O God of Truth and Lord of Power / Rector Potens Verax Deus

Whose Fiery Sun at Noonday Shines

O God of Truth and Lord of Power is an 1852 translation by the Anglican priest, scholar and hymn-writer John M. Neale of the Office hymn for Sext: Rec­tor Po­tens, Ver­ax De­us, attributed to St. Am­brose of Mi­lan (337-397). In the Divine Office (1974), O God of Truth and Lord of Power is used with the Office of Readings. The recommended tune in the Office is Severn View. An alternative tune that can also be used is Winchester New, as featured in the following video.


Tune: Winchester New

O GOD OF TRUTH, O LORD OF MIGHT by John Mason Neale, 1852 (Public Domain)

1. O God of truth, O Lord of might,
Who ord’rest time and change aright,
Bright’ning the morn with golden gleams,
Kindling the noonday’s fiery beams.

2. Quench Thou in us the flame of strife,
From passion’s heat preserve our life,
Our bodies keep from perils free,
And give our souls true peace in Thee.

3. Almighty Father, hear my cry
Through Jesus Christ our Lord most high,
Who with the Holy Ghost and Thee
Doth live and reign eternally.


Gregorian

RECTOR POTENS, VERAX DEUS

1. Rector potens, verax Deus,
qui temperas rerum vices,
splendore mane instruis
et ignibus meridiem,

2. Extingue flammas litium,
aufer calorem noxium,
confer salutem corporum
veramque pacem cordium.

3. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito
regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.
 
Ambrosian

Liturgical Guide: Mary, Mother of God

The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God is an ancient feast with it's origins in the Eastern Church. It was eventually expanded to the entire Catholic Church in 1570 by Pope Pius V. Beginning at paragraph #963, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says this of Mary - Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church: "The Virgin Mary is acknowledged and honored as being truly the Mother of God and of the redeemer. She is clearly the mother of the members of Christ since she has by her charity joined in bringing about the birth of believers in the Church, who are members of its head. Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it. In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the Savior's work of restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace." 

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
73. Virgin-Born, We Bow Before You
79. Joy to You
80. O Mary, of All Women

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
42. Star of Sea and Ocean
43. Maiden Yet a Mother
44. Mary Crowned with Living Light
45. Hail Queen of Heaven the Ocean Star
46. God Who Made the Earth and Sky
47. Queen on WhoseStarry Brow DothRest


Reflection by Monsignor James P. Moroney of CatholicTV

COLLECT
O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy
to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Hostis Herodes Impie / Crudelis Herodes, Deum

Ibant Magi, Quam Viderant

Hostis Herodes Impie is written by the 5th century Christian poet, Coelius Sedulius (d.450?). It is composed of verses 8, 9, 11, and 13 of a much longer poem: an abecedarius, in which each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the alphabet (Latin, in this case). The Paean Alphabeticus de Christo consisting of 23 quatrains of iambic dimeters recounts the life of Christ from birth to resurrection. In the Roman Breviary Hostis Herodes Impie is sung at Vespers on Epiphany. A later revision: Crudelis Herode, Deum (included below), differs only in the first two lines being changed. The first 7 verses of Sedulius' epic poem also comprise another hymn: A Solis Ortus Cardine, which is sung during Christmas season.


Hostis Herodes Impie performed by Grup de Cant gregorià de l'Ateneu de Sant Just Desvern

HOSTIS, HERODES IMPIE

1. Hostis, Herodes impie,
Christum venire quid times?
Non eripit mortalia,
qui regna dat caelestia.

2. Ibant Magi, quam viderant,
stellam sequentes praeviam:
Lumen requirunt lumine:
Deum fatentur munere.

3. Lavacra puri gurgitis
caelestis Agnus attigit:
peccata, quae non detulit,
nos abluendo sustulit.

4. Novum genus potentiae:
aquae rubescunt hydriae,
vinumque iussa fundere,
mutavit unda originem.

5. Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
qui apparuisti gentibus,
cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.
                  or
5. Gloria tibi, Domine,
qui apparuisti hodie,
cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


