The Congregation for Sacred Doctrine

At this point I will begin laying the groundwork for the next major revision process: the Codex of Hours.

But first, a brief history:

In the Summer of 2009:

• Mellar published the "Daily Office" containing a general layout of the "Divine Office" to be prayed at the morning and evening of each day. The office consisted of a psalm, based on the day of the week, and an antiphon which changed if the office was celebrated in the morning or in the evening.

2012:

• The "Daily Office" was renamed as the "Stormwind Office" which was a bit more developed than its predecessor, in that it included a short reading. Much of the original design remained the same.

2013:

• Archbishop Columban V promulgated the "Codex of Hours (3rd Edition)". This edition made a separate cycle for psalms at morning and evening prayer, while also adding a smaller office for night prayer. Collects were added from the Codex of Rites and responsories were taken from the Lectionary readings of the day. Offices were added for Saints and various occasions.

2015:

• The revision process of the Codex of Hours was started by Dom Michael Nicolls and Archbishop-Emeritus Caspius.

REVISION PROCESS:
Decree of Publication of the Seventh Edition of the Codex of Rites
Preface
General Instruction to the Codex of Hours

The Ordinary

• Matins
• Lauds and Vespers
• Compline

Psalter

• Day of Precept
• Feria I
• Feria II
• Feria III
• Feria IV
• Feria V
• Feria VI

Sanctoral Cycle

• Solemnities
• Feasts

THE ORDINARY

MATINS
The office of Matins is recited only when in community. When this is done, the highest-ranking cleric, or the cleric who has been deputed to celebrate the office in choir for that week, leads the other clerics into the chapel, who follow behind in pairs. When they reach the altar, they bow or genuflect, then step into choir formation, that is, facing each other in two rows and forming an aisle between them. The CELEBRANT stands at the head of the left row, while the LECTOR stands at the head of the right.

OPENING DIALOGUE:
The CELEBRANT intones the opening versicle, saying:
O Light, open my lips.
R: And my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

INVITATORY PSALM:
A psalm is chanted, as prescribed in the psalter. The antiphon is said before the psalm, and after each stanza.

CAPITULA:
The LECTOR comes to the center of the aisle, before the Celebrant, bows, and says:
Pray, Father (Your Grace, etc.), your blessing.

The CELEBRANT blesses the Lector, saying:
May the words of your lips gain for us an eternal reward.
R: May it be so.

Then, facing towards the altar, and without announcing the book from which the Capitula is taken, the LECTOR reads the assigned passage, which he concludes, saying:
But Thou, O Light, have mercy upon us.
R: Thanks be to the Holy Light.

RESPONSORY:
When the Capitula has been read, the LECTOR bows to the altar and returns to his place in choir. Then, the CELEBRANT intones the Responsory as denoted in the office of the day.

[PATRISTIC READING (Days of Precept, Solemnities, and Feast Days):
The LECTOR comes to the center aisle, before the Celebrant, bows, and says,
Pray, Father (Your Grace, etc.), your blessing.

The CELEBRANT blesses the Lector, saying:
May the words of your lips gain for us an eternal reward.
R: May it be so.

Then, facing towards the altar, the LECTOR reads the assigned passage, saying first:
From a sermon by N.. (or: From a letter by N..) (or: From the writings of N..)

When the Patristic Reading has been concluded, the LECTOR says:
Here ends the reading.

RESPONSORY:
When the Patristic Reading has been read, the LECTOR bows to the altar and returns to his place in choir. Then, the CELEBRANT intones the Responsory as denoted in the office of the day.]

COLLECT:
The CELEBRANT says the Collect assigned to the day, saying first:
Light be with you.
R: And also with you.
Let us pray.

When the Collect is concluded, all say:
R: May it be so.

CONCLUSION:
Then, the CELEBRANT continues:
O Light, have mercy upon us.
R: Have mercy.
Let us bless the Light.
R: Thanks be to the Holy Light.
May the Light's assistance remain always with us.
R: And with our absent brethren.

LAUDS AND VESPERS
The offices of Lauds and Vespers are recited, daily, by all priests and religious. They are the two hinges of the day. Lauds is always celebrated in the morning hours, while Vespers falls in the evening. They constitute the most major portions of the daily celebration of the Divine Office. If the offices are celebrated in community, the highest-ranking cleric, or the cleric who has been deputed to celebrate the office in choir for that week, leads the other clerics into the chapel, who follow behind in pairs. When they reach the altar, they bow or genuflect, then step into choir formation, that is, facing each other in two rows and forming an aisle between them. The CELEBRANT stands at the head of the left row, while the LECTOR stands at the head of the right.

OPENING DIALOGUE:
The CELEBRANT intones the opening versicle, saying:
O Light, come to my aid.
R: Make haste to help me.

PSALMODY:
A psalm is chanted, as prescribed in the psalter. The antiphon is said before and after the psalm, but not after each stanza as at Matins.

CAPITULUM:
Then, stepping into the centre aisle and facing towards the altar, and without announcing the book from which the Capitula is taken, the LECTOR reads the assigned passage, which he concludes, saying:
But Thou, O Light, have mercy upon us.
R: Thanks be to the Holy Light.

HYMN:
When the Capitula has been read, the LECTOR bows to the altar and returns to his place in choir. Then, the Hymn proper to the office is chanted, either by all, or by dividing the stanzas between the two rows of clerics, or even by assigning stanzas to individuals.

RESPONSORY:
Then, the CELEBRANT intones the Responsory as denoted in the office of the day.

Then, he recites the prayer of Archbishop Faol:
O Light, which dwelleth ever within us and without,
We sanctify ourselves to Thee.
It is Thy will within us that should will,
And Thy desire within us that should desire.
Lo, Thou makest our nights become our days, knowing our needs ere they exist;
Thou art our only need, aye, and in Thy merciful giving of Thyself,
R: Thou givest all.

COLLECT:
The CELEBRANT says the Collect assigned to the day, saying first:
Light be with you.
R: And also with you.
Let us pray.

CONCLUSION:
Then, the CELEBRANT continues:
O Light, have mercy upon us.
R: Have mercy.
Let us bless the Light.
R: Thanks be to the Holy Light.
May the Light's assistance remain always with us.
R: And with our absent brethren.

