R. (11) Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,
forget your people and your father’s house.
So shall the king desire your beauty;
for he is your lord, and you must worship him.
All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters;
her raiment is threaded with spun gold.
In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;
behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.
They are borne in with gladness and joy;
they enter the palace of the king.
The place of your fathers your sons shall have;
you shall make them princes through all the land.
R. (11) Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
Brothers and sisters: In regard to virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. So this is what I think best because of the present distress: that it is a good thing for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation. Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife. If you marry, however, you do not sin, nor does an unmarried woman sin if she marries; but such people will experience affliction in their earthly life, and I would like to spare you that. I tell you, brothers, the time is running out. From now on, let those having wives act as not having them, those weeping as not weeping, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away.
Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Wooden Casket: Scenes from the Life of Christ · Unknown artist
Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Passato il sabato, all'alba del primo giorno della settimana, Maria di Màgdala e l'altra Maria andarono a visitare il sepolcro. Ed ecco, vi fu un gran terremoto. Un angelo del Signore, sceso dal cielo, si avvicinò, rotolò la pietra e si pose a sedere su di essa. Il suo aspetto era come folgore e il suo vestito bianco come neve. Per lo spavento di lui le guardie tremarono e rimasero come morte. L'angelo disse alle donne: «Non abbiate paura! So che cercate Gesù, il crocifisso. Non è qui. È risorto, come aveva detto; venite a vedere il luogo dove era deposto. Presto, andate a dire ai suoi discepoli: “È risorto dai morti, e ecco, vi precede in Galilea; là lo vedrete”. Ecco, io ve l'ho detto». Abbandonato in fretta il sepolcro, con timore e gioia grande, corsero ad annunciare la notizia ai suoi discepoli. Ed ecco, Gesù venne loro incontro dicendo: «Salute a voi!». Ed esse, avvicinandosi, gli abbracciarono i piedi e lo adorarono. Allora Gesù disse loro: «Non temete; andate ad annunciare ai miei fratelli che vadano in Galilea: là mi vedranno».
L'Ascensione
At 1,6-11 (CEI)
Ascensione di Cristo · Albrecht Dürer
Quelli dunque che erano con lui gli domandavano: «Signore, è questo il tempo nel quale ricostituirai il regno per Israele?». Ma egli rispose: «Non spetta a voi conoscere tempi o momenti che il Padre ha riservato al suo potere, ma riceverete la forza dallo Spirito Santo che scenderà su di voi, e di me sarete testimoni a Gerusalemme, in tutta la Giudea e la Samaria e fino ai confini della terra». Detto questo, mentre lo guardavano, fu elevato in alto e una nube lo sottrasse ai loro occhi. Essi stavano fissando il cielo mentre egli se n'andava, quand'ecco due uomini in bianche vesti si presentarono a loro e dissero: «Uomini di Galilea, perché state a guardare il cielo? Questo Gesù, che di mezzo a voi è stato assunto in cielo, verrà allo stesso modo in cui l'avete visto andare in cielo».
La Discesa dello Spirito Santo
At 2,1-11 (CEI)
Il Battesimo di Cristo con Dio Padre e angeli tra le nubi · Pietro Mera
Mentre stava compiendosi il giorno della Pentecoste, si trovavano tutti insieme nello stesso luogo. Venne all'improvviso dal cielo un fragore, quasi un vento che si abbatte impetuoso, e riempì tutta la casa dove stavano. Apparvero loro lingue come di fuoco, che si dividevano, e ne posò una su ciascuno di loro, e tutti furono colmati di Spirito Santo e cominciarono a parlare in altre lingue, nel modo in cui lo Spirito dava loro il potere di esprimersi. Abitavano allora a Gerusalemme Giudei osservanti, di ogni nazione che è sotto il cielo. A quel rumore, la folla si radunò e rimase turbata, perché ciascuno li udiva parlare nella propria lingua. Erano stupiti e, fuori di sé per la meraviglia, dicevano: «Tutti costoro che parlano non sono forse Galilei? E come mai ciascuno di noi sente parlare nella propria lingua nativa? Siamo Parti, Medi, Elamiti; abitanti della Mesopotamia, della Giudea e della Cappadocia, del Ponto e dell'Asia, della Frigia e della Panfilia, dell'Egitto e delle parti della Libia vicino a Cirene, Romani qui residenti, Giudei e proseliti, Cretesi e Arabi, e li udiamo parlare nelle nostre lingue delle grandi opere di Dio».
L'Assunzione
Lc 1,46-49; Ap 12,1 (CEI)
L'Assunzione della Vergine · El Greco
Allora Maria disse: «L'anima mia magnifica il Signore e il mio spirito esulta in Dio, mio salvatore, perché ha guardato l'umiltà della sua serva. D'ora in poi tutte le generazioni mi chiameranno beata. Grandi cose ha fatto per me l'Onnipotente e Santo è il suo nome». Nel cielo apparve poi un segno grandioso: una donna vestita di sole, con la luna sotto i suoi piedi e, sul capo, una corona di dodici stelle.
