Nativity of St. John the Baptist ~ I. classis

Start
℣. O Lord, + open thou my lips.
℟. And my mouth shall declare thy praise.
℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Invitatory {Antiphon from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. The Lord, He is the King of His Fore-runner; * O come, let us worship Him.
Ant. The Lord, He is the King of His Fore-runner; * O come, let us worship Him.
Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our saviour. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to him with psalms.
Ant. The Lord, He is the King of His Fore-runner; * O come, let us worship Him.
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. For the Lord will not cast off his people: for in his hand are all the ends of the earth, and the heights of the mountains are his.
Ant. O come, let us worship Him.
For the sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. (genuflect) Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us: For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
Ant. The Lord, He is the King of His Fore-runner; * O come, let us worship Him.
Today if you shall 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 proved me, and saw my works.
Ant. O come, let us worship Him.
Forty years long was I offended with that generation, and I said: These always err in heart. And these men have not known my ways: so I swore in my wrath that they shall not enter into my rest.
Ant. The Lord, He is the King of His Fore-runner; * O come, let us worship Him.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. O come, let us worship Him.
Ant. The Lord, He is the King of His Fore-runner; * O come, let us worship Him.

Hymn {from the Proper of Saints}
Thou, in thy childhood, to the desert caverns
Fleddest for refuge from the cities' turmoil,
Where the world's slander might not dim thy lustre,
Lonely abiding.

Camel's hair raiment clothed thy saintly members;
Leathern the girdle which thy loins encircled;
Locusts and honey, with the fountain-water,
Daily sustained thee.

Oft in past ages, seers with hearts expectant
Sang the far-distant advent of the day-star;
thine was the glory, as the world's Redeemer
First to proclaim him.

Far as the wide world reacheth, born of woman,
Holier was there none than John the Baptist;
Meetly in water laving him who cleanseth
Man from pollution.

Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten,
And to the Spirit, equal power possessing,
One God whose glory, through the lapse of ages,
Ever resoundeth.
Amen.

Psalms with lections {Antiphons and psalms from the Proper of Saints}
Nocturn I
Ant. Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee, * and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee.
Psalm 1 [1]
1:1 Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * nor sat in the chair of pestilence.
1:2 But his will is in the law of the Lord, * and on his law he shall meditate day and night.
1:3 And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, * which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season.
1:3 And his leaf shall not fall off: * and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.
1:4 Not so the wicked, not so: * but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.
1:5 Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: * nor sinners in the council of the just.
1:6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: * and the way of the wicked shall perish.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee.

Ant. The Lord said unto me: Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee; * fear not; and whatsoever I command thee, thou shalt speak.
Psalm 2 [2]
2:1 Why have the Gentiles raged, * and the people devised vain things?
2:2 The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, * against the Lord and against his Christ.
2:3 Let us break their bonds asunder: * and let us cast away their yoke from us.
2:4 He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: * and the Lord shall deride them.
2:5 Then shall he speak to them in his anger, * and trouble them in his rage.
2:6 But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, * preaching his commandment.
2:7 The Lord hath said to me: * Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.
2:8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
2:9 Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
2:10 And now, O ye kings, understand: * receive instruction, you that judge the earth.
2:11 Serve ye the Lord with fear: * and rejoice unto him with trembling.
2:12 Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and you perish from the just way.
2:13 When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, * blessed are all they that trust in him.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. The Lord said unto me: Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee; fear not; and whatsoever I command thee, thou shalt speak.

Ant. Be not afraid of their faces; * for I am with thee, saith the Lord.
Psalm 3 [3]
3:2 Why, O Lord, are they multiplied that afflict me? * many are they who rise up against me.
3:3 Many say to my soul: * There is no salvation for him in his God.
3:4 But thou, O Lord art my protector, * my glory, and the lifter up of my head.
3:5 I have cried to the Lord with my voice: * and he hath heard me from his holy hill.
3:6 I have slept and taken my rest: * and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me.
3:7 I will not fear thousands of the people, surrounding me: * arise, O Lord; save me, O my God.
3:8 For thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: * thou hast broken the teeth of sinners.
3:9 Salvation is of the Lord: * and thy blessing is upon thy people.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Be not afraid of their faces; for I am with thee, saith the Lord.

℣. There was a man sent from God.
℟. Whose name was John.

Our Father is said silently until 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 forgive those who trespass against us.
℣. And lead us not into temptation:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution. O Lord Jesus Christ, graciously hear the prayers of Thy servants, and have mercy upon us, Who livest and reignest with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, ever world without end.
℟. Amen.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May the Eternal Father bless us with an eternal blessing.
℟. Amen.

Reading 1
Lesson from the book of Jeremias
Jer 1:1-5
1 The words of Jeremias the son of Helcias, of the priests that were in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin.
2 The word of the Lord which came to him in the days of Josias the son of Amon king of Juda, in the thirteenth year of his reign.
3 And which came to him in the days of Joakim the son of Josias king of Juda, unto the end of the eleventh year of Sedecias the son of Josias king of Juda, even unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive, in the fifth month.
4 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and made thee a prophet unto the nations.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
* The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
℣. John was in the wilderness, preaching the baptism of repentance.
℟. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May the Son, the Sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
℟. Amen.

Reading 2
Jer 1:6-10
6 And I said: Ah, ah, ah, Lord God: behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child.
7 And the Lord said to me: Say not: I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee: and whatsoever I shall command thee, thou shalt speak.
8 Be not afraid at their presence: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
9 And the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth: and the Lord said to me: Behold I have given my words in thy mouth:
10 Lo, I have set thee this day over the nations, and over the kingdoms, to root up, and pull down, and to waste, and to destroy, and to build, and to plant.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man, even of John the Baptist, the Forerunner of the Lord,
* who made straight in the desert an highway for the Lord.
℣. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
℟. Who made straight in the desert an highway for the Lord.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May the grace of the Holy Spirit enlighten all our hearts and minds.
℟. Amen.

Reading 3
Jer 1:17-19
17 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak to them all that I command thee. Be not afraid at their presence: for I will make thee not to fear their countenance.
18 For behold I have made thee this day a fortified city, and a pillar of iron, and a wall of brass, over all the land, to the kings of Juda, to the princes thereof, and to the priests, and to the people of the land.
19 And they shall fight against thee, and shall not prevail: for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee;
* And I ordained thee a Prophet unto the nations.
℣. A man beloved of God and men, he was had in honour.
℟. And I ordained thee a Prophet unto the nations.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. And I ordained thee a Prophet unto the nations.

Nocturn II
Ant. The Lord put forth His hand, and touched my mouth, * and the Lord ordained me a Prophet unto the nations.
Psalm 4 [4]
4:2 When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: * when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me.
4:2 Have mercy on me: * and hear my prayer.
4:3 O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? * Why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?
4:4 Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: * the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.
4:5 Be ye angry, and sin not: * the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.
4:6 Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: * many say, Who sheweth us good things?
4:7 The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: * thou hast given gladness in my heart.
4:8 By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, * they are multiplied.
4:9 In peace in the selfsame * I will sleep, and I will rest:
4:10 For thou, O Lord, singularly * hast settled me in hope.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. The Lord put forth His hand, and touched my mouth, and the Lord ordained me a Prophet unto the nations.

