Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Historical Background

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary which appeared in the ninth or tenth century and is a shortened form of the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office). It may have originally been put together to be prayed in connection with the Votive Masses of Our Lady on Saturday, which were written by Alciun, the liturgical master of Charlemagne’s court. Saint Peter Damian (d. 1072) revised it and recommended it. It was adopted by two religious communities, the Cistercians and the Camaldulensians. Later the secular clergy also used it.

The Little Office varied in different communities and locations, but was standardized by Pius V in 1585. It became part of the Books of Hours in Mary’s honor and was used by many lay people. Beautifully decorated Books of Hours were the pride of many a noble. The Marian Library has examples of such books. Women’s congregations and Third Orders often made it mandatory for their members to pray the Little Office.

In 1952, it was revised with many additions to the prayers according to the six periods of the liturgical season. Vatican II designated the revised office as part of the public prayer of the Church. The Little Office below is adapted from the standardized version of 1585.

The Dictionary of Mary article by A. Buono states:

With the publication in 1971 of the newly-revised four-volume Liturgy of the Hours the Church urged that those not obliged to the recitation of the full Office should say at least one or two hours of the new Office, for example, Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer. Accordingly, short one-volume Offices appeared in various languages and they were immediately adopted by congregations not bound to the whole office. As a result, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary initially lost some of its popularity.

The elements of the Little Office are also the same as those of the Liturgy of the Hours: Biblical texts with more or less direct reference to the mystery of Mary, with psalms with proper antiphons, responsories, intercessions, and prayer – all Marian in character. The originality lies precisely in this emphasis given to the person of Mary, who nonetheless never appears in isolated fastion. She is always portrayed as part of the History of Salvation, as the admirable fruit of the Divine Power, as the Mother of the Lord, or as the Image of the Church.

Hence, the Little Office is a way of living – in praise and reflection – the principal moments of each day with Mary, who spent her life alongside her Son in ardent love, in joyous praise, and in deep faith.

The fully revised Little Hours can be obtained through liturgical book services.

Prayer Before the Office

Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless Your Holy Name: cleanse my heart from all vain, evil and distracting thoughts; enlighten my understanding, inflame my will, that I may worthily recite this Office with intention and devotion, and deserve to be heard in the presence of Your divine Majesty. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

O Lord, in union with that divine intention with which You praised God on Earth, I offer to You these Hours.

Prayer after the Office

To the most holy and undivided Trinity, to the humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, crucified, to the spotless maternity of the most blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, and to the whole assembly of the Saints, be everlasting praise, honor, power and glory from every creature, and to us forgiveness of all our sins for ever and ever.

R. Amen
V. Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal Father.
R. And blessed are the breasts, which nourished our Lord.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, silently)

Matins

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you ; blessed are you amongst all women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. You shall open my lips, O Lord.
R. And my mouth shall show forth Your Praise.
V. Incline to my aid, O God.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall ever be, world without end. Amen.

At all the Hours throughout the year, Alleluia is said, except from Septugesima Sunday to Holy Saturday, when instead of Alleluia is said: Praise be to You , O Lord, King of Everlasting Glory.

Invitatory

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Psalm 94

Come, let us praise the Lord with joy, let us joyfully sing to God, our Savior: let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise to him with psalms.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you .
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods: for the Lord will not reject His people: for in His hand are all the ends of the earth: and He indeed observes the heights or the mountains.
The Lord is with you .
For the sea is His, and He made it, and His hands established the dry land: come, let us adore, and fall down before God: let us weep in the presence of the Lord, Who made us, for He indeed is the Lord our God; moreover we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you .
Today, if you shall hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the affliction according to the day of temptation in the wilderness: where your fathers tempted Me, they proved Me, and they saw My works.
The Lord is with you .
Forty years was I nigh to this generation, and I said: These always err in the heart; these men indeed have not known my ways: to whom I swore my wrath: They shall not enter rest.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you .
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Lord is with you .
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you .

Hymn

The Lord, Whom earth, and air, and sea
With one adoring voice resound,
Who rules them all majesty;
In Mary's heart cloister found.
Lo! In a humble Virgin's womb,
Overshadowed by Almighty power;
He Whom the stars, and sun, and moon,
Each serve in their appointed hour.
O Mother blest! To whom was given
Within your compass to contain
The Architect of Earth and Heaven,
Whose hands the universe sustain:
To you was sent an Angel down;
In you the Spirit was enshrined;
From you came forth that Mighty One,
The long-desired of all mankind.
O Jesu! Born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to You ;
Praise to the Father Infinite,
And Holy Spirit eternally. Amen.

First Nocturn
The three following Psalms are said on Sunday, Monday and Thursday.

Psalm 8
O Lord our Lord, how admirable is Your name in the whole earth! For your magnificence is elevated above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of infants and sucklings You have perfected praise, because of Your enemies, that You may destroy the enemy and the avenger.
For I will behold Your heavens, the works of Your fingers: the moon and the stars, which You have founded.
What is man that You are mindful of him? Or the son of man that You visit him?
You have made him a little less than the Angels, You have crowned him with glory and honor: and have set him over the works of Your hands.
You have subjected all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields.
The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, that pass through the paths of the sea.
O Lord our Lord, how admirable is Your name in all the earth!
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: Blessed are you amongst all women, and blessed is the Fruit of your womb.

Psalm 18
The Heavens show forth the glory of God and the firmament declares the work of His hands.
Day to day utters speech, and night to night shows knowledge.
There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard.
Their sound has gone forth into all the earth: and their words to the ends of the world.
He has set His tabernacle in the sun: and He as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber.
He has rejoiced as a giant to run the way: His going out is from the end of heaven.
And his circuit even to the end thereof: and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to the little ones.
The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: the commandment of the Lord is light, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring forever and ever: the judgements of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: and sweeter than honey and honey-comb.
For your servant keeps them, and in keeping them there is a great reward.
Who can understand sins? From my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: and from those of others spare Your servant.
If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: and I shall be cleansed from greatest sin.
And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: and the meditation of my heart always in Your sight.
O Lord, my helper, and my Redeemer.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: Like choicest myrrh, you have yielded a fragrance of sweetness, O holy Mother of God.

Psalm 23
The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.
For He has founded it upon the seas; and has prepared it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in His holy place?
The innocent in hands, and clean in heart, who has not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor.
He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Savior.
This is the generation of them that seek Him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.
Who is this King of Glory? The Lord Who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.
Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: Before the couch of this Virgin sing often to us sweet chants with solemnity.

V. Grace is poured forth on your lips.
R. Therefore has God Blessed you forever.

(Our Father, etc., silently.)

V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.

Second Nocturn
The following Psalms are said on Tuesday and Friday.

