St. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church ~ Duplex

Start
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.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried: he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty: from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Thereafter, with hearable voice, the Versicle is said:
℣. 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 Common or Feast}
Ant. The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
Ant. The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
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, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
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.
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, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
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.
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, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.
℣. 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.
Ant. The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.

Hymn {from the Common or Feast}
This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph
Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness
On this feast day year by year receiveth
Merited honors.

Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour,
Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly.
While that life’s vigour, coursing through his members,
Quickened his being.

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting,
Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted,
Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning,
At his petition.

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour,
Chanting his praises with devout affection,
That in his merits we may have a portion,
Now and forever.

His be the glory, power and salvation,
Who over all things reigneth in the highest,
Earth’s mighty fabric ruling and directing,
Onely and Trinal.
Amen.

Psalms with lections {Antiphons from the Psalter for the season of the Church year}
Nocturn I
Ant. The Lord hath looked down from heaven * upon the children of men.
Psalm 13 [1]
13:1 The fool hath said in his heart: * there is no God.
13:1 They are corrupt, and are become abominable in their ways: * there is none that doth good, no not one.
13:2 The Lord hath looked down from heaven upon the children of men, * to see if there be any that understand and seek God.
13:3 They are all gone aside, they are become unprofitable together: * there is none that doth good: no not one.
13:3 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they acted deceitfully: * the poison of asps is under their lips.
13:3 Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; * their feet are swift to shed blood.
13:3 Destruction and unhappiness in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known: * there is no fear of God before their eyes.
13:4 Shall not all they know that work iniquity, * who devour my people as they eat bread?
13:5 They have not called upon the Lord: * there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear.
13:6 For the Lord is in the just generation: you have confounded the counsel of the poor man; * but the Lord is his hope.
13:7 Who shall give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? * when the Lord shall have turned away the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
℣. 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 looked down from heaven upon the children of men.

Ant. He who worketh justice * may rest on thy holy mountain, O Lord.
Psalm 14 [2]
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. He who worketh justice may rest on thy holy mountain, O Lord.

Ant. O Lord, incline * thy ear to me, and hear my voice, my Lord.
Psalm 16 [3]
16:1 Hear, O Lord, my justice: * attend to my supplication.
16:1 Give ear unto my prayer, * which proceedeth not from deceitful lips.
16:2 Let my judgment come forth from thy countenance: * let thy eyes behold the things that are equitable.
16:3 Thou hast proved my heart, and visited it by night, * thou hast tried me by fire: and iniquity hath not been found in me.
16:4 That my mouth may not speak the works of men: * for the sake of the words of thy lips, I have kept hard ways.
16:5 Perfect thou my goings in thy paths: * that my footsteps be not moved.
16:6 I have cried to thee, for thou, O God, hast heard me: * O incline thy ear unto me, and hear my words.
16:7 Shew forth thy wonderful mercies; * thou who savest them that trust in thee.
16:8 From them that resist thy right hand keep me, * as the apple of thy eye.
16:8 Protect me under the shadow of thy wings: * from the face of the wicked who have afflicted me.
16:9 My enemies have surrounded my soul: They have shut up their fat: * their mouth hath spoken proudly.
16:11 They have cast me forth, and now they have surrounded me: * they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth.
16:12 They have taken me, as a lion prepared for the prey; * and as a young lion dwelling in secret places.
16:13 Arise, O Lord, disappoint him and supplant him; * deliver my soul from the wicked one; thy sword from the enemies of thy hand.
16:14 O Lord, divide them from the few of the earth in their life: * their belly is filled from thy hidden stores.
16:14 They are full of children: * and they have left to their little ones the rest of their substance.
16:15 But as for me, I will appear before thy sight in justice: * I shall be satisfied when thy glory shall appear.
℣. 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 Lord, incline thy ear to me, and hear my voice, my Lord.

℣. Show forth thy wonderful mercies.
℟. Thou who savest them that trust in thee.

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 Isaias
Isa 13:1-4
1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaias the son of Amos saw.
2 Upon the dark mountain lift ye up a banner, exalt the voice, lift up the hand, and let the rulers go into the gates.
3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, and have called my strong ones in my wrath, them that rejoice in my glory.
4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, as it were of many people, the noise of the sound of kings, of nations gathered together.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. Receive, O Virgin Mary, receive the word of the Lord, which is sent thee by His Angel; thou shalt conceive, and shalt bring forth God and Man together.
* And thou shalt be called blessed among all women.
℣. Thou shalt bring forth a son, and remain a maiden undefiled thou shalt conceive and be a Mother, still Virgin unspotted.
℟. And thou shalt be called blessed among all women.

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

Reading 2
Isa 13:4-8
4 The Lord of hosts hath given charge to the troops of war.
5 To them that come from a country afar off, from the end of heaven: the Lord and the instruments of his wrath, to destroy the whole land.
6 Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is near: it shall come as a destruction from the Lord.
7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every heart of man shall melt,
8 And shall be broken. Gripings and pains shall take hold of them, they shall be in pain as a woman in labour. Every one shall be amazed at his neighbour, their countenances shall be as faces burnt.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains, for our Lord will come;
* And will have mercy on His afflicted.
℣. In His days shall righteousness flourish and abundance of peace.
℟. And will have mercy upon His afflicted.

