II. classis

Sanctæ Familiæ Jesu Mariæ Joseph

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Ad Matutinum

Incipit

Invitatorium

Christ, Son of God, subject to Mary and Joseph, * O come, let us worship Him.

Hymnus

1. A thousand lights their glory shed On shrines and altars garlanded; While swinging censers dusk the air With perfumed prayer. 2. And shall we sing the ancestry Of Jesus, Son of God most High? Or the heroic names retrace Of David’s race? 3. Sweeter is lowly Nazareth, Where Jesus drew His childish breath— Sweeter the singing that endears His hidden years. 4. An Angel leads the pilgrim band From Egypt to their native land, Where Jesus clings to Joseph’s arm, Secure from harm. 5. “And the Child grew in wisdom’s ken And years and grace with God and men;” And in His father’s humble art Took share and part. 6. “With toil”, saith He, “my limbs are wet, Prefiguring the Bloody Sweat:” Ah! how He bears our chastisement With sweet content! 7. At Joseph’s bench, at Jesus’ side, The Mother sits, the Virgin-Bride; Happy, if she may cheer their hearts With loving arts. 8. O Blessed Three! who felt the sting Of want and toil and suffering, Pity the needy and obscure Lot of the poor. 9. Banish the “pride of life” from all Whom ampler wealth and joys befall: Be every heart with love repaid That seeks your aid. 10. Glory to Thee, Jesu dear, Model of holy living here! Who reign’st, with Sire and Holy Ghost, O’er heaven’s host. Amen.

Nocturnus I

Psalmus 8

When his parents * brought the Child Jesus, then Simeon took him up in his arms, and blessed God.

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.

When his parents * brought the Child Jesus, then Simeon took him up in his arms, and blessed God.

Psalmus 18

When they had performed * all things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

The heavens shew forth the glory of God, * and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.

  1. Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.

    2. Day to day uttereth speech, * and night to night sheweth knowledge.

  2. Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.

    3. There are no speeches nor languages, * where their voices are not heard.

  3. In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.

    4. Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: * and their words unto the ends of the world.

  4. In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.

    5. He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber,

  5. Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cælo egréssio ejus.

    6. Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: * his going out is from the end of heaven,

  6. Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.

    7. And his circuit even to the end thereof: * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.

  7. Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.

    8. The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: * the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.

  8. Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.

    9. The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: * the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.

  9. Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sǽculum sǽculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.

    10. The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

  10. Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.

    11. More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

  11. Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.

    12. For thy servant keepeth them, * and in keeping them there is a great reward.

  12. Delícta quis intélligit? † ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.

    13. Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: * and from those of others spare thy servant.

  13. Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.

    14. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: * and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.

  14. Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.

    15. And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: * and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight.

  15. Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

    16. O Lord, my helper, * and my redeemer.

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

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

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

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

When they had performed * all things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Psalmus 23

And the Child grew, * and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof: * the world, and all they that dwell therein.

  1. Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.

    2. For he hath founded it upon the seas; * and hath prepared it upon the rivers.

  2. Quis ascéndet in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?

    3. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: * or who shall stand in his holy place?

  3. Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, † qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, * nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.

    4. The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, * who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.

  4. Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.

    5. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his Saviour.

  5. Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.

    6. This is the generation of them that seek him, * of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

  6. Attóllite portas, príncipes, vestras, † et elevámini, portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

    7. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.

  7. Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? † Dóminus fortis et potens: * Dóminus potens in prǽlio.

    8. Who is this King of Glory? * the Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.

  8. Attóllite portas, príncipes, vestras, † et elevámini, portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

    9. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.

  9. Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

    10. Who is this King of Glory? * the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.

  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.

And the Child grew, * and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

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:

Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.

