DIVINUM OFFICIUM Hymn

Hymnus

Common of Virgin Martyrs - Matins Hymn

'Virginis Proles' (Offspring of a Virgin) is ascribed to various early authors. The opening paradox - 'Opifexque Matris' (and Maker of thy Mother) - encapsulates the Incarnation mystery: Mary's son is also her creator. The phrase 'Virgo quem gessit, peperitque Virgo' affirms the virginity in partu, that Mary remained virgin in giving birth. The hymn celebrates a virgin martyr by praising the Virgin's Son, theologically grounding human virginity in Christ's own virginal birth. At Matins in darkness, this hymn illuminates how the virgin martyr participates in Mary's unique relationship to Christ.

LATINE
Virginis Proles, Opifexque Matris,
Virgo quem gessit, peperitque Virgo,
Virginis festum canimus beatae,
Accipe votum.
Haec tua, Virgo, duplici beata
Sorte, dum gestit fragilem domare
Corporis sexum, domuit cruentum
Corpore saeclum.
Unde nec mortem, nec amica mortis
Mille poenarum genera expavescit:
Sanguine effuso meruit secreta
Scandere caeli.
ENGLISH
O Virgin-born, thy Virgin's crown!
Accept the prayer we, kneeling, own:
Thou who, from Virgin Mother born,
Dost Virgin-souls with grace adorn.
Among the lilies thou dost feed,
With Virgin-choirs thy flocks dost lead;
Thy Brides with glory dost array,
And lead them on their heavenly way.
Whithersoever thou dost wend,
Thy Virgins follow without end:
With songs of praise they follow Thee
Through all the world's immensity.
NOTA
FONS
Breviarium Romanum (1962)
USUS
Common of Virgin Martyrs - Matins Hymn
HORA
Matins
GENVS
Hymn