No. Library of NICK D. LYONS FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Calvin College I, http://www.archive.org/detai[s/lyraGatholica(%iOOnewy LYRA CA ALL THE H ROMAN BREVIARY AND MISSAL, WITH OTHERS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. ARRANGED FOR EVERY DAY IN THE WEEK, AND THE FESTIVALS AND SAINTS' DAYS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. SELECTION OF HYMNS, ANTHEMS, AND SACRED POETRY, FROM APPROVED SOURCES. 1851. /f. .'•\"** \r \. i^>, j,OM THE PROPER OF THE SEASON. 157 Of a pure and spotless Virgin Born for us on earth below, He, as Man with man conversing, Stay'd, the seeds of truth to sow ; Then He closed in solemn order Wondrously his life of woe. On the night of that Last Supper, Seated with his chosen band, He the Paschal victim eating, First fulfills the Law's command ; Then, as Food to all his brethren Gives Himself VTith his own hand. Word made Flesh, the bread of nature By his word to Flesh He turns ; Wine into his Blood He changes : — What though sense no change discerns? Only be the heart in earnest. Faith her lesson quickly learns. [Tantum ergo sacramentum.] Down in adoration falling, Lo ! the sacred Host we hail ; 158 SACRED YEAR. Lo ! o'er ancient forms departing, Newer rites of grace prevail ; Faith, for all defects supplying. Where the feeble senses fail. To the Everlasting Father, And the Son who reigns on high. With the Holy Ghost proceeding Forth from Each eternally. Be salvation, honor, blessing, Might, and endless majesty. MATINS. Sacris solemniis juncta sint gnudia. Let us with hearts renew'd, Our grateful homage pay ; And welcome with triumphant songs This ever-blessed day. Upon this hallow'd night Christ with his brethren ate. Obedient to the olden law, The Pasch before Him set. FROM THE PROPER OF THE SEASON. 159 Which done, — Himself entire, The true Incarnate God, Alike on each, alike on all, His sacred hands bestow'd. He gave his Flesh ; He gave His precious Blood ; and said, " Receive, and drink ye all of this, For your salvation shed." Thus did the Lord appoint This Sacrifice sublime, And made his Priests its ministers Through all the bounds of time. Farewell to types ! Henceforth We feed on Angels' food : The guilty slave — oh, wonder! — eats The Body of his God ! O Blessed Three in One ! Visit our hearts, we pray ; And lead us on through thine own paths To thy eternal Day. 160 SACRED YEAPw, LAUDS. Verbum supernum prodiens. The Word, descending from above, Though Avith the Father still on high. Went forth upon his work of love, And soon to life's last eve drew nigh. He shortly to a death accursed By a disciple shall be given ; But, to his twelve disciples, first He gives Himself, the Bread from Heaven. Himself in either kind He gave ; He gave his Flesh, He gave his Blood; Of flesh and blood all men are made ; And He of man would be the Food, At birth, our brother He became ; At board. Himself as food He gives j To ransom us He died in shame ; As our reward, in bliss He lives. FROM THE PROPER OP THE SEASON. 161 [O 8alutari8 Hostia.] O SAVING Victim ! opening wide The gate of Heaven to man below ! Our foes press on from every side ; — Thine aid supply, thy strength bestow. To thy great Name be endless praise, Immortal Godhead, one in Three ! Oh, grant us endless length of days, In our true native land, with Thee ! FRIDAY APTER THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRIST! FEAST OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. VESPERS. AuctOT beate sceciUi. Jesu, Creator of the world ! Of all mankind Redeemer blest ! True God of God ! in whom we see The Father's Image clear express'd ! 11 162 SACRED YEAR. Thee, Saviour, love alone constrain'd To make our mortal flesh thine own ; And as a second Adam come, For the first Adam to atone. That self-same love, which made the sky. Which made the sea, and stars, and earth, Took pity on our misery, And broke the bondage of our birth. O Jesu ! in thy heart divine May that same love for ever glow ; For ever mercy to mankind From that exhaustless fountain flow. For this, thy sacred heart was pierced. And both with blood and water ran ; To cleanse us from the stains of guilt. And be the hope and strength of man To God the Father, and the Son, All praise, and power, and glory be ; With Thee, O holy Comforter, Henceforth through all eternity. FROM THE PROPER OF THE SEASON. 162 MATINS. En ut superba criminum. Lo ! how the savage crew Of our proud sins hath rent The Heart of our all-gracious God, — That Heart so innocent ! The soldier's quiv'ring lance Our guilt it was that sped ; The steel that pierced Him, by our crimes So deadly sharp was made. O Heart ! whence sprang the Church, The Sa\dour's spotless Bride ; Thou Door of our Salvation's Ark Set in its mystic side ! Thou holy Fount ! whence flows The sacred sevenfold flood, Where we our filthy robes may cleanse In the Lamb's saving blood : 164 SACRED YEAR. By sorrowful relapse, Thee will we rend no more ; But like the flames, those types of love, Strive Heavenward to soar. Father and Son supreme ! And Spirit ! hear our cry ; To whom praise, power, and glory be, ' Through all eternity. LAUDS. Cor area legem continens. Ark of the Covenant ! not that Whence bondage came of old But that of pardon and of grace. And mercies manifold ! Thou Veil of awful mystery ! Thou Sanctuary sublime ! Thou sacred Temple, holier far Than that of olden time ! FROM THE PROPER OF THE SEASON. 165 Blest Heart of Christ ! in thy dear wound The hidden depth we see, Of what were else unguess'd by ug, — His boundless charity. Beneath this emblem of pure love, 'Twas Love Himself that died ; And offer'd up for us to God A Victim crucified. Oh, who of his redeem'd will Him Their mutual love refuse ? Who would not rather in that heart Their home eternal choose ? To God the Father, God the Son, And, Holy Ghost, to Thee, Be honor, glory, \drtue, power, Through all eternity. 166 SACRED YEAR. ANOTHER OPFICE OP THE SAME EEAST. • VESPERS AND MATINS. Quiciinque certum qumritis. All ye who seek a certain cure In trouble and distress, Whatever sorrow vex the mind, Or guilt the soul oppress : Jesus, who gave Himself for you Upon the Cross to die, Opens to you his sacred Heart, — Oh, to that Heart draw nigh ! Ye hear how kindly He invites ; Ye hear his words so blest ; — " All ye that labor, come to Me, And I will give you rest." What meeker than the Saviour's Heart ?- As on the Cross He lay, It did his murderers forgive, And for their pardon pray. FROM THE PROPER OF THE SEASON. ] 67 O Heart ! thou joy of Saints on high ! Thou Hope of sinners here ! Attracted by those loving words, To Thee I lift my prayer. Wash Thou my wounds in that dear Blood Which forth from Thee doth flow ; New grace, new hope inspire ; a new And better heart bestow. LAUDS. Summi Parentis filio. To Christ, the Prince of Peace, And Son of God most high. The Father of the world to come, — Sing we with holy joy. Deep in his Heart for us The wound of love He bore ; — That love, which still He kindles in The hearts that Him adore. 168 SACRED YEAR. O Jesu ! Victim blest ! What else but love divine, Could Thee constrain to open thus That sacred Heart of thine ? O Fount of endless life ! O Spring of waters clear ! O Flame celestial, cleansing all Who unto Thee draw near ! Hide me in thy dear Heart, For thither do I fly ; There seek thy grace through life, in death Thine immortality. Praise to the Father be ; Praise to his only Son ; Praise to the blessed Paraclete, While endless ages run. §mtl "'^m. HYMNS FROM THE BREVIARY. ni. HYMNS BELONGING TO THE PROPER OF SAINTS. SACRED YEAR. HYMNS FROM THE BREVIARY. ni. HYMNS BELONGING TO THE PROPER OF SAINTS. ST. PETER'S CHAIP. AT ROiEE. January 18. VESPERS AND MATINS. Quodcunque in or be nexihus revinxeris. Peter, whatever thou shalt bind on earth, The same is bound above the starry sky ; What here thy delegated power doth loose, Is loosed in Heaven's great citadel on high ; To judgment shalt thou come, when the world's end is nigh. 172 SACRED YEAR. Praise to the Father through all ages be The same to Thee, O coeternal Son, And Holy Ghost, One glorious Trinity ; To whom all majesty and might belong; So sing we now, and such be our eternal song. LA UDS. Beate Pastor Petre clemens accipe. Peter, blest Shepherd ! hear our piteous cry, And with a word unloose our guilty chain ; Thou ! who hast power to ope the gates on high To mortal man, and power to shut them fast again. Praise, blessing, majesty, through endless days, Be to the Trinity immortal given ; Who in pure Unity profoundly sways Eternally alike all things in earth and Heaven. HYMNS PROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 173 CONYEESION OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE. January 25. VESPERS AND MATINS. Egregie doctor Paule mores instrue. Lead us, great teacher Paul, in wisdom's ways, And lift our hearts with thine to Heaven's high throne ; Till Faith beholds the clear meridian blaze, And sunlike in the soul reigns Charity alone. Praise, blessing, majesty, through endless days, Be to the Trinity immortal given ; Who in pure Unity profoundly sways Eternally all things alike in earth and Heaven. 