Liturgical Guide: Presentation of the Lord

Painting by Hans Holbein, Courtesy of Wikipedia

The hymns selected for use in the Divine Office on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord celebrate Christ as the firstborn Son, who belongs to the Lord. First observed in the Eastern Church as early as the 6th century, it represents another "epiphany" or manifestation of the Lord. It is at the Presentation that Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as "the long-expected Messiah, the 'light to the nations' and the "glory of Israel', but also 'a sign that is spoken against'. The sword of sorrow predicted for Mary announces Christ's perfect and unique oblation on the cross that will impart the salvation God had 'prepared in the presence of all peoples'". - #529, Catechism of the Catholic Church.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

3. Sion, Sing
143. Hail to the Lord Who Comes 

144. When Mary Brought Her Treasure

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Hail to the Lord Who Comes


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Apostle of the Gentiles

Paul, the Greatest Witness of Them All

Apostle of the Gentiles is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung on the feast day of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle, January 25th. It is set to the 1738 tune: Wareham by the English composer, William Knapp (1698-1768). Knapp hailed from Ware­ham, Dor­set­ and served there, and at Poole as organist and choirmaster in the local Anglican Church for many years.


Tune: Wareham

Liturgical Guide: Common of Virgins

The hymns selected for use with the Common of Virgins in the Liturgy of the Hours celebrate the holy women of the Church whose lives of consecration and fidelity to God were a fitting witness to the faith they professed. "From apostolic times Christian virgins, called by the Lord to cling only to him with greater freedom of heart, body, and spirit, have decided with the Church's approval to live in a state of virginity 'for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.'" - #933, Catechism of the Catholic Church. 


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LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

178. Now, From the Heav'ns Descending

179. Now Let Us Praise

180. The Beatitudes

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
54. For All Thy Saints, O Lord
55. O Jesu Thou the Virgins' Crown
56. God's Blessed Spirit Moved His Virgin Saint

ROMAN BREVIARY
Iesu Co­ro­na Vir­gin­um
Jesu Co­ro­na Vir­gin­um
Virginis Proles, Opifexque Matris

Liturgical Guide: Common of Pastors

The hymns selected for use in the Common of Pastors are sung on feast days that celebrate ordained ministers of the of the Church whose vocations as shepherds of God's people were a fitting witness to the faith they professed. "Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests, the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers." - #1549, Catechism of the Catholic Church.


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LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

139. Come to Me

140. Shepherd of Souls, in Love Come, Feed Us

174. Loving Shepard of Thy Sheep
175. The King of Love My Shepherd Is

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Who are these Like Stars Appearing?
The Saints Who Toiled

ROMAN BREVIARY
Iesu Redemptor Omnium, Perpes Corona Praesulum
Iste Confessor (This is the Day Whereon the Lord's True Witness)
Iste Confessor (This is the Feast Day of the Lord's True Witness)
Jesu, Corona Celsior

Liturgical Guide: Common of Several Martyrs

The hymns selected for use in the Common of Several Martyrs in the Liturgy of the Hours speak of the lives and sacrifice of holy men and women of the Church who have born witness to the truth of faith, even unto death. "The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He endures death through an act of fortitude." - #2473, Catechism of the Catholic Church.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

31. Faith of Our Fathers

44. Romans VIII (For Those Who Love God)

170. Christ, in Whose Passion Once Was Sown
171. A Mighty Fortress is Our God
172. For All the Saints

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Our Lord the Path of Suffering Trod
The Martyrs Living Now With Christ

ROMAN BREVIARY
Christo Profusum Sanguinem
Rex Gloriose Martyrum
Sanctorum Meritis Inclita Gaudia


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Liturgical Guide: Common of One Martyr

The hymns selected for use in the Common of One Martyr in the Liturgy of the Hours speak of the lives and sacrifice of holy men and women of the Church who have born witness to the truth of faith, even unto death. "The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He endures death through an act of fortitude." - #2473, Catechism of the Catholic Church.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

31. Faith of Our Fathers

44. Romans VIII (For Those Who Love God)

170. Christ, in Whose Passion Once Was Sown

171. A Mighty Fortress is Our God

172. For All the Saints

173. Amazing Grace

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Our Lord the Path of Suffering Trod
The Martyrs Living Now With Christ

ROMAN BREVIARY
Deus Tuorum Militum
Invicte Martyr Unicum
Virginis Proles, Opifexque Matris


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Liturgical Guide: Common of Holy Women

The hymns selected for use in the Common of Holy Women are sung on Feast Days that celebrate women of the Church whose lives were a fitting witness to the faith they professed.



LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

178. Now, From the Heav'ns Descending

179. Now Let Us Praise

180. The Beatitudes

182. O God, Our Help in Ages Past

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
59. Praise We the Woman
60. Lord God, We Give You Thanks for All Your Saints

ROMAN BREVIARY
Fortem Virili Pectore
Huius Oratu Deus Alme Nobis

Liturgical Guide: Common of Holy Men

The hymns selected for use in the Common of Holy Men are sung on Feast Days that celebrate men of the Church whose lives were a fitting witness to the faith they professed.


Monsignor Eric Barr of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
31. Faith of Our Fathers
172. For All the Saints

176. Rise Up, O Men of God

177. This is the Feast Day of the Lord's True Witness

181. Blest Are the Pure in Heart
182. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
183. Who Would True Valor See

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
For All the Saints
This is the Day Whereon the Lord's True Witness

Daytime Prayer (The Little Hours)

The hymns selected for use with the Daytime Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours reflect the varying themes of the "Little Hours" of the Office: Midmorning (Terce), Midday (Sext), and Mid-Afternoon (None). The modern Daytime Prayer has been arranged in such a way that the faithful can choose any one of these canonical hours and not miss any of the Psalms in the 4-week cycle; or if obliged or so desired, can pray all three of the hours. "Following a very ancient tradition Christians have made a practice of praying out of private devotion at various times of the day, even in the course of their work, in imitation of the Church in apostolic times." - General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
- Midmorning (Terce) -

18. Breathe on Me, Breath of God

19. From All That Dwell Below the Skies (with Alleluias)

20. From All That Dwell Below the Skies

21. Father, Lord of Earth and Heaven
22. Holy Spirit, Come Confirm Us
23. Come, Holy Ghost, Who Ever One

127. Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come

128. The Spirit of God

129. Holy Spirit, God of Light

130. Splendor of Creation (Send Forth Your Spirit)

- Midday (Sext) -
24. Help Us, O Lord
25. Lord of All Hopefullness
26. Lord of All Being, Throned Afar
27. Almighty Ruler, God of Truth
- Mid-Afternoon (None) -
13. God Father, Praise and Glory
28. Firmly I Believe and Truly
29. Lord God and Maker of All Things
30. Most Ancient of All Mysteries
31. Faith of Our Fathers
82. Sing Praise to Our Creator

131. All Hail, Adored Trinity

133. Come Thou Almighty King

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
- Daytime Prayer -
O Blessèd Lord, Creator God
- Midmorning (Terce) -
Come, Holy Spirit, Live in Us
- Midday (Sext) -
Lord God and Maker of All Things
- Mid-Afternoon (None) -
Eternal Father, Loving God

Poem: The Call (Come, My Way)

The Call (Come, My Way) is a poem by George Herbert (1593–1633). It was published posthumously in 1633 as part of the collection, The Temple. In 1911, the British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) published Five Mystical Songs, a setting of five of Herbert's poems from The Temple. The Call (Come, My Way), along with two other of Herbert's poems from Five Mystical Songs: Easter, and Love are included in the Hymns and Religious Poems (Eastertide) Appendix of the Divine Office (1974).


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THE CALL by George Herbert, 1633 (Public Domain)

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
Such a Way, as gives us breath:
Such a Truth, as ends all strife:
Such a Life, as killeth death.

Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
Such a Light, as shows a feast:
Such a Feast, as mends in length:
Such a Strength, as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
Such a Joy, as none can move:
Such a Love, as none can part:
Such a Heart, as joyes in love.

Liturgical Guide: Office of Readings (Matins)

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." - Acts 16:25

The hymns selected for the Office of Readings (Matins) in the Liturgy of the Hours prepare our hearts and minds for the contemplation of the Word of God. While today's Matins has retained some of it's former character as a nocturnal prayer (and can still be used as such), the modern Office of Readings can be prayed at any time during the day because it takes it's theme not from the time of day (as the other hours) but rather, from the seasons and feast days that make up the liturgical year.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

