Comparison of Prayers - Mary Mother of God

"Regina Angelorum" by William Bouguereau
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui salútis ætérnæ, beátæ Maríæ virginitáte fecúnda, humáno géneri praémia præstitísti, † tríbue, quaésumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercédere sentiámus, per quam merúimus Fílium tuum auctórem vitæ suscípere.
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
et us pray. God our Father, may we always profit by the prayers of the Virgin Mother Mary, for you bring us life and salvation through Jesus Christ her Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary, You have brought forth to mankind the reward of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech You, that we may perceive her intercession for us, through whom we merited to receive the Author of Life, Your Son.
Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Deus, qui bona cuncta ínchoas benígnus et pérficis, da nobis, de sollemnitáte sanctæ Dei Genetrícis lætántibus, sicut de inítiis tuæ grátiæ gloriámur ita de perfectióne gaudére.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
God our Father, we celebrate at this season the beginning of our salvation. On this feast of Mary, the Mother of God, we ask that our salvation will be brought to its fulfillment.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O God, You Who kindly begin all good things and bring them to completion, grant to us, rejoicing because of this Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God, that just as we glory in the beginning of Your grace we also rejoice in its perfection.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the B.V.M. - on the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Et te in Maternitáte beátæ Maríæ semper Vírginis collaudáre, benedícere et prædicáre. Quæ et Unigénitum tuum Sancti Spíritus obumbratióne concépit, et, virginitátis glória permanénte, lumen ætérnum mundo effúndit, Iesum Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Per quem maiestátem tuam laudant Angeli, adórant Dominatiónes, tremunt Potestátes. Cæli cælorúmque Virtútes, ac beáta Séraphim, sócia exsultatióne concélebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces ut admítti iúbeas, deprecámur, súpplici confessióne dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks as we celebrate the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, she became the virgin mother of your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is for ever the light of the world.
Through him the choirs of angles and all the powers of heaven praise and worship your glory.
May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
And that we should praise, bless, and extol You for the Motherhood of Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin. Who both conceived Your Only-begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, and, preserving the glory of her Virginity, brought forth to the world the Eternal Light, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Whom the Angels praise, the Dominations adore, and the Angelic Powers tremble at Your Majesty. The Hosts of the Heavens and the blessed Seraphim celebrate in united exultation. And we beg You that You may be pleased to unite our voices with theirs, in humble confession saying:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Day (and during the Octave)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum quo beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy day, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Súmpsimus, Dómine læti sacraménta cæléstia: † præsta quaésumus, ut ad vitam nobis profíciant sempitérnam, qui beátam semper Vírginem Maríam Fílii tui Genetrícem et Ecclésiæ Matrem profitéri gloriámur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, we proclaim the Virgin Mary to be the mother of Christ and the mother of the Church, may our communion with her Son bring us to salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord, having received this Heavenly Sacrament of joy: grant we beseech You, that It may assist us unto life everlasting, whereby we glory to proclaim the Blessed ever-Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Son and Mother of the Church.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Dominican Chant - Christmas Vigil Gospel

The New Liturgical Movement pointed out an amazing audio of the Christmas Vigil Mass Gospel, The Geneology Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew sung in Dominican chant by Br. Benedict Jonak, OP, a Deacon in Oxford. Certainly worth the eight and a half minutes to hear.



The tone is nothing I have heard before, but it is very beautiful and sung very well. Given the length of the chant and the complexity of the tone, I am very impressed with this. It certainly reminds me how much I have to learn about chant.

RS

Holy Family - Comparison of Prayers

"The Holy Family" by Sisto Badaloccio
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui præclára nobis sanctæ Famíliæ dignátus es exémpla præbére, concéde propítius, ut, domésticis virtútibus caritatísque vínculis illam sectántes, in lætítia domus tuæ praémiis fruámur ætérnis.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, help us to live as the holy family, united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray O God, You Who willed to hold up for us the noble example of the Holy Family, graciously grant, that, following them in the domestic virtues and bonds of charity, we may delight in the eternal rewards of Your house in joy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Hóstiam tibi placatiónis offérimus, Dómine, supplíciter deprecántes, ut, Deíparæ Vírginis beatíque Ioseph interveniénte suffrágio, famílias nostras in tua grátia fírmiter et pace constítuas.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept this sacrifice and through the prayers of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, and of her husband, Joseph, unite our families in peace and love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
We offer to You this pleasing Victim, O Lord, humbly begging, that, by the intercessory support of the God-bearing Virgin and Blessed Joseph, You might establish our families firmly in Your grace and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord: Of Christ the Light

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Quia per incarnáti Verbi mystérium nova mentis nostræ óculis lux tuæ claritátis infúlsit: ut, dum visibíliter Deum cognóscimus, per hunc in invisibílium amórem rapiámur.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
Because through the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word the new light of Your glory shined upon the eyes of our souls: so that, while we know God visibly, through Him we may be drawn to a love of things invisible.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the hosts of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn to Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Day (and during the Octave)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum quo beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy day, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Quos cæléstibus réficis sacraméntis, fac, clementíssime Pater, sanctæ Famíliæ exémpla iúgiter imitári, ut, post ærúmnas saéculi, eius consórtium consequámur ætérnum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Eternal Father, we want to live as Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, in peace with you and one another. May this communion strengthen us to face the troubles of life.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O most loving Father, make us, whom You refresh with these Heavenly Sacraments, to imitate the example of the Holy Family, so that, after the hardships of this world, we may attain His eternal fellowship.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Papal Mass copies my parish.

I just happened to be able to catch the first half of the Midnight Mass at the Vatican and was really surprised by what happened at the beginning of Mass.

