Prayers

Evening Prayer II of Feasts Observed as Solemnities


These texts are provided for use in those places where Feasts in the Universal Calendar are celebrated locally as Solemnities or when a choice of texts occurs.


INTRODUCTION

God, + come to my assistance.
Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.


The Presentation of the Lord
The Transfiguration of the Lord
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
All Saints


The Presentation of the Lord

HYMN

When Mary brought her treasure
Unto the holy place,
No eye of man could measure
The joy upon her face.
He was but six weeks old,
Her plaything and her pleasure,
Her silver and her gold.

Then Simeon, on him gazing
With wonder and with love,
His aged voice up-raising
Gave thanks to God above:
“Now welcome sweet release!
For I, my savior praising,
May die at last in peace.”

And she, all sorrow scorning,
Rejoiced in Jesus’ fame.
The child her arms adorning
Shone softly like a flame
That burns the long night through,
And keeps from dusk till morning
Its vigil clear and true.

As by the sun in splendor
The flags of night are furled,
So darkness shall surrender
To Christ who lights the world:
To Christ the star of day,
Who once was small and tender,
A candle’s gentle ray.

Tune: Allons, suivons les mages 76.76.676
Music: Traditional French Carol
Text: Jan Struther, 1901-1953


PSALMODY

Ant. 1 The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord.

Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Messiah, king and priest

Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).

The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right: *
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”

The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power: *
rule in the midst of all your foes.

A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains; *
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever, *
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”

The Master standing at your right hand *
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.

He shall drink from the stream by the wayside *
and therefore he shall lift up his head.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Father, we ask you to give us victory and peace. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we are already seated at your right hand. We look forward to praising you in the fellowship of all your saints in our heavenly homeland.

Ant. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord.

Ant. 2 As the law prescribed, they offered to the Lord a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Psalm 130
A cry from the depths


He himself will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, *
Lord, hear my voice!
O let your ears be attentive *
to the voice of my pleading.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, *
Lord, who would survive?
But with you is found forgiveness: *
for this we revere you.

My soul is waiting for the Lord, *
I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord *
more than watchman for daybreak.
Let the watchman count on daybreak *
and Israel on the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy *
and fullness of redemption,
Israel indeed he will redeem *
from all its iniquity.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Listen with compassion to our prayers, Lord. The forgiveness of sins is yours. Do not look on the wrong we have done, but grant us your merciful kindness.

Ant. As the law prescribed, they offered to the Lord a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Ant. 3 My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

Canticle: Colossians 1:12-20
Christ the first-born of all creation and the first-born from the dead


Let us give thanks to the Father *
for having made you worthy
to share the lot of the saints *
in light.

He rescued us *
from the power of darkness
and brought us *
into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption, *
the forgiveness of our sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, *
the first-born of all creatures.
In him everything in heaven and on earth was created, *
things visible and invisible.

All were created through him; *
all were created for him.
He is before all else that is. *
In him everything continues in being.

It is he who is head of the body, the church! *
he who is the beginning,
the first-born of the dead, *
so that primacy may be his in everything.

It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him *
and, by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person,
both on earth and in the heavens, *
making peace through the blood of his cross.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

READING
Hebrews 4:15-16

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet never sinned. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need.

RESPONSORY

The Lord has made known his saving power.
The Lord has made known his saving power.

Which he has prepared in the sight of every people.
His saving power.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The Lord has made known his saving power.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

Ant. Today, the Blessed Virgin Mary presented the Child Jesus in the temple; and Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, took him in his arms, and gave thanks to God.

Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord


My + soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Today, the Blessed Virgin Mary presented the Child Jesus in the temple; and Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, took him in his arms, and gave thanks to God.

INTERCESSIONS

Today our Savior was presented in the temple. Let us adore him as we say:
Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Christ Jesus, you are the light that enlightens all nations,
shine upon those who do not know you, that they may come to believe in you, the one, true God.
Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

You are the redeemer and glory of your people Israel,
may your Church proclaim your salvation to the ends of the earth.
Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Jesus, desire of the nations, Simeon, the just man, rejoiced at your coming,
lead all men to recognize that you still come to them.
Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Lord, when you were presented in the temple, Simeon foretold that a sword of sorrow would pierce your mother’s heart,
strengthen us to accept the sufferings we endure for the sake of your name.
Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Christ Jesus, joy of all the saints, Simeon longed to see you before he died, and his prayer was answered,
hear our plea for all the dead who still yearn to see you face to face.
Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:)

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.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

All-powerful Father,
Christ your Son became man for us
and was presented in the temple.
May he free our hearts from sin
and bring us into your presence.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Or:

Almighty ever-living God,
we humbly implore your majesty
that, just as your Only Begotten Son
was presented on this day in the Temple
in the substance of our flesh,
so, by your grace,
we may be presented to you with minds made pure.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Go to the Dismissal


The Transfiguration of the Lord

HYMN

’Tis good, Lord, to be here!
Thy glory fills the night;
Thy face and garments, like the sun,
Shine with unborrowed light.

