Office of Readings
For the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians): Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The texts are given after the texts for the universal Church.
In the Congregation of Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ: the Solemnity of the Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (translated from July 1). The appropriate texts are given below.
INVITATORY
The Invitatory is said when this is the first ‘hour’ of the day.Lord, + open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Psalm 95
A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: †
Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness, *
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
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, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
The God whom earth and sea and sky
Adore and praise and magnify,
Whose might they own, whose praise they tell,
In Mary’s body deigned to dwell.
O Mother blest, the chosen shrine
Wherein the Architect divine,
Whose hand contains the earth and sky,
Vouchsafed in hidden guide to lie:
Blest in the message Gabriel brought;
Blest in the work the Spirit wrought;
More blest, to bring to human birth
The long-desired of all the earth.
O Lord, the virgin-born, to thee
Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore.
Melody: Eisenach L.M.
Music: Johann H. Schein, 1586-1630
Text: Venantius Fortunatus, 530-609
Translation: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Whoever humbles himself, like a little child, will be greater in the kingdom of heaven.
Psalm 131Childlike trust in God
Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29).
O Lord, my heart is not proud
*nor haughty my eyes.
I have not gone after things too great
*nor marvels beyond me.
Truly I have set my soul
*in silence and peace.
As a child has rest in its mother’s arms,
*even so my soul.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
*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, gentle and humble of heart, you declared that whoever receives a little child in your name receives you, and you promised your kingdom to those who are like children. Never let pride reign in our hearts, but may the Father’s compassion reward and embrace all who willingly bear your gentle yoke.
Ant. Whoever humbles himself, like a little child, will be greater in the kingdom of heaven.
Ant.2 With simplicity of heart, I have joyfully offered everything to you, my God.
Psalm 132God’s promises to the house of David
The Lord God will give to him the throne of David his father (Luke 1:32).
I
O Lord, remember David
*and all the many hardships he endured,
the oath he swore to the Lord,
*his vow to the Strong One of Jacob.
“I will not enter the house where I live
*nor go to the bed where I rest.
I will give no sleep to my eyes,
*to my eyelids I will give no slumber
till I find a place for the Lord,
*a dwelling for the Strong One of Jacob.”
At Ephrathah we heard of the ark;
*we found it in the plains of Yearim.
“Let us go to the place of his dwelling;
*let us go to kneel at his footstool.”
Go up, Lord, to the place of your rest,
*you and the ark of your strength.
Your priests shall be clothed with holiness:
*your faithful shall ring out their joy.
For the sake of David your servant
*do not reject your anointed.
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. With simplicity of heart, I have joyfully offered everything to you, my God.
Ant. 3 The Lord has sworn an oath to David; his kingdom will stand for ever.
II
The Lord swore an oath to David;
*he will not go back on his word:
“A son, the fruit of your body,
*will I set upon your throne.
If they keep my covenant in truth
*and my laws that I have taught them,
their sons also shall rule
*on your throne from age to age.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion;
*he has desired it for his dwelling:
“This is my resting place for ever,
*here have I chosen to live.
I will greatly bless her produce,
*I will fill her poor with bread.
I will clothe her priests with salvation
*and her faithful shall ring out their joy.
There David’s stock will flower:
*I will prepare a lamp for my anointed.
I will cover his enemies with shame
*but on him my crown shall shine.”
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 chose to suffer and be overwhelmed by death in order to open the gates of death in triumph. Stay with us to help us on our pilgrimage; free us from all evil by the power of your resurrection. In the company of your saints, and constantly remembering your love for us, may we sing of your wonders in our Father’s house.
Ant. The Lord has sworn an oath to David; his kingdom will stand for ever.
Come, consider the works of the Lord.
– The marvels he has created on this earth.
READINGS
FIRST READING
[In view of the omission of yesterday’s continuous reading on account of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the following reading may precede today’s, in accordance with the GILH ¶249:
From the book of Job
40:1-14; 42:1-6
Job submits himself to the divine majesty
The Lord said to Job:
Will we have arguing with the Almighty by the critic?
Let him who would correct God give answer!
Then Job answered the Lord and said:
Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again;
though twice, I will do so no more.
Then the Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said:
Gird up your loins now, like a man.
I will question you, and you tell me the answers!
Would you refuse to acknowledge my right?
Would you condemn me that you may be justified?
Have you an arm like that of God,
or can you thunder with a voice like his?
Adorn yourself with grandeur and majesty,
and array yourself with glory and splendor.
Let loose the fury of your wrath;
tear down the wicked and shatter them.
Bring down the haughty with a glance;
bury them in the dust together;
in the hidden world imprison them.
Then will I too acknowledge
that your own right hand can save you.
Then Job answered the Lord and said:
I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be hindered.
I have dealt with great things that I do not understand;
things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know.
I had heard of you by word of mouth,
but now my eye has seen you.
Therefore I disown what I have said,
and repent in dust and ashes.]
42:7-16
Job is justified by God and his enemies are refuted
And it came to pass after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and with your two friends; for you have not spoken rightly concerning me, as has my servant Job. Now, therefore, take seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up a holocaust for yourselves; and let my servant Job pray for you; for his prayer I will accept, not to punish you severely. For you have not spoken rightly concerning me, as has my servant Job.”
Then Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, went and did as the Lord had commanded them. And the Lord accepted the intercession of Job.
Also, the Lord restored the prosperity of Job, after he had prayed for his friends; the Lord even gave to Job twice as much as he had before. Then all his brethren and his sisters came to him, and all his former acquaintances, and they dined with him in his house. They condoled with him and comforted him for all the evil which the Lord had brought upon him; and each one gave him a piece of money and a gold ring.
Thus the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his earlier ones. For he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses.
And he had seven sons and three daughters, of whom he called the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. In all the land no other women were as beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brethren. After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren.
Then Job died, old and full of years.
RESPONSORY
See Job 42:7, 8
The Lord said to Eliphaz:
you and your friends have not spoken truthfully of me
as has my servant Job;
– he will pray for you.
I shall hear his prayer
and forgive you your foolishness in speaking against me.
– He will pray for you.
