St. Sylvester, Pope and Confessor ~ Duplex

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

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

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

Hymn {from the Common or Feast}
This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph
Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness
Erst on this feast-day merited to enter
Into his glory.

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

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

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

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

Psalms with lections {Antiphons from the Psalter for the season of the Church year}
Nocturn I
Ant. In God is my salvation * and my glory: and my hope is in God.
Psalm 61 [1]
61:2 Shall not my soul be subject to God? * for from him is my salvation.
61:3 For he is my God and my saviour: * he is my protector, I shall be moved no more.
61:4 How long do you rush in upon a man? * you all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence.
61:5 But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: * they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.
61:6 But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: * for from him is my patience.
61:7 For he is my God and my saviour: * he is my helper, I shall not be moved.
61:8 In God is my salvation and my glory: * he is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.
61:9 Trust in him, all ye congregation of people: pour out your hearts before him. * God is our helper for ever.
61:10 But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: * that by vanity they may together deceive.
61:11 Trust not in iniquity, and cover not robberies: * if riches abound, set not your heart upon them.
61:12 God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God, and mercy to thee, O Lord; * for thou wilt render to every man according to his works.
℣. 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 God is my salvation and my glory: and my hope is in God.

Ant. Behold the works of the Lord * and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
Psalm 65(1-12) [2]
65:1 Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; * give glory to his praise.
65:3 Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! * in the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee.
65:4 Let all the earth adore thee, * and sing to thee: let it sing a psalm to thy name.
65:5 Come and see the works of God; * who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men.
65:6 Who turneth the sea into dry land, in the river they shall pass on foot: * there shall we rejoice in him.
65:7 Who by his power ruleth for ever: his eyes behold the nations; * let not them that provoke him be exalted in themselves.
65:8 O bless our God, ye Gentiles: * and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
65:9 Who hath set my soul to live: * and hath not suffered my feet to be moved:
65:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: * thou hast tried us by fire, as silver is tried.
65:11 Thou hast brought us into a net, thou hast laid afflictions on our back: * thou hast set men over our heads.
65:12 We have passed through fire and water, * and thou hast brought us out into a refreshment.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Behold the works of the Lord and make the voice of his praise to be heard.

Ant. Come and hear, all ye that fear God * what great things he hath done for my soul.
Psalm 65(13-20) [3]
65:13 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: * I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered,
65:14 And my mouth hath spoken, * when I was in trouble.
65:15 I will offer up to thee holocausts full of marrow, with burnt offerings of rams: * I will offer to thee bullocks with goats.
65:16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, * and I will tell you what great things he hath done for my soul.
65:17 I cried to him with my mouth: * and I extolled him with my tongue.
65:18 If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, * the Lord will not hear me.
65:19 Therefore hath God heard me, * and hath attended to the voice of my supplication.
65:20 Blessed be God, * who hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from 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. Come and hear, all ye that fear God what great things he hath done for my soul.

℣. God hath not turned away my prayer.
℟. Nor his mercy from me.

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

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

Reading 1
Lesson from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Rom 3:19-22
19 Now we know, that what things soever the law speaketh, it speaketh to them that are in the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be made subject to God.
20 Because by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified before him. For by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now without the law the justice of God is made manifest, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.
22 Even the justice of God, by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe in him: for there is no distinction:
℣. 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 3:23-26
23 For all have sinned, and do need the glory of God.
24 Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption, that is in Christ Jesus,
25 Whom God hath proposed to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to the shewing of his justice, for the remission of former sins,
26 Through the forbearance of God, for the shewing of his justice in this time; that he himself may be just, and the justifier of him, who is of the faith of Jesus Christ.
℣. 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 3:27-31
27 Where is then thy boasting? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 For we account a man to be justified by faith, without the works of the law.
29 Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also.
30 For it is one God, that justifieth circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we, then, destroy the law through faith? God forbid: but we establish the law.
℣. 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. Let God arise, * and let his enemies be scattered. ‡
Psalm 67(2-11) [4]
67:2 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: * ‡ and let them that hate him flee from before his face.
67:3 As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish away: * as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
67:4 And let the just feast, and rejoice before God: * and be delighted with gladness.
67:5 Sing ye to God, sing a psalm to his name, * make a way for him who ascendeth upon the west: (bow head) the Lord is his name.
67:5 Rejoice ye before him: * but the wicked shall be troubled at his presence, who is the father of orphans, and the judge of widows.
67:6 God in his holy place: * God who maketh men of one manner to dwell in a house:
67:7 Who bringeth out them that were bound in strength; * in like manner them that provoke, that dwell in sepulchres.
67:8 O God, when thou didst go forth in the sight of thy people, * when thou didst pass through the desert:
67:9 The earth was moved, and the heavens dropped at the presence of the God of Sinai, * at the presence of the God of Israel.
67:10 Thou shalt set aside for thy inheritance a free rain, * O God: and it was weakened, but thou hast made it perfect.
67:11 In it shall thy animals dwell; * in thy sweetness, O God, thou hast provided for the poor.
℣. 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. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered.

