In Conversione S. Pauli ApostoliOn the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle

℣ 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.

Praise to you, O Lord, King of eternal glory.

Ant. Let us praise our God, * in the conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

Ant. Let us praise our God, * in the conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

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 praise our God, * in the conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

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. in the conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

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 praise our God, * in the conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

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. in the conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

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 praise our God, * in the conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

℣ 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 conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

Ant. Let us praise our God, * in the conversion of the Doctor of the nations.

Our souls' great teacher, Paul, our guide in wisdom's ways,

Teach us, our fainting hearts, to heaven's glad clime to raise,

Till faith in clearest light her bright meridian gains,

And love with sun-like fire within each bosom reigns.

All honour, might, and power, and hymns of joy we bring,

While to the Trinity eternal praise we sing;

He rules the universe in wondrous Unity,

And shall, throughout the days of all eternity.

Amen.

At the Nocturn

Ant. He who worked * in Peter unto the apostolate, worked also in me among the nations: and they acknowledged the grace that was given to me by Christ the Lord.

Psalm 18 [1]

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. He who worked in Peter unto the apostolate, worked also in me among the nations: and they acknowledged the grace that was given to me by Christ the Lord.

Ant. I know whom I have believed, * and I am certain that he is able to keep my deposit safe against that day, the just judge.

Psalm 33 [2]

33:2 I will bless the Lord at all times. * His praise will be ever in my mouth.

33:3 In the Lord, my soul will be praised. * May the meek listen and rejoice.

33:4 Magnify the Lord with me, * and let us extol his name together.

33:5 I sought the Lord, and he heeded me, * and he carried me away from all my tribulations.

33:6 Approach him and be enlightened, * and your faces will not be confounded.

33:7 This poor one cried out, and the Lord heeded him, * and he saved him from all his tribulations.

33:8 The Angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear him, * and he will rescue them.

33:9 Taste and see that the Lord is sweet. * Blessed is the man who hopes in him.

33:10 Fear the Lord, all you his saints. * For there is no destitution for those who fear him.

33:11 The rich have been needy and hungry, * but those who seek the Lord will not be deprived of any good thing.

33:12 Come forward, sons. Listen to me. * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

33:13 Which is the man who wills life, * who chooses to see good days?

33:14 Prohibit your tongue from evil * and your lips from speaking deceit.

33:15 Turn away from evil, and do good. * Seek peace, and pursue it.

33:16 The eyes of the Lord are on the just, * and his ears are with their prayers.

33:17 But the countenance of the Lord is upon those who do evil, * to destroy the remembrance of them from the earth.

33:18 The just cried out, and the Lord heard them, * and he freed them from all their tribulations.

33:19 The Lord is near to those who are troubled in heart, * and he will save the humble in spirit.

33:20 Many are the afflictions of the just, * but from them all the Lord will free them.

33:21 The Lord preserves all of their bones, * not one of them shall be broken.

33:22 The death of sinners is most evil, * and those who hate the just will be guilty.

33:23 The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants, * and none of those who hope in him will be guilty.

℣ 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. I know whom I have believed, and I am certain that he is able to keep my deposit safe against that day, the just judge.

Ant. For me to live is Christ, * and to die is gain: I must glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 44 [3]

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. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain: I must glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ant. You are a chosen vessel, * O holy Paul the Apostle, a preacher of truth throughout the whole world.

Psalm 46 [4]

46:2 All nations, clap your hands. * Shout joyfully to God with a voice of exultation.

46:3 For the Lord is exalted and terrible: * a great King over all the earth.

46:4 He has subjected the peoples to us * and subdued the nations under our feet.

46:5 He has chosen his inheritance for us: * the splendor of Jacob, which he has loved.

46:6 God ascends with jubilation, * and the Lord with the voice of the trumpet.

46:7 Sing psalms to our God, sing psalms. * Sing psalms to our King, sing psalms.

46:8 For God is the King of all the earth. * Sing psalms wisely.

46:9 God will reign over the peoples. * God sits upon his holy throne.

46:10 The leaders of the peoples have been gathered together with the God of Abraham. * For the strong gods of the earth have been exceedingly exalted.

℣ 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. You are a chosen vessel, O holy Paul the Apostle, a preacher of truth throughout the whole world.

Ant. Great is holy Paul, * a chosen vessel, he is truly worthy to be glorified, who also merited to possess the twelfth throne.

Psalm 60 [5]

60:2 O God, pay attention to my supplication. * Be attentive to my prayer.

60:3 I cried out to you from the ends of the earth. * When my heart was in anguish, you exalted me on a rock.

60:4 You have led me, for you have been my hope, * a tower of strength before the face of the enemy.

60:5 I will dwell in your tabernacle forever. * I will be protected under the cover of your wings.

60:6 For you, my God, have listened to my prayer. * You have granted an inheritance to those who fear your name.

60:7 You will add days to the days of the king, * to his years, even to the time of generation after generation.

60:8 He remains in eternity, in the sight of God. * Who will long for his mercy and truth?

60:9 So I will sing a psalm to your name, forever and ever, * so that I may repay my vows from day to day.

℣ 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. Great is holy Paul, a chosen vessel, he is truly worthy to be glorified, who also merited to possess the twelfth throne.

Ant. I have fought * the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

Psalm 63 [6]

63:2 Hear, O God, my prayer of supplication. * Rescue my soul from the fear of the enemy.

63:3 You have protected me from the assembly of the malignant, * from a multitude of workers of iniquity.

