In Conceptione Immaculata Beatæ Mariæ VirginisImmaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

℣ O Lord, ✠ open my lips.

℟ And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

℣ O God, ✠ come to my assistance.

℟ Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Alleluia.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

Come, let us exult in the Lord. Let us shout joyfully to God, our Savior. Let us anticipate his presence with confession, and let us sing joyfully to him with psalms.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

For the Lord is a great God and a great King over all gods. For the Lord will not drive away his people. For in his hand are all the limits of the earth, and he beholds the heights of the mountains.

Ant. Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

For the sea is his, and he made it, and his hands established the dry land. (kneel) Come, let us adore and fall prostrate before God, and let us weep before the Lord who made us. For he is the Lord our God, and we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts: as in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness, where your fathers tempted me; they tested and saw my works.

Ant. Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

For forty years, I was near to that generation, and I said: These have always strayed in heart. But they have not known my ways. To them I swore in my wrath: They shall not enter into my rest.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

Blest guardian of all virgin souls,

Portal of bliss to man forgiven,

Pure Mother of Almighty God,

Thou hope of earth and joy of heaven!

Fair Lily found among the thorn,

Most beauteous Dove with wings of gold,

Rod from whose tender root upsprang

That healing Flower so long foretold

Thou Tower against the dragon proof,

Thou Star to stormtossed voyagers dear;

Our course lies o'er a treacherous deep,

thine be the light by which we steer.

Scatter the mists that round us hang;

Keep far the fatal shoals away;

And while through darkling waves we sweep,

Open a path to light and day.

O Jesu, born of Virgin bright,

Immortal glory be to thee;

Praise to the Father infinite

And Holy Ghost eternally.

Amen.

Nocturn I

Ant. Wonderful is * your name, O Lord, throughout all the earth, for in the Virgin Mary you prepared a worthy dwelling for yourself.

Psalm 8 [1]

8:2a O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth!

8:2b For your magnificence is elevated * above the heavens.

8:3 Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have perfected praise, because of your enemies, * so that you may destroy the enemy and the revenger.

8:4 For I will behold your heavens, the works of your fingers: * the moon and the stars, which you have founded.

8:5 What is man, that you are mindful of him, * or the son of man, that you visit him?

8:6 You reduced him to a little less than the Angels; † you have crowned him with glory and honor, * (7) and you have set him over the works of your hands.

8:8 You have subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen, and in addition: the beasts of the field,

8:9 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, * which pass through the paths of the sea.

8:10 O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth!

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Wonderful is your name, O Lord, throughout all the earth, for in the Virgin Mary you prepared a worthy dwelling for yourself.

Ant. In the sun * God has set his tabernacle.

Psalm 18 [2]

18:2 The heavens describe the glory of God, * and the firmament announces the work of his hands.

18:3 Day proclaims the word to day, * and night to night imparts knowledge.

18:4 There are no speeches or conversations, * where their voices are not being heard.

18:5 Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, * and their words to the ends of the world.

18:6a He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, * and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom.

18:6b He has exulted like a giant running along the way; * (7a) his departure is from the summit of heaven.

18:7b And his course reaches all the way to its summit. * Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat.

18:8 The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. * The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones.

18:9 The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. * The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes.

18:10 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. * The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves:

18:11 desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

18:12 For, indeed, your servant keeps them, * and in keeping them, there are many rewards.

18:13 Who can understand transgression? † From my hidden faults, cleanse me, * (14a) and from those of others, spare your servant.

18:14b If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, * and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression.

18:15a And the words of my mouth will be so as to please, * along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever,

18:15b O Lord, my helper * and my redeemer.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. In the sun God has set his tabernacle.

Ant. In her Conception * Mary received blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God her Savior.

Psalm 23 [3]

23:1 The earth and all its fullness belong to the Lord: * the whole world and all that dwells in it.

23:2 For he has founded it upon the seas, * and he has prepared it upon the rivers.

23:3 Who will ascend to the mountain of the Lord? * And who will stand in his holy place?

23:4 The innocent of hands and the clean of heart, * who has not received his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor.

23:5 He will receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God, his Savior.

23:6 This is the generation that seeks him, * that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.