It just surprised me because it is something we have done at our parish for several years, which is the singing of the Announcement of the Birth of Christ from the Roman Martyrology. We do it right before Mass (before the entrance hymn), and I noticed that at the Midnight Mass at Saint Peter's they sang it right before the Gloria.

I usually don't get to watch the Christmas Masses at the Vatican since I am usually working at the parish. So, I'm not sure if this is new or not.

I'm not sure if they sang the traditional Announcement or if they used the newer one from the 2004 Roman Martyrology. We use the traditional one because it is more beautiful. I find the newer one to have an "edited" feel to it.

I am not sure what tone it was sung in though. I've never heard that one. I don't think it was the traditional tone used for the singing of the Martyrology. When I sing it, I use the same tone which is sung at the Passion readings on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. I only do this because when we first started doing it, I couldn't find music for the Announcement, so I had to adapt it to a tone that was simple yet beautiful, and the Passion tones fit that.

Anyway, here are the entries, and you can compare the "traditional" entry with the more "modern" one.

Announcement of the Birth of Jesus Christ from the "traditional" Roman Martyrology
Latin
Anno a creatióne mundi, quando in princípio Deus creávit cœlum et terram, quínquies millésimo centésimo nonagésimo nono:
A dilúvio autem, anno bis millésimo nongentésimo quinquagésimo séptimo:
A nativitáte Abrahæ, anno bis millésimo quintodécimo:
A Moyse et egréssu pópuli Israel de Ægypto, anno millésimo quingentésimo décimo:
Ab unctióne David in Regem, anno millésimo trigésimo secúndo;
Hebdómada sexagésima quinta, juxta Daniélis prophetíam:
Olympíade centésima nonagésima quarta:
Ab urbe Roma cóndita, anno septingentésimo quinquagésimo secúndo:
Anno Impérii Octaviáni Augústi quadragésimo secúndo,
toto Orbe in pace compósito, sexta mundi ætáte,
Jesus Christus ætérnus Deus, æterníque Patris Fílius, mundum volens advéntu suo piíssimo consecráre,
de Spíritu Sancto concéptus, novémque post conceptiónem decúrsis ménsibus,
[HERE ALL KNEEL]
in Béthlehem Judæ náscitur ex María Vírgine factus Homo.
Natívitas Dómini nostri Jesu Christi secúndum carnem.

English
In the year five-thousand one-hundred and ninety-nine from the creation of the world,
when in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth;
In the year two-thousand nine-hundred and fifty-seven from the flood;
In the year two-thousand and fifty-one from the birth of Abraham;
In the year one-thousand five-hundred and ten from the going forth of the people of Israel out of Egypt under Moses;
In the year one-thousand and thirty-two from the anointing of David as king;
In the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel;
In the one-hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
In the year seven-hundred and fifty-two from the foundation of the city of Rome;
In the forty-second year of the reign of the Emperor Octavian Augustus;
In the sixth age of the world, while the whole earth was at peace -
Jesus Christ, eternal God and the Son of the eternal Father, willing to consecrate the world by His gracious coming,
having been conceived of the Holy Spirit, and the nine months of His conception being now accomplished,
[HERE ALL KNEEL]
was born in Bethlehem of Judah of the Virgin Mary, and became Man.
The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the flesh.

Announcement of the Birth of Jesus Christ from the 2004 Roman Martyrology
Latin
Innúmeris transáctis saéculis a cratióne mundi, quando in princípio Deus creávit cælum et terram et hóminem formávit ad imáginem suam;
permúltis étiam saéculis, ex quo post dilúvium Altíssimus in núbibus arcum posúerat, signum foéderis et pacis;
a migratióne Abrahæ, patris nostri in fide, de Ur Chaldæórum saéculo vigésimo primo;
ab egréssu pópuli Israel de Ægýpto, Móyse duce, saéculo décim tértio;
ab unctióne David in regem anno círciter millésimo,
hebdómada sexagésima quinta, iuxta Daniélis prophetíam;
Olympíade centésima nonagésima quarta;
ab Urbe cóndita anno septingentésimo quinquagésimo secúndo;
anno impérii Caésaris Octaviáni Augústi quadragésimo secúndo;
toto Orbe in pace compósito, Iesus Christus, ætérnus Deus æterníque Patris Fílius, mundum volens advéntu suo piíssimo consecráre, de Spíritu Sancto concéptus, novémque post conceptiónem decúrsis ménsibus,
in Béthlehem Iudæ náscitur ex María Vírgine factus homo:
Natívitas Dómini nostri Iesu Christi secúndum carnem.

English
Innumerable ages having passed since the creation of the world, when in the beginning God created Heaven and earth, and formed man in His image;
and in the very many centuries, in which, after the flood, the Most High placed an arch in the clouds, a sign of a covenant and of peace;
twenty one centuries from the departure of Abraham, our father in faith, from Ur of the Chaldeans;
about a thousand years after the anointing of David as king, in the sixty fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel;
in the one hundred and ninety fourth Olympiad;
seven hundred and fifty two years after the founding of the City (of Rome)
in the forty second year of the emperor Octavian Augustus Caesar;
while the whole world was ordered in peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and eternal Son of the Father, wishing to consecrate the world by His most gracious coming, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and the nine months of His conception having passed,
was born in Bethlehem of Judah of the Virgin Mary, and became man:
The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

Roman Sacristan chanting the Announcement from the Roman Martyrology

RS

December 26th, Feast of Saint Stephen

Rememeber, it's still Christmas.

It's also the Feast day of Saint Stephen, Deacon and First Martyr of the Church.

"The Stoning of Saint Stephen" by Pietro da Cortona
"The Stoning of Saint Stephen" by Vasari
I probably don't have to explain who Saint Stepehen was, so I'll just give a link for those who want to know more.

St. Stephen entry at the Catholic Encyclopedia online.

