Volume 1

CONFRATERNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE RECITATION OF THE DIVINE OFFICE

Volume 1 :

The Four-Volume Roman Breviary

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CONFRATERNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

Instructions for the Recitation of the Divine Office

Adapted from Learning the Breviary by Bernard A. Hausmann, S.J.

Confraternity of Ss. Peter & Paul 6397 Holloway Drive Liberty Township, OH 45044 Phone 513.777.7635 • Fax 513.777.7689

www.breviary.net

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Contents

1. The Four Volumes of the Breviary ...... 2

2. The Divisions of the Breviary ...... 4

3. Propers of a Nation, Diocese or Religious Order ...... 6

4. Other Prayers and Blessings ...... 7

5. The Seven Canonical Hours ...... 8

6. The Rank of a Feast ...... 9

7. The Rite of an Office ...... 10

8. How the Rank of a Feast co-relates with the Rite of an Office ...... 13

9. Ceremonial Rubrics of the Divine Office ...... 16

10. Kneeling Days ...... 17

11. Plan of the Succeeding Pages...... 18

12. Matins...... 19

13. Structure and Content ...... 21

14. An Overview of the Introduction to Matins ...... 22

15. The Preparatory Prayer Aperi, Domine ...... 23

16. The Triple (and Dual) Prayer ...... 24

17. The Opening Versicles ...... 26

18. The Invitatory and Hymn ...... 27

19. An Overview of the Body of Matins...... 28

The First Nocturn ...... 28

The Second Nocturn ...... 29

The Third Nocturn ...... 29

20. The Antiphons ...... 30

21. The Psalms ...... 32

22. The Lessons ...... 33

23. The Responsories ...... 34

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24. The Te Deum ...... 36

25. An Overview of the Conclusion of Matins ...... 38

26. The Dominus Vobiscum ...... 39

27. The Collect ...... 40

28. The Closing Versicles ...... 41

29. Summary of the Order of Matins...... 42

30. The Classes of Office...... 44

31. The Solemn Office ...... 45

32. The Sunday Office ...... 47

33. The Ordinary Office...... 49

34. Structure and Content ...... 51

35. An Overview of the Office of Matins of One Nocturn ...... 52

36. The Simple Office ...... 54

35. The Ferial and Vigil Offices ...... 56

36. Scheme I and II of the Third Nocturn ...... 59

37. The Ninth Lesson ...... 60

38. Special First Nocturn Lessons ...... 62

39. Lauds ...... 64

40. An Overview of the Introduction to Lauds ...... 65

41. An Overview of the Body of Lauds ...... 66

42. The Antiphons ...... 67

43. Scheme I and II of Lauds ...... 68

44. The Benedictus ...... 69

45. The Ferial Preces...... 70

46. Conclusion of the Collect ...... 71

47. The Commemorations ...... 72

48. Practical Illustration of the Commemorations ...... 73

49. When Commemorations are from the same Common ...... 74

50. The Suffrage ...... 78

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51. The Commemoration of the Cross...... 80

52. An Overview of the Conclusion of Lauds ...... 81

53. The Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary ...... 83

54. Summary of the Order of Lauds ...... 86

55. The Solemn Office ...... 87

56. The Sunday Office ...... 89

57. The Ordinary and Simple Offices...... 90

58. The Ferial and Vigil Offices ...... 91

59. Prime ...... 93

60. An Overview of the Introduction to Prime ...... 94

61. Changing the Last Stanza of the Hymn (Proper Doxology) ...... 95

62. An Overview of the Body of Prime ...... 96

63. The Antiphon ...... 97

64. The Psalms ...... 98

65. The Athanasian Creed ...... 99

66. The Chapter ...... 100

67. The Brief Responsory ...... 101

68. Changing the Verse of the Brief Responsory ...... 102

69. The Ferial Preces...... 103

70. The Dominical Preces ...... 104

71. The Confiteor ...... 106

72. The Collect and Closing Versicles ...... 107

73. The Martyrology ...... 108

74. The Capitular Office ...... 111

75. The Brief Lesson ...... 112

76. An Overview of the Conclusion of Prime ...... 113

77. A Summary of the Order of Prime ...... 115

78. The Solemn Office ...... 116

79. The Sunday Office ...... 118

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80. The Ordinary and Simple Offices...... 119

81. The Ferial and Vigil Offices ...... 120

82. Terce, Sext, and None ...... 121

83. An Overview of the Introduction to the Little Hours ...... 122

84. The Hymns at the Little Hours ...... 123

85. An Overview of the Body of the Little Hours ...... 124

86. Antiphons and Ferial Preces ...... 125

87. An Overview of the Conclusion of the Little Hours ...... 126

88. A Summary of the Order of the Little Hours of Terce, Sext and None ...... 127

89. The Solemn Office ...... 128

90. The Sunday Office ...... 130

91. The Ordinary and Simple Offices...... 131

92. The Ferial and Vigil Offices ...... 132

93. Vespers ...... 133

94. An Overview of the Introduction to Vespers ...... 134

95. An Overview of the Body of Vespers ...... 135

96. First and Second Vespers ...... 136

97. First Vespers of Sunday ...... 137

98. Vespers from the Chapter onward of the Following Day ...... 138

99. The Antiphons ...... 139

100. A Question of the Psalms in Vespers ...... 140

101. The Hymn : MTV—“Mutatur Tertius Versus” ...... 141

102. The Commemorations...... 142

103. Commemoration of the Preceding Day ...... 143

104. The Suffrage ...... 144

105. An Overview of the Conclusion of Vespers ...... 145

106. Summary of the Order of Vespers ...... 146

107. The Solemn Office ...... 147

108. The Sunday Office ...... 149

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109. The Ordinary and Simple Offices ...... 150

110. The Ferial Office ...... 151

111. Compline ...... 153

112. An Overview of the Introduction to Compline ...... 154

113. An Overview of the Body of Compline ...... 156

114. An Overview of the Conclusion of Compline ...... 158

115. The Concluding Prayer Sacrosanctae ...... 160

116. Summary of the Order of Compline ...... 161

117. Source of Elements for the Office of Compline...... 162

118. General Principles ...... 163

119. The Liturgical Day ...... 164

120. The Times of the Hours...... 166

121. The Psalms ...... 169

122. The Antiphons ...... 170

123. The Gloria Patri ...... 172

124. Responses at end of Chapters and Lessons ...... 173

125. The Special Conclusions ...... 174

126. Types of Octaves ...... 175

127. The ranking of days within the Octave ...... 177

128. Feasts falling within an Octave ...... 179

129. Rites of Office to be observed during Octaves ...... 181

130. Other notes on Octaves ...... 182

131. The Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath...... 183

132. When the Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath is said ...... 185

133. The Office of the Dead ...... 186

134. The Antiphons ...... 187

135. Conclusion of Psalms...... 188

136. Vespers of the Dead ...... 189

137. Matins of the Dead ...... 192

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138. Lauds of the Dead ...... 195

139. Seasonal Changes ...... 196

140. Advent ...... 197

141. Septuagesimatide ...... 199

142. Lent ...... 200

143. Passiontide ...... 201

144. The Sacred Triduum ...... 202

145. Easter and the Easter Octave ...... 205

146. Eastertide ...... 206

147. Reading the Ordo ...... 208

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Chapter 1

A. The Breviary

An Introduction to the Roman Breviary

The Roman Breviary is the liturgical book containing the Divine Office of the Roman Catholic Church. The purpose of this manual is to give complete instructions for the correct recitation of this Divine Office, with particular reference to the website of the Confraternity of Ss. Peter & Paul at www.breviary.net. This website contains the complete text of the Roman Breviary in both Latin and English, and was published in order to make available this important source of prayer and meditation at a time when it is no longer available in printed format, and when the Church and her faithful children are more than ever in need of the graces which only the Divine Office can provide.

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INTRODUCTION

1. The Four Volumes of the Breviary The Roman Breviary is printed in four volumes, as the I C O N K E Y whole would make a rather bulky and inconvenient  Valuable information book. There used to be a one-volume version of the  Test your knowledge Breviary called the Totum, but this is rarely seen these  days. When printed in four volumes, the various books Online Breviary are designated as the Pars Hiemalis, Pars Verna, Pars  Printed Breviary Aestiva, and Pars Autumnalis.

The Pars Hiemalis (Winter Volume) contains the Offices for the first quarter of the ecclesiastical year. It begins with the Office of the First Sunday in Advent and ends with the Office of the Saturday before the First Sunday in Lent.

The Pars Verna (Spring Volume) contains the Offices for the second quarter of the ecclesiastical year. It begins with the Office of the First Sunday in Lent and ends with the Office of the Saturday after the Feast of Pentecost.

The Pars Aestiva (Summer Volume) contains the Offices for the third quarter of the ecclesiastical year. It begins with the Office of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity and ends with the Office of the Saturday before the First Sunday of September.

The Pars Autumnalis (Autumn Volume) contains the Offices for the last quarter of the ecclesiastical year. It begins with the Office of the First Sunday of September and ends with the Office of the Saturday before the First Sunday in Advent.

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INTRODUCTION

Figure 1 : The Four Volumes of the Roman Breviary

The Ordo will remind the priest when a new volume is to be begun.

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INTRODUCTION

2. The Divisions of the Breviary Each volume of the Breviary contains essentially the following parts: the Ordinary, the Psalter, the Proper of the Season, the Proper of the Saints, and the Common of the Saints.

The Ordinary (Ordinarium) contains an outline of the various Hours of the Divine Office and those prayers which never vary from day to day. It corresponds, therefore, to the Ordinary of the Mass in the Missal.

The Psalter (Psalterium) contains the Psalms for the various Hours for each day of the week. Most editions of the Breviary reprint at least portions of the Ordinary in the Psalter for the sake of convenience.

The Proper of the Season (Proprium de Tempore) contains the variable parts for the Office of Sundays, and in addition, the First Nocturn Lessons for each day of the week; for example, for Tuesday after the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost. These Lessons are called “Scripture occurring Lessons.” The Proper of the Season also contains the proper Offices for most of the Feasts which are based on the Easter Cycle and which are not celebrated on a fixed date, eg. Ascension, Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart, etc.

The Proper of the Saints (Proprium Sanctorum) contains those parts of the Divine Office which are proper to the various feasts; for example, the Feast of the Assumption, the Feast of St. Bernard, etc. These Feasts are generally celebrated on a fixed date, eg. The

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INTRODUCTION

Precious Blood on July 1st, All Saints on November 1st, etc.

Finally, the Common of the Saints (Commune Sanctorum) has complete Offices (except for the invariable parts) for the various classes of saints, such as Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, etc.

Figure 2: The Five Essential Parts of the Roman Breviary

NOTE: the Proper of the Saints takes precedence over the Common of the Saints, in that anything that is proper to a particular Feastday will be said rather than taking the element from the Common. Care should be taken to read the Ordo carefully to determine what, if any, elements are proper to the Feast on any particular day.

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INTRODUCTION

3. Propers of a Nation, Diocese or Religious Order Besides these five essential parts of the Breviary described above, other minor parts may also be found in each volume of the Breviary. Among these are the proper Office of a particular nation, diocese or religious order, and many other useful prayers and blessings. The section Proper Office of a Nation (or Diocese, or Religious Order) as its name indicates, is nothing else than a supplement to the Proper of the Saints, and contains those offices which are not common to the universal Church, but are celebrated in particular places.

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INTRODUCTION

4. Other Prayers and Blessings Besides these local propers described above, other prayers are often included in the Breviary. Among these are usually found the:

Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Office of the Dead Gradual Psalms Seven Penitential Psalms Litany of the Saints Prayers for the Commendation of a Soul Prayers to be said at time of death Blessing at Meals Itinerarium Prayers before and after Mass

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INTRODUCTION

B. The Divine Office

An Introduction to the Divine Office

5. The Seven Canonical Hours The Divine Office consists of seven canonical Hours, namely: Matins and Lauds (counted as one Hour), Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. All who are bound to the recitation of the Divine Office must daily recite (vocally) these seven Hours.

Matins & Lauds

Compline Prime

Vespers Terce

None Sext

Figure 3: The Seven Canonical Hours

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INTRODUCTION

6. The Rank of a Feast By the rank of a Feast is meant its relative importance. In the ascending order of dignity the following grades are distinguished: the Simple Feast (simplex), the Semidouble (semiduplex), the Lesser Double (duplex minus)—the increment “lesser” is usually dropped and the Feast referred to as a Double—the Greater Double (duplex majus), the Double of the Second Class (duplex secundae classis), and the Double of the First Class (duplex primae classis). In addition a Feast may or may not have an Octave.

The rank of a Feast materially affects the nature of its office, as will become plain from a study of the subsequent pages. Consequently the Ordo always gives the rank of a Feast, for example, “St. George, martyr, semidouble” (S. Georgii, M, sd.).

Figure 4: The Ranking of Feasts

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INTRODUCTION

7. The Rite of an Office The Rite of an Office is the rank the Office occupies in the liturgical hierarchy—its relative importance. The higher the rank of the Office, the greater will be the number of the parts that are proper to it, that is, arranged specifically for the Office in question and not shared with other Offices. In paragraph 7 below, we shall see how the Rite of an Office relates to the Rank of a Feast. However, the Rite of an Office is not determined solely by the rank of the Feast. Other factors enter, such as the fact that the Feast may be a Feast of Our Lord, a Feast of an Apostle, etc. Yet this need not cause the beginner any anxiety, for both the Breviary and Ordo will always indicate not only the Rank of the Feast, but also the Rite of the Office to be said.

There are five Rites, or five Classes, of Offices. These five classes are:

a) The Solemn Office, that is, the Office of a solemn or preferred Feast, also called an Excepted Feast. These Offices can be recognized in the Breviary by the fact that Antiphons and Psalms are either printed in full in the Office in the Proper, or at least reference is given there as to where they may be found. They will not be the Antiphons and Psalms for the current weekday. Such are, for example, the Offices of St. John Baptist (June 24), of Ss. Peter and Paul (June 29), of the Feast of the Most Precious Blood (July 1).

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INTRODUCTION

b) The Sunday Office. In the Breviary this has a section practically for itself, namely, the Proper of the Season.

c) The Ordinary Office, that is, the Office of ordinary Feasts, also called Non-Excepted Feasts. These Offices can be recognized in the Breviary by the fact that, though they have a Matins of three Nocturns, no Antiphons for Psalms or Psalms are printed in the Proper of the Saints for such Offices, since those from the Psalter for the current weekday are to be used. Such are, for example, the Offices of St. William (June 25), of St. Paulinus (June 22), of St. Elizabeth (July 8).

d) The Simple Office, that is, the Office of Feasts of Simple rank. Since the rank of a Feast is always given in the Breviary, these Offices are easily recognized. They are distinguished by the fact that only one Lesson, (Lesson iii) is printed for them in the Proper of the Saints. Such are the Offices of Ss. Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia (June 15), of St. Silverius (June 20).

e) The Ferial and Vigil Offices. Ferial Offices are those that are said on days when no Feast of a Saint occurs or may be celebrated. Its parts are taken mainly from the Psalter and the Proper of the Season. The Vigil Office is, for all practical purposes, a Ferial Office.

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INTRODUCTION

Figure 5: The Rites of an Office

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INTRODUCTION

8. How the Rank of a Feast co- relates with the Rite of an Office As we have seen in Paragraph 6 above, there are certain exceptions to the following rules, but in general they may be followed, taking care to refer to the Ordo for any exceptions which may occur.

1. The Solemn Office is said on all Feasts of Double of First or Second Class. In addition, on certain Greater Doubles (Feasts of Our Lord, Our Lady and so on), the Solemn Office should be used.

2. The Sunday Office, as the name implies, is said on all Sundays on which no occurring Feast takes precedence, such as Easter, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Sundays within a privileged Octave, Christ the King, etc.

3. The Ordinary Office is said on all Double and Semidouble Feasts. It should also be used on certain Greater Doubles (Feasts of Saints) as indicated in the Ordo.

4. The Simple Office is said on all Simple Feasts.

5. The Ferial Office is said on Ferial Days (weekdays having no occurring Feast). The Vigil Office is said on Common Vigils. Certain privileged Vigils have a proper Office (eg.

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INTRODUCTION

Christmas Eve, Vigil of Pentecost), but these will be noted in the Ordo.