L'Incoronazione di Maria
Ap 12,1; Gdt 13,18-20 (CEI)
L'Assunzione e l'Incoronazione della Vergine · Albrecht Dürer
Nel cielo apparve poi un segno grandioso: una donna vestita di sole, con la luna sotto i suoi piedi e, sul capo, una corona di dodici stelle. Ozìa, capo del popolo d'Israele, le disse: «Benedetta sei tu, figlia, dal Dio altissimo più di tutte le donne sulla terra, e benedetto il Signore Dio, che ha creato i cieli e la terra e ti ha guidata a tagliare la testa al capo dei nostri nemici. La tua fiducia non si allontanerà dal cuore degli uomini che ricorderanno la potenza di Dio in eterno. Dio ti ha esaltata oggi, così che la tua lode non si allontanerà dalla bocca degli uomini, che si ricorderanno della potenza del Signore in eterno, poiché tu non hai risparmiato la tua vita a motivo dell'angoscia e della tribolazione del tuo popolo, ma hai prevenuto la nostra rovina davanti al nostro Dio».
La Risurrezione
Mt 28,1-10 (CEI)
La Risurrezione di Cristo · Carl Bloch
Passato il sabato, all'alba del primo giorno della settimana, Maria di Màgdala e l'altra Maria andarono a visitare il sepolcro. Ed ecco, vi fu un gran terremoto. Un angelo del Signore, sceso dal cielo, si avvicinò, rotolò la pietra e si pose a sedere su di essa. Il suo aspetto era come folgore e il suo vestito bianco come neve. Per lo spavento di lui le guardie tremarono e rimasero come morte. L'angelo disse alle donne: «Non abbiate paura! So che cercate Gesù, il crocifisso. Non è qui. È risorto, come aveva detto; venite a vedere il luogo dove era deposto. Presto, andate a dire ai suoi discepoli: “È risorto dai morti, e ecco, vi precede in Galilea; là lo vedrete”. Ecco, io ve l'ho detto». Abbandonato in fretta il sepolcro, con timore e gioia grande, corsero ad annunciare la notizia ai suoi discepoli. Ed ecco, Gesù venne loro incontro dicendo: «Salute a voi!». Ed esse, avvicinandosi, gli abbracciarono i piedi e lo adorarono. Allora Gesù disse loro: «Non temete; andate ad annunciare ai miei fratelli che vadano in Galilea: là mi vedranno».
L'Ascensione
At 1,6-11 (CEI)
Ascensione di Cristo · Albrecht Dürer
Quelli dunque che erano con lui gli domandavano: «Signore, è questo il tempo nel quale ricostituirai il regno per Israele?». Ma egli rispose: «Non spetta a voi conoscere tempi o momenti che il Padre ha riservato al suo potere, ma riceverete la forza dallo Spirito Santo che scenderà su di voi, e di me sarete testimoni a Gerusalemme, in tutta la Giudea e la Samaria e fino ai confini della terra». Detto questo, mentre lo guardavano, fu elevato in alto e una nube lo sottrasse ai loro occhi. Essi stavano fissando il cielo mentre egli se n'andava, quand'ecco due uomini in bianche vesti si presentarono a loro e dissero: «Uomini di Galilea, perché state a guardare il cielo? Questo Gesù, che di mezzo a voi è stato assunto in cielo, verrà allo stesso modo in cui l'avete visto andare in cielo».
La Discesa dello Spirito Santo
At 2,1-11 (CEI)
Il Battesimo di Cristo con Dio Padre e angeli tra le nubi · Pietro Mera
Mentre stava compiendosi il giorno della Pentecoste, si trovavano tutti insieme nello stesso luogo. Venne all'improvviso dal cielo un fragore, quasi un vento che si abbatte impetuoso, e riempì tutta la casa dove stavano. Apparvero loro lingue come di fuoco, che si dividevano, e ne posò una su ciascuno di loro, e tutti furono colmati di Spirito Santo e cominciarono a parlare in altre lingue, nel modo in cui lo Spirito dava loro il potere di esprimersi. Abitavano allora a Gerusalemme Giudei osservanti, di ogni nazione che è sotto il cielo. A quel rumore, la folla si radunò e rimase turbata, perché ciascuno li udiva parlare nella propria lingua. Erano stupiti e, fuori di sé per la meraviglia, dicevano: «Tutti costoro che parlano non sono forse Galilei? E come mai ciascuno di noi sente parlare nella propria lingua nativa? Siamo Parti, Medi, Elamiti; abitanti della Mesopotamia, della Giudea e della Cappadocia, del Ponto e dell'Asia, della Frigia e della Panfilia, dell'Egitto e delle parti della Libia vicino a Cirene, Romani qui residenti, Giudei e proseliti, Cretesi e Arabi, e li udiamo parlare nelle nostre lingue delle grandi opere di Dio».
