St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop and Martyr ~ Duplex

Start
silently
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried: he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty: from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

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

Invitatory {Antiphon from the Common or Feast}
Ant. The Lord, the King of 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 Common or Feast}
O God, of those that fought thy fight,
Portion, and prize, and crown of light,
Break every bond of sin and shame
As now we praise thy martyr's name.

He recked not of the world's allure,
But sin and pomp of sin forswore:
Knew all their gall, and passed them by,
And reached the throne prepared on high.

Bravely the course of pain he ran,
And bare his torments as a man:
For love of thee his blood outpoured,
And thus obtained the great reward.

With humble voice and suppliant word
We pray thee therefore, holy Lord,
While we thy martyr's feast-day keep,
Forgive thy loved and erring sheep.

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 with lections {Antiphons from the Psalter for the season of the Church year}
Nocturn I
Ant. Overthrow, O Lord, * them that fight against me.
Psalm 34(1-10) [1]
34:1 Judge thou, O Lord, them that wrong me: * overthrow them that fight against me.
34:2 Take hold of arms and shield: * and rise up to help me.
34:3 Bring out the sword, and shut up the way against them that persecute me: * say to my soul: I am thy salvation.
34:4 Let them be confounded and ashamed * that seek after my soul.
34:4 Let them be turned back and be confounded * that devise against me.
34:5 Let them become as dust before the wind: * and let the Angel of the Lord straiten them.
34:6 Let their way become dark and slippery; * and let the Angel of the Lord pursue them.
34:7 For without cause they have hidden their net for me unto destruction: * without cause they have upbraided my soul.
34:8 Let the snare which he knoweth not come upon him: and let the net which he hath hidden catch him: * and into that very snare let them fall.
34:9 But my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; * and shall be delighted in his salvation.
34:10 All my bones shall say: * Lord, who is like to thee?
34:10 Who deliverest the poor from the hand of them that are stronger than he; * the needy and the poor from them that strip 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. Overthrow, O Lord, them that fight against me.

Ant. Rescue, O Lord, * my soul from their malice.
Psalm 34(11-17) [2]
34:11 Unjust witnesses rising up * have asked me things I knew not.
34:12 They repaid me evil for good: * to the depriving me of my soul.
34:13 But as for me, when they were troublesome to me, * I was clothed with haircloth.
34:13 I humbled my soul with fasting; * and my prayer shall be turned into my bosom.
34:14 As a neighbour and as an own brother, so did I please: * as one mourning and sorrowful so was I humbled.
34:15 But they rejoiced against me, and came together: * scourges were gathered together upon me, and I knew not.
34:16 They were separated, and repented not: they tempted me, they scoffed at me with scorn: * they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
34:17 Lord, when wilt thou look upon me? * rescue thou my soul from their malice: my only one from the lions.
℣. 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. Rescue, O Lord, my soul from their malice.

Ant. Arise, O Lord, * and be attentive to my judgment.
Psalm 34(18-28) [3]
34:18 I will give thanks to thee in a great church; * I will praise thee in a strong people.
34:19 Let not them that are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: * who have hated me without cause, and wink with the eyes.
34:20 For they spoke indeed peaceably to me; * and speaking in the anger of the earth they devised guile.
34:21 And they opened their mouth wide against me; * they said: Well done, well done, our eyes have seen it.
34:22 Thou hast seen, O Lord, be not thou silent: * O Lord, depart not from me.
34:23 Arise, and be attentive to my judgment: * to my cause, my God, and my Lord.
34:24 Judge me, O Lord my God according to thy justice, * and let them not rejoice over me.
34:25 Let them not say in their hearts: It is well, it is well, to our mind: * neither let them say: We have swallowed him up.
34:26 Let them blush: and be ashamed together, * who rejoice at my evils.
34:26 Let them be clothed with confusion and shame, * who speak great things against me.
34:27 Let them rejoice and be glad, who are well pleased with my justice, * and let them say always: The Lord be magnified, who delights in the peace of his servant.
34:28 And my tongue shall meditate thy justice, * thy praise all the day long.
℣. 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. Arise, O Lord, and be attentive to my judgment.

℣. And my tongue shall meditate thy justice.
℟. Thy praise all the day long, O 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. 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
Beginning of the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Rom 1:1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures,
3 Concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh,
4 Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead;
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his name;
6 Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:
7 To all that are at Rome, the beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. This day is the true peace come down unto us from heaven.
* This day throughout the whole world the skies drop down sweetness.
℣. This day is the daybreak of our new redemption, of the restoring of the old, of everlasting joy.
℟. This day throughout the whole world the skies drop down sweetness.