23:7 Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. * And the King of Glory shall enter.

23:8 Who is this King of Glory? * The Lord who is strong and powerful; the Lord powerful in battle.

23:9 Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. * And the King of Glory shall enter.

23:10 Who is this King of Glory? * The Lord of hosts. He himself is the King of Glory.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. In her Conception Mary received blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God her Savior.

℣ Almighty God has girded me with power.

℟ And made my way without blemish.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. Hear the prayers of your servants, Lord Jesus Christ, and have mercy on us: You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the eternal Father bless us with his everlasting blessing.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 1

From the Book of Genesis

Gen 3:1-5

1 However, the serpent was more crafty than any of the creatures of the earth that the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Why has God instructed you, that you should not eat from every tree of Paradise?"

2 The woman responded to him: "From the fruit of the trees which are in Paradise, we eat."

3 Yet truly, from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of Paradise, God has instructed us that we should not eat, and that we should not touch it, lest perhaps we may die."

4 Then the serpent said to the woman: "By no means will you die a death."

5 For God knows that, on whatever day you will eat from it, your eyes will be opened; and you will be like gods, knowing good and evil."

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Through one man, sin entered into this world, in whom all have sinned.

* Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found grace with God.

℣ The Lord has delivered your soul from death, and has become your protector against the enemy.

℟ Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found grace with God.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the Only Begotten Son of God be pleased to bless and assist us.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 2

Gen 3:6-8

6 And so the woman saw that the tree was good to eat, and beautiful to the eyes, and delightful to consider. And she took from its fruit, and she ate. And she gave to her husband, who ate.

7 And the eyes of them both were opened. And when they realized themselves to be naked, they joined together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves.

8 And when they had heard the voice of the Lord God taking a walk in Paradise in the afternoon breeze, Adam and his wife hid themselves from the face of the Lord God in the midst of the trees of Paradise.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Come over to me, all you who desire me.

* And I will tell you how great are the things God has done for my soul.

℣ The Lord lives, for he has fulfilled his mercy in me.

℟ And I will tell you how great are the things God has done for my soul.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the grace of the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 3

Gen 3:9-15

9 And the Lord God called Adam and said to him: 'Where are you?'

10 And he said, 'I heard your voice in Paradise, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and so I hid myself.'

11 He said to him, 'Then who told you that you were naked, if you have not eaten of the tree from which I instructed you that you should not eat?'

12 And Adam said, 'The woman, whom you gave to me as a companion, gave to me from the tree, and I ate.'

13 And the Lord God said to the woman, 'Why have you done this?' And she responded, 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'

14 And the Lord God said to the serpent: 'Because you have done this, you are cursed among all living things, even the wild beasts of the earth. Upon your breast shall you travel, and the ground shall you eat, all the days of your life.

15 I will put enmities between you and the woman, between your offspring and her offspring. She will crush your head, and you will lie in wait for her heel.'

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ My chosen one is radiant as snow on Lebanon; like a dripping honeycomb are her lips:

* Honey and milk are under her tongue.

℣ Come from Lebanon, my spouse, come, you shall be crowned with a crown of graces.

℟ Honey and milk are under her tongue.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ Honey and milk are under her tongue.

Nocturn II

Ant. Grace was poured out * at her Conception, and she appeared beautiful among the daughters of men.

Psalm 44 [4]

44:2a My heart has uttered a good word. * I speak of my works to the king.

44:2b My tongue is like the pen of a scribe * who writes quickly.

44:3 You are more beautiful in form than the sons of men. † Grace has been poured freely into your lips. * Because of this, God has blessed you in eternity.

44:4 Fasten your sword to your thigh, * O most powerful one.

44:5a With your splendor and your excellence * extended, proceed prosperously, and reign

44:5b for the sake of truth and meekness and justice, * and so will your right hand lead you wondrously.

44:6 Your arrows are sharp; the people will fall under you, * into the hearts of the enemies of the king.

44:7 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. * The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of true aim.

44:8 You have loved justice and hated iniquity. * Because of this, God, your God, has anointed you, before your co-heirs, with the oil of gladness.

44:9 Myrrh and balsam and cinnamon perfume your garments, from the houses of ivory. * From these, they have delighted you: (10a) the daughters of kings in your honor.

