Holy Innocents ~ Duplex II. classis

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 Martyrs, * O come, let us worship.
Ant. The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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 Martyrs, * 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 Martyrs, * 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 Martyrs, * 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 Martyrs, * O come, let us worship.

Hymn {from the Proper of Saints}
With terror doth the tyrant hear
The King of kings hath come to dwell
Where David's court shall widely rear
A sceptered reign o'er Israel.

Then cries out, raging, at the word:
“He comes to stand where we have stood:
Hence, soldier, and with ruthless sword
Deluge the cradles deep with blood!”

What profiteth a crime so dread?
What hope shall Herod's bosom sway?
Alone amidst the thronging dead,
The Christ is safely borne away!

All glory for this blessed morn
To God the Father ever be;
All praise to thee, Virgin-born,
All praise, Holy Ghost, to thee.
Amen.

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

Ant. As gold in the furnace * hath the Lord tried His chosen ones, and received them for ever as a burnt-offering.
Psalm 2 [2]
2:1 Why have the Gentiles raged, * and the people devised vain things?
2:2 The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, * against the Lord and against his Christ.
2:3 Let us break their bonds asunder: * and let us cast away their yoke from us.
2:4 He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: * and the Lord shall deride them.
2:5 Then shall he speak to them in his anger, * and trouble them in his rage.
2:6 But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, * preaching his commandment.
2:7 The Lord hath said to me: * Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.
2:8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
2:9 Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
2:10 And now, O ye kings, understand: * receive instruction, you that judge the earth.
2:11 Serve ye the Lord with fear: * and rejoice unto him with trembling.
2:12 Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and you perish from the just way.
2:13 When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, * blessed are all they that trust in him.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. As gold in the furnace hath the Lord tried His chosen ones, and received them for ever as a burnt-offering.

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

℣. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just,
℟. And glory, all ye right of heart.

Our Father is said silently until And lead us not into temptation:.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
℣. And lead us not into temptation:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution. O Lord Jesus Christ, graciously hear the prayers of Thy servants, and have mercy upon us, Who livest and reignest with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, ever world without end.
℟. Amen.

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

Reading 1
Lesson from the book of Jeremias
Jer 31:15-17
15 Thus saith the Lord: A voice was heard on high of lamentation, of mourning, and weeping, of Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted for them, because they are not.
16 Thus saith the Lord: Let thy voice cease from weeping, and thy eyes from tears: for there is a reward for thy work, saith the Lord: and they shall return out of the land of the enemy.
17 And here is hope for thy last end, saith the Lord: and the children shall return to their own borders.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. A hundred forty four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth; these are they which were not defiled with women.
* For they remained virgins; therefore are they kings before God, and the Lamb of God is with them.
℣. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb.
℟. For they remained virgins; therefore are they kings before God, and the Lamb of God is with them.

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

Reading 2
Jer 31:18-20
18 Hearing I heard Ephraim when he went into captivity: thou hast chastised me, and I was instructed, as a young bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. Convert me, and I shall be converted, for thou art the Lord my God.
19 For after thou didst convert me, I did penance: and after thou didst shew unto me, I struck my thigh: I am confounded and ashamed, because I have borne the reproach of my youth.
20 Surely Ephraim is an honourable son to me, surely he is a tender child: for since I spoke of him, I will still remember him.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. I heard under the altar the voices of them that were slain, saying:
* How long dost Thou not avenge our blood? And it was said unto them from God: Rest yet for a little season, until the number of your brethren be fulfilled.
℣. I saw under the altar of God the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held, and they cried with a loud voice, saying:
℟. How long dost Thou not avenge our blood? And it was said unto them from God: Rest yet for a little season, until the number of your brethren be fulfilled.

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

Reading 3
Jer 31:21-23
21 Set thee up a watchtower, make to thee bitterness: direct thy heart into the right way, wherein thou hast walked: return, O virgin of Israel, return to these thy cities.
22 How long wilt thou be dissolute in deliciousness, O wandering daughter? for the Lord hath created a new thing upon the earth: A woman shall compass a man.
23 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: As yet shall they say this word in the land of Juda, and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring back their captivity: The Lord bless thee, the beauty of justice, the holy mountain.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. They worshipped Him That liveth for ever and ever.
* And cast their crowns before the throne of the Lord their God.
℣. And they fell down upon their faces before the throne, and blessed Him That liveth for ever and ever.
℟. And cast their crowns before the throne of the Lord their God.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. And cast their crowns before the throne of the Lord their God.

Nocturn II
Ant. I will give unto My Saints a place * in the kingdom of My Father, every one by his own name, saith the Lord.
Psalm 14 [4]
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. I will give unto My Saints a place in the kingdom of My Father, every one by his own name, saith the Lord.