186. God of Truth Prepare Our Minds

187. Lord, Your Word Abiding

188. God, Whose Almighty Word

189. Eternal Father, Through Your Word

190. In Ancient Times God Spoke to Man

191. Lord Jesus, Once You Spoke to Men

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
132. Be Thou My Vision
133. O God of Truth Prepare Our Minds
134. Worship, Glory, Praise and Honour
135. Bright as Fire in Darkness
136. Eternal Father, Through Your Word
137. In Ancient Times, God Spoke to Man
138. How Great the Tale
139. This Day, at Thy Creating Word
140. All Creatures of Our God and King
141. Come Spirit Blest, with God the Son
142. O God of Truth and Lord of Power
143. O God, Creation's Secret Force
144. Where True Love is Dwelling, God is Dwelling There
145. God Hath Spoken by His Prophets
146. Immortal, Invisible

ROMAN BREVIARY
Aeterna Lux, Divinitas
Consors Paterni Luminis
Noc­te Sur­gen­es
Nox Atra Rerum Contegit
Rerum Creator Optime
Somno Refectis Artubus
Summae Deus Clementiae
Summae Parens Clementiae
Te Deum
Tu Trinitatis Unitas

Liturgical Guide: Mid-Afternoon Prayer (None)

"One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon." - Acts 3:1

The hymns selected for Mid-Afternoon Prayer (None) in the Divine Office reflect the hour's theme of perseverance: to complete the work we have begun this day, and also perseverance in our spiritual lives - to continue to fight "the good fight" 2 Timothy 4:7 and run the race "in such a way that you may win it." 1 Corinthians 9:24. For more information see: Daytime Prayer.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
13. God Father, Praise and Glory
28. Firmly I Believe and Truly
29. Lord God and Maker of All Things
30. Most Ancient of All Mysteries
31. Faith of Our Fathers
82. Sing Praise to Our Creator

131. All Hail, Adored Trinity

133. Come Thou Almighty King

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Eternal Father, Loving God
O Blessèd Lord, Creator God

Liturgical Guide: Midday Prayer (Sext)

"About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray." - Acts 10:9

The hymns selected for Midday Prayer (Sext) in the Divine Office reflect the hour's theme of battle with sin. The sun is at it's zenith; the heat of the day at it's strongest. Likewise, we too - caught up with the day's cares and the allurements of the world; feel and see most clearly the powers and influence of evil. It was from this time, the sixth hour (Noon) till 3PM that Our Savior hung upon the Cross with Hell bringing all it's forces to bear against him. For more information see: Daytime Prayer.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
24. Help Us, O Lord
25. Lord of All Hopefullness
26. Lord of All Being, Throned Afar
27. Almighty Ruler, God of Truth

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Lord God and Maker of All Things
O Blessèd Lord, Creator God

ROMAN BREVIARY (1962)
Rector Potens Verax Deus

Liturgical Guide: Midmorning Prayer (Terce)

"Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning." - Acts 2:15 

The hymns selected for Midmorning Prayer (Terce) in the Divine Office draw upon the theme of the invocation of the Holy Spirit. It was at the third hour (9AM) when the Paraclete came down upon all those "gathered together in one place" at Pentecost. This brief pause of prayer during the morning's daily activity acts then as a kind of 'Confirmation', or spiritual strengthening for us to meet the challenges ahead. For more information see: Daytime Prayer.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

18. Breathe on Me, Breath of God

19. From All That Dwell Below the Skies (with Alleluias)

20. From All That Dwell Below the Skies

21. Father, Lord of Earth and Heaven
22. Holy Spirit, Come Confirm Us
23. Come, Holy Ghost, Who Ever One

127. Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come

128. The Spirit of God

129. Holy Spirit, God of Light

130. Splendor of Creation (Send Forth Your Spirit)

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Come, Holy Spirit, Live in Us
O Blessèd Lord, Creator God

Liturgical Guide: Night Prayer (Compline)

"Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God." - Luke 6:12

The hymns selected for Night Prayer (Compline) in the Divine Office draw upon the images of nightfall, darkness, sleep, and death to express Compline's themes: contrition of a sinful soul who desires to make peace with God, and petition for protection for "a peaceful night, and a perfect end".