L'Assunzione
Lc 1,46-49; Ap 12,1 (CEI)
L'Assunzione della Vergine · El Greco
Allora Maria disse: «L'anima mia magnifica il Signore e il mio spirito esulta in Dio, mio salvatore, perché ha guardato l'umiltà della sua serva. D'ora in poi tutte le generazioni mi chiameranno beata. Grandi cose ha fatto per me l'Onnipotente e Santo è il suo nome». Nel cielo apparve poi un segno grandioso: una donna vestita di sole, con la luna sotto i suoi piedi e, sul capo, una corona di dodici stelle.
L'Incoronazione di Maria
Ap 12,1; Gdt 13,18-20 (CEI)
L'Assunzione e l'Incoronazione della Vergine · Albrecht Dürer
Nel cielo apparve poi un segno grandioso: una donna vestita di sole, con la luna sotto i suoi piedi e, sul capo, una corona di dodici stelle. Ozìa, capo del popolo d'Israele, le disse: «Benedetta sei tu, figlia, dal Dio altissimo più di tutte le donne sulla terra, e benedetto il Signore Dio, che ha creato i cieli e la terra e ti ha guidata a tagliare la testa al capo dei nostri nemici. La tua fiducia non si allontanerà dal cuore degli uomini che ricorderanno la potenza di Dio in eterno. Dio ti ha esaltata oggi, così che la tua lode non si allontanerà dalla bocca degli uomini, che si ricorderanno della potenza del Signore in eterno, poiché tu non hai risparmiato la tua vita a motivo dell'angoscia e della tribolazione del tuo popolo, ma hai prevenuto la nostra rovina davanti al nostro Dio».
Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Rosary
The First Sorrow of Mary: The Prophecy of Simeon
Luke 2:34-35
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and the Baptism of Christ · Frantz Clein
…Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The Second Sorrow of Mary: The Flight Into Egypt
Matthew 2:13-14
The Holy Family in Egypt · Albrecht Dürer
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.
The Third Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Lost in the Temple
Luke 2:43-45
Enthroned Virgin with the Writing Christ Child · Unknown artist
After they had completed their days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
The Fourth Sorrow of Mary: Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Luke 23:27-29
Christ Carrying the Cross · Master of the Worcester Carrying of the Cross
A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’”
The Fifth Sorrow of Mary: Standing at the Foot of the Cross
John 19:25-27
The Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John · Hendrick ter Brugghen
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
The Sixth Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross
John 19:32-34
Deposition of Christ, ‘Florence Pietà’ · Michelangelo Buonarroti
…the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
The Seventh Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Buried in the Garden Tomb
John 19:41-42
The Entombment · Moretto da Brescia (Alessandro Bonvicino)
…in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.
The First Sorrow of Mary: The Prophecy of Simeon
Luke 2:34-35
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and the Baptism of Christ · Frantz Clein
…Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The Second Sorrow of Mary: The Flight Into Egypt
Matthew 2:13-14
The Holy Family in Egypt · Albrecht Dürer
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.
The Third Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Lost in the Temple
Luke 2:43-45
Enthroned Virgin with the Writing Christ Child · Unknown artist
After they had completed their days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
The Fourth Sorrow of Mary: Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Luke 23:27-29
Christ Carrying the Cross · Master of the Worcester Carrying of the Cross
A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’”
The Fifth Sorrow of Mary: Standing at the Foot of the Cross
John 19:25-27
The Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John · Hendrick ter Brugghen
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
The Sixth Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross
John 19:32-34
Deposition of Christ, ‘Florence Pietà’ · Michelangelo Buonarroti
…the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
The Seventh Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Buried in the Garden Tomb
John 19:41-42
The Entombment · Moretto da Brescia (Alessandro Bonvicino)
…in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.
Via Crucis
Stazione 1 — Jesus is Condemned to Death
Pilate saith: "Behold the Man." when the chief priests and the servants had seen him, they cried out saying: "Crucify Him, crucify Him. He calleth Himself the Son of God. He hath become the censurer of our thoughts. He is grevious unto us, even to behold, for His life is not like other men's, and He abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness…"
My people, what have I done to thee? Or in what have I grieved thee? Behold I have planted thee as my fairest vine, and thou hast become very bitter to Me. I went before thee in a pillar of cloud
and thou hast brought Me before Pilate's judgement seat.
He was offered because it was His own will, and He opened not His mouth. He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter and shall be dumb as a lamb before His shearer, and He shall not open His mouth. He is cut off out of the land of the living: for the wickedness of His people He was struck.
Stazione 2 — Jesus Is Made to Carry His Cross
Then Pilate delivered Him to be crucified. And they took Jesus and led Him forth. And bearing His own cross, He went forth to the place which is called Calvary.
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved thee? I was thy guide through the desert for forty years, and fed thee with manna and brought thee into an excellent land, and thou hast prepared a cross for thy Savior?
He hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows; and we have thought Him as it were a leper and as one struck by God and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions: He was bruised for our sins, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. All we like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way: and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Stazione 3 — Jesus Falls the First Time
He shall lay down his life for sin, He shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the Lord shall be prosperous in His hand. But the Lord is now pleased to bruise him in infirmity.
O Father, I am afflicted and greatly humbled, I cry aloud because of the sorrow of My Heart. Lord, all My longing is known to Thee, and My sighs are not hidden from Thee. My Heart beats furiously, My strength is gone, Mine eyes are dim and dull with weeping and pain. My friends and my companions come within sight of Me, but stand aloof, and my neighbors keep far from
me.
The arrows of Thy judgement have sunk deep in Me, and Thy hand is pressing heavily upon Me. There is no soundness in My body because of Thine anger. The iniquities of My people, like a flood, have overwhelmed Me; like a crushing burden they weigh upon Me.
Stazione 4 — Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother
Behold, thy Son is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign of contradiction. And thine own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.
Weeping I have wept in the night, and my tears are on my cheeks, because the comforter, the relief of my soul, is taken from me. I have spread forth my hands, there is none to comfort me. I called for my friends and they deceived me, they have become my enemies; my priests and my
ancients have rejoiced in my evil. My child is desolate and the enemy hath prevailed. O all ye that pass by the way, attend and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow.
Ah, Mother! fount of love, make me feel the force of thy sorrow, make me weep with thee: Who is there could contemplate the Mother and the Son in sorrow, and not join his own with theirs?6
Stazione 5 — Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus to Carry His Cross
As they led Him away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him to carry after Jesus.
Furious enemies are around Me like a herd of oxen, they hem Me like fierce bulls. I am drained like water, My bones are weakened, My heart is like melting wax in My breast.
Who will arise as My defender against the wicked? Who will stand by Me against the workers of
iniquity? My heart hath endured reproach and misery. I looked for one that would have pity on Me, but there was no man, and for one that would console Me, and I found none.
Stazione 6 — Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
There is no beauty in Him, nor comeliness, a worm, not a man, the object of men's contempt. We have seen Him and there is no sightliness, that we should be desirous of Him. Despised, rejected, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. His visage was inglorious among men and His form among the sons of men. Whereupon we esteemed Him not.
All ye who seek Christ, lift up your eyes on high, to behold a token of His eternal glory. O brightness of the Father's glory, incomprehensible love, by Thy presence bestow upon us the
fullness of Thy light.
Thou art beautiful above the sons of men, grace is poured abroad in Thy lips. "My heart hath uttered a good word. I speak my works to the King." He is the brightness of eternal light, the unspotted mirror, and the image of His goodness.
Stazione 7 — Jesus Falls the Second Time
I am afflicted and greatly humbled, I roared with the groaning of My heart. My heart is troubled, My strength hath left Me, and the light of My eyes itself is not with Me.
Thy burning wrath has swept over Me, Thy terrors have confounded Me. They have encompassed Me like water all day long, closing around on every side. Thou hast put far from Me a friend and neighbor, leaving darkness as My companion.
In Thee, O Lord! I have hoped, thou wilt hear Me, O Lord My God! For I am on the verge of ruin, and my sorrow is continually before Me. Forsake Me not, O Lord My God, do not Thou depart from Me. Attend unto My help, O Lord, the God of My salvation.
Stazione 8 — The Women of Jerusalem Weep Over Jesus
There followed Him a great multitude of people and of women, who bewailed and lamented Him. Jesus turning to them, said: "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."
My eyes are consumed with weeping, My entrails boil, My liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of My people. The children say to their mothers: "Where is what and wine?" as they faint away as wounded in the streets of the city, as they breathe out their souls in
the bosoms of their mothers. A voice was heard, lamentation and great mourning: Rachel bewails her children and would not be comforted, because they are not.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thine enemies shall beat thee to the ground, and thy children who are in thee, because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation.
Stazione 9 — Jesus Falls the Third Time
The Lord hath made a vintage of Me, as He spoke in the day of His fierce anger. From above He hath sent fire into My bones and hath chastised Me, He hath spread a net for My feet, He hath turned Me back, he hath made Me desolate, wasted with sorrow all the day long.
O Lord, Thou hast placed Me in the nethermost pit, in dark places, and in the shadow of death. Thy wrath lies heavily upon Me, all Thy billows of fury sweep over Me. Thou hast removed Mine acquaintances far from Me, they regard Me as an abomination, I am imprisoned and
cannot escape.
The iniquities of My people are put upon My neck. My strength is weakened. The Lord hath delivered Me into a hand out of which I am not able to rise.