Ant. Our God * is the God of salvation: and the Lord of the issues from death.
Psalm 67(12-24) [5]
67:12 The Lord shall give the word to them that preach good tidings, * with great power.
67:13 The king of powers is of the beloved, * of the beloved; and the beauty of the house shall divide spoils.
67:14 If you sleep among the midst of lots, you shall be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, * and the hinder parts of her back with the paleness of gold.
67:15 When he that is in heaven appointeth kings over her, they shall be whited with snow in Selmon. * The mountain of God is a fat mountain,
67:16 a curdled mountain, a fat mountain; * Why suspect, ye curdled mountains?
67:17 A mountain in which God is well pleased to dwell: * for there the Lord shall dwell unto the end.
67:18 The chariot of God is attended by ten thousands; thousands of them that rejoice: * the Lord is among them in Sinai, in the holy place.
67:19 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive; * thou hast received gifts in men.
67:19 Yea for those also that do not believe, * the dwelling of the Lord God.
67:20 Blessed be the Lord day by day: * the God of our salvation will make our journey prosperous to us.
67:21 Our God is the God of salvation: * and of the Lord, of the Lord are the issues from death.
67:22 But God shall break the heads of his enemies: * the hairy crown of them that walk on in their sins.
67:23 The Lord said: I will turn them from Basan, * I will turn them into the depth of the sea:
67:24 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thy enemies; * the tongue of thy dogs be red with the same.
℣. 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. Our God is the God of salvation: and the Lord of the issues from death.

Ant. In the churches * bless ye God the Lord.
Psalm 67(25-36) [6]
67:25 They have seen thy goings, O God, * the goings of my God: of my king who is in his sanctuary.
67:26 Princes went before joined with singers, * in the midst of young damsels playing on timbrels.
67:27 In the churches bless ye God the Lord, * from the fountains of Israel.
67:28 There is Benjamin a youth, * in ecstasy of mind.
67:28 The princes of Juda are their leaders: * the princes of Zabulon, the princes of Nephthali.
67:29 Command thy strength, O God: * confirm, O God, what thou hast wrought in us.
67:30 From thy temple in Jerusalem, * kings shall offer presents to thee.
67:31 Rebuke the wild beasts of the reeds, the congregation of bulls with the kine of the people; * who seek to exclude them who are tried with silver.
67:31 Scatter thou the nations that delight in wars: ambassadors shall come out of Egypt: * Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God.
67:33 Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth: * sing ye to the Lord:
67:33 Sing ye to God, who mounteth above the heaven of heavens, * to the east.
67:34 Behold he will give to his voice the voice of power: give ye glory to God for Israel, * his magnificence, and his power is in the clouds.
67:36 God is wonderful in his saints: the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people; * blessed be 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. In the churches bless ye God the Lord.

℣. God is wonderful in his saints.
℟. The God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people.

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
Sylvester was a Roman by birth, and his father's name was Rufinus. He was brought up from a very early age under a Priest named Cyrinus, of whose teaching and example he was a diligent learner. In his thirtieth year he was ordained Priest of the Holy Roman Church by Pope Marcellinus. In the discharge of his duties he became a model for all the clergy, and, after the death of Melchiades, he succeeded him on the Papal throne, in the year of our Lord 314, during the reign of Constantine, who had already by public decree proclaimed peace to the Church of Christ. Hardly had he undertaken the government of the Church when he betook himself to stir up the Emperor to protect and propagate the religion of Christ. Constantine was fresh from his victory over his enemy Maxentius, on the Eve whereof the sign of the Cross had been revealed to him limned in light upon the sky; and there was an old story in the Church of Rome that it was Sylvester who caused him to recognise the images of the Apostles, administered to him holy Baptism, and cleansed him from the leprosy of misbelief.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

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

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

Reading 5
The godly Emperor had already granted to Christ's faithful people permission to build public churches, and by the advice of Sylvester he himself set them the example. He built many Basilicas, and magnificently adorned them with holy images, and gifted them with gifts and endowments. Among these there were, besides others, the Church of Christ the Saviour, hard by the Lateran Palace; that of St. Peter, upon the Vatican Mount; that of St. Paul, upon the road to Ostia; that of St. Lawrence, in Verus' field; that of the Holy Cross at the Sessorian hall; that of St. Peter and St. Marcellinus, upon the Lavican Way; and that of St. Agnes, upon the road to Mentana. Under this Pope was held the first Council of Nicea, presided over by the Papal Legates, and in the Presence of Constantine, and three hundred and eighteen Bishops, where the holy and Catholic Faith was declared, and Arius and his followers condemned; which Council was finally confirmed by the Pope, at the request of all the assembled Fathers, in a synod held at Rome, where Arius was again condemned. This Pope issued many useful ordinances for the Church of God. He reserved to Bishops the right of consecrating the Holy Chrism; ordered Priests to anoint with Chrism the heads of the newly baptised; settled the officiating dress of Deacons as a dalmatic and a linen maniple; and forbade the consecration of the Sacrament of the Altar on anything but a linen corporal.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

