Matins for the feast of St Benedict (March 21)

 Invitatory antiphon

Regem Confessórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus. LR 190

The Lord, the King of Confessors, * O come, let us worship.

 Hymn

Quidquid antíqui cecinére vates, Quidquid aetérne moniménta legis, Cóntinet nobis celebránda summi Vita Monàrchae.	All that the ancient prophets preached, and all that the books of the divine Law tell us of holiness, is contained in the life of the great patriarch which we are now extolling.
Extulit Móysen péetas benígnum, Inclitum proles Abraham decórat, Isaac sponsae decus et sevéri Iussa paréntis.	Moses was celebrated for his meekness; Abraham for his being father of all believers; Isaac for the beauty of his bride, and his obedience to the trying commands of his father.
Ipse virtútum cúmulis onústus, Célsior nostri Patriárcha coetus, Isaac, Móysen, Abraham sub uno, Péctore clausit.	The sublime patriarch of our family was richly laden with every virtue; and in his Single person represented Isaac, Moses, and Abraham.
Ipse, quos mundi rápuit procéllis, Hic pius flatu státuat secúndo: Pax ubi nullo, requiésque gliscit Mixta pavóre.	May he have a loving care of those whom he has delivered from this stormy world, and lead them with prosperous gales to the port where thee is no fear that can ruffle peace and repose.
Glória Patri, genitáeque Proli, Et tibi, compar utriúsque semper Spíritus alme, Deus unus, omni Témpore saecli, Amen.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son that is begotten of him!  To thee, also, O Spirit of love, coequal with them, one God, be glory for endless ages.  Amen.

LR 317; LH 556-7;.Trans Laurence Shepherd, in the Liturgical Year by Abbot Gueranger, vol 5, 1949, pp437-8.

 

Nocturn I (Sirach 44:1-15) 

Ant. 1: Fuit vir / vitae venerábilis, grátia Benedíctus et nómine. 8C - LR 318

Ant. 1: There was a man of venerable life, blessed by grace, and blessed in name.

 

Psalm 1

Beátus vir, qui non ábiit in consílio impiórum, et in via peccatórum non stetit, * et in cáthedra pestiléntiæ non sedit.	Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.
Sed in lege Dómini volúntas eius, * et in lege eius meditábitur die ac nocte.	But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:	And he shall be like a tree planted by the waterside, that will bring forth his fruit in due season.
Et fólium eius non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.	His leaf also shall not wither; and look, whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.
Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem próiicit ventus a fácie terræ.	As for the ungodly, it is not so with them; but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
Ideo non resúrgent ímpii in iudício: * neque peccatóres in concílio iustórum.	Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement; neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Quóniam novit Dóminus viam iustórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.	But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; and the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 1: Fuit vir vitae venerábilis, grátia Benedíctus et nómine.	Ant. 1: There was a man of venerable life, blessed by grace, and blessed in name.
Ant. 2: Ab ipso / puerítiae suae témpore cor gerens seníle, aetátem móribus tránsiens, † nulli ánimum voluptáti dedit. 1F - LR 315	Ant. 2: From his younger years he carried always the mind of an old man; for his age was inferior to his virtue: he rejected all vain pleasures.

 

Psalm 2

Quare fremuérunt gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?	Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things?
Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum eius.	The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.
Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et proiiciámus a nobis iugum ipsórum.	Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us.
Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.	He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them.
Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.	Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his rage.
Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum eius, * prædicans præcéptum eius.	But I am appointed king by him over Sion, his holy mountain, preaching his commandment.
Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.	The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee
Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.	Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.	Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui iudicátis terram.	And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.
Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.	Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling.
Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via iusta.	Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way.
Cum exárserit in brevi ira eius: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.	When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are all they that trust in him.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 2: Ab ipso puerítiae suae témpore cor gerens seníle, aetátem móribus tránsiens, † nulli ánimum voluptáti dedit.	Ant. 2: From his younger years he carried always the mind of an old man; for his age was inferior to his virtue: he rejected all vain pleasures.
Ant. 3: Liberióri génere / ex província Núrsiae ortus, † Romae liberálibus stúdiis tráditus fúerat. 8G – LR 319	Ant. 3: He was born in the province of Nursia, and studied the liberal arts at Rome.

 

Psalm 4

Cum invocárem exaudívit me Deus iustítiæ meæ: * in tribulatióne dilatásti mihi.	When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me.
Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.	Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.
Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? * ut quid dilígitis vanitátem et quæritis mendácium?	O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?
Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.	Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.
Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: † quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, in cubílibus vestris, * compungímini.	Be ye angry, and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.
Sacrificáte sacrifícium iustítiæ, † et speráte in Dómino, * multi dicunt quis osténdit nobis bona?	Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: many say, Who sheweth us good things?
Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: * dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.	The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart.
A fructu fruménti, vini et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.	By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, they are multiplied.
In pace in idípsum * dórmiam et requiéscam.	In peace in the self-same I will sleep, and I will rest:
Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.	For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 3: Liberióri génere ex província Núrsiae ortus, † Romae liberálibus stúdiis tráditus fúerat.	Ant. 3: He was born in the province of Nursia, and studied the liberal arts at Rome.
Ant. 4: Dum in hac terra adhuc esset, / quo temporáliter líbere adhuc uti potuísset, † iam, quasi áridum mundum cum flore despéxit. 1F – LR 319	Ant. 4: And though he were in the world, and might freely have enjoyed such commodities as it yieldeth, yet did he nothing esteem it, nor the vanities thereof.