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

Reading 2
Rom 1:8-12
8 First I give thanks to my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all, because your faith is spoken of in the whole world.
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make a commemoration of you;
10 Always in my prayers making request, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey, by the will of God, to come unto you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual grace, to strengthen you:
12 That is to say, that I may be comforted together in you, by that which is common to us both, your faith and mine.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. O ye shepherds, speak, and tell us what ye have seen; who is appeared in the earth?
* We saw the new-born Child, and Angels singing praise to the Lord.
℣. Speak; what have ye seen? And tell us of the Birth of Christ.
℟. We saw the new-born Child, and Angels singing praise to the Lord.

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

Reading 3
Rom 1:13-19
13 And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I have often purposed to come unto you, (and have been hindered hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
14 To the Greeks and to the barbarians, to the wise and to the unwise, I am a debtor;
15 So (as much as is in me) I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are at Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and to the Greek.
17 For the justice of God is revealed therein, from faith unto faith, as it is written: The just man liveth by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of those men that detain the truth of God in injustice:
19 Because that which is known of God is manifest in them. For God hath manifested it unto them.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. How great is this mystery, how wonderful is the teaching of the faith! The beasts saw the new-born Lord lying in a manger.
* Blessed is that Virgin whose womb was made meet to bear our Lord Christ.
℣. Hail, Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee.
℟. Blessed is that Virgin whose womb was made meet to bear our Lord Christ.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Blessed is that Virgin whose womb was made meet to bear our Lord Christ.

Nocturn II
Ant. Envy not * the man who prospereth in his way; the man who doth unjust things.
Psalm 36(1-15) [4]
36:1 Be not emulous of evildoers; * nor envy them that work iniquity.
36:2 For they shall shortly wither away as grass, * and as the green herbs shall quickly fall.
36:3 Trust in the Lord, and do good, * and dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed with its riches.
36:4 Delight in the Lord, * and he will give thee the requests of thy heart.
36:5 Commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him, * and he will do it.
36:6 And he will bring forth thy justice as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday: * be subject to the Lord and pray to him.
36:7 Envy not the man who prospereth in his way; * the man who doth unjust things.
36:8 Cease from anger, and leave rage; * have no emulation to do evil.
36:9 For the evildoers shall be cut off: * but they that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the land.
36:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: * and thou shalt seek his place, and shalt not find it.
36:11 But the meek shall inherit the land, * and shall delight in abundance of peace.
36:12 The sinner shall watch the just man: * and shall gnash upon him with his teeth.
36:13 But the Lord shall laugh at him: * for he foreseeth that his day shall come.
36:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword: * they have bent their bow.
36:14 To cast down the poor and needy, * to kill the upright of heart.
36:15 Let their sword enter into their own hearts, * and let their bow be broken.
℣. 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. Envy not the man who prospereth in his way; the man who doth unjust things.

Ant. The arms of the wicked * shall be broken in pieces; but the Lord strengtheneth the just.
Psalm 36(16-29) [5]
36:16 Better is a little to the just, * than the great riches of the wicked.
36:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken in pieces; * but the Lord strengtheneth the just.
36:18 The Lord knoweth the days of the undefiled; * and their inheritance shall be for ever.
36:19 They shall not be confounded in the evil time; and in the days of famine they shall be filled, * because the wicked shall perish.
36:20 And the enemies of the Lord, presently after they shall be honoured and exalted, * shall come to nothing and vanish like smoke.
36:21 The sinner shall borrow, and not pay again; * but the just sheweth mercy and shall give.
36:22 For such as bless him shall inherit the land: * but such as curse him shall perish.
36:23 With the Lord shall the steps of a man be directed, * and he shall like well his way.
36:24 When he shall fall he shall not be bruised, * for the Lord putteth his hand under him.
36:25 I have been young, and now am old; * and I have not seen the just forsaken, nor his seed seeking bread.
36:26 He sheweth mercy, and lendeth all the day long; * and his seed shall be in blessing.
36:27 Decline from evil and do good, * and dwell for ever and ever.
36:28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and will not forsake his saints: * they shall be preserved for ever.
36:28 The unjust shall be punished, * and the seed of the wicked shall perish.
36:29 But the just shall inherit the land, * and shall dwell therein for evermore.
℣. 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 arms of the wicked shall be broken in pieces; but the Lord strengtheneth the just.

Ant. Keep innocence * and behold justice.
Psalm 36(30-40) [6]
36:30 The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom: * and his tongue shall speak judgment.
36:31 The law of his God is in his heart, * and his steps shall not be supplanted.
36:32 The wicked watcheth the just man, * and seeketh to put him to death.
36:33 But the Lord will not leave him in his hands; * nor condemn him when he shall be judged.
36:34 Expect the Lord and keep his way: and he will exalt thee to inherit the land: * when the sinners shall perish thou shalt see.
36:35 I have seen the wicked highly exalted, * and lifted up like the cedars of Libanus.
36:36 And I passed by, and lo, he was not: * and I sought him and his place was not found.
36:37 Keep innocence, and behold justice: * for there are remnants for the peaceable man.
36:38 But the unjust shall be destroyed together: * the remnants of the wicked shall perish.
36:39 But the salvation of the just is from the Lord, * and he is their protector in the time of trouble.
36:40 And the Lord will help them and deliver them: * and he will rescue them from the wicked, and save them, because they have hoped 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. Keep innocence and behold justice.

