Services of Our Lady according to the use of the Liberal Catholic Church. To the best of our knowledge this material has not been copyrighted.
A Ritual of Our Lady - Towards the Assumption of All Things
All prayers and wordings are from the contemporary service books of the Eastern Orthodox Church, apart from some intercessions from the Old Egyptian (Coptic) Rite.
The celebrant and assistants may wear cassock and surplice, preceded by a thurifer, enter in procession and genuflect before the main altar. They then proceed to the Lady Altar which is censed with three swings.
INTROIT
P. Verily Mary the Maiden of God is born for us and all creation is renewed and deified. The barren hath given birth to the Mother of God, the nourisher of all life.
The nativity of the Mother hath given joy to the whole universe. From thee did shine forth the Sun, the Christ, abolishing death and granting us the Life Everlasting.
SALUTATION TO MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER
P. Let us strike our harps, for the Mother of Life, through whom we are deified, disperses the darkness. Wherefore let us believers say unto her joyfully with Gabriel:
R/ Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with thee, bestowing on us through thee, Life Eternal.
P. The joy of the whole world hath shone forth upon us, verily the all extolled Virgin, who because of her surpassing purity became a living temple of God, and is known as truly Theotokos. Wherefore by her intercessions, O Lord God, send forth safety to thy world and to our souls the gift supernal.
THE LECTIONS
The First Reading; as for the Epistle for the Nativity of Our Lady.
The Second Reading; as for the Gospel for the Nativity of Our Lady.
RITUAL
Preparation
P. Now does God prepare himself a holy throne on earth; he who establisheth the heavens by his love to mankind brought heaven to earth. From a barren stem he hath brought forth his mother, life bearing branch. Now is the day of the Lord. For behold the chamber of light, the scroll of the Word of Light, has come forth. The gate facing east is open!
Now shall enter the Great high Priest. The Holy mother admits the Christ to the Universe for the fulfilment of our life.
Now are the barren gates open. Today hath grace shown forth to the world the Holy Mother, through whom all earthly and heavenly beings unite for the dedication of all.
Invocation
P. Let us hear the word of initiation, the new age of the divine community.
O thou divine life, through the one manifestation whose ages are thine own reality, bless this inflow of constant new beginning with thy goodness. Remember O Virgin Mother of God, full of grace, haven and shelter; intercessor for mankind: from thee was the deliverer of the world incarnate. Thou alone are Virgin and Mother blessed and glorified always. Intercede, therefore, with Christ our Lord to grant safety to the universe.
All now move to the main altar and genuflect before the Reserved Sacrament.
Prayer offerings before the Altar of Christ:
P. O God of all, verily transcendent in essence, bless all the times of the cycle of this present year.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to bless the sowings and the increase of the earth.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to bless the fruits of the earth.
R/ Amen
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to send rains of blessing and plenteous dew upon the fruits of the earth.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to bless the fullness of rivers of water.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to gladden the face of the earth.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to give safety to all beasts.
R/ Amen.
P. Those of thy people that are sick, visiting them in mercies and compassion, heal them. To every soul that is afflicted or distressed give rest, give refreshment, give help.
(Pause for private intercession)
Offering of the Way
P. Our fathers and our brethren who have gone abroad, in all places, direct their ways, whether by sea or river, or lakes, or highways, or by whatsoever means, they shall go: in every place restore to a tranquil haven, a haven of safety. Vouchsafe to be a fellow traveller, a fellow voyager with them.
For us also, O Lord, guard our pilgrimage in this life without harm, without disquiet, without storm, to the end.
All genuflect, return to the Lady Altar and bow.
Dedication
P. Now doth the whole creation rejoice mystically and doth go before thee, praying and shouting with joy, O Virgin, O pride of Christians.
O marvellous wonder! The fount of life hath been laid in a grave, and the tomb hath become a ladder leading to heaven. Rejoice, O Gethsemane, The Holy Chamber of the Mother of All. Let us believers shout to her with Gabriel, the chief of Angels saying:
R/ Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with thee, granting through thee, Life Eternal.
P. Strange are thy mysteries, undefiled virgin, for thou didst appear as a throne for the High One. Now thou art translated. Thy glory is a splendour shining forth with the rays of the divine gifts. Ascend, therefore, O Virgin, the Kings Mother.
R/ Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with thee, granting through thee, Life Eternal.
P. Verily, the awestruck dominions, thrones, presidencies, lords, powers, cherubim and seraphim, glorify thee. The terrestrials adored with thy glory rejoice, kings with angels and archangels and cry together;
R/ Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee, granting through thee, Life Eternal.
THE SOLEMN ASSUMPTION
P. Come ye devout, let us form one body, let us fill the church with rejoicing on the Assumption of the Ark of God. Today and ever doth heaven open its bosom to receive her who gave birth to the One who All cannot contain.
