How to read the Bible in Lent (and much of the time)

 

Instruction of St. Basil the Great

A "type" is something that foreshadows a future reality and prepares souls by a faint imitation for its advent. Thus, Adam was the type of him who should come; the rock in the desert from which water gushed out represented typically Christ, and the water itself symbolized the living power of the Word: If any man is thirsty, he said himself, let him come to me, and drink.  The manna was the type of the living Dread that came down from heaven; the serpent placed on a pole was the type of the crucified Saviour: those who looked on it were healed.

It is in this way that we must interpret the story of the flight from Egypt: it prefigured baptism. Indeed, the firstborn of the Israelites were saved, like the bodies of the baptized, by a grace granted to those who bore the stain of blood:  this blood of the Iamb was the type of the blood of Christ; the firstborn were the type of the first man, and if God preserved the firstborn from the strokes of the destroying angel, it was to show that living in Christ we shall no longer die in Adam. As to the sea and the cloud, they incited to faith at the time by the wonder that they evoked; but they had besides a symbolic sense, looking to the future, for they signified grace that was to be. In what way? Let the wise man consider these things.² The sea separated the Hebrews from Pharao, as baptism separates us from the tyranny of the devil. As the sea swallowed up the enemy, so baptism destroys our enmity with God. The chosen people passed through the sea uninjured, and we come from the water of baptism, the living among the dead, saved by the grace of him who has called us. As for the cloud, it was the image of the gift which comes from the Holy Spirit and which cools the passions by corporal mortification.

As to the words: The people put their trust in God and in his servant Moses, we must notice that in them Moses is joined to God, because he was the type of Christ: he prefigures, indeed, in his person, by the ministry of the law, the true Mediator between God and man; hence the faith that was placed in him was directed through him to our Lord, who said: If you believed Moses, you would believe me.

In order for us to achieve perfection God has drawn his first lessons from objects which are easy to see and adapted to our intelligence; by that, providence gradually lifts us up to the full light of truth, just as eyes used to darkness are gradually admitted to light. It cares for our weakness out of the unfathomable riches of its wisdom; in the inscrutable certainty of its designs, it gives us this gentle and well-proportioned education, inclining us first of all to look at shadows, the reflection of the sun in water, for fear that, turning our eyes too quickly to the pure light, we should be blinded. According to this method, the law, the shadow of those blessings which were still to come, and the sketch drawn by the prophets, which contains the outline of truth in a hidden form, were looked on as a training for the eyes of the heart, so that, from these shadows, the way to the wisdom which is hidden in full mystery, becomes easy.

ASH WEDNESDAY Sermon of St. Leo the Great For the beginning of Lent

 

Dearly beloved, I am about to preach to you the holiest and greatest of fasts, and what more suitable preface may I use, than if I begin with the words of the Apostle, in whom Christ spoke, and repeat to you what has been read: Here is the time ofpardon: the day of salvation has come already²? For although there is no season which is not full of divine gifts, and access to the mercy of God is ever granted to us by his grace, yet at this time the minds of all should be urged with greater earnestness towards spiritual progress, and should be animated with fuller confidence, when the return of that day, on which we were redeemed, invites us to every work of piety: so that, cleansed in heart and body, we may celebrate that mystery which excels all others, the Passion of the Lord.

Such great mysteries should truly have given rise to an unending devotion and abiding reverence, so that we might ever remain in the sight of God, as we ought to be found on the feast of the Pasch itself. But there are few who have the strength for this ; and because through the frailty of the flesh the full severity of discipline is relaxed, and moreover the attention is divided among the many actions of this life, the hearts even of religious men must of necessity become defiled by the dust of worldly things. Hence this most wholesome institution, divinely appointed, provides that, in order to restore the purity of our souls, we should be corrected by the discipline of these forty days ; and thus the faults of other times may be redeemed by works of piety and be purified by holy fastings.

And therefore, dearly beloved, as we are about to enter upon these mystic days, appointed in a most hallowed manner for the purification of both soul and body, let us take care to obey the apostolic commandments, and cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit: that the struggles between our two natures being restrained, the soul which, under the guidance of God, should govern the body, may maintain the dignity of its function; so that, giving no offence to any man, we may not be exposed to the reproaches of those who revile us. For we shall be justly blamed by unbelievers, whose wicked tongues will find in our misdeeds a weapon of attack against religion, if the conduct of those who keep the fast is not in accordance with the spirit of perfect continence. For our fasting does not consist principally in abstinence from food; it will not profit us to deprive the body of food, if the mind be not recalled from wickedness.

QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY: Homily of St. Gregory the Great: The blind man of Jericho

 One of the many reasons the Latin Mass ought to be treasured and encouraged is that it is still a source of theological insight.

Our Redeemer, foreseeing that his disciples would be troubled in their minds at his Passion, announced to them long before both the sufferings of his Passion, and the glory of his Resurrection; so that when they should see him dying, as he had foretold, they might not doubt that he would rise again. But the disciples were still earthly-minded, and by no means able to understand this mystery; so he worked a miracle. Before their eyes, a blind man received his sight; that their faith might be strengthened by such deeds of heavenly power, for they could not understand his words concerning heavenly mysteries.

But the miracles of our Lord and Saviour must be accepted in this manner, that we must believe that they actually took place and at the same time were intended to signify something to us. Indeed, the works of God not only manifest his power, but also speak to us of some mystery. For example, who this blind man was of whom the story is told, we know not; but we do know what is signified by this miracle. This blind man is indeed a figure of mankind, driven out from the joys of Paradise in the person of its first parent, knowing not the glory of the heavenly light, and suffering the darkness of its condemnation. But nevertheless it is enlightened in the presence of its Redeemer; so that now it possesses in desire the joys of inward light, and by good works begins to walk in the way of life.

Those who were in front rebuked him, and told him to be silent, but he cried out all the more, Son of David, have pity on me! This blind man, when the crowd wished to silence him by threats, cried all the louder: and in the same way, when weighed down by the carnal thoughts which overwhelm us, we must likewise increase our determination to persevere in prayer. Our sins are the crowd which would hinder our crying, and the remembrance of them thrusts itself even in our prayer. But the more violently we are assailed by our restless thoughts, the more fervently should we rise above their tumult and give ourselves to prayer, in order by our insistence to attract the tenderness of our Lord.

We are well aware when we wish to turn from earthly things in order to seek God in prayer, the occupations in which we formerly found pleasure become an irksome and heavy burden. We have much trouble to set aside the remembrance of them from the eyes of our heart by forming a holy desire, much trouble to efface these images by our tears of penitence. But when we persevere fervently in prayer we induce the passing Lord to stop and remain in our minds, according to what follows: then Jesus stopped, and gave orders that the man should be brought to him. He was passing, but he stopped. Indeed, as long as we allow ourselves in prayer a crowd of distractions, we feel, so to speak, that Jesus passes by, but when we pray with all our fervor and perseverance, Jesus stops and gives us light.

Common of Pastors: for a bishop/Common of Pastors: for a priest

 

 

Lauds: Orderic Vitalis (1075 – c. 1142)

 

As Oderic Vitalis noted, history should be sung like a hymn in honor of the creator God

Ancient and Medieval Memories: Studies in the Reconstruction of the Past, Janet Coleman

 

Inclitus rector pater atque prudens,

cuius insígnem cólimus triúmphum,

iste conféssor sine fine lætus

  regnat in astris.

 

Qui sacerdótis, ducis ac magístri

munus insúmpsit pópulis sacrátum,

præsul et vitæ sápiens parávit

  dona beátæ.

 

Nunc eum nisu rogitémus omnes,

ábluat nostrum pius ut reátum,

et sua ducat prece nos ad alta

  cúlmina cæli.

 

 

Sit Deo soli decus et potéstas,

laus in excélsis, honor ac perénnis,

qui suis totum móderans gubérnat

  légibus orbem. Amen.

 

Great ruler and wise father, whose distinguished triumph we celebrate, this confessor rejoicing without end rules among the stars. Who for the people received the sacred office of priest, ruler, and teacher: a wise prelate who manifested the gifts of a blessed life. Now with all our strength let us all ask him that in his holiness to absolve our guilt and by his prayer lead us to the heights of heaven. Dignity and power to God alone and eternal praise and honor in the highest, who directs and governs the whole world by his laws. Amen

 

Inclitus rector pater atque prudens,

cuius insígnem cólimus triúmphum,

iste conféssor sine fine lætus

regnat in astris.

