AVHA TVOIDUNLI'T . 3 THE LITURGICAL YEAR ABBOT PROSPER GUERANGER, O.S.B. CHRISTMAS BOOK II ‘TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH BY DOM LAURENCE SHEPHERD, O.S.B. JUBILEE YEAR 2000 LIMITED EDITION ® LORETO LORETO PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 603 Fitzwilliam, NH 03447 Phone: (603) 239-6671 Fax: (603) 239-6127 LoreTO PUBLICATIONS The Liturgical Year 15 Volume Set ISBN: 1-930278-03-9 Volume III — Christmas Book IT ISBN: 1-930278-06-3 Printed in the Czech Republic by Newton Design&Print Ltd (www.newtondp.co.uk) NOTE TO THE FOURTH EDITION T will be noticed that this present edition of the second volume of Christmas differs slightly from that of the French published in 1923, since it has seemed advisable to insert in this new edition of the English translation the recent changes in the Roman Calendar. Permission for this was kindly granted by the French editors, as likewise for the .insertion of some English saints whose feasts find a place in the proper of some of our dioceses. CONTENTS CHRISTMAS CHAPTER 1. The History of Christmas 11. The Mystery of Christmas . 1L Practice during Christmas IV. Morning and Night Prayers for Christmas V. On hearing Mass during the Season of Christm: V1. On Holy Communion during Christmas . VIL On the Office of Vespers for Sundays and Feasts during Christmas. . . VIIL On the Office of Compline for Sundays and Feasts during Christmas. THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD . First Vespers ... Mass.... Second Vespers Sunday within the Octave of the Epiphany . . Mass.... Vespers January 7—The Second Day within the Octave of the Epiphany . January 8.—The Third Day within the Octave of the Epiphany . January 9.—The Fourth Day within the Octave of the Epiphany January 10.—The Fifth Day within the Octave of the Epiphany .. vii .. 162 175 . 187 viii CONTENTS January 11.—The Sixth Day within the Octave of the Epiphany . PAGE 197 Same Day—Commemoration of SAINT HyGINUs, Pope and Martyr. .207 January 12.—The Seventh Day within the Octave of the ... 208 Epiphany . Same Day—SAINT BENET Biscop, Abbot .. e 217 January 13.—The Octave of the Epiphany . 222 226 Mass SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHAN' Mass.. Vespers.. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Mass... Vespers. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Mas: Vespet January 14.—SAINT HiLARy, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church ...c....ebiusutivien Same Day.—SALNT FiLix, Priest and Martyr . Same Day.—SAINT KENTIGERN, Bishop and Confessor . January 15.—SAINT PAuL, the First Hermit . Same Day —SAINT MAURUS, Abbot January 16.—SAINT MARCELLUS, Pope and Martyr January 17—SAINT ANTONY, Abbot January 18.—SAINT PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME.. Same Day.—Commemoration Of SAINT PRISCA, Virgin and Martyr.. = CONTENTS January 19.—SAINTs MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX AND ABachum, Martyrs . Same Day—SAINT CANUTE, King and Martyr Same Day—SAINT WULSTAN, Bishop and Confessor ix PAGE 337 339 January 20.—SAINT FaBlaN, Pope and Martyr, and SAINT SEBASTIAN, Martyr . . January 21.—SAINT AGNEs, Virgin and Martyr . . January 22.—SAINTS VINCENT AND ANASTASIUS, Martyrs ...... 374 January 23.—SAINT RAYMUND OF PENNAFORT, Confessor ..... 389 Same Day.—SAINT ILDEPHONSUS, Bishop and Confessor... 396a January 24.—SAIT Timothy, Bishop and Martyr . January 25.—CONVERSION OF ST PAUL . January 26.—SAINT PoLycAre, Bishop and Martyr . January 27.—SAINT Jorx CrrysosTom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church... . January 28.—SAINT AGNES, her Second Feast Same Day.—BLEssED CHARLEMAGNE, Emperor . January 29.—SAINT FRANCIS OF SALES, Bishop.... January 30.—SAINT MARTINA, Virgin and Martyr . January 31.—SaINT PETER NoLasco, Confessor .. February 1.—Sa Ionatius, Bishop and Martyr . February 2.—THz PURIFICATION OF T BLESSED VIRGIN First Vespers ... Blessing of the Candles Procession.... CONTENTS X ‘THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN, cont’d Mass ... Second Vespers PAGE 482 487 SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY . Mass Vespers 510 SEXAGESIMA SUNDA Mass Vespers 511 511 516 ‘QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY Mass 517 517 Vespers ... CONCLUDING PRAYER .. s 521 e 522 CHRISTMAS CHAPTER THE FIRST THE W HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS E apply the name of Christmas to the forty days which in with the Nativity of our Lord, December 25, and end with the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, February 2. It isa period which forms a distinct portion of the Liturgical Year, as distinct, by its own special spirit, from every other, as are Advent, Easter, or Pentecost. Lent, One same Mystery is celebrated and kept in view during the whole forty days. Neither the Feasts of the Saints, which so abound during this Season; nor the time of Septuagesima, with its mournful Purple, which often begins before Christmastide is over, seem able to distract our Holy Mother the Church from the immense joy of which she received the good tidings from the Angels® on that glorious Night for which the world had been longing four thousand years. The Faithful will remember that the Liturgy commemorates this long expectation by the four penitential weeks of Advent. The custom of celebrating the Solemnity of our Saviour’s Nativity by a feast or commemoration of forty days’ duration is founded on the holy Gospel itself; for it tells us that the Blessed Virgin Mary, after spending forty days in the contemplation of the Divine Fruit of her glorious Maternity, went to the Temple, there to fulfil, in most perfect humility, the ceremonies which the Law demanded of the daughters of Israel, when they became mothers. u * St Luke ii 10, T 2 CHRISTMAS The Feast of Mary’s Purification is, therefore, part of that of Jesus’ Birth; and the custom of keeping this holy and glorious period of forty days as one continued Festival has every appearance of being a very ancient one, at least in the Roman Church. And firstly, with regard to our Saviour’s Birth on December 25, we have St John Chrysostom telling us, in his Homily for this Feast, that the Western commencement Churches had, from the very of Christianity, kept it on this day. He is not satisfied with merely mentioning the tradition; he undertakes to show that it is well founded, inasmuch as the Church of Rome had every means of knowing the true day of our Saviour’s Birth, since the acts of the Enrolment, taken in Judea by command of Augustus, were kept in the public archives of Rome. Doctor adduces a second argument, which The holy he founds upon the Gospel of St Luke, and he reasons thus: we know from the sacred Scriptures that it must have been in the fast of the seventh month* that the Priest Zachary had the vision in the Temple; after which Elizabeth, his wife, conceived St John the Baptist: hence it follows that the Blessed Virgin Mary having, as the Evangelist St Luke relates, received the Angel Gabriel’s visit, and conceived the Saviour of the world in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, that is to say, in March, the Birth of Jesus must have taken-place in the month of December. But it was not till the fourth century that the Churches of the East began to keep the Feast of our Saviour’s Birth in the month of December. Up to that period they had kept it at one time on the sixth of January, thus uniting it, under the generic term of Epiphany, with the Manifestation of our Saviour made to the Magi, and in them to the Gentiles; at another time, as Clement of Alexandria tells us, they kept it on the 25th of the month Packon (May 15), or on the 25th of the month Pharmuth (April 20). St John Chrysostom, in the * Lev. xxiii 24 and following verses. The seventh month (or Tisri) corresponded to the ead of our September and beginning of our October.—T7. HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS 3 Homily we have just cited, which he gave in 386, tells us that the Roman custom of celebrating the Birth of our Saviour on December 25 had then only been observed ten years in the Church of Antioch. It is probable that this change had been introduced in obedience to the wishes of the Apostolic See, wishes which received additional weight by the edict of the Emperors Theodosius and Valentinian, which appeared towards the close of the fourth century, and decreed that the Nativity and Epiphany of our Lord should be made two distinct Festivals. The only Church that has maintained the custom of celebrating the two mysteries on January 6 is that of Armenia; owing, no doubt, to the circumstance of that country not being under the authority of the Emperors; as also because it was withdrawn at an early period from the influence of Rome by schism and heresy. The Feast of our Lady’s Purification, with which the forty days of Christmas close, is, in the Latin Church, of very great antiquity; so ancient, indeed, as to preclude the possibility of our fixing the date of its irgxtitution. According to the unanimous opinion of Liturgists, it is the most ancient of all the Feasts of the Holy Mother of God; and as her Purification is related in the Gospel itself, they rightly infer that its anniversary was solemnized at the very commencement of Christianity. Of course, this is only to be understood of the Roman Church; for as regards the Oriental Church, we find that this Feast was not definitely fixed to February 2 until the reign of the Emperor Justinian, in the sixth century. It is true that the Eastern Christians had previously to that time a sort of commemoration of this Mystery, but it was far from being a universal custom, and it was kept a few days after the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity, and not on the day itself of Mary's going up to the Temple. But what is the characteristic of Christmas in the Latin Liturgy ? It is twofold: it is joy, which the whole Church feels at the coming of the divine Word in the Flesh; and it is admiration of that glorious Virgin, who 4 CHRISTMAS was made the Mcther of God. There is scarcely a prayer, or a rite, in the Liturgy of this glad Season, which does not imply these two grand Mysteries: an Infant-God, and a Virgin-Mother. For example, on all Sundays and Feasts which are not Doubles, the Church, throughout these forty days, makes a commemoration of the fruilful virginity' of the Mother of God, by three special Prayers in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. She begs the suffrage of Mary by proclaiming her quality of Mother of God and her inviolate purity,® which remained in her even after she had given birth to her Son. And again the magnificent Anthem, Alma Redemploris, composed by the Monk Herman Contractus, continues, up to the very day of the Purification, to be the termination of each Canonical Hour. It is by such manifestations of her love and veneration that the Church, honouring the Son in the Mother, testifies her holy joy during this season of the Liturgical Year, which we call Christmas. Our readers are aware that, when Easter Sunday falls at its latest—that is, in April—the Ecclesiastical Calen- dar counts as many as six Sundays after the Epiphany. Christmastide (that is, the forty days between Christmas Day and the Purification) includes sometimes four out of these six Sundays; frequently only two; and sometimes only one, as in the case when Easter comes so Sexagesima Still, nothing early as to necessitate keeping Septuagesima, and even Sunday, in January.. is changed, as we have already said, in the ritual observ- ances of this joyous season, excepting only that on those two Sundays, the fore-runners of Lent, the Vest- ments are purple, and the Gloria in excelsis is omitted. Although our holy Mother the Church honours with especial devotion the Mystery of the Divine Infancy during the whole season of Christmas; yet, she is obliged to introduce into the Liturgy of this same season passages & The Collect, Deus qui salutis @terna beata Marim Virginitate facunda humano goner, otc. ;’. Post nobis. partum, Virgo, inviolata permansisti. Ry. Dei Genilris, intercede pro HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS 5 from the holy Gospels which seem premature, inasmuch as they relate to the active life of Jesus. This is owing to there being less than six months allotted by the Calendar for the celebration of the entire work of our Redemption: in other words, Christmas and Easter are so near each other, even when Easter is as late as it can be, that Mysteries must of necessity be crowded into the interval; and this entails anticipation. And yet the Liturgy never loses sight of the Divine Babe and his incomparable Mother, and never tires in their praises, during the whole period from the Nativity to the day when Mary comes to the Temple to present her Jesus. The Greeks, too, make frequent commemorations of the Maternity of Mary in their Offices of this Season: but they have a special veneration for the twelve days between Christmas Day and the Epiphany, which, in their Liturgy, are called the Dodecameron. During this time they observe no days of Abstinence from flesh-meat; and the Emperors the great Mystery, be done, and that until after January From of the East had, out of respect for decreed that no servile work should the Courts of Law should be closed, 6. this outline of the history of the holy season, we can’ understand what is the characteristic of this cond portion of the Liturgical Year, which we call L hristmas, and which has ever been a season most dear the Christian world.’” What are the Mysteries emlied in its Liturgy will be shown in the following ter. 6 CHRISTMAS CHAPTER THE THE SECOND MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS EVERYTHING is Mystery in this holy season. The Word of God, whose generation is before the day-star,' is born in time—a Child is God—a Virgin becomes a Mother, and remains a Virgin—things divine are commingled with those that are human—and the sublime, the ineffable antithesis, expressed by the Beloved Disciple ‘in those words of his Gospel, THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, is repeated in a thousand different ways in all the prayers of the Church;—and rightly, for it admirably embodies the whole of the great portent which unites in one Person the nature of Man and the nature of God. The splendour of this Mystery dazzles the under- standing, but it inundates the heart with joy. It is the consummation of the designs of God in time. It is the endless subject of admiration and wonder to the Angels and Saints; nay, is the source and cause of thei; beatitude. Let us see h Mystery to her children, vei her Liturgy. The four weeks of our preparation offers are over- were the image of the four thousand years whic] ceded the great coming—and we have rea twenty-fifth day of the month of December, desired place of sweetest rest. But why is § celebration of our Saviour’s Birthshould e privilege of this one fixed day; whilst the Cycle has, every year, to € changed in order to yield that ever-Valying the feast of his Resurrection—Exst i thj MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS 7 The question is a very natural one, and we find it proposed and answered, even so far back as the fourth century; and that, too, by St Augustine, in his celebrated Epistle o Januarius. The holy Doctor offers this explanation: We solemnize the day of our Saviour’s Birth, in order that we may honour that Birth, which was for our salvation; but the precise day of the week, on which he was born, is void of any mystical signification. Swmday, on the contrary, the day of our Lord’s Resurrection, is the day marked, in the Creator’s designs, to express a mystery which was to be commemorated for all ages. St Isidore of Seville, Interpreter of Sacred Rites who, and the for a long ancient time, was supposed to be the learned Alcuin, have also adopted this explanation of the Bishop of Hippo; and our readers may see their words interpreted by Durandus, in his Rationale. These writers, then, observe that as, according to a sacred tradition, the creation of man took place on a Friday, and our Saviour suffered death also on a Friday for the redemption of man; that as, moreover, the Resur- rection of our Lord was on the third day after his death, that is, on a Sunday, which is the day on which the Light was created, as we learn from the Book of Genesis —* the two Solemnities of Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection,’ says St Augustine, ‘ do not only remind us of those divine facts; but they moreover represent and signify some other mysterious and holy thing.” And yet we are not to suppose that because the Feast of Jesus’ Birth is not fixed to any particular day of the week, there is no mystex;y expressed by its being always on the twenty-fifth of December. ~For firstly we may observe, with the old Liturgists, that the Feast of Christmas is kept by turns on each of the days of the week, that thus its holiness may cleanse and rid them of the curse which Adam’s sin had put upon them. But secondly, the great mystery of the twenty-fifth of December, being the Feast of our Saviour’s Birth, has * Epist, ad Januarium, 8 CHRISTMAS reference, not to the division of time marked out by God himself, which is called the Week, but to the course of that great Luminary which gives life to the world, Jesus, our Saviour, because it gives it light and warmth. the Light of the World,* was born when the night of idolatry and crime was at its darkest ; and the day of his Birth, the twenty-fifth of December, is that on which the material Sun begins to gain his ascendency over the reign of gloomy night, and show to the world his triumph of brightness. In our ‘Advent’ we showed, after the Holy Fathers, that the diminution of the physical light may be considered as emblematic of those dismal times which preceded the Incarnation. We joined our prayers with those of the people of the Old Testament; and, with our holy Mother the Church, we cried out to the Divine Orient, the Sun of Justice, that he would deign to come and deliver us from the twofold death of body and soul. God has heard our prayers; and it is on the day of the Winter Solstice—which the Pagans of old made so much of by their fears and rejoicings—that he gives us both the increase of the natural light, and him who is the Light of our souls. St Gregory of Nyssa, St Ambrose, St Maximus of Turin, St Leo, St Bernard, and the principal Liturgists, dwell with complacency on this profound mystery, which the Creator of the universe has willed should mark both the natural and the supernatural world. We shall find the Church also making continual allusion to it during this season of Christmas, as she did in that of Advent. “ On this the Day which the Lord hath made,” says St Gregory of Nyssa, * darkness decreases, light increases, and Night is driven back again. No, brethren, it is not by chance, nor by any created will, that this natural change begins on the day when he shows himself in the brightness of his coming, which is the spiritual Life of the world. It is Nature revealing, under this symbol, a secret to them whose eye is quick enough to see it; to 2 St Joha viil 12, MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS 9 them, I mean, who are able to appreciate this circum- stance of our Saviour’s coming. Nature seems to me to say: Know, O Man! that under the things which I show thee Mysteries lie concealed. Hast thou not seen the night, that had grown so long, suddenly checked ? hence, Learn that the black night of Sin, which had reached its height by the accumulation of every guilty device, is this day stopped in its course. day forward its duration shall be Yes, from this shortened, length there shall be naught but Light. Look, until at I pray thee, on the Sun; and see how his rays are stronger, and his position higher in the heavens: learn from that how the other Light, the Light of the Gospel, is now shedding itself over the whole earth.” ‘ Let us, my Brethren, rejoice,” cries out St Augustine:?* ‘ this day is sacred, not because of the visible sun, but because of the Birth of him who is the invisible Creator of the sun. ... He chose this day whereon born, as he chose the Mother of whom to be to be born, and he made both the day and the Mother. The day he chose was that on which the light begins to increase, and it typifies the work of Christ, who renews our interior man day by day. For the eternal Creator having willed to be born in time, his Birthday would necessarily be in harmony with the rest of his creation.’ The same holy Father, in another sermon for the same Feast, gives us the interpretation of a mysterious expression of St John Baptist, which admirably confirms the tradition of the Church. The great Precursor said on one occasion, when speaking of Christ: He must increase, but I must decrease® These prophetic words signify, in their literal sense, that the Baptist's mission was at its close, because Jesus was entering upon is. But they convey, as St Augustine assures us, a second meaning: ‘ John came into this world at the season of the year when the length of the day decreases; Jesus was born in the season when the length of the day in- + Homily % On the Natioity. * Sermon I + St Joba i 30. On the Nativi ol of o Lo, . 10 CHRISTMAS creases.” Thus, there is mystery both in the rising of that glorious Star, the Baptist, at the summer solstice; and in the rising of our Divine Sun in the dark season of winter.* There have been men who dared to scoff at Christianity as a superstition, because they discovered that the ancient Pagans used to keep a feast of the sun on the winter solstice! In their shallow erudition they concluded that a Religion could not be divinely instituted, which had certain rites or customs originating in an analogy to certain phenomena of this world: in other words, these writers denied what Revelation asserts, namely, that God only created this world for the sake of his Christ and his Church. The very facts which these enemies of our holy Religion brought forward as objections to the true Faith are, to us Catholics, additional proof of its being worthy of our most devoted love. Thus, then, have we explained the fundamental Mystery of these Forty Days of Christmas, by having shown the grand secret hidden in the choice made by God’s eternal decree, that the twenty-fifth day of December should be the Birthday of God upon this earth. Let us now respectfully study another mystery: that which is involved in the place where this Birth happened. This place is Bethlehem. Out of Bethlehem, says the Prophet, shall he come forth that is to be the Ruler in Israel® The Jewish Priests are well aware of the prophecy, and a few days hence will tell it to Herod.* But why was this insignificant town chosen in preference to every other to be the birth-place of Jesus? Be attentive, Christians, to the mystery! The name of this City of David signifies the House of Bread : therefore + Sermon In Nalali Domin, xi. * It is almost unne ‘embodied in the Christmas to add that this doctrine of the Holy Fathers which is Liturgy is notin any degree falsified by the fact that there are some parts of God’s earth where Christmas falls in a season the very opposite of ‘Winter. Our Lord selected, for the place of his Birth, one which made it Winter ‘when he came upon earth; and by that selection he stamped the Mystery taught in the text on the season of darkness and cold. ‘Ou brethrea i Austrabi, for exasaple will have the Mystery without the Winter, when they are keeping Christmas; or, mors correctly, their dmmnlflnlyum%mnmummmnmhomlnifiwm and the ystery of the great Birt {n Bet vem.—Translator's Note. * Mich. v 2. 'St Matt. il 5. MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS I did he, who is the living Bread come down from heaven, choose it for his first visible home. Our Fathers did eat manna in the desert and are dead ;* but lo ! here is the Saviour of the world, come to give life to his creature Man by means indeed.* of his own divine Flesh, which s meat Up to this time the Creator and the creature had been separated from each other; henceforth they shall abide together in closest union. The Ark of the Covenant, containing the manna which fed but the body, is now replaced by the Ark of a New Covenant, purer and more incorruptible than Virgin Mary, who gives us the nourishment which will tion; for this Jesus himself the other: the incomparable Jesus, the Bread of Angels, give us a divine transformahas said: He that eateth my flesh abideth in me, and I in him.* 1t is for this divine transformation that the world was in expectation for four thousand years, and for which the Church prepared herself by the four weeks of Advent. It has come at last, and Jesus is about to enter within us, if we will but receive him.® He asks to be united to each one of us in particular, just as he is united by his Incarnation to the whole human race; and for this end he wishes to become our Bread, our spiritual nourishment. His coming into the souls of men at this mystic season has no other aim than this union. He comes not to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him,® and that all may have life, and may have it more abundantly.” This divine Lover of our souls will not be satisfied, therefore, until he have substituted himself in our place, so that we may live not we ourselves, but heinus; and in order that this mystery may be effectedin a sweeter way, it is under the form of an Infant that this Beautiful Fruit of Bethlehem wishes first to enter into us, there to grow afterwards in wisdom and age before God and men.® And when, having thus visited us by his grace and nourished us in his love, he shall have changed us into 1 St Joha vi 41, * Ibid.vi.s6. ¢ Ibid. visy. *Ibid,x0. s Tbid. 12, % StLuke i 40, 52. 12 CHRISTMAS himself, there shall be accomplished in us a still further mystery. Jesus, Having become one in spirit and heart with the Son of the heavenly we shall also Father, become sons of this same God our Father. The Be- loved Disciple, speaking of this our dignity, cries out: Behold ! what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, and should be the Sons of God I* 'We will not now stay to consider this immense happiness of the Christian soul, as we shall have a more fitting occasion, further on, to'speak of it, and show by what means it is to be maintained and increased. There is another subject, too, which we regret being obliged to notice only in a passing way. It is, that, from the day itself of our Saviour’s Birth even to the day of our Lady’s Purification, there is, in the Calendar, an extraordinary richness of Saints’ Feasts, doing homage to the master feast of Bethlehem, and clustering in adoring love round the Crib of the Infant-God. To say nothing of the four great Stars which shine so brightly near our Divine Sun, from whom they borrow all their own grand beauty—St Stephen, St John the Evangelist, the Holy Innocents, and our own St Thomas of Canterbury: what other portion of the Liturgical Year is there that can show within the same number of days so brilliant a constellation ? The Apostolic College con- tributes its two grand luminaries, St Peter and St Paul: the first in his Chair of Rome; of his splendid Conversion. champions The the second in the miracle Martyr-host of Christ, Timothy, sends us Ignatius the of Antioch, Polycarp, Vincent, and Sebastian. The radiant line of Roman Pontiffs lends us four of its glorious links, named Sylvester, Telesphorus, Hyginus and Marcellus. The sublime school of holy Doctors offers us Hilary, John Chrysostom, and Ildephonsus; and in their company stands a fourth Bishop—the amiable Francis de Sales. The Confessor-kingdom is represented by Paul the Hermit, Anthony the conqueror of Satan, Maurus the Apostle of the Cloister, Peter Nolasco the %1 St Johu il 1. MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS 13 deliverer of captives, and Raymond of Pennafort, the oracle of Canon Law and guide of the consciences of men. The army of defenders of the Church deputes the pious King Canute, who died in defence of our Holy Mother, and Charlemagne, ‘the humble champion who loved of the Church.” to sign himself holy Virgins gives us the sweet Agnes, Emerentiana, the invincible Martina. The choir of the generous And lastly, from the saintly ranks which stand below the Virgins—the holy Widows—we have Paula, the enthusiastic lover of Jesus’ Crib. Truly, our Christmastide is a glorious festive season! What magnificence in its Calendar! ‘What a banquet for us in its Liturgy ! A word upon the symbolism of the colours used by the Church during this season. Whife is her Christmas Vestment ; and she employs this colour at every service from Christmas Day to the Octave of the Epiphany. To honour her two Martyrs, Stephen and Thomas of Canterbury, she vests in 7ed; and to condole with Rachel wailing her murdered Innocents, she puts on purple : but these are the only exceptions. On every other day of the twenty she expresses, by her white Robes, the gladness to which the Angels invited the world, the beauty of our Divine Sun that has risen in Bethlehem, the spotless purity of the Virgin-Mother, and the cleanheartedness which they should have who come to worship at the mystic Crib. During the remaining twenty days, the Church vests in accordance with the Feast she keeps; she varies the colour soas to harmonize either with the red Roses which wreathe a Martyr, or with the white Amaranths which grace her Bishops and her Confessors, or again, with the spotless Lilies which crown her Virgins. On the Sundays which come during this time—unless there occur a Feast requiring red or white or, unless Sep- tuagesima has begun its three mournful weeks of preparation for Lent—the colour of the Vestments is green. This, say the interpreters of the Liturgy, is to teach us that in the Birth of Jesus, who is the flower of the 14 CHRISTMAS fields, we first received the hope of salvation, and that after the bleak winter of heathendom and the Synagogue, there opened the verdant spring-time of grace. With this we must close our mystical interpretation of those rites which belong to Chrisimas in general. Our readers will have observed that there are many other sacred and symbolical usages, to which we have not even alluded; but as the mysteries to which they belong are peculiar to certain days, and are not, so to speak, common to this portion of the Liturgical Year, we intend to treat fully of them all, as we meet with them on their proper Feasts. * Cant.iz PRACTICE DURING CHAPTER PRACTICE CHRISTMAS 15 THE THIRD DURING CHRISTMAS 'HE time has now come for the faithful soul to reap the fruit of the efforts she made during the penitential weeks of Advent to prepare a dwelling-place for the Son of God, who desires to be born within her. The Nuptials of the Lamb are come, and his Spouse hath prepared herself* Now the Spouse is the Church; the Spouse is also every faithful soul. Our Lord gives his whole self to the whole flock, and to each sheep of the flock with as much love as though he loved but that one. What garments shall we put on, to go and meet the Bridegroom ? Where shall we find the pearls and jewels wherewith to deck our soul for this happy meeting ? Our holy Mother the Church will tell us all this in her Liturgy. Our best plan for spending Christmas is, undoubtedly, to keep close to her, and do what she does; for she is most dear to God, and being our Mother, we ought to obey all her injunctions. But, before we speak of the mystic Coming of the Incarnate Word into our souls; before we tell the secrets of that sublime familiarity between the Creator and the Creature; let us, first, learn from the Church the duties which human nature and each of our souls owes to the Divine* Infant, whom the Heavens have at length given to us as the refreshing Dew we asked them to rain down upon our earth. During Advent, we united with the Saints of the Old Law, in praying for the coming of the Messias, our Redeemer; now that he is come, us consider what is the homage we must pay him. let The Church offers to the Infant-God, during this holy season, the tribute of her profound adoration, the + Apoc. xix 7. CHRISTMAS 16 enthusiasm unbounded love. and of her These exceeding gratitude, love, must four joy, the return and the fondness offerings, of her of her intense adoration, joy, gratitude, be also those of every Christian to his Jesus, his Emmanuel, prayers of the Liturgy in a way that no other better to apgmpriate the Babe of Bethlehem. The will express all four sentiments Devotions could do. But, the to ourselves these admirable formulas of the Church, let us understand thoroughly the nature of each of these four sentiments. The first of our duties at our Saviour’s Crib is Adoration. Adoration is Religion’s first act; but there is something in the Mystery of our Lord’s Birth which seems to make this duty doubly necessary. In heaven the Angels veil their faces, and prostrate themselves before the throne of Jehovah; the Four-and-Twenty Elders are for ever cast- ing their crowns before the throne* of the Lamb; what, then, shall we do—we who are sinners, and unworthy members of the Tribe of the Redeemer—now that this same great God shows himself to us, humbled for our sakes, and stript of all his glory ? now that the duties of the creature to his Creator are fulfilled by the Creator himself ? now that the eternal God bows down not only before the Sovereign Majesty of the Godhead, sinful man, his creature ? but even before Let us endeavour to make, by our profound adorations, some réturn to the God who thus himbles Him- self for us; let us thus whereof he has deprived give him back some little of that himself out of love for us, and in obedience to the will of his Father. on us to emulate, It is incumbent as far as possible, the sentiments of the Angels in heaven, and never to approach the Divine Infant without bringing with us the incense of our soul’s adoration, the protestation of our own extreme unworthi- ness, and lastly, the homage of our whole being. All this is due to the infinite Majesty of the Babe of Bethle- hem, who is the more worthy of every tribute we can pay him, because he has made himself thus little for 1 Apoc. v z0. PRACTICE our sakes. Unhappy of the Divine Child, DURING we, or the CHRISTMAS if the apparent 17 weakness familiarity wherewith he is ready to caress us, should make us negligent in this our first duty, or forget what he is, and what we are ! The example of his Blessed Mother will teach us to be thus humble. Mary was humble in the presence once his Mother, she than ever. We of her God, even before she became comported his Mother; herself before but, him who was her God and her Child with greater humility too, poor sinners, sinners so long and so often, we must adore with all the power of our soul him who has come down so low: we must study to find out how by our self-humiliation to make him amends for this Crib, glory. these swathing-bands, this eclipse of his And yet all our humiliations will never bring us so low as that we shall be on a level with his lowliness. No; only God could reach the humiliations of God. But our Mother, the Church, does not only offer to the Infant God the tribute of her profound adoration. The mystery of Emmanuel, that is, of God with us, is to her a source of singular joy. Look at her sublime Canticles for this holy Season, and you will find the two sentiments admirably blended—her deep reverence for her God, and her glad joy at his Birth. _Io;l did not the very Angels come down and urge her to it 7 She therefore studies to imitate the blithe Shepherds, who ran for joy to Bethlehem,’ and the glad Magi, who were well-nigh out of themselves with delight when, on quitting Jerusalem, the star again appeared and led them to the Cave where the Child was.* ~Joy at Christmas is a Christian instinct, which originated those many Carols, which, like so many other beautiful traditions of the ages of Faith, are unfortunately dying out amongst us; but which Rome still encourages, gladly welcoming each year those rude musicians, the Pifferari, who come down from the Apennines, and make the streets of the Eternal City re-echo with their shrill melodies. Come, then, faithful Children of the Church, let us 3 St Luke li 16, * St Matt ii 10, m, o 18 CHRISTMAS take our share in her joy ! This is not the season for sighing or for weeping. For unto us a Child is born I’ He for whom we have been so long waiting is come, and he is come to dwell among us* Great, indeed, and long was our suspense; so much the more let us love our possessing him. ~ The day will too soon come when this Child, now born to us, will be the Man of Sorrows,® and then we will compassionate him; but at present we must rejoice and be glad at his coming and sing round his Crib with the Angels. Heaven sends us a present of its own joy: we need joy, and forty days are not too many for us to get it well into our hearts. The Scripture tells us that a secure mind is like a continual feast,* and a secure mind can only be where there is peace ; now it is Peace which these blessed days bring to the earth ; Peace, say the Angels, 1o men of good will | Intimately and inseparably united with this exquisite mystic joy is the sentiment of gratitude. Gratitude is indeed due to him who, neither deterred by our un- worthiness nor restrained by the infinite respect which becomes his sovereign Majesty, deigned to be born of his own creature, and have a stable for his birth-place. Oh | how vehemently must he not have desired to advance the work of our salvation, to remove everything which could make us afraid of approaching him, and to encourage us, by his own example, to return, by the %1 I umility, to the heavén we Had strayed from by ride P Gratefully, therefore, let us receive the precious gift —this Divine Babe, our Deliverer. He is the OnlyBegotten Son of the Father, that Father who kath so loved the world as to give his only Son.® unreservedly ratifies his Father’s will, He, the Son, and comes to offer himself because it is his own will.$ How, as the Apostle expresses ‘it, kath not the Father with him given us all things 27 O gift inestimable! How shall we be able to repay it by suitable gratitude, we who are so 1 Isa. ix 6. + St jobnii 16. * St John i 14. i g * Isa. liii 3. 4 Prov. xv * 1 Rom.viti 32, 15. 19 PRACTICE DURING CHRISTMAS poor as not to know how to appreciate it ? God alone, and the Divine Infant in his Crib, know the value of the mystery of Bethlehem, which is given to us. Shall our debt, then, never be paid? Not so: we can pay it by love, which, though finite, gives itself without measure, and may grow for ever in intensity. For this reason, the Church, after she has offered her adorations and hymns and gratitnde, to her Infant Saviour, 5ives him also her tenderest Love. She says to him: How beautiful art thou, my Beloved One, and how comely I* How sweet to me is thy rising, O Divine Sun of Justice | How my heart glows in the warmth of thy beams! Nay, dearest Jesus, the means thou usest forgaining me over to thyself are irresistible—the feebleness and humility of a Chlld I’ Thus do all her words end in love ; and her adoration, praise, and thanksgiving, when she expresses them in her Canticles, are transformed into love. Christians | let us imitate our Mother, and give our hearts to our Emmanuel. The Shepherds offer him their simple gifts, the Magi bring him their rich presents, and no one must appear before the Divine Infant without something worthy his acceptance. Know, then, that nothm%mmll please him, but that which he came to seek It was for this that he came down from heaven. Hard indeed is that heart which can say, He shall not have my love | These, then, are the duties we owe to our Divine Master in this his first Coming, which, as St Bernard says, is in the flesh and in weakness, and is for the salvation, not for the judgement, of the world. As regards that other Coming, which is to be in majesty and power on the Last Day, we have meditated upon it dunn Advent. have roused The fear of the Wrath to come should our souls from their letha.rgy, and have prepared them, by humility of heart, to receive the visit of Jesus in that secret Coming whxch he makes to the soul of man, It is the ineffable mystery of this intermediate Coming that we are now going to explain, + Cant. i 15, I CHRISAM. S zo0 ttof Adver ' ime the w ht o er wh le se n ow wt ve las ¥ Vhe lec , cal is h hid esw lif l tua r ipi the Sf d icc per 10 tht o bs ngstic toe dziring which th: il diysice Thox logy ¢tha Purgative Life, of sir, ons aioll> clasnseh Jferselr from sm axd , theancdocbyasl gcombatin | 1)y : the - fearo of God' judgemdats Cor grante | it ifg tak mre dVe e. he ce ii up sc ap il exv nst : agi h thes > ug oo th c yec rne jdu ho l scu ub thf id ry eef tv wh before st > ht ug thr e gon Ye st bau ia wh ;l h at po ed gug ‘the Churc1 acoilbd e adir itted tdF the sfeast to witch thy Saturda / #ini tesall mzhkins, ; aying ftonthem, s:ca wards of ttz (of t :he 9Becchl We sk of Ariveat, the o waited fi7 “Ppzpht Isasah: Lol s is Cur t 7od : weehas tlo waited f. 7 yen pat e igv He s. elu scv ll wi ho el n, hin Salvation ™ his 4. ful ioy ber y ani e oic rij ll sea wek | ax rn, shi are maiy er: cth her Fat ml ay he ote oft se hui e 'la SA: tin isty of Chris ammsionss,? sbiikew,seon tke geand Soldmn the Chur h ams?, vhlen tnose wlires of Is \iadiare rea) zedcfre ceive t e thec csnmtlels wrong 1tho esess, agnonts ts and d 5= rBe adchf Lefg, a qeit var ety of senhimeii en duri: g giv >peitiaSs. oWme vezr, deadlana« the grazes em to lif :: tie kd tor res te ha tv en dv A ou on af Se y hdg utle>] lthy, ha e t ofs,er »whest spriudi life adelong been hwa tes have 13) scspent thiew Advett thas itx holy eserciehtrance in:o odweblei the it dove bfl:heir loras and their ofltheir sou’s ««Btihlalem mes be meto them 2 renew: 1 4 flie . lehe n, th Be ta d tb mi ad re vee has lt xhi oul yts er rev v Mo has be:n axd al, Bre cof use H: ohe t> int v, sto 3 o tlast World—tt at rwilte hwit'1 wim whb is the . 1ght of Whe mystery of [he osunl op lgier vkalts in dariness. it p o- 1 Cuistrisas s>one df allumicatiiin; and ghe rrace 1 du cesha the tioul thee: cornspends witlf it, laces her in h tls called 1 jic wl fe, oLi tic My e tsi oh ige sif ndl seo e tie h we need I Iliummeativ ». Lifek Idencerarward, thvn, r’s arriv > lergevyvear gburservils watain;§ for our Gavisu are resolt «€ I sha 1com, 22he hss thonempcd us, an: | wer h within o t 3kept uphe light, day, te chrish its 7trowt its succ a i oprgoortivrl as 1 segLiturlican Year whfolis L A e 2Stlwhoxi s he no il; ed 1s, ss- PRACTICE DURING CHRISTMAS 21 sive seasons of mysteries and graces. God grant that we may reflect in our souls the Church’s progressive development of this divine Light; and be led by its brightness to that Union which crowns both the year of the Church, and the faithful soul which has spent the year under the Church’s guidance ! But, in the mystery of Christmastide, this Light is given to us, so to speak, softened down; our weakness required that it should be so. It is indeed the Divine Word, the Wisdom of the Father, that we are invited to know and imitate; but this Word, this Wisdom, are shown us under the appearance of a Child. Let nothing keep us from approaching him. We might fear were he seated on a throne in his palace; but he is lying ona crib in a stable! Were it the time of his Fatigues, his Bloody Sweat, his Cross, his Burial, or even of his Glory and his Victory, we might say we had not courage enough: but what courage is needed to go near him in Bethlehem, where all is sweetness and silence, and a simple Little Babe! Cometo him, says the Psalmist, and be hiened I* Where shall we find an interpreter of the twofold mystery which is wrought at this holy season—the mystery of the Infancy of Jesus in the soul of man, and the mystery of the infancy of man’s soul in his Jesus ? None of the Holy Fathers has so admirably spoken upon it as St Leo: let us listen to his grand worgs. ‘ Although that Childhood, which the majesty of the Son of God did not disdain to assume, has developed, by growth of age, into the fulness of the perfect man, and, the triumph of his Passion and Resurrection having been achieved, all the humiliations he submitted to for our sakes are passed; nevertheless, the Feast we are now keeping brings back to us the sacred Birth of the Virgin Mary’s Child, Jesus our Lord. So that whilst adoring his Birth, we are, in truth, celebrating our own commencement of life; for the Generation of Christ is the origin of the Christian people, and the Birth Day of him that is our Head is the Birth Day of us that are his 2 Pa. xxiii 6. 22 CHRISTMAS Body. Itistrue, that each Christian has his own rank, and the children of the Church are born each in their respective times; yet the whole mass of the Faithful, once having been regenerated in the font of Baptism, are born, on this Day of Christmas, together with Christ; just as they are crucified together with /i in his Passion, and have risen together with ks Resurrection, and in his Ascension are placed at the right hand of the Father. For every believer, no matter in what part of the world he may be living, is born again in Christ ; his birth accord- ing to nature is not taken into account; he becomes a new man by his second birth; neither is he any longer called of the family of his father in the flesh, but of the family of our Redeemer, who unto this was made a Son of Man, that we might become the Sons of God."* Yes, this is the Mystery achieved in us by the holy Season of Christmas! It is expressed in those words of the passage from St John’s Gospel which the Church has chosen for the third Mass of the great Feast: As many as received him, he gave them power to be made the Sons of God, to them that believe in his name ; who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.* So that all they who, having purified their souls, freed themselves from the slavery of flesh and blood, and renounced everything which is of man, inasmuch as man means siune, wish.now to open their hearts to the Divine Word, that is, to the LIGHT which shineth in darkness, which darkness did not com- prehend? these, I say, are born with Jesus; they are born of God ; they begin a new life, as did the Son of God himself in this mystery of his Birth in Bethlehem. How beautiful are these first beginnings of the Chris- tian Life! is, of Bread days world How great is the glory of Bethlehem, that our holy Mot.her the Churx the true House of | for in her midst there is produoed during these of Christmas, and everywhere throughout the a countless number of sons of God. Oh! the 3 Sixth Sermon On the Natisily of our Lord, Ch.2. # St Joha i 12. S Iid 13 PRACTICE DURING CHRISTMAS 23 unceasing vitality of our mysteries! As the Lamb, who was slain from the beginning of the world,} sacrifices himself without ceasing, ever since his real sacrifice; so also, once born of the Holy Virgin his Mother, he makes it a part of his glory to be ceaselessly born in the souls of men. We are not, thercfore, to think for a moment that the dignity of Mary’s divine Maternity is lessened, or that owr:souls enjoy the same grand honour which was granted to her: far from that, ‘ let us,’ as Venerable Bede says, ‘ raise our voice from amid the crowd, as did the woman in the Gospel, and say to our Saviour, with the Catholic Church, of which that woman was the type: Blessed is the Womb that bore thee, and the Breasts that gave thee suck!'* Mary's prerogative is indeed incommunicable, and it makes her the Mother of God, and the Mother of men. But we must also remember the answer made by our Saviour to the woman, who spoke those words: Yea rather, said Jesus, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it ;* “ hereby declaring,” continues Venerable Bede, ‘that not only is she blessed, who merited to conceive in the flesh the Word of God, but they also who endeavour to conceive this same Word spiritually, by the hearing of faith, and to give him birth and nourish him by keep- ing and doing what is good, either in their own or their neighbour’s heart. For the Mother of God herself was Blessed in that she was made, for a time, the minister to the wants of the Incarnate Word; but much more Blessed was she, in that she was and ever will be the keeper and doer of the love due to that same her Son.’ Is it not this same truth which our Lord teaches us on that other occasion, where he says: Whosoever shall do the will of my Father that is in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother ?* And why was the Angel sent to Mary in preference to all the rest of the daughters of Israel, but because she had already conceived the Divine Word in her heart by the vehemence of her un- + Apoc. xifl 8. xi 28, » ¢ Luke +« StMatt. Commentaxilry 50,on St Luke,% Bk. Bl 4, 4, Cb. Ch. 49, 24 CHRISTMAS divided love, the greatness of her profound humility, and the incomparable merit of her virginity ? Why, again, is this Blessed among women holy above all creatures, but because, having once conceived and brought forth a Son of God, she continues for ever his Molhzr by her fidelity in doing the will of the heavenly Father, by her love for the uncreated light of the Divine Word, and by her union as Spouse with the Spirit of sanetification ? But no member of the human race is excluded from the honour of imitating Mary, though at a humble distance, in this her spiritual Maternity: for, by that real birth which she gave him in Bethlehem, which we are now celebrating, and which initiated the world into the mysteries of God, this ever Blessed Mother of Jesus has shown us how we may bear the resemblance of her own grand prerogative. We ought to have prepared the way of the Lord* during the weeks of Advent; and if so, our hearts have conceived him: therefore now our good works must bring him forth, that thus our heavenly Father, seeing not us ourselves, but his own Son Jesus now living within us, may say of each of us,in his mercy, what he heretofore said in very truth of the Incarnate Word: Let This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.® us give ear to the words of the Seraphic St Bonaventure, who in one of his sermons for Christmas Day thus explains the mystery of the birth of Jesus in the soul of man: ‘This happy birth happens when the soul, prepared by long thought and reflection, passes at length to action; when the flesh being made subject to the spirit, good works are produced in due time: then do interior peace and joy return to the soul. In this birth there is neither travail nor pain nor fear; everything is admiration and delight and glory. If then, O devout soul! thou art desirous for this birth, lmagme thyself to be like Mary. Mary signifies bitter- ness ; bltterl bewail thy sins: it signifies tlluminatrix ; be thou illumined by thy virtues: and lastly, it signifies 4 St Matt. iii 3; Isa. xl 3. 2 St Matt. iii 17, PRACTICE DURING CHRISTMAS 25 Misiress ; learn how to be mistress and controller of thy evil passions. Then will Christ be born of thee, and oh! with what happiness to thyself | For it is then that the soul tastes and sees how sweet is her Lord Jesus. She experiences this sweetness when, in holy meditation, she nourishes this Divine Infant; when she covers him with her tears; when she clothes him with her holy longings; when she presses him to her heart in the embrace of holy tenderness; when, in a word, she cherishes him in the warmth of her glowing love. O happy Crib of Bethlehem ! in thee I find the King of glory: but happier still than thou, the pious soul which holds within itself him whom thou couldst hold but corporally !” Now that we may pass on from this spiritual conception to ‘the birth of our Lord Jesus; in other words, that we may pass from Advent to Christmas, we must unceasingly keep the eyes of our soul on him who wishes to be born within us, and in whom the world is born to a new life. to become Qur study and ambition should be, how best like Jesus, by imitating him; for, though us, therefore, hearken to the invitation of the the imitation must needs be imperfect, yet we know from the Apostle that our heavenly Father himself gives this as the sign of the elect—that they are made like to the #mage of his Son.! Let Angels, and go over to Bethlehem.* We know what sign will be given to us of our Jesus—a Child wrapped in swaddling-clothes, and laid in a crib® So that you, O Christians ! must become children ; you must not disdain to be tied in the bonds of a spiritual childhood ; you must come down from your proud spirit, and meet your Saviour who has come down from heaven, and with him hide yourselves in the humility of the crib. Thus will you begin, with him, a new life. Thus will the Light that gocth forwards and increaseth even lo perfect day* illumine your path the whole remaining length of your journey. Thus the sight of God which leaves room for faith, which you receive at Bethlehem, will merit TRom.viilzg. *StLukeiiss. * Didiiz. ¢ Prov.ivis, 26 CHRISTMAS for you the face-to-face vision on Thabor, and prepare you for the blissful UNION, which is not merely Light, but the plenitude and repose of Love. So far we have been speaking only of the living members of the Church, whether they began the life of grace during the holy Season of Advent, or were already living in the grace of the Holy Ghost when the ecclesiastical year commenced, and spent their Advent in preparing to be born with Jesus to a new year of higher perfection. But how shall we overlook those of our Brethren who are dead in sin; and so dead, that neither the coming of their Emmanuel, throughout for that the coming, nor the universal could example Church rouse of the earnestly them? No, Christians preparing we cannot forget them: we love them, and come to tell them (for even now they may yield to grace, and live), that there hath appeared the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour.? 1f this volume of ours should perchance fall into the hands of any of those who have not yielded to the solicitations of grace, which press them to be converted to the sweet Babe of Bethlehem, their Lord and their God; who, instead of spending the weeks of Advent in preparing to receive him at Christmas, lived them out, as they began them, in indifference and in sin: we shall, perhaps, be helping them to a knowledge of the grievousness of their state, l;l:{ reminding them of the ancient discipline of the Church, which obliged all the Faithful, under pain of being considered as no longer Catholics, to receive Holy Communion on Christmas Day, as well as on Easter and Whit Sundays. We find a formal decree of this obligation given in the fifteenth Canon of the Council of Agatha (Agde) held in 506. We would also ask these poor sinners to reflect on the joy the Church feels at seeing, throughout the whole world, the immense number of her children, who still, in spite of the general decay of piety, keep the Feast of the birth of the Divine Lamb, by the sacramental participa- tion of his Body and Blood. 2 Tit il e, PRACTICE DURING CHRISTMAS 27 Sinners | take courage; this Feast of Christmas is one of grace and mercy, on which all, both just and sinners, meet in the fellowship of the same glad Mystery. The heavenly Father has resolved to honour the Birthday of his Son, by granting pardon to all save those who obstinately refuse it. Oh'! how worthy is the Coming of our.dear Emmanuel to be honoured by this divine amnesty | Nor is it we that give this invitation; it is the Church herself. Yes, it is she that with divine authority invites you to begin the work of your new life on this day whereon the Son of God begins the career of his human life. That we may the more worthily convey to you this her invitation, we will borrow the words of a great and saintly Bishop of the Middle Ages, the pious Rabanus Maurus, who, in a homily on the Nativity of our Lord, encourages sinners to come and take their place, side by side with the just, in the stable of Bethlehem, where even the ox and the ass recognize their Master in the Babe who lies there. ‘1 beseech you, dearly beloved Brethren, that you receive with fervent hearts the words our Lord speaks to you through me on this most sweet Feast, on which even infidels and sinners are touched with compunction; on which the wicked man is moved to mercy, the con- trite heart hopes for pardon, the exile despairs not of returning to his country, and the sick man longs for his cure; on which is born the Lamb who taketh away the sins of the world, that is, Christ our Saviour. On such a Birthday, he that has a good conscience rejoices more than usual; and he whose conscience is guilty fears with amore useful fear. . . . Yes, itis a sweet Feast, bringing true sweetness and My little children, that every one who, heart, and return not forgiveness to all true penitents. I promise you without hesitation on this day, shall repent from his to the vomit of his sins, shall obtain all whatsoever he shall ask; let him only ask with a firm faith, and not return to sinful pleasures. ‘On this day are taken away the sins of the entire CHRISTMAS 28 world: why this ... On them, as it is the sinner despair? needs day of our Lord’s Birth let us, dearest Brethren, offer Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God.* Let our promises written: us make our Jesus, to this promises with will enable us to keep them. and keep confidence . . . and love; ke And when I speak of promises, I would not have anyone think that I mean the promise of fleeting and mean, that each of us should redeemed, namely, our soul. earthly goods. No—I offer what our Saviour ‘“‘But how,” someone will say, ““ how shall we offer our souls to him, to whom they already belong ?”” I answer: by leading holy lives, by chaste thoughts, by fruitful works, by turning away from evil, by following that which is good, by loving God, by loving our neighbour, by showing mercy (for we ourselves were in need of it, before we were redeemed), by forgiving them that sin against us (for we ourselves were once in sin), by trampling on pride, since it was by pride that our first parent was deccived and fell.” It is thus our affectionate Mother the Church invites sinners to the Feast of the Divine Lamb; nor is she satisfied until her House be filled.* The grace of a New Birth, given her by the Sun of Justice, fills this Spouse of Jesus with joy. A new year has begun for her, and, like all that have preceded it, it is to be rich in flower and fruit, She renews her youth as that of an le. She is about to unfold another Cycle, or Year,of her mysteries, and to pour forth upon her faithful children the graces of which God has made the Cycle to be the instrument. In this season of Christmas, we have the first-fruits of these graces offered to us; they are the knowledge and the love of our Infant God: let us accept them with attentive hearts, that so we may merit to advance, with our Jesus, in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.* The Christmas Mystery is the gate of all the others of the rest of the year; but it is a gate #+ Fourin Fourth Homiy Hormliy OOn the theN Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. * st s 7 ofout it e oo PRACTICE which we may DURING all enter, CHRISTMAS for, though 29 most heavenly, yet it touches earth; since, as St Augustine beautifully remarks in one of his sermons for Christmas:! ‘ We cannot as yet contemplate the splendour of him who was begotten of the Father before the Day Star,;* let us, then, visit him who was born of the Virgin in the night- hour. We cannot understand how kis Name continucth before the sun ;* let us, then, confess that he hath set his tabernacle in her that is purer than the sun. We cannot as yet see the Only-Begotten Son dwelling in the Father's Bosom; let us, then, think on the Bridcgroom that cometh out of his bridechamber.®* banquet of our heavenly We are not yet ready for the Father; the Crib of Jesus, our Masler.'® lct us, then, keep 3 Eleventh Sermon O the Nativity of our Lord. * Ivid, Ixxi 17. 4 Tbid. xviii 6. ¥ pvid. * Ps.cix 3. *lsais) to 30 CHRISTMAS CHAPTER MORNING URING THE FOURTH AND NIGHT PRAYERS CHRISTMAS FOR Christmas, the Christian, on waking in the morning, should unite himself with the Church, who in her Office of Matins for Christmas Day thus invites the faithful to come and adore the Messias: Christus natus est venite, adoremus | nobis; Christ is born unto come, let us adore him | us; He should profoundly adore this dear King, who has rendered himself so accessible to his creatures; and in this disposition of loving reverence, he should perform the first acts of religion, both interior and exterior, wherewith he begins the day. The time for Morning Prayer being come, he may use the following method, which is formed upon the very prayers of the Church: MORNING First, Trinity: praise and PRAYERS adoration ¥._ Benedicamus Patrem et 'Filium, cum Sancto Spiritu: K. Laudemus et superexaltemus eum in secula, Y. Gloria Patri et Filio, et ‘Spiritui Sancto; R. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in s cula seculorum. Amen. of the Most Holy ¥. Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. K. Let us praise him and extol him above all for ever. ¥. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. K. As it was in the begining, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. MORNING PRAYERS 31 Then praise to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ: ¥. Adoramus te, Christe, et ‘benedicimus tibi. . Quia per Crucem tuam redemisti mundum. ¥. We adore thes, O Christ and we bless thee. Ry Because by thy Cross thou hast redeemed the world. Thirdly, invocation of the Holy Ghost: Veni, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, ot tui amoris in eis ignem accende. Come, O Holy of t.hy e After these fundamental acts of religion, you will recite the Lord’s Prayer, asking of God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant that kis holy Name may be glorified on earth, now that he has blessed it by sending it his Son, over whose Crib the Angels sang: Glory be to God in the highest! This divine Messias is come to establish the Kingdom of God on earth: he is come to do the will of his Father, and to teach us to do it here on carth as it is done in heaven. Let us reverently share in these divine intentions. Let us also ask with all instance that we may be granted to partake of that heavenly Bread which is now born to us in Bethlehem. THE LORD’S PRAYER Pater noster, qui es in calis, sanctificetur nomen tuum; adveniat regnum tuum: fiat voluntas tua_sicut in ceelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris: et ne nos inducas in tentationem: sed libera nos a malo. Amen, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name : thy kingdom come : thy will be done on carth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us: and lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen. Then address our Blessed Lady, using the words of the Angelical Salutation. It is now that she is Blessed among all women : her virginal womb has yiclded the 32 CHRISTMAS divine Fruit of which the world was in expectation: every creature should proclaim her to be the Mother of God. THE ANGELICAL SALUTATION Ave Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum: bencdicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostre. Amen. the Hail Mary, Lord full of grace; is with thee: blessed our death. art thow among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Motier of God, pray for us sinners, now and at "the Amen. After this, recite the Symbol hour of of Faith; and as you pronounce the words, Born of the Virgin Mary, dwell on them with a special attention, adoring the Saviour who has deigned to come’down from heaven and be born in a stable. THE APOSTLES’ CREED Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem creatorem coeli et terre. Et in Jesum Christum _ Filium ejus unicum, Dominum postrum: ui conceptus est de Spiritu ancto, natus ex Maria Vire, passus sub Pontio PiTato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus: _descendit ad _inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis: ascendit ad_ccelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis: inde venturus est judicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam Catholicam, Sanctorum communionem, ~ remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam @ternam. Amen. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and ~earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord, who ‘was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pon:i:; l;ihte‘ mas crucified, dead, hell, buried; the he descepded third day into hy arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come’ to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: the Holy Catholic Church; the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. After having thus made the Profession of your Faith, excite within yourself sentiments of penance and com- MORNING PRAYERS 33 punction, by the remembrance of the sins you have committed, and of lively gratitude to the Lamb of God, who is come that he may wash away our sins by his Blood, and give us to partake of his divinity. For this end, make use of the following words of the Church, as the fittest way of celebrating these ineffable mysteries, the remembrance of which will keep up within your hearts a sorrow for having offended so merciful a God: ANTIPHONS ANT. O admirabile commercium | Creator ~generis humani, animatum corpus sumens, de Virgine nasci dignatus _est; et procedens homo_sine semine, largitus FOR CHRISTMAS ANT. O admirable Interchange! The Creator of mankind, assuming a living Body, deigned to be born of a Virgin: and becoming Man without man’s aid, bestowed on us his est nobis suam deitatem. divinity. ANT. Quando natus es ANT. When thou wast bofn ineffabiliter ex Virgine, tunc ineffably of the Virgin, the impletz sunt Scruptura: si- Scriptures_were fulfilled. As cut pluvia in vellus descen- dew upon Gedeon's fleece, thou disti, ut salvum faceres ge- camest down to save mankind. nus humanum: te lauda- O Lord our God! we praise mus, Deus noster. thee. ANT. Ecce Maria genuit ANT. Lo | Mary hath brought nobis Joannes Salvatorem, videns quem exclamavit dicens: Ecce Agnus D ecce qui toilit peccata mu: di. Alleluia. forth John a Saviour seeing unto us, whom exclaimed: Be- hold the Lamb of God! Behold him that taketh away the sins of the world. Alleluia. Here make a humble confession of your sins, reciting the general formula made use of by the Church. THE CONFESSION Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti, beate Mariz_semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistz, sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, et omnibus sanctis, quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere: mea_culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. . Ideo precor OF SINS I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that T have sinned exceedingly in_thought, word, and deed: through my fault, through my fault, through my most griev3 34 CHRISTMAS beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Joansanctos aptistam, nem Apostolos "Petrum et Paulum, et omnes sanctos, orare pro rae ad Dominum Deum nostrum. Misereatur nostri _omnipotens Deus, et dimissis tis nostris, perducat nosad vitam @ternam. Amen. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum nostrorum tnbflat nobis_omnipotens et misericors Dominus. Amen. ous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and he saints, to pray to our Lord God for me. May Almighty God have mercy on us, and our sins being forgiven, bring us to life everlasting. Amen. May_the almighty and merciful Lord grant us_pardon, absolution, and our sins. Amen, remission of This is the proper time for making your meditation, as no doubt you practise this holy exercise. During Christmas, our meditation should turn principally upon the Birth of Jesus Christ in our souls. At this period of the Liturgical Year, we must return to the very basis of our spiritual life, and yield, with childlike docility, to the inspirations of the Holy Ghost. The object of our contemplation, as well as the source of our confidence, is Jesus, the Incarnate Word, swathed in the bands of infancy, laid in his Crib, presented in the Temple, and fleeing l')ull:sgfypt. His love for us has induced him to subject to these of childhood, in order that even we may “our God1*-St Luke tells us that his Blessed Mother kept all these mysteries in her heatt, and pondered them:? let us follow her sweet example, and feed our souls with the heavenly Manna. Let the rays of this hidden but penetrating Light illumine us. If we would follow Jesus to Thabor, let us begin to follow him in the. way he now shows us— of a Child’s simplicity and humility. The higher the architect wishes to carry up the bmldmg, the deeper does he sink the foundations. Jesus humbles hxmself so profoundly, because the work he has undertaken is to go up even to the highest heavens, 3 St Lukei 19, 51. As his members, MORNING PRAYERS 35 we must go with him; we must bear him company, now in his humble Crib, and later on his Cross, if we would be associated with him when the day of his triumph comes, and he is seated at the right hand of his Father. The next part of your Morning Prayer must be to ask of God, by the following prayers, grace to avoid every kind of sin during the day you are just beginning. Say, then, with the Church, whose prayers must always be preferred to all others: ¥. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. OREMUS Domine, Deus omnipotens, qui ad principium hujus diei nos pervenire fecisti, tua nos hodie salva virtute, ut in hac die ad nullum declinemus peccatum, sed semper ad tuam justitiam faciendam nostra ~ procedant eloquia, dirigantur cogitationes et opera. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium toum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia szcula seculorum. Amen. ¥. O Lord, hear my prayer. Ry. And let my cry come uato thee. LET US PRAY Almighty Lord and God, who hast brought us to the beginning of this day, let thy powerful grace so conduct us through it, that we may not fall into any sin, but that all our thoughts, words, and actions may be regulated according to the rules of thy heavenly justice, and tend to the observance of thy holy law. Through Jesus = Christ our Lord. Amen! Then beg the divine assistance for the actions of the day, that you may do them well; and say thrice: ¥. Deus, in meum intende. R. Domine, dum me festina. ¥. Deus, in meum intende. ¥. Domine, dum ‘me festina. . Deus, in meum intende. R. Domine, dum me festina. adjutorium ad adjuvanadjutorium ad adjuvanadjutorium ad adjuvan- ¥. Incline unto my aid, O God, R. O Lord, make haste to help me. . Incline unto my aid, O God R. O Lord, make haste help me. . Incline unto my aid, O K. O Lord, make haste to help me. CHRISTMAS 36 LET US PRAY Lord God, and King of heaven and earth, vouchsafe this day to rule and sanctify, to direct and govern our souls and bodies, our senses, words, and actions in conformity to thy law, and strict obedience to thy commands; that by the help of thy grace, O Saviour of the world | we may be_fenced and freed from all evils. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen. OREMUS Dirigere et sanctificare, regore ot gubernare dignare, Domine Deus, Rex ceeli et terre, hodie corda et corpora nostra, sensus, sermones et actus nostros in lege tua, et in operibus mandatorum tuorum, ut hic et in zternum, te auxiliante, salvi et liberi esse mereamur, Salvator mundi. Qui vivis et regnas in szcula seculorum. Amen. After this, uniting yourself with the Church, who celebrates with holy enthusiasm the rising of the Sun of Justice, by whose Light she does the works which render her agreeable to this her divine Spouse, say together with her: ¥. Verbum caro factum est. Alleluia | R. Et habitavit in nobis. Alleluia | OREMUS Da nobis, quasumus, omnipotens Deus, ut qui nova incarnati Verbi tui luce imur; hoc in mosresplendeat opere quod ger fidem fulget in maate. er eumdem Christum Dominum postrum. Amen. . The Word was made Flesh. Alleluia | R. And dwelt among us. Alleluia | LET US PRAY Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that as we are enlightened by the new light of thy, Word nade Flesh, we may show in ouf actions the fidcts of that faith that shineth in our minds. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. During the day, you will do well to use the instructions and prayers which you will find in this volume for each day of the Season, both for the Proper of the Time and the Proper of the Saints. use the following prayers: In the evening you may NIGHT PRAYERS NIGHT After having made 37 PRAYERS the sign of the Cross, begin by adoring and praising the Son of God made flesh, and dwelling amongst us his creatures for our salvation. For this end you may recite the following stanzas of one of the Hymns sung by the Church during Christmas: HYMN Jesu, Redemptor omnium, Quem lucis ante originem Parem paternz gloriz Pater supremus edidit; Tu lumen et splendor Patris, Tu spes perennis omnium; ~ Intende quas fundunt preces Tui per orbem servuli. Memento, rerum conditor, Nostri quod olim corporis Sacrata ab alvo Virginis Nascendo formam sumpseris. Jesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et almo Spiritu In sempiterna szcula. Amen. After and the Then over in during O Jesu! Redeemer of mankindl born before the light was made, and born of the Eternal Father, equal to him in infinite glory; O thou the Light and brightness of the Father! O thou the everlasting hope of all men ! hear the prayers offered thee by thy servants throughout the world. Be mindful, O Creator of all things | that heretofore thou didst assume a Body like unto ours, and wast born from the sacred womb of a Virgin. Glory be to thee, O Jesus, who wast born of the Virgin | and to the Father and the Holy Ghost, for everlasting ages. Amen. this Hymn, say the Our Father, the Hail Mary, Apostles’ Creed, as in the morning. make the Examination of Conscience, going your mind all the faults you have committed the day; think how unworthy sin makes us of the caresses and the company of the Divine Babe; and conclude by making the Confiteor (or I confess) a firm resolution to avoid sin for the future, to do penance for it, and to avoid the occasions which would again lead you into it. The Examination of Conscience concluded, recite with heartfelt contrition, CHRISTMAS 38 and then give expression to your sorrow by the following Act, which we have taken from Blessed Robert Bellarmine’s Catechism: ACT OF CONTRITION O my God, I am exceedingly grieved for having offended thee, and with my whole heart I repent for the sins I have committed: 1 hate and abhor them above every other evil, not only because, by so sinning, I have lost heaven and deserve Hell, but still more because I have offended thee, O infinite Goodness, who art worthy to be loved above all things. I most firmly resolve, by the assistance of thy grace, never more to offend thee for fhe time to come, and to avoid those occasions which might lead me into sin. You may then add the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, to the recitation of which Pope Benedict XIV has granted an indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines for each time. ACT OF FAITH O my God, I firmly believe whatsoever the holy Catholic Apostolic Roman Church requires me to believe: I believe it, because thou hast revealed it to her, thou who art the very Truth. ACT OF HOPE 0 my God, knowing thy almighty power, and thy ‘infinite the meritsof in thes and mercy, 1 hope goodness the Passion and Death of our Saviour Jesus Christ, thou wilt t me eternal life, which thou hast promised to all such as shall do the works of a good Christian; and these I resolve to do, with the help of thy grace. 0 my God, I love things, because thou lose ail things than and desire to love my ACT OF CHARITY thee with my whole heart and above all art the sovereign Good: I would rather offend thee. For thy love also, I love neighbour as myself. Then say to our Blessed Lady, in honour of the ineffable dignity of her Maternity, the following Anthem: NIGHT PRAYERS 39 ANTHEM TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN Alma Redemptoris mater, qu pervia ceeli Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti Surgere qui curat populo: tu qua genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sancVi tum Genitorem, G irgo prius ac posterius, GaTriekis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere. Y. Post partum, Virgo, inviolata permansisti. R. Dei Genitrix, intercede pro nobis. OREMUS Deus, qui salutis azternz, beate Mariz virginitate fecunda, humano generi pramia prastitisti: tribue, quasumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercedere sentiamus, per quam meruimus _auctorem vitz suscipere, Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum. Amen, Sweet Mother of our Redeemer, Gate whereby we enter heaven, and Star of the seal help us, we fall; yet do we long fo rise. Nature looked upon thee with admiration, when thou didst give birth ‘to thy divine Creator, thyself remaining, before and after it, a pure Virgin. G: briel spoke his Hail to the we sinners crave thy pity. Y. After childbirth thou didst remain most pure, o Virgin | .0 Mother of God, make intercession for us. LET US PRAY O God, who by the fruitful Virginity' of Blessed Mary hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation; grant, we beseech thee, that we may experience her intercession, by whom we received the Author of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son. Amen. You would do well to “~J gy of our Lady. An indulgence of three hunared de.,. for each time it is recited has been granted by the Church. THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN Kyrie, eleison. Lord, have mercy on us. Christe, eleison. Christ, have mercy on us. Kyrie, eleison. Lord, have mercy on us. Christe, audi nos. Christ, hear us. Christe, exaudi nos. Christ, graciously hear us. Pater de ceelis, Deus, mise- God the Father of heaven. rere nobis. have mercy on us. Fili, Redemptor _mundi, God the Son, Redeemer of Deus, miserere nobis the world, have mercy on us. 40 CHRISTMAS Spiritus Sancte, Deus, mise- God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. rere nobis. Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. ‘miserere nobis. Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis. Holy Mary, pray for us. Sancta Dei Genitrix, ora, Holy Mother of God, pray, etc. etc. Holy Virgin of virgins, Sancta Virgo virginum, Mater Christi, Mother of Christ, Mater divin gratiz, Mother of divine grace, Mater purissima, Mother most pure, Mater castissima, Mother most chaste, Mater inviolata, Mother inviolate, Mater intemerata, Mother undefiled, Mater amabilis, Mother most amiable, Mater admirabilis, Mother most admirable, Mater boni consilii, Mother of good counsel, Mater Creatoris, Mother of our Creator, Mater Salvatoris, Mother of our Redeemer, Virgo prudentissima, Virgin most prudent, Virgo veneranda, Virgin most venerable, Virgo pradicanda, Virgin most renowned, Virgo potens, Virgin most powerful, Virgo clemens, Virgin most merciful, Virgo fidelis, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of justice, Speculum justitiz, Seat of wisdom, Sedes sapientiz, Causa nostre lastitiz, Cause of our joy, Vas spirituale, Spiritual vessel, Vas honorabile, essel of honour, Vas insigne devotionis, Singular vessel of devotion, Rosa mystica, Mystical Rose, Turris Davidica, Tower :; Pavid, Turris eburnea, Domus aurea, Foederis arca, anua cceli, tella matutina, Salus infirmorum, Refugium peccatorum, Consolatrix afflictorum, Auxilium Christianorum, Regina Angelorum, Regina Patriarcharum, Regina Prophetarum, Regina Apostolorum, Regina Martyrum, Regina Conféssorum, Regina Virginum, Regina Sanctorum omnium, House of goicy Ark of the covenant, ower of ivory, Gate of heaven, Morning Star, Health of the weak, Refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of Angels, Queen of Patriarchs, ucen of Prophets, ueen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Virgins, Quecn of all Saints, Christe, exaudi nos. Y. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix. K. Ut digni efficiamur ‘promissionibus Christi. 41 Queen conceived without original sin, %neen of the Most Holy Rosary, ueen of peace. O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. ¥. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. K. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. OREMUS LET US PRAY NIGHT Regina sine labe originali concepta, Regina Sacratissimi Rosarii, Regina pacis, Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine. Agnus Dei, qui tollis pecGata munds, exaudi nos, Domine. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere no- Concede nos famulos tuos, quasumus, Domine Deus, perpetua mentis et corporis sanitate_gaudere: et gloriosa beate Marie semper Vi ginis intercessione, a prasenti liberari tristitia, _et @terna perfrui letitia. Per Christum Dominum ~ nostrum. Amen. PRAYERS Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that we thy servants may enjoy constant health of body and mind, and by_the glorious intercession _of Blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, be delivered from all _present affliction, and come to that joy which is eternal. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Here invoke the Holy Angels, whose protection is, indeed, always so much needed by us, but never so much as during the hours of night. Say with the Church: Sancti Angeli, custodes i, defendite nos in pralio, ut non pereamus in tremendo judicio. ¥. Angélis suis Deus mandavit de te. R. Ut custodiant te in omnibus viis tuis. Holy Angels, our loving Guardians, defend us in the hour of battle, that we may not be lost at the dreadful judgement. Y. God hath = given his Angels charge of thee. K. That they may guard thee in all thy ways. OREMUS LET US PRAY O God, who in thy wonderDeus, qui ineffabili providentia sanctos Angelos tuos ful providence hast been ad nostram custodiam mit- pleased to appoint thy holy 42 CHRISTMAS tere dignaris: largire supplicibus tuis, ef eorum semper protectione defendi, et zterna societate gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. Angels for our guardians; mercifully hear our prayers, and grant we may rest secure under their protection, and cnjoy their fellowship in_heaven for ever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Then beg the assistance of the Saints by the following Antiphon and prayer of the Church: ANT. Sancti Dei_ omnes, intercedere dignemini pro nostra omniumque salute. . Latamini_in Domino et exsultate, justi. R. Et gloriamini omnes recti corde. oREMUS Protege, lum Domine, tuum, tuorum popu- et Apostolorum Petri et Pauli et aliorum Apostolorum patro- cinio confidentem, perpetua defensione conserva. Omnes Sancti tui, quasumus, Domine, nos ubique adjuvent: ut dum eorum merita recolimus, patrocinia sentiamus: et pacem tuam nostris, concede iter, actus, tuz prosperitate tem- poribus, et ab Ecclesia tua cunctam repelle nequitiam: et voluntates nostras, et omnium lorum tuorum, in benefactoribus bona retribue: requiem =ternam fidelibus Per Christum nostrum. Amen. dispon nostris piterna omnibus famusalutis sem- et defunctis _concede. Dominum ANT. All ye Saints of God, vouchsafe to intercede for us and for all men, that we may be saved. Y. Rejoice in the Lord, ye just, and be glad. R. And glory, all ye right of heart. LET US PRAY Protect, O Lord, thy people; and because we have confidence in the intercession of blessed Peter and Paul and thy other Apostles, ever defend and preserve us. May all thy Saints ever help us, we beseech thee, O Lord | and grant that, whilst we honour their merits, we may experience their intercession. - holy peace unto Graat. thy these our days, and drive all iniquity from thy Church. Direct and prosper unto salvation every step and action and desire of us and of all thy servants. Repay our benefactors with everlasting blessings; and grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. And here you may add a special mention of the Saints to whom you bear a particular devotion, either as your patrons or otherwise; as also of those whose feast is NIGHT PRAYERS 43 kept in the Church that day, or at least who have been commemorated in the Divine Office. This done, remember the necessities of the Church Suffering, and beg of God that he will give to the souls in Purgatory a place of refreshment, light, and peace. For this intention recite the usual prayers. PSALM I2Q De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine: Domine, exaudi vocem meam. Fiant aures tuz intendentes: in vocem deprecationis mez. Siiniquitates observaveris, Domine: Domine, quis sustinebit ? Quia apud te propitiatio est: et propter legem tuam sustinui te, Domine. Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus: speravit anima mea in Domino. A custodia matutina usque ad noctem: speret Israel in Domino. Quia_apud Dominum misericordia: et copiosa apud eum redemptio. Et ipse redimet Isracl; ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus. Requiem =ternam dona eis, Domine. “Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Y. A porta inferi. . Erue, Domine, animas eorum. Y. Requiescant in pace. . Amen. _¥. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. ®y. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. From the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. 1f thou wilt observe iniquities, O Lord, Lord, who shall endure it ? For with thee there is merciful forgiveness; and by reason of thy law I have waited for thee, O Lord. My soul hath relied on_his word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord. From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. . ecause with the Lord there is mercy, and with him plentiful redemption. And he shail redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord. i shine light And let perpetual upon them. From the gate of hell. g,v. Deliver their souls, O Lord. 7. May they rest in peace. . Amen, 5’. O Lord, hear my prayer. K. And let my cry come vnto thee. CHRISTMAS 4“4 LET US PRAY OREMUS O God, the Creator and Fidelium Deus omnium Conditor et Redemptor, ani- Redeemer of all the faithful, mabus famulorum famula- give to the souls of thy serrumque tuarum _remissio- vants departed the remission nem cunctorum tribue pec- of all their sins: that through catorum: ut indulgentiam, the help of pious supplications, quam semper optaverunt, they may obtain the pardon desired. piis supplicationibus conse- they have always quantur. Qui vivis et regnas Who livest and reignest for in sacula seculorum. Amen. ever and ever. Amen. Here make a special memento of departed as have a particular claim after which, ask of God to give whereby you may pass the night Say then, still keeping to the words ANT. Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes, custodi nos dormientes: ut vigilomus cum Christo, et requiescamus in pace. ¥. Dignare, Domine, nocte ista. R. Sine peccato nos custodire. Y. Miserere nostri, Domine. R/. Miserere nostri. ¥. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos. K. Quemadmodum sperayimus in te. ¥. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. orEMUS Visita, quasumus, Domine, habitationem istas et omnes insidias inimici ab ea longe repelle: Angeli tui sancti habitent in ea, qui_nos in pace custodiant, et benedictio tua sit super nos semper. Per Dominum such of the Faithful upon your charity; you his assistance, free from danger. of the Church: Anr. Save us, O Lord, whilst awake, and watch us as we sleep; that we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace. Y. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this night, R-"To keep us without sin. ¥. Have mercy on us, O Lord. . Have mercy on us. . Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. K. As we have hoped in thee. ¥. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto thee. LET US PRAY Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this house and family, and drive from it all snares of the enemy: let thy holy Angels dwell herein, who may keep us in peace, and may thy blessing be always upon us. Through Jesus Christ nostrum Filium vivit et Spiritus omnia Amen. Jesum tuum, regnat Sancti szcula NIGHT Christum, qui tecum in unitate Deus, per szculorum. PRAYERS 45 our Lord, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen. And that you may end the day in the same sentiments wherewith you began it, devoutly pay your homage to the divine Mystery of the Incarnation the following prayer: ¥. Notum fecit Dominus, alleluia | K. Salutare suum, alleluia | OREMUS Deus, qui _sacratissimam noctem’ veri luminis fecisti illustratione clarescere; da, quasumus, ut cujus lucis mysteria in terra cognovimus, ejus quoque gaudiis in ccelo perfruamur. Qui tecum vivit et regnat in secula seculorum, Amen. by reciting Y. The Lord hath made known, alleluia ! R. His salvation, alleluia | LET US PRAY 0 God ! who hast enlightened the most sacred of Nights *y the brightness of him who 15 the true Light; grant, we bescech thee, that we who have known the mysteries of this Light on earth, may likewise come to the enjoyment of it in heaven. Who liveth and reigneth with thee for ever. Amen. | | 46 CHRISTMAS CHAPTER ON HEARING THE FIFTH MASS DURING THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS UCH is the number and importance of the feasts kept during this holy season, that even those of the faithful who have not the habit of hearing Mass daily at other times look upon it as a sort of duty to do so now: and rightly; for the Lamb, who is offered up in this Divine Sacrifice, is he whom they have been asking of the Eternal Father with so much earnestness during Advent, in those words of the Prophet Isaias: Send forth, O Lord, the Lamb, the Ruler of the Earth* This tender Lamb is come; the child is born unto us?® and even now is on the Altar of his Sacrifice. St Paul tells us that this Jesus, on his first entrance into the world, said to his Father: Sacrifice and oblation thou willest not ; but a Body thou hast fitted unto me. Then said I ; behold I come : to do thy will, O God.® 1t is true that the Sacrifice of the Cross, of which that of the Mass is the continuation, was the Sacrifice of Christ at the end of his three-and-thirty years; still, during these days of Christmas, when we have so much to learn from the mystery of the Sacred Infancy, we shall be in strict accordance with the spirit of the Church if, whilst assisting at Mass, we keep before our minds not only the bleeding Victim of Calvary, but likewise the sweet Lamb of Bethlehem. Moreover, does not our Jesus offer himself for us to his Father from his Crib as well as from his Cross ? Thus, we read in the Acts of the Saints, that as often as this our Redeemer wished to requite the faith and love of his servants by manifesting 2 lsaavit * Ibidix6. *Heb 1. MASS 47 to them his real Presence in the sacred Host, he appeared to them in the form of a lovely Babe. The liturgical iconography of the Greeks represents the mystery of the Eucharist under the symbol of a Babe reposing on a Paten. So, too, in many of our Latin Missals, up to the end of the sixteenth century, we find an illumination or engraving, as the case may be, representing a Priest vested in a Chasuble, standing at the Altar, and holding in his hands the Body of our Saviour under the form of a Child. Let the faithful, therefore, enter the House of God in the dispositions wherewith the Shepherds and the Magi were animated, when they went to Bethlehem, the House of Bread. They too must come with haste ,* from the midnight of this world to that Light which shineth in darkness.® They must come to the Altar as to the Crib of Jesus, and in the joy of this Mystery, they must offer their whole heart to the New-Born Babe. Then, uniting themselves with Mary and the Church, they must offer the Lamb of God to the heavenly Father, and themselves together with him—and all this with the humility and simplicity of little children. ‘We will now endeavour to embody these sentiments in our explanation of the Mysteries of the Holy Mass, and initiate the faithful into these divine secrets; not, indeed, by indiscreetly presuming to translate the sacred formulas, but by suggesting such Acts, as will enable those who hear Mass to enter into the ceremonies and sentiments of the Church and the Priest. During a considerable portion of this Season, the Mass is celebrated in commemoration of the great Mysteries which were accomplished at this period of the Liturgical Year; and the Prayers used by the Church on these great Feasts will be found on the respective days. During the remaining forty days, the Holy Sacrifice is either of the Saints, or of the Sundays which come during this time, and on which there does not occur a principal Feast. The Sundays of Septuagesima and + St Luke i 16, +StJohnis. 48 CHRISTMAS Sexagesima sometimes fall during Christmastide; and when this happens, they cannot be put out by any Feast save those of the Patron of the Place, or of the Titular or Dedication of the Church. In all the Masses of the Sundays, as also on those Feasts which are called simples and semi-doubles, the Priest makes a commemoration of our Blessed Lady as Mother of God, and this by three Prayers which we give in their proper places. With regard to the colours of the Vestments used during this holy Season, we have explained them in a previous chapter. On the Sundays, if the Mass at which the faithful assist be the Parochial, or as it is often called the Public Mass, two solemn rites precede it, which are full of instruction and blessing: the Asperges, or sprinkling of the Holy Water, and the Procession. During the Asperges, let them unite with the intentions of the Church in this venerable rite, and pray for that purity of heart which will fit them for admission into that Stable of Bethlehem, wherein carnate first appeared to his creatures. ANTIPHON OF THE ASPERGES Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo, et mundabor; lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor. Ps.Miserere mei, Deus, secundum magnam misericordiam tuam. Y. Gloria Patri, etc. AN, Asperges me, etc. ¥. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. R. Et salutare tuum da nobis. Y. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. Ry. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. . Dominus vobiscum. . Et cum spiritu tuo. the Word In- Thou shalt sprinkle me with liyssop, O Lord, and I shall be eansed; thou shalt wash me, and ‘I shall be made whiter than snow. Ps. Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. ¥. Glory, etc. AN. Sprinkle me, etc. ¥. Show us, O Lord, thy mercy. Ry. And grant us the Saviour, whom we expect from thee. ¥. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto thee. ¥. The Lord be with you. ®7. And with thy spirit. MASS ORENUS Exaudi nos, Domine LET US PRAY Graciously hear us, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God: and vouchsafe to send thy holy Angel from heaven, who may keep, cher- sanc- te, Pater omnipotens, @terne Deus: et mittere digneris sanctum Angelum tuum de ceelis, qui custodiat, foveat, rotegat, visitet atque de- ish, yendat omnes habitantes in hoc habitaculo. Per Chris- which Mass, should remind us going to Bethlehem, and to reach the sacred spot, and Joseph and the Infant are visit and assembled immediately defend Christ this precedes the lace. Through ord. . Amen. K. Amen. Procession, protect, all who tum Dominum nostrum. The 49 in our of the Shepherds and Magi how, after a holy impatience they arrived, and found Mary lying in the manger. But see, Christians, the Sacrifice begins ! The Priest is at the foot of the altar; God is attentive, the Angels are in adoration, the whole Church is united with the Priest, whose priesthood and action are those of the great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Let us make the sign of the Cross with him. (THRISTMAS T HEYORII'NARY(OF THE MASS 1In the naae of the K ther, aud of thebSon, and € the looly Ghost. Amen. 7. Ibntrikbo a saltard Dei. 11" unite 1y self, O my! God, 1§./0d ) eumetui lzivficat dith thy Crarch, who : )mes ujwteteutes rmean . :c] 4 seek cos olation in ] esus Qarist_thy Sson, who i the T tue Altar. Huira e, letus, € dis- ILike her,Tn beseech te e to ech neczausien ma m degleente cbfend me’ gainst the 1 alice «os1 aznct:: abhoomim)i ini- ¢ the enerites of my i vaon. {uped € odolsuo ere - me. GQuaa t es, I eus, f orti- ddt is in tke: that I hae put utc lopinea rquae me rnepu- 1yy hope; et do I fel sad islit i fqet atare tinstis iazedo, aad trouble irat being i the induan ifligt i me miimicsn? siddst of th c'snares whib are e stt for me. hiniflte u cemteuam :t . ve$Send me, tvhen, him h o is ifentan taim: pusa meig de- Liht and trush; it is he whowill indircew mt el€ adimxerwjt in ooen to us hy= way to th holy ancentsa amctwr tuwm, et 1count, to byt heavenly a beroic btaecnawla ta. nacle. ¥ Stivatrildo a ealtar Dei: 1He is theMdediator, ad the &> To um qui [metifict ju- Liing Altar ¢ will drav nigh $0 him, ad be flled - with ‘evmttiem nicam Wy ftien ofitebor il in ot hara Wi e hall Have x ome, 1 will singidn my gld aess, )Iz,us » Duns 1eeus: Je mot sad (10 my soul why rtisiti es aanima mo “ouldst thoi12se troubled g2 1rdsonu rbast ne ? Sipeia e Doc, qurtam 1Hope in ise coming; b who thy Savoysr and th, God dalleiu 0 cobitebe illi: ssaluil soon bew ‘ith thee. atr e wultse mi , et Weus ane.us Oblcifa * itri, dit Fio), et (Glory be on the Fathe, and Sitinsi Sa cto, © %) the Son,iind to thel doly Ghost. Siatc enft inporincijo, et JAs it wacirin the begir 1ing, i acerk s (per,esit in @scula i now, adll ever shal be, Wi vorld withate end. Amn . a@s:ccubn.um 1 Are: o. 3. shtrctho acs altarel Jei 11 am to «b to the ala r of 3./ ) eumgtui lzidficat God, and feh the presec e of inm'who cosc sles me | sjmiecwmtes rmean . A THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 51 ¥. Adjutorium nostrum This my hope comes not from any merits of my own, in nomine Domini. R. Qui fecit celum et but from the all-powerful help of my Creator. terram. The thought of his being about to appear before his God excites in the soul of the Priest a lively sentiment of compunction. He cannot go further in the Holy Sacrifice without confessing, and publicly, that he is a sinner, and deserves not the grace he is about to receive. Listen with respect to this confession of God’s Minister, and earnestly ask our Lord to show mercy to him; for the Priest is your Father; he is answerable for your salvation, for which he every day risks his own. When he has finished, unite with the Servers, or the Sacred Ministers, in this prayer: Misereatur tui omnipo~May Almighty God have tens Deus, et dimissis pec- mercy on thee, and forgiving catis tuis, perducat te ad thy sins, bring thee to evervitam @ternam. lasting life. The Priest having answered Amen, make your confession, saying with a contrite spirit: Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beate Mariz_semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistz, sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi, Pater: quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere: mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper _ Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos " Apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes Sanctos, et te, Pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. 1 confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to thee, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most _grievous fault. Therefore T beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and thee, Father, to pray to our Lord God for me. Receive with gratitude the paternal wish of the Priest who says to you: 52 CHRISTMAS Misereatur vestri_omnipoMay Almighty God be mertens Deus, et dimissis pec- ciful to you, and forgiving catis_vestris, perducat vos your sins, bring you to eversting life. ad_vitam zternam. Ry. Amen. R. Amen. Indulgentiam, _absolutioMay the almighty and mernem, et remissionem pec- ciful ‘Lord grant us pardon, catorum nostrorum tribuat absolution, and remission of nobis_omnipotens et miseri- our sins. cors Dominus. K. Amen. . Amen. Invoke the divine assistance, that you may approach to Jesus Christ. ¥. Deus, tu conversus vivificabis nos. R. Et plebs tua letabitur in te. ¥. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. R. Et Salutare tuam da nobis. ¥. Domine, exaudi orationem mzam. R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. The Priest here leaves but first he salutes you: ¥. Dominus vobiscum. ¥. O God, it needs but one Took of thine to give us life. K. And thy people shall rejoice in thee. Y. Show us, O Lord, thy mercy. Ry, And give us the Saviour whom thou hast prepared for us. ¥. O Lord, hear my prayer. K. And let my cry come unto thee. you to ascend to the altar; ¥.TheLord be with you. Answer him with reverence: Ry. Et cum spiritu tuo. ¥. Oremus. . And with thy spirit. . Let us pray. He ascends the steps, and comes to the Holy of Holies, Ask, both for him and yourself, deliverance from sin: Aufer a nobis, quasumus, Domine, iniquitates nostras; ut ad Sancta sanctorum puris mereamur mentibus introire. Per Christum Do- minum nostrum. Amen. Take from Lord, all make us visit; we thy divine our hearts, O those sins which unworthy of thy ask this of thee by Son, our Lord. ORDINARY THE When the Priest kisses OF THE the altar, MASS out 53 of reverence for the relics of the Martyrs which are there, say : Oramus te, Domine, per merita sanctorum tuorum quorum _religui hic sunt, et omnium Sanctorum: ut digneris omnia indulgere peccata mea. Amen. _ Generous soldiers of Jesus Christ, who have mingled your own blood with his, infor us that our sins may tercede be forgiven: that so we may, ach God. like you, approunto If it be a High Mass at which you are assisting, the Priest incenses the Altar in a most solemn manner; and this white cloud, which you see ascending from every part of the Altar, signifies the prayer of the Church, who addresses herself to Jesus Christ; which this Divine Mediator then causes to ascend, united with his own, to the throne of the majesty of his Father. The Priest then says the Introit. It is a solemn opening anthem, in which the Church, at the very commencement of the Holy Sacrifice, gives expression to the sentiments which fill her heart. It is followed by nine exclamations, which are even more earnest, for they ask for mercy. In addressing them to God, the Church unites herself with the nine choirs of Angels, who are standing round the altar of Heaven, one and the same as this before which you are kneeling. To the Father who has sent us his Son : Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us | Lord, have mercy on us | Lord, have mercy on us | To the Son who has come down to us : Christe eleison. Christe eleison. Christe eleison. To the Holy Ghost, Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Christ, have mercy on us ! Christ, have mercy on us ! Christ, have mercy on us ! whose operation the mystery : has accomplished Lord, have mercy on us | Lord, have mercy on us | Lord, have mercy on us | 54 CHRISTMAS Then, mingling his voice with that of the heavenly host, the Priest intones the sublime Canticle of Beth- lehem, which announces glory to God and peace to men. Instructed by the revelations of God, the Church con- tinues in her own words the Hymn of the Angels. She celebrates with rapture the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world. She offers to this Lamb,in return for the humiliations of the Stable and the Crib, the homage of her fervent praise, declaring that he alone is Holy, he alone is Lord, he alone Most High. Enter, Christians, into these sentiments of profound adoration of confidence and of tender love towards the Divine Lamb. THE ANGELIC HYMN GLoria 1§ ExcELsis Do, ET IN TERRA PAX HOMINIBUS BONE VOLUNTATIS. Laudamus te: benedicimus te: adoramus te: glo ficamus te: gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam. Domine Deus, Rex coelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine, Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patr Qui tollis_peccata mundi, ‘miserere nobis. Qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad _dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu_ solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris. Amen. The Priest salutes them, turns to make GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH, AND ON EARTH PEACE TO MEN OF GOOD WILL. We praise thee: we bless thee: we adore thee: we glorify thee: we give thee thanks for thy great glory. O ZLord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O 'Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. away the.siss of the world, have mercy on us, Who takest away the sins of the world, receive our humble prayer, ho sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For thou alome art holy, thou alone art Lord, thou alone, O Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. towards the Amen. people, and again sure, as it were, of their pious THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 55 attention to the sublime act, for which all this is but the reparation. The words of this greeting are especially Eeauti{ul during the season of Christmas: The Lord be with you! Tsaias had foretold that it would indeed be vertfied, and the Angel confirms the prophecy to St Joseph, when he thus says to him: He shall be called Emmanuel, that is, God with us.* Then follows the Collect or Prayer, in which the Church formally expresses to the divine Majesty the special intentions she has in the Mass which is being celebrated. You may unite in this prayer by reciting with the Priest the Collects, which you will find in their proper places: but on no account omit to join with the server of the Mass in Then of one passage answering Amen. follows the Epistle, which is generally a portion or other of the Epistles of the Apostles, or a from some Book of the Old Testament. Whilst it is being read, thank him who, not satisfied with having at sundry times spoken to us by the Prophets, has deigned in these days to speak to us by his Son.® The Gradual is an intermediate formula of Prayer between the Epistle and Gospel. It again brings to our attention the sentiments which were expressed in the Introit. Read it with devotion, so as to penetrate more and more the spirit of the Christmas Mystery. The song of praise, the Alleluia, is next heard. Let us, whilst it is being sung, unite with the holy Angels, who, at the Birth of the Divine Lamb, made our earth echo with their heavenly chants.® One of the princes of this heavenly host said, speaking to the shepherds: Behold I evangelize to you (that is I bring you good tidings of) a great joy ; for this day is born unto you a Saviowr in Bethlchem, the City of David.® Afterwards came the Apostles, and they evangelized this same joy to the whole world; and the Book which contains the words which gave joy to mankind is called the Heb. i1, 2. 1 St Matt. i 23. + Should Septuagesima oceur before February 2nd, observe here that the Alleluia Verse is replaced by the Tract. (See next vol.) 'St Luke ii 10, 11, CHRISTMAS 56 Gospel, Evangelium. A passage from this divine Book is now going to be read to the assembly of the faithful; we shall hear the very words of him who became Little Child in order to be thus able to speak to us. a If it be a High Mass, the Deacon prepares to fulfil his noble office, that of announcing the Good Tidings of salvation. He prays God to cleanse his heart and lips. Then, kneeling, he asks the Priest’s blessing; and having received it, he at once goes to the place where he is to sing the Gospel. As a preparation for hearing it worthily, you may thus pray, together with the Priest and Deacon: Munda cor meum ac labia mea, omnipotens Deus, qui Jabia Isai@ Propheta calculo mundasti_ignito: ita me tua grata miseratione dignare mundare, ut sanctum Evangelium tuum digne valeam Alas| these ears of mine are but too often defiled with the world’s vain words; cleanse them, O Lord, that so I may hear the words of eternal life, and treasure them in my heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. nuntiare. Per Christum DoAmen. minum nostrum. Amen. Dominus sit in corde meo Grant to thy ministers thy et in labiis meis: ut digne grace, that they may faithfull et competenter annuntiem explain thy law; that so all, Evangelium suum: In no- both pastors and flock, may mine Patris, et Filii, et Spi- be united to thee for ever. ritus Sancti. Amen. Amen. You will stand during the Gos} pel, as thopgh you were waiting the orders of your Lord; and at the commencement, make the sign of the Cross on your forehead, lips and breast; and then listen to every word of the Priest or Deacon. Let your heart be ready and obedient. Whilst my beloved was speaking, says the Spouse in the Canticle, my soul melted within me* If you have not such love as this, have at least the humble submission of Samuel, and say: Speak, Lord ! thy servant heareth.® After the Gospel, if the Priest say the Symbol of Faith, the Credo, you will say it with him. Faith is that gift of God without which we cannot please him. It is Faith that makes us see the Light which shineth in i Cant.ve. * 1 Kings il 10. THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 57 darkness, and which the darkness of unbelief did not comprehend. It is Faith that shows us him we are to love. It is Faith, too, that makes us become little children again ; for such we must be, if we would have access to the Crib of him whom Clement of Alexandria so beautifully calls the King of Infants. Let us, then, say with the Catholic Church, our Mother: THE NICENE CREED! Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, fac torem ceeli et terrz, v lium omnium et invisibi lium. Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum. Et ex Patre natum ante omnia szcula, Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero. Genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri, per Quem omnia facts sunt, Gl propter nos homines, et propter nostram salutem, descendit de coelis. Et incarnatus de Spiritu Sanclo ex Maria_ Virgine; ET HOMO FACTUS EST. Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est. Et resurrexit tertia die secundum _Scripturas. Et ascendit in celum; sedet ad dexteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est cum gloria judicare vivos et mortuos; cujus regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et _ vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit! Qui cum Patre et Filio I believe in ome God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten™ Son of God. And born of the Father before all ages; God of God, light of lighti true God of true God. Begotten, not made; consubstantial with the Father, by whom all things were' made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And became incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary ; AND WAS MADE MAN. He was crucified _also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried. And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And he is to come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; of whose kingdom there shall be no end. And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and giver of life, who proceedeth from _the Father and the Son. Who * The Credo is not said on the Octave Days of St Stephen, St John, and Holy Tnnocents. CHRISTMAS 58 simul adoratur et conglori- together with the Father and ficatur; qui locutus est per the Son is adored and gloriEt unam sanc- fied; who spoke by the ProProphetas. tam Catholicam et Apostoli- hets. And one holy CathoConfiteor ic and Apostolic Church. I cam Ecclesiam. unum Baptisma in_remissio- confess one Baptism for the nem peccatorum. Et exspec- remission of sins. And I to resurrectionem mortuo- expect the resurrection of the rum, et vitam venturi szculi. dead, and the life of the world Amen. to come. Amen. The Priest and the people should, by this time, have their hearts ready: it is time to prepare the offering itself. And here we come to the second part of the Holy Mass, which is called the Oblation, and which immediately follows that which was called the Mass of Catechumens, on account of its being formerly the only part at which the candidates for Baptism had a right to be present. See then, dear Christians ! bread and wine are about to be offered to God, as being the noblest of inanimate creatures, since they are made for the nourishment of man; and even that is only a poor material image of what they are destined to become in our Christian Sacrifice. Their substance will soon give place to God himself, and of themselves nothing will remain but the appearance. Happy creatures, thus to yield up their own being that God may take its place| We too are to undergo a like transformation, when,as the Apostle expresses it, that which to us is mortal shall put on immortality.* Until that happy change shall be realized, let us offer ourselves to God as often as we see the bread and wine presented to him in the Holy Sacrifice; and let us glorify him who, by assuming our human nature, has made us partakers of the divine nature.? The Priest again turns to the people with the usual salutation, as though he would warn them to redouble their attention. Let us read the Offertory with him, and when he offers the Host to God, let us unite with him in saying: 1 Coryv et CastPetis THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 59 All that we have, O Lord, comes from thee, and belongs to thee; it is just, therefore, Suscipe, sancte Pater, omnipotens mterne Deus, hanc immaculatam hostiam, quam ego indignus famu- that we return it unto thee. Ius tuus offero tibi Deo meo But, how wonderful art thou vivo et vero, pro innumera- in the inventions of thy imThis Bread bilibus peccatis et offen- mense lovel sionibus et negligentiis meis, which we are offering to thee et pro omnibus circumstas is to give place in a few motibus, sed et pro omnibus ments to the sacred Body fidelibus christianis vivis of Jesus. We beseech thee, atque defunctis; ut mihi receive, together with this et illis proficiat ad salutem oblation, our hearts which in vitam zternam. Amen. long to live by thee, and to cease to live their own lite of self. ‘When the Priest puts the wine into the chalice, and then mingles with it a drop of water, let your thoughts turn to the divine mystery of the Incarnation, which is manifested to the world by the Birth of our Emmanuel, and say: Deus qui humanz _sub. stantiz dignitatem mir liter condidisti, et mirabilius reformasti: da nobis per hujus aqua et vini mysterium, ejus divinitatis _esse consortes, qui humanitatis nostrm fieri dignatus _est paticeps, Jesus Christus ilius tuus Dominus noster: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia szcula szculorum. Amen, O Lord Jesus, who art the true Vine, "and whose Blood, like a generous wine, has been poured forth under the ressure of the Cross! thou ast deigned to unite th divine nature to our weal humanity, which is signified by this drop of water. O come and make us partakers of thy divinity, by showing thyself to us in thy sweet and wondrous visit. The Priest then offers the mixture of wine and water, beseeching God graciously to accept this oblation, which is so soon to be changed into the reality of which it is rlnjow but a figure. Meanwhile, say in union with the riest: Graciously accept these gifts, O sovereign Creator of in ut am: all things. Let them be fitted precantes clementi for the divine transformation, is Majestat conspectu divinz CHRISTMAS 60 tum, pro nostra et totius which will make them, from mundisalute, cum odore being mere offerings of created suavitatis ascendat. Amen. things, the instrument of the world’s salvation. After having thus held up the sacred gifts towards heaven, the Priest bows down: let us also humble ourselves, and say: In spiritu humilitatis, et in animo contrito suscipiamur a te, Domine: et sic fiat sacrificium nostrum in conspectu tuo hodie, ut placeat tibi, Domine Deus. Though daring, as we approach thy altar, O we cannot forget that sinners. Have mercy and delay not to send do, to Lord, we are on us, us thy Son, who is our saving Host. Let us next invoke the Holy Ghost, whose operation is about to produce on the altar the presence of the Son of God, as it did in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the divine mystery of the Incarnation: Veni, Sanctificator, om- Come, O Divine Spirit, nipotens mterne Deus, et make fruitful the offerin benedic hoc sacrificium tuo which is upon the altar, an sancto nomini preparatum. produce in our hearts him whom they desire. If it be a High Mass, the Priest, before proceeding any further with the Sacrifice, takes the thurible a second time. He first incenses the bread and wine which have been just offered, and then the altar itself; hereby inviting the faithful to make their prayer, which is signified by the incense, more and more fervent, the nearer the solemn moment approaches. St John tells us that the incense which burns on the Altar in heaven is made of the Prayers of the Saints. During Christmas- tide, therefore, we may look on the fragrant cloud which covers our Altar here on earth as an emblem of the prayers said by the Shepherds round the Crib, and of the adorations paid by the Magi to the Infant-God. Let us imitate them; for this same Jesus is soon to be on our Altar. But the thought of his own unworthiness becomes more intense than ever in the heart of the Priest. The THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 61 ublic confession which he made at the foot of the altar 1s not enough; he would now, at the altar itself, express to the people, in the language of a solemn rite, how far he knows himself to be from that spotless sanctity wherewith his hands. he should approach to God. He washes Our hands signify our works ; and the Priest, though by his priesthood he bear the office of Jesus Christ, is by his works but man. Seeing your Father thus humble himself, do you also make an act of humility, and say with him these verses of PSALM 25 I, too, would wash my Lavabo inter innocentes manus meas: et circumdabo hands, O Lord, and become altare tuum, Domine. like unto those who are inUt audiam vocem laudis: nocent, that so I may be woret enarrem universa mira- thy to come near thy altar, bilia tua. and hear thy sacred Canticles, Domine, dilexi decorem and then go and proclaim to domus tuz, et locum habi- the world the wonders of thy tationis gloriz tuz. goodness. I love the beauty Ne perdas cum impiis, of thy House, which thou art Deus, animam meam, et about to make the dwellingcum viris sanguinum vitam place of thy glory. Leave me meam. not, O God, in the midst of In quorum manibus ini- them that are enemies both quitates sunt: dextera eorum to thee and me. Thy mercy repleta est muneribus, having_ soparated me from go autem in innocentia them, I entered on the path of mea ingressus sum: redime innocence, and was restored to thy grace; but_have pity on me, et miserere mei. Pes meus stetit in directo: my weakness still; redeem me in ecclesiis benedicam te, yet more, thou who hast so mercifully brought me back to Domine. Gloria_Patri, et Filio, et the right path. In the midst of these thy faithful people, I Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et give thee thanks. Glory be to nunc, et semper, et in szcula the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it seculorum. ~Amen. was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world with: out end. Amen. The Priest, taking encouragement from the act of humility he has just made, returns to the middle of the 62 CHRISTMAS altar, and bows down full of respectful awe, begging of God to receive graciously the Sacrifice which is about resses the intentions for to be offered to him, and which it is offered. Let us do the same. Suscipe, sancta Trinitas, hanc_oblationem, quam tibi offerimus ob memoriam Passionis, Resurrectionis et Ascensionis Jesu Christi Domini nostri: et in honore beatz Mariz semper Virginis, et beati Joannis Baptista, et sanctorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, et istorum, et omnium Sanctorum: ‘ut illis proficiat ad honorem, nobis autem ad salutem: et illi pro nobis intercedere _ dignentur _in ceelis, quorum memoriam agimus in terris. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. O Holy Trinity, graciously accept the Sacrifice we have begun. We offer it in remembrance of the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Permit thy Church to join with this intention that "of honouring the ever glorious Virgin Mary, the Blessed Baptist John, the holy Apostles eter and Paul, the Martyrs whose relics lie here under our altar awaiting their resurrection, and the Saints whose memory we this day celebrate. Increase the glory they are enjoying, and Teceive the prayers they address to thee for us. The Priest again turns to the people; it is for the last time before the sacred Mysteries are accomplished. He feels anxious to excite the fervour of the people. Neither does the thought of his own unworthiness leave him; and before entering the cloud with the Lord, he seeks support in the prayers of his. brethren who are present. He says to them: Orate, fratres: ut meum _ Brethren, pray that my Sacac vestrum sacrifiium ac- rifice, which is yours also, ceptabile fiat apud Deum may be acceptable to God, our Patrem omnipotentem. Almighty Father. With this request he tumns again to the altar, and you will see his face no more until our Lord himself shall have come down from heaven upon that same altar. Assure the Priest that he has your prayers, and say tohim: Suscipiat Dominus sacrificium de manibus tuis, ad laudem et gloriam nominis May our Lord accept this Sacrifice at thy hands, to the praise and glory of his name, THE ORDINARY sui, ad utilitatem quoque nostram, totiusque Ecclesiz suz sancte. OF THE MASS 63 for our bemefit and that of his holy Church throughout the world. Here the Priest recites the prayers called the Secrets, in which he presents the petition of the whole Church for God’s acceptance of the Sacrifice, and then immediately begins to fulfil that great duty of religion, Thanksgiving. So far he has adored God, and has sued for mercy; he has still to give thanks for the blessings bestowed on us by the bounty of our heavenly Father, and expressly for that chiefest of all his gifts, the Messias. We are on the point of receiving a new visit of this Son of God; the Priest, in the name of the Church, is about to give expression to the gratitude of all mankind. In order to excite the faithful to that intensity of gratitude which is due to God for all his gifts, he interrupts his own and their silent prayer by terminating it aloud, saying: Per omnia szcula szculoFor ever and ever rum| In the same continues: feeling, answer ¥. Dominus vobiscum. . Et cum spiritu tuo. ¥. Sursum corda | your Amen !/ Then he Y. The Lord be with you. 7. And with thy spirit. ¥. Lift up your hearts | Let your response be sincere: K. num. Habemus ad Domi- K. We God. have them fixed on thanks to And when he adds: ¥. Gratias agamus mino Deo nostro. Do- ¥. Let us give the Lord our God, Answer him with all the earnestness of your soul: R Dignum et justum est. K. It is meet and just, CHRISTMAS Then the Priest: PREFACE:! Vere dignum et justum est, @quum et salutare, nos tibi semper et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, terne Deus; quia_per incarnati Verbi mysterium, nova mentis nostre oculis lux tuz claritatis infulsit: ut dum visibiliter Deum cognosci mus, per hunc in invisibilium amorem rapiamur: et ideo cum Angelis et Archangelis, cum Thronis et Dominationibus, cumque omani militia _ ceelestis _exercitus, hymnum glorie tuz canimus, sine fine dicentes: Here unite with It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always and'in all places give thanks to thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God; for by the mystery of the Incarnate Word, a new ray of thy glory has’ appeared ‘to_the eyes of our soul: so that while we behold God visibly, we may be carried by him to the love of things invisible: and therefore with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the heavenly host, we sing a hymn to thy glory, saying unceasingly: the Priest, who on his part unites himself with the blessed Spirits, in giving thanks to God for the unspeakable Gift: bow down and say: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus sabaoth | Pleni sunt celi et terra gloria tua. in excelsis | Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts | Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. -Hosanna in the highest] . 1 This Preface is said on Christmas Day, and during its Octave ; on the Feastof the Holy Nam of [eus;endom e Purifati, of ke lesd Viegn._ The Prfecs forthe iphany, of i vinity, and o siles, given in their proper places. R g 0 1 Common By, DMt 4 018 s ofen ot hers s mok e prapor ons assigned: PREPACE Vere dignum et justum est, @quum It is truly meet and just, right and et salutare, nos tibi semper ct ubique available to salvation, that” we should gratias_agére: Domine sancte, Pater always and in all places give thanks to omnipotens, terne Deus, per Christum thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, Dominum nostrum; per quem majesta- eternal God: through Christ our Lord; by tem tvam loudant Angeli, adorant Do- whom the Angels praise thy majesty, the minationes, tremunt - Pofestates, Catli, Dominations adore it, the Powcrs tremble coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Sera: before it; the heavens and the heavenly phim, socia_exultatione _concelebrant, Virtues, and the blessed Seraphim, with Cum ‘quibus et nostras voces, ut admilti common jubilee glorify it. _Together with jubeas deprecamur, supplici confessione whom, we besecch thee that we may be_admitted to join our humble voices, dicentes: saying: THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 65 Blessed be the Saviout Benedictus qui venit in whom we were expecting, and nomine Domi who is coming to us in the name of the Lord who sends him. Hosanna be to him in the Hosanna in excelsis | highest | After these words commences the Canon, that mys- terious prayer, in the midst of which heaven bows down to earth, and God descends unto us. The voice of the Priest is no longer heard; yea, even at the altar all is silence. It was thus, says the Book of Wisdom, in the quiet of silence, and while the night was in the midst of her course, that the Almighty Word came down from his royal throne! Let us await him in a like silence, and respectfully fix our in the holy place. eyes THE CANON on what the Priest does OF THE MASS In this mysterious colloquy with the great God of heaven Priest Mother. and earth, is for the the first prayer Catholic of the Church, Te igitur, clementissime Pater, per Jesum Christum Filium tuum Dominum nostrum supplices rogamus ac petimus, uti accepta habeas ct benedicas hzc dona, hac munera, hzc sancta sacrificia illibata, in primis quz tibi offerimus pro Ecclesia tua_sancta Catholica: quam pacificare, custodire, adunare et Tegere digneris toto orbe terrarum, una cum fa- his sacrificing and our 0O God, who manifestest thyself unto us by means of the mysteries which thou hast entrusted to thy holy Church, our Mother; we beseech thee, by the merits of this sacrifice, that thou wouldst remove all those hindrances which opose her during her pilgrimage B is werld, Give hee peace and unity. Do thou thyself guide our Holy Father the Pope, thy Vicar on earth. Dimulo tuo Papa nostro N. et rect thou our Bishop, who is Antistite nostro N., et omour sacred link of unity; and nibus orthodoxis, atque ca- watch over all the orthodox tholice et apostolice fidei children of the Catholic Apostolic Roman Church. cultoribus. 1. + Wisd. xvili 14, 15, 66 CHRISTMAS Here pray, together with the Priest, for those whose interests should be dearest toyou. Memento, Domine, famuloram__ famularumque tuarum N. et N., ct omnium circumstantium, quorum tibi fides cognita est, et nota devotio: pro quibus tibi offerimus, vl qui tibi offerunt hoc sacrificium laudis, pro se, suisque omnibus, pro redemptione animarum suarum, pro spe salutis et incolumitatis suz; tibique reddunt vota sua Deo, vivo et vero. terno Here let us commemorate Permit me, O God, to inter- cede with thee in more earnest prayer for those for whom thou knowest that I have a special obligation to pray: . Apply to them the fruits of this divine Sacrifice, which is offered unto thee in the name of all mankind. Visit them by thy grace, pardon them thir sins, grant them the blessings of this present life and of that which is eternal. the Saints: they are that portion of the Body of Jesus Christ which is called the Church Triumphant. Communicantes, et meBut the offering of this Sacmoriam venerantes, in_pri- rifice, O my God, does not mis _gloriose semper Virgi- unite us with those only of our nis Marie, Genitricis Dei ct brethren who are still in this Domini nostri Jesu Chris transient life of trial: it brings sed et beatorum Apostolo- us closer to those also, who rum_ac_Martyrum tuorum, are already in possession of Petri et Pauli, Andrez, Jaco- heaven. Therefore it is that bi, Joannis, Thomz, jacobi, we wish to honour by it the Philippi, Bartholomi, Mat- memory of the glorious and thei, Simonis et Thaddai ever Virgin Mary, of whom Lini, Cleti, Clementis, Xyst Jesus is born to us; of the Cornelii, Cypriani, Lauren- Apostles, Confessors, Virgins, tii, Chrysogoni, Joannis et and of all the Saints; that so Pauli, Cosme et Damiani, they may assist us, by their et omnium sanctorum tuopowerful intercession, to berum, quorum meritis_preci- come worthy to see Jesus in busque concedas, ut in om- Bethlehem, and to contemnibus protectionis_tue mu- plate thee, as they now do, in niamur_auxilio. Per eum- the mansion of thy glory. dem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. The Priest, who, with his hands up to this time, had been praying extended, now joins them, and holds them over the bread and wine, as the High Priest of THE ORDINARY OF THE 67 MASS the Old Law did over the figurative victim: he thus gifts more expresses his intention of bringing these closely under the notice of the Divine Majesty, and of marking them as the material offering whereby we profess our dependence, and which is, in a few instants, to yield its place to the living Host, upon whom all our iniquities are to be laid. Hanc_ igitur oblationem servitutis nostra, sed et cunctz familiz tuz, quesumus Domine, ut placatus accipias: diesque nostros in tua pace disponas, atque ab damnatione nos @terna eripi, et in electorum tuorum jubeas grege numerari. Per ~ Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. Quam oblationem tu Deus in omnibus, quzsumus, benedictam, adscriptam, tam, rationabilem, facere Domini nostri Jesu Christi. Vouchsafe, O God, to accept this offering which this thy assembled family presents to thee as the homage of its most happy servitude. In return, give us peace, save us from thy wrath and number us among thy elect, through him who is coming to us, thy Son our Saviour. Yea, Lord, this is the moment when this bread is to become his sacred Body, which is our food; and this wine is to be changed into his Blood, which is our drink. Ahl! de lay no longer, but send to us this divine Son our Saviour | And here the Priest ceases to act as man; becomes His word power more and than becomes efficacy. he now a mere minister of the Church. that of Jesus Prostrate Christ, yourself with in all its profound adoration; for Emmanuel, God with us, is coming down from heaven. Qui pridie quam _pateretur, accepit panem in sanctas” ac venerabiles manus suas: et elevatis oculis in ccelum, ad te Deum Patrem suum ~ omnipotentem, _tibi gratias _agens, beredixit, egit, deditque discipulis suis, dicens: Accipite, et manducate EsT Hoc MEUM, ex hoc ENiM omnes. CORPUS What, O God of heaven and earth, my Jesus, the long exected Messias, what else can do at this solemn moment but adore thee in silence as my sovereign Master, and open my whole heart to thee, as to its dearest Kingl Come then, Lord Jesus, come | 68 CHRISTMAS The Divine Lamb, the Son of Mary, is now lying on our Altar! Glory and love be to him for ever. But he is come that he may be immolated. When Isaias, in prophetic vision, contemplated this Child that is born unto us, he saw that even then his government was upon his shoulder,* this was and the Cross. Hence, the Priest, who is the minister of the will of the Most High, immediately pronounces over the Chalice those sacred words which will produce the great mystical immolation, by the separation of the Victim’s Body and Blood. The substances of bread and wine have ceased to exist: the species alone are left, veiling, as it were, the Body and Blood, lest fear should keep us from a mystery which God gives us in order to give us confidence. Let us associate ourselves to the Angels, who tremblingly look upon this deepest wonder. Simili modo tquam ceenatum est, accipiens et hunc praclarum Calicem in sanctas ac_venerabiles manus suas: item tibi_ gratias agens, benedixit, deditque discipulis_suis, dicens: Accipite et bibite ex eo omnes. Hic EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI, NOVI ET ZTERNI TESTAMBNTI: MYSTERIUM FIDEI: QUI PRO VOBIS ET PRO MULTIS EFFUNDETUR IN REMISSIONEM _ PECCATORUM. Hzc quotiescumque feceritis, in mei memoriam facietis. O Precious Blood! thou price of my salvation | I adore theel Wash away my sins, and make me whiter than snow. Lamb ever slain, yet ever living, thou comest to take away the sins of the world] Come also and reign in me by thy power and by thy love. The Priest is now face to face with God. He again raises his hands towards heaven, and tells our heavenly Father that the oblation now on the altar is no longer an earthly offering, but the Body and Blood, the whole Person, of his divine Son. Unde et memores, Domine, nos servi tui, sed et plebs tua sancta, ejusdem Father of infinite holiness, the Host so long expected is here before thee | Behold this 3 Isaix6. Christi_ tri tam non et ionis, THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS thy eternal Son, who fered a bitter passion, 69 sufFilii tui Domini nosrose beat Passionis, nec ab inferis Resurrec- again with glory from _the sed et in calos glo- grave, and ascended triumphantly into heaven. He is s® Ascensionis: offerimus preclare majestati tue thy Son; but he is also our de tuis donis ac datis Hos- Host—Host pure and spotless tiam puram, Hostiam sanc- —our Meat and Drink of evertam, = Hostiam immaculalasting life. tam: Panem sanctum vitz mternz, et Calicem salutis perpetuz. Supra quz propitio ac Herctofore thou didst accept sereno vultu respicere dig- the sacrifice of the innocent neris: et accepta habere, lambs offered to thee by Abel; sicuti acccpta habere digna- and the sacrifice which Abratus es munera pueri tui justi ham made thee of his son Abel, et sacrificium Patri- Isaac, who, though immolated, arche nostri Abrahz, et yet lived; and lastly, the uod tibi obtulit summus sacrifice, which Melchisedech acerdos tuus Melchisedech, presented to_thee, of bread and sanctum _sacrificium, imma- wine. Receive our Sacrifice, culatam hostiam. which is above all those others. It is the Lamb, of whom al is the undying Victil the Body of th{ Son, who is the Bread of Life, and his Blood, which, whilst a Drink of immortality for us, tribute adequate to thy glory. The Priest bows down to the altar, and kisses it as the throne of love on which is seated the Saviour of men. Do you look at it with love, as the Crib, whereon is laid, veiled in the eucharistic elements, that Jesus who has said: I am the Bread of life. But, O God of infinite power, these sacred gifts are not only on this altar here below; they are also on that sublime Altar in heaven, which is before the throne of thy divine Majesty. These two alsacrosanctum Filii tars are but one and the same, pus et Sanguinem sumpseri- on which is accomplished the mus, omni benedictione coe- great mystery of thy glory and lesti et gratia repleamur. our salvation. Vouchsafe to CHRISTMAS 70 Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. make us partakers of the Body and Blood of the august Victim, from whom flow every grace and blessing. Nor is the moment less favourable for making sup- plication for the Church Suffering. Let us, therefore, ask the divine Liberator, who has come down amongst us, that he mercifully visit, by a ray of his consoling light, the dark abode of Purgatory, and permit his Blood to flow, as a stream of mercy’s dew, from this our altar, and refresh the panting captives there. us pray expressly for those amongst a claim on our suffrages. Memento etiam, Domine, famulorum famularumque tuarum N. et N., qui_nos recesserunt cum . signo dei, et dormiunt in somno pacis. Ipsis, Domine, et omnibus in Christo . quiescentibus, locum refrigerii, Iucis et pacis, ut indulgeas, deprecamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. them who Let have Dear Jesus! let the - happiness of this thy visit extend to every portion of thy Church. Thy face gladdens the elect in the hoiy City; even our mortal eyes can see beneath the veil of our delighted faith: ah! hide not thyself from those brethren of ours, who are imprisoned in the place of expiation. Be thou refreshment to them in their flames, light in their darkness, and peace in their agonies of torment. This duty of charity fulfilled, let us pray for ourselves, sinners, alas! who profit so little by the visit which our Saviour pays us. Let us, together with the Priest, strike our breast, saying: Nobis quoque peccato bus_famulis tuis, de mul tudine miserationum tuarum sperantibus, partem cum Mathia, Alexandro, Marcellino, Petro, Felicitate, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucia, Agnete, Alas! we are poor siners, 0 God of all sanctity! yet do we hope that thy infinite mercy will grant us to share in thy kingdom, not, indeed, by reason of our works, which deserve little else than punishment, but because of the merits of this Sacrifice, which we are offering to thee. Remember, too, the merits of thy holy Apostles, of thy holy THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 7 Cacilia, Anastasia, et omni- Martyrs, of thy holy Virgins, bus Sanctis tuis; intra quo- and of all thy Saints. Grant rum nos consortium, mon s, by their intercession, grace @stimator meriti, sed veni@, in this world, and glory eternal uzsumus, largitor admitte. in the next: which we ask of er Christum Dominum nos- thee, in the name of our Lord trum, Per quem hec omaia, Jesus Cheist, thy Son. It is Domine, semper bona creas, by him thou bestowest upon sanctificas, vivificas, bene- us thy blessings of life and dicis, et prastas nobis: per sanctification; and by him ipsum, et cum ipso et in also, with him, and in him, in ipso, est tibi Deo Patri om- the unity of the Holy Ghost, nipotenti, in unitate Spiritus may honour and glory be to Sancti, omnis honor et gloria. thee | Whilst saying these last few words, the Priest has taken up the sacred Host, which was on the altar; he has helri) it over the Chalice, thus re-uniting the Body and Blood of the divine Victim, in order to show that he is now immortal. Then raising up both Chalice and Host, he offers to God the most noble and perfect homage which the divine Majesty could receive. This solemn and mysterious rite ends the Canon. The silence of the Mysteries is broken. The Priest concludes his long prayers by saying aloud, and so giving the faithful the opportunity of expressing their desire that his supplications be granted: Per lorum. omnia szcula szcu- For ever and ever. Answer him with faith, and in a sentiment of union with your holy Mother the Church: Amen. Amen|] T believe the mystery which has just been accomplished. 