Prayer before and after Choir

The following prayer for choirs (scholæ cantorum), intended to be used at the start and end of each practice or session, was devised and adorned with chant by the monks of Solesmes, and indulgenced by Pope St Pius X:

Aña. Repleátur * os meum laude tua, ut possim cantáre; gaudébunt lábia mea dum cantávero tibi. T. P. Allelúja. (Ps. 70, 7 & 23)

V. Laudábo Dóminum in vita mea.

R. Psallam Deo meo quámdiu ero. (Ps. 145, 2)

Orémus.

Oratio (cf. Os. 14, 3; Heb. 13, 15; 11, 13)

Súscipe, quǽsumus, Dómine, sacrifícium labiórum nostrórum: † et, intercedéntibus sanctis tuis Gregório atque Cæcília, tua nobis pietáte concéde; ut, quam offérimus laudem peregrinántes in terris, * hanc tibi perpétuo concínere mereámur in cælis. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. R. Amen.

******

The antiphon is derived from the Introit (shorn of its alleluias), and the versicle extracted from the Offertory, of the Mass of the Whitsuntide Ember Friday.

A Prayer of the Church under Grievous Persecutions

Oratio Ecclesiæ sub gravibus persecutionibus.

Aña. Memor esto congregatiónis tuæ, Dómine, quam possedísti ab inítio. Ps. 73, 2

Psalmus 73

Ut quid, Deus, repulísti in finem: * irátus est furor tuus super oves páscuæ tuæ?

Memor esto congregatiónis tuæ, * quam possedísti ab inítio.

Redemísti virgam hereditátis tuæ: * mons Sion, in quo habitásti in eo.

Leva manus tuas in supérbias eórum in finem: * quanta malignátus est inimícus in sancto!

Et gloriáti sunt qui odérunt te: * in médio solemnitátis tuæ.

Posuérunt signa sua, signa: * et non cognovérunt sicut in éxitu super summum.

Quasi in silva lignórum secúribus excidérunt jánuas ejus in idípsum: * in secúri et áscia dejecérunt eam.

Incendérunt igni Sanctuárium tuum: * in terra polluérunt tabernáculum nóminis tui.

Dixérunt in corde suo cognátio eórum simul: * Quiéscere faciámus omnes dies festos Dei a terra.

Signa nostra non vídimus, jam non est prophéta: * et nos non cognóscet ámplius.

Úsquequo, Deus, improperábit inimícus: * irrítat adversárius nomen tuum in finem?

Ut quid avértis manum tuam, et déxteram tuam, * de médio sinu tuo in finem?

Deus autem Rex noster ante sǽcula: * operátus est salútem in médio terræ.

Tu confirmásti in virtúte tua mare: * contribulásti cápita dracónum in aquis.

Tu confregísti cápita dracónis: * dedísti eum escam pópulis Æthíopum.

Tu dirupísti fontes, et torréntes: * tu siccásti flúvios Ethan.

Tuus est dies, et tua est nox: * tu fabricátus es auróram et solem.

Tu fecísti omnes términos terræ: * æstátem et ver tu plasmásti ea.

Memor esto hujus, inimícus improperávit Dómino: * et pópulus insípiens incitávit nomen tuum.

Ne tradas béstiis ánimas confiténtes tibi, * et ánimas páuperum tuórum ne obliviscáris in finem.

Réspice in testaméntum tuum: * quia repléti sunt, qui obscuráti sunt terræ dómibus iniquitátum.

Ne avertátur húmilis factus confúsus: * pauper et inops laudábunt nomen tuum.

Exsúrge, Deus, júdica causam tuam: * memor esto improperiórum tuórum, eórum quæ ab insipiénte sunt tota die.

Ne obliviscáris voces inimicórum tuórum: * supérbia eórum, qui te odérunt, ascéndit semper.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Aña. Memor esto congregatiónis tuæ, Dómine, quam possedísti ab inítio. Ps. 73, 2

Preces

Kýrie, eléison. R. Christe, eléison. Kýrie, eléison.

Pater noster, 

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

V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

R. Sed líbera nos a malo. Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3

V. Salvos fac servos tuos.

R. Deus meus, sperántes in te. Cf. Ps. 85, 2

V. Esto nobis, Dómine, turris fortitúdinis.

R. A fácie inimíci. Cf. Ps. 60, 4

V. Nihil profíciat inimícus in nobis.

R. Et fílius iniquitátis non appónat nocére nobis. Cf. Ps. 88, 23

V. Dómine, non secúndum peccáta nostra fácias nobis.

R. Neque secúndum iniquitátes nostras retríbuas nobis. Cf. Ps. 102, 10

V. Mitte nobis, Dómine, auxílium de sancto.

R. Et de Sion tuére nos. Cf. Ps. 19, 3

V. Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te véniat. Ps. 101, 2

Orémus.

Oratio contra persecutores Ecclesiæ

Ecclésiæ tuæ, quæsumus, Dómine, preces placátus admítte: ut, destrúctis adversitátibus et erróribus univérsis, secúra tibi sérviat libertáte. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. R. Amen.

V. Exáudiat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.

R. Et custódiat nos semper. Amen.

Votive Matins in Time of War

Whilst Ukraine and her heroic people and armed forces continue to give the Russian bear a bloody nose, cease not to pray for the victory and deliverance of Ukraine – and to this end, I have drawn up the following Votive Matins in Time of War:

Ad Matutinum Votivum in Tempore Belli

(Totum secreto) Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris: et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem: sed líbera nos a malo. Amen. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

(Totum secreto) Ave María, grátia plena; Dóminus tecum: benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui Jesus. (Cf. Luc. 1, 28. 42) Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatóribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.

(Totum secreto) Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipoténtem, Creatórem cæli et terræ. Et in Jesum Christum, Fílium ejus únicum, Dóminum nostrum: qui concéptus est de Spíritu Sancto, natus ex María Vírgine, passus sub Póntio Piláto, crucifíxus, mórtuus, et sepúltus: descéndit ad ínferos; tértia die resurréxit a mórtuis; ascéndit ad cælos; sedet ad déxteram Dei Patris omnipoténtis: inde ventúrus est judicáre vivos et mórtuos. Credo in Spíritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclésiam cathólicam, Sanctórum communiónem, remissiónem peccatórum, carnis resurrectiónem, vitam ætérnam. Amen.

V. Dómine, lábia mea apéries.

R. Et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam. (Ps. 50, 17)

V. Deus, in adjutórium meum inténde.

R. Dómine, ad adjuvándum me festína. (Ps. 69, 2)

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Allelúja. (T. Sept. Laus tibi, Domine, Rex æternæ gloriæ.)

Invitatorium.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja. (Cf. Pss. 23, 8; 94, 6)

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

Psalmus 94.

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro: præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos, quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam: quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

* Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus: veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum: plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus, Deus noster; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto: ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

* Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi; Semper hi errant corde, ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas: quibus jurávi in ira mea; Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

* Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

Hymn.

O salutaris Hostia,

Quæ cæli pandis ostium,

Bella premunt hostilia;

Da robur, fer auxilium.

Uni trinoque Domino

Sit sempiterna gloria:

Qui vitam sine termino,

Nobis donet in patria. Amen.

(Dominica, Feria II et Feria V.)

In I Nocturno. [13 + 10 + 11 = 34 vv.]

Aña. 1. Dissipa gentes quæ bella volunt. (Ps. 67, 31)

T. P. Aña. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja.

Psalmus 2. [13 vv.]

Quare fremuérunt gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Et nunc, reges, intellégite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.

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

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

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

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Aña. Dissipa gentes quæ bella volunt.

