Feast of St Stephen (December 26)

Sources for the chants Invitatory: LR 428 Hymn: LR 428 Antiphons: LR 149 ff (NI&II - Common of a martyr); Antiphonale Synopticum Responsories: NR  177 ff; Gregofacsimil

Invitat. Christum natum, qui beatum hodie coronavit Stephanum * Venite adoremus.

Invitatory antiphon. Christ that was born has this day crowned blessed Stephen, come let us adore.

Hymnus Deus tuórum mílitum Sors, et córona, prǽmium, Laudes canéntes Mártyris Absólve nexu críminis. Hic nempe mundi gáudia, Et blandimenta noxia Caduca rite députans, Pervénit ad cæléstia. Pœnas cucúrrit fórtiter, Et sústulit viríliter, Pro te effundens sánguinem, Ætérna dona póssidet. Ob hoc precátu súpplici Te póscimus, piíssime; In hoc triúmpho Mártyris Dimítte noxam sérvulis. Laus et perennis glória, Deo Patri et Filio Sancto simul Paraclito, In sempitérna sǽcula. Amen.

Hymn O God, of those that fought thy fight, Portion, and prize, and crown of light, Break every bond of sin and shame As now we praise thy martyr's name. He recked not of the world's allure, But sin and pomp of sin forswore: Knew all their gall, and passed them by, And reached the throne prepared on high. Bravely the course of pain he ran, And bare his torments as a man: For love of thee his blood outpoured, And thus obtained the great reward. With humble voice and suppliant word We pray thee therefore, holy Lord, While we thy martyr's feast-day keep, Forgive thy loved and erring sheep. All honour, laud, and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-Born, to thee; Whom with the Father we adore, And Holy Ghost, for evermore. Amen.

Nocturn I  

Lectio 1: De Actibus Apostolorum - In diebus illis, crescente numero discipulorum, factum est murmur Graecorum adversus Hebraeos, eo quod despicerentur in ministerio quotidiano viduae eorum.  Convocantes autem duodecim multitudinem discipulorum, dixerunt: Non est aequum nos derelinquere verbum Dei, et ministrare mensis.  Considerate ergo, fratres, viros ex vobis boni testimonii septem, plenos Spiritu Sancto et sapientia, quos constituamus super hoc opus. Nos vero orationi et ministerio verbi instantes erimus.

Reading 1: From the Acts of Apostles - And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

R. Stephanus autem plenus gratia et fortitudine * Faciebat prodigia et signa magna in populo. V. Surrexerunt quidam de synagoga disputantes cum Stephano: et non poterant resistere sapientiae, et Spiritui, qui loquebatur. R. Faciebat prodigia et signa magna in populo.

R. And Stephen, full of grace and power * Did great wonders and miracles among the people. V. There arose certain of the synagogue, disputing with Stephen; and they were not able to resist the wisdom, and the Spirit which spake. R. Did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Lectio 2: Et placuit sermo coram omni multitudine. Et elegerunt Stephanum, virum plenum fide et Spiritu Sancto, et Philippum, et Prochorum, et Nicanorem, et Timonem, et Parmenam, et Nicolaum advenam Antiochenum.   Hos statuerunt ante conspectum Apostolorum: et orantes imposuerunt eis manus.	Reading 2: And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them.
R. Videbant omnes Stephanum qui erant in concilio. * Et intuebantur vultum eius tamquam vultum Angeli stantis inter illos. V. Plenus gratia et fortitudine faciebat prodigia et signa magna in populo. R. Et intuebantur vultum eius tamquam vultum Angeli stantis inter illos.	R. All that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on Stephen, saw * His face as it had been the face of an angel standing among them. V. Full of grace and power, he did great wonders and miracles among the people. R. His face as it had been the face of an angel standing among them.

Lectio 3: Et verbum Domini crescebat, et multiplicabatur numerus discipulorum in Ierusalem valde: multa etiam turba sacerdotum obediebat fidei. Stephanus autem plenus gratia et fortitudine, faciebat prodigia et signa magna in populo. Surrexerunt autem quidam de synagoga quae appellatur Libertinorum, et Cyrenensium, et Alexandrinorum, et eorum qui erant a Cilicia, et Asia, disputantes cum Stephano:  Et non poterant resistere sapientiae, et Spiritui qui loquebatur. Audientes autem haec, dissecabantur cordibus suis, et stridebant dentibus in eum.