 

Psalm 5

Verba mea áuribus pércipe, Dómine, * intéllege clamórem meum.	Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry.
Inténde voci oratiónis meæ: * Rex meus et Deus meus.	Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God.
Quóniam ad te orábo: * Dómine, mane exáudies vocem meam.	For to thee will I pray: O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice.
Mane astábo tibi et vidébo: * quóniam non Deus volens iniquitátem tu es.	In the morning I will stand before thee, and I will see: because thou art not a God that willest iniquity.
Neque habitábit iuxta te malígnus: * neque permanébunt iniústi ante óculos tuos.	Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee: nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes.
Odísti omnes, qui operántur iniquitátem: * perdes omnes, qui loquúntur mendácium.	Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie.
Virum sánguinum et dolósum abominábitur Dóminus: * ego autem in multitúdine misericórdiæ tuæ.	The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor; But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy, I will come into thy house.
Introíbo in domum tuam: * adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum in timóre tuo.	I will worship towards thy holy temple, in thy fear.
Dómine, deduc me in iustítia tua: * propter inimícos meos dírige in conspéctu tuo viam meam.	Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight.
Quóniam non est in ore eórum véritas: * cor eórum vanum est.	For there is no truth in their mouth: their heart is vain.
Sepúlcrum patens est guttur eórum, † linguis suis dolóse agébant, * iúdica illos, Deus.	Their throat is an open sepulchre: they dealt deceitfully with their tongues: judge them, O God.
Décidant a cogitatiónibus suis, † secúndum multitúdinem impietátum eórum expélle eos, * quóniam irritavérunt te, Dómine.	Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickednesses cast them out: for they have provoked thee, O Lord.
Et læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, * in ætérnum exsultábunt: et habitábis in eis.	But let all them be glad that hope in thee: they shall rejoice forever, and thou shalt dwell in them.
Et gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum: * quóniam tu benedíces iusto.	And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee: for thou wilt bless the just.
Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ * coronásti nos.	O Lord, thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of thy good will.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 4: Dum in hac terra adhuc esset, quo temporáliter líbere adhuc uti potuísset, † iam, quasi áridum mundum cum flore despéxit.	Ant. 4: And though he were in the world, and might freely have enjoyed such commodities as it yieldeth, yet did he nothing esteem it, nor the vanities thereof.
Ant. 5: Relícta domo / rebúsque patris, soli Deo placére cúpiens, † sanctae conversatiónis hábitum quaesívit. Ps 8: 7C – LR 319	Ant. 5: Forsaking his father's house and wealth, desiring only to please God, he sought for some place, where he might attain to the desire of his holy purpose:

 

Psalm 8

Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!	O Lord, our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth!
Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.	For thy magnificence is elevated above the heavens.
Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.	Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger.
Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.	For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: the moon and the stars which thou hast founded.
Quid est homo quod memor es eius? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?	What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, † glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.	Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour: And hast set him over the works of thy hands.
Omnia subiecísti sub pédibus eius, † oves et boves univérsas: * ínsuper et pécora campi.	Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen: moreover, the beasts also of the fields.
Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.	The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, that pass through the paths of the sea.
Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!	O Lord, our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth!
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 5: Relícta domo rebúsque patris, soli Deo placére cúpiens, † sanctae conversatiónis hábitum quaesívit.	Ant. 5: Forsaking his father's house and wealth, desiring only to please God, he sought for some place, where he might attain to the desire of his holy purpose:
Ant. 6: Recéssit ígitur / sciénter nésciens, et sapiénter indóctus. Ps 10: 7C – LR 320	Ant. 6: He departed therefore, instructed with learned ignorance, and furnished with unlearned wisdom.

 

Psalm 10

In Dómino confído: † quómodo dícitis ánimæ meæ: * Tránsmigra in montem sicut passer?	In the Lord I put my trust: how then do you say to my soul: Get thee away from hence to the mountain, like a sparrow?
Quóniam ecce peccatóres intendérunt arcum, † paravérunt sagíttas suas in pháretra, * ut sagíttent in obscúro rectos corde.	For, lo, the wicked have bent their bow: they have prepared their arrows in the quiver, to shoot in the dark the upright of heart.
Quóniam quæ perfecísti, destruxérunt: * iustus autem quid fecit?	For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made: but what has the just man done?
Dóminus in templo sancto suo, * Dóminus in cælo sedes eius.	The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven.
Óculi eius in páuperem respíciunt: * pálpebræ eius intérrogant fílios hóminum.	His eyes look on the poor man: his eyelids examine the sons of men.
Dóminus intérrogat iustum et ímpium: * qui autem díligit iniquitátem, odit ánimam suam.	The Lord trieth the just and the wicked: but he that loveth iniquity, hateth his own soul.
Pluet super peccatóres láqueos: * ignis, et sulphur, et spíritus procellárum pars cálicis eórum.	He shall rain snares upon sinners: fire and brimstone, and storms of winds, shall be the portion of their cup.
Quóniam iustus Dóminus, et iustítias diléxit: * æquitátem vidit vultus eius.	For the Lord is just, and hath loved justice: his countenance hath beheld righteousness.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 6: Recéssit ígitur sciénter nésciens, et sapiénter indóctus.

Ant. 6: He departed therefore, instructed with learned ignorance, and furnished with unlearned wisdom.

 

Versicle

℣. Amávit eum Dóminus, et ornávit eum. ℟. Stolam glóriæ índuit eum.

℣. The Lord loved him and beautified him. ℟. He clothed him with a robe of glory.

*Translations: KE (largely following the Gardener translation of the Dialogues)

 

Readings and responsories 

Lectio i: De libro Ecclesiastici - Laudémus viros gloriósos, et paréntes nostros in generatióne sua. Multam glóriam fecit Dóminus: magnificéntia sua a sǽculo. Dominántes in potestátibus suis, hómines magni virtúte et prudéntia sua prǽditi, nuntiántes in prophétis dignitátem prophetárum: Et imperántes in præsénti pópulo, et virtúte prudéntiæ pópulis sanctíssima verba.

Reading 1: Let us now praise men of renown, and our fathers in their generation. The Lord hath wrought great glory through his magnificence from the beginning. Such as have borne rule in their dominions, men of great power, and endued with their wisdom, shewing forth in the prophets the dignity of prophets, And ruling over the present people, and by the strength of wisdom instructing the people in most holy words.

℟. Fuit vir / vitae venerábilis grátia Benedíctus et nómine, † ab ipso puerítae suae témpore cor gerens seníle * Aetátem quippe móribus tránsiens nulli ánimum voluptáti dedit. ℣. Recéssit ígitur sciénter néscius et sapiénter indóctus. ℟. Aetátem quippe móribus tránsiens nulli ánimum voluptáti dedit.

℣. There was a man of venerable life, blessed by grace, and blessed in name, for he was called Benedict. From his younger years, he always had the mind of an old man * for his age was inferior to his virtue. ℟. In this way he departed, instructed with learned ignorance, and furnished with unlearned wisdom. ℣. For his age was inferior to his virtue.

