Roman Breviary, 1954 (Divino Afflatu)

Saturday, 17 October 2026

S. Margaritæ Mariæ Alacoque VirginisSt. Marguerite-Marie Alacoque, Virgin

Duplex

Lectio I

Lesson I

De libro primo Machabæórum

Lesson from the first book of Machabees

1 Mac 8:1-4

Et audívit Judas nomen Romanórum, quia sunt poténtes víribus, et acquiéscunt ad ómnia quæ postulántur ab eis, et quicúmque accessérunt ad eos, statuérunt cum eis amicítias, et quia sunt poténtes víribus. Et audiérunt prǽlia eórum, et virtútes bonas, quas fecérunt in Galátia, quia obtinuérunt eos, et duxérunt sub tribútum: Et quanta fecérunt in regióne Hispániæ, et quod in potestátem redegérunt metálla argénti et auri, quæ illic sunt, et possedérunt omnem locum consílio suo, et patiéntia: Lócaque quæ longe erant valde ab eis, et reges, qui supervenérunt eis ab extrémis terræ, contrivérunt, et percussérunt eos plaga magna; céteri autem dant eis tribútum ómnibus annis.

Now Judas heard of the fame of the Romans, that they are powerful and strong, and willingly agree to all things that are requested of them: and that whosoever have come to them, they have made amity with them, and that they are mighty in power. And they heard of their battles, and their noble acts, which they had done in Galatia, how they conquered them, and brought them under tribute: And how great things they had done in the land of Spain, and that they had brought under their power the mines of silver and of gold that are there, and had gotten possession of all the place by their counsel and patience: And had conquered places that were very far off from them, and kings that came against them from the ends of the earth, and had overthrown them with great slaughter: and the rest pay them tribute every year.

℟. Refúlsit sol in clípeos áureos, et resplenduérunt montes ab eis: * Et fortitúdo géntium dissipáta est.

℟. The sun shone upon the shields of gold, and the mountains glistered therewith; * And the army of the heathens was spread abroad.

℣. Erat enim exércitus magnus valde et fortis: et appropiávit Judas et exércitus ejus in prǽlio.

℣. For the army was very great and mighty then Judas and his host drew near and entered into battle.

℟. Et fortitúdo géntium dissipáta est.

℟. And the army of the heathens was spread abroad.

Lectio II

Lesson II

1 Mac 8:17-22

Et elégit Judas Eupólemum fílium Joánnis, fílii Jacob, et Jásonem fílium Eleázari, et misit eos Romam constitúere cum illis amicítiam et societátem: Et, ut auférrent ab eis jugum Græcórum, quia vidérunt quod in servitútem prémerent regnum Israël. Et abiérunt Romam viam multam valde, et introiérunt cúriam, et dixérunt: Judas Machabǽus, et fratres ejus, et pópulus Judæórum misérunt nos ad vos statúere vobíscum societátem et pacem, et conscríbere nos sócios et amícos vestros. Et plácuit sermo in conspéctu eórum. Et hoc rescríptum est, quod rescripsérunt in tábulis ǽreis, et misérunt in Jerúsalem, ut esset apud eos ibi memoriále pacis et societátis:

So Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Jacob, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and he sent them to Rome to make a league of amity and confederacy with them. And that they might take off from them the yoke of the Grecians, for they saw that they oppressed the kingdom of Israel with servitude. And they went to Rome, a very long journey, and they entered into the senate house, and said: Judas Machabeus, and his brethren, and the people of the Jews have sent us to you, to make alliance and peace with you, and that we may be registered your confederates and friends. And the proposal was pleasing in their sight. And this is the copy of the writing that they wrote back again, graven in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that it might be with them there for a memorial of the peace and alliance.

℟. Ornavérunt fáciem templi corónis áureis, et dedicavérunt altáre Dómino: * Et facta est lætítia magna in pópulo.

℟. They decked the fore-front of the Temple with crowns of gold, and dedicated the Altar unto the Lord. * And there was very great gladness among the people.

℣. In hymnis et confessiónibus benedicébant Dóminum.

℣. They praised the Lord with Psalms and thanksgiving.

℟. Et facta est lætítia magna in pópulo.

℟. And there was very great gladness among the people.