SECOND READING
From a sermon by Saint Laurence Justinian, bishop
(Sermo 8, in festo Purificationis B.M.V.: Opera, 2, Venetiis 1751, 38-39)
Mary stored up all these things in her heart
While Mary contemplated all she had come to know through reading, listening and observing, she grew in faith, increased in merits, and was more illuminated by wisdom and more consumed by the fire of charity. The heavenly mysteries were opened to her, and she was filled with joy; she became fruitful by the Spirit, was being directed toward God, and watched over protectively while on earth.
So remarkable are the divine graces that they elevate one from the lowest depths to the highest summit, and transform one to a greater holiness. How entirely blessed was the mind of the Virgin which, through the indwelling and guidance of the Spirit, was always and in every way open to the power of the Word of God. She was not led by her own senses, nor by her own will; thus she accomplished outwardly through her body what wisdom from within gave to her faith.
It was fitting for divine Wisdom, which created itself a home in the Church, to use the intervention of the most blessed Mary in guarding the law, purifying the mind, giving an example of humility and providing a spiritual sacrifice.
Imitate her, O faithful soul. Enter into the deep recesses of your heart so that you may be purified spiritually and cleansed from your sins. God places more value on good will in all we do than on the works themselves.
Therefore, whether we give ourselves to God in the work of contemplation or whether we serve the needs of our neighbor by good works, we accomplish these things because the love of Christ urges us on. The acceptable offering of the spiritual purification is accomplished not in a man-made temple but in the recesses of the heart where the Lord Jesus freely enters.
RESPONSORY
O pure and holy virgin,
how can I find words to praise your beauty?
– The highest heavens cannot contain God whom you carried in your womb.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
– The highest heavens cannot contain God whom you carried in your womb.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Father,
you prepared the heart of the Virgin Mary
to be a fitting home for your Holy Spirit.
By her prayers
may we become a more worthy temple of your glory.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
Or:
O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit
in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
graciously grant that through her intercession
we may be a worthy temple of your glory.
Through 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.
ACCLAMATION
Let us praise the Lord.
– And give him thanks.
In the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians), the following office for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart is prayed:
INVITATORY
The Invitatory may be said for the first ‘hour’ recited in the day.
Lord,
+ open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
Psalm 95A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord
* and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving
* and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
The Lord is God, the mighty God,
* the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth
* and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him,
* the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship
* bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people,
* the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: †
Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness, *
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
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. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
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.
HYMN
The God whom earth and sea and sky
Adore and praise and magnify,
Whose might they own, whose praise they tell,
In Mary’s body deigned to dwell.
O Mother blest! the chosen shrine
Wherein the Architect divine,
Whose hand contains the earth and sky,
Vouchsafed in hidden guide to lie:
Blest in the message Gabriel brought;
Blest in the work the Spirit wrought;
More blest, to bring to human birth
The long-desired of all the earth.
O Lord, the Virgin-born, to thee
Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore.
Melody: EisenachMusic: Johann H. Schein, 1586-1630Text: Venantius Fortunatus, 530-609Translator: J. M. Neale, 1818-1866
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Mary, innocent and pure of heart, received the blessing of the Lord.
Psalm 24
The Lord’s entry into his temple
Christ opened heaven for us in the manhood he assumed (Saint Iranaeus).
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, *
the world and all its peoples.
It is he who set it on the seas; *
on the waters he made it firm.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? *
Who shall stand in his holy place?
The man with clean hands and pure heart, †
who desires not worthless things, *
who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbor.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord *
and reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the men who seek him, *
seek the face of the God of Jacob.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Who is the king of glory? †
The Lord, the mighty, the valiant, *
the Lord, the valiant in war.
O gates, lift high your heads; †
grow higher, ancient doors. *
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Who is he, the king of glory? †
He, the Lord of armies, *
he is the king of glory.
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 your Son was unjustly condemned, Lord God, and surrounded by the impious, he cried to you, and you set him free. Watch over your people as the treasure of your heart and guide their steps along safe paths that they may see your face.
Ant. Mary, innocent and pure of heart, received the blessing of the Lord.
Ant. 2 Rejoice Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Psalm 46
God our refuge and strength
He shall be called Emmanuel, which means: God-with-us (Matthew 1:23).
God is for us a refuge and strength, *
a helper close at hand, in time of distress:
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock, *
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea,
even though its waters rage and foam, *
even though the mountains be shaken by its waves.
The Lord of hosts is with us: *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, *
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within, it cannot be shaken; *
God will help it at the dawning of the day.
Nations are in tumult, kingdoms are shaken: *
he lifts his voice, the earth shrinks away.
The Lord of hosts is with us: *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come, consider the works of the Lord, *
the redoubtable deeds he has done on the earth.
He puts an end to wars over all the earth; †
the bow he breaks, the spear he snaps. *
He burns the shields with fire.
“Be still and know that I am God, *
supreme among the nations, supreme on the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us: *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
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
All-powerful Father, the refuge and strength of your people, you protect in adversity and defend in prosperity those who put their trust in you. May they persevere in seeking your will and find their way to you through obedience.
Ant. Rejoice Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Ant. 3 With all generations we proclaim you blessed, Virgin Mary.
Psalm 87
Jerusalem is mother of us all
The heavenly Jerusalem is a free woman; she is our mother (Galatians 4:26).
On the holy mountain is his city *
cherished by the Lord.
The Lord prefers the gates of Zion *
to all Jacob’s dwellings.
Of you are told glorious things, *
O city of God!
“Babylon and Egypt I will count *
among those who know me;
Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia, *
these will be her children
and Zion shall be called ‘Mother’ *
for all shall be her children.”
It is he, the Lord Most High, *
who gives each his place.
In his register of peoples he writes: *
“These are her children,”
and while they dance they will sing: *
“In you all find their home.”
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, your only Son wept over ancient Jerusalem, soon to be destroyed for its lack of faith. He established the new Jerusalem firmly upon rock and made it the mother of the faithful. Make us rejoice in your Church, and grant that all people may be reborn into the freedom of your Spirit.
Ant. With all generations we proclaim you blessed, Virgin Mary.
How blessed you are, Virgin Mary.
– Because you carried within you the Lord, the Creator of the universe.
READINGS
FIRST READING
From the book of Proverbs 8:22-36
Mary, the throne of wisdom
The Lord begot me, the ?rst-born of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; from of old I was poured forth, at the ?rst, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet the earth and the ?elds were not made, nor the ?rst clods of the world.