NOTE There exist certain Partially Excepted Feasts, on which part of the Office is Solemn and part of the Office is Ordinary. They are generally of Double Rank. They include several ancient Feasts which had a proper Office (proper Antiphons and Psalms, Hymns, Chapters, etc.) and are now partially excepted in order to preserve these Propers. Such Feasts include several of the Roman Martyrs, such as St. Cecilia, St. Agnes, St. Clement, etc. The beginner need not worry about these Feasts: they are noted in the Ordo, and also the Proper of the Saints in the Breviary itself will provide the proper texts which must be recited.

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INTRODUCTION

Rite Rank of of Office Feast

Double of First Class

Solemn Double of Second Class

Some Greater Doubles

Ordinary Sunday Sundays

Some Greater Doubles Divine Office Ordinary Double

Semidouble

Simple Simple

Feria and Vigil Feria and Vigil

Figure 6: Relationship between Rites of Office and Ranks of Feast

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INTRODUCTION

9. Ceremonial Rubrics of the Divine Office The ceremonial Rubrics with regards to the ceremonies of the Divine Office are only of obligation when the Office is said in Choir. They are therefore not described in this manual.

When reciting the Divine Office in private, however, one should take care at least to make the Sign of the Cross and reverences in the appointed places. Under the right circumstances it may also be praiseworthy to observe the basic positions of sitting, standing, and kneeling where appropriate.

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INTRODUCTION

10. Kneeling Days In the following pages, occasional mention is made of the term Kneeling Days. As the name implies, this term refers to days when it is customary to kneel at certain times of the Divine Office and at High Mass (eg. at the Collects and Pater noster), the additional kneeling emphasizing the penitential nature of the day. Kneeling days include the following:

Ferial Office in Advent Septuagesimatide and Lent

Vigils

Ember Days (except in Eastertide)

Figure 7: Kneeling Days

1. On Kneeling Days, the Preces and Collects are said kneeling when the Office is said in Choir.

2. The liturgical color for most Kneeling Days will be purple.

3. There are no Kneeling Days in Eastertide.

4. Kneeling Days do not include Vigils or Ember Days impeded by the occurrence of a Feastday.

5. The occurrence of a Kneeling Day usually implies the second scheme at Lauds, the fourth Psalm at Prime, and the use of the Ferial Preces.

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INTRODUCTION

11. Plan of the Succeeding Pages We shall now study the individual Hours one by one in the succeeding seven Chapters. Our general method of procedure will be to give:

Structure and content of the various Hours

Where the various parts are to be found in the Breviary

How they are to be said

Special notes (if any)

Chapter 8 deals with some General Principles, and is a recapitulation of the preceding six chapters, with notes on various aspects of the Divine Office not dealt with in the chapters on the individual Hours. It is followed by four chapters containing notes on special Offices, on the variations introduced into the Office at special seasons, and on reading the Ordo.

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MATINS Chapter 2 12. Matins Matins and Lauds together theoretically form the first of the canonical Hours of the Divine Office. Practically, however, they are two separate Hours, and this justifies us in considering each by itself.

There are two kinds of Matins, namely, Matins of Three Nocturns, and Matins of One Nocturn.

Matins of Three Nocturns are said on all Feasts having a solemn, Sunday, or ordinary Office.

Matins of One Nocturn are said on all days having a simple, ferial, or vigil Office.

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MATINS

Figure 8: Matins of Three Nocturns and Matins of One Nocturn

In the present chapter we shall consider only Matins of Three Nocturns. In this and other sections under the same title, no account will be taken of exceptions; only the general rules will be given. All exceptions have been collected in Chapter 11, Seasonal Changes.

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MATINS

A. Matins of Three Nocturns

H O W T O S A Y 13. Structure and Content These Matins are said on all preferred Feasts, that is, such as have a solemn Office; on all Sundays of the year; on all ordinary Feasts, that is, such as have an ordinary Office.

In Matins of Three Nocturns, as in all other Hours, three parts may be distinguished: namely, an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Figure 9: The Three Parts of a Canonical Hour

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MATINS

The Introduction of Matins

14. An Overview of the Introduction to Matins

• Aperi, Domine • Triple Prayer • Opening Versicles • Invitatory and Psalm 94 • Hymn

Figure 10: The Introduction to Matins

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MATINS

15. The Preparatory Prayer Aperi, Domine Before beginning the Divine Office the prayer Aperi, Domine, found on the first page of the Ordinary, is usually said. At the words Aperi, Domine, os meum, it is laudable to make the Sign of the Cross on the lips. At the words Munda quoque cor meum one should make a similar Sign of the Cross upon the breast.

The Aperi, Domine is not obligatory, but is said laudabiliter.

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MATINS

16. The Triple (and Dual) Prayer

The Triple Prayer (ie. Pater, Ave, and Credo) is always said secretly immediately before the Opening Versicles of Matins. Let us take note here that it is also said before Prime, and also after Compline, as soon as the Marian Antiphon and its V. and R. and Collect have been said, and its following V. Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum. In these three places (ie. before Matins and Prime and after Compline) the Triple Prayer is always said, even when these Hours are recited in aggregation with other Hours.

Note, however, that before the Opening Versicles at all the other Hours except Compline, (which, as indicated in the Ordinary, has its own peculiar opening devotions,) the Dual Prayer (ie. Pater and Ave) is said secretly. Triple Prayer

Before Before After Matins Prime Compline

Figure 11: When the Triple Prayer is said

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MATINS Dual Prayer Before (Before Terce, Before Lauds) Sext and Vespers None

Figure 12: When the Dual Prayer is said

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MATINS

17. The Opening Versicles Matins is unique in having two Opening Versicles and Responses, namely:

V. Dómine, + lábia mea V. O Lord, + open apéries. thou my lips. R. Et os meum R. And my mouth annuntiábit laudem tuam. shall shew forth thy praise.

V. Deus † in adjutórium V. O God, † make meum inténde. speed to save me. R. Dómine ad R. O Lord, make adjuvándum me festína. haste to help me.

During the V. Domine, labia mea aperies, the Sign of the Cross is made with the right thumb upon the lips. This Versicle and Response is not said at any of the Hours other than Matins. The Opening Versicles for the other Hours begin with Versicle Deus in adjutorium, during which the full Sign of the Cross is made.

The second part of the Opening Versicles consists of the Gloria Patri, which is said with the usual reverence (a profound bow, which is made towards the Crucifix of the Altar if the Office is being said in Choir). After the Sicut erat is said Alleluja. During Septuagesimatide, Lent and Passiontide, the Alleluja is not said, and in its place are said the words Laus tibi Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae.

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MATINS

18. The Invitatory and Hymn The Invitatory is said first twice in full. Then is begun Psalm 94, Venite, exsultemus. After the first and all odd verses of the Psalm, the Invitatory is repeated in full. After the second and all even verses of the Psalm, only the last half of the Invitatory is said, that is, from the asterisk to the end. After the Gloria Patri, which concludes the Psalm, the last half of the Invitatory is said, and then the whole Invitatory is repeated once more.

A genuflection is made during the Invitatory during the third verse, at the words Venite, adoremus, et procidamus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker).

After the Invitatory is said the Hymn.

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MATINS

The Body of Matins

19. An Overview of the Body of Matins The Body consists of three Nocturns.

The First Nocturn

•3 Antiphons and Psalms

•Versicle and Response

•Pater Noster

•Absolution

•First Jube Domine Benedicere and Benediction

•Lesson i and Responsory

•Second Jube Domine Benedicere and Benediction

•Lesson ii and Responsory

•Third Jube Domine Benedicere and Benediction

•Lesson iii and Responsory

Figure 13: The Order of the First Nocturn of Matins

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MATINS

NOTES

1. Each Psalm concludes with the Gloria Patri and Sicut erat.

2. Each Lesson is introduced by Jube, Domine, benedicere, and its own Benediction, and followed by Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis—Deo gratias and its own Responsory.

The Second Nocturn This is exactly like the first in structure. Its Lessons will be numbered iv, v, vi.

The Third Nocturn This too, is like the first. Its Lessons will be numbered vii, viii, ix. Note, however, that the ninth Lesson usually has no Response and Verse. Instead, after the Tu autem, Domine Miserere nobis—Deo gratias, the Te Deum is said.

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MATINS

20. The Antiphons We remarked in the introduction that the rank of a Feast affects the manner of saying its Office. The Antiphons are an illustration of this fact. If the Feast celebrated is ranked Double or higher, then the entire Antiphon is said before the Psalm (doubled). In all other cases the Antiphon is merely announced before the Psalm, that is, said as far as the asterisk. This rubric applies only to the Offices of Matins, Lauds and Vespers. At all the other Offices, the Antiphon is never said in full before the Psalm, but is always merely announced.

Office Hour Antiphon

Matins, Lauds Doubled and Vespers Double Rank or higher All other Announced Hours only

Semidouble, Simple, Ferial or All Hours Announced only Vigil

Figure 14: Doubling of Antiphons

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MATINS

NOTE Whenever that part of the Antiphon which is recited before the Psalm agrees perfectly in wording with the first words of the Psalm, these words of the Psalm are omitted. This is a universal rule and holds for all Hours of the Divine Office.

After the Gloria Patri at the end of the Psalm, the Antiphon is always said in full.

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MATINS

21. The Psalms Each Nocturn has three Psalms. Each Psalm is either an entire Psalm or a part thereof. In either case, the Gloria Patri in full, that is, with Sicut erat, must be added as the last two verses. This rubric applies to all Psalms and Canticles unless a rubric in the Breviary forbids this addition (eg. in the Office of the Dead or during the Sacred Triduum).

After the third Psalm in each Nocturn is said a Versicle and Response, followed by the Pater noster. After the R. Sed libera nos a malo, is said the Absolution. The Jube Domine benedicere is then said, followed by the appropriate Benediction for the next Lesson.

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MATINS

22. The Lessons Each Nocturn has three Lessons. Before each Lesson is read the Jube Domine benedicere followed by the appropriate Benediction.

All titles of Lessons must be read. Therefore, read Incipit liber Ecclesiastici, or Lectio Sancti Evangelii secundum…, or Homilia Sancti Gregorii Papae, etc.

At the end of each Lesson is said the V. Tu autem Domine miserere nobis, followed by the R. Deo gratias.

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MATINS

23. The Responsories The Responsory (Response and Verse) may be printed in any one of three ways:

a) With one asterisk and no Gloria Patri

Read the whole Response as printed

Read the whole Verse

Repeat that part of the Response which follows the asterisk b) With one asterisk and a Gloria Patri

Read the whole Response as printed

Read the whole Verse

Repeat that part of the Response which follows the asterisk

Say the Gloria Patri, but without Sicut erat...

Repeat once more that part of the Response which follows the asterisk

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MATINS

c) With two asterisks and a Gloria Patri

Read the whole Response as printed

Read the whole Verse

Repeat that part of the Response which is included between the two asterisks

Say the Gloria Patri, but without Sicut erat...

Repeat that part of the Response which follows the second asterisk

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MATINS

24. The Te Deum The Te Deum is said instead of a Responsory at the end of Lesson ix.

One should make a profound bow during the following verses:

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus

Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.

Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi.

A genuflection is made at the following verse:

Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni, quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.

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The Te Deum is omitted in certain Offices, when a ninth Responsory is said in its place. The exceptions are the following:

• On Ferial and Vigil Offices • On the Sundays of Advent Te • On the Sundays of Septuagesimatide, Lent and Passiontide Deum is • On the Feast of the Holy Innocents, unless it fall on a Sunday or is celebrated as a not said Double of the First Class

• On Solemn, Sunday, Ordinary and Te Simple Offices • Even on Ferial Offices, from Easter till Pentecost inclusive, with the Deum is exception of Rogation Monday said

Figure 15: Exceptions to the Rules for saying the Te Deum

It is not necessary to learn these exceptions, for both the Breviary and the Ordo will indicate any deviation from the general rule.

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The Conclusion of Matins

25. An Overview of the Conclusion of Matins Matins normally concludes with the Te Deum, and is immediately followed by the Office of Lauds. This is obligatory when the Office is being recited in Choir, except on Christmas Eve, when the Midnight Mass is said immediately after Matins and before Lauds. If Matins is to be separated from Lauds in private recitation, the following conclusion is made:

•Versicle and Response (Dominus vobiscum or Domine, exaudi orationem meam) •Collect of the Day

•Closing Versicles

•Pater noster

Figure 16: Conclusion of Matins

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26. The Dominus Vobiscum

V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.

The Dominus vobiscum is said only by those who have been ordained at least deacons. Subdeacons, other clerics, and layfolk, therefore, do not say the Dominus vobiscum, but change it to the V. and R. Domine, exaudi orationem meam—Et clamor meus ad te veniat. If this verse already occurs in conjunction with the Dominus vobiscum, the latter is simply omitted to avoid repetition.

This rubric applies not only at Matins but throughout the Divine Office whenever the Dominus vobiscum is directed to be said.

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27. The Collect The Collect is that of the Office of the Day. It is preceded by Oremus. A profound reverence is made at this word, and also at the Holy Name if this is said during the conclusion of the Collect. A slight reverence is made at the name of the saint of the day, if this is said.

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28. The Closing Versicles The Closing Versicles are said as follows:

V. Dóminus vobíscum. V. The Lord be with you. R. Et cum spíritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.

V. Benedicámus V. Bless we the Lord. Dómino. R. Thanks be to God. R. Deo grátias.

V. Fidélium ánimæ † V. May the souls † of per misericórdiam Dei the faithful departed, requiéscant in pace. through the mercy of R. Amen. God, rest in peace. R. Amen.

Pater noster (silently) Our Father (silently)

During the V. Fidelium animae per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace, the Sign of the Cross is made.

The Pater noster is said in silence. Amen is said at the end of the Pater, also in silence.

These Closing Versicles are said the same way at the end of all the Hours except Prime and Compline.

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29. Summary of the Order of Matins

• Aperi, Domine • Triple Prayer • Opening Versicles and Responses • Invitatory and Psalm 94, Venite, exsultemus Introduction • Hymn

• Three Antiphons and Psalms • Versicle and Response • Pater noster • Absolution • Three Lessons, each introduced by its own Benediction, and followed Body by a Responsory (except after (3 Nocturns, each Lesson ix) comprising:) • Te Deum (after Lesson ix only)

• (If separated from Lauds) Collect, Closing Versicles and Pater noster Conclusion

Figure 17: The Order of the Office of Matins of Three Nocturns

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NOTE It is advisable to commit this plan of Matins to memory. It would, of course, be learnt sooner or later without conscious effort as a result of saying the Office. Yet, if it is memorized now, it will prove a real saving of time and energy, since it will eliminate all necessity of referring to a book to find out what comes next, which is a distraction from prayer.

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W H E R E T O FIND

30. The Classes of Office We have seen that there are five classes of Office. These Offices differ one from the other, not so much in point of content, as in regard to the sections of the Breviary from which their variable parts are taken. We shall therefore consider each of the five classes of Office separately and point out where the various parts of Matins are taken from in each of them. The same will be done in due course for the other Hours of the Divine Office.

Only the first three classes of Offices, that is the Solemn Office, the Sunday Office, and the Ordinary Office, as we have seen, have a Matins of Three Nocturns. We need therefore consider only these here.

In what follows, frequent reference will be made to the Common of the Saints. This means that if the Feast is of an Apostle, the Common of Apostles is to be used; if of a Virgin, the Common of Virgins; if of the Blessed Virgin, the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and so on.

Many of the parts given in the Ordinary are for convenience reprinted in the Psalter in many modern editions of the Breviary. It must be emphasized, however, this does vary from Breviary to Breviary, and no two editions are ever quite the same.

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31. The Solemn Office A few of the Feasts which have Solemn Offices are movable Feasts, such as Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, etc. For these the parts which are listed as coming from the Proper of the Saints will be found in the Proper of the Season instead.

The various parts of Matins for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

a) The introduction from the Ordinary, except the Invitatory and its corresponding Hymn. These are taken from the Proper of the Saints if given there; otherwise from the Common of the Saints.

b) The three Antiphons and Psalms for each Nocturn and the Versicle and Response after each set of three Psalms from the Proper of the Saints if given there, otherwise from the Common of the Saints.

c) The Absolution for each set of three Lessons and the Benedictions, one for each Lesson, from the Ordinary.

d) The Lessons for each Nocturn and the Responses and Verses after each Lesson from the Proper of the Saints.

e) The Te Deum, which takes the place of the Response and Verse of the ninth Lesson, from the Ordinary.

