short responsory the versicle Qui venturus es in mundum. 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 is not sung, the second collect is of the Blessed Virgin in Advent, Deus, qui de beate, the third collect Ecclesiae etc. The Creed and the common preface are sung. 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, not doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113. The Office hymn is Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday 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 8th - Second Sunday of Advent

The Second Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, from Mattins onwards, is violet. The feast of the Conception of the BVM is transferred to Monday.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the feast of St. Ambrose of Milan were sung. The antiphons Ecce sacerdos magnus etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 131. The chapter was Ecce sacerdos magnus and the Office hymn was Iste confessor. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung. The Suffrages were omitted being Advent as were the Dominical preces 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 is Qui venturus es. 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 etc. The Creed and the common preface are sung and the dismissal is Benedicamus Domino, sung by the deacon facing the altar.

At Vespers there is a colour change to white and 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

December 1st - First Sunday of Advent

The first Sunday of Advent is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, from Mattins this year, is violet. During Advent bishops exchange their violet choir cassocks for black with a mozzeta or mattelletum  of the same colour lined with violet. 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 scarlet watered-silk dress.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle were sung. The antiphons Salve crux etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 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 usual Suffrages were omitted and are omitted in the entire Office of Advent. From this Vespers the Marian Antiphon is Alma Redemptoris Mater. At Compline the Dominical preces were omitted.

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, not doubled, with psalms 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Vox clara ecce intonat. As noted above 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 the dalmatic and tunicle - except on the third Sunday - 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 etc. The Creed  and the common preface are sung. The dismissal is Benedicamus Domino sung by the deacon facing the altar.

At Vespers the antiphons In illa die etc are sung, not doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113. The Office hymn is Conditor alme siderum. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Bibiana. After Benedicamus Domino and its response Vespers of the Dead are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung. After Mattins and Lauds of tomorrow, an Advent ferial day, Mattins and Lauds of the Dead are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

November 24th - XXVI and last Sunday after Pentecost

Today is the twenty-sixth and last Sunday after Pentecost. It is also the fifth Sunday of November. The day is of semi-double rite and the liturgical colour, from Mattins until after None this year, is green. The texts for the Sunday in the missal are those for the twenty-fourth, the last, Sunday. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the prophetic words of the LORD concerning the last days and the coming of the Antichrist.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Orante etc were sung, not doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. 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 St. Clement and of St. Chrysogonus followed by the Suffrages 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 the eighth and ninth lessons are read together as the eighth lesson and the ninth lesson is formed of the two historic lessons for the feast of St. Chrysogonus. 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 a commemoration is sung of St. Chrysogonus 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, 118(i) & 118(ii) 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 of St. Chrysogonus, the third collect is A cunctis. The creed and the common preface are sung.

After None there is a colour change to red and first Vespers of the feast of St. Catharine are sung. The antiphons Haec est virgo sapiens etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn is Jesu corona virginum. 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

November 17th - 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, Pss,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 a commemoration of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus 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 were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons are the Incipit of the book of Osee. The first lesson is longer than that found in the modern editions of the Breviary and continues Et dixit Dominus... until ...conteram arcum Israel in valle Jezrahel. The second lesson begins Et concepit adhuc..., approximately a third through the modern second lesson, and continues until ... et non numerabitur (the last third of the modern third lesson). The third lesson begins Et erit, in loco ubi dicetur eis... and continues past the end of the modern third lesson Dicite fratribus vestris... until ... interficiam eam siti, i.e. Cap. 2, vv. 1 -3. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the writing of St. Augustine on the City of God. These are longer than those found in the modern Breviaries: the fourth lesson includes half the text of the modern fifth lesson, the fifth lesson includes the remaining text of the modern fifth lesson and all of the modern sixth. The sixth lesson is not found in the modern editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. These lessons are the same as in the modern books. The 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, Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150, the Office hymn is Aeterne. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus 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 are sung.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, the third collect is A cunctis. The Creed and the common preface are sung.