When he established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; when he made ?rm the skies above, when he ?xed fast the foundations of the earth; when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while, playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the sons of men. “So now, O children, listen to me; instruction and wisdom do not reject! Happy the man who obeys me, and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts; for he who ?nds me ?nds life, and wins favor from the Lord; but he who misses me harms himself all who hate me love death.
RESPONSORY Zephaniah 3: 14, 15
Shout for joy, daughter of Zion; sing joyfully, O Israel;
– Be glad and exalt with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem.
The Lord your God is in your midst.
– Be glad and exalt with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem.
SECOND READING
From the Letters of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, bishop(Selected Spiritual Writings, Vol 3, pgs. 584-588, 593)
The Heart of Mary, the temple of the Holy Spirit
I have just received your most welcome letter in which you ask me to say something that will help you grow daily in devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Dear friend, you could not ask me to do anything more to my liking. I only wish that all Christians had such a hunger and thirst for this devotion. Love Mary, my friend, and love her very much.
God is wont to give grace to each creature according to the end for which He destines it. Now as God destined Mary to be the Mother, Daughter and Spouse of God Himself we may infer how great a Heart He gave her and with what great graces He adorned her.
There are two aspects which we must consider in Mary’s Heart, namely, her material heart and her formal heart, which is her love and will.
The Heart of Mary combines all these properties and more besides: 1) The Heart of Mary was not only a living member of Jesus Christ through faith and charity, but was also the origin and spring from which His humanity was taken. 2) The Heart ofMa1y was a temple of the Holy Spirit, and more than a temple, from the most precious blood that ?owed from this Immaculate Heart, the Holy Spirit formed the Sacred Humanity in the most pure and virginal womb of Mary, in the great mystery of the Incarnation 3) The Heart ofMa1y has been the organ of virtues in a heroic degree, and singularly in charity toward God and toward men. The Heart of Mary is at this very moment a living and animate heart, lifted up to the sublimed height of glory. 5) The Heart of Mary is the throne from which all graces and mercies are dispensed.
Therefore, my friend, after Jesus, we must put all our trust and hope of our eternal salvation in her. O, happy is he who calls upon Mary, who turns to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with trust, for he will obtain the pardon of his sins, however many and grave they may be. He will obtain grace and ?nally the glory of heaven which I heartily desire for you and for all.
REPONSORY
Blessed are you, Virgin Mary, and worthy of all praise,
by your faith and love Christ was formed in your Heart.
– Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Blessed are you, Virgin Mary,
you bore the Son of the eternal Father.
– Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Alternative:
Apostolic Exhortation Marialis Cultus of Pope Paul VI, on devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary(nos. 17 and 18).Mary is the attentive and praying Virgin
Mary is the attentive Virgin, who receives the word of God with faith, that faith which in her case was the gateway and path to divine motherhood, for, as Saint Augustine realized, “Blessed Mary by believing conceived Him [Jesus] whom believing she brought forth.” In fact, when she received from the angel the answer to her doubt , "full of faith, and conceiving Christ in her mind before conceiving Him in her womb, she said, ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord, let what you have said be done to me’.” It was faith that was for her the cause of blessedness and certainty in the fulfillment of the promise: “Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled”. Similarly, it was faith with which she, who played a part in the Incarnation and was a unique witness to it, thinking back on the events of the infancy of Christ, meditated upon these events in her heart. The Church also acts in this way, especially in the liturgy, when with faith she listens, accepts, proclaims and venerates the word of God, distributes it to the faithful as the bread of life and in the light of that word examines the signs of the times and interprets and lives the events of history.
Mary is also the Virgin in prayer. She appears as such in the visit to the mother of the precursor, when she pours out her soul in expressions glorifying God, and expressions of humility, faith and hope. This prayer is the Magnificat, Mary’s prayer par excellence, the song of the messianic times in which there mingles the joy of the ancient and the new Israel. As St. Irenaeus seems to suggest, it is in Mary’s canticle that there was heard once more the rejoicing of Abraham who foresaw the Messiah (cf. Jn. 8:56) and there rang out in prophetic anticipation the voice of the Church: “In her exultation Mary prophetically declared in the name of the Church: ‘My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. . . ’ ” And in fact Mary’s hymn has spread far and wide and has become the prayer of the whole Church in all ages.
At Cana, Mary appears once more as the Virgin in prayer: when she tactfully told her Son of a temporal need, she also obtained an effect of grace, namely, that Jesus, in working the first of His “signs,” confirmed His disciples’ faith in Him.
Likewise, the last description of Mary’s life presents her as praying. The apostles “joined in continuous prayer, together with several women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” We have here the prayerful presence of Mary in the early Church and in the Church throughout all ages, for, having been assumed into heaven, she has not abandoned her mission of intercession and salvation. The title Virgin in prayer also fits the Church, which day by day presents to the Father the needs of her children, “praises the Lord unceasingly and intercedes for the salvation of the world.”
RESPONSORY
Luke I: 45-46; cf. Psalm 66: 16
Blessed are you, Virgin Mary,
you believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be ful?lled.
Mary said,
– my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
Come and hear, and I will recount what God has done for me.
– My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death,
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
R. Govern and uphold them now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you.
R. We praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope:
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The final part of the hymn may be omitted
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Lord, our God,
you chose Mary ever Virgin
to be the Mother of your Son and our Mother.
May we, by our offering of ourselves to her motherly Heart,
configure ourselves more fully with Christ,
and moved by her love,
dedicate ourselves with greater generosity
to the proclamation of the Gospel to all peoples.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
Or:
Lord God,
you chose Mary to be the Mother of your Son and our Mother.
Grant that, by faithful dedication to her maternal Heart,
we may be more fully conformed with Christ and,
driven by his love,
devote ourselves more generously
to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
ACCLAMATION
Let us praise the Lord.
– And give him thanks.
In the Congregation of Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ: the following office of the Solemnity of the Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (translated from July 1) is prayed:
INVITATORY
The Invitatory may be said for the first ‘hour’ recited in the day.
Lord,
+ open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
Psalm 95A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord
* and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving
* and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
The Lord is God, the mighty God,
* the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth
* and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him,
* the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship
* bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people,
* the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:
†Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness,
*when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me,
*Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
Forty years I endured that generation.
*I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger,
* “They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
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. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
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
HYMN
Created for the glory of your name,
redeemed by your blood on the cross,
signed by the seal of your Spirit,
we beseech you: save us, O Lord!