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

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

Reading 6
This Sylvester is likewise said to have ordained that all persons taking Holy Orders should remain awhile in each grade before being promoted to a higher; that laymen should not go to law against the clergy; and that the clergy themselves were not to plead before civil tribunals. He decreed that the first and seventh days of the week should be called respectively the Lord's Day and the Sabbath, and the others, Second Day, Third Day, and so on. In this he confirmed the use of the word Feria for the weekdays, the which use had already begun in the Church. This word signifieth an holiday, and pointeth to the duty of the clergy ever to lay aside all worldly labour, and leave themselves free to do continually the work of the Lord. The heavenly wisdom with which he ruled the Church of God, was joined in him to a singular holiness of life, and an inexhaustible tenderness towards the poor; in which matter he ordained that the wealthy clergy should each relieve a certain number of needy persons; and he also made arrangements for supplying the consecrated virgins with the necessaries of life. He lived as Pope twenty-one years, ten months and one day, and was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Salarian Way, ~in the year 335. He held seven Advent ordinations, and made forty-two Priests, twenty-five Deacons, and sixty-five Bishops of various sees.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

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

Nocturn III
Ant. Save me, O God * for the waters are come in even unto my soul. ‡
Psalm 68(2-13) [7]
68:2 Save me, O God: for the waters are come in even unto my soul.
68:3 ‡ I stick fast in the mire of the deep: * and there is no sure standing.
68:3 I am come into the depth of the sea: * and a tempest hath overwhelmed me.
68:4 I have laboured with crying; my jaws are become hoarse: * my eyes have failed, whilst I hope in my God.
68:5 They are multiplied above the hairs of my head, * who hate me without cause.
68:5 My enemies are grown strong who have wrongfully persecuted me: * then did I pay that which I took not away.
68:6 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; * and my offences are not hidden from thee.
68:7 Let not them be ashamed for me, who look for thee, O Lord, * the Lord of hosts.
68:7 Let them not be confounded on my account, * who seek thee, O God of Israel.
68:8 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; * shame hath covered my face.
68:9 I am become a stranger to my brethren, * and an alien to the sons of my mother.
68:10 For the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up: * and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
68:11 And I covered my soul in fasting: * and it was made a reproach to me.
68:12 And I made haircloth my garment: * and I became a byword to them.
68:13 They that sat in the gate spoke against me: * and they that drank wine made me their song.
68:13 But as for me, my prayer is to thee, O Lord; * for the time of thy good pleasure, O 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. Save me, O God for the waters are come in even unto my soul.

Ant. O Lord, save me * from my enemies.
Psalm 68(14-29) [8]
68:14 In the multitude of thy mercy hear me, * in the truth of thy salvation.
68:15 Draw me out of the mire, that I may not stick fast: * deliver me from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
68:16 Let not the tempest of water drown me, nor the deep swallow me up: * and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
68:17 Hear me, O Lord, for thy mercy is kind; * look upon me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
68:18 And turn not away thy face from thy servant: * for I am in trouble, hear me speedily.
68:19 Attend to my soul, and deliver it: * save me because of my enemies.
68:20 Thou knowest my reproach, and my confusion, * and my shame.
68:21 In thy sight are all they that afflict me; * my heart hath expected reproach and misery.
68:21 And I looked for one that would grieve together with me, * but there was none: and for one that would comfort me, and I found none.
68:22 And they gave me gall for my food, * and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
68:23 Let their table become as a snare before them, * and a recompense, and a stumblingblock.
68:24 Let their eyes be darkened that they see not; * and their back bend thou down always.
68:25 Pour out thy indignation upon them: * and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
68:26 Let their habitation be made desolate: * and let there be none to dwell in their tabernacles.
68:27 Because they have persecuted him whom thou hast smitten; * and they have added to the grief of my wounds.
68:28 Add thou iniquity upon their iniquity: * and let them not come into thy justice.
68:29 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; * and with the just let them not be written.
℣. 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, save me from my enemies.

Ant. Look for the Lord * and your soul shall live.
Psalm 68(30-37) [9]
68:30 I am poor and sorrowful: * thy salvation, O God, hath set me up.
68:31 I will praise the name of God with a canticle: * and I will magnify him with praise.
68:32 And it shall please God better than a young calf, * that bringeth forth horns and hoofs.
68:33 Let the poor see and rejoice: * seek ye God, and your soul shall live.
68:34 For the Lord hath heard the poor: * and hath not despised his prisoners.
68:35 Let the heavens and the earth praise him; * the sea, and every thing that creepeth therein.
68:36 For God will save Sion, * and the cities of Juda shall be built up.
68:36 And they shall dwell there, * and acquire it by inheritance.
68:37 And the seed of his servants shall possess it; * and they that love his name shall dwell therein.
℣. 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. Look for the Lord and your soul shall live.

℣. I will praise the name of God.
℟. And I will magnify him with praise.

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

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

Reading 7
From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matt 16:13-19
At that time: When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And so on.