And earth doth adorn itself in blessing and splendour, the source of all life renewed.
(pause)
Through her are we deified. Through her at the hands of her Son and Master all things are transformed to glory.
Silence and meditation. After a pause for adoration, those present, in turn light a candle from that burning before Our Lady, bow in affirmation of the work, and return to their places. The candle is held burning until the end of the service and work.
POST RITUAL
Congregation: Wherefore angels and apostles unite, gazing upon her who gave birth to the Element of Life, moving from life to life.
Final Prayers
P. O Bride of God, who didst give birth to life, thou hast entered upon Eternal Life, surrounded by angels, presidencies, apostles, prophets and all the rest of creation.
Dismissal and Farewell
P. O Mother of God accept from us our farewell and praise and surround us with thy life, giving divine grace, granting victory and peace to thy Christ loving people and, to us who praise, peace and the fulfilment of our souls.
R/ Amen.
The celebrant and assistants may wear cassock and surplice, preceded by a thurifer, enter in procession and genuflect before the main altar. They then proceed to the Lady Altar which is censed with three swings.
INTROIT
P. Verily Mary the Maiden of God is born for us and all creation is renewed and deified. The barren hath given birth to the Mother of God, the nourisher of all life.
The nativity of the Mother hath given joy to the whole universe. From thee did shine forth the Sun, the Christ, abolishing death and granting us the Life Everlasting.
SALUTATION TO MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER
P. Let us strike our harps, for the Mother of Life, through whom we are deified, disperses the darkness. Wherefore let us believers say unto her joyfully with Gabriel:
R/ Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with thee, bestowing on us through thee, Life Eternal.
P. The joy of the whole world hath shone forth upon us, verily the all extolled Virgin, who because of her surpassing purity became a living temple of God, and is known as truly Theotokos. Wherefore by her intercessions, O Lord God, send forth safety to thy world and to our souls the gift supernal.
THE LECTIONS
The First Reading; as for the Epistle for the Nativity of Our Lady.
The Second Reading; as for the Gospel for the Nativity of Our Lady.
RITUAL
Preparation
P. Now does God prepare himself a holy throne on earth; he who establisheth the heavens by his love to mankind brought heaven to earth. From a barren stem he hath brought forth his mother, life bearing branch. Now is the day of the Lord. For behold the chamber of light, the scroll of the Word of Light, has come forth. The gate facing east is open!
Now shall enter the Great high Priest. The Holy mother admits the Christ to the Universe for the fulfilment of our life.
Now are the barren gates open. Today hath grace shown forth to the world the Holy Mother, through whom all earthly and heavenly beings unite for the dedication of all.
Invocation
P. Let us hear the word of initiation, the new age of the divine community.
O thou divine life, through the one manifestation whose ages are thine own reality, bless this inflow of constant new beginning with thy goodness. Remember O Virgin Mother of God, full of grace, haven and shelter; intercessor for mankind: from thee was the deliverer of the world incarnate. Thou alone are Virgin and Mother blessed and glorified always. Intercede, therefore, with Christ our Lord to grant safety to the universe.
All now move to the main altar and genuflect before the Reserved Sacrament.
Prayer offerings before the Altar of Christ:
P. O God of all, verily transcendent in essence, bless all the times of the cycle of this present year.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to bless the sowings and the increase of the earth.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to bless the fruits of the earth.
R/ Amen
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to send rains of blessing and plenteous dew upon the fruits of the earth.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to bless the fullness of rivers of water.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to gladden the face of the earth.
R/ Amen.
P. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to give safety to all beasts.
R/ Amen.
P. Those of thy people that are sick, visiting them in mercies and compassion, heal them. To every soul that is afflicted or distressed give rest, give refreshment, give help.
(Pause for private intercession)
Offering of the Way
P. Our fathers and our brethren who have gone abroad, in all places, direct their ways, whether by sea or river, or lakes, or highways, or by whatsoever means, they shall go: in every place restore to a tranquil haven, a haven of safety. Vouchsafe to be a fellow traveller, a fellow voyager with them.
For us also, O Lord, guard our pilgrimage in this life without harm, without disquiet, without storm, to the end.
All genuflect, return to the Lady Altar and bow.
Dedication
P. Now doth the whole creation rejoice mystically and doth go before thee, praying and shouting with joy, O Virgin, O pride of Christians.
O marvellous wonder! The fount of life hath been laid in a grave, and the tomb hath become a ladder leading to heaven. Rejoice, O Gethsemane, The Holy Chamber of the Mother of All. Let us believers shout to her with Gabriel, the chief of Angels saying:
R/ Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with thee, granting through thee, Life Eternal.