Psalm 44
My heart has uttered a good word: I speak my works to the king:
My tongue is the pen of a scribe that writes swiftly.
You are beautiful above the sons of men. Grace is poured abroad your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.
Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O You most mighty.
With Your comeliness and Your beauty set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.
Because of the truth and meekness and justice: and Your right hand shall conduct You wonderfully.
Your arrows are sharp: under You shall people fall, into the hearts of the king's enemies.
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever: the scepter of Your Kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.
You have loved justice, and hate iniquity: therefore God has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows.
Myrrh and stacte and cassia perfume Your garments, from ivory houses, out of which the daughters of kings have delighted You in Your glory.
The Queen stood on Your right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety.
Hearken, O daughter, and see and incline your ear: and forget your people and your father's house.
And the King shall greatly desire your beauty: for He is the Lord your God, and Him they shall adore.
And the daughters of Tyre with gifts, yes, all the rich among the people, shall entreat your countenance.
All the glory of the King's daughter is within in golden borders, clothed round about with varieties.
After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors shall be brought to You .
They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the King.
Instead of your fathers, sons are born to you; You shall make them princes over all the earth.
They shall remember Your name throughout all generations.
Therefore shall people praise You forever, yea forever and ever.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: In your comeliness and Your beauty go forth, advance prosperously, and reign.

Psalm 45
Our God is our refuge and strength: a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly.
Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled, and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the sea.
Their waters roared and were troubled: the mountains were troubled with His strength.
The stream of the river makes the city of God joyful; the most High has sanctified His own tabernacle.
God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: God will help it in the morning early.
Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down; He uttered His voice, the earth trembled.
The Lord of armies is with us: the God of Jacob is our protector.
Come and behold ye the works of the Lord: what wonders He has done upon the earth, making wars to cease even to the end of the earth.
He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons, and the shield He shall burn in the fire.
Be still and see that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of armies is with us: the God of Jacob is our protector.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: God shall help her with His countenance. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.

Psalm 86
The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains: the Lord loves the gates of Zion above all the tabernacles of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you, O city of God.
I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon knowing me.
Behold the foreigners and Tire, and the people of the Ethiopians, these were there.
Shall not the Zion say: This man and that man is born in her? And the Highest Himself has founded her.
The Lord shall tell in His writings of peoples and of princes, of them that have been in her.
The dwelling in you is as it were of all rejoicing.
Glory be to the Father,
Antiphon: As of people all rejoicing: so is our habitation in you , O holy Mother of God.

V. Grace is poured forth on your lips.
R. Therefore has God blessed you forever.

(Our Father, etc., silently.)

V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.

Third Nocturn
The three Psalms are said on Wednesday and Saturday.

Psalm 95
Sing to the Lord a new canticle; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord and bless His Name; show forth His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the Gentiles, His wonders among all people.
For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils, but the Lord made the heavens.
Praise and beauty are before Him; holiness and majesty in His sanctuary.
Bring to the Lord, O kindreds of the Gentiles, bring to the Lord glory and honor; bring to the Lord glory to His Name.
Bring up sacrifices and come to his courts: adore the Lord in His holy court.
Let all the Earth be moved at His presence. Say among the Gentiles, the Lord has reigned.
For he has corrected the world, which shall not be moved: He will judge the people with justice.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof: the fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful.
Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice before the face of the Lord, because He comes: because He comes to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with truth.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, you alone have destroyed all heresies in the whole world.

Psalm 96
The Lord has reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about Him: justice and judgement are the establishment of His throne.
A fire shall go before Him, and shall burn His enemies round about.
His lightnings have shone forth to the world; the earth saw and trembled.
The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of the Earth.
The heavens declared His justice, and all the peoples saw His glory.
Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols.
Adore Him, all you His Angels; Zion heard and was glad.
And the daughters of Judah rejoiced, because of your judgements, O Lord, for you art the most high Lord over all the earth. You art exalted exceedingly above all gods.
You that love the Lord, hate evil; the Lord preserves the souls of His saints, He will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.
Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.
Rejoice, you just ones, in the Lord, and give praise to the remembrance of His holiness.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: Vouchsafe that I may praise you , O sacred Virgin: give me strength against your enemies.
Antiphon: After childbirth.

Psalm 97
Sing to the Lord a new canticle, because He has done wonderful things.
His right hand has wrought for Him salvation, and His arm is holy.
The Lord has made known His salvation: He has revealed His justice in the sight of the Gentiles.
He has remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.
Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: with long trumpets and sound of cornet.
Make a joyful noise before the Lord our King: let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein.
The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord: because He cometh to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: After childbirth you did remain a pure virgin: intercede for us, O Mother of God.
In Advent: Antiphon: The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

V. Grace is poured forth on your lips.
R. Therefore has God blessed you forever.

(Our Father, etc., silently.)

V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.

The Absolution

By the prayers and merits of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and of all the Saints, may the Lord bring us to the kingdom of heaven.

R. Amen.
V. Pray, sir, a blessing.

The Blessing

May the Virgin Mary, with her loving Child, bless us.

R. Amen.

The three following Lessons are said throughout the year except during Advent.

Lesson 1. Ecclesiasticus 24:11-13.

In all these I sought rest, and I shall abide in the inheritance of the Lord. Then the Creator of all things commanded and said to me; and He that made me rested in my tabernacle, and He said me: Let your dwelling be in Jacob, and your inheritance in Israel, and take root in Mine Elect. But Thou, Lord, have mercy on us.

R. Thanks be to God.
R. O holy and immaculate Virgin, with what praises I shall extol you, I know not: For He Whom the heavens could not contain rested in your bosom.
V. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Fruit of your womb. For He Whom the heavens could not contain rested in your bosom.
V. Pray, sir, a blessing.

The Blessing
May the Virgin of virgins herself intercede for us with the Lord.

R. Amen.

Lesson 2. Ecclesiasticus 24:15-16.

And so was I established in Zion, and in the holy city likewise I rested; and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God, His inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of Saints. But Thou, Lord, have mercy on us.

R. Thanks be to God.
R. Blessed are you , O Virgin Mary, who bore the Lord, the Creator of the world: You were the mother of Him Who made you , and you remained a pure virgin forever.
V. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you . You were the mother of Him Who made you , and you remain a pure virgin forever.

When the Te Deum is said, add:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. You were the mother of Him Who made you, and you remain a pure virgin forever.

V. Pray, sir, a blessing

The Blessing
Through the Virgin Mother, may the Lord grant to us salvation and peace.

V. Amen

Lesson 3. Ecclesiasticus 24:17-20.

I was exalted like a cedar in Lebanon, and as a cypress tree on Mount Zion. I was exalted like a palm tree in Cadiz, and like a rose plant in Jericho. As a fair olive tree in the plains, and as a plane tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave forth a sweet fragrance like cinnamon and aromatic balm. I yielded a sweetness of fragrance like choicest myrrh. But Thou, Lord, have mercy on us.