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f) The conclusion, when one is used, from the Ordinary, except for the Collect of the Office, which is taken from the Proper of the Saints.

Proper (or Ordinary Common) of Saints

Opening Invitatory and Versicles Hymn

Absolutions Antiphons and and Psalms, Benedictions V. and R.

Lessons, Te Deum Responses and Verses

Closing Collect Versicles

Figure 18: Source of Components for Matins of Solemn Office

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32. The Sunday Office The various parts of Matins for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

a) The introduction from the Ordinary, except the Invitatory and its corresponding Hymn. These are taken from the Psalter, Sunday at Matins.

b) The three Antiphons and Psalms for each Nocturn and the Versicle and Response after each set of three Psalms from the Psalter, Sunday at Matins.

c) The Absolution for each set of three Lessons and the Benedictions, one for each Lesson, from the Ordinary.

d) The nine Lessons with their Responses and Verses, three for each Nocturn, from the Proper of the Season.

e) The Te Deum, which takes the place of the Response and Verse of the ninth Lesson, from the Ordinary.

f) The conclusion, when one is used, from the Ordinary, except for the Collect of the Office, which is taken from the Proper of the Season.

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Proper of Ordinary Psalter the Season

Lessons, Opening Invitatory and Responses Versicles Hymn and Verses

Absolutions Antiphons and and Psalms, Collect Benedictions V. and R.

Te Deum

Closing Versicles

Figure 19: Source of Components for Sunday Matins

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33. The Ordinary Office The various parts of Matins for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

a) The introduction from the Ordinary, except the Invitatory and its corresponding Hymn. These are taken from the Common of the Saints, and rarely, from the Proper of the Saints.

b) The three Antiphons and Psalms for each Nocturn and the Versicle and Response after each set of three Psalms from the Psalter for the current weekday.

c) The Absolution for each set of three Lessons and the Benedictions, one for each Lesson, from the Ordinary.

d) The Lessons of the First Nocturn and their Responses and Verses from the Proper of the Season for the current weekday; that is, if the Feast fall on a Monday after the fourth Sunday after Pentecost, the lessons will be found in the Proper of the Season under the title: Infra Hebdomadam IV post Octavam Pentecostes, feria secunda.

e) The Lessons of the Second Nocturn with their Responses and Verses, from the Proper of the Saints, or rarely from the Common of the Saints.

f) The Lessons of the Third Nocturn with their Responses and Verses, from the Proper of the Saints. However, very often, the Proper of the 49

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Saints will refer the reader to the appropriate Lessons in the Common of the Saints.

g) The Te Deum, which takes the place of the Response and Verse of the ninth Lesson, from the Ordinary.

h) The conclusion, when one is used, from the Ordinary, except for the Collect of the Office, which is taken from the Proper of the Season.

Proper of Proper of Common of Ordinary Psalter the Season the Saints the Saints

First Nocturn Second Nocturn Opening Antiphons and Invitatory and Lessons and Lessons and Versicles Psalms, V. & R. Hymn Responsories Responsories

Third Nocturn Absolutions and Lessons and Benedictions Responsories

Te Deum Collect

Closing Versicles

Figure 20: Source of Components for Ordinary Office of Matins

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B. Matins of One Nocturn

34. Structure and Content Thus far our study of the Hour of Matins has shown us how it is ordinarily recited, for most offices, as a glance at the Ordo will show, have a Matins of Three Nocturns. However, some Offices have a Matins of One Nocturn. This does not mean that the Second and Third Nocturn are merely omitted, but it involves other changes in the Hour as well. We shall now see what these changes are.

Matins of One Nocturn is said on all simple Feasts and on all Ferias and Ordinary Vigils if the Office of the Feria or Vigil is said. In other words, only the Simple, Ferial and Vigil Offices have a Matins of One Nocturn.

Figure 21: When Matins of One Nocturn is said

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H O W T O S A Y

35. An Overview of the Office of Matins of One Nocturn The rules and directions given for the recitation of the various parts of a Matins of Three Nocturns apply also to a Matins of One Nocturn. There are, however, a number of differences, and these should be noted in the descriptions below.

The Introduction is exactly like the Introduction of a Matins of Three Nocturns.

The Body consists of one Nocturn, comprising:

1. Nine Antiphons and Psalms

2. A Versicle and Response at their conclusion

3. The Pater noster and an Absolution

4. Three Lessons, each preceded by Jube Domine benedicere and an appropriate Benediction, and followed by Tu autem, Domine, Miserere nobis—Deo gratias and a Responsory.

Note: If the Office is that of a Feast and, therefore, not a Ferial or Vigil Office, the Gloria Patri (without Sicut erat…) is added to the end of the Response and Verse after the second Lesson. There will then be no

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Responsory after the third Lesson. In its place the Te Deum will be said.

The same rule governs the Conclusion of a Matins of One Nocturn that governed that of a Matins of Three Nocturns; in other words, the Conclusion is only used when Lauds does not follow immediately upon Matins.

The Conclusion, when used, is the same that terminated Matins of Three Nocturns.

• Aperi, Domine • Triple Prayer • Opening Versicles and Responses • Invitatory and Psalm 94, Venite, exsultemus Introduction • Hymn

• Nine Antiphons and Psalms • Versicle and Response • Pater noster • Absolution • Three Lessons, each introduced by its own Benediction, and followed Body by a Responsory (except after Lesson ix in Simple Office)

• Te Deum • (If separated from Lauds) Collect, Closing Versicles and Pater noster Conclusion

Figure 22: The Order of Matins of One Nocturn

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W H E R E T O FIND

36. The Simple Office The various parts of Matins for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Introduction from the Ordinary, except the Invitatory and its corresponding Hymn. These are taken from the Common of the Saints.

2. The nine Antiphons and Psalms from the Psalter for the current weekday.

Note: Use the same Antiphons and Psalms that would be used if the Matins were of Three Nocturns. These nine Psalms, however, are now said consecutively. The Versicles and Responses given after the third and sixth Psalms are omitted. The Versicle and Response given after the ninth Psalm are said.

3. The Absolution from the Ordinary. Observe the following rule: On Mondays and Thursdays use the Absolution printed for the First Nocturn of a Matins of Three Nocturns; on Tuesdays and Fridays, the one for the Second Nocturn; on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the one for the Third Nocturn.

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4. The Benediction for each Lesson from the Ordinary. A special set of Benedictions is there given for these Offices.

5. The first two of the three Lessons from the Proper of the Season for the current weekday.

Note: Remember that the Gloria Patri without Sicut erat… is added to the Response and Verse of the Second Lesson.

6. The Third Lesson from the Proper of the Saints. It has no Responsory, but is concluded with the Te Deum.

7. The Conclusion, when required, from the Ordinary, except for the Collect of the Office, which is taken from the Proper of the Saints.

Proper of Proper of Common of Ordinary Psalter the Season the Saints the Saints

Antiphons Lesson i and Opening Invitatory and Psalms, ii, Responses Lesson iii Versicles and Hymn V. & R. and Verses

Absolutions and Collect Benedictions

Te Deum

Closing Versicles

Figure 23: Source of Components for the Simple Office of Matins

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35. The Ferial and Vigil Offices The various parts of Matins for these Offices are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Introduction from the Ordinary, except for the Invitatory and its corresponding Hymn, which are taken from the Psalter.

2. The nine Antiphons and Psalms from the Psalter. They are said consecutively as in the Simple Office. The Versicle and Response, given after the third and sixth Psalms, are omitted.

3. The Absolution from the Ordinary. The rule governing the Absolution in the Simple Office is to be observed, that is: On Mondays and Thursdays use the Absolution printed for the First Nocturn of a Matins of Three Nocturns; on Tuesdays and Fridays, the one for the Second Nocturn; on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the one for the Third Nocturn.

4. The Benediction for each Lesson from the Ordinary.

Note: Several sets of Benedictions are given. Hence the following rules (taken from the Ordinary) are to be observed:

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a) If the Lessons are the ordinary (Scripture occurring) Lessons, the Benedictions on Mondays and Thursdays will be those of the First Nocturn of a Matins of Three Nocturns; on Tuesdays and Fridays, those of the Second Nocturn; for Wednesdays and Saturdays a special set of Benedictions are given.

b) If the Lessons consist of a portion of a Gospel and Homily (eg. In Ferial Offices during Lent; in ordinary Vigil Offices) another special set of Benedictions must be used.

5. The three Lessons and their Responsories (no Te Deum) in Ferial Offices from the Proper of the Season; in Vigil Offices from the Proper of the Saints if given there, otherwise from the Common.

6. The Conclusion, when required, from the Ordinary, except for the Collect of the Office. If the Office is of a Feria, this Collect will be the Collect of the preceding Sunday, given in the Proper of the Season; if the Office is of a Vigil, it will have its own proper Collect given either in the Proper or Common of the Saints.

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Proper of Proper of Common of Ordinary Psalter the Season the Saints the Saints

Lessons and Lessons and Lessons and Opening Invitatory and Responsories Responsories Responsories Versicles Hymn in Ferial Office in Vigil Offices in Vigil Offices

Absolution and Antiphons and Collect Benedictions Psalms, V. & R.

Closing Versicles

Figure 24: Source of Components for Ferial and Vigil Matins

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S P E C I A L NOTES

36. Scheme I and II of the Third Nocturn For the Third Nocturn of Wednesday the Psalter gives two sets of Psalms. The second set is only used on those Ferial Days and Vigils when the Psalm Miserere must be said at Lauds. The Ordo will always indicate when the second scheme is to be used.

Kneeling Scheme II of Wednesday Day 3rd Nocturn

Figure 25: When Scheme II of Matins is to be said

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37. The Ninth Lesson Rather frequently the notation appears in the Ordo that there is a special Ninth Lesson. This means that this special Lesson ix will replace the ordinary Ninth Lesson. The reason for this is that two Offices “occur”, that is, fall on the same day, one of which is said, the other commemorated. Two cases may be distinguished:

a) Both Offices may be of Saints. In this case the Ninth Lesson to be substituted for the ordinary Ninth Lesson will be historical, that is, containa short biography of the Saint to be commemorated. When this happens, the Ninth Lesson may be found in the Breviary printed in place of the regular Ninth Lesson, which would otherwise be part of a Homily. If not found there, it may be found either in a special section in back of the Breviary entitled Lectiones pro Festis Universalis Ecclesiae Commemoratis ad Matutinum Legendae juxta Rubricas, or in the Office of the Saint to be commemorated. In this latter case it will be printed immediately after the Second Nocturn and will be a summary of the three Lessons of this Nocturn. Often it is printed in a smaller typeface to distinguish it from the other Lessons. If no special Ninth Lesson is given in the Breviary, read all the historical Lessons consecutively of the Second Nocturn of the Office to be commemorated. The Responsories after the individual Lessons would in this case be omitted.

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b) The Office to be commemorated may be that of a Sunday, a Feria, or a Vigil. In this case the special Ninth Lesson will consist of a Gospel and Homily, that is, it will be an ordinary Third Nocturn Lesson. This will be found where the Office of the Sunday, Feria or Vigil to be commemorated is found. Read only the Gospel and the first of the three Lessons constituting the Homily. The other two may be joined to the first per modum unius, if devotion so prompts.

NOTE When this special Ninth Lesson consists of a portion of a Gospel and Homily, a special Benediction must be used. It is given in the Ordinary after the Benedictions for the Third Nocturn. It is Per Evangelica dicta deleantur nostra delicta. Amen.

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38. Special First Nocturn Lessons a) From the Common of the Saints. On Ordinary Feasts having a Matins of Three Nocturns, the Lessons for the First Nocturn, as we have seen, are found in the Proper of the Season. Now, it may happen that the Lessons there given consist of a Gospel and Homily (this is always the case during Lent). Such Lessons may not be used as First Nocturn Lessons. In this case the Lessons for the First Nocturn must be taken from the Common of the Saints.

b) From the Proper of the Saints. It sometimes happens that even for Ordinary Feasts special First Nocturn Lessons are given in the Breviary in the Proper of the Saints. The Ordo will give a reminder when this is the case. The technical expression is lectiones primae nocturnae propriae.

c) From the Proper of the Season. There is a certain hierarchy of dignity among the First Nocturn Lessons given in the Proper of the Season. For instance, the initia (beginnings) of the Sacred Books (the introductory verses of the first chapter of any of the Sacred Books) are considered of greater dignity than other parts of these books. Some Lessons, also, which are not initia, enjoy the same dignity. Now, if for some reason or another such Lessons may not be read on the day to which they are assigned, they must

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be transferred. The Ordo will always indicate when this is to be done.

NOTE If the First Nocturn Lessons of Sunday are thus transferred to a weekday, the accompanying Responsories are also transferred. Exceptions will be noted in the Breviary and Ordo. This is not true of transferred Lessons of weekdays. Only the Lessons are transferred. The Responsories will be those proper to the day on which the Lessons are read.

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LAUDS Chapter 3 39. Lauds Lauds is the second half of the first Hour of the Divine Office. In Choir it must always be said immediately after Matins except on Christmas Day; but in the private recitation of the Office it may always be separated from Matins.

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H O W T O S A Y

The Introduction to Lauds

40. An Overview of the Introduction to Lauds

• Dual Prayer

• Opening Versicles

Figure 26: The Introduction to the Office of Lauds

The introduction consists of:

1. The Dual Prayer (Pater noster and Ave Maria), omitted if Lauds is said immediately after Matins.

2. An introductory Versicle and Response, namely the Deus in adjutorium meum intende as described above at Matins, with the accompanying Sign of the Cross, and followed by the Gloria Patri and Alleluja.

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The Body of Lauds

41. An Overview of the Body of Lauds • Five Antiphons and Psalms • Chapter • Hymn • Versicle and Response • Benedictus (with Antiphon) • Ferial Preces (when required) • Collect • Commemorations (if any) • Suffrage (when required)

Figure 27: The Order of the Body of Lauds

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42. The Antiphons As noted above under Matins, the Antiphons of the Psalms as well as the Antiphon on the Benedictus are merely “announced” before the Psalms and Benedictus unless the Feast is at least of Double Rank.

Ferial and Vigil Offices Announced Feasts ranked Semidouble and Antiphon Simple

Feasts ranked Doubled Double and above

Figure 28: Doubling of the Antiphons

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43. Scheme I and II of Lauds The Psalter gives two sets of Psalms for Lauds. The second set, which always begins with Psalm 50, Miserere, is used only on days of a penitential character (Sundays in Septuagesimatide, Lent and Passiontide, and Kneeling Days). The Ordo will always indicate when the second scheme is to be used.

•of Septuagesimatide •of Lent •of Passiontide Sundays

•Ferias in Advent •Ferias in Septuagesimatide Kneeling •Ferias in Lent •Ferias in Passiontide •Vigils Days •Ember Days

Figure 29: When Lauds 2 is to be said

Note that the usual first Psalm(s) of Lauds, replaced in Scheme II by the Miserere, is said as the fourth Psalm at Prime whenever Scheme II is used at Lauds.

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44. The Benedictus

The Benedictus is the first of the three major New Testament Canticles recited during the Divine Office (the other two being the Magnificat, said at Vespers, and the Nunc Dimittis at Compline).

In Choir they are sung with greater solemnity than the Psalms: they are recited standing, the Sign of the Cross is made at the beginning of the Canticle, each verse receives its own intonation, and at the Hours of Lauds and Vespers, the altar, clergy, choir and people are solemnly incensed.

To preserve a vestige of this solemnity in private recitation, one should take care to make the Sign of the Cross at the intonation of the Benedictus.

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45. The Ferial Preces The Ferial Preces are only said when the Ordo calls for them. The Ordo will call for them as follows:

a) On Ferial Days during Advent, Lent and Passiontide when the Ferial Office is recited.

b) On Vigils if the Vigil Office is recited. Exceptions are the Vigils of Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, and Pentecost.

c) On the Ember Days of September if the Ferial Office is said.

In other words, the Ferial Preces are generally said whenever the second scheme of Lauds is used on weekdays, with the exception of Septuagesimatide.