Stazione 10 — Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
Who is this that cometh from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bosra, this beautiful one arrayed in majesty, walking in the greatness of His strength? It is I, who announce vindication, I who am mighty to save. Why is then Thine apparel red and Thy garments like theirs that tread in the winepress? I have trodden the winepress alone, and of My people there was no one with Me. The blood spurted on My garments, all My apparel I stained, for My year of redemption was at hand.
O My people, for thy sake I have borne reproach, shame hath covered My face. My foes gaze on Me and examine Me with malicious delight. They are dividing among them My clothes, and upon My vesture they cast lots.
Stazione 11 — Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
When they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him there, and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
All who pass by and see Me deride Me; they mock Me in their words, they wag their heads at Me. Like a ravening and roaring lion, they open their mouth to devour Me: He hoped in the Lord, let the Lord come to His rescue; let the Lord free him, if He cares for Him!...
My strength is dried up, My tongue hath cleaved to My jaws, and Thou hast brought Me down to the dust of death. For enemies, like a pack of dogs, have encircled Me, the council of the wicked hath besieged Me. They have pierced My hands and My feet. They have numbered all My bones.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Stazione 12 — Jesus Is Raised Upon the Cross and Dies
It was almost the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the veil of the Temple was rent in tow from the top to the bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened…And Jesus cried out with a loud voice:
Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? O My God, My God, look upon Me, why hast Thou forsaken Me? I cry by day, and Thou dost not answer, I cry in the night-time and no relief comes to Me…
Have Mercy on Me, O Lord. My eyes are troubled in Thy wrath, My soul and My bowels. My strength is giving way under misery, and My whole body is shaken. I am forgotten like one that is dead, I am cast aside like a broken vessel.
It is consummated. Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit. And Jesus, bowing His head, gave up the ghost.
Stazione 13 — Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross and Placed in the Arms of His Mother
Let the evening come suddenly upon the whole heavens, and let the astonished sun dispatch the day, while we contemplate the spectacle of the cruel death and the divine tragedy.
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved thee? I opened a way through the sea before thee, and thou hast opened My side with a spear.
With what a flood of tears, with what sorrow is the grief-stricken Virgin Mother overwhelmed,
while she beholds her son lying in her arms after being taken down from the bloody Tree! Full of sorrow she bathes with her tears His sweet lips, His gentle breast, His most dear side, His pierced right hand, His wounded left, and His feet red with blood.
O Mother, we beseech thee by these tears, by the cruel death of thy Son, and by the purple of His wounds, plant deep in our hearts the grief of thine own heart!15
Stazione 14 — Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher
There was in the place where He was crucified a garden: and in the garden a new sepulcher. There, because of the Passover of the Jews, they laid Jesus.
This day shall be a memorial for you. This is the Passage of the Lord. I will execute judgment, for I am the Lord. And this Blood shall be unto you a sign, and I shall see the Blood and shall pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I shall strike the land of Egypt.
Behold in peace is My bitterness transformed. Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, nor wilt Thou give Thy holy one to see corruption. Hell shall not confess to Thee, neither shall death praise Thee, nor shall they that go down into the abyss look for Thy truth. The living, the living shall give praise to Thee, as I do this day.
Blessing and honor, glory, and power unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, Who hath redeemed us to God by His blood, for ever and ever. Amen.
Stazione 1 — Jesus is Condemned to Death
Pilate saith: "Behold the Man." when the chief priests and the servants had seen him, they cried out saying: "Crucify Him, crucify Him. He calleth Himself the Son of God. He hath become the censurer of our thoughts. He is grevious unto us, even to behold, for His life is not like other men's, and He abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness…"
My people, what have I done to thee? Or in what have I grieved thee? Behold I have planted thee as my fairest vine, and thou hast become very bitter to Me. I went before thee in a pillar of cloud
and thou hast brought Me before Pilate's judgement seat.
He was offered because it was His own will, and He opened not His mouth. He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter and shall be dumb as a lamb before His shearer, and He shall not open His mouth. He is cut off out of the land of the living: for the wickedness of His people He was struck.
Stazione 2 — Jesus Is Made to Carry His Cross
Then Pilate delivered Him to be crucified. And they took Jesus and led Him forth. And bearing His own cross, He went forth to the place which is called Calvary.
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved thee? I was thy guide through the desert for forty years, and fed thee with manna and brought thee into an excellent land, and thou hast prepared a cross for thy Savior?
He hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows; and we have thought Him as it were a leper and as one struck by God and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions: He was bruised for our sins, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. All we like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way: and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Stazione 3 — Jesus Falls the First Time
He shall lay down his life for sin, He shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the Lord shall be prosperous in His hand. But the Lord is now pleased to bruise him in infirmity.
O Father, I am afflicted and greatly humbled, I cry aloud because of the sorrow of My Heart. Lord, all My longing is known to Thee, and My sighs are not hidden from Thee. My Heart beats furiously, My strength is gone, Mine eyes are dim and dull with weeping and pain. My friends and my companions come within sight of Me, but stand aloof, and my neighbors keep far from
me.