R. Thanks be to God.

The following Responsory is omitted when the Te Deum is said.

R. Surely you are happy, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, For out of you arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God.
V. Pray for the people, supplicate for the clergy, intercede for the devoted female sex. Let all experience your assistance, whoever celebrate your holy commemoration. For out of you arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Christ our God.

Te Deum
The Te Deum is not said in Advent, or from Septuagesima to Easter, except on the Feasts of the Blessed Virgin.
We praise you , O God: we acknowledge You to be the Lord.
All the earth worships You, the Father everlasting.
To You all angels cry aloud: the heavens and all the powers therein,
To You Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth.
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Your glory.
The glorious choir of the Apostles, praises You .
The admirable company of the Prophets, praises You ,
The white-robed army of Martyrs praises You .
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge You .
The Father, of an infinite majesty,
Your adorable, true and only Son,
Also the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
You art the everlasting Son, of the Father.
When you took upon You to deliver man, You did not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When You had overcome the sting of death, You did open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You sit at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that You shall come, to be our Judge.
We pray You, therefore, help Your servants, whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered among Your saints, in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance.
Govern them, and lift them up forever.
Day by day we magnify You.
And we praise Your Name forever, yes, forever and ever.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day to keep us without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let Your mercy be showed upon us, as we have hoped in You .
O Lord, in You have I hoped: let me not be confounded forever.

In Advent

The Absolution
By the prayers and merits of the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, and of all the Saints, may the Lord bring us to the kingdom of heaven.
R. Amen.
V. Pray, sir, a blessing

The Blessing
May the Virgin Mary, with her loving Child, bless us.

R. Amen.

Lesson 1. Luke 1:26-28

The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a Virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the Virgin's name was Mary. And when the Angel had come to her, he said, Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you . Blessed are you among women. But You, Lord have mercy on us.

R. Thanks be to God.
R. The Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin betrothed to Joseph, announcing to her the word, and the Virgin was afraid at the light. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found grace with the Lord: Behold, You shall conceive, and shall bring forth a Son, and He shall be called the Son of the Most High.
V. The Lord God will give him the throne of David His father, and He shall be king over the house of Jacob forever. Behold, You shall conceive, and shalt bring forth a Son, and He shall be called the Son of the Most High.
V. Pray, sir, a blessing.

The Blessing
May the Virgin of virgins herself intercede for us with the Lord.

R. Amen.

Lesson 2. Luke 1:29-33

When she had seen him she was troubled at his word, and kept pondering what manner of greeting this might be. And the Angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God. And behold, You shall conceive in your womb and shalt bring forth a Son; and You shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give him the throne of David His Father, and He shall be king over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." But You, Lord, have mercy upon us.

R. Thanks be to God.
R. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you . The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you, and therefore the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God.
V. How shall this happen, since I do not know man? And the Angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you, and therefore the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God.

When the Te Deum is said, add Glory be to the Father, and the Holy Spirit, as above.

V. Pray, sir, a blessing

The Blessing
Through the Virgin Mother, may the Lord grant to us salvation and peace.

R. Amen.

Lesson 3. Luke 1:34-38

But Mary said to the Angel, "How shall this happen, since I do not know man?" And the Angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you; and therefore the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your kinswoman also has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was barren is now in her sixth month; for nothing shall be impossible with God. But Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to your word." But You, Lord, have mercy upon us.

R. Thanks be to God.

The following Responsory is omitted when the Te Deum is to be said:

R. Receive, O Virgin Mary, the word which has been communicated to you by the Lord through the Angel: You shall conceive and bear a Son, Who shall be both God and man: That you may be called blessed among all women.
V. Yea, You shall bear a Son, and shall suffer no detriment in your virginity. You shall be with Child, and shall become a mother, remaining ever a virgin undefiled, That you may be called blessed among all women.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc. That you may be called blessed among all women.

Lauds
Hail Mary is said if Lauds does not immediately follow Matins, Incline to my aid, etc. as on page 1.
Antiphon: Mary was taken up.

Psalm 92
The Lord has reigned, He is clothed with Beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and has girdled Himself.
For He has established the world which shall not be moved.
Your throne is prepared from of old: You are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord: the floods have lifted up their voice.
The floods have lifted up their waves, with the noise of many waters.
Wonderful are the surges of the sea: wonderful is the Lord on high.
Your testimonies are become exceedingly credible: holiness becomes Your house, O Lord, to length of days.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: Mary was taken up into heaven, the Angels rejoice and with praises bless the Lord.
Antiphon: The Virgin Mary.

Psalm 99
Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve the Lord with gladness.
Come in before His presence with exceeding great joy.
Know that the Lord He is God; He made us, and not we ourselves.
We are His people and the sheep of his pasture. Go into His gates with praise, into his courts with hymns, and give glory to Him.
Praise his Name: for the Lord is sweet, his mercy endures forever: and His truth to generation and generation.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: The Virgin Mary was taken up to the heavenly chamber, where the King of kings sits on His starry throne.

Psalm 62
O God, my God, to You do I watch at break of day.
For you my soul has thirsted; for You my flesh, O how many ways!
In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water: so in the sanctuary have I come to You , to see Your power and Your glory.
For Your mercy is better than lives; You my lips shall praise.
Thus will I bless You all my life long, and in Your Name I will lift up my hands.
Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
If I have remembered You upon my bed, I will meditate on You in the morning: because You have been my helper.
And I will rejoice under the cover of Your wings: my soul has cleaved to You : Your right hand has received me.
But they have sought my soul in vain; they shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be portions of foxes.
But the king shall rejoice in God, they shall be praised that swear by Him: because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: We run to the fragrance of your ointments: the young maidens have loved you exceedingly.

Canticle of the Three Children
Daniel 3, 57-88 and 56.
All works of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
O Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord; O heavens, bless the Lord.
O all waters that are above the heavens, bless the Lord; O all powers of the Lord, bless the Lord.
O sun and moon, bless the Lord; O stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
O every shower and dew, bless the Lord; O all spirits of God, bless the Lord.
O fire and heat, bless the Lord; O cold and heat, bless the Lord.
O dews and hoar frosts, bless the Lord; O frost and cold, bless the Lord.
O ice and snow, bless the Lord; O nights and days, bless the Lord.
O light and darkness, bless the Lord; O lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.
O let the earth bless the Lord; let it praise and exalt him above all forever.
O mountains and hills, bless the Lord; O all things that spring up from the earth, bless the Lord.
O fountains, bless the Lord; O seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
O whales, and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord; O all fowls of the air, bless the Lord.
O all beasts and cattle, bless the Lord; O sons of men, bless the Lord.
O let Israel bless the Lord; let them praise and exalt Him above all forever.
O priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; O servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
O spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; O holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord.
O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father, and the Son, with the Holy Spirit; let us praise and exalt Him above all forever.
Blessed are you , O Lord, in the firmament of heaven; and worthy of praise, and glorious, and exalted above all forever.
The Glory be to the Father is not said here.
Antiphon: Thou, O daughter, art blessed of the Lord, for through you have we been made partakers of the Fruit of Life.
Antiphon: You are fair.