Ant. Behold, I have put My words in thy mouth; * see, I have this day set thee over the nations, and over the kingdoms.
Psalm 5 [5]
5:2 Give ear, O Lord, to my words * understand my cry.
5:3 Hearken to the voice of my prayer, * O my King and my God.
5:4 For to thee will I pray: * O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice.
5:5 In the morning I will stand before thee, and will see: * because thou art not a God that willest iniquity.
5:6 Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee: * nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes.
5:7 Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: * thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie.
5:7 The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor. * But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy,
5:8 I will come into thy house; * I will worship towards thy holy temple, in thy fear.
5:9 Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: * because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight.
5:10 For there is no truth in their mouth: * their heart is vain.
5:11 Their throat is an open sepulchre: they dealt deceitfully with their tongues: * judge them, O God.
5:11 Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickednesses cast them out: * for they have provoked thee, O Lord.
5:12 But let all them be glad that hope in thee: * they shall rejoice for ever, and thou shalt dwell in them.
5:12 And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee: * For thou wilt bless the just.
5:13 O Lord, thou hast crowned us, * as with a shield of thy good will.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Behold, I have put My words in thy mouth; see, I have this day set thee over the nations, and over the kingdoms.

Ant. The Lord hath called me from the womb; * from the bowels of my mother hath He made mention of my name.
Psalm 8 [6]
8:2 O Lord our Lord, * how admirable is thy name in the whole earth!
8:2 For thy magnificence is elevated * above the heavens.
8:3 Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, * that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger.
8:4 For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: * the moon and the stars which thou hast founded.
8:5 What is man that thou art mindful of him? * or the son of man that thou visitest him?
8:6 Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour: * and hast set him over the works of thy hands.
8:8 Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields.
8:9 The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, * that pass through the paths of the sea.
8:10 O Lord our Lord, * how admirable is thy name in all the earth!
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath He made mention of my name.

℣. Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater.
℟. Than John the Baptist.

Our Father is said silently until 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 forgive those who trespass against us.
℣. And lead us not into temptation:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution. May His loving-kindness and mercy help us, Who liveth and reigneth with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, world without end.
℟. Amen.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May God the Father Omnipotent, be to us merciful and clement.
℟. Amen.

Reading 4
From the Sermons of St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo.
20th on the Saints.
Outside the most holy Birthday of the Lord, we find celebrated in the Gospel the birth of only one other, namely, that of the blessed Baptist, John. As regardeth all others among God's holy and chosen ones we know that that day is observed whereon, with their work finished, and the world conquered and finally trampled down, they were born from this into a better life, even one of everlasting blessedness. In others is honoured the crowning of the struggle on their last day of dying life, but in John is honoured the first day; in him the very beginning is found hallowed. And the reason of this is, without doubt, because he was sent from God to bear witness to the coming of the Light, lest when It came It might take the darkness by surprise, and the darkness might not comprehend It. Now, John was a figure of the Old Testament, and showed in his own person a typical embodiment of the Law; and therefore John heralded beforehand the coming of the Saviour, even as the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us to the grace of Christ. Gal. iii. 24.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. The Angel of the Lord was sent down unto Zacharias, saying: Thou shalt beget a son in thine old age;
* and his name shall be called John the Baptist.
℣. The child shall be great in the sight of the Lord; for His hand is with him.
℟. And his name shall be called John the Baptist.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May Christ to all His people give, for ever in His sight to live.
℟. Amen.

Reading 5
But as touching this, that he prophesied while yet in the hidden depths of his mother's womb, and while himself lightless bore testimony to the truth, we are to understand it as a figure how that while himself wrapped round with the veil and carnal ordinances of the letter, he by the spirit preached unto the world a Redeemer, and testified that Jesus is our Lord even while for himself, working under the law, the birth of the new dispensation was still in the womb of the future, and not come to day. The Jews were estranged from the womb, that is from the Law, that womb heavy with the Christ That was to be; they went astray from the belly, speaking lies, Ps. lvii. 4; and therefore John came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. John i. 7.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. This is the well-beloved Fore-runner, a burning and a shining light before the Lord.
* For even this is John, who made straight in the desert an highway for our God. This also is he which bare witness, saying: Behold the Lamb of God! And his light lightened the minds of men.
℣. He shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias.
℟. For even this is John, who made straight in the desert an highway for our God. This also is he which bare witness, saying Behold the Lamb of God! And his light lightened the minds of men.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May the Spirit's fire Divine in our hearts enkindled shine.
℟. Amen.

Reading 6
But as for this, that when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples Matth. xi. 2; this is the Law sending to the Gospel. For John here was a figure of the Law, imprisoned in ignorance, lying in the dark, and in a hidden place, and he was fettered through Jewish misunderstanding within the bonds of the letter. But of him was it said, as is written in the Blessed Evangelist He was a burning and a shining light that is to say, that, when the whole world was wrapt in the night of ignorance, this Saint was kindled by the fire of the Holy Ghost, to show before men the light of salvation, and at the hour of the thickest darkness of sin, appeared like a bright morning star to herald the rising of that Sun so right gloriously radiant, the Son of righteousness, Christ our Lord. And this is why John said of himself: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord. John i. 15.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. They made signs to his father, how he would have him called; and he asked for a writing-table, and wrote, saying:
* His name is John.
℣. The mouth of Zacharias was opened, and he prophesied, saying:
℟. His name is John.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. His name is John.

Nocturn III
Ant. The Lord hath made my mouth * like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me.
Psalm 14 [7]
14:1 Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? * or who shall rest in thy holy hill?
14:2 He that walketh without blemish, * and worketh justice:
14:3 He that speaketh truth in his heart, * who hath not used deceit in his tongue:
14:3 Nor hath done evil to his neighbour: * nor taken up a reproach against his neighbours.
14:4 In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: * but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord:
14:4 He that sweareth to his neighbour, and deceiveth not; * He that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent:
14:5 He that doth these things, * shall not be moved for ever.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. The Lord hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me.

Ant. And now, saith the Lord That formed me from the womb * to be His servant: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.
Psalm 20 [8]
20:2 The king rejoices in thy strength, O Lord; * and in thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly.
20:3 Thou hast given him his heart’s desire: * and hast not withholden from him the will of his lips.
20:4 For thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness: * thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.
20:5 He asked life of thee: * and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.
20:6 His glory is great in thy salvation: * glory and great beauty shalt thou lay upon him.
20:7 For thou shalt give him to be a blessing for ever and ever: * thou shalt make him joyful in gladness with thy countenance.
20:8 For the king hopeth in the Lord: * and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.
20:9 Let thy hand be found by all thy enemies: * let thy right hand find out all them that hate thee.
20:10 Thou shalt make them as an oven of fire, * in the time of thy anger: the Lord shall trouble them in his wrath, and fire shall devour them.
20:11 Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth: * and their seed from among the children of men.
20:12 For they have intended evils against thee: * they have devised counsels which they have not been able to establish.
20:13 For thou shalt make them turn their back: * in thy remnants thou shalt prepare their face.
20:14 Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thy own strength: * we will sing and praise thy power.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. And now, saith the Lord That formed me from the womb to be His servant: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.