℣. Expect the Lord and keep his way.
℟. He will exalt thee to inherit the land.

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
Thomas was born in London, in the year of our Lord 11 17, and succeeded Theobald in the Archbishopric of Canterbury in 1162. He had previously filled with great distinction the office of Lord Chancellor, and showed an indomitable firmness in his duty as Primate. When Henry II., King of England, in an assembly of the Bishops and great men of his realm, endeavoured to pass laws detrimental to the advantage and dignity of the Church, he opposed himself so steadily to the king's wishes, that, neither promises, nor threats availing to shake him, he was about to be cast into prison, had he not made good his escape in time. The whole of his kinsfolk without regard to age or sex, his friends, and his advisers, were then banished the kingdom, and those who were able, were bound by an oath to make their way to the presence of Thomas, in the hope that though careless of his own sufferings, he might yield at the sight of their misery. But neither flesh and blood, nor the pleadings of natural affection could make him swerve from the line of his pastoral duty.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. The Lord made him honourable, and defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait for him,
* And gave him perpetual glory.
℣. He went down with him into the pit, and left him not in bonds.
℟. And gave him perpetual glory.

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

Reading 5
Lie betook himself to Pope Alexander III., by whom he was graciously received, and who committed him to the care of the Cistercians at Pontigni. As soon as this came to the knowledge of King Henry, he sent threatening letters to the monks, in order to drive Thomas from this shelter. The saint was unwilling that the Cistercian Order should suffer on his account, and therefore voluntarily withdrew from Pontigni, and accepted the invitation of Lewis VII., King of France, to go to his court. He remained here, until his banishment was recalled at the intercession of the Pope and of the King of France, and he returned to England amid great public joy. He was quietly continuing the work of a faithful shepherd of souls, when certain calumniators denounced him to the king as a plotter against the crown and the public peace. Henry, deceived by these libels, cried out that it was hard that one priest should never let him have quiet in his kingdom.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. Lord, Thou hast given him his heart's desire.
* And hast not withholden the request of his lips.
℣. For Thou hast prevented him with the blessings of sweetness: Thou hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head.
℟. And hast not withholden the request of his lips.

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

Reading 6
Come wicked servants of the king, hearing his words, and thinking to do him pleasure, betook themselves to Canterbury to rid him of the Archbishop. They entered the cathedral in the evening as Thomas was proceeding to assist at Evensong. The clergy in attendance on him, conscious of the attempt about to be made, wished to bolt the doors. But the saint caused them to be again opened, saying, The Church of God is not to be made a castle of, and for the cause of God's Church I am willing to die. He then said to his murderers, I charge you in the name of the Almighty God to hurt none of my people. With these words he fell on his knees, and commended himself to God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to St Denis, and to the other holy Patrons of the Church of Canterbury. He presently offered his sacred head for the stroke of death, and received it from the swords of those wicked men with the same constancy with which he had withstood the commands of the unrighteous king. The murderers pulled out his brains and strewed them all about the floor of the Church. He testified on the 29th day of December, in the 53rd year of (his own age and of) our Lord 11 70, and, being afterwards honoured with many miracles, was canonised by Pope Alexander IIL in 1173.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. The Lord hath put on him a robe of honour,
* And put about his head a crown of joy.
℣. With the bread of life and understanding hath the Lord fed him, and given him the water of health and wisdom to drink.
℟. And put about his head a crown of joy.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. And put about his head a crown of joy.

Nocturn III
Ant. O Lord, * do not chastise me in thy wrath.
Psalm 37(2-11) [7]
37:2 Rebuke me not, O Lord, in thy indignation; * nor chastise me in thy wrath.
37:3 For thy arrows are fastened in me: * and thy hand hath been strong upon me.
37:4 There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath: * there is no peace for my bones, because of my sins.
37:5 For my iniquities are gone over my head: * and as a heavy burden are become heavy upon me.
37:6 My sores are putrified and corrupted, * because of my foolishness.
37:7 I am become miserable, and am bowed down even to the end: * I walked sorrowful all the day long.
37:8 For my loins are filled with illusions; * and there is no health in my flesh.
37:9 I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly: * I roared with the groaning of my heart.
37:10 Lord, all my desire is before thee, * and my groaning is not hidden from thee.
37:11 My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me, * and the light of my eyes itself is not with 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.
Ant. O Lord, do not chastise me in thy wrath.