Lectio 1
De Epístola beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Colossénses
Col 3:12-16

Indúite vos ergo sicut elécti Dei, sancti, et dilécti, víscera misericórdiæ, benignitátem, humilitátem, modéstiam, patiéntiam: Supportántes ínvicem, et donántes vobismetípsis si quis advérsus áliquem habet querélam: sicut et Dóminus donávit vobis, ita et vos. Super ómnia autem hæc, caritátem habéte, quod est vínculum perfectiónis: Et pax Christi exsúltet in córdibus vestris, in qua et vocáti estis in uno córpore: et grati estóte. Verbum Christi hábitet in vobis abundánter, in omni sapiéntia, docéntes, et commonéntes vosmetípsos, psalmis, hymnis et cánticis spirituálibus, in grátia cantántes in córdibus vestris Deo.

Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy, and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience: Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another: even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection: And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God.

Benedictio:

Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adiuváre dignétur.

Lectio 2
Col 3:17-21

Omne, quodcúmque fácitis in verbo aut in ópere, ómnia in nómine Dómini Iesu Christi, grátias agéntes Deo et Patri per ipsum. Mulíeres, súbditæ estóte viris, sicut opórtet in Dómino. Viri, dilígite uxóres vestras, et nolíte amári esse ad illas. Fílii, obedíte paréntibus per ómnia: hoc enim plácitum est in Dómino. Patres, nolíte ad indignatiónem provocáre fílios vestros, ut non pusíllo ánimo fiant.

All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as it behoveth in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter towards them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to indignation, lest they be discouraged.

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, O Lord: they shall praise thee for ever and ever.

Benedictio:

Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.

Lectio 3
Col 3:22-25; 4:1-2

Servi, obedíte per ómnia dóminis carnálibus, non ad óculum serviéntes, quasi homínibus placéntes, sed in simplicitáte cordis, timéntes Deum. Quodcúmque fácitis, ex ánimo operámini sicut Dómino, et non homínibus: Sciéntes quod a Dómino accipiétis retributiónem hereditátis. Dómino Christo servíte. Qui enim iniúriam facit, recípiet id, quod iníque gessit: et non est personárum accéptio apud Deum. Dómini, quod iustum est et æquum, servis præstáte: sciéntes quod et vos Dóminum habétis in cælo. Oratióni instáte, vigilántes in ea in gratiárum actióne.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not serving to the eye, as pleasing men, but in simplicity of heart, fearing God. Whatsoever you do, do it from the heart, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that you shall receive of the Lord the reward of inheritance. Serve ye the Lord Christ. For he that doth wrong, shall receive for that which he hath done wrongfully: and there is no respect of persons with God. Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven. Be instant in prayer; watching in it with thanksgiving:

Nocturnus II

Psalmus 44

When Joseph arose, * he took the young Child and his Mother by night, and departed into Egypt.

My heart hath uttered a good word; * I speak my works to the King.

  1. Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.

    2. My tongue is the pen of a scrivener * that writeth swiftly.

  2. Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, † diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

    3. Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in thy lips; * therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.

  3. Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.

    4. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou most mighty.

  4. Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

    5. With thy comeliness and thy beauty * set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

  5. Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.

    6. Because of truth and meekness and justice: * and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.

  6. Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corda inimicórum Regis.

    7. Thy arrows are sharp: under thee shall people fall, * into the hearts of the king’s enemies.

  7. Sedes tua, Deus, in sǽculum sǽculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.

    8. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness.

  8. Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.

    9. Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: * therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

  9. Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.

    10. Myrrh and stacte and cassia perfume thy garments, from the ivory houses: * out of which the daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory.

  10. Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.

    11. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; * surrounded with variety.

  11. Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.

    12. Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear: * and forget thy people and thy father’s house.

  12. Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.

    13. And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore.

  13. Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.

    14. And the daughters of Tyre with gifts, * yea, all the rich among the people, shall entreat thy countenance.

  14. Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.

    15. All the glory of the king’s daughter is within, * in golden borders, clothed round about with varieties.

  15. Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.

    16. After her shall virgins be brought to the king: * her neighbours shall be brought to thee.

  16. Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.

    17. They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: * they shall be brought into the temple of the king.

  17. Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.

    18. Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee: * thou shalt make them princes over all the earth.

  18. Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.

    19. They shall remember thy name * throughout all generations.

  19. Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sǽculum sǽculi.