LR 320; trans Gardener (adapted KE)

 

Lectio ii: In perítia sua requiréntes modos músicos, et narrántes cármina Scripturárum: Hómines dívites in virtúte, pulchritúdinis stúdium habéntes, pacificántes in dómibus suis. Omnes isti in generatiónibus gentis suæ glóriam adépti sunt, et in diébus suis habéntur in láudibus.	Reading 2: Such as by their skill sought out musical tunes, and published canticles of the scriptures.  Rich men in virtue, studying beautifulness: living at peace in their houses. All these have gained glory in their generations, and were praised in their days.
℟. Sanctus Benedíctus / plus appétiit mala mundi pérpeti quam laudes; † pro Deo labóribus fatigári, * Quam vitae huius favóribus extólli. ℣. Divína namque praevéntus grátia magis ac magis ad supérna ánimo suspirábat. ℟. Quam vitae huius favóribus extólli.	℟. St Benedict desiring rather the miseries of the world than the praises of men: rather to be wearied with labor for God's sake * than to be exalted with transitory commendation. ℣. For filled greatly with divine grace, his soul aspired to even higher things. ℟. Than to be exalted with transitory commendation.

LR 321; trans Gardener (adapted KE) 

Lectio iii: Qui de illis nati sunt reliquérunt nomen narrándi laudes eórum. Et sunt quorum non est memória: periérunt quasi qui non fúerint: et nati sunt quasi non nati, et fílii ipsórum cum ipsis. Sed illi viri misericórdiæ sunt, quorum pietátes non defuérunt. Cum sémine eórum pérmanent bona.

Reading 3: They that were born of them have left a name behind them, that their praises might be related: And there are some, of whom there is no memorial: who are perished, as if they had never been: and are become as if they had never been born, and their children with them. But these were men of mercy, whose godly deeds have not failed: Good things continue with their seed.

℟. Inito consílio / venénum vino miscuére: † quo obláto ex more ad benedicéndum Patri, vir Dei signo crucis édidit, † et vas pestíferi potus ita confráctum est, * Ac si pro signo lápidem dedísset. ℣. Intelléxit prótinus vir dei quia potum mortis habúerat, † quod portáre non póterat signum vitae. ℟. Ac si pro signo lápidem dedísset.

℟. Taking counsel together, they agreed to poison his wine: according to the custom, offered to the Abbot to bless, he made the sign of the cross, and straightway the glass broke in pieces * as though the sign of the cross had been a stone thrown against it. ℟. The man of God by and by perceived that the glass had in it the drink of death, which could not endure the sign of life. ℣. As though the sign of the cross had been a stone thrown against it.

LR 321-2; trans Gardener (adapted KE) 

Lectio iv: Hæréditas sancta nepótes eórum, et in testaméntis stetit semen eórum: Et fílii eórum propter illos usque in ætérnum manent: semen eórum et glória eórum non derelinquétur. Córpora ipsórum in pace sepúlta sunt, et nomen eórum vivit in generatiónem et generatiónem. Sapiéntiam ipsórum narrent pópuli, et laudem eórum núntiet ecclésia.

Reading 4: Their posterity are a holy inheritance, and their seed hath stood in the covenants. And their children for their sakes remain forever: their seed and their glory shall not be forsaken. Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation.  Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise.

℟. Dómine, / non aspícias peccáta mea, sed fidem huius hóminis, † qui rogat resuscitári fílium suum: † et redde in hoc corpúsculum ánimam quam tulísti. † Et compléta oratióne revíxit: * Et sanum réddidit patri suo. ℣. Et regrediénte ánima corpúsculum omne contrémuit, † et sub óculis ómnium qui áderant, vivus appáruit. ℟. Et sanum réddidit patri suo. ℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto. ℟. Et sanum réddidit patri suo.

℟. Behold not, O Lord, my sins, but the faith of this man, who desires to have his son raised to life, and restore that soul to the body which you have made. And when the prayer was ended he revived. And he gave him back to his father healthy. ℣. And the soul returned again, and therewith the child's body began to tremble in such sort that all which were present beheld it. ℟. And he gave him back to his father healthy. ℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. ℟. And he gave him back to his father healthy.

LR 321; trans Gardener (adapted KE) 

Nocturn II 

Psalms and antiphons 

Ant. 1: Benedíctus / in dies magis augebátur divína grátia, † ut étiam prophético spiritu ventúra praedíceret. 3A – LR 324

Ant. 1: Benedict grew daily in the grace of God, so that, being granted the gift of prophecy, he foretold things to come.

 

Psalm 14

Dómine, quis habitábit in tabernáculo tuo? * aut quis requiéscet in monte sancto tuo?	Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?
Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur iustítiam.	Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life, and doeth the thing which is right.
Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua.	He that speaketh the truth in his heart, and that hath used no deceit in his tongue.
Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.	Nor done evil to his neighbour, and hath not taken up slander against his neighbour.
Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu eius malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat.	In his sight the malicious is brought to nought, but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord.
Qui iurat próximo suo, et non décipit, † qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram; * et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.	He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not, he that hath not given his money upon usury, nor taken reward against the innocent.
Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.	Whoso doeth these things shall never fall.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 1: Benedíctus in dies magis augebátur divína grátia, † ut étiam prophético spiritu ventúra praedíceret.	Ant. 1: Benedict grew daily in the grace of God, so that, being granted the gift of prophecy, he foretold things to come.
Ant. 2: Huic, / dum erémum péteret, Románus mónarchus obviávit: † cuius cum desidérium cognovísset, et secrétum ténuit, et adiutórium impéndit. 1F – LR 324	Ant. 2: When he was seeking the desert he met the monk Romanus, who, knowing his desire, kept his secret and gave him help.

