Solemnity of Mary - January 1

Scriptures and Hymns • January 1

The Solemnity of Mary

Processional Hymn 215

1. Mary the Dawn, and
   Christ the perfect Day:
   Mary the Gate and
   Christ the heav’nly Way.
2. Mary the Root, and
   Christ the mystic Vine:
   Mary the Grape, and
   Christ the sacred Wine.
3. Mary the Cornsheaf,
   Christ the living Bread:
   Mary the Rosetree,
   Christ the Rose bloodred.
4. Mary the Fount, and
   Christ the cleansing Flood:
   Mary the Chalice
   Christ the Holy Blood.
5. Mary the Temple,
   Christ the Temple’s Lord:
   Mary the Shrine and
   Christ the God, adored.
6. Mary the Beacon,
   Christ the Haven’s Rest:
   Mary the Mirror,
   Christ the Vision blest. Amen.

The Collect

O Thou most high, who are the deepest mystery, may we open our hearts to thy wisdom, that was before heaven and earth existed, thy wisdom which is the eternal virgin mother of the light. May we venerate divine motherhood in all creation and may all our actions bear the mark of thy wisdom and love. Amen.

The Epistle

The epistle is taken from the third chapter of the epistle of St Paul to the Galatians, beginning at the twenty-fourth verse.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; then an heir of God through Christ.

Special Gradual

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee:
 blessed art thou among women.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
 be it unto me according to thy word.

My soul doth magnify the Lord:
 and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For He hath regarded:
 the lowliness of His handmaiden.

For behold, from henceforth:
 all generations shall call me blessed.

For He that is mighty hath magnified me:
 and holy is His Name.

The Gospel

The holy gospel is taken from the second chapter of the Gospel according to St Luke, beginning at the eighth verse.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Offertory Hymn 216

1. Immaculate Mary, our hearts are on fire.
   That title so wondrous fills all our desire.

Refrain
Ave, ave, ave Maria,
Ave, ave, ave Maria.

2. Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing.
   You reign now in splendor with Jesus our King. Refrain
3. In heaven the blessed your glory proclaim.
   On earth, we your children invoke your sweet name. Refrain
4. We pray for the church, our true mother on earth,
   And beg you to watch o’er the land of our birth. Refrain
5. O bless us, dear Lady, with blessings from heav’n,
   And to our petitions let answers be giv’n. Refrain
6. We pray you, O Mother, may God’s will be done.
   We pray for His glory, may His kingdom come. Refrain Amen.

Recessional Hymn 217

1. Hail, holy Queen, enthron’d above, O Maria!
   Hail, Mother of mercy and of love! O Maria!

Refrain
Triumph, all ye Cherubim, Sing with us, ye Seraphim,
Heav’n and earth resound the hymn: Salve, salve, salve Regina!

2. Our life, our Sweetness here below, O Maria!
   Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria! Refrain
3. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, O Maria!
   Tow’rds us thine eyes compassionate, O Maria! Refrain
4. When this our exile is complete, O Maria!
   Show us thy Son, our Jesus sweet, O Maria! Refrain
5. O clement, gracious, Mother sweet, O Maria!
   O Virgin Mary, we entreat, O Maria! Refrain Amen.