Reading 3: And the word of the Lord increased; and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly: a great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith.  And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some of that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.  And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke.  Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed with their teeth at him.

R. Intuens in caelum beatus Stephanus, vidit gloriam Dei, et ait: * Ecce video caelos apertos, et Filium hominis stantem a dextris virtutis Dei. V. Cum autem esset Stephanus plenus Spiritu sancto, intendens in caelum, vidit gloriam Dei, et ait. R. Ecce video caelos apertos, et Filium hominis stantem a dextris virtutis Dei.

R. The blessed Stephen looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and said * Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of the power of God. V. But Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and said R. Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of the power of God.

Lectio 4: Cum autem esset plenus Spiritu Sancto, intendens in caelum, vidit gloriam Dei, et Jesum stantem a dextris Dei. Et ait: Ecce video caelos apertos, et Filium hominis stantem a dextris Dei. Exclamantes autem voce magna continuerunt aures suas, et impetum fecerunt unanimiter in eum. Et   eum extra civitatem, lapidabant: et testes deposuerunt vestimenta sua secus pedes adolescentis qui vocabatur Saulus. Et lapidabant Stephanum invocantem, et dicentem: Domine Iesu, suscipe spiritum meum. Positis autem genibus, clamavit voce magna, dicens: Domine, ne statuas illis hoc peccatum. Et cum hoc dixisset, obdormivit in Domino.

Reading 4: But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. And they crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and with one accord ran violently upon him.  And casting him forth without the city, they stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, invoking, and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord.

R. Cum esset plenus Spiritu Sancto beatus Stephanus, intendens in caelum vidit gloriam Dei * Et Iesum stantem a dextris Dei. V. Et clamans voce magna dixit ecce video caelos apertos R.  Et Iesum stantem a dextris Dei. V. Gloria Patri... R. Et Iesum stantem a dextris Dei.

R. But Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, * And Jesus standing on the right hand of God V. And crying out in a loud voice he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened R. And Jesus standing on the right hand of God V. Glory be... R. And Jesus standing on the right hand of God

Nocturn II

Lectio 5: Sermo sancti Fulgentii Episcopi - Heri celebravimus temporalem sempiterni Regis nostri natalem: hodie celebramus triumphalem militis passionem. Heri enim Rex noster trabea carnis indutus, de aula uteri virginalis egrediens, visitare dignatus est mundum: hodie miles de tabernaculo corporis exiens, triumphator migravit ad caelum. Ille sempiternae Deitatis maiestate servata, servile cinctorium carnis assumens, in huius saeculi campum pugnaturus intravit: iste depositis corruptibilibus corporis indumentis, ad caeli palatium perenniter regnaturus ascendit. Ille descendit carne velatus, iste ascendit sanguine laureatus.

Reading 5: From the Sermons of St Fulgentius, Bishop - Yesterday we were celebrating the birth in time of our Eternal King; to-day we celebrate the victory, through suffering, of one of His soldiers. Yesterday our King was pleased to come forth from His royal palace of the Virgin's womb, clothed in a robe of flesh, to visit the world; to-day His soldier, laying aside the tabernacle of the body, entereth in triumph into the heavenly palaces. The One, preserving unchanged that glory of the Godhead which He had before the world was, girded Himself with the form of a servant, and entered the arena of this world to fight sin; the other taketh off the garments of this corruptible body, and entereth into the heavenly mansions, where he will reign for ever. The One cometh down, veiled in flesh; the other goeth up, clothed in a robe of glory, red with blood.

R. Lapidabant Stephanum invocantem et dicentem: * Domine Iesu Christe, accipe spiritum meum: et ne statuas illis hoc peccatum. V. Positis autem genibus clamavit voce magna, dicens. R. Domine Iesu Christe, accipe spiritum meum: et ne statuas illis hoc peccatum.

R. They stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying * Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit; and lay not this sin to their charge. V. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, saying R. Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit; and lay not this sin to their charge.