The Ferial Preces are recited:

On Ferial Days during Advent, Lent and Passiontide

On Vigils (except Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension & Pentecost)

On Ember Days of September

Figure 30: When the Ferial Preces are recited

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46. Conclusion of the Collect As at Mass the conclusion of the Collects of the Office are the long conclusions. There are three such conclusions:

1. When the Prayer is addressed to God the Father:

Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus: per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

2. When the Prayer is addressed to God the Son:

Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus: per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

3. When God the Son is mentioned toward the end of the oration:

Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus: per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Several modifications may be introduced into these conclusions. Thus, the first conclusion Per Dominum nostrum… becomes Per eumdem Dominum nostrum… if the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity has been mentioned in the beginning of the Prayer. The phrase in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus becomes in unitate ejusdem Spiritus Sancti Deus if the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity has been mentioned in the course of the Prayer. Little difficulty will be experienced in the use of these conclusions, even though they are not printed in full in the Breviary, for the significant words of the conclusion are always given. 71

LAUDS

47. The Commemorations Unlike the Commemorations at Mass, which consist merely of a Prayer, the Commemorations in the Divine Office have three parts, namely, an Antiphon (always said in full), a Versicle with its Response, and a Collect always preceded by Oremus.

The Antiphon for the Commemoration at Lauds is the Antiphon on the Benedictus. However, it is not the Antiphon which has already been used with the Benedictus, but the Antiphon which would have been used had the Office of the Feast commemorated been said. This Antiphon, therefore, must be taken from the Common of the Saints. However, most breviaries reprint it in the Proper of the Saints together with the Collect of the Office.

The Versicle and Response that must be said are the Versicle and Response found immediately before the Antiphon used. If the Antiphon has been reprinted in the Proper of the Saints, the Versicle and Response will also be found there, but after the Antiphon.

Only the Collect of the Office and the Collect of the last Commemoration have a conclusion. The conclusion of any intermediate Commemorations are omitted.

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48. Practical Illustration of the Commemorations As a practical illustration of the procedure to be followed when Commemorations occur, let us consider an Office in which two Commemorations are to be made. Let us suppose that the Office of the Feast is the Office of a Confessor, and that a Martyr and a Virgin are to be commemorated. After the recitation of the Benedictus and the repetition of the Antiphon on the Benedictus, proceed as follows:

• Dominus vobiscum--Et cum spiritu tuo. • Oremus Versicle and Response

• Say the Collect of the Office of the day. This Collect will have a conclusion. It is taken from the Proper of the Saints Collect of the Day

• Antiphon on the Benedictus taken from the Common of a Martyr • Versicle and Response, which immediately precedes this Antiphon in the same Common • Oremus First • The Collect in honor of the Martyr. It will have no conclusion, since another Commemoration Commemoration follows. It is taken from the Proper of the Saints. (Martyr)

• Antiphon on the Benedictus taken from the Common of Virgins • Versicle and Response, which immediately precedes this Antiphon in the same Common • Oremus Second • Collect in honor of the Virgin. It will have a conclusion, since it is the last Commemoration. It Commemoration is taken from the Proper of the Saints. (Virgin)

Figure 31: Practical illustration on how the Commemorations are said

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49. When Commemorations are from the same Common A difficulty may occur if the Saint to be commemorated has the same Common as the one whose Office is being said, because we must never use the same Antiphon, Versicle and Response, twice in any Hour. A complicated set of rules is given for such cases, as we shall see below. In practice, however, there is no difficulty, for the Ordo will always indicate which Antiphon, Versicle and Response, is to be used in such cases.

A similar difficulty may occur with regard to the Collect of the Commemoration. Should this Collect be identical with the Collect of the Office, or with the Collect of a Commemoration already made, another Collect must be chosen from among those given in the Common.

1. One Commemoration only. When only one Commemoration is to be made from the Common from which the variable parts of the Office have already been taken, proceed as follows:

a) If the Commemoration is to be made only in First Vespers and Lauds (the case when a Simple is commemorated), for the Commemoration at Vespers use the Antiphon and Versicle from Lauds; and for the Commemoration at Lauds use the Antiphon and Versicle from First Vespers.

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At First Use Antiphon and Versicle Vespers from Lauds

Use Antiphon and Versicle At Lauds from First Vespers

Figure 32: Which Antiphon and Versicle to use at Commemorations from a single Common

b) If the Commemoration is to be made in First and Second Vespers and in Lauds (the case when a simplified Feast is commemorated) then for the Commemoration in First Vespers use the Antiphon and Versicle from Second Vespers; for the Commemoration at Lauds use the Antiphon and Versicle from First Vespers; for the Commemoration at Second Vespers use the Antiphon and Verse from Lauds.

Use Antiphon At First and Versicle from Second Vespers Vespers

Use Antiphon and Versicle At Lauds from First Vespers

At Second Use Antiphon and Versicle Vespers from Lauds

Figure 33: Which Antiphon and Versicle to use at Commemorations from a single Common

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NOTE In the Common of Virgins the Antiphon for First and Second Vespers is the same. Hence for the Commemoration in both First and Second Vespers use the Antiphon from Lauds.

2. Several Commemorations. When several Commemorations are to be made from the same Common proceed as follows:

a) At First Vespers. For the first Commemoration, the Antiphon and Versicle from Second Vespers; for the second, the Antiphon from Lauds and the Versicle from Terce; for the third, the first Antiphon from the Third Nocturn and the Versicle from Sext.

Antiphon from Versicle from First Second Second Commemoration Vespers Vespers

Second Antiphon from Versicle from Commemoration Lauds Terce

First Antiphon Third Versicle from from Third Commemoration Sext Nocturn

Figure 34: When several Commemorations are to be made from the same Common at First Vespers

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b) At Lauds. For the first Commemoration, the Antiphon and Versicle from First Vespers; for the second, the Antiphon from Second Vespers and the Versicle from Terce; for the third, the first Antiphon from the Third Nocturn and the Versicle from Sext.

First Antiphon from Versicle from Commemoration First Vespers First Vespers

Antiphon from Second Versicle from Second Commemoration Terce Vespers

First Antiphon Third Versicle from from Third Commemoration Sext Nocturn

Figure 35: When several Commemorations are to be made from the same Common at Lauds

a) At Second Vespers. For the first Commemoration, the Antiphon and Versicle from First Vespers; for the second, the Antiphon from Lauds and the Versicle from Terce; for the third, the first Antiphon from the Third Nocturn and the Versicle from Sext.

Antiphon First Versicle from from First Commemoration First Vespers Vespers

Second Antiphon Versicle from Commemoration from Lauds Terce

First Antiphon Third Versicle from from Third Commemoration Sext Nocturn b)

Figure 36: When several Commemorations are to be made from the same Common at Second Vespers 77

LAUDS

50. The Suffrage This is, strictly speaking, a Commemoration of all the Saints, as a study of its structure and content will evince. Hence, it is added to the Office, whenever it is required, as the last of the Commemorations. It will therefore always have a conclusion.

Note 1: In the Suffrage at the letter N. the name of the titular Saint of that church or chapel to which one is ascribed is to be supplied. If the titular be the Holy Angels or St. John Baptist, they are mentioned before St. Joseph and not at the letter N. Members of religious orders, moreover, mention the name of their holy founder.

Note 2: Two forms of the Suffrage are printed in the Ordinary: one for ordinary Feasts of semidouble rank, the other for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin (St. Mary on the Sabbath). They differ merely in this, that the one for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin does not contain her name. We should hardly expect to commemorate the Blessed Virgin at the end of an Hour which was entirely in her honor.

The Ordo will always indicate when this is to be recited. The general rule is that it is said in all Offices of Semidouble, Simple or Ferial Rank. However, there are numerous exceptions. These exceptions are: (a) the season of Advent; (b) Passiontide; (c) Eastertide; (d) all days within an Octave; (e) Sundays when a Double is commemorated.

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Suffrage Suffrage is not is said said Feasts of Double Semidouble Feasts rank or higher

During Advent Simple Feasts

During Passiontide Ferias

During Eastertide Vigils

All days within an Octave

Sundays on which a Feast of Double rank or higher is commemorated

Figure 37: When the Suffrage of All Saints is said

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51. The Commemoration of the Cross This replaces the Suffrage of All Saints during Eastertide. Like the former, it is said in all Ferial and Festal Offices, but not on days when a Double or higher ranked Feast is celebrated or commemorated, nor on days within an Octave. The Ordo will indicate when it is to be said.

Commemoration Commemoration of Cross is not of Cross is said said Feasts of Double Semidouble Feasts rank or higher

All days within an Simple Feasts Octave

Sundays on which a Feast of Double Ferias rank or higher is commemorated

Figure 38: When the Commemoration of the Cross is to be said

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The Conclusion of Lauds

52. An Overview of the Conclusion of Lauds

•Closing Versicles

•Pater noster

•Versicle Dominus det nobis suam pacem. Amen.

•Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

•Versicle Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum. Amen.

Figure 39: Order of the Conclusion of Lauds

Conclude Lauds with:

1. The Closing Versicles as described above for the conclusion of Matins. The Sign of the Cross is made at the Fidelium.

2. The Pater noster, said totally in silence, with Amen at the end.

3. The Versicle Dominus det nobis suam pacem and the Response Amen. The Sign of the Cross is made during this Versicle.

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4. The Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin, with its Versicle and Response, and Collect.

5. The Versicle Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum, and the Response Amen. The Sign of the Cross is made again at this Versicle.

NOTE If one or more other Hours are said immediately after Lauds, the second half of the above conclusion, that is, beginning with number two above, is added to the last Hour recited. If all subsequent Hours are said at once in aggregation, it is omitted.

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53. The Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary This Antiphon will normally be said at least twice during the private recitation of the Divine Office. It is always said at the end of Compline, and is also recited at the end of Lauds, unless Prime immediately follows. In this case it is said at the end of the last Hour recited.

or after last Hour recited in Final Antiphon Lauds aggregation of BVM with Lauds

Final Antiphon always Compline of BVM

Figure 40: When to say the Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In Choir, the Antiphon of Our Lady is additionally recited at the end of every Hour. If several Hours are being recited in aggregation, it is said at the end of the last Hour recited.

The Four Antiphons : There are four Antiphons of the Blessed Virgin, which are chosen according to the liturgical season. They are the Alma Redemptoris Mater, the Ave Regina Caelorum, the Regina Caeli, and the Salve Regina.

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The four Antiphons are divided throughout the liturgical year as follows:

• From Vespers of • From Compline of the Saturday before Purification Advent Sunday • Until Compline of • Until Second Vespers Wednesday in Holy of the Purification Week

Alma Ave Regina Redemptoris Caelorum Mater

Salve Regina Regina Caeli

• From First Vespers of • From Compline of Trinity Sunday Holy Saturday • Until None of • Until None of the Saturday before 1st Saturday in the Sunday in Advent Octave of Pentecost

Figure 41: The Four Antiphons of the BVM and the Liturgical Year

NOTE

The Alma Redemptoris Mater is said until the Second Vespers of the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin (Candlemas). This normally falls on February 2nd. However, if for some reason, the Feast of Candlemas is transferred on a particular year, the Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary will still change after Vespers on February 2nd.

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The Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary consists of the following:

The Versicle Antiphon and Collect itself Response

Figure 42: The Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin

Each of the four Antiphons has its own proper Versicle and Response and Collect. However, the time during which the Alma Redemptoris Mater is said is divided into two parts, each with its own Versicle, Response and Collect. The first part is from the Vespers before Advent Sunday until None of Christmas Eve. The second part lasts from First Vespers of Christmas until Second Vespers of Candlemas (or February 2nd if this is transferred, as noted above).

In Choir the Antiphons (as also the Versicles, Responses and Collects) are recited kneeling from Monday Lauds until Saturday None, and standing from Saturday Vespers until Sunday Compline. However, the Regina Caeli is always recited standing irrespective of the day of the week.

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54. Summary of the Order of Lauds

• Dual Prayer (if Lauds is separated from Matins) • Opening Versicles with Gloria Patri and Alleluja Introduction

• Five Antiphons and Psalms • Chapter • Hymn • Versicle and Response • Antiphon on Benedictus, followed by the Benedictus, and a repetition of the Antiphon • Ferial Preces (when required) • Collect of the Day, introduced by Body Dominus vobiscum • Commemorations (if any) • Suffrage (when required)

• Closing Versicles • If the Office is to end with Lauds, add the following: • Pater noster • V and R: Dominus det nobis suam pacem • Antiphon of BVM with V & R and Collect Conclusion • V and R: Divinum auxilium

Figure 43: The Order of the Office of Lauds

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Note: The Introduction and Conclusion are always taken from the Ordinary.

55. The Solemn Office The various parts of Lauds for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphons for the Psalms from the Proper of the Saints if given there, or from the Common.

2. The Psalms from the Psalter, Sunday at Lauds.

3. The Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response, and the Antiphon for the Benedictus from the Proper of the Saints if given there, otherwise from the Common.

4. The Benedictus from the Ordinary.

5. The Collect of the Office and the prayers for the Commemorations, if any are to be made, from the Proper of the Saints.

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Proper of Common of Ordinary Psalter the Saints the Saints

Psalms from Any elements not Benedictus Antiphons Sunday Lauds given in Proper

Marian Antiphon Chapter

Hymn

Versicle & Response

Antiphon on Benedictus

Collect

Commemorations

Figure 44: Source of elements of Solemn Office of Lauds

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56. The Sunday Office The various parts of Lauds for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphons for the Psalms, the Psalms, Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response, from the Psalter

2. The Antiphon for the Benedictus from the Proper of the Season

3. The Benedictus from the Ordinary

4. The Collect of the Office from the Proper of the Season

5. The prayers for the Commemorations, if any are to be made, from the Proper of the Saints

6. The Suffrage, when required, from the Ordinary

Proper of Proper of Ordinary Psalter the Season the Saints

Antiphons for Antiphon on Benedictus Commemorations the Psalms Benedictus

Suffrage Psalms Collect

Chapter

Hymn

Versicle and Response

Figure 45: Source of elements of Sunday Office of Lauds

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57. The Ordinary and Simple Offices The various parts of Lauds for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary (the Simple Office does not differ from the Ordinary Office):

1. The Antiphons and Psalms from the Psalter.

2. The Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response, and the Antiphon on the Benedictus from the Common of Saints; rarely from the Proper.

3. The Benedictus from the Ordinary.

4. The Collect of the Office and the prayers for the Commemorations, if any are to be made, from the Proper of the Saints.

5. The Suffrage, when required, from the Ordinary.

Proper of Common of Ordinary Psalter the Saints the Saints

Antiphons for Benedictus Collect Chapter the Psalms

Commemoratio Suffrage Psalms Hymn ns

Versicle and Response

Antiphon on Benedictus

Figure 46: Sources of Elements for Ordinary and Simple Office of Lauds

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58. The Ferial and Vigil Offices The various parts of Lauds for these Offices are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Psalms and their Antiphons , the Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response, and the Antiphon on the Benedictus, from the Psalter.

2. The Benedictus from the Ordinary.

3. The Ferial Preces, when required, from the Ordinary.

4. The Collect in Ferial Office from the Proper of the Season—it is the Collect of the preceding Sunday; in Vigil Office from the Proper of the Saints if given there, otherwise from the Common.

5. The Suffrage from the Ordinary.

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Proper of Proper of Ordinary Psalter the Season the Saints

Antiphons Benedictus for the Ferial Collect Vigil Collect Psalms

Ferial Preces Psalms

Suffrage Chapter

Hymn

Versicle and Response

Antiphon on Benedictus

Figure 47: Source of the Elements of Ferial and Vigil Office of Lauds

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PRIME Chapter 4 59. Prime Prime is the first of the four Little Hours. Though it differs considerably from the other Little Hours, nevertheless it is not a difficult Hour to recite, as most of its parts are invariable and printed as recited in the Breviary.

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H O W T O S A Y

The Introduction of Prime

60. An Overview of the Introduction to Prime

• Triple Prayer • Opening Versicles • Hymn Jam lucis

Figure 48: The Introduction to the Office of Prime

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61. Changing the Last Stanza of the Hymn (Proper Doxology) The last stanza of the Hymn of Prime, as well as the last stanza of the Hymns of the other Hours, must sometimes be changed. This will be the case whenever the Hymns of an Office have a proper Doxology. Both the Breviary and Ordo will indicate when this is to be done.

The proper Doxology is given toward the end of First Vespers either in the Proper or Common of the Saints, or Proper of the Season.