 

Psalm 20

Dómine, in virtúte tua lætábitur rex: * et super salutáre tuum exsultábit veheménter.	In your strength, O Lord, the king shall joy; and in your salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly.
Desidérium cordis eius tribuísti ei: * et voluntáte labiórum eius non fraudásti eum.	You have given him his heart's desire: and have not withholden from him the will of his lips.
Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis: * posuísti in cápite eius corónam de lápide pretióso.	For you have prevented him with blessings of sweetness: you have set on his head a crown of precious stones.
Vitam pétiit a te: * et tribuísti ei longitúdinem diérum in sæculum, et in sæculum sæculi.	He asked life of you: and you have given him length of days for ever and ever.
Magna est glória eius in salutári tuo: * glóriam et magnum decórem impónes super eum.	His glory is great in your salvation: glory and great beauty shall you lay upon him.
Quóniam dabis eum in benedictiónem in sæculum sæculi: * lætificábis eum in gáudio cum vultu tuo.	For you shall give him to be a blessing for ever and ever: you shall make him joyful in gladness with your countenance.
Quóniam rex sperat in Dómino: * et in misericórdia Altíssimi non commovébitur.	For the king hopes in the Lord: and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved
Inveniátur manus tua ómnibus inimícis tuis: * déxtera tua invéniat omnes, qui te odérunt.	Let your hand be found by all your enemies: let your right hand find out all them that hate you.
Pones eos ut clíbanum ignis in témpore vultus tui: † Dóminus in ira sua conturbábit eos, * et devorábit eos ignis.	You shall make them as an oven of fire, in the time of your anger: the Lord shall trouble them in his wrath, and fire shall devour them.
Fructum eórum de terra perdes: * et semen eórum a fíliis hóminum.	Their fruit shall you destroy from the earth: and their seed from among the children of men.
Quóniam declinavérunt in te mala: * cogitavérunt consília, quæ non potuérunt stabilíre.	For they have intended evils against you: they have devised counsels which they have not been able to establish.
Quóniam pones eos dorsum: * in relíquiis tuis præparábis vultum eórum.	For you shall make them turn their back: in your remnants you shall prepare their face.
Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua: * cantábimus et psallémus virtútes tuas.	Be exalted, O Lord, in your own strength: we will sing and praise your power.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 2: Huic, dum erémum péteret, Románus mónarchus obviávit: † cuius cum desidérium cognovísset, et secrétum ténuit, et adiutórium impéndit.	Ant. 2: When he was seeking the desert he met the monk Romanus, who, knowing his desire, kept his secret and gave him help.
Ant. 3: Tantam grátiam / ei virtus dívina contúlerat, † ut sub uno solis rádio omnem mundum colléctum conspíceret. 1A – LR 324	Ant.: Through the divine power he was granted the great grace to see the whole world gathered together under one ray of sunlight.

 

Psalm 23

Dómini est terra, et plenitúdo eius: * orbis terrárum, et univérsi qui hábitant in eo.	The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.
Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.	For he has founded it upon the seas; and has prepared it upon the rivers.
Quis ascéndet in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto eius?	Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?
Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, * qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, nec iurávit in dolo próximo suo.	The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who has not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.
Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.	He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.
Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Iacob.	This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Attóllite portas príncipes vestras, et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.	Lift up your gates, O princes, and be lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.
Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus fortis et potens: Dóminus potens in prælio.	Who is this King of Glory? The Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.
Attóllite portas príncipes vestras, et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.	Lift up your gates, O princes, and be lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.
Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.	Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 3: Tantam grátiam ei virtus dívina contúlerat, † ut sub uno solis rádio omnem mundum colléctum conspíceret.	Ant.: Through the divine power he was granted the great grace to see the whole world gathered together under one ray of sunlight.
Ant. 4: Pater sanctus / dum inténtam oculórum áciem in splendóre corúscae lucis habére, viderétur, † vidit Germáni ánimam Capuáni epíscopi in sphaera ígnea ab Angelis in caelum deférri. 4E – LR 324-5	Ant. 4: While the holy father stood attentively beholding the brightness of that glittering light, he saw the soul of Germanus, Bishop of Capua carried up to heaven by the angels in a fiery globe.

 

Psalm 95

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * cantáte Dómino, omnis terra.	Sing to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini eius: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre eius.	Sing to the Lord and bless his name: show forth his salvation from day to day.
Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam eius, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília eius.	Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.
Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.	For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.	For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens.
Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu eius: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne eius.	Praise and beauty are before him: holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.
Afférte Dómino, pátriæ géntium, † afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini eius.	Bring to the Lord, O you kindreds of the Gentiles, bring to the Lord glory and honour:  Bring to the Lord glory unto his name.
Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria eius: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto eius.	Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts: Adore the Lord in his holy court.
Commoveátur a fácie eius univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.	Let all the earth be moved at his presence. Say among the Gentiles, the Lord has reigned.
Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * iudicábit pópulos in æquitáte.	For he has corrected the world, which shall not be moved: he will judge the people with justice.
Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: † commoveátur mare et plenitúdo eius: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.	Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof: The fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful.
Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit iudicáre terram.	Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice before the face of the Lord, because he comes: because he comes to judge the earth.
Iudicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.	He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with his truth.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 4: Pater sanctus dum inténtam oculórum áciem in splendóre corúscae lucis habére, viderétur, † vidit Germáni ánimam Capuáni epíscopi in sphaera ígnea ab Angelis in caelum deférri.	Ant. 4: While the holy father stood attentively beholding the brightness of that glittering light, he saw the soul of Germanus, Bishop of Capua carried up to heaven by the angels in a fiery globe.
Ant. 5: Iníto consílio / fratres venénum vino miscuére: † quo obláto, signum crucis édidit: et vas pestíferi potus sic confráctum est, ac si pro signo lápidem dédisset. 2D – LR 325	Ant. 5: Taking counsel together, the brothers agreed to poison his wine: but when it was offered he made the sign of the cross, and straightway the glass broke in pieces, as though the sign of the cross had been a stone thrown against it.

 

Psalm 96

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.	The Lord has reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.
Nubes, et calígo in circúitu eius: * iustítia, et iudícium corréctio sedis eius.	Clouds and darkness are round about him: justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.
Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos eius.	A fire shall go before him, and shall burn his enemies round about.
Illuxérunt fúlgura eius orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.	His lightnings have shone forth to the world: the earth saw and trembled.
Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Domini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.	The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.
Annuntiavérunt cæli iustítiam eius: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam eius.	The heavens declared his justice: and all people saw his glory.
Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.	Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, and that glory in their idols.
Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli eius: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.	Adore him, all you his angels: Sion heard, and was glad.
Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Iudæ: * propter iudícia tua, Dómine:	And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, because of your judgments, O Lord.
Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.	For you are the most high Lord over all the earth: you are exalted exceedingly above all gods.
Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odite malum: † custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, * de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.	You that love the Lord, hate evil: the Lord preserves the souls of his saints, he will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.
Lux orta est iusto, * et rectis corde lætítia.	Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.
Lætámini, iusti in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis eius.	Rejoice, you just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 5: Iníto consílio fratres venénum vino miscuére: † quo obláto, signum crucis édidit: et vas pestíferi potus sic confráctum est, ac si pro signo lápidem dédisset.	Ant. 5: Taking counsel together, the brothers agreed to poison his wine: but when it was offered he made the sign of the cross, and straightway the glass broke in pieces, as though the sign of the cross had been a stone thrown against it.
Ant. 6: Tunc ad locum / diléctae solitúdinis rédiit; † et solus in supérni inspectatóris óculis habitávit secum. 7C – LR 325-6	Ant. 6: And then he returned back to the wilderness which so much he loved, and dwelt alone with himself, in the sight of his Creator.