Fulfiller of the past!
Promiser of things to be!
We hail thy body glorified,
And our redemption see.

Before we taste of death,
We see thy kingdom come;
Before us keep thy vision bright,
And make this place our home.

Tune: Narenza S.M.
Music: Melody in Leisentritt’s Catholicum Hymnologium Germanicum, 1584
Text: J. A. Robinson, 1858-1933


PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone, and he was transfigured before them.

Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Messiah, king and priest


Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).

The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right: *
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”

The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power: *
rule in the midst of all your foes.

A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains; *
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever, *
a priest like Melchizedeck of old.”

The Master standing at your right hand *
will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.

He shall drink from the stream by the wayside *
and therefore he shall lift up his head.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Almighty God, bring the kingdom of Christ, your anointed one, to its fullness. May the perfect offering of your Son, eternal priest of the new Jerusalem, be offered in every place to your name and make all nations a holy people for you.

Ant. Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone, and he was transfigured before them.

Ant. 2 A bright cloud overshadowed them and suddenly a voice spoke from the cloud: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.

Psalm 121
Guardian of his people


Never again will they hunger and thirst, never again know scorching heat (Revelation 7:16).

I lift up my eyes to the mountains: *
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord *
who made heaven and earth.

May he never allow you to stumble! *
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, *
Israel’s guard.

The Lord is your guard and your shade; *
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you *
nor the moon in the night.

The Lord will guard you from evil, *
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming *
both now and for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared a quiet place for us in your Father’s eternal home. Watch over our welfare on this perilous journey, shade us from the burning heat of day, and keep our lives free of evil until the end.

Ant. A bright cloud overshadowed them and suddenly a voice spoke from the cloud: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.

Ant. 3 As they came down from the mountain Jesus commanded them: Tell no one of the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.

Canticle: See 1 Timothy 3:16
The mystery and glory of Christ


R. Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Christ manifested in the flesh, *
Christ justified in the Spirit.
R. Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Christ contemplated by the angels, *
Christ proclaimed by the pagans.
R. Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Christ who is believed in the world, *
Christ exalted in glory.
R. Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
R. Praise the Lord, all you nations.

as it was in the beginning, is now, *
is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
R. Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Ant. As they came down from the mountain Jesus commanded them: Tell no one of the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.

READING
Romans 8:16-17

The Spirit himself gives witness with our spirit that we are children of God. But if we are children, we are heirs as well: heirs of God, heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so as to be glorified with him.

RESPONSORY

Beauty and wealth surround him, alleluia, alleluia.
Beauty and wealth surround him, alleluia, alleluia.

Richness and splendor adorn his holy place.
Alleluia, alleluia.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Beauty and wealth surround him, alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

Ant. When they heard the voice from the cloud, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear; Jesus came up to them, touched them and said: Stand up. Do not be afraid.

Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord


My + soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, *
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. *

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. When they heard the voice from the cloud, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear; Jesus came up to them, touched them and said: Stand up. Do not be afraid.

INTERCESSIONS

In the presence of his disciples our Savior was wonderfully transfigured on Mount Tabor. Let us pray to him with confidence:
Lord, in your light may we see light.

O Christ, before your passion and death you revealed the resurrection to your disciples on Mount Tabor; we pray for your Church which labors amid the cares and anxieties of this world,
that in its trials it may always be transfigured by the joy of your victory.
Lord, in your light may we see light.

O Christ, you took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves; we pray for our pope and bishops,
that they may inspire in your people the hope of being transfigured at the last day.
Lord, in your light may we see light.

O Christ, upon the mountaintop you let the light of your face shine over Moses and Elijah,
we ask your blessing upon the Jewish people; of old you called them to be your chosen nation.
Lord, in your light may we see light.

O Christ, you gave light to the world when the glory of the Creator arose over you,
we pray for men of good will that they may walk in your light.
Lord, in your light may we see light.