Ant. Kings shall see, and princes shall arise, and worship the Lord thy God, Who hath chosen thee.
Psalm 33 [9]
33:2 I will bless the Lord at all times, * his praise shall be always in my mouth.
33:3 In the Lord shall my soul be praised: * let the meek hear and rejoice.
33:4 O magnify the Lord with me; * and let us extol his name together.
33:5 I sought the Lord, and he heard me; * and he delivered me from all my troubles.
33:6 Come ye to him and be enlightened: * and your faces shall not be confounded.
33:7 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him: * and saved him out of all his troubles.
33:8 The Angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear him: * and shall deliver them.
33:9 O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: * blessed is the man that hopeth in him.
33:10 Fear the Lord, all ye his saints: * for there is no want to them that fear him.
33:11 The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger: * but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.
33:12 Come, children, hearken to me: * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
33:13 Who is the man that desireth life: * who loveth to see good days?
33:14 Keep thy tongue from evil, * and thy lips from speaking guile.
33:15 Turn away from evil and do good: * seek after peace and pursue it.
33:16 The eyes of the Lord are upon the just: * and his ears unto their prayers.
33:17 But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things: * to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
33:18 The just cried, and the Lord heard them: * and delivered them out of all their troubles.
33:19 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: * and he will save the humble of spirit.
33:20 Many are the afflictions of the just; * but out of them all will the Lord deliver them.
33:21 The Lord keepeth all their bones, * not one of them shall be broken.
33:22 The death of the wicked is very evil: * and they that hate the just shall be guilty.
33:23 The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants: * and none of them that trust in him shall offend.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Kings shall see, and princes shall arise, and worship the Lord thy God, Who hath chosen thee.

℣. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man.
℟. Even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.

Our Father is said silently until 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 forgive those who trespass against us.
℣. And lead us not into temptation:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution. May the Almighty and merciful Lord loose us from the bonds of our sins.
℟. Amen.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May the Gospel's holy lection Be our safety and protection.
℟. Amen.

Reading 7
From the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 1:57-69
Elisabeth's fullness of time came that she should deliver, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And so on.

Homily by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan.
Bk. ii. Comm. on Luke i.
Elizabeth's full time came that she should be delivered, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours rejoiced with her. The birth of a Saint is a joy for many, for it is a good to all. Righteousness is an help to all, and therefore when a righteous man is born it is an heralding of his life, which is still to come, that the helpful excellency of his future should be hailed by the, as it were, prophetic joy of the neighbours. It is well that we should be told concerning the prophet, while he was yet in the womb, that we may know how that Mary was there; but we hear nothing of his childhood, because, we know that it was safe and strong through the nearness of the Lord, Himself then in that womb which was free from the sorrows of pregnancy. And therefore we read in the Gospel nothing touching him save his coming, the annunciation thereof to his father, the leap which he gave in the womb, and his crying in the wilderness.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. The Fore-runner of the Lord cometh, to whom He Himself bare witness, saying:
* Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.
℣. A Prophet? Yea, and much more than a Prophet. This is he of whom the Saviour saith:
℟. Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. He whose feast-day we are keeping, be our Advocate with God.
℟. Amen.

Reading 8
It was not for him to feel childishness, who beyond all use of nature or of his age, when as yet he lay in his mother's womb, leapt at once unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Eph. iv. 13. It is strange how that the Holy Evangelist hath judged meet to tell us that they thought to call the child Zacharias, after the name of his father, that thou mayest notice that the mother would have none of the names whereby their kindred were called, but only that name which the Holy Ghost had dictated, and which the Angel had told before unto Zacharias. The dumb man had certainly not been able to tell his wife by what name to call the child, and Elizabeth must needs have learnt by revelation what she could not have heard from her husband.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. The Angel Gabriel appeared unto Zacharias, and said thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John;
* And many shall rejoice at his birth.
℣. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink.
℟. And many shall rejoice at his birth.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. And many shall rejoice at his birth.

℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May He that is the Angels' King to that high realm His people bring.
℟. Amen.

Reading 9
His name is John; that is, it is not for us to choose a name now for him to whom God hath given a name already. He hath a name, which we know, but it is not one of our choosing. To receive a name from God is one of the honours of the Saints. Thus was it that Jacob's name was no more called Jacob but Israel, because he saw God face to face. Gen. xxxii. 28. Thus was it that our Lord Jesus was named before He was born, with a name not given by an Angel, but by the Father. Thou seest that Angels tell that which they have been bidden to tell, not matters of their own choosing. Nor oughtest thou to wonder that Elizabeth named a name which she had not heard, since it had been revealed to her by the same Holy Ghost Who had commanded the Angel to tell it.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Te Deum
We praise thee, O God, * we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee, * the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud, * the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim * continually do cry.
bow head Holy, Holy, Holy * Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full * of the Majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles * praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets * praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs * praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world * doth acknowledge thee;
The Father, * of an infinite Majesty.
Thine honourable, true, * and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, * the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory, * O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting * Son of the Father.
During the following verse all make a profound bow: When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, * thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, * thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, * in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come * to be our Judge.
Kneel for the following verse We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, * whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy Saints, * in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people, * and bless thine heritage.
Govern them, * and lift them up for ever.
Day by day * we magnify thee;
During the following verse, by local custom, all make a profound bow. And we worship thy Name * ever, world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us * this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, * have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, * as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted, * let me never be confounded.

Skip the rest, unless praying Lauds separately.

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O God, Who hast made this day to be honourable in our eyes because of the Birth of the blessed John, graciously quicken thy people with spiritual joy, and order the minds of all the faithful in the way of everlasting salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Conclusion
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
℣. May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Start
℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Psalms {Psalms & antiphons from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, * was the mother of a mighty man, even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.
Psalm 92 [1]
92:1 The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty: * the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded himself.
92:1 For he hath established the world * which shall not be moved.
92:2 Thy throne is prepared from of old: * thou art from everlasting.
92:3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord: * the floods have lifted up their voice.
92:3 The floods have lifted up their waves, * with the noise of many waters.
92:4 Wonderful are the surges of the sea: * wonderful is the Lord on high.
92:5 Thy testimonies are become exceedingly credible: * holiness becometh thy house, O Lord, unto length of days.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man, even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.

Ant. They made signs to his father * how he would have him called; and he asked for a writing-table, and wrote, saying: His name is John.
Psalm 99 [2]
99:2 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: * serve ye the Lord with gladness.
99:2 Come in before his presence * with exceeding great joy.
99:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: * he made us, and not we ourselves.
99:3 We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. * Go ye into his gates with praise, into his courts with hymns: and give glory to him.
99:4 Praise ye his name: for the Lord is sweet, his mercy endureth for ever, * and his truth to generation and generation.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. They made signs to his father how he would have him called; and he asked for a writing-table, and wrote, saying: His name is John.