Aña. 2. Exáudiat te Dóminus in die tribulatiónis. † (Ps. 19, 2)

Psalmus 19. [10 vv.]

Exáudiat te Dóminus in die tribulatiónis: † * prótegat te nomen Dei Jacob.

Mittat tibi auxílium de sancto: * et de Sion tueátur te.

Memor sit omnis sacrifícii tui: * et holocáustum tuum pingue fiat.

Tríbuat tibi secúndum cor tuum: * et omne consílium tuum confírmet.

Lætábimur in salutári tuo: * et in nómine Dei nostri magnificábimur.

Ímpleat Dóminus omnes petitiónes tuas: * nunc cognóvi quóniam salvum fecit Dóminus Christum suum.

Exáudiet illum de cælo sancto suo: * in potentátibus salus déxteræ ejus.

Hi in cúrribus, et hi in equis: * nos autem in nómine Dómini Dei nostri invocábimus.

Ipsi obligáti sunt, et cecidérunt: * nos autem surréximus et erécti sumus.

Dómine, salvum fac regem: * et exáudi nos in die, qua invocavérimus te.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Aña. Exáudiat te Dóminus in die tribulatiónis.

Aña. 3. Adjuvábit eam Deus vultu suo: Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur. (Cf. Ps. 45, 6)

Psalmus 45. [11 vv.]

Deus noster refúgium, et virtus: * adjútor in tribulatiónibus, quæ invenérunt nos nimis.

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

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

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

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

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

Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

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

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

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

Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Aña. Adjuvábit eam Deus vultu suo: Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur.

T. P. Aña. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja.

V. Si consistant adversum me castra, non timebit cor meum. T. P. Alleluja.

R. Si exsurgat adversum me prælium, in hoc ego sperabo. T. P. Alleluja. (Ps. 26, 3)

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

V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

R. Sed líbera nos a malo. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 1. Dominus bella adversariorum nostrorum atterat, et acies eorum igne cælesti consumat. R. Amen. (Brev. Goth., In Primo Dominico post Octavam Epiphaniæ Domini, Ad Vesperos, Bened., alt.)

Lectio 1. (Exod. 17, 8-13)

De libro Exodi.

Venit autem Amalec, et pugnabat contra Israël in Raphidim. Dixitque Moyses ad Josue: Elige viros: et egressus, pugna contra Amalec: cras ego stabo in vertice collis, habens virgam Dei in manu mea. Fecit Josue ut locutus erat Moyses, et pugnavit contra Amalec: Moyses autem et Aaron et Hur ascenderunt super verticem collis. Cumque levaret Moyses manus, vincebat Israël: sin autem paululum remisisset, superabat Amalec. Manus autem Moysi erant graves: sumentes igitur lapidem, posuerunt subter eum, in quo sedit: Aaron autem et Hur sustentabant manus ejus ex utraque parte. Et factum est ut manus illius non lassarentur usque ad occasum solis. Fugavitque Josue Amalec, et populum ejus in ore gladii. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 1. (Exod. 15, 1. 2. 3)

R. Cantémus Dómino: glorióse enim honorificátus est, equum et ascensórem projécit in mare: * Adjútor et protéctor factus est mihi Dóminus in salútem. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Dóminus quasi vir pugnátor, Omnípotens nomen ejus. * Adjútor et protéctor factus est mihi Dóminus in salútem. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 2. Dóminus ab omni bellórum nequítia nos éruat, et in suæ protectiónis securitáte constítuat. R. Amen. (Secreta, Missa in Tempore Belli, alt.)

Lectio 2. (Deut. 20, 1-4)

De libro Deuteronomii.

Si exieris ad bellum contra hostes tuos, et videris equitatus et currus, et majorem quam tu habeas adversarii exercitus multitudinem, non timebis eos: quia Dominus Deus tuus tecum est, qui eduxit te de terra Ægypti. Appropinquante autem jam prælio, stabit sacerdos ante aciem, et sic loquetur ad populum: Audi, Israël: vos hodie contra inimicos vestros pugnam committitis: non pertimescat cor vestrum, nolite metuere, nolite cedere, nec formidetis eos: quia Dominus Deus vester in medio vestri est, et pro vobis contra adversarios dimicabit, ut eruat vos de periculo. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 2. (Exod. 23, 20. 21. 22; Ps. 80, 9-11)

R. Ecce mitto Angelum meum, qui præcédat te, et custódiat semper: * Obsérva et audi vocem meam, et inimícus ero inimícis tuis, et affligéntes te afflígam: et præcédet te Angelus meus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Israël, si me audíeris, non erit in te deus recens, neque adorábis deum aliénum: ego enim Dóminus. * Obsérva et audi vocem meam, et inimícus ero inimícis tuis, et affligéntes te afflígam: et præcédet te Angelus meus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 3. Dominus omnipotens conterat bella, et donet pacem in universa terra. R. Amen. (Miss. Amb., Offertorium, Missa pro pace, alt.)

Lectio 3. (1 Reg. 17, 45-47)

De libro primo Regum.

Dixit autem David ad Philisthæum: Tu venis ad me cum gladio, et hasta, et clypeo: ego autem venio ad te in nomine Domini exercituum, Dei agminum Israël, quibus exprobrasti hodie, et dabit te Dominus in manu mea, et percutiam te, et auferam caput tuum a te: et dabo cadavera castrorum Philisthiim hodie volatilibus cæli, et bestiis terræ: ut sciat omnis terra quia est Deus in Israël: et noverit universa ecclesia hæc, quia non in gladio, nec in hasta salvat Dominus: ipsius enim est bellum, et tradet vos in manus nostras. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 3. (1 Reg. 18, 7; 29, 5; 17, 26; Luc. 1, 66)

R. Percússit Saul mille, et David decem míllia: * Quia manus Dómini erat cum illo: percússit Philisthǽum, et ábstulit oppróbrium ex Israël. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Nonne iste est David, de quo canébant in choro, dicéntes: Saul percússit mille, et David decem míllia? * Quia manus Dómini erat cum illo: percússit Philisthǽum, et ábstulit oppróbrium ex Israël. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. * Quia manus Dómini erat cum illo: percússit Philisthǽum, et ábstulit oppróbrium ex Israël. T. P. Alleluja.

(Feria III et Feria VI.)

In II Nocturno. [13 + 12 + 14 = 39 vv.]

Aña. 4. Da nobis, Dómine, auxílium de tribulatióne. (Cf. Ps. 59, 13)

T. P. Aña. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja.

Psalmus 59. [13 vv.]

Deus, repulísti nos, et destruxísti nos: * irátus es, et misértus es nobis.

Commovísti terram, et conturbásti eam: * sana contritiónes ejus, quia commóta est.

Ostendísti pópulo tuo dura: * potásti nos vino compunctiónis.

Dedísti metuéntibus te significatiónem: * ut fúgiant a fácie arcus:

Ut liberéntur dilécti tui: * salvum fac déxtera tua, et exáudi me.

Deus locútus est in sancto suo: * lætábor, et partíbor Síchimam: et convállem tabernaculórum metíbor.

Meus est Gálaad, et meus est Manásses: * et Éphraim fortitúdo cápitis mei.

Juda rex meus: * Moab olla spei meæ.

In Idumǽam exténdam calceaméntum meum: * mihi alienígenæ súbditi sunt.

Quis dedúcet me in civitátem munítam? * quis dedúcet me usque in Idumǽam?

Nonne tu, Deus, qui repulísti nos? * et non egrediéris, Deus, in virtútibus nostris?

Da nobis auxílium de tribulatióne: * quia vana salus hóminis.