O Christ, you will reform our lowly body and make it like your glorious one,
we pray for our brothers and sisters who have died that they may share in your glory for ever.
Lord, in your light may we see light.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(And now let us pray as the Lord told us:)

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.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our Father,
in the transfigured glory of Christ your Son,
you strengthen our faith
by confirming the witness of your prophets,
and show us the splendor of your beloved sons and daughters.
As we listen to the voice of your Son,
help us to become heirs to eternal life with him
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Or:

O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration
of your Only Begotten Son
confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers
and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship,
grant, we pray, to your servants,
that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son,
we may merit to be co-heirs with him.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Go to the Dismissal


The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

HYMN

Crown him with many crowns,
The lamb upon his throne;
Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns
All music but its own:
Awake, my soul and sing
Of him who died for thee,
And hail him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.

Crown him the Lord of Lords,
Who over all doth reign,
Who once on earth, the incarnate Word,
For ransomed sinners slain,
Now lives in realms of light,
Where saints with angels sing
Their songs before him day and night
Their God, Redeemer, King.

Crown him the Lord of heav’n
Enthroned in worlds above;
Crown him the King, to whom is giv’n
The wondrous name of Love.
Crown him with many crowns,
As thrones before him fall,
Crown him, ye kings, with many crowns,
For he is King of all.

Tune: Diademata S.M.D.
Music: George J. Elvey, 1816-1893
Text: Matthew Bridges, 1800-1894


Go to the Psalmody

Or:

Behold the standard of the King,
The Cross gleams forth its mystery;
On it the Son of God as Man
Atoned on earth for sinners all.

His side was pierced by cruel lance
That drew out water with his Blood,
To cleanse our souls from ev’ry stain,
And nourish them with its pure stream.

O Tree that shines with beauty rare,
Ennobled by Christ’s precious Blood,
He chose you as the royal bed
To rest his sacred limbs in death.

O blessed were your rugged arms,
From which the whole world’s ransom hung,
You bore the weight of sacrifice
That snatched from greedy hell its prey.

Hail, holy altar, Victim hail,
For all the glory of that Cross,
By which Life chose and welcomed death,
And dying gave us life once more.

Hail, holy Cross, our only hope,
Wash all our guilt and crimes away,
Increase our grace while we adore
In honor of your victory.

Let ev’ry soul sing in your praise,
Salvation’s Fount, O Trinity,
For ever cherish those redeemed
Through that great mystery, the Cross. Amen.

Tune: Vexilla Regis L.M.
Music: Horatio Parker, 1894
Text: Vexilla regis, Venantius Fortunatus, 530?-600?
Translation: © the Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK, used with permission

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 What a great work of charity! Death itself died when life was slain on the tree.

Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Messiah, king and priest


Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).

The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right: *
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”

The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power: *
rule in the midst of all your foes.

A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains; *
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever, *
a priest like Melchizedeck of old.”

The Master standing at your right hand *
will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.

He shall drink from the stream by the wayside *
and therefore he shall lift up his head.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Almighty God, bring the kingdom of Christ, your anointed one, to its fullness. May the perfect offering of your Son, eternal priest of the new Jerusalem, be offered in every place to your name and make all nations a holy people for you.

Ant. What a great work of charity! Death itself died when life was slain on the tree.

Ant. 2 We worship your cross, O Lord, and we commemorate your glorious passion. You suffered for us; have mercy on us.

Psalm 116:10-19
Thanksgiving in the Temple


Through Christ let us offer God a continual sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).

I trusted, even when I said: *
“I am sorely afflicted,”
and when I said in my alarm: *
“No man can be trusted.”

How can I repay the Lord *
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise; *
I will call on the Lord’s name.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfill *
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord *
is the death of his faithful.

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; *
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make: *
I will call on the Lord’s name.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfill *
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord, *
in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Father, precious in your sight is the death of the saints, but precious above all is the love with which Christ suffered to redeem us. In this life we will fill up in our own flesh what it is still lacking in the sufferings of Christ; accept this as our sacrifice of praise, and we shall even now taste the joy of the new Jerusalem.

Ant. We worship your cross, O Lord, and we commemorate your glorious passion. You suffered for us; have mercy on us.

Ant. 3 We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Canticle: Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12
Redemption hymn


O Lord our God, you are worthy *
to receive glory and honor and power.

For you have created all things; *
by your will they came to be and were made.

Worthy are you, O Lord, *
to receive the scroll and break open its seals.

For you were slain; *
with your blood you purchased for God
men of every race and tongue, *
of every people and nation.

