Holy Saturday

THE PASCHAL VIGIL

This Solemn Liturgy is made of many parts. The first part is the blessing of the new fire;
the second, the blessing of the Paschal candle; the third, the procession of the Paschal
candle; fourth, the singing of the Paschal proclamation - the Exsultet; the fifth, the read-
ings; the sixth, the litany; seventh, the blessing of the baptismal water; the eighth, the
renewal of baptismal promises; the ninth, the conclusion of the litany; and the tenth, the
Mass.

FIRST PART: The Blessing of the New Fire

At the appointed hour, the altar is prepared, but candles are not lit until the beginning of
Mass. Meanwhile, fire is struck from a flint, and coals are enkindled from it. The celebrant
vests in amice, alb, cincture, stole, and violet cope; the ministers vest in amice, alb, and cinc-
ture. The deacon vests in stole and dalmatic, the subdeacon vests in tunic of the same color.
The ministers, with processional cross, holy water, and incense proceed to the doors, whether
outside or in the entry to the church, whichever allows the greatest number of people to follow
the Sacred Rites. The celebrant then blesses the new fire with hands joined:

℣. Dominus vobiscum. ℣. The Lord be with you.

℟. Et cum spiritu tuo. ℟. And with thy spirit.

Oremus. Let us pray.

DEUS, qui per Filium tuum, angula- O God, Who hast bestowed on the faithful
rem scilicet lapidem, claritatis tuæ the fire of Thy brightness by Thy Son,
ignem fidelibus contulisti: produc- Who is the Cornerstone, hallow † this new
tum e silice, nostris profuturum usi- fire produced from a flint that it may be
bus, novum hanc ignem san†ctifica: profitable to us: and grant that during this
et concede nobis, ita per hæc festa
paschalia cælestibus desideriis in- Paschal festival we may be so inflamed
flammari; ut ad perpetuæ claritatis, with heavenly desires, that with pure
puris mentibus, valeamus festa per- minds we may come to the solemnity of
tingere. Per eumdem Christum Do- perpetual light. Through the same Christ
minum nostrum. ℟. Amen. our Lord. ℟. Amen.
Then he sprinkles the fire thrice, in silence. An acolyte takes a blessed coal and places it in
the thurible; the celebrant then puts incense in the thurible, blessing it as usual, then he in-
censes the fire thrice.
 SECOND PART: The Blessing of the Paschal Candle
An acolyte carries the paschal candle to the blessed new fire and stands in front of the celebrant,
who inscribes a cross between the openings into which grains of incense will be placed. Above
the cross, he inscribes the Greek letter Alpha, and under the cross, he inscribes the Greek letter
Omega. Between the arms of the cross, he inscribes the four numbers of the current year, while
saying in an audible voice:
Christus heri et hoddie. Christ yesterday and today.
Principium et Finis. The Beginning and End.
Alpha. Alpha.
et Omega. and Omega.
Ipsius sunt tempora. His are the times.
et sæcula. and the ages.
Ipsi gloria et imperium. To Him be glory and empire.
per universa æternitatis sæcula. through all eternal ages. Amen.
Amen.
Five grains of incense are blessed and incensed in silence. Then the grains are inserted into the
holes made for them, while the celebrant says audibly:
Per sua sancta vulnera Through His wounds holy
gloriosa and glorious
custodiat guard
et consevet nos and preserve us
Christus Dominus. Amen. Christ our Lord. Amen.
A taper, lighted at the new fire, is used to light the Paschal candle while the celebrant says:
LUMEN Christi gloriose resurgentis, May the light of Christ, gloriously risen,
Dissipet tenebras cordis et mentis. dispel the darkness of the heart and mind.

The final blessing prayer is then said:

℣. Dominus vobiscum. ℣. The Lord be with you.
℟. Et cum spiritu tuo. ℟. And with thy spirit.
Oremus. Let us pray.
VENIAT, quæsumus, omnipotens May the abundant outpouring of Thy †
Deus, super hunc incensum cereum blessing, we beseech Thee, almighty God,
larga tuæ bene † dictionis infusio: et descend upon this incense: and do Thou,
hunc nocturnum splendorem invisi- O invisible Regenerator, lighten this noc-
bilis regenerator intende; ut non turnal brightness, that not only the sacri-
solum sacrificium, quod hac nocte
litatum est, arcana luminis tui ad- fice that is offered this night may shine by
mixtione refulgeat; sed in quocum- the secret mixture of Thy light: but also
que loco ex hujus sanctificationis into whatever place anything of this myste-
mysterio aliquid fuerit deportatum, rious sanctification shall be brought, there
expulsa diabolicæ fraudis nequitia, the power of Thy Majesty may be present
virtus tuæ majestatis assistat. Per and all the malicious artifices of Satan may
Christum Dominum nostrum. ℟. be defeated. Through Christ our Lord. ℟.
Amen. Amen.
Meanwhile, all the lights in the church are put out. The clerics and people are given candles,
which will be carried in procession and lit from the Paschal candle.
2.
 THIRD PART: The Procession with the Paschal Candle
The celebrant again puts incense into the thurible. The procession is made in the following
order: thurifer, subdeacon with cross, deacon with lit Paschal candle, celebrant, clerics according
to their rank and precedence, then the people. When the deacon comes to the threshold of the
Church, he stands and sings alone:
Lumen Christi. The light of Christ.
At which all genuflect towards the Candle and reply:
℟. Deo gratias. ℟. Thanks be to God.
The procession proceeds to the middle of the church, where the deacon sings in the same mode on
a higher pitch:
Lumen Christi. The light of Christ.
At which all again genuflect towards the Candle and reply:
℟. Deo gratias. ℟. Thanks be to God.
The procession continues to the front of the altar, in the middle of the sanctuary, and again the
verse is sung on a higher pitch:
Lumen Christi. The light of Christ.
At which all again genuflect towards the Candle and reply:
℟. Deo gratias. ℟. Thanks be to God.
The people's candles are then lit from the Paschal candle.

FOURTH PART: The Singing of the Paschal Proclamation

- the Exsultet
The ministers take their places in the sanctuary. The deacon fixes the Candle in a stand, he
receives a blessing from the celebrant, and then he sings the Exsultet. All stand. All hold lit
candles in their hands until the end of this Paschal proclamation.

EXSULTET jam angelica turba cælo- Let the angelic choirs of Heaven now re-
rum: exsultent divina mysteria: et pro joice; let the divine Mysteries rejoice; and
tanti Regis victoria, tuba insonet let the trumpet of salvation sound forth
salutaris. Gaudeat et tellus tantis the victory of so great a King. Let the
irradiata fulgoribus: et æterni Regis earth also rejoice, made radiant by such
splendore illustrata, totius orbis se
sentiat amisisse caliginem. Lætetur et splendor; and, enlightened with the bright-
mater Ecclesia, tanti luminis ador- ness of the eternal King, let it know that
nata fulgoribus: et magnis populo- the darkness of the whole world is scat-
rum vocibus hæc aula resultet. tered. Let our mother the Church also re-
Quapropter adstantes vos, fratres joice, adorned with the brightness of so
carissimi, ad tam miram hujus Sancti great a light; and let this temple resound
luminis claritatem, una mecum, with the loud acclamations of the people.
quæso, Dei omnipotentis miseri- Wherefore I beseech you, most beloved
cordiam invocate. Ut qui me non brethren, who are here present in the won-
meis meritis intra levitarum nume-
3.
rum dignatus est aggregare: luminis drous brightness of this holy light, to in-
sui claritatem infundens, cerei hujus voke with me the mercy of almighty God.
laudem implere perficiat. Per Domi- That He who has vouchsafed to admit me
num nostrum. Amen. among the Levites, without any merits of
mine, would pour forth the brightness of
His light upon me, and enable me to per-
fect the praise of this wax candle. Through
our Lord. Amen.
℣. Dominus vobiscum. ℣. The Lord be with you.
℟. Et cum spiritu tuo. ℟. And with thy spirit.
℣. Sursum corda. ℣. Lift up your hearts.
℟. Habemus ad Dominum. ℟. We have lifted them up to the Lord.
℣. Gratias agamus Domino Deo ℣. Let us give thanks to the Lord our
nostro. God.
℟. Dignum et justum est. ℟. It is meet and just.
VERE dignum et justum est, invisi- It is truly meet and right to proclaim with
bilem Deum Patrem omnipotentem, all our heart and all the affection of our
Filiumque ejus unigenitum, Domi- mind, and with the ministry of our voices,
num nostrum Jesum Christum, toto the invisible God, the Father almighty, and
cordis ac mentis affectu, et vocis His only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus
ministerio personare. Qui pro nobis
æterno Patri, Adæ debitum solvit: et Christ, who repaid for us to His eternal
veteris piaculi cautionem pio cruore Father the debt of Adam, and by the mer-
detersit. Hæc sunt enim festa pas- ciful shedding of His Blood, cancelled the
chalia, in quibus verus ille Agnus debt incurred by original sin. For this is the
occiditur, cujus sanguine postes Paschal Festival; in which that true Lamb
fidelium consecrantur. is slain, with Whose Blood the doorposts
of the faithful are consecrated.
Hæc nox est, in qua primum patres This is the night in which Thou didst for-
nostros filios Isræl eductos de Ae- merly cause our forefathers, the children
gypto, mare Rubrum sicco vestigio
transire fecisti. Hæc igitur nox est,
of Israel, when brought out of Egypt, to
quæ peccatorum tenebras, columnæ pass through the Red Sea with dry foot.
illuminatione purgavit. Hæc nox est, This, therefore, is the night which dissi-
quæ hodie per universum mundum, pated the darkness of sinners by the light
in Christo credentes, a vitiis sæculi, of the pillar. This is the night which at this
et caligine peccatorum segregatos, time throughout the world restores to
reddit gratiæ, sociat sanctitati. Hæc grace and unites in sanctity those that be-
nox est, in qua destructus vinculis lieve in Christ, and are separated from the
mortis, Christus ab inferis victor vices of the world and the darkness of
ascendit. Nihil enim nobis nasci sinners. This is the night in which, destroy-
profuit, nisi redimi profuisset.
ing the chains of death, Christ arose victo-
rious from the grave. For it would have
profited us nothing to have been born,
unless redemption had also been bestowed
upon us.