In Deo faciémus virtútem: * et ipse ad níhilum dedúcet tribulántes nos.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Aña. Da nobis, Dómine, auxílium de tribulatióne.

Aña. 5. Per signum Crucis de inimícis nostris líbera nos, Deus noster. (Aña. 5. ad Laudes S. Crucis)

Psalmus 75. [12 vv.]

Notus in Judǽa Deus: * in Israël magnum nomen ejus.

Et factus est in pace locus ejus: * et habitátio ejus in Sion.

Ibi confrégit poténtias árcuum, * scutum, gládium, et bellum.

Illúminans tu mirabíliter a móntibus ætérnis: * turbáti sunt omnes insipiéntes corde.

Dormiérunt somnum suum: * et nihil invenérunt omnes viri divitiárum in mánibus suis.

Ab increpatióne tua, Deus Jacob, * dormitavérunt qui ascendérunt equos.

Tu terríbilis es, et quis resístet tibi? * ex tunc ira tua.

De cælo audítum fecísti judícium: * terra trémuit et quiévit,

Cum exsúrgeret in judícium Deus, * ut salvos fáceret omnes mansuétos terræ.

Quóniam cogitátio hóminis confitébitur tibi: * et relíquiæ cogitatiónis diem festum agent tibi.

Vovéte, et réddite Dómino, Deo vestro: * omnes, qui in circúitu ejus affértis múnera.

Terríbili et ei qui aufert spíritum príncipum, * terríbili apud reges terræ.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Aña. Per signum Crucis de inimícis nostris líbera nos, Deus noster.

Aña. 6. Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris, quia non est alius qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu, Deus noster.

Psalmus 107. [14 vv.]

Parátum cor meum, Deus, parátum cor meum: * cantábo, et psallam in glória mea.

Exsúrge, glória mea, exsúrge, psaltérium et cíthara: * exsúrgam dilúculo.

Confitébor tibi in pópulis, Dómine: * et psallam tibi in natiónibus.

Quia magna est super cælos misericórdia tua: * et usque ad nubes véritas tua:

Exaltáre super cælos, Deus, et super omnem terram glória tua: * ut liberéntur dilécti tui.

Salvum fac déxtera tua, et exáudi me: * Deus locútus est in sancto suo:

Exsultábo, et dívidam Síchimam, * et convállem tabernaculórum dimétiar.

Meus est Gálaad, et meus est Manásses: * et Éphraim suscéptio cápitis mei.

Juda rex meus: * Moab lebes spei meæ.

In Idumǽam exténdam calceaméntum meum: * mihi alienígenæ amíci facti sunt.

Quis dedúcet me in civitátem munítam? * quis dedúcet me usque in Idumǽam?

Nonne tu, Deus, qui repulísti nos, * et non exíbis, Deus, in virtútibus nostris?

Da nobis auxílium de tribulatióne: * quia vana salus hóminis.

In Deo faciémus virtútem: * et ipse ad níhilum dedúcet inimícos nostros.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Aña. Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris, quia non est alius qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu, Deus noster.

T. P. Aña. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja.

V. Benedictus Dominus Deus meus, qui docet manus meas ad prælium. T. P. Alleluja.

R. Et digitos meos ad bellum. T. P. Alleluja. (Ps. 143, 1)

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

V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

R. Sed líbera nos a malo. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 4. Dominus, per vexillum sanctæ Crucis, conterat insidias adversæ potestatis. R. Amen. (Secreta in Invent. S. Crucis, alt.)

Lectio 4. (2 Par. 14, 10. 11.)

De libro secundo Paralipomenon.

Asa instruxit aciem ad bellum: et invocavit Dominum Deum, et ait: Domine, non est apud te ulla distantia, utrum in paucis auxilieris, an in pluribus. Adjuva nos, Domine Deus noster: in te enim, et in tuo nomine habentes fiduciam venimus contra hanc multitudinem. Domine, Deus noster tu es: non prævaleat contra te homo. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 4. (Ps. 26, 3; Ps. 70, 6. 5. 7)

R. Si consistant adversum me castra, non timebit cor meum: * Si exsurgat adversum me prælium, in hoc ego sperabo. T. P. Alleluja.

V. In te cantatio mea semper, quoniam tu adjutor fortis. * Si exsurgat adversum me prælium, in hoc ego sperabo. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 5. Prótegat Dóminus plebem ejus, per signum sanctæ Crucis, ab inimicórum ómnium ómnibus insídiis. R. Amen. (Offertorium in Exalt. Sanctæ Crucis, alt.)

Lectio 5. (Judith 9, 1. 6-11)

De libro Judith.

Judith clamabat ad Dominum, dicens: Respice castra Assyriorum nunc, sicut tunc castra Ægyptiorum videre dignatus es, quando post servos tuos armati currebant, confidentes in quadrigis, et in equitatu suo, et in multitudine bellatorum. Sed aspexisti super castra eorum, et tenebræ fatigaverunt eos. Tenuit pedes eorum abyssus, et aquæ operuerunt eos. Sic fiant et isti, Domine, qui confidunt in multitudine sua, et in curribus suis, et in contis, et in scutis, et in sagittis suis, et in lanceis gloriantur, et nesciunt quia tu ipse es Deus noster, qui conteris bella ab initio, et Dominus nomen est tibi. Erige brachium tuum sicut ab initio, et allide virtutem illorum in virtute tua: cadat virtus eorum in iracundia tua, qui promittunt se violare sancta tua, et polluere tabernaculum nominis tui, et dejicere gladio suo cornu altaris tui. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 5. (Cf. Judith 9, 10. 11)

R. Dómine Deus, qui cónteris bella ab inítio, éleva brácchium tuum super gentes, quæ cógitant servis tuis mala: * Et déxtera tua glorificétur in nobis. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Allíde virtútem eórum in virtúte tua; cadat robur eórum in iracúndia tua. * Et déxtera tua glorificétur in nobis. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 6. Qui pependit in ligno, liberet nos ab hoste maligno. R. Amen. (Brev. Amb., Hebd. I & II, Feria VI, Bened. III)

Lectio 6. (2 Mach. 15, 21-24)

De libro secundo Machabæórum.

Considerans Machabæus adventum multitudinis, et apparatum variam armorum, et ferocitatem bestiarum, extendens manus in cælum, prodigia facientem Dominum invocavit, qui non secundum armorum potentiam, sed prout ipsi placet, dat dignis victoriam. Dixit autem invocans hoc modo: Tu Domine, qui misisti angelum tuum sub Ezechia rege Juda, et interfecisti de castris Sennacherib centum octoginta quinque millia: et nunc, dominator cælorum, mitte angelum tuum bonum ante nos in timore et tremore magnitudinis brachii tui, ut metuant qui cum blasphemia veniunt adversus sanctum populum tuum. Et hic quidem ita peroravit. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 6. (V. Cf. 2 Mach. 1, 28)

R. Aperi óculos tuos, Dómine, et vide afflictiónem nostram: circumdedérunt nos gentes ad puniéndum nos: * Sed tu, Dómine, exténde brácchium tuum, et líbera ánimas nostras. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Afflíge oppriméntes nos et contuméliam faciéntes in supérbiam; et custódi partem tuam. * Sed tu, Dómine, exténde brácchium tuum, et líbera ánimas nostras. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. * Sed tu, Dómine, exténde brácchium tuum, et líbera ánimas nostras. T. P. Alleluja.

(Feria IV et Sabbato.)

In III Nocturno. [22 + 7 + 16 = 45 vv.]