RS

Franciscan Friary of Greccio where Saint Francis had the "first" Nativity scene.
Merry Christmas from the Roman Sacristan to all readers.

Translations for the Vigil, Midnight, and Day Masses are below.

Pax et Bonum,


The Roman Sacristan

Christmas Mass during the Day - Comparison of Prayers

"The Nativity" by Jean-Baptiste-Marie Pierre
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui humánæ substántiæ dignitátem et mirabíliter condidísti, et mirabílius reformásti, † da, quaésumus, nobis eius divinitátis esse consórtes, qui humanitátis nostræ fíeri dignátus est párticeps.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord God, we praise you for creating man, and still more for restoring him in Christ. Your Son shared our weakness: may we share his glory,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who both wonderfully created the dignity of man’s substance and more wonderfully restored it, grant, to us, we beseech You, to be sharers in His Divinity, Who deemed it worthy to be made a partaker of our humanity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Oblátio tibi sit, Dómine, hodiérnæ sollemnitátis accépta, qua et nostræ reconciliatiónis procéssit perfécta placátio, et divíni cultus nobis est índita plenitúdo.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Almighty God, the saving work of Christ made our peace with you. May our offering today renew that peace within us and give you perfect praise.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May the Offering of today’s Solemnity be acceptable to You, O Lord, Which is both the perfect placation to advance our reconciliation, and having been given to us is the fullness of the divine worship.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord: Of Christ the Light

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Quia per incarnáti Verbi mystérium nova mentis nostræ óculis lux tuæ claritátis infúlsit: ut, dum visibíliter Deum cognóscimus, per hunc in invisibílium amórem rapiámur.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
Because through the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word the new light of Your glory shined upon the eyes of our souls: so that, while we know God visibly, through Him we may be drawn to a love of things invisible.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the hosts of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn to Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Day (and during the Octave)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et diem sacratíssimum quo beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that day when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy day, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Præsta, miséricors Deus, ut natus hódie Salvátor mundi, † sicut divínæ nobis generatiónis est auctor, ita et immortalitátis sit ipse largítor.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, the child born today is the Savior of the world. He made us your children. May he welcome us into your kingdom
where he lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant, O Merciful God, that the Savior of the world having been born today, as He is the Author of divine generation for us, may He also be the Bestower of immortality.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Christmas Midnight Mass - Comparison of Prayers

"The Nativity" by Jacob de Backer
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui hanc sacratíssimam noctem veri lúminis fecísti illustratióne claréscere, † da, quaésumus, ut cuius in terra mystéria lucis agnóvimus, eius quoque gáudiis perfruámur in cælo.
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, you make this holy night radiant with the splendor of Jesus Christ our light. We welcome him as Lord, the true light of the world. Bring us to eternal joy in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who have made this most holy night to make clear the manifestation of Your True Light, grant, we beseech You, that as we have known the Mystery of His Light on earth, we may also fully enjoy His joys in Heaven.
He Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Grata tibi sit, Dómine, quaésumus, hodiérnæ festivitátis oblátio, ut, per hæc sacrosáncta commércia, in illíus inveniámur forma, in quo tecum est nostra substántia.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept our gifts on this joyful feast of our salvation. By our communion with God made man, may we become more like him who joins our lives to yours,
for he lives for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
May the offering of today’s Feast be pleasing to You, O Lord, that, through this sanctifying Exchange, we may be found conformed to Him, in Whom our substance is united with You.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Preface
Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord: Of Christ the Light

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Quia per incarnáti Verbi mystérium nova mentis nostræ óculis lux tuæ claritátis infúlsit: ut, dum visibíliter Deum cognóscimus, per hunc in invisibílium amórem rapiámur.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
Because through the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word the new light of Your glory shined upon the eyes of our souls: so that, while we know God visibly, through Him we may be drawn to a love of things invisible.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the hosts of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn to Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Eve

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et noctem sacratíssimam qua beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that night when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy night, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Da nobis, quaésumus, Dómine Deus noster, † ut, qui Nativitátem Redemptóris nostri frequentáre gaudémus, dignis conversatiónibus ad eius mereámur perveníre consórtium.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God our Father, we rejoice in the birth of our Savior. May we share his life completely by living as he taught.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant to us, we beseech You, O Lord our God, that, we, who rejoice to observe the Birth of our Redeemer, may merit by a worthy way of life, to come to fellowship with Him.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

Christmas Vigil - Comparison of Prayers

"Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah" by Michelangelo

"Perez, Hezron, and Ram" by Michelangelo

I'm using these pictures again this year because it's hard to find a picture appropriate for this Gospel.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui nos redemptiónis nostræ ánnua exspectatióne lætíficas, præsta, ut Unigénitum tuum, quem læti suscípimus Redemptórem, veniéntem quoque Iúdicem secúri vidére mereámur Dóminum nostrum, Iesum Christum.
Qui tecum vivit et regnat, in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God our Father, every year we rejoice as we look forward to this feast of our salvation. May we welcome Christ as our Redeemer, and meet him with confidence when he comes to be our judge,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who gladden us with the annual expectation of our redemption, grant, that we, who now joyfully receive Your Only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also without fear be made worthy to see Him coming as our Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Tanto nos, Dómine, quaésumus, promptióre servítio hæc præcúrre concéde sollémnia, quanto in his constáre princípium nostræ redemptiónis osténdis.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, as we keep tonight the vigil of Christmas, may we celebrate this eucharist with greater joy than ever since it marks the beginning of our redemption.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord, to anticipate this solemnity by so great a more willing servitude, as you manifest Yourself on this solemnity to establish the beginning of our redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of the Nativity of the Lord: Of Christ the Light