COMPLINE
The office of Compline is celebrated late in the evening, far after the time at which work has been completed, but not after midnight. If the office is celebrated in community, the highest-ranking cleric, or the cleric who has been deputed to celebrate the office in choir for that week, leads the other clerics into the chapel, who follow behind in pairs. When they reach the altar, they bow or genuflect, then step into choir formation, that is, facing each other in two rows and forming an aisle between them. The CELEBRANT stands at the head of the left row, while the LECTOR stands at the head of the right.

OPENING DIALOGUE:
The CELEBRANT intones the opening versicle, saying:
O Light, come to my aid.
R: Make haste to help me.

PSALMODY:
A psalm is chanted, as prescribed in the psalter. The antiphon is said before and after the psalm, but not after each stanza as at Matins.

CAPITULUM:
Then, stepping into the centre aisle and facing towards the altar, and without announcing the book from which the Capitula is taken, the LECTOR reads the assigned passage, which he concludes, saying:
But Thou, O Light, have mercy upon us.
R: Thanks be to the Holy Light.

RESPONSORY:
When the Capitula has been read, the LECTOR bows to the altar and returns to his place in choir. Then, the CELEBRANT intones the Responsory as denoted in the office of the day.

COLLECT:
The CELEBRANT says the Collect assigned to the day, saying first:
Light be with you.
R: And also with you.
Let us pray.

CONCLUSION:
Then, the CELEBRANT continues:
May the Light grant us a restful night.
R: And a peaceful death.
May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of the Light.
R: Rest in peace.

PSALTER
The psalter, consisting of seven divisions of the psalms in the Codex of Scripture consists of the Day of Precept, which is determined by each diocese, and six ferial days. Each week, the ferial days are prayed in order, following the Day of Precept. If, for example, weekly liturgy is said in a diocese on Sunday, then Sunday is the Day of Precept in that diocese, and the subsequent days are ferial.

DAY OF PRECEPT
MATINS
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us sing praise to the Light; It comes quickly with the Dawn.

(1) Blessed be the Light from eternity to eternity.
(2) The Light has all power, splendour, glory, and majesty. (Ant.)

(3) Above all is the Light exalted; It has dominion over all.
(4) Thus the faithful world mayst slumber, wrapt in its universal law.
(5) Yea, over all is Its dominion and beyond all nations is Its rule. (Ant.)

(6) Where then is the Lord who claims he is more powerful?
(7) Who shall rise to conquer its rays? (Ant.)

(8 ) Not a one can usurp its throne,
(9) Unparalleled effulgence enduring to the end of days. (Ant.)

Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Wisdom 1:1-16
Hear now the wisdom of the Light. At the dawn of time, there was the Light alone. When the currents of time began their inexorable flow, further existences were ordained, and thus the Light shone forth, shedding divine inspiration through Its rays. In this way, all that is came to be--deigned to exist by that which is existence itself. Yet the Light, in Its graciousness, further ordained that the beings which It had inspired ought possess freedom. Of necessity through that freedom, those beings possessed the right to choose other than the Light. Many chose to reject the Light, and in Its absence, darkness thrived and covered the world. Still, all was not lost, for the Light does not abandon its people. The Light ordained that those who seek salvation from darkness might have a path of righteousness upon which to walk. In this wise were formed the virtues: respect, tenacity, and compassion. All who obeyed these precepts were spared from corruption. Those who rejected the way of righteousness were forever lost, for none can see unless the Light grant sight unto their eyes.

RESPONSORY: At the dawn of time, there was the Light alone.
R: None can see unless the Light grant sight unto their eyes. (Cf. Wisdom 1:2,16).

PATRISTIC READING, RESPONSORY, AND COLLECT:
Taken from the Proper of Seasons.

LAUDS
PSALMODY: Ps. 2
Antiphon: Now I perceive that only Your rays can satisfy me. (Cf. Columban 1:11).
(1) All glory and power to the Light; It is honest and true.
(2) Let all peoples and all nations sing praise to the Light.
(3) The Light is omnipotent; the Light does no wrong.
(4) May we be not glorified; may all glory be given to the Light.
(5) In an instant It willed the morn,
(6) And in that same instant It permitted the night.
(7) Praise be given to the Light which has not hidden us from wrong,
(8 ) But which has granted strength to the meekest,
(9) Strength enough to rival any darkness.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Teachings 3:8-10
Without the Light, the will to act is devoid of divine meaning. Arbitrary and directionless, the soul without the Light treads the path of chaos, negation, and the final death. Praise be to the Light which ever illuminates the path of life.

HYMN:
Eternal Daylight of the world,
The sovereign Star of night and day:
Thou givest seasons of the year
To take time's heaviness away.

In deepest night ne steepest Thou,
A Lamp for trav'lers on the way;
A Light dividing night from night,
The rooster crows, announcing day.

See, at the sound, the daystar wakes,
And drives the darkness from the sky;
All those who strayed on deadly roads
Now take the path to life on high.

RESPONSORY: We are ever in the presence of the Light.
R: A presence which at once both enlightens and sustains. (Teachings 1:2).

COLLECT:
Taken from the Proper of Seasons.

VESPERS
PSALMODY: Ps. 3
Antiphon: How wonderful are Your ways, O Holy Light! (Cf. Columban 2:1).
(1) Praise, O servants of the Light; praise the Light forever.
(2) Let all bless the Light, now and evermore!
(3) From the east to west, let all praise the Light.
(4) The Light is above all nations; It is higher than the heavens.
(5) Yea, Its rays reach the furthest corners of the sky.
(6) Is there a one who knoweth It not?
(7) Forsooth, even the blind know of the glorious Dawn
(8 ) Which, like the dew, comes upon us in Its subtlety.
(9) Truly, all shall be warmed by Its gentle touch,
(10) And nothing veils Its sight.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Cf. 1 Faol 1:1-2, 5
Brethren, I hear that you pray both in distress and in need. Would that you might also pray in the fullness of your joy and in days of abundant blessings! If you cannot but weep when your soul summons you to prayer, then that same spirit shall spur you again, and yet again, in spite of your weeping, until you heed it joyfully.

HYMN:
O blessed font of good, the Light,
Who fill'st the day with radiance bright,
Hast shook the twisting void of woe,
Thou rulest over all below.

Thy wisdom joined in meet array
The morn and eve, and named them Day:
Night cometh with its darkling fears;
Regard Thy people's prayers and tears.

Lest, sunk in sin, and whelm'd with strife,
They lose the gift of endless life;
Whilest thinking but the thoughts of time,
They weave new chains of woe and crime.

RESPONSORY: It shall be your delight.
R: To hearken to the will of the Light. (Cf. 1 Faol 1:4).