You break the bonds of guilt,
protect the meek and free the oppressed.
You lead the people who believe in your love
to the restful meadows in heaven.
Praise and honor to you, good shepherd,
radiant beam of the eternal light,
who live with the Father and the Holy Spirit
in glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Here I am; your commands for me are written in the scroll. To do your will is my delight.
Psalm 2The Messiah, king and conqueror
The rulers of the earth joined forces to overthrow Jesus, your anointed Son (Acts 4:27).
Why this tumult among nations,
*among peoples this useless murmuring?
They arise, the kings of the earth,
*princes plot against the Lord and his Anointed.
“Come let us break their fetters,
*come, let us cast off their yoke.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
*the Lord is laughing them to scorn.
Then he will speak in his anger,
*his rage will strike them with terror.
“It is I who have set up my king
*on Zion, my holy mountain.”
I will announce the decree of the Lord:
The Lord said to me: “You are my Son.
It is I who have begotten you this day.
*Ask and I shall bequeath you the nations,
put the ends of the earth in your possession.
†With a rod of iron you will break them,
*shatter them like a potter’s jar.”
Now, O kings, understand,
*take warning, rulers of the earth;
serve the Lord with awe
*and trembling, pay him your homage
lest he be angry and you perish;
*for suddenly his anger will blaze.
Blessed are they
*who put their trust in God.
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 gave the peoples of the world as the inheritance of your only Son; you crowned him as King of Zion, your holy city, and gave him your Church to be his Bride. As he proclaims the law of your eternal kingdom, may we serve him faithfully, and so share his royal power for ever.
Ant. Here I am; your commands for me are written in the scroll. To do your will is my delight.
Ant. 2 He was pierced for our sins. By his wounds we were healed.
Psalm 3I am safe in the Lord’s keeping
Christ fell asleep in death, but he rose from the dead, for God was his deliverer (Saint Irenaeus).
How many are my foes, O Lord!
*How many are rising up against me!
How many are saying about me:
*“There is no help for him in God.”
But you, Lord, are a shield about me,
*my glory, who lift up my head.
I cry aloud to the Lord.
*He answers from his holy mountain.
I lie down to rest and I sleep.
*I wake, for the Lord upholds me.
I will not fear even thousands of people
*who are ranged on every side against me.
Arise, Lord; save me, my God,
*you who strike all my foes on the mouth,
you who break the teeth of the wicked!
*O Lord of salvation, bless your people!
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 heard the cry of your Son when he was oppressed and saved him from the sleep of death. Arise, Lord, help your Church. Be its shield so that it may hold up its head and radiate the glory of the resurrection.
Ant. He was pierced for our sins. By his wounds we were healed.
Ant. 3 I will pour out upon the house of David a spirit of grace and of consolation; they will look upon him whom they have pierced.
Psalm 16The Lord himself is my heritage
The Father raised up Jesus, freeing him from the grip of death (Acts 2:24).
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
†I say to the Lord: “You are my God.
*My happiness lies in you alone.”
He has put into my heart a marvelous love
*for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.
Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.
†Never will I offer their offerings of blood.
*Never will I take their name upon my lips.
O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
*it is you yourself who are my prize.
The lot marked out for me is my delight:
*welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me!
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,
*who even at night directs my heart.
I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
*since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;
*even my body shall rest in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead,
*nor let your beloved know decay.
You will show me the path of life,
†the fullness of joy in your presence,
*at your right hand happiness 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, uphold those who hope in you and give us your counsel, so that we may know the joy of your resurrection and deserve to be among the saints at your right hand.
Ant. I will pour out upon the house of David a spirit of grace and of consolation; they will look upon him whom they have pierced.
You have redeemed us, Lord, with your blood.
– And have made us a kingdom for our God.
READINGS
FIRST READING
From the letter to the Hebrews9:11–22; 10:9–24
Christ seals the new covenant with his blood
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come to be, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation, he entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer’s ashes can sanctify those who are defiled so that their flesh is cleansed, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God. For this reason he is mediator of a new covenant: since a death has taken place for deliverance from transgressions under the first covenant, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. Now where there is a will, the death of the testator must be established. For a will takes effect only at death; it has no force while the testator is alive. Thus not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. When every commandment had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves [and goats], together with water and crimson wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is ‘the blood of the covenant which God has enjoined upon you.’ ” In the same way, he sprinkled also the tabernacle and all the vessels of worship with blood. According to the law almost everything is purified by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Therefore, brothers, since through the blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, and since we have “a great priest over the house of God,” let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.
RESPONSORY cf. Ephesians 2: 13–14
You who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ.
– For he is our peace, he who made both one.
It pleased God to reconcile all things to himself through him.
– For he is our peace, he who made both one.
SECOND READING
From the writings of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, priest(“Some Reflections on the Confraternity of the Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,” respectfully submitted to Pope Leo XIII: Scritti del Fondatore, vol. XII, ff. 80–81)
In the devotion to the Precious Blood we go to the heart of our faith
It cannot be denied that God, always rich in mercy, has at all times used efficacious means to recall souls to the study of Christ crucified and to apply to all the divine Blood of redemption. The first centuries of the Church were fruitful in martyrs; the following centuries witnessed sporadic attacks on one or the other doctrine of the Church, and lack of appreciation of some of her traditions and practices on the part of one or other segment of the Catholic world. In our miserable times, however, the crisis among the people is a general one. The perversion of faith and morals offers insult to the redemption and renders useless, because of human malice, the application of the merits of Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us at the price of his Blood. Consequently, is it not time to stir up our apostolic zeal and follow the light given to souls especially favored by God in order to recall to the minds of people the inestimable price of our redemption and excite them to penance and tears? Does not Sacred Scripture itself trace for us this reform by making peace through the Blood of his cross for those in heaven as well as those on earth? Does not divine Wisdom say that those justified by his Blood shall be saved from God’s wrath?