CRUDELIS HERODES, DEUM

1. Crudelis Herodes, Deum,
regem venire quid times?
Non eripit mortalia,
qui regna dat cælestia.

2. Ibant Magi, quam viderant,
stellam sequentes praeviam:
Lumen requirunt lumine:
Deum fatentur munere.

3. Lavacra puri gurgitis
caelestis Agnus attigit:
peccata, quae non detulit,
nos abluendo sustulit.

4. Novum genus potentiae:
aquae rubescunt hydriae,
vinumque iussa fundere,
mutavit unda originem.

5. Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
qui apparuisti gentibus,
cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise / A Solis Ortus Cardine

Painting by Lorenzo Lotto - Courtesy Wikipedia

Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise is a translation by the Catholic Priest and theologian, Msgr. Ronald A. Knox (1888-1957) of the Latin hymn: A Solis Ortus Cardine by the 5th century Christian poet, Coelius Sedulius (d.450?). This Latin hymn is composed of the first 7 verses of a much longer poem: an abecedarius, in which each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the alphabet (Latin, in this case). Also known as the Paean Alphabeticus de Christo, the poem consisting of 23 quatrains of iambic dimeters recounts the life of Christ from birth to resurrection. These 7 verses with added doxology (by an anonymous author), have been used since the early Middle Ages as a Christmas hymn. In the Roman Breviary A Solis Ortus Cardine is sung at Lauds during the Christmas season. Verses 8, 9, 11, and 13 of this same poem by Sedulius also comprise another hymn: Hostis Herodes Impie, which is sung at Epiphany. In the Divine Office (1974), Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise is sung with Morning Prayer on Christmas Day, and is an optional hymn for use through the Christmas season up until Epiphany. It is set to the tune: St. Venantius, first published in the Paris Antiphoner of 1681. An alternative tune that can also be used is Winchester New, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Winchester New

A SOLIS ORTUS CARDINE

1. A solis ortus cardine
adusque terrae limitem
Christum canamus Principem,
natum Maria Virgine.

2. Beatus auctor saeculi
servile corpus induit,
ut carne carnem liberans
non perderet quod condidit.

3. Clausae parentis viscera
caelestis intrat gratia;
venter puellae baiulat
secreta quae non noverat.

4. Domus pudici pectoris
templum repente fit Dei;
intacta nesciens virum
verbo concepit Filium.

5. Enixa est puerpera
quem Gabriel praedixerat,
quem matris alvo destines
clausus Ioannes senserat. 

6. Feno iacere pertulit,
praesepe non abhorruit,
parvoque lacte pastus est
per quem nec ales esurit.

7. Gaudet chorus caelestium
et Angeli canunt Deum,
palamque fit pastoribus
Pastor, Creator omnium.

8. Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
qui natus es de Virgine,
cum Patre et almo Spiritu,
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


Performed by Schola Gregoriana Monostorinensis

Come, Holy Spirit, Live In Us

Grant Us Your Abundant Grace to Sanctify and Make Us One

Come, Holy Spirit, Live In Us is by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. The recommended musical setting in the Liturgy of the Hours is the tune: O Jesu, Mi Dulcissime. It can also be sung to the tune, Winchester New, as featured in the following video. In the Divine Office, Come, Holy Spirit, Live In Us is sung at Mid-Morning Prayer.


