Antiphona ad Benedictus

This antiphon invokes Mary's perpetual virginity: 'Sancta Dei Genitrix, Virgo semper casta' (Holy Mother of God, Virgin ever chaste). The title 'Dei Genitrix' (Theotokos) was defined at Ephesus (431) against Nestorius. The 'semper casta' affirms virginity before, during, and after Christ's birth - the 'virginitas ante partum, in partu, et post partum.' The petition 'intercede pro nobis ad Dominum Deum nostrum' requests Mary's mediation with God. At Lauds on Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16), this antiphon connects Carmelite spirituality's Marian emphasis to the ancient titles of the Blessed Virgin.