NOW LIGHT YOUR LAMPS

a new text for Christmas by Vincent Uher

NOW LIGHT YOUR LAMPS

Now light your lamps, ye Christians wise
and gather 'neath Christ's Star.
The Light of lights, the Prince of Peace
has come here from afar.
No warrior he, the Word made flesh,
the servant of us all,
the Child whose breathing brings us peace,
whose heartbeat saves us all.

God's mother's face reveals his light
as moon shines by the sun,
And Joseph's eyes filled full with joy
gleam bright with God's own Son.
O Christ our God, true face of God
now cradled in their arms,
O please accept what gifts we bring:
our hearts, our minds, our love.

Child Jesus, hear our fervent prayer
for peace to reign on earth,
for great and small, for rich and poor,
for each to know their worth.
Though fallen be the human race
and sin and hate abound
give peace to all for in each face
thy image still is found.

O sing, you blessed company
of faithful people. Sing
for God the Child whose very light
demands the darkness flee.
O Trinity of endless light,
with love our praise we bring
where Wisdom found a cave for house
to bring forth earth's true king.

Copyright © 2007 Vincent Uher
Suggested tune: Forest Green

Extraordinary Form in Hanceville

The Rorate Mass was celebrated at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama and was broadcast on EWTN this morning in the USA. The Temple that Mother Angelica built is the perfect setting for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Holy Violence

Please do read Father Mark's meditation today, 13 December, Feast of St. Lucy, at his blog Vultus Christi. It is extraordinary.

Requiescat in pace

His Eminence Alfonso Maria Cardinal Stickler
1910-2007

Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine,

et lux perpetua luceat ei.

Requiescat in pace.

Cathcon translation of obituary in Der Standard

Austrian Curial Cardinal Stickler has died

The eldest member of the Cardinalate was in his ninety eighth year and "passed away peacefully"

The Austrian Curia, Cardinal Alfonso Maria Stickler, the oldest member of the College of Cardinals, died in the Vatican on Wednesday evening at the age of 98, as Kathpress reports. The former prefect of the Vatican Library and Papal Archives (until 1988) came from Neunkirchen in Lower Austria, where he was born on 23 August 1910. While still young, he joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1937, and was ordained a priest. In September 1983 - just before the first visit to Austria by Pope John Paul II - was Stickler appointed in May 1985 to the Cardinal’s college, as Cardinal Bishop.

In 1983, Pope John Paul II appointed him as a successor to the Austrian Cardinal Antonio Samore, the "Pro-Librarian of the Holy Roman Church" and appointed him archbishop simultaneously to the Titular See of Bolsena. On 7 In July 1984, Pope John Paul II gave him responsibility also for the Vatican Secret Archives. During his tenure, Stickler tirelessly contined the the preservation and modernization of the Vatican library, which is not a repository of the world's richest collection of manuscripts (about 70,000), but also contains one million printed books, roughly 150,000 copper engravings, and a very valuable coin collection. Under the leadership of the Austrian cardinal, a great nuclear bomb proof bunker was built, in which the most important treasures of the library (including the "Codex Vaticanus) are accommodated.

The conservative traditionalist Stickler was extremely hostile to the "Popular Church Movement" in Austria. The Cardinal, who was a strong supporter of the pre-Conciliar rite of the Mass said at that time in precise words that the "rebellion" was directed against the Pope and "against the very essence of our faith." The conscience of the individual must be subordinate to the authority of the Magisterium.

"Passed away peacefully"

Cardinal Stickler passed away peacefully on Wednesday night at 19.30 pm said the Linz diocesan Bishop Ludwig Schwarz in conversation with Kathpress. Stickler knew well Schwarz from his time as Provincial of the Roman province of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The oldest Cardinal lived in his last years secluded in his apartment in the Palazzo del Sant'Uffizio.

