Office of Readings
0802 Virgin Mary Feast
Invitatory Antiphon
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
Come, ring out our joy to the Lord;
hail the God who save us.
Let us come before him giving thanks,
with songs let us hail the Lord.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
A mighty God is the Lord,
a great king above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his.
To him belongs the sea, for he made it,
and the dry land shaped by his hands.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
Come in; let us bow and bend low;
let us kneel before the God who made us
for he is our God and we +
the people who belong to his pasture,
the flock that is led by his hand.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
O that today you would listen to his voice!
"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as on that day at Massah in the desert +
when your fathers put me to the test;
when they tried me, though they saw my work.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
For forty years I was wearied of these people
and I said: 'Their hearts are astray,
these people do not know my ways.' +
Then I took an oath in my anger:
'Never shall they enter my rest.'"
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
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.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
Hymn
The joyful Francis often came
With warmest love to Mary's church,
That little house with angel's name
In prayer for Jesus there to search.
Nowhere on earth a place so dear,
As that retreat of gentle peace.
As years went by so Francis here
Could always find his soul's release.
Here prompted by the Virgin's aid
His first disciple with him trod,
Foundations of his Order laid,
He consecrated Clare to God.
He gathered there his great array
Within these well-beloved walls
And sent them out upon their way
To fight with Christ in holy wars.
O Mary, pray that we may be
Released from all our sinful chains,
Your praises singing ceaselessly
Lead us to joy that knows no pains.
To you, O Jesus, glory be,
Whom Blessed Virgin Mary bore.
All praise to Father endlessly
And Holy Ghost for ever more. Amen.
Psalmody
Psalm 23
Ant. 1: The Virgin Mary received blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saved her.
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 neighbour.
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.
Ant. 1:The Virgin Mary received blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saved her.
Psalm 45
Ant. 2:The waters of a river give joy to God's city: the holy place where the Most High dwells.
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 up 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.
Ant. 2:The waters of a river give joy to God's city: the holy place where the Most High dwells.
Psalm 86
Ant. 3:Of you are told glorious things, O Virgin Mary: the Lord established you on the holy mountain.
On the holy mountain is his city *
cherished by the Lord.
The Lord prefers the gates of Sion *
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 Sion 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.
Ant. 3:Of you are told glorious things, O Virgin Mary: the Lord established you on the holy mountain.
【V】:You are the glory of Jerusalem! You are the joy of Israel!
【R】:You are the highest honour of our race!
The First Reading
A reading from the book of Ecclesiasticus [Ecclus. 24, 17-22; 30-34]
He who listens to wisdom will never be disappointed
Like a vine I caused loveliness to bud, and my blossoms became glorious and abundant fruit. Come to me, you who desire me, and eat your fill of my produce. For my teaching is sweeter than honey, and my inheritance sweeter than the honeycomb, and my remembrance lasts throughout all generations. Those who eat me will hunger for more, and those who drink me will thirst for more. Whoever obeys me will not be put to shame, and those who work with my help will not sin.
I went forth like a canal from a river and like a water channel into a garden. I said: "I will water my orchard and drench my garden plot"; and behold, my canal became a river, and my river became a sea. I will again make instruction shine forth like the dawn, and I will make it shine afar; I will again pour out teaching like prophecy, and leave it to all future generations. Observe that I have not laboured for myself alone, but for all who seek instruction.
Responsory [Ecclus. 24, 15-16]
【V】:I was established in Sion, and in the beloved city he has given me rest: *
【R】:I have taken root in a privileged people.
【V】:In the Lord's property, in his inheritance,
【R】:I have taken root in a privileged people.