1 unite myself to the offering which has been made, and to the petitions of the Church. It is time to recite the prayer which our Saviour himself has taught us. Let it ascend up to heaven together with the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. How could it be otherwise than heard. 72 CHRISTMAS when he himself who made it for us is in our very hands now whilst wesay it ? As this prayer belongs in common to all God's children, the Priest recites it aloud, and begins by inviting us all to join in it. OREMUS LET US PRAY Praceptis salutaribus moHaving been niti, et divina institutione saving precept, formati, audemus dicere: the form given instruction, we to speak: taught by a and following us by a divine thus presume THE LORD’S PRAYER Pater _noster, qui es in calis: Sanctificetur nomen tuum: _Adveniat regnum tuum: Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in ceelo, et in terra. Panem_ nostrum _ quotidianum da nobis hodie: Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut_et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy’ kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily Bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation. Let us answer with deep feeling of our misery: Sed libera nos a malo. But deliver us from evil. The Priest falls once more Mysteries. His first word your last petition—deliver forms his own next prayer: thing more needed ? Ewvil and the Lamb into the silence of the holy is an affectionate Amen to us from evil—on which he and could he pray for anysurrounds us everywhere, on our altar has been sent to expiate it and deliver us from it. Libera nos, quesumus Domine, ab omnibus malis, preteritis, presentibus et futuris: et intercedente beata et gloriosa semper Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, atque Andrea, ct omnibus Sanctis, da How many, O Lord, are the evils which™ beset us| Evils ast, which are the wounds eft ‘on the soul by our sins, and strengthen her wicked propensities. Evils present, that is, the sins now at this very time upon our soul; the weakness of this poor soul; THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 73 propitius pacem in_diebus and the temptations which nostris: ut ope misericordia molest her. There are also tuz adjuti, et a peccato simus future evils, that is, the chassemper liberi, et ab omni tisement which our sins dePer serve from the hand of thy perturbatione securi. nos- justice. In presence of this Dominum cumdem trum Jesum Christum Fi- Host of our Salvation, we belium tium, qui tecum vivit seech thee, O Lord, to deliver et regnat in unitate Spiritus us from all these evils, and to accept in our favour the interSancti Deus. cession of Mary the Mother of esus, of thy holy Apostles eter and Paul and Andrew. Liberate us, break our chains, ive us peace: through Jesus hrist, thy Son, who with™ thee liveth and reigneth God. The Priest is anxious to announce the Peace which he has asked and obtained; prayer aloud, saying: Per omnia lorum. szcula szcu- finishes his ‘World without end. R. Amen. Pax Domini vobiscum. he therefore R. Amen. Then he says: sit semper May the Peace of our Lord be ever with you. To this paternal wish reply: K. Et cum spiritu tuo. Ry. And with thy spirit. The Mystery is drawing to a close: God is about to be united with man, and man with God, by means of Communion. But first, an imposing and sublime rite takes place at the altar. So far the Priest has announced the Death of Jesus; it is time to proclaim his Resurrection. To this end, he reverently breaks the sacred Host, and having divided it into three parts, he puts one into the Chalice, thus reuniting the Body and Blood of the immortal Victim. Do you adore, and say: Hazc commixtio et conseGlory be to thee, O Saviour of the world, who didst, in thy cratio Corporis et Sanguinis Domini_nostri Jesu Christi, Passion, permit thy precious 74 CHRISTMAS fiat accipientibus nobis in Blood to be separated from vitam ®ternam. Amen. thy sacred uniting _them Body, afterwards again together by thy divine power. Offer now your prayer to the ever-living Lamb, whom St John saw on the Altar of Heaven standing as though slain : say to this your Lord and King: Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agaus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem. Lamb of God, away the sins of have mercy on us. Lamb of God, away the sins of have mercy on us. Lamb of God, away the sins of give us Peace. who the who the who the takest world, takest world, takest world, Peace is the %rand object of our Saviour’s coming into the world: he is the Prince of Peace. The divine Sacrament of the Eucharist ought therefore to be the Mystery of Peace, and the bond of Catholic Unity; for, as the Apostle says, all we who partake of one Bread, are all one Bread and one Body! It is on this account that the Priest, now that he is on the point of receiving, in Communion, the Sacred Host, prays that fraternal Peace may be preserved in the Church, and more especially in this portion of it which is assembled round the altar. Pray with him and for the same blessing: Domiae Jesu Christe, qui dixisti Apostolis_tuis: Pacem relinquo_vobis, pacem meam do vobis: ne respicias peccata mea, sed fidem Ecclesiz tuz: eamque secundum voluntatem tuam pacificare et _coadunare digneris. Qui vivis et regnas Deus, per omnia secula seculorum. Amen. _Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst to thy Apostles, “my peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you”: regard not my sins, but the faith of thy Church, and grant her that peace and unity which is according to thy will. Who livest and reignest God for everandever. Amen. If it be a High, Mass, the Priest here gives the kiss of peace to the Deacon, who gives it to the Sub-Deacon, trcorxiz THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 75 and he to the Choir. During this ceremony, you should excite within yourself feelings of Christian charity, and pardon your enemies, if you have any. Then continue to pray with the Priest: Domine Jesu Christe, Fili Lord Jesus Christ, Son of Dei vivi, qui ox voluntate Patris, cooperante _Spiritu Sancto, per mortem tuam mundum * vivificasti: libera me per hoc sacrosanctum Corpus et Sanguinem tuum, ab omnibus iniquitatibus meis, et universis malis, et fac me tuis semper inharere mandatis, et a te nunquam separari permittas. Qui cum eodem Deo Patre et Spiritu Sancto vivis et regnas Deus in swcula szculorum. Amen. the living God, who, ‘according to the will of thy Father, through the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, hast by thy death given life to the world; deliver me by this thy most sacred Body and Blood from all_my iniquities, and from all evils;” aod make me always adhere to thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from thee, who with the same God the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen. If you are going to Communion at this Mass, say the following Prayer; otherwise, prepare yourself to make a Spiritual Communion: Perceptio Corporis tui, Domine. Jesn Chuste, quod ego indignus sumere prasumo, non mihi proveniat in judicium et condemnationem: sed pro tua pietate prosit mihi ad tutamentum mentis et corporis, et ad medelam percipiendam. Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia s@cula szculorum. Amen. When Let not the participation of thy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn fo my judgement and condemnation; but through thy mercy may it be a safeguard and remedy both to my soul and_body. Who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen. the Priest takes the Host into his hands, order to his receiving it in Communion, say: Panem ccelestem accipiam, et nomen Domini invocabo. in Come, my dear Jesus, come | When he strikes his breast, confessing his unworthi- ness, say thrice with him these words, and in the same CHRISTMAS 76 disposition used them: as the Centurion of the Gospel, who first Domine, non sum dignus Lord, I am not worthy thou ut intres sub tectum meum: shouldst enter under my roof; sed tantum dic verbo, et sa- ssy it only with one word of nabitur anima mea. thine, and my soul will be healed. Whilst the Priest receives the sacred Host, if you also are to communicate, adore profoundly your God, who is ready to take up his abode within you, and again say to him with the spouse: Come, Lord Jesus, come! But 'should you not be going to receive sacramentally, make a Spiritual Communion. Adore Jesus Christ who thus visits your soul by his grace, and say to him: Corpus Jesu mam nam. Domini nmostri Christi custodiat animeam in vitam ®terAmen. Then I give thee, heart of mine, that thou mayest dwell in it, and do with me what thou wilt. the Priest takes the Chalice, and says: O Jesus, this in thanksgiving, Quid retribuam Domino What return shall I make pro_omnibus, qua retribuit to the Lord for all he hath mihi ? Calicem salutaris ac- iven to me? I will take the cipiam, et nomen Domini halice of salvation, and will invocabo. Laudans invoca- call upon the name of the bo Dominum, et ab inimicis Lord. Praising I will call upon the Lord, and I shall be meis salvus ero. saved from mine enemies. But if you are to make a Sacramental Communion, you should, at this moment of the Priest’s receiving the precious Blood, again adore the God who you, and keep to your canticle: Come, Lord If, on the contrary, you are going to only spiritually, again adore your divine say to him: is coming to Jesus, come ! communicate Master, and Sanguis Domini nostri T unite myself to thee, my Jesu Christi custodiat ani- beloved Jesus! do thom unite mam meam in vitam zter- thyself to me! and never let nam. Amen. us be separated. THE ORDINARY OF THE MASS 77 1t is here that you must approach to the altar, if you are going to Communion. The dispositions suitable for Holy Communion during this season of Christmas are given in the next Chapter, p. 80. The Communion being finished, whilst the Priest is purifying the Chalice the first time, say: Quod ore sumpsimus, Domine, pura mente capiamus: et de munere temporali fiat nobis remedium sempiternum. Thou God, in grimage; treasure visit for hast visited me, these days of my give me grace up the fruits of my future eternity. O pilto this Whilst the Priest is purifying the Chalice the second time, say: Corpus tuum, Domine, Be thou for ever blessed, O quod sumpsi, et Sanguis my Saviour, for having. adquem potavi, adhwmreat vis- mitted me to the sacred mysceribus meis: et prasta ut tery of thy Body and Blood. in me non remaneat scele- May my heart and senses prerum macula, quem pura et serve, by thy grace, the purity sancta refecerunt - Sacra- which thou hast imparted to menta. Qui vivis et regnas them: and I be thus rendered in szcula Seculorum. Amen. less unworthy of thy divine visit. The Priest having read the Antiphon called the Communion, which is the first part of his Thanksgiving for the favour just received from God, whereby he has renewed his divine presence among us, turns to the people with the usual salutation; after which he recites the Prayers called the Postcommunion, which are the com- pleuon of the Thanksgiving. You will join him here also, thanking God for the unsgeakable gift he has just lavished on you, and asking him, with most earnest entreaty, that he will permit you to continue for ever in the company of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. These Prayers having been recited, the Priest again turns to the people, a.nd full of joy for the immense says: favour he and Dominus vobiscum. they have been receiving, The Lord be with you. he 78 CHRISTMAS Et cum spiritu tuo. Tte, Missa est. .’ Deo gratias. Answer him: And with thy spirit. Go, the Mass is finished. .’ Thanks be to God. The Priest makes a last Prayer, before giving you his blessing: pray with him: Placeat tibi, sancta Trinitas, obsequium servitutis me, quod_oculis tuz majestatis indignus obtuli, tibi sit acceptabile, mihique, et omnibus, pro quibus illud obtuli, sit, te miserante, propitiabile. ' Per Christum minum nostrum. Amen. Eternal thanks be to thee, O adorable Trinity, for the mercy thou hast showed to me in_permitting me to assist at this divine Sacrifice. Pardon me ness the negligence and wherewith I have cold- re- ceived so great a favour, and deign to confirm the blessing which thy Minister is about to give me in thy Name. The Priest raises his hand, and thus blesses you: Benedicat vos omnipotens May the Almighty God, Deus, Pater, et Filius, et Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless you ! Spiritus Sanctus. R. "Amen. R. Amen. He then fourteen concludes the Mass, verses of the Gospel by reading according which tell us of the eternity of the Word, the first to St John, and of the mercy which led him to take upon himself our flesh, and to dwell among us. Pray that you may be of the number of those who, now that he has come wnto his own, receive him, and are made the sons of God. ¥. Dominus vobiscum. Ry. Et cum spiritu tuo. Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem. Cap. L. In principio erat Verbum et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in_ principio _apud Deum. Omnia per ipsum ¥. The Lord be with you. Ry. And with thy spirit. The_beginning of the Holy Gospel according to John. Ch. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The’ same was in the beginning with God. All things THE ORDINARY facta sunt; et sine ipso factum est nihil quod factum est. In ipso vita erat, et vitat erat lux hominum: et lux in tenebris lucet, et tenebra camn non comprehenderunt. Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joannes. Hic venit in testimonium, ut tes- timonium perhiberet de lumine, ut r illum. omnes Non crederent erat ille ux, sed ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine. Erat lux vera, qua illuminat omnem hominem mundum. venientem in hunc In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus eum receperunt. Quot- est, et mundus eum non cognovit. Inpropria venit, et sui non quot autem receperunt eum, dedit eis potestatem filios Dei fieri, his, qui credunt in nomine ejus: qui non ex sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex volun- tate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt. ET VERBUM CARO FACTUM EST, et habitavit in nobis: et vidimus gloriam cjus, gloriam quasi Unigeniti a Patre, veritatis. plenum Ry. Deo gratias. gratiz et OF THE MASS 79 were made by him, and without him was made nothing - that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men; and the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might belicve through him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him_not. But as many as veceived him, to them he gave power to be made the soms of God; to them that believe in his name, who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among us; and we saw his glory, as it were the glory of the “only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, ®/. Thanks be to God. 8o CHRISTMAS CHAPTER ON HOLY THE COMMUNION SIXTH DURING CHRISTMAS URING Advent, Holy Communion prepared the soul for the visible Coming of her heavenly Spouse. D He graciously granted her that sublime favour, as a foretaste of that happy Night in which he would show himself to her as the Divine Babe, whose ineffable loveliness would ravish Angels, Shepherds, and Kings. She enjoyed something of that exquisite delight which Mary felt, when she had within her chaste womb the God who was her Child, though as yet concealed from her sight. But now that Christmas is come; now that a little Child is born unto wus, cradled in the House of Bread, which is Bethlehem; now that the Angels have invited the Shepherds, and the Star the Him and adore Him; the Holy us on further in the knowledge #llumine us with brighter Light, Magi, to come and see Communion must take of our Incarnate Word, and produce within us a more ardent longing to possess this Jesus, whose love and loveliness gleam so magnificently through the humility of these swathing-bands and manger. It is no longer the invisible Jesus, preparing, by silence and stillness, for the laborious mission of his conquest of souls: it is the Deliverer of mankind who has begun fo run the way * it is the Sun of Justice darting his first rays on our earth; it is our God, asking us to give him, a weak Babe, room in our ‘hearts; it is our Creator, who loveth souls,? striving to win our love. Then let us go to him, that we may know him; let us know him, that we may love him; let us love him, that we may grow like him.” What he ‘demands of us by this Christmas mystery is that we become, 3 Ps. xvii 6. like him, little * Wisd. xi 27, BEFORE COMMUNION 8r children, for there is now no other means of our possessing him, no other way of going to the Father. Thercfore come to him, ve faithful ones, and be enlightened ' We have ventured to draw up these Acts, thinking that they might assist you in your preparation for the visit you are going to make to the Babe of Bethlehem. May you derive profit from them, and pray for him who gives you them. BEFORE COMMUNION ACT OF FAITH Thou art about to descend into my breast, O eternal God | and yet there is nothing to betoken the approach of thy sovereign Majesty ! As on the sacred night of thy birth, thy entrance into Bethlehem was in humility and in silence; so also now, there is nothing to tell men that thou art about to visit me. A Little Child, veiled under the appearance of an humble host, is coming to me, and in a few moments I shall hold within me him who created all things, the Judge of the living and the dead ! Oh ! how I love to bow down my reason before this wonderful Mystery | How I love, too, to contemplate these incomprehensible_abascments of my God, to which_he has humbled himself in order that he might cxalt me! No, Reason could never have taught me all this! How could Reason tell me what the infinite love of God for his creatures can do, when she cannot even make me see my own nothingness and sinfulness, into which, thou, dear Jesus, art now coming ? O Infant God | 1 believe in thy love, and thy love is omnipotent. I come to thee with a simple Faith, as the Shepherds went to Bethlehem when the Angel spoke these words to them: There is born unio you in the Cily of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord : and This shall be a sign unto you : you shall find the Infant wrapped in swaddling-clothes, and laid in a crib % they went without delay, and found thee, and believed. 1 would do in like manner, O my Saviour | The sacramental veils which cover thee are to me what thy infancy, thy swathing-bands, thy crib were to them: and I believe thee to be here really present. of my firm Faith, and receive me Accept this homage as one of those humble Shep- herds, whose simple-heartedness merited for them the first place at the feast of Bethlehem, ACT OF HUMILITY But, sweet Saviour! these Shepherds of Bethlehem had another offering besides the simplicity of their Faith, which ‘made them pleasing to thee: it was the humility of their hearts. 1, # Pi xxxiii 6. 5 St Luke ii 11, 12, 6 82 CHRISTMAS Thou lovest the humble, O my God | and therefore thou didst prefer these humble men to il the rest of mankind, giving them the grand honour of being the first Worshippers at thy Crib. The humility of Mary drew thee from heaven into her chaste womb; and the humility of these fortunate herdsmen made thes call them to be the first to form, with Mary, Joseph and the Angels, thy court in this humble Stable, which thy adorable presence has converted into a very paradise. In this thou givest an important lesson to me, who am to be favoured as they Were, nay, who am about to receive thee within myself. Spare me not, my beloved Jesus; bring down the haughtiness of my spirit; destroy the conceited ambitions of my heart; cast me down at the foot of thy Crib, and suffer me not to rise again until 1 have become one of those Jittle Children whom thou so lovest, that thou thyself wouldst be one; so the better to come down even so low as to me. It is as a weak Babe that thou comest to me, O infinite God | What can I do, but be confounded, and sink into my deep nothingness, I who have never known the humility and simplicity of a child! In thy divine humility thou wouldst not be born in any other place than a Stable and a Crib; my heart, then, will satisfy thee, dear Jesus | and Bethlehem itself, compared with me, had not a poverty so worthy of that Majesty which loves to descend to what is lowest, and of that Light which glorics in shining where the darkness is thickest. ACT OF CONTRITION And yet, O God of holiness | the Stable and the Crib, though most unworthy of thy Majesty, had nothing in them which could give thee displeasure. No place, no object in thy whole creation, could be worthy to serve thee as throne or palace; but since thou wouldst have a birth-place on this carth, the happy spot on which thy choice would fall would become, however contemptible in_itself, a sanctuary worthy of thee, because thy greatness and divinity would consecrate and enrich it. There is but one place unworthy of thee, which thou couldst never choose: the heart of a sinner. OR ! that is the Stable, that is the Crib which would indeed dishonour thee. Ah ! my dear Jesus | there are certain consequences, there are certain wounds scarce yet closed, left in me by past sins, which force me to remember that I was once a dwelling wherein thou couldst not enter, until thy merciful grace had removed from me the abominations of my sins. Miscrable state | how I now grieve over it and detest it | Now that I se thee become, for my sake, the humble and lovely babe of Bethlehem, how hateful those sins of mine, which needed such a remedy ! and how immense -that love of thine, which could deign to give it mel There surely can be no more sin, deagest Lord| Give me thy grace to destroy it within me, and root it up to its last BEFORE COMMUNION 83 fibre. I do not forget those words of thine: Blassed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God ;1 this is the moment for me to come near thy Crib, and do far more than se¢ thec; cleanse, then, my heart, and let neither sin nor attachment to sin ever enter there again. ACT OF LOVE Such is the prayer of my contrite heart: wilt thou, my Infant God, reject it? The Church, my mother, has led ms to Bethlehem’ there I see thee in thy Crib leaning forward towards me, and looking on me with sweetness, and bidding me rejoice, for that thou hast pardoned me, O God of infinite mercy | and forgotten my sins. A contrite heart which sues for mercy is not all thou askest of me, nor all that I wish to offer thee: accept, then, my love. Is not this mystery of thy divine Childhood a mystery of Love? Thou comest to me because thou lovest me; but thou comest to me as a little Infant, because thou wishest me to love thee in return, and have confidence in thee. I do indeed desire to love thee, sweet Saviour | but where shall I find a love worthy of being a return for thine, which is so generous, so immense, and what I can least understand, so tender ? for it is the love of an Infant God, who treats me, a sinner, as a much-loved Brother. Yet I must say it, my sweetest Jesus ! for thy Crib and thy Swathing-bands, the magnificent trophies of thy unmatched love, encourage me to say it: I love thee/ 1 come to thee that I may love thee better. I no longer wish to flee from thee: thou desirest to be united to me by love, nor will I cease to sigh after thee, until I have received thee into my heart, and am made one with thee, according to thy word: He that cateth my Flesh abideth in me, and I in him2 O my Jesus! inflame my heart and make it like that of the Shepherds, when they came near to the Stable where thou wast born; like that of the Magi, when the Star stood over Bethlehem, the House of Bread, and showed them that their journeying was at an cnd; like that of the venerable Simeon, when he saw the Christ of the Lord in Mary’s arms, and all the promises fulfilled which he had received from the Holy Ghost. I offer thee the love of these and all thy Saints, of thy Holy Angels, and of thy Blessed Mother hersclf: let it supply the poverty of my own love, and deign, I beseech thee, to enrich me, by this thy visit, with the gold of divine charity. ACT OF DESIRE 1 love thee, O Divine Babe ! therefore do I desire thee, and bescech thee to come to me. I must needs desire thee, for thou art, as thy Scripture tells me, The Desirc. of the everlasting 15t Matt. v 8. * St Jobnvigy 84 CHRISTMAS hills2 And art thou not Light and Life? Oh! come then, Divine Sun of Justice, enlighten my darkness, and give life to my soul, which faints without thee. The nations of the earth awaited thee as their Deliverer. The Church, thy Spouse, languished with longings for thy visit. Abraham and all the Patriarchs desired to see thy day. Joseph, the Spouse of Mary, is iled with joy at the approach of that blisstul hour when his eyes shall ses the Son of the Eternal God. The Shepherds are impaticat to behold thee: let us g0 ove o Belhlchem, they say, let us see this Word which is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed fo ws. The Magi no sooner see the Star, than they set out to seck thee, the Star of Jacob The aged Simeon is filled with the Holy Ghost, and hastens to the Temple to see the Saviour whom the Lord hath prepared. Anna, the Prophetess, is impelled by a holy enthusiasm, though woighed down with years, to come and see him who is the Consolation of Isracl. Al creation is excited: the very Angels leave heaven to come to see thee in thy Crib and thy Swaddling-clothes, and seeing thee to adore. Shall I alone be indifferent? Let it not be, my dearest Lord ! but rather let my heart long for thee, if not with a like ardour, at least with all its affection. I beseech thee therefore, come into my soul | T offer thee all the prayers and inflamed desires of all thy Saints; and with theirs my own, poor and weak as they are. Yea, come to me; enter into my house; let my heart meet thee; nay, let it be united with thee. O Mary | Virgin-Mother of the Messias | help me by thy prayers fo love him as thou didst, that is, with my whole strength: and lead me to Bethlehem, of which thou art Queen. Ye holy Angels! suffer me to stand, in your glorious choir near the Crib of our God; fit me by your heavenly influence to share in your adorations, and under the shadow of your sacred wings to hide the tatters of my spiritual poverty. ~All ye Saints of God | by the delights ye found in the mystery of Bethlehem, help me and be near me, now that the great God, who filled you with light and love, is about to come into the poor dark dwelling of my heart! Amen. In order to make your Preparation complete, follow, with a lively faith and attention, all the mysteries of the Mass at which you are to receive Communion; using for this purpose the method we have given in the preceding chapter. For your Thanksgiving after Communion, you may sometimes recite the following Acts: * Gen. xlix 26. * Num. xxiv 17. AFTER AFTER COMMUNION 85 COMMUNION ACT OF ADORATION Thou hast, then, come down cven unto me, O my Sovereign Lord | and art reposing in my heart, as in a Crib, which thou hast vouchsafed to choose for thyself, O Infant God'l My heart is now become like a new Bethlehem, O Bread of Angels! I most devoutly adore thee, thee the great God thus humbling thyself to such an abyss of lowliness. To the hymn of the Angels, Glory be fo God in the highest, I must needs add, Glory be 1o thee, my God, in this depth of my misery and weak- ness, whither thou hast so mercifully come! Oh! who will teach me, my sweetest Infant Guest ! who will teach.me how to give thee a worthy welcome of homage ? Mary, thy most pure and Blessed Mother, having given thee birth, and placed thee in the Crib, prostrated herself before thee as thy humble handmaid, snd adored theo. Never had this guilty earth witncssed a homage so sublime as this: and thou didst deign to accept it, as the noblest thou hadst ever reccived. Permit me to imitate this thy beloved Mother, and adore thee as she did, O thou my Sovereign Lord | I humbly beseech thee to accept her homage to supply for the unworthiness of mine; for she is my Mother, and thou hast willed that all her riches and merits should belong to her children. I offer thee, likewise, the adorations of that Just Man, the chaste Spouse of Mary, the admirable Joseph, Who had been admitted into the divine secret of Nazareth, and is now made a witness of the touching mystery of Bethlehem. Oh! that I might share in the devoted respect and love of this glorious Saint, so grand because so simple, and so favoured above all mortals in that he was chosen to protect thy Infancy | I also adore thee in company with the Angels, the Shepherds and the Magi; with Simeon and Anna, and all the Church of heaven and earth, which contemplates in glad amazement the sublime miracle of this abasement of thy divine Majcsty. ACT OF THANKSGIVING But it is not enough, O Divine Babe that I adore thee; I must thank thee. What an honour is this thou has conferred upon me! What happiness this thou hast brought me! I, a sinner, am become by thy sweet condescension a living Bethlehem, possessing in itself Thee, the Bread of Life. Thy sovereign Majesty has come down even to me, and has chosen my heart for thy throne, or rather for thy Crib. The holy Angels adore thee and praise thee; but thou art granting to me an intimacy which these Blessed Spirits have not—thou art reposing on my heart. The Shepherds are admitted into the 86 CHRISTMAS Stable to look at thee; they gaze upon thee with simple and loving admiration; but thou dost not permit them to caress thee. The Magi offer thee their royal gifts; but, as the prophecy said of them,! they kiss but the ground whereon thy &b is placed. Happy, then, the aged Simeon, who is permitted to take thee into his arms; but oh | how happier 11 who have roceived into myself, snd tiow hold within me, thee, my Jesus, the Bread of Life | ' Blessed be thou for ever, O my God | Tor that thou hast treated with such incomprehensible familiarity this the poorest of all thy servants | I thank thee, and glorify thee, as Qid the Shepherds, who went so eagerly to Bethlehem, and veturned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen ; and with such glowing words did they praise thee, that all that ‘heard, wondered af_those things that were fold them by the Shepherds? So too will I open my lips, and borrowing the words of a Son of Bethlehem, David thy ancestor, I will say: All ye that fear God, come and hear, and I will tell you what gréat things ke hath done to my sould ACT OF LOVE Yea, in very truth thou hast loved me, O my divine Guest | for thou hast ladex me with the gifts of thy love. How shall I not return thee love for love, and love thee with all this heart of mine, wherein thou dwellest? Be thou loved, then, my infinitely lovable Jesus of Bethlehem | It was to win our love that thou didst lay aside all thy greatness, and, as thy Apostle expresses it,¢ empty thyself of all thy majesty, assuming the form of a servant, nay, of a weak Babe. Verily, to approach thee now with fear and trembling seems out of season, and such loveliness as this should not be approached, but with confident tenderest love. O thou that art to be my dread Judge | thou art now here, resting on my heart; thou art, thou wishest to be, in my power; and according to thine own saying, thou art mine, and 1 am thine. Jesus! most lovable Jesus! remain with me for ever. Here take up thy abode; here grow before God and men; here reign as my Lord and King and God. To supply for the deficiency of my own love, I offer thee the love wherewith Mary, thy most holy Mother, pressed thee to her sacred Heart, during these the first days of thy lfe on earth; the love wherewith h, the chaste Spouse of Mary, and thy foster-father, so_diligently procured thee all thou didst need; the love wherewith the Shepherds of Bethlehem gazed on thee, the Saviour that was born for them, and knew thee by this sign, that thou wast an Infani—lying—swathed—in a manger ;5 the love wherewith the adoring Magi opened their treasures before thee, and forgot all the fatigues of a long journey, entranced 1 Ps. b Phil.ii 7. * St Luke ii 16, 18, 20. * Ps.lxv 16, ¥ St Luke it 11, 12. AFTER COMMUNION 87 with the sight of thee; the love wherewith the venerable Simeon took thee up in his arms, and felt that he must needs die, now that he had seen Jesus - the love, in fine, of the Holy Angels, who, as thy Apostle tells us,! adored thee when born in Bethlehem, and found their heaven in looking on that immortal beauty, made visible, in thy Infant Face, even to the eyes of sinful men. Accept, O my divine Treasure | my sweetest Jesus, accept my love, as thou didst all these, and abide in me for ever. ACT OF OBLATION But it is not enough that I love thee, O Divine Infant: thou commandest me to give myself to thee. I was far off, and yet thou camest to me, that thou mightest make me thine own possession; and that I might never more leave thee, thou hast taken up thy dwelling within my heart, making it thy Bethlehem, O Bread of Life| Thou wishest that I should become a little child, after thine example; that I should leave, here at thy Crib, all my pride and disobedience; that my worldly wisdom should yield, at the sight of thy Crib, to the Spiri of Faith; that tho alse light which has hitherto been my guide, should be dispelled by the brightness which comes from the mystery of thy Divine Body swathed in the bands of infancy. O Jesus ! thou King of Infants, as one of the Fathers has called thee, I give myself to thee, that thou mayest teach me to become a little child. Accept the promise I make thee, of perfect docility to all thy teachings; grant that it may be constant and always prompted by love. I detest everything in my past life which has been, cither in thought or afiection, contrary to thy spirit. Hence: forth I will be all thine, for thou hast drawn me, by these sacred Mysterics, into_holy nearncss to thyself. I imitate the Magi, who, having adored thee, went back another way into their country. May this holy infancy which I have begun after thinc example be to me the beginning of a new life, with nothing of my old one in it. Simeon having received thee into his arms, wished to live no more for this earth; and shall I be satisfied with it, I who possess thee here within me? No—henccforth, my life is to be the service of thee, that so I may deserve to be united with thee for ever in heaven. Mary, Mother of my Jesus | pray for me, that this gracious visit of thy divine Son may produce in me abundant fruits of virtue. Ye Holy Angels of God | who adore him now dwelling within me, be solicitous for the holiness and purity of my soul and body. All ye saints of God ! pray for me, that I may ever be faithful to him whom ye loved on earth, and now love eternally in heaven. Amen. 3 Heb. i 6. CHRISTMAS CHAPTER THE SEVENTH ON THE OFFICE OF VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS AND FEASTS DURING CHRISTMAS 'HE Office of Vespers, or Evensong, during the whole year, consists firstly of five Psalms and Antiphons, which vary more or less every day. As the main object of our book is the convenience of the Faithful, we only give the Vespers of the Sundays and the principal therefore, Feasts. during With Christmas, regard which to the Sundays, are neither Feasts, nor within the Octave of a Feast, we give them here in full, reserving only that which is peculiar to each for the Proper. 1f it be a Feast, the Office must be sought for on its own day. After the Pater and Ave have been said in secret, the Church commences this Hour with her favourite supplication: ¥. Deus in adjutorium meum intende. K. Domine, ad adjuvandum ‘me festina. Gloria_Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto: Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper, et in secula szculorum. Amen. Alleluia. AxT. Dixit Dominus. The first Psalm Messias. _¥. Incline unto my aid, O God. R. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia, ANT. The Lord said, is a prophecy of the glory of the This Child, who is now born to us in humility and poverty, is to be seated on the right hand of the eternal Father. poral Birth, it Now that we are celebrating his temis most just that we should often SUNDAY’S VESPERS 89 sing the Psalm which speaks of his eternal Generation as God, and of the future glory which awaits him as Man. PSALM 109 Dixit Dominus Domino The Lord said to my Lord, meo: * Sede a dextris meis. his Son : Sit thou at my right hand, and reign with me. Donec ponam inimicos Until, on the day of thy last tuos: * scabellum pedum coming, I make thy enemics tuorum. thy footstool. Virgam virtutis tuz emit0 Christ/ the Lord thy tet Dominus ex Sion: * doFather will send forth the minare in medio inimicorum sceptre of thy power out of tuorum. Sion: from thence rule thou in the midst of thy enemies. Tecum principium in_die With thee is the principality virtutis tuz in splendoribus in the day of thy strength, in sanctorum: * ex utero ante the brightness of the saints: luciferum genui te. For the Father hath said to thee : From the womb before the day-star I begot thee. Juravit Dominus, et non The Lord hath sworn, and peénitebit eum: * Tu es Sa- he will not repent: he hath said, cerdos in @ternum secun- speaking of thee, the God-Man : dum ordinem Melchisedech. hou art a Priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech. Therefore, O Fathe, the Lord Dominus a dextris tuis: * confregit in die ire sum re- thy Son is at thy right hand: ges. he hath broken kings in the day of his wrath. Judicabit in nationibus, He shall also judge among implebit ruinas: * conquas- nations: in_that ferrible comsabit capita in terra multo- ing he shall fill the ruins of rum. the world : he shall crush the heads in the land of many. De torrente in via bibet: * He cometh now in humility ; propterea exaltabit caput. he shall drink in the way of the torrent of sufferings : therefore shall he lift up the head. ANT. Dixit Dominus DoANT. The Lord said to my mino meo, sede a dextris Lord, sit thou at my right meis. hand. ANT. Magna opera DoANT. Great are the works mini. of the Lord. The following Psalm commemorates the mercies of God to his people—the promised Covenant—the Redemption—his fidelity to his promises: CHRISTMAS 90 PSALM Confitcbor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: * in concilio justorum et congrega& tione. Magna opera Domini: * exquisita in omnes volunta) tes ejus. Confessio_et magnificentia opus cjus: * et justitia ejus manet in seculum szculi. Memoriam fecit _mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus: * escam dedit timentibus se. Memor _erit in szculum testamenti sui: * virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo. Ut det illis hereditatem Gentium: * opera majuum ejus veritas et judicium. Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in szculum szcul * et 2quitate. facta in Redemptionem pulo suo: @ternum * veritate misit po- mandavit testamentum in su- um. Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: * initium sapienti timor Domini. Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum: * laudatio ejus manet in szculum szculi. ANT. Magna opera Doexquisita in omnes mini: voluntates ejus. timet DoANT. Qui minum., IIO I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the council of the just, and in the congregation. reat are the works of the Lord: sought out according t0 all his wills. His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth for ever and ever. He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: and being_the bread of life, he hath given food to them that fear him. He will be mindful for ever of his covenant with men : he is come and will show forth to. his_people the power of his works. That he may give them, his Church, the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of his hand are truth and judgement. All his commandments are faithful, confirmed for ever and ever: made in truth and equity. He hath sent Redemption to his people; he hath fhiercby commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continueth for ever and ever. ANT. Great are the works of the Lord: sought out accosding to all his wills. ANT. He that feareth the Lord. The next Psalm sings the happiness of the just man, and his hopes on the day of Jesus’ Birth. It is applicable SUNDAY'S VESPERS 91 also to the sinner, who shall be confounded because he profited nothing by that great Mystery of humility and love. PSALM III Beatus vir qui timet Doi in mandatis cjus Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generatio benedicetur. rectorum Gloria et divitiz in domo ejus: * et justitia ejus manet in seculum szculi. Exortum _est_in tenebris lumen rectis: * misericors, et miserator, et justus. Jucundus homo qui miserefur et commodat, disponet sermones suos in judicio: * quia in ®ternum non commovebitur. In memoria terna erit justus: * ab auditione mala non timebit. Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: * non commovebitur donec despiciat inimicos suos. Dispersit, dedit pauperibus, justitia ejus manet in seculum szculi: * cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria, Peccator videbit et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet et tabescet: * desiderium peccatorum peribit. ANT. Qui timet Dominum, in mandatis ejus cupit nimis. AxT. Sit nomen Domini. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight _exceedingly in his commandments. " His seed shall be mighty tpon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed. Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth for ever and ever. To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate, and just: he is born and dwells amongst us. Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall order his words with judgement: because he shall ot be moved for ever. The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: heshall not fear the evil hearing. His heart is ready to hope in the Lord; his heart is strengthened: he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies. He hath hath given distributed, to the poor; he his justice remaineth for ever and ‘ever: his horn shall be exalted in glory. The wicked shall see, and shall be angry; he shall gnash with his teeth, and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. ANT. He that feareth the Lord delighteth exceedingly in his commandments. ANT. May the name of the Lord. 92 CHRISTMAS The Psalm Laudaie pueri is a Canticle of praise to the Lord, who from his high heaven has taken pity on the fallen human race, and raised it up again by the Inrarnation. PSALM Laudate, pueri, Domi: * laudate nomen Domini, Sit nomen Domini benedictum:* ex hoc nunc et usque in szculum. A solis ortu usque ad oc* laudabile nomen Excelsus _super _omnes Gentes Dominus: * et super ceelos gloria ejus. Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster qui in altis habitat: * ot humilia_respicit in ccelo et in terra ? Suscitans a terra inopem: * et de stercore erigens pauperem. Ut collocet eum cum principibus: * cum principibus populi sui. ui habitare facit sterilem in "domo: * matrem filiorum lztantem. ANT. Sit nomen Domini benedictum in szcula. ANT. The Deus autem fifth witnessed noster. Psalm, under the In II2 Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord: from henceforth now and for ever. From the rising of the sun unto 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 earth, nay, who cometh down amidst us? 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. ANT. May the name of the Lord be for ever blessed. ANt But our God. exitu, ancient recounts Covenant: the prodigies they were ures, whose realities begin their accomplishment in the Birth of Jesus; for he comes that he may. deliver Israel from Egypt, emancipate the Gentiles from their idolatry, and pour out a blessing on every man who will consent to fear and love the Lord. SUNDAY’S PSALM VESPERS 93 T1I3 When Isracl went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people. Judea was made his sanctuary, Isracl his dominion. The sea saw and fled; Jordan was turned back. The mountains skipped like rams: and the hills like the lambs of the flock. What ailed thec, O thou sea, that thou didst flce: and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back ? Ye mountains that ye skipped like rams: and ye hills like lambs of the flock ? At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob. Who turned the rock into pools of water, and the stony hills into fountains of waters. Not to us, O Lord, not to us: but to thy name give glory. For thy mercy and for thy truth’s sake: lest the Gentiles should say: Where is their God ? But our God is in heaven: he hath done all things whatsoever he would. The idols of the Gentiles are gentum et auru * opera silver and gold: the works of manuum hominum. the hands of men. Os habent, et non loquenThey have mouths, and tur: * oculos habent, et non speak not: they have eyes, and videbunt, see not. Aures habent, et non auThey have ears, and hear dient: * nares habent, et non not: they have noses, and odorabunt. smell not. Manus habent, et non palThey have hands, and feel pabunt, pedes habent, et non not: they have feet, and walk ambulabunt: * non clama- not: neither shall they cry out through their throat. bunt in gutture suo. In exitu Israel de ZEgypto: * domus Jacob de populo barbaro. Facta est Judea sanctificatio ejus: * Israel potestas ejus. Mare vidit, et fugit: * Jordanis conversus est retrorsum. Montes _exsultaverunt _ut arictes: * et colles sicut agni ovium. Quid est tibi, mare, quod fugisti: * et tu, Jordanis, quia_ conversus es retrorsum ? Montes exsultastis sicut arietes: * et colles sicut agni ovium ? A facie Domini mota est terra: a facie Dei Jacob. Qui convertit petram in stagna aquarum: * ct rupem in fontes aquarum. Non nobis, Domine, non nobis: * sed nomini tuo da gloriam. Super misericordia tua, et veritate tua: * nequando dicant Gentes: Ubi est Deus eorum ? Deus autem noster in celo: * omnia quzcumque voluit, fecit. Simulacra Gentium ar- CHRISTMAS 94 Similes illis fiant qui faciunt ea: * et omnes qui confidunt in cis. Domus Israel speravit in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est. omus Aaron speravit in Domino: * adjutor eorum et protector eorum est. Qui timent Dominum, speraverunt in Domino’ Let them that make them become like unto them: and all such as trust in them. The house of Isracl hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector. The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector. hey that feared the Lord have hoped in the Lord: he * adjutor corum et protec- is their helper and their protor corum est. tector. Dominus memor fuit nosThe Lord hath been mindful tri: * et benedixit nobis. of us, and hath blessed us. Benedixit domui Isracl: He hath blessed the house * benedixit domui Aaron. of Isracl: he hath blessed the house of Aaron. Benedixit omnibus qui_tiHe hath blessed all that fear ment Dominum: * pusillis the Lord, both little and great. cum majoribus. Adjiciat Dominus super May the Lord add blessings vos: * super vos, et super upon you: upon you, and upon filios vestros. your children. Benedicti vos a Domino: Blessed be you of the Lord, * qui fecit celum et ter- who made heaven and earth. ram, Ceelum caeli Domino: * The heaven of heaven is terram autem dedit filiis the Lord’s: but the earth he hominum. has given to the children of men. Non mortui landabunt te, The dead shall not praise Domine: * neque omnes qui thee, O Lord, nor any of them descendunt in infernum. that go down to hell. Sed nos qui vivimus, beBut we that live bless the nedicimus Domino: * ex Lord: from this time now and hoc nunc et usque in szcu- for ever. lum. ANT. Deus autem noster Ant. But our God is in in’ colo: omnia quzcum- heave: he hath donc all que voluit, fecit. things whatsocver he would. After these Holy Scriptures five Psalms, a short is then read. Lesson from the It is called Capitulum, because it is always very short. That for the several feasts is given on the respective days. The following is said on the Sundays called After the Epiphany, as often as the Vespers are of the Sunday : SUNDAY’S VESPERS 95 CAPITULUM (2 Cor. i) Benedictus Deus et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Pater misericordiarum et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos in omni tribulatione nostra. R. Deo gratias. _ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of merci and the God of all consolation, who comforteth us in all our tribulations. Ry. Thanks be to God. Then follows the Hymn. We give the one of the Sunday’s Office. It was composed by St Gregory the Great, and celebrates Creation. It praises the Light, which God drew out of nothing, on this the first day, and which is the beautiful image of our Divine Infant, the Light of the world, the Orient that has visited them who sat in the shadow of death. Lucis Creator optime, Lucem dierum proferens; Primordiis lucis nov, Mundi parans originem, HYMN? Qui mane junctum vesperi Diem vocari pracipis, Tllabitur tetrum chaos, Audi preces cum flotibus. Ne mens gravata crimine, Vit sit exul munere, Dum nil perenne cogitat, Seseque culpis illigat. O infinitely good Creator of the Light! by thee was produced the Light of day, providing thus the world's begin- ning with the beginning of the new-made Light. Thou biddest us call the time from morn till eve, Day ; this day is over; dark Night comes on: oh | hear our tearful prayers. Let not our soul, weighced down by crime, mis-spend th giftof life, and, forgetting what is eternal, be earth-tied by her sins. 1 According to the Monastic Rite, it is as follows: K. breve. Quam magnificata sunt, * Opera tua Domige. Quam. ¥.Omnia o’ sapientia fecistl. * Opera. Gioria Patri, etc. Quam. Licis Creator optime, Lucem dierum proferens; Primordiis lucis nov: Mundi parans originem. ‘Qui mane junctum ves Diém vocari pracipis, Tetrum chaos illabitut, ‘Audi preces cum fetibus. Ne mens gravata crimine Vita sit exul munere, Dum il pereano cogitat, culpis il SVitale oruetollat et i, pramium: Vitemus omne noxium, Purgemus omne pessimum, Prasta, Pater piissime, Patrique'compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne seculum. Amen, CHRISTMAS h ! may we strive to enter Ceeleste pulsct intimum, our heavenly home, and bear Vitale tollat premium: away the prize of life: may we Vitemus omne noxium, 96 shun what would injure us, and cleanse our soul from her defilements. Most_merciful Father! and thou, his Only-Begotten Son, co-equal with him, reigning for ever with the Holy Paraclete! grant this our prayer. Amen. Purgemus omne pessimum. Prasta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regmans per omne szculum. Amen. The Versicle which follows the Hymn which we here give is that of the Sunday: those for the Feasts are given in their proper places. ¥. May my prayer, O Lord, ascend. . Like incense in thy sight. Y. Dirigatur, Domine, oratio mea. ‘K. Sicut incensum in conspectu tuo. Then is said the Magnificat Antiphon, which is to be found in the Proper for the different days. After this, the Church sings the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat, in which are celebrated the Divine Maternity and all its consequent blessings. This exquisite Canticle is an cssential part of the Vespers throughout the year; but how sweetly appropriate s it to the season of Christmas, during which the Church is overflowing with joy at the Birth of Jesus! She turns to the Mother, and proclaims her Blessed. Blessed indeed; for, the power of the Most High overshadowed her ; the Holy Ghost gave unto her, for the salvation Fruit of her Womb. of the world, OUR LADY’S CANTICLE the Blessed (St Luke i) Magnificat: * anima mea _ My soul doth magnify the Dominum: Lurl‘{; spiritus cxsultavi S Et t p And my spirit hath rejoiced meus: * in Deo salutari mco. in God my Saviour. St Luke i 35. SUNDAY'S Quia respexit humilitatem ancillze suz: * ecce enim ex hoc Beatam mc dicent omnes generationes. Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est: ® et sanctum nomen ejus. Et misericordia ejus a progenic in progenies: * timentibus eum. Fecit potentiam in brachio suo: * dispersit superbos ‘mente cordis sui. Deposuit potentes de sede: * et exaltavit humiles. Esurientes implevit bonis: * et divites dimisit inanes. Suscepit Israel puerum suum: * recordatus misericordiz suz. Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros: * Abraham et semini ejus in szcula. VESPERS 97 Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holyis his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generation, to them that fear him. He hath showed might in his arm: he hath scattered the roud in the conceit of their eart. Ho hath put down the mighty from ‘their seat: and bath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy. As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever. The Magnificat Antiphon is then repeated. The Prayer, or Collect, will be found in the Proper of each Sunday and Feast. The Vespers end with the following Versicles: ¥. Benedicamus Domino. . Let us bless the Lord. . Deo gratias. . Thanks be to God. . Fidelium _anime per . May the souls of the misericordiam Dei requies- faithful departed, through the cant in pace. mercy of God, rest in peace. K. Amen, K. Amen. CHRISTMAS CHAPTER THE EIGHTH ON THE OFFICE OF COMPLINE FOR SUNDAYS AND FEASTS DURING CHRISTMAS HIS Office, which concludes the day, commences by a warning of the dangers of the night: then immediately follows the public Confession of our sins, as a powerful means of propitiating the divine justice, and obtaining God’s help, now that we are going to spend so many hours in the unconscious and therefore dangerous of death. state of sleep, which is also such an image The Lector, addressing the Priest, says to him: ¥. Jube, cere. domne, benedi- ¥. Pray, Father, give thy blessing. The Priest answers: Noctem quietam et finem perfectum concedat nobis Dominus omnipotens. K. Amen. May the Almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. K. Amen. The Lector then Epistle of St Peter: these words Fratres: Sobrii reads estote, et vigilate: _quia adversarius vester _diabolus, tamquam leo rugiens circuit quarens quem devoret: cui resistite fortes in fide. Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. K. Deo gratias. from the first Brethren, be sober and watch: for your adversary the devil goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour: resist him, being strong in faith. But thou, O Lord, have mercy on us. The Choir answers: K. Thanks be to God. COMPLINE Y. Adjutorium in pomine Domini. 99 Then the Priest: nostrum ¥. Our help is in the name of the Lord. The Choir: K. Qui fecit coelum et terram. R7. Who hath made heaven and earth. Then the Lord’s Prayer is recited in secret; after which the Priest says the Confiteor ; and when he has finished, the Choir says: Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis tuis, perducat te ad vitam 2ternam. May Almighty God be merciful to thee, and forgiving thy sins, bring thec to everlasting life. The Priest having answered Amen, the Choir repeats the Confiteor, thus: Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti, beatz Marie semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptiste, sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus sanctis, et tibi Pater: quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo et opere: mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem ~ Archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes sanctos, et te, Pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. I confess to Almighty God, to Blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Arch: angel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to thee, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore T beseech the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and thee, Father, to pray to our Lord God for me. The Priest then says: Misereatur vestri _omniMay Almighty God be merpotens Deus, et dimissis ciful to you, and, forgiving peccatis vestris, perducat your sins,” bring you to everlasting life. vos ad vitam aternam. K. Amen. K. Amen. CHRISTMAS I00 Indulgentiam, absolutio- nem, et remissionem peccatorum nostrorum, tribuat nobis_omipotens et misericors Dominus. K. Amen. o Converte nos, Deus, lutaris noster. Ry. nobis. Etaverte iram tuam a ¥. Deus, in adjutorium ‘meum intende. K. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina. Gloria Patri, etc. AT, Miserere, May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins. . Amen. ¥. Convert us, O God our Saviour. K. And tumn away thy anger from us. . Incline unto my aid, O God. K. hel O Lord, iory, ote. ANT. Have The first Psalm expresses the the just man sleeps in peace; not what calm rest is. It also Word, the Light of the Father, our darkness. make haste to mercy. confidence with which but the wicked know speaks of the eternal who is come to dispel PSALM4 Cum invocarem exaudivit When I called upon him, me Deus justitiz mew: * the God of my justice heard tribulatione dilatasti me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer. 0'ye sons of men, how long il hominum, usquequo gravi corde? * ut quid d will you be dull of heart? wh; gitis_vanitatem, et quarit do you love vanity, and seel mendacium ? after lying ? Et scitote quoniam miriKnow ye also that the Lord ficavit Dominus sanctum hath made his Holy One wonsuum: * Dominus exaudiet derful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him. me, cum clamavero ad eum. Irascimini, et nolite pecBe ye angry, and sin not: care: * qua dicitis in cordi- the you say in your bus vestris, in cubilibus ves- hearts, be sorry for them upon tris compus your beds. Sacrificate sacrificium jusOffer up the sacrifice of justitie, et sperate in Domin tice, and trust in the Lord: * multi dicunt: Quis osten many say, who showeth us dit nobis bona ? good things ? COMPLINE Signatum est super nos lumen vultus tui Domine: * dedisti letitiam in corde meo. A fructu frumenti, vini et olei sui: * multiplicati sunt. In pace in idipsum: * dormiam et requiescam. Quoniam tu, Domine, singulariter in spe: * constituisti me. The 101 Light of thy counte- nance, O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart. By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, they are ‘multiplied. In peace, in the self same, I will sleep, and I will rest. For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope. ‘l'he second Psalm gives the motives of the just man’s confidence, even during the dangers of the mght Then we have God himself speaking, and promising to show us our Saviour. PSALM O Qui habitat in adjutorio He that dwelleth in the aid Alfissimi: * in protectione of the Most High, shall abide Dei ceeli commorabitur. under the protection of the God of heaven. Dicet Domino: SuscepHe shall say to the Lord: tor meus es tu, et refugium Thou art my protector and my meum, * Deus meus, spe- refuge: my God, in him will I trust, rabo in eum. Quoniam ipse liberavit For he hath delivered me me de laqueo venantium: * from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word. et a verbo aspero. He will overshadow thee Scapulis suis obumbrabit tibi: * ct sub pennis ejus with his shoulders : and under sperabis. his wings thou shalt trust. Scuto circumdabit te veHis truth shall compass thee ritas ejus: * non timebis a with a shield: thou shalt not timore nocturno. be afraid of the terror of the night. A sagitta volante in die, a Of ‘the arrow that flieth in negotio perambulante in te- the day: of the business that nebris: * ab incursu, et dz- walketh about in the dark: monio meridiano. of invasion, or of the noonday devil. A thousand shall fall at thy Cadent a latere tuo mille, et decem millia a dextris side, and ten thousand at thy tuis: * ad te autem non right hand: but it shall not appropinquabit. come nigh thee. CHRISTMAS 102 Verumtamen considerabis: * oculis et tuis retribu- tionem peccatorum videbis. Quoniam tu_es, Domine, spes mea: * Altissimum posuisti refugium tuum. Non accedet ad te malum: * et flagellum non appropinquabit tabernaculo tuo, Angelis _suis Quoniam mandavit de te: * ut custodiant te in omnibus viis tuis. In manibus portabunt te: * ne forte offendas ad lapidem pedem tuum. Super_aspidem et basiliscum ambulabis: * et conculcabis leonem et draconem. Quoniam in me speravit, liberabo eum: * protegam eum, quoniam cognovit nomen'meum. Clamabit ad me, et ego exaudiam eum: * cum ipso sum in tribulatione, eripiam eum et glorificabo eum. Longitudine ~ dierum _ replebo eum: * et ostendam’ illi Salutare meum. But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast said : Thou, O Lord, art my hope: Thou hast made the Most High thy refuge. There shall no evil come to thee, nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling. For he hath given his Angels charge over thee: to keep thee in all thy ways. In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt walk upon the asp and basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon. God will say of thee: Because he hoped in me, I will deliver him: I will protect him, because he hath known my name. He will cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him. T will fill him with length of days: and I will show him my salvation. The third Psalm invites the Servants of God to persevere with fervour in the prayers they offer during the Night. The Faithful should say this Psalm in a spirit of gratitude to God for his raising up in the Church adorers of his holy name, whose grand vocation is to lift up their hands day and night for the safety of Israel, On such prayers depend the happiness and destinies of the world. Ecce minum: mini. PSALM 133 nunc benedicite DoBehold now bless ye the * omnes servi Do- Lord, all ye servants of the rd, COMPLINE Qui statis in domo Dominir * in atriis domus Dei nostri. In noctibus extollite manus vestras in sancta: * et benedicite Dominum. Benedicat te Dominus ex Sion: * qui fecit ccelum et terram, Axt. Miscrere mei, Domine, et exaudi orationem meam. Te lucis ante terminum, Rerum Creator, poscimus, Ut pro tua clementia Sis prasul et custodia. 103 Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. In the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord. Say to Israel: May the Lord out of Sion bless thee, he that made heaven and earth. ANT. Have mercy on me, O Lord, and hear my prayer. HYMN! Before the closing of the light, we beseech thee, Creator of all things! that, in thy clemency, thou be our protector and our guard. Procul recedant somnia, May the dreams and phanEt noctium phantasmata; toms of night depart far'from Hostemque nostrum com- us; and do thou repress our prime, enemy, lest our bodies be Ne polluantur corpora. profaned. Prasta, Pater piissime, Most merciful Father| and Patrique compar Unice, thou, his Only-Begotten Som, Cum Spiritu Paraclito co-equal with him | reigning for Regnans per omne seculum. ever with the Holy Paraclete | grant this our prayer. Amen. Amen. (This last Stanza is varied for Chrisimas Day, elc., and for the Epiphany. See p. 106.) CAPITULUM Ueremias xiv) Tu autem in nobis es, But thou art in us, O Lord, Domine, et nomen sanctum and thy holy name has been tuum invocatum est super invoked upon us: forsake us nos; ne derelinquas nos, not, O Lord our God. Domine Deus noster. 3 According to the Monastic Rite, as follows: Te lucis ante mnumm, Rerum Creator, poscimus, S8 sProcul orecedant o eusiodiam, somnia, Et noctium phantasmata; Hostemque nostrum comprime, Ne polluantur corpora, Prasta omni Per Jesum Pater Christum &’mm. Qui tecum i Reguat cum Sancto Spiritu. CHRISTMAS 104 R.. Into thy hands, O Lord: K. In manus tuas, Domine: * Commendo spiritum * I commend my spirit. Into hands. meum, In manus tuas. . Thou hast redeemed us, ¥. Redemisti nos, Domine’ Deus veritatis, * Com- 0 Lord God of truth. * I commend. mendo. Glory. Into thy hands. Gloria. In manus tuas. ¥. Preserve us, O Lord, as ¥. Custodi nos, Domine, ut pupillam oculi. the apple of thine eye. K. Protect us under the slarum BPsub ambra tuarum protege nos. shadow of thy wings. The Canticle of the venerable Simeon, who, whilst holding the divine Infant in his arms, proclaimed him to be the Light of the Gentiles, and then slept the sleep of the just, harmonizes admirably with this closing Office of the day at Christmastide; for during this holy Season the Church is for ever thanking God, because he has dispelled the shades of death by the rising of the Sun of Justice, in whose love she labours all day long, and takes her rest at night, saying: I sleep, and my heart watcheth.* CANTICLE (St Nunc _ dimittis servum toum, Domine: * secundum verbum tuum in pace. Quia viderunt oculi mei: * Salutare tuum. Quod parasti: * ante faciem omnium populorum. Lumen ad revelationem Gentium: * et gloriam plebis tuz Israel. Gloria Patri et Filio, etc. ANT. Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes: custodi nos dormientes, ut vigilemus cum Christo, et requiescamus in pace. Y. Dominus vobiscum. ®. Et cum spiritu tuo, OF SIMEON Luke ii) Now dost thou dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace. Because my ecyes have seen thy salvation. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples. A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Isracl. Glory. ANT. Save us, O Lord, whilst awake, and watch us as we sleep; that we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace. ¥. The Lord be with you. Ry, And with thy spirit. 2 Cat.va COMPLINE OREMUS Visita, quasumus Domine, habitationem_istam, et omnes insidias inimici ab ea longe repelle: Angeli tui sancti habitent in_ea, qui nos in pace custodiant: et benedictio_tua sit super nos semper. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium taum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia szcula szculorum, Amen. ¥. Dominus vobiscum., . Et cum spiritu tuo. ¥. Benedicamus Domino. Ry. Deo gratias. Benedicat et custodiat nos omnipotens et misericors Dominus, Pater et Filius et Spiritus Sanctus. K. Amen. LET US PRAY Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this house and family, and drive from it all snares of the enemy: let thy holy Angels dwell herein, who may keep us in peace, and may thy blessing be always upon us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen. ¥. The Lord be with you. Ry. And with thy spirit. ¥. Let us bless the Lord. Ry. Thanks be to God. May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless and preserve us. Ry. Amen. ANTHEM TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN Alma Redemptoris mater, que pervia ceeli Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat populo. Tu qua genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem, Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere. ¥. Post partum, Virgo, inviolata permansisti. R. Dei _Genitrix, intercede pro nobis. oRrEMUS Deus qui salutis _@ternz beat Mariz virginitate fecunda humano generi pra- 105 Sweet Mother of our Redeemer, Gate whereby we enter heaven, and Star of the sea, help us, we fall; yet do we long to rise. Nature looked upon thec with admiration, when thou didst give birth to thy divine Creator, thyself remaining, before and after it, a pure Virgin. Gabriel spoke his Hail to thee; we sinners crave thy pity. Y. After child-birth thou didst remain most pure, O Virgin. K. O Mother of God! make intercession for us. LET US PRAY O God, who by the fruitful Virginity of the Blessed Mary hast given to mankind the re- CHRISTMAS 106 mia prastitisti: tribue, quzsumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercedere sentiamus per quam meruimus auctorem vitz suscipere Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum. Ry. Amen. Y. Divinum _ auxilium maneat super nobiscum. K. Ament wards of eternal salvation; grant, we beseech thee, that we may experience her intercession, by whom we received the Author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son. R. Amen. Y. May the divine assistance remain always with us. K. Amen. Then in secret, Pater, Ave and Credo, p. 31. THE LAST STANZA OF THE HYMN IS THUS VARIED: From Christmas Day till the Epiphany ROMAN BREVIARY Jesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna swcula. Amen. Monastic BREVIARY Gloria tibi, Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna szcula. Amen. For the Epiphany, and during the Octave ROMAN BREVIARY Jesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui apparuisti Gentibus, Cum Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna szcula. Amen. MonasTic BREVIARY Gloria tibi, Domine, Qui apparuisti hodie, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna secula. Amen. For the Feast of the Holy Family RoMAN BREVIARY Jesu, tuis obedicns ui factus es perentibus, ‘um Patre summo et Spiritu, Semper tibi sit gloria. Amen. 3 Tn the Monastic Rite this Response is as follows: Ry. Et cum fratr nostrisibus abseatibus. R Aud with our absent Brethren Ame, Amea. THE EPIPHANY THE EPIPHANY OF OUR OF 107 LORD OUR LORD HE Feast of the Epiphany is the continuation of the mystery of Christmas; but it appears on the Calendar of the Church with its own special character. Its very name, which signifies Manifestation, implies that it celebrates the apparition of God to his creatures. For several centuries the Nativity of our Lord was kept on this day; and when, in the year 376, the decree of the Holy See obliged all Churches to keep the Nativity on the.25th December, as Rome did, the Sixth of January was not robbed of all its ancient glory. It was still to be called the Epiphany, and the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ was also commemorated on this same Feast, which Tradition had marked as the day on which that Baptism took place. The Greek Church gives this Feast the venerable and mysterious name of Theophania, which is of such frequent recurrence in the early Fathers, as signifying a divine Apparition. We find this name applied to this Feast by Eusebius, Pelusium. In St Gregory the Nazianzen, liturgical books and of St Isidore of the Church the Feast goes under no other name. Melchite The Orientals call this solemnity also the Holy Lights, on account of its being the day on which Baptism was administered; for, as we have just mentioned, our Lord was baptized on this same day. the holy Fathers Illumination, and it Iluminated. Baptism is called by they who received Lastly, this Feast is called, in many countries, King’s Feast : it is of course an allusion to the Magi, whose journey to Bethlehem is so continually mentioned in to-day’s Office. The Epiphany shares with the Feasts of Christmas, Easter. Ascension, and Pentecost the honour of being 108 CHRISTMAS called, in the Canon of the Mass, @ Day most holy. Itis also one of the cardinal Feasts, that is, one of those on which the arrangement of the Christian Year is based; for, as we have Sundays after Easter, and Sundays after Pentecost, so also we count six Sumdays after the Epiphany. The Epiphany is indeed a great Feast, and the joy caused us by the Birth of our Jesus must be renewed on it, for as though it were a second Christmas Day, it shows us our Incarnate God in a new light. It leaves us all the sweetness of the dear Babe of Bethlehem, who hath appeared to us already in love; but to this it adds its own grand manifestation of the divinity of our Jesus. At Christmas it was a few Shepherds that were invited by the Angels to go and recognize THE WORD MADE FLEsH; but now, at the Epiphany, the voice of-God himself calls the whole world to adore this Jesus, and hear him. The mystery of the Epiphany brings upon us three magnificent rays of the Sun of Justice, our Saviour. In the calendar of pagan Rome, this Sixth day of January was devoted to the celebration of a triple triumph of Augustus, the founder of the Roman Empire: but when Jesus, our Prince of peace, whose empire knows no limits, had secured victory to his Church by the blood of the Martyrs, then did this his Church decree that a triple triumph of the Immortal King should be substituted, in the Christian Calendar, for those other three triumphs which had been won by the adopted son of Czsar. The Sixth of bration of our December; but same Epiphany the mystery of January, therefore, restored the celeLord’s Birth to the Twenty-Fifth of in return, there were united in the one three manifestations of Jesus’ glory: the Magi coming from the East, under the guidance of a star, and adoring the Infant of Beth- lehem as the divine King; the mystery of the Baptism of Christ, who, whilst standing in the waters of the Jordan, was proclaimed by the Eternal Father as Son of God; and thirdly, the mystery of the divine power THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD 109 of this same Jesus, when he changed the water into wine at the marriage-feast of Cana. But did these three Mysteries really take place on this day ? Is the Sixth of January the real anniversary of thsse great events ? As the chief object of this work is to assist the devotion of the Faithful, we purposely avoid everything which would savour of critical discussion; and with regard to the present question, we think it enough to state that Baronius, Suarez, Theophilus Raynaldus, Honorius de Sancta-Maria, Cardinal Gotti, Sandini, Benedict XIV, and an almost endless list of other writers, assert that the Adoration of the Magi happened on this very day. That the Baptism of our Lord, also, happened on the Sixth of January, is admitted by the severest historical critics, even by Tillemont himself, and has been denied by only two or three. The precise day of the miracle at the marriagefeast of Cana is far from being as certain as the other two mysteries, though it is impossible to prove that the Sixth of January was not the day. For us the children of the Church, it is sufficient that our Holy Mother has assigned the commemoration of these three manifesta- tions for this Feast; we need nothing more to make us rejoice in the triple triumph of the Son of Mary. If we now come to consider these three mysteries of our Feast separately, we shall find that the Church of Rome, in her Office and Mass of to-day, is more intent on the Adoration of the Magi than on the other two. The two great Doctors of the Apostolic See, St Leo and St Gregory, in their Homilies for this Feast, take it as the almost exclusive object of their pr : though, Nola, together St Maximus with St Augustine, of Turin, St St Peter Paulinus of Chrysologus, St Hilary of Arles, and St Isidore of Seville, they aclmow- dge the three mysteries of to-day’s Solemnity.- That the mystery of the Vocation of the Gentiles shauld be made thus prominent by the Church of Rome is not to be wondered at; for, by that heavenly vocation which, in the three Magi, called all nations to the admirable CHRISTMAS 110 light of Faith, Rome, which till then had been the head of the Gentile world, was made the head of the Christian Church and of the whole human race. The Greek Church makes no special mention, in her Office of to-day, of the Adoration of the Magi, for she unites it with the mystery of our Saviour’s Birth in her celebration of Christmas Day. The Baptism of Christ absorbs all her thoughts and praises on the solemnity of the Epiphany. In the Latin Church, this second mystery of our Feast is celebrated, unitedly with the other two, on the Sixth of. January, and mention is made of it several times in the Office. But as the coming of the Magi to the crib of our new-born King absorbs the attention of Christian Rome on this day, the mystery of the sanctification of the waters was to be commemorated on a day apart. The day chosen by the Western Church for paying special honour to the Baptism of our Saviour is the Octave of the Epiphany. The third mystery of the Epiphany being also somewhat kept in the shade by the prominence given to the first (though allusion is several times made to it in the Office of the Feast) a special day has been appointed for its due celebration; and that day is the second Sunday after the Epiphany. Several Churches have appended to the Mystery of changing the water into wine that of the multiplication of the loaves, which certainly bears some analogy with it, and was a manifestation of our Saviour’s divine power. But whilst tolerating the custom in the Ambrosian and Mozarabic rites, the Roman Church has never adopted it, in order not to interfere with the sacredness of the triple triumph of our Lord, which the Sixth of January was intended to commemorate; as also because St John tells us, in his Gospel, that the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves happened when the Feast of the Pasch was at hand,! which, therefore, could not have any connection with the season of the year when the Epiphany is kept. 1 St John vi 4. THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD 1 We propose to treat of the three mysteries united in this great solemnity in the following order. To-day, we will unite with the Church in honouring all three; during the Octave, we will contemplate the Mystery of the Magi coming to Bethlehem; we will celebrate the Baptism of our Saviour on the Octave Day; and we will venerate the Mystery of the Marriage of Cana on the Second Sunday after the Epiphany. Let us, then, open our hearts to the joy of this grand Day; and on this Feast of the Theophany, of the Holy Lights, of the Three Kings, let us look with love at the dazzling beauty of our Divine Sun, who, as the Psalmist expresses it,! runs his course as a Giant, and pours out upon us floods of a welcome and yet most vivid light. The Shepherds, who were called by the Angels to be the first worshippers, have been joined by the Prince of Martyrs, the Beloved Disciple, the dear troop of Innocents, our glorious Thomas of Canterbury, and Sylvester the Patriarch of Peace; and now to-day these Saints open their ranks to let the Kings of the East come to the Babe in his crib, bearing with them the prayers and adorations of the whole human race. The humble Stable is too Mary, the Throne Bethlehem little for such seems a gathering to be worth as this, and all the world besides. of the divine Wisdom, welcomes all the members of this court with her gracious smile of Mother and Queen; she offers her Son to man for his adoration, and to God, that he may be well pleased. God manifests himself he manifests himself to men, by Mary, because he is great; because he but is full of mercy. The great Day, which now brings us to the crib of our Prince of Peace, has been marked by two great events of the first ages of the Church. It was on the Sixth of January in the year 361, and Julian, who in heart was already an apostate, happened to be at Vienne in Gaul. He was soon to ascend the imperial throne, which would be left vacant by the death of Constantius, and he felt + Ps. xviii 6. 112 CHRISTMAS the need he had of the support of that Christian Church in which it is said he had received the order of Lector, and which, nevertheless, he was preparing to attack with all the cunning and cruelty of a tiger. Like Herod, he too would fain go on this Feast of the Epiphany, and" adore the new-born King. His panegyrist Ammianus Marcellinus tells us that this crowned Philosopher, who had been seen, just before, coming out of the pagan temple, where he had been consulting the soothsayers, made his way through the porticoes of the church, and standing in the midst of the faithful people, offered to the God of the Christians his sacrilegious homage. Eleven years later, in the year 372, another Emperor found his way into the Church, on the same Feast of the Epiphany. It was Valens; a Christian, like Julian, by baptism; but a persecutor, in the name of Ana.msm, of that same Church which Julian persecuted in the name of his vain philosophy and still vainer gods. As Julian felt himself necessitated by motives of worldly policy to bow down, on this day, before the divinity of the Galilean; so, on this same day, the holy courage of a saintly Bishop made Valens prostrate himsef at the feet of Jesus the King of kings. Saint Basil had just then had his famous interview with the Prefect Modestus, in which his episcopal intre- pidity had defeated all the might of earthly power. Valens had come to Cesarea, and, with his soul defiled with the Arian heresy, he entered the Basilica, when the Bishop was celebrating, with his people, the glorious Theophany. Let us listen to St Gregory Nazianzen, thus describing the scene with his usual eloquence: ‘ The Emperor entered the church. The chanting of the psalms echoed through the holy place like the rumbling of thunder. The people, like a waving sea, filled the house of God. Such was the order and pomp in and about the sanctuary, that it looked more like heaven than earth. Basil himself stood erect before the people, as the Scripture describes Samuel—his body and eyes and soul motionless, as though nothing strange THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD 113 had taken place, and, if I may say so, his whole being was fastened to his God and the holy Altar. The sacred ministers, who surrounded the Pontiff, were in deep recollectedness and reverence. The Emperor heard and saw all this. He had never before witnessed a spectacle so imposing. He was overpowered. His head grew dizzy, and darkness veiled his eyes.” Jesus, the King of ages, the Son of God and the Son of Mary, had conquered. Valens was disarmed; his resolution of using violence against the holy ‘Bishop was gone; and if heresy kept him from at once adoring the Word consubstantial to the Father, he at least united his exterior worship with that which Basil's flock was paying to the Incarnate God. When the Offertory came, he advanced towards the Sanctuary, and pre- sented his gifts to Christ in the person of his holy priest. The fear lest Basil might refuse to accept them took such possession of the Emperor, that had not the sacred ministers supported him, he would have fallen at the foot of the Altar. Thus has the Kingship of our new-born Saviour been acknowledged by the great ones of this world. The Royal Psalmist had sung this prophecy—the Kings of the earth shall serve him, and his enemies shall lick the ground under his feet.! The race of Emperors like Julian and Valens was to be followed by Monarchs who would bend their knee before this Babe of orthodox of Charlemagne, Bethlehem, faith the .Confessor, and our own Stephen and him the homage the Great and Edward devoted Alfred of offer hearts. Hungarv, Theodosius, the Emperor Henry II, Ferdmand of Castile, Louis IX of France, are examples of Kings who had a special devotion to the Feast of the Epiphany. Their ambition was to go in company with the Magi to the feet of the Divine Infant, and offer him their gifts. At the English Court the custom is still retained, and the reigning Sovereign offers an ingot of gold as a tribute of homage to Jesus 1 Ps, Ixxi g, 12, m » 8 CHRISTMAS 114 the King of kings: the ingot is afterwards redeemed by a certain sum of money. But this custom of imitating the Three Kings in their mystic gifts was not confined to Courts. In the Middle Ages, the Faithful used to present, on the Epiphany, gold, frankincense and myrrh, to be blessed by the Priest These tokens of their devotedness to Jesus were kept as pledges of God’s blessing upon their houses and families. The practice is still observed in some parts of Germany: and the prayer for the Blessing was in the Roman Ritual, until Pope Paul V suppressed it, together with several others, as being seldom required by the Faithful. There was another custom which originated in the Ages of Faith, which is still observed in many countries. In honour of the Three Kings, who came from the East to adore the Babe of Bethlehem, each family chose one of its members to be King. The The choice was thus made. family kept a feast, which third of the in Galilee—a piece which the King of reserved was an allusion to the Epiphany Mysteries—the Feast of Cana cake was served up, and he who took the had a certain secret mark was proclaimed the day. Two portions of the cake were for the poor, in whom honour was thus paid to the Infant Jesus and his Blessed Mother; for on this Day of the triumph of him who, though King, was humble and poor, it was fitting that the poor should have a share in the general joy. The happiness of home was here, as in so many other instances, blended with the sacredness of Religion. This custom of King’s Feast brought relations and friends together, and encouraged feelings of kindness and charity. Human weakness would sometimes, perhaps, show itself during these hours of holiday-making; but the idea and sentiment and spirit of the whole feast was profoundly Catholic, was sufficient guarantee to innocence. and that King's Feast is still a Christmas joy in thousands of families; and happy those where it is kept in the Christian spirit which first originated it! For the last three THE EPIPHANY 115 OF OUR LORD hundred years, a puritanical zeal has decried these simple customs, wherein the seriousness of religion and the home enjoyments of certain Festivals were blended together. The traditions of Christian family rejoicing have been blamed under pretexts of abuse; as though a recreation, in which religion had no share and no influence, were less open to intemperance and sin! Others have pretended (though with little or no foundation) that the Twelfth Cake and the custom of choosing a King are mere imitations of the ancient Saturnalia. Granting this to be correct (which it is not), we would answer that many of the old pagan customs have undergone a Christian transformation, and no one thinks of refusing to accept them thus purified. All this mistaken zeal has produced the sad effect of divorcing the Church from family life and customs, or excluding every religious manifestation from our traditions, and of bringing about what is so pompously called (though the word is expressive enough) the secularization of society. . But let us return to the triumph of our sweet Saviour and King. His magnificence is manifested to us so brightly on this Feast! Our mother, the Church, is going to initiate us into the mysteries we are to celebrate. Let us imitate the faith and obedience of the Magi; let us adore, with the holy Baptist, the divine Lamb, over whom the heavens open: let us take our place at the mystic feast of Cana, where our dear King is present, thrice manifested, thrice glorified. In the last two mysteries, let us not lose sight of the Babe of Bethlehem; and in the Babe of Bethlehem let us cease not to recognize the Great God, in whom the Father was 't”h"a pleased, and the supreme Ruler and Creator of all ngs. Tfiz Church begins the Solemnity of the Epiphany by singing First Vespers. 116 CHRISTMAS FIRST VESPERS 1. ANT. Ante luciferum genitus et ante szcula, Dominus Salvator noster hodie mundo apparuit. Psalm, Dixit 2. ANT. Venit lumen tuum, Jerusalem, et gloria Domini super te orta est; et ambulabunt Gentes in lumine tuo. Alleluia. OF THE EPIPHANY 1. ANT. The Lord our Saviour, begotten before the day-star and all ages, appeared to the world on this day. Dominus, p. 89. 2. ANT. Thy light is come, O Jerusalem, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee; and the Gentiles shall walk in thy light. Alleluia. Psalm, Confitebor tibi, p. 90. 3. ANT. Apertis thesauris 3. ANT. Opening their treasuis, obtulerunt Magi Domino sures, the Magi offered to the aurum, thus, et myrrham. Lord gold, frankincense, and Alleluia. myrrh. Alleluia. Psalm, Beatus vir, p. o1. 4. ANT. Maria et flumina, benedicite Domino: hymnum dicite, fontes, Domino. Alleluia. 4. ANT. Ye seas and rivers, bless the Lord: ye fountains, sing a hymn to the Lord. Alleluia, Psalm, Laudate pueri, . 92. 5. ANT. Stella ista sicat 5. ANT. This star shineth flamma coruscat, et Regem as a flame, and pointeth out regum Deum demonstrat: God, the King of kings: the Magi eam viderunt, et mag- Magi saw it, and offered gifts no Regi munera obtulerunt. to the great King. PSALM 116 Laudate Dominum omnes O praise the Lord, all gentes: * laudate cum omnes nations: praise him, all yo people. popu Buoniam confirmata est © For his mercy is confirmed super nos misericordia ejus: upon us: and the truth of the * ot veritas Domini manet in Lord remaineth for ever. @ternum. The holy Church, after having thus celebrated the power given to the Divine Babe over kings, whom he shall break, in the day of his wrath : his covenant with the 117 THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD Gentiles, whom he will give as an inheritance to his Church; the light that is risen up in darkness : his Name blessed from the rising to the setting of the sun : and after having, on this day of the Vocation of the Gentiles, invited all nations and all people to praise the eternal mercy and truth of God, addresses herself to Jerusalem, the figure of the Church, and conjures her, by the Prophet Isaias, to take advantage of the LiGHT which has this day risen upon the whole human race. CAPITULUM (Isa. 1x) Surge, illuminare, JerusaArise, be enlightened, O Jelem, quia venit lumen tuum, rusalem, for thy light is come, et gloria Domini super te orta and the glory of the Lord is est. risen upon thee. Then follows the Hymn. It is the beautiful one composed by Sedulius, of which we sang the opening stanzas in the Lauds of Christmas Day. In the verses selected for the present Feast, the Church celebrates the three Epiphanies: Bethlehem, the Jordan, and Cana, each in its turn, manifested the glory of Jesus, our great King. HYMN' Cruel tyrant Herod! why Crudelis Herodes, Deum Regem veniro quid times ? tremblest thou at the coming Non eripit mortalia, of the King our God ? He that gives men a heavenly kingdom, Quiregna dat ceelestia. takes not from earthly ones. Ry. breve. Omnes de Saba Veniet Alieluia, alleluia. Omnes. ¥. Aurum et thus ‘deferentes, * Alleluia. Gloria Patri. Omnes. ey, O iy calnia, Tbant Magi quam viderant, s o Deum fatentur munere. kings their Lavacra puri gurgitis Caelestis Agnus attigit: Peccata qua non detulit, i, gan eioen by No)s' abluendo sustulit. MIIH"V‘I% unda originem. Gloria tibi Domine, g:ln. paruisti hodie, atre, et Sancto Spiritu, =i In sempiterna sacula, CHRISTMAS 118 Ibant Magi, quam viderant Stellam sequentes praeviam; Lumen requirunt lumine; Deum fatentur munere. Lavacra puri gurgitis Ceelestis Agnus attigit: Peccata qu non detulit, Nos abluendo sustulit. Novum genus potentiz: Aqua rubescunt hydrie, Vinumgque jussa fundere, Mutavit unda originem. Jesu, tibisit gloria, Qui te revelas Gentibus, Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna szcula. Amen. ¥. Reges Tharsis et insulz munera offerent. B. Reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent. ANTIPHON On went the Magi, following the Star that went before them, and which they had seen in the East. They scek by this light Him that is thelight,and bytheir giftsacknowledge him tobe God. The heavenly Lamb touched the, pure stream, wherein he deigned to be baptized: it is we whom he hereby washes from our sins, for he could have none to be cleansed. At Cana he showed a new sort of power: the water in the vases at the feast turns red; and when ordered to be poured out, lo! it had changed its nature, and was wine. Glory be to thee, O Jesus, who manifestest thyself fo the Gentiles: and to the Father, and to the Spirit of love, for everlasting ages. Amen. ¥. The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents. R. The kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts. OF THE MAGNIFICAT Magi videntes stellam, di erunt ad invicem: Hoc signum magni Regis est: eamus et inquiramus eum, et offera‘mus ei munera, aurum, thus et myrrham. Alleluia. The Magi, seeing the Star, said to each other: This is the sign of the great King: let us go and seek him, and offer him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Alleluia. The Canticle, Magnificat, p. 96. COLLECT Deus, qui hodierna die Uni0 God, who by the direction genitum tuum Gentibus, stella of a star didst this day maniduce, revelasti: concede pro- fest thy only Son to the Genpitius, ut qui jam te ex fide tiles; mercifully grant that we, cognovimus, usque ad con- who now know thee by faith, templandam speciem tuw cel- may come at length to see the situdinis perducamur. Per glory of thy Majesty. Through the same, etc. cumdem. THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD 119 The Church-has thus opened her chants in honour of the divine Theophany. To-morrow, the offering of the great Sacrifice will unite us all in the prayers we present to our King and Saviour. Let us finish this day in recollection and joy. The Matins for the Epiphany are exceedingly rich and magnificent; but, as the Faithful do not assist at them, we will not give them. At Milan, they are sung during the Night, like the Christmas Matins, and are also composed of three Nocturns—contrary to the custom of the Ambrosian Liturgy, which has only one Nocturn at Matins. The people assist at them, and altogether these holy Vigils are kept up with almost as much devotion as those of Christmas Night. CHRISTMAS 120 JANUARY 6 ‘HE day of the Magi, the day of the Baptism, the day of the Marriage Feast, has come: our divine Sun of Justice reflects upon the world these three bright rays of his glory. Material darkness is less than it was; Night is losing her power; Light is progressing day by day. Our sweet Infant Jesus, who is still lying in his humble crib, is each day gaining strength. Mary showed him to the shepherds, and now she is going to present him to the Magi. The gifts we intend to offer him should be prepared; let us, like the three Wise Men, follow the star, and go to Bethlehem, the House of the Bread of Life. MASS At Rome, the Station is at St Peter’s on the Vatican, near the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, to whom, The Church proclaims, in the opening chant of the in Christ, all nations have been given as an inheritance. Mass, the arrival of the great King, for whom the whole earth was in expectation, and at whose Birth the Magi are come to Jerusalem, there to consult the prophecies. INTROIT Ecce advenit Dominator Dominus:et regnum in manu ejus, et potestas et imperium. Ps. Deus, judicium tuum Regi da: et justitiam tuam Filio Regis. Gloria Patri. Ecce advenit. Behold the Lord the Ruler is come: and dominion, and power, and empire, are in his hand. Ps. Give to the King thy judgement, O God, and to the King's Son thy justice. Glory. Behold. After the Angelic Hymn, Gloria in excelsis, the holy Church, all in gladness at the bright Star which lead: the Gentiles to the crib of the Dwme King, prays, in t THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD 121 Collect, that she may be permitted to see that living Light for which faith pepares us, and which will enlighten us for all eternity. COLLECT Deus, qui hodierna die Unigenitum tuum Gentibus, stella duce, revelasti: concede propitius, ut qui jam te cx fide Ccognovimus, usque ad contemplandam speciem tuz celsitudinis perducamur. Per eumdem. 0 God, who by the direction of a star didst this day manifest thy only Son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant that we, who now know thee by faith, may come at length to see the glory of thy Majesty. Through the same, etc. EPISTLE Lectio Isaim Prophete. Cap. LX. Surge, illuminare, Jerusalem: quia venit lumen tuum, et gloria Domini super te orta est. Quia ecce tenebra operient ferram, et caligo populos; super te autem orietur Dominus, et gloria ejus in te videbitur. Et ambulabunt Gentes in lumine tuo, et Reges in splendore ortus tui. Leva in circuitu oculos tuos, et vide: omnes isti_congregati sunt, venerunt tibi: fili tui de longe venient, et filiz tuz de latere surgent. Tunc videbis et afflues, et mirabitur et dilatabitur cor tuum, quando conversa fuerit ad te multitudo maris, fortitudo Gentium venerit tibi. Inundatio camelorum_operiet te, dromedarii Madian ot Epha: omnes de Saba venient, aurum et thus deferentes, et laudem Domino annuntiantes. Lesson from the Prophet Isaias. Ch. LX. Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and Kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see and abound, and thy heart shall wonder, and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing forth praise to the Lord. 122 CHRISTMAS Oh! the greatness of this glorious Day, on which begins the movement of all nations towards the Church, the true Jerusalem ! Oh! the mercy of our heavenly Father, who has been mindful of all these people that were buried in the shades of death and sin! Behold ! the glory of the Lord has risen upon the Holy City; and Kings set out to find and see the Light. Jerusalem is not large enough to hold all this sea of nations; another city must be founded, and towards her shall be turned Rome ! art this Holy City, and thy heart shall wonder the countless Gentiles of Madian and Epha. and be enlarged. slaves; but from Thou, O Heretofore thy victories have won thee this day forward, within thy walls countless children. thou shalt draw Lift up thine eyes, and see—all these, that is the whole human race, give themselves to thee as thy sons and daughters; they come to receive from thee a new birth. and embrace them that come Open wide thine arms, from North and South, bringing gold and frankincense to him who is thy King and ours. GRADUAL Omnes de Saba venicnt, aurum et thus _deferentes, et laudem Domino annun tiantes. Y. Surge et illuminare, Jerusalem, quia gloria Domini super te orta est. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. Vidimus stellam cjus in’ Oriente: et venimus cum muneribus adorare Dominum. Alleluia. All come from Saba, bringing gold and frankincense, and publishing the praises of the Lord. V. Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. We saw his star in the east, and are come offerings to adore Alleluia. GOSPEL Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Matthzum. Cap. II. Cum natus esset Jesus in Bethlehem Juda, in_diebus Herodis regis, ecce Magi ab shall with our the Lord. Sequel of the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Ch. II. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of King Herod, behold there Oriente 123 THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD _venerunt Jerosoly- came wise men from the East mam, dicentes: Ubj est qui natus est Rex Judzorum ? vidimus enim stellam ejus in Oriente, et venimus adorare eum. Audiens autem Herodes rex, turbatus est, et omnis Jerosolyma cum illo. Et congregans omnes principes sacerdotum, et scribas populi, sciscitabatur ab eis ubi Christus nasceretur. At illi dixerunt ei: In Bethlehem Judz: sic enim scriptum est per Prophetam: Et tu, Bethlehem, terra Juda, nequaquam minima esin principibus Juda: ex te cnim exiet dux qui regat populum meum Israel. Tunc Herodes, clam vocatis Magis, diligenter didicit ab eis fempus stellz, quz apparuit eis: et mittens illos in Bethlehem, dixit: Ite, et interrogate diligenter de puero: et cum_inveneritis, renuntiate mihi, ut et ego veniens adorem eum. Qui cum audissent regem, abierunt. Et ecce stella quam viderant in Oriente antecedebat eos, usque dum veniens staret supra ubi erat puer. Videntes autem stellam, gavisi sunt gaudio magno valde. Et intrantes domum, invenerunt puerum cum Maria matre ojus, (here all kneel) ot procidentes adoraverunt eum. Et apertis thesauris suis, obtulerunt ei munera, aurum, thus etmyrrham. Etresponso accopto in_somnis ne redirent ad Herodem, per aliam viam reversisunt in regionem suam. to Jerusalem, saying: Where is he “that is born King of the Jews ? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. And Herod hearing this was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests, and the scribes of the people, he_enquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda: for it is written by the Prophet: And thou, Bethlehem, the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Isracl. Then Herod privately calling the Wise Men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them: and sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go, and diligently enquire after the Child and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him. Who, having heard the king, went their way. And behold the star, which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary Mother (kre ol hneel) = falling down, they adored him. And opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their own country. 124 The CHRISTMAS Magi, the first-fruits of the Gentile world, have been admitted into the court of the great King whom they have been seeking, and we have followed them. The Child has smiled upon us, as he did upon them. All the fatigues of the long journey which man must take to reach his God—all are over and forgotten; our Emmanuel is with us, and we are with him. Bethlehem has received us, and we will not leave her again: for in Bethlehem we have the Child and Mary his Mother. ‘Where else could we find riches like these that Bethlehem gives us ? Oh! let us beseech this incomparable Mother to give us this Child of hers, for he is our light, and our love, and our Bread of life, now that we are about to approach the Altar, led by the Star of our faith. Let us at once open our treasures; let us prepare our gold, our frankincense, and our myrrh, for the sweet Babe, our King. He will be pleased with our gifts, and we know he never suffers himself to be outdone in generosity. ‘When we have to return to our duties, we will, like the Magi, leave our hearts with our Jesus; and it shall be by another way, by a new manner of life, that we will finish our sojourn in this country of our exile, looking forward to that happy day when life and light eternal will come and absorb into themselves the shadows of vanity and time which now hang over us. In Cathedral and other principal Churches, after the Gospel has been sung, the approaching Feast of Easter Sunday is solemnly announced to the people. This custom, which dates from the earliest ages of the Church, shows both the mysterious connection which unites the great Solemnities of the year one with another, and the importance the Faithful ought to attach to the cele- bration of that which of the universe on centre of all Religion. is the greatest of all, and the After having honoured the King the Epiphany, we shall have to celebrate him on the day which is now announced to us, as the conqueror of death. The following is the formula used for this solemn announcement. THE EPIPHANY OF OUR THE ANNOUNCEMENT Noveritis, simi, quod misericordia, vitate Domini caris- fratres Dei annuente sicut Nati- de Jesu nostri Christi gavisi sumus, ita et de Resurrectione ejusdem Salvatoris nostri gaudium vobisannuntiamus. Die.. . erit Dominica in Septuagesima Dies cinerum, et initium j junii sacratissima Quadragesima . . . Sanctum Domini nostri Jesu Pascha Christi cum gaudio celebrabimus. Dominica secunda post Pascha, Dicecesana Synodus habebitur . . . erit Ascensio Do- mini nostri Jesu Christi Festum Pentecostes . . . tum sacratissimi Corporis Christi . . . Dominica prima Adventus Domini nostri Jesu Christi, cui est honor et gloria in scula seculorum. Amen. 125 LORD OF EASTER Know, dearly beloved Breth- ren, that by the mercy of God, as we have been rejoicing in the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so also do we announce unto you the joy of the Resur- rection of the same our Saviour. Septuagesima Sunday will be on the . .. day of . . . Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the fast of most holy Lent willbeon the...of .. Onthe ...of...weshall celebrate with joy the holy Pasch of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Diocesan Synod will be held on the second Sunday after Easter. The As- cension of our Lord Jesus Christ willbeon the...of ... The Feast of Pentecost on the . . . of ... The Feast of Corpus Christi onthe...of... On the...of « . . will occur the first Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom are honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. During the Offertory, the holy Church, whilst presenting the Bread and Wine to God, makes use of the words of the Psalmist, who prophesied that the Kings of Tharsis, Arabia, and Saba, together with the Kings and people of the whole earth, would come to the new-born Saviour and offer him their gifts. OFFERTORY Reges Tharsis et insula munera offerent: Reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent: et adorabunt eum omnes Reges terr; omnes gentes servient illi. The Kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the Kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts: and all the Kings of the earth shall adore him; serve him. all nations shall 126 CHRISTMAS SECRET Ecclesiz tuz, quzsumus, Domine, dona propitius intuere, quibus non jam aurum, thus et myrrha pro* fertur: sed quod eisdem muneribus declaratur, immolatur ot sumitur, Jesus Christus Filius tuus Dominus noster. Qui tecum. Mercifully look down, O Lord, we bescech thee, on the ofic ings of thy Church, among which gold, frankincense and myrrh are no longer offered: but what is significd by these offerings is sacrificed and roceived, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Who liveth, etc. There is a proper Preface for the Feast and Octave of the Epiphany. It celebrates the Divine and immortal Light that appeared through the veil of our human nature, under which the Word, out of love for us, concealed his glory. PREFACE Vere dignum et justum It is truly meet and just, est, ®quum et salutare, nos right and available to salvatibi semper et ubique gra- tion, that we should always and tias agere: Domine sancte, in all places give thanks to thes, Pater ~omnipotens, _terne O Holy Lord, Almighty Father, Deus: quia cum Unigenitus Eternal God; because when thine Only Begotten Son aptuus in substantia nostrz mortalitatis apparuit, nova peared in the substance of our nos immortalitatis suz luce mortal flesh, he repaired us by reparavit. Et ideo cum An- the new light of his immortality. gelis et Archangelis, cum And therefore, with the Angels Thronis et Dominationibus, and Archangels, with the cumque omni militia cce- Thrones and Dominations, and lestis exercitus, hymnum with all the heavenly host, we glorie tuz canimus, sine fine sing a hymn to thy glory, saying dicentes: Sanctus, Sanctus, unceasingly: Holy, Holy, Holy, Sanctus. During the Communion, the holy Church, now united to him who is her King and Spouse, sings the praises of that star which was the messenger of this Jesus; she is full of joy that she followed its light, for it has brought her to her God. THE EPIPHANY OF OUR 127 LORD COMMUNION Vidimus stellam ejus in Oriente: et venimus_cum muneribus adorare Dominum. Such graces from you a it for you in give you that these ineffable We have scen his star in the east: and are come with offerthe Lord. ings toadore as these that you have received require corresponding fidelity; the Church asks her Postcommunion; she begs of God to spiritual understanding and purity which mysteries call for. POSTCOMMUNION Prasta, quesumus, omnipotens Deus, ut qua solemni celebramus officio, purificatz mentis intelligentia consequamur. Per Dominum. SECOND VESPERS Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that our minds may be so purified as to understand what we celebrate on this great solemnity. Through, etc. OF THE EPIPHANY The Second Vespers of our great Feast are almost exactly the same as the First. The same Antiphons tell us of the Theophany, the divine Apparition here below of that eternal Word, begotten before the day-star, and come down to us to be our Saviour ; of the glory of the Lord that has risen upon Jerusalem, and of the Gentiles walking in the light he gives them; of the Magi opening their treasures, and laying their mystic gifts at the feet of the Child our King; of the seas, and rivers, and Jfountains, that are sanctified by the baptism of the God-Man; and lastly, of the wonderful brightness of the star, which points out the King of kings. But the fifth Psalm is changed. Instead of the Psalm which yesterday invited all nations to praise the Lord, the Church sings the 113th, In exitu Israel (p. 93), wherein the Royal Prophet, after having commemorated the deliverance of Israel, denounces the idols of the CHRISTMAS 128 Gentiles as the works of the hands of men ; all are to fall at the approach of Jesus. The adoption granted to Jacob is now extended to all nations. God will bless, not only the house of Israel, and the house of Aarom, but all that fear the Lord,no matter of what race or nation they may be. The Antiphons and Psalms are, therefore, Vespers (p. 116) excepting the fifth Psalm, exitu Israel (p. 93). The Capitulum is also as in First Vespers, The Hymn, Crudelis Herodes, after the After the Hymn, the following versicle: ¥. Reges Tharsis et insulz munera offerent. Ry. Reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent. as in First which is In p. 117. Capitulum. ¥.The Kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents. . The Kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts. In the Antiphon of our Lady’s Canticle, the Church once more commemorates the triple mystery of to-day’s solemnity. ANTIPHON OF THE MAGNIFICAT ANT. Tribus miraculis ornaANT. We celebrate a festival tum diem sanctum colimus: adorned by three miracles: this hodie stella Magos duxit ad day a star led the Magi to the prasepium: hodie vinum ex manger; this day water was aqua factum est ad nuptias: changed into wine at the hodie in Jordane a Joanne marriage-feast; this day Christ Christus baptizari_voluit, ut vouchsafed to be baptized by salvaret nos. Alleluia. Jobn in the Jordan for our salvation. ~Alléluia. OREMUS LET US PRAY Deus, qui hodicrna _die 0God, whoby the directionof Unigenitum tuum Gentibus a star didst this day manifest stella duce_revelasti: con- thy only Son to the Gentiles: cede propitius, ut qui jam mercifully grant that we who te ex fide cognovimus, usque now know theo by faith, may ad contemplandam _speciem come at length to see the glory tue celsitudinis perducamur. of thy Majesty. Through the same, etc. Per eumdem. THE EPIPHANY 129 OF OUR LORD On each day during the Octave of this great Feast, we intend giving portions from the ancient Liturgies which were used by the several Churches in honour either of the triple mystery of the Epiphany, or of the coming of the Wise Men to Bethlehem, or of the Baptism of Christ. Some of these pieces were upon the Birth of the Infant God, or upon the Maternity of the Holy Virgin. ‘We commence our selection for to-day by the Hymn c?%lpzsned by St Ambrose; it is used by the Church of 3 HYMN Tlluminans Altissimus Most High God! thou that Micantium astrorum globos, ~ enkindlest the fires of the Pax, vita, lumen, veritas, shining stars! O Jesus! thou Jesu, fave precantibus. that art peace and life and light and truth, hear and grant our prayers. Seu mystico baptismate, This present day has been Fluenta Jordanis retro made holy by thy mystic BapConversa quondam tertio, tism, whereby thou didst sancPrasentem sacraris diem. tify those waters of the Jordan, which of old were thrice turned back. Seu stella partum Virginis It is holy by the star shining Ceelo micans signaveris, in the heavens, whereby thou Et hac adoratum die didst announce thy Virginal Prasepe Magos duxeris. Mother's delivery, and didst, on the same day, lead the Magi to adore thee in thy Crib. Vel hydriis plenis aqua It is holy, too, by thy changVini saporem infuderis: ing the water of the pitchers Hausit minister conscius into wine; which the steward Quod ipse non impleverat. of the feast, knowing that he had not so filled them, drew forth for the guests. Gloria tibi, Domine, Glory be to thes, O Lord Qui apparuisti hodie, Jesus, that didst appear on this Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, Day !'and to the Father and to In sempiterna szcula. the Holy Ghost, for everlasting Amen. ages. Amen, The following St Gelasius. i Preface is from the Sacramentary 9 of 130 CHRISTMAS PREFACE Vere dignum et justum est, 2quum et salutare, te laudare mirabilem Dominum in omnibus operibus tuis, quibus regni tuimysteriarevelasti. Hancque énim festivitatem index puerpera virginalis stella prz cessit, quz natum in terra ceeli Dominum Magis stupentibus nuntiaret, ut manifestandus mundo Deus, et ceelesti denunciaretur indicio, et temporaliter procreatus, signorum temporalium ministerio panderetur. It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we give thee praise, O Lord, for that thou art wonderful in all thy works, whereby thou hast revealed the mysteries of thy Kingdom. Thus it was that a star, the messenger of the Virginal Delivery, was the forerunner of this Feast; a star, which proclaimed to the wondering Magi that the Lord of heaven was born on the earth: that thus the God who was to be manifested unto the world, might both be made known by a heavenly indication, and He that was to be born in time be revealed by the ministry of those signs which serve to mark time. The Sequence-book of the Monastery of St Gall contains the one we now give: it was composed in the ninth century by the celebrated Notker. SEQUENCE Festa Christi omnis christanitas celebret. Qua miris sunt modis ornafa, cunctisque veneranda ulis. er omnitenentisadventum, atque vocationem Gentium. Ut natus est Christus, est stella Magis visa lucida. At illi non cassam putantes tanti signi gloriam, Letthe whole of Christendom celebrate the feasts of Christ. They are adorned in a wonderful way, and are venerated by all nations. They commemorate _the coming of Him that is Lord of all things, and the vocation of the Gentiles. When Christ was born, a bright star was seen by the Magi. Whereupon they, knowing that the splendour of such a sign could mot be unmean- ing, THE EPIPHANY Secum munera deferunt, parvulo offerunt, ut Regi ceeli quem sidus pradicat. Atque aureo tumidi_principis lectulo transito, Christi prasepe quaritant. Hinc ira szvi Herodis fervida invidi recens rectori genito. Bethlehem parvulos pracipit ense crudeli perdere. O Christe! quantum Patri_ exercitum, juvenis doctus ad bella maxima, populis pradicans colliges, sugens cum tantum miseris. subtus famuli se inclyti inclinaverat magnus Deus, consecrans nobis baptisma, in absolutionem criminum. Ecce Spiritus in specio ipsum alitis innocuz, uncturus sanctis pra omnibus, visitat, semper ipsius contentus mansione pectoris. Patris etiam insonuit vox pia, veteris oblita sermonis: peenitet me fecisse hominem. Vere Filius es tu meus, mihimet placitus, in quo sum placatus: hodie, Fili mi, genui te. Huic omnes auscultate populi praceptori. Amen. OF OUR LORD 131 Take with them gifts, and offer them to the Little Child, as the King foretold by the star of heaven. * Passing by the golden couch of a haughty prince, they set out in search of the Crib of Christ. At this, the cruel Herod boils with anger; he is jealous of the new-born King. He commands the male children of Bethlehem to be cruelly put to death by the sword. O Jesus ! what an army wilt thou not levy for thy Father, when in the fulness of thine age thou shalt carry on the supreme battle, preaching thy doctrines to mankind I—for even now that thou art a weak Babe thou sendest such a host. Having reached his thirtieth year, this great God bowed himself down beneati? the hand of his glorious servant; thus consecrating Baptism for us, unto the remission of our sins. Lo! the Spirit visits him in the form of the innocent dove: he is about to anoint him above all the Saints, and will abide with_everlasting love in the dwelling of that Breast. The loving voice of the Father is also heard; and those ancient words: it repents me that I made man, are now forgotten. “Thou art,’ he says, ‘my Son, my beloved, in whom I am well pleased. This day, my Son! have I begotten thee. “All ye people, hear this your Teacher.” Amen. The Menza of the Greek Church gives us the following fine stanzas in the Hymn for the Nativity of our Lord. 132 CHRISTMAS IN NATALI Gloria in excelsis Deo, in Bethlehem audio ab Angeli in terra pacem fieri hominiNunc bus bonz voluntatis. Virgo ccelis amplior; exortum est enim lumen sedentibus in tenebris, et exaltavit humiles ac angelice canentes: Gloria in excelsis Deo. Latare, Israel; laudem dicite omnes qui_diligitis Sion. Solutum est vinculum damnationis Adam; Paradisus apertus est nobis; serpens debilitatus est: quam enim deceperat principio, nunc contemplatur Creatoris Matrem effectam. Oabyssusdivitiarumet sapientime ot scientiz Deil Qua mortem in omnem carnem introduxerat peccati opus, salutis principium facta est per Deiparam. Parvulus enim ex ea nascitur, omniperpartum fectus Deus, et per Virginitati apponit sigillum, peccatorum catenas fasciis Tesolvens, et propria infantia. Eva maste parturientis doloribus medelam _afferens. Choreas ducat nunc omnis creatura et exsullet: ad revocandam enim eam advenit Christus, et ad salvandas ani'mas nostras. Nativitas tua, Deus nosattulit gnoseos lumen ter, mundo: in ipsa enim_qui adorabant sidera, a sidere discunt adorare te Solm Justitiz, et cognoscere Ori- DOMINI 1 hear the angels singing at Bethlehem Gloria in excelsis Deo /1 hear them tell us that there is peace on earth to men of good will. Oh! see that Virgin, she is lovelier than the heavens: for from her has risen a light to them that sat in darkness, exalting humble hearts that sing, as did the Angels, Gloria in excelsis Deol Rejoice, O Israel | Sing forth praise, all ye that love Sion | The chain of Adam's condemnation is broken; Paradise is opened to us; the Serpent is weakened, for woman, whom he had deceived in the beginning, is now before his gaze the Mother of the Creator. Oh! the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God | She that had brought Death, the work of sin, into all flesh, is now, through the Mother of God, made the source of salvation. For of Her is born a Little Child who is the allperfect God, and who, by his Birth, did but consecrate the Virginity of his Mother; by his swathing-bands he loosened the chains of sin; and by his own Infancy he comforted the pangs of child-birth to sorrowing Eve. Let every creature now ki choir and be glad, for Christ is come that he may reclaim mankind, and save our souls. Thy Nativity, O Lord our God I brought to the world the light of knowledge; for by it they that had adored the stars, were taught, by a Star, to adore thee, the Sun of Justice, THE EPIPHANY entem ex alto: Domine, gloria tibi. Eden in Bethlehem apertum est: venite, videamus, thesaurum absconditum inveni mus; venite, teneamus in antro qua sunt in Paradiso. Hic apparuit radix non irr gata, germinans veniam; hic imvenitur puteus infossus e cujus aqua olim David bibere desideravit; hic Virgo parvulum enixa, sitim Davidis et Adami ocius sedavit: ideoque magis festinemus ad locum ubi natus est parvulus novus ante szcula Deus. Gaudete justi; ceeli jubilate, Christus montes: exsultate natus est; Virgo sedet, Cherubim imitata, portans in sinu suo Deum Verbum caro factum; pastores natum glorificant Magi Domino dona offerunt: Angeli hymnificantes clamant: Incomprehensibilis Domine, gloria tibi. OF OUR LORD 133 and acknowledge thee as the Glory be Orient from on high. to thee, O Lord | Eden has been opened ) in Bethlehem | Come, let us go and see; we shall find the hidden Treasure. Come, let us go and possess in the Cave the things that are in Paradise. Hereitis that there has appeared the unwatered Root that has budded forth our pardon. Here is the well not dug by human hand, of whose water David heretofore desired to drink. Here a Virgin has brought forth a Child, by whom thirst she quickly slakes the of Adam and David. Therefore let us go more hastily to the placewhere is born the new Babe, whois God before all ages. Rejoice, ye just; be glad, ye heavens; exult, ye moun- tains! Virgin, Christ is born. The cherub-like, sits bear- ing on her lap God, the Word made Flesh. The Shepherds are giving glory to the Babe. The Magi are offering gifts to the Lord. The Angels are singing this hymn: O.Incomprehensible God ! glory be to thee. _Let us recite the following Prose, composed by the pious Monk Herman Contractus: it will assist us to honour the ever Blessed Mother of our Jesus. SEQUENCE Ave, praclara maris stella, in lucem gentium, Maria, divinitus orta. Euge, Dei porta, qua non aperta; veritatis lumen, ipsum Solem justiti, indutum carne, ducis in orbem. Hail, Mary! beautiful Star of the Sea | that hast risen by God's mercy, to give light to all nations. Welcome! O Gate open to none but God! Thou bringest into the world the Light of truth, the very Sun of Justice, clad in human flesh. 134 CHRISTMAS Virgo decus mundi, regina cceli, praelecta ut sol, pulchra lunaris ut fulgor! agnosce omnes te diligentes. Te plena fide, virgam alma stirpis Jesse nascituram priores desideraverant Patres et Prophetz. Te lignum vitz, Sancto rorante Pneumate parituram divini floris amygdalum, signavit Gabriel. Tu Agnum, Regem terrz dominatorem, Moabitici _de petra deserti ad montem filiz Sion traduxisti. Tuque furentem Leviathan, serpentem tortuosum et vectem collidens, damnoso crimine mundum exemisti. Hinc gentium nos reliquiz, tuz sub cultu memoriz, mirum in modum quem es enixa Agnum regnantem ccelo zterna- liter, revocamusad aram, mac- tandum mysterialiter. _ Hinc manna verum Israclitis veris, veri Abraha filiis admirantibus, quondam Moysi quod Typus figurabat, jam nunc_ abducto velo datur perspici. Ora Virgo, nos illo pane caeli dignos effici. Fac fontem dulcem, quem in deserto petra premonstravit, degustare cum sincera fide, renesque constringi lotos in mari, anguem @neum in cruce speculari. O Virgin!_thou beauty of the world, Queen of heaven, brilliant as the Sun, lovely as the moon’s brightness! think on us all who love thee. The ancient Fathers and Prophets, full of faith, longed for thee to be born, the Rod of the fair root of Jesse. Gabriel spoke of thee as the Tree of Life, that by the dew of the Holy Spirit shouldst bring forth the divine flowering Almond Tree. "Twas_thou didst lead the Lamb, the King that rules the earth, from the rock of the desert of Moab to the mount of the daughter of Sion. "Twas thou didst frec the world of its destroying sin, by crushing the angry Leviathan, the bar and crooked Serpent. ‘We therefore, the remnants of the nations, in honour of thy dear memory, call down upon our altar, there to be mystically immolated, the Lamb that reigns eternally in heaven, whom thou didst so wonderfully bring . forth. The veil is now drawn aside, and we, the true Israelites, the children of the true Abraham, are permitted to fix our astonished eyes on the true Manna, of which that of Moses was the figure and type. Pray forus, O Virgin, that we may be made worthy of that Bread of heaven. Pray for us, that with sincere faith we may taste of that sweet fountain, which was prefigured by the rock in the desert; and that, having our loins girt, we may safely cross the sea, and be permitted to look upon the brazen serpent on the Cross. THE EPIPHANY Fac igni sancto Patrisque verbo, quod, rubus ut flam‘mam, tu portasti, Virgo mater facta, pecuali distinctos pede, ‘mundos labiis cordeque propinquare. Audi nos: nam te Filius nihil negans honorat. Salva nos, Jesu, pro quibus Virgo mater te orat. Da fontem boni visere, da purz mentis oculos in te defigere. Quo haustu sapientiz saporem vitz valeat mens intelligere. Christianismi fidem operibus redimire, beatoque fine ex hujus incolatu, szculi auctor, ad te transire. Amen. OF OUR LORD 135 Having our sandals off our feet, and our lips and hearts made pure, pray for us, that we may come nigh to that holy flame, the Word of the Father, which thou, O Virgin Mother, didst carry within thee, as the Bush did the fire. Hear us, O Mary! for thy Son honours thee by granting thee all thy prayers. And thou, O Jesus! save us, for whom thy Virgin Mother prays. Grant us to see the source of every good! Grant us to fix on thee the eyes of our purified souls. May our souls drink in the water of wisdom, and feed with understanding on the sweet food of Life. Do thou, Creator of the world ! give us grace to adorn our Christian faith with works and by a happy death to pass from this life's exile to thee. Amen. We also, O Jesus! come to adore thee on this glorious Epiphany, which brings all nations to thy feet. We walk in the footsteps of the Magi; for we too have seen the star, and we are come to thee. Glory be to thee, dear King! to thee who didst say in the Canticle of David thine ancestor: ‘ I am appointed King over Sion, the holy mountain, that I may preach the commandment of the Lord. The Lord hath said to me, that he will give me the Gentiles for mine inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for my possession. Now, therefore, ye kings, understand: receive instruction, ye that judge the earth.” Thou wilt say, O Emmanuel ! with thine own O lips: Al power is given to me in heaven and on earth,? and a few years after, the whole earth will have received thy Ps.ii6, 8, 0. * St Matt. xxviii 18, CHRISTMAS 136 law. Even now Jerusalem is troubled; is Herod trembling on his throne; but the day is at hand when the heralds of thy coming will go throughout the whole world, proclaiming that he, who was the Desired of nations,* is come. The word that is to subject the earth to thee will go forth,® and, like an immense fire, will stretch to the uttermost parts of the universe. In vain will the strong ones of this world attempt to arrest its course. An Emperor will propose to the Senate, as the only means the progress of thy conquests, of staying that thy Name be solemnly enrolled in the list of those gods whom thou comest to destroy. Other Emperors will endeavour to abolish thy kingdom by the slaughter of thy soldiers. But all these efforts are vain. The day will come when the Cross, the sign of thy power, will adorn the imperial banner; the Emperors will lay their crowns at thy feet; and proud Rome will cease to be the Capital of the empire of this world’s strength and power, in order that she may become, for ever, the centre of thy peaceful and universal kingdom. We already see the dawn of that glorious day. Thy conquests, O King of ages ! begin with thine Epiphany. Thou callest, from the extreme parts of the unbelieving East, the first-fruits of that Gentile world, which hitherto had not been thy people, and which is now to form thine inheritance. Henceforth there is to be no distinction of Jew and Greek, of Barbarian and Scythian.? Thou hast loved Man above Angel, for thou hast re- deemed the one, whilst thou hast left the other in his If thy predilection, for a long period of ages, was fall. for the race of Abraham, henceforth to be given to the Gentiles. Israel people; we are numerous as the sands Israel was stars of the firmament.* thy preference is was but a single of the sea, and the under the law of fear; thou hast reserved the law of love for us. From this day of thy Manifestation, O divine King! begins thy separation from the Synagogue, which refuses thy love; and on this same Day, thou takest, in the person 1 Agg.iis. * Ps. xviil 5. * Col. i 11, « Gen. xxii 17. THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD 137 of the Magi, the Gentiles as thy Spouse. Thy union with her will soon be proclaimed from the Cross, when, turning thy face from the ungrateful Jerusalem, thou wilt stretch forth thy hands towards the nations of the Gentiles. O ineffable joy of thy Birth | but O still better joy of thine Epiphany, wherein we, the once disinherited, are permitted to approach to thee, offer thee our gifts, and see thee graciously accept them, O merciful Emmanuel ! Thanks be to thee, O Infant God! for that unspeak- able gift* of Faith, which, as thy Apostle teaches us, hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into thy kingdom, making us partakers of the lot of the Saints in Light.* Give us grace to grow in the knowledge of this thy Gift, and to understand the importance of this great Day, whereon thou makest alliance with the whole human race, which thcu wouldst afterwards make thy Bride by espousing her. Oh! the Mystery of this Marriage Feast, dear Jesus! ‘A Marriage,” says one of thy Vicars on earth,® ‘ that was promised to the Patriarch Abraham, confirmed by oath to King David, accomplished in Mary when she became Mother, and consummated, confirmed, and declared on this day; consummated in the adoration of the Magi, confirmed in the Baptism in the Jordan, and declared in the miracle of the water changed into wine.” On this Marriage-Feast, where the Church, thy Spouse, already receives queenly honours, we will sing to thee, O Jesus! with all the fervour of our hearts, these words of to-day’s Office, which sweetly blend the Three one—that of thy Alliance with us. ANTIPHON ANT. Hodie ccelesti Sponso juncta est Ecclesia, quoniam in Jordane lavit Christus ejus crimina: currunt cum muneribus Magi ad regales nuptias, et ex aqua facto vino lztantur conviva. Alleluia. 