 

Ipse dux clarus fuit et magíster,

éxhibens sacræ documénta vitæ

ac Deo semper sátagens placére

péctore mundo.

 

Nunc eum nisu rogitémus omnes,

ábluat nostrum pius ut reátum,

et sua ducat prece nos ad alta

cúlmina cæli.

 

Sit Deo soli decus et potéstas,

laus in excélsis, honor ac perénnis,

qui suis totum móderans gubérnat

légibus orbem. Amen.

 

Great ruler and wise father, whose distinguished triumph we celebrate, this confessor rejoicing without end rules among the stars. He was a glorious leader and teacher, revealing evidence of a holy life, and striving ever to please God with a clean heart.  Now with all our strength let us all ask him that in his holiness to absolve our guilt and by his prayer lead us to the heights of heaven. Dignity and power to God alone and eternal praise and honor in the highest, who directs and governs the whole world by his laws. Amen

 

 

 

 

Office of Readings 15^th Century

 

Christe, pastórum caput atque princeps,

géstiens huius celebráre festum,

débitas sacro pia turba psallit

  cármine laudes,

 

Strénuum bello púgilem supérni

chrísmatis pleno tuus unxit intus

Spíritus dono, posuítque sanctam

  páscere gentem.

 

Hic gregis ductor fuit atque forma,

lux erat cæco, mísero levámen,

próvidus cunctis pater omnibúsque

  ómnia factus.

 

Christe, qui sanctis méritam corónam

reddis in cælis, dócili magístrum

fac sequi vita, similíque tandem

  fine potíri.

 

 

Æqua laus summum célebret Paréntem

teque, Salvátor, pie rex, per ævum;

Spíritus Sancti résonet per omnem

  glória mundum. Amen.

 

O Christ, Head and Prince of pastors, eager to celebrate the feast of this pastor, the holy band sings due praise with a holy hymn.  Your bishop was anointed within by the gift of the Spirit’s grace from above as a strong fighter in the harsh battle and appointed to feed your holy people. He was the leader of the flock and example for it, a light to the blind, relief to the wretched, a watchful father in all things and doing all things for all his people. O Christ, who rewards the saints in heaven with a merited crown, make us follow this teacher in an obedient life and at last reach the same end. May equal praise celebrate the highest Father and thee, O Savior, though the age; May the glory of the Holy Spirit resound throughout the whole world. Amen.

 

Hunc tibi eléctum fáciens minístrum

ac sacerdótem sócians, dedísti

dux ut astáret pópulo fidélis

ac bonus altor.

 

Making for yourself a chosen minister, sharing in the priesthood, you made him a faithful leader and good provider to stand with the people.

Vespers New: Dom Anselmo?

 

Vir celse, forma fúlgida

virtútis, hymnum súscipe,

qui iure dum te prædicat,

Dei canit magnália.

 

 

Qui sempitérnus Póntifex

stirpem Deo mortálium

revínxit, atque réddidit

paci novo nos fœdere,

 

Te fecit ipse próvidus

sui minístrum múneris,

Patri datúrum glóriam

eiúsque vitam plébibus.

 

Bishop:

Virtúte factus dítior

te consecrántis Spíritus,

præsul, salútis pínguia

tu tradidísti pábula.

 

Priest:

Regális huius cúlminis

adéptus altitúdinem,

verbo fuísti et móribus

doctor, sacérdos, hóstia.

 

 

Locátus in cæléstibus,

sanctæ meménto Ecclésiæ,

oves ut omnes páscua

Christi petant felícia.

 

 

Sit Trinitáti glória,

quæ sancti honóris múnia

tibi minístro sédulo

dignis corónat gáudiis. Amen.

 

Noble man, shining example of virtue, receive the hymn, which while it rightly proclaims you sings the wonders of God. The eternal Pontiff united the race of men with God and gave us the new covenant of peace.  Providently he made you a minister of his gift, that glory be given to the Father and life to his People. The Spirit of consecration made you richer in virtue, O Prelate, and so you handed over to the people the abundant food of salvation. Now in heaven, remember the holy Church that all the sheep may seek the happy pastures of Christ. Glory to the Trinity, who gave to you, a faithful minister, the gift of the honor of a saint and crowned you with deserved joys. Amen.

 

Regális huius cúlminis

adéptus altitúdinem,

verbo fuísti et móribus

doctor, sacérdos, hóstia.