Tune: Winchester New

Liturgical Guide: Feast of the Holy Family

The Feast of the Holy Family was instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1893. Formal devotion to the Holy Family can be traced back to 17th century Québec when the first bishop of New France: Blessed François de Laval expanded the role of the Confraternity of the Holy Family, an association with roots going back to the very founding of Montréal. Beginning at paragraph #1655, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says this of the Holy Family and the Church: "Christ chose to be born and grow up in the bosom of the holy family of Joseph and Mary. The Church is nothing other than 'the family of God.' From the beginning, the core of the Church was often constituted by those who had become believers 'together with all their household' Acts 11:14. When they were converted, they desired that 'their whole household' Acts 16:15,31 should also be saved. These families who became believers were islands of Christian life in an unbelieving world. In our own time, in a world often alien and even hostile to faith, believing families are of primary importance as centers of living, radiant faith. For this reason the Second Vatican Council, using an ancient expression, calls the family the Ecclesia Domestica (the Domestic Church)."

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
73. Virgin-Born, We Bow Before You
77. Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly
78. Joseph of Nazareth

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
6. A Noble Flower of Juda
7. Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise
8. Christ Whose Blood for All Men Streamed
9. O Come, All Ye Faithful
10. Unto Us a Child is Given
11. Of the Father's Love Begotten
12. Christ is Here, Emmanuel!


Commentary by Fr. James Kubicki of the Apostleship of Prayer

The Martyrs Living Now With Christ

Their Anguish Overcome by Love

The Martyrs Living Now With Christ is written by the Archbishop of Cardiff, Francis E. Mostyn (1860-1939). In the Divine Office it is sung on Feast Days of Martyrs. It is set to the tune: Horsley by the English organist and composer, William Horsley (1774-1858).


Tune: Horsley

THE MARTYRS LIVING NOW WITH CHRIST by Francis E. Mostyn (Public Domain)

1. The martyrs living now with Christ
In suffering were tried,
Their anguish overcome by love
When on his cross he died.

2. Across the centuries they come,
In constancy unmoved,
Their loving hearts make no complaint,
In silence they are proved.

3. No man has ever measured love,
Or weighed it in his hand,
But God who knows the inmost heart
Gives them the promised land.

4. Praise Father, Son and Spirit blest,
Who guides us through the night
In ways that reach beyond the stars
To everlasting light.

When Christ Our Lord to Andrew Cried

Oh Nobel Cross! O Precious Wood!

When Christ Our Lord to Andrew Cried was written by E.M. Barrett in honour of St. Andrew, the Patron Saint of Scotland. St. Andrew's Day is celebrated on November 30. The recommended setting in the Divine Office is the tune: St. An­drew (Tan­s’ur), composed in 1735 by Will­iam Tan­s’ur (1700-1783). An alternative tune that can also be used is St. Anne, as featured in the following video.
Tune: St Anne

WHEN CHRIST OUR LORD TO ANDREW CRIED by E.M. Barrett (Public Domain)

1. When Christ our Lord to Andrew cried: “Come, thou, and follow me,”
The fisher left his net beside the sea of Galilee.
To teach the truth his Master taught, to tread the path he trod
Was all his will and thus he brought unnumbered souls to God.

2. When Andrew’s hour had come and he was doomed, like Christ, to die,
He kissed his cross exultingly, and this his noble cry:
“O Noble Cross, O Precious Wood, I long have yearned for thee;
Uplift me to my only good who died on thee for me.”

3. The faith that Andrew taught once shone o’er all this kingdom fair;
The cross that Jesus died upon was honoured everywhere.
But times once changed and Andrew’s name was for a while forgot;
The cross, though set in kingly crown, became a sign of shame.

4. St Andrew now in bliss above thy fervent prayers renew
That Scotland yet again may love the faith entire and true;
That I the cross allotted me may bear with patient love!
‘Twill lift me as it lifted thee to reign with Christ above.

Leader Now on Earth No Longer

Soldier of the Eternal King

Leader Now on Earth No Longer was written by J.W. Reeks (1849-1900) in honour of St. George (c.275/281-303), the Patron Saint of England. In the Roman calendar, the Feast Day of St. George is celebrated on April 23. The recommended musical setting in the Divine Office is the hymn tune: Swavesey. It can also be sung to the tune: Blaenwern, as featured in the following video.