It is not enough merely to pronounce the name of God to be saved: None of those who cry out Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Two things, therefore, must be taken care of in our day. We must, first of all, find a way of placating the eternal, divine Father. For that purpose we have the merits of the divine Blood: The cup of salvation I will take up. Secondly, we must seek its effective application to souls, especially by means of missions and spiritual retreats, as well as other salutary religious activities adapted to the needs of the times. These were exactly the reasons which moved the holy Pontiff Pius VII to erect an Arch-confraternity under the august title of the Divine Blood. Sinners are abusing it terribly, and the Lord in the excess of his love is saying: What gain is there from my Blood? There should be dedicated persons who, by means of solemn worship, provide adoration and reparation, and at the same time preach to the people the glories of the divine Blood, emphasizing the fact that in this devotion we go to the heart of our faith. Hence, we say in the consecration of the chalice, The Mystery of Faith. There is an intimate connection between the devotion to the Blood of Christ and the salvation of souls.
Such is its centripetal force that all the prophetic utterances, symbols, figures and sacrifices of the Old Testament converge on it as the spokes of a wheel on a hub: In wine he washes his garments, his robe in the blood of grapes. Exodus says that the Hebrews were ordered to stain their doorposts with the blood of the lamb in order to be freed from the chastisements of Egypt as a symbol of the liberation of our souls from the servitude of the devil. Skipping many other references which could be made, we note what Moses did to his people: Taking the blood he sprinkled the book and all the people saying: This is the Blood of the covenant which God has enjoined upon you…Almost everything is purified by blood and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. We hear the Apostle saying: For if the blood of goats and bulls can sanctify those who are defiled, how much more will the Blood of Christ cleanse our consciences from dead works? We must pass up other references. Indeed, the Holy Scriptures are filled with sacred references to it: Why is your apparel red?… He wore a garment sprinkled with blood.
This devotion calls to mind baptism, through which the divine Blood purifies our souls, and reminds us of penance and the other sacraments, because you have redeemed us with your Blood, you have made us a kingdom, and priests to serve our God. Whereas all other devotions are aids to Catholic piety, this devotion is its foundation, support and essence. Other devotions, products of various times, have holy and praiseworthy beginnings, but they go back only so far. This devotion, on the other hand, goes back to the moment when Adam sinned. Therefore, Jesus was called the Lamb who was slain from the world’s beginning. St. Thomas says: The Blood of Christ is the key to Paradise. St. John Chrysostom affirms: The Blood of Christ is the salvation of souls…an excellent wine is the Blood of Christ.
RESPONSORY
1 John 5: 6–7
This is the one who came in water and blood, Jesus Christ;
– not in water only, but in water and blood.
It is the Spirit who gives testimony, because the Spirit is truth;
– not in water only, but in water and blood.
Or:
From the writings of Saint Maria De Mattias, virgin
(Letters of Saint Maria De Mattias, nn. 77; 701; 328; 355; 407; 543; 812; 710; 874; ed. 1944 and 1947)
The blood of Jesus is all our hope and all our good
May our hearts never withdraw from that perennial fountain flowing from the loving wound of the side of our most loving Spouse Jesus Crucified! Here all our poor labors borne for love of him will be sweetened.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus Crucified and we can be sure he will not let us perish, provided we are faithful to him. Oh! What a beautiful honor is ours to serve God, to think always of God, to love God, to suffer in order to please God; in short, to live entirely in God. This he permits us in his infinite goodness. I say, he permits us, poor creatures and miserable worms that we are, to be elevated to union with him; nay more, he even commands it. How must not these reflections encourage the soul! She would never depart from the feet of her Lord in order to hear his most loving voice calling her to unite herself ever more to him. She does not tire of always blessing, loving, praising and thanking him with all her heart. She seeks nothing else but to give him pleasure. Her Lord’s good pleasure constitutes all her delight, and if she obtains that, she is rich and filled with so much consolation that she does not know how to express it. Courage, therefore, and confidence in God, that, should everything else be wanting, it matters nothing, provided we enjoy the grace of our beloved Spouse, Jesus Crucified. Let us pray very much for the Church and ardently love Jesus, our Savior, who founded it with his Precious Blood. Let us have faith in the most holy word of Jesus, who assures us that he will hear those who invoke him. We wish nothing else except his glory and the salvation of souls which cost his Blood; and therefore, let us hope firmly, for all our confidence lies in the merits of the Divine Redeemer who looks upon his spouse, the Holy Church, with tender love. And, if he now chastises her, he does so to purify her in order to make him dearer to his loving eyes. The design of our Lord Jesus Christ is to reunite all peoples in his Church, and therefore the chastisement is being felt everywhere. Oh! What a triumph! Oh! What a triumph! Let us pray, let us pray, let us pray. What a beautiful consolation it is to see the Spouse of the Divine Lamb, the Adorers of his most Precious Blood, motivated by one sole will (the will of God), forming but one heart and one soul, and thus united, making the heavens resound with a hymn of thanksgiving to the infinite goodness of God, while at the same time they offer the Blood of his Son for the reconciliation of heaven with earth, of earth with heaven. The Blood of Jesus is our only hope and our only Good—this Blood, shed with so much pain and so much love for our eternal salvation. Let our hearts be filled with courage, fearing nothing, not even death, so that at every moment the Precious Blood be glorified, loved and blessed by all!
My daughter, let us summon our spirit to union with God, in whom we shall find the person of his most holy Son given to us with infinite love, clothed with human flesh and covered with wounds and Blood, inviting us to contemplate him with fixed attention so that our hearts might respond to the delicacy of his most tender love. Jesus loves us without any merit on our part. Let us love him very much because he is worthy of being loved. Let us love him also for the great gift of the redemption and for the Blood he willed to shed for us.
Let our only thought be to bring all, as far as is possible, to the knowledge of Jesus, our Crucified Love, who is covered with blood and wounds for our salvation. Do not become disheartened. Courage and great confidence in the Blessed God. Much prayer. Jesus died for love of us; the merits of his sufferings are ours. Do not fear, my daughter. A loving glance at Jesus Crucified, and then take courage to labor for the school, for the salvation of souls, for the glory of his Precious Blood. I urge you to speak little and to pray much. We shall pass through many tribulations in order to enter Heaven. Have great confidence in the Precious Blood of Jesus. Let us ask God to make us understand the great value of sufferings. Suffering is dear to a soul that loves Jesus Christ, and it always seems to her that she does not suffer for Him who suffered so much and died crucified for love of us.
RESPONSORY
cf. Revelation 5: 9–10; 19: 5
You have redeemed us for God with your blood.
– You have made us a kingdom for our God.
Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.
– You have made us a kingdom for our God.