    20. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, * for ever and ever.

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

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

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

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

When Joseph arose, * he took the young Child and his Mother by night, and departed into Egypt.

Psalmus 45

And the Angel of the Lord * said in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Arise, and take the young Child and his Mother, and go into the land of Israel.

Our God is our refuge and strength: * a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly.

  1. Proptérea non timébimus dum turbábitur terra: * et transferéntur montes in cor maris.

    2. Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled; * and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the sea.

  2. Sonuérunt, et turbátæ sunt aquæ eórum: * conturbáti sunt montes in fortitúdine ejus.

    3. Their waters roared and were troubled: * the mountains were troubled with his strength.

  3. Flúminis ímpetus lætíficat civitátem Dei: * sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.

    4. The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: * the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle.

  4. Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur: * adjuvábit eam Deus mane dilúculo.

    5. God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: * God will help it in the morning early.

  5. Conturbátæ sunt Gentes, et inclináta sunt regna: * dedit vocem suam, mota est terra.

    6. Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down: * he uttered his voice, the earth trembled.

  6. Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

    7. The Lord of armies is with us: * the God of Jacob is our protector.

  7. Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dómini, † quæ pósuit prodígia super terram: * áuferens bella usque ad finem terræ.

    8. Come and behold ye the works of the Lord: what wonders he hath done upon earth, * making wars to cease even to the end of the earth.

  8. Arcum cónteret, et confrínget arma: * et scuta combúret igni.

    9. He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons: * and the shield he shall burn in the fire.

  9. Vacáte, et vidéte quóniam ego sum Deus: * exaltábor in Géntibus, et exaltábor in terra.

    10. Be still and see that I am God; * I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.

  10. Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

    11. The Lord of armies is with us: * the God of Jacob is our protector.

  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.

And the Angel of the Lord * said in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Arise, and take the young Child and his Mother, and go into the land of Israel.

Psalmus 86

And he came * and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets: He shall be called a Nazarene.

The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains: * The Lord loveth the gates of Sion above all the tabernacles of Jacob.

  1. Gloriósa dicta sunt de te, * cívitas Dei.

    2. Glorious things are said of thee, * O city of God.

  2. Memor ero Rahab, et Babylónis * sciéntium me.

    3. I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon * knowing me.

  3. Ecce alienígenæ, et Tyrus, et pópulus Æthíopum, * hi fuérunt illic.

    4. Behold the foreigners, and Tyre, and the people of the Ethiopians, * these were there.

  4. Numquid Sion dicet: † Homo, et homo natus est in ea: * et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus?

    5. Shall not Sion say: This man and that man is born in her? * and the Highest himself hath founded her.

  5. Dóminus narrábit in scriptúris populórum, et príncipum: * horum, qui fuérunt in ea.

    6. The Lord shall tell in his writings of peoples and of princes, * of them that have been in her.

  6. Sicut lætántium ómnium: * habitátio est in te.

    7. The dwelling in thee * is as it were of all rejoicing.

  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.

And he came * and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets: He shall be called a Nazarene.

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. Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádiuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.

Lectio 4
Ex Lítteris Apostólicis Leónis Papæ décimi tértii
Breve « Neminem fugit » 14 iunii 1892

Miséricors Deus cum humánæ reparatiónis opus, quod diu sǽcula exspectábant, perfícere decrevísset, ita eiúsdem óperis ratiónem ordinémque dispósuit, ut prima ipsa eiúsdem inítia augústam mundo exhibérent spéciem Famíliæ divínitus constitútæ, in qua omnes hómines absolutíssimum domésticæ societátis, omnísque virtútis ac sanctitátis intueréntur exémplar. Talis quidem Família éxstitit Nazarethána illa, in qua, ántequam géntibus univérsis pleno lúmine emicuísset, Sol iustítiæ erat abscónditus: nimírum Christus Deus, Servátor noster, cum Vírgine Matre et Ioseph, viro sanctíssimo, qui erga Iesum patérno fungebátur múnere. Mínime dúbium est quin ex iis láudibus, quæ in societáte et consuetúdine doméstica ex mútuis caritátis offíciis, ex sanctitáte morum, ex pietátis exercitatióne proficiscúntur, máxima quæque enitúerit in sacra illa Família, quæ síquidem eárum futúra erat céteris documénto. Ac proptérea benígno Providéntiæ consílio sic illa cónstitit, ut sínguli christiáni, qualicúmque conditióne vel loco, si ad eam ánimum advértant, fácile possint cuiuscúmque virtútis exercéndæ habére causam et invitaméntum.