 

 

Having reached the height of this royal summit, you were in word and deeds, teacher, priest, sacrifice.

 

Hymns for the Seven Founders

Eugenius M. Poletti (1869-1940)

English translation Joseph Connelly, Hymns of the Roman Liturgy

Matins

Bella dum late furerent, et urbes
Caede fraterna gemerent cruentae,
Adfuit Virgo, nova semper edens
Munera matris.

En vocat septem famulos, fideles
Ut sibi in luctu recolant dolores,
Quos tulit Iesus, tulit ipsa consors
Sub cruce Nati.

Illico parent Dominae vocanti:
Splendidis tectis opibusque spretis,
Urbe secedunt procul in Senari
Abdita montis.

Corpora hic poenis cruciant acerbis,
Sontium labes hominum piantes:
Hic prece avertunt lacrymisque fusis
Numinis iram.

Perdolens Mater fovet, atque amictum
Ipsa lugubrem monet induendum:
Agminis sancti pia coepta surgunt,
Mira patescunt.

Palmes in bruma viridans honores
Nuntiat patrum: proprios Mariae
Ore lactenti vocitant puelli
Nomine Servos.

Sit decus Patri, genitaeque Proli,
Et tibi, compar utriusque virtus
Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni
Temporis aevo.
Amen.

While wars were raging all over Italy and its cities mourned the blood that brothers shed in conflict with brothers, the Virgin appeared and showed, as she always does, fresh tokens of a mother's love. She summons seven who waited on her in prayer, bidding them be faithful to her command of recalling in sorrowful contemplation the sufferings that Jesus bore and that she in person shared at the foot of her Son's cross. Immediately they obey their Lady's summons. They turn their backs on their magnificent palaces and wealth and, leaving the city of Florence far behind, hide themselves in the caves of Monte Senario. Here they inflict cruel punishments on themselves, atoning for the sins of guilty men; here by their prayers and tears they turn aside from men God's anger. The sorrowful Mother encourages them and tells them to wear a habit of mourning. Thus the dutiful beginnings of the holy company prosper, and men come to hear of marvelous happenings. A vine puts forth green leaves in winter, thus telling the glory of these men. Unweaned children call them by name as Mary's own 'Servi': Now to the Father honor, to you, O Son of Mary, and to you, equal in power to both, the eternal Spirit, one through all time. Amen.

Lauds

Sic patres vitam peragunt in umbra,
Lilia ut septem nivei decoris,
Virgini excelsae bene grata, Petro
Visa nitere.

Iamque divina rapiente flamma,
Cursitant urbes, loca quaeque oberrant,
Si queant cunctis animis dolores
Figere Matris.

Hinc valent iras domuisse caecas,
Nescia et pacis fera corda iungunt,
Erigunt moestos, revocant nocentes
Dicta piorum.

At suos Virgo comitata servos
Evehit tandem superas ad oras:
Gemmeis sertis decorat per aevum
Omne beatos.

Eia nunc coetus gemitum precantis
Audiant, duros videant labores:
Semper et nostris faveant benigno
Lumine votis.

Sit decus Patri, genitaeque Proli,
Et tibi, compar utriusque virtus
Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni
Temporis aevo.
Amen.

The fathers so spend their time of retirement from the world that they seem to Peter of Verona in a vision to be like seven pure white lilies, well pleasing to the Virgin in heaven and dazzling in their beauty. And now, under the impulse of divine love, they hasten from city to city and make their way over all the countryside with the intention of implanting in all souls the sorrows of their Mother. By this means the preaching of the holy men avails to tame senseless anger; it unites savage hearts that are blind to peace, uplifts the sorrowing and calls sinners back to repentance. When at length death comes to them, the Virgin accompanies her ‘Servi’ , brings them to heaven and adorns them, blessed now for ever, with jeweled garlands. May they hear our sighs as we are gathered to pray, regard us as we make our laborious efforts and always favor our prayers with their kindly help.

II Vespers

Matris sub almae numine
Septena proles nascitur:
Ipsa vocante, ad arduum
Tendit Senari verticem.

Quos terra fructus proferet
Dum sacra proles germinat,
Uvis repente turgidis
Onusta vitis praemonet.