Ant. Attend unto my help, * O Lord, the God of my salvation.
Psalm 37(12-23) [8]
37:12 My friends and my neighbours * have drawn near, and stood against me.
37:12 And they that were near me stood afar off: * and they that sought my soul used violence.
37:13 And they that sought evils to me spoke vain things, * and studied deceits all the day long.
37:14 But I, as a deaf man, heard not: * and as a dumb man not opening his mouth.
37:15 And I became as a man that heareth not: * and that hath no reproofs in his mouth.
37:16 For in thee, O Lord, have I hoped: * thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God.
37:17 For I said: Lest at any time my enemies rejoice over me: * and whilst my feet are moved, they speak great things against me.
37:18 For I am ready for scourges: * and my sorrow is continually before me.
37:19 For I will declare my iniquity: * and I will think for my sin.
37:20 But my enemies live, and are stronger than I: * and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
37:21 They that render evil for good, have detracted me, * because I followed goodness.
37:22 Forsake me not, O Lord my God: * do not thou depart from me.
37:23 Attend unto my help, * O Lord, the God of 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.
Ant. Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation.

Ant. Remove, O Lord, * thy scourges from me.
Psalm 38 [9]
38:2 I said: I will take heed to my ways: * that I sin not with my tongue.
38:2 I have set guard to my mouth, * when the sinner stood against me.
38:3 I was dumb, and was humbled, and kept silence from good things: * and my sorrow was renewed.
38:4 My heart grew hot within me: * and in my meditation a fire shall flame out.
38:5 I spoke with my tongue: * O Lord, make me know my end.
38:5 And what is the number of my days: * that I may know what is wanting to me.
38:6 Behold thou hast made my days measurable: * and my substance is as nothing before thee.
38:6 And indeed all things are vanity: * every man living.
38:7 Surely man passeth as an image: * yea, and he is disquieted in vain.
38:7 He storeth up: * and he knoweth not for whom he shall gather these things.
38:8 And now what is my hope? Is it not the Lord? * And my substance is with thee.
38:9 Deliver thou me from all my iniquities: * thou hast made me a reproach to the fool.
38:10 I was dumb, and I opened not my mouth, because thou hast done it: * remove thy scourges from me.
38:12 The strength of thy hand hath made me faint in rebukes: * thou hast corrected man for iniquity.
38:12 And thou hast made his soul to waste away like a spider: * surely in vain is any man disquieted.
38:13 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and my supplication: * give ear to my tears.
38:13 Be not silent: for I am a stranger with thee, * and a sojourner as all my fathers were.
38:14 O forgive me, that I may be refreshed, before I go hence, * and be no more.
℣. 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. Remove, O Lord, thy scourges from me.

℣. O Lord, be not thou silent, forgive me.
℟. For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner.

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 John
John 10:11-16
In that time Jesus said to the pharisees: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. And so on.

Homily by St. John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople.
59th on John.
Dearly beloved brethren, the Bishops of the Church hold a great office, an office that needeth much that wisdom and strength whereof Christ hath given us an example. We must learn of Him to lay down our lives for the sheep and never to leave them; and to fight bravely against the wolf. This is the difference between the true shepherd and the hireling. The one leaveth the sheep and seeketh his own safety, but the other recketh not of his own safety, so as he may watch over the sheep. Christ then having given us the pattern of a good shepherd, warneth us against two enemies; first, the thief that cometh not but to kill and to steal, and, secondly, the hireling that standeth by, and defendeth not them that are committed to his charge.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. A crown of gold upon his head,
* Wherein is engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work.
℣. For Thou hast prevented him with the blessings of sweetness, Thou hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head.
℟. Wherein is engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work.

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

Reading 8
Ezechiel hath said of old time, xxxiv. 2: Woe be to the shepherds of Israel! do they not feed themselves? Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? But they did the contrary, a great wickedness and the root of many evils. Therefore, he saith, they brought not back that which was gone astray neither did they search for that which was lost neither did they bind up that which was broken, nor strengthen that which was sick; for they fed themselves, and not the flock. And Paul hath the same in other words, where he saith, Phil. ii. 21: All seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. This is a Martyr indeed, who shed his blood for Christ's Name's sake
* Who feared not for the threats of judges, nor sought to be great with the glory of this world, but pressed on unto the kingdom of heaven.
℣. The Lord guided the righteous in right paths, and showed him the kingdom of God.
℟. Who feared not for the threats of judges, nor sought to be great with the glory of this world, but pressed on unto the kingdom of heaven.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Who feared not for the threats of judges, nor sought to be great with the glory of this world, but pressed on unto the kingdom of heaven.

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

Reading 9
Christ showeth Himself very different from either the thief or the hireling; whereas the thief cometh to destroy, He came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. The hireling fleeth, but He layeth down His life for the sheep, that the sheep perish not. When then the Jews went about to kill Him, He ceased not to teach He gave not up them that believed in Him, but stood steadfast and died. Wherefore He hath good title often to say, I am the Good Shepherd. It was but a little while, and He showed us how He could lay down His life for the sheep. And if it appeareth not as yet how they have life, and have it more abundantly, (but it shall appear, in the world which is to come,) we may well be persuaded of the truth of the second promise, who have seen the fulfilment of the first.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

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

Skip the rest, unless praying Lauds separately.