You made of them a kingdom,
and priests to serve our God, *
and they shall reign on the earth.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain *
to receive power and riches,
wisdom and strength, *
honor and glory and praise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

READING
1 Corinthians 1:23-24

We preach Christ crucified—a stumbling block to Jews, and an absurdity to Gentiles; but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

RESPONSORY

O glorious cross, on you the King of angels was victorious.
O glorious cross, on you the King of angels was victorious.

And he has washed away our sins in his own blood.
On you the King of angels was victorious.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O glorious cross, on you the King of angels was victorious.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

Ant. O cross, you are the glorious sign of our victory. Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.

Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord


My + soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, *
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. *

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. O cross, you are the glorious sign of our victory. Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us pray with confidence to Christ who endured the cross to save us:
Lord, through your cross bring us to the glory of your kingdom.

O Christ, you emptied yourself, taking the form of a servant and being made like us,
grant that your people may follow the example of your humility.
Lord, through your cross bring us to the glory of your kingdom.

O Christ, you humbled yourself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross,
grant that your servants may imitate your obedience and willing acceptance of trials.
Lord, through your cross bring us to the glory of your kingdom.

O Christ, you were raised up by the Father and given the name that is above all other names,
may your people, strengthened in the hope of a heavenly resurrection, persevere to the end.
Lord, through your cross bring us to the glory of your kingdom.

O Christ, at your name every knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth will bend in adoration,
pour out your love upon all men that they may join together in proclaiming your glory.
Lord, through your cross bring us to the glory of your kingdom.

O Christ, every tongue shall confess that you are Lord to the glory of God the Father,
welcome our brothers and sisters who have died into the unfailing joy of your kingdom.
Lord, through your cross bring us to the glory of your kingdom.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(And now let us pray as the Lord told us:)

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.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our Father,
in obedience to you
your only Son accepted death on the cross
for the salvation of mankind.
We acknowledge the mystery of the cross on earth.
May we receive the gift of redemption in heaven.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Or:

O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son
should undergo the Cross to save the human race,
grant, we pray,
that we, who have known his mystery on earth,
may merit the grace of his redemption in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Go to the Dismissal


The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

HYMN

The great forerunner of the morn,
The herald of the Word, is born;
And faithful hearts shall never fail
With thanks and praise his light to hail.

With heavenly message Gabriel came,
That John should be that herald’s name,
And with prophetic utterance told
His actions great and manifold.

John, still unborn, yet gave aright
His witness to the coming light;
And Christ, the sun of all the earth,
Fulfilled that witness at his birth.

Of woman-born shall never be
A greater prophet than was he,
Whose mighty deeds exalt his fame
To greater than a prophet’s name.

All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to thee,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
For ever and for evermore.

Tune: Sedulius L.M.
Music: Nurnbergisches Gesangbuch, 1676
Text: Saint Bede the Venerable, 673-735
Translation: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866


PSALMODY

Ant. 1 There was a man sent by God whose name was John.

Psalm 15
Who is worthy to stand in God’s presence?


You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (Hebrews 12:22).

Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent *
and dwell on your holy mountain?

He who walks without fault; *
he who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart; *
he who does not slander with his tongue;

he who do no wrong to his brother, *
who casts no slur on his neighbor,
who holds the godless in disdain, *
but honors those who fear the Lord;

he who keeps his pledge, come what may; *
who takes no interest on a loan
and accepts no bribes against the innocent. *
Such a man will stand firm for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Make our lives blameless, Lord. Help us to do what is right and to speak what is true, that we may dwell in your tent and find rest on your holy mountain.

Ant. There was a man sent by God whose name was John.

Ant. 2 He came to bear witness to the truth.

Psalm 112
The happiness of the just


Live as children born of the light. Light produces every kind of goodness and justice and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9).

Happy the man who fears the Lord, *
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth; *
the children of the upright are blessed.

Wealth and riches are in his house; *
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright: *
he is generous, merciful and just.

The good man takes pity and lends, *
he conducts his affairs with honor.
The just man will never waver: *
he will be remembered for ever.

He has no fear of evil news; *
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear; *
he will see the downfall of his foes.

Openhanded, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever. *
His head will be raised in glory.

The wicked man sees and is angry,
grinds his teeth and fades away; *
the desire of the wicked leads to doom.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Lord God, you are the eternal light which illumines the hearts of good people. Help us to love you, to rejoice in your glory, and so to live in this world as to avoid harsh judgment in the next. May we come to see the light of your countenance.

Ant. He came to bear witness to the truth.

Ant. 3 John was like a brilliantly shining light.

Canticle: Revelation 15:3-4
Hymn of adoration


Mighty and wonderful are your works, *
Lord God Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways, *
O King of the nations!

