III. classis

S. Agathæ Virginis et Martyris

Tempora: Feria V infra Hebdomadam Septuagesimæ

Ad Matutinum

Incipit

Invitatorium

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * O come, let us worship.

Hymnus

1. Son of a virgin, maker of thy mother, Thou, rod and blossom from a stem unstainèd, While we a Virgin's triumphs are rehearsing, Hear our petition! 2. Lo, on thy handmaid fell a two-fold blessing, Who, in her body vanquishing the weakness, In that same body, grace from heaven obtaining, Bore the world witness. 3. Death, nor the rending pains of death appalled her; Bondage and torment found her undefeated: So by the shedding of her blood attained she Heavenly guerdon. 4. Fountain of mercy, hear the prayers she offers; Purge our offences, pardon our transgressions, So that hereafter we to thee may render Praise with thanksgiving. 5. Thou, the All-Father, thou, the One-Begotten, Thou, Holy Spirit, Three in One co-equal, Glory be henceforth thine through all the ages, World without ending. Amen.

Nocturnus I

Psalmus 1

I am well born * and of a respectable family, as all my relations testify.

Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * nor sat in the chair of pestilence.

  1. Sed in lege Dómini volúntas ejus, * et in lege ejus meditábitur die ac nocte.

    2. But his will is in the law of the Lord, * and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

  2. Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:

    3. And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, * which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season.

  3. Et fólium ejus non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.

    4. And his leaf shall not fall off: * and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

  4. Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem prójicit ventus a fácie terræ.

    5. Not so the wicked, not so: * but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.

  5. Ideo non resúrgent ímpii in judício: * neque peccatóres in concílio justórum.

    6. Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: * nor sinners in the council of the just.

  6. Quóniam novit Dóminus viam justórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.

    7. For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: * and the way of the wicked shall perish.

  7. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    8. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  8. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    9. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I am well born * and of a respectable family, as all my relations testify.

Psalmus 2

The best of my birth is * that I was born the slave of Christ.

Why have the Gentiles raged, * and the people devised vain things?

  1. Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.

    2. The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, * against the Lord and against his Christ.

  2. Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.

    3. Let us break their bonds asunder: * and let us cast away their yoke from us.

  3. Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.

    4. He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: * and the Lord shall deride them.

  4. Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.

    5. Then shall he speak to them in his anger, * and trouble them in his rage.

  5. Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prǽdicans præcéptum ejus.

    6. But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, * preaching his commandment.

  6. Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

    7. The Lord hath said to me: * Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.

  7. Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.

    8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

  8. Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.

    9. Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

  9. Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.

    10. And now, O ye kings, understand: * receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

  10. Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.

    11. Serve ye the Lord with fear: * and rejoice unto him with trembling.

  11. Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.

    12. Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and you perish from the just way.

  12. Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

    13. When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, * blessed are all they that trust in him.

  13. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    14. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  14. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    15. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The best of my birth is * that I was born the slave of Christ.

Psalmus 3

I look like a slave * because I am one, the slave of Christ.

Why, O Lord, are they multiplied that afflict me? * many are they who rise up against me.

  1. Multi dicunt ánimæ meæ: * Non est salus ipsi in Deo ejus.

    2. Many say to my soul: * There is no salvation for him in his God.

  2. Tu autem, Dómine, suscéptor meus es, * glória mea, et exáltans caput meum.

    3. But thou, O Lord art my protector, * my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

  3. Voce mea ad Dóminum clamávi: * et exaudívit me de monte sancto suo.

    4. I have cried to the Lord with my voice: * and he hath heard me from his holy hill.

  4. Ego dormívi, et soporátus sum: * et exsurréxi, quia Dóminus suscépit me.

    5. I have slept and taken my rest: * and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me.

  5. Non timébo míllia pópuli circumdántis me: * exsúrge, Dómine, salvum me fac, Deus meus.

    6. I will not fear thousands of the people, surrounding me: * arise, O Lord; save me, O my God.

  6. Quóniam tu percussísti omnes adversántes mihi sine causa: * dentes peccatórum contrivísti.

    7. For thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: * thou hast broken the teeth of sinners.

  7. Dómini est salus: * et super pópulum tuum benedíctio tua.

    8. Salvation is of the Lord: * and thy blessing is upon thy people.

  8. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    9. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  9. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    10. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I look like a slave * because I am one, the slave of Christ.

Psalmus 4

The holy Agatha * said: Dost thou promise me beasts? When they hear Christ's name they grow tame.

When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: * when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me.

  1. Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.

    2. Have mercy on me: * and hear my prayer.

  2. Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? * ut quid dilígitis vanitátem et quǽritis mendácium?

    3. O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? * Why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?

  3. Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.

    4. Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: * the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.

  4. Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: † quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, * in cubílibus vestris compungímini.