The late Cardinal came from a large family. He was the second of twelve children. After graduation in Vienna, he entered the novitiate of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and was professed on 15 August 1928. He completed his theological studies in Benediktbeuern and taught in Turin and Rome. He was a Doctor iuris utriusque of the Lateran University

Stickler taught ecclesiastical legal history at the Canon Law Faculty of the Salesian University in Rome, was Dean of the faculty and finally Rector of the university. On 25 March 1971 (Ash Wednesday) Pope Paul VI appointed him the Prefect of the Vatican Library, which was according to Stickler himself, the most significant "change in his career path". On 8 September 1983, Stickler was appointed "Pro Librarian of the Holy Roman Church", while as well as Titular Bishop of Bolsena. Pope John Paul II personally consecrated him Bishop on the Feast of All Saints 1983. On 7 July 1984, Pope John Paul II also gave him responsibility for the Vatican Secret Archives. In the Consistory of 25 May 1985, Pope John Paul II made him Cardinal and give him as titular, the Church of San Giorgio in Velabro (the church was on the night of 27 to 28 July 1993 severely damaged in a bomb attack, believed to be the work of the Mafia). From this time, until his retirement, Stickler was Official Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church.

Beautiful Saviour, Mightiest in Mercy

I wrote this hymn from a poem of mine with the tune Coelites plaudant (Rouen) which is well known in Anglican circles associated as it is with a text used at Michaelmas.

This year I have had requests to use this text during Advent (the Second or Fourth Sunday) but set to Richard Dirksen's lovely tune Decatur Place. I am always happy to have a text of mine sung to a tune that is well-known by a congregation ... especially when that is one of the newer tunes.

There are many tunes that work successfully with this text and tend to shade its meaning in lovely if unexpected ways. I hope this text will prove useful to all who read it in their Advent journey with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in Judea.


The Hymn: Beautiful Saviour, Mightiest in Mercy

Beautiful Saviour, Mightiest in Mercy,
Light piercing darkness, Joy beyond all sorrow,
Wounded for healing, Dying for our saving,
.....................Victim and High Priest.

Son of the Father, Child of Mary Mother,
Just Joseph's dear boy, Cause of Great John's leaping,
Mary's Deliverer, Truest friend to Lazarus,
.....................True God, our High King.

All laud we bring now praising our Belovèd,
Christ Jesus, Saviour, Victor, and Redeemer
Judge of the Living, Judge of the departed,
.....................Come quickly, Jesus.

Words: © 2007 by Vincent Uher. All Rights Reserved.
Other Excellent Suggested tunes:
Iste Confessor
Oblation (which is Crueger's "Lobet den Herren" ),
Coelites Plaudant (Rouen)

O Virgo virginum

Veni, veni, Emmanuel ~ O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

A paraphrase of the Sarum Use 8th "O Antiphon" which I wrote for public worship:

O Virgin blest, this Myst'ry rare,
Like thee, so great beyond compare —
We marvel at thy Child and thee.
Behold, God's face in infancy!

Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel
Is come to thee, O Israel!


I have written a version of the 8th Antiphon ' O Virgo Virginum' that would be consistent with the common English of today:

O Virgin blest, this Myst'ry rare,
Like you is great beyond compare.
We marvel here your Child to see
and gaze upon God's infancy!

Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel
has come to you, O Israel!


I also drafted another paraphrase in the liturgical English of my youth:

O Virgin blest, this Myst'ry rare
Like thee is great beyond compare.
O marv'llous is thy Child of light
whose every breath is thy delight.

Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel
Is come to thee, O Israel!

© 2006 Vincent Uher

O Christ the King, the Royal Banners Rise

O Christ the King, the royal banners rise.
Thy Cross, thy standard we raise to the skies,
And hail thee, “Lord!” and bow before thine eyes.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

Transfigured thou upon the mountain’s height
Revealed the glory of the Bridegroom’s face
And showed to them thy purpose and thy Light.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

The Cross, thy throne where thou wast lifted high
Embracing all the broken world’s dark heart
Till blood and water gushed when pierced was thine.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

Death could not hold thee, nor a tomb contain,
O Love and Life, who now from heav’n dost reign,
The King of kings, the Lord who healeth pain.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

____________________________
Copyright © 2006 by Vincent Uher
This text is sung to the tune Sine Nomine

The Reign of Christ: Christ the King Sunday

Behold, how like a monarch

Behold, how like a monarch
Peace enters in to reign
when all things rightly ordered
proclaim Christ's true domain.
God crowns each true peacemaker
with blessings from above
to share with friend and neighbour
the treasure of God's love.

The very life of Jesus,
his rising from the dead,
his sending of the Spirit
turns this world on its head.
The promise of our Saviour
cries, 'Heaven is at hand.
Receive the Holy Spirit.
Peace to you and your land.'