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O God, 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.
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 Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. Sing ye * to the Lord and bless his name.
Psalm 95 [1]
95:1 Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * sing to the Lord, all the earth.
95:2 Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: * shew forth his salvation from day to day.
95:3 Declare his glory among the Gentiles: * his wonders among all people.
95:4 For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: * he is to be feared above all gods.
95:5 For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: * but the Lord made the heavens.
95:6 Praise and beauty are before him: * holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.
95:7 Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour: * bring to the Lord glory unto his name.
95:8 Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts: * adore ye the Lord in his holy court.
95:9 Let all the earth be moved at his presence. * Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned.
95:10 For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: * he will judge the people with justice.
95:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: * the fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful.
95:12 Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: * because he cometh to judge the earth.
95:13 He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with his truth.
℣. 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. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name.

Ant. The salvation of my countenance * and my God.
Psalm 42 [2]
42:1 Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: * deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
42:2 For thou art God my strength: * why hast thou cast me off? and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me?
42:3 Send forth thy light and thy truth: * they have conducted me, and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles.
42:4 And I will go in to the altar of God: * to God who giveth joy to my youth.
42:5 To thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp: * why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me?
42:6 Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: * the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
℣. 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 salvation of my countenance and my God.

Ant. May the Lord shine the light * of his countenance upon us.
Psalm 66 [3]
66:2 May God have mercy on us, and bless us: * may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us.
66:3 That we may know thy way upon earth: * thy salvation in all nations.
66:4 Let people confess to thee, O God: * let all people give praise to thee.
66:5 Let the nations be glad and rejoice: * for thou judgest the people with justice, and directest the nations upon earth.
66:6 Let the people, O God, confess to thee: * let all the people give praise to thee: the earth hath yielded her fruit.
66:7 May God, our God bless us, may God bless us: * and all the ends of the earth fear 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. May the Lord shine the light of his countenance upon us.

Ant. Give ye glory to him * in your works.
Canticle of Tobias [4]
Tob. 13:1-11
13:1 Thou art great, O Lord, for ever, * and thy kingdom is unto all ages:
13:2 For thou scourgest, and thou savest: thou leadest down to hell, and bringest up again: * and there is none that can escape thy hand.
13:3 Give glory to the Lord, ye children of Israel, * and praise him in the sight of the Gentiles:
13:4 Because he hath therefore scattered you among the Gentiles, who know not him, * that you may declare his wonderful works,
13:5 And make them know * that there is no other almighty God besides him.
13:6 He hath chastised us for our iniquities: * and he will save us for his own mercy.
13:7 See then what he hath done with us, and with fear and trembling give ye glory to him: * and extol the eternal King of worlds in your works.
13:8 As for me, I will praise him in the land of my captivity: * because he hath shewn his majesty toward a sinful nation.
13:9 Be converted therefore, ye sinners, and do justice before God, * believing that he will shew his mercy to you.
13:10 And I and my soul * will rejoice in him.
13:11 Bless ye the Lord, all his elect, * keep days of joy, and give glory to 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. Give ye glory to him in your works.

Ant. Praise * the name of the Lord, ye who stand in the house of the Lord.
Psalm 134 [5]
134:1 Praise ye the name of the Lord: * O you his servants, praise the Lord:
134:2 You that stand in the house of the Lord, * in the courts of the house of our God.
134:3 Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good: * sing ye to his name, for it is sweet.
134:4 For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself: * Israel for his own possession.
134:5 For I have known that the Lord is great, * and our God is above all gods.
134:6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased he hath done, in heaven, in earth, * in the sea, and in all the deeps.
134:7 He bringeth up clouds from the end of the earth: * he hath made lightnings for the rain.
134:8 He bringeth forth winds out of his stores: * He slew the firstborn of Egypt from man even unto beast.
134:9 He sent forth signs and wonders in the midst of thee, O Egypt: * upon Pharao, and upon all his servants.
134:10 He smote many nations, * and slew mighty kings:
134:11 Sehon king of the Amorrhites, and Og king of Basan, * and all the kingdoms of Chanaan.
134:12 And gave their land for an inheritance, * for an inheritance to his people Israel.
134:13 Thy name, O Lord, is for ever: * thy memorial, O Lord, unto all generations.
134:14 For the Lord will judge his people, * and will be entreated in favour of his servants.
134:15 The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, * the works of men’s hands.
134:16 They have a mouth, but they speak not: * they have eyes, but they see not.
134:17 They have ears, but they hear not: * neither is there any breath in their mouths.
134:18 Let them that make them be like to them: * and every one that trusteth in them.
134:19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel: * bless the Lord, O house of Aaron.
134:20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: * you that fear the Lord, bless the Lord.
134:21 Blessed be the Lord out of Sion, * who dwelleth in Jerusalem.
℣. 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. Praise the name of the Lord, ye who stand in the house of the Lord.