Ant. Thou shalt call his name John; * and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Psalm 62 [3]
62:2 O God, my God, * to thee do I watch at break of day.
62:2 For thee my soul hath thirsted; * for thee my flesh, O how many ways!
62:3 In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water: * so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, to see thy power and thy glory.
62:4 For thy mercy is better than lives: * thee my lips shall praise.
62:5 Thus will I bless thee all my life long: * and in thy name I will lift up my hands.
62:6 Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness: * and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.
62:7 If I have remembered thee upon my bed, I will meditate on thee in the morning: * because thou hast been my helper.
62:8 And I will rejoice under the covert of thy wings: my soul hath stuck close to thee: * thy right hand hath received me.
62:10 But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go into the lower parts of the earth: * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be the portions of foxes.
62:12 But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: * because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Thou shalt call his name John; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Ant. Among them that are born of women * there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.
Canticle of the Three Young Men [4]
Dan 3:57-88,56
3:57 All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: * praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:58 O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: * O ye heavens, bless the Lord:
3:59 O all ye waters that are above the heavens, bless the Lord: * O all ye powers of the Lord, bless the Lord.
3:60 O ye sun and moon, bless the Lord: * O ye stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
3:61 O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye spirits of God, bless the Lord.
3:62 O ye fire and heat, bless the Lord: * O ye cold and heat, bless the Lord.
3:63 O ye dews and hoar frosts, bless the Lord: * O ye frost and cold, bless the Lord.
3:64 O ye ice and snow, bless the Lord: * O ye nights and days, bless the Lord.
3:65 O ye light and darkness, bless the Lord: * O ye lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
3:66 O let the earth bless the Lord: * let it praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:67 O ye mountains and hills, bless the Lord: * O all ye things that spring up in the earth, bless the Lord.
3:68 O ye fountains, bless the Lord: * O ye seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
3:69 O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord: * O all ye fowls of the air, bless the Lord.
3:70 O all ye beasts and cattle, bless the Lord: * O ye sons of men, bless the Lord.
3:71 O let Israel bless the Lord: * let them praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:72 O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: * O ye servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
3:73 O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: * O ye holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord.
3:74 O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: * praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:75 (Bow head) Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:56 Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven: * and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever.
Ant. Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.

Ant. Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways.
Psalm 148 [5]
148:1 Praise ye the Lord from the heavens * praise ye him in the high places.
148:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: * praise ye him, all his hosts.
148:3 Praise ye him, O sun and moon: * praise him, all ye stars and light.
148:4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens: * and let all the waters that are above the heavens, praise the name of the Lord.
148:5 For he spoke, and they were made: * he commanded, and they were created.
148:6 He hath established them for ever, and for ages of ages: * he hath made a decree, and it shall not pass away.
148:7 Praise the Lord from the earth, * ye dragons, and all ye deeps:
148:8 Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds * which fulfill his word:
148:9 Mountains and all hills, * fruitful trees and all cedars:
148:10 Beasts and all cattle: * serpents and feathered fowls:
148:11 Kings of the earth and all people: * princes and all judges of the earth:
148:12 Young men and maidens: let the old with the younger, praise the name of the Lord: * For his name alone is exalted.
148:14 The praise of him is above heaven and earth: * and he hath exalted the horn of his people.
148:14 A hymn to all his saints: to the children of Israel, a people approaching him.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways.

Chapter Hymn Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Isa 49:1
Give ear, ye islands, and hearken, ye people from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother he hath been mindful of my name.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
O more than blessèd, merit high attaining,
Pure as the snow-drift, innocent of evil,
Child of the desert, mightiest of martyrs,
Greatest of prophets.

Thirtyfold increase some with glory crowneth;
Sixtyfold fruitage prize for others winneth;
Hundredfold measure, thrice repeated, decks thee,
Blest one, for guerdon.

O may the virtue of thine intercession,
All stony hardness from our hearts expelling,
Smooth the rough places, and the crooked straighten
Here in the desert.

Thus may our gracious Maker and Redeemer,
Seeking a station for his hallowed footsteps,
Find, when he cometh, temples undefilèd,
Meet to receive him.

Now as the angels celebrate thy praises,
Godhead essential, Trinity co-equal;
Spare thy redeemed ones, as they bow before thee,
Pardon imploring.
Amen.

℣. The child shall be great in the sight of the Lord.
℟. For His hand is with him.

Canticle: Benedictus {Antiphon from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. And the mouth of Zacharias was opened, * and he prophesied, saying: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.
Canticle of Zacharias
Luke 1:68-79
1:68 Blessed be the Lord ✠ God of Israel; * because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people:
1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, * in the house of David his servant:
1:70 As he spoke by the mouth of his holy Prophets, * who are from the beginning:
1:71 Salvation from our enemies, * and from the hand of all that hate us:
1:72 To perform mercy to our fathers, * and to remember his holy testament,
1:73 The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, * that he would grant to us,
1:74 That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, * we may serve him without fear,
1:75 In holiness and justice before him, * all our days.
1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:
1:77 To give knowledge of salvation to his people, * unto the remission of their sins:
1:78 Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, * in which the Orient from on high hath visited us:
1:79 To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: * to direct our feet into the way of peace.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. And the mouth of Zacharias was opened, and he prophesied, saying: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O God, Who hast made this day to be honourable in our eyes because of the Birth of the blessed John, graciously quicken thy people with spiritual joy, and order the minds of all the faithful in the way of everlasting salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Conclusion
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
℣. May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Start
℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Hymn
Now in the sun's new dawning ray,
Lowly of heart, our God we pray
That he from harm may keep us free
In all the deeds this day shall see.

May fear of him our tongues restrain,
Lest strife unguarded speech should stain:
His favouring care our guardian be,
Lest our eyes feed on vanity.

May every heart be pure from sin
And folly find no place therein:
Scant need of food, excess denied,
Wear down in us the body's pride.

That when the light of day is gone,
And night in course shall follow on.
We, free from cares the world affords,
May chant the praise that is our Lord's.

All laud to God the Father be,
All praise, Eternal Son, to thee:
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the holy Paraclete.
Amen.