Long nights we knew of warfare,
of desperate people's cries.
We see how nations falter
destroyed by greed and lies.
Christ's Cross, a contradiction
"Lay down your life for friends
so justice, hope, and mercy
fill the world's farthest ends."

To put an end to terror
we long to do what's right.
To save the world from horrors,
to vanquish evil's might.
Unless God leads and guides us
we turn Earth into hell.
Christ, shepherd all the nations
so all things shall be well!

Christ's peace, the Church's power,
His peace, our bravest song.
His sacrifice, his bleeding
make peace where once was wrong.
His Gospel mark our actions.
Our actions be as prayers
till Christ rules all creation,
swords beat into ploughshares.

Creator of all nature,
the Word through whom Life came,
the Spirit through us moving,
One God, we praise your Name.
We tell out your great goodness,
your tenderness and might
by which you end all terror.
Your peace crowns all with light.

Words: Copyright © 2003, 2007 Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Suggested tunes: Es flog ein kleins Waldvöglein (Woodbird)
or Passion Chorale (Herzlich thut mich verlangen)
Meter: 76 76 D

MARIAN PRAYER OF SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK (A.D. 1010)

Assist me by the wings of your prayers,
O you who are called the Mother of the living,
so that on my exit from this valley of tears
I may be able to advance without torment
to the dwelling of life
that has been prepared for us
to lighten the end of a life burdened by my iniquity.

Healer of the sorrows of Eve,
change my day of anguish into a feast of gladness.
Be my Advocate,
ask and supplicate.
For as I believe in your inexpressible purity,
so do I also believe in
the good reception that is given to your word.

O you who are blessed among women,
help me with your tears
for I am in danger.
Bend the knee to obtain my reconciliation,
O Mother of God.

Be solicitous for me for I am miserable,
O Tabernacle of the Most High.
Hold out your hand to me as I fall,
O heavenly Temple.

Glorify your Son in you:
may he be pleased to operate Divinely in me
the miracle of forgiveness and mercy.
Handmaid and Mother of God,
may your honour be exalted by me,
and may my salvation be manifested through you.

Amen.

Illness, Infirmity & Suffering

Sadly I have not been able to continue this blog as I have desired. I suffer from crippling neuropathic pain that is at least in part related to a syrinx within my spinal cord. There are other medical problems to boot due to stroke, but what makes each day a marathon to endure is simply coping with pain. Imagine if the lower half of your body was on fire -- you are then getting close to what I have dealt with for years.

I feel very blessed that there have been long stretches in my life when this pain has inexplicably alleviated. During such times I tried to accomplish as much as possible not knowing if or when the physical ordeal would begin again in earnest. During the times of abatement or times like those of the present in which I barely make it through each day, Jesus and the Communion of Saints have been present to me and with me in the most wondrous ways. These consolations have been the manna in my wilderness of illness, infirmity and suffering.

Novena to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

A special novena to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

O Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini who found in the Divine Heart of Jesus the secret of sanctity and the strength to carry His message to many nations, look kindly upon me and hear my prayer.

Inspired by Christ's charity you went about helping many in their spiritual and temporal needs; from the glory of Heaven, where your charity is not lessened nor your power weakened, grant my petition and obtain for me the grace I so urgently desire: protection from enemies at home, from civil strife, from famine, civil war and plague, and for mercy for the poor souls [who have died since 9/11] because of violence and war.

From the Sacred Heart of Jesus obtain that His Kingdom may be established in this world, now divided by hatred and dissensions; secure peace among nations, conversion of the sinners, health to the sick, alleviation for the victims of war, deliverance for the souls in Purgatory, salvation for the human race redeemed by Christ Our Saviour. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

An indulgence of 300 days each time the above prayer is recited

July 7, 1946 +URBAN J. VEHER, Archbishop of Denver

things which were cast down are being raised up

DEUS, incommutabilis virtus et lumen aeternum, respice propitius ad totius Ecclesiae mirabile sacramentum, et opus salutis humanae perpetuae dispositionis effectu tranquillius operare; totusque mundus experiatur et videat dejecta erigi, inveterata renovari et per ipsum Christum redire omnia in integrum, a quo sumpsere principium; Dominum Nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. Amen.


O GOD of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably upon thy whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of thy providence, carry out in tranquillity the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who liveth and reigenth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Archbishop John Carroll's Prayer

With thanks to Fr. Z.