Psalm 98
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the high places.
Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts.
Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all stars and light.
Praise Him, heavens of heavens, and let all the waters that are above the heavens praise the Name of the Lord.
For He spoke, and they were made: He commanded, and they were created.
He has established then forever, and for ages of ages; He has made a decree, and it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, dragons, and all deeps.
Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds, which fulfill His word.
Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.
Beasts and all cattle: serpents and feathered fowls.
Kings of the earth, and all people: princes and all judges of the earth.
Young men and maidens, let the old with the younger, praise the Name of the Lord: for his Name alone is exalted.
The praise of Him is above heaven and earth and He has exalted the horn of His people.
A hymn to all His Saints: to the children of Israel: a people approaching to Him.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: You are fair and comely, O daughter of Jerusalem: terrible as an army set in array.

The Little Chapter
Canticles of Canticles 6, 8
The daughters of Zion saw her, and declared her most blessed: and the queens praised her.

R. Thanks be to God.

O Queen of all the virgin choir,
Enthroned above the starry sky,
Who with your bosoms milk did feed
Your own Creator, Lord most high.
What man had lost in hapless Eve
Your sacred womb to man restores;
You to the wretched here beneath
Hast opened Heaven's eternal doors.
Hail, O refulgent Hall of light,
Hail, Gate august of Heaven's high King,
Through you redeemed to endless life,
Your praises let all the nations sing.
O Jesu, born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to You,
Praise to the Father Infinite,
And Holy Spirit eternally. Amen.

V. Blessed are you among women.
R. And blessed is the fruit of your womb.

The Canticle of Zachary, Luke 1
Blessed be the Lord, God of Israel, because He has visited and wrought redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us, in the house of David His Servant,
As He promised through the mouth of His holy ones, the prophets from of old;
Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us,
To show mercy to our forefathers and to be mindful of His holy covenant,
Of the oath that He swore to Abraham our father, that He would grant us,
That, delivered from the hand of our enemies, we should serve Him without fear,
In holiness and justice before Him all our days.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High, for You shall go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
To give to His people knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the loving-kindness of our God, wherewith the Orient from on high has visited us,
To shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: O blessed Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, temple of the Lord, sanctuary of the Holy Spirit; you, alone, without example, were well-pleasing to our Lord Jesus Christ: pray for the people, supplicate for the clergy; intercede for the devoted female sex.
Antiphon (in Paschal Time): Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. The Lord has arisen as He said, alleluia. Pray to God for us, alleluia. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come into You .

Let Us Pray
O God, Who was pleased that Your Word, at the message of an Angel, should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us, Your supplicants, that, as we believe her to be truly the Mother of God, so we may be assisted by her intercessions with You. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
Commemoration of Saint Joseph, or other Patron Saint, as at the end of Compline
Antiphon: O all Saints of God, vouchsafe to intercede for our salvation, and that of all mankind.

V. Rejoice in the Lord, and be glad, O ye just.
R. And glory, all ye that are right of heart.

Let Us Pray
Protect Your people, O Lord, and preserve them by continual defense, who trust in the patronage of Peter and Paul, and all Your other Apostles.
Let all Your Saints, we beseech You , O Lord, assist us everywhere, that while we venerate their merits, we may experience
Their patronage: grant us Your peace in our times, and drive away all wickedness from Your Church: dispose our way, our acts, and wills, and those of all Your servants, in the good success of Your salvation: render to our benefactors everlasting blessings, and grant to all the faithful departed eternal rest. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who liveth and reigneth with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

If the Office finishes here, say Our Father, silently; then say aloud:

V. May the Lord give us his peace.
R. And Life everlasting. Amen.

Then is said, according to the season, one of the Anthems of the Blessed Virgin Mary as at the end of Compline.
When the Office is not ended at the Lauds, the Anthem is not said until after the last Hour.

In Advent
From the First Vespers on the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent until the vespers of Christmas Eve, and on the Feast of the Annunciation, Lauds is as follows:

1. Antiphon: The Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin betrothed to Joseph.

Psalm 92

2. Antiphon: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among all women. Alleluia.

Psalm 99

3. Antiphon: Fear not, Mary, you have found grace with the Lord: behold, You shall conceive, and bear a Son. Alleluia.

Psalm 62

4. Antiphon: The Lord shall give to Him the seat of David His father, and He shall reign forever.

Canticle of the Three Children

5. Antiphon: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to your word.

Psalm 148

The Little Chapter
Isaiah 2, 1-2
There shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. R. Thanks be to God.

Hymn, Versicle and Response
Antiphon: The Holy Spirit shall come upon you , Mary; fear not, You shall bear in your womb the Son of God. Alleluia.

Beneditus, Versicles and Collect
Antiphon: Behold, the Lord shall come, and all His Saints with Him; and in that day there shall be a great light. Alleluia.

V. Behold, the Lord shall appear upon a shining cloud.
R. And with him thousands of Saints.

Let Us Pray

Purify our consciences, we beseech You , O Lord, by your visitation; that when Your Son, Jesus Christ, you Lord, shall come with all His Saints, He may find a mansion prepared in us for Himself. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And my cry come to You .
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

If the Office finishes here, say Our Father silently, then say aloud:

V. May the Lord give us His peace.
R. And life everlasting. Amen.

The Anthem of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the end of the Compline. When the Office is not ended at Lauds, the Anthem is not said until after the last Hour.

After Advent
From First Vespers of Christmas until Second Vespers of the Feast of the Purification, Laud say as follows:

1. Antiphon: O marvelous intercourse! The Creator of Mankind, taking a body with a living soul, vouchsafed to be born of a virgin and, becoming man without man's concurrence, bestowed upon us His Godhead.

Psalm 92

2. Antiphon: When you were born of a Virgin, after an ineffable manner, then were the Scriptures fulfilled. You did come down like rain upon the fleece, that You might save mankind: we praise You , O our God.

Psalm 99

3. Antiphon: In the bush which Moses saw unconsumed, we acknowledge your admirable virginity preserved: intercede for us, O Mother of God.

Psalm 62

4. Antiphon: The root of Jesse has budded: a star has arisen out of Jacob. A virgin has born the Savior: we praise You , O our God.

