Prayers for Various Liturgical Feasts of the Year
The life of the Church is marked by a cycle of feasts and seasons, which commemorate the mysteries of our Redemption and honour Our Lady, the Angels, and the Saints. Herein are gathered sundry prayers and devotions proper to some of these particular feasts.
The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) – February 2
On this day, we commemorate the presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple and the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also known as Candlemas, for on this day candles are blessed, symbolizing Christ, the Light of the world.
Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace: Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum: Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum: Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – March 25
This great solemnity celebrates the day the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, marking the Incarnation of the Word.
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary…
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary…
V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord – August 6
On Mount Tabor, Our Lord revealed His divine glory to His apostles Peter, James, and John, strengthening their faith for the trial of His coming Passion.
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of Thine only-begotten Son didst confirm the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of the fathers, and who didst wonderfully foreshow the perfect adoption of Thy children by a voice coming from the shining cloud: mercifully grant that we be made co-heirs of the King of glory Himself, and grant us to be partakers of that same glory. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross – September 14
This feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena and its subsequent recovery from the Persians. We honour the instrument of our salvation.
O Crux, ave, spes unica!
O hail, the Cross, our only hope! In this time of passion, increase grace for the just, and for the guilty, blot out their sins. May every spirit praise Thee, O Fount of salvation for all. Amen.
All Saints’ Day – November 1
On this day, the Church rejoices in all her children who have attained the glory of heaven, both those who are known and those who are unknown, and asks for their powerful intercession.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast granted us to venerate the merits of all Thy Saints in one solemnity, we beseech Thee, that as our intercessors are multiplied, Thou wouldst bestow on us the desired abundance of Thy mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
All Souls’ Day – November 2
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, wherein the Church prays for all those who have died in God’s grace and friendship, but are still undergoing purification in Purgatory.
De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine…
Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let Thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it? For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord. My soul hath relied on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord. From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with Him plentiful redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Contexte Historique
The Catholic liturgical year is a rich tapestry woven with feasts that celebrate the mysteries of Christ’s life, the honours of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the memory of the saints. Beyond the major seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, numerous other feasts punctuate the calendar. Each offers a unique opportunity for the faithful to deepen their devotion and draw specific graces associated with the mystery or saint being commemorated. The prayers associated with these feasts, often drawn from the ancient collects of the Mass or the Divine Office, focus the soul upon the particular spiritual lesson of the day.