Breathe on me, breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until with You I have one will,
to live and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
my soul with grace refine,
until this earthly part of me,
glows with Your fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
so I shall never die,
but live with You the perfect life
in Your eternity.
Edwin Hatch, 1835-1889, alt. Evelyn Brokish, OSF


MIDMORNING (Terce)

Antiphon: This is the good news the prophets foretold: The Savior will be born of the Virgin Mary.


Psalms of the Day


READING
Isaiah 4:2

 On that day,
The branch of the Lord will be luster and glory,
  and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor
  for the survivors of Israel.


The nations will revere your name, O Lord.
 - And the great ones of the earth will acknowledge your glory.


COLLECT
O God, Creator and Redeemer of human nature,
who willed that your Word should take flesh
in an ever-virgin womb,
look with favor on our prayers,
that your Only Begotten Son,
having taken to himself our humanity,
may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

MIDDAY (Sext)

Antiphon: The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.


Psalms of the Day


READING
Isaiah 4:3

He who remains in Zion
  and he that is left in Jerusalem
Will be called holy:
  every one marked down for life in Jerusalem.


Remember us, Lord, because of all the love you have for your people.
 - Come and bring us your salvation.


COLLECT
O God, Creator and Redeemer of human nature,
who willed that your Word should take flesh
in an ever-virgin womb,
look with favor on our prayers,
that your Only Begotten Son,
having taken to himself our humanity,
may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.


MIDAFTERNOON (Nones)

Antiphon: Mary said: My soul is deeply troubled; what can this greeting mean? Am I to give birth to my king and yet remain a virgin forever?


Psalms of the Day


READING
Isaiah 61:11

As the earth brings forth its plants,
  and a garden makes its growth spring up,
So will the Lord God make justice and praise
  spring up before all the nations.


Come, Lord, do not delay.
 - Free your people from their sinfulness.


COLLECT
O God, Creator and Redeemer of human nature,
who willed that your Word should take flesh
in an ever-virgin womb,
look with favor on our prayers,
that your Only Begotten Son,
having taken to himself our humanity,
may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.