S. Annæ Matris B.M.V.Saint Anne, Mother 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 praise our God * in praise of blessed Anne.

Ant. Let us praise our God * in praise of blessed Anne.

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 praise of blessed Anne.

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 praise of blessed Anne.

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 praise of blessed Anne.

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 praise of blessed Anne.

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 praise of blessed Anne.

℣ 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 praise of blessed Anne.

Ant. Let us praise our God * in praise of blessed Anne.

Fountain of mercy, hear the prayers she offers;

Purge our offences, pardon our transgressions,

So that hereafter we to thee may render

Praise with thanksgiving.

Thou, the All-Father, thou, the One-Begotten,

Thou, Holy Spirit, Three in One co-equal,

Glory be henceforth thine through all the ages,

World without ending.

Amen.

Nocturn I

Ant. O how beautiful * is the chaste generation with splendor!

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. O how beautiful is the chaste generation with splendor!

Ant. His left hand * is under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me.

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, O Lord, * (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 eloquence 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. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me.

Ant. Return, * return, O Shulammite; return, that we may behold you.

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 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. Return, return, O Shulammite; return, that we may behold you.

℣ In your beauty and your comeliness

℟ Press forward, prosper, and reign.

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 Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 31:10-17

10 Who shall find a strong woman? Far away, and from the furthest parts, is her price.

11 The heart of her husband confides in her, and he will not be deprived of spoils.

12 She will repay him with good, and not evil, all the days of her life.

13 She has sought wool and flax, and she has worked these by the counsel of her hands.

14 She has become like a merchant’s ship, bringing her bread from far away.

15 And she has risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and provisions to her maids.

16 She has considered a field and bought it. From the fruit of her own hands, she has planted a vineyard.

17 She has wrapped her waist with fortitude, and she has strengthened her arm.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Come, my chosen one, and I will set my throne in you,

* For the King has desired your beauty.

℣ In your beauty and in your splendor, set out, advance in triumph, and reign.

℟ For the King has desired your beauty.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 2

Prov 31:18-24

18 She has tasted and seen that her tasks are good; her lamp shall not be extinguished at night.

19 She has put her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle.

20 She has opened her hand to the needy, and she has extended her hands to the poor.

21 She shall not fear, in the cold of snow, for her household. For all those of her household have been clothed two-fold.

22 She has made embroidered clothing for herself. Fine linen and purple is her garment.

23 Her husband is noble at the gates, when he sits among the senators of the land.

24 She has made finely woven cloth and sold it, and she has delivered a waistband to the Canaanite.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Grace is poured forth upon your lips,

* Therefore God has blessed you for ever.

℣ In your beauty and in your splendor, set out, advance in triumph, and reign.

℟ Therefore God has blessed you for ever.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 3

Prov 31:25-31

25 Strength and elegance are her clothing, and she will laugh in the final days.

26 She has opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue.

27 She has considered the paths of her household, and she has not eaten her bread in idleness.

28 Her sons rose up and predicted great happiness; her husband rose up and praised her.

29 Many daughters have gathered together riches; you have surpassed them all.

30 Charm is false, and beauty is vain. The woman who fears the Lord, the same shall be praised.

31 Give to her from the fruit of her own hands. And let her works praise her at the gates.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ In your beauty and your comeliness

* Press forward, prosper, and reign.

℣ Grace has been poured out upon your lips, therefore God has blessed you for ever.

℟ Press forward, prosper, and reign.

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

℟ Press forward, prosper, and reign.

Nocturn II

Ant. In your beauty * and your comeliness, press forward, advance prosperously, and reign.

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 a brilliant form before 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, * with 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 assisted 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. In your beauty and your comeliness, press forward, advance prosperously, and reign.

Ant. God will help her * with his countenance: God is in her midst, she shall not be moved.

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 frenzy 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 empty, 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 will help her with his countenance: God is in her midst, she shall not be moved.

Ant. Many waters * could not quench charity.

Psalm 47 [6]

47:2 The Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy, * in the city of our God, on his holy mountain.

47:3 Mount Zion is being founded with the exultation of the whole earth, * on the north side, the city of the great king.

47:4 In her houses, God will be known, * since he will support her.

47:5 For behold, the kings of the earth have been gathered together; * they have convened as one.

47:6 Such did they see, and they were astonished: they were disturbed, they were moved. * Trembling took hold of them.

47:7 In that place, their pains were that of a woman in labor. * With a vehement spirit, you will crush the ships of Tarshish.

47:9 As we have heard, so we have seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God. * God has founded it in eternity.

47:10 We have received your mercy, O God, * in the midst of your temple.

47:11 According to your name, O God, so does your praise reach to the ends of the earth. * Your right hand is full of justice.

47:12 Let mount Zion rejoice, and let the daughters of Judah exult, * because of your judgments, O Lord.

47:13 Encircle Zion and embrace her. * Discourse in her towers.

47:14 Set your hearts on her virtue. * And distribute her houses, so that you may discourse of it in another generation.

47:15 For this is God, our God, in eternity and forever and ever. * He will rule us forever.

℣ 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. Many waters could not quench charity.

℣ God will assist it with his countenance.

℟ God is in its midst; it will not be shaken.

