S. Joseph Sponsi B.M.V. ConfessorisS. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Confessor

℣ 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. Christ, the Son of God, who deigned to be accounted the son of Joseph, * Come, let us adore.

Ant. Christ, the Son of God, who deigned to be accounted the son of Joseph, * Come, let us adore.

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. Christ, the Son of God, who deigned to be accounted the son of Joseph, * Come, let us adore.

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. Come, let us adore.

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. Christ, the Son of God, who deigned to be accounted the son of Joseph, * Come, let us adore.

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. Come, let us adore.

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. Christ, the Son of God, who deigned to be accounted the son of Joseph, * Come, let us adore.

℣ 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. Come, let us adore.

Ant. Christ, the Son of God, who deigned to be accounted the son of Joseph, * Come, let us adore.

Joseph, the praise and glory of the heavens,

Sure pledge of life, and safety of the wide world,

As in our joy we sing to thee, in kindness

List to our praises.

Thou by the world's Creator wert appointed

Spouse of the Virgin: thee he willed to honour

Naming thee father of the Word, and guardian

Of our salvation.

Thou thy Redeemer, lying in a stable,

Whom long ago foretold the choir of prophets,

Sawest rejoicing, and thy God adoredst

Humble in childhood.

God, King of kings, and Governor of the ages,

He at whose word the powers of hell do tremble,

He whom the adoring heavens ever worship

Called the protector.

Grant us, great Trinity, for Joseph's holy sake,

In highest bliss and love, above the stars to reign,

That we in joy with him may praise our loving God,

And sing our glad eternal strain.

Amen.

Nocturn I

Ant. Joseph went up * from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be enrolled with Mary.

Psalm 1 [1]

1:1 Blessed is the man who has not followed the counsel of the impious, † and has not remained in the way of sinners, * and has not sat in the chair of pestilence.

1:2 But his will is with the law of the Lord, * and he will meditate on his law, day and night.

1:3a And he will be like a tree that has been planted beside running waters, * which will provide its fruit in its time,

1:3b and its leaf will not fall away, * and all things whatsoever that he does will prosper.

1:4 Not so the impious, not so. * For they are like the dust that the wind casts along the face of the earth.

1:5 Therefore, the impious will not prevail again in judgment, * nor sinners in the council of the just.

1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the just. * And the path of the impious will pass away.

℣ 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. Joseph went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be enrolled with Mary.

Ant. The shepherds came * with haste; and they found Mary, and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger.

Psalm 2 [2]

2:1 Why have the Gentiles been seething, * and why have the people been pondering nonsense?

2:2 The kings of the earth have stood up, and the leaders have joined together as one, * against the Lord and against his Christ:

2:3 “Let us shatter their chains * and cast their yoke away from us.”

2:4 He who dwells in heaven will ridicule them, * and the Lord will mock them.

2:5 Then will he speak to them in his anger * and trouble them with his fury.

2:6 Yet I have been appointed king by him over Zion, his holy mountain, * preaching his precepts.

2:7 The Lord has said to me: * You are my son, this day have I begotten you.

2:8 Ask of me and I will give to you: the Gentiles for your inheritance, * and the ends of the earth for your possession.

2:9 You will rule them with an iron rod, * and you will shatter them like a potter’s vessel.

2:10 And now, O kings, understand. * Receive instruction, you who judge the earth.

2:11 Serve the Lord in fear, * and exult in him with trembling.

2:12 Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord might become angry, * and you would perish from the way of the just.

2:13 Though his wrath can flare up in a short time, * blessed are all those who trust in him.

℣ 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 shepherds came with haste; and they found Mary, and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger.

Ant. Behold, the Angel of the Lord * appeared in a dream to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the Child and his Mother, and flee into Egypt.

Psalm 3 [3]

3:2 Lord, why have those who trouble me been multiplied? * Many rise up against me.

3:3 Many say to my soul, * “There is no salvation for him in his God.”

3:4 But you, Lord, are my supporter, * my glory, and the one who raises up my head.

3:5 I have cried out to the Lord with my voice, * and he has heard me from his holy mountain.

3:6 I have slept, and I have been stupefied. * But I awakened because the Lord has taken me up.

