INTROIT

Dilexisti.  Psalm 45.

Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity:
Therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
(Alleluia)
(Alleluia.)  §

My heart is inditing of a good matter:
I speak of the things which I have made unto the King.
Glory be ...
As it was ...

(Repeat to §.)

Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation: that, like as we do rejoice in the festival of blessed N. thy holy Virgin; so we may learn to follow her in all godly and devout affections.  Through.
 
 

THE LESSON

II Corinthians 10.17 – 11.2

Brethren: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
 
 
 

GRADUAL

(Psalm 45) In thy comeliness and in thy beauty go forth,
Ride prosperously and reign.
Because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness:
And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
Alleluia,
Alleluia.
The virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company:
They shall be brought unto thee with joy and gladness.
All:        Alleluia.

After Septuagesima, instead of the Alleluia, and verse following, is said:
 

TRACT

(Psalm 45) Hearken, O daughter, and consider, incline thine ear:
So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty.
The rich among the people shall make their supplication before thee:
King's daughters are among thy honorable women.
The Virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company:
They shall be brought unto thee.
With joy and gladness will they be brought:
And shall enter into the King's palace.
 

In Eastertide, instead of the Gradual, is said:
 

ALLELUIA

Alleluia,
Alleluia.
The Virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company:
They shall be brought unto thee with joy and gladness.  Alleluia.
(Psalm 45) In thy comeliness and in thy beauty go forth,
Ride prosperously and reign.
All:       Alleluia.
 
 
 

THE GOSPEL

St. Matthew 25.1 – 13

At that time: Jesus spake this parable unto his disciples: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour
.
 
 
 
 

OFFERTORY  Psalm 45

Kings' daughters were among thine honorable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, wrought about with divers colors.  (Alleluia.)
 

SECRET

Grant, O Lord, we pray thee, that like as we thy faithful people do acknowledge that in time of our tribulation we have been succoured by the merits of thy Saints: so this oblation, which we here do offer and present unto thee in their honor, may be acceptable in thy sight.  Through.
 
 

COMMUNION  St. Matthew 25

The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with their lamps: and at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet Christ the Lord  (alleluia).
 
 

POSTCOMMUNION

O Lord, who hast vouchsafed to feed us thy household with thy heavenly gifts: mercifully grant that we, who celebrate the feast of blessed N., thy Virgin, may at all times be comforted by her intercession.  Through.
 
 

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