Aña. 7. Ecce Crucem Dómini, fúgite, partes advérsæ, vicit leo de tribu Juda, radix David, (T. Sept. om.) allelúja. (Aña. 3. ad Laudes S. Crucis)

Canticum Moysi. (Exod. 15, 1-19) [22 vv.]

Cantémus Dómino: glorióse enim magnificátus est, * equum et ascensórem dejécit in mare.

Fortitúdo mea, et laus mea Dóminus, * et factus est mihi in salútem.

Iste Deus meus, et glorificábo eum: * Deus patris mei, et exaltábo eum.

Dóminus quasi vir pugnátor, Omnípotens nomen ejus. * Currus Pharaónis et exércitum ejus projécit in mare.

Elécti príncipes ejus submérsi sunt in Mari Rubro: * abýssi operuérunt eos, descendérunt in profúndum quasi lapis.

Déxtera tua, Dómine, magnificáta est in fortitúdine: déxtera tua, Dómine, percússit inimícum. * Et in multitúdine glóriæ tuæ deposuísti adversários tuos:

Misísti iram tuam, quæ devorávit eos sicut stípulam. * Et in spíritu furóris tui congregátæ sunt aquæ:

Stetit unda fluens, * congregátæ sunt abýssi in médio mari.

Dixit inimícus: Pérsequar et comprehéndam, * dívidam spólia, implébitur ánima mea:

Evaginábo gládium meum, * interfíciet eos manus mea.

Flavit spíritus tuus, et opéruit eos mare: * submérsi sunt quasi plumbum in aquis veheméntibus.

Quis símilis tui in fórtibus, Dómine? * quis símilis tui, magníficus in sanctitáte, terríbilis atque laudábilis, fáciens mirabília?

Extendísti manum tuam, et devorávit eos terra. * Dux fuísti in misericórdia tua pópulo quem redemísti:

Et portásti eum in fortitúdine tua, * ad habitáculum sanctum tuum.

Ascendérunt pópuli, et iráti sunt: * dolóres obtinuérunt habitatóres Philísthiim.

Tunc conturbáti sunt príncipes Edom, robústos Moab obtínuit tremor: * obriguérunt omnes habitatóres Chánaan.

Írruat super eos formído et pavor, * in magnitúdine brácchii tui:

Fiant immóbiles quasi lapis, donec pertránseat pópulus tuus, Dómine, * donec pertránseat pópulus tuus iste, quem possedísti.

Introdúces eos, et plantábis in monte hereditátis tuæ, * firmíssimo habitáculo tuo quod operátus es, Dómine:

Sanctuárium tuum, Dómine, quod firmavérunt manus tuæ. * Dóminus regnábit in ætérnum et ultra.

Ingréssus est enim eques Phárao cum cúrribus et equítibus ejus in mare: * et redúxit super eos Dóminus aquas maris:

Fílii autem Israël ambulavérunt per siccum * in médio ejus.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Canticum David. (1 Par. 29, 10-13) [7 vv.]

Benedíctus es, Dómine, Deus Israël patris nostri, * ab ætérno in ætérnum.

Tua est, Dómine, magnificéntia, et poténtia, * et glória, atque victória:

Et tibi laus: * cuncta enim quæ in cælo sunt, et in terra, tua sunt:

Tuum, Dómine, regnum, * et tu es super omnes príncipes.

Tuæ divítiæ, et tua est glória: * tu domináris ómnium,

In manu tua virtus et poténtia: * in manu tua magnitúdo, et impérium ómnium.

Nunc ígitur, Deus noster, confitémur tibi, * et laudámus nomen tuum ínclitum.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Canticum Ecclesiastici. (Eccli. 36, 1-16) [16 vv.]

Miserére nostri, Deus ómnium, et réspice nos, * et osténde nobis lucem miseratiónum tuárum:

Et immítte timórem tuum super gentes, * quæ non exquisiérunt te,

Ut cognóscant quia non est Deus nisi tu, * et enárrent magnália tua.

Álleva manum tuam super gentes aliénas, * ut vídeant poténtiam tuam.

Sicut enim in conspéctu eórum sanctificátus es in nobis, * sic in conspéctu nostro magnificáberis in eis,

Ut cognóscant te, sicut et nos cognóvimus, * quóniam non est Deus præter te, Dómine.

Ínnova signa, et immúta mirabília. * Glorífica manum, et brácchium dextrum.

Éxcita furórem, et effúnde iram. * Tolle adversárium, et afflíge inimícum.

Festína tempus, et meménto finis, * ut enárrent mirabília tua.

In ira flammæ devorétur qui salvátur: * et qui péssimant plebem tuam, invéniant perditiónem.

Cóntere caput príncipum inimicórum, * dicéntium: Non est álius præter nos.

Cóngrega omnes tribus Jacob: ut cognóscant quia non est Deus nisi tu, * et enárrent magnália tua:

Et hereditábis eos, * sicut ab inítio.

Miserére plebi tuæ, super quam invocátum est nomen tuum: * et Israël, quem coæquásti primogénito tuo.

Miserére civitáti sanctificatiónis tuæ Jerúsalem, * civitáti requiéi tuæ.

Reple Sion inenarrabílibus verbis tuis, * et glória tua pópulum tuum.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

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

Aña. Ecce Crucem Dómini, fúgite, partes advérsæ, vicit leo de tribu Juda, radix David, (T. Sept. om.) allelúja.

V. Dominus conterens bella. T. P. Alleluja.

R. Dominus nomen est illi. T. P. Alleluja. (Judith 16, 3)

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

V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

R. Sed líbera nos a malo. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 7. Dóminus nos éruat a delíctis: et ab inimicórum deféndat insídiis. R. Amen. (Postcommunio pro inimicis, alt.)

Lectio 7. (1 Mach. 3, 18-22)

De libro primo Machabæórum.

Ait Judas: Facile est concludi multos in manus paucorum: et non est differentia in conspectu Dei cæli liberare in multis, et in paucis: quoniam non in multitudine exercitus victoria belli, sed de cælo fortitudo est. Ipsi veniunt ad nos in multitudine contumaci, et superbia, ut disperdant nos, et uxores nostras, et filios nostros, et ut spolient nos: nos vero pugnabimus pro animabus nostris, et legibus nostris: et ipse Dominus conteret eos ante faciem nostram: vos autem ne timueritis eos. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 7. (V. Ps. 58, 12)

R. Congregáti sunt inimíci nostri, et gloriántur in virtúte sua: cóntere fortitúdinem illórum, Dómine, et dispérge illos: * Ut cognóscant quia non est álius qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu, Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Dispérge illos in virtúte tua, et déstrue eos, protéctor noster, Dómine. * Ut cognóscant quia non est álius qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu, Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 8. Per Vírginem Matrem concédat nobis Dóminus victóriam et pacem. R. Amen. (Mat. B.M.V., Bened., alt.)

Lectio 8. (1 Mach. 3, 58-60)

Ait Judas: Accingimini, et estote filii potentes, et estote parati in mane, ut pugnetis adversus nationes has quæ convenerunt adversus nos disperdere nos, et sancta nostra: quoniam melius est nos mori in bello, quam videre mala gentis nostræ, et sanctorum. Sicut autem fuerit voluntas in cælo, sic fiat. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 8. (Cf. 2 Par. 20, 12; V. 1 Mach. 3, 52. 53)

R. Congregátæ sunt gentes in multitúdine, ut dímicent contra nos, et ignorámus quid ágere debeámus: * Dómine Deus, ad te sunt óculi nostri, ne pereámus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Tu scis quæ cógitant in nos: quómodo potérimus subsístere ante fáciem illórum, nisi tu ádjuves nos? * Dómine Deus, ad te sunt óculi nostri, ne pereámus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 9. Ab hoste malígno eripiat nos Dei Génetrix Virgo. R. Amen. (Brev. S.O.P. in festis B.M.V., Bened.)