P. Strange are thy mysteries, undefiled virgin, for thou didst appear as a throne for the High One. Now thou art translated. Thy glory is a splendour shining forth with the rays of the divine gifts. Ascend, therefore, O Virgin, the Kings Mother.
R/ Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with thee, granting through thee, Life Eternal.
P. Verily, the awestruck dominions, thrones, presidencies, lords, powers, cherubim and seraphim, glorify thee. The terrestrials adored with thy glory rejoice, kings with angels and archangels and cry together;
R/ Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee, granting through thee, Life Eternal.
THE SOLEMN ASSUMPTION
P. Come ye devout, let us form one body, let us fill the church with rejoicing on the Assumption of the Ark of God. Today and ever doth heaven open its bosom to receive her who gave birth to the One who All cannot contain.
And earth doth adorn itself in blessing and splendour, the source of all life renewed.
(pause)
Through her are we deified. Through her at the hands of her Son and Master all things are transformed to glory.
Silence and meditation. After a pause for adoration, those present, in turn light a candle from that burning before Our Lady, bow in affirmation of the work, and return to their places. The candle is held burning until the end of the service and work.
POST RITUAL
Congregation: Wherefore angels and apostles unite, gazing upon her who gave birth to the Element of Life, moving from life to life.
Final Prayers
P. O Bride of God, who didst give birth to life, thou hast entered upon Eternal Life, surrounded by angels, presidencies, apostles, prophets and all the rest of creation.
Dismissal and Farewell
P. O Mother of God accept from us our farewell and praise and surround us with thy life, giving divine grace, granting victory and peace to thy Christ loving people and, to us who praise, peace and the fulfilment of our souls.
R/ Amen.
An Evening Service devoted to Our Lady
Our Lady of Beauraing
This service may replace the services of Vespers or Compline on Festivals of Our Lady or on other suitable occasions.
The people stand.
THE INVOCATION
The Priest – or, if there be no priest present, the ministrant in charge intones:
P. In the Name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. R/ Amen.
P. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou among women.
R/. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word.
P. My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
R/ For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden.
P. For behold, from henceforth; all generations shall call me blessed.
R/ For He that is mighty hath magnified me; and holy His name.
P. 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.
CONFITEOR
All kneel, and say:
O Lord, Thou hast created man to be immortal and made him to be an image of Thine own eternity; yet often we forget the glory of our heritage and wander from the path which leads to righteousness. But Thou, O Lord, hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are ever restless till they find their rest in Thee. Look with the eyes of Thy love upon our manifold imperfections and pardon all our shortcomings, that we may be filled with the brightness of the everlasting light and become the unspotted mirror of Thy power and the image of Thy goodness; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE ABSOLUTION
P. God the Father, God the + Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve and sanctify you; the Lord in His lovingkindness look down upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord + absolve you from all your sins and grant you the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(If there be no Priest, the ministrant, still kneeling, says the following instead of the Absolution:
May the Lord bless us and + absolve us from all our sins; and may His peace rest upon us this night and evermore.
R/ Thanks be to God.)
All are seated.
THE FIRST HYMN
The Psalm of Wisdom from the Service of Vespers or any other suitable hymn may be substituted.
Mary the Dawn, but Christ the perfect Day:
Mary the Gate, but Christ the heavenly Way.
Mary the Root, but Christ the mystic Vine;
Mary the Grape, but Christ the sacred Wine.
Mary the corn-sheaf, Christ the living Bread;
Mary the Rose-tree, Christ the Rose blood-red.
Mary the Fount, but Christ the cleansing Flood;
Mary the Chalice, Christ the holy Blood.
Mary the Temple, Christ the Temple’s Lord;
Mary the Shrine, but Christ its God adored.
Mary the Beacon, Christ the Haven’s Rest;
Mary the Mirror, Christ the Vision blest. Amen.
THE FIRST LESSON
The following Lesson (or the Epistle of the Day) is read by the priest or ministrant or someone appointed for that purpose.
The First Lesson is taken from the eighth chapter of the Book of Wisdom of Solomon, beginning at the first verse.
WISDOM reacheth from one end of the world to the other; mightily and sweetly doth she order all things. In that she is conversant with God, she hath magnified her nobility; to the mysteries of the knowledge of God and a lover of His works. If riches be a possession to be desired in this life, what is richer than wisdom that worketh all things? And if prudence work, who of all is a more cunning worker than she? If a man love righteousness, her labours are virtues; for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude, than which men can have nothing more profitable in their life. By means of her I shall obtain immortality, for she is the mother of fair love, and of patience and perseverance, and of holy hope. Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.
Here endeth the First Lesson.
