The Roman Missal: Votive Masses of the Trinity, the Holy Ghost and the Blessed Virgin (English) 5

1[Mass of the B. V. Mary, from Candlemas to Easter.]

2Introit. Hail holy parent, who didst bring forth the King, who rules heaven and earth for ever. Ps. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my works to the King. Glory, &c.

3Prayer. Concede nos. Grant to us thy servants, we beseech thee, O Lord God, to enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary ever virgin, to be delivered from present sorrow, and to enjoy eternal gladness. Through our Lord, &c.

4Lesson. Ecclus. xxiv. 14—16. From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be; and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him. And so was I established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honourable people, and in the portion of my God his inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints.

5Gradual. Thou art blessed and venerable O Virgin Mary, who without any violation of purity, wert found the mother of our Saviour.—O virgin mother of God, he whom the whole world is unable to contain, being made man inclosed himself in thy womb. Alleluia, alleluia. The rod of Jesse hath blossomed: a virgin hath brought forth God and man: God hath restored peace, reconciling in himself the lowest with the highest. Alleluia.

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

7Tract. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, thou alone hast destroyed all heresies. Who didst believe the words of the Archangel Gabriel. Whilst a virgin, thou didst bring forth God and man: and after childbirth thou didst remain a pure virgin.—O mother of God intercede for us.

8Gospel. St Luke xi. 27—28. At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the breasts that gave thee suck. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.

9Offertory. For thou art happy, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise: because from thee arose the sun of justice, Christ our Lord.

10Secret. Through thy mercy, O Lord, and by the intercession of blessed Mary, ever virgin, may this oblation procure for us present and perpetual prosperity and peace. Through our Lord, &c.

11Communion. Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the eternal Father.

12Postcom. Sumptis. Having received, O Lord, these helps to our salvation, grant, we beseech thee, that we may be ever protected by the patronage of blessed Mary, ever virgin, in whose honour we have made these offerings to thy majesty. Through our Lord, &c.