Lectio III

Lesson III

1 Mac 8:23-27

Bene sit Románis, et genti Judæórum, in mari et in terra in ætérnum, gladiúsque et hostis procul sit ab eis. Quod si instíterit bellum Románis prius, aut ómnibus sóciis eórum in omni dominatióne eórum, Auxílium feret gens Judæórum, prout tempus dictáverit, corde pleno; Et præliántibus non dabunt, neque subministrábunt tríticum, arma, pecúniam, naves, sicut plácuit Románis; et custódient mandáta eórum, nihil ab eis accipiéntes. Simíliter autem et, si genti Judæórum prius accíderit bellum, adjuvábunt Románi ex ánimo, prout eis tempus permíserit.

Good success be to the Romans, and to the people of the Jews, by sea and by land for ever: and far be the sword and enemy from them. But if there come first any war upon the Romans, or any of their confederates, in all their dominions: The nation of the Jews shall help them according as the time shall direct, with all their heart: Neither shall they give them, whilst they are fighting, or furnish them with wheat, or arms, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the Romans: and they shall obey their orders, without taking any thing of them. In like manner also if war shall come first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall help them with all their heart, according as the time shall permit them.

℟. In hymnis et confessiónibus benedicébant Dóminum, * Qui magna fecit in Israël, et victóriam dedit illis Dóminus omnípotens.

℟. They praised the Lord with psalms and thanksgiving * Who had done so great things in Israel, and given them the victory the Lord Almighty.

℣. Ornavérunt fáciem templi corónis áureis, et dedicavérunt altáre Dómino.

℣. They decked the fore-front of the Temple with crowns of gold, and dedicated the Altar unto the Lord.

℟. Qui magna fecit in Israël, et victóriam dedit illis Dóminus omnípotens.

℟. Who had done so great things for Israel, and given them the victory the Lord Almighty.

℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

℟. Qui magna fecit in Israël, et victóriam dedit illis Dóminus omnípotens.

℟. Who had done so great things for Israel, and given them the victory the Lord Almighty.

Lectio IV

Lesson IV

Margarita Maria Alacóque, in pago diœcesis Augustodunénsis, honesto genere nata, jam inde a teneris annis futuræ sanctitátis indícia præbuit. In Deiparam Vírginem et in augustum Eucharistiæ sacraméntum amóre flagrans, adolescentula Deo virginitátem devovit, id exoptans unice ut ad christianas virtútes vitam compóneret. In deliciis habebat prolixas preces rerumque cæléstium contemplatiónem, sui contemptum, patiéntiam in adversis, corporis afflictatiónem, caritátem in próximos, præsertim egénos; summoque studio nitebátur ut sanctíssima divini Redemptoris exempla pro viribus referret.

Margaret Mary Alacoque was born of a respectable family in a village in the diocese of Autun. From her earliest years she gave signs of holiness. Filled with a burning love of the Virgin Mother of God, and of the august mystery of the Eucharist, while still a young girl she dedicated her virginity to God. Above all else she strove to realize in her life the performance of Christian virtues. She delighted to spend continuous hours in prayers and in meditation upon the things of heaven. She was humble, and patient in adversity. She practised bodily penance. She was charitable towards her neighbours, especially the poor. By every means within her power she strove diligently to imitate the most holy example left by our divine Redeemer.

℟. Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * Et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.

℟. Because of truth, and meekness, and righteousness; * And thy right hand shall lead thee wonderfully.

℣. Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

℣. In thy comeliness, and thy beauty, go forward, fare prosperously, and reign.

℟. Et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.

℟. And thy right hand shall lead thee wonderfully.

Lectio V

Lesson V

Ordinem Visitatiónis ingressa, statim religiosæ vitæ fulgóre nitére cœpit. Altioris dono oratiónis a Deo est decorata, aliisque gratiæ munéribus et crebris visiónibus. Harum celeberrima fuit cum ante Eucharistiam precanti Jesus semetípsum conspiciéndum obtulit, et divinum Cor in aperto péctore flammis incensum ac spinis constrictum osténdit, præcepitque ut, ob talem caritátem et ad ingratórum hóminum injurias expiandas, illa publicum Cordi suo cultum, magnis propositis cæléstis thesáuri præmiis, instituéndum curaret. Cunctanti ex humilitate seque tantæ rei ímparem profiténti amantíssimus Salvátor addit ánimum, simulque exímia sanctitáte virum, Claudium de la Colombière, ducem et adjutórem designat; eamque spe fovet illíus summæ utilitátis, quæ póstea e divini Cordis cultu in Ecclésiam dimanávit.