Lectio 6: Ascendit iste lapidantibus Iudaeis, quia ille descendit laetantibus Angelis. Gloria in excelsis Deo, heri sancti Angeli exsultantes cantaverunt: hodie Stephanum laetantes in suum consortium susceperunt. Heri Dominus exivit de utero Virginis: hodie miles egressus est de ergastulo carnis.	Reading 6: The One cometh down amid the jubilation of angels; the other goeth up amid the stoning of the Jews. Yesterday the holy angels were singing, Glory to God in the highest; to-day there is joy among them, for they receive Stephen into their company. Yesterday the Lord came forth from the Virgin's womb; to-day His soldier is delivered from the prison of the body.
R. Impetum fecerunt unanimiter in eum, et eiecerunt eum extra civitatem, invocantem et dicentem: * Domine Iesu, accipe spiritum meum. V. Et testes deposuerunt vestimenta sua secus pedes adolescentis, qui vocabatur Saulus: et lapidabant Stephanum invocantem et dicentem. R. Domine Iesu, accipe spiritum meum.	R. They ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, calling upon God, and saying * Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. V. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul; and they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying R. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Lectio 7: Heri Christus pro nobis pannis est involutus: hodie Stephanus stola est ab eo imortalitatis indutus. Heri praesepis angustia Christum portavit infantem: hodie immensitas caeli suscepit Stephanum triumphantem. Solus Dominus descendit, ut multos elevaret: humiliavit se Rex noster ut suos milites exaltaret. Necessarium tamen nobis est, fratres, agnoscere, quibus armis praecinctus Stephanus saevitiam. Judaeorum potuit superare, ut ita meruisset feliciter triumphare.

Reading 7: Yesterday Christ was for our sakes wrapped in swaddling bands; to - day He girdeth Stephen with a robe of immortality. Yesterday the new-born Christ lay in a narrow manger; to-day Stephen entereth victorious into the boundless heavens. The Lord came down alone that He might raise many up; our King humbled Himself that He might set His soldiers in high places. Why brethren, it behoveth us to consider with what arms Stephen was able, amid all the cruelty of the Jews, to remain more than conqueror, and worthily to attain to so blessed a triumph.

R. Impii super iustum iacturam fecerunt, ut eum morti traderent: * At ille gaudens suscepit lapides, ut mereretur accipere coronam gloriae. V. Continuerunt aures suas, et impetum fecerunt unanimiter in eum. R. At ille gaudens suscepit lapides, ut mereretur accipere coronam gloriae.

R. The ungodly fell upon the righteous, to put him to death. * But he received the stones with joy, that he might earn a crown of glory. V. They stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord. R. But he received the stones with joy, that he might earn a crown of glory.

Lectio 8: Stephanus ergo, ut nominis sui coronam meruisset accipere, caritatem pro armis habebat, et per ipsam ubique vincebat. Per caritatem Dei, saevientibus Iudaeis non cessit: per caritatem proximi pro lapidantibus intercessit. Per caritatem arguebat errantes, ut corrigerentur: per caritatem pro lapidantibus orabat, ne punirentur. Caritatis virtute subnixus, vicit Saulum crudeliter saevientem: et quem habuit in terra persecutorem, in caelo meruit habere consortem.

Reading 8: Stephen, in that struggle which brought him to the crown whereof his name is a prophecy, had for armour the love of God and man, and by it he remained victorious on all hands. The love of God strengthened him against the cruelty of the Jews; and the love of his neighbour made him pray even for his murderers. Through love he rebuked the wandering, that they might be corrected; through love he prayed for them that stoned him, that they might not be punished. By the might of his love he overcame Saul his cruel persecutor; and earned for a comrade in heaven, the very man who had done him to death upon earth.

R. Surrexerunt quidam de synagoga, disputantes cum Stephano, * Et non poterunt resistere sapientiae et Spiritui qui loquebatur. V. Commoverunt itaque plebem et concurrentes rapuerunt eum, et adduxerunt in concilium R. Et non poterunt resistere sapientiae et Spiritui qui loquebatur. V.  Gloria Patri... R. Et non poterunt resistere sapientiae et Spiritui qui loquebatur.

R.  Now there arose some of that synagogue disputing with Stephen. * And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. V. And they stirred up the people and running together, they took him, and brought him to the council. R. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. V. Glory be... R. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke.