    5. Be ye angry, and sin not: * the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.

  5. Sacrificáte sacrifícium justítiæ, † et speráte in Dómino. * Multi dicunt: quis osténdit nobis bona?

    6. Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: * many say, Who sheweth us good things?

  6. Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: * dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.

    7. The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: * thou hast given gladness in my heart.

  7. A fructu fruménti, vini et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.

    8. By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, * they are multiplied.

  8. In pace in idípsum * dórmiam et requiéscam;

    9. In peace in the selfsame * I will sleep, and I will rest:

  9. Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.

    10. For thou, O Lord, singularly * hast settled me in hope.

  10. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    11. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  11. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    12. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The holy Agatha * said: Dost thou promise me beasts? When they hear Christ's name they grow tame.

Psalmus 5

If thou put * the fire to me, Angels will bring me a saving dew from heaven.

Give ear, O Lord, to my words * understand my cry.

  1. Inténde voci oratiónis meæ: * Rex meus et Deus meus.

    2. Hearken to the voice of my prayer, * O my King and my God.

  2. Quóniam ad te orábo: * Dómine, mane exáudies vocem meam.

    3. For to thee will I pray: * O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice.

  3. Mane astábo tibi et vidébo: * quóniam non Deus volens iniquitátem tu es.

    4. In the morning I will stand before thee, and will see: * because thou art not a God that willest iniquity.

  4. Neque habitábit juxta te malígnus: * neque permanébunt injústi ante óculos tuos.

    5. Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee: * nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes.

  5. Odísti omnes, qui operántur iniquitátem: * perdes omnes, qui loquúntur mendácium.

    6. Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: * thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie.

  6. Virum sánguinum et dolósum abominábitur Dóminus: * ego autem in multitúdine misericórdiæ tuæ.

    7. The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor. * But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy,

  7. Introíbo in domum tuam: * adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum in timóre tuo.

    8. I will come into thy house; * I will worship towards thy holy temple, in thy fear.

  8. Dómine, deduc me in justítia tua: * propter inimícos meos dírige in conspéctu tuo viam meam.

    9. Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: * because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight.

  9. Quóniam non est in ore eórum véritas: * cor eórum vanum est.

    10. For there is no truth in their mouth: * their heart is vain.

  10. Sepúlcrum patens est guttur eórum, † linguis suis dolóse agébant, * júdica illos, Deus.

    11. Their throat is an open sepulchre: they dealt deceitfully with their tongues: * judge them, O God.

  11. Décidant a cogitatiónibus suis, † secúndum multitúdinem impietátum eórum expélle eos, * quóniam irritavérunt te, Dómine.

    12. Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickednesses cast them out: * for they have provoked thee, O Lord.

  12. Et læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, * in ætérnum exsultábunt: et habitábis in eis.

    13. But let all them be glad that hope in thee: * they shall rejoice for ever, and thou shalt dwell in them.

  13. Et gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum: * quóniam tu benedíces justo.

    14. And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee: * For thou wilt bless the just.

  14. Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ * coronásti nos.

    15. O Lord, thou hast crowned us, * as with a shield of thy good will.

  15. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    16. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  16. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    17. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

If thou put * the fire to me, Angels will bring me a saving dew from heaven.

Psalmus 8

Agatha went to prison * with great joy and exultation, like a guest to a banquet, and recommended her struggle to the Lord in prayer.

O Lord our Lord, * how admirable is thy name in the whole earth!

  1. Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.

    2. For thy magnificence is elevated * above the heavens.

  2. Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.

    3. Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, * that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger.

  3. Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.

    4. For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: * the moon and the stars which thou hast founded.

  4. Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?

    5. What is man that thou art mindful of him? * or the son of man that thou visitest him?

  5. Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, † glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

    6. Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour: * and hast set him over the works of thy hands.

  6. Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas: ínsuper et pécora campi.

    7. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields.

  7. Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.

    8. The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, * that pass through the paths of the sea.

  8. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    9. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  9. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    10. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Agatha went to prison * with great joy and exultation, like a guest to a banquet, and recommended her struggle to the Lord in prayer.

Psalmus 10

Unless thou make * the executioners to handle my body vigorously, my soul will not be able to enter into the Lord's paradise with the palm of martyrdom.

In the Lord I put my trust: how then do you say to my soul: * Get thee away from hence to the mountain, like a sparrow?

  1. Quóniam ecce peccatóres intendérunt arcum, † paravérunt sagíttas suas in pháretra, * ut sagíttent in obscúro rectos corde.

    2. For, lo, the wicked have bent their bow: they have prepared their arrows in the quiver, * to shoot in the dark the upright of heart.