174 SACRED YEAR. ST. MAETINA, YIRGm AND MARTYE. January 30. VESPERS. MartiiKB celehri plaudite nomini. Lift to the skies, great Rome, Martina's name, Her praises celebrate with glad accord ; Martina, high in merit, Virgin blest. And martyr of her Lord. Beauty and youth, the joys of happy home, Ancestral palaces, and noble birth ; AH these were hers, — all these, for Jesu's sake, She counted nothing worth. Her wealth she shared among the poor of Christ, Content with seeking better wealth above ; Herself she gave to her immortal King, Too happy in his love. Expel false worldly joys; and fill us. Lord, With thy irradiating beam divine ; Who with thy suffering martyrs present art. Great Godhead one and trine. HYMNS FROM THE PROPEPw OF SAINTS. 175 MATINS. (The same continued.) JK'on illam crucians ungula nonferm. The agonizing hooks, the rending scourge, Shook not the dauntless spirit in her breast ; With torments rack'd, she tastes from angel hands A sweet celestial feast. In vain they cast her to the ravening beasts ; Calm at her feet the lion crouches down : Smit by the sword, at length she passes on To her immortal crown. Now with the Saints, Martina sits in bliss ; To her the Church below its tribute pours. And from her consecrated altars, prayer With odorous incense soars. 176 SACRED YEAR. LAUDS. (The same continued.) Tu natale sohim protege, tu bonce. Protect thy native land, O Spirit blest! And give to Christendom sweet days of peace ; Cause the shrill trumpet, and the shock of war, Amid her realms to cease. And g-athering- her kings beneath the Cross, Regain Jerusalem from its proud foe ; Avenge the guiltless blood ; and with thine arm The hostile strength o'erthrow. O Pillar and defence of thine own Rome ! Her boast, her crown, her glory, and her praise ! Accept the fervent worship which to Thee With solemn rite she pays. Expel false worldly joys, and fill us. Lord, With thy irradiating beam diAine ; Who with thy suffering mart)rrs present art, Great Godhead one and trine. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 177 ST. GABRIEL THE AECHMGEL March 18. VESPERS AND MATINS. Christe, sanctorum decus angelorum. • O Christ ! the beauty of the angel worlds ! Of man the Maker and Redeemer blest ! Grant us one day to mount the path of light, And in thy glory rest. Angel of Peace ! thou, Michael, from above, Come down, amid the homes of man to dwell ; And banish wars, with all their tears and blood, Back to their native Hell. Angel of Strength ! thou, Gabriel, cast out Thine ancient foes, usurpers of thy reign ; The temples of thy triumph round the globe Revisit once again. And Raphael, Physician of the soul, — Let him descend from his pure halls of light, To heal the sick, and guide each doubtful course Through all our life aright. 12 178 SACRED YEAR. Thou too, O Virgin, with the angel choirs, Mother of Light, and Queen of Peace ! descend ; And bring with thee the radiant Court of Heaven, Thy children to befriend. This grace on us bestow, O Father blest ; And thou, O Son by an eternal birth : With Thee, from both proceeding, Holy Ghost, Whose glory fills the earth. ST. JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. March 19. VESPERS. Te Joseph celebrent agmina cxlituvu Joseph, pure Spouse of that immortal Bride, Who shines in ever-\drgin glory bright, Thy praise let all the earth re-echoing send Back to the realms of liafht. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 179 Thee, when sore doubts of thine affianced wdf e Had fill'd thy righteous spirit with dismay, An Angel visited, and, with blest words, Scatter'd thy fears away. Thine arras embraced thy Maker newly born ; With Him to Egypt's desert didst thou flee ; Him in Jerusalem didst seek and find ; Oh, day of joy to thee! Not until after death their blissful crown Others obtain ; but unto thee was given, In thine own lifetime to enjoy thy God, As do the blest in Heaven. Grant us, great Trinity, for Joseph's sake. The heights of immortality to gain ; There, with glad tongues, thy praise to celebrate In one eternal strain. 180 SACRED YEAR. MATINS. Cmlitum Joseph decus atgue nostra. Joseph ! our certain hope of life ! Glory of earth and Heaven ! Thou Pillar of the world I to thee Be praise eternal given. Thee, as Salvation's minister, The mighty Maker chose ; As Foster-father of the Word ; As Mary's spotless Spouse. With joy thou sawest Him new born, Of whom the Prophets sang ; Him in a manger didst adore, From whom Creation sprang. The Lord of lords, and King of kings, Ruler of sky and sea, Whom Heaven, and Earth, and Hell obey, Was subject unto thee. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 181 Blest Trinity ! vouchsafe to us, Through Joseph's merits high, To mount the Heavenly seats, and reign With him eternally. LAUDS. Tste quem Imti colimus fideles. Worshipp'd throughout the Church to earth's far ends With prayer and solemn rite, Joseph this day triumphantly ascends Into the realms of light. Oh, blest beyond the lot of mortal men ; O'er whose last d}dng sigh, Christ and the Virgin watch'd with looks serene, Soothing his agony. Loosed from his fleshy chain, gently he fleets As in calm sleep away; And diadem'd with light, enters the seats Of everlasting day. 182 SACRED YEAR. There throned in power, let us his loving aid With fervent prayers implore ; So may he gain us pardon in our need, And peace for evermore. Glory and praise to Thee, blest Trinity ! Who hast to Joseph given A crown of gold, which he eternally Wears in the courts of Heaven. FRIDAY AFTER PASSION-SUNDAY. FEAST OF THE SEVEN DOLOURS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. VESPERS. Stabat Mater dolorosa. At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last : HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 183 Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, All his bitter anguish bearing. Now at length the sword had pass'd. Oh, how sad and sore distress'd Was that Mother highly blest Of the sole-begotten One ! Christ above in torment hangs ; She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying glorious Son, Is there one who would not weep^ Whelm'd in miseries so deep Christ's dear Mother to behold 1 Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain. In that Mother's pain untold ? Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled. She beheld her tender Child All with bloody scourges rent ; For the sins of his own nation, Saw Him hang in desolation, Till his Spirit forth He sent. 184 SACRED YEAR. O thou Mother ! fount of love f Touch my spirit from above. Make my heart with thine accord : Make me feel as thou hast felt ; Make my soul to glow and melt With the love of Christ my Lord. MATINS. (The same continued.) Sancta Mater istud agas. Holy Mother ! pierce me through ; In my heart each wound renew Of my Sa\dour crucified : Let me share with thee His pain^ Who for all my sins was slain, Who for me in torments died. Let me mingle tears vvdth thee, Mourning Him who moum'd for me, All the days that I may live : HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 185 By the Cross with, thee to stay ; There with thee to weep and pray ; Is all I ask of thee to give. LAUDS. (The same continued.) Virgo virginum prwclara. Virgin of all virgins best ! Listen to my fond request : Let me share thy grief divine ; Let me, to my latest breath, In my body bear the death Of that dying Son of thine. Wounded with his every wound, Steep my soul till it hath swoon'd In his very blood away ; Be to me, O Virgin, nigh. Lest in flames I burn and die, In his awful Judgment day. 186 SACRED YEAR. '. Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence, i Be thy Mother my defence, I Be thy Cross my victory ; I While my body here decays, I May my soul thy goodness praise, I Safe in Paradise with Thee. ST. HERMEXEGILD, MARTYR. I April 13. ' VESPERS AND LAUDS. Regaii solio fortis IbericE. Glory of Iberia's throne ! Joy of Ma^'tyr'd Saints above ! Who the crown of life have won. Dying for their Saviour's love : What intrepid faith was thine ! What unswerving constancy ! Bent to do the will divine With exact fidelity ! HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 187 Every rising motion check'd Which might lead thy heart astray How thou didst thy course direct Whither virtue show'd the way ! Honor, glory, majesty, To the Father and the Son, With the Holy Spirit be. While eternal ao-es run. MATINS. (The same continued.) KtUlis te genitor blanditiis trahit. From the Truth thy soul to turn, Pleads a father's voice in vain ; Nought to thee were jewell'd crown. Earthly pleasure, earthly gain. Angry threat and naked sword Daunted not thy courage high ; — Choosing glor^'' \vith the Lord, Rather than a present joy. 188 SACRED YEAR. Now amid the Saints in ligM, Throned in bliss for evermore ; — Oh ! from thy eternal height, Hear the solemn prayer we pour. Honor, glory, majesty, To the Father and the Son, With the Holy Spirit be, While eternal ages run. TM APPAEinON OP ST. MICHAEL THE AECHANGEL. Mays. VESPERS AND MATINS. Te splendor et virtus Patris. 0 Jesu ! life-spring of the soul ! The Father's Power, and Glory bright ! Thee with the Angels we extol ; From Thee they draw then- life and light. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 189 Thy thousand thousand hosts are spread, Embattled o'er the azure sky ; But Michael bears thy standard dread, And lifts the mighty Cross on high. He in that Sign the rebel powers Did with their Dragon Prince expel ; And hurl'd them from the Heaven's high towers, Down like a thunderbolt to hell. Grant us with Michael still, O Lord, Against the Prince of Pride to fight; So may a crown be our reward. Before the Lamb's pure throne of light. ■f Now to the Father, and the Son, Who rose from death, all glory be ; With Thee, O holy Comforter, Henceforth through all eternity. [within the octave of the ascension.] Glory to Jesus, who returns In pomp triumphant to the sky, With Thee, O Father, and with Thee, O Holy Ghost, eternally. 190 SACRED YEAR. ST. VENANrmS, MAETYR. May 18. VESPERS. Martyr Dei Venantius. Unconquer'd Martyr of his God ! His country's light, her joy and prize ! Venantius triumphs o'er his judge, And in victorious torment dies. A boy in years, — when chains nor scourge Nor dungeon could his soul subdue ; To lions with long hunger fierce At last the tender youth they threw. But oh, what power hath innocence The fiercest nature to assuage ! The lions crouch to lick his feet, Forget their hunger and their rage. Then downwards held in thickest smoke, They make him drink the stifling stream While underneath slow torches sear His naked breast and side with flame. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 191 To Thee, O Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, glory be ; Oh, grant us, through thy Martyr's prayer, The joys of immortality. MATINS. Athleta Christi nobilis. Noble Champion of the Lord ! Arm'd against idolatry ! In thy fervent zeal for God, Death had naught of fear for thee. ^ Bound with thongs, thy youthful form Down the rugged steep they tear ; Jagged rock and rending thorn All thy tender flesh lay bare. Spent with toil, the savage crew Fainting sinks with deadly thirst ; — Thou the Cross dost sign ; and lo ! From the rock the waters burst. 192 SACPi,ED YEAR. Saintly Warrior Prince ! who thus Thy tormentors couldst forgive ; — Pour the dew of grace on us, Bid our fainting spirits live. Praise to Thee, dread Trinity, Father, Son, and Spirit blest! Through thy Martyr's prayer may we Joys of life eternal taste. LAUDS. Dnm node pulsa Lucifer. The golden star of morn Is climbing in the sky ; The birth-day of Venantius Awakes the Church to joy. His native land in depths Of Pagan darkness lay ; He o'er her guilty regions pour'd The light of Heavenly day. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 193 Her in baptismal streams Of grace he purified ; E'en those, who came to take his life, With him as martyrs died. With Angels now he shares Those joys which never cease — Look down on us, O Spirit blest, And send us gifts of peace. Praise to the Father, Son, And, Holy Ghost, to Thee ! Oh, grant us through thy Martyr's prayer A blest eternity. 13 194 SACRED YEAR. THE BLESSED YIRGIX ITAM, THE HELP OF CHEISTLVXS. May 24. VESPERS AND MATINS. Sape dum Christi populus. Ofttimes, when hemm'd around by hostile arms, The Christian people lay all sore dismay'd, From Heaven hath come the Virgin gliding down, To lend her loving aid. So speak the monuments of olden time, And temples which all bright with spoils appear ; So speak the Festivals in her sweet praise, Returning year by year. Now for new mercies a new song we pour, To Mary lifting high our grateful voice ; Now let all Rome with shouts triumphant ring, And the wide world rejoice. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 195 Oh, happy day ! on which Saint Peter's Throne Received the Faith's great Ruler back again ; Returning from his banishment in peace, O'er Christendom to reign. Ye youths and virgins, priests and people all ! Pour out your grateful hearts on this glad day, Striving with all your strength, to Heaven's high Her well-earn'd praise to pay. [Queen, Virgin of Virgins ! Jesu's Mother blest ! Add yet another mercy to the past ; And grant our Pastor all his flock to lead Safe into Heaven at last. To Thee, blest Trinity, be endless praise. Blessing, and majesty, and glory due ; To Thee may we our hearts and voices raise, Eternal ages through. 196 SACRED YEAR. LAUDS. Te Redemptoris Dominique nostri. Mother of our Lord and Saviour ! First in beauty as in power ! Glory of the Christian nations ! Ready help in trouble's hour I Though the gates of Hell against us With profoundest fury rage ; Though the ancient foe assault us, And his fiercest battle wage ; Naught can hurt the pure in spirit, Who upon thine aid rely ; At thy hand secure of gaining Strength and mercy from on high. Safe beneath thy mighty shelter, — Though a thousand hosts combine. All must fall or flee before us, Scatter'd by an arm divine. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 197 Firm as once on holy Sion, David's tower rear'd its height; With a glorious rampart girded, And with glistening armor bright ; So th' Almighty's Virgin Mother Stands in strength for evermore ; From Satanic host defending All who her defence implore. Through the everlasting ages, Blessed Trmity to Thee ! Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ! Praise and endless glory be. 198 SACRED YEAR. ST. JULIANA FAICOOTERI, VIRGIN. June 19. VESPERS AND MATINS. Cmlestis Agni nuptias. To be the Lamb's celestial bride Is Juliana's one desire ; For this she quits her father's home, And leads the sacred virgin choir. By day, by night, she mourns her Spouse Nail'd to the Cross, with ceaseless tears ; Till in herself, through very grief. The image of that Spouse appears. Like Him, all wounds, she kneels transfix'd Before the Virgin Mother's shrine ; And still the more she weeps, the more Mounts up the flame of love divine. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 199 That love so deep the Lord repaid His handmaid on her dying bed ; When, ^\ith the Food of heavenly life, By miracle her soul He fed. All praise to Thee, O Maker blest ! Praise to the everlasting Son I Praise to the mighty Paraclete, While ages upon ages run. NATIVITY OF ST. JOHX THE BAPTIST. June 24. VESPERS. Ut queant laxis resonare Jibris. Unloose, great Baptist, our sin-fetter'd lips ; That with enfranchised voice we may proclaim The miracles of thy transcendent life, Thy deeds of matchless fame ! 200 SACRED YEAR. Oh, lot sublime ! an Angel quits the skies, Thy birth, thy name, thy glory to declare Unto thy priestly sii*e ; while to the Lord He offei-s Israel's prayer. Mistrustful of the promise from on high, His speech forsakes him at the angel's word; But thou on thine eighth day dost reattune For him the vocal chord. No marvel ; since yet cloister'd in the womb, The presence of thy King had thee inspired ; What time Elizabeth and Mary sang, With joy prophetic tired. Immortal glory to the Father be, With his Almighty sole-begotten Son, And Thee, coequal Spirit, One in Three, While endless ages run. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 201 MATINS. (The same continued.) Antra deserti teneris sub annis. In caves of the lone wilderness thy youth Thou hiddest, shunning the rade throng of men, And guarding the pure treasure of thy soul From the least touch of sin. There to thy sacred limbs the camel gave A garment coarse ; the rock a bed supplied ; The stream thy thirst ; locusts and honey wild Thy hunger satisfied. Oh, blest beyond the Prophets of old time ! They of the Saviour sang that was to be : Him present to announce, and show to all, Was granted but to thee. Through the wide earth was never mortal man Born holier than John ; to whom w^s given The guilty world's Baptizer to baptize, And ope the door of Heaven. 202 SACRED YEAR. Immortal glory to the Father be, With his Almighty sole-begotten Son, And Thee, coequal Spirit, one in Three, While endless agfes run. LAUDS. O nimis feliz meritique celsi. O BLESSED Saint, of snow-white purity ! Dweller in wastes forlorn ! O mightiest of the Martyr host on high ! Greatest of Prophets born ! Of all the diadems that x)n the brows Of Saints in glory shine. Not one with brighter, purer halo glows, In Heaven's high Court, than thine. Oh ! upon us thy tender, pitying gaze Cast flown from thy dread throne ; Straighten our crooked, smooth our rugged ways, And break our hearts of stone. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 203 So may the world's Redeemer find us meet To offer Him a place, Where He may set his ever-blessed feet, Coming with gifts of grace. Praise in the Heavens to Thee, O First and Last, The Trine eternal God ! Spare, Jesu, spare thy people, whom Thou hast Redeem'd with thine own blood. SS. PETER AM) PAUL THE APOSTLES. June 29, VESPERS. Decora lux atemitatis auream. Bathed in eternity's all-beauteous beam, And opening into Heaven a path sublime, Welcoille the golden day ! which heralds in The Apostolic Chiefs, whose glory fills all time ! 204 SACRED YEAR. Peter and Paul, the Fathers of great Rome ! Now sitting in the Senate of the skies ! One by the Cross, the other by the Sword, Sent to their thrones on high, and life's eternal prize. O happy Rome ! whom that most glorious blood For ever consecrates while ages flow ; Thou, thus empurpled, art more beautiful Than all that doth appear most beautiful below. Praise, blessing, majesty, through endless days. Be to the Trinity immortal given ; Who, in pure Unity, profoundly sways Eternally all things alike in earth and Heaven. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 205 ST. ELE.OETH, QUEEN OF PORTUGAL. July 8. VESPERS AND MATINS, Domare cordis impetus Elizabeth. Pure, meek, with soul serene, Sweeter to her it was to serve unseen Her God, than reign a queen. Now far above our sight. Enthroned upon the azure star-paved height, She reigns in realms of light ; So long as time shall flow. Teaching to all who sit on thrones below, The good that power can do. Praise to the Father be ; Praise to the Son ; praise, Holy Ghost, to Thee, Tl^rough all eternity. 206 SACRED YEAR. LAUDS. Opes decusque regium reliqueras. Riches and regal' throne, for Christ's dear sake,. Blest Saint, thou didst despise ; Amid the Angels seated now in bliss. Oh, help us from the skies I Guide us ; and fill our days with perfume sweet Of loving word and deed ; So teaches us thy tender charity By fragrant roses hid. [ O charity ! what power is thine ! by thee xA.bove the stars we soar ; I Praise to the Father, Son, and Spirit be, I Henceforth for evermore. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 207 ST. ITAEY MAGDALENE. July 22. VESPERS. Pater supemi luminis^ Father of lights I one glance of Thine, Whose eyes the Universe control, Fills Magdalene with holy love, And melts the ice within her soul. Her precious ointment forth she brings, Upon those sacred feet to pour ; She washes them \\\i\i burning tears ; And with her hair she wipes them o'er. Impassion'd to the Cross she clings ; Nor fears beside the tomb to stay; Of ruffian soldiers naught she recks, For love has east all fear away. O Christ, thou very Love itself! Blest hope of man, through Thee forgiven ! So touch our spirits from above, And purify our souls for Heaven. 208 SACKED YEAK. To God the Father, and the Son, With Thee, O Spu*it, glory be; As ever was, and shall be so Through ages of eternity. MATINS, Maria castis osculis^ His sacred feet with tears of agony She bathes; and prostrate on the earth adores; Steeps them in kisses chaste, and wipes them dry With her own hair ; then forth her precious oint- ment pours. Praise in the highest to the Father be ; Praise to the mighty coeternal Son ; And praise, O Spirit Paraclete, to Thee, While ages upon everlasting ages run. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 209 I LAUDS Summi Parentis Unice. Son of the Highest ! deign to cast On us a pitying eye ; Thou, who repentant Magdalene Didst call to endless joy. Again the royal treasury Receives its long-lost coin ; The gem is found, and, cleansed from mire, Doth all the stars outshine. O Jesu ! balm of every wound ! The sinner's only stay! Wash Thou in Magdalene's pure tears Our guilty spots away. Mother of God! the sons of Eve Weeping thine aid implore : Oh I land us from the storms of life. Safe on th' eternal shore. 14 210 SACRED YEAR. Glory, for graces manifold, To the one only Lord ; Whose mercy doth our souls forgive, Whose bounty doth reward. ST. PETER'S CHAINS. August 1. VESPERS. Miris modis repente liber ferrea. The Lord commands; and, lo, his ii-on chains, Falling from Peter, the command obey : Peter, blest shepherd ! who, to verdant plains. And life's immortal springs, from day to day, Leads on his gentle charge, driving all wolves away. Praise to the Father, through all ages be ; The same to Thee, O coeternal Son, And Holy Ghost, one glorious Trinity ; To whom all majesty and might belong ; So sing we now, and such be our eternal song. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 211 THE TRMSPIGFRATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. August 6. VESPERS AND MATINS. Quicunque Christum quaritis. All ye who seek, in hope and love, For your dear Lord, look up above ! Where, traced upon the azure sky, Faith may a glorious form descry. Lo ! on the trembling verge of light A something all divinely bright ! Immortal, infinite, sublime ! Older than chaos, space, or time ! i Hail, Thou, the Gentiles' mighty Lord ! All hail, O Israel's King adored ! To Abraham sw^orn in ages past, And to his seed while earth shall last. 212 SACRED YEAR. -*- To Thee the prophets wdtness bear ; Of Thee the Father doth declare, That all who would his glory see, Must hear and must believe in Thee. To Jesus, from the proud coneeal'd, But evermore to babes reveal'd. All glory with the Father be, And Holy Ghost, eternally. LAUDS. Lux alma Jesu mentium. Light of the soul, O Saviour blest ! Soon as thy presence tills the breast, Darkness and guilt are put to flight, And all is sweetness and delight. Son of the Father ! Lord most high ! How glad is he who feels Thee nigh ! How sweet in Heaven thy beam doth glow. Denied to eye of jflesh below ! HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 213 O Light of light celestial ! O GJharity ineffable ! Come in thy hidden majesty ; Fill us with love, fill us with Thee. To Jesus, from the proud conceal'd, But evermore to babes reveal'd, All glory with the Father be, And Holy Ghost, eternally. FEAST OF THE SACRED HEAET OF MARY.* First Sunday after the Octave Day of the Assximption. VESPERS. Oh ! how the Heart of Mary burns Untired, unchanged, in love ! It turns With ceaseless breathings of desire, Tow'rds Jesu's Heart — its sacred fire. * The observance of this feast is becoming more general in the United States ; and the hymns for it are inserted for the convenience of the faithful. They are from the " Cath- olic Choralist," of Rev. Mr. Young. 214 SACRED YEAR. The chains of love, which Jesus threw Round his own Heart, bind Mary'* too : Living by love, both breathe the same Unchanged unconquerable flame. Heart of the best of Mothers ! hear The voice of thy poor suppliants' prayer : Grant to our hearts, O Heart divine ! Some portion of that love of thine. O Mary ! be this Heart our stay, Till death shall call our souls away From this frail dust ; then, ere we part. Hide us, O Mary ! in thy Heart. Through that pure Heart where thou didst dwell, That Heart that loved thy own so vyell. May all, their meed of homage send To thee, for ages without end. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 215 MATINS. We sing the seat of Mary's love, That Heart, to bless which, Heaven above And earth below, alike rejoice; Come, Jesus, aid our feeble voice. What dearer gift does God impart, Than Mary's sweet and virgin Heart ? What nobler object of our love In earth below, or Heaven above ? Through that pure Heart, where thou didst dwell. That Heart that loved thy own so well, May all, their meed of homage send To thee, for ages without end. LA UDS. Temple of Him who made all things ; Bright Palace of the King of kings ; Altar of Peace ; Mysterious Plant ; Ark of the Christian covenant. 216 SACRED YEAPw. Fount of unfailing grace thou art To all that love thee, glorious Heart ! And ocean Star, whence hope and rest, And comfort beam on the distress'd. Through that pure Heart, where thou didst dwell. That Heart that loved thy own so well, May all their meed of homage send To thee, for ages without end. FEAST OF THE SEVEN DOLOUES OF THE BLESSED YIEGIN MARY. Thii-d Sunday in September. VESPERS. O quot undis lachrijmarum. What a sea of tears and sorrow Did the soul of Mary toss To and fro upon its billows, While she wept her bitter loss ; In her arms her Jesus holding. Torn but newly from the Cross! HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 217 O that mournful Virgin Mother I See her tears how fast they flow Down upon his mangled body, Wounded side, and thorny brow ; While his hands and feet she kisses, — Picture of immortal woe! Oft and oft his arms and bosom Fondly straining to her own ; Oft her pallid lips imprinting On each wound of her dear Son ; Till at last, in swoons of anguish, Sense and consciousness are gone. Gentle Mother, we beseech thee, By thy tears and trouble sore ; By the death of thy dear Offspring ; By the bloody wounds He bore : Touch our hearts with that true sorrow Wliich afflicted thee of yore. To the Father everlasting, And the Son, who reigns on high, 218 SACPvED YEAR. With the coeternal Spirit, Trinity in Unity, Be salvation, honor, blessing. Now and through eternity. MATINS. Jam toto s^ibditus vesper eat polo. Come, darkness, spread o'er Heaven thy pall, And hide, O sun, thy face ; While we that bitter death recall. With all its dire disgrace. And thou, with tearful cheek, wast there ; But with a heart of steel, Mary, thou didst his moanings hear. And all his torments feel. He hung before thee crucihed ; His flesh with scourgings rent ; His bloody gashes gaping wide ; His strength and spirit spent, HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 219 Thou his dishonor'd countenance, And racking thirst, didst see ; By turns the gall, the sponge, the lance, Were agony to thee. Yet still erect in majesty, Thou didst the sight sustain; — Oh, more than Martyr ! not to die Amid such cruel pain ! Praise to the blessed Three in One ; Oh, may that strength be mine, Wliich, sorrowing o'er her only Son, Did in the Virgin shine ! LAUDS. SummcB Deus clementice. God, in whom all grace doth dwell ! Grant us grace to ponder well On the Virgin's Dolours seven ; On the wounds to Jesus given. 220 SACRED YEAR. May the tears which Mary poured Gain us pardon of the Lord ; — Tears sufficient in their worth To wash out the guilt of earth. May the contemplation sore Of the five wounds Jesus bore, Source to us of blessings be, Through a long eternity. Glory be to Him, who died For his servants crucified ; Honor, praise, eternal merit. To the Father and the Spirit. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 221 FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY GUAEDIAN MGELS. October 2. VESPERS AND MATINS. Custodes hominum psallimus angelos. Praise we those ministers celestial * Whom the dread Father chose To be the Guardians of our nature frail, Against our scheming foes. For, since that from his glory in the skies Th' Apostate Angel fell, Burning with envy, evermore he tries To drown our souls in hell. Then hither, watchful Spirit, bend thy wing. Our country's Guardian blest ! Avert her threat'ning ills ; expel each thing That hinderoth her rest. Praise to the glorious Trinity, whose strength This mighty fjxbric sways ; Whose glory spreads beyond the utmost length Of everlasting days. 222 SACRED YEAR LAUDS. Sterne Rector siderum. Ruler of the dread immense ! Maker of this mighty frame ! Whose eternal Providence Governs and upholds the same ! Low before thy face we bend ; Hear our supplicating cries ; And thy light eternal send, With the freshly dawning skies. King of kings ! and Lord most high ! This of thy dear love we pray, — May thy Guardian Angel nigh Keep us from all sin this day. May he crush the deadly wiles Of the envious Serpent's art, Ever spreading cunning toils Round about the thoughtless heart. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 223 May he scatter ruthless war. Ere to this our shore it come ; Plague and famine drive afar ; FLx securely peace at home. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Everlasting Trinity ! Guard, by thy Angelic host. Us, who put our trust in Thee. FEAST OF THE MATERMTY OF THE BLESSED YIEGIX ^XRJ. Second Sunday in October, MATINS. CcbIo Redemptor prmtulit. The Saviour left high Heaven to dwell Within the Virgin's womb ; And there array'd Himself in flesh, Our Victim to become. 224 SACRED YEAPc. She unto us divinely bore Salvation's King and God ; Who died for us upon the Cross, Who saves us in his blood : She too our joyful hope shall be, And drive away all fears ; Offering for us to her dear Son Our contrite sighs and tears. That Son — He hears his Mother's prayer. And grants, ere it be said ; Be ours to love her, and invoke In every strait her aid. All glory to the Trinity, Wliile endless times proceed ; Who in that bosom pure of stain Sow'd such immortal seed. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 225 LAUDS. Te Mater alma JiTuminis. Mother of Almighty God ! Suppliant at thy feet we pray ; Shelter us from Satan's fraud, Safe beneath thy ^\nng this day, 'Twas by reason of our Fall, In our first Forefather's crime. That the mighty Lord of all Kaised thee to thy rank sublime. Oh ! then upon Adam's race Look thou with a pitying eye ; And entreat of Jesus grace, Till He lay his anger by. Honor, glory, \drtue, merit. Be to Thee, O Virgin's Son ! With the Father and the Spirit, While eternal ages run. 15 226 SACRED YEAR. FEAST OF THE PIIRITT OF THE BLESSED VIRGm MARY. Third Sunday in October. VESPERS. Praclara custos virginum. Blest Guardian of all virgin souls ! Portal of bliss to man forgiven ! Pure Mother of Almighty God ! Thou hope of earth, and joy of Heaven ! Pair Lily, found amid the thorns ! Most beauteous Dove with wings of gold ! Rod from whose tender root there sprang That healing Flower long since foretold ! Thou Tower, against the dragon proof ! I Thou Star, to storm-toss'd voyagers dear ! Our course lies o'er a treacherous deep ; Thine be the light by which we steer. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 227 Scatter the mists that round us hang ; Keep far the fatal shoals away; And while through darkling waves we sweep. Open a path to life and day. O Jesu, born of Virgin bright ! Immortal glory be to Thee ; Praise to the Father infinite, And Holy Ghost eternally. MATINS. O Stella Jacob fulgida. Star of Jacob, ever beaming With a radiance all divine ! 'Mid the stars of highest Heaven Glows no purer ray than thine. All in stoles of snowy brightness, Unto thee the Angels sing ; Unto thee the virgin choirs, — Mother of th' eternal King! 228 SACRED YEAE. Joyful in thy path they scatter Roses white and lilies fair ; Yet with thy chaste bosom's whiteness, Rose nor lily may compare. Oh ! that this low earth of ours, Answering th' angelic strain, With thy praises might re-echo. Till the Heavens replied again. Honor, glory, virtue, merit. Be to Thee, O Virgin's Son! With the Father and the Spirit, While eternal ages run. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 229 ST. TERESA, VIRGIN. October 15. VESPERS AND LAUDS. Regis superni nuntia. Blest messenger of Heaven ! thou didst Thy home in childhood leave ; Intending to barbaric lands Christ or thy blood to give. But thee a sweeter death awaits ; A nobler fate is thine ; Pierced with a thousand heavenly darts, To die of love divine. Victim of perfect charity ! Our souls with love inspire ; And save the nations of thy charge From everlasting fire. Praise to the Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, be ; Praise to the blessed Three in One, Through all eternity. 