3:7 I will not fear the thousands of people surrounding me. * Rise up, Lord. Save me, my God.

3:8 For you have struck all those who oppose me without cause. * You have broken the teeth of sinners.

3:9 Salvation is of the Lord, * and your blessing is upon your people.

℣ 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. Behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the Child and his Mother, and flee into Egypt.

℣ He set him as lord over his house.

℟ And ruler of all his possessions.

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 39:1-5

1 Meanwhile, Joseph was led into Egypt. And Putiphar, a eunuch of Pharaoh, a leader of the army, an Egyptian man, purchased him from the hand of the Ishmaelites, by whom he was brought.

2 And the Lord was with him, and he was a man who prospered in everything that he did. And he lived in the house of his lord,

3 Who knew very well that the Lord was with him, and that all the things that were done by him were directed by his hand.

4 And Joseph found favor in the sight of his lord, and he ministered to him. And, having been placed in charge of everything by him, he governed the house that was entrusted to him and all the things that had been delivered to him.

5 And the Lord blessed the house of the Egyptian, because of Joseph.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ The Lord was with Joseph, and gave him favor in the sight of the prince of the prison:

* Who entrusted into his hand all the prisoners.

℣ Whatever was done, was under his direction: for the Lord was with him, and directed all his works.

℟ Who entrusted into his hand all the prisoners.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 2

Gen 41:37-40

37 The counsel pleased Pharaoh and all his ministers.

38 And he said to them, “Would we be able to find another such man, who is full of the Spirit of God?”

39 Therefore, he said to Joseph: “Because God has revealed to you all that you have said, would I be able to find anyone wiser and as much like you?

40 You will be over my house, and to the authority of your mouth, all the people will show obedience. Only in one way, in the throne of the kingdom, will I go before you.”

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ When the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried out to the king, seeking food. And he answered them:

* Go to Joseph, and whatever he says to you, do.

℣ The famine grew daily throughout all the land, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians.

℟ Go to Joseph, and whatever he says to you, do.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 3

Gen 41:41-44

41 And again, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have appointed you over the entire land of Egypt.”

42 And he took the ring from his own hand, and he gave it into his hand. And he clothed him with a robe of fine linen, and he placed a necklace of gold around his neck.

43 And he caused him to ascend upon his second swift chariot, with the herald proclaiming that everyone should bend their knee before him, and that they should know that he was governor over the entire land of Egypt.

44 Likewise, the king said to Joseph: “I am Pharaoh: apart from your authority, no one will move hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ The Lord made me as a father to the king, and lord of all his house: do not be afraid;

* For God sent me before you into Egypt for your salvation.

℣ Come to me, and I will give you all the good things of Egypt, and you shall eat the marrow of the land.

℟ For God sent me before you into Egypt for your salvation.

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

℟ For God sent me before you into Egypt for your salvation.

Nocturn II

Ant. Joseph, rising up, * took the Child and his Mother by night, and withdrew into Egypt; and he was there until the death of Herod.

Psalm 4 [4]

4:2a When I called upon him, the God of my justice heeded me. * In tribulation, you have enlarged me.

4:2b Have mercy on me, * and heed my prayer.

4:3 Sons of men, how long will you be dull in heart, * so that whatever you love is in vain, and whatever you seek is false?

4:4 And know this: the Lord has made wondrous his holy one. * The Lord will heed me when I cry out to him.

4:5 Be angry, and do not be willing to sin. † The things that you say in your hearts: * be sorry for them on your beds.

4:6 Offer the sacrifice of justice, † and hope in the Lord. * Many say, “Who reveals to us what is good?”

4:7 The light of your countenance, Lord, has been sealed upon us. * You have given joy to my heart.

4:8 By the fruit of their grain, wine, and oil, * they have been multiplied.

4:9 In peace itself, * I will sleep and I will rest.

4:10 For you, O Lord, * have established me singularly in hope.

℣ 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. Joseph, rising up, took the Child and his Mother by night, and withdrew into Egypt; and he was there until the death of Herod.

Ant. When Herod was dead, * the Angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying: Arise, and take the Child and his Mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the life of the Child are dead.