Tune: Blaenwern

LEADER NOW ON EARTH NO LONGER by J.W. Reeks (Public Domain)

1. Leader now on earth no longer,
soldier of th’eternal king,
victor in the fight for heaven,
we thy loving praises sing.

Refrain: Great Saint George, our patron,
              help us, in the conflict be thou nigh;
              help us in that daily battle,
              where each one must win or die.

2. Praise him who in deadly battle
never shrank from foeman’s sword,
proof against all earthly weapon,
gave his life for Christ the Lord.

3. Who, when earthly war was over,
fought, but not for earth’s renown;
fought, and won a nobler glory,
won the martyr’s purple crown.

4. Help us when temptation presses,
we have still our crown to win,
help us when our soul is weary
fighting with the powers of sin.

5. Clothe us in thy shining armour,
place thy good sword in our hand;
teach us how to wield it, fighting
onward towards the heavenly land.

6. Onward, till, our striving over,
on life’s battlefield we fall,
resting then, but ever ready,
waiting for the angel’s call.

O Great Saint David

St. David's Cathedral - Pembrokeshire, Wales

O Great Saint David is written by Archbishop Francis Mostyn (1860-1939) of Cardiff, Wales. He composed this tribute to St. David (c.500-c.589), the Patron Saint of Wales to be sung at the dedication of a church named in honour of St. David's mother: St Non's Chapel, which took place on St. David's Day, March 1, 1934. There is no record of the tune to which this hymn was originally sung, however it has been suggested that owing to the unusual metre of the lyrics which restricts the possibilities; one workable musical setting is the tune: Londonderry Air (Danny Boy), as featured in the following video.


Tune: Londonderry Air

O GREAT SAINT DAVID by Francis Mostyn, 1934 (Public Domain)

1. O Great Saint David, still we hear thee call us,
unto a life that knows no fear of death;
Yea, down the ages, will thy words enthral us,
strong happy words:’Be joyful, keep the faith.’

REFRAIN: On Cambria’s sons stretch out thy hands in blessing;
                   for our dear land thy help we now implore.
                   Lead us to God, with humble hearts confessing
                   Jesus, Lord and King for evermore.

2. Christ was the centre rock of all thy teaching,
God’s holy will – the splendour of its theme.
His grace informed, his love inflamed thy preaching;
Christ’s sway on earth, the substance of thy dream. 

3. In early childhood, choosing Jesus only,
thy fervour showed his yoke was light and sweet!
And thus for thee, life’s journey was not lonely,
the path made plain by prints of wounded feet.

4. O glorious saint, we wander in the dark;
with thee we seek our trusted guide in Rome.
Help him to steer on earth Saint Peter’s barque,
that we may safely reach our heavenly home.

Holy Light on Earth’s Horizon

Mother of the World's Redeemer

Holy Light on Earth's Horizon is written by Fr. Edward Caswall (1814-1878). A convert to Catholicism from the Anglican Church, he is best known for his 1849 publication: Lyra Catholica, which contained hymn translations from the Roman Breviary and other Latin sources. In the Divine Office, Holy Light on Earth's Horizon is used for Feast Days of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is set to the 1905 tune: Blaenwern, by William Penfro Rowlands (1860-1937). The Welsh born Rowlands was a school teacher and choir conductor.


Tune: Blaenwern

HOLY LIGHT ON EARTH’S HORIZON by Edward Caswall (Public Domain)

1. Holy light on earth’s horizon,
star of hope to those who fall,
light amid a world of shadows,
dawn of God’s design for all,
chosen from eternal ages,
you alone of all our race,
by your Son’s atoning merits
were conceived in perfect grace.

2. Mother of the world’s Redeemer,
promised from the dawn of time:
how could one so highly favoured
share the guilt of Adam’s crime?
Sun and moon and stars adorn you,
sinless Eve, triumphant sign;
you it is who crushed the serpent,
Mary, pledge of life divine.