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

Reading 3
Isa 13:9-11
9 Behold, the day of the Lord shall come, a cruel day, and full of indignation, and of wrath, and fury, to lay the land desolate, and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
10 For the stars of heaven, and their brightness shall not display their light: the sun shall be darkened in his rising, and the moon shall not shine with her light.
11 And I will visit the evils of the world, and against the wicked for their iniquity: and I will make the pride of infidels to cease, and will bring down the arrogancy of the mighty.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. There shall no strangers pass through Jerusalem any more
* For in that day the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey, saith the Lord.
℣. God shall come from Lebanon, and the Holy One from the thick and shady mountain.
℟. For in that day the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey, saith the Lord.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. For in that day the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey, saith the Lord.

Nocturn II
Ant. I will love thee, * O Lord, who art my strength.
Psalm 17(2-16b) [4]
17:2 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: * The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer.
17:3 My God is my helper, * and in him will I put my trust.
17:3 My protector, and the horn of my salvation, * and my support.
17:4 Praising, I will call upon the Lord: * and I shall be saved from my enemies.
17:5 The sorrows of death surrounded me: * and the torrents of iniquity troubled me.
17:6 The sorrows of hell encompassed me: * and the snares of death prevented me.
17:7 In my affliction I called upon the Lord, * and I cried to my God:
17:7 And he heard my voice from his holy temple: * and my cry before him came into his ears.
17:8 The earth shook and trembled: * the foundations of the mountains were troubled and were moved, because he was angry with them.
17:9 There went up a smoke in his wrath: and a fire flamed from his face: * coals were kindled by it.
17:10 He bowed the heavens, and came down, * and darkness was under his feet.
17:11 And he ascended upon the cherubim, and he flew; * he flew upon the wings of the winds.
17:12 And he made darkness his covert, his pavilion round about him: * dark waters in the clouds of the air.
17:13 At the brightness that was before him the clouds passed, * hail and coals of fire.
17:14 And the Lord thundered from heaven, and the Highest gave his voice: * hail and coals of fire.
17:15 And he sent forth his arrows, and he scattered them: * he multiplied lightnings, and troubled them.
17:16 Then the fountains of waters appeared, * and the foundations of the world were discovered:
17:16 At thy rebuke, O Lord, * at the blast of the spirit of thy wrath.
℣. 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. I will love thee, O Lord, who art my strength.

Ant. The Lord will reward me * according to my justice.
Psalm 17(17-35) [5]
17:17 He sent from on high, and took me: * and received me out of many waters.
17:18 He delivered me from my strongest enemies, and from them that hated me: * for they were too strong for me.
17:19 They prevented me in the day of my affliction: * and the Lord became my protector.
17:20 And he brought me forth into a large place: * he saved me, because he was well pleased with me.
17:21 And the Lord will reward me according to my justice; * and will repay me according to the cleanness of my hands:
17:22 Because I have kept the ways of the Lord; * and have not done wickedly against my God.
17:23 For all his judgments are in my sight: * and his justices I have not put away from me.
17:24 And I shall be spotless with him: * and shall keep myself from my iniquity.
17:25 And the Lord will reward me according to my justice: * and according to the cleanness of my hands before his eyes.
17:26 With the holy thou wilt be holy; * and with the innocent man thou wilt be innocent:
17:27 And with the elect thou wilt be elect: * and with the perverse thou wilt be perverted.
17:28 For thou wilt save the humble people; * but wilt bring down the eyes of the proud.
17:29 For thou lightest my lamp, O Lord: * O my God, enlighten my darkness.
17:30 For by thee I shall be delivered from temptation; * and through my God I shall go over a wall.
17:31 As for my God, his way is undefiled: the words of the Lord are fire-tried: * he is the protector of all that trust in him.
17:32 For who is God but the Lord? * or who is God but our God?
17:33 God, who hath girt me with strength; * and made my way blameless.
17:34 Who hath made my feet like the feet of harts: * and who setteth me upon high places.
17:35 Who teacheth my hands to war: * and thou hast made my arms like a brazen bow.
℣. 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 will reward me according to my justice.

Ant. The Lord liveth, * and blessed be my God, my salvation.
Psalm 17(36a-51) [6]
17:36 Thou hast given me the protection of thy salvation: * and thy right hand hath held me up:
17:36 And thy discipline hath corrected me unto the end: * and thy discipline, the same shall teach me.
17:37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; * and my feet are not weakened.
17:38 I will pursue after my enemies, and overtake them: * and I will not turn again till they are consumed.
17:39 I will break them, and they shall not be able to stand: * they shall fall under my feet.
17:40 And thou hast girded me with strength unto battle; * and hast subdued under me them that rose up against me.
17:41 And thou hast made my enemies turn their back upon me, * and hast destroyed them that hated me.
17:42 They cried, but there was none to save them, to the Lord: * but he heard them not.
17:43 And I shall beat them as small as the dust before the wind; * I shall bring them to nought, like the dirt in the streets.
17:44 Thou wilt deliver me from the contradictions of the people; * thou wilt make me head of the Gentiles.
17:45 A people which I knew not, hath served me: * at the hearing of the ear they have obeyed me.
17:46 The children that are strangers have lied to me, * strange children have faded away, and have halted from their paths.
17:47 The Lord liveth, and blessed be my God, * and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
17:48 O God, who avengest me, and subduest the people under me, * my deliverer from my enraged enemies.
17:49 And thou wilt lift me up above them that rise up against me: * from the unjust man thou wilt deliver me.
17:50 Therefore will I give glory to thee, O Lord, among the nations, * and I will sing a psalm to thy name.
17:51 Giving great deliverance to his king, and shewing mercy to David, his anointed: * 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 Lord liveth, and blessed be my God, my salvation.