Ant. To the Saints that are in the earth * Thou hast made all my counsels admirable.
Psalm 15 [5]
15:1 Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee. * I have said to the Lord, thou art my God, for thou hast no need of my goods.
15:3 To the saints, who are in his land, * he hath made wonderful all my desires in them.
15:4 Their infirmities were multiplied: * afterwards they made haste.
15:4 I will not gather together their meetings for blood offerings: * nor will I be mindful of their names by my lips.
15:5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: * it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me.
15:6 The lines are fallen unto me in goodly places: * for my inheritance is goodly to me.
15:7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding: * moreover my reins also have corrected me even till night.
15:8 I set the Lord always in my sight: * for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved.
15:9 Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: * moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope.
15:10 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; * nor wilt thou give thy holy one to see corruption.
15:11 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: * at thy right hand are delights even to the end.
℣. 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. To the Saints that are in the earth Thou hast made all my counsels admirable.

Ant. The Saints that wait upon the Lord * shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall fly and not faint.
Psalm 23 [6]
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.
Ant. The Saints that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall fly and not faint.

℣. Let the righteous rejoice before God.
℟. Yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

Our Father is said silently until And lead us not into temptation:.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
℣. And lead us not into temptation:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution. May His loving-kindness and mercy help us, Who liveth and reigneth with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, world without end.
℟. Amen.

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

Reading 4
From the Sermons of St. Augustine, Bishop (of Hippo)
10th on the Saints
Dearly beloved brethren, today we keep the birthday of those children, who, as we are informed by the Gospel, were massacred by the savage King Herod. Therefore let earth rejoice with exceeding joy, for she is the mother of these heavenly soldiers, and of this numerous host. The love of the vile Herod could never have crowned these blessed ones as hath his hatred. For the Church testifieth by this holy solemnity, that whereas iniquity did specially abound against these little saints, so much the more were heavenly blessings poured out upon them.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. The blood of thy saints have they shed like water round about Jerusalem.
* And there was none to bury them.
℣. The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
℟. And there was none to bury them.

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

Reading 5
Blessed art thou, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, which hast suffered the cruelty of King Herod in the slaughter of thy children; who art found worthy to offer at once to God a whole white-robed army of guileless martyrs! Surely, it is well to keep their birthday, even that blessed birthday which gave them from earth to heaven, more blessed than the day that brought them out of their mother's womb. Scarcely had they entered on the life that now is, when they obtained that glorious life which is to come.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. These holy ones suffered for thy sake, O Lord take vengeance for them.
* For day by day they cry unto thee.
℣. Avenge, O Lord, the blood of thy saints which is shed.
℟. For day by day they cry unto thee.

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

Reading 6
We praise the death of other martyrs because it was the crowning act of an undaunted and persistent testimony; but these were crowned at once. He That maketh an end to this present life, gave to them at its very gates that eternal blessedness which we hope for at its close. They whom the wickedness of Herod tore from their mothers' breasts are rightfully called the flowers of martyrdom; hardly had these buds of the Church shown their heads above the soil, in the winter of unbelief, when the frost of persecution nipped them.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. These are they which have not defiled their garments.
* They shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
℣. These are they which were not defiled with women for they are virgins.
℟. They shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. They shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

Nocturn III
Ant. The righteous live * for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.
Psalm 32 [7]
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.
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. The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.

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

Ant. Behold, how great with God is the reward * of His Saints; yea, they who died for Christ's sake shall live for ever and ever.
Psalm 45 [9]
45:2 Our God is our refuge and strength: * a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly.
45:3 Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled; * and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the sea.
45:4 Their waters roared and were troubled: * the mountains were troubled with his strength.
45:5 The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: * the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle.
45:6 God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: * God will help it in the morning early.
45:7 Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down: * he uttered his voice, the earth trembled.
45:8 The Lord of armies is with us: * the God of Jacob is our protector.
45:9 Come and behold ye the works of the Lord: what wonders he hath done upon earth, * making wars to cease even to the end of the earth.
45:10 He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons: * and the shield he shall burn in the fire.
45:11 Be still and see that I am God; * I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
45:12 The Lord of armies is with us: * the God of Jacob is our protector.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Behold, how great with God is the reward of His Saints; yea, they who died for Christ's sake shall live for ever and ever.

℣. The righteous live for evermore.
℟. Their reward also is with the Lord.

Our Father is said silently until And lead us not into temptation:.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
℣. And lead us not into temptation:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
Absolution. May the Almighty and merciful Lord loose us from the bonds of our sins.
℟. Amen.

