Responsorium IV - Nocturn II
Christmas Day, Nocturn II, Responsory 1
About This Prayer
The fourth responsory of Christmas Matins, 'O magnum mysterium,' is among the most celebrated texts of the Latin liturgy. It marvels that animals should see the Lord born, lying in a manger, and blesses the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Christ. Countless polyphonic settings (Victoria, Palestrina, Byrd) have made this text central to the Western choral tradition.
Prayer Text
LATINE
R. O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio: * Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.
V. Ave, Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum.
R. Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.
V. Ave, Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum.
R. Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.
ENGLISH
R. O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio: * Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.
V. Ave, Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum.
R. Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.
V. Ave, Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum.
R. Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.
Liturgical Notes
NOTA
FONS
Breviarium Romanum (1962)
USUS
Christmas Day, Nocturn II, Responsory 1
HORA
Matins
TEMPVS
christmas
GENVS
Responsory