Second Reading
From the writings of Thomas of Celano [2 Life ch.12; 1 Life ch. 7]
Consider the dwelling place of God to be worthy of all honour
The servant of God Francis, a person small in stature, humble in mind, a minor by profession, while yet in the world chose for himself and his followers a little portion, in as much as he could not serve Christ without having something of the world. For it was not without the foreknowledge of a divine disposition that from ancient times that place was called the Portiuncula which was to fall to the lot of those who wished to have nothing whatsoever of the world. For there had also been built in that place a church of the Virgin Mother, who merited, by her singular humility to be, after her Son, the head of all the saints. In this church the Order of Friars Minor had its beginning; there, as on a firm foundation, when their number had grown, the noble fabric of the Order arose. The holy man loved this place above all others; this place he commanded his brothers to venerate with special reverence; this place he willed to be preserved as a model of humility and highest poverty for their Order, reserving the ownership to others, and keeping only the use of it for himself and his brothers.
The most rigid discipline was observed there in all things, both as to silence and work and as to the other ordinances of the Rule. To no one was admittance there granted except to especially appointed brothers who coming from all parts of the world, the holy man wanted to be devoted to God and perfect in every way. So too admittance was prohibited to every secular person. He did not want the brothers dwelling there, who were restricted severely as to number, to have itching ears for news of worldly things, lest, with their meditation on heavenly things interrupted, they should be drawn to the business of inferior things through those who spread rumours. It was not permitted to anyone there to utter idle words or repeat those uttered by others. If anyone at any time did this, he was taught through punishment to be careful not to let it happen again. Those who dwelt in this place were occupied with the divine praises without interruption day and night, and fragrant with a wonderful odour, they led an angelic life.
Though he knew that the kingdom of heaven was set up in all the habitations of the land and believed that the grace of God was given to the elect of God in every place, he had however experienced that the place of the church of Saint Mary of the Portiuncula was endowed with more fruitful graces and visited by heavenly spirits. Therefore he often said to his brothers: "See to it, my sons, that you never abandon this place. If you are driven out from one side, go back in at the other. For this place is truly holy and is the dwelling place of God. Here, when we were but a few, the Most High gave us increase; here he enlightened the hearts of the poor ones by the light of his wisdom; here he set our wills afire with the fire of his love. Here he who prays with a devout heart will obtain what he prays for and he who offends will be punished more severely. Wherefore, my sons, consider this dwelling place of God to be worthy of all honour, and with all your heart, with the voice of joy and praise, give glory to God in this place."
Responsory
【V】:You are the gate of heaven and star of the sea, O Virgin Mary; Mother of the Eternal King, make us pleasing to your Son. *
【R】:For every virtue and grace and honour is resplendent in you.
【V】:You are the channel of forgiveness, the mother of grace, the hope of the world; hear us as we cry to you. *
【R】:For every virtue and grace and honour is resplendent in you.
TeDeum
We praise you, O God: *
we acclaim you as the Lord.
Everlasting Father, *
all the world bows down before you.
All the angels sing your praise, *
the hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers,
all the cherubim and seraphim *
call out to you in unending song:
Holy, Holy, Holy, *
is the Lord God of angel hosts!
The heavens and the earth are filled *
with your majesty and glory.
The glorious band of apostles, *
the noble company of prophets,
the white-robed army who shed their blood for Christ, *
all sing your praise.
And to the ends of the earth *
your holy Church proclaims her faith in you:
Father, whose majesty is boundless, +
your true and only Son, who is to be adored *
the Holy Spirit sent to be our Advocate.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, *
Son of the eternal Father.
When you took our nature to save mankind *
you did not shrink from birth in the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the power of death *
opening the Father's kingdom to all who believe in you.
Enthroned at God's right hand in the glory of the Father, *
you will come in judgment according to your promise.
You redeemed your people by your precious blood. *
Come we implore you, to our aid.
Grant us with the saints *
a place in eternal glory.
***
Lord, save your people *
and bless your inheritance.
Rule them and uphold them *
for ever and ever.
Day by day we praise you: *
we acclaim you now and to all eternity.
In your goodness, Lord, keep us free from sin. *
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
May your mercy always be with us, Lord, *
for we have hoped in you.
In you, Lord, we put our trust: *
we shall not be put to shame.
Concluding Prayer
Lord, as we honour the glorious memory of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Angels, we ask that by the help of her prayers, we too may come to share the fullness of grace: 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.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
Come, ring out our joy to the Lord;
hail the God who save us.