Who would dare refuse you honor, *
or the glory due your name, O Lord?

Since you alone are holy, *
all nations shall come
and worship in your presence. *
Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. John was like a brilliantly shining light.

READING
Acts 13:23-25

According to his promise, God has brought forth from David’s descendants Jesus, a savior for Israel. John heralded the coming of Jesus by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. As John’s career was coming to an end, he would say, “What you suppose me to be I am not. Rather, look for one who comes after me. I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.”

RESPONSORY

Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight his paths.
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight his paths.

He who is to come after me existed before me.
Make straight his paths.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight his paths.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

Ant. This prophet, born to us, is greater than any prophet; the Savior said of him: There is no man born of woman greater than John the Baptist.

Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord


My + soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. This prophet, born to us, is greater than any prophet; the Savior said of him: There is no man born of woman greater than John the Baptist.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us pray joyfully to God our Father who called John the Baptist to proclaim the coming of the kingdom of Christ:
O Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace.

You called John the Baptist from his mother’s womb to prepare the way of your Son,
help us to follow in that path which the Baptist opened before the Lord Jesus.
O Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace.

May your Church, in imitation of the Baptist, fearlessly point out the Lamb of God,
so that people in every age may acknowledge that the Lord comes to them.
O Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace.

John the Baptist did not exalt himself but acknowledged his role as forerunner of the Christ,
teach us to acknowledge that you are the giver of all our good gifts and that we must use them in your service.
O Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace.

You called John the Baptist to give testimony to you by his life and even by his death,
help us to imitate his unceasing witness to your truth.
O Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace.

Remember those who have died,
give them a place of light, happiness, and peace.
O Lord, guide our feet into the way of peace.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(Now let us pray as Christ the Lord has taught us:)

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.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our Father,
you raised up John the Baptist
to prepare a perfect people for Christ the Lord.
Give your Church joy in spirit
and guide those who believe in you
into the way of salvation and peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Or:

O God, who raised up Saint John the Baptist
to make ready a nation fit for Christ the Lord,
give your people, we pray,
the grace of spiritual joys
and direct the hearts of all the faithful
into the way of salvation and peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Go to the Dismissal


Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

HYMN

Light of the Godhead, shining from eternity,
You bless the heavens with a golden radiance,
For this great feast day on which we commemorate
Martyred apostles, winning grace for penitents.

Keys of the kingdom prove one great supremacy,
Teacher of nations was Saint Paul’s activity ;
Cross for Saint Peter, sword for Paul, meant for victory.
They shine as judges crowned for all eternity.

Rome, favored city, your soil had the privilege
Of being purpled by such leaders’ martyrdom,
Not for your merits, but for their great fortitude,
You can claim beauty, passing all in excellence.

Mystical olives, one in sacred tenderness,
Pray for us always, gain for us true happiness,
When the things hoped for, clung to with fidelity,
Blossom in merits won by two-fold charity.

Praise be unending, homage and all reverence,
Glory and honor, now and through eternity,
Joyful thanksgiving to the Blessed Trinity,
Reigning for ever in their perfect Unity. Amen.

Tune: Heber, 12.12.12.12 or Aurea Luce, Mode I, 12.12.12.12
Music: The Sarum Hymnal, 1869
Text: Aurea luce et decore roseo, Elphis, c. 493, wife of Boethius
Translation: © the Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK, used with permission


Go to the Psalmody

Or:

The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles’ glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.

Their faith in Christ the Lord prevailed;
their hope, a light that never failed;
their love ablaze o’er pathways trod
To lead them to the eternal God.

In them the Father’s glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heav’nly host.

To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.

Tune: King’s Majesty L.M.
Music: Graham George, 1941
Text: Aeterna Christi munera, Saint Ambrose of Milan, 337?-397
Translation: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned to me, you must strengthen the faith of your brothers.

Psalm 116:10-19
Thanksgiving in the Temple


Through Christ let us offer God a continual sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).

I trusted, even when I said: *
“I am sorely afflicted,”
and when I said in my alarm: *
“No man can be trusted.”

How can I repay the Lord *
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise; *
I will call on the Lord’s name.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfill *
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord *
is the death of his faithful.

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; *
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make; *
I will call on the Lord’s name.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfill *
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord, *
in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen

Psalm Prayer

Father, precious in your sight is the death of the saints, but precious above all is the love with which Christ suffered to redeem us. In this life we fill up in our own flesh what is still lacking in the sufferings of Christ; accept this as our sacrifice of praise, and we shall even now taste the joy of the new Jerusalem.