COLLECT:
Taken from the Proper of Seasons.

FERIA I
MATINS
INVITATORY: Ps. 4
Antiphon: O Come, the Light's dominion is eternal; let us give praise for ever.

(1) In darkness, I cry out to the Light; the Light hears my voice.
(2) O, let It ever be attentive when I give voice to my pleas. (Ant.)

(3) My soul waits for the Light; I watch for It at daybreak.
(4) Verily, mercy cometh from the Light, and fullness of redemption withal. (Ant.)

(5) In my suffering, I was cast down and enemies trod upon me;
(6) But the Light in glory heard my cries, and raised me full effulgent. (Ant.)

(7) Although within the night my feet may stumble and may fall,
(8 ) When I behold the Dawn, my way is clear, my woes forgone. (Ant.)

Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Lament of Karabor 1:1-5
Give ear, O heavens, to my groaning. The mother of my people lieth in meretricious ruin. To foreigners, she hath been an adulteress made. Her gardens become an arena; her sanctuaries brothels; all her tapestries burn to ash. She hath been captured by wicked men and is fallen prey to their vicissitudes. They behold our daughters with lust. Her parapets bereft of festive gatherings, no more shall music fill her halls. Woe, that men look upon my mother and gloat! Fools have pillaged her stores and eaten the bread of priests. In mockery they have donned priestly vestments to speak evil of the Light.

RESPONSORY: Give ear, O heavens, to my groaning.
R: For evil men look at me and gloat. (Cf. Lament of Karabor 1:1,4).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast shattered the fortresses of Darkness, and hast restored the temples of Thy glory, look upon Thy servant people, and grant, we pray, that attacks of the world on the good we intend may always be prevented by the tenacity Thou bestowest. For Thou livest and reignest world without end.

LAUDS
PSALMODY: Ps. 5
Antiphon: O Truth, You deigned to sweeten my lips with your praise. (Cf. Columban 3:1).
(1) Light, have mercy upon me; blot out my offence.
(2) Wash away my guilt; cleanse me of my sins.
(3) I know my offence; my sin is ever before me.
(4) Against You have I sinned; I have done evil in Your sight!
(5) Surely, I deserve to be deprived of grace.
(6) O, why do I reject You so?
(7) What cause have I to assign You blame?
(8 ) Verily, I am the architect of my own misery,
(9) Deserving of banishment, not of forgiveness.
(10) It is better that I die than condemn Your truths.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Teachings 2:1-3
Without adversity, there can be but little increase either in faith or devotion to the Light. Thus, the path of the righteous is often narrow and difficult withal. Only by traversing these hardships can one come to understand the true nature of faith.

HYMN:
O splendor of the the Daystar, shine,
O Thou that bringest light from Light,
O Light of light, light's living spring,
O Day, all days illumining.

O Thou, true Sun, on us Thy glance,
Let fall in royal radiance,
Thy holy, sanctifying beam
Upon our worldly senses stream.

To guide what e'er we nobly do,
With love and envy to subdue,
To make ill fortune turn to fair,
And give us grace our wrongs to bear.

RESPONSORY: If we are to be holy.
R: We must suffer. (Teachings 2:7).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast deigned to cause the sun to rise as a symbol of Thy effulgence, grant, we pray, that the work we do today may bear fruit in eternity. For Thou art glorious on high.

VESPERS
PSALMODY: Ps. 6
Antiphon: I drew but a single breath of the free air, and now I gasp for want of You. (Cf. Columban 1:8 ).
(1) Light, why have You abandoned me? I cry out in anguish.
(2) I call by day; but You answer not. I call by night but to no avail.
(3) All who see me mock me; they curl their lips and jeer.
(4) Abandon me not; yea, make haste to help me.
(5) On all quarters I am surrounded.
(6) With cruel words they curse my faith
(7) And mutter obscenities about Your truths.
(8 ) O, let them be put out to wallow in their filth
(9) Where there is no rest for the weary soul,
(10) Where the cursed wander forever without hope.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: 2 Faol 2:1-3
Sooth to say, your redemption will come from the very pain that you abhor. It is the bitter potion by which the cleric heals the disease of sin. It is a sacrifice through which you glorify the Light.

HYMN:
O boundless Wisdom, Light on high,
O Blessing of the world and sky,
Thy bid'st the parted waters flow
In heavens above, on land below:

The streams on land, the clouds in heav'n,
Through Thee their ordered bounds were giv'n,
Lest 'neath th'untempered fires of day
The parchéd soil should waste away.

E'en so on us who seek Thy rays
Pour forth the waters of Thy grace;
Renew the font of life within,
And quench the wasting fires of sin.

RESPONSORY: Those who are people of the Light.
R: Will receive joyfully that which I have revealed to you. (2 Faol 2:9).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who in the evening givest Thy people the Light of the stars as a sign of Thy never-failing care, grant, we pray, that as we rest from the toil of day, we may be restored for Thee. For Thou art worthy of honour unto ages of ages.

FERIA II
MATINS
INVITATORY: Ps. 7
Antiphon: O Come, let us sing a song of joy to the Light.

(1) My heart is steadfast; I will sing and chant words of praise.
(2) Awake, my soul; I will wake the dawn. (Ant.)

(3) I will sing praise to the Light amongst all peoples.
(4) I will chant praise to the Light amongst all nations. (Ant.)

(5) Verily shall the choirs take up a hymn of glory,
(6) And the bells will peal a new song,
(7) For the Light has not abandoned Its least servant. (Ant.)

Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Lament of Karabor 1:6-10
O, how they have blackened my mother's name through their deeds. No more shall any call her blest! My people look to her for hope, but sadness dims their eyes. She was our joy; now our sorrow. Surely, we are all guilty of terrible sin. Without number are the sins that have brought us such suffering. Woe, that the Light hath rejected us and cast down our temple. The heavens rejoice in our misery, for we are a fallen race. Verily, we are broken and reduced to nothing. We are become grass to be trampled under foot.

RESPONSORY: She was our joy.
R: Now our sorrow. (Cf. Lament of Karabor 1:7).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast ransomed us despite our weakness, hear our humble prayer, and grant, we pray, that by meditating on Thy works, and not on our sufferings, we may always remain faithful to Thy path of virtue. For Thou livest and reignest world without end.