44:10b The queen stood at your right hand, in clothing of gold, * encircled with diversity.

44:11 Listen, daughter, and see, and incline your ear. * And forget your people and your father’s house.

44:12 And the king will desire your beauty. * For he is the Lord your God, and they will adore him.

44:13 And the daughters of Tyre * will entreat your countenance with gifts: all the rich men of the people.

44:14 All the glory of the daughter of its king is inside, * in golden fringes, (15a) clothed all around with diversities.

44:15b After her, virgins will be led to the king. * Her neighbors will be brought to you.

44:16 They will be brought with gladness and exultation. * They will be led into the temple of the king.

44:17 For your fathers, sons have been born to you. * You will establish them as leaders over all the earth.

44:18a They will remember your name always, * for generation after generation.

44:18b Because of this, people will confess to you in eternity, * even forever and ever.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Grace was poured out at her Conception, and she appeared beautiful among the daughters of men.

Ant. God helped her * at the break of dawn; the Most High sanctified his tabernacle.

Psalm 45 [5]

45:2 Our God is our refuge and strength, * a helper in the tribulations that have greatly overwhelmed us.

45:3 Because of this, we will not be afraid when the earth will be turbulent * and the mountains will be transferred into the heart of the sea.

45:4 They thundered, and the waters were stirred up among them; * the mountains have been disturbed by his strength.

45:5 The rushing of the river rejoices the city of God. * The Most High has sanctified his tabernacle.

45:6 God is in its midst; it will not be shaken. * God will assist it in the early morning.

45:7 The peoples have been disturbed, and the kingdoms have been bowed down. * He uttered his voice: the earth has been moved.

45:8 The Lord of hosts is with us. * The God of Jacob is our supporter.

45:9 Draw near and behold the works of the Lord: what portents he has set upon the earth, * carrying away wars even to the end of the earth.

45:10 He will crush the bow and break the weapons, * and he will burn the shield with fire.

45:11 Be still, and see that I am God. * I will be exalted among the peoples, and I will be exalted upon the earth.

45:12 The Lord of hosts is with us. * The God of Jacob is our supporter.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. God helped her at the break of dawn; the Most High sanctified his tabernacle.

Ant. Glorious things * are spoken of you, city of God: the Lord has founded you upon the holy mountains.

Psalm 86 [6]

86:1 Its foundations are in the holy mountains: * the Lord loves the gates of Zion above all the tabernacles of Jacob.

86:3 Glorious things are being said of you, * O City of God.

86:4 I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon * knowing me.

86:4 Behold, the foreigners, and Tyre, and the people of the Ethiopians: * these have been there.

86:5 Will not Zion say that this man and that man were born in her? * And the Most High himself has founded her.

86:6 The Lord will explain, in the writings of peoples and of leaders, * about those who have been in her.

86:7 The dwelling of all who rejoice * is in you.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Glorious things are spoken of you, city of God: the Lord has founded you upon the holy mountains.

℣ By this I have known that you have favored me.

℟ Because my enemy shall not rejoice over me.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. May his loving kindness and mercy assist us, he who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May God the almighty Father be gracious and merciful to us.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 4

Sermon of Saint Jerome, Priest

On the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

What the blessed and glorious ever-Virgin Mary was, and how great she was, is declared by the Angel from on high when he says: Hail, full of grace; the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. For it was fitting that the Virgin should be endowed with such gifts, so as to be full of grace: she who gave glory to the heavens, gave the Lord to the earth, poured forth peace, brought faith to the peoples, an end to vices, an order of life, and discipline to morals. And rightly full, because to others grace is granted in part; but upon Mary the fullness of grace poured itself out all at once. Truly full, because though grace is believed to have been present in the holy Patriarchs and Prophets, it was not yet so full; but into Mary came the fullness of all grace that is in Christ, though in a different manner. And therefore it says: Blessed are you among women — that is, more blessed than all women. And thus whatever curse was poured forth through Eve, the blessing of Mary has wholly taken away. Of her, Solomon in the Canticles, as in her praise, says: Come, my dove, my immaculate one. For the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. And then he says: Come from Lebanon, come, you shall be crowned.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ I went forth from the mouth of the Most High, the firstborn before all creatures: I caused an unfailing light to rise in the heavens.