Psalms {Psalms for Sunday & antiphons from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, * was the mother of a mighty man, even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.
Psalm 53 [1]
53:3 Save me, O God, by thy name, * and judge me in thy strength.
53:4 O God, hear my prayer: * give ear to the words of my mouth.
53:5 For strangers have risen up against me; and the mighty have sought after my soul: * and they have not set God before their eyes.
53:6 For behold God is my helper: * and the Lord is the protector of my soul.
53:7 Turn back the evils upon my enemies; * and cut them off in thy truth.
53:8 I will freely sacrifice to thee, * and will give praise, O God, to thy name: because it is good:
53:9 For thou hast delivered me out of all trouble: * and my eye hath looked down upon my enemies.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 118(1-16) [2]
118:1 (Aleph) Blessed are the undefiled in the way, * who walk in the law of the Lord.
118:2 Blessed are they that search his testimonies: * that seek him with their whole heart.
118:3 For they that work iniquity, * have not walked in his ways.
118:4 Thou hast commanded * thy commandments to be kept most diligently.
118:5 O! that my ways may be directed * to keep thy justifications.
118:6 Then shall I not be confounded, * when I shall look into all thy commandments.
118:7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, * when I shall have learned the judgments of thy justice.
118:8 I will keep thy justifications: * O! do not thou utterly forsake me.
118:9 (Béth) By what doth a young man correct his way? * By observing thy words.
118:10 With my whole heart have I sought after thee: * let me not stray from thy commandments.
118:11 Thy words have I hidden in my heart, * that I may not sin against thee.
118:12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: * teach me thy justifications.
118:13 With my lips * I have pronounced all the judgments of thy mouth.
118:14 I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies, * as in all riches.
118:15 I will meditate on thy commandments: * and I will consider thy ways.
118:16 I will think of thy justifications: * I will not forget thy words.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 118(17-32) [3]
118:17 (Ghimel) Give bountifully to thy servant, enliven me * and I shall keep thy words.
118:18 Open thou my eyes: * and I will consider the wondrous things of thy law.
118:19 I am a sojourner on the earth: * hide not thy commandments from me.
118:20 My soul hath coveted to long for thy justifications, * at all times.
118:21 Thou hast rebuked the proud: * they are cursed who decline from thy commandments.
118:22 Remove from me reproach and contempt: * because I have sought after thy testimonies.
118:23 For princes sat, and spoke against me: * but thy servant was employed in thy justifications.
118:24 For thy testimonies are my meditation: * and thy justifications my counsel.
118:25 (Daleth) My soul hath cleaved to the pavement: * quicken thou me according to thy word.
118:26 I have declared my ways, and thou hast heard me: * teach me thy justifications.
118:27 Make me to understand the way of thy justifications: * and I shall be exercised in thy wondrous works.
118:28 My soul hath slumbered through heaviness: * strengthen thou me in thy words.
118:29 Remove from me the way of iniquity: * and out of thy law have mercy on me.
118:30 I have chosen the way of truth: * thy judgments I have not forgotten.
118:31 I have stuck to thy testimonies, O Lord: * put me not to shame.
118:32 I have run the way of thy commandments, * when thou didst enlarge my heart.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man, even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
1 Tim. 1:17
Now to the king of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us.
℟. Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us.
℣. Thou, who sittest at the right hand of the Father.
℟. Have mercy on us.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us.

℣. Arise, O Christ, and help us.
℟. And deliver us for thy name's sake.

Prayer
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought us to the beginning of this day: defend us by thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always what is righteous in thy sight.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Martyrology {anticipated}
June 25th 2026, the 10th day of the Moon,

On the 25th day of June, were born into the better life:

In the country of Golet, near Nusco, the holy Confessor William, father of the hermits of Monte Vergine.
At Bercea, holy Sosipater, disciple of the blessed Apostle Paul.
At Rome, the holy Virgin and martyr Lucy, with twenty-two others.
At Alexandria, the holy martyr Gallican. This was a man of Consular rank, who had received the honour of a triumph and was a personal friend of the Emperor Constantine. He was converted to the faith of Christ by holy John and Paul. After his conversion he withdrew to Ostia with holy Hilarinus, when he gave himself entirely to the service of strangers and the sick. This got noised abroad in all the world so that people came from all parts to see a man who had been a patrician and a consul washing the feet of the poor, laying the table, pouring water on the guests' hands, ministering carefully to the sick, and performing other offices of mercy. He was turned out of Ostia under the Emperor Julian the Apostate, and went to Alexandria. There the judge Raucian would needs have him sacrifice, and forasmuch as he would not, caused him to be beheaded, and so he became Christ's martyr.
At Sibapolis, in Syria, the holy Virgin and martyr Febronia on account of her steadfastness in faith and chastity during the persecution under Diocletian, the judge Lysimachus ordered her to be first beaten with rods and tormented upon the rack, then torn with combs and burnt with fire afterwards her teeth were hammered out and her breasts cut off, and then she was beheaded, and so passed away to her Divine Bridegroom prepared with all these sufferings as a bride adorned for her husband.
At Besançon, in Gaul, the holy martyr Antidius, Bishop of Besançon, who for Christ's faith's sake was slain by the Vandals.
At Reggio, holy Prosper of Aquitaine, Bishop of that city, famous for his learning and godliness, who stoutly contended for the Catholic faith against the Pelagians.
At Turin, the holy Confessor Maximus, Bishop of Turin, very famous for his teaching and holiness.
In Holland, the holy Confessor Adelbert, the disciple of holy Willibrord, Archbishop [of Utrecht.]
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℣. Precious in the sight of the Lord
℟. Is the death of his saints.
Holy Mary and all the Saints, intercede for us with the Lord, our God, so that we may merit His help and salvation, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
℟. Amen.

The Capitular Office
℣. O God, come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
℣. O God, come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
℣. O God, come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord have mercy upon us, Christ have mercy upon us, Lord have mercy upon us.
Our Father is said silently until 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 forgive those who trespass against us.
℣. And lead us not into temptation:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
℣. Look upon thy servants and upon thy works: and direct their children.
℟. And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us. Direct thou the works of our hands; yea, the work of our hands do thou direct.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Let us pray.
O Lord, Almighty God, King of heaven and earth, Saviour of the world, bless, lead, rule and govern our hearts and bodies, our senses, words and deeds today, following thy law and commandments, that here and for eternity with thy help we shall be saved in freedom. Who livest and reignest, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Short reading {Throughout the Year}
℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May Almighty God arrange our deeds and our day in His peace.
℟. Amen.
2 Thess 3:5
And the Lord direct your hearts, in the charity of God, and the patience of Christ.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Conclusion
℣. Our help is ✠ in the name of the Lord,
℟. Who made heaven and earth.
℣. Let us bless.
℟. God.
Benediction. May the Lord bless us, ✠ protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. And may the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Start
℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Hymn
Come Holy Ghost who ever One
Art with the Father and the Son,
It is the hour, our souls possess
With thy full flood of holiness.

Let flesh and heart and lips and mind
Sound forth our witness to mankind;
And love light up our mortal frame,
Till others catch the living flame.

Almighty Father, hear our cry,
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High,
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.
Amen.