After None there is a colour change to white and first Vespers of the feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul are sung. The antiphons Domum tuam etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 147. The Office hymn is Urbs beata Jerusalem. 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

November 10th - XXIV Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, from Mattins to None, is green. This year it is the third Sunday of November. The second Sunday of November, and its week, are omitted this year. As, this year, there are twenty-six Sundays after Pentecost, following the praxis of the 1570 Missal, the pericopes at Mass, and the third nocturn lessons of Mattins, antiphons for the NT canticles and collect come from the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. The introit, intra-pericope chants, offertory and communion are those given in the Missal for the twenty-third Sunday. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew speak of the parable where the enemy sows cockle seed into the field of good seed.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica were sung. The antiphons Domum tuam, Domine etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 147. The Office hymn was Urbs beata Jerusalem. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Muro tuo for the Saturday before the third Sunday of November and the collect Familiam tuam etc for the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany) and of SS Tryphon, Respicius and Nympha. The Suffrages were omitted due to the double feast 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, the lessons are the Incipit of the Book of the Prophet Daniel. The first and second lessons are the same as those found in later editions of the Breviary but the third lesson is a sentence shorter, ending with the words ..facies cum servis tuis. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the book to Virgins by St. Athanasius. These are the same as those found in modern editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Matthew's Gospel (from the V Sunday after Epiphany). These are identical to those found in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. The eighth and ninth lessons are read together to form the eighth lesson of the day and the ninth lesson is of SS Tryphon, Respicius and Nypha. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds, Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150), the Office hymn is Aeterne. The antiphon on the Benedictus is Domine etc. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of SS Tryphon, Reppicius and Nympha, followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The introit is Dicit Dominus etc, the Gloria is sung, the second collect is of SS Tryphon, Repicius and Nympha, the third collect is A cunctis. The Creed and the common preface are sung.

After None the liturgical colour changes to white and first Vespers of St. Martin of Tours are sung. The antiphons Dixerunt discipuli etc., proper to the feast, are sung doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Iste confessor. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnifcat being Colligiete) and of St. Mennas. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Jerome Nadal

November 3rd - XXIII Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is white being the Sunday within the Octave of All Saints. This year it is the first Sunday of November. 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.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Vidi turba magnum etc were sung, not doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. From the chapter, O Altitudo, the Office was of the Sunday and the Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Vidi, Dominum for the Saturday before the first Sunday of November. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of the Octave of All Saints. 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) 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, Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150, the Office hymn is Aeterne. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the Octave . The Suffrages are omitted.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Octave. Being a Sunday within an Octave there is no the third collect today. The Creed and the common preface are sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the Octave and of SS Vitalis and Agricola. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Jerome Nadal

October 27th - XXII Sunday after Pentecost

The twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, until Vespers, 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." The Vigil of SS Simon and Jude was anticipated yesterday.

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 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 the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is 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 continue from the second book of the Machabees. These are the same as those found in the later editions. In the second nocturn, Pss. 15, 16 & 17, the lessons are from a sermon on the Machabees of St. Gregory Nazianzen. These are the same as those found in the later editions of the Breviary. 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 the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Creed and the common preface are sung.

After None there is a colour change to red and first Vespers of SS Simon and Jude are sung. The antiphons Hoc est preceptum meum etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn is Exultet caelum laudibus. There are no commemorations and the Suffrages are omitted. At Compline the Dominical preces are omitted.

Art: Jerome Nadal

October 20th - XXI Sunday after Pentecost

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

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Saturday were sung. The Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas. The antiphon on the Magnificat was Exaudiat Dominus for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc 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) are sung. The lessons are the Incipitof 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 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 etc are sung.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or rector. The Creed 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 is sung of St. Hilarion and of St. Ursula and Others followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

October 13th - 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 Gosple give the account of the healing of the ruler's son at Capharnaum.

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. 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 were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Primo dierum omnium. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) the lessons continue to be read from the First Book of the Machabees and are 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 modern 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 the Dominical 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 etc are sung.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Creed 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 is sung of the following Office of St. Callistus followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

October 6th - XIX Sunday after Pentecost

The nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour 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.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Vespers of 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 Refulsit sol for the Saturday before the second Sunday of October. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine were sung. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn 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 Dominical 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 etc are sung.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Creed 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 is sung of St. Mark and of SS Sergius and Others 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