* The depths did not yet exist, and I was already conceived.

℣ For God created me in justice, and took me by the hand, and preserved me.

℟ The depths did not yet exist, and I was already conceived.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 5

Not without reason, therefore, is she bidden to come from Lebanon, because Lebanon is interpreted as whiteness. For she was white — made white with many virtues of merit, and whiter than snow by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, representing in all things the simplicity of the dove: for whatever was done in her was all purity and simplicity, all truth and grace; all mercy and justice, which looked down from heaven — and therefore immaculate, because corrupted in nothing. For she encompassed a man in her womb, as the holy Jeremiah bears witness, and received him from no other source. The Lord, he says, shall make a new thing upon the earth, and a woman shall encompass a man. Truly new, and a novelty of virtues surpassing all novelties, when God — whom the world cannot bear, nor can anyone see and still live — so entered the lodging of the womb as not to know the enclosure of the body; and so was carried within it that the whole God was there; and so went forth from it that, as Ezekiel acknowledges, the gate was altogether closed. Hence it is sung of her in those same Canticles: A garden enclosed, a fountain sealed, your outpourings a paradise. Truly a garden of delights, in which are planted all kinds of flowers and the fragrance of virtues; and so enclosed that it knows no violation nor corruption by any snares of guile. A fountain, therefore, sealed with the seal of the whole Trinity.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ No stain of defilement fell upon her:

* She is the brightness of eternal light and a mirror without spot.

℣ For she is more beautiful than the sun, and compared to light she is found more pure.

℟ She is the brightness of eternal light and a mirror without spot.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May God kindle the fire of his love in our hearts.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 6

From the Acts of Pope Pius IX

The victory of the Virgin Mother of God over the most abominable enemy of the human race in her Conception — which the divine oracles, venerable tradition, the perpetual sense of the Church, the singular agreement of bishops and faithful, and the illustrious acts and constitutions of the Supreme Pontiffs had already wondrously illuminated — Pope Pius IX, the Supreme Pontiff, acceding to the wishes of the whole Church, resolved to proclaim solemnly by his supreme and infallible oracle. And so, on the sixth day before the Ides of December of the year eighteen hundred and fifty-four, in the Vatican Basilica, with a great assembly of the fathers, cardinals, and bishops of the Holy Roman Church standing round, come even from distant regions, and the whole world applauding, he solemnly pronounced and defined: that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary was, in the first instant of her Conception, by a singular privilege of God, preserved immune from all stain of original fault, is revealed by God, and is therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet,

* And on her head a crown of twelve stars.

℣ The Lord clothed her with garments of salvation, with a robe of righteousness, and adorned her as a bride with his jewels.

℟ And on her head a crown of twelve stars.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ And on her head a crown of twelve stars.

Nocturn III

Ant. Holiness and magnificence * are in her Conception: declare her glory among all peoples.

Psalm 95 [7]

95:1 Sing to the Lord a new song. * Sing to the Lord, all the earth.

95:2 Sing to the Lord and bless his name. * Announce his salvation from day to day.

95:3 Announce his glory among the Gentiles, * his miracles among all peoples.

95:4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. * He is terrible, beyond all gods.

95:5 For all the gods of the Gentiles are demons, * but the Lord made the heavens.

95:6 Confession and beauty are in his sight. * Sanctity and magnificence are in his sanctuary.

95:7 Bring to the Lord, you families of the nations, bring to the Lord glory and honor. * Bring to the Lord glory for his name.

95:8 Lift up sacrifices, and enter into his courts. * Adore the Lord in his holy court.

95:9 Let the entire earth be shaken before his face. * Say among the Gentiles: The Lord has reigned.

95:10 For he has even corrected the whole world, which will not be shaken. * He will judge the peoples with fairness.

95:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth exult; let the sea and all its fullness be moved. * The fields and all the things that are in them will be glad.

95:12 Then all the trees of the forest will rejoice before the face of the Lord: for he arrives. * For he arrives to judge the earth.

95:13 He will judge the whole world with fairness * and the peoples with his truth.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Holiness and magnificence are in her Conception: declare her glory among all peoples.