Psalms {Psalms for Sunday & antiphons from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. They made signs to his father * how he would have him called; and he asked for a writing-table, and wrote, saying: His name is John.
Psalm 118(33-48) [1]
118:33 (He) Set before me for a law the way of thy justifications, O Lord: * and I will always seek after it.
118:34 Give me understanding, and I will search thy law; * and I will keep it with my whole heart.
118:35 Lead me into the path of thy commandments; * for this same I have desired.
118:36 Incline my heart into thy testimonies * and not to covetousness.
118:37 Turn away my eyes that they may not behold vanity: * quicken me in thy way.
118:38 Establish thy word to thy servant, * in thy fear.
118:39 Turn away my reproach, which I have apprehended: * for thy judgments are delightful.
118:40 Behold I have longed after thy precepts: * quicken me in thy justice.
118:41 (Vau) Let thy mercy also come upon me, O Lord: * thy salvation according to thy word.
118:42 So shall I answer them that reproach me in any thing; * that I have trusted in thy words.
118:43 And take not thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth: * for in thy words, I have hoped exceedingly.
118:44 So shall I always keep thy law, * for ever and ever.
118:45 And I walked at large: * because I have sought after thy commandments.
118:46 And I spoke of thy testimonies before kings: * and I was not ashamed.
118:47 I meditated also on thy commandments, * which I loved.
118:48 And I lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I loved: * and I was exercised in thy justifications.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 118(49-64) [2]
118:49 (Zai) Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, * in which thou hast given me hope.
118:50 This hath comforted me in my humiliation: * because thy word hath enlivened me.
118:51 The proud did iniquitously altogether: * but I declined not from thy law.
118:52 I remembered, O Lord, thy judgments of old: * and I was comforted.
118:53 A fainting hath taken hold of me, * because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
118:54 Thy justifications were the subject of my song, * in the place of my pilgrimage.
118:55 In the night I have remembered thy name, O Lord: * and have kept thy law.
118:56 This happened to me: * because I sought after thy justifications.
118:57 (Heth) O Lord, my portion, * I have said, I would keep thy law.
118:58 I entreated thy face with all my heart: * have mercy on me according to thy word.
118:59 I have thought on my ways: * and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
118:60 I am ready, and am not troubled: * that I may keep thy commandments.
118:61 The cords of the wicked have encompassed me: * but I have not forgotten thy law.
118:62 I rose at midnight to give praise to thee; * for the judgments of thy justification.
118:63 I am a partaker with all them that fear thee, * and that keep thy commandments.
118:64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: * teach me thy justifications.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 118(65-80) [3]
118:65 (Teth) Thou hast done well with thy servant, O Lord, * according to thy word.
118:66 Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge; * for I have believed thy commandments.
118:67 Before I was humbled I offended; * therefore have I kept thy word.
118:68 Thou art good; * and in thy goodness teach me thy justifications.
118:69 The iniquity of the proud hath been multiplied over me: * but I will seek thy commandments with my whole heart.
118:70 Their heart is curdled like milk: * but I have meditated on thy law.
118:71 It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, * that I may learn thy justifications.
118:72 The law of thy mouth is good to me, * above thousands of gold and silver.
118:73 (Jod) Thy hands have made me and formed me: * give me understanding, and I will learn thy commandments.
118:74 They that fear thee shall see me, and shall be glad: * because I have greatly hoped in thy words.
118:75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are equity: * and in thy truth thou hast humbled me.
118:76 O! let thy mercy be for my comfort, * according to thy word unto thy servant.
118:77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: * for thy law is my meditation.
118:78 Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: * but I will be employed in thy commandments.
118:79 Let them that fear thee turn to me: * and they that know thy testimonies.
118:80 Let my heart be undefiled in thy justifications, * that I may not be confounded.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. They made signs to his father how he would have him called; and he asked for a writing-table, and wrote, saying: His name is John.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Isa 49:1
Give ear, ye islands, and hearken, ye people from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother he hath been mindful of my name.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. There was a man sent from God.
℟. There was a man sent from God.
℣. Whose name was John.
℟. Sent from God.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. There was a man sent from God.

℣. Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater.
℟. Than John the Baptist.

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O God, Who hast made this day to be honourable in our eyes because of the Birth of the blessed John, graciously quicken thy people with spiritual joy, and order the minds of all the faithful in the way of everlasting salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Conclusion
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
℣. May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Start
℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Hymn
O God of truth, O Lord of might,
Who orderest time and change aright,
Who send’st the early morning ray,
And light’st the glow of perfect day:

Extinguish thou each sinful fire,
And banish every ill desire;
And while thou keep’st the body whole,
Shed forth thy peace upon the soul.

Almighty Father, hear our cry,
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High,
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.
Amen.

Psalms {Psalms for Sunday & antiphons from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. Thou shalt call his name John; * and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Psalm 118(81-96) [1]
118:81 (Caph) My soul hath fainted after thy salvation: * and in thy word I have very much hoped.
118:82 My eyes have failed for thy word, * saying: When wilt thou comfort me?
118:83 For I am become like a bottle in the frost: * I have not forgotten thy justifications.
118:84 How many are the days of thy servant: * when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
118:85 The wicked have told me fables: * but not as thy law.
118:86 All thy statutes are truth: * they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me.
118:87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth: * but I have not forsaken thy commandments.
118:88 Quicken thou me according to thy mercy: * and I shall keep the testimonies of thy mouth.
118:89 (Lamed) For ever, O Lord, * thy word standeth firm in heaven.
118:90 Thy truth unto all generations: * thou hast founded the earth, and it continueth.
118:91 By thy ordinance the day goeth on: * for all things serve thee.
118:92 Unless thy law had been my meditation, * I had then perhaps perished in my abjection.
118:93 Thy justifications I will never forget: * for by them thou hast given me life.
118:94 I am thine, save thou me: * for I have sought thy justifications.
118:95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: * but I have understood thy testimonies.
118:96 I have seen an end of all perfection: * thy commandment is exceeding broad.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 118(97-112) [2]
118:97 (Mem) How have I loved thy law, O Lord! * it is my meditation all the day.
118:98 Through thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than my enemies: * for it is ever with me.
118:99 I have understood more than all my teachers: * because thy testimonies are my meditation.
118:100 I have had understanding above ancients: * because I have sought thy commandments.
118:101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way: * that I may keep thy words.
118:102 I have not declined from thy judgments, * because thou hast set me a law.
118:103 How sweet are thy words to my palate! * more than honey to my mouth.
118:104 By thy commandments I have had understanding: * therefore have I hated every way of iniquity.
118:105 (Nun) Thy word is a lamp to my feet, * and a light to my paths.
118:106 I have sworn and am determined * to keep the judgments of thy justice.
118:107 I have been humbled, O Lord, exceedingly: * quicken thou me according to thy word.
118:108 The free offerings of my mouth make acceptable, O Lord: * and teach me thy judgments.
118:109 My soul is continually in my hands: * and I have not forgotten thy law.
118:110 Sinners have laid a snare for me: * but I have not erred from thy precepts.
118:111 I have purchased thy testimonies for an inheritance for ever: * because they are the joy of my heart.
118:112 I have inclined my heart to do thy justifications for ever, * for the reward.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 118(113-128) [3]
118:113 (Samech) I have hated the unjust: * and I have loved thy law.
118:114 Thou art my helper and my protector: * and in thy word I have greatly hoped.
118:115 Depart from me, ye malignant: * and I will search the commandments of my God.
118:116 Uphold me according to thy word, and I shall live: * and let me not be confounded in my expectation.
118:117 Help me, and I shall be saved: * and I will meditate always on thy justifications.
118:118 Thou hast despised all them that fall off from thy judgments; * for their thought is unjust.
118:119 I have accounted all the sinners of the earth prevaricators: * therefore have I loved thy testimonies.
118:120 Pierce thou my flesh with thy fear: * for I am afraid of thy judgments.
118:121 (Ain) I have done judgment and justice: * give me not up to them that slander me.
118:122 Uphold thy servant unto good: * let not the proud calumniate me.
118:123 My eyes have fainted after thy salvation: * and for the word of thy justice.
118:124 Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy: * and teach me thy justifications.
118:125 I am thy servant: * give me understanding that I may know thy testimonies.
118:126 It is time, O Lord, to do: * they have dissipated thy law.
118:127 Therefore have I loved thy commandments * above gold and the topaz.
118:128 Therefore was I directed to all thy commandments: * I have hated all wicked ways.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Thou shalt call his name John; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Isa 49:5-6
And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be His servant, I have given thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. Among them that are born of women * there hath not risen a greater.
℟. Among them that are born of women * there hath not risen a greater.
℣. Than John the Baptist.
℟. There hath not risen a greater.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater.