September 29th - The Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel

The feast of the Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel is of double rite and its liturgical colour is white. The eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, and this year the first Sunday of October, is commemorated in the Office and at and Mass.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Stetit angelus etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn was Tibi Christe splendor Patris. After the collect of the feast a commemoration was sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Adaperiat Dominus etc for the Saturday before the first Sunday of October). The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Archangelorum Dominium, Venite adoremus and the Office hymn is, again, Tibi Christe splendor Patris. In the first nocturn the antiphons Concussum est mare etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 8, 10 & 14. The lessons are taken from the prophet Daniel. These are the same as those found in the later editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn the antiphons Michael Archangele etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 18, 23 & 33. The lessons in the second nocturn are taken from a homily of St. Gregory the Great. Again, these are the same as those found in the later books. In the third nocturn the antiphons Angelus Archangelus Michael etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 95, 96 & 102. The lessons are a homily of St. Jerome on St. Matthew's Gospel. These are longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions. The eighth and ninth lessons are read together to form an extended eighth lesson of the day and the ninth lesson is formed of the three lessons of the homily of the Sunday. These are from a homily of St. Peter Chrysologus on St. Matthew's Gospel. The lessons are longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions with the seventh lesson (of the Sunday) 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 antiphons Stetit angelus etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Christe, sanctorum decus Angelorum. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday is sung. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime the antiphon Stetit Angelus etc is sung with the festal psalms, Pss. 53, 118(i) & 118(ii) and the lectio brevis is Factum est praelium. The antiphons from Lauds are sung at the Hours in the usual order.

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

At Vespers the antiphons, psalms and hymn are as were sung at first Vespers yesterday except Ps. 137 is sung in place of Ps.116; the V&R and antiphon on the Magnificat are proper to second Vespers. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the following feast of St. Jerome and of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

September 22nd - XVII Sunday after Pentecost

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

Yesterday afternoon at second Vespers of the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle 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 was sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Adonai, Domine for Saturday before the fourth Sunday of September). The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

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, the lessons are the Incipit of the book of Judith. These lessons are the same as in the post-Clementine editions. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from St. Ambrose on Elias and fasting. These are significantly longer than those in the modern books. The text of the fifth and sixth lessons is not found in the modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Chrysostom on St. Matthews's Gospel. The eighth and ninth lessons are are longer than those found in modern editions. Today they are read together to form an extended eighth lesson of the Sunday and the ninth lesson is of St. Maurice & Companions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds, Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150, the Office hymn is Ecce. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of SS Maurice & Companions followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of is of SS Maurice & Companions, the third collect is of A cunctis. The Creed 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 St. Linus and of St. Thecla followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Art: Jerome Nadal

September 15th - Octave Day of the Nativity of the BVM

The Octave-Day of the Nativity of the BVM is of double rite and its liturgical colour, from Mattins, is white. The Octave-Day outranks the semi-double sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost which is, this year, the third Sunday of September.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross were sung. The antiphons O magnum pietatis opus etc were sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 116. The Office hymn was Vexilla regis. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of the following Octave-Day, of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Ne reminiscaris for the Saturday before the third Sunday of September) and of St. Nicomedes. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline. Hymns of Iambic metre, throughout the Octave have been sung with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc.

At Mattins the invitatory is Nativitatem Virginis Mariae celebremus: * Christum ejus Filium adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn is Quem terra. In the first nocturn the antiphons Benedicta tu etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 8, 18 & 23. The lessons are from occurring Scripture, the Incipit of the Book of Tobias, with the responsories of the feast. The first lesson continues with what, in the post-Clementine editions, the beginning of the second lesson Deinique, cum irent... to ...ministraret omnem decimationem. The second lesson begins Haec et his similia.. to ... salutis dabat eis, what is the end of the third lesson in the later editions. The third lesson, absent from modern editions, begins Cum autem venisset... and continues until ...solicitus exhibebat. (vv. 16 - 20). In the second nocturn the antiphons Specie tua etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 44, 45 & 86. The lessons are taken from the writing of St. Cyril of Jerusalem. In the third nocturn the antiphons Gaude, Maria Virgo etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 95, 96 & 97. The homily is from St. Chrysostom on St. Luke's Gospel. The ninth lesson is formed of the three lessons of the homily for the Sunday, from St. Ambrose on St. Luke. These are slightly longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Nativitas gloriosae etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite, 148-149-150. The Office hymn is O gloriosa Domina. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of St. Nicomedes. The Suffrages are omitted.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, the third collect is of St. Nicomedes. The Creed is sung, the preface is of the BVM and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

