Liturgical Guide: Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

PROPER OF SAINTS - The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated every October 7, the anniversary of the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, which saw the Holy League, a coalition of European Catholic maritime states arranged by Pope Pius V win a pivotal and decisive navel victory over the Ottoman fleet. The victory is associated with Our Lady because Pius V  had led a special Rosary procession through Rome and called on the all the faithful to pray the Rosary for victory. Originally called the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, the Feast Day was eventually extended to the General Roman Calendar in 1716.

The Rosary has a special relationship with the Liturgy of the Hours. Sometimes referred to as 'Our Lady’s Psalter', the 150 Hail Marys of the traditional 15 decade Rosary correspond to the 150 Psalms of the Psalter. Beginning in the late Middle Ages, the devotion was encouraged by the Church especially among the laity and illiterate as a means of uniting themselves in the daily prayer life of the Church.

Paragraph #971 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains why the Church honours the Blessed Virgin with such devotion: "This very special devotion differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration. The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary (an epitome of the whole Gospel), express this devotion to the Virgin Mary." John Paul II in his 2002 encylical Rosarium Virginis Mariae further expounds: "the Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer". It is "a compendium of the Gospel" in which we are "praying to Christ with Mary".

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
Caelestis Aulae Nuntius
In Monte Olivis Consito
Iam Morte, Victor, Obruta
Te Gestientem Gaudiis

Reflection by the Apostleship of Prayer

Liturgical Guide: Feast of Holy Guardian Angels

Painting by Melchior Paul von Deschwanden - Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - The Feast of Guardian Angels is celebrated on October 2. It was added to the Roman Calendar in 1608 by Pope Paul V. Paragraph #336 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states this regarding Guardian Angels: "From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. 'Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life' - St. Basil. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God."


Apostleship of Prayer

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)

151. Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens, Adore Him

152. They Come, God's Messengers of Love

153. You Holy Angels Bright

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
They Come, God's Messengers of Love

ROMAN BREVIARY
Aeterne Rector Siderum
Custodes Hominum Psallimus Angelos

Liturgical Guide: Solemnity of All Saints

15th Century Altarpiece by Jan Van Eyck; Ghent, Belgium - Wikipedia

The hymns chosen for the Solemnity of All Saints emphasize our Communion with the Saints. Although, as Paragraph #960 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) points out: "The Church is a "communion of saints" (Acts 9:13; 1 Cor 6:1; 16:1), the term "communion of saints" also refers to the communion of "holy persons" in Christ who "died for all" (CCC #961). Therefore: "It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the People of God itself" (CCC #957).


Reflection by the Apostleship of Prayer

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
31. Faith of Our Fathers
44. Romans VIII (For Those Who Love God)
172. For All the Saints
180. The Beatitudes
181. Blest Are the Pure in Heart

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
O Fair is Our Lord's Own City
The Father's Holy Ones

ROMAN BREVIARY
Salutis Aeternae Dator (Giver of Life, Eternal Lord)
Placare, Christe, Servulis (O Christ, Thy Guilty People Spare!)

Liturgical Guide: Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael; Archangels

c. 1450 Painting by the 'Master of Pratovecchio' - Courtesy of Wikipedia

The hymns chosen for the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael; Archangels proclaim with the Church that the existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith which is in complete unanimity with Sacred Tradition. Beginning at Paragraph #329, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says this concerning Angels: "Who are they? St. Augustine says: "'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit', from what they do, 'angel.'" With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they "always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven" they are the "mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word - Matt. 18:10".