 

Psalm 97

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * quia mirabília fecit!	Sing to the Lord a new canticle: because he has done wonderful things.
Salvávit sibi déxtera eius: * et bráchium sanctum eius.	His right hand has wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.
Notum fecit Dóminus salutáre suum: * in conspéctu Géntium revelávit iustítiam suam.	The Lord has made known his salvation: he has revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.
Recordátus est misericórdiæ suæ, * et veritátis suæ dómui Israël.	He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel.
Vidérunt omnes términi terræ * salutáre Dei nostri.	All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Iubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * cantáte, et exsultáte, et psállite!	Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing
Psállite Dómino in cíthara, in cíthara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductílibus, et voce tubæ córneæ.	Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: with long trumpets, and sound of cornet.
Iubiláte in conspéctu regis Dómini! † Moveátur mare, et plenitúdo eius: * orbis terrárum, et qui hábitant in eo.	Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: Let the sea be moved and the fullness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein.
Flúmina plaudent manu, † simul montes exsultábunt a conspéctu Dómini: * quóniam venit iudicáre terram.	The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord: because he comes to judge the earth.
Iudicábit orbem terrárum in iustítia, * et pópulos in æquitáte.	He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant. 6: Tunc ad locum diléctae solitúdinis rédiit; † et solus in supérni inspectatóris óculis habitávit secum.

Ant. 6: And then he returned back to the wilderness which so much he loved, and dwelt alone with himself, in the sight of his Creator.

 

Versicle

℣. Os iusti meditábitur sapiéntiam. ℟. Et lingua eius loquétur iudícium.

℣. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom. ℟. And his tongue talketh judgment.

Ant translations KE - 4, 5&6 adapted from Gardener.

 

Readings and responsories 

Lectio v: Benedíctus, Núrsiæ nóbili génere ortus, Romæ liberálibus disciplínis erudítus, ut totum se Iesu Christo daret, ad eum locum, qui Sublácus dícitur, in altíssimam spelúncam penetrávit; in qua sic per triénnium delítuit, ut unus id sciret Románus mónachus, quo ad vitæ necessitátem minístro utebátur. Dum ígitur ei quodam die ardéntes ad libídinem faces a diábolo subiiceréntur, se in vépribus támdiu volutávit, dum, laceráto córpore, voluptátis sensus dolóre opprimerétur.

Reading 5: Benedict was born of a noble family at Norcia, about the year of our Lord 480, and studied letters at Rome. Desiring to give himself altogether to Christ Jesus, he betook himself to a very deep cave at the place now called Subiaco. In this place he lay hid for three years, unknown to all except the monk Romanus, by means of whom he received the necessaries of life. While he was in the cave at Subiaco, the devil one day assailed him with an extraordinary storm of impure temptation, and to get it under, he rolled himself in brambles till his whole body was lacerated, and the sting of pain drove out the sallies of lust.

℟. O laudánda / sancti Benedícti mérita gloriósa, qui dum pro Christo pátriam mundíque sprevit pompam, † adéptus ómnium contubérnium Beatórum * Et párticeps factus praemiórum aeternórum. ℣. Inter choros confessórum spléndidum póssidet locum, † ubi ipsum fontem ómnium intuétur bonórum. ℟. Et párticeps factus praemiórum aeternórum.

℟. O praise the glorious merits of St Benedict who for Christ left his fatherland and the pomp of the world, and arrived at the companionship of all the blessed * And was made a partaker of eternal rewards. ℣. He holds a splendid place among the chorus of confessors, where he gazes upon the font of all good ℟. And was made a partaker of eternal rewards.

LR 326; trans Gardener (adapted KE)

 

Lectio vi: Sed iam erumpénte ex illis látebris fama eius sanctitátis, quidam mónachi se illi instituéndos tradidérunt: quorum vivéndi licéntia cum eius obiurgatiónes ferre non posset, venénum in potióne ei dare constítuunt. Verum, póculum ei præbéntibus, crucis signo vas confrégit, ac relícto monastério in solitúdinem se recépit. Sed cum multi ad eum quotídie discípuli convenírent, duódecim monastéria ædificávit, éaque sanctíssimis légibus communívit.

Reading 6: At last the fame of his holiness spread itself abroad from the desert, and some monks came to him for guidance, but the looseness of their lives was such that they could not bear his exhortations, and they plotted together to poison him in his drink. When they gave him the cup, he made the sign of the Cross over it, whereupon it immediately broke, and Benedict left that monastery, and retired to a desert place alone.  Nevertheless his disciples followed him daily, and for them he built twelve monasteries, and set holy laws to govern them.

℟. Cum sanctus Benedíctus / in cella consísteret, † elevátis sursum óculis, vidit soróris suae ánimam de córpore eius egréssam, * In colúmbae spécie caeli secréta penetráre. ℣. Qui tantae eius glóriae congáudens omnipoténti Deo grátias rétulit, † eiúsque óbitum frátribus denuntiávit. ℟. In colúmbae spécie caeli secréta penetráre.

℟. When St Benedict was standing in his cell, lifted his eyes he saw the soul of his sister which was departed from her body * Ascend into heaven in the likeness of a dove. ℣. Rejoicing much to see her great glory, with hymns and praise he gave thanks to almighty God, and imparted the news of her death to his monks. ℟. Ascend into heaven in the likeness of a dove.