12 Cor. ix 15, Mysteries OF LAUDS into ANT. This day is the Church united to the heavenly Spouse, for Christ, in the Jordan, washes away her sins: the Magi run to the royal Nuptials with their gifts: and the guests of the Feastaregladdened by the water changed into wine. Alleluia. 1 Colitz, 13 * Innocent TI1. 138 CHRISTMAS SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE EPIPHANY FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY 'HIS Sunday has been chosen by the Church for the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family; the liturgy of the day, as expressed in the Gospel, harmonizes well with the mystery of the new Feast, for it already carries us forward to the childhood of our Emmanuel and gives us those wonderful words which, after the example of his Blessed Mother, we must ever ponder within our hearts: ‘And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them.’ The Feast of the Holy Family is of recent origin. In 1663 Barbara d’'Hillehoust founded at Montreal the Association of the Holy Family; this devotion soon spread and in 1893 Leo XIII expressed his approval of a feast under this title and himself composed part of the Office. The Feast was welcomed by succeeding Pontiffs as an efficacious means for bringing home to the Christian people the example of the Holy Family at Nazareth, and by the restoration of the true spirit of family life, stemming, in some measure, the evils of present-day society. These motives led Benedict XV to insert the Feast in the universal Calendar, and from 1921 it has been fixed for this present Sunday. MASS The Introit recalls the joy that must have filled the cave of Bethlehem on that Christmas night; let us again rejoice with Mary and Joseph and sing the praises of the resting-place of the Lord of Hosts. INTROIT Exsultet gaudio pater Justi, gaudeat pater tuus et mater Let the father of the Just One exult with joy; let thy father SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 139 tua, et exsultet quz genuit te. and thy mother rejoice; and let Ps.83. Quamdilecta tabern: cula tua, Domine virtutu concupiscit et deficit anima meainatria Domini. ¥. Gloria. her that bare thee be .glad. Ps. 83. How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts: my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. ¥. Glory. The Church prays in the Collect that the home life of every Christian family may be sanctified and perfected by the example of that of the Holy Family; this is her unceasing wish for her children. COLLECT Domine Jesu Christe, qui, Mari et Joseph subditus, domesticam vitam ineffabilibus virtutibus consecrasti: fac nos, utriusque _auxilio, sanctz tuz exemplis Familiz instrui; et consortium consequi sempiternum. Qui vivis. Commemoration Octave: is made Vota, quasumus, Domine, supplicantis populi coelesti pietate prosequere: ut et quz agenda sunt, videant; et ad implenda qu viderint, convalescant. Per Dominum. Then of the Epiphany: Deus, qui hodierna die Unigenitum tuum Gentibus, stella duce, revelasti: concede propitius, ut qui jam te ex fide Cognovimus, usque ad contemplandam speciem tuz celsitudinis perducamur. Per cumdem O Lord Jesus Christ, who, becoming subject to and Joseph, didst hallow home life by singular virtues; by the help of both, do thou grant that we may be taught by the example of thy Holy Family, and have fellowship with it for evermore: Who livest. of the Sunday within the According to thy divine mercy, O Lord, receive the vows of thy people, who pour forth their prayers to thee: that they may know what their duty requireth of them, and be able to comply with what they know. Through, etc. 0 God, who by the direction of a star, didst this day manifest thy only Son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant, that we, who now know thee by faith, may come at length to see the glory of thy Majesty. Through the same, otc. 140 CHRISTMAS EPISTLE Lectio Epistole beati Pauli Apostoliad Colossenses. Cap. II1. Fratres, induite vos, sicut electi Dei, sancti, et dilecti, viscera misericordiz, benignitatem, humilitatem, modestiam, patientiam, supportantes invicem, et donantes vobismetipsis, si quis adversus aliquem habet querelam : sicut et Dominus donavit vobis, ita ot vos. Super omnia autem hac, caritatem habete, quod est vinculum perfectionis: et pax Christi exsultet in cord bus vestris, in qua et vocaf estis in uno corpore; et grati estote. Verbum Christi habitet in vobis abundanter, in omni sapientia, docentes, et commonentes vosmetipsos, psalmis, hymnis, et canticis spiritualibus, in gratia cantantes in cordibus vestris Deo. Omae quodcumque facitis, in verbo aut in opere, omnia in nomine Domini nostri_Jesu Christi, gratias agentes Déo et Patri per Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum. Lesson of the Epistle of St Paul the Apostle to the Colossians. Ch. 111. Brethren, 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 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. All whatSoever you do in word, or in work, all things do ye in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. If we would attain to charity, the bond of perfection which unites all Christians together in the one great family of God, we must pay heed to those virtues which the Epistle puts before us. We must be full of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty and patience; we must bear with one another and forgive one another, after the example of the Incarnate Word. Then Christ will dwell not only in our hearts, the peace of but in those around us, and our homes will truly become like that of Nazareth, where Mary and Joseph were ever singing in grace to the Lord God. SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE In the Gradual Holy Church again celebrates praises of the House of the Lord; she proclaims 141 the the blessedness of those that obtain lasting fellowship in the heavenly home above; yet in the Alleluia verse she recalls the lowliness of the earthly home of our Emmanuel which made him truly a hidden King. GRADUAL (Ps. xxiii) Unam petii a Domino, hanc One thing have I asked of the requiram: ut inhabitem in Lord, this will I seek after: that domo Domini omnibus diebus I may dwell in the house of the vite mez. Lord all the days of my life. Y. Ps. 83. Beati qui habi¥. Ps. 83. Blessed are_they tant in domo tua, Domine, in that dwellin thy house, O Lord: szcula szculorum laudabunt they shall praise thee for ever te._ Alleluia, alleluia. and ever. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. Isa. 45. Vere tu es Rex V. Isa. 45. Verily thou arta absconditus, Deus Israel Sal- hidden King, the God of Israel, vator. Alleluia. the Saviour. Alleluia. Sequentia GOSPEL Evangelii Sequel sancti secundum Lucam. Cap. I1. of the holy Gospel according to Luke. Ch. II. When Jesus was twelve years annorum duodecim, ascen- old, they went up to Jerusalem, dentibus illis Jerosolymam according to the custom of the secundum consuetudinem feast; and having fulfilled the diei festi, consummatisque days, when they returned, -the diebus, cum redirent, reman- Child Jesus remained in Jerusasit puer Jesusin Jerusalem, et lem, and his parents knew it not. noncognoveruntparentesejus. And thinking that he was in the Existimantes autem illum es e company, they came a day’s in comitatu, veneruntiterd journey, and sought him among et requirebant eum inter cog- their kinsfolk and acquaintance. natos et notos. Et non in- And not finding him, they revenientes, regressi sunt in turned into Jerusalem, seeking Jerusalem, requirentes eum. him. And it came to pass, that Et factum est, post triduum after three days they found him invenerunt illum in templo in_the temple, sitting in the sedentem in medio doctorum, midst of the doctors, hearing audientem illos, et interrogan. them, and asking them questem eos. Stupebant autem tions. And all that heard him Cum factus esset Jesus 142 CHRISTMAS omnes, qui eum audiebant, were astonished at his wisdom super prudentia et responsis and his answers. And seeing ejus. Et videntes admirati him, they wondered. And his sunt. Et dixit mater ejus ad Mother said to him: Son, why illum: Fili, quid fecisti nobis hast thou done so to us? Besic ? ecce pater tuus et ego hold thy father and I have dolentes quarebamus te. Et sought thee sorrowing. And ait ad illos: Quid est quod he said to them: How is it that me quarebatis? Nesciebatis you sought me ? Did you not quia in his qua Patris mei know that I must be about my sunt, oportet me esse? Et Father's business? And they ipsinon intellexerunt verbum, understood not the word that he quod locutus est ad eos. Et spoke unto them. And he went descendit cum eis, et venit down with them, and came to Nazareth: et erat subditus Nazareth, and was subject to illis. Et mater ejus conserva- them. And his Mother kept all bat omnia verba hzc in corde these words in her heart. ~And suo. Et Jesus proficiebat sa- Jesus advanced in wisdom, and pientia, et mtate, et gratia age, and grace with God and apud Deum et homines. men. Thus, O Jesus -didst thou come down from heaven to teach us. The tender age of Childhood, which thou didst take upon thyself, is no hindrance to the ardour of thy desire that we should know the one only God, who made all things, and thee, his Son, whom he sent thou hadst to us. When laid in the Crib, thou didst instruct the Shepherds by a mere look; when swathed in thy humble swaddling-clothes, and subjected to the voluntary silence imposed on thyself, thou didst reveal to the Magi the light they sought in following the star. When twelve years old, thou explainest to the Doctors of Israel the Scriptures which bear testimony to thee. Thou gradually dispellest the shadows of the Law by thy presence and thy words. In order to fulfil the commands of thy heavenly Father, thou dost not hesitate to occasion sorrow to the heart of thy Mother, by thus going in quest of souls that need enlightening. Thy Iove of man will pierce that tender Heart of Mary with a still sharper sword, when she shall behold thee hanging on the Cross, and expiring in the midst of cruelest pain. Blessed be thou, sweet Jesus, in these first Mysteries of thine Infancy, wherein thou already showest thyself SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 143 devoted to us, and leavest the company of thy Blessed Mother for that of sinful men, who will one day conspire thy Death. The Offertory takes us in thought to the Feast of the Purification; let us again offer ourselves to the Lord. OFFERTORY (Luke Tulerunt Jesum parentes ejus in Jerusalem, ut sisterent eum Domino. ii) The parents of Jesus carried him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. In the Secret the Church again prays that she may be strengthened in peace and grace; these gifts have been purchased for us by our Lord himself; it is through the Holy Mass that we can be more strongly establlshed in them. SECRET Placationis hostiam offerimus tibi, Domine, suppliciter deprecantes: ut, per_intercessionem Deipare Virginis cum beato Joseph, familias nostras in pace et gratia tua firmiter constituas. Per eundem Dominum. We offer to thee, O Lord, an atoning victim, humbly entreating that through the intercession of the Virgin Mother of God and blessed Joseph, thou wouldst strongly establish our families in thy peace and grace. Through the same Lord. Commemoration of the Sunday Oblatum tibi Domine Sacrificium vivificet nos semper ot muniat. Per Dominum. May the sacrifice we have offered to thee, O Lord, always enlighten and defend us. Through, etc. Commemoration of the Epiphany Ecclesiz tuz, quzsumus Mercifully look down, O Lord, Domine, dona propitius in- we beseech thee, on the offerings tuers; quibus non jam aurum, of thy Church; among which, thus et myrrha profertur; sed gold, frankincense, and myrrh, quod eisdem muneribus’ de- are no longer offered; but what claratur, immolatur et sumi- was signified by those offerings tur, Jesus Christus Filius tuus is sacrificed, and received, Jesus Dominus noster. Qui tecum. Christ, thy Son, our Lord. . Who liveth, etc. 44 The The let us shown CHRISTMAS Preface is as on the Epiphany, p. 126. Communion recalls the subject of to-day’s Gospel; never cease to meditate on the divine humility us in these words. COMMUNION (Luke i) Descendit Jesus cum eis et Jesus went down with them, venit Nazareth, et erat sub- and came to Nazareth: and was ditus illis. subject to them. If we have kept before our eyes the example of the holy Family, we may humbly trust that at the hour of our death we shall be helped and consoled and be found worthy to have fellowship with Christ in the eternal dwellings. Such is the last prayer of the Church, and may it be one we love to repeat and dwell on. POSTCOMMUNION Quos ceelestibus _reficis sacramentis, fac, Domine Jesu, sancte familie tuz exempla jugiter imitari: ut in hora mortis nostre, occurrente_gloriosa Virgine Matre tua cum beato Joseph; per te in terna tabernacula recipi mereamur. Qui vivis et regnas. Let us whom thou dost refresh by thy heavenly sacraments, O Lord, ever follow the example of thy Holy Family; that at the hour of our death thy glorious Virgin Mother and blessed Joseph may be near us, and we may be found worthy to be received by thee into eternal dwellings: Who livest, etc. Commemoration of the Sunday Supplices te rogamus, omniGrant, we humbly beseech potens Deus: ut quos tuis re- thee, O Almighty God, that ficis Sacramentis, tibi etiam those whom thou refreshest with placitis moribus dignanter de- thy Sacraments, may, by a life servire concedas. Per Do- well-pleasing_to thee, worthily serve thee. Through, otc. minum. Commemor ion of the Epiphany Prasta, quesumus, omnipo- tens Deus: ut qua solemni celebramus officio, purificate mentis intelligentia consequamur. Per Dominum. Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that our minds may be 5o purified, as to understand what we celebrate on this great solemnity. Through, etc. SUNDAY THE WITHIN 145 OCTAVE VESPERS ANTIPHONS 1. Post triduum invenefunt Jesum in templo sedentem in medio doctorum, audientem illos, et interrogan- 1. After three days * they found Jesus in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. tem eos. The Psalms are from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and will be found on the Feast of the Purification, p. 488. 2. Dixit mater * Jesu ad illam: Fili, quid fecisti nobis sic? Ecce pater tuus et ego dolentes quarebamus te. 3. Descendit Jesus * cum eis, et venit Nazareth, et erat subditus illis. 4. Et Jesus proficiebat sapientia, et wmtate, et gratia apud Deum et homines, 5. Etdicebant: * Unde huic sapientia hze, et virtutes ? Nonne hic est fabri filius ? LITTLE 2. The Mother of Jesus* said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 3. And Jesus went down* with them, and came to Nazareth: and was subject to them. 4. And Jesus * advanced in wisdom and age, and grace with God and men. 5. And they said: * How came this man by this wisdom and miracles ? _Is not this the carpenter's son ? CHAPTER (Luke ii) And Jesus went down with Descendit Jesus cum Maria et Joseph, et venit Nazareth, Mary and Joseph, and came to Nazareth: and was subject to ot érat subditus illis. them. O Lux beata Calitum, Et summa spes mortalium, Jesu, o cui domestica Arrisit orto caritas. u. HYMN Blest light of all the heavenly hosts, Sole hope of them that dwell on carth, The purest love that ever graced A home, did smile upon thy birth. 1 146 Maria, dives gratia, 0 sola qua casto potes Fovere Jesum pectore, Cum lacte donans oscula. CHRISTMAS Tuque ex vetustis patribus Delecte custos Virginis, Dulci patris quem nomine Divina proles invocat. Desstirpe Jesse nobili Nati in salutem gentium, Audite nos qui supplices Vestras ad aras sistimus. Dum sol redux ad vesperum Rebus nitorem detrahit, Nos hic manentesintimo Ex corde vota fundimus. Qua vestra sedes floruit Virtutis omnis gratia, Hanc detur in domesticis Referre posse moribus. Jesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna secula. Amen. ¥. Ponam universos filios tuos doctos a Domino. R. Et multitudinem pacis filiis tuis. Mary, dear Mother, who but thee Was ever yet so rich in grace ? Didst nourish Christ upon thy knee And fold him in a sweet embrace ? And Joseph, chosen out to guard The Virgin with thy gentle might, The Infant Jesus smiled on thee And called thee father as by right. You, who tosavea guilty race Were born of David’s noble line, 0O hear the humble prayers of all To-day, who gather round your shrine. The sun now wends his way to rest And earth is veiled in shadows gray; Yet hearts a-fire with joy and love Still bid us linger on to pray. 0 may the grace of that sweet home Which held the earthly Trinity, Be shed abroad upon the world And bless the Christian family. 0 Jesu, born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to thee; Praise to the Father infinite ‘And Holy Ghost eternally. Amen. ¥. Iwillmakeall thy children to be taught of the Lord. Ry. And great the peace of thy children. AT THE MAGNIFICAT ANT. Maria autem conservabat omnia verba hac, conferens in corde suo. Axt. But Mary * kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. Collect as at Mass, p. 139. SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 147 Commemoration of the Epiphany ANT. Magividentesstellam, dixerunt ad invicem: Hoc signum magni Regis est: eamus et iniquiramus eum, et offeramus ei munera, aurum, thus ct myrrham. Alleluia. or— ANT. Tribus miraculis ornatum diem sanctum colimus: hodie stella Magos duxit ad praesepium: hodie vinum_ ex aqua factum est ad nuptias: hodie in_Jordane a Joanne Christus baptizari voluit, ut salvaret nos. Alleluia. ¥. Reges Tharsis et insule munera offerent. Ry. Reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent. ANT. The Magi, seeing the Star, said to each other: This is the sign of the great King: let us go and seek him, and offer him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. Alleluia. ANT. We celebrate a festival adorned by three miracles: this day, a star led the Magi to the manger; this day, water was changed into wine, at_the marriage-feast; this day, Christ vouchsafed to’ be baptized by John, in the Jordan, for our salvation. Allcluia. ¥. The Kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents. Ry. The Kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts. The Collect as on p. 139. Commemoration of the Sunday ANT. Fili ! quid fecisti nobis sic ? ego et pater tuus dolentes quaerebamus te. Quid est quod me quarebatis ? nesciebatis quia in his qua Patris mei sunt, oportet me esse ? ¥. Omnes de Saba venient. Alieluia. Ry. Aurum et thus deferentes. Alleluia. ANT. Son! why hast thou done so to us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. How is it that you soughtme ? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business ? ¥. All they from Saba shall come. _Alleluia. Ry. Bringing gold and frankincense. Alleluia. The Collect as on p. 139. 148 MASS CHRISTMAS OF THE SUNDAY WITHIN THE OF THE EPIPHANY OCTAVE (In_some Churches, the Feast of the Holy Family is not observed on this day; the Mass will then be of the Sunday.) It is the Kingship of the divine Infant that the Church again proclaims in the opening Canticle of the Mass for the Sunday within the Octave of the Epiphany. She sings the praises of her Emmanuel’s Throne, and takes her part with the Angels who hymn the glory of Jesus’ eternal Empire. Let us do the same, and adore the King of Ages, in his Epiphany. INTROIT In excelso throno vidi sedere virum, quem adorat multitudo Angelorum psallentes in unum: ecce cujus imperii nomen est in wternum. Ps. Jubilate Deo omnis terra: Servite Domino in letitia. Gloria Patri. In excelso. I saw a man seated on a high throne, whom a multitude of Angels adored, singing all together: Behold him, whose name and empire are to last for ever. Ps. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. Glory. I saw. The Collect is given on p. 139. EPISTLE Lectio Epistolz beati Pauli Lesson “Apostoli ad Romanos. Paul the Cap. XII. Fratres, obsecro vos per misericordiam Dei, ut exhibeatis corpora vestra hostiam viventem, sanctam, Deo placentem, rationabile obsequium vestrum. Et nolite conformari huic szculo, sed reformamini in novitate sen- of the Epistle of Saint Apostle to the Romans, Ch. XII. Brethren, I beseech you, by the mercy of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, your reasonable service. And’ be not conformed to this world, but be reformed in the newness of your mind: that SUNDAY WITHIN sus vestri: ut probetis qua sitvoluntas Deibona, et beneplacens, et perfecta. Dico enim per gratiam qua data est mihi, omnibus qui sunt inter vos: Non plus sapere quam oportet sapere, sed sapere ad sobrietatem: et unicuique sicut Deus divisit mensuram fidei. Sicut enim in uno corpore multa membra habemus, omnia autem membra non eumdem actum habent: ita multi unum corpus sumus in Christo, singuli autem alter alterius membra: in Christo Jesu Domino nostro. THE OCTAVE 149 you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God. For T say, by the grace that is given me, to all that are among you, not to be more wise than it behoveth to be wise, but to be wise unto sobriety, and according as God hath divided unto every one the measure of faith, For as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of one another, in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Apostle invites us to make our offering to new-born King, after the example of the Magi; but offering which this Lord of all things asks of us is He that is Life gives anything material or lifeless. the the not his whole self to us; let us, in return, present him our hearts, that is, a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God ; whose service may be reasonable, that is, whose obedience to the divine will may be accompanied by a formal intention Here again, let us of offering itself to its Creator. imitate the Magi, who went back another way into their own country—let us not adopt the ideas of this world, for the world is the covert enemy of our beloved King. Let us reform our worldly prudence according to the divine wisdom of Him, who may well be our guide, seeing he is the Eternal Wisdom of the Father. Let us understand, that no man can be wise without Faith, which reveals to us that we must all be united by love, so as to form one body in Christ, partaking of his life, his wisdom, his light, and his kingly character. In the chant which follows the Epistle, the Church returns to her praise of the ineffable wonders of a God with us : Justice and righteousness have come down from heaven, to take .up their abode on our mountains and hills. 150 CHRISTMAS GRADUAL Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, qui facit mirabilia magna solus a szculo. ¥. Suscipiant montes pacem populo tuo, et colles justitiam. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. Jubilate Deo omnis terra:sefvite Domino in lztitia. Alleluia. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone hath done great wonders from the begin] ning. remountains the ¥. Let ceive peace for thy people, and the hills righteousness. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all'the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. Alleluia. The Gospel is the one for the Feast of the Holy Family, p- 141, During the Offertory, the Church resumes her canticles of joy; the presence of the Divine Infant fills her with joy. OFFERTORY Jubilate Deo omnis terra: servite Domino in latitia: intrate in conspectu ejus in exsultatione: quia Dominus ipse est Deus. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness: present yourselves to him with transports of joy: for the Lord is God. The Secret is given on p. 143. Whilst distributing the Bread of Life come down from heaven, the Church repeats the words addressed by Mary to her Son: Why hast thou done so to us ? I and thy father have sought thee. The Good Shepherd, who feeds his Sheep with his own Flesh, replies, that he must needs do the will of his Father who is in heaven. He is come to be our Life, our light, and our food: he, therefore, leaves everything in order to give himself to us. But, whilst the Doctors in the Temple only saw and heard him, we, in this Living Bread, possess him and are united with him in sweetest union. SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE COMMUNION Fili, quid fecisti nobissic? Ego et pater tuus dolentes quwrebamus te. Et quid est, quod me quearebatis? Nesciebatis, quia in his, quz Patris mei sunt, oportet me esse ? 151 Son, why hast thou done so with us? I and thy father have sought thee with sorrow. —And why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about the concerns of my Father ? The Posicommunion is given on p. 144. CHRISTMAS 152 JANUARY THE SECOND DAY OF THE SOLEMNITY 7 WITHIN THE EPIPHANY OCTAVE of such importance as the Epiphany could not be without an Octave. ' The only Octaves during the year that are superior to this of the Epiphany, are those of Easter and Pentecost. It has a privilege which the Octave of Christmas has not; for no Feast can be kept during the Octave of the Epipha.rly, unless it be double that of a principal and_semi-double Patron; whereas rite are admitted Feasts of during the Christmas Octave. It would even seem, judging from the ancient Sacramentaries, that anciently the two days immediately following the Epiphany were Days of Obligation, as were the Monday and Tuesday of Easter and Whitsuntide. The names of the Stational Churches are given, where the Clergy and Faithful of Rome assembled on these two days. In order that we may the more fully enter into the spirit of the Church during this glorious Octave, we will contemplate, each day, the Mystery of the Voca- tion of the Magi, and we will enter, together with them, into the holy Cave of Bethlehem, there to offer our gifts to the Divine Wise Men. These Magi Infant, to whom the star has led the are the harbingers of the conversion of all nations to the Lord their God; they are the Fathers of the Gentiles in the faith of the Redeemer that is come; they are the Patriarchs of the human race regenerated. They arrive at Bethlehem, according to the tradition of the Church, three in number; and this tradition is handed down by St Leo, by St Maximus of Turin, by St Cesarius of Arles, and by the Christian paintings in DAY SECOND WITHIN 153 OCTAVE THE the Catacombs of Rome, which paintings belong to the period of the Persecutions. Thus is continued in the Magi the Mystery prefigured by the three just men at the very commencement of the world: Abel, who, by his death, was the figure of Christ; Seth, who was the father of the children of God, as distinct from the family of Cain; and Enos, who had the honour of regulating the ceremonies and solemnity to be observed in man’s worship of his Creator. The Magi also continued, in their own person, that other Mystery of the three new parents of the human family, after the Deluge, and from whom all races have sprung: Sem, Cham, and Japheth, the Sons of Noe. And, thirdly, we behold in the Magi that third Mystery of the three fathers of God’s chosen people: Abraham, the Father immolated; of believers; and Jacob, Isaac, another who was strong figure of Christ against God,' and was the father of the twelve Patriarchs of Israel. All these were but the receivers of the Promise, although the hope of mankind, both according to nature and grace, rested on them; they, as the Apostle says of them, saluted afar off.* the accomplishment of that Promise The nations did not follow them, by serving the true God; nay, the greater the light that shone on Israel, the greater seemed the blindness of the Gentile world. The three Magi, on the contrary, come to Bethlehem, and they are followed by countless genera- tions. In them the figure becomes the grand reality, thanks to the mercy of our Lord, who having come to find what was lost, vouchsafed to stretch out his arms to the whole human race, for the whole was lost. These happy Magi were also invested with regal power, as we shall see further on; as such, they were prefigured by those three faithful Kings who were the glory of the throne of Juda, the earnest maintainers among the chosen people of the traditions regarding the future Deliverer, and the strenuous opponents of idolatry : David, the sublime type of the Messias; Ezechias, whose 1 Gen, xxxii 28, * Heb.xi 13. 154 CHRISTMAS courageous zeal destroyed the idols; and Josias, who re- established the Law of the Lord, which the people had forgotten. And if we would have pilgrims, who come from Gentiles to adore the King rich presents, the sacred another type a far distant of Peace, and Scripture puts of these holy country of the offer him their before us the Queen of Saba, also a Gentile, who hearing of the fame of the wisdom of Solomon, whose name means the Peaceful, visits Jerusalem, taking with her the most magnificent precious gifts—camels stones—and laden venerates, with gold, spices, and under one of the sub- limest of his types, the kingly character of the Messias. Thus, O Jesus! during the long and dark night, in which the justice of thy Father left this sinful world, did the gleams of grace appear in the heavens, the rising of that Sun dissipate the shadows of Light and Day. passed away; we no portending of thine own Justice, which would of death, and establish the reign But now all these shadows have longer need the imperfect light of types: it is thyself we now possess; and though we wear not royal crowns upon our heads, like the Magi and the Queen of Saba, yet thou receivest us with love. The very first to be invited to thy Crib, there to receive thy teachings, were simple Shepherds. Every member of the human family is called to form part of thy court. Having become a Child, thou hast opened the treasures of thine infinite wisdom to all men. What gratitude do we not owe for this gift of the light of Faith, without which we should know nothing, even whilst flattering ourselves that we know all things! uncertain and deceitful is human How narrow and science, compared with that which has its source in thee! May we ever prize this immense gift of Faith, this Light, O Jesus! which thou makest to shine upon us, after having softened it under the veil of thy humble Infancy. Preserve us from pride, which darkens the soul’s vision and dries up the heart. Confide us to the keeping of thy Blessed SECOND DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 155 Mother; and may our love attach us for ever to thee, and her maternal eye ever watch over us lest we should leave thee, O thou the God of our hearts | Let us now listen to the Hymns and Prayers of the several Churches in praise of the Mysteries of the glorious Epiphany. We will begin with this of Prudentius, in which he celebrates that never-setting Star, of which the other was but a figure. Quicumque Christum quaritis, Oculos in altum tollite: Tilic licebit visere Signum perennis glori. Hacstella, qua solis rotam Vincit decore ac lumine, Venisse terris nuntiat Cum carne terrestri Deum. Non illa servit noctibus, Secuta lunam menstruam: Sed solam ceelum possidens Cursum dierum temperat. Arctoa quamvis sidera In se retortis motibus Obire nolint; attamen Plerumque Sub nimbis latent. Hoc sidus zternum mane Hzc stella numquam merg; tur: Nec nubis occursu abdita Obumbrat obductam facem. Tristis cometa intercidat, Et si quod astrum Sirio Fervet vapore, jam Dei Sub luce destructum cadet. HYMN O ye, that are in search of Jesus, raise up your eyes aloft: there shall you see the sign of his eternal glory. This Star, which_ surpasseth the sun’s disc in beauty and light, announces that God has come upon the earth clothed in human flesh. It is not a Star that is made to serve the night, following the monthly changes of the moon; but it seems to preside over the heavens and mark the course of the day. "Tis true, that Polar Stars are lights that never set; yet are they often hid beneath the clouds. But thisStarisnever dimmed; this Star is never extinguished ; nor does a coming cloud o'ershadow her blaze of light. Let comet, the harbinger of ill, and meteors formed by Dogstar’s vaporous heat, now fade away before this God's own light. We take the three following solemn Prayers from the Gregorian Sacramentary. 156 CHRISTMAS PRAYERS Deus, illuminator omnium gentium, da populis tuis perpetua pace gaudere, et illud lumen splendidum infunde cordibus nostris, quod trium Magorum mentibus aspirasti. Ommnipotens et sempiterne Deus, fidelium splendor animarum, qui hanc solemnitatem electionis gentium primitiis consecrasti; imple mundum gloria tua, et subditis tibi populis per luminis tui appare claritatem. Concede nobis, omnipotens Deus, ut Salutare tuum nova ceelorum luce mirabile, quod ad salutem mundi hodierna festivitate_processit, nostris semper cordibus oriatur. tum Dominum Amen. innovandis Per Chrisnostrum. The following Sequence Roman-French Missals. O God, the enlightener of all nations, give thy people to enjoy perpetual peace, and infuse into our hearts that shining light which thou didst enkindle in the minds of the three Magi. Almighty and eternal God, the light of faithful souls, who hast consecrated this solemnity by the first-fruits of the vocation of the Gentiles; fill this world with thy glory, and manifest thyself to thy devoted people by the brightness of thy light. Grant unto us, O Almighty God, that the Saviour sent by thee, who was made known by a new light in the heavens, and comes down for the salvation of the world on this day's solemnity, may arise in our hearts and give them a perpetual renovation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. is found SEQUENCE Epiphaniam Domino canamus gloriosam, Qua prolem Dei vere Magi adorant: Immensam Chaldei cujus Perszque venerantur potentiam. Quem cuncti Prophetz cecinere venturum, gentes ad salvandas: Cujus Majestas ita est inclinata, ut assumeret servi formam. in the ancient Let us sing to the Lord the glorious Epiphany, Wherein the Magi adore the true Son of God. The Chaldeans and Persians offer homage to his infinite power. All the Prophets had foretold that he would come to save the nations. His Majesty so far humbled itself, as to assume the form of a servant. SECOND DAY WITHIN Ante szcula qui Deus, et tempora, homo factus est in Maria: Balaam de quo vaticinans: Exhibit et Jacob rutilans, in. quit, stella, Et confringet ducum agmina regionis Moab, maxima. potentia. Huic Magi munera deferunt praeclara: aurum, simul thus et myrrham. Thure Deum pradicant, auro Regem magnum, hominem mortalem myrrha. In somnis hos monet Angelus, ne redeant ad regem commotum propter regna; Pavebat etenim nimium Regem natum, verens amittere regni jura. Magi, stella_sibi micante pravia, pergunt alacres itinera, patriam quz eos ducebat ad propriam, liquentes Herodis mandata. Qui percussus corde nimitm pra ira, extemplo mandat eludia magica non linqui taliter impunita, sed mox privari eos vita. Omnis nunc caterva tinnulum jungat laudibus organi pneuma, Mystice offerens Regi regum Christo munera, pretiosa, Poscensut perorbemregna omnia protegat in szcula sempiterna. Amen. THE OCTAVE 157 He that was God before all ages and time, was made Man in Mary’s womb. Balaam thus prophesied concerning him: There shall go forth a bright star from Jacob, And with exceeding power he shall break the armies of the chiefs of Moab. The Magi bring him rich presents, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. By the frankincense they confess him to be God; by the gold, the great King; by the myrrh, a mortal Man. An Angel warns them in their sleep, that they return not to King Herod, who feared to lose his kingdom. For he was exceedingly troubled at the birth of the new King, and trembled lest he should be deprived of his throne. The Magi, guided by a Star that went before them, set out on their journey with joy. The Star guided them to their own country,and Herod's commands were not heeded. This prince, struck to the heart with exceeding wrath, straightway commands that the disobedience of the Magi chastised, and that they be be speedily put to death. Now, therefore, let this assembly sing its songs of praise accompanied by the organ’s shrill sounding notes. And offer to Christ, the King of kings, its precious mystic gifts, Beseeching him that he protect all the kingdoms of the universe for ever and ever. Amen. 158 CHRISTMAS St Ephrem gives us the following beautiful Hymn upon the Nativity of our Lord. Nascente Filio, altis resonat clamoribus _Bethlehem. Ceelo delapsi Vigiles canunt _vocibus tonitruum imitantibus. Concentu exciti novo convenere silentes, silentium rupere laudes nascentis Filii Dei. Plaudamus, aiebant, Infanti qui Eve Adzque juventutis restituit ~annos. Confluxere pastores, gregum suorum proventum portantes, dulcis lactis copiam, mundas carnes, et decoram laudem. Distinxere munera, carnes osepho, Mariz lac, Filio audem. Obtulere agnum lactentem _paschali Agno, rimum Primo, hostiam ostiz, agnum caduci temporis Agno veritatis sempiternz. Decorum sane spectaculum | agnus oblatus Agno ! balavit agnus Unigenito prasentatus, agnus Agno acceptam referebat gratiam, quod _suo adventu gregeset armenta mactationi subtraxisset, et novum a veteri Paschata traductum Pascha Filii introduxisset. Tllum adoravere pastores, et prophetantes Pastorum Principem salutarunt. Mosaica virga, aiebant, tuum, universalis Pastor, sceptrum HYMN The Son being born, Bethlehem resounds with loud shouts of joy. The ever wakeful Angels come down from heaven, singing their hymn with voices loud as thunder. Men that were in still silence ran to the cave, aroused by the strange music: they too broke the silence with their praises of the new-born Son of God. ‘Let us,’ said they, ‘give praise to the Infant, who has restored to Adam and Eve the yoars of their youth.' Thess hepherds came bringing with them the produce of their flocks, abundance of sweet milk, clean meats, and songs of praise. Thus did theydivide the gifts: the meats to Joseph; the milk fo Mary; theif praise to Jesus. They offered a lambkin to the paschal Lamb, a first-born to the First-Born, a victim to the Victim, a mortal lamb to the true eternal Lamb. Fair sight indeed! A lamb offered totheLamb! Thelamb bleated, thus offered to the Only Begotten Sonof God; it thanked him for that his coming would save the flocks and herds from being immolated, and that a new Pasch, that of the Son of God, would be brought in in place of the Pasch of old. The Shepherds adored him, and prophesying, saluted him as the Prince of Shepherds. They said: ‘Thy sceptre, O universal Shepherd! is pre- SECOND DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 159 commendat, quique illam figured by the rod of Moses; gestavit Moses te magnum and Moses, who held it in his praedicat, dolens gregum suo- hand, declares thy greatness. rum mutatas formas, et But he grieves over the change agnos in lupos transiisse, ac that befell his flock: he grieves oves evasisse dracones, et to see his lambs changed into ferocissimas bestias. Scili- wolves, and his sheep transcet et istz in illa horribili formed into dragonsand savage solitudine passz fuerant ma- beasts. This evil happened to lum, quando furentes rabidz them in that terrible desert, in suum incubuere Pastorem. where this flock, grown mad Divine Puer, hanc tibi acceptam profitentur gratiam pastores, quod lupos et agnos in easdem caulas congregaveris: Puer Noe antiquior, et Noe recentior, qui intra arcam, pelago fremente, pacem dissidentibus vectoribus sanxisti. David proavus tuus agni necem leonis czde vindicavit: tu vero, fili David, occultum peremisti lupum, a quo interfectus fuerat Adamus, agnus ille simplex, qui in Paradiso pastus est ef ba- lavit, with rage, attacked their Shepherd. “O Divine Child! the Shepherds give thee thanks, for that thou hast united into the one fold both wolves and lambs. O Child! that art older and younger than Noe! ‘twas thou didst establish peace among them that sailed in the ark on the stormy sea, and were enemies. “Thy ancestor David avenged the massacre of a lamb by slaying the lion: but thou, O Son of David! didst slay the invisible lion, who murdered that simple lamb, who fed and t bleated in Eden—ourfirs parent Adam.’ The Greek Church gives us, in honour of the VirginMother, this beautiful song of Saint Joseph the Hymnographer. Ut inferiores superioribus The one only God of all, ac_ceelestibus _conjungeret wishing to unite the inferior solus omnium Deus, virgin- creation with the superior and alem uterum ingressus est, heavenly, entered the womb of cumque in similitudine carnis the Virgin; ,and when he had apparuisset, intermedio i appeared in the likeness of the micitiz pariete sublato, pa- flesh, he established peace becem _interposuit, vitamque tween God and man, having ac divinam redemptionem taken away the wall of enmity that had stood between them; largitus est. he also_bestowed on us life and divine redemption, CHRISTMAS Virgo casta post partum Thou, O most holy Mary! permansisti, O sanctissima: didst remain a pure Virginafter 160 Doum enim Verbum genuisti similem nobis factum sine peccato. Sana vulnera cordis mei, o puella, ot motus animz mez recta ac felici tramite dirige, o Virgo, ad Dei voluntatem faciendam. Salve, 0 unica Genitrix illius qui carnem emendicavit. - Salve collapsi mundi erectio, o immaculatissima: salve, meeroris _dissolutio; salve, salus fidelium; salve, throne Dei altissime. Mente revolventes divineloqui Propheta mysterii tui profunditatem, o Virgo, prophetice prznunciaverunt Iud divino Spiritu illustra Nos vero cum illorum vaticinia opere completa nunc leti intueamur, credimus. O Puella omnibus miraculisadmirabilior; illum genuisti qui est ante omnia szcula, nobis similem factum propter summam misericordiam suam, ut salvos faceret eos qui canunt: Benedictus es Deus Patrum nostrorum. Divinis verbis tuis homi- num generationes inharentes, beatam te dicunt, o semper beatissima, suaviter concinentes: Benedicite omnia opera Dominum. 0O Virgo bonorum amatrix, bonam effice animam meam, peccati malitia depravatam: tu enim bonum Dominum peperisti. Deum ac thy for delivery; thou didst give birth to God the Word, made sin. like unto us in all save Heal the wounds of my heart, O Virgin ! and direct the movements of my soul in a bright ath, so that I may and haj fulfil ngp'); gvill, incomparable Mother Hail, of Him who deigned to take Hail, O most Imour flesh! maculate Mary, that didst bring the fallenworld its resurrection! Hail, thou dispeller of sorrow! Hail, thou that givest the faithHail, most ful their Saviour! high throne of God! The divinely-speaking Prophets, revolving in their minds the depth of thy mystery, O Virgin! prophetically foretold it, for they were enlightened by the divine Spirit. We that now joyfully behold their prophecies fulfilled, we believe. O Virgin! thou that art more admirable than all miracles! thou didst give birth to Him and ,who who was beforeall ages was made like unto us through his great mercy, for he came that he might save them that sing: Blessed art thou, the God of our Fathers | All generations of men, keeping to thy most sacred words, call thee Blessed, O most Blessed Mother! and sweetly sing in choral hymns: All ye works of the Lovd, bless the Lovd ! O Virgin, that lovest holy souls! make mine holy, for it is depraved by the evil of sin: make it good, for thou hast given birth to the good God and Lord, SECOND DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 161 Horrescunt Cherubim atThe Cherubim and the whole que universa ceelestis natura ob reverentiam venerandz Protis tum incomprehensibilis, o immaculatissima, quz similis facta est nobis propterineffabilem misericordiam suam, et secundum carnem baptizata est, cujus divinam Apparitionem nunc omnes exsultantes celebramus. 1. heavenly kingdom tremble in reverence before the incomprehensible majesty of thy Son, O most Immaculate Mother! He was made like unto us, through his ineffable mercy, and was baptized according to the flesh: and now do we all exultingly celebrate his divine Apparition. 1 CHRISTMAS 162 JANUARY THE 'HE 8 THIRD DAY WITHIN THE OF THE EPIPHANY great Mystery OCTAVE of the Alliance of the Son of TGod with the universal Church, which is represented in the Epiphany by the Magi, was looked forward to by the world in every age previous to the coming of our Emmanuel. The Patriarchs and Prophets had propagated the tradition; and the Gentile world gave f;lequent proofs that the tradition prevailed even with them. ‘When Adam in Eden first beheld her whom God had formed from one of his ribs, and whom he called Eve, because she was the Mother of all the living,' he exclaimed: ‘ This is the bone of my Man shall leave father and bones, and flesh of my flesh. mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be two in one flesh.”” In uttering these words, the soul of our first Parent was enlightened by the Holy Spirit, and, as we are told by the most profound interpreters of the Sacred Scriptures (such as Tertullian, St Augustine, St Jerome, etc.), he foretold the alliance of the Son of God with his Church, which issued from his Side, when opened by the spear, on the Cross; for the love of which Spouse he left the right hand of his Father, and the heavenly Jerusalem, his mother, that he might dwell with us in this our earthly abode. The second father of the human race, Noe, after he had seen the Rainbow in the heavens, announcing that now God’s anger was appeased, prophesied to his three Sons their own respective future, and in theirs, that of the world. Cham had drawn upon himself his father’s curse; Sem seemed to be the favoured son, for from his + Gen.i 20. * Ibid, i 23, 24- THIRD DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 163 race there should come the Saviour of the world; but, the Patriarch immediately adds: ‘ May God Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Sem.”* In the course of time, the ancient alliance that had been made between God and the people of Israel was broken; the Semitic race fluctuated in its religion, and finally fell into infidelity; and at length God adopts the family of Japheth, that is, the Gentiles of the West, as his own people; for ages, they had been without God, and now the very Seat of religion is established in their midst, and they are put at the head of the whole human race. Later on it is the great God himself that speaks to Abraham, promising him that he shall be the father of a countless family. ‘I will bless thee,’ says the Lord, “and I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven.’? As the Apostle tells us, more numerous was to be the family of Abraham according to the faith than that which should be born to him of Sara. All they that have received the faith of a Mediator to come, and all they that, being warned by the Star, have come to Jesus as their God—all are the children of Abraham. The Mystery is again expressed in Rebecca, the wife of Isaac. She feels that there are two children struggling within her womb;? and this is the answer she received from God, when she consulted him: ‘ Two nations are in thy womb, and two peoples shall be divided out of thy womb; and one people shall overcome the other, and the elder shall serve the younger. Now, who is this ‘ younger child that overcomes the elder, but the Gentiles, who struggle with Juda for the light, and who, though but the child of the promise, supplants him who was son according to the flesh ? Such is the teaching of St Leo and St Augustine. Next it is Jacob, who, when dying, calls his twelve sons, the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel, around his bed, and prophetically assigns to each of them the career they were to run. Juda is put before the rest; 1Genixzy. ' Ibidxxiizy. * Ibid.xxvaz. ¢ Ivid, xxv 23. CHRISTMAS 164 he is to be the king of his brethren, and from his royal race shall come the Messias. But the prophecy concludes with the prediction of Israel’s humiliation, which humiliation is to be the glory of the rest of the human race. ‘ The sceptre shall not be taken away from Juda, nor a Ruler from his thigh, till he come that is to be sent, and he shall be the Expectation of the Nations." When Israel had gone out of Egypt, and was in pos- session of the Promised Land, Balaam cried out, setting his face towards the desert where Israel was encamped: ‘I shall see him, but not now; I shall behold him, but not near. A Star shall rise out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall spring up from Israel. ... Who shall live when God shall do these things ? They shall come in galleys from Italy; they shall overcome the Assyrians, and shall waste the Hebrews, and at the last they themselves also shall perish.”? And what kingdom shall succeed this ? The kingdom of Christ, who is the Star, and the King that shall rule for ever. David has this great day continually before his mind. He is for ever celebrating, in his Psalms, the Kingship of his Son according to the flesh: he shows him to us as bearing the Sceptre, girt with the Sword, anointed by God his Father, and extending his kingdom from sea to sea: he tells us how the Kings of Tharsis and the Islands, the Kings of the Arabians and of Saba, and Ethiopia, shall prostrate at his feet and adore him: he mentions their gifts of In his mysterious describes the joy of divine Spouse and his the Synagogue. love, thePrinces of to come gold.* Canticle of Canticles, Solomon the spiritual union between the Church, and that Church is not Christ invites her, in words of tenderest and be crowned; and she, to whom he addresses these words, is dwelling beyond the confines Come from of the land where lives the people of God. Libanus, my Spouse, come from Libanus, come ! Thou shalt be crowned from the top of Amana, from the top of Sanir and Hermon, from the dens of the lions, from + Gea, xlix 10. * Num. xxiv 17, 23, 240 + Ps.Ixxi. THIRD THE WITHIN DAY 165 OCTAVE the mountains of the leopards.’’ This daughter of black, she Pharaoh confesses her unworthiness: I am says; but, she immediately adds that she has been made beautiful by the grace of her Spouse.? The Prophet Osee follows with his inspired prediction: ‘ And it shall be in that day, saith the Lord, that she shall call me My Husband, and she shall call me no more Baali. And 1 will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and she shall no more remember their name. . . . And]I will espouse thee to me for ever. . . . And I will sow her unto me in the earth, and I will have mercy on her that was without mercy. And I will say to that which was not my people: Thou art my people : and they shall say: Thou art my God.”® The elder Tobias, whilst captive in Babylon, phesies the same alliance. The Jerusalem which prowas to receive the Jews after their deliverance by Cyrus, is not the City of which he speaks in such glowing terms; it is a new and richer and lovelier Jerusalem. °‘ Jeru- salem ! City of God ! bless the God eternal, that he may rebuild his tabernacle in thee, and may call back all the captives to thee. Thou shalt shine with a glorious light. Nations from afar shall come to thee, and shall bring gifts, and shall esteem thy land as holy. For they shall call upon the great Name in thee. . . . All that fear God shall return thither. And the Gentiles shall leave their idols, and shall come into Jerusalem, and shall dwell in it. And all the kings of the earth shall rejoice in it, adoring the King of Israel.” It is true, the Gentiles shall be severely chastised by God on account of their crimes; but that justice is for no other end than to prepare those very Gentiles for an eternal alliance with the great Jehovah. He thus speaks by his Prophet Sophonias: ‘ My judgement is to assemble the Gentiles, and to gather the kingdoms: and to pour upon them my indignation, all my fierce anger: for with the fire of my jealousy shall all the earth be devoured. Because then I will restore to the people a chosen i Cantiv8 lbidiig *Oseeiit6erseg. ¢ Tob. xili, xiv. lip, 166 CHRISTMAS that all may call upon the name of the Lord, and may serve him with Ethiopia shall persed people, He promises one shoulder. From beyond the rivers of my suppliants, the children of my disbring me an offering.’* the same mercy by his Prophet Ezechiel: ‘ One King shall be over all, and they shall no more be two nations, neither shall they be divided any more into two kingdoms. Nor shall they be defiled any more with their idols: and I will save them out of all the places in which they have sinned. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. And they shall have One Shepherd. And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will establish them, and will multiply them, and will set my Sanctuary in the midst of them for ever.” After the prophet Daniel has described the three great Kingdoms which were successively to pass away, he says there shall be a Kingdom ‘ which is an everlasting Kingdom, and all kings shall serve him’ (the King) ‘and shall obey him,” He had previously said: ‘ The power ’ (that was to be given to the Son of man) ‘is an everlasting power that shall not be taken away; and his Kingdom shall not be destroyed.” Aggeus thus foretells the great events which were to happen before the coming of the One Shepherd, and the establishment of that everlasting Sanciuary which was to be set up in the very midst of the Gentiles: ‘ Yet one little while, and I will move the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will move all nations, and the Desired of all nations shall come. But we should have to cite all the Prophets in order to describe in all its grandeur the glorious spectacle promised by God to the world, when, being mindful of the Gentiles, he should lead them to the feet of Jesus. The Church has quoted the Prophet Isaias in the Epistle of the Feast, and no Prophet is so explicit and so sublime as this son of Amos. * Soph. iii. 8,9, 10, * Dan. vii 27. + Bzech. xxxvil 22 ¢ seq. < Agg.ii7, 8. THIRD DAY WITHIN 167 THE OCTAVE The expression of the same universal expectation and desire is found also among the Gentiles. The Sibyls kept up the hope in the heart of the people; and in Rome itself we find the Poet Virgil repeating in one of his poems the oracles they had pronounced. ‘ The last age,” says he, ‘ foretold by the Cumean Sibyl, is at hand; a new and glorious era is coming: a new race is being sent down to earth from heaven. At the birth of this Child, the iron age will cease, and one of gold will rise upon the whole world. . . . No remnants of our crimes will be left, and their removal will free the earth from its never- ending fear.’t If we are unwilling to accept, as did St Augustine and so many other holy Fathers, these Sibylline oracles as the expression of the ancient traditions—we have pagan philosophers and historians, such as Cicero, Tacitus, and Suetonius, testifying that in their times the world was in expectation of a Deliverer; that this Deliverer would come, not only from the East, but from Judea; and that a Kingdom was on the point of being established which would include the entire world. O Jesus, our Emmanuel ! this universal expectation was that of the holy Magi, to whom thou didst send the star. No sooner do they receive the signal of thy having come, than they set out in search of thee, asking, ‘ Where is he born, that is King of the Jews?’ The oracles of thy Prophets were verified in them; but if they received the first-fruits of the great promise, we possess it in all its fulness. The Alliance is made, and our souls, for love of which thou didst come down from heaven, are thine. The Church is come forth from thy divine side, with the Blood and Water; and all that thou dost for this thy chosen Spouse, thou accomplishest in each of her faithful children. We are the sons of Japheth, and we have supplanted the race of Sem, which refused us the entrance of its tents; the birthright which belonged to Juda has been transferred to us. Each age do our numbers increase, for we are to become numerous as the stars of + Eclog. iv. CHRISTMAS 168 heaven. We expectation; are no longer in the anxious period of the star has risen, and the Kingdom it predicted will now for ever protect and bless us. The Kings of Tharsis and the Islands, the Kings of Arabia and Saba, the Princes of Ethiopia, are come, bringing their gifts with them; all generations have followed them. The Spouse has received all her honours, and has long since forgotten Amana, and Sanir, and Hermon, where she once dwelt in the mdist of wild beasts; she is not black, she is beautiful, with neither spot nor wrinkle upon her, but in every way is worthy of her divine Lord. Baal is forgotten for language given her feeds the one flock. which is to continue glorious destiny. ever, and she lovingly speaks the by her God. The One Shepherd The last Kingdom, the Kingdom for ever, is faithfully fulfilling its It is thou, O Divine Infant ! that bringest us all these graces, and receivest all this devoted homage of thy creatures. The time will soon come, dear Jesus! when thou wilt break the silence thou hast imposed on thyself in order that thou mightest teach us humility—thou wilt speak to us as our Master. Ceasar Augustus has long ruled over Pagan Rome, and she thinks herself the kingdom that is to have no end; but she and her Rulers must yield to the Eternal King and his eternal City: the throne of earthly power must now give place for the Throne of Christian charity, and a new Rome is to spring up, grander than the first. The Gentiles are looking for thee, their King; but the day will come when they will have no need to seek thee, but thou, in thy mercy, wilt go in search of them, by sending them apostles and missioners who will preach thy Gospel to them. Show thyself to them as he to whom all power has been given in heaven and on earth; and show them also Her whom thou hast made to be Queen of the universe. May this august Mother of thine be raised up from the poor Stable of Bethlehem, and from the humble dwelling of Nazareth, and be taken on the wings of Angels to that throne of mercy which thou hast made for her, and from which she THIRD DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE will bless all peoples and generations protection. 169 with her loving We will now borrow some of those Canticles wherewith the several Churches were formerly wont to celebrate the Prudentius, the Prince of our Latin liturgical Epiphany. Poets, thus sings the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem. En Persici ex orbis sinu, Sol unde sumit januam, Cernunt periti interpretes Regale vexillum Magi. HYMN Lo! in the heart of Persia’s world, where opens first the gate unto the rising sun, the Magi, most wise interpreters, perceive the standard of the King. Quod ut refulsit, cateri It shone, and the other stars Cessere signorum globi: of heaven put out their lights: Nec pulcher est ausus suam not even would the lovely DayConferre formam Lucifer. Star show his face. Quis iste tantus, inquiunt, “Who,’say they, *is this great Regnator, astris imperans; King, who commands the stars? at whose presence the heavens Quem sic tremunt ccelestia, Cui lux, et @thra inserviunt ? tremble, and light and air do his bidding? Tllustre quiddam ~ cerni“ The sign we see tells us of that great Being, who is eternal mus, Quod nesciat finem pati: and infinite—the most. high, Sublime,celsum, interminum, exalted, boundless One, who existed before heaven and earth Antiquius ceelo, et chao. were made. Hic ille Rex est Gentium, “This is he that is King of Populique Rex Judaici, the Gentiles, and King of the Promissus Abrahw Patri, Jews: he was promised to our Ejusque in @vum semini. Father Abraham, and to his seed for ever. ZEquanda nam stellis sua ‘For Abraham, the first Cognovit olim germina parent of believers, and the Primus sator credentium, sacrificer of his only Son, was Nati immolator unici. told that his race should become numerous as the stars of heaven. Jam flos subit Davidicus, ‘At length the Flower of Radice Jesse editus: David is come, springing from Sceptrique per virgamvirens, Jesse’s root: blooming by his Rerum cacumen occupat. sceptre’s rod, he now rules over the universe.” Exin sequuntur perciti Then quickly do they follow, Fixis in altum vultibus, with their gaze fixed aloft, and 170 CHRISTMAS Qua stella sulcum traxerat, the Star sails through the air, Claramque signabat viam. pointing thebright path to be pursued. Sed verticem pueri supra But when the Star had Signum pependit imminens, reached the point direct above the Child’s head, it hovered Pronaque submissum face Caput sacratum prodidit. there: then stooping down its torch, it showed the sacred face they sought. Videre quod postquam The Magi looked upon the ing Babe, then open their eastern Magi, . Eoa promunt munera, treasures, prostrate, and offer Stratique votis offerunt him the votive homage of inThus, myrrham, et aurum cense, myrrh, and kingly gold. regium. Agnosce clara insignia These, dear Babe, are the rich Virtutis, ac regni tui, tokens of thy power and kingPuer o, cui trinam Pater dom, for they mark the triple Pradestinavit indolem. character which thy Father would have us recognize. Regem Deumque annunThe Gold proclaims him King; tiant the sweet-smelling Saba InThesaurus et fragrans odor cense declares him to be God; Thauris Sabi: ac myrrheus and the Myrrh signifies that he Pulvis sepulcram praedocet. is Man, for it is the symbol of his future tomb; Hoc est sepulcrum, quo That Tomb, whereby God Deus, broke open the prison of Death, Dum corpus exstingui sinit, after he had permitted hissacred Atque id sepulcrum suscitat, Body to suffer death, and the Mortis refregit carcerem. Tomb had raised it up again to life. We find in the Sacramentary of the ancient Gallican Church the following beautiful prayer. PRAYER Deus qui dives es in omnibusmisericordia, Paterglori, qui posuisti Filium tuum lumen in nationibus, pradicare captivis redemptionem, czcis visum, remissionem peccatorum, et sortem inter sanctos per fidem, qui es in Christo largus miserator indulge. Per eumdem Chris- 0 God, who in all thy works art rich in mercyl Father of glory! who didst set thy Son as a light to the Gentiles, that he might preach redemption to captives, and give sight to the blind; O thou that art through Christ plenteous in thy mercy! grant us the remission of our sins, and fellowship through 171 THIRD DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE nostrum. faithwith the Saints. Through tum Dominum the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen. Let us celebrate the mystery of the Birth of Jesus and his alliance with mankind, by this Sequence taken from the ancient Roman-French Missals. SEQUENCE Ecce jam votiva festa re- currunt annua. Addat se vox nostra ad Angelorum carmina. Christus_hac ut sponsus materna die processit clausula. Exsultans ut gigas ad hujus vit currendas semitas. Angelica gloriam reboant in excelsis agmina. Pax in terra homines teneat, cum benevolentia. Jam se replicat seculi seriés maxima: venit etiam vatis Cuma veridica jam @tas carminis ultima. Virgo remeat szcla revehens altera: adsunt tempora quo gens ferrea jam desinat, et mundo pullulet aurea. Adauctus solis jubar die pluscula menses producere inchoat. Nocturnas stella fugat, Magos excitat, Balaamitica tenebras. Impleta, qua pradixerat plebs utraque, et Gentilitas et Hebraa, oracula, Christo nascente, sunt omnia. Sunt cuncta jam nunc scelerum recidiva et recentia et antiqua vestigia, quzque remanserant irrita. Lo! the year has brought us once again the much loved Feasts. Let our voices unite in the hymas of the Angels. On' this day, Christ, as a Bridegroom, came from his Mother's womb. He hath rejoiced to run, as a giant, the way of this our life. The Angelic host make earth re-echo with their song: Glory in the highest | Peace on earth to men of good will! Now begins the most glorious of the eras of time; now too has come that truthful last age of the Cumzan Sibyl’s song. Let the Virgin come, bringing mew times to the world. The day is at hand for the iron age to cease, and the golden one to spring up on the earth. The bright sun begins to lengthen out our days and months. Balaam’s Star wakens up the Magi, and puts to flight the night's dark gloom Christ is born:—all the prophecies are fulfilled which were fore-spoken by the two people, the Gentiles and the Jews. The vestiges of crime, both new and old, are now all wiped away and destroyed. 172 CHRISTMAS O mira atque nova geniO wonderful and unheardtural fit gravida Virgo fide- of Mother! A Virgin_faithliter credula. fully belicves, and the Fruit is in her womb. Et porta, qua fuerat semThe gate, which was ever closed, is opened to the Lord, per clausa, est reserata, When he, the great God, asNaturam dum hominis induit Deitas. sumed the nature of man. Grant us, O Jesus! ever to Conserva hzc, quzsumus, Christe, nobis munera tanta, hold fast these wondrous gifts, ate prerogata. Amen. which thou hast bestowed upon us. Amen. The sublime Poet of the Syrian Church, St Ephrem, thus sings the sweet mysteries of the Birth of Jesus. Venere agrorum cultores, et vite sospitatorem sua venerati sunt, letique talia prophetabant: Ave, designatus nostrorum cultor agrorum, tu cordium nostrorum arva coles, et frumenta inde collecta in horreum vitz congregabis. Secuti sunt vinitores, vineamque laudarunt ex radice ramisque Jesse propagatam, qua virginem botrum ex veneranda vite protulit, nos, quaso, refingito in vasa digna vino tuo novo innovante omnia; statum vine® tuz restitue, quaso; nil illa prater siliquas hucusque protulit; tuos jam insere vitibus surculos. Ad filium Joseph propter Joseph venere fabri. Beatum natalem tuum auguramur, aiebant, artificum Princeps, qui Noeticam arcam delineasti; atque tabernaculum architectatus es illud HYMN ‘There came the husbandmen of Bethlehem, and they paid homage to him who -was_the protector of their life, and thus, in their joy, did they prophesy: “Hail| thou the appointed cultivator of our lands! Thou shalt till the soil of our hearts, and thou shalt put into the garnerhouse of life the harvests they yield.” The vine-dressers came next. They spoke the praises of the Vine grown from the root and branch of Jesse, that bore, from its venerable stock, the virginal Fruit. ‘We beseech thee,’ said they, ‘reform us into vessels worthy of thy new Wine, which maketh all things new. Restore thy vineyard to its former state. Hitherto, it has producednought but wild grapes. Ingraft thine own scions on our vines.' Then, because Joseph was a Carpenter, Carpenters approach to this his Son. * We greet thy happy birth,’ say they: * we hail thee as our Prince, for thou it was didst plan the Ark of Noe. Thou wast Architect of that THIRD DAY WITHIN extemporaneum, et ad temus duraturum; nostra te audant opificia: esto, precamur, tu gloria nostra, jugum fabricare, futurumgestaturi, leve et suave onus. Simili instinctu salut: vere natum infantem no conjuges, ut dicerent: Salve puer, cujus mater sponsa Sanctifacta est. Beatasnuptias, quibus inter futurus es, beatos sponsos, quibus, cum vinum _defuerit, tuo repente nutu, illud afluere cernent. Clamavere simul parvuli: O nos beatos, quibus contigit habere te fratrem, et in foris sodalem: felicem diem, felices pueros, quibus continget laudare te arborem vite, qui celsitudinem tuam ad nostram ztatulam de‘misisti. Rumor pervaserat aures feminarum, fore ut virgo aliquando pareret; injecta est cuilibet illarum’ hujusmodi artus spes; speravere noiles, speravere formosz tuas se fore matres. Tibi, Altissime, benedicimus, quod pauperem matrem elegeris. Prophetavere etiam puel1z, quibus obtigit ad illum deferri, dicentes: Seu deformis sim, seu formosa sim, seu humilis sim, tibi ero, adherebo tibi: mortales thalami tuwo numquam mihi erunt potiores. THE OCTAVE 173 tabernacle so soon built, and to last but for a time. Our works praise thee. We beseech thee, be thou our glory, and make for us that yoke of thine, which we intend to carry; for itis alight yoke, and a sweet burden.’ A like instinct brought the newly married to the new-born Babe: they saluted him, and said: ‘Hail, Child! whose Mother is the Spouse of the Holy One! O blessed nuptials those, where thou art to be present! O blessed Spouses they, who shall see the Wine that had failed flow out abundantly at thy bidding !’ Little Children, too, cried out: 'O happy we, to whom it has been given to have thee for our Brother and our Companion! Happy day! and happy children who, on that day, shall be permitted to praise thee, the tree of life, who hast humbled thy immensity to the littleness of our infant age I The report of the prophecy that a Virgin would one day bring forth a Child, came to the women’s ears; and each one hoped that this privilege would falltotheirlot. ‘ Noblewomen, and beautiful women, hoped that they might be thy mother. We blessthee, O Most High God, that thou choosest for thy Mother one that was poor.” Young Maidens, too, were presented to Jesus, and they prophesied, saying: ‘I may be uncomely, or I may be beautiful, or I may be poor: but thine will 1 be, and to thee will I cling. I will prefer espousals with thee to those I could contract with mortal man.’ 174 CHRISTMAS Let us, in honour of the Blessed Mother, sing this sweet Hymn used by some Churches in the Middle Ages. SEQUENCE Let us sing that word, so good Verbum bonum et suave, and sweet: dve—Hail/ It was Personemus illud Ave Per quod Christi it conclave by that salutation that the Virgin was made the sanctuary Virgo, mater, filia. of Christ—the Virgin, who was both his Mother and his Child. Per quod Ave salutata Greeted by that Hail, the Mox concepit feecundata Virgin, born of the family of Virgo David stirpe nata, David, conceived the Divine Inter spinas lilia. Fruit in_her womb—She that was the Lily amidst the thorns. Ave, veri Salomonis Hail/ thou Mother of the Mater, vellus Gedeonis, true Solomon, thou Fleece of Cujus Magis tribus donis Gedeon! The Magi, by their Laudant puerperium. three gifts, praise thy delivery. Ave, solem genuis Hail/ thou hast given birth Ave, solem protulisti, to the Sun! Hail/ thou hast Mundo lapso contulisti given us to see the Sun, and Vitam et imperium. thereby hast restored life and power to this fallen world. Hail|_thou Spouse of the Ave, sponsa Verbi summi, Maris portus, signum dumi, Divine Word ! Haven of the Aromatum virga fumi, sea! BurningBush! Cloud of Angelorum Domina. sweet aromatic spices! Queen of Angels | Supplicamus: nos emenda, We beseech thee, convert us; Emendatos nos commenda and commend us, so converted, Tuo Nato, ad habenda to thy Son, that he bestow upon Sempiterna gaudia. Amen. us the eternal joys of heaven. Amen, FOURTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 175 JANUARY 9 THE FOURTH DAY WITHIN THE OF THE EPIPHANY OCTAVE HE star foretold by Balaam having risen in the East, the three Magi, whose hearts were full of the expectation of the promised Redeemer, are immediately inflamed with the desire of going in search of him. The announcement of the glad coming of the King of the Jews is made to these holy Kings in a mysterious and silent manner; and hereby it differs from that made to the Shepherds of Bethlehem, who were invited to Jesus’s Crib by the voice of an Angel. But the mute language of the star was explained to them by God himself, for he revealed his Son to them; and this made their Vocation superior in dignity to that of the Jewish Shepherds, who, according to the dispensation of the Old Law, could know nothing save by the ministry of Angels. The divine grace which spoke, directly and by itself, to the souls of the Magi, met with a faithful and un- hesitating correspondence. St Luke says of the Shep- herds, that they came with haste to Bethlehm ;* and the Magi show their simple and fervent eagerness by the words they addressed to Herod: We have seen his star in the East, they say, and we are come to adore him.> ‘When Abraham received the command from God to go out of the land of Chaldea, which was the land of his fathers and kindred, and go into a strange country, he obeyed with such faithful promptitude as to merit being made the Father of all them that believe;* so, likewise, the Magi, by reason of their equally docile and admirable faith, have been judged worthy to be called the Fathers of the Gentile Church. * St Lukeii 16. * StMatt.diz. * Rom.iv1r. 176 CHRISTMAS They too, or at least one or more of them, went out from Chaldea, if we are to believe St Justin and Tertullian. Several of the Fathers, among whom mentioned, assert that Kings was from Arabia. one, if not are the two just two, of these holy A popular tradition, now for centuries admitted into Christian Art, tells us that one of the three was from Ethiopia; and certainly, as regards this last opinion, we have David and other Prophets telling us that the coloured inhabitants of the banks of the Nile were to be objects of God’s special mercy. The term Magi implies that they gave themselves to the study of the heavenly bodies, and that, too, for the special intention of finding that glorious star whose rising had been prophesied. They were of the number of those Gentiles who, like the centurion Cornelius, feared God, had not been defiled by the worship of idols, and maintained, in spite of all the ignorance which surrounded them, the sacred traditions of the religion that was practised by Abraham and the Patriarchs. The Gospel does not say that they were Kings, but the Church applies to them those verses of the Psalm, where David speaks of the Kings of Arabia and Saba, that should hereafter come to the Messias bringing their offerings of gold. The tradition of their being Kings rests on the testimony of St Hilary of Poitiers, of St Jerome, of the poet Juvencus, of St Leo, and several others ; and it would be impossible to controvert it by any well-grounded arguments. Of course, we are not to suppose them to have been Monarchs, whose kingdoms were as great as those of the Roman Empire; but we know that the Scripture frequently applies this name of King to petty princes, and even to mere governors of provinces. The Magi, therefore, would be called Kings if they exercised authority over a considerable number of people; and that they were persons of great importance, we have a strong proof in the consideration and attention showed them by Herod, into whose palace they enter, telling him that they are come to pay their homage to the new-born King of the Jews. The city of FOURTH DAY WITHIN THE 177 OCTAVE Jerusalem is thrown into a state of excitement by their arrival, which would scarce have occurred had not the three strangers, who came for a purpose which few heeded, been attended by a numerous retinue, or had they not attracted attention by their imposing appearance. These Kings, then, docile to the divine inspiration, suddenly leave their country, their riches, their quiet, in order to follow a star: the power of that God, who had called them, unites them in the same path, as they were already one in faith. The star goes on before them, marking out the route they were to follow: the dangers of such a journey, the fatigues of a pilgrimage which might last for weeks or months, the fear of awakening suspicions in the Roman Empire towards which they were evidently tending—all this was nothing to them; they were told to go, and they went. Their first stay is at Jerusalem, for the there. star halts They, Gentiles, come into this Holy City, which is soon to have God’s curse upon it, and they come to announce that Jesus Christ is come! With all the simple courage and all the calm conviction of Apostles and Martyrs, they declare their firm resolution of going to him and adoring him. Their earnest inquiries constrain Israel, who was the guardian of the divine prophecies, to confess one of the chief marks of the Messias—his The Jewish Priesthood fulfils, Birth in Bethlehem. though with a sinful ignorance, its sacred ministry, and Herod sits restlessly on his throne, plotting murder. The Magi leave the faithless City, which has turned the presence of the Magi into a mark of its own reprobation. The Star reappears in the heavens, and invites them to resume their journey. Yet a few hours, and they will be at Bethlehem, at the feet of the King of whom are in search. O dear Jesus! we also are following thee; we they are walking in thy light, for thou hast said, in the Prophecy of thy beloved Disciple: I am the bright and morning Star* . The meteor that guides the Magi is but thy + Apoc. xxii 16, 12 178 CHRISTMAS symbol, O divine Star! Thou art the morning Star; for thy Birth proclaims that the darkness of error and sin is at an end. Thou art the morning Star ; for, after submitting to death and the tomb, thou wilt suddenly arise from that night of humiliation to the bright morning of thy glorious Resurrection. Thou art the morning Star; for by thy Birth and the Mysteries which are to follow, eternity. thou announcest unto us the cloudless May thy light ever beam upon us! day of May we, like the Magi, be obedient to its guidance, and ready to leave all things in order to follow it ! We were sitting in darkness when thou didst call us to thy grace, by making this thy light shine upon us. We were fond of our dark- ness, and thou gavest us a love for the Light! Dear Jesus ! keep up this love within us. Let not sin, which is darkness, ever approach us. Preserve us from the delusion of a false conscience. Avert from us that blindness into which fell the City of Jerusalem and her king, and which prevented them from seeing the Star. May thy Star guide us through life, and bring us to thee, our King, our Peace, our Love ! ‘We salute thee, too, O Mary, thou Star of the Sea that shinest on the waters of this life, giving calm and protection to thy tempest-tossed children who invoke thee | Thou didst pray for the Magi as they traversed the desert; guide also our steps, and bring us to Him who is thy Child and thy Light eternal. Let us close this day with the expressions of divine praise offered us by the ancient Liturgies. Let us begin with the continuation of the Hymn of Prudentius, on the vocation of the Gentiles. The following are the concluding stanzas. O sola magnarum urbium Major Bethlem: cui contigit Ducem salutis ceelitus Incorporatum gignere. HYMN O Bethlehem ! greater than the greatest of cities! 'Twas thy happy lot to give birth to the Prince of our salvation, who had become incarnate by the heavenly mystery. FOURTH DAY WITHIN Altrice te, summo Patri Hares creatur unicus, Homo ex Tonantis Spiritu, Idemque sub membris Deus. Hunc et Prophetis testibus, Tisdemque signatoribus, Testator et Sator jubet Adire regnum, et cernere. Regnum, quod ambit omnia, Dia, et marina, et terrea, A solis ortu ad exitum, Et tartara, et coelum supra. Hic Rex priorum judicum, Rexere qui Jacob genus, Dominzque Rex ecclesiz, Templi et novelli et pristini. Hunc posteri Ephraim colunt, Hunc sancta Manasse domus, Omnesque suscipiunt tribus, Bissena fratrum semina. Quin et propago degener, Rifum secuta inconditum, Quazcumque dirum fervidis Baal caminis coxerat: Fumosa avorum numina, Saxum, metallum, stipitem, Rasum, dolatum, sectile, In Christi honorem deserit. Gaudete quidquid gentium est, Juda, Roma et Gracia, Thrax, Persa, Scy- THE OCTAVE 179 "Twas thou didst nurse him who is the Only-Begotten Son and Heir of the eternal Father; he was made Man by the power of the Spirit of the God who darts the thunderbolts; and this same Jesus is God under human flesh. His eternal Father, who bears witness to him, bids him enter on his kingdom and inherit The Prophets, who are his wil nesses and vouchers, were the proclaimers of the Father's will. This kingdom of Jesus includes all things—the firmament, the sea, the earth from where the sun rises to where he sets, and hell and heaven. Heis the King of those ancient judges who ruled the race of Jacob: he is the King of the Church, the Mistress of the earth: he is King of both temples, the new and old. The children of Ephraim and the holy family of Manasses worship him; the tribes of the twelve Brethren, sons of Jacob, also receive him as’ their God. The degenerate race too, which, observing the rites of idolatrous worship, had framed in hot furnaces the statue of the cruel Baal, Now turns to worship Christ, leaving for his sake the smokegrimed gods of their fathers, stones and metals and stocks, planed, hewn and chiselled by the hands of man. Rejoice, all ye nations of the earth| Judea, Rome and Greece, Egypt, Thrace, Persia, Scythia |~ Ye are now all under the one same King! 180 CHRISTMAS Praise_your King, O all ye people! just and sinners, living, weak and dead, give him praise. None must die henceforth ! Laudate vestrum Principem, Omnes beati ac perditi, Vivi, imbecilli, ac mortui: Jam nemo posthac mortuus. The following beautiful prayer from the Mozarabic Missal will assist us to celebrate in a becoming manner the triple Mystery of the Epiphany. ORATIO Deus qui nobis ad relevandos istius vitz labores, diversadonorum tuorumsola. tia et gaudia contulisti, qui: bus insignes annuis recursibus dies agimus, ut Ecclesie tuz vota solemnia prasenti festivitate celebremus: unde omnium tem- et proxime Natalem Domini Salvatoris peregimus, qui nobis natus in tempore est, qui de te nat sine us tempore, s®culorum et porum est antecessor et con- 0 God, who to lighten the labours of this present life hast conferred upon us the various consolations and joys of thy gifts which we commemorate in the yearly recurrence of the festivals: thou grantest us now, on_this present solemnity, to uniteinthe mysteries celebrated by thy Church. Having kept, a few days past, the feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour, who was born unto us in time and yet was born of thee from eternity, and preceded and created all ages and time; having, eight days after that, ditor: deinde _subsecutum diem Circumcisionisoctavum, Unigenitiluce signatum, pari observantia recolentes, sacri- with like devotion and with the ficiis solemnibus honoravi- same solemn sacrifice, honoured mus: nunc Epiphanix diem, the Circumcision, that feast revelante in homine divini- resplendent with the light of tate, excolimus, diversa Dothine Only Begotten Son; we mini nostri Jesu Christi Filii now on this day worship the tui in hoc mundo suum ad- Epiphany, which revealed unto ventum manifestantia us the divinity of him who had inquod assumed our Humanity. We sive s, signia predicante stellam ortus sui nunciam proclaim those various manimisit e ccelo, quam stupenti- festations, whereby our Lord bus Magis usque ad cunabula. Jesus Christ thy Son made suz carnalis infanti pre- known his having come into viam fecit: sive quod aquas this world. We proclaim his baptismate suo, ad omnium having sent from the heavens gentiumlavationem, Jordanis that Star which announced his alveum sanctificaturus in- own rising, and by whose travit: ubiipsum esse Filium guidance he led the wondering unigenitum dilectum,Spiritu, Magi to the cradle where he FOURTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 181 columbz specie, advolante, lay in his assumed Infant Flesh. monstrasti, et paterna in- We proclaim his sanctifying, super voce docuisti: sive unto the cleansing of all nations, quod primum in Cana Gali- the waters by his own Baptism, lza prodidit signum, cum in when he entered the bed of the connubio nuptiali, aquas in Jordan, and where by thy Spirit vinum convertit, alto et ad- hovering in the shape of a dove mirabili sacramento docens, quod a smculis sponsa sibi jungendus Ecclesiz advenerat, ac in vinum prudentiz spiritualis saporis fidem veritatis esse mutandum: itaque in his tribus mirabilium tuorum causis fide hodiernz solemnitatis edita, Dominus noster Jesus Christus, Filius tuus, nihilominus tuz virtutis operatio et nostre salutis praparatio est. Propterea, Domine, secundum hzctriamagnamirabilia, maneat in nobis gratiz spiritualis integritas, sapiat in cordibus nostris vinum prudentiz, fulgeatinoperibus stella justitiz. Amen. over him, thou didst show and by thy paternal voice didst declaré that he was thy beloved Only-Begotten Son. We proclaim his first miracle wrought in Cana of Galilee, when, at the marriage-feast, he changed the water into wine, teaching us, by a sublime and admirable mystery, that he had come in order tobe united to theChurch, the Spouse he had, for ages, chosen to himself, and that the faith in the promises was hence- forth to be changed into the wine of sweet spiritual wisdom. Thus it is, that in the three ‘wonders which are the object of ourfaithon thisday’s solemnity, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, achieves both the operation of thy power, and the preparation ofoursalvation. Wherefore, we beseech thee, O Lord, grant us, agreeably to these three pro- digies, that there may abide in us the soundness of spiritual grace, that our hearts may relish the wine of prudence, and that the star of justice may shine forth in our works. Amen. ‘The ancient Paris Missal of 1584 contains the following Sequence for one of the days during this Octave. It is full of unction. Orto crucis sidere, Quaramus summopere Regem regum omnium. SEQUENCE The Star of the Cross has risen; let us most earnestly seek the King of kings. 182 CHRISTMAS Quaramus humiliter, Non panditur aliter Cordibus quarentium. Jacet in prasepio, Spreto regum solio, Degens in penuria. Formam dans querentibus, Calcatis terrestribus, Amare ceelestia. Herode postposito, Magos cultu debito Sequamur celeriter. Stella duce cursitant Ad Regem quem pradicant Regnare perenniter. Offeramus typice, Quod illi magnifice Tulerunt realiter. Thus superno Numini, Myrrham vero homini, Aurum Regi pariter. His donis, o lilium, Placa nobis Filium Repletum dulcedine. Ut possimus libere Secum semper vivere Paradisi culmine. Amen. We here insert é{hm composed Let us seek him in humility, for it is to humble hearts alone that he shows himself. He lies in a crib, for he scorns a regal couch, and lives in poverty. He thus teaches them that seek him to despise the things of earth, and love those of heaven. Let us turn away from Herod, and follow without delay, the Magi, and pay our homage to Jesus. They are led by the Star, and hasten to the King, whom they proclaim as the everlasting Ruler. Let us mystically offer the gifts, which they really offered him so magnificently: Let us offer Incense to Jesus, as our God; our Myrrh to him, as Man; our Gold to him, as King. Do thou, O Mary, pure Lily! pray for us to thy Son, who is full of sweetness, that these our gifts may render him propitious; That so, being freed from this world, we may live with him for ever in the heavenly land above. Amen. a few stanzas from the exquisite by St Ephrem for the Syrian Quam mitis es Puer, quam vehemens judiciorum tuorum vis omnipotens, et ineluctabilis est, suavis et dulcis est amor tuus; quis tibi obsistet ? HYMN How gentle art thou, dear Babe! How mighty is the omnipotent and irresistible power of thy judgements| How sweet and amiable is thy lovel Who can withstand thee? FOURTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 183 Thy Father dwells in the high heavens; thy Mother stands on the lowly earth; who can understand thee? If the earthly man_investigate thy nature, which surpasses the ken of mortals, it is found in the highest heavens, hid in the vast bosom of the divinity. 11, again, one wish to see thy Body made visible to the eye of man, lo | it lies upon the earth: it has issued from the narrow womb of Mary, and all may see it. The soul knows not what to think, and the mind grows bewildered in the calculation of thy ways, O Jesus! rich Lord and God ! Congeminatis seris claudiThy divinity is shut beneath tur tua divinitas; pelagus es a twofold barrier; yet art thou, tamen immensum, cedo, qui and I confess it, an immeasurejus fundum attingat, etiam able ocean to him who attempts postquam magnitudinem to fathom thee, even now that tuam ad nostram parvitatem thou hast humbled thy greatdeduxisti. Cum tuum con- ness to ourlittleness. When we spectum petimus, hominem seek for a sight of thee, we see videmus, visuros nos Deum thee a Man, having hoped to sperantes; si hominemvidere see thee as the great God: and velimus, indestatim in oculos when we wish to look upon thee incurrit” hebetatque aciem as Man, then straightway is coruscans divinitatis splen- our eye struck and dazzled by the bright splendour of thy dor. Divinity. Jam quis credat haredem And “who would think thee te esse Davidici throni, cui to be the Heir of David’s ex lauta ejus supellectile throne? Instead of costly fur: prasepe duntaxat relictum niture, thou hast but a Crib est, et ex amplissimis di- instead of the regal palaces, bus, spelunca, deque ejus thou hast but a Cave: instead equitatu vix vilem asellum of the richly caparisoned steeds, cernere aliquando contin- there stands near thee one got ? poor ass. Attamen quam benignus Yet, dear Babe, how lovely es, puer, qui te omnibus in- art thou | accessible to all, and dulges, et obviis quibusque meeting with thy smile all who arrides! talis nempe tuus come to thee! Thy love is amor est, qualem credibile verily the love of one who est futurum fuisse ejus, qui longeth after men, as a In sublimi habitat Pater tuus, tua Mater humi jacet; undenam tui notitiam quis capiat? Si quis terrenus homo tuam disquirat naturam ab humanis remotam sensibus, hzc supereminet ceelo in magnum divinitatis retrusa sinum. Si rursus quispiam corpus cognoscere cupiat oculi expositum, en humi jacet, teque ab angusto Mariz gremio prabet.aspectabilem. Errat incertus animus, neque sibi constat mens tuas, o dives, rationes supputans. 184 CHRISTMAS homines_desideraret, ut pa- hungry man that longeth after nem quilibet esuriens. bread. Parentes ab externis non Thou welcomest to thee, with discernis, nec_genitricem ab a like affection, strangers and ancillis, nec virginem te lac- thy kindred, women and thy tantem ab impuris prostitu- Mother, impure prostitutes and t pudicitiz feminis. Quid ? theVirgin that feeds thee at her Num tui ingenii naturalis Breast. Andhowisthis? Isit facilitas huc_te demisit, an the sweet condescension of thy caritas, qui nihil odisti heart, or is it the love wherewith thou lovest all things thou eorum qua fecisti ? hast made, that has brought thee to this excess of affection ? What is it that induces thee Quid istuc quod te movet, ut ad omnes descendas, ad to stoop thus towards all, rich locupletes ac tenues, et ad and poor, and run even to them eos accurras etiam non vo- that ask thee not to come? catus? Unde tibi istud in- Whence hast thou this inclinaditum, ut homines tantopere tion to love us men so much ? cupias ? Qua hzc tua caritas est, What charity is this, that if ut’si quis te objurgat, non a man insult thee, thou art not succenseas, si minis terret, indignant? or if he threaten non trepides, si duriter te- thee, thou fearest not to go to cum agit, frontem non con- him? or if he treat thee with trahas? Tua nimirum ca- cruelty, there is not a wrinkle ritas antecellit legem illo- onthybrow? Ah! thy charity rum, qui suas persequeban- is of another sort from theirs who persecute them that do tur injurias et vindicabant. them wrong and who seek revenge upon their enemies. Let us honour the Virgin-Mother by addressing to her these stanzas of a Hymn composed by St Joseph the Hymnographer. It is in the Menza of the Greek Church. DIE 1V JANUARII Divinum Regis palatium honoremus, in quo quemadmodum ipse voluit, habitavit, innuptam ac solam Deiparam, per quam deificati sumus, collaudemus. Let us honour the divine Palace of the King, in which it was his will to dwell: the virgin and incomparable Mother of God: let us sing our praises to Her by whom we were.raised up to God. FOURTH DAY WITHIN Casta ante partum, in partu, et post partum, vere, o Virgo mater, apparuisti: Deum enim peperisti, quem Apostolorum collegium manifeste pradicavit. Beatissimus olim Prophetarum chorus sacris vaticiniis in Spiritu divinitus te, ocastissima, Portam et Montem umbrosum nominavit. Tllumina, o Virgo, oculos cordis mei, effulge super me peenitentiz radio; a tenebris perennibus libera me; © Porta lucis, Refugium omnium _christianorum te fideliter laudantium. Laudo te, o sola digna omni laude; glorifico te, o semper a Deo glorificatissima; et beatifico te, 0 Virgo, divina beatitudine felicissima, quam generationes generationum beatam appellant. Expiatorium facta es, o purissima, eorum qui assidue delinquunt, supra naturz ordinem enixa Christum, qui tollit peccata mundi, ad quem clamamus; Dominus ac Deus patrum, benedictus es. O miraculum, quod omnia miracula_transcendit; quo‘modo pariset permanesvirgo, o castissima sponsa Dei! nimirum Verbum Patri cowternum genuisti, cui omnes psallimus: Laudate omnia opera, et superexaltate Dominum in omnia szcula. THE OCTAVE 185 Thou, O truly Virgin-Mother, wast pure before thy delivery, and in thy delivery, and after thy delivery; for thou didst give birth to that God whom the Apostolic College made known to the world by their preaching. %he most blessed choir of the Prophets of old, divinely inspired by the Spirit, did, in their sacred prophecies, call thee, O most chaste one, the Gate and the Mountain o’ershadowed. Enlighten, O Virgin| the eyes of my heart, and send within me the bright ray of compunction; deliver me from eternal darkness; O thou Gate of Light, and Refuge of all Christians faithfully praising thee. 1 praise thee, the creature alone worthy of all praise; I glorify thee, O thou that hast ever been glorified by God; and 1 bless thee, O Virgin, thou most happy in a divine blessedness, who art called Blessed by all generations. O most pure one | thou hast been made the propitiatory of them that sin often, for thou didst miraculously bring forth Christ, who taketh away the sins of the world, and to whom we cry: Blessed art thou, O Lord and God of our fathers | O miracle that surpasseth all miracles! How is it, O most chaste Spouse of God, that thou bearest a Child, yet Temainesta Virgin ? Thou hast given birth to the Word, coeternal with the Father, towhom we all thus sing: Praise him, all ye his works, and magnify the Lord above all for ever. 186 CHRISTMAS Jubar fulgoris partus tui effulsit, atque universum terrarum orbem letissimo lumine perfudit, ac tenebrarum principem pordidit, o Dei enitrix castissima, Angelorum gloriatio, atque omnium hominum salus, qui incessantibus vocibus te concelebrant. The bright splendour of thy delivery has shone forth, and has shed a most joyful light over the whole earth, and has destroyed the prince of darkness, O most chaste Mother of God, thou joy of the Angels, and protectress of all who honour thee with theirunceasing praises. FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE JANUARY THE FIFTH 'HE Magi 10 DAY WITHIN THE THE EPIPHANY have reached 187 Bethlehem; OCTAVE the OF humble dwelling of the King of the Jews has been thrown open to them; there, says St Matthew, they found the Child with Mary his Mother.! Falling down, they adore the divine King they have so fervently sought after, and for whom the whole earth has been longing. Here we have the commencement of the Christian Church. In this humble stable we have the Son of God made Man, presiding as Head over his mystical body; Mary is present, as the co-operatrix in the world’s salvation, and as the Mother of divine Grace; Juda is represented by this holy Queen and her Spouse St Joseph; the Gentiles are adoring, in the n of the Magi, whose faith is perfect now that they have seen the Child. Tt is not a Prophet that they are honouring, nor is it to an earthly King that they open their treasures; he before whom they prostrate in adoration is their God. “See, I pray you,’ says St Bernard, ‘and attentively consider how keen is the eye of faith. It recognizes the Son of God whether feeding at his Mother’s breasts, or hanging on the Cross, or dying in the midst of suffering; for the Good Thief recognizes him on the Cross, and the Magi recognize him in the stable; he in spite of the nails which fasten him, and they in spite of the clouts which swathe him." So that all is consummated, Bethlehem is not merely the birthplace of our Redeemer;, it is the cradle of the Church. Well did the Prophet say of it: And thou, Bethlehem, art not the least among the princes of + St Matt. i n * Second Sermon for the Epiphany. 188 CHRISTMAS We can understand St Jerome leaving all Juda! the ambitions and comforts of Rome to go and bury in the himself of this cave, seclusion where all these mysteries were accomplished. Who would not gladly live and die in this privileged place, sanctified as it is by the presence of our Jesus, embalmed with the of fragrance the of Queen filled Heaven, with the lingering echoes of the songs of Angels, and fresh, even yet, with the memory of those ancestors of our faith, the holy Magi ! These happy kings are not scandalized at the sight they behold on entering the humble dwelling. They are not disappointed at finding at the end of their long journey a weak Babe, a poor Mother, and a wretched stable. On the contrary, they rightly understand the Once believing in the promise that the mystery. Infinite God would visit his creature Man, and show him how he loved him, they are not surprised at seeing him himself, humble and take upon himself all our miseries that he might be like us in all save sin. Their own hearts told them that the wound inflicted on man by pride was too deep to be healed by anything short of an extreme remedy; so that to them these strange humiliations at Bethlehem bespeak the design and action of a God. Israel, too, is in expectation of the Messias, but he must be mighty and wealthy and exalted above all other kings in earthly glory; the Magi, on the contrary, see in the humility and poverty of this weak Babe of Bethlehem the indications of the true Messias. The grace of God has triumphed in these faithful men; they fall down before him, and, full of admiration love, they adore him. Who could describe the sweet conversations and they held with his blessed Mother? for the King himself, of whom they were come in search, broke not, even for their sakes, the voluntary silence he had imposed on himself by becoming an Infant. He accepted their homage, he sweetly smiled upon them, he blessed 2 St Matt.ii 6; Mich. v 2, FIFTH DAY them; was but WITHIN he would not speak to satisfy, by her sublime 189 THE OCTAVE to them; Mary communications, alone the holy curiosity of the three pilgrims, who represented the entire human race. How amply must she not have rewarded their faith and love, by announcing to them the Mystery of that virginal Birth which was to bring salvation to the world; by telling them of the joys of her own maternal heart; and by describing to them the sweet perfections of the divine Child | They themselves would fix their eyes on the blessed Mother, and listen to her every word with devout attention; and oh ! how sweetly must not divine grace have penetrated their hearts through the words of her whom God himself has chosen as the means to lead men to the knowledge and the love of his sovereign Majesty | The star which, but an hour ago, had brightly shone for them in the heavens, was replaced by another, of a lovelier light and stronger influence; and it prepared them for the contemplation of that God who calls himself the bright and morning Star I' The whole world seemed now a mere nothing in their eyes; the stable of Bethlehem held within it all the riches of heaven and earth. They had shared in that long expectation of the human race, the expectation of four thousand years— and now it seemed but as a moment, so full and perfect was their joy at having found the God who alone can satisfy the desires of man’s heart. They understood and entered into the merciful designs of their Emmanuel; they gratefully and humbly contracted with him the alliance he so mercifully made, through them, with the human race; they adored the just judgements of God, unbelieving people; they Christian Church, which persons; they prayed for Church. We, dear Babe who was about to cast off an rejoiced at the glories of the had thus been begun in their us, their posterity in that same of Bethlehem !—we, who by our regeneration have become 2 Apoc. xxil 16, the Gentiles, the posterity 190 CHRISTMAS of these first Christians—we adore thee as they did. Since their entrance into Bethlehem, long ages have passed away; but there has been an unbroken procession of people and nations tending towards thee We have under the guidance of the Star of Faith. been made members of thy Church, and we adore thee with the Magi. In one thing are we happier than these firstborn of the Church; we have heard thy sacred words and teachings, we have contemplated thy sufferings and thy Cross, we have been witnesses of thy Resurrec- tion, we have heard the whole universe, from the rising to the setting of the sun, hymning glorious Name: well may we adore and of the earth! The Sacrifice whereby are perpetuated and renewed is now in every part of the world; thy blessed and love thee as King all thy Mysteries offered up daily the voice of thy Church is heard speaking to all men; and all this light and all these graces are ours | The Church, the ever-enduring Bethlehem, the House of the Bread of Life, gives thee to us; beauty. And the and we are for ever feasting on thy adorable Yea, sweet Jesus, we adore thee with the Magi. thou, Magi. O Mary! Unfold teach us as thou didst teach to us, and each year more clearly, the sweet Mystery of thy Jesus, and at length win us over unreservedly to his service. Thou art our Mother; watch over us, and suffer us not to lose any of the lessons he teaches us. May Bethlehem, wherein we have entered in company with the holy Magi, work in us the renovation of our whole lives. Let us close the day by reciting some of the ancient hymns written in honour of the Mystery qf our new-born King. Let us begin with these stanzas of one composed by St Ambrose. Fit porta Christi pervia, Referta plena gratia, Transitque Rex, et permanet Clausa ut fuit per szcula. HYMN The Gate of Christ is opened —a Gate all filled with grace: —the King passes, and the Gate remains shut, as it had for ever been FIFTH DAY 191 The Son of the infinite God came forth from the Virgin's womb: he is the Spouse, Redeemer, Creator, and (as_the Psalm speaks) the Giant of his Church. He is the glory and the joy of his Mother; heis the immense hope of them that believe in him. He drank the bitter cup of death, and so absolved our sins. He is the Stone that came from the mountain, filling the world with grace. The ancient prophets tell us that this Stone is to come, and is not to be cut by the hand. It is he, the Word, who was made Flesh as the Angel was speaking; He was born a Virgin from ' the Virgin's virginal womb. The heavens gave forth their Dew, and thecloudsraineddown the Just One; the earth opens and buds forth its Saviour, our Lord. O wonderful conception! the Child it has produced is Christ, and the Mother that was Virgin in giving him birth remained a Virgin after she had given him birth. Let every soul be glad, for the Redeemer of nations, the Lord of the world, is come to redeem the creatures he had made. The Creator of the human race, whom the whole world is too little to hold, has hid himself, O holy Mother! in thy womb. Hethat wasborn of his Father before all ages, God of God, is now born in time of his dear Virgin-Mother. WITHIN Genus superni Numinis Processit aula Virginis, Sponsus, Redemptor, conditor, Su gigas Ecclesiz. Honor Matris et gaudium, Immensa spes credentium, Per atra mortis pocula Resolvit nostra crimina. Lapis de monte veniens, Mundumque replens gratia, Quem non pracisum manibus Vates vetusti nuntiant. Qui Verbum caro factus est Praconio angelico, De claustris virginalibus Virginis virgo natus est. Rorem dederunt athera, Nubesque justum fuderunt, Patens excepit Dominum Terra salutem generans. Mirabilis conceptio: Christum protulit sobolem, Ut Virgo partum funderet, Post partum virgo sisteret. Exsulta omnis anima, Nunc Redemptorem gentium Mundi venisse Dominum Redimere quos condidit. Creator cuncti generis, Orbis quem totus non capit, In tua, sancta Genitrix, Sese reclusit viscera. Quem Pater ante tempora Deus Deumque genuit, Matris alm virginitas Cum tempore partum edidit. THE OCTAVE 192 Tollens cuncta Et donans sancta Augmentum lucis Tenebris damnum CHRISTMAS He takes away all sin, and gives his sacred gifts; he brings increase of light, and breaks the power of night. facinora, munera, afferens, inferens. is from The following prayer Gothic Church of Spain. the Breviary of the PRAYER Domine Jesu Christe, qui ad interrogationem Herodis, ita Magorum ora_ praconio veritatis tuz irradias, ut te Regem regum per eos nuntiatum ostendas, dum se vidisse aiunt stellz refulgentis indicium, quod mundum illuminet universum: Te quasumus, te precamur, ut des in Ecclesia tua visionis tuz lumen optatum: appareas etiam in ea sidus omnibus pretiosum, quod nulla adversarii_interrogatione deterriti, sic magnalia tua pradicemus ore diffuso, ut in @tern lucisradiemus usquequaque prasidio. Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, who, when the Magi were questioned by Herod, didst enlighten them with the announcement of thy truth by showing thyself to be the King of kings whom they declared by saying that they had seen thy sign, the bright Star, which gives light to the whole world: we beseech and implore thee that thou grant to thy Church thelight she so much desires of thy vision. Show thyself also in her as the Star prized by all; that so, when questioned by our enemy, we may not be afraid, but may so boldly confess thy mysteries as that wemay shineforalleternity in the mansion of eternal light. Amen. The Church of Syria received the following Hymn of the Magi from her admirable Poet, St Ephrem. Exsultantes Principes Persidis ex sua regione acc perunt munera, et Filio V: ginis attulerunt aurum, myrrham et incensum. Ingressi ut infantem repererunt illum in domo jacentem paupercule: at procidentes exsultando adora- verunt eum,et suos ipsi obtulerunt thesauros. HYMN The Persian Princes were filled with joy, and took with them such gifts as their country yielded, and brought to the Son of the Virgin gold, myrrh, and frankincense. Having entered, they found the Child lying in’the house of a poor maid: but falling down they adored him with much joy, and offered him their treasures. FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE why “then call Dixit Maria: Cui hac? et ad quid ? et qua causa vocavit vos ex vestra regione, ut ad puerum cum thesauris vestris veniretis ? Respondent illi: Rex est filius tuus, et diademata connectit cum sit Rex omnium, altiusque mundo est regnum ejus, ac imperioipsiussingula parent. Quando contigit hoc unquam, ut paupercula Regem pariat? Inops sane sum, ac egena, undeque mihi erit ut Regem pariam ? Tibi soli hoc contigit, ut magnum Regem parias; et per te magnificabitur paupertas, filioque tuo subjicientur diademata. Non sunt mihi gaza regum, nec divitiz unquam mihi obvenerunt; domus en paupercula est, et vacuum domicilium: cur ergo filium meum Regem pradicatis? Gaze magnz est filius tuus, et divitiz, quz omnes ditare valent; gaze namque regum deficiunt; ille vero nec deficiet, nec mensurabitur. Ne alius forte sit vester Rex, qui natus est, hunc perquirite; etenim hic pauperculz est filius, quz Regem vel videre nequit. Numquid fieri unquam potest, ut aberret viam lumen, quando immittitur? Siquidem non tenebrz nos vocarunt et adduxerunt: sed in lumine ambulavimus, et filius taus Rex est. w 193 Mary spoke to them and said: To whom offer ye these things ? and why offer ye them ? what has brought you from your country, to come to my Child with your treasures ? They answered: Thy Child is King, and all diadems are made by him, for he is the King of all kings, and his kingdom is above this world, and all things are subject to his dominion. But how could this have happened, that a poor maid should have given birth to a King? 1am indeed needy and poor: could I havebroughtforth aKing? Thou alone hast had this happiness, to give birth to the great King. Poverty shall now be honoured on thy account, and thrones shall be subject to thy Son. But 1 have no treasures such as kings have, nor did I ever possess riches. Lol my house is little and poor, and empty is this my dwelling: you my Son King ? Thy Son himself is treasure and riches enough to enrich all men; for the treasures of kings fail; but he shall never fail, and there shall be no limits to his wealth. Go, seek this your King, who is born; for this Babe is the Child of a poor maid, who would not be allowed to even look ata king. No, it cannot be that light sent down from heaven can misleadus. Itisnot darkness that has called and guided us; but wehavewalked in the light, and thy Son is King. 13 194 CHRISTMAS Ecce videtis infantem silientem, et matris domum inanem et vacuam, nullumque in ea Regis apparere vestigium; quomodo ergo ejusmodi incolans domum Rex est ? Ecce sane videmus illum silentem, et quietum; sed Regem, etsi pauperem, ut dixisti: at videmus etiam eum suo commovere imperio astra ceeli, ut prenuntient ortum ejus. Parvulus _est infans, et ecce, ut cernitis, nec diadema. regium habet, nec thronum: quid ergo videtis ut honoretis eum thesauris vestris, ut Rogem ? arvulus est, quia ipse voluit, et diliget mansuetudinem, et humilitatem, donec manifestetur. At erit tempus, cum incurvabuntur illi diademata, ac illum adorabunt. Virtutes nullas habet, neque legiones; neque cohortes filius meus, in paupertate suz jacet matris; et Rex a vobis quomodo appellatur ? Virtutes filii tui desuper sunt, ceelum equitant, et micant flammis, ex quorum numero unus nos vocare venit, totaque perterrita est regio nostra. But this Babe is speechless, and his Mother’s house is poor and empty, and there is nought here that suits a King: how can he be King that dwells in such a house ? Silent indeed he is, and motionless, and as thou sayest, poor; still is he King, for we have seen him move the stars of heaven, when he bade them proclaim his birth. He is but a tiny Babe, and as you see, he has neither crown northrone: whatisit that makes you honour him with your treasures, as though he were a King ? He is a little Child, for he wished 5o to be, and he will love meekness and humility, until the day shall come for him to show himself: but the time shall be when crowned heads shall bow before him and adore him. My Son has no troops or legions or armies, but lies couched as best his Mother's poverty can provide: how, then, call you him King ? The armies of thy Child are there above, theyride on the clouds of heaven, and light up the firmament with their brightness, and one of their number came down to call us, and all our people were in consternation. As our offering to our Lady, we will recite this beautiful uence, which our own dear England used to sing in the Middle Ages. Flos pudiciti, Aula munditiz, Mater misericordiz. SEQUENCE O flower of purity! Sanctuary of chastity! Mother of mercy | FIFTH DAY Salve, Virgo serena, Vite vena, Lux ameena, Rore plena Septiformis Spiritus, Virtutibus Ornantibus, Ac moribus Vernantibus | Rosa jucunda, Castitatis lilium, Prole fecunda, Gignis Dei Filium Virgoque munda Tu post puerperium, Modo miro, Sine viro, Prole fecundaris. Summi Ducis, Verz lucis Partu decoraris. Virga, flore, Rubo, rore Virgo designaris. Vellereque Madenteque Digna Domini paris. Virgo prolem, Stella solem, Profers, expers paris. Ob hoc rite, Via vite Jure preedicaris. Tu spes, et refugium Lapsorum humilium: Tu medela criminum, Salus penitentium. Tu solamen tristium, Levamen debilium; Tu purgatrix sordium, Confirmatrix cordium. WITHIN THE OCTAVE 195 Hail, gentle Maid ! Source of Life! Beautiful light! Full of the dew of the sevenfold Spirit! Adorned with all virtues, and blooming in holiness of life | Sweet Rose | Lily of chastity | Fruitful Mother, thou givest birth to the Son of God! And after thy delivery thou remainest a pure Virgin | Thou art made his Mother in a wonderful way—nature stood aside to let its God doall. How beautiful art thou by giving birth to him that is the very Light—the great King! Those ancient figures of the Law—the Rod, the Flower, the Bush, the Dew—all were types of thee, sweet Virgin-Mother! And Gedeon's Fleece, soaked with the dew of heaven, foreshadowed thee, O Mary, the worthy Mother of our God ! Thou art a Virgin, and thou hast a Child! Thou art a Star, and thou bringest forth a Sun! Dear peerless Queen ! And after this, can men be found who deem it wrong to call thee * the Way of Life ' ? Thou art the Hope, and the Refuge of humble sinners: thou healest them whose hearts are sick from crime, and thou winnest salvation for them that repent. Thou art the comfortress of the afflicted, and the support of the weak; the unclean of heart ask thee to pray them pure, and souls discouraged obtain bravery from thee. 196 Tu laus, tu remedium In te confidentium: Tu vitale premium Tibi servientium. CHRISTMAS O pia Maria, Lapsis advocata, Tu cunctis miseris Dulcis spes et grata. Erige, dirige] Corda tuorum, Ad pia gaudia Regni ccelorum. Quo vere gaudere Per te possimus, Cum Natoque tuo, Regnantes simus. Amen. Thou art the glory and the helper of them that have confidence in thee; and by thy prayers thou obtainest the reward of eternal life for them that serve thee. O Mary, full of motherlylove ! thou art the sinner’s advocate, and the sweet consoling hope of them that are in wretchedness. Raise up the hearts of us thy clients, and turn them to the holy joys of the heavenly kingdom. Where we may, by thy intercession, truly rejoice, and reign together with thy Som. Amen. SIXTH THE SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE JANUARY 11 OCTAVE DAY WITHIN THE THE EPIPHANY 197 OCTAVE OF 'HE Magi were not satisfied with paying their adorations to the great King whom Mary presented to them. After the example of the Queen of Saba, who paid her homage to the Prince of Peace in the person of King Solomon, these three Eastern Kings opened their treasures and presented their offerings to Jesus. Our Emmanuel graciously accepted these mystic gifts, and suffered them not to leave him until he had loaded them with gifts infinitely more precious than those he had vouchsafed to receive. The Magi had given him of the riches which this earth produces; Jesus repays them with heavenly gifts. He strengthened in their hearts the virtues of faith, hope, and charity; he enriched, in their persons, the Church of which they were the representatives; and the words of the Canticle of Mary were fulfilled in them: He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away,' for the Synagogue refused to follow them in their search after the King of the Jews. But let us consider the gifts made by the Magi, and let us, together with the Church and the Holy Fathers, acknowledge the Mysteries expressed by them. The gifts were three in number, in order to honour the sacred number of the Persons in the divine Essence, as likewise to express the come that he it was fitting is the emblem High triple character of Emmanuel. He had might be King over the whole world; that men should offer gold to him, for it of sovereign power. He had come to be Priest, and, by his mediation, 4 St Luke i 53. reconcile earth to 198 CHRISTMAS heaven; incense, then, was an appropriate gift, for the Priest uses it when he offers sacrifice. But thirdly, it was only by his own death that he was to obtain possession of the throne which was prepared for his glorified Human Nature, and the perpetual Sacrifice of the Divine Lamb was to be inaugurated by this same his Death; the gift of Myrrh was expressive of the Death and Burial of an immortal Victim. The Holy Ghost, guided the Magi in their who inspired the Prophets, had t us listen to St Leo, selection of these three gifts. who, speaking of this Mystery, says with his usual eloquence: ‘O admirable Faith, which leads to Knowledge and perfect Knowledge, and which was not taught in the school of earthly wisdom, but was enlightened by the Holy Ghost himself | For whence had they learnt the supérnatural beauty of their three Gifts ? they that had come straight from their own country, and had not as yet seen Jesus, nor beheld in his infant Face the Light which directed them in the choice of their offerings ? Whilyt the star met the gaze of the bodily eye, their hearts were instructed by astronger light—the ray of Before setting out on the fatiguing journey Truth. they knew him, to whom were due, by Gold, the honours of a King; by Incense, the worship of God; by Myrrh, the faith in his Mortal Nature.’* But these three gifts, which so sublimely express the three characters of the Man-God, are fraught with instruction for us. They signify three great virtues, which the Divine Infant found in the souls of the Magi, and to which he added increase by his grace. Gold signifies charity, which unites us to God; Frankincense prayer, which brings God into man’s heart; and Myrrh self-abnegation, suffering and mortification, whereby we are delivered from the slavery of corrupt nature. Find a heart that loves God, that raises herself up to him by prayer, that understands and relishes the power of the cross—and you have in that heart the worthiest 3 Sermon the Fourth On the Epiphany. SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 199 offering which can be made to God, and one which he always accepts. We, too, O Jesus! offer thee our treasure and our gifts. We confess thee to be God and Priest and Man. We beseech thee to accept the desire we have of corresponding to the love thou showest us by giving thee our love in return; we love thee, dear Saviour! do thou increase our love. Receive also the gift of our Prayer, for though of itself it be tepid and poor, yet it is pleasing to thee because united with the prayer of thy Church: teach us how to make it worthy of thee and how to give it the power of obtaining what thou desirest to grant: form within us the gift of prayer, that it may unceasingly ascend up like sweet Incense in thy sight. And lastly, receive the homage of our contrite and humble hearts, and the resolution we have formed of restraining and purifying our senses by mortification and penance. The sublime Mysteries which we are celebrating during this holy season have taught us the greatness of our own misery, and the immensity of thy love for us, and we feel more than ever the obligation we are under of fleeing from the world and its concupiscences, and of uniting ourselves to thee. The Star shall not have shone upon us in vain: it has brought us to thee, dear King of Bethlehem ! and thou shalt be King of our hearts. What have we that we prize and hold dear, which we can hesitate to give thee in return for the :weet?m' finite treasure of thyself, which thou hast given 0 us Dear Mother of our Jesus!| we put these our offerings into thy hands. The gifts of the Magi were made through thee, and they were pleasing to thy Son; thou must present ours to him, and he will be pleased with them, in spite of their poverty. Our love is deficient; fill up its measure by uniting it with thine own immense love. Second our prayer by thy maternal intercession. Encourage us in our warfare against the world and the flesh. Make sure our perseverance, by obtaining for us the grace of a continual remembrance of the sweet 200 CHRISTMAS Mysteries which we are now celebrating; pray for us that, after thine own example, we may keep all these things in our hearts. That must be a hard and depraved heart which could offend Jesus in Bethlehem; or refuse him anything now that he is seated on thy lap, waiting for our offering! O Mary! keep us from forgetting that we are the children of the Magi, and that Bethlehem is ever open to receive us. Let us borrow the language of the ancient Liturgies, in order to give expression to the sentiments awakened in us by all these ineffable Mysteries. Let us begin with this Hymn on the Nativity of our Lord left us by the saintly Bishop of Poitiers, Venantius Fortunatus. Agnoscat omne seculum Venisse vite premium; Post hostis asperi jugum Apparuit redemptio. Esaias quz cecini Completa sunt in Virgine: Annuntiavit Angelus, Sanctus replevit Spiritus. Maria ventre concipit Verbi fidelis semine: Quem totus orbis non capit Portant puell viscera. Radix Jesse floruit, Et Virga fructum edidit; Feecunda partum protul Et Virgo mater permanet. Prasepe poni pertulit Qui lucis auctor exstitit Cum Patre ccelos condidit, Sub Matre pannos induit. Legem dedit qui szculo, Cujus decem pracepta sunt, HYMN Let all agesacknowledge that he is come who is the reward of life. Aftermankind had carried the yoke of its cruel enemy, our Redemption appeared. What Isaias foretold has been fulfilled in the Virgin; an Angel announced the mystery to her, and the Holy Ghost filled her by his power. Mary conceived in her womb, for she believed in the word that was spoken to her: the womb of a youthful maid holds him whom the whole earth cannot contain. The Root of Jesse has given its flower, and the Branch has borne its fruit: Mary has given birth to Jesus, and the Mother is still the spotless Virgin. He that created the light suffers himself to be laid in a manger; he that, with the Father, made the heavens, is now wrapt by his Mother’s hand in swaddling-clothes. He that gave to the world the ten commandments of the SIXTH DAY WITHIN Dignando factus est homo Sub Legis esse vinculo. Adam vetus quod polluit Adam novus hoc ablui Tumens quod ille dejicit Humillimus hic erigit. Jam nata lux est et salus, Fugata nox et victa mors, Venite gentes, credite, Deum Maria protulit. Amen. The Mozarabic eloquent prayer. 201 THE OCTAVE law, deigns, by becoming Man, to be under the bond of the law. What the old Adam defiled, that the new Adam has purified ; and what the first cast down by his pride, the second raised up again by his humility. Light and salvation are now born to us, night is driven away, and death is vanquished: oh | come, all ye people, believe; God is born of Mary. Amen. Breviary contains the following PRAYER Deus, Dei Filius, Patris ineffabilis _Virtus, qui novo siderein Gentibus Rex regum ostenderis magnus, et in civitate illa beata appares gloriosus: quem insulw tremunt: cui principes et nationes Gentium obsequuntur, dum tibi omnia regna cedunt, tibi regum diademata substernuntur; dignare jam gratia nostris te ostendere sensibus pium, et in conversationibus manifestum : ut primitias Spiritus habentes, ea tibi semper munera dedicemus, per qua introire beatamillam Hierusalem placitis cordibus mereamur, ut tibi mundissimum aurum nostrorum operum deferentes, regni tui mereamur esse participes. Amen. O God, Son of God, the ineffable Power of the Father, who, by the rising of a new star, didst reveal thyself to the Gentiles as the King of kings, and now art seen in thy glory in that happy city above: O thou before whom the islands tremble, and the Gentile princes and nations bow in homage, and to whom all kingdoms are subject, and at whose feet all kings lay down their crowns: vouchsafe now, by thy grace, to show thyself in thy mercy to our souls, and manifest thyself by our lives: that having within us the firstfruits of the Spirit,we may ever offer thee such gifts as thereby to merit to enter, with hearts well-pleasing to thee, into the blessed Jerusalem, and by offering thee now the most pure gold of our works, we may deserve to be partakers of thy kingdom. Amen. ‘We take the following Sequence from the Paris Missal of 1584. 202 CHRISTMAS SEQUENCE There is sung in the highest heavens: Glory be fo the newborn King, by whom peace is restored between heavenand earth. Rightly dowe keep the Birth: day of Jesus as a feast; for by his birth, the grace of the new law is born. He, our Mediator, is given to us to be the reward of our salvation: he takes upon’ himself our nature, refusing only to be like us in our sin. As a star loses nothing of its Non amittit claritatem brightness by giving forth its Stella fundens radium, Nec Maria castitatem, ray; so neither does Mary suffer Pariendo Filium. the loss of her purity by giving birth to her Son. Who is the Stone cut from Quis de monte lapis czsus Sine manu, nisi Jesus the mountain and not by the Qui de Regum linea, hand of man, if not our Jesus, who was of the line of kings, And was born from the womb Sine carnis opere, of his Virgin-Mother, after she De carne puerperz had virginally conceived ? Processit virginea ? Solitudo gaudeat, Let the wilderness be glad, Et desertum floreat: and the desert bloom ;—the rod Virga Jesse floruit. of Jesse has flowered. Radix virgam, virga floAs was foretold in the Law, rem, the Root has yielded itsBranch, Virgo profert Salvatorem, the Branch its Flower, and the Sicut Lex pracinuit. Virgin our Saviour. The Root was_the figure of Radix David typum gessit: Virga, matris quz processit David: the Branch was the type Ex regali semine. of Mary, who was born of a kingly race. Flos est Puer nobis natus, The Flower is the Child that Jure flori comparatus is born unto us, well likened to his wonderof son Pra mira dulcedine. aflower, by rea ful sweetness. In praesepe reclinatur, He, whose birth is celebrated Cujus ortus celebratur by the heavenly spirits, is laid Ceelesti praconio. ) in a manger | Ceeli cives jubilant, The citizens of heaven are in Dum pastores vigilant jubilee, whilst the Shepherdsare Sub noctis silentio. keeping watch in the still night. In excelsis canitur Nato Regi gloria, Per quem terr redditur In ceelo concordia. Jure dies colitur Chiristi natalitia, Quo nascente, nascitur Nova legis gratia. Mediator nobis datus In salutis premium, Non natura, sed reatus Effugit consortium. SIXTH DAY Cuncta laudes intonant Super partum Virginis. Lex et psalmi consonant Prophetarum paginis. Angelorum et pastorum, Stellz simul et Magorum Concordant indicia. Reges currunt Orientis Ad prasepe vagientis, Gentium primordia. Jesu puer immortalis, Ex terreno temporalis, Nos ab hujus vitw malis Tu potenter erue. Tu, post vitam hunc mor- talem, Sive mortem hanc vitalem, Vitam nobis immortalem Clementer restitue. Amen. St Ephrem, the 203 Let all creatures give forth praise for that the Virgin has given birth to her Son. The law and the psalms harmonize with the writings of the Prophets. The Angels and the Shepherds, the Star and the Magi, all agree in proclaiming the Birth. The Eastern Kings run to the Crib of the Babe—they are the first-fruits of the Gentiles. O Jesus, immortal Babe! born ‘in time because thou wouldst assume our nature, snatch us, by thy power, from this life’s woes. After this our mortal life, or rather this living death, mercifully restore unto us that life which is immortal. Amen. WITHIN holy Deacon THE OCTAVE of Edessa, tinues his admirable dialogue between Magi. Totum mysterium ut actum est apud vos in regione vestra, aperite nunc mihi, ut amici; et quis vocabit vos, ut ad me veniretis ? Magna stella nobis apparuit, reliquis multo splendidior stellis, cujus lumine nostra terra est inflammata, et quod Rex ortus sit, nobis annuntiavit. Nollem, vos quaso, loquamini hzc in regione nostra, ne sentientes Reges terre, machinentur sua invidia adversus puerum. Ne omnia timeas, Virgo, quia diademata solvet Fi- lius tuus, eaque pessumda- HYMN Mary thus con- and the Tell me, I beg of you as friends, how the mystery was declared to you in your country, and who it was that told you to come to me? A star of great size appeared to us, more brilliant far than other stars; its light illumined our land, and it was an announcement to us that the King was born. Tell not this, I pray you, in these our parts, lest the kings of the earth should hear it, and plot, in their envy, against the Child. Fear not, O Virgin! for thy Son shall be masterof allcrowns, and shall crush them; neither 204 CHRISTMAS shall the envy of kings be able to hurt him. I fear that unclean wolf Herod, lest perhaps he bring grief upon me, and draw his sword to cut from off its vine my sweet thoughnot yetripened Fruit. Fear not Herod, for his throne shall be o’erthrown by thy Son, and his reign shall be short, and his crown shall fall from his head. Jerusalem is a torrent of blood, and all that are good are slain; if this be known, the city will plot against my Child. I pray you, then, whisper these things, and noise them not abroad. All blood-shedding shall be stayed, andall weapons sheathed by ‘the hand of thy Son; Jerusalem’s sword shall be stupefied, powerless to strike, unless by his consent. The Scribes and Pharisees of Jerusalem are skilled in secret murders, and may stir up some deadly purposes against adversum me, et adversum me and the Child. Be silent, puerum: Magi, quaso, silete. Magi, I beseech you. Scribaet sacerdotesnequaNot so: the envious Scribes quam valebunt sua invidia and Pharisees shall not have Filio tuo nocere; et per ipsum power to injure thy Child; nay. solvetur eorum sacerdotium, he will take away their pries et solemnitates eorum cessahood, and put an end to their bunt. solemn feasts. Angelus apparuit mihi, An Angel appeared to me quando concepi puerum when I conceived my Babe; quod Rex sit Filius meus, he told me, as he told you, that et quod ab alto sit ejus dia- my Child is King, and that his dema, ot non solvetur, ipse throne is from above, and shall quoque explicavit mihi ut never have an end. 6t vobis. Angelus igitur, quem dicis, This Angel, then, of whom ipse venit sub specie sideris thou speakest, is he that apot apparuit nobis, atque an- peared to us under the figure of bit, nec sua invidia nocumentum inferre illi valebunt. Herodem timeo, lupum pollutum, ne me perturbet, gladium stringat, quo pracidat dulcem botrum adhuc immaturum. Herodem ne timeas: per Filium enim tuum subvertetur ejus thronus, et statim atque regnabit, destruetur, et ejus diadema decidet. Torrens sanguinis est Hierusalem, in eaque optimi quique cadunt: quare si hoc resenserit, machinabitur in illum; ideoque secreto loquamini, precor, et ne tumultuetis. Torrentes omnes, et la cex etiam per manus Fi tui sedabuntur, et Hierosolyma obstupescet gladius, et nisi voluerit, non cadet. Scribz et sacerdotes Hi rusalem, qui sanguinem subdole effundere solent, excitabunt forte lethale litigium 205 nuntiavit quod Puer majorit the star, and told us that thy Son is greater and brighter than et splendidior stellis. the stars. Coram vobis ecce aperio Lo, now I will reveal to you aliud arcanum, ut confirme- another secret, that you may mini; scilicet Virgo peperi take freshcourage: I havegiven filium, Filiumque Dei; euntes birth to my Child, who is the pradicate ipsum. Son of God, and yet am I a Virgin. Go forth ‘and preach his name to the nations. Jam nos pradocuit stella, All this was taught us by nativitatem ejus extra ordi- the Star: it told us that his nem esse naturz, et super birth was beyond the course of omnia esse Filium tuum, nature, and that thy Sonisabove eumdemque etiam Filium all creatures, and that he is the esse Dei. Son of God. Pacem referte in terram Take peace back with you vestram; pax gliscat in fini- to your land; may peace be in bus vestris: veraces veritatis your territories; may you be the nuntii habeamini in toto truthful messengers of the Truth itinere vestro. on all your journey. Pax Filii tui nos reducat May the peace of thy Son, incolumes in regionem nos- which brought us hither, lead tram, ut duxit; et cum im- us back safe to our country; perium ejus mundo mani- and, when his kingdom shall festabitur, invisat terram be declared to the world, may he nostram, et benedicat illi. visit our land, and bless it. Gaudeat Persis vestronunMay Persia rejoice at your tic exsultet Assyria vestro tidings, and Assyria be glad ; et quando regnum in your return; and when the Filii mei manifestabitur, in kingdom of my Son shall be deregione vestra suum colloca- clared, he shall set his standard bit vexillum. in your land. SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE Let us turn to this tender Mother, and sing to her this Hymn of the Greek Church, which breathes so sweetly the unction and piety of St Joseph the Hymnographer. DIE XV Molestissimis _passionum insultibus, quasi tempestatibus exagitatus, et peccatorum ictibus quasi fluctibus concussus, ad indefessam protectionem tuam confugiocum affectu, o puella omni laude dignissima: miserere mei, et salva me, o Virgo perpetua. JANUARIT Tossed by the troublesome attacks of my passions, as by 50 many storms, and buffeted by the blows of my sins as by angry billows, I lovingly fly to thy untiring protection, O Maid most worthy of all praise. Have pity on me, and save me, O ever spotless Virgin ! 