The arrows of Thy judgement have sunk deep in Me, and Thy hand is pressing heavily upon Me. There is no soundness in My body because of Thine anger. The iniquities of My people, like a flood, have overwhelmed Me; like a crushing burden they weigh upon Me.
Stazione 4 — Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother
Behold, thy Son is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign of contradiction. And thine own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.
Weeping I have wept in the night, and my tears are on my cheeks, because the comforter, the relief of my soul, is taken from me. I have spread forth my hands, there is none to comfort me. I called for my friends and they deceived me, they have become my enemies; my priests and my
ancients have rejoiced in my evil. My child is desolate and the enemy hath prevailed. O all ye that pass by the way, attend and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow.
Ah, Mother! fount of love, make me feel the force of thy sorrow, make me weep with thee: Who is there could contemplate the Mother and the Son in sorrow, and not join his own with theirs?6
Stazione 5 — Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus to Carry His Cross
As they led Him away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him to carry after Jesus.
Furious enemies are around Me like a herd of oxen, they hem Me like fierce bulls. I am drained like water, My bones are weakened, My heart is like melting wax in My breast.
Who will arise as My defender against the wicked? Who will stand by Me against the workers of
iniquity? My heart hath endured reproach and misery. I looked for one that would have pity on Me, but there was no man, and for one that would console Me, and I found none.
Stazione 6 — Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
There is no beauty in Him, nor comeliness, a worm, not a man, the object of men's contempt. We have seen Him and there is no sightliness, that we should be desirous of Him. Despised, rejected, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. His visage was inglorious among men and His form among the sons of men. Whereupon we esteemed Him not.
All ye who seek Christ, lift up your eyes on high, to behold a token of His eternal glory. O brightness of the Father's glory, incomprehensible love, by Thy presence bestow upon us the
fullness of Thy light.
Thou art beautiful above the sons of men, grace is poured abroad in Thy lips. "My heart hath uttered a good word. I speak my works to the King." He is the brightness of eternal light, the unspotted mirror, and the image of His goodness.
Stazione 7 — Jesus Falls the Second Time
I am afflicted and greatly humbled, I roared with the groaning of My heart. My heart is troubled, My strength hath left Me, and the light of My eyes itself is not with Me.
Thy burning wrath has swept over Me, Thy terrors have confounded Me. They have encompassed Me like water all day long, closing around on every side. Thou hast put far from Me a friend and neighbor, leaving darkness as My companion.
In Thee, O Lord! I have hoped, thou wilt hear Me, O Lord My God! For I am on the verge of ruin, and my sorrow is continually before Me. Forsake Me not, O Lord My God, do not Thou depart from Me. Attend unto My help, O Lord, the God of My salvation.
Stazione 8 — The Women of Jerusalem Weep Over Jesus
There followed Him a great multitude of people and of women, who bewailed and lamented Him. Jesus turning to them, said: "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."
My eyes are consumed with weeping, My entrails boil, My liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of My people. The children say to their mothers: "Where is what and wine?" as they faint away as wounded in the streets of the city, as they breathe out their souls in
the bosoms of their mothers. A voice was heard, lamentation and great mourning: Rachel bewails her children and would not be comforted, because they are not.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thine enemies shall beat thee to the ground, and thy children who are in thee, because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation.
Stazione 9 — Jesus Falls the Third Time
The Lord hath made a vintage of Me, as He spoke in the day of His fierce anger. From above He hath sent fire into My bones and hath chastised Me, He hath spread a net for My feet, He hath turned Me back, he hath made Me desolate, wasted with sorrow all the day long.
O Lord, Thou hast placed Me in the nethermost pit, in dark places, and in the shadow of death. Thy wrath lies heavily upon Me, all Thy billows of fury sweep over Me. Thou hast removed Mine acquaintances far from Me, they regard Me as an abomination, I am imprisoned and
cannot escape.
The iniquities of My people are put upon My neck. My strength is weakened. The Lord hath delivered Me into a hand out of which I am not able to rise.
Stazione 10 — Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
Who is this that cometh from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bosra, this beautiful one arrayed in majesty, walking in the greatness of His strength? It is I, who announce vindication, I who am mighty to save. Why is then Thine apparel red and Thy garments like theirs that tread in the winepress? I have trodden the winepress alone, and of My people there was no one with Me. The blood spurted on My garments, all My apparel I stained, for My year of redemption was at hand.
O My people, for thy sake I have borne reproach, shame hath covered My face. My foes gaze on Me and examine Me with malicious delight. They are dividing among them My clothes, and upon My vesture they cast lots.
Stazione 11 — Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
When they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him there, and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
All who pass by and see Me deride Me; they mock Me in their words, they wag their heads at Me. Like a ravening and roaring lion, they open their mouth to devour Me: He hoped in the Lord, let the Lord come to His rescue; let the Lord free him, if He cares for Him!...