  2. Quóniam quæ perfecísti, destruxérunt: * justus autem quid fecit?

    3. For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made: * but what has the just man done?

  3. Dóminus in templo sancto suo, * Dóminus in cælo sedes ejus.

    4. The Lord is in his holy temple, * the Lord’s throne is in heaven.

  4. Oculi ejus in páuperem respíciunt: * pálpebræ ejus intérrogant fílios hóminum.

    5. His eyes look on the poor man: * his eyelids examine the sons of men.

  5. Dóminus intérrogat justum et ímpium: * qui autem díligit iniquitátem, odit ánimam suam.

    6. The Lord trieth the just and the wicked: * but he that loveth iniquity, hateth his own soul.

  6. Pluet super peccatóres láqueos: * ignis, et sulphur, et spíritus procellárum pars cálicis eórum.

    7. He shall rain snares upon sinners: * fire and brimstone, and storms of winds, shall be the portion of their cup.

  7. Quóniam justus Dóminus, et justítias diléxit: * æquitátem vidit vultus ejus.

    8. For the Lord is just, and hath loved justice: * his countenance hath beheld righteousness.

  8. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    9. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  9. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    10. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Unless thou make * the executioners to handle my body vigorously, my soul will not be able to enter into the Lord's paradise with the palm of martyrdom.

Psalmus 14

O Lord, Thou hast seen * how I have fought, and how I have run in the race; but, because I would not obey the magistrates, they ordered me to be tortured in the breasts.

Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? * or who shall rest in thy holy hill?

  1. Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur justítiam:

    2. He that walketh without blemish, * and worketh justice:

  2. Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua:

    3. He that speaketh truth in his heart, * who hath not used deceit in his tongue:

  3. Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.

    4. Nor hath done evil to his neighbour: * nor taken up a reproach against his neighbours.

  4. Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu ejus malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat:

    5. In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: * but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord:

  5. Qui jurat próximo suo, et non décipit, * qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram, et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.

    6. He that sweareth to his neighbour, and deceiveth not; * He that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent:

  6. Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.

    7. He that doth these things, * shall not be moved for ever.

  7. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    8. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  8. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    9. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O Lord, Thou hast seen * how I have fought, and how I have run in the race; but, because I would not obey the magistrates, they ordered me to be tortured in the breasts.

Psalmus 15

Because of my chastity * they ordered me to be stretched upon the rack; help me, O Lord my God, for they are torturing my breasts.

Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee. * I have said to the Lord, thou art my God, for thou hast no need of my goods.

  1. Sanctis, qui sunt in terra ejus, * mirificávit omnes voluntátes meas in eis.

    2. To the saints, who are in his land, * he hath made wonderful all my desires in them.

  2. Multiplicátæ sunt infirmitátes eórum: * póstea acceleravérunt.

    3. Their infirmities were multiplied: * afterwards they made haste.

  3. Non congregábo conventícula eórum de sanguínibus, * nec memor ero nóminum eórum per lábia mea.

    4. I will not gather together their meetings for blood offerings: * nor will I be mindful of their names by my lips.

  4. Dóminus pars hereditátis meæ, et cálicis mei: * tu es, qui restítues hereditátem meam mihi.

    5. The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: * it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me.

  5. Funes cecidérunt mihi in præcláris: * étenim heréditas mea præclára est mihi.

    6. The lines are fallen unto me in goodly places: * for my inheritance is goodly to me.

  6. Benedícam Dóminum, qui tríbuit mihi intelléctum: * ínsuper et usque ad noctem increpuérunt me renes mei.

    7. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding: * moreover my reins also have corrected me even till night.

  7. Providébam Dóminum in conspéctu meo semper: * quóniam a dextris est mihi, ne commóvear.

    8. I set the Lord always in my sight: * for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved.

  8. Propter hoc lætátum est cor meum, et exsultávit lingua mea: * ínsuper et caro mea requiéscet in spe.

    9. Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: * moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope.

  9. Quóniam non derelínques ánimam meam in inférno: * nec dabis sanctum tuum vidére corruptiónem.

    10. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; * nor wilt thou give thy holy one to see corruption.

  10. Notas mihi fecísti vias vitæ, † adimplébis me lætítia cum vultu tuo: * delectatiónes in déxtera tua usque in finem.

    11. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: * at thy right hand are delights even to the end.

  11. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    12. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  12. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    13. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Because of my chastity * they ordered me to be stretched upon the rack; help me, O Lord my God, for they are torturing my breasts.

Versus

Pater

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:


℣. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:
℟. Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. Exáudi, Dómine Iesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis: Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Ille nos benedícat, qui sine fine vivit et regnat.