Reflection by the Apostleship of Prayer

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
151. Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens, Adore Him
152. They Come, God's Messengers of Love
153. You Holy Angels Bright

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
Angels of God, You See the Father's Face

ROMAN BREVIARY
Christe, Sanctorum
Te Splendor et Virtus Patris
Tibi Christe Splendor Patris

Liturgical Guide: Exaltation of the Holy Cross

15th c. Altarpiece of St. Helena; Aragon, Spain - Wikipedia

The hymns selected for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (also known as the Triumph of the Cross) honour the Cross on which Our Lord died out of love for us, and through his death on the Cross - brings Salvation to the world. Celebrated on September 14th, the date for this public veneration of the Cross marks the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 4th century. It is built upon the spot that St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, discovered a portion of the True Cross.


Reflection by the Apostleship of Prayer

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
102. Hail, Redeemer, King Divine
126. The Head That Once Was Crowned with Thorns
150. O Cross of Christ Immortal Tree

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
O Cross of Christ Immortal Tree

ROMAN BREVIARY
Crux Fidelis

Liturgical Guide: Office of the Dead / Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

The hymns selected for use in the Office of the Dead and the Feast of All Souls express the Church's hope in Christ’s victory over death and in each Christian’s share in that victory. Paragraph 958 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains Communion with the Dead in this way: "In full consciousness of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, the Church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and because it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins she offers her suffrages for them. Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective." The Office for the Dead is believed to have come into practice no early than the 7th or 8th century, but scholars are divided on it's exact origins. It is the proper Office for All Soul's Day (Nov. 2). It can also be used as a Votive Office, an optional devotion outside of the regular Liturgical calendar that can be prayed (except on Solemnities, Sundays in Advent, Lent, and Easter, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, the Octave of Easter, and All Soul's Day) for a deceased loved one, religious, or member of community etc. at appropriate times, such as the day of death, funeral, or anniversary of death.


Reflection by the Apostleship of Prayer. See: Lumen Gentium (VII:49)

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
98. Keep in Mind
106. This I Ask (John 15)

113. In the Midst of Death (We Who Were Once Dead)

114. I Am the Bread of Life

120. Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Wesley)
139. Come to Me
172. For All the Saints
175. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
184. O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine
185. May Flights of Angels Lead You On Your Way

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
61. Remember Those, O Lord
62. Merciful Saviour, Hear Our Humble Prayer

Liturgical Guide: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Painting by José de Ribera - Courtesy of Wikipedia

The hymns sung on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul speak to us of the fidelity of the Apostles to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and their unwavering dedication to "bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). As early as the 3rd century, there is evidence that a feast day honouring the martyrdom in Rome of both saints was already well established. The date is believed to be the anniversary of either their deaths or the translation of their relics. In his 2005 Homily on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Benedict XVI said: "The Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is at the same time a grateful memorial of the great witnesses of Jesus Christ and a solemn confession for the Church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic. It is first and foremost a feast of catholicity. ...Catholicity does not only express a horizontal dimension, the gathering of many people in unity, but also a vertical dimension: it is only by raising our eyes to God, by opening ourselves to him, that we can truly become one."


Reflection by the Apostleship of Prayer

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
106. This I Ask (John 15)
147. What Fairer Light
168. The Eternal Gifts of Christ the King

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
What Fairer Light

ROMAN BREVIARY (1962)
Decora Lux
Beate Pastor

Liturgical Guide: Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Painting by Rogier van der Weyden - Courtesy of Wikipedia

The hymns used in the Liturgy of the Hours for the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist speak of his role in Salvation History as the precursor of the Lord. It is one of the oldest feast days of the Church, already well established by the 6th century. Paragraph #523 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church says this about John the Baptist: "John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last. He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his mother's womb he welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in being 'the friend of the bridegroom', whom he points out as 'the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world'".


Reflection by the Apostleship of Prayer

LITURGY OF THE HOURS (1975)
57. Be Consoled, My People
146. The Great Forerunner of the Morn

DIVINE OFFICE (1974)
God Called Great Prophets

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


Produced by the Apostleship of Prayer

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. 


Produced by Imagine Sisters

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.


Produced by Busted Halo

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


Produced by Mysteries of the Church

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


Produced by Mysteries of the Church

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

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