There are ten Proper Doxologies:

Feasts and Octaves of the Blessed Virgin, Christmas and certain Feasts of Our Lord including Feast and Octave of Corpus Christi Feasts of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Epiphany (Feast and Octave) Feast of the Holy Family Eastertide Ascensiontide Whitsuntide Feast and Octave of the Sacred Heart Feast of the Transfiguration Feast of Christ the King

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The Body of Prime

62. An Overview of the Body of Prime • Antiphon (merely announced) • Three (or sometimes four) Psalms • Athanasian Creed (when required) • Repetition of Antiphon • Chapter • Brief Responsory • Versicle and Response • Dominical or Ferial Preces (when required) • Dominus vobiscum • Invariable Collect • Closing Versicles (without Fidelium) • Martyrology • Capitular Office • Brief Lesson

Figure 49: The Order of the Body of Prime

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63. The Antiphon Only one Antiphon is used, as we have seen. This is merely announced before the first Psalm, no matter what the rank of the Feast. It is said in full after the last Psalm.

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64. The Psalms There are usually three Psalms at Prime. However, Prime sometimes has four Psalms. This happens in Sunday Offices and Ferial Offices of a penitential character (Kneeling Days) when Scheme II has been used at Lauds.

The fourth Psalm at Prime is the first Psalm of Lauds (Scheme I) which is replaced by Psalm 50, the Miserere, when Scheme II of Lauds is used. It is often printed in the Psalter of the Breviary after the third Psalm, usually in a smaller typeface.

The Ordo always indicates when the fourth Psalm is to be said.

Lauds I 3 Psalms at Prime

Lauds II 4 Psalms at Prime

Figure 50: When the fourth Psalm is said at Prime

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65. The Athanasian Creed The Symbolum Athanasianum, or Quicumque, is added to the Psalms of Prime—therefore, after the third Psalm and before the Antiphon—on the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, and on Sundays after Pentecost and after Epiphany if the Sunday Office is said and no Commemoration of an Octave or of a Double simplified (or higher ranking Feast) occurs in the Office. The Ordo will always include a reminder when the Athanasian Creed is to be said.

Athanasian Creed is said

Sundays after Epiphany and Pentecost if no Trinity Sunday Octave or Double is commemorated

Figure 51: When the Athanasian Creed is said

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66. The Chapter Two Chapters (Capitula) are given in the Ordinary, one (Regi saeculorum) for the Sunday and Festal Offices, and one (Pacem et veritatem) for the Ferial and Vigil Offices. It is concluded with the Response Deo gratias.

•Regi saeculorum immortali et invisibili, soli Deo honor et gloria Sundays in saecula saeculorum. Amen. and Feasts •Deo gratias.

•Pacem et veritatem diligite, ait Ferias and Dominus omnipotens. •Deo gratias. Vigils

Figure 52: The Chapter at Prime

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67. The Brief Responsory We shall find such Brief Responsories (Responsoria brevia) in all the Little Hours and in Compline. The easiest way to learn how to say them is by the study of an example. We shall take, by way of illustration, the Brief Responsory for the Hour of Prime:

How printed:

R. Br. Christe, Fili Dei vivi, * miserere nobis. Christe. V. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris. Miserere nobis. Gloria Patri. Christe. V. Exsurge, Christe, adjuva nos. R. Et libera nos propter nomen tuum.

How said:

Christe Fili Dei vivi, miserere nobis.

Christe Fili Dei vivi, miserere nobis.

Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris.

Miserere nobis.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.

Christe Fili Dei vivi, miserere nobis.

Exsurge, Christe, adjuva nos.

Et libera nos propter nomen tuum.

Figure 53: How a Brief Responsory is said

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68. Changing the Verse of the Brief Responsory The Verse of the Brief Responsory of Prime, namely, Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, must sometimes be changed.

This will always be the case when the last stanza of the Hymn of Prime has been changed. Thus on Feasts of the Blessed Virgin this verse will be changed to Qui natus es de Maria Virgine.

The special Verse is found immediately after the variable parts of Lauds either in the Proper or Common of the Saints, or Proper of the Season.

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69. The Ferial Preces We have already seen the rubric which governs the Ferial Preces at Lauds. The same rubric governs them in all Hours in which they may occur, that is, in all Hours except Matins.

To recap, the Ferial Preces are said:

a) On Ferial Days during Advent, Lent and Passiontide when the Ferial Office is recited.

b) On Vigils if the Vigil Office is recited. Exceptions are the Vigils of Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, and Pentecost.

c) On the Ember Days of September if the Ferial Office is said.

In other words, the Ferial Preces are generally said whenever the second scheme of Lauds is used on weekdays, with the exception of Septuagesimatide.

If the Ferial Preces have been said at Lauds, they will be said at Prime and the other Little Hours.

In Choir they are recited kneeling.

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70. The Dominical Preces These are used more frequently than the Ferial Preces. The Ordo will indicate when they are to be said, although some Ordos simply indicate that the Suffrage is to be said at Lauds (whenever the Suffrage is said at Lauds, the Preces will be said at Prime). The following rules govern their recitation. The Dominical Preces must be said:

1. In all Festal Offices of Simple or Semidouble Rank.

2. In all Ferial Offices even such as occur during Eastertide.

The following are exceptions to the above rules. The Dominical Preces are not said:

1. On all days within an Octave

2. The Vigil of Epiphany

3. Sundays when a Double simplified is commemorated at Lauds

4. Friday after the Octave of Ascension, and Saturday after the Octave of Ascension (Vigil of Pentecost)

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Preces are Dominical Ferial not said Preces are Preces are on said on said on Ferias in Advent, Double Feasts Semidouble Lent & and higher Feasts Passiontide

Days within an Simple Feasts Vigils Octave

Vigil of Ferias Ember Days Epiphany

Sundays when a Double is commemorated

Friday after the Octave of the Ascension

Vigil of Pentecost

Figure 54: When the Preces are said at Prime

The Dominical Preces are not said at the other Little Hours.

In Choir they are said standing.

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71. The Confiteor The Confiteor is said at Prime as part of the Preces. It is always said at the Office of Compline.

Whenever the Confiteor is said in the private recitation of the Office, the words et vobis fratres and et vos, fratres, which the priest says when he recites the Confiteor at Mass, are omitted. Nor are the words et tibi Pater and et te Pater said. This same rule is observed even when the Office is said in Choir if no priest is present.

The Confiteor is said only once in private recitation, and in Choir when no priest is present.

The Absolutions (Misereatur and Absolutionem) are said in the first person plural (Misereatur nostri, etc.).

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72. The Collect and Closing Versicles After the Versicle Dominus vobiscum and its Response, a Collect is said, introduced as usual with Oremus. This Collect is invariable, that is, it never changes. The Collect of the Day is not said at Prime.

After this Collect are said the Closing Versicles, however, without the usual Versicle Fidelium animae at the end. Instead, immediately after the Versicle Benedicamus Domino is read the Martyrology (or, if this is not to be read—it is optional in private recitation—the Versicle Pretiosa in conspectu Domini).

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PRIME

73. The Martyrology The reading of the Martyrology is optional in private recitation. The text is not found in the Roman Breviary. Instead a separate liturgical book called the Roman Martyrology must be used.

Some of the rubrics concerning the reading of the Martyrology are quite complex, and it is not intended to offer a complete review of them here. Instead, we shall simply review the basic rubrics necessary to understand how the Martyrology should be read.

1. The entire portion of the Martyrology assigned for a particular day is always anticipated, that is, read on the preceding day.

2. At the beginning the reader announces the day of the calendar month (using the ancient Roman tradition of Kalends and Ides), and the number of the day of the moon. The letter of the moon changes each year, and is noted in the Ordo.

3. The ending of the reading always concludes with the Versicle Et alibi aliorum plurimorum sanctorum Martyrum et Confessorum atque sanctarum Virginum, and the Response Deo gratias.

4. There are two exceptions to the above rules: Easter and the Commemoration of the All the Faithful Departed. The announcement for these days is read at once, after which follows the day of the month and moon, and the remainder of the chapter for the day.

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5. On Christmas Eve, the Martyrology is read in Choir with great solemnity, and the reading for the day has special rubrics duly noted in the appropriate place.

6. The Feast whose Office is said on the day in question is always announced in the first place.

7. If it happens that a feast has been transferred or changed to another day, this fact must be noted after the mention of the feast.

8. On the day of the change, referred to above, a reference is made to the Saint whose Feast is being transferred.

9. By way of exception, the Feasts of the Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family, the Greater Litanies, and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed are mentioned only on the day on which the translation occurs.

10. Movable Feasts are placed in order at the beginning of the Roman Martyrology. Care must be taken to observe the reading of these Feasts on the days on which they occur in that year. The Movable Feasts mentioned in the Martyrology are:

First Sunday of Advent Feast of the Holy Name Feast of the Holy Family Septuagesima Sunday Ash Wednesday

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PRIME

Passion Sunday The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Easter Sunday Low Sunday Solemnity of St. Joseph Octave Day of the Solemnity of St. Joseph Rogation Monday Rogation Tuesday Vigil of Ascension and Rogation Wednesday Ascension Day Octave Day of the Ascension Vigil of Pentecost Pentecost Trinity Sunday Corpus Christi Octave Day of Corpus Christi Feast of the Sacred Heart Octave Day of the Sacred Heart Christ the King

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PRIME

74. The Capitular Office After the reading of the Martyrology (or, if the Martyrology has not been read in private recitation, after the Closing Versicle Benedicamus Domino and its Response Deo gratias, the so-called Capitular Office is read.

The text of the Capitular Office is not given here in detail, as it is invariable. It begins with the Versicle Pretiosa in conspectu Domini, and ends with the invariable Collect Dirigere et sanctificare.

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75. The Brief Lesson This is always preceded by Jube, Domine, benedicere and a Benediction, both of which are printed in the Ordinary. The Benediction is invariable (Dies et actus nostros in sua pace disponat Dominus omnipotens. Amen.).

The Brief Lesson is generally the same as the Chapter for the Hour of None.

It is followed, like all lessons, by Tu autem, Domine, Miserere nobis—Deo gratias, which is also found in the Ordinary.

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The Conclusion of Prime

76. An Overview of the Conclusion of Prime

• Versicles and Responses

• Benediction

• Pater noster

Figure 55: Order of the Conclusion of Prime

Prime is concluded with:

1. The Versicles and Responses:

V. Adjutórium † V. Our help † is in the nostrum in nómine Name of the Lord. Dómini. R. Who hath made R. Qui fecit cælum et heaven and earth. terram.

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PRIME

V. Benedícite. V. Make a blessing. R. Deus. R. O God.

2. The Benediction:

Dóminus nos benedícat, May the Lord bless us † et ab omni malo † and keep us from all deféndat, et ad vitam evil, and bring us to perdúcat ætérnam. Et life everlasting. And, fidélium ánimæ per may the souls of the misericórdiam Dei faithful departed, requiéscant in pace. through the mercy of R. Amen. God, rest in peace. R. Amen. The Sign of the Cross is made at the Versicle Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini, and also at the Benediction.

3. The Pater noster unless another Hour is to follow immediately.

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77. A Summary of the Order of Prime

•Triple Prayer •Opening Versicles •Hymn Introduction

•Antiphon and Psalm •Chapter •Brief Responsory •Preces •Collect •Closing Versicles •Martyrology Body •Capitular Office •Brief Lesson

•Versicles and Benediction •Pater noster Conclusion

Figure 56: The Order of Prime

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W H E R E T O

FIND

Note: The Introduction and Conclusion and always taken from the Ordinary

78. The Solemn Office The various parts of Prime for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphon from the Proper of the Saints. It is the first one of those used at Lauds, ie. The Antiphon on the first Psalm of Lauds.

2. The three Psalms from the Psalter, Sunday at Prime.

Note: The Psalms ordinarily said in Sunday’s Prime are Psalm 117 and the first two sections (i, ii) of Psalm 118. In the Solemn Office, however, Psalm 117 is omitted, and Psalm 53, which is printed immediately after Psalm 117, is said instead. This is what is meant by the notation often found in Solemn Offices under Prime: Psalmi de Dominica, ad Primam tamen ut in festis.

3. The reading of the Martyrology is optional in private recitation. The text is not found in the Roman Breviary; the Roman Martyrology is a separate liturgical book.

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4. All the rest, except the Brief Lesson, from the Ordinary.

5. The Brief Lesson from the Proper of the Saints. It is generally the Chapter of the Hour of None. If not given in the Proper, go to the Common.

Proper of Ordinary Psalter the Saints

Collect & Psalms from Closing Antiphons Sunday Prime Versicles

Capitular Brief Lesson Office

Figure 57: Source of Elements of the Solemn Office of Prime

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79. The Sunday Office The various parts of Prime for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphon, Psalms, and Athanasian Creed when required, from the Psalter, Sunday at Prime.

2. All the rest from the Ordinary.

Ordinary Psalter

Collect & Closing Antiphon, Versicles Psalms & Athanasian Creed from Capitular Sunday Prime Office

Brief Lesson

Figure 58: Source of the Elements of Sunday Prime

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PRIME

80. The Ordinary and Simple Offices The various parts of Prime for these Offices are taken from the following sections of the Breviary (the Simple Office does not differ from the Ordinary Office):

1. The Antiphon and Psalms from the Psalter for the current weekday.

2. All the rest, except the Brief Lesson, from the Ordinary.

3. The Brief Lesson is usually the Chapter of the Hour of None. It is taken from the Common of Saints.

Common of Ordinary Psalter the Saints

Collect & Antiphon and Closing Brief Lesson Psalms Versicles

Capitular Office

Figure 59: Source of Elements for the Ordinary (and Simple) Office of Prime

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PRIME

81. The Ferial and Vigil Offices The various parts of Prime for these Offices are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphon and Psalms from the Psalter for the current weekday.

2. All the rest from the Ordinary. The Dominical or Ferial Preces will be said.

Ordinary Psalter

Collect & Closing Versicles Antiphon & Psalms Capitular Office

Brief Lesson

Figure 60: Source of the Elements for the Ferial and Vigil Offices of Prime

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TERCE, SEXT, NONE Chapter 5

82. Terce, Sext, and None The Little Hours of Terce, Sext, and None are the third, fourth, and fifth of the canonical Hours of the Divine Office respectively. These Hours are identical in structure and may therefore be treated together.

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H O W T O S A Y

The Introduction to the Little Hours

83. An Overview of the Introduction to the Little Hours

• Dual Prayer • Opening Versicles • Hymn

Figure 61: The Order of the Introduction to the Little Hours

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TERCE, SEXT, NONE

84. The Hymns at the Little Hours Each of the Little Hours has its own Hymn which is invariable:

Nunc Sancte nobis Terce Spiritus

Rector potens verax Sext Deus

Rerum Deus None tenax vigor

Figure 62: The Hymns at the Little Hours

The only exception to this is on the Sunday of Pentecost and throughout the Whitsun Octave when the Hymn Nunc Sancte nobis Spiritus is replaced by the Veni Creator Spiritus, as noted in the chapter on Seasonal Changes.

The Doxology of the Hymn at each of the Little Hours follows the same rubric as previously observed at Prime, with a Proper Doxology said when instructed in the Ordo and in the Proper of the Season or of the Saints.

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TERCE, SEXT, NONE

The Body of the Little Hours

85. An Overview of the Body of the Little Hours • Antiphon (merely announced) • Three Psalms • Repetition of Antiphon in full • Chapter • Brief Responsory • Versicle and Response • Ferial Preces (when required) • Dominus vobiscum • Collect of the Day

Figure 63: The Order of the Body of the Little Hours

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TERCE, SEXT, NONE

86. Antiphons and Ferial Preces 1. The Antiphon is always merely announced before the Psalm. After the last Psalm it is said in full.

2. The rules governing the Ferial Preces have been detailed above.

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The Conclusion of the Little Hours

87. An Overview of the Conclusion of the Little Hours The Little Hours conclude in the same way as Lauds and Vespers:

• Closing Versicles

• Pater noster (in silence)

Figure 64: Order of the Conclusion of the Little Hours

The final Pater noster is omitted if another Hour is to follow immediately, in which case the Dual Prayer for the opening of the next Hour is said in its place.