Lectio 1
De libro Ecclesiástici
Sir 51:1-7

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, Rex, et collaudábo te Deum Salvatórem meum. Confitébor nómini tuo: quóniam adiútor et protéctor factus es mihi, Et liberásti corpus meum a perditióne, a láqueo linguæ iníquæ et a lábiis operántium mendácium, et in conspéctu astántium factus es mihi adiútor. Et liberásti me secúndum multitúdinem misericórdiæ nóminis tui a rugiéntibus, præparátis ad escam: De mánibus quæréntium ánimam meam, et de portis tribulatiónum, quæ circumdedérunt me; A pressúra flammæ, quæ circúmdedit me, et in médio ignis non sum æstuáta; De altitúdine ventris ínferi, et a lingua coinquináta, et a verbo mendácii, a rege iníquo, et a lingua iniústa.

A prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach. I will give glory to thee, O Lord, O King, and I will praise thee, O God my Saviour. I will give glory to thy name: for thou hast been a helper and protector to me. And hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies, and in the sight of them that stood by, thou hast been my helper. And thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from them that did roar, prepared to devour. Out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions, which compassed me about: From the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt. From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue:

Benedictio:

Cuius festum cólimus, ipsa intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.

Lectio 2
Sir 51:8-12

Laudábit usque ad mortem ánima mea Dóminum, Et vita mea appropínquans erat in inférno deórsum. Circumdedérunt me úndique, et non erat qui adiuváret. Respíciens eram ad adiutórium hóminum, et non erat. Memoráta sum misericórdiæ tuæ, Dómine, et operatiónis tuæ, quæ a sǽculo sunt: Quóniam éruis sustinéntes te, Dómine, et líberas eos de mánibus géntium.

My soul shall praise the Lord even to death. And my life was drawing near to hell beneath. They compassed me on every side, and there was no one that would help me. I looked for the succour of men, and there was none. I remembered thy mercy, O Lord, and thy works, which are from the beginning of the world. How thou deliverest them that wait for thee, O Lord, and savest them out of the hands of the nations.

Sir 51:13-17

Exaltásti super terram habitatiónem meam, et pro morte defluénte deprecáta sum. Invocávi Dóminum, Patrem Dómini mei, ut non derelínquat me in die tribulatiónis meæ, et in témpore superbórum, sine adiutório. Laudábo nomen tuum assídue, et collaudábo illud in confessióne, et exaudíta est orátio mea. Et liberásti me de perditióne, et eripuísti me de témpore iníquo. Proptérea confitébor, et laudem dicam tibi, et benedícam nómini Dómini.

Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth and I have prayed for death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. I will praise thy name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard. And thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time. Therefore I will give thanks, and praise thee, and bless the name of the Lord.

Benedictio:

Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

Lectio 3

Agatha, in Sicília nobílibus paréntibus nata, in persecutióne Décii imperatóris, Cátanæ gloriósum martýrium fecit. Nam cum Quintiánus, Sicíliæ prætor, ómnibus modis eius pudicítiam frustra tentásset, Agatha, superstitiónis christiánæ nómine comprehénsa, primum cólaphis cǽditur, dein admótis candéntibus láminis in equúleo torquétur, tum ei mamílla abscínditur. Mox coniécta in víncula, a beáto Petro Apóstolo, noctu ei apparénte, sanátur. Rursum evocáta a prætóre et in Christi confessióne persevérans, in acútis téstulis et candéntibus carbónibus ei subiéctis volutátur. Sed, ob ingéntem terræmótum veheménter commóta civitáte, Quintiánus, véritus pópuli tumúltum, eam semimórtuam clam redúci ímperat in cárcerem; ubi paulo post migrávit in cælum, nonis februárii.

Agatha, born in Sicily of noble parents, suffered a glorious martyrdom at Catania In the persecution of the emperor Decius. For when Quintianus, the praetor of Sicily, had vainly tried every means to tempt her from her virginity, he had her arrested as adhering to the Christian superstition. First she was beaten, then tortured on the rack with white hot iron plates laid on her; then one of her breasts was cut off. Next she was thrown into prison, where St. Peter the Apostle appeared to her by night and healed her. Again called before the praetor she persevered in confessing Christ, and he had her rolled over broken pottery and burning coals. But then a great earthquake violently shook the city, and Quintianus, afraid of a riot among the people, gave orders that Agatha, now half dead, secretly be taken back to prison. There after a short time she went to heaven on February 5.

Reliqua omittuntur, nisi Laudes separandæ sint.

Oratio

Orémus.

Deus, qui inter cétera poténtiæ tuæ mirácula étiam in sexu frágili victóriam martýrii contulísti: † concéde propítius; ut, qui beátæ Agathæ Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ natalícia cólimus, * per eius ad te exémpla gradiámur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: † qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, * per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

O God, Who, amidst the wondrous work of thy divine power, dost make even weak women to be more than conquerors in the uplifting of their testimony, mercifully grant unto all us which do keep the birthday of thy blessed handmaiden and witness Agatha, grace to follow her steps toward thee.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Conclusio