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 John Damascene

Oration 2 on the Nativity of Blessed Mary, near the end

Before us is set the chamber of Anna, reflecting at once the form of married life and of virginity: the former in the mother, the latter in the daughter; of whom the one was but recently freed from barrenness, while the other, a little later, was to give birth to Christ — formed by divine workmanship according to the condition of our nature, yet above nature. Rightly, therefore, does Anna, filled with the divine Spirit, resound with joyful and glad heart: Rejoice with me, who have brought forth from a barren womb the offspring of the promise, and who nourish at my breast, as I had hoped, the fruit of blessing. I have put off the sadness of barrenness, and have put on the glad garment of fruitfulness. Let that other Anna, the adversary of Pheninnah, also rejoice with me today, and celebrate with her own example this new and unexpected wonder that has been wrought in me.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ For truth, and meekness, and justice:

* And your right hand shall lead you wondrously.

℣ In your beauty and in your splendor, set out, advance in triumph, and reign.

℟ And your right hand shall lead you wondrously.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 5

Let Sara exult, leaping for joy with an elder woman's gladness, prefiguring my conception from sterility. Let the barren and fruitless together sing of my visitation, wrought in wondrous fashion from on high. Let all mothers endowed with this fruitfulness say: Blessed is he who has granted to those who prayed what they desired, and has given fruitfulness to the barren, and has bestowed that most blessed offspring, the Virgin who was the Mother of God according to the flesh, whose womb is heaven, in whom dwelt he who is contained by no place. Let us ourselves also offer praise in harmony with these words to her who was once called barren but has now become mother of the virginal bridal chamber. Let us say to her with Scripture: How blessed is the house of David, from which you came forth, and the womb in which God fashioned the ark of sanctification, that is, her from whom he was conceived without seed.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ You have loved justice, and hated iniquity:

* Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness.

℣ For the sake of truth, and meekness, and justice.

℟ Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 6

Truly blessed are you, and three times blessed, who gave birth to the infant granted by God with beatitude — that is, Mary — who is greatly to be revered even by her very name; from whom Christ, the Flower of life, was born. This Virgin’s own birth was glorious, and her bringing forth a child surpassed the world in sublimity. We also congratulate you, O most blessed woman; for you have given birth to the hope divinely granted to us all, that is, the child of the promise. Truly blessed are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. The tongue of the devout magnifies your offspring, and every joyful word proclaims your delivery. Worthy indeed, and most worthy it is to praise her who, by divine goodness, received the oracle and brought forth for us such a great fruit, from whom sweet Jesus came.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is empty:

* The woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

℣ Give to her from the fruit of her own hands. And let her works praise her at the gates.

℟ The woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

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

℟ The woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Nocturn III

Ant. I am dark * but beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem; and so the King has loved me, and brought me into his chamber.

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 natives 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. I am dark but beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem; and so the King has loved me, and brought me into his chamber.

Ant. Draw me after you, * in the fragrance of your ointments we shall run: your name is oil poured out.

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 corrections from 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 memory of his sanctuary.

℣ 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. Draw me after you, in the fragrance of your ointments we shall run: your name is oil poured out.

Ant. Come, Bride of Christ, * receive the crown which the Lord has prepared for you for eternity.

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 strings and the voice of a psalmist, * with subtle wind instruments and the voice of woodwinds.

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. Come, Bride of Christ, receive the crown which the Lord has prepared for you for eternity.

℣ God has chosen her and has chosen her before all others.

℟ He makes her dwell in his tabernacle.

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 13:44-52

At that time: Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. And so forth.

A Homily of Saint Gregory the Pope

Homily 11 on the Gospels

The Kingdom of Heaven, dearest brethren, is therefore said to be like earthly things, so that, from those things which the mind knows, it may rise to the unknown things which it does not know: in order that, by the example of visible things, it may be drawn swiftly to the invisible, and, as though warmed by rubbing against what it has learned by experience, it may grow hot; so that, through what it knows how to love as familiar, it may also learn to love the unknown. For behold, the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a treasure hidden in a field; which, when a man finds it, he hides it, and out of joy for it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ She opened her mouth with wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue; she considered the paths of her household,

* And she did not eat the bread of idleness.

℣ She tasted and saw that her trading is good; her lamp shall not be put out in the night.

℟ And she did not eat the bread of idleness.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 8

In this matter, it must also be noted that the treasure, once found, is hidden so that it may be kept safe: for he does not suffice to guard the zeal of heavenly desire from evil spirits, who does not hide it from human praise. For in this present life we are, as it were, on the road by which we press on toward our homeland. But the evil spirits beset our way like so many brigands. He who carries his treasure openly on the road invites plunder. This I say not so that our neighbors may not see our good works — since it is written: Let your good works be seen, that they may glorify your Father who is in heaven — but so that we may not seek outward praise for what we do. So let the work be in public, but the intention remain hidden; that we may both offer our neighbors the example of a good work, and yet, through the intention by which we seek to please God alone, may always desire what is secret.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ The kingdom of the world and all the adornment of the age I have despised, for the love of my Lord Jesus Christ:

* Whom I have seen, whom I have loved, in whom I have believed, whom I have cherished.

℣ My heart has uttered a good word: I declare my works to the King.

℟ Whom I have seen, whom I have loved, in whom I have believed, whom I have cherished.

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

℟ Whom I have seen, whom I have loved, in whom I have believed, whom I have cherished.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

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

℟ Amen.

Lesson 9

But the heavenly treasure is the desire for heaven; and the field in which the treasure is hidden is the discipline of heavenly endeavor. This field one truly purchases by selling all, who, renouncing the pleasures of the flesh, tramples down all his earthly desires through the keeping of heavenly discipline: so that he no longer desires whatever the flesh flatters; nothing which slays the carnal life does the spirit dread.

℣ 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 were pleased to bestow upon blessed Anne the grace that she might merit to become the mother of the Mother of your Only Begotten Son: graciously grant that we may be aided by her patronage before you, whose solemnities we celebrate.

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.