Canticle of the Three Children

5. Antiphon: Behold Mary has borne us the Savior, Whom John beholding, exclaimed: Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who takes away the sins of the world. Alleluia.

Psalm 148
The Little Chapter, Hymn, Versicle and Response from the Hymn of the Canticle of Canticles.
Antiphon: A wonderful mystery is declared today: new things are wrought in nature: God is made man. What He was He has remained, and what He was not He has assumed, suffering neither confusion nor division.
O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech you , that we may feel her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of life, Our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son: Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. R. Amen.
Commemoration of Saints, Versicles, and responses from earlier.

Prime
Hail Mary, Incline to my aid, etc., as on page 1.
Remember O Creator Lord!
That in the Virgin's Sacred womb
You were conceived, and of her flesh
Did our mortality assume.
Mother of grace, O Mary blest!
To you , sweet fount of love, we fly;
Shield us through life, and make us hence
To your dear bosom when we die.
O Jesu! Born of Virgin bright!
Immortal glory be to You ;
Praise to the Father Infinite,
And Holy Spirit eternally.
Amen.
Antiphon: Mary was taken up.

Psalm 53
Save me, O God, by Your Name, and judge me in Your strength.
O God, hear my prayer: give ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen up against me; and the mighty have sought after my soul and they have not set God before their eyes.
For behold God is my helper and the Lord is the protector of my soul.
Turn back the evils upon my enemies and cut them off in Your truth.
I will freely sacrifice to You, and will give praise, O God, to Your Name because it is good:
For You have delivered me out of all trouble and my eye has looked down upon my enemies.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 84
Lord, You have blessed Your land: You have turned away the captivity of Jacob.
You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people: You have covered all their sins.
You have mitigated all Your anger: You have turned away from the wrath of Your indignation.
Convert us, O God our Savior and turn off Your anger from us.
Will You be angry with us forever or will You extend Your wrath from generation to generation?
Will You turn, O God, and bring us to life and Your people shall rejoice in You?
Show us, O Lord, Your mercy and grant us Your salvation.
I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me, for He will speak peace to His people:
And to his saints: and to them that are converted to the heart.
Surely His salvation is near to them that fear Him: that glory dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met each other: justice and peace have kissed.
Truth is sprung our of the earth: and justice has looked down from heaven.
For the Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit.
Justice shall walk before Him: and shall set His steps in the way.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 116
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people:
For His mercy is confirmed upon us, and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

The Little Chapter
Canticle 6, 9
Who is she that comes forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in array?

R. Thanks be to God.
V. Vouchsafe that I may praise you , O sacred Virgin.
R. Give me the strength against your enemies. Lord have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .

Let us pray
O God, Who did grant to select the chaste chamber of the Blessed Virgin Mary in which you dwell; grant, we beseech You, that fortified with her defense, we may find our joy in taking part in her commemoration. Who, lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen

Antiphon: The Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin betrothed to Joseph.
Psalms 53, 84, and 116 follow.

The Little Chapter
Isaiah 7, 14-15
Behold, A Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good.

R. Thanks be to God.

Versicles and Responses as from the Little Chapter before this.
O God, Who wast pleased that Your Word, at the message of an Angel, should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary; grant to us, Your supplicants, that as we believe her to be truly the Mother of God, so we may be assisted by her intercessions with You . Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.

Versicles and Responses as from Let us pray the page before this.

After Advent
Antiphon: O marvelous intercourse! The Creator of mankind, taking a body with a living soul, vouchsafed to be born of a Virgin; and becoming man without man's concurrence, bestowed upon us His Godhead.
Psalms 53, 84, and 116 as well as Little Chapter, Versicles Responses from before are to follow.

Let us pray
O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation; grant we beseech You , that we may feel her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.

Versicles and Responses as from the previous Let us pray.

Terce
Hail Mary, Incline to my aid, etc., as on page one and the Hymn Remember, O Creator Lord!

Psalm 119
In my trouble I cried to the Lord and he heard me.
O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips, and a deceitful tongue.
What shall be given to you , or what shall be added to you , to a deceitful tongue?
The sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals that lay waste.
Woe is me, that my sojourning is prolonged: I have dwelt with the inhabitants of Cedar: my soul has been long a sojourner. With them that hated peace I was peaceable: when I spoke to them they fought against me without cause.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 120
I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me.
My help is from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
May He not suffer your foot to be moved; neither let Him slumber that keeps you .
Be hold He shall neither slumber nor sleep that keeps Israel.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your protection upon your right hand.
The sun shall not burn you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil: may the Lord keep your soul.
May the Lord keep your coming in your going out from henceforth now and forever.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 121
I rejoiced at the things that were said to me. We shall go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet were standing in your courts, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.
For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, the testimony of Israel, to praise the Name of the Lord.
Because their seats have sat in judgement, seats upon the house of David.
Pray for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem and abundance for them that love you .
Let peace be in your strength and abundance in your towers.
For the sake of my brethren and of my neighbors, I spoke peace of you .
Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for you .
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: The Virgin Mary was taken up to the heavenly chamber, where the King of kings sits on His starry throne.

The Little Chapter
Ecclesiasticus 24, 15
And so was I established in Zion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem.

R. Thanks be to God.
V. Grace is poured forth on your lips.
R. Therefore God has blessed you forever. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .

Let us pray
O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech You, that we may feel her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son: Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. Amy the souls of the faithful departed. Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

In Advent
Antiphon: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you amongst women. Alleluia.
Psalms 119, 120, 121 are to follow.

The Little Chapter
Isaiah 2, 1-2
There shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.

R. Thanks be to God.

Versicles and Responses as from Ecclesiasticus 24, 15.

Let us Pray
O God, Who was pleased that Your Word, at the message of the Angel, should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary; grant to us, Your supplicants, that as we believe her to be truly the Mother of God, so we may be assisted by her intercession with You. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.

Versicles and Responses as from Canticle 6, 9

After Advent
Antiphon: When You were born of a Virgin, after an ineffable manner, then were the Scriptures fulfilled: You did come down like rain upon the fleece, that You might save mankind: we praise You, O our God.
Psalms 119, 120, 121 are to follow.
Little Chapter, Versicles, Responses, Prayer and the rest as from just before.

Sext
Hail Mary, Incline to my aid, etc., as on page one, and the Hymn Remember, O Creator Lord!
Antiphon: We run.