℣. I will give glory to thee, O Lord, among the nations.
℟. And I will sing a psalm to thy name.

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
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, was the son of another Ambrose, a Roman citizen, and was born when his father was Prefect of Gaul, about the year of our Lord 340. A swarm of bees settled upon his face when he was in his cradle, which was considered an omen of his future eloquence. He received a liberal education at Rome. He was afterwards, under the Prefect Probus, made governor of Liguria and Emilia, and so came with authority to Milan. Auxentius, an Arian, who had been intruded into the Bishopric of Milan, happening to die, the most violent disputes arose about the choice of a successor. Ambrose came to the church in his official capacity, and urged upon the contending factions, in a long and powerful speech, the necessity of keeping the public peace; whereupon a child suddenly cried out, Ambrose, Bishop, and the whole assembly took it up, and unanimously called for his election.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. I have found David My servant, with My holy oil have I anointed him
* For My hand shall help him.
℣. The enemy shall prevail nothing against him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
℟. For My hand shall help him.

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

Reading 5
Ambrose refused, and would not yield to their prayers, whereupon they carried their petition to the Emperor Valentinian. It was very pleasing to this Prince that those he had appointed as judges should be chosen Bishops, as also to the Prefect Probus, who had, as it were prophetically, said to him when he appointed him, Go and govern them more like a Bishop than a Judge. When the will of the Emperor was added to the desire of the people, Ambrose yielded, and received Baptism, (for hitherto he was only a Catechumen,) Confirmation, and Communion, and then the several Orders on successive days, till on the eighth day, which was the 7th of December, in the year 374, the weight of the Episcopate was laid upon his shoulders. Being made Bishop, he showed himself a stout upholder of the Catholic faith, and the discipline of the Church, and turned to the truth great numbers of Arians and other heretics, and, among them, he begat in Christ Jesus that burning and shining light of the Church, Augustine.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. I have laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted one chosen out of My people
* For My hand shall help him.
℣. I have found David My servant, with My holy oil have I anointed him.
℟. For My hand shall help him.

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

Reading 6
After the murder of the Emperor Gratian, in 383, Ambrose was sent as an ambassador to Maximus, by whom he had been slain, and, as he refused to repent, the Bishop renounced his communion. After the massacre which the Emperor Theodosius had commanded at Thessalonica, in 390, he refused to permit that Prince to enter a church. The Emperor pleaded that he was no worse than David, who had been guilty of adultery and murder, to which Ambrose answered him, As thou hast followed him in his sin, follow him also in his repentance. Then Theodosius humbly did public penance laid upon him by the Bishop. At length the Saint was worn out with his continual labour and care for the Church, (for the which also he composed many excellent books,) and foretold that the day of his death was at hand, though he had not then fallen into his last sickness. As he lay dying, Honoratus, Bishop of Vercelli, heard a voice from God three times crying to him that the hour of Ambrose's departure was come, whereupon he went to him quickly, and gave him the sacred Body of our Lord. When he had received It, the Saint, still praying, with his hands stretched out in the form of a cross, gave his spirit to God, upon the 4th day of April, in the year of Christ, 397.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. This is he which wrought great wonders before God, and the whole earth is full of his teaching
* May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them
℣. This is he which loved not his life in this world, and hath attained unto the kingdom of heaven.
℟. May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. May he pray for all people, that their sins may be forgiven unto them

Nocturn III
Ant. May the Lord hear * thee in the day of tribulation. ‡
Psalm 19 [7]
19:2 May the Lord hear thee in the day of tribulation: * ‡ may the name of the God of Jacob protect thee.
19:3 May he send thee help from the sanctuary: * and defend thee out of Sion.
19:4 May he be mindful of all thy sacrifices: * and may thy whole burnt offering be made fat.
19:5 May he give thee according to thy own heart; * and confirm all thy counsels.
19:6 We will rejoice in thy salvation; * and in the name of our God we shall be exalted.
19:7 The Lord fulfil all thy petitions: * now have I known that the Lord hath saved his anointed.
19:7 He will hear him from his holy heaven: * the salvation of his right hand is in powers.
19:8 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: * but we will call upon the name of the Lord, our God.
19:9 They are bound, and have fallen: * but we are risen, and are set upright.
19:10 O Lord, save the king: * and hear us in the day that we shall call upon thee.
℣. 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. May the Lord hear thee in the day of tribulation.

Ant. The king rejoices * in Thy strength, O Lord. ‡
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. The king rejoices in Thy strength, O Lord.

Ant. I will extol thee, * O Lord, for thou hast upheld me. ‡
Psalm 29 [9]
29:2 I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me: * ‡ and hast not made my enemies to rejoice over me.
29:3 O Lord my God, I have cried to thee, * and thou hast healed me.
29:4 Thou hast brought forth, O Lord, my soul from hell: * thou hast saved me from them that go down into the pit.
29:5 Sing to the Lord, O ye his saints: * and give praise to the memory of his holiness.
29:6 For wrath is in his indignation; * and life in his good will.
29:6 In the evening weeping shall have place, * and in the morning gladness.
29:7 And in my abundance I said: * I shall never be moved.
29:8 O Lord, in thy favour, * thou gavest strength to my beauty.
29:8 Thou turnedst away thy face from me, * and I became troubled.
29:9 To thee, O Lord, will I cry: * and I will make supplication to my God.
29:10 What profit is there in my blood, * whilst I go down to corruption?
29:10 Shall dust confess to thee, * or declare thy truth?
29:11 The Lord hath heard, and hath had mercy on me: * the Lord became my helper.
29:12 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into joy: * thou hast cut my sackcloth, and hast compassed me with gladness:
29:13 To the end that my glory may sing to thee, and I may not regret: * O Lord my God, I will give praise to thee 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. I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me.