3. Earth below and highest heaven,
praise the splendour of your state,
you who now are crowned in glory
were conceived immaculate.
Hail, beloved of the Father,
Mother of his only Son,
mystic bride of Love eternal, hail,
O fair and spotless one!

Who is She Ascends So High?

Next the Heav'nly King

Who is She Ascends So High? is written by the English poet, Sir John Beaumont (1582-1628). In 1607, and again in 1625, both he and and his wife were charged and fined as Roman Catholic recusants for refusing to attend Anglican services. In 1626 he was created a baronet by King Charles I (1600-1649), who himself had married a Catholic and allowed her to practise her faith openly and freely. In the Divine Office, Who is She Ascends So High? is used on Feast Days of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The suggested musical setting in the Divine Office is the hymn tune: Assumpta Est. The tune used in the following video is unknown.



WHO IS SHE ASCENDS SO HIGH by John Beaumont (Public Domain)

1. Who is she ascends so high,
Next the heav'nly King,
Round about whom angels fly,
And her praises sing?

2. Who is she adorned with light;
Makes the sun her robe?
At whose feet the queen of night
Lays her changing globe?

3. This is she in whose pure womb
Heaven's Prince remained;
Wherefore in no earthly tomb
Could she be contained.

4. Heav'n she was, which held that fire,
Whence the world took light,
And to heav'n doth now as pire:
Flames with flames unite.

5. She that did so clearly shine,
Our Day once begun,
See how bright her beams decline,
Sitting with the Sun.

Liturgical Guide: Christmas

Christmas is the Church's celebration of the Incarnation. Beginning at paragraph #525, here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says of the Christmas mystery: "Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest. The Church never tires of singing the glory of this night. To become a child in relation to God is the condition for entering the kingdom. For this, we must humble ourselves and become little. Even more: to become 'children of God' we must be 'born from above' or 'born of God'. Only when Christ is formed in us will the mystery of Christmas be fulfilled in us. Christmas is the mystery of this 'marvellous exchange'."

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
68. A Child is Born
69. From Heaven High
70. Go Tell It on the Mountain
71. O Come, All Ye Faithful
72. Songs of Praise the Angels Sang
73. Virgin-Born, We Bow Before You
74. What Child is This
75. A Child is Born in Bethlehem
76. Unto Us a Child is Given

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
6. A Noble Flower of Juda
7. Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise
8. Christ Whose Blood for All Men Streamed
9. O Come, All Ye Faithful
10. Unto Us a Child is Given
11. Of the Father's Love Begotten
12. Christ is Here, Emmanuel!
13. Bethlehem of Noblest Cities
14. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

Commentary on Christmas by Fr. Robert Barron

Joseph, Wise Ruler of God’s Earthly Household

Nearest of All Men to the Heart of Jesus

Joseph, Wise Ruler of God's Earthly Household is set to the tune: Diva Servatrix, from the Bayeux Antiphoner of 1739. It can also be sung to the tune: Christe Sanctorum, as featured in the following video. In the Divine Office it is used on Feast Days of St. Joseph, such as March 19th.


Tune: Christe Sanctorum

Joseph, the Scriptures Love to Trace

The Glories of Thy Kingly Line

Joseph, the Scriptures Love to Trace is used in the Divine Office for Feast Days of St. Joseph, such as May 1: St. Joseph the Worker. The recommended musical setting is the hymn tune: Aimable Enfant. An alternative tune that can also be used is Duke Street, as featured in the following video.


Tune: Duke Street

Jesus, True God and Rock of Our Salvation

Jesus, Sole Ruler in the Church, Your Kingdom

Jesus, True God and Rock of Our Salvation is set to the hymn tune: Iste Confessor (Rouen), first published in the Poitier Antiphoner of 1746. In the Divine Office it is sung in the Proper of Saints for days such as the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, celebrated on February 22. The hymn was also chosen as the Anthem for the Year of Faith (2012-13) in the Christchurch Diocese, New Zealand. A mp3 of Jesus, True God and Rock of Our Salvation can be found here.