LR 327; trans Gardener (adapted KE)

 

Lectio vii: Póstea Cassínum migrávit, ubi simulácrum Apóllinis, qui adhuc ibi colebátur, commínuit, aram evértit et lucos succéndit; ibíque sancti Martíni sacéllum et sancti Ioánnis ædículam exstrúxit, oppidános autem et íncolas christiánis præcéptis ímbuit. Quare augebátur in dies magis divína grátia Benedíctus, ut étiam prophético spíritu ventúra prædíceret. Quod ubi accépit Tótila Gothórum rex, exploratúrus, an res ita esset, spathárium suum régio ornátu et comitátu præmíttit, qui se regem simuláret. Quem ut ille vidit, Depóne, inquit, fili, depóne quod geris; nam tuum non est. Tótilæ vero prædíxit advéntum eius in Urbem, maris transmissiónem, et post novem annos mortem.

Reading 7: Afterwards he went to Cassino, and brake the image of Apollo which was still worshipped there, overturned the altar, and burnt the groves. There, in the year 529, he built the Church of St Martin and the little chapel of St John; and instilled Christianity into the townspeople and inhabitants. He grew in the grace of God day by day, so that being endowed with the spirit of prophecy he foretold things to come. When Totila, King of the Goths, heard of it, and would see whether it really were so, he sent his Spatharius before him, with the kingly ensigns and attendance, and feigning himself to be Totila. But as soon as Benedict saw him he said: My son, put off that which thou wearest, for it is not thine. To Totila himself he foretold that he would go to Rome, would cross the sea, and would die after nine years.

℟. Intempéstae / noctis hora vir dei instans vigíliis assíduae oratiónis, velut sub uno solis radio, * Omnem mundum colléctum conspexit. ℣. Vidénti enim Creatórem angústa est omnis creatúra. ℟. Omnem mundum colléctum conspexit.

℟. The man of God, keeping vigil in the dark hours of the night with assiduous prayer, under one beam of the sun * Saw the whole world gathered together. ℣. For he who sees the creator all created things seems small. ℟. Saw the whole world gathered together.

LR 328; trans Gardener (adapted KE)

 

Lectio viii: Qui áliquot ménsibus ántequam e vita migráret, præmónuit discípulos, quo die esset moritúrus; ac sepúlcrum, in quo suum corpus condi vellet, sex diébus ántequam eo inferrétur, aperíri iussit: sextóque die deférri vóluit in ecclésiam; ubi, sumpta Eucharístia, sublátis in cælum óculis orans, inter manus discipulórum efflávit ánimam: quam duo mónachi eúntem in cælum vidérunt, pállio ornátum pretiosíssimo, circum eam fulgéntibus lampádibus, et claríssima et gravíssima spécie virum, stantem supra caput ipsíus, dicéntem audiérunt: Hæc est via, qua diléctus Dómini Benedíctus in cælum ascéndit.

Reading 8: Some months before he departed this life, Benedict forewarned his disciples on what day he was to die; and he ordered his grave to be opened six days before he was carried to it. On the sixth day, being the 21st of March, in the year 543, he would be carried into the Church, where he received the Eucharist, and then, in the arms of his disciples, with his eyes lifted up to heaven, and wrapt in prayer, he gave up the ghost. Two monks saw his soul rising to heaven, clothed in a most precious garment, and surrounded with lights, and One of a most glorious and awful aspect standing above, Whom they heard saying This is the way whereby Benedict, the beloved of the Lord, goeth up to heaven.

℟. Pater sanctus / dum inténtam oculórum áciem in splendóre corúscae lucis habére viderétur, † vidit Germáni ánimam Capuáni epíscopi * In sphaera ígnea ab angelis in caelum deférri. ℣. Factúmque est, ut reverendíssimum virum Germánum epíscopum is qui missus fúerat, iam defúnctum réperit. ℟. In sphaera ígnea ab angelis in caelum deférri. ℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto. ℟. In sphaera ígnea ab angelis in caelum deférri.

℟. While the venerable father stood attentively beholding the brightness of that glittering light, he saw the soul of Germanus, Bishop of Capua, * Carried up by Angels into heaven in a fiery globe. ℣. It was discovered that the reverent man Germanus had departed this life at that very instant. ℟. Carried up by Angels into heaven in a fiery globe. ℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. ℟. Carried up by Angels into heaven in a fiery globe.

LR 328; trans Gardener (adapted KE)

 

Nocturn III (Sermon of St Peter Damian on St Benedict)

 

Antiphon and canticles

 

Ant: Benedíctum / prophéticis condecorémus cánticis, † qui tam fulsit prophetía, quam et doctrínae grátia. 3A - LR 329-30

Ant.: Let us adorn Benedict with prophetic canticles, who shone with prophecy as much as with grace of learning.

 

Canticum Ecclesiastici (14:22; 15:3-4, 6)

Beátus vir qui in sapiéntia morábitur, † et qui in iustítia sua meditábitur,* et in sensu cogitábit circumspectiónem Dei.	Blessed is the man that shall continue in wisdom, and that shall meditate in his justice, * and in his mind shall think of the all-seeing eye of God.
Cibábit illum pane vitæ et intelléctus, * et aqua sapiéntiæ salutáris potábit illum:	With the bread of life and understanding, * she shall feed him, and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink.
Et firmábitur in illo, et non flectétur: † et continébit illum, et non confundétur: * et exaltábit illum apud próximos suos.	And she shall be made strong in him, and he shall not be moved: And she shall hold him fast, and he shall not be confounded: * and she shall exalt him among his neighbours.
Et nómine ætérno hæreditábit illum * Dóminus Deus noster.	And shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name * the Lord our God.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Canticum Ieremiae (17:7-8)

Benedíctus vir qui confídit in Dómino, * et erit Dóminus fidúcia eius.	Blessed be the man that trusteth in the Lord, * and the Lord shall be his confidence.
Et erit quasi lignum quod transplantátur super aquas, † quod ad humórem mittit radíces suas, * et non timébit cum vénerit æstus.	And he shall be as a tree that is planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots towards moisture: * and it shall not fear when the heat cometh.
Et erit fólium eius víride, † et in témpore siccitátis non erit sollícitum, * nec aliquándo désinet fácere fructum.	And the leaf thereof shall be green, and in the time of drought it shall not be solicitous, * neither shall it cease at any time to bring forth fruit.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Canticum Ecclesiastici (31:8-11)

Beátus vir, qui invéntus est sine mácula, † et qui post aurum non ábiit,* nec sperávit in pecúnia et thesáuris.	Blessed is the man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, * nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.
Quis est hic, et laudábimus eum? * fecit enim mirabília in vita sua.	Who is he, and we will praise him? * for he hath done wonderful things in his life.
Qui probátus est in illo, et perféctus est, * erit illi glória ætérna:	Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, * he shall have glory everlasting.
Qui pótuit tránsgredi, et non est transgréssus; * fácere mala, et non fecit.	He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: * and could do evil things, and hath not done them.
Ideo stabilíta sunt bona illíus in Dómino, * et eleemósynas illíus enarrábit omnis ecclésia sanctórum.	Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, * and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.	As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Ant: Benedíctum prophéticis condecorémus cánticis, † qui tam fulsit prophetía, quam et doctrínae grátia.