Lectio 9. (1 Mach. 4, 8-11)

Ait Judas viris, qui secum erant: Ne timueritis multitudinem eorum, et impetum eorum ne formidetis. Mementote qualiter salvi facti sunt patres nostri in mari Rubro, cum sequeretur eos Pharao cum exercitu multo. Et nunc clamemus in cælum: et miserebitur nostri Dominus, et memor erit testamenti patrum nostrorum, et conteret exercitum istum ante faciem nostram hodie: et scient omnes gentes quia est qui redimat et liberet Israël. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 9. (1 Mach. 4, 8. 9. 10)

R. Impetum inimicórum ne timuéritis: mémores estóte, quómodo salvi facti sunt patres nostri: * Et nunc clamémus in cælum et miserébitur nostri Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Mementóte mirabílium ejus, quæ fecit pharaóni et exercítui ejus in Mari Rubro. * Et nunc clamémus in cælum et miserébitur nostri Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. * Et nunc clamémus in cælum et miserébitur nostri Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te véniat. (Ps. 101, 2)

Oremus.

Oratio.

Deus, qui cónteris bella, et impugnatóres in te sperántium poténtia tuæ defensiónis expúgnas: auxiliáre fámulis tuis, implorántibus misericórdiam tuam; ut, inimicórum suórum feritáte depréssa, incessábili te gratiárum actióne laudémus. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. R. Amen.

V. Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te véniat. (Ps. 101, 2)

V. Benedicámus Dómino.

R. Deo grátias.

V. Fidélium ánimæ per misericórdiam Dei requiéscant in pace.

R. Amen.

(Totum secreto) Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris: et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem: sed líbera nos a malo. Amen. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

Canon of Supplication to the All-Holy Theotokos

I have been praying, each day, for the deliverance of Ukraine from the wicked war waged against her, a Canon of Supplication to the All-holy Theotokos (available online as part of the Rite Chanted in Time of Attack by Aliens, after the propers used at the Divine Liturgy and before eight very long and rather vaguely-worded prayers); the translator notes that it comes from The Great Euchologion or Trebnik published in Kyiv in 1902, so it seems most appropriate to pray it for that much-suffering city and its undaunted defenders, not to mention martyred Mariupol, so many other Ukrainian cities, and so many other Ukrainian soldiers still bravely holding fast against the immoral and barbarous attacks of the Russian hordes. (Instructions for praying such a Canon when alone are also helpfully supplied online.)

Herewith, a few errata:

Ode 1, Troparion 1. “powerful and battle” should be “powerful in battle”, replacing “and” with “in”;

Ode 3, Troparion 3. “breath” should be “breathe”;

Ode 8, Troparion 4. “also known called” should be “also called”, omitting “known”.

(I would also change a few American spellings to British spellings.)

As the Canon does not have a sedalion (also known as a sedalen, kathisma troparion, or sessional hymn), nor a kontakion, I have selected and added the following highly appropriate texts –

After Ode 3 (the sedalion is said after the threefold Kyrie; its theotokion, after the minor doxology):

Sedalion. (Sessional Hymn after 1st or 2nd Kathisma, Wednesday Matins, Tone 4.)

Come quickly to our aid, O Christ our God, before we are enslaved by the enemies that blaspheme Thee and threaten us: by Thy Cross, destroy those who war against us, that they may know the might of the Orthodox faith, at the prayers of the Theotokos, O only Lover of mankind.

Theotokion. (Troparion 5, Ode VII, Saturday of the Akathist, Canon of the Theotokos, Tone 4.)

We thy servants pray to thee, and bend the knee of our heart. Incline thine ear and save us, O Theotokos, for we are drowning in affliction; and preserve thy city from all conquest by the enemy.

After Ode 6 (after the minor doxology following the threefold Kyrie), I could not forbear from including this most famous chant, the proemium of the Akathist, which portrays the ancient city of Constantinople addressing its thanks for victory over barbarian hordes, and its continued prayers for deliverance, to the All-Holy Mother of God, her ‘super-fighter’ commander (Τῇ ὑπερμάχῳ στρατηγῷ):

Kontakion. (Kontakion I of the Akathist to the Theotokos, Tone 8.)

To thee, my leader and defender, O Theotokos, I, thy city, delivered from calamity, offer hymns of victory and thanksgiving. Since thou art invincible in power, set me free from every peril, that I may cry to thee: Hail, Bride without bridegroom.

Similarly, since the Canon is not followed by a suitable prayer addressed to the Most Holy Mother of God, instead I repeat these fervent words of the Ukrainian Eparch of Australia, Mykola Bychok, which he issued on the 25th of January (changing "You" and "Your" into "thee" and "thy", to match the rest of the prayers):

Mother of God of Perpetual Help! Today we, as thy children, bow our heads before thee and ask for peace for the Ukrainian land; protect us from visible and invisible enemies who want to harm us. For we have no other help, we have no other hope but thee, Immaculate Virgin. Help us; we hope in thee and we praise thee, because we are thy servants, so that we will not be ashamed, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord!

Of your charity, pray for Ukraine; I have drawn up the following litany from the special petitions being used at the Divine Liturgy by priests of the Ukrainian Catholic Church here in Australia, as exemplified by the services for Cheesefare [see the video recording from 6:19 to 7:05] and Meatfare [see 40:40 to 42:10] Sundays at St Andrew's, Lidcombe, NSW:

A Litany for Ukraine in Time of Invasion

1. That the Lord God grant peace and glory to Ukraine, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

2. That the Lord God grant Ukraine deliverance from the enemy invasion and from all evil attacks, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

3. That the Lord God turn all the sorrows and groans of the people of Ukraine into joy and gladness, and their troubles into lasting peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

4. That the Lord God make the people of Ukraine invincible against all hostile attacks, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

5. That the Lord God destroy the shields, weapons and strength of all the forces of the enemy and throw them under the feet of the Christ-loving army of Ukraine, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

6. That the Lord God send Ukraine deliverance from invasion of foreigners, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

7. That the Lord God grant salvation and victory to all the soldiers of Ukraine, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

8. That the Lord God grant lasting peace to the people, church and country of Ukraine, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Victory in Spite of All Terror

I have often wondered however what would have happened if two hundred thousand German storm troops had actually established themselves ashore. The massacre would have been on both sides grim and great. There would have been neither mercy nor quarter. They would have used Terror, and we were prepared to go all lengths. I intended to use the slogan “You can always take one with you.” 

— Sir Winston Churchill, Their Finest Hour (London: Cassell, 1949, 246)

This is what Ukraine is facing today.

YOU CAN ALWAYS TAKE ONE WITH YOU.

God grant them victory:

It is an easy matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few: and there is no difference in the sight of the God of heaven to deliver with a great multitude, or with a small company: for the success of war is not in the multitude of the army, but strength cometh from heaven. They come against us with an insolent multitude, and with pride, to destroy us, and our wives, and our children, and to take our spoils. But we will fight for our lives and our laws: and the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: but as for you, fear them not. — 1 Machabees 3, 18-22

God forbid we should do this thing, and flee away from them: but if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our glory. — 1 Machabees 9, 10

To the invaders, death:

Long ago, the great army of Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem; it suffices to allude to the proud lies and evil blasphemies of the Assyrians and their king to see the parallels with today; God grant that matters come to pass as they did then:

And it came to pass that night, that an angel of the Lord came, and slew in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and eighty-five thousand. — 4 (2) Kings 19, 35

And they arose in the morning, and behold they were all dead corpses. — Isaias 37, 36

After this reversal, Sennacherib returned home, and was slain.