230 SACRED YEAR. MATINS- Hmc est dies qua candidcB. This day, beneath the form Of a pure snow-white dove, Teresa's spmt wing'd its flight Into the realms above ; And heard the Bridegroom's voice, " Sister from Carmel come ; Come to the marriage of the Lamb, To thy eternal home." Spouse of the Virgin choir ! Let all the blest adore Thee, Jesu ! and in nuptial songs Exalt Thee evermore. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 231 ST. JOHN CAXTIUS, COXTESSOR. October 20. VESPERS. Oentis Polonm gloria. O GLORY and high boast Of Poland's ancient race ! True father of thy fatherland ! Blest minister of gi-ace ! 'Twas thine the law of God To teach, and to obey ; Oh, may we ever walk therein ; Nor from its precepts stray ! Th' Apostles' shrines thou didst Visit in pilgrim guise ; Oh, guide us to our home above, Safe from all enemies ! 232 SACRED YEAR. Thou to Jerusalem Didst go for love, and there The traces of thy Lord adore, And wash with many a tear. Oh, may his blessed wounds Deep in our hearts remain !' Through them may we the glorious prize Of life eternal gain ! Dread Trinity, to Thee Let the world's fabric bend ; While evermore, from hearts renew'd. New hymns of praise ascend. MATINS, Corpus domas jejuniis. Thy body \nth long fastings worn ; Thy flesh with cruel scourgings torn ; 'Twas thine to live, O blessed Saint, A pure and spotless penitent. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 233 Oh, may we follow after thee, And imitate thy purity ! And by the Spirit strive to tame The passions of this mortal frame ! Thou to the poor in winter's snow Oft thy own raiment didst bestow ; By hunger or by thirst oppress'd, They flew to thy parental breast. O thou, who none didst e'er deny Of those who sought thy charity, Thy native land from harm defend, And peace on all her borders send ! Praise to the Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One ; Jesu, through thy dear servant's prayer, May we thy joys eternal share. 234 SACRED YEAR. LAUDS. Te deprecante corporum. Saint of sweetest majesty ! What a potent voice is thine ! At thy prayer diseases fly ; Fading- health revives again. Oft with wasting fever wan, Ling'ring at their latest breath, Dpng men by thee are drawn From the very jaws of death. Oft the shipwreck'd merchandise, Sunk beneath the raging flood, At thy prayer is seen to rise. By the glorious might of God. Oh, by thy surpassing power ! By thy joys celestial ! Help us in affliction's hour ; Hear us when on thee we call. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 235 Everlasting Three in One ! Ever-blessed One in Three ! Grant us through thy Saint the boon Of a glad eternity. FEAST OF ST. RAPHAEL THE ARCHMGEL. October 25. VESPERS AND MATINS. Tibi Christe splendor Patris. Jesu, brightness of the Father ! Life and strength of all who live ! In the presence of the Angels, Glory to thy name we give ; And thy wondrous praise rehearse, Singing in alternate verse. Hail, too, ye angelic powers ! Hail, ye thrones celestial ! Hail, Physician of Salvation ! Guide of life, blest Raphael ! Who, the Foe of all mankind Didst in links of iron bind. 236 SACRED YEAR. Oh, may Christ, by thy protection. Shelter us from harm this day ; Keep us pure in flesh and spirit; Save us from the enemy ; And vouchsafe us, of his grace, In his Paradise a place. Glory to th' Almighty Father, Sing we now in anthems sweet ; Glory to the great Redeemer ; Glory to the Paraclete Three in One, and One in Three, Throughout all eternity. LAUDS. Christe, sanctorum decus angelorum. O Christ, the glory of the Angel choirs ! Author and Ruler of the human race ! Grant us one day to mount the path of Heaven, And see in bliss thy face. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 237 And oh, thy Raphael, physician blest, Send down to us from yon celestial height, To heal our souls' diseases, and to guide Our course through life aright. Thou too, O Mary, Mother of our God ! With all the bright angelic host descend, And bring with thee th' Assembly of the Saints, Thy children to befriend. This grace on us bestow, O Father blest, And Thou, O Son by an eternal birth ; With Thee, from both proceeding, Holy Ghost ! Whose glory fills the earth. FEAST OF ALL SAINTS. November 1. VESPERS AND MATINS. Placare, Christe, servulis. O Christ, thy guilty people spare I Lo, kneeling at thy gracious throne. Thy Virgin Mother pours her prayer, Imploring pardon for her own. 238 SACRED YEAR. Ye Angels, happy evermore ! Who in your circles nine ascend, As ye have guarded us before. So still from harm our steps defend. Ye Prophets and Apostles high ! Behold our penitential tears ; And plead for us when death is nigh, And our all-searching Judge appears. Ye Martyrs all ! a purple band. And Confessors, a white-robed train ; Oh, call us to our native land, From this our exile, back again. And ye, O choii's of Virgins chaste ! Receive us to your seats on high ; With Hermits whom the desert waste Sent up of old into the sky. Drive from the flock, O Spirits blest ! The false and faithless race away ; That all within one fold may rest. Secure beneath one Shepherd's sway. HYMNS FROM THE PROPER OF SAINTS. 239 To God the Father glory be, And to his sole-begotten Son ; The same, O Holy Ghost, to Thee, While everlasting ages run. LAUDS. Salutis cEterncB dator. Giver of life, eternal Lord 1 Thy own redeem'd defend ; Mother of Grace ! thy children save, And help them to the end. Ye thousand thousand Angel Hosts ! Assist us in our need ; Ye Patriarchs! with the Prophet Choir! For our forgiveness plead. Herald of Christ! and Thou who still Dost Heaven's dread keys retain ! Ye glorious Apostles all ! Unloose our guilty chain. 240 SACRED YEAR. Army of Martyrs ! holy Priests In beauteous array I Ye happy troops of Virgins chaste I Wash all our sins away. All ye who high above the stars In heavenly glory reign I May we through your blest prayers, the gifts Of endless life obtain. Praise, honor, to the Father be, Praise to his only Son ; Praise to the Spuit Paraclete, While ceaseless ao-es run. §mtt ¥m HYMNS FROM THE BREVIARY. IV. HYMNS BELONGING TO THE COMMON OF SAINTS. SACRED YEAR. HYMNS FROM THE BREVIARY. IV. HYMNS BELONGING TO THE COMMON OF SAINTS. HTlDs^S ON THE FESTIYALS OP THE BLESSED VIRGIN MAET THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. VESPERS. Ave maris Stella. Gentle Star of ocean ! Portal of the sky ! Ever Virgin Mother Of the Lord most High ! 244 SACRED YEAR. Oh ! by Gabriel's Ave, Utter'd long ago, Eva's name reversing, Stablish peace below. Break the captive's fetters ; Light on blindness pour ; All our ills expelling, Every bliss implore. Show thyself a Mother ; Offer Him our sighs. Who for us Incarnate Did not thee despise. Virgin of all Virgins ! To thy shelter take us ; Gentlest of the gentle ! Chaste and gentle make us. Still as on we journey, Help our weak endeavor ; Till mth thee and Jesus We rejoice for ever. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 245 Through the highest Heaven, To the Almighty Three, Father, Son, and Spuit, One same glory be. MATINS. Quern terra, pontus, sidera. The Lord, whom earth, and sea, and sky, With one adoring voice proclaim ; Who rules them all in majesty; Inclos'd himself in Mary's frame. Lo ! in a humble Virgin's womb, O'ershadow'd by Almighty power ; He whom the stars, and sun, and moon. Each serve in their appointed hour. O Mother blest ! to whom was given Within thy body to contain The Architect of earth and Heaven, Whose hands the universe sustain : 246 SACRED YEAR. To thee was sent an Angel down ; In thee the Spirit was enshrined ; Of thee was born that Mighty One, The long-desired of all mankind. O Jesu ! born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to Thee ; Praise to the Father infinite. And Holy Ghost eternally. LAUDS. O glorias a Virginum. O Queen of all the Virgin choir ! Enthroned above the starry sky ! Who with pure milk from thy own breast Thy own Creator didst supply. What man had lost in hapless Eve, Thy sacred womb to man restores ; Thou to the wretched here beneath Hast open'd Heaven's eternal doors. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 247 Hail, O refulgent Hall of light ! Hail, Gate sublime of Heaven's high King ! Through Thee redeem'd to endless life, Thy praise let all the nations sing. O Jesu ! born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to Thee ; Praise to the Father infinite, And Holy Ghost eternally. The above Hymns are also used in the Little OflBce of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the addition of the following :— AT TERCE, SEXT, NONE, AND COMPLINE. Memento rerum Conditor. Remember, O Creator Lord!- That in the Virgin's sacred womb Thou wast conceived, and of her flesh Didst our mortality assume. 243 SACRED YEAR. Mother of grace, O Mary blest ! To thee, sweet fount of love, we fly ; Shield us through life, and take us hence To thy dear bosom when we die. O Jesu ! born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to Thee; Praise to the Father infinite, And Holy Ghost eternally. coir]iroN OF apostles and evangelists. VESPERS AND LAUDS. ExxUtet orbis gaudiis. Now let the earth with joy resound. And highest Heaven re-echo round ; Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise The great Apostle's glorious praise. HYMNS I'ROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 249 O ye who, throned in glory dread, Shall judge the living and the dead ! Lights of the world for evermore ! To you the suppliant prayer we pour. Ye close the sacred gates on high ; At your command apart they fly : Oh ! loose us from the guilty chain We strive to break, and strive in vain< Sickness and health your voice obey } At your command they go or stay ' Oh, then from sin our souls restore ; Increase our \irtues more and more. So when the world is at its end, And Christ to Judgment shall descend. May we be call'd those joys to see Prepared from all eternity. Praise to the Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One ; As ever was in ages past, And shall be so while ages last. 250 SACPuED YEAR. MATINS. Sterna Christi munera. The Lord's eternal gifts, Th' Apostles' mighty praise, Their victories, and high reward. Sing we in joyful lays. Lords of the churches they ; Triumphant Chiefs of war ; Brave Soldiers of the Heavenly Court : True lights for evermore. Theirs was the Saints' high Faith ; And quenchless Hope's pure glow ; And perfect Charity, which laid The world's fell tyrant low. In them the Father shone ; In them the Son o'ercame ; In them the Holy Spirit wrought. And fill'd their hearts with flame. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 251 To God, the Father, Son, And Spirit, glory be ; As was, and is, and shall be so, Through all eternity. OF APOSTLES AND EVAXGELISTS DURING EASTER. VESPERS AND MATINS. Tristes erant .9postoli. When Christ, by his own servants slain, Had died upon the bitter Cross, Th' Apostles, of their joy bereft. Were weeping their dear Saviour's loss : — Meanwhile, an Angel at the tomb To holy women hath foretold, " The faithful flock shall soon with joy Their Lord in Galilee behold." Who, as they run the news to bring, Lo, straightway Christ Himself they meet, All radiant with heavenly light, And falling, clasp his sacred feet. 252 SACRED YEAR. To Galilee's lone mountain heights The Apostolic band retire : There, blest with their dear Saviour's sight, They taste in full their soul's desire. O Jesu ! from the death of sin Keep us, we pray ; so shalt Thou be The everlasting Paschal joy Of all the souls new-born in Thee. Now to the Father, and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given ; With Thee, O holy Comforter, Henceforth by all in earth and Heaven. [within the octave of the ascension,] Glory to Jesus, who returns In pomp triumphant to the sky. With Thee, O Father, and with Thee, O Holy Ghost, eternally. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 253 LAUDS. Paschale mundo gaudium. Now daily shines the sun more fair, Recalling that blest time, When Christ on his Apostles shone, In radiant light sublime. They in his Body see his wounds Like stars di\1nely glow ; Then forth, as his true Witnesses, Thi'oughout the world they go. O Christ ! thou King most merciful ! Our inmost hearts possess ; So may we with due songs of praise Thy name for ever bless. Keep us, O Jesu ! from the death Of sin ; and deign to be The everlasting Paschal joy Of all new-born in Thee. 254 SACRED YEAR. Praise to the Father, and the San, Who fronS the dead arose ; Praise to the blessed Paraclete, While age on ages flows. OF ONE iTARTYR. VESPERS AND MATINS. Deus tuorum militum. O Thou, of all thy warriors Lord, Thyself the crown, and sure reward : Set us from sinful fetters free, Who sing thy Martyr's victory. In selfish pleasures' worldly round The taste of bitter gall he found ; But sweet to him was thy blest Name, And thus to heavenly joys he came. Right manfully his cross he bore, And ran his race of torments sore : For Thee he pour'd his life away ; With Thee he lives in'endless day. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 255 We, then, before Thee bending low, Entreat Thee, Lord, thy love to show On this the day thy Martyr died. Who in thy Saints art glorified! Now to the Father, and the Son, Be glory while the ages run ; The same, O Holy Ghost, to Thee ! Through ages of eternity. LAUDS. Invicte Martyr unicum. Martte of uneonquer'd might ! Follower of th' eternal Son ! Who, triumphant in the fight, Hast celestial glory won; By the virtue of thy prayer. Wash our guilty stains away ; Sin's contagion drive afar ; Suffer not our feet to stray. 256 SACRED YEAR. Loosen'd from the fleshly chain Which detain'd thee here of old, Loose us from the bonds of sin, From the fetters of the worid. Glory to the Father be ; Gloiy to his only Son ; Glor}^ Holy Ghost, to Th^e, While eternal ages run. The Common of one Martyr during Easter is the same as the above, except the Doxology, which is Glory to th' eternal Son, Wlio from death divinely rose ; Glory to the Three in One, Long as age on ages flows. [within the octave of the ascension.] Glory to th' eternal Son, Who again ascends the sky } Glory to the Three in One, Throughout all eternity. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 257 OF MANY MARTYRS. VESPERS. Sanctorum meritis inclyta gaudia. Sing we the peerless deeds of martyr'd Saints, Their glorious merits, and their portion blest ; Of all the conquerors the world has seen, The greatest and the best. Them in their day th' insensate world abhorr'd, Because they did forsake it. Lord, for Thee ; Finding it all a barren waste, devoid Of fruit, or flower, or tree. They trod beneath them every threat of man, And came victorious all torments through ; The iron hooks, which piecemeal tore their flesh, Could not their souls subdue. Scourged, crucified, like sheep to slaughter led, Unmurmuring they met their cruel fate ; For conscious innocence their souls upheld. In patient virtue great. 17 258 SACRED YEAR. What tongue those joys, O Jesu, can disclose, Which for thy martyr'd Saints Thou dost prepare ! Happy who in thy pains, thrice happy those Who in thy glory share ! Our faults, our sins, our miseries remove, Great Deity supreme, immortal King ! Grant us thy peace, grant us thine endless love Through endless years to sing. MATINS. Chris to prof us um sanguinem. Sing we the Martyrs blest, Their blood for Jesus pour'd ; Sing we their glorious \ictories. And infinite reward. Treading the world beneath, Spurnmg the body's pain, * 'Twas theirs, in Martyrdom's brief space, Eternal joys to gain. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 259 To raging flames consign'd; And ruthless beasts a prey ; Their sacred flesh by savage hooks Torn piece by piece away ; Their vitals hanging forth ; — Unmoved they still endure ; Unmoved continue, in the grace Of endless life secure. Saviour, to us vouchsafe, Of thy dear clemency, A portion with thy Martyr Saints, Through all eternity. LAUDS. Rex gloriose martyrum. O Thou, the Martyrs' glorious King! Of Confessors the crown and prize Who dost to joys celestial bring Those who the joys of earth despise ; 260 SACRED YEAR. By all the praise thy Saints have won ; By all their pains in days gone by ; By all the deeds which they have done ; Hear Thou thy suppliant people's cry. Thou dost amid thy Martyrs fight ; Thy Confessors Thou dost forgive ; May we find mercy in thy sight, And in thy sacred presence live. To God the Father glory be, And to his sole-begotten Son ; The same, O Holy Ghost, to Thee ! While everlasting ages run. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 261 OF MAOT MAETTES DTERING EASTER THE. VESPERS AND LAUDS. Rex gloriose martyrum, [As above, page 259. With the following Doxology :] Now to the Father, and the Son, Who rose from death, all glory be, With Thee, O holy Comforter, Henceforth through all eternity. MATINS. Christo profusum sanguinem. [As at page 258.] OP A CONEESSOR AND BISHOP. VESPERS AND MATINS. Iste Confessor Domini colentes. The Confessor of Christ, from shore to shore Worshipp'd with solemn rite ; This day went up with joy, his labors o'er. To his blest seat in light. 262 SACRED YEAR. [If it be not the day of his death, the following is sub- stituted.] This day receives those honors which are his, High in the realms of light. Holy and innocent were all his ways ; Sweet, temperate, unstain'd ; His life was prayer, — his every breath was praise, While breath to him remain'd. Ofttimes his merits high in every land, In cures have been displayed ; And still does health return at his command To many a frame decay'd. Therefore to him triumphant praise we pay, And yearly songs renew ; Praying our glorious Saint for us to pray, All the long ages through. To God, of all the centre and the source, Be power and glory given ; [course, Who sways the mighty world through all its From the bright throne of Heaven. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 263 LAUDS. # Jes^l Redemptor omnium. Redeemer blest of all who live ! Thy Pontiffs' endless prize ! Upon this day thine ear incline, And hear us from the skies. This day the holy Confessor Of thy most sacred Name, Honor'd with yearly festive rites, To heavenly glory came. This day amid the blissful choirs Of Angels, he sate down ; Receiving, for the joys he spum'd, An everlasting crown. Oh ! grant us in his steps to walk ; His holy life to live ; And by the virtue of his prayers, Thy people's sins forgive. 264 SACRED YEAR. Glory to Thee, all gracious Lord: Praise to the Father be ; Praise to the Spirit Paraclete ; Through all eternity. OF A CONFESSOR NOT A BISHOP. VESPERS AND MATINS. Iste Confessor. [As at page 261.] LAUDS. Jesu corona celsior, Jesu! eternal Truth sublime ! Through endless years the same ! Thou crown of those, who through all time Confess thy holy Name : Thy suppliant people, through the prayer Of thy blest Saint, forgive ; For his dear sake thy wrath forbear, And bid our spirits live. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 265 Again returns the sacred day, With heavenly glory bright, Which saw him go upon his way Into the realms of light. All objects of our vain desire. All earthly joys and gains. To him were but as filthy mire ; And now with Thee he reigns. Thee, Jesu, his all-gracious Lord, Confessing to the last. He trod beneath him Satan's fraud, And stood for ever fast. In holy deeds of faith and love, In fastings and in prayers. His days were spent ; and now above Thy heavenly Feast he shares. Then, for his sake thy wrath lay by, And hear us while we pray ; And pardon us, O Thou most* high, On this his festal Day. 266 SACRED YEAR. All glory to the Father be ; Praise to his only Son ; Praise, holy Paraclete, to Thee ; While endless ages run. OF TIEGIXS. VESPERS AND LAUDS. Jesu corona Virginuvi. Thou Crown of all the Virgin choir ! That holy Mother's Virgin Son ! Who is, alone of womankind, Mother and Virgin both in one I Encircled by thy Virgin band. Amid the lilies Thou art found ; For thy pure brides with la^^sh hand Scattering immortal graces round. And still, wherever thou dost bend Thy lovely steps, O glorious King, Virgins upon thy steps attend. And hymns to thy high glory sing. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 267 Keep us, O Purity divine, From every least corruption free ; Our every sense from sin refine. And purify our souls for Thee. To God the Father, and the Son, All honor, glory, praise, be given ; With Thee, O holy Paraclete ! Henceforth by all in earth and Heaven. MATINS, Virginis Proles Opifexque matris. O Thou thy Mother's Maker, hail ! Hail, Virgin-born ! to Thee ; To-day a Virgin's death we sing A Virgin's victory. O doubly blest ! to whom was given Martyr and Virgin too, — At once to triumph over death, And her frail sex subdue. 268 SACRED YEAR. O'er fear, o'er thousand forms of pain, Victorious she stood ! And won the everlasting heights In streams of her own blood. Oh, through her prayers our sins forgive, All good and gracious King So purified in heart may we Thy praise eternal sing. All glory to the Father be : # Praise to his only Son ; ' * With Thee, who dost from both proceed, While endless ages run. [If the Virgin be not a Martyr, the second and third stanzas are omitted, and the two last lines of the first stanza are as follows :] Hear us, who on this day record Thy Virgin's memory HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 269 OF HOLY WOMEN. VESPERS AND LAUDS. Fortem virili pectore. High let us all our voices raise, In that heroic woman's praise ; Whose name, with saintly glory bright, Shines in the starry realms of light. Fill'd with a pure celestial glow, She spurn'd all love of things below ; And heedless here on earth to stay, Climb'd to the skies her toilsome way. With fasts her body she subdued ; But fill'd her soul with prayers' sweet food In other worlds she tastes the bliss. For which she left the joys of this. O Christ, the strength of all the strong ! To whom all our best deeds belong ! Through her prevailing prayers on high. In mercy hear thy people's cry. 270 SACRED YEAR. To God the Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One, Be glory while the ages flow. From all above, and all below. MATINS. Oh, through her prayers," Src, p. 268. OP THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. VESPERS AND MATINS. Calestis urbs Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou City blest ! Dear vision of celestial rest ! Which far above the starry sky, Piled up with livdng stones on high. Art, as a Bride, encircled bright. With million angel forms of light : HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 271 Oh, wedded in a prosperous hour ! The Father's glory was thy dower ; The Spirit all His graces shed, Thou peerless Queen, upon thy head ; ^Vhen Christ espoused thee for his Bride, O City bright and glorified ! Thy gates a pearly lustre pour ; Thy gates are open evermore ; And thither evermore draw nigh All who for Christ have dared to die ; Or smit with love of their dear Lord, Have pains endured, and joys abhorr'd. Thou too, O Church, which here we see I No easy task hath builded thee. Long did the chisels ring around ! Long did the mallets' blows rebound ! Long work'd the head, and toil'd the hand I Ere stood thy stones as now they stand ! To God the Father, glory due Be paid by all the heavenly Host ; 272 ■ SACRED YEAR. And to his only Son most true ; With Thee, O mighty Holy Ghost ! To whom praise, power, and blessing be, Through ages of eternity. LAUDS. Mto ez Olympi vertice. From highest Heaven, the Father's Son, Descending like that mystic stone Cut from a mountain without hands. Came down below, and filled all lands ; Uniting, midway in the sky. His House on earth, and House on high. That House on high, — it ever rings With praises of the King of kings ; For ever there, on harps divine. They hymn th' eternal One and Trine ; We, here below, the strain prolong, And faintly echo Sion's song. HYMNS FROM THE COMMON OF SAINTS. 273 O Lord of lords invisible ! With thy pure light this temple fill : Hither, oft as invoked, descend; Here to thy people's prayer attend : Here, through all hearts, for evermore, Thy Spirit's quick'ning graces pour. Here may the Faithful, day by day. In kneeling adoration pray ; And here receive from thy dear love The blessings of that home above ; Till, loosen'd from this mortal chain, Its everlasting joys they gain. To God the Father, glory due Be paid by all the heavenly Host ; And to his only Son most true ; With Thee, O mighty Holy Ghost; To whom praise, power, and blessing be. Through ages of eternity. £ND OF HYMNS FROM THE BREVIARY. 18 SACRED YEAR, HYMNS FROM THE MISSAL. PALM-SUNDAY. Oloria, laus, et honor. Glory and praise to Thee, Redeemer blest ! To whom theu- glad hosannas children pour'd ; Hail, Israel's King ! hail, David's Son confess'd ! Who comest in the name of Israel's Lord. Thy praise in Heaven the Host angelic sings ; On earth mankind, with all created things. [" Glory and praise,"