Virtute claros nobili
Mors sancta caelo consecrat:
Tenent olympi limina
Servi fideles Virginis.

Cohors beata Numinis
Regno potita respice
Quos hinc recedens fraudibus
Cinctos relinquis hostium.

Ergo, per almae vulnera
Matris rogamus supplices,
Mentis tenebras disiice,
Cordis procellas comprime.

Tu nos, beata Trinitas,
Perfunde sancto robore,
Possimus ut feliciter
Exempla patrum subsequi.
Amen.

A company of seven souls comes into being under the protection of its loving Mother, and at her bidding makes the difficult ascent to the top of Monte Senario. A vine is in a moment heavy with swelling grapes-a sign of the fruits the earth will yield when the company of saints begins to put forth its buds. A holy death puts these men in God's presence, famed for their noble virtue; the Virgin's faithful servants attain the abode of heaven. Q happy company, now that you have obtained the kingdom of God, look down on those whom, at your departure from this world, you left behind surrounded by their enemies' wily snares. We therefore make this earnest prayer through our loving Mother's wounds: dispel the darkness from our souls and hold in check our passions. And you, O Trinity Divine! confirm us in your Holy Grace! that we may our hearts incline to walk in these thy servants' ways. Amen.

 

Fra Angelico (Blessed John of Fiesole): From an apostolic letter motu proprio of Pope John Paul II

 

“Whoever does the work of Christ, ought always to stay close to Christ." This was a motto constantly repeated by Brother John of Fiesole; who was called Beato Angelico because of the highest integrity of his life and the almost divine beauty of his paintings, particularly those of  Blessed Virgin Mary.

While he was still a youth, he was attracted to the religious life, and asked to be received into a stricter discipline in the Order of Friar Preachers (called the Observance), which had been established in the priority at Fiesole. He diligently took up all of the duties imposed by the brethren or superiors. It was the fame of his outstanding art work, particularly his painting, that spread far and wide. Therefore, commissions for his work became more frequent and urgent.

Pope Eugenius IV called him to Rome. While brother John painting the Basilica of Saint Peter's and the Vatican palace, Eugenius IV took the most opportunity not only to admire the virtue of this outstanding artist, but even more than that, the piety of this religious, his observance the Rule, his humility, and his memorable spirit that made many people own.

Nicholas V had an exceptional opinion about brother John. For he honored and reverenced this man alone, because of the integrity of his life and the excellence of his morals." Therefore, he commissioned him to decorate his private chapel. When brother John had finished it, it almost seemed a prayer expressed with painted color.

At Rome, in the priory of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, he closed eyes in death after a life that produced famous art, but even more exemplified religious and benevolent virtues. For the opinion of all was he was a "man of complete modesty and religious life." Furthermore. also blossomed with many virtues. He was meek, and honorable religious genius." Beyond these things, "he was a man distinguished for his sanctity." Even more, Vasari, who collected many stories about unblemished life in the city of Florence, was persuaded of that graceful heavenly character which one can see even in his sacred paintings. I not paint on any other subject, and his paintings were the product of that greatest harmony between his holy life and his creative virtue.

Brother John, therefore, by placing his rare natural gifts at the service of art, stands both to acquire and to confer on the people of God immense spiritual and pastoral benefit, by which they might travel easily to God. According to the Second Vatican Council, this is particularly fitting for sacred art, as we read in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy: "Very rightly the fine arts are considered to rank among the noblest expressions of human genius. This judgment applies especially to religious art and to its highest achievement, which is sacred art. By their very nature both of the latter are related to God's boundless beauty, for this the reality that these human efforts are trying to express in some way. 'To the extent that these works aim exclusively at turning our thoughts to God persuasively and devoutly, they are dedicated to God and to his greater honor and glory."

Truly, Brother John, a man altogether exceptional for his spiritual life and art, has always attracted our attention. We, therefore, believe that the time has come when he should be given the particular attention of the Church of God, although his heavenly art has not ceased to speak to us now. 

                                                 February 18 — Bl. John of Fiesole

Prayer as at Morning or Evening Prayer.

Morning Prayer

                                                  CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH

Ant. God is Spirit, and those who worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth.

PRAYER

O God, who providently inspired Blessed John, Fra Angelico, to portray for us a heavenly peace and goodness, grant, through his prayers, that by the visible practice of virtue we may display that same radiance to the hearts of our brothers and sisters Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Evening Prayer

                                                      CANTICLE OF MARY

Ant. O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes: you have truly kept my soul in stillness and peace.