When God in his mercy determined to accomplish the work of man's renewal, which same had so many long ages awaited, he appointed and ordained this work on such wise that its very beginning might shew to the world the august spectacle of a Family which was known to be divinely constituted; that therein all men might behold a perfect model, as well of domestic life as of every virtue and pattern of holiness: for such indeed was the Holy Family of Nazareth. There in secret dwelt the Sun of Righteousness, until the time when he should shine out in full splendour in the sight of all nations. There Christ, our God and Saviour, lived with his Virgin Mother, and with that most holy man Joseph, who held to him the place of father. No one can doubt that in this Holy Family was displayed every virtue which can be called forth by an ordinary home life, with its mutual services of charity, its holy intercourse, and its practices of godly piety, since the Holy Family was destined to be a pattern to all others. For that very reason was it established by the merciful designs of Providence, namely, that every Christian, in every walk of life and in every place, might easily, if he would but give heed to it, have before him a motive and a pattern for the good life.

Benedictio:

Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.

Lectio 5

Habent revéra patresfamílias in Ioseph vigilántiæ providentiǽque patérnæ præclaríssimam normam: habent matres in sanctíssima Vírgine Deípara amóris, verecúndiæ, submissiónis ánimi perfectǽque fídei insígne spécimen: fílii vero famílias in Iesu, qui erat súbditus illis, habent divínum obediéntiæ exémplar quod admiréntur, colant, imiténtur. Qui nóbiles nati sunt, discent a Família régii sánguinis quómodo et in édita fortúna se témperent, et in afflícta retíneant dignitátem: qui dites, noscent ab ea quantum sint virtútibus posthabéndæ divítiæ. Operárii autem et ii omnes, qui familiárum rerum angústiis ac tenuióre conditióne tam ácriter irritántur, si ad sanctíssimos illíus domésticæ societátis consórtes respéctent, non déerit eis causa cur loco, qui sibi óbtigit, delecténtur pótius quam dóleant. Commúnes enim cum Sacra Família sunt illis labóres: commúnes curæ de vita cotidiána: débuit et Ioseph de mercéde sua vitæ ratiónibus consúlere: imo ipsæ divínæ manus se fabrílibus exercuérunt. Nec mirum sane est si sapientíssimi hómines divítiis affluéntes, eas abícere volúerint, sociámque cum Iesu, María et Ioseph sibi elígere paupertátem.

To all fathers of families, Joseph is verily the best model of paternal vigilance and care. In the most holy Virgin Mother of God, mothers may find an excellent example of love, modesty, resignation of spirit, and the perfecting of faith. And in Jesus, who was subject to his parents, the children of the family have a divine pattern of obedience which they can admire, reverence, and imitate. Those who are of noble birth may learn, from this Family of royal blood, how to live simply in times of prosperity, and how to retain their dignity in times of distress. The rich may learn that moral worth is to be more highly esteemed than wealth. Artisans, and all such as are bitterly grieved by the narrow and slender means of their families, if they would but consider the sublime holiness of the members of this domestic fellowship, cannot fail to find some cause for rejoicing in their lot, rather than for being merely dissatisfied with it. In common with the Holy Family, they have to work, and to provide for the daily wants of life. Joseph had to engage in trade, in order to live; even the divine hands laboured at an artisan's calling. It is not to be wondered at, that the wealthiest men, if truly wise, have been willing to cast away their riches, and to embrace a life of poverty with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Benedictio:

Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.