206 Cum te tamquam CHRISTMAS rosam When redolentem purus ille in convallibus reperisset, o inviolata; in medio tui habitavit, humanum genus suavissimo replens odore. Dirige motus anima me=, o purissima, ad divina illius pracepta qui ex utero tuo coruscavit, atque a tempestate scandalorum hujus vite eripe me intercessionibus tuis. Omnium Dominum Emmanuel sine viri_opera peperisti, manens Virgo post partum, o Virgo ~mater. Eumdem incessanter exora ut ab hostium invasionibus liberentur illi qui confugiunt sub protectionem tuam. Verbum quod wquale est in operatione et in throno Genitori suo, ex visceribus tuis corporasti, o casta; atque inde propter ineffabilem misericordiam suam, totam naturam nostram assumpsit. Prolem tuam laudamus, o benedicta, per quam ab antiqua damnatione redempti sumus; te vero beatificamus, o divina felicitate cumulatissima; quam solam dilexit ille qui est benedictus ac supergloriosus. Fluvium perennem nobis effundis recurrentibus ad te, o casta; cujus uberem gratiam delibantes, partum tuum laudamus, o inviolatissima, et superexaltamus in omnia szcula. Lucis habitaculum venter tuus factus est, per quam sedentes in tenebris viderunt the God of purity found thee, O spotless Virgin, in the lowly valleys as the Rose that breathes forth sweet fragrance, he dwelt within thee, and filled the human race with the most delicious perfume. Turn the faculties of my soul, O most pure one, to the divine commandments of him who shone forth from thy womb, and by thy prayers deliver me from the storm of this life’s scandals. Thou didst virginally bring forth our Emmanuel, the Lord of all, O Virgin-Mother, and didst remain a- Virgin after thy delivery. Pray to him unceasingly, that they who fly to thy protection may be freed from the attacks of their enemies. O chaste Virgin| thou didst, from thy womb, clothe with a human body him who is the Word equal to his Father in works and in majesty; from thee, by reason of his unspeakable mercy, did he assume our entire human nature. O Blessed Mother | we praise thy Son, who redeemed us from the old curse. We bless thee, O blessed by God above all women, who art loved above all by him who is blessed and glorious above all. Thou pourest forth an everflowing stream on us who have recourse to thee, O VirginMother | Refreshed by its lentiful grace, we praise thy on, O purest Maid, and we extol him above all for ever. Thy womb was made the dwelling-place of Light, whereby they saw the light that sat SIXTH DAY WITHIN lumen: unde te incessabili voce semper laudamus, o Dei Mater; et cum affectu veneramur to spem animarum nostrarum. THE 207 OCTAVE in darkness. Therefore do we ever praise thee with our unceasing hymns, O Mother of God, and devoutly venerate thee, the hope of our hearts. The Church makes commemoration, to-day, of the holy Pope and Martyr Hyginus. He held the Apostolic Chair under the reign of Antoninus, and closed his four years’ Pontificate by martyrdom. We have no history * of his life, but we venerate in him one of the links of that grand chain of Pontiffs which unites us, by St Peter, to our Lord Jesus Christ. The whole weight of the government of the Church was upon his shoulders, and he was courageous and faithful in the discharge of his duties; his reign was during the age of Persecution, when to be Pope was to be a victim of tortures and death. As we have already said, he soon won his Palm, and was associated in heaven with the three Magi, who had, before leaving this world, preached the Gospel in Greece, the country of our Saint. Let us ask him to bless the offerings we are making to the Divine Infant of Bethlehem, and to pray for us, that we may obey this sweet King, who asks us to give him not our blood by martyrdom, but our hearts by charity. Let us honour the memory of this holy Pope, and say with the Church: ANT. Iste Sanctus pro lege Dei sui certavit usque ad mortem, et a verbis impiorum non timuit; fundatus enim erat supra firmam petram. OREMUS Infirmitatem nostram respice, omnipotens Deus, ot quia pondus propriz actionis gravat, beati Hygini Martyris tui atque Pontificis intercessio gloriosa mos protegat. Per Christum Dominum nostram. Amen. ANT. This Saint fought, even unto death, for the law of his God, and feared not the words of the wicked; for he was set upon a firm rock. LET US PRAY Have regard, O Almighty God, to our weakness; whereas we sink under and the weight of our own doings, let the glorious intercession of blessed Hyginus, thy Martyr and Bishop, be a protection to us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 208 CHRISTMAS JANUARY THE 12 SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OF THE EPIPHANY OCTAVE AVING laid their offerings at the feet of Jesus, as the sign of the alliance they had, in the name of all mankind, contracted with him, and laden with his graces and blessings, the Magi take their leave of the Divine Babe; for such was his will. They take their permitted to fix their abode near the new-born King departure from Bethlehem, and the rest of the world seems a wilderness to them. Oh, if they might be and his incomparable Mother! But no; God’s plan for the salvation of the world requires that everything savouring of human pomp and glory should be far from him who had come to take upon himself all our miseries. Besides, they are to be the first messengers of the Gospel; they must go and tell to the Gentiles that the Mystery of Salvation has begun, that the earth is in possession is nigh of its Saviour, at hand. The and that their salvation star does not return to them; they needed it to find Jesus; but now they have him in their hearts, and will never lose him. These three men are sent back into the midst of the Gentile world, as the leaven of the Gospel which, notwithstanding its being so little, is to leaven the whole paste.! For their sakes, God will bless the nations of the earth; from this day forward infidelity will lose ground, and faith will progress; and when, the Blood of the Lamb having been shed, Baptism shall be promulgated, the Magi shall be, not merely men of desire, but perfect Christians, initiated into all the Mysteries of the Church. The ancient tradition, which is quoted by the author + St Matt. xili 33. SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 209 of The Imperfect Work on St Matthew, which is put in all the editions of St John Chrysostom, and was probably written about the close of the 6th century, tells us that the three Magi were baptized by St Thomas the Apostle, and devoted themselves to the preaching of the Gospel. But we scarcely need a tradition on such a point as this. The vocation of these three Princes could never be limited to the mere privilege of being the first among the Gentiles to visit the eternal King who had come down from heaven to be born on this earth and show himself to his creatures; a second vocation was the consequence Jesus to men. of the first, the vocation of preaching There are many details relating to the life and actions of the Magi, after they had become Christians, which have been handed down to us; but we refrain from mentioning them, as not being sufficiently ancient or important traditions to have induced the Church to give them place in her Liturgy. We would make the same observation with regard to the names assigned to them of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthassar ; the custom of thus naming them is too modern to deserve credit; and though it might be indiscreet to deny that these were their true names, it seems very difficult to give proofs of their correctness. The Relics of these holy Kings were translated from Persia to Constantinople, under the first Eustorgius was Bishop Christian Emperors, and, for a long time, were kept in the Church of Saint Sophia. At a later period, they were trans lated city. to Milan, There when they remained till the rzth of that century, when, through the influence of the Emperor Frederic Barbarossa, they were translated to the Cathedral Church of Cologne by Reynold, Archbishop of that metropolitan see. The Relics are in a magnificent Shrine, perhaps the finest specimen now extant of medijeval metallic art, and the superb Cathedral where it is religiously kept is, by its size and architectural beauty, one of the grandest Churches of the Christian world. . 14 210 CHRISTMAS Thus have we followed you, O Blessed Magi ! Fathers of the Gentile world ! from your first setting out from the East for Bethlehem to your return to your own country, and even to your sacred resting-place; which the goodness of God has made to be in this cold West of ours. It was the love of children for their parents that made us thus cling to you. Besides, were we not our- selves in search of that dear King whom you so longed for and found ? Blessed be those ardent desires of yours, blessed be your obedience to the guidance of the star, blessed be your devotion at the Crib of Jesus, blessed be the gifts you made him, which, while they were acceptable to God, were full of instruction to us! We revere you as Prophets, for you foretold the characters of the Messias by the selection of your three gifts. 'We honour you as Apostles, for you preached, even to Jerusalem herself, the Birth of the humble Jesus of Bethlehem, of that Jesus whom his Disciples preached not till after the triumph of his Resurrection. ‘We hail you as the Spring Flowers of the Gentile world, but Flowers which produced abundant and rich fruits, for you brought over entire nations and countless people to the service of our divine King. protect the Church. Be mindful Watch over us, and of those Eastern countries, whence rises to the earth the light of day, the beautiful image of your own journey towards Bethlehem. Bless this Western world of ours, which was buried in darkness when you first saw the star, and is now the favoured portion of God’s earth, and on which the Divine Sun of Justice pours forth his brightest and warmest rays. Faith has grown weak among us; re- enkindle it. Obtain of the divine mercy that the West may ever send forth her messengers of salvation to the South and North, and even to that infidel East, where are laid the tents of Sem, and where the light that you gave her has been long extinguished by her apostasy. Pray for the Church of Cologne, that illustrious sister of our holiest Churches in the West; may she preserve the faith, may she defend her sacred rights and liberty; SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 211 may she be the bulwark of Catholic Germany, and be ever blessed by the protection of her Three Kings, and the patronage of the glorious Ursula and her virginal Lastly, we beseech you, O venerable Magi! to army. introduce us to the Infant Jesus, and his Blessed Mother; and grant us to go through these forty days, which the Church consecrates to the Mystery of Christmas, with hearts burning with love for the Divine Child, and may that same love abide with us during the pilgrimage of our life on this earth. To-day, also, we will make use of the formulas employed by the several ancient Churches in honour of the Mystery Our first selection is a hymn written of the Epiphany. by the great Fulbert of Chartres. HYMN Nuntium_vobis fero de ‘I bring you tidings from heaven above: Christ, the Ruler supernis; Natus est Christus, Domi- of the earth, is born in Bethlehem of Juda: for thus was it nator orbis, In Bethlehem Judz; sic enim foretold by the Prophet.’ Propheta Dixerat ante. Hunc canit letus chorus Thus sing the glad choir of Angelorum, Angels ; the same is announced by the Star, and the Eastern Stella declarat, veniunt Eoi Principes, dignum celebrare Kings come to offer to Jesus the worthy homage of their cultum, Mystica dona. mystic gifts. Thus Deo, myrrham triThey offer their Frankincense to him as to their God buunt sepulchro, Auream Regi speciem de- the Myrrh honours his sepulcenti, chre; the Gold is the token of Dum colunt unum, meminere his Kingly character. Whilst Trino thus worshipping One, the three offerers give three gifts to the Tres dare terna. Blessed Three. Gloriam trinz monadicanaLet us, too, sing praise to mus, our Triune God: glory to the divine Son, Cum_Deo dive Genitore Father, and to his and to the Holy Spirit, who is Proli, Flamini necnon ab utroque sent into the hearts of the faithful by the Father and the fuso Son. Amen. Amen. Corde fideli. 212 CHRISTMAS The two following Prayers are taken from the Mozarabic Breviary. PRAYER Tu es, Domine, stella veri- tatis oriens ex Jacob, homoque consurgens ex Israel: et in novo sidere ostenderis Deus, et in prasepio positus Deus’ et homo, unus crederis Christus: propter magnam misericordiam tuam visionis tuz nobis proroga gratiam: appareat in nobis lucis tuz radiabile signum, quod pellat omnes tenebras ex- vitio- rum; ut qui visionis tum desiderio anhelamus, visionis tuz premio consolemur. Amen. Thou, O Lord, art the Star of truth, that riseth out of Jacob, and the man that springeth new from Star thou Israel. showest In the thyself as God, and lying in the Crib God and Man, we confess thee to be the one Christ. In thy great mercy grant us the grace of seeing thee, and show unto us the radiant sign of thy light, whereby all the darkness of our sins may be put to flight: that so we who now languish with the desire of seeing thee, may be refreshed with "the enjoyment of that blissful vision. Amen. PRAYER Fulget, Domine, ceelum rutilum Serenitate astrorum, terraque ipsa refulgenti lumine serenatur, quia apparere_dignatus ¢s mundo de habitaculo sancto tuo; sana ergo cordis nostri moestitiam, quia ad hoc venisti, ut redimas universa: illudque nostris oculis lumen attribue, quo te purificati semper mereamur aspicere: ut qui Apparitionis tuz gaudia letabunda nuntiamus in g tibus, infinita tecum letitia gaudeamus. Amen. We The heavens are shining with the clear beauty of the stars, 0 Lord, and the very earth is made beautiful by a shining light, because thou didst vouchsafe to appear to the world from out thy holy dwellingplace. Remove, therefore, from our hearts all sadness, for unto this end art thou come, that thou mayest make all things new. Grant also that light unto our eyes which may purify us and fit us to behold thee for ever; that thus we who preach to the nations the glad joys of thy Apparition, may be made glad with thee in infinite joy. Amen. take the following Sequence Missals of the Churches of Germany. from the ancient SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 213 SEQUENCE Nato nobis Salvatore Celebremus cum honore Diem natalitium. Nobis datus, nobis natus, Et nobiscum conversatus, Lux et salus gentium. Eva prius interemit; Sed Salvator nos redemit Carnis suz merito. Prima parens nobis luctum, Sed Maria vita fructum Protulit cum gaudio. Negligentes non neglexit, Sed ex alto nos prospexit Pater mittens Filium. Prasens mundo, sed absconsus, De secreto tamquam sponsus Prodiit in publicum. Gigas velox, gigas fortis, Gigas nostra victor mortis, Accinctus potentia. Ad currendam venit viam, Complens in se prophetiam Et Legis mysteria. Jesu, nostra salutaris Medicina, singularis Nostra pax et gloria; Quia servis redimendis Tam decenter condescendis, Te collaudant omnia. Amen. Our Saviour is born unto us! Let us solemnly celebrate his Birthday. To us was he given, unto us was he born, and with us has he lived, he the light and salvation of the Gentiles. In the beginning Eve caused our death; but Jesus, by the merits of the human nature he assumed, has redeemed us. Our first mother brought us woe; but Mary joyfully brought forth for us the fruit of life. We neglected our heavenly Father, but he did not neglect us; he looked down upon us from heaven, and sent us his only Son. This Jesus, though in the world, was hidden from the world; but, at length he came forth as a Bridegroom from the nuptial chamber, and made himself known. He is the Giant foretold by the Psalmist—swift, and strong, and vanquishing our death, for he was girt with power. He came that he might run his course, and so verify the prophecy, of the Law. and Jesus, thou the mysteries our saving me- dicine, our only Peace and glory | May all creatures give thee praise, for that thou didst so mercifully condescend to redeem us thy servants ! Amen. This' beautiful canticle in honour of the Infant Jesus is from the pen of St Ephrem, the sublime bard of the Syrian Church. 214 CHRISTMAS HYMN Hebrem virgines assueta alias Jeremiz Threnos recantare, pro lugubri suarum Scripturarum carmine, indidem _acceptos latitiz hymnos hujusmodi refuderunt, Spiritu ipsarum ora movente: Lata jam nunc oculos ab inferis attollat Eva hunc visura diem, in quo ipsius nepos vite auctor descendit extinctam Matris suz genitricem excitaturus. Adorandus puer caput serpentis contudit, cujus illa olim infecta veneno periit. A cunis decori Isaac, Sara mater tuam speculabatur infantiam, teque illo adumbratum suo mulcebat cantu; relegensque infantiz tuz mysteria in €0 puero expressa: Euge, fili, votorum fructus ‘meorum, cantabat; jam nunc video in te, qui latet in te Dominum, omnium piorum vota precesque suscipiens, et ratas efficiens. Nazarzus Samson juvenis fortissimus tuz fortitudinis umbra fuit; leonem laceravit, mortis quam_concidisti typum; rupisti scilicet mortem, vitamque ex ejus amarissimo ventre _exclusisti, cujus usura nobis futura erat jucundissima. Anna pariter te in Samuele figuratum, suo non semel The Hebrew maidens, who heretofore had been wont to chant the Lamentations of Jeremias in the plaintive strain of their Scriptures, now borrowed from the same holy volume joyful thoughts, and, under the. inspiration of the Holy Spirit, sang them thus in hymns: ‘Let Eve, in Limbo, now raise up her eyes, and see this day whereon one of her race, and he the author of life, descends to raise up from death the mother of his own dear Mother. The adorable Infant crushed the head of the serpent, by whose poison Eve had perished. * Sara, the fair Isaac’s mother, foresaw thine Infancy, O Jesus, in her own son’s crib; the lullaby she sang over him told the mysteries of thy Childhood, which were foreshadowed and prefigured in her own child. Thus did she sing: ‘‘Sweet Babe! fruit of my prayers! I see in thee the Lord, who is hidden in thee as in his type: ‘tis he receives the wishes and the prayers of pious hearts, and grants them their requests.” “The Nazarite Samson, the youth of exceeding strength, Was a figure of thy strength, O Jesus! He tore a lion to pieces, typifying the death thou didst slay, for thou didst crush death, and from its bitter entrails didst draw forth life, whose taste would be most sweet to us. “Anna, too, pressed thee to her bosom in the person of 215 SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE pectori oppressit, tum pri- Samuel the Propbet, who was mum, quando tuam prasen- twice a figure of thy ministry; sit justissimam severitatem ab ‘illo reprasentatam eo die, quo regem Agag in frusta expressam dissectum occidit, diaboli imaginem: tum iterum, quando tuam contemplabatur clementiam ab eodem velut rudiore manu descriptam, eo tempore quo Satllis ruinam piis et veris lacrymis lugere non destitit. The these of God. Menza of the firstly when prefigured thy most just severity on the day when he slew King Agag, the figure of the devil, and cut him to pieces; secondly, by imitating thy mercy, though imperfectly, when he unceasingly shed his tears of loving and_sincere compassion over the fall of Saul.” Greek Church beautiful stanzas in honour furnish us with of the holy Mother DIE XVI JANUARID Terra inarata apparuisti, o augustissima, qua spicam protulisti, universi \tritorem Dominum Jesum, quo nos comedentes, ad m revocamur. sum ex te incarnatum ‘s, 0 Virgo casta, Deite proprie confitemur, . omigum_ reformationis, sque hlla dubitatione, causa fuisti. he O most august Queen ! thou wast the untilled land that gavest us our Wheat, Jesus, the Lord and feeder of the universe; by eating this Bread we are restored to life. Seeing our Lord made incarnate from thee, chaste Virgin| we confess thee to be in very deed the Mother of God, that didst thus become, we hesitate not to proclaim it, the cause of the regeneration of all things. Superessentialis ille, qui He, the Being above all carnis erat expers, ex vene- beings, who was a pure spirit, randis sanguinibus tuis in- took fiesh to himself from thy carnatus est, o castissima; pure blood, O Spotless Maid ! et caro sine ulla mutatione and remaining God as before, factus, cum hominibus con- he was made flesh, and lived among men. versatus est. Natura leges in te, o puNature's Laws were truly rissima Virgo, revera inno- suspended in thee, most pure vantur: Virgo quippe post Virgin| for thou remainest a partum manes, velut ante Virgin after thy delivery, as partum, Christum legislato- thou wast before it, for thou didst give birth to him who rem enixa. is the giver of all laws, Christ. CHRISTMAS 216 Miserabilis animz mez passionibus medere, o Dei Genitrix castissima; men- tem tranquilla hostilibus invasionibus velut tempestatibus jactatam, et cor meum pacatum redde, o puella. Rosam in medio spinarum te vere invenit in hujus mundi convallibus, o casta Virgo, Jesus omnium plantator, atque ex utero tuo natus, nos divine cognitionis suavissimo perfudit odore. Te spirituale candelabrum, qua lucem inaccessibilem suscepisti, agnovimus, o Virgo Maria, quz omnium fidelium animos illuminasti, et peccati tenebras eliminasti. Vocibus gratiarum actione plenis ad te clamamu: Ave, immaterialis, lucis ha. bitaculum_purissimum; av causa deificationis omnium ave, maledictionis dissoluti ave, terrigenarum expulsorum revocatio. Spotless Mother of God! heal the passions of my wretched soul: appease my mind, tossed by the attacks of my enemy as_with tempests, and bring, O Virgin, peace unto my heart. Jesus, the divine Husbandman of the world, found thee, chaste Virgin! in_the lowly valley of this earth, growing as a Rose amidst thorns. He entered thy womb, and was born of thee, refreshing us with the delicious fragrance of the knowledge of divine things. O Virgin Mary | we acknowledge thee to be the mystic candlestick on which was placed the Light inaccessible; thereby thou hast enlightened the minds, of all the faithful, and has| put to flight the darkness of sij Hail, most pure dwellin, spiritual Light! Hail, of our union with God ! destroyer of the curse! O thou_ that didst dall f their exile the childfen of th) earth. SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 217 THE SAME Day ST BENET BISCOP ABBOT T BENET BISCOP is one of the great Benedictine saints to whom England owes so much. His devotion and loyalty to the Holy See, his love of learning, his zeal for the beauty of the house of God, for the monastic observance and for the Church’s chant, show him to be a true monk, though his influence extended far wider than the narrow limits of his monastery, and affected the social condition of the people and the whole life of the Church in England. His feast is kept in several dioceses in England, but as there is no uniformity with regard to the date, we have inserted it in our calendar on the day of his death. St Benet stands out among the great travellers in the cause of religion. He visited Rome no fewer than seven times, not only to satisfy his own devotion, but to obtain from the mother of all the churches the purest traditions, the most correct books for use in the divine liturgy, and objects of piety wherewith to inspire the devotion of the faithful. These treasures were all destined to be used for the benefit of his own countrymen, who were unable to seek them for themselves at the fountain-head. He inspired all those with whom he came in contact with a more exalted idea of the dignity of the worship of God. With regard to the Divine Service, his ruling principle was that nothing but the best was worthy of use, whether it were in the carrying out of liturgical functions or the actual fabric of the church. In his day Britain was far behind the continental nations in industry and art, and stone buildings were hardly known. St Benet, therefore, journeyed into Gaul to procure stonemasons, who came CHRISTMAS 218 to the monastery at Wearmouth in Northumbria, and, with the help of the monks whom they instructed, built a stone church for the Community. The making and use of glass was also unknown in these islands at the time, and again St Benet sent messengers to Gaul who brought back workers in glass to glaze the windows of his church. The record of St Benet’s life has come down to us as written by the Venerable Bede, who was a monk of the abbey founded by the saint at Jarrow. Bede was admitted into this monastery when a child, during the lifetime of St Benet Biscop, and thus in his Life speaks from personal experience. He records several charming incidents which are not included in the Breviary lessons, one of which is given here as being illustrative of the saint’s zeal for the Divine Office. The Venerable Bede records that once during Bede, who still a child. a visitation of the pestilence the monks at Jarrow were all stricken with the sickness with such severity that there remained but two persons in the house who were able to go to the church to sing the Divine Office, the Abbot two Benet performed and was These the duties of the whole choir with un- flagging zeal until the monks gradually regained sufficient strength to resume their share of the work of God. One can well imagine the joy of the angels at the sight of the venerable Abbot and the innocent child, each intent upon performing his share of the psalmody with exacti- tude so that it might never be said that the praise of God had ¢eased to resound through the Abbey church. The following is the life of the saint as given in the Breviary lessons. Benedict, surnamed Biscop, Benedictus cognomento Biscopus nobili stirpe genitus, of noble ~ parentage and a member of the household of quum_esset minister Osv regio, annos natus circiter vi- King Oswy, journeyed to Rome ginti quinque Romam adiit, when he was about twenty-five et Apostolorum _Beatorum years of age to visit the tombs loca visere curavit. Ad pa- of the blessed Apostles. Upon triam mox reversus, quz his return to his native land soon SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE 219 afterwards, he endeavoured to introduce the customs of ecclesiastical life which he had seen and which he had not ceased to love and venerate. Alchfrid, son of Oswy, wishing also to visit Rome, took Benedict as his companion, but when Alchfrid_was recalled by his father, Benedict continued the journey and arrived at Rome in the time of Pope Vitalian. After spending some months there, he went to the island of where he received the , and_making his monastic profession, followed the regular observance. After two years, again overcome by the Tove of blessed Peter, the prince of the Apostles, hé decided to revisit the city made holy by his body, and not long aiter, upon the arrival of a merchant vessel, he was able to satisfy his desire. Eo tempore Egbertus CanAbout that time Egbert, tuariorum rex _electum ad King of Kent, had sent to Rome Episcopatus officium_virum as bishop-elect a man named nomine Vigardum Romam Vigard, who died in the Holy miserat, qui veniens defunctus City. In order that this emest. Ast Romanus Pontifex, bassy should not be fruitless, ne legatio fructu careret, the Roman pontiff chose Theoelegit de suis, quem Archi- dore from those about him and episcopum _mitteret, Theo- nominated him to the Archdorum nomine, et quia Bene- bishopric, and having learnt dictum sapientem, industrium, that Benedict. was wise, dilireligiosum, et nobilem com- gent, devout, and of noble pererat, huic ordinatum com- birth, he entrusted the bishop mendavit. Venerunt Can- to him. When they arrived tium, Theodorus sedem epis- in Kent, Theodore took possescopalem conscendit, Bene- sion of his see and Benedict was dictus vero monasterium beati placed at the head of the Petri regendum suscepit. monastery of blessed Peter. Quod ubi duobus annis rexit, He governed this monastery tertium de Britannia Romam for two years, at the end of which iter accipiens, libros divinz time he took the road from eruditionis vel emptos vel Britain to Rome a third time, largitos retulit. Tandem ad whence he brought back books vidit ecclesiastice vita instituta, non solum diligere et venerari, sed pradicare non desiit. Quo tempore Alchfridus Osvil filius et ipse Romam _venire disponens, eum comitem accepit. Quem quum pater revocaret, ipse coeptum explens iter Romam rediit tempore Vitaliani Pape. Et post menses aliquot inde digrediens, ad insulam Lirinensem tonsuram accepit, et disciplinam regularem, monachi voto insignitus, servavit; ubi per biennium institutus, rursus beati Petri Apostolorum Principis amore devictus, sacram ejus corpore civitatem repetere statuit, nec post longum tempus adveniente nave mercatoria desiderio satisfecit. 220 CHRISTMAS patriam pedens convertens Egfridum Transumbranz regionis regem adiit, tantamque apud eum gratiam invenit, ut septuaginta famiterram liarum largitus, monasterium ibi primo Pastori Ecclesiz facere praciperet. Unius anni spatio post fundatum monasterium interjecta, Benedictus Gallias petens czmentarios, qui lapideam sibi ecclesiam facerent, accepit. Proximante ad profectum opere, misit legatorios Galliam qui vitrificatores artifices Britannis eatenus incognitos, ad cancellandas fenestrasadducerent. Eaquoque, que nec in Gallia reperiri valebant Romanis e finibus ecclesiz_suz ut conferret, quarta illa post compositum monasterium profectione, ampliori quam _prius fenore cumulatus rediit. Inter alia ordinem psallendi juxtamorem Romanz _ institutionis suo monasterio tradidit ab Agathone Papa accepto archicantore ecclesiz sancti Petri, Joanne, Abbate monasterii Sancti Martini. Attulitetiam epistolam privilegii a Papa, qua monasterium ab extrinseca irruptione perpetuo redderetur liberum. Verum quarta vice de Britannia Romam accurrens, innumeris donis locupletatus rediit, magna copia voluminum sacrorum, sed non minori sicut prius, sanctorum imaginum.” Haud multo post mor- of divine learning which he had cither bought or been given. Atlength, returning to his native land, he went to Egfrid, King of Northumbria, with whom he found so much favour that he received land enough to support venty families, and was enjoined to found there a monastery in honour of the first pastor of the Church. A year after the foundation of the monastery, Benedict fetched masons from Gaul to build a stone church. Glass had been hitherto unknown in Britain, and therefore shortly before the completion of this work he sent messengers into Gaul to bring back artificers to glaze the windows. When the church was finished he set out for Rome (the fourth journey after the foundation of the monastery) in order to obtain those things which he could mot procure in Gaul, and he returned even more laden than before. Amongst other things, he introduced into his_monastery the method of psalmody according to the custom of the Roman Church, having received from Pope Agatho the Archcantor of the Church of St Peter, John, Abbot of the monastery of St Martin. He also brought back a letter of privileges from the Pope by which the monastery was made free for ever from outside interference. For the fourth time he hastened from Britain to Rome, and, enriched with many gifts, he returned with a great store of sacred books and with no less store of holy pictures. Shortly afterwards he was SEVENTH DAY bo ceepit fatigari et per triennium languere, paulatim accrescente tanta paralysi membrorum parte factus sit premortuus: superioribus solum, sine quorum vita vivere nequit homo, ad officium patientie virtutumque reservatio. Satagebatinterim Benedictus advenientes sepius ad se fratres de custodienda, quam statuerat, regula firmare; et hoc sedulus iisdem solebat iterare mandatum ne quis in electione Abbatis generis prosapiam, et non magis vivendi, docendique probitatem putaret esse quarendam. Vero inquit, dico vobis quia tolerabilius mihi est hunc locum si sic judicaverit Deus, in solitudinem sempiternam redigi, quam ut frater meus carnalis quem novimus viam veritatis non ingredi, in monasterio_regendo post me succedat. Sexto decimo postquam monasterium fundavit anno quievit in Domino pridie Tdus Januarii, sepultus in ecclesia’ beati Petri Apostoli, ut quem degens in carne semper solebat amare, ab hujus reliquiis ex altari post mortem nec longius abesset. 221 OCTAVE THE WITHIN attacked by his last illness, which lasted three years, for his body was a prey to paralysis in such wise that while "his lower members became entirely dead, the upper part of his body, without the use of which life is impossible, remained unafflicted for the exercise of patience and virtue. Meanwhile Benedict was careful to confirm the brethren who frequently visited him rule in the observance of the he had instituted, and he often repeated the following injunction lest anyone should think of the that Abbot in the onme election should be sought for among his relatives and not rather by the test of life and teaching. ‘Truly,’ he said, ‘I tell you that I should prefer that this place should be reduced to a solitude for ever, if God so wills, rather than that my flesh brother according to the who, we know, has not entered upon the way of truth, should succeed me in the government of the monastery.’ He slept in the Lord on the day before the Ides of January sixteen years after the foundation of the monastery, and was buried in the church of blessed Peter the Apostle, that his remains might rest after death not far from the relics and altar of him to whom, during life, he had always been most devout. CHRISTMAS 222 JANUARY THE OCTAVE 13 OF THE EPIPHANY HE thoughts of the Church today are fixed on the Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan, which is the second of the three Mysteries of the Epiphany. The Emmanuel manifested himself to the Magi, after having shown himself to the Shepherds; but this manifestation was made within the narrow space of a stable at Bethle- hem, and the world knew nothing of it. In the Mystery of the Jordan, Christ manifested himself with greater publicity. His coming is proclaimed by the Precursor; the crowd that is flocking to the river for Baptism is witness of what happens; Jesus makes this the beginning of his public life. But who could worthily explain the glorious circumstances of this second Epiphany ? It resembles the first in this, that it is for the benefit and salvation of the human race. The star has led the Magi to Christ; they had long waited for his coming, they had hoped for it; now they believe. Faith in the Messias having come into the world is beginning to take root among the Gentiles. But faith is not sufficient for salvation; the stain of sin must be washed away by water. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.! The time is come, then, for a new manifestation of the Son of God, whereby great remedy, which producing life eternal. Now the decrees of as the instrument of human race. Hence, we find the Spirit of order that they might 3 St Mark xvi 16. there shall be inaugurated the is to give to Faith the power of divine Wisdom had chosen Water this sublime regeneration of the in the beginning of the world, God moving over the Waters,? in ‘even then conceive a principle 2 Gen.12. THE OCTAVE OF THE EPIPHANY 223 of sanctifying power,” as the Church expresses it in her But before being called Office for Holy Saturday.! to fulfil the designs of God’s mercy, this element of Water had to be used by the Divine Justice for the chastisement of a sinful world. With the exception of one family, the whole human race perished, by the terrible judgement of God, in the Waters of the Deluge. A fresh indication of the future supernatural power of this chosen element was given by the Dove, which Noe sent forth from the Ark; it returned to him, bearing in its beak an Olive-branch, the symbol that peace was given to the earth by its having been buried in Water. But this was only the announcement of the mystery; its accomplishment was not to be for long ages to come. Meanwhile, God spoke to his people by many events, which were figurative of the future Mystery of Baptism. Thus, for example, it was by passing through the waters of the Red Sea that they entered into the Promised Land, and during the miraculous passage, a pillar of a cloud was seen covering both the Israelites and the Waters to which they owed their deliverance. But in order that Water should have the power to purify man from his sins, it was necessary that it should be brought in contact with the Sacred Body of the Incarnate God. The Eternal Father had sent his Son into the world, not only that he might be its Lawgiver, and Redeemer, and the Victim of its salvation, but that he might also be the Sanctifier of Water; and it was in this sacred element that he would divinely bear testimony to his being his Son, and manifest him to the world a second time. Jesus, therefore, being now thirty years of age, comes to the Jordan, a river already celebrated for the prophetic miracles which had been wrought in its waters. The Jewish people, roused by the preaching of John the Baptist, were flocking thither in order to receive a Baptism which could indeed excite a sorrow for sin, but could not effect its forgiveness. Our divine King * The Blessing,of the Font. 224 CHRISTMAS approaches the river, not, of course, to receive sanctification, for he himself is the author of all Justice—but to impart to Water the power of bringing forth, as the Church expresses the mystery, a new and heavenly He goes down into the stream, not, like progeny.! Josue, to walk dry-shod through its bed, but to let its waters encompass him, and receive from him, both for itself and for the Waters of the whole earth, the sanctifying power which they would retain for ever. The saintly Baptist places his trembling hand upon the sacred head of the Redeemer, and bends it beneath the water; the Sun of Justice vivifies this his creature; he imparts to it the glow of life-giving fruitfulness; and 1\:Vater thus becomes the prolific source of supernatural ife. But in this the commencement of a new creation, we look for the intervention of the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. All Three are there. The heavens open; the Dove descends, not as a mere symbol, prophetic of some future grace, but as the sign of the actual presence of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of love, who gives peace to men and changes their hearts. The Dove hovers above the head of Jesus, overshadowing at one and the same time the Humanity of the Incarnate Word and the water which bathed his sacred Body. The manifestation is not complete; the Father’s voice is still to be heard speaking over the Water, and moving by its power the entire element throughout the earth. Then was fulfilled the prophecy of David: The Voice of the Lord is upon the waters ; the God of magesty The Voice of the Lord breaketh cedars, hath thundered. that is, the pride of the devils. The Voice of the Lord divideth the flame of fire, that is, the anger of God. The Voice of the Lord shaketh the desert, and maketh the flood to swell, that is, announces a new Deluge, the Deluge of divine Mercy.? And what says this Voice of the Father ? This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.® Thus was the Holiness * The Blessing of the Font. of Emmanuel * Ps. cxaviii3, 5,7, 8,10. manifested by * StMatt. i 17. THE OCTAVE OF THE EPIPHANY 225 the presence of the Dove and by the voice of the Father, as his kingly character had been previously manifested by the mute testimony of the star. The mystery is accomplished, the Waters are invested with a spiritual purifying power, and Jesus comes from the Jordan and ascends the bank, raising up with himself the world, regenerated and sanctified, with all its crimes and defilements drowned in the stream. Such is the interpretation and language of the Holy Fathers of the Church regarding this great event of our Lord’s Life. The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates this wonderful mystery of Jesus’ Baptism; and we cannot be sur- prised at the Eastern Church having selected this day for one of the solemn administrations of the sacrament of Baptism. The same custom was observed, as we learn from ancient documents, in certain Churches in the West. John Mosch tells us that, as regards the Oriental Church, the Font was more than once mira- culously filled with water on the Feast of the Epiphany, and that immediately after having administered Sacrament, the people saw the water disappear. Roman Church, even so early as the time of the The St Leo, decreed that Easter and Pentecost should be the only two days for the solemn administration of Baptism; but the custom of blessing the baptismal water with great solemnity on the Epiphany was still retained, and is observed even now in some parts of the West. The Eastern Church has always religiously observed it. Amidst all the pomp of sacred rites, accompanied by his Priests and Ministers, who are clothed in the richest vestments, and followed by the whole people, the Bishop repairs to the banks of a river. After reciting certain beautiful prayers, which we regret not being able to offer to our readers, the Bishop plunges into the water a Cross richly adorned with precious stones; it represents our Lord being baptized by St John. At St Petersburg, the ceremony takes place on the River Neva, and it is through a hole made on the ice that the Metropolitan dips the Cross into the Water. 1 This same 15 226 CHRISTMAS ceremony is observed by those Churches in the West which have retained the custom of blessing the baptismal water on this Feast. The faithful are very anxious to carry home with them thus sanctified; the water of the stream and St John Chrysostom, in his twenty-fourth Homily, on the Baptism of Christ, speaks to his audience of the circumstance, which was well known by all of them, of this water never turning corrupt. The same has been often seen in the Western Church. Let us honour our Lord in this second Manifestation of his divinity, and thank him, with the Church, for having given us both the Star of Faith which enlightens us, and the Water of Baptism which cleanses us from our iniquities. Let us lovingly appreciate the humility of our Jesus, who permits himself to be weighed down by the hand of a mortal man, in order, as he says himself, that he might fulfil all justice ;* for having taken on himself the likeness of sin, it was requisite that he should bear its humiliation, that so he might raise us from our debasement. Let us thank him for this grace of Baptism, which has opened to us the gates of the Church both of heaven and earth; and let us renew the engagements we made at the holy Font, for they were the terms on which we were regenerated to our new life in God. MASS OF THE OCTAVE OF THE EPIPHANY The Introit, Epistle, Gradual and Alleluia-Verse, Offertory, Preface, and Communion, are the same as on the Feast. INTROIT Ecce advenit dominator Behold the Lord the ruler is Dominus;et regnum in manu come; and dominion, power, ejus, et potestas, et imperium. and empire are in his hand. Ps. Deus, judicium tuum Ps. Give to the king thy Regi da, et justitiam tuam judgement, O God, and fo the filio Regis. ¥. Gloria Patri. king's son thy justice. Y. Ecce advenit. Glory. . Behold. + St Matt i 15, THE OCTAVE OF THE EPIPHANY 227 In the Collect, the Church prays that her children may have the grace of becoming like to Jesus, who appeared in the Jordan, filled, indeed, with the Holy Ghost, and the object of the Heavenly Father’s love. but at the same time, truly Man like us, and faithful in the fulfilment of all justice. COLLECT Deus, cujus Unigenitus in 0 God, whose Only Begotten substantia nostrz carnis ap- Son appeared in the substance paruit: prasta, quasumus, of our flesh: grant, we beseech ut per eum, quem similem thee, that we may be interiorly nobis foris agnovimus, intus reformed by him, whom we reformari mereamur. Qui confess to have outwardly taken tecum. our flsh on himself. Who liveth, etc. Lectio Isai= Prophete. EPISTLE Cap. LX. Surge, illuminare, Jerusalem; quia venit lumen tuum, et gloria Domini super te orta est. Quia ecce tenebra operient terram, ct caligo populos; super te autem orietur Dominus, et gloria_ejus in te videbitur. Et ambulabunt gentes in lumine tuo, et Reges in splendore ortus tui. Leva in circuitu oculos tuos, et vide: omnes isti congregati sunt, venerunt tibi; filii tui de longe Venient, et filiz tuz de latere surgent. Tunc Videbis et afflues, et mirabitur et dilatabitur cor tuum, quando_conversa _fuerit _ad te multitudo maris, fortitudo gentium venerit tibi. Inundatio camelorum _operiet te, dromedarii Madian et Epha. Omnes de Saba venient, aurum et thus defe- Lesson from Isaias the Prophet. Ch. LX. Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and Kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee; thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the 228 rentes, et laudem annuntiantes. CHRISTMAS Domino dromedaries of Madian and Epha; all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing forth praise to the Lord. GRADUAL Omnes de Saba venient, aurum et thus deferentes, et laudem Domino annuntiantes. Y. Surge et illuminare, Jerusalem, quia gloria Domini super te orta est. Alleluia, alleluia. Y. Vidimus stellam ejus in Oriente, et venimus cum muneribus adorare Dominum. Alleluia. All shall come from Saba, bringing gold and frankincense, and_publishing the praises of the Lord. ¥. Arise, and be enlightened, 0 Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. We saw his star in the East, and are come with our offerings to adore the Lord. Alleluia. GOSPEL Sequentia sancti Evangelii Sequel of the holy Gospel secundum Joannem. accordingto John. Ch. I Cap. I. In illo tempore: Vidit JoAt that time: John saw annes Jesum venientem ad Jesus coming to him, and he se, et ait: Ecce Agnus Dei, saith: Behold the Lamb of God, ecce qui_tollit peccatum behold him who taketh away mundi. Hic est de quo dixi: the sins of the world. This'is he Post me venit vir, qui ante of whom I said: After me there me factus_est; quia_prior cometh a man who is preferred me erat. Et ego nesciebam before me; because he was beeum; sed ut manifestetur fore me. And I knew him not; in Israel, veni ego but that he may be made maniin aqua baptizans. Et testi- fest in Israel, therefore am I monium _perhibuit Joannes, come baptizing with water. dicens: Quia vidi Spiritum And John gave testimony, saydescendentem quasi_colum- ing: T saw the Spirit coming bam de ceelo, et mansit super down as a dove from heaven, eum. Etegonesciebam eum, and he remained upon him. sed qui misit me baptizare in And T knew him not; but he aqua, ille mihi_dixit: Super who sent me to bapfize with quem videris Spiritum descen- water said to me: he upon dentem, et manentem super whom thou shalt see the Spirit eum, hic est qui_baptizat in descending and remaining upon Spiritu Sancto. Et ego vidi: him, he it is that baptizeth THE OF THE EPIPHANY OCTAVE et testimonium perhibui, quia hic est Filius Dei. 229 with the Holy Ghost. And I saw: and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God. O Lamb of God! thou didst enter into the stream to purify it, the Dove came down from heaven, for thy sweet meekness attracted the Spirit of love; and having sanctified the waters, the mystery of thy Baptism was over. But what tongue can express the prodigy of mercy effected by it ! Men have gone down after thee into the stream made sacred by contact with thee; they return regenerated; they were wolves, and Baptism has transformed them into lambs. We were defiled by sin, and were unworthy to stand near thee, the spotless Lamb; but the waters of the holy Font have been poured upon us and we are made as the sheep of the Canticle, which come up from the washing fruitful, and none is barren among them ;* or as doves upon the brooks of water, white and spotless as though they had been washed with milk, sitting near the plentiful streamsI* Preserve us, O Jesus, in this white robe which thou hast put upon us. If, alas ! we have tarnished its purity, cleanse us by that second Baptism, the Baptism of Penance. Permit us, too, dear Lord, to intercede for those countries to whom thy Gospel has not yet been preached; let this 7iver of peace,® the waters of Baptism, flow out upon them, and inundate the whole earth. ‘We beseech thee, by the glory of thy manifestation at thy Baptism, forget the crimes of men, which have hitherto caused the Gospel to be kept from those unhappy countries. Thy heavenly Father bids every creature hear thee ; speak, dear Jesus | to every creature. OFFERTORY Reges Tharsis et insule munera offerent, Reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent: et adorabunt eum omnes Reges terrz; omnes gentes servient ei. 1 Cant. iv 2. The Kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents, the Kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts: and all ~the Kingsofthe earth shalladore him; all nations shall serve him. » Ibid. v xa. * Isa. lxvi 12, 230 CHRISTMAS In the Secret, the Church once more proclaims the divine Manifestation, and begs that the Lamb, who by his Sacrifice has enabled us to offer God an acceptable oblation, may graciously receive it at our hands. SECRET Hostias_tibi, Domine, pro nati Filii tui Apparitione deferimus, ~suppl rantes; trorum ut sicut auctor est mune- rum, ita sit ipse misericors et susceptor, Jesus Christus Dominus noster. Qui tecum. We offer sacrifice to thee, O Lord, in remembrance of the Manifestation of thy new-born Son, humbly beseeching thee; that as our Lord Jesus Christ is the author of what we offer, so he may mercifully receive the same. Who liveth, etc. COMMUNION Vidimus stellam ejus inOriente, et venimus cum muneribus adorare Dominum. While giving thanks ‘We have seen his star in the East, and are come with offerings to adore the Lord. for the heavenly nourishment just received, the holy Church prays for the unceasing help of that divine Light, which has appeared to her, and which will enable her to contemplate the purity of the Lamb, and to love him as he deserves. POSTCOMMUNION Coelesti lumine, quasumus, Domine, semper et ubique nos praveni; ut mysterium, cujus nos participes esse voluisti, et puro cernamus intuitu, et_digno percipiamus affectu. Per Do‘minum. May thy heavenly light, we beseech thee, O Lord, go before us at all times and in all places; that we may contemplate with a clear sight, and receive with due affection, the mystery whereof thou hast been pleased we should partake. Through, etc. Let us once more sing the praises of the divine Epiphany—the Theophany. Let us make a concert, as it were, of the Liturgies of all the Churches. St Hilary of Poitiers shall be our first chanter, in the Hymn he has written on the three mysteries of this great Octave. THE OCTAVE OF THE EPIPHANY 231 HYMN Jesus, the merciful Redeemer of all nations, shone forth on this day; let the faithful of every race celebrate him in their songs of praise. A Star, shining in_the heaBirth; his announces vens, it leads the way, and guides them to his Crib. Prostrating, they adore the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes; they confess him to be the true God, offering him their mystic gifts. Thirty years of his life had passed, and he, the infinitely pure God, seeks the laver of baptism. John, the favoured Baptist, trembles as he bends the head of Jesus beneath the waters— that Jesus whose Blood was to purify the whole earth from its sins. Vox ergo Prolem de polis The divine voice of the Father is heard from heaven, Testatur excelsa Patris, bearing testimony to his Son; Virtus adestque Pneumatis, Sancti datrix charismatis. and the Holy Spirit, too, is present, the giver of holy grace. Nos, Christe, subnixa prece We bescech_thee in humble Omnes, precamaur, protege, supplication, O Jesus! protect thy people; we ask it of thee Qui pracipis rubescere Aquas potenter hydriz. by the power thou didst show when thou didst command the water to be changed into wine. Laus Trinitati debita, May praise, honour, and all Honor, potestas omnium, power be to the Trinity for ever and for ever. Perenniter sint omnia Per szculorum szcula. Amen. Amen. Jesus refulsit omnium Pius Redemptor gentium; Totum genus fidelium Laudes celebret dramatum. Quem stella natum fulgida Monstrat micansin ®thera, Magosque ducit pravia Ipsius ad cunabula. Tlli cadentes parvulum Pannis adorant obsitum Verum fatentur ut Deum, Munus ferendo mysticum. Denis ter annorum cyclis, Jam parte vivens temporis, Lympham petit baptismatis, Cunctis carens contagiis. Felix Joannes mergere Tilum tremiscit flumine, Potest suo qui sanguine Peccata cosmi tergere. The Ambrosian Church of Milan thus celebrates the Baptism of our Lord in the beautiful Preface we take from its Missal. 232 CHRISTMAS PREFACE Vere dignum et justum est, 2quum et salutaTe, nos tibi semper hic et ubique gratias agere, Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, @terne Deus, qui te nobis super Jordanis alveum de ceelis in Voce tonitrui prabuisti, ut Salvatorem cceli demonstrares, et te Patrem aterni luminis ~ostenderes, caelos aperuisti, aerem benedixisti, fontem purificasti: et tuum unicum Filium per speciem columbe Sancto Spiritu declarasti. Susceperunt hodie fontes benedictionem tuam, et abstulerunt maledictionem nostram, ita ut credentibus purificationem omnium de- lictorum exhibeant, et Dei filios adoptione faciant ad vitam aternam. Nam quos ad temporalem vitam carnalis mors nativitas per fuderat, quos pravaricationem ceperat, hos vita mterna recipiens, ad regni ccelorum gloriam revocavit. It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, here and in all_places, give thanks to_thee, O Holy Lord, Almighty Father, Eternal God, who_didst show thyself unto us in the river Jordan by speaking to us from heaven in the voice of thunder, whereby thou wouldst manifest unto us our heavenly Saviour, and show thyself to be the Father of etérnal light; and therefore thou didst open the heavens, and bless the air, and purify didst thou and stream: the announce him to be thine - Begotten Son by the Only Holy Ghost, who appeated in the form of a Dove. On this day did the waters receive thy benediction, and take away our malediction, so that they give to believers the purification of all their sins, and make them by adoption sons of God unto life everlasting. For, they that were born by the flesh unto_temporal life, and made by sin subject to death, have been admitted into life everlasting, and restored to the glory of the heavenly kingdom. The venerable Antiphons we now give are the precious remnants of the ancient Gallican Liturgy: they are of Oriental origin, and are still preserved in the Cistercian Breviary. ANTIPHONS Veterem hominem _renovans Salvator venit ad baptismum, ut naturam qua corrupta est, per aquam re- Renewing our old man, the Saviour comes to Baptism, that he might by water restore our nature which had been A THE OCTAVE OF THE EPIPHANY 233 incorruptibili veste corrupted: he clothed us with cuperaret: circumamictans nos. Te, qui in Spiritu et igne purificas humana_contagi Deum et Redemptorem o1 nes glorificamus. Baptista contremuit, et non audet tangere sanctum Dei verticem; sed clamat cum tremore: Sanctifica me, Salvator. Caput _draconis Salvator contrivit in Jordane flumine, et ab ejus potestate omnes eripuit. Magnum _Mysterium declaratur hodie, quia Creator omnium in Jordane expurgat nostra facinora. Baptizat miles Regem, servus Dominum suum, Joannes Salvatorem: aqua Jordanis stupuit, columba protestabatur: paternavoxaudita est: Hic est Filius meus. Fontes aquarum sanctificati sunt, Christo apparente in gloria: orbis terrarum, haurite aquas de fonte Salvatoris: sanctificavit enim tunc omnem creaturam Christus Deus noster. an_incorruptible garment. We glorify thee as our God Redeémer, that didst and purify the contagious defilements of mankind in the Spirit and in fire. The Baptist trembled, and dares not to_touch the head of God; but cries out, with fear: Sanctify me, O Saviour | The Saviour crushed the serpent’s head in the river Jordan, and delivered us all from his power. A great Mystery is this day declared to us; for the Creator of all wipes away our sins in the Jordan. The Soldier baptizes his King, the servant his Lord, and John his Saviour: the waters of the Jordan were amazed, and testimony was borne by the Dove: the voice of the Father was heard: This is my Son. The springs of water were sanctified when_the glory of Christ was manifested: ail ye countries of the earth, draw out waters from the Saviour’s fountains, for on that day did Christ our God sanctify every creature. The following Sequence, which we take from the ancient Paris Missals, was composed in the Middle Ages, when it was used by many of the Churches in the West. It celebrates the three Mysteries of the Epiphany. SEQUENCE Orta lux mirifice, Praevisa prophetice, Nunc lucis deific Monstrat ortum, A Star has miraculously risen, that was foretold by the Prophets: it tells the rising of the divine Light. 234 Hac Magus instruitur, Herodes concutitur, Ad Jesum gens ducitur, Pacis portum. Stella prodit Puerum, Conditorem siderum, Et ultorem scelerum, Deum fortem. Quem mystico munere Monstrat cuncta regere Et tandem redimere Nos per mortem. Hic aquis abluitur, Et aquis infunditur Virtus qua diluitur Ada noxa. Columba conspicitur, Vox Patris complectitur Natum, quo dignoscitur Ejus doxa. Joannis praconium Profert testimonium, Et sumit initium Lex amoris. Letatur convivium Cum facit officium Vini, liquor fontium, Melioris. In Virginis clausula, Sponsz sine macula, Dulci nubit copula Verbum Patris. Abluens piacula, Nostra solvat vincula, Protegens in szcula Prece Matris. CHRISTMAS It guides the Magi, it terrifies Herod, it leads the Gentiles to Jesus, the haven of peace. It creator of the the stars, Child, the the aven- ger of crime, the Strong God. The mystic gifts proclaim him to be the Ruler of all things, and the Redeemer who saved us by his death. He is baptized in the waters, and the waters imbibe from him a virtue whereby they wash away Adam’s sins. The Dove is seen: the voice of the Father speaks his love of the Son, therefore making known his glory. The word of John bears also testimony; and the law of love is begun. The guests are gladdened when the spring-water is made to do the service of the better wine. The Word of the Father is espoused in sweet love in the womb of the Virgin, the Spouse without stain. May he cleanse our sins, and 50 loosen our chains, protecting us for ever, at his Mother’s prayer. Amen. Amen. The Greek Church reveals offers us, in her Menza, magnificent verses on the Baptism of our Lord: are full of poetry, doctrine, and devotion. DIE VI JANUARII, IN THEOPHANIA Conversus est olim Jordanis fluvius Elisei melota, rapto in altum Elia, et divise sunt aquz hinc et inde, et ipsi sicca facta est via, et humida these they Elias had been taken up on high: Eliseus touched the Jordan with his cloak, and the Stream was turned back ; the waters divided, leaving the Prophet a THE OCTAVE OF THE in typum vere baptismatis, per quod nos fluidum vitz transimus iter. Christus apparuit, omnem volens renovare creaturam. Hodie aquarum sanctificata natura, scinditur Jordanis, et suorum sistit fluenta fontium, Dominum videns lavatum. Tamquam homo in flumen venisti, Christe Rex, servile baptisma_accipere; festinas, o bone, sub Praecursoris manu, propter peccata nostra, philanthrope. Ad vocem clamantis in deserto: Praparale viam Domii, venisti, Domine, formam servi -assumens, baptisma flagitans, qui peccatum nescis: viderunt te aqu et tremuerunt; contremiscens effectus est Praecursor, et exclamavit dicens: Quomodo illuminabit lampas lumen? Quomodo imponet manus servus super Dominum ? Sanctifica me et aquas, Salvator, qui tollis mundi peccatum. Pracursoris et Baptistz et Prophete, super omnes Prophetas honorati, tremuit dextera, quia_contemplabatur Agnum’ Dei peccata mundi lavantem, et anxietate sollicitus, exclamabat: Non audeo imponere, o Verbum, manum capiti tuo; tu ipse sanctifica me et illumina, o misericors; ipse enim es vita et lux et pax mundi. Mira res_erat videre cceli terreque Dominum in flu- EPIPHANY 235 dry yet moistened path, as a true type of that Baptism whereby we pass the streamlike path of life. Christ appeared, desiring to renew his creature, On this day was sanctified the element of water; the Jordan is divided, and its_waters cease to flow, seeing its Lord seeking baptism in its stream. Thou hast come to the river, O Christ our King! thou hast come as Man to receive baptism at thy servant’s hands; good Jesus | lover of mankind | thou art eager to bend beneath thy Precursor’s hand. At the voice of him that cried out in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lovd ! thou didst come, O Lord ! taking to thyself the likeness of a servant, and thou that knowest not sin asking for Baptism ! The waters saw thee and trembled. The Precursor trembled, and exclaimed: * How shall the lamp give light to the Light? How shall the servant impose his hands on his Lord? O Saviour| that takest away the sins of the world, sanctify me and the waters.” His right hand trembled, for though Precursor, and Baptist, and Prophet greater than all Prophets, he saw before him the Lamb of God that washes away the sins of the world: oppressed with anxious doubt, he exclaimed: ‘O Word | I dare not put my hand upon thy head: do thou sanctify and enlighten me, O Merciful One ! for thou art the life and light and peace of the world.” 1t was a wonderful thing to see the Lord of heaven and 236 CHRISTMAS earth standing naked in the river, receiving as a servant, and from his servant, Baptism for our salvation. The choirs of Angels stood amazed in fear and in joy. We adore thee, O Jesus ! together with them. Save us. Manum tuam, quz Domini O holy Baptist | raise up to intactum _tetigit caput, cum him for us that hand of thine, qua et digito ipsum nobis which touched the untouched submonstrasti, eleva pro no- Head of our Lord, and wherebis ad illum, Baptista, tam- with thou didst point him out quam potestatem habens to us. Thou hast great power, magnam: nam ab ipso major for he declared thee to be Prophetis declaratus es, ocu- greater than all the Prophets. losque iterum tuos, qui san- Turn also to him thine eyes, ctissimum viderunt Spiritum which saw the Most Holy Spirit in columbaz_specie descen- come down in the -form of a dentem, ad ipsum converte, Dove. Have pity on us, and Baptista, misericorditer cum be with us encouraging our nobis operatus, et hic sta hymn, and thyself beginning nobiscum approbans hym- the canticle of praise. num, incipiensque primus panegyriam. The waters of the Jordan Jordanica flumina te fontem receperunt, et Paracli- received thee, O Jesus, the tus in forma columbz des- Fountain of life! and the cendit. Inclinat caput, qui Paraclete came down upon thee ccelos _inclinavit; ejulat et in the form of a Dove. He who clamat lutum plasmanti: Cur bent down the very heavens mihi jubes quz supra me now bends his sacred Head ! sunt; ‘ego opus habeo tuo The clay that was formed cries baptismate, o impeccabilis. out complainingly to Him who formed 1t: * Why biddest thon me do what is above me? I have need to be baptized by thee, O Sinless One I" Inclinasti caput PrecurThou didst bend thine Head sori, capita contrivisti dra- to thy Precursor; thou didst conum; in flumina descen- crush the heads of the serpents. disti, illuminasti omnia ad Thou didst go down into the glorificandum te, Salvator, river; thou didst enlighten all Tumen animarum nostra- things that they might glorify thee, O Saviour, thou Light of rum. our souls ! Qui indutus est lumine He that is clad with light as sicut vestimento, pro nobis with a garment, deigned for our secundum nos fieri dignatus sakes to become like unto us. vio denudatum, baptismum a servo pro mostra salute suscipientem quasi servum; et stupebant Angelorum chori in timore et gaudio: cum illis te adoramus; salva nos. THE OCTAVE OF THE est: fluenta induit hodie Jordanica, istis ipse ad purificationem non indigens, sed nobis in seipso dispensans regenerationem: o prodigium ! Venite, imitemur sapientes virgines; venite, eamus obviam manifestato Domino; quia venit tamquam sponsus ad Joanmem. Jordanis te videns conversus est retrorsum; inflexit se et stetit. Joannes clamabat: Non audeo tangere immortale caput; Spiritus descendebat in forma columb ad sanctificandum_aquas; et vox de ceelo: Hic est Filius meus veniens in mundum ad salvandum genus humanum. Gloria tibi, Christe. Baptizatur Christus et ascendit de aqua; sursum effert cum seipso mundum, et videt reseratos ceelos, quos Adam sibi_ suisque clauserat. Et Spiritus confitetur divinitatem, et simul adest vox de ceelo; inde enim declaratur Salvator animarum nostrarum. Domine, adimplere volens quz ab =ferno decrevisti, ab omni creatura mysterii tui ministeria suscepisti: ex Angelis, Gabrielem; ex hominibus, Virginem; e ccelis, stellam; ex aquis, Jordanem peccatum mundi“suscepisti. alvator noster, gloria tibi. Jordanis flumen, quid obstupescis, videns invisibilem nudum ? Vidi, inquis, et EPIPHANY 237 To-day he girds himself with the waters of the Jordan, not needing them for his own purification, but that he might give regeneration to us through himself. O wondrous work | Come, let us imitate the wise virgins; come, let us go to meet our Lord thus manifested to us, for like a bridegroom he comes to John. The Jordan turned back when it saw thee, O Jesus | it bent its course and stood. John exclaimed: ‘I dare not touch the head of the eternal God.' The Spirit came down, in the form of a Dove, to sanctify the waters, and a Voice said from heaven: * This is my Son, that is come into the world to save mankind.' Glory be to thee, O Christ ! Christ is baptized, and comes up from the water; he raises up the world with himself, and sees that heaven opened, which Adam had closed against himself and his children. The Spirit, too, proclaims the divinity of Him that was baptized, and a Voice from heaven is heard at the same time. Thus is Christ declared to be the Saviour of our souls. When thou didst will, O Lord! to fulfl thy eternal decrees, thou didst permit all creatures to minister to thy Mystery | Gabriel among the Angels; the Virgin among men; the Star among the heavenly bodies; the Jordan among the streams of water. Thou didst take on thyself the sin of the world. Glory be to thee, O Saviour ! O Jordan, why wonderest thou at seeing the Invisible thus naked before thee? ‘I saw,’ CHRISTMAS 238 exhorrui: et quomodo non tremuissem ? Hunc videntes Angeli, horruerunt: commoti sunt cceli, terra contremuit, et contractum est mare, et omnia_visibilia et invisibilia. Christus manifestatus est in Jordane, et aquas sanctificandas. Maculatum solem quis vidit, clamabat Praco, natura coruscantem ? quomodo te, splendor glori, terni Patris imago, aquis abluam, cum foenum sim ? Quomodo ignem tangam tuz divinitatis ? Tu enim Christus, Dei sapientia et virtus. Galilz gentium, Zabulon regioni, et Naphtalim terrz, lumen magnum illuxit Christus, his qui erant in tenebris fulgidus visus est splendor in Bethlehem fulgida. Sed amplius ex Maria Dominus universo orbi terrarum ostendit radios, Sol justitiz. Ideo qui ex Adam nu venite omnes, induamus eum, ut refocillemur; tegumen. tum enim nudorum, temebrosorum splendor venisti: manifestatus es inaccessibile lumen. Let wus recite, in honour thou repliest, * and how should T not tremble? The angels see him, and are awed. The heavens were moved, the earth shook, the sea curled up its waves, and all things, visible and_invisible, feared.” Christ manifested himself in the Jordan, that he might sanctify the waters. The Precursor, the herald of Christ, exclaimed: ‘Who is there that has seen a spot upon the sun, the orb of brightness ! And how shall I, that am but as grass of the field, baptize thee, thou brightness of glory, and image of the eternal Father? How shall I dare touch the fire of the Divinity ? For thou art the Christ, the wisdom and the power of God." Christ, the great Light, has shone on Galilee of the Gentiles, on the country of Zabulon, and on the land of Nephthalim; to them that sat in darkness there has appeared a bright light in Bethlehem the bright. But the Sun of Justice, the Lord, has risen from Mary, and shown far brighter rays on the whole earth. Let us, therefore, who in Adam are naked of all good, put on Jesus, that we may grow warm; for thou art come, O Christ | to be the clothing of the naked, and the light of them that are in darkness. O Light inaccessible ! thou hast appeared to the world. of the Virgin-Mother of our dear Jesus, this venerable Hymn of our ancient Missals. It is an imitation of the celebrated Sequence for Pentecost, composed by the holy which we shall give in its proper place. king Robert, THE OCTAVE OF THE SEQUENCE Sancti Spiritus adsit nobis gratia, Quo fecundata Deum peperit Virgo Maria, EPIPHANY 239 May the grace of that Holy Spirit be now with us, Whereby the Virgin Mary conceived, and brought forth Jesus, our God, And holy Virginity, in this Per quem sacrata floret Mother, brought forth its Flower. Virginitas in Maria. O Spirit of Love ! thou didst Spiritus alme, quo replefill Mary with thyself, tur Maria, Thou didst infuse the dew of Tu rorem sacrum stillasti heaven into her. in Maria. O Divine Lover ! the purest Amator sancte, quo inVirgin receives Jesus from Thee. tacta impreegnatur Maria. tornon umbra cujus Under thy shadow, she conSub tinues a Virgin, and is made retur, dum fovetar Maria. the Mother of God. Td praservasti ne prima Thou didst_ preserve Mary culpa transfusa sit in Maria. from contracting the original guilt. Tu cellam sacrasti sic beThou didst consecrate the nedicti ventris in Maria. sanctuary of this so blessed womb, That it might be the dwelling Ut tumeret, et Mater fieof Jesus, and Mary be his ret Maria, Mother, Sic pareret, nec florem perAnd 5o bring forth her Son, as to be still the same pure Flower. deret Maria. Prophetas tu inspirasti, ut Thou it was that didst inspire pracinerent quod Deum con- the Prophets to foretell how ciperet Maria. Mary should conceive her God. Apostolos confortasti ut Thou it was that didst strengastruerent hunc Deum quem then the Apostles to preach this edidit Maria. God, the Son of Mary. Quando machinam Deus When God created this world, mundanam fecit, est pra- he gave us a type of Mary. figurata Maria. Tellus hominem, virgo virThe virgin-earth produced the ginem fudit primum, sic se- first Adam; so did Mary give cundum Maria. birth to the second. Tu animarum spes afliThou art the hope of sorrowctarum dulcis Maria. ing hearts, sweet Mary | Tu servulorum tuorum Loosen the fetters of thy nexus solve, Maria; devoted servants, O Mary | Tu collisum peccatis munThou didst restore to life the dum ad vitam reparasti, world that was crushed by sin, O Mary | Maria. CHRISTMAS 240 Idololatras et leges atras ‘Thou didst destroy idolaters and wicked laws, O Mary | enervasti, Maria. We humbly beseech thee, Ergo nos petimus supplices ut ope benigna subleves, therefore, that thou mercifully help us, O Mary ! Maria. And ‘pray to thy Son for us Et nato pro nobis supplices, qui tibi psallimus: Ave, who sing to thee, Ave Maria | Maria. Thou art Blessed of all the Tu felicibus felicior, Maria. blessed, O Mary | Tu sublimibus Angelorum Thou art raised above the ceetibus es pralata, Maria. highest choirs of the Angels, O Mary ! Ipsum hominem induisti, Thou didst clothe with the nature of Man, O Mary, Maria, Qui sine semine, rigante Him who without the aid of nemine, te feecundavit, Ma- man gave thee the fruitfulness of motherhood, O Mary ! ria. Hunc Deum nobis placa, He is our God; pray him to Maria. have mercy on us, O Mary | SECOND THE AFTER SUNDAY 241 EPIPHANY SECOND SUNDAY THE EPIPHANY AFTER HE third Mystery of the Epiphany shows us the completion of the merciful designs of God upon the world, at the same time that it manifests to us, for the third time, the glory of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The star has led the soul to faith; the sanctified Waters of the Jordan have upon her; the Marriage-Feast unites We have been considering, during Bridegroom revealing himself to the heard him calling her to come to him conferred purity her to her God. this Octave, the Spouse; we have from the heights of Libanus; and now, after having enlightened and purified her, he invites her to the heavenly feast, where she is to receive the Wine of his divine love. A Feast is prepared;' it is a Marriage-Feast; and the Mother of Jesus is present at it, for it is just that, having co-operated in the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word, she should take part in all that her Son does, and in all the favours he bestows on his elect. But, in the midst of the Feast, the Wine fails. Wine is the symbol of Charity or Love, and Charity had failed on the earth; for the Gentiles had never tasted its sweetness; and as to the Synagogue, what had it produced but wild grapes?* The True Vine is our Jesus, and he calls himself by that name.> He alone could give that Wine which gladdmzth the heart of man ;* he alone could give us that Chalice which inebriateth,® and of which the Royal Psalmist prophesied. Mary said to Jesus: They have no Wine. It is the office of the Mother of God to tell him of the wants of men, for she is also their Mother. u + St John ii. « B ciii 15. vz But Jesus answers * St John xv 1. * Ibid, xxif 5. 16 CHRISTMAS 242 her in words which are apparently harsh: Woman ! what is it to me and to thee ? My hour is not yet come. The meaning of these words is, that, in this great Mystery, he was about to act, not as the Son of Mary, but as the Son of God. Later on, the hour will come when, dying upon the Cross, he will do a work, in the presence of his Mother, and he will do it as Man, that is, according to that human nature which he has received from her. Mary at once understands the words of her Son, and she says to the waiters of the Feast, what she is now ever saying to her children: Do whatsoever he shall say to you. Now, there were six large waterpots of stone there, and they were empty. The world was then in its Sixth Age, as St Augustine and other Holy Doctors tell us. During these six ages, the earth had been awaiting its Saviour, who was to instruct and redeem it. Jesus commands these waterpots to be filled with water; and yet water does not suit the Feast of the Spouse. The figures and the prophecies of the ancient world were this water, and until the opening of the Seventh Age, when Christ, who is the Vine, was to be given to the world, no man had contracted an alliance with the Divine Word. But, when the Emmanuel came, he had but to say, Now draw out, and the waterpots were seen to be filled with the wine of the New Covenant, the Wine which had been When he assumed our human nature— kept to the end. a nature weak and unstable as water—he effected a change in it; he raised it up even to himself, by making us partakers of the divine nature * he gave us the power to love him, to be united to him, to form that one Body, of which he is the Head, that Church of which he is the Spouse, and which he loved from all eternity, and with such tender love, that he came down from heaven to celebrate his nuptials with her. St Matthew, the Evangelist of the Humanity of our Lord, has received from the Holy Ghost the commission 28t Pet.iq. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 243 to announce to us the Mystery of Faith by the star; St Luke, the Evangelist of Jesus’ Priesthood, has been selected, by the same Holy Spirit, to instruct us in the Mystery of the Baptism in the Jordan; but the Mystery of the Marriage-Feast was to be revealed to us by the Evangelist John, the Beloved Disciple. He suggests to the Church the object of this third Mystery, by this expression: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and he MANIFESTED his glory.! At Bethlehem, the Gold of the Magi expressed the Divinity of the Babe; at the Jordan, the descent of the Holy Ghost and the voice of the Eternal Father proclaimed Jesus (known to the people as a carpenter of Nazareth) to be the Son of God; at Cana, it is Jesus himself that acts, and he acts as God, for, says St Augustine, he who changed the water into wine in the waterpots could be no other than the same who, every year, works the same miracle in the vine. Hence it was that, from that day, as St John tells us, his disciples believed in him,* and the Apostolic College began to be formed. MASS The Introit proclaims the joy of this day, which shows us human nature espoused to the Son of the eternal Father. Surely the earth will henceforth surrender itself wholly to the love and praise of this sacred Name which, in the Marriage Feast, has become that of the Sons of Adam. INTROIT Omnis terra adoret te, Deus, et psallat tibi: psalmum dicat nomini tuo, Altissime. Ps. Jubilate Deo omnis terra, psalmum dicite nomini ejus: date gloriam laudi ejus. Gloria Patri. Omais terra. 3 St John ii 11, Let all the earth adore thee, and sing to thee, O God: let it sing a psalm to thy name, O Most High. Ps. Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; give glory to his praise. Glory be to the Father. Let all the earth. * Ibid. 244 CHRISTMAS This name of Sons of God which has become ours by right through the bond of the sacred nuptials is none other, as Jesus himself tells us in his Beatitudes, than Peace—the Peace of God, ours truly through the action of his grace ever working it out within us. In the Collect Peace again figures as the final end of God’s government both in heaven and on earth, likewise as the supreme desire of the Church. ‘COLLECT Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui calestia simul et terrena moderaris: supplicationes populi tui clementer exaudi, et pacem tuam nostris concede temporibus. Per Dominum. Almighty and Eternal God, supreme Ruler both of heaven and earth, mercifully give ear to the prayers of thy people, and grant us peace in our time. Through, etc. Commemoration is made, by their proper Collects, of the Saint whose feast may occur with this Sunday; the third prayer will be that of the Blessed Virgin. Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary Deus qui salutis aternz, beate Mariz virginitate foegeneri cunda, humano premia prastitisti; tribue, quaesumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercedere sentiamus, per quam meruimus auctorem vitz suscipere, Dos num nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuam. Qui tecum. 0 God, who, by the fruitful Virginity of the Blessed Mary, hast given to mankind the rewards of etornal salvation, grant, we beseech thee, that we may experience her intercession, by whom we received the Author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son. Who Tiveth, etc. Lectio Epistolz beati Pauli Apostoli ad Romanos. Cap. XII. Fratres: Habentes donationes secundum gratiam, qu data est nobis, differe; tes: sive prophetiam secun- Lesson from the Epistleof St Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Ch. XII. Brethren: Having different gifts, according to the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be used according to the rule EPISTLE SECOND SUNDAY dum rationem fidei, sive ministerium in ministrando, sive qui docet in doctrina, qui exhortaturin exhortando, qui tribuit in simplicitate, qui preest in _sollicitudine, qui miseretur in hilaritate. Di- lectio sine simulatione. Odientes malum, adharentes bono: Caritate fraternitatis invicem diligentes: Honore invicem pravenientes: Sollicitudine non pigri: Spiritu ferventes: Domino _servientes: Spe gaudentes: In tribulatione patientes: Orationi instantes: necessitatibus sanctorum communicantes: Hospitalitatem sectantes. Benedicite uentibus vos benedicite et nolite maledicere. Gaudere cum gaudentibus, flere cum flentibus: idipsum invicem sentientes: non alta sapientes, sed humilibus consentientes. AFTER EPIPHANY 245 of faith: or ministry, in ministering; or he that teacheth, in doctrine ; he that exhorteth in exhorting; he that giveth with simplicity; he that ruleth with carefulness; he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good. Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood: with honour preventing one another. In carefulness not slothful, in spirit fervent: serving the Lord: rejoicing in hope: patient in tribulation: instant in praye communicating to the necessi ties of the saints: pursuing hospitality. Bless them that persecute you: bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice, weep with them that weep. Being of one mind one towsrds. another, ot minding high things, but consenting to the humble. This peace which characterizes, in the abode of saints, the Sons of God, effects in like measure on earth the oneness of the Bride, that is of the Church: peace it is that makes her to be but one body wherein the many members find their multiplicity upheld and guided by the head, the one lord; their functions, so diverse in themselves, regulated and brought under the rule and love of the Bridegroom, Christ Jesus. The Epistle which has just been read sets before us the different operations of this peace which has as its ruling motive Charity, the Queen of virtues, and which is so essential to Christianity ; the Apostle specifies in detail its forms and conditions and adapts its practice to every social condition and cir- cumstance of life. Of such value does the Church judge these considerations, that, on the following Sunday, she resumes the text of the Apcstle where today she has interrupted it. 246 CHRISTMAS Far from a divine life in the peace of God which was its precious gift, the human race incurred death with its Let us then in the Gradual penalty of separation. sing of this wonder that has been wrought in our midst, and with the angelic choirs exalt the Lord in praise and admiration. GRADUAL Misit Dominus verbum The Lord sent his word and suum, et sanavit eos: et erihealed them: and delivered them puit €os de interitu eorum. out of their distresses. ¥. Confiteantur Domino mi¥. Let the mercies of the sericordia ejus, et mirabilia Lord give glory to him: and his ejus filiis hominum. Alle- wonderful works to the children luia, alleluia. of men. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. Laudate Deum omnes ¥. Praise ye the Lord, all his Angeli ejus: laudate eum angels, praise him all his hosts. omnes virtutes ejus. Alleluia. Alleluia. GOSPEL Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem. Cap. II. In illo tempore: Nupti® factz sunt in Cana Galilew, et erat Mater Jesu ibi. Vocatus est autem et Jesus et discipuli ejus _ad nuptias. Et deficiente vino, dicit Mater Jesu ad eum: Vinum non habent. Et dicit ei Jesus: Quid mihi et tibi est, mulier ? nondum venit hora mea. Dicit Mater ejus ministris Quodcumque _dixerit vobis, facite. Erant autem ibi lapidez hydriz sex, positz secundum_ purificationem Judmorum, capientes singule metretas binas vel ternas. Dicit eis Jesus: Implete hydrias aqua. Et impleverunt eas usque ad summum. Et dicit eis Jesus: Haurite nunc, Sequel of the holy Gospel according to John. Ch. II. At that time, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the Mother of Jesus was there. And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples to the marriage. And the wine failing, the Mother of Jesus saith to him, They have no wine. And Jesus saith to her, Woman, what isit to me and to thee ? my hour is not yet come. His Mother saith to the waiters, Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye. Now there were set there six waterpots of stone; according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. Jesus saith to them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 247 et ferte architriclino. Et And Jesus saith to them, Draw tulerunt. Ut autem gusta- out riow, and carry to the chief vit architriclinus aquam vi- steward of the feast: and they num factam, et non sciebat carried it. And when the chief unde esset, ministri autem steward had tasted the water sciebant qui hauserant aqu- made wine, and knew not whence am; vocat sponsum archi- it was, but the waiters knew triclinus, et dicit ei: Omnis who had drawn the water; the homo primum bonum vinum chief steward calleth the brideponit, et cum inebriati fue- groom, and saith to him, Every rint, tunc id quod deterius man at first setteth forth good est; tu autem servasti bonum wine, and when men have well vinum usque adhuc. Hoc drunk, then that which is fecit initium signorum Jesus worse: but thou hast kept the in Cana Galilew, et manife- good wine until now. This stavit gloriam suam, et cre- beginning of miracles did Jesus diderunt in eum discipuli in Cana of Galilee, and maniejus. fested his glory, and his disciples believed in him. O the wonderful dignity of man! God has vouch- safed, says the Apostle, to show the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which had no claim to, nay, were unworthy of such an honour. Jesus bids the waiters fill them with water and the water of Baptism purifies us; but, not satisfied with this, he fills these vessels, even to the brim, with that heavenly and new Wine, which was not to be drunk save in the kingdom of his Father.! Thus, divine Charity, which dwells in the Sacrament of Love, is communicated to us; and that we might not be unworthy of the espousals with himself, to which he called us, he raises us up even to himself. Let us, therefore, prepare our souls for this wonderful union, and, according to the advice of the Apostle, let us labour to present them to our Jesus with such purity as to resemble that chaste Virgin, who was presented to the spotless Lamb.? During the Offertory, the Church resumes her songs of joy and gives free course to her holy transports. All faithful souls are invited by her to the celebration of this adorable Mystery, the intimate union of man with God. * Rom. ix 23. *2Corxiz 248 CHRISTMAS OFFERTORY Shout with joy to God, all Jubilate Deo universa terral psalmum dicite nomini the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name. Come and hear, all ejus, venite et audite, et narrabo_vobis omnes qui ti- ye who fear God, and I will tell metis Deum, quanta fecit you what great things he hath Dominus animz mez. Alle- done for my soul. Alleluia. Tuia. SECRET Oblata, Domine, munera sanctifica: nosque a pecca- torum nostrorum maculis emunda. Per Dominum. Sanctify, O Lord, our offerings, and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through, ete. After the Secret of the Saint who is being commemorated today, that of the Blessed Virgin is said. Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary Tua, Domine, propitiatione, et beatz Mariz semper Virginis _intercessione, _ad perpetuam _atque prasentem hzc oblatio nobis proficiat prosperitatem et pacem. - Per ominum. By thy merciful forgiveness, 0 Lord, and by the intercession of blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, let this ofiering avail us for welfare and peace, both now and for evermore. Through our Lord. The Communion Antiphon recalls once more the miracle of the changing of the water into wine. This was only a dim figure of that wondrous transformation which is accomplished on our altars, only a symbol of that divine Sacrament, the food of our souls whereby, in an unspeakable way, is realized our union with God. COMMUNION Dicit Dominus: Implete hydrias aqua et ferte architriclino. Cum gustasset architriclinus _aquam vinum factam, dicit sponso: Servasti vinum bonum usque adduc. Hoc signum fecit Jesus primum coram discipulis suis. The Lord saith: Fill the waterpots with water and carry to the chief steward of the feast. When the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, hessaid to the bridegroom: Thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus before his disciples. SECOND Augeatur sumus AFTER SUNDAY 249 POSTCOMMUNION in nobis, qua- Domine, EPIPHANY tuz virtutis operatio: ut divinis vegetati sacramentis, ad eorum promissa capienda tuo munere przparemur. Per Dominum. Commemoration May the efficacy of thy power, 0 Lord, be increased in us, that being fed with thy divine sacraments, we may, through thy bounty, be prepared to receive what they promise. Through, etc. of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hzc nos communio, Domine, purget a crimine: et intercedente beata Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, ccelestis remedii faciat esse consortes. May this communion, O Lord, cleanse us from sin, and by the intercession of blessed Mary, the Virgin-Mother of God, make us partakers of thy heavenly remedy. VESPERS The Psalms, Capitulum, on pages 88-97. ANTIPHON and Verse are given OF THE MAGNIFICAT ANT. Deficiente vino, jussit Jesus impleri hydrias aqua, qu in vinum conversa est. Alleluia. OREMUS Hymn Omnipotens _sempiterne Deus, qui celestia simul et terrena moderaris: supplicationes populi tui clementer exaudi, et pacem tuam nostris concede temporibus. Per Dominum. ANT. The wine failing, Jesus commanded that the waterpots should be filed with water, and it was changed into wine. Alleluia. LET US PRAY O Almighty and Eternal God, supreme Ruler both of heaven and earth, mercifully give ear to the prayers of thy people, and grant us peace in our time. Through, etc. 250 CHRISTMAS THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY 'HE variation of Easter Sunday necessitates almost every year a different arrangement of the Sundays after the Epiphany from that in which they stand in the Missal. Septuagesima often comes in January and the Feast of the Purification is occasionally later than Quinquagesima Sunday; hence the office of these four last Sundays may have to be transferred to another season of the liturgical cycle. We were obliged then to provide for these changes and simplify them for the Faithful by adopting our present plan. We have inserted here the third and fourth Sundays as usually falling in Christmastide, while the office of the fifth and sixth Sundays will be found in the volumes of Septuagesima and the second after Pentecost, this latter season being the one in which they are most frequently kept. MASS The Introit represents the Angels of God adoring him on his entrance into this world, as St Paul' explains this passage of the Psalms. The Church celebrates with David the gladness of Sion, and the joy of the daughters of Juda. INTROIT Adorate Deum omnes Angeli ejus: audivit et lLetata est Sion, et exsultaverunt filiz Jude. Ps. Dominus regnavit, exsultet terra, letentur insule multz. ¥. Gloria Patri. Adorate. Adore God, all ye his Angels: Sion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Juda rejoiced. Ps. The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice, let many islands be glad. Y. Glory, etc. Adore. * Heb. 6. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 251 COLLECT Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, infirmitatem nostram propitius_respice: atque ad protegendum nos, dexteram tuz majestatis extende. Per Dominum. O Almighty and Eternal God, mercifully behold our weakness, and stretch forth the right hand of thy majesty to protect us. Through, etc. Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary Deus_qui salutis_aternz, beatw Marie virginitate feecunda, humano generi premia prastitisti; tribue, quasumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercedere sentiamus, per quam meruimus auctorem vite suscipere, Domi num nostram. Jeswm Christum Filium tuum. O God, who by the fruitful Virginity of Blessed Mary hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech thee, that we may experience her intercession, by whom we received the Author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son. The third Prayer is one of the following: Against the persecutors of the Church Ecclesiz tuz, quasumus, Domine, preces placatus admitte; ut, destructis adversitatibus et erroribus universis, secura tibi serviat libertate. Mercifully hear, we beseech thee, O Lord, the prayers of thy Church, that all oppositions and errors being removed, she may serve thee with a secure and undisturbed devotion. For the Pope Deus omnium fidelium Pastor et Rector, famulum tuum N. quem Pastorem Ecclesiz tuz praesse voluisti, propitius respice; da ei, qusumus, verbo ot exemplo, quibus praeest, proficere; ut ad vitam, una cum grege sibi credito, perveniat sempiternam. Per Dominum. 0 God, the Pastor and Governor of all the Faithful, look down in_thy mercy on thy servant N. whom thou hast appointed Pastor over thy Church; and grant, we beseech thee, that both by word and examplé he may edify all those that are under his charge, and, with the flock intrusted to him, arrive at length at eternal happiness. Through, etc. 252 CHRISTMAS EPISTLE Lectio Epistolz beati Pauli Lesson of the Epistle of St Paul Apostoli ad Romanos. the Apostle to the Romans. Cap. XII. Ch. XII. Brethren, be not wise in your Fratres, nolite esse prudentes apud vosmetipsos: own conceits. To no man rennulli malum pro malo red- dering evil for evil. Providing dentes: providentes bona non good things not only in the sight tantum coram Deo, sed etiam of God, but alsoin the sight coram omnibus hominibus; of all men. If it be possible, as si fieri potest, quod ex vobis much as in you, having peace est, cum omnibus hominibus with all men. Not revenging pacem habentes: non vos- yourselves, my dearly beloved, metipsos _defendentes, car- but give place unto wrath. issimi, sed date locum irz; For it is written: * Revenge to scriptum est enim; Mihi vin- me, I will repay,’ saith the Lord. But 'if thy enemy be dicta, ego retribuam, di Dominus. Sed si esurierit hungry, give him to eat: if he inimicus tuus, ciba illum; si thirst, give him to drink: for sitit, potum da illi: hoc enim doing this, thou shalt heap coals faciens, carbones ignis con- of fire upon his head.’ Be not geres super caput ejus. Noli overcome by evil, but overcome vinci a malo, sed vince in bo- evil by good. no malum. This love of our neighbour, recommended to us by the Apostle, is a consequence of that universal brother- hood which our Saviour, by his Birth, brought us from heaven. He came to establish peace between heaven and earth; men, therefore, ought to be at peace one with another. Our Lord bids us not fo be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil by good :—and did not he first practise this by coming among us, who were children of wrath, that he might make us children of adoption by his humiliations and his sufferings ? In the Gradual, the holy Church again celebrates the coming of Emmanuel, and invites all nations, and all the kings of the earth, to come and praise his holy name. GRADUAL Timebunt gentes Nomen tuum, Domine, et omnes reges terr gloriam tuam. The Gentiles shall fear thy Name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. THIRD SUNDAY ¥. Quoniam adificavit Dominus Sion, et videbitur in majestate sua. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. Dominus regnavit: exsultet terra, lztentur insulae multe. Alleluia. AFTER EPIPHANY 253 ¥. For the Lord hath built up Sion, and he shall be seen in his glory. Alleluia, alleluia. . The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice; let many islands be glad. Alleluia. GOSPEL Sequentia sancti Evangelii Sequel of the holy Gospel secundum Matthaum. according to Matthew. Cap. VIIL. Ch. VIII. In illo tempore, Cum deAt that time, when Jesus was scendisset Jesus de monte, come down from the mountain, secutz sunt eum turbz mul- great multitudes followed him; te; et ecce leprosus ve- and behold a leper came and niens, adorabat eum dicens: adored him, saying: Lord, if thou Domine, si_vis, potes me wilt, thou canst make me clean. mundare. Et extendens Je- And Jesus stretching forth his sus manum, tetigit eum di- hand, touched him, saying: cens: Volo, mundare. Et I will, be thou made clean. confestim mundata_est 1 And forthwith his leprosy was pra ejus. Et ait illi Jesu cleansed. And Jesus saith to Vide,” nemini dixeris; sed him: See thou tell no man, vade, ostende te sacerdoti but go, show thyself to the et offer munus, quod prariest, and offer the gift which oses comnianded for a testicepit Moyses, in testimonium illis. Cum autem introisset mony unto them. And when Capharnaum, accessit ad eum he had entered unto Capharcenturio, rogans eum et di- naum, there came to him a cens; Domine, puer meus centurion, beseeching him, and jacet in domo paralyticus, et saying: Lord, my servant lieth male torquetur. Et ait illi at home sick of the palsy, and Jesus: Ego veniam et curabo is grievously tormented. And eum. Et respondens cen- Jesus saith to him: I will come turio, ait: Domine, non sum and heal him. And the cendignus ut intres sub tectum turion making answer, said: ‘meum; sed tantum dic verbo, Lord, I am not worthy that et sanabitur puer meus. thou’ shouldst enter under my Nam et ego homo sum sub roof; but only say the word, potestate constitutus, habens and ‘my servant shall be healed. sub me milites, et dico huic: For I also am a man under vade, et vadit; et ali : veni, authority, having under me et venit; et servo meo: fac soldiers ; and I say to this, Go, hoc, et facit. Audiens au- and he goeth, and to another, tem Jesus, miratus est, et se- Come, and he cometh, and to quentibus s dixit: Amen my servant, Do this, and he CHRISTMAS 254 dico vobis, non_inveni tantam fidem in Israel. Dico autem vobis, quod multi ab oriente et occidente venient, et recumbent cum Abraham et Isaac et Jacob in regno ceelorum; filii autem regni_ejicientur in tenebras exteriores: ibi erit fletus et stridor dentium. Et dixit Jesus centurioni: Vade, et Sicut credidisti, fiat tibi. Et sanatus est puer in illa hora. . The human sin: the Son race of God was doeth it. And when Jesus heard this, he marvelled, and said to them that followed him: Amen, I say to you, I have not found o great faith in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; buf the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and_gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion: Go, and as thou hast believed, 50 be it done to thee. And the servant was healed at the same hour. infected with the leprosy of fouches it by the mystery of the Incarnation, and restores it to health. But he requires that the sick man, now that he is healed, shall go and show himself to the priest, and comply with the ceremonies prescribed by the law; and this, to show that he allows a human of our salvation. priesthood to co-operate in the work The vocation of the Gentiles, of which the Magi were the first-fruits, is again brought before us in the faith of the centurion. A Roman soldier, and millions like him, shall be reputed as true children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; while they who are the sons of this Patriarch according to the flesh, shall be cast out from the feast-chamber and their punishment to the whole earth. into the gloom of blindness; shall be given as a spectacle Let man, then, saved as he has been by the coming of Emmanuel, sing 2 hymn of praise to the power of God, who has wrought our salvation by the strength of his almighty arm. Man had been sentenced to death; but now that he has God for a Brother, he shall not die: he will live: and could he spend his life better than in praising the works of this God that has saved him ? THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 255 OFFERTORY Dextera Domini fecit virtutem, dextera Domini exaltavit me: non moriar, sed vivam, et narrabo opera Domini. The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength, the right hand of the Lord hath exalted me. I shall not die, but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord. SECRET Hac hostia, Domine, quasumus, emundet nostra delicta: et sacrificium celebrandum subditorum tibi corpora, mentesque sanctificet. Per Dominum. May this offering, O Lord, we beseech thee, cleanse away our sins: and sanctify the bodies and souls of thy servants, to prepare them for worthily celebrating this sacrifice. Through, etc. Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary Tua, Domine, propitiatione, et beatz Mari semper Virginis intercessione, ad perpetuam atque prasentem hzc oblatio nobis proficiat prosperitatem et pacem. By thy mercy, O Lord, and by the intercession of blessed Mary ever a Virgin, may this oblation further our present and future prosperity and peace. Against the persecutors of the Church Protege, nos, Domine, mysteriis servientes: ut vinis rebus inhwrentes, corpore tibi famulemur mente. tuis diet et Protect us, O Lord, while we_assist at thy sacred mysteries, that being employed in acts of religion, we may serve thee both in body and mind. For the Pope Oblatis, quasumus, Domine, placare muneribus, et famulum tuum N., quem Pastorem Ecclesiz tue praesse voluisti, assidua protectione guberna. Per Dominum, Be appeased, O Lord, with the offering we have made, and cease not to protect thy servant N, whom thou hast been pleased to appoint Pastor over thy Church. = Through, etc, 256 CHRISTMAS PREFACE I ¥. Per omnia szcula szcu¥. For ever and ever. lorum, Amen. K. Amen. Dominus vobiscum, ¥. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Et cum spiritu tuo. Sursum corda. ¥. Lift up your hearts. ®7. We have them fixed on . Habemus ad Dominum. God. ¥. Gratias agamus Domi¥. Let us give thanks to the num Deo nostro. Lord our God. R. Dignum et justum est. . It is meet and just. It is truly meet and just, Vere dignum et justum est, 2quum et salutare, nos right and available to salvation, tibi semper et ubique gra- that we should always and in tias agere, Domine sancte, all places give thanks to thee, Pater omnipotens, zterne 0 holy Lord, Father Almighty, Deus. Qui cum _unigenito Etenal God. Who together Filio tuo et Spiritu Sancto with thy Only Begotten Son unus es Deus, unus es Domi- and the Holy Ghost art one non in unius_ singu- God and one Lord: not in a te Personz, sed in unius singularity of one Person, but in tate substantiz. Quod a Trinity of one substance. For enim de tua gloria, revelan- what we believe of thy glory, te, credimus, hoc de Filio tuo, as thou hast revealed, the same hoc de Spiritu Sancto, sine we believe of thy Son and of the differentia_discretionis senti- Holy Ghost, without any differmus. Utin confessione ver, ence or distinction. So that in sempiternzque Deitatis, et in the confession of the true and Personis proprietas, et in cternal Deity, we adore a disessentia unitas, et in Ma- tinction in the Persons, a unity jestate adoretur wqualitas. in the essence, and an equality Quam laudant Angeli atque in the Majesty. Whom the Archangeli, Cherubim quo- Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim que ac Seraphim; qui non cessant clamare quotidie una praise, and cease not daily to cry out with one voice, saying, voce dicentes, Sanctus, etc. Holy, etc. After having distributed the Bread of Life, the Church reminds us how the people were in admiration at the words of Jesus. The children of the Church, initiated into all his Mysteries, are at this moment enjoying the effects of that ineffable Word, by means of which the Redeemer has changed the bread into his Body, and the wine into his Blood, THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 257 COMMUNION Mirabantur omnes de_his qua procedebant de ore Dei. All wondered that came from God. at the words the mouth of POSTCOMMUNION Quos tantis, Domine, largiris uti mysteriis, quasumus ut effectibus nos eorum veraciter aptare digneris. Per Dominum. We beseech thee, O Lord, that we, to whom thou vouchsafest the use of these great mysteries, may be made truly worthy to receive the benefits thereof. Through, etc. Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hzc nos communio, Do- mine, purget a crimine; et intercedente beata Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, ccelestis remedii faciat sortes. esse con- May this communion, O Lord, cleanse us from sin, and by the intercession of blessed Mary, the Virgin-Mother of God, make us partakers of thy heavenly remedy. Against the persecutors of the Church Quasumus, Domine Deus noster, ut quos divina tribuis _participatione gaudere, humanis non sinas subjacere periculis. We beseech thee, O Almighty God, not to leave ex] fo the dangers of human life, those whom thou hast permitted to partake of these divine mysteries. For the Pope Hzc nos, quasumus, DoMay the participation of this mine, divini sacramenti per- divine Sacrament protect us, ceptio protegat: et famulum we beseech thee, O Lord; and tuum N., quem Pastorem always procure safety and deEcclesi@ tuz praesse volu- fence to thy servant N., whom isti, una_cum commisso sibi thou hast appointed ~Pastor grege, salvet semper et mu- over thy Church, together with niat. Per Dominum. the flock committed to his charge. Through, etc. xz CHRISTMAS 258 VESPERS The Psalms, Antiphons, Capitulum, Versicle are given on pages 89-96. ANTIPHON Hymn, and OF THE MAGNIFICAT ANT. Domine, si vis, potes me mundare: et ait Jesus: Volo, mundare. OREMUS Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, infirmitatem nostram propitius_respice: atque ad protegendum nos dexteram tuz majestatis extende. Per Dominum. ANT. O Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus saith: I will: be thou cleansed. LET US PRAY O Almighty and Eternal God, mercifully behold our weakness, and stretch forth the right hand of thy majesty to protect us. Through, etc. FOURTH THE SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY FOURTH SUNDAY THE EPIPHANY 259 AFTER MASS INTROIT Adorate Deum omnes Angeli ejus: audivit et letata est Sion: et exsultaverunt filie Jude. Ps. Dominus regnavit; exsultet terra, laztentur insulz multz. Y. Gloria Patri. Adorate. Adore God, all ye his Angels: Sion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Juda rejoiced. Ps. The Lord hath reigned; let the earth rejoice, let many islands be glad. . Glory, etc. Adore. COLLECT Deus, qui nos in tantis periculis constitutos, pro humana scis_fragilitate non posse subsistere: da_mobis salutem mentis et corporis; ut ea quz pro peccatis nos’ tris patimur, te_adjuvante, vincamus. Per Dominum. O God, who knowest that through human frailty we are not able to subsist amidst such great dangers, grant us health of soul and body, that whatsoever things we suffer because of our sins, we may overcome by thine assistance. Through, etc. Then are added the Collects special to the season of Christmas, in honour of our Lady, against the persecutors of the Church, or for the Pope; which are given above, page 251. EPISTLE Lectio Epistole beati Pauli ‘Apostoli ad Romanos. Cap. XIII. Fratres, nemini qui quam debeatis, nisi ut i vicem diligatis: qui enim di git proximum, legem imple- Lesson of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans. Ch. XIII. Brethren, owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law. For, CHRISTMAS 260 vit. Nam: Non adulterabis; Non occides; Non furaberis Non falsum testimonium dices; Non concupisces, et si quod est aliud mandatum, in hoc verbo instauratur: Diliges proximum tuum sicut_teipsum. Dilectio proximi malum non operatur. Plenitudo ergo legis est dilectio. * Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet': and if there be any other commandment, it is comrised in this word: * Thou shalt ove_thy neighbour as thyself.’ The love of our neighbour worketh no evil. Love, therefore, is the fulfilling of the law. During this holy season, when the very Son of God is giving so great a proof of his love for man, whose nature he exhorting to practise has the assumed, Faithful, charity the in the towards comes to us as our Lawgiver: Church words each of is continually other. the Apostle, Emmanuel now he has resumed his ‘whole Law in the precept of Love; he is come in order to unite what sin had divided. Let us comply with his divine intentions, and accomplish with earnestness Law he has imposed upon us. the GRADUAL Timebunt gentes Nomen tuum, Domine, et omnes reges terrz gloriam tuam. ¥. Quoniam zdificavit Dominus_Sion, et videbitur in majestate sua. Alleluia, alleluia. . Dominus regnavit: exsultet terra, letentur insule multe. Alleluia. The Gentiles shall fear thy Name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. . For the Lord hath built up Sion, and he shall be seen in his glory. Alleluia, alleluia. ¥. The Lord hath reigned; let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad. ~ Alleluia. GOSPEL Sequentia sancti Evangelii ‘secundum Matthzum. Cap. VIII. In illo tempore, Ascendente Jesu in naviculam, secuti sunt eum discipuli ejus. Et ecce motus magnus factus Sequel of the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Ch. VIII. At that time, when Jesus entered into the boat, his disciples followed him; and behold a great tempest arose FOURTH SUNDAY est in mari, ita ut navicula operiretur fluctibus; ipse vero dormiebat. Et accesserunt ad eum discipuli ejus, et suscitaverunt eum dicentes: Domine, salva nos, perimus. Et dicit eis Jesus: Quid timidi estis, modice fidei? Tunc surgens, imperavit ventis et mari, et facta est tranquillitas magna. Porro homines mirati sunt, dicentes: Qualis est hic, quia venti et mare obediunt ei ? Let us adore the power AFTER EPIPHANY 261 in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves; but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awakened him, saying: Lord, save us, we perish. And Jesus saith to them: Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up, he commanded the winds and the sea, and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: What manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him ! of our Emmanuel, who is come to calm the tempest which threatened the human race with death. In the midst of their danger, the successive generations of men had cried out: Lord/ save us ; we perish. 'When the fulness of time had come, he awoke from his rest ; he had but to command, and the power of our enemies was destroyed. devils, the darkness paganism—all verted to Jesus. yielded. of idolatry, Nation The malice of the the corruption after nation of was con- They had said, when in their misery and blindness: ‘ Who is this Jesus, whom no power can resist ?* and then they embraced his Law. This power of Jesus to break down every obstacle, and that, too, at the very time when men were disquieted at his apparent slumbering, has often shown itself in the past ages of the Church. How many times has he not chosen for saving the world that period which seemed the least likely for rescue | The same happens in the life of each one among us. Oftentimes we are tossed to and fro by violent temptations; it would seem as though the billows must sink us; and yet our will is firmly anchored to God! And what is all this, if not Jesus sleeping in the storm-tossed boat, protecting us by this his sleeping ? And if our cry for help at length awaken him, it is only to proclaim his own and our victory; for he has already conquered, and we have conquered in him. CHRISTMAS 262 OFFERTORY Dextera Domini fecit virtutem, dextera Domini exaltavit me: non moriar, sed vivam, et narrabo opera Domini. The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength, the right hand of the Lord hath exalted me: I shall not die, but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord. SECRET Concede, quazsumus, omnipotens Deus; ut bujus sacrificii munus oblatum, fragilitatem nostram ab omni malo urget semper et muniat. er Dominum. Grant, we beseech Almighty God, that the of this sacrifice may cleanse our frailty from and be a protection Through, etc. thee, O offering always all evil, to us. To thisare added the other Secrets,as given on page 255. The Preface is that of the Blessed Trinity, page 256. COMMUNION Mirabantur omnes de his qua procedebant de ore Dei. All wondered that came from God. at the words the mouth of POSTCOMMUNION Munera tua nos, Deus, a delectationibus _terrenis expediant, et ccelestibus semper instaurent alimentis. Per Dominum. May thy gifts, of which we have partaken, O God, detach us from ‘all earthly pleasures, and ever refresh and strengthen us with heavenly food. Through, etc. Then are added the other Postcommunions, as given on page 257. The VESPERS Psalms, Antiphons, Capitulum, Hymn Versicle are given on pages 89-96. ANTIPHON OF THE MAGNIFICAT Ant. Domine, salva nos, imus: imy et fac, eus, tranquillitatem. ANT. Save us, command, make the sea calm. O Lord, O God, and we and FOURTH OREMUS Deus qui nos SUNDAY in tantis periculis constitutos, pro humana scis fragilitate non posse subsistere: da nobis salutem mentis et corporis; ut ea qu& pro peccatis nostris patimur, te adjuvante vincamus. Per Dominum. AFTER EPIPHANY 263 LET US PRAY O God, who knowest that through human frailty we are not able to subsist amidst so many dangers, grant us health of soul and body; that whatsoever we suffer for our sins, we may overcome by thy assistance. Through, etc. CHRISTMAS 264 JANUARY 14 SAINT HILARY BISHOP, CONFESSOR, AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH FTER having consecrated the joyous Octave of the Epiphany to the glory of the Emmanuel who was manifested to the earth, the Church—incessantly occupied with the Divine Child and his august Mother, during the whole time from Christmas Day to that ‘whereon Mary will bring Jesus to the Temple, there to be offered to God, as the law prescribes—the Church, we say, has on her Calendar of this portion of the year the names of many glorious Saints, who shine like so many stars on the path which leads us, from the joys of the Nativity of our Lord, to the sacred mystery of our Lady’s Purification. And firstly there comes before us, on the very morrow of the day consecrated to the Baptism of Jesus, the faithful and courageous Hilary—the pride of the Churches of Gaul, and the worthy associate of Athanasius and Eusebius of Vercelli in the battle fought for the Divinity of our Emmanuel. Scarcely were the cruel persecutions of paganism over, when there commenced the fierce contest with Arianism, which had sworn to deprive of the glory and honours of his divinity that Jesus who had conquered, by his Martyrs, the violence and craft of the Roman Emperors. The Church had won her liberty by shedding her blood, and it was not likely that she would be less courageous on the new battle- field into which she was driven. Many were the Martyrs that were put to death by her new enemies—Christian, though heretical, Princes: it was for the Divinity of that Lord, who had mercifully appeared on the earth in the weakness of human flesh, that they shed their ST HILARY 265 blood. Side by side with these stood those holy and illustrious Doctors, who, with the martyr-spirit within them, defended by their learning and eloquence the Nicene Faith, which was the Faith of the Apostles. In the foremost rank of these latter we behold the Saint of to-day, covered with the rich laurels of his brave confessorship, Hilary: who, as St Jerome says of him, was brought up in the pompous school of Gaul, yet had culled theflowers of Grecian science, and became the Rhone of Latin eloguence. St Augustine Calls him the illustrious Doctor of the Churches. Though gifted with the most extraordinary talents, and one of the most learned men of the age, yet St Hilary’s greatest glory is his intense love for the In- carnate Word, and his zeal for the liberty of the Church. His great soul thirsted after martyrdom, and, by the unflinching love of truth which such a spirit gave him, he was the brave champion of the Church in that trying period when Faith, that had stood the brunt of persecution, seemed to be on the point of being betrayed by the craft of Princes, and the cowardice of temporizing and unorthodox Pastors. Let us listen to the short Life of our Saint, contained in the Lessons of his Office. Hilarius, in Aquitania nobili_genere natus, doctrina et eloquentia excelluit. Qui primum in matrimonio quasi monachi vitam egit; deinde propter _singulares virtutes Pictavorum episcopus creatur: quod munus episcopale sic gessit, ut a fidelibus summam laudem consequeretur. Quo tempore, cum terroribus, bonorum spoliatione, exsilioet omni crudelitate Constantius Tmperator Catholicos vexaret, nisi ad_Arianas partes transirent: Hilarius tamquam firmissimum murum se Arianis opponens, illorum furo- Hilary was born of a noble family in Aquitaine, and was distinguished for_his learning and eloquence. He was married, but the life he led was almost that of a monk, so that later on, on account of his great virtues, he was made Bishop of Poitiers, and so well did he discharge the episcopal office as to be the object of the deepest veneration on the part of the faithful. At that time the Emperor Constantius was inflicting every sort of harsh treatment, intimidation, confiscation of their property, and banishment, on the Catholics 266 CHRISTMAS rem in se concitavit. Itaque who refused to side with the multis petitus insidiis, tan- Arians. Hilary set himself as dem dolo Saturnini Arelaten- a bulwark against the Arians, sis Episcopi, de Synodo Bi- thereby bringing on himself all terrensi in Phrygiam relega- their fury. On this account they many times sought to tus est: ubi et mortuum suscitavit, et libros duodecim ensnare him, and at length, by scripsit de Trinitate contra the treachery of Saturninus, Atianos. the Bishop of Arles, he was banished from the Council at Beziers into Phrygia. There he raised a dead man to life, and wrote his twelve books On the Trinity, against the Arians. Four years after, a Council Quadriennio post coacto Concilio ad Seleuciam Isau- was called at Seleucia, a town riz urbem, Hilarius adesse in Isauria, at which Hilary compulsus est: ac deinde was compelled to assist. Thence Constantinopolim _profectus, he set out for Constantinople, ubi extremum fidei pericu- where, seeing the extreme danlum_ animadvertit, tribus li- gers to which the true faith bellis_publice datis audien- had been exposed, he petitioned tiam Imperatoris poposcit, ut the Emperor, by three public de fide cum adversariis co- petitions, to grant him an ram disputaret. Verum cum audience, in order that he might Ursacius et Valens Ariani obtain permission to hold a Episcopi, quos Hilarius scrip- controversy with his advertis confutarat, presentis eru- saries concerning matters of ditionem pertimescerent, Con- faith. But Ursacius and Valens, stantio persuaserunt, ut specie two Arian Bishops, whom Hilary honoris eum in suum Epis- had refuted in his writings, were atum restitueret. Tunc afraid of allowing so learned a Hilarium ¢ pralio haretico- man to continue there any rum revertentem, ut inquit longer, and persuaded Consanctus Hieronymus, Gallia- stantlus to restore him to his rum Ecclesia complexa est: see, under the pretence quem ad Episcopatum secu- of showing him honour. Then tus est Martinus, qui postea did the Church of Gaul open Turonensi prefuit Ecclesie: her arms, as St Jerome says, to tantumque illo doctore pro- receive Hilary on his return fecit, quantum ejus postea from battle with the heretics. sanctitas declaravit. St Martin, who was afterwards Bishop of Tours, followed the holy Doctor to Poitiers; how much_he profited by the instructions of such a master is evidenced.by the sanctity of his after-life. ST HILARY _tranquilMagna deinceps litate' Pictayorum Eccleaam administravit: Galliamque universam adduxit, ut Arianorum impietatem condemnaret. Multos libros scripsit mira eruditione: quos omnes sanctus Hieronymus ad Lztam, sine ulla erroris suspicione legi posse testatur illis_verbis: Hilarii lipede. bros inoffenso decurrat Migravit_in_ccelum Idibus Januarii, Valentiniano et Valente imperatoribus, anno post Christum natum trecentesimo sexagesimo nono. Eum a multis Patribus et conciliis insignem Ecclesiz Doctorem nuncupatum, atque uti talem in aliquot dicecesibus cultum, tandem, instante synodo Burdigalensi, Pius nonus, Pontifex Maximus, ex sacrorum Ritaum Congregationis consulto, universe Ecclesiz Doctorem declaravit et confirmavit: ac ipsius festo die Missam et Officium de Doctoribus ab omnibus recitare jussit. 267 From that time, he was left in perfect peace in the government of the Church of Poitiers. He led the whole of Gaul to condemn the Arian blasphemies. He composed a great many exceedingly learned books, of which St Jerome, in a letter to Lta, says that they may be all read without the slightest fear of meeting any false doctrine in them: he assures her that she may run through the books of Hilary without stumbling on anything dangerous. He passed from this earth to heaven on the Ides of January (January 13th), during ‘the reign of the Emperors Valentinian and Valens, in the year of our Lord 369. Hilary was called by several Fathers and Councils an_ illustrious Doctor of the Church, and was publicly honoured as such in certain dioceses. At length, at the petition of the Council of Bordeaux, the Supreme Pontiff, Pius the Ninth, after having consulted the Sacred Congregation of Rites, declared him to have been justly called, and to be in effect, a Doctor of the universal Church; and ordered that on his Feast all should recite the Mass and Office Of Doctors. The ancient Gallican Liturgy, of which a few precious remnants have been handed down to us, thus celebrated the praise of the most illustrious of the Bishops of that great country. Our first extract is an Allocution addressed to the Faithful, taken from an ancient Sacramentary. Adorabilem, populi, tissimi Hilarii antistitis tivitate solemniter ALLOCUTION On the recurrence, Brethren, beafes- of this solemn Feast of the recur- most blessed Bishop Hilary, 268 CHRISTMAS reate, cujus lingua in se- whose tongue, during his mortal culo pro sanctz Trinitatis life, so thundered forth the @qualitate sic tonuit, ut hu- truth concerning the equality of jus mundi Principem miles the Three Divine Persons, that Christi prosterneret, et in he, the soldier of Christ, threw ceelestis ~ Regis_aula victor down the Prince of this world, intraret, Dominum votis and entered a conqueror into the uberioribus deprecemur, ut palace of the heavenly King— qui eum inter diversas acies let us, with more than our wonted fervour, beseech the ita fecit esse sollicitum, ut redderet inter bella securum, adorable God, that he, who nobis concedere dignetur, ut made Hilary so vigilant in all quod in ejus honore deposci- his combats as to give security in mus, eo suffragante consequi the battle, may mercifully grant to us that what we ask in his ‘mereamur. honour may be granted to us by his intercession. This Preface, which extols the virtues and the miracles of St Hilary, was sung in the Church of Gaul, even after the introduction of the Roman Liturgy. PREFACE Vere dignum et justum est gratias agere, vota solvere, munera consecrare, Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, @terne Deus, qui beatum Hilarium Confessorem tuum preelegisti tibi sacrat confessionis tuz antistitem, ingenti lumine coruscantem, morum lenitate pollentem, fidei fervore flagrantem, eloquii fonte torrentem: cui quz sit gloriatio ostendit concursus ad tumulum, purificatio incursorum, medela languentium, mirandarum signa virtutum. Qui etsi natura fecit finem per transitum, illic vivunt Pontificis merita post sepulcrum, ubi prasentia Salvatoris est Jesu Christi Domini nostri. It is truly right and just that we give thanks, and pay our vows, and consecrate our gifts to thee, O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God, who didst choose unto thyself the blessed Hilary thy Confessor, that he might be the Pontiff of thy sacred doctrines. He was a great and brilliant light, he was full of meekness in his comportment, he was all fire in fervour of faith, he was a torrent of eloquence. How great is his glory, is shown by the concourse of people at his tomb, the deliverance of the possessed, the healing of sicknesses, and the miracles _of wonderful power. He has, by nature’s law, ended his course and passed hence; but the merits of the Pontiff are still living there, beyond the grave, where reigns our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. 269 ST HILARY The following prayer has been culled out of several old manuscript missals. PRAYER Deus, cujus miseratione delinquentes mutantur ad veniam, justi transferuntur ad palmam, q usus_in corde beati Hilarii antistitis quasi de tuo templo fidei responsa dedisti, concede propitius, ut qui tunc inclytum Confessorem tuum fecisti Casarem non timere, ejus intercessione ab spiritali hoste plebem protegas obsecrantem, ut cujus solemnitati tripudiat, ejus sit fida prece defensa. O God, by whose mercy sinners are raised up to pardon, and the just are translated to heaven for their crown; who, dwelling in the heart of the blessed Bishop Hilary, didst thence, as from thy sanctuary, give the answers of faith; mercifully grant that as thou didst make thy glorious Confessor to be fearless before Casar, so mayest thou, by his intarcession, protect thy suppliant people from their spiritual enemy: thus may they, who rejoice on his _solemnity, be defended by his powerful prayers. The Church of Poitiers has ever cherished with the utmost devotion the memory of her heroic Pontiff, and his Feast, as we may suppose, is kept there with great solemnity. She formerly sang in the Mass of this day the Preface of the Blessed Trinity, to express more forcibly her admiration of the zeal wherewith Hilary defended the master-dogma of our holy faith— the mystery of Three Persons in one God. It will be interesting to our readers to hear a few passages from the ancient liturgical books of this illustrious Church of Poitiers. The following Responsories are taken, in part, from the Life of the Saint, and were composed by St Venantius Fortunatus, one of St Hilary’s successors. RESPONSORIES Ry. Beatus Hilarius, pra cateris gratia generositatis ornatus, nitore pectoris addito, * Quasi refulgens Lucifer inter astra processit. R/. Blessed Hilary shone above others by the nobility of his birth, to which was added an unsulied heart; * He was as the day-star is among other CHRISTMAS 270 ¥. Igitur beatus Hilarius, stars. V. Blessed Hilary, Pictavensis urbis Episcopus, Bishop of the city of Poitiers, regionis Aquitanic partibus was_born in_the province of Aquitaine. * He was. oriundus. * Quasi refulgens. R. Oh! how perfect was K. O quam perfecti mum laicum ! cujus _imita- he as a layman! The very tores ipsi esse desiderant Priests made him their model. sacerdotes; * Cui non fuit * His whole life was fearing aliud vivere nisi_Christum Christ with love and loving him cum dilectione timere, et with fear. ¥.They who follow cum timore diligere. ¥. Cu- him attain to glory; they who jus sequaces currunt ad glo- follow him not incur punishTiam, divertentes ad penam; ment; they who believe him are credenti succedunt przmia, rewarded; they who disbelieve recusanti tormenta. * Cui. him are tormented. * His whole e. Ry. Tum itaque_sanctissiK. The most saintly Hilary mus Hilarius in Phrygiam, was therefore banished _into Asi® regionem, missus est Phrygia, a country of Asia; it exsilio, ad virtutis augmen- served but to increase his virtum; * Quia quantum, pro tue; * Since the farther he was Christi nomine, longius dis- separated from his own land for cedebat a solo proprio, tan- the name of Christ, the nearer he tum merebatur fieri ~vici- deserved to approach to heaven. nior ccelo. ¥. Qui dum ad ¥. When he had reached the locum pervenisset optabilem, fonged-for place, great were the nobis tacendum non est quid favours bestowed on him, and illi concessum est. * Quia. we will publish them. * Since. When the holy Bishop K. Cum de exsilio regresR. sus sanctus Hilarius Ponti- Hilary, returning from exile, fex Pictavim introivit; sum- entered Poitiers, all men were mo favore plaudebant omnes alike loud in the expression ariter, * Eo quod recepisset of unbounded joy. * For the cclesia Pontificem, grex Pas- Church recovered her Pontiff, torem. ¥.Gemma prasulum and the flock its Shepherd. remeante ad propria, laude- Y. The pearl of Bishops has mus Dominum; letetur quo- returned home; let us give praise que chorus Angelorum. * Eo to our Lord, and let the choir quod. of Angels rejoice. * For the Church. The same venerable Church of Poitiers sings these two Hymns in honour of her glorious Saint. They were composed by the pious Simon Gourdan, a Canon Regular of Saint Victor's Abbey, that celebrated House in Paris where Adam of Saint-Victor wrote his admirable Sequences. ST HILARY HYMN 271 From the time that the Ex quo Relligio, tot proChurch, the mother of so many cerum parens, Gallos addiderit Christianum eat men, united Gaul to the ock of Christ, who is there that gregi, Quis par Hilario? quis ge- can be compared to Hilary ? who is there that ever defended nerosius Natum de Patre vindicat ? more zealously than he the Son of the Eternal Father ? Insignes titulos, eloquium Let the holy flock sing the grave, great titles of his glory, his Dotes innumeras plebs sacra majestic eloquence, and his inconcinat: numerable gifts; but his grandLaus suprema fides, qua est praise is the faith wheregenitum Deo with he so loudly proclaimed Altis vocibus asserit. Christ to be the Son of God. Si non tincta fuit sanguine The noble mitre that glittered profluo on his venerable head was not, Clara fronte micans infula indeed, purpled with the blood nobilis, of martyrdom; his sacrifice was Curis mille litat: martyrii that of a thousand cares, and his decus ceaseless labours supply for the beauty of martyrdom. Supplet continuus labor. He was the bold defender Hoc Nicena fides vindice nititur: of the Nicene Faith, which the Frustra tartareus concutit fury of hell sought in vain to destroy. The golden sword hanc furor; Hic oris gladio fulgurat which came so brightly from his mouth drives away the aureo, ravenous wolves. Vastantes abigens lupos. With what beaming joy did Quo vulta reducem grex ‘pius excipit | his devoted flock welcome Quas post longa metit pra- him from exile| How fair the lia laureas | laurels he reaped in the long qu do Ma Te, cet rtine, am campaigns for Christ! He pede strenuo taught thee, O Martin! to Virtutum rapias viam. walk with vigour in the path of virtue. Patri maxima laus, maxiInfinite praise to the Father, ma Filio, and infinite be to the Son, beFeecundo generat quem Pater gotten in the fruitful bosom in sinu, of the Father; to the Son, who Equum Principio, numine is equal to the Father, and comparem: God like him. To the Divine Sacro maxima Flamini. Spirit, too, be there infinite praise | Amen, Amen. 272 CHRISTMAS HYMN Nor craft, nor favour, nor threat, can move this highminded soldier of Christ. He obeys the sentence of the tyrant, and the flock is deprived of its Shepherd—oh! who will now defend them from the wolves ? And must thou go, then, O Pontifi? Thy noble mind makes thee submit to the sentence, but Gaul sheds floods of tears. Phrygia receives thee on her land, happy to possess the champion of the Word Tacarnate. Hilary, the holy Doctor, casts new light on the darkness of hidden error, and with a stream of living water cleanses the pastures of the flock from all impurities. Barbarous Gentes erudit efferas. nations receive instruction at his hands. Ipsos dum titubant, instiThere were Pastors that had tuit fide faltered, and he confirms them Pastores: redeunt mox ad in the faith; then sends them ovilia, back to the flocks they had, Quos error timidos abstule- in timid compromise to error, rat procul, abandoned; and thus the chilEt vocem Patris audiunt. dren hear their Father’s voice again. Prasul magne, poli qui Great Pontiff | who now, in super ardua heaven above, seest the Sun of Solem justitiz cominus ad- Justice face to face; pray for spicis; us, we beseech thee, that he, Verbum nos doceat, quasu- the Incarnate Word, whose mus, impetra, nature thou didst preach to Cujus dogmata pradicas. men, may teach us all truth. Mundani metuant imperii Let worldly men that are ducem, earthly minded, fear if they Qui terram_sapiunt: Casaris will an Emperor's tyranny: haud timet Hilary heeds not_the passion Infensi furias pastor, et as- of an angry Casar, but preaches, serit with holy liberty, the faith of Christi liberius fidem. Christ. Non fraus magnanimum, non favor aut minz, Athletam quatiunt: jussa tyrannidis Explens, Pastor oves linquere cogitur; Quis jam contineat lupos ? Ergo, Praesul, abis? dum generosa mens Te parere facit, Gallia lacrymas Fundat: terra Phrygum suscipiens patrem, Verbi vindice gaudeat. Erroris latebras Doctor Hilarius Spargit luce nova, fonteque vivido Expurgat nocuis pascua faecibus. ST HILARY Patri maxima ma Filio, laus, maxi- Feecundo generat quem Pater in sinu, Zquum Principio, numine comparem : Sacro maxima Flamini. Amen. 273 Infinite praise to the Father, and infinite be to the Son, be- gotten in the fruitful bosom of the Father, to the Son, who equal to the Father, and is God like him. To the Divine Spirit, too, be there infinite praise! Amen. Thus did the holy bishop, Hilary of Poitiers, receive the honours of the Church’s love for his having so courageously, and even at the peril of his life, fought in defence of the great Mystery. Another of his glories is that he was one of the most intrepid champions of that principle, which cannot be compromised without the vitality and very existence of the Church being endangered—the principle of that Church’s liberty. A few days ago we were celebrating the Feast of our holy Martyr, St Thomas of Canterbury; to-day, we have the Feast of the glorious Confessor, whose example enlightened and encouraged him in the great struggle. Both Hilary and Thomas 2 Becket were obedient to the teaching left to the Pastors of the Church by the Apostles; who, when they were arraigned the first time before the authorities of this world, uttered this great maxim: We ought to obey God rather than men.! The Apostles and the Saints were strong in the battle against flesh and blood, goods, only because and were they were convinced detached that the true from earthly riches of a Christian and a Bishop consist in the humilityand poverty of the Crib, and that the only victorious power is in the imitation of the simplicity and the weakness of the Child that is born unto us. They relished the lessons of the School of Bethlehem; hence no promise of honours, of riches, or even of peace, could make them swerve from the principles of the Gospel. How dignified is this family of Soldiers of Christ, which springs up in the Church! If the policy of tyrants, who insist on being Christians without Christianity, carry on a persecution in which they are detern * Acts v 2. 