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

33. O Christ, You Are the Light and Day

34. Lord Jesus Christ, Abide With Us

42. Day is Done
48. We Praise You, Father, for Your Gifts
49. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
50. This World, My God
51. Now at Daylight's Ending
52. All Praises to You, O God, This Night
53. The Master Came
99. When from the Darkness
184. O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
109. Christ the True Light of Us, True Morn
110. Now it is Evening
111. Lead Kindly Light
112. Abide With Me
113. The Day Thou Gavest
114. Now Thank We All Our God
115. Lord of All Hopefulness

Liturgical Guide: Evening Prayer (Vespers)

"And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone," - Matthew 14:23

The hymns selected for Evening Prayer (Vespers) in Divine Office reflect the principal theme of thanksgiving. Chapter 2:39 of the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours says of this of Evening Prayer: "When evening approaches and the day is already far spent, evening prayer is celebrated in order that 'we may give thanks for what has been given us, or what we have done well, during the day.' We also recall the redemption through the prayer we send up 'like incense in the Lord's sight,' and in which 'the raising up of our hands' becomes 'an evening sacrifice.' "

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
32. Now We Thank We All Our God
33. O Christ, You Are the Light and Day
34. Lord Jesus Christ, Abide With Us
35. The Setting Sun
36. O Father, Whose Creating Hand
37. For the Fruits of His Creation
38. When in His Own Image
39. At the Name of Jesus
40. Love Divine All Loves Excelling
41. Now Fades All Earthly Splendor
42. Day is Done
43. O Worship the King
44. Romans VIII (For Those Who Love God)
45. Let All Things Now Living
46. Father, We Thank Thee
47. We Plough the Fields and Scatter

182. O God, Our Help in Ages Past

184. O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Before We End Our Day, O Lord
Blest are the Pure in Heart
Blessed Be the Lord Our God
Christ be Near at Either Hand
Come, Praise the Lord the Almighty
Day is Done
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
In the Beginning God Created Heaven
O Light Serene of God the Father's Glory
O Strength and Stay, Upholding All Creation
O Trinity of Blessed Light
Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven
Praise to the Holiest
We Praise You, Father, for Your Gift
When God Filled the Earth with Life
When God Made Man, He Gave Him All the Earth

ROMAN BREVIARY
Caeli Deus Sanctissime
Hominis Superne Conditor
Immense Caeli Conditor
Lucis Creator Optime
Magnae Deus Potentiae
Plasmator Hominis Deus

Liturgical Guide: Morning Prayer (Lauds)

"In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed." - Mark 1:35

The hymns selected for Morning Prayer (Lauds) in Divine Office call to mind a threefold theme of resurrection: nature awakening at the dawn of a new day, our Savior rising from the dead, and the spiritual awaking of the human soul. Chapter 2:38 of the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours says of this of Morning Prayer: "Celebrated as it is as the light of a new day is dawning, this hour also recalls the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the true light enlightening all people (see Jn 1:9) and 'the sun of justice' (Mal 4:2), 'rising from on high' (Lk 1:78)."

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
1. On This Day, the First of Days
2. Brightness of the Father's Glory
3. Sion, Sing
4. Morning Has Broken
5. Darkness Has Faded
6. When Morning Fills the Sky
7. Lord Whose Love in Humble Service
8. Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
9. Sing with All the Sons of Glory
10. I Sing the Mighty Power of God
11. All You Nations
12. This Day God Gives Me
13. God Father, Praise and Glory
14. All Creatures of Our God and King
15. O God of Light
16. We Turn to You, O God
17. Christ is the World's Light
18. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
19. From All That Dwell Below the Skies (with Alleluias)
20. From All That Dwell Below the Skies
82. Sing Praise to Our Creator
91. With Hearts Renewed

131. All Hail, Adored Trinity

132. Holy, Holy, Holy

151. Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens, Adore Him

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
All People Who on Earth Do Dwell
Alone with None but Thee, My God
Christ is the World's Redeemer
Come, O Creator Spirit, Come
Father, We Praise You, Now the Night is Over
I Am the Holy Vine
It Were My Soul's Desire
Lord God, Your Light which Dims the Stars
Now that the Daylight Fills the Sky
O Christ the Light of Heaven
Sing All Creation, Sing to God in Gladness
The Day is Filled with Splendour
The Father's Glory, Christ Our Light
Transcendent God in Whom We Live
We Bless You, Father, Lord of Life

ROMAN BREVIARY
Aeterna Caeli Gloria
Aeterne Rerum Conditor
Ales Diei Nuntius
Aurora Iam Spargit Polum
Ecce Iam Noctis
Iam Lucis Orto Sidere
Lux Ecce Surgit Aurea
Nox et Tenebrae et Nubila
Sol Ecce Surgit Igneus
Splendor Paternae Gloriae

Liturgical Guide: Common of Doctors of the Church

The hymns selected for use in the Common of Doctors of the Church are sung on Feast Days that celebrate the holy men and women of the Church that have defended and explained in depth the truths of Catholic doctrine, and have lived lives that were a fitting witness to that faith. While their theological writings may be considered 'inspired' by the Holy Spirit and worthy of recommendation for teaching by the Church, they are not considered infallible. There are currently 35 declared Doctors of the Church.