℣. Sing to the Lord, O ye his saints.
℟. And give praise to the memory of his holiness.

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 Matthew
Matt 5:13-19
At that time: Jesus said unto his disciples: Ye are the salt of the earth: But if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? And so on, and that which followeth.

A Homily by St. Augustine the Bishop
Lib. 1 de Sermóne Dómini in monte, cap. 6
The Lord would have us understand how that men do lose their power of savouring others with righteousness when they are willing to place their eternal welfare in jeopardy for the sake of any témporal advantage, like as attainment of ease or luxury, or escape from suffering or toil. For that which is eternal, unlike things of this world, can neither be bestowed by men, nor by them taken away. Hence, when he asketh: If the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? he would have us understand the question to be: If ye, by whom mankind is preserved from corruption, be willing to lose the kingdom of heaven so as to escape trials or persecutions in this world, who is there to preserve you from corruption, seeing ye are they that God hath chosen to preserve all others from corruption?
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. The Lord loved him and beautified him He clothed him with a robe of glory
* And crowned him at the gates of Paradise.
℣. The Lord hath put on him the breast-plate of faith, and hath adorned him.
℟. And crowned him at the gates of Paradise.

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

Reading 8
Those that should be the salt of the earth, but have lost their savour, are thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. But no one that suffereth persecution is truly said to be trodden under foot of men. Rather, that one is truly trodden under foot of men who through fear of persecution hath lost the savour of righteousness. For no one can be trodden upon, unless he be beneath him which treadeth upon him. And certainly no one who hath his heart in heaven, no matter how grievously he doth suffer in his body on earth, is rightly said to be beneath anyone who misuseth him.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. In the midst of the congregation did the Lord open his mouth.
* And filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding.
℣. He made him rich with joy and gladness.
℟. And filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. And filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding.

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

Reading 9
Ye are the light of the world. And we are to understand the word World in the same sense as the word Earth when he spoke above of the salt of the earth, that is, not that earth whereupon we walk with our bodily feet, but the men which dwell upon the earth; in other words, sinners, for the sweetening and correction of whose corruption, the Lord hath sent his Apostles, as it were, as so much salt. And so by the world we are to understand, not the heaven and the earth, but the men who are in the world and love the world, for the enlightening of whom the Apostles have been sent. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid: that is, what is founded upon the heights of righteousness, whereof the mountain upon which the Lord gave this discourse was itself a figure, is magnificent in the eyes of all men.
℣. 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 didst give blessed Ambrose to be thy people’s minister in eternal salvation; grant, we pray, that we who have him for teacher of life here on earth, may also deserve now that he is in heaven, to have him for an advocate.
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.

Our Father is said completely in silence.
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.

Start
If Matins and Lauds are separated, then is 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.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Otherwise, the hour is started directly as follows:
℣. 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 {Laudes:1 Psalms & antiphons from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. All ye nations * shout unto God with the voice of joy.
Psalm 46 [1]
46:2 O clap your hands, all ye nations: * shout unto God with the voice of joy,
46:3 For the Lord is high, terrible: * a great king over all the earth.
46:4 He hath subdued the people under us; * and the nations under our feet.
46:5 He hath chosen for us his inheritance, * the beauty of Jacob which he hath loved.
46:6 God is ascended with jubilee, * and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.
46:7 Sing praises to our God, sing ye: * sing praises to our king, sing ye.
46:8 For God is the king of all the earth: * sing ye wisely.
46:9 God shall reign over the nations: * God sitteth on his holy throne.
46:10 The princes of the people are gathered together, with the God of Abraham: * for the strong gods of the earth are exceedingly exalted.
℣. 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. All ye nations shout unto God with the voice of joy.

Ant. Hearken to the voice * of my prayer, O my King and my God.
Psalm 5 [2]
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. Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God.

Ant. The God of majesty * hath thundered, ascribe to the Lord glory to his name.
Psalm 28 [3]
28:1 Bring to the Lord, O ye children of God: * bring to the Lord the offspring of rams.
28:2 Bring to the Lord glory and honour: bring to the Lord glory to his name: * adore ye the Lord in his holy court.
28:3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of majesty hath thundered, * The Lord is upon many waters.
28:4 The voice of the Lord is in power; * the voice of the Lord in magnificence.
28:5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars: * yea, the Lord shall break the cedars of Libanus.
28:6 And shall reduce them to pieces, as a calf of Libanus, * and as the beloved son of unicorns.
28:7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flame of fire: * The voice of the Lord shaketh the desert: and the Lord shall shake the desert of Cades.
28:9 The voice of the Lord prepareth the stags: and he will discover the thick woods: * and in his temple all shall speak his glory.
28:10 The Lord maketh the flood to dwell: * and the Lord shall sit king for ever.
28:11 The Lord will give strength to his people: * the Lord will bless his people with 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. The God of majesty hath thundered, ascribe to the Lord glory to his name.