Nocturn III

Ant 1: Jerusalem, Jerusalem, quæ occidis prophetas, et lapidas eos, qui ad te missi sunt

Ant 1: Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets

[Canticles: Ecclesiasticus 14:22, 15:3-4, 6; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11]

Lectio 9: Lectio sancti Evangelii secundum Matthaeum - In illo tempore: Dicebat Jesus scribis et pharisaeis: Ecce ego mitto ad vos prophetas, et sapientes, et scribas: et ex illis occidetis, et crucifigetis. Et reliqua. Homilia sancti Hieronymi Presbyteri - Hoc quod antea dixeramus: Implete mensuram patrum vestrorum; ad personam Domini pertinere, eo quod occidendus esset ab eis, potest et ad discipulos eius referri, de quibus nunc dicit: Ecce ego mitto ad vos prophetas, et sapientes, et scribas. Simulque observa, iuxta Apostolum scribentem ad Corinthios, varia esse dona discipulorum Christi: alios prophetas, qui ventura praedicent: alios sapientes, qui noverunt quando debeant proferre sermonem: alios scribas in lege doctissimos, ex quibus lapidatus est Stephanus, Paulus occisus, crucifixus Petrus, flagellati in Actibus Apostolorum discipuli.

Reading 9:  From the holy Gospel according to Matthew - In that time Jesus said to the scribes and pharisee: I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you will put to death and crucify. And so on, Homily of St Jerome - We have already remarked that the Lord's words, Fill ye up the measure of your fathers, refer in the first place to Himself, Whom the Jews afterwards put to death. In a secondary sense it may likewise be applied to His disciples, of whom He saith, Behold, I send unto you Prophets, and wise men, and Scribes. Here observe that, according to the Apostle writing to the Corinthians, there are diversities of gifts among Christ's followers. Some are Prophets of that which is to come; some are wise men, who know the due season for rebuke and exhortation; some are Scribes learned in the law. And of these they stoned Stephen, slew Paul with the sword, crucified Peter, and scourged the Disciples mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles.

R. Stephanus servus Dei, quem lapidabant Iudaei, vidit caelos apertos: vidit et introivit: * Beatus homo, cui caeli patebant. V. Cum igitur saxorum crepitantium turbine quateretur, inter aethoreos aulae caelostis sinus divina ei claritas fulsit. R. Beatus homo, cui caeli patebant.

R. Stephen, the servant of God, who was stoned by the Jews, saw the heavens opened he saw and entered in. * Blessed is he, unto whom the heavens were opened. V. While his poor body was crushed by the hurtling shower of stones, God's brightness broke upon him out of the heavenly palaces. R. Blessed is he unto whom the heavens were opened.

Lectio 10: Quarimus, quis iste sit Zacharias filius Barachiae: quia multos legimus Zacharias. Et ne libera nobis tribueretur erroris facultas, additum est: Quem occidistis inter templum et altare. In diversis diversa legi: et debeo singulorum opiniones ponere. Alii Zachariam filium Barachiae dicunt, qui in duodecim prophetis undecimus est: patrisque in eo nomen consentit: sed ubi occisus sit inter templum et altare, Scriptura non loquitur: maxime cum temporibus eius vix ruinae templi fuerint.

Reading 10: It is a subject of dispute among commentators who is meant by Zacharias the son of Barachias. We read of several persons of the name of Zacharias. But here, in order to prevent any mistake, it is particularly said, Whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. I have read various opinions in various places upon this question, and I will give each. First, some hold that Zacharias the son of Barachias is the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets; and this opinion is supported by the father's name. But the Bible nowhere telleth us that this Prophet was slain between the temple and the altar; and it is hardly possible that he can have been, for in his time it could scarcely be said that even the ruins of the temple were in existence.

R. Patefactae sunt ianuae caeli Christi Martyri beato Stephano, qui in numero Martyrum inventus est primus: * Et ideo triumphat in caelis coronatus. V. Mortem enim, quam Salvator noster dignatus est pro nobis pati, hanc ille primus reddidit Salvatori. R. Et ideo triumphat in caelis coronatus.

R. The gates of heaven were opened to Christ's blessed martyr Stephen, and he is the first of all the martyrs. * Wherefore he reigneth crowned in heaven. V. For he was the first to make an offering of his death to that Saviour Who vouchsafed to suffer death for us. R. Wherefore he reigneth crowned in heaven.