Explanation of the Doctors of the Church by Jesuit Communications

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
31. Faith of Our Fathers
176. Rise Up, O Men of God
177. This is the Feast Day of the Lord's True Witness
178. Now, From the Heav'ns Descending
179. Now Let Us Praise

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
52. The Saints Who Toiled From Place to Place
53. Who Are These Like Stars Appearing?

Liturgical Guide: Common of the Dedication of a Church / Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica

Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome

The hymns selected for use with the Common of the Dedication of a Church are sung on Feast Days that celebrate the Dedications of Churches. For example, November 9 is the Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica. The Decree from the Rite of Dedication of a Church and an Altar (1977) begins by stating: "A church is the place where the Christian community is gathered to hear the word of God, to offer intercession and praise to him, and above all to celebrate the holy mysteries, and it is the place where the holy sacrament of the eucharist is kept. Thus it stands as a special kind of image of the Church itself, which is God’s temple built from living stones. And the altar of a church, around which the holy people of God gather to take part in the Lord’s sacrifice and to be refreshed at the heavenly meal, stands as a sign of Christ himself, who is the priest, the victim, and the altar of his own sacrifice."


St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church - Austin, Texas

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
154. Christ is Made Our Sure Foundation
155. The Church's One Foundation
178. Now, From the Heav'ns Descending

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
40. When Time Began, God Walked With Man
41. The Church's One Foundation

ROMAN BREVIARY
Alto Ex Olympi Vertice
Angularis Fundamentum
Caelestis Urbs Jerusalem
Urbs Beata Jerusalem


Presented by Fr. Reed of CatholicTV Network

Liturgical Guide: Baptism of the Lord

The Baptism of the Lord is the manifestation (or 'Epiphany') of Jesus as Messiah of Israel and Son of God. Beginning at paragraph #536, the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains it this way: "The baptism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and inauguration of his mission as God's suffering Servant... Already he is coming to 'fulfill all righteousness', that is, he is submitting himself entirely to his Father's will: out of love he consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins.... The Spirit whom Jesus possessed in fullness from his conception comes to 'rest on him'... At his baptism 'the heavens were opened' - the heavens that Adam's sin had closed - and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Spirit, a prelude to the new creation."

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
82. Sing Praise to Our Creator
83. When Jesus Comes to Be Baptized
84. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
When Jesus Comes to be Baptized

ROMAN BREVIARY
A Patre Unigenite
Implente Munus Debitum
Jesus Refulsit Omnium (Iesu Refulsit Omnium)


Commentary by Fr. James Kubicki of the Apostleship of Prayer

Jesus Refulsit Omnium (Iesu Refulsit Omnium)

Pius Redemptor Gentium

Jesus Refulsit Omnium, also known as Iesu Refulsit Omnium, is sung at Lauds on Epiphany in the Roman Breviary. It is one of the earliest hymns of the Western Church. It was composed by one of the great refuters of Arianism: St. Hilary (c.300-c.367), Bishop of Poitiers. He is a Doctor of the Church and is regarded as the earliest writer of Latin hymns. Inspired by St. Hilary, St. Ambrose of Milan (c.340-397) composed several hymns in his own efforts to counter the heresy.

JESUS REFLSIT OMNIUM

1. Jesus refulsit omnium
Pius redemptor gentium
Totum genus fidelium
Laudes celebret dramatum

2. Quem stella natum fulgida
Monstrat micans per author
Magosque duxit praevia
Ipsius ad cunabula

3. Illi cadentes parvulum
Pannis adorant obsitum
Verum fatentur ut Deum
Munus ferendo mysticum.

Implente Munus Debitum

Ioanne, Rerum Conditor

Implente Munus Debitum is sung at 2nd Vespers (Evening Prayer) and with the Officium Lectionis (Office of Readings) in the Roman Breviary on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, Milan (Ambrosian Rite)

IMPLENTE MANUS DEBITUM

1. Implente munus debitum
Ioanne, rerum conditor
Iordane mersus hac die
aquas lavando diluit,

2. Non ipse mundari volens
de ventre natus Virginis,
peccata sed mortalium
suo lavacro tollere.

3. Dicente Patre quod "meus
dilectus hic est Filius",
sumente Sancto Spiritu
formam columbæ cælitus,

4. Hoc mystico sub nomine
micat salus Ecclesiæ;
Persona trina commanet
unus Deus per omnia.

5. O Christe, vita, veritas,
tibi sit omnis gloria,
quem Patris atque Spiritus
splendor revelat cælitus.

A Patre Unigenite

Ad Nos Venit Per Virginem

A Patre Unigenite is sung at 1st Vespers in the Roman Breviary on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This anonymous Latin hymn is believed to have been composed some time be­tween the 10th and 13th Cen­tu­ries.


