Sunday, January 23, 2005

V. Desponsatio est hodie sanctae Mariae Virginis
R. Cujus vita inclyta cunctas illustrat ecclesias.

In some of the old calendars 23 January would be the feast of the Betrothal of Our Lady to St Joseph, i.e., In Desponsatione Beatae Mariae Virignis. Both the Ancient Observance and the Discalced Carmelites once celebrated it today.

The beautiful Introitus to the Mass from the old Liturgy of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem:

Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrantes sub honore beatae Mariae Virginis : de cujus Desponsatione gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. (Ps. 44, 2) Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum : dico ego opera mea Regio. Gloria Patri.

Rejoice we all in the Lord, as we keep holiday in Mary's honour; that blessed Maiden whose Betrothal makes angels joyful and sets them praising the Son of God. Joyful the thoughts that well up from my heart, a King's honour for my theme.

The collect for the feast from the old Discalced Carmelite liturgy:

Famulis tuis, quaesumus Domine, caelestis gratiae munus impertire : ut quibus beatae Virginis partus exstitit salutis exordium, Desponsationis ejus votiva solemnitas pacis tribuat incrementum. Per Dominum nostrum. Amen.

O Lord, we beseech Thee to give the gift of heavenly grace to Thy servants: by means of which the giving birth of the Blessed Virgin may point to the source of salvation and the votive solemnity of her Betrothal may provide an increase in peace. Through Our Lord. Amen. [My own bad translation; I'm overlooking something there but I'm not sure what.]


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