Lectio 11: Alii Zachariam patrem Ioannis intelligi volunt, ex quibusdam apocryphorum somniis approbantes, quod propterea occisus sit, quia Salvatoris praedicaverit adventum.  Alii istum volunt esse Zachariam, qui occisus est a Ioas rege Iudae inter templum et altare, sicut Regum narrat historia. Sed observandum, quod ille Zacharias non sit filius Barachiae, sed filius Ioiadae sacerdotis: unde et Scriptura refert: Non fuit recordatus Ioas patris eius Ioiadae, quia sibi fecisset bona.

Reading 11: Secondly, others maintain that this Zacharias was Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist. This interpretation is derived from the dreams of the Apocryphal Gospels, wherein it is asserted that he was martyred for preaching Christ's coming. A third school will have it that this Zacharias, the son of Barachias, was that Zacharias of whom we read, that he was slain by Joash, king of Judah, between the temple and the altar.

R. Hesterna die Dominus natus est in terris, ut hodie Stephanus nasceretur in caelis. Ingressus est Dominus mundum * Ut Stephanus ingrederetur in caelum. V. Heri enim rex noster trabea carnis indutus de aula uteri virginalis egrediens visitare dignatus est mundum R. Ut Stephanus ingrederetur in caelum.

R. Yesterday the Lord was born on earth, so that today Stephen can be born in heaven.  The Lord entered the world * So that Stephen could enter heaven. V. For yesterday our King was clothed in robe of flesh going forth from the courtyard of the virginal womb he deigned to visit the world. R. So that Stephen could enter heaven.

Lectio 12: Cum ergo et Zachariam teneamus et occisionis consentiat locus: quaesuus, quare Barachiae dicatur filius, et non Jojadae? Barachia lingua nostra Benedictus Domini dicitur, et sacerdotis Ioiadae iustitia Hebraeo nomine demonstratur. In Evangelio, quo utuntur Nazareni, pro filio Barachiae, filium Ioiadae reperimus scriptum.

Reading 12: Against this it is to be remarked, that that Zacharias was not the son of Barachias, but of Jehoiada the priest; whence it is written, Joash remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him. The question therefore ariseth, if this opinion be true, why, the name and manner of death both agreeing with this explanation, Zacharias is called the son, not of Jehoiada, but of Barachias. In Hebrew, Barachias signifieth the Blessed of the Lord, and Jehoiada proves his Righteousness. In the Gospel used by the Nazarenes the name of Jehoiada is used instead of Barachias.

R. Sepelierunt Stephanum viri timorati, et fecerunt planctum magnum super eum. * Facta est persecutio magna adversus Ecclesiam, quæ erat Ierosolymis V. Saulus autem consentiens neci eius, devastabat Ecclesiam R. Facta est persecutio magna adversus Ecclesiam, quæ erat Ierosolymis V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto. R. Facta est persecutio magna adversus Ecclesiam, quæ erat Ierosolymis

R. Devout men buried Stephen * And made great mourning over him. * There was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem V. Saul was consenting to his death, made havock of the church R. There was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. R. There was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem

Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Matthaeum – In illo tempore: Dicebat Iesus scribis et pharisaeis: Ecce ego mitto ad vos prophetas, et sapientes, et scribas, et ex illis occidetis, et crucifigetis, et ex eis flagellabitis in synagogis vestris, et persequemini de civitate in civitatem: Ut veniat super vos omnis sanguis justus, qui effusus est super terram, a sanguine Abel justi usque ad sanguinem Zachariae, filii Barachiae, quem occidistis inter templum et altare.  Amen dico vobis, venient haec omnia super generationem istam. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, quae occidis prophetas, et lapidas eos, qui ad te missi sunt, quoties volui congregare filios tuos, quemadmodum gallina congregat pullos suos sub alas, et noluisti? Ecce relinquetur vobis domus vestra deserta. Dico enim vobis, non me videbitis amodo, donec dicatis: Benedictus, qui venit in nomine Domini.

Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew – In those times Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees: Behold I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you will put to death and crucify, and some you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: That upon you may come all the just blood that hath been shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just, even unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom you killed between the temple and the altar. Amen I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered together thy children, as the hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and thou wouldest not? Behold, you house shall be left to you, desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see me henceforth till you say: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.