63:4 For they have sharpened their tongues like a sword; * they have formed their bow into a bitter thing, so that they may shoot arrows from hiding at the immaculate.

63:6 They will suddenly shoot arrows at him, and they will not be afraid. * They are resolute in their wicked talk.

63:6 They have discussed hidden snares. * They have said, “Who will see them?”

63:7 They have been searching carefully for iniquities. * Their exhaustive search has failed.

63:7 Man will approach to a deep heart, * and God will be exalted.

63:8 Their blows have become the arrows of little children, * and their tongues have been weakened against them.

63:9 All those who saw them have been troubled; * and every man was afraid.

63:10 And they announced the works of God, * and they understood his acts.

63:11 The just will rejoice in the Lord, and they will hope in him. * And all the upright of heart will be praised.

℣ 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. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

Ant. Saul, who is also Paul, * a great preacher, strengthened by God, grew in strength, and confounded the Jews.

Psalm 74 [7]

74:2 We will confess to you, O God. * We will confess, and we will call upon your name.

74:3 We will describe your wonders. * When I receive the appointed time, I will judge justices.

74:4 The earth has been dissolved, with all who dwell in it. * I have confirmed its pillars.

74:5 I said to the iniquitous: “Do not act unjustly,” * and to the offenders: “Do not exalt the horn.”

74:6 Do not exalt your horn on high. * Do not speak iniquity against God.

74:7 For it is neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert mountains. * For God is judge.

74:8 This one he humbles and that one he exalts. * For, in the hand of the Lord, there is a cup of undiluted wine, full of a mixture.

74:9 And he has tipped it from here to there. So, truly, its dregs have not been emptied. * All the sinners of the earth will drink.

74:10 But I will announce it in every age. * I will sing to the God of Jacob.

74:11 And I will break all the horns of sinners. * And the horns of the just will be exalted.

℣ 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. Saul, who is also Paul, a great preacher, strengthened by God, grew in strength, and confounded the Jews.

Ant. Lest the greatness * of the revelations should exalt me, there was given to me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me: for which reason I besought the Lord three times that it might be taken from me, and the Lord said to me: My grace is sufficient for you, Paul.

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. Lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given to me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me: for which reason I besought the Lord three times that it might be taken from me, and the Lord said to me: My grace is sufficient for you, Paul.

Ant. Laid up for me * is the crown of justice, which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me on that day.

Psalm 98 [9]

98:1 The Lord has reigned: let the peoples be angry. * He sits upon the cherubim: let the earth be moved.

98:2 The Lord is great in Zion, * and he is high above all peoples.

98:3 May they confess to your great name, for it is terrible and holy. * And the honor of the king loves judgment.

98:4 You have prepared guidance. * You have accomplished judgment and justice in Jacob.

98:5 Exalt the Lord our God, and adore the footstool of his feet, * for it is holy.

98:6 Moses and Aaron are among his priests, * and Samuel is among those who call upon his name.

98:6 They called upon the Lord, and he heeded them. * He spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud.

98:7 They kept his testimonies * and the precept that he gave them.

98:8 You heeded them, O Lord our God. * You were a forgiving God to them, though taking vengeance on all their inventions.

98:9 Exalt the Lord our God, and adore on his holy mountain. * For the Lord our God is holy.

℣ 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. Laid up for me is the crown of justice, which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me on that day.

℣ How greatly honored are your friends, O God.

℟ How greatly is their dominion strengthened.

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 he bless us who lives and reigns without end.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 1

From the Acts of the Apostles

Act 9:1-5

1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

2 And he petitioned him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that, if he found any men or women belonging to this Way, he could lead them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

3 And as he made the journey, it happened that he was approaching Damascus. And suddenly, a light from heaven shone around him.

4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'

5 And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he: 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goad.'

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ He who was working the Apostleship in Peter was also working in me among the Gentiles:

* And they acknowledged the grace of God that was given to me.

℣ The grace of God in me has not been empty, but his grace abides in me always.

℟ And they acknowledged the grace of God that was given to me.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May he whose feast we celebrate intercede for us to the Lord.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 2

Act 9:6-9

6 And he, trembling and astonished, said, 'Lord, what do you want me to do?'

7 And the Lord said to him, 'Rise up and go into the city, and there you will be told what you ought to do.' Now the men who were traveling with him stood there astonished, hearing indeed the voice, but seeing no one.

8 Then Saul rose up from the ground. And upon opening his eyes, he saw nothing. So leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.

9 And in that place, he was without sight for three days, and he neither ate nor drank.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

* And therefore a crown of righteousness is laid up for me.

℣ I know in whom I have believed, and I am certain that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

℟ And therefore a crown of righteousness is laid up for me.

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

℟ And therefore a crown of righteousness is laid up for me.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 3

Act 9:10-16

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias!' And he said: 'Behold, I am here, Lord.'

11 And the Lord said to him: 'Rise up and go into the street that is called Straight, and seek, in the house of Judas, the one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying.'

12 (And he saw a man named Ananias entering and imposing hands upon him, so that he might receive his sight.)

13 But Ananias responded: 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.

14 And he has authority here from the leaders of the priests to bind all who invoke your name.'

15 Then the Lord said to him: 'Go, for this one is an instrument chosen by me to convey my name before nations and kings and the sons of Israel.

16 For I will reveal to him how much he must suffer on behalf of my name.'

℣ 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 instructed the whole world through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Paul: grant us, we pray, that, as we celebrate today his Conversion, we may advance toward you by his example.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, 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.