TE DEUM
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death,
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
R. Govern and uphold them now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you.
R. We praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope:
R. and we shall never hope in vain.
The final part of the hymn may be omitted
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Father,
who through the blood of Jesus your Son,
the Lamb sacrificed on the cross,
redeemed us, sanctified us, and made us your people;
grant that all may accept this gift of your love,
celebrate it joyfully in the Spirit,
and drink of it in the Eucharistic chalice,
the sign of your covenant and blessing.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
ACCLAMATION
Let us praise the Lord.
– And give him thanks.
Lauds
For the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians): Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The texts are given after the texts for the universal Church.
In the Congregation of Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ: the Solemnity of the Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (translated from July 1). The appropriate texts are given.
INVITATORY
The Invitatory is said when this is the first ‘hour’ of the day.Lord, + open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Psalm 95
A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: †
Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness, *
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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. Come, let us worship Christ, the Son of Mary
or: Come, let us sing to the Lord as we celebrate this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
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, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Praise to Mary, Heaven’s Gate,
Guiding Star of Christians’ way,
Mother of our Lord and King,
Light and hope to souls astray.
When you heard the call of God
Choosing to fulfill his plan,
By your perfect act of love
Hope was born in fallen man.
Help us to amend our ways,
Halt the devil’s strong attack,
Walk with us the narrow path,
Beg for us the grace we lack.
Mary, show your motherhood,
Bring your children’s prayers to Christ,
Christ, your son, who ransomed man,
Who, for us, was sacrificed.
Virgin chosen, singly blest,
Ever faithful to God’s call,
Guide us in this earthy life,
Guard us lest, deceived, we fall.
Mary, help us live our faith
So that we may see your son;
Join our humble prayers to yours,
Till life’s ceaseless war is won.
Praise the Father, praise the Son,
Praise the holy Paraclete;
Offer all through Mary’s hands,
Let her make our prayers complete.
Melody: Got sei dank 77.77
Music: Freylinghausen’s Gesangbuch, 1704
Text: Ave Maris Stella, ninth century
Translation: Rev. M. Quinn, O.P., et al.
Or:
O Glorious Lady throned in rest,
Amidst the starry host above,
Who gavest nurture from thy breast
To God, with pure maternal love.
What we had lost through sinful Eve
The Blossom sprung from thee restores,
And, granting bliss to souls that grieve,
Unbars the everlasting doors.
O Gate through which hath passed the King,
O Hall, whence Light shone though the gloom;
The ransomed nations praise and sing
Life given from the Virgin womb.
All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesus, Virgin-born to thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Melody: O gloriosa Domina L.M.
Text: Venantius Fortunatus, 530-609
Translation: © the Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK. Used with permission.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Dawn finds me ready to welcome you, my God.
Psalm 119:145-152XIX (Koph)
A meditation on God’s law
Loving God means keeping his commandments (1 John 5:3).
I call with all my heart; Lord, hear me,
*I will keep your commands.
I call upon you, save me
*and I will do your will.
I rise before dawn and cry for help,
*I hope in your word.
My eyes watch through the night
*to ponder your promise.
In your love hear my voice, O Lord;
*give me life by your decrees.
Those who harm me unjustly draw near:
*they are far from your law.
But you, O Lord, are close:
*your commands are truth.
Long have I known that your will
*is established 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
Save us by the power of your hand, Father, for our enemies have ignored your words. May the fire of your word consume our sins and its brightness illumine our hearts.
Ant. Dawn finds me ready to welcome you, my God.
Ant. 2 The Lord is my strength, and I shall sing his praise, for he has become my Savior.
Canticle: Exodus 15:1-4a, 8-13, 17-18Hymn of victory after the crossing of the Red Sea
Those who had conquered the beast were singing the song of Moses, God’s servant (see Revelation 15:2-3).
I will sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously triumphant;
*horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.
My strength and my courage is the Lord,
*and he has been my savior.
He is my God, I praise him;
*the God of my father, I praise him.
The Lord is a warrior,
*Lord is his name!
Pharaoh’s chariots and army he hurled into the sea.
*At a breath of your anger the waters piled up,
the flowing waters stood like a mound,
*the flood waters congealed in the midst of the sea.
The enemy boasted, “I will pursue and overtake them;
†I will divide the spoils and have my fill of them;
*I will draw my sword; my hand shall despoil them!”
When your wind blew, the sea covered them;
*like lead they sank in the mighty waters.
Who is like to you among the gods, O Lord?
*Who is like to you, magnificent in holiness?
O terrible in renown, worker of wonders,
*when you stretched out your right hand, the earth swallowed them!
In your mercy you led the people you redeemed;
*in your strength you guided them to your holy dwelling.
And you brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your inheritance—
*the place where you made your seat, O Lord,
the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands established.
*The Lord shall reign forever and 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. The Lord is my strength, and I shall sing his praise, for he has become my Savior.
Ant. 3 O praise the Lord, all you nations.
Psalm 117Praise for God’s loving compassion
I affirm that . . . the Gentile peoples are to praise God because of his mercy (Romans 15:8-9).
O praise the Lord, all you nations,
*acclaim him, all you peoples!
Strong is his love for us;
*he is faithful 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
God our Father, may all nations and peoples praise you. May Jesus, who is called faithful and true and who lives with you eternally, possess our hearts for ever.
Ant. O praise the Lord, all you nations.
READING
See Isaiah 61:10
I rejoice heartily in the Lord,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation,
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,
like a bride bedecked with her jewels
RESPONSORY
The Lord has chosen her,
his loved one from the beginning.
– The Lord has chosen her,
his loved one from the beginning.
He has taken her to live with him,
– his loved one from the beginning.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
– The Lord has chosen her,
his loved one from the beginning.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
Luke 1:68-79The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed
+ be the Lord, the God of Israel;
*he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
*born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
† that he would save us from our enemies,
* from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
*and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
*to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
*holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
*for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
*by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
*the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
*and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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 heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
INTERCESSIONS
Let us glorify our Savior, who chose the Virgin Mary for his mother. Let us ask him:
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
Savior of the world, by your redeeming might you preserved your mother beforehand from all stain of sin,
– keep watch over us, lest we sin.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
You are our redeemer, who made the immaculate Virgin Mary your purest home and the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit,
– make us temples of your Spirit for ever.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
Eternal Word, you taught your mother to choose the better part,
– grant that in imitating her we may seek the food that brings life everlasting.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
King of kings, you lifted up your mother, body and soul, into heaven;
– help us to fix our thoughts on things above.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
Lord of heaven and earth, you crowned Mary and set her at your right hand as queen,
– make us worthy to share this glory.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
Or:
Let us glorify our Savior, who chose the Virgin Mary for his mother. Let us ask him:
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
Sun of Justice, the immaculate Virgin was the white dawn announcing your rising,
– grant that we may always live in the light of your coming.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.d.