GOD GRANT IT.

As Judas Machabeus prayed:

O Lord, who didst send thy angel in the time of Ezechias king of Juda, and didst kill a hundred and eighty-five thousand of the army of Sennacherib: even so destroy this army in our sight today. — 2 Machabees 15, 22; 1 Machabees 7, 42

Domine, qui misisti angelum tuum sub Ezechia rege Juda, et interfecisti de castris Sennacherib centum octoginta quinque millia: sic contere exercitum istum in conspectu nostro hodie.

AMEN.

Prayers in Time of Universal Contagion

Ever since the end of February, I’ve been praying for deliverance from the present pandemic, and have over time developed a sort of litany for daily use, derived from various traditional prayers, as follows (first in Latin, then in English) – note, that in Latin you don’t say “the city of N” but instead “the N* city”, where N* is the adjectival form of N; similarly, Latin prefers to use an adjective (spineam Coronam, “thorny crown”) where the English employs a genitive (“crown of thorns”); and obviously one should replace the name(s) of the place(s) and region(s) prayed for with one’s own place(s) and region(s) of concern:

Preces in tempore universalis contagii. 

Sanctus Deus, Sanctus Fortis, Sanctus Immortalis, miserere nobis: et sicut pepercisti clementer contritæ Urbi Ninivæ, sic et parce Stephanopoli (add. et Melburniæ et Sydneio et Brisbanæ et Perthiæ et Adelaidopoli et Darwin et Camberræ). — Parce nobis, Domine. 

Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, pro avertenda peste, qua nos punis, vota Tasmaniæ (add. et Victoriæ et Novæ Cambriæ Australis et Terræ Reginæ et Australiæ Occidentalis et Australiæ Australis et Territorii Septentrionalis et Territorii Capitalis Australiani) urbisque (vel: urbiumque) Stephanopolitani (add. et Melburnensis et Sydneyensis et Brisbanensis et Perthensis et Adelaidopolitani et Darvinensis et Camberrensis) benigne exaudi. — Exaudi nos, Domine. 

Per spíneam Corónam tuam, — Líbera nos, Dómine. 

A flagéllo pestiléntiæ, — Líbera nos, Dómine. 

A perículo infectiónis, — Líbera nos, Dómine. 

Ab aëris corruptióne, — Líbera nos, Dómine. 

Ut a nobis pestiléntiæ flagéllum avértere dignéris, — Te rogámus, audi nos. 

Ut nos ab homínibus et rebus inféctis custodíre dignéris, — Te rogámus, audi nos. 

Ut auram salúbrem nobis impertíri dignéris, — Te rogámus, audi nos. 

Ut mereámur pestem epidémiæ illǽsi pertransíre, — Te rogámus, audi nos. 

Ut mereámur præservári a peste mortífera, — Te rogámus, audi nos. 

Ut civitátem istam (vel: civitates istas) deféndere, protégere, custodíre, conserváre et benedícere dignéris, — Te rogámus, audi nos. 

Domina nostra, Salus infirmorum, — Ora pro nobis. 

Sancte Sebastiane, — Ora pro nobis. 

Sancte Roche, — Ora pro nobis. 

Sancte Thoma, — Ora pro nobis. 

Sancta Rosalia, — Ora pro nobis. 

V. Dómine, dic Angelo percutienti populum: 

R. Sufficit; nunc contine manum tuam. (Cf. 2 Reg. 24, 16) 

Orémus. 

Oratio. 

Peccatis nostris indignationem tuam meruimus, Domine, ut mortiferæ pestilitatis territi, contagio juste contremiscamus; sed intercessione beatæ semper Virginis Mariæ, sanctorumque tuorum Sebastiani, Rochi Thomæ atque Rosaliæ placatus, mala quibus affligimur clementer averte. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen. 

O adorande Plasmator, — Exaudi nos, et miserere populo tuo. 

O omnipotens Sanator, — Exaudi nos, et miserere populo tuo. 

O optime Consolator, — Exaudi nos, et miserere populo tuo. 

O misericors et miserator et juste Domine Deus noster, — Exaudi nos, et miserere populo tuo. (Cf. Ps. 111, 4)

Prayers in Time of Universal Contagion.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us: and as thou didst clemently spare the contrite city of Nineveh, so also spare Launceston (add. and Melbourne and Sydney and Brisbane and Perth and Adelaide and Darwin and Canberra). — Spare us, O Lord. 

Holy Trinity, one God, for averting the plague, by which thou punishest us, benignly hear the prayer of Tasmania (add. and Victoria and New South Wales and Queensland and Western Australia and South Australia and the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory) and of the city (or: cities) of Launceston (add. and Melbourne and Sydney and Brisbane and Perth and Adelaide and Darwin and Canberra). — Graciously hear us, O Lord.  

By thy Crown of thorns, — Deliver us, O Lord. 

From the scourge of pestilence, — Deliver us, O Lord. 

From peril of infection, — Deliver us, O Lord. 

From corruption of the air, — Deliver us, O Lord. 

That thou wouldst vouchsafe to avert the scourge of pestilence from us, — We pray thee, hear us. 

That thou wouldst vouchsafe to guard us from infected men and objects, — We pray thee, hear us. 

That thou wouldst vouchsafe to impart healthful air unto us, — We pray thee, hear us. 

That we may deserve to pass unharmed through the plague of the epidemic, — We pray thee, hear us. 

That we may deserve to be preserved from deadly plague, — We pray thee, hear us. 

That thou wouldst vouchsafe to defend, protect, guard, preserve and bless this city (or: these cities), — We pray thee, hear us. 

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, — Pray for us. 

Saint Sebastian, — Pray for us. 

Saint Roch, — Pray for us. 

Saint Thomas, — Pray for us. 

Saint Rosalia, — Pray for us. 

V. O Lord, say to the Angel striking the people: 

R. Enough; now hold thy hand. (Cf. 2 Sam. 24:16)

Let us pray. 

Collect.

Our sins have deserved thine indignation, Lord, that, terrified of the deadly pestilence, we may justly tremble at contagion: but, appeased by the intercession of the Blessed ever-Virgin Mary, and of thy Saints Sebastian, Roch, Thomas and Rosalia, clemently avert the evils with which we are afflicted. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. 

O adorable Creator, — Hear us, and have mercy on thy people. 

O almighty Healer, — Hear us, and have mercy on thy people.

O best Consoler, — Hear us, and have mercy on thy people.

O merciful and compassionate and just Lord our God, — Hear us, and have mercy on thy people. (Cf. Ps. 111:4)

Parce Domine parce populo tuo

The following antiphon ought be ever on the lips of the faithful at this dread time, when we cry again and again for mercy, begging the Lord to avert the capital sentence his wrath has appointed on account of our sins:

Aña. Parce, Domine, parce populo tuo: ne in æternum irascaris nobis. (Cf. Joel 2, 17; Ps. 84, 6) 

(Spare, O Lord, spare thy people: lest thou be angry with us for ever.)