Margaret entered the Order of the Visitation. There her life became immediately a shining example to others. God endowed her highly with the gift of prayer. He gave her other favours, such as frequent visitations. The most famous of these was that one when Jesus appeared to her as she knelt in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Opening his breast, He revealed his divine Heart glowing with flames and encircled with a crown of thorns. He bade her in return for his excessive love and in atonement for the insults of ungrateful men, to seek to have established public adoration of his Heart. This devotion he promised to enrich with treasures of heavenly grace. When, out of humility, she hesitated to undertake so great a task, the loving Saviour encouraged her. At the same time he pointed out Claude de la Colombiere, a man of great holiness, as one who could guide and help her. Our Lord also comforted her with the assurance that very great blessings would accrue afterwards to the Church from the worship of his divine Heart.

℟. Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * Proptérea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ.

℟. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.

℣. Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam.

℣. Because of truth, and meekness, and righteousness.

℟. Proptérea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ.

℟. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.

Lectio VI

Lesson VI

Ut jussa Redemptoris impleret Margarita omni diligéntia studebat. Nec tamen illi defuére molestiæ plures atque acres contumeliæ ab iis qui eam vano mentis errori obnoxiam esse dictitábant. Quæ ómnia æquo animo tulit, immo apponebat lucro, existimans se per oppróbria et dolóres hóstiam Deo gratam fore, et majora ad propositum suum auxília consecuturam. Religiosæ perfectiónis laude florens et per æternárum rerum contemplatiónem in dies síngulos cælésti sponso conjúnctior, ad eum evolávit, anno ætátis suæ quadragesimo tertio, reparátæ salútis millesimo sexcentésimo nonagesimo. Miraculis insignem Benedíctus décimus quintus Sanctis adscripsit; ejusque offícium Pius undecimus Pontifex maximus ad universam Ecclésiam extendit.

Margaret strove ardently to fulfill the Redeemer's command. Vexations, even bitter insults, were her portion from some who maintained that she was subject to mental aberrations. She not only bore these sufferings patiently, she even profited by them, offering herself in anguish and reproach as a victim acceptable to God, bearing all things as a more sure means of accomplishing her purpose. Renowned for her religious perfection, becoming each day more closely united with her divine spouse by contemplation of celestial things, she took flight to him in the forty-third year of her age, and in the year of restored salvation 1690. She became famous for miracles. Benedict XV added her to the list of the saints; Pius XI extended her office to the universal Church.

℟. Afferéntur Regi vírgines post eam, próximæ ejus; * Afferéntur tibi in lætítia et exsultatióne.

℟. After her shall virgins be brought unto the King, her fellows * They shall be brought unto thee with gladness and rejoicing.

℣. Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua; inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

℣. In thy comeliness and thy beauty, go forward, fare prosperously, and reign.

℟. Afferéntur tibi in lætítia et exsultatióne.

℟. They shall be brought unto thee with gladness and rejoicing.

℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

℟. Afferéntur tibi in lætítia et exsultatióne.

℟. They shall be brought unto thee with gladness and rejoicing.

Lectio VII

Lesson VII

Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthǽum

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matt 11:25-30

In illo témpore, respondens Jesus dixit: Confiteor tibi, Pater, Dómine cæli et terræ, quia abscondísti hæc a sapiéntibus et prudéntibus et revelásti ea párvulis. Et réliqua.

At that time: Jesus answered and said: I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. And so on, and that which followeth.

Homilía sancti Francísci Salésii Epíscopi

Homily of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop

Sermo 23 in die Pentecostes alter, circa medium

Nulla alia est vera sciéntia, nisi ea quæ a Spíritu Sancto datur, sed hæc humílibus tantummodo tribúitur. Nonne magnos vídimus theólogos qui mira dixérunt de virtútibus, sed ut eas non exercerent? E contra complures vídimus feminas, quæ de virtútibus dissérere nesciébant, sed virtútum ópera digne nóverant adimplére. Eas enim Spíritus Sanctus sapiéntes effécit, quia et timórem Dómini et pietátem et humilitátem habebant.

