The Roman Missal: Common of Saints, Confessors to the Dedication of a Church (English) 9

1[For a Virgin only.]

2Introit. Ps. xliv. Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Ps. My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King. Glory, &c.

3Prayer. Exaudi nos. Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour, that as we rejoice in the festival of thy blessed virgin N. we may be instructed in the affection of pious devotion. Through our Lord, &c.

4Epistle. 2 Corinth. x. 17—xi. 1, 2. Brethren, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom God commendeth. Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly, but do bear with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

5Gradual. With thy comeliness and thy beauty, set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.—Because of truth, and meekness and justice: and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully. Alleluia, alleluia.—After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbours shall be brought to thee with gladness. Alleluia.

6[After Septuagesima, instead of the Alleluia and Verse, the following is said:]

7Tract. Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear: for the King hath greatly desired thy beauty. All the rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance: the daughters of kings in thy honour.—After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbours shall be brought to thee.—They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the King.

8[In Paschal Time, the Gradual is omitted, and the following said:]

9Alleluia, alleluia.—After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbours shall be brought to thee in gladness. Alleluia. With thy comeliness and thy beauty, set out, proceed prosperously, and reign. Alleluia.

10Gospel. St Matt. xxv. 1—13. At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: The kingdom of heaven shall be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps; and the foolish said to the wise, Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying, Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go you rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us; but he answering said, Amen I say to you, I know ye not. Watch ye, therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

11Offertory. The daughters of kings in thy honour: the queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing, surrounded with variety.

12Secret. May the offering of thy holy people be accepted by thee, O Lord, in honour of thy saints, by whose merits they are sensible of having received help in tribulation. Through our Lord, &c.

13Communion. The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps: and at midnight there was a cry made, behold the bridegroom cometh: go ye forth to meet Christ our Lord.

14Postcom. Satiasti. Thou hast fed thy family, O Lord, with holy gifts; we beseech thee ever to comfort us by her intercession, whose festival we celebrate. Through our Lord, &c.