Let us come before him giving thanks,
with songs let us hail the Lord.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
A mighty God is the Lord,
a great king above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his.
To him belongs the sea, for he made it,
and the dry land shaped by his hands.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
Come in; let us bow and bend low;
let us kneel before the God who made us
for he is our God and we +
the people who belong to his pasture,
the flock that is led by his hand.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
O that today you would listen to his voice!
"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as on that day at Massah in the desert +
when your fathers put me to the test;
when they tried me, though they saw my work.
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
For forty years I was wearied of these people
and I said: 'Their hearts are astray,
these people do not know my ways.' +
Then I took an oath in my anger:
'Never shall they enter my rest.'"
【Ant.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
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.】:As we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Mary, let us adore Christ the Spouse of the Church.
Hymn
The joyful Francis often came
With warmest love to Mary's church,
That little house with angel's name
In prayer for Jesus there to search.
Nowhere on earth a place so dear,
As that retreat of gentle peace.
As years went by so Francis here
Could always find his soul's release.
Here prompted by the Virgin's aid
His first disciple with him trod,
Foundations of his Order laid,
He consecrated Clare to God.
He gathered there his great array
Within these well-beloved walls
And sent them out upon their way
To fight with Christ in holy wars.
O Mary, pray that we may be
Released from all our sinful chains,
Your praises singing ceaselessly
Lead us to joy that knows no pains.
To you, O Jesus, glory be,
Whom Blessed Virgin Mary bore.
All praise to Father endlessly
And Holy Ghost for ever more. Amen.
Psalmody
Psalm 23
Ant. 1: The Virgin Mary received blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saved her.
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 neighbour.
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.
Ant. 1:The Virgin Mary received blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saved her.
Psalm 45
Ant. 2:The waters of a river give joy to God's city: the holy place where the Most High dwells.
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 up 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.
Ant. 2:The waters of a river give joy to God's city: the holy place where the Most High dwells.
Psalm 86
Ant. 3:Of you are told glorious things, O Virgin Mary: the Lord established you on the holy mountain.
On the holy mountain is his city *
cherished by the Lord.
The Lord prefers the gates of Sion *
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 Sion 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.
Ant. 3:Of you are told glorious things, O Virgin Mary: the Lord established you on the holy mountain.
【V】:You are the glory of Jerusalem! You are the joy of Israel!
【R】:You are the highest honour of our race!
The First Reading
A reading from the book of Ecclesiasticus [Ecclus. 24, 17-22; 30-34]
He who listens to wisdom will never be disappointed
Like a vine I caused loveliness to bud, and my blossoms became glorious and abundant fruit. Come to me, you who desire me, and eat your fill of my produce. For my teaching is sweeter than honey, and my inheritance sweeter than the honeycomb, and my remembrance lasts throughout all generations. Those who eat me will hunger for more, and those who drink me will thirst for more. Whoever obeys me will not be put to shame, and those who work with my help will not sin.
I went forth like a canal from a river and like a water channel into a garden. I said: "I will water my orchard and drench my garden plot"; and behold, my canal became a river, and my river became a sea. I will again make instruction shine forth like the dawn, and I will make it shine afar; I will again pour out teaching like prophecy, and leave it to all future generations. Observe that I have not laboured for myself alone, but for all who seek instruction.
Responsory [Ecclus. 24, 15-16]
【V】:I was established in Sion, and in the beloved city he has given me rest: *
【R】:I have taken root in a privileged people.
【V】:In the Lord's property, in his inheritance,
【R】:I have taken root in a privileged people.