LAUDS
PSALMODY: Ps. 8
Antiphon: Even as a babe, I longed for only those things which would satisfy me. (Cf. Columban 4:3).
(1) Long I waited for the Light; my cry went not unheard.
(2) It rescued me from death; my footsteps were made firm.
(3) A new song was writ upon my heart; new words were set upon my lips.
(4) Gave voice I to the glory of the Light; abroad sang I in praise.
(5) Its sublime harmony, the embodiment of tranquility;
(6) Its beautiful metre, the manifestation of joy.
(7) As with heavenly rays, my heart and soul were warmed.
(8 ) Forever and anon I shall sing, "Praise and glory to the Light!"
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Teachings 1:11-14
Our constant guides along the right path are the virtues: Respect, Tenacity, and Compassion. Pious devotion to the virtues is the surest guide against straying into error, which ever surrounds the path of the Light. All believers see the path and are called to walk upon it, but it is the truly pious who obey the Light's command. Sacred are the virtues, and holy is the one who heeds their guidance.

HYMN:
The beauty of the the rising Sun
Begins to tint the world with light,
Awakened nature glows with life
As form and colour reappear.

Give us Thy light that like a son
Intrepid we may tread life's path.
May all our ways and actions show
The gift of virtue's sure reward.

Let every word our lips may say
Prove our sincerity and truth,
That our serenity of soul
May radiate our inward joy.

RESPONSORY: Belief is not sufficient for holiness.
R: We must walk the path of virtue in faith. (Cf. Teachings 1:9-10).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast given to us a model of virtue in the lives of the saints, graciously hear our prayer, and grant, we pray, that those who, today, seek Thy glory, may find it. For Thou art glorious on high.

VESPERS
PSALMODY: Ps. 9
Antiphon: Teach me, O Wisdom, that I may never part from Your truth. (Columban 4:17).
(1) Hear me now, O Holy Light; I call to You by night and day.
(2) The sky clouds over high above; I cannot see Your shining rays.
(3) O grant me but the merest glimpse now of Your golden dawn,
(4) That will be enough for me; for it alone I long.
(5) The shortest stay within Your warmth will feel like passing years.
(6) Will You not but part the skies and burn away all fears?
(7) Share with me Your warmth, which swiftly dispels grief:
(8 ) The joyful peace of faithful souls who profess true belief.
(9) And I am satisfied.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: 1 Faol 2:1-3
Let your visit to the church be for ecstasy and sweet communion with the Infinite. For, if you approach the altar of sacrifice seeking only to receive, then you shall not receive. If you enter the throne room of the heavens seeking only to glorify yourself, then you shall not be glorified.

HYMN:
O Sun of flow'rs with golden hue,
The seeds of each Thou dost renew;
That good trees bearing fruit might yield
And pleasant pastures of the field.

Our spirit's rankling wounds efface
With dewy freshness of Thy grace:
That grief might cleanse each deed of ill,
And o'er each lust might triumph still.

Let every soul Thy law obey,
And keep from ev'ry evil way;
Rejoice each promised good to win
And flee from ev'ry mortal sin.

RESPONSORY: It is enough that you go silently and unseen
R: Into the temple of the Light. (1 Faol 2:5).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast taught mere mortals to distinguish evil from good, grant, we pray, that by the inspiration from Thy rays, we may never fall into grave sin. For Thou art worthy of honour unto ages of ages.

FERIA III
MATINS
INVITATORY: Ps. 10
Antiphon: O Come, let us praise the Light; in It is all our hope.

(1) Why am I alone, O Light, my only hope?
(2) How is it that in You alone I can vouchsafe my trust? (Ant.)

(3) All around me, the wicked say, "Behold the fool."
(4) But, I know that faith in You never will be folly;
(5) And that none are alone who hope in the blessed Dawn. (Ant.)

Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Lament of Karabor 2:1-10
Shall our children endure this suffering? Shall they not be redeemed? What temple shall house their prayers; what sanctuary their festivals? O dreadful estate! A father hath no inheritance for his son! He bringeth his children naught but suffering. Ashes shall be his only testament. Doomed are they whom the Light hath forgotten. For what reason do we persevere? We wander aimlessly in a foreign land, and are become a vagrant people. Our bellies groan in lack, and yet our stores hold only moulded bread and rancid milk. Our minds dwell upon the feasts of the past. Yet, these reflections bring us pain. We long for that place to which we cannot return. Shall we forget those days of plenty? Aye, but what man seeth his house in flame and calleth out to let it burn? How, then, shall I look upon the halls of my fathers? The house of the prophets hath become a den of thieves. O heavens, give reply! Grant aid to the hopeless! I am like a parched land which languisheth in the heat. Yet, thou sate not my thirst. In my youth was I told that the Light shall save those who love it. Where is my salvation? I have served the Light all the days of my life, yet with strokes and lashes have I been repaid. My master is a tyrant who punishes labour with a reed. In our great devotion, have we not merited the gallows? Shall we not hope? Shall we heed when wicked lips declare, "Hope is the folly of fools"?

RESPONSORY: Doomed are they.
R: Whom the Light hath forgotten. (Lament of Karabor 2:3).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast shattered the fortresses of Darkness, and hast restored the temples of Thy glory, look upon Thy servant people, and grant, we pray, that attacks of the world on the good we intend may always be prevented by the tenacity Thou bestowest. For Thou livest and reignest world without end.

LAUDS
PSALMODY: Ps. 11
Antiphon: Let each of your acts glorify the Light. (3 Faol 3:2).
(1) Full of glory and majesty is the Light on high.
(2) Its blessings are righteousness and love;
(3) Its fruits, charity and kindness.
(4) Just and holy are Its ways.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Prophets 6:6-8
Within the Light we are seen completely, and we are vulnerable, but we are also open to compassion, trust, and mercy. Is it not frightening that we would be unable hide ourselves? Great courage is necessary if we should reveal ourselves in the Light, just as great cowardice drives us to dwell in darkness.

HYMN:
When breaks the day, and Dawn grows bright,
Thou nearer cometh, Light of Lights:
When shadow tempts and forth sin brings,
Drive forth, O Light, all darksome things.

Land's dusty veil is torn away,
And sight is granted with each ray,
Our lives regains their hues apace,
E'en as the Daystar shows Its face.

For many shades obscure each sense
Send thus Thy beams to our defense;
Light of the Morning Star, Thy grace
Shed on us from Thy cloudless place.

RESPONSORY: In the Light we are vulnerable.
R: But we are open to mercy. (cf. Prophets 6:6).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast deigned to cause the sun to rise as a symbol of Thy effulgence, grant, we pray, that the work we do today may bear fruit in eternity. For Thou art glorious on high.