PRAYER FOR GOVERNMENT

We pray, Thee O Almighty and Eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy Name.

We pray Thee, who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Pope N., the Vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, N., all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.

We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for his excellency, the governor of this state , for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

For the USA: Happy Feast of Sovereignty

July 4th Collect from the USA BCP 1979:

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


The alternative collect for July 4th from the USA BCP 1979:

Lord God Almighty, who hast made all the peoples of the earth for thy glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength
of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


The Preface of Trinity Sunday is used at the Holy Eucharist

The Collect for the Anglican Use

O HOLY Ghost the Lord, who on Pentecost gavest the Church the gift of tongues that Christ might be known, loved and served by peoples of divers nations and customs: watch over the Anglican heritage within thy Church, we pray thee, that, led by thy guidance and strengthened by thy grace, that Use may find such favour in thy sight that its people may increase both in holiness and number, and so show forth thy glory; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Son, one God world without end. Amen.

Evidence of Holy Mother Church

I saw this beautiful photograph on the New Liturgical Movement blog.

I post it here for dear Chloë, a faithful reader, to assure her that Holy Mother Church still exists.

Andrew Cusack on Ron Paul

Andrew Cusack on Ron Paul as a Presidential candidate.

The Perils of Abundance

O GOD, who in thy love hast bestowed upon us gifts such as our fathers never knew nor dreamed of: Mercifully grant that we be not so occupied with material things that we forget the things which are spiritual; lest, having gained the whole world, we lose our own soul;

for thy mercy's sake. Amen.

Eric Milner-White

Of St. Anne, the Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Grandmother of the Lord Jesus Christ


O GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every fatherhood in heaven and earth is named, vouchsafe, on this day of the blessed parent, St. Anne, to renew, in thy people, the consecration of the family, its affections and responsibilities, with increasing holiness unto thee, that this and every generation may be hallowed by thy love and fear ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast observed on July 26
The People's Missal
(Anglican, drawing from Sarum and other Uses)
The Revd E. A. L. Clarke, A.K.C
1919

Of St. Mary Magdalene

MERCIFUL Father, give us grace, that, repenting us of our manifold offences, and receiving a lively faith for the remission of our sins, we may be rendered whole, like Mary Magdalene, from whatsoever ills, and attain the glory of the resurrection ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast observed on July 22
The People's Missal
(Anglican drawing from Sarum and other Uses)
The Revd E. A. L. Clarke, A.K.C
1919

Of the Visitation

Abridged from the Sarum Collect for July 2

O GOD, who didst prompt the most holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of thine only begotten Son, to visit the blessed Elisabeth, for a mutual joy and strengthening in thee, mercifully grant, that being protected from all adversities and in the bonds of faith with thy whole Church, we may enjoy the grace of thy perpetual visitation ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The People's Missal
(Anglican drawing from Sarum and other Uses)
The Revd E. A. L. Clarke, A.K.C
1919

Of Saint Alban, Protomartyr of England

ALMIGHTY Lord, who didst endue the blessed Alban, thy martyr, with a glorious charity and courage, so that he protected a servant of thine and suffered in his stead, grant unto us all, as thou shalt give us opportunity, to defend the weak, and to support the true ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The People's Missal
(Anglican drawing from Sarum and other Uses)
The Revd E. A. L. Clarke, A.K.C
1919

Of the Blessed Virgin Mary

ALMIGHTY God, who didst send forth thy Son, made of a woman, that we might be redeemed and receive the adoption of sons : Grant that, beholding what Majesty did become incarnate for our sakes, we may, with all generations, call her blessed, through whom as Virgin-Mother of the Lord we have been thus blest : to thine honour and glory, who livest and reignest in the unity of the Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The People's Missal
(Anglican drawing from Sarum and other Uses)
The Revd E. A. L. Clarke, A.K.C
1919

Of the Holy Name of Jesus

O GOD, who hast made the most glorious name of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord to be above every name dear unto thy people, and dreadful only to spirits of evil : mercifully vouchsafe, that all who reverence this Name of JESUS upon earth may receive the support of its holy consolations, during this life present, and be crowned with triumphant gladness in that which is to come; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Abridged from Sarum

A Collect for St. Peter

O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock ; Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory ; through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

The People's Missal
(Anglican drawing from Sarum and other Uses)
The Revd E. A. L. Clarke, A.K.C
1919

An Anglo-Catholic Prayer

based on Ephesians I. 17-20

O GOD of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give unto us, we pray Thee, a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Thee; and enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope of Thy calling; what the riches of the glory of Thy inheritance in the Saints; and what the exceeding greatness of Thy Power to us-ward who believe; according to the working of the strength of Thy might, which Thou hast wrought in Christ when Thou didst raise Him from the dead, and didst make Him to sit in the Heavenly Places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and for evermore. Amen.