4.
ET valde mane una sabbatorum, And very early in the morning, the first O mira circa nos tuæ pietatis digna- O wondrous condescension of Thy mercy
veniunt ad monumentum, orto jam day of the week, they came to the sepul- tio! O inæstimabilis dilectio caritatis: towards us! O inestimable affection of
sole, alleluia. chre, the sun being now risen, alleluia. ut servum redimeres, Filium love: that Thou mightest redeem a slave,
tradidisti! O certe necessarium Adæ Thou didst deliver up Thy Son! O truly
PRAYER OF LAUDS AND peccatum, quod Christi morte de-
POSTCOMMUNION needful sin of Adam, which was blotted
letum est! O felix culpa, quæ talem
ac tantum meruit habere Redemp- out by the death of Christ! O happy fault,
SPIRITUM nobis, Domine, tuæ cari- Pour forth upon us, O Lord, the spirit of
tatis infunde: ut, quos sacramentis torem! O vere beata nox, quæ sola that merited to possess such and so great a
Thy love: that those whose hunger Thou
Paschalibus satiasti tua facias pietate meruit scire tempus et horam, in Redeemer! O truly blessed night, which
hast satisfied with the Sacraments of
concordes. Per Dominum. qua Christus ab inferis resurrexit! alone deserved to know the time and hour
Easter may in Thy kindness be one in
Hæc nox est, de qua scriptum est: when Christ rose again from hell! This is
heart. Through our Lord. Et nox sicut dies illuminabitur: et the night of which it is written: And the
nox illuminatio mea in deliciis meis. night shall be as clear as the day; and the
The Mass concludes with the Alleluias added to the Ite, missa est and Deo gratias. Hujus igitur sanctificatio noctis fu-
The Blessing is given but the Last Gospel is omitted. night is my light in my delights. Therefore
gat scelera, culpas lavat: et reddit the hallowing of this night puts to flight all
innocentiam lapsis, et mœstis læti-
tiam. Fugat odia, concordiam parat,
wickedness, cleanses sins, and restores
et curvat imperia. innocence to the fallen, and gladness to the
sorrowful. It drives forth hatreds, it pre-
pares concord, and brings down haughti-
ness.
In hujus igitur noctis gratia, suscipe, Wherefore, in this sacred night, receive, O
sancte Pater, incensi hujus sacrifi- holy Father, the evening sacrifice of this
cium vespertinum: quod tibi in hac incense, which holy Church renders to
cerei oblatione solemni, per minis- Thee by the hands of Thy ministers in the
trorum manus de operibus apum, solemn offering of this wax candle, made
sacrosancta reddit Ecclesia. Sed jam
columnæ hujus præconia novimus, out the work of bees. Now also we know
quam in honorem Dei rutilans ignis the praises of this pillar, which the shining
accendit. Qui licet sit divisus in fire enkindles to the honor of God. Which
partes, mutuati tamen luminis detri- fire, although divided into parts, suffers no
menta non novit. Alitur enim li- loss from its light being borrowed. For it is
quantibus ceris, quas in substantiam nourished by the melting wax, which the
pretiosæ hujus lampadis, apis mater mother bee produced for the substance of
eduxit. O vere beata nox, quæ ex- this precious light. O truly blessed night,
spoiliavit Aegyptios, ditavit He- which plundered the Egyptians and en-
bræos! Nox, in qua terrenis cælestia,
humanis divina junguntur. riched the Hebrews! A night in which
heavenly things are united to those of
earth, and things divine to those which are
of man.
Oramus ergo te, Domine: ut Cereus We beseech Thee, therefore, O Lord, that
iste in honorem tui nominis conse- this wax candle hallowed in honor of Thy
cratus, ad noctis hujus caliginem Name, may continue to burn to dissipate
destruendam, indeficiens perseveret. the darkness of this night. And being ac-
Et in odorem suavitatis acceptus, cepted as a sweet savor, may be united
supernis luminaribus misceatur.
Flammas ejus lucifer matutinus in- with the heavenly lights. Let the morning
veniat. Ille, inquam, lucifer, qui ne- star find its flame alight. That star, I mean,
scit occasum. Ille, qui regressus ab which knows no setting. He Who return-
inferis, humano generi serenus il- ing from hell, serenely shone forth upon
luxit. mankind.
28. 5.
Precamur ergo te, Domine: ut nos We beseech Thee therefore, O Lord, that Mark 16.2 ANTIPHON
famulos tuos, omnemque clerum, et Thou wouldst grant peaceful times during
devotissimum populum: una cum this Paschal Festival, and vouchsafe to
beatissimo Papa nostro N. et Antis- rule, govern, and keep with Thy constant
tite nostro N. quiete temporum protection us Thy servants, and all the
concessa, in his paschalibus gaudiis,
assidua protectione regere, guber- clergy, and the devout people, together
nare, et conservare digneris. Respice with our most holy Father, Pope N., and
etiam ad eos, qui nos in potestate our Bishop N. Have regard, also, for those
regunt, et, ineffabili pietatis et who reign over us, and, grant them Thine
misericordiæ tuæ munere, dirige ineffable kindness and mercy, direct their ET valde mane una sabbatorum, And very early in the morning, the first day
cogitationes eorum ad justitiam et thoughts in justice and peace, that from veniunt ad monumentum, orto jam of the week, they came to the sepulchre,
pacem, ut de terrena operositate ad their earthy toil, they may come to their sole, alleluia. the sun being now risen, alleluia.
cælestem patriam perveniant cum heavenly reward with all Thy people.
omni populo tuo. Per Christum Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, CANTICLE OF ZACHARY
Filium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et
regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti
our Lord, who with Thee liveth and reig- 1. BENEDICTUS Dominus, Deus Is- 1. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: * be-
neth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God: ræl, * quia visitavit et redemit cause He hath visited and wrought the
Deus: Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. redemption of His people.
℟. Amen. World without end. ℟. Amen. populum suum
2. Et erexit cornu salutis nobis * in 2. And hath raised up a horn of salvation to
FIFTH PART: The Readings domo David pueri sui. us, * in the house of David His servant.
3. Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, 3. As He spoke by the mouth of His holy
At the end of the Exsultet, all sit to listen to the readings, standing only for the prayer which * qui a sæculo sunt, prophatarum prophets, * who are from the beginning.
follows each reading. At each Flectamus genua remain on both knees awhile until the deacon ejus:
says Levate. The lectors stand facing the Paschal Candle. 4. Salutem ex inimicis nostris, * et de 4. Salvation from our enemies * and from
Genesis 1. 1-31; 2. 1-2 THE FIRST LESSON manu omnium qui oderunt nos, the hand of all that hate us.
IN principio creavit Deus cælum et In the beginning, God created heaven and 5. Ad faciendam misericordiam cum 5. To perform mercy to our fathers * and to
terram. Terra autem erat inanis et earth. And the earth was void and empty, patribus nostris: * et memorari remember His holy testament.
vacua, et tenebræ erant super faciem and darkness was upon the face of the testamenti sui sancti
abyssi: et Spiritus Dei ferebatur su- 6. Jusjurandum, quod juravit ad Abra- 6. The oath, which He swore to Abraham
deep: and the Spirit of God moved over our father, * that He would grant to us,
per aquas. Dixitque Deus: Fiat lux. ham patrem nostrum, * daturum
Et facta est lux. Et vidit Deus lucem the water. And God said: Be light made. se nobis, have mercy on us.
quod esset bona: et divisit lucem a And light was made. And God saw the 7. Ut sine timore, de manu inimi- 7. That, being delivered from the hand of
tenebris. Appellavitque lucem Diem, light that it was good: and He divided the corum nostrorum liberati, * ser- our enemies, * we may serve Him without
et tenebras Noctem: factumque est light from the darkness. And He called the viamus illi, fear, have mercy on us.
vespere et mane, dies unus. Dixit light Day, and the darkness Night: and 8. In sanctitate et justitia coram ipso, 8. In holiness and justice before Him * all
quoque Deus: Fiat firmamentum in there was evening and morning, one day. * omnibus diebus nostris. our days.
medio aquarum: et dividat aquas ab And God said: Let there be a firmament 9. Et tu, puer, propheta Altissimi 9. And thou, child, shall be called the
aquis. Et fecit Deus firmamentum, made amidst the waters: and let it divide vocaberis: * præibis enim ante prophet of the Highest: * for thou shalt
divisitque aquas quæ erant sub fir- faciem Domini parare vias ejus, go before the face of the Lord to prepare
the waters from the waters. And God His ways, have mercy on us.
mamento, ab his quæ erant super
firmentum. Et factum est ita. Vo-
made a firmament, and divided the waters 10. Ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi 10. To give knowledge of salvation to His
cavitque Deus firmamentum Cæ- that were under the firmament from those ejus, * in remissionem peccato- people * unto the remission of their sins.
lum: et factum est vespere et mane, that were above the firmament. And it was rum eorum,
dies secundus. so. And God called the firmament Heaven: 11. Per viscera misericordiæ Dei nos- 11. Through the bowels of the mercy of our
and the evening and morning were the tri: * in quibus visitavit nos, oriens God, * in which the Orient from on high
second day. ex alto, hath visited us, have mercy on us.
Dixit vero Deus: Congregentur God also said: Let the waters that are un- 12. Illuminare his qui in tenebris et in 12. To enlighten them that sit in darkness
aquæ, quæ sub cælo sunt, in locum der the heaven be gathered together into umbra mortis sedent: * ad dirigen- and in the shadow of death, * to direct