Ant. I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned to me, you must strengthen the faith of your brothers.

Ant. 2 Willingly I boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may live in me.

Psalm 126
Joyful hope in God


Just as you share in sufferings so you will share in the divine glory (2 Corinthians 1:7).

When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, *
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
on our lips there were songs.

The heathens themselves said: “What marvels *
the Lord worked for them!”
What marvels the Lord worked for us! *
Indeed we were glad.

Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage *
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears *
will sing when they reap.

They go out, they go out, full of tears, *
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song, *
carrying their sheaves.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Lord, you have raised us from the earth; may you let the seeds of justice, which we have sown in tears, grow and increase in your sight. May we reap in joy the harvest we hope for patiently.

Ant. Willingly I boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may live in me.

Ant. 3 You are shepherd of the flock, the prince of the apostles; to you were entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Canticle: Ephesians 1:3-10
God our Savior


Praised be the God and Father *
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ *
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him *
before the world began
to be holy *
and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us *
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor *
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, *
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous *
is God’s favor to us.

God has given us the wisdom *
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased *
to decree in Christ.

A plan to be carried out *
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him, *
in the heavens and on earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. You are shepherd of the flock, the prince of the apostles; to you were entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

READING
1 Corinthians 15:3-5, 8a

I handed on to you first of all what I myself received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried and, in accordance with the Scriptures, rose on the third day; that he was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve. Last of all he was seen by me.

RESPONSORY

The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.
The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.

They bore witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And preached it faithfully.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The apostles proclaimed the word of God and preached it faithfully.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

Ant. Peter the apostle and Paul the teacher of the Gentiles taught us your law, O Lord.

Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord


My + soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Peter the apostle and Paul the teacher of the Gentiles taught us your law, O Lord.

INTERCESSIONS

The Lord Jesus built his holy people on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. In faith let us pray:
Lord, come to the aid of your people.

You once called Simon, the fisherman, to catch men,
now summon new workers who will bring the message of salvation to all peoples.
Lord, come to the aid of your people.

You calmed the waves so that your followers would not be drowned,
guard your Church, protect it from all dangers.
Lord, come to the aid of your people.

You gathered your scattered flock around Peter after the resurrection,
good Shepherd, bring all your people together as one flock.
Lord, come to the aid of your people.

You sent Paul as apostle to preach the good news to the Gentiles,
let the word of salvation be proclaimed to all mankind.
Lord, come to the aid of your people.

You gave the keys of your kingdom into the hands of your holy Church,
open the gates of that kingdom to all who trusted in your mercy while on earth.
Lord, come to the aid of your people.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(Remember us, Lord, when you come into your kingdom, and teach us to pray:)

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.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our Father,
today you give us the joy
of celebrating the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Through them your Church first received the faith.
Keep us true to their teaching.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Or:

O God, who on the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul
give us the noble and holy joy of this day,
grant, we pray, that your Church
may in all things follow the teaching
of those through whom she received
the beginnings of right religion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Go to the Dismissal


The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

HYMN

Joy of poor sinners, fairest Star of heaven,
Sun of true justice, chose you as his mother;
Save us who perish, raise the sadly fallen,
     Mary, pure Virgin.

You were the ladder by which God descended,
Through you the Highest came to seek the lowest;
By your protection, help us as we journey
     Onwards to heaven.

Choirs of bright angels throng with joy to meet you,
Saints of the Old Law, prophets and apostles,
Hasten to lead you to your throne of glory
     Next to the Godhead.

Praise be for ever Trinity most holy,
Who crowned you, Mary, Virgin pure and sinless,
And gave you to us, Queen and loving Mother,
     Now and for ever. Amen.

Tune: Flemming 11.11.11.5
Music Friedrich F. Flemming, 1811
Text: Gaudium mundi, Saint Peter Damian, 1007-1072
Translation: © the Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK, used with permission


PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Mary has been taken up to heaven; the angels rejoice. They bless the Lord and sing his praises.

Psalm 122
Holy city Jerusalem


You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22).

I rejoiced when I heard them say: *
“Let us go to God’s house.”
And now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built as a city *
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up, *
the tribes of the Lord.

For Israel’s law it is, *
there to praise the Lord’s name.
There were set the thrones of judgment *
of the house of David.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray: *
“Peace be to your homes!
May peace reign in your walls, *
in your palaces, peace!”