Psalm 122
To You have I Lifted up my eyes, Who dwell in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of servants, are on the hands of their masters,
As the eyes of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes to the Lord our God, until; He have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt.
For our soul is greatly filled: we are a reproach to the rich, and contempt to the proud.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 123
If it had not been that the Lord was with us, let Israel now say, if it had not been that the Lord was with us,
When men rose up against us, perhaps they had swallowed us up alive.
When their fury was enkindled against us, perhaps the waters had swallowed us up.
Our soul has passed through water insupportable.
Blessed be the Lord, Who has been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers.
The snare is broken, and we are delivered. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 124
They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion; he shall not be moved forever that dwells in Jerusalem.
Mountains are round about it: so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth now and forever.
For the Lord will not leave the rod of sinners upon the lot of the just, that the just may not stretch forth their hands to iniquity.
Do good, O Lord, to those that are good, and to the upright of heart.
But such as turn aside into bonds, the Lord shall lead out with the workers of iniquity: peace upon Israel.
Glory be the Father, etc.
Antiphon: We run to the fragrance of Your ointments: the young maidens have loved You exceedingly.

The Little Chapter
Ecclesiasticus 24, 16
And I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God His inheritance: and my abode is in the full assembly of saints.

R. Thanks be to God.
V. Blessed are you among women.
R. And blessed is the Fruit of your womb. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer
R. And let my cry come to You .

Let us pray
Vouchsafe to our weakness, O merciful God, the help of Your protection, that we who commemorate the Holy Mother of God, may, by the help of her intercession, arise from our iniquities. Through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and reigns wit You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen
V. O Lord, hear my prayer
R. And let my cry come to You .
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

In Advent
Antiphon: Fear not, Mary, you have found grace with the Lord: behold, You shall conceive and bear a Son. Alleluia.

The Little Chapter
Luke 1, 32-33
The Lord shall give to Him the throne of David His father, and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His Kingdom there shall be no end.

R. Thanks be to God.

Versicle and Responses as from Ecclesiasticus 24, 16.

Let us Pray
O god, Who wast pleased that Your Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin, and didst make it known to her by the message of an Angel; grant that we, Your supplicants, who truly believe her to be the Mother of God, may through her intercession, find help with You . Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.

Versicles and Responses as from the previous Let us pray.

After Advent
Antiphon: In the bush, which Moses saw unconsumed, we acknowledge your admirable virginity preserved: intercede for us, O Mother of God.
Psalms 122, 123, 124 are to follow.
Little Chapter, Versicles and Responses from before.
Previous prayer.

None
Hail Mary, Incline to my aid, etc., as on page one, and the Hymn Remember, O Creator Lord!

Psalm 125
When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we became like men comforted.
Then was our mouth filled with gladness, and our tongue with joy.
Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord has done great things for them.
The Lord has done great things for us: we are become joyful.
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as a stream in the south.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Going they went and wept, casting their seeds.
But coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 126
Unless the Lord build the house, those labor in vain that build it.
Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.
It is in vain for you to rise before Light: rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow.
When He shall give sleep to His beloved: behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.
As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been cast out.
Blessed is the man that has filled his desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 127
Blessed are all they that fear the Lord, that walk in His ways.
For You shall eat the labors of thy hands. Blessed are you , and it shall be well with you .
Your wife, as a fruitful vine on the sides of your house.
Your children as olive plants, round about your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.
May the Lord bless you out of Zion: and may you see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
And may you see your children's children, peace upon Israel.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: You are fair and comely, O daughter of Jerusalem, terrible as an army set in array.

The Little Chapter
Ecclesiasticus 24, 20
In the streets, like cinnamon and aromatic balm, I gave forth a sweet fragrance: like the choicest myrrh, I yielded a sweetness of fragrance.

R. Thanks be to God.
V. After childbirth you did remain a pure Virgin.
R. Intercede for us, O Mother of God. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .

Let us pray
Forgive, O Lord, we beseech You, the offenses of Your servants; that we, who are unable to please You by our own acts, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

V. Amen. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

In Advent
Antiphon: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.
Psalms 125, 126, and 127 follow.

The Little Chapter
Isaiah 7, 14-15
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel: butter and honey shall he eat, that He may know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good.

R. Thanks be to God.
V. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Versicles and Responses from Ecclesiasticus 24, 20

Let us Pray
O God, Who wast pleased that Your Word, at the message of the angel, should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary; grant to us, Your supplicants, that, as we believe her to be truly the Mother of God, so we may be assisted by her intercession with You. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, word without end.

R. Amen.

Versicles and Responses as from the previous Let us pray.

After Advent
Psalms 125, 126, and 127
Antiphon: Behold, Mary has borne us the Savior, Whom John beholding, exclaimed: Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who taketh away the sins of the world. Alleluia.

R. Thanks be to God.

The Little Chapter, Versicles and Responses from just before are to follow.

Vespers
Hail Mary, Incline to my aid, etc. as on page one.

Psalm 109
The Lord said to My Lord: Sit You at my right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool.
The Lord will send forth the sceptre of Your power out of Zion, rule in the midst of Your enemies.
With You is the principality on the day of Your strength; in the brightness of the saints from the womb before the daystar I begot You.The Lord has sworn, and He will not repent: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech.
The Lord at Your right hand has broken kings in the day of his wrath.
He shall judge among nations, He shall fill ruin. He shall crush the heads in the land of many.
He shall drink of the torrent in the way: therefore shall He lift up the head.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: While the King was reposing, my spikenard yielded the fragrance of sweetness.

Psalm 112
Praise the Lord, ye children, praise ye the Name of the Lord.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from henceforth now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Name of the Lord is worthy of praise.
The Lord is high above all nations and His glory above the heavens.
Who is as the Lord our God, Who dwelleth on high, and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in the earth?
Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:
That He may place him with princes, with the princes of His people.
Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon. His left hand is under my head, and His right hand shall embrace me.

Psalm 121
I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet were standing in your courts, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.
For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the Name of the Lord.
Because their seats have sat in judgement, seats upon the house of David.
Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love You .
Let the peace be in Your strength: and abundance in Your towers.
For the sake of my brethren and of my neighbors, I spoke peace of You .
Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for you .
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: I am black, but beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem: therefore has the King loved me, and brought me into His chamber. Now is the winter past.

Psalm 126
Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.
Unless the Lord keep the city, he watches in vain that keeps it.
It is vain for you to rise before light, rise after you have rested, you that eat the bread of sorrow.
When He shall give sleep to His beloved: behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.
As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been cast out.
Blessed is the man that has filled his desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: Now is the winter past, the rain is over and gone: arise, my beloved, and come. You are made beauteous.

Psalm 147
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Zion.
Because He has strengthened the bolts of your gates, He has blessed your children within you.
Who has placed peace in your borders and fills you with the fat of corn.
Who sends forth His speech to the earth? His word runs swiftly.
Who giveth snow like wool, scatters mists like ashes.
He sends His crystal like morsels. who shall stand before the face of His cold.
He shall send out His word, and shall melt them. His wind shall blow, and the waters shall run.
Who declares His word to Jacob? His justices and His judgments to Israel.
He has not done in like manner to every nation, and His judgments He has not made manifest to them.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

The Little Chapter
Ecclesiasticus 24, 14
From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and to the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before Him.

R. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
Hail, you Star of the ocean!
Portal of the sky!
Ever Virgin Mother
Of the Lord Most High!
Oh! By Gabriel's Ave,
Utter'd long ago,
Eva's name reversing,
Establish peace below.
Break the captive's fetters;
Light on blindness pour;
All our ills expelling
Every bliss implore.
Show yourself a Mother;
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us Incarnate
Did not you despise.
Virgin of all virgins!
To your shelter take us:
Gentlest of the gentle!
Chaste and gentle make us.
Still, as on we journey,
Help our weak endeavor,
Till with you and Jesus
We rejoice forever.
Through the highest heaven,
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son, and Spirit,
One same glory be.
Amen.

V. Grace is poured forth on your lips.
R. Therefore has the Lord blessed you forever.

Antiphons for the Magnificat:
Blessed Mother
In Paschal Time: Queen of Heaven.

The Magnificat, or the Canticle of Our Blessed Lady.
Luke 1, 46-55
My soul magnifies the Lord.
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Because he has regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Because He that is mighty has done great things to me, and holy is His Name.
And mercy is from generation to generation, to them that fear Him.
He has showed might in His arm: He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their seat, and has exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He has received Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy.
As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: Blessed Mother and inviolate Virgin, glorious Queen of the world, intercede for us with the Lord.
Antiphon in Paschal Time: Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia. For He Whom you was meet to bear, alleluia, has risen, as He said, alleluia. Pray to God for Us. Alleluia.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer
R. And let my cry come to You .

Let us pray
Grant, O Lord, God, we beseech You, to us, Your servants, that we may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and come to the fruition of eternal joys. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.

Commemoration of Saint Joseph, or another patron saint, as at the end of Compline.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departs through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

If the office finishes here, say Our Father, silently; then say aloud:

V. May the Lord give us His peace.
R. And life everlasting. Amen.

Then is said one of the anthems of the Lady, according to the season, as at the end of Compline.

In Advent

1 Antiphon: the Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin betrothed to Joseph.

Psalm 109

2 Antiphon: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you ; blessed are you among women. Alleluia.

Psalm 112

3 Antiphon: Fear Not, Mary, you have found grace with the Lord. Behold, you shall conceive and bear a Son. Alleluia.

Psalm 121

4 Antiphon: The Lord shall give to Him the seat of David, His Father, and He shall reign forever.

Psalm 126

5 Antiphon: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to Your word.

Psalm 147

The Little Chapter
Isaiah 2
There shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root, and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him.

R. Thanks be to God.

Hymn, Versicle and Responses from earlier.
Antiphon for the Magnificat: The Holy Spirit shall come upon you , Mary: fear not, You shall bear in your womb the Son of God. Alleluia. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .

Prayer from the end of None. Commemoration of Saint Joseph and of All Saints. Versicles and Responses from most previous Let us pray.

After Advent

1 Antiphon: O marvelous intercourse! The Creator of mankind taking a body with a living soul, granted to be born of a Virgin, and becoming man without man's concurrence, bestowed upon us His Godhead.

Psalm 109

2 Antiphon: When You were born of a Virgin, after an ineffable manner, then were the Scriptures fulfilled. You did come down like rain upon the fleece, that You might save mankind; we praise You , O our God.

Psalm 112

3 Antiphon: In the bush, which Moses saw unconsumed, we acknowledge your admirable virginity preserved: intercede of us, O Mother of God.

Psalm 121

4 Antiphon: The root of Jesse has budded; a star has risen out of Jacob; a Virgin has borne the Savior: we praise You , O our God.

Psalm 126

5 Antiphon: Behold, Mary has borne us The Savior, Who John beholding, exclaimed saying: Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who taketh away the sins of the world. Alleluia.

Psalm 147

Then the Little Chapter from earlier is said, followed by the hymn at the beginning of Vespers.
Versicle and Response from previous page.
In place of the Magnificat Antiphon, is said:
Antiphon for the Magnificat: A great mystery of inheritance: the womb of one that knew not man has become the Temple of God, taking flesh of her He was not defiled: all nations shall come, saying, Glory be to You , O Lord.
The Magnificat is now said.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .

Prayer from Terce follows.

Compline
Hail Mary, as on page one.

V. Convert us, O God our Savior.
R. And turn away your anger from us.

Incline to my aid, as on page one.

Psalm 128
Often have they fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say.
Often have they fought against me from my youth: but the could not prevail over me.
The wicked have wrought upon my back; they have lengthened their iniquity.
The Lord Who is just will cut the necks of sinners; let them all be confused and confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
Let them be as grass upon the tops of houses, which withers before it be plucked up:
Wherewith the mower fills not his hand nor he that gathers sheaves, his bosom.
And they that pass by have not said: The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we have blessed you in the Name of the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 129
Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If You, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities; Lord, who shall stand it?
For with You there is merciful forgiveness, and by reason of Your Law, I have waited for You, O Lord.
My soul has relied on his word: my soul has hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord, there is mercy and with Him plentiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalm 130
Lord, my heart is not exalted: nor are my eyes lofty.
Neither have I walked in great matters nor in wonderful things above me.
If I was not humbly minded, but exalted my soul:
As a child that is weaned is towards his mother, so reward in my soul.
Let Israel hope in the Lord, from henceforth now and forever.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
The Hymn, Remember, O Creator Lord! follows.
I am the Mother of fair love and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope.

R. Thanks be to God.
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Canticle of Simeon. Luke 2, 29-32
Now You dismiss Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word in peace.
Because my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples:
A Light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and a glory of Your people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Antiphon: We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God, despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin.
Antiphon in Paschal Time: Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia. For He Whom You were meet to bear, alleluia, has arisen, as He said, alleluia. Pray to God for us, alleluia. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

V. O lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to you .

Let us pray
Let the glorious intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary, ever Virgin, protect us, we beseech You , O Lord, and bring us to life everlasting. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.

The Blessing
May the Almighty and merciful Lord, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and preserve us.

R. Amen.

Then one of the anthems of Our Lady is said, according to the season, with the versicle and prayer.

In Advent
All the above except the following:

The Little Chapter
Isaiah 7, 14-15
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel. Butter and honey shall He eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.

R. Thanks be to God.
V. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Antiphon: The Holy Spirit shall come upon you , Mary: fear not, You shall bear a in your womb the Son of God. Alleluia.
Canticle of Simeon follows.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to You .

Let us pray
O God, Who was pleased that Your Word, at the message of the angel should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us, your supplicants, that as we believe her to be truly the Mother of God, so we may be assisted by her intercession with You . Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.

Versicle, Response and Blessing from the previous let us pray.