unum: et appareat arida. Et factum dos pedes nostros in viam pacis. our feet into the way of peace.
one place; and let the dry land appear. And
est ita. Et vocavit Deus aridam, Ter- it was so done. And God called the dry
ram, congregationisque aquarum Gloria Patri. Sicut erat. Glory be to the Father. As it was.
land Earth: and the gathering together of
6. 27.
 SOLEMN LAUDS OF EASTER DAY appellavit Maria. Et vidit Deus quod the waters He called Seas. And God saw
As soon as ablutions are completed, the choir and faithful begin Solemn Lauds by singing the esset bonum. Et ait: Germinet terra that it was good. And He said: Let the
following Alleluia: herbam virentem, et facientem se- earth bring forth his green herb, after its
men, et lignum pomiferum faciens kind, which may have seed in itself upon
fructum juxta genus suum, cujus
semen in semetipso sit super terram. the earth. And it was so done. And the
Et factum est ita. Et protulit terra earth brought forth the green herb, and
herbam virentem, et facientem se- such as tieldeth seed according to its kind.
men juxta genus suum, lignumque And God saw that it was good. And the
faciens fructum, et habens unum- evening and morning were the third day.
quodque sementem secundum spe- And God said: Let there be lights made in
ciem suam. Et vidit Deus quod esset the firmament of heaven to divide the day
bonum. Et factum est vespere et and the night, and let them be for signs,
mane, dies tertius. Dixit autem and for seasons, and for days and years.: to
Deus: Fiant luminaria in firmament-
to cæli, et dividant diem ac noctem,
shine in the firmament of heaven. and to
et sint in signa et tempora, et dies et give light to the earth. And it was so done.
annos: ut luceant in firmamento And God made two great lights: a greater
caeli et luminent terram. Et factum light to rule the day; and a lesser light to
est ita. Fecitque Deus duo luminaria rule the night: and the stars. And He set
1. LAUDATE Dominum in sanctis 1. Praise ye the Lord in His holy places: * magna: luminare majus, ut præesset them in the firmament of heaven, to shine
ejus * laudate eum in firmamento praise ye Him in the firmament of His diei, et luminare minus, ut præsset upon the earth, and to rule the day and the
virtutis ejus. power. nocti: et stellas. Et posuit eas in
2. Praise ye Him for His mighty acts: * praise night, and to divide the earth, and to rule
2. Laudate eum in virtutibus ejus, * firmamento cæli, ut lucerent super
laudate eum secundum multitudi- ye Him according to the multitude of His the day and the night, and to divide the
terram, et præessent diei ac nocti, et light and the darkness. And God saw that
nem magnitudinis ejus. greatness. dividerent lucem ac tenebras. Et
3. Laudate eum in sono tubæ, * 3. Praise Him with sound of trumpets: * vidit Deus quod esset bonum. Et it was good. And the evening and morning
laudate eum in psalterio, et cith- praise Him with psaltery and harp. factum est vespere et mane, dies were the fourth day.
ara. quartus. God also said: Let het waters bring forth
4. Laudate eum in tympano, et 4. Praise Him with timbrel and choir: * praise Dixit etiam Deus: Producant aquæ the creeping creature having life, and the
choro: * laudate eum in chordis et Him with strings and organs. reptile animæ viventis, et volatile su- fowl that may fly over the earth under the
organo. per terram sub firmamento cæli. firmament of heaven. And God created
5. Laudate eum in cymbalis beneso- 5. Praise Him on high sounding cymbals: Creavitque Deus cete grandia, et
praise Him on cymbals of joy. * Let every the great whales, and every living thing and
nantibus: * laudate eum in cym- omnem animam viventem atque
balis jubilationis: * omnes spiritus spirit praise the Lord. moving creature which the waters brought
motabilem, quam produxerant aquæ forth, according to their kinds, and every
laudet Dominum. in species suas, et omne volatile
Gloria Patri. Sicut erat. Glory be to the Father. As it was. secundum genus suum. Et vidit winged fowl according to its kind. And
Deus quod esset bonum. Bene- God saw that it was good. And He blessed
dixitque eis, dicens: Crescite, et mul- them, saying: Increase and multiply, and
tiplicamini, et replete aquas maris: fill the waters of the sea: and let the birds
avesque multiplicentur super terram. be multiplied upon the earth. And the eve-
Et factum est vespere et mane, dies ning and the morning were the fifth day.
quintus. Dixit quoque Deus: Produ- And God said: Let the earth bring forth
cat terra animam viventem in genere the living creature in its kind, cattle, and
Immediately, the Celebrant intones the Antiphon for the Benedictus. suo: jumenta, et reptilia, et bestias creeping things, and beasts of the earth
terræ secundum species suas. Fac-
tumque est ita. Et fecit Deus bestias according to their kinds. And it was so
terrae juxta species suas, et jumenta, done. And God made the beasts of the
et omne reptile terrae in genere suo. earth according to their kinds, and cattle,
Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum, et and every thing and every thing that
ait: Faciamus hominem ad imag- creepeth on the earth after its kind. And
inem et similitudinem nostram: et God saw that it was good.
26. 7.
præsit piscibus maris, et volatilibus And He said: Let us make man to His own PREFACE FOR EASTER
cæli, et bestiis, universæque terræ, image and likeness: and let him have do-
omnique reptili quod movetur in VERE dignum et justum est, æquum It is truly meet and just, right and availing
minion over the fishes of the sea, and the et salutáre: Te quidem, Dómine, unto salvation, that at all times, but more
terra. fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the
Et creavit Deus hominem ad imag- omni témpore, sed in hac potíssi- especially on this day we should extol Thy
whole earth, and every creeping creature mum die gloriósius prædicáre, cum glory, O Lord, when Christ our Pasch was
inem suam: ad imaginem Dei creavit
illum, masculum et feminam creavit that moveth upon the earth. And God Pascha nostrum immolátus est sacrificed. For He is the true Lamb that
eos. Benedixitque illis Deus, et ait: created man to His own image: to the im- Christus. Ipse enim verus est Agnus,
hath taken away the sins of the world.
Crescite et multiplicamini, et replete age of God He created him, male and fe- qui ábstulit peccáta mundi. Qui mor-
tem nostram moriéndo destrúxit, et Who by dying hath overcome our death,
terram, et subjicite eam, et domi- male He created them. And God blessed and by rising again hath restored our life.
namini piscibus maris, et volatilibus them, saying: Increase and multiply, and vitam resurgéndo reparávit. Et ídeo
cum Angelis et Archángelis, cum And therefore with Angels and Archan-
cæli, et universis animantibus, quæ fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over
moventur super terram. Dixitque Thronis et Dominatiónibus, cumque gels, with Thrones and Dominations, and
the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the omni milítia cæléstis exércitus, hym- with all the heavenly hosts, we sing a hymn
Deus: Ecce dedi vobis omnem her- air, and all living creatures that move upon
bam afferentem semen super ter- num glóriæ tuæ cánimus, sine fine to Thy glory, saying without ceasing:
the earth. And God said: Behold, I have dicéntes:
ram, et universa ligna quæ habent in
semetipsis sementum generis sui, ut
given you every herb-bearing seed upon
sint vobis in escam: et cunctis ani- the earth, and all trees that have in them-
mantibus terræ, omnique volucri selves seed of their own kind to be your
cæli, et universis, quæ moventur in meat: and to all the beasts of the earth, and
terra, et in quibus est anima vivens, to every fowl of the air, and to all that
ut habeant ad vescendum. Et fac- move upon the earth, and wherein there is
tum est ita. Viditque Deus cuncta life, that they may have to feed upon. And
quæ fecerat: et erant valde bona. Et it was so done. And God saw all the things
factum est vespere et mane, dies that He had made, and they were very
sextus. Igitur perfecti sunt cæli et good. And the evening and morning were
terra, et omnis ornatus eorum.
Complevitque Deus die septimo the sixth day. So the heavens and the earth
opus suum quod fecerat: et requievit were finished, and all the furniture of
die septimo ab universo opere quod them. And on the seventh day God ended
patrarat. His work which He had made: and He
rested on the seventh day from all His
work which He had done.
Oremus. Let us pray. COMMUNICANTES: In communion with, and keeping the most holy day of the Resurrection
Flectamus genua. Let us kneel down. of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh; venerating also in the first place the
Levate. Arise. memory of the glorious ever Virgin Mary ...
HANC IGITUR: We therefore beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation of our service, as
DEUS, qui mirabiliter creasti ho- O God, who hast wonderfully created also of Thy whole family, which we make unto Thee on behalf of these whom Thou hast vouchsafed
minem, et mirabilius redemisti: da man, and more wonderfully restored him: to bring to a new birth by water and the Holy Ghost, granting them remission of all their sins: and
nobis, quæsumus, contra oblecta- grant us, we beseech Thee, to stand firm to dispose our days ...
menta peccati, mentis ratione persis- with strong minds against the allurements
tere; ut mereamur ad æterna gaudia of sin, that we may deserve to arrive at
pervenire. Per Dominum. The Agnus Dei, the first three communion prayers and the Kiss of Peace are all omitted.
everlasting joys. Through our Lord.