VESPERS
PSALMODY: Ps. 12
Antiphon: Nothing can be seen in the darkness. (cf. Wisdom 4:2).
(1) Lead, O Light above,
(2) Your weak and feeble servant.
(3) Death and darkness ever lie in wait behind me,
(4) But Your path is the surest,
(5) For it is paved with truth.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: 5 Faol 3:1-2
It is only when you drink from the river of silence that you shall indeed sing. And, it is only once you have scaled the mountain top that you shall begin to climb.

HYMN:
As sun declines and shadows fall,
The sea and hills will fade from sight;
Its redd'ning orb bids us farewell
But promises tomorrow's light.

And thus, O Light, O blest and wise,
Thou regulate in wondrous way
The laws of this great universe
At which we marvel night and day.

While darkness rides across the sky,
And stars their silent watches keep,
Thy people leave their constant toil,
Regaining strength by peaceful sleep.

RESPONSORY: It is only when you drink from the river of silence.
R: That you shall indeed sing (2 Faol 3:1).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who in the evening givest Thy people the Light of the stars as a sign of Thy never-failing care, grant, we pray, that as we rest from the toil of day, we may be restored for Thee. For Thou art worthy of honour unto ages of ages.

FERIA IV
MATINS
INVITATORY: Ps. 13
Antiphon: O Come, let us lift our prayer to the heavens.

(1) Forgive me, O blessed Light! (Ant.)

(2) Although You showed all kindness to me,
(3) I preferred the pleasures of the world:
(4) Those unfathomable pits of sin,
(5) Into which I wittingly went. (Ant.)

(6) Extend to me once more Your grace,
(7) And save me from the doom that I devised:
(8 ) The right and due damnation crafted by my craven hand. (Ant.)

Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Lament of Karabor 3:1-4
In the burial sites of our ancestors, I have found only sadness. They shattered the ground and unearthed the hallowed. Who are these men who reject even the bodies of the dead? Why hath the Light permitted that we should be to demons enslaved? Is it not better that we should die? For it seemeth our lot thus to perish. O heavens, are ye deaf to my cries? Can ye not see the tears upon my face? A traitor hath invaded our home and hath invested his servants with our former wealth. Woe, that our treasures should now feed the hellfire!

RESPONSORY: Is it not better that we should die?
R: It seemeth our lot thus to perish. (cf. Lament of Karabor 3:3).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast ransomed us despite our weakness, hear our humble prayer, and grant, we pray, that by meditating on Thy works, and not on our sufferings, we may always remain faithful to Thy path of virtue. For Thou livest and reignest world without end.

LAUDS
PSALMODY: Ps. 14
Antiphon: My soul pines for the Light alone. (cf. Columban 1:9).
(1) My heart is darkened in a veil of grief.
(2) High and low I seek, straining my eyes for solace.
(3) Yet, safety is not to be found in this stricken, wayward world,
(4) But in You alone, O Light,
(5) My comfort and my hope.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Columban 4:1-3
O blessed Light, I cannot fathom the state that I would inhabit had You denied me Your pardon. You know the sins of my youth and how I exalted in vainglory. Even as a babe, I longed for only those things which would satisfy me, and yet You saw fit to teach me common speech.

HYMN:
Behold the golden Dawn arise;
The fading night forsakes the skies:
No longer hides the world from view,
And, ending, brings the day anew.

May this new day be calmly passed,
May we keep pure while it shall last:
Nor let our lips from truth depart,
Nor dark designs ensnare the heart.

So may the day speed on; the tongue
No falsehood know, the hands no wrong:
Our eyes from wanton gaze refrain,
No guild our guarded bodies stain.

RESPONSORY: You know the sins of my youth.
R: How I exalted in vainglory (cf. Columban 4:2).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast given to us a model of virtue in the lives of the saints, graciously hear our prayer, and grant, we pray, that those who, today, seek Thy glory, may find it. For Thou art glorious on high.

VESPERS
PSALMODY: Ps. 15
Antiphon: The Light has not abandoned us, we have refused to see It. (cf. Prophets 7:1-2).
(1) In quarters roundabout, I hear their shameful words.
(2) The sinner and the reprobate alike vomit forth reproaches:
(3) "He says he trusts in the Light;
(4) Let the Light save him from our swords."
(5) Although they strike, I never feel the blow;
(6) Although struck down, I am saved.
(7) United with the Dawn, I will arise in glory.
(8 ) Glory be to the Light, the saviour of mankind.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: 2 Faol 2:1-3
Sooth to say, your redemption will come from the very pain that you abhor. It is the bitter potion by which the cleric heals the disease of sin. It is a sacrifice through which you glorify the Light.

HYMN:
O Light, who shines on all the land
To gladden us with Thy fair light,
We bless Thy rays, imploring aid,
For day will soon give place to night.

The ev'ning shadows grow apace,
Advancing; they will hide the sun,
As darkness creeps upon the world
When daylight time has been and done.

Let not the setting sun go down
On hearts distressed with sin, and sore,
But sheltered by Thy gentle grace,
May we behold the day once more.

RESPONSORY: Your redemption will come.
R: From the very pain that you abhor. (2 Faol 2:1).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast taught mere mortals to distinguish evil from good, grant, we pray, that by the inspiration from Thy rays, we may never fall into grave sin. For Thou art worthy of honour unto ages of ages.

FERIA V
MATINS
INVITATORY: Ps. 16
Antiphon: O Come, the Light has shown upon the land; let us give thanks and praise.

(1) The Light is my law and my salvation;
(2) Of whom shall I be afraid? (Ant.)

(3) Although my enemies surround me,
(4) What power hath the might of men? (Ant.)

(5) Before the glory of the Light, all knees must bend.
(6) The king and peasant alike are humbled,
(7) And all souls are brought to final judgement,
(8 ) Bowing like a tree before a summer storm. (Ant.)

(9) The acts of men last but a season,
(10) But the Light endureth forever. (Ant.)

Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Lament of Karabor 3:5-10
When first they came, they killed our priests. Then, butchered they the bodies of the seers. What is this Light that punisheth first its most devoted servants? From such destruction, what good proceedeth? Verily, if we had lost our mother for the sake of a good, this we could understand. But our sufferings are without avail. The Light hath given us over to the tortures of the enemy. Like a tumbler we have been made to dance for our foes. O, what shall be the fate of those who refuse to grovel before such hatred? Hath the Light turned upon us and accounted us to the void? Even now are my people wrought with pain as their inner warmth diminishes. No longer can we feel the presence of the Light. Alone we tread, for the Light is not our help. A rejected people, burdened with the weight of sins innumerable, we deserve our unhappy fate.