This antiphon may be sung with a selection of verses from the Lenten office hymns (the 5th and 6th of the hymn at Matins, the 2nd of the hymn at Lauds, and the 1st and 2nd of the hymn at Vespers), as follows:

Outside of Lent, verse 4 should be omitted; in its place, or even always, another verse (the 3rd from the Lenten Vespers hymn) could be profitably added:

And the following responsories are also highly appropriate:

R. Media vita in morte sumus: quem quærimus adjutorem, nisi te, Domine? qui pro peccatis nostris juste irasceris: * Sancte Deus, Sancte fortis, Sancte misericors Salvator, amaræ morti ne tradas nos.
V. 1. Ps. 21, 5 In te speraverunt patres nostri; speraverunt, et liberasti eos. * Sancte Deus, Sancte fortis, Sancte misericors Salvator, amaræ morti ne tradas nos.
V. 2. Cf. Ps. 21, 5-6 Ad te clamaverunt patres nostri; clamaverunt, et non sunt confusi. * Sancte Deus, Sancte fortis, Sancte misericors Salvator, amaræ morti ne tradas nos.
V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. * Sancte Deus, Sancte fortis, Sancte misericors Salvator, amaræ morti ne tradas nos. 

(R. In the midst of life we are in death: whom should we seek as a helper, unless thou, O Lord? who for our sins art justly angered: * Holy God, Holy strong, Holy merciful Saviour, give us not over unto bitter death.
V. 1. In thee our fathers hoped; they hoped, and thou didst deliver them. * Holy God, Holy strong, Holy merciful Saviour, give us not over unto bitter death.
V. 2. To thee our fathers cried; they cried, and were not confounded. * Holy God, Holy strong, Holy merciful Saviour, give us not over unto bitter death.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. * Holy God, Holy strong, Holy merciful Saviour, give us not over unto bitter death.) 

******

(Cf. Judith 9, 18; 2 Reg. 24, 16; 1 Par. 21, 15; Ez. 12, 19; Gen. 8, 21; Ex. 9, 16; Dan. 9, 16)
R. Recordáre, Dómine, testaménti tui, et dic Angelo percutiénti: Cesset jam manus tua, * Ut non desolétur terra, et ne perdas omnem ánimam vivam.
V. Quiéscat, Dómine, ira tua a pópulo tuo, et a civitáte sancta tua. * Ut non desolétur terra, et ne perdas omnem ánimam vivam.
V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. * Ut non desolétur terra, et ne perdas omnem ánimam vivam. 

(R. Remember, O Lord, thy covenant, and say to the destroying Angel: Cease now thy hand, * That the earth be not left desolate, and lest thou slay every living soul.
V. Quiet, O Lord, thine anger against thy people, and against thy holy city. * That the earth be not left desolate, and lest thou slay every living soul.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. * That the earth be not left desolate, and lest thou slay every living soul.)

Psalms in Times of Pestilence

An Anthem for these times of grievous sickness and great mortality, 
from Psalm 39, verses 5-8, 13 and 15 (Prayer Book Version – see below).

Continuing to delve into those liturgical and devotional treasures of the Anglican Patrimony which, received now into full communion, constitute a treasure to be shared with the wider Catholic Church, the following psalms, in the classic Coverdale translation as used in the Book of Common Prayer, seem highly suitable for use morning and evening, as suggested in the Form appointed by Royal Proclamation for use at the time of the Great Plague of London in 1665 – apart from omitting the most usual of them, Psalm 50(51) and Psalm 129(130), the Miserere and De profundis respectively, which every Catholic ought know and use continually in any case; and wisely moving Psalm 6 from morning to evening, that the total number of psalm verses be approximately the same at each:

At Morning Prayer. 

Psalm 32. Beati, quorum [Ps. 31 in the Vulgate]

BLESSED is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven : and whose sin is covered.
2. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin : and in whose spirit there is no guile.
3. For while I held my tongue : my bones consumed away through my daily complaining.
4. For thy hand is heavy upon me day and night : and my moisture is like the drought in summer.
5. I will acknowledge my sin unto thee : and mine unrighteousness have I not hid.
6. I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord : and so thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin.
7. For this shall every one that is godly make his prayer unto thee, in a time when thou mayest be found : but in the great water-floods they shall not come nigh him.
8. Thou art a place to hide me in, thou shalt preserve me from trouble : thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.
9. I will inform thee, and teach thee in the way wherein thou shalt go : and I will guide thee with mine eye.
10. Be ye not like to horse and mule, which have no understanding : whose mouths must be held with bit and bridle, lest they fall upon thee.
11. Great plagues remain for the ungodly : but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord, mercy embraceth him on every side.
12. Be glad, O ye righteous, and rejoice in the Lord : and be joyful, all ye that are true of heart. 

Psalm 38. Domine, ne in furore [Ps. 37 in the Vulgate]

PUT me not to rebuke, O Lord, in thine anger : neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure.
2. For thine arrows stick fast in me : and thy hand presseth me sore.
3. There is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure : neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin.
4. For my wickednesses are gone over my head : and are like a sore burden, too heavy for me to bear.
5. My wounds stink, and are corrupt : through my foolishness.
6. I am brought into so great trouble and misery : that I go mourning all the day long.
7. For my loins are filled with a sore disease : and there is no whole part in my body.
8. I am feeble, and sore smitten : I have roared for the very disquietness of my heart.
9. Lord, thou knowest all my desire : and my groaning is not hid from thee.
10. My heart panteth, my strength hath failed me : and the sight of mine eyes is gone from me.
11. My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble : and my kinsmen stood afar off.
12. They also that sought after my life laid snares for me : and they that went about to do me evil talked of wickedness, and imagined deceit all the day long.
13. As for me, I was like a deaf man, and heard not : and as one that is dumb, who doth not open his mouth.
14. I became even as a man that heareth not : and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15. For in thee, O Lord, have I put my trust : thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God.
16. I have required that they, even mine enemies, should not triumph over me : for when my foot slipped, they rejoiced greatly against me.
17. And I, truly, am set in the plague : and my heaviness is ever in my sight.
18. For I will confess my wickedness : and be sorry for my sin.
19. But mine enemies live, and are mighty : and they that hate me wrongfully are many in number.
20. They also that reward evil for good are against me : because I follow the thing that good is.
21. Forsake me not, O Lord my God : be not thou far from me.
22. Haste thee to help me : O Lord God of my salvation. 

Psalm 39. Dixi, Custodiam [Ps. 38 in the Vulgate]

I SAID, I will take heed to my ways : that I offend not in my tongue.
2. I will keep my mouth as it were with a bridle : while the ungodly is in my sight.
3. I held my tongue, and spake nothing : I kept silence, yea, even from good words; but it was pain and grief to me.
4. My heart was hot within me, and while I was thus musing the fire kindled : and at the last I spake with my tongue;
5. Lord, let me know mine end, and the number of my days : that I may be certified how long I have to live.
6. Behold, thou hast made my days as it were a span long : and mine age is even as nothing in respect of thee; and verily every man living is altogether vanity.
7. For man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquieteth himself in vain : he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.
8. And now, Lord, what is my hope : truly my hope is even in thee.
9. Deliver me from all mine offences : and make me not a rebuke unto the foolish.
10. I became dumb, and opened not my mouth : for it was thy doing.
11. Take thy plague away from me : I am even consumed by the means of thy heavy hand.
12. When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin, thou makest his beauty to consume away, like as it were a moth fretting a garment : every man therefore is but vanity.
13. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and with thine ears consider my calling : hold not thy peace at my tears.
14. For I am a stranger with thee : and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
15. O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength : before I go hence, and be no more seen. 

****** 

At Evening Prayer. 

Psalm 6. Domine, ne in furore

O LORD, rebuke me not in thine indignation : neither chasten me in thy displeasure.
2. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak : O Lord, heal me, for my bones are vexed.
3. My soul also is sore troubled : but, Lord, how long wilt thou punish me?
4. Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul : O save me for thy mercy's sake.
5. For in death no man remembereth thee : and who will give thee thanks in the pit?
6. I am weary of my groaning; every night wash I my bed : and water my couch with my tears.
7. My beauty is gone for very trouble : and worn away because of all mine enemies.
8. Away from me, all ye that work vanity : for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9. The Lord hath heard my petition : the Lord will receive my prayer.
10. All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore vexed : they shall be turned back, and put to shame suddenly. 