Ant.: Let us adorn Benedict with prophetic canticles, who shone with prophecy as much as with grace of learning.

 

Versicle

℣. Lex Dei eius in corde ipsíus. ℟. Et non supplantabúntur gressus eius.

℣. The law of his God is in his heart. ℟. None of his steps shall slide.

 

Readings and responsories

 

Lectio ix: Ecce nos relíquimus ómnia, et secúti sumus te. Solémne verbum, magna promíssio, opus sanctum, dignum benedictióne: relínquere ómnia, et sequi Christum. Haec sunt verba voluntárie persuasória paupertátis, quae monastéria genuérunt, quae claustra mónachis, anachorétis silvas copiósius replevérunt.  Haec enim sunt, de quibus psallit Ecclésia: Propter verba labiórum tuórum ego custodívi vias duras; perceptúra requiem pro labóre, pro paupertáte divítias, pro tribulatióne mercédem.  Magnum revéra est relínquere ómnia, sed maius Christum sequi, cum multos ómnia reliquísse, nec Christum secútos fuísse legámus. Hoc opus, hic labor est, hic salútis humánae summa consístit; nec Christum póssumus sequi, nisi ómnia relinquámus, quia exsúltat ut gigas ad curréndam viam, et onerátus eum sequi non potest.

Reading 9: Sermon of St Peter Damian - 'Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee. Solemn word, mighty undertaking, a holy work and one worthy of blessing, to leave all things and follow Christ. These are the persuasive words of voluntary poverty, which have brought forth monasteries, and filled the cloister with monks and the woods with anchorites. These are the words of which the Church sings: 'By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.' We shall receive rest for our labour, riches for our poverty, a reward for our tribulation. It is a great thing to forsake all, but to follow Christ is a greater; for we read of many who have left all but who have not followed Christ. This is our task, this our labour; in this lies the essence of human salvation; nor can we follow Christ unless we forsake all, for He rejoices as a strong man to run a race, and he who bears a load cannot follow.

℟. Sanctíssime / Conféssor Christi Benedícte monachórum Pater et Dux: * Intercéde pro nostra omniúmque salúte. ℣. Devótae plebi súbveni sancta intercessióne, † ut tuis adiúta précibus regna caeléstia consequátur. ℟. Intercéde pro nostra omniúmque salúte.

℟. O Benedict, Most holy confessor of Christ, father and leader of monks, * Intercede for us and the salvation of all. ℣. Assist your devoted people with holy intercession so that with the help of your prayers they may reach the heavenly kingdom. ℟. Intercede for us and the salvation of all.

LR 330; LH 520; AM 1194: trans Gardener (adapted KE); Reading trans Patricia McNutty, St Peter Damian Selected Writings On The Spiritual Life Translation With An Introduction, Harper and Brothers, NY, 1939.

 

Lectio x: Ecce, inquit, nos relíquimus ómnia, non solum facultátes mundi, sed et ánimi quoque cupiditátes: neque enim relínquit ómia, qui retínuit vel seípsum; immo vero nihil prodest, sine seípso cétera reliquísse, quandóquidem nullum áliud onus est grávius hómini, quam homo ipse.  Quis enim tyránnus crudélior, quae sǽvior potéstas hómini, quam hóminis ipsíus volúntas? Séquitur: Quid ergo erit nobis? Iam ómnia relíquit Petrus, iam non solum séquitur, sed et diu secútus est; et nunc primum intérrogat, quidnam sit acceptúrus.  Quid est, Petre?  Nonne obediéntiam promisísti in auris auditióne, non in pacti conventióne?  Sed audíte iam, quid loquátur Dóminus Deus, et atténdite spem, in qua mundo fluctuánte speráre debémus: Sedébitis, ait Dóminus, ait Véritas.  Solémnis séssio, grata quíes, plena sufficiéntia.

Reading 10: 'Behold' he says, 'we have forsaken all' not only the riches of this world but the desires of the soul too; for he who holds on to the self has not forsaken all. And it is useless to abandon other things if we do not abandon ourselves, since man's heaviest burden is man himself. What tyrant is more cruel to man, what power more savage, than his own will? Under its sway you can never rest or sit at your ease, and the more it wearies you in enforcing obedience to itself, the more it goads and stings and weighs you down, being unmindful of kindness and a stranger to mercy. This is the nature of self-will: the more obedient its subject, the more cruelly is he bound in its chains.  'What shall we have therefore?' Peter has forsaken all; not only is he following, he has followed for a long time; and now for the first time he asks what he will receive. What, Peter? Did you not promise obedience to the voice? You made no contract with the Lord. But listen to what the Lord God says, and await that hope in which, in this uncertain world, we must confide.'  'You shall sit', says the Lord who is Truth. Splendid sitting, welcome rest, full sufficiency.

℟. Ipso anno, / quo de hac vita erat exitúrus, † quibúsdam discípulis secum conversántibus, quibúsdam longe manéntibus, * Sanctíssimi sui óbitus denuntiávit diem. ℣. Praeséntibus indicens, ut audíta per siléntium tégerent: † abséntibus índicans, quod vel quale eis signum fíeret quando eius ánima de córpore exíret. ℟. Sanctíssimi sui óbitus denuntiávit diem.

℟. In the year that was to be the last of his life, while some of his disciples were talking with him and some remained further away, * the most holy man foretold the day of his death. ℣. He bound them to strict secrecy, some others, he only informed of the special sign they would receive at the time of his death. ℟. The most holy man foretold the day of his death.

LR 331; trans Gardener (adapted KE)

 

V. Iube, Dómine, benedícere. Benedictio. Cuius festum cólimus, ipse gloriósus Pater noster intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum. Amen.

V. Grant, Lord, a blessing. Benediction. He whose feast-day we are keeping, Our glorious father, be our Advocate with God. Amen.