18 CHRISTMAS 274 mined that no one shall have the glory of Martyrdom— these brave Champions raise their voice and boldly reproach the persecutors for their interference with that liberty which is due to Christ and his Ministers. They begin by telling them their duty, as Hilary did to Constantius, when he sent him his first Memorial: ‘ My Lord and most gracious Augustus! Your admirable prudence will tell you that it is unreasonable and impossible either to force submission on men who resist you with all their strength, or to compel them to take part with the sowers of the seed of false doctrine. The one end of your endeavours, wise counsels, government and vigilance should be that all your subjects may enjoy the sweets of liberty. There is no other means of settling the troubles of the state, or of uniting what discord has separated, than that every one be master of his own life, unconstrained by slavish compulsion. You should not turn a deaf ear to the voice of any subject who thus appeals to you for support: “I ama Catholic; I will not be a heretic: a Christian, I am and not an Arian: I would rather lose my life than allow the tyranny of any man to corrupt the purity of my faith.” * When some people spoke to Hilary in favour of those who had been traitors to the Church, and had been disloyal to Jesus Christ, in order to keep in the good the graces Saint ground of that that the their they Emperor, conduct had but they was obeyed ventured justifiable, the to tell Law! on the The holy Pontiff was indignant at this profanation of the word, and, in his Book against Auxentius, courage- ously reminds his fellow Bishops of the origin of the Church: how her very establishment depended on the breaking of unjust human laws, and how she counts it one of her glories to infringe all such laws as would oppose her existence, her development, and her action. ‘ We have a contempt for all the trouble that men of these days are giving themselves; and I am grieved to see them holding such mad opinions as that God ST HILARY 275 needs man’s patronage, and that the Church of Christ requires to be upheld by an ambition that curries favour with the world. I ask of you Bishops, what favour did the Apostles court, in order that they might preach the Gospel 2 Who were the princes that helped them to preach Christ, and convert almost the whole world from idolatry to God? Did they, who sang hymns to God in prisons and chains, and whilst bleeding from being scourged—did #hey accept offices from the state? Did Paul wait for a royal permission to draw men to the Church of Christ? Did he, think you, cringe for the patronage of a Nero, or a Vespasxa.n or a Decius, whose very hatred of our faith was the occasion of its being more triumphantly preached? These Apostles, who lived by the labour of their own hands, who assembled the Faithful in garrets and hiding-places, who visited villages and towns, and wellnigh the whole world, travelling over sea and land, in spite of the Senate’s decrees and Imperial Edicts—these men, according to your principles, had not received the keys of the kingdom of heaven! What say you to all this manifestation of God’s power in the very face of man’s opposition, when the more there was a prohibition to preach Christ, the more that preaching was exercised ?” But the time came at last to speak to the Emperor himself, and to protest against the system whereby he aimed at making the Church a slave; then did Hilary, who was exceedingly gentle in disposition, put on that holy indignation which our Lord himself had, when he scourged the profaners of his Father’s House, and drove them out of the Temple. He braved every danger, and held up to execration the system invented by Constantius for insulting and crushing the Church of Christ. Let us listen to the language of his apostolic zeal. ‘ The time for speaking is come, the time for silence is past. Let Christ now appear, for Antichrist has his reign. Let the Shepherds give the alarm, for the hirelings have fled. Let us lay down our lives for our sheep, for thieves have got into the fold, and a CHRISTMAS 276 furious lion is prowling around it. Let us prepare for martyrdom . . ., for the angel of satan hath transformed hlmsel{ into arl angel of light. . ‘ Why, O my God, dndst thou not permit me to confess thy holy Name, and be the minister of thine Only Begotten Son, in the times of Nero or Decius ? Full of the fire of the Holy Spirit, I would not have feared the rack, for I would have thought of Isaias, how he was sawn in two. I would not have feared fire, for I would have said to myself that the Hebrew Children sang in their fiery furnace. The cross and the breaking of every bone of my body should not have made me a coward, for the good thief would have encouraged me, who was translated into thy kingdom. If they had threatened to drown me in the angry billows of the deep ocean, I would have laughed at their threats, for thou hast taught us, by the example of Jonas and Paul, that thou canst give life to thy servants even in the sea. ‘Happy I, could I thus have fought with men who professed themselves to be the enemies of thy name; every one would have said that they who had recourse to tortures, and sword, and fire, to compel a Christian to deny thee, were persecutors; and my death would have been sufficient testimony to thy truth, O God! The battle would have been an open one, and no one would have hesitated to call by the honest name these men that denied thee, and racked and murdered us; and thy people, seeing that it was an evident persecution, would have followed their Pastors in the confession of their faith. ‘ But nowadays, we have to do with a disguised persecutor, a smooth-tongued enemy, a Constantius who has put on Antichrist; who scourges us, not with lashes, but with caresses; who instead of robbing us, which would give us spiritual life, bribes us with riches, that he may lead us to eternal death; who thrusts us not into the liberty of a prison, but into the honours of his palace, that he may enslave us: who tears not our flesh, ST HILARY 277 but our hearts; who beheads not with a sword, but kills the soul with that we are to of hell against may conquer; over our souls. him; his gold; who sentences not by a herald be burnt, but covertly enkindles the fire us. He does not dispute with us, that he but he flatters us, that so he may lord it He confesses Christ, the better to deny he tries to procure a unity which shall destroy peace; he puts down some few heretics, so that he may also crush the Christians; he honours Bishops, that they may cease to be Bishops; he builds up Churches, that he may pull down the Faith. . . . ‘ Let men talk as they will, and accuse me of strong language, and calumny: it is the duty of a minister of the truth to speak the truth. If what I saybe untrue, let me be branded with the name of an infamous calumniator: but if I prove what I assert, then I am not exceeding the bounds of apostolic liberty, nor transgressing the humility of a successor of the Apostles by speaking thus, after so long observing silence. ... No, this is not rashness, itis faith; it is not inconsiderateness, it is duty; it is not passion, it is conscience. to ‘I say to thee, Constantius, what I would have said Nero, or Declus, or Maximian: You are fighting against God, you are raging against the Church, you are persecuting the saints, you are hating the preachers of Christ, you are destroying religion, you are a tyrant, not in human things, but in things that appertain to God. Yes, this is what I should say to thee as well as to them; but listen, now, to what can only be said to thyself: Thou falsely callest thyself a Christian, for thou art a new enemy of Christ; thou art a precursor of Anti- christ, and a doer of his mystery of iniquity; thou, that art a rebel to the faith, art making formulas of faith; thou art intruding thine own creatures into the sees of the Bishops; thou art putting out the good and putting in the bad. . By a strange ingenious plan, which no one had ever yet discovered, thou hast found a way to persecute, without making Martyrs. ‘ We owe much to you, Nero, Decius, and Maximian ! CHRISTMAS 278 your cruelty did us service. We conquered the devil by your persecutions. The blood of the holy Martyrs you made has been treasured up throughout the world, and their venerable relics are ever strengthening us in But faith by their mute unceasing testimony. ... thou, Constantius, cruel with thy refinement of cruelty, that ragest against us, doing us more art an enemy injury, and leaving us less hope of pardon. . . . Thou deprivest the fallen of the excuse they might have had with their Eternal Judge, when they showed him the scars and wounds they had endured for him, for perhaps their tortures might induce him to forgive their weakness. Whereas thou, most wicked of men ! thou hast invented a persecution which, if we fall, robs us of pardon, and, if we triumph, does not make us Martyrs ! ‘... We see thee, ravenous wolf, under thy sheep’s clothing. Thou adornest the sanctuaries of God’s temples with the gold of the State, and thou offerest to him what is taken from the temples, or taxed by edict, or extorted by penalty. Thou receivest his Priests with a kiss like that which betrayed Christ. Thou bowest down thy head for a blessing, and then thou tramplest on our Faith. Thou dispensest the clergy from paying tributes and taxes to Casar, that thou mayest bribe them to be renegades to Christ, ;oregoing thy own rights, that God may be deprived of is I” Glorious Hilary ! thou didst well deserve that thy Church of Poitiers should, of old, address to thee the magnificent praise given by the Roman Church to thy illustrious disciple, St Martin: ‘O blessed Pontiff ! who with his whole heart loved Christ our King, and feared not the majesty of emperors! O most holy soul | which, though not taken away by the sword of the persecutor, yet lost not the palm of martyrdom I" If the Palm of a Martyr is not in thy hand, yet hadst thou a Martyr’s spirit, and well might we add to thy other titles, of Confessor, Bishop, and Doctor, the glorious one of Martyr, just as our holy Mother the Church has ST HILARY 279 conferred it upon thy fellow-combatant, Eusebius, who was but Martyr in heart like thyself. Yes, thy glory is great; but it is all due to thee for thy courage in confessing the Divinity of that Incarnate Word, whose Birth and Infancy we are now celebrating. Thou hadst to stand before a Herod, as had the Magi, and like them thou hadst no fear: and when the Casar of those times banished thee to a foreign land, thy soul found comfort in the thought that the Infant Jesus, too, was exiled into Egypt. Oh! that we could imitate thee in the application of these Mysteries to ourselves ! Now that thou art in heaven, pray for our Churches, that they may be firm in the Faith, and may study to know and love Jesus, our Emmanuel. Pray for thy Church of Poitiers, which still loves thee with the reverence and affection of a child; but since the ardour of thy zeal embraced all the world, pray also for all the world. Pray that God may bless his Church with Bishops powerful in word and work, profound in sacred science, faithful in the guardianship of that which is entrusted to them, and unswerving defenders of ecclesiastical liberty. CHRISTMAS 280 THE SaME DAy ST FELIX PRIEST AND MARTYR T~ NCIRCLED by the radiant splendours of the Epiphany, there comes before us to-day, in com- pany with Hilary of Poitiers, 2 humble lover of the and would virtues of the Crib of our Emmanuel. Though withdrawn by God himself from the fury of his persecutors, thus crowned from his nevertheless a martyr’s cruel has torments won the death and right which imprisonment, to his palm have by Felix the invincible courage he showed amidst all his sufferings. In heaven he was already accounted worthy of his reward, but he was yet for a long time to gladden and strengthen the Church on earth by those examples of wonderful poverty, humility, and ardent charity, which now claim for him a place in the sacred cycle near to the lowly manger of the King of Peace. The Infant God, in all his hidden lowliness, was to Felix his one love and exemplar, hence to-day this King of angels and men who is now manifested to the world and adored by kings, hastens to share with him the honours of his triumphant Epiphany. To him that shall overcome, I will give to sit with me in my throne, saith the Lord (Apoc. iii 21), and in whom, other than Felix, has the realization of this blessed promise of the Divine Head to his members been more apparent ? A poor tomb received the mortal remains of the humble priest of Campania, and in its silence and obscurity, emblems of his earthly desires, he seemed destined to await the blast of the angel's trumpet at -the final Resurrection. But miracles, many. and great, suddenly ST FELIX 281 rendered this tomb illustrious; the name of Felix was carried far and wide, and everywhere wrought the like prodigies of grace. Hardly had peace been given to the Church and world by the accession of Constantine to the throne, when in countless on all sides the people were aroused, and flocks thronged to the martyr’s tomb; on certain days Rome herself seemed deserted, and the ancient Appian Road, the very soil of which was worn away by the tramp of the pilgrims, appeared to have no other purpose than to carry to the feet of Felix the homage, gratitude, and love of the entire world. Five basilicas did not suffice for the immense concourse; a sixth was erected, and the lowly field where once the of Nola principal remains of the martyr lay hid was encircled by a new town. The fourth century, so rich in Christian developments, saw the beginning of pilgrimages, and the city in Campania was, after Rome, the centre of this devotion. ‘O happy city of Nola,” cries a contemporary, eyewitness of these wonders, ‘O happy city which through the merits of the blessed Felix has become second only to Rome herself, Rome ever the mistress, yesterday by her empire and victorious armies, to-day by the tombs of the Apostles!’ ‘We have cited Paulinus, the illustrious consul whose name is inseparably linked with that of Felix, Paulinus ‘whom we shall find, in the time after Pentecost, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, giving also admir- able examples of renunciation to the world. In the flower of a brilliant youth and already surrounded by honours and glory, Paulinus once found himself by the tomb of Felix—here it was given to him to understand true greatness, to realize the emptiness of human ambitions and glory. The Roman Senator, the consul, the descendant of Paulus Amelius and of the Scipios, here vowed himself to Felix who had conquered. Riches, honours, country, he sacrificed all and aspired only to dwell near to this tomb. A poet of no small merit, whose talents had already won applause in Rome, his CHRISTMAS 282 inspiration now found expression in singing of the blessed Felix on his feast day and in himself the slave and humble doorkeeper of of Christ. Such then is the triumph of our the praises proclaiming the servant Emmanuel in his saints, such is the glory of his members—does it not seem that the Divine Head, mindful of his promises, is desirous only of the glory which this feast of Mani- festation brings, so that they, enthroned with him, may also receive the homage of peoples and kings ? Let us listen now to the abridged lesson of the life of our saint which the Church puts before us to-day. Felix Nolanus presbyter, cum in idola vehementius inveheretur, ab_infidelibus varie vexafus, in carcerem conjicitur. Unde ab Angelo nocte eductus, sus est quarere jus- Maximianum Nole episcopum: qui cum senio confectus desperaret se ferre posse suppliciapersequentium, se abdiderat in silvam. Quo cum Felix Deo duce perVenisset, sanctum episcopum humi jacentem pene mortuum videt; quem recreatum ac sublatum in humeros, apud fidelem viduam reficien” dum curavit. Sed cum is iterum idolorum cultores impietatis argueret, facto in ipsum impetu, fugiens in angusto duorum parietum intervallo se occultavit; qui aditus cum repente aranearum telis pertextus visus esset, nemini recentis latebre suspicionem reliquit. Inde igitur evadens Felix in @dibus piz mulieris tres menses latuit. Cum vero Dei Ecclesia requiescere ceepisset, Nolam rediens, multisque ibi vite exemplis, et doctrine praeceptis, miraculisque ad Felix, a priest of Nola, was tormented in various ways by the infidels for his violent attacks on idols, and was cast into_prison. He was set free in_the night by an angel, and ordered to seek Maximianus, the Bishop of Nola, who had hidden himself in a wood because he feared that, at his advanced age, he would not be able to bear the torments of his persecutors. Felix, arriving at the place by the divine guidance, found the holy bishop lying on the ground half dead. He succoured him, and carried him on his shoulders to a Christian widow to be cared for. On another occasion when he was upbraiding the idolworshippers for their impiety, they rushed at him, and he, fiying from them, hid in a narrow space between two walls, and the opening was so quickly filled with spider’s webs that no one suspected a man had recently taken refuge there. After thus escaping his persecutors, Felix lay hid for three months in_the house of a pious woman. When peace was Testored to the Church he returned to Nola and converted many to 283 ST FELIX Christi fidem conversis, constanter etiam recusato ejus urbis episcopatu, obdormivit in Domino, sepultusque est prope Nolam in loco, quem in Pincis appellabant. the faith of Christ, by his example, his_teaching, and his miracles. He_ steadily refused to be made bishop of the city, and, falling asleep in the Lord, was buried near Nola at the place called In Pincis. O Felix, this day is the twentieth since the birth of our Emmanuel, the new sun, the vanquisher of cold and frosts, the restorer of light, the conqueror of darkness. His splendour is yours. Grant that, warmed by his life-giving rays, we may, like you, ever grow in him. Having become children once more at the crib, we possess within us the Seed of the Word; may the innocence of a new heart cause it ever to fructify. By you, Christ’s yoke becomes light to the weak, by you the Infant God is touched with pity and turns in love to penitent souls. This day, then, which witnesses your heavenly birth, should be dear to us, for we too die to the world and are born to our Emmanuel. 284 CHRISTMAS THE SaME DAY ST KENTIGERN BISHOP AND CONFESSOR T KENTIGERN, whose feast is kept to-day in several dioceses of the North of England and in Scotland, stands out as one of the zealous monks of the sixth century who laboured incessantly for the conversion of the inhabitants of these islands. He was brought up in the monastery at Culross from early childhood, and was thus trained from his youth in all the practices of monastic observance. However, when he reached man'’s estate, feeling called to a more rigorous manner of life, he left Culross and took up his abode in a solitude in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, where he led a most mortified life, eating but once in three or four days, spending the night in prayer, and wearing a garment of haircloth. This manner of life gave the greatest edification to all who came in contact with him, and his virtue was such that at the age of twenty-five he was elected to the bishopric of Glasgow. He had grave misgivings as to the validity of his ordination on account of his age, but was forced to bow before the importunities of those who had chosen him for their pastor. He ruled his vast diocese, which was bordered by the North Sea on the east and by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, with wisdom and prudence, though his manner of living remained unchanged, and, moreover, each Lent it was his custom to retire into solitude, giving himself entirely to prayer and living upon roots and herbs. He was assiduous in visiting his flock, travelling always on foot, and the force of his preaching together with the mildness and sweetness of his character and the asceticism of his life was the means whereby 285 ST KENTIGERN innumerable pagans were brought into the Church and many Pelagian heretics converted to the true Faith. This devoted prelate was the father of many monks, a great number of whom he sent to evangelize the north of Scotland, the Orkney Isles, and even Norway and Iceland. The enemy of mankind, however, would not suffer so many souls to be snatched from his grasp without molestation, and he caused the royal family to raise such a bitter persecution against the saint that he was forced to leave the country. He took refuge in Wales, first at Caerleon, now Usk, where he built a church, then with St David, and finally he settled at the junction of the Rivers Elwy and Cluid, where he built a monastery, now known as St Asaph’s. One of the princes of the country opposed this undertaking, whereupon he was struck with blindness, but was cured by the intercession of St Kentigern and thereafter became his great benefactor. The great crime committed against St Kentigern in Scotland was not permitted to remain unpunished. All those who had persecuted the saint were visited by the just vengeance of Almighty God, and a prince, virtuous and loyal to the Church, ascended tlfe throne, and his first act was to recall St Kentigern, who returned bringing with him some monks from St Asaph’s. In 593 the Saint visited Pope St Gregory the Great and unburdened his soul of the doubts he had always held regarding his ordination. The supreme Pontiff set his mind at rest, and confirming him in office sent him back to his see, which he governed in peace for eight years more. On January 13, 601, he was called to his eternal reward at the advanced age of eighty-five, and was buried in his Cathedral Church at Glasgow. The following is an abridgement of the account given of St Kentigern in the Breviary lessons for his feast. Kentigernus, quem Scoti ~ Kentigern, whom the Scots, propter innocentiam morum- on account of his innocence and que suavitatem, Munghum, id sweetness of disposition, called est, valde dilectum, appella- Mungo, that is well-beloved, 286 CHRISTMAS runt, ex regali Pictorum genere in Britannia Septentrionali ortum duxit. Adhuc puer monasterio Culross traditus, sub sancto Servano non minus litterarum quam rerum divinarum studiis mirabiliter profecit. Inde in _solitudinem secessit apud Glascuam in Scotia, ubi vitam asperrimam in continua oratione rerumque calestium meditatione traduxit. In episcopum delectus, et ad pastoralem_dignitatem evectus, quasi lucerna supra candelabrum positus, apostolicis virtutibus statim inclaruit. Ejus praedicationem Deus multis magnisque miraculis roboravit, ita ut sanctus prasul, potens opere et sermone, a Pelagiana haresi gregem suum servaret incolumem, innumeramque _ paganorum multitudinem Christi Ecclesiz adjungeret. Ipse autem ab impio quodam tyranno exsulare in Walliam coactus, ibique, apud sanctum David episcopum aliquamdiu_commoratus, mox ad fluenta Elwi et Cluidz_celebre fundavit monasterium, in quo sanctum Asaphum discipulum habuit. Tandem szculo septimo, plenus dierum ad Deum migravit; cujus corpus, Glascuz in ecclesia cathedrali conditum, ibi in maxima veneratione fuit, usque ad tempora, quibus sect® Calviniana furor Catholicam fidem a Scotia pene exterminavit, was of the royal family of the Picts of Northern Britain. While still 2 boy he was sent to the monastery of Culross, where, under St Servanus, he made great progress both in secular and in religious learning. Thence he withdrew into solitude, near Glasgow in Scotland, where he led an austere life of continual prayer and meditation upon heavenly things. He was elected bishop, and when he was thus raised to the pastoral charge his virtues shone forth as from a candle set upon a candlestick. God confirmed his preaching by many and great miracles, so much so that the holy bishop, mighty in word and deed, kept his flock safe from the Pelagian heresy and added a countless multitude of pagans to Christ's Church. A certain impious tyrant banished him to Wales, where, after having spent some time with the holy bishop St David, he founded a celebrated monastery at the junction of the rivers Elwy and Cluid, where he had as his disciple St Asaph. At length, in the seventh century, full of days, he slept in the Lord. His body was buried in the cathedral church of Glasgow, where it was held in great veneration until the time when the fury of the Calvinists almost extinguished the Catholic Faith in Scotland. ST PAUL, 287 FIRST HERMIT JaNUARY 15 ST PAUL FIRST HERMIT THE O-DAY the Church honours the memory of one of Tthose men who were expressly chosen by God to represent the sublime detachment from all things which was taught to the world by the example of the Son of God, born in a Cave, at Bethlehem. Paul the Hermit so prized the poverty of his Divine Master that he fled to the desert, where he could find nothing to possess and nothing to covet. He had a mere cavern for his dwelling; a palm-tree provided him with food and clothing; a fountain gave him wherewith to quench his thirst; and heaven sent him his only luxury, bread brought to him daily by a crow. a loaf of For sixty years did Paul thus serve, in poverty and in solitude, that God who was denied a dwelling on the earth he came to redeem, and could have but a poor Stable wherein to be born. But God dwelt with Paul in his cavern; and in him began the Anchorites, that sublime race of men who, the better to enjoy the company of their God, denied themselves not only the society, but the very sight of men. They were the Angels of earth, in whom God showed forth, for the instruction of the rest of men, that heis powerful enough and rich enough to supply the wants of his creatures, who, they have from him. indeed, have nothing but what The Hermit, or Anchoret, is a prodigy in the Church, and it behoves us to glorify the God who has produced it. We ought to be filled with astonishment and gratitude, at seeing how the Mystery of a God made Flesh has so elevated our human nature as to inspire a contempt and abandonment of those earthly goods which heretofore had been so eagerly sought after, 288 CHRISTMAS The two names, Paul and Antony, are not to be separated; they are the two Apostles of the Desert; both are Fathers—Paul of Anchorites, and Antony of Cenobites; the two families are sisters, and both have the same source, the Mystery of Bethlehem. The sacred Cycle of the Church’s year unites, with only a day between their two Feasts, these two faithful disciples of Jesus in his Crib. The Church reads in her Office the following abridgement of St Paul’s wonderful Life. Paulus, Eremitarum auctor et magister, apud inferiorem Thebaidem natus, cum quindecim esset annorum, orbatus parentibus est. Qui postea declinand causa persecutionis Decii et Valeriani, et Deo liberius inserviendi, i eremi speluncam se contulit ubi, palma ei victum et vestitum przbente, vixit ad centesimum et decimum tertium annum: quo tempore ab Antonio nonagenario Dei admonitu invisitur. Quibus inter se, cum antea non nossent, proprio nomine consalutantibus, et multa de regno Dei_colloquentibus, corvus, qui antea semper dimidiatum panem attulerat, integrum detulit. Post corvi discessum: Eia, inquit Paulus, Dominus nobis prandium misit vere pius, vere misericors. Sexaginta jam anni sunt, cum accipio quotidie dimidii panis fragmentum; nunc ad adventum tuum militibus suis Christus duplicavit annonam. Quare cum gratiarum actione ad fontem capientes cibum, ubi Paul, the institutor and master of Hermits, was born in the Lower Thebaid. He lost his parents when he was fifteen years of age. Not long after that, in order to escape the ersccution of Decius and Vaerian, and to serve God more freely, he withdrew into the desert, where he made a cave his dwelling. A palm-tree afforded him food and raiment, and there he lived to the age of a hundred and thirteen. About that time, he received a visit from Antony, who was ninety years old. God bade him visit Paul. The two Saints, though they had ‘not previously known each other, saluted each other by their names. Whilst Folding a long conversation on the kingdom of God, a crow, which every day brought half a loaf of bread, carried them a whole one. When the crow had left them, Paul said: * See ! our truly good and truly merciful Lord has sent us our repast. For sixty years I have daily received a half loaf; now, because thon art come to see me, Christ has doubled the portion for his soldiers.” Wherefore they sat near the fountain, and giving thanks, they ate the bread; and ST PAUL, tantisper recreati sunt, iterum gratiis de more Deo actis, noctem in divinis laudibus consumpserunt. Diluculo Paulus de morte, qua sibi instaret, admonens Antonium, Hortatur ut pallium, quod ‘ab Athanasio acceperat, ad involvendum suum corpus afferret. Quo ex itinere Tediens ille, vidit inter Angelorum choros, inter Prophetarum et Apostolorum cotus, Pauli animam in celum ascendere. Cumgque ad ejus cellam pervenisset, invenit genibus complicatis,” erecta cervice, extensisque in altum manibus corpus examine: quod pallio obvolvens, hymnosque et psalmos ex christiana traditione decantans, cum sarculum, quo terram foderet, non haberet; duo leones ex interiore eremo rapido cursu ad beati senis corpus feruntur: ut facile intelligeretur, eos, quo modo poterant, ploratum edere; qui certatim terram pedibus effodientes, foveam, qua hominem commode caperet, effecerunt. Qui cum abiissent, Antonius sanctum corpus in eum locum intulit: et injecta humo, tumulum ex_christiano more composuit: tunicam vero Pauli, quam in sportz modum ex palma foliis ille sibi contexuerat, secum auferens, eo vestitu diebus solemnibus Pascha et Pentecostes, quoad vixit, usus est. u FIRST HERMIT 289 when they were refreshed, they again returned the accustomed thanks to God, and spent the night in the divine praises. At daybreak, Paul tells Antony of his approaching death, and begs him go and bring the cloak which Athanasius had given him, and wrap his corpse in it. As Antony was returning from his cell, he saw Paul’s soul going up into heaven amidst choirs of Angels, and a throng of Prophets and Apostles. ‘When he had reached the hermit's cell, he found the lifeléss body: the knees were bent, the head erect, and the hands stretched out and raised towards heaven. He wrapped it in the cloak, and sang hymns and psalms over it, according to the custom prescribed by Christian tradition. Not having a tool wherewith to make a grave, two lions came at a rapid pace from the interior of the desert, and stood over the body of the venerable Saint, showing how, in their own way, they lamented his death. They began to tear up the earth with their feet, and seemed to strive to outdo each other in the work, until they had made a hole large enough to receive the body of a man. When they had gone, Antony carried the holy corpse to the place, and covering it with the soil, he arranged the grave after the’ manner of the Christians. As to the tunic, which Paul had woven for himself out of palmleaves, as baskets are usually made, Antony took it away with him, and as long as he lived, wore it on the great days of Easter and Pentecost. 19 290 CHRISTMAS We give three stanzas of the Hymn sung by the We Greek Church in honour of our holy Hermit. take them from the Menza. DIE XV JANUARIL Quando nutu divino, Pater, vite sollicitudines sapienter reliquisti, et ad ascesis labores transisti, tunc gaudens invia occupasti deserta; @stu inflammatus amoris Domini; ideo deserens libidines, in meliorum perseverantia rerum, Angelo similis, vitam duxisti. Ab omni humana teipsum, Pater, societate segregans ex adolescentia, primus omnino solitudinem, Paule, occupasti ultra quemcumque solitarie viventem, et per totam vitam visus _es incognitus; ideo Antonius te invenit nutu divino tamquam latentem, et orbi terrarum manifestavit. Insolite in terra conversationi deditus, Paule, cum bestiis habitasti, avis ministerio divina voluntate utens; et hoc ut vidit quando te maximus invenit Antonius, stupens, omnium et Prophetam ot Magistrum, quasi Deum, te sine intermissione magnificavit. ‘When, O Father ! thou didst by divine inspiration wisely leave the cares of this life, and devote thyself to the labours of an ascetic, thou didst joyfully enter the trackless desert. Inflamed with the heat of divine love, thou didst abandon human affections, and Angel-like, didst spend thy life in the persevering search after more perfect things. Father | thou didst, from thy carly youth, separate thyself from all human society, and wast the first to live in the desert, surpassing all other Anchorets. Thou, Paul, didst pass thy whole life unknown to men; therefore was Antony divinely inspired to go in search of thee, as the hidden Saint; he found thee and revealed thee to the whole earth. A life unknown to the world was thine, O Paul! the wild beasts were thy companions, and a bird, sent thee by God, ministered to thee. When the great Antony found thee, and saw all this, he was filled with ‘wonder, and never ceased speaking thy praises, as a Prophet and Teacher of all men, and as something divine. Father and Prince of Hermits! thou art now contemplating in all his glory that God whose weakness and lowliness thou didst study and imitate during the sixty years of thy desert life: thou art now with him in the eternal union of the Vision. Instead of thy cavern, where thou didst spend thy life of un- ST PAUL, FIRST HERMIT 291 known penance, thou hast the immensity of the heavens for thy dwelling; instead of thy tunic of palm-leaves, thou hast the robe of Light; instead of the pittance of material bread, thou hast the Bread of eternal life; instead of thy humble fountain, thou hast the waters which spring up to eternity, filling thy soul with infinite delights. Thou didst imitate the silence of the Babe of Bethlehem by thy holy life of seclusion; now thy tongue is for ever singing the praises of God, and the music of infinite bliss is for ever falling on thine ear. Thou didst not know this world of ours, save by its deserts; but now thou must compassionate and pray for us who live in it; speak for us to our dear Jesus; remind him how he visited it in wonderful mercy and love; pray his sweet blessing upon us, and the graces of perfect detachment from transitory things, love of poverty, love of prayer, and love of our heavenly country. CHRISTMAS 292 THE SAME SAINT Day MAURUS ABBOT AINT MAURUS—one of the greatest masters of the Cenobitical Life, and the most illustrious of the Disciples of St Benedict, the Patriarch of the Monks of the West—shares with the First Hermit the honours of this fifteenth day of January. Faithful, like the holy Hermit, to the lessons taught at Bethlehem, Maurus has a claim to have his Feast kept during the forty days, which are sacred to the sweet Babe Jesus. He comes to us each January to bear witness to the power of that Babe’s humility. Who, forsooth, will dare to doubt of the triumphant power of the poverty and the obedience shown in the Crib of our Emmanuel, when he is told of the grand things done by those virtues in the cloisters of fair France ? It was to Maurus that France was indebted for the introduction into her territory of that admirable Rule which produced the great Saints and the great men to whom she owes the best part of her glory. The children of St Benedict trainedby St Maurus struggled against the barbarism of the Fra.nks under the first race of her kings; under the second, they instructed in sacred and profane literature the people in whose civilization they had so powerfully co-operated; under the third—and even in modern times, when the Benedictine Order, enslaved by the system of Commendatory Abbots, and decimated by political tyranny or violence, was dying out amidst every kind of humiliation—they were the fathers of the poor by the charitable use of their large possessions, and the omamenrs of literature and science by their immense contributions to ecclesiastical science ST MAURUS and archzology, country. 293 as also to the history of their own St Maurus built his celebrated Monastery of Glan- feuil, and Glanfeuil may be considered as the mother house of the principal Monasteries in France, Saint and Germain Saint Saint of Paris, Marmoutier, Denis Victor, Luxeuil, Jumiéges, Fleury, Corbie, Saint Vannes, Moyen-Moutier, Saint Wandrille, Saint Waast, La Chaise-Dieu, Tiron, Cheza, Benoit, Le Bec, and in- numerable other Monasteries in France gloried in being daughters of Monte-Cassino by the favourite Disciple of St Benedict. Cluny, which gave several Popes to the Church, and among them St Gregory the Seventh and Urban the Second, was indebted to St Maurus for that Rule which gave her her glory and her power. We must count up the Apostles, Martyrs, Bishops, Doctors, Confessors, and Virgins who were formed, for twelve hundred years, in the Benedictine Cloisters of France; we must calculate the services, both temporal and spiritual, done to this great country by the Benedictine Monks during all that period; and we shall have some idea of the results produced by the mission of St Maurus— results whose whole glory redounds to the Babe of Bethlehem, and to the mysteries of his humility, which are the source and model of the Monastic Life. When, therefore, we admire the greatness of the Saints, and recount their wonderful works, we are glorifying Jesus, the King of all Saints. The Monastic gives us Maurus. the Breviary, following Maurus Romanus a patre Eutychio, Senatorii ordinis, Deo, sub sancti Benedicti disciplina, puer oblatus, et in schola talis ac tanti morum magistri institutus, prius sublimem monastice perfectionis gradum, quam primos adolescentiz annos, in the Office sketch of the of this Feast, Life of St Maurus was by birth a Roman. His father, whose name was Eutychius, a Senator by rank, had placed him, when a little boy, under the care of St Benedict. Trained in the school of such and so great a Master of holiness, he attained to the highest degree of monastic 294 CHRISTMAS attigit: adeo ut suarum vir- perfection, even before he had tutum admiratorem simul et ceased to be a child; so that preconem ipsummet Bene- Benedict himself was in admiradictum habuerit, qui eum tion, and used to speak of his velut observantiz regularis virtues to everyone, holding him exemplar, cateris ad imitan- forth to the rest of the house dum_proponere consueverat. as a model of religious disciCilicio, vigiliis, _jejuniisque, pline. _He subdued his flesh by carnem continuis atterebat, austerities, such as wearing a assidua interim oratione, hair-shirt, night watching, and lacrymis, sacrarumque lit- frequent fasting; giving, meanterarum lectione recreatus. while, to his spirit the solace Per quadragesimam bis tan- of assiduous prayer, holy comtum in hebdomada cibo ita punction, and reading the Sacred parce utebatur, ut hunc pre- Scriptures. During_ Lent, he gustare potius quam sumere took food but twice in the week, videretur: somnum quoque and that so sparingly as to seem stando, vel cum nimia eum rather to be tasting than taking Iassitudo compulisset, seden- it. He slept standing, or when do, alio autem tempore super excessive fatigue obliged him aggestum calcis et sabuli to it, sitting, or at times lying strato cilicio recumbens capie- down on a heap of lime and bat; sed ita modicum, ut noc- sand, over which he threw his turnas longioribus _semper hair-shirt. His sleep was exprecibus, toto etiam szpe ceedingly short, for he alpsalterio recitato, vigilias ways recited very long prayers, praeveniret. and often the whole of the Psalms, before the midnight Office. Admirabilis obedientiz He gave a proof of his admirspecimen _dedit, cum peri- able spirit of obedience on the clitante in aquis _Placido, occasion of Placid’s fall into ipse sancti Patris jussu ad the lake. Maurus, at the bidlacum advolans super undas ding of the Holy Father, ran sicco vestigio ambulavit: et to the lake, walked dry-shod the water, and taking apprehensum capillis adoles- upon centulum, jostiam cruento the child by the hair of his gladio divinitus reservatam, head, drew him safe to the ex aquis incolumem extraxit. bank; for Placid was to be Hinc eum ob eximias virtutes slain by the sword as a martyr, beatus idem Pater sibi cura- and our Lord reserved him rum consortem assumpsit: as a victim which should be quem jam inde ab ipsis mo- offered to him. On account nastice vitz tirociniis so- of such signal virtues as these, cium miraculorum asciverat. the same Holy Father made Ad sacrum Levitarum_ordi Maurus share the care of his nem ex ejusdem sancti Patris duties; for, from his very enimperio promotus, stola quam trance into the monastic life, he ferebat, muto puero vocem, bad had a part in his miracles. ST MAURUS eidemque claudo gressum impertivit. Missus in Galliam ab eodem sancto Benedicto, vix eam ingressus erat, cum triumphalem beatissimi Patris in ccelos ingressum susexit. Gravissimis subinde aboribus, curisque perfunctus, Regulam ejusdem Legislatoris manu _exaratam datamque promulgavit: exstructoque “celebri monasterio, cui quadraginta annos refuit, fama nominis sui actorumque adeo inclaruit, ut_ nobilissimi proceres, ex aula Theodeberti regis, in sanctiore militia merituri, ad ejus signa convolarint. Biennio ante obitum abdicans se Monasterii regimine, in_cellam sancti Martini sacello proximam secesbi se in arctioris peenitentiz operibus exercens, cum humani generis hoste, internecionem Monachis minitante, pugnaturus in arenam descendit. Quain lucta solatorem Angelum bonum habuit, qui mali astus, divinumque il decretum aperiens, eum una cum discipulis ad coronam evocavit. Quare cum emeritos milites supra centum dux ipse brevi secuturus, veluti totidem triumphi sui antecessores, in coelum 205 He had been raised to the holy order of Deaconship by St Benedict’s command; and by placing the stole he wore on a dumb and lame boy, he gave him the power both to speak and walk. Maurus was sent by his Holy Father into France. Scarcely had he set his foot in that land, than he had a vision of the triumphant entrance of that great saint into heaven. He promulgated in_that country the Rule which St Benedict had written with his own hand, and had given to him on his leaving Ttaly; though the labour and anxiety he had to go through in_the accomplishment of his mission were exceedingly great. Having built the celebrated Monastery, which he governed for forty years, so great was the reputation of his virtues, that several of the noblest lords of King Theodebert's court put themselves under Maurus’ direction, and enrolled in the holier and more meritorious warfare of the monastic life. Two years before his death, he resigned the government of his Monastery, and retired into a cell near the Oratory of St Martin. There he exercised himself in most rigorous penance, wherewith he fortified himself for the contest he had to sustain against the enemy of mankind, who threatened him with the death of his Monks. In this combat a holy Angel was his comforter, who, after revealing to him the snares of the wicked spirit, and the designs of God, bade him and his disciples win the crown prepared for them. Having, therefore, sent to heaven before him, as so many fore- 296 CHRISTMAS praemisisset : in Oratorium deferri voluit, ubi vit® sacramento munitus, substratoque cilicio recubans ad aram ipse victima, pretiosa morte procubuit septuagenario major, postquam in Galliis Monas cam disciplinam mirifice propagasset, innumeris ante et post obitum clarus miraculis. runners, a hundred and more of his brave soldiers, and knowing that he, their leader, was s00n to follow them, he signified his wish to be carried to the Oratory, where, being strengthened by the Sacrament of Life, and lying ot his hair-shirt, as a victim before the Altar, he died a saintly death. He was upwards of seventy years of age. It would be difficult to describe the success wherewith he propagated Monastic _discipline in France, or to tell the miracles which, both before and after his death, rendered him glorious among men. We give a selection of Antiphons, Monastic Office of St Maurus. Beatus Maurus patricio genere illustris, a puero majores divitias astimavit thesauris mundi, improperium Christi Domini. Tnduit eum Dominus stola sancta Levitarum, qua claudos fecit ambulare, et mutos loqui. In Franciam missus, doctrinam Regulz quasi antelucanum illuminavit omnibus, et _enarravit eam usque ad longinquum. Floro, primariisque Regni proceribus decorata exsultabat, et florebat quasi lilium novi ceenobii solitudo. Quos in Christo genuerat filios, morti _proximus in ceelum premisit, et inter preces corpus ad aras, animam ceelo deposuit. Alleluia. taken from the The blessed Maurus, illustrious by birth, as being of a patrician family, esteemed the reproach of Christ our Lord to be greater riches than the treasures of this world. The Lord clothed him with the holy stole of Levites: wherewith he made the lame walk, and the dumb speak. Being sent into France, he enlightened all men by the teaching of the Rule, as the dawn lights the world, and he made it known even to distant lands. The solitude of the new monastery bloomed with the coming of Florus and the chief nobles of the kingdom; it was glad and flowered as the lily. When near his death, he sent before him to heaven the children he had begotten in Christ; and whilst in prayer, he laid down his body at the Altar, his soul resting in heaven. Alleluia. ST MAURUS O dignissimum Patris Benedicti_discipulum, quem ipse sui spiritus haredem reliquit, ut Regule sancta promulgator esset primarius, et in Galliis Monastici Ordinis propagator mirificus. Alleluia. O beatum virum, qui spreto szculo jugum sanctz Regulae a teneris annis amanter portavit, et factus obediens usque ad mortem semetipsum abnegavit, ut Christo totus adhareret. Alleluia. Hodie sanctus Maurus super cilicium stratus, coram altari feliciter occubuit. Hodie primogenitus beati Benedicti discipulus per ducatum sanctz Regule securus ascendens, choris comitatus angelicis, pervenit ad Christum. Hodie vir obediens, loquens victorias, a Domino coronari meruit. ~Alleluia, alleluia. 297 O most worthy disciple of his Father Benedict, who made him heir of his own spirit, that he might become the chief promulgator of the Holy Rule, and the wonderful propagator of the Monastic Order in France! Alleluia. O blessed Maurus | who from early childhood despised the world, and lovingly bore the yoke of the Holy Rule, and being obedient even unto death, denied himself, that he might cling unreservedly to Christ. Alle: luia. On this day did Saint Maurus, laid before the Altar on his hairshirt, happily breathe forth his soul. On this day the eldest disciple of blessed Benedict, securely ascending by the path of the Holy Rule, and accompanied by choirs of Angels, was led to Christ. On this day the obedient man, speaking victory, was rewarded by receiving the crown from his Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. The Responsories of the same Office are equally fine. ‘We select the following. K. Maurus a_teneris annis sancto Benedicto in disciplinam ab Eutychio patre in Sublaco traditus, Magistri sui virtutes imitando_expressit, * Et similis ejus effectus est. ¥. Inspexit et fecit secundum exemplar, quod ipsi in monte monstratum est. * Et similis. R. Prolapso in lacum Placido, Maurus advolans, Spiritu Domini ferebatur super aquas; * Dum Patri suo in auditu auris obediret. ¥. K. Maurus, when quite a child, was taken to Subiaco, and consigned by his father Eutychius to the care of Saint Benedict: heimitated the virtues of his Master, and reflected them in his own conduct, * And became like unto him. ¥. He looked and did according to the image that was shown him on the mount. * And became. ®. Placid having fallen into the lake, Maurus flies to his rescue, and was borne upon the waters by the Spirit of the Lord; * Whilst obeying his 2.9 @HIRISN [AS Asagame 1elt: nonppotuenaat Ftltier in tipe heariz of the e xtsinnge :Te ccarité¢éem euls, ez ¥. Macy waters 0 uld not o q1qd> Anmiaa illa1 obrume. qecach his hilarity, nein er could flonds drow itit. * Whilsc ibeying. * DlumPiatr.. » Fty. Sain sBenedictie nt into 3Vic Smactss Beicedictis d irdetcura pes cateris Diaci- Fasace hi disciple ] Maurus, p rtulten muun . Mauwum trohs- weom he lv ‘ed abovet! he rest: n 1fitirt IGalijam:** Et m g- *Aend sufir'ts himself ¢ ) be deD i s ghatt ar ddestitii_ solairis, prwed of kmi great cos olation, u tj oxoiismi aclutipprovidast. thtz he mey providi for his ¥ 7.Ciaridns ‘eenign. est, ieixc negshbour'sdilvation. }. Charity Tit su vaa sutt, sed w iz iskitind, ne:ther seeket. she her 7 Cua nCEL stise Et aaagnis. 14 owt, but hie thingstl hat are of juesus Cil st. * Ancs uffers. }¥.r hoDe raptss viam 7iRg. Beig rapt inCiod, he d i tinnnriner; sicorscam lrzh- ba eld theprath glittei ag with p dickyu: aqu :Benddictusans- calatless lrmps, whee by Be¢ eclacbtgin ldoriar,, * In ecr- ndi ict was hounting ) glory, p evteas enteriitates V. uls- *Feor an ardless eteni ty. m; t oursa emnit « Juasllux spehn- Te pathasf the jut, as a d .asp oprctedi, et crescit uguiie stgling lipdt, proceee th and a dfi xerfmtar (diew * In ecr- inr easeth e ven untc perfect P evteis. ¥ dya. * For = 1 endless. ¥ Qure i1 sintlbeati? aBv/. The raisdom the he had t o isk3eetdici i haueerat Mau- lennt fron >the blessd Father T u s ysotientaz fimina ein Brhedict e poured foorth in C 3ihii is elffudfz; * Et itrer Fa*nce; ' And he planted F 'araecic i¢ lih1! sacii_Ordndis sbaots of tk.e Holy Ordr amidst p Troingass eevit. ¥. Qaesi th)flilies ¢ France. ¥7. As a t rmy esaequ: de tuvio book out fh a river, ¢ waters vitohatun o plantatiomen th ogarden 6. hisplant: * And s urau.m 't* E i nter > e lanted. V] Guiristaanissinus FaihRN. The Tiost Chrisfa n King ¢ ourrln Rvex reenit ed mom s- of ‘dhe Fariks went to the teirn m, ut asudirtt sape- mr astery,tihat he mg ht hear t imac pSri salomanis: * It tk . wisdomo& the new ¢ slomon : ripigy m ppupvuram subnis st *Almd he ijzd the real . purple p dickue. jus )Y, wuia hmd- udfeer his :e:t. ¥. Bc ause he li 54 v iitbm cualis wuis, ghm wsle humb: v in his o7 n_eyes, fi cvarilt 1 hmDGomiuus in o1~ thg Lord leorified hix in the s) peetra 2pgun. . * Efrregian. 3 sipgt of kinse. * And b ! laid. J¥8 Jidenmoo ans: moreim Rs7. He opnent the # o years si ilitie_spfunctas @) hommti- bécore his ldeath in siit 1ce and by * It oclus on suprmi sez wration f,rom men * And i1 apseoctrds soculis | habitvait alree, he fawelt witl himself siewcm 2. ¥. EPreprravit caor udeer the yze of theil l-seeing s urme, h: ir_consoectu Joo- Gdl.. V. Ipreparedui s heart, noainx sifictidcavic animam ar¢ in thesizght of thi] Lord he saditified bsisoul. * /n dalome. siaran . *t Estolus 1 ST MAURUS R. Maxima pars fratrum sub Mauro duce militantium per Angelum de morte monita, ultimum cum damone pugnavit; * Et in ipso agone occumbens, ceelestes triumphos promeruit. ¥. Bonum certamen certavit, cursum consummavit, fidem servavit. * Et in ipso agone. 299 Ry. The greater part of the brethren, who fought under the leadership of Maurus, were warned by an Angel of their death, and fought their last battle with the demon: * And dying in that battle, they won to themselves the triumph of heaven. Y. They fought the good fight, they finished their course, they kept the faith. * And dying. Ry. Postquam sexaginta anK. After he had meritoriously nos in sacra militia meruisset, served sixty years in the holy imminente jam morte, ad aras warfare, and death being at deferri voluit, ut effunderet hand, he willed that they should in conspectu Domini oratio- carry him to the Altar, there to nem, et animam suam, di- breathe forth, in the presence of cens: * Concupiscit et deficit the Lord, his prayerand hissoul: anima mea in atria Domini. he said: * My soul longeth and ¥. Altaria tua, Domine virtu- faintethforthecourtsofthe Lord; tum, Rex meus, et Deus ¥. Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. * My soul. meus. * Concupisc Ry. Substrato cilicio in Ry. Laid on his hair-shirt in Ecclesia recumbens, ex domo the Church, he passed from the orationis transivit in locum house of prayer into the place tabernaculi admirabilis, usof the wonderful tabernacle, que ad domum Dei, * Cu- even to the house of God, * jus nimio amore flagrabat. With love of whom he burned ¥. Coarctabatur enim, desi- exceedingly. ¥. For he was derium habens dissolvi, et straitened, desiring to be disesse cum Christo. * Cujus solved, and to be with Christ. nimio. * With love. Of the three Hymns as being the finest. to St Maurus, we choose this, Maurum_concelebra Gallia canticis, Qui te prole nova ditat, et inclyti Custos imperii, regia protegit Sacro pignore lilia. Hic gentilitiis major honoribus, Spretis letus adit claustra palatiis, Calcat delicias, pradia, purpuram, Ut Christi subeat jugum. Hymn Maurus in thy canticles, O France | for he enriched thee with a new race; he is the guardian of thy fair throne, and his sacred relics protect thy royal lilies. Rising above the honours of his family, and deeming palaces beneath him, he gladly seeks the cloister: luxuries, lands, Tobes of state, he tramples on them all, that he may take up the yoke of Christ. CHRISTMAS 300 Sancti propositam Patris imaginem Gestis comparibus sedulus exprimit; Spectandis pueri lucet in actibus Vit norma monastica. Se sacco rigidus conterit ro, Franat perpetui lege silentii; Noctes in precibus pervigil exigit, Jejunus solidos dies. Dum jussis patriis excitus advolat, Sicco calcat aquas impavidus e, Edmg:d Placidum gurgite sospitem, Et Petro similis redit. Laudem jugis honor sit tibi Trinitas, Qua vultus satias lumine Da ceelites ! sanctz famulis tramite Regule Mauri prmia consequi. Amen. Strenuously does he express in his conduct the image he had proposed to himself—he does what his Holy Father does: the Rule of the monastic life is brightly mirrored in the actions of the youthful Maurus. Severe to himself, he subdues the flesh by a rough hair-shirt; he bridles nature by the law of perpetual silence; he spends his wakeful nights in prayer, and whole days are passed in long unbroken fast. He flies at his Father's bidding, and dryshod and fearless treads upon the waters of the lake; he rescues Placid from a watery grave, and, like another Peter, sinks not as he walks. Unending praiseful homage be to thee, O holy Trinity, that givest to the Saints the satiating Light of Vision ! Grant to thy servants, who are walking in the path of the Holy Rule, to obtain the rewards so bravely won by Maurus. Amen. How blessed was thy Mission, O favourite and worthy disciple of the great Saint Benedict ! How innumerable the Saints that sprang from thee and thy illustrious Patriarch | The Rule thou didst promulgate was truly the salvation of that great country which thou and thy disciples evangelized; and the fruits of the Order thou didst plant there have been indeed abundant. But now that from thy throne in heaven thou beholdest that fair France which was once covered with Monasteries, and from which there mounted up to God the ceaseless voice of prayer and praise, and scarce findest the ruins of these noble Sanctuaries—dost thou not turn towards our Lord, and beseech him that he make the wilderness bloom once more as of old? Oh! what has become of those Cloisters, wherein were trained ST MAURUS 3or Apostles of Nations, learned Pontiffs, intrepid defenders of the liberty of the Church, holy Doctors and heroes of sanctity—all of whom call thee their second Father? Who will bring back again those vigorous principles of poverty, obedience, hard work, and penance, which made the Monastic Life the object of the people’s admiration and love, and attracted thousands of every class in society to embrace it ? Instead of this holy enthusiasm of the ages of faith, we, alas ! can show little else than cowardice of heart, love of this life, zeal for enjoyment, dread of the cross, and at best, comfortable and inactive piety. Saint ! that these days may Pray, great be shortened; that the Christians of the present generation may grow earnest by reflecting on the sanctity to which they are called; that new strength may spring up in our tepid hearts, for the Church has need of courageous souls in order that her future glory may be as great and bright as we could hope for in our most fervent love. Oh ! if God hear thy prayer, and give us once more the Monastic Life in all its purity and vigour, we shall be safe, and the evil of faith without earnestness, which is now producing such havoc in the spiritual world, will be replaced by Christian energy. Teach us, O Maurus ! to know the dear Babe of Bethlehem, and to fix well in our hearts his life and doctrine; for we shall then understand the greatness of our Christian vocation, and that only by following him, our Guide and Master, shall we be able to overcome our enemy the world. 302 CHRISTMAS Janvary 16 SAINT MARCELLUS POPE AND MARTYR 'HE name of Marcellus is brought before us by the I Calendar to-day: he was a successor of the glorious Hyginus in the papacy and in martyrdom, and their Each Feasts fall in the same season of the year. Christmastide shows us these two Pontiffs offering their Keys in homage to Jesus, the invisible Head of the Church they governed. In a few days hence, we shall find our Christmas list of Saints giving us the name of a third Pope and Martyr, Fabian. These three valiant Vicars of Christ are like the three generous Magi; they offered their richest presents to the Emmanuel, their blood and their lives. Marcellus governed the Church at the close of the last general Persecution. A few months after his death the tyrant Maxentius was vanquished by Constantine, and the Cross of Christ ghttered in triumph on the Labarum of the Roman Legions. The time for martyrdom was, therefore, very short; but Marcellus was in time; he shed his blood for Christ, and won the honour of standing in Stephen’s company over the Crib of the Divine Infant, with his palm-branch in his venerable hand. He withstood the tyrant Emperor, who bade him abdicate the majesty of the supreme Pontificate, and this in the very City of Rome; for Rome was to be the capital of another King—of Christ—who, in the person of his Viear, would take possession of it, and her old masters, the Cesars, would make Byzantium their Rome. It is three hundred years since the de- cree of Caesar Augustus ordered the census of the world to be taken, which brought Mary to Bethlehem, where ST MARCELLUS 303 she gave birth to an humble Babe; and now the Empire of that Babe has outgrown the Empire of the Casars, and its victory is upon the point of being proclaimed. After Marcellus, we shall have Eusebius; after Eusebius, Melchiades; and Melchiades will see the triumph of the Church. The Acts of Marcellus are thus given in the Lessons of his Feast. Marcellus, Romanus, a Constantio_et Galerio usque ad Maxentium Pontificatum gessit. Cujus hortatu, Lucina, Matrona _Romana, bonorum suorum Dei Ecclesiam fecit haeredem. Viginti quingue fitulos in urbe instituit, quasi diceceses quasdam, ot ad baptismum penitentiamque eorum qui ex infidelibus Christianam religionem susciperent, et ad Martyrum sepulturam. Quibus rebus_ira incensus Maxentius, Marcello gravia supplicia minatur, nisi, deposito Pontificatu, idolis immolaret. Qui cum insanas_hominis voces negligeret, misit eum in catabulum, ut bestiarum, que publice alebantur, curam sustineret. Ubi Marcellus assiduis jejunis et precibus novem menses vitam duxit, parochias, quas prasens non poterat, visitans per epistolas. Inde ereptus a clericis, hospitio recipitur a beata Lucina: in cujus dibus Ecclesiam dedicavit, qua hodie titulo sancti Marcelli nominatur: in qua et Christiani orabant, et ipse beatus Marcellus preedicabat. Marcellus was a Roman, and governed the Church from the reign of Constantius and Galerius to that of Maxentius. It was by his counsel that a Roman Matron, named Lucina, made the Church of God the heir of all her property. He established in the City five and twenty Titles, as so many districts for the administration_of baptism and penance to Pagans converted to the Christian religion, and for providing burial to the Martyrs. Al thisirritated Maxentius, and he threatened Marcelluswithsevere punishmentunless he laid down his Pontificate, and offered sacrifice to the idols. Marcellus heeded not the senseless words of man, and was therefore sent to the stables, there to take care of the beasts which were kept at the public expense. In_this place Marcellus spent nine months, fasting and praying without ceasing, and visiting by his letters the Churches he could not visit in person. He was thence delivered by some of his clergy, and was harboured by the blessed Lucina, in whose house he dedicated a Church, which is now called the Church of St Marcellus. Here did the Christians assemble for prayer, and the blessed Marcellus preach. 304 CHRISTMAS Quibus cognitis, Maxentius in eam Ecclesiam catabuli , et a Marubet: ubi loci fceditate, multisque @rumnis afflictus, obdormivit in Domino. Cujus_corpus in cce‘meterio Priscill, via Salaria, a beata Lucina sepultus est decimo _septimo Kalendas Februarii. Sedit annos qui que, mensem unum, dies ginti quinque. Seripsit epistolam ad Episcopos Antiochen® provincia de Primatu Roman= Ecclesiz, quam Caput Ecclesiarum appellandam demonstrat. Ubi etiam illud scriptum est nullum concilium jure celebrari, nisi ex auctoritate Romani Pontificis. Ordinavit mense Decembri Rom= Presbyteros viginti quinque, Diaconos duos, Episcopos per diversa loca viginti unum. ‘What Marcellus, must when have been Maxentius, coming to hear these things, ordered that Church to be turned into the stable for the beasts, and Marcellus to be made its keeper. Sickened by the foul atmosphere, and worn out by his many cares, he slept in the Lord. The blessed Lucina had his body buried in the Priscilla cemetery, on the Salarian Way, the seventeenth of the Calends of February (January 16). He sat five years, one month, and twenty-five days. He wrote a letter to the Bishops of the Antioch province, concerning the Primacy of the Church of Rome, which he proves ought to be called ‘the Head of the Churches.’ In the same letter there occurs this passage, that no Council may be rightly celebrated without the authority of the Roman Pontifi He ordained at Rome, in the month of December, twenty-five Priests, two Deacons, and twenty-one Bishops for various places. imprisoned thy thoughts, in a stable, O glorious with poor dumb brutes for thy companions ! Thou didst think upon Jesus, thy Divine Master, how he was born in a stable, and laid in a manger between two senseless animals. Thou didst appreciate the humiliations of Bethlehem, and joyfully acknowledge that the Disciple is not above his Master.! But from that stable wherein the tyranny of an Emperor had thrust it, the majesty of the Apostolic See was soon to be set free, and its glory made manifest to the whole earth. Christian Rome, insulted in thy person, was soon to receive an additional consecration by thy martyrdom, and God was on the point of making over to thy successors the * St Matt. x 24, ST MARCELLUS 305 palaces of that proud City, which then knew not the glorious destiny that awaited her. O Marcellus! thou didst triumph, like the Babe of Bethlehem, by thy humiliations. Like him, too, thou hadst thy cross, and gavest thy life for thy sheep. of thy unceasing love: Forget not the Church bless that rates so profoundly the spot where Rome thou which vene- didst suffer and die. Bless all the Faithful children of Christ, who keep thy Feast during this holy Season, praying thee to obtain for them the grace of profiting by the mystery of Bethlehem. Pray for them, that they may imitate Jesus, conquer pride, love the Cross, and be faithful in all their trials. \ w 20 CHRISTMAS 306 JaNUARY SAINT HE Life 17 ANTONY ABBOT East and West unite, to-day, in honouring St Antony, existed the Father before his of Cenobites. time, as we The know Monastic from indis- putable testimony; but he was the first Abbot, because he was the first to bring Monks under the permanent government of one Superior or Father. Antony began with seeking solely his own sanctification; he was known only as the wonderful Solitary against whom the wicked spirits waged an almost continuous battle: but in course of time, men were attracted to him by his miracles and by the desire of their own perfection; this gave him disciples; he permitted them to cluster round his cell; and monas- teries thus began to be built in the desert. The age of the Martyrs was near its close; the persecution under Diocletian, which was to be the last, was over as Antony entered on the second half of his course: and God chose this time for organizing a new force in the Church. The Monastic Life was brought to bear upon the Christian world; the Ascetics, as they were called, not even such of them as were consecrated, were not a sufficient element of power. Monasteries were built in every direction, in solitudes and in the very cities; and the Faithful had but to look at these communities living in the fervent and literal fulfilment of the Counsels of Christ, and they felt themselves encouraged to obey the Precepts. The apostolic traditions of continual prayer and penance were perpetuated by the monastic system; it secured the study of the Sacred Scriptures and Theology ; and the Church herself would soon receive from these arsenals ST ANTONY 307 of intellect and piety her bravest defenders, her holiest Prelates, and her most zealous Apostles. Yes, the Monastic Life was to be and give all this to the Christian world, for the example of St Antony had given her a bias to usefulness. If there ever were a monk to whom the charms of solitude and the sweetness of contemplation were dear, it was our Saint; and yet they could not keep him in his desert when he could save souls by a few days spent in a noisy city. Thus, we find him in the streets of Alexandria when the pagan persecution was at its height; he came to encourage the Christians in their martyrdom. Later on, when that still fiercer foe of Arianism was seducing the Faith of the people, we again meet the great Abbot in the same capital, this time preaching to its inhabitants that the Word is consubstantial with the Father, proclaiming the Nicene faith, and keeping up the Catholics in orthodoxy and resolution. There is another incident in the life of St Antony which tells in the same direction, inasmuch as it shows how an intense interest in the Church must ever be where the Monastic Spirit is. We are alluding to our Saint’s affection for the great St Athanasius, who on his part reverenced the Patriarch of the Desert, visited him, promoted the Monastic Life to the utmost of his power, used to say that he considered the great hope of the Church to be in the good discipline of monasticism, and wrote the Life of his dear St Antony. But to whom is the glory of the institution of monasticism due, with which the destinies of the Church were, from that time forward, to be so closely connected, that the period of her glory and power was to be when the monastic element flourished, and the days of her affliction were to be those of its decay ? Who was it that put into the heart of Antony and his disciples the love of that poor and unknown, yet ever productive life? It is Jesus, the humble Babe of Bethlehem. To him, then, wrapt in his swaddling-clothes, and yet the omnipotent God, be all the glory ! CHRISTMAS 308 It is time to hear the account of some of the virtues and actions of the great St Antony, given by the Church in her Office of his Feast. Antonius_ZEgyptius, nobilibus et christianis parentibus natus, quibus adolescens orbatus est, cum ingressus Ecclesiam ex Evangelio audivisset: Si vis perfectus esse, vade et vende omnia quae habes, et da pauperibus; tanquam ea sibi dicta essent, sic Christo Domino_obtemperandum_existimavit. ItaQque, vendita re familiari, pecuniam omnem pauperibus distribuit. _Quibus _solutus impedimentis, ceelestis vitz genus in terris colere instituit. Sed cum in periculosum illud certamen descenderet, ad fidei prasidium, quo erat armatus, adhibendum sibi putavit subsidium reliquarum virtutum, uarum tanto studio incensus it, ut quemcumque videret aliqua virtutis laude excellentem, illum imitari studeret. Nihil_igitur eo continentius, nihil vigilantius erat. Patientia, mansuetudine, misericordia, humilitate, labore, ac studio divinarum Scripturarum _superabat omnes. Ab hareticorum et schismaticorum hominum, maxime Arianorum, congressu et colloquio sic abhorrebat, ut ne prope quidem ad eos accedendum diceret. Humi jacebat, cum eum necessarius somnus occupasset. Jejunium autem adeo coluit, ut salem tantummodo ad panem adhiDeret, sitim aqua exstingue- Antony was born in Egypt, of noble and Christian parents, who left him an orphan at an early age. Having ome day entered a Church, he heard these words of the Gospel being read: If thou wilt be per- fect, go and sell all thou hast, and give to the poor. He took them as addressed to himself, and thought it his duty to obey these words of Christ his Lord. Selling therefore his possessions, he distributed all the money among the poor. Being freed from these obstacles, he resolved to lead on earth a heavenly life. But at his entrance on the perils of such a combat, he felt that besides the shield of faith, wherewith he was armed, he must needs fortify himself with the other virtues; and so ardent was his desire to possess them, that whomsoever he saw excelling in any virtue, him did he study to imitate. Nothing, therefore, could exceed his_continency and vigilance. He surpassed all in patience, meekness, mercy, humility, manual labour, and the study of the Sacred Scriptures. So great was his aversion for the company of, or conversation with, heretics, especially the Arians, that he used to say that we ought not even to go near them. He lay on the ground when necessity obliged him to sleep. As to'fasting, he practised it with'so much fervour that his only nourishment was bread seasoned with salt, and he ST ANTONY ret; neque se ante solis occasum cibo aut potu recreabat; sepe etiam biduum cibo abstinebat, szpissime in oratione pernoctabat. Cum talis tantusque Dei miles evasisset Antonius, sanctissimum juvenem hostis humani generis variis tentationibus aggredi- tur, quas ille jejunio et oratione vincebat. Nec vero frequens de satana triumphus securum reddebat Antonium, qui diaboli innumerabiles artes nocendi noverat. Itaque contulit se in vastis- simam Zgypti solitudinem, ubi quotidie ad Christianam perfectionem proficiens, damones (quorum tanto erant acriores impetus, quanto Antonius ad resistendam fortior evadebat) ita contempsit, ut illis exprobraret imbecil- litatem: ac szpe discipulos suos excitans ad pugnandum contra diabolum, docensque quibus armis vinceretur: Mihi credite, dicebat, fratres: pertimescit satanas piorum vigilias, orationes, jejunia, voluntariam paupertatem, misericordiam tem, maxime tem amorem et humilitavero ardenin Christum Dominum, cujus unico sanctissime Crucis signo debilitatus aufugit. Sic autem demonibus erat formido- losus, ut multi per ZEgyptum ab illis agitati, invocato nomine Antonii liberarentur: tantaque erat ejus fama sanctitatis, ut per litteras se ejus orationibus Constantinus Magnus et filii commendarent. 309 quenched his thirst with water; neither did he take this his food and drink until sunset, and frequently abstained from it altogether for two successive days. He very frequently spent the whole night in prayer. Antony became so valiant a soldier of God_that the enemy of mankind, ill-brooking such extraordinary virtue, attacked him with manifold temptations; but the Saint overcame them all by fasting and prayer. Neither did his victories over Satan make him heedless, for he knew how innumerable are the devil's artifices for injuring souls. Knowing this, he betook himself info one of the largest deserts of Egypt, where such was his progress in Christian perfection that the wicked spirits, whose attacks grew more furious as Antony’s resistance grew more resolute, became the object of his contempt, so much 50 indeed, that he would sometimes taunt them for their weakness. When encouraging his disciples to fight against the devil, and teaching them the arms wherewith they would vanquish him, he used often to say to them: ‘Believe me, Brethren, Satan dreads the watchings of holy men, and their prayers, and fasts, and voluntary poverty, and works of mercy, and humility, and above all, their ardent love for Christ our Lord, at the mere sign of whose most holy Cross he is disabled and put to flight.’ So formidable was he to the devils that many persons in Egypt who were possessed by them were delivered by invoking Antony’s name. So great, CHRISTMAS 310 Qui aliquando quintum et too, was his reputation for Centesimum annum agens, sanctity, that Constantine the cum innumerabiles sui insti- Great and his sons wrote to him, tuti imitatores haberet, con- commending themselves to his vocatis monachis, et ad per- prayers. At length, having fectam christian® vitz Te- reached the hundred and ffth year of his age, and having instructis, sanctitate gulam et miraculis clarus migra- Teceived a countless number vit in ceelum, decimosexto into his institute, he called his Monks together; and having Kalendas Februarii. instructed them how to regulate their lives according to Christian_perfection, he, venerated both for the miracles he had wrought, and for the holiness_of his Jife, departed from this world to heaven on the sixteenth of the Calends of February (January 17). The Churches of the West, during the Middle Ages, have left us several Sequences in honour of St Antony. They are to be found in the ancient Missals. As they are not by any means remarkable as liturgical pieces, we shall content ourselves with inserting only one, omitting the three which begin Alme Confessor ; In hac die letabunda ; Antonius humilis. SEQUENCE Pia voce pradicemus, Let us piously proclaim the Et devotis celebremus praises of Antony, and celebrate Laudibus Antonium. his name in sacred hymns. Dei Sanctus exaltetur, Let us honour God's Saint; Etin suis honoretur and God, the author of all, be Sanctis, auctor omnium. honoured in his Saints ! Hic contempsit ~mundi Antony despised, in obedience florem, to the Gospel, the beauty, and Opes ejus et honorem: riches, and honours of the world. Parens Evangelio. Et confugit ad desertum: He fled into the desert, that Ut non currat in incertum he might not run with unIn hoc vite stadio. gertainty in the Tace of this e. Mira fuit ejus vita: Wonderful was his life. He was a celebrated hermit. But Clarus fulsit eremita. soon does the crafty enemy Sed mox hostis subdoli 311 Bella perfert: szpe concuWage war against him. The titur combat is fierce and oft reGravi pugna: verum non vin- newed; but he is mot vanquished by the devil's attacks. citur, Insultu diaboli. Ictu crebro flagellatur: The demons scourge him Eta savis laceratur with many blows, and his Immane demonibus. flesh is cruelly torn by the angry enemy. Lux de ceelo micuit: But a light shone down Et clara personuit from heaven; and the sweet Dei vox de nubibus. voice of God ‘was heard speaking from above: Quia fortis in agone * Because thou hast bravely Decertasti: regione fought in the combat, thy name Omai nominaberis: shall be published in every country. Te clamabit totus orbis. “The whole earth shall proPro pellendis item morbis claim thy glory. Thou shalt Ignis, invocaberis. be invoked against the disease of Fire.’ 1d, Antoni, nunc impletum This, O Antony ! we see fulConspicamur, et repletum filled, and the world resounds Mundum tuo nomine. with thy name. The devout servants of God Hoc implorat gens devota: call on thy name, and fervently Tibi pia defert vota pray to thee for help and proPro tuo munimine. tection. Sometimes, again, it is in Nunc in forma speciose the appearance of a beautiful Mulieris: pretiose Nunc in masse specie, woman, and sometimes under the form of a piece of gold, Dzmon struit illi fraudes; That the devil lays snares Sed, qui tanta, vafer, audes, for the holy man: but after all thy daring, O crafty tempter | Succumbis in acie. thou art defeated in the fight. Mille fraudes, mille doli Yea, vain are his thousand frauds and tricks; and all hell Sunt inanes: illi soli falls back bemoaning that one Cedit orcus ingemens, man single-handed has repelled them. Roaring with rage, the enemy Militem hunc veneratum, trembles before this venerable Et robustam ejus manum soldier, whose hand so roughly Horret hostis infremens. deals its blows. The brave combatant resists Non lorica corporali these mighty enemies, and yet Fultus, inimico tali he wears no breast-plate such Hic athleta restitit. as soldiers use. ST ANTONY CHRISTMAS 312 His drink is water, his bed Aqua potus, terra lectus 10l fuit: his protectus the ground; these were his arms, and by these he conquered. Armis, victor exstitit. Herbs were his food; the Herba fuit illi victus: palm-leaf gave him raiment; Palm frondes et amictus, and his companions were the Ac cum bestiis conflictus, wild beasts of the wilderness. Intra solitudinem. He restrained lust by assiPrecum assiduitate, duous prayer, frequent manual Operandi crebritate, labour, and short sleep. Atque somni parcitate Restinxit libidinem. He confuted the Arians and Confutatis Arianis, Et philosophis profanis, the profane Philosophers; he visited Paul the Hermit, nor was Paulum visit, nec inanis Fit via, nec irrita. the journey fruitless or vain; For he found him alive, and Nam convenit hunc viventem, then saw his holy soul mounting Inde sanctam ejus mentem up to heaven, and buried his Ceelos vidit ascendentem, body. Carne terra reddita. O_Antony! thou art now O Antoni, cum beatis Nunc in regno claritatis in glory, with the Blessed, in Gloriaris; hic gravatis the kingdom of light; show Mole carnis, pietatis thy affectionate pity on us, who are here weighed down by Tuz pande viscera. the burden of the flesh. Stretch_out thy hand, lest Ne nos rapiat tremenda Mors gehenn, manum tende. the terrible death of hell seize upon us. Defend us from the Nos a morbido defende Igne, nobis et impende burning distemper, and assist Gloriam post funera. us to gain heaven when our Amen. life is spent. Amen. The Greek Church is enthusiastic in her praises of St Antony. We extract the following stanzas from her Menza. DIE XVII JANUARII Quando in sepulchro teipsum gaudens_inclusisti, Pater, propter Christi amorem, sufferebas quam fortiter damonum insultus, oratione et caritate istorum fumo debiliora depellens tentamenta; tunc plauserunt Angelorum ordines clamantes: Gloria roboranti te, Antoni. When, O Father | thou didst shut thyself in a sepulchre, with joy, for the love of Christ, thou didst most bravely endure the attacks of the demons, putting to flight, by prayer and charity, the cloud of their temptations; and the choirs of Angels applauding, cried out: Glory, O Antony ! be to him that strengthens thee. ST ANTONY 313 Thou wast as another Elias, Helias demonstratus es alter, habens celebres discipu- surrounded by thy glorious los, novos Eliseos, sapiens, disciples; to whom, as to quibus et gratiam tuam du- Eliseus, thou, their wise father, plicem dereliquisti, raptus taken up as it were to heaven tanquam in curru, @thereus in a chariot, didst leave thy pater; nunc ab illis decora- twofold grace; now that they tus, omnium recordaris, bea- are thy ornament above, thou tissime, tuam celebrantium art mindful of us all who cum amore venerabilem fes- lovingly celebrate thy venerable tivitatem, o Antoni. feast, O Antony | In terris Angelum, in ceelis Let us honour Antony, who Dei virum, mundi ornamen- was an Angel on earth, the man tum, bonorum et virtutum of God in heaven, the ornament florem, asceticorum gloriam, of the world, the flower of good Antonium honoremus;_plan- men and of virtues, the glory tatus enim in domo Domini of Ascetics; for being planted effloruit justissime, et quasi in the house of the Lord, he cedrus in deserto multiplica- bloomed in perfect justice, and Vit greges ovium Christi spiri- as a cedar in the desert, he tualium in sanctitate et jus- multiplied the flocks of Christ’s titia. spiritual sheep in holiness and justice. O illuminate Spiritus raO Antony ! illumined by the diis, quando te divinus amor rays of the Spirit! when divine combussit, et animam evo- love consumed thee, and made lare fecit ad desiderabile thy soul take her flight to the caritatis fastigium, tunc de- summit of charity thou didst spexisti carnem et sanguin- long for—then didst thou despise em, et extra mundum factus flesh and blood, and become a es, multa ascesi et tranquilli- stranger to this world, in deep tate ipsi unitus, quo repletus spirituality and peace united to es; exinde quesisti bona him with whom thou wast et resplenduisti sicut stella filled. Then didst thou seek irradians animas nostras, after true goods, and shine as Antoni. a star reflecting light on our souls. Tu qui demonum sagittas Thou that didst, by the love et jacula contrivisti caritate of the Holy Spirit, break the divini Spiritus, et malitiam arrows and darts of the demons, insidiasque ejus omnibus pa- laying open their malice and tefecisti, divinis coruscans their snares to all men; thou illustrationibus, Monachorum that didst shine with the divine effectus es fulgidissimum lu- teachings, thou wast made, O minare, et eremi primum Antony | the brightest luminary decus, et supremus @grotan- of Monks, the grandest glory tium medicus, et Archetypus of the desert, the ablest physician of the sick, the Archetype virtutum, Antoni Pater. of virtue. 314 CHRISTMAS Professing on earth the life Asceticum super terram professus exercitium, Antoni, of an Ascetic, O Antony | thou passionum ictus in torrente didst deaden in the torrent of lacrymarum omunes hebetasti; scala divina et veneranda, ad ceelos elevans, mederis passionum infirmitatibus eorum qui ad te cum fide exclamant; Gaude, Orientis stella deauratissima, Monachorum lampadifer et pastor; gaude, celebrande, tu deserti alumne, et Ecclesia inconcussa columna; gaude errantium dux lustrissime; gaude, o gloriatio nostra, et orbis terrarum decor fulgidissime. thy tears all the blows of thy passions. Thou art the holy and venerable ladder that raises men to heaven; and thou healest the infirmities of their passions from those that cry to thee with faith: Rejoice, most richly gilded Star of the East, the lamp-bearer and shepherd of Monks | Rejoice, illustrious Saint, child of the desert, unshaken pillar of the Church! Rejoice, most glorious Chieftain| Rejoice, O thou our glory, and brightest ornament of the whole earth | God made thee a bright pillar solid in virtue, and a shadegiving cloud, to lead the way to such as, in the journey from earth to heaven, contemplate God. By the rod of the Cross thou didst break up the sea of the passions; and changing the spiritual and_difficult way to Columna_splendida et virtutibus obfirmata, et nubes obumbrans effectus es, his qui in_deserto ad ceelum e terra Deum contemplantur, prapositus; crucis baculo passionum rumpens mare, Spiritualem autem arduamque ad celum in_facilem mutatus viam, invenisti, heaven into one that is easy, beatissime, incorruptibilem thou didst obtain, O most hareditatem; cum incorpo- blessed Antony ! the incorrupreis throno assistens Christi, tible inheritance. Pray to ‘that quem deprecare animabus Christ, at_whose throne thou nostris dare magnam mise- assistest with the Angelic spirits, ricordiam. that he bestow his great mercy on our souls. Vite derelinquens _perLeaving the distractions of turbationes, crucem tuam this life, and carrying thy cross humeris deferens, totum te on thy shoulders, thou didst commisisti Domiro, et extra commit thy whole self to the carnem, Pater, et mundum Lord; and estranging thyself, O factus, Sancti eflectus es Father | from the flesh and the confabulator Spiritus, ideo- world, thou wast admitted into que ad zelum populos evig; intimate communication with lans, civitates vacuas fecisti, the Holy Spirit; and therefore civifatem in deserto trans- didst thou rouse up the people to ferens. Antoni Deifer, de- fervour, emptying the cities of precare Christum Deum dare their inhabitants, and changing peccatorum remissionem the desert into a city. O An- ST ANTONY celebrantibus cum amore tuam sanctam commemorationem. We unite, great Saint! 315 tony, that bearest God within thee ! beseech Christ our God that he give remission of sin to us all who lovingly celebrate thy holy commemoration. with the universal Church in offering thee the homage of our affectionate ration, and in praising our Emmanuel for the he bestowed upon thee. How sublime a life was and how rich in fruit were thy works! Verily art the Father of a great people, and one of the powerful auxiliaries of the Church of God. thee, may each have venegifts thine, thou most We beseech therefore, pray for the Monastic Order, that it reappear in all its ancient fervour; and pray for member of the great Family. Fevers of the body been often allayed by thy intercession, and we beg for a continuance of this thy compassionate aid; but the fevers of our soul are more dangerous, and we beg thy pity and prayers that we may be delivered from them. Watch over us in the temptations which the enemy is unceasingly putting in our way; pray for us, that we may be viligant in the combat, prudent in avoiding dangerous occasions, courageous in the trial, and humble in our victory. The angel of darkness appeared to thee in a visible shape; but he hides himself and his plots from us; here again we beg thy prayers that we be not deceived by his craft. May the fear of God’s judgements, and the thought of eternity, penetrate into the depth of our souls. May prayer be our refuge in every necessity, and penance our safeguard against sin. But above all, pray that we may have that which thou didst counsel—the Love of Jesus; of that Jesus who, for love of us, deigned to be born into this world, that so0 he might merit for us the graces wherewith we might triumph—of that Jesus who humbled himself even so far as to suffer temptation, that so he might show us how we were to resist and fight. CHRISTMAS 316 JaNuary SAINT HE PETER'S 18 CHAIR AT ROME Archangel Gabriel told Mary, in the Annun- ciation, that the Son should be a King, and that be no end. Hence, when East to the Crib of Jesus, salem that they came to who was to be born of her of his Kingdom there should the Magi were led from the they proclaimed it in Jeruseek a King. But this new Empire needed a capital ; and whereas the King, who was to fix his throne in it, was, according to the eternal decrees, to re-ascend into heaven, it was necessary that the visible character of his Royalty should be left here on earth, and this even to the end of the world. He that should be invested with this visible character of Christ our King would be the Vicar of Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ chose Simon for this sublime dignity of being his Vicar. He changed his name into one which signifies the Rock, that is Peter ’; and in giving him this new name, he tells us that the whole Church throughout the world is to rest upon this man as upon a Rock which nothing shall ever move.! But this promise of our Lord included another; namely, that as Peter was to close his earthly career by the Cross, he would give him Successors in whom Peter and his authority should live to the end of time. But again, there must be some mark or sign of this succession, to designate to the world who the Pontiff is on whom, to the end of the world, the Church is to be built. There are so many Bishops in the Church: in which one of them is Peter continued ? This Prince of the Apostles founded and governed several Churches; but only one of these was watered with his blood, and 2 St Matt, xvi 18, ST PETER’'S CHAIR AT ROME 317 that one was Rome; only one of these is enriched with his Tomb, therefore, and that one is Rome; the Bishop of Rome, is the Successor of Peter, and consequently the Vicar of Christ. It is of the Bishop of Rome alone that it is said: Upon thee will I build my Church :* and again: To thee will I give the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven :* and again: I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail mot ; do thow confirm thy brethren :* and again: Feed my lambs ; feed my sheep. Protestantism saw the force of this argument, and therefore strove to throw doubts on St Peter’s having lived and died in Rome. They who laboured to estab- lish doubts of this kind rightly hoped that, if they could gain their point, they would destroy the authority of the Roman Pontiff, and even the very notion of a Head of the Church. But History has refuted this puerile objection, and now all learned Protestants agree with Catholics in admitting a fact which is one of the most incontestable, even on the ground of human authority. It was in order to nullify, by the authority of the Liturgy, this strange pretension of Protestants, that Pope Paul the Fourth, in 1558, restored the ancient Feast of St Peter's Chair at Rome, and fixed it on the 18th of January. For many centuries the Church had not solemnized the mystery of the Pontificate of the Prince of the Apostles on any distinct feast, but had made the single Feast of February 22nd serve for both the Chair at Antioch and the Chair at Rome. time forward, the 22nd of February has been From that kept for the Chair at Antioch, which was the first occupied by the Apostle. To-day, shines forth therefore, the in all its Kingship splendour, of our and Emmanuel the children of the Church rejoice in finding themselves to be brethren and fellow-citizens, united in the Feast of their common Capital, the Holy City of Rome. When they look around them, and find so many sects separated from each other, and almost formed into decay, because they 1StMatt.xvis8. *Ibid.rg. *StLukexxiiza. ¢ StJohn xxits, 17. 318 CHRISTMAS have no centre of union, they give thanks to the Son of God for having provided for the preservation of his Church and Truth by instituting a visible Head who never dies, and in whom Peter is for ever continued, just as Christ himself is continued in Peter. Men are no longer sheep without a Shepherd; the word spoken at the beginning is uninterruptedly perpetuated through all ages; the primitive mission is never suspended, and by the Roman Pontiff the end of time is united to the world’s commencement. ‘ What a consolation for the children of God !’ cries out Bossuet, in his Essay on Universal History, ‘ and what conviction that they are in possession of the truth, when they see that from Innocent the Eleventh, who now (1681) so worthily occupies the first See of the Church, we go back in un‘broken succession even to St Peter, whom Jesus appointed Prince of the Apostles; that from St Peter we come, to Moses; thence traversing the line of the Pontiffs who ministered under the Law, even ‘When Peter to Aaron, yea, even even to the Patriarchs, and even to the beginning of the world I’ enters Rome, therefore, he comes to realize and explain the destinies of this Queen of Cities; he comes to promise her an Empire even greater than the one she possesses. This new Empire is not to be founded by the sword, as was the first. Rome has been hitherto the proud mistress of nations; henceforth she is to be the Mother of the world by Charity; and though all peaceful, yet her Empire shall last to the end of time. Let us listen to St Leo the Great, describing to us in one of the finest of his Sermons, and in his own mag- nificent style, the humble yet all-eventful entrance of the Fisherman of Genesareth into the Capital of the Pagan world. “ The good and just and omnipotent God, who never refused his mercy to the human race, and instructed all men in general in the knowledge of himself by his superabundant benefits, took pity, by a more hidden counsel and a deeper love, on the voluntary blindness of them ST PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME 319 that had gone astray, and on the wickedness which was growing in its proneness to evil; and sent therefore into the world his co-equal and co-eternal Word. The which Word being made Flesh did so unite the divine to the human nature, as that the deep debasement of the one was the highest uplifting of the other. “ But that the effect of this unspeakable gift might be diffused throughout the entire world, the providence of God had been preparing the Roman Empire, which had so far extended its limits as to embrace in itself all the nations of the earth. For nothing could be better suited to the divine plan than the confederation of various kingdoms under one and the same Empire; and the preaching of the Gospel to the whole world would the more rapidly be effected by having the several nations united under the government of one common City. ‘ But this City, ignoring the author of this her promotion, whilst mistress of almost every nation under the sun, was the slave of every nation’s errors; and prided herself on having a grand religion, because she had admitted every false doctrine. So that the faster the devil’s hold of her, the more admirable her deliverance by Christ. ‘For when the twelve Apostles, after receiving by the Holy Ghost the gift of tongues, divided among themselves the world they had to evangelize, the most blessed Peter, the Prince of the Apostolic order, was sent to the Capital of the Roman Empire, in order that the light of truth, which had been revealed for the salvation of all nations, might the more effectively flow from the head itself into the whole body of the world. ‘The fact was that there were in this City people belonging to every nation, and the rest of the world soon learnt whatever was taught at Rome. Here, therefore, were to be refuted the opinions of philosophy; here the follies of human the worship wisdom to be exploded; here of devils to be convicted of blasphemy; here the impiety of all the sacrifices to be first abolished; for it was here that an official superstition had systema- CHRISTMAS 320 tized into one great whole the fragmentary errors of every other portion of the earth. “To this City, therefore, O most blessed Apostle Peter, thou fearest not to come! The companion of thy glory, Paul the Apostle, is not with thee, for he is busy founding other Churches; yet thou enterest this forest of wild beasts, and with greater courage than when this deep walking on the waters, thou settest foot on stormy sea! Thou, that didst tremble before a servant-girl in the house of Caiphas, art fearless now before this Rome, this mistress of the world. Is it that the power of Claudius is less than the authority of Pilate ? or the cruelty of Nero less than the savageness of the Jews? made thee Not so: but the vehemence of thy love heedless of thy that thou mightest risks; and having come love, thou didst forget to fear. Thou didst imbibe this sentiment of fearless charity on that day when the profession of thy love for thy Master was made perfect by the mystery of his thriceput question. And what asks he of thee, after thus probing thy heart, but that thou feed the sheep of him thou lovest with the food whereon thyself had feasted ? “ Then, too, there were the miracles thou hadst wrought, the gifts of grace thou hadst received, the proofs of the great works thou hadst achieved; all giving thee fresh courage. Thou hadst taught the truth to such of the children of Israel as had embraced the faith; thou hadst founded the Church of Antioch, where first began the glorious Christian title; thou hadst preached the gospel in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia; and assured of the success of thy work, and of the many years thou hadst yet to live, thou didst bring the trophy of the Cross of Christ into the very walls of Rome, already determined where the counsels of God had that thou shouldst have both the honour of power and the glory of martyrdom.” The future of the human race, now under the guidance of the Church, is, therefore, centred in Rome, and the * Sermon 82, On the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul. ST PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME 321 destinies of that City are interwoven with those of her undying Pontiff. We, the children of the Church, though differing in race and tongue and character, are all Romans by holy religion; as Romans we are united by Peter to Christ; and thus our glorious name is the link of that great Fraternity of Catholics throughout the world.! Jesus Christ intruder. So by Peter, and Peter by his successor —these are our rulers in the order of spiritual Government. Every Pastor whose authority emanates not from the See of Rome is a stranger to us, and an likewise, in the order of our Faith, Jesus Christ by Peter, and Peter by his successor, teach us divine doctrine, and how to distinguish truth from error. Every Symbol of Faith, every doctrinal judgement, every teaching, contrary to the Symbol and judgements and teachings of the See of Rome, is of man, and not of God, and must be rejected, hated, and anathematized. On the Feast of St Peter’s Chair at Antioch (February 22) we will speak of the Apostolic See as the one only source of governing Church; today power in the we will consider and honour the Chair at Rome as the source and rule of our Faith. Here again let us borrow the sublime words of St Leo, and hear him discuss the claims of Peter to Infallibility of teaching. The Holy Doctor will teach us how to understand the full force of those words which were spoken by our Lord, and which he intended should be for all ages the grand charter of Faith. ‘ The word made Flesh was dwelling among us, and he, our Saviour, had spent his whole self for the repara- tion of the human race. There was nothing too com- plicated for his wisdom, nothing too difficult for his power. The elements were subject to him, Spirits ministered to him, Angels obeyed him, nor could the mystery of human Redemption be ineffectual, for God, both in his Unity and Trinity, was the worker of that mystery. And yet Peter is chosen from the rest of the 3 Roma ! illa una Patria Communs, says Cicero (De legibus, 1) m 21 CHRISTMAS 322 entire world to be the one, the only one, put over the vocation of all nations, and over all the Apostles, and over all the Fathers of the Church: that so, whilst there were to be many Priests and many Pastors in the people of God, Peter should govern, by the special power given to him, supreme all those whom power. Christ also rules by his own Great and wonderful, dearly Beloved, is this fellowship with Christ’s power granted, by divine condescension, to this willed that there should man! be Moreover, if our Lord something in common to Peter and the rest of the Princes of his Church, it was only on this condition—that whatsoever he gave to the rest, he gave it to them through Peter. “ Again: our Lord questions all the Apostles as to what men say of him; and while telling him the opinions of human ignorance, they all indifferently join in making answer. But as soon as the sentiment of the disciples themselves is called for, ke is the first to confess our Lord’s divinity, who is the first in dignity among the Apostles. These were his words: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God ;* which when he had said, our Lord thus answered him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona ;- because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven :* that is, blessed art thou in that my Father hath taught thee, and human opinion hath not misled thee, but heavenly inspiration hath instructed thee; not flesh and blood, but he whose Only Begotten Son I am hath shown me to thee. And I say to thee : that is, as my Father hath manifested to thee my divinity, so do I now declare to thee thine own dignity. That thou art Peter (the Rock): that is, though I am the immovable Rock,® the Corner-Stone* who make both one,® and the Foundation other than which no man can lay;® yet art thou also a Rock, because thou art solidly based by my power, and what I have by right thou hast by participation. And upon this Rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail 1 StMatt. xvi 16, * Ibid. xvi g, 1 Cor.x4. 4« Eph. ii 20, _Ibid. i 4. * 3 Cor. iii 11 ST PETER’'S CHAIR AT 323 ROME against it ' that is, I will construct an everlasting temple upon thy strength, and my Church, which is to reach to heaven, shall grow up on the firmness of this thy faith. ‘On the eve of his Passion, which was to test the courage of his disciples, our Lord said to Peter: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not. And thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren.®. All the Apostles were in danger of heing tempted to fear, and all stood in need of the divine help, for the devil desired to sift and crush them all; and yet it is especially for Peter that our Lord is careful; it is for Peter’s faith that he offers an express prayer; as though the others would be sure to be firm if the mind of their leader were unflinching. So that the strength of all the rest is in Peter, and the assistance of divine grace is distributed in this order: Peter is to receive firmness through Christ, and he himself then give it to the Apostles.” In another of his Sermons, the same holy Doctor explains to us how it is that Peter ever lives and ever teaches in the Chair of Rome. After having cited the passage from the sixteenth chapter of St Matthew (verses 16-19), he says: ‘ This promise, of him who is truth itself must, therefore, be a permanent fact, and Peter, the unceasing Rock of strength, must be the ceaseless ruler of the Church. For we have only to consider the pre-eminence that is given him, and the mysterious titles conferred on him, and we see at once the fellowship he has with our Lord Jesus Christ: he is called the Rock (Peter); he is named the Foundation; he is appointed keeper of the gates of heaven; he is made judge, with such power of loosing and binding that his sentence holds even in heaven. and responsibilities These commissions and duties wherewith he was invested, he discharges with fuller perfection and power now that he is in him and with him from whom he received all these honours. + St Matt. xvi 18, * St Luke xxil 31, 32. * St Leo, Sermon4. CHRISTMAS 324 “ If, therefore, we do anything that is right, if we decree anything that is right, if, by our daily supplications, we obtain anything from the divine mercy, it is his doing and his merit, whose power lives and whose authority is supreme in this his own Chair. All this, dearly Beloved, was obtained by that confession which, being inspired into the Apostle’s heart by God the Father, soared above all the incertitudes of human opinions, and drew upon him who spoke it the solidity of a Rock that was to be proof against every attack. For, throughout the whole Church, Peter is every day still proclaiining: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God ; and every tongue that confesses the Lord is guided by the teaching of this word. This is the faith which conquers the devil, and sets his captives free. This is the faith which delivers men from the world, and takes them to heaven, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. For such is the solidity wherewith God has strengthened it, that neither heretical depravity has been able to corrupt, nor pagan perfidy to crush it.’! Thus speaks St Leo. ‘ Let it not, therefore, be said,” observes Bossuet, in his Sermon on the Unity of the Church, ‘ let it not be said, or thought, that this ministry of Peter finishes with his life on earth. That which is given as the support of a Church which is to last for ever, can never be taken away. Peter will live in his sucsessors ; Peter will speak, in his Chair, to the end of time. So speak the Fathers; so speak the six hundred and thirty Bishops of the Council of Chalcedon.” And again: ‘Thus the Roman Church is ever a Virgin-Church; the Faith of Rome is always the Faith of the Church; what has once been believed will be for ever believed; the same voice is heard all over the world; and Peter, in his successors, is now, as he wasduring his life, the foundation on which the Faithful rest. Jesus Christ has said that it shall be so; and heaven and earth shall pass away rather than his word.” Full of gratitude, therefore, to the 1 St L&, Sermion 3. God of truth, ST PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME 325 who has vouchsafed to raise up this Chair in his Church, we will listen with submission of intellect and heart Rejecting to the teaching which emanates from it. with indignation those dangerous theories which can only serve to keep up sects within the Church; and confessmg with all the past ages that the promises made to St Peter continue in his successors; we will conclude, aided by the twofold light of logic and history, that the teachings addressed to the Church by the Roman Pontiff can never contain error, and can contain nothing but the doctrine of truth. Such has always been the sense of the Feast, that it is to the See of Peter that we Church, and her practice has been the owe the expression of her spirit. Now if we acknowledge a permanent miracle in the uninterrupted succession of the Bishops of Rome, in spite of all the revolutions of eighteen centuries, we acknowledge it to be a still higher pmd:gy that, notwithstanding the instability of man’s opinions and judgements, the Chair of Rome has faithfully preserved the truth without the slightest admixture of error, whereas the sees of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria and Constantinople were scarcely able to maintain the true Faith for a few centuries, and have become so frequently those Chairs of pestilence spoken of by the Royal Prophet.! ‘We are in that season of the ecclesiastical year which is devoted to honouring the Incarnation and Birth of the Son of God, and the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin: it behoves us to remember, especially on this present preservation of these dogmas, which are the very basis of our holy religion. Rome not only taught them to us when she sent us the saintly missioners who evangelized our country; but, moreover, when heresy attempted to throw its mists and clouds over these high Mysteries, it was Rome that secured the triumph for truth by her sovereign decision. At Ephesus, when Nestorius was condemned, and the dogma which he assailed was solemnly proclaimed, that is, that the Divine Nature 1Psir 326 CHRISTMAS and the Human Nature which are in Christ make but one Person, and that Mary is consequently the true Mother of God, the two hundred Fathers of that General Council thus spoke: ‘ Compelled by the Letters of our Most Holy Father Celestine, Bishop of the Roman Church, we have proceeded, in spite of our tears, to the con- demnation of Nestorius.” At Chalcedon, where the Church had to proclaim, against Eutyches, the distinction of the two Natures in the Incarnate Word, God and Man, the six hundred and thirty Fathers, after hearing the Letter of the Roman Pontiff, gave their decision, and said: ‘ Peter has spoken by the mouth of Leo.” Here then is the privilege of Rome: to watch by Faith over the eternal interests of mankind, as she watched previously, for long ages, and by the sword, over the temporal interests of the then known world. Let us love and reverence this City, our Mother and our Guide. Today we are called upon to celebrate her praise; let us do so with filial affection. Let us listen to some of the ancient Hymns in honour of St Peter, of which some were used in the Liturgy of certain Churches. First of all, there is the admirable poem which Prudentius gives as the Prayer of St Ifiaurence, made during his martyrdom, for Christian ome. O Christe, nomen unicum, O splendor, o virtus Patris, O factor orbis et poli, Atque auctor horum meenium. Qui sceptra Roma in vertice Rerum locasti, sanciens Mundum quirinali toge Servire et armis cedere. Ut discrepantum gentium Mores et observantiam, HYMN O Christ! name above all names | O Brightness, O Power of the Father! O Creator of earth and heaven, and founder of this City's walls | “Twas thou didst give supremacy to the scei)tre of Rome, and that didst will the subjection of the world to the toga and the armies of the sons of Rome, That thus uniting under one government the nations which ST PETER’S Linguasque et ingenia et sacra Unis domares legibus. En omne sub regnum Remi Mortale concessit genus: Idem loquuntur dissoni, Ritus ad ipsum sentiunt. Hoc destinatum, quo magis Jus Christiani nominis, Quodcumque terrarum jacet Uno illigaret vinculo. Da, Christe, Romanis tuis Sit Christiana ut civitas Per quam dedisti ut cateris Mens una sacrorum foret. Confcederantur omnia Hinc inde membra in symbolum; Mansuescit orbis subditus, CHAIR AT ROME 327 varied in manners and customs and tongues and character and religion, thou mightest subject them to thy law. Lol now all nations are tributary to the kingdom of Remus; all speak the same language, and all practise the same rites. This thou didst design, that 5o the Christian Law might the more easily link the universal world together in unity of faith. Then grant, O Christ ! to thy Romans, that Rome, the City whereby thou didst give sacred unity of soul to others, may hersel become Christian. 1t is by her that all mankind are united in the fellowship of faith: the world has yielded and obeys in meek submission: oh | Mansuescat et summum camay the proud Capital, too, put. soften into faith. Advertat abjunctas plagas Let her learn from other Coire in unam gratiam: nations, who, though separated Fiat fidelis Romulus, in all else, are now made one in grace: let Romulus become a Et ipse jam credat Numa. believer, yea, let even Numa embrace thy faith. Confundit error Troicus The descendants of the Catos Adhuc Catonum curiam, still grovel in the errors imVeneratus occultis focis ported from Troy, and venerate, Phrygum Penates exsules. on their domestic altars, the banished gods of Phrygia. Janum bifrontem, et SterThe Senate (my soul recoils culum to tell these wicked follies of Colit senatus (horreo sober men) adores the two-faced Tot monstra patrum dicere) Janus, and Sterculus, and keeps Et festa Saturni lenis. the feasts of the efieminate Saturn. Absterge, Christe, hoc deO Jesus! blot out this infamy' and shame. Send forth decus, Emitte Gabriel tuum, thine Angel Gabriel, and teach the blind, straying sons of Julius Agnoscat ut verum Deum Errans Iuli cacitas. to acknowledge the true God. Well may we hope for_this, Et jam tenemus obsides for thou hast conferred on Rome Fidissimos hujus spei: 328 CHRISTMAS Hic nempe jam regnant duo Apostolorum Principes. two most sure pledges of thy love: thou hast established here the reign of the two Princes of the Apostles: Paul, by whom was wrought Alter vocator Gentium, Alter Cathedram possidens the vocation of the Gentiles; and Peter, who, seated on the Primam, recludit creditas first Chair, opens to mankind ZEternitatis januas. the gates of heaven. Discede, adulter Jupiter, Go hence, adulterous Jupiter ! Stupro sororis oblite, rid Rome of thy presence, thou Relinque Romam liberam, incestuous god | and flee from Plebemque jam Christi fuge. the people of Christ. Te Paulus hinc extermiThou art banished hence by nat, Paul; thou art dethroned by Te sanguis exturbat Petri: the blood of Peter: the very Tibi, id quod ipse armave- deed thou didst inspire Nero ras to commit is thine own defeat. Factum Neronis offcit. Video futurum principem, T see coming a future Prince, Quandoque qui servus Dei, who shall be the servant of Tetris sacrorum sordibus God he shall put an end to those Servire Romam non sinat. wicked and polluted rites which now are used by Rome. He shall shut up the temples, Qui templa claudat vectibus, and bar their ivory doors; he Valvas eburnas obstruat; shall forbid all entrance within Nefasta damnet limina, their cursed walls, and fasten Obdens aénos pessulos. their brazen locks. Tunc pura ab omni sanIn his days the marble altars guine shall stream no more with blood, Tandem nitebunt marmora: and the idols which are now Stabunt et ra innoxia, held as gods shall stand mere Quz nunc habentur idola. harmless lumps of brass. The Gothic Church of Spain sang this Hymn of her Mozarabic Breviary on the Feast of St Peter’s Chair. HYMN O Petre, petra Ecclesie, Isto beatus nomine, Quo Petrus a Christo Petra, Non Petra Christus a Petro. Tu es Petrus, qui Fil Confessor es primus Dei: O Peter, Rock of the Church | Blessed art thou in this thy name, which Jesus, the Rock, gave to thee; for he was ‘the Rock,’ and shared his name with thee. Thou art Peter, the first to confess that Jesus is Son of God. ST PETER’S Hinc primus in membris manens; Ob quod Cephas vocatus es. Adest dies, quo Romula In urbe consecratus es; In quo Cathedrz nobilis Scandens thronum attolleris: Conlata ergo glorize In te potestas affluens, Ligata solvat crimina, Portasque averni obstruat. Hinc pastor ut piissimus, Oves guberna creditas; Intus forisque pervigil Ne subruamur, protege. Et clave lla carlica Solvens catenas criminum, Tllic reos inducito, Quo clarus exstas janitor. Ut cum polorum Principi Recisa membra junxeris, Sit Trinitati gloria Per cuncta semper szcula. Amen. CHAIR AT ROME 329 In reward of this, thou wast made first among the members of the Church, and wast therefore called Cephas. This is the day whereon thou wast inaugurated in the city of Romulus; in which, ascending the throne of thy august Chair, thou wast exalted. May the rich glorious power that was conferred on thee loosen the chains of our sins, and bind fast the gates of hell. Then, as the most loving Shepherd, govern the sheep entrusted to thee. Protect us in thy great vigilance from within and without, lest we be destroyed. And loosing, with thy heavenly key, the chains of our sins, lead us poor sinners to the kingdom of which thou art the Porter chosen by Christ. That when thou shalt have united _together the members of God’s family, now separated by time and place, and_shalt have presented them before the King of heaven, there may be glory for endless ages to the Trinity. Amen. The Hymn we now offer to our readers is the one which is fastened to the balustrade of St Peter’s confession in the Vatican Basilica. It is intended for the use of pilgrims. HYMN 0O sancte ceeli claviger, Tu nos precando subleva, Tu redde nobis pervia Aulz supern limina. Ut ipse multis poenitens Culpam rigasti lacrymis, Sic nostra tolli poscimus Fletu perenni crimina. Sainted keeper of the keys of heaven | raise us up by thy prayers, and lead us to the portals of the heavenly court. As thou didst wash away thy sin by penance and many tears; so, we beseech thee, pray that our sins may be removed by reason of our life-long weeping. 330 CHRISTMAS Sicut fuisti ab Angelo Tuis solutus vinculis, Tu nos iniquis exue Tot implicatos nexibus. O firma petra Ecclesiz, Columna flecti nescia, Da robur et constantiam, Error fidem ne subruat. Romam tuo qui sanguine Olim sacrasti, protege; In teque confidentibus Prasta salutem gentibus. Tu rem tuere publicam, Qui te colunt, fidelium, Ne lasa sit contagiis, Ne scissa sit discordiis. Quos hostis antiquus dolos Instruxit in nos, destrue; Truces et iras comprime, Ne clade nostra szviat. Contra furentis impetus, In morte vires suffice, Ut et supremo vincere Possimus in certamine. Amen. As thou wast loosened from thy chains by the Angel;so do thou set us free, tied as we are by the fetters of sin. O "Rock immoveable, and unshaken Pillar of the Church | give us strength and courage, that no error may ever subvert our faith. Protect Rome, the city thou didst of old consecrate by thy blood; and grant thine assistance to all nations that confide in thee. Protect the countries of thy devout clients; shield them against contagion, and suffer not dissensions to sow discord among them. Destroy the plots laid for us by the old enemy; and restrain his ruthless wrath, lest he madly exult in our destruction. Supply us with strength when we are dying, against his fierce attacks, that so we may conquer in the last combat. Amen. And lastly, let us salute the Prince of the Apostles with these solemn words, which are used by the Church of Rome, in to-day’s Office. R. Tu es pastor ovium, princeps _Apostolorum; tibi tradidit Deus omnia regna mundi; * Et ideo tibi traditz sunt claves regni celorum. ¥. Quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit lLigatum et in ceelis; et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in ceelis. * Et ideo tibi tradita sunt claves regni ceelorum. R. Thou art the Shepherd of the sheep, O Prince of the Apostles | To thee hath God given all the kingdoms of the world; * Therefore also have the keys of the kingdom of heaven been delivered to thee. ¥. Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven. * Therefore also have the keys of the kingdom of heaven been delivered to thee. ST PETER’S CHAIR ¥. Exaltent eum in ecclesia plebis. . Et in cathedra seniorum laudent eum. OREMUS Deus qui beato Petro Apostolo_tuo, collatis clavibus regni ceelestis, ligandi atque solvendi pontificium tradidisti: concede ut intercessionis ejus auxilio, a peccatorum nostrorum nexibus liberemur. Qui vivis. AT ROME 331 ¥. Let them exalt him in the church of the people. K. And let them praise him in the chair of the ancients. LET US PRAY O God, who by delivering to the blessed Apostle Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, didst give him the power of binding and loosing: grant that by his intercession ‘we may be freed from the bonds of our sins. Who livest, etc. And, that we may conform to the tradition of the same Church of Rome, which never celebrates a Feast of St Peter without making a commemoration of St Paul, who, that he might add to the glory of her who is the Mother and Mistress of all Churches, came within her walls and paid her the triple tribute of his Apostolate, his teaching, and his martyrdom—Iet us say this Antiphon and Collect in honour of the Apostle of the Gentiles. ANT. Sancte Paule Apostole, pradicator veritatis, et doctor gentium, intercede pro nobis ad Deum, qui te elegit. Y. Tu es vas electionis, sancte Paule Apostole. Ry. Pradicator veritatis in universo mundo. oREMUS Deus, qui multitudinem gentium beati Pauli Apostoli pradicatione docuisti: da nobis, quesumus: ut cujus commemorationem colimus, ejus apud te patrocinia sentiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. ANT. Holy Apostle Paull preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles | intercede for us to God that chose thee. ¥. Thou art a'vessel of election, O holy Apostle Paul | . The preacher of truth in the whole world. LET US PRAY O God, who by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle didst instruct the multitude of the Gentiles: grant, we beseech thee, that whilst we celebrate his memory, we may find the effects of his prayers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. We are founded on Christ in our faith and our hopes, O glorious because , Prince of the Apostles! we are founded on thee, who art the Rock he has set. We are the sheep CHRISTMAS 332 of the flock of Jesus, because we obey thee as our shepherd. By following thee, O Peter ! we are made sure of being our admitted into kingdom the of heaven, because our Lord gave the Keys of his kingdom to thee. Having the happiness of being thy members, we may also count ourselves as the members of Jesus Christ himself; for he, the invisible Head of the Church, recognizes none as his members save those that are members of the visible Head whom So, he appointed. too, when we adhere to the faith of the Roman Pontiff, and obey his orders, we are professing thy we are follow- to our Emmanuel for that he faith, O Peter, ing thy commands; for if Christ teaches and governs by thee, thou teachest and governest by the Roman Pontiff. Eternal thanks, then, has not left us orphans; but before returning to heaven, vouchsafed to provide us with a Father and a Shepherd, even to the end of time! On the evening before his passion, keeping up his love for us even to the end, he left us his sacred Body and Blood for our food. his glorious Resurrection, and a few hours After before ascending to the right hand of his Father, he called his Apostles Fold), around and said him, and constituted to Peter: Feed my his Church Lambs, Feed (his my Sheep.! Thus, dear Jesus ! didst thou secure perpetuity to thy Church; thou gavest her Unity, for that alone could preserve her and defend her from both external Glory be to thee, O Divine and internal enemies. Architect ! for that thou didst build the House of thy Church on the Rock which was never-to be shaken, that Winds and storms and waves have beat is, on Peter! upon that House; but it hath stood, for it was built on aRock.? O Rome ! on this day, when the whole Church claims thy glory by blessing God for having built on thy Rock, receive the renewal of our promise to thee and be faithful to thee. Thou shalt ever be Mother and our Mistress, our guide and our hope. 3 St John xxi 15, 17. + St Matt. vii 2s. proher love our Thy ST PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME 333 faith shall ever be ours; for he that is not with thee is In thee all men are brethren. not with Jesus Christ. Thou art not a foreign City to us; nor is thy Pontiff It is by a foreign Sovereign to us, for he is our Father. thee that we live the spiritual life, the life of both heart and intellect; and thou it is that preparest us to dwell one day in that other City of which thou art the image, the City of Heaven, into which men enter by thee. Bless, O Prince of the Apostles ! the flock committed to thy care; but forget not those that have unfortunately left the fold. There are whole nations whom thou didst bring up and civilize by the hands of thy Successors, who now have alienated themselves from thee, and continue their wretched existence, the more miserable, because they feel not the unhappiness of being separated from the Shepherd. They are victims either of schism or of heresy. Without Christ made visible in his Vicar, Christianity becomes sterile, and at last extinct. Those indiscreet doctrines which tend to throw a doubt on the richness of the prerogatives bestowed by Christ on thee, that is, on thee who wast to hold his place to the end of time—such doctrines produce a cold heart in those who profess them, and dispose them but too frequently to give to Cesar that spiritual and religious obedience which they owe yet refuse to Peter. O supreme Pastor ! do thou cure all these evils. Hasten the return of the nations that have separated themselves from thee. Let the heresy of the sixteenth century soon become a thing of the past. Open thine arms, and again press to thy heart the country once so dear to thee—England our fatherland—and pray for her, that she may regain her right to ‘be called the beautiful ‘ Island of Saints.” Stir up the people of our northern Europe to redouble their ardour in the search of the Faith of their fathers; and let them learn the great truth that a religion out of union with the Chair at Rome is powerless to give salvation to its members. Destroy the Russian colossus of schism and heresy which tyrannizes over the consciences of so many millions of our dear 334 CHRISTMAS fellow-creatures, and is ambitious to drag the rest of the Reclaim the East world into apostasy from Jesus. to her ancient fidelity, and let her Patriarchal Sees regam their dignity, by submission to the one Apostolic And we, O Blessed Apostle! who by the mercy of God and the watchfulness of thy paternal love are still faithful, oh! preserve us in the faith of Rome, submission to thy Successor. and Instruct usin the mysteries which have been confided to thy teaching. What the Father revealed to thee, do thou reveal to us: show us Jesus, thy beloved Master; lead us to his Crib; and let us, after thine own example, be blessed by not being scandalized at his deep humiliations, and by ever saying thy beautiful confession: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.* 3 St Matt, xvi 16. COMMEMORATION OF ST PRISCA 335 THE SAME DAy COMMEMORATION OF SAINT VIRGIN AND MARTYR PRISCA 'OUR Virgins grace the Christmas cycle with their presence; the brightness they cast around is inter- spersed with rays of a darker hue denoting that the aureola of martyrdom is theirs as well. Truly it is those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and who have likewise shed their own for him that have the double right to enter in by the gates to the city and be presented to the new-born King. Perhaps this is the thought of the Church in choosing for such an honour those only who have been twice crowned. They are the gift that Rome herself offers to the Emmanuel ; each of this glorious band achieved her triumph within her walls. To-day we have Prisca, but she will be followed by Agnes, Emerentiana, and Martina. The legend which is inserted in the Roman Office gives us all the details that can be known of the sufferings and martyrdom of Saint Prisca; her relics are preserved in the Church which bears her name. Prisca, nobilis virgo Romana, tredecim annos nata, Claudio imperatore, christianfidei accusata, ejusdem jussu ducta ad Apollinis templum, ut idolis immolaret, cum Trem detestaretur, colaphis casa, in carcerem traditur: atque inde emissa, cum in fidei constantia perseveraret, affecta_verberibus, ferventique adipe delibuta, rursus in carcerem includitur. Post triduum in amphitheatrum producta, leoni objit tur; qui su feritatis oblitus, Prisca, a noble virgin of Rome, aged thirteen, was accused of being a Christian in the reign of the emperor Claudius. By his command she was led to the temple of Apollo that she might sacrifice to the idols, and when she had shown her detestation of them, was beaten and cast into prison. When brought out of prison she persevered in her steadfast confession of faith and was therefore scourged, tormented with boiling fat and again cast into prison. After three days she was exposed to 336 CHRISTMAS humiliter se ad ejus pedes a lion in the amphitheatre, but abjecit. Qua postea in erga- the beast, forgetting its natural stulo triduum inedia afflicta, fierceness, crouched humbly at in equuleo suspenditur, et ungulis ferreis_excarnificata in Togum injicitur, unde etiam_mirabiliter evasit_incolumis. Denique extra Urbem capite abscisso, _virginitatis palmam martyrii corona cumulavit. Cujus corpus via Ostiensi, decimo ab Urbe milliario, a Christianis decimo quinto Kalendas Februarii sepelitur. her feet. After another three days in prison with nothing to eat, she was racked, torn with iron hooks, and cast on a funeral pyre, but was wonderfully preserved from harm. Finally she was beheaded outside the city walls, thus adding the crown of martyrdom to her virginity. Her body Christians was buried by the on the Ostian Way. about ten miles from the city, on the fifteenth of the Kalends of February. SS MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX, ABACHUM JanNvuary SAINTS 337 19 MARIUS, MARTHA, AND ABACHUM MARTYRS AUDIFAX, HRISTIANS from all parts of the world have ever flocked to Rome as to the rock of faith and the foundation of the Church, and honoured with the greatest reverence and piety the spot hallowed by the sepulchre of the Prince of the Apostles.’* These words of Holy Church are exemplified in the Martyrs of to-day. Fired with ambition to have some part and fellowship in the glorious Society of the holy Apostles and Martyrs, they left all things and hastened to the Eternal City, there to receive in fullest measure what they sought. Like the Magi of old they came from the far East. The star of faith had shone for them, and in obedience to its call they set forth in all eagerness to offer their gifts of homage and loyalty to the divine King in the person of his Vicar and his suffering members. Such generosity was not left unrewarded; our laurels of martyrdom, Emmanuel crowned it with the admitting them into that cloud of witnesses that ever stand about him. Let us keep before our minds with our Lord, the author and finisher of their faith, this great and glorious band of martyrs, so that we too may ever run unwearied and with courage and patience in the fight proposed to us. The following lesson is given in the office: Marius Persa, nobili loco natus, cum Martha conjuge duobus et nobilitate, pari fliis Audiface et Abachum, Romam venit Claudio im: Marius, a Persian of noble birth, came to Rome, under the emperor Claudius, to venerate the sepulchres of the martyrs in the company of his wife 1 Lessons for the Dedication Feast of the Basilicas of SS Peter and Paul. 1 22 338 CHRISTMAS atore, ut Martyrum sepulPota venmaretur. Tbi Christianos in vinclila conjectos fovebant, et opera ac facultatibus suis sustentabant, et Sanctorum corpora sepeliebant. Quam ob rem comprehensi omnes, cum nec impiorum minis nec terrore commoverentur, ut diis_sacrificarent; primum fustibus debilitati, deinde funibus attracti, tum admotis candentibus laminis combusti, et ungulis ferreis excarnificati sunt. Postremo pracisis manibus, et ad collum alligatis, ducti per mediam urbem, via Cornelia ad tertium decimum ab Urbe milliarium, in_eum locum, qui Nymphe dicebatur, necantur: ac primum_ Marthe, qua virum ac filios ad supplicia pro Jesu Christi fide constanter perferenda, vehementer fuerat cohortata; mox ceteris in eadem arenaria cervices abscinduntur, eorumque corpora conjiciuntur in ignem. Que semiusta, Felicitas matrona Romana nobilis colligenda et in suo praedio sepelienda curavit. Martha, a noble lady, and their two sons Audifax and Abachum. There_they ministered to the Christians in prison, maintaining them both by their wealth and their own personal service, and buried the bodies of the saints. They were all accordingly arrested, and since they could not be induced by fear or threats to sacrifice to the gods, they were first beaten with clubs, then dragged about with Topes, burnt with hot iron plates and torn with hooks. Lastly their hands were cut off and tied about their necks, and they were led through the city and by the Via Cornelia to the place called Nymphe, thirteen miles from Rome, where they were put to death. The first to die was Martha, who had earnestly exhorted her husband and sons to bear their sufferings with_constancy for the faith of Jesus Christ. Then the others were beheaded in the same sandpit, and their bodies were thrown into the fire. Felicitas, a noble Roman matron, took them when they were half burned and buried them in her own estate. ST CANUTE, AND KING 339 MARTYR THE SAME DAY SAINT CANUTE KING AND MARTYR 'HE Magi Kings, as we have already observed, have been followed to the Crib of Jesus by saintly Christian monarchs; and it was just that these should be represented on the Church’s Calendar during the season which is consecrated to the Mystery of his Birth. The eleventh century is one of the most glorious of the Christian era, and gave, both to the Church and the various States of Europe, a great number of saintly Kings. Among them Canute the Fourth of Denmark stands pre-eminent by reason of the aureole of his martyr- dom. He had every quality which forms a Christian prince: he was a zealous propagator of the faith of Christ, he was a brave warrior, he was pious, and he was charit- able to the poor. His zeal for the Church (and in those days ker rights were counted as the rights of the people) was made the pretext for putting him to death: he died in the midst of a sedition as a victim sacrificed for his people’s sake. His offering to the new-born King was that of his blood; and in exchange for the perishable crown he lost, he received that which the Church gives to her Martyrs, and which can never be taken away. The history of Denmark in the eleventh century is scarce known by the rest of the world; but the glory of that country’s having had one of her kings a Martyr is known throughout the whole Church, and the Church inhabits the whole earth. This power, possessed by the Spouse of Christ, of conferring honour on the name and actions of the servants and friends of God, is one of the grandest spectacles out of heaven; for when she holds up a name as worthy of honour, that name becomes immortalized, 340 CHRISTMAS whether he who bore it were a powerful king or the poorest peasant. We find the following life of this holy King given in the Lessons until recently used in the Breviary. Canutus Quartus, Suenonis Esthritii Danorum regis filius, fide, pietate et morum honestate _conspicuus, eximiz sanctitatis a teneris annis specimen dedit. Paternum sceptrum summa omnium acclamatione adeptus, religioni promovend= sedulo incumbere, Ecclesias redditibus_augere, et pretiosa supellectili ornare capit. Tum zelo propagandz fidei succensus, barbara regna justo certamine aggressus, devictas subditasque nationes christiana legi subjugavit. Victoriis autem plurimis gloriosus, et divitiis auctus, regale diadema ad Christi crucifixi_pedes abjecit, se et regnum illi subjiciens qui Rex regum est et Dominus dominatium. _Corpus suum jejuniis, ciliciis, et flagellis castigavit. In oratione et contemplatione assiduus, erga pauperes profusus, erga omnes beneficus semer fuit, nec unquam a jusB, divinmque semita deflexit. Canute the Fourth, son of Sweyn Estrithius, King of Denmark, was conspicuous for his faith, piety, and purity of life, and even from his infancy gave proof of exceeding holiness. Having been elected by the votes of the people to the throne held by his father, he at once began _ zealously to promote religion, to add to the revenues of the Churches, and to provide the same with costly ttings and furniture. Being also inflamed with zeal for the propagation of the faith, he refused not to enter into just war with barbarous nations, which, when he had conquered and subdued, he subjected to the law of Christ, Having obtained several glorious victories, and increased the riches of his treasury, he laid his regal diadem at the feet of a crucifix, offering himself and his kingdom to him who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He chastised his body by fasting, hair-shirts and disciplines. He was assiduous in prayer and contemplation, liberal in his alms to the poor, and ever kind to all, never deviating from the path of justice and the divine commandments. His aliisque virtutibus imBy these and other such butus, ad supremum perfec- virtues the holy King made tionis apicem sanctus Rex rapid strides to the summit of properabat. Accidit autem, perfection. Now it happened ut Angliz regnum a Wilhelmo that William, Duke of NorNormannorum duce formida- mandy, invaded the kingdom bili exercitu invaderetur ; of England with a formidable ST CANUTE, KING Anglis vero Danorum opem implorantibus, cum succurrere rex decrevisset, belli expeditionem Olao fratri commisit, qui regnandi cupiditate illectus, arma_vertit in regis perniciem, militibus et populo contra illum_concitatis. Nec defuerunt rebellioni fomenta; cum enim rex editis legibus decimas Ecclesiis solvi, Dei et Ecclesi@ pracepta servari, transgressores puniri sanxisset; plerique perversi ac scelerati homines exacerbati, primum quidem tumultuari, tum plebem commovere, ac tandem sanctissimo regi necem moliri coeperunt. AND MARTYR 341 army, and the English sought assistance from the Danes. The King_ resolved to grant them his aid, and intrusted the expedition to his brother Olaf. But he, from the desire he had of getting possession of the throne, turned his forces against the King, and stirred up the soldiers and the people to rebellion. Neither ~were there wanting motives for this rebellion; for the King had issued laws commanding the payment of ecclesiastical tithes, the observance of the commandments of God and his Church, and the infliction of penalties on defaulters; all which were made a handle of by perverse and wicked malcontents, for spreading discontent, exciting the people to revolt, and at last, to plot the death of the saintly King. Foreknowing what was to Sciens igitur rex futurorum prascius, mortem sibi happen, the King saw that he propter justitiam imminere; would soon be put to death ea prenuntiata, ad Eccles for justice’ sake. = Having foream sancti Albani martyris told it, he set out to Odense, Othoniz tanquam ad locum where, entering into the Church certaminis_profectus est, et of St Alban the Martyr, as the Sacramentis munitus, ago- place of combat, he fortified nem suum Domino commen- himself with the Sacraments, and dabat. Mox ibi adveniens commended this his last struggle conjuratorum multitudo, Ec- to our Lord. He had not long clesiz ignem admovere, fores been there, when a band of confringere, et in eam irrum- conspirators arrived. They enpere tentarunt. Quod cum deavoured to set fire to the perficere non possent, ad fe- Church, to burst open the dogrs, nestras accedentes, saxa et and to force an entrance. But sagittas in_sanctum Regem, failing in this, they scaled the flexis genibus pro _inimicis windows, and with great violence orantem, magno impetu threw a shower of stones and jaculari non cessarunt, do- arrows upon the holy King, nec lapidum et telorum ic- who was on_his knees, praying Wounded by tibus, ac tandem lancea for his enemies. confossus, _glorioso marty- the stones and arrows, and rio ante altate, extensis bra- at last pierced through with 342 CHRISTMAS chiis procumbens coronatus est, sedente in Apostolico throno Gregorio Septimo. Multis postea miraculis Mar- tyrem suum illustravit Deus: nam gravi penuria et diversis calamitatibus oppressa Dania, patrati sacrilegii penas luit. = Plures etiam variis languoribus aflicti, ad ejus tumulum remedium et incolumitatem consecuti sunt; cumque Regina sacrum ejus corPpus noctu clam surripere, et alio transferre conaretur, emisso calitus ingenti splendore perterrita, a proposito cessavit. a spear, he was crowned with a glorious martyrdom, and fell before the altar with his arms stretched out. Gregory _the Seventh was the reigning Pontifi. God showed by many miracles how glorious was his Martyr; and Denmark was aflicted with a great famine and sundry calamities, in punishment of the sacrilegious murder which had been perpetrated. Many persons, who were afflicted with various maladies, found aid and bealth by praying at the tomb of the Martyr. On one occasion, when the Queen endeavoured during the night to take up his body secretly and carry it to another place, she was deterred from her design by beingstruckwithfearat the sight of a most brilliant light, which came down from heaven. O holy King | the Sun of Justice had risen upon thy country, and all thy ambition was that thy people might enjoy the fulness of its light and warmth. Like the Magi of the East, thou didst lay thy crown at the feet of the Emmanuel, and at length didst offer thy very life in his service and in that of his Church. But thy people were not worthy of thee; they shed thy blood, as the ungrateful Israel shed the Blood of the Just One who is now born unto us, and whose sweet Infancy ‘we are now celebrating. Thou didst offer thy martyrdom for the sins of thy people; offer it now also for them, that they may recover the true faith they have so long lost. Pray for the Rulers of Christian lands, that they may be faithful to their duties, zealous for justice, and may have respect for the liberty of the Church. Ask for us of the Divine Infant a devotedness in his cause like that which glowed in thy breast; and since we have not a crown to lay at his feet, pray for us that we may be generous enough to give our whole heart. ST WULSTAN THE SAME 343 Davy SAINT WULSTAN BISHOP AND CONFESSOR “EVERAL dioceses in England celebrate on this day the feast of St Wulstan, Bishop of Worcester. The last of the Anglo-Saxon saints, Wulstan was worthy to close the long line of men and women who had earned for the country the proud title of ‘ Insula Sanctorum.’ His character as sketched by a contemporary is singularly attractive. A simple man, strong in his simplicity, yet kindly and gifted with a merry wit, he held straight on his course in God’s service a priest, monk, prior, and bishop, spending himself in the laborious offices of his ministry, much more intent on the burdens of his position than on its emoluments. A love of beauty ran through his life and manifested itself in building fine churches, in his care of books, in his love for the freshness of children. In his long life of eighty-seven years Wulstan saw the gradual passing of the old order, the reigns of Ethelbert, Canute, Edward the Confessor, and of his friend King Harold, down to the fateful day when power passed into Norman hands. With all his love for his own land and dynasty the Saint gave no time to useless regrets. He had warned the people that for their sins the country would fall under the dominion of strangers, and when the conquest became a fact he threw his great influence into support of the new dynasty. But he was no time-server, and had no hesitation in confronting the Conqueror to demand redress of injustice done to his See. King William learned to admire the sturdy Saxon prelate, and Woulstan, instead of sharing the fate of nearly all the native bishops who were removed and replaced by CHRISTMAS 344 Normans, remained in his See and was made the King’s lieutenant for the Midlands. The following are the lessons of Saint Wulstan. Wolstanus presbyter mag- nam sibi sanctitatis famam acquisiverat. Postea monachus Wigorniensis factus, ad ejusdem Ecclesiz regl'cmen brevi assumptus est. Sci ti szcularis pene rudi, spiri uali disciplin totum se dedit. Sermonis Anglicani inter eloquentissimos habebatur; quo in genere est illud maxime memorandum, quod _cives Bristolienses, quos a nefario mancipiorum indigenarum mercatu, nec regia, nec pontificia potestas deterrere potuerat, ipse assiduis pradicationibus ad saniorem mentem reduxerit. Episcopus factus omnes boni pastoris partes sedulo egit. Continuo _dicecesim suam lustrare ccepit, ordinationes facere, ecclesias dedicare, peccantes arguere animas sibi commissas et verbo et exemplo ad @ternz vite desiderium excitare. Sapius evenit ut ab ortu solii ad tenebras pueros undecumque advectos ad duorum vel trium millium numerum sacro chrismate jejunus signaret. In confessionibus excipiendis ea erat mansuetudine, €0 animarum zelo, ut ad Wolstanum et tota Anglia conflueretur, ejusque monitis peccatores scelera sua dignis poenitentiz operibus emendarent. Neque vero, dum aliens saluti invigilaret, neglige- Waulstan whilst a simple priest had acquired to himself a great renown for holiness. Afterwards having become a monk of Worcester Priory, he was in a short time raised to the government of the same church. Al‘most entirely ignorant of secular learning, he gave himself wholly to spiritual science. He was numbered among the most eloquent speakers of the English language, in proof of which, this is principally to be remembered, that by his assiduous preaching _he converted _the citizens of Bristol, whom neither the regal nor the pontifical wer could withdraw from the infamous slave trade. Being made bishop, he sedulously fulfilled all the duties of a good shepherd. He began to visit all parts of his diocese, to give ordinations, to dedicate churches, to reprove sinners, and to animate the souls committed to his care, both by word and example, to the desire of eternal life. It frequently happened_that he fasted from suarise till nightfall whilst he was occupied in confirming children to the number of two or three thousand who were brought from all parts. Such was his meekness and zeal for souls in hearing confessions that perto him from all partsof sons came England, and by his admonitions sinners amended their crimes by worthy deeds of penance. Neither did he whilst watching over the salvation of others ST WULSTAN bat suam. Frequenti Missarum celebratione, oratione assidua, jugi ab esu carnium abstinentia, et effusa in egenos caritate Deo serviebat. Quanto autem de se demissius sentiret, eo magis ab omnibus virtutes ejus pradicabantur: ut non solum Angli et Normanni, sed exterarum quoque gentium reges et prasules ejus se orationibus commendarent. Senex admodum mortuus est anno ab Incarnatione Domini millesimo nonagesimo quinto et in ecclesia sua Wigornia sepultus. 345 neglect his own. He served God by the constant celebration of Mass, by assiduous prayer, by continued abstinence from flesh-meat and by overflowing charity to the needy. The more humbly he esteemed himself, by 5o much the more his virtues were proclaimed by all, so that not only the English and Normans, but the kings and rulers of foreign nations also commended themselves to his prayers. He died, a very old man, in the year from the Incarnation of our Lord one thousand and ninety-five, and was buried in his church of Worcester. 346 CHRISTMAS JaNuary 20 SAINT FABIAN POPE AND MARTYR AND SAINT SEBASTIAN MARTYR ‘WO great honours Martyrs divide of this twentieth between them the day of January:—one, a Pontiff of the Church of Rome; the other, a member of that Mother-Church. Fabian received the crown of martyrdom, in the year 250, under the persecution of Decius; the persecution of Diocletian crowned Sebas- tian in the year 288. We will consider the merits of these two champions of Christ separately. SAINT FABIAN St Fabian, like St Clement and St Antherus, two of his predecessors, was extremely zealous in seeing that the Acts of the Martyrs were carefully drawn up. This zeal was no doubt exercised by the clergy in the of our holy Pontiff himself, and his sufferings martyrdom were carefully registered; but all interesting particulars have been lost, in common case and these with an immense number of other precious Acts, which were condemned to the flames, by the Imperial Edicts, during the persecution known of the under life of Diocletian. St Fabian, Nothing save a few is now of his actions as Pope; but we may have some idea of his virtues by the praise given him by St Cyprian, who, in a letter written to St Cornelius, the immediate successor of St Fabian, calls him an incomparable man. The Bishop of Carthage extols the purity and holiness of SS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN 347 life of the holy Pontiff, who so peaceably governed the Church amidst all the storms which then assailed her. There is an interesting circumstance related of him by Eusebius. After the death of St Antherus, the people and clergy of Rome assembled together for the election of the new Pontiff. Heaven marked out the successor of St Peter: a dove was seen to rest on the venerable head of Fabian, and he was unanimously chosen. reminds us of the event in our Lord’s Life, which This we celebrated a few days back, when, standing in the river Jordan, the Dove came down from heaven, and showed him to the people as the Son of God. Fabian was the depository of the power of regeneration, which Jesus by his baptism gave to the element of water; he zealously propagated the Faith of his Divine Master, and among the Bishops he consecrated for divers places, one or more were sent by him into these western parts of Europe. . We give the short account of the Acts of St Fabian, as recorded in the Liturgy. Fabianus Romanus a Maximino usque ad Decium regens Ecclesiam, septem Diaconis regiones divisit, qui pauperum curam haberent. Totidem Subdiaconos _creavit, qui res gestas Martyrum a septem Notariis scriptas colligerent. Idem statuit, ut quotannis Feria quinta'in Cena Domini, vetere combusto, Chrisma renovaretur. Denique decimotertio kalendas Februarii in_persecutione Decii martyrio coronatus, in ccemeterio Callisti via Appia sepelitur, cum sedisset annos uindecim, dies quatuor. ic fecit Ordinationes quinque mense Decembri, quibus creavit Presbyteros viginti duos, Diaconos septem, Epis- Fabian, a Roman by birth, governed the Church from the Teign of Maximian to that of Decius. He divided the City into seven parts, which he consigned to as many Deacons, and to them he gave the charge of looking after the poor. He created also a like number of Subdeacons, who were lect the Acts of the to col- Martyrs, written by seven Notaries. It was he who decreed that every year, on the fifth Feria of our Lord’s Supper, the Chrism should be renewed, and the old should be burnt. At length, on the thirteenth of the Kalends of February (January zo), he was crowned with martyrdom, in the persecution of Decius, and was buried in the cemetery of Callixtus, on the Appian CHRISTMAS 348 copos per decim. diversa un- loca Way, after reigning and four days. fifteen years e held five December, in which ordinations ordinations in_the month of he made two and twenty Priests, and Deacons seven Bishops for divers places. of Thus didst thou live out the long tempestuous days thy Pontificate, presentiment for eleven hand his Fabian! But thou hadst the of the peaceful future reserved by God Church, down O and to the thou coming didst zealously generations labour the great to ex- amples of the Martyrs. The flames have robbed us of a great portion of the treasures thou preparedst for us, and have deprived us of knowing the Fabian who so loved the Martyrs, and died one himself. But of thee, Blessed Pontiff | we know enough to make us thank God for having set thee over his Church in those hard times, and keep this day as a feast in celebration of thy glorious triumph. The dove, which marked thee out as the one chosen by heaven, showed thee to men as the visible Christ on earth; it told thee that thou wert destined for heavy responsibilities and martyrdom; it was a warning to the Church that she should recognize and hear thee as her guide and teacher. Honoured thus with a resemblance to Jesus in the mystery of his Epiphany, pray to him for us, that he mercifully manifest himself to our mind and heart. Obtain of him for us that docility to his grace, that loving submissiveness to his will, that detachment from all ‘ereated things, which were the support of thy life during those fifteen years of thy ever threatened and anxious pontificate. When the angry persecution at length broke on thee, it found thee prepared, and martyrdom carried thee to the bosom of that God who had already welcomed so many of thy martyred children. ‘We too are looking for that last wave which is to break over us, and carry us from the shore of this present life to eternity; oh! pray for us, that it may find us ready ! If the love of the Divine Babe, our Jesus, be within us; SS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN 349 if, like thee, we imitate the simplicity of the dove ; we shall not be lost! Here are our hearts—we wish for nothing but God; help us by thy prayers. SAINT SEBASTIAN At the head of her list of heroes, after the two glorious Apostles Peter and Paul, who form her chief glory, Rome puts her two most valiant Martyrs, Laurence and Sebastian, and her two most illustrious Virgins, Cecily and Agnes. Of these four, two are given us by the Calendar of Christmastide as attendants in the court of the Infant Jesus at Bethlehem. Laurence and Cecily come Jater brought the year, before us by calls forth brave in Sebastian soldier of the when other the Liturgy: and Agnes. pretorian mysteries but To-day band, are Christmas it is the Sebastian, who stands by the Crib; to-morrow we shall see Agnes, gentle as a lamb, yet fearless as a lion, inviting us to love the sweet Babe whom she chose for her Spouse. The chivalrous spirit of Sebastian the great Archdeacon; reminds us of both of them, one in the sanc- tuary and the other in the world, defied the tortures of death. Burnt on one side, Laurence bids the tyrant roast the other; Sebastian, pierced with his arrows, waits till the gaping wounds are closed, and then runs to his persecutor Diocletian, asking for a second martyrdom. But we must forget Laurence to-day, to think of Sebastian. We must picture to ourselves a young soldier, who tears himself away from all the ties of his home at Milan, because the whereas at Rome persecution there it was at its fiercest. was too tame, He trembles with anxiety at the thought that perhaps some of the Christians in the Capital may be losing courage. He has been told that at times some of the Emperor’s soldiers, who were soldiers also of Christ, have gained admission into the prisons, and have roused up the sinking courage of the confessors. He is resolved to go 350 CHRISTMAS on the like mission, and hopes that he may also He reaches Rome, receive the blessing of martyrdom. he is admitted into the prisons, and encourages to martyrdom such as had been shaken by the tears of those who were dear to them. Some of the gaolers, converted by witnessing his faith and his miracles, become martyrs themselves; and one of the Roman Magistrates asks to be instructed in a religion which can produce such men as this Sebastian. He has won the esteem of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian Hercules for his fidelity and courage as a soldier; they have loaded him with favours; and this gives him an influence in Rome which he so zealously turns to the advantage of the Christian religion, that the holy Pope Caius calls him the Defender of the Church. to heaven, martyrs After sending innumerable Sebastian at length wins the crown he had so ardently desired. He incurs the displeasure of Diocletian by confessing himself a Christian; the heavenly King, for whose sake alone he had put on the helmet and soldier’s cloak, was to him above all Emperors and Princes. He is handed over to the archers of Mauritania, who strip him, bind him, and wound him from head to foot with their arrows. They left him for dead, but a pious woman named Irene took care of him, and his wounds were healed. Sebastian again approaches the Emperor, who orders him to be beaten the Soldiers near the Imperial Palace. Such are to death of our in the circus, new-born King; but oh ! how richly does he repay them for their service ! Rome, the Capital of his Church, is founded on seven Basilicas, as the ancient City was on its seven hills; and the name and tomb of Sebastian grace one of these seven sanctuaries. The Basilica of Sebastian stands in a sort of solitude, on the Appian Way, outside the walls of the Eternal City; it is enriched with the relics of the holy Pope and Martyr Fabian; but Sebastian, the valiant leader of the pretorian guard, is the Patron, and as it were the Prince of the holy temple. It was here SS FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN 351 that he wished to be buried, as a faithful guardian, near the well wherein the bodies of the holy Apostles had been concealed, lest they should be desecrated by the persecutors. In return for the zeal of St Sebastian for the souls of his Christian brethren, whom he preserved from the contagion of paganism, God has made him the Protector of the faithful against pestilence. A signal proof of this power granted to the holy Martyr was given at Rome, in the year 680, under the Ponuflcate of St Agatho. Let us now listen to our holy Mother the Church, who thus speaks of her glorious Martyr in the Office of his Feast. Sebastianus ex patre Narbonensi, matre Mediolanensi natus, ob generis nobilitatem et virtutem Diocletiano carus fuit. Dux prima cohortis, christianos, quorum fidem clam colebat, opera et facultatibus adjuvabat; et qui ex eis tormentorum vim reformidare videbantur, cohortatione sic confirmabat, ut pro Jesu Christo multi se ultro tortoribus offerrent. In illis fuere Marcus et Marcellianus fratres, qui Rome in custodia erant apud Nicostratum: cujus_uxor Zoe vocem, quam amiserat, Sebastiani oratione recuperavit. Quibus Diocletiano _delatis, Sebastianum accersit, et vehementius objurgatum, omnibus artificiis a Christi fide conatur avertere. Sed cum nihil nec pollicendo, nec terrendo proficeret, ad palum alligatum sagittis configi jubet. Sebastian, whose father was of Narbonne, and his_mother a lady of Milan, was beloved Diocletian on account of his noble birth and his virtues. Being a captain of the pretorian cohort, he was able to give assistance and alms to the Christians, whose faith he himself followed, though privately. When he perceived any of them trembling at the great tortures of the persecutors, he made it his duty to encourage them; and so well did he do it, that many, for the sake of Jesus Christ, would freely offer themselves to the executioners. Of this number were the two brothers Mark and Marcellian, who were in custody under Nicostratus, whose wife, named Zoe, had recovered her speech by the prayer made for her by Sebastian. _Diocletian, being told of these things, summoned Sebastian before him; and after upbraiding him in very strong words, tried every means to induce him to turn from the faith of Christ. But finding_ that neither promises nor threats availed, he ordered him to be tied to a stake, and to be shot to death with arrows. 352 CHRISTMAS Everyone thought he was Quem omnium opinione dead; and a pious woman named mortuum, noctu sancta mulier Trene sepeliendi gratia Irene gave orders that his body jussit auferri: sed vivum should be taken away during the repertum, domi suz cura- night and buried; but she, vit. TItaque paulo post con- finding him to be still alive, had firmata _valetudine, Diocle- him taken to her house, where tiano obviam factus, ejus she took care of him. Not long impietatem liberius accusa- after, having quite recovered, vit. Cujus aspectu cum ille he went before Diocletian, and primum_ obstupuisset, quod boldly chided him for _his mortuum _crederet, rei no- wickedness. At first the Emvitate et acri Sebastiani peror was struck dumb with reprehensione _excandescens, astonishment, for he had eum tamdiu virgis cadi im- been told that Sebastian was peravit, donec animam Deo dead; but at length the strange redderet. Ejus corpus in event and the Martyr's sharp cloacam dejectum, Lucina a rebuke so_inflamed him with Sebastiano in somnis admo- rage, that he ordered him to be nita, ubi esset, et quo loco scourged to death with rods. humari vellet, ad’Catacum- His body was thrown into a bas sepelivit, ubi sancti Se- sewer, but Lucina was instructed bastiani nomine celebris Ec- by Sebastian, in her sleep, both clesia est zdificata. as to where his body was, and where he wished to be buried. Accordingly she buried him at the Catacombs, where, afterwards, a celebrated Church was built, called Saint Sebastian’s. The ancient Liturgical books contain a great many pieces in honour of St Sebastian. We limit ourselves to the following, which belongs to the Ambrosian Breviary. Sebastiani Martyris, Concivis almi, supplices Diem sacratam vocibus Canamus omnes debitis. Athleta Christi nobilis, Ardens amore pralii, Linquit tepentem patriam, Pugnamque Roms festinat. HYMN Let us all, in humble supplication, and with becoming sweetness of voice, celebrate in song the feast-day of our dear _fellow-citizen, Sebastian the Martyr. This noble champion of Christ, fired with the love of battle, leaves his country, where danger too tamely threatened him, and hastens to the hot battlefield at Rome. AND SS FABIAN Hic cultor alti dogmatis, Virtute plenus ceelica, 1dola damnans, inclyti Tropha sperat martyris. Loris revinctus plurimis; Qua stipes ingens tollitur, ibrata tela suscipit Umbone nudo pectoris. Fit silva corpus ferrea; Sed wre mens constantior Ut molle ferrum despicit: Ferrum precatur, seviat. Manantis unda sanguinis Exsangue corpus nunciat; Sed casta nocte femina Plagas tumentes recreat. Celeste robur militi Adacta prabent vulnera; Rursum tyrannum provocans, Exspirat inter vulnera. func ceeli in arce considens, Bellator o fortissime, Luem fugando, civium Tuere clemens corpora. Patri, simulque Filio, Tibique, Sancte Spiritu: Sicut fuit, sit jugiter Szzclum per omne gloria. Amen. SEBASTIAN 353 His soul enlightened with the sublime dogmas of faith, and full of heavenly courage, he_condemns the worship of idols, and hopes that a martyr’s bright trophy may be his. He is bound with many thongs to the huge trunk of a tree, and on his naked breast receives the quivering arrows. There stood his body like a forest of iron darts, while his soul, more unflinching than brass, despises the weapons as harmless things, and bids them do their worst. Streams of blood flow from the wounds, leaving but a lifeless body; but a holy woman comes by night, and heals the gaping wounds. The cruel goading gives our soldier heavenly strength; again he urges the tyrant to his work, and this time dies under the wounding lash. And now, most brave of warriors | now that thou art throned in the high heavens, drive pestilence away, and mercifully protect the bodily health of thy fellow-citizens on earth. To the Father, and to the Son, and to thee, O Holy Spirit, ‘may there be, as there ever hath been, glory for ever and ever. Amen. We find the following Prayer in the Gothic Missal. PRAYER Deus, qui per beatissimum Sebastianum Martyrem tuum, tuorum fidelium animos r borasti: dum tibi illum latentem sub chlamyde terrena imperii, militem perfectum exhibuisti, fac nos semper in m O God, who by thy most ~blessed Sebastian hast infused courage into the hearts of thy faithful, since thou didst malke him, while concealed under the service of an earthly com‘mander, a perfect soldier of thine 23 354 CHRISTMAS own: grant that we may ever fight to secure thy praise; confirm our speech with the teachings of thy justice; enlighten our heart with the love of thy love, and having freed our flesh from its concupiscence, secure it to thyself with the nails of thy cross. tuislaudibus militare: osnostrum arma_documento justitiz: cor illustra tuz dilectionis amore, atque carmem nostram erutam libidine clavis tuz crucis adfige. Brave Soldier of our Emmanuel! thou art now sweetly reposing at the foot of his throne. Thy wounds are closed, and thy rich palm-branch delights all heaven by the freshness of its unfading beauty. Look down upon the Church on earth, that tires not in singing thy praise. Each Christmas, we find thee near the Crib of the Divine Babe, its brave and faithful sentinel. The office thou didst once fill in an earthly prince’s court is still thine, but it is in the palace of the King of kings. Into that palace, we beseech thee, lead us by thy prayers, and gain a favourable hearing to our own unworthy petitions. With what a favourable ear must not Jesus receive all thy requests, who didst love him with such a brave love! Thirsting to shed thy blood in his service, was John not thou didst sure, and says,! was scorn Rome, drunk a battlefield that Babylon where which, danger as St with the blood of the Martyrs, Rome alone was worthy of thee. And there it wasnot thy plan to secure the palm of martyrdom only for thyself; the courage of some of thy fellow-Christians had wavered, and the thought of their danger troubled thee. Rushing into their prisons, where they lay mutilated by the tortures they had endured, thou didst give them back the fallen laurel, and teach them how to secure it in the grasp of holy defiance. It seemed as though thou wast commissioned to form a pretorian band for the King of heaven, and that thou couldst not enter heaven unless marshalling thither a troop of veterans for Jesus. Thy turn came at last; the hour of thy confession 2 Apoc, xvii 6. SS FABIAN was at hand, and AND thou hadst 355 SEBASTIAN to think of thine own fair crown. But for such a soldier as thou, Sebastian, one martyrdom is not enough. The archers have faithfully done their work—not an arrow is left in their quivers; and yet their victim lives, ready for a second sacrifice. Such were the Christians of the early times, and we are their children ! Look, then, O Soldier of Christ! upon us, and pity us, as thou didst thy brethren, who once faltered in the combat. Alas! we let everything frighten and discourage us; and oftentimes we are enemies of the Cross, even while professing that we love it. We too easily forget that we cannot be companions of the martyrs unless our hearts have the generosity of the martyrs. We are cowardly in our contest with the world and its pomps; with the evil propensities of our nature, and the tyranny of our senses; and thus we fall. And when we have made an easy peace with God, and sealed it with the sacrament of his love, we behave as though we had now nothing more to do than to go on quietly to heaven, thhout further trials or self-imposed sacrifices. Rouse us, great Saint ! from these illusions, and waken us from our listless life. Our love of God is asleep, and all must needs go wrong. Preserve us from the contagion of bad example, and of those worldly maxims which gain currency even with Christian minds, because Christian lips call them rules of Christian prudence. Pray for us, that we may be ardent in the pursuit of our sanctification, watchful over our inclinations, zealous for the salvation of others, lovers of the Cross, and detached from earthly things. Oh! by the arrows which pierced thee, we beseech thee shield us from those hidden darts which Satan throws against us. Pray for us, that we may be clad with the armour of God, described to us by the great Apostle. May we have on the breastplate of justice, which will defend us from sin; the helmet of salvation, that is, the hope of gaining heaven, which will preserve us from both 356 CHRISTMAS despair and presumption; the shield of faith, which will ward off the darts of the enemy who seeks to corrupt the heart by leading the mind into error; and lastly, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, whereby we may put all false doctrines to flight, and vanquish all our vices; for heaven and earth pass away, but the word of God abides for ever, and is given us as our rule and the pledge of our salvation.! Defender of the Church, as the Vicar of Christ called thee, lift up thy sword and defend her now. Prostrate her enemies, and frustrate the plots they have laid for her destruction. Let her enjoy one of those rare periods of peace during which she prepares for fresh combats. Obtain for Christian soldiers, engaged in just wars, the blessing of the God of Hosts. Protect the Holy City of Rome, where thy Tomb is honoured. Avert from us, by thy intercession, the scourge of pestilence and contagion. Hear the prayers which each year are addressed to thee for the preservation of the creatures given by God to man to aid him in his daily labour. Secure to us, by thy prayers, peace and happiness in this present life, and the good things of the life to come. 3 Eph. vi 13 o saq. ST AGNES JANUARY 357 21 SAINT AGNES VIRGIN AND MARTYR OW rich is the constellation of Martyrs, which shines in this portion of the sacred cycle! Yester- Vincent; and now to-day, between these two stalwart day we had St Sebastian; to-morrow we shall be singing the name which means Victory, for it is the Feast of palm-branches, we find the gentle Agnes decked with the roses and lilies of her virginity. Itis to a girl of thirteen that our Emmanuel gave this stern courage of martyrdom which made her meet the enemy with as bold a front as either the valiant captain of the pretorian band or the dauntless deacon of Saragossa. If they are the soldiers of Jesus, she is his tender and devoted Spouse. These are the triumphs of the Son of Mary ! Scarcely has he shown himself to the world, and lo! every noble heart flies towards him, according to that word of his: Wheresoever the body shall be, there shall the eagles also be gathered together.* It is the admirable result of the Virginity of his Blessed Mother, who has brought honour to the fecundity of the soul, and set it far above that of the body. It was Mary that first opened the way whereby certain chosen souls mount up even to the Divine Son, and fix their gaze in a cloudless vision on his beauty; for he himself said: Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.? What a glory it is for the Catholic Church, that she alone has the gift of this holy state of virginity, which is the source of every other sacrifice, because nothing but the love of God could inspire a human heart + St Matt. xxiv 28, * Ibid.v8. CHRISTMAS 358 to vow virginity! And what a grand honour for Christian Rome that she should have produced a Saint Agnes, that angel of earth, in comparison with whom the Vestals of paganism are mere pretences of devotedness, for their Virginity was never punished by fire and sword, nay, rather, was flattered by the recompense of earthly honours and riches ! Not that our Saint is without her recompense; only her recompense is not marred with the flaw of all human rewards. The name of this child, who lived but thirteen short years, will be echoed, to the end of time, in the sacred Canon of the universal Sacrifice. The path trod by the innocent maiden, on the way to her trial, is still marked out in the Holy City. In the Circus Agonalis* there rises the beautiful Church of Saint Agnes, with its rich cupola; and beneath are the vaults which were once the haunts of infamy, but now are a holy sanctuary, where everything reminds us of her who here won her glorious victory. Further on, on the Nomentan Road, outside the ramparts, is the beautiful Basilica, built by Constantine; and here, under an altar covered with precious stones, lies the body of the young Saint. Round this Basilica there are immense crypts; and in these did Agnes’s relics repose until the epoch of peace, surrounded by thousands of martyrs, whose holy remains were also deposited here. Nor must we pass over in silence the gracious tribute of honour paid by Rome each year, on this feast, to her beloved Martyr. Two lambs are placed on the altar of the Basilica Nomentana; they are emblems of the meekness of Jesus and the innocence of the gentle Agnes. After they have been blessed by the Abbot of the religious community which serves this Church, they are taken to a monastery of nuns, where they are carefully reared. Their wool is used for making the Palliums, which the Pope sends to all Patriarchs and Metropolitans of the Catholic world, as the essential emblem of their jurisdiction. Thus, this simple woollen ornament, 1 Now the Piazsa Navona. ST AGNES 359 which these prelates wear on their shoulders as a symbol of the sheep carried on the shoulders of the good Shepherd, and the Sovereign Pontiff takes from off the Altar of Saint Peter in order to send it to its destination, carries to the very ends of the world the sublime union of these two sentiments—the vigour and power of the Prince of the Apostles, and the gentleness of Agnes the Virgin. We will now quote the beautiful eulogy on St Agnes written by St Ambrose in his Book On Virgins.! The Church gives almost the entire passage in her Office of to-day’s feast; and, assuredly, the Virgin of Christ could not have had a finer panegyrist than the great Bishop of Milan, who is the most eloquent and persuasive of all the Fathers on the subject of holy virginity. We read that in the cities where Ambrose preached, mothers were afraid sermons, of their daughters lest he should being persuade them present at his to such love of Christ as to choose the better part. ‘ Having resolved,’ says the holy Bishop, ‘to write a book on virginity, I think myself happy in being able to begin it on the feast we are keeping of the Virgin Agnes. It is the feast of a virgin; let us walk in the path of purity. It is the feast of a martyr; let us offer up our Sacrifice. It is the feast of St Agnes; let men admire, and children not despair; let the married wonder, and the unmarried imitate. But what can we speak worthy of this Saint, whose very name is not void of praise ? As her devotedness is beyond her years, and her virtue superhuman—so, as it seems to me, her name is not an appellation, but a prophecy, presaging that she was to be a martyr.” word Agnus, The holy Doctor is here alluding to the from which some have derived the name Agnes ; and he says that the young Saint had immolation in her very name, for it called her victim. He goes on to consider the other etymology Greek word agnos, which means of Agnes, pure, and continues his discourse: ‘ The maiden’s name is an expression * Book I post initium. from he of the thus purity. 360 CHRISTMAS Martyr then, and Virgin! Is not that praise enough ? There is no praise so eloquent as merit that is too great to need seeking. No one is so praiseworthy as he who may be praised by all. Now all men are the praisers of Agnes, for when they pronounce her name they say her praise, for they say a Martyr. ‘ There is a tradition that she suffered martyrdom at the age of thirteen. Detestable indeed the cruelty that spared not even so tender an age ! but oh ! the power of faith, that could find even children to be its witnesses ! Here was a victim scarce big enough for a wound, for where could the sword fall? and yet she had courage enough to conquer the sword. “ At such an age as this, a girl trembles if she but see her mother angry, and cries as though it were a grievous thing if but pricked with a needle’s point. And Agnes, who stands amidst blood-stained murderers, is fearless! She is stunned with the rattle of the heavy chains, and yet not a flutter in that heart ! She offers her whole body to the sword of the furious soldier, for though she knows not what death is, yet she is quite ready to endure it. Perchance they will take her by force to the altars of their gods ! If they do, she will stretch out her hands to Jesus, and amidst those sacrilegious fires she will sign herself with that blessed sign, the trophy of our divine Conqueror; and then, if they will, and they can find shackles small enough to fit such tender limbs, they may fasten her hands and neck in their iron fetters ! ‘How strange a martyrdom| She is too young to be punished, yet she is old enough to win a victory. She cannot fight, yet she easily gains a crown. She has but the age of a scholar, yet has she mastered every virtue. Bride never went to nuptials with so glad a heart, nor so light a step, as this young virgin marches to the place of execution. She is decked not with the gay show of plaited tresses, but with Christ; she is wreathed not with flowers, but with purity. “ All stood weeping; Agnes shed not a tear. Some ST AGNES 361 wondered how it could be that she, who had but just begun her life, should be as ready to sacrifice it as though she had lived it out; and everyone was amazed that she, who was too young to give evidence even in her own affairs, should be so bold a witness of the divinity. Her oath would be invalid in a human cause; yet she is believed when she bears testimony for God. Their surprise was just: for a power thus above nature could only come from him who is the author of all nature. ‘ Her executioner does all he can to frighten her; he speaks fair words to coax her; he tells her of all the suitors who have sought her as their bride; but she replies: “ The Spouse insults her Beloved if she hesitate. I belong to him who first betrothed me: why, executioner, Kill this body, which might be dost thou not strike ? loved by eyes I would not wish to please.” ‘ She stood, she prayed, she bowed down her head. The executioner trembles, as though himself were going to be beheaded. His hand shakes, and his cheek grows pale, to strike this girl, who loves the danger and the blow. Here, then, have we a twofold martyrdom in a single victim, one for her chastity, the other for her faith. She was a Virgin before; and now she is a Martyr.” The Roman Church sings on this feast the sweet Responsories in which Agnes expresses her tender love of Jesus, and her happiness at having him for her Spouse. They are formed from the words of the ancient Acts of her Martyrdom, which were long attributed to the pen of St Ambrose. RESPONSORIES 7. Dexteram meam et collum meum cinxit lapidibus pretiosis; tradidit auribus meis_inzstimabiles margaritas: * Et circumdedit me vernantibus atque coruscantibus_gemmis. ¥. Posuit signum in fa- R. My Spouse has set precious stones on my right hand and on my neck; he has hung priceless pearls in my ears: * And he has laden me with gay and glittering gems. ¥. He has placed his sign upon my CHRISTMAS 362 ciem meam, ut nullum_prater eum amatorem admittam. * Et circumdedit me. R. Amo Christum in cujus thalamum introibo, cujus Mater virgo est, cujus Pater feminam nescit, cujus mihi organa modulatis vocibus can- tant: * Quem cum amavero, casta sum, cum tetigero, mun- da sum, cum accepero, virgo sum. ¥. Annulo fidei suz subarrhavit me, et immensis monilibus ornavit me: * Quem. Ry. Mel et lac ex ejus ore suscepi, * Et sanguis ejus ornavit genas meas. ¥. Ostendit mihi thesauros incomparabiles, quos mihi se daturum repromisit. * Et sanguis. K. Jam corpus ejus corpori meo_sociatum _est, et sanguis_ejus ornavit genas meas: * Cujus Mater virgo est, cujus_Pater feminam nescit. ¥. Ipsi sum_desponsata cui_ Angeli serviunt, cujus pulchritudinem sol et luna mirantur. * Cujus Mater. face, that 1 may have none other to love me but him. * And be has. K. I love Christ; I shall be the spouse of him, whose Mother is a Virgin, and whose Father begot him divinely, and who_delights me with sweet music of organs and singers: When I love him, I am chas when I touch him, I am pu when I possess him, I am a Virgin, ¥. He has betrothed me with the ring of his fidelity, and has decked me with a necklace of priceless worth. * When. Ry. Milk and honey have I received from his lips; * and his Blood has graced my cheek. Y. He has shown me incomparable treasures, and these has he promised to give me. * And his Blood. Ry. Already have I communicated of his sacred Body, and his Blood has graced my cheek: * His Mother is a Virgin, his Father is God. V.1 am espoused to him whom the Angels obey, and whose beauty the sun and the moon admire. * His Mother. St Ambrose was sure to write a Hymn on the VirginMartyrin whose praise he was so enthusiastic. We almost dcxfi.u‘ of giving an idea of the beauty of his verses to such as can read only our version of them. Agnes beatz virginis Natalis est, quo spiritum Ceelo refudit debitum, Pio sacrata sanguine. Matura martyrio fuit, Matura nondum nuptiis, HYMN It is the blessed Virgin Agnes’ feast, for today she was sanctified by shedding her innocent blood, and gave to heaven her heaven-claimed spirit. She that was too young to be a bride was old enough to ST AGNES 363 Nutabat in viris fides, be a martyr, and that too in an Cedebat et fessus senex. age when men were faltering in faith, and even hoary heads grew wearied and denied our God. Her parents trembled for their Metu parentes territi Claustrum pudoris auxerant: Agnes, and doubly did they thus Solvit fores custodiz defend the treasure of her Fides teneri nescia. purity; but her faith disdained a silent hiding-place, and unlocked its shelter-giving gate. Prodire quis nuptam putet, One would think it was a Sic lta vultu ducitur, bride hurrying with glad smiles to give some new present to Novas viro ferens opes, Dotata censu sanguinis. her Spouse; and so it was: she was bearing to him the dowry of her martyrdom. Aras nefandi numinis They would fain make her Adolere tdis cogitur: light a torch at the altar of some Respondet: Haud tales faces vile deity they came to: ‘ The Sumpsere Christi virgines. Virgins of Jesus,” said Agnes, “are not wont to hold a torch like this. Hicignis exstinguit fidem, ‘Its fire would quench one’s faith; its flame would put out Hac flamma lumen eripit: my light. Strike, strike me, Hic, hic ferite, ut profluo and the stream of my blood Cruore restinguam focos. shall extinguish these fires.’ They strike her to the ground ; Percussa quam pompam tulit 2 and as she falls, she gathers her robes around her, dreading, in Nam veste se totam tegit, the jealous purity of her soul, Curam pudoris prastitit, Ne quis retectam cerneret. the insulting gaze of some lewd eye. In morte vivebat pudor, Alive to purity even in the act of death, she buries her Vultumque texerat manu; face in her hands; and kneelTerram genuflexo petit, Lapsu verecundo cadens. ing on the ground, she falls as purity would wish to fall. Gloria tibi Domine, Gloria Unigenito, Una cum Sancto Spiritu In sempiterna szcula. Amen. Our admirable Glory be to thee, O Lord! and glory to thine Only Begotten Son, together with thy Holy Spirit, for everlasting ages. Amen. Prudentius, who visited Rome in the early part of the fifth century, and witnessed the devotion of the Roman people to St Agnes, consecrated CHRISTMAS 364 to her sweet memory the following Hymn, which is Though very long, it one of the finest of his is the Hymn used for this Feast in the Mozarabic Breviary. Agnes sepulchrum est Ro‘mulea in domo, Fortis puellz, martyris inclytz. Conspectu in ipso condita turrium, Servat salutem virgo Quiritium: Nec non et ipsos protegit advenas, Puro, ac fideli pectore supplices. Duplex corona est prastita i. Intactum ab omni crimine virginal, Mortis deinde gloria liber. Aiunt, jugali vix habilem toro Primis in annis forte puellulam, Christo calentem, fortiter imiis Jussis renisam, quo minus idolis Addicta, sacram desereret fidem. Tentata multis nam prius artibus, Nunc ore blandi judicis illice, Nunc swevientis carnificis minis, Stabat feroci robore pertinax, Corpusque duris excruciatibus Ultro offerebat, non renuens ‘mori. Tum trux tyrannus: Si facile est, ait, Peenam subactis ferre doloribus, HYMN The tomb of Agnes, the intrepid - maiden, the ~glorious Martyr, is in the city of Romulus.” In her resting-place, fronting the ramparts, the Virgin watches over the sons of Qui nus; and to pilgrims, too, that prey o her with pure and faithul *hearts, she extends her protection. She is a Martyr that wears a double crown; for she was a spotless, innocent virgin; and a glorious victim that freely died for Christ. Tt is related that when a girl, and too young to_be a bride, she loved Jesus with tenderest love, and” bravely withstood the impious commands that bade her offer sacrifice to the idols, and deny the holy faith. No art was left untried to make her yield; the judge put on the softness of winning words, and the grim executioner blustered out his_threats: but Agnes stood firm in stern cour ageousness, bidding them put her body to their fierce tortures, for she was willing to die. Then spoke the fierce tyrant: * I know thy readiness to suffer in and tortures, and at how ow a price thou settest life; but ST AGNES 365 Et vita vilis spernitur: at there is one thing thou holdest pudor dear-—a virgin's purity. Carus dicate virginitatis est. Hanc in lupanar tradere ‘“Tis this 1 have resolved publicum to expose to insult in the com- mon brothel, unless thy head applicet, shall bend before the altar of Ac de Minerva jam veniam our virgin-goddess Minerva, and Toget, thou, a virgin that darest to Quam_virgo pergit temnere despise a virgin such as she, virginem. shalt humbly crave her pardon. Omnis juventus irruat, et There shall youthful wantons novum have access, and thou be minisLudibriorum mancipium pe- ter to passion.” tat. Haud, inquit Agnes, im‘And thinkest thou,’ said ‘memor est ita Agnes, ‘that Christ can so Christus suorum, perdat ut forget his children as to let aureum our gold of purity be robbed, Nobis pudorem, nos quoque and us be outcasts to his care ? deserat. He is ever with the chaste, Prasto est pudicis, nec pa- shielding from injury the gift he titur sacrz has bestowed of holy virginity. Integritatis munera pollui. Thy sword may drip, if so thou Ferrum impiabis sanguine, listest, with our blood; but si voles: contamination and dishonour, Non_inquinabis membra li- never ' bidine. Sic elocutam publicitus juScarce had she said these words, than order was given bet Flexu_in platez sistere vir- to expose her in the vaults of the well-known street. A ginem, Stantem refugit meesta fre- throng, indeed, was there; but ity put a veil o'er every eye, quentia, Aversa_vultus, ne petulan- Tk faposed respecty tius Quisquam_verendum conspiceret locum. Intendit unus forte procaciSave one alone, and gaze, he ter says, he will. He scorns this Os in puellam, nec trepidat modest fear, which checks the sacram froward eye. Butlo | an Angel, Spectare formam lumine Iu- swift as lightning, strikes and brico. blinde the wanton wretch. He En ales ignis fulminis in falls, and writhes amidst the dust. His fellows raise him modum Vibratur ardens, atque ocu- from the ground, lifeless, as he seems to them; and weeping los ferit: Certum est, ad aram ni caput CHRISTMAS 366 Cacus corusco lumine corruit, Atque in platez pulvere palpitat, Tollunt sodales seminecem solo, Verbisque deflent exsequialibus. Ibat triumphans virgo, Deum Patrem, Christumque sacro carmine concinens, Quod sub profani labe periculi Castum lupanar, nec violabile Experta victrix virginitas foret. Sunt, qui rogatam rettu- lerint preces Fudisse Christo, redderet ut reo Lucem_jacenti: tum juveni halitum Vitze innovatum visibus integris. Primum sed Agnes hunc habuit gradum Celestis aul, moxaliusdatur. Accensus iram nam furor incitat Hostis cruenti. Vincor, ait gemens; 1, stringe ferrum, miles, et exere Pracepta summi regia principis, Ut vidit Agnes, stare trucem virum Mucrone nudo, lztior hac ait: Exsulto, talis quod potius venit Vesanus, atrox, turbidus ar‘miger, Quam si veniret languidus, ac tener Mollisque ephebus tinctus aromate, Qui me pudoris funere perderet. and lamenting, bear the corpse away. Agnes had triumphed: and in a hymn of praise, she sings her thanks to God the Father and his Christ, for that they had turned the den of infamy into a shelter for her treasure, and made virginity victorious. Some say that she was prayed to pray to Christ that he would restore the prostrate sinner to the vision he had lost: she did so, and the youth regained his consciousness and sight. But this was only one step towards heaven for our Saint; a second is to come. The cruel tyrant boils with furious wrath, and choked with disappointment, exclaims: *Shall I be baffled by a girl? Draw thy sword, soldier, and do the royal biddings of our sovereign lord.” Agnes looked up, and saw the savage minion standing with his unsheathed sword, and thus she spoke with beaming face: ‘Oh! happy, happy change! A wild, fierce, boisterous swordsman, for that young love-sick, smooth-faced, soft perfumed murderer of the chaste soul ! 367 “This is a suitor that does please me. I will not run from him, nor deny him what he asks. His' steel shall nestle in my bosom, and his sword shall warm in my heart’s best blood. Thus wedded to my Christ, I shall mount above the dark world to the realms beyond the clouds. . ST AGNES Hic, hic amator jam, fateor, placet: Tbo irruentis gressibus obviam, Nec demorabor vota calentia: Ferrum in papillas omne recepero, Pectusque ad imum vim gladii traham. Sic nupta Christo transiliam poli Omnes tenebras athere celsior. Eterne rector, divide januas Ceeli, obseratas terrigenis. prius; Ac te_sequentem, Christe, animam voca, Quum_virginalem, tum Patris hostiam. Sic fata, Christum cernuo Supplex adorat, vertice vulnus ut imminens Cervix subiret prona paratius. Ast ille tantam spem peragit manu: Uno sub ictu nam caput amputat. Sensum doloris mors' cita praevenit. Exutus inde spiritus emicat, Liberque in auras exilit: Angeli Sepsere euntem tramite candido. Miratur orbem sub pedibus situm, Spectat tenebras ardua subditas, Ridetque, solis quod rota circuit, Quod mundus omnis volvit, et implicat, * Eternal King! the gate of heaven, closed to men before thy coming on our earth, is opened now: ah! let me enter in. Call to thyself, my Jesus, a soul that seeks but theé: thy virgin-spouse, and thy Father's martyr —call me, Lord, to thee.” Thus did she pray; and then, with bended head, adored her Lord, and in this posture was the readier to receive the uplifted sword. The soldier’s hand was raised, and all the hopes of Agnes’ were fulfilled, for with a single blow he beheads the holy maiden, and death comes speedily to leave no time for pain. Quickly her spirit quits its garb of flesh, and speeds untrammelled through the air, surrounded, as it mounts, by a choir of lovely Angels. She sees this orb of ours far far below, and all beneath her seems a speck of dark. All carthly things are now so dwindled to her spirit's eye, that she looks at them and smiles: yea, all seems poor: the space traversed by the Sun, the globe 368 CHRISTMAS Rerum quod atro turbine vivitur, Quod vana sxcli mobilitas rapit: Reges, tyrannos, imperia et gradus, Pompasque_honorum stulta tumentium : Argenti et auri vim, rabida siti Cunctis petitam per varium nefas, Splendore multo structa habitacula, Tllusa pictz vestis inania, Iram, timorem, vota, pericula: Nunc triste longum, nunc breve gaudium, Livoris atri fumificas faces Nigrescit unde spes hominum et decus, Et, quod malorum tetrius omnium est, Gentilitatis sordida nubila. Hac calcat Agnes, hac pede proterit, Stans, et draconis calce premens caput: Terrena mundi qui ferus omnia Spargit venenis, mergit et inferis, Nunc _virginali perdomitus solo, Cristas cerebri deprimit ignei, Nec victus audet tollere verticem. Cingit coronis interea Deus Frontem duabus martyris innubz Unam decemplex edita sexies Merces perenni lumine conficit: Centenus exstat fructus in altera. O virgo felix, 0 nova gloria, Ceelestis arcis nobilis incola, Intende nostris colluvionibus with all its system, all that lives in the stormy whirlwind of creation, and changes with the vain fickleness of the world. Kings and tyrants, empires and all ranks; the pompous pageantry of honours big with folly; the sovereignty of gold and silver, which all men seek with rapid thirst, and gain by varied crime; sumptuous dweliings; rich coloured garbs, mere graceful lies; wrath and fear, hopeand peril; griefso long, and joy so brief; black envy's smoky flames, which Dblight men’s hopes and fame; and last but worst of all earth’s ills, the gloomy cloud of pagan superstition. Agnes sees all this, and tramples on it all. She stands, and crushes with her foot the serpent’s head. This monster with his venom taints all things on earth, and plunges into hell the fools that are his slav but now he crouching lies neath a virgin’s foot, droops his fiery crest, and dares not raise his vanquished head. And now our God girds with two crowns the Virgin-Martyr's brow: one is a sixtyfold of light eternal and reward; the other is the hundredfold of fruit. O happy Virginl Singular in thy glory! Noble inhabi- tant of heaven, decked with a 369 ST AGNES Vultum gemello cum diademate: Cui posse soli Cunctiparens dedit Castum vel ipsum reddere fornicem. Purgabor oris propitiabilis Fulgore, nostrum si jecur impleas. Nil non pudicum est quod pia visere Dignaris, almo vel pede tangere. twofold crown ! us who live in misery and sin; for to thee alone did our Heavenly Father give the power to change impurity’s abode into the shelter of chastity. Fill my heart with the bright ray of thine intercession, and I shall be cleansed; for all is pure that can from thy pity gain a look or loving visit. There is still another hymn It is from the pen of Adam Oh ! look upon of the finest of his sequences. to the praise of Agnes. of Saint-Victor, and is one SEQUENCE Animemur ad agonem, Recolentes passionem Gloriosz virginis. Contrectantes sacrum florem, Respiremus ad odorem Respersz dulcedinis. Pulchra, prudens et illustris, Jam duocbus Agnes lustris ‘Addebat triennium. Proles amat hanc prafecti: _Sed ad ejus virgo flecti Respuit arbitrium. Mira vis fidei, Mira virginitas, Mira virginei Cordis integritas. Sic Dei Filius, Nutu mirabili, Se mirabilius Prodit in fragili. Languet amans: cubat lecto: Languor notus fit prafecto; Maturat remedia. u Let us gain courage for our own battle by honouring the martyrdom of the glorious virgin Agnes. Let us look at this sweet flower of our feast, and inhale into our souls the virtues of its fragrance. Agnes was fair and wise and rich, and had reached her thirteenth year. The Prefect’s son saw and loved her; but the maiden could not be induced to grant his suit. How great is the power of faith!| How wonderful is Virginity | How admirable the purity of a virgin’s heart | "Tis thus that Jesus, by a wonderful dispensation, shows himself strongest in the weakest. Sick, then, with love, the suitor takes to bed; his sickness is made known to the Prefect; the cure is prepared. 24 370 CHRISTMAS Gifts in abundance, promises without end; but giver and gifts, both are perishable things; and Agnes. thought both beneath er. Nudam prostituit The Prefect condemns her Prases flagitiis: to the worst of insults; Christ protects her with the flowing Quam Christus induit tresses of her head, and a garComarum fimbriis Stolaque ceelesti. ment he sends her from heaven. He sends an Angel to stand Caelestis nuncius by her. The den of infamy Assistit propius: becomes a mansion of light; Cella libidinis and consternation checks the Fit locus luminis; wanton crowd. Turbantur incesti. Cacus amans indignatur, The blind suitor is angry, and Et irrumpens praefocatur rushing at his prey, is choked A maligno spiritu. by the wicked spirit. The father mourns, and all Luget pater, lugent cuncti: Roma flevit pro defuncti mourn; Rome wept for the Juvenis interitu. death of the young man. Suscitatur ab Agnete, Agnes raises him to life; the crowd s in confusion, and preTurba fremit indiscrete: Rogum parant Virgini. pares a fire on which to burn the in. The fire burns the guilty; Rogus ardens reos urit, In furentes flamma furit, the flame rages against them, and avenges the honour of Dans honorem Numini. God. The Saint gives thanks to Grates agens Salvatori, Guttur offert hac lictori, her Saviour; offers her head to Nec ad horam timet mori, the executioner, and dies unPritatis conscia. fearingly, for her purity was safe. Agnes, Agni salutaris O Agnes, standing at the Stans ad dextram gloriaris, right hand of the Lamb, thy Et tes consolaris Saviour, thou art now in glory, Invitans ad gaudia. and thou consolest thy parents, inviting them to bliss. Ne te flerent ut defunctam Thou biddest them not mourn Jam caelesti Sponso junctam: for thee as for one that was His sub agni forma suam dead, for that thou wast now Revelavit, atque tuam united to the heavenly Spouse: Virginalem gloriam. and he, under the form of a Lamb, reveals to them his own and thy virginal glory. Nos ab Agno salutari Suffer us not to be separated Non permitte separari, from the Lamb, our Saviour, Cui te totam consecrasti; to whom thou didst consecrate Offert multa, spondet plura, Periturus peritura; Sed vilescunt omnia. ST AGNES Cujus ope tu curasti Nobilem Constantiam. Vas electum, vas honoris, Incorrupti flos odoris, Angelorum grata choris, Honestatis et pudoris Formam prabes szculo. Palma fruens triumphali, Flore vernans virginali, Nos indignos speciali Fac sancforum generali Vel subscribi titulo. Amen. 371 thy whole being; and by whose power thou didst heal the lady Constance. Vessel of election | vessel of honour | flower of unfading fragrance | beloved of the choirs of Angels | thou art an example to the world of virtue and chastity. O thou that wearest a Martyr’s palm and a Virgin's wreath! pray for us, that, though unworthy of a special crown, we may have our names written in the list of Saints. Amen. How sweet and yet how strong, O Agnes! is the love of Jesus, thy Spouse! It enters an innocent heart, and that heart becomes full of dauntless courage ! Thus was it with thee. The world and its pleasures, persecution and its tortures, all were alike contemptible to thee. The pagan judge condemned thee to an insult worse than a thousand deaths, and thou didst not know that the Angel of the Lord would defend thee ! how is it that thou hadst no fear? of Jesus filled thy heart. Fire was nothing; the very hell that was nothing to thee ! for no human power could ever It was because the love was nothing; the sword of men’s making, even thy love told thee that rob thee of thy Jesus; thou hadst his word for it, and thou knewest he would keep it. Dear Child ! innocent even in the capital of pagan corruption, and free of heart even amidst a slavish race, we see the image of our Emmanuel in thee. He is the Lamb; and thou art simple, like him: he is the Lion of the Tribe of Juda; and like him thou art invincible. Truly these Christians, as the pagans said, are a race of beings come from heaven to people this earth! A family that has martyrs and heroes and heroines like thee, brave Saint ! that has young virgins, filled, like its venerable pontiffs and veteran soldiers, 372 CHRISTMAS with the fire of heaven, and burning with ambition to leave a world they have edified with their virtues, is God’s own people, and it never can be extinct. Its martyrs are to us the representation of the divine virtues of our Lord Jesus Christ. By nature they were as weak as we; they had a disadvantage which we have not—they had to live in the very thick of paganism, and paganism had corrupted the whole earth; and notwithstanding all this, they were courageous and chaste. Have pity on us and help us, O thou, one of the brightest of these great Saints! The love of Jesus is weak in our hearts. We are affected and shed tears at the recital of thy heroic conduct; but we are cowards in the battle we ourselves have to fight against the world and our passions. Habitual seeking after ease and comfort has fastened upon us a certain effeminacy: we are ever throwing away our interest upon trifles; how can we have earnestness and courage for our duties? Sanctity ! we cannot understand it; and when we hear or read of it, we gravely say that the Saints did very strange things and were indiscreet, and were carried away by exaggerated notions! What must we think, on this thy feast, of thy contempt for the world and all its pleasures, of thy heavenly enthusiasm, of thy eagerness to go to Jesus by suffering? Thou wast a Christian, Agnes! Are we too Christians? Oh! pray for us that we may love like Christians, that is, with a generous and active love, with a love which can feel indignant when asked to have less detachment from all that is not God. Pray for us, that our piety may be that of the Gospel, and not the fashionable piety which pleases the world, and makes us pleased with ourselves. There are some brave hearts who follow thy example; but they are few; increase their number by thy prayers, that so the Divine Lamb may be followed, whithersoever he goeth in heaven, by a count- less number of virgins and martyrs. Innocent Saint ! we meet thee each year at the Crib of the Divine Babe, and we delight, on thy Feast, to ST AGNES 373 think of the wonderful love there is between Jesus and his brave little Martyr. This Lamb is come to die for us too, and invites us to Bethlehem; speak to him for us; the intercession of a Saint who loved him as thou didst can work wonders even for such sinners as we. Lead us to his sweet Virgin-Mother. Thou didst imitate her virginal purity; ask her to give us those powerful prayers which can cleanse even worse hearts than ours. Pray also, O Agnes ! for the Holy Church, which is the Spouse of Jesus. It was she that gave thee to be his, and it is from her that we also have received our life and our light. Pray that she may be blessed with an ever-increasing number of faithful virgins. Protect Rome, the city which guards thy relics, and loves thee sotenderly. Bless the Prelates of the Church, and obtain for them the meekness of the lamb, the firmness of the Rock, the zeal of the good Shepherd for his lost sheep. And lastly, O Spouse of Jesus ! hear the prayers of all who invoke thee, and let thy charity for us thy exiled brethren learn from the Heart of Jesus the secret of growing more ardent as the world grows older. CHRISTMAS 374 JaNUARY SAINTS 22 VINCENT AND MARTYRS ANASTASIUS SAINT VINCENT, DEACON AND MARTYR INCENT, the Victorious, vested in the sacred dalmatic, and holding his palm in his hand, comes, today, to the Crib, and right welcome is he to Stephen, the Crowned, his leader and his brother. Spain is his country. He is a deacon of the glorious Church of Saragossa, and, by the strength and warmth of his faith, he is a type of that land, which is pre-eminently the Catholic Kingdom. But he does not belong to Spain only: like Stephen, and like Laurence, Vincent is the favourite and hero of the whole Church. Stephen, the deacon, preached the divinity of Jesus amidst the shower of stones which were hurled upon him as a blasphemer; Vincent, the deacon, confessed his faith in Jesus upon his red-hot gridiron, as did that other deacon, Laurence. This triumvirate of Martyr-deacons cluster together in the sacred Litany, and when we hear their three grand names, the Crown, the Laurel, and the Conqueror, we hail them Lord. as the three bravest Knights of our most dear Vincent triumphed over the torture of fire, because the flame of divine love which burned within his soul was keener than that which scorched his body. He was comforted in the most miraculous manner not to deprive Vincent his great sufferings; but God worked of his crown, these during prodigies but to show his own power. The holy deacon had but one thought in the midst of all his pains; he was ambitious to make a return, by the gift of his own life, for that sacrifice whereby his divine Master had died for him and for all SS VINCENT AND ANASTASIUS 375 men. And now, is it not right and just that so generous a lover of God should be found beside the Crib? Divine How he urges us, every Christmas, to love this Infant! He that hesitated not, when called on to give himself to his Lord, even though it was to cost him such cruel pains—what cowards would he not call us, who can come so many Christmases to Bethlehem, and have nothing to give but cold and divided hearts ! His sacrifice was to be burnt alive and torn and cut, and he smiled as he offered it: what are we to say of ourselves, who take years to think before we will give up those childish things which prevent us from ever seriously beginning a new life with our new-born Jesus ! Would that the sight of all these Martyrs, in whose company the Church has made us live during these few last days, would touch our hearts, and make them resolute and simple ! There is an ancient Christian tradition, which makes St Vincent the patron of vineyards and labourers in vineyards. This was, no doubt, suggested by the Saint’s having held the office of deacon; for the deacon has to pour wine into the chalice during the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and that wine is to be changed into the Blood of Christ. A few days ago, we assisted at the mystery of the Feast at Cana; Jesus then offered us the sacred cup, the wine of his love: today, again, he offers it to us by the hand of his Martyr Vincent. To make himself worthy of his high office, the holy deacon mingled his own blood, as a generous wine, in the cup that holds the price of the world’s salvation. It is thus that we are to understand that expression of St Paul, which says that the Saints fill up in the flesh, by the merit of their sufferings, those things that are wanting, not in their efficacy, but in their fulness, of the sufferings of Christ,! whose members the Saints are. We will now give the abridged account of the martyrdom of St Vincent, as it is related in the Lessons of his Feast. 2 Col. i 24. 376 CHRISTMAS Vincentius, Osce in Hispania citeriore natus, a prima atate studiis deditus, sacras litteras a_Valerio Cesaraugustano Episcopo didicit: cujus etiam partes suscepit predicandi Evangelium, quod Episcopus, propter linguw impedimentum, pradicationis officio fungi non poterat. Ea re ad Dacianum, provinci@ a Diocletiano et Maximiano prapositum, delata, Vincentius Czsaraugustz comprehenditur, et vinctus ad Dacianum Valentiam adducitur. Ubi verberibus et equuleo tortus, multis prasentibus, cum nulla aut tormentorum vi, aut acerbitate vel lenitate verborum a proposito deterreri posset; in craticula impositus, prunis ardentibus suppositus, ac ferreis unguibus excarnificatus, candentibusque laminis exustus, iterum ducitur in carcerem stratum testaceis fragmentis, ut ejus nudum corpus, somno oppressum, a subjectis etiam testarum aculeis torqueretur. Verum illo in tenebricosa incluso_custodia, clarissimus splendor obortus totum carcerem illustravit: quz lux cum summa admiratione omnes, qui aderant, affecisset, res a custode carceris ad 'Dacianum defertur. Qui eductum in molli culcitra collocat: et quem cruciatibus in suam sententiam tra- Vincent was born at Huesca, a town of northern Spain, and when quite a child applied himself to study. He was taught the sacred sciences by Valerius, the Bishop of Saragossa. This prelate intrusted him with the duty of preaching the Gospel, because he was not able to discharge that office himself, by reason of an impediment in his speech. This having reached the ears of Dacian, who had been made governor of that province by Diocletian and Maximian, Vincent was apprehended at Saragossa, and was led in chains to Valencia, before the judgement-seat of Dacian. There he was tortured by lashes and the rack, in the presence of many people; but neither the violence of the torments, nor the harsh nor bland speeches addressed to him, could induce him to swerve from his resolution. He was therefore laid on a gridiron, which was set upon burning coals; his flesh was torn off with iron hooks, and red-hot plates were laid over him. After this he was led back to prison, the floor of which had been strewed with broken potsherds, in order that when he lay down to sleep, his body might be tortured by their ges. he was shut up But whilst in_ this dark prison, a most bright light penetrated the place. They who were present were astonished beyond measure, and the gaoler informed Dacian of what had occurred. Vincent was then ordered to be taken out of prison, and put on a soft bed; for the governor thought by 'such comforts as this to AND ANASTASIUS 377 here non poterat, deliciis gain over him whom he had perducerc conatur. Sed in- failed to seduce by tortures. SS VINCENT victus Vincentii animus Jesu Christi fide speque munitus, vicit omnia: et ignis, ferri, tortorum immanitate superata, victor ad ccelestem martyrii coronam advolavit un decimo kalendas Februarii. Cujus corpus, cum projectum esset inhumatum; corvus et a volucribus et a lupo, unguibus, rostro, alis mirabiliter defendit. Qua re cognita, Dacianus illud in altum mare demergi jubet: sed inde etiam divinitus_ejectum ad littus, Christiani sepeliunt. But Vincent’s invincible spirit, washed to the strengthened by his faith and hope in Christ Jesus, overcame after and all their efforts; triumphing over fire and sword, and all his tortures, took his flight to heaven, there to receive the crown of martyrdom, on the of Kalends eleventh of the February (January 22). His body was thrown in a marsh, and denied burial; but a crow miraculously defended it by its claws, beak, and wings, against birds of prey and a wolf. Dacian, hearing this, ordered it to be thrown into a deep part of the sea: but by a fresh prodigy it was shore, and the Christians gave it burial. The Gothic Church of Spain, in her Mozarabic Liturgy, is magnificent in her praises of St Vincent. The first and second of the following prayers are taken from the Breviary, the third is from the Missal of that Rite. PRAYER Deus qui multis passionum generibus mirifice Vincentium coronasti, liberans illum ab omni exitio tormentorum, ut vestigia ejus, quz luto non inhzserant vitiorum, mirifice calcarent omne crude” litatis supplicium: ne aquarum absorberetur profundo, qui mente seculum calcans, jam heres esset proximus coelo: praebe nobis precibus tanti Martyris, nec luto vitiorum attingi, nec profunda desperationis voragine operiri sed candida conscientiz li- O God, who didst wonderfully, with manifold sufferings, crown thy servant Vincent, and didst deliver him from the effects of his torments, to the end that he might gioriously trample upon each cruel punishment with those feet of his, that had never trod in the mire of vice; who didst, moreover, save him from the deep waters, to the end that he whose spirit had despised the world might be near to his heritage in heaven: grant unto us, by the prayers of this so great a Martyr, that we CHRISTMAS 378 bertate decori tibi preesen- may never be defiled by the temur in die judicii. Amen. mire of sin, nor be plunged in the deep pool of despair, but may be presented to thee on the day of judgement beautified with a spotless freedom of conscience. Amen PRAYER Benedicimus te, omnipotens Deus, qui beatissimum Vincentium = Martyrem tuum, sicut quondam tres pueros, ab ignis incendio liberasti: cum ejus utique membris adhibita flamma, etsi esset qua exureret, non tamen esset que vinceret; ejus ergo precibus rorem misericordiz tuz nostris infunde visceribus, ut madefacto igne carnalis incendii, flamma in nobis tepescat peccati; qua etsi a nobis naturaliter non desistat, quasumus, ne fragilitatem nostram materialiter succensam comburat; sed ita gratia naturz subveniat, ut quod origine caremus, munere restinguere valeamus. Amen. We bless thee, O Almighty God, for that thou didst deliver Vinthy ‘most blessed cent, as heretofore the three children, from the flames of fire; for when his body was laid on the fire, it burned, but could not conquer him. Hear his prayer for us, and pour into our innermost spirit the dew of thy mercy, that so, the fire of our carnal passions being slaked, the flame of sin that is within us may smoulder, and though by nature it cease not to molest us, permit not, we beseech thee, that our weakness, while passing through the fire, should ever be burnt; but grant that grace may in such manner assist nature, as that we may be able to quench by thy gift what originated withoutus. Amen. PRAYER Christe, cujus magnitudo ~ © Jesus! by whose great potenti Vincentii Martyris power the body of thy Martyr tui corpus, quod vesano Da- Vincent, which the mad fury ciani furore fuerat marinis of Dacian had cast into the projectum in_fluctibus, un- sea, was borne to the shore on dis’ advehentibus honoran- the bosom of the waves, that dum revocabit littoribus: tu it might receive honour from nos, eodem Martyre suffra- man: do thou, by this thy gante, a procelloso istius se- Martyr’s praying for us, stretch culi profundo, manu pietatis out thy hand of pity, and in supernis attolle: ut qui, raise us from the stormy sea inimico impellente, in mare, of this world to the heavenly SS VINCENT AND ANASTASIUS 379 excrescentibus delictis, ceci- country above; that thus we, dimus, et per caritatem, qua est coopertio peccatorum, ad portum salutis quandoque perveniamus, lztaturi cum omnibus invicem quos dilectio tua jungit in hac prasenti Martyris tui solemnitate. Amen. We regret a few stanzas Prudentius in Breviary has who were driven by the impulse of the enemy to burden ourselves with guilt and so fall into the gulf, may at length, by charity, ‘which covereth sin, arrive at the port of salvation, and rejoice in the company of all these who out of love for thee are assembled on this Feast of thy Martyr. Amen. being obliged to content ourselves with of the magnificent hymn composed by honour of St Vincent. The Ambrosian selected several verses of this long poem for one of its hymns; and these we offer to our readers. Beate Martyr, prospera Diem triumphalem tuu Quo sanguinis merces tibi Corona Vincenti datur. Hic te ex tenebris szculi, Tortore victo et judice, Evexit ad ceelum dies, Christoque ovantem reddidit. Nunc Angelorum particeps, Collucis insigni stola, Qua testis indomabilis Rivis cruoris laveras. Levita de tribu sacra, Minister altaris Dei, Septem ex columnis lacteis, Martyr triumpho nobili. Tu solus, 0 bis inclyte, Solus bravii duplicis Palmas tulisti: tu duas Simul parasti laureas. HYMN O blessed Martyr | bless this day of thy feast, whereon the crown is given to thee, the Conqueror; and thou didst purchase it by thy blood. This is the day which took thee from this dark world to heaven, and restored thee in triumph to Christ, for thou hadst conquered thy torturer and thy judge. Fellow now of the Angels, thou shinest in thy bright stole, which thou didst wash in the stream of thy blood, for thou wast the invincible witness of Christ. Thou wast a levite of the holy tribe, a Minister of God’s altar, which is surrounded by its seven snow-white pillars; and by thy noble triumph, thou art a Martyr of Christ. Thou alone, O doubly noble didst bear away the palms of a double victory, and wreathe two laurels for thy brow. 380 CHRISTMAS In morte victor aspera, Dum deinde post mortem pari Victor triumpho proteris Solo latronem corpore. Per vincla, flammas, ungulas, Per carceralem stipitem, Per fragmen illud testeum Quo parta crevit glori Adesto nunc et percipe Voces precantum supplices, Nostri reatus efficax. Orator ad thronum Dei. Deo Patii sit gloria, Ejusque soli Filio, Cum Spiritu Paraclito, Nunc et per omne szculum. Amen. Conqueror, once, in the hard death thou didst endure; and wast after death, thou then, conqueror over the tyrant-thief, and with thy body alone didst gloriously defeat him. Oh | by thy chains and fires and hooks; by thy prisonchains; by the potsherds, strewed to enhance thy glory, Assist us now, and hear the humble prayers of thy suppliants, and make intercession for us sinners at the throne of God. To God the Father, and to his Only Son, and to the Holy Paraclete, be glory mow and for all ages. Amen. Adam of Saint-Victor composed two Sequences in honour of the great Deacon of Saragossa. We consider it a duty to insert them both, for they are very beautiful. FIRST Ecce dies przoptata, Dies felix, dies grata, Dies digna gaudio. Nos hanc diem veneremur, Et pugnantem admiremur Christum in Vincentio. Ortu, fide, sanctitate, Sensu, verbo, dignitate, Clarus et officio. Hic arcem Diaconi, Sub patris Valerii Regebat imperio. Linguz praesul impedita Deo vacat: et Levita Verbi dat officium. Cujuslinguam sermo rectus, Duplex quoque, simplex pectus Exornat scientia. SEQUENCE Lo! the wished-for day is come! The happy, dear and joyous day ! Let us honour this day, and admire in Vincent the combats of Christ. Vincent was great by birth and faith and piety apd wisdom, and preaching and dignity 4nd office. | He held the position of deacon, under the command of his father, Valerius. The Bishop could not speak, so served his God in quiet, and gives to the Levite of the word. the office On his lips was the word of truth; and in his simple soul the gracefulness of a twofold science: SS VINCENT AND Dumque fidem docet sanam Plebem Ceesaraugustanam, Comitante gratia, Savit in Ecclesiam Zelans idolatriam Prasidis invidia. Post auditam fidei constantiam, Jubet ambos pertrahi Valentiam Sub catenis. Nec juveni parcitur egregio, Nec wtas attenditur ab impio Sancti senis. Fessos ex itinere, Pressos ferri pondere Tetro claudit carcere, Negans victualia. Sic pro posse nocuit, Nec pro voto potuit, Quia suos aluit Christi providentia. Seniorem relegat exilio: Juniorem reservat supplicio Praeses acerbiori. Equuleum perpessus et ungulam Vincentius, conscendit craticulam Spiritu fortiori. Dum torretur, non terretur; Christum magis confitetur, Nec tyrannum reveretur, In ejus prasentia. Ardet vultus inhumanus: Heret lingua, tremit manus: Nec se capit Dacianus Pree cordis insania. Inde specu Martyr retruditur, Et testulis fixus illiditur; ANASTASIUS 381 For whilst, by the help of grace, he instructs the people of Saragossa in the faith, There rages against the Church the envious, tyranny of the governor, an idolatrous zealot. He had heard of Valerius and his deacon, and how boldly they taught the faith; he orders both to be put in chains, and led to Valentia. To such a wretch as he, what was the flower of Vincent's age, or_the grey locks of the saintly Bishop ? Worn out by the journey, and galled by their iron chains, he confines them in a dark dungeon, denying them food and drink. He does all he can, though not all he would, to give his captives pain; they are dear to Christ, and he provides them food. The governor sends the venerable Bishop into exile, keeping the young deacon for a sharper test. And first he is put on the rack; then torn with hooks; and then, with a braver heart, he mounts the iron bed. His flesh is grilled, but his heart is staunch: louder than ever he confesses Christ: and heeds not the tyrant, who stands looking on. The monster’s eyes flash with fire; his tongue is dumb, his hand is palsied, and himself wild with a maddened heart. He bids them throw the Martyr into a prison, strewed with sharp potsherds, which 382 CHRISTMAS Multa tamen hic luce fruitur, Ab Angelis visitatus. In lectulo tandem repositus, Ad superos transit emeritus, Sicque suo triumphans spiritus Est Principi prasentatus. Non communi sinit jure Virum tradi sepulturz: Legi simul et natura Vim facit malitia. In defunctum judex savit: Hinc defuncto laus accrescit: Nam quo vesci consuevit Reformidat bestia. En cadaver inhumatum Corvus servat illibatum: Sicque sua sceleratum Frustratur intentio. At profanus Dacianus Quod consumi nequit humi, Vult abscondi sub profundi Gurgitis silentio. Nec tenetur a molari, Nec celari potest mari: Quem nunc laude singulari enerari voto pari Satagit Ecclesia. O Ustulatum corpus igne, Terra, mari &t insigner Nobis, Jesu, da benigne. Ut cum Sanctis te condigne Laudemus in patria. Amen. SECOND Triumphalis lux illuxit, Lux praeclara, qua reduxit Levit solemnium; will cut him as he stands or sleeps; but here he enjoys a bright light, and is visited by Angels. At last he is laid upon a bed: his victorious and triumphant soul thus takes its flight to heaven, and is presented to its Lord. The wicked tyrant refuses to the Martyr’s body the common right of burial, thus trampling on both law and nature. He wreaks his anger on the dead, but only to increase the Martyr's praise; and beasts of prey approach, but fear to touch the holy corpse. For lo! a crow protects the unburied saint; and thus is foilled the wicked tyrant’s scheme. Then Dacian, finding that he cannot destroy the holy remains on land, has them thrown into the silent grave of the deep sea. But neither does the huge stone_weigh them down, nor will the sea retain them. And now the Church studies how to honour Vincent with special praise, and the faithful, with one accord, join her in her hymas. ‘This body, which was scorched by fire, is honoured both on sea and land. O Jesus! mercifully grant that fogether with thy Saints we too may worthily praise thee in our heavenly home. Amen. SEQUENCE The day of triumph has dawned, the honoured day that brings us the deacon's feast. 383 Therefore let us all be glad and venerate our Vincent victorious in Christ. He is called Vincent, and he proves that his name was prophetic of his deeds: vanquishing on land and vanquishing on sea every insult, pain and fear. SS VINCENT AND ANASTASIUS ‘Omnes ergo jocundemur, Et Vincentem veneremur In Christo Vincentium. Qui Vincentis habet nomen Ex re probat dignum omen Sui fore nominis: He is clad as with a twiceHic effulget ad bis tincti Cocci instar et jacinthi, dyed crimson robe; he shines Cujus lumbi sunt praecincti as the hyacinth. His loins are Duplici munditia. girt with purity twice pure. He wears the Deacon’s linen Hic retortam byssum gerens Purpurzque palmam que- stole, and he seeks the Martyr's rens, palm, bearing for Christ, and Stat invictus, dira ferens with unflinching heart, the pangs Pro Christo supplicia. of cruel torture. Hic hostia medullata, He is the rich victim, and Vervex pelle rubricata the lamb whose fleece is dyed ‘with scarlet to cover the taberTegens tabernaculum; nacle. He sows in holy Pio serit in marore, tears, and reaps the sheaf of Et vitalem ex sudore life, earned by the sweat of his Reportat manipulum. blood. Ad cruenta Daciani The servant of God is hurried Dei servus inhumani to the blood-stained court of the Rapitur pratoria. cruel Dacian, who tempts the Praeses sanctum prece tentat, Saint first by entreaty, then by Nunc exterret, nunc prasen- threat, and then by offers of tat worldly pomps. Mundana fastigia. Miles spernens mundi floThe soldier of Christ spurns Tem, the proposal of the haughty Dona, preces o terrorem tyrant; the flower of the world, Elata tyrannidis, his gifts, his gentle words, and Equuleo admovetur: his threats. For this, the rack. Quem plus torquet, plus tor- But while he tortures more, the quetur more tortured is the tyrant by Spretus tumor prasidis. his slighted pride. Flamma vigens, ardens, lecThe crackling flame, the tus, fiery bed, the cutting whips, Lictor cadens, sal injectus the salt rubbed deep within In nudata viscera, his gaping wounds, burn inSimul torrent, simul angunt, deed, and torture, but conquer Nec athletam letum fran- not the laughing combatant of gunt Christ. Tot peenarum genera, CHRISTMAS 384 The sharp potsherds of his Antro_clausum testa punprison-floor cut and tear his git, Membra scindit et disjungit; flesh; but joy, imparting ease Sed confortat et perungit and unction, is sent to him by Ceelestis jocunditas: God. His chains become his Tilic onus in honorem, ornament, his gloomy prison a Cacus carcer in splendorem, glittering hall, and the cruel Florum transit in dulcorem potsherds soft sweet flowers. Testarum asperitas. Collocatur molli thoro, He is laid on a soft couch; Sursum spirat, et canoro panting to ascend, and surAngelorum septus choro rounded by a_tuneful choir of Ceelo reddit spiritum : Angels, his spirit soars to heaven. Feris dato custos datur, His body is thrown to beasts Mari mersus non celatur, of prey; a faithful guard proSed hunc digne veneratur tects. It is cast into the sea; Mundus sibi redditum. the waves convey it to the shore. Welcomed by mankind, he receives the loving veneration of a world. Claruerunt ita dignis Thus did the elements, sea Elementa cuncta signis, and earth and air and fire, Aqua, tellus, aer, ignis, celebrate his victory. O adTn ejus victoria; mirable witness of the truth! Summe testis veritatis, pray for us to Christ, that he Ora Christum, ut peccatis cleanse us from our sins, and Nos emundet, et mundatis bring us purified to the heavenly Vera prastet gaudia; joys, to sing with thee, comUt cantemus, claritatis panions in thy bliss, our ceaseCohzredes: Alleluia | less Alleluia. How beautiful art thou, with the Chalice of salvation in thy brave hands! It Hail, Victorious Deacon ! was thine office to offer it at the Altar, in order that the wine it contained might be changed by the sacred words into the Blood of Christ; and, when the Mystery was accomplished, thou hadst to take this same Chalice, and present it to the Faithful, to the end that they who thirsted after their God might drink at the source of eternal life. But on this day thou offerest it thyself to Jesus, and it is full to the brim with thine own blood. Oh | how faithful a Deacon | giving even thy very life in testimony to the Mysteries of which thou wast the dispenser. Three centuries had elapsed since Stephen’s sacrifice; sixty years had gone by since the sweet incense 385 SS VINCENT AND ANASTASIUS of Laurence’s martyrdom had ascended to the throne of God; and now it is the last persecution; peace is dawning on the Church; and a third Deacon comes to prove that time had not impaired the Order—it was the Deacon of Saragossa—thyself, dear Saint | Bright is thy name in the list of Martyrs, O Vincent ! and the Church is proud of thy triumph. It was for the Church, after Jesus, that thou didst combat: have pity on us therefore, and signalize this day of thy Feast by showing us the effects of thy protection. Thou art face to face with the King of Ages, whose battle thou didst fight on earth, and thou gazest, with a loving yet dazzled eye, on his eternal beauty. We also, we who are in this valley of tears, possess him and see him, for he calls himself our Emmanuel, God with us. But it is under the form of a weak Babe that he shows himself, for he fears to overpower us with the of his majesty. Pray for us, O holy Martyr for at times we tremble at the thought that Jesus is one day to be our Judge. When we what thou didst suffer for him, we have splendour Vincent ! this sweet reflect on scarcely courage to think upon ourselves, for what good works can we show, or who can say of us that warm in defending the cause brave and calm spirit! Pray we were ever of our Divine Master ? Oh! that thy Feast might shame us into the earnest, uncalculating simplicity which this sweet Babe of Bethlehem is come to teach us—the simplicity which springs from humility and confidence in God, and which made thee go through all thy martyrdom with such a length obey God who for us, that we may at teaches us by his own example, and accomplish his will, whatever that may ask of us, with the calm cheerfulness of devoted service. Pray, Vincent, for all Christians, for all are called to fight against the world and their own passions. Jesus will admit none but conquerors to the banquet of eternal glory, where he has promised to drink with us the new wine, in the Kingdom of his Father’ The wedding- garment, which all must have on who enter there, must m 25 CHRISTMAS 386 be washed in the blood of the Lamb: we must all be Martyrs, at least in heart, for we have all to triumph over self, and self is the harshest of tyrants. Fly to the assistance of the Martyrs who, in distant countries, are dying for the true Faith; obtain for them such courage, that they may be the Vincents of our age. Protect Spain, thy country. Beseech our Emmanuel to send her heroes of thy stamp; that so, the Catholic Kingdom, which has ever been so jealous of purity of Faith, may speedily triumph over the trials which are heavy upon her. Shall the illustrious Church of Saragossa—founded by St James the Apostle, visited by the Blessed Mother of God, and sanctified by the ministry of thy deaconship—shall such a country as this ever grow indifferent about Faith, or suffer the bond of unity And since the devotion of the Christian to be broken ? people looks upon thee as the protector of the vine, bless this fruit of the earth, which God has destined for man’s use, and which he has deigned to make both the instrument of the deepest of his Mysteries, and the symbol of his love of mankind. SAINT ANASTASIUS, MARTYR On this same 22nd of January, the Church honours the who memory of the holy suffered Martyrdom Persian monk in the year 628. Anastasius, Chosroes, having made himself master of Jerusalem, had carried with him into Persia the wood of the True Cross, which was afterwards recovered by Héraclius. The sight of this Holy Wood excited in the heart of Anastasius, who was then a Pagan, the desire to know the religion of which it is the trophy. He renounced the Persian superstitions in order to become a Christian, and a monk. This, together with the neophyte’s zeal, excited the Pagans against him; and after enduring frightful tortures, the soldier of Christ was beheaded. His body ¥ St Matt, xxvi 2. SS VINCENT AND was taken to Constantinople, where it is still honoured. ANASTASIUS and thence 387 to Rome, Two celebrated Churches of Rome, one in the City itself, and the other outside the walls, are dedicated in common to St Vincent and St,Anastasius, because these two great Martyrs suffered on the same day of the year, though in different centuries. This is the motive of the Church in uniting their two feasts into one. Let us pray to this new champion of the Faith, that he intercede for us to the Saviour, whose Cross was so dear to him. We add the short lesson of St Anastasius. immediately after those of St Vincent. Anastasius, Persa, monachus, Heraclio imperatore, cum sanctam Jerosolymorum terram_visitasset, ad Casaream Palastine pro Christi religione vincula et verbera constanter erpessus est. Hox a Persis ob samdem cansam variis cruciatibus affectus, a rege Chosroa, una cum septuaginta aliis Christianis, securi percutitur. Cujus reliquiz primum Jerosolymam, ad monasterium, in quo monasticam _vitam professus erat, deinde Romam delat, collocatz sunt in monasterio ad Aquas Salvias. Anastasius, a Persian by birth, had embraced the monastic life during the reign of Heraclius. After visiting the Holy Places in Jerusalem, he courageously endured at Casarea in Palestine both imprisonment and scourgings for the faith of Christ. Not long after, the Persians put him to several kinds of torture for the same reason. King Chosroes at last ordered him to be beheaded, together with seventy other Christians. His relics were at first carried to Jerusalem, to the Monastery where he had professed the monastic life; afterwards they were translated to Rome, and were deposited in the monastery near the Salvian Waters. Let us now address ourselves to both Martyrs, using the prayer of their feast. ANT. Istorum est enim regnum ceelorum, qui contempserunt vitam mundi, et pervenerunt ad pramia regni, et laverunt stolas suas in sanguine Agni. It occurs these holy ANT. For of such is the kingdom of heaven; they despised the life of the world, and attained to the rewards of the kingdom, and washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb. 388 CHRISTMAS ¥. Latamini in Domino, et ¥. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just. exsultate justi. R. Et gloriamini omnes Ry And glory, all ye right recti corde. of heart. LET US PRAY OREMUS Hear, O Lord, our earnest Adesto, Domine, supplicationibus nostris, ut qui ex ini- prayers, that we who are senquitate nostra reos nos esse sible of the guilt of our crimes cognoscimus, beatorum Mar- may be delivered therefrom by tuorum Vincentii et the prayers of thy blessed Martyrum Anastasii intercessione libere- tyrs Vincent and Anastasius. mur. Per Christum Domi- Through Christ our Lord. Amen. num nostrum. Amen. ST RAYMUND OF PENNAFORT January 389 23 ST RAYMUND OF PENNAFORT CONFESSOR 'HE glorious choir of martyrs, that stands round our Emmanuel till the day of his Presentation in the Temple, opens its ranks from time to time to give admission to the confessors, whom divine Providence has willed should grace the cycle during this sacred season. The martyrs surpass all the other saints in number; but still, the confessors are well represented. After Hilary, Paul, Maurus, and Antony, comes Raymund of Pennafort, one of the glories of the Order of St Dominic and of the Church, in the thirteenth century. According to the saying of the Prophets, the Messias is come to be our Lawgiver; nay, he is himself our law. His words are to be the rule of mankind; with his Church he will leave the power of legislation, to the end that she may guide men in holiness and justice, in all ages. As it is his Truth that presides over the teaching of the Faith, so is it his Wisdom that regulates canonical discipline. But the Church, in the compilation and arrangement of her laws, engages the services of men, whom she judges to be the most competent for the work, by their knowledge of Canon Law and the holiness of their lives. St Raymund has the honour of having been intrusted to draw up the Church’s Code of Canon Law. It was he who, in the year 1234, compiled, by order of Pope Gregory the Ninth, the five Books of the Decretals; and his name will ever be associated with this great work E’l‘:fidlh‘om the basis of the actual discipline of the urch. 390 CHRISTMAS Raymund was a faithful disciple of that God who came down from heaven to save sinners by calling them to receive pardon. He has merited the beautiful title, conferred on him by the Church, of excellent Minister of the Sacrament of Pemance. He was the first who collected together into one body of doctrine the maxims of Christian morality, which regulate the duties of the confessor with regard to the faithful who confess their sins to him. The Sum of Penitential Cases opened the series of those important treatises in which learned and holy men have carefully considered the claims of law and the obligations of man, in order to instruct the Priest how to pass judgement, as the Scripture between leprosy and leprosy.! says, In fine, when the glorious Mother of God, who is also the Mother of men, raised up for the redemption of captives the generous Peter Nolasco—whom we shall meet, a few days hence, at the Crib of our Redeemer— Raymund was an important instrument in this great work of mercy; and it is with good reason that the Order of Mercy looks upon him as one of its Founders, and that so many thousand captives, who were ransomed by the Religious of that Order from the captivity of the Moors, have honoured him as one of the principal authors of their liberty. Let us now read the account of the actions of this holy man, in merit. history. whose life was indeed a.full one, and rich The Lessons of his Feast thus abridge his Beatus Raymundus BarciThe blessed Raymund was nonensis, ex nobili familia de born at Barcelona, of the noble Pennafort, christianz reli- family of Pennafort. Having gionis rudimentis _imbutus, been imbued with the rudiadhuc parvulus, eximia animi ments of the Christian faith, et corporis indole magnum ali- the admirable gifts he had re. quid portendere visus _est. ceived, both of mind and body, Nam adolescens humaniores were such that even when quite litteras in patria professus, a boy he seemed to promise Bononiam se contulit, ubi great things in his after life, 1 Deut. xvii 8. ST RAYMUND pietatis officiis, ac Pontificio civilique juri sedulo incumbens, et Doctoris laurea insignitus, ibidem sacros canones magna cum hominum admiratione est interpretatus. Ejus virtutum fama percrebrescente, Berengarius Barcinonensis Episcopus, cum Roma suam ad Ecclesiam rediret, eum conveniendi causa Bononiam iter instituit, et tandem summis precibus, ut secum in patriam reverteretur, obtinuit. Mox ejusdem Ecclesiz Canonicatu et Prapositura ornatus, universo clero et populo, integritate, modestia, doctrina et morum suavitate prafulsit, ac Deiparz Virginis, quam singulari pietatis affectu venerabatur, honorem et cultum semper pro viribus auxit. Annum circiter quintum supra quadragesimum agens, in Ordine Fratrum Pradicatorum solemni emissa professione, ut novus miles, in omni virtutum genere, sed precipue in caritate erga egenos, et maxime captivos ab infidelibus detentos se exercuit. Unde cum ejus hortatu sanctus Petrus Nolascus (cujus ipse confessiones audiebat) suas opes piissimo huic operi conferret, tum eidem, tum beato Raymundo et Jacobo Primo Ara- goniz Regi apparens bea- OF PENNAFORT 391 Whilst still young, he taught humanities in Barcelona. Later on, he went to Bologna, where he applied himself with much diligence to the exercises of a virtuous life, and to the study of canon and civil law. He there received the Doctor's cap, and interpreted the sacred canons so ably that he was the admiration of his hearers. The holiness of his life becoming known far and wide, Berengarius, the Bishop of Barcelona, when returning to his diocese from Rome, visited Bologna in order to see him; and after most earnest entreaties, induced Raymund to accompany him to Barcelona. He was shortly after made Canon and Provost of that Church, and became a model to the clergy and people by his uprightness, modesty, learning and meekness. _His tender devotion to the Holy Mother of God was extraordinary, and he never neglected an opportunity of zealously promoting the devotion and honour which are due to her. When he was about fortyfive years of age, he made his solemn profession in the Order of the Friars Preachers, He then, as a soldier but just entered into service, devoted himself to the exercise of every virtue, but above all to charity to the poor, and this mainly to the captives who had been taken by the infidels. It was by his exhortation that St Peter Nolasco (who was his penitent) was induced to devote all his riches to this work of most meritorious charity. The Blessed Virgin appeared to CHRISTMAS 392 tissima Virgo, gratissimum Peter, as also to blessed Raysibi et unigenito Filio suo mund and to James the First, fore dixit, si in suum honorem King of Aragon, telling them institueretur Ordo Religio- that it would be exceedingly sorum, quibus captivos ex leasing to berself and her ivine Child, if an Order of infidelium tyrannide liberandi cura incumberet. Quare col- Religious men were instituted latis inter se consiliis, Ordi- whose mission it should be to deliver captives from the nem beatz Mariz de Mercede Redemptionis captivorum tyranny of infidels. Wherefundaverunt: cui beatus Ray- upon, ~after _deliberating tomundus certas vivendi le- gether, they founded the Order ges prascripsit ad ejusdem of our Lady of Mercy for the Ordinis vocationem accomRansom of Captives; and blessed modatissimas: quarum appro- Raymund drew up certain rules bationem aliquot post annos a of life, which were admirably Gregorio Nono impetravit, et adapted to the spirit and vocadictum sanctum Petrum 3 tion of the said Order. Some mum Generalem Ordinis Ma- years after, he obtained their gistrum suis ipse manibus approbation from Gregory the Babitu eodem indutum creainth, and made St Peter Novit. Iasco, to whom he gave the habit with his own hands, first General of the Order. Raymund was called to Rome Ab eodem Gregorio Romam accersitus, et Capel- by the same Pope, who aplani ac Peenitentiarii et Con- poiated bim to be his Chaplain, fessarii sui munere decoratus, enitentiary, and Confessor. It ejusdem jussu, Romanorum was by Gregory’s order that he Pontificum Decreta, in diver- collected together, in the volume sis Conciliis et Epistolis spar- called the Decretais, the Decrees sa, in unum Decretalium volu- of the Roman Pontifis, which men redegit. Archiepiscopa- were to be found separately in tum Tarraconensem ab ipso the various Councils and Letters. Pontifice sibi oblatum con- He was most resolute in refusing stantissime recusavit: et to- the Archbishopric of Tarragona, tius Ordinis Pradicatorum which the same Pontiff offered generale Magisterium, quod to him, and, of his own accord per biennium sanctissime ad- resigned the Generalship of the ‘ministraverat, sponte dimisit. Dominican Order, which office Jacobo Aragoniz Regi sacra he bad discharged in a most Inquisitionis Officii suis in holy manner for the space of two Tegnis instituendi auctor fui years, He persuaded James Multa patravit miracula: in- the King of Aragon to establish ter que illud_clarissimum, in his dominions the Holy Office quod ex insula Baleari Majori of the Inquisition. He worked Barcinonem reversurus, strato many miracles; among Which super_aquas_pallio, centum is that most celebrated one of sexaginta milliaria sex horis his having, when returning to ST RAYMUND confecerit, et suum cenobium januis_clausis fuerit Tandem prope ingressus. centenarius, virtutibus et meritis_cumulatus, obdormivit in Domino, anno salutis millesimo ducentesimo_septuagesimo quinto, quem Clemens Octavus in Sanctorum numerum retulit. We take the following Breviary. Grande Raymundi brate nomen, cele- Prasules, Reges, populique terra: Cujus aterna fuit universis Cura salutis. Quidquid est alta pietate mirum Exhibet purus, niveusque moru Omne virtutum rutilare cernis Lumen in illo. Sparsa Summorum monumenta Patrum Colligit mira studiosus arte: Quaque sunt prisci sacra digna cedro Dogmata juris. Doctus infidum ~ solidare pontum, Currit invectus stadio patenti Veste componens, baculogue cymbam, ZEquora calcat. OF PENNAFORT 393 Barcelona from the island of Majorca, spread his cloak upon the sea, and sailed upon it, in the space of six hours, the distance of a hundred and sixty miles, and having reached his convent, entered it through the closed At length, when he had doors. almost reached the hundredth year of his age, and was full of virtue and merit, he slept in the Lord, in the year of the Incarnation 1275. He was canonized by Pope Clement the Eighth. Hymn from the Dominican HYMN Prelates, Kings, and people of the earth! celebrate the glorious name of Raymund, to whom the salvation of all mankind was an object of loving care. His pure and spotless life reflected all the marvels of the mystic life; and the light of every virtue shines brightly forth in him. With admirable study and research, he collects together the scattered Decrees of the Sovereign Pontiffs, and all the sacred maxims of the ancient Canons, so worthy to be handed down to all ages. He bids the treacherous sea be firm, and on her open waters carry him to land; he spreads his mantle, and his staff the mast, he rides upon the waves. CHRISTMAS 394 Grant us, O Lord, to traverse Da, Deus, nobis sine labe mores, Da vitz tutum sine clade cursum: Da perennalis sine fine vite through the sea of life with innocence and safety, and reach at length the port of life eternal. Amen. Tangere portum. Amen. Faithful dispenser of the Mystery of reconciliation ! It was from the Heart of an Incarnate God that thou didst draw the sweet charity which made thee the friend of the sinner. Thou didst love thy fellow-men, and didst labour to supply all their wants, whether of soul or body. Enlightened by the rays of the Sun of Justice, thou hast taught us how to discern between good and evil by giving us those rules whereby our wounds are judged and healed. Rome was the admirer of thy knowledge of her laws, and it is one of her gloriés that she received from thy hand the sacred Code whereby she governs the Churches of the world. Excite in our hearts, O Raymund! that sincere compunction which is the condition required of us when we seek our pardon in the Sacrament of Penance. Make us understand both the grievousness of mortal sin, which separates us from our God for all eternity, and the dangers of venial sin, which disposes the tepid soul to fall into mortal sin. Pray, that there may abound in the Church men filled with charity and learning, who may exercise that sublime ministry of healing souls. Preserve them from the two extremes of rigorism, which drives to despair, and of laxity which flatters into sloth. Revive amongst them the study of the holy Canons, which can alone keep disorder and anarchy from the fold of Christ. Oh! thou that hadst such now and sin, who tender love for captives, console all that are pining in exile or in prison; pray for their deliverance; pray that we all may be set loose from the ties of which but too often make them slaves in their souls boast of their outward liberty. Thou wast the confidant of the Heart of Mary, the Queen of Mercy, and she made thee share with her in ST RAYMUND OF PENNAFORT 395 the work of the Redemption of Captives. Pray for us to this incomparable Mother of God, that we may have the grace to love the Divine Child she holds in her arms. May she be induced, by thy prayers, to be our Star on the Sea of this world, more stormy by far than that which thou didst pass, when sailing on thy miraculous bark. Remember, too, thy dear Spain, where thou didst pass thy saintly life. Her Church is in mourning, because she has lost the Religious Orders which made her so grand and so strong: pray that they may speedily restored to her, and assist her as of old. the Dominican Order, of whose Habit wast so bright an ornament. Thou and be Protect Rule thou didst govern it with great prudence whilst on earth; now that thou art in heaven, be a father to it by thy love. May it repair its losses. May it once more flourish in the universal Church, and produce, as in former days, those fruits of holiness and learning which made it one of the chief glories of the Church of God. COMMEMORATION OF SAINT EMERENTIANA Three days have scarcely passed since the martyrdom of St Agnes, when the Liturgy, so jealous of every tradition, invites us to visit the Martyr’s tomb. There we shall find a young Virgin named Emerentiana; she was the friend and foster-sister of our dear little heroine, and has come to pray and weep at the spot where lies her loved one, so soon and so cruelly taken from her. Emerentiana has not yet been regenerated in the waters of Baptism; she is going through the exercises of a Catechumen; but her heart faith and desire, to Jesus. already belongs, by Whilst the young girl is pouring forth her grief over the tomb of her much loved Agnes, she is surprised by the approach of some pagans; they ridicule her tears, and bid her pay no more of this sort of honour to one who was their victim. Upon this, the child, longing as CHRISTMAS 396 she was to be with Christ, and to be clasped in the embraces of her sweet Agnes, was fired with holy courage —as well she might near such a Martyr’s tomb—and turning to the barbarians, she confesses Christ Jesus, and curses the idols, and upbraids them for their vile cruelty to the innocent Saint who lay there. This was more than enough to rouse the savage nature of men, who were slaves to the worship of Satan; and scarcely had the child spoken, when she falls on the tomb, covered with the heavy stones thrown on her by her murderers. Baptized in her own blood, Emerentiana leaves her bleeding corpse upon the earth, and her soul flies to the bosom of God, where she is to enjoy, for ever, union with him, in the dear company of Agnes. Let us unite with the Church, which so devoutly honours these touching incidents of her own history. Let us ask Emerentiana to pray that we may have the grace to be united with Jesus and Agnes in heaven; and congratulate her on her triumph, by addressing her in the words of the holy Liturgy. ANT. Veni, Sponsa Christi, accipe coronam quam tibi Dominus preeparavit in @ternum. ¥. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis. K. Propterea benedixit te Deus in ®ternum. OREMUS Indulgentiam nobis, quasumus, Domine, beata Emerentiana Virgo et Martyr imploret: quz tibi grata semper exstitit et merito castitatis, et tuz professione virtutis. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. Axt. Come, O Spouse of Christ, receive the crown, which the Lord hath prepared for thee for ever. ¥. Grace is poured abroad in thy lips. K. Therefore hath God blessed thee for ever. LET US PRAY Let blessed Emerentiana, thy Virgin and Martyr, O Lord, sue for_our pardon: who by the purity of her life, and profession of thy virtue, was always pleasing to thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ST. ILDEPHONSUS 396a THE SAME DAY SAINT ILDEPHONSUS BISHOP AND CONFESSOR TuE Gothic Church of Spain deputes, today, one of her most glorious Prelates, to represent her at the Crib of the Divine Babe, and to celebrate his ineffable Birth. The praise, which falls from Ildephonsus’ lips, seems, at our first hearing it, to have the Mother’s dear honour for its only theme: but, how can we honour the Mother, without at the same time proclaiming the praise of the Son, to whose Birth she owes all her greatness? Among the glorious Pontiffs, who honoured the noble episcopate of Spain, during the 7th and 8th centuries — for example: Leander, Isidore, Fulgentius, Braulio, Eugenius, Julian, Helladius — among them, and in the fore- most rank, stands Ildephonsus, with his glory of having been the Doctor of the Virginity of the Mother of God, just as Athanasius is the Doctor of the Divinity of the Word, Basil the Doctor of the Divinity of the Holy Ghost, and Augustine the Doctor of Grace. The holy Bishop of Toledo has treated the dogma of Mary’s Virginity in all its completeness. With profound learning and with fervid eloquence, he proves, against the Jews, that Mary conceived without losing her Virginity; against the followers of Jovinian, that she was a Virgin in her Delivery; against the disciples of Helvidius, that she remained a Virgin, after she had given birth to her Divine Son. Other holy Doctors 396b CHRISTMAS had treated separately on each of these sublime questions, before our Saint: but he brought together all their teachings, and merited that a Virgin-Martyr should rise from her tomb to thank him for having defended the honour of the Queen of Heaven. Nay, Mary herself, with her own pure hand, clothed him with that miraculous Chasuble, which was an image of the robe of light wherewith Ildephonsus shines now in heaven, at the foot of Mary’s Throne. The Monastic Breviary gives us the following Lessons, in the Office of our holy Bishop. Tidefonsus, natione Hispanus, Tldephonsus was born at Toledo, Toleti nobilissimis Stephano et in Spain, of most noble parents, Lucia parentibus ortus, omnique whose names were Stephen and cura nutritus, liberalibus disciplinis instructus est. Primum habuit praceptorem Eugenium Toletanum antistitem, a quo ob praclaram indolem, Hispalim ad Isidorum, ma- ‘gna tunc eruditione pollentem, missus est. Apud quem duodecim annos commoratus, tandem fruge bona, doctrinaque sana imbutus, Toletum remeavit ad Eugenium: a quo, propter eximias virtutes, peritiamque non vulgarem, Ecclesiz Toletanz Archidiaconus effectus, mundi cupiens laqueos declinare, in Agaliensi monasterio Ordinis sancti Benedicti, monasticum institutum amplexus est, frustra parentibus precibus et minis omnia ten- tantibus ut eum a sancto proposito revocarent. from his holy resolution, by every menace. Lucy. He was brought up with great care, and instructed in all the lib- eral arts. His first master was Eugenius, Bishop of Toledo, who, secing him to be a youth of very great promise, sent him to Seville, that he might be under the guidance of Isidore, whose reputation for learning was well known. He lived ” with Iéidore for twelve years; after which, being formed to piety, and imbued with sound doctrine, he returned to Toledo, to Eugenius, who made him Archdeacon of that Church, on account of his great virtues and learning. Tldephonsus, desiring to avoid the snares of the world, embraced the monastic life, in the Monastery of Agali, of the Order of Saint Benedict, though his parents endeavoured to divert him possible entreaty and every sort of 396¢ ST. ILDEPHONSUS ‘The Abbot of the monastery dyMonachi non multo post in defuncti Abbatis locum eum subrog- ing not long after, the monks arunt; suspiciebant siquidem in o, elected Ildephonsus as his succesprater virtutes reliquas, &quitatem, sor; for they had observed in him, itaque fulgor, tanta verz pietatis dence, and admirable piety. It was not possible, though the Saint had hoped it, that so much merit, and ‘bium virginum in Deilfensi villula by word and example, to the people committed to his care — and how many miracles he wrought — and morum facilitatem, prudentiam, et amongst his other virtues, a love of admirabilem sanctitatem. Tantus equity, affability of manner, prulux, quod ipse timebat, latere non potuit. Eugenio namque vita functo, cleri, senatus, totiusque populi such resplendent virtues, should lie decreto, Toletanus Archiepiscopus long concealed: and therefore, on electus est. In qua dignitate, quan- the death of Eugenius, he was tum populo sibi commisso, verbo, elected Archbishop of Toledo, by etexemplo profuerit, qu miracula the wish of the clergy, senate, and ediderit, quam multis fuerit nomin- the whole people. It would take too ibus de Virgine matre benemeritus, long atime to tell how much he did, non potest paucis explicari. Caeno- in this his new post of honour, both @dificavit, ac magnis muneribus auxit. Hereticos quosdam, qui in Hispania heresim Helvidianam, tollentem perpetuam Mariz Dei Genitricis virginitatem disseminabant doctissime confutavit, et ab Hispania ejecit. Ejus autem hac de re disputatio, libro quem scripsit de beatz Mariz virginitate continetur: ipsa miraculo servi sui zelum confirmante. Cum enim I1- defonsus ad preces matutinas Expectationis beat Mari in Ecclesiam nocte descenderet, comites ejus in Ecclesiz limine, fulgore quodam repentino deterriti retro- in how many ways he merited at the hands of the Virgin Mother of God. He built a Monastery for virgins at a place called Deilfa, and richly endowed it. refuted, and drove certain heretics, who nating the heresy He most ably out of Spain, were dissemiof Helvidius, which denied the perpetual Virginity of Mary, the Mother of God. His controversy on this subject is contained in the book he wrote on the Virginity of our Lady; and she her- cesserunt: ille vero intrepidus self rewarded the zeal of her ser‘vant by a miracle. Ildephonsus hav- etur, accepit. accompanied him, had no sooner adaram progressus, Virginem ip- ing gone down, during the night, sam vidit et adoravit, ab eadem- to assist at Matins for the Feast of que vestem, qua in Sacrificiis uter- our Lady’s Expectation, they who reached the threshold of the Church, than they beheld a dazzling light inside, at which they were seized with fear, and withdrew. The Saint fearlessly entered and advanced 396d CHRISTMAS 1o the altar, where he beheld the Blessed Virgin; he fell on his knees before her, and received from her a vestment, in which to offer up the Holy Sacrifice. Cum etiam dies Leocadiz fes- tus ageretur, et Clerus frequensque. populus convenisset, Ildefonsus ad sepulchrum Virginis accedens, flexit genibus orabat: et ecce reserato repente sarcophago, Leocadia sanctissima prodiit; videntibusque cunctis, et audientibus, Ildefonsi merita de Virgine Maria commen- davit, dicens: O Ildefonse, per te vivit Domina mea, que ceeli cul‘mina tenet. Illa vero recedente, Ildefonsus, arrepto Recesvinthi, qui forte tunc aderat, gladiolo, velami- nis partem, quo caput Leocadia tegebatur, resecuit, eamque cum regio simul cultro celebri pompa in On another occasion, when the Clergy and a great concourse of people were assembled for the feast, of St. Leocadia, and Ildephonsus was kneeling at the Saint’s tomb, praying — the tomb suddenly opened, and St. Leocadia came forth. She then spoke of the great things done by Ildephonsus in honour of the Mother of God, and said, in the presence and hearing of the whole assembly: “O Tidephonsus! our Lady, the Queen of heaven, has gained a triumph through thee.” As she was retreating from the spot, Ildephonsus seized the sword of King sacrarium intulit, ubi usque hodie Receswind, who happened to be servatur. there, and cut off a portion. of the veil, which Leocadia wore on her head. He, with much solemnity and ceremony, placed both it and the King’s sword in the treasury of the Church, where they are kept to this day. Seripsit multa luculentiori serHe has left several eloquent writmone, sed variis molestiarum oc- ings, some of which he never fincupationibus impeditus, aliqua im- ished, owing to the many troables perfecta reliquit. Obiit tandem fe- and occupations, which engrossed liciter, cum sedisset in Episcopatu his time. He at length made a happy annos novem menses duos; sepul- death, after being Bishop nine years tusque est in Basilica Leocadi, and two months; and was buried in circa annum Domini sexcentesi- the Basilica of Saint Leocadia, ‘mum sexagesimum septimum, Re- about the year of our Lord 667, cesvintho in Hispania regnante. Receswind being then King of Cujus corpus in generali a Sarrace- Spain. During the general occupanis Hispaniarum occupatione, in tion. of the kingdom by the Moors, civitatem Zamorensem translatum his relics were translated to the city est, et in Ecelesia beati Petri hon- of Zamora, and placed in the orifice quiescens, magna illius pop- Church of Saint Peter, where they uli religione colitur. are honoured with much devotion by the inhabitants. ST. ILDEPHONSUS 396e ‘We salute thee with devout hearts, O holy Pontiff! who standest pre-eminent in thy love of the Mother of God, even in that glorious Spain, where her honour has had such brave defenders. Come, and take thy place near the Crib of Jesus, where this incomparable Mother is watching over this Babe, who, being both her God and her Son, consecrated her virginity, but did not impair it." Pray for us to her, and remind her that she is our Mother also. Ask her to receive the hymns we sing in her honour, and to bless the offering we make of our hearts to her divine Son. That our prayer may find a readier welcome from this august Queen, we will make use of thy own words, O holy Doctor of Mary’s Virginity; and thus will we speak to her: “I come to thee, the sole Virgin-Mother of God; I prostrate myself before thee, the sole co-operatrix of the Incarnation of my God; I humble myself before thee, that wast alone found worthy to be the Mother of my Lord; I pray to thee, the Handmaid, unlike all others, of thy Son, that thou obtain for me the forgiveness of my sins, that thou procure for me the being cleansed from my evil deeds, that thou get me a love of thy grand glory, that thou reveal unto me the exceeding sweetness of thy Jesus, that thou grant me to proclaim and defend the purity of our holy Faith. Grant, that I may cling to my God and to thee, and be faithful to thy Son and to thee — to him as my Creator, to thee as Mother of my Creator; to him as the Lord of hosts, to thee as the Handmaid of the Lord of all; to him as God, to thee as Mother of God; to him as my Redeemer, to thee as the instrument of my redemption. “He became the price of my ransom, but he became so by his becoming incarnate from thy flesh. He assumed a mortal Body, but he took it from thine, and with this his sacred Body he blotted out my sins. My own human na- * Non minuit, sed sacravit. Prayer of the Church, on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, September 8th. 396f CHRISTMAS ture, which he took to his kingdom, and set it, above the Angels, on the right hand of his Father, he took from thy pure flesh and blood, when he humbled himself and was made Man. “1, then, am thy servant, O Mary! because thy Son is my Lord. Thou art our Lady, because thou art the Handmaid of our Lord. I am the servant of the Handmaid of my Lord, because thou, that art our Lady, wast made Mother of my Lord. I pray thee, I fervently pray thee, O Holy Virgin! that I may receive Jesus by that Holy Spirit, by whom thou didst become Mother of Jesus. May I be made to know Jesus by that Holy Spirit, by whom thou didst know, and possess, and bring forth Jesus. May I speak of Jesus in that same Holy Spirit, in whom thou didst confess thyself the Handmaid of the Lord. May Ilove Jesus in that same Holy Ghost, in whom thou adorest him as thy God, and gazest upon him as thy Son. And may I obey this thy Jesus as faithfully, as he himself, though God, was subject to thee, and to Joseph.”" ! St. Ildephonsus, On the perpetual Virginity of Mary, ch. xii. ST TIMOTHY JANUARY 397 24 SAINT TIMOTHY BISHOP' AND MARTYR EFORE giving thanks to God for the miraculous Conversion of the Apostle of the Gentiles, the Church assembles us together for the feast of his favourite disciple. Timothy —the indefatigable companion of St Paul—the friend to whom the great Apostle, a few days before shedding his blood for Christ, wrote his last Epistle—comes now to await his master’s arrival at the Crib of the Emmanuel. He there meets John the Beloved Disciple, together with whom he bore the anxieties attendant on the government of the Church of Ephesus; Stephen too, and the other martyrs, welcome him, for he also bears a martyr’s palm in his hand. He presents to the august Mother of the Divine Babe the respectful homage of the Church of Ephesus, which Mary had sanctified by her presence, and which shares with the Church of Jerusalem the honour of having had her as one of its number, who was not only, like the Apostles, the witness, but moreover, in her quality of Mother of God, the ineffable instrument of the salva- tion of mankind. Let us now read, in the Office of the Church, the abridged account of the actions of this zealous disciple of the Apostles. Timotheus, Lystris in Lycaonia natus ex patre Gentili et matre Judea, christianam colebat religionem, cum imea loca venit Paulus Apostolus. Qui fama commotus quz de Timothei sanctitate percrebuerat, ipsum adhibuit so- Timothy was born at Lystra in Lycaonia. His father was a Gentile, and his mother a Jewess. When the Apostle Paul came into those parts, Timothy was a follower of the Christian religion. The Apostle had heard much of his holy life, and 398 CHRISTMAS cium suz peregrinationis: sed propter Judzos, qui se_ad Christum converterant, scientes Timothei patrem esse Gentilem, eum circumcidit. Cum igitur ambo Ephesum venissent, ibi ordinatus est Episcopus ab Apostolo, ut eam Ecclesiam gubernaret. Ad quem Apostolus duas Epistolas scripsit, alteram Laodicea, alteram Roma: quibus in pastoralis officii cura confirmatus, cum sacrificium, quod uni Deo debetur, fieri demonum simulacris _ferre non pos et, populum Ephesinum Dianz in ejus celebritate immolantem, abilla impietate removere conatus, lapidibus obrutus est; ac pene mortuus a christianis_ereptus, et in montem oppido vicinum _delatus, nono kalendas Februarii obdormivit in Domino. was thereby induced to take him as the companion of his travels: but on account of the Jews, who had become converts %o the faith of Christ, and were aware that the father of Timothy was a Gentile, he administered to him the rite of circumcision. As soon as they arrived at Ephesus, the Apostle ordained him Bishop of that Church. The_Apostle addressed two of his Epistles to him—one from Laodicea, the other from Rome —to instruct him how to discharge his pastoral office. He could not endure to see sacrifice, which is due to God alone offered to the idols of devil and finding that the people of Ephesus were offering_victims to Diana on her festival, he strove to make them desist from their impious rites. But they, turning upon him, stoned him. The Christians could not deliver him from their hands till he was more dead than alive. They carried him to a mountain not far from the town, and there, on the ninth of the Kalends of February (January24), hesleptin the Lord. The Greek Church celebrates the iiemory of St Timothy in her Menza, strophes. from which gnosim, et divinitus ferventes hausisti imitatus amatores Christi, cujus nunc letanter adiisti gloriam, contemplans Trinitatem _splendidissimam et pacem placidissimam. extract the following DIE XXII JANUARII Deisapiens Timothee, torrentem ingressus es deliciarum, we O Timothy! full of godly wisdom | thou didst enter into the torrent of delights, and drink in of the mysterious knowledge, imitating the fervent lovers of Christ, into whose glory thou hast mow joyfully gone, contemplating _the infinitely re- splendent~ Trinity, and ~most tranquil peace, ST TIMOTHY Deisapiens Timothee, frequentibus _corporis _ debilitatibus et infirmitatibus corroboratus secundum mentem, ervoris potentiam facile dissolvisti, Christi custoditus_potestate, et pradicasti sublimiter_divinissimum pacis nobis Evangelium. Mundi fines tua nunc decantant miracula, Thaumaturge immortalis; miraculis etenim te Christus remunerans adornavit, propter ipsum tormenta perpessum, et pro morte tolerata immortali gloria et beatitudine donavit. Effusa est, omnisancte, abundanter gratia e labiis tuis, et flumina dogmatum scaturire fecit Christi Eccle siam irrigantia et centupli cem ferentia fructum, o Timothee, Christi praco, divine Apostole. Mortificans tuz membra carnis Verbo subjecisti; dans pejoris, beate Timothee, regimen meliori, passionibus dominatus es, et animam alleviasti, Pauli documentis harmonice ordinatus. Fulgurans quasi sol Paulus te misit quasi radium lendidum terram abundantiori lumine illuminantem lucidissime, Theophantes Timothee, ad directionem nosmothee, portans divinum nomen, ante impios tyrannos, Deograte, non timens istorum crudelitatem ; tu enim 399 O Timothy | full of godly wisdom | thy frequent weaknesses and ailments of body gave thee strength of spirit; thou didst readily reduce to nought the power of error, for thou wast guarded by the power of Christ, and sublimely didst thou preach to us the most divine Gospel of peace. The furthermost ends of the earth now sing thy miracles, immortal Thaumaturgus! for Christ rewarding thee, adorned thee with the gift of miracles, because thou didst suffer torments for his sake; and he gave thee, for the death thou didst endure, glory and blessedness everlasting. Most loly Saint ! grace flowed in plenty from thy lips, and made the streams of dogma water the Church of Christ, and yield fruit a hundredfold, O Timothy ! thou herald of Christ ! thou Apostle of God ! Mortifying thy flesh, thou didst subject it to the Word: and making what is superior govern that which is inferior, O blessed Timothy ! thou didst master thy passions and unburden thy soul, and the harmony was established in_thee which wastaughtby blessed Paul. He, Paul, brilliant as the sun, sent thee forth as a shining ray, that thou mightest most brightly illumine the earth with a rich abundance of light, unto our direction and encouragement, O Timothy, thou revealer of God | O Timothy | as a chariot of God, thou didst carry his divine name before impious tyrants, fearing not their cruelty, O thou beloved of God ! for thou hadst CHRISTMAS 400 invincibilem Salvatoris forti- clad thyself with the invincible strength of Jesus. tudinem induisti. Coronam gloriosam _ receO most " blessed Timothy | isti, Timothee omnibeate, O divinely-gifted mind! O ivina mente pradite, Apo- Apostle | thou hast received a stole, et diadema regni pree- glorious crown; thy brow has cinxisti, et astitisti ante been encircled with a heavenly thronum magistri_tui, cum crown; and thou hast stood Paulo decoratus in ternis before the throne of thy Master, beautiful in glory, together with tabernaculis, beatissime. Paul, in the eternal tabernacles, O most blessed one ! In thee, O holy Pontiff ! we honour one of the disciples of the Apostles—one of the links which connect us immediately with Christ. Thou appearest to us all illumined by thy intercourse with Paul the great Doctor of the Gentiles. Another of his disciples, Dionysius the Areopagite, made thee the confidant of his sublime contemplations on the Divine Names; but now, bathed in light eternal, thou thyself art contemplating the Sun of Justice, in the beatific vision. Intercede for us, who enjoy but a glimpse of his beauty through the veil of his humiliations, that we may so love him, as to merit to see him one day in his glory. In order to lessen the pressure of the corruptible body, which weigheth down the soul,! thou didst subject thy outward man to so rigorous a penance that St Panl exhorted thee to moderate it: do thou assist us in our endeavours to reduce our flesh to obedience to the spirit. The Church' reads without ceasing the counsels, which the Apostle gave to thee, and to all Pastors through thee, for the election and the conduct of the clergy: pray that the Church y be blessed with Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, endowed with all those qualifications which he requires from the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Lastly, we beseech thee, who didst ascend to heaven decked with the aureole of martyrdom, encourage us who are also soldiers of Christ, that we may throw cowardice, and win that kingdom where and crowns his elect for all eternity. * Wisd. ix 15, aside our he welcomes 401 OF ST PAUL CONVERSION JaNUARY 25 THE CONVERSION E have already seen OF SAINT how PAUL the Gentiles, in the person of the Three Magi, offered their mystic gifts to the Divine Child of Bethlehem, and received from him in return the precious gifts of faith, hope and charity. The harvest is ripe; it is time for the reaper to come. But who is to be God’s labourer? The Apostles of Christ are still living under the very shadow of Mount Sion. All of them have received the mission to preach the gospel of salvation to the uttermost parts of the world; but not one among them has as yet received the special character of Apostle of the Gentiles. Peter, who had received the Apostleship of Circumcision,' is sent specially, as was Christ himself, fo the sheep that are lost of the house of Israel? And yet, as he is the Head and the Foundation, it belongs to him the door of Faith to the Gentiles;* which he to open solemnly does by conferring Baptism on Cornelius, the Roman Centurion. But the Church is to have one more Apostle, an Apostle for the Gentiles; and he is to be the fruit of the martyrdom of Tarsus, and prayer of St Stephen. has not seen Christ in the Saul, a citizen flesh, and yet Christ alone can make an.Apostle. It is then from heaven, where he reigns impassible and glorified, that Jesus will call Saul to be his disciple, just as, dunng the period of his active life, he called the fishermen of Genesareth to follow him and hearken to his teachings. The Son of God will raise Saul up to the third heaven, and there will reveal to him all his mysteries: and when Saul, having come down again to this earth, shall have + Galii8. * StMatt. xvay, * Actsxiv26. . 26 CHRISTMAS 402 seen Peter,! and compared kis Gospel with that recognized by Peter,? he can say, in all truth, that he is an Apostle of Christ Jesus,® and that he has done nothing less than the great Apostles.* It is on this glorious day of the Conversion of Saul, who is soon to change his name into Paul, that this It is on this day that there great work is commenced. is heard the Almighty voice which breaketh the cedars of Libanus,® and can make a persecuting Jew become first a Christian and then an Apostle. This admirable transformation had been prophesied by Jacob, when upon his deathbed he unfolded to each of his sons the future of the tribe of which he was to be the father. Juda was to have the precedence of honour; from his royal race was to be born the Redeemer, the Expected of nations. Benjamin’s turn came; his glory is not to be compared with that of his brother Juda, and yet it was to be very great—for from his tribe is to be born Paul, the Apostle of the Gentile nations. These are the words of the dying Prophet: Benjamin, a ravenous wolf, in the morning shall eat the prey, and in the evening shall divide the spoil.* Who, says an ancient writer,” is he that in the morning of impetuous youth goes like a wolf in pursuit of the sheep of Christ, breathing Is it not threatenings and slaughter against them? Saul on the road to Damascus, the bearer and doer of the high-priest’s orders, and stained with the blood of Stephen, whom he has stoned by the hands of all those And he who over whose garments he kept watch? in the evening, not only does not despoil, but with a charitable and peaceful hand breaks to the hungry the bread of life—is it not Paul, of the tribe of Benjamin, the Apostle of Christ, burning with zeal for his brethren, making himself all to all, and wishing even to be an anathema for their sakes ? 