Ant. Rejoice, all, * in the Lord: and give praise to the memory of his holiness.

Psalm 96 [8]

96:1 The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. * Let the many islands rejoice.

96:2 Clouds and mist are all around him. * Justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

96:3 A fire will precede him, * and it will enflame his enemies all around.

96:4 His lightnings have enlightened the whole world. * The earth saw, and it was shaken.

96:5 The mountains flowed like wax before the face of the Lord, * before the face of the Lord of all the earth.

96:6 The heavens announced his justice, * and all peoples saw his glory.

96:7 May all those who adore graven images be confounded, * along with those who glory in their false images.

96:7 All you his Angels: Adore him. * Zion heard, and was glad.

96:8 And the daughters of Judah exulted * because of your judgments, O Lord.

96:9 For you are the Most High Lord over all the earth. * You are greatly exalted above all gods.

96:10 You who love the Lord: hate evil. * The Lord watches over the souls of his holy ones. He will free them from the hand of the sinner.

96:11 The light has risen for the just, * and joy for the upright of heart.

96:12 Rejoice in the Lord, you just ones, * and confess to the remembrance of his holiness.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Rejoice, all, in the Lord: and give praise to the memory of his holiness.

Ant. The Lord has made known * his work: in the sight of the nations he has revealed the glory of his Mother.

Psalm 97 [9]

97:1 Sing to the Lord a new song, * for he has performed wonders.

97:1 His right hand has accomplished salvation for him, * with his holy arm.

97:2 The Lord has made known his salvation. * He has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations.

97:3 He has remembered his mercy * and his truth toward the house of Israel.

97:3 All the ends of the earth have seen * the salvation of our God.

97:4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. * Sing and exult, and sing psalms.

97:5 Sing psalms to the Lord with stringed instruments, with the harp and the sound of a psalm, * with hammered trumpets and the sound of the horn.

97:6 Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king. * Let the sea be moved and all its fullness, the whole world and all who dwell in it.

97:8 The rivers will clap their hands, the mountains will exult together, before the presence of the Lord. * For he comes to judge the earth.

97:9 He will judge the whole world with justice, * and the peoples with fairness.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. The Lord has made known his work: in the sight of the nations he has revealed the glory of his Mother.

℣ I will exalt you, O Lord, for you have raised me up.

℟ And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. May the almighty and merciful Lord absolve us from the bonds of our sins.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the evangelical reading be our salvation and protection.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 7

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Luc 1:26-28

In that time: The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a Virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin's name was Mary. Et cetera.

A Homily of Saint Germanus the Bishop.

On the Presentation of the Mother of God

Hail, Mary, full of grace, holier than the Saints, higher than the heavens, more glorious than the Cherubim, more honorable than the Seraphim, and more venerable than every creature. Hail, dove, who brings us both the fruit of the olive and announces the Savior from the spiritual flood, and the harbor of salvation; whose silvered wings and back of pale gold are illumined by the radiance of the most holy and illuminating Spirit. Hail, most pleasant and rational paradise of God, planted today toward the East by the same God's most benevolent and almighty right hand, and putting forth for him a sweet-smelling lily and an unfading rose as a remedy for those who had drunk at the West the pestilential and soul-destroying bitterness of death; a paradise in which the life-giving tree blossoms to the knowledge of truth, and those who have tasted of it attain immortality. Hail, holy dwelling, built sacred, immaculate, and most pure palace of the most high King God, adorned on all sides with the magnificence of the same God the King, receiving all as guests and refreshing them with mystical delights; in which is placed the bridal chamber, not made by hands, radiant with varied beauty, of the spiritual Bridegroom; in which the Word, wishing to call back the straying human race, espoused flesh to himself, that he might reconcile to the Father those who had made themselves exiles by their own will.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ A garden enclosed is my sister, my bride, a garden enclosed, a sealed fountain:

* Your sproutings are paradise, O Mary.

℣ Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my immaculate one.