Devotion and Duty
E. Edmund Seyzinger
The Community of the Resurrection (Anglican)
1930

A Collect for the Conversion of the World

O GOD, whose miracles of old we perceive to shine forth even in our times: who didst deliver one people from the pursuit of the Egyptians by the power of thy right hand, and dost now through the water of regeneration bestow thy saving health upon all nations: vouchsafe; that the fulness of the whole world may be numbered among the sons of Abraham and made partakers of the dignity of Israel through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

The Paschal Vigil
The English Use - Western Rite Orthodox
Antiochian Orthodox Church in the USA

De Sancta Eucharistia

Liber Precum Publicarum, 1979 USA

Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: Tribue, quaesumus, ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus; qui vivis et regnas, cum Deo Patre in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

A Daily Prayer, written by St. Edmund

Into Thy hands, O Lord, and into the hands of Thy holy Angels, I commit and entrust this day my soul, my relations, my benefactors, my friends and enemies, and all Thy Catholic people. Keep us, O Lord, through the day, by the merits and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all Thy Saints, from all vicious and unruly desires, from all sins and temptations of the devil, and from sudden and unprovided death and the pains of hell. Illuminate my heart with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit; grant that I may ever be obedient to Thy commandments; suffer me not to be separated from Thee, O God, who livest and reignest with God the Father and the same Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

St. Edmund
The Raccolta
1957

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom in Latin

Liber Precum Publicarum, 1560

Precatio Divi Chrysostomi

OMNIPOTENS sempiterne Deus, qui nobis gratiam dedisti ut hoc tempore unanimiter congregati, preces nostras ad te offerremus, quique polliceris, ut ubi duo vel tres congregati fuerint in tuo nomine, te eorum supplicationes clementer exauditurum, petimus, ut vota et preces tuorum famulorum, pro ut tibi videbitur eorum saluti maxime expedire, perficias, et præsta nobis in hac vita tuæ veritatis cognitionem, et in futura, vitam æternam. Amen.

II Corinth. xiii.

GRATIA Domini nostri Jesu Christi, charitas Dei, et communicatio Sancti Spiritus, sit semper cum omnibus nobis. Amen.

A Prayer from Vultus Christi

This beautiful prayer comes from Father Mark of the most inspiring blog Vultus Christi. The entire post that concludes with this prayer is magnificent.

Prayer

I pray thee, O Most Holy Virgin Mary,
that I might hear the Heartbeat of redeeming Love,
and that with Thee
I might adore the Heart of Jesus
formed in Thy womb by the Holy Spirit.

Through the Holy Spirit,
by whose power and overshadowing Thou didst become
the living tabernacle of the Heart of God,
may my soul rejoice in Thy every visitation
and leap in recognition of Him
who through Thee deigns to come to me.

Through the Holy Spirit
by whom Thou wert illumined by faith,
quickened by hope,
and inflamed with charity,
grant that I may believe all that the Sacred Heart of Jesus has revealed,
never despair of His boundless Mercy,
and burn with the fire He came to cast upon the earth.

In the Holy Spirit,
Thou adorest the Heart of Thy Son as the Heart of Thy God;
in that same Holy Spirit,
grant that I may adore the Heart of my God
as the Heart that, hidden in Thy womb, once beat beneath Thy own:
the same Sacred Heart that, pierced upon the Cross,
fills the heavens with glory
and the earth with mercy.
Amen.

Anglican Use Society at Shrine in D.C.

Please do read the post at Casa Santa Lidia about the Anglican Use Society Conference at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washignton, D.C.

Office of the Holy Spirit

Tuesday at the Third Hour: The Spirit of Fellowship

O God, make speed to save us;
O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Alleluia.

HYMN

O HOLY Spirit, Lord of grace,
Eternal source of love,
Inflame, we pray, our inmost hearts
With fire from heaven above.

As thou dost join with holiest bonds
The Father and the Son,
So fill thy saints with mutual love
And link their hearts in one.