THE SECOND HYMN
Hail thou, once Mother mild
Of that most wondrous Child,
Whose words, so fair, so sweet,
Still draw men to His feet.
Hail thou, who followedst Him
Far from these regions dim,
Into those clearer skies
To which He bade us rise.
Hail thou, who stoodest free
In that great company
Of conquerors, thin heart
Athirst to know its part.
Hail thou, who, life laid bare
In sevenfold beauty there,
Chosest at length thy post
Amid the Angel-host!
Hail, in the work begun
By thy beloved Son
On earth, for His dear sake,
Who thy glad part dost take.
Hail, treader of the Way,
Hail, victor in the fray,
Hail, teller of love’s tale,
Thrice glorious Spirit, hail; Amen.
THE SECOND LESSON
The Second Lesson is taken from the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the twenty-sixth verse.
And the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto the city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And the Angel came in unto her, and said; Hail, thou art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the Angel said unto her; Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David. And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and His kingdom there shall be no end. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee; therefore also that which is to be born of thee shall be called holy, the Son of God. And Mary said; Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
Here endeth the second lesson.
AN ACT OF FAITH
The people rise and intone:
We believe in one God, the holy and all glorious Trinity, the three who yet are one, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, co-equal, co-eternal; In God the Father, from whom do come the worlds and all that is therein, seen or unseen. And in God the Son most holy, alone-born from his Father before all aeons; not made but springing forth; being of the substance of his Father, true God from true God, true Light from the true Light, by whom all forms were made; who for us men came down from heaven (here all bow), and took the robe of matter (all stand erect again), yet riseth thence again in ever greater glory to a kingdom without end; And in God the Holy Ghost, the life-giver, springing forth also from the Father and the Son, equal with them in glory, who revealeth himself through his angels. We acknowledge one holy catholic and apostolic church, one communion of the saints, one baptism for the remission of sin; we look for the resurrection of the dead + and the life of the coming age. Amen.
(the shorter Act Of Faith may be used as an alternative)
THE COLLECTS
P. Let us pray.
All kneel. If a ministrant leads the service, he kneels with the people.
The Collect for the Day is first said and then any of the following:
P. O Lord Christ, who for her wondrous humility hast exalted the holy Lady Mary among the hosts of heaven; grant that we, Thy people, may so follow that her most noble example, that we may at the latter end be found worthy to serve Thee even as do Thy holy Angels; Thou who livest and reignest in glory for evermore. R/ Amen.
P. O Thou Most High, Who art the deepest Mystery, may we open our hearts to Thy Wisdom, that was before heaven and earth existed, Thy Wisdom which is the eternal Virgin Mother of the Light. May we venerate Divine Motherhood in all creation an may all our actions bear the mark of Thy Wisdom and Love. Through Christ Our Lord. R/ Amen.
P. Teach us O Lord, to see Thy life in all men and in all the peoples of Thine earth, and so guide the nations into the understanding of Thy laws that peace and goodwill may reign upon earth; through Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
THE OFFICE HYMN
All rise and sing:
The God whom earth and sea and sky
Adore and laud and magnify,
Whose might they own, whose praise they swell
In Mary’s womb was safe to dwell.
How blest that Mother in whose shrine
The great Artificer divine,
Whose hand contains the earth and sky,
Once deigned, as in the ark, to lie.
Blest in the message Gabriel brought,
Blest by the work the Spirit wrought,
From whom the great desire of Earth
Took human flesh and human birth.
O Lord the Virgin-born to Thee
Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost for ever more.
MAGNIFICAT
Antiphon: Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God.
1 My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
2 For He hath regarded; the lowliness of his handmaiden.
3For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
4 For He that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is His Name.
5 And His grace is on them that love Him: throughout all generations.
6 He hath shewed strength with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
7 He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.
8 He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away.
9 Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to Thy word.
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
Ant.: Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God.
P. Let us pray.
The people kneel
P. We thank Thee, O God, for the most sweet and laudable pattern set before us by the holy Lady Mary, mother of Jesus, whom Thy holy Church hath ever held up unto her people as a bright ensample of purity and godly life; and we pray that now in the future there may shine forth within us the light of ever-growing purity and holiness; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
P. Be with us in our homes, O Lord, and let Thy holy Angels dwell therein, to preserve us in peace; and let Thy blessing rest ever upon us, O Thou Lord of love, who livest for ever and ever. R. Amen.
THE BENEDICTION
P. Unto God’s gracious love and protection we commit you; the Lord + bless you and keep you; the Lord make His Face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up the light of His Countenance upon you and give you His peace, this night and for evermore.
R Amen.
In the absence of a Priest, the ministrant closes the service with the following words;
+ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. R Amen.
The people stand.