My strength is dried up, My tongue hath cleaved to My jaws, and Thou hast brought Me down to the dust of death. For enemies, like a pack of dogs, have encircled Me, the council of the wicked hath besieged Me. They have pierced My hands and My feet. They have numbered all My bones.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Stazione 12 — Jesus Is Raised Upon the Cross and Dies
It was almost the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the veil of the Temple was rent in tow from the top to the bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened…And Jesus cried out with a loud voice:
Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? O My God, My God, look upon Me, why hast Thou forsaken Me? I cry by day, and Thou dost not answer, I cry in the night-time and no relief comes to Me…
Have Mercy on Me, O Lord. My eyes are troubled in Thy wrath, My soul and My bowels. My strength is giving way under misery, and My whole body is shaken. I am forgotten like one that is dead, I am cast aside like a broken vessel.
It is consummated. Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit. And Jesus, bowing His head, gave up the ghost.
Stazione 13 — Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross and Placed in the Arms of His Mother
Let the evening come suddenly upon the whole heavens, and let the astonished sun dispatch the day, while we contemplate the spectacle of the cruel death and the divine tragedy.
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved thee? I opened a way through the sea before thee, and thou hast opened My side with a spear.
With what a flood of tears, with what sorrow is the grief-stricken Virgin Mother overwhelmed,
while she beholds her son lying in her arms after being taken down from the bloody Tree! Full of sorrow she bathes with her tears His sweet lips, His gentle breast, His most dear side, His pierced right hand, His wounded left, and His feet red with blood.
O Mother, we beseech thee by these tears, by the cruel death of thy Son, and by the purple of His wounds, plant deep in our hearts the grief of thine own heart!15
Stazione 14 — Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher
There was in the place where He was crucified a garden: and in the garden a new sepulcher. There, because of the Passover of the Jews, they laid Jesus.
This day shall be a memorial for you. This is the Passage of the Lord. I will execute judgment, for I am the Lord. And this Blood shall be unto you a sign, and I shall see the Blood and shall pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I shall strike the land of Egypt.
Behold in peace is My bitterness transformed. Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, nor wilt Thou give Thy holy one to see corruption. Hell shall not confess to Thee, neither shall death praise Thee, nor shall they that go down into the abyss look for Thy truth. The living, the living shall give praise to Thee, as I do this day.
Blessing and honor, glory, and power unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, Who hath redeemed us to God by His blood, for ever and ever. Amen.
mercoledì 9 settembre 2026
Ad Primam
Feria Quarta infra Hebdomadam XV post Octavam Pentecostes I. Septembris ~ IV. classis
Start
℣. O God, ✠ come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
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.
Alleluia.
Hymn
Now in the sun's new dawning ray,
Lowly of heart, our God we pray
That he from harm may keep us free
In all the deeds this day shall see.
May fear of him our tongues restrain,
Lest strife unguarded speech should stain:
His favouring care our guardian be,
Lest our eyes feed on vanity.
May every heart be pure from sin
And folly find no place therein:
Scant need of food, excess denied,
Wear down in us the body's pride.
That when the light of day is gone,
And night in course shall follow on.
We, free from cares the world affords,
May chant the praise that is our Lord's.
All laud to God the Father be,
All praise, Eternal Son, to thee:
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the holy Paraclete.
Amen.
Psalms
{from the Psalter for the day of the week}
Ant. For thy mercy, * O Lord, is before my eyes; and I am well pleased with thy truth.
Psalm 25
Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my innocence: * and I have put my trust in the Lord, and shall not be weakened.25:1
Prove me, O Lord, and try me; * burn my reins and my heart.25:2
For thy mercy is before my eyes; * and I am well pleased with thy truth.25:3
I have not sat with the council of vanity: * neither will I go in with the doers of unjust things.25:4
I have hated the assembly of the malignant; * and with the wicked I will not sit.25:5
I will wash my hands among the innocent; * and will compass thy altar, O Lord:25:6
That I may hear the voice of thy praise: * and tell of all thy wondrous works.25:7
I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house; * and the place where thy glory dwelleth.25:8
Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: * nor my life with bloody men:25:9
In whose hands are iniquities: * their right hand is filled with gifts.25:10
But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: * redeem me, and have mercy on me.25:11
My foot hath stood in the direct way: * in the churches I will bless thee, O Lord.25:12
℣. 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.
Psalm 51
Why dost thou glory in malice, * thou that art mighty in iniquity?51:3
All the day long thy tongue hath devised injustice: * as a sharp razor, thou hast wrought deceit.51:4
Thou hast loved malice more than goodness: * and iniquity rather than to speak righteousness.51:5
Thou hast loved all the words of ruin, * O deceitful tongue.51:6
Therefore will God destroy thee for ever: * he will pluck thee out, and remove thee from thy dwelling place: and thy root out of the land of the living.51:7
The just shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, and say: * Behold the man that made not God his helper:51:8
But trusted in the abundance of his riches: * and prevailed in his vanity.51:9
But I, as a fruitful olive tree in the house of God, * have hoped in the mercy of God for ever, yea for ever and ever.51:10
I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: * and I will wait on thy name, for it is good in the sight of thy saints.51:11
℣. 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.