A Homily by St. Leo the Pope
Sermo 2 in anniversario assumpt. suæ ante medium
When the Lord, as we read in the Gospel, asked his disciples who did men, amid their diverse speculations, believe him the Son of Man to be, blessed Peter answered and said: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And the Lord answered and said unto him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father, which is in heaven: and I say also unto thee: That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. But the dispensation of truth perdures, and blessed Peter, persevering in the strength of the rock which he hath received, hath not relinquished the position he assumed at the helm of the Church.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

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

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

Reading 8
In the universal Church it is as if Peter were still saying every day: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. For every tongue which confesseth the Lord is taught that confession by the teaching of Peter. This is the Faith that overcometh the devil and looseth the bonds of his prisoners. This is the Faith which maketh men free of the world and bringeth them to heaven, and the gates of hell are impotent to prevail against it. This is the rock which God hath fortified with such ramparts of salvation, that the contagion of heresy will never be able to infect it, nor idolatry and unbelief to overcome it. And therefore, dearly beloved, we celebrate today’s festival with reasonable obedience, that in my humble person he may be acknowledged and honoured who doth continue to care for all the shepherds as well as sheep entrusted unto him, and who doth lose none of his dignity even in an unworthy successor.
℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
℟. Thanks be to God.

℟. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
* And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.
℣. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
℟. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.

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

Reading 9
When, therefore, we address our exhortations to your godly ears, believe ye that ye are hearing him speak whose office we are discharging. Yea, it is with his love for you that we warn you. And we preach unto you no other thing than that which he taught, entreating you as did he: Gird up the loins of your mind; be sober; be ye holy in all manner of living; pass the time of your sojourning here in the fear of God. My disciples, dearly beloved, ye are to me as the disciples of the Apostle Paul were to him, namely: My crown and joy; if so be that your faith, abide, still in all lowliness and holiness, like unto the first times of the Gospel. For although the whole Church, which is in all the world, should indeed abound in all the virtues, it becometh especially you among all others to excel in acts of piety, founded as ye be on the very citadel of the Apostolic Rock ye who have not only been redeemed with the rest of men by our Lord Jesus Christ, but who have been instructed by the blessed Apostle Peter far beyond all others.
℣. 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.
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Sylvester thy blessed Confessor and Bishop may increase our devotion and promote our salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

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

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. Make a joyful noise * before the Lord our King.
Psalm 97 [1]
97:1 Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * because he hath done wonderful things.
97:1 His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, * and his arm is holy.
97:2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: * he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.
97:3 He hath remembered his mercy * and his truth toward the house of Israel.
97:3 All the ends of the earth have seen * the salvation of our God.
97:4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; * make melody, rejoice and sing.
97:5 Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: * with long trumpets, and sound of cornet.
97:6 Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: * let the sea be moved and the fulness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein.
97:8 The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord: * because he cometh to judge the earth.
97:9 He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with equity.
℣. 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. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our King.

Ant. Lord, * thou hast been our refuge. ‡
Psalm 89 [2]
89:1 Lord, thou hast been our refuge * ‡ from generation to generation.
89:2 Before the mountains were made, or the earth and the world was formed; * from eternity and to eternity thou art God.
89:3 Turn not man away to be brought low: * and thou hast said: Be converted, O ye sons of men.
89:4 For a thousand years in thy sight * are as yesterday, which is past.
89:5 And as a watch in the night, * things that are counted nothing, shall their years be.
89:6 In the morning man shall grow up like grass; in the morning he shall flourish and pass away: * in the evening he shall fall, grow dry, and wither.
89:7 For in thy wrath we have fainted away: * and are troubled in thy indignation.
89:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thy eyes: * our life in the light of thy countenance.
89:9 For all our days are spent; * and in thy wrath we have fainted away.
89:9 Our years shall be considered as a spider: * the days of our years in them are threescore and ten years.
89:10 But if in the strong they be fourscore years: * and what is more of them is labour and sorrow.
89:10 For mildness is come upon us: * and we shall be corrected.
89:11 Who knoweth the power of thy anger, * and for thy fear can number thy wrath?
89:12 So make thy right hand known: * and men learned in heart, in wisdom.
89:13 Return, O Lord, how long? * and be entreated in favour of thy servants.
89:14 We are filled in the morning with thy mercy: * and we have rejoiced, and are delighted all our days.
89:15 We have rejoiced for the days in which thou hast humbled us: * for the years in which we have seen evils.
89:16 Look upon thy servants and upon their works: * and direct their children.
89:17 And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us: and direct thou the works of our hands over us; * 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.
Ant. Lord, thou hast been our refuge.