RESPONSORY: We are not alone in our misfortune.
R: The Light is here to help us. (cf. Lament of Karabor 3:10).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast shattered the fortresses of Darkness, and hast restored the temples of Thy glory, look upon Thy servant people, and grant, we pray, that attacks of the world on the good we intend may always be prevented by the tenacity Thou bestowest. For Thou livest and reignest world without end.

LAUDS
PSALMODY: Ps. 17
Antiphon: Embrace the Light and deny all darkness. (cf. Prophets 1:15).
(1) Your way, O Holy Light, is not the way of men.
(2) Paved with suffering, darkness lurks without.
(3) Yet, even when death confronts me,
(4) And the aspects of despair surround me on all sides,
(5) I am without fear.
(6) For I know, in my suffering, that You are with me.
(7) Your teachings are my comfort,
(8 ) Your voice, my conscience, is my strength.
(9) When my friends desert me, You alone remain.
(10) Verily, I shall trust in You and devote myself to You forever.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Teachings 2:2,6-7
The path of the righteous is often narrow and difficult withal. Therefore, if we are to be holy, we must suffer. (7) Let us learn compassion, that we might suffer with one another.

HYMN:
Eternal glory of the sky,
Blest hope of sinners and of saints,
Long as the days of life endure,
Preserve our souls devout and pure.

Uplift us with Thy holy might,
And let our hearts rise pure and bright,
And, ardent in Thy praises, pay
The thanks we owe thee ev'ry day.

The Daystar's rays are glitt'ring clear,
And tell that day itself is near:
The shadows of the night depart;
Thou, holy Light, ilume the heart.


RESPONSORY: If we are to be holy.
R: We must suffer. (Teachings 2:6).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast deigned to cause the sun to rise as a symbol of Thy effulgence, grant, we pray, that the work we do today may bear fruit in eternity. For Thou art glorious on high.

VESPERS
PSALMODY: Ps. 18
Antiphon: There are no greater gifts than the Light's. (cf. Wisdom 2:2).
(1) Blessed is the Holy Light that maketh the world anew.
(2) And, blessed is he who heralds the coming of the day.
(3) Every tear is wiped away, every sin forgiven;
(4) The mercy of the Light: glorious and wonderful beyond measure.
(5) Sing ye ten thousand praises--ten thousand times ten thousand.
(6) Let the heavens ring with a song of glory to the Light.
(7) Let every frown be cast off; let every shadow be cast down.
(8 ) Let us sing praises to the Light forever.
(9) Gracious and wonderful, majestic and glorious,
(10) Worthy, worthy, worthy to be praised.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: 5 Faol 3:5-6
If you grudge the crushing of the grapes, you produce an easel which is poison to the soul. And, if you sing with angelic voice, yet your lyric be of hatred, you deafen the ears of man to the melodies of the soul.

HYMN:
The hours pass us swiftly by,
And into night the shadows flow,
So let us sing our praises full
The grateful hymn of joy we owe.

The burden and the heat of day
Through work diminish all away,
So may Thy tired workers all
Find restful sleep in winsome hall.

To Thee our morning song of praise,
To Thee our evening prayer we raise;
Thy glory radiant we adore
For ever and for evermore.

RESPONSORY: If you grudge the crushing of the grapes.
R: you produce an eiselwhich is poison. (5 Faol 3:5).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who in the evening givest Thy people the Light of the stars as a sign of Thy never-failing care, grant, we pray, that as we rest from the toil of day, we may be restored for Thee. For Thou art worthy of honour unto ages of ages.

FERIA VI
MATINS
INVITATORY: Ps. 19
Antiphon: O Come, the Light is great and merciful; let us give thanks to It.

(1) My heart is shattered; I am overthrown.
(2) O show me mercy, Holy Light, thrice-Holy! (Ant.)

(3) Take from my lips this cup of chastisement;
(4) Save me from the suffering which I rightly warrant. (Ant.)

(5) Although often have I strayed, and often have I erred,
(6) Grant mercy to the undeserving, as You have ever done. (Ant.)

(7) Look with pity upon Your servant vile,
(8 ) Washing away all iniquity through grace exalted. (Ant.)

(9) By mercy cleansed, through grace restored,
(10) Welcome me once more unto Your holy embrace. (Ant.)

Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Lament of Karabor 4:1-10
Lo, my people, hear me!. Give ear to my groans. Our mother lieth in ruin. She hath been made whore to the foreigner. Arise! Wallow not in your filth! Return to the Light, and mercy may be shown. If mercy be the reed which correcteth the foolish servant, then let us bear the strokes until we cannot stand. If blood be the purchase of sins innumerable, then let an ocean swell forth from our lashes. What price is so steep that we should be reluctant to pay? If death be our reward, then we but smile upon the favourable bargain. At least in death we would suffer no more. No longer would we behold our mother in rapine and pillage, supplicant to the servants of the void. Convert! Convert, my people. Return to the Light, lest we be forgotten. Gather your tears to purify the halls of the temple. Once again shall Karabor be our joy. In the gardens shall our children again enjoy the songs and festivals. The day of our mother's vindication will be remembered with joy and solemnity. To their children's children, they will say, "On this day, the Light restored our fortune". Yes, my people: the day of vindication is at hand. Turn! Turn towards the east, and see the rising of the sun! Behold the Dawn!

RESPONSORY: Turn towards the east.
R: And see the rising of the sun. (Lament of Karabor 4:10).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast ransomed us despite our weakness, hear our humble prayer, and grant, we pray, that by meditating on Thy works, and not on our sufferings, we may always remain faithful to Thy path of virtue. For Thou livest and reignest world without end.

LAUDS
PSALMODY: Ps. 20
Antiphon: What is suffered in this life is made sweet in the Dawn (Heroes 5:12).
(1) Come to my aid, O Light divine,
(2) Strengthen my will, weak as it is,
(3) That I might not stray from Your path.
(4) Come to my aid, O Light divine,
(5) For without You, I am nothing:
(6) As dust before a wind, driven I, and harrowed,
(7) Scattered forth in nothingness.
(8 ) Come to my aid, O Light divine,
(9) Grant unto me the courage of my convictions,
(10) That I might walk in faith forever.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Columban 3:6-10
You have fashioned my tongue as Your instrument,and made my voice Your gift. The treasures of kings would not bring to You such delight, for You, O my joy, have extended Your reign over all existing things. Verily, they would not exist had they not been given dwelling in You.