Psalm 90. Domine, refugium [Ps. 89 in the Vulgate]

LORD, thou hast been our refuge : from one generation to another.
2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made : thou art God from everlasting, and world without end.
3. Thou turnest man to destruction : again thou sayest, Come again, ye children of men.
4. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday : seeing that is past as a watch in the night.
5. As soon as thou scatterest them they are even as a sleep : and fade away suddenly like the grass.
6. In the morning it is green, and groweth up : but in the evening it is cut down, dried up, and withered.
7. For we consume away in thy displeasure : and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation.
8. Thou hast set our misdeeds before thee : and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
9. For when thou art angry all our days are gone : we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told.
10. The days of our age are threescore years and ten; and though men be so strong that they come to fourscore years : yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow; so soon passeth it away, and we are gone.
11. But who regardeth the power of thy wrath : for even thereafter as a man feareth, so is thy displeasure.
12. So teach us to number our days : that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
13. Turn thee again, O Lord, at the last : and be gracious unto thy servants.
14. O satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon : so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
15. Comfort us again now after the time that thou hast plagued us : and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity.
16. Shew thy servants thy work : and their children thy glory.
17. And the glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us : prosper thou the work of our hands upon us, O prosper thou our handywork. 

Psalm 91. Qui habitat [Ps. 90 in the Vulgate]

WHOSO dwelleth under the defence of the most High : shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2. I will say unto the Lord, Thou art my hope, and my strong hold : my God, in him will I trust.
3. For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunter : and from the noisome pestilence.
4. He shall defend thee under his wings, and thou shalt be safe under his feathers : his faithfulness and truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5. Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night : nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6. For the pestilence that walketh in darkness : nor for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon-day.
7. A thousand shall fall beside thee, and ten thousand at thy right hand : but it shall not come nigh thee.
8. Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou behold : and see the reward of the ungodly.
9. For thou, Lord, art my hope : thou hast set thine house of defence very high.
10. There shall no evil happen unto thee : neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11. For he shall give his angels charge over thee : to keep thee in all thy ways.
12. They shall bear thee in their hands : that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone.
13. Thou shalt go upon the lion and adder : the young lion and the dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet.
14. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him : I will set him up, because he hath known my Name.
15. He shall call upon me, and I will hear him : yea, I am with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and bring him to honour.
16. With long life will I satisfy him : and shew him my salvation.

To read with these, I suggest the following passages of Scripture – concerning the Davidic plague and the seven last plagues, respectively – according to the Anglican practice of reading two long lessons, one from each of the Old and New Testaments, after psalmody: in the morning, 1 Chronicles (Paralipomenon in the Vulgate) chapter 21 and Revelation (Apocalypse) chapter 15; and at eventide, 2 Samuel (2 Kings in the Vulgate) chapter 24 and Revelation (Apocalypse) chapter 16.

Selected Anglican prayers appointed for use in time of pestilence (as given in the previous post) would be fittingly read after these psalms and readings.

Hymns in Time of Pestilence

Time for an overseas holiday?

Daniel Defoe (c. 1660-1731), in his 1722 work A Journal of the Plague Year, portrays his narrator, stranded in London during its last great plague of 1665, as doing much as any conscientious believer ought in time of prudent self-isolation and enforced quarantine:

Terrified by those frightful objects, I... retire[d] home... and resolve[d] to go out no more; and... I [kept] those resolutions for... days, which time I spent in the most serious thankfulness for my preservation and the preservation of my family, and the constant confession of my sins, giving myself up to God every day, and applying to Him with fasting, humiliation, and meditation. 

As we enter upon the coronavirus pandemic – may it be mild, not severe; may but few suffer, not many; may we repent and beg mercy; God’s will be done – here are some old hymns by Protestant writers that demonstrate a full-blooded Scriptural acceptance of plague and pestilence as instruments chosen by the Almighty to inflict salutary punishment upon us sinful mortals, who ought read these signs of the times aright, and therefore repent and implore the Lord’s clemency, that we may not endure his wrath.

The first two were written by James Montgomery (1771-1854) and issued as “Hymns to be sung on the Day of Humiliation, Wednesday, August 22nd, 1832”, as observed in Sheffield, England, to pray for the cessation of a cholera outbreak: 

Hymn 1. (C.M.) [I omit the original first verse]

1. Let priests and people, high and low,
Rich, poor, and great, and small,
Invoke, in fellowship of woe,
The Maker of them all.  

2. For God hath summoned from his place
Death in a direr form,
To waken, warn, and scourge our race,
Than earthquake, fire, or storm.  

3. Let churches weep within their pale,
And families apart;
Let each in secrecy bewail
The plague of his own heart.  

4. So, while the land bemoans its sin,
The pestilence may cease,
And mercy, tempering wrath, bring in
God’s saving health and peace. 

Hymn 2. (L.M.) 

1. It is the Lord!—Behold his hand
Outstretched with an afflictive rod;
And hark! a voice goes through the land,
“Be still, and know that I am God.”  

2. Shall we, like guilty Adam, hide
In darkest shades our darker fears?
For who his coming may abide,
Or who shall stand when he appears?  

3. No,—let us throng around his seat;
No,—let us meet him face to face;
Prostrate our spirits at his feet,
Confess our sins, and sue for grace.  

4. Who knows but God will hear our cries,
Turn swift destruction from our path,
Restrain his judgments, or chastise
In tender mercy, not in wrath?  

5. He will, he will, for Jesus pleads;
Let heaven and earth his love record;
For us, for us he intercedes,
Our help is nigh:—it is the Lord.

The next hymn is a selection from the metrical paraphrase made by Isaac Watts (1674-1748) of the first part of Psalm 91 (Psalm 90 in the Vulgate), significantly subtitled “Safety in public diseases and dangers” from his masterful version of The Psalms of David (1719), utilising stanzas 6, 5, 7, 9 and 10 – the reordering gives a better sense:

Hymn. (L.M.) 

1. If vapours with malignant breath
Rise thick, and scatter midnight death,
Israel is safe; the poisoned air
Grows pure, if Israel’s God be there. 

2. If burning beams of noon conspire
To dart a pestilential fire,
God is their life; his wings are spread
To shield them with a healthful shade. 

3. What though a thousand at thy side,
At thy right hand ten thousand died,
Thy God his chosen people saves
Amongst the dead, amidst the graves. 

4. But if the fire, or plague, or sword,
Receive commission from the Lord
To strike his saints among the rest,
Their very pains and deaths are blest. 

5. The sword, the pestilence or fire,
Shall but fulfil their best desire;
From sins and sorrows set them free,
And bring thy children, Lord, to thee.

And my last choice of hymns for these troublous times is taken from Hymns Ancient and Modern, being written by William Bullock (1798-1874):

Hymn. (C.M.) 

1. In grief and fear to thee, O Lord,
We now for succour fly;
Thine awful judgements are abroad,
O shield us lest we die. 

2. The fell disease on every side
Walks forth with tainted breath;
And pestilence, with rapid stride,
Bestrews the land with death. 

3. O look with pity on the scene
Of sadness and of dread;
And let thine Angel stand between
The living and the dead. 

4. With contrite hearts to thee, our King,
We turn who oft have stray’d;
Accept the sacrifice we bring,
And let the plague be stay’d. Amen.