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88. A Summary of the Order of the Little Hours of Terce, Sext and None

• Dual Prayer • Opening Versicles • Hymn Introduction

• Antiphon (announced) • Three Psalms • Antiphon in full • Chapter • Brief Responsory • Versicle and Response Body • Ferial Preces (when required) • Dominus vobiscum • Collect of the Day

• Closing Versicles • Pater noster Conclusion

Figure 65: The Order of Terce, Sext and None

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W H E R E T O

FIND

Note: The Introduction and Conclusion and always taken from the Ordinary

89. The Solemn Office The various parts of the Little Hours for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphon from the Proper of the Saints if given there; otherwise from the Common. One of the Antiphons of Lauds is used. The second one at Lauds is used for Terce, the third for Sext, and the fifth for None.

2. The three Psalms from the Psalter. The Psalms given for the Little Hours of Sunday are to be used.

3. The Chapter, Brief Responsory, and the Collect of the Office from the Proper of the Saints if given there; otherwise from the Common.

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Psalter Proper of the Saints

Psalms from Antiphons Sunday

Chapter and Brief Responsory

Collect

Figure 66: Source of Elements of the Solemn Office of Terce, Sext and None

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90. The Sunday Office The various parts of the Little Hours for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphon and Psalms from the Psalter.

2. The Chapter and Brief Responsory from the Ordinary.

3. The Collect of the Office from the Proper of the Season.

Proper of Ordinary Psalter the Season

Chapter and Antiphons Brief Collect and Psalms Repsonsory

Figure 67: Source of the Elements of Sunday Terce, Sext and None

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91. The Ordinary and Simple Offices The various parts of the Little Hours for these Offices are taken from the following sections of the Breviary (the Simple Office does not differ from the Ordinary Office):

1. The Antiphons and Psalms from the Psalter for the current weekday.

2. The Chapter and the Brief Responsory from the Common of the Saints.

3. The Collect of the Office from the Proper of the Saints.

Common of Proper of Psalter the Saints the Saints

Chapter and Antiphon and Brief Collect Psalms Responsory

Figure 68: Source of Elements for the Ordinary (and Simple) Offices of Terce, Sext and None

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92. The Ferial and Vigil Offices The various parts of the Little Hours for these Offices are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphon and Psalms from the Psalter for the current weekday.

2. The Chapter, Brief Responsory, and the Ferial Preces (when required) from the Ordinary.

3. The Collect of the Office, if the Office is Ferial, from the Proper of the Season—it is the Collect of the preceding Sunday; if the Office is of a Vigil, from the Proper of the Saints or the Common.

Proper (or Proper of the Ordinary Psalter Common) of the Season Saints

Chapter and Antiphon and Brief Ferial Collect Vigil Collect Psalms Responsory

Preces

Figure 69: Source of Elements for the Ferial and Vigil Offices of Terce, Sext and None

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VESPERS Chapter 6 93. Vespers Vespers, or Evensong, is the sixth of the canonical Hours of the Divine Office. It is worth noting that Vespers is practically identical in structure with Lauds.

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The Introduction to Vespers

94. An Overview of the Introduction to Vespers

• Dual Prayer

• Opening Versicles

Figure 70: The Order of the Introduction to Vespers

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The Body of Vespers

95. An Overview of the Body of Vespers

• Five Antiphons and Psalms • Chapter • Hymn • Versicle and Response • Magnificat (with Antiphon) • Ferial Preces (when required) • Collect • Commemorations (if any) • Suffrage (when required)

Figure 71: The Order of the Body of Vespers

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96. First and Second Vespers A glance at any of the complete Offices in the Common of the Saints reveals the fact that two sets of variable parts are given for the Hour of Vespers, one printed immediately before Matins and called First Vespers, the other in the usual place after the Little Hours and called Second Vespers. This does not mean that Vespers is to be said twice on any one day (though this does happen on November 1st when, after the Vespers of All Saints has been said, the Vespers of All Souls must be added. It does, however, mean that certain of the more important Feasts may encroach on the Office of the Feast that precedes them and displace its Second Vespers, while another may have none. For instance, suppose that a Feast of Semidouble rank is celebrated on Monday, and feast of Double rank on Tuesday. The Semidouble will then have no Vespers at all: not First Vespers, for that is displaced by the Second Vespers of Sunday; not Second Vespers, for that is displaced by the First Vespers of the Double. The Ordo will always indicate which Vespers must be said, Second Vespers of the Feast being celebrated, or First Vespers of the Feast to be celebrated on the following day. Some editions of the Ordo refer to First Vespers as Vesperae sequentis, and Second Vespers as Vesperae festi.

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97. First Vespers of Sunday An apparent exception to the above is First Vespers of the Sunday Office. This Vespers is printed as though it were the Second Vespers of the Ferial Office of Saturday. As a matter of fact, the Ferial Office of Saturday has no Second Vespers. Therefore, to say First Vespers of Sunday’s Office, take everything from what seems to be Second Vespers of Saturday.

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98. Vespers from the Chapter onward of the Following Day It happens at times that two Feasts of equal rank follow one upon the other, both of which have First and Second Vespers. When this happens, Vespers is divided equally between them. Everything up to the Chapter exclusive is taken from Second Vespers of the Feast being celebrated; everything from the Chapter to the end is taken from First Vespers of the Feast to be celebrated on the following day.

The color of the vestments and altar frontal in this case will be that of the following day.

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99. The Antiphons The Antiphons on the Psalms as well as the Antiphon on the Magnificat are merely announced before the Psalms and Magnificat respectively unless the Feast is at least of Double rank.

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100. A Question of the Psalms in Vespers Let us suppose that on a Monday we are to say First Vespers of the Feast celebrated on Tuesday, and that the Feast is not a solemn one having its own proper Psalms. Will the Psalms of Vespers be those of Monday or of Tuesday? The answer is that the Psalms of Monday must be used. This becomes plain when we reflect on the purpose which the Church (Pope St. Pius X) had in re-organizing the Psalter, namely, to make it possible for a priest to say all of the hundred and fifty Psalms of the Psalter each week. His purpose would be but rarely attained if any other answer were given the above question. Besides, the Breviary states expressly, when there is question of the Psalms for First Vespers of the Sunday Office, that the Psalms given in the Psalter for Saturday are to be used.

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101. The Hymn : MTV— “Mutatur Tertius Versus” When the Office of a Confessor is said on a day other than the anniversary of his death, the third and fourth lines of the first stanza of the Hymn Iste Confessor are changed from Hac die laetus meruit beatas scandere sedes to Hac die laetus supremos laudis honores. Of course, both versions of this stanza are printed in the Breviary.

The initials MTV are indicated both in the Ordo and in the Proper of the Saints for any Feasts of Confessors when this change is to be made.

If •Hac die laetus anniversary meruit beatas of death scandere sedes

If NOT •Hac die laetus anniversary meruit supremos of death laudis honores

Figure 72: Change to the third and fourth lines of the first stanza of the Vespers Hymn Iste Confessor

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VESPERS

102. The Commemorations The Commemorations are made in the same way as at Lauds. Therefore each Collect is preceded by an Antiphon, Versicle and Response, and Oremus. The Antiphon is the Antiphon on the Magnificat, not the one already used, but the one that would have been used had the Office of the Saint to be commemorated been recited. It will be found in the Common of the Saints, though many editions of the Breviary reprint it in the Proper of the Saints. The Versicle and Response are found immediately before the Antiphon in the Common; if reprinted in the Proper, immediately after it. The Suffrage, when required, is considered the last Commemoration.

The order of Commemorations to be observed is sometimes complex, and it is not intended to provide a complete description of these rubrics here. The Ordo will provide all the necessary information on which Commemorations are to be said and in which order.

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103. Commemoration of the Preceding Day This phrase does not mean that the Feast of the preceding day is to be commemorated, but rather that the Feast which has been celebrated that same day is to be commemorated in Vespers. Since this Vespers is First Vespers of the Feast to be celebrated on the following day, it becomes plain why the Feast commemorated is referred to as the “preceding”, for it immediately precedes the Feast, the Office of which is being recited.

Figure 73: Commemoration of the Preceding Day

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VESPERS

104. The Suffrage

The same rules govern the recitation of the Suffrage in Vespers that were given for the Suffrage in Lauds.

Whenever the Suffrage is said at Vespers, it is an indication that the Preces will be said at Compline the same night.

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The Conclusion of Vespers

105. An Overview of the Conclusion of Vespers

• Closing Versicles

• Pater noster (unless Compline immediately follows)

Figure 74: The Order of the Conclusion of Vespers

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VESPERS

106. Summary of the Order of Vespers

• Dual Prayer • Opening Versicles Introduction

• Five Antiphons and Psalms • Chapter • Hymn • Versicle and Response • Antiphon on Magnificat, followed by the Benedictus, and a repetition of the Antiphon • Ferial Preces (when required) • Collect of the Day, introduced by Dominus vobiscum Body • Commemorations (if any) • Suffrage (when required)

• Closing Versicles • Pater noster Conclusion

Figure 75: The Order of Vespers

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FIND

Note: The introduction and conclusion are always taken from the Ordinary.

107. The Solemn Office The various parts of Vespers for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphons for the Psalms, the Psalms, Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response, and the Antiphon for the Magnificat from the Proper of the Saints; if not given there, from the Common.

2. The Magnificat from the Ordinary.

3. The Collect of the Office and the prayers for the Commemorations, if any are to be made, from the Proper of the Saints.

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Proper of Common of Ordinary the Saints the Saints

Antiphons and Any elements not Magnificat Psalms given in Proper

Chapter

Hymn

Versicle & Response

Antiphon on Magnificat

Collect

Commemorations

Figure 76: Source of Elements for the Solemn Office of Vespers

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108. The Sunday Office The various parts of Vespers for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphons, Psalms, Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response from the Psalter, Sunday at Vespers.

2. The Antiphon on the Magnificat from the Proper of the Season.

3. The Magnificat from the Ordinary.

4. The Collect of the Office from the Proper of the Season.

5. The Commemorations, if any are to be made, from the Proper of the Saints.

6. The Suffrage, when required, from the Ordinary.

Proper of Proper of Ordinary Psalter the Season the Saints

Antiphons and Antiphon on Commemoration Magnificat Psalms Magnificat s

Suffrage Chapter Collect

Hymn

Versicle and Response

Figure 77: Source of Elements for Sunday Vespers

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109. The Ordinary and Simple Offices The various parts of Vespers for this Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary (the Simple Office does not differ from the Ordinary Office):

1. The Antiphons and Psalms from the Psalter of the current weekday.

2. The Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response, and the Antiphon on the Magnificat, from the Common of the Saints.

3. The Magnificat from the Ordinary.

4. The Collect of the Office and the Commemorations, if any are to be made, from the Proper of the Saints.

5. The Suffrage, when required, from the Ordinary.

Proper of Common of Ordinary Psalter the Saints the Saints

Antiphons Magnificat Collect Chapter and Psalms

Suffrage Commemorations Hymn

Versicle and Response

Antiphon on Magnificat

Figure 78: Source of the Elements for the Ordinary and Simple Offices of Vespers

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110. The Ferial Office The Vigil Office lacks this Hour. Vigils end with the Office of None, as they always precede a Feast which has First Vespers.

The various parts of Vespers for the Ferial Office are taken from the following sections of the Breviary:

1. The Antiphons on the Psalms, the Psalms, Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response, and the Antiphon on the Magnificat, from the Psalter for the current weekday.

2. The Magnificat, and Ferial Preces, when required, from the Ordinary.

3. The Collect of the Office from the Proper of the Season. It is the Collect of the preceding Sunday.

4. The Suffrage from the Ordinary.

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Proper of Ordinary Psalter the Season

Antiphons Magnificat Collect and Psalms

Ferial Preces Chapter

Suffrage Hymn

Versicle and Response

Antiphon on Magnificat

Figure 79: Source of Elements for Ferial Vespers

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COMPLINE Chapter 7 111. Compline Compline is the seventh and last of the canonical Hours of the Divine Office. In structure it is the most irregular of all the Hours. Its parts, however, are practically invariable and found, for the most part, in the Ordinary. It is, therefore, one of the easiest Hours to say.

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H O W T O S A Y

The Introduction to Compline

112. An Overview of the Introduction to Compline

•Verse Jube Domine... and Benediction Noctem quietam...

•Invariable Brief Lesson

•Versicle and Response Adjutorium nostrum

•Pater noster

•General Confession and Absolutions

•Opening Versicles with special first Versicle

Figure 80: The Order of the Introduction to Compline

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1. The whole introduction to Compline is invariable. The only exceptions are in the Office of the Sacred Triduum and Easter Week.

2. Like the Lessons at Matins and the Brief Lesson at Prime, the invariable Brief Lesson at Compline is followed by Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis—Deo gratias.

3. At the Versicle and Response: Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini—Qui fecit caelum et terram, the Sign of the Cross is made.

4. The Pater noster is said in silence throughout with a silent Amen in conclusion.

5. The Confiteor together with the Absolutions (Misereatur and Indulgentiam) follows the same rules as given above for the Preces of Prime.

6. The usual Opening Versicles are preceded by an additional Versicle and Response as follows: Converte nos, Deus, salutaris noster—Et averte iram tuam a nobis. During this Versicle, the Sign of the Cross is made on the breast with the thumb of the right hand. The usual Opening Versicle then follows: Deus, in adjutorium meum intende—Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina, during which a full Sign of the Cross is made. The Gloria Patri and Alleluja follow as usual.

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The body of Compline

113. An Overview of the Body of Compline

• Antiphon (announced) • 3 Psalms • Antiphon in full

• Hymn Te Lucis

• Chapter

• Brief Responsory with its Versicle and Response

• Invariable Antiphon Salva nos (announced) • Nunc Dimittis • Antiphon in full

• Preces (when required)

• Invariable Collect preceded by Dominus vobiscum

Figure 81: The Order of the Body of Compline

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COMPLINE

1. The Absolutions. The Misereatur and Indulgentiam in the private recitation of the Office are always said in the first person plural. Hence, Misereatur nostri and remissionem peccatorum nostrorum.

2. The Chapter. Deo gratias must be added after the Chapter has been said. It is often not printed and may easily be forgotten.

3. The Nunc Dimittis. At the intonation of the Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) the Sign of the Cross is made.

4. The Preces. The same rule governs the Preces of Compline that governed those of Prime. However, since the next day’s Office may begin at Vespers, it not infrequently happens that the Preces must be said at Prime but not at Compline. The Ordo always indicates when they are to be said. Unlike the Preces at Prime, there is no difference at Compline between the Ferial Preces and the Dominical Preces. However, if Compline is being celebrated in Choir, the Ferial Preces are said kneeling, and the Dominical Preces standing. During the Preces, the Sign of the Cross is made at the conclusion of the Apostles’ Creed, and a profound bow is made at the Versicle Benedicamus Patrem et Filium cum Sancto Spiritu.

5. The Collect. The body of Compline concludes with an invariable Collect (Visita, quaesumus, Domine…) preceded by Dominus vobiscum—Et cum spiritu tuo— Oremus.

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The conclusion of Compline

114. An Overview of the Conclusion of Compline

• Closing Versicles

• Benediction

• Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Versicle and Response • Collect

• Versicle and Response Divinum auxilium.

• Triple Prayer

• Sacrosanctae (laudabiliter)

Figure 82: Order of the Conclusion of Compline

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1. The Closing Versicles are said without the final Versicle Fidelium.

2. Instead of the Fidelium is said the Benediction: Benedicat et custodiat nos omnipotens et misericors Dominus, Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. Amen. During this Benediction the Sign of the Cross is made.

3. The Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is said, with its Versicle and Response and Collect. The rules for these Antiphons are given above in the chapter on Lauds.

4. Immediately after the Collect of the Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin, is said the Versicle and Response: Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum—Amen. The Sign of the Cross is made at this Versicle.

6. In Choir the Triple Prayer is said kneeling on Monday through Friday. However, on Saturday night and Sunday night (and every night during Eastertide) it is said standing, and no-one should kneel until the signal is given at the end of the Triple Prayer.

7. When Matins of the following day is said immediately after Compline, the Triple Prayer (Pater, Ave, Credo) will have to be said twice, once at the concluding prayers of Compline, and once as the introductory prayers of Matins. A special rubric in the Breviary expressly legislates on this point.