8.
25.
 After the Epistle, all rise and the celebrant intones three times:
Exodus 14. 24-31; 15. 1 THE SECOND LESSON
Ps. 117. 1; 116. 1-2 PASCHAL ALLELUIA
IN diebus illis: Factum est in vigilia In those days, it came to pass in the morn-
matutina, et ecce respiciens Domi- ing watch, and behold the Lord looking
nus super castra Aegyptiorum per upon the Egyptian army through the pillar
columnam ignis et nubis, interfecit of fire, and of the cloud, slew their host:
exercitum eorum: et subvertit rotas and overthrew the wheels of the chariots,
curruum, ferebanturque in profun-
The choir repeats the Alleluia. The celebrant and choir repeat the Alleluia twice more, each dum. Dixerunt ergo Aegyptii: Fugia- and they were carried into the deep. And
time at a higher tone. Then the choir continues: the Egyptians said: Let us flee from Israel:
mus Isrælem: Dominus enim pugnat
CONFITEMINI Domino, quoniam Give praise to the Lord for He is good: for pro eis contra nos. Et ait Dominus for the Lord fighteth for them against us.
bonus: quoniam in sæculum miseri- His mercy endureth forever. ℣. O praise ad Moysen: Extende manum tuam And the Lord said to Moses: Stretch forth
cordia ejus. ℣. Laudate Dominum the Lord, all ye nations, and praise Him all super mare, ut revertantur aquæ ad thy hand over the sea, that the waters may
omnes gentes: et collaudate eum, Aegyptios super currus et equites com again upon the Egyptians, upon their
ye people. For His mercy is confirmed eorum. Cumque extendisset Moyses
omnes populi. Quoniam confirmata upon us: and the truth of the Lord re- chariots and horsemen. And when Moses
est super nos misericordia ejus: et manum contra mare, reversum est had stretched forth his hand towards the
veritas Domini manet in æternum. maineth forever. primo diluculo ad priorem locum: sea, it returned at the first break of day to
fugientibusque Aegyptiis occurre-
Matthew 28. 1-7 GOSPEL runt aquæ, et involvit eos Dominus
the former place: and as the Egyptians
in mediis fluctibus. Reversæque sunt were fleeing away the waters came upon
VESPERE autem sabbati, quæ lucescit And in the end of the Sabbath, when it them, and the Lord shut them up in the
in prima sabbati, venit Maria Magda- aquæ, et operuerunt currus et equi-
began to dawn toward the first day of the tes cuncti exercitus Pharaonis, qui middle of the waves. And the waters re-
lene, et altera Maria videre sepul- week, came Mary Magdalen and the other turned, and covered the chariots and the
chrum. Et ecce terræmotus factus est sequentes ingressi fuerant mare: nec
Mary to see the sepulchre. And behold unus quidem superfuit ex eis. Filii horsemen of all the army of Pharao, who
magnus. Angelus enim Domini de- there was a great earthquake. For an Angel
scendit de cœlo: et accedens revolvit autem Isræl perrexerunt per me- had come into the sea after them: neither
lapidem, et sedebat super eum: erat of the Lord descended from heaven, and dium sicci maris, et aquæ eis erant did there so much as one of them remain.
autem aspectus ejus sicut fulgur: et coming, rolled back the stone and sat upon quasi pro muro a dextris et a sinis- But the children of Israel marched through
vestimentum ejus sicut nix. Præ it: and his countenance was as lightening tris: liberavitque Dominus in die illa the midst of the sea upon dry land, and the
timore autem ejus exterriti sunt custo- and his raiment as snow. And for fear of Isræl de manu Aegyptiorum. Et
viderunt Aegyptios mortuos super waters were to them as a wall on the right
des, et factu sunt velut mortui. Re- him the guards were struck with terror and hand and the left: and the Lord delivered
spondens autem Angelus, dixit mu- littus maris, et manum magnam.
became as dead men. And the Angel an- quam exercuerat Dominus contra Israel on that day out of the hand of the
lieribus: Nolite timere vos: scio enim, swering, said to the women: Fear not you: Egyptians. And they saw the Egyptians
quod Jesum, qui crucifixus est, quæri- eos: timuitque populus Dominum,
for I know that you seek Jesus who was et crediderunt Domino, et Moysi dead upon the sea shore, and the mighty
tis: non est hic: surrexit enim, sicut crucified: He is not here: for His is risen,
dixit. Venite, et videte locum, ubi po- servo ejus. Tunc cecinit Moyses, et hand of the Lord had used against them:
situs erat Dominus. Et cito euntes
as He said. Come and see the place where filii Isræl carmen hoc Domino, et and the people feared the Lord, and they
dicite discipulis ejus, quia surrexit et the Lord was laid. And going quickly, tell dixerunt: believed the Lord, and Moses His servant.
ecce præcedit vos in Galilæam: ibi ye His disciples that He is risen: and be- Then Moses and the children of Israel
eum videbitis. Ecce prædixi vobis. hold He will go before you into Galilee: sung this canticle to the Lord, and said:
there you shall see Him. Lo, I have fore-
told it to you. Exodus 15. 1-2 CANTICLE
The creed is not said, nor the Offertory. CANTEMUS Domino: gloriose enim Let us sing to the Lord, for He is glori-
SECRET honorificatus est: equum et ascen- ously honored: the horse and the rider He
SUSPICE, quæsumus, Domine, pre- Accept, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the sorum projecit in mare: adjutor, et hath thrown into the sea: He has become
ces populi tui, cum oblationibus prayers of Thy people together with the protector factus est mihi in salutem. my Helper and Protector unto salvation. ℣.
hostiarum: ut paschalibus initiata ℣. Hic Deus meus, et honorificabo He is my God, and I will honor Him: the
sacrifice they offer: that what has begun by eum: Deus patris mei, et exaltabo
mysteriis, ad æternitatis nobis mede- the Paschal Mysteries, may by Thine ar- God of my father, and I will extol Him. ℣.
lam, te operante, proficiant. Per eum. ℣. Dominus conterens bella:
rangement result in our eternal healing. Dominus nomen est illi. He is the Lord that destroys wars: the Lord
Dominum nostrum. Amen. is His Name.
Through our Lord. Amen.