Ant. O God of majesty, * we praise thy glorious name.
Canticle of David [4]
1 Chron. 29:10-13
29:10 Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of Israel, our father * from eternity to eternity.
29:11 Thine, O Lord, is magnificence, and power, * and glory, and victory:
29:11 And to thee is praise: * for all that is in heaven, and in earth, is thine:
29:11 Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, * and thou art above all princes.
29:12 Thine are riches, and thine is glory, * thou hast dominion over all,
29:12 In thy hand is power and might: * in thy hand greatness, and the empire of all things.
29:13 Now therefore our God we give thanks to thee, * and we praise thy glorious name.
℣. 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 God of majesty, we praise thy glorious name.

Ant. O praise the Lord, * all ye nations.
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. O praise the Lord, all ye nations.

Chapter Hymn Verse {from the Common or Feast}
Sir 44:16-17
Behold an high priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous, and in the time of wrath he was made a propitiation.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
Jesu, the world’s Redeemer, O hear;
thy bishops’ fadeless crown, draw near:
Accept with gentlest love today
The prayers and praises that we pay.

The meek confessor of thy name
Today attained a glorious fame;
Whose yearly feast, in solemn state,
Thy faithful people celebrate.

The world and all its boasted good,
As vain and passing, he eschewed;
And therefore with angelic bands,
In endless joy forever stands.

Grant then that we, most gracious God,
May follow in the steps he trod:
And, at his prayer, thy servants free
From stain of all iniquity.

To thee, O Christ, our loving King,
All glory, praise, and thanks we bring:
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen.

℣. The Lord guided the just in right paths.
℟. And showed him the kingdom of God.

Canticle: Benedictus {Antiphon from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. Well done, thou good and faithful servant * thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, saith the Lord.
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. Well done, thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, saith the Lord.

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 didst give blessed Ambrose to be thy people’s minister in eternal salvation; grant, we pray, that we who have him for teacher of life here on earth, may also deserve now that he is in heaven, to have him for an advocate.
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.

Commemoration of Feria II infra Hebdomadam II Adventus
Ant. The Lord the Ruler cometh from heaven, and in His hand are honour and dominion.

℣. A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.
℟. Make straight his paths.

Let us pray.
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the ways of thine Only-begotten Son, that by His coming our minds being purified, we may the more worthily give up ourselves to thy service:
Who with thee liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Suffrage{omit}

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.

Our Father is said completely in silence.
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.
℣. May the Lord grant us his peace.
℟. And life everlasting. Amen.

Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mother of Christ, hear thou thy people's cry
Star of the deep and Portal of the sky!
Mother of Him who thee from nothing made.
Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid:
O, by what joy which Gabriel brought to thee,
Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see.

℣. The Angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.
℟. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts: that as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an Angel, so too by his Cross and passion may we be brought to the glory of his resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
℣. May the divine assistance ✠ remain with us always.
℟. Amen.

Start
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.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried: he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty: from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Thereafter, with hearable voice, the Versicle is said:
℣. 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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. The innocent in hands.
Psalm 23 [1]
23:1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof: * the world, and all they that dwell therein.
23:2 For he hath founded it upon the seas; * and hath prepared it upon the rivers.
23:3 Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: * or who shall stand in his holy place?
23:4 The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, * who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.
23:5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his Saviour.
23:6 This is the generation of them that seek him, * of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
23:7 Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.
23:8 Who is this King of Glory? * the Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.
23:9 Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.
23:10 Who is this King of Glory? * the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.
℣. 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 18(2-7b) [2]
18:2 The heavens shew forth the glory of God, * and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
18:3 Day to day uttereth speech, * and night to night sheweth knowledge.
18:4 There are no speeches nor languages, * where their voices are not heard.
18:5 Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: * and their words unto the ends of the world.
18:6 He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber,
18:6 Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: * his going out is from the end of heaven,
18:7 And his circuit even to the end thereof: * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
℣. 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 18(8-15b) [3]
18:8 The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: * the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.
18:9 The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: * the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.
18:10 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
18:11 More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.
18:12 For thy servant keepeth them, * and in keeping them there is a great reward.
18:13 Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: * and from those of others spare thy servant.
18:14 If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: * and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.
18:15 And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: * and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight.
18:15 O Lord, my helper, * and my redeemer.
℣. 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 innocent in hands and clean of heart shall ascend the mountain 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 that shouldst come into the world.
℟. 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.

Sunday and Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Sunday and Weekday Intercessions{omit}

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}
On the morrow we keep the feast of the glorious Mary, Mother of God, and always a Virgin, whom the supreme Pontiff Pius IX. did upon this day solemnly define to have been by a singular gift of God preserved unstained by original sin.
December 8th 2026, the 28th day of the Moon, were born into the better life:

At Rome, the blessed Pope Eutychian, who with his own hands buried in diverse places three hundred and forty-two martyrs, whose fellow he himself afterwards became, being crowned with martyrdom under the Emperor Numerian and buried in the cemetery of Callistus. (He succeeded Felix I (269-274); after five days' interregnum he became Pope on Jan. 3, 275, and died on Dec. 8, 283.)
At Alexandria, the holy martyr Macarius. Under the Emperor Decius the judge dealt with him in many words to persuade him to deny Christ, but as he only professed his faith the more constantly he was burnt alive, (in the year 250.)
At Trier, holy Eucharius, a disciple of the blessed Apostle Peter, and the first Bishop of that city.
In Cyprus, the holy Bishop Sophronius, who was a wonderful protector of little children, orphans, and widows, and an helper of all the poor and depressed.
In the monastery of Lisieux, the holy Abbot Romaric, who was the first man in the court of King Theodobert, but gave up the world, and became the first in monastic observance. (He was a monk of Luxeuil. He founded the Abbey of Remiremont, of which he became second Abbot in the year 627, and died on Dec. 8, 653.)
At Constantinople, the holy Hermit Patapius, famous for his graces and miracles.
At Verona, is commemorated the ordination of holy Zeno, Bishop (of that see in the fourth century.)
℣. 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.