 

 

Lectio xi: Sed ne magnæ promissiónis dulcédinem longánimis expectátio contorquéret, mentis nostrae mobilitátem sermónem témperat dulcióri.  Novit enim ipse figméntum nostrum, quóniam dilatiónis moras pusillanímitas nostra non sústinet; ideóque benignitáte sua huic quoque obviat cogitatióni, et occúrrit étiam ex hac parte, dicens: Et omnis, qui relíquerit domum, aut patrem, aut matrem, aut fratrum, aut uxórem, aut agros, aut fílios, propter nomen meum, céntuplum accípiet, et vitam ætérnam possidébit. Obstrúctum est certe os loquéntium iníqua. Iamque confundántur omnes iníqua agéntes supervácue.  Habémus enim promissiónem vitae huius, quae nunc est, páriter et futúræ, manifestúmque est præséntis témprois esse céntupli promissiónem, ex eo nimírum quod séquitur: Et vitam ætérnam possidébit.

Reading 11: But lest our long awaiting should mar the sweetness of His promise, He controls the restlessness of our minds with a sweeter word. For he knows our weakness; He knows that our cowardice cannot brook delays; in His loving kindness He meets this problem and counteracts it, saying: 'And everyone that has forsaken house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.' "The mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped'; now all they who transgress without cause are ashamed.  For we have promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come;  and it is clear that the promise of receiving a hundred-fold applies to this life, since the words which follow are 'and shall inherit everlasting life'.

℟. Sexto die / portári se in oratório a discípulis fecit, † ibíque éxitum suum domínicis sacraméntis munívit, * Atque inter discipulórum manus expirávit. ℣. Cumque per síngulos dies lánguor ingravésceret, eréctis in caelum mánibus stetit. ℟. Atque inter discipulórum manus expirávit.

℟. On the sixth day, he had his disciples carry him into the oratory where he received the sacraments our Lord to gain strength for his approaching end * Then, in the arms of his disciples he breathed his last ℣. While for several days sickness had wasted his remaining energy, he stood with hands outstretched to heaven ℟. Then, in the arms of his disciples he breathed his last

LR 331-2; trans Gardener (adapted KE)

 

Lectio xii: Qui ergo nondum céntuplum accepérunt, scruténtur corda sua, et univésa mánuum suárum stúdia diligénter exáminent; nec dúbium, quib invéniant ángulum et diversórium, quod Salvátor non novit. Sed quid est céntuplum istud, nisi consolatiónes visitationésque et primítiae Spíritus, qui super mel dulcis est, nisi testimónium consciéntiae nostræ, nisi læta et iucundíssima iustórum expectátio, nisi memória abundántiae suavitátis Dei, et magna vere multitúdo dulcédinis eius, quam nec expértis necésse est dícere, nec inexpértis illis verbis exprímere quiquam potest?  Cui vero sic speciáliter totus evangélicae lectiónis excursus assignári potest, quemádmodum Patri et Magístro nostro beátro Benedícto?  Hic a puerítia mundum cum fíore relíquit, et curréntem Christum cursu rapidíssimo secútus est, nec déstitit, donec consequerétur.

Reading 12: Those who have not yet received the hundredfold reward must scrutinize their hearts and diligently examine all the work of their hands; they will certainly find some corner or lodging-place unknown to the Saviour. And what is our hundredfold reward but the consolations, the visitations and the first fruits of the Spirit, sweeter than honey; the witness of our consciences; the joyous and lovely expectation of the just, the memory of God's abundant sweetness, the great multitude of His delights, of which there is no need to tell those who have known them, just as it is impossible to describe them to those who have not known them. There is no one to whom all this exposition of our text better applies than to our father and master St. Benedict. He forsook the world and all its flowers in boyhood to run with strong strides after the running Christ; and he did not rest until he had caught up with Him.

℟. Via, / recto oriéntis trámite ab eius cella in caelum usque tendebátur; † cui venerándo hábitu vir désuper clarus assístens, cuius esset via, quam cérnerent, inquisívit: * Illi autem se nescíre proféssi sunt. ℣. Quibus ipse ait: † Haec est via, qua diléctus Dómini Benedíctus caelos ascéndit. ℟. Illi autem se nescíre proféssi sunt. ℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto. ℟. Illi autem se nescíre proféssi sunt.

℟. A straight road stretched eastwards from his cell until it reached up into heaven. And there in the brightness stood a man of majestic appearance, who asked them, Do you know who passed this way? * They declared that they did not know. ℣. This, he told them, is the road taken by blessed Benedict, the Lord's beloved, when he ascended to heaven. ℟. They declared that they did not know. ℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. ℟. They declared that they did not know.

LR 332-3; trans Gardener (adapted KE)

 

Gospel: St Matthew 19:27-29

 

Sequéntia sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthǽum. ℟. Gloria tibi, Domine.     In illo témpore: Dixit Petrus ad Iesum: Ecce, nos relíquimus ómnia, et secúti sumus te: quid ergo erit nobis? Iesus autem dixit illis: Amen, dico vobis, quod vos, qui secuti estis me, in regeneratióne, cum séderit Fílius hóminis in sede maiestátis suæ, sedébitis et vos super sedes duódecim, iudicántes duódecim tribus Israël. Et omnis, qui relíquerit domum, vel fratres, aut soróres, aut patrem, aut matrem, aut uxórem, aut fílios, aut agros, propter nomen meum, céntuplum accípiet, et vitam ætérnam possidébit. ℟. Amen.

Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. ℟. Glory to you, O Lord.   At that time: Then Peter answering, said to him: Behold we have left all things, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? And Jesus said to them: Amen, I say to you, that you, who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve seats judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting. ℟. Amen.

 

Oratio: Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui hodiérna die carnis edúctum ergástulo sanctíssimum tuum Benedictum sublevásti ad caelum: † concede, quáesumus, haec festa tuis fámulis celebrántibus cunctórum véniam delictórum; * ut, qui exsultántibus ánimis eius claritáti congáudent, ipso apud te interveniénte, consociéntur et méritis. Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, Who didst this day deliver from the prison of the flesh Thy most holy Confessor Benedict and didst bear him up to heaven, we beseech Thee, grant Thy servants who are celebrating this festival, forgiveness of all sins, that in the gladness wherein they are united in rejoicing at his glory, they may by his intercession before Thee partake also in his merits. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.