℟ Your sproutings are paradise, O Mary.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May she whose feast we celebrate, the Virgin of virgins, intercede for us to the Lord.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 8

Hail, O richly fruitful and shady mountain of God, on which the rational Lamb was nurtured, who bore our sins and infirmities: the mountain from which that stone was rolled down, cut out by no hand, that shattered the altars of idols and became the head of the corner, wonderful in our eyes. Hail, holy throne of God, divine gift, house of glory, most beautiful ornament, chosen treasure, and propitiation for the whole world, and heaven telling forth the glory of God. Hail, vessel fashioned of pure gold, containing the most sweet delight of our souls, namely Christ who is the manna. O most pure Virgin, most worthy of all praise and service, a gift consecrated to God surpassing every rank of creatures, uncut earth, unplowed field, most flourishing vine, fountain pouring forth waters, virgin bearing, and mother ignorant of a man, hidden treasury of innocence and glory of holiness; by your most acceptable prayers, powerful with maternal authority, before the Lord and God the Maker of all things, your Son begotten of you without a father, bring it about that you guide the helm of the ecclesiastical order and lead it to a tranquil haven.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ My soul magnifies the Lord:

* Because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

℣ For behold, from this time all generations shall call me blessed.

℟ Because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ Because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the King of Angels lead us to the company of the citizens on high.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 9

Clothe priests most splendidly with justice and with the exultation of a proven, immaculate, and sincere faith. To Orthodox rulers who, in preference to all the splendor of purple or gold, to pearls and precious stones, have gained you as their diadem and garment and most firm adornment of their kingdom, direct their scepters in tranquil and prosperous state. Cast down at their feet and subdue the faithless nations that blaspheme you and the God begotten of you; and confirm the subjected people to persevere in the sweet obedience of God's commandment. Crown this your city, which has you as its tower and foundation, with the triumphs of victory, and girding it with your strength guard it as the dwelling of God; ever preserve the beauty of the temple; deliver those who praise you from every peril and anguish of soul. Grant redemption to captives; show yourself a comfort to pilgrims destitute of shelter and of every protection. Stretch out your helping hand to the whole world, that we may bring these your solemn feasts together with the present festival we celebrate to a most splendid close in joy and exultation, in Christ Jesus the King of all and our true God, to whom be glory and might together with the holy Father who is the principle of life, and the coeternal and consubstantial and co-reigning Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

Te Deum

O God, we praise you; * O Lord, we acclaim you.

Eternal Father, * all the earth reveres you.

To you all the Angels, * the heavens and all the Powers of heaven:

To you the Cherubim and Seraphim * cry out in endless praise:

(A bow is made) Holy, Holy, Holy * Lord God of hosts;

Heaven and earth are filled * with the majesty of your glory.

The glorious choir of Apostles * sings to you,

the noble company of Prophets * praises you,

the white-robed army of Martyrs * glorifies you.

Holy Church throughout the earth * proclaims you,

the Father * of boundless majesty;

your true and only Son, * worthy of adoration;

and the Holy Spirit, * the Paraclete.

You, O Christ, * are the King of glory.

You are * the Father's everlasting Son.

(A bow is made) When you resolved to save the human race, * you did not spurn the Virgin's womb.

You overcame the sting of death * and opened the Kingdom of Heaven to those who put their faith in you.

You are seated at the right hand of God * in the glory of the Father.

We believe you are the Judge * who is to come.

(The following verse is said kneeling) And so we beg you, help your servants, * redeemed by your most precious blood.

Number them * among your Saints in eternal glory.

Save your people, Lord, * and bless your inheritance.

Shepherd them * and raise them to eternal life.

Day by day * we bless you,

(A bow is made, according to custom) and we praise your name * for endless ages evermore.

Be gracious, Lord, on this day, * and keep us from all sin.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, * have mercy.

May your mercy be upon us, Lord, * as we place our trust in you.

In you, O Lord, I rest my hope: * let me never be put to shame.

The rest is omitted unless Lauds is said separately.

℣ O Lord, hear my prayer.

℟ And let my cry come before you.

Let us pray.

O God, who through the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son: we beseech you that, as you preserved her from all stain by reason of the foreseen death of that same Son of yours, you may also grant that we, made pure by her intercession, may come to you.

Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ O Lord, hear my prayer.

℟ And let my cry come before you.

℣ Let us bless the Lord.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℣ May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

℟ Amen.