℣. 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 {from the Common or Feast}
℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May Almighty God arrange our deeds and our day in His peace.
℟. Amen.
Sir 45:19-20
To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise, and to glorify his people in his name. He chose him out of all men living, to offer sacrifice to God, incense, and a good savour.
℣. 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.

Thereafter, only Pater Noster is said silently, unless another Hour follows immediately.
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.

Start
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.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Thereafter, with hearable voice, the Versicle is said:
℣. 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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. My light.
Psalm 26(1-6) [1]
26:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation, * whom shall I fear?
26:1 The Lord is the protector of my life: * of whom shall I be afraid?
26:2 Whilst the wicked draw near against me, * to eat my flesh.
26:2 My enemies that trouble me, * have themselves been weakened, and have fallen.
26:3 If armies in camp should stand together against me, * my heart shall not fear.
26:3 If a battle should rise up against me, * in this will I be confident.
26:4 One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; * that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
26:4 That I may see the delight of the Lord, * and may visit his temple.
26:5 For he hath hidden me in his tabernacle; * in the day of evils, he hath protected me in the secret place of his tabernacle.
26:6 He hath exalted me upon a rock: * and now he hath lifted up my head above my enemies.
26:6 I have gone round, and have offered up in his tabernacle a sacrifice of jubilation: * I will sing, and recite a psalm to the Lord.
℣. 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 26(7-14) [2]
26:7 Hear, O Lord, my voice, with which I have cried to thee: * have mercy on me and hear me.
26:8 My heart hath said to thee: My face hath sought thee: * thy face, O Lord, will I still seek.
26:9 Turn not away thy face from me; * decline not in thy wrath from thy servant.
26:9 Be thou my helper, * forsake me not; do not thou despise me, O God my Saviour.
26:10 For my father and my mother have left me: * but the Lord hath taken me up.
26:11 Set me, O Lord, a law in thy way, * and guide me in the right path, because of my enemies.
26:12 Deliver me not over to the will of them that trouble me; * for unjust witnesses have risen up against me; and iniquity hath lied to itself.
26:13 I believe to see the good things of the Lord * in the land of the living.
26:14 Expect the Lord, do manfully, * and let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the Lord.
℣. 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 27 [3]
27:1 Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: my God, be not thou silent to me: * lest if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
27:2 Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication, when I pray to thee; * when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple.
27:3 Draw me not away together with the wicked; * and with the workers of iniquity destroy me not:
27:3 Who speak peace with their neighbour, * but evils are in their hearts.
27:4 Give them according to their works, * and according to the wickedness of their inventions.
27:4 According to the works of their hands give thou to them: * render to them their reward.
27:5 Because they have not understood the works of the Lord, and the operations of his hands: * thou shalt destroy them, and shalt not build them up.
27:6 Blessed be the Lord, * for he hath heard the voice of my supplication.
27:7 The Lord is my helper and my protector: * in him hath my heart confided, and I have been helped.
27:7 And my flesh hath flourished again, * and with my will I will give praise to him.
27:8 The Lord is the strength of his people, * and the protector of the salvation of his anointed.
27:9 Save, O Lord, thy people, and bless thy inheritance: * and rule them and exalt them 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. My light and my salvation is the Lord.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Common or Feast}
Sir 44:16-17
Behold an high priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous, and in the time of wrath he was made a propitiation.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him.
℟. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him.
℣. He clothed him with a robe of glory.
℟. And beautified him.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. The Lord loved him, * and beautified him.

℣. The Lord hath chosen him for a Priest unto Himself.
℟. To offer up unto Him the sacrifice of praise.

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 didst give blessed Ambrose to be thy people’s minister in eternal salvation; grant, we pray, that we who have him for teacher of life here on earth, may also deserve now that he is in heaven, to have him for an advocate.
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.

Thereafter, only Pater Noster is said silently, unless another Hour follows immediately.
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.