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Quia per incarnáti Verbi mystérium nova mentis nostræ óculis lux tuæ claritátis infúlsit: ut, dum visibíliter Deum cognóscimus, per hunc in invisibílium amórem rapiámur.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
Because through the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word the new light of Your glory shined upon the eyes of our souls: so that, while we know God visibly, through Him we may be drawn to a love of things invisible.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and the Dominations, and with all the hosts of the Heavenly army, we sing the hymn to Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Change in the Roman Canon for Christmas Eve

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Communicántes, et noctem sacratíssimam qua beátæ Maríæ intemeráta virgínitas huic mundo édidit Salvatórem: sed et memóriam venerántes, in primis eiúsdem gloriósæ semper Vírginis Maríæ, Genetrícis eiúsdem Dei et Dómini nostri Iesu Christi: ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
In union with the whole Church we celebrate that night when Mary without loss of her virginity gave the world its savior. We honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God ...

My Own Literal Translation
In union, we celebrate that most holy night, on which the blessed Mary without loss of her virginity, brought forth the Savior of the world, and reverently remembering, in the first place, the same glorious, ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Da nobis, quaésumus, Dómine, Unigéniti Fílii tui recensíta nativitáte vegetári, cuius cælésti mystério páscimur et potámur.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, we ask you to give us a new birth as we celebrate the beginning of your Son’s life on earth. Strengthen us in spirit as we take your food and drink.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Grant us, we beseech You, O Lord, to be animated by the celebration of the birth of Your Only-begotten Son, by Whose heavenly Mystery we are fed and given drink.
He Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

I hate PETA

These PETA people really need to get a life. It's sad that they would place the lives of animals over the livelyhood of men. It's like they took Disney movies way too seriously when growing up. Given the time and effort these people put into their animal crusade, it's become their religion.

Besides their being nuts, PETA is hypocritical and kills animals anyway.

Pretty soon they'll be after the grizzlies for eating salmon.


Reminds me of a hilarious adventure from the Kingdom of Loathing.

RS

4th Sunday of Advent - Comparison of Prayers

"Saint Joseph's Dream" by Francesco Trevisani
"behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this Child has been conceived in her. She will bear a Son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the Prophet: Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall name Him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the Angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home."
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Grátiam tuam, quaésumus, Dómine, méntibus nostri infúnde, ut qui, Angelo nuntiánte, Christi Fílii tui incarnatiónem cognóvimus, per passiónem eius et crucem ad resurrectiónis glóriam perducámur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to us by an angel the coming of your Son as man, so lead us through his suffering and death to the glory of his resurrection,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your grace into our hearts, so that we, who learned of the Incarnation of Christ Your Son, by means of the Angel’s announcing, may by His Passion and Cross be led to the glory of the Resurrection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Altári tuo, Dómine, superpósita múnera Spíritus ille sanctíficet, qui beátæ Maríæ víscera sua virtúte replévit.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, may the power of the Spirit, which sanctified Mary the mother of your Son, make holy the gifts we have placed upon this altar.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O Lord, may that Spirit, Who filled the womb of blessed Mary with His power, sanctify these gifts placed upon Your altar.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface II of Advent: On the twofold expectation of Christ

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Quem prædixérunt cunctórum præcónia prophetárum, Virgo Mater ineffábili dilectióne sustínuit, Ioánnes cécinit affutúrum et adésse monstrávit. Qui suæ nativitátis mystérium tríbuit nos præveníre gaudéntes, ut et in oratióne pervígiles et in suis invéniat láudibus exsultántes.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
His future coming was proclaimed by all the prophets. The virgin mother bore him in her womb with love beyond all telling. John the Baptist was his herald and made him known when at last he came. In his love Christ has filled us with joy as we prepare to celebrate his birth, so that when he comes he may find us watching in prayer, our hearts filled with wonder and praise.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.
Whom the proclamations of all the Prophets foretold, the Virgin Mother bore Him with ineffable love, John prophesied His coming and pointed Him out when He came. He Who has granted us to joyfully anticipate the Mystery of His birth, so that He may find us both vigilant in prayer and exulting in His praise.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the host of the Heavenly Army, we sing the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sumpto pígnore redemptiónis ætérnæ, quaésumus, omnípotens Deus, ut quanto magis dies salutíferæ festivitátis accédit, tanto devótius proficiámus ad Fílii tui digne nativitátis mystérium celebrándum.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, in this sacrament we receive the promise of salvation; as Christmas draws near make us grow in faith and love to celebrate the coming of Christ our Savior,
who is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having obtained this Pledge of eternal redemption, we beseech You, Almighty God, that as the day of the saving feast day approaches, we may so much more devoutly make progress in worthily celebrating the Mystery of the birth of Your Son.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

RS

A winner is me!

Well, apparently I have the ability to spot bad taste.

In The Crescat's "Ulgy Vestment Contest" which had "men's vestments," "ladies' vestments," and "miscellaneous" categories, my entry won in the "ladies' vestment" category.

Behold the "Daisy Bedsheet Chasuble":


She and Vincenzo even gave out a virtual trophy for it.



With as much nausiousness as I had to endure looking at all the bad vestments to find the ones I submitted, I would hope I earned this trophy.

Thanks, Carolina Cannonball, for the (disturbing) contest, and thanks Vincenzo for the trophy.

RS

The new rig.

Sorry to be a bit quiet this week.

Finally! After 7 years, I have a new computer. The timing was a bit difficult with the holiday coming up. It's been a bit of a distraction given how much I have had to also prepare for work and the holidays.

But first off, to answer one of the The Engineer's son's questions: Yes, J. my computer case has lights. It's glowy!