℣. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man.
℟. Even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O God, Who hast made this day to be honourable in our eyes because of the Birth of the blessed John, graciously quicken thy people with spiritual joy, and order the minds of all the faithful in the way of everlasting salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Conclusion
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
℣. May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Start
℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Hymn
O strength and stay upholding all creation,
Who ever dost thyself unmoved abide,
Yet day by day the light in due gradation
From hour to hour through all its changes guide:

Grant to life’s day a calm unclouded ending,
An eve untouched by shadows of decay,
The brightness of a holy death-bed blending
With dawning glories of th’ eternal day.

Hear us, O Father, gracious and forgiving,
And thou, O Christ, the co-eternal Word,
Who, with the Holy Ghost, by all things living
Now and to endless ages art adored.
Amen.

Psalms {Psalms for Sunday & antiphons from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways.
Psalm 118(129-144) [1]
118:129 (Phe) Thy testimonies are wonderful: * therefore my soul hath sought them.
118:130 The declaration of thy words giveth light: * and giveth understanding to little ones.
118:131 I opened my mouth, and panted: * because I longed for thy commandments.
118:132 Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, * according to the judgment of them that love thy name.
118:133 Direct my steps according to thy word: * and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
118:134 Redeem me from the calumnies of men: * that I may keep thy commandments.
118:135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: * and teach me thy justifications.
118:136 My eyes have sent forth springs of water: * because they have not kept thy law.
118:137 (Sade) Thou art just, O Lord: * and thy judgment is right.
118:138 Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies: * and thy truth exceedingly.
118:139 My zeal hath made me pine away: * because my enemies forgot thy words.
118:140 Thy word is exceedingly refined: * and thy servant hath loved it.
118:141 I am very young and despised; but * I forget not thy justifications.
118:142 Thy justice is justice for ever: * and thy law is the truth.
118:143 Trouble and anguish have found me: * thy commandments are my meditation.
118:144 Thy testimonies are justice for ever: * give me understanding, and I shall live.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 118(145-160) [2]
118:145 (Coph) I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O Lord: * I will seek thy justifications.
118:146 I cried unto thee, save me: * that I may keep thy commandments.
118:147 I prevented the dawning of the day, and cried: * because in thy words I very much hoped.
118:148 My eyes to thee have prevented the morning: * that I might meditate on thy words.
118:149 Hear thou my voice, O Lord, according to thy mercy: * and quicken me according to thy judgment.
118:150 They that persecute me have drawn nigh to iniquity; * but they are gone far off from thy law.
118:151 Thou art near, O Lord: * and all thy ways are truth.
118:152 I have known from the beginning concerning thy testimonies: * that thou hast founded them for ever.
118:153 (Res) See my humiliation and deliver me: * for I have not forgotten thy law.
118:154 Judge my judgment and redeem me: * quicken thou me for thy word’s sake.
118:155 Salvation is far from sinners; * because they have not sought thy justifications.
118:156 Many, O Lord, are thy mercies: * quicken me according to thy judgment.
118:157 Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me; * but I have not declined from thy testimonies.
118:158 I beheld the transgressors, and I pined away; * because they kept not thy word.
118:159 Behold I have loved thy commandments, O Lord; * quicken me thou in thy mercy.
118:160 The beginning of thy words is truth: * all the judgments of thy justice are for ever.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 118(161-176) [3]
118:161 (Sin) Princes have persecuted me without cause: * and my heart hath been in awe of thy words.
118:162 I will rejoice at thy words, * as one that hath found great spoil.
118:163 I have hated and abhorred iniquity; * but I have loved thy law.
118:164 Seven times a day I have given praise to thee, * for the judgments of thy justice.
118:165 Much peace have they that love thy law, * and to them there is no stumbling-block.
118:166 I looked for thy salvation, O Lord: * and I loved thy commandments.
118:167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies: * and hath loved them exceedingly.
118:168 I have kept thy commandments and thy testimonies: * because all my ways are in thy sight.
118:169 (Tau) Let my supplication, O Lord, come near in thy sight: * give me understanding according to thy word.
118:170 Let my request come in before thee; * deliver thou me according to thy word.
118:171 My lips shall utter a hymn, * when thou shalt teach me thy justifications.
118:172 My tongue shall pronounce thy word: * because all thy commandments are justice.
118:173 Let thy hand be with me to save me; * for I have chosen thy precepts.
118:174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; * and thy law is my meditation.
118:175 My soul shall live and shall praise thee: * and thy judgments shall help me.
118:176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: * seek thy servant, because I have not forgotten thy commandments.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Isa 49:7
Kings shall see, and princes shall arise, and shall worship the Lord thy God, and the Holy One of Israel that hath chosen thee.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man.
℟. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man.
℣. Even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.
℟. A mighty man.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man.

℣. The child shall be great in the sight of the Lord.
℟. For His hand is with him.

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O God, Who hast made this day to be honourable in our eyes because of the Birth of the blessed John, graciously quicken thy people with spiritual joy, and order the minds of all the faithful in the way of everlasting salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Conclusion
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
℣. May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Start
℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Psalms {Psalms & antiphons from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, * was the mother of a mighty man, even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.
Psalm 109 [1]
109:1 The Lord said to my Lord: * Sit thou at my right hand:
109:1 Until I make thy enemies * thy footstool.
109:2 The Lord will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: * rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.
109:3 With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength: in the brightness of the saints: * from the womb before the day star I begot thee.
109:4 The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent: * Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.
109:5 The Lord at thy right hand * hath broken kings in the day of his wrath.
109:6 He shall judge among nations, he shall fill ruins: * he shall crush the heads in the land of many.
109:7 He shall drink of the torrent in the way: * therefore shall he lift up the head.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, was the mother of a mighty man, even of John the Baptist, the Fore-runner of the Lord.

Ant. They made signs to his father * how he would have him called; and he asked for a writing-table, and wrote, saying: His name is John.
Psalm 110 [2]
110:1 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; * in the council of the just, and in the congregation.
110:2 Great are the works of the Lord: * sought out according to all his wills.
110:3 His work is praise and magnificence: * and his justice continueth for ever and ever.
110:4 He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: * he hath given food to them that fear him.
110:5 He will be mindful for ever of his covenant: * he will shew forth to his people the power of his works.
110:7 That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: * the works of his hands are truth and judgment.
110:8 All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, * made in truth and equity.
110:9 He hath sent redemption to his people: * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
110:9 (bow head) Holy and terrible is his name: * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
110:10 A good understanding to all that do it: * his praise continueth for ever and ever.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. They made signs to his father how he would have him called; and he asked for a writing-table, and wrote, saying: His name is John.