1 Gal 118, * mid. i Aok + Gal.i1, and frequesly elsewhere. xlix 27. TRtaken from a sermon whic for a l*ong longGen,time e i are o r d s ' was thought to which for a m St Augustine’s. - CONVERSION 403 OF ST PAUL Oh ! the power of our dear Jesus! how wonderful ! how irresistible | He wishes that the first worshippers at his Crib should be humble Shepherds—and them by his Angels, whose sweet hymn was lead these simple-hearted men to the Stable, swaddling-clothes, he lies who is the hope He would have the Gentile Pnnces, he invites enough to where,in of Israel. the Magi, do him homage—and bids a star to arise in the heavens, whose mysterious apparition, joined to the interior speaking of the Holy Ghost, induces these men of desire to come from the far East, and lay at the feet of an humble Babe their riches and their hearts. When the time is come for forming the Apostolic College, he approaches the banks of the sea of Tiberias, and with this single word: Follow me, he draws after him such as he wishes to have as his Dlscl les. In the midst of all the humiliations of his Passwn he has but to look-at the unfaithful Peter, and Peter is a penitent. Today, it is from heaven that he evinces his power: all the mysteries of our redemption have been accomplished, and he wishes to show mankind that he is the sole author and master of the Apostolate, and that his alliance with the Gentiles is now perfect: he speaks; the sound of his reproach bursts like thunder over the head of this hot Pharisee, who is bent on annihilating the Church; he takes this heart of the Jew, and, by his grace, turns it into the heart of the Apostle, the Vessel of election, the Paul who is afterwards to say of himself: I live, not I, but Christ liveth in me.! The commemoration of this great event was to be a Feast in the Church, and it had a right to be kept as near as might be to the one which celebrates the martyrdom of St Stephen, for Paul is the Protomartyr’s convert. The anniversary of his martyrdom would, of course, have to be solemnized at the summer solstice; where, then, place the feast of his Conversion if not near Chnstmas, and thus our own Apostle would be at Jesus’ Crib, and Stephen’s side ? Moreover, the Magi 2 Gal. ii 20. 404 CHRISTMAS could claim him, as being the conqueror of that Gentile world of which they were the first-fruits. And lastly, it was necessary, in order to give court of our Infant-King its full beauty, that the Princes of the Church—the Apostle of the Jews, the Apostle of the Gentlles—should stand close to mystic Sword. Crib; Peter with Bethlehem thus his Keys, becornes and the Paul the two and the with his perfect figure of the Church, and the riches of this season of the Cycle are abundant beyond measure. Let us borrow from the ancient Liturgies a suitable expression of our admiration of our Apostle’s Conversion. The following Sequence, which belongs to the tenth century, is found in the old Missals of the Churches of Germany. It is full of mysterious allusions, which bear a certain grandeur of thought. SEQUENCE Dixit Dominus: Ex Basan convertam, convertam in prc fundum maris. Quod dixit et fecit, Saulum ut stravit, Paulum et statuit, Per Verbum suum incarnatum, per quod fecit et szcula. uod dum impugnat, audivit: Saule, Saule, quid me persequeris ? Ego sum Christus: durum est tibi ut recalcitres stimulo. A facie Domini mota est terra, contremuitque mox et quievit. Dum _ cognito credidit Domino, Paulus persequi cessat Christianos. Hic lingua tuorum est canum, ex inimicis ad te rediens, Deus; The Lord said: I will turn him ~om Basan (the land of barrenfess); 1 will turn him into the deep sea (of my faith). at he said he did, when he prostrated Saul, and raised him up Paul, By his Incarnate Word, by whom also he made the world. It was whilst opposing this Word, that the Jew heard the voice: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me ? I am Christ: it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. The earth was moved at the presence of the Lord; it trembled and then was at resf Paul, when he knew the Lord Jesus, believed, and ceased to persecute the Christians. He became, O God, the tongue of thy faithful ones; leavmg thine thee. "enemies, he returned to CONVERSION Dum Paulus in ore omnium sacerdotum jura dat praceptorum, Docens crucifixum non esse alium prater Christum Deum, Cum Patre qui regnat et Sancto Spiritu, cujus testis Paulus. Hinc lingua sacerdotum, more canis dum perlinxit legis et Evangelii duos molares in his contrivit, Corrosit universas species medicinarum, quibus curantur saucii, reficiuntur enutriendi. Per quem conversus ad nos tu vivifices, Christe, peccatores: Qui convertendis conversum converteras Paulum, vas electum. Quo docente Deum, mare vidit et fugit, Jordanis conversus est retrorsum; Quia_turba gentium, rediens vitiorum profundo, O rege Basan confuso, Te solum adorat Christum creatorem, quem et cognoscit in carne venisse redemptorem. Amen. The Roman-French 405 OF ST PAUL For it is Paul who, by the mouth of the priests throughout the world, proclaims the commandments, Teaching that the Crucified is no other than God, the Christ, Who reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost; and Paul is his witess. By the light of his teaching the pricsts meditate on the law and the Gospel; and by these, as with two mill-stones, have pounded And prepared every spiritual medicine, whereby the wounded are healed, and the hungry are fed. O Jesus | hear his prayers for us sinners; turn to us; give us life; Who didst turn Paul into a true convert, for the sake of all who are to return to thee, and didst make of election. When he men, the sea him preached beheld the vessel God and to fled, the Jordan was turned back, Because the multitude of the nations, returning from the depths of sin, to the confusion of Og the King of Basan, Now adore but thee, O Christ ! their creator, whom they believe to have come in the flesh to redeem them. Missals Hymn of Adam of Saint-Victor. give us Amen. this beautiful SEQUENCE Church of the Gentiles ! sing Corde, voce pulsa caelos, with heart and voice thy hymn Triumphale pange melos, of triumph, and make the Gentium Ecclesia. heavens echo. Paul, the Doctor of the GenPaulus Doctor gentium tiles, has finished his course, Consummavit stadium and triumphs in glory. Triumphans in gloria. 406 CHRISTMAS This is_he that was the youthful Benjamin, the ravenous wolf, the devourer of the prey, the enemy of the Faithul. He was a wolf in the morning, Mane lupus, sed ovis vesbut in the evening a lamb. The pere, Post tenebras lucente sidere, night was past, the day-star Docet Evangelium. rose, and he preaches the Gospel. Hic mortis viam arripit, This is he that marched in Quem vite via corripit, the road of death, but was stayed, as he goes to Damascus, Dum Damascum graditur. by Him who is the Way of Life. Spirat minas, sed jam He had breathed forth threats, but at length he yields; he proscedit; trates, and obeys; he is made Sed prostratus jam obedit; gaptive, and goes Whither he is Sed jam vinctus ducitur. led. Ad Ananiam mittitur: He is sent to Ananias—the wolf to the lamb; his stormy Lupus ad ovem trahitur; heart is calm. Mens resedit effera. He receives the sacrament Fontis subit sacramentum: of the font; its saving waters Mutat virus in pigmentum turn the venom of his soul into Unda salutifera. the fragrance of love. Vas sacratum, vas divinum, He becomes a sacred vessel, a vessel divine, a vessel that Vas propinans dulce vinum gives forth to men the sweet Doctrinalis gratiz. wine of the grace of doctrine. He visits the synagogues, Synagogas circuit: and the Christian faith Christs b astruit by unfolding the prophets. Prophetarum serie. He preaches the cross of ‘erbum crucis protestatur: Christ; and for the sake of that Causa crucis cruciatur: Cross himself does bear the cross, Mille modis moritur dying a thousand deaths. Sed perstat vivax hostia: Yet dies not, but is a living Et invicta constantia victim, conquering every pain Omnis peena vincitur. by unconquered courage. Segregatus docet gentes: He is set apart by God as Mundi vincit sapientes the teacher of the Gentiles; Dei sapientia. and by the wisdom of God he overcomes the wise ones of the world. Raptus ad ccelum tertium, Rapt to the third heaven, he Videt Patrem et Filium sees the Father and Son in one In una substantia. substance. Hic Benjamin adolescens, Lupus rapax, prada vescens, Hostis est fidelium. Roma CONVERSION potens et docta Gracia Prabet colla, discit mysteria: Fides Christi proficit. Crux triumphat: Nero sevit, Quo docente, fides crevit, Paulum ense conficit. Sic exutus carnis_molem Paulus, videt verum Solem Patris Unigenitum. Lumen videt in lumine, Cujus vitemus numine Gehennalem gemitum. Amen. OF ST PAUL 407 The mighty Rome, and the learned Greece—both bow down their heads, and learn the Mysteries, and embrace the Faith of Christ. The Cross triumphs! Then does Nero rage to see this Paul spreading the Faith by his preaching, and sentences him to die by the sword. Thus_disburthened from_the flesh, Paul sees the true Sun, the Only Begotten of the Father. He sees the Light in Light, by whose almighty power we shun the pains of hell. Amen. The ancient Sacramentaries give us nothing upon the Conversion of St Paul. We take the following Prayer and Preface from the Gallican Missal published Dom Mabillon, under the title of Missale Gothicum. PRAYER Deus qui Apostolum tuum Paulum insolentem contra Christiani nominis pietatem, ceelesti voce cum terrore pe culsum, hodierna die Vocationis ejus, mentem cum nomine commutasti; et quem prius _persecutorem metuebat Ecclesia, nunc ceelestium mandatorum letatur se habere Doctorem: quemque ideo foris ccasti, ut introrsus videntem faceres: cuique post tenebras crudelitatis ablatas, ad evocandas Gentes divina legis scientiam contulisti: sed et tertio naufragantem pro fide quam expugnaverat, jam devotum in elemento liquido fecisti vita incolumem. Sic nobis, quasumus, ejus et mutationem et fidem colenti- by O God, who by a voice from heaven didst strike with terror thine Apostle Paul when raging against the holiness of the Christian religion, and on this the day of his Vocation didst change him both in his heart and his name: so that the Church having once dreaded him as her persecutor, now rejoices in having him as her Teacher in the commandments of God: whom thou didst strike with exterior blindness, that thou mightest give him interior sight: to whom, moreover, when the darkness of his cruelty was removed, thou didst give the knowledge of thy divine law, whereby he might call the Gentiles: and didst thrice deliver him from shipwreck, which he 408 CHRISTMAS bus, post cacitatem peccatorum, fac te videre in ceelis, qui illuminasti Paulum in terris. suffered for the Faith, saving this thy devoted servant from the waves of the sea: grant also to us, we beseech thee, who are solemnizing both his conversion and his faith, that, after the blihdness of our sins, we may be permitted to see thee in heaven, who didst enlighten Paul here on earth. PREFACE Dignum et justum est; vere quum et justum est: nos tibi gratias agere, Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, _aterne Deus: qui, ut ostenderes te omnium cupere indulgere peccatis, persecutorem EcClesiz tu, ad unum verbum tuz vocationis lucratus es, et statim fecisti nobis ex persecutore doctorem: nam qui alienas epistolas ad destructionem Ecclesiarum acceperat, coepit suas ad restaurationem earum scribere; et ut seipsum Paulum factum ex Saulo monstraret, repente architectus sapiens, fundamentum posuit, ut sancta Ecclesia Catholica, eo zdificante, gauderet, a quo fuerat ante vastata; et tantus ejus_defensor existeret, ut omnia supplicia_corporis, et ipsam cadem corporis non timeret: nam factus est caput Ecclesiz, qui membra Ecclesiz conquassaverat: caput terreni corporis tradidit, ut Christum caput in suis omnibus membris acciperet, per quod etiam vas electionis esse meruit; qui eumdem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum in sui_pectoris habitationem suscepit. It is meet and just, yea it is right and just, that we should give thanks to thee, O Holy Lord, Almighty Father, Eternal God: who, to show that thou desirest to forgive all men their sins, didst win over the persecutor of thy Church with one word of thy calling, and straightway madest the persecutor our teacher: for he that had received epistles from others unto the destruction_of the Churches, began to writehis own unto their restoration; and who, to show that Saul had become Paul, did immediately, a5 a wise architect, lay the foundation, giving joy to thy holy Catholic Church, becoming her builder after being her destroyer: and in such wise did he defend her, that he feared neither tortures nor very death, and became a Head of the Church after having crushed the members of the Church, delivering up the head of his own body, that he might be united with the Divine Head Christ in all his members, by whom also he merited to be made a vessel of election, and into the dwelling of his own heart he received this same Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord. 409 CONVERSION OF ST PAUL We give thee thanks, O prostrated thine enemy by up again by thy mercy. God, and thy wctones shall Jesus! who hast this day thy power, and raised him Truly art thou the Mighty be ra.\sed by all creatures. salvation! men How wonder!ul art thou, in thy plans icr the world’s Thou makest thy associates in the work of the preaching of thy word, and in the dispensing of thy Mysteries; and in order to make Paul worthy of such an honour, thou usest all the resources of thy grace. It pleased thee to make an Apostle of Stephen’s murderer, that so thy sovereign power might be shown to the world, thy love of souls be evinced in its richest gratuitous generosity, and grace abound where sin had so abounded. Sweet Saviour | often visit us with this grace which converts the heart; for we desire to have the life of grace abundantly, and we feel that its very principle is often in danger within us. Convert us, as thou didst thine Apostle; and after having converted us, assist us; for without thee we can do nothing. Go before us, follow us, stand by our side; never leave us, but as thou hast given us the commencement, secure to us our perseverance to theend. Give us that Christian wisdom which will teach us how to acknowledge, with fear and love, that mysterious gift of grace which no creature can merit, and to which, nevertheless, a creature’s will may put an obstacle. We are captives: thou alone. art master of the instrument, wherewith we can break our chains; thou puttest it into our hands, bidding us make use of it; so that our deliverance is thy work, not ours—but our captivity, if it continue, can only be attributed to our negligence and sloth. Give us, O Lord, this thy grace; and graciously receive the promise we now make, that we will render it fruitful by co - operating with it. Assist us, thou holy Apostle of Jesus | to correspond with the merciful designs of God in our regard; obtain of him for us, that we may be overcome by the sweetness of an Infant-God. His voice does not make itself 410 CHRISTMAS heard; he does not blind us by the glare of his divine light; but this we know—he often complains that we persecute him | Oh ! that we could have the courage to say to him, with a heart honest like thine: Lord/ what wilt thou that we do 7 He would answer, and tell us to be simple, and to become little children like himself— to recognize now, after so many Christmases of indifference, the love he shows us in this mystery of Bethlehem—to declare war against sin—to resist our evil inclinations—and to advance in virtue, by walking in his divine footsteps. Thou hast said, in one of thine Epistles: If any man love not our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema !* Oh! teach us to know him more and more, so that we may grow in his love; and by thy prayers, preserve us from that ingratitude which turns even the sweet Mysteries of this holy season into our own greater condemnation. Glorious Vessel of election | pray for the conversion of sinners who have forgotten their God. When on this earth, thou didst spend thyself for the salvation of souls; continue thy ministry, now that thou art reigning in heaven, and draw down, upon them that persecute Jesus, the graces which triumph over the hardest hearts. Apostle of the Gentiles | look with an eye of loving pity on so many nations, that are still sitting in the shadow of death. During thy mortal life, thou wast divided between two ardent desires—one, to be with Christ, the other, to remain longer on earth labouring for the salvation of immortal souls: now that thou art united for ever with the Jesus thou didst preach to men, forget not the poor ones to whom their God is a stranger. Raise up in the Church apostolic men, who'may continue thy work. Pray to our Lord that he bless their labours, and the blood of such among them as are martyrs of zeal. Shield with thy protection the See of Peter, thy BrotherApostle and thy Leader. Support the authority of the Church of Rome, which has inherited thy power, and looks upon thee as her second defence. May thy power* 1 Cor. xvi 22. CONVERSION OF ST PAUL 411 ful intercession lead her enemies into humble submission, destroy schisms and heresies, and fill her Pastors with thy spirit, that like thee they may seek not themselves, but solely and in all things the interests of our Lord Jesus Christ. CHRISTMAS 412 JANUARY 26 SAINT POLYCARP BISHOP AND MARTYR MIDST the sweetness he is enjoying from the contemplation of the Word made Flesh, John, the Beloved Disciple, beholds coming towards him his dear Polycarp, the Angel of the Church of Smyrna,® all resplendent with the glory of martyrdom. This venerable Saint has in his soul the fervent love that made him say in the amphitheatre, when asked by the Proconsul to curse his Divine Master: “ Six-and-eighty years have I served Him, and he has never done me any wrong; nay, he has laden me with kindness. How could I blaspheme my King, who has saved me?” After having suffered fire and the sword, he was admitted into the presence of this King his Saviour, in reward for the eighty-six years of his faithful service, for the labours he had gone through in order to maintain faith and charity among his flock, and for the cruel death he endured. He was a disciple of St John the Evangelist, whom he imitated by zealously opposing the heretics, who were then striving to corrupt the faith. In obedience to the command of his holy Master,* he refused to hold intercourse with Marcion, called the first-born of Satan. the heresiarch, whom he This energetic adversary of the proud sect that denied the mystery of the Incarna- tion, wrote an admirable Epistle to the Philippians, in which we find these words: Whosoever confesses not that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, is an Antichrist. Polycarp, then, had a right to the honour of standing near the Crib, in which the Son of God shows himself to us in all 3 Apoc. ii 8. * 25t John i r0. ST POLYCARP 413 his loveliness, and clothed in flesh like unto our own. Let us honour this disciple of John, this friend of Ignatius, this Bishop of the Apostolic Age, whose praise was pronounced by Jesus Christ himself in the Revelations of Patmos. Our Saviour said to him by the mouth of Saint John: Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.! Polycarp was faithful even unto death, book, On and has received his crown; and whilst there is con- we are celebrating the coming of his King among us, he is one of the Saints who assist us to profit by the holy season. The Church gives us a passage from St Jerome’s Ecclesiastical Writers, in which tained the following short notice of our holy Martyr. Polycarpus, Joannis Apostoli discipulus, et ab eo Smymz Episcopus ordinatus, totius Asiz princeps fuit; quippe qui nonnullos Apostolorum, et eorum qui viderant Dominum, magistros habuerit et viderit. Hic propter quasdam super die ascha quastiones, sub Imperatore Antonino Pio, Ecclesiam in Urbe regente Aniceto, Romam venit: ubi plurimos credentium, Marcionis et Valentini persuasione deceptos, reduxit ad fidem. Cumque ei fortuito obviam fuisset Marcion, et diceret: Cognoscis nos ? respondit: Cognosco primogenitum diaboli. Postea vero regnante Marco Antonino et Lucio Aurelio Commodo, quarta post Neronem persecutione, Smyrnz sedente proconsule, et universo populo in amphitheatro adversus eum personante, igni traditus est. _Scripsit ad Philippenses valde utilem episto- Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, who ordained him Bishop of Smyrna, was looked up_ to by all the Churches of Asia, inasmuch as he had not onlyknown some of the Apostles, and those who had seen our Lord, but had been trained by them. He went to Rome, during the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, and under the Pontificate of Anicetus, in order to have an answer to certain uestions regarding Easter-day. Ist there, he brought back to the faith several Christians who had been misled by the teaching of Marcion and Valentine. Having, on a_certain occasion, casually met Marcion, who said to him: ‘ Dost thou know us? Polycarp replied: “Yes, T know thee as the firstborn’ of Satan.’ Some time after, under the reign of Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, in the fourth persecution after that under Nero, he was cited before the Pro- 1 Apoc. ii 10. 414 CHRISTMAS lam, quz usque hodie in Asiz conventu legitur. consul of Smyrna, who condemned him to be burnt alive; which sentence was _carried into effect in the amphitheatre, amidst the clamours of the whole le. He wrote an important Let er to the Philipians, which is still read in the hurches of Asia. The Greek Church sings the praises of St Polycarp in her Menza, from which we extract the following passages. DIE XX1II Quando fructus ille Virginis, et semen germinans vite principium, in terram cecidit, tunc te Polycarpum spicam produxit, fideles nutrientem _pietatis verbo_ et documentis, et eos sanctificantem divino certaminis sanguine et sanctitatis unguento. Quando in ligno crucis vitis vera suspensa elevata est, tunc te fructuosum palmitem extendit, falce incisum venerandi martyrii, et tormentorum _torculari_agitatum, cujus letitiz calicem cum fide libantes, o Pater, veneranda tua certamina glorificamus. Caritatis uvam in anima vere coluisti, 6 Pater sapiens, et tamquam vinum effudisti fidei verbum; letificans omnium fidelium mentes, et miraculorum demonstratus es immensum mare; unde martyrum decus apparuisti, igne purificatus et lumine dignatus zterno, o Polycarpe: deprecare Christum Deum dare ve- FEBRUARII ‘When the Fruit of the Virgin, and the Seed that is the germ of life, came on the earth, he produced thee, O Polycarp, as the grain of wheat that nourishest the faithful with the word and teachings of piety, and trainest them to holiness by the glorious shedding of thy blood, and the odour of thy saintliness. When Christ, the True Vine, was raised up pendent on the Tree of the Cross, then wast thou produced as one of his fruitful branches, that wast pruned with the knife of a venerable martyrdom, and wast put into the wine-press of torture. Drinking his Cup of gladness with faith, we glorify, O Father | thy glorious combat. Truly, O wise Father| didst thou cherish in_thy soul the growth of the vine of charity, and didst pour forth the wine of the word of faith. Thou didst gladden the hearts of all the Faithful, and wast like the boundless sea in thy miracles. Therefore art thou the glory of Martyrs, O Polycarp! for thou hast been purified by fire, ST POLYCARP niam peccatorum, nobis celebrantibus cum amore tuam sanctam commemorationem. Honeste ambulans et filium lucis pacisque denuncians, noctis primogenitum revelasti Marcionem. Firma ratione comburentem flammam supergressus es, 0 gloriose, quasi tres pueri qui fornacis ignem rore sedarunt, et in medio ignis incombustus permansisti clamans: Benedictus es, Deus patrum nostrorum. Pie coluisti Christi mysticam culturam, et rationabilis victima ipse oblatus es Deo sacrificium acceptabile et optimum, omnino fructuosa victima, Polycarpe ter beate. Supra crucem visus, et hierarchico ornamento digne indutus, Pater, in templum Dei introisti proprio sanguine. Archipastori_Christo preesentandus, a Christo signatus quasi aries insignis, Hierophantes, imitator demonstratus es passionum ejus, et glori@ effectus particeps, et Tegni ipsius coheres. Commemoratio tua ignifera exorta, o Pater, illuminat animas eorum qui illam pie perficiunt, o divine, et omnes participes tue divina illu‘minationis afficit, quam digne, 0 sapiens, in hymnis magnificamus. 415 and rewarded with light everlasting. Pray for us to Christ our God, that he grant pardon of our sins to us, who lovingly celebrate thy holy memory. Walking in uprightness, and showing thyself a son of light and peace, thou didst unmask Marcion, the first-born of night. O glorious Polycarp ! by thy undaunted soul thou didst overcome the burning fire, like unto the Three Children, who quenched the furnace with dew; and in the midst of the flames thou wast unconsumed, and didst cry out: Blessed art thou, 0 God of our Fathers | Religiously didst thou cultivate the mystical garden of Christ, and thou thyself, the spiritual victim, wast offered to God an acceptable and perfect sacrifice, a victim most fruitful, O thrice blessed Poly! Thou wast seen upon the cross, O Father! and being worthily clad with the pontifical robes, thou didst enter by thine own blood into the temple of God. That thou, O holy Pontifi| mightest be presented to Christ, the Prince of Pastors, as the victim elect marked out by him, thou becamest the imitator of his passion, and art now a partaker of his glory, and the coheir of his kingdom. Thy Feast, with its blaze of glory, O Father! has risen, enlightening the souls of them that piously keep it, O heavenly man | and making them all partakers of thy supreme brightness, which we worthily magnify in our hymns, O wise Poly carp | 416 CHRISTMAS How well didst thou bear out the full meaning of thy name, O Polycarp! for thou didst produce many fruits for thy Saviour, during thy six-and-eighty years spent in his service. The numerous souls won over to Christ, the virtues which adorned thy life, and thy life itself, which thou didst present to thy Lord in its full maturity—these were thy fruits. And what happiness was thine to have received instruction from the Disciple that leaned upon Jesus’ Breast | After being separated from him for more than sixty years, thou art united with him on this the day of thy martyrdom, and thy venerable master receives thee in a transport of joy. ‘Thou adorest, with him, that Divine Babe, whose sim- plicity thou hadst imitated during life, and who was the single object of thy love. Ask of him for us, that we too may be Faithful unto death. By thy prayers, now that thou art throned in heaven, make fruitful the vineyard of the Church, which when on earth thou didst cultivate by thy labours, and water with the blood of thy glorious martyrdom. ~Re-establish faith and unity in the Churches of Asia, which were founded by thy venerable hand. Hasten, by thy prayers, the destruction of that degrading slavery of Mohammedanism which has kept the East in bondage so long, because her once'faithful children severed themselves from Rome by the great schism of Byzantium. Pray for the Church of Lyons, which regards thee as its founder, through the ministry of thy disciple Pothinus, and takes itself so glorious a share in the apostolate of the Gentiles, by the Work of the Propagation of the Faith. ‘Watch over the purity of our holy Faith, and preserve us from being deceived by false teachers. The error which thou didst combat, and which teaches that all the mysteries of the Incarnation are but empty symbols, hasrisen up again in these our days. There are Marcions, even now, who would reduce all religion to myths; and they find some few followers; may thy powerful prayers rid the world of this remnant of so impious a ST POLYCARP 417 doctrine. Thou didst pay homage to the Apostolic Chair, for thou, too, wouldst see Peter, and didst journey to Rome, in order to consult its Pontiff on questions regarding the interests of thy Church of Smyrna. Defend the rights of this august See, whence alone are derived both the jurisdiction of our Pastors, and the authoritative teachings of Faith. Pray for us, that we may spend the remaining days of this holy Season in the contemplation and the love of our new-born King. May this love, accompanied with purity of heart, draw down upon us the merciful blessings of God, and at length, after our course is run, obtain for us the Crown of Life. m a7 418 CHRISTMAS Janvary 27 SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH EFORE our Emmanuel came upon this earth, men were as sheep without a shepherd; the flock was scattered, and the human to perdition. race was hastening on Jesus would, therefore, not only be the Lamb that was to be slain for our sins; he made himself, moreover, a Shepherd, that so he might bring us all back to the divine fold. But as he had to leave us when he ascended into heaven, he has provided for the wants of his sheep by providing us with a succession of Pastors, who should in his name feed the flock even to the end of the world. Now instruction, which is the light of life, is what the flock of Christ needs above all other things; and therefore our Emmanuel required that the Pastors of his Church should also be Doctors of sacred science. The Pastor owes two things to his fipple; namely, the Word of God and the Sacraments. is under the obligation of dis) ing, personall; and unceasingly, this twofold nmfimrtg toplelis floclz and of laying down his very life, if needed, in the fulfilment of a duty on which rests the whole work of the world’s salvation. But since the disciple is not above his Master, the Pastors and Doctors of the Christian people, if they are faithful in the discharge of their duties, are sure to be hated by the enemies of God; for they cannot spread the Kingdom of Christ without at the same time taking from the power of Satan. Hence it is that the history of the Church is filled with the persecutions endured by her Pastors and Doctors, who continued the ministry of zeal and charity begun by Christ ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM upon the earth. These 419 contests have been and gave occasion to three admirable victories. threefold, The Pastors and Doctors of the Church have had to struggle with Paganism, which sought, by inflicting tortures and death, to oppose the preaching of the law of Christ. the Church It was this sort of persecution which gave such saints as those whom we celebrate during this season of Christmas—Polycarp, Ignatius, Fabian, Marcellus, Hyginus, and Telesphorus. When the era of Persecution was over, the Pastors and Doctors of the Christian people had to engage with enemies of another kind. Kings and Princes became children of the Church, and then sought to make her their own slave. They imagined that it would serve their political interests to interfere with the liberty of the Word of God, which, like the light of the sun, was intended to be carried, without hindrance, throughout the power, as did limits to the which become profane hand. whole earth. They usurped the priestly the Pagan Casars, and presumed to set administration of those sources of life corrupt as soon as they are touched by a This usurpation gave rise to an incessant contest between the temporal and spiritual powers, and produced a second class of martyrs. God has glorified his Church during this long period of struggle, and has given her, from time to time, a brave defender of ecclesiastical liberty. We have met two of these cham- pions of the Word and the holy ministry during Christmastide—Thomas of Canterbury, and Hilary of Poitiers. But there is a third sort of battle in which the Pastors and Doctors of the flock of Christ have had to fight— it is the battle with the world and its vices. It began when Christianity began, and will continue to the day of Judgement. It was their courage in this battle that made so many saintly prelates hated for the name of Jesus Christ. Neither their charity, nor their services to mankind, nor protected them and persecution. their humility, nor their meekness, from ingratitude, spleen, calumny, And what was their offence ? They CHRISTMAS 420 had been faithful in their duty of preaching the doctrines of their Divine Master, of encouraging virtue, and of The amiable Francis de Sales chiding the sins of men. was as much disliked and even hated by bad men as was John Chrysostom himself, whose tmun h gladdens the Church today, and who stands near the Crib of his Lord as one of the most illustrious martyrs of pastoral duty courageously discharged. Fervent in the service of his Saviour, even to the observance of the divine Counsels (for he had embraced the monastic life), this golden-mouthed Preacher made no other use of his wonderful gift of eloquence than that of urging men to the observance of the virtues taught in the Gospel, and of reproving every vice. Satan sought to have his revenge against our Saint by raising against him many enemies. Among these were an Empress, whose vanities and sins he had rebuked; men in power, whose wickedness he had held up to notice; women of influence, who would have him preach a morality more in accordance with their own depravity; a Bishop of Alexandria, and certain Prelates of the Court, who were jealous of his virtues, and still more so of his reputation. He was exceedingly loved by his people—but neither that nor his great virtues He whose eloquence protected him from persecution. had enraptured the people of Antioch, and won for him the enthusmshc admiration of the citizens of Constantmople ‘was deposed in a council convened for the , his name was ordered to be cancelled from the d.| ty chs of the Altar, notwithstanding the energetic protest of the Roman Pontiff; and at length he was condemned to exile, and died on the way, worn out by the hardships and fatigues he had to undergo. But this Pastor, and Doctor, was not vanquished. He said, in the midst of all his persecutions, Woe is unto me if I preach mot the Gospel I' He made use, too, of those other words of the great Apostle: The word of The Church triumphed in him; she God is not bound.* 1 1Corix 16, * 2 Tim.iig. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM 421 was more glorified and more consoled by the unflinching courage of Chrysostom, who was led into captivity for having preached the Gospel of Christ, than she had been by the success achieved by his eloquence, an eloquence which Libanius was heard to covet for his pagan orators. Let us hearken to the thrilling words of Chrysostom, which he addressed to the faithful immediately before his last banishment. He had been sent into exile once before; but a terrific earthquake immediately after his departure was looked upon as sent by heaven to punish the authors of so crying an injustice, and the Empress herself went, with tears in her eyes, to ask the Emperor to recall him. Accordingly, he was permitted toreturn. Shortly after, fresh occasions were sought for, and John was again sentenced to exile. He received the intimation with all the calmness of a Saint who knows that the whole Church is on his side. Let us study this glorious model of a Bishop trained in the school of our Lord who is, as the Apostle and Bishop of our souls.* calls him, the Shepherd ‘ Many are the waves, and threatening are the storms, ‘which surround me; but I fear them not; for I am standing on the Rock. Let the sea roar; it cannot wash away the Rock: Let the billows mount as they will; they cannot sink the barque of our Lord Jesus Christ. tell me, what would you have me fear? And Death? To me, to live is Christ; and to die is gain.* Exile? The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.* Confiscation of my goods ? We brought nothing into this world; and certainly we can carry nothing outt No—the evils of this world are contemptible, and its goods deserve but to be laughed at. I fear not poverty, I desire not riches; I neither fear to die, nor wish to live, save for your advantage. speak of these you bear me, to “ For no one part what God LrStPetiizs. Your interest alone induces me to things, and to ask of you, by the love take courage. can separate us; no human power can has united. It is said of husband and 8 Philiar ' Paxxilrn. 4 xTim.viz. 422 CHRISTMAS wife: Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be two in one flesh:* Therefore what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder? Thou canst nuptial tie: how hopest God? It is she whom not, O man, dissolve the thou to divide the Church of thou attackest, because thou canst not reach him whom thou fain wouldst strike. Thou makest me more glorious, and thou dost but waste thy strength in warring against me, for it is hard for thee to kick against the sharp goad.* Thou canst not blunt its point, and thou makest thine own foot bleed, just as the billows, when they dash against the rock, fall back mere empty froth. “ Believe me, O man, there is no power like the power of the Church. Cease thy battling, lest thou lose thy strength; wage not war with heaven. When it is with man thou warrest, thou mayst win or lose; but when thy fighting is against the Church, it is impossible thou shouldst conquer, for God is above Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? than he ?* all in strength. Are we stromger God founded, God gave firmness: who shall be so bold as to attempt to pull down ? Knowest thou not his power ? He looketh upon the earth, and maketh it tremble;® he gives his order, and that which trembled is made firm again. an earthquake had If he made firm the City after shaken it, how much more could he not give firmness to the Church? The Church is stronger than heaven itself: Heaven and earth shall pass, but my words shall not pass.* What words? Thou art Peter; and wupon this Rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” ‘If thou wilt not believe his word, believe facts. How many tyrants have sought to crush the Church ? They had their gridirons and fiery furnaces, and wild beasts, and swords—and all failed. Where are those enemiesnow? Buried and forgotten. And the Church ? Brighter than the sun. 1Gen.iizg. * Ps. ciii 32. All ey had is now past; but *StMatt.xix6. *Actsix6. 5t Matt. xxiv 35. 4 1Cor.xaa * Ibid. xvi 18, ST JOHN her riches are immortal. 423 CHRYSOSTOM If the Christians conquered when they were but few in number, canst thou hope to vanquish them, now that the whole earth is filled with the holy religion ? words shall not pass. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my Wonder not at it; for the Church is dearer unto God than the very heavens. He took flesh not from heaven, but from his Church on earth; and heaven is for the Church, not the Church for heaven. ‘ Be not troubled at what has happened. I ask this favour of you—be firm in your faith. Have you not observed that when and began because weak ? Peter was walking on the waters, to fear, he was in danger of sinking, not the sea was rough, but because his faith was Have I been raised to this dignity by human intrigue ? Was it man that brought me to it, or can man now depose me ? I say not this from arrogance or boasting; God forbid! I say it from the desire of calming your trouble. “ The devil no sooner saw that your City was tranquillized, than he plotted how he might disturb the Church. Thou wicked and most impious spirit | thou couldst not throw down the walls of a city; and thinkest thou thou canst make the Church fall? Does the Church consist of walls ? The Church consists of the multitude of the faithful. Look at her pillars, and see how solid they are, fastened, not by iron, but by faith. Not only is the great multitude itself more vehement than fire, but even one single Christian would conquer thee. Hast thou forgotten the wounds thou receivedst from the martyrs ? Oftentimes the combatant was a tender maiden: delicate as a flower, yet firmer than a rock. Thou didst mangle her flesh, but her against all thy tortures faith was proof Her blood fell as nature felt the wounds, but her faith fell not; her body was torn, but her manly soul flinched not; what was material was spoilt, what was spiritual was untouched. Thou couldst not vanquish one woman; and yet thou hopest to vanquish a whole people! Hast thou not heard these words of the Lord: Where there are two or three CHRISTMAS 424 gathered fogether in my name, there am I in the midst of them?* And thinkest thou he will not be in the midst of a numerous people, united together by the ties of ? charity ‘1 have his pledge, and on that I trust, not on my own strength. I have his ‘written promise. That is my staff, and my guarantee, and my tranquil port. What matters it to me if the whole world be upset— have I not his written word ? have I not his letters ? There is my rampart, and there my defence. What letters ? I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.* Christ is with me—of whom shall I be afraid? Though stormy billows should rise up against me, though the sea should open to swallow me, though the wrath of kings should be enkindled against me, I will heed them no more than if they were so many spider’s webs. Had not my love for you kept me, I would have started this very day on my exile, for this is my constant prayer: “O Lord! thy will be done;* I will do thy will; not what such or such an one may will, but what thou willest.” This is my tower of strength, this is my firm rock, this is my trusty staff. If God will that I go, I If he will me to remain here, I will give him will go. thanks. Yea, whithersoever he wills me to go, I will bless his holy name.”* What humility and courage in this saintly minister of Christ! What a consolation for the Church when God sends her men like this| He has given four to the Eastern Church: Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzum, Basil and Chrysostom. In spite of the immense dangers to which faith was exposed during the age in which they lived, these four holy Doctors, by their sanctity, learning, and courage, kept it alive among the people. Athanasius and Gregory appear to us in that period of the Ecclesiastical Year when the Church is radiant with her Easter joy, and celebrates the Resurrection of her Divine Spouse. Basil’s feast gladdens us in the season of Pente+ St Matt. xviii 20. + Ibid. xxviii 20 * Ibid.vito. « Homily before his exile. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM 425 cost, when the Church is filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Chrysostom comes at Christmastide, and adds to the joy of the dear Mystery of Bethlehem. Let us, the favoured children of the Latin Church, which alone has preserved the primitive faith, because Peter is with her—let us honour these four faithful guardians of Tradition; let us today pay the homage of our devotion to Chrysostom, the Doctor of the universal Church, the conqueror of the world, successor of the Martyrs, the dauntless the Preacher par Pastor, the excellence, the admirer of St Paul, and the fervent imitator of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Roman Church, in the lessons of today’s Office, thus speaks the praises of our Saint. Joannes Antiochenus, propter aureum eloquentiz flumen cognomento Chrysost mus, a forensibus et szcularibus studiis ad divinas litteras summa cum ingenii et industriz laude se contulit. Itaque sacris initiatus, ac Presbyter Antiochenz Ecclesiz factus, mortuo Nectario, Arcadii Tmperatoris opera, inVitus Constantinapolitanis Ecclesiz praeficitur: quo suscepto pastorali munere, depravatos mores, et nobiliorum hominum vivendi licentiam vehementius objurgare capit. Qua ex libertate magnam multorum subiit invidiam. Apud Eudoxiam etiam, quod eam propter Callitrope viduz pecuniam, et alterius viduz agrum reprehendisset, graviter offendit. John, surnamed Chrysostom on’ account of his golden eloquence, was born at Antioch. Having gone through the study of the law and the profane sciences, he applied himself with extraordinary application and success to the study of the Sacred Scriptures. Having been admitted to holy orders, and made a Priest of the Church at_Antioch, he was appointed Bishop of Constantinople, after the death of Nectarius, by the express wish of the Emperor Arcadius. No sooner had he entered upon the pastoral charge than he began to inveigh against the licentious lives led by the rich. This his courageous preaching procured him many encmies. ~He likewise gave great offence to the Empress Eudoxia, because he had reproved her for having appropriated to herself the money belonging to a widow named Callitropa, and for having taken possession of some land which was the property of another widow. 426 CHRISTMAS At the instigation, therefore, ‘met rum acto Chalcedone conven- of Eudoxia, several stu, quo ipse vocatus ire noluit, together at Chalcedon. quod nec legitimum concilostom was cited to appear, ium, nec publicum esse di- which he refused to do, because ceret, pitente in primis ipsa it was not a Council either contra Chrysostomum Eudo- lawfully or publicly convened. Whereupon, he was sent into xia, ejicitur in exilium: sed paulo post propter ejus exile. He had not been gone desiderium, seditione populi long before the people rose in facta, admirabili civitatis sedition on_account of the plausu ab exilio revocatur. Saint's banishment, and he was Verum cum perditos mores recalled, to the immense joy increpare non desisteret, et of the whole city. But his ad argenteam Eudoxi@ sta- continuing_to inveigh against tuam in foro Sanctz Sophiz the scandals which existed, and ludos fieri prohiberet: con- his forbidding the games held spiratione_inimicorum Epis- before the silver statue of coporum iterum exulare co- Eudoxia, which was set up in the gitur, viduis et egentibus com- space opposite Sancta_Sophia, munis parentis ejectionem were urged by certain Bishops, lugentibus. In exilio Chry- enemies of the Saint, as motives sostomum incredibile est et for a second banishment. The quanta mala perpessus sit, et widows and the poor of the quam multos ad Jesu Christi city bewailed his_departure as fidem converterit. that of a father. Itis incredible how much Chrysostom had to suffer in this exile, and how many he converted to the Christian Faith. Verum dum Concilio RoAt the very time that Pope mz habito, decreto Innocentii Innocent the First, in a Council Primi_Pontificis restituitur, held at Rome, was issuing a a_militibus, qui eum custo- decree ordering that Chrysosdiebant, miris in itinere ma- tom should be set at liberty, he lis et calamitatibus afficitur. was being treated by the soldiers, Cumque per Armeniam duce- who were taking him into exile, retur, sanctus Basiliscus Mar- with unheard-of harshness and tyr, in_cujus templo antea cruelty. Whilst passing through oraverat, noctu sic eum affa- Armenia, the holy Martyr Basitus est: Joannes frater crasti- liscus, in whose Church he had nus dies nos loco conjun- offered up a prayer, thus spoke get. Quare postridie, sumpto to him during the night: Eucharistiz sacramento, se- ‘Brother John| we shall be que crucis signo muniens, united together tomorrow.’ animam Deo reddidit deci- Whereupon, on the following mo octavo kalendas Octo- morning, C tom_ received bris. Quo mortuo, horribilis the sacrament of the Eucharist, grando Constantinopoli ce- and signing himself with the Quare aliquot Episcopo- ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM 427 cidit, et quatriduo Augusta sign of the cross, he breathed cessit e vita. Ejus corpus forth his soul to his God, on the insigni pompa et hominum eighteenth of the Kalends of multitudinecelebratum, Theo- October (September 14th). A dosius Arcadii filius Confearful hail-storm happened at stantinopolim portandum, et Constantinople after the Saint’s honorifice iendum curaVit sexto kalendas Februarii; cujus etiam reliquias veneratus, parentum suorum veniam petiit: quod deinde Ro- mam translatum, in Basilica Vaticana conditum est. Mul- titudinem, pietatem, ac splendorém concionum, caterorumque ejus scriptorum, inretandi etiam rationem, et inhzrentem sententiz sacrorum Librorum_explanationem, omnes admirantur, dignumque existimant cui Paulus Apostolus, quem ille miri- fice coluit, scribenti et pradicanti multa dictasse videa- tur. simum Hunc vero praclaris- ecclesiz doctorem Pius decimus Pontifex maxi- mus ceelestem oratorum sacrorum patronum declaravit atque constituit. death, and fenr days after, the Empress died. Theodosius, the son of Arcadius, had the Saint’s body brought to Constantinople with all due honour, where, amidst a large concourse of people, it was buried on the sixth of the Kalends of February (January 27th). Theodosius, whilst devoutly venerating the Saint's relics, interceded for his parents, that they might be forgiven. The body was, at a Tater period, translated to Rome, and placed in the Vatican Basilica. All men agree in admiring the unction and eloquence of his numerous sermons, as indeed of all his other writings. He is also admirable in his interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures, which he explains in their genuine sense. It has always been thought that he was aided, in his writings and sermons, by St Paul the Apostle, to whom he entertained an extraordinary devotion. This most renowned Doctor of the Church was by Pope Pius X declared and appointed heavenly Patron of the preachers of holy things. The Greek Church, in her Menza, honours the memory of her great Doctorwith an enthusiasm which even herliturgy has seldom surpassed. We extract the following stanzas. DIE XIII NOVEMBRIS Tubam auream, divine flans organum, doctrinarum mare inexhaustum, Ecclesiz firma- Let us sweetly hymn the praises of Chrysostom, the golden trumpet,” the divinely CHRISTMAS mentum, mentem ceelestem, sounding organ, the exhaustless 428 sapientiz abyssum, crater- em deauratum, diffundentem flumina dogmatum mellifiua, irrigantia. creationem, meloditer hymnificemus. Sidus inocciduum, radiis illuminans dogmatum omne subsolare, peenitentiz praconem, spongiam auratissimam humiditatem _terribilis desperationis auferentem, et rorificantem cor peccatis consumptum, Joannem digne Chrysologum honoremaus. Angelus terrenus et ceelestis homo, lyra bene loquens et multisonans, virtutum thesaurus, immobilis lapis, fidelium forma Martyrum mulus, contubernalis sanctorum Angelorum, Apostolorum commensalis, in hymnis magnificetur Chrysostomus. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis, sancte Pater, Joannes Chrysostome; nam unxit te Deus sacerdotem populi sui, pascere gregem suum in sanctitate et justitia. Ideo cinctus gladio potentis, garrulitatem hareseon amputasti, et nunc ne cesses deprecari ut pacificetur mundus, et salventur anima Aureis nostre. verbis tuis Eccle- sia, tamquam auro mundo circumornata, Joannes Chrysostome, festive gaudens exclamat: Satiata sum tuis auriferis pascuis, et auriparibus ac mellauratis fluentis; ex actione in contemplationem educor per tuas exhortationes, et Christo, spiritali Sponso, sea of doctrine, the pillar of the Church, the heavenly mind, the abyss of wisdom, the gilded vase, that pours forth the honeyed streams of dogma which refresh the world. Let us worthily honour John the Chrysologus, the unsetting star that illumines with the rays of doctrine all nations under the sun; the preacher of penance, the golden sponge that takes away the clammy sweats of sad despair, and with refreshing dew revives the sinworn heart. Let Chrysostom be extolled in our hymns: he is the angel of earth and the man of heaven, a sweet and many-tuned harp, a treasury of virtues, an immoveable rock, a model the Faithful, an imitator Martyrs, a holy Angels, Apostles. Grace is thy lips, O of of companion of the an associate of the poured forth upon holy Father, John Chrysostom ! for the Lord hath anointed thee priest of his people, to feed the flock in holiness and justice. armed with the Therefore, sword of strength, thou didst cut short the prattling of heresies: oh | cease not now to pray that the world may be in peace, and our souls be saved. The Church, enriched with exhortations am from the pure gold of thy words, o tom | cries out to, thee, on this thy feast: ‘I am nourished by thy golden pastures, and by the streams of thy rich honeyed words. By thy I led action unto contemplation, and am united to Christ, the Spouse ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM unior, imperans cum eo. Ideo et nos congregati in tui ‘memoriam clamamus: Ne fatigeris deprecari pro nobis ad salvandas animas nostras. Decebat Reginam urbium de Joanne gloriaritamquamde ornatu regali et de aurea tuba, circumsonante per omnem terram salutaria dogmata, et omnes convocante ad concentum canticorum divinorum, ad quem clamamus: Chrysologe et Chrysostome, Chris- tum deprecare salvari animas nostras. Gaude, orphanorum pater, injuste patientium magnum auxilium, pauperum largitio, esurientium cibus, peccatorum erectio, animarum solertissime medice, theologiz excelsz accuratio, explanatio Scripturarum, Sancti Spiritus lex practicissima, theoria et praxis sapientiz celsitudinis; Christum exora mittere ani mabus nostris magnam misericordiam. Sol splendidissime, terram verbis_illustrans factus es, sidus_fulgidissimum, lampas preclara, fax per mare mundanum_hyeme agitatos evocans ad portum salutis tranquillissimum, in caritate: auridice Chrysostome, legate animarum nostrarum. In tuo pastoratu, injusta perpessus es, Pater sancte, participans _ tribulationibus amaris exiliisque, in_quibus dignatus es beato fine, tu qui, sicut athleta generosus, artificiosum inimicum superasti: ideo victoriz diademate 429 of my soul, that I may reign with him." We, too, that are assembled to celebrate thy memory, cry out unto thee: Cease not to pray for us, that our souls may be saved. It was meet that the Queen of Cities should glory in her pontifi John, for he is her crown, and the golden trumpet, earth whole the makes that re-echo with the doctrines of salvation, and summons all men to keep choir in God’s praise. We, also, cry out to him: O Chrysologus | O Chrysostom | beseech our Lord that he give us salvation. Rejoice, O thou father of the orphans, great help of those that unjustly suffer! O treasury of the poor, food of the hungry, converter of sinners, most skilled physician of souls, accurate teacher of sublime theology, interpreter of the Scriptures, living law of the Holy Spirit, theory and practice of heavenly wisdom! Oh! pray for us to our Lord, that he show unto us his great mercy. Thou art a most brilliant sun, enlightening the earth by thy words: a most bright star, a shining lamp: a beacon, by thy charity, that calls unto the tranquil haven of salvation them that are lost on the wintry stormy sea of this world: O en Chrysostom, - mouthed gold thou advocate of our souls! O holy Father! thou didst suffer most unjustly in the di charge of thy pastoral office, and wast made to drink of bitter tribulation and exile, wherein thou didst receive a blessed death, for, as a cour: geous soldier, thou didst over- CHRISTMAS 430 come the crafty enemy. Therefore, O Chrysostom | ambassador of our prayers | thou didst receive from Christ the crown of victory. te Christus coronavit, Joannes Chrysostome, legate precum nostrarum. What a crown is thine, O Chrysostom! Oh! how glorious is thy name in the Church of both heaven and earth! Thou didst preach the gospel in truth, thou didst fight the battle of thy Lord with courage, thou didst suffer for the cause of justice, and thou didst give up thy life in defence of the liberty of God’s word. The applause of men did not make claiming the rights of God, and the thee less stern in gift of apostolic eloquence, wherewith the Holy Ghost had enriched thee, was but a feeble image of the divine fire which burned within thy heart, and which made thee love the Word Incarnate, Christ Jesus our Lord, more than thine own glory, or happiness, by wicked men; or life. Thou wast calumniated thy name was erased from the tablets of the holy altar; and, like thy divine Master, thou wast condemned as a criminal, and deposed from the episcopal throne. But as well might men strive to eclipse the sun, as efface thy loved name from the memory of the Christian world. Rome defended thee, and has ever honoured thy admirable virtues, just as she now venerates thy sacred relics, which repose near the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles. She and all her children throughout the world consider thee as one of the most faithful dispensers of divine Truth. Recompense the devotion we have for thee, O Chrysostom | by watching over us from heaven; instruct us, convert us, make us earnest Christians. Like thy beloved master, St Paul, thou didst care for no knowledge save that which would make thee know Christ Jesus: but is it not in Christ Jesus that are hidden all the treasures of knowledge and wisdom? Teach us to know this dear Saviour, who has come down to us with all his infinite perfections; teach us to know his spirit; tell us how we may please and imitate him; ask him to ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM receive the offering of our faithful love. 431 In one thing we resemble thee, great Saint | we are exiles; but, alas ! we are so often tempted to love our exile as though it were our home. Oh ! detach us from this earth and its vanities. May we long to be united with thee, as thou wast united with the holy Martyr Basiliscus, in order that we may be with Jesus. Faithful Pastor! pray for our Pastors; obtain for them thine own spirit, and pray that their flocks may be docile to their teachings. Bless the Preachers of God’s word, that so they may but Jesus Christ. preach not themselves, Ask our Lord to give them that Christian eloquence which comes from the study of the Sacred Volume, and from prayer; that thus, the faithful may be allured to virtue by the charm of an unearthly language, and may give glory to God. Protect the Roman Pontiff, whose predecessor was thy sole defender ; may he ever be the protector of the Bishops of the Church who are persecuted for justice’ sake. Pray for thy Church of Constantinople, which has forgotten thy faith and thy virtues. May she be raised from the degrada- tion in which she has been so long enslaved. May Jesus, the Eternal Wisdom, be appeased by thy prayers, and be mindful of his Church of Sancta Sophia, and purify it from profanation, and restore that altar whereon was offered in sacrifice for so many ages. love for the Western Church, which has he Show, too, thy ever revered and loved thee. Hasten the fall of the heresies which have so long laid waste large portions of her inheritance; dispel the dark clouds of incredulity, and obtain for us all, by thy powerful intercession, a lively faith and the fervent practice of every virtue. 432 CHRISTMAS JANUARY 28 SAINT AGNES HER SECOND FEAST IVE days after the martyrdom of the Virgin Eme- rentiana, the parents of the glorious Saint Agnes visited the tomb to weep and martyrdom. of their child, during the night, there pray. It was the eighth day since her Whilst they were thinking upon the cruel death, which, though it had enriched their child with a Martyr’s palm, had deprived them of her society, Agnes suddenly appeared to them: she was encircled with a bright light, and wore a crown on her head, and was surrounded by a choir of virgins of dazzling beauty. On her right hand there stood a beautiful white lamb, the emblem of the Divine Spouse of Agnes. Turning towards her parents, she said to them: ‘ Weep not over my death: for I am now in heaven, together with these virgins, living with him whom I loved on earth with my whole soul.’ It is to commemorate this glorious apparition that the holy Church has instituted this Feast, which is called Saint Agnes’ Second Feast (Sancie Agnetis secundo). Lamb, Let us pray to this fervent spouse of the Divine that she intercede for us with him, and present us to him in this life, until it be given to us to possess him face to face in heaven. Let us unite with the glaiurch in the following Prayer, which she usesin today’s ce: ANT. Stans a dextris ejus Agnus nive candidior, Christus sibi Sponsam et Martyrem consecravit. ANT. Standing at her right hand as a Lamb whiter than snow, Christ consecrated her to himself as his Spouse and Martyr. ST AGNES, SECOND . Specie tua, et pulchri- tu(}lvnlltua ntende, prot e code etregna, T T OREMUS pro- Deus qui nos annua beat= Agnetis Virginis et Martyris tuz solemnitate latificas: da quasumus, ut quam veneramur officio, etiam piz conversationis_sequamur exemplo. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. FEAST 433 ¥. With thy comeliness and thy beanty. Ry. Set” out, proceed prosperously, and reign. LET US PRAY O God, who rejoicest us by the yearly solemnity of blessed Agnes, the Virgin and Martyr: grant, we beseech thee, that we may imitate her life to whose memory we pay this honour. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 433a CHRISTMAS THE SAME DAY THE BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE EMPEROR IN many Churches, especially in Germany, there is kept, on the second Feast of the Martyr Agnes, the Feast of the pious Emperor Charlemagne. The Emmanuel, who is come into this world, is to receive the title of King of kings and Lord of lords; he is to gird himself with the sword, and bring all nations into subjection; what could be more fitting than that he should lead to his Crib the greatest of Christian Princes, who ever made it his glory to use his sword in the service of Christ and his Church? Charlemagne was held as a Saint by the people, and the decree of his canonization was given by the Antipope Paschal the Third, in the year 1165, at the request of Frederic Barbarossa; on which account, the Holy See has permitted this public veneration. to be continued in all those places where it prevailed, though it has never given its approbation to the informal procedure of Paschal, nor made it valid by its own sentence, which it would, in all probability, have done had the request been made. At the same time, the many Churches, which, now for seven cen- turies, have honoured the memory of Charlemagne, keep his Feast under the simple title of Blessed, out of respect to the Roman Martyrology, where his name is not inserted. Before the Reformation, the name of Blessed Charlemaene wae inceerihed in the Calandar nf 2 oraat 433b BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE many of the Churches in France; the Breviaries of Rheims and Rouen are the only ones that have retained it. The Church of Paris ceased to keep his Feast, in order to satisfy the prejudices of several Doctors of the University, in the early part of the 16th century. Protestantism had, naturally enough, an antipathy for a man, who was the noblest type of a Catholic Prince: and they who were tainted with the spirit of Protestantism, defended their blotting out the name of Charlemagne from the Calendar, not so much by the informality of his Canonization, as by the scandal which they affected to find in his life. Public opinion was formed on this, as on so many other matters, with extreme levity; and among those who will be surprised at finding the name of Charlemagne in this volume, we quite expect that they will be the most astonished who have never taken the trouble to inquire into the holiness of his life. More than thirty Churches in Germany still keep the Feast of the great Emperor. His dear Church of Aix-la-Chapelle possesses his Relics and exposes them to the veneration of the people. The University of Paris, strange to say, chose him for its Patron in 1661; but his Feast, which had been given up for more than a century, was only restored as a national holiday, without the slightest allusion being made to it in the Liturgy. It does not enter into the plan of this work to discuss the reasons, for which public veneration has been paid to the Saints whose feasts we keep during the year; our read- ers must not, therefore, expect from us anything in the shape of a formal defence of the saintly life of Charlemagne. Nevertheless, we cannot refrain from making a few re‘marks, which our subject seems to require. And firstly, we affirm, with the great Bossuet that the morals of " 433c CHRISTMAS Charlemagne were without reproach,' and that the contrary opinion, which is based on certain vague and contradic- tory expressions of a few writers of the Middle-Ages, has only gained ground by Protestant influence. Dom Mabillon — after having given the history of the Emperor’s repudiation of Hermengarde, and his return to Himiltrude, his first wife — concludes his account of Charlemagne, in his Benedictine Annals, by acknowledging that this Prince’s plurality of wives has never been proved to have been simultaneous. Natalis Alexander and Le Cointe — authors who cannot be taxed with partiality, and who have gone into all the intricacies of the question — prove most clearly, that the only reproach to be laid to Charlemagne’s charge, on the subject of his wives, is his having repudiated Himiltrude, out of complaisance to the mother of Hermengarde, a fault which he repaired the following year, in compliance with the remonstrances of Pope Stephen the Fourth. ‘We grant, that after the death of Luitgarde, the last of his wives who was treated as Queen, Charlemagne mar- ried several others, whom Eginhard calls concubines, be- cause they did not wear the crown, and their children were not considered as princes of the blood; but we say, with Mabillon, that Charlemagne may have had these wives suc- cessively, and that it is difficult to believe the contrary, re- garding so religious a Prince, and one who had singular respect for the laws of the Church.? But, independently of the opinion of the grave authors whom we have cited, there is an incontestable proof of ! “Charlemagne was valiant, wise, and moderate; he was a warrior without ambition, and LeD AN EXEMPLARY LiFE. This I say, notwithstanding the reproaches heaped upon him by ignorance, in times past. His prodigious conquests caused the kingdom of God to be spread, and, in everythinghe did, he showed himself to be a perfect Christian.” Sermon on the Unity of the Church. BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE 433d Charlemagne’s innocence on the score of the simultaneous plurality of wives, at least from the time of his separation from Hermengarde. The Prince was then in his twenty-eighth year. The severity of the Roman Pontiffs rela- tive to the marriages of sovereigns is too well known to require proof. The history of the Middle-Ages abounds with the struggles they had, on this essential point of christian morals, with the most powerful monarchs, some of whom were most devoted to the Church. How, then, we would ask, would it be possible, that St. Adrian the First, who governed the Church from 772 to 795, and whom Charlemagne treated as a father, asking his advice in ev- erything he undertook — how, we repeat, would this holy Pontiff allow Charlemagne to indulge in the most scandal- ous crimes, without remonstrating, whilst Stephen the Fourth, who only sat three years, and had not the same influence on this Prince, could induce him to dismiss Hermengarde? Or again, would St. Leo the Third — who reigned as Supreme Pontiff from 795 till after Charlemagne’s death, and who recompensed his virtuous conduct by crowning him Emperor— would he have made no effort to induce him to abandon the concubinage in which some writers would make us believe he lived after the death of his last Queen Luitgarde? Now, we find not the shadow of any such remonstrances made by these two Popes, who governed the Church for more than forty years, and have been placed on her altars. The honour of the Church herself is at stake in this question, and it is the duty of every Catholic to suspect the imputations cast on the name of Charlemagne as calumnies. It would seem, from the letter of Pope Stephen the Fourth, that the marriage with Himiltrude was suspected, though falsely, of nullity; and it is not improbable that this suspicion may have satisfied Charlemagne’s conscience 433e CHRISTMAS when he divorced her. However this may be, we find Charlemagne afterwards legislating against public immorality with all the zeal and energy of a man whose own life ‘was not tainted with anything of the kind. We will cite but one example of this christian firmness in repressing scandal, and we put it to the conviction of any honest heart, if a Prince, whose life had been a series of public scandals, could have dared to express himself, with the simplicity and confidence of an innocent conscience, in an assembly of the Bishops and Abbots of his Empire, and in the presence of the Princes and Barons whose licentiousness he wished to repress, and who might so justly have excused their own disorders, by the lewd example of the very man ‘who exhorted them to virtue and threatened to chastise their vices? In a Capitulary, given during the Pontificate of St. Leo the Third, he thus decrees: “We forbid, under pain of sacrilege, the seizure of the goods of the Church, and injustices of whatsoever sort, adultery, fornication, incest, illicit marriage, unjust homicide, &c., for we know, that by such things kingdoms and kings, yea and private subjects, do perish. And whereas, by God’s help, and the merit and the intercession of the Saints and‘Servantsof God, whom we have at all times honoured, we have gained a goodly number of kingdoms, and won manifold victories, it behoveth us all to be on our guard lest we deserve the forfeiture of these gains by the aforementioned crimes and shameful lewdnesses. We know, of a truth, that sundry countries, wherein have been perpetrated these seizures of the goods of the Church, these injustices, these adulteries, and these prostitutions, have lost their courage in battle, and their firmness in the faith. Any one may learn from his- tory, how the Lord hath permitted the Saracens and other peoples to conquer the workers of such like iniquities; nor doubt we that the like will happen likewise to us. unless BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE 433f we abstain from such misdeeds; for God is wont to punish them. Be it, therefore, known to all our subjects, that he who shall be taken and convicted of any of these crimes, shall be deposed of all his honours, if he have any; that he shall be thrown into prison, till he repent and make amends by a public penitence; and, moreover, that he shall be cut off from all communication with the faithful; for we shall grievously fear the pit whereinto we see others be fallen.” Again, we ask, would Charlemagne have spoken such language as this, if, as has been asserted, his old age was be- ing disgraced with debauchery, at the very time that he passed this Capitulary, that s, after the death of Luitgarde? Granting, then, that this great Prince had sinned, we must allow that it was only in the early part of his reign, and we ought to remember that the remainder of his life was so holy as to be more than an ample penance. Is it not a sight worthy of our admiration to see this brave warrior, when he had become the mighty Sovereign, unceasingly practising, not only sobriety, which was a rare virtue among his countrymen, but fastings, which would bear compari- sons with those of the most fervent anchorets — wearing a hair-shirt even to the day of his death — assisting at the Offices of the Church, day and night, even during his various campaigns, when he had the Divine services performed in his tent — and giving abundant alms, (which, as the Scripture tells us, covereth a multitude of sins,) not only to all the poor of his dominions, who besought his charity, but likewise to the christians of Africa, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine, for whose sakes he more than once exhausted his royal treasury? But, what is above all this, and, in the absence of every other proof, would testify to Charlemagne’s possessing every virtue that could adorn a Christian Prince, is his making no other use of his sovereign power than that of spreading the Kingdom of Christ 433g CHRISTMAS on the earth. It is the one single end he proposed to himself in every battle he fought, and every law he made. This monarch, to whom were subject France, Catalonia, Navarre, and Aragon; Flanders, Holland, and Friesland; the provinces of Westphalia, Saxony, as far as the Elbe; Franconia, Suabia, Thuringia, and Switzerland; the two Pannonias, (that is, Austria and Hungary,) Dacia, Bohemia, Istria, Liburnia, Dalmatia, and even Sclavonia; and finally, the whole of Italy, as far as southern Calabria — this Mon- arch signs himself, in his glorious Capitularia: “I, Charles, by the grace of God and the giving of his mercy, King and governor of the Kingdom of the French, devoted defender of God’s Holy Church, and her humble Champion.” So many other Kings and Emperors — who are not to be compared with him in power, and yet are objects of men’s admiration in spite of all their crimes, which are artfully palliated by every possible excuse — have made it their one grand aim to enslave the Church. History tells us of even some otherwise pious Kings, who were jealous of her Liberty, and sought to curtail it: Charlemagne ever respected that Liberty, as though it were his own mother’s honour. It ‘was he, that, following the example of Pepin, his father, so nobly secured the independence of the Apostolic See. Never had the Roman Pontiffs a more devoted or a more obedient Son. Scorning petty political jealousies, he restored to the clergy and people the episcopal elections, which were in the hands of the Sovereign, when he began his reign. He waged war mainly with a design to favour the propagation of the faith among infidel nations. He marched into Spain, that he might free the Christians from the yoke of the Moors. He brought the Churches of his Kingdom into closer union with the Apostolic See, by establishing the Roman Liturgy in all the States that were under his sceptre. In the whole of his legislation, which he framed in assemblies BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE 433h where Bishops and Abbots had the preponderance, there is not a single trace of what have been called Gallican Liberties, which consist in the interference of the Sovereign, or civil Magistrate in matters purely ecclesiastical. “So great was Charlemagne’s love for the Roman Church,” says Bossuet, “that the main point of his Last Will was the recommending to his successors the defence of the Church of St. Peter, a defence which was the precious heirloom of his house, handed down to him by his father and his father’s father, and which he was resolved to leave also to his children. It was this love of the Church which prompted him to say, and the saying was afterwards repeated in a full Council, held during the reign of one of his descendants, that if the Church of Rome were, by an impossibility, to put on us a burden which was well nigh insupportable, we ought to bear it.” ‘What could prompt this spirit of christian moderation, ‘which made Charlemagne so respectful to the moral power of the Church — what could temper down the risings of pride, which, as a general rule, increases with the increase of power — what save a most saintly tenor of life? Man, unless he be endowed with the help of a powerful grace, cannot attain, much less can he maintain himself his whole life long, in such perfect dispositions as these. Charlemagne, then, has been selected by our Emmanuel himself to be the perfect type of a Christian Prince; and we Catholics should love to celebrate his glory during this Christmas season, during which is born among us the Di- vine Child, who is come to reign over all nations, and guide them in the path of holiness and justice. Jesus has come from heaven to be the model of Kings, as of the rest of ‘men; and so far, no man has so closely imitated this divine model as “Charles the Victorious, the ever August, the Monarch crowned by God.” Pl i PR i ey 433i CHRISTMAS We will borrow from the Breviaries of Germany the liturgical history of her great Apostle. It is true, that there is a want of exactitude, here and there, in the following Lessons; but they are valuable, as being the expression of the devotion of a Catholic people for their glorious and saintly Emperor. The father of the Blessed no, Brabantie Ducis filio, qui ad Charles was Pepin, who was the Franciz Regnum _deinde electus son of the Duke of Brabant, (afterest, et Bertrada Grzcorum Im- wards elected to the throne of peratoris filia natus, ob res ges- France,) and of Bertrade, daughter tas, et religionis Christiane ze- of the Greek Emperor. He merited, lum, Magnus, et a Concilio Mo- by his glorious deeds and his zeal guntino Christianissimus appel- for the Christian Religion, the surBeatus Carolus ex patre Pippi- latus est. Primus fuit, qui expul- sis Italia Longobardis a Leone Tertio Pontifice Imperator coronari meruit: nam rogatu Adri: Pape, qui Leonem antecessit, Italiam cum exercitu ingressus, Ecclesiz sua patrimonia, et Im- perium Occidenti restituit: ipsum quoque Leonem a Romanis, in Litania majore injuriose habitum vindicavit, ejectis urbe sacrilegii reis. Multa sancivitpro Ecclesiz dignitate, ac inter cztera legem renovavit, voluitque lites foren: es ad judicium Ecclesiz remitti, si alteruter litigantium id postularet. Et quamvis benignus esset moribus, magna tamen severitate compescebat vitia, prasertim adulteria, et idololatriam, constitutis peculiaribus cum ampla potestate judiciis, quze in hodiernum usque diem in Saxonia inferiore observantur. name of Great; and by one of the Councils held at Mayence he was called the Most Christian Monarch. Having driven the Lombards out of Italy, he was the first to have the honour of being crowned Emperor by the Vicar of Christ, Pope Leo the Third. At the request of Adrian, Leo’s predecessor, he entered with an army into Htaly, and restored to the Church her patrimony, and to the West the Empire. He avenged the injuries done to Pope Leo by the Romans, during the chanting of the Litany, and he expelled from the city such as had taken part in this sacrilege. He passed many laws tending to the honour of the Church; among the rest, he re-established the law which provided that civil suits should be referred to the judgment of the Church, in case of one of the parties demanding it. Though of a most gentle disposition, he was BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE 433j very severe in suppressing vice, more especially adultery and idolatry, for which he established special tribunals vested with extraordinary powers, which exist to this day in Lower Saxony. Cum Saxonibus triginta et After having waged war for tres annos preliatus, subactis thirty-three years with the Saxons, tandem non aliam legem dedit, he at length brought them into subquam ut Christiani essent; fun- jection, imposing no other law dosque in perpetuum obligavit, upon them, than that they should ut erectis per agros trabalibus become Christians. He obliged all crucibus, Christum palam fater- landowners to erect a cross of wood entur. Guasconiam, Hispaniam in their fields, as an open confesatque Gallzciam, ab idololatris sion of their faith. He rid Gascony, expurgavit, ac sepulcrum sanc- Spain, and Gallicia, of idolaters, and restored the sepulchre of St. tuit. In Hungaria toto octennio James to what we see it at this day. rem Christianam armis promo- He upheld the Christian Religion vit ea adversus Sarracenos utens in Hungary by an eight years camlancea semper victoriosa, qua paign, and in fighting against the unus militum Christi latus apeSaracens, he always made use of ruerat. Quos tantos ejus pro fi- the victorious Spear, wherewith dei dilatatione conatus, Deus one of the soldiers opened our pluribus signis visus est adju- Saviour’s Side. God seemed to vare; nam Saxones, qui castrum favour, by many miracles, all these Sigisburgum obsederant, divin- efforts made for the spreading of ti Jacobi hodierno honori resti- itus territi, aufugerunt: etin mo Saxonico tumultu largissimum flumen exiliit, quo totus exercitus triduo aquationis in- pri- edia laborans recreatus est. Tan- tus autem Imperator veste vix a plebe differebat, cilicio prope continuo induebatur, nec nisi in summis Christi ac Divorum fes- tis apparebat in auro. Pauperes et peregrinos tam in Regia sua, quam missis expensis, ubique terrarum adjuvabat. Canobia viginti quatuor erexit, ac litteram auream (ut appellant) ducentorum pondo cuique misit; duas Metropolitanas sedes, ac novem Episcopales constituit. Templa the faith. Thus the Saxons, who were laying siege to Sigisburgh, were struck by God with fear, and took to flight; and in the first rebellion of the same people, there sprang up from the earth a plentiful stream, wherewith was refreshed Charles’ whole army, which had been without water for three days. And yet, this great Em‘peror could scarce be distinguished by his dress from the rest of the people, and almost always wore a hair-shirt, never appearing in his gilded robes save on the principal Feasts of our Lord and the Saints. He gave alms to the poor and to pilgrims, not only at his regal resi- 433k CHRISTMAS viginti et septem exadificavit: fundavit denique duas Universitates, Ticinensem et Parisiensem. called the Golden Letter, weigl dence, but in every part of the world, by sending them monies. He built twenty four Monasteries, to cach of which he sent what is two hundred pounds. He founded two Metropolitan, and nine Episcopal Sees. He built twenty-seven Churches, and founded two Universities, one in Pavia, the other in Paris. Ipse autem Carolus, sicut erat As Charles himself was fond of literis deditus, Alcuino doctore study, in which he had Alcuin as usus, ita filios suos liberalibus his master, so, likewise, would he scientiis, priusquam armis et ve- have his sons trained in the liberal natui tradidit. Anno demum @ta- sciences, before be permitted them tis sexagesimo octavo, cum fili- to turn either to war or to the chase. um Ludovicum coronari, et regem In the sixty-eighth year of his age, agere jussisset, totum se transtu- he had his son Louis crowned king, lit ad studia orationis et eleemo- and devoted himself wholly to synarum. Ecclesiam sicut as- prayer and alms-deeds. Each mornsueverat, mane, ac vesperi, noc- ing and evening he visited the turnis etiam non raro horis fre- Church,and oftentimes he repaired quentabat; psalmodia enim Gre- thither also in the night, for he was goriana delectabatur; quam per exceedingly fond of the Gregorian Franciam et Germaniam primus Chant, and was the first to introinstituit, impetratis ab Adriano duce it into France and Germany; Primo cantoribus, et ecclesiasti- he had obtained Cantors from Pope cos hymnos ubivis locorum con- Adrian the First, and took care to scribendos curavit. Evangelia have the hymns of the Church copvero ipse sua manu descripsit, et ied in every place. He made copies cum Gracis ac Syris codicibus of the Gospels with his own hand, contulit. Cibi et potus semper par- and collated them with the Greek cissimus fuit, solitus morbos suos and Syriac versions. He was exjejunio familiari, quod ad septid- tremely sparing in what he took to uum aliquando protraxit, curare. cat and drink. If he fell sick, he Tandem multa nefanda a malevo- sought a remedy in fasting, which lis perpessus, annos natus septu- he sometimes observed for seven aginta duos, in morbum incidit, in continuous days. At length, after quo ab Hildebaldo Episcopo sac- suffering much from malicious racommunione refectus, cum sin- men, being then in his seventy-secgula membra sua signo crucis si- ond year, he fell sick. He received gnaset, psallens versiculum: In the consolation of Holy Communmanus tuas; spiritum magnis ion at the hands of Bishop Hildemeritis comitatum Deo reddidit, bald. He signed his whole body BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE 4331 quinto Kalendas Februarii. Sepultus est in Basilica Aquensi, quam zdificarat et ditarat reliquiis Sanctorum. Ubi etiam magna peregrinorum pietate et divinis beneficiis honoratur. Natalis autem cjus per plerasque Germani Dieceses, jam inde a temporibus Alexandri Tertii, ex Ecclesie consensu, colitur, tamquam pracipui fidei auctoris in with the sign of the cross, singing the words, Into thy hands; which done, he rendered to God his soul rich in merit, on the fifth of the Calends of February (January 28th). He was buried in the Basilica of Aix-la-Chapelle, which he had built and enriched with relics of the Saints. There he is honoured by the devotion of numerous pilgrims, and by the favours granted by God Septentrione. through his intercession. His Feast is kept in most of the dioceses of Germany, by the consent of the Church, ever since the time of Pope Alexander the Third; it is kept as the Feast of the principal propagator of the faith in the North. The following Hymn is taken from the same Office as the Lessons we have just read. O Rex orbis triumphator, Regum terree Imperator, Inter beatorum caetus, Nostros audi pie fletus. “Tua prece mors fugatur, Languor cedit, vita datur, Sitientibus das undas, Et baptismo gentes mundas. Arte et natura duros, Sola prece frangis muros, Regna suave jugum Christi Ferre doces, quz vicisti. O quam dignus vera ceelis, Servus prudens, et fdelis, E castris astra petisti, Ad locum pacis ivisti. HYMN. O King, conqueror of the earth! Emperor of the kings of the world! lovingly hear our prayers, now that thou reignest among the blessed. By thy prayers death is put to flight, the sick are healed, life is restored, the thirsty obtain foun- tains of water, and whole nations are cleansed in the laver of bap- tism. Ramparts made impregnable by art and nature, yield to the simple power of thy prayers; and thou teachest the vanquished nations to bear the sweet yoke of Christ. Prudent and faithful servant, and oh! how worthy of heaven! Thou didst ascend thither from the battlefield, thou enteredst into the land of peace. 433m CHRISTMAS Ergo rupem ferro fode, Fontem vivum nobis prode, Ora pia prece Deum, Et fac nobis pium eum. Sit Majestas Trinitati, Strike, then, the rock with thy sword, and call forth for us a stream of living water. By thy holy prayers, obtain forus the mercy of our God. Glory be to the Blessed Trinity! Quee virtute principali Jure regnat coquali. Amen. Unity, that reigneth co-equally in infinite power. Amen. Laus et honor Unitati, Praise and honour to the Holy The same Liturgy gives us this Antiphon. ANT. O hope of sufferers, terhostibus, hostia victis, regula or of thine enemies, merciful to the virtutis, juris via, forma salutis, conquered, model of virtue, exCarole, servorum pia suscipe vota ample of justice, teacher of salvatuorum. tion — receive, O Charles! the devout prayers, of thy clients. ANT. O spes afflictis, timor Among the Sequences written in honour of the holy Emperor, we find the following, which is taken from an ancient Missal of Aix-la-Chapelle. SEQUENCE Urbs Aquensis, urbs regalis, Regni sedes principalis, Prima regum curia. Regi regum pange laudes, Quie de magni regis gaudes Caroli memoria. Iste ceetus psallat lztus, Psallat chorus hic sonorus Vocali concordia. At dum manus operatur Bonum, quod cor meditatur, Dulcis est psalmodia. Hac in die, die festa, Magni Regis magna gesta Recolat Ecclesia. O city of Aix! City of royalty! seat of princely power, and favourite court of kings! O thou that so joyously celebratest the memory of King Charles the Great, sing thy praises to the King of kings. Let this glad assembly give forth its hymns, and this sweet choir of music sing as with one voice of praise. O sweet the psalmody, when the hand achieves the holy meditation of the heart! On this festive day, let the Church proclaim the great deeds of the great King. BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE Reges terr et omnes populi Omnes simul plaudant ac singuli Celebri ltitia. Hic est Christi miles fortis, Hic invict dux cohortis Decem sternit millia. Terram purgat lolio, Atque metit gladio Ex messe zizania. Hic est magnus Imperator, Boni fructus bonus sator, Et prudens agricola. Infideles hic convertit, Fana, Deos, hic évertit, Et confringit idola. Hic superbos domat reges, Hic regnare sacras leges Facit cum justitia. Quam tuetur eo fine Ut et justus, sed nec sine Sit misericordia. Oleo ltitiee Unctus dono gratiz Cateris pre regibus. Cum corona glorie, Majestatis regia Insignitur fascibus. O Rex mundi triumphator, Jesu Christi conregnator, Sis pro nobis exorator, Sancte pater Carole. Emundati a peccatis Ut in regno claritatis, Nos plebs tua cum beatis Ceeli simus incolz. Stella maris, o Maria, Mundi salus, vite via, Vacillantum rege gressus, Etad Regem des accessus, In perenni gloria. 433n Let the kings of the earth and the people, letall, and each, praise him with a holiday of joy. This is the brave soldier of Christ, the leader of the invincible army, and he prostrates his enemies by tens of thousands. He weeds the earth of its cockle, and with his sword cleanses the ‘harvest from the tares. This is the great Emperor, the good sower of the good seed, the prudent husbandman. He converts infidels, he over- throws the temples, and the false gods, and breaks the idols. He subdues haughty kings, he establishes the reign of holy laws and justice. He defends the right, for he loves justice; but he tempers justice by mercy. He is anointed with the oil of gladness, and with grace, above all other kings. He wears the crown of glory, he is decked with all the emblems of Kingly majesty. O King that didst triumph over the world! O King that now reignest with Christ! O Charles! O sainted father! pray for us, That we thy people, being cleansed from our sins, may be made fellow-citizens with the blessed in the kingdom of heaven. O Mary! Star of the Sea! that didst give to the world its Saviour and its Life! guide our faltering steps, and lead us to Jesus our King, in everlasting bliss. 4330 CHRISTMAS Christe, splendor Dei Patris, Incorruptz fili Matris, Per hunc sanctum cujus Festa Celebramus, nobis preesta Sempiterna gaudia. Amen. 0 Jesus! Brightness of the Eternal Father! Son of the VirginMother! we besecch thee, by the merits of the Saint whose Feast we celebrate, grant us to come to ev- erlasting joy. Amen. ‘We will conclude our selection by giving the Collect said on this feast. COLLECT. Deus qui superabundanti feecunditate bonitatis tu, beatum 0 God, who in the superabundant riches of thy mercy, didst Carolum Magnum Imperatorem, clothe the blessed Emperor Charles deposito carnis velamine, beatz the Great, after he had laid aside immortalitatis trabea sublimasti the garb of the flesh, with the robe concede nobis supplicibus tuis, ut of immortal lfe; grant, we beseech quem ad propagationem verz fidei thee, that he whom thou didst raise Imperii honore exaltasti in terris, up on carth to the imperial dignity, pium intercessorem habere that so he might spread the true mereamur in ceelis. Per Christum faith, may lovingly intercede for us Dominum nostrum. Amen. in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. All hail faithful and beloved servant of God, Apostle of Christ, Defender of his Church, Lover of justice, Guardian of the laws of morality, and Terror of them that hate the christian name! The hand of the Vicar of Christ purified the diadem of the Czsars, and put it on thy venerable head. The imperial sceptre and globe are in thy hands. The sword of the victories won for God is girt on thy side. The Supreme Pontiff has anointed thee King and Emperor. Bearing thus in thyself the figure of Christin his temporal Kingship, thou didst so use thy power as that he reigned in and by thee. And now he recompenses thee for the love thou hadst for him, for the zeal thou hadst for his glory, and for the respect thou didst ever evince to the Church, his Spouse. He has changed thy earthly and perish- BLESSED CHARLEMAGNE 433p able royalty into that which is eternal, and in his heavenly king- dom thou art surrounded by those countless souls, whom thou didst convert from idolatry to the service of the one true God. We are celebrating the Birth of the Son of that Virgin- Mother, in whose honour thou didst build the glorious Church, which still excites the admiration of all nations. It was in that sacred edifice that thou didst place the Swath- ing-clothes wherewith she clad her Divine Babe; and it is here, too, that our Emmanuel would have thine own Relics enshrined, so to receive the honour they deserve. O admi- rable imitator of the faith of the three Eastern Kings! present us to him, who deigned to be clothed in these humble gar- ments. Ask him to give us a share of thy humility, which made thee love to kneel near his Crib — of thy devotion for the Feasts of the Church — of thy zeal for the glory of his divine Majesty — and of the courage and earnestness wherewith thou didst labour to spread his Kingdom on earth. Oh! pray for our Europe, which was once so happy under thy paternal rule, and is now divided against itself. The Em- pire, which the Church confided to thy care, has now fallen, in just punishment for its treachery to the Church that gave it existence. The nations of that fallen Empire are now restless and unhappy. The Church alone can satisfy their wants, for she alone can give them Faith; she alone has not changed the principles of justice; she alone can control power, and teach subjects obedience. Oh! pray that nations, both people and their governments, may return to what can alone give them liberty and security, and cease to seek these blessings by revolution and discord. Protect France, that fairest gem of thy crown, protect her with an especial love, and show her that thou art ever her King and her Father. Finally, O blessed Charlemagne! ask our God that he arrest the progress of Russia, the Empire of schism and tyranny, and never permit that ‘we become a prey to its intrigue and ambition. CHRISTMAS 434 JANUARY SAINT FRANCIS 29 OF SALES BISHOP ‘HE angelical Bishop Francis of Sales has a right to Ta distinguished position near the Crib of Jesus, on account of the sweetness of his virtues, the childlike thousand heretics simplicity of his heart, and the humility and tenderness of his love. He comes with the lustre of his glorious conquests upon him—seventy-two converted to the Church by the ardour of his charity; an Order of holy servants of God, and countless thousands prudent and persuasive God gave him to the heresy was holding her system, that had which he founded; of souls trained to piety by his words and writings. Church at the very time that out to the world as a worn-out no influence over men’s minds. He raised up this true minister of the Gospel in the very country where the harsh doctrines of Calvin were most in vogue, that the ardent charity of Francis might counteract the sad influence of that heresy. If you want heretics 10" be convinced of their eryors, said the learned Cardinal du Perron, you may send them to me; but if you want them to be converted, send them to the Bishop of Geneva. Francis of Sales was sent, then, as a living image of Jesus, opening his arms and calling sinners to repentance, the victims of heresy to truth, the just to perfection, and all men to confidence and love. The Holy Spirit had rested on him with all his divine power and sweetness. A few days back we were meditating on the Baptism of Jesus, and how the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the shape of a dove. There is an incident in the life of Francis which reminds us of this great 435 ST FRANCIS OF SALES Mystery. He was singing -‘Mass on Whit Sunday at Annecy. A dove, whlchhad been let into the Cathedral, after flying for a long time round the building, at length came into the sanctuary, and rested on the Saint's head. The people could not but be impressed with this circumstance, which they looked on as an appropriate symbol of Francis’ loving spirit; just as the globe of fire which appeared above the head of St Martin, when he was offering up the Holy Sacrifice, was interpreted as a sign of his apostolic zeal. The same thing happened to our Saint on another occasion. It was the Feast of our Lady’s Nativity, and Francis was officiating at Vespers in the Collegiate Church at Annecy. He was seated on a Throne, the carving of which represented the Tree of Jesse, which the prophet Isaias tells us produced the virginal Branch, whence sprang the divine Flower, on which there rested the Spirit of love. They were singing the psalms of the feast, when a dove flew into the Church, through an aperture in one of the windows of the choir, on the epistle side of the Altar. It flew about for some moments, and then lighted first on the Bishop's shoulder, then on his knee, where it was caught by one of the assistants. When the Vespers were over the Saint mounted the pulpit, and ingeniously turned the incident that had occurred into an illustration which he hoped would distract the people from himself—he spoke to them of Mary, who, being full of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is called the Dove that is all fair, in whom blemish.! there is no If we were asked which of the Disciples of our Lord was the model on which this admirable Prelate formed his character, we should mention, without any hesitation, the Beloved Disciple, John. Francis of Sales is, like him, the Apostle of charity; and the simplicity of the great Evangelist canssmg an innocent bird is reflected with perfection in the heart of the Bishop of Geneva. A mere look from John, a single word of his, * Cant, vi 8; iv 7. CHRISTMAS 436 used to draw men to the love of Jesus; and the con- temporaries of Francis were wont to say: ‘If the Bishop of Geneva is so amiable, what, O Lord, must not thoube !’ A circumstance in our Saint’s last illness again suggests to us the relation between himself and the Beloved Disciple. It was on the 27th of December, the Feast of St John, that Francis, after celebrating Mass, and giving Communion to his dear Daughters of the Visitation, felt the first approach of the sickness which was to cause his death. As soon as it was known, the con- sternation was general; but the Saint had already his whole conversation in heaven, and on the following day, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, his soul took its flight to its Creator, and the candour and simplicity of his spirit made him a worthy companion of those dear little ones of Bethlehem. But on neither of these two days could the Church place his feast, as they were already devoted to the memory of St John and the Holy Innocents; but she has ordered it to be kept during the forty days consecrated to the Birth of our Lord, and this 2gth of January is the day fixed for it. St Francis, then, the ardent lover of our new-born King, is to aid us, like all these other Christmas saints, to know the charms of the Divine Babe. In his admir- able Letters we find him expressing, with all the free- dom m of friendly correspondence, to ffil.l his heart g—mfim a few passages from these they will teach us how to love our :fze sweetness which holgdseas:xl'l. Let us confidential papers— Jesus. Towards the end of the Advent of 1619, he wrote to a religious of the Visitation, instructing her how to prepare for Christmas. ‘My very dear Daughter, our sweet Infant Jesus is soon to be born in our remem- brance, gurpose 'ather, and the Child of at the coming feasts; and since that he may wvisit us in the name and is to be visited in his Crib by Kings, I look on him as both the our Lady of the Visitation. he is born on of his Eternal the Shepherds Father and the ST FRANCIS ‘ Come, then, load him OF SALES 437 with your caresses; join all our Sisters in giving him a warm welcome of hospitality; sing to him the sweetest carols you can find; and above all, adore him very earnestly, and very sweetly, and with him adore his poverty, his humility, his obedience and his meekness, as did his most holy Mother and St Joseph. Take one of his divine tears, which is the dew of heaven, and put it on your heart, that so you may never admit any other sadness there, than the sadness which will gladden this sweet Infant. And when you recommend your own soul to him, recommend mine also, for you know its devotedness to yours. ‘1 beg of you to remember me affectionately to the dear Sisters, whom I look upon as simple shepherdesses keeping watch over their flocks, that is, their affections, and who, being warned by the Angel, are going to pay their homage to the Divine Babe, and offer him, as an earnest of their eternal loyalty, the fairest of their lambs, which is their love, unreserved and undivided.” On Christmas Eve, filled by anticipation with the joy of the sacred night which is to give the world its Redeemer, Francis writes to St Jane Frances de Chantal, and thus invites her to profit by the visit of the Divine Infant: ‘May the sweet Infant of Bethlehem ever be your happiness and your love, my very dear Mother. Oh! the loveliness of this Little Child! I imagine I see Solomon on his ivory throne, all beautifully gilded and carved, which, as the Scripture tells us, had no equal in all the kingdoms of the earth, neither was there any king that could be compared for glory and magnificence with the king that sat upon it. And yet I would a hundred times rather see the dear Jesus in his Crib, than all the kings of the world on their thrones. ‘ But when I see him on the lap or in the arms of his Blessed Mother, he seems to me to be more magnificent on this Throne, not only than Solomon ever was on his of ivory, but than he himself on any throne with which the heavens could provide him; for though the heavens 438 surpass CHRISTMAS Mary in outward grandeur, yet she surpasses them in invisible perfections. Oh! may the great St Joseph give us some of+the consolation that filled his soul; may the Blessed Mother lend us something of her own love, and the Infant Jesus mercifully pour into our hearts of the infinite abundance of his merits ! ‘1 beseech you to keep close to this Divine Babe, and rest near him as lovingly as you can; he will love you in return, even should your heart feel no tenderness or devotion. What sense had the poor ox and the ass ? and yet he refuses not to let them breathe warmly upon him. And think you he will refuse the aspirations of our poor hearts, which, though just at present they feel no devotion, yet are sincerely and loyally his, and are ever offering themselves to be the faithful servants of his own divine self, and of his Holy Mother, and of his dear protector Joseph !’ The sacred night is over, and has brought Peace to Francis again writes to the same Saint, men of good will. and thus betrays to her the joy he has received from the contemplation of the great Mystery: ‘Oh | the sweetness of this night! The Church has been singing these words—honey has dropped from the 1 thought to myself, that the Angels not heavens. only come down on our earth to sing their admirable Gloria in excelsis, but to gaze also on this sweet Babe, this Honey of heaven resting on two beautiful Lilies, for sometimes he is in Mary's arms, and sometimes it is Joseph that caresses him. ‘ What will you say of my having the ambition to think that our two Angel Guardians were of the grand choir of blessed Spirits that sang the sweet hymn on this night? I said to myself: Oh! happy we, if they would deign to sing once more their heavenly hymn, and our hearts could hear it ! I besought it of them, that so there might be glory in the highest heavens, and peace to hearts of good will. ‘ Returning home from celebrating these sacred mysteries, I rest awhile in thus sending you my Happy 430 ST FRANCIS OF SALES Christmas | for I dare say that the poor Shepherds took some little rest, after they had adored the Babe announced to them by the Angels. And as I thought of their sleep on that night, I said to myself: How sweetly must they not have slept, dreaming of the sacred melody wherewith the Angels told them the glad tidings, and of the dear Child and the Mother they had been to see I’ We will close our quotations by the following passage of another of his Letters to St Jane Frances de Chantal, in which he speaks of the Most Holy Name of * Jesus,” which the Divine Child of Mary received at his Circumcision. ‘O my Jesus ! fill our hearts with the sacred balm of thy Holy Name, that so the sweetness of its fragrance may penetrate our senses, and perfume our every action. But that our hearts may be capable of receiving this sweetness, they- must be circumcised: take, therefore, from them whatever could displease thy divine sight. O glorious Name! named by the heavenly Father from all eternity, be thou for ever written on our souls; that as thou, Jesus, art our Saviour, so may our souls be eternally saved. And thou, O Holy Virgin! that wast the first among mortals to-pronounce this saving Name, teach us to pronounce it as it behoveth us, that so we may merit the Salvation which thou didst bring into this world ! ‘ My dear Daughter ! it was but right that my first letter of this year should be to Jesus and Mary: my second is to you, to wish you a Happy New Year, and exhort you to give your whole heart to God. May we s0 spend this year, that it may secure to us the years of eternity | My first word on waking this morning was: Jesus I and I felt as though I would gladly pour out on the face of the whole earth the oil of this sweet Name. “ As long as balm is shut up in a well-sealed vase, no one knows its sweetness, save him who put it there: but as soon as the vase is opened, and a few drops are sprinkled around, all who are present say: ‘‘ What sweet Balm!” Thus it was, my dear Daughter, with our Jesus. 440 CHRISTMAS He contained within himself the balm of salvation; but no one knew it until his divine Flesh was laid open by the fortunate wound of that cruel knife; and then people knew him to be the Balm of the world’s Salvation, and first Joseph and Mary, then the whole neighbourhood began to.cry out: Jesus ! which means Saviour.” Let us now turn to the Office of the Church for this feast, and read the life of our Saint. Franciscus in oppido Salesio, unde familiz cognomen, piis et nobilibus parentibus natus, a teneris_annis futurz sanctitatis indicia praebuit morum innocentia et gravitate. Adolescens liberalibus _disciplinis _eruditus, mox philosophiz ac theologiz Parisiis operam dedit: et ne quid sibi deesset ad animi culturam, juris utriusque_lauream summa cum laude Patavii obtinuit. In sacra ZEde Lauretana perpetuz virginitatis votum, quo pridem Parisiis se obstrinxerat, innovavit: a cujus virtutis proposito aullis unquam d@monum_fraudibus, nullis sensuum illecebris potuit dimoveri. Francis was born of pious and noble parents, in the town of Sales, from which the family took their name. From his earliest years, he gave pledge of bis future sanctity by the innocence and gravity of his conduct. Having been instructed in the liberal sciences during his_youth, he was sent early to Paris, that he might study Philosophy and Theology; and in order that his education might be complete, he was sent to Padua, where he took, with much honour, the degree of doctor in both civil and canon law. He visited the sanctuary of Loreto, where he renewed the vow he had already taken in Paris of perpetual virginity, in which holy resolution he continued till death, in spite of all the temptations of the devil and all the allurements of the flesh. Recusata in Sabaudiz SeHe refused to accept an natu amplissima _dignitate, honourable position in the SeClericali militiz nomen dedit: nate of Savoy, and entered into tum sacerdotio initiatus, et the ecclesiastical state. He was Genevensis Ecclesiz Praeposi- ordained Priest, and was made turam adeptus, ejus muneris Provost of the Diocese of partes adeo perfecte explevit, Geneva, which charge he so ut eum Granerius Episcopus laudably fulfilled that Granier, vindicandis ab haresi Cal- his Bishop, selected him for the viniana Chaballicensibus, aliis- arduous undertaking of labourque Geneva finitimis popu- ing, by the preaching of God's Lis, divini verbi prazconem word, for the conversion of the ST FRANCIS destinarit. Quam expeditionem alacri animo suscipiens, asperrima quzque perpessus est, szpe ab hareticis conquisitus ad necem, variisque calumaiis et insidiis vexatus. Sed inter tot discrimina et agones, insuperabilis ejus constantia semper enituit; Deique ope protectus, septuaginta duo millia hareticorum ad Catholicam fidem reduxisse dicitur, inter quos multi nobilitate et doctrina insignes numerantur, Mortuo Granerio, qui eum sibi Coadjutorem decerni curaverat, Episcopus consecratus, sanctitatis suz radios circumquaque diffudit, zelo ecclesiastica discipline, pacis studio, misericordia in pauperes, omnique virtute conspicuus. Ad divini cultus augmentum novum Ordinem Sanctimonialium instituit, a Visitatione beatz Mariz Vir- ginis nuncupatum, sub regula sancti Augustini, cui addidit Constitutiones sapientia, discretione et suavitate mirabiles. Suis itaque scriptis ceelesti doctrina refertis Ecclesiam illustravit, quibus iter ad christianam perfectionem tutum et planum demonstrat. Annum denique agens quinquagesimum quintum, dum e Gallia Anneceium regreditur, post sacrum in die sancti Joannis Evangelist Lugduni celebratum, gravi morbo correptus, sequenti die migravit in ccelum, anno Domini mil- 441 Calvinists of Chablais and the neighbouring country round about Geneva. This mission he undertook with much joy. OF SALES He had to suffer the harshest treatment on the part of the heretics, who frequently sought to take away his life, calumniated him, and laid all kinds of plots against him. But he showed heroic courage in the midst of all these dangers and persecutions, and by the divine assistance converted, as it is stated, seventy-two thousand heretics to the Catholic faith, among whom were many distinguished by the high position they held in the world and by their learning. After the death of Granier, who had already made him his Coadjutor, he was made Bishop of Geneva. Then it was that his sanctity showed itself in every direction, by his zeal for ecclesiastical discipline, his love.of peace, his charity to the poor, and every virtue. From a desire to give more honour to God, he founded a new Order of Nuns, which he called of the Visitation, taking for their Rule that of St Augustine, to which he added Constitutions of admirable wisdom, discretion, and sweetness. He enlightened the children of the Church by the works he wrote, which ace full of a beavealy wisdom, and point out a and easy path to Christian perfection. In his ffty-ffth year, whilst returning from France to Annecy, he was taken with his last sickness, immediately after having celebrated Mass, on the Feast of St John the Evangelist. On the O M A A e . H2 E CIIRISCMA 3 aimo cexeentrsiigo viesioio fisllow,2g dayo his srul depa ted ssww.dcl sSjuc ©rpwr An- teis lifa for herven, & the ye: r of enicenne dalat m;dn Es:clenia auir Lixd 162i2. Hs body was t kenuto Aanecy: and was b,ried with greatstdemont rathn ar hono 7, inathe Chi rch xc¢ e.) (ui s erito pribatfs, oe ths Nun of >the alove ely ullcAzexingeo Sipiimo, tPomi- menticied Orler. tmmedia zie aivio, n :Sanarorym aier Lis deata, mizacles be'zan Temerue nlatss est, assigroi- te beg wroutht tirough his _aejis fistivitdii ge vigssinta insercexsion, ‘thich Heing of ici¢ 121 Juu wii; elua samilo akty aushenticeeted, hwas cat oninteici Po Mm@ ex cacre- iayd be Pops Aletander :he i tRimCn \ongregatiors Siventl, and his wFeast /as rabsy, ton urivelsaics Edclespe ajtpoin ed toebe kipt on che odoctir { ditldeciar: tus. v tv-enty minth >lay af Januiry, a ard hd(was caclare:{ a Doc :or of the Univesal ‘hurch by Piipe Pais IX safter chnsultat on ° it yneh tho Sacreg Compregatior of tes. it « I Po)elAiexdader tSe ifevenih Fimselff comtlosed 1 he (loclefit : or thefiOzice nd Massiof the Sairzt’s Fiast. Tet 1 1syat’ i1 wcth puy hole M stherChe yhurct . X " @WMS dlseut, iqud aa a suluteln LLE T T LE] US PRAY _animarur0 ) Gouy, who, dor thg salvati m ibea umr Fsanciacun ' Copdeseot tmriuwh zIque ->ome: if tzdasnr qion bum 0 1nia-faci o tame: essec wolui tiy corziede r ppoirit, 18;t uz chri atise tuap udclied nee: psifuse, cjus ~dirie = gtauib 1s Kmaitic af sufrao itnuibus rhe tis,eetgrna - au- dianonsequznuil xustar . oDumawunr nAex n. er ¢ hria -uostr mm.i of lgsoult, waws that Bl ssed sFranci , thysConfest o ana(Bisbwp, sheald be tome all allcmergifully trant, nhat bei pldiitifuily enr ched hwith t sweetneth of tay charity, folgwinyr his dinegtions, and | the help of hissmerita, we m: obtfein lias everl: sting.g Throu; Chust o1t Lorde Am m. g i€ |y y ¥ b *dcavefa icongu ror of |ouls n Poetiff biloves of Ge 1 1a1 dumanv! we weterale tsiee a: thec perfeit inotator « f 1th ¢ /evtzexneass ina gemtleyess ef Jebus. 1laving leartt iofh hirt« 1D De wnagk ¢ nd humife of, hearn thct1 dids , ST FRANCIS OF SALES according to his promise, possess the land.! 443 Nothing could resist thee. Heretics, however obstinate; sinners, however hardened; tepid souls, however sluggish; all yielded to the powerful charm of thy word and example. We love to see thee standing near the Crib of our loving Jesus, and sharing in the glory of John and the Innocents, for thou wast an Apostle like John, and simple like the children of Rachel. Oh! that our hearts might be filled with the spirit of Bethlehem, and learn how sweet 15 the yoke, and how light the burden of our Emmanuel I* Pray for us to our Lord, that our charity may be ardent like thine; that the desire of perfection may be ever active within us; that we may gain that introduc- tion to a devout Life which thou hast so admirably taught; that we may have that love of our neighbour, without which we cannot hope to love God; that we may be zealous for the salvation of souls; that we may be patient and forgive injuries, in order that we may love one another, not only in word and in tongue, but, as thy great model says, in deed and in truth? Bless the Church Militant, whose love for thee is as fresh as though thou hadst but just now left her; thou art venerated and loved throughout the whole world. Hasten the conversion of the followers of Calvin. Thy prayers have already miraculously forwarded the great work, and the Holy Sacrifice has long since been publicly offered up in the very City of Geneva. Redouble those prayers, and then even we may live to see the grand triumph of the Church. Root out too the last remnants of that Jansenistic heresy, which was beginning to exercise its baneful influence at the close of thy earthly pilgrimage. Remove from us the dangerous maxims and prejudices which have come down to us from those unhappy times, when this odious sect was at the height of its power. Bless with all the affection of thy paternal heart the holy Order thou didst found, and which thou didst offer to Mary under the title of her Visitation. 1St Matt. vy, * Ibid: xi 30. Maintain * 1St Joba iii 18, 444 CHRISTMAS it in its present edifying number and merit; favour; give it increase in and do thou thyself direct it, that so thy family may be ever animated by the spirit of its father. Pray, also, for the venerable Episcopate, of which thou art the ornament and model: ask our Lord to bless his Church spirit, inflamed sanctity. with with Pastors endowed thy zeal, and imitators with thy of thy ST MARTINA JanvarY 445 30 SAINT MARTINA VIRGIN AND MARTYR FOURTH Roman Virgin, wearing on her brow a martyr’s crown, comes today to share the honours given to Agnes, Emerentiana, and Prisca, and offer her palm to the Lamb. Her name is Martina, which the pagans were wont to give to their daughters in honour of their god of war. Her sacred relics repose at the foot of the Capitoline hill, in the ancient temple of Mars, which has now become the beautiful Church of Saint Martina. The holy ambition to render herself worthy of him whom she had chosen as her divine Spouse, gave her courage to suffer torments and death for his sake; so that of her, as of the rest of the martyrs, we may say those words of the Liturgy, she washed her robes in the Blood of the Lamb. Our Emmanuel is the Mighty God,' the Lord that is mighty in war,® not, like the Mars of the pagans, needing the sword to win his battles. He vanquishes his enemies by meekness, patience, and innocence, as in the martyrdom of today’s Saint, whose victory was grander than was ever won by Rome’s boasted warriors. This illustrious Vu'gm, who is one of the Patrons of tne City of Rome, is honoured by having her praises sung by one of the Popes. It was Urban the Elghth who wrote the Hymns which are recited on her feast, and which we subjoin to the Lessons which recount the glorious combats of our Saint. Martina Virgo Romana patré consulari, illustri genere nata, teneris adhuc annis orIsa.ix 6. _ Martina, a noble virgin of Rome, was the daughter of a Consul. Having lost her par* Ps, xxiii 8. 446 CHRISTMAS bata parentibus, christiana pietatis ardore succensa, di- summa libertate detestatur. Quaproper iterum atque iterum affecta verberibus, uncis, ungulis ferreis, testarum fragmentis lacerata, acutissimis gladiis -membratim concisa, adipe ferventi peruncta, demum in amphitheatro damnatur ad bestias: a quibus illwsa divinitus evadens, in ardentem rogum injecta, incolumis pari beneficio servatur. Ex ejus tortoribus nonnulli miraculi novitate correpti, Dei aspirante gratia, Christi fidem amplexi, post cruciatus gloriosam martyrii palmam, capitis_abscissione promeruere. Ad ejusdem preces nunc terre motibus exortis, nunc ignibus e ceelo tonante delapsis, deorum templa prostrata sunt, et simulacra consumpta. Interdum ex vulneribus lac cum sanguine erupit, splendorque nitidissi‘mus ac suavissimus odore corre emanavit: interdum imis_regia in sede divinis laudibus una cum ceelitibus interesse visa est. ents when ite a child, and being ex ly fervent in the practice of the Christian ligion, she was singularly chari able to the poor, and distributed among them her immense riches. During the reign of Alexander Severus, she was ordered to worship the false gods, but most courageously refused to commit 50 detestable a crime. Whereupon she was several times scourged; her flesh was torn with iron hooks and nails, and with potsherds, and her whole body was cut with most sharp swords; she was scalded with boiling oil, and was at length condemned to be devoured by wild beasts in the amphitheatre; but being miraculously left untouched by them, she was thrown on a burning pile, from which she also escaped unhurt, by the same divine power. Some of the men that had inflicted these tortures upon her, being struck by the miracle, and touched by the grace of God, embraced the Christian faith, and, after suffering many tortures, gain;’dd the_glorious im martyrdom i Bibeadea 50 preyecsot Maks tina_were powerful with God. Earthquakes shook the city, firefell from the heavens in the midst of loud thunder, the temples and idols of the gods were overthrown and destroyed. More than once, milk flowed from her wounds together with the blood, and a most sweet fragrance was perceived by the bystanders; and sometimes she was seen raised up and placed on a beautiful throne, and singing the divine praises surrounded by heavenly spirits. ST MARTINA Hisce prodigiis, ejusque in primis constantia, acriter per‘motusjudex, caput Virginiamputari pracepit; qua perempta, auditaque de celo voce, qua ad Superos evocabatur, urbs tota contremuit, ac multi idolorum cultores ad Christi fidem conversi sunt. S: rum Martine corpus sedente sancto Urbano Primo, mar- tyrio affectum, Urbano Octavo Pontifice Maximo, in per- vetusta ejusdem Ecclesia, ad Mamertinum carcerem in Capitolini clivi radicibus, cum sanctorum Martyrum Con- cordii, Epiphanii, et sociorum corporibus repertum, eodem loco in meliorem formam redacto, atque decentius ornato, magno populi concursu, totius Urbis letitia, solemni ritu ac pompa repositum est. We 447 Vexed above measure by these prodigies, and above all by her constancy, the judge ordered her to be beheaded. Which being dome, a voice from heaven was heard calling Martina to_ascend: the whole city trembled, and many of the idolaters were converted to the faith of Christ. Martina suffered under the Pontificate of Urban the First; and under that of Urban the Eighth, her body was discovered in an ancient Church, together with those of the holy Martyrs Concordius, Epiphanius and Companions, near the Mamertine prison, at the foot of the Capitoline hill. The Church was restored and decorated, and the body of the Saint was again placed in it, with much solemnity, in the presence of a great concourse of people, and amidst shouts of joy from the whole city. unite into one the three hymns of Urban the Eighth, in which the holy Church prays for the deliverance of Jerusalem. It is the last cry of the Crusades. Martinz_celebri plaudite nomini, Cives Romulei, plaudite glorize: Insignem meritis dicite Virginem, Christi dicite Martyrem. Hezc dum conspicuis orta parentibus, Inter _delicias, inter amabiles Luxus illecebras, ditibus affluit Faustz muneribus domus. HYMN Citizens of Rome ! sing to the celebrated name of the glorious Martina. Sing the praises of this admirable Virgin and Martyr of Christ. She was born of noble parents, and was brought up in every delicacy, surrounded by all that could pamper nature, and with riches of a princely house at her command. 448 Se CHRISTMAS Vit despiciens commoda, dedicat rerum Domino, fica manu et muni- Christi pauperibus distribuens Quzrit preemia ceelitum. Non il'am crucians ungula, non fera, Non virge horribili vulnere commovent: Hinc lapsi e Superum sedibus Angeli Ceelesti dape recreant. Quin et deposita sevitie Teo, But she spurns these luxuries, dedicates herself to the Creator of all things, and with a liberal hand distributes her riches to the poor of Christ, that she may gain the riches of heaven. She shrinks not at the torturing hook, the wild beasts, or the cruel wound-inflicting rods. Angels descend from _heaven, comforting her with divine food. The very lions lose their fierceness, and tamely come Se rictu placido projicit ad. crouching at her feet. The ped sword, Martina | gave thee the Te, Martina, tamen dans gla- Wished-for death. and death dius neci united thee to fthe choirs of Ceelli coetibus inserit. heaven, Te, thuris redolens ara vaOur ceaseless prayers mount ibus up to thee from thine altar, Qua_fumat, precibus jugiter where clouds of incense shrond invocat, devotion’s love; and thy blessEt falsum perimens auspi- ed name banishes that of the cium, tui false deity Mars. Delet nominis omine. Tu X natale solum proteg protege, Do thou protect thy fatherland, and give to Christian Da pacis requiem Christia- countries the rest of holy peace, num plagis driving unto Thracian coasts Armnnlr,l]la stoepitas, ot fera, the din of arms and war. In fines age Thracios. Et regum socians agmina Marshal the armies of princes sub crucis under the banner of the Cross, Vexillo, Solymas nexibus ex- deliver Jerusalem from her ime, chains. Avenge innocent blood, Vindexque innocui sanguinis and once for all crush down the hosticum Turkish foey Robur funditus erve. Tu_nostrum columen, tu O thou our Patron, and our decus inclytum, City's Saint! see this homage Nostrarum obsequium respice of our loving hearts. Hear the ‘mentium: prayers of thy Rome, which Rome vota libens excipe, on this festive day offers thee que pio its hymns and reveres thy colit. et name. Te ritu canit, A nobis abigas ST MARTINA lubrica gaudia, Tu, qui Martyribus dexter s, Deus Une, et Trine, tuis da famulis jubar, Quo clemens animos beas. Amen. 449 O God, whose arm protects the Martyrs, take from us the pleasures which would make us fall. O Triune God! give to thy servants the blessed light, ~wherewith thy mercy crowns the soul with bliss. Amen. Thus does Christian Rome hymn thy praises, O generous Martyr | and whilst praising, begs thee to protect her with thy loving care. She is safe from danger, if shielded by such watchfulness as thine. Hear her prayers, and drive far from the Holy City the enemies that would plot her ruin. She has foes more to be dreaded than they that attack her walls with the cannon of their fierce artillery ; she has them who plot the destruction of her independence. Disconcert these plans of perfidy, and remember, O Martina ! that the City which now asks thy aid was the mother that trained thee tobea martyr. Obtain for us from Jesus, thy Spouse, the courage to destroy those idols of our affections, to which we are so prone to offer the sacrifice of our hearts. The enemies of our salvation are untiring in their attacks upon our frailty; oh! stretch out to us thy helping hand; that hand which made the idols of Rome tremble, is not less powerful now to stay the violence of the world that threatens to destroy our souls. Thy own brave combats have given thee a place of honour near our Redeemer’s Crib: if, like thee, we will but resist and conquer, this Mighty God will welcome us, too, and bless us. He came into this world that he might vanquish our enemies, but he requires of us to share with him the toils of the battle. Pray for us, O Martina! that our confidence in God may ever be accompanied by diffidence in ourselves, and we shall never be cowards in the great contest for heaven ! L 29 CHRISTMAS 450 JANUARY SAINT 31 PETER NOLASCO CONFESSOR 'HE Ransomer of Captives, Peter Nolasco, is thus brought before us by the Calendar, a few days after the Feast of his master, Raymund of Pennafort. which in the Both of them offer to the Divine Redeemer the thousands of Christians they ransomed from slavery. It is an appropriate homage, for it was the result of the Charity first began in Bethlehem, heart of the Infant Jesus, and was afterwards so fervently practised by these two Saints. Peter was born in France, but made Spain his adopted country, because it offered him such grand opportunities for zeal and self-sacrifice. In imitation of our Redeemer, he devoted himself to the ransom of his brethren; he made himself a prisoner to procure them their liberty; and remained in exile, that they might once more enjoy the happiness of home. His devotedness was blessed by Gog He founded a new Religious Order in the Church, composed of generous-hearted men, who for six hundred years prayed, toiled, and spent their lives in obtaining the blessing of liberty for countless captives, who would else have led their whole lives in fc}g::.ll'lns, exposed to the imminent danger of losing their aith. Glory to the Blessed Mother of God, who raised up these ransomers of Captives! Glory to the Catholic Church, whose children they were! But above all glory be to our Emmanuel, who, on his entrance into this world, thus spoke to his Eternal Father: Sacrifice and oblation thou wouldst mot, neither are they pleasing ST PETER NOLASCO 451 -to thee; but a Body thou hast fitted unto me. Then said 1, Behold I come:* thatis, Behold, I come to offer myself as a Sacrifice. The Divine Infant has deigned to call us his brethren, and has given himself for our salvation; it is this same spirit of charity which made St Peter Nolasco devote his life to his suffering fellow-men. Our Lord rewarded him by calling him to heaven at that very hour wherein twelve hundred years before he himself had been born at Bethlehem. It was during the joyful celebrations of Christmas night that the liberator of so many from bodily captivity was united for ever to the Divine Liberator of souls. Peter’s last hymn on earth was the 110th Psalm: and as his faltering voice uttered the words: He hath sent redemption to his people; he hath commanded his covenant for ever, his soul took its flight to heaven. The Church, in fixing a day for the feast of our Saint, his could death, not which of course belongs take but it was just that he, who so the anniversary exclusively to of Jesus: had been honoured with being born to heaven at the very hour which God had chosen for the Birth of his Son upon the earth, should receive the tribute of our festive commemoration on one of the forty days of Christmas; this last day of January was selected. Let us now learn from the Liturgy the claims of Peter Nolasco to our veneration and love. Petrus Nolascus, Recaudi rope Carcassonam in Galia nobili genere natus, singulari erga proximum caritate excelluit; cujus virtutis prasagium fuit, quod cum adhuc in cunabulis vagiret infans, examen apum ad eum convolavit, et favum mellis in ejus dextera construxit. Adolescens parentibus orbatus, Albigensium haresim, quz tunc in Gallia Peter Nolasco was born at Recaud, near Carcassonne, in France, of noble parents. His distinguishing virtue was the love of his neighbour, which seemed to be presaged by this incident that, when he was a babe in his cradle, a swarm of bees one day lighted upon him, and formed a_honeycomb on his right hand. He lost bis parents early in life. The Albigensian heresy was at that + Ps. xxxix 7, 8; cited by St Paul, Heb. x 5 and following verses. 