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

Reading 7
From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matt 2:13-18
At that time, an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. And so on.

Homily by St. Jerome, Priest (at Bethlehem)
Book I Comment, on Matth. II
He took the young Child, and His mother, and fled into Egypt, by night and in darkness; and the darkness of that night was a figure of the darkness of ignorance in which they left the unbelievers from whom they fled. But when they returned into Judaea, we learn not from the Gospel that it was by night, or in darkness; which is an image of that light which will lighten the Jews, when, at the end of the world, they shall receive back the faith, which now lighteneth the Gentiles, even as Judaea received Christ returning from Egypt.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. The saints sung a new song before the throne of God and the Lamb.
* And their voices were echoed on earth.
℣. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God, and to the Lamb, and in their mouth was found no guile.
℟. And their voices were echoed on earth.

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

Reading 8
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying Out of Egypt have I called My Son. Those who go about to deny the authority of the Hebrew Scriptures, ask where any such passage is to be found in the Septuagint. But, although they find it not there, I tell them that the fact of its being written in the Prophet Hosea xi. i can be proved by the texts which I have lately published.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. I saw under the Altar of God the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, which they held, and they cried with a loud voice
* Avenge, O Lord, the blood of thy saints, which is shed.
℣. Under the throne of God all the saints cry aloud
℟. Avenge, O Lord, the blood of thy saints, which is shed.

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

Reading 9
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the Prophet, saying; In Rama was there a voice heard, weeping and great mourning; Rachel weeping for her children. The child of Rachel was Benjamin, and Bethlehem is not a town belonging to his tribe. We must therefore seek another reason why Rachel should weep for the children of Judah, to whom Bethlehem belongeth, as for her own. The plain answer is that she is buried at Ephrath close to Bethlehem, and she is called Mother on account of the resting-place of her earthly tabernacle being there. It is possible also that she is called Mother because the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were joined together, and Herod slew not only all the children that were in Bethlehem, but also in all the coasts thereof.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And he said to me:
* These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.
℣. I saw under the Altar of God the souls of them which were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.
℟. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.

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, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying, destroy all the evils of sin in us, that our life also may proclaim in deeds, thy faith which our tongues profess.
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 {Psalms & antiphons from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. Herod was exceeding wroth, * and slew many children in Bethlehem of Judah, the city of David.
Psalm 92 [1]
92:1 The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty: * the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded himself.
92:1 For he hath established the world * which shall not be moved.
92:2 Thy throne is prepared from of old: * thou art from everlasting.
92:3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord: * the floods have lifted up their voice.
92:3 The floods have lifted up their waves, * with the noise of many waters.
92:4 Wonderful are the surges of the sea: * wonderful is the Lord on high.
92:5 Thy testimonies are become exceedingly credible: * holiness becometh thy house, O Lord, unto length of days.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Herod was exceeding wroth, and slew many children in Bethlehem of Judah, the city of David.

Ant. Herod slew many children * from two years old, and under, for the Lord's sake.
Psalm 99 [2]
99:2 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: * serve ye the Lord with gladness.
99:2 Come in before his presence * with exceeding great joy.
99:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: * he made us, and not we ourselves.
99:3 We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. * Go ye into his gates with praise, into his courts with hymns: and give glory to him.
99:4 Praise ye his name: for the Lord is sweet, his mercy endureth for ever, * and his truth to generation and generation.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Herod slew many children from two years old, and under, for the Lord's sake.

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

Ant. In Rama was there a voice * heard, weeping and mourning, Rachel weeping for her children.
Canticle of the Three Young Men [4]
Dan 3:57-88,56
3:57 All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: * praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:58 O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: * O ye heavens, bless the Lord:
3:59 O all ye waters that are above the heavens, bless the Lord: * O all ye powers of the Lord, bless the Lord.
3:60 O ye sun and moon, bless the Lord: * O ye stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
3:61 O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye spirits of God, bless the Lord.
3:62 O ye fire and heat, bless the Lord: * O ye cold and heat, bless the Lord.
3:63 O ye dews and hoar frosts, bless the Lord: * O ye frost and cold, bless the Lord.
3:64 O ye ice and snow, bless the Lord: * O ye nights and days, bless the Lord.
3:65 O ye light and darkness, bless the Lord: * O ye lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
3:66 O let the earth bless the Lord: * let it praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:67 O ye mountains and hills, bless the Lord: * O all ye things that spring up in the earth, bless the Lord.
3:68 O ye fountains, bless the Lord: * O ye seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
3:69 O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord: * O all ye fowls of the air, bless the Lord.
3:70 O all ye beasts and cattle, bless the Lord: * O ye sons of men, bless the Lord.
3:71 O let Israel bless the Lord: * let them praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:72 O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: * O ye servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
3:73 O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: * O ye holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord.
3:74 O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: * praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:75 (Bow head) Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise and exalt him above all for ever.
3:56 Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven: * and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever.
Ant. In Rama was there a voice heard, weeping and mourning, Rachel weeping for her children.