Ant. O Lord, * thy mercy is in heaven.
Psalm 35 [3]
35:2 The unjust hath said within himself, that he would sin: * there is no fear of God before his eyes.
35:3 For in his sight he hath done deceitfully, * that his iniquity may be found unto hatred.
35:4 The words of his mouth are iniquity and guile: * he would not understand that he might do well.
35:5 He hath devised iniquity on his bed, * he hath set himself on every way that is not good: but evil he hath not hated.
35:6 O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, * and thy truth reacheth even to the clouds.
35:7 Thy justice is as the mountains of God, * thy judgments are a great deep.
35:7 Men and beasts thou wilt preserve, O Lord: * O how hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God!
35:8 But the children of men * shall put their trust under the covert of thy wings.
35:9 They shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house; * and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure.
35:10 For with thee is the fountain of life; * and in thy light we shall see light.
35:11 Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, * and thy justice to them that are right in heart.
35:12 Let not the foot of pride come to me, * and let not the hand of the sinner move me.
35:13 There the workers of iniquity are fallen, * they are cast out, and could not stand.
℣. 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, thy mercy is in heaven.

Ant. My people, * said the Lord, shall be filled with good things.
Canticle of Jeremias [4]
Jer 31:10-18
31:10 Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, * and declare it in the islands that are afar off,
31:11 And say: He that scattered Israel will gather him: * and he will keep him as the shepherd doth his flock.
31:12 For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, * and delivered him out of the hand of one that was mightier than he.
31:13 And they shall come, and shall give praise in mount Sion: * and they shall flow together to the good things of the Lord,
31:14 For the corn, and wine, and oil, * and the increase of cattle and herds,
31:15 And their soul shall be as a watered garden, * and they shall be hungry no more.
31:16 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, * the young men and old men together:
31:17 And I will turn their mourning into joy, * and will comfort them, and make them joyful after their sorrow.
31:18 And I will fill the soul of the priests with fatness: * and my people shall be filled with my good things.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. My people, said the Lord, shall be filled with good things.

Ant. To our God * be joyful and fitting praise.
Psalm 146 [5]
146:1 Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: * to our God be joyful and comely praise.
146:2 The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: * he will gather together the dispersed of Israel
146:3 Who healeth the broken of heart, * and bindeth up their bruises.
146:4 Who telleth the number of the stars: * and calleth them all by their names.
146:5 Great is our Lord, and great is his power: * and of his wisdom there is no number.
146:6 The Lord lifteth up the meek, * and bringeth the wicked down even to the ground.
146:7 Sing ye to the Lord with praise: * sing to our God upon the harp.
146:8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, * and prepareth rain for the earth.
146:8 Who maketh grass to grow on the mountains, * and herbs for the service of men.
146:9 Who giveth to beasts their food: * and to the young ravens that call upon him.
146:10 He shall not delight in the strength of the horse: * nor take pleasure in the legs of a man.
146:11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: * and in them that hope in his mercy.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. To our God be joyful and fitting praise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Sylvester thy blessed Confessor and Bishop may increase our devotion and promote our salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Commemoration of Seventh 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. The Lord hath set me.
Psalm 22 [1]
22:1 The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing. * He hath set me in a place of pasture.
22:2 He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment: * he hath converted my soul.
22:3 He hath led me on the paths of justice, * for his own name’s sake.
22:4 For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, * for thou art with me.
22:4 Thy rod and thy staff, * they have comforted me.
22:5 Thou hast prepared a table before me * against them that afflict me.
22:5 Thou hast anointed my head with oil; * and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it!
22:6 And thy mercy will follow me * all the days of my life.
22:6 And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord * unto length of days.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 71(2-8) [2]
71:2 Give to the king thy judgment, O God: * and to the king’s son thy justice:
71:2 To judge thy people with justice, * and thy poor with judgment.
71:3 Let the mountains receive peace for the people: * and the hills justice.
71:4 He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor: * and he shall humble the oppressor.
71:5 And he shall continue with the sun, and before the moon, * throughout all generations.
71:6 He shall come down like rain upon the fleece; * and as showers falling gently upon the earth.
71:7 In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, * till the moon be taken away.
71:8 And he shall rule from sea to sea, * and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 71(9-19) [3]
71:9 Before him the Ethiopians shall fall down: * and his enemies shall lick the ground.
71:10 The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: * the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:
71:11 And all kings of the earth shall adore him: * all nations shall serve him.
71:12 For he shall deliver the poor from the mighty: * and the needy that had no helper.
71:13 He shall spare the poor and needy: * and he shall save the souls of the poor.
71:14 He shall redeem their souls from usuries and iniquity: * and their names shall be honourable in his sight.
71:15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Arabia, for him they shall always adore: * they shall bless him all the day.
71:16 And there shall be a firmament on the earth on the tops of mountains, above Libanus shall the fruit thereof be exalted: * and they of the city shall flourish like the grass of the earth.
71:17 Let his name be blessed for evermore: * his name continueth before the sun.
71:17 And in him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed: * all nations shall magnify him.
71:18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, * who alone doth wonderful things.
71:19 And blessed be the name of his majesty for ever: * and the whole earth shall be filled with his majesty. 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.
Ant. The Lord hath set me in a place of pasture.