452 CHRISTMAS grassabatur, exccrans, _divendito patrimonio, in Hispaniam secessit, et apud beatam Virginem Montis Serrati, votum, quo strinxerat, pridem exsolvit. se obTum Barcinonam_pergens, quum in Christi fidelibus ab hosredimendis servitute tiam omnem pecuniam consumpsisset, seipsum pro iis liberandis’ venumire, aut in illorum_vincula suffici, cupere dictitabat. Quam gratum Deo uerit hoc sancti viri desiderium subsequens tus. Nam declaravit even- noctu oranti, et de Christianorum in captivitate degentium subsidio, multa animo volventi, beata Virgo apparens: Filio suo, sibique _acceptissimum fore suggessit, si ad sui honorem Religiosorum Ordo_institueretur, quibus pracipue esset cura,” captivos ab infidelium tyrannide liberare. Huic ccelesti monito illico obtemperans, una cum sancto Raymundo de Pennafort, et Jacobo Primo rege Aragoni, de eadem re a Dei Genitrice ipsa nocte praemonitis, Religionem Beate Mariz de Mercede redemptionis captivorum instituit: sodalibus suis quarto voto obstrictis, manendi in pignus sub Paganorum potestate, si pro Christianorum liberatione opus fuerit. time making way in France:. Peter, out of the hatred he had for that sect, withdrew into Spain, after having sold his estates. This gave him an opportunity of fulfilling a vow at our Lady of Montserrat, which he had made some time previously. After this he went to Barcelona; and having there spent all his money in ransoming the Christian captives from the slavery of their enemies, he was often heard saying that he would willingly sell himself to redeem others, or become a slave in the place of any captive. God showed him, by the following event, how meritorious in his sight was this desire. He was one night praying for the Christian captives, ~and deliberating_ with himself how he might obtain_their deliverance, when the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, and told him that he would render himself most dear to her Son and herself, if he would institute in her honour an Order of Religious men, who should devote themselves to ransome captives from the infidels. - HE delayed not to follow the heavenly suggestion, and instituted the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the Redemption of Captives, in which he was aided by St Raymund of Pennafort, and James the First, King of Aragon, both of whom had, on that same night, received the like intimation from the Mother of God. The Religious of this Order take a fourth vow, namely, to offer themselves as slaves to the Moors, if they can in no other way obtain the ransom of the Christians. ST PETER Edito virginitatis voto, il- libatam perpetuo castitate: servavit. Patientia, humi tate, abstinentia, caterisque virtutibus _mirabiliter tuit. Prophetiz dono eniillu- stris, futura pradixit, inter uz maxime celebratur, quod a rex Valentiam acobus Mauris occupatam expugnaverit, accepta prius ab o obtinend® victori® securitate. Angeli Custodis ac Deiparz Virginis frequenti apparitione recreabatur. Senio tandem confectus, de imminenti morte certior factus, in mor- bum incidit, sanctisque refectus Sacramentis, fratres suos ad caritatem erga captivos cohortatus et Psalmum, Confitebor tibi," Domine, in toto corde meo, devotissime recitans, ad illa verba, Re- demptionem misit Dominus populo suo, spiritum Deo reddidit, media nocte Vig liz no Nativitatis millesimo Domini, an- ducentesimo quinquagesimo sexto. Cujus festivitatem Alexander Septimus die trigesima prima Januarii celebrari praecepit. Thou, O Jesus ! camest NOLASCO 453 Having taken a vow of virinity, he spent his whole life in the most perfect purity. He excelled in every virtue, especially in patience, humility, and abstinence. He foretold future events by the gift of prophecy. wherewith God had avoured him. Thus, when king James was laying siege to Valencia, then in the possession of the Moors, he received assurance from the Saint that he would be blessed with victory. He was frequently consoled with the sight of his Angel Guardian and the Virgin-Mother of God. At length, being worn out with old age, he received an intimation of his approaching death. When he was seized with his last sickness, he received the holy Sacraments, and exhorted his Religious Brethren to love the captives. After which, he began most devoutly to recite the Psalm, I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; and at these words: He hath sent Redemption to his people, he breathed forth his soul into thé hands of his Creator, at Christmas midnight, in the year 1256. Pope Alexander the Seventh commanded that his Feast should be kept on the thirty-first day of January. to cast fire upon the earth, and thy desire is that it be enkindled in the hearts of men. Thy desire was accomplished in Peter Nolasco, and the children of his Order. Thus dost thou permit men to co-operate with thee in the designs of thy sweet mercy, and, by thus restoring harmony between man and his Creator, thou hast once more given to the earth the blessing of fraternal love between man and man. Sweet Infant Jesus ! we cannot love thee without loving 454 CHRISTMAS all mankind; and thou, who art our Ransom and our Victim, willest that we also be ready to lay down our lives for one another. Thou, O Peter! wast the Apostle and the model of this fraternal charity; and our God rewarded thee by calling thee to himself on the anniversary of the Birth of Jesus. That sweet Mystery, which so often encouraged thee in thy holy labours, has now been revealed to thee in all its glory. Thy eyes now behold that Jesus as the great King, the Son of the Eternal Father, before whom the very Angels tremble. Mary is no longer the poor humble Mother, leaning over the Crib where lies her Son; she now de].ights thy gaze with her queenly beauty, seated as she is on a throne nearest to that of the divine Majesty. Thou art at home amidst all this glory, for heaven was made for souls that love as thine did. love, and that it Pray of this us like Heaven is the land of love so filled thy heart even when on earth, was the principle of thy whole life. for us, that we may have a clearer knowledge love of God and our neighbour, which makes to God. It is written that he that abideth in charity abideth in God, and God in him," intercede for us, that the Mystery of Charity which we are now celebrating may transform us into him who is the one object of all our love during this season of fellow-creatures as ourselves; . May we love our bear with them, excuse their weaknesses, and serve them. May our good example encourage them, and our words edify them; may we comfort them and win them to the service of God by our kindness and our charities. Pray for France, which is thy country, and for Spain, where thou didst institute thy grand Order. Protect the precious remnants of that Order, by whose means thou didst work such miracles of charity. Console all prisoners and captives. Obtain for all men that holy Liberty of Children of God, of which the Apostle speaks,* which consists in obedience to the law of God. 1 St John iv 16. * Rom. viii 21. When ST PETER NOLASCO this liberty is in man’s soul, slave; but when the inner man 455 he never can be a is enslaved, the out- ward man never can be free. Oh! pray that the fetters of false doctrines and passions may be broken, and then the world will enjoy that true liberty, which would soon put an end to tyranny, and make tyrants impossible. CHRISTMAS 456 FEBRUARY I SAINT IGNATIUS BISHOP AND MARTYR ‘WO days more, and the happy season of Christmas and will be over ! This is the vigil of its termination, lo! there comes to gladden us one of the grandest Martyrs phorus,! of the Bishop year—Ignatius surnamed the Theoof Antioch. A venerable tradition tells us that this old man, who so generously confessed the faith before Trajan, was the child whom Jesus took into his arms, and showed to his Disciples as a model of that simplicity which we must all have if we would enter into the kingdom of heaven. Today he appears before us, standing near the Crib in which this same Jesus gives us his own divine lessons of humility and simplicity. But, in this the Court of our Emmanuel, Ignatius stands near to Peter, the Feast of whose Chair we kept a few days since; for the Prince of the Apostles made him his second successor in his first See of Antiochh From so honoured a position Ignatius derived that courage which made him resist a powerful Emperor even to his face, defy the wild beasts of the amphitheatre, and triumph by a glorious martyrdom. As it were to show the supremacy of the See of Rome, Divine Providence willed that he, with his chains upon him, should go to see Peter,* and finish his course in the Holy City, and thus mingle his blood with that of the Apostles. Rome would have been imperfect without the glory of Ignatius’ martyrdom, which is the pride of her Coliseum, * Le, he that carries God, or, he that is carricd of God, according as the accent is Placed in the Gresk word *Gal.i18, ST IGNATIUS 457 OF ANTIOCH rich as it is with the blood of so many thousands of martyrs. His chief characteristic is impetuous love for God. He has but one fear—it is that the prayers of the Romans will stay the lions from devouring him, and his desire of hemg united to Christ be thus denied him. Let us admire this superhuman fortitude, which shows itself thus suddenly in the pagan world, and let us acknowledge that so ardent a love of God, and so vehement a longing to possess him, could only have come from the accomplishment of the Mysteries of our Redemption, which showed man how much God loved him. The Crib of Bethlehem, even had there never been the Sacrifice of Calvary, would of itself be sufficient to convince us of all this. God comes down from heaven for the sake of his creature, man; he himself becomes Man, nay, a Child, and is laid in a manger ! Such miracles of love would have sufficed to save the guilty world; how then shall they not have power to prompt men to give their whole heart to their loving God ? And would it be too much if we made a sacrifice of our very lives to repay Jesus for only that much of his love which he showed us by being born among us ? The Church gives us, in the Lessons of today’s Office, the brief account of our Saint given by St Jerome in his Book On Ecclesiastical Writers. The holy Doctor has inserted a few sentences from the Martyr’s admirable Epistle, written to the Faithful of Rome. We would have gladly offered the whole of this Epistle to our readers, had it not been for want of space. But the passages quoted by St Jerome are some of the finest. Ignatius, Antiochenz Ecclesi@ tertius post Petrum Apostolum Episcopus, commovente persecutionem Trajano, damnatus ad bestias, Romam vinctus mittitur. Cumque navigans Smyrnam venisset, ubi Polycarpus, Ignatius was the third Bishop of the Church of Antioch, St Peter the Apostle being the first. During the persecution under Trajan, he was condemned to be devoured by wild beasts, and was sent in chains to Rome. During this voyage, which was 458 CHRISTMAS auditor Joannis, Episcopus made by sea, ho had to stop erat, scripsit unam Epistolam at Smyrna, where Polycarp, ad Ephesios, alteram ad Mag- the disciple of St John wes nesianos, tertiam ad Trallen- Bishop. From this city, he ses, quartam ad Romanos: et wrote several Epistles: one to inde ogrodiens sripsit ad the Ephesians, a second to the jans, a third to the Philadelphios et ad Smyrnzos, et propriam ad Polycar- Trallians, a fourth to the Ropum, commendans illi Antio- mans. When he had left chensem Ecclesiam: in qua Smyrna, he addressed an Epistle ot de Evangelio, quod nuper to ~ the Philadelphians _and a me translatum est, super Smyrneans, and one to Polyhimself, recommending to persona Christi ponit testimonium. him his Church of Antioch. It is in this last-named Letter that he quotes from the Gospel which I have lately translated 3 passage bearing testimony to the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. T cannot pass by this mention Dignum autem videtur, quia tanti viri fecimus men- of so great a man, without tionem, et de epistola ejus, citing a few sentences from quam ad Romanos_scribit, the Epistle which he wrote to pauca ponere. De Syria us- the Romans. 'From Syria,’ que_ad Romam pugno ad he says, ‘even unto Rome, I bestias in mari et in terra, am fighting with wild beasts, nocteque dieque ligatus cum both by sea and land, both night to ten decem leopardis, hoc est mili- and day, for I am fastened tibus, qui me custodiunt: leopards, I mean to the soldiers quibus et cum benefeceris, who have care of me. When I pejores fiunt. Iniquitas au- show them a kindness, they tem eorum mea doctrina est: grow more brutal. Their insed non idcirco justificatus Juries are. my instrustion; but I sum. Utinam fruar bestiis, am not thereby justified. I quz mihi sunt praeparate, long for the wild beasts that are quas et oro mihi veloces esse prepared for me, which I heartily ad interitum et ad supplicia, wish may rush upon me and et allici ad comedendum me, torture me and devour me, and ne, sicut et aliorum Marty- not be afraid to touch me, as has rum, non audeant corpus happened with other Martyrs. attingere. Quod si venire Nay, if they refuse to approach noluerint, ego vim . faciam, me, T will make them come ego me urgebo, ut devorer, on, T will rush upon them, that Ignoscite mihi, filioli: quid 50 they may devour me. Parmihi prosit, ego sci don me, my little children: I know what is for my own welfare, Nunc incipio Christi esse “Now do I begin to be a discipulus, nihil de his que disciple of Christ, and care for videntur desiderans, ut Je- nothing in this world, that so I ST IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH sum Christum inveniam. Ignis, crux, bestiz, confractio ossium, membrorum div et totius cor is contrif et tota tormenta diaboli me veniant: tantum ut Christofruar. Cumque jam damnatus esset ad bestias, et ardore patiendi_rugientes audiret leones, ait: Frumentum Christi sum, dentibus bestiarum molar, ut panis mundus inveniar. Passus est anno undecimo Trajani. _Reliquiz corporis ejus Antiochi jacent extra Portam Daphniticam in Ceemeterio. 459 may find Jesus. Let fire, or the cross, or wild beasts, or the breaking of my bones, or the cutting me to pieces, or the shattering of my whole body, yea, all the tortures of the devil—let them all come upon me, only let me enjoy my God." ‘When he was ununce! to be devoured by wild beasts, and heard the roaring of the lions, his impatience to sufier made him exclaim: ‘I am the wheat of Christ; let me be ground Dy the teeth of wild beasts, that I may become the pure bread.’ He suffered in the eleventh year of Trajan's reign. His Relics are at Antioch, in the Cemetery outside the Daphne Gate. We find the following stanzas in the Menza of the Greek Church, for the Feast of St Ignatius. Theologorum verticis successor vocatus, istorum vestigia prosecutus es, ortus ab Oriente et in Occidente manifestatus, et splendens fulgos bus divine pradicationis, ibique, omnisapiens, e mundo quidem secessisti, ad Deum autem elevaris splendore coronatus gratiz. Resplendens quasi sol ra- diis Spiritus Sancti, mundi fines hilariter illuminasti ful- furibus certaminum tuorum, ferventer producens et veraciter scribens pietatis docu- menta; ideoque factus es ali- mentum Magistro qui_alit omnia, omnibeate, benignitate continua. Thou wast called to be the guccessor o the m Theologians whose ou didst follow; thy rising was in the East, but thou wast manifested in the West, and there, O Ignatius, full of wisdom ! thou didst shine with the splen- dour of thy heavenly preaching. Thou didst, indeed, depart from this world, but thou wast taken up to God, richly crowned with grace. Resplendent as the sun with the rays of the Holy Ghost, thou didst sweetly illumine the ends of the earth with the brilliancy of thy combat, and the maxims of piety breathed forth so warmly and so truly in thy writings. Thus didst thou, most blessed one ! make thyself bread to the Master who, in his ceaseless love, feeds all created things. . CHRISTMAS 460 O Ignatius! O thou that Deifer Ignati, tuum amorem Christum_confovens i carriest God! by cherishing Christ, thy Love, in thy breast, tore, pretium accepi Bacrificii Bvangelii Christi in thou didst give thy blood for perfectionem per sanguinem; him, thus receiving the perfecideo + frumentum factus im- tion of the sacrifice of the mortalis agricol, per dentes Gospel of Christ. Hereby thou bestiarum ~ molifus_ es, et wast the wheat of the divine panis jucundus ipsi demon- Husbandman; and being ground stratus es: deprecare pro by the teeth of lions, thou wast nobis, athleta beate. made his bread most sweet. O blessed Combatant | pray to him for us. 0 quam solida et adamanMost saintly Ignatius| thy tina tui anima, beatissime soul was firm as adamant; for Ignati; tu enim ad tuum vere thou didst say to thy Beloved amatorem, inexorabile ha- Jesus, with an insatiable longbens desiderium, dicebas: Non ing: It is not material fire that est in me ignis materialis, burns within me—it is the voice magis vero aqua viva, in of Him who is the living Water, me dicens intus: Veni ad Pa- saying within my breast, * Come trem. Ideo, divino_Spiritu fothe Father I' Therefore, being inflammatus, bestias irritasti, inflamed by the Holy Spirit, thou ad separandum te quam ci- didst urge on the lions to take tius a mundo, et immitten- thee quickly from this world, dum te ad desideratum Chri- and carry thee to Christ, the stum: ipsum deprecare sal- object of all thy desires. Oh ! vare animas nostras. pray to him that he save our souls. All thy desires were satisfied, O glorious Martyr ! Thou hast died for Jesus—thou art with Jesus. Rome’s sons and daughters filled the Coliseum; their savage joy made it tremble with their cheers as they saw thee mangled by the lions. It was the hour thou hadst prayed for; thy sacrifice for him, who had sacrificed himself for thee, is over, and thy soul is buried in his divine embrace! Generous and mpetuous lover of Christ! thou wast ambitious to pay thy debt to the Crucified— the debt of suffering. It seemed to thee that thou hadst no right to his kingdom until thou hadst repaid his Passion by some cruel tortures endured for him. O worthy companion of Stephen, Sebastian, Vincent and Agnes | how rich and verdant is the palm thou holdest over the Crib! Canst thou look upon us, weak ST IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH 461 Christian cowards, and not pity us? Pray for us that we may at least be faithful to our Lord when we are persecuted by the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil; that we may at least give our hearts to his service, if we are not to be permitted to give our bodies to be tortured for his name. Thou wast chosen, when a little child, as the model of the simplicity which our Saviour was teaching to his Disciples, and this innocence never left thee: ask for us from him, who is the King of Little Children, that one of the graces of the Christmas we have been keeping may be this holy Simplicity of heart. Successor of Peter in the See of Antioch! pray for the Churches of thy Patriarchate, that they may return to the true Faith and Catholic unity. Intercede for the holy City of Rome, which thou didst water with thy blood, and which is now in possession of thy sacred relics, that were saved from the lions’ jaws. Watch over the maintenance of ecclesiastical discipline and order, of which thou hast left such admirable rules in thy Epistles; and obtain for the Church that all the members of her hierarchy may be united in the bonds of duty and love, that thus she may be beautiful in the strength of her unity and terridle to the enemies of God, as an army set in array.t 1 Cant. vi 3. 462 CHRISTMAS FEBRUARY THE PURIFICATION OF VIRGIN 2 THE BLESSED HE Forty Days of Mary's Purification are now completed, and she must go up to the Temple, there to offer to God her Child Jesus. Before following the Son and his Mother in this their mysterious journey, let us spend our last few moments at Bethlehem, in lovingly pondering over the mysteries at which we are going to assist. The Law commanded that a woman who had given birth to a son should not approach the Tabernacle for the term of forty days; after which time she was to offer a sacrifice for her purification. She was to offer up a lamb as a holocaust, and a turtle or dove as a sin-offering. But if she were poor, and could not provide a lamb, she was to offer in its stead a second turtle ordove. By another son was ordinance to be considered of the Law, every first-born as belonging to God, and was to be redeemed by five sicles, each sicle weighing, according to the standard of the Temple, twenty obols.! Mary was a Daughter of Israel—she had given birth to Jesus—he was her First-born Son. Could such a Mother and such a Son be included in the laws we have just q\?mted ? Wasit becoming that Mary should observe them If she considered the spirit of these legal enactments, and why God required the ceremony of Purification, it was evident that she was not bound to them. They for whom these laws had been made were espoused to men; Mary was the chaste Spouse of the Holy Ghost, 3 Lev. xii: Num. iii 47. The Obol was about three halfpeace of English money. THE PURIFICATION: ITS MYSTERY a Virgin in conceiving and a Virgin in giving birth Son; her purity had ever been spotless as that Angels but it received an incalculable increase carrying the God of all sanctity in her womb, and ing him into this world, 463 to her of the by her bring- Moreover, when she reflected upon her Child being the Creator and Sovereign Lord of all things, how could she suppose that he was to be submitted to the humiliation of being ransomed as a slave, whose life and person are not his own ? And yet the Holy Spirit revealed to Mary that she must comply with both these laws. She, the holy Mother of God, must go to the Temple like other Hebrew mothers, as though she had lost something which needed restoring by a legal sacrifice. He that is the Son of God and Son of Man must be treated in all things as though he were a servant, and be ransomed in common with the poorest Jewish boy. Mary adores the will of God, and embraces it with her whole heart. The Son of God was only to be made known to the world by gradual revelations. For thirty years he led a hidden life in the insignificant village of Nazareth; and during all that time men took him to be the son of Joseph.' Tt was only in his thirtieth year that John the Baptist announced him, and then only in mysterious words, to the Jews, who flocked to the Jordan, there to receive from the Prophet the baptism of penance. Our Lord himself gave the next revelation, the testimony of his wonderful works and miracles. Then came the humiliations of his Passion and Death, followed by his glorious Resurrection, which testified to the truth of his prophecies, proved the infinite merits of his Sacrifice, and in a word, proclaimed his Divinity. The earth had possessed its God and its Saviour for three and thirty years, and men, with a few exceptions, knew it not. The Shepherds of Bethlehem knew it; but they were not told, as were afterwards the Fishermen of Genesareth, to go and preach the Word to the furthermost parts of the world. The Magi, too, knew it; they came + St Luke il 23. CHRISTMAS 464 to Jerusalem and spoke of it, and the City was in a commotion; Kings went but all was soon forgotten, and the Three back quietly to the East. These two events, which would, at a future day, be celebrated by the Church as events of most important interest to mankind, were lost upon the world, and the only ones that appreciated them were a few true Israelites, who had ‘been living in expectation of a Messias who was to be r and humble, and was to save the world. The majority of the Jews would not even listen to the Messias having been born; for Jesus was born at Bethlehem, and the Prophets had distinctly foretold that the Messias was to be called a Nazarene.! The same Divine plan which had required that Mary should be espoused to Joseph, in order that her fruitful Virginity might not seem strange in the eyes of the people, now obliged her to come, like other Israelite mothers, to offer the sacrifice of Purification for the birth of the Son, whom she had conceived by the operation of the power of the Holy Ghost, but who was to be presented in the Temple as the Son of Mary, the Sfiouse of Joseph. Thus it is that Infinite Wisdom delights in showing that his thoughts are not our thoughts, and in disconcerting our notions; he claims the submissive- ness of our confidence, until the time that he has fixed for withdrawing the veil, and showing himself to our astonished view. The Divine Will was dear to Mary in this as in every circumstance of her life. The Holy Virgin knew that by seeking this external rite of Purification, she was in no wise risking the honour of her Child, or failing in the respect due to her own Virginity. She was in the Temple of Jerusalem what she was in the house of Nazareth, when she received the Archangel’s visit; she was the Handmaid of the Lord. She obeyed the Law because she seemed to come under the Law. Her God and her Son submitted to the ransom as humbly as the poorest Hebrew would have to do; he had already * St Matt.i 23. THE PURIFICATION: ITS MYSTERY 465 obeyed the edict of the emperor Augustus in the general census; he was to be obedient even unto death, even to the death of the Cross. The Mother and the Child both humbled themselves in the Purification, and man’s pride received, on that day, one of the greatest lessons ever given it. What a journey was this of Mary and Joseph, from Bethlehem to Jerusalem ! The Divine Babe is in his Mother’s arms; she had him on her heart the whole way. Heaven and earth and all nature are sanctified by the gracious presence of their merciful Creator. Men look at this Mother as she passes along the road with her sweet Jesus; some are struck with her appearance, others pass her by as not worth a look; but of the whole crowd, there was not one that knew he had been so close to the God who had come to save him. Joseph is carrying the humble offering, which the Mother is to give to the Priest. They are too poor to buy a lamb; besides, their Jesus is the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. The Law required that a turtle or dove should be offered in the place of a lamb, when the mother was poor. Innocent birds ! emblems of purity, fidelity and simplicity. Joseph has also provided the five sicles, the ransom to be given for the First-born Son—Mary’s only Son, who has vouchsafed to make us his brethren, and, by adopting our nature, to render us partakers of Ais. At length the Holy Family enter Jerusalem. The name of this holy City signifies Vision of Peace; and Jesus comes to bring her Peace. Let us consider the names of the three places in which our Redeemer began, continued and ended his life on earth. He is conceived at Nazareth, which signifies @ Flower,; and Jesus is, as he tells us in the Canticle, the Flower of the field and the Lily of the valley,' by whose fragrance we are refreshed. He is born at Bethlehem, the House of Bread ; for he is the nourishment of our souls. 1 Cantaiin. u He dies on the 30 CHRISTMAS 466 Cross in Jerusalem, and, by his Blood, he restores peace between heaven and earth, peace between Mary, the Living men, peace within our own souls; and, on this day of his Mother’s Purification, we shall find him giving us the pledge of this peace. ‘Whilst Ark of the Covenant, is ascending the steps which lead up to the Temple, carrying Jesus in her arms, let us be attentive to the mystery; one of the most celebrated of the prophecies is about to be accomplished in this Infant. We have already had the other predictions fulfilled, of his being conceived of a Virgin, and born in Bethlehem; today he shows us a further title to our adoration—he enters the Temple. This edifice is not the magnificent Temple of Solomon, which was destroyed by fire during the Jewish captivity. It is the second Temple, which was built after the return from Babylon, and is not comparable to the first in beauty. Before the century is out, it also is to be destroyed; and our Saviour will soon tell the Jews that not a stone shall remain on stone that shall not be thrown down.! Now, the Prophet Aggeus, in order to console the Jews, who had returned from banishment and were grieving because they were unable to raise a House to the Lord equal in splendour to that built by Solomon, addressed these words to them, which mark the time of the coming of the Messias: Take courage, O Zorobabel, saith the Lord ; and take courage, O Jesus, the son of Josedec, the High Priest; and take courage, all e people of the land ; for thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet one litile while, and I will move the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will move all nations; and the Desired of all nations shall come; and I will fill this House with glory. Great shall be the glory of this House, more than of the first; and in this place I will give Peace, saith the Lord of hosts.* The hour is come for the fulfilment of this prophecy. The Emmanuel has left Bethlehem; he has come among + §t Luke xxi 6, * Agg.ii 5,7, 8, 10. THE PURIFICATION: ITS MYSTERY 467 the people; he is about to take possession of his Temple, and the mere fact of his entering it will at once give it a glory, which is far above that of its predecessor. He will often visit it during his mortal life; but his coming to it to-day, carried as he is in Mary’s arms, is enough for the accomplishment of the promise, and all the shadows and figures of this Temple at once pale before the rays of the Sun of Truth and Justice. The blood of oxen and goats will, for a few years more, flow on its altar; but the Infant, who holds in his veins the Blood that is to redeem the world, is at this moment standing near that very altar. Amidst the Priests who are there, and amidst the crowd of Israelites, who are moving to and fro in the sacred building, there are a few faithful ones, who are in expectation of the Deliverer, and they know that the time of his manifestation is at hand; but there is not one among them who knows that at this very moment the Messias has entered the House of God. But this great event could not be accomplished without a prodigy being wrought by the Eternal God as a welcome to his Son. The Shepherds had been summoned by the Angel, and the Magi had been called by the Star, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem: this time it is the Holy Ghost himself who sends a witness to the Infant, now in the great Temple. There was then living in Jerusalem an old man whose life was wellnigh spent. He was a Man of desires,' and his name ceasingly was Simeon; for the Messias, his heart and at last had longed his hope un- was recompensed. The Holy Ghost revealed to him that he should not see death without first seeing the rising of the Divine Light. As Mary and Joseph were ascending the steps of the Temple, to take Jesus to the altar, Simeon felt within himself the strong impulse of the Spirit of God: he leaves his house, and walks towards the Temple; the ardour of his desire makes him forget the feebleness of age. He reaches the porch of God’s % Dan. x 11 468 CHRISTMAS House, and there, amidst the many mothers who had come to present their children, his inspired gaze recognizes the Virgin of whom he had so often read in Isaias, and he presses through the crowd to the Child she is holding in her arms. Mary, guided by the same Divine Spirit, welcomes the saintly old man, and puts into his trembling arms the dear object of her love, the Salvation of the world. Happy Simeon ! figure of the ancient world, grown old in its expectation, and near its end. No sooner has he received the sweet Fruit of Life, than his youth is renewed as that of the eagle, and in his person is wrought the transformation which was to be granted to the whole human race. He cannot keep silence; he must sing a Canticle; he must do as the Shepherds and Magi had done, he must give testimony: O Lord, thou dost dismiss Now, says he, now, thy servant in Peace, because my eyes have seen thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared —a Light that is to enlighten the Gentiles, and give glory to thy people Israel.* Immediately there comes, attracted to the spot by the same Holy Spirit, the holy Anna, Phanuel’s daughter, noted for her piety, and venerated by the people on account of her great age. Simeon and Anna, the representatives of the Old Testament, unite their voices, and celebrate the happy coming of the Child who is to renew the face of the earth; they give praise to the mercy of Jehovah, who in this place, in this second Temple, gives Peace to the world, as the Prophet Aggeus had foretold. > This was the Peace so long looked forward to by Simeon, O Lord, and now in this Peace will he sleep. Now, as he says in his Canticle, thow dost dismiss thy servant, according to thy word, in Peace! "~ His soul, quitting its bond of the flesh, will now hasten to the bosom of Abraham, and bear to the elect, who rest there, the tidings that Peace has appeared on the earth, and will soon open heaven. Anna has some years still * St Luke fi 29, and following verses. THE PURIFICATION: ITS MYSTERY 469 to pass on earth; as the Evangelist tells us, she has to go and announce the fulfilment of the promises to such of the Jews as were spiritually minded, and looked for the Redemption of Israel! The divine seed is sown; the Shepherds, the Magi, Simeon and Anna, have all been its sowers; it will spring up in due time; and when our Jesus has spent his thirty years of hidden life in Nazareth, and shall come for the harvest-time, he will say to lns Disciples: Lift up your eyes, and see the couniries, for they are white already for the harvest:* pray ye the Lord of t}w harvest, that he send labourers into his harvest.? Simeon gives.back to Mary the Child she is going to offer to the Lord. The two doves are presented to the Priest, who sacrifices them on the Altar; the price for the ransom is paid; the whole law is satisfied; and after having paid her homage to her Creator in this sacred place, where she spent her early years, Mary, with Jesus pressed to her bosom, and her faithful Joseph by her side, leaves the Temple. Such is the mystery of this fortieth day, which closes, by this admirable feast of the Purification, the holy season of Christmas. Several learned writers, among whom we may mention Henschenius and Pope Benedict the Fourteenth, are of opinion that this Solemnity was instituted by the Apostles themselves. This much is certain, that it was a long-established feast even in the fifth century. The Greek Church and the Church of Milan count this feast among those of our Lord; but the Church of Rome has always considered it as a feast of the Blessed Virgin. It is true, it is our Saviour who is this day offered in the Temple; but this offering is the consequence of our Lady’s Purification. The most ancient of the Western Martyrologies and Calendars call it The Purification. The honour thus paid by the Church to the Mother tends in reality to the greater glory of her Divine Son, for He is the Author and the End of all those prerogatives which we revere and honour in Mary. 3 St Lukeii 38. * St Jobn iv 35. * StLukexaz. 470 CHRISTMAS FIRST VESPERS OF THE PURIFICATION The holy Church sings, in this Office, the celebrated Antiphons of the Feast of the Circumcision, which s, of the great Mystery of the Incarnation of Word, and of Mary’s fruitful Virginity. We give Psalms in the Second Vespers, inasmuch as they more generally assisted at by the faithful than First. the the are the ANT. O admirabile comANT. O admirable Intermercium | Creator generis change | The Creator of manhumani, animatum corpus kind, assuming a living_Body, sumens, de Virgine nasci dig- deigned to be born of a Virgin; natus est; et procedens homo and becoming Man without sine semine, largitus est nobis man’s aid, bestowed on us his suam Deitatem. Divinity. Psalm, Dixit Dominus, p. 488. ANT. Quando natus es inANT. When thou wast born effabiliter ex Virgine, tunc ineflably of the Virgin, the impletz sunt Scripture; si- Scriptures _were fulfilled. As cut pluvia in vellus descen- dew upon Gedeon’s Fleece, thou disti, ut salvum faceres genus camest down to save mankind. humanum: te laudamus, Deus O Lord our God! we praise noster. thee. Psalm, Laudale pueri, . 489. ANT. Rubum, quem videANT. In the bush seen by rat Moyses incombustum, Moses as burning_yet unconconservatam agnovimus tuam sumed, we recognize the prelaudabilem virginitatem: Dei servation of thy glorious VirGenitrix, intercede pro no- ginity. O Mother of God, inis. tercede for us. Psalm, Lalatus sum, D. 490. ANT. Germinavit radix Jesse, orta est stella ex Jacob, Virgo peperit Salva- torem: noster. te laudamus, Psalm, Deus ANT. The Root of Jesse hath budded; the Star hath risen out of ‘Jacob; a Virgin hath brought forth the Saviour. O Lord our God | we praise thee. Nisi Dominus, p. 490. THE PURIFICATION: FIRST VESPERS 471 ANT. Ecce Maria genuit AnT. Lo! Mary hath brought nobis Salvatorem, quem Jo- forth a Saviour unto us, whom annes videns exclamavit, di- John seeing, exclaimed: Becens: Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce hold the Lamb of God! Bequi tollt peccata mundi, alle- hold him that taketh away the Alleluia. ia. sins of the world. Psalm, Lauda Jerusalem, D. 491. The Capitulum is the prophecy of Malachy, announcing the coming of the Lord, the Angel of the Testament, into his Temple. The prophecy was fulfilled on the day of Mary’s Purification. CAPITULUM (Malach. i) Ecce ego mitto Angelum Behold I send my Angel, meum, et preparabit viam and he shall prepare the way ante faciem meam. Et sta- before my face. And presently tim veniet ad Templum sanc- the Lord, whom ye seek, and tum suum Dominator quem the Angel of the testament, vos queritis, et Angelus testa- whom ye desire, shall come to menti, quem vos vultis. his holy Temple. HYMN! Ave maris stella, Dei Mater alma, Atque semper Virgo, Felix ceeli porta. Sumens illud Ave Gabrielis ore, Funda nos in pace, Mutans Eva nomen. Solve vincla reis, Profer lumen czcis, Mala nostra pelle: Bona cuncta posce. Monstra te esse Matrem. Sumat per te preces Qui pro nobis natus, Tulit esse tuus. Hail, Blessed Star of the Sea! Mother of God, yet ever a Virgin! O happy gate of heaven | Thou that didst receive the Ave from Gabriel’s lips, con- firm us in peace, and 30 let Eva be changed into an Ave of blessing for us. Loose the sinner's chains, bring light to the blind, drive from us our evils, and ask all good things for us. Show thyself a Mother, and offer our prayers to Him, who would be born of thee, when born for us. + In the Monastic Breviary, it is preceded by this Responsory : Ry, breve. Ave Maria, gratia plena, * Dominus tecum. ~ Ave. ‘wulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tul. Dominus. Gloria Benedicta tu in Patrl. Ave. 472 CHRISTMAS Virgo singularis, Inter omnes mitis: Nos culpis solutos, Mites fac et castos. Vitam prasta puram, Iter para tutum, Ut videntes Jesum, Semper coll@temur. Sit laus Deo Patri, Summo Christo decus, Spiritui Sancto, Tribus honor unus. Amen. ¥. Responsum accepit Simeon a Spiritu Sancto, R. Non visurum se mortem, nisi videret Christum Domini. ANTIPHON OF THE MAGNIFICAT ANT, Senex Puerum portabat, Puer autem senem regebat: quem Virgo peperit, et post partum Virgo permansit: ipsum quem genuit adoravit, OREMUS O incomparable Virgin, and meekest of the meek, obtain us the forgiveness of our sins, and make us meek and chaste. Obtain us purity of life, and a safe pilgrimage; that we may be united with thee in the blissful vision of Jesus. Praise be to God the Father, and to the Lord Jesus, and to the Holy Ghost: to the Three one self-same praise. Amen. ¥. Simeon had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, K. That he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. Omnipotens sempiterne De us, Majestatem tuam supplices exoramus: ut sicut unigenitus Filius tuus hodierna die cum nostr carnis substantia in Temploest praesentatus; ita nos facias purificatis tibi mentibus praesentari. Per eumdem. ANT. The old man carried the Child, but the Child guided the old man. A Virgin bore him, and aiter childbirth continued a Virgin: she adored him whom she brought forth. LET US PRAY O Almighty and Eternal God, we humbly beseech thy divine Majesty, that as thy only Son, in the substance of our flesh, was this day presented in the Temple, so our souls, being perfectly cleansed, may become a pure oblation, and be presented to thee. Through the same, etc. THE BLESSING OF THE CANDLES After Terce, follows the Blessing of the Candles, which is one of the three principal Blessings observed by the Church during the year; the other two are those of the Ashes and of the Palms. The signification of this ceremony bears so essential a connection with the THE PURIFICATION: BLESSING 473 mystery of our Lady’s Purification, that if Septuagesima, Sexagesima, or Quinquagesima Sunday fall on the 2nd of February, the Feast is deferred to tomorrow; but the Blessing of the Candles, and the Procession which follows it, always take place on this precise day. In order to give uniformity to the three great Blessings of the year, the Church prescribes for that of the Candles the same colour for the vestments of the sacred Ministers as is used in the two other Blessings of the Ashes and Palms—namely, purple. Thus this solemn function, which is inseparable from the day on which our Lady’s Purification took place, may be gone through every year on the 2nd of February, without changing the colour prescribed for the three Sundays just mentioned. It is exceedingly difficult to say what was the origin of this ceremony. Baronius, Thomassin, and others are of opinion that it was instituted towards the close of the 5th century, by Pope St Gelasius, in order to give a Christian meaning to certain vestiges still retained by the Romans of the old Lupercalia. St Gelasius certainly did abolish the last vestiges of the feast of the Lupercalia, which in earlier times the pagans used to celebrate in the month of February. Pope Innocent the Third, in one of his Sermons for the Feast of the Purification, attributes the institution of this ceremony of Candlemas to the wisdom of the Roman Pontiffs, The old pagans, he says, who turned into the present religious rite the remnants of an ancient pagan custom, which had not quite died out among the Christians. used to carry lighted torches in memory of those which the fable gives to Ceres, when she went to the top of Mount Etna in search of her daughter Proserpine. But against this we have to object that on the pagan Calendar of the Romans there is no mention of any Feast in honour of Ceres for the month of February. We therefore prefer adopting the opinion of Dom Hugh Menard, Rocca, Henschenius, and Pope Benedict the Fourteenth: that an ancient feast, which was kept in February, and was called the Amburbalia, during which the pagans used to 474 CHRISTMAS go through the city with lighted torches in their hands, gave occasion to the Sovereign Pontiffs to substitute, in its place, a Christian ceremony, which they attached to the Feast of that sacred mystery, in which Jesus, the Light of the world, was presented in the Temple by his Virgin-Mother. The mystery of today’s ceremony has frequently been explained by liturgists, dating from the 7th century. According to St Ivo of Chartres,' the wax, which is formed from the juice of flowers by the bee, always considered as the emblem of virginity, signifies the virginal flesh of the Divine Infant, who diminished not, either by his conception or his birth, the spotless purity of his Blessed Mother. The same holy Bishop would have us see, in the flame of our Candle, a symbol of Jesus, who came to enlighten our darkness. St Anselm,? Archbishop of Canterbury, speaking on the same mystery, bids us consider three things in the blest Candle: the wax, the wick, and the flame. The wax, he says, which is the production of the virginal bee, is the Flesh of our Lord; the wick, which is within, is his Soul; the flame, which burns on the top, is his Divinity. Formerly, the faithful looked upon it as an honour to be permitted to bring their wax tapers to the Church, on this Feast of the Purification, that they might be blessed together with those which were to be borne in the procession by the Priests and sacred Ministers; and the same custom is still observed in some congregations. It would be well if Pastors were to encourage this practice, retaining it where it exists, or establishing it where it is not known. There has been such a systematic effort made to destroy, or at least to impoverish, the exterior rites and practices of religion, that we find, throughout the world, thousands of Christians who have been insensibly made strangers to those admirable sentiments Liturgy, of faith, which the Church alone, can give to the body of the faithful. + In his Second Sermon on the Purification. * Commentary on St Luke. in her Thus, THE PURIFICATION: BLESSING 475 we shall be telling many what they have never heard before, when we inform them that the Church blesses the Candles, not only to be carried in the Procession, which forms of the ceremony today, but also for the use of the faithful, inasmuch as they draw, upon such as use them with respect, whether on sea or on land, as the Church says in the Prayer, special blessings from heaven. These blest Candles ought also to be lit near the bed of the dying Christian, as a symbol of the immortality merited for us by Christ, and of the protection of our Blessed Lady. As soon as all is prepared, the Priest goes up to the Altar, and thus begins the Blessing of the Candles. ¥. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. OREMUS Domine ¥. The Lord be with you. R/. And with thy spirit. sancte, Pater om- nipotens, @terne Deus, qui omnia ex nihilo creasti, et jussu tuo per opera apum hunc liquorem ad perfectionem cerei enire fecisti et qui hodierna die petitio- nem justi Simeonis implesti: te humiliter deprecamur, ut has candelas ad usus homi- num, et sanitatem corporum et animarum, sive in terra, sive in aquis, per invocationem er tui sancti Nominis, et intercessionem beate arie semper Virginis, cujus hodie festa devote celebrantur, et per preces omnium Sanctorum tuorum, benedicere et sanctificare digneris; et hujus plebis tuz, qua illas honorifice in manibus desi- derat portare, teque cantando laudare, exaudias voces de ceelo sancto tuo, et de sede Majestatis tu; et propitius sis omnibus clamantibus ad te, quos redemisti pretioso LET US PRAY Holy Lord, Father Almighty and Eternal God, who didst create all things out of nothing, and by the labour of the bees, following thy commands, hast brought this liquor to the perfection of wax; and who, on this day, didst accomplish the desire of the righteous Simeon; we humbly beseech thee, that by the invocation of thy most holy name, and by the intercession of Blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, whose festival we this day devoutly celebrate, and by the prayers of all thy Saints, thou wouldst vouchsafe to bless and sanctify these candles, for the service of men, and for the good of their bodies and souls in all places, whether on sea or on land; and that thou wouldst be pleased mercifully to hear from thy holy temple, and from the throne of thy majesty, the prayers of this thy people, who desire to carry them in their hands with rever- CHRISTMAS 476 sanguine Filii tui, qui tecum ence, and with sacred bymns vivit et regnat in unitate to praise thy name; and show Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per om- mercy to all that cry out unto nia secula seculorum. thee, whom thou hast redeemed K. Amen. by the precious blood of thy beloved Son; who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. K. Amen. OREMUS Omuipotens, _sempiterne Deus, qui hodierna die Unigenitum tuum ulnis sancti Simeonis in Templo sancto tuo suscipiendum prasentasti: tuam supplices deprecamur clementiam, ut has candelas, quas nos famuli tui, in tui Nominis magnificentiam suscipientes, gestare cupimus luce accensas, benedicere et sanctificare, atque lumine supernz benedictionis accendere digneris; quatenus eas tibi Domino nostro offerendo, digni et sancto igne dulcissimz caritatis tuz succensi, in Templo sancto gloriz tuz reprasentari mereamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen. OREMUS Domine Jesu Christe, lux vera, qua illuminas omnem hominem venientem in hunc mundum: effunde benedictionem tuam super hos cereos, et sanctifica eos lumine gratiz tuz; et concede proitius, ut sicut hac luminaria, igne visibili accensa, nocturnas_depellunt_tenebras, ita corda mostra invisibili igne, id est Sancti Spiritus splen- LET US PRAY 0O Almighty and Eternal God, who on this day wast pleased that thy only Son should be presented in the Temple, and be received into the arms of holy Simeon: we humbly beseech thy mercy to bless, sanctify, and give the light of thy heavenly benediction to these candles, which we thy servants desire to carry in honour of thy nam that by offering them to thes our Lord God, we may be in. flamed by the fire of thy sweet love, and made worthy to be presented in the holy temple of thy glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. ®. Amen. LET US PRAY Lord Jesus Christ, the true light, that enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world : pour forth thy blessing upon these candles, and sanctify them by the light of thy grace; and grant in thy mercy that as these candles by their visible light dispel the darkness of the night, 50 our hearts, burning with invisible fire, and _enlightenéd by the grace of the Holy Ghost, THE PURIFICATION: BLESSING 477 nere possimus qu tibi_sunt lacita, et nostre saluti utiquatenus post hujus szculi caliginosa_discrimina, ad lucem indeficientem pervenire mereamur. Per te, Christe Jesu, Salvator mundi, qui in Trinitate perfecta vivis et regnas Deus, per omnia szcula seculorum. Ry. Amen. may be delivered from all blindness of sin: that the eye of our _soul being purified, we may discern those things that are pleasing to thee, and beneficial to us: that after having finished the darksome passage of this life, we may come to never-fading joys, through thee, O Jesus Christ, the Saviour of thé world, who in perfect Trinity livest and reignest God, world without end. R. Amen. OREMUS LET US PRAY dore illustrata, omnium vitiorum cacitate careant: ut purgato mentis oculo, ea cer- Omnipotens sempiterne O Almighty and Eternal God, Deus, qui per Moysen famu- who, by thy servant Moses, lum tuum, purissimum olei commandedst the purest oil to be liquorem ad luminaria ante prepared for lamps, continually conspectum tuum _jugiter to burn in thy presence, merciof thy concinnanda praparari jus- fully pour forth the sisti: benedictionis tuz gra- blessing on these candles: that tiam super hos cereos benig- as they supply us with visible nus _infunde, quatenus sic light, so by thy assistance the administrent lumen exterius light of thy Spirit may never ut, te donante, lumen Spiri- be wanting inwardly in_our tus tui nostris non desit souls. Through our Lord Jesus mentibus interius. Per Do- Christ thy Son, who liveth and minum nostrum Jesum reigneth with thee in the unity Christum Filium tuum, qui of the same Holy Spirit, God, tecum vivit et regnat in uni- world without end. tate_ejusdem Spiritus SancR. Amen. ti Deus, per omnia szcula szculorum. Ry Amen. orEMUS Domine Jesu Christe, qui hodierna die, in nostr carnis substantia inter homines_apparens, a parentibus in Templo es prasentatus; quem Simeon venerabilis senex, lumine Spiritus tui irradiafus, agnovit, suscepit et benedixit: prasta pr ut ejusdem Spiritus LET US PRAY Lord Jesus Christ, who appearing ‘amongst men in the substance of our flesh, wast leased this day to be presented in the Temple by thy parents, and whom the venerable Simeon, enlightensd by _the oly Ghost, publicly confessing, recelved in his arma. and bieaseq mercifully grant that, being CHRISTMAS 478 gratia illuminati atque edoc- inspired and taught by the grace ti, te veraciter agnoscamus et of the same Holy Spirit, we may fideliter diligamus. Qui cum sincerely acknowledge and faithDeo Patre, in unitate ejusdem fully love thee. Who with Spiritus sancti, vivis et reg- God the Father, in the unity of nas Deus, per omnia szcula the same Holy Spirit, livest and seculorum. reignest God, world without end. K. Amen. K. Amen. These five Prayers having been said, the Celebrant sprinkles the Candles with holy water, saying the Asperges in secret, and then incenses them; after which, he distributes them to both clergy and laity.! During the distribution, the Church, filled with emotion at the sight of these sacred symbols, which remind her of Jesus, shares in the joyous transports of the aged Simeon, who, whilst holding the Child him to be the Light of the Gentiles. in his arms, confessed She chants his sweet Canticle, separating each verse by an Antiphon, which is formed out of the last words of Simeon. ANt. Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuz Israel. CANTICLE ANT. A Light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. OF SIMEON (St Luke ii) Nunc_ dimittis servum Now thou dost dismiss thy tuum, Domine: * secundum servant, O Lord, according to verbum tuum in pace. thy word in peace. ANT. Lumen ad revelaANT. A Light to the revelationem gentium, et gloriam tion of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. plebis tuz Israel. Quia viderunt oculi mei: use my eyes have seen * Salutare tuum. thy Salvation. ANT. Lumen ad revelatioANT. A Light to the revelanem gentium, et gloriam filon ol' the Genl(illes, alnd the plebis tuz Israel glory of thy le Israel. Which thou ~hast prepared Quod parasti: * ante fabefore the face of all peoples. ciem omnium populorum. ANT. Lumen ad revelatioANT. A Light to the revelanem gentium, et gloriam tion of the Gentiles, and the plebis tuz Israel. glory of thy people Israel. 2 In receiving the Candle, the Faithful should kiss irst the Candle itself, and then the Priest’s hand. THE PURIFICATION: BLESSING 479 Gloria Patri et Filio, * et Glory be to the Father, and Spiritui Sancto. to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. AT, Lumen ad revelatioAT, A Light to the revelanem gentium, et gloriam ple- tion of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. bis tu Israel. Sicut erat in principio, As it was in the beginning, et nunc et semper, * et in is now, and ever shall be, world Amen. szcula seculorum. Amen. without end. ANT. Lumen ad revelatioANT. A Light to the revelanem gentium, et gloriam tion_ of the Gentiles, and the plebis tu Isracl. glory of thy people Israel. After the distribution of the Candles, the following Antiphon, and verse of the 43rd Psalm, are sung. Exsurge, Domine, adjuva nos, et libera nos propter nomen tuum. Ps. Deus, auribus nostris audivimus: patres nostri annuntiaverunt nobis. ¥. Gloria Patri. Exsurge. Arise, O Lord, help us, and for thy name’s sake deliver us. Ps. We have heard, O God, with our ears: our fathers have declared unto us. ¥. Glory. Arise. If it be in the season of Septuagesima, there is also added by the Deacon, Flectamus genua, Let us kneel down; to which the Subdeacon replies, Levate, Arise. OREMUS Exaudi, quzsumus, Domine, plebem tuam: et quz extrinsecus annua _tribuis devotione venerari, interius assequi gratia tuz luce concede. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. LET US PRAY Hear thy people, O Lord, we beseech thee, and grant us to obtain those things interiorly by the light of thy grace, which thou permittest us out. wardly to venerate with annual devotion. Through, etc. THE PROCESSION Filled with holy joy, radiant with the mystic light, excited, like the venerable Simeon, by the impulse of the Holy Spirit, the Church goes forth to meet her Emmanuel. It is this meeting which the Greek Church calls the Hypapasite,' under which name she also desig- 1 0c Hypant, 480 CHRISTMAS nates today’s Feast. The Church would imitate that wondrous Procession, which was formed in the Temple of Jerusalem on the day of Mary’s Purification. Let us listen to St Bernard. ‘On this day the Virgin-Mother brings the Lord of the Temple into the Temple of the Lord; Joseph presents to the Lord a Son, who is not his own, but the Beloved Son of that Lord himself, and in whom he is well pleased; Simeon, the just man, confesses him for whom he had been so long waiting; Anna, too, the widow, confesses him. The Procession of this solemnity was first made by these four, which afterwards was to be made, to the joy of the whole earth, in every place and by every nation. Let us not be surprised at its then being so little; for he they carried was little! Besides, all who were in it were just, and saints, and perfect—there was not a single sinner.’? And yet let us join the holy ion. Let us go to meet Jesus, the Spouse of our souls, as did the Wise Virgins, g in our hands ]amps burning with the flame of charity. Let us remember the command given us by our Lord: Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands: and you yourselves like to men who wait for their Lord.* Guided by faith, and enlightened by charity, we shall meet and know him, and he will give himself to us. The holy Church opens her chait§"in this Procession with the following Antiphon, which is found, word for word, in the Greek Liturgy of this same Feast. ANT. Adorna thalamum tuum, Sion, et suscipe Regem Christum: amoplectere Mariam, quae est coelestis rta; ipsa enim portat egem _gloriz novi luminis; subsistit Virgo, adducens manibus Filium ante luciferum _genitum; quem accipiens Simeon in ulnas 2 First Sermon On the Purification, ANT. Adorn thy bride-cham- ber, O Sion, and receive Christ, thy King. Salute Mary, the gate of heaven; for she beareth the King of glory, who is the new Light. The Virgin stands, bringing in her hands her Son, the Begotten before the daystar; whom into his arms, Simeon receiving declared to the * St Luxiike 35, 36. THE PURIFICATION: suas, pradicavit populis Dominum eum esse vite et mortis et Salvatorem mundi. Then is added the PROCESSION 481 people as the Lord of life and death, and the Saviour of the world. following Anthem, taken from the Gospel, in which is related the mysterious meeting between Jesus and Simeon. ANT. Responsum accepit AT, Simeon had received Simeon a Spiritu Sancto, non an answer from the Holy Ghost, visurum se mortem, nisi vi- that he should not see death, deret Christum Domini; et before he had seen the Christ cum inducerent Puerum in of the Lord; and when his Templum, accepit eum in ul- parents brought the Child into nas suas, et benedixit Deum, the Temple, he took him into his et dixit! Nunc dimittis ser- arms, and blessed God, and said: vum tuum, Domine, in pace. Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, in peace. ¥. Cum inducerent pue¥. When his parents brought rum Jesum parentes ejus in the Child Jesus, to do for ut facerent secundum consue- him according to the custom tudinem legis pro eo, ipse of the law, he took him into accepit eum in ulnas suas. his arms. On re-entering the Church, the Choir sings the follow- ing Responsory: Ry. Obtulerunt pro eo Domino par turturum, aut duos pullos columbarum: * Sicut scriptum est in Lege Domini. ¥. Postquam impleti sunt dies ‘purgationis Mariz, secundum legem Moysi, tulerunt Jesum in Jerusalem, ut sisterent eum ~ Domino. * Sicut scriptum est in Lege Domini. Gloria Patri. * Sicut scriptum est. Ry. They offered for him to the Lord a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons: * As it is written in the Law of the Lord. ¥. After the days of Mary's purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomlished, they carried Jesus to erusalem, to present him to the Lord. * As it is written in the law of the Lord. Glory. * As it is written. After the Procession, the Celebrant and his Ministers put off their t_Eurple vestments, and vest in white for the Mass of e Purification. But if it be any of the three Sundays, Septuagesima, Sexag esima, or Quinquagesima, the Mass of the Feast is deferred till the morrow, as we have already explained. 31 CHRISTMAS MASS In the Introit, the Church sings the glory of Jerusalem’s Temple, that was this day visited by Emmanuel. Great is the Lord in the City of David, great is he on his mount of Sion. Sxmeon, the representative of the whole human race, receives into his arms Him that is the Mercy sent us by God. INTROIT Suscepimus, Deus, miseriWe have received thy mercy, cordiam tuam in medio Tem- O God, in the midst of thy pli tui: secundum nomen Temple* according to thy name, tuum, Deus, ita et laus tua in 0 God, s0 also is thy praise unto fines terra: justitia plena est the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of justice, dextera tua. Ps. Magnus Dominus et Ps. Great is the Lord, and laudabilis nimis, in civitate exceedingly to be praised: in Dei nostri, in monte sancto the City of our_God, in his ejus. ¥. Gloria Patri. Sus- holy Mountain. ¥. Glory, etc We have. cepimus. In the Collect, the Church prays that her children may be presented, as Jesus was, to the Eternal Father; but, in order that they may meet with a favourable reception, she asks him to give them purity of heart. COLLECT Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, Majestatem tuam sup- plices exoramus, ut sicut unigenitus Filius tuus hodierna die cum nostrz car- nis substantia in Templo est prasentatus, ita mos facias purificatis tibi mentibus prasentari. Per eumdem. O Almighty and Eternal God, we humbly beseech thy divine Majesty, that as thy Only Be- gotten Son, in the substance of our flesh, was this day &ra sented m the Temple,0 it that we too, vmh p ed souls, may be pre- serited unto thee. same, etc. Through the THE PURIFICATION: Lectio Malachiz Prophetz. Cap. III. EPISTLE Hzc dicit Dominus Deus: Ecce ego mitto Angelum meum, et przparabit viam ante faciem meam. Et statim veniet ad Templum suum Dominator quem vos quéritis, et Angelus testamenti uem vos vultis. Ecce venit, ict Dominus exercituum; et quis poterit cogitare diem adventus ejus ? et quis stabit ad_ videndum eum? Ipse enim_quasi ignis conflans, et quasi herba fullonum; et sedebit conflans, et emundans argentum, et purgabit filios Levi, et colabit eos quasi aurum et quasi argentum: et erunt Domino offerentes sacrificia in justitia. Et placebit Domino sacrificium Juda et Jerusalem, sicut dies szculi et sicut anni antiqui, dicit Do‘minus omnipotens. All the Mysteries 483 MASS Lesson from the Prophet Malachy. Ch. III. Thus saith the Lord God: Behold I send my Angel, and he shall prepare the way before my face. And presently the Lord whom you seek, and the Angel of the Testament whom you desire, shall come to his" Temple. Behold he cometh, saith the Lord of hosts: and who shall be able to think of the day of his coming ? and who shall stand to see him ? For he is like a refining fire, and like the fuller's herb: and he shall sit refining and cleansing the silver, and he shall ‘purify the sons of Levi, and shall refine them as gold and as silver, and they shall offer sacrifices to the Lord in justice. And the sacrifice of Juda and Jerusalem shall please the Lord, as in the days of old, and in the ancient years, saith the Lord Almighty. of the Man-God have for their object the purifying of our hearts. He sends his Angel, that is, his Precursor, before his face, that he may prepare his way; and we have heard this holy Prophet ing out to us, in the wilderness: Be humbled, O ye hills! and ye valleys, be ye filled up ! At length, he that is the Angel of the Testament comes in n to seal the alliance with us. He comes Z his Temple, and this temple is our heart. But he is like a refining fire, that takes away the dross of metals. He wishes to renew us, by purifying us; that thus we may be worthy to be offered to him, and with him, by a perfect sacrifice. We must therefore take care, and not 484 CHRISTMAS be satisfied with admiring these sublime mysteries. ‘We must hold as a principle of our spiritual life, that the mysteries brought. before us, feast after feast, are intended to work in us the destruction of the old, and the creation of the new man. We have been spending Christmas; we ought to have been born together with Jesus; this new Birth is now at its fortieth day. Today, we must be offered by Mary, who is also our Mother, to the Divine Majesty, as Jesus was. The moment is come for our offering, for it is the hour of the Great Sacrifice; let us redouble the fervour of our aration. In the Gradual the Church again celebrates the sweet Mercy who has appeared in the Temple of Jerusalem, and who is about to show himself to us in this more perfect manifestation of the Holy Sacrifice. GRADUAL Suscepimus, Deus, misericordiam tuam in medio Templi tui: secundum nomen ‘tuum, Deus, ita et laus tua in fines terre. ¥. Sicut audivimus, ita et vidimus in civitate Dei nostri, in monte sancto ejus. Alleluia, alleluia. Y. Senex Puerum portabat: Puer autem senem regebat. Alleluia. We have received thy Mercy, O God, in the midst of thy Temple: according to thy name, 0 God, 50 also is thy praise unto the ends of the earth. Y. As we have heard, so have we seen in the City of our God, on his holy mountain. Alleluia, allelvia. Y. The old man carried the Child: but the Child guided the old man. Alleluia. If the season of Septuagesima has already begun, the Church, instead of the Alleluia-verse, sings the following Tract, which is composed of the words of the venerable Simeon. Nunc _dimittis servum toum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace. . Quia viderunt oculi mei utare tunm. TRACT Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace. ¥. Because my eyes have seen thy salvation. THE PURIFICATION: MASS 485 ¥. Which thou hast pre¥. Quod parasti ante fapared before the face of all ciem omnium populorum. ¥. Lumen nem gentium, ad plebis tuz Israel. et revelatio- gloriam peoples. V. A Light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Istael. ‘GOSPEL Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam. Cap. II. In illo tempore: Postquam impleti sunt dies purgationis Mariz, secundum legem Moysi, tulerunt Jesum in Jerusalem, ut sisterent eum Domino, sicut_scriptum est in Lege Domini: Quia omne masculinum adaperiens vulvam, sanctum Domino vocabitur. Et ut darent hostiam, secundum quod dictum est in Lege Domini, par_turturum, aut duos pullos columbarum. Et ecce homo erat in Jerusalem, cui nomen Siméon: et homo iste justus et timoratus, exspectans consolationem Israel; et Spiritus Sanctus erat in eo. Et responsum acceperat a Spiritu Sancto, non visurum se mortem nisi prius videret Christum Domini. Et venit in Spiritu in Templum. Et cum inducerent puerum Jesum parentes ejus, ut facerent secundum con. suetudinem Legis pro eo: et ipse accepit eum in ulnas suas, et benedixit Deum, et dixit: Nunc dimittis servam tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace; quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum, quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum, Sequel of the holy Gospel according to Luke. Ch. I. At that time: After the days of the purification of Mary, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried Jesus to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male opening the womb shall be called holy 1o the Lord. And to offer a sacrifice according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons. And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was in him. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit_into the temple. ~And when his parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace. Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: 486 CHRISTMAS lumien ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuz Israel. a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Tsrael. The Holy Spirit has led us to the Temple, as he did Simeon. There we see the Virgin-Mother offering at the Altar her Son, who is the Son of God. We are filled with admiration at this fidelity of the Child and his Mother to the Law; and we feel in our hearts a desire also to be presented to our Creator, who will accept our homage as he accepted that offered him by his Divine Son. Let us at once put ourselves in those same holy dispositions, which filled the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The salvation of the world has this day gained ground; let the work of our individual sanctification also advance. From this feast forward, the mystery of the Infant-God will no longer be put before us by the Church as the special object of our devotion; the sweet season of Christmas will, in a few hours, have left us, and we shall have to follow Jesus in his combats against our enemies. Let us keep close to our dear King. Let us ever keep Simeon’s spirit, and follow our Redeemer, walking in his footsteps, who is our Light. Let us love this Light, and merit, by our fidelity in using it, that it may unceasingly shine upon us. During the Offertory, the Church speaks the praises of the grace put, by our Lord, on Mary’s lips. celebrates the favours poured out on Her, who called by the Archangel Blessed among women. OFFERTORY She was Diffusa est gratia in labils Grace is spread on thy lips; tuis; propterea benedixit te therefore hath God blessed thee Deus in @ternum, et in se- for ever, and for ever. culum szculi. SECRET Exaudi, Domine, preces _ Mercifully hear our prayers, nostras: et ut digna sint O Lord, and grant us the assistmunera qua oculis tuz Ma- ance of thy mercy, that what jestatis offerimus, subsidium we offer to thy divine Majesty nobis tuz pietatis impende. may be worthy to be accepted. Per Dominum. Through, etc. THE 487 PURIFICATION: MASS The Preface is that of Christmas, page 64. After having distributed the Bread of Life—the Fruit of Bethlehem—which has been offered on our Altar, and has redeemed us from all our iniquities, the holy Church again reminds her children of the sentiments which filled Simeon’s soul. But in the Mystery of love, we not only, like Simeon, receive into our arms him who is the Consolation of Israel; he enters inbt:d our very breast and soul, and there he takes up his abode. COMMUNION Responsum accepit Simeon _ Simeon received an answer a Spiritu Sancto, non visu- from the Holy Ghost, that he rum se mortem, nisi videret should not see death till he Christum Domini. beheld the Christ of the Lord. Let us, in the Postcommunion, unite with the Church in praying that the heavenly remedy of our _Tegenera- tion may not only produce in our souls a g grace, but may, by our fidelity, fructify in us to life eternal. POSTCOMMUNION Quasumus, Domine Deus noster, ut sacrosancta mysteria, ‘qua pro reparationis nostre munimine contulisti, intercedente beata Maria semper Virgine, et prasens nobis remedium _esse facias et futurum. Per Dominum. _ We beseech thee, O Lord our God, that the sacred mysteries we have received to preserve our new life, may, by the intercession of Blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, become a remedy to us both now and for the future. Through, etc. SECOND VESPERS The Second Vespers of our solemnity are composed of the Psalms of our Lady’s Office, which are sung to the Antiphons taken from the Gospel. Having elsewhere explained why the Church has applied these five Psalms to our Lady, we give them without any commentary. The Hymn is the same as in First Vespers, —the Ave maris Stella—which ever brings such sweet CHRISTMAS 488 consolation to our hearts, and is so pleasing to Mary. ‘When we come to the Magnificat, let us sing it with those sentiments wherewith our Lady herself sang it, when inspired by the Holy Spirit. Anr. moratus tionem Sanctus Simeon justus et tiexspectabat redempIsrael, et Spiritus erat in eo. ANT. Simeon, a just man, and one that feared God, waited for the redemption of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was in him. PSALM 109 Dixit meo: Dominus Domino * Sede a dextris meis. Donec ponam inimicos tuos: * scabellum pedum tuorum. Virgam virtutis tuz emittet Dominus ex Sion: * dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum. Tecum principium in_die virtutis tuz, in splendoribus sanctorum: * ex utero ante Iuciferum genui te. Juravit Dominus, et non penitebit eum; * tu es sacerdos in zternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech. Dominus * confregit reges. a dextris tuis: in die ir2 suz Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: * conquassabit capita in terra multorum. De torrente in via bibet: * propterea exaltabit caput. The Lord said to my Lord, his Som, Sit thou at my right hand, and reign with me. Until, on the day of thy last coming, 1 make thy enemies thy footstool. O Christ! the Lord, thy Father, will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: from thence rtule thou in the midst of thy enemies. With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength, in the brightness of the Saints, for the Father hath said to thee: From the womb, before the day-star, I begot thee. The Lord hath he will nat. speaking of Thou art sworn, and it; he hath said, a the , the God-Man: Priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech. Theyefore, O Father! the Lord, thy Som, is at thy right hand: he hath broken kings in the day of his wrath. He shall, also, judge among nations; he shall fill the ruins of the world: he shall crush the heads in the land of many. He cometh now in humility, he shall drink, in the way, of the torrent of sufferings: there- fore shall he lift up the head. THE PURIFICATION: SECOND VESPERS 489 ANT. Simeon justus et Ant. Simeon, a just man, timoratus exspectabat _re- and one that feared God, waited demptionem Israel, et Spiri- for the redemption of Israel, s Sanctus erat in o, and the Holy Ghost was in him. ANT. Responsum accepit ANT. Simeon received an Simeon a Spiritu Sancto, answer from the Holy Ghost, non visurum se mortem, nisi that he should not see death, videret Dominum. before he had seen the Lord. PSALM Laudate pueri Dominum: * Landate nomen Domini. Sit nomen Domini benedictum: * ex hoc nunc et usque in szculum. A solis ortu usque ad oc- casum: * Domini. laudabile nomen Excelsus super omnes Gentes Dominus: * et super ccelos gloria ejus. Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster qui in altis habitat: * et humilia respicit in ccelo etin terra ? Suscitans a terra inoper * et de stercore erigens pau- perem. Ut collocet eum cum principibus: * cum principibus populi sui. Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: matrem filiorum letantem. ANT. Responsum accepit Simeon a Spiritu Sanct non visurum Se mortem nisi videret Dominum. ANT. Accipiens Simeon Puerum in manibus, gratias agens benedixit Dominum. II2 Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord: from henceforth, now, and for ever. From the to the going the name of of praise. The Lord nations: and the heavens. rising of the sun down of the same, the Lord is worthy is high above all his glory above ‘Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth ? Nay, not content with this, he deigns 10 come down among us. Raising up, from his divine Crib, the needy, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghull. That he may place him with princes: with the princes of his people. 'ho maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children. ANT. Simeon received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord. ANT. Simeon taking the Child in his arms, giving blessed the Lord. thanks, CHRISTMAS 490 PSALM 121 Leatatus sum in his qua dicta sunt mihi: * In domum Domini ibimus. Stantes erant pedes nosfri: * in atriis tuis, Jerusaem. Jerusalem qua_adificatur ut’civitas: * cujus participatio ejus in idipsum. Tlluc enim ascenderunt tribus, tribus Domini: *_testimonium Israel ad confitendum nomini Domini. Quia illic sederunt sedes in judicio: * sedes super domum David. Rogate qu ad pacem sunt Jerusalem: * et abundantia diligentibus te. Fiat pax in virtute tua: * et abundantia in turribus tuis. Propter fratres meos et proximos meos: * loquebar 1 rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord. Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem | Our heart loves and confides in thee, 0 Mary ! Mary is ke fo_Jerusalem, that 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 seats sat there in judgement: seats upon the house of David; and Mary is of & ingly race. ray ye, through Mary, for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and may abundance be on them that love thee, 0 l}kflz}l of our God ! voice of Mary: Let peace be in thy strength, O thou new Sion / and abundance in thy towers. 1, a Daughter of Isracl, for pacemde te. Propter domum _ Domini Dei nostri: * quasivi bona tibi. ANT. Accipiens Simeon Puerum in manibus, gratias agens benedixit Dominum. ANT. Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuz Israel. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for thee. ANT. Simeon taking the Child in his arms, giving thanks, blessed the Lord. Ant. A Light to the revela tion of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. PSALM 126 Nisi Dominus dificaverit in vanum laboradomum verunt qui @dificant eam. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. THE PURIFICATION: Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem: * frustra vigilat qui custodit eam. Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere: * surgite postquam sederitis, qui manducatis panem doloris. Cum dederit dilectis suis somnum: * ecce hazreditas Domini, filii, merces, fructus ventris. Sicut sagittz in manu potentis: * ita filii excussorum. Beatus vir, qui implevit desiderium suum ex ips non_confundetur cum loquetur inimicis suis in porta. ANT. Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuz Israel. ANT. Obtulerunt pro eo Domino par turturum, aut duos pullos columbarum. SECOND VESPERS 491 Unless the Lord keep the city, be watches in vain that keepeth it. It is vain for you to rise before light: rise after you have sitten, you that eat of the bread of sorrow. When he shall give sle p to his beloved: behold the inhert tance of the Lord are children; the reward, the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hands of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken. Blessed is the man that hath filled his desire with them: he shall not be confounded, when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate. ANT. A Light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. AT, They offered for him to the Lord a pair of turtles, or two young pigeons. PSALM 147 Praise the Lord, O Mary, Lauda Jerusalem Dominum: * lauda Deum tuum thou_true Jerusalem: O Mary, O Sion ever holy, praise thy God. Sion. Because he hath strengthened Quoniam _confortavit seras portarum tuarum: * be- against sin the bolts of thy gates: he hath blessed thy children nedixit iliis tuis in te. within thee. He hath placed peace in thy Qui_posuit fines tuos pacem: * et adipe frumenti borders, and filleth thee with satiat te. the fat of corn, with Jesus, who is the Bread of Life. Qui emittit eloquium suum Who sendeth forth by fhes terre: * velociter currit his Word to the earth: his Word sermo ejus. runpeth swiftly. Who giveth snow like wool: Qui_dat nivem sicut lapam: * nebulam sicut cine- scattereth mists like ashes. rem spargit. Mittit crystallum suam sicut buccellas; * ante faciem frigoris ejus quis sustinebit ? He sendeth his crystal like morsels; who shall stand before the face of his cold ? 492 Emittet CHRISTMAS verbum suum, et liquefaciet ea: * flabit spiritus ejus, et fluent aqua. Qui _annuntiat verbum suum Jacob: * justitias, et judicia'sua Israel. Non fecit taliter omni nationi: * et_judicia sua non ‘manifestavit eis. ANT. Obtulerunt pro eo Domino par turturum, aut duos pullos columbarum. He shall send forth his Word, by Mary, and shall melt them: his spirit shall breathe, and the waters shall run. Who declareth his Word to Jacob: his justices and his judgements to Israel. He hath not done in like manner to every nation: and his judgements he hath not made manifest to them. ANT. They offered for him to the Lord a pair of turtles, or two young pigeons. CAPITULUM (Malach. i) Ecce ego mitto Angelum Behold I send my Angel, and meum, et praeparabit viam he shall prepare the way before ante faciem meam. Et stamy face. And presently the tim veniet ad Templum sanc- Lord, whom you seek, and the tum suum Dominator, quem Angel of the testament, whom vos queritis, et Angelus testa- you desire, shall come to his menti, quem vos vultis. Temple. For the Hymn, Versicle, and Response, see page 471. ANTIPHON OF THE MAGNIFICAT ANT. Hodie beata Virgo Maria puerum Jesum prasentavit in templo; et Simeon repletus Spiritu Sancto accepit eum in ulnas suas, et benedixit Deum in @ternum. ANT. This day the Blessed Virgin Mary presented the Child Jesus in the Temple; and Simeon, full of the Holy Ghost, ‘took him in his arms, and blessed God for ever. OREMUS LET Omanipotens, sempiterne Deus, Majestatem tuam supplices __exora ut sicut unigenitus Filius tuus hodierna die cum nostra carnis substantia in Templo est praesentatus: ita nos facias purificatis tibi mentibus praesentari. Per eumdem. US PRAY O Almighty and Eternal God, we humbly beseech thy divine Majesty, that as thy Only Begotten Son was this day presented in the Temple, in the substance of our flesh: so our souls, being perfectly cleansed, may become a pure oblation, and presented to thee. Through the same, etc. THE PURIFICATION 493 Let us now listen to the several Churches celebrating in their Liturgies the Mystery of the Purification. We will begin with the Mozarabic Breviary, where we find the five following prayers, in which the Gothic Church of Spain offers to God the sentiments inspired by the example of holy Simeon. PRAYER Omnipotens Deus, Pater et Domine, largire credenti tuo populo pacem: ut in templo tuo videamus Salutare tuum; quem Simeon justus ulnis suis sccepit: ut, qui Lumen ad revelationem gentium exstitit, indultor criminum ipsemet credentium sentiatur. Amen. O Almighty God, Father and Lord| grant peace unto thy faithful “people; that we may se , in thy Temple, thy Salvation, whom the just Simeon took into his arms; that thus he, who was the Light for the revelation of the Gentiles, may be the pardoner of the sins of them that believe. Amen. PRAYER Tu es, Domine, salus, et tua est salus: hanc gaudemus in nobis largitam; hanc etiam usque in finem a te petimus largiendam: effunde, quasumus, super populum tuum benedictionem tu. am: ut privetur maledictio pene, et ditescat in nobis fructus justitiz. Amen. Thou, O Lord, art salvation, and thine is salvation. We rejoice that thou hast given it unto us; we beseech thee that thou wilt grant it unto us, even to the end. Pour ouf, we beseech thee, thy blessing on thy people; that so the curse of our punishment may be removed, and_we grow rich in the fruits of justice. Amen. PRAYER Beatam, Domine, illam Grant, O Lord, that with justi tui Simeonis vocem fac Simeon’s devotion, even we in nobis pari diligentia per- may sing his blessed words. sonare: ut quia vidimus May we, when thou so willest, et credimus Salutare tuum, be dismissed in peace, because in pace, cum jusseris, dimi we have seen and believed in tamur: non quo a te dimis: thy Salvation. Dismiss us not sos fines vite accipiamus; from thyself at the close of sed per te absolutos a debito, life; but setting us free from pacem sempiternam our debts, give us in the end to possess everlasting peace. Amen. pusldeamus Amen. CHRISTMAS 494 PRAYER Vidimus gloriam tuam, Domine, gloriam quasi Unigenitum dei Pprimogenitum munere: il ic unicum Patris, hic in fratribus primum: illic @qualiter subsistentem, et in sinu Patris manentem, hic socios mon derelinquentem: largire ergo tuo fieri participes regno, quibus es propitiatus in mundo: quibusque advenisti prius redemptor, existe in futuro remunerator. Amen. We have seen thy glory, O Lord | the glory as of the Only Begotten in Divinity, and the First Born in grace: in heaven, the Only Son of the Father; on earth, the first among many brethren’ in heaven, consubstantial with thy Father, and abiding in his bosom; on earth, dwelling with them that_thou madest like to thyself. Grant, therefore, that we, to whom thou didst show such mercy on earth, may share with thee in thy kingdom. Thou hast already been our Redeemer; be, in the life to come, our Remunerator. Amen. PRAYER Deus, qui in expiatione parientium, par turturum, vel duos pullos tibi offerri pracipis columbarum; in vivam nos prapara hostiam, qui_pro nobis ipse factus es hostia: ut qui legem imlere venisti, non solvere, in nobis Evangelii gratiam digneris . opulentius propagare. Amen. didst command who O God, that women who had given birth to a child should be purified by offering unto thee a pair of tartle-doves or two young make us become a igeons: living victim to thee, who didst make thyself a victim for our sakes: thus that thou, who camest not to destroy, but to fulfil the law, mayst graciously infuse into us the riches of the grace of the Gospel. The Ancient Liturgies contain but few Hymns the Purification is the of the Blessed Virgin. composition of St Paulinus, Aquileia, and is not without its merits. HYMN the on One of these Patriarch of As soon as the Maiden's quadragesimus forty days were accomplished, Est adimpletus juxta Legem according to the Law of the Domini, Lord, the Virgin Mary took Postquam _Puellz THE PURIFICATION 495 Maria Virgo Jesum sanctum the Holy Child Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of the Eternal puerum Ulnis sacratis templi nunc Father, into the Temple, carrying him in her saintly arms. in atriis Tulit, tremendi Genitoris unicum. Mater beata carnis sub velamine Deum ferebat humeris castissimis. Dulcia_strictim basia sub labiis Deique veri hominisque imPmt Ori, jubente quo sunt cuncta condita. Duos _parentes tulerunt candidulos Pullos columbe lacteolis plumulis, Dedere in templo par pro eo turturum, Legis veluti promulgabat sanctio, Quales perustas consecrarent hostias. Dei sacerdos humilis, mitissimus, Erat in urbe justus, senex optimus, Felix, beatus Simeon celifluns, Sanctoque plenus adfuit Spiramine Sacra sub aula, nutu Dei concitus. Hic namque dudum responsum susceperat, Sancto docente Spiritu, quod vinculo Mortis resolvi non possit de corpore, Donec videret Christum vivens Domini, Quem misit altis Genitor de solis. Suscepit ergo Puerum in ‘manibus, The Blessed Mother carried upon her most chaste bosom , who was hid under the veil ‘of our flesh. Sweetly and fondly does she kiss the lips of him that was true God and Man, and at whose bidding all things were made. The Parents took two tender little milk-white doves, which they offered for Jesus, and which, by the prescription of the Law, were consumed in a holocaust. There lived in the City a Priest of God, who was humble and meek exceedingly: he was just, and, though old, was without a fault: his name was Simeon, the bappy, blessed, heavenly-minded Simeon, who, being full of the Holy Ghost, was urged by a divine imulse to enter the holy ‘emple. He had long ago received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not be loosed by death from the bonds of his flesh, until he had seen in this resent life the Christ of the rd, whom the Father was to send from his high throne. . Receiving, therefore, the Child into his hands, he gave thanks 496 CHRISTMAS Egit, superao Genitori graias, Ulnis retentans benedixit Do‘minum, Amore_plenus cordis cum dulcedine Addens et alto sermone subintulit: Dimitte tuum, Domine, nunc obsecro, In pace servum, quia meis ‘merui Videre tuum Salutare visibus, Quod praparasti pietate unica. Ante tuorum populorum faciem. Fulgensque lumen gentium in oculis. Gloriam plebi Israeli germinis; Positus hic_est in ruinam scandali, Et in salutem Jacob stirpis aurez, Donec_secreta cordium se pallient. Ipsius_ecce tuam, sancta Genitrix, Transibit ictus gladii per animam. Servabat alta mystica sub pectore Maria, verba conferens alacriter, Dictis supernis credula fideliter. Gloria_ Patri Jesu magni Et nominis, tibi, Nate genite, Patris uni- Deus, potestas, virtus super @thera: Sancto per omne szculum Paraclito Laus infinita, honor et imperium. Amen. to the heavenly Father: and as he held the Babe in his arms, he blessed his Lord. Then also, with his heart overflowing with love, he thus sweetly cried aloud: * Dismiss thy servant, Lord | dismiss me, I beseech thee, in peace, for I have now seen with mine eyes the Saviour thou hast in wondrous mercy prepared before the face of every people. “He is the Light that is to shine upon the Gentiles, and bring glory to the people of Isracl. He is set for the fall and the salvation of the rich race of Jacob, as shall be seen on the day when the secrets o. tiearts shall be revealed. “Behold, O Holy Mother! thy own soul shall be pierced with a_sword ' Mary heard these high mysterious words, them joyfully in her cart, for she ever took the words of heaven with ready faith. Glory be to the Father of our Lord Jesus| And to thee, the Only “Begotten Son of the Father, to thee, O God! be power and heavenly virtue | And to the Holy Paraclete be infinite _praise, honour, and empire, for endless ages. Amen. THE PURIFICATION 497 Sequences for the Purification are as rare as Hymns in the ancient Liturgies. The one we give here is taken from the old Sequence-Book of the Monastery of St Gall, and was composed by Blessed Notker. SEQUENCE Concentu parili hic te, Maria, veneratur populus, teque pils colit cordibus. Generosi Abrahz tu filia veneranda, regia de Davidis stirpe genita. Sanctissima_corpore, castissima_ moribus, _omniumque pulcherrima, Virgo virginum. Latare Mater et Virgo nobilis, Gabrielis Archangelico qua oraculo credula, genuisti clausa filium. In cujus sacratissimo sanguine emundatur universitas perditissima generis, ut promisit Deus Abrahz. Te Virga arida Aaron flore speciosa_ prafigurat, Maria, sine viri semine nato floridam. Tu porta jugiter serata, quam_Ezechiélis vox testatur, Maria: soli Deo pervia esse crederis. Sed tu tamen matris virtutum dum_ nobis exemplum _cupisti commendare, subisti remedium pollutis statutum matribus, Ad Templum deduxisti tecum mundandum, qui tibi integritatis_decus Deus homo genitus adauxit, intacta Genitrix. . This people, with one accord, venerates thee, O Mary! and honours thee with devout heart. Thou art the Daughter of the noble Abraham, and of the kingly race of Davi O Virgin of virgins! thou wast pure above all creatures, most spotless in thy life, and of surpassing beauty. Be glad, Mother and_ Virgin most glorious | Thou didst believe what Gabriel the Archangel said unto thee—thou didst bring forth a Son, and yet wast a Virgin as before. In the most precious Blood of this thy Son, the lost human race was cleansed, as God had promised unto Abraham. The dry Rod of Aaron that yielded a lovely flower was a figure of thee, O Mary! who wast the Virgin-Mother of the Flower Divine. Thou wast the ever-closed Gate, O Mary, of which Ezechiel speaks, and which was opened to none save only God. But on this day, wishing to give us an example worthy of the Mother of every virtue, thou didst subject thyself to the law which was made but for the mothers of men. O spotless Mother | thou didst bring with thee to the Temple, as though he could be cleansed, Him who gave thee the splendour of thy virginity; thou didst bring with thee the God made Man. 32 CHRISTMAS 498 Be glad, O Holy Mary! for Laztare, quam scrutator cordis et renum probat ha- He that searcheth the hearts and bitatu proprio__singulariter reins found thee to be the only worthy dwelling of bis majesty. dignam, sancta Maria. Exsulta, cui_parvulus arRejoice, O 1 on whom risit _tunc, Maria, qui letari the Little One whose look gives omnibus et consistere suo joy and being to the world, nutu tribuit. Tooked and smiled. We therefore, who celebrate Ergo quique colimus festa arvuli Christi propter nos the Feast of Jesus, become an acti, ejusque piz Matris Infant for our sakes, and of Marize, his sweet Mother Mary, Si non Dei possumus tanSince we cannot, because tam exsequi tardi humilita- we are weak, follow the wontem, forma sit nobis ejus drous humility of a God, let us Genitrix. take Mary as our model. Laus Patri gloriz, qui suum Praise to the Father of glory, Filium Gentibus et populo who hath united us all into revelans, Israel nos sociat. one, by revealing his Son to both the Gentiles and his people of Israel. Laus ejus Filio, qui suo Praise to the Son, who hath sanguine nos Pafri recon- given us fellowship with the cilians, supernis sociavit civi- citizens of heaven, by reconciling us by his Blood to the bus. Father. Laus quoque Spiritui Praise, 0o, be for ever to the Sancto sit per @vum. Holy Ghost. Amen. Amen. The admirable Sequence we subjoin to this is one of the finest written by Adam of Saint-Victor. We are indebted for it to Gautier, who was the first to publish it in his beautiful edition of the great lyric poet’s writings. But besides the interest it has as being so fresh a treasure, our readers will find in it so much beauty, that we should not be surprised if they gave it the first place among all the Hymns to our Lady written in the Middle Ages. SEQUENCE Templum cordis adorneLet us adorn the temple of mus, our souls, and with new hearts renovemus corde Novo bring back again that old man’s ium, gaud senis Novum joy, whose long-cherished wish THE PURIFICATION Quod dum ulnis amplexatur, Sic longavi recreatur Longum desiderium. Stans in signum populorum, Templum luce, laude chorum, Corda replens gloria, Templo Puer prasentatus, Post in cruce vir oblatus, Pro peccatis hostia. Hinc Salvator, hin Maria, Puer pius, Mater pia, Moveant tripudium; Sed cum votis perferatur Opus lucis, quod signatur Luce luminarium. Verbiim Patris lux est vera, Virginalis caro cera, Christi splendens cereus; Cor illustrat ad sophiam Qua virtutis rapit viam, Vitiis erroneus. Christum tenens per amorem, Bene juxta festi morem, Gestat lumen cereum ! Sicut senex Verbum Patris Votis, strinxit pignus Matris Brachiis corporeum. Gaude, Mater genitoris, Simplex intus, munda foris, Carens ruga, macula; A dilecto prclecta, Ab electo praedilecta Deo mauliercula. Omanis decor tenebrescit, Deformatur et horrescit Tuum intuentibus: Omnis sapor amarescit, Reprobatur et sordescit Tuum pragustantibus. Omnis odor redolere Non videtur, sed olere Tuum odorantibus: 499 is granted, as his arms press Jesus to his breast. This Child is the Standard of the people, filling the Temple withlight, our choirs with praise, and our hearts with jubilee. This day is he presented in the Temple, and will another day, when grown to manhood, be offered on the Cross, the offering for sin. On one side Jesus, on the other Mary; here the sweet Infant, and there the sweet Mother; oh ! what a glad sight | But let us devoutly carry within us that work of Light which our lighted tapers symbolize. The Father's Word is the light; his virginal flesh is the our lighted taper is Christ himself, who enlightens our hearts with that wisdom which rescues the sinner from the error of his way, and sets him on virtue's path. He that holds Jesus by love, carries, as our ~Feast would have him do, the Candle blest with light. So did Simeon love the Father's Word, and fondly carry in his arms the Mother's Babe. Be glad, O Mother of thy God | simple, pure, unwrinkled, spotless Mother!| O Maiden i chosen by the God of thy love, and loved by the God of thy choice. All beauty is clouded, deformed, and displeasing to him that has seen thine. All sweetness seems bitter, sour or insipid, to the soul that has tasted of thine. All fragrance, put near thine, grows faint or foul; all other love must cease, or be but an 500 CHRISTMAS Omnis amor aut deponi Prorsus solet, aut postponi Tuum nutrientibus. Decens maris luminare, Decus matrum singulare, Vera parens veritatis, Via vitze pietatis, Medicina szculi; Vena vini fontis vite, Sitienda cunctis rite, Sano dulcis et languenti, Salutaris fatiscenti Confortantis populi. Fons signate Sanctitate, Rivos funde, Nos infunde; Fons hortorum Internorum, Riga montes Arescentes, Unda tui rivuli. Fons redundans, Sis inundans; Cordis prava Queque lava; Fons sublimis, Munde nimis, Ab immundo’ Munda mundo Cor immundi populi. Amen. afterthought, in hearts that feed on thine. Beautiful Star of the sea! Thou beautiful honour of all mothers! O trne Mother of Truth| O path of holy living | O remedy of the world’s ills! Source of the fount of that Wine of Life, for which all men should thirst, and whose strengthgiving chalice is sweet to the healthy and the sick, and restores the drooping heart | O Fount sealed up in holiness! pour out on us thy stteams! O Fount of inner gardens | water with thy rivulet's wave our parched and stony hearts ! Overflowing Fount | flow out on us, and wash our hearts’ defilements. O Fount sublime, limpid above our thoughts, cleanse thy servants’ hearts from an unclean world. Amen. Now let us listen to the sweet hymn of the Greek Church. She thus celebrates the Purification in her Menza. IN HYPAPANTE Hodie Simeon in brachiis Dominum glori@ recipit, quem sub nube olim Moyses contemplatus est in Sina visibili tabulas sibi dantem; hic est qui in Prophetis loguitur et Legis factor; hic est quem David annuntiat, DOMINI ‘This day Simeon receives into his arms the Lord of glory, whom heretofore Moses saw under a cloud on Mount Sina, when he received the tables of the Law. _ This is he that speaks in the Prophets, and is the Maker of the Law. This is he THE 501 whom David foretells: he is the terrible God: his mercy is great and exceeding rich. O thou the Treasure of all ages, and the Life of all creatures | thou, for my sake, becamest an Infant; thou who heretofore _didst _engrave _the Law on the tables on Sina, wast made under the Law, so to give all men freedom from the ancient servitude of the Law. Glory, O Jesus! be to thy mercy. Glory be to thy kingdom| Glory be to thy dispensation, O thou the only lover of mankind | Mary, the Virgin-Mother of God, carries in her arms him that is seated on the chariot of Cherubim, and is hymned in the songs of Seraphim: him that was made incarnate from her : him, the Lawgiver, who now is observing the ordinance of the Law. _She gave him into the arms of the aged Priest, who, as he thus held the Life, prayed to be loosed from life, saying: ' Now, O Lord, dismiss me, that I may tell Adam how I have seen the immutable God, who is from all eternity, made a Little Child, and Saviour of the world." The old man prostrates, and following in spirit the steps of the Virgin-Mother of God, he says: ‘ Thou art carrying Fire, O pure onel Thy trembling arms are bearing the Infant who is the God of neversetting light, and the Lord of “Isaias was cleansed when he took 'from the Seraph the burning coal,’ said the old man to the Mother of God: * but thou inflamest me with the instru- PURIFICATION hic in omnibus terribilis, hic habens magnam ditissimamque misericordiam. O thesaure szculorum, vita omnium, propter me infans effectus ‘es, sub lege factus es tu qui olim sculpsisti in tabulis legem in Sina, ut omnes solveres ab antiqua servitute legis, Gloria miserationi tum, Salvator; gloria regno tuo, gloria dispensationi tuz, tu solus es philanthropus. Tllum qui fertur in curru Cherubim et hymnificatur in canticis Seraphim, ferens ulnis Deipara Maria nuptinescia ex se incarnatum, legislatorem adimplentem legis ordinem, dedit manibus senis sacerdotis; ferens autem ille Vitam, vitz deprecabatur solutionem dicens: Domine, nunc dimitte me, ut nuntiem Adamo quia vidi immutabilem parvulum Deum, qui est ante szcula, et Salvatorem mundi. Procunibens senex et vestigiis intus_insistens nuptinesciz et Deimatris: Ignem, inquit, fers, o pura; infantem cum tremore in brachiis portas Deum luminis inoccidui, pacisque Dominum. Mundatur a Seraphim, dum accipit Isaias carbunculum, aiebat senex Deimatri; tu autem manibus quasi manubrio accendis me, donans 502 CHRISTMAS ment of thy hands, giving me him thou Holdest, the Lord of pacisque Dominum. Light that setteth not, and of peace.” Ad Deiparam curramus, o O ye that are of good-will | bonz voluntatis, ad viden- let us all run to the Mother dum illius Filium/ quem ad of God to see her give her Simeon ipsa deducit, quem e Child to Simeon, which the ceelo incorporati cernentes heavenly Spirits = seeing, say obstupescunt, dicentes: Mira- in deepest wonder: ‘ This day bilia videmus nunc, et incre- we behold wonderful, incredible, dibilia et incomprehensibilia. incomprehensible things. He, Qui Adam finxit olim porta- that heretofore made Adam is tur ut infans; qui locum nes- carried as a Babe! He whom cit collocatur in senilibus ul- no space may hold is held in an nis; qui ineffabili versatur old man’sarms | He that dwells Patris sinu volens circumscri- in the bosom of the Father wills bitur carne et non divinitate, to have, by flesh, the limits qui solus est philanthropus. Divinity could not have! Who quem fers Luminis inoccidui but God could bear towards man such love as this ?* ‘We adore and thank thee, O Emmanuel! on this happy day, which saw thee enter into the Temple of thy Majesty, carried in the arms of thy incomparable Mother. Thou comest into the Temple that thou mayst offer thyself for our sakes. Thou deignest to be redeemed by the payment of a ransom, for one day thou hast to pay an infinite ransom for us. Thou comest now to offer a ceremonial sacrifice, because thou art soon to abolish every sacrifice by the one that alone is fect. Thou enterest today into Jerusalem which is to be the place of thy passion and death. Our salvation urges thee on. Thou wast born for us, but thou art not satisfied; and every gift of this thy fortieth day must needs bespeak the future proofs thou hast yet to give of the love thou bearest us. O thou, the Consolation of Israel on whom the Angels love to look ! thou enterest into the Temple, and they who were redouble living in their hope. expectation Oh! of their that we had Redeemet something of that love which burned in Simeon’s heart as he held thee in his arms ! All he lived for was to see thee, O Divine Infant ! and having seen thee, he longs to die. One THE PURIFICATION 503 brief moment’s sight of thee makes him sleep in peace | ‘What must it be to possess thee eternally, when a glance could satisfy the longings of a whole life | But, O Saviour of our souls! if Simeon was thus satisfied by seeing thee present thyself for mankind in the Temple, how ought we to love thee, we who have seen the final consummation of thy Sacrifice ? The day will come when, as thy devout servant Bernard expresses it, thou wilt be offered, not in the Temple and on Simeon’s arms, but outside the City-gates and on the arms of the Cross. the blood On that day, man will not offer up of a victim for thee, but thou wilt offer up thine own Blood for man. it will be the evemimg Now it is the morning; then, sacrifice.” Infant; then thou wilt have manhood; and having loved Now attained us from thou the the art an fulness of beginning, thou wilt love us even unto the end. ‘What return shall we make to thee, O Divine Infant ? for thou bearest within thy heart, during this thy first offering, the same infinite love of us wherewith thou wilt consummate thy last | Can we do less than offer ourselves to thee from this very day to be wholly thine ? Thou givest thyself to us in the Adorable Sacrament, with more perfection than thou didst give thyself to Simeon; and we receive thee, not in our arms, but in our very breast. Dismiss us, dear Jesus! break our chains. Give us thy Peace, and may we, like Simeon, enter now on a new life. In order to imitate thy virtues, and be united with thee, we have endeavoured during this holy season to gain that humility and simplicity which thou wishest to see within us. Assist us to persevere in the spiritual life, that like thee we may grow in age and wisdom before both God and men.! And thou, O Mary ! purest of Virgins, and Mother blessed above all mothers! O Daughter of the Prince ! how beautiful are thy steps® on this day of thy Purification, when thou enterest the Temple with Jesus in thy arms! Who could tell the joy and the humility * St Luke i 52. * Cant.vii 1. 504 CHRISTMAS of thy maternal heart, in this offering thou makest to Looking around the Eternal Father of his and thy Son ? on the mothers who have come for their own purification on this same day, thou rejoicest at the thought that the babes they are now presenting in the Temple will one day see and know Jesus, their Saviour. What a privilege, that these children should be presented to the Lord together with thine! What honour for these mothers that they should be purified in thy holy company ! If the Temple is glad at seeing enter within its walls the God in whose honour it has been built; part of its joy is to see him throned there in thy arms, who art the holiest of creatures, the one child of Eve that has never known sin, the Virgin-Mother of God. But whilst humbly keeping within thyself the secrets of the Eternal Father, and mingled in the throng of these Hebrew mothers, the holy Simeon advances towards thee, O Mary! Knowing that the Holy Ghost has revealed the mystery to him, thou affectionately placest in his hands the God of heaven and earth, who has come to be the Consolation of Israel. The holy Anna, too, approaches thee, and thou lovingly receivest her. Perhaps, in thy younger years, thou hadst received from her, in this very Temple, the affection and care of a second mother. Thy heart thrills with delight at hearing these two venerable Saints extolling God’s faithfulness to his promises, and the glory of thy Child, and the splendour of the Light which is now to be shed forth on all nations. The happiness of thus hearing the praises of the God*who is thy Child, fills thee with joy and thankfulness: but oh! what a sword of grief pierces thy heart, dear Mother, at the words of Simeon as he gives thee back thy Babe | Henceforth thou must weep as often as thou lookest on Him. He is to be a sign of contradiction,! and the wounds men are to give him are to wound thy soul! The blood of victims which nowis offered in the Temple one day must cease to flow, but it must be replaced by the Blood of the Child who is in thine arms. * St Luke if 34. THE PURIFICATION 505 O Mother of Sorrows! we were the cause of this. It was our sins that changed thy joy into mourning. And yet thou lovest us, because Jesus loves us! Love us now and for ever. Intercede for us with thy Son. Pray that we may never lose the graces granted us during these forty happy days. These graces drew us to the Crib of thy Child, and thy affection encouraged us to stay. our the position mysteries Infancy. We near which Jesus, are We are resolved to maintain following now him to succeed through this all of his are resolved to be faithful disciples of this dear Master, and follow him as thou didst, even to the foot of that Cross which was revealed to thee on this day. 56 CHRISTMAS SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY 'HIS and the two following Sundays do not properly belong to Christmastide, and will be explained in the next volume. But as it is possible for them to fall within these forty days from our Saviour’s birth, we give, for the greater convenience of the faithful, the translation of the prayers of the Church. the text and INTROIT Circumdederunt me gemi.tus mortis, dolores inferni circumdederunt me: et in tr; bulatione mea invocavi DomiDum, et exaudivit de templo sancto suo vocem meam. Ps. Diligam te, Domine, fortitudo mea: Dominus firmamentum gium meus. meum, meum, et et refu- liberator ¥. Gloria Patri. Cir- cumdederunt. Preces populi The groans of death surrounded me, and the sorrows of hell encompassed me; and in my afiliction I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice from his holy temple. Ps. I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: the Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer. ' ¥. Glory, etc. The groans. COLLECT tui, quasuMercifully mus, Domine, clementer exaudi: ut qui juste pro peccatis nostris afiligimur, pro tui nominis gloria misericorditer liberemur. Per Dominum. hear, we beseech thee, O Lord, the prayers of thy people; that we who are justly afilicted for our sins, may be mercifully delivered glory of thy name. ete. for the Through, Then are added the other Collects, as given on page 251. EPISTLE Lectio Epistolz beati Pauli “Apostoli ad Corinthios. I Cap. IX. Fratres, nescitis quod ii qui in stadio currunt, om- Lessonof the Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians. I Ch. IX. Brethren, know you not that they that run in the race, all run SEPTUAGESIMA nes quidem currunt, sed unus accipit bravium ? ' Sic currite, ut comprehendatis. Omnis autem, qui in agone contendit, ab omnibus se abstinet: et illi quidem ut corruptibilem coronam accipiant, nos autem incorruptam. Ego igitur sic curro, non quasi in incertum: sic pugno, non quasi aerem verberans: sed castigo corpus meum et in servitutem redigo: ne forte cum aliis praedicaverim, ipse reprobus efficiar. Nolo enim vos ignorare, iratres, quoniam patres nostri omnes sub nube fuerunt, et omnes mare transierunt, et omnes in Moyse baptizati sunt, in nube et in mari: et omnes eamdem escam spiritalem manducaverunt, et omnes eumdem potum spiritalem biberunt_(bibebant autem de spiritali, consequente eos, petra; petra autem erat Christus): Sed non in pluribus eorum beneplacitum est Deo. SUNDAY 507 indeed, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may obtain. And everyone that striveth for the mastery, refraineth himself from all things; and they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible ome. I therefore so run, not as at an uncertainty: I so fight, not as one beating the air: but I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when T have preachedto sthers,1 myself should become a castaway. For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all in Moses were baptized in the cloud, and in the sea: and did all eat the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spirifual drink: (and they drank of the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ). But with the most of them God was not well pleased. GRADUAL Adjutor in opportunitaA helper in due time, in tibus, in tribulatione: spe- tribulation: let them trust in rent in te qui noverunt te, thee, who know thee, for thou quoniam non derelinquis hast not forsaken them that quarentes te, Domine. seek thee, O Lord. ¥. For the poor man shall not Y. Quoniam non in finem oblivio erit pauperis; patien- be forgotten to the end; the tia pauperum non peribit in patience of the poor man shall @ternum: exsurge, Domine, not perish for ever: arise, O Lord, let not man prevail. non pravaleat homo. De_profundis clamavi ad te, Domine: Domine, exaudi vocem meam. TRACT Out of the depths I have cried to theo, O Lord: Lod, hear my voice. CHRISTMAS 508 Y. Fiant aures tuz inten- dentes in orationem servi tui. ¥. Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine: Domine, quis sustinebit ? ¥. Quia apud te propitiatio est, et propter legem tuam sustinui te, Domine. Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Matthzum. ¥. Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. ¥. If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand it? ¥. For with thee there is merciful forgiveness, - and by reason of thy law I have waited for thee, O Lord. GOSPEL Sequel of the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Cap. XX. Ch. XX. At that time, Jesus spoke In illo tempore, dixit Jesus discipulis suis parabo- to his disciples this parable: lam hanc: Simile est reg- The kingdom of heaven is like num ceelorum homini patrifa- to a householder who went out milias, qui exiit primo mane early in the morning to hire conducere operarios in vi- labourers into his vineyard. neam suam. Conventione And having agreed with the autem facta cum operariis ex labourers for a penny a day, he denario diurno, misit eos in sent them into his vineyard. vineam suam. Et egressus And going out about the third circa horam tertiam, vidit hour, he saw others standing alios stantes in foro otiosos, in the market-place idle. And et dixit illis: Ite et vos in vi- he said to them: Go you also neam meam, et quod justum into my vineyard, and I will fuerit, dabo vobis. 1lli au- give you what shall be just. tem abierunt. Iterum au- And went their way. And tem exiit circa sextam et again he went out about the nonam horam, et fecit simi- sixth and the ninth hour, and liter. Circa undecimam ve- did in like manner. But about 1o exiit; et invenit alios stan- the eleventh hour he went out tes, et dicit illis: Quid hic and found others standing, and statis tota die otiosi? Di- he saith to them: Why stand cunt ei: Quia nemo nos con- you here all the day idle? duxit. Dixit illis: Ite et vos They say to him: Because no in vineam meam. Cum sero man hath hired us. He saith autem factum esset, dicit to them: Go you also into my Dominus vine _procuratori vineyard. And when evening suo: Voca operarios, et redde was come, the lord of the vineillis’ mercedem, incipiens a yard saith to his steward: Call novissimis usque ad primos. the labourers and pay them Cum venissent ergo qui circa their hire, beginning from the undecimam horam venerant, last even to the first. When SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY 509 acceperunt singulos denarios. therefore they were come that Venientes autem et primi, arbitrati sunt quod plus essent accepturi: acceperunt autem et ipsi singulos denarios. Et accipientes murmurabant adversus patremfamilias, dicentes: Hi novissimi una hora fecerunt, et pares illos nobis fecisti_qui portavimus pondus diei et @stus? At ille respondens uni eorum, dixit: Amice, non facio tibi injuriam; nonne ex denario convenisti mecum ? _Tolle quod tuum est, et vade: volo autem et huic novissimo dare sicut et tibi. Aut non licet mihi quod volo facere ? An oculus tuus nequam est, quia ego_bonus sum ? Sic erunt novissimi primi, et primi novissimi. Multi enim sunt vocati, pauci vero electi. came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: and they also received every man a penny. And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house, saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us that have borne the burden of the day, and the heats. But he answering said to one of them: Friend, 1 do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny ? Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee. Or is it not lawful for me to do what Iwill? Is thy eye evil, because T am good? So shall the last be first, and the first last. For ‘many are called, but few chosen. OFFERTORY Bonum est confiteri Domino, et psallere nomini tuo, Altissime. It is good to give praise to the Lord, and to sing to thy name, O Most High. SECRET Muneribus_ nostris, quesumus, Domine, precibusque susceptis: et ccelestibus nos munda mysteriis, et clementer exaudi. Per Dominum. Having received, O Lord, our offerings and _prayers, cleanse us, we beseech thee, by these heavenly mysteries, and mercifully hear us. Through, etc. Then are added the other Secrets, as given on page 255. The Preface is that of the Blessed Trinity, page 256. COMMUNION Tilumina faciem tuam super servum tuum, fac in tua et salvum misericordia: me Do- mine, non confundar, quoniant invocavi te. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; save me in thy mercy. founded, Let O me Lord, called upon thee. not for be con- I have 510 CHRISTMAS POSTCOMMUNION May thy Faithful, O God, be strengthened by thy gifts: that by receiving them, they may_ever hunger after them, and hungering after them, they may have their desires satisfied in the everlasting possession of them. Through, etc. Fideles tui, Deus, per tua dona firmentur: ut eadem et percipiendo requirant, et querendo sine fine percipiant. Per Dominum. Then are added the other Postcommunions, as given on page 257. VESPERS The Psalms, Antiphons, given on pages 88-97. Hymn and Versicle, are CAPITULUM (x Cor. ix) Brethren, know you Fratres, nescitis quod qui in stadio currunt, om. they that run in the nes quidem currunt, sed unus run’ indeed, but one accipit bravium ? Sic cur- the prize 7 So run, rite, ut comprehendatis. may obtain. ANTIPHON OF ANT, Dixit paterfamilias operariis suis: Quid hio sta: THE MAGNIFICAT not, that race, all receiveth that you ANT. The householder said to the labourers: Why stand tis tota die otiosi? At illi you here all the day idle? But respondentes dixerunt: Quia they answering, said to him: nemo nos conduxit. Ite et Because no man hath hired us. vos in vineam meam et quod Go_ye also into my vineyard, justum fuerit, dabo vobis. and "I will give you what is just. oREMUS LET US PRAY Preces populi_ tui, quasuMercifully hear, we beseech mus Domine, clementer ex- thee, O Lord, the prayers of audi, ut qui juste pro pec- thy pfi ; that we who are catis nostris affligimur, pro justly afflicted for our sins, may tui nominis gloria _miseri- b mercitully delivered for the corditer liberemur. Per Do- glory of thy name. ‘Through, minum, etc. SEXAGESIMA SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY 511 SUNDAY INTROIT Exsurge, quare obdormis, Domine ? Exsurge, et ne repellas in finem; quare faciem tuam avertis, oblivisceris tribulationem nostram ? Adhasit in terra venter noster: exsurge, Domine, adjuva nos, et libera nos. Ps. Deus, auribus nostris audivimus: patres nostri annuntiaverunt nobis. ¥. Gloria Patri. Exsurge. Arise, why sleepest thou, O Lord ? Arise, and cast us not off to the end. Why turnest thou thy face away ? and forgettest our tribulation ? Our belly cleaveth to the earth. Arise, O Lord, help us, and deliver us. Ps. We have heard, O God, with our ears: our fathers have declared to us thy wonders. ¥. Glory, etc. Arise. COLLECT Deus, qui_ conspicis quia ex nulla nostra_actione confidimus: concede propitius, ut contra adversa omnia, Doctoris gentium protectione, muniamur. Per Dominum. O God, who seest that we place no confidence in anything we do: mercifully grant that, by the protection of the Doctor of the Gentiles, we may be defended against all adversity. Through, etc. Then are added the other Collects, as given on page 251. EPISTLE Lectio Epistole beati Pauli Apostoli ad Corinthios. II Cap. XI. Fratres, libenter suffertis insipientes, cum sitis ipsi sapientes. Sustinetis enim si quis vos in servitutem redigit, si quis devorat, si quis accipit, si quis extollitur, si quis in faciem vos cwdit. undum ignobilitatem dico, Lesson of the Epistleof Saint Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians. II Ch. XI. Brethren, you gladly suffer the foolish, whereas yourselves are wise. For you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face. 1 speak according to 512 CHRISTMAS quasi nos infirmi fuerimus in hac parte. In quo quis audet (in insipientia dico), audeo et ego. Hebrai sunt? et ego. Israclite sunt? et ego. et ego. Semen Abraha sunt? Ministri Christi sunt? (ut minus sapiens dico), plus ego: in laboribus plurimis, in carceribus abundantius, in plagis supra modum, in mortibus frequenter. A Judamis quinquies quadragenas, una minus, accepi. Ter virgis cesus sum, semel lapidatus sum, ter naufragium feci, nocte et die in profundo maris fui; in itineribus sepe, periculis fluminum, periculis latronum, periculis ‘ex genere, periculis ex gentibus, periculis in civitate, periculis in solitudine, periculis in mari, periculis in falsis fratribus; labore et @rumna, in vigil multis, in fame et siti, in jejuniis multis, in frigore et nuditate; praeter illa, qua extrinsecus sunt, instantia mea quotidiana, sollicitudo omnium Ecclesiarum. Quis in- firmatur, et ego non infirmor ? Quis scandalizatur, et ego non uror ? Si gloriari oportet, que infirmitatis me= sunt gloriabor. Deus et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, qui est benedictus in secula, scit quod non mentior. Damasci prapositus gen Arete regis, custodiebat civitatem Damascenorum, ut me comprehenderet; et per fenestram in sporta dimissus sum per murum, et sic effugi manus ejus. _Si gloriari oportet (non expedit quidem) ; veniam autem ad visiones et revelationes Domini. Scio homi- dishonour, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein, if any man dare (I speak foolishly), I dare also. They are Hebrews: so am 1. They are Israclites: so am 1. They are the seed of Abraham: so am I. They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise), I am more: in many more labours, in_prisons more_frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times did I receive forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once 1 was stoned, thrice 1 suffered shipwreck; a night and a day T was in the depth of the sea. In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in_perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from false brethren. In labour and psinfulness, in much watchings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Besides these things which are without, my daily instance, the solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak ? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth that Ilienot. At Damascus the governor of the nation under Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes to apprehend me; and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and so escaped his hands. If I must glory (it is not expedient SEXAGESIMA nem in Christo ante annos quatuordecim (sive in corpore nescio, sive extra corpus nescio, Deus scit), raptum hujusmodi usque ad tertium ceelum. Et scio hujusmodi hominem (sive in corpore nescio, sive extra corpus nescio, Deus scit), quoniam raptus est in paradisum, et audivit arcana verba que non licet homini loqui. Pro hujusmodi gloriabor: pro me autem nihil gloriabor, nisi in infirmitatibus meis. Nam etsi voluero gloriari, non ero insipiens; veritatem enim dicam: parco autem, ne quis me existimet supra id quod videt in me, aut aliquid audit ex me. Et ne magnitudo revelationum extollat me, datus est mihi stimulus carnis mez, angelus Satanz, qui me colaphizet. Propter quod ter Dominum rogavi ut disc deret a me: et dixit mihi: Suffcit tibi gratia mea; nam virtus in infirmitate perficitur. Libenter igitur gloriabor in infirmitatibus meis, ut inhabitet in me virtus Christi. SUNDAY indeed), but I will come to the visions and revelations of the Lord. 1 know a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth), such a one rapt even to the third heaven. And 1 know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell, God knoweth), how he was caught up into paradise, and heard secret words, which it is not granted to man to utter. For such a one I will glory; but for myself I will glory nothing, but in my infirmities. For though 1 should have a mind to glory, T shall not be foolish; for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or anything he heareth from me. And lest the greatness of the revelations should lift me up, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an_angel of Satan to buffet me. For which thing 1 thrice besought the Lord that it might depart from me: and he said unto me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in_infirmity. Gladly, therefore, will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. GRADUAL Sciant gentes, quoniam no- men tibi Deus: tu solus Altissimus super omnem terram. ¥. Deus meus, pone illos ut rotam, et sicut stipulam ante faciem venti. m 513 Let the Gentiles God is thy name: art the Most High earth. Y. 0 my God, like a wheel, and before the wind. know that thou alone over all the make them as stubble 33 514 CHRISTMAS TRACT Commovisti, Domine, terram, et conturbasti eam. ¥. Sana contritiones ejus, quia mota est. ¥. Ut fugiant a facie arcus: ut liberentur electi tui. Thou hast moved the earth, O Lord, and hast troubled it. ¥. Heal the breaches thereof, for it is moved. Y. That they may flee from before the bow: that thy elect may be delivered. GOSPEL Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam. Cap. VIII. In illo tempore, cum turba plurima_convenirent, et de civitatibus_ properarent ad Jesum, dixit per similitudinem: Exiit qui seminat, seminare semen suum: et dum seminat, aliud cecidit secus viam, et conculcatum est, et volucres celi comederunt illud. Et aliud cecidit supra petram: et natum aruit; quia non habebat humorem. Et aliud cecidit inter spinas, et simul exortz spinz suffocaverunt _illud. Et aliud cecidit in terram bonam: et ortum fecit fructum centuplum. Hec dicens clamabat: Qui habet aures audiendi, audiat. Interrogabant autem eum discipuli ejus, qua esset hac parabola. Quibus ipse dixit: Vobis dafum est nosse mysterium regni Dei, czteris autem in parabolis; ut videntes non vi deant, et audientes non intelligant. Est autem hwc parabola. Semen est verbum Dei. Qui autem secus viam, hi sunt qui audiunt: deinde venit diabolus, et tollit Sequel of the holy Gospel according to Luke. Ch. VIII. At that time, when a very great multitude was gathered together, and hastened out of the cities to meet Jesus, he spoke by a similitude.~ A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns; and the thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon good ground, and sprang up, and ielded _fruit a - hundredfol ying these things he cried ouf He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. To whom he said: To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables: that seeing they may not see, and hearing_they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. And they by the way- SEXAGESIMA verbum de corde eorum, ne credentes salvi fiant. Nam qui supra petram: qui cum audierint, cum gaudio suscipiunt verbum: et hi radices non habent: qui ad tempus credunt, et in tempore tentationis recedunt. Quod autem in spinas cecidit, hi sunt, qui_audierunt, et a_sollic tudinibus et divitiis et voluptatibus vite, euntes suffocantur, et non referunt fructum. ‘Quod autem in bonam terram: hi sunt, qui in corde bono et optimo audientes verbum retinent, et fructum afferunt in patientia. SUNDAY 515 side, are they that hear; then the devil cometh, and taketh the word out of their hearts, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon the rock are they who when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no roots; for "they believe for a_while, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among_thorns, are they who have heard, and going their way, are choked with the cares and ‘the riches and pleasures of this life, and yield no fruit. But that on the good ground are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit in patience. OFFERTORY Perfice gressus meos in semitis tuis, ut non moveantur vestigia mea: inclina aurem tuam, et exaudi verba mea: mirifica misericordias tuas, qui salvos facis sperantes in te, Domine. Perfect thou my goings in thy paths; that my footsteps be not moved. O incline thy ear unto me and hear my words. Show forth thy wonderful mercies; who savest them that hope in thee, O Lord. SECRET Oblatum tibi, Domine, sacrificium vivificet nos semper et muniat. Then page 255. Per Dominum. are added the May the sacrifice we have offered to thee, O Lord, always enliven us and defend us. Through, etc. other Secrets, as, given on The Preface is that of the Blessed Trinity, page 256. COMMUNION Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui letificat juventutem meam. 1 will go up to the altar of God; to God, who rejoiceth my youth. CHRISTMAS 516 POSTCOMMUNION Supplices te rogamus, omnipotens Deus; ut quos tuis reficis sacramentis, tibi etiam placitis moribus ~ dignanter deservire concedas. Per Dominum. Then are added on page 257. Grant, we humbly beseech thee, O Almighty God, that those whom thou refreshest with thy sacraments may, by a life well pleasing to thee, worthily serve thee. Through, etc. the other Postcommunions, as given VESPERS The Psalms, Antiphons, Hymn and Versicle are given on pages 88-97. CAPITULUM (2 Cor. xi) Fratres, libenter suffertis Brethren, you gladly suffer insipientes, cum sitis ipsi the foolish, Whereas yourselves sapientes: sustinetis _enim are wise: for you suffer if a si_quis vos in servitutem man bring you into bondage, redigit, si_quis devorat, si if a man devour you, if a man quis accipit, si quis extol- take from you, if a man be lifted litur, si quis in faciem vos 4P, if a man strike you on the cadit. ace. ANTIPHON OF THE MAGNIFICAT nosANT. To you it is given to ANT. Vobis datum est se mysterium Dei, czteris autem in parabolis, dixit Jesus discipulis suis. OREMUS Deus qui_conspicis quia ex nulla nostra_actione _confidimus: concede propitius, ut contra adversa omnia Doctoris Gentium protectione muniamur. Per Dominum. know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to the others in parables, said Jesus to his disciples. LET US PRAY O God, who seest that we place no confidence in anythin we do: mercifully grant that, by the protection of the Doctor of the Gentiles, we may be defended against all adversity. Through, etc. QUINQUAGESIMA QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY SUNDAY INTROIT Esto mihi in Deum protectorem, et in locum refugii, ut salvam me facias: quoniam firmamentum meum, et refugium meum es tu: et propter nomen tuum dux mihi eris et enutries me. Ps. In te, Domine, speravi, non confundar in @ternum: in justitia tua liberame, et eripe me. V. Gloria Patri. Esto. Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of refuge, to save me; for thou art my strength, and my refuge; and for thy name’s sake thou wilt lead me, and nourish me. Ps. In thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded; deliver me in thy justice, and rescue me. ¥ Glory, etc. Be thou. COLLECT Preces nostras, quaesumus, Mercifully hear our prayers, Domine, clementer exaudi we beseech thee, O Lord, and atque a’ peccatorum vinculis being freed from the chains of absolutos, ab omni nos ad- our sins, preserve us from all versitate custodi. Per Do- adversity. Through, etc. minum. Then are added the other Collects, as given on page 251. EPISTLE Lectio Epistolz beati Pauli Apostoli ad Corinthios. I Cap. XIII. Fratres, si linguis hominum loquar, et Angelorum, caritatem autem non habeam, factus sum velut s sonans, aut cymbalum tinniens. Et si habuero prophetiam, et noverim mysteria omnia, et omnem scientiam: et si habuero omnem Lesson of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians. I Ch. XIII. Brethren, if I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy, and should know all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if 1 should have all faith, so that I could 518 CHRISTMAS fidem, ita ut montes transferam, caritatem autem non habuero, nihil sum. Et si distribuero in cibos pauperum omnes facultates meas; et si tradidero corpus meum ita ut ardeam, caritatem ‘autem non habuero, nihil mihi prodest. Caritas patiens est, benigna est: caritas non @mulatur, non agit perperam, non inflatur, non est ambitiosa, non quarit qua sua sunt, non irmitatur, non cogitat malum, non gaudet super iniquitate, congaudet autem veritati: omnia suffert, omnia credit, omnia speraf, omnia sustinet. Caritas nunquam excidit: sive prophetie evacuabuntur, sive lingua cessabunt, sive scientia destruetur. Ex parte enim cognoscimus, et ex parte prophetamus. Cum autem venerit quod perfectum est, evacuabitur quod ex parte est. Cum essem parvulus, loquebar ut parvulus, sapiebam ut parvulus, cogitabam ut parvalus. Quando autem factus sum vir, evacuavi quz erant parvuli. Videmus nunc per speculum in @nigmate: tunc autem facie ad faciem. Nunc cognosco ex parte: tunc autem cognoscam Sicut et cognitus sum. Nunc autem manent fides, spes, caritas, tria hazc: major autem horum est caritas. remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. ot T ould aistribote.ol my goods to feed the poor, and if T should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind, charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; it is not pufied up, it is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never fadeth away; whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that wwhich is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When T was a child, I spoke as a child, 1 understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when 1 became a man, I put away the things of a child. We now see through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then I shall know even as I am known. And now there remain faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. GRADUAL Tu es Deus qui facis mirabilia_solus: notam fecisti in gentibus virtutem tuam. Thou art God, thou alone dost wonders: thou hast made thy power known among the nations. QUINQUAGESIMA ¥. Liberasti in brachio tuo gopulum tuum, filios Israel et oseph. Jubilate Deo_omni terra: setvite Domino in letiti : in conspectu ejus in exsultatione; scitote uoniam Dominus ipse est eus. ¥. Ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos: nos autem popu1us ejus et oves pascuz ejus. SUNDAY 519 ¥. Thou hast delivered thy people, the children of Israel and Joseph, by the strength of thine arm. TRACT Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. ¥. Come in before his presence with joy; know ye that the Lord he is God. ¥. He made us, and not we ourselves: and we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. GOSPEL Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam. Cap. XVIII. In illo tempore, assumpsit Jesus duodecim, et ait illis Ecce ascendimus Jerosolymam, et consummabuntur omnia que scripta sunt per Prophetas de Filio hominis. _Tradetur enim gentibus, et illudetur, et flagellabitur, et conspuetur, et postquam flagellaverint, occident eum, et tertia die resurget. Et ipsi nihil horum intellexerunt, et erat verbum istud absconditum ab eis, et non intelligebant qua dicebantur. Factum est autem, cum appropinquaretJericho, cacus quidam sedebat secus viam, mendicans. Et cum audisset turbam praetereuntem, interrogabat quid hoc esset. DiXerunt autem ei, quod Jesus Nazarenus transiret. Et cla‘mavit dicens: Jesu, fili David, miserere mei.” Et qui prei- Sequel of the holy Gospel according to Luke. Ch. XVIII. At that time, Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said to them : Behold we_go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man. For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and scourged, and spit upon; and after they have scourged him, they will put him to death, and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things. And this word was hid from them, and they understood not the things that were said. Now it came to pass, that when he drew nigh to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside, begging. And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. CHRISTMAS 520 bant, increpabant eum ut And he cried out: Jesus, Son taceret. Ipse vero magis of David, have mercy on me. clamabat: Fili David, mise- And_they that went before, reremei. Stansautem Jesus, rebuked him, that he should jussit illum adduci ad sé. Et hold his peace. But he cried cum appropinquasset, inter- out much more: Son of David, rogavit illum dicens: Quid have mercy on me. And Jesus tibi vis faciam ? At ille di- standing, commanded him to xit: Domine, ut videam. Et be brought unto him. And Jesus dixit il i: Respice, fides when he was come near, he tua te salvum fecit. Et con- asked him, saying: What wilt festim vidit, et sequebatur thou that 1 do to thee? But illum, magnificans _Deum. he said: Lord, that I may see. Et omnis plebs ut vidit, de- And Jesus said to him: Receive thy sight; thy faith hath made dit laudem Deo. thee whole. And immediately he saw, and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people when they saw it, gave, praise to God. OFFERTORY Benedictus_es, Domine, doce me justificationes tuas: in labiis meis_pronuntiavi omnia judicia oris tui. Blessed art thou, O Lord, teach me thy justifications: with my lips I have pronounced all the judgements of thy mouth. SECRET Hzc hostia, Domine, quésumus, emundet nostra delicta; et ad sacrificium celebrandum, subditorum tibi corpora mentesque sanctificet. Per Dominum. May this offering, we beseech thee, O Lord, cleanse away our sins; and sanctify the bodies and’souls of thy servants, to prepare them for worthily celerating this sacrifice. Through, etc. Then are added the other Secrets, as given on page 255. The Preface is that of the Blessed Trinity, page 256. COMMUNION Manducaverunt et saturati sunt nimis, et desiderium eorum attulit eis Dominus: non sunt fraudati a desiderio suo. They did eat and were exceedingly; the Lord them their desire: they not defrauded of that they craved. filled gave were which QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY POSTCOMMUNION Quasumus, omnipotens _ We beseech thee, Deus; ut qui caelestia ali- God, that we who menta percepimus, per hac this heavenly food, contra ‘omnia_adversa mu- fended by it from niamur. Per Dominum. sity. Through, etc. 521 O Almighty have taken may be deall adver- Then are added the other Postcommunions, as given on page 257. VESPERS The Psalms, Antiphons, Hymn on pages 88-97. and Versicle are given CAPITULUM (1 Cor. xiii) Fratres, si linguis homiBrethren, if I speak with the num loquar et Angelorum, tongues of men and of Angels, caritatem autem non ha- and have not charity, I am beam, factus sum velut s become as sounding brass, or a sonans, aut cymbalum tin- tinkling cymbal. niens. ANTIPHON OF THE MAGNIFICAT AnT. Stans autem Jesus jussit czecum adduci ad se, et ait illi: Quid vis ut faciam tibi? Domine, ut vi deam. Et Jesus ait i Respice, fides tua te salvum fecit. Et confestim vidit, et sequebatur illum, magnificans Deum. OREMUS Preces nostras, quzsumus, Domine, clementer exaudi: atque a peccatorum vinculis absolutos, ab omni nos adversitate custodi. Per Dominum. ANT. But Jesus standing, ordered the biind man to be brought, and saith to him: What wilt thou that I do for thee ? Lord, that I may see. And Jesus said to him: See: thy faith hath made thee whole. And he immediately saw and followed him, praising God. LET US PRAY Mercifully hear our prayers, we bescech thee, O Lord, and deliver us from the chains of our sins, and preserve us from all adversity. Through, etc. 522 CHRISTMAS Eternal thanks first under the be to thee, O Emmanuel ! for that thou hast deigned, in coming upon this earth, to appear form of Infancy, in order that thou mightest draw us to thyself by the simplicity and loveliness of that tender age. Encouraged by thy sweetness, we have come to thee; we have dared to approach thy Crib, and there we have taken up our abode. But the work thou hast yet to accomplish for our Redemption calls thee from Bethlehem; and henceforth, we must cease to consider thee as the gentle Infant-God. Thou art now going to show thyself to us as the Man of toil, and fatigue, and suffering, going in pursuit of the lost sheep, and not having in this world, which is the work of thy hands, a place where to lay thy head. We will follow thee, dear Jesus! whithersoever thou goest; we will hearken to all thy instructions; we will not lose a single one of the lessons thou art going to give us; our hearts shall be attentive to the rest of the mysteries of the work of our salvation, which is to cost thee so much labour. ‘We have devoutly admired and loved thee, O Mary ! during these days which have shown us all the glory of thy divine Maternity, which gave joy to all heaven and earth. Thy ineffable happiness, O Mother of God ! has been a long feast to us. Thou hast affectionately welcomed us at the Crib of thy Divine Son; thou hast received us as brethren of thy Jesus. Accept once more the tribute of our humble thanks. We are no longer to see our Emmanuel resting in thine arms, or sleeping on thy bosom. The decrees of his heavenly Father call him to the great work of our Redemption, and later on, to the sacrifice of his life for our sake. O Blessed Mother! the sword is already in thy heart; thou foreknowest the future of the blessed Fruit of thy womb. May our fidelity in following him through the coming mysteries of his public life bring some alleviation to the sorrows of thy maternal Heart ! END OF CHRISTMAS