DIVINUM OFFICIUM Antiphon

Rorate Caeli

Advent Antiphon (Isaiah 45:8) - used as Vespers antiphon and processional

"Rorate caeli" from Isaias 45:8 is Advent's signature text, used as Vespers antiphon and processional. The cosmic imagery of heavens raining down the Just One and earth opening to bud forth a Saviour presents the Incarnation as creation's fulfillment. This text inspired the Rorate Mass (votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin in Advent) and the beloved polyphonic Rorate settings sung before dawn during Advent.

LATINE
Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum: aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem.
ENGLISH
Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just: let the earth be opened, and bud forth a Saviour.
NOTA
FONS
Breviarium Romanum (1962)
USUS
Advent Antiphon (Isaiah 45:8) - used as Vespers antiphon and processional
HORA
Vespers
TEMPVS
advent
GENVS
Antiphon