Lectio 6

Quibus e rebus iure meritóque apud cathólicos Sacræ Famíliæ cultus matúre invéctus, maius in dies síngulos increméntum capit. Id quidem probant tum christianórum sodalitátes sub invocatióne Sacræ Famíliæ institútæ, tum singuláres honóres ei rédditi, tum potíssimum a decessóribus Nostris ad excitándum erga eam pietátis stúdium impertíta privilégia et grátiæ. Huiúsmodi cultus magno in honóre hábitus est iam inde a sǽculo décimo séptimo, latéque per Itáliam, Gálliam et Bélgium propagátus, totam fere Európam pervásit: deínde prætergréssus vastos Océani tractus, in América per Canadénsem regiónem, sese exténdit, faustísque efflóruit auspíciis. Síquidem nihil magis salutáre aut éfficax famíliis christiánis cogitári potest exémplo Sacræ Famíliæ, quæ perfectiónem absolutionémque compléctitur ómnium virtútum domesticárum. Sic imploráti inter domésticos paríetes adsint propítii Iesus, María et Ioseph, caritátem alant, mores regant, ad virtútem próvocent imitatióne sui, et quæ úndique instant mortáles ærúmnæ, eas leniéndo fáciant tolerabilióres. - Ad cultum vero Sacræ Famíliæ augéndum Leo Papa décimus tértius christiánas famílias eídem Sacræ Famíliæ consecrári præscrípsit: Benedíctus autem décimus quintus Offícium et Missam ad univérsam Ecclésiam exténdit.

From the foregoing it is evident how natural and fitting it was that devotion to the Holy Family should in due time have grown up amongst Catholics; and once begun, that it should spread far and wide. Proof of this lieth first in the sodalities instituted under the ínvocation of the Holy Family; then in the unique honours bestowed upon it; and above all, by the privileges and favours granted to this devotion by our predecessors to stimulate fervour and piety in its regard. This devotion was already held in great esteem in the seventeenth century. Widely propagated in Italy, France, and Belgium, it spread over almost the whole of Europe; thence, crossing the wide ocean, through Canada it made is way in the Americas, and finding favour there, became very flourishing. Indeed, among Christian families, nothing more salutary nor efficacious can be imagined than the example of the Holy Family, where are to be found all domestic virtues in perfection and completeness. When Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are invoked in the home, charity is likely to be maintained in the family through their example and heavenly entreaty; a good influence is thus exerted over conduct; the practice of virtue is thus incited; and thus the hardships which are everywhere wont to harass mankind, are both mitigated and made easier to bear. To increase devotion to the Holy Family, Pope Leo XIII prescribed that Christian families should be consecrated thereto. Benedict XV extended the Mass and Office to the whole Church.

Nocturnus III

Psalmus 95

The parents of Jesus * went to Jerusalem every year, at the feast of the Passover.

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * sing to the Lord, all the earth.

  1. Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.

    2. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: * shew forth his salvation from day to day.

  2. Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.

    3. Declare his glory among the Gentiles: * his wonders among all people.

  3. Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.

    4. For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: * he is to be feared above all gods.

  4. Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.

    5. For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: * but the Lord made the heavens.

  5. Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.

    6. Praise and beauty are before him: * holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.

  6. Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, † afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.

    7. Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour: * bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

  7. Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.

    8. Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts: * adore ye the Lord in his holy court.

  8. Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.

    9. Let all the earth be moved at his presence. * Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned.

  9. Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.

    10. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: * he will judge the people with justice.

  10. Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: † commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.

    11. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: * the fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful.

  11. Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

    12. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: * because he cometh to judge the earth.

  12. Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

    13. He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with his truth.

  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 parents of Jesus * went to Jerusalem every year, at the feast of the Passover.

Psalmus 96

When they returned, * the Child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem, and His parents knew not of it.

The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: * let many islands be glad.

  1. Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.

    2. Clouds and darkness are round about him: * justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

  2. Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.

    3. A fire shall go before him, * and shall burn his enemies round about.

  3. Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.