Psalm 52
The fool said in his heart: * There is no God.52:1
They are corrupted, and become abominable in iniquities: * there is none that doth good.52:2
God looked down from heaven on the children of men: * to see if there were any that did understand, or did seek God.52:3
All have gone aside, they are become unprofitable together, * there is none that doth good, no not one.52:4
Shall not all the workers of iniquity know, * who eat up my people as they eat bread?52:5
They have not called upon God: * there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear.52:6
For God hath scattered the bones of them that please men: * they have been confounded, because God hath despised them.52:6
Who will give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? * when God shall bring back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.52:7
℣. 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. For thy mercy, O Lord, is before my eyes; and I am well pleased with thy truth.
Chapter Responsory Verse
{from the Psalter for the day of the week}
1 Tim. 1:17
Now to the king of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
℟. Thanks be to God.
℟.br.
Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us.
℟. Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us.
℣. Thou, who sittest at the right hand of the Father.
℟. Have mercy on us.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Christ, Son of the living God, * have mercy on us.
℣. Arise, O Christ, and help us.
℟. And deliver us for thy name's sake.
Prayer
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
O
Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought us to the beginning of this day: defend us by thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always what is righteous in thy sight.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto thee.
℣. Let us bless the Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
Martyrology
{anticipated}
September 10th 2026, the 28th day of the Moon, were born into the better life:
At Tolentino, in the March of Ancona, the holy Confessor Nicholas, of the Order of Hermits of St Augustine.
In Africa, the holy Bishops Nemesian, Felix, Lucius, another also named Felix, Litteus, Polyan, Victor, Jader, Dativus, and others, who, when the storm of persecution broke under the Emperors Valerian and Gallienus, at their first steadfastness in confessing Christ were heavily cudgelled, bound, and condemned to penal servitude in the mines, where they finished their glorious contending.
At Chalcedon, the holy martyrs Sosthenes and Victor, who were condemned to be burnt by Priscus the Proconsul of Asia, in the persecution under the Emperor Diocletian, after they had overcome bonds and beasts then they saluted one another with an holy kiss, and gave up their souls in prayer to God.
In Bithynia, the holy sisters Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora, Virgins, who passed into glory crowned with martyrdom, under Maximian the Emperor and Fronto the President.
Likewise the holy martyrs Apellius, Luke, and Clement, (who were among the first disciples of the Lord Christ.)
At Liege, in Belgium, (in the seventh century,) the holy martyr Theodard, the Bishop, who laid down his life for the sheep, and shone with the grace of miracles after his death.
At Rome, (in the fifth century,) the blessed Confessor Pope Hilary.
At Compostella, holy Bishop Peter, famous for many graces and miracles.
In the city of Albi, (in the sixth Bishop (of that see.) At Novara, (in the sixth century,) holy Agapius, Bishop (of that see.) At Constantinople, (in the fifth century,) the holy Virgin Pulcheria, Empress of the Romans, famous for godliness.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.
℣.
Precious in the sight of the Lord
℟. Is the death of his saints.
Holy Mary and all the Saints, intercede for us with the Lord, our God, so that we may merit His help and salvation, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
℟. Amen.
The Capitular Office
℣. O God, come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
℣. O God, come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
℣. O God, come to my assistance;
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
℣. 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.
Lord have mercy upon us, Christ have mercy upon us, Lord have mercy upon us.
Our Father
is said silently until
And lead us not into temptation:
.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
℣. And lead us not into temptation:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
℣. Look upon thy servants and upon thy works: and direct their children.
℟. And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us. Direct thou the works of our hands; yea, the work of our hands do thou direct.
℣. 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.
Let us pray.
O
Lord, Almighty God, King of heaven and earth, Saviour of the world, bless, lead, rule and govern our hearts and bodies, our senses, words and deeds today, following thy law and commandments, that here and for eternity with thy help we shall be saved in freedom. Who livest and reignest, world without end.
℟. Amen.
Short reading
{Throughout the Year} ℣. Grant, Lord, a blessing. Benediction. May Almighty God arrange our deeds and our day in His peace. ℟. Amen. 2 Thess 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts, in the charity of God, and the patience of Christ. ℣. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. ℟. Thanks be to God.
Conclusion
℣. Our help is ✠ in the name of the Lord,
℟. Who made heaven and earth.
℣. Let us bless.
℟. God.
Benediction.
May the Lord bless us, ✠ protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. And may the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.
Fonte
Divinum Officium
· The Divinum Officium Project (MIT) — Breviario romano tradizionale, non la Liturgia delle Ore moderna.
Accedi per vedere le preghiere che hai salvato.
Accedi
Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner!