HYMN:
As light of day returns once more,
With joyful peal our voices raise
To that which glories infinite:
Thou Light on high, to Thee we sing.

The Light inspir's all holy wills,
Calls day and night from nothingness,
Appoints to them successive law,
Till time itself shall pass away.

True Light of ev'ry faithful soul
Unfettered by the Shadow's grasp
No shades of night can dim Thy light,
Thy dazzling, infinite radiance..

RESPONSORY: You, O my joy, have extended Your reign.
R: Over all things is your rule. (cf. Columban 3:9).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast given to us a model of virtue in the lives of the saints, graciously hear our prayer, and grant, we pray, that those who, today, seek Thy glory, may find it. For Thou art glorious on high.

VESPERS
PSALMODY: Ps. 21
Antiphon: The clarity of the Light is a shelter for the strong. (Prophets 7:14).
(1) Great and terrible is the Holy Light, to whom all praise is due:
(2) Arbiter of final judgement, the seat of mercy and of justice.
(3) When I approach the holy throne, shall I be afraid?
(4) In the memory of my errors, shall I quake and tremble?
(5) Truly, I shall throw myself upon the mercy of the Light,
(6) Even though I am the sure and savage author of my wretchedness.
(7) Serve first the Light and ever, and all else second withal,
(8 ) And take comfort that the Light will never abandon its devoted.
(9) O Light, abandon not Your servant, cast me not into the darkness;
(10) Forgive Your recreant child; this well-chastised penitent.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever, unto the end of the age. (Ant.)

CAPITULUM: Columban 2:11-13
Grant, O Holy Light, that I may want no course other than that which You deign to place before me. Let my legs fail if I should but incline away from the path of righteousness. It is better that I suffer on the austere road to holiness, than that I should prosper beneath the gables of a sinful house.

HYMN:
O Light of all the land and sky,
Who holds the firmament on high,
Clothing the day with robes of light,
Blessing with gracious sleep the night--

That rest may comfort weary men,
And brace to useful toil again,
And soothe awhile the troubled mind,
And sorrow's heavy load unbind--

Day ends, we bless Thee for Thy gift;
Night comes, and once again we lift
Our prayer and vows and hymns that we
Against all ills may shielded be.

RESPONSORY: It is better that I suffer.
R: In order that I become holy. (cf. Columban 2:13).

COLLECT:
O Light, Who hast taught mere mortals to distinguish evil from good, grant, we pray, that by the inspiration from Thy rays, we may never fall into grave sin. For Thou art worthy of honour unto ages of ages.

THE OFFICE OF COMPLINE
ALL DAYS
PSALMODY: Ps. 22
Ant. Protect us, O Light, while we stay awake, watch over us as we asleep. (Ancient text)
(1) The Light endureth ever; fountain, well-spring of all hope.
(2) And, I have seen the goodness of the Light and its promise to the living.
(3) In the vast and windy valley, I have seen the shining city
(4) Majestic like a mountain rising out from swaying grass.
(5) Roundabout its walls I wandered, 'neath its towers there, I waited.
(6) Without the gate I stood, by its porter there attended.
(7) Glad my heart shall be when I see it once again,
(8 ) For I yearn to enter in; to dwell in radiance and in splendour.
(9) The promise of the Light is joy to the faithful heart:
(10) All believers dwelling peacefully in the City of the Light.
Glory be given to the Light,
for ever unto the ends of the age. (Repeat Antiphon)

CAPITULUM: Heroes 3: 11-15
"Light, why do I not lose hope? All around me, men jeer and call me 'foolish' because I remain faithful to the truth. Am I wrong to hope? No. Because I know that a people without hope is dead; and yet, I live. Verily, if I shall die with hope in my heart, then I shall truly live. It is enough that I should hope."

RESPONSORY: Verily, if I shall die with hope in my heart.
R: Then I shall truly live. (Heroes 3:16).

COLLECT:
Grant we pray, O Holy Light, that as the evening's shadows fall we may rest in hope and rise again in joy. For Thou dwellest on high for ever.

SANCTORAL CYCLE
In order to preserve the unity of the Liturgical week as one cycle of prayer from the Psalter, the offices of the Sanctoral Cycle do not significantly alter the various offices. As such, with the exception of what is included below, the office of each day is always to be celebrated as seen in the Psalter. On memorials and feasts, the office remains unchanged, except for the collect at Matins, Lauds, and Vespers, which is taken from the Codex of Rites for the proper day. On solemnities, the invitatory antiphon and the hymns are taken from the Sanctoral Cycle and the collect at Matins, Lauds, and Vepsers is taken from the Codex of Rites. The Office of Compline is always unchanged.

SOLEMNITIES
The Offices on Solemnities are taken from the Day of Precept in the Psalter.

1 JANUARY - ADPORTUS
Matins
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us celebrate the Dawn; for It consecrates the morn.

Lauds and Vespers
HYMN:
Light's dawn of glory promised by the prophets,
Graced by the morning, has attained fulfillment.
Thou our revealer comes to us through daylight,
With exultation.

Light of the dayspring, radiant in Thy splendor,
Light of all creatures, showing us the virtues,
So shall we join Thee in the Dawn eternal,
With saints in glory.

22 FEBRUARY - THE CHAIR OF ALONSUS FAOL
Matins
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us glorify the Light; Whose wisdom is heard in Its Vicar.

Lauds and Vespers
HYMN:
Alonsus, who was named on high
The guardian-shepherd of the fold,
Protect the Church that cries to you
And guard the throne on which you ruled.

Your weakness was exchanged for strength,
You faltered, but with Light you grew;
For deep in you was planted love
And, from that seed, Light brought forth fruit.

O hear a holy people's cry,
And, blessing your successor's prayer,
Raise up a temple in our sight,
A beacon bright and symbol fair.

21 JUNE - AESTIVUS
Matins
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us praise the Light; who hast consecrated the world to itself.

Lauds and Vespers
HYMN:
The heating tongues of flaming fire,
Enkindles each with holy zeal,
And now it prompts all eager lips
In spreading peaceful, joyous faith.

Surprised, dumbfounded, willed with awe,
Now friend and foe depart the fray,
And join in a joyous festival,
Thus Midsummer lights a new way.

29 JUNE - THE TRANSITUS OF ALONSUS FAOL
Matins
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us glorify the Light; Who has honored Its servant, Alonsus.