THE INVOCATION
The Priest – or, if there be no priest present, the ministrant in charge intones:
P. In the Name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. R/ Amen.
P. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou among women.
R/. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word.
P. My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
R/ For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden.
P. For behold, from henceforth; all generations shall call me blessed.
R/ For He that is mighty hath magnified me; and holy His name.
P. 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.
CONFITEOR
All kneel, and say:
O Lord, Thou hast created man to be immortal and made him to be an image of Thine own eternity; yet often we forget the glory of our heritage and wander from the path which leads to righteousness. But Thou, O Lord, hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are ever restless till they find their rest in Thee. Look with the eyes of Thy love upon our manifold imperfections and pardon all our shortcomings, that we may be filled with the brightness of the everlasting light and become the unspotted mirror of Thy power and the image of Thy goodness; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE ABSOLUTION
P. God the Father, God the + Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve and sanctify you; the Lord in His lovingkindness look down upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord + absolve you from all your sins and grant you the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(If there be no Priest, the ministrant, still kneeling, says the following instead of the Absolution:
May the Lord bless us and + absolve us from all our sins; and may His peace rest upon us this night and evermore.
R/ Thanks be to God.)
All are seated.
THE FIRST HYMN
The Psalm of Wisdom from the Service of Vespers or any other suitable hymn may be substituted.
Mary the Dawn, but Christ the perfect Day:
Mary the Gate, but Christ the heavenly Way.
Mary the Root, but Christ the mystic Vine;
Mary the Grape, but Christ the sacred Wine.
Mary the corn-sheaf, Christ the living Bread;
Mary the Rose-tree, Christ the Rose blood-red.
Mary the Fount, but Christ the cleansing Flood;
Mary the Chalice, Christ the holy Blood.
Mary the Temple, Christ the Temple’s Lord;
Mary the Shrine, but Christ its God adored.
Mary the Beacon, Christ the Haven’s Rest;
Mary the Mirror, Christ the Vision blest. Amen.
THE FIRST LESSON
The following Lesson (or the Epistle of the Day) is read by the priest or ministrant or someone appointed for that purpose.
The First Lesson is taken from the eighth chapter of the Book of Wisdom of Solomon, beginning at the first verse.
WISDOM reacheth from one end of the world to the other; mightily and sweetly doth she order all things. In that she is conversant with God, she hath magnified her nobility; to the mysteries of the knowledge of God and a lover of His works. If riches be a possession to be desired in this life, what is richer than wisdom that worketh all things? And if prudence work, who of all is a more cunning worker than she? If a man love righteousness, her labours are virtues; for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude, than which men can have nothing more profitable in their life. By means of her I shall obtain immortality, for she is the mother of fair love, and of patience and perseverance, and of holy hope. Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.
Here endeth the First Lesson.
THE SECOND HYMN
Hail thou, once Mother mild
Of that most wondrous Child,
Whose words, so fair, so sweet,
Still draw men to His feet.
Hail thou, who followedst Him
Far from these regions dim,
Into those clearer skies
To which He bade us rise.
Hail thou, who stoodest free
In that great company
Of conquerors, thin heart
Athirst to know its part.
Hail thou, who, life laid bare
In sevenfold beauty there,
Chosest at length thy post
Amid the Angel-host!
Hail, in the work begun
By thy beloved Son
On earth, for His dear sake,
Who thy glad part dost take.
Hail, treader of the Way,
Hail, victor in the fray,
Hail, teller of love’s tale,
Thrice glorious Spirit, hail; Amen.
THE SECOND LESSON
The Second Lesson is taken from the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the twenty-sixth verse.
And the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto the city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And the Angel came in unto her, and said; Hail, thou art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the Angel said unto her; Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David. And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and His kingdom there shall be no end. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee; therefore also that which is to be born of thee shall be called holy, the Son of God. And Mary said; Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
Here endeth the second lesson.
AN ACT OF FAITH
The people rise and intone:
We believe in one God, the holy and all glorious Trinity, the three who yet are one, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, co-equal, co-eternal; In God the Father, from whom do come the worlds and all that is therein, seen or unseen. And in God the Son most holy, alone-born from his Father before all aeons; not made but springing forth; being of the substance of his Father, true God from true God, true Light from the true Light, by whom all forms were made; who for us men came down from heaven (here all bow), and took the robe of matter (all stand erect again), yet riseth thence again in ever greater glory to a kingdom without end; And in God the Holy Ghost, the life-giver, springing forth also from the Father and the Son, equal with them in glory, who revealeth himself through his angels. We acknowledge one holy catholic and apostolic church, one communion of the saints, one baptism for the remission of sin; we look for the resurrection of the dead + and the life of the coming age. Amen.
(the shorter Act Of Faith may be used as an alternative)
THE COLLECTS
P. Let us pray.
All kneel. If a ministrant leads the service, he kneels with the people.