Start
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.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Thereafter, with hearable voice, the Versicle is said:
℣. 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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. Deliver me.
Psalm 30(2-9) [1]
30:2 In thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded: * deliver me in thy justice.
30:3 Bow down thy ear to me: * make haste to deliver me.
30:3 Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of refuge, * to save me.
30:4 For thou art my strength and my refuge; * and for thy name’s sake thou wilt lead me, and nourish me.
30:5 Thou wilt bring me out of this snare, which they have hidden for me: * for thou art my protector.
30:6 Into thy hands I commend my spirit: * thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth.
30:7 Thou hast hated them that regard vanities, * to no purpose.
30:7 But I have hoped in the Lord: * I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy.
30:8 For thou hast regarded my humility, * thou hast saved my soul out of distresses.
30:9 And thou hast not shut me up in the hands of the enemy: * thou hast set my feet in a spacious place.
℣. 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 30(10-19) [2]
30:10 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am afflicted: * my eye is troubled with wrath, my soul, and my belly:
30:11 For my life is wasted with grief: * and my years in sighs.
30:11 My strength is weakened through poverty * and my bones are disturbed.
30:12 I am become a reproach among all my enemies, and very much to my neighbours; * and a fear to my acquaintance.
30:12 They that saw me without fled from me. * I am forgotten as one dead from the heart.
30:13 I am become as a vessel that is destroyed. * For I have heard the blame of many that dwell round about.
30:14 While they assembled together against me, * they consulted to take away my life.
30:15 But I have put my trust in thee, O Lord: * I said: Thou art my God. My lots are in thy hands.
30:16 Deliver me out of the hands of my enemies; * and from them that persecute me
30:17 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; save me in thy mercy. * Let me not be confounded, O Lord, for I have called upon thee.
30:18 Let the wicked be ashamed, and be brought down to hell. * Let deceitful lips be made dumb.
30:19 Which speak iniquity against the just, * with pride and abuse.
℣. 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 30(20-25) [3]
30:20 How great is the multitude of thy sweetness, O Lord, * which thou hast hidden for them that fear thee!
30:20 Which thou hast wrought for them that hope in thee, * in the sight of the sons of men.
30:21 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy face, * from the disturbance of men.
30:21 Thou shalt protect them in thy tabernacle * from the contradiction of tongues.
30:22 Blessed be the Lord, * for he hath shewn his wonderful mercy to me in a fortified city.
30:23 But I said in the excess of my mind: * I am cast away from before thy eyes.
30:23 Therefore thou hast heard the voice of my prayer, * when I cried to thee.
30:24 O love the Lord, all ye his saints: * for the Lord will require truth, and will repay them abundantly that act proudly.
30:25 Do ye manfully, and let your heart be strengthened, * all ye that hope in the Lord.
℣. 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. Deliver me in thy justice, O Lord.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Common or Feast}
Sir 44:20; 44:22
There was not found the like to him in glory, who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him. Therefore by an oath he gave him glory in his posterity, that he should increase in his people.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. The Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself.
℟. The Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself.
℣. To offer up unto Him the sacrifice of praise.
℟. For a Priest unto Himself.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. The Lord hath chosen him * for a Priest unto Himself.

℣. Thou art a Priest for ever.
℟. After the order of Melchisedek.

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 didst give blessed Ambrose to be thy people’s minister in eternal salvation; grant, we pray, that we who have him for teacher of life here on earth, may also deserve now that he is in heaven, to have him for an advocate.
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.

Thereafter, only Pater Noster is said silently, unless another Hour follows immediately.
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.

Start
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.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Thereafter, with hearable voice, the Versicle is said:
℣. 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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. Rejoice ye just.
Psalm 31 [1]
31:1 Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven * and whose sins are covered.
31:2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, * and in whose spirit there is no guile.
31:3 Because I was silent my bones grew old; * whilst I cried out all the day long.
31:4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: * I am turned in my anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened.
31:5 I have acknowledged my sin to thee, * and my injustice I have not concealed.
31:5 I said I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: * and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.
31:6 For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee * in a seasonable time.
31:6 And yet in a flood of many waters, * they shall not come nigh unto him.
31:7 Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encompassed me: * my joy, deliver me from them that surround me.
31:8 I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in this way, in which thou shalt go: * I will fix my eyes upon thee.
31:9 Do not become like the horse and the mule, * who have no understanding.
31:9 With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws, * who come not near unto thee.
31:10 Many are the scourges of the sinner, * but mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in the Lord.
31:11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, * and glory, all ye right of 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.

Psalm 32(1-11) [2]
32:1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: * praise becometh the upright.
32:2 Give praise to the Lord on the harp; * sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.
32:3 Sing to him a new canticle, * sing well unto him with a loud noise.
32:4 For the word of the Lord is right, * and all his works are done with faithfulness.
32:5 He loveth mercy and judgment; * the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.
32:6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were established; * and all the power of them by the spirit of his mouth:
32:7 Gathering together the waters of the sea, as in a vessel; * laying up the depths in storehouses.
32:8 Let all the earth fear the Lord, * and let all the inhabitants of the world be in awe of him.
32:9 For he spoke and they were made: * he commanded and they were created.
32:10 The Lord bringeth to nought the counsels of nations; * and he rejecteth the devices of people, and casteth away the counsels of princes.
32:11 But the counsel of the Lord standeth for ever: * the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
℣. 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 32(12-22) [3]
32:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: * the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.
32:13 The Lord hath looked from heaven: * he hath beheld all the sons of men.
32:14 From his habitation which he hath prepared, * he hath looked upon all that dwell on the earth.
32:15 He who hath made the hearts of every one of them: * who understandeth all their works.
32:16 The king is not saved by a great army: * nor shall the giant be saved by his own great strength.
32:17 Vain is the horse for safety: * neither shall he be saved by the abundance of his strength.
32:18 Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him: * and on them that hope in his mercy.
32:19 To deliver their souls from death; * and feed them in famine.
32:20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: * for he is our helper and protector.
32:21 For in him our heart shall rejoice: * and in his holy name we have trusted.
32:22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, * as we have hoped in thee.
℣. 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. Rejoice ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Common or Feast}
Sir 45:19-20
To execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise, and to glorify his people in his name. He chose him out of all men living, to offer sacrifice to God, incense, and a good savour.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. Thou art a Priest * for ever.
℟. Thou art a Priest * for ever.
℣. After the order of Melchisedek.
℟. For ever.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Thou art a Priest * for ever.