PRAYER

O God, by whose ineffable gift Blessed John, Fra Angelico, unceasingly searched into and represented the mysteries of your Word, grant, through his intercession, that we, who know you now by faith, may be led to contemplate the vision of your majesty. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Saints Cyril and Methodius

 

O God, who enlightened the Slavic peoples through the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius: grant that our hearts may grasp the words of your teaching and perfect us as a people of one accord in true faith and right confession: through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son; who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit: one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Ad Officium lectionis: Marbodus 1123

Dum sacerdótum célebrant fidéles

festa sollémni veneránda cultu,

in tuas laudes honor hic redúndat,

  summe Sacérdos.

Cuius ex dono potuére patres

sémitas lucis pópulos docére,

móribus sanctis régere atque verbo

  páscere vitæ.

Sed nec advérsis póterant movéri

a tuæ certo fídei tenóre,

quos futurórum rata præmiórum

  spes animábat.

Unde post vitæ frágilis labóres

rite decúrsos, pátrias adépti

cælitus sedes, sólida beáti

  pace fruúntur.

Glóriæ summum decus atque laudis,

rex, tibi, regum, Déitas perénnis,

quicquid est rerum célebret per omne

  tempus et ævum. Amen.

Whenever the faithful celebrate the venerable feasts of priests with solemn worship, this honor redounds in your praise, O great High Priest. For it is only by your gift that the Fathers teach the people the paths of light, that they are able to direct with holy lives, and nourish with the word of life. But they would not be able to be aroused in adversities but by holding securely faith in you, these pastors whom hope animates with the certainty of future rewards. Wherefore after the frail labors of life, rightly finishing their course, going to the fatherland, blessed and seated in heaven, they enjoy lasting peace. Highest honor and praise of glory, to you, O King of kings, eternal Godhead, whom all things celebrate, now and forever. Amen.

Ad Laudes matutinas: Marbodus

Hi sacerdótes Dómini sacráti,

consecratóres Dómini fidéles

atque pastóres pópuli fuére

  ímpigro amóre.

Namque suscéptæ benedictiónis

dona servántes, studuére, lumbos

fórtiter cincti, mánibus corúscas

  ferre lucérnas.

Sicque suspénsi vigilésque, quando

iánuam pulsans Dóminus veníret,

obviavérunt properánti alácres

  pándere limen.

Glóriæ summum decus atque laudis,

rex, tibi, regum, Déitas perénnis,

quicquid est rerum célebret per omne

  tempus et ævum. Amen.

These were holy priests of the Lord, consecrated to be faithful to the Lord and pastors of the people with eager love. For preserving the gifts of blessing received, with their loins girded they were zealous to bear in their hands brightly shining lamps.  And so waiting and watching for the Lord to come knocking on the door, ready they hurry to meet him who opens the threshold.  Highest honor and praise of glory, to you,  O King of kings, eternal Godhead, whom all things celebrate, now and forever. Amen.

Ad II Vesperas: Petrus Piacenza

Sacráta nobis gáudia

dies redúxit ánnua,

laudántur in qua débito

cultu duces ovílium.

En pro gregis custódia

nullos labóres néglegunt,

tutántur illum, sánius

impertiéntes pábulum.

Arcent lupos e fínibus,

procul latrónes éxigunt,

replent oves pinguédine,

ovíle numquam déserunt.

Tot nunc potíti gáudiis,

gregum duces sanctíssimi,

nobis rogáte grátiam

apud tribúnal iúdicis.

Ætérne, Christe, póntifex,

tibi sit æqua glória

cum Patre et almo Spíritu

in sempitérna sæcula. Amen.

The holy day year by year returns to us joys, when the pastors of the sheepfold are praised with due honor. See the guardians of the herd do not neglect any work, they watch over the flock, imparting to it healthier food.  They keep the wolves from the sheepfold,  drive far way the robbers, feed the sheep with finest fat, never deserting the flock. Now the most holy pastors of the flock who have obtained so many joys, pray grace for us before the tribunal of the Judge. O Christ, eternal High Priest, to you be equal glory, with the Father and Holy Spirit, in eternal ages. Amen.