    4. His lightnings have shone forth to the world: * the earth saw and trembled.

  4. Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.

    5. The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: * at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.

  5. Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.

    6. The heavens declared his justice: * and all people saw his glory.

  6. Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.

    7. Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, * and that glory in their idols.

  7. Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.

    8. Adore him, all you his angels: * Sion heard, and was glad.

  8. Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:

    9. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.

  9. Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.

    10. For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.

  10. Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.

    11. You that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.

  11. Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.

    12. Light is risen to the just, * and joy to the right of heart.

  12. Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

    13. Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: * and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.

  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.

When they returned, * the Child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem, and His parents knew not of it.

Psalmus 97

But when they found him not, * they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * because he hath done wonderful things.

  1. Salvávit sibi déxtera ejus: * et bráchium sanctum ejus.

    2. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, * and his arm is holy.

  2. Notum fecit Dóminus salutáre suum: * in conspéctu Géntium revelávit justítiam suam.

    3. The Lord hath made known his salvation: * he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

  3. Recordátus est misericórdiæ suæ, * et veritátis suæ dómui Israël.

    4. He hath remembered his mercy * and his truth toward the house of Israel.

  4. Vidérunt omnes términi terræ * salutáre Dei nostri.

    5. All the ends of the earth have seen * the salvation of our God.

  5. Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * cantáte, et exsultáte, et psállite.

    6. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; * make melody, rejoice and sing.

  6. Psállite Dómino in cíthara, in cíthara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductílibus, et voce tubæ córneæ.

    7. 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.

  7. Jubiláte in conspéctu regis Dómini: † moveátur mare, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et qui hábitant in eo.

    8. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: * let the sea be moved and the fulness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein.

  8. Flúmina plaudent manu, † simul montes exsultábunt a conspéctu Dómini: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

    9. The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord: * because he cometh to judge the earth.

  9. Judicábit orbem terrárum in justítia, * et pópulos in æquitáte.

    10. He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with equity.

  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.

But when they found him not, * they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

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. A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.

Lectio 7
Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam
Luc 2:42-52

Cum factus esset Iesus annórum duódecim, ascendéntibus illis Ierosólymam secúndum consuetúdinem diéi festi, consummatísque diébus, cum redirent, remánsit puer Iesus in Ierúsalem, et non cognovérunt paréntes eius. Et réliqua.

And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. And so on.

Homilía sancti Bernárdi Abbátis
Homilia 1 super Missus est, n. 7-8

Et erat súbditus illis. Quis, quibus? Deus homínibus; Deus, inquam, cui Angeli súbditi sunt, cui Principátus et Potestátes obédiunt, súbditus erat Maríæ, nec tantum Maríæ, sed étiam Ioseph propter Maríam. Miráre ergo utrúmlibet, et élige quid ámplius miréris, sive Fílii benigníssimam dignatiónem, sive Matris excellentíssimam dignitátem. Utrínque stupor, utrínque miráculum. Et quod Deus féminæ obtémperet, humílitas absque exémplo; et quod Deo fémina principétur, sublímitas sine sócio. In láudibus vírginum singuláriter cánitur quod sequúntur Agnum quocúmque íerit. Quibus ergo láudibus iúdicas dignam, quæ étiam præit?

And he was subject unto them. Who was subject? And to whom? God to man! God, I repeat, to whom the Angels are subject, whom the Principalities and Powers do obey, was subject to Mary; and not only to Mary, but to Joseph also for Mary's sake. Marvel, therefore, both at God and man, and choose that which giveth greater wonder, whether it be the most loving condescension of the Son, or the exceeding great dignity of his Mother. Both amaze us, both are marvellous. That God should obey a woman is lowliness without parallel, that woman should rule over God, an elevation beyond comparison. In praise of virgins it is sung of them alone, that they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. Of what praise do ye judge that woman to be worthy who is thus placed before the Lamb of God.

Benedictio:

Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.