Eternal Word, you chose Mary as the uncorrupted ark of your dwelling place,
– free us from the corruption of sin.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
Savior of mankind, your mother stood at the foot of your cross,
– grant, through her intercession, that we may rejoice to share in your passion.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
With ultimate generosity and love, you gave Mary as a mother to your beloved disciple,
– help us to live as worthy sons of so noble a mother.
May your mother intercede for us, Lord.
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,
you prepared the heart of the Virgin Mary
to be a fitting home for your Holy Spirit.
By her prayers
may we become a more worthy temple of your glory.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
Or:
O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit
in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
graciously grant that through her intercession
we may be a worthy temple of your glory.
Through 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.
DISMISSAL
May the Lord bless
+ us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.
In the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians), the following office for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart is prayed:
INVITATORY
The Invitatory may be said for the first ‘hour’ recited in the day.
Lord,
+ open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
Psalm 95A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord
* and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving
* and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
The Lord is God, the mighty God,
* the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth
* and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him,
* the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship
* bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people,
* the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:
†Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness,
*when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me,
*Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
Forty years I endured that generation.
*I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger,
* “They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
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. Come let us praise the Lord on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
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.
HYMN
Praise to Mary, Heaven’s Gate,
Guiding Star of Christians’ way,
Mother of our Lord and King,
Light and hope to souls astray.
When you heard the call of God
Choosing to fulfill his plan,
By your perfect act of love
Hope was born in fallen man.
Help us to amend our ways,
Halt the devil’s strong attack,
Walk with us the narrow path,
Beg for us the grace we lack.
Mary, show your motherhood,
Bring your children’s prayers to Christ,
Christ, your son, who ransomed man,
Who, for us, was sacrificed.
Virgin chosen, singly blest,
Ever faithful to God’s call,
Guide us in this earthy life,
Guard us lest, deceived, we fall.
Mary, help us live our faith
So that we may see your son;
Join our humble prayers to yours,
Till life’s ceaseless war is won.
Praise the Father, praise the Son,
Praise the holy Paraclete;
Offer all through Mary’s hands,
Let her make our prayers complete.
Melody: Got sei dank 77.77Music: Freylinghausen’s Gesangbuch, 1704Text: Ave Maris Stella, 9th centuryTranslator: Rev. F. Quinn, O.P., et al.
Or:
O Glorious Lady throned in rest,
Amidst the starry host above,
Who gavest nurture from thy breast
To God, with pure maternal love.
What we had lost through sinful Eve
The Blossom sprung from thee restores,
And, granting bliss to souls that grieve,
Unbars the everlasting doors.
O Gate through which hath passed the King,
O Hall, whence Light shone though the gloom;
The ransomed nations praise and sing
Life given from the Virgin womb.
All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesus, Virgin-born to thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Melody: O gloriosa Domina, L.M.Text: Venantius Fortunatus, 530-609Translation: © Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Your love is better than life; my lips will speak of your praise.
Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for God.
O God, you are my God, for you I long; *
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you *
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary *
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life, *
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life, *
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, *
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you. *
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help; *
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
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
Our souls thirst for you, O Lord, as dry land without water. Let us see that our yearning has become a reality in Mary, your humble servant, who is glorified in heaven united with her Son Jesus.
Ant. Your love is better than life; my lips will speak of your praise.
Ant. 2 Mary, holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord with all the creatures of the earth.
Canticle: Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5).
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord. *
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord. *
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord. *
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord. *
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord. *
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord. *
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord. *
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord. *
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord. *
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord. *
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord. *
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord. *
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord. *
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord. *
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. *
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven. *
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Mary, holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord with all the creatures of the earth.
Ant. 3 Sing a new song to the Lord, for the Lord has crowned Mary, his humble servant with victory.
Psalm 149
The joy of God’s holy people.
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius).
Sing a new song to the Lord, *
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker, *
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing *
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people. *
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, *
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips *
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations *
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains *
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained; *
this honor is for all his faithful.
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, our creator and liberator, we thank you for gifting Mary with a wise and docile heart, unique and humble, strong and disposed to endure the sword of sorrow, and filled with faith that awaited the resurrection of your Son.
Ant. Sing a new song to the Lord, for the Lord has crowned Mary, his humble servant with victory.
READING Hebrews 11:11-12
By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age—and Sarah herself was sterile—for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
RESPONSORY
The Word of Christ dwells abundantly in you.
Happy are those who abide by it.
– The Word of Christ dwells abundantly in you.
Happy are those who abide by it.
The Word of faith we preach.
– Happy are those who abide by it.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
– The Word of Christ dwells abundantly in you.
Happy are those who abide by it.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Happy are you, Virgin Mary, because you believed; happy also are those who hear the Word of God and abide by it.
Luke 1:68-79The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed
+ be the Lord, the God of Israel;
*he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
*born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
† that he would save us from our enemies,
* from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
*and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
*to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
*holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
*for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
*by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
*the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
*and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Happy are you, Virgin Mary, because you believed; happy also are those who hear the Word of God and abide by it.
INTERCESSIONS
As we celebrate this feats with joy, let us raise our prayers to God through the intercession of the Heart of Mary, so that in our lives and ministry we may be true sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and so we say:
Lord hear our prayer.
You gave Mary a pure heart,
– purify us from all faults and grant that we may distance ourselves from all evil.
Lord hear our prayer.
Through the Holy Spirit you consecrated Mary so she would be the Mother of your Son,
– let us consecrate our whole lives to your service.
Lord hear our prayer.
You chose Mary as Ark of the Word,
– may we also conserve and meditate upon your Word in our hearts.
Lord hear our prayer.
You willed that your Son, nailed to the cross, give us Mary as our Mother,
– grant that in announcing your kingdom, we show ourselves to be her true sons.
Lord hear our prayer.