Tune: Iste Confessor (Rouen)

Before We End Our Day, O Lord / Te Lucis Ante Terminum

Give Us This Night, Untroubled Rest

Before We End Our Day, O Lord is a translation of the Latin hymn, Te Lucis Ante Terminum. Dating back to the 7th century, this Ambrosian hymn has long been associated with the hour of Compline in various forms of the Office including the Roman Breviary. This translation is set to the tune: St. Bernard, an arrangement by John Ri­chard­son (1816-1879) of a chorale from the Toch­ter Si­on of 1741. In the Divine Office, Before We End Our Day, O Lord is used for Evening Prayer.


Tune: St. Bernard (Ri­chard­son)

TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM

1. Te lucis ante terminum,
rerum Creator, poscimus
ut pro tua clementi a
sis praesul et custodia.

2. Procul recedant somnia
et noctium phantasmata;
hostemque nostrum comprime,
ne polluantur corpora.

3. Praesta, Pater piissime,
Patrique compar Unice,
cum Spiritu Paraclito

regnans per omne saeculum. Amen.


Ambrosian Chant

Now that the Daylight Fills the Sky / Iam Lucis Orto Sidere

We Lift Our Hearts to God on High

Now that the Daylight Fills the Sky is a translation of the 6th century Latin hymn: Iam Lucis Orto Sidere, at­trib­ut­ed to St. Am­brose of Mi­lan (337-397). Also known as Jam Lucis Orto Sidere, it is traditionally sung at the morning hour of Prime in the Roman Breviary. In 1852 it was translated into English by the Anglican priest, scholar and hymn-writer: John M. Neale. In the Divine Office the suggested musical setting is Saxony. A more commonly used tune is Herr Jesu Christ, as featured in the following video. In the Divine Office, Now that the Daylight Fills the Sky is used at Morning Prayer.


Tune: Herr Jesu Christ

NOW THAT THE DAYLIGHT FILLS THE SKY by John M. Neale, 1852 (Public Domain)

1. Now that the daylight fills the sky,
We lift our hearts to God on high,
That He, in all we do or say,
Would keep us free from harm today.

2. May He restrain our tongues from strife,
And shield from anger’s din our life,
And guard with watchful care our eyes
From earth’s absorbing vanities.

3. O may our inmost hearts be pure,
From thoughts of folly kept secure,
And pride of sinful flesh subdued
Through sparing use of daily food.

4. So we, when this day’s work is o’er,
And shades of night return once more,
Our path of trial safely trod,
Shall give the glory to our God.

5. All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
Forever and forevermore.


Ambrosian Chant

IAM LUCIS ORTO SIDERE by St. Ambrose
Listen

1. Iam lucis orto sidere,
Deum precemur supplices,
ut in diurnis actibus
nos servet a nocentibus.

2. Linguam refrenans temperet,
ne litis horror insonet,
visum fovendo contegat,
ne vanitates hauriat. 

3. Sint pura cordis intima,
absistat et vecordia:
carnis terat superbiam
potus cibique parcitas.

4. Ut cum dies abscesserit,
noctemque sors reduxerit,
mundi per abstinentiam
ipsi canamus gloriam. 

5. Deo Patri sit gloria,
eiusque soli Filio,
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
nunc et per omne saeculum. Amen.

It Were My Soul's Desire

From Earthly Cares to Rise

It Were My Soul's Desire is a translation by the Gaelic scholar and writer, El­ea­nor H. Hull (1860-1935) of an anonymous 11th century Irish poem. The recommended tune in the Divine Office is Maria Jung und Zart, first published in the Geistliche Catholische Kirchengesäng of 1623. Two alternative tunes that it can also be sung to are: Quam Dilecta and St. Cecilia, as featured in the following videos. In the Divine Office, It Were My Soul's Desire is sung with Morning Prayer.