The new "rig"
Going from a Dell, Pentium III 733MHz, 512 RAM, nVidia 32MB, Windows 98SE, and generic Dell stuff.
Going to a Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz w/4MB L2 Cache 1333MHz FSB, 2 GB DDR2 RAM, nVidia 8800GT 512MB, Gigabyte motherboard, Altec 900 PC case, and other stuff.

Thanks to a friend we he pretty much got it assembled and loaded and it runs very nicely. Portal looks beautiful (and is really a fun concept):



Now that I have just about all my holiday work prep ready now maybe I can get in a bit of recreation before the Marathon from 4th Sunday of Advent through Epiphany.

I may try some open source stuff like Open Office instead of Microsoft Office and Gimp instead of Photoshop.

RS

CHRISTMAS is almost here.

Although it's still Advent, as we begin the 2nd "part" of Advent, getting ever closer to Christmas I ask the question:

Ever read the book "Nineteen Eighty-Four?"



RS

3rd Sunday of Advent

Gaudete Sunday

"John the Baptist" by Titian
“What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.”

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui cónspicis pópulum tuum nativitátis domínicæ festivitátem fidéliter exspectáre, præsta, quaésumus, ut valeámus ad tantæ salútis gáudia perveníre, et ea votis sollémnibus álacri semper lætítia celebráre.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who look attentively upon Your people faithfully awaiting the feast day of the birth of the Lord, grant, we beseech You, that we may be worthy to attain to the joys of so great a salvation, and to celebrate them always with eager joy through these solemn offerings.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Devotiónis nostræ tibi, Dómine, quaésumus, hóstia iúgiter immolétur, quæ et sacri péragat institúta mystérii et salutáre tuum nobis poténter operétur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, may the gift we offer in faith and love be a continual sacrifice in your honor and truly become our eucharist and our salvation.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
May this Sacrifice of our devotion, we beseech You, O Lord, be continually offered to You, that It may both accomplish the purpose of this Sacred Mystery and powerfully work in us Your salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Advent: On the two comings of Christ

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Qui, primo advéntu in humilitáte carnis assúmptæ, dispositiónis antíquæ munus implévit, nobísque salútis perpétuæ trámitem reserávit: ut, cum secúndo vénerit in suæ glória maiestátis, manifésto demum múnere capiámus, quod vigilántes nunc audémus expectáre promíssum.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.
Who, in His first coming in the lowliness of assumed flesh, fulfilled the work of Your ancient arrangement, and opened to us the path to eternal salvation: so that, when He will come again in the Glory of His Majesty, we may then indeed openly take hold of that gift, a promise which we now dare to await with vigilance.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the host of the Heavenly Army, we sing the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Tuam, Dómine, cleméntiam
implorámus, ut hæc divína subsídia, a vítiis expiátos, ad festa ventúra nos praéparent.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of mercy, may this eucharist bring us your divine help, free us from our sins, and prepare us for the birthday of our Savior,
who is Lord for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beg of Your merciful love, O Lord, that this Divine Assistance, by atoning for our offenses, may prepare us for the coming Feast day.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Saint Lucy pic

Just thought I would share a picture I took of a painting above one of the side altars at the Basilica di San Benedetto in Norcia (Nursia), Italy.

Saint Lucy surrounded by Our Lady with Christ Child, Saint Charles Borromeo(?) and another Saint I'm not sure of

I took this picture back in 2001 with a [gasp] film camera.

You can read about her life at the Catholic Encyclopedia entry on Saint Lucy.

RS

Part of Loome bookstores closing

Well, it's good news/bad news.

The good news is that Loome Theological Booksellers will remain open.

However, the bad news (or maybe good news if you live in Minnesota) is that Loome Antiquarian Booksellers is closing.

Here's the ad I just received by email (pretty funny actually).



RS

I'm a contributor

I'm not sure if I should be proud or ashamed, but I helped contribute to The Crescat's "Ugly Vestment Contest." The searching was VERY painful on the eyes. Man can be quite creative, but it's sad when that creativity is used for evil purposes.
(Thanks to those who helped me with a couple of submissions.)

Let's just say it's sad when this is a rather conservative vestment compared to the ones in the contest:


'Nuff said?

There are three categories:

1) Men's Vestments

2) Ladies Vestments

3) Stoles and Mitres

So go vote at The Crescat blog.

RS

Roman Sacristan in Corporate America?

Time for some Monday levity.

Wonder why I hate corporate America? or is it corporate America hates me?

(No, in spite of the name fathead, that's not me in the commerical ... just my stunt double.)



RS

2nd Sunday of Advent - Comparison of Prayers

"Preaching of Saint John the Baptist" (detail) by Bartolomeus Greenergh
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens et miséricors Deus, in tui occúrsum Fílii festinántes nulla ópera terréni actus impédiant, sed sapiéntiæ cæléstis erudítio nos fáciat eius esse consórtes.
Qui tecum vivit et regnat, in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Merciful God, may no works of worldly deeds ensnare those hurrying to meet Your Son, but may the learning of Heavenly wisdom make us to be co-heirs of Him.
Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Placáre, Dómine, quaésumus, nostræ précibus humilitátis et hóstiis, et, ubi nulla súppetunt suffrágia meritórum, tuæ nobis indulgéntiæ succúrre præsídiis.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, we are nothing without you. As you sustain us with your mercy, receive our prayers and offerings.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Be appeased, we beseech You, O Lord, by the prayers and sacrificial offerings of our humility, and, where the support of our merits is insufficient, help us with the aid of Your forgiveness.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface I of Advent: On the two comings of Christ