At Vespers the antiphons Nativitas gloriosae etc., are sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn is Ave, maris stella. After the collect of the Octave-Day commemorations are sung of the Sunday, of SS Cornelius and Cyprian and of SS Euphemia and Others. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Giotto, The Birth of the BVM, Wikipedia

September 8th - The Nativity of the BVM

The Nativity of the Mother of God is a double feast with Octave. The liturgical colour of the feast, and of its Octave, is white. The feast takes precedence over the fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost which is, this year, the second Sunday of September.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Nativitas gloriosae etc were sung, doubled, with the psalms from the Common of the BVM (Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147). The Office hymn was Ave, maris stella. The antiphon on the Magnificat and collect are proper to the feast. After the collect of the feast a commemoration of the Sunday was sung (the antiphon on the Magnificat being In omnibus his for the Saturday before the second Sunday of September). At Compline Te lucis was sung with the Doxology of the Incarnation with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc.

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

At Lauds the antiphons Nativitas gloriosae etc are again sung, this time with Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150. The Office hymn is O gloriosa Domina. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of the Sunday and of St. Hadrian.

At Prime and the Hours the antiphons from Lauds are sung in the usual order. At the Hours the hymns are sung with the Doxology and tone of the Incarnation. At Prime, Pss. 53, 118(i) & 118(ii), in the short responsory the versicle Qui natus es is sung. The lectio brevis is In plateis.

Mass is sung after Terce. In some countries a blessing of seeds, figs, grapes or other fruits takes place (the fruits in question depending on the climate of the place. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of the Sunday, (in private Masses the third collect is of St. Hadrian). The Creed is sung, the preface is of the BVM, Et te in Nativitate and the last Gospel is of the Sunday.

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

Icon: Russian, 18th century

September 1st - XIV Sunday after Pentecost

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

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons and psalms 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 commemorations were sung of St. Giles and the SS Twelve 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 etc. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung. The lessons are the Incipit of the Book of 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 modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Matthew's Gospel. The lessons are longer than those found in the modern Breviary. The seventh lesson includes most of the text of the modern eighth lesson, the eighth lesson contains text not found in the later editions and the ninth lesson contains the text of the modern ninth lesson and, in addition, several more sentences. Today the eighth and ninth lessons are read as one and the ninth lesson is of St Giles. This is the same as that found in the later 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 Ecce. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of St. Giles and of the SS Twelve Brothers followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of St. Giles, the third collect is of the SS Twelve Brothers. The Creed and the common preface are sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday, Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113, and 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

August 25th - XIII Sunday after Pentecost

The thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, from Mattins onwards, is green. This year it also the fourth Sunday of August. In Rome the feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle is observed today.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle were sung. 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 commemorations were sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Sapientia for the Saturday before the fourth Sunday of August) and of St. Louis of France. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

At Mattins the liturgical colour changes to green. 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 Ecclesiasticus. The first lesson is longer than the form given in the post-Clementine editions. It continues Radix sapientiae ... illius quis intellexit?, what is now the first sentence of the second lesson. The second lesson begins Unus est altissimus.. and continues until defunctionis suae benedicitiur - what is now the middle of the third lesson. The text of the third lesson begins Dilectio Dei... and continues until ...et receptacula a thesauris illius (v.21). In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from the Book of Morals of St. Gregory the Great. These are the same as those found in the modern books. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Augustine on St. Luke's Gospel. These are longer than those found in modern editions with lessons seven and eight comprising of the text of the modern three third nocturn lessons. The ninth lesson is absent from the post-Clementine editions. Today the eighth and ninth lessons are read together to form the eighth lesson of the Sunday and the ninth lesson formed of the two lessons given for St. Louis. These are longer than those found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150 are sung. The Office hymn is Ecce. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Louis followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of St. Louis, the third collect is A cunctis. The Creed 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 a commemoration is sung of the following feast of St. Zephyrinus followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and, lastly, for peace Da pacem Domine etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung..

Art: Jerome Nadal

August 18th - XII Sunday after Pentecost - Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption

The twelfth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour, from Mattins, is white being the Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption. This year it is the third Sunday of August.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the Octave Day of St. Lawrence were sung, the antiphons Laurentius etc being sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The Office hymn was Deus, tuorum militum sung with the melody and Doxology of the Incarnation, Gloria tibi Domine etc. The collect was proper to the Octave Day. After the collect of the Octave Day commemorations were sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Omnis sapientia for the Saturday before the third Sunday of August), of the Octave of the Assumption and of St. Agapitus. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline. At Compline Te lucis was sung with the melody and Doxology of the Incarnation.