After Advent
Psalms, Hymn, Little Chapter, Versicles and Responses as from before.
Antiphon: A Great mystery of inheritance! The womb of one that knew not man has become the Temple of God; taking flesh of her, he was not defiled: all nations shall come saying, Glory be to You, O Lord.
Versicles and Responses as in Advent and Canticle of Simeon follows.

Let us pray
O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation; grant we beseech You , that we may feel her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

R. Amen.

Versicles, Responses and Blessing from before follow.

Anthems of the Blessed Virgin Mary
From Compline to the Purification of Easter.
Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned!
Hail, by angels' mistress owned!
Root of Jesse! Gate of morn!
Whence the world's true Light was born.
Glorious Virgin, joy to you ,
Loveliest whom in heaven they see:
Fairest you where all are fair!
Plead with Christ our sins to spare.

V. Vouchsafe that I may praise you , O sacred Virgin.
R. Give me the strength against your enemies.

Let us pray
Vouchsafe to our weakness, O merciful God, the help of Your protection, that we who commemorate the holy Mother of God, may, by the help of her intercession, arise from our iniquities. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

V. May the divine assistance remain always with us.

R. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, in silence.
From Compline of Holy Saturday to None of Saturday before Trinity Sunday.
Joy to You, O Queen of Heaven. Alleluia.
He Whom You were meet to bear. Alleluia.
As He promised has arisen. Alleluia.
Pour for us to Him your glad prayer. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia.
R. For the Lord has risen indeed. Alleluia.

Let us Pray
O God, Who hast deigned to give joy to the world by the Resurrection of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech You, that through His Virgin Mother Mary, we may obtain the joys of life eternal. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.
V. May the Divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen.

Hail Mary, Our Father, Creed, in silence.
From Compline of Saturday before Trinity Sunday until Advent.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, hail our Life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile show to us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O Clement, O Loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray
Almighty, everlasting God, Who, by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, prepared the body and Soul of the glorious Virgin Mother Mary, to become a habitation meet for Your Son, grant that as we rejoice in her commemoration, we may, by her loving intercession, be delivered from the present evils and from everlasting death. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.
V. May the Divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, in silence.
From Vespers of Saturday before First Sunday of Advent to the Purification inclusive.
Mother of Christ! Hear your people's cry,
Star of deep, and portal of the Sky!
Mother of Him who you from nothing made,
Sinking we strive and call to you for aid;
Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to you ,
You Virgin first and last, let us your mercy see.

V. The angel of the Lord declared to Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray
Pour forth, we beseech You , O Lord, Your grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may, by his Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of his resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.
V. May the Divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, in silence.
From the Vigil of Christmas to the Purification.

V. After Childbirth you did remain a pure Virgin.
R. Intercede for us, O Mother of God.

Let us pray
O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation; grant, we beseech You, that we may feel her intercession for us, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the Author of Life, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

R. Amen.
V. May the Divine assistance remain always with us.
R. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, in silence.

Commemorations of the Saints

Saint Joseph

At Vespers
Antiphon: Behold the faithful and wise steward whom the Lord set over his family.

V. Glory and wealth shall be in his house.
R. And Justice remains forever and ever.

At Lauds
Antiphon: And Jesus Himself was beginning about the age of thirty years, being, as it was supposed, the son of Joseph.

V. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom.
R. And his tongue shall speak judgement.

Let us pray
O God, Who in Your wonderful providence, did grant to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Your most holy Mother, grant, we beseech You, to us who venerate him as our protector on earth, to be found worthy of having him for our advocate in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, etc.

Saint Augustine

At first and second Vespers
Antiphon: O you most excellent Doctor and light of the Holy Church, Saint Augustine, lover of divine law, pray for us to the Son of God.

V. The Lord loved him and adorned him.
R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

Let us pray
Give ear to our supplications, Almighty God, and, as You have given us grace to trust in Your loving-kindness, so, by the intercession of Blessed Augustine, Your confessor and bishop, grant us of Your goodness the fruit of Your accustomed mercy. Through our Lord, etc.

At Lauds
Antiphon: Well done, you good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a few things, I will place you over many things, says the Lord.

V. The just the Lord leads the righteous away.
R. And shows him the kingdom of God.

Prayer as above. Second Vespers: ant. As at First Vespers, V. R. as at Lauds.

Saint Benedict
Antiphon: I liken him to the wise man, who built his house upon a rock.

V. The Lord loved him and adorned him.
R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

Let us pray
Let the intercession of the blessed abbot, Saint Benedict, we beseech You, O Lord, commend us to You, that what by our own merits we are unworthy to receive, we may obtain by his patronage.

At Lauds
Antiphon: Well done, you good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a few things, I will place you over many things, says the Lord.

V. The just the Lord leads the righteous away.
R. And shows him the kingdom of God.

Prayer as above.

Second Vespers
Antiphon: This man, despising the world and triumphing over terrestrial things, stored up treasures for heaven by word and deed.
V. and R. as at Lauds. Prayer as above.

Saint Francis Seraphicus
First Vespers: V. R. as for St. Benedict.
O God, Who, through the merits of blessed Francis, dost enlarge Your church by the progeny of a new spiritual family, grant to us that by imitating him we may despise terrestrial things and ever rejoice in the participation of heavenly gifts.

Saint Dominic
First Vespers: Ant., V. R.., as for St. Benedict
Let us pray
O God, Who have granted to enlighten Your Church by the merits and teaching of blessed Dominic, Your confessor, grant that, through his intercession, it may not be left destitute of temporal assistance, and may continually advance in spiritual growth.
Lauds: Ant., v. r., as for Saint Benedict, Second Vespers: Ant., as before Saint Francis Seraphicus.

Saint Francis de Sales
First Vespers
Antiphon: O you most excellent doctor and light of the Holy Church, Saint Francis, lover of divine law, pray for us to the Son of God.

V. The Lord loved him and adorned him.
R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

Let us pray
O God, by Whose will, the blessed Francis, Your confessor and bishop, became all things to all men for the saving of their souls; mercifully grant that, being filled with the sweetness of Your love, we may, directed by his counsels, and aided by his merits, attain to the joys of life everlasting.
Lauds: Ant., V., R., as for St. Benedict. Second Vespers: Ant., as at First Vespers. V., and R., as at Lauds.

Saint Vincent de Paul
Ants. V., and R., for First Vespers, Lauds and Second Vespers as for St. Dominic.
O God, Who strengthened blessed Vincent with apostolic power to preach the Gospel to the poor, and advance the honor of the ecclesiastical order; grant, we beseech You, that as we venerate his merits of charity, so we may be instructed by the examples of his virtues.

From the treasures of The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute. The Marian Library has numerous versions of the Little Office of Our Lady. This version has been adapted to contemporary language minimally. Source for information on the Little Office, Dictionary of Mary.