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Qui, primo advéntu in humilitáte carnis assúmptæ, dispositiónis antíquæ munus implévit, nobísque salútis perpétuæ trámitem reserávit: ut, cum secúndo vénerit in suæ glória maiestátis, manifésto demum múnere capiámus, quod vigilántes nunc audémus expectáre promíssum.
Et ídeo cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hymnum glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine dicéntes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.
Who, in His first coming in the lowliness of assumed flesh, fulfilled the work of Your ancient arrangement, and opened to us the path to eternal salvation: so that, when He will come again in the Glory of His Majesty, we may then indeed openly take hold of that gift, a promise which we now dare to await with vigilance.
And so, with the Angels and Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominations, and with all the host of the Heavenly Army, we sing the hymn of Your Glory, saying without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Repléti cibo spiritális alimóniæ, súpplices te, Dómine, deprecámur, ut, huius participatióne mystérii, dóceas nos terréna sapiénter perpéndere, et cæléstibus inhærére.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, you give us food from heaven. By our sharing in this mystery, teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and to love the things of heaven.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been filled with this Food of spiritual nourishment, we humbly beseech You, O Lord, that, through our participation in this Mystery, You may teach us to examine wisely the things of this world, and to cling to heavenly things.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Poll results

I probably could have designed the poll a bit better, but the end results were:

40: Yes at English Mass
25: No at English Mass
6 : Yes at non-English Mass
7 : No at non-English Mass

Overall, O Come, O Come Emmanuel was played at 60% of the readers' parishes last weekend.

At English Masses it was sung at 61.5% of the readers' parishes

And even at non-English Masses it was sung at 46%.

I guess I am not alone in hearing this song too early in Advent.

RS

Please participate in this poll.

.
EDIT - Poll closed, see results in above post.

Please vote in my poll once you've gone to Mass this Sunday (1st Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2007).

This is based on my post:

Advent betting pool and other rants.

Poll closes around noon centeral standard time Friday.

RS

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - Comparison of Prayers

Miter of Pope Pius IX depicting the Immaculate Conception
(recently used by Pope Benedict XVI at the last consistory)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui per immaculátam Vírginis Conceptiónem dignum Fílio tuo habitáculum præparásti, quaésumus, ut, qui ex morte eiúsdem Fílii tui prævísa, eam ab omni labe præservásti, nos quoque mundos, eius intercessióne, ad te perveníre concédas.Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, you prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of your Son. You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by his death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Help us by her prayers to live in your presence without sin.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, Who through the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for Your Son, we beseech You, that, as by the same Son’s anticipated death, You preserved her from all stain, You may also grant to us, through her intercession, to be cleansed of our sin, and to come unto You.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Salutárem hóstiam, quam in sollemnitáte immaculátæ Conceptiónis beátæ Vírginis Maríæ tibi, Dómine, offérimus, súscipe dignánter, et præsta, ut, sicut illam tua grátia præveniénte ab omni labe profitémur immúnem, ita, eius intercessióne, a culpis ómnibus liberémur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept this sacrifice on the feast of the sinless Virgin Mary. You kept her free from sin from the first moment of her life. Help us by her prayers, and free us from our sins.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
O Lord, kindly accept this saving Victim, Which we offer to You on this solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and grant, that, as we profess her being preserved from all stain through Your surpassing grace, so also, through her intercession, may we be freed from all our faults.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the Immaculate Conception - on the Mystery of Mary and the Church

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus:
Qui, beatíssimam Vírginem Maríam ab omni originális culpæ labe præservásti, ut in ea, grátiæ tuæ plenitúdine ditáta, dignam Fílio tuo Genetrícem præparáres, et Sponsæ eius Ecclésiæ, sine ruga vel mácula formosæ, signáres exórdium.
Fílium enim erat puríssima Virgo datúra, qui crímina nostra Agnus ínnocens aboléret; et ipsam præ ómnibus tuo pópulo disponébas advocátam grátiæ et sanctitátis exémplar.
Et ídeo, choris Angélicis sociáti, te laudámus in gáudio confiténtes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
You allowed no stain of Adam’s sin to touch the Virgin Mary. Full of grace, she was to be a worthy mother of your Son, your sign of favor to the Church at its beginning, and the promise of its perfection as the bride of Christ, radian in beauty.
Purest of virgins, she was to bring forth your Son, the innocent lamb who takes away our sins. You chose her from all women to be our advocate with you and our pattern of holiness.
In our joy we sing to your glory with all the choirs of angels:
Holy, holy, holy ...

My Own Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God:
You preserved the most Blessed Virgin Mary from all stain of original sin, so that in her, enriched with the fullness of Your grace, You were preparing her as the worthy Mother of Your Son, and of His Spouse the Church, without wrinkle or stain to her beauty, You sealed her from the beginning.
For she was the most pure Virgin about to bring forth Your Son, the innocent Lamb Who destroys our offenses; and You arranged for her to be an advocate for Your people as an example of grace and holiness in the sight of all.
And so, with the choirs of the host of Angels, we praise You in joy professing:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sacraménta quæ súmpsimus, Dómine Deus noster, illíus in nobis culpæ vúlnera réparent, a qua immaculátam beátæ Maríæ Conceptiónem singuláriter præservásti.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord our God, in your love, you chose the Virgin Mary and kept her free from sin. May this sacrament of your love free us from our sins.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

My Own Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord our God, may the Sacraments Which we have received heal in us the wounds of that original sin, from which You singularly preserved the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Mary.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Saint Nicholas

How cool is this. Saint Nicholas was at a friends birthday party last week. Unfortunately I missed him, but my friend's wife got a picture:


Of course I've liked Saint Nicholas since I was a cub, but as I've learned more about him, I've come to appreciate him for who he actually was. I also feel a bit closer to him, having passed through his town of Bari when I was on my way to Greece.