Ant. Thou shalt call his name John; * and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Psalm 111 [3]
111:1 Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: * he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.
111:2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
111:3 Glory and wealth shall be in his house: * and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.
111:4 To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: * he is merciful, and compassionate and just.
111:5 Acceptable is the man that sheweth mercy and lendeth: he shall order his words with judgment: * because he shall not be moved for ever.
111:7 The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: * he shall not fear the evil hearing.
111:7 His heart is ready to hope in the Lord: his heart is strengthened, * he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.
111:9 He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever and ever: * his horn shall be exalted in glory.
111:10 The wicked shall see, and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: * the desire of the wicked shall perish.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Thou shalt call his name John; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Ant. Among them that are born of women * there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.
Psalm 112 [4]
112:1 Praise the Lord, ye children: * praise ye the name of the Lord.
112:2 (bow head) Blessed be the name of the Lord, * from henceforth now and for ever.
112:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
112:4 The Lord is high above all nations; * and his glory above the heavens.
112:5 Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: * and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?
112:7 Raising up the needy from the earth, * and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:
112:8 That he may place him with princes, * with the princes of his people.
112:9 Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, * the joyful mother of children.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.

Ant. Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways.
Psalm 116 [5]
116:1 Praise the Lord, all ye nations: * praise him, all ye people.
116:2 For his mercy is confirmed upon us: * and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways.

Chapter Hymn Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Isa 49:1
Give ear, ye islands, and hearken, ye people from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother he hath been mindful of my name.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
O for thy spirit, holy John, to chasten
Lips sin-polluted, fettered tongues to loosen;
So by thy children might thy deeds of wonder
Meetly be chanted.

Lo! a swift herald, from the skies descending,
Bears to thy father promise of thy greatness;
How he shall name thee, what thy future story,
Duly revealing.

Scarcely believing message so transcendent,
Him for season power of speech forsaketh,
Till, at thy wondrous birth, again returneth
Voice to the voiceless.

Thou, in thy mother's womb all darkly cradled,
Knewest thy Monarch, biding in his chamber,
Whence the two parents, through their children's merits,
Mysteries uttered.

Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten,
And to the Spirit, equal power possessing,
One God whose glory, through the lapse of ages,
Ever resoundeth.
Amen.

℣. The child shall be great in the sight of the Lord.
℟. For His hand is with him.

Canticle: Magnificat {Antiphon from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. The child, that unto us is born, * is much more than a Prophet, for this is he of whom the Saviour saith: Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.
Canticle of the Blessed Virgin
Luke 1:46-55
1:46 My soul ✠ * doth magnify the Lord.
1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced * in God my Saviour.
1:48 Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; * for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
1:49 Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; * and holy is his name.
1:50 And his mercy is from generation unto generations, * to them that fear him.
1:51 He hath shewed might in his arm: * he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble.
1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; * and the rich he hath sent empty away.
1:54 He hath received Israel his servant, * being mindful of his mercy:
1:55 As he spoke to our fathers, * to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. The child, that unto us is born, is much more than a Prophet, for this is he of whom the Saviour saith: Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O God, Who hast made this day to be honourable in our eyes because of the Birth of the blessed John, graciously quicken thy people with spiritual joy, and order the minds of all the faithful in the way of everlasting salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Conclusion
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
℣. May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.

Start
℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May almighty God grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
℟. Amen.

Short reading
1 Pet 5:8-9
Brothers: Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in faith.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℣. Our help is ✠ in the name of the Lord,
℟. Who made heaven and earth.
There follows an examination of conscience, or the Our Father said silently.
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 forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.
I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed: strikes his breast through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
May the almighty ✠ and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution and remission of our sins. Amen.
℣. Turn us then, ✙︎ O God, our saviour:
℟. And let thy anger cease from us.

℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Psalms {Psalms & Antiphons from Sunday}
Ant. Have mercy * on me, O Lord, and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4 [1]
4:2 When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: * when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me.
4:2 Have mercy on me: * and hear my prayer.
4:3 O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? * Why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?
4:4 Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: * the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.
4:5 Be ye angry, and sin not: * the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.
4:6 Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: * many say, Who sheweth us good things?
4:7 The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: * thou hast given gladness in my heart.
4:8 By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, * they are multiplied.
4:9 In peace in the selfsame * I will sleep, and I will rest:
4:10 For thou, O Lord, singularly * hast settled me in hope.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 90 [2]
90:1 He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, * shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.
90:2 He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: * my God, in him will I trust.
90:3 For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: * and from the sharp word.
90:4 He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: * and under his wings thou shalt trust.
90:5 His truth shall compass thee with a shield: * thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.
90:6 Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: * of invasion, or of the noonday devil.
90:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: * but it shall not come nigh thee.
90:8 But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: * and shalt see the reward of the wicked.
90:9 Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: * thou hast made the most High thy refuge.
90:10 There shall no evil come to thee: * nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.
90:11 For he hath given his angels charge over thee; * to keep thee in all thy ways.
90:12 In their hands they shall bear thee up: * lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
90:13 Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: * and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.
90:14 Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: * I will protect him because he hath known my name.
90:15 He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: * I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.
90:16 I will fill him with length of days; * and I will shew him my salvation.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 133 [3]
133:1 Behold now bless ye the Lord, * all ye servants of the Lord:
133:1 Who stand in the house of the Lord, * in the courts of the house of our God.
133:2 In the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, * and bless ye the Lord.
133:3 May the Lord out of Sion bless thee, * he that made heaven and earth.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Have mercy on me, O Lord, and hear my prayer.

Hymn
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That with thy wonted favor thou
Wouldst be our guard and keeper now.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes,
From nightly fears and fantasies;
Tread under foot our ghostly foe,
That no pollution we may know.

O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.
Amen.

Chapter Responsory Verse
Jer 14:9
But thou, O Lord, art among us, and thy name is called upon by us: forsake us not, O Lord our God.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. Into thy hands, O Lord, * do I commend my spirit.
℟. Into thy hands, O Lord, * do I commend my spirit.
℣. For thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, God of truth.
℟. I commend my spirit.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Into thy hands, O Lord, * do I commend my spirit.

℣. Keep us, Lord, as the apple of thine eye.
℟. Protect us under the shadow of thy wings.

Canticle: Nunc dimittis
Ant. Protect us, * Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace.
Canticle of Simeon
Luke 2:29-32
2:29 Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, ✠ * according to thy word in peace;
2:30 Because my eyes have seen * thy salvation,
2:31 Which thou hast prepared * before the face of all peoples:
2:32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, * and the glory of thy people Israel.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Protect us, Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace.

Prayer
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this dwelling, and drive far from it the snares of the enemy; let thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace, and let thy blessing be always upon us.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Conclusion
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
Benediction. The almighty and merciful Lord, ✠ the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us.
℟. Amen.

Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Hail holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping
In this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us.
And after this our exile show unto us
the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

℣. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
℟. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
O almighty, everlasting God, who by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, didst prepare the body and soul of Mary, glorious Virgin and Mother, to become a worthy dwelling for Thy Son; grant that we who rejoice in her commemoration may, by her gracious intercession, be delivered from present evils and from everlasting death. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
℣. May the divine assistance ✠ remain with us always.
℟. Amen.