Office of Readings: Common of Virgins

The Office of Readings: Common of one virgin

Dulci deprómat cármine

devóta plebs sollémnia,

dum in cælórum cúlmine

hæc virgo micat glória.

Virgo, quæ Christi láudibus

vacávit iam viríliter,

sanctórum nunc agmínibus

coniúngitur felíciter.

Vicit per pudicítiam

infírmæ carnis vítium;

sprevit mundi blandítiam

Christi sequens vestígium.

Per hanc nos, Christe, dírige

servans a cunctis hóstibus;

culpárum lapsus córrige

nos ímbuens virtútibus.

Iesu, tibi sit glória,

qui natus es de Vírgine,

cum Patre et almo Spíritu,

in sempitérna sæcula. Amen.

The devout people celebrate this solemnity with a sweet hymn, while in the heights of heaven this virgin shines in glory. The virgin, who once was free bravely to sing the praises of Christ, now is happily joined to the company of the saints. She conquered through purity the faults of weak flesh, she spurned the flattery of the world, following in the steps of Christ.  Through her, O Christ, direct us, saving us from all enemies, correct our lapses into sin, filling us with the virtues. Jesus, to you be glory, born of a Virgin, with the Father and loving Spirit, through eternal ages. Amen.

The Office of Readings: Common of many virgins

Gaudentes festum colimus

sanctarum Christi virginum,

quæ puro corde Dominum

secutæ sunt in laudibus.

O castitatis lilium,

rex virginum sanctissime,

tu, custos pudicitiæ,

fraudes repelle dæmonum.

Qui castis in visceribus

placaris clementissime,

nostros reatus dilue,

dimittens quæ peccavimus.

Grates precantes agimus;

erramus, viam dirige;

tu pater indulgentiæ,

nobis succurre, quæsumus.

Iesu, tibi sit gloria,

qui natus es de Virgine,

cum Patre et almo Spiritu,

in sempiterna sæcula. Amen.

Rejoicing we celebrate the feast of the holy virgins of Christ, who pure in heart followed the Lord with praises. O Lily of chastity, most holy King of virgins, you who are the guardian of purity, repel the fraud of the demons. Chaste within, most merciful, be pleased to blot out our guilt, forgiving what sins we have committed.  Praying we give you thanks, we have strayed, direct us on the way; you, O Father of mercy, we beseech you, hasten to help us.  Jesus to you . . .