For love of my brethren and friends *
I say: “Peace upon you.”
For love of the house of the Lord *
I will ask for your good.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

When you rose from the dead, Lord Jesus, you formed the Church into your new body, and made of it the new Jerusalem, united in your Spirit. Give us peace in our day. Make all nations come to your Church to share in your gifts in fellowship, that they may render you thanks without end and come to your eternal city.

Ant. Mary has been taken up to heaven; the angels rejoice. They bless the Lord and sing his praises.

Ant. 2 The Virgin Mary was taken up to the heavenly bridal chamber where the King of kings is seated on a starry throne.

Psalm 127
Apart from God our labors are worthless


You are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9).

If the Lord does not build the house, *
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city, *
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.

In vain is your earlier rising, *
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat, *
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.

Truly sons are a gift from the Lord, *
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth *
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.

O the happiness of the man *
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame *
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

You command the seed to rise, Lord God, though the farmer is unaware. Grant that those who labor for you may trust not in their own work but in your help. Remembering that the land is brought to flower not with human tears but with those of your Son, may the Church rely only upon your gifts.

Ant. The Virgin Mary was taken up to the heavenly bridal chamber where the King of kings is seated on a starry throne.

Ant. 3 We share the fruit of life through you, O daughter blessed by the Lord.

Canticle: Ephesians 1:3-10
God our Savior


Praised be the God and Father *
of our Lord Jesus Christ
who has bestowed on us in Christ *
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him *
before the world began
to be holy *
and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, *
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor *
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, *
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous *
is God’s favor to us.

God has given us the wisdom *
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased *
to decree in Christ.

A plan to be carried out in Christ, *
in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him, *
in the heavens and on earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We share the fruit of life through you, O daughter blessed by the Lord.

READING
1 Corinthians 15:22-23

Just as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will come to life again, but each one in proper order: Christ the first fruits and then, at his coming, all those who belong to him.

RESPONSORY

The Virgin Mary is exalted above the choirs of angels.
The Virgin Mary is exalted above the choirs of angels.

Blessed is the Lord who has raised her up.
Above the choirs of angels.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The Virgin Mary is exalted above the choirs of angels.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

Ant. Today the Virgin Mary was taken up to heaven; rejoice, for she reigns with Christ for ever.

Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord


My + soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Today the Virgin Mary was taken up to heaven; rejoice, for she reigns with Christ for ever.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us praise God our Almighty Father, who wished that Mary, his Son’s mother, be celebrated by each generation. Now in need we ask:
Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.

O God, worker of miracles, you made the Immaculate Virgin Mary share body and soul in your Son’s glory in heaven,
direct the hearts of your children to that same glory.
Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.

You made Mary our mother. Through her intercession grant strength to the weak, comfort to the sorrowing, pardon to sinners,
salvation and peace to all.
Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.

You made Mary full of grace,
grant all men the joyful abundance of your grace.
Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.

Make your Church of one mind and one heart in love,
and help all those who believe to be one in prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.

You crowned Mary queen of heaven,
may all the dead rejoice in your kingdom with the saints for ever.
Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom and teach us how to pray:)

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.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

All-powerful and ever-living God,
you raised the sinless Virgin Mary,
mother of your Son,
body and soul to the glory of heaven.
May we see heaven as our final goal
and come to share her glory.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Or:

Almighty, ever-living God,
who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of your Son,
body and soul into heavenly glory,
grant, we pray,
that, always attentive to the things that are above,
we may merit to be sharers of her glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Go to the Dismissal


All Saints

HYMN

Most dear Redeemer of us all,
Protect your servants in their need,
Accept the Blessed Virgin’s prayers,
Who deigns for us to intercede.

All choirs of holy Angels too,
Who praise our God both night and day,
Both past and present woes dispel,
All future evils keep away.

Great prophets of the Judge supreme,
And keen Apostles of our Lord,
We humbly beg the pow’rful aid
Your intercession will afford.

All martyrs for God’s holy Name,
Who gloried in Christ’s death to share,
And those whose lives have honored him.
Bring us to heaven by your prayer.

All monks and nuns who reap in joy
The fruits of ardent toil and praise,
Help us to earn our sight of God
With contemplation’s purest gaze.

Give glory to the Trinity,
And join your voices to our own,
That fittingly our eager praise
May mount before God’s holy throne. Amen.

Tune: Rockingham Old L.M.
Music: Edward Miller, 1790
Text: Christe, redémptor omnium, conserva, Mozarabic Liturgy
Translation: © the Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK, used with permission


PSALMODY

Ant. 1 I saw a vast crowd of countless numbers from every nation, standing before the throne.

Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Messiah, king and priest


Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).