There is no other true knowledge given but that which is given by the Holy Ghost. And this is granted to the humble only. Have we not known great theologians who spake marvellously of the virtues but did not practice them? Have we not seen, on the contrary, many women who did not know how to discourse on the virtues, practice the works of virtue worthily? The Holy Spirit hath made these wise because they had fear of the Lord, piety and humility.

℟. Hæc est Virgo sápiens, quam Dóminus vigilántem invénit, quæ accéptis lampádibus sumpsit secum óleum: * Et veniénte Dómino, introívit cum eo ad núptias.

℟. This is one of those wise virgins, whom the Lord found watching, for when she took her lamp, she took oil with her. * And when the Lord came, she went in with him to the marriage.

℣. Média nocte clamor factus est: Ecce sponsus venit, exíte óbviam ei.

℣. At midnight there was a cry made: Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.

℟. Et veniénte Dómino, introívit cum eo ad núptias.

℟. And when the Lord came, she went in with him to the marriage.

Lectio VIII

Lesson VIII

Fragmentum sermo 16, in III Dominica post Pentecostem, initio

Dóminus noster, magnus et præclaríssimus ómnium nostrárum infirmitátum medicus, antequam in hunc mundum veníret, per prophétas suos palam nuntiáverat: Quod confractum fúerit alligábo, et quod infirmum fúerit consolidábo. Et deínde suo ipse ore clamávit dicens: Veníte ad me omnes qui laborátis et oneráti estis, et ego reficiam vos. Quid ígitur mirum si ipsum ab ægrotis, a peccatóribus et publicanis circúmdatum cernimus? Nonne médici glória est ab ægrotis exquiri?

Our Lord is the great and excellent physician of all our infirmities. Before he came into the world he announced openly to his prophets, I will bind up that which was broken, and I will strengthen that which is weak. Finally with his own lips he invited us, saying, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest. What wonder is it, then, if we see him surrounded by the sick, by sinners, and by publicans. Is it not the glory of the physician to be sought out by the sick?

℟. Média nocte clamor factus est: * Ecce sponsus venit, exíte óbviam ei.

℟. At midnight there was a cry made: * Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.

℣. Prudéntes vírgines, aptáte vestras lámpades.

℣. Trim your lamps, O ye wise virgins.

℟. Ecce sponsus venit, exíte óbviam ei.

℟. Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.

℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

℟. Ecce sponsus venit, exíte óbviam ei.

℟. Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.

Lectio IX

Lesson IX

Fragmentum serm. 10 pro Feria II post Pascha, in fine

Fert ille nostras misérias et jas nobilitat, apponit misériam Cordi suo, osténdit latus. Sed eum redamémus oportet, alioquin qui præ amóre osténdit vulnera, semel osténdet præ ira et indignatióne. Fac, o bone Jesu, ut pacem, quam offers, accipiámus, videamúsque vulnera tua, ut quandóquidem manent fides, spes, caritas, fide radicati, spe gaudéntes et caritate fervéntes, exspectémus beátam spem et advéntum tuum, ita ut in illo Te, Agnum ad déxteram non leónem ad sinistram videámus; ac pro fide visiónem, pro spe possessiónem et pro caritate imperfécta perféctam habeámus, in qua gaudébimus in sæcula sæculórum. Amen.

The Lord beareth our miseries and ennobleth them. He layeth our miseries to his Heart; he sheweth his side. It is meet then, that we should make some return to him, lest he who now sheweth us his wounds out of love, may one day shew them with wrath and indignation. Grant, O good Jesu, that we may receive the peace which thou dost offer and let us see thy wounds. Since there remain faith, hope and charity, grant that, rooted in faith, rejoicing in hope, glowing in charity, we may await thy coming in the blessed expectation that we may see thee as the Lamb upon the right, and not as the lion on the left. May clear sight take the place of hope, and, to our imperfect charity may there succeed that perfect charity in which we may rejoice forever and ever. Amen.

Te Deum