Chapter Hymn Verse {from the Common or Feast}
Jas 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive a crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love him.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled
To follow close God's only Son,
Well didst thou brave thy battlefield,
And well thy heavenly bliss was won!

Now join thy prayers with ours, who pray
That God may pardon us and bless;
For prayer keeps evil's plague away,
And draws from life its weariness.

Long, long ago, were loosed the chains
That held thy body once in thrall;
For us how many a bond remains!
O love of God release us all.

All praise to God the Father be,
All praise to thee, Eternal Son;
All praise, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
While never-ending ages run.
Amen.

℣. The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree.
℟. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Canticle: Benedictus {Antiphon from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. He that hateth his life * in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal.
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. He that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal.

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, 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.
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 Fifth 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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. In thee, O my God.
Psalm 24(1-7) [1]
24:1 To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: * In thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed.
24:3 Neither let my enemies laugh at me: * for none of them that wait on thee shall be confounded.
24:4 Let all them be confounded that act unjust things * without cause.
24:4 Shew, O Lord, thy ways to me, * and teach me thy paths.
24:5 Direct me in thy truth, and teach me; * for thou art God my Saviour; and on thee have I waited all the day long.
24:6 Remember, O Lord, thy bowels of compassion; * and thy mercies that are from the beginning of the world.
24:7 The sins of my youth * and my ignorances do not remember.
24:7 According to thy mercy remember thou me: * for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 24(8-14) [2]
24:8 The Lord is sweet and righteous: * therefore he will give a law to sinners in the way.
24:9 He will guide the mild in judgment: * he will teach the meek his ways.
24:10 All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth, * to them that seek after his covenant and his testimonies.
24:11 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, thou wilt pardon my sin: * for it is great.
24:12 Who is the man that feareth the Lord? * He hath appointed him a law in the way he hath chosen.
24:13 His soul shall dwell in good things: * and his seed shall inherit the land.
24:14 The Lord is a firmament to them that fear him: * and his covenant shall be made manifest to them.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 24(15-22) [3]
24:15 My eyes are ever towards the Lord: * for he shall pluck my feet out of the snare.
24:16 Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me; * for I am alone and poor.
24:17 The troubles of my heart are multiplied: * deliver me from my necessities.
24:18 See my abjection and my labour; * and forgive me all my sins.
24:19 Consider my enemies for they are multiplied, * and have hated me with an unjust hatred.
24:20 Keep thou my soul, and deliver me: * I shall not be ashamed, for I have hoped in thee.
24:21 The innocent and the upright have adhered to me: * because I have waited on thee.
24:22 Deliver Israel, O God, * from all his tribulations.
℣. 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. In thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed.

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 30th 2026, the 21st day of the Moon, were born into the better life:

At Rome, the birthday of St. Felix I, pope and martyr, who governed the Church during the reign of Emperor Aurelian. His feast day is celebrated on the 30th of May.
At Spoleto, under the Emperor Maximian, the holy martyrs Sabinus, bishop of that see; the deacons Exuperantius and Marcellus, and the President Venustian along with his wife and children. Marcellus and Exuperantius were first racked then heavily cudgelled, then mangled with hooks, and their sides were afterwards burnt until they died. Venustian and his wife and children were shortly afterward put to the sword holy Sabinus had his hands cut off, and was long imprisoned, and at length lashed to death. These did not all suffer at the same time, but they are all commemorated upon the same day.
At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Mansuetus, Severus, Appian, Donatus, Honorius and their companions.
At Thessalonica, the holy martir Anysia (about the year 303). There likewise holy Anysius, bishop of that city. (He succeeded St. Ascole, and died about the year 404.)
At Milan, the holy confessor Eugenius, bishop of that city.
At Ravenna, holy Liberius, bishop of that city.
At Aquila, in the Abruzzi, holy Rainerius, bishop of that city (in the twelfth century).
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.

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

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

Short reading {from the Common or Feast}
℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing.
Benediction. May Almighty God arrange our deeds and our day in His peace.
℟. Amen.
Sir 39:6
He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High.
℣. 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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. The Lord hath heard.
Psalm 39(2-9) [1]
39:2 With expectation I have waited for the Lord, * and he was attentive to me.
39:3 And he heard my prayers, * and brought me out of the pit of misery and the mire of dregs.
39:3 And he set my feet upon a rock, * and directed my steps.
39:4 And he put a new canticle into my mouth, * a song to our God.
39:4 Many shall see, and shall fear: * and they shall hope in the Lord.
39:5 Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord; * and who hath not had regard to vanities, and lying follies.
39:6 Thou hast multiplied thy wonderful works, O Lord my God: * and in thy thoughts there is no one like to thee.
39:6 I have declared and I have spoken * they are multiplied above number.
39:7 Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire; * but thou hast pierced ears for me.
39:7 Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require: * then said I, Behold I come.
39:8 In the head of the book it is written of me that I should do thy will: * O my God, I have desired it, and thy law in the midst of 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.