24.
9.
Oremus. Let us pray.
Flectamus genua. Let us kneel down.
Levate. Arise.
DEUS, cujus antiqua miracula etiam O God, Whose ancient miracles we see
nostris sæculis coruscare sentimus: shining also in our days, whilst by the wa-
dum quod uni populo, a persecu- ter of regeneration Thou dost operate for
tione Aegyptiaca liberando, dexteræ the salvation of the Gentiles, that which by
tuæ potentia contulisti, id in salutem the power of Thy right hand Thou didst
gentium per aquam regenerationis
operaris: præsta; ut in Abrahæ filios, confer upon one people, by delivering
et in Isræliticam dignitatem, totius them from the Egyptian persecution: grant
mundi transeat plenitudo. Per that all the nations of the world may be-
Dominum nostrum. Amen. come the children of Abraham, and par-
take of the dignity of the people of Israel.
Through our Lord. Amen.

Isaias 4. 2-6 THE THIRD LESSON

IN die illa erit germen Domini in In that day the bud of the Lord shall be in
magnificentia, et gloria, et fructus magnificence and glory, and the fruit of
terræ sublimis, et exultatio his, qui the earth shall be high, and a great joy to
salvati fuerint de Isræl. Et erit: them that shall have escaped of Israel. And
Omnis qui relictus fuerit in Sion, et it shall come to pass, that every one that
residuus in Jerusalem, sanctus vo-
cabitur, omnis qui scriptus est in shall be left in Sion, and that shall remain
vita in Jerusalem. Si abluerit Domi- in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, every one COLLECT
nus sordes filiarum Sion, et san- that is written in life in Jerusalem. If the DEUS, qui hanc sacratissimum noc- O God, who dost illuminate this most holy
guinem Jerusalem laverit de medio Lord shall wash away the filth of the tem gloria Dominicæ Resurrectionis night by the glory of the Lord's Resurrec-
ejus, in spiritu judicii, et spiritu ar- daughters of Sion, and shall wash away the illustras: conserva in nova familiæ tion, preserve in the new children of Thy
doris. Et creabit Dominus super blood of Jerusalem out of the midst tuæ progenie adoptionis spiritum, family the spirit of adoption which Thou
omnem locum montis Sion, et ubi thereof, by the spirit of judgment, and by quem dedisti; ut, corpore et mente hast given; that renewed in body and mind,
invocatus est, nubem per diem, et the spirit of burning. And the Lord will renovati, puram tibi exhibeant servi-
tutem. Per eumdem Dominum. they may render to Thee a pure service.
fumum, et splendorem ignis flam- create upon every place of mount Sion,
mantis in nocte: super omnem enim
Through our Lord.
gloriam protectio. Et tabernaculum
and where he is called upon, a cloud by
erit in umbraculum diei ab æstu, et day, and a smoke and the brightness of a Colossians 3. 1-4 EPISTLE
in securitatem, et absconsionem a flaming fire in the night: for over all the FRATRES: Si consurrexistis cum Brethren, if you be risen with Christ, seek
turbine, et a pluvia. glory shall be a protection. And there shall Christo, quæ sursum sunt quærite, the things that are above, where Christ is
be a tabernacle for a shade in the daytime ubi Christus est in dextera Dei sitting at the right hand of God: mind the
from the heat, and for a security and cov- sedens: quæ sursum sunt sapite, non things that are above, not the things that
ert from the whirlwind, and from rain. quæ super terram. Mortui enim es- are upon the earth. For you are dead, and
tis, et vita vestra est abscondita cum
Exodus 15. 1-2 CANTICLE Christo in Deo. Cum Christus appa- your life is hid with Christ in God. When
ruerit, vita vestra: tunc et vos ap- Christ should appear, who is your life, then
VINEA facta est dilecto in cornu, in A vineyard was made on a hill in a fruitful you also shall appear with Him in glory.
loco uberi. ℣. Et maceriam cir- place. ℣. And he fenced it in, and picked parebitis cum ipso in gloria.
cumdedit, et circumfodit: et planta- the stones out of it, and planted it with the
vit vineam Sorec: et ædificavit tur- choicest vines, and built a tower in the
rim in medio ejus. ℣. Et torcular midst thereof. ℣. And set up a winepress
fodit in ea: vinea enim Domini Sa-
baoth, domus Isræl est. therein: for the vineyard of the Lord of
hosts is the house of Israel.

10. 23.
 TENTH PART: Solemn Mass of the Vigil Oremus. Let us pray.
At the end of the litany, while the Kyrie is sung the celebrant reverences the altar and, omitting
Flectamus genua. Let us kneel down.
the psalm Judica me, Deus and the public confession, ascends the altar. Levate. Arise.

DEUS, qui in omnibus Ecclesiæ tuæ O God, Who hast declared to all the chil-
filiis sanctorum prophetarum voce dren of Thy Church by the voice of the
manifestasti, in omni loco domina- holy prophets, that in all places of Thine
tionis tuæ, satorem te bonorum empire, Thou art the Sower of good seed,
seminum, et electorum palmitum and the Cultivator of chosen branches:
esse cultorem: tribue populis tuis,
qui et vinearum apud te nomine grant to Thy people who are called by
censentur, et segetum; ut, spinarum Thee by the name of vines and harvest-
et tribulorum squalore resecato, field, that they may root out all thorns and
digna efficiantur fruge fecundi. Per briars, and produce good fruit in abun-
Dominum. dance. Through our Lord.
Deuteronomy. 31. 22-30 THE FOURTH LESSON
Then he intones the Gloria in excelsis. The church bells are tolled, the organ is played and
handbells are rung inside the church. The images and statues in the church are uncovered at this IN diebus illis: Scripsit ergo Moyses In those days: Moses therefore wrote the
point. canticum et docuit filios Israel. canticle, and taught it to the children of
Præcepitque Dominus Josue filio Israel. And the Lord commanded Josue
Nun et ait: Confortare, et esto ro- the son of Nun, and said: Take courage,
bustus: tu enim introduces filios and be valiant: for thou shalt bring the
Isræl in terram, quam pollicitus sum,
et ego ero tecum. Postquam ergo children of Israel into the land which I
scripsit Moses verba legis hujus in have promised, and I will be with thee.
volumine, atque complevit: præcepit Therefore after Moses had wrote the
Levitis, qui portabant arcam fœderis words of this law in a volume, and finished
Domini dicens: Tollite librum istum, it: he commanded the Levites, who carried
et ponite eum in latere arcæ fœderis the ark of the covenant of the Lord, say-
Domini Dei vestri: ut sit ibi contra ing: Take this book, and put it in the side
te in testimonium. Ego enim scio of the ark of the covenant of the Lord
contentionem tuam, et cervicem your God: that it may be there for a testi-
tuam durissimam. Adhuc vivente
me, et ingrediente vobiscum, sem-
mony against thee. For I know thy obsti-
per contentiose egistis contra nacy, and thy most stiff neck. While I am
Dominum: quanto magis cum mor- yet living, and going in with you, you have
tuus fuero? Congregate ad me om- always been rebellious against the Lord:
nes majores natu per tribus vestras, how much more when I shall be dead?
atque doctores, et loquar audien- Gather unto me all the ancients of your
tibus eis sermones istos, et invocabo tribes, and your doctors, and I will speak
contra eos cælum et terram. Novi these words in their hearing, and will call
enim quod post mortem meam in- heaven and earth to witness against them.
ique agetis, et declinabitis cito de For I know that, after my death, you will
via, quam præcepi vobis: et occur-
rent vobis mala in extremo tempore, do wickedly, and will quickly turn aside
quando feceritis malum in con- form the way that I have commanded you:
spectu Domini, ut irritetis eum per and evils shall come upon you in the latter
opera manuum vestrarum. Locutus times, when you shall do evil in the sight