Tune: Quam Dilecta

It Were My Soul's Desire translated by Eleanor Hull (Public Domain)

1. It were my soul's desire
To see the face of God;
It were my soul's desire
To rest in His abode.

 2. It were my soul's desire
 To study zealously;
 This, too, my soul's desire,
 A clear rule set for me.

 3. It were my soul's desire
 A spirit free from gloom;
 It were my soul's desire
 New life beyond the Doom.

 4. It were my soul's desire
 To shun the chills of Hell;
 Yet more my soul's desire
 Within His house to dwell.

 5. It were my soul's desire
 To imitate my King,
 It were my soul's desire
 His ceaseless praise to sing. 

6. It were my soul's desire
 When heaven's gate is won
 To find my soul's desire
 Clear shining like the sun.

 7. Grant, Lord, my soul's desire,
 Deep waves of cleansing sighs;
 Grant, Lord, my soul's desire
 From earthly cares to rise.

 8. This still my soul's desire
 Whatever life afford,
 To gain my soul's desire
 And see Thy face, O Lord.

Tune: St. Cecilia

Sing All Creation, Sing to God in Gladness

Joyously Serve Him, Singing Hymns of Homage

Sing All Creation, Sing to God in Gladness (Psalm 100) is written by the Scottish Jesuit priest, theologian and hymn writer: Fr. James J. Quinn (1919-2010). It is based upon Psalm 100 and is set to the tune: Diva Servatrix, from the Bayeux Antiphoner of 1739. It can also be sung to the tune: Christe Sanctorum, as featured in the following video. In the Divine Office, Sing All Creation, Sing to God in Gladness (Psalm 100) is used with Morning Prayer.


Tune: Christe Sanctorum

I Am the Holy Vine

So Shall You Yield Much Fruit

I Am the Holy Vine is written by the Scottish Jesuit priest, theologian and hymn writer: Fr. James J. Quinn (1919-2010). First published in 1969 as part of his collection: New Hymns for All Seasons, it is a versification of John 15:1-5. It is set to the tune: Love Unknown, composed by John Ireland (1879-1962) in 1918. In the Divine Office, I Am the Holy Vine is sung at Morning Prayer.


Tune: Love Unknown

Liturgical Guide: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8 throughout the Universal Church. Beginning at paragraph 491, the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains it this way: "Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, 'full of grace' through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854: 'The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.' - Ineffabilis Deus"

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
58 - Hear the Herald Voice Resounding
79 - Joy to You 
156 - Mary, Crowned with Living Light 
157 - Mary Immaculate, Star of the Morning
164 - Mother of Holy Hope

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Holy Light on Earth’s Horizon


Fra Joseph Mary F.I. of No Apologies

Alone With None But Thee, O God (King of Kings)

Inside the Cloister of Iona Abbey

Alone with None but Thee, My God is an anonymous translation from the The Hymnbook (1971) of St. Columba's Affirmation, attributed to St. Columba (521-597). The Irish born Columba, (also known as Columcille, Colum, Columbus, Combs, and Columkill) founded no less than 27 monasteries in Ireland by the time he was 25 years of age. In 563, he along with 12 companions crossed the Irish Sea to establish the Iona Abbey. Columba would eventually venture further into Scotland and even the Outer Hebrides in his efforts to spread the Gospel. Sung at Morning Prayer in the Divine Office, Alone with None but Thee, My God is set to the tune: Auch Jetzt Macht, first published in the Choralbuch of 1816. The following video features a popular version (set to a different tune), re-titled: "King of Kings", as performed by The Priests.

O Trinity of Blessed Light / O Lux Beata Trinitas

As Now the Fiery Sun Departs, Shed Thou Thy Beams Within Our Hearts

O Trinity of Blessed Light is a translation of the 4th century Latin hymn: O Lux Be­a­ta Trin­i­tas, attributed to St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397). It was revised under Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) as Iam Sol Recedit Igneous, which is used in the Roman Breviary for Saturday Vespers and on Trinity Sunday. In 1851 the original text by Ambrose was translated into English by John Mason Neale (1818-1866) as O Trinity of Blessed Light. It is set to Tallis' Canon by Thomas Tallis (1505-1585). In the Divine Office it is sung at Evening Prayer.