Psalm 5 [5]

5:2 O Lord, listen closely to my words. * Understand my outcry.

5:3 Attend to the voice of my prayer, * my King and my God.

5:4 For to you, I will pray. * In the morning, Lord, you will hear my voice.

5:5 In the morning, I will stand before you, and I will see. * For you are not a God who wills iniquity.

5:6 And the malicious will not dwell close to you, * nor will the unjust endure before your eyes.

5:7a You hate all who work iniquity. * You will destroy all who speak a lie.

5:7b The bloody and deceitful man, the Lord will abominate. * (8a) But I am in the multitude of your mercy.

5:8b I will enter your house. * I will show adoration toward your holy temple, in your fear.

5:9 Lord, lead me in your justice. * Because of my enemies, direct my way in your sight.

5:10 For there is no truth in their mouth: * their heart is vain.

5:11a Their throat is an open sepulcher. † They have acted deceitfully with their tongues. * Judge them, O God.

5:11b Let them fall by their own intentions: † according to the multitude of their impiety, expel them. * For they have provoked you, O Lord.

5:12a But let all those who hope in you rejoice. * They will exult in eternity, and you will dwell in them.

5:12b And all those who love your name will glory in you. * (13a) For you will bless the just.

5:13b You have crowned us, O Lord, * as if with a shield of your good will.

℣ 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. When Herod was dead, the Angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying: Arise, and take the Child and his Mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the life of the Child are dead.

Ant. Joseph took * the Child and his Mother, and came into the land of Israel.

Psalm 8 [6]

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. Joseph took the Child and his Mother, and came into the land of Israel.

℣ Great is his glory in your salvation.

℟ You shall lay upon him glory and great majesty.

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 Bernard, Abbot

Homily 2 on “Missus est,” near the end

Consider what and what manner of man blessed Joseph was: conjecture from the title by which, though by way of dispensation, he merited to be so honored as to be both called and believed the father of God; conjecture also from his own name, which you do not hesitate to interpret as meaning increase. And at the same time remember that great Patriarch of old who was sold and taken to Egypt; and know that this Joseph received not only his name but also attained his chastity, acquired his innocence and grace.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Joseph went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem:

* Because he was of the house and family of David.

℣ To be registered with Mary his betrothed wife.

℟ Because he was of the house and family of David.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 5

For that Joseph, sold through his brothers' envy and led into Egypt, prefigured the betrayal of Christ; this Joseph, fleeing the envy of Herod, carried Christ into Egypt. That one, keeping faith with his master, refused to lie with his mistress; this one, recognizing his Mistress, the mother of his Lord, as a virgin, and being himself continent, faithfully guarded her. To that one was given understanding of the mysteries of dreams; to this one it was given to become a conscious sharer in the heavenly sacraments.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Rise up, and take the Boy and his Mother, and flee into Egypt;

* And remain there, until I tell you.

℣ That what was spoken by the Lord through the Prophet might be fulfilled, saying: Out of Egypt I called my Son.

℟ And remain there, until I tell you.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 6

He kept the grain not for himself but for all the people; this Joseph received the living Bread from heaven to be kept for himself and for all the world. There is no doubt that this Joseph was a good and faithful man, to whom the Mother of the Savior was betrothed. A faithful servant, I say, and prudent, whom the Lord appointed as the solace of his Mother, the nourisher of his flesh, and finally the sole most faithful coadjutor on earth of the great counsel.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ When his parents brought the child Jesus in, to do for him according to the custom of the law,

* Simeon received him into his arms and blessed God.

℣ And his father and mother were wondering over these things, which were spoken about him.

℟ Simeon received him into his arms and blessed God.

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

℟ Simeon received him into his arms and blessed God.

Nocturn III

Ant. Hearing that Archelaus * reigned in Judea in place of Herod his father, Joseph was afraid to go there.

Psalm 14 [7]

14:1 O Lord, who will dwell in your tabernacle? * Or who will rest on your holy mountain?

14:2 He who walks without blemish * and who works justice.

14:3a He who speaks the truth in his heart, * who has not acted deceitfully with his tongue,

14:3b and has not done evil to his neighbor, * and has not taken up a reproach against his neighbors.