Lectio 8

Disce, homo, obedíre; disce, terra, subdi; disce, pulvis, obtemperáre. De auctóre tuo loquens Evangelísta. Et erat, inquit, súbditus illis; haud dúbium, quin Maríæ et Ioseph. Erubésce, supérbe cinis! Deus se humíliat, et tu te exáltas? Deus se homínibus subdit, et tu, dominári géstiens homínibus, tuo te præpónis auctóri? Utinam mihi, aliquándo tale áliquid cogitánti, Deus respondére dignétur quod et suo increpándo respóndit Apóstolo: Vade, inquit, post me, sátana, quia non sapis ea quæ Dei sunt. Quóties enim homínibus præésse desídero, tóties Deum præíre conténdo; et tunc vere non sápio ea quæ Dei sunt. De ipso namque dictum est: Et erat súbditus illis. Si hóminis, o homo, imitári dedignáris exémplum, certe non erit tibi indígnum sequi auctórem tuum. Si non potes fórsitan sequi eum quocúmque íerit, dignáre vel sequi quo tibi condescéndit.

Learn, O man, to obey! Learn, O earth, to be subject! Learn, O dust, to submit! The Evangelist speaking of thy Creator saith: And he was subject unto them. And there is no doubt that this sheweth us that God was subject to Mary and Joseph. Shame on you, ye proud entities of dust and ashes! God abaseth himself, and dost thou, O creature sprung from the earth, exalt thyself? God maketh himself subject to man, and dost thou, who art always so eager to lord it over men, set up thyself to lord it over thy Creator? For as often soever as I desire pre-eminency over men, so often do I strive to excel God. For of him it was said: And he was subject unto them. If thou disdainest, O man, to follow the example of man, at least thou canst follow thy Creator without dishonour. If thou canst not, perchance, follow him whithersoever he goeth, deign at least to follow him in this thing wherein he hath emptied himself, and made himself of no reputation, for the sake of such as thou.

Benedictio:

Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

Lectio 9

Si non potes sublímen incédere sémitam virginitátis, séquere vel Deum per tutíssimam viam humilitátis; a cuius rectitúdine si qui étiam de virgínibus deviáverint, ut verum fátear, nec ipsi sequúntur Agnum quocúmque íerit. Séquitur quidem Agnum coinquinátus húmilis, séquitur et virgo supérbus, sed néuter quocúmque íerit: quia nec ille ascéndere potest ad mundítiam Agni, qui sine mácula est; nec is ad eiúsdem mansuetúdinem descéndere dignátur, qua scílicet non coram tondénte, sed coram occidénte se obmútuit. Attamen salubriórem elégit sequéndi partem in humilitáte peccátor, quam in virginitáte supérbus; cum et illíus immundítiam sua húmilis satisfáctio purget, et huius pudicítiam supérbia ínquinet.

If thou canst not enter upon the lofty paths of virginity, at least follow God by the most safe road of humility. If any turn aside from this straight way, though they be virgins, they do not follow the Lamb, if the truth be told, whithersoever he goeth. The humble man, though stained with sin, followeth the Lamb; the virgin, though proud, also followeth; but neither of these twain followeth whithersoever he goeth. The former cannot attain unto the purity of the Lamb, for he is without spot; the latter deigneth not to descend to his meekness, who was dumb, not before the shearer, but before the murderer. Yet the sinner who followeth in humility hath chosen a more saving way than the proud man who followeth in virginity; for the humble one maketh satisfaction, and is cleansed of his impurity, but the proud one's chastity is stained by his pride.

Reliqua omittuntur, nisi Laudes separandæ sint.

Oratio

Orémus.

Dómine Iesu Christe, qui, Maríæ et Ioseph súbditus, domésticam vitam ineffabílibus virtútibus consecrásti: † fac nos, utriúsque auxílio, Famíliæ sanctæ tuæ exémplis ínstrui; * et consórtium cónsequi sempitérnum:
Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre, in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, * per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

Lord Jesus Christ, who subject to Mary and Joseph, didst consecrate family life by thy unspeakable virtues, aid us by their united intercession to profit by the examples of thy Holy Family, and attain to their everlasting companionship:
Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

Conclusio