The Lord’s revelation to my Master:
“Sit on my right: *
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”

The Lord will wield from Zion
your scepter of power: *
rule in the midst of all your foes.

A prince from the day of your birth
on the holy mountains; *
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.
“You are a priest for ever, *
a priest like Melchizedeck of old.”

The Master standing at your right hand *
will shatter kings in the day of his wrath.

He shall drink from the stream by the wayside *
and therefore he shall lift up his head.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Father, we ask you to give us victory and peace. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we are already seated at your right hand. We look forward to praising you in the fellowship of all your saints in our heavenly homeland.

Ant. I saw a vast crowd of countless numbers from every nation, standing before the throne.

Ant. 2 God tried them and found them worthy of himself; they shall receive a crown of glory from the Lord.

Psalm 116:10-19
Thanksgiving in the Temple


Through Christ let us offer God a continual sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).

I trusted, even when I said: *
“I am sorely afflicted,”
and when I said in my alarm: *
“No man can be trusted.”

How can I repay the Lord *
for his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise; *
I will call on the Lord’s name.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfill *
before all his people.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord *
is the death of his faithful.

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; *
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make: *
I will call on the Lord’s name.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfill *
before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord, *
in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Father, precious in your sight is the death of the saints, but precious above all is the love with which Christ suffered to redeem us. In this life we will fill up in our own flesh what it is still lacking in the sufferings of Christ; accept this as our sacrifice of praise, and we shall even now taste the joy of the new Jerusalem.

Ant. God tried them and found them worthy of himself; they shall receive a crown of glory from the Lord.

Ant. 3 By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God; from every tribe and tongue, and people and nation, you made us a kingdom for our God.

Canticle: Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12
Redemption hymn


O Lord our God, you are worthy *
to receive glory and honor and power.

For you have created all things; *
by your will they came to be and were made.

Worthy are you, O Lord, *
to receive the scroll and break open its seals.

For you were slain; *
with your blood you purchased for God
men of every race and tongue, *
of every people and nation.

You made of them a kingdom,
and priests to serve our God, *
and they shall reign on the earth.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain *
to receive power and riches,
wisdom and strength, *
honor and glory and praise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God; from every tribe and tongue, and people and nation, you made us a kingdom for our God.

READING
2 Corinthians 6:16b; 7:1

You are the temple of the living God, just as God has said:

   “I will dwell with them and walk among them.
   I will be their God
   and they shall be my people.”

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and in the fear of God strive to fulfill our consecration perfectly.

RESPONSORY

Let the saints rejoice in the Lord.
Let the saints rejoice in the Lord.

God has chosen you as his own;
rejoice in the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Let the saints rejoice in the Lord.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

Ant. How glorious is that kingdom where all the saints rejoice with Christ; clothed in white robes, they follow the Lamb wherever he goes.

Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord


My + soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. How glorious is that kingdom where all the saints rejoice with Christ; clothed in white robes, they follow the Lamb wherever he goes.

INTERCESSIONS

God is the reward of all the saints. Let us joyfully call upon him:
Lord, save your people.

O God, through your Son Jesus Christ you built your Church on the foundation of the apostles,
keep their teaching secure among your faithful people.
Lord, save your people.

You made the martyrs powerful witnesses even to the point of giving up their lives,
help all Christians to give faithful witness to your Son.
Lord, save your people.

You gave holy virgins the gift of imitating the virginity of Christ,
may those consecrated to virginity be steadfast witnesses to the coming of your kingdom.
Lord, save your people.

Your saints now see you face to face,
keep alive in our hearts the hope of coming at last into your presence.
Lord, save your people.

Bring all who have died into the company of heaven with Mary, Joseph and all your saints,
and give us also a place in the unending fellowship of your kingdom.
Lord, save your people.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:)

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.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
today we rejoice in the holy men and women
of every time and place.
May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Or:

Almighty ever-living God,
by whose gift we venerate in one celebration
the merits of all the Saints,
bestow on us, we pray,
through the prayers of so many intercessors,
an abundance of the reconciliation with you
for which we earnestly long.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

DISMISSAL

If a priest or deacon presides, he dismisses the people:

The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.

May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Another form of the blessing may be used, as at Mass.

Then he adds:


Go in peace.
Thanks be to God.

In the absence of a priest or deacon and in individual recitation, Evening Prayer concludes:

May the Lord + bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.


Night Prayer II is taken from Night Prayer for Solemnities found in the Prayers Section of the iBreviary.


DONATE to support the continued development of the iBreviary

SUBSCRIBE iBreviary newsletter

- Menu -