14:4a In his sight, the malicious one has been reduced to nothing, * but he glorifies those who fear the Lord.

14:4b He who swears to his neighbor and does not deceive. * (5a) He who has not given his money in usury, nor accepted bribes against the innocent.

14:5b He who does these things * will be undisturbed for eternity.

℣ 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. Hearing that Archelaus reigned in Judea in place of Herod his father, Joseph was afraid to go there.

Ant. Being warned in a dream, * Joseph withdrew into the parts of Galilee; and coming, he dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He shall be called a Nazarean.

Psalm 20 [8]

20:2 In your virtue, Lord, the king will rejoice, * and over your salvation, he will exult exceedingly.

20:3 You have granted him the desire of his heart, * and you have not cheated him of the wish of his lips.

20:4 For you have gone ahead of him with blessings of sweetness. * You have placed a crown of precious stones on his head.

20:5 He petitioned you for life, * and you have granted him length of days, in the present time, and forever and ever.

20:6 Great is his glory in your salvation. * Glory and great adornment, you will lay upon him.

20:7 For you will give him as a blessing forever and ever. * You will make him rejoice with gladness in your presence.

20:8 Because the king hopes in the Lord, * and in the mercy of the Most High, he will not be disturbed.

20:9 May your hand be found by all your enemies. * May your right hand discover all those who hate you.

20:10 You will make them like an oven of fire, in the time of your presence. * The Lord will stir them up with his wrath, and fire will devour them.

20:11 You will destroy their fruit from the earth * and their offspring from the sons of men.

20:12 For they have turned evils upon you; * they have devised plans, which they have not been able to accomplish.

20:13 For you will make them turn their back; * with your remnants, you will prepare their countenance.

20:14 Be exalted, Lord, by your own power. * We will play music and sing psalms to your virtues.

℣ 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. Being warned in a dream, Joseph withdrew into the parts of Galilee; and coming, he dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He shall be called a Nazarean.

Ant. The Father of Jesus * and his Mother were marveling at the things that were said of him; and Simeon blessed them.

Psalm 23 [9]

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 virtue. 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. The Father of Jesus and his Mother were marveling at the things that were said of him; and Simeon blessed them.

℣ The just man shall blossom like a lily.

℟ And shall flourish for ever before the Lord.

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 Matthew

Matt 1:18-21

After his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they lived together, she was found to have conceived in her womb by the Holy Spirit. And so forth.

From a Homily of Saint Jerome, Priest

Book 1 of the Commentary on Matthew, chapter 1

Why was he conceived not of a simple virgin, but of one betrothed? First, that through the lineage of Joseph the origin of Mary might be shown; second, lest she be stoned by the Jews as an adulteress; third, that in her flight into Egypt she might have a companion and consolation. The martyr Ignatius also added a fourth reason why he was conceived of a betrothed woman: So that, he says, his birth might be hidden from the devil, who would suppose him to have been born not of a virgin but of a wife.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ The Mother of Jesus said to him: Son, why have you done this to us?

* Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.

℣ And he said to them: “How is it that you were seeking me? For did you not know that it is necessary for me to be in these things which are of my Father?”

℟ Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 8

Before they lived together, she was found to have conceived in her womb by the Holy Spirit. She was found by no one else but Joseph, who, with something like a husband's liberty, knew everything of his betrothed wife. Now what is said, Before they came together — it does not follow from this that afterward they did come together; but Scripture shows what did not take place.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ And Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth:

* And he was subject to them.

℣ He advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.

℟ And he was subject to them.

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

℟ And he was subject to them.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 9

Now Joseph her husband, being a just man and not wishing to expose her, intended to put her away secretly. If anyone joins himself to a harlot, he becomes one body with her; and in the law it is commanded that not only those guilty of crimes but also those complicit in them are liable to sin: how then is Joseph called just when he conceals his wife's crime? But this is a testimony to Mary: that Joseph, knowing her chastity and marveling at what had come to pass, conceals in silence that whose mystery he did not know.

℣ 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.

We pray, O Lord, that we may be aided by the merits of the Spouse of your most holy Mother; that what our own power cannot obtain, may be granted to us by his intercession.

Who live and reign with God the Father, 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.