To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Holy Ghost.
Eternal Glory be from man,
And from the Angel-host. Amen. [English Hymnal 453.


Antiphon.
The multitude of them that believed: were of one heart and of one soul.

PSALM CXXII.
Laetatus sum.

I WAS glad when they said unto me : We will go into the house of the Lord.
2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates : O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city : that is at unity in itself.
4 For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord : to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.
5 For there is the seat of judgement : even the seat of the house of David.
6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee.
7 Peace be within thy walls : and plenteousness within thy palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions' sakes : I will wish thee properity.
9 Yea, because fo the house of the Lord our God I will seek to do thee good.

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost :
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon.
The multitude fo them that believed : were of one heart and of one soul.

CHAPTER. (EPHESIANS iv. 1-6)

WALK worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Thanks be to God.

If there be any fellwoship of the Spirit : be ye likeminded, having the same love;
If there be any fellowship of the Spirit: be ye likeminded, haveing the same love.

If any tender mercies and compassions ;
Be ye likeminded having the same love.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
If there be any fellowship of the Spirit : be ye likeminded, having the same love.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts;
To the which also ye were called in one body.

The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

VOUCHSAFE, we beseech thee, Almighty God, to grant to the whole Christian people unity, peace, and true concord, both visible and invisible : through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us bless the Lord;
Thanks be to God.

Cambridge Offices and Orisons
E. Milner-White, B.T.D. Smith
1921

A Litany of the Incarnation

Offices of the Gospel: Monday at the Sixth Hour

HOLY art thou, O God; holy, Creator : Father most holy:
Have mercy upon us.

Holy art thou, O God; holy, most mighty; holy Incarnate:
Have mercy upon us.

Holy art thou, O God; holy, immortal; holy, Lifegiver:
Have mercy upon us.

Glory be to God on high;
And in earth peace, goodwill towards men.

By the archangel's salutation,
Grant us thy peace.

By Mary's glad obedience,
Grant us thy peace.

By the endless joy of Christmas,
Grant us thy peace.

By the love of Mary Mother,
Grant us thy peace.

By thy lowly birth and lodging,
Grant us thy peace.

By thy cradle in a manger,
Grant us thy peace.

By the song of herald angels,
Grant us thy peace.

By the homage of poor shepherds,
Grant us thy peace.

By the offering of princes,
Grant us thy peace.

By thy holy name of Jesus,
Grant us thy peace.

Glory be to God on high:
And in earth peace, goodwill towards men.

WE thy children do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God, and to grant
That the glad light of the Incarnation may shine throughout the world;
Son of Man, we beseech thee to hear us.

That the Gospel of thy love may win the faith and homage of all hearts;
Son of Man, we beseech thee to hear us.

That all estates of men may know and find their unity at Bethlehem;
Son of man, we beseech thee to hear us.

That the questionings of all minds and the wants of all souls at Bethlehem may find their peace:
Son of Man, we beseech thee to hear us.

That thy birth as Man may hallow the whole life of man:
Son of Man, we beseech thee to hear us.

That we may ever wear in honour the robe of flesh which thou hast worn:
Son of Man, we beseech thee to hear us.

That thou for whom an inn could find no room may not again be crowded from our lives:
Son of Man, we beseech thee to hear us.

That thou for whom a stable-place sufficed wilt not disdain to dwell within our hearts:
Son of Man, we beseech thee to hear us.

Glory be to God on high:
And in earth peace, goodwill towards men.

THEREFORE with angels and archangels, with patriarchs and prophets, with Mary and Joseph, with wise men and shepherds, with all men and all creatures, let us bless the Lord;
Hosannah in the highest.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the governments shall be upon his shoulder;
Hosannah in the highest.

And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace;
Hosannah in the highest.

For in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God;
Hosannah in the highest.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us;
Hosannah in the highest.

And we have seen his glory, glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth;
Hosannah in the highest.

GOD the Father, maker of men; God the Son, born among men; God the Holy Ghost, sanctifying men, bless, preserve, and keep us, evermore and evermore. Amen.

Cambridge Offices and Orisons
E. Milner-White, B.T.D. Smith
1921

Most Holy Trinity

What praises can we bring God
the very Source of Praise?
A godly life and sober
with love throughout our days!
To love the Lord completely
and self and neighbour too --
such anthems of life are pleasing
to God and justly due.