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115. The Concluding Prayer Sacrosanctae After finishing the Divine Office, one should say the prayer Sacrosanctae, to obtain pardon for the faults committed in its recitation. To obtain this indulgence the Sacrosanctae must be said kneeling, even in private recitation, unless infirmity or grave impediment prevents. It is found immediately after the Aperi, Domine or at the very end of the Ordinary. The Pater noster and Ave Maria which accompany the Sacrosanctae are also to be said kneeling.

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116. Summary of the Order of Compline

• Verse and Benediction • Brief Lesson • Versicle and Response • Pater noster • General Confession and Absolutions Introduction • Opening Versicles

• Antiphon and Psalms • Hymn • Chapter • Brief Responsory • Nunc Dimittis Body • Preces (when required) • Collect

• Closing Versicles and Benediction • Marian Antiphon, Versicle & Response & Collect • Divinum auxilium • Triple Prayer Conclusion • Sacrosanctae

Figure 83: The Order of Compline

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W H E R E T O FIND

117. Source of Elements for the Office of Compline Everything is taken from the Ordinary with one exception, namely, the three Psalms and their Antiphon. With regard to these observe the following rule: If the Psalms of Vespers were taken from the Proper or Common of the Saints, the Antiphon and Psalms of Compline will be those given in the Psalter, Sunday Psalms. If the Psalms for Vespers were taken from the Psalter for the current weekday, the Antiphon and Psalms of Compline will also be taken from the Psalter for the same weekday. A few exceptions are noted in the Breviary and Ordo.

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GENERAL PRINCIP LES Chapter 8 118. General Principles We have thus far studied in detail each individual Hour of the Divine Office as said in each of the five rites (Solemn, Sunday, Ordinary, Simple, Ferial/Vigil). It may not be amiss to recapitulate briefly all that we have seen, and to mention some general principles concerning the recitation of the Divine Office.

When praying the Divine Office, it should be kept in mind that it is the official and public prayer of the Church. As such, it must be prayed vocally, that is with movement of the lips and at least a minimum of vocalization, such as a quiet whisper. Care must be taken not to merely scan through the sacred texts mentally and without this element of public worship.

Although it is not expected that choir rubrics be followed in the private recitation of the Office, one should nevertheless observe all the Signs of the Cross and bows when so indicated and according to custom.

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119. The Liturgical Day On Feasts which have First Vespers, the Liturgical Day begins with these First Vespers. The liturgical color for vestments, altar frontal etc. (and any other liturgical rubrics), will be those of the Feast being celebrated from First Vespers onwards, ie. including Compline.

On Feasts which do not have First Vespers, the Liturgical Day begins with Matins of the Feast.

The Divine Office may be recited during the 24-hour period between midnight and midnight. However, there are certain exceptions which may be made according to the liturgical rules, as follows:

a) Matins and Lauds may be anticipated on the previous day, at any time after 2:00 pm.

b) If the location in which the Divine Office is being recited is using Daylight Savings Time, then the Office may be said until 1:00 am. However, the Office may not be extended beyond a 24-hour period (in other words, if you are extending the Office until 1:00 am, you must not say any of the same Office before 1:00 am the previous day, other than the exception listed at (a) above.

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c) One is also permitted to take advantage of “solar time” to extend the midnight (or 1:00 am) deadline even further. Thus, if you live in the western edge of a particular time zone, you may extend the deadline more than someone living at the eastern end of the same time zone. The deadline will thus vary according to your present location, so care should be taken to calculate the deadline accurately.

Holy Mass, although not part of the Divine Office, is nevertheless the most important service of the Liturgy— it is the shining star around which all the Hours of the Breviary revolve, and to which they refer. The Mass should typically be celebrated after the Hour of Terce. However, on Kneeling Days and certain other days of penitential character, Holy Mass is celebrated after the Hour of None. When reciting the Divine Office layfolk are also encouraged to observe this rubric on days when they attend the Holy Sacrifice.

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120. The Times of the Hours a) Matins and Lauds, as we have seen, may be anticipated on the previous day any time after 2:00 pm. However, they are a night office, and it is highly encouraged to recite these Hours some time during the night. Most people find it easiest to recite Matins and Lauds during the evening before they go to bed, although the monastic custom of rising during the night to recite these Hours is highly praiseworthy.

Although Matins does not have many time- specific references in its texts, the Hour of Lauds contains many such references to the rising sun, the dawn, and the coming of the new day. As such, it is very helpful to recite Lauds at daybreak.

b) Prime. The word Prime comes from the Latin word for “first” and should be said at the first hour of the day, that is to say, the first hour of sunlight, or the early morning. The text of the Office of Prime refers continually to the work (both spiritual and temporal) of the day that has just begun, and as such it is most helpful to recite Prime as early as possible after waking.

c) Terce. The word Terce derives from the Latin word for “third” and should be said approximately three hours after sunrise, typically at around 9:00 am. It contains references to the hour at which the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles. It is thus particularly appropriate

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to recite this Hour before one starts the day’s work, invoking the Holy Ghost to bless and inspire the activities of the day.

d) Sext. From the Latin word for “sixth”, Sext is the midday prayer of the Church, and contains text invoking God’s help against the temptations and struggles we encounter during the heat of the day.

e) None. This word derives from the Latin word for “ninth” and is typically said in mid- afternoon. It commemorates the hour at which our Divine Savior died on the Cross, and looks forward to the ending of the day’s work, and the evening rest.

f) Vespers, which is also known as Evensong, is as the name implies, the evening prayer of the Church, and should ideally be said at about sunset.

g) Compline, the last of the canonical Hours, is concerned with the ending of the day, and the entrusting of one’s soul to the Almighty for safekeeping during the coming night. Its other preoccupation is with the soul’s preparation for death, of which sleep is the mere foreshadowing. It is therefore, the ideal night prayer, and should be said before retiring.

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During the night: MATINS & LAUDS

Late night: Early morning: COMPLINE PRIME

Before Evening: starting VESPERS work: TERCE

Mid- Midday: Afternoon: SEXT NONE

Figure 84: When to recite the Hours of the Divine Office

It should be noted that during Lent (ie. From the Saturday after Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday), Vespers should be completed before midday. Compline is said at the regular time. On Sundays of Lent, however, the Hours are said at their normal time.

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121. The Psalms The Psalms are always taken from the Psalter for the current weekday, except in the Solemn Office. In this Office the Psalms for Matins and Vespers are proper, that is, taken from the Proper of the Season, or Proper or Common of the Saints, while for the other Hours the Sunday Psalms are used.

Office Psalms Hour

Matins Proper Vespers Solemn All Other Sunday Hours

Figure 85: The Psalms at Solemn Office

All Offices other Weekday All Hours than Solemn Psalms

Figure 86: The Psalms at all Offices other than Solemn

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122. The Antiphons When the Psalms are taken from the Psalter for the current weekday, the Antiphons are those given there. In the Solemn Office all Antiphons are proper, that is, given in the Proper of the Season, or Proper or Common of the Saints.

Solemn Office Proper Antiphons

All Offices other than Solemn Antiphons for current weekday

Figure 87: Where to find the Antiphons

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In Matins, Lauds, and Vespers the Antiphons are doubled (said in full before and after the Psalms) if the Feast is at least of double rank. In Prime, Terce, Sext, None, and Compline they are always merely announced.

Matins

Doubled Lauds

Vespers

Antiphons Prime

Terce

Announced Sext

None

Compline

Figure 88: Which Antiphons are doubled on Feasts of at least Double rank (on lesser Feasts, the Antiphons are merely announced at all of the Hours)

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123. The Gloria Patri The Gloria Patri is always said in full whenever required except in two instances, namely, in the Responses after the Lessons of Matins, and in the Brief Responsories, which occur in Prime, Terce, Sext, None, and Compline, when the Sicut erat is omitted.

Omit the Sicut erat of the Gloria Patri

In the Responses In the Brief after the Lessons Responsories of Matins

Figure 89: When the Gloria Patri is NOT said in full

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124. Responses at end of Chapters and Lessons The Response Deo gratias concludes all Chapters. These Chapters occur in all the Hours except Matins.

The Response Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis—Deo gratias concludes all Lessons, found only in Matins, and all Brief Lessons, found in Prime and Compline.

After All Hours except Deo gratias Chapters Matins

Tu autem, After Domine, miserere Matins nobis--Deo Lessons gratias

Tu autem, After Brief Prime and Domine, miserere Compline nobis--Deo Lessons gratias

Figure 90: The Responses after Chapters and Lessons

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125. The Special Conclusions We have seen above that each Hour has its own appointed time to be said. However, in practice, it often happens that several Hours are said together in aggregate. The following special conclusions are used only when the Office is interrupted at the end of individual Hours.

• Dominus vobiscum... • Oremus • Collect of the Day • Dominus vobiscum... After Matins • Benedicamus Domino... • Fidelium animae...

• Pater noster... • Dominus det nobis suam pacem... • Final Antiphon of Blessed Virgin Mary After Lauds • Divinum auxilium...

After Prime, • Pater noster Terce, Sext, None, Vespers

Figure 91: The special conclusions used when the Office is interrupted after a particular Hour

• NOTE : If the Office is not interrupted after Lauds but after one of the succeeding Hours (Vespers inclusive), this special conclusion is added to the Last Hour recited.

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126. Types of Octaves An Octave is a period of eight days which is attached to a Feast of particular solemnity. The Office which is recited during an Octave has several peculiarities which we will address here.

1. Like Feasts, Octaves are ranked according to their solemnity, or rather the solemnity of the Feastday to which they are attached. The Octave of Easter, for example, has greater solemnity than the Octave of St. John Baptist.

2. Octaves may be either Privileged, Common, or Simple:

a) Privileged Octaves are reserved for the most important Feasts of Our Lord.

b) Common Octaves are attached to particularly important Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints.

c) Simple Octaves are attached to less important feasts, and are celebrated with less solemnity. The rite of Office said during these Octaves will differ according to whether the Office is Privileged, Common, or Simple.

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3. Privileged Octaves are subdivided into three Orders:

a) Privileged Octave of the First Order. This is the highest rank of Octave, and is reserved for the two Feasts of Easter and Pentecost.

b) Privileged Octave of the Second Order. Also two in number, namely Epiphany and Corpus Christi.

c) Privileged Octave of the Third Order. There are three such Octaves, namely, Christmas, Ascension, and Sacred Heart.

Easter First Order Pentecost

Epiphany Second Privileged Order Corpus Christi Octave Common Christmas

Simple Third Order Ascension

Sacred Heart

Figure 92: Classes of Octaves

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127. The ranking of days within the Octave 1. In Privileged Octaves of the First Order, the first two days after the Feast (Easter Monday and Tuesday, and Whit Monday and Tuesday) are celebrated as Doubles of the First Class. All the other days of the Octave, with the exception of the Octave Day itself are celebrated as Semidoubles. The Octave Day of Easter is Low Sunday, which is of Double rank; the Octave Day of Pentecost is Trinity Sunday, which is a Double of the First Class.

2. In Privileged Octaves of the Second and Third Order, as well as Common Octaves, all the days except the Octave Day itself are celebrated as a Semidouble. The Octave Day itself is a Greater Double.

3. Simple Octaves have no “days within the Octave”. Only the Octave Day itself is celebrated, and that is as Simple rank.

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First Other Octave Octave Two Days Day Days

Privileged Double I Semidouble Special First Order Class Feasts

Privileged Greater Second Semidouble Semidouble Double Order

Privileged Greater Semidouble Semidouble Third Order Double

Greater Common Semidouble Semidouble Double

Not Not Simple Simple Observed Observed

Figure 93: Ranks of Days within an Octave

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128. Feasts falling within an Octave 1. During Privileged Octaves of the First Order, no Feastdays whatever may be celebrated. On the Feastday itself, as well as the first two days of these Octaves, there are no Commemorations of any Feast whatsoever. Doubles of the First and Second Class falling on these days would be transferred to the first free day after the Octave. During the rest of the Octave, Feasts of Greater Double rank and below are merely commemorated, while Doubles of the First and Second Class are transferred to the first free day after the Octave.

2. Privileged Octaves of the Second Order behave like those of the First, admitting the celebration of no Feastdays whatever. Any occurring Feast will be either commemorated or transferred according to the rubric above.

3. Privileged Octaves of the Third Order admit the celebration of Feasts ranking Semidouble and higher. The Octave Day itself admits the celebration of a Double of the Second Class or higher.

4. Common Octaves admit the celebration of Semidouble Feasts and higher. The Octave Day itself admits the celebration of a Double of the Second Class or higher.

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Doubles I and II Class transferred First Two Days All other Feasts suppressed Privileged I Order Double I and II Class transferred All Other Days All other Feasts commemorated

Doubles I and II Class transferred Privileged II Order All Days All other Feasts commemorated

Octave Semidoubles and higher celebrated Days within Octave Simple Feasts commemorated Privileged III Order and Common Doubles I and II Class celebrated Octave Day Greater Doubles and less Days within commemorated Octave not Observed Simple Simple Feasts and Octave Day above celebrated

Figure 94: Observance of Feasts falling within Octaves

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129. Rites of Office to be observed during Octaves 1. In Privileged Octaves the Solemn Rite of the Office is used in all cases where the Office of the day is that of the Octave. This rubric applies even when the rank of the day within the Octave is only Semidouble.

2. In Common Octaves, the Ordinary Office is used where the Office of the day is that of the Octave (even on the Octave Day itself).

3. In Simple Octaves, there are no “days within the Octave”. Accordingly, any Feast whatsoever that falls during a Simple Octave (including on the Octave Day itself) will be celebrated as normal, and without any Commemoration of the Octave.

Privileged Solemn Octave Office

Common Ordinary Octave Office

Simple Simple Office (Octave Day Octave only)

Figure 95: Rite of Office to be recited on days within Octave

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130. Other notes on Octaves 1. Privileged and Common Octaves are intended to solemnize a Feast. Thus, even though certain days within an Octave may be ranked only Semidouble, they are treated with greater solemnity than a regular Semidouble. During these Octaves, then, the Suffrage is never said at Lauds and Vespers, and the Preces are not said at Prime and Compline.

2. On Sundays that fall within a Privileged Octave, the Office is proper. Commemorations of the Sunday are made at Lauds and Vespers, and the Ninth Lesson of Matins will be that of the Sunday.

3. On Sundays falling within a Common Octave, the regular Sunday Office is observed, with Commemorations of the Octave at Lauds and Vespers. In accordance with number 1 above, the Athanasian Creed is not said.

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ST. MARY ON THE SABBATH Chapter 9 131. The Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath The Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath (Sanctae Mariae in Sabbato) is found immediately after the Common of Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is always said ritu simplici; in other words, the Office is that of a Simple Feast. It differs from the ordinary Simple Office, however, in the following points:

1. In Vespers. When this Hour is recited on Friday, the Antiphons and Psalms from the Psalter are used. Properly speaking, they do not form part of the Hour, since this begins only with the Chapter. Hence, technically, this would be expressed in the Ordo as “Ferial Vespers, from the Chapter onwards of the following day.” However, it is more commonly expressed simply as “First Vespers of the following day.” The second form of the Suffrage is used.

2. In Compline following the First Vespers, the last stanza of the Hymn must be changed. Note: This change must be made even if the Office has been merely commemorated at Vespers.

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3. In Matins. (a) The third Lesson is proper to the Office and varies with the month of the year. It is found in the Office itself. (b) The Absolution and Benedictions before the Lessons are also proper to the Office and, therefore, not taken from the Ordinary, but from the Office.

4. In Lauds, the second form of the Suffrage is again used.

5. In Prime, the last stanza of the Hymn is proper, as is also the Verse of the Brief Responsory.

6. In Terce, Sext, None. The last stanza of the Hymns of these Hours is proper. They have proper Chapters and Brief Responsories. The Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath concludes with the Office of None.

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132. When the Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath is said The rubric governing the recitation of this Office states that it must be said on all Saturdays of the year. The following table shows the exceptions.