The Collect for the Day is first said and then any of the following:
P. O Lord Christ, who for her wondrous humility hast exalted the holy Lady Mary among the hosts of heaven; grant that we, Thy people, may so follow that her most noble example, that we may at the latter end be found worthy to serve Thee even as do Thy holy Angels; Thou who livest and reignest in glory for evermore. R/ Amen.
P. O Thou Most High, Who art the deepest Mystery, may we open our hearts to Thy Wisdom, that was before heaven and earth existed, Thy Wisdom which is the eternal Virgin Mother of the Light. May we venerate Divine Motherhood in all creation an may all our actions bear the mark of Thy Wisdom and Love. Through Christ Our Lord. R/ Amen.
P. Teach us O Lord, to see Thy life in all men and in all the peoples of Thine earth, and so guide the nations into the understanding of Thy laws that peace and goodwill may reign upon earth; through Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
THE OFFICE HYMN
All rise and sing:
The God whom earth and sea and sky
Adore and laud and magnify,
Whose might they own, whose praise they swell
In Mary’s womb was safe to dwell.
How blest that Mother in whose shrine
The great Artificer divine,
Whose hand contains the earth and sky,
Once deigned, as in the ark, to lie.
Blest in the message Gabriel brought,
Blest by the work the Spirit wrought,
From whom the great desire of Earth
Took human flesh and human birth.
O Lord the Virgin-born to Thee
Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost for ever more.
MAGNIFICAT
Antiphon: Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God.
1 My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
2 For He hath regarded; the lowliness of his handmaiden.
3For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
4 For He that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is His Name.
5 And His grace is on them that love Him: throughout all generations.
6 He hath shewed strength with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
7 He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.
8 He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away.
9 Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to Thy word.
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
Ant.: Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God.
P. Let us pray.
The people kneel
P. We thank Thee, O God, for the most sweet and laudable pattern set before us by the holy Lady Mary, mother of Jesus, whom Thy holy Church hath ever held up unto her people as a bright ensample of purity and godly life; and we pray that now in the future there may shine forth within us the light of ever-growing purity and holiness; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
P. Be with us in our homes, O Lord, and let Thy holy Angels dwell therein, to preserve us in peace; and let Thy blessing rest ever upon us, O Thou Lord of love, who livest for ever and ever. R. Amen.
THE BENEDICTION
P. Unto God’s gracious love and protection we commit you; the Lord + bless you and keep you; the Lord make His Face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up the light of His Countenance upon you and give you His peace, this night and for evermore.
R Amen.
In the absence of a Priest, the ministrant closes the service with the following words;
+ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. R Amen.
A Service of Our Lady with Intent of Healing
Our Lady of Lourdes
This service should preferably take place in front of the altar of Our Lady. The leader can be clerical, monastic or lay. Names of sick persons should be submitted tot he leader before the service.
All: We bow down in homage and adoration to the Blessed Lady Mary, the mother of Jesus, our all compassionate heavenly mother, consoler of the afflicted, Star of the Sea and Queen of the Angels.
Pause for meditation, during which those present may visualise Our Lady as a Presence and Power active within the spiritual worlds.
Leader; Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou among women.
R/ And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word.
Leader; My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
R/ For He hath regarded; the lowliness of His handmaiden.
Leader; For behold, from henceforth; all generations shall call me blessed.
R/ For He that is mighty hath magnified me; and holy is His name.
Leader; 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.
THE COLLECTS
Here Collects from the Liturgy for Festivals of Our Lady, for the sick may be said by the Leader, or the following special appeals to Our Lady may be made:
L: Holy Mother of the World, pour out, we pray thee, thy love upon all women in childbirth. Inspire all women to play their part in the elevation of the human race and to realise their own latent divinity. Protect with the power of thy love all children throughout the world. Flood with thy courageous love the hearts of all people suffering in poverty, sickness, imprisonment or any other adversity. For all those we invoke thy merciful love and blessing. Amen.
L: O Divine Compassionate Mother – Heart of God, Sanctuary of the tortured and helpless creatures of the Earth, Voice of the voiceless, on their behalf to Thee we pray. Grant, O Blessed Lady Mary, Thy merciful protection and succour to these our younger brothers. O Holy Mother of all that lives and suffers, fill the hearts of human beings with Thy pity, so that they will understand that every tiny throbbing heart is part of the Sacred Heart of God. Amen.)
A hymn may be sung here.
INVOCATION FOR OUR LADY’S HEALING AID
L; We will now invoke the healing aid of Our Blessed Lady Mary for those who are sick, whether in body or soul.
Whilst doing this, it is necessary always to picture them as enjoying good health and within Her holy Presence.