I particularly love one story I heard about Saint Nicholas (could you imagine of something like this happened today?!?!?):

Bishop Nicholas was a holy man, an articulate teacher, and a staunch defender of orthodoxy against Arianism. Having survived his imprisonment, he lived to see the triumph of the true faith at the Council of Nicaea, where he was an active participant. There, according to later histories, he denounced Arius forcefully. Indeed, some sources (though not entirely reliable) claim that St. Nicholas punched Arius in the nose and brought forth a “profusion of blood.”

-source

He is also a good Saint to pray to for ecuminism with the East as he is venerated by the Orthodox as well.

More on Saint Nicholas available here:
Catholic Encyclopedia: Saint Nicholas of Myra
and
EWTN: Saint Nicholas

RS

How people get here, version 120407

It's about time for a new round:

"'immaculate conception' Why isn't it abrogated if it falls on a MOnday or Saturday?"
This is only if you live in the U.S. This Solemnity is not abrogated because the U.S. is under Mary's patronage under that title.

"roman wild animals"
Wild? I am a rather civilized grizzly, just not that well organized!

"ancient roman ox-powered boat"
Believe it or not, there is a wikipedia entry related to that:
De Rebus Bellicis

"Byzantine Carthusian"
I'm not aware of anyone in the East embracing the Carthusian rule.

"what is the caloric count in communion host"
If you are that concerned about calorie counting you might want to see a doctor.
Here's the best I could do.

(You'll have to visit Ironic Catholic for the high res pic)

"if holy day falls on saturday, is it obligated?"
I am getting so many hits for things like this. Answer: usually "no", however, in the United States, for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, "yes" you are obligated to go. See my post:
Oh no! You'll have to go to Mass 2 days in a row!

"what are the computer issues"
In my case, just old hardware. I'd say I got my money's worth out of this computer being just over 7 years old now.

RS

Virtual basilica

I once bought the DVD version of UT2004 to learn how to make virtual environments to design churches and monasteries. However, lack of intuitiveness in the editor, my not willing to sit down and learn it, and intrest in the game itself caused me to quickly abandon that.

How cool is this? These guys took a video game engine and made a virtual copy of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.



I did notice that they are missing all the choir stalls that go along the entire back wall of the apse. Still, the project is pretty impressive. I noticed that since they labelled it "1.0" it looks like they plan on refining it in the future. I'd love to get my paws on this.

For comparison, here's the only picture I could squeeze off.


You can purchase their program which gives you the ability to move wherever you want. I couldn't get the demo to work since I don't have the right operating system.

More info here:

Institute of Digital Theology

RS

Is Advent Penitential?

A lot of people have been searching for this, so I am going to re-publish this post.

I'm also updating the post because of a little detail noticed over at The New Liturgical Movement. Saturday evening, at the 1st Vespers of Advent, the pope wore the Penitential Papal Formale:


Looks like that hermeneutic of continuity is showing it's hand again.

You can read TNM's report about it here:

The penitential Papal Formale (it's back)

The following was originally posted 12/4/06.

Wow, ask a simple question ... and what a confusing journey on which you find yourself.

A friend and I wrote to Jimmy Akin asking whether he knew if Advent was penitential. He attempted to answer our emails in his post the next day. To summarize his post, he concludes,

"Bam. So Advent is not a penitential season, at least in the universal law of the Latin Church. Ya coulda fooled me!"

Now, on a technical level I understand his conclusion, and part of it is that the questions that my friend and I asked were different. Basically, my friend asked "legally what are we as the faithful bound to do during Advent?" as in comparison to Lent when we are legally (in Canon law) bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent.

So, I thought Jimmy wrong until I re-read and saw that his conclusion is based on the above question and that he did say, "at least in the universal law of the Latin Church." [emphasis mine]

However, my question was a bit more general and focused on the nature of Advent. "Is Advent penitential?" What raised this question for me was from my liturgical studies. In his book "Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year According to the Modern Roman Rite," Msgr. Peter Elliot says right off the bat in his section on Advent, "The season with which the liturgical year begins is not penitential." (p.34, #42).

This statement suprises me. I was raised with the understanding that Advent was sort of like a less rigid Lent. It wasn't as somber or rigorous as Lent, but nonetheless it had a penitential spirit about it. I mean, first off, there seem to be signs in the liturgy. Just as in Lent, the color of the vestments are violet, there is a week where rose may be worn (3rd Sunday of Advent and 4th Sunday of Lent), "the use of the organ and other musical instruments and the decorating of the altar with flowers should be done in a moderate manner, as is consonant with the character of the season, without anticipating the full joy of Christmas (Ceremonial of Bishops, #236), and there is no Gloria on Sundays of Advent. Even in regards to the celebration of Matrimony, "When a marriage is celebrated during Advent or Lent or other days of penance, the parish priest should advise the couple to take into consideration the special nature of these liturgical seasons." That makes it sound like Advent, Lent, and penitential days are pretty much in the same category.

Of course some will say that the violet used in advent is of a different hue, as even our diocesan ordo says "In order to distinguish between this season [of Advent] and the specifically penitential season of Lent, the bluer hues of violet may be used during Advent. Light blue vestments, however, are not authorized for use in the United States." So that statement seems to say that Advent is not specifically penitential as Lent is. However, it should also be noted that this distinction of hues is not a necessity either. The Generial Instruction on the Roman Missals just says that "violet" is to be used for Advent and Lent.

So, off the shelves come the liturgical books. At this point, I am wondering what is the nature of Advent? When did it start? How did it develop? Such a simple question should not be that hard to answer. So, in remembering that one of the reasons why I started this blog was that I was asked to share my liturgical knowledge, I dove into my personal library seeking out info on Advent.

The new "Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church" really only says about Advent,

"102. How did God prepare the world for the mystery of Christ? God prepared for the coming of his Son over the centuries. He awakened in the hearts of the pagans a dim expectation of this coming and he prepared for it specifically through the Old Testament, culminating with John the Baptist who was the last and greatest of the prophets. We relive this long period of expectancy in the annual liturgical celebration of the season of Advent."