Tune: Tallis' Canon

O TRINITY OF BLESSÈD LIGHT by John Mason Neale, 1851 (Public Domain)

1. O Trinity of blessed light,
O Unity of princely might,
the fiery sun now goes his way;
shed thou within our hearts thy ray.

2. To thee our morning song of praise,
to thee our evening prayer we raise;
O grant us with thy saints on high
to praise thee through eternity.

3. All laud to God the Father be;
all praise, eternal Son, to thee;
all glory, as is ever meet,
to God the holy Paraclete.
 

O Lux Beata Trinitas (Chant) - Verses 1, 2, 1

O LUX BEATA TRINITAS by St. Ambrose

1. O lux beata Trinitas,
et principalis Unitas,
iam sol recedit igneus,
infunde lumen cordibus.

2. Te mane laudum carmine,
te deprecemur vespere:
te nostra supplex gloria
per cuncta laudet saecula.

3. Deo Patri sit gloria,
eiusque soli Filio,
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
et nunc, et in perpetuum.
             OR
Christum rogamus et Patrem
Christi Patrisque Spiritum
unum potens per omnia
fove precantes Trinitas.

O Lux Beata Trinitas (Hymn) - Verses 1, 2, 3

Father, We Praise You, Now the Night is Over / Noc­te Sur­gen­es Vi­gil­e­mus Om­nes

Thine is the Glory, Gleaming and Resounding

Father, We Praise You, Now the Night is Over is a translation of a 6th century Latin hymn: Noc­te Sur­gen­es Vigilemus Omnes, historically attributed to St. Gregory the Great (540-604), but some scholars suggest that the Carolingian Court poet and theologian, Alcuin of York (735-804) may instead be the author. In the Roman Breviary it is traditionally sung at Sunday Matins. In 1906 it was translated by the Anglican Priest and liturgist, Percy Dearmer (1867-1936). He, along with Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) worked as co-editors on some of the most influential and widely used hymnals of the time, including: the English Hymnal (1906), Songs of Praise (1925), and the Oxford Book of Carols (1928). Father, We Praise You, Now the Night is Over is set to the tune: Christe Sanctorum, first published in the Paris Antiphoner of 1681. In the Divine Office it is sung at Morning Prayer.

Tune: Christe Sanctorum

FATHER, WE PRAISE THEE, NOW THE NIGHT IS OVER by Percy Dearmer, 1906 (Public Domain)

1. Father, we praise thee, now the night is over,
Active and watchful, stand we all before thee;
Singing we offer prayer and meditation:
Thus we adore thee.

2. Monarch of all things, fit us for thy mansions;
Banish our weakness, health and wholeness sending;
Bring us to heaven, where thy saints united
Joy without ending.

3. All holy Father, Son, and equal Spirit,
Trinity blessed, send us thy salvation;
Thine is the glory, gleaming and resounding
Through all creation.


NOCTE SURGENTES by St. Gregory the Great
Listen

1. Nocte surgentes vigilemus omnes,
semper in psalmis meditemur atque
viribus totis Domino canamus
dulciter hymnos,

2. Ut, pio regi pariter canentes,
cum suis sanctis mereamur aulam
ingredi caeli, simul et beatam
ducere vitam.

3. Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris ac Nati, pariterque Sancti
Spiritus, cuius resonat per omnem
gloria mundum. Amen.

Eternal Father, Loving God

All Things Created Bear Your Trace

Eternal Father, Loving God is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. It is set to the tune: Winchester New, by Bartholomäus Crasselius (1667-1724), first published in 1690 as part of the Mu­si­kal­isch­es Hand­buch, Hamburg.


Tune: Winchester New