Psalm 39(10-14) [2]
39:10 I have declared thy justice in a great church, * lo, I will not restrain my lips: O Lord, thou knowest it.
39:11 I have not hid thy justice within my heart: * I have declared thy truth and thy salvation.
39:11 I have not concealed thy mercy and thy truth * from a great council.
39:12 Withhold not thou, O Lord, thy tender mercies from me: * thy mercy and thy truth have always upheld me.
39:13 For evils without number have surrounded me; * my iniquities have overtaken me, and I was not able to see.
39:13 They are multiplied above the hairs of my head: * and my heart hath forsaken me.
39:14 Be pleased, O Lord to deliver me: * look down, O Lord, 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.

Psalm 39(15-18) [3]
39:15 Let them be confounded and ashamed together, that seek after my soul * to take it away.
39:15 Let them be turned backward and be ashamed * that desire evils to me.
39:16 Let them immediately bear their confusion, * that say to me: ’T is well, ’t is well.
39:17 Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: * and let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.
39:18 But I am a beggar and poor: * the Lord is careful for me.
39:18 Thou art my helper and my protector: * O my God, be not slack.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. The Lord hath heard my supplication: the Lord hath received my prayer.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Common or Feast}
Jas 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive a crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love him.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. Thou hast crowned him * with glory and honour, O Lord.
℟. Thou hast crowned him * with glory and honour, O Lord.
℣. And madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
℟. Thou hast crowned him.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Thou hast crowned him * with glory and honour, O Lord.

℣. O Lord, Thou hast set a crown of precious stones.
℟. Upon his head.

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, 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.
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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. But thou hast upheld me, O Lord.
Psalm 40 [1]
40:2 Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor: * the Lord will deliver him in the evil day.
40:3 The Lord preserve him and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth: * and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.
40:4 The Lord help him on his bed of sorrow: * thou hast turned all his couch in his sickness.
40:5 I said: O Lord, be thou merciful to me: * heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee.
40:6 My enemies have spoken evils against me: * when shall he die and his name perish?
40:7 And if he came in to see me, he spoke vain things: * his heart gathered together iniquity to itself.
40:7 He went out * and spoke to the same purpose.
40:8 All my enemies whispered together against me: * they devised evils to me.
40:9 They determined against me an unjust word: * shall he that sleepeth rise again no more?
40:10 For even the man of my peace, in whom I trusted, * who ate my bread, hath greatly supplanted me.
40:11 But thou, O Lord, have mercy on me, and raise me up again: * and I will requite them.
40:12 By this I know, that thou hast had a good will for me: * because my enemy shall not rejoice over me.
40:13 But thou hast upheld me by reason of my innocence: * and hast established me in thy sight for ever.
40:14 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel from eternity to eternity. * So be it. So be it.
℣. 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 41(2-6) [2]
41:2 As the hart panteth after the fountains of water; * so my soul panteth after thee, O God.
41:3 My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God; * when shall I come and appear before the face of God?
41:4 My tears have been my bread day and night, * whilst it is said to me daily: Where is thy God?
41:5 These things I remembered, and poured out my soul in me: * for I shall go over into the place of the wonderful tabernacle, even to the house of God:
41:5 With the voice of joy and praise; * the noise of one feasting.
41:6 Why art thou sad, O my soul? * and why dost thou trouble me?
41:6 Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: * the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
℣. 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 41(7-12) [3]
41:7 My soul is troubled within myself: * therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan and Hermoniim, from the little hill.
41:8 Deep calleth on deep, * at the noise of thy flood-gates.
41:8 All thy heights and thy billows * have passed over me.
41:9 In the daytime the Lord hath commanded his mercy; * and a canticle to him in the night.
41:9 With me is prayer to the God of my life. * I will say to God: Thou art my support.
41:10 Why hast thou forgotten me? * and why go I mourning, whilst my enemy afflicteth me?
41:11 Whilst my bones are broken, * my enemies who trouble me have reproached me;
41:11 Whilst they say to me day by day: Where is thy God? * Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me?
41:12 Hope thou in God, for I will still give praise to him: * the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
℣. 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. But thou hast upheld me, O Lord, and hast established me in thy sight for ever.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Common or Feast}
Sir 15:3
With the bread of life and understanding, she shall feed him, and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink: and she shall be made strong in him, and he shall not be moved.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. O Lord, Thou hast set * Upon his head.
℟. O Lord, Thou hast set * Upon his head.
℣. A Crown of precious stones.
℟. Upon his head.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. O Lord, Thou hast set * Upon his head.