"The Catechism of the Catholic Church" says:

"#524. When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes presen this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Hmmm, not very helpful yet. The season of Advent really isn't dealt with on a technical level, so I have few books that deal with the subject.

"The General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar" say this:

"V. Advent
39. Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christ's Second Coming at the end of time. Advent is thus a period for devout and joyful expectation.
40. Advent begins with evening prayer I of the Sunday falling on or closest to 30 November and ends before evening prayer I of Christmas.
41. The Sundays of this season are named the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays of Advent.
The weekdays from 17 December to 24 December inclusive serve to prepare more directly for the Lord's birth."

I think a key point here is that the coming of Christ is to be emphasized. Not only in celebrating His first coming when he was conceived and 9 months later born, but also His second coming, which will be the final judgement.

In "The Mass: A Study of the Roman Liturgy" Fr. Adrian Fortesque says this about Advent when looking the how the Gloria developed in the Mass:

"Advent was not considered a penitential season till about the XIIIth century. In the XIIth century it was still kept with white vestments and the Gloria. The omission of the Gloira in Lent and Advent is natural enough from its joyful character."

Interesting. He says that the season developed into a more penitential season.

"The New Dictionary of the Liturgy" by Gerhard Podhradsky, has this for its entry on Advent:

"Advent. adventus=coming. Period of preparation before Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
I. Historical: As a result of eastern influences, a four to eight week period of preparation for Christmas was introduced, first of all in Ravenna about 450 then in regions using the Gallican liturgy, and finally in Rome under Gregory the Great (d. 604). In the early middle ages the Roman four week Advent became almost universal. The model would seem to be Lent, and the reason for its introduction the growing emphaisis on the incarnation (Christmas).

"II. Meaning: The twofold coming of Christ, in human flesh, and in judgement (emphasized by the readngs from Isaiah especially), form the theme of the Advent liturgy. Because the middle ages regarded the Last Day as above all a day of severe judgement, Advent took on a strictly penitential character, which was, however, mitigated by a note of joyous anticipation (hence purple vestments, limited use of the organ, restriction of floral decoration). Advent is designed chiefly, therefore, to keep the Church and its individual members in a state of vigilant readiness for Christ's return, and to keep Christian hope alive to the complete unfolding of the work of Christ ...

III. Customs: In the Roman liturgy, which finally superseded the special Gallican usages, Advent was never a strictly penitential season. Thus a wealth of customs was able to grow up within Advent."

So while it does have a penitential aspect to it, it is not "strictly" penitential as is Lent.

Finally, I scrounged around and from the back corner of my closet I found Father Josef Jungmann's "The Early Liturgy," which has an analysis of the early development of Advent. He says that

"in Gaul as early as the end of the fourth century, we find an Advent lasting three weeks. And by the end of the fith century this Advent has already developed into an Advent much more extensive and intensive than our present Advent - a second Quadragesima [Lent]."

He also says that the earliest records of Advent in Rome are from Saint Gregory the Great's four Advent sermons.

Here's a clue:

"The only thing we can ascertain regarding Rome before the age of Gregory [the Great] is a transformation of the Ember week that falls in the month of December, shortly before Christmas, into a sort of Christmas prelude. ... [Ember seasons] are among the most ancient institutions of the Roman liturgy ... during the months of June, September, and December one week was especially devoted to prayer and fasting."

He goes on to talk about the technicalities of Advent's development in Rome and in Gaul and the Gallic influence that came into Rome. He eventually continues:

"We can say, therefore, that the last weeks of the ecclesiastical year preceding our present Advent represent a sort of pre-Advent. In this pre-Advent period, the idea of the fianl coming of Our Lord, of the parousia, is predominant, as it is in Advent itself. By remembering this second and glorious advent, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the remembrance of the first advent. And this idea is being emphasized once more in our own time. For not only is the feast of All Saints celebrated in this period, but the feast of Christ the King, who is in gloria Dei Patris, is added as background, showing the depths of our hope and expectation."

And then finally! An answer:

"There is yet one more item of our present Roman Advent which we must trace to the Gallican tradition: its penitential character. According to the liturgical books of the early Middle Ages the Roman Advent was not a penitential season. It was simply a period of preparation for, and a joyful expectation of, Christmas. Therefore only the Sundays had the special characteristics of Advent. It was not until after the tenth century, when the Gallic Advent had exerted its influence on the Roman Advent, that it received its present penitental character. Now, however, the Gloria [is] omitted on the Sundays in Advent, purple vestments are worn just as in Lent, and a restriction is placed on the use of flowers and the organ. However, it never became - except in passing - a period of fasting. These are the influences of the old Gallic liturgy, of the ancient quadragesima S. Martini, on the Roman liturgy; it gave to our Advent and to our preparation for Christmas its more serious character."

So in conclusion, it does appear that Advent has a spirit of penance to it. Although it initially wasn't, through Gallic influences, the Roman practice adopted a more penitential practice which eventually became the universal form. This aspect of penance derives from the expectation of Christ's second coming, and thus finds the faithful joyfully preparing themselves for Our Lord's coming at the end of time and the final judgement. This also helps us to prepare for the commemoration of the Lord's first coming which we celebrate at Christmas. This penitential shift is reflected in the liturgical practices of the rite. However, this season is not strictly penitental and thus does not have required fasting as Lent does, but allows for other anticipatory customs as well. Thus, while there is no legal obligation upon the faithful as there is in Lent, if we are going to follow a true "hermeneutic of continuity" then in my opinion it is a penitential season.

Other Advent links:
The History of Advent at intermirifica

Advent in the Catholic Encyclopedia

RS