℣. The Lord guided the just in right paths.
℟. And showed him the kingdom of God.

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 didst give blessed Ambrose to be thy people’s minister in eternal salvation; grant, we pray, that we who have him for teacher of life here on earth, may also deserve now that he is in heaven, to have him for an advocate.
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.

Thereafter, only Pater Noster is said silently, unless another Hour follows immediately.
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.

Start
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.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Thereafter, with hearable voice, the Versicle is said:
℣. 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. Thou art all fair, O Mary, * there is no spot of original sin in thee.
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. Thou art all fair, O Mary, there is no spot of original sin in thee.

Ant. Thy raiment * is white as snow, and thy countenance as the sun.
Psalm 112 [2]
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. Thy raiment is white as snow, and thy countenance as the sun.

Ant. Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, * thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation.
Psalm 121 [3]
121:1 I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: * We shall go into the house of the Lord.
121:2 Our feet were standing * in thy courts, O Jerusalem.
121:3 Jerusalem, which is built as a city, * which is compact together.
121:4 For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: * the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
121:5 Because their seats have sat in judgment, * seats upon the house of David.
121:6 Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: * and abundance for them that love thee.
121:7 Let peace be in thy strength: * and abundance in thy towers.
121:8 For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbours, * I spoke peace of thee.
121:9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, * I have sought good things for thee.
℣. 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 art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation.

Ant. Virgin Mary, * blessed art thou of the Most High God, above all the women upon the earth.
Psalm 126 [4]
126:1 Unless the Lord build the house, * they labour in vain that build it.
126:1 Unless the Lord keep the city, * he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.
126:2 It is vain for you to rise before light, * rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow.
126:2 When he shall give sleep to his beloved, * behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.
126:4 As arrows in the hand of the mighty, * so the children of them that have been shaken.
126:5 Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; * he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.
℣. 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. Virgin Mary, blessed art thou of the Most High God, above all the women upon the earth.

Ant. Draw us, * Maiden undefiled, we will run after thee in the odour of thy perfumes.
Psalm 147 [5]
147:1 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: * praise thy God, O Sion.
147:2 Because he hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates * he hath blessed thy children within thee.
147:3 Who hath placed peace in thy borders: * and filleth thee with the fat of corn.
147:4 Who sendeth forth his speech to the earth: * his word runneth swiftly.
147:5 Who giveth snow like wool: * scattereth mists like ashes.
147:6 He sendeth his crystal like morsels: * who shall stand before the face of his cold?
147:7 He shall send out his word, and shall melt them: * his wind shall blow, and the waters shall run.
147:8 Who declareth his word to Jacob: * his justices and his judgments to Israel.
147:9 He hath not done in like manner to every nation: * and his judgments he hath not made manifest to them.
℣. 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. Draw us, Maiden undefiled, we will run after thee in the odour of thy perfumes.

Chapter Hymn Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Prov 8:22-24
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made any thing from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
The first verse of the following hymn is said genuflecting.
Ave, star of ocean,
Child divine who barest,
Mother, ever-Virgin,
Heaven's portal fairest.

Taking that sweet Ave
Erst by Gabriel spoken,
Eva's name reversing,
Be of peace the token.

Break the sinners' fetters,
Light to blind restoring,
All our ills dispelling,
Every boon imploring.

Show thyself a mother
In thy supplication;
He will hear who chose thee
At his incarnation.

Maid all maids excelling,
Passing meek and lowly,
Win for sinners pardon,
Make us chaste and holy.

As we onward journey
Aid our weak endeavour,
Till we gaze on Jesus
And rejoice forever.

Father, Son, and Spirit,
Three in One confessing,
Give we equal glory
Equal praise and blessing.
Amen.

℣. This day is the Holy Virgin Mary conceived without sin.
℟. The Virgin's foot hath bruised the serpent's head.

Canticle: Magnificat {Antiphon from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. All generations * shall call me blessed, because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me, alleluia.
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. All generations shall call me blessed, because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me, alleluia.

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, by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, thou prepared a worthy habitation for thy Son; we beseech thee, that, as by the foreseen death of thy same Son thou preserved her from all stain of sin, so thou would grant us also, through her intercession, to come to thee with pure hearts.
Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Commemoration of Feria II infra Hebdomadam II Adventus
Ant. Behold, the Lord cometh the King of all the earth, to take off from us the yoke of our captivity.

℣. Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just.
℟. Let the earth be opened, and bud forth the Saviour.

Let us pray.
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the ways of thine Only-begotten Son, that by His coming our minds being purified, we may the more worthily give up ourselves to thy service:
Who with thee liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Suffrage{omit}

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.

And if thus the Office is ended, only Pater Noster is 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.

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.
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.
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 {Doxology: Nat}
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.

All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.
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.
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.

Sunday Intercessions{omit}

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
Mother of Christ, hear thou thy people's cry
Star of the deep and Portal of the sky!
Mother of Him who thee from nothing made.
Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid:
O, by what joy which Gabriel brought to thee,
Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see.

℣. The Angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.
℟. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts: that as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an Angel, so too by his Cross and passion may we be brought to the glory of his resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
℣. May the divine assistance ✠ remain with us always.
℟. Amen.

Thereafter is 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.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried: he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty: from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
If right after Compline, Matins is said, then Our Father, Hail Mary and Credo, are said twice, once each for end of the Office of the previous day, and for the beginning of the Office of the next.