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}
The morrow is the Octave of the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, upon the which day is commemorated His Circumcision.
January 1st 2027, the 23rd day of the Moon, were born into the better life:

At Rome, the holy martyr Almachius, who was slain by gladiators (about the year 404) at the command of Alpius, prefect of the city, because he said: "This is the Octave of the Lord's Birth, cease from your idolatrous superstitions, and your unclean sacrifices." Likewise at Rome, upon the Appian Way, thirty holy soldiers who were crowned with martyrdom, under the Emperor Diocletian.
Likewise at Rome, the holy virgin Martina, who was put to diverse torments, under the Emperor Alexander, and at length gained the crown of martyrdom by the sword, whose feast we keep upon the 30th day of the month of January.
At Spoleto, in the time of the Emperor Antonine, the holy martyr, the priest Concordius. He was first cudgelled, then racked, and afterwards suffered imprisonment wherein he was comforted by a visit of angels, and at length was delivered from this life by the sword.
On the same day, the holy martyr Magnus.
At Caesarea, in Cappadocia, the burial of the holy Basil, bishop of Caesarea (in the year 379), whose feast we keep upon the 14th day of June. Which is the day whereon he was ordained a bishop.
In Africa, blessed Fulgentius, bishop of the Church of Ruspa (in the year 508), who at the time of the persecution under the Vandals, suffered much at the hands of the Arians because of his Catholic faith, and his eminent teaching. He was exiled to Sardinia (in the year 510); but was at length (in the year 523) allowed to return to his own church, where (in the year 533) he died a holy death, famous for his life and his words.
At Chieti, in Abruzzo Citeriore, holy Justin, bishop of that city, famous for the holiness of his life, and for the miracles worked through him (in the year 543).
At the monastery of St. Claude, upon the Jura Mountains, in the country of Lyon, holy (4th) Eugendus, Abbot (of Condat), whose life was illustrious for his graces and miracles (in the year 510).
At Senlis (in the year 1049), holy Odilo, (6th) Abbot of Cluny (elected in the year 994), who first commanded that in his monasteries a commemoration of all the faithful departed should be made upon the first day after the festival of All Saints, the which custom the Universal Church hath since approved by adopting it.
At Monte Senario, in Tuscany, the blessed confessor Bonfiglio, one of the seven founders of the order of servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he was devoted and by whom he was suddenly called away to heaven (in the year 1262).
At Alexandria (in the year 470), the burial of the holy virgin Euphrosyne, who shone in her nunnery as a great light by the power of her self-denial and her miracles.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.

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

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

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

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

Thereafter, only Pater Noster is said silently, unless another Hour follows immediately.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Start
silently
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

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

Hymn {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. How good is God. ‡
Psalm 72(1-9) [1]
72:1 How good is God ‡ to Israel, * to them that are of a right heart!
72:2 But my feet were almost moved; * my steps had wellnigh slipped.
72:3 Because I had a zeal on occasion of the wicked, * seeing the prosperity of sinners.
72:4 For there is no regard to their death, * nor is there strength in their stripes.
72:5 They are not in the labour of men: * neither shall they be scourged like other men.
72:6 Therefore pride hath held them fast: * they are covered with their iniquity and their wickedness.
72:7 Their iniquity hath come forth, as it were from fatness: * they have passed into the affection of the heart.
72:8 They have thought and spoken wickedness: * they have spoken iniquity on high.
72:9 They have set their mouth against heaven: * and their tongue hath passed through the earth.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 72(10-17) [2]
72:10 Therefore will my people return here * and full days shall be found in them.
72:11 And they said: How doth God know? * and is there knowledge in the most High?
72:12 Behold these are sinners; and yet abounding in the world * they have obtained riches.
72:13 And I said: Then have I in vain justified my heart, * and washed my hands among the innocent.
72:14 And I have been scourged all the day; * and my chastisement hath been in the mornings.
72:15 If I said: I will speak thus; * behold I should condemn the generation of thy children.
72:16 I studied that I might know this thing, * it is a labour in my sight:
72:17 Until I go into the sanctuary of God, * and understand concerning their last ends.
℣. 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 72(18-28) [3]
72:18 But indeed for deceits thou hast put it to them: * when they were lifted up, thou hast cast them down.
72:19 How are they brought to desolation? they have suddenly ceased to be: * they have perished by reason of their iniquity.
72:20 As the dream of them that awake, O Lord; * so in thy city thou shalt bring their image to nothing.
72:21 For my heart hath been inflamed, and my reins have been changed: * and I am brought to nothing, and I knew not.
72:23 I am become as a beast before thee: * and I am always with thee.
72:24 Thou hast held me by my right hand; and by thy will thou hast conducted me, * and with thy glory thou hast received me.
72:25 For what have I in heaven? * and besides thee what do I desire upon earth?
72:26 For thee my flesh and my heart hath fainted away: * thou art the God of my heart, and the God that is my portion for ever.
72:27 For behold they that go far from thee shall perish: * thou hast destroyed all them that are disloyal to thee.
72:28 But it is good for me to adhere to my God, * to put my hope in the Lord God:
72:28 That I may declare all thy praises, * in the gates of the daughter of Sion.
℣. 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. How good is God to Israel, to them that are of a right heart!