℣. His glory is great in thy salvation.
℟. Honour and great majesty shalt Thou lay upon him.

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, 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.
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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. Thou hast saved us, O Lord.
Psalm 43(2-9) [1]
43:2 We have heard, O God, with our ears: * our fathers have declared to us,
43:2 The work thou hast wrought in their days, * and in the days of old.
43:3 Thy hand destroyed the Gentiles, and thou plantedst them: * thou didst afflict the people and cast them out.
43:4 For they got not the possession of the land by their own sword: * neither did their own arm save them.
43:4 But thy right hand and thy arm, and the light of thy countenance: * because thou wast pleased with them.
43:5 Thou art thyself my king and my God, * who commandest the saving of Jacob.
43:6 Through thee we will push down our enemies with the horn: * and through thy name we will despise them that rise up against us.
43:7 For I will not trust in my bow: * neither shall my sword save me.
43:8 But thou hast saved us from them that afflict us: * and hast put them to shame that hate us.
43:9 In God shall we glory all the day long: * and in thy name we will give praise 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 43(10-20) [2]
43:10 But now thou hast cast us off, and put us to shame: * and thou, O God, wilt not go out with our armies.
43:11 Thou hast made us turn our back to our enemies: * and they that hated us plundered for themselves.
43:12 Thou hast given us up like sheep to be eaten: * thou hast scattered us among the nations.
43:13 Thou hast sold thy people for no price: * and there was no reckoning in the exchange of them.
43:14 Thou hast made us a reproach to our neighbours, * a scoff and derision to them that are round about us.
43:15 Thou hast made us a byword among the Gentiles: * a shaking of the head among the people.
43:16 All the day long my shame is before me: * and the confusion of my face hath covered me.
43:17 At the voice of him that reproacheth and detracteth me: * at the face of the enemy and persecutor.
43:18 All these things have come upon us, yet we have not forgotten thee: * and we have not done wickedly in thy covenant.
43:19 And our heart hath not turned back: * neither hast thou turned aside our steps from thy way.
43:20 For thou hast humbled us in the place of affliction: * and the shadow of death hath covered us.
℣. 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 43(21-26) [3]
43:21 If we have forgotten the name of our God, * and if we have spread forth our hands to a strange god:
43:22 Shall not God search out these things: * for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
43:22 Because for thy sake we are killed all the day long: * we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
43:23 Arise, why sleepest thou, O Lord? * arise, and cast us not off to the end.
43:24 Why turnest thou thy face away? * and forgettest our want and our trouble?
43:25 For our soul is humbled down to the dust: * our belly cleaveth to the earth.
43:26 Arise, O Lord, help us * and redeem us for thy name’s sake.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Thou hast saved us, O Lord, and in thy name we will give praise for ever.

Chapter Responsory Verse {from the Common or Feast}
Sir 39:6
He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟.br. His glory is great * in thy salvation.
℟. His glory is great * in thy salvation.
℣. Honour and great majesty shalt Thou lay upon him.
℟. In thy salvation.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. His glory is great * in thy salvation.

℣. The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree.
℟. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

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, 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.
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 the season}
Ant. Thine shall be the dominion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the season}
Gal 4:1-2
Brothers: As long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
Jesus, the Ransomer of man,
Who, ere created light began,
Didst from the sovereign Father spring,
His power and glory equalling.

The Father’s Light and Splendor Thou,
Their endless hope to Thee that bow;
Accept the prayers and praise to-day
That through the world Thy servants pay.

Salvation’s Author, call to mind
How, taking form of humankind,
Born of a Virgin undefiled,
Thou in man’s flesh becam’st a Child.

Thus testifies the present day,
Through every year in long array,
That Thou, salvation’s source alone,
Proceedest from the Father’s throne.

The heavens above, the rolling main
And all that earth’s wide realms contain,
With joyous voice now loudly sing
The glory of their new-born King.

And we who, by Thy precious Blood
From sin redeemed, are marked for God,
On this the day that saw Thy birth,
Sing the new song of ransomed earth.

O Lord, the Virgin-born, to Thee
Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost forevermore.
Amen.

℣. The Word was made flesh, alleluia.
℟. And dwelt among us, alleluia.

Canticle: Magnificat {Antiphon from the Proper of the season}
Ant. While all things were in quiet silence.
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. While all things were in quiet silence and that night was in the midst of her swift course, thine Almighty Word, O Lord, leapt down out of thy Royal Throne.

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Prayer {from the Proper of the season}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O Almighty and everlasting God, do Thou order all our actions in conformity with thy good pleasure, that through the name of thy well-beloved Son, we may worthily abound in all good works.
Who with thee liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Commemoration of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop and Martyr
Ant. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

℣. The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree.
℟. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

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 the Octave of the Nativity
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 {from the Psalter for the day of the week}
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.