Lauds and Vespers
HYMN:
Alonsus, who was named on high
The guardian-shepherd of the fold,
Protect the Church that cries to you
And guard the throne on which you ruled.

Your weakness was exchanged for strength,
You faltered, but with Light you grew;
For deep in you was planted love
And, from that seed, Light brought forth fruit.

O hear a holy people's cry,
And, blessing your successor's prayer,
Raise up a temple in our sight,
A beacon bright and symbol fair.

28 JULY - THE DEDICATION OF LIGHT'S DAWN CATHEDRAL
Matins
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us adore the Light; Who established Its city in the Church.

Lauds and Vespers
HYMN:
Realms of Light were seen in vision: 'twas the City of the Dawn,
Filled with grace, with peace, with glory, built of golden stones above;
Yea, from pearls and finest crystal was a castle builded there.

Precious diamonds form its portals, open wide to welcome in
Those whose fervor and whose virtue have attained that grace to win,
Who have suffered pain and sorrow here receive their great reward.

Stones of every hue and beauty sparkle from its sacred walls,
Glowing brilliant with perfection in the morning Light divine,
Placed with love in their positions, there forevermore to shine.

15 SEPTEMBER - SAINT UTHER THE LIGHTBRINGER
Matins
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us adore the Light; Who established Its city in the Church.

Lauds and Vespers
HYMN:
Holy Martyr, whose strength was steeled
To follow close the virtuous way,
Well didst thou brave thy battlefield,
And well thy saintly bliss was won!

Now join thy prayers with ours, who pray
That the Light pardon us and bless;
For prayer keeps evil’s plague away,
And draws from life its weariness.

Yea, long ago, were loosed the chains
That held thy spirit once in thrall;
For us how many bonds remain!
Saint Uther, sound the vict'ry call.

9 OCTOBER - THE DEDICATION OF THE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF THE LIGHT
Matins
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us adore the Light; Who established Its city in the Church.

Lauds and Vespers
HYMN:
Realms of Light were seen in vision: 'twas the City of the Dawn,
Filled with grace, with peace, with glory, built of golden stones above;
Yea, from pearls and finest crystal was a castle builded there.

Precious diamonds form its portals, open wide to welcome in
Those whose fervor and whose virtue have attained that grace to win,
Who have suffered pain and sorrow here receive their great reward.

Stones of every hue and beauty sparkle from its sacred walls,
Glowing brilliant with perfection in the morning Light divine,
Placed with love in their positions, there forevermore to shine.

1 NOVEMBER - THE GREAT FEAST OF THE LIGHT AND ALL THE SAINTS
Matins
INVITATORY: Ps. 1
Antiphon: O Come, let us glorify the Light; Who has honored Its servant, Alonsus.

Lauds and Vespers
HYMN:
Day of wrath, o day of mourning!
See fulfilled the prophet's warnings,
Heav'n and land in ashes burning.

O what fear man's bosom rendeth!
When from the Shadow the curse descendeth,
And on temple none dependeth.

Death is struck, and nature quaking,
all creation is awaking,
for its sins an answer making!

What shall I, frail man be pleading?
Who for me be interceding,
When the just are mercy needing?

Guilty, now I pour my moaning,
all my shame and anguish owning,
spare, O Light, thy suppliant groaning!

Worthless are my prayers and sighing,
yet, good Dawn, thy grace complying,
rescue me from dark undying!

PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION OF THE CODEX OF HOURS

Your Graces,
Your Reverences,
Dear brothers and sisters in the Light,

It is with great joy that I hand on to you the fourth edition of the Codex of Hours. Since the earliest days of monasticism in the Church, monks and priests have offered a continual cycle of praise to the Light by a daily participation in communal and private prayers. With time, this daily prayer gradually became more structured and eventually was aided by the inclusion of poetic texts which form the modern psalter in the Codex of Scripture. Beginning with a small collection of only a few psalms, monks would offer prayers throughout the day such that each day the entirety of the psalter was prayed for the glory of the Light and the good of the Church.

Remaining faithful to this venerable practice, the Bishop, Mellar L. Servus, assembled the "Daily Office" using the psalter as found in the typical edition of Sacred Scripture. In this newer version, Bishop Servus designed an office that allowed priests to pray a cycle of psalms which repeated each week of the year. Readings were added along with a general structure of times for prayers in the Morning, Evening, and at Night. In later versions, another hour was added which was offered during the latest portions of the night.

At the request of His Holiness, Alonsus II, this Sacred Congregation began a revision of the Codex of Hours so that the official prayer of the Church might reflect the typical editions of the Codex of Scripture and the Codex of Rites, and that the wealth of hymns, recently discovered in the collected works of the late Archbishop Saint Columban the Great, may be added to the offices of the Church.

As such, in this volume, we present the offices of Lauds (offered in the morning), Vespers (offered in the evening), Compline (Offered at the end of the day), and Matins (offered late at night). These offices are structured according to the seven-day week, where each week begins on the day which in the local diocese is recognised as the day of precept. Therefore, in accord with the canons of the Church, clerics will no longer be bound to recite the office as seen in the Third Edition of the Codex of Hours, but are bound to the reception of this new office, each day, whether in public or in private, for the glory of the Light, and the good of the Church. Individual clerics are bound to recite the office as proper to their own diocese, even when traveling, unless they intend to take quasi-domicile in another diocese for some time.

Yours faithfully in the Light,
Dom MICHAEL Nicholls, O.S.C.
Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Columban the Great

His Holiness, CASPIUS
Archbishop-Emeritus of the Church of the Holy Light

At Northshire, 16 December 625 K.C.,
the Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Winterveil

DECREE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FOURTH EDITION OF THE CODEX OF HOURS

ALONSUS II

for perpetual memory

To the gracious bishops, priests, deacons, paladins, religious, and lay faithful,
Greetings and Archiepiscopal Blessing:

Considering the great work of the Congregation for Sacred Texts in proposing the fourth revised edition of the Codex of Hours, and considering the need of the Church to offer fitting adoration to the Light, I decree and promulgate that henceforth the fourth edition of the Codex of Hours shall be used in all the solemn offices of the Church,

all to the contrary not withstanding.

ALONSUS II
Archbishop

Given at Stormwind, on the sixteenth day of December, in the year of the King's rule, sixhundred twenty-five, the second of my Archiepiscopate, the wednesday of the seventh week of Winterveil.


(Archbishop's Seal of Approval here)