L: May the healing power, compassion and blessing of the World Mother descend upon.................................................................(Christian and surnames in full), and upon all those who have selflessly given themselves in service to the world. May Her strength uphold and Her peace enfold them. And may Her holy Angels minister unto them. Amen.
(silence up to one minute)
A hymn may be sung here.
PRAYER OF SELF-OFFERING
All: Holy Mother of the World, with heartfelt gratitude for all Thy compassionate, consoling and ever loving aid to all, we Thy servants here renew our self-dedication to Thy service. May we ever be such perfect channels for Thy Grace and active agents of Thy love as to bring ourselves to ever-growing usefulness in Thy ministrations to mankind and all living creatures. Amen.
(one minutes silence)
Closing hymn may be sung.
All: We bow down in homage and adoration to the Blessed Lady Mary, the mother of Jesus, our all compassionate heavenly mother, consoler of the afflicted, Star of the Sea and Queen of the Angels.
Pause for meditation, during which those present may visualise Our Lady as a Presence and Power active within the spiritual worlds.
Leader; Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou among women.
R/ And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word.
Leader; My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
R/ For He hath regarded; the lowliness of His handmaiden.
Leader; For behold, from henceforth; all generations shall call me blessed.
R/ For He that is mighty hath magnified me; and holy is His name.
Leader; 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.
THE COLLECTS
Here Collects from the Liturgy for Festivals of Our Lady, for the sick may be said by the Leader, or the following special appeals to Our Lady may be made:
L: Holy Mother of the World, pour out, we pray thee, thy love upon all women in childbirth. Inspire all women to play their part in the elevation of the human race and to realise their own latent divinity. Protect with the power of thy love all children throughout the world. Flood with thy courageous love the hearts of all people suffering in poverty, sickness, imprisonment or any other adversity. For all those we invoke thy merciful love and blessing. Amen.
L: O Divine Compassionate Mother – Heart of God, Sanctuary of the tortured and helpless creatures of the Earth, Voice of the voiceless, on their behalf to Thee we pray. Grant, O Blessed Lady Mary, Thy merciful protection and succour to these our younger brothers. O Holy Mother of all that lives and suffers, fill the hearts of human beings with Thy pity, so that they will understand that every tiny throbbing heart is part of the Sacred Heart of God. Amen.)
A hymn may be sung here.
INVOCATION FOR OUR LADY’S HEALING AID
L; We will now invoke the healing aid of Our Blessed Lady Mary for those who are sick, whether in body or soul.
Whilst doing this, it is necessary always to picture them as enjoying good health and within Her holy Presence.
L: May the healing power, compassion and blessing of the World Mother descend upon.................................................................(Christian and surnames in full), and upon all those who have selflessly given themselves in service to the world. May Her strength uphold and Her peace enfold them. And may Her holy Angels minister unto them. Amen.
(silence up to one minute)
A hymn may be sung here.
PRAYER OF SELF-OFFERING
All: Holy Mother of the World, with heartfelt gratitude for all Thy compassionate, consoling and ever loving aid to all, we Thy servants here renew our self-dedication to Thy service. May we ever be such perfect channels for Thy Grace and active agents of Thy love as to bring ourselves to ever-growing usefulness in Thy ministrations to mankind and all living creatures. Amen.
(one minutes silence)
Closing hymn may be sung.
A Group Meditation devoted to Our Lady
Preferably to be used before the Holy Eucharist or Healing Service.
All are seated. The Priest or Group Leader says:
Let us rise in thought to the unity manifesting through diversity. Feel deeply the love that unites all in oneness, for ‘Closer is He than breathing, nearer than hands or feet’.
The Leader recites aloud slowly;
Holy Lady Mary, pattern of spotless purity, before whose splendour the Angels bow low in adoration, before whose goodness all men are good, hail to thee, chosen Mother of our Lord.
Pause and visualise the Holy Lady Mary, The Leader continues;
Reverently we offer thee praise and adoration. Devoutly we ask that our lives may be blessed by thy sanctifying presence. Make pure our hearts with thine immaculate purity. Make strong our minds with thy heavenly glory.
Bless our souls with thy radiant love.
Pause.
Let us think of ourselves as forming an invisible chalice.
Pause.
Leader Continues;
O Most Perfect Mother, we thy children open ourselves to thy compassionate love. We ask for guidance that we may be pure vessels for thy healing power, channels of thine infinite tenderness, a chalice for thy divine grace. Thus may we bring succor to those distressed in mind or body in thy holy name. Amen.
Pause.
Here the group may mentally draw those in sorrow or suffering into the healing circle – or pour forth healing blessing for the helping of mankind generally.