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, the lessons 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 later editions Nolite zelare ...qui sunt ex parte illius, vv. 12-16. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from St. Ambrose. Lessons IV and V are substantially longer than those in the modern books with additional text not appearing in the modern editions, lesson VI is longer by a sentence. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Bede on St. Luke's Gospel. These lessons are longer than those found in modern editions with lessons seven and eight comprising of the text of all of the later third nocturn lessons. Today the eighth and ninth lessons are read together to form an extended eighth leson of the day and the ninth lesson is of St. Agapitus. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the Dominical psalms. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite 148-49-150) are sung and the Office hymn is Ecce. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the Octave of the Assumption and of St. Agapitus. The Suffrages are omitted.

At Prime and the Hours the hymns are sung with the melody and Doxlogy of the Incarnation. At Prime. Pss. 53, 117, 118(i) & 118(ii), Quicumque is sung and the versicle in the short responsory is Qui natus es. The Dominical preces are omitted being within an Octave.

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

At Vespers, Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113 the Office hymn is Lucis creator sung with the melody and Doxology of the Incarnation. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the Octave of the Assumption. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Jerome Nadal

August 11th - XI Sunday after Pentecost

The eleventh Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. This year it is the second Sunday of August and the Sunday within the Octave of St. Lawrence. The liturgical colour is red.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the feast of St. Lawrence were sung. The antiphons Laurentius etc were sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. The V & R were proper to the feast and the Office hymn was Deus, tuorum militum. After the collect of the feast commemorations were sung of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Ego in altissimis for the Saturday before the second Sunday of August) and of SS Tiburtius and Others. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

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

At Lauds the Dominical psalms, Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-49-150, are sung. The Office hymn is Ecce. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the Octave of St. Lawrence and of SS Tiburtius and Others. The Suffrages are omitted being within an Octave.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect of the Octave of St. Lawrence, the third collect is of SS Tiburtius and Others. The Creed and the common preface are sung.

Vespers are of the Sunday. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the Octave of St. Lawrence and of St. Clare. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

Art: Jerome Nadal

August 4th - St. Dominic

The feast of St. Dominic is of double rite and its liturgical colour is white. The tenth Sunday after Pentecost, and this year the first Sunday of August, is commemorated in the Office and Mass.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon 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 commemorations were sung of the preceding Office of the Finding of the Body of St. Stephen and of the Sunday (the antiphon on the Magnificat being Sapientia for the Saturday before the first Sunday of August.

At Mattins the invitatory is Regem Confessorum etc and the Office hymn is, again, Iste Confessor. In the first nocturn the antiphons Beatus vir etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 1, 2 & 3. The lessons are the Incipit of the Parable of Solomon with the responsories of the feast. The arrangement of the lessons is different from that found in the post-Clementine 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 the antiphons Invocantem etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 4, 5 & 8. The lessons, for the feast, are the same as those found in the later editions of the Breviary. In the third nocturn the antiphons Domine iste etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 14, 20 & 23. The homily is from St. Gregory on St. Luke's Gospel. The lessons are longer than those found in the post-Clementine editions. The eighth and ninth lessons are read together to form the eighth lesson of the feast and the ninth lesson is formed from the three lessons of the Sunday's homily. This 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 (of the Sunday) is now entirely absent the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds the antiphons Domine, quinque talenta etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 99, 92, 62-66, Benedicite and 148-149-150. The Office hymn is Jesu, corona celsior. 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 are sung in the usual order. At Prime, Pss. 53, 118(i), 118(ii) both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted, the lectio brevis is Justum deduxit.

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

In the afternoon first Vespers are sung of the feast of the Dedication of the BVM of the Snows. The antiphons Dum esset rex etc are sung, doubled, with Pss. 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn is Ave, maris stella. After the collect of the feast commemorations are sung of St. Dominic and of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted. At Compline Te lucis is sung with the Doxology Gloria tibi Domine etc and the Dominical preces are omitted.