Second Reading
From the writings of Thomas of Celano [2 Life ch.12; 1 Life ch. 7]
Consider the dwelling place of God to be worthy of all honour
The servant of God Francis, a person small in stature, humble in mind, a minor by profession, while yet in the world chose for himself and his followers a little portion, in as much as he could not serve Christ without having something of the world. For it was not without the foreknowledge of a divine disposition that from ancient times that place was called the Portiuncula which was to fall to the lot of those who wished to have nothing whatsoever of the world. For there had also been built in that place a church of the Virgin Mother, who merited, by her singular humility to be, after her Son, the head of all the saints. In this church the Order of Friars Minor had its beginning; there, as on a firm foundation, when their number had grown, the noble fabric of the Order arose. The holy man loved this place above all others; this place he commanded his brothers to venerate with special reverence; this place he willed to be preserved as a model of humility and highest poverty for their Order, reserving the ownership to others, and keeping only the use of it for himself and his brothers.
The most rigid discipline was observed there in all things, both as to silence and work and as to the other ordinances of the Rule. To no one was admittance there granted except to especially appointed brothers who coming from all parts of the world, the holy man wanted to be devoted to God and perfect in every way. So too admittance was prohibited to every secular person. He did not want the brothers dwelling there, who were restricted severely as to number, to have itching ears for news of worldly things, lest, with their meditation on heavenly things interrupted, they should be drawn to the business of inferior things through those who spread rumours. It was not permitted to anyone there to utter idle words or repeat those uttered by others. If anyone at any time did this, he was taught through punishment to be careful not to let it happen again. Those who dwelt in this place were occupied with the divine praises without interruption day and night, and fragrant with a wonderful odour, they led an angelic life.
Though he knew that the kingdom of heaven was set up in all the habitations of the land and believed that the grace of God was given to the elect of God in every place, he had however experienced that the place of the church of Saint Mary of the Portiuncula was endowed with more fruitful graces and visited by heavenly spirits. Therefore he often said to his brothers: "See to it, my sons, that you never abandon this place. If you are driven out from one side, go back in at the other. For this place is truly holy and is the dwelling place of God. Here, when we were but a few, the Most High gave us increase; here he enlightened the hearts of the poor ones by the light of his wisdom; here he set our wills afire with the fire of his love. Here he who prays with a devout heart will obtain what he prays for and he who offends will be punished more severely. Wherefore, my sons, consider this dwelling place of God to be worthy of all honour, and with all your heart, with the voice of joy and praise, give glory to God in this place."
Responsory
【V】:You are the gate of heaven and star of the sea, O Virgin Mary; Mother of the Eternal King, make us pleasing to your Son. *
【R】:For every virtue and grace and honour is resplendent in you.
【V】:You are the channel of forgiveness, the mother of grace, the hope of the world; hear us as we cry to you. *
【R】:For every virtue and grace and honour is resplendent in you.
TeDeum
We praise you, O God: *
we acclaim you as the Lord.
Everlasting Father, *
all the world bows down before you.
All the angels sing your praise, *
the hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers,
all the cherubim and seraphim *
call out to you in unending song:
Holy, Holy, Holy, *
is the Lord God of angel hosts!
The heavens and the earth are filled *
with your majesty and glory.
The glorious band of apostles, *
the noble company of prophets,
the white-robed army who shed their blood for Christ, *
all sing your praise.
And to the ends of the earth *
your holy Church proclaims her faith in you:
Father, whose majesty is boundless, +
your true and only Son, who is to be adored *
the Holy Spirit sent to be our Advocate.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, *
Son of the eternal Father.
When you took our nature to save mankind *
you did not shrink from birth in the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the power of death *
opening the Father's kingdom to all who believe in you.
Enthroned at God's right hand in the glory of the Father, *
you will come in judgment according to your promise.
You redeemed your people by your precious blood. *
Come we implore you, to our aid.
Grant us with the saints *
a place in eternal glory.
***
Lord, save your people *
and bless your inheritance.
Rule them and uphold them *
for ever and ever.
Day by day we praise you: *
we acclaim you now and to all eternity.
In your goodness, Lord, keep us free from sin. *
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
May your mercy always be with us, Lord, *
for we have hoped in you.
In you, Lord, we put our trust: *
we shall not be put to shame.
Concluding Prayer
Lord, as we honour the glorious memory of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Angels, we ask that by the help of her prayers, we too may come to share the fullness of grace: 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.