Saturdays during Advent and Lent

Saturdays of Ember Weeks

The Office of St. Mary Saturdays when a Feast on the Sabbath is not of Semidouble or higher said: is celebrated

Saturdays on which a Vigil is observed

Saturdays on which an Anticipated Sunday is observed

Figure 96: Rules governing the recitation of the Office of St. Mary on the Sabbath

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O F F I C E O F T H E D E A D Chapter 10 133. The Office of the Dead The Office of the Dead is found at the end of the Common of the Saints. It has but three Hours, Vespers, Matins and Lauds, and is never of obligation in the private recitation of the Office except on November 2nd, for which day the missing Hours are supplied in the Breviary in the Proper of the Saints. It may, however, be added to the obligatory Office as a private devotion. It is a very beautiful and consoling Office, and will do much to dull the keen edge of grief caused by the loss through death of those near and dear. The usual mode of procedure is to say Vespers of the Office of the day, and Matins and Lauds after Lauds of the Office of the day. In both cases, it is begun immediately after the Versicle and Response Benedicamus Domino—Deo gratias of the Office of the day.

Matins & Vespers of the Lauds of the Dead Dead

Figure 97: The Office Hours of the Office of the Dead

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134. The Antiphons The Antiphons of the Psalms and Canticles are merely announced except on the day of burial, the day after receiving the death notice, on the third, seventh, thirtieth, and anniversary days (interpreted in the broad sense), and whenever the Office is solemnly recited in Choir.

Day of Burial

Third Day Day after receiving notice Antiphons are of death Seventh Day doubled: Anniversaries

Thirtieth Day Solemn Office in Choir Yearly

Figure 98: When the Antiphons are doubled at the Office of the Dead

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135. Conclusion of Psalms The Psalms are not concluded in the usual way with the Gloria Patri but with the Verse and Response Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine—Et lux perpetua luceat eis. The plural number is to be used even though the Office is recited for a particular individual.

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136. Vespers of the Dead

•Dual Prayer (if required) Introduction

•Five Antiphons and Psalms •Versicle and Response Body •Magnificat, preceded and followed by Antiphon

•Special Concluding Prayers Conclusion

Figure 99: An Overview of the Order of Vespers of the Dead

1. Vespers of the Dead lacks the ordinary introduction (Dual Prayer and Opening Versicles). The Hour begins with the Antiphons and Psalms. However, the Dual Prayer is recited if Vespers is separated from the Vespers of the Office of the day and said as a distinct Hour.

2. After the five Psalms there is no Chapter or Hymn. The Office proceeds straight to the Versicle and Response and then the Antiphon on the Magnificat.

3. After the Magnificat a special conclusion is used. It consists of the following:

a) The Pater noster

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b) Psalm 145, Lauda, anima mea, Dominum, which is omitted on the day of death or burial, and whenever the Office is said as a Double Rite.

c) The following Versicles and Responses:

V. A porta ínferi. V. From the gates of R. Erue, Dómine, hell. ánimam ejus (ánimas R. Deliver his (her, eórum). their) soul(s), O Lord.

V. Requiésca(n)t in V. May he (she, they) pace. rest in peace. R. Amen. R. Amen.

V. Dómine, exáudi V. O Lord, hear my oratiónem meam. prayer. R. Et clamor meus R. And let my cry ad te véniat. come unto thee.

V. Dóminus V. The Lord be with vobíscum. you. R. Et cum spíritu R. And with thy spirit. tuo.

d) After Oremus, the proper Collect or Collects chosen (ad libitum) from among those found in the Office, except on November 2nd, which has its own.

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e) The special Closing Versicles, which are always recited in the plural, as follows:

V. Réquiem aetérnam V. Eternal rest grant dona eis, Dómine. unto them, O Lord. R. Et lux perpétua R. And let perpetual lúceat eis. light shine upon them.

V. Requiéscant in pace. V. May they rest in peace. R. Amen. R. Amen.

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137. Matins of the Dead The Hour of Matins consists of three Nocturns. All three must be said on All Souls Day. On all other days either one or three Nocturns may be said. If one Nocturn only is recited, the following rule is to be observed:

The First •On Day of Burial •On Sundays Nocturn is •On Mondays recited: •On Thursdays

The Second •On Tuesdays Nocturn is •On Fridays recited:

The Third •On Wednesdays Nocturn is •On Saturdays recited:

Figure 100: When to recite each Nocturn when only one Nocturn is said

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•Triple Prayer (when required) •Invitatory and Psalm 94 (when required) Introduction

•Three Antiphons and Psalms •Versicle and Response •Pater noster Body •Three Lessons and Responsories

•Special concluding prayers (if Lauds is separated from Matins) Conclusion

Figure 101: An Overview of the Order of Matins of the Dead

1. The introduction consists of (a) the Triple Prayer. This is omitted if Matins of the Dead is said immediately after Lauds of the Office of the day, or upon arrival of the corpse in the church after the Subvenite. (b) the Invitatory Regem, cui omnia vivunt, venite adoremus with Psalm 94: Venite exsultemus. This Invitatory and Psalm are used only when all three Nocturns are recited or whenever the Antiphons are doubled.

2. The body of Matins of the Dead as given above in Figure 100 is repeated for the two subsequent Nocturns, when all three Nocturns are to be said.

3. After the last Psalm and Antiphon in each Nocturn, a Versicle and Response is said. Then the Pater noster is said entirely in silence.

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4. There are no Absolutions or Benedictions for the Lessons. The Lessons are not announced, nor concluded with Tu autem…

5. If Lauds is separated from Matins, conclude Matins as follows:

V. Dóminus V. The Lord be with vobíscum. you. R. Et cum spíritu R. And with thy spirit. tuo.

The proper Collect or Collects as given after Vespers, preceded, as usual, by Oremus.

The Closing Versicles, always in the plural, as follows:

V. Réquiem aetérnam V. Eternal rest grant dona eis, Dómine. unto them, O Lord. R. Et lux perpétua R. And let perpetual lúceat eis. light shine upon them.

V. Requiéscant in pace. V. May they rest in peace. R. Amen. R. Amen.

6. If Lauds is to be omitted entirely, instead of the above conclusion, use the one given after Lauds.

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138. Lauds of the Dead

•Dual Prayer (if required) Introduction

•Five Antiphons and Psalms •Versicle and Response Body •Benedictus, preceded and followed by Antiphon

•Special Concluding Prayers Conclusion

Figure 102: An Overview of the Order of Lauds of the Dead

1. If Lauds is separated from Matins, the introduction consists of the Dual Prayer. If not, begin at once with the Antiphons and Psalms.

2. After the five Psalms there is no Chapter or Hymn. The Office proceeds straight to the Versicle and Response and then the Antiphon on the Benedictus.

3. After the Benedictus a special conclusion is used. It is the same one that was used at Vespers. However, Psalm 145, Lauda, anima mea, Dominum, is replaced by Psalm 129, the De Profundis. On the day of death or burial, and whenever the Antiphons are doubled, the De Profundis is omitted.

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SEASONAL CHANGES Chapter 11 139. Seasonal Changes We have thus far become familiar with the Office as it is said during the greater part of the year, viz. in the time after Epiphany and after Pentecost. The fact that it may vary during the various seasons of the ecclesiastical year has already been indicated. Thus we saw, for example, while detailing the rubrics which govern the recitation of the Suffrage, that this is not said during Advent and Eastertide. For the sake of convenient reference these seasonal changes are now summarized. There is no need to commit them to memory, as the Breviary and Ordo will always note such changes when required.

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140. Advent 1. The Te Deum is said only in Festal Offices, but never in the Sunday or Ferial Offices.

2. The Suffrage is never said during Advent.

3. The verse of the Brief Responsory of Prime is Qui venturus es in mundum. It may be replaced by a proper verse, for example, Qui natus es de Maria Virgine (eg. On December 8th and within the Octave), but only in Festal Offices, never in the Sunday or Ferial Offices.

4. In Festal Offices a Commemoration is always made of the Feria in Lauds and Vespers. The Antiphons for the Commemorations are found immediately after the Lessons of the First Nocturn for the respective days. The Versicle and Reponse, and Collect, are those of the preceding Sunday. Note, however, numbers 5 and 6 below.

5. The last week before Christmas, beginning on December 17th, is called Sapientiatide. Special Antiphons for the Magnificat, called the “O” Antiphons because of their wording, are assigned to each day beginning with O Sapientia on December 17th (from which the season derives its name). These Antiphons are always doubled, and said standing if the Office is being recited in Choir. If the Ferial Office is not said, these Antiphons are used to commemorate the Feria in Vespers during these days.

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6. Special Antiphons for the Benedictus are assigned to December 21 and 23. If the Ferial Office is not said, they are used to commemorate the Feria at Lauds.

7. In the Sunday Office, the Invitatory and the Hymns of Matins, Lauds, and Vespers are proper and are given in the Ordinary. The Antiphons for Lauds, which are used also in both Vespers and in the Little Hours, as well as all Chapters and Brief Responsories are given in the Proper of the Season.

8. In the Ferial Office the following points are to be noted:

a) The Invitatory and the Hymns of Matins, Lauds, and Vespers are proper and are found in the Ordinary. b) The Antiphons for the Little Hours up to December 16th inclusive are those of Lauds of the preceding Sunday; beginning with the 17th (Sapientiatide) special Antiphons are given in the Proper of the Season (immediately after the third Sunday Sunday of Advent) for Lauds and the Little Hours. c) Special Chapters and Brief Responsories are to be used. They are found in the Ordinary. d) Scheme II of Lauds for every day of the week is to be used; hence four Psalms in Prime. e) The Ferial Preces are to be said.

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141. Septuagesimatide 1. On the eve of Septuagesima Sunday (sometimes called Alleluia Saturday) a double Alleluja is added to the Closing Versicles as follows: Benedicamus Domino, Alleluja, Alleluja—Deo gratis, Alleluja, Alleluja. From that point on, Alleluja is no longer said either in Ferial or Festal Offices. Instead the verse Laus tibi, Christe, Rex aeternae gloriae is said.

2. The Te Deum is said only in Festal Offices; hence, not on Sundays.

3. For the Sunday Office special Antiphons for the Psalms of Lauds are given in the Proper of the Season. The Antiphons, Chapters, and Brief Responsories for the Little Hours are also found there.

4. Scheme II for the Third Nocturn of Matins on Wednesday and Scheme II for Lauds are to be used except in Festal Offices. Hence, four Psalms at Prime.

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142. Lent In addition to the rubrics mentioned above for Septuagesimatide, the following are also observed.

1. Beginning with Ash Wednesday the following parts are given in the Proper of the Season for the Ferial Office:

a) The Antiphons on the Benedictus and Magnificat

b) The Collect for Lauds and the Little Hours

c) A special Collect for Vespers

2. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, the Ferial Preces are said at every Hour (except Matins) on days when the Ferial Office is said.

3. After Ash Wednesday the First Nocturn Lessons in Festal Offices are not taken from the Proper of the Season, but from the Common of the Saints, unless other proper Lessons are given in the Proper of the Saints.

4. After Quadragesima Sunday, the Antiphons, Chapters and Brief Responsories for the Little Hours of the Ferial Office are proper and are given in the Ordinary.

5. Starting with the Saturday after Ash Wednesday, Vespers should be said before midday, except on Sundays, when the Hours are said as usual.

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143. Passiontide In addition to the rubrics mentioned above for Septuagesimatide and Lent, the following are also observed.

1. In the Sunday and Ferial Offices, at Matins, the Gloria Patri is omitted at the end of Psalm 94 Venite exsultemus, and the Invitatory is said twice in full at its conclusion.

2. The Gloria Patri is also omitted in all Brief Responsories (special ones are given in the Ordinary) and in the Responsories after the Lessons of Matins.

3. The Suffrage is omitted.

4. During the first three days of Holy Week, special Antiphons are given in the Proper of the Season for Lauds and the Little Hours.

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144. The Sacred Triduum The last three days of Holy Week, known as the Sacred Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) have special rubrics as follows:

Matins 1. The Office of Matins and Lauds for the three days of the Triduum is known as the Office of Tenebrae. This Office has various peculiarities when recited in Choir. However, in private recitation, it is necessary only to observe the following directions.

2. The whole introduction to Matins is omitted, except for the Triple Prayer. It begins, therefore, with the Antiphons and Psalms, which are proper, and are given in the Proper of the Season.

3. The Gloria Patri at the end of the Psalms is omitted. This applies to all the Hours of the Office.

4. The Absolutions, Benedictions, and the Tu autem… at the end of the Lessons are omitted.

Lauds 1. There is no introduction to Lauds, beyond the Dual Prayer, if Lauds is separated from Matins.

2. Special Antiphons are given in the Proper of the Season, but the ordinary Ferial Psalms, Scheme II, are to be used. The Breviary generally gives

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the whole Office of Tenebrae in full in the Proper of the Season.

3. The Chapter and Hymn are omitted, but the Versicle and Reponse retained, which is followed, as usual, by the Benedictus with its Antiphon.

4. After the Benedictus a special conclusion is used. It consists of the Antiphon Christus factus est… followed by the Pater noster, the Miserere, and a Collect (without Oremus).

The Little Hours 1. The introduction consists merely of the Dual Prayer (or Triple Prayer at Prime).

2. Then the Psalms are said. The Sunday Psalms are used.

3. The Psalms are followed by the special conclusion outlined for Lauds above.

4. The reading of the Martyrology at Prime is omitted.

5. The Little Hours conclude in the same way as Lauds.

Vespers 1. The introduction consists of the Dual Prayer.

2. The Antiphons and Psalms are proper and are given in the Proper of the Season.

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3. The Chapter, Hymn, and Versicle and Response are omitted. The Magnificat with its Antiphon is retained.

4. After the Magnificat the same conclusion is used as at Lauds.

Note: Vespers on Holy Saturday is very much shorter and is said as part of the Mass.

Compline 1. The introduction consists of the Confiteor and Absolutions.

2. This is followed by the Sunday Psalms. No Antiphon is used.

3. Then the Nunc dimittis is said, also without an Antiphon.

4. Finally, the special conclusion, outlined under Lauds, is recited.

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145. Easter and the Easter Octave 1. All Hymns, Chapters, and Brief Responsories are omitted in all Hours.

2. The Psalms are said without Antiphons.

3. Instead of the Chapter and Brief Responsory, the Antiphon Haec dies is said.

4. Matins has only three Psalms and three Lessons.

5. In Compline a quadruple Alleluja is said after the final Psalm. The Antiphon Haec dies is not said in place of the omitted Chapter and Brief Responsory. It is said instead after the Nunc Dimittis, which is said without the Antiphon Salva nos. The rest of the Hour is as usual.

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146. Eastertide 1. Alleluja is added in all Offices to the Invitatory, to the Antiphons, whenever they are said entirely and not merely announced, to all Versicles and Responses, except the Verse in the Responsory after the Lessons of Matins, and those given in the Ordinary and printed without Alleluja.

2. A double Alleluja is added to all Brief Responsories.

3. In all Ordinary Offices and in the Sunday Office (except Sunday Matins) only one Antiphon is used, namely Alleluja, * alleluja, alleluja. This is said before the Psalms (in whole or in part) and after all the Psalms have been read, but not, as usual, before and after each Psalm.

4. In Solemn Offices usually, and in the Sunday Office always, only one Antiphon is given for each Nocturn of Matins. This is said like the Alleluja Antiphon spoken of in number 3 above. The other Hours of the Solemn Office have proper Antiphons as usual.

5. A special Common is given for Apostles, Evangelists, and Martyrs, to be used during the Paschal season only.

6. The Te Deum is said even in Ferial Office, except on Rogation Monday.

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7. The Commemoration of the Cross replaces the Suffrage of All Saints.

8. For the Sunday Offices the Chapters and Brief Responsories are proper and are given in the Proper of the Season.

9. The Litany of the Saints must be added to the Office on St. Mark’s Day and on the Rogation Days after the Benedicamus Domino of Lauds. It is not, however, permitted to anticipate the Litany on the previous day. The Final Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not said at the end of the Office.

10. For Whitsunday and within the Octave of Pentecost Matins has only three Psalms and three Lessons.

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T H E O R D O Chapter 12 147. Reading the Ordo The Ordo, like the Breviary, is generally printed in Latin. It uses multiple abbreviated forms which makes it practically unintelligible to the beginner. However, reading the Ordo is a question merely of translating what seems to be a rather cryptic notation. Once the abbreviations given in the beginning of the Ordo have been mastered, little remains to be done.

As different editions of the Ordo use different abbreviations and symbols to denote different meanings, we shall not consider the Ordo here in detail. The website www.breviary.net contains the monthly Ordo in English, and should be invaluable to the beginner who does not wish to spend too much time deciphering the more traditional formats.

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