22. 11.
est ergo Moyses, audiente universo of the Lord, to provoke him by the works Per adventum Spiritus Sancti Para- Through the coming of the Holy Spirit the
cœtu Isræl, verba carminis hujus, et of your hands. Moses therefore spoke, in cliti, libera nos, Domine. Paraclete, O Lord, deliver us.
ad finem usque complevit: the hearing of the whole assembly of Is- In die judicii, libera nos, Domine. In the day of judgment, O Lord, deliver us.
rael, the words of this canticle, and fin- Peccatores, te rogamus, audi nos. We sinners, we beseech Thee, hear us,
ished it even to the end: Ut nobis parcas, te rogamus, audi That Thou wouldst spare us, we beseech
nos. Thee, hear us.
Deuteronomy 32. 1-4 CANTICLE Ut Ecclesiam tuam sanctam regere et That Thou wouldst govern and preserve Thy
conservare digneris, te rogamus, holy Church, we beseech Thee, hear us.
ATTENDE, cælum, et loquar: et Hear, O ye heavens, the things I speak, let audi nos.
audiat terra verba ex ore meo. ℣. the earth give ear to the words of my Ut domnum apostolicum et omnes That Thou wouldst preserve our Apostolic
Exspectetur sicut pluvia eloquium mouth. ℣. Let my doctrine gather as the ecclesiasticosn ordines in sancta Prelate, and all ecclesiastical orders in holy
meum: et descendant sicut ros verba rain, let my speech distill as the dew, as a religione conservare digneris, te religion, we beseech Thee, hear us.
mea. Sicut imber super gramen. ℣. shower upon the herb. ℣. And as drops rogamus, audi nos.
Et sicut nix super foenum: quia Ut inimicos sanctæ Ecclesiæ humil- That Thou wouldst humble the enemies of
nomen Domini invocabo. ℣. Date upon the grass: because I will invoke the
name of the Lord. ℣. Give ye magnificence iare digneris, te rogamus, audi nos. Thy holy Church, we beseech Thee, hear
magnitudinem Deo nostro: Deus, us.
vera opera ejus, et omnes viæ ejus to our God: The works of God are perfect,
and all his ways are judgments. ℣. God is Ut regibus et principibus christianis, That Thou wouldst give peace and true con-
judicia. ℣. Deus fidelis, in quo non pacem et veram concordiam donare cord to Christian kings and princes, we
est iniquitas: justus et sanctus faithful and without any iniquity, he is just digneris, te rogamus, audi nos. beseech Thee, hear us.
Dominus. and right. Ut nosmetipsos in tuo sancto servitio That Thou wouldst confirm and preserve us
confortare et conservare digneris, te in Thy holy service, we beseech Thee,
Oremus. Let us pray. rogamus, audi nos. hear us.
Flectamus genua. Let us kneel down. Ut omnibus benefactoribus nostris That Thou wouldst render eternal blessings
Levate. Arise. sempiterna bona retribuas, te roga- to all our benefactors, we beseech Thee,
mus, audi nos. hear us.
DEUS, celsitudo humilium et forti- O God, the exaltation of the humble and Ut fructus terræ dare et conservare That Thou wouldst give and preserve the
tudo rectorum, qui per sanctum strength of the righteous, who by Your digneris, te rogamus, audi nos. fruit of the earth, we beseech Thee, hear
Moysen puerum tuum ita erudire holy servant Moses were pleased so to us.
populum tuum sacri carminis tui Ut omnibus fidelibus defunctis req- That Thou wouldst give eternal rest to all the
instruct Your people by the singing of uiem æternam donare digneris, te faithful departed, we beseech Thee, hear
decantatione voluisti, ut illa legis Your sacred canticle, that the renewal of
iteratio fieret etiam nostra directio: rogamus, audi nos. us.
excita in omnem justificatarum gen- the law should serve for our direction: Ut nos exaudire digneris, te rogamus, That it may please thee graciously to hear our
tium plenitudinem potentiam tuam, show Your power to all the multitude of audi nos. prayer.
et da lætitiam, mitigando terrorem; redeemed people; and as You diminish Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
ut, omnium peccatis tua remis- fear, so grant them joy; let all sins be par- parce nobis, Domine. the world, Spare us, O Lord.
sionem deletis, quod denuntiatum doned by You and threatened vengeance Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
est in ultionem, transeat in salutem. be turned to salvation. Through our Lord. exaudi nos, Domine. the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Per Dominum nostrum. Amen. Amen. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
miserere nobis. the world, Have mercy on us.
Christe, audi nos. Christ hear us.
Christe, exaudi nos. Christ, graciously hear us.