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

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

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

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Sylvester thy blessed Confessor and Bishop may increase our devotion and promote our salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

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

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. Remember.
Psalm 73(1-9) [1]
73:1 O God, why hast thou cast us off unto the end: * why is thy wrath enkindled against the sheep of thy pasture?
73:2 Remember thy congregation, * which thou hast possessed from the beginning.
73:2 The sceptre of thy inheritance which thou hast redeemed: * mount Sion in which thou hast dwelt.
73:3 Lift up thy hands against their pride unto the end; * see what things the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
73:4 And they that hate thee have made their boasts, * in the midst of thy solemnity.
73:5 They have set up their ensigns for signs, * and they knew not both in the going out and on the highest top.
73:6 As with axes in a wood of trees, they have cut down at once the gates thereof, * with axe and hatchet they have brought it down.
73:7 They have set fire to thy sanctuary: * they have defiled the dwelling place of thy name on the earth.
73:8 They said in their heart, the whole kindred of them together: * Let us abolish all the festival days of God from the land.
73:9 Our signs we have not seen, there is now no prophet: * and he will know us 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.

Psalm 73(10-17) [2]
73:10 How long, O God, shall the enemy reproach: * is the adversary to provoke thy name for ever?
73:11 Why dost thou turn away thy hand: and thy right hand * out of the midst of thy bosom for ever?
73:12 But God is our king before ages: * he hath wrought salvation in the midst of the earth.
73:13 Thou by thy strength didst make the sea firm: * thou didst crush the heads of the dragons in the waters.
73:14 Thou hast broken the heads of the dragon: * thou hast given him to be meat for the people of the Ethiopians.
73:15 Thou hast broken up the fountains and the torrents: * thou hast dried up the Ethan rivers.
73:16 Thine is the day, and thine is the night: * thou hast made the morning light and the sun.
73:17 Thou hast made all the borders of the earth: * the summer and the spring were formed by thee.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 73(18-23) [3]
73:18 Remember this, the enemy hath reproached the Lord: * and a foolish people hath provoked thy name.
73:19 Deliver not up to beasts the souls that confess to thee: * and forget not to the end the souls of thy poor.
73:20 Have regard to thy covenant: * for they that are the obscure of the earth have been filled with dwellings of iniquity.
73:21 Let not the humble be turned away with confusion: * the poor and needy shall praise thy name.
73:22 Arise, O God, judge thy own cause: * remember thy reproaches with which the foolish man hath reproached thee all the day.
73:23 Forget not the voices of thy enemies: * the pride of them that hate thee ascendeth continually.
℣. 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. Remember thy congregation, which thou hast possessed from the beginning.

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

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

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

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Sylvester thy blessed Confessor and Bishop may increase our devotion and promote our salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

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

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. We will call.
Psalm 74 [1]
74:2 We will praise thee, O God: * we will praise, and we will call upon thy name.
74:3 We will relate thy wondrous works: * when I shall take a time, I will judge justices.
74:4 The earth is melted, and all that dwell therein: * I have established the pillars thereof.
74:5 I said to the wicked: Do not act wickedly: * and to the sinners: Lift not up the horn.
74:6 Lift not up your horn on high: * speak not iniquity against God.
74:7 For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert hills: * for God is the judge.
74:8 One he putteth down, and another he lifteth up: * for in the hand of the Lord there is a cup of strong wine full of mixture.
74:9 And he hath poured it out from this to that: but the dregs thereof are not emptied: * all the sinners of the earth shall drink.
74:10 But I will declare for ever: * I will sing to the God of Jacob.
74:11 And I will break all the horns of sinners: * but the horns of the just shall be exalted.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 75(2-7) [2]
75:2 In Judea God is known: * his name is great in Israel.
75:3 And his place is in peace: * and his abode in Sion:
75:4 There hath he broken the powers of bows, * the shield, the sword, and the battle.
75:5 Thou enlightenest wonderfully from the everlasting hills. * All the foolish of heart were troubled.
75:6 They have slept their sleep; * and all the men of riches have found nothing in their hands.
75:7 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, * they have all slumbered that mounted on horseback.
℣. 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 75(8-13) [3]
75:8 Thou art terrible, and who shall resist thee? * from that time thy wrath.
75:9 Thou hast caused judgment to be heard from heaven: * the earth trembled and was still,
75:10 When God arose in judgment, * to save all the meek of the earth.
75:11 For the thought of man shall give praise to thee: * and the remainders of the thought shall keep holiday to thee.
75:12 Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God: * all you that are round about him bring presents.
75:13 To him that is terrible, even to him who taketh away the spirit of princes: * to the terrible with the kings of the earth.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. We will call upon thy name O Lord. We will relate thy wondrous works.

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

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

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

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Sylvester thy blessed Confessor and Bishop may increase our devotion and promote our salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

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

Thereafter, only Pater Noster is said silently, unless another Hour follows immediately.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Start
silently
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

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

Psalms {Psalms & antiphons from the Proper of Saints}
Ant. O wondrous interchange! * the Creator of mankind, taking upon him a living body, vouchsafed to be born of a pure Virgin: and by his Humanity, which was begotten in no earthly wise, hath made us partakers of his Divinity.
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. O wondrous interchange! the Creator of mankind, taking upon him a living body, vouchsafed to be born of a pure Virgin: and by his Humanity, which was begotten in no earthly wise, hath made us partakers of his Divinity.