Great Lord of all creation,
we lift both heart and mind
with saints and angels singing
dear Father of our kind.
We beg forgiveness for our sins
Christ's blood we plead and claim.
Renew us in love to live for thee,
to praise thy holy Name.

O God the Son of Mary
free us from sin and strife
Nourish and purify us
who drink thy Cup of Life.
As mothers feed their children
growing safely in the womb,
Thy body and blood do feed us
to shatter death's dark tomb.

O Spirit of God most holy
thou art our life and light.
Into the stature of Our Lord
thou guidest us aright.
O lead us into holiness
and purity of heart
that with the saints of every age
we stand and do our part.

O blessed Trinity of love
thy ways are not our own.
Now turning from the night of sin
we shine before thy throne.
Our souls we here present to thee.
Our lives do thou employ.
To praise and magnify thy Name.
We lift our hearts in joy.


Words: Copyright © 1998, 2005 by Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Music: Ellacombe
Meter: 76 76 D

Behold, How Like A Monarch

Behold, how like a monarch
Peace enters in to reign
when all things rightly ordered
proclaim Christ's true domain.
God crowns each true peacemaker
with blessings from above
to share with friend and neighbour
the treasure of God's love.

The sacrifice of Jesus,
his rising from the dead,
his sending of the Spirit
turns this world on its head.
The promise of our Saviour
sings, 'Heaven is at hand.
Receive the Holy Spirit.
Peace to you and your land.'

Long nights we knew of warfare,
of desperate people's cries.
We see how nations falter
destroyed by greed and lies.
Christ's Cross, a contradiction
"Lay down your life for friends
so justice, hope, and mercy
fill the world's farthest ends."

To put an end to terror
we long to do what's right.
To save the world from horrors,
to vanquish evil's might.
Unless God leads and guides us
we turn Earth into hell.
Christ, shepherd all the nations
so all things shall be well!

Christ's peace, the Church's power,
His peace, our bravest song.
His sacrifice, his bleeding
make peace where once was wrong.
His Gospel mark our actions.
Our actions be as prayers
till Christ rules every nation,
swords beat into ploughshares.

Creator of all nature,
the Word through whom Life came,
the Spirit through us moving,
One God, we praise your Name.
We tell out your great goodness,
your tenderness and might
by which you end all terror.
Your peace crowns all with light.

---

Words: Copyright © 2003 Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Suggested tunes: Es flog ein kleins Waldvöglein (Woodbird)
or Passion Chorale (Herzlich thut mich verlangen)
Meter: 76 76 D

Pentecost and Whitsuntide Collects, Ancient and Modern, in the Anglican Tradition

Pentecost, Sarum Missal
Deus qui hodierna die corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti : da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de ejus semper consolatione gaudere.

Whitsunday, 1549 BCP
God, which as upon this day hast taught the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end.

Pentecost, commonly called Whitsunday, second collect, 1928 USA
Almighty and most merciful God, grant, we beseech thee, that by the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit, we may be enlightened and strengthened for thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end.

Monday in Whitsunday Week, 1928 USA
Send, we beseech thee, Almighty God, thy Holy Spirit into our hearts, that he may direct and rule us according to thy will, comfort us in all our afflictions, defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the same Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end.

Tuesday in Whitsunday Week, 1928 USA
Grant we beseech thee, merciful God, that thy Church, being gathered together in unity by thy Holy Spirit, may manifest thy power among all peoples, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the same Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end.

Day of Pentecost, 1979 USA BCP
Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit : Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you , in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Vigil of Pentecost, Pentecost Eve
God our Father when your Son ascended into heaven he promised to send us the Holy Spirit : grant that we, who have not been left as orphans may abide always in that Spirit, and be loving and obedient disciples of your Son; who lives ...

An Anglican Prayer Book, CPSA, South Africa

Pentecost, First Collect, An Anglican Prayer Book, CPSA
Almighty God, on the day of Pentecost you sent your Holy Spirit to the disciples with the wind from heaven and in tongues of flame : inspire our hearts and set them on fire with his joy and power and send us out as witnesses to the wonder of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives ...