12. 21.
Nunc autem una simul Deum pre- And now let us pray together as one, just SIXTH PART: The First Part of the Litany
cemur, sicut Dominus noster Jesus as our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to pray:
Christus orare nos docuit: After the prayer concluding the fourth reading, all kneel, and the Litany of the Saints is sung,
up to the invocation Propitius esto exclusive, with everyone making the responses. Mean-
PATER noster, qui es in cœlis, sanc- Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed while a vessel containing water and everything else needed for the blessing of the baptismal
water are prepared in the sanctuary, on the epistle side, in the sight of the faithful.
tificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison.
sicut in cœlo et in terra. Panem nos- Give us this day our daily bread, and for- Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison.
trum quotidianum da nobis hodie, give us our trespasses, as we forgive those Christe, audi nos. Christ, hear us.
et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut Christe, exaudi nos. Christ, graciously hear us.
et nos dimittibus debitoribus nos- who trespass against us. And lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Pater de cælis, Deus, miserere nobis. God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on
tris. Et ne nos inducas in tenta- us.
tionem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
Fili Redemptor mundi, Deus, miserere God, the Son, Redeemer of the World,
Amen. nobis. have mercy on us.
Et Deus omnipotens, Pater Domini And may God almighty, the Father of Spiritus Sancte, Deus, miserere nobis. God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
nostri Jesu Christi, qui nos regen- our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath regener-
eravit ex aqua et Spiritu Sancto, Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, miserere Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
quique nobis dedit remissionem ated us by water and the Holy Ghost, nobis.
peccatorum, ipse nos custodiat gra- and who hath given us remission of sins, Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis. Holy Mary, pray for us.
tia sua in eodem Christo Jesu Dom- may He by His grace keep us in the same Sancta Dei Genetrix, ora pro nobis. Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
ino nostro in vitam æternam. Amen. Sancta Virgo virginum, ora pro nobis. Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Christ Jesus our Lord to life everlasting. Sancte Michael, ora pro nobis. St. Michael, pray for us.
Amen. Sancte Gabriel, ora pro nobis. St. Gabriel, pray for us.
The celebrant sprinkles the people with the blessed baptismal water. Sancte Raphael, ora pro nobis. St. Raphael, pray for us.
Omnes sancti Angeli et Archangeli, All ye holy Angels and Archangels, pray for
NINTH PART: Second Part of the Litany orate pro nobis. us.
Omnes sancti beatorum Spirituum ordi- All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, pray
The cantors and congregation kneel and resume the Litany of the Saints: nes, orate pro nobis. for us.
Propitius esto, parce nobis, Domine. Be merciful, spare us, O Lord. Sancte Joannes Baptista, ora pro nobis. St. John the Baptist, pray for us.
Propitius esto, exaudi nos, Domine. Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord. Sancte Joseph, ora pro nobis. St. Joseph, pray for us.
Ab omni malo, libera nos, Domine. From all evil, O Lord, deliver us. Omnes sancte Patriarchæ et Prophetæ, All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray
Ab omni peccato, libera nos, From all sin, O Lord, deliver us. orate pro nobis. for us.
Domine. Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis. St. Peter, pray for us.
A morte perpetua, libera nos, From everlasting death, O Lord, deliver us. Sancte Paule, ora pro nobis. St. Paul, pray for us.
Domine. Sancte Andrea, ora pro nobis. St. Andrew, pray for us.
Incarnationis tuæ, libera nos, Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarna- Sancte Joannes, ora pro nobis. St. John, pray for us.
Domine. tion, O Lord, deliver us. Omnes sancti Apostoli et Evangelistæ, All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray
Per adventum tuum, libera nos, Through Thy coming, O Lord, deliver us. orate pro nobis. for us.
Domine. Omnes sancti Discipuli Domini, orate All ye holy Disciples of the Lord, pray for
Per nativitatem tuum, libera nos, Through Thy nativity, O Lord, deliver us. pro nobis. us.
Domine. Sancte Stephane, ora pro nobis. St. Stephen, pray for us.
Per baptismum et sanctum jejunium Through Thy baptism and holy fasting, O Sancte Laurenti, ora pro nobis. St. Lawrence, pray for us.
tuum, libera nos, Domine. Lord, deliver us. Sancte Vincenti, ora pro nobis. St. Vincent, pray for us.
Per crucem et passionem tuam, libera Through Thy Cross and Passion, O Lord, Omnes sancti Martyres, orate pro nobis. All ye holy Martyrs, pray for us.
nos, Domine. deliver us. Sancte Silvester, ora pro nobis.
Per mortem et sepulturam tuam, lib- Through Thy death and burial, O Lord, de- Sancte Gregori, ora pro nobis. St. Sylvester, pray for us.
era nos, Domine. liver us. Sancte Augustine, ora pro nobis. St. Gregory, pray for us.
Per sanctam resurrectionem tuam, Through Thy holy Resurrection, O Lord, Omnes sancti Pontifices et Confessores, St. Augustine, pray for us.
libera nos, Domine. deliver us. orate pro nobis. All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, pray
Per admirabilem ascensionem tuam, Through Thine admirable Ascension, O Omnes sancti Doctores, orate pro no- for us.
libera nos, Domine. Lord, deliver us. bis. All ye holy Doctors, pray for us.
Sancte Antoni, ora pro nobis.
20. 13.
Sancte Benedicte, ora pro nobis. St. Anthony, pray for us.
Sancte Dominice, ora pro nobis. St. Benedict, pray for us. EIGHTH PART: The Renewal of Baptismal Promises
Sancte Francisce, ora pro nobis. St. Dominic, pray for us. Lighted candles are held by all. The celebrant, now vested in white stole and cope, incenses the
Omnes sancti Sacerdotes et Levitæ, St. Francis, pray for us. Paschal Candle, and announces:
orate pro nobis. All ye holy Priests and Levites, pray for us.
Omnes sancti Monachi et Eremitæ, HAC sacratissima nocte, fratres ca- On this most sacred night, dearly beloved
orate pro nobis. All ye holy Monks and Hermits, pray for us. rissimi, sancta Mater Ecclesia, brethren, Holy Mother Church, recalling
Sancta Maria Magdalena, ora pro recolens Domini nostri Jesu Christi the death and burial of Our Lord Jesus
nobis. St. Mary Magdalen, pray for us. mortem ei sepulturam, eum reda- Christ, returneth His love by keeping vigil;
Sancta Agnes, ora pro nobis. mando vigilat; et celebrans ejusdem and aboundeth with joy at celebrating His
Sancta Cæcilia, ora pro nobis. St. Agnes, pray for us. gloriosam resurrectionem, lætabun-
Sancta Agatha, ora pro nobis. St. Cecilia, pray for us. da gaudet. Quoniam vero, ut docet glorious Resurrection. But because, as the
Sancta Anastasia, ora pro nobis. St. Agatha, pray for us. Apostolus, consepulti sumus cum Apostle teaches, we are baptized into His
Omnes sanctæ Virgines et Viduæ, St. Anastasia, pray for us. Christo per baptismum in mortem, death and buried together with Christ: and
orate pro nobis. All ye holy Virgins and Widows, pray for us. quomodo Christus resurrexit a mor- as Christ rose again from the dead, so we
Omnes Sancti et Sanctæ Dei, inter- tuis, ita et nos in novitate vitæ opor- too must walk in newness of life; knowing
cedite pro nobis. All ye holy Saints of God, intercede for us. tet ambulare; scientes, veterem that our old man hath been crucified to-
hominem nostrum simul cum Chri- gether with Christ so that we shall no
sto crucifixem esse, ut ultra non ser- longer be in servitude to sin. Let us there-
viamus peccato. Existimemus ergo fore look upon ourselves therefore as dead
SIXTH PART: The Blessing of the Baptismal Water nos mortuos quidem esse peccato,
viventis autem Deo in Christo Jesu
indeed to sin but living to God in Christ
While the Litany is being sung, a vessel is prepared in the sanctuary. The celebrant standing Domino nostro. Quapropter, Fra- Jesus our Lord. Therefore, dearly beloved
behind the vessel faces the people and says: tres carissimi, quadragesimali exerci- brethren, the Lenten observance now
℣. Dominus vobiscum. ℣. The Lord be with you. tatione absoluta, sancti baptismatis completed, let us renew the promises of
℟. Et cum spiritu tuo. ℟. And with thy spirit. promissionis renovemus, quibus baptism by which formerly we renounced
olim satanæ et operibus ejus, sicut et Satan and his works, and the world like-
Oremus. Let us pray. mundo, qui inimicus est Dei, abre- wise, the enemy of God; and by which we
OMNIPOTENS sempiterne Deus, ad- Almighty and everlasting God, be present nuntiavimus, et Deo in sancta Ec- promised to serve God faithfully in the
esto magnæ pietatis tuæ mysteriis, at these Mysteries of Thy great kindness, clesia catholica fideliter servire pro- Holy Catholic Church. Therefore:
adesto sacramentis: et ad recreandos be present at these Sacraments: and send misimus. Itaque:
novos populos, quos tibi fons bap- forth Thy Spirit of adoption to regenerate
tismatis parturit, spiritum adoptionis Sacerdotes. Abrenuntiatis Satanæ? Priest. Do you renounce Satan?
the new people, whom the font of baptism Omnes. Abrenuntiamus. All. We do renounce him.
emitte; ut, quod nostræ humilitatis
gerendum est ministerio, virtutis tuæ brings forth; that what is to be done by our S. Et omnibus operibus ejus? P. And all his works?
impleatur effectu. Per Dominum humble ministry may be accomplished by O. Abrenuntiamus. All. We do renounce them.
nostrum. the effect of Thy power. Through our S. Et omnibus pompis ejus? P. And all his pomps?
Lord. O. Abrenuntiamus. All. We do renounce them.
S. Creditis in Deum, Patrem om- P. Do you believe in God the Father Al-
℣. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. ℣. World without end. nipotentem, Creatorem cœli et mighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
℟. Amen. ℟. Amen. terræ?
℣. Dominus vobiscum. ℣. The Lord be with you. O. Credimus. All. We do believe.
S. Creditis in Jesum Christum, Fil- P. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only
℟. Et cum spiritu tuo. ℟. And with thy spirit. ium ejus unicum, Dominum Son, our Lord, who was born into this
℣. Sursum corda. ℣. Lift up your hearts. nostrum, natum et passum? world and who suffered for us?
O. Credimus. All. We do believe.
℟. Habemus ad Dominum. ℟. We have lifted them up to the Lord.. S. Creditis et in Spiritum Sanctum, P. Do you also believe in the Holy Ghost,
℣. Gratias agamus Domino Deo ℣. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, the holy Catholic Church, the Com-
nostro. Sanctorum communionem, re- munion of Saints, the forgiveness of
℟. Dignum et justum est. ℟. It is meet and just. missionem peccatorem, carnis sins, the resurrection of the body, and
resurrectionem, et vitam æter- life everlasting?
nam?
O. Credimus. All. We do believe.
14. 19.
 Then he takes both the vials of the Oil of Catechemens and the Holy Chrism, and pours VERE dignum et justum est, æquum It is meet and just, right and availing unto