You wished Mary to be present with the apostles on the day of Pentecost,
– send your Holy Spirit and renew us to announce your Kingdom to all peoples.
Lord hear our prayer.
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
Lord, our God,
you chose Mary ever-Virgin
to be the Mother of your Son and our Mother.
May we, by our offering of ourselves to her motherly Heart,
configure ourselves more fully with Christ,
and moved by her love,
dedicate ourselves with greater generosity
to the proclamation of the Gospel to all peoples.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
Or:
Lord God,
you chose Mary to be the Mother of your Son and our Mother.
Grant that, by faithful dedication to her maternal Heart,
we may be more fully conformed with Christ and,
driven by his love,
devote ourselves more generously
to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
DISMISSAL
May the Lord bless
+ us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.
In the Congregation of Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ the following office of the Solemnity of the Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (translated from July 1) is prayed:
INVITATORY
The Invitatory may be said for the first ‘hour’ recited in the day.
Lord,
+ open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
Psalm 95A call to praise God
Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).
Come, let us sing to the Lord
* and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving
* and sing joyful songs to the Lord.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
The Lord is God, the mighty God,
* the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth
* and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him,
* the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
Come, then, let us bow down and worship
* bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people,
* the flock he shepherds.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:
†Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness,
*when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me,
*Although they had seen all of my works.
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
Forty years I endured that generation.
*I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger,
* “They shall not enter into my rest.”
Ant. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
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. Come, let us adore Christ Jesus, redeemer of the world: he shed his blood for our salvation.
If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:
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.
HYMN
Clap your hands, all you peoples,
sing unto God with a voice of jubilation.
For the Lord high and mighty
has shown to us his mercy,
For he has not spared his own Son
but has delivered him up in our behalf,
That we might be redeemed by his blood
and freed from our sins;
That justified in his blood
we might be saved from his wrath;
That we who were separated from him
might be reconciled through the blood of his Son.
O Lord, my God, what can I render unto you
for all the good you have bestowed upon me?
I will take the chalice of salvation
I will call upon the power of this blood.
Sing to Jesus, all you saints,
and make known the memory of his holiness.
For he has loved us and has washed us in his blood
and he has become our helper and our redeemer.
Blessed forever be the blood of Christ
which has wrought such wonders in us.
Blessed be Jesus for all eternity,
and may the heavens and the earth
be filled with the glory of his blood.
Come, let us adore Christ, the Son of God
who has redeemed us with his blood. Amen.
Or another suitable hymn approved by ecclesiastical authority.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Let us immerse ourselves in the opened side of Jesus Christ; let us quench our thirst in the stream of his blood.
Psalm 63:2-9
A soul thirsting for God
Whoever has left the darkness of sin yearns for God.
O God, you are my God, for you I long; *
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you *
like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary *
to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life, *
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life, *
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, *
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you. *
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help; *
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
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, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our work give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Ant. Let us immerse ourselves in the opened side of Jesus Christ; let us quench our thirst in the stream of his blood.
Ant. 2 Heaven and earth, every tongue and every living creature, proclaim the redemption of the Son of God.
Canticle: Daniel 3:57-88, 56
Let all creatures praise the Lord
All you servants of the Lord, sing praise to him (Revelation 19:5).
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord. *
You heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord. *
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord. *
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord. *
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord. *
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord. *
Frost and chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord. *
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord. *
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord. *
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord. *
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord. *
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord. *
You sons of men, bless the Lord.
O Israel, bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord. *
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord. *
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord. *
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. *
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven. *
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.
Ant. Heaven and earth, every tongue and every living creature, proclaim the redemption of the Son of God.
Ant. 3 With the Church, born from the side of Christ we rejoice for the gift of salvation.
Psalm 149
The joy of God’s holy people.
Let the sons of the Church, the children of the new people, rejoice in Christ, their King (Hesychius).
Sing a new song to the Lord, *
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its maker, *
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing *
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people. *
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, *
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips *
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
to deal out vengeance to the nations *
and punishment on all the peoples;
to bind their kings in chains *
and their nobles in fetters of iron;
to carry out the sentence pre-ordained; *
this honor is for all his faithful.
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
Let Israel rejoice in you, Lord, and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. We put our trust in your faithfulness and proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation. May your loving kindness embrace us now and for ever.
Ant. With the Church, born from the side of Christ we rejoice for the gift of salvation.
READING
1 Peter 2:21–25a
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
RESPONSORY
Jesus calls us with the voice of his blood:
immerse yourselves in my wounds.
– Jesus calls us with the voice of his blood:
immerse yourselves in my wounds.
Come, be washed in this blood;
– immerse yourselves in my wounds.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
– Jesus calls us with the voice of his blood:
immerse yourselves in my wounds
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thus, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you.
Luke 1:68-79The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed
+ be the Lord, the God of Israel;
*he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
*born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
† that he would save us from our enemies,
* from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
*and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
*to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
*holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
*for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
*by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
*the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
*and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thus, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you.
INTERCESSIONS
On this solemnity of the Most Precious Blood of Christ, let us praise the Father in the Holy Spirit and say:
Make us holy in the blood of Jesus!
Father, you desire that the Spouse of your Son be without spot or wrinkle,
– grant that the Church might be renewed continually in the saving power of Christ’s blood.
Make us holy in the blood of Jesus!
Father, through the sacrifice of Christ you reconciled heaven with earth,
– grant that all humanity might work toward reconciliation and peace.
Make us holy in the blood of Jesus!
Father, you gave us new birth through the offering of your Son,
– grant that our life may always be a sacrifice pleasing to you.
Make us holy in the blood of Jesus!
Father, you made one new person in place of the two, through the blood of Christ,
– grant that in the strength of your Spirit all Christians may reach the unity for which Jesus prayed and was sacrificed.
Make us holy in the blood of Jesus!
Father, in Jesus, high priest, you obtained for us eternal redemption,
– grant that its saving power might reach every tribe, tongue, people and nation.
Make us holy in the blood of Jesus!
(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
Father,
who through the blood of Jesus your Son,
the Lamb sacrificed on the cross,
redeemed us, sanctified us, and made us your people;
grant that all may accept this gift of your love,
celebrate it joyfully in the Spirit,
and drink of it in the Eucharistic chalice,
the sign of your covenant and blessing.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
DISMISSAL
May the Lord
+ bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.