Antiphona ad Magnificat (I Vesperis)

This antiphon acclaims Mary's dignity: 'Felix es, sacra Virgo Maria, et omni laude dignissima' (Happy art thou, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise). The superlative 'dignissima' (most worthy) indicates Mary's supreme creatureliness - no higher creature exists. The christological grounding follows: 'quia ex te ortus est sol justitiae, Christus Deus noster' (because out of thee hath risen the Sun of justice, Christ our God). At First Vespers of Mary's Presentation, this antiphon connects her childhood offering in the Temple to her supreme purpose: bearing the Sun of justice.