Ant. When thou wast born * all ineffably of a Virgin, then were the Scriptures fulfilled; thou camest down like the dew upon the fleece of wool, to bring salvation unto all mankind; we praise thee, O our God.
Psalm 112 [2]
112:1 Praise the Lord, ye children: * praise ye the name of the Lord.
112:2 (bow head) Blessed be the name of the Lord, * from henceforth now and for ever.
112:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
112:4 The Lord is high above all nations; * and his glory above the heavens.
112:5 Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: * and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?
112:7 Raising up the needy from the earth, * and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:
112:8 That he may place him with princes, * with the princes of his people.
112:9 Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, * the joyful mother of children.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. When thou wast born all ineffably of a Virgin, then were the Scriptures fulfilled; thou camest down like the dew upon the fleece of wool, to bring salvation unto all mankind; we praise thee, O our God.

Ant. In the bush which Moses saw * unconsumed, we recognize the preservation of thy glorious virginity: holy Mother of God, intercede for us.
Psalm 121 [3]
121:1 I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: * We shall go into the house of the Lord.
121:2 Our feet were standing * in thy courts, O Jerusalem.
121:3 Jerusalem, which is built as a city, * which is compact together.
121:4 For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: * the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
121:5 Because their seats have sat in judgment, * seats upon the house of David.
121:6 Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: * and abundance for them that love thee.
121:7 Let peace be in thy strength: * and abundance in thy towers.
121:8 For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbours, * I spoke peace of thee.
121:9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, * I have sought good things for thee.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. In the bush which Moses saw unconsumed, we recognize the preservation of thy glorious virginity: holy Mother of God, intercede for us.

Ant. The Root of Jesse hath budded, * the Star hath come out of Jacob, the Virgin hath borne the Saviour: we praise thee, O our God.
Psalm 126 [4]
126:1 Unless the Lord build the house, * they labour in vain that build it.
126:1 Unless the Lord keep the city, * he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.
126:2 It is vain for you to rise before light, * rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow.
126:2 When he shall give sleep to his beloved, * behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.
126:4 As arrows in the hand of the mighty, * so the children of them that have been shaken.
126:5 Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; * he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. The Root of Jesse hath budded, the Star hath come out of Jacob, the Virgin hath borne the Saviour: we praise thee, O our God.

Ant. Lo, Mary hath brought forth * the Saviour of whom when John saw him, he did proclaim: Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, alleluia.
Psalm 147 [5]
147:1 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: * praise thy God, O Sion.
147:2 Because he hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates * he hath blessed thy children within thee.
147:3 Who hath placed peace in thy borders: * and filleth thee with the fat of corn.
147:4 Who sendeth forth his speech to the earth: * his word runneth swiftly.
147:5 Who giveth snow like wool: * scattereth mists like ashes.
147:6 He sendeth his crystal like morsels: * who shall stand before the face of his cold?
147:7 He shall send out his word, and shall melt them: * his wind shall blow, and the waters shall run.
147:8 Who declareth his word to Jacob: * his justices and his judgments to Israel.
147:9 He hath not done in like manner to every nation: * and his judgments he hath not made manifest to them.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Lo, Mary hath brought forth the Saviour of whom when John saw him, he did proclaim: Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, alleluia.

Chapter Hymn Verse {from the Proper of Saints}
Titus 2:11-12
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.
℟. 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 Saints}
Ant. God, for His great love * wherewith He loved us, sent His Own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh. Alleluia.
Canticle of the Blessed Virgin
Luke 1:46-55
1:46 My soul ✠ * doth magnify the Lord.
1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced * in God my Saviour.
1:48 Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; * for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
1:49 Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; * and holy is his name.
1:50 And his mercy is from generation unto generations, * to them that fear him.
1:51 He hath shewed might in his arm: * he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble.
1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; * and the rich he hath sent empty away.
1:54 He hath received Israel his servant, * being mindful of his mercy:
1:55 As he spoke to our fathers, * to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. God, for His great love wherewith He loved us, sent His Own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh. Alleluia.

Weekday Intercessions{omit}

Prayer {from the Proper of Saints}
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Mary, hast given unto mankind the rewards of everlasting life; grant, we beseech thee, that we may continually feel the might of her intercession, through whom we have worthily received the Author of our life, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son:
Who with thee liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

Suffrage{omit}

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

And if thus the Office is ended, only Pater Noster is said silently.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.

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

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

℣. Our help is ✠ in the name of the Lord,
℟. Who made heaven and earth.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.
I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed: strikes his breast through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
May the almighty ✠ and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution and remission of our sins. Amen.
℣. Turn us then, ✙︎ O God, our saviour:
℟. And let thy anger cease from us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Intercessions{omit}

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

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

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

℣. 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.