Performed by: Schola Gregoriana Monostorinensis

A PATRE UNIGENITE

1. A Patre Unigenite,
ad nos venis per Virginem,
baptismi rore consecrans
cunctos, fide regenerans. 

2. De cælo celsus prodiens
excipis formam hominis,
facturam morte redimens,
gaudia vitæ largiens. 

3. Hoc te, Redemptor, quæsumus:
illabere propitius,
clarumque nostris cordibus
lumen præbe deificum.

4. Mane nobiscum, Domine,
noctem obscuram remove,
omne delictum ablue,
pie medelam tribue.

5. O Christe, vita, veritas,
tibi sit omnis gloria,
quem Patris atque Spiritus
splendor revelat cælitus.

Liturgical Guide: Epiphany

The Epiphany of Our Lord is an ancient feast with it's origins in the Eastern Church. Beginning at paragraph #528, the Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of it this way: "Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East,... In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament."

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
3. Sion, Sing
11. All You Nations
81. As with Gladness Men of Old
84. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Bethlehem of Noblest Cities
Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

ROMAN BREVIARY
Hostis Herodes Impie / Crudelis Herodes, Deum
O Sola Magnarum Urbium


Commentary by Fr. James Kubicki of the Apostleship of Prayer

Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The hymns selected for use in the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary are sung on Marian Feast Days and Our Lady's optional Memorial on Saturdays. Beginning at paragraph #508, the Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes the Church's teaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary this way: "From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. 'Full of grace', Mary is 'the most excellent fruit of redemption': from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life. Mary is truly 'Mother of God' since she is the mother of the eternal Son of God made man, who is God himself. Mary 'remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin in giving birth to him, a virgin in carrying him, a virgin in nursing him at her breast, always a virgin' with her whole being she is 'the handmaid of the Lord'. The Virgin Mary 'cooperated through free faith and obedience in human salvation'. She uttered her yes 'in the name of all human nature' By her obedience she became the new Eve, mother of the living."

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
73. Virgin-Born, We Bow Before You
79. Joy to You
80. O Mary, of All Women
156. Mary, Crowned with Living Light
157. Mary Immaculate, Star of the Morning
158. Holy Mary, Now We Crown You
159. Mother of Christ
160. Hail, This Festival Day
161. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary
162. Hail, Holy Queen (Deiss)
163. The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky
164. Mother of Holy Hope
165. Mary the Dawn
166. Praise to Mary, Heaven's Gate
167. Queen of Heaven

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

ROMAN BREVIARY
O Gloriosa Domina
O Gloriosa Virginum
Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera
Quem Terra, Pontus, Sidera


Part 1 - Excerpt from The Footprints of God: Mary by Stephen K. Ray


Part 2 - Excerpt from the The Footprints of God: Mary by Stephen K. Ray 

Liturgical Guide: Common of Apostles

The hymns selected for use with the Common of Apostles are sung on Feast Days of Apostles. Paragraph #858 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church says this concerning the Apostles: "Jesus is the Father's Emissary. From the beginning of his ministry, he 'called to him those whom he desired;...and he appointed twelve, whom also he named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach.' From then on, they would also be his 'emissaries' (Greek apostoloi). In them, Christ continues his own mission: 'As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.' The apostles' ministry is the continuation of his mission; Jesus said to the Twelve: 'he who receives you receives me.'"



LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
106. This I Ask (John 15)
168. The Eternal Gifts of Christ the King
169. Now Let the Heav'ns Resound with Praise

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Let All On Earth Their Voices Raise
O Fathers of Our Ancient Faith

ROMAN BREVIARY
Claro Paschali Gaudio
Exsúltet Cælum Láudibus (Now Let the Heav'ns Resound with Praise)
Exultet Caelum Laudibus (Let All on Earth Their Voices Raise)
Exsultet Orbis Gaudiis (Now Let the Heav'ns Resound with Praise)
Exsultet Orbis Gaudiis (Let All on Earth Their Voices Raise)
Paschale Mundo Gaudium
Tristes Erant Apostoli