Pentecost, Second Collect, Ireland Alternate Prayer Book
Almighty God, who on the day of Pentecost sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples, filling them with joy and with boldness to preach the Gospel : Send us out in the power of the same Spirit to witness to your truth, and to draw all men to the fire of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Pentecost, Canada BAS
Almighty and everliving God, who fulfilled the promises of Easter by sending us your Holy Spirit and opening to every race and nation the way of life eternal, keep us in the unity of your Spirit, that every tongue may tell of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives ...

Pentecost, Year B, A Prayer Book for Australia
Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church: open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, in love, joy and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pentecost, Year C, A Prayer Book for Australia
O God, who in smoke and fire upon Mount Sinai gave the law to Moses, and who revealed the new covenant in the fire of the Spirit: grant, we pray, that, kindled by that same Spirit, which you poured forth upon your apostles, we may fulfil with joy your commandment of love. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Of the traditional blessing of the bells

On the blog Roman Miscellany

The Baptism of the Bells

99 Balloons

Holy Fire of Jesus' Spirit

Holy fire of Jesus' Spirit
purify my soul and heart.
Fire of love, consume my darkness.
Fire of hope, cleanse every part.
Light of heaven, burning brightly,
heal my wounds and make me whole.
Through thy mercy and compassion
light thy fire within my soul.

Jesus, Son of David, hear me.
Lord, have mercy. Save my life.
I confess I crucified thee.
Now I know thou art my life.
Change me here to bear thy glory;
let my blinded eyes see Light.
Make my broken heart thy temple
and abide there day and night.

God the Son of Mother Mary,
blest are all who keep thy word.
With thy light ablaze within me,
I proclaim what I have heard.
More than words will be my actions
shining bright to draw the world
through thy Sacred Heart to glory
in the Father of the Word.

Words: Copyright © 1999 by Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Tune: Hyfrydol
Meter: 87 87 D

The Spirit and Bride bid all of us, Come.

Rejoice in the Lord, O friends of God's Son.
The feast is prepared, the waiting is done.
The banquet is spread with warm welcome for all.
O do not delay, but respond to God's call!

How gracious is God, how mighty and just.
His mercies are sure and worthy of trust.
Come, broken and weary. Come, burdened and torn.
With crowns of salvation Christ shall you adorn.

The Spirit and Bride bid all of us come.
The thirsty shall drink from our Father's love.
The hungry shall feed on the joys of the Lord,
And Jesus the Christ will be ever adored.

Words: Copyright © 2002 Vincent Uher. All rights reserved.
Tune: Laudate Dominum
Meter: 10 10 11 11

A Thanksgiving for the Resurrection and Ascension

LET us bless the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost:
Let us praise and exalt him for ever.


Then shall be said together:

BLESSING and honour and glory and power
be unto him that sitteth upon the throne
and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty:
Just and true are thy ways, thou King of Saints;
All glorious thy gifts, thou Spirit of life.
Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving
and honour and power and might
be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious;
And his mercy endureth for ever.

Who hath loved us from all eternity;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

And remembered us when we were in trouble;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

Who by his Cross and Passion hath redeemed the world;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

And hath washed us from our sins in his own blood;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

Who on the third day rose from the dead;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

And hath given us the victory;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

Who ascended up on high;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

And opened wide for us the everlasting doors;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

Who sitteth on the right hand of God;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

And ever liveth to make intercession for us;
For his mercy endureth for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.


FOR the gift of his Spirit;
Blessed be Christ.

For the Catholic Church;
Blessed be Christ.

For the means of grace;
Blessed be Christ.

For the hope of glory;
Blessed be Christ.

For the triumphs of his gospel;
Blessed be Christ.

For the lives of his saints;
Blessed be Christ.

In joy and in sorrow;
Blessed be Christ.

In life and in death;
Blessed be Christ.

Now and unto the end of the ages;
Blessed be Christ.


Here may be added thanksgivings for particular mercies, and at their end all shall say together the General Thanksgiving.

ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies,
we thine unworthy servants
do give thee most humble and hearty thanks
for all thy goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all men.
We bless thee for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for thine inestimable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we beseech thee,
give us that due sense of all thy mercies,
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful;
and that we show forth thy praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to thy service,
and by walking before thee
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.


BLESSING and honour and thanksgiving and praise more than we can utter, more than we can conceive, be unto thee, O most adorable Trinity, + Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, by all angels, all men, all creatures, for ever and ever. Amen and Amen.

Cambridge Offices and Orisons
Eric Milner-White
B.T.D. Smith