Fresco of St. Dominic: Wikipedia

July 28th - IX Sunday after Pentecost

The ninth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. The Gospel pericopes from St. Luke's Gospel contain the account of the LORD casting out the money lenders in the temple. The semi-double feast of SS. Nazarius& Others 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 etc 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) the lessons are the Incipit of the Fourth Book of the Kings. The first lesson includes what, in later editions, is 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 editio princeps is considerably longer than that found 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. The Office hymn is Ecce jam noctis. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is A cunctis, the third collect is chosen by the Dean or Rector. The Creed and the common preface are sung/

Vespers are of the Sunday, Pss. 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113, and the Office hynn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations are sung of the following feast of St. Martha and of SS Felix & Others followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Petrus Apostolus etc, of the Patron and, lastly, for peace Da pacem Domine etc. At Compline the Dominical preces are sung.

Image: Missale Romanum, 1572, Paris.

July 21st - 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 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 was sung 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 etc. At Compline the Dominical preces were sung.

At Mattins the invitatory is Adoremus Dominum and the Office hymn Nocte surgentes. In the first nocturn (Pss. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14) are sung and the lessons are a continuation from the third book of Kings for the Eighth Sunday. 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-Clementne recensions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Jerome on St. Luke's Gospel. Again the texts in the Tridentine Breviary are significantly longer than that found in later editions. This Sunday the eighth and ninth lessons are read together to form the eighth lesson of the day and the ninth lesson is of St. Praxedes. This is almost identical to that found in the later 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 Ecce jam noctis. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of St. Praxedes followed by the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc.

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

Mass is sung after Terce. The Gloria is sung, the second collect is of St. Praxedes, the third collect is A cunctis. The Creed and the common preface are sung.

At Vespers the liturgical colour changes to white and first Vespers of the feast of St. Mary Magdalene are sung. The antiphons Dum esset Rex etc are sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 112, 121, 126 & 147. The Office hymn is Lauda mater Ecclesia. This hymn was replaced with Pater superni luminis in the 1602BR. After the collect of the feast a commemoration is sung of the Sunday. The Suffrages are omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.


Art: Jerome Nadal

July 14th - VII Sunday after Pentecost

The seventh Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite and its liturgical colour is green. The Gospel pericopes from St. Matthew contain the words of warning from the LORD concerning false prophets appearing as sheep but who, in reality, are wolves. The semi-double feast of St. Bonaventure is transferred to Monday.

At Vespers yesterday afternoon the antiphons Qui me confessus fuerit etc were sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 & 115. From the chapter, O Altitudo, the Office was of the Sunday and the Office hymn was O lux beata Trinitas. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration was sung of sung of the preceding Office of St. Anacletus 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 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 Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-49-150 are sung. The Office hymn is Ecce jam noctis. After the collect of the Sunday the Suffrages of the BVM Sancta Maria succurre etc, the Apostles Gloriosi principes etc, of the Patron and lastly for peace Da pacem Domine etc are sung.

At Prime, Pss. 53, 117, 118(i)( & 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 Creed and the common preface are sung.

Vespers are of Sunday. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration is sung of the following, transferred, feast of St. Bonaventure followed 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 7th - VI Sunday after Pentecost

The sixth Sunday after Pentecost is of semi-double rite. The liturgical colour, from Mattins onwards this year, is green.

Yesterday afternoon second Vespers of the Octave Day of SS Peter and Paul were sung. The antiphons Juravit Dominus etc were sung, doubled, with psalms 109, 112, 115, 125 & 138. The Office hymn was Aurea luce. After the collect of the Octave Day a commemoration was sung of the Sunday. The Suffrages were omitted as were the Dominical preces at Compline.

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 a continuation of the Second Book of the Kings. The lessons are the same as in the post-Clementine editions of the Breviary. In the second nocturn (Pss. 15, 16 & 17) the lessons are from St. Ambrose's Defence of David. These, again, are the same as found in the modern editions. In the third nocturn (Pss. 18, 19 & 20) the homily is from St. Ambrose on St. Mark's Gospel. The seventh lesson includes the first sentence (Consequens igitur... a jejunio liberaret) from the modern eighth lesson. In the Tridentine Breviary the eighth lesson thus begins Itaque nemo and continues with most of the modern ninth lesson until ...sed nec adhuc quidem potestis. The ninth lesson begins In modum lactis but most of its text is not found in the later books. The Te Deum is sung.

At Lauds Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-49-150 are sung. The Office hymn is Ecce jam noctis.  After the collect of the Sunday 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 are sung.

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

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

Image: Missale Romanum, 1572, Paris.