All are seated. The Priest or Group Leader says:
Let us rise in thought to the unity manifesting through diversity. Feel deeply the love that unites all in oneness, for ‘Closer is He than breathing, nearer than hands or feet’.
The Leader recites aloud slowly;
Holy Lady Mary, pattern of spotless purity, before whose splendour the Angels bow low in adoration, before whose goodness all men are good, hail to thee, chosen Mother of our Lord.
Pause and visualise the Holy Lady Mary, The Leader continues;
Reverently we offer thee praise and adoration. Devoutly we ask that our lives may be blessed by thy sanctifying presence. Make pure our hearts with thine immaculate purity. Make strong our minds with thy heavenly glory.
Bless our souls with thy radiant love.
Pause.
Let us think of ourselves as forming an invisible chalice.
Pause.
Leader Continues;
O Most Perfect Mother, we thy children open ourselves to thy compassionate love. We ask for guidance that we may be pure vessels for thy healing power, channels of thine infinite tenderness, a chalice for thy divine grace. Thus may we bring succor to those distressed in mind or body in thy holy name. Amen.
Pause.
Here the group may mentally draw those in sorrow or suffering into the healing circle – or pour forth healing blessing for the helping of mankind generally.
Homage to Our Lady
This short meditation may be used before or after the service of the Holy Eucharist.
We bow in homage and adoration to thee, Mother of God, Queen of the Heavens, Star of the Sea, Guardian of Humanity; we greet thee and thine Angel hosts, shedding beauty and blessing among men and nature; may we serve thee in our fellow men.
Holy Lady Mary, Mother of the world, Queen of Love and Compassion, with all our hearts we pour out our love and devotion at Thy feet; and we offer ourselves as channels of thy Wondrous tenderness, as agents of Thy ever-ready help.
We pray Thee to use us in Thy holy work, that we may grow to be like Thee our Glorious Mother.
O holy Mother, Queen of our hearts, we dedicate our lives to thy service. Ave Maria. Amen.
We bow in homage and adoration to thee, Mother of God, Queen of the Heavens, Star of the Sea, Guardian of Humanity; we greet thee and thine Angel hosts, shedding beauty and blessing among men and nature; may we serve thee in our fellow men.
Holy Lady Mary, Mother of the world, Queen of Love and Compassion, with all our hearts we pour out our love and devotion at Thy feet; and we offer ourselves as channels of thy Wondrous tenderness, as agents of Thy ever-ready help.
We pray Thee to use us in Thy holy work, that we may grow to be like Thee our Glorious Mother.
O holy Mother, Queen of our hearts, we dedicate our lives to thy service. Ave Maria. Amen.
The Angelus
The reciting of the Angelus as a short devotion to our Lord Christ and to Our Lady can take place three times a day, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. It is useful on retreats and may precede Prime, Sext and Vespers. The church bells (if any) are rung three times for each Hail Mary and nine times for the Collect (see asterisk below).
P. Let us contemplate the first of the seven great Mysteries of our Holy Lady Mary, and see in it the key to the practice of the Presence of Christ, the very pathway of the human soul toward union of its perfected parts in God.
R/ Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Purity, hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we turn for our example in this temporal world. Look with thine eyes of love upon us, most gracious Lady, and show thyself as a guide out of exile- the way to the Presence of they Son, Jesus Christ.
P. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary; and she concieved by the Holy Spirit.
R/ Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Holy MaryMother of God, pray for us sinners now at at the hour of our death. Amen.
P. And Mary said: behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy Word.
R/. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, prayer for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen,
P. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us.
R/ Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
THE COLLECT
P. LORD Christ, whose life thy church doth lay before us as a perfect example for our imitation, grant us that we may have strength so to follow thee through suffering and mystical death, that we may rise with thee into the ineffable splendour of eternal life, thou who livest and reignest throughout the ages of ages. R/. Amen.
P. Let us contemplate the first of the seven great Mysteries of our Holy Lady Mary, and see in it the key to the practice of the Presence of Christ, the very pathway of the human soul toward union of its perfected parts in God.
R/ Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Purity, hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we turn for our example in this temporal world. Look with thine eyes of love upon us, most gracious Lady, and show thyself as a guide out of exile- the way to the Presence of they Son, Jesus Christ.
P. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary; and she concieved by the Holy Spirit.
R/ Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Holy MaryMother of God, pray for us sinners now at at the hour of our death. Amen.
P. And Mary said: behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy Word.
R/. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, prayer for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen,
P. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us.
R/ Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
THE COLLECT
P. LORD Christ, whose life thy church doth lay before us as a perfect example for our imitation, grant us that we may have strength so to follow thee through suffering and mystical death, that we may rise with thee into the ineffable splendour of eternal life, thou who livest and reignest throughout the ages of ages. R/. Amen.