them both into the water three times in the shape of the Cross, saying: et salutare, nos tibi semper et ubique salvation, to give Thee thanks always and
COMMIXTIO Chrismatis sanctificati- May this mixture of the Chrism of sanctifi- gratias agree: Domine, sancte Pater in all places, O holy Lord, almighty Father,
onis, et Olei unctionis, et aquæ bap- cation, and of the Oil of unction, and of omnipotens æterne Deus: qui invisi- everlasting God, Who, by Thine ineffable
tismatis, pariter fiat in nomine Pa † bili potentia, sacramentorum tuo- power dost wonderfully produce the effect
the water of Baptism, be made to the rum mirabiliter operaris effectum: et
tris, et Fi † lii, et Spiritus † Sancti. ℟. Name of the † Father, † and of the Son, of Thy Sacraments: and though we are
Amen. licet nos tantis mysteriis exsequendis
and of the Holy † Ghost. ℟. Amen. simus indigni: tu tamen gratiæ tuæ unworthy to perform such great mysteries:
dona non deserens, etiam ad nostras yet, as Thou dost not abandon the gifts of
He then mixes the Oil and Chrism with the water. If there are any to be baptized, the Sacra- preces aures tuæ pietatis inclinas. Thy grace, so Thou inclinest the ears of
ment of Baptism here follows in the usual manner. The baptismal water is now carried in Deus, cujus Spiritus super aquas Thy goodness, even to our prayers. O
solemn procession to the baptistry. The procession is formed in the following order: thurifer, inter ipsa munda primordia fereba- God, Whose Spirit in the very beginning
cross-bearer, clergy, deacon, and celebrant. During the procession, the following hymn is sung: tur: ut jam tunc virtutem sanctifica- of the world moved over the waters, that
tionis, aquarum natura conciperet. even then the nature of water might re-
41. 2-4 PSALM Deus, qui nocentis mundi crimina ceive the virtue of sanctification. O God,
per aquas abluens, regenerationis
SICUT cervus desiderat ad fontes As the hart panteth after the fountains of speciem in ipsa diluvii effusione
Who by water didst wash away the crimes
aquarum: ita desiderat anima mea ad water, so my soul panteth after Thee, O of the guilty world, and by the pouring out
te, Deus. Sitivit anima mea ad signasti: ut, unius ejusdemque ele-
God. My soul hath thirsted for the living menti mysterio, et finis esset vitiis, of the deluge didst give a figure of regen-
Deum vivum: quando veniam, et God: when shall I come and appear before eration, that one and the same element
apparebo ante faciem Dei? Fuerunt et origo virtutibus. Respice, Domi-
the face of God? My tears have become ne, in faciem Ecclesiæ tuæ, et multi- might in a mystery be the end of vice and
mihi lacrimæ meæ panes die ac
nocte, dum dicitur mihi per singulos my bread day and night, while they say to plica in ea regenerationes tuas, qui the beginning of virtue. Look, O Lord, on
dies: Ubi est Deus tuus? me daily: Where is thy God? gratiæ tuæ affluentis impetu lætificas the face of Thy Church, and multiply in
civitatem tuam: fontemque baptis- her Thy regenerations, who by the streams
The baptismal water is poured into the font, and the celebrant with hands joined sings: matis aperis toto orbe terrarum gen- of Thine abundant grace fillest Thy city
tibus innovandis: ut, tuæ majestatis with joy, and openest the font of Baptism
℣. Dominus vobiscum. ℣. The Lord be with you. imperio, sumat Unigeniti tui gratiam
de Spiritu Sancto. all over the world for the renewal of the
℟. Et cum spiritu tuo. ℟. And with thy spirit. Gentiles: that by the command of Thy
Oremus. Let us pray. Majesty she may receive the grace of Thine
only Son from the Holy Ghost.
OMNIPOTENS sempiterne Deus, O almighty and everlasting God, look mer- Here the celebrant, with outstretched hand, divides the water in the form of a cross, and
respice propitius ad devotionem cifully on the devotion of Thy people wiping his hand with a towel, says:
populi renascentis, qui sicut cervus, about to be reborn, who like the hart pant
aquarum tuarum expetit fontem: et Q UI hanc aquam, regenerandis May He by a secret mixture of His divine
after the fountain of Thy waters: and mer- hominibus præparatam, arcana sui virtue render this water fruitful for the
concede propitius; ut fidei ipsius cifully grant that the thirst of their faith
sitis, baptismatis mysterio, animam numinis admixtione foecundet: ut, regeneration of men, to the end that a
corpusque sanctificet. Per Domi- may, by the Sacrament of Baptism, hallow sanctificatione concepta, ab immacu- heavenly offspring, conceived by sanctifi-
num nostrum. Amen. their souls and bodies. Through our Lord. lato divini fontis utero, in novam cation, may emerge from the immaculate
Amen. renata creaturam, progenies cælestis
emergat: et quos aut sexus in corpore, womb of this divine font, reborn a new
The font is incensed and all return to the sanctuary in silence.
aut ætas discernit in tempore, omnes creature: and may all, however distin-
in unam pariat gratia mater infantiam. guished either by sex in body, or by age in
Procul ergo hinc, jubente te, Domine, time, be brought forth to the same infancy
omnis spiritus immundus abscedat: by grace, their mother. Therefore may all
procul tota nequitia diabolicæ fraudis unclean spirits, by Thy command, O Lord,
absistat. Nihil hic loci habeat con- depart far from hence: may the whole mal-
trariæ virtutis admixtio: non in- ice of diabolical deceit be entirely ban-
sidiando cicumvolet: non latendo ished: may no power of the enemy prevail
subrepat: non inficiendo corrumpat.
here: let him not fly about to lay his snares;
may he not creep in by stealth: may he not
corrupt with his poison.
18. 15.
 He touches the water with his hand. He breathes on the water three times in the shape of the Cross.
SIT hæc sancta et innocens creatura, May this holy and innocent creature be TU has simplices aquas tuo ore Do Thou with Thy mouth bless these clear
libera ab omni impugnatoris in- free from all the assaults of the enemy, and benedicito: ut præter naturalem waters: that besides their natural virtue of
cursu, et totius nequitiæ purgata purified by the destruction of all his wick- emundationem, quam lavandis pos- cleansing the body, they may also prove
discessu. Sit fons vivus, aqua regen- edness. May it be a living fountain, a re- sunt adhibere corporibus, sint etiam
erans, unda purificans: ut omnes efficacious for the purifying of the soul.
generating water, a purifying stream: that purificandis mentibus efficaces.
hoc lavacro salutifero diluendi, op-
erante in eis Spiritu Sancto, perfectæ all those that are to be washed in this sav-
ing bath may obtain, by the operation of He lowers the Paschal candle into the water, and sings in the tone of the Preface:
purgationis indulgentiam conse-
quantur. the Holy Ghost, the grace of a perfect DESCENDAT in hanc plenitudinem May the virtue of the Holy Ghost descend
cleansing. fontis virtus Spiritus Sancti. into all the water of this font.
He makes the Sign of the Cross over the water three times, and continues: Withdrawing the candle from the water, he lowers it again to a greater depth and repeats in a
higher tone Descendat in hanc. Withdrawing it yet again, he again lowers it to the bottom
UNDE benedico te, creatura aquæ, Therefore, I bless thee, O creature of wa- of the vessel, repeating in yet a higher tone Descendat in hanc. Then breathing upon the
per Deum † vivum, per Deum † ter, by the living † God, by the true † God, water three times in the form of the Greek letter psi he repeats the following verse three times:
verum, per Deum † sanctum: per by the holy † God: by that God Who, in
Deum, qui te in principio, verbo the beginning, separated thee by His Word TOTAMQUE hujus aquæ substan- And make the whole substance of this
separavit ab arida: cujus Spiritus from the dry land, Whose Spirit moved tiam, regenerandi fecundet effectu. water fruitful for regeneration.
super te ferebatur.
over thee. Here the Paschal candle is taken out of the water, and he continues:
Here he divides the water and casts some toward the four corners of the earth, saying:
HIC omnium peccatorum maculæ Here may the stains of all sins be washed
QUI te paradisi fonte manare fecit, Who made thee flow from the fountain of deleantur: hic natura, ad imaginem out; here may human nature, created in
et in quatuor fluminibus totam ter- paradise and commanded thee to water the tuam condita, et ad honorem sui Thine image, and reformed to the honor
ram rigare præcepit. Qui te in de- whole earth with thy four rivers. Who, reformata principii, conctis vetusta- of its Author, be cleansed from all the filth
serto amaram, suavitate indita, fecit changing thy bitterness in the desert into tis squaloribus emundetur: ut omnis of the old man: that all who receive the
esse potabilem, et sitienti populo de sweetness made thee fit to drink, and pro- homo sacramentum hoc regenera-
petra produxit. Bene†dico te et per tionis ingressus, in veræ innocentiæ Sacrament of regeneration, may be born
Jesum Christum Filium ejus uni- duced thee out of a rock to quench the novam infantium renascatur. Per again new children of true innocence.
cum, Dominum nostrum: qui te in thirsty people. I bless † thee also by our Dominum. Through our Lord.
Cana Galilææ signo admirabili, sua Lord Jesus Christ, His only Son: Who in
potentia convertit in vinum. Qui Cana of Galilee changed thee into wine by Then one of the ministers withdraws some of the blessed water into a vessel, which will be used
pedibus super te ambulavit: et a a wonderful miracle of His power. Who for the sprinkling of the faithful after the renewal of baptismal vows, and for the sprinkling of
Joanne in Jordane in te baptizatus homes and other places. This done, the celebrant who blessed the water pours the Oil of Cate-
walked upon thee with dry foot, and was chumens into the water in the shape of the Cross, saying in an audible voice:
est. Qui te una cum sanguine de baptized in thee by John in the Jordan.
latere suo produxit: et discipulis suis Who made thee flow out of His side to- SANCTIFICETUR et foecundetur fons May this font be sanctified and made fruit-
jussit, ut credentes baptizarentur in gether with His Blood, and commanded iste Oleo salutis renascentibus ex ful by the Oil of salvation, for those who
te, dicens: Ite, docete omnes gentes, eo, in vitam æternam. ℟. Amen. are born anew therein unto life everlasting.
baptizantes eos in nomine Patris, et
His disciples that such as believed should
Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. be baptized in thee, saying: Go, teach all ℟. Amen.
nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Then he pours Holy Chrism into the water in the shape of the Cross, saying:
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. INFUSIO Chrismatis Domini nostri May the infusion of the Chrism of our
He changes his voice and proceeds in the tone of the Lesson. Jesu Christi, et Spiritus Sancti Para- Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost
cliti, fiat in nomine santæ Trinitatis. the Comforter, be made in the Name of
HAEC nobis præcepta servantibus Do thou, almighty God, mercifully assist ℟. Amen.
tu, Deus omnipotens, clemens ade- us who observe this commandment: do
the Holy Trinity. ℟. Amen.
sto: tu benignus aspira. Thou graciously inspire us.

16. 17.