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

Chapter Hymn Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Rev 14:1
Lo, a lamb stood upon mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
All hail, ye little Martyr flowers,
Sweet rosebuds cut in dawning hours!
When Herod sought the Christ to find
Ye fell as bloom before the wind.

First victims of the Martyr bands,
With crowns and palms in tender hands,
Around the very altar, gay
And innocent, ye seem to play.

All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born to thee;
All glory, as is ever meet
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen.

℣. Herod being wroth, slew many children.
℟. In Bethlehem of Juda, the city of David.

Canticle: Benedictus {Antiphon from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. These are they * who were not defiled with women; for they are virgins, and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.
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. These are they who were not defiled with women; for they are virgins, and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

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, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying, destroy all the evils of sin in us, that our life also may proclaim in deeds, thy faith which our tongues profess.
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 Fourth day of the Octave of Christmas
Ant. Glory be to God in the highest; and on earth, peace to men of good will, alleluia, alleluia.

℣. The Lord hath made known, alleluia.
℟. His salvation, alleluia.

Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thy Only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin.
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.

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.

℣. After childbirth thou didst remain a virgin.
℟. Intercede for us, O Mother of God.

Let us pray.
O God, who, by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech thee, that we may experience her intercession, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son. 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 {Doxology: Nat}
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 honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.
Amen.

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

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

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

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 wast born of the Virgin Mary.
℟. 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}
December 29th 2026, the 20th day of the Moon, were born into the better life:

At Canterbury, in England, the holy martyr Thomas, Archbishop of that see, who for his contending for righteousness and for the privileges of the Church, was smitten with the sword in his own cathedral by a band of wicked men, and so passed away to be with Christ (in the year 1170).
At Jerusalem, holy David, the King and Prophet (in the year of the world 2950).
At Arles, holy Trophimus, of whom St. Paul maketh mention in writing unto Timothy. He was ordained bishop by this same Apostle Paul, and was the first who was sent to Arles to preach the Gospel of Christ, and it was a spring, as holy Pope Zosimus writeth, whence streams of faith ran into all Gaul.
At Rome, the holy martyrs Callistus, Felix, and Boniface.
In Africa, the holy martyrs Dominic, Victor, Primian, Lybosus, Saturninus, Crescentius, Secundus, and Honoratus.
At Vienne, in Gaul, holy Crescens, the disciple of the blessed Apostle Paul and the first bishop of the said city.
At Constantinople, holy Marcellus (of Apamea) Abbot (of the Accemeti in the year 485 or 486 in that city).
At Hiesmes, in the time of King Childebert, the holy confessor Evroul, Abbot (of the monastery of Ouche, in the diocese of Lisieux, in Normandy. He was born at Bayeux in 517, founded the Abbey of Ouche and became a monk in 567, and died on December 29, 596).
℣. 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 Proper of Saints}
℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May Almighty God arrange our deeds and our day in His peace.
℟. Amen.
Rev 14:4-5
These were purchased from among men, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb: And in their mouth there was found no lie; for they are without spot before the throne of God.
℣. 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 {Doxology: Nat}
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.

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

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

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

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

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Rev 14:1
Lo, a lamb stood upon mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. Be glad in the Lord, * and rejoice, ye righteous.
℟. Be glad in the Lord, * and rejoice, ye righteous.
℣. And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
℟. And rejoice, ye righteous.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Be glad in the Lord, * and rejoice, ye righteous.

℣. Let the righteous rejoice before God.
℟. Yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

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, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying, destroy all the evils of sin in us, that our life also may proclaim in deeds, thy faith which our tongues profess.
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 {Doxology: Nat}
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.

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

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

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

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

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Rev 14:4
These are they who were not defiled with women: for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. Let the righteous rejoice * before God.
℟. Let the righteous rejoice * before God.
℣. Yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
℟. Before God.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Let the righteous rejoice * before God.

℣. The righteous live for evermore.
℟. Their reward also is with 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, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying, destroy all the evils of sin in us, that our life also may proclaim in deeds, thy faith which our tongues profess.
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 {Doxology: Nat}
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.

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

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

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

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

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Rev 14:4-5
These were purchased from among men, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb: And in their mouth there was found no lie; for they are without spot before the throne of God.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. The righteous live * for evermore.
℟. The righteous live * for evermore.
℣. Their reward also is with the Lord.
℟. For evermore.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. The righteous live * for evermore.

℣. The saints shall rejoice in glory:
℟. They shall be joyful in their beds.

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, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying, destroy all the evils of sin in us, that our life also may proclaim in deeds, thy faith which our tongues profess.
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. Thine shall be the dominion * in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints, from the womb, before the day-star, have I begotten 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. Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints, from the womb, before the day-star, have I begotten thee.

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

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

Ant. With the Lord * there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.
Psalm 129 [4]
129:1 Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: * Lord, hear my voice.
129:2 Let thy ears be attentive * to the voice of my supplication.
129:3 If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: * Lord, who shall stand it.
129:4 For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: * and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
129:5 My soul hath relied on his word: * my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
129:6 From the morning watch even until night, * let Israel hope in the Lord.
129:7 Because with the Lord there is mercy: * and with him plentiful redemption.
129:8 And he shall redeem Israel * from all his iniquities.
℣. 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. With the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.

Ant. Of the fruit * of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
Psalm 131 [5]
131:1 Lord, remember David, * and all his meekness.
131:2 How he swore to the Lord, * he vowed a vow to the God of Jacob:
131:3 If I shall enter into the tabernacle of my house: * if I shall go up into the bed wherein I lie:
131:4 If I shall give sleep to my eyes, * or slumber to my eyelids,
131:5 Or rest to my temples: until I find out a place for the Lord, * a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
131:6 Behold we have heard of it in Ephrata: * we have found it in the fields of the wood.
131:7 We will go into his tabernacle: * we will adore in the place where his feet stood.
131:8 Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: * thou and the ark, which thou hast sanctified.
131:9 Let thy priests be clothed with justice: * and let thy saints rejoice.
131:10 For thy servant David’s sake, * turn not away the face of thy anointed.
131:11 The Lord hath sworn truth to David, and he will not make it void: * of the fruit of thy womb I will set upon thy throne.
131:12 If thy children will keep my covenant, * and these my testimonies which I shall teach them:
131:12 Their children also for evermore * shall sit upon thy throne.
131:13 For the Lord hath chosen Sion: * he hath chosen it for his dwelling.
131:14 This is my rest for ever and ever: * here will I dwell, for I have chosen it.
131:15 Blessing I will bless her widow: * I will satisfy her poor with bread.
131:16 I will clothe her priests with salvation: * and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding great joy.
131:17 There will I bring forth a horn to David: * I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
131:18 His enemies I will clothe with confusion: * but upon him shall my sanctification flourish.
℣. 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. Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

Chapter Hymn Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Rev 14:1
Lo, a lamb stood upon mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
All hail, ye little Martyr flowers,
Sweet rosebuds cut in dawning hours!
When Herod sought the Christ to find
Ye fell as bloom before the wind.

First victims of the Martyr bands,
With crowns and palms in tender hands,
Around the very altar, gay
And innocent, ye seem to play.

All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born to thee;
All glory, as is ever meet
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen.

℣. From beneath the throne of God all the saints cry out.
℟. Avenge thou our blood, O our God.

Canticle: Magnificat {Antiphon from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. Innocent babies * were slain for Christ, sucklings were killed by a wicked king. Now they follow the Lamb without spot and cry without ceasing, Glory be to thee, O Lord.
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. Innocent babies were slain for Christ, sucklings were killed by a wicked king. Now they follow the Lamb without spot and cry without ceasing, Glory be to thee, O 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, whose praise the martyred Innocents on this day confessed, not by speaking, but by dying, destroy all the evils of sin in us, that our life also may proclaim in deeds, thy faith which our tongues profess.
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 St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop and Martyr
Ant. This man is holy for he hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; For he had his foundation upon a strong rock.

℣. Thou hast crowned him with glory and honour, O Lord.
℟. And madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.

Let us pray.
O God, in defence of Whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell by the swords of wicked men, grant, we beseech thee, that all that ask his help, may obtain wholesome fruit of their petition.

Commemoration of Fourth day of the Octave of Christmas
Ant. This day the Christ is born this day the Saviour is appeared; this day the Angels sing praise in the earth and the Archangels rejoice; this day the righteous are glad and say: Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia.

℣. The Lord hath made known, alleluia.
℟. His salvation, alleluia.

Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the new birth of thy Only-begotten Son as man may set us free, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin.
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.

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.

℣. After childbirth thou didst remain a virgin.
℟. Intercede for us, O Mother of God.

Let us pray.
O God, who, by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech thee, that we may experience her intercession, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son. 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.