Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Introit
Isaiah 7:14; Psalm 97:1
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel. Ps. O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvellous things. ℣. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
God, who wast pleased that, at the message of an angel, Thy word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary; grant to us Thy suppliants that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God may be aided by her intercession with Thee. Through the same Lord.
Epistle
Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31
As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour, and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits; for my spirit is sweet above honey, and mine inheritance above honey and the honey-comb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger; and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me shall not be confounded, and they that work for me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting.
Gradual
Isaiah 11:1-2
There shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him.
Alleluia
Allelulia, alleluia. ℣. O Virgin Mother of God, He Whom the whole world cannot contain, enclosed Himself in thy womb, and became man. Allelulia.
Gospel
Luke 2:43-51
At that time: When they returned the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and His parents knew it not. And thinking that He was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass that after three days they found Him sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His wisdom and His answers. And seeing Him they wondered. And His Mother said to Him: Son, why hast Thou done so to us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing. And He said to them: How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business? And they understood not a word that He spoke unto them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them.
Offertory
Matthew 1:18
When Mary the Mother of Jesus was espoused to Joseph, she was found to be with child, of the Holy Ghost.
Secret
By Thy gracious mercy, O Lord, and the intercession of blessed Mary every Virgin, Mother of Thine only-begotten Son, may this offering be of avail to us for welfare and peace now and for evermore. Through the same Our Lord.
Communion
Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the eternal Father.